Mӧssbauer spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and hardness measurements were used to investigate the atomic redistribution and phase transformation of solution-treated and 440°C aged Maraging-300 steel specimens. The ageing temperature that resulted in the best mechanical properties in this steel was 480ºC. At 440ºC, the formation of the precipitates that assure excellent mechanical properties of the maraging steel (Ni3Ti, Fe2Mo) was not expected. The results indicated that Mo and Ti redistribution was severe during the first hour of ageing. The mobility of the Ni atoms probably occurred during all stages of the ageing process, and the Co atoms remained close to Fe atomic sites. An irregular behaviour of the formation of paramagnetic phases containing iron was observed, and some evidence of the formation of these phases without Fe will be discussed. The formation of metastable phases was suggested and the possibility of austenite reversion was not discarded at this ageing temperature.

Abstract Purpose: To develop a model and curriculum for simulated training of an effective and well accepted laparoscopic vesicourethral anastomosis (VUA). Methods: Experimental longitudinal study of quantitative character. The sample consisted of 12 general surgery residents and 6 urology residents (R3). The training consisted of making twelve VUAs on synthetic organs. The training was divided into four sessions and accompanied by an instructor who performed positive feedback. The evaluation of the anastomoses considered the time and the analysis of the operative technique through the global evaluation scale Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills (OSATS). Results: Residents showed a reduction in operative time and evolution in the surgical technique statistically significant (p<0.01). The best-rated items were the facilitator positive feedback and the fact that the training was carried out at the teaching hospital premises. Conclusions: The proposed training model was well accepted and proved to be effective in reducing operative time and improving laparoscopic skills. The training should be fractionated (4 sessions in 3 weeks), repetitive (12 anastomoses) and have positive feedback.

Resumo A actinomicose periapical causada por um patógeno anaeróbio Gram positivo caracteriza uma infecção extra-radicular típica. Esse estudo determinou a frequência e correlacionou o conteúdo das colônias bacterianas com o tamanho das actinomicoses periapicais. O estudo compreendeu um total de 218 lesões periapicais (LPs) (cistos, granulomas ou abscessos). Os espécimes embebidos em parafina foram cortados em secções de 4-µm e corados com hematoxilina-eosina, Gram, ácido periódico de Schiff (PAS) e coloração de Grocott. A presença de colônias bacterianas compostas por estruturas filamentosas marcadas com os corantes histoquímicos foram descritas como Actinomyces, e para cada caso, as colônias bacterianas foram contadas e mensuradas. A correlação entre o número e tamanho das colônias bacterianas e o tamanho das LPs foi testado usando o coeficiente de correlação ajustado de Pearson. De 218 LPs, colônias bacterianas foram identificadas em 64 biópsias. Sete casos (0,3%) preencheram os critérios para o diagnóstico de actinomicose periapical. Todos os casos foram resistentes à terapia e não mostraram reparo periapical após 12 meses de acompanhamento. Cirurgia periapical ou extração dental foi realizada. O teste de correlação indicou nenhuma correlação entre o número de colônias bacterianas e o tamanho da lesão (p=0.752, r=-0.148). Entretanto, uma maior colônia bacteriana geralmente resultou em uma maior lesão periapical (p=0.000, r=0.657). A frequência de actinomicose periapical foi baixa e esta lesão deve ser incluída no diagnóstico diferencial das LPs. O tamanho das colônias de Actinomyces pareceu contribuir para o aumento no tamanho da lesão periapical.

Abstract Periapical actinomycosis caused by a gram-positive anaerobic pathogen characterizes a typical extra-radicular infection. This study determined the frequency and correlated the content of bacteria colonies with the of periapical actinomycosis size. The study comprised a total of 218 periapical lesions (PL) (cysts, granulomas or abscess). The specimens embedded in paraffin were sliced into 4-µm sections and stained with hematoxylin-eosin, Gram, Periodic Acid-Schiff (PAS) and Grocott’s stain. The presence of bacterial colonies composed of filamentous structures labeled with the histochemical stains were described as Actinomyces, and for each case, the bacterial colonies were counted and measured. The correlation between the number and size of bacterial colonies and the size of PL was tested using Pearson’s adjusted correlation coefficient. From 218 PL, bacterial colonies were identified in 64 biopsies. Seven cases (0.3%) fulfill the criteria for diagnosis of periapical actinomycosis. All of cases were therapy-resistant and did not showed periapical repair after 12 months of follow-up. Periapical surgery or dental extraction was performed. The correlation test indicated no correlation between the number of bacterial colonies and the lesion size (p=0.752, r=-0.148). However, a larger bacterial colony size generally resulted in a larger periapical lesion (P=0.000, r=0.657). The frequency of periapical actinomycosis was low, and this lesion should be included in the differential diagnosis of PL. The size of the Actinomyces colonies seemed to contribute to increase the size of the periapical lesion.

A citricultura brasileira vem sendo explorada em uma diversidade de solos e climas em várias regiões do país, estando seu principal eixo de desenvolvimento localizado no Sudeste. Na Região Noroeste do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, as condições de clima e solo são favoráveis ao cultivo da laranjeira, exceto pelo volume e distribuição da precipitação pluvial durante o ano, ocorrendo períodos de déficit de água no solo. O presente trabalho teve como objetivo obter os componentes e realizar o balanço hídrico de um Argissolo Vermelho-Amarelo do Noroeste Fluminense cultivado com laranjeira 'Folha Murcha', verificando, em onze períodos ao longo de 197 dias, diferenças decorrentes do local de monitoramento do solo e determinando, ainda, o coeficiente de cultura (Kc) e o nível de atendimento da demanda hídrica da cultura (fator Ks). O trabalho foi realizado no Instituto Federal Fluminense em Bom Jesus do Itabapoana-RJ, no período de 13/08/2012 e 26/02/2013. Três plantas foram monitoradas quanto aos componentes do balanço hídrico (precipitação pluvial, escoamento superficial, armazenagem, drenagem profunda e ascensão capilar). Os resultados permitiram verificar que o consumo médio de água pela planta durante todo o período foi de 2,29 mm dia-1, sendo que a maior demanda hídrica ocorreu nos meses de dezembro, janeiro e fevereiro. Obteve-se um valor médio de Kc de 0,88 e verificou-se que a disponibilidade de água no solo não atendeu de forma completa a demanda hídrica da planta, variando este atendimento de pleno (Ks = 1,0) até apenas 36% (Ks = 0,36), indicando que na Região Noroeste Fluminense o desempenho da cultura pode ser incrementado pela irrigação. Em relação ao monitoramento do solo, pôde-se concluir que, conforme a posição em que o mesmo é realizado, os resultados do balanço hídrico da laranjeira 'Folha Murcha' podem divergir.

Brazilian citriculture is carried out in a variety of soils and climates in various regions of the country, with principle development being centred in the Southeast. In the northwestern region of the State of Rio de Janeiro, the conditions of climate and soil are favourable to the cultivation of the orange, with the exception of the volume and distribution of rainfall during the year, which lead to periods of soil water deficit. This study aimed to obtain the components, and carry out the water balance, of a Red-Yellow Argisol in the north-western region of Rio de Janeiro cultivated with the 'Folha Murcha' orange, verifying, for eleven periods over 197 days, the differences arising from the various sites used for monitoring the soil. The crop coefficient (Kc) and the level of response to the water demand of the crop (Ks factor) were also determined. The work was carried out at the Fluminense Federal Institute in Bom Jesus do Itabapoana in the state of Rio de Janeiro, from 13/08/2012 to 26/02/2013. Three plants were monitored for the components of water balance (rainfall, surface runoff, storage, deep drainage and capillary rise). The results showed that the average water consumption of the plants for the whole period was 2.29 mm day-1, with the greatest demand for water occurring in December, January and February. An average value for Kc of 0.88 was obtained, and it was found that the availability of water in the soil did not fully meet the demands of the plants, ranging from 100% (Ks = 1.0) to only 36% (Ks = 0.36), indicating that in this region, crop performance can be increased by irrigation. As to monitoring the soil, it was concluded that results for the water balance of the 'Folha Murcha' orange can differ depending on the site used for monitoring.