Allowable Load Assessment in Metal-Composite Double-Lap Joint / Avaliação de Carga Permitida em Junta de Dupla Folga Metal-Composto

This work consists of evaluating the tensile and compression static allowable stress of a hybrid (metal-composite) riveted joint. The analyzed joint is composed by two sheets of 2014 – T6 aluminium alloy and a T300/5208 Graphite/Epoxy quasi-isotropic laminate, which were joined by twelve Lockbolt Swaged Collar rivets titanium alloy Ti–6Al–4V annealed. The joint was analyzed through a computational model developed using the Finite Element Method (FEM), with the fasteners modelled through the Multi - Springs technique. This method was widely used to simulate the mechanical behaviour metal-metal and composite-composite parts of the joint. It is validated comparing its results with analytical results of metallic joints available in the literature. Through this model, both the allowable load and its distribution in the fasteners of the joint were determined. Since the evaluated joint is subjected to double shear and, therefore, has no eccentricities, the presence of secondary bending was not observed, the bearing and bypass loads were the most relevant in evaluating the allowable loads of the joint. The load distribution in the joint and its components’ safety margin was determined, with the laminate being the limiting component of the allowable load

Impacto do apoio social sobre os sintomas de mulheres brasileiras com fibromialgia

ResumoObjetivou‐se avaliar o impacto do apoio social sobre os sintomas de mulheres brasileiras com fibromialgia (FM). Trata‐se de um estudo observacional descritivo que selecionou 66 mulheres que atendiam aos critérios do Colégio Americano de Reumatologia (ACR) de 1990. O apoio social foi medido com o Social Support Survey (MOS‐SSS), a funcionalidade com o Questionário do Impacto da Fibromialgia (FIQ), a depressão com o Inventário de Depressão de Beck (BDI), a ansiedade com a Escala de Ansiedade de Hamilton (HAS), a afetividade com o Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (Panas) e foi feita algometria para registrar o limiar da dor à pressão (LDP) e a tolerância álgica à pressão (TAP) nos 18 pontos recomendados pelo ACR. Os pacientes foram divididos nos grupos apoio social normal (ASN) ou ruim (ASR); o ASR foi definido como uma pontuação nos MOS‐SSS abaixo do percentil 25da amostra total. Usou‐se o teste de Mann‐Whitney ou o teste t não pareado para comparar variáveis intergrupos e o de Fisher para as variáveis categóricas. Usaram‐se a análise de covariância e o teste de correlação de Pearson. Não houve diferença nas variáveis sociodemográficas entre os grupos ASN e ASR. Observaram‐se diferenças entre os grupos ASN e ASR para todas as quatro subcategorias de apoio social e pontuação total do MOS‐SSS. Encontraram‐se diferenças significativas entre o ASN e o ASR na depressão (p=0,007), afeto negativo (p=0,025) e LDP (p=0,016). A subcategoria apoio afetivo mostrou correlação positiva entre a dor e o afeto positivo no grupo ASR. A subcategoria interação social positiva mostrou uma correlação negativa entre o FIQ e o estado de depressão. Portanto, o apoio social parece contribuir para a melhoria na saúde mental e física na FM.AbstractWe aimed to assess the impact of social support on symptoms in Brazilian women with FM. An observational, descriptive study enrolling sixty‐six women who met the 1990 American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria. Social support was measured by the Social Support Survey (MOS‐SSS), functionality was evaluated using the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ), depression was assessed using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), anxiety was measured using the Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAS), affectivity was measured by Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS), and algometry was carried out to record pressure pain threshold (PPth) and tolerance (PPTo) at eighteen points recommended by the ACR. Patients were divided into normal (NSS) or poor social support (PSS) groups with PSS defined as having a MOS‐SSS score below the 25th percentile of the entire sample. Mann‐Whitney or Unpaired t‐test were used to compare intergroup variables and Fisher's for categorical variables. Analysis of covariance and Pearson correlation test were used. No differences in sociodemographic variables between PSS and NSS were found. Differences between NSS and PSS groups were observed for all 4 subcategories of social support and MOS‐SSS total score. Significant differences between NSS and PSS on depression (p= 0.007), negative affect (p= 0.025) and PPTh (p= 0.016) were found. Affectionate subcategory showed positive correlation between pain and positive affect in PSS. Positive social interaction subcategory showed a negative correlation between FIQ and depression state. Therefore social support appears to contribute to ameliorate mental and physical health in FM

Spectrochemical analysis in blood plasma combined with subsequent chemometrics for fibromyalgia detection

Fibromyalgia is a rheumatologic condition characterized by multiple and chronic body pain, and other typical symptoms such as intense fatigue, anxiety and depression. It is a very complex disease where treatment is often made by non-medicated alternatives in order to alleviate symptoms and improve the patient’s quality of life. Herein, we propose a method to detect patients with fibromyalgia (n = 252, 126 controls and 126 patients with fibromyalgia) through the analysis of their blood plasma using attenuated total reflection Fourier-transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy in conjunction with chemometric techniques, hence, providing a low-cost, fast and accurate diagnostic approach. Different chemometric algorithms were tested to classify the spectral data; genetic algorithm with linear discriminant analysis (GA-LDA) achieved the best diagnostic results with a sensitivity of 89.5% in an external test set. The GA-LDA model identified 24 spectral wavenumbers responsible for class separation; amongst these, the Amide II (1,545 cm−1) and proteins (1,425 cm−1) were identified to be discriminant features. These results reinforce the potential of ATR-FTIR spectroscopy with multivariate analysis as a new tool to screen and detect patients with fibromyalgia in a fast, low-cost, non-destructive and minimally invasive fashion

Beyond the target area: an integrative view of tDCS-induced motor cortex modulation in patients and athletes

Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) is a non-invasive technique used to modulate neural tissue. Neuromodulation apparently improves cognitive functions in several neurologic diseases treatment and sports performance. In this study, we present a comprehensive, integrative review of tDCS for motor rehabilitation and motor learning in healthy individuals, athletes and multiple neurologic and neuropsychiatric conditions. We also report on neuromodulation mechanisms, main applications, current knowledge including areas such as language, embodied cognition, functional and social aspects, and future directions. We present the use and perspectives of new developments in tDCS technology, namely high-definition tDCS (HD-tDCS) which promises to overcome one of the main tDCS limitation (i.e., low focality) and its application for neurological disease, pain relief, and motor learning/rehabilitation. Finally, we provided information regarding the Transcutaneous Spinal Direct Current Stimulation (tsDCS) in clinical applications, Cerebellar tDCS (ctDCS) and its influence on motor learning, and TMS combined with electroencephalography (EEG) as a tool to evaluate tDCS effects on brain function161CONSELHO NACIONAL DE DESENVOLVIMENTO CIENTÍFICO E TECNOLÓGICO - CNPQCOORDENAÇÃO DE APERFEIÇOAMENTO DE PESSOAL DE NÍVEL SUPERIOR - CAPESFUNDAÇÃO DE AMPARO À PESQUISA DO ESTADO DE SÃO PAULO - FAPESP465686/2014-1Não tem2014/50909-8; 13/10187–0; 14/10134–7The authors thank the Ministry of Education (MEC), FAPESP - São Paulo Research Foundation, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte and Universidade Federal do ABC for its support. Postdoctoral scholarships to DGSM from the Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel (CAPES). Source(s) of financial support: This study was partially funded by grants to MB from NIH (NIH-NIMH 1R01MH111896, NIH-NINDS 1R01NS101362, NIH-NCI U54CA137788/U54CA132378, R03 NS054783) and New York State Department of Health (NYS DOH, DOH01-C31291GG), CEPID/BRAINN - The Brazilian Institute of Neuroscience and Neurotechnology (Process: 13/07559–3) to LML, Brazilian National Research Council (CNPq, Grant # 465686/2014-1) and the São Paulo Research Foundation (Grant # 2014/50909-8) to MSC, and Postdoctoral scholarships to AHO from FAPESP - Sao Paulo Research Foundation (Process: 13/10187–0 and 14/10134–7

Low-level laser therapy and micro current in burn wound healing in rats: associated or isolated therapy?

This study aimed to investigate if there are differences between the associated and isolated therapies from the laser and micro current on healing of burn wound healing in rats. A total of 40 male rats were randomly allocated into four groups: control group (CG), micro current group (MG), laser group (LG) and laser/micro current group (LMG), treated with associated laser and micro current. Thermal damage was done on the back of the animal and a total of ten days therapy was performed. After treatment samples were taken from the lesions to perform semi quantitative histopathological study using Hematoxylin Eosin and Masson Trichrome. The Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn's Test were used for statistical analyses. We observed a significant difference between groups for production of fibroblasts (p=0.0003), collagen (p=0.0153), neoangiogenesis (p=0.0031) and skin annexes (p=0.0004). In semi-quantitative histological analysis, the LMG showed lower values in presence of collagen, fibroblasts and number of skin appendages, only for neoangiogenesis, the associated therapy showed similar values to single modality therapy groups. Laser and microcurrent have beneficial effects on tissue healing. However, it is suggested that the association of these two therapies reduces the effectiveness of the treatment when compared to single mode treatment.Este estudio tiene el objetivo de investigar si hay diferencias entre las terapias asociadas y aisladas del láser y microcorrientes en la reparación de lesión por quemadura en ratas. Un total de 40 animales fueron divididos aleatoriamente en cuatro grupos: grupo control (GC), grupo microcorriente (GM), grupo láser (GL) y grupo láser/microcorriente (GLM), tratados con láser asociado a microcorrientes. Después de inducidas las lesiones térmicas en el dorso del animal, fueron realizados en total diez días de tratamiento. Las muestras de tejido fueron recolectadas para el estudio histopatológico semicuantitativo usando Hematoxilina Eosina y Tricómico de Masson. Fueron utilizados los tests de Kruskal-Wallis y post-hoc de Dunn's. Hubo diferencia significativa entre los grupos para la producción de fibroblastos (p=0,0003), colágeno (p=0,0153), neoangiogénesis (p=0,0031) y anexos cutáneos (p=0,0004). En el análisis histológico semicuantitativo, el GLM presentó valores menores en los parámetros histológicos de presencia de colágeno, número de fibroblastos y anexos cutáneos (pEste estudo teve o objetivo de investigar se há diferenças entre as terapias associadas e isoladas do laser e microcorrentes no reparo de lesão por queimadura em ratos. Um total de 40 animais foi dividido aleatoriamente em quatro grupos: grupo controle (GC); grupo microcorrente (GM), grupo laser (GL) e grupo laser/microcorrente (GLM), tratados com laser associado a microcorrentes. Após lesões térmicas induzidas no dorso do animal, foi realizado um total de dez dias de tratamento. Amostras do tecido foram coletadas para estudo histopatológico semiquantitativo com Hematoxilina Eosina e Tricrômico de Masson. Foram utilizados os testes de Kruskal-Wallis e post-hoc de Dunn. Houve diferença significativa entre os grupos para a produção de fibroblastos (p=0,0003), colágeno (p=0,0153), neoangiogênese (p=0,0031) e anexos cutâneos (p=0,0004). Na análise histológica semiquantitativa, o GLM apresentou valores menores nos parâmetros histológicos de presença de colágeno, número de fibroblastos e anexos cutâneos (

Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation on Parkinson’s Disease: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: Clinical impact of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) alone for Parkinson’s disease (PD) is still a challenge. Thus, there is a need to synthesize available results, analyze methodologically and statistically, and provide evidence to guide tDCS in PD. Objective: Investigate isolated tDCS effect in different brain areas and number of stimulated targets on PD motor symptoms. Methods: A systematic review was carried out up to February 2021, in databases: Cochrane Library, EMBASE, PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of science. Full text articles evaluating effect of active tDCS (anodic or cathodic) vs. sham or control on motor symptoms of PD were included. Results: Ten studies (n=236) were included inmeta-analysis and 25 studies (n=405) in qualitative synthesis. The most frequently stimulated targets were dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and primary motor cortex. No significant effect was found among single targets on motor outcomes: Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) III – motor aspects (MD = −0.98%, 95% CI = −10.03 to 8.07, p = 0.83, I² = 0%), UPDRS IV – dyskinesias (MD = −0.89%, CI 95%= −3.82 to 2.03, p = 0.55, I² = 0%) and motor fluctuations (MD = −0.67%, CI 95% = −2.45 to 1.11, p = 0.46, I² = 0%), timed up and go – gait (MD = 0.14%, CI 95% = −0.72 to 0.99, p = 0.75, I² = 0%), Berg Balance Scale – balance (MD = 0.73%, CI 95% = −1.01 to 2.47, p = 0.41, I² = 0%). There was no significant effect of single vs. multiple targets in: UPDRS III – motor aspects (MD = 2.05%, CI 95% = −1.96 to 6.06, p = 0.32, I² = 0%) and gait (SMD = −0.05%, 95% CI = −0.28 to 0.17, p = 0.64, I² = 0%). Simple univariate meta-regression analysis between treatment dosage and effect size revealed that number of sessions (estimate = −1.7, SE = 1.51, z-score = −1.18, p = 0.2, IC = −4.75 to 1.17) and cumulative time (estimate = −0.07, SE = 0.07, z-score = −0.99, p = 0.31, IC = −0.21 to 0.07) had no significant association. Conclusion: There was no significant tDCS alone short-term effect on motor function, balance, gait, dyskinesias or motor fluctuations in Parkinson’s disease, regardless of brain area or targets stimulated

Multivariate classification techniques and mass spectrometry as a tool in the screening of patients with fibromyalgia

Abstract: Fibromyalgia is a rheumatological disorder that causes chronic pain and other symptomatic conditions such as depression and anxiety. Despite its relevance, the disease still presents a complex diagnosis where the doctor needs to have a correct clinical interpretation of the symptoms. In this context, it is valid to study tools that assist in the screening of this disease, using chemical work techniques such as mass spectroscopy. In this study, an analytical method is proposed to detect individuals with fibromyalgia (n = 20, 10 control samples and 10 samples with fibromyalgia) from blood plasma samples analyzed by mass spectrometry with paper spray ionization and subsequent multivariate classification of the spectral data (unsupervised and supervised), in addition to the treatment of selected variables with possible associations with metabolomics. Exploratory analysis with principal component analysis (PCA) and supervised analysis with successive projections algorithm with linear discriminant analysis (SPA-LDA) showed satisfactory results with 100% accuracy for sample prediction in both groups. This demonstrates that this combination of techniques can be used as a simple, reliable and fast tool in the development of clinical diagnosis of Fibromyalgia

Proposta de diretrizes para o desenvolvimento e implementação de núcleo de ensino, pesquisa e extensão em medicina – oftalmologia

Esta pesquisa tem como objetivo identificar diretrizes de gestão para o desenvolvimento e implementação de um núcleo de ensino, pesquisa e extensão em medicina – oftalmologia. A metodologia, baseada em fundamentação teórica, incorpora contribuições dos principais autores da área e entrevistas com responsáveis por núcleos de pesquisa, ensino e extensão em oftalmologia. O resultado obtido é a validação dos contructos descritos pelos autores como importantes para o desenvolvimento e implementação de um núcleo de ensino e a absoluta unanimidade na importância dos quesitos apresentados na pesquisa de campo.This research aims to identifying management guidelines for the development and implementation of a core teaching, research and extension in medicine - ophthalmology. The methodology, based on a theoretical basis, incorporates contributions from leading authors in the field and interviews with those responsible for core researching, teaching and extension in ophthalmology. The result is items validation described by the authors as important for the development and implementation of a nucleus of education and absolute unanimity on the importance of the questions presented in the research field