Nowadays, microwave-assisted procedures using closed vessels with thermal, chemical, and mechanical resistance are the state-of-the-art for efficient digestion of samples. Safety issues related to sample reactivity should be considered and analytical throughput is also a critical parameter. The choice of a specific vessel for a target application is not trivial and simple experiments are presented here for rice flour and bovine liver samples to illustrate effects of vessel design on digestion performance. Despite using the same heating program, the residual carbon contents varied from 22 to 67% to bovine liver digests and from 7 to 96% to rice flour digests. Quantitative recoveries were obtained for most analytes. Low recoveries were observed mainly for Ca and Fe. Analytical performance is related to different sizes, shapes and the gradient of temperature for each model of digestion vessel. It was demonstrated that taller vessels improved regeneration of nitric acid.

RESUMO: O tubarão-lixa, Ginglymostoma cirratum (Bonnaterre, 1778) é uma das espécies mais estudadas de elasmobrânquios. O conhecimento de sua biologia reprodutiva, no entanto, ainda é relativamente raro, particularmente no Oeste do Atlântico Sul. Este estudo objetivou a descrição morfológica do útero e ovário de G. cirratum, baseado em espécimes capturados na costa de Fortaleza/CE, no Nordeste do Brasil. Um total de dez fêmeas foi coletado de setembro de 2012 a junho de 2013, nos desembarques regulares da pesca artesanal, que comercializam essa espécie livremente. A metodologia foi de acordo com as analises macroscópica e histológica dos ovários e útero. G. cirratum tem o tipo de morfologia de ovário interno, com invaginações de tecido conjuntivo, que define compartimentos e separa grupos de oócitos em lotes ovígeros. O epitélio que reveste o ovário varia de epitélio simples colunar ciliado na área que não apresenta lotes ovígeros para epitélio simples cúbico na porção de revestimento do órgão epigonal, onde o tecido ovariano é ausente. A mucosa uterina possui células secretoras, evidenciadas pela coloração em Alcian Blue, indicando a produção de mucopolissacarídeos, mesmo em indivíduos imaturos. Este tubarão lecitotrófico apresenta a mucosa uterina vascularizada, sendo esta uma característica de espécies de elasmobrânquios vivíparos.

ABSTRACT: The nurse shark, Ginglymostoma cirratum (Bonnaterre, 1778) is one of the most studied species of elasmobranchs. However, the knowledge of their reproductive biology is still relatively rare, particularly in the western South Atlantic. This study aimed to describe the morphology of the uterus and the ovary of G. cirratum, based on specimens caught off at the Fortaleza/CE coast, northeast Brazil. Samples were collected from September 2012 to June 2013, from regular landings of artisanal fishing, which commercialize this species freely. A total of ten females were collected. The methodologies followed for analyzing the ovaries and uterus of those females included both macroscopic and histological analysis. G. cirratum has internal type ovary morphology, with invaginations of connective tissue, which defines compartments and separate oocyte groups in ovigerous lots. The epithelium lining the ovary changes from simple columnar ciliated in the area without ovigerous lots, which turns into a simple cubic epithelium in the coating portion of the epigonal organ where ovarian tissue is absent. The uterine mucosa has secretory cells denoted by Alcian Blue staining, indicating the production of mucopolysaccharides, even in immature individuals. This lecithotrophic shark has a uterine vascularized mucosa that is one characteristic of viviparous elasmobranch species.

Background: Central and peripheral mechanisms may be involved in migraine and tension-type headache pathogenesis, however the role of muscle disorders in their pathophysiological mechanisms remains unclear. Objectives: To assess the association between the presence of migraine or tension-type headache and changes in longus colli muscle dimensions and sternocleidomastoid muscle activity. Method: An observational study with 48 women comparing the following groups: migraine (n=21), tension-type headache (n=16), and control (n=11). The cross-sectional area, lateral and anteroposterior dimensions, and shape ratio of the longus colli muscle were measured using ultrasound. The activation of the sternocleidomastoid muscle was assessed by signal amplitude and the decline in median frequency using surface electromyographic analysis. Results: The dimensions of the longus colli muscle did not differ between groups (p>0.05). Post-test analysis showed lower sternocleidomastoid muscle activation on both sides, at the onset of contraction, in the group with tension-type headache when compared to the control group {right sternocleidomastoid [tension-type headache: 0.39 (0.30-0.49); control: 0.58 (0.42-0.76); p=0.026] and left sternocleidomastoid [tension-type headache: 0.39 (0.31-0.48); control: 0.60 (0.42-0.79); p=0.039], Tukey's post hoc test}. There was no difference between the three groups in sternocleidomastoid muscle activation, on both sides, at the end of contraction (p>0.05). Intergroup analysis showed no difference in the rate of decline in median frequency (p>0.05). Conclusion: The group with tension-type headache exhibited less activation at the onset of sternocleidomastoid muscle contraction. No association was observed between the presence of headache and alterations in longus colli muscle dimensions, median frequency, and sternocleidomastoid muscle activation at the end of contraction.

O experimento foi conduzido em Lavras-MG, e teve como objetivo avaliar, técnica e economicamente, o efeito de diferentes lâminas de irrigação aplicadas por gotejamento na produtividade do feijão-de-metro. O delineamento experimental foi em blocos casualizados, com cinco tratamentos e quatro repetições. Os tratamentos constituíram-se de cinco lâminas de irrigação por gotejamento, sendo: 40; 70; 100; 130 e 160 % da lâmina de reposição de água até a capacidade de campo. As lâminas de água que maximizam a produtividade e o retorno econômico foram obtidas a partir do modelo de regressão em função de dados de produtividade, das relações de preço do produto e do custo da água. A viabilidade econômica foi obtida com base na relação benefício/custo. A lâmina de máximo retorno econômico foi estimada em 431,3 mm, com uma produtividade de 35.156,6 kg ha-1, que é viável economicamente para o cultivo do feijão-de-metro, com uma rentabilidade esperada de R$ 1,7 para cada real investido.

This experiment was conducted in Lavras - state of Minas Gerais (MG), Brazil, in a protected environment, and aims to estimate the irrigation depths that maximize productivity and economic returns in the cultivation of asparagus bean and analyze the economic viability of irrigation management. The experimental delineation was randomized blocks with five treatments and four replications. The treatments consisted of five drip irrigation depths: 40, 70, 100, 130 and 160% of water replacement depth up to field capacity. The depths of water that maximize productivity and economic returns were obtained from the regression model adjusted to productivity data, cost of product relations and water cost. The economic viability was achieved on the benefit/cost ratio basis. The depth with the maximum economic return was estimated in 434.4mm, with a productivity of 35,160.6kg ha-1, which is economically viable for the cultivation of asparagus bean, with a expected profitability of R$ 1.70 for every real invested.

Este trabalho tem como objetivo estudar o trato reprodutivo feminino de tubarões lombo preto, Carcharhinus falciformis, capturados no Atlântico Sul e Equatorial. As amostras foram coletadas entre janeiro de 2008 e março de 2010, através das embarcações da frota atuneira, que tem como pesca alvo o atum e espadarte, com um total de 17 fêmeas coletadas. A metodologia seguida para analisar os ovários das fêmeas incluiu a análise macroscópica e histológica. Macroscopicamente, foi possível determinar que o ovário destes tubarões, é suspenso por mesentério na seção anterior da cavidade do corpo, muito irrigada por vasos sanguíneos, contendo uma vasta gama de ovócitos. Os ovários foram encontrados em três diferentes estágios de maturação: estádio I (imaturo), estágio II (maturação) e fase III (Maturo). Ovários imaturos foram pequenos, com largura variando de 1,0 a 3,1 centímetros, e tinham uma estrutura gelatinosa ou granulosa interna; ovários em maturação foram ligeiramente maiores, variando de largura entre 5,2 e 6,0 cm; ovários maduros variaram de largura entre 6,5 e 7,8 cm, possuíam uma forma mais arredondada e a presença de ovócitos grandes e bem desenvolvidos. Ao exame microscópico, foi possível observar que os ovários foram cobertos com tecido epitelial simples durante os estágios iniciais de desenvolvimento, e um epitélio cúbico simples na fase final de maturação. Durante os estágios iniciais de maturação, o órgão epigonal não foi diferenciado do ovário. Em espécimes maduros, o ovário mostrou um epitélio cúbico simples, e só abaixo deste epitélio havia uma camada de tecido conjuntivo denso e músculo com a presença de ovócitos vitelogênicos e células de gordura. Também foi evidenciada uma membrana fina juntando os ovócitos. Finalmente, foi possível distinguir uma zona pelúcida, separando os ovócitos da parede do folículo e uma lâmina basal entre as camadas granular e da camada teca.

This work aims to study the female reproductive tract of silky sharks, Carcharhinus falciformis, captured in the South and Equatorial Atlantic Ocean. Samples were collected between January 2008 and March 2010 through oceanic commercial vessels that targeted tuna and swordfish, with a total of 17 females collected. The methodologies followed for analyzing the ovaries of those females included both macroscopic and histological analysis. Macroscopically, it was possible to determine that the ovaries on these sharks is suspended by mesenteries in the anterior section of the body cavity, heavily irrigated by blood vessels, and contains a wide range of oocytes. Ovaries were found in three distinct maturational stages: Stage I (Immature), Stage II (Maturing) and Stage III (Mature). Immature ovaries were small, with widths ranging from 1.0 to 3.1 cm, and had a gelatinous or granulose internal structure; maturing ovaries were slightly larger, ranging in width between 5.2 and 6.0 cm; mature ovaries ranged in width between 6.5 and 7.8 cm, and had a more rounded shape and the presence of large and well developed oocytes. Under microscopic examination, it was observed that the ovaries were covered with simple epithelial tissue during the early development stages and a simple cubic epithelium in the final stages of maturation. During the initial maturation stages the epigonal organ was not differentiated from the ovary. In mature specimens, the ovary showed a simple cubic epithelium and just below this epithelium there was a layer of dense connective tissue and muscle with the presence of vitellogenic oocytes and fat cells. A thin yolk membrane enclosing the oocytes was also evident. Finally, it was possible to distinguish a zona pellucida, separating the oocytes from the follicle wall and a basal lamina between the granular layers and the teak layer.

O manejo adequado da irrigação é uma prática agrícola que requer informações para cada cultura explorada, em particular nas fases fenológicas do ciclo produtivo pois muitas espécies possuem períodos críticos durante os quais o estresse hídrico causa sérias reduções na produção. Este trabalho teve, como objetivo, avaliar o efeito de cinco níveis de potencial matricial de água no solo sobre o crescimento e produção do feijão-de-metro. O experimento foi conduzido em casa de vegetação, na área experimental pertencente ao Departamento de Engenharia da Universidade Federal de Lavras, Lavras, MG. O delineamento experimental foi o de blocos casualizados, em esquema fatorial 5 x 2, com quatro repetições. Os tratamentos foram constituídos de cinco potenciais matriciais de água no solo como indicativos do momento de irrigar (-15, -35, -55, -75 e -95 kPa), em duas fases fenológicas (vegetativa e produtiva), monitorados por sensores instalados a 0,15 m de profundidade. Os resultados permitiram concluir que a fase mais sensível ao déficit hídrico foi a produtiva e que a irrigação realizada no potencial matricial em torno de -15 kPa induziu a melhor resposta da cultura quanto ao desenvolvimento, produção e qualidade das vagens.

Proper irrigation water management requires knowledge on each exploited crop; particularly regarding vegetative and productive phases since many species have critical periods during which water stress causes serious yield reductions. This study was undertaken so as to assess the effect of five matric potential levels on asparagus bean growth and yield. The experiment was conducted under greenhouse conditions at the experimental area of Department of Engineering, Federal University of Lavras, Lavras, MG. The experimental design was randomized blocks in factorial 5 x 2. The treatments consisted of five matric potentials as indicative of the irrigation scheduling -15 -35 -55 -75 -95 kPa and at two phenological stages (vegetative and reproductive) as monitored by sensors installed at 0.15 m depth. The results allowed to conclude that the most sensitive phase to water deficit was the productive, and that irrigation held at matric potential around -15 kPa led to better crop response in the development, production and quality of pods.

OBJECTIVES AND INTRODUCTION: Gastroschisis is a congenital abdominal wall defect with increasing occurrence worldwide over the past 20-30 years. Our aim was to analyze the morbidity of newborns after gastroschisis closure, with emphasis on metabolic and hydroelectrolyte disturbances in patients at three tertiary university centers. METHODS: From January 2003 to June 2009, the following patient data were collected retrospectively: (A) Background maternal and neonatal data: maternal age, prenatal diagnosis, type of delivery, Apgar scores, birth weight, gestational age and sex; (B) Surgical modalities: primary or staged closure; and (C) Hospital course: levels of serum sodium and levels of serum albumin in the two first postoperative days, number of ventilation days, other postoperative variables and survival. Statistical analyses were used to examine the associations between some variables. RESULTS: 163 newborns were included in the study. Primary closure of the abdominal defect was performed in 111 cases (68.1%). The mean serum sodium level was 127.4¡6.7 mEq/L, and the mean serum albumin level was 2.35¡0.5 g/dL. Among the correlations between variables, it was verified that hyponatremia and hypoalbuminemia correlated with the number of days on the ventilator but not with the number of days on total parenteral nutrition (TPN); mortality rate correlated with infection. The final survival rate was 85.9%. CONCLUSION: In newborns with gastroschisis, more aggressive attention to hyponatremia and hypoalbuminemia would improve the outcome.

The study of the electrochemical degradation of the ranitidine was developed using an electrochemical reactor with a gas diffusion electrode (GDE) as cathode. The electrolysis experiments was performed at constant current (1 < A < 10) and flow rate of 200 L h-1. The process of drug degradation, chemical/electrochemical and electro-Fenton ways, using electrochemical reactor showed best efficiency at current values of > 4 A. The process reached a production of 630 mg L-1 of the H2O2 at 7 A. The ranitidine concentrations was reduced in 99.9% (HPLC) and chemical oxygen demand (COD) was reduced in 86.7% by electro-Fenton.

This paper describes a degradation study of the anti-inflammatory sodium diclofenac in aqueous medium using an electro-chemical flow reactor with a gas diffusion electrode as cathode. Two degradation processes were compared: by H2O2 electro-generated and H2O2 electro-generated/Fe(II). Concentration of sodium diclofenac was determined during the experiments by HPLC. The changes in chemical oxigen demand (COD) were also evaluated. Under the specific reaction conditions, 350 mg L-1 of H2O2 was electro-generated and 99.2% of sodium diclofenac was degradated, with 27.4% COD reduction. At the same conditions, but using Fe(II), drug degradation was 99.4% and the COD reduction was 63.2%.

OBJECTIVE: Report the results of laparoscopic upper-pole nephroureterectomy in infants. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Six consecutive infants underwent 7 laparoscopic upper-pole nephroureterectomy. Pre and postoperative evaluation included renal sonography, voiding cystourethrogram and renal scintigraphy. All infants showed upper-pole exclusion. Surgery was performed through a transperitoneal approach with full flank position in all infants. Three or 4 ports were used according to the necessity of retracting the liver. The distal ureter was ligated close to the bladder whenever reflux was present and the dysplastic upper-pole was divided with the help of an electrocautery. Data regarding operative time, postoperative use of analgesics, time to resume oral feeding, hospital stay and tubular function were collected and analyzed. RESULTS: All procedures were concluded as planned. Mean operative time was 135 min. One patient underwent staged bilateral upper-pole nephrectomy. There were no complications and the postoperative hospital stay was 48 hours in 5 procedures and 24 hours in 2 procedures. Pain medication was required only in the first day. Renal tubular function showed improvement in half of the cases. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy is a safe and feasible procedure in infants. Due to the magnification provided by the lenses, a better vision of the structures is achieved, facilitating selective dissection of vascular upper-pole, renal parenchyma and distal ureter. This approach is less damaging to the lower pole, and is associated to low morbidity and a short hospital stay.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar os resultados anatômicos e cosméticos das genitoplastias feminizantes realizadas em meninas com genitália ambígua devido à Hiperplasia Congênita das Adrenais (HCA). CASUÍSTICA E MÉTODOS: Vinte e sete meninas com HCA e ambigüidade genital (Prader III-V) foram submetidas a genitoplastia feminizante em um estágio e acompanhadas por período médio de quatro anos. Em doze meninas, dois retalhos labioescrotais em ilha foram associados à genitoplastia convencional para adequar os grandes lábios e ampliar o intróito vaginal. Episódios de infecção urinária foram observados em dezesseis meninas no pré-operatório e em apenas sete no pós-operatório. Os resultados cosméticos foram avaliados por meio de sistematização da avaliação anatômica das diferentes estruturas RESULTADOS: Os da clitoroplastia foram considerados bons em 62,9% dos casos; houve atrofia clitoriana em quatro meninas. Excesso de grandes lábios ocorreu em 25%, e persistência do seio-urogenital em 11% (três meninas nas quais não havia sido associado retalho labioescrotal). O retalho labioescrotal em ilha foi considerado de simples confecção e reprodução. Cinco meninas precisaram ser re-operadas. De um modo geral, os resultados cosméticos foram considerados ótimos ou bons em 63% dos casos, satisfatórios em 18,5% e insatisfatórios ou ruins em 18,5%. CONCLUSÕES: Os resultados anatômicos e cosméticos foram classificados como bons na maioria dos casos, porém alguns aspectos técnicos devem ser ajustados com a intenção de evitar complicações irreversíveis e re-operações.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the anatomical and cosmetic results of feminizing genitoplasty in girls with ambiguous genitalia due to Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH). CASUISTIC AND METHOD: Twenty-seven females with genital ambiguity (Prader III-V) due to CAH underwent an one-stage feminizing genitoplasty and were followed for a mean time of 4 years. In twelve girls, two cutaneous labioscrotal island-flaps were associated with the conventional genitoplasty, to decrease the excess of labia majora and to enlarge the vaginal introitus. Urinary tract infections were observed in sixteen girls in the preoperative and in only seven in the postoperative period. The cosmetic results were obtained by the systematic anatomical evaluation of the different structures that compose the genitalia. RESULTS: The results of clitoroplasty were considered good in 63% of the cases; however, 4 girls developed clitoral atrophy. An excess of labia majora was present in 25% and persistence of the urogenital sinus occurred in 11% (three children without labioscrotal island flap). The labioscrotal island flap was considered technically feasible and reproducible. Five girls had to be re-operated. The cosmetic results were considered excellent or good in 63% of the cases, satisfactory in 18.5% and unsatisfactory or bad in 18.5%. CONCLUSIONS: The anatomical and cosmetic results were good in majority of the cases; however, some technical aspects should be adjusted, to avoid irreversible sequels and re-operations.

This paper describes a review on internal standardization in atomic absorption spectrometry with emphasis to the systematic and random errors in atomic absorption spectrometry and applications of internal standardization in flame atomic absorption spectrometry and electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry. The rules for selecting an element as internal standard, limitations of the method, and some comments about the application of internal standardization in atomic absorption spectrometry and the future of this compensation strategy are critically discussed.

A presença de canal arterial patente (PCA) com grande shunt sistêmico -pulmonar no prematuro com síndrome de angústia respiratória (SAR) está quase sempre associada a insuficiência cardíaca, displasia broncopulmonar, enterocolite necrotizante, hemorragia intracraniana e morte. A ligadura do canal melhora a complacência pulmonar, reduz, significativamente, o tempo de assistência ventilatória e melhora 0 estado geral do paciente. Depois da introdução, nesta última década, da indometacina para a interrupção do PCA, no prematuro, vários estudos vêm procurando estabelecer as vantagens de uma forma de tratamento sobre a outra. O propósito do nosso estudo é comparar os resultados obtidos em 48 pacientes (pts.) (Grupo 1) submetidos a ligadura cirúrgica, nos últimos 8 anos, com 28 pts. (Grupo 2) nos quais a indometacina foi, preferentemente, utilizada. A idade gestacional média do Grupo 1 foi de 29,13 ± 2,33 semanas (24-34) e de 28,39 ± 2,30 semanas (25-32) no Grupo 2. O peso médio foi de 954,17 ± 220,68 g (540-1750 g) no Grupo 1 e de 923,21 ± 191,74 g (550-1400 g) no Grupo 2. Trinta e três (60,75%) dos pts. do Grupo 1 eram menores do que 1000 g (prematuros extremos), enquanto que 21 do Grupo 2 (75,0%) estavam nessa condição. Nove pacientes (32,1%) do Grupo 2 foram transferidos para o Grupo 1, devido ao insucesso da terapêutica com a indometacina, ou pela intolerância às doses indicadas. A ligadura foi realizada na própria unidade de terapia intensiva em 31 pts. (64,5%). A técnica empregada tem sido a de uma toracotomia póstero-lateral pequena, com preservação dos músculos do tórax e abertura pelo 3º ou 4º espaço intercostal. Por via extrapleural, o canal é alcançado e ligado com dois clips metálicos. Inicialmente, o tórax era rotineiramente drenado, apenas quando havia abertura da pleura. Mais recentemente, mesmo com a pleura aberta, somente são drenados os casos que apresentam pneumotórax prévio, ou então sangramento excessivo. A mortalidade no Grupo 1 foi de 18,75% (9 pts.) e, no Grupo 2, de 25,0% (7 pts.). Quatro pacientes do Grupo 2 transferidos para o Grupo 1 faleceram. As causas de óbito no Grupo 1 foram sépsis e hemorragia intracraniana; no Grupo 2, sépsis, enterocolite necrotizante com perfuração localizada, hemorragia intracraniana e penumotórax. Nos dois grupos, a mortalidade foi significantemente maior nos prematuros extremos. A despeito dos problemas de comparação entre os 2 grupos e das conclusões limitadas que podem ser retiradas de um estudo retrospectivo e não randomizado, acreditamos que os resultados da ligadura cirúrgica são nitidamente superiores aos obtidos com o uso da indometacina.

Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in low-birth-weight premature infants has been associated with congestive heart failure, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, necrotizing enterocolitis, intracranial hemorrhage, and death. Surgical ligation of the PDA in these infants has improved lung compliance, decreased the duration of assisted ventilation, and increased nutritional utilization. After the introduction of indomethacin for the pharmacological interruption of the PDA in the last decade, several studies have been reported which attempted to establish advantages of the pharmacological treatment over the surgical ligature. The purpose of our study is to compare the results obtained in 48 consecutive patients (Group 1) who underwent surgical ligature of the PDA in the last 8 years, with 28 patients (Group 2), who underwent indomethacin therapy. The mean gestational age of Group 1 was 29.13 ± 2.33 weeks (range, 24-34 weeks), and 28.39 ± 2.30 weeks (range, 25-32 weeks) in Group 2. The mean birth weight was 954.17 ± 220.86 g (range, 540-1750 g) in Group 1, and 923.21 ± 191.74 g (range 550-1400 g) in Group 2. Thirty three (60.75%) pts. from Group 1 weighed 1,000 g or less, and 21 pts. from Group 2 (75.0%) weighed less than 1,000 g. Nine pts. (32.1%) from Group 2 received indomethacin previously and were transferred to Group 1, due to failure to close the PDA or due to drug intolerance. Ligation of the PDA was performed in the neonatology intensive care unit, in 31 pts. (64.5%). Usually a small postero-lateral thoracotomy, with preservation of the latissimus dorsi and anterior serratus muscles, with thorax access through the 3rd or 4th intercostal spaces. The ductus is isolated by an extrapleural path, and ligated with two or three a medium hemoclips. In our early experience pleural drainage was employed routinely in all patients. Later, it was used only when the pleura was inadvertently opened, and more recently pleural drainage was used only in patients who had preexisting pneumothorax or excessive bleeding. The overall mortality in Group 1 was 18.75% (9 pts.) and in Group 2 was 25.0% (7 pts.). Four patients from Group 2 who were transferred to Group 1, died. Causes of death in Group 1, included sepsis, intraventricular hemorrhage, necrotizing enterocolitis and focal perforations, and pneumothorax. Patients who weighed more than 1,000 g had a better survival and a shorter period of assisted ventilation than patients weighing less than 1,000 g. Despite the problems of comparison between the two groups, and limited conclusions that can be drawn from a retrospective and non randomized study, we believe that surgical ligature for PDA was associated with significant less morbidity and mortality, than patients treated with indomethacin.