Abstract The need to develop and commercialize materials incorporating vegetable fibers has risen over the last 20 years to decrease environmental impact and achieve sustainability. In geotechnical engineering, soil reinforcement with plant-based fibers has gained a lot of interest, especially in temporary earthworks. Soil reinforcement with plant-based fibers is a low-cost, environmentally friendly method with excellent reproducibility and accessibility. In this context, growing appeals for using plant-based fibers such as sisal, coir, curauá, and kenaf for manufacturing new geomaterials have been verified. This paper aims to evaluate the mechanical behavior of soil-fiber composites by insertion of natural coir fibers into a sandy soil matrix with different fiber lengths and contents, where the fibers were randomly distributed in the soil mass. Large-scale direct shear test evaluated the strength-displacement behavior in samples with dimensions of 300 x 300 mm and 200 mm in height. The tests were carried out using fibers with 25 and 50 mm lengths, in 0.50 and 0.75% of fiber contents (in relation to the dry weight of the soil), in a relative density of 50% and 10% moisture content. The overall analysis of the results showed that the coir fibers addition in the well-graded sand increased the shear strength parameters and the ductility, compared with the unreinforced sand.

Abstract Soils are particulate materials, which often stand out for their low shear strength. In most cases, this aspect justifies adapting the geotechnical project for this characteristic, which can be even more problematic in the case of soft sands, since it often occurs in superficial layers in various parts of the metropolitan region of Fortaleza. Therefore, the soil improvement procedure with the addition of small cement fractions can be crucial. The content to be adopted should be such as to bring a more economically viable alternative to the geotechnical design of a shallow foundation, for example. The present research aims to propose a modified Mohr-Coulomb envelope for artificially cemented soils. The proposal is based on the development of two functions that relate shear strength parameters (cohesion and friction angle) with the cement content. In order to assess the proposed functions, triaxial shear tests were performed on the sand with different cement contents. The adjustments presented consistent results. In addition, the proposed envelope was validated using published results encountered in literature.

Resumen El control ejecutivo generalmente se realiza mediante pruebas de carga estática, un método costoso y que requiere mucho tiempo. Se realizaron ensayos de carga estática en ocho pilotes controlados con el objetivo de evaluar la carga última. Este estudio sugiere un enfoque innovador y no destructivo para validar el rendimiento del campo de pilotes de raíces, utilizando un velocímetro digital conectado al cabezal giratorio del equipo de perforación. El método propuesto monitorea las variables relacionadas con la capacidad portante durante la instalación del pilote y propone una ecuación empírica para estimar la capacidad portante última de los pilotes raíz. Para los pilotes evaluados, las predicciones obtenidas con las ecuaciones propuestas coincidieron, así como con los resultados de las pruebas de carga estática, lo que la demuestra como una opción factible y útil para el control ejecutivo de pilotes de raíz, especialmente cuando no se dispone de pruebas de carga.

Abstract Root piles are injected and installed during mortar shaft construction, using pressures of up to 500 kPa. The executive control is typically done through static load testing, an expensive and time-consuming method. Static load tests on eight controlled piles (diameters between 310 mm and 410 mm) were performed, aiming at evaluating pile ultimate load. This study suggests an innovative, non-destructive approach to validate root pile field performance, using a digital speedometer connected to the drilling rig's rotating head. The proposed method monitors variables related to bearing capacity during pile installation and proposes an empirical equation to estimate the ultimate bearing capacity of root piles. For the assessed piles, the predictions obtained with the proposed equations agreed fairly well with results from static load tests, proving it as a feasible and helpful option for the executive control of root piles, especially when load tests are not available.

Abstract A root pile is a form of injection pile (cast-in-place with pressure, with very distinct construction aspects from the known micropile type). During the mortar shaft development, these piles are inserted using distinct injection pressures of up to 500 kPa. Static load tests are typically used to control root piles, which can be an expensive and time-consuming testing procedure. Static load tests were performed on eight monitored piles with diameters of 350 and 410 mm to investigate root pile performance control during pile installation. This research presents a refined and developed alternative methodology for confirming root pile performance using a digital odometer attached to the drill rig's rotatory head. The methodology consists of monitoring variables obtained during pile installation related to pile bearing capacity. Moreover, empirical equations with simple and relevant applications to estimate root pile bearing capacity during installation are proposed. The developed equations produced results consistent with the values obtained from static load testing on the test piles. Therefore, the results suggest that the proposed methodology is a viable alternative for root pile performance control.

Abstract The Expander Body pile (EB) is a combination of a cast-in-situ pile method with an inflated, pump-grouted tip. The EB system's pioneering conjunction with the conventional drilling pile technique has improved work load, foundation security, cost reductions and abrupt displacements in lateritic, porous, unsaturated soils. The aim of this article is to analyze settlement estimates of bored piles equipped with the Expander Body System on tropical lateritic soil, using a deformability modulus obtained from laboratory and field tests. The piles were subjected to compression and uplift load tests. In addition, the estimates of the pile settlement are compared with the measured values, and the findings are discussed. The results strongly support that PMT and SPT tests present the optimal ratios between the measured and estimated settlements for both bored piles and bored piles with the Expander Body System. It can also be observed that CPT tests presented reasonable estimates for tensioned piles. Ultimately, it is verified that straightforward elastic models for the settlement assessment of bored piles can be used reliably in practice for piles equipped with the Expander Body System on tropical unsaturated soils.

ABSTRACT Background: Non-metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer (M0 CRPC) has seen important developments in drugs and diagnostic tools in the last two years. New hormonal agents have demonstrated improvement in metastasis free survival in M0 CRPC patients and have been approved by regulatory agencies in Brazil. Additionally, newer and more sensitive imaging tools are able to detect metastasis earlier than before, which will impact the percentage of patients staged as M0 CRPC. Based on the available international guidelines, a group of Brazilian urology and medical oncology experts developed and completed a survey on the diagnosis and treatment of M0 CRPC in Brazil. These results are reviewed and summarized and associated recommendations are provided. Objective: To present survey results on management of M0 CRPC in Brazil. Design, setting, and participants: A panel of six Brazilian prostate cancer experts determined 64 questions concerning the main areas of interest: 1) staging tools, 2) treatments, 3) side effects of systemic treatment/s, and 4) osteoclast-targeted therapy. A larger panel of 28 Brazilian prostate cancer experts answered these questions in order to create country-specific recommendations discussed in this manuscript. Outcome measurements and statistical analysis: The panel voted publicly but anonymously on the predefined questions. These answers are the panelists' opinions, not a literature review or meta-analysis. Therapies not yet approved in Brazil were excluded from answer options. Each question had five to seven relevant answers including two non-answers. Results were tabulated in real time. Conclusions: The results and recommendations presented can be used by Brazilian physicians to support the management of M0 CRPC patients. Individual clinical decision making should be supported by available data, however, for Brazil, guidelines for diagnosis and management of M0 CRPC patients have not been developed. This document will serve as a point of reference when confronting this disease stage.

Scaffolds of bioglass derived from BG45S5 (45 wt% SiO2, 24.5 wt% CaO, 24.5 wt% Na2O and 6 wt% P2O5) containing 10 wt% niobium were prepared by gelcasting method. The scaffolds presented a 3D porous structure with interconnected and spherical pores (pore size range 100 μm to 500 μm) and high porosity (89%), similar to trabecular architecture of spongy bone. The compressive strength was 0.18 ± 0.03 MPa which is acceptable for bone repair applications. The in vitro biological studies showed cytocompatibility for human osteoblastic cells as well tendency for higher alkaline phosphatase activity. Therefore, the findings here suggest the great potential of the scaffolds for using in bone tissue engineering.

RESUMO Fungos fitopatogênicos durante o processo de penetração e colonização são capazes de secretar uma variedade de enzimas, as quais os tornam capazes de infectar o tecido vivo do hospedeiro, atuando na degradação de ceras, cutícula e das paredes celulares. A capacidade de um agente patogênico em produzir ou não enzimas pode determinar o grau de severidade da doença. Foram avaliados 33 isolados de Colletotrichum gloeosporioides relacionados à antracnose e mancha manteigosa do cafeeiro, quanto a sua capacidade de produção de enzimas hidrolíticas (amilase, lipase, protease, lacase, pectinase e celulase) e enzimas específicas degradadoras da parede celular “EDPC” (poligalacturonase, polimetilgalacturonase e pectinaliase), e sua relação com a patogenicidade/agressividade dos isolados. Para todos os isolados de C. gloeosporioides foi possível a detecção de enzimas extracelulares, com exceção de celulases. Os isolados I-9 e I-24 apresentaram os maiores índices de produção de enzimas extracelulares, e assim como de EDPCs. Os mesmos obtiveram os maiores índices de intensidade de doença, sugerindo a relação entre estas e a agressividade dos isolados.

ABSTRACT Phytopathogenic fungi during the penetration and colonization process are capable of secreting several enzymes, which enable infection of the host live tissue, acting on the degradation of wax, cuticle and cell walls. The ability of a pathogenic agent to produce enzymes or not can determine the severity degree of a disease. In this study, 33 isolates of Colletotrichum gloeosporioides related to anthracnose and blister spot on coffee trees were evaluated for their ability to produce hydrolytic enzymes (amylase, lipase, protease, laccase, pectinase and cellulase) and specific cell wall degrading enzymes “CWDEs” (polygalacturonase, polymethylgalacturonase and pectin-lyase), as well as their relationship with the pathogenicity/aggressiveness of isolates. For all isolates of C. gloeosporioides, extracellular enzymes could be detected, except cellulases. Isolates I-9 and I-24 produced the highest levels of extracellular enzymes, as well as CWDEs. They also had the highest disease intensity indexes, suggesting a relationship between enzymes and aggressiveness of the isolates.

RESUMO Objetivo: Identificar as evidências disponíveis na literatura sobre qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde em adultos com doença falciforme. Método: revisão integrativa nas bases de dados MEDLINE, CUMED, LILACS e SciELO, de artigos provenientes de estudos desenvolvidos nesta temática, publicados entre 2005 a 2015, em inglês, português ou espanhol. Resultados: foram incluídos 22 artigos, sendo utilizadas seis escalas para avaliar os escores de qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde: três genéricas e três específicas. Nenhuma escala específica para adultos com doença falciforme foi adaptada para o português brasileiro até o momento. Pacientes acometidos por crises dolorosas frequentes, com baixa adesão ao tratamento, apresentaram comprometimento da qualidade de vida. Conclusão: Os estudos selecionados evidenciaram que os pacientes com doença falciforme têm piores escores do que a população em geral. Esses indicadores deveriam instrumentalizar o enfermeiro na proposição de intervenções e estratégias assistenciais e socioeducativas, com vistas a melhorar a qualidade de vida desta clientela.

ABSTRACT Objective: To identify the available evidence in the literature on health-related quality of life in adults with sickle cell disease. Method: integrative review of MEDLINE, CUMED, LILACS and SciELO databases, from articles developed in this area, published between 2005 and 2015, in English, Portuguese or Spanish. Results: 22 articles were included, six scales were used to evaluate health-related quality of life scores: three generic and three specific. No specific scale for adults with sickle cell disease has been adapted to Brazilian Portuguese so far. Patients affected by frequent painful crises, with low adherence to treatment, had a compromised quality of life. Conclusion: Selected studies have shown that patients with sickle cell disease have worse scores than the general population. These indicators should be instrumental to the nurse in the proposal of interventions and strategies of assistance and socio-educational, with a view to improving the quality of life of this clientele.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Identificar las evidencias disponibles en la literatura sobre cualidad de vida relacionada a la salud en adultos con enfermedad falciforme. Método: revisión integradora en las bases de datos MEDLINE,CUMED,LILACS y SciELO, de artículos provenientes de estudios desarrollados en esta temática, publicados entre 2005 y 2015, en inglés, portugués o español. Resultados: fueron incluidos 22 artículos, siendo utilizadas seis escalas para evaluar las puntuaciones de cualidad de vida relacionada a la salud: tres genéricas y tres específicas. Ninguna escala específica para adultos con enfermedad falciforme fue adaptada para el portugués brasileño hasta el momento. Pacientes acometidos por crisis dolorosas frecuentes, con baja adhesión al tratamiento, presentaron comprometimiento de la cualidad de vida. Conclusión: Los estudios seleccionados evidenciaron que los pacientes con enfermedad falciforme tienen peores puntuaciones que la población en general. Esos indicadores deberían instrumentalizar el enfermero en la proposición de intervenciones y estrategias asistenciales y socioeducativas, con vistas a mejorar la cualidad de vida de esta clientela.

ABSTRACT Objective: To identify the available evidence in the literature on health-related quality of life in adults with sickle cell disease. Method: integrative review of MEDLINE, CUMED, LILACS and SciELO databases, from articles developed in this area, published between 2005 and 2015, in English, Portuguese or Spanish. Results: 22 articles were included, six scales were used to evaluate health-related quality of life scores: three generic and three specific. No specific scale for adults with sickle cell disease has been adapted to Brazilian Portuguese so far. Patients affected by frequent painful crises, with low adherence to treatment, had a compromised quality of life. Conclusion: Selected studies have shown that patients with sickle cell disease have worse scores than the general population. These indicators should be instrumental to the nurse in the proposal of interventions and strategies of assistance and socio-educational, with a view to improving the quality of life of this clientele.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Identificar las evidencias disponibles en la literatura sobre cualidad de vida relacionada a la salud en adultos con enfermedad falciforme. Método: revisión integradora en las bases de datos MEDLINE,CUMED,LILACS y SciELO, de artículos provenientes de estudios desarrollados en esta temática, publicados entre 2005 y 2015, en inglés, portugués o español. Resultados: fueron incluidos 22 artículos, siendo utilizadas seis escalas para evaluar las puntuaciones de cualidad de vida relacionada a la salud: tres genéricas y tres específicas. Ninguna escala específica para adultos con enfermedad falciforme fue adaptada para el portugués brasileño hasta el momento. Pacientes acometidos por crisis dolorosas frecuentes, con baja adhesión al tratamiento, presentaron comprometimiento de la cualidad de vida. Conclusión: Los estudios seleccionados evidenciaron que los pacientes con enfermedad falciforme tienen peores puntuaciones que la población en general. Esos indicadores deberían instrumentalizar el enfermero en la proposición de intervenciones y estrategias asistenciales y socioeducativas, con vistas a mejorar la cualidad de vida de esta clientela.

RESUMO Objetivo: Identificar as evidências disponíveis na literatura sobre qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde em adultos com doença falciforme. Método: revisão integrativa nas bases de dados MEDLINE, CUMED, LILACS e SciELO, de artigos provenientes de estudos desenvolvidos nesta temática, publicados entre 2005 a 2015, em inglês, português ou espanhol. Resultados: foram incluídos 22 artigos, sendo utilizadas seis escalas para avaliar os escores de qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde: três genéricas e três específicas. Nenhuma escala específica para adultos com doença falciforme foi adaptada para o português brasileiro até o momento. Pacientes acometidos por crises dolorosas frequentes, com baixa adesão ao tratamento, apresentaram comprometimento da qualidade de vida. Conclusão: Os estudos selecionados evidenciaram que os pacientes com doença falciforme têm piores escores do que a população em geral. Esses indicadores deveriam instrumentalizar o enfermeiro na proposição de intervenções e estratégias assistenciais e socioeducativas, com vistas a melhorar a qualidade de vida desta clientela.

ABSTRACT This study was conducted as a first step in exploiting endophytic bacteria to improve yam production. Little information is available on population densities and genetic diversity of endophytic bacteria in yam cultivated in tropical regions. This study demonstrated that higher densities of total endophytic bacteria and Bacillus occur in the interior of roots and decrease as the sampled plant organ departs from soil. Bacillus represents approximately 1% of the total bacterial endophytic population. Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analyses performed with 88 randomly-selected Bacillus isolates resulted in 28 groups, and sequence analyses of the 16S region of the ribosomal DNA of 24 isolates representing all major RAPD groups revealed that they could be clustered in 2 clades: Bacillus cereus and B. pumilus. While B. cereus was able to colonize the entire plant, B. pumilus remained confined to the rhizophores. Further research should concentrate on the application of these isolates in biotechnological processes, such as biocontrol and yam growth promotion.

O conhecimento sobre os Podzóis que ocorrem em Portugal é escasso. Além de insuficientemente caracterizados, a sua verdadeira extensão e distribuição geográfica não é conhecida e o seu enquadramento taxonómico é controverso. Assim, foi desenvolvido um estudo visando aprofundar o conhecimento sobre tais solos. Estudaram-se as características morfológicas, físicas, químicas e mineralógicas de 22 pédones seleccionados na Mata Nacional de Leiria, formados em condições consideradas representativas daquelas em que os Podzóis ocorrem maioritariamente no País. Os solos formados em tais condições compreendem tanto Podzóis como Arenossolos sensu WRB 2006, sendo os últimos claramente dominantes. Os Podzóis apresentam horizontes álbicos muito espessos e horizontes espódicos relativamente incipientes, bastante escuros, com teores de matéria orgânica (MO) pouco acima do mínimo definido como diagnóstico, e com baixos teores de Al e especialmente de Fe. Os Arenossolos incluem, por um lado, solos com morfologia semelhante à dos Podzóis (mas com menor expressão de acumulação iluvial de MO e de Fe e Al) e, por outro, Arenossolos que não apresentam aquelas características (os dominantes), mas em que podem ocorrer horizontes álbicos bem expressos. Os primeiros destes Arenossolos constituem intergrades para os Podzóis e não são satisfatoriamente enquadráveis no sistema da WRB. As características dos Podzóis estão fortemente associadas à fraca alterabilidade e elevada permeabilidade do substrato litológico (sedimentos quartzosos não consolidados).

The knowledge on the Podzols which occur in Portugal is scarce. Besides its morphological characterization, their actual extension and distribution are unknown, and its taxonomy is controversial. Therefore, 22 pedons formed under conditions considered representative of those in which Podzols mostly occur in the country were selected in the Mata Nacional de Leiria, and their morphological, physical, chemical and mineralogical characteristics were studied. Soils developed in such conditions are both Podzols and Arenossolos sensu WRB 2006, but the latter are clearly predominant. The Podzols frequently show thick albic horizons and incipient spodic horizons; the latter are dusky, but show organic matter (OM) contents close the minimum threshold considered as diagnostic criteria for spodic horizons, and low content in Al and Fe. A wide spectrum of characteristics is observed in the Arenosols. Some of them present profils with morphology close to that of the Podzols, but with a low illuvial acumulationb of OM (and Fe e Al components), and the others (the predominant Arenosols in the study area) do not present intergrade characteristics, although they can show expressed albic horizons. The former Arenosols correspond to intergrades of Podzols which are not satisfactorily fit into the recent WRB versions. The characteristics of Podzols are strongly dependent on the low weatherability and high permeability of the lithological substrate (non consolidated quartzeous sediments).

Colletotrichum gloeosporioides no Brasil está associado a um complexo de sintomas na cultura do café. Apesar da observação e da identificação da patogenicidade deste, o patógeno ainda tem sua importância questionada, devido às várias formas endofíticas do mesmo, levantando dúvidas sobre a real importância do patossistema. O presente trabalho teve como objetivo demonstrar por meio da utilização de um isolado transformado com o gene gfp a capacidade de infecção e colonização de C. gloeosporioides em plântulas de café. Pode-se observar após o quarto dia da inoculação a exteriorização de sintomas como necrose pontuais as quais progrediram durante o período de avaliação, culminando na morte das plântulas. Por meio de microscopia de epifluorescencia pode-se confirmar a presença do patógeno nas plântulas, assim como visualizar a colonização interna do tecido, a formação de acérvulos e produção de conídios, confirmando que o mesmo foi o responsável pelos sintomas observados.

In Brazil, Colletotrichum gloeosporioides is associated with a complex of symptoms in coffee culture. Although this pathogen had its pathogenesis observed and identified, its importance has still been questioned due to its several endophytic forms, raising doubts as to the real importance of the pathosystem. The aim of this study was to demonstrate, by using an isolate transformed with the gene gfp, the infection and colonization capability of C. gloeosporioides in coffee seedlings. After the fourth day of inoculation, manifestation of symptoms as punctual necrosis could be observed, which progressed during the evaluation period, culminating in the death of seedlings. Epifluorescence microscopy confirmed the presence of the pathogen in the seedlings, as well as the visualization of internal colonization of tissues, acervulus formation and conidium production, confirming that it was responsible for the observed symptoms.

RESUMOTumor de Buschke-Loewenstein ou condiloma acuminado gigante é uma doença causada por um vírus de DNA, o papilomavírus humano (HPV), auto-inoculável, sendo transmi-tido sexualmente. Histologicamente, são tumores benignos, porém, de comportamento clínico maligno, apresentando alta propensão à recorrência local e a degeneração maligna. O quadro clínico consiste na presença de uma volumosa massa condilomatosa perianal, com aspecto de couve-flor, com numerosos trajetos fistulosos, podendo provocar grande destruição do canal anal e invasão dos tecidos adjacentes. Sangramento, odor fétido, dor local e perda ponderal são também descritos. O diagnóstico é feito por biópsia, que deve afastar a presença de transformação maligna, que ocorre em 30-50% dos casos. Associado à biópsia, pode ser realizado um teste de hibridização para diagnosticar a infecção por HPV, principalmente os subtipos 6 e 11 que são comumente relacionados. O tratamento de escolha é a excisão cirúrgica radical, entretanto, os pacientes que apresentam lesão extensa com fístula, podem requerer colostomia temporária. Alguns autores advogam a amputação abdominoperineal do reto nos casos de infiltração dos esfíncteres ou do reto. O estudo foi designado para se avaliar a experiência do serviço de coloproctologia de um hospital de referência no Nordeste brasileiro com esta rara entidade, contribuindo com a literatura mundial na abordagem desta enfermidade.

ABSTRACTBuschke-Loewenstein Tumor or giant condyloma acuminatum is a disease caused by a DNA virus, the self-inoculable human papilloma virus (HPV), being sexually transmitted. Histologically BLT is a benign tumor, but with malignant clinical behavior and a high propensity for local recurrence and malignant degeneration. The clinical picture consists of the presence of a cauliflower-like bulky condylomatous perianal mass with multiple fistulous tracts, which can cause great destruction of the anal canal, with invasion of adjacent tissues. Bleeding, foul odor, local pain and weight loss are also described. The diagnosis is established by biopsy, that should exclude the presence of malignant transformation, which occurs in 30-50% of cases. Associated with a biopsy, the hybridization test may be performed to diagnose HPV infection, especially subtypes 6 and 11, that are commonly related. The treatment of choice is radical surgical excision; however, those patients presenting with extensive fistulous lesions may require a temporary colostomy. Some authors advocate an abdominoperineal resection in cases of infiltration of the sphincter or rectum. This study was designed to evaluate the experience of the service of Coloproctology at a referral hospital in Northeastern Brazil with this rare entity, contributing to world literature in addressing this disease.

Scaffolds produced with ceramics are commonly used as bone substitute. In this work calcium phosphate materials were used to produce the scaffolds, because HA and TCP have many similarities with bone tissue. For crystalline phase analysis the scaffolds were calcined at 750 °C and sintered at 1330 °C. Electron microscopy images showed HA and TCP nanoparticles and the compounds were identified by Fourier transform infrared spectrometer. X-ray diffraction showed this material to be mostly crystalline. X-ray fluorescence identified chemical contaminants. X-ray micro computerized tomography produces tomographic images of the objects in 360°. In vitro testing was used to study cells behavior in contact with this material in a controlled environment.