Grain size effect on the compression and relaxation of a granular column: solid particles vs dust agglomerates

We studied experimentally the effect of grain size and maximum load on the compaction and subsequent relaxation of a granular column when it is subjected to vertical uniaxial compression. The experiments were performed using two different types of grains: 1) solid glass beads, and 2) porous beads that consist of agglomerates of glass powder. We found that the compression force increases non-linearly with time, with sudden drops for the case of glass beads and periodic undulations for dust particles. Whereas the grain size effect is small in the average force load, the fluctuations become larger as the grain size increases. On the other hand, the relaxation process is well described by the Maxwell model with three different relaxation time scales.Comment: 4 pages, 5 figures, Manuscript subitted to EPJWC-P&G202

Dosage and timing of nitrogen fertilizer application on snap beans

Snap beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) belong to the same species as common beans and require similar management practices. Studies aimed at nitrogen fertilization in pod beans are scarce, but necessary, considering the demand from farmers for greater productivity of these beans. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of nitrogen fertilization in various doses and times of application on the snap beans production. The experimental design was completely randomized in a factorial scheme (2×7) + 1, represented by two doses of nitrogen (30 and 60 kg ha-1) and seven fertilization strategies (100% of the dose provided at sowing or phenological stages V3, V4, or R6; split, with 50% at sowing and 50% at V3, 50% at sowing and 50% at V4, or 50% at sowing and 50% at R6), plus a control (no added N). We analyzed stem length, stem basal diameter, number of trefoils, number and mass of commercially viable pods, and number and mass of total pods. Nitrogen fertilization with 30 kg ha-1 N divided 50% at sowing and 50% at V4 or 50% at sowing and 50% at R6 yielded larger and more numerous pods from plants with greater stem diameters

Fruit sizes and methods of seed extraction in Physalis physiological potential

Physalis peruviana L., a small fruit belonging to the Solanaceae family, is known for the high vitamins A and C, iron, and phosphorus content. As it presents numerous opportunities for adding value to family producers, it has been gaining space in the consumer market. Characteristics such as fruit size and seed extraction methods can interfere with the physiological potential of the seeds. Thus, the objectives of this study were to evaluate the relationship between fruit size and physiological quality of Physalis seeds and to establish an effective method for the extraction of its seeds. The experiment was conducted at the Phytotechnics Laboratory of the State University of Londrina, using a completely randomized design in a 3×2 factorial scheme, with 4 replications of 50 seeds. The factors consisted of three fruit sizes (small, medium, and large) and two extraction methods (manual and mechanical). The averages obtained were compared using the Tukey test (p ≤ 0.05). After 28 days of germination, the following evaluations were made: percentage of germination, first germination count, germination speed index, length, and dry mass of seedlings. The physiological potential of the seeds was influenced by the size of the fruits. The method of manual seed extraction proved to be superior and more efficient than the mechanical method

Physiological potential of corn seeds with different sizes and vigor levels subjected to micronutrient treatment

Micronutrients are used in small amounts by plants and changes in metabolic processes of seeds can improve germination and vigor; however, little is known about the effects of the combination of Zn, Co, and Mo on corn seeds. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of the application of Zn, Co, and Mo on the physiological potential of corn seeds of different sizes and levels of vigor. A randomized 2×2×3 factorial design was adopted, with two levels of vigor (high and low), two seed sizes (18 and 22 mm), and three doses of liquid fertilizer containing micronutrients (0, 2, and 4 mL kg-1). The physiological potential of the seeds was evaluated based on germination and vigor tests. High vigor corn seeds had greater physiological potential compared to low vigor seeds. Regarding size, small seeds (18 mm) had higher percentages of germination and vigor than the large seeds (22 mm). Seed treatment with micronutrients (Co, Mn, and Zn) resulted in improved emergence in the field, shoot length, and dry mass of large and small seeds with the application dose of 2 mL kg-1, and the application dose of 4 mL kg-1 enhanced emergence in the field of large seeds and germination after the cold test of low vigor seeds of both sizes

Perforation of esofagic mucosa for enteric tube: case report

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: This study is a case report of a patient that was submitted to implant of enteric tube (ET) in the ICU, being evidenced false passage in proximal esophagus during endoscopic procedure, demonstrating tunnel for the submucosa. CASE REPORT: A 77 years old woman, transferred to ICU, where ET was installed (due to difficulty of being carried through both nostrils) being confirmed its position through thoraco-abdominal x-ray. The patient remained around 10 days with the ET, receiving diet, without any alteration. In the 10th day she was evolved with melena and reduction of the values of Hb/Ht, without hemodynamic repercussion. Submitted to the high digestive endoscopic that evidenced ulcer injury to bulbar, of about 2.5 cm, with signals of former bleeding. During the examination, a false passage of the ET in proximal esophagus was visualized: 2 cm below of the crico-faring, tunnel for the submucosa possibly for all above-mentioned segments, following its habitual passage until gastric chamber. CONCLUSIONS: Patients of high risk for esophagus perforation for ET installation can be identified and well-taken care of adjusted they can be used. If to occur perforation, this must be identified how much so early possible, for adequate treatment. The adequate treatment depends of each case and same the clinical therapy can be appropriate in selected cases.JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: Relatar um caso de paciente submetida à passagem de sonda enteral (SE) na UTI, sendo evidenciado falso trajeto no esôfago proximal durante o procedimento endoscópico, demonstrando tunelização pela submucosa. RELATO DO CASO: Paciente do sexo feminino, 77 anos, transferida para UTI, onde foi instalada sonda oroentérica (devido à dificuldade de ser realizada através de ambas as narinas) sendo confirmada sua posição através de radiografia tóraco-abdominal. A paciente permaneceu em torno de 10 dias com a SE, recebendo dieta, sem qualquer alteração. No décimo dia evoluiu com melena e redução dos valores de hemoglobina e hematócrito, sem repercussão hemodinâmica. Foi submetida à endoscopia digestiva alta que evidenciou lesão ulcerosa bulbar de 2,5 cm, com sinais de sangramento pregresso. Durante o exame foi visibilizado um falso trajeto da SE no esôfago proximal, ou seja, no terço superior, cerca de 2 cm abaixo do cricofaríngeo, tunelizada pela submucosa possivelmente por todo segmento descrito, seguindo seu trajeto habitual até câmara gástrica. CONCLUSÕES: Pacientes de alto risco para perfuração esofágica por instalação de SE podem ser identificados e cuidados adequados podem ser utilizados. Se ocorrer perfuração, esta deve ser identificada precocemente, para tratamento adequado. Ele depende da individualização de cada caso e mesmo a terapia clínica pode ser apropriada em casos selecionados.UNIFESP-EPMNúcleo de Estudos em Emergências ClínicasInstituto Dante Pazzanese de Cardiologia Divisão de PesquisaAMIB-AMBUNIFESP, EPMSciEL

Fatores de risco para fratura por osteoporose e baixa densidade óssea em mulheres na pré e pós-menopausa

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence and analyze risk factors associated to osteoporosis and low-trauma fracture in women. METHODS: Cross-sectional study including a total of 4,332 women older than 40 attending primary care services in the Greater São Paulo, Southeastern Brazil, between 2004 and 2007. Anthropometrical and gynecological data and information about lifestyle habits, previous fracture, medical history, food intake and physical activity were obtained through individual quantitative interviews. Low-trauma fracture was defined as that resulting from a fall from standing height or less in individuals 50 years or older. Multiple logistic regression models were designed having osteoporotic fracture and bone mineral density (BMD) as the dependent variables and all other parameters as the independent ones. The significance level was set at p<0.05. RESULTS: The prevalence of osteoporosis and osteoporotic fractures was 33% and 11.5%, respectively. The main risk factors associated with low bone mass were age (OR=1.07; 95% CI: 1.06;1.08), time since menopause (OR=2.16; 95% CI: 1.49;3.14), previous fracture (OR=2.62; 95% CI: 2.08;3.29) and current smoking (OR=1.45; 95% CI: 1.13;1.85). BMI (OR=0.88; 95% CI: 0.86;0.89), regular physical activity (OR=0.78; 95% CI: 0.65;0.94) and hormone replacement therapy (OR=0.43; 95% CI: 0.33;0.56) had a protective effect on bone mass. Risk factors significantly associated with osteoporotic fractures were age (OR=1.05; 95% CI: 1.04;1.06), time since menopause (OR=4.12; 95% CI: 1.79;9.48), familial history of hip fracture (OR=3.59; 95% CI: 2.88;4.47) and low BMD (OR=2.28; 95% CI: 1.85;2.82). CONCLUSIONS: Advanced age, menopause, low-trauma fracture and current smoking are major risk factors associated with low BMD and osteoporotic fracture. The clinical use of these parameters to identify women at higher risk for fractures might be a reasonable strategy to improve the management of osteoporosis.OBJETIVO: Estimar la prevalencia y analizar los factores de riesgo asociados con osteoporosis y fractura por bajo impacto entre mujeres. MÉTODOS: Estudio transversal realizado con 4.332 mujeres encima de 40 años de edad provenientes de atención primaria de salud en el área metropolitana de la gran São Paulo, SP, entre 2004 2007. Datos antropométricos y ginecológico y relativos a hábitos de vida, fractura previa, antecedentes personales, ingestión alimentaria y actividad física fueron evaluados por medio de entrevista individual y cuantitativa. Fractura por bajo impacto fue definida como decurrente de caída de la propia altura o menos en individuos con más de 50 años de edad. Modelos de regresión multivariada y logística analizaron, respectivamente, la densidad ósea y la fractura por osteoporosis, como variables dependientes y todas las otras como independientes. El nivel de significancia estadística establecido fue p<0,05. RESULTADOS: La prevalencia de osteoporosis y de fracturas por fragilidad ósea fue de 33% y 11,5%, respectivamente. Los principales factores de riesgo asociados con baja densidad ósea fueron edad (OR=1,07; IC 95%: 1,06;1,08), menopausia (OR=2,16; IC 95%: 1,49;3,14), fractura previa (OR=2,62; IC 95%: 2,08;3,29) y tabaquismo actual (OR=1,45; IC 95%: 1,13;1,85). Por otro lado, elevado IMC (OR=0,88; IC 95%: 0,86;0,89), actividad física regular (OR=0,78; IC 95%: 0,65;0,94) y terapia hormonal actual (OR=0,43; IC 95%: 0,33;0,56) desempeñaron papel protector. Los factores de riesgo significantemente relacionados con fractura por osteoporosis fueron edad (OR=1,05; IC 95%: 1,04;1,06), menopausia (OR=4,12; IC 95%: 1,79;9,48), historia familiar de fractura de cuadril (OR=3,59; IC 95%: 2,88;4,47) y baja densidad ósea (OR=2,28; IC 95%: 1,85;2,82). CONCLUSIONES: Edad avanzada, menopausia, fractura previa por bajo impacto y tabaquismo actual son los principales factores de riesgo asociados con baja densidad ósea y esta, con las fracturas por fragilidad ósea. El uso clínico de estos parámetros para identificar mujeres de mayor riesgo para fracturas puede ser una estrategia interesante para mejorar el abordaje de la osteoporosis.OBJETIVO: Estimar a prevalência e analisar os fatores de risco associados com osteoporose e fratura por baixo impacto entre mulheres. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal realizado com 4.332 mulheres acima de 40 anos de idade provenientes de atendimento primário de saúde na área metropolitana da Grande São Paulo, SP, entre 2004 e 2007. Dados antropométricos e ginecológicos e relativos a hábitos de vida, fratura prévia, antecedentes pessoais, ingestão alimentar e atividade física foram avaliados por meio de entrevista individual e quantitativa. Fratura por baixo impacto foi definida como decorrente de queda da própria altura ou menos em indivíduos com mais de 50 anos de idade. Modelos de regressão multivariada e logística analisaram, respectivamente, a densidade óssea e a fratura por osteoporose como variáveis dependentes e todas as outras como independentes. O nível de significância estatística estabelecido foi p < 0,05. RESULTADOS: A prevalência de osteoporose e de fraturas por fragilidade óssea foi de 33% e 11,5%, respectivamente. Os principais fatores de risco associados com baixa densidade óssea foram idade (OR = 1,07; IC 95%: 1,06;1,08), menopausa (OR = 2,16; IC 95%: 1,49;3,14), fratura prévia (OR = 2,62; IC 95%: 2,08;3,29) e tabagismo atual (OR = 1,45; IC 95%: 1,13;1,85). Por outro lado, elevado IMC (OR = 0,88; IC 95%: 0,86;0,89), atividade física regular (OR = 0,78; IC 95%: 0,65;0,94) e terapia hormonal atual (OR = 0,43; IC 95%: 0,33;0,56) desempenharam papel protetor. Os fatores de risco significativamente relacionados com fratura por osteoporose foram idade (OR = 1,05; IC 95%: 1,04;1,06), menopausa (OR = 4,12; IC 95%: 1,79;9,48), história familiar de fratura de quadril (OR = 3,59; IC 95%: 2,88;4,47) e baixa densidade óssea (OR = 2,28; IC 95%: 1,85;2,82). CONCLUSÕES: Idade avançada, menopausa, fratura prévia por baixo impacto e tabagismo atual são os principais fatores de risco associados com baixa densidade óssea, a qual se associa com as fraturas por fragilidade óssea. O uso clínico desses parâmetros para identificar mulheres de maior risco para fraturas pode ser uma estratégia interessante para melhorar a abordagem da osteoporose.Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP) Escola Paulista de MedicinaUNIFESP-EPM Instituto de Diagnóstico por ImagemUNIFESP-EPM Programa de Pós-Graduação em ReumatologiaUNIFESP-EPM Departamento de RadiologiaUNIFESP, EPM, Instituto de Diagnóstico por ImagemUNIFESP, EPM Programa de Pós-Graduação em ReumatologiaUNIFESP, EPM Depto. de RadiologiaSciEL

Efeito residual de herbicidas pré-emergentes no desenvolvimento inicial e na composição bioquímica de plântulas de feijão-vagem

The use of herbicides must be made in a rational way, giving priority to reduce possible adverse effects on subsequent crops. The objective was to evaluate the residual effect of pre-emergent herbicides on growth and initial development as well as the biochemical composition of snap bean seedlings. The experimental design used was the completely randomized, with four replications in factorial scheme 3x4, three snap bean cultivars (Macarrão Favorito, Macarrão Preferido e Macarrão Trepador) and three pre-emergent herbicides, plus a control (without herbicide). Was use the residual doses of pre-emergent herbicides sulfentrazone in 0.3 g ha-1, diclosulam in the concentrations of 0.126 g ha-1 and imazethapyr in 0.05 g ha-1. The work was developed in a seeds analyze laboratory with the purpose of minimizing possible adverse effects of the environment. The seeds were sowing on germitest paper moistened with solutions containing the herbicides, with each respective treatment. The following characteristics were evaluated: germination (GER), germination speed index (GSI), seedling length (SL) and seedling dry mass (SDM) and soluble protein content (PROT) in addition to the enzymatic activity of catalase (CAT), peroxidase (PER) and phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL). The phytometric variables SL, SDM, GER and GSI reduced in the presence of herbicides, and for the levels of PROT and enzymatic activity of CAT, PER and PAL there was observed a variation according to the genotype. The sulfentrazone showed up as the product of higher toxicity, as well as the Macarrão Trepador as the genotype with lower tolerance.O uso de herbicidas deve ser feito de forma racional, dando prioridade em evitar possíveis efeitos adversos nas culturas subsequentes. O objetivo foi avaliar o efeito residual dos herbicidas pré-emergentes no crescimento e no desenvolvimento inicial, bem como a composição bioquímica das plântulas de feijão vagem. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi o completamente ao acaso, com quatro repetições, em esquema fatorial 3x4, três cultivares de feijão-vagem (Macarrão Favorito, Macarrão Preferido e Macarrão Trepador) e três herbicidas pré-emergentes, além de um controle (sem herbicida). Utilizou-se de doses residuais de herbicidas pré-emergentes sulfentrazone 0,3 g ha-1, diclosulam 0,126 g ha-1 e imazethapyr 0,05 g ha-1. O trabalho foi desenvolvimento em laboratório de análise de sementes com a finalidade de minimizar possíveis efeitos adversos do meio. As sementes foram semeadas em papel germitest umedecidos com as soluções contendo os herbicidas, respectivas a cada tratamento. Avaliou-se as seguintes características: germinação (GER), índice de velocidade de germinação (GSI), comprimento de plântulas (SL), massa seca de plântulas (SDM) e teor de proteína solúvel (PROT) além da atividade enzimática da catalase (CAT), peroxidase (PER) e fenilalanina amônia-liase (PAL). As variáveis fitométricas SL, SDM, GER e GSI reduziram na presença de herbicidas, já para os teores de PROT e atividade enzimática da CAT, PER e PAL houve variação de acordo com o genótipo. O sulfentrazone mostrou-se como o produto de maior toxicidade, bem como o Macarrão Trepador como o genótipo de menor tolerância

High levels of immunosuppression are related to unfavourable outcomes in hospitalised patients with rheumatic diseases and COVID-19 : first results of ReumaCoV Brasil registry

Objectives To evaluate risk factors associated with unfavourable outcomes: emergency care, hospitalisation, admission to intensive care unit (ICU), mechanical ventilation and death in patients with immune-mediated rheumatic disease (IMRD) and COVID-19. Methods Analysis of the first 8 weeks of observational multicentre prospective cohort study (ReumaCoV Brasil register). Patients with IMRD and COVID-19 according to the Ministry of Health criteria were classified as eligible for the study. Results 334 participants were enrolled, a majority of them women, with a median age of 45 years; systemic lupus erythematosus (32.9%) was the most frequent IMRD. Emergency care was required in 160 patients, 33.0% were hospitalised, 15.0% were admitted to the ICU and 10.5% underwent mechanical ventilation; 28 patients (8.4%) died. In the multivariate adjustment model for emergency care, diabetes (prevalence ratio, PR 1.38; 95% CI 1.11 to 1.73; p=0.004), kidney disease (PR 1.36; 95% CI 1.05 to 1.77; p=0.020), oral glucocorticoids (GC) (PR 1.49; 95% CI 1.21 to 1.85; p50 years (PR 1.89; 95% CI 1.26 to 2.85; p=0.002), no use of tumour necrosis factor inhibitor (TNFi) (PR 2.51;95% CI 1.16 to 5.45; p=0.004) and methylprednisolone pulse therapy (PR 2.50; 95% CI 1.59 to 3.92; p<0.001); for ICU admission, oral GC (PR 2.24; 95% CI 1.36 to 3.71; p<0.001) and pulse therapy with methylprednisolone (PR 1.65; 95% CI 1.00 to 2.68; p<0.043); the two variables associated with death were pulse therapy with methylprednisolone or cyclophosphamide (PR 2.86; 95% CI 1.59 to 5.14; p<0.018). Conclusions Age >50 years and immunosuppression with GC and cyclophosphamide were associated with unfavourable outcomes of COVID-19. Treatment with TNFi may have been protective, perhaps leading to the COVID-19 inflammatory process