Transition from fractal-dendritic to compact islands for the 2D-ferroelectric SnSe on graphene/Ir(111).

Epitaxial growth is a versatile method to prepare two-dimensional van der Waals ferroelectrics like group IV monochalcogenides which have potential for novel electronic devices and sensors. We systematically study SnSe monolayer islands grown by molecular beam epitaxy, especially the effect of annealing temperature on shape and morphology of the edges. Characterization of the samples by scanning tunneling microscopy reveals that the shape of the islands changes from fractal-dendritic after deposition at room temperature to a compact rhombic shape through annealing, but ripening processes are absent up to the desorption temperature. A two-step growth process leads to large, epitaxially aligned rhombic islands bounded by well-defined110-edges (armchair-like), which we claim to be the equilibrium shape of the stoichiometric SnSe monolayer islands. The relaxation of the energetically favorable edges is detected in atomically resolved STM images. The experimental findings are supported by the results of our first-principles calculations, which provide insights into the energetics of the edges, their reconstructions, and yields the equilibrium shapes of the islands which are in good agreement with the experiment.

Oral fish oil positively influences nutritional-inflammatory risk in patients with haematological malignancies during chemotherapy with an impact on long-term survival: a randomised clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Studies suggest that the ingestion of fish oil (FO), a source of the omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), can reduce the deleterious side-effects of chemotherapy. The aim of this randomised clinical trial was to evaluate the effect of supplementation with oral FO for 9 weeks on nutritional parameters and inflammatory nutritional risk in patients with haematological malignancies during the beginning of chemotherapy. METHODS: Twenty-two patients with leukaemia or lymphoma were randomised to the unsupplemented group (UG) (n = 13) or supplemented group (SG) (n = 9). SG received 2 g/day of fish oil for 9 weeks. Nutritional status, serum acute-phase proteins and plasma fatty acids were evaluated before (T0) and after (T1) the intervention period. Data were analysed using two models; model 1, comprising data from all patients included in the study, and model 2, comprising data from UG patients with no increase in the proportions of EPA and DHA in plasma and data from SG patients showing an at least 100% increase in plasma EPA and DHA. RESULTS: SG showed an increased plasma proportion of EPA and DHA in both models. In model 2, C-reactive protein (CRP) and CRP/albumin ratio showed larger reductions in the SG. Overall long-term survival in both models (465 days after the start of the chemotherapy) was higher in the group ingesting fish oil (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicate an improved nutritional-inflammatory risk and potential effects on long-term survival in patients with haematological malignancies supplemented with FO during the beginning of chemotherapy.

Body postures versus production requirements - the case of a fiberglass parts factory.

This study aimed to perform an ergonomic analysis in a fiberglass parts factory. For this purpose, was used the methodology of Ergonomic Work Analysis (EWA). At the end of the study it was possible to identify some ways to the development of improvements in order to contribute to the transformation of working conditions in the sector analyzed.

Ergonomic and organizational analysis of an association of collectors of recyclable waste.

The managerial difficulties encountered by an Association of Recyclable Materials Collectors to organize and ensure the perpetuation of his work gave rise to this research. In order to overcome the difficulties encountered with regard to accounting, organizational and ergonomic work, we used a methodology capable of providing a greater interaction between researchers and collectors, facilitating the exchange of knowledge and the perpetuation of the techniques used. Improvements were seen in relation to screening, storage and organization of work.

Multiresistance, beta-lactamase-encoding genes and bacterial diversity in hospital wastewater in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

AIMS: To investigate the bacterial diversity, antimicrobial resistance patterns and types of beta-lactamase genes in Gram-negative bacteria isolated from a hospital sewage treatment plant. METHODS AND RESULTS: Between July and December 2008, we collected samples from influent, clarifier tank effluent and chlorine contact tank effluent from a sewage treatment plant service of a hospital located in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Of the 221 isolates identified, 40% were characterized as extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) producers. Nonpathogenic micro-organisms and some pathogenic genera were quantified. The most common ESBL-producing isolates were Klebsiella pneumoniae, Enterobacter cloacae and Escherichia coli. The bla(TEM), bla(SHV) and bla(CTX-M) genes were detected in 82, 48 and 67% of bacterial isolates, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Results showed that hospital wastewater treatment plant is not suitable systems for the removal of all antibiotic-resistant micro-organisms present in hospital wastewaters. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: This study provides evidence that bacteria resistant to multiple antibiotics and their resistance genes that are usually present in the hospital can reach the environment, even after the use of hospital wastewater treatment plants.

Left ventricular segmental volume by conductance catheter and Cine-CT.

The ability of the conductance catheter method to measure left ventricular segmental and total volume was evaluated by comparison with the Cine-CT technique. In the seven dogs studied, 19 conductance catheter and simultaneous Cine-CT runs were obtained. High correlation coefficients were found for total volume and segmental volumes, except in the basal segment. However, in most cases there was a significant variability in slope and intercept between animals. Both methods are promising tools for estimating dynamic segmental left ventricular volume, each having specific advantages such as a continuous signal (conductance catheter) or anatomic detail (Cine-CT). However, the results also show the need for further improvement of both methods.