Optical characterization and defect-induced behavior in ZnAl1.999Ho0.001O4 spinel: Unraveling novel insights into structure, morphology, and spectroscopic features.

The ZnAl1.999Ho0.001O4 phosphor, prepared by the solid-state method, crystallizes in the cubic spinel structure. Morphology and chemical composition homogeneity were determined via Energy Dispersive X-ray and SEM analysis. The (Eg) optical band gap was evaluated from the UV/vis absorption spectrum, confirming direct transition behavior according to Tauc's law. The Urbach energy (Eu) in the ZnAl1.999Ho0.001O4 spinel was higher than that in the ZnAl2O4 spinel, indicating increased disorder and a higher concentration of defects due to Ho3+ ions. The penetration depth (δ(λ)), optical extinction (k(λ)), and refractive index (n(λ)) were assessed across wavelengths (λ). The room temperature absorption spectrum revealed several peaks corresponding to the 4f-4f transitions of Ho3+ ions.

Comprehensive characterization and optoelectronic significance of Ho3+ and Cr3+ Co-doped ZnAl2O4 spinels.

The spinels ZnAl1.99-xHoxCr0.01O4 (with x = 0 and 0.001) were synthesized using a solid-state method, and various techniques were employed for their characterization. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis confirmed a cubic spinel structure with the Fd3̄m space group for both spinels. The morphology and homogeneity of the chemical composition were determined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray analysis. Raman and infrared vibrational spectroscopy techniques were also employed for analysis. The optical band gap (Eg) was determined from UV/vis absorption spectra, and the direct transition behavior was confirmed by Tauc's law. The observed large disorder and defect concentration are attributed to the presence of Cr3+ and Ho3+ ions, explaining this behavior. The electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) measurement presented different types of traps. Room temperature absorption spectra exhibited multiple peaks corresponding to the 3d-3d and 4f-4f transitions of Cr3+ and Ho3+ ions. The results obtained validate the significance of our compounds in optoelectronic device applications.

A Customized System to Test Pelvic Floor Muscles Contraction: A Proof of Concept.

Studies show that there is a high prevalence of pelvic floor dysfunctions which negatively affect the quality of life of people who suffer from them. The few sensory mechanisms that pelvic floor muscles have to inform the brain of their situation can make it difficult to perform voluntary contractions or identify risk factors. Currently, there is no consensus to improve this proprioception. This work introduces the development of a novel intravaginal device that is connected to a mobile data acquisition system and able to discern the correct contraction of the pelvic floor muscles versus contraction of adjacent muscles or abdominal thrust efforts. A cross-sectional pilot clinical study has been carried out to validate this end with healthy adult nulliparous woman with good pelvic floor muscles contraction capability in supine position.Clinical relevance- The proposed system allows a personalized and real-time assessment of the contractile capability of the pelvic floor muscles (PFM), distinguishing between muscular plans (deep/superficial PFM), between sides (right/left PFM), and between pressures from the PFM and intra-abdominal muscles (IAP). The development of an intravaginal device which is able to simultaneously measure all these features is an important advancement in this field since it can provide information in real time on the contraction capability of all the PFM as well as on the influence of the IAP during different PFM exercises.

Fullerene size controls the selective complexation of [11]CPP with pristine and endohedral fullerenes.

The ability of the carbon nanoring [11]cycloparaphenylene ([11]CPP) for coordinating fullerenes has been tested using a series of hosts, including the pristine fullerenes C60, C70, C76 and C78, the clusterfullerene Sc3N@C80, monometallic endofullerenes Y@C82 and Tm@C82, and dimetallic endofullerenes Y2@C82 and Lu2@C82. A systematic theoretical study employing dispersion corrected density functional methods has been carried out in order to explore the characteristics of the complexes and the strength of the interaction. Depending on the dimer, complexation energies span from around -36 kcal mol-1 with C60 to -53 kcal mol-1 with the C82 derivatives. Dispersion is the main stabilizing contribution in these dimers, so the molecules arrange to maximize the number of close interatomic contacts. Since most fullerenes can properly fill the cavity of the nanoring the stability of the complexes is pretty similar, with the exception of the smallest fullerenes. The complexes with endohedral fullerenes show similar stabilities in all cases studied, with no noticeable dependence on the nature of the endohedral species. The results obtained suggest that fullerenes larger than C76 could be selectively encapsulated by [11]CPP compared to smaller fullerenes.

Acessibilidade ao pré-natal e fatores de risco nas parturientes do Hospital do Servidor Público Municipal de São Paulo / Access to pre-natal and risk factors in parturing women at the Hospital do Servidor Público Municipal de São Paulo

• Resumo Foi realizado análise de prontuários das parturientes a termo do Hospital do Servidor Público Municipal de São Paulo (HSPM) durante o ano de 2017, contabilizado e avaliado o número de consultas de pré-natal durante toda a gestação baseado no consenso estabelecido pela Organização Mundial de Saúde (OMS) de no mínimo oito encontros de pré-natal ao qual reduz o risco de morbidade materna e perinatal. A partir do número de consultas, as parturientes foram subdivididas por idade, raça, quantidade gestacional e se a assistência ao pré-natal foi feita no Hospital do Servidor e descentralizados (Funcionárias) ou externamente (Munícipes/SUS). O número total de parturientes foi de 997, destas 331 apresentaram menos de oito consultas de pré-natal no momento do parto, o que corresponde a 33,1% de todos os partos a termo do HSPM. A partir destes dados obteve-se a conclusão de que as pacientes provenientes do Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS), multigestas, maiores de 18 anos, amarelas e indígenas apresentam riscos maiores à não acessibilidade ao pré-natal e portanto, necessitam de intervenções para a melhoria à acessibilidade. Palavras chaves: pré-natal, acessibilidade, primigesta, multigesta, raça, idade, Sistema Único de Saúde.

Acessibilidade ao pré- natal e fatores de risco nas parturientes do HSPM / Prenatal accessibility and risk factors in HSPM parturients

Foi realizado análise de prontuários das parturientes a termo do Hospital do Servidor Público Municipal de São Paulo (HSPM) durante o ano de 2017, contabilizado e avaliado o número de consultas de pré-natal durante toda a gestação baseado no consenso estabelecido pela Organização Mundial de Saúde (OMS) de no mínimo oito encontros de pré-natal ao qual reduz o risco de morbidade materna e perinatal. A partir do número de consultas, as parturientes foram subdivididas por idade, raça, quantidade gestacional e se a assistência ao pré-natal foi feita no Hospital do Servidor e descentralizados (Funcionárias) ou externamente (Munícipes/SUS). O número total de parturientes foi de 997, destas 331 apresentaram menos de oito consultas de pré-natal no momento do parto, o que corresponde a 33,1% de todos os partos a termo do HSPM. A partir destes dados obteve-se a conclusão de que as pacientes provenientes do Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS), multigestas, maiores de 18 anos, amarelas e indígenas apresentam riscos maiores à não acessibilidade ao pré-natal e portanto, necessitam de intervenções para a melhoria à acessibilidade.

A theoretical study of complexes between fullerenes and concave receptors with interest in photovoltaics.

The complexation of the pristine fullerenes C60 and C70 and the endohedral fullerenes Sc3N@C80 and Sc3N@C68 has been tested using a series of hosts of different nature, including the buckybowls corannulene and sumanene, a zinc porphyrin, a chloro boron subphthalocyanine, and a corannulene pentasubstituted with nitrile groups. A systematic theoretical study has been carried out in order to explore both the strength of the interaction and the feasibility for electron transfer of the dimers. Dispersion is the main stabilizing contribution in these dimers, so both molecules orientate so as to maximize the number of close contacts among atoms. As a consequence, all host molecules interact with C70 by the long axis. C60 and Sc3N@C80 are more spherically shaped, so there is no clear preference for the position of the host molecule, though endohedral fullerenes are encapsulated preferentially by the face without contacts with the inner cluster. Complexation energies increase with the contact surface between molecules in the complex. The most stable complexes with fullerenes are formed by the subphthalocyanine and the CN-pentasubstituted corannulene. Depending on the dimer, complexation energies span from around -15 kcal mol-1 of C60 with corannulene to -24 kcal mol-1 of Sc3N@C80 with the subphthalocyanine. Some of the dimers seem to be capable of acting as a donor-acceptor pair, leading to charge transfer states with a neat separation of charge, thus being candidates for organic photovoltaic devices. Endohedral fullerenes are less prone to these donor-acceptor transitions, with charge transfer taking place from the carbon cage to the endohedral cluster. cora5CN, with its inverted polarity, also shows charge transfer upon excitation but with the fullerene acting as a donor and the buckybowl as an acceptor.

Bankart arthroscopic procedure: comparative study on use of double or single-thread anchors after a 2-year follow-up.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the use of anchors with double and single-thread loading in the single-row Bankart arthroscopic procedure. METHODS: 252 patients (258 shoulders) underwent Bankart arthroscopic surgery with evaluation after a minimum follow-up of 2 years. They underwent repairs either using anchors with single loading of a high-resistance non-absorbable braided thread (206 shoulders; group AS) or using double loading of thread with the same characteristics (52 shoulders; group AD). The patients were evaluated using the UCLA and Carter-Rowe scales. The patients' return to sports activity and recurrences were also compared. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the groups regarding the surgical failure rate (group AS 5.8%; group AD 7.7%; p = 0.62). Group AS presented a better mean Carter-Rowe score (group AS 94.4; group AD 88.6; p < 0.05) and greater return to the same sports level (group AS 79.1; group AD 72.1; p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Use of anchors with double thread loading did not show any clinical advantage for arthroscopic repair of traumatic anterior shoulder instability, in relation to use of single-thread anchors, over a 2-year follow-up.

OBJETIVO: Comparar o uso de âncoras com carregamento duplo e com carregamento simples de fio no procedimento artroscópico de Bankart com fileira simples. MÉTODOS: Foram submetidos à cirurgia artroscópica de Bankart e avaliados após seguimento mínimo de dois anos 252 pacientes (258 ombros). Foram submetidos a reparo com âncoras com carregamento simples de fio trançado não absorvível de alta resistência 206 ombros (grupo AS) e com âncoras com carregamento duplo com fios de mesmas características 52 (grupo AD). Os pacientes foram avaliados segundo as escalas UCLA e Carter-Rowe. O retorno à atividade esportiva e a recidiva também foram comparados. RESULTADOS: Não houve diferença significante entre os grupos quanto à taxa de falha cirúrgica (grupo AS 5,8%; grupo AD 7,7%; p = 0,62). O grupo AS apresentou melhor Carter-Rowe médio (grupo AS 94,4; grupo AD 88,6; p < 0,05) e maior retorno ao mesmo nível esportivo (grupo AS 79,1; grupo AD 72,1; p < 0,05). CONCLUSÃO: O uso de âncoras com carregamento duplo de fios não demonstrou vantagem clínica no reparo artroscópico da instabilidade anterior traumática do ombro em relação ao uso de âncoras simples no seguimento de dois anos.

Long-term functional evaluation of videoarthroscopic treatment of partial injuries of the rotator cuff.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the functional results from high and low-grade isolated partial lesions of the supraspinatus tendon of bursal and articular types, after arthroscopic treatment. METHODS: Sixty-four patients with isolated partial lesions of the supraspinatus tendon were evaluated. The mean length of follow-up was 76 months (range: 29-193). The mean age was 59 years (range: 36-82). The dominant side was affected in 44 patients (68.8%). There were 35 bursal lesions (54.7%) and 29 articular lesions (45.3%). We used the Ellman classification and characterized the lesions as low or high-grade according to whether they affected less than or more than 50% of the tendon thickness, respectively. Debridement was performed in 15 patients (23.5%), repair without completing the lesion in 11 (17%) and repair after completing the lesion in 38 (59.5%). The functional assessments on the patients were done using the Constant & Murley and UCLA scores. RESULTS: The mean Constant & Murley score among the patients with bursal lesions was 82.64 ± 6.98 (range: 59.3-99) and among those with articular lesions, 83.57 ± 7.58 (range: 66-95), while the mean UCLA score in the bursal lesions was 33.37 ± 2.85 (range: 21-35) and in the articular lesions, 32.83 ± 2.95 (range: 22-35). CONCLUSION: Videoarthroscopic treatment of partial lesions of the rotator cuff presents good or excellent results when the low-grade lesions are debrided and the high-grade lesions are completed and repaired. These results are maintained over the long term, with a high satisfaction rate and few complications.

OBJETIVO: Comparar os resultados funcionais, após o tratamento artroscópico, das lesões parciais isoladas do tendão supra-espinal dos tipos bursal e articular nos graus alto e baixo. MÉTODOS: Foram avaliados 64 pacientes com lesões parciais isoladas do tendão supra-espinal. Seguimento médio de 76 meses (29 a 193). A média de idade foi de 59 anos (36 a 82). O lado dominante foi acometido em 44 pacientes (68,8%). Observadas 35 lesões bursais (54,7%) e 29 articulares (45,3%). Usamos a classificação de Ellman e caracterizamos as lesões como baixo e alto grau quando acometiam menos ou mais de 50% de sua espessura, respectivamente. Foi feito desbridamento em 15 pacientes (23,5%), reparo sem completar a lesão em 11 (17%) e reparo após completar a lesão em 38 (59,5%). A avaliação clínica funcional dos pacientes foi feita com o uso dos escores de Constant & Murley e UCLA. RESULTADOS: A média dos escores de Constant dos pacientes com lesão bursal foi de 82,64 ± 6,98 (59,3 a 99) e com lesão articular foi de 83,57 ± 7,58 (66 a 95), enquanto que a média do UCLA nas lesões bursais foi de 33,37 ± 2,85 (21 a 35) e nas lesões articulares foi de 32,83 ± 2,95 (22 a 35). CONCLUSÃO: O tratamento videoartroscópico das lesões parciais do manguito rotador apresenta resultados bons/excelentes quando as lesões de baixo grau são desbridadas e as lesões de alto grau são completadas e reparadas. Esses resultados se mantêm em longo prazo, com alto índice de satisfação e poucas complicações.

A Sativex(®) -like combination of phytocannabinoids as a disease-modifying therapy in a viral model of multiple sclerosis.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Sativex(®) is an oromucosal spray, containing equivalent amounts of Δ(9) -tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ(9) -THC) and cannabidiol (CBD)-botanical drug substance (BDS), which has been approved for the treatment of spasticity and pain associated to multiple sclerosis (MS). In this study, we investigated whether Sativex may also serve as a disease-modifying agent in the Theiler's murine encephalomyelitis virus-induced demyelinating disease model of MS. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: A Sativex-like combination of phytocannabinoids and each phytocannabinoid alone were administered to mice once they had established MS-like symptoms. Motor activity and the putative targets of these cannabinoids were assessed to evaluate therapeutic efficacy. The accumulation of chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans (CSPGs) and astrogliosis were assessed in the spinal cord and the effect of Sativex on CSPGs production was evaluated in astrocyte cultures. KEY RESULTS: Sativex improved motor activity - reduced CNS infiltrates, microglial activity, axonal damage - and restored myelin morphology. Similarly, we found weaker vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 staining and IL-1ß gene expression but an up-regulation of arginase-1. The astrogliosis and accumulation of CSPGs in the spinal cord in vehicle-infected animals were decreased by Sativex, as was the synthesis and release of CSPGs by astrocytes in culture. We found that CBD-BDS alone alleviated motor deterioration to a similar extent as Sativex, acting through PPARγ receptors whereas Δ(9) -THC-BDS produced weaker effects, acting through CB2 and primarily CB1 receptors. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: The data support the therapeutic potential of Sativex to slow MS progression and its relevance in CNS repair.

Long-term functional evaluation of videoarthroscopic treatment of partial injuries of the rotator cuff / Avaliação funcional em longo prazo do tratamento videoartroscópico das lesões parciais do manguito rotador

OBJECTIVE: To compare the functional results from high and low-grade isolated partial lesions of the supraspinatus tendon of bursal and articular types, after arthroscopic treatment. METHODS: Sixty-four patients with isolated partial lesions of the supraspinatus tendon were evaluated. The mean length of follow-up was 76 months (range: 29-193). The mean age was 59 years (range: 36-82). The dominant side was affected in 44 patients (68.8%). There were 35 bursal lesions (54.7%) and 29 articular lesions (45.3%). We used the Ellman classification and characterized the lesions as low or high-grade according to whether they affected less than or more than 50% of the tendon thickness, respectively. Debridement was performed in 15 patients (23.5%), repair without completing the lesion in 11 (17%) and repair after completing the lesion in 38 (59.5%). The functional assessments on the patients were done using the Constant & Murley and UCLA scores. RESULTS: The mean Constant & Murley score among the patients with bursal lesions was 82.64 ± 6.98 (range: 59.3-99) and among those with articular lesions, 83.57 ± 7.58 (range: 66-95), while the mean UCLA score in the bursal lesions was 33.37 ± 2.85 (range: 21-35) and in the articular lesions, 32.83 ± 2.95 (range: 22-35). CONCLUSION: Videoarthroscopic treatment of partial lesions of the rotator cuff presents good or excellent results when the low-grade lesions are debrided and the high-grade lesions are completed and repaired. These results are maintained over the long term, with a high satisfaction rate and few complications. .

OBJETIVO: Comparar os resultados funcionais, após o tratamento artroscópico, das lesões parciais isoladas do tendão supra-espinal dos tipos bursal e articular nos graus alto e baixo. MÉTODOS: Foram avaliados 64 pacientes com lesões parciais isoladas do tendão supra-espinal. Seguimento médio de 76 meses (29 a 193). A média de idade foi de 59 anos (36 a 82). O lado dominante foi acometido em 44 pacientes (68,8%). Observadas 35 lesões bursais (54,7%) e 29 articulares (45,3%). Usamos a classificação de Ellman e caracterizamos as lesões como baixo e alto grau quando acometiam menos ou mais de 50% de sua espessura, respectivamente. Foi feito desbridamento em 15 pacientes (23,5%), reparo sem completar a lesão em 11 (17%) e reparo após completar a lesão em 38 (59,5%). A avaliação clínica funcional dos pacientes foi feita com o uso dos escores de Constant & Murley e UCLA. RESULTADOS: A média dos escores de Constant dos pacientes com lesão bursal foi de 82,64 ± 6,98 (59,3 a 99) e com lesão articular foi de 83,57 ± 7,58 (66 a 95), enquanto que a média do UCLA nas lesões bursais foi de 33,37 ± 2,85 (21 a 35) e nas lesões articulares foi de 32,83 ± 2,95 (22 a 35). CONCLUSÃO: O tratamento videoartroscópico das lesões parciais do manguito rotador apresenta resultados bons/excelentes quando as lesões de baixo grau são desbridadas e as lesões de alto grau são completadas e reparadas. Esses resultados se mantêm em longo prazo, com alto índice de satisfação e poucas complicações. .

[Adequacy of clinical interventions in patients with advanced and complex disease. Proposal of a decision making algorithm]. / Adecuación de las intervenciones clínicas en pacientes con enfermedad avanzada y compleja. Propuesta de algoritmo para la toma de decisiones.

Decision making in the patient with chronic advanced disease is especially complex. Health professionals are obliged to prevent avoidable suffering and not to add any more damage to that of the disease itself. The adequacy of the clinical interventions consists of only offering those diagnostic and therapeutic procedures appropriate to the clinical situation of the patient and to perform only those allowed by the patient or representative. In this article, the use of an algorithm is proposed that should serve to help health professionals in this decision making process.

Bankart arthroscopic procedure: comparative study on use of double or single-thread anchors after a 2-year follow-up / Procedimento artroscópico de Bankart: estudo comparativo do uso de âncoras com fio duplo ou simples após seguimento de dois anos

To compare the use of anchors with double and single-thread loading in the single-row Bankart arthroscopic procedure. METHODS: 252 patients (258 shoulders) underwent Bankart arthroscopic surgery with evaluation after a minimum follow-up of 2 years. They underwent repairs either using anchors with single loading of a high-resistance non-absorbable braided thread (206 shoulders; group AS) or using double loading of thread with the same characteristics (52 shoulders; group AD). The patients were evaluated using the UCLA and Carter-Rowe scales. The patients' return to sports activity and recurrences were also compared. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the groups regarding the surgical failure rate (group AS 5.8%; group AD 7.7%; p = 0.62). Group AS presented a better mean Carter-Rowe score (group AS 94.4; group AD 88.6; p < 0.05) and greater return to the same sports level (group AS 79.1; group AD 72.1; p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Use of anchors with double thread loading did not show any clinical advantage for arthroscopic repair of traumatic anterior shoulder instability, in relation to use of single-thread anchors, over a 2-year follow-up...

Comparar o uso de âncoras com carregamento duplo e com carregamento simples de fio no procedimento artroscópico de Bankart com fileira simples. MÉTODOS: foram submetidos à cirurgia artroscópica de Bankart e avaliados após seguimento mínimo de dois anos 252 pacientes (258 ombros). Foram submetidos a reparo com âncoras com carregamento simples de fio trançado não absorvível de alta resistência 206 ombros (grupo AS) e com âncoras com carregamento duplo com fios de mesmas características 52 (grupo AD). Os pacientes foram avaliados segundo as escalas UCLA e Carter-Rowe. O retorno à atividade esportiva e a recidiva também foram comparados. RESULTADOS: não houve diferença significante entre os grupos quanto à taxa de falha cirúrgica (grupo AS 5,8%; grupo AD 7,7%; p = 0,62). O grupo AS apresentou melhor Carter-Rowe médio (grupo AS 94,4; grupo AD 88,6; p < 0,05) e maior retorno ao mesmo nível esportivo (grupo AS 79,1; grupo AD 72,1; p < 0,05). CONCLUSÃO: o uso de âncoras com carregamento duplo de fios não demonstrou vantagem clínica no reparo artroscópico da instabilidade anterior traumática do ombro em relação ao uso de âncoras simples no seguimento de dois anos...

Effect of temperature and cationic chain length on the physical properties of ammonium nitrate-based protic ionic liquids.

We report a systematic study of the effect of the cationic chain length and degree of hydrogen bonding on several equilibrium and transport properties of the first members of the alkylammonium nitrate protic ionic liquids (PILs) family (ethylammonium, propylammonium, and butylammonium nitrate) in the temperature range between 10 and 40 °C. These properties were observed by means of several experimental techniques, including density, surface tension, refractometry, viscosimetry, and conductimetry. The dilatation coefficients and compressibilities, as well as the Rao coefficients, were calculated, and an increase of these magnitudes with alkyl chain length was detected. Moreover, the surface entropies and enthalpies of the studied PILs were analyzed, and the temperature dependence of the surface tension was observed to be describable by means of a harmonic oscillator model with surface energies and critical temperatures that are increasing functions of the cationic chain length. Moreover, the refractive indexes were measured and the thermo-optic coefficient and Abbe numbers were calculated, and the contribution of the electrostrictive part seemed to dominate the temperature dependence of the electric polarization. The electric conductivity and the viscosity were measured and the influence of the degree of hydrogen bonding in the supercooled liquid region analyzed. Hysteresis loops were detected in freezing-melting cycles and the effect of the length of the alkyl chain of the cation on the size of the loop analyzed, showing that longer chains lead to a narrowing of the supercooled region. The temperature dependence of the conductivity was studied in the Vogel-Fulcher-Tamman (VFT) framework and the fragility indices, the effective activation energies, and the Vogel temperatures obtained. A high-temperature Arrhenius analysis was also performed, and the activation energies of conductivity and viscosity were calculated, showing that these transport processes are governed by two distinct mechanisms. The exponents of the fractional Walden rule for the different compounds were obtained. Finally, the ionicities and fragilities of the studied PILs were analyzed, proving that all the studied PILs are subionic and fragile liquids, with propylammonium nitrate showing the lowest fragility and the greater ionicity of all the studied compounds.