Atypical presentation of pellucid marginal degeneration: case report

The authors report an unusual clinical presentation of pellucid marginal degeneration with 360º peripheral corneal thinning diagnosed in a younger male patient. We discuss the findings of topographic maps, ultrasound pachymetry and the proposed treatment.Os autores relatam o caso de paciente jovem do sexo masculino que desenvolveu quadro de degeneração marginal pelúcida bilateral atípica, com afinamento corneal periférico de 360º, abordando ainda os aspectos dos mapas topográficos e os resultados obtidos com a paquimetria ultra-sônica, além do tratamento adotado.Hospital Oftalmológico de SorocabaHospital Oftalmológico de Sorocaba Setor de CórneaHospital Oftalmológico de Sorocaba Setor de Córnea e Doenças ExternasPontifícia Universidade Católica de SorocabaUNIFESP Departamento de OftalmologiaUNIFESP, Depto. de OftalmologiaSciEL

Reliability of the electrocardiogram in normal rats

Several electrocardiogram (ECG) indexes are used to identify cardiac abnormalities in rats. However, there are few studies about the reliability of this tool. The aim of this study was to verify the reliability of a computerized electrocardiography (Heart Ware System) adapted for rats. The ECG was registered under intramuscular anesthesia (Zoletil®, 25mg/kg body weight) in the supine position, using four inserted electrodes in the subcutaneous layer of the animals’ paws (n=11). Three records per day were performed in an interval of fifteen minutes in three distinct days. Six standard leads were obtained (I, II, III, aVR, aVL and aVF) and the following indexes were analyzed: duration of P wave; duration of QRS complex; PR interval; RR interval; QT interval and corrected QT (QTc) interval. Each individual ECG indexes were obtained from the average of three (P; QRS; PR) or ten (RR; QT; QTc) manual measures performed by the same observer. The repeatability in the same day and reproducibility in distinct days were verified by changes in the mean of the raw indexes (Anova with Tukey’s post-test, p\u3c 0.05) and by the typical error expressed as the coefficient of variation (CV) of the LOG transformed indexes. For P, PR, QT and QTc indexes measured in the first day we found significant difference in the mean. All indexes showed a CV minor than 10% (except P, CV=11.9%). We conclude that the electrocardiography used in the described conditions has good reliability when conducted by trained professionals

Quality of Service for High Performance IoT Systems

The fourth industrial generation brought both solutions as challenges. It allowed greater efficiency and effectiveness in manufacturing, reducing both costs and wastes. However, it consists in the deployment of innumerable devices for data collection and control processes. This brings challenges such as interoperability between all these heterogeneous systems. Thus, a group of partners, supported by the European Union, proposed a solution, the Arrowhead Framework. Its aim is to create a framework with a service-oriented architecture (SOA) enabling an abstract collaboration between all these different devices. While in development, the framework does not provide Quality of Service (QoS), which prevents its use in more demanding networks. This limitation was the central problem solved in this project. This project focus on developing an architecture that provides QoS support in Arrowhead compliant systems. Here the main challenges addressed are the following: developing an architecture capable of working with different communication protocols and technologies; develop an architecture capable of working with an unlimited number of QoS requirements. During the entire project, its development process consisted in two main iterations: the first was regarding the development of an architecture; the second consisted in the development of a pilot project based on the FTT-SE protocol that could test the architecture developed in the first iteration. At last, the final product consists in two systems, one for QoS configuration and other for monitoring. These two systems are independent of each other. Regarding QoS requirements, only delay and bandwidth were implemented.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Sistema de Gestão e Aplicação de Avaliações SIGAA

O objetivo deste projeto é apresentar o desenvolvimento do Sistema de Gestão de Avaliações a ser utilizado na Faculdade UNICEUB. Trata-se de uma solução projetada para a automatização da geração e aplicação de avaliações e possibilitará a análise dos resultados destas avaliações, podendo ser analisados os resultados do desempenho de um aluno ou turma sobre uma avaliação aplicada ou um assunto específico desta avaliação, servindo também como uma ferramenta de medição do conhecimento obtido

SERVIÇO DE INFORMAÇÃO AO CIDADÃO DO MINISTÉRIO DA PREVIDÊNCIA SOCIAL: instrumento de democratização da Informação

Análise da eficácia do Serviço de Informação ao Cidadão (SIC) do Ministério da Previdência Social (MPS). Trata-se de uma pesquisa bibliográfica e documental de abordagem qualitativa com aplicação de entrevista semiestruturada a Gestora da Assessoria de Gestão Estratégica e Inovação Institucional (AGEIN). Verificou que o SIC proporciona um movimento diferenciado não só no provimento do acesso à informação, mas também, em conduzir o MPS a pensar sobre a sua cultura organizacional, sendo preciso intensificar a divulgação do SIC físico à população. Conclui que o SIC do MPS pelas abordagens desdobradas, de uma forma geral, atua de forma eficaz no provimento das informações ao cidadão

Terapias atuais utilizadas no tratamento do bruxismo: uma revisão sistemática

Bruxism is defined as a repetitive activity of the jaw muscles characterized by clenching or grinding the teeth and/or holding or pushing the jaw, which can occur during sleep or while awake. In view of the physiological implications, the search for effective and current treatment is essential. Therefore, this systematic objective review presents the most recent therapies used in the treatment of bruxism. The PubMed, Web of Science, SciELO and LILACS databases were used to collect articles published from 2018 to 2023, in Portuguese and English and related to the theme presented, 10 articles being selected for the study. It is inferred that, within the limitations of this systematic review, the most indicated treatment for bruxism is an occlusal adjustment using a splint. Among the most current alternative therapies is the application of botulinum toxin; the use of herbal medicines, such as Melissa officinalis; manual therapy combined with Kinesio Tape; vibratory stimulation using an oral device and low-intensity laser therapy. Clinical studies are needed to standardize bruxism treatment protocols.O bruxismo é definido como uma atividade repetitiva dos músculos da mandíbula caracterizada por apertar ou ranger dos dentes e/ou por segurar ou empurrar a mandíbula, podendo ocorrer durante o sono ou durante a vigília. Em vista das implicações fisiológicas, a busca por tratamento eficaz e atual é essencial. Diante disso, a presente revisão sistemática objetiva apresentar as terapias mais recentes utilizadas no tratamento do bruxismo. As bases de dados PubMed, Web of Science, SciELO e LILACS foram utilizadas para coletar artigos publicados de 2018 a 2023, em línguas portuguesa e inglesa e que se relacionam com a temática analisada, sendo selecionados 10 artigos para o estudo. Infere-se que, dentro das limitações desta revisão sistemática, o tratamento mais indicado para o bruxismo é um ajuste oclusal com uso de placa. Dentre as terapias alternativas mais atuais, cita-se a aplicação de toxina botulínica; o uso de medicamentos a base de plantas, como a Melissa officinalis; a terapia manual combinada com Kinesio Tape; a estimulação vibratória por aparelho oral e a terapia com laser de baixa intensidade. Estudos clínicos são necessários para padronizar protocolos de tratamento do bruxismo

Effect of two sources of zinc on the physiological quality of seed and nutrition of rice (Oriza sativa) seedlings

Rice seeds coating with microparticulate zinc oxide can maximize the absorption of this micronutrient by the seedling and favor seeds vigor when compared with zinc sulfate. This work aimed to evaluate the sources and doses of zinc in seed quality and in the nutrition of rice seedlings. The experiment consisted of a completely randomized design with four replications, five doses of zinc in the form of oxide (0; 20; 40, 80 and 160 g kg-1), and a control treatment of zinc in the form of sulfate (40 g kg-1). The following parameters were evaluated: germination, accelerated aging, seedlings emergence, emergence speed index, cold test, dry matter, and zinc concentration in the root and shoot of the seedlings. Seed coating with zinc, regardless of the source, improved seed physiological quality and seedling nutrition of the rice cultivar. Zinc sources did not change the germination; however, the oxide form provided better seed vigor, except for the highest dose (160 g kg-1). The increase in the dose of zinc oxide increased the concentration of this nutrient in rice seedlings dry matter. Zinc coating of rice seeds in the form of microparticulate, depending on the dose, can maximize the seeds vigor and increase the concentration of this micronutrient in the seedlings when compared with zinc sulfate, which is the traditional source used by producers. Highlights Zinc (Zn) coating does not affect germination, but influences the vigor of rice seeds. The Zn sources affect the Zn concentration in the shoot dry matter. Both ZnO and ZnSO 4 showed higher shoot dry matter, when compared with the absence of Zn in rice seeds. Oxide zinc (ZnO) promotes greater root dry matter of rice when compared with zinc sulfate (ZnSO 4 ).Rice seeds coating with microparticulate zinc oxide can maximize the absorption of this micronutrient by the seedling and favor seeds vigor when compared with zinc sulfate. This work aimed to evaluate the sources and doses of zinc in seed quality and in the nutrition of rice seedlings. The experiment consisted of a completely randomized design with four replications, five doses of zinc in the form of oxide (0; 20; 40, 80 and 160 g kg-1), and a control treatment of zinc in the form of sulfate (40 g kg-1). The following parameters were evaluated: germination, accelerated aging, seedlings emergence, emergence speed index, cold test, dry matter, and zinc concentration in the root and shoot of the seedlings. Seed coating with zinc, regardless of the source, improved seed physiological quality and seedling nutrition of the rice cultivar. Zinc sources did not change the germination; however, the oxide form provided better seed vigor, except for the highest dose (160 g kg-1). The increase in the dose of zinc oxide increased the concentration of this nutrient in rice seedlings dry matter. Zinc coating of rice seeds in the form of microparticulate, depending on the dose, can maximize the seeds vigor and increase the concentration of this micronutrient in the seedlings when compared with zinc sulfate, which is the traditional source used by producers. Highlights Zinc (Zn) coating does not affect germination, but influences the vigor of rice seeds. The Zn sources affect the Zn concentration in the shoot dry matter. Both ZnO and ZnSO 4 showed higher shoot dry matter, when compared with the absence of Zn in rice seeds. Oxide zinc (ZnO) promotes greater root dry matter of rice when compared with zinc sulfate (ZnSO 4 )

Amostragem de solo sob mata atlântica em regeneração para fins de fertilidade

Estudos sobre a fertilidade de solos sob Floresta Atlântica tem sido realizados, por meio de amostragem de solo, sem conhecimento prévio da variabilidade espacial de seus atributos. Neste trabalho, objetivou-se determinar o número de amostras simples necessárias para estimar a fertilidade do solo sob Floresta Atlântica em regeneração, bem como avaliar seus atributos químicos e granulométricos. Para isso, foram coletadas 60 amostras de solo, sob Floresta Atlântica, na cidade de Moreno-PE, no Brasil, divididas em três áreas homogêneas com diferentes declives e em quatro camadas (0-0,5, 0,05-0,10, 0,10-0, 15 e 0,15-0,20 m). O K foi o nutriente com maior variação na área, sendo indicado como variável de referência para estimar o número de amostras simples para compor uma amostra composta. Os teores de nutrientes no solo pertenciam à classe média ou alta, indicando a recuperação da fertilidade do solo pelo ciclo de nutrientes

Cynomolgus macaques naturally infected with Trypanosoma cruzi-I exhibit an overall mixed pro-inflammatory/modulated cytokine signature characteristic of human Chagas disease

Background: Non-human primates have been shown to be useful models for Chagas disease. We previously reported that natural T. cruzi infection of cynomolgus macaques triggers clinical features and immunophenotypic changes of peripheral blood leukocytes resembling those observed in human Chagas disease. In the present study, we further characterize the cytokine-mediated microenvironment to provide supportive evidence of the utility of cynomolgus macaques as a model for drug development for human Chagas disease. Methods and findings: In this cross-sectional study design, flow cytometry and systems biology approaches were used to characterize the ex vivo and in vitro T. cruzi-specific functional cytokine signature of circulating leukocytes from TcI-T. cruzi naturally infected cynomolgus macaques (CH). Results showed that CH presented an overall CD4+-derived IFN-γ pattern regulated by IL-10-derived from CD4+ T-cells and B-cells, contrasting with the baseline profile observed in non-infected hosts (NI). Homologous TcI-T. cruzi-antigen recall in vitro induced a broad pro-inflammatory cytokine response in CH, mediated by TNF from innate/adaptive cells, counterbalanced by monocyte/B-cell-derived IL-10. TcIV-antigen triggered a more selective cytokine signature mediated by NK and T-cell-derived IFN-γ with modest regulation by IL-10 from T-cells. While NI presented a cytokine network comprised of small number of neighborhood connections, CH displayed a complex cross-talk amongst network elements. Noteworthy, was the ability of TcI-antigen to drive a complex global pro-inflammatory network mediated by TNF and IFN-γ from NK-cells, CD4+ and CD8+ T-cells, regulated by IL-10+CD8+ T-cells, in contrast to the TcIV-antigens that trigger a modest network, with moderate connecting edges. Conclusions: Altogether, our findings demonstrated that CH present a pro-inflammatory/regulatory cytokine signature similar to that observed in human Chagas disease. These data bring additional insights that further validate these non-human primates as experimental models for Chagas disease