RESUMO Doenças infecciosas são as maiores responsáveis por falhas reprodutivas (FR) em cadelas, causando aborto, morte fetal e natimortalidade. Este estudo teve como objetivo investigar a associação entre agentes infecciosos, FR inexplicáveis e anemia em cadelas. Todas as amostras maternas e fetais foram negativas para a presença dos principais agentes infecciosos causadores de FR: herpes vírus canino 1, Neospora caninum, Brucella spp. e B. canis, enquanto agentes como o de Leishmania spp., parvovírus canino, Ehrlichia canis e Anaplasma platys foram encontrados em sangue materno. Coinfecções de A. platys/E. canis e A. platys/Leishmania spp. foram diagnosticadas. Os resultados indicam que os animais com anemia causadas por doenças transmitidas por vetores podem ser mais suscetíveis a sofrerem FR do que animais com valores hematológicos normais.

Resumo Em estudos recentes, verificou-se ser possível produzir, em meio aquoso, nanopartículas de zircônia hidratada (cristalitos inferiores a 2 nm) a partir de um precursor não usual, o tungstato de zircônio (ZrW2O8), óxido bimetálico de tamanho micrométrico (1,7 µm) e insolúvel em água. Essas nanopartículas de zircônia são capazes de formar aglomerados policristalinos transparentes à luz visível. No entanto, a produção controlada de sólidos de zircônia transparentes a partir da consolidação por centrifugação de suspensões estáveis dessas nanopartículas, desaglomeradas no momento da síntese, ainda não havia sido explorada. Dentro deste contexto, este trabalho teve por objetivo avaliar a dispersão e a consolidação de nanopartículas de zircônia hidratada produzidas a partir do ZrW2O8 em meio aquoso e utilizando-se a trietanolamina (TEOA) como surfactante, e compreender o efeito dos parâmetros experimentais empregados na dispersão sobre o teor de tungstênio remanescente nos sólidos consolidados. A síntese e dispersão foram realizadas em meio aquoso, a 80 °C, com o uso de NaOH e TEOA; em seguida, as soluções coloidais foram dialisadas, seus valores de pH foram ajustados para 6, e foram ultracentrifugadas a 28000 rpm por 24 h. Verificou-se que a utilização da TEOA na síntese permitiu a obtenção de soluções coloidais estáveis de nanopartículas de zircônia que, após centrifugação, originaram sólidos transparentes e amarelados que foram caracterizados por meio de diversas técnicas (microscopia eletrônica de varredura, espectroscopia de energia dispersiva, difração de raios X, espectroscopia Raman e de infravermelho com transformada de Fourier, além de análise térmica simultânea). Apesar de a TEOA auxiliar na dispersão das nanopartículas, ao mesmo tempo interferiu no mecanismo de síntese, levando à obtenção de zircônia dopada com WOx com quantidades de tungstênio que variaram dependendo das condições experimentais empregadas.

Abstract In recent studies, it was possible to produce hydrous zirconia nanoparticles with crystallite sizes as small as 2 nm from ZrW2O8 powder with initial particle size of 1.7 µm in an aqueous medium. The zirconia nanoparticles formed transparent polycrystalline aggregates. However, the controlled production of transparent zirconia solids by centrifugation of stable suspensions, deagglomerated in the moment of the synthesis, has not been explored yet. In this context, this study aimed to evaluate the dispersion and consolidation of hydrous zirconia nanoparticles produced from ZrW2O8, in aqueous medium and using triethanolamine (TEOA) as surfactant, and to understand the effect of experimental conditions on the tungsten content in the consolidated solids. The synthesis and dispersion were carried out in aqueous medium at 80 °C with the use of NaOH and TEOA; the colloidal solutions were dialyzed, their pH values were adjusted to 6, and then ultracentrifuged at 28000 rpm for 24 h. It has been found that the use of TEOA in the synthesis allowed obtaining stable sols of zirconia nanoparticles which, after centrifugation, originated transparent and yellowish solids that were characterized using various techniques (scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and simultaneous thermal analysis). Although TEOA assists in the dispersion of nanoparticles, it interfered in the synthesis mechanism, leading to the production of zirconia doped with WOx, with tungsten concentrations that varied depending on the experimental conditions employed.

RESUMO A utilização de protocolos de sedação como auxílio na contenção de felinos para realização de coletas de sangue é de grande importância, porém a utilização de alguns fármacos pode alterar resultados e a interpretação deles. Por outro lado, a contenção física pode gerar intenso estresse, especialmente em felinos, o que também pode interferir nos resultados. Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar exames de bioquímica clínica sob o uso de contenção física e química em gatos submetidos a dois protocolos de sedação. Foram utilizados 50 gatos, 26 fêmeas e 24 machos, sem raça definida, submetidos a contenção física e, imediatamente após, a dois protocolos de sedação, DB (dexmedetomidina 5µg/kg e butorfanol 0,3mg/kg) e DBC (dexmedetomidina 5µg/kg, butorfanol 0,3mg/kg e cetamina 3mg/kg), aplicados por via intramuscular. Amostras de sangue foram coletadas após a contenção física e, em seguida, após o uso de um dos protocolos de sedação. Foram avaliados: ureia, creatinina, alaninoaminotransferase (ALT), fosfatase alcalina, proteína sérica total (PST), albumina, globulinas, colesterol, triglicérides, cálcio, magnésio e cloretos de amostras de soro, lactato e glicose de amostras de plasma fluoretado. Foi encontrada diferença estatística entre grupos para albumina, triglicérides, PST e colesterol, com maiores valores sendo encontrados no grupo DBC. Entre momentos, houve diferença para colesterol e fosfatase alcalina, com maiores valores no momento contenção física somente no grupo DBC. Já a glicose teve maiores valores após a sedação em ambos os grupos. O estudo revelou que o uso destes protocolos implica restrições para alguns parâmetros bioquímicos aqui estudados e que suas interpretações devem ser avaliadas cuidadosamente.

ABSTRACT The use of sedation protocols to assist in the restraint of cats to perform blood collections is of great importance, but the use of some drugs can alter the results and interpretation. Moreover, the physical restraint may generate intense stress, especially in animals of the feline species, which may also interfere with the results. This study aimed to evaluate examinations of clinical biochemistry in the use of physical restraint and chemistry in cats subjected to two sedation protocols. We used 50 cats, 26 females and 24 males, of mixed-breed, who underwent physical restraint and immediately after underwent two sedation protocols, DB (dexmedetomidine 5μg / kg and 0.3mg butorphanol / kg) and DBC (dexmedetomidine 5μg / kg butorphanol 0.3mg / kg ketamine and 3mg / kg), applied intramuscularly. Blood samples were taken after physical restraint and then after the use of one of the sedation protocols. The following parameters were evaluated: urea, creatinine, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total serum protein (TP), albumin, globulin, cholesterol, triglycerides, calcium, magnesium and chloride in serum samples, and lactate and glucose in fluoride plasma samples. Statistical difference was found between groups for albumin, triglycerides, TP and cholesterol with higher values being found in the DBC group. A statistical difference between moments was found for cholesterol, and ALP with higher values in physical restraint only in the DBC group. Glucose had greater values after sedation for both groups. The study revealed that the use of these protocols implies restrictions on some biochemical parameters studied here, and that their interpretations should be evaluated carefully.

Objetivo: Avaliar os resultados imediatos e de longo prazo do transplante cardíaco em dois níveis diferentes de urgência. Métodos: De novembro de 2003 a dezembro de 2012, 228 pacientes foram submetidos a transplante cardíaco. Crianças e os pacientes em choque cardiogênico foram excluídos do estudo. Do grupo final (n=212), 58 pacientes (27%) estavam hospitalizados e em suporte inotrópico (Grupo A), enquanto 154 (73%) aguardavam transplante em casa (Grupo B). Os pacientes do Grupo A eram mais jovens (52,0±11,3 vs. 55,2±10,4 anos, P=0,050) e tinham menor tempo de espera (29,4±43,8 vs. 48,8±45,2 dias, P=0,006). Não foram encontradas diferenças entre os sexos ou outras comorbidades. Níveis de hemoglobina foram menores e de creatinina superiores no Grupo A. As características dos doadores foram semelhantes. O acompanhamento foi de 4,5±2,7 anos. Resultados: Não foram observadas diferenças no tempo de isquemia (89,1 ± 37,0 vs. 91,5 ± 34,5 min, P=0,660) ou no suporte inotrópico (13,8% vs. 11,0%, P=0,579), nem na incidência de rejeição celular ou humoral e de vasculopatia do enxerto. Incidência de diabetes de novo no início do primeiro ano foi um pouco maior no Grupo A (15,5% vs. 11,7%, P=0,456), e esses pacientes apresentaram maior risco de infecção grave (22,4% vs. 12,3%, P=0,068). A mortalidade hospitalar foi semelhante (3,4% vs. 4,5%, P=0,724), bem como a sobrevida a longo prazo (7,8±0,5 vs. 7,4±0,3 anos). Conclusões: Os resultados obtidos em pacientes hospitalizados em suporte inotrópico foram semelhantes aos de pacientes que aguardam o transplante em casa. Alocação de doadores para o primeiro grupo não parece comprometer o benefício do transplante. Esses resultados podem não ser estendidos aos pacientes mais críticos.

Objective: To evaluate immediate and long-term results of cardiac transplantation at two different levels of urgency. Methods: From November 2003 to December 2012, 228 patients underwent cardiac transplantation. Children and patients in cardiogenic shock were excluded from the study. From the final group (n=212), 58 patients (27%) were hospitalized under inotropic support (Group A), while 154 (73%) were awaiting transplantation at home (Group B). Patients in Group A were younger (52.0±11.3 vs. 55.2±10.4 years, P=0.050) and had shorter waiting times (29.4±43.8 vs. 48.8±45.2 days; P=0.006). No difference was found for sex or other comorbidities. Haemoglobin was lower and creatinine higher in Group A. The characteristics of the donors were similar. Follow-up was 4.5±2.7 years. Results: No differences were found in time of ischemia (89.1±37.0 vs. 91.5±34.5 min, P=0.660) or inotropic support (13.8% vs. 11.0%, P=0.579), neither in the incidence of cellular or humoral rejection and of cardiac allograft vasculopathy. De novo diabetes de novo in the first year was slightly higher in Group A (15.5% vs. 11.7%, P=0.456), and these patients were at increased risk of serious infection (22.4% vs. 12.3%, P=0.068). Hospital mortality was similar (3.4% vs. 4.5%, P=0.724), as well as long-term survival (7.8±0.5 vs. 7.4±0.3 years). Conclusions: The results obtained in patients hospitalized under inotropic support were similar to those of patients awaiting transplantation at home. Allocation of donors to the first group does not seem to compromise the benefit of transplantation. These results may not be extensible to more critical patients.

Background: This study analyzed the phase-angle (PA) values of hospitalized HVI-infected patients by comparing them with those reported for a healthy population and investigated their relation with nutritional parameters. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study including 101 hospitalized patients diagnosed with HIV infection and evaluated by bioimpedance, anthropometry and biochemical tests. The phase angle values, weight loss percentage (%WL), body mass index (BMI), arm muscle circumference (AMC), tricipital skinfold (TSF), body fat percentage (%BF) and albumin were considered. In order to compare with values for the healthy population, the PA z-score of the patients under study was calculated. Spearman's correlation and the multiple linear regression model were used to identify nutritional parameters associated with the PA z-score. Results: The patients showed a mean PA z-score of -2.6 ± 1.5, and only 6.6% of them with a positive value. The PA z-score values correlated with %WL (r = -0.51; p < 0.0001), albumin (r = 0.49; p < 0.0001), BMI (r = 0.58; p < 0.0001), AMC (r = 0.41; p < 0.0001), TSF (r = 0.47; p < 0.001) and %BF (r = 0.48, p < 0.0001). In multiple analysis %WL (p = 0.008), albumin (p = 0.01), AMC (p < 0.0001) and %BF (p = 0.0003) remained associated with the score. Conclusions: Low PA z-score values were observed, suggesting a worse clinical prognosis for the patients. The inclusion of the PA z-score as a nutritional indicator during care provision to HIV-infected patients is recommended.

Antecedentes: Este estudio analizaba los valores del ángulo de fase (AF) de pacientes hospitalizados e infectados por el VIH al compararlos con los notificados para un población sana e investigaba su relación con los parámetros nutricionales. Métodos: Se trataba de un estudio transversal que incluyó a 101 pacientes hospitalizados diagnosticados de infección por el VIH y en los que se evaluó la bioimpedancia, la antropometría y parámetros bioquímicos. Se consideraron los valores del ángulo de fase, el porcentaje de pérdida de peso (%PP), el índice de masa corporal (IMC), la circunferencia muscular del brazo (CMB), el pliegue tricipital (PT), el porcentaje de grasa corporal (%GC) y la albúmina. Para compararlos con los de una población sana, se calcularon las puntuaciones z del AF de los pacientes estudiados. Se emplearon la correlación de Spearman y el modelo de regresión linear múltiple para identificar los parámetros nutricionales asociados con la puntuación z del AF. Resultados: Los pacientes mostraron una puntuación z del AF de -2,6 ± 1,5, el 23,7% de ellos tenían un valor superior a -1,65 y sólo el 6,6% un valor positivo. Los valores de las puntuaciones z del AF se correlacionaron con el %PP (r = -0,51; p < 0,0001), la albúmina (r = 0,49; p < 0,0001), el IMC (r = 0,58; p < 0,0001), la CMB (r = 0,41; p < 0,0001), el PT (r = 0,47; p < 0,001) y el %GC (r = 0,48, p < 0,0001). En el análisis múltiple, el %PP (p = 0,008), la albúmina (p = 0,01), la CMB (p < 0,0001) y el %GC (p = 0,0003) seguían asociándose con la puntuación z. Conclusiones: Obtuvimos unos valores bajos de puntuación z del AF, lo que sugiere un peor pronóstico clínico en los pacientes. Recomendamos la inclusión de la puntuación z del AF como un indicador nutricional durante la provisión de la atención sanitaria a los pacientes infectados por el VIH.

PURPOSE: Socioeconomic status (SES) may influence cancer characteristics and behavior in several aspects. We analyzed PCa characteristics and behavior among low income uninsured men, and compare them to high income patients with health insurance in a developing country. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective case-control study was performed on 934 patients with clinically localized PCa who underwent radical prostatectomy between March, 1999 and July, 2009. Patients were divided in two groups, according to their SES. In group 1 (n=380), all had low income, low educational levels and couldn't afford medical insurance. In group 2 (n=554), all had higher income, higher education and had medical insurance. RESULTS: Patients from group 1 were older, had higher Gleason scores, higher rates of seminal vesicle and bladder neck involvement. The Kaplan Meier disease-free survival curve demonstrated that after a follow-up of four years, about 50% of uninsured patients had biochemical recurrence, versus 21% of insured patients (Log rank test: p < 0.001). A multivariate Cox regression analysis for the risk of disease recurrence demonstrated that only PSA levels, Gleason score, seminal vesicle involvement and SES were statistically significant variables. Patients with a low SES presented 1.8 times the risk of recurrence as compared to patients with a high SES. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with low SES were older, presented more aggressive PCa characteristics and a high rate of disease recurrence. A low SES constituted an independent predictor for disease recurrence.

PURPOSE: Tumor banks have the primary responsibility for collecting, cataloging, storing and disseminating samples of tissues, cells and fluids, which are used by researchers to identify diagnostic molecular markers, prognostic indicators and therapeutic targets. The objective of this review was to describe a simple, reliable and reproducible protocol for obtaining and storing samples of urological tumors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Urogenital tumor tissues were collected by the surgeons from the Urology Division of University of Sao Paulo Medical School. The obtained surgical specimens were immediately placed in liquid nitrogen, dry ice or in a tube containing RNAlater ®, and then stored by cryopreservation (-80°C). A mirror fragment was fixed in 10% formalin processed routinely and embedded in Paraplast®. RESULTS: We developed a protocol for the collection, cataloging, storage, conservation and use of tumor samples. During a period of one year the Urological Tumor Bank of the Urology Division stored 274 samples of prostate, bladder, kidney, penis and testicle tumors of different histological types, 74 urine and 271 serum samples. CONCLUSIONS: Having biological materials characterized and available along with the clinical patient information provides an integrated portrait of the patients and their diseases facilitating advances in molecular biology. It also promotes the development of translational research improving methods of diagnosis and cancer treatment.

Neste artigo são apresentadas a síntese e a caracterização de dois compostos binucleares de ferro, os quais contêm uma ponte μ-oxo. Os compostos [(SO4)(L5)Fe(μ-O)Fe(L5)(SO4 )]•6H2O, 1, e [Cl(L5)Fe(μ-O)Fe(L5)Cl]Cl2• 2H2O, 2, foram obtidos nas reações entre 1-(bis-piridin-2-ilmetil-amino)-3-cloropropan-2-ol (L5) e os sais FeSO4•7H2 O e FeCl3•6H2 O, respectivamente. Os espectros eletrônicos dos complexos apresentam absorções somente na região do ultravioleta, sendo que a análise eletroquímica revelou que, após a formação da espécie FeIII FeII, a unidade binuclear do composto 1 é mais estável do que a do composto 2. Os ligantes monodentados (sulfato e cloreto) exercem influência sobre os parâmetros Mössbauer determinados para 1 e 2, particularmente sobre os desdobramentos de quadrupolo. Os compostos foram empregados como catalisadores em reações de oxidação do cicloexano, usando H2O2 e t-BuOOH como oxidantes em uma razão substrato:oxidante:catalisador de 1000:1000:1. Os resultados indicam que o composto 2 é um catalisador mais eficiente que o composto 1.

We report herein the synthesis and characterization of two dinuclear μ-oxo iron compounds obtained through the reactions of FeSO4•7H2 O and FeCl3•6H2 O with 1-(bis-pyridin-2-ylmethyl-amino)-3-chloropropan-2-ol (L5), which resulted in the compounds [(SO4)(L5)Fe(μ-O)Fe(L5)(SO4 )]•6H2O, 1, and [Cl(L5)Fe(μ-O)Fe(L5)Cl]Cl2• 2H2O, 2. The electronic spectra of both compounds show absorption bands only in the UV range. The electrochemical analysis showed that the dinuclear unit is more stable under reduction in compound 1 than in compound 2, while the Mössbauer spectroscopy revealed that the monodentate ligands (sulfate and chloride) have a significant influence on the Mössbauer parameters determined for 1 and 2, particularly on the quadrupole splitting values. Both compounds were studied as catalysts in reactions of cyclohexane oxidation, using H2O2 and t-BuOOH as oxidants, in a substrate:oxidant:catalyst ratio of 1000:1000:1. Cyclohexanol, cyclohexanone, cyclohexyl hydroperoxide, t-butyl cyclohexyl peroxide and adipic acid were formed during the process. The experiments revealed that compound 2 is, in general, more active than compound 1 in promoting cyclohexane oxidation.

The involvement of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis in the control of body fluid homeostasis has been extensively investigated in the past few years. In the present study, we reviewed the recent results obtained using different approaches to investigate the effects of glucocorticoids on the mechanisms of oxytocin and vasopressin synthesis and secretion in response to acute and chronic plasma volume and osmolality changes. The data presented here suggest that glucocorticoids are not only involved in the mechanisms underlying the fast release but also in the transcriptional events that lead to decreased synthesis and secretion of these neuropeptides, particularly oxytocin, under diverse experimental conditions of altered fluid volume and tonicity. The endocannabinoid system, through its effects on glutamatergic neurotransmission within the hypothalamus and the nuclear factor κB-mediated transcriptional activity, seems to be also involved in the specific mechanisms by which glucocorticoids exert their central effects on neurohypophyseal hormone synthesis and secretion.

O objectivo central do presente estudo foi construir valores de referência para as habilidades de locomoção e de manipulação em crianças da Região Autónoma da Madeira, Portugal. A amostra envolveu 853 crianças, 426 rapazes e 427 raparigas, com idades compreendidas entre os 3 aos 10 anos, que participaram na pesquisa ‘Crescer com Saúde na Região Autónoma da Madeira’. As habilidades motoras foram avaliadas através do ‘Test of Gross Motor Development’. As crianças madeirenses apresentaram uma melhoria de resultados com a idade, na quase totalidade das habilidades motoras. Os rapazes foram mais proficientes do que as raparigas nas habilidades de manipulação. O maior número de crianças madeirenses foi classificado na categoria ‘médio’ nas habilidades de locomoção (51.5%) e de manipulação (37.7%). As crianças madeirenses apresentaram equivalentes etários abaixo da média nas habilidades de locomoção (86.5%) e de manipulação (87.7%). Um aumento de mestria com a idade foi observado na corrida, galope, deslocamento lateral, drible, agarrar e lançamento por cima do ombro. As crianças madeirenses apresentaram desempenhos inferiores relativamente às norte-americanas. Os resultados da presente pesquisa devem fomentar a investigação e conduzir à implementação de programas na escola e demais instituições com o objectivo de promover o normal crescimento e desenvolvimento motor das nossas crianças.

The main purpose of this study was to provide reference values for locomotor and object control skills in children from Autonomous Region of Maderia, Portugal. The sample involved 853 individuals, 426 boys and 427 girls, from 3 to 10 year old, which participated in the ‘Growth with Health in Autonomous Region of Maderia’. Motor skills were assessed by the ‘Test of Gross Motor Development’. Madeira children presented improvements with age, in almost all the fundamental motor skills. The boys were a bit more proficient than girls on the object control skills. The largest number of Madeira children was classified at the ‘average’ category related to the locomotor (51, 5%) and object control skills (37, 7%). Madeira children showed age equivalents bellow the average in locomotor (86.5%) and object control (87.7%) skills. Increases on the mastery were observed for run, gallop, slide, stationary dribble and overhead throw. Children from Autonomous Region of Madeira presented lower results comparatively to North-American peers. Our data should encourage the research and lead to the implementation of programmes in schools and other institutions with the purpose of promoting the normal growth and motor development of Madeira children and youth.

OBJECTIVE: Preoperative determination of prostate cancer (PCa) tumor volume (TV) is still a big challenge. We have assessed variables obtained in prostatic biopsy aiming at determining which is the best method to predict the TV in radical prostatectomy (RP) specimens. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Biopsy findings of 162 men with PCa submitted to radical prostatectomy were revised. Preoperative characteristics, such as PSA, the percentage of positive fragments (PPF), the total percentage of cancer in the biopsy (TPC), the maximum percentage of cancer in a fragment (MPC), the presence of perineural invasion (PNI) and the Gleason score were correlated with postoperative surgical findings through an univariate analysis of a linear regression model. RESULTS: The TV correlated significantly to the PPF, TPC, MPC, PSA and to the presence of PNI (p < 0.001). However, the Pearson correlation analysis test showed an R2 of only 24%, 12%, 17% and 9% for the PPF, TPC, MPC, and PSA respectively. The combination of the PPF with the PSA and the PNI analysis showed to be a better model to predict the TV (R2 of 32.3%). The TV could be determined through the formula: Volume = 1.108 + 0.203 x PSA + 0.066 x PPF + 2.193 x PNI. CONCLUSIONS: The PPF seems to be better than the TPC and the MPC to predict the TV in the surgical specimen. Due to the weak correlation between those variables and the TV, the PSA and the presence of PNI should be used together.

OBJECTIVE: We aim at determining the prognostic value of squamous differentiation in patients with transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) of the bladder that were treated with radical cystectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From January 1993 to January 2005, we retrospectively selected 113 patients. Correlations among squamous differentiation with other clinical and pathological features were assessed by both chi-square and Fisher tests. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to evaluate survival curves and statistical significance was determined by the log-rank test. Multivariate analysis was performed through a Cox proportional hazards regression model. RESULTS: Squamous differentiation was observed in 25 (22.1%) of the 113 patients. This finding was significantly related only to the pathological stage. Mean follow-up after cystectomy was 31.7 ± 28.5 months. Disease recurrence occurred in 16 (64%) and 30 (34%) patients with and without squamous differentiation (log-rank test, p = 0.001), and mortality occurred in 10 (40%) and 14 (16%) of the patients with and without squamous differentiation respectively. Univariate analysis revealed that pathological stage, squamous differentiation, tumor size and lymph node involvement were significant predictors of cancer-specific survival. However, only squamous differentiation and tumor size were independent prognostic variables on multivariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Squamous differentiation was an independent prognostic factor for cancer specific survival in patients with bladder cancer treated with radical cystectomy. Further studies with a larger number of patients are necessary to confirm these results.

OBJECTIVE: Determine the prognostic value of perineural invasion (PNI) in patients with transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) of the bladder treated with radical cystectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From January 1993 to January 2005, 113 people were selected from 153 patients with TCC of the bladder treated with radical cystectomy. The association between the presence of PNI and other pathologic characteristics were analyzed through Fisher exact test. The Kaplan-Meier method was utilized to assess the survival curve and the statistical significance was determined by the Breslow test. The multivariate analysis was performed through the Cox regression model. RESULTS: The PNI was identified in 10 (8.8%) of the 113 patients. This variable significantly related to the microvascular invasion and to tumor staging. The mean segment after surgery was 31.7 ± 28.5 months. Recurrence occurred in 5 (50%) and in 41 (39.8%) patients (p = 0.363) and mortality occurred in 2 (20%) and 22 (21.9%) patients (p = 0.606) with or without PNI respectively. In Cox regression analysis, patients with PNI presented with 1.53 times (IC 95% 0.60 to 3.91; p = 0.371) and 1.60 times (IC 95% 0.37 to 6.95; p = 0.532) the risk of recurrence and mortality when compared to patients without PNI. CONCLUSIONS: The PNI does not constitute an independent variable of disease-free and cancer specific survival in patients with TCC of the bladder treated with radical cystectomy.

A new generation of composite pressure vessels for large scale market applications has been studied in this work. The vessels consist on a thermoplastic liner wrapped with a filament winding glass fibre reinforced polymer matrix structure. A high density polyethylene (HDPE) was selected as liner and a thermosetting resin was used as matrices in the glass reinforced filament wound laminate. The Abaqus 6.5.1 FEM package were used to predict the mechanical behaviour of pressure vessels with capacity of approximately of 0,068 m³ (68 l) for a 0.6 MPa (6 bar) pressure service condition according to the requirements of the prEN 13923 standard, namely, the minimum internal burst pressure. The Tsai-Wu and Von Mises criteria were used to predict composite laminate and thermoplastic liner failures, respectively, considering the elasto-plastic behaviour of the HDPE liner and the laminae properties deducted from micromechanical models for composite laminates. Finally, prototype pressure vessels were produced in the defined conditions to be submitted to pressure tests. The comparison between the FEM simulations and experimental results are discussed in the present paper.

A técnica de HPLC por troca de ligante foi utilizada para a separação de racematos de amino ácidos com cadeia lateral alifática. Para tanto, o seletor quiral escolhido foi o complexo de Cu(II) combinado com a L-fenilalananina. Os resultados mostram que o primeiro enanciômero a eluir foi a forma D, seguido da forma L. Segundo o conceito de interação de 3 pontos, foi proposto um mecanismo de reconhecimento quiral, no qual não há evidências de mudança de configuração após a formação dos complexos pseudo-homo e heteroquiral. Cálculos DFT-B3LYP para energia e espectro vibracional confirmaram a viabilidade deste mecanismo, pois mostram a que a configuração trans do complexo homoquiral é mais estável do que a forma cis.

Ligand exchange HPLC technique was applied to resolve chiral separation of aliphatic side chain aminoacid racemates. Chiral selector was copper L-phenylalaninate (II) and the results showed the elution of D enantiomer followed by L form. Considering the 3-point interaction concept, a mechanism of chiral recognition was proposed, in which no change of configuration would follow the formation of pseudo-homochiral and heterochiral complexes. To prove the reliability of this mechanism, the trans configuration of homochiral complex had to be more stable than the cis form, which was confirmed by DFT-B3LYP calculation in gas phase. The infrared frequencies were also calculated and the comparison with the subtracted and deconvoluted spectrum of the in-solution complex also pointed to the presence of the trans diasteroisomer.