The relationship between loneliness and healthy aging indicators in Brazil (ELSI-Brazil) and England (ELSA): sex differences.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to estimate five harmonized healthy aging indicators covering functional ability and intrinsic capacity among older women and men from Brazil and England and evaluate their association with loneliness. STUDY DESIGN: This was a cross-sectional study. METHODS: We used two nationally representative samples of men and women aged ≥60 years from the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Aging (ELSI-Brazil) wave 2 (2019-2021; n = 6929) and the English Longitudinal Study of Aging wave 9 (2018-2019; n = 5902). Healthy aging included five separate indicators (getting dressed, taking medication, managing money, cognitive function, and handgrip strength). Loneliness was measured by the 3-item University of California Loneliness Scale. Logistic regression models stratified by sex and country were performed. RESULTS: Overall, age-adjusted healthy aging indicators were worse in Brazil compared with England for both men and women. Considering functional ability, loneliness was negatively associated with all indicators (ranging from odds ratio [OR] = 0.26, [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.13-0.52] in English men regarding the ability to take medication to OR = 0.49 [95% CI 0.27-0.89] in Brazilian women regarding the ability to manage money). Considering intrinsic capacity, loneliness was negatively associated with a higher cognitive function (OR = 0.72; 95% CI 0.55-0.95 in English women) and a higher handgrip strength (OR = 0.61; 95% CI 0.45-0.83 in Brazilian women). Lonely women demonstrated lower odds of a higher number of healthy aging indicators than men in both countries. CONCLUSIONS: Country-specific social environments should be targeted by public policies to decrease loneliness and promote healthy aging later in life.

Case report of Curtobacterium isolated from a catheter tip sample misidentified as Cronobacter.

The Curtobacterium genus is a member of the family Microbacteriaceae, and Curtobacterium species are recognized as plant pathogens. The aim of this study was to investigate a dubious result of species identification for an infection located on a catheter tip of a patient with Covid-19. A strain isolated from a catheter tip sample, identified by VITEK® 2 as Cronobacter spp., was submitted to polyphasic analysis: Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization-Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) using VITEK® MS, real-time polymerase chain reaction targeting dnaG gene, and 16S rRNA full gene Sanger sequencing analysis for confirmation. The strain presented negative result using qPCR and could not identified by MALDI-TOF MS. 16S rRNA full gene Sanger sequencing analysis identified the strain as Curtobacterium spp. The Gram-variable characteristic (Gram-negative instead of Gram-positive) of the isolated strain was the responsible for the misidentification by VITEK® 2 and VITEK® MS did not identify the strain. 16S rRNA full gene sequencing analysis identified the strain as Curtobacterium genus, but other complementary techniques are necessary to identify at species level.

Neuropsychological manifestations of long COVID in hospitalized and non-hospitalized Brazilian Patients.

BACKGROUND: There has been a significant increase in number of patients seeking neuropsychological rehabilitation months after the acute phase of COVID-19 infection. OBJECTIVE: Identify the cognitive and psychiatric disorders in patients with long COVID or Post-Acute Sequelae of COVID (PASC) and explore the association between disease severity during the acute phase and persistent neuropsychological manifestations. METHODS: 614 adults were assessed an average of eight months post-infection. Participants were, on average, 47.6 y.o., who sought rehabilitation for neuropsychological problems. Patients were evaluated using the Barrow Neurological Institute Screen for Higher Cerebral Functions (BNIS), Phonemic Verbal Fluency and Clock Drawing tests (NEUPSILIN) for executive functions, and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). RESULTS: The BNIS score was significantly below reference values in all subscales, especially affect and memory. Verbal Fluency and Clock Drawing subtest results were also lower. Patients with PASC tested high for anxiety/depression, but there was no statistically significant relationship between HADS and BNIS scores. Neuropsychological evaluations showed no differences in cognitive or psychiatric profiles between hospitalized and non-hospitalized patients. CONCLUSIONS: Neuropsychological results suggest executive function problems and high incidence of anxiety/depression, irrespective of acute-phase severity, underscoring a need for neurorehabilitation programs while providing data for public policy initiatives.

Prolonged heart rate recovery time after 6-minute walk test is an independent risk factor for cardiac events in heart failure: a prospective cohort study

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether the time for peak exercise heart rate to return to resting heart rate after the 6-minute walk test (6MWT) can predict cardiac events in patients with heart failure (HF) within 2 years. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. SETTING: HF outpatient facility at a tertiary teaching hospital. PARTICIPANTS: Seventy-six patients with HF, New York Heart Association functional classification II and III, and left ventricular ejection fraction <50% MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Patients used a heart rate monitor to measure the time for peak exercise heart rate to return to resting heart rate after the 6MWT. Data were analysed using Polar Pro-Trainer 5 software (Kempele, Finland). Patients were followed for >2 years for cardiac events (hospitalisations and death). RESULTS: Thirty-four patients had cardiac events during the 2-year follow-up period. There was a significant difference in time to return to resting heart rate between the groups with and without cardiac events {with 3.6 [standard deviation (SD) A] vs without 2.8 (SD B) minutes; mean difference C; 95% confidence interval (CI) of the difference D to E; P=0.003}. No significant differences between patients with and without cardiac events were found for mean walking distance, mean heart rate recovery at 1 minute and mean heart rate recovery at 2 minutes. The receiver operating curve discriminated between patients with and without cardiac events (área under the curve 0.71, 95% CI 0.61 to 0.81; P< 0.001). Using logistic regression analysis, prolonged time to return to resting heart rate (≥3 minutes) independently increased the risk for cardiac events 6.9-fold (95% CI 2.34 to 20.12; P< 0.001). The Kaplan­Meier curve showed more cardiac events in patients with prolonged time to return to resting heart rate (P=0.028). CONCLUSIONS: Prolonged time to return to resting heart rate (≥3 minutes) after the 6MWT was an independent predictor of cardiac events in patients with HF.

Prolonged heart rate recovery time after 6-minute walk test is an independent risk factor for cardiac events in heart failure: A prospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether the time for peak exercise heart rate to return to resting heart rate after the 6-minute walk test (6MWT) can predict cardiac events in patients with heart failure (HF) within 2 years. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. SETTING: HF outpatient facility at a tertiary teaching hospital. PARTICIPANTS: Seventy-six patients with HF, New York Heart Association functional classification II and III, and left ventricular ejection fraction <50%. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Patients used a heart rate monitor to measure the time for peak exercise heart rate to return to resting heart rate after the 6MWT. Data were analysed using Polar Pro-Trainer 5 software (Kempele, Finland). Patients were followed for >2 years for cardiac events (hospitalisations and death). RESULTS: Thirty-four patients had cardiac events during the 2-year follow-up period. However, there was a significant difference in the time to return to resting heart rate between the groups with and without cardiac events {with 3.6 (SD 1.1) vs without 2.8 (SD 1.1) minutes; mean difference of 0.79 (95% confidence interval (CI) of the difference 0.28 to 1.28; P=0.003}. No significant differences between patients with and without cardiac events were found for mean walking distance, mean heart rate recovery at 1minute and mean heart rate recovery at 2minutes. The receiver operating curve discriminated between patients with and without cardiac events (área under the curve 0.71, 95% CI 0.61 to 0.81; P<0.001). Using logistic regression analysis, prolonged time to return to resting heart rate (≥3minutes) independently increased the risk for cardiac events 6.9-fold (95% CI 2.34 to 20.12; P<0.001). The Kaplan-Meier curve showed more cardiac events in patients with prolonged time to return to resting heart rate (P=0.028). CONCLUSIONS: Prolonged time to return to resting heart rate (≥3minutes) after the 6MWT was an independent predictor of cardiac events in patients with HF.

Glutamine use in feeding juvenile pirarucu, Arapaima gigas (Schinz, 1822) / [Uso da glutamina na alimentação de juvenis de pirarucu, Arapaima gigas (Schinz, 1822)]

This study aimed to evaluate glutamine supplementation effects on variables of growth performance, body composition, intestinal morphology and enzymatic aspects of juvenile Arapaima gigas. Research was conducted at the Fish Nutrition and Feeding Laboratory, where 60 examples of pirarucu (initial average weight of 82.12g) were distributed over 15 polyethylene tanks (310L), in a completely randomized design, with five treatments and three repetitions (four fish per experimental unit). Experimental diets were prepared containing five inclusion levels of the amino acid glutamine (0.0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0%), supplied three times a day for 45 days. Quadratic effect was observed for the variables of growth performance, weight gain, food consumption, food conversion, and specific growth and protein efficiency rates. A significant effect was observed on intestinal villi at the height of the anterior portion and on activity of the enzyme's alkaline proteases, lipase, amylase and aspartate aminotransferase. However, glutamine supplementation had no significant effect on survival rate. Inclusion of 1.02% of glutamine in the diets of juvenile pirarucu improved growth performance and influenced intestinal villi height and activity of important digestive enzymes, favoring nutrient digestion and absorption.(AU)

Objetivou-se avaliar os efeitos da suplementação com glutamina sobre variáveis de desempenho produtivo, composição corporal, morfologia do intestino e aspectos enzimáticos de juvenis de Arapaima gigas. O experimento foi conduzido no Laboratório de Nutrição e Alimentação de Peixes, onde 60 exemplares de pirarucu (peso médio inicial de 82,12g) foram distribuídos em 15 tanques de polietileno (310L), em delineamento inteiramente ao acaso, com cinco tratamentos e três repetições (quatro peixes por unidade experimental). As dietas experimentais foram confeccionadas contendo cinco níveis de inclusão do aminoácido glutamina (0,0; 0,5; 1,0; 1,5 e 2,0%), fornecidas três vezes ao dia, ao longo de 45 dias. Foi observado efeito quadrático para variáveis de desempenho produtivo: ganho de peso, consumo alimentar, conversão alimentar, taxa de crescimento específico e taxa de eficiência proteica. Observou-se ainda efeito significativo sobre a altura das vilosidades da porção anterior do intestino e a atividade das enzimas: proteases alcalinas, lipase, amilase e aspartato aminotransferase. Entretanto, a suplementação com glutamina não influenciou significativamente a sobrevivência dos animais. A adição de 1,02% de glutamina nas dietas para juvenis de pirarucu melhorou o desempenho produtivo e influenciou a altura das vilosidades intestinais e a atividade de enzimas digestivas importantes, favorecendo a digestão e a absorção de nutrientes.(AU)

One-day point prevalence of healthcare-associated infections and antimicrobial use in four countries in Latin America.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Experience in the region shows that in some countries there is very good surveillance of Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) in health services, but there is no national data consistently in all countries. Therefore, we set to estimate the total burden of HAIs and antimicrobial use in acute care hospitals in Brazil, Venezuela, Mexico, and Colombia using the one-day point prevalence methodology. METHODS: The survey was conducted between June and July 2016. In each ward or unit, HAIs and antimicrobial use data were collected on a single day by a trained team of researchers. Also, for each patient, we collected data on risk factors for infections. RESULTS: One out of ten individuals surveyed had at least one healthcare-associated infection (HAI). Pneumonia and surgical site infections were the most relevant among the surveyed countries. Most of the surveyed participants, regardless of their HAI status, received antibiotics except the individuals managed in Brazil. Carbapenems and third-generation Cephalosporins were among the most frequently used antibiotics. CONCLUSION: Our results add to WHO's recent efforts to understand HAIs prevalence and antibiotic consumption in low and middle-income countries, of which we studied three that were not included in their last report.

Work scheme to isolate the different micro-organisms found in hydrogen-producing reactors: a study of effectiveness by pyrosequencing analysis.

AIM: The aim of this research was to create a work scheme for the isolation of the different micro-organisms commonly found in hydrogen-producing reactors and to test its effectiveness. METHODS AND RESULTS: Methods were selected to isolate anaerobic spore-forming fermenters, anaerobic fermenters that do not form spores, facultative aerobic fermenters and lactic acid bacteria. The methods were tested in two samples taken from a hydrogen-producing reactor fed with cheese whey. 16S rRNA gene sequences from isolates were compared with pyrosequencing analysis from the same samples. The isolates represented more than 88% of the abundance detected by pyrosequencing. Organisms from the genera Clostridium, Rahnella, Megasphaera, Lactobacillus, Propionibacterium, Bifidobacterium, Chryseobacterium and Acetobacter were isolated. Hydrogen-producing capacity was confirmed for the Clostridium, Rahnella and Megasphaera isolates. Coculture experiments indicate that Megasphaera prevented the total inhibition of Clostridium by Lactobacillus. CONCLUSION: The work scheme proposed was effective to isolate most of the micro-organisms detected by pyrosequencing analysis. Physiological studies suggested a key role of Megasphaera. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: We showed the high culturability of the microbial communities from hydrogen-producing bioreactors. The isolates can be used to perform physiological studies to understand the H2 -producing process.

Ancient origin and recent range expansion of the maize weevil Sitophilus zeamais, and its genealogical relationship to the rice weevil S. oryzae.

Archeological records attest the early association of Sitophilus with stored cereals from the beginning of agriculture on Asia. The maize weevil (Sitophilus zeamais) became particularly damaging to maize, a cereal crop domesticated on Mesoamerica. We investigated the late evolutionary history of the maize weevil to gain insights on its origin, timing of association with maize, and genealogical relationship to the almost morphologically indistinguishable rice weevil (Sitophilus oryzae). Two mitochondrial genes (cytochrome oxidase subunit I and cytochrome oxidase subunit II) and the nuclear ribosomal gene region were partially sequenced. Analyses showed that the maize weevil shared no haplotypes with the rice weevil; instead, each species exhibited distinct mitogroups and ribogroups. The two weevil species likely split about 8.7 million years ago (95% highest posterior density: 4.0-15.0). Microsatellite data analyses sorted the 309 specimens from 15 populations of the maize weevil into three genotypic groups, which displayed low genetic differentiation and widespread occurrence worldwide. The maize weevil and the rice weevil are each a distinct species; both of which emerged prior to the onset of agriculture. The maize-maize weevil association took place after maize became widespread as a global crop. The maize weevil populations lack spatial genetic structure at the regional, continental, and intercontinental scales.

Lipid profiles of canine spermatozoa as revealed via matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry.

In this study, we investigated the ability of matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS) to characterize the lipid contents of canine spermatozoa. For that, samples of pure semen were analysed. Indeed, quite comprehensive lipid coverage was observed, and the most abundant phospholipid ions detected were from four phosphatidylcholines, that is those of m/z 760.6; 782.6; 808.6; and 830.6 and one of m/z 725.6 from a sphingomyelin. In conclusion, MALDI-MS was found to offer an easy, fast, accurate, and sensitive analytical method for lipid profiling in canine spermatozoa and could be used as a tool to select sires by assessing the relationship between sperm lipid profiles and variables such as age and breeding history as well as to study the effects of cryopreservation on lipid contents.

Prevalence of liver diseases as referred by people living in the Santos and São Vicente Estuary.

The Santos and São Vicente Estuary has suffered extensively over the years from irregular industrial deposits. The present study aimed to evaluate liver disease prevalence and potential associated risk factors in four of the Estuary's areas (Pilões and Água-Fria, Cubatão Center, Continental São Vicente, and Guarujá) and a reference area (Bertioga). This study consisted of a cross-sectional study design, in which a questionnaire was used to collect information in 820 households at each of the study areas. The proportion of total liver diseases, hepatitis, cirrhosis, and cancer (liver, biliary tract, and pancreas) per area were estimated. Pearson's chi-square test and two proportion differences test were applied in order to evaluate associations between disease occurrence and areas and to test differences between two proportions, respectively. Single and multiple logistic regression models were applied to assess associations between disease prevalence and the different study areas. Liver disease prevalence was 1.5 % among all inhabitants and 1.4 % among those without any type of exposure. Among those who reported the presence of liver disease, a higher percentage of the participants that reported hepatitis (27.7 %) or other liver disease (48.7 %) did not report occupational or alcohol exposures. Hepatitis (77.8 %) was the most reported disease, and a statistical association between living in Pilões and Água-Fria and the occurrence of hepatitis was observed (Pearson's χ (2): z = 18.1; p = 0.001). The consumption of locally-produced groceries (2.88; CI: 1.24-6.70) and water (5.88; CI: 2.24-15.45) were shown to be risk factors for the occurrence of liver disease. Thus, environmental exposure is still a public health problem present in the estuary region.

Estresse osmótico na germinação de sementes de Petiveria alliacea L / Osmotic stress on seed germination of Petiveria alliacea L

RESUMOO trabalho teve como objetivo verificar os efeitos dos estresses hídrico e salino na germinação de sementes de Petiveria alliacea , bem como definir os limites máximos de tolerância da espécie a esses estresses. As sementes foram submetidas aos agentes osmóticos NaCl, CaCl2 e PEG nos potenciais à 0; -0,1; -0,2; -0,3; -0,4; -0,5; -0,6; -0,7; -0,8; -0,9 e -1,0 MPa sob temperatura constante de 25˚C e fotoperíodo de 12 horas, com avaliações diárias durante 30 dias. As variáveis analisadas foram porcentagem de germinação, índice de velocidade de germinação, tempo médio de germinação, índice de sincronização e frequência relativa da germinação. As sementes de P. alliacea sob estresse osmótico apresentam menor porcentagem e velocidade de germinação com a redução dos potencias osmóticos, principalmente com CaCl2. Em potenciais osmóticos mais negativos que -0,4; -0,5 e -0,7 MPa, respectivamente nos agentes CaCl2, NaCl, e PEG, não ocorre germinação. O padrão de distribuição da frequência relativa aumentou a polimodalidade, o tempo médio de germinação e o índice de sincronização da germinação com a redução dos potencias osmóticos.

ABSTRACTThe study aimed to investigate the effects of water and salt stress on seed germination of Petiveria alliacea, as well as to define the limits of tolerance of the species to these stresses. The seeds were subjected to osmotic agents NaCl, CaCl2 and PEG in the potential 0; -0.1; -0.2; -0.3; -0.4; -0.5; -0.6; -0.7; -0.8; -0.9 and -1.0 MPa at a constant temperature of 25˚C and a photoperiod of 12 hours, with daily assessments for 30 days. The variables studied were germination percentage, germination velocity index, middle fear germination, synchronization index and relative frequency of germination. The seeds of P. alliacea under osmotic stress had lower percentage and speed of germination with the reduction of the the osmotic potential, especially with CaCl2. At more negative osmotic potentials than -0.4; -0.5 and -0.7 MPa, respectively in the CaCl2, NaCl, and PEG agents, the germination does not occur. The distribution pattern of the relative frequency increased the several modalities, , the average time of germination and the germination index of synchronization with the reduction of osmotic potential.

Physical and mechanical properties of twisted or ground nickel-titanium instruments.

AIM: To compare the flexibility, torsional resistance and structural and dimensional characteristics of instruments produced by twisting with those of a geometrically similar nickel-titanium (NiTi) system produced by a grinding process. METHODOLOGY: The mean diameters along the flute and the pitch length of size 25, .04 taper, size 25, .06 taper, and size 25, .08 taper Twisted File (TF) (SybronEndo, Orange, CA, USA), and size 25, .04 taper, and size 25, .06 taper RaCe instruments (FKG, La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland) (n = 10 each) were measured according to ANSI/ADA specification No. 101. Two pairs of instruments were found to have similar diameters at 3 mm from the tip: TF size 25, .06 taper and RaCe size 25, .04 taper, and TF size 25, .08 taper and RaCe size 25, .06 taper. The cross-sectional areas at 3 mm from the tip were determined. These instruments were then submitted to energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and Vickers microhardness measurements. Bending moment at 45° and maximum torque at fracture were measured (n = 10) according to specification ISO 3630-1. Data were analysed using analysis of variance (α = 0.05). RESULTS: The two types of instruments had approximately the same chemical composition, phase constitution, and austenite finishing temperatures. TF instruments had significantly (P ≤ 0.001) lower Vickers microhardness values and were more flexible than RaCe instruments (P = 0.016), but had similar (TF size 25, .08 taper and RaCe size 25, .06 taper, P = 0.916) or significantly higher (TF size 25, .06 taper and RaCe size 25, .04 taper, P ≤ 0.001) torsional resistance. CONCLUSIONS: Comparison of TF and RaCe instruments of similar measured dimensions revealed that the different manufacturing methods employed for producing these instruments gave rise to different mechanical behaviours.

Social diagnosis of chronic kidney disease patients in preparation for living donor renal transplantation.

BACKGROUND: The relationship between socioeconomic status and clinical outcome in health and disease is complex and multifactorial. An association between low socioeconomic status and shorter patient survival in renal replacement therapy, dialysis, and transplantation, has been reported, implicating individual and environmental factors. We sought to analyze the socioeconomic and demographic characteristics of chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients in preparation for living kidney transplantation. METHODS: We evaluated 60 patients with CKD-V, on hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis and who were being prepared in our public service between July 2008 and January 2010. Socioeconomic data were collected from the records. RESULTS: The mean age was 44.8 ± 13.3 years and 51% were male. Sixty-three percent were married, most of them with children, with a family size of 3.5 ± 1.45 members. They were taken a mean of 5.8 ± 2.8 drugs; only half of them were dispensed by public health insurance. Almost all--93%--did not work regularly, and the majority reported some limitation in daily activities. The mean monthly income was US $1,535.70 and 76.2% reported a monthly income ≤ US $1,810.60. The mean of school years was 7.91 ± 4.19. CONCLUSION: Low-income patients are gaining access to preparing for renal transplantation; we believe that is inherent to the universal structure of Brazil's public health system. Besides the low income, this population showed a considerable educational level, suggesting this characteristic made the patient more active to search the living transplant as an alternative for their CKD treatment. Knowledge about social status is essential for design strategies in minimizing its potential undesirable effects after transplantation.

Excessive immunosuppression in kidney transplant patients: prevalence and outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Death with a functioning graft is currently one of the main causes of kidney graft loss. A large proportion of cases is attributed to infectious complications that can be related to overimmunosuppression. We retrospectively studied 80 kidney transplant patients, grafted from January 2005 to December 2009, to assess the prevalence of excessive immunosuppression, and its possible correlation with infections and infection-related death. METHODS: Excessive immunosuppression was defined by a prescribed dosage above the expected to the time point or an elevated drug blood level according to the Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (2009) recommendations at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months, and then annually. RESULTS: Death with a functioning graft accounted for 76.5% of losses. Overall, 53.8% of deaths were from infections, and 38.5% from cardiovascular causes. Acute rejection episodes were noted in 8.8% of patients. Only 10% of patients had adequate immunosuppression throughout the follow-up. Seventy-two percent of patients showed adequate immunosuppression at least half of the 18 evaluated points, although 50% showed between 1 and 3 drugs administered above recommended dosages during the whole period. Infections were recorded in 78.8% patients, with a median of 3 episodes per patient. Any level of excessive immunosuppression was associated with infections (odds ratio, 11.2; P < .001), but not with death caused thereby. CONCLUSION: Excessive immunosuppression among this cohort was associated with a greater incidence of infections, but not with death from this cause.

Protein-losing enteropathy as initial manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus.

Protein-losing enteropathy is a rare manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus. We report the case of an 18-year-old woman that presented initially with diarrhoea and anasarca. During evaluation, there was low serum albumin of 1.6 g/dl (3.5-5.2 g/dl) and a positive antinuclear antibody test (1:2560). Anti-Sm antibodies (ELISA) were positive in addition to low serum C3 of 35 mg/dl. A scintigraphy using 99mTc-labelled albumin was positive for abdominal protein loss. A diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus related protein-losing enteropathy was made. She was started on prednisolone 40 mg/day without amelioration; a month later, azathioprine (100 mg/day) was added, leading to normalization of serum albumin and resolution of symptoms within 4 months. After 1.5 years, the patient developed a 2.9 g 24-h proteinuria while still in remission of the protein-losing enteropathy, receiving 5 mg prednisone and 100 mg azathioprine daily.

Flexibility and torsional resistance of three nickel-titanium retreatment instrument systems.

AIM: To assess the dimensional characteristics, flexibility and torsional behaviour of nickel-titanium retreatment instruments. METHODOLOGY: Using image analysis software and high-resolution digital images, the instrument length, tip angle, diameter at 3 mm from the tip and the distance between the blades (pitch length) of the following eight instruments were measured (n = 12 for each measurement parameter): the ProTaper Universal retreatment (PTU-R) D1, D2 and D3 instruments; the R-Endo R1, R2 and R3 retreatment instruments; and the Mtwo retreatment (Mtwo-R) sizes 25 and 15 retreatment instruments. Maximum torque and the angular deflection at fracture as well as the bending moment at 45° were measured (n = 12) according to the International Standards Organisation (ISO) specification number 3630-1. Data were analysed using the analysis of variance (α = 0.05). RESULTS: The length of the active part of the instruments was found to vary according to the depth of the canal into which they were designed to reach. The pitch length also increased along the active length. The PTU-R D1 and the Mtwo-R instruments had active tips. Measurements of the bending moment at 45° revealed that the Mtwo-R 15 instrument was the most flexible, whereas the PTU-R D1 was the least flexible. The maximum torque tended to increase as the instrument diameter at 3 mm from the tip increased, whereas the angular deflection at fracture varied in the opposite direction. CONCLUSIONS: The geometrical characteristics of the retreatment instruments and their flexibility and torsion behaviour were consistent with their intended clinical application.

Análise de crescimento de Bixa orellana L. sob efeito da inoculação micorrízica e adubação fosfatada / Analyses of Bixa orellana L. growth under the effects of mycorrhizal inoculation and phosphate fertilization

Este estudo objetivou avaliar o desenvolvimento de Bixa orellana L. em condições de viveiro sob efeito da inoculação micorrízica e adubação fosfatada. As plantas foram cultivadas em sacos de polietileno com 0,18 X 0,30 m e capacidade de 1,3 kg de substrato. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi inteiramente casualizado com seis tratamentos e trinta repetições. As dosagens de fósforo utilizadas foram 0, 4.200 e 8.400 g m-3 de substrato. O fungo micorrízico arbuscular (FMA) da espécie Glomus clarum, foi utilizado em metade dos tratamentos (com e sem micorrizas) com inoculação de 2 g do fungo. As avaliações ocorreram 30, 60, 90 e 120 dias após a emergência das plântulas. Determinou-se a massa seca de folhas, área foliar, massa seca total, razão de área foliar, área foliar específica, taxa assimilatória líquida, taxa de crescimento relativo e taxa de crescimento absoluto. O fungo micorrízico facilita a absorção de fósforo pelo urucum, atendendo a sua exigência em relação ao nutriente. A dose de fósforo de 4.200 g m-3 em associação com FMA Glomus clarum ou 8.400 g m-3, com ou sem essa associação, são indicadas para o crescimento de plantas de urucum em viveiro, por promoverem adequadas respostas dos índices fisiológicos, contribuindo com seu desenvolvimento.

This study aimed to evaluate the development of Bixa orellana L. under nursery conditions and subjected to the effects of mycorrhizal inoculation and phosphate fertilization. The plants were grown in polyethylene bags with dimensions of 0.18 x 0.30 m and capacity of 1.3 kg substrate. The adopted experimental design was completely randomized with six treatments and thirty replicates. The used phosphorus levels were 0, 4.200 and 8.400 g m-3 substrate. The arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus (AMF) of the species Glomus clarum was used in half of the treatments (with and without mycorrhizae) with inoculation of 2 g of the fungus. Evaluations occurred at 30, 60, 90 and 120 days after the emergence of seedlings. Leaf dry mass, leaf area, total dry mass, leaf area ratio, specific leaf area, net assimilation rate, relative growth rate and absolute growth rate were determined. The mycorrhizal fungus facilitates phosphorus uptake by annatto, fulfilling its requirement for the nutrient. The phosphorus level of 4.200 g m-3 in association with Glomus clarum or 8.400 g m-3, with or without this association, are indicated for annatto plant growth in nurseries since they promote appropriate responses of physiological indexes, contributing to the plant development.

Escarificação ácida, temperatura e luz no processo germinativo de sementes de Senna alata (L.) Roxb / Acid scarification, temperature and light on the germination process of Senna alata (L.) Roxb. seeds

O objetivo deste trabalho foi determinar o tempo ótimo de escarificação das sementes de Senna alata em ácido sulfúrico e verificar o efeito da temperatura, em condição de luz e escuro, na germinação de sementes dessa espécie. As sementes foram imersas em ácido sulfúrico concentrado por períodos de 0, 15, 30 e 60 minutos, e o teste de germinação realizado em BOD a 25ºC, utilizando quatro repetições de 50 sementes em cada período de tempo, sendo o delineamento estatístico inteiramente casualizado com 4 tratamentos. No segundo experimento, para verificar o efeito da temperatura e da condição de luz mais adequada a germinação, utilizou-se temperaturas de 10 a 45ºC, com intervalos de 5ºC, em condição de luz fluorescente branca ou escuro contínuo (gerbox preto). Utilizou-se o delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado, disposto em esquema fatorial 8x2, com 4 repetições, de 50 sementes cada. Em todos os testes as avaliações da porcentagem e índice de velocidade de germinação foram feitas diariamente, durante 10 dias, onde as sementes foram consideradas germinadas quando apresentaram 2 mm de raiz. Os dados foram submetidos à análise de variância e as médias comparadas pelo teste de Tukey a 5 por cento de probabilidade. A escarificação do tegumento com ácido sulfúrico durante 60 minutos, foi ideal para as sementes de Senna alata, por proporcionar maiores valores na porcentagem e velocidade de germinação. A germinação ocorre entre 15 e 40ºC, sendo consideradas fotoblásticas neutras entre 20 e 40ºC e fotoblásticas negativas preferenciais a 15ºC. O melhor desempenho germinativo foi obtido nas temperaturas de 25, 30 e 35ºC, onde ocorreram maior porcentagem e velocidade de germinação.

The aim of this study was to establish the optimum scarification time for Senna alata seeds in sulfuric acid, as well as to verify the effect of temperature on seed germination for this species under conditions of light and darkness. Seeds were immersed in concentrated sulfuric acid for periods of 0, 15, 30 and 60 minutes, and the germination test was carried out in a BOD chamber at 25ºC, using four replicates of 50 seeds for each time period. Experimental design was completely randomized with 4 treatments. In the second experiment, temperatures from 10 to 45ºC, with 5ºC intervals, were used under conditions of fluorescent white light or continuous darkness (black "gerbox") in order to verify the temperature effect and the most suitable light condition for germination. Experimental design was completely randomized, in an 8x2 factorial arrangement, with 4 replicates of 50 seeds each. In all tests, germination percentage and speed index were daily evaluated for 10 days. Seeds were considered germinated when the radicle length was 2 mm. Data were subjected to analysis of variance and means were compared by Tukey's test at 5 percent significance. The tegument scarification with sulfuric acid for 60 minutes was optimal for Senna alata seeds since it led to higher values of germination percentage and speed. Germination occurs between 15 and 40ºC, and seeds are considered neutral photoblastic between 20 and 40ºC and negative photoblastic especially at 15ºC. The best germination performance was observed at 25, 30 and 35ºC, at which germination percentage and speed were higher.