Abstract High-temperature cyclic oxidation is governed by various cycle parameters (maximum temperature, cooling and heating rates, exposure time at high temperature) and atmosphere (composition, temperature, and pressure), complicating the evaluation of the effect of each parameter by itself. This study used a factorial design to evaluate three influential parameters in cyclic oxidation: alloy composition, upper dwell time (UDT), and surface finish. The method requires fewer experiments than ones previously used and can identify interactions between parameter effects. Two alloys, a ferritic Fe-5.9Si-3.9Cr-4.5Ni-0.8C (FeSiCr) alloy and conventional austenitic stainless steel AISI 310 were exposed to air at 950 °C for 100 h. Two different surface finishes (#220 and #600 SiC sandpaper) and two UDTs (30 and 60 minutes) were used. Mass variation data from eight different exposure times and metal/oxide interface roughness were analyzed. The FeSiCr alloy oxide layer was also characterized to complement the statistical analysis results. It was observed that different test stages were governed by different parameters. The surface finish was relevant at the beginning of the test, whereas UDT was relevant at the end. Interactions were irrelevant thorough the test. FeSiCr presented a promising behavior, with similar mass variation and higher oxide spallation resistance than AISI 310.

SUMMARY: The rabbit is considered an ideal animal model for studies that describe abnormalities in the testicles due to the similar morphogenetic mechanisms of sexual development and diseases commonly found in humans. The aim of this study was to determine the male sexual differentiation of the New Zealand rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) through development. The gestational age was estimated and classified as 9, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 23 and 28 gestational days. The morphological and sexual determination were performed by histological analysis of the reproductive tract in the embryos and fetuses (9-28 days) as well as by immunohistochemistry- Desert hedgehog-Dhh- (testis-specific protein on Y chromosome- 16, 20, 23 days and adult rabbits). Gonads were observed from the 14th day in an undifferentiated stage and with homogeneous aspect. Sexual differentiation was observed from the 16th day with presence of cells forming gonadal cords and Dhh+ cells in the gonadal parenchyma. From the 18th gestational day testicular cords were observed, which evolved into organized seminiferous tubules. The formation of the efferent ducts and ductus deferens and epididymis was observed on the 20th and 23rd days, respectively. The differentiation of the external genitalia occurred from the 23rd days from the anogenital distance and was identified to identify the penile structures. In summary, the features of the sexual differentiation were determined by observation of the Dhh+ protein in embryos from the 16th day to adulthood, and the morphological particularities observed from the 18th gestational day, determined by differentiation of the external genitalia from the 23rd day.

RESUMEN: El conejo se considera un modelo animal ideal para estudios que describen anomalías a nivel testícular debido a que presenta mecanismos morfogenéticos similares al desa- rrollo sexual y enfermedades que se encuentran comúnmente en los seres humanos. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar la diferenciación sexual masculina del conejo de Nueva Zelanda (Oryctolagus cuniculus) a través del desarrollo. La edad gestacional se estimó y clasificó en 9, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 23 y 28 días gestacionales. La determinación morfológica y sexual se realizó mediante análisis histológico del tracto reproductivo en los embriones y fetos (9 - 28 días) así como mediante inmunohistoquímica -Desert hedgehog-Dhh- (proteína testicular específica en el cromosoma Y- 16, 20, 23 días y conejos adultos). Las gónadas se observaron a partir del día 14 en un estadio indiferenciado y con aspecto homogéneo. Se observó diferenciación sexual a partir del día 16 con presencia de células formadoras de cordones gonadales y células Dhh+ en el parénquima gonadal. A partir del día 18 de gestación se observaron cordones testiculares, que evolucionaron a túbulos seminíferos organizados. La formación de los conductos eferentes, deferentes y del epidídimo se observó a los 20 y 23 días, respectivamente. La diferenciación de los genitales externos ocurrió a partir del día 23 desde la distancia anogenital y se utilizó para identificar las estructuras del pene. En conclusión, las características de la diferenciación sexual se determinaron mediante la observación de la proteína Dhh en embriones desde el día 16 hasta la edad adulta, y las particularidades morfológicas observadas a partir del día 18 de gestación, determinadas por diferenciación de los genitales externos a partir del día 23.

ABSTRACT Obcjetive: to compare the perception of clinical competence of Nursing students at the beginning and at the end of the supervised internship in the last semester of the undergraduate course. Method: this is a descriptive, longitudinal study with a quantitative approach performed in the facilities of the nursing course of a public university. Seventeen academics from the last semester of undergraduate nursing course participated in the study. Data were collected from February to June 2017 in two moments, at the beginning and the end of the semester, by applying a translated and transculturally adapted clinical competence questionnaire, with 48 questions divided into two domains: nursing professional behaviors and competences/skills. Results: the participants were female, with a mean age of 26.2 years, and entered the institution between 2012 and 2013. There was statistical significance in the comparison of the perception of competences before and after the internship in both domains (p < 0.01). Conclusion: the students perceived an improvement in clinical competence, and at the end of the training, they stated that they were able and had skills to perform activities alone or with little supervision.

RESUMEN Objetivo: comparar la percepción de las competencias clínicas de los estudiantes de Enfermería al principio y al final de las pasantías supervisadas del último semestre del curso de grado. Método: se trata de un estudio descriptivo longitudinal, con enfoque cuantitativo realizado en las instalaciones del curso de Enfermería de una universidad pública. Participaron 17 académicos del último semestre del curso de grado en Enfermería. La recogida de datos fue realizada entre febrero y junio de 2017, en dos momentos, al principio y al término del semestre lectivo, mediante aplicación del cuestionario de competencias clínicas traducido y adaptado transculturalmente, que cuenta con 48 preguntas divididas en dos dominios: comportamientos profesionales de enfermería y competencias/habilidades. Resultados: las participantes eran de sexo femenino, con edad promedio de 26,2 años e ingresadas en la facultad entre 2012 y 2013. Hubo significancia estadística cuando se compararon la percepción de competencias antes y después de la pasantía en ambos dominios (p<0,01). Conclusión: los discentes percibieron mejora en las competencias clínicas y, al final de la pasantía, afirmaron ser capaces y tener habilidades para realizar actividades solos o con algún tipo de supervisión.

RESUMO Objetivo: comparar a percepção de competência clínica dos estudantes de Enfermagem ao início e ao final dos estágios supervisionados do último semestre da graduação. Método: trata-se de estudo descritivo e longitudinal, com abordagem quantitativa realizada nas dependências do curso de Enfermagem de uma universidade pública. Participaram 17 acadêmicos do último período da graduação em Enfermagem. A coleta de dados foi realizada no período de fevereiro a junho de 2017, em dois momentos, no início e término do semestre letivo, mediante aplicação do questionário de competência clínica traduzido e adaptado transculturalmente, que possui 48 questões divididas em dois domínios: comportamentos profissionais de Enfermagem e competências/habilidades. Resultados: as participantes eram do sexo feminino, com idade média de 26,2 anos e ingressaram na instituição entre 2012 e 2013. Houve significância estatística quando comparadas a percepção de competências antes e depois do estágio em ambos os domínios (p<0,01). Conclusão: os discentes perceberam melhora na competência clínica, e ao final do estágio afirmaram serem capazes e terem habilidades para realizar atividades sozinhos ou com alguma supervisão.

Background: Metabolic syndrome (MS) is suggested to be associated with a low grade inflammation state, but the relationship between inflammation biomarkers and the components of metabolic syndrome in adolescents are still lacking. Objective: To investigate the association between C-reactive protein (CRP) serum concentrations and metabolic syndrome components in adolescents. Methods: A cross-sectional population based study was conducted. Anthropometric, biochemical and clinical data were collected from 524 adolescents (11-15 years old) randomly sampled from school population of Alegre city, Espmto Santo, Brazil. Data were analyzed by STATA version 9.0. Results: Adolescents with higher values for BMI (p = 0.001) and higher body fat percentage (p = 0.003) had higher CRP concentrations than those with lower BMI and body fat percentage. CRP concentrations was directly correlated with BMI (r = 0.17, p = 0.0001), waist circumference (r = 0.15, p = 0.0005), HDL-c (r = 0.13, p = 0.003), fasting insulin (r = 0.12, p = 0.003) and systolic blood pressure (r = 0.11, p with = 0.01). In the multiple linear regression analysis BMI (r = 0.05, p = 0.002), fasting glucose (r = -0.01, p = 0.003) and HDL-c (r = 0.017, p < 0.001) were associated to CRP concentrations after adjusting for the other components of MS. Conclusion: The association found between individual components of MS and CRP concentrations suggests that inflammation might be an early event in the development of metabolic disorders in adolescents.

Antecedentes: El síndrome metabólico (SM) se sugiere que está asociada con un estado de inflamación crónica de bajo grado, pero la relación entre biomarcadores de inflamación crónica de bajo grado, pero la relación entre biomarcadores de inflamación y los componentes del síndrome metabólico en adolescentes son escasos. Objetivo: Investigar la asociación entre las concentraciones séricas de proteína C reactiva (CRP) y los componentes del síndrome metabólico en adolescentes. Metodología: Hemos realizado una población basada en estudio de corte transversal. Los datos antropométricos, bioquímicos y clínicos se obtuvieron de 524 adolescentes (11-15 años de edad) seleccionados al azar de la población escolar de la ciudad Alegre, Espírito Santo, Brasil. Los datos fueron analizados por STATA versión 9.0. Resultados: Los adolescentes, con valores más altos de IMC (p = 0,001) y mayor porcentaje de grasa corporal (p = 0,003) tuvieron mayores concentraciones de PCR que aquellos con menor IMC y porcentaje de grasa corporal. Las concentraciones de PCR se correlacionó directamente con el IMC (r = 0,17, p = 0,0001), la circunferencia de la cintura (r = 0,15, p = 0,0005), HDL-c (r = 0,13, p = 0,003), la insulina en ayunas (r = 0,12, p = 0,009) y la presión arterial sistólica (r = 0,11, p = a 0,01). En el análisis de regresión lineal múltiple IMC (r = 0,05, p = 0,002), la glucosa en ayunas (r = -0,01, p = 0,003) y HDL-c (r = 0,017, p < 0,001) se asociaron a las concentraciones de PCR después de ajustar por los otros componentes de SM. Conclusión: La asociación encontrada entre los componentes individuales de SM y las concentraciones de PCR sugiere que la inflamación podría ser un evento temprano en el desarrollo de trastornos metabólicos en los adolescentes.

O hábito de fumar pode reduzir a capacidade aeróbica, aumentar a resistência ao fluxo aéreo e afetar a função dos músculos respiratórios. O objetivo deste estudo foi comparar os efeitos do Treinamento Muscular Inspiratório (TMI) entre dois grupos: tabagistas e não tabagistas. Participaram 44 voluntários universitários, divididos em dois grupos: tabagistas (GT), composto por 20 indivíduos (25,60±7,01 anos) e não tabagistas, constituindo o Grupo Controle (GC), composto por 24 voluntários (24,08±7,52 anos). Ambos os grupos foram submetidos ao TMI, por meio do uso do manovacuômetro aneroide, com duração de 6 semanas, sendo 3 sessões semanais, totalizando 18 sessões. Os resultados mostraram diferença estatisticamente significativa (p<0,05) pós-TMI no GC para as variáveis: Pressão Inspiratória Máxima (PImáx), Pico de Fluxo Expiratório (PFE), Pressão Arterial Média ao repouso (PAM pré-TC6) e Teste de Caminhada de Seis Minutos (TC6). No GT, houve diferença estatisticamente significativa pós-TMI para as variáveis: PImáx, PFE, TC6 e saturação periférica de oxigênio após o TC6 (SpO2 pós-imediata). A comparação das médias das variáveis entre GT e GC mostrou diferença estatisticamente significativa no pós-TMI para as variáveis PImáx e PFE. A variável TC6 não apresentou diferença estatisticamente significativa. Conclui-se que o TMI proporcionou um aumento significativo da força muscular inspiratória, melhora da função pulmonar e melhora do desempenho físico nos indivíduos estudados.

Cigarette smoking may reduce the aerobic capacity, increase resistance to air flow and affect the function of the respiratory muscles. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of Inspiratory Muscle Training (IMT) between two groups: smokers and nonsmokers. Participated 44 college volunteers, divided into two groups: smokers (SG), composed of 20 individuals (25,60±7,01 years) and nonsmokers, constituting the Control Group (CG), composed of 24 volunteers (24,08±7,52 years). Both groups were submitted to TMI, through the use of the aneroid manometer, with duration of 6 weeks, being 3 sessions per week, totaling 18 sessions. The results showed differences statistically significant (p<0.05) post TMI in CG for the variables: Maximal Inspiratory Pressure (MIP), Peak Expiratory Flow (PEF), average arterial pressure in rest (PAM pre-6MWT) and six minute walk test (6MWT). In SG, there was statistically significant difference post TMI for the variables: MIP, PEF, 6MWT and peripheral oxygen saturation after 6MWT (post-immediate SpO2). The comparison of averages of the variables between SG and CG show statistically significant difference post TMI for the variables MIP and PEF. The variable 6MWT not presented statistically significant difference. We conclude that the IMT resulted in a significant increase in inspiratory muscle strength, improve lung function and improve physical performance in subjects studied.