Simulations of electrolyte between charged metal surfaces

We present a new method for simulating ungrounded charged metal slabs inside an electrolyte solution. The ions are free to move between the interior and exterior regions of the slab–electrolyte system. This leads to polarization of both sides of each slab, with a distinct surface charge induced on each surface. Our simulation method is based on the exact solution of the Poisson equation using periodic Green functions. To efficiently perform the calculations, we decouple the electrostatic energy due to surface polarization from that of purely Coulomb interaction between the ions. This allows us to combine a fast 3D Ewald summation technique with an equally fast calculation of polarization. As a demonstration of the method, we calculate ionic density profiles inside an electrolyte solution and explore charge neutrality violation in between charged metal slabs

Flexural strength of acrylic resin repairs processed by different methods: water bath, microwave energy and chemical polymerization

Denture fractures are common in daily practice, causing inconvenience to the patient and to the dentists. Denture repairs should have adequate strength, dimensional stability and color match, and should be easily and quickly performed as well as relatively inexpensive. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the flexural strength of acrylic resin repairs processed by different methods: warm water-bath, microwave energy, and chemical polymerization. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sixty rectangular specimens (31x10x2.5 mm) were made with warm water-bath acrylic resin (Lucitone 550) and grouped (15 specimens per group) according to the resin type used to make repair procedure: 1) specimens of warm water-bath resin (Lucitone 550) without repair (control group); 2) specimens of warm water-bath resin repaired with warm water-bath; 3) specimens of warm water-bath resin repaired with microwave resin (Acron MC); 4) specimens of warm water-bath resin repaired with autopolymerized acrylic resin (Simplex). Flexural strength was measured with the three-point bending in a universal testing machine (MTS 810 Material Test System) with load cell of 100 kgf under constant speed of 5 mm/min. Data were analyzed statistically by Kruskal-Wallis test (

Aplicabilidade de indicadores alternativos para estimar a gordura corporal de homens e mulheres

Introduction and Objective: One of the concerns of the physical education area today is to develop more efficient techniques to estimate the percentage of body fat (%BF), thus, the present study objected to test the applicability of alternative indicators to estimate body fat, with hydrostatic weighing (HW) as the reference method. Materials and Methods: A total of 280 subjects, were investigated. The results of body fat percentage (% BF) were obtained through the HW method (reference method), Clínica Universidad de Navarra -Body Adiposity Estimator (CUN-BAE), Body Adiposity Index (BAI), Skinfold Estimation Equations (E-DC) and Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA). Results and Discussion: The results indicated that no significant differences were observed between the %BF measures of the E-DC and BIA indicators and the HW for the male group, however, for the female group, the values of %BF were statistically different from those obtained with the reference method. The BAI indicator presented an acceptable estimation error to female group and the CUN-BAE showed a tendency to overestimate the %BF values. Conclusion: In a general way, the E-DC and BIA indicators were the ones that presented the best results, with the E-DC being more efficient to evaluate the male subjects. The BAI, however, showed moderate applicability to assess the female group, but the CUN-BAE was too limited to assess this audience.Introdução e Objetivo: uma das preocupações da área da educação física atualmente é desenvolver técnicas mais eficientes para estimar o percentual de gordura corporal (%GC), dessa forma, o presente estudo teve como objetivo testar a aplicabilidade de indicadores alternativos para estimar a gordura corporal, tendo a pesagem hidrostática (PH) como método de referência. Materiais e Métodos: Foram investigados 280 sujeitos, dos quais se analisou os resultados de percentual de gordura corporal (%GC) obtidos através do método PH e dos indicadores Clínica Universidad de Navarra-Body Adiposity Estimator (CUN-BAE), índice de adiposidade corporal (IAC), equações de estimativa a partir de dobras cutâneas (E-DC) e impedância bioelétrica (IB). Resultados e Discussão: Os resultados indicaram que não foram observadas diferenças significativas entre as medidas de %GC dos indicadores E-DC e IB e a PH para o grupo masculino, no entanto, para o grupo feminino, os valores de %GC apresentaram-se estatisticamente diferentes dos obtidos com o método de referência. O IAC apresentou erro de estimativa aceitável para grupo feminino e o CUN-BAE apresentou tendência de superestimar os valores de %GC. Conclusão: De uma forma geral, os indicadores E-DC e IB foram os que apresentaram os melhores resultados, sendo que o E-DC se mostra mais eficiente para avaliar indivíduos do sexo masculino. Já o IAC demonstrou aplicabilidade moderada para avaliar o grupo feminino, porém o CUN-BAE mostrou-se demasiadamente limitado para avaliar o público em questão

Micro-organismos solubilizadores de fosfatos em fertilizantes organominerais para incremento da produtividade de Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.

This work aimed to evaluate the interaction between P-solubilizing microorganisms and organomineral fertilizers in order to increase the cowpea nutrition and yield under field conditions. One field trial was carried out in a randomized complete block design arranged in subdivided plots (7 x 3) with four replicates. The organominerals (poultry litter, swine manure, filter cake and soot from chimneys) as well as triple superphosphate (TSP) with and without sulfur and the control treatment (no fertilizer addition), were considered the primary factor. The secondary factor was constituted by inoculation of Bradyrhizobium sp. SEMIA 6462 (Simbiose Nod Caupi®), one P-solubilizing bacteria (MBSF2) as well as no inoculation treatment. The MBSF2 inoculation combined to the soot organomineral increased the shoot length at 50 DAE. The stem diameter, shoot and root dry matter at 50 DAE were increased by Bradyrhizobium spp. inoculation and poultry litter. Also, the stem diameter was increased using filter cake organomineral and both inoculants. The nodules number was also increased by use of that organomineral combined to Bradyrhizobium spp.Con este trabajo se evaluó la interacción de microorganismos solubilizadores de fosfato asociados a composiciones de fertilizantes organominerales, con el objetivo de incrementar la nutrición y productividad del caupí en campo. El ensayo se realizó en un diseño experimental de bloques al azar, con parcelas subdivididas en esquema 7 x 3, con cuatro repeticiones, y en el factor primario se consideraron los tratamientos de fertilización: cama avícola, estiércol porcino, cachaza y hollín (organominerales ), superfosfato triple con azufre y superfosfato triple sin azufre (fertilizantes químicos industrializados), además del tratamiento de control (ausencia de fertilizante). Como segundo factor se consideraron los tratamientos de inoculación: Bradyrhizobium spp. SEMIA 6462 (Symbiosis Nod Caupi®), inoculación del aislado bacteriano solubilizador de fosfatos MBSF2, perteneciente a la Colección de Microorganismos del Laboratorio de Microbiología Agrícola de la IF Goiano y ausencia de inoculación. El solubilizante MBSF2 en el organomineral a base de hollín mostró mejores respuestas en relación al largo de brotes a los 50 DDE. Las variables diámetro del tallo, masa seca de la parte aérea y de la raíz del caupí se ven favorecidas con la inoculación de Bradyrhizobium spp. y cultivo con organomineral a base de yacija avícola a los 50 DDE. El diámetro de tallo se vio favorecido por la adición de organomineral a la base de cachaza combinado con ambos inoculantes, así como también se incrementó el número de nódulos con este organomineral, combinado con la inoculación de Bradyrhizobium spp.Com este trabalho, avaliou-se a interação dos micro-organismos solubilizadores de fosfato associados a composições de fertilizantes organominerais, visando incrementar a nutrição e a produtividade de feijão-caupi em campo. O ensaio foi conduzido em delineamento experimental de blocos casualizados, com parcelas subdivididas no esquema 7 x 3, com quatro repetições, sendo que no fator primário, foram considerados os tratamentos de adubação: cama de aviário, dejetos suínos, torta de filtro e fuligem (organominerais), superfosfato triplo com enxofre e superfosfato triplo sem enxofre (fertilizantes químicos industrializados), além do tratamento controle (ausência de fertilizante). Como segundo fator, foram considerados os tratamentos de inoculação: Bradyrhizobium spp. SEMIA 6462 (Simbiose Nod Caupi®), inoculação do isolado bacteriano solubilizador de fosfatos MBSF2, pertencente à Coleção de Micro- organismos do Laboratório de Microbiologia Agrícola do IF Goiano e ausência de inoculação. O solubilizador MBSF2 no organomineral com base de fuligem demonstrou melhores respostas em relação ao comprimento de parte aérea aos 50 DAE. As variáveis diâmetro de caule, massa seca da parte aérea e da raiz de feijão-caupi são favorecidas com a inoculação de Bradyrhizobium spp. e cultivo com organomineral a base de cama de aviário aos 50 DAE. O diâmetro de caule foi favorecido pela adição de organomineral à base de torta de filtro combinado com ambos os inoculantes, assim como o número de nódulos incrementado com este organomineral, aliado à inoculação com Bradyrhizobium spp

Equine Sarcoids - Treatment with a Combination of Acyclovir and Surgical Excision

Background: Sarcoids are the most frequent skin tumors among horses, causing serious lesions due to their different shapes, sizes, degree of invasiveness and distribution on the body. The pathogenesis of sarcoids is multifactorial, with genetic, viral and environmental involvement, making their treatment complex. The aggressiveness and high rate of recurrence of sarcoids makes it difficult to use an effective treatment, which is why there are several therapeutic routes described in the literature. Aiming to describe and expand sarcoid treatments, this paper reports on the use of acyclovir in the treatment of this type of tumor. Cases: Four horses sent to the Large Animal Veterinary Hospital of the Federal University of Lavras - UFLA were diagnosed and treated for sarcoids. Case 1. Lesions on the right ear, region of the masseter muscle of the right side of the face, neck, vulva and medial aspect of the left pelvic limb. Case 2. Lesion in the left groin region. Case 3. Lesions on the face, masseter muscle region on the left side, mandibular region and right ear pinna. Case 4. Lesion in the lateral region of the left pelvic limb, close to the tarsometatarsal joint. All horses had a diagnosis of sarcoid, which was confirmed by histopathological examination of material collected after surgical excision. Macroscopically, the neoplastic lesions were classified as fibroblastic, verrucous and nodular. The tumors exhibited irregular surfaces, keratinization, and a firm consistency. Their surfaces were alopecic, slightly rough, some of them were ulcerated, and their color ranged from greyish to rosy and reddish. All the tumor masses were surgically excised from the 4 horses, and one sarcoid was treated by thermal cauterization with liquid nitrogen due to the lesion’s depth and size.  In most cases, the sarcoid removal sites were closed with sutures. Only 2 lesions were not sutured due to the impossibility of bringing the edges of tissue close together, or due to proximity to the tarsometatarsal joint. The surgical wounds were cleaned twice a day with sterile saline solution followed by the topical application of Acyclovir. One of the animals received complementary therapy with Cimetidine. Discussion: The equines recovered completely from their sarcoid treatment, and no recurrences were reported a year later. Thus, the combination of treatments employed for the extirpation of sarcoids proved to have greater chances of success. First, all the tumors were surgically removed with the largest possible margins of safety in order to ensure the elimination of neoplastic cells. In the postoperative period, all the animals received topical treatment of the lesions with acyclovir after surgical resection of the tumors. The drug aided the complete healing of post-surgical wounds, and healing time varied according to the size and depth of the lesion. One tumor was treated with liquid nitrogen after surgical excision of the sarcoid. Another horse was treated with cimetidine over a 3-month period after surgical excision of the neoplasm in order to reduce the sarcoid and prevent its evolution. Surgical excision of the sarcoid associated with topical application of acyclovir ointment showed satisfactory results. Moreover, the combination of surgical excision and administration of liquid nitrogen on the lesion and topical application of acyclovir ointment in the postoperative period also provided good results. Given the complexity of sarcoid treatment and the high recurrence rate of these tumors, the use of combined treatments should be taken into account. Keywords: horses, skin tumor, cutaneous neoplasm, therapy. Título: Sarcoide em equinos - tratamento com associação de Aciclovir e excição cirúrgica Descritores: equinos, tumor de pele, neoplasia cutânea, terapia

Intensity and physiological responses to the 6-minute walk test in middle-aged and older adults: a comparison with cardiopulmonary exercise testing

The 6-minute walk test (6MWT) is a simple field test that is widely used in clinical settings to assess functional exercise capacity. However, studies with healthy subjects are scarce. We hypothesized that the 6MWT might be useful to assess exercise capacity in healthy subjects. the purpose of this study was to evaluate 6MWT intensity in middle-aged and older adults, as well as to develop a simple equation to predict oxygen uptake (V) over dotO(2)) from the 6-min walk distance (6MWD). Eighty-six participants, 40 men and 46 women, 40-74 years of age and with a mean body mass index of 28 +/- 6 kg/m(2), performed the 6MWT according to American Thoracic Society guidelines. Physiological responses were evaluated during the 6MWT using a K4b2 Cosmed telemetry gas analyzer. On a different occasion, the subjects performed ramp protocol cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) on a treadmill. Peak (V) over dotO(2) in the 6MWT corresponded to 78 +/- 13% of the peak (V) over dotO(2) during CPET, and the maximum heart rate corresponded to 80 +/- 23% of that obtained in CPET. Peak (V) over dotO(2) in CPET was adequately predicted by the 6MWD by a linear regression equation: (V) over dotO(2) mL.min(-1).kg(-1) = -2.863 + (0.0563 x 6MWD(m)) (R-2 = 0.76). the 6MWT represents a moderate-to-high intensity activity in middle-aged and older adults and proved to be useful for predicting cardiorespiratory fitness in the present study. Our results suggest that the 6MWT may also be useful in asymptomatic individuals, and its use in walk-based conditioning programs should be encouraged.Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Lab Epidemiol & Movimento Humano EPIMOV, Dept Ciencias Movimento Humano, Santos, SP, BrazilInst Med Cardiovasc Angiocorpore, Santos, SP, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Lab Epidemiol & Movimento Humano EPIMOV, Dept Ciencias Movimento Humano, Santos, SP, BrazilFAPESP: 2007/08673-3Web of Scienc

Evaluación isocinética de los músculos de la rodilla en jugadores de fútbol : análisis discriminante

Introdução: a atividade muscular em jogadores de futebol pode ser medida por meio do dinamômetro isocinético, que é um instrumento confiável para avaliação do desempenho humano. Objetivos: conduzir análises isocinéticas e discriminar quais variáveis diferenciam a categoria sub-17 (S17) da profissional (PRO).Métodos:Trinta e quatro jogadores de futebol (n=17 para cada categoria) foram avaliados. As variáveis isocinéticas utilizadas para a análise de extensão-flexão do joelho foram: pico de torque (Nm), trabalho total (J), potência média (W), ângulo de pico de torque (graus), razão agonista/antagonista (%), testadas em três velocidades (60°/s, 120°/s e 300°/s), com cada série contendo cinco repetições. Três análises discriminantes foram feitas usando o método Wilk's Lambda para identificar quais variáveis fariam uma discriminação significativa entre as duas categorias. Resultados: as variáveis discriminantes a 60°/s na categoria PRO foram: pico de torque extensores, trabalho total flexores, potência média de extensores e razão agonista/antagonista; e para os S17 foram: trabalho total de extensores, pico de torque de flexores e potência média de flexores. A 120°/s para a categoria PRO as variáveis discriminantes foram: pico de torque de flexores e potência média de extensores; para os S17 foram: trabalho total de extensores e potência média de flexores. A 300°/s, as variáveis encontradas para as categorias PRO e S17 foram, respectivamente: potência média de extensores e trabalho total de extensores. Conclusão: as variáveis isocinéticas para os músculos do joelho flexores e extensores foram capazes de fazer uma discriminação significativa entre jogadores de futebol PRO e S17.Introduction: muscle activity in soccer players can be measured by isokinetic dynamometer, which is a reliable tool for assessing human performance. Objectives: to perform isokinetic analyses and to determine which variables differentiate the under-17 (U17) soccer category from the professional (PRO). Methods: thirty four players were assessed (n=17 for each category). The isokinetic variables used for the knee extension-flexion analysis were: peak torque (Nm), total work (J), average power (W), angle of peak torque (deg.), agonist/ antagonist ratio (%), measured for three velocities (60°/s, 120°/s and 300°/s), with each series containing five repetitions. Three Wilks' Lambda discriminant analyses were performed, to identify which variables were more significant for the definition of each of the categories. Results: the discriminative variables at 60°/s in the PRO category were: extension peak torque, flexion total work, extension average power and agonist/antagonist ratio; and for the U17s were: extension total work, flexion peak torque and flexion average power. At 120°/s for the PRO category the discriminant variables were: flexion peak torque and extension average power; for the U17s they were: extension total work and flexion average power. Finally at 300°/s, the variables found in the PRO and U17 categories respectively were: extension average power and extension total work. Conclusion: isokinetic variables for flexion and extension knee muscles were able to significantly discriminate between PRO and U17 soccer players.Introducción: la actividad muscular en jugadores de fútbol puede ser medida por medio del dinamómetro isocinético, que es un instrumento confiable para evaluación del desempeño humano. Objetivos: conducir análisis isocinéticos y discriminar qué variables diferencian la categoría sub-17 (S17) de la profesional (PRO). Métodos: fueron evaluados treinta y cuatro jugadores de fútbol (n=17 para cada categoría). Las variables isocinéticas utilizadas para el análisis de extensión-flexión de la rodilla fueron: pico de torque (Nm), trabajo total (J), potencia media (W), ángulo de pico de torque (grados), razón agonista/antagonista (%), probadas en tres velocidades (60°/s, 120°/s y 300°/s), con cada serie conteniendo cinco repeticiones. Fueron realizados tres análisis discriminantes usando el método Wilk's Lambda para identificar qué variables harían una discriminación significativa entre las dos categorías. Resultados: las variables discriminantes a 60°/s en la categoría PRO fueron: pico de torque extensores, trabajo total flexores, potencia media de extensores y razón agonista/antagonista; y para los S17 fueron: trabajo total de extensores, pico de torque de flexores y potencia media de flexores. A 120°/s para la categoría PRO las variables discriminantes fueron: pico de torque de flexores y potencia media de extensores; para los S17 fueron: trabajo total de extensores y potencia media de flexores. A 300°/s, las variables encontradas para las categorías PRO y S17 fueron, respectivamente: potencia media de extensores y trabajo total de extensores. Conclusión: las variables isocinéticas para los músculos de la rodilla flexores y extensores fueron capaces de hacer una discriminación significativa entre jugadores de fútbol PRO y S17

Peri-incisional dysesthesia following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using central third of patellar tendon

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prevalence and type of dysesthesia around the incision used to obtain the patellar tendon for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction surgery. METHODS: Out of a population of 1368 ACL reconstructions using the central third of the patellar tendon, 102 patients (111 knees) were evaluated by means of telephone interview. RESULTS: The mean follow-up was 52 months (ranging from 12 to 88 months). The patients' ages ranged from 16 to 58 years (mean: 34.7 years). There was some degree of peri-incisional dysesthesia in 66 knees (59.46%). In 40.54% of the knees, this condition was not found. In all the cases of dysesthesia, the type encountered was Highet's type II. CONCLUSION: Peri-incisional dysesthesia following ACL reconstruction using the central third of the patellar tendon is highly prevalent. It affected more than half of the cases in this series.OBJETIVO: Avaliar a prevalência e o tipo de disestesia em torno da incisão utilizada para obtenção desse tendão na cirurgia de reconstrução do LCA. MÉTODOS: De uma população de 1.368 reconstruções do LCA com o terço central do tendão patelar, foram avaliados, por entrevista telefônica, 102 pacientes, totalizando 111 joelhos. RESULTADOS: O seguimento médio foi de 52 meses, variando entre 12 e 88 meses. A idade dos pacientes variou entre 16 e 58 anos, com média de 34,7 anos. Em 66 joelhos (59,46%), houve algum grau de disestesia peri-incisional. Em 40,54% dos joelhos, essa condição não foi encontrada. Em todos os casos de disestesia, o tipo encontrado foi o tipo II de Highet. CONCLUSÃO: A disestesia peri-incisional após a reconstrução do LCA com terço central do tendão patelar é muito prevalente, acometendo mais da metade dos casos nessa série.UNIFESPUFMG Faculdade de Medicina Departamento do Aparelho LocomotorHospital Madre Teresa Grupo do JoelhoHospital Madre Teresa Serviço de OrtopediaUFMGUNIFESPSciEL

Avaliação histopatológica do tecido cardíaco de ratas Wistar alcoólatras e/ou tabagistas crônicas

O etanol e o tabaco são drogas legalizadas, amplamente distribuídas e utilizadas na sociedade, mas provocam danos ao organismo, incluindo alterações cardíacas. Realizar avaliação histopatológica no coração de ratas Wistar submetidas à inalação passiva do tabaco e ao alcoolismo. Os animais foram distribuídos aleatoriamente em 4 grupos: Grupo C: grupo controle (n=8); Grupo T: grupo de ratas tabagistas (n=11); Grupo A: grupo de ratas alcoólatras (n=8); Grupo AT: grupo de ratas alcoólatras e tabagistas (n=10). Após indução do alcoolismo e tabagismo os animais foram eutanasiados e os corações foram processados histologicamente a fim de investigar processos patológicos como necrose, inflamação, fibrose e poliploidia. Para análise estatística foi utilizado o teste exato de Fisher (p<0,05). Não foram observados inflamação, congestão, degeneração, necrose, trombose ou infarto em nenhum dos folhetos cardíacos analisados. Foram observados fibrose e poliploidia, porém sem diferença estatística entre os grupos. Não foram observadas diferenças significativas com relação aos aspectos histopatológicos do coração no alcoolismo e/ou tabagismo provavelmente devido ao pouco tempo de exposição ao etanol e ao tabaco. Portanto, diante dos variados efeitos negativos à saúde cardiovascular do etanol e do tabaco, sugerimos que sejam realizados novos estudos, utilizando protocolos com maior tempo de exposição e/ou técnicas mais sensíveis às alterações cardíacas, a fim de se compreender melhor os mecanismos deletérios do etilismo e do tabagismo, bem como sugerir protocolos eficientes tanto para triagem das populações expostas, quanto para intervenções precoces, a fim possibilitar maior longevidade e qualidade de vida aos pacientes

Correlation between heart rate variability and pulmonary function adjusted by confounding factors in healthy adults

The autonomic nervous system maintains homeostasis, which is the state of balance in the body. That balance can be determined simply and noninvasively by evaluating heart rate variability (HRV). However, independently of autonomic control of the heart, HRV can be influenced by other factors, such as respiratory parameters. Little is known about the relationship between HRV and spirometric indices. In this study, our objective was to determine whether HRV correlates with spirometric indices in adults without cardiopulmonary disease, considering the main confounders (e.g., smoking and physical inactivity). In a sample of 119 asymptomatic adults (age 20-80 years), we evaluated forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1). We evaluated resting HRV indices within a 5-min window in the middle of a 10-min recording period, thereafter analyzing time and frequency domains. To evaluate daily physical activity, we instructed participants to use a triaxial accelerometer for 7 days. Physical inactivity was defined as <150 min/week of moderate to intense physical activity. We found that FVC and FEV1, respectively, correlated significantly with the following aspects of the RR interval: standard deviation of the RR intervals (r= 0.31 and 0.35), low-frequency component (r= 0.38 and 0.40), and Poincare plot SD2 (r= 0.34 and 0.36). Multivariate regression analysis, adjusted for age, sex, smoking, physical inactivity, and cardiovascular risk, identified the SD2 and dyslipidemia as independent predictors of FVC and FEV1 (R-2= 0.125 and 0.180, respectively, for both). We conclude that pulmonary function is influenced by autonomic control of cardiovascular function, independently of the main confounders.Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Univ Fed Sao Paulo, Dept Ciencias Movimento Humano, Lab Epidemiol & Movimento Humano, Santos, SP, BrazilUniv Fed Sao Paulo, Dept Biociencias, Santos, SP, BrazilAngioCorpore Inst Med Cardiovasc, Santos, SP, BrazilUniv Fed Sao Paulo, Dept Ciencias Movimento Humano, Lab Epidemiol & Movimento Humano, Santos, SP, BrazilUniv Fed Sao Paulo, Dept Biociencias, Santos, SP, BrazilFAPESP: 2011/07282-6Web of Scienc