Low-Cost Interrogation System for Long-Period Fiber Gratings Applied to Remote Sensing.

We present a portable and low-cost system for interrogation of long-period fiber gratings (LPFGs) costing around a 30th of the price of a typical setup using an optical spectrum analyzer and a broadband light source. The unit is capable of performing real-time monitoring or as a stand-alone data-logger. The proposed technique uses three thermally modulated fiber-coupled laser diodes, sweeping a few nanometers around their central wavelength. The light signal is then modulated by the LPFG and its intensity is acquired by a single photo-detector. Through curve-fitting algorithms the sensor transmission spectrum is reconstructed. Testing and validation were accomplished by inducing variations in the spectral features of an LPFG through changes either in external air temperature from 22 to 425 °C or in refractive index (RI) of the surrounding medium from 1.3000 to 1.4240. A dynamic resolution between 3.5 and 1.9 °C was achieved, in temperatures from 125 to 325 °C. In RI measurements, maximum wavelength and optical power deviations of 2.75 nm and 2.86 dB, respectively, were obtained in the range from 1530 to 1570 nm. The worse RI resolution obtained was 3.47 × 10 - 3 . The interrogation platform was then applied in the detection of iron corrosion, expressing wavelength peak values within 1.12 nm from the real value in the region between 1530 and 1570 nm.

Osseointegration of zirconia and titanium implants in a rabbit tibiae model evaluated by microtomography, histomorphometry and fluorochrome labeling analyses.

OBJECTIVES: This study compares the osseointegration of machined-zirconia implants containing yttria (M-Y-TZP) with machined (M-Ti) and resorbable blast media (RBM-Ti) titanium implants. MATERIAL AND METHODS: M-Y-TZP, M-Ti and RBM-Ti implants were randomly placed in rabbit tibiae. Fluorochrome bone labels (tetracycline, alizarin and calcein) were administered at different time periods. After 8 weeks, osseointegration was evaluated in terms of bone-to-implant contact (BIC), new bone area (nBA), remaining cortical bone area (rBA) and temporal quantification of fluorochromes, using micro-CT and histomorphometric analyses. RESULTS: RBM-Ti implants showed higher resorption of the remaining cortical bone and bone formation (rBA = 36.9% and nBA = 38.8%) than M-Y-TZP implants (rBA = 48% and nBA = 26.5%). The BIC values showed no differences among the groups in the cortical region (mean = 52.2%) but in the medullary region, they were 0.45-fold higher in the RBM-Ti group (51.2%) than in the M-Y-TZP group (35.2%). In all groups, high incorporation of tetracycline was observed (2nd to 4th weeks), followed by alizarin (4th to 6th weeks) and calcein (6th to 8th weeks). In the cortical region, incorporation of tetracycline was similar between RBM-Ti (49.8%) and M-Y-TZP (35.9%) implants, but higher than M-Ti (28.2%) implants. Subsequently, alizarin and calcein were 1.1-fold higher in RBM-Ti implants than in the other implants. In the medullary region, no significant differences were observed for all fluorochromes. CONCLUSION: All implants favored bone formation and consequently promoted primary stability. Bone formation around the threads was faster in RBM-Ti and M-Y-TZP implants than in M-Ti implants, but limited bone remodeling with M-Y-TZP implants over time can have significant effects on secondary stability, suggesting caution for its use as an alternative substitute for titanium implants.

Assistive devices: an effective strategy in non-pharmacological treatment for hand osteoarthritis-randomized clinical trial.

This study aims to evaluate the use of assistive devices as a strategy in non-pharmacological treatment for hand osteoarthritis (HOA). This is a randomized, prospective, parallel, assessor-blinded clinical trial, in which patients with a diagnosis of HOA were randomly allocated to an intervention group (IG), where they received assistive devices for daily life activities, or to a control group (CG), where they received a guideline leaflet with information on joint protection and disease features. The primary outcomes considered were occupational performance, measured by the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM), and hand function was evaluated through the Score for the Assessment and Quantification of Chronic Rheumatoid Affections of the Hands (SACRAH). The secondary outcomes were pain, measured by the visual analog scale (VAS), and quality of life, measured by the World Health Organization Quality of Life Instrument, Short Form (WHOQOL-BREF). We compared both outcomes before and after interventions and outcomes between groups. Participants from the two groups were assessed at the time of inclusion in the study, 30, and 90 days after initial evaluation. Out of the 39 patients included, 19 were allocated to the IG and 20 to the CG. Only two patients from the CG did not complete the follow-up period. The patients' hand function and occupational performance improved after intervention (30 days-SACRAH-p < 0.05; COPM-p < 0.05; VAS-p < 0.05). When comparing results between the groups, there was a statistical difference in COPM (performance-p < 0.001; and satisfaction-p < 0.001), in the first reevaluation carried out. The use of assistive devices has proved to be an effective alternative in non-pharmacological treatment for HOA. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT02667145.

Short communication: Influence of various proteolytic sources during fermentation of reconstituted corn grain silages.

The objective of this study was to determine the contribution of corn kernel enzymes, bacteria, fungi, and fermentation end-products (main acids and ethanol) to protein solubilization during fermentation of reconstituted corn grain silage. Flint corn kernels were ground (5-mm sieve), rehydrated to 32% of moisture, and treated with no additives (control), gamma irradiation (32 kGy), gamma irradiation + fermentation end-products (1% of lactic acid, 0.3% of acetic acid, and 0.7% of ethanol, as fed), and natamycin (1% as fed). Treated grains were ensiled in nylon-polyethylene bags and stored for 90 d. Protein solubilization was calculated for each treatment and the contributions of proteolytic sources were determined. Bacterial activity was the main contributor to proteolysis (60%) followed by corn kernel enzymes (30%), whereas fungi and fermentation end-products had only minor contributions (∼5% each).

Oral health-related quality of life before hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

OBJECTIVES: This study was planned to evaluate the impact of oral health on the quality of life (QoL) of patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). MATERIAL AND METHODS: We assessed 200 patients divided into two paired groups: 100 patients prior to HSCT (SG) and 100 healthy volunteers (CG). We applied the Oral Health Impact Profile instrument, which is based on the biopsychosocial problem gradation of World Health Organization (WHO) and relates oral health problems with QoL according to seven dimensions. RESULTS: Fourteen patients in SG were referred for extraction of one to eight teeth, mostly due to deep caries with risk of pulpal infection and possible spread of infection via blood (r = 0.59, p = 0.000). The presence of severely compromised teeth by extensive decay correlated with Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14). The Mann-Whitney test showed a significant difference between SG and CG in the following dimensions: functional limitation (p < 0.001), physical pain (p = 0.025), physical disability (p = 0.016), and social disability (p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The impact of oral health on QoL of onco-hematologic patients is weak but is greater as compared to healthy ones. Nevertheless, a significant impact is seen in patients with severely compromised teeth. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The negligence of oral care, proper hygiene, and the search for dental care may increase the risk for local and systemic infections.

Ultrasonography as a complementary exam in the diagnosis of oral arteriovenous malformation.

The Doppler ultrasonography (DU) in cases of arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) is not widely use by dentists and there are a lack of information on the topic in the literature. AVM is common in the region of the head and neck and are commonly confused with hemangiomas (congenital). Appropriate classification is essential for therapeutic decision. The diferential diagnosis is based on clinical history, diascopy, and, if necessary, diagnostic imaging. This article present two cases of oral AVM in which DU was crucial in detecting a venous and/or arterial component in purplish lesions in the tongue and buccal mucosa, with positive diascopy. In our cases, after DU, we found a predominance of blood component within the lesion and therefore both patients were referred to the head and neck surgeon for surgical removal of the lesion. Only in the presence of a venous component does outpatient treatment become feasible. Given the predominance of the arterial component, outpatient procedures are contraindicated. Therefore DU is an important supplementary test, being of great importance in the clinical decision and treatment plan for oral AVMs and should become a routine part of the dentist front of vascular lesions of medium to large size.

Are sleep disorders associated with traumatic dental injuries in school children? A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate whether the prevalence of traumatic dental injuries (TDIs) in permanent anterior teeth among school children is associated with sleep behaviours and disorders. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out with a representative sample of schoolchildren aged 8 to 10 years (n = 1402) from Florianopolis, Brazil. Clinical examinations for TDIs were performed according to the classification proposed by Andreasen. Parents/caregivers completed a questionnaire addressing sociodemographic characteristics and sleep behaviours/disorders (sleep duration, insomnia, sleep rhythmic movement, snoring, and signs of sleep apnoea). Descriptive analysis and Poisson regression were performed. RESULTS: The prevalence of TDIs was 10.9%. Insomnia was observed in 3.0% of the children, snoring in 42.8%, sleep rhythmic movement in 27.9%, and signs of obstructive sleep apnoea in 33.6% of the schoolchildren. Most children (75.2%) slept less than eight hours a day. The prevalence of TDIs was higher among schoolchildren with an increased overjet (PR: 1.65; 95% CI: 1.15-2.35; P < 0.01), after adjusting for monthly family income, caregiver's schooling, and sleep behaviours. The prevalence of TDIs was not associated with sleep behaviours/disorders. CONCLUSIONS: Parent-reported sleep disorders such as insomnia, sleep rhythmic movement, snoring and signs of sleep apnoea were not associated with the prevalence of TDIs in schoolchildren. © 2024 Australian Dental Association.

HLA class II polymorphisms and recurrent spontaneous abortion in a Southern Brazilian cohort.

A high proportion of human recurrent spontaneous abortions (RSA) remain unexplained. The possible association between RSA and different genetic polymorphisms within the human leucocyte antigen system (HLA system, the human major histocompatibility complex) has been investigated with conflicting results since many decades. Here, we describe a case-control study with 136 Southern Brazilian women of predominantly European ancestry (75 control and 61 cases with unexplained RSA). We investigated the relationship between unexplained RSA and alleles and genotypes from two classical loci of the HLA: HLA-DRB1 and HLA-DQB1, as well as three loci related to cytokine production and their serum levels: TNFA (-308G>A), IL10 (-1082G>A, -819T>C, -592A>C) and IFNG (+874A>T). Genotyping was performed by an allele-specific PCR method. While all results concerning cytokine-related genes turned out to be negative, we found the genotype HLA-DQB1*02:02, 03:01 to be significantly decreased and the allele HLA-DRB1*11:04 to be significantly increased among patients.

Pathways between verbal bullying and oral conditions among school children.

PURPOSE: To investigate the direct and indirect pathways between verbal bullying and adverse oral conditions among school-aged children. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 8- to 10-year-old children, enrolled in public schools in Southern Brazil. Verbal bullying was collected by self-reports. Independent variables included sociodemographic characteristics (sex, age, household income, and caregivers' educational level) and oral conditions (anterior open bite, anterior teeth crowding, upper anterior diastema, large overjet, untreated dental caries, and PUFA index). The pathways between verbal bullying and the independent variables were analysed through structural equation modelling. RESULTS: 1369 children were included. The prevalence of verbal bullying was 26.2% (95% confidence interval [CI] 23.9-28.6%). Verbal bullying was directly influenced by large overjet (standard coefficient [SC] 0.13, P < 0.01), untreated dental caries (SC 0.63, P = 0.01) and PUFA index (SC 0.75, P = 0.02). Sex (SC - 0.005, P = .04) and age (SC - 0.006, P < 0.01) indirectly influenced verbal bullying via untreated dental caries. CONCLUSIONS: Verbal bullying was directly influenced by large overjet, untreated dental caries and PUFA index. Sex and age indirectly impacted verbal bullying through untreated dental caries.

Prevalence of anterior open bite in children and adolescents: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: Anterior open bite is defined by the lack of incisal contact between the teeth in centric relation. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of anterior open in children and adolescents. METHODS: This systematic review included a search in the databases: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, LILACS, Google Scholar, and ProQuest. The acronym PECOS was considered: (P) children and adolescents, (E) presence of anterior open bite, (C) not applicable, (O) prevalence, and (S) observational studies. The risk of bias assessment was carried out using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist for Studies Reporting Prevalence Data. The prevalence meta-analyses were performed using MedCalc® software. The certainty of the evidence was determined with the GRADE approach. RESULTS: 26 studies were included. Eleven studies were judged at low, seven at moderate, and eight at high risk of bias. The overall prevalence of anterior open bite was 16.52% (95% CI 12.34-21.17) in children and adolescents. The prevalence was 19.38% (95% CI 13.77-25.69) in South America. The prevalence of anterior open bite was 22.67% (95% CI 16.56-29.43) among females and 16.99% (95% CI 11.77-22.94) among males. The prevalence of anterior open bite was 18.84% (95% CI 13.88-24.38) in the primary dentition, and 14.26% (95% CI 7.67-22.46) in the mixed dentition. The overall certainty of the evidence was very low. CONCLUSION: The overall prevalence of anterior open bite was 16.52% in children and adolescents aged 2-16 years. Giving the limitations of a prevalence meta-analysis, the extrapolation of the results should be cautious. REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42020183162, 10 July 2020.

Lidocaine administered at a continuous rate infusion does not impair left ventricular systolic and diastolic function of healthy rabbits sedated with midazolam.

Lidocaine is a versatile drug that not only provides local anesthesia, but also reduces anesthetic requirements of other agents and has antiarrhythmic, pro-kinetic, anti-inflammatory, antiendotoxemic and antioxidant effects. As it is a drug commonly used in critically ill patients, its safety from the cardiovascular system should be ensured. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of a continuous rate infusion (CRI) of lidocaine on left ventricular systolic and diastolic function of healthy rabbits sedated with midazolam by use of transthoracic echocardiography. Ten New Zealand healthy rabbits were sedated with intramuscular midazolam (1 mg/kg) and enrolled in two experimental treatments (control or lidocaine). The control treatment (CT) comprised an intravenous bolus of 0.9% sodium chloride (0.05 mL/kg) followed by CRI at 5 mL/h, whereas the lidocaine treatment (LT) comprised a bolus of 2% lidocaine without epinephrine at 1 mg/kg followed by CRI at 50 µg/kg/minute. Echocardiographic and hemodynamic variables were studied. Variables were recorded at baseline (TB) and 20, 40 and 60 minutes following start of CRI (T20, T40 and T60, respectively). No differences were found between treatments. The results of this study demonstrate that a continuous rate infusion of lidocaine at 50 µg/kg/minute does not impair echocardiographic indices of left ventricular systolic and diastolic function of healthy rabbits sedated with midazolam.

MHC microsatellites in a Southern Brazilian population.

Microsatellites are short tandem repeats of 1-6 bp DNA fragments, which are found throughout the genome. Due to their high levels of polymorphism, many of them are used as markers for population studies. Here we report an investigation on four microsatellites (D6S273, D6S2792, STR_MICA and D6S2810) located within the major histocompatibility complex in a sample of 281 Southern Brazilians of European ancestry. Allelic and haplotypic frequencies are described, as well as linkage disequilibrium (LD) between alleles of these microsatellites and alleles of three HLA genes: HLA-B, HLA-DRB1 and HLA-DQB1. The most polymorphic microsatellite was D6S2810, located close to the HLA-B locus. Strong LD was observed between alleles of microsatellites and HLA genes. The strongest associations occurred among STR_MICA*A5.1-HLA-B*13, STR_MICA*A6-HLA-B*49, STR_MICA*A9-HLA-B*39, STR_MICA*A9-HLAB*57, D6S2810*334-HLA-B*14, D6S2810*334-HLA-B*38, STR_MICA*A5.1-HLA-DRB1*1501-HLA-DQB1*0602 and D6S2810*344-HLA-DRB1*0411-HLA-DQB1*0302. This study contributes with important information on HLA haplotypes, and is potentially useful in resolving cases of low resolution HLA genotyping ambiguities.

Oral manifestation of cytomegalovirus associated with herpes simplex virus in renal transplant recipient.

We report a case of a renal transplant recipient who presented with oral lesions associated with cytomegalovirus (CMV) and herpes simplex virus (HSV). This female patient, who underwent a living donor renal transplant 26 months prior, presented with a painful buccal lesion after an episode of leukopenia. The search for CMV antigen was negative. A biopsy incision was made in the mucous membrane and the material collected by scarification was sent for polymerase chain reaction PCR, anatomic, pathological, and cytological exams. The lab results showed infections with CMV, HSV, and Candida albicans. Thus, the treatment involved the use of acyclovir (1 g a day for 10 days), topical Nystatin gargles (six times a day), and an aqueous solution of chlorexidine (0.12%), as well as laser therapy. After the adoption of these therapeutic modalities, there was complete remission of the buccal lesions. The odontological routine follow-up and early treatment of oral complications deriving from the immunosuppressive therapy contributed to a significant outcome.

Artificial sweetener saccharin disrupts intestinal epithelial cells' barrier function in vitro.

SCOPE: Consumption of non-nutritive sweeteners (NNS) is a dietary practice used by those who wish to lose weight or by patients on a sugar-restricted diet such as those with DM2. Although these substances are safe, possible biological interactions with the digestive tract, particularly in relation to intestinal permeability, have not been studied. Thus, the current work sought to investigate the action of different NNS on intestinal permeability using an in vitro Caco-2 cell model. METHODS AND RESULTS: Caco-2 cells were incubated with acesulfame K, aspartame, saccharin, or sucralose at equimolar concentrations. Acesulfame K, aspartame, and sucralose did not disrupt monolayer integrity in the cells. However, saccharin increased paracellular permeability and decreased transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) via a non-cytotoxic mechanism. The levels of the tight junction protein claudin-1 were reduced in Caco-2 cells that had previously been exposed to saccharin. The inhibition of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) was able to prevent the reduction in TEER induced by saccharin treatment. Thalidomide, as an inhibitor of ubiquitin ligase, was able to prevent the decrease in claudin-1 protein expression and the TEER reduction in Caco-2 cells. CONCLUSIONS: Saccharin disrupts monolayer integrity and alters paracellular permeability in a Caco-2 cell monolayer model, via a mechanism involving NF-κB activation, resulting in the ubiquitination of the tight junction protein claudin-1. Saccharin consumption may potentially alter the intestinal integrity in humans.

Predictors of talc slurry pleurodesis success in patients with malignant pleural effusions.

INTRODUCTION: Malignant pleural effusions are an important burden of malignant disease. Slurry talc pleurodesis remains one of the most common and effective therapeutic options. AIM: Investigate the predictive factors related with the efficacy of this technique in malignant pleural effusions. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of all pleurodesis performed during a 10-year period in a Pulmonology Unit. All demographic and clinical data were collected, including the histologic tumoral type and the biochemical, microbiological and cytological fluid features. Efficacy was defined as the lack of recurrence of pleural effusion. It was used Kaplan-Meyer analysis to estimate overall survival. RESULTS: From a total of 202 patients submitted to pleurodesis (47% men; mean age 66.9±12.02 years). Light's criteria identified 86.6% as exudates. We found 85.1% survival at 30-day post-pleurodesis, which means the therapy used has significant success. A logistic regression model applied explained that variance in post-pleurodesis events was mostly due to age and gender rather than pleural biochemical factors (X2(5)=44.648, p<0.001, R2 28.3%). CONCLUSION: This study suggests that clinical evaluation of biochemical values, bacteriological results and malignant tumor diagnosis may not be enough to predict post-pleurodesis relapse with high accuracy. Furthermore, we observed, in ten years of pleurodesis performed in our Hospital, that pleurodesis is an effective life prolonging therapy for patients that fit the criteria for this intervention.

Atrophic Maxilla Reconstruction With Fresh Frozen Allograft Bone, Titanium Mesh, and Platelet-Rich Fibrin: Case Report.

The purpose of this article was to report the clinical and radiographic findings about a case of a man affected by severely atrophic maxilla to demonstrate the clinical proceedings associated with alveolar reconstruction destined for dental implant rehabilitation. The 3-dimensional augmentation of the alveolar ridge with the use of fresh-frozen bone graft, platelet-rich fibrin membrane, and titanium mesh suggests potential benefits to the development of the bone formation physiology. The treatment combination may result in an optimal prognosis and represents an option for reconstruction of bone defects. At 8 months after surgery, no evidence of complications was observed; the clinical examination and computerized tomographic scan revealed bone formation and installed implant stability.

First report of Kudoa sp. in the palate and pharyngeal musculature of Gobioides grahamae Palmer and Wheeler, 1955 (Perciformes, Gobiidae) from Marajó Island, Brazil / Primeiro registro de Kudoa sp. na musculatura do palato e faringeal de Gobioides grahamae Palmer e Wheeler, 1955 (Perciformes, Gobiidae) da Ilha do Marajó, Brasil

The aim of this study was to describe the first occurrence ofKudoasp. inGobioides grahamae, contributing to the understanding of this group of parasites in the Amazonian ichthyofauna. Forty specimens ofG. grahamaecollected from the natural environment were analyzed. Cysts ofKudoasp. were diffusely distributed through the striated skeletal muscle fibers with severe edema and inflammatory infiltrate composed of lymphocytes were observed in 30% of the specimens. Edema and marked coagulation necrosis of the muscle fibers was associated with infection byKudoasp. spores, which had accumulated inside the skeletal muscle fibers. Although there are no records of foodborne outbreaks caused by Kudoa spp. in Brazil, it is of paramount importance that we evaluate its occurrence, since the consumption of fish, especially raw fish, has increased because of the adoption of Japanese cuisine. To minimize the economic impacts on the fisheries market and the risk of this parasite to public health, it is necessary to initiate a program to monitor the presence of this likely underdiagnosed, emerging parasite.(AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi descrever a primeira ocorrência de Kudoa sp. em Gobioides grahamae, contribuindo, assim, para a compreensão desse grupo de parasitas na ictiofauna amazônica. Foram analisados 40 espécimes de G. grahamae coletados de ambiente natural. Cistos de Kudoa sp. foram distribuídos difusamente através das fibras musculares esqueléticas estriadas com presença de edema grave e infiltrado inflamatório composto de linfócitos, que foram observados em 30% dos espécimes. Edema e necrose de coagulação acentuada das fibras musculares foram associados com a infecção por esporos de Kudoa sp., acumulados no interior das fibras musculares da faringe. Apesar de não haver registros de surtos de origem alimentar causada por Kudoa spp. no Brasil, é de suma importância a avaliação de sua ocorrência, uma vez que o consumo de peixe, especialmente peixe cru, aumentou por causa da adoção da culinária japonesa. Para minimizar os impactos econômicos no mercado da pesca e o risco desse parasita para a saúde pública, é necessário iniciar um programa para monitorar a presença desse parasita emergente, possivelmente subdiagnosticada.(AU)

Evaluation of intraocular and partial CO2 pressure in dogs anesthetized with propofol.

The effects of propofol on intraocular pressure (IOP) and end tidal CO2 (ETCO2) were studied because an elevation in the latter may alter IOP. Twenty dogs were divided into two groups (G1 and G2). G1 dogs were induced with 10 mg/kg (IV) of propofol followed by a 0.4 mg/kg/min continuous infusion of the same agent diluted in a 0.2% dextrose solution for 1 h. G(CAPS) 2 dogs served as the control group, where only dextrose solution was administered, under the same time intervals as in G1. Applanation tonometry (Tono-Pen) was used to determine IOP and ETCO2 as a method to determine partial CO2 pressure. Measurements were taken every 15 min for 1 h, with M1 occurring immediately before IV administration. IOP and ETCO2 were not statistically significant in either groups. Based on the results, it may be concluded that propofol does not alter IOP and ETCO2.

Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome in Brazil: clinical aspects of three new cases.

Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) has been recognized recently in Brazil, where 28 cases have been reported as of September 1999. We report here the clinical and laboratory findings of three cases whose diagnoses were confirmed serologically. All the patients were adults who presented a febrile illness with respiratory symptoms that progressed to respiratory failure that required artificial ventilation in two of them. Laboratory findings were most of the time consistent with those reported in the United States in patients infected with the Sin Nombre virus, and included elevated hematocrit and thrombocytopenia; presence of atypical lymphocytes was observed in one patient. The chest radiological findings observed in all the patients were bilateral, diffuse, reticulonodular infiltrates. Two patients died. Histopathological examination of the lungs of these patients revealed interstitial and alveolar edema, alveolar hemorrhage, and mild interstitial pneumonia characterized by infiltrate of immunoblasts and mononuclear cells. In the epidemiologic investigation of one of the cases, serologic (ELISA) tests were positive in 3 (25%) out of 12 individuals who shared the same environmental exposure. HPS should be included in the differential diagnosis of interstitial pneumonia progressing to acute respiratory failure.

The anomalous solvent effect in the vibrational spectrum of 2,3-diphenyl-cycloprop-2-enone: an experimental and theoretical investigation.

2,3-Diphenyl-cycloprop-2-enone (DPC) was investigated aiming to understand the origins of the anomalous solvatochromism in its vibrational spectrum. Its Raman and IR spectra in several solvents were obtained revealing that the v(C=C) mode is much more sensitive to the solvent than the v(C=O) mode. Hartree-Fock and density functional theory calculations were undertaken for obtaining the structure and the vibrational spectra of DPC and 2,3-dimethylcycloprop-2-enone (DMC), revealing that both in terms of structure as well as of vibrational spectrum, DPC and DMC are very similar. Such results indicated that DMC could be used as a model system to simulate the solvent effect in DPC, what was done using three different methods: the first takes into account the dielectric effect via the self-consistent reaction field (SCRF); the second is the supermolecular approach that considers explicity the formation of solute-solvent clusters and the third is a combined approach, SCRF + supermolecule. The anomalous solvatochromism in the vibrational spectrum of DPC can be understood on basis of the significant participation of the v(C=O) mode in the one assigned to the v(C=C) vibration, as well as by the presence of a Fermi resonance involving the former. In addition, the v(C=O) mode involves a significant participation of the (C-C) mode (C(cyclopropene)-C(phenyl)) and the two interatomic distances, C=O and C-C, show opposite trends with increasing solvent polarity. Summing up, the anomalous solvatochromic effect of DPC can be understood by the complex composition of its v(C=O) mode that, in addition, is affected by the presence of a Fermi resonance.