RESUMO Objetivo: Traduzir e validar o questionário de olho seco e lentes de contato (CLDEQ-8) para o português e descrever o impacto das lentes de contato gelatinosas na superfície ocular. Métodos: Estudo transversal e descritivo com o objetivo de (1) traduzir e validar o CLDEQ-8 para o português e (2) aplicar o CLDEQ-8 em um grupo de usuários de lentes de contato, juntamente com uma ampla avaliação do impacto das lentes gelatinosas na superfície ocular. A avaliação do impacto das lentes gelatinosas foi realizada em uma amostra composta por 81 indivíduos, divididos em dois grupos: 61 usuários de lente de contato (Grupo A) e um grupo controle de 20 não usuários (Grupo B). Como critério de exclusão: usuário de lentes de contato rígidas, doenças sistêmicas ou oculares prévias, uso de medicamentos que podem causar danos a superfície ocular e cirurgias oculares prévias. Resultados: Para a tradução e validação do questionário CLDEQ-8, os valores de concordância Kappa foram iguais ou superiores a 0,7 em todas as perguntas, o que implica em uma boa concordância entre as versões em português e inglês. Considerando a avaliação da superfície ocular dos sujeitos, todos os parâmetros diferiram nos usuários de lente de contato em comparação com os controles (com p<0,05), exceto naqueles relacionados ao volume lacrimal, como altura do menisco lacrimal e teste de Schirmer. Conclusões: Este estudo forneceu uma versão traduzida para o português e validada do questionário CLDEQ-8, que representa uma importante ferramenta na avaliação de usuários de lente de contato. A avaliação da superfície ocular realizada demonstra a relação entre o uso de lentes de contato gelatinosas e os distúrbios da superfície ocular.

ABSTRACT Purpose: To translate and validate the Contact Lens Dry Eyes Questionnaire (CLDEQ-8) to Portuguese language and to describe the impact of soft contact lenses on the ocular surface. Methods: We conducted a descriptive transversal study with the aim to: (1) translate and validate the CLDEQ-8 questionnaire to Portuguese language and (2) apply the CLDEQ-8 to a group of contact lens wearers along with a broad evaluation of the impact of soft contact lens on the ocular surface. The evaluation of the impact of soft contact lens was performed for a study population of 81 subjects, categorized in two groups: Group A: 61 contact lens wearers and Group B (control): 20 noncontact lens wearers. The study exclusion criteria were rigid contact lens wear, systemic or ocular diseases, the use of medications predisposing to ocular surface damage, and previous ocular surgeries. Results: For the CLDEQ-8 questionnaire translation and validation, Kappa agreement values were ³0.7 in all questions, implying a good agreement between the Portuguese and English language versions. Considering the ocular surface evaluation of the subjects, all parameters differed in Soft contact lens wearers when compared with the controls (p<0.05), except in those related to tear volume, such as the tear meniscus height and Schirmer test. Conclusions: This study provided a translated and validated Portuguese version of CLDEQ-8 questionnaire, which represents an important tool for the evolution of contact lens wearers. The broad evaluation of the ocular surface revealed an association between soft contact lens wearing and ocular surface disturbances.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the complete yeast supplement (LC) and the cell wall (PcSc) of Saccharomyces cerevisiae on the weight gain, feed conversion and characteristics of the carcass in Rambouillet lamb. The treatments were: T1 (without LC and without PcSc), T2 (1 g/kg-1 MS LC) and T3 (0.6 g/kg-1 MS PcSc) with six repetitions (lambs) per treatment. The experiment lasted 55 days. Eighteen lambs (36.5 ± 2.5 kg) were housed in individual pens and received water and a diet that provided 14.8% protein and 12 384.64 kJ/kg-1 MS. Daily weight gain and feed conversion were evaluated during fattening, as well as the weight of the hot and cold carcass, pH, temperature (45 min and 24 h) and target color (24 h) of the carcass. There were no significant differences for daily body-weight gain or for feed conversion due to the treatments, but in the color characteristics the variables a* and C had a significant difference (p<0.05) when adding LC or PcSc.

El objetivo del estudio fue evaluar el efecto del suplemento de levadura completo (LC) y de la pared celular (PcSc) de Saccharomyces cerevisiae sobre la ganancia de peso, conversión alimenticia y características de la canal del cordero Rambouillet. Los tratamientos fueron: T1 (sin LC y sin PcSc), T2 (1 g/kg-1 MS LC) y T3 (0.6 g/kg-1 MS PcSc) con seis repeticiones (corderos) por tratamiento. La prueba duró 55 días. Se trabajó con 18 corderos (36.5±2.5 kg) alojados en corrales individuales que recibieron agua y una dieta que proporcionó 14.8% de proteína y 12 384.64 kJ/kg-1 MS. Se evaluó la ganancia diaria de peso y la conversión alimenticia durante la engorda, así como el peso de la canal caliente y fría, pH, temperatura (45 min y 24 h) y el color objetivo (24 h) de la canal. No hubo diferencias significativas para la variable ganancia diaria de peso ni para conversión alimenticia por efecto de los tratamientos, pero las variables de color a* y C tuvieron una diferencia estadística significativa (p<0.05) al agregar LC o PcSc.

Abstract The production of milk-clotting enzyme (MCE) by free and immobilized Bacillus circulans 25 cells was investigated. The investigation evaluates cell immobilization through entrapment and covalent binding to different carriers. B. circulans 25 cells immobilized covalently via glutaraldehyde (cross-linker) to natural wool exhibited higher effectiveness factor (0.76) compared to other carriers. Immobilized cells produce maximum level of MCE and highest ratio of milk-clotting activity/proteolytic activity (MCA/PA) after 24 h using 0.4g wet weight cells/g wool. In batch operation, decreasing biomass loading to 0.2 g enhanced the MCA/PA ratio and specific productivity by 5.94 and 59.88%, respectively. Immobilized cells on natural wool as an effective and suitable carrier were able to produce the same level of MCA, productivity and MCA/PA ratio for 9 repeated cycles (216 h). Under continuous operation immobilized cells in a packed-bed bioreactor were able to keep producing MCA with MCA/PA ratio for about 7 days at the same level. Moreover, continuous operation demonstrates a very good productivity of 0.385 KU/L/h, which is higher than the other production systems by 7.0-11.7 fold. Immobilized B. circulans 25 cells proved to be fully capable of continuous MCE production in a packed-bed bioreactor.

Abstract Introduction Idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSNHL) is hearing loss of at least 30 dB in at least 3 contiguous frequencies within at least 72 hours. There are many different theories to explain it, and many differentmodalities are used for its management, such as: systemic steroids (SSs), intratympanic steroid injection (ITSI), hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HOT), antiviral drugs, and vasodilators or vasoactive substances. Objectives This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of the combination of the most common treatmentmodalities of ISSNHL and to compare the results if HOTwas not one of the treatment modalities administered. Methods The study was conducted with 22 ISSNHL patients with ages ranging from 34 to 58 years. The patients were divided into 2 groups; group A included 11 patients managed by SSs, ITSI, antiviral therapy, and HOT simultaneously, and group B included 11 patients exposed to the aforementioned modalities, with the exception of HOT. Results After one month, all of the patients in group A showed total improvement in hearing in all frequencies, with pure tone average (PTA) of 18.1 ± 2.2, while in group B, 5/11 (45.5%) patients showed total improvement, and 6 /11 (54.5%) patients showed partial improvement, with a total mean PTA of 28.1 ± 8.7. Conclusion The early administration of HOT in combination with other clinically approved modalities (SSs, ITSI, antiviral therapy) provides better results than the administration of the same modalities, with the exception of HOT, in the treatment of ISSNHL.

Abstract Introduction Tracheostomy is the commonest surgical procedure in intensive care units (ICUs). It not only provides stable airway and facilitates pulmonary toilet and ventilator weaning, but also decreases the direct laryngeal injury of endotracheal intubation, and improves patient comfort and daily living activity. Objective The objective of this study is to assess the incidence, indications, timing, complications (early and late), and the outcome of tracheostomy on patients in the intensive care units (ICU) at a university hospital in a developing country. Methods This study is an observational prospective study. It was performed at the otolaryngology department and ICU new surgery hospital on 124 ICU admitted patients. We collected patients' demographic records, cause of admission, indications of tracheostomy, mechanical ventilation, and duration of ICU stay. We also gathered patientś tracheostomy records including the incidence, timing, technique, type, early and late complications, and outcome. All tracheostomized patients received follow-up for 12 months. Results The indication for tracheostomy in ICU patients was mostly prolonged intubation (80.5%), followed by diaphragmatic paralysis (19.5%). All tracheostomies were done by the open approach technique. Tracheostomy for prolonged intubation was done within 17 to 26 days after intubation with a mean of 19.4 ± 2.07 days. Complications after tracheostomy were 13.9% tracheal stenosis and 25% subglottic stenosis. Conclusion Prolonged endotracheal intubation is theman indication of tracheostomy, performed after two weeks of intubation. Although there were no major early complications, laryngotracheal stenosis is still a challenging sequel for tracheostomy that needs to be investigated to be prevented.

Abstract: Forty French Alpine goats (39.3 ± 2.0 kg PVI, first calf) were used under a completely randomized desing to evaluate the effects of two sources of fodder on their diet: Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) (T1) and alfalfa + maralfalfa grass (Pennisetum purpureum Var CT-115) (T2) on the productive response, quality and fatty acids profile of the milk on the first third of the lactating period (60 d). The consumption of dry matter (CDM) was similar (p > 0.05) for both groups. The goats that received T1 produced 0.52 kg more milk (p < 0.01), without a significant effect in fat and lactose. T2 showed more concentration of protein, total solids, density and non fat solids. The concentration of short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) had a tendency to be greater (p = 0.07) in T1, in particular the caprylic acid increased (p < 0.05). On the other hand, both the long-chain fatty acids (LCFA) as well as the mono-unsaturated fatty acids were greater (p < 0.05) in T2. The linoleic acid was lower (p < 0.01) in T2, which was reflected in a greater (p < 0.05) concentration of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA). The inclusion of maralfalfa grass in the diet of the French Alpine milk goats has a positive effect on the quality and fatty acids profile, such as the conjugated linoleic acid, which has shown to have beneficial effects on nutrition and human health.

Resumen: Cuarenta cabras Alpino Francés (39.3 ± 2.0 kg PVI, primer parto) fueron usadas bajo un diseño completamente al azar para evaluar el efecto de dos fuentes de forraje en la dieta: Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) (T1) y alfalfa + maralfalfa (Pennisetum purpureum Var CT-115) (T2) sobre la respuesta productiva, calidad y perfil de ácidos grasos de la leche de cabra en el primer tercio de la lactación (60 d). El consumo de materia seca (CMS) fue similar (p > 0.05) para ambos grupos. Las cabras que recibieron el T1, produjeron 0.52 kg más de leche (p < 0.01), sin efecto significativo en el contenido de grasa y lactosa;T2 presentó mayor (p < 0.5) consentración de proteínas, sólidos totales, densidad y sólidos no grasos. La concentración de ácidos grasos de cadena corta (AGCC) tendió a ser mayor (p = 0.07) en T1, de manera particular aumentó el caprírico (p < 0.05). Por otra parte, tanto los ácidos grasos de cadena larga (AGCL), como los ácidos grasos mono insaturados fueron mayores (p < 0.05) en T2. El ácido linoleico fue menor (p < 0.01) en T2, lo cual se reflejó en una mayor (p < 0.05) concentración de ácido linoleico conjugado (ALC). La inclusión de maralfalfa en la dieta de cabras lecheras Alpino Francés, tiene un efecto positivo en la calidad y perfil de ácidos grasos, como el ácido linoleico conjugado, el cual ha demostrado tener efecto benéficos en la nutrición y salud humana.

Introduction Most patients after either superficial or total parotidectomy develop facial deformity and Frey syndrome, which leads to a significant degree of patient dissatisfaction. Objective Assess the functional outcome and esthetic results of the superiorly based sternocleidomastoid muscle (SCM) flap after superficial or total parotidectomy. Methods A prospective cohort study for 11 patients subjected to parotidectomy using a partial-thickness superiorly based SCM flap. The functional outcome (Frey syndrome, facial nerve involvement, and ear lobule sensation) and the esthetic results were evaluated subjectively and objectively. Results Facial nerve palsy occurred in 5 cases (45%), and all of them recovered completely within 6 months. The Minor starch iodine test was positive in 3 patients (27%), although only 1 (9%) subjectively complained of gustatory sweating. The designed visual analog score completed by the patients themselves ranged from 0 to 3 with amean of 1.55 _ 0.93; the scores fromthe blinded evaluators ranged from1 to 3 with a mean 1.64 _ 0.67. Conclusion The partial-thickness superiorly based SCM flap offers a reasonable cosmetic option for reconstruction following either superficial or total parotidectomy by improving the facial deformity. The flap also lowers the incidence of Frey syndrome objectively and subjectively with no reported hazard of the spinal accessory nerve.

Introduction Otitis media with effusion (OME) continues to be an important pediatric clinical problem, and more studies are needed to decide the proper treatment for it. Objective To assess the efficacy of nasal steroids in the management of OME by comparing its results with that of oral steroid and that of nasal saline spray as placebo. Methods This study was carried on 60 patients with OME who were divided into three groups: in group 1, 20 patients received mometasone furoate spray, one puff in each nostril daily, for 3 months; in group 2, 20 patients received oral prednisolone, 5 mg three times per day for the first 3 weeks; in group 3, 20 patients received nasal saline spray, one puff in each nostril daily for 3 months. Results A highly significant difference between systemic or topical (nasal spray) steroid therapy and saline nasal spray was detected (p < 0.001), and the difference between systemic and topical steroid was nonsignificant (p > 0.05). Conclusion Nasal steroid spray can be used as an effective treatment for OME, giving a significant result similar to systemic steroid. Further studies are needed to investigate its use for longer duration and in recurrent cases.

<sec><title>Introduction</title><p> Surfactant protein A (SP-A) exhibits antimicrobial properties and interacts with a variety of respiratory tract pathogens.</p></sec><sec><title>Objective</title><p> The objective of this study was to detect the presence of SP-A and measure its alterations in chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) and primary atrophic rhinitis (PAR) versus healthy controls.</p></sec><sec><title>Methods</title><p> Inferior turbinate and sinus mucosal biopsies were taken from 30 patients with CRS, 30 patients with PAR, and 20 healthy controls. Immunohistochemical staining for SP-A and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of SP-A messenger RNA were performed on nasal tissue samples.</p></sec><sec><title>Results</title><p> Immunostaining localized SP-A to the mucosa and submucosal glands in CRS specimens but failed to localize it in PAR specimens. Quantitative PCR showed a high, statistically significant increase in the SP-A levels of patients with CRS when compared with controls (<italic>p</italic> < 0.0001) and also demonstrated a significant reduction of SP-A in patients with PAR compared with controls (<italic>p</italic> < 0.005).</p></sec><sec><title>Conclusion</title><p> SP-A is significantly increased in CRS and decreased significantly in PAR and appears to be expressed by respiratory epithelial cells and submucosal glandular elements of the sinonasal mucosa. The potential therapeutic applications of surfactant in the enhancement of mucociliary clearance need to be studied.</p></sec>

Aspergillus niger β-glucosidase was modified by covalent coupling to periodate activated polysaccharides (glycosylation). The conjugated enzyme to activated starch showed the highest specific activity (128.5 U/mg protein). Compared to the native enzyme, the conjugated form exhibited: a higher optimal reaction temperature, a lower Ea (activation energy), a higher Km (Michaelis constant) and Vmax (maximal reaction rate), and improved thermal stability. The calculated t1/2 (half-life) values of heat in-activation at 60 °C and 70 °C were 245.7 and 54.5 min respectively, whereas at these temperatures the native enzyme was less stable (t1/2of 200.0 and 49.5 min respectively). The conjugated enzyme retained 32.3 and 29.7%, respectively from its initial activity in presence of 5 mM Sodium Dodecyl Sulphate (SDS) and p-Chloro Mercuri Benzoate (p-CMB), while the native enzyme showed a remarkable loss of activity (retained activity 1.61 and 13.7%, respectively). The present work has established the potential of glycosylation to enhance the catalytic properties of β-glucosidase enzyme, making this enzyme potentially feasible for biotechnological applications.

The aim of this study was to determine the nutritional composition of Acacia farnesiana, Acacia macilenta and Acacia cochliacantha fruits and determine the intake (FI) the relative palatability index (PI) and its correlation with the nutritional composition of fruit in sheep and goats. Sixteen females of sheep and goats were used: eight sheep (F1 Dorper X Pelibuey body weight 18.5 ± 1.5 kg) and eight Creole goats (body weight 20.6 ± 1.8 kg). Animals were housed in individual pens (1.0 X 1.20 m) and fed on fruits (ad libitum) of the three acacias and corn stover (CS) for 24 hours during 15 days of experiment. Neutral and acid detergent fiber content, total phenols (TP) and condensed tannins (CT) were different (P < 0.01) between the fruits species. Fruits of A. farnesiana and A. cochliacantha had the highest (P < 0.01) intake by goats, and sheep consumed more fruits of A. cochliacantha. On average, the FI was increased in goats (P < 0.05), but the IP was increased in sheep (P < 0.01). The FI and IP were positively correlated with protein content (P < 0.01) and TP (P < 0.05) and negatively with the content of acid and neutral detergents fibers (P < 0.01). It could be concluded that the fruits of A. cochliacantha and A. farnesiana have more nutritional value for sheep and goats because of their lower content of neutral and acid detergent fiber and highest palatability index observed.

El objetivo fue determinar la composición nutricional de los frutos de Acacia farnesiana, Acacia macilenta y Acacia cochliacantha y medir en las cabras y las ovejas el consumo de frutos (CF), el índice de palatabilidad relativo (IP) y su correlación con la composición nutricional de los frutos. Se utilizaron 16 hembras: 8 ovejas F1 Dorper X Pelibuey de 18,5 ± 1,5 kg de peso vivo y 8 cabras Criollas de 20,6 ± 1,8 kg de peso vivo. Los animales fueron alojados en corrales individuales (1,0 x 1,20 m) y se les ofreció a libre acceso los frutos de las tres acacias y rastrojo de maíz (RM) al mismo tiempo las 24 horas durante 15 días. El contenido de fibras detergentes ácida y neutra (P < 0,01), fenoles totales (FT) y taninos condensados (TC) (P < 0,01) fue diferente entre los frutos. Los frutos de A. farnesiana y A. cochliacantha fueron los más consumidos por las cabras (P < 0,01), y las ovejas consumieron más frutos de A. cochliacantha. En promedio el CF fue mayor en las cabras (P < 0,05), pero el IP fue mayor en las ovejas (P < 0,01). El CF y el IP tuvieron correlación positiva con el contenido de proteína (P < 0,01) y FT (P < 0,05) y negativa con el contenido de fibras detergentes ácida y neutra (P < 0,01). Se concluye que los frutos de A. farnesiana y A. cochliacantha tienen más valor alimenticio para ovejas y cabras por el menor contenido de fibras detergentes neutro y ácido y el mayor índice de palatabilidad observado.

β-Glucosidase from Aspergillus niger was immobilized on sponge by covalent binding through a spacer group (glutaraldehyde). Sponge-immobilized enzyme had the highest immobilization yield (95.67%) and retained 63.66% of the original activity exhibited by the free enzyme. The optimum pH of the immobilized enzyme remains almost the same as for the free enzyme (pH 4.0). The optimum temperature for β-glucosidase activity was increased by 10 ºC after immobilization. The activation energy (Ea) of the immobilized β-glucosidase was lower than the free enzyme (3.34 and 4.55 kcal/mol), respectively. Immobilized β-glucosidase exhibited great thermal stability and retained all the initial activity after incubation at 55 ºC for 2 h; however, the free enzyme retained 89.25% under the same condition. The calculated half-life (t½) value of heat inactivation of immobilized enzyme at 60, 65 and 70 ºC was 213.62, 72.95 and 56.80 min, respectively, whereas at these temperatures the free enzyme was less stable (half-life of 200.0, 55.31 and 49.5 min, respectively). The deactivation rate constant at 65 ºC for the immobilized β-glucosidase is 9.5x10-3/ min, which was lower than that of the free form (12.53x10-3/ min). The immobilization process improved the pH stability of the enzyme (immobilized and free enzyme retained 69.35 and 39.86%, respectively, of their initial activity after 45 min at pH 7.5). The effect of some chemical substances on the activity of the immobilized and free β-glucosidase has been investigated. In the presence of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and p-chloromercuri benzoate (p-CMB) the immobilized enzyme retained 36.13 and 45.34%, respectively, of the initial activity, which is higher than that of free enzyme (13.71 and 1.61%, respectively). The Michaelis constant (Km) value of the free enzyme was 40.0 mM, while the apparent Km value for the immobilized enzyme was 46.51 mM. The maximum reaction rate (v max) of immobilized β-glucosidase was smaller than that of the free enzyme by 7.69%. Sponge-immobilized β-glucosidase was repeatedly used to hydrolyze cellobiose (5 and 8 cycles with retained activity of 67.32 and 51.04%, respectively).

Standard Liesegang banding is the display of parallel bands of precipitate formed periodically when co-precipitate ions interdiffuse in a gel medium. The most striking resemblance with Liesegang patterns in Nature lies in the diverse scenery of banded textural features commonly observed in some geological materials, such as geodes, agates, malachites, as well as stratigraphic units of certain rock formations. Here, we explore the possible relationship between the Liesegang banding scenario and magmatic-type pattern formation, such as zonations in km-scale circular zoned plutons and anorogenic ring complexes, cyclic layering in large mafic - ultramafic layered intrusions and orbicular granites, as well as in mm-scale crystal zonations. We also investigate magmatic processes such as fractional crystallization, and the ranges of T and p that are compatible with operating conditions for Liesegang banding. For geochemical self-organization to operate via a Liesegang-type mechanism, a necessary condition is that the system be transiently out of equilibrium, and be described by complex nonlinear kinetic laws. We examine the viability of the development of geochemical patterns, in relation with the various requirements for the growth of Liesegang structures.