Abstract Onychomycosis is the most common disease affecting the nail unit and accounts for at least 50% of all nail diseases. In addition, Candida albicans is responsible for approximately 70% of onychomycoses caused by yeasts. This study investigated the antifungal effect of (R) and (S)-citronellal enantiomers, as well as its predictive mechanism of action on C. albicans from voriconazole-resistant onychomycoses. For this purpose, in vitro broth microdilution and molecular docking techniques were applied in a predictive and complementary manner to the mechanisms of action. The main results of this study indicate that C. albicans was resistant to voriconazole and sensitive to the enantiomers (R) and (S)-citronellal at a dose of 256 and 32 µg/mL respectively. In addition, there was an increase in the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the enantiomers in the presence of sorbitol and ergosterol, indicating that these molecules possibly affect the integrity of the cell wall and cell membrane of C. albicans. Molecular docking with key biosynthesis proteins and maintenance of the fungal cell wall and plasma membrane demonstrated the possibility of (R) and (S)-citronellal interacting with two important enzymes: 1,3-β-glucan synthase and lanosterol 14α-demethylase. Therefore, the findings of this study indicate that the (R) and (S)-citronellal enantiomers are fungicidal on C. albicans from onychomycoses and probably these substances cause damage to the cell wall and cell membrane of these micro-organisms possibly by interacting with enzymes in the biosynthesis of these fungal structures.

Resumo A onicomicose é a doença mais comum que afeta a unidade ungueal e representa pelo menos 50% de todas as doenças ungueais. Além disso, a Candida albicans é responsável por aproximadamente 70% das onicomicoses causadas por leveduras. Nesse estudo, foi investigado o efeito antifúngico dos enantiômeros (R) e (S)-citronelal, bem como seu mecanismo de ação preditivo sobre C. albicans de onicomicoses resistentes ao voriconazol. Para este propósito, foram aplicadas técnicas in vitro de microdiluição em caldo e docking molecular de forma preditiva e complementar para os mecanismos de ação. Os principais resultados deste estudo indicam que C. albicans foi resistente ao voriconazol e sensível aos enantiômeros (R) e (S)-citronelal na dose de 256 e 32 µg/mL respectivamente. Além disso, houve aumento da concentração inibitória mínima (CIM) dos enantiômeros na presença do sorbitol e do ergosterol, indicando que estas moléculas possivelmente afetem a integridade da parede e da membrana celular de C. albicans. O docking molecular com proteínas chave da biossíntese e manutenção da parede celular e da membrana plasmática fúngica, demonstraram a possibilidade do (R) e (S)-citronelal interagir com duas importantes enzimas: 1,3-β-glucan sintase e lanosterol 14α-demetilase. Portanto, os achados desse estudo indicam que os enantiômeros (R) e (S)-citronelal são fungicidas sobre C. albicans de onicomicoses e provavelmente essas substâncias causem danos a parede e a membrana celular desses microrganismos possivelmente por interagir com as enzimas da biossíntese destas estruturas fúngicas.

ABSTRACT Congenital choanal atresia is characterized by the presence of plates obliterating the communication between the nasal cavity and the nasopharynx from birth. If bilateral, this condition is incompatible with life. This following is the case of a 17-year-old female patient, without associated syndromes, with bilateral nasal obstruction and anterior discharge, associated to oral breathing, starting in her neonatal period. The diagnosis of bilateral choanal atresia was confirmed by nasal endoscopy and computed tomography (CT) scan, due to the presence of atretic plates of mixed composition. The patient was surgically treated with plate resection and modeling of a neochoana by means of a transnasal surgical approach.

RESUMEN La atresia congénita de coanas se caracteriza por la presencia de placas que obliteran la comunicación entre la cavidad nasal y la nasofaringe desde el nacimiento. Se considera como incompatible con la vida cuando la condición es bilateral. El siguiente es el caso de una paciente femenina, de 17 años, sin síndromes asociados, con obstrucción y descarga nasal anterior bilateral, asociado a respiración oral desde el periodo neonatal. El diagnóstico de atresia bilateral de coanas fue confirmado por medio de endoscopía nasal y tomografía computarizada (TC). La imagen confirmó la presencia de placas atrésicas de composición mixta. La paciente recibió tratamiento quirúrgicamente por vía transnasal con resección de las placas y modelado de neocoana.

ABSTRACT Cutaneous tuberculosis represents less than 2% of all cases of infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Its low prevalence, associated with a wide variety in clinical presentation of the lesions, hinders and delays the diagnosis and, thus, treatment initiation. The following is the case of an 80-years old, female patient with an ulcerated, chronic lesion in the left ear auricle, with a torpid evolution and poor response to established pharmacological management; with a skin biopsy that showed chronic inflammatory reaction and the presence of acid-fast bacilli.

RESUMEN La tuberculosis cutánea representa menos del 2% de todos los casos de la infección por Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Su baja prevalencia, asociada a la amplia variedad en la presentación clínica de las lesiones, dificulta y retrasa el diagnóstico y, por tanto, el inicio del tratamiento. El siguiente es el caso de una paciente de 80 años, con una lesión ulcerada, crónica, en pabellón auricular izquierdo, con evolución tórpida y pobre respuesta al manejo farmacológico instaurado; con biopsia de piel que mostró reacción inflamatoria crónica y presencia de bacilos ácido-alcohol resistentes.

Abstract: Quercus cerris, the Turkey oak, is an oak species native to southern central and southeastern Europe, extending into southwestern Asia. It is present in a large extent in the forests of the Republic of Kosovo, and at present used mainly for bio-energy. The potential use of Q. cerris wood for construction and higher value wood products has been investigated in the last years. However limited information is available on wood characteristics and performance, mainly regarding chemical composition and durability. The heartwood of Q. cerris taken from 70-90 year-old trees grown in two sites in Kosovo was studied regarding resistance to termite attack, chemical composition and hardness. The heartwood contained only 6,7% extractives, with a small content of tannins. The wood density was on average 0,81 at 12% moisture content and Brinell hardness 36,2 N mm-2. It was classified as not durable against subterranean termites and therefore not suitable for external use in ground contact in termite areas unless adequately protected. Nevertheless, Q. cerris wood showed adequate hardness and density for interior uses like flooring for domestic and commercial applications with moderate use.

Abstract Background and aims: Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease is highly prevalent and its underlying pathogenesis involves dyslipidemia including pro-atherogenic high density lipoprotein (HDL) remodeling. Vitamins C and E have been proposed as atheroprotective agents for cardiovascular disease management. However, their effects and benefits on high density lipoprotein function and remodeling are unknown. In this study, we evaluated the role of vitamin C and E on non HDL lipoproteins as well as HDL function and remodeling, along with their effects on inflammation/ oxidation biomarkers and atherosclerosis in atherogenic diet-fed SR-B1 KO/ApoER61h/h mice. Methods and results: Mice were pre-treated for 5 weeks before and during atherogenic diet feeding with vitamin C and E added to water and diet, respectively. Compared to a control group, combined vitamin C and E administration reduced serum total cholesterol and triglyceride levels by decreasing apo B-48-containing lipoproteins, remodeled HDL particles by reducing phospholipid as well as increasing PON1 and apo D content, and diminished PLTP activity and levels. Vitamin supplementation improved HDL antioxidant function and lowered serum TNF-α levels. Vitamin C and E combination attenuated atherogenesis and increased lifespan in atherogenic diet-fed SR-B1 KO/ApoER61h/h mice. Conclusions: Vitamin C and E administration showed significant lipid metabolism regulating effects, including HDL remodeling and decreased levels of apoB-containing lipoproteins, in mice. In addition, this vitamin supplementation generated a cardioprotective effect in a murine model of severe and lethal atherosclerotic ischemic heart disease.

A eficiência reprodutiva em bovinicultura é um objetivo fundamental para a viabilização económica das explorações, determinando no atual quadro comunitário de apoios o montante das ajudas aos produtores. Entre janeiro de 2012 e setembro de 2015, foram avaliados através de exame andrológico, 223 bovinos machos com idades compreendidas entre os 13 e 156 meses, em 35 explorações de bovinos de carne, no interior centro e sul de Portugal. Cerca de 57% dos exames foram efetuados nos meses de setembro a dezembro, devido à maior procura deste serviço por parte dos produtores, de modo a preparar a época de cobrição sequente. Foram avaliados touros das raças: Limousine, Charolesa, Alentejana, Mertolenga e Cruzados, dos quais foram aprovados 72,6%, reprovados 14,8% e foi recomendada a reavaliação a 12,6%. No âmbito da avaliação do esperma, para os parâmetros motilidade massal e individual, mais de 50% dos touros avaliados apresentaram esperma de muito boa qualidade (classes 4 e 5 de motilidade); e, 91% dos reprovados apresentaram esperma de má qualidade. Em 95% dos animais aprovados, a condição corporal foi considerada adequada. Entre os reprovados, 15% apresentaram condição corporal inadequada. Considerando duas classes de idade média, 36% dos machos aprovados, tinham menos de 24 meses de idade. Entre os reprovados, apenas 6% apresentaram idade inferior a 24 meses e 56% tinha idade superior a 5 anos. De entre os animais classificados para reavaliação (n=28), apenas 12 foram reavaliados e destes, 50% foram reclassificados em aprovados. Baixa a nula fertilidade foi revelada em 21% dos animais, com uma perda económica evidentemente associada e reforçada pela sua permanência em épocas de cobrição sucessivas. Os animais reprovados podem afetar até 1.645 vacas, o que se traduz em perdas potenciais de rendimento estimadas em 770.000€.

Reproductive efficiency in cattle is important in the economic viability of farms. Currently, this efficiency is evident in determining the amount of aid to be received by producers. Between January 2012 and September 2015 were evaluated 223 breeding bulls through breeding soundness examination with ages between 13 and 156 months in 35 beef cattle farms in the center and south of Portugal. About 57% of the examinations were performed from September to December, due to higher demand for this service by producers, in order to prepare the time of mating. Bulls of breeds Limousin, Charolais, Alentejana, Mertolenga and their Crosses were evaluated and 72.6% were approved, 14.8% disapproved and recommended a reassessment to 12.6%. In sperm evaluation scope, for mass and individual motility, more than 50% of the sample sperm have a very good quality (grades 4 and 5 motility); 91% of reprobates have poor quality sperm. In 95% of approved bulls, body condition is adequate. And among those who failed, 15% had inadequate body condition. Considering age, 36% of approved bulls were less than 24 months old. Among the bulls that failed to be approved, only 6% were younger than 24 months and 56% were older than 5 years of age. Among the bulls qualified for revaluation (n=28), only 12 were reassessed and of these 50% was reclassified as approved. 21% of the bulls have low fertility and consequently an economic loss, and in this case, affecting up to 1,645 cows, which results in a € 770.000 potential loss.

Nós apresentamos uma proposta pedagógica para introduzir o tema da matéria escura no universo para alunos do ensino médio. O apelo intrínseco deste tema é usado para discutir aplicações de movimento de sistemas planetários e estrelas em galáxias e as relações entre as diferentes formas de energia no movimento desses e outros objetos astronômicos. O principal objetivo é motivar os alunos com ações interativas, incluindo atividades dentro e fora da sala de aula, para aprofundamento do tema. Finalmente, a sequência didática é fechada com uma demonstração numérica do teorema virial gravitacional, levando os alunos a discussões sobre a existência de matéria escura em torno das galáxias, com base no resultado obtido através da verificação do teorema virial gravitacional.

We present a pedagogical proposal to introduce the theme of dark matter in the universe to high school students. The intrinsic appeal of this subject is used to discuss some applications of movement of planetary system and stars in galaxies and relations between different forms of energy in the movement of stars and others astronomical objects. The main goal is to motivate students with interactive actions, including activities inside and out-classroom, to a further development of the theme. Finally, the didactic sequence is closed with a numerical demonstration of gravitational virial theorem, leading the students to discussions about the existence of dark matter around galaxies, based on the obtained result in verifying the gravitational virial theorem.

ABSTRACT Characteristics of the liquid product obtained from waste tire pyrolysis were assessed after 40 minutes of isothermal pyrolysis. The process was carried out in conditions ranging 450 to 550 °C, 10 to 20 °C/min and 1 to 3 mm particle size, according to a 23 factorial design with center point runs. The regression model indicates that, within a confidence interval of 95%, the heating rate and its interactions have no statistically significant effect in the liquid product yield, within the search space of the experiment. The liquid product's density, viscosity, flash point, cetane index, and heating value resemble those of diesel fuel. Nonetheless it needs previous refinement to reduce its sulfur content, a hundred times larger than the specified in Paraguayan standards, prior to its use in modern diesel engines. Additionally, the solid product's characteristics resemble those of anthracite, with a higher heating value of 29.3 MJ/kg.

RESUMEN Las características del producto líquido obtenido de la pirolisis de neumáticos en desuso, en las mejores condiciones seleccionadas a partir de un diseño factorial 23 con puntos centrales, en el rango de 450 a 550 ºC, 10 a 20 ºC/min y 1 a 3 mm de tamaño de partícula, fueron evaluadas luego de 40 min de pirolisis isotérmica. El modelo matemático obtenido mediante regresión, indica con un 95% de nivel de confianza, que la tasa de calentamiento y sus interacciones, no tienen un efecto estadísticamente significativo en el rendimiento del producto líquido, dentro del espacio de búsqueda del experimento. Las características del producto líquido de densidad, viscosidad, punto de inflamación, índice de cetanos, contenido de azufre y poder calorífico, indican que el mismo, posee características combustibles similares a las del diésel, pero necesita refinamiento previo en su contenido de azufre, el cual resultó ser más de 100 veces superior al máximo permitido en Paraguay, para ser aplicado a los motores diésel modernos. Adicionalmente fueron analizadas las características combustibles del residuo sólido del proceso, presentando semejanzas con el carbón mineral antracita, con un poder calorífico de 29,3 MJ/kg.

Objetivos: Estudiar la frecuencia, características anatomopatológicas y análisis de los factores de riesgo de embarazadas con placenta ácreta en la Maternidad "Concepción Palacios"en el lapso 1994 a 2004. Método: Estudio retrospectivo y descriptivo, se revisaron los informes histológicos de las histerectomías obstétricas y de las historias clínicas de las embarazadas con diagnóstico de placenta ácreta, increta y percreta. Ambiente: Maternidad "Concepción Palacios" de Caracas. Resultados: Se encontraron 35 pacientes con placenta ácreta (85,71 %) y 5 casos de placenta percreta (0,014 %). Esto representa un 0,014 % de los ingresos obstétricos y uno por 0,62 % nacidos vivos. La mayoría de las pacientes tenían una edad entre 31 y 40 años y 3-4 partos y sin relación con las cesáreas previas. En el 57,14 % no se encontró registro de control prenatal. Con respecto a edad de gestación el 54,29 % tenía entre 21-36 semanas de embarazo al momento del parto y 78,57 % de ellas ingresó en trabajo de parto. Se realizó cesárea segmentaria+histerectomía en 71,43 % de los casos. El peso fetal y la talla fue ≥ 2 501 g y 43 a 47 cm en la mayoría. Conclusión: Este estudio representa un aporte a esta rara complicación del embarazo. Se recomienda el empleo de los recursos tecnológicos actuales para el diagnóstico de esta patología durante el embarazo para reducir la morbilidad y mortalidad materna y perinatal.

Objective: To study the frequency of placenta accreta in pregnant patients in labor in the period 1994-2004 in a single university teaching Maternity Hospital. Method: All pathology reports of obstetric hysterectomies were analized as well as the clinical charts of pregnant patients with diagnosis of placenta acreta percreta, and increta. Setting: "The Concepcion Palacios" Maternity in Caracas-Venezuela. Results: We identified 30 cases (85.71 %) of placenta accreta, and 5 patients (14.9 %) with placenta percreta, that represents 0.014 % of obstetrical in patients and 0.62 % of the live newborns. The highest frequency of patients were between 31 to 40 years of age, and those who had 3-4 previous deliveries, with no relationship to previous cesarean sections. A 57.14 % of these women had no prenatal care. At time of delivery 54.29 % had between 21-36 weeks of gestation and 78.57 % were admitted in labor. In 71.43 % cesarean hysterectomy was performed after birth. Fetal weight and length was ≥ 2 501 g and 43-47 cm in the majority of newborns. Conclusions: This study represents a contribution to the study of these rare complication of pregnancy and the authors recommend the use of the present available technology for the diagnosis of this entity during pregnancy in order to reduce maternal morbidity and mortality.

Introdução:A OMS definiu como objectivo principal do tratamento da obesidade, uma redução de peso de 10 a 15%, para diminuição do risco cardiovascular global e comorbilidades associadas. Objectivos: Caracterizar e analisar a eficácia a curto e longo-prazo, segurança e tolerabilidade do balão intra-gástrico (BIG) no tratamento da obesidade. Métodos: Estudo retrospectivo do tratamento com 210 BIGs, em 194 doentes, entre Outubro/2000 e Junho/2007. A maioria dos doentes apresentava obesidade mórbida (IMC médio 47,8Kg/m2), com comorbilidades significativas. O tempo médio de permanência do BIG foi 7 meses. Resultados: No final do tratamento, constatou-se uma redução ponderal média de 12,9%. Obteve-se “sucesso clínico” (redução ponderal ≥10%), na maioria dos casos (60,5%). Em 2 grupos de 52 doentes hipertensos e 30 diabéticos, registou-se melhoria destas comorbilidades durante o tratamento em 61,5% e 66,7%, respectivamente. Não se registaram complicações significativas associadas ao BIG. Analisando a longo-prazo (12 meses após remoção) um coorte de 91 doentes, a redução média de peso foi 5,6%, sendo significativamente superior (>2 vezes) nos doentes com mais de 50 anos. Conclusões: O BIG é seguro e apresenta uma taxa de sucesso clínico satisfatória a curto-prazo, com melhoria das principais comorbilidades. A longo-prazo, foi mais eficaz nas faixas etárias mais avançadas.

Background: The main goal proposed by the WHO in obesity treatment, in order to reduce cardiovascular risk and related comorbidities, is a 10-15% weight-loss. Aims: To characterize and analyze short and long-term efficacy, safety and tolerability of BioEnterics® Intragastric Balloon (BIB) in obesity treatment. Patients and Methods: Retrospective study on data of 210 BIB procedures in 194 patients, between October/2000 and June/2007. Most patients presented with morbid obesity (mean BMI 47,8Kg/m2) and heavy comorbidities. Average BIB stay was 7 months. Results: On BIB removal, the mean weight-loss was 12,9%. “Clinical success” (weight-loss ≥10%) was achieved in most cases (60,5%). In two groups of 52 hypertensive and 30 diabetic patients, there was a 61,5% and 66,7% improvement in these comorbidities, respectively, during treatment. There were no major complications associated to BIB. On longterm analysis (12 month after BIB removal) of a 91 patients cohort, global weight-loss was 5,6%, being significantly higher (>2-fold) in patients over 50 years-old. Conclusions: BIB is safe, shows satisfactory short-term cli nical success rate, with improvement in co-morbidities. On long-term, higher efficacy was seen in older patients.

We discuss macroscopic aspects of quark matter phase transition in cold dense stellar matter, considering global charge neutrality and baryonic charge conservation. We determine the critical condition for the phase transition between the strange quark matter, SQM, and the color-flavor locked, CFL, superconducting phase. We also discuss the sensitivity of our results to variations in the gap energy, delta, and in the current strange quark mass, m s0. The phase transition is calculated taking into account the baryonic density dependence of the quark masses in dense baryonic medium.

A new approach to evaluate nuclear photofissilities at incident photon energies above the pion photoproduction threshold has been recently developed and proved to describe successfully the fissilities of natPb and 232Th target nuclei at energies ~0.2-4.0 GeV. The method is merely a simple, semiempirical description of the photofission reactions in which fissility, f, is governed by two basic quantities, namely, i) the first-chance fission probability, $\bar{f}_1$, for the average cascade residual, and ii) the slope, $\bar{s}$, of the chance-fission probability associated with the average evaporative sequence of fissionable residuals. In the present work we have extended this approach to analyse photofissity data that have been accumulated over the past fourty years or so, measured at 1 GeV, for nearly fourty target nuclei extending from Ti up to Np. Results have shown that the variation of fissility with Z²/A could be described quite satisfactorily by the proposed model.

We discuss macroscopic bulk properties of primordial bubbles quark matter which survived the confinement phase transition in the early universe. Electron and quark components are considered at zero temperaturemantaining beta equilibrium and charge neutrality. We analyze the possibility that a superconducting phase transition occurs,changing the initially unpaired quark matter phase to the colour-flavor locked (CFL) alternative without electrons. We had considered the gap energy and the Goldstone bosons condensation for the pressure calculation in the CFL phase.

One of the main applications of the Hybrid Reactors (ADS - Accelerator Driven System) is the incineration of transuranics (TRU) by fast neutrons that emerge from a spallation source in a sub critical reactor waste burner [1, 2]. For this application, an accurate description and prediction of spallation reaction is necessary, including all the characteristics concerning spatial and energetic angular distributions, spallation products and neutron multiplicity. To describe the nuclear reactions at intermediate and high energies, Monte Carlo calculations have been used. The CRISP package considers the intranuclear cascade (INC) that occurs during the spallation process in a realistic time-sequence approach in which all particles inside the nucleus can participate in the cascade and the nuclear density fluctuations are naturally taken into account during the process. The occupation number of each single particle level is considered as a function of time and a more realistic Pauli blocking mechanism can be performed. None of the existing models have effectively used all those features. The evaporation of protons and alpha particles are taken into account making possible the correct prediction of fissilities of actinides and pre-actinides [3]. Another implementation is the NN single-pion production reaction. This reaction is especially relevant if one is interested in neutron or proton multiplicities, since the creation/emission of pions is directly related with the excitation energy of the residual nucleus. We will present some results obtained with the CRISP package for proton-nucleus reaction at intermediate and high energies. This package was obtained by the coupling of the MCMC [4] and MCEF [5] codes, with the introduction of some improvements, such as better Pauli blocking mechanism, which constrains the residual nucleus energetic evolution to the Pauli Principle from the ground-state to the final compound-nucleus formed at the end of the intranuclear cascade process, and introduction of the most relevant resonant excitation and the NN single pion production channel. The results of interest for ADS development are consistent with the experimental data at different proton energies. More detailed calculations are being performed for studying other features of proton-nucleus reactions and with different targets.

A simple approach to evaluate nuclear photofissilities at energies above the pion photoproduction threshold has been developed. It is based on the current, two-step model for intermediate-energy photonuclear reactions, i.e. a photon-induced intranuclear cascade followed by a fission-evaporation competition process for the excited, post-cascade residual nucleus. The calculation method (semiempirical by nature) shows that fissility (i.e., total fission probability) is governed by two basic quantities, namely, the first-chance fission probability for the average cascade residual, and a parameter which defines an evaporative sequence of residuals in which the average, equivalent chance-fission probabilities of nuclides belonging to the same generation are located. The natPb photofissility data measured recently in the range ~ 0.2 - 3.8 GeV at the Thomas Jefferson Laboratory could be explained very satisfactorily by the present approach.