Total bound moisture (TBM) is a typical quality indicator of industrial-grade gypsum. This gypsum is comprised of three distinct phases, namely anhydrite, dihydrate, and hemihydrate, of which only the latter is of much industrial use. TBM analysis is a lengthy laboratory procedure, and an artificial neural network (ANN) TBM inference measurement is proposed as a fast and online alternative. An ANN inference model for gypsum TBM based on plant data was developed. The inputs to the network were primarily focused on the plant's calciner, and different network topologies, data divisions, and transfer functions were investigated. Furthermore, the applicability of the TBM value as a quality indicator was investigated based on a gypsum phase analysis. A strong correlation between TBM and the gypsum hemihydrate and anhydrite content was found, validating the plant target TBM of 5.8% as a quality indicator. A network topology consisting of one hidden layer with logarithmic-sigmoid (logsig) and pure linear (purelin) transfer functions showed the best performance (R > 90%).

Abstract Oral thrush or candidiasis is a fairly common infectious fungal disease that is mainly caused by species of the genus Candida spp. In this work, we evaluated the antifungal activity of the essential oil of Cymbopogon citratus (DC) Stapf (lemongrass) and its combination with nystatin against oral cavity yeasts. The oil was extracted by the steam distillation method, and its constituents were quantified. The yeasts were identified using MALDI-TOF MS. The sensitivity to the essential oil and its association with nystatin was verified by the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and checkerboard methods. In the essential oil samples, there were 84.53% of citral. A total of 64.77% of strains were identified as Candida albicans. On susceptibility tests, 83.55% of the yeast isolates were inhibited in concentrations of ≥16 µg/mL of nystatin. C. citratus’s oil was capable of inhibiting and killing all the isolates tested with concentrations that varied from 0.137 to 2.2 mg/mL. The association of oil and nystatin had an additive effect on more than 78% of the strains. The association of this herbal drug with nystatin potentialized the antifungal effect on yeast samples isolated from the oral cavity of oncologic patients.

Chromone derivatives exhibiting high absorbance values in the UVA/UVB region were synthesized, and their photoprotective properties were evaluated. Chromones were prepared according to known literature procedures and characterized by high resolution mass spectrometry, infrared (IR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. The in vitro solar protection factor (SPF) was determined by the Mansur method and cytotoxicity was evaluated using the sulforhodamine B assay. Two of the chromones synthesized demonstrated suitable SPF values and displayed no cytotoxic effect towards MRC-5 human fibroblasts at the tested concentrations, indicating great potential for future in vivo assays and clinical trials. Finally, the lead compound was incorporated into a nanoemulsion. Nanoemulsions showed high droplet size homogeneity and excellent stability. Chromones bearing methoxy substituents were found to be the most promising compounds with ideal photoprotective properties desirable for utilization and incorporation in sunscreen formulations.

Resumen Propósito: Se ha demostrado que la hidratación juega un papel fundamental en el deporte. El fútbol es un deporte de equipo en el que la integridad de todos los jugadores es vital para su rendimiento; por lo tanto, el estado de hidratación de cada jugador es importante. El objetivo principal de este estudio fue investigar el estado de hidratación de las jugadoras universitarias de fútbol durante la temporada regular. Métodos: Dieciséis jugadoras universitarias de fútbol (edad: 20.4 ± 0.8 años; estatura: 163.6 ± 6.9 cm; peso: 65.3 ± 12 kg) proporcionaron muestras de orina durante 9 días para controlar su estado de hidratación, la cual se determinó por la gravedad específica de la orina (Usg). La Usg se analizó en la mañana (AM) y en la tarde antes del entrenamiento o el juego (PM). Resultados: Las 16 jugadoras estaban al menos mínimamente hipohidratadas (Usg > 1.010) en la AM en 5 de los 9 días medidos. Las jugadoras tuvieron valores Usg significativamente más altos en AM en comparación con PM (F (1,250) = 23.09; p < 0.0001); sin embargo, no hubo interacción significativa de tiempo * día (F(1,250) = 1.98; p = 0.16). Conclusión: los datos muestran una alta prevalencia de hipohidratación en esta población específica. Este estado de hidratación subóptimo podría ser motivo de preocupación en términos de rendimiento general. Se deberían hacer esfuerzos para integrar las intervenciones de hidratación y el monitoreo diario para reducir al mínimo la hipohidratación en las jugadoras.

Resumo Objetivo: Foi demonstrado que a hidratação desempenha um papel fundamental no esporte. O futebol é um esporte coletivo no qual a integridade de todos os jogadores é vital para o desempenho da equipe; portanto, o estado de hidratação de cada jogador é importante. O objetivo principal deste estudo foi investigar o estado de hidratação de universitárias jogadoras de futebol do sexo feminino durante a temporada regular. Métodos: Dezesseis universitárias jogadoras de futebol (idade: 20,4 ± 0,8 anos; altura: 163,6 ± 6,9 cm; peso: 65,3 ± 12 kg) forneceram amostras de urina por 9 dias para monitorar seu estado de hidratação. A hidratação foi determinada pela gravidade específica da urina Usg. Sua Usg foi analisado pela manhã (matutino) e à tarde (vespertino) antes do treino ou jogo. Resultados: As 16 jogadoras estavam minimamente hipohidratadas (Usg > 1.010) no período matutino em 5 dos 9 dias medidos. As jogadoras apresentaram valores de Usg significativamente maiores no período matutino em comparação ao vespertino (F (1.250) = 23,09; p <0,0001); no entanto, não houve interação tempo * dia significativa (F (1.250) = 1,98; p = 0,16). Conclusão: os dados mostram uma alta prevalência de hipohidratação nesta população específica. Este estado de hidratação abaixo do ideal pode ser uma preocupação em termos de desempenho geral. Devem ser feitos esforços para integrar intervenções de hidratação e monitoramento diário para minimizar a hipohidratação em jogadoras.

Abstract Purpose: Hydration has been shown to play a pivotal role in sport. Soccer is a team sport in which the integrity of all players is vital for team performance; thus, individual player hydration status is important. The primary aim of this study was to investigate the hydration status of female collegiate soccer players during regular season. Methods: Sixteen collegiate female soccer players (age: 20.4 ± 0.8 years; height: 163.6 ± 6.9 cm; weight: 65.3 ± 12 kg) provided urine over 9 days to monitor their hydration status. Hydration was determined by urine specific gravity (Usg). Usg was analyzed in the morning (AM) and in the afternoon before practice/game (PM). Results: All 16 players were at least minimally hypohydrated (Usg > 1.010) in the AM on 5 of the 9 days tested. Players had significantly higher Usg values in the AM as compared to PM (F(1,250) = 23.09; p < 0.0001); however, there was no significant time*day interaction (F(1,250) = 1.98; p = 0.16). Conclusion: Data show a high prevalence of hypohydration occurring in this specific population. This sub-optimal hydration status could be a cause for concern in terms of overall performance. Efforts should be made to integrate hydration interventions and daily monitoring to minimize hypohydration in players.

Resumen La rubeola es una enfermedad exantemática que se produce en la infancia. En caso de que se presente durante la gestación y hubiera afectación del producto, este puede desarrollar el síndrome de rubeola congénita, el cual incluye malformaciones cardiacas que se presentan en el 67% de los pacientes, de las cuales la más común es la persistencia del conducto arterioso, seguida de la estenosis valvular pulmonar y la comunicación interauricular. Se presenta el caso de un hombre de 20 años con diagnóstico de síndrome de rubeola congénita, quien desarrolló glaucoma congénito, insuficiencia aórtica grave, insuficiencia mitral grave y enfermedad miocárdica isquémica. Se realizó procedimiento quirúrgico de revascularización coronaria y recambio valvular mitral y aórtico. Los estudios encontrados durante el proceso de investigación mencionan el daño de los vasos sanguíneos y del miocardio producido por el virus. Con los datos obtenidos se corrobora la baja incidencia de presentación con compromiso coronario y valvular, por lo cual se hace énfasis en la importancia de este caso.

Abstract Rubella is an exanthematous disease that occurs in childhood. If it occurs during pregnancy and there is an effect on the product, it can develop congenital rubella syndrome. The congenital rubella syndrome includes cardiac malformations, which occur in 67% of patients, of which the most common is patent ductus arteriosus, followed by pulmonary valvular stenosis and atrial septal defect. We present the case of a 20-year-old man with a diagnosis of congenital rubella syndrome, presenting with congenital glaucoma, severe aortic insufficiency, severe mitral regurgitation and ischemic myocardial disease. In which a surgical procedure is performed by a coronary revascularization and mitral and aortic valve replacement. Studies found during the research process mention the damage to the blood vessels and myocardium produced by the virus. With the required data, the low incidence of presentation with coronary and valvular involvement is corroborated, which is why the importance of the present case is emphasized.

Resumo Frequentemente, presume-se que o sistema de freios e contrapesos é efetivo para conter a corrupção, em parte porque ele é tipicamente entendido como sinônimo de separação de poderes. Argumentamos que o sistema de freios e contrapesos é apenas uma das várias possíveis manifestações da separação de poderes. Sugerimos que a aparente correlação entre freios e contrapesos e o controle da corrupção decorre de condições antecedentes a ambos. Utilizando exemplos de democracias ocidentais, demonstramos que o conceito de freios e contrapesos é em si mesmo vazio, e somente é efetivado por fatores “duros”, como o equilíbrio das forças políticas, e por fatores “brandos”, como a aderência de elites a normas de comportamento. Isso não significa que ele não possa ser um instrumento útil, mas que nossos pressupostos a respeito de sua utilidade talvez estejam mal informados: a relação com o controle da corrupção é, no melhor dos casos, indireta.

Abstract It is often assumed that checks and balances are effective in curbing corruption, in part because checks and balances are so often assumed to be synonymous with the separation of powers. We argue that checks and balances are only one of several potential manifestations of the separation of powers. We suggest that the apparent correlation between checks and balances and control of corruption is driven by a variety of conditions antecedent to both. Using examples from Western democracies, we demonstrate that the concept of checks and balances is by itself an empty vessel, made effective only by “hard” factors such as the balance of political forces and “soft” factors such as the adherence of elites to particular behavioral norms. This does not mean that checks and balances cannot be useful, but rather that our assumptions about their precise utility may be misinformed: the relationship between checks and balances and curbing corruption is at best indirect.

There is a significant burden of surgically correctable cardiovascular disease in Africa. The goal of this research was to review the last 20 years of literature on this topic. A systematic search was performed using PubMed, Embase and African Index Medicus for the period 1996-2016. Publications came from 29 countries, all of different income brackets. Research output increased by 15-fold over the 20-year time period, with the majority of publications authored by local teams (71.4%) compared to visiting (4.9%) and mixed teams (23.7%). Although increasing, clinical reporting on cardiac surgery is still limited. Increased publication of results should be encouraged to better benchmark capacity and improve research capacity.SIGNIFICANCE: •The majority of the cardiovascular publications came from local research teams affiliated with public hospitals which suggests strong local engagement in research and cardiovascular care. •Research output significantly increased and the share of literature from major research contributors has relatively shrunk over the study period, which suggests emerging research capacities from previously underrepresented regions. •A demographic analysis of publications showed that studies were set in countries from all income brackets, with the majority of the studies originating from low-income countries. •There is a need to standardise reporting of surgical outcomes which is dependent on perioperative care and maintenance of high-quality health records. •Over half of the publications lacked evidence of outpatient follow-up or data on postoperative care, which highlights the need to focus on patient outcomes as a metric

RESUMO Relatamos um raro caso de carcinoma mucoepidermoide intraósseo localizado em região posterior da maxila em uma paciente de 22 anos de idade. O artigo resume as principais características do processo neoplásico, incluindo as características clinicopatológicas, o tratamento e o prognóstico.

ABSTRACT An unusual case of intraosseous mucoepidermoid carcinoma is reported in a 22-year-old female, located in the posterior maxilla region. The article summarizes the main characteristics of the disease, including clinical-pathologic characteristics, treatment and prognosis.

RESUMEN Reportamos un caso raro de carcinoma epidermoide intraóseo ubicado en región posterior de la maxila en una paciente de 22 años de edad. El artículo resume las principales características del proceso neoplásico, incluyendo las características clínico-patológicas, el tratamiento y el pronóstico.

Resumen El macizo de Chirripó en la Cordillera de Talamanca, Costa Rica, es uno de los pocos sitios en América Central que conserva evidencia de glaciación en el pasado. Mapeamos formas de relieve glaciales en esta área usando imágenes de alta resolución de Google Earth y un modelo de elevación digital (DEM) de la Misión Topográfica de Radar Shuttle de 30 m. Observaciones previamentes de campo, notas de campo, fotografías y mapas de formas de relieve se usaron para verificar y refinar los límites del relieve delineados. El mapa compuesto incluye morrenas laterales y terminales, laderas, valles glaciares, lagos glaciales, nunataks, arêtes, y cuernos. Las extensiones glaciales durante tres etapas propuestas se mapearon en el Valle de las Morrenas, un importante valle orientado hacia el norte en el macizo, basado en reconstrucciones previas. Las características glaciales mapeadas cubren aproximadamente 22,1 km2, que representan la extensión mínima de la glaciación máxima durante el período del último glacial máximo (LGM). Este mapa refinado proporciona un importante conjunto de datos para ayudar a reconstruir el cambio climático del Cuaternario en este altiplano tropical.

Abstract The Chirripó massif in the Cordillera de Talamanca, Costa Rica, is one of a few sites in Central America that preserve evidence of past glaciation. We mapped glacial landforms in this area using Google Earth high-resolution imagery and a 30 m Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) digital elevation model (DEM). Prior field observations, field notes, photographs, and landform maps were used to check and refine the delineated landform boundaries. The composited map includes lateral and terminal moraines, tills, glacial valleys, glacial lakes, nunataks, arêtes, and horns. Glacial extents during three proposed stages were mapped in the Valle de las Morrenas, a major north-facing valley on the massif, based on previous reconstructions. The mapped glacial features cover roughly 22.1 km2, representing the minimum extent of the rnaximum glaciation during the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM). This refined map provides an important dataset to help reconstruct Quaternary climate change in this tropical highland.

RESUMO Grandes estudos multicêntricos demostram que aneurismas intracranianos pequenos são associados a risco de sangramento mínimo. Outras grandes séries têm evidenciado que aneurismas rotos são em sua maioria os pequenos. Neste estudo questionamos até que ponto os aneurismas pequenos não são perigosos. Métodos: Avaliamos 290 novos casos de aneurismas tratados em nossa instituição durante 6 anos (43,7% rotos). Realizamos análises multivariadas com aspectos epidemiológicos dos pacientes, doenças cardiovasculares e três parâmetros angiográficos: maior diâmetro, diâmetro do colo e diâmetro do vaso nutridor do aneurisma. Estimativas de risco foram calculadas utilizando-se modelo de regressão logística. Parâmetros do tamanho aneurismático foram estratificados de acordo com curvas ROC. Também calculamos a razão de chances (odds ratios) de ruptura baseadas nas análises das curvas ROC. Resultados: O maior diâmetro médio para os grupos de aneurismas rotos e não-rotos foi 13.3 ± 1.7mm e 22.2 ± 2.2 (p < 0.001). Análises multivariadas revelaram uma correlação positiva entre ruptura aneurismática e hipertensão arterial (p < 0.001) e uma correlação inversa entre ruptura e as três medidas angiográficas (p < 0.01). Aneurismas da artéria cerebral anterior foram os que mais sangraram (p < 0.05). Análises das curvas ROC demonstram que no maior diâmetro de 15mm, a sensibilidade e especificidade para se predizer ruptura são de 83% e 36%. Baseando-se nessas estratificações, calculamos uma chance de ruptura para aneurismas menores de 15mm de 46% e de 25% para aneurismas maiores. Conclusão: Na população estudada, aneurismas pequenos são mais propensos a romper. Desta forma, a necessidade de intervenção para aneurismas pequenos não deve ser relevada.

ABSTRACT Large multicenter studies have shown that small intracranial aneurysms are associated with a minimal risk of bleeding. Nevertheless, other large series have shown that most ruptured aneurysms are, in fact, the smaller ones. In the present study, we questioned whether small aneurysms are indeed not dangerous. Methods: We enrolled 290 patients with newly-diagnosed aneurysms at our institution over a six-year period (43.7% ruptured). We performed multivariate analyses addressing epidemiological issues, cardiovascular diseases, and three angiographic parameters (largest aneurysm diameter, neck diameter and diameter of the nutrition vessel). Risk estimates were calculated using a logistic regression model. Aneurysm size parameters were stratified according to receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Finally, we calculated odds ratios for rupture based on the ROC analysis. Results: The mean largest diameter for the ruptured versus unruptured groups was 13.3 ± 1.7 mm versus 22.2 ± 2.2 mm (p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed a positive correlation between rupture and arterial hypertension (p < 0.001) and an inverse correlation with all three angiographic measurements (all p < 0.01). Aneurysms from the anterior cerebral artery bled more often (p < 0.05). According to the ROC curves, at the largest diameter of 15 mm, the sensitivity and specificity to predict rupture were 83% and 36%, respectively. Based on this stratification, we calculated the chance of rupture for aneurysms smaller than 15 mm as 46%, which dropped to 25% for larger aneurysms. Conclusion: In the population studied at our institution, small aneurysms were more prone to bleeding. Therefore, the need for intervention for small aneurysms should not be overlooked.

BACKGROUND: Patients play a major role in the success of any antiretroviral treatment (ART) programme. Hence, their needs should be articulated on a regular basis for interventional processes to promote adherence, retention and quality care. AIM: This study investigated whether patients' needs were being met, described which needs were met, which were not and how such needs could be met. SETTING: The study took place at four ART clinics in eThekwini district public hospitals. METHODS: This study formed part of a larger study that utilised a sequential mixed-methods design. However, only the qualitative component is documented herein. Twelve HIV-infected patients engaged in in-depth interviews (three patients from each of the four hospitals). A socio-ecological framework divided responses into four categories, namely, the individual, interpersonal, institutional and policy. Each category presented (1) patients' needs that are being met, (2) needs that are not being met, (3) recommendations on how they can be met and (4) researchers' observations. RESULTS: All 12 patients reported that all their needs were not being met. They further shared their met needs, unmet needs and made recommendations for meeting their unmet needs. These needs varied per antiretroviral clinic because of unique processes at each institution CONCLUSION: To adequately address the needs of HIV-infected patients, it is imperative for all stakeholders involved in the public ART programme to gain an understanding of what constitutes 'patients' needs'. The results reflect patients' willingness to be involved in their care, treatment and interventional strategies to adequately meet their needs.

Abstract A Solar Neutron Telescope (SNT) was installed at the summit of Sierra Negra volcano, Pue., Mexico (19.0º N, 97.3º W, 4580 m above sea level); it is in operation since 2004. In this work, values of barometric pressure, dynamic pressure, ambient temperature and relative humidity, obtained by a meteorological station close to the SNT were used, to calculate the coefficients of atmospheric correction to the registered cosmic ray flux. Once the cosmic ray data are free from variations of atmospheric origin, the time profiles observed by the SNT during five selected Forbush type decreases during the period 2011-2013 were analysed. Results obtained by several energy deposition channels (30, 60, 90 MeV) are discussed to establish the reliability of the SNT for this type of events.

Resumen Un Telescopio de Neutrones Solares (TNS) fue instalado en la cima del volcán Sierra Negra, Pue., México (19.0º N , 97.3º W, 4580 m sobre el nivel del mar); el cual se encuentra en operación desde el 2004. En este trabajo, utilizamos los valores de la presión barométrica, de la presión dinámica, de la temperatura ambiental y de la humedad relativa obtenidos por una estación meteorológica cercana al TNS, para calcular los coeficientes de corrección atmosféricos para el flujo registrado de rayos cósmicos. Cuando los datos de rayos cósmicos están libres de las variaciones de origen atmosférico, analizamos los perfiles de tiempo observados por el TNS durante seis decrecimientos tipo Forbush seleccionados para el período 2011-2013. Los resultados obtenidos por varios canales de depósito de energía (30,60,90 MeV) son discutidos para establecer la confiabilidad del TNS para este tipo de eventos.

Resumen El 30 de noviembre del 2016 a las 18:25 (00:25 UTC del 1º de diciembre) ocurrió un sismo de Mw 5,5 a una profundidad de 2,7 km, 4 km al norte de Capellades de Alvarado, Costa Rica. Fue el evento principal de una secuencia con precursores y réplicas, localizada a 5 km de los volcanes activos Irazú y Turrialba. Este sismo es el más reciente de una lista de terremotos originados en las fallas que cortan la Cordillera Volcánica Central, la cual representa el límite norte del área más poblada del país. Usando principalmente los registros instrumentales de la Red Sismológica Nacional (RSN), en este trabajo se presenta un análisis sismológico de la secuencia y se determinan la ubicación y las características de la falla que originó esta sismicidad. Adicionalmente, se describe el entorno geológico-tectónico de su origen y sus efectos. La secuencia de sismos muestra un claro alineamiento de 8 km de longitud y rumbo nor-noroeste, entre los volcanes Irazú y Turrialba. La interpretación conjunta de la relocalización de la secuencia, el tensor de momento del sismo principal y los mecanismos focales de 17 eventos permitió determinar que la falla de origen es casi vertical y de tipo de desplazamiento de rumbo dextral, lo cual es congruente con los sistemas de fallamiento activo de la zona. Esta falla no había sido reconocida previamente y se ha denominado Liebres en este estudio. El sismo principal fue sentido en casi todo el país, con una intensidad máxima de VI+. Este sismo ha sido el de mayor magnitud en el sector oriental de la Cordillera Volcánica Central desde el terremoto de Patillos de 1952 (Ms 5,9) y el primer sismo de Mw > 5,0 registrado por la RSN en el edificio volcánico del Turrialba. A pesar de la cercanía con ese volcán, que ha presentado erupciones periódicas desde el 2010, no se observaron efectos eruptivos inmediatos.

Abstract On 30 November 2016 at 18:25 (1st December at 00:25, UTC time) a Mw 5.5 earthquake occurred at 2.7 km depth, 4 km north of the town Capellades de Alvarado, Costa Rica. It was the main shock of an earthquake sequence including foreshocks and aftershocks, located 5 km from the active Irazú and Turrialba volcanoes. This is the most recent of a series of damaging earthquakes originated in the faults crossing the Central Volcanic Range, which constitutes the northern boundary of the most populated area of the country. Using mainly the seismic records from the National Seismological Network (RSN), we present in this study a seismological analysis of the earthquake sequence and the location and characteristics of the fault that originated this seismicity. Additionally, we describe the geotectonic context of the fault and the Capellades earthquake effects. The earthquake sequence shows a clear 8-km long alignment striking nor-northwest between Irazú and Turrialba volcanoes. The joint interpretation of the earthquake relocation, the main-shock moment tensor solution, and the focal mechanisms of 17 events allows for determining the source in a nearly vertical strike-slip fault, in agreement with regional active fault systems. This structure had not been recognized previously and has been named Liebres Fault in this study. The main shock was felt in most of the country, with a maximum intensity of VI+. This earthquake has been the largest in the eastern part of the Central Volcanic Range since the 1952 Patillos earthquake (Ms 5.9) and the first Mw > 5.0 earthquake recorded by the RSN in the Turrialba volcano edifice. Despite the proximity to this active volcano, which has been erupting periodically since 2010, there were no immediate eruptive effects.

Chagas disease is included in the neglected tropical diseases list and is endemic to 21 Latin American countries. The two drugs currently available for treating Chagas disease are nifurtimox and benznidazole and both result in many significant side effects. The study describes the synthesis and biological evaluation of 3,5-disubstituted isoxazoles. Isoxazoles were obtained by reaction of flavones and hydroxylamine and either alkylated at the free hydroxyl group and/or nitrated at the isoxazole ring. These compounds were evaluated for their in vitro anti-Trypanosoma cruzi activity against trypomastigote and amastigote forms of the parasite in T. cruzi-infected cell lineages. Benznidazole was used as a reference compound for the in vitro assay and mammalian L929 cells were employed to evaluate cytotoxicity. A majority of the compounds tested were very active and the most active isoxazole against amastigote and trypomastigotes of T. cruzi was slightly more potent than the current medicine benznidazole.