Resumen Introducción: Es importante identificar los polimorfismos de interés clínico en patologías complejas como el Síndrome Metabólico. Por esto, las metodologías para su evaluación deben estar diseñadas y validadas correctamente, esto permite optimizar recursos y tiempo en la genotipificación y detección correcta de los alelos presentes en los individuos. Objetivo: Diseñar y validar una PCR múltiple, seguida de detección por minisecuenciación, para la genotipificación de ocho polimorfismos de nucleótido simple ubicados en el gen del Receptor Beta 3-Adrenérgico (rs4994 y rs4998), gen de la Apolipoproteina A5 (rs3135506 y rs2075291), gen de la Adiponectina (rs1501299 y rs2241766) y gen del Receptor Activador de la Proliferación de los Peroxisomas tipo gamma (rs1801282 y rs1800571), asociados con el síndrome metabólico. Materiales y métodos: Se diseñaron 24 cebadores para la amplificación y detección de ocho polimorfismos de nucleótido sencillo ubicados en cuatro genes candidatos a estar asociados con el síndrome metabólico, usando el software Primer3®. Dieciséis fueron diseñados para amplificar los polimorfismos y ocho para detectarlos por minisecuenciación. Las estructuras secundarias entre los cebadores se verificaron con el software Autodimer. Los polimorfismos se amplificaron simultáneamente y los fragmentos amplificados se acoplaron a las sondas diseñadas para detectar por minisecuenciación el alelo presente, por medio de bases marcadas con fluorocromos. Finalmente, los alelos fueron detectados por electroforesis capilar en un analizador genético ABI 310 y se interpretaron con el software GeneMapper®. La validación del multiplex se realizó genotipando 20 muestras de individuos, cada uno de ellos autorizó este procedimiento por medio del consentimiento informado. Resultados: Se obtuvieron los perfiles genéticos de los 20 controles genotipados, a partir de la amplificación múltiple, seguida de minisecuenciación, diseñada y validada para detectar los ocho polimorfismos. Conclusión: Se diseñó y validó un ensayo para la detección simultánea de los polimorfismos, ubicados en cuatro genes asociados con el Síndrome metabólico. Los cuales pueden ser empleados como referencia para futuros estudios poblacionales.

Abstract Introduction: It is important to identify the polymorphisms of clinical interest in complex pathologies such as Metabolic Syndrome. Therefore, the methodologies for its evaluation must be designed and validated correctly, this permits optimization of resources and time in genotyping and correct detection of the alleles present in individuals. Objective: To design and validate a multiplex PCR, followed by detection by minisequencing, for the genotyping of eight single nucleotide polymorphisms located in the Beta 3-Adrenergic Receptor gene (rs4994 and rs4998), Apolipoprotein A5 gene (rs3135506 and rs2075291), Adiponectin gene (rs1501299 and rs2241766) and gamma-type Peroxisome Proliferation Activating Receptor gene (rs1801282 and rs1800571), associated with metabolic syndrome. Materials and methods: Twenty-four primers were designed for the amplification and detection of eight single nucleotide polymorphisms located in four candidate genes to be associated with the metabolic syndrome, using the Primer3® software. Sixteen were designed to amplify the polymorphisms and eight to detect them by minisequencing. The secondary structures between the primers were verified with Autodimer software. The polymorphisms were simultaneously amplified, and the amplified fragments were coupled to probes designed to minisequence the present allele using fluorochrome-labeled bases. Finally, the alleles were detected by capillary electrophoresis using an ABI 310 genetic analyzer and analyzed with the GeneMapper® software. The validation of the multiplex was performed by genotyping 20 individual samples, each of them authorized this procedure through informed consent. Results: The genetic profiles of the 20 genotyped controls were obtained, from multiple amplification, followed by minisequencing, designed and validated to detect the eight polymorphisms. Conclusion: An essay was designed and validated for the simultaneous detection of polymorphisms, located in four genes associated with metabolic syndrome, and can used as a reference for future population studies.

Neste trabalho apresentamos uma atividade de baixo custo que visa a investigação da força de arrasto, que atua na geometria de um disco, através das oscilações amortecidas de um sistema massa-mola. Utilizando discos de papelão de diferentes raios e controlando a massa do sistema oscilatório, mantendo-a fixa, estudamos a influência da variação exclusiva da magnitude da força de arrasto na dinâmica desse sistema, por meio da variação do raio do disco, mantendo todos os outros parâmetros acessíveis do sistema fixos. A técnica de vídeo-análise é utilizada para rastrear o movimento do sistema, levando o estudante a investigar e a extrair conclusões acerca da dependência funcional da força de atrito viscosa com o raio do disco, bem como a obter a constante elástica da mola e uma estimativa para a espessura dos discos.

In this work we present a low-cost activity that aims to investigate the drag force, which acts on the geometry of a disc, through the damped oscillations of a mass-spring system. Using cardboard disks of different radii and controlling the mass of the oscillatory system, keeping it fixed, we studied the influence of the exclusive variation of the magnitude of the drag force on the dynamics of this system, by varying the radius of the disk, keeping all the others fixed system accessible parameters. The video analysis technique is used to track the movement of the system, leading the student to investigate and draw conclusions about the functional dependence of the viscous frictional force with the radius of the disk, as well as to obtain the spring elastic constant and an estimate for the thickness of the disks.

Abstract Nowadays, the concept of high entropy alloys (HEAs) has expanded the limits of metallurgy and high-quality metallurgical HEAs ingots have already been successfully obtained on an industrial scale. High Chromium Cast Irons (HCCI) and Multi-Component Cast Irons (MCCI) are known to be a useful material for applications when abrasion resistance is required. Inspired by the concepts of high-entropy alloys, a base HCCI was modified, by adding other carbide-forming elements, at concentrations higher than what is currently used, in order to develop a new class of white cast iron, High Entropy White Cast Iron (HEWCI). The characterization of carbides precipitated during the HEWCI solidification was performed by scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, electron backscattered diffraction (SEM/EDS/EBSD) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). With the characterization techniques employed, the as-cast microstructure obtained of HEWCI is composed of approximately 50% of austenite matrix and 50% of different types of carbides, MC, M7C3 and M2C carbides.

RESUMO A treliça é uma estrutura triangular rígida, com resistência aos esforços normais, podendo ser utilizada em telhados, mezaninos, torres de energia, de telecomunicações e pontes. Logo é possível afirmar que esse sistema estrutural apresenta uma grande relevância no cenário da engenharia de estruturas. Nesta pesquisa é utilizado um método probabilístico de otimização global baseado em inteligência coletiva ou inteligência de enxame, com aplicações promissoras em diversos campos das ciências aplicadas, o Algoritmo de Colônia de Vagalumes (ACV), para determinação do peso mínimo de uma treliça de benchmark. Foi conduzida uma análise de sensibilidade com os parâmetros do algoritmo como: população (Npop), número de iterações (Ngen), parâmetro de aleatoriedade α, fator de atratividade β e parâmetro de absorção de luz (γ). A treliça utilizada nos testes foi uma estrutura de benchmark com 10 barras e essa foi otimizada obtendo um valor de peso mínimo em torno de 2284 kg, tal valor quando comparado a outros trabalhos da literatura mostram a efetividade do método adotado nesse trabalho. O software utilizado para as implementações e simulação das treliças foi o MATLAB®.

ABSTRACT The truss is a rigid triangular structure, with resistance to normal load, and can be used on roofs, mezzanines, energy towers, telecommunications and bridges. Soon it is possible to state that this structural system has great relevance in the structural engineering scenario. This research uses a probabilistic method of global optimization based on collective intelligence or swarm intelligence, with promising applications in several fields of applied sciences, the Firefly Algorithm (FA), to determine the minimum weight of a benchmark truss. A sensitivity analysis was carried out with the parameters of the algorithm, such as the population (Npop), the number of iterations (Ngen), randomness parameter α, attractiveness factor β , and light absorption parameter (γ). The truss used in the tests was a benchmark structure with 10 bars, and this was optimized, obtaining a minimum weight value of around 2284 kg. When compared to other works in the literature, such value shows the effectiveness of the method adopted in this work. The software used for the implementations and simulation of the trusses was MATLAB®.

ABSTRACT Slaughterhouses are one of the most polluting meat industry facilities. The objective of this document is to analyze cleaner production (CP) alternatives, as a strategy to valorize the slaughterhouse in an Ecuadorian Amazon Canton. The methodology ranged from diagnosis to formulation and evaluation of CP alternatives, by collecting field data from interviews and semi-structured dialogues, initial environmental review, eco-maps, flow analysis, and costs. The results show that the generation of a large amount of organic waste (blood, manure and rumen), and the discharge of wastewater are the main environmental problems of the activity. Two cleaner production strategies were proposed and evaluated to minimize contamination from the activity and to valorize these residues by making blood meal and producing digestates and biogas. The joint implementation of the two cleaner production strategies proposed can generate monthly net economic benefits of $ 4,518.6 and a benefit/cost ratio of 1.34. Finally, the application of practices and technologies framed in CP systems can improve the efficiency of use of raw materials and the reduction of solid and liquid contaminants

RESUMEN Los camales son de las instalaciones de la industria cárnica más contaminantes. El objetivo del presente documento es analizar alternativas de producciones más limpias, como estrategia de valorización del centro de faenamiento, de un Cantón de la Amazonia Ecuatoriana. La metodología abordo desde el diagnóstico hasta la formulación y evaluación de alternativas de PML, mediante la recolección de datos de campo desde entrevistas y diálogos semiestructurados, la revisión inicial ambiental, ecomapas, análisis de flujos, y costos. Los resultados muestran que la generación de grandes cantidades de residuos orgánicos (sangre, estiércol y rumen), y la descarga de aguas residuales son los principales problemas ambientales de la actividad. Se propusieron y evaluaron dos estrategias de producción más limpia para minimizar la contaminación de la actividad y valorizar estos residuos mediante la elaboración de harina de sangre y producción de bioles y biogás. La implementación conjunta de las dos estrategias de producción más limpia propuestas pueden generar mensualmente beneficios económicos netos de $4518.6 y una relación beneficio/costo de 1.34. Finalmente, la aplicación de prácticas y tecnologías enmarcadas en sistemas de PML puede mejorar la eficiencia de utilización de las materias primas y la reducción de los contaminantes sólidos y líquidos.

ABSTRACT: The odontogenic keratocyst is a lesion with specific clinical and histopathological aspects. The World Health Organization (WHO) in 2017 reclassified it from a tumor to a cyst. It is characterized as a cyst of epithelial development of the jaws, arising from the remains of the dental blade. It represents 3 % to 11 % of all odontogenic cysts and 7 to 11 % of cysts of the gnatic bones. It stands out for its aggressive nature and high relapsing potential. Most of the cases are diagnosed in individuals between 10 and 40 years old, with a mild preference for the masculine gender, occurring more in the mandible. Radiographically, it is radiolucent and well delimited, predominantly unilocular, and may cause displacement of adjacent teeth. The present study aims to report a clinical case of a female 25 years old patient, presenting an intra-osseous lesion in the maxilla (posterior, left side), asymptomatic, with a slight increase in intraoral buccal volume, containing the tooth 28, with a diagnostic hypothesis of Odontogenic Keratocyst. The patient was submitted to the surgical decompression treatment, with cystic fluid puncture, biopsy of the lesion and posterior anatomopathological examination. The enucleation of the tumor was performed using LeFort I osteotomy of maxilla and reconstruction with titanium mesh. There is radiographic evidence of bone repair and lesion reduction. The patient is in periodic follow-up of 4 years and does not present clinical and radiographic signs of relapse. Due to the aggressiveness of the odontogenic keratocyst, the relapse rate is high. The knowledge of the techniques recommended for the treatment of Odontogenic Keratocysts and the clinical and radiographic follow-up of the patient demonstrate a gradual decrease of the lumen of the lesion and suggest local bone neoformation, favoring the prognosis of the case.

RESUMEN: El queratoquiste odontogénico es una lesión con aspectos clínicos e histopatológicos específicos. La Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS) en 2017 lo reclasificó de un tumor a un quiste. Se caracteriza como un quiste de desarrollo epitelial de las mandíbulas, que surge de los restos de la lámina dental. Representa del 3 % al 11 % de todos los quistes odontogénicos y del 7 al 11 % de los quistes de los huesos gnáticos. Se destaca por su naturaleza agresiva y su alto potencial de recaídas. La mayoría de los casos se diagnostican en individuos de entre 10 y 40 años, con una leve preferencia por el sexo masculino, que ocurre más en la mandíbula. Radiográficamente, es radiotransparente y bien delimitado, predominantemente unilocular, y puede causar el desplazamiento de los dientes adyacentes. El presente estudio tiene como objetivo reportar el caso clínico de una paciente de 25 años, que presenta una lesión intraósea en el maxilar (posterior, lado izquierdo), asintomática, con un ligero aumento en el volumen bucal intraoral, que contiene el diente 28, con una hipótesis diagnóstica de queratoquiste odontogénico. El paciente fue sometido al tratamiento quirúrgico de descompresión, con punción de líquido quístico, biopsia de la lesión y examen anatomopatológico posterior. La enucleación del tumor se realizó con osteotomía LeFort I de maxilar y reconstrucción con malla de titanio. Existe evidencia radiográfica de reparación ósea y reducción de la lesión. El paciente se encuentra en seguimiento periódico de 4 años y no presenta signos clínicos ni radiográficos de recaída. Debido a la agresividad del queratoquiste odontogénico, la tasa de recaída es alta. El conocimiento de las técnicas recomendadas para el tratamiento de los queratoquistes odontogénicos, y el seguimiento clínico y radiográfico del paciente, demuestran una disminución gradual del lumen de la lesión y sugieren neoformación ósea local, favoreciendo el pronóstico del caso.

ABSTRACT: The naso-orbito-ethmoidal region is composed of delicate bones and when fractured may result in significant aesthetic-functional impairment. Diagnosis through clinical and imaging findings is extremely important for surgical planning. This study aims to report a case of type III fracture of the naso-orbito-ethmoidal region. Patient D.R.S., female, 13 years old, attended the emergency department of Hospital dos Fornecedores de Cana de Piracicaba (HFCP) - SP with complaint of pain in the fronto-nasal region and respiratory distress after trauma in face of baseball bat. Physical examination showed edema and short blunt injury in the region of the nasal dorsum and frontal region, bilateral periorbital hematoma, hyposphagma in right eye and traumatic telecanthus. When analyzing the computed tomography, it was observed fracture of the nasal bones, also affecting the medial wall of the orbit. The procedure was osteosynthesis of the fractures and reconstruction of the nasal dorsum. The fracture traces were exposed from coronal access, reduction of fractures and use of calvarial bone graft for nasal dorsum reconstruction. The fracture and the graft were fixed with plates of 1,6mm. Postoperative computed tomography analysis showed good graft positioning, but there was still a slight sinking of the left lateral wall of the nose. In a second moment another surgical intervention was done to reduce this wall and an internal containment device was installed. Currently the patient is in a state of observation and a follow-up period of 665 days. In cases of complex nasoorbito-ethmoidal fractures early diagnosis and treatment is essential to minimize sequelae and provide a better aesthetic and functional result.

RESUMEN: La región etmoidal nasoorbital está compuesta de huesos delicados y, cuando se fractura, puede provocar una lesión estética-funcional significativa. El diagnóstico mediante hallazgos clínicos y de imagen es de suma importancia para la planificación quirúrgica. El paciente D.R.S., mujer, 13 años, leucoderma, asistió al servicio de emergencia del Hospital de Proveedores de Caña de Azúcar de Piracicaba quejándose de dolor en la región frontal-nasal y dificultad para respirar después de un traumatismo en la cara con un palo. El examen físico reveló edema y lesión contundente en el dorso nasal y la región frontal, hematoma periorbitario bilateral, hiposfagma del ojo derecho y telecanto traumático. Al analizar la tomografía computarizada se observó fractura de los huesosnasales en libro abierto, afectando también la pared medial de la órbita. El enfoque aplicado fue la osteosíntesis de fracturas y la reconstrucción del dorso nasal. Los rastros de fractura se expusieron del abordaje coronal, se redujeron las fracturas y se usaron injertos de casquete para reconstruir el dorso nasal. La fractura y el injerto se fijaron con placas de sistema de 1,6 mm y se realizó la cantopexia de los ligamentos cantales mediales. Se requirió cirugía reparadora secundaria para la corrección de la pared lateral de la nariz, que persistió en el postoperatorio. Actualmente el paciente se encuentra en un estado de conservación y período de seguimiento de 665 días. En casos de fracturas nasoorbitales-etmoidales complejas, el diagnóstico y el tratamiento tempranos son esenciales para minimizar las secuelas y proporcionar un mejor resultado estético y funcional.

This study aimed at evaluating, during storage, the yield components and germination of the soybean crop based on seeds industrially treated with mineral- biological fertilizer containing amino acids. To achieve this, the experiment was carried out using the completely randomized experimental design with the treatments arranged in subdivided plots, with four replications. The plots included the industrial seed treatments (IST), while the storage periods (0 and 45 days) were allocated to the subplots. The following characteristics were assessed: germination, initial stand, number of pods per plant, number of seeds per pods, number of lateral branches per plant, thousand-seed mass and yield. Under the conditions tested, the storage period contributed to a reduction in the agronomic parameters herein assessed, especially considering the control. However, compared to the seeds submitted only to the standard IST and, especially in relation to the untreated seeds (control), the use of biostimulant fertilizer in the industrial treatment enabled an increase in the agronomic characteristics during storage.

El objetivo del presente trabajo fue evaluar, durante el almacenamiento, los componentes de productividad y la germinación del cultivo de soja, a partir de semillas industrialmente tratadas con fertilizante mineral biológico con aminoácidos. Para ello, se llevó a cabo el experimento empleando un diseño experimental completamente aleatorizado, con tratamientos dispuestos en partes subdivididas, de cuatro repeticiones. En las partes fueron incluidos los tratamientos industriales de semillas (TIS), mientras que los períodos de almacenamiento (0 y 45 días) fueron dispuestos en subparcelas. Se evaluaron las siguientes características: germinación, stand inicial, número de vainas por planta, número de semillas por vainas, número de ramificaciones laterales por planta, masa de mil granos y productividad. En las condiciones probadas, el período de almacenamiento contribuyó para la reducción de los parámetros agronómicos evaluados, sobre todo, en comparación con el control. Sin embargo, comparando las semillas sometidas sólo al TIS estándar y, principalmente, con relación a las semillas no tratadas (control), el uso del fertilizante de acción bioestimulante en el tratamiento industrial posibilitó un incremento en las características agronómicas durante el almacenamiento.

ABSTRACT: Many orthodontic treatments alone cannot reestablish an ideal occlusion, requiring correction through orthognathic surgery. An adequate surgical planning, execution and case follow-up can provide surgical stability between the maxilla and the mandible. Soft tissue conservation and proper correction during a healing phase are important to achieving this goal. Patient C.L.B.S, 38 years old, female, presented with Angle Class I occlusion, facial profile class II, maxilla with mobility, chin surgically advanced and anterior open bite. She was submitted to orthognathic surgery 10 years ago. In the panoramic radiography the absence of bone formation in the maxilla was observed, causing an open bite. For the surgery conventional radiographs were used, as well as the dental cast in articulator for model surgery and preparation of surgical guide. With the surgery an improvement in the patient's aesthetics profile and an ideal occlusion, static and functional were expected. The treatment was orthodontic-surgical, with correction of the dento-facial deformity with counter-clockwise rotation of the maxilla, lowering repositioning in 3 mm of its posterior portion through Le Fort I osteotomy, advancement of the 4 mm mandible with bilateral sagittal osteotomy, and genioplasty for posterior repositioning with a Z-osteotomy, to improve mentual harmony. There was an improvement in the profile and aesthetics of the patient, which developed an Angle Class I profile, a decrease in the mentual projection, and an aesthetic and functional improvement. The orthognathic surgery allowed the advancement of the mandible, the repositioning of the maxilla and the mentual posterior repositioning, obtaining the correction of the Angle class II profile and the anterior open bite, resulting in an important improvement of facial profile and esthetics, presence of skeletal stability, restoration of function, self-esteem and quality of life.

RESUMEN: En muchos casos, el tratamiento ortodóntico por si solo no puede restablecer una oclusión ideal, siendo necesaria una cirúrgia ortognática. Una buena planificación quirúrgica, ejecución y seguimiento del caso, pueden proporcionar estabilidad entre los maxilares. La preservación de los tejidos blandos y una fijación adecuada son esenciales para ese objetivo. La paciente CLBS, 38 años, se presentó con oclusión Clase I de Angle, teniendo perfil clase II, maxilar con movilidad, mentón quirúrgicamente avanzado y mordida abierta anterior. La paciente fue sometida a cirugía ortognática 10 años antes. En radiografía panorámica, se nota la ausencia de formación ósea debido a una fijación maxilar realizada erróneamente, lo que causó la mordida abierta. Durante la planificación, fueron utilizadas radiografías convencionales, modelos de yeso en articulador para cirugía de modelo y confección de guía quirúrgica. Con el procedimento quirúrgico se esperaba obtener una mejora en el perfil de la paciente y una oclusión ideal, estática y funcional. El tratamiento fue ortodóntico-quirúrgico, con corrección de la deformidad dento-facial con giro antihorario de la mandíbula, con reposicionamiento inferior de 3 mm de su parte posterior, por medio de osteotomía Le Fort I, avance de la mandíbula de 4 mm con osteotomía sagital bilateral, y retroceso del mentón en su posición original con osteotomía en Z, mejorando la armonía del mentón. Hubo una mejora en perfil y en la estética de la paciente, como también una mejora en el perfil, estética y funcionalidade, con diminución del mentón. La cirúrgia ortognática permitió el movimiento de la mandíbula, reposicionamiento maxilar y además fue posible retroceder el mentón, obteniendo la corrección del perfil Clase II y de la mordida abierta anterior. El resultado representa una mejora del perfil y de la estética facial, además se nota una estabilidad esquelética, con restablecimiento de la función, autoestima y calidad de vida.

Background: Infective endocarditis (IE) is rarely described among renal transplant recipients. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study to identify all cases of IE in our renal transplant unit between 1992 and 2012 to elucidate IE’s clinical features and outcomes. Modified Duke criteria were applied to confirm diagnosis and patient evolution was evaluated. Results: Between 1992 and 2012, our renal transplant unit performed 1065 renal transplants. Seven episodes of IE were identified in six patients. Median age at presentation was 59 years and most cases occurred in males (71.4%). Blood cultures were negative in 42.9% of patients. Gram positive coccus were the most frequent etiologic agents. There were no fungal endocarditis. Aortic valve was involved in all patients. Three patients underwent cardiac surgery. Mortality at 30 days and 2 years were 16.7%. Conclusion: Infective endocarditis in renal transplant patients remains a rare disease. The diagnosis is challenging considering nonspecific presentation and the high proportion of negative blood cultures.

Idiopathic membranous nephropathy with high-risk criteria for renal disease progression is considered an indication for immunosuppressive treatment. HIV infection has been associated with membranous nephropathy in a minority of patients. A 44-year-old female diagnosed with HIV infection 11 years ago was referred for a nephrology consultation due to nephrotic syndrome. She presented with peripheral edema for 2 months and normal blood pressure. Serum creatinine was 0.74 mg/dL, total cholesterol 490 mg/dL, albumin 2.0 g/dL; urinary examination revealed leukoerythrocyturia and 24h proteinuria was 4.5g. Renal ultrasound showed normal-sized kidneys with preserved corticomedullary differentiation. Kidney biopsy showed thickening of the glomerular basal membrane and staining with Masson trichrome showed sub-epithelial humps. Immunofluorescence was negative except for IgA (+), C3c (+) and IgG (+). A diagnosis of membranous nephropathy was made. Secondary causes, such as neoplasic, infectious and autoimmune, were ruled out. Despite 6 months of conservative measures, proteinuria increased to 11 g/day. Since HIV viral load had been undetectable for several years, along with a CD4+ T cell count persistently above 400/mm3, a modified Ponticelli regimen was started: 3 pulses of methylprednisolone (1g/day), followed by 60 mg of prednisolone/day at months 1, 3 and 5, and cyclophosphamide 200mg/day at months 2, 4 and 6. At the end of the treatment, there was a partial response with proteinuria 3.94 g/day, albumin 3.2 g/dL, and creatinine 0.8 mg/dL. At 48 months of follow-up, the patient is asymptomatic, with creatinine 0.84 mg/dL and proteinuria 0.97 g/day. Conclusion: Membranous nephropathy should be considered in the differential diagnosis in patients with HIV infection complicated by nephrotic syndrome even in the absence of other coinfections and comorbidities typically associated with membranous nephropathy. In patients with sustained negative viral loads and at high risk of progression to end-stage renal disease, in whom secondary causes have been excluded, immunosuppressive therapy might be considered.

A new genotype of spineless cactus is being used in the diets of dairy cattle that are raised in semi-arid regions. However, little is known about its nutritional value. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of replacing Miúda (Nopalea cochenillifera Salm Dyck) with Orelha de Elefante Mexicana (Opuntia stricta [Haw.] Haw.) spineless cactus, on nutrient intake and digestibility, milk yield and composition, feeding behaviour, microbial protein synthesis, nitrogen balance, and ruminal and blood parameters of dairy cows. Ten Girolando cows, 500 ± 51.6 kg bodyweight, were distributed in a double Latin square design 5 x 5. The treatments consisted of replacement levels of Miúda (MIU) by Orelha de Elefante Mexicana (OEM) at 0, 25, 50, 75, and 100%. The intake and digestibility of dry matter (DM) (14.38-12.95 kg d-1, 716.3-658.9 g d-1), organic matter (OM) (13.01-11.43 kg d-1, 747.8-704.8 g d-1), crude protein (CP) (2.02-1.61 kg d-1, 863.8845.2 g d-1) and total digestible nutrients (TDN) (9.38-7.92 kg d-1) decreased linearly with the increase in replacement. Despite the decrease in intake and digestibility, the supply of nutrients was sufficient to maintain a milk yield of 12.5 kg d-1. The average daily weight gain decreased linearly with the increase in replacement, while protein microbial efficiency (g microbial CP kg-1 TDN intake; 91.24 to 127.44 g kg-1) increased linearly. Thus, OEM could replace 100% MIU in diets with 48% of spineless cactus, for crossbred lactating cows with 12.5 kg d-1 milk yield. Therefore, OEM is a viable new option for producing milk in smallholder livestock systems in semi-arid regions.

Chronic kidney Disease - Mineral and Bone Disorder (CKD-MBD) encompasses abnormalities in bone turnover, volume and mineralization, compromising bone quantity and quality. Bone biopsy is the gold standard to access bone changes, but is not available in many centers and neither is it included in routine practice. The need for a noninvasive method to evaluate bone disease has promoted the development of multiple bone biomarkers and imaging techniques to assess bone metabolism, to clarify the risk of bone loss and fractures and to guide therapeutic decisions. However, all of these have important limitations and presently no noninvasive method either isolated or in association can replace bone biopsy. This article will discuss the major groups of bone biomarkers and new imaging techniques and their role in CKD-MBD

Resumo Os agregados sintéticos vêm sendo empregados na construção civil como uma medida para redução do extrativismo mineral. Dentro desse contexto, a reciclagem de resíduos industriais configura hoje a base da maioria dos processos de redução da exploração dos recursos minerais. Neste trabalho estudou-se a sinterização em reator vertical de leito fixo para produção de agregado sintético, a partir de 20% de pelotas e 80% de carvão vegetal. As pelotas foram confeccionadas a partir de uma mistura contendo argila, carvão vegetal e cinza volante. Realizaram-se dois experimentos variando a velocidade de sucção do ar. O material produzido foi analisado por difração de raios X, microscopia eletrônica de varredura, medidas de suas propriedades cerâmicas e classificação quanto à sua granulometria. As análises dos resultados demonstraram que as reações de estado sólido, durante o processo de sinterização, foram eficientes e que o agregado produzido foi classificado como leve e graúdo. O processo se mostrou interessante para a sinterização de agregados, podendo ser controlado pela composição, granulometria, gradiente de temperatura e fluxo gasoso.

Abstract The synthetic aggregates are being employed in civil construction for the reduction of mineral extraction activities. Within this context, the recycling of industrial waste is the basis of the majority of processes to reduce the exploitation of mineral resources. In this work the sintering in a vertical fixed bed reactor for synthetic aggregate production using 20% pellets and 80% charcoal was studied. The pellets were prepared from a mixture containing clay, charcoal and fly ash. Two experiments varying the speed of air sucking were carried out. The material produced was analyzed by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, measures of their ceramic properties, and particle size analysis. The results showed that the solid-state reactions, during the sintering process, were efficient and the produced material was classified as coarse lightweight aggregate. The process is interesting for the sintering of aggregates, and can be controlled by composition, particle size, temperature gradient and gaseous flow.