Cross-sectional study on different entry points for anterograde femoral intramedullary osteosynthesis

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the degree of knowledge among professionals who treat fractures using the recommended technique, with regard to correlating the nail with the entry point that is considered appropriate. METHODS: A questionnaire that presented five types of nail and simulated a transverse diaphyseal fracture of the femur was developed. RESULTS: Responses regarding the entry points corresponding to choosing the type of nail were obtained from 370 orthopedists who were participating in the 41st Brazilian Congress of Orthopedics and Traumatology. It was observed that only 20% correctly identified the entry point and that there was no difference between the professionals within the specialty of Traumatology and the others. CONCLUSION: It was concluded that the majority of the physicians attending the congress were unaware of the entry points.OBJETIVO: Analisar o grau de conhecimento dos profissionais que tratam essas fraturas com a técnica preconizada relacionando a haste ao ponto de entrada considerado apropriado. MÉTODOS: Foi desenvolvido um questionário no qual constavam cinco tipos de hastes e simulada uma fratura diafisária do fêmur transversa. RESULTADOS: Os pontos de entrada correspondentes à escolha do tipo de haste foram respondidos por 370 médicos ortopedistas que participaram do 41º Congresso Brasileiro de Ortopedia e Traumatologia. Constatou-se que somente 20% acertaram o ponto de entrada e que não houve diferença entre os profissionais que faziam a especialidade Traumatologia e os demais. CONCLUSÃO: Concluiu-se que a maioria dos médicos que frequentaram o congresso desconhece tal fato.UNIFESP-EPM Departamento de OrtopediaUNIFESP-EPM Departamento de Ortopedia e TraumatologiaUNIFESP, EPM, Depto. de OrtopediaUNIFESP, EPM Depto. de Ortopedia e TraumatologiaSciEL

Produção de massa seca, volume radicular e eficiência nutricional de fósforo em Brachiaria brizantha cv. Marandu e Massai (Panicum maximum x P. infestum)

Avaliação de respostas de Brachiaria brizantha cv. Marandu e Massai a diferentes doses de fósforo. O ensaio foi conduzido em casa de vegetação no IFMT – Campus Confresa, implantado em vasos plásticos de 5dm-³ com areia grossa lavada. O delineamento experimental em blocos casualizados, combinados em esquema fatorial 5x2, com quatro repetições para cada época de coleta (30 e 60 dias após emergência). Os tratamentos consistiram em aplicações de doses de fósforo (P), via solução nutritiva, correspondentes a concentração de P em solução equivale a 0,0; 36,9; 73,8; 110,8 e 147,6 mg dm-3. Para o material vegetal coletado foi obtida a massa seca em estufa de circulação de ar e posteriormente moídas separadamente (parte aérea e raiz) para a determinação da concentração de fósforo. Os dados foram submetidos à análise de variância a nível de 5% de probabilidade pelo teste F usando software Sisvar. Observando-se efeito significativo para dose, espécie e interação doses e espécie. A espécie Brachiaria revelou-se ser mais eficiente na absorção e transporte do nutriente P do que a espécie Massai, alcançando maior produção de massa seca e raiz, evidenciando ser mais responsiva a adubação fosfatada

Challenge of classes: jogo não-digital para o ensino de engenharia de software

No processo de desenvolvimento de software, a etapa de modelagem é crucial para representar os diferentes aspectos de um sistema. Devido à sua importância, metodologias e linguagens de modelagem são amplamente estudadas nas disciplinas de Engenharia de Software, como a UML. Entre os principais diagramas da UML, encontra-se o diagrama de classes, cuja compreensão é considerada complexa e um desafio para os docentes. Buscando trazer uma estratégia diversificada para apoiar o ensino desse conteúdo, esse artigo apresenta o jogo Challenge of Classes, que trabalha de forma lúdica e divertida o desenvolvimento prático de diagramas, ao mesmo tempo que reforça conceitos teóricos da disciplina. Como resultado das primeiras avaliações, o jogo apresentou uma boa dinâmica, com uma gama de estratégias disponíveis para os jogadores, oferecendo uma mecânica que pode ser ampliada para outros conteúdos da área de Engenharia de Software

The taste of smoke: tobacco industry strategies to prevent the prohibition of additives in tobacco products in Brazil

BackgroundThe tobacco industry (TI) uses several strategies to attract new consumers, including using additives in tobacco products, which makes tobacco especially attractive to youth. Based on scientific evidence and the principles of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, the Brazilian Health Regulatory Agency (ANVISA, for the name in Portuguese), published the Collegiate Board Resolution (RDC, for the name in Portuguese) 14/2012 in 2012, prohibiting the addition of substances that enhance the flavour and taste of tobacco products in order to make them more attractive. In response, the TI used various strategies to prevent RDC 14/2012 from entering into force. At the time, the Brazilian additive ban was the most comprehensive in the world as it included a ban on menthol.ObjectivesThis paper analyses the arguments and strategies used by the TI to prevent the implementation of the additives ban.MethodsReview of published articles, reports, legislation and legislative activity, internal TI documents, media stories and other documents to describe TI's reaction to the ban.ResultsThe results show that the TI used some well-known strategies to delay or cancel the entering into force of the resolution. For example, the TI attempted political interference, used litigation and commissioned studies with findings that questioned the resolution's rationale. The TI strategies used in Brazil are similar to those used at the global level to oppose other tobacco control measures.ConclusionsTI successfully delayed the most comprehensive additive ban in the world using its usual tactics, despite the fact that none of the arguments presented by the TI had an acceptable scientific basis or evidence

Association of circulating levels of nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT/Visfatin) and of a frequent polymorphism in the promoter of the NAMPT gene with coronary artery disease in diabetic and non-diabetic subjects

Background: Nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT) is the limiting enzyme in one of pathways of synthesis of Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide, a redox coenzyme. NAMPT is considered as an insulin-mimetic factor and a potential regulatory factor in inflammatory and immune processes. Associations of circulating NAMPT levels with cardiovascular disease (CVD) and insulin resistance have been reported. We investigated association of circulating NAMPT levels and the rs9770242 NAMPT gene polymorphism with coronary artery disease (CAD).Methods: We studied 594 Brazilian subjects undergoing a coronary angiography (49% of whom had type 2 diabetes). CAD, defined as stenosis greater than 50% in one major coronary vessel or branch, was observed in 68% of subjects. Genetic studies were also performed in 858 North-American Non-Hispanic White subjects with type 2 diabetes (49% with CAD).Results: We observed an interaction between glycemic and CAD status on the comparison of NAMPT levels by CAD status. NAMPT levels were higher in type 2 diabetic patients with CAD as compared to those without CAD: 5.27 +/- 2.93 ng/ml vs. 4.43 +/- 2.94 ng/ml, p = 0.006 (mean +/- SD). NAMPT levels were not significantly different in non-diabetic subjects with or without CAD. the T-allele of rs9770242 was associated with CAD in the Brazilian cohort (OR 1.46, 95% CI 1.06 - 2.01, p = 0.02) while no association was observed in the North-American cohort.Conclusions: Our data suggest that circulating NAMPT levels are associated with CAD in type 2 diabetic patients. NAMPT rs9770242 polymorphism may be associated with CAD in some populations.Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)Fed Univ São Paulo UNIFESP, Ctr Diabet, BR-04039002 São Paulo, BrazilCEDEBA, BR-41820000 Salvador, BA, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Cardiol Unit, BR-04039002 São Paulo, BrazilJoslin Diabet Ctr, Div Res, Boston, MA 02215 USAUniv Paris 07, INSERM, Res Unit 695, F-75018 Paris, FranceFed Univ São Paulo UNIFESP, Ctr Diabet, BR-04039002 São Paulo, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Cardiol Unit, BR-04039002 São Paulo, BrazilFAPESP: 2008/10209-6Web of Scienc

A 6-month randomized controlled trial to test the efficacy of a lifestyle intervention for weight gain management in schizophrenia

Background: Patients with schizophrenia have lower longevity than the general population as a consequence of a combination of risk factors connected to the disease, lifestyle and the use of medications, which are related to weight gain.Methods: A multicentric, randomized, controlled-trial was conducted to test the efficacy of a 12-week group Lifestyle Wellness Program (LWP). the program consists of a one-hour weekly session to discuss topics like dietary choices, lifestyle, physical activity and self-esteem with patients and their relatives. Patients were randomized into two groups: standard care (SC) and standard care plus intervention (LWP). Primary outcome was defined as the weight and body mass index (BMI).Results: 160 patients participated in the study (81 in the intervention group and 79 in the SC group). On an intent to treat analysis, after three months the patients in the intervention group presented a decrease of 0.48 kg (CI 95% - 0.65 to 1.13) while the standard care group showed an increase of 0.48 kg (CI 95% 0.13 to 0.83; p=0.055). At six-month follow-up, there was a significant weight decrease of -1.15 kg, (CI 95% -2.11 to 0.19) in the intervention group compared to a weight increase in the standard care group (+0.5 kg, CI 95% -0.42-1.42, p=0.017).Conclusion: in conclusion, this was a multicentric randomized clinical trial with a lifestyle intervention for individuals with schizophrenia, where the intervention group maintained weight and presented a tendency to decrease weight after 6 months. It is reasonable to suppose that lifestyle interventions may be important long-term strategies to avoid the tendency of these individuals to increase weight. Clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT01368406Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Eli Lilly do BrasilCoordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)Ministry of EducationJanssen-CilagNovartisRocheConselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)Fundacao SafraFundacao ABRADSLundbeckEli Lilly laboratoryUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Dept Psychiat, BR-04044000 São Paulo, BrazilUniv São Paulo, Med School, Dept & Inst Psychiat, BR-05403010 São Paulo, BrazilCAISM Ctr Atencao Integrada Saude Mental Irmandad, BR-04017030 São Paulo, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo UNIFESP, Dept Med, Div Endocrinol, BR-04039002 São Paulo, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Dept Psychiat, BR-04044000 São Paulo, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo UNIFESP, Dept Med, Div Endocrinol, BR-04039002 São Paulo, BrazilFAPESP: 2007/00464-6Web of Scienc

Compressor Failures due to CO2 Corrosion

Case Stud

Continuous cultivation of photosynthetic microorganisms: approaches, applications and future trends

The possibility of using photosynthetic microorganisms, such as cyanobacteria and microalgae, for converting light and carbon dioxide into valuable biochemical products has raised the need for new cost-efficient processes ensuring a constant product quality. Food, feed, biofuels, cosmetics and pharmaceutics are among the sectors that can profit from the application of photosynthetic microorganisms. Biomass growth in a photobioreactor is a complex process influenced by multiple parameters, such as photosynthetic light capture and attenuation, nutrient uptake, photobioreactor hydrodynamics and gas-liquid mass transfer. In order to optimize productivity while keeping a standard product quality, a permanent control of the main cultivation parameters is necessary, where the continuous cultivation has shown to be the best option. However it is of utmost importance to recognize the singularity of continuous cultivation of cyanobacteria and microalgae due to their dependence on light availability and intensity. In this sense, this review provides comprehensive information on recent breakthroughs and possible future trends regarding technological and process improvements in continuous cultivation systems of microalgae and cyanobacteria, that will directly affect cost-effectiveness and product quality standardization. An overview of the various applications, techniques and equipment (with special emphasis on photobioreactors) in continuous cultivation of microalgae and cyanobacteria are presented. Additionally, mathematical modelling, feasibility, economics as well as the applicability of continuous cultivation into large-scale operation, are discussed.This research work was supported by the grant SFRH/BPD/98694/2013 (Bruno Fernandes) from Fundacao para a Ciencia e a Tecnologia (Portugal). The authors thank the FCT Strategic Project PEst-OE/EQB/LA0023/2013. The authors also thank the Project "BioInd Biotechnology and Bioengineering for improved Industrial and Agro-Food processes, REF. NORTE-07-0124-FEDER-000028" Co-funded by the Programa Operacional Regional do Norte (ON.2-O Novo Norte), QREN, FEDE

Use of multidimensional item response theory methods for dementia prevalence prediction : an example using the Health and Retirement Survey and the Aging, Demographics, and Memory Study

Background Data sparsity is a major limitation to estimating national and global dementia burden. Surveys with full diagnostic evaluations of dementia prevalence are prohibitively resource-intensive in many settings. However, validation samples from nationally representative surveys allow for the development of algorithms for the prediction of dementia prevalence nationally. Methods Using cognitive testing data and data on functional limitations from Wave A (2001-2003) of the ADAMS study (n = 744) and the 2000 wave of the HRS study (n = 6358) we estimated a two-dimensional item response theory model to calculate cognition and function scores for all individuals over 70. Based on diagnostic information from the formal clinical adjudication in ADAMS, we fit a logistic regression model for the classification of dementia status using cognition and function scores and applied this algorithm to the full HRS sample to calculate dementia prevalence by age and sex. Results Our algorithm had a cross-validated predictive accuracy of 88% (86-90), and an area under the curve of 0.97 (0.97-0.98) in ADAMS. Prevalence was higher in females than males and increased over age, with a prevalence of 4% (3-4) in individuals 70-79, 11% (9-12) in individuals 80-89 years old, and 28% (22-35) in those 90 and older. Conclusions Our model had similar or better accuracy as compared to previously reviewed algorithms for the prediction of dementia prevalence in HRS, while utilizing more flexible methods. These methods could be more easily generalized and utilized to estimate dementia prevalence in other national surveys