The 1,4-naphthoquinones are an important group of compounds intensively studied because of their wide range of biological activities. Four 2-chloro-3-(substituted-phenylamino)-1,4 naphthoquinone derivatives were synthesized, and the vibrational modes of these molecules were assigned using Raman and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) techniques. In addition, X-ray studies were performed for one of these derivatives. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations were also developed for these compounds and presented. In summary, the results obtained from these studies can assess chemical changes in the structures of functionalized quinones and the discovery of candidate biologically active compounds.

Abstract The pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is complex. Few studies in Brazilian population have addressed cell phenotypes associated with immunological responses and their associations with SLE activity. The aim of this study is to investigate cell phenotypes associated to SLE diagnosis, treatment and activity. Twenty-eight SLE female patients (17 inactive, 11 active) and 10 healthy women were included in this study. Markers of natural killer (Nk), T and B cells in peripheral blood were evaluated by flow cytometry. Nkt cells were decreased only in SLE active patients. Activated CD4+, regulatory T FoxP3+ and B cells were decreased in both active and inactive SLE patients, compared to control group. The data corroborate the disruption of immune regulatory response in SLE patients and suggest phenotipic changes as possible biomarkers of SLE activity.

Abstract: This work presents ANOVA and Tukey’s statistic tests that were conducted in Knoop microhardness results of boron carbide sintered samples. Three samples, A, B, and C, of different processing conditions were tested and statistical analysis showed that microhardness results are strongly influenced by porosity and chemical composition, mainly due to the presence of C(2H) and WB2.5 contaminant phases. Those phases promoted higher densification in A and B samples and it was found that A ≈ B > C is the relation between the microhardness results of the samples, while A ≈ B < C is the porosity ratio of the samples. Furthermore, this work aims to apply a statistical tool to evaluate the microhardness results performed on advanced ceramics and, using these results, to control parameters in the sintering process, showing that a deeper statistical analysis is necessary for the interpretation and validation of the results merit.

ABSTRACT Introduction: It is important to assess the popular perception of the impact of the measures taken by governments in response to the fast spread of the coronavirus. Objective: Determine the perception of the public health measures implemented by the Peruvian government to stop the spread of COVID-19. Methods: A multicenter cross-sectional analytical study was conducted based on a virtual survey applied to more than 4 000 people across the country. Results: The vast majority of respondents agreed that COVID-19 is a serious epidemic / pandemic (47% in agreement and 42% very much in agreement). However, only 22%, 21%, 17% and 46% thought that the country, the health sector, the hospitals and the doctors, respectively, were prepared to face it. The most widely supported migration measures were border closure (68% very much in agreement) and denying entrance to travelers returning from China or other countries with high rates of coronavirus infection (60% very much in agreement). Respondents agreed that mass gatherings should not be held for a while (69% very much in agreement), a figure followed by those proposing to declare a public health emergency (61% very much in agreement) and the closure of colleges and universities for some time (50% very much in agreement). Many statistical associations of these perceptions were found, according to sex, age or educational level (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The population supports most of the measures, those related to socioeducational characteristics receiving greater support.

RESUMEN Introducción: Es importante medir en la población la percepción del impacto que han tenido las medidas adoptadas por los gobiernos ante la rápida expansión del coronavirus. Objetivo: Determinar la percepción de las medidas implementadas por el gobierno de Perú en materia de salud pública para frenar el avance de la COVID-19. Métodos: Estudio transversal, analítico y multicéntrico, para el cual se hizo una encuesta virtual en la que participaron más de 4000 personas de todo el país. Resultados: La gran mayoría estaban a favor que esta es una epidemia/pandemia grave (47 % de acuerdo y 42 % muy de acuerdo), sin embargo, solo el 22 %, 21 %, 17 % y 46 % que el país, el sector salud, los hospitales y los médicos, respectivamente, están preparados para enfrentarla. Las medidas más apoyadas en cuanto a migración fueron la aprobación del cierre de fronteras (68 % muy de acuerdo) y no dejar entrar a quienes estuvieron en China u otros países con elevadas cifras de casos de coronavirus (60 % muy de acuerdo). Asimismo, estuvieron de acuerdo que no deben celebrarse eventos masivos por un tiempo (69 % muy de acuerdo), seguidos por quienes proponían declarar la salud pública en emergencia (61 % muy de acuerdo) y el cierren de colegios y universidades por un tiempo (50 % muy de acuerdo). Se encontraron muchas asociaciones estadísticas de estas percepciones, según sexo, edad o grado académico (p < 0,05). Conclusiones: La población estuvo de acuerdo con la mayoría de las medidas, algunas fueron más apoyadas y estuvieron asociadas a las características socioeducativas.

Consonância cultural é o grau em que os indivíduos se aproximam dos protótipos codificados nos modelos culturais. Consonância cultural baixa é associada a sofrimento psicológico. A religião pode moderar a associação entre consonância cultural e sofrimento psicológico. O Brasil apresenta uma diversidade religiosa, sendo, portanto, uma sociedade importante para examinar esta hipótese. Este estudo, realizado em Ribeirão Preto, Brasil, utilizou delineamento de métodos mistos. As medidas de consonância cultural foram derivadas de métodos etnográficos e aplicadas em um estudo de levantamento realizado com 271 participantes, selecionados de quatro estratos socias. Consonância cultural baixa mostrou-se associada a sofrimento psicológico alto em análise de regressão múltipla ( B = - 0,430, p < 0,001). Membros de igrejas protestantes pentecostais relataram menor sofrimento psicológico independente dos efeitos da consonância cultural ( B = - 0,409, p < 0,05). A religião não moderou o efeito da consonância. São discutidas as implicações desses resultados para o estudo da relação entre religião e saúde.

Cultural consonance is the degree to which individuals approximate prototypes encoded in cultural models. Low cultural consonance is associated with higher psychological distress. Religion may moderate the association between cultural consonance and psychological distress. Brazil, with substantial variation in religion, is an important society for the examination of this hypothesis. Research was conducted in Ribeirão Preto, Brazil, using a mixed-methods design. Measures of cultural consonance were derived using ethnographic methods and then applied in a survey of 271 individuals drawn from four distinct social strata. Low cultural consonance was associated with higher psychological distress in multiple regression analysis ( B = -.430, p < .001). Members of Pentecostal Protestant churches reported lower psychological distress independently of the effect of cultural consonance ( B = -.409, p < .05). There was no buffering effect of religion. Implications of these results for the study of religion and health are discussed.

Consonancia cultural es el grado en que individuos se acercan a prototipos codificados en modelos culturales. Consonancia cultural baja está asociada con alto nivel de trastornos psicológicos. La religión puede moderar la relación entre consonancia cultural y trastornos psicológicos. Brasil, con variación religiosa considerable, es una sociedad importante para examinar esta hipótesis. La investigación fue realizada en Ribeirão Preto, Brasil, utilizando un diseño de métodos mixtos. Medidas de consonancia cultural se obtuvieron utilizando métodos etnográficos y luego se aplican en una encuesta de 271 personas procedentes de cuatro estratos sociales. Consonancia cultural baja se asoció con una mayor angustia psicológica en el análisis de regresión múltiple ( B = -.430, p < .001). Los miembros de las iglesias protestantes pentecostales manifiestan una menor angustia psicológica independientemente del efecto de la consonancia cultural ( B = -.409, p < .05). La religión no moderó el efecto de la consonancia. Las implicaciones de estos resultados para el estudio de la relación entre religión y salud se discuten.

Os metais pesados têm origem principalmente no solo, por meio do intemperismo de rochas ricas nesses elementos. Objetivou-se, neste trabalho, avaliar os teores de Cu e Zn em 58 perfis modais das principais classes de solo do Estado de Santa Catarina, coletados em ambientes naturais não antropizados e derivados de diferentes litologias. Foram utilizadas 111 amostras de solo considerando-se horizontes A e B. Os teores de Cu e Zn foram extraídos com água régia e quantificados em absorção atômica. Para a análise dos resultados os dados foram categorizados utilizando-se, como variáveis, os teores de Cu e Zn; avaliaram-se o efeito de horizonte genético, perfil e o material de origem na distribuição desses metais através das técnicas de análise univariada. Os solos amostrados para este trabalho são derivados, na sua maioria, de rochas ígneas básicas, reflexo da sua quantidade expressiva no estado. Os resultados mostram que, em solos catarinenses, a concentração de Cu e Zn é relacionada à composição geoquímica do material de origem. Assim, referidos elementos podem ser usados na indicação da influência das diferentes litologias como, também, na definição da concentração de base para monitoramento ambiental.

Heavy metals occur in the soil through the weathering of rocks rich in these elements. The objective of this study was to evaluate the contents of Cu and Zn in 58 modal profiles of the major soil types of the State of Santa Catarina, collected in natural soils without anthropogenic interference, and derived from different lithologies. One hundred and eleven soil samples were used from the A and B horizons. The Cu and Zn elements were extracted with Aqua Regia method and quantified by atomic absorption. For the analysis of the results, the data was categorized using as variables the concentrations of Cu and Zn, and the effect of genetic horizon, profile, and rock material on the distribution of these metals using univariate techniques was evaluated. The sampled soils for this study are mostly derived from igneous rocks, which reflects the significant amount of soil derived from these materials in the state. The results indicate that the concentrations of Cu and Zn in South Brazilian soils are related to the geochemical composition of the rock material. So, these elements can be used to indicate the influence of different lithologies and the baseline concentration to environmental monitoring.

El deterioro de los componentes debido a falla es un fenómeno que ha recibido constante atención por la comunidad ingenieril. Por su parte, el estudio de la nucleación y propagación de grietas o defectos se analizan principalmente según los principios científicos de la mecánica de la fractura. En este artículo se presenta un método de evaluación desarrollado a partir de la inducción de una grieta (corte) en componentes mecánicos para determinar o caracterizar el campo de esfuerzos residuales actuante. La originalidad de este trabajo resalta en la aplicación de la mecánica de la fractura, que es una ciencia dirigida a detectar la posibilidad de destrucción de un componente mediante el análisis energético de propagación de grietas y evaluación de su vida útil, lo que es utilizado como una técnica para caracterizar el efecto ocasionado por la historia de carga previa en un material. La técnica que aquí se presenta es conocida internacionalmente como método de respuesta de grieta (crack compliance method). Dicho método está fundamentado en principios de mecánica de fractura lineal elástica y fue inicialmente desarrollado por Vaidyanathan y Finnie. En este artículo se presentan tres casos de estudio -viga flexionada, tubo presurizado y probeta SEN modificada- en los cuales los especímenes fueron inducidos con campos de esfuerzos residuales. Asimismo, se presenta la manera como la aplica-ción de cargas no homogéneas introduce un campo de esfuerzos residuales, al conocer la magnitud y características de este campo es posible manipular el proceso mecánico para producir un efecto benéfico en el material.

Component deterioration due to a crack is of the highest importance for the engineering community. Fracture mechanics have mainly been used for studying and evaluating crack or defect nucleation and propagation. This article presents a methodology based on inducing a crack (cut) into mechanical components to characterise an induced residual stress field. This research work's originality was aimed at highlighting fracture mechanics' role in detecting possible component destruction by energetic analysis of crack propagation and evaluating service-life to be used as a technique for characterising the effect of prior loading history regarding a given material. The technique presented in this work is known worldwide as the crack compliance method, based on linear elastic fracture mechanics principles developed by Vaidyanathan and Finnie. Three studies are shown (bent beam, pressurised pipe and modified SEN specimen) where components were induced with a residual stress field. The way non-homogeneous loading could introduce a residual stress field is also presented; if residual stress field acting on a specimen has been characterised, then the mechanical process can be manipulated and a beneficial effect induced into the material.

Eupatoriochromene (1) and ripariochromene B (2), isolated in good yields from the roots of Ageratina arsenei, were studied by X-ray diffraction analysis showing that, in the solid state, there is a distortion from planarity of the bicyclic system due to crystal packing besides several classical and non-classical hydrogen bond interactions. DFT B3LYP/DGDZVP calculations of eupatoriochromene (1) allowed comparison of the DFT bond distances with those obtained from the X-ray analysis, while GIAO calculations of the NMR shielding tensors were used to evaluate the chemical shift differences with respect to the experimental values measured in CDCl3.

El eupatoriocromeno (1 ) y el ripariocromeno B (2), aislados en buen rendimiento de las raíces de Ageratina arsenei, se estudiaron por difracción de rayos X observándose que en el estado sólido existe una distorsión de la planaridad del sistema bicíclico debida al empaquetamiento cristalino, además de varias interacciones por puentes de hidrógeno clásicos y no clásicos. Los cálculos TFD B3LYP/DGDZVP del eupatoriocromeno (1 ) permitieron la comparación de las distancias de enlace teóricas con las obtenidas del análisis de rayos X, mientras que los cálculos de RMN de los tensores de protección anisotrópica obtenidos con el método GIAO se utilizaron para evaluar las diferencias en los desplazamientos químicos teóricos con respecto a los valores experimentales medidos en CDCl3.

O compósito Al2O3-YAG possui alta resistência a fluência em elevadas temperaturas, o que permite vislumbrar aplicações no campo da engenharia aeronáutica e espacial, tais como motores a jato e turbinas a gás de alto desempenho. Este compósito também apresenta algumas propriedades favoráveis a seu emprego na área de blindagem balísticas, como por exemplo elevada dureza e alta resistência à abrasão. Nesse estudo foram produzidas amostras de Al2O3-YAG e Al2O3-YAG com Nb2O5 e Al2O3 com Nb2O5. Os pós precursores foram homogeneizados em moinho planetário de bolas por 4 h, secos em estufa a 120 ºC por 48 h, desaglomerados e peneirados. Os pós foram prensados uniaxialmente a 70 MPa. A sinterização foi realizada a 1450 ºC, com taxa de aquecimento e resfriamento de 10 ºC/min, durante 2, 3 e 4 h. Os materiais sinterizados foram caracterizados quanto à densidade pelo método de Arquimedes e avaliados microestruturalmente por microscopia eletrônica de varredura e difração de raios X com refinamento por Rietveld. As amostras Al2O3-YAG e Al2O3 aditivadas com Nb2O5 revelaram a presença da fase niobato de ítrio (YNbO4) e niobato de alumínio (AlNbO4) na ordem de 5 e 1% em peso, respectivamente. Não há registro na literatura desta adição a esse compósito. Os resultados mostraram que são necessários ainda ajustes nas condições de sinterização da composição Al2O3-YAG com Nb2O5 para maximizar a baixa densificação, da ordem de 60%. O Al2O3 aditivado com Nb2O5, por sua vez, apresentou uma densificação satisfatória, de 96%.

The Al2O3-YAG composite has high mechanical strength at high temperatures which allows its use in air craft applications, since it increases the thermal efficiency of jet engines and helps the development of high performance gas turbines. This composite also exhibits some favorable properties toward military applications such as armor, due to its high hardness. In this study, Al2O3-YAG and Al2O3-YAG with 4wt.% Nb2O5 (niobia) samples were produced. The precursors powders were ground in a planetary ball mill for 4 h, dried in an oven at 120 ºC during 48 h, deagglomerated and sieved. The powder mixtures were then uniaxially pressed at 70 MPa. Sintering was carried out at 1450 ºC for 2, 3, and 4 h, with heating and cooling rates of 10 ºC/min. The materials were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) in order to characterize the microstructure. X-ray diffraction with Rietveld refinement was performed to determine and quantify the structural phases, whereas density was measured by the Archimede´s method. The samples with niobia addition revealed approximately 5wt.% of yttrium niobate (YNbO4) phase. It is worth pointing out that there is no citation in the literature involving niobia addition to the Al2O3-YAG composite. On the other hand, the obtained results indicated that additional experiments regarding the sintering conditions are necessary to optimize density.

Introduction: Prostate biopsy is an uncomfortable procedure, and attempts are therefore being constantly made to try and decrease biopsy-related pain. Materials and methods: A randomized, prospective study including 160 procedures was designed. Inclusion criteria were: first biopsy, PSA < 15 ng/mL, and age under 75 years. Patients were randomized into 4 groups. Group A was the control group, while group B received intracapsular anesthesia (8 mL of 2% lidocaine), group C 5 mg of oral clorazepate dipotassium one hour before biopsy, and group D both local anesthesia and clorazepate. Each patient completed a questionnaire including three 10-point visual analog scales for pain immediately after the procedure and 30 minutes later. Results: Mean pain scores were 5.17 (group A), 1.72 (group B), 2.43 (group C), and 0.88 (group D) in the first questionnaire, and 1.71, 0.25, 0.75 and 0.35 respectively in the second questionnaire. Statistically significant differences were found in the ANOVA test. Group comparisons showed the following: 1. A vs B: statistically significant di fferences in both questionnaires (p = 0.006 and 0.011). 2. A vs C: a significant di fference was found in the first questionnaire (0.051), but not in the second (0.012). 3. A vs D: significant di fferences in both questionnaires (0.001 and 0.010). No statistically significant differences were seen in both questionnaires (0.825 and 0.685) when benzodiazepines where added to local anesthesia (B vs D). Conclusion: Use of benzodiazepines as a single method to decrease biopsy-related pain is not warranted.

Introducción: la biopsia prostática es un procedimiento molesto, lo que condiciona que constantemente intentemos disminuir el dolor durante su realización. Material y métodos: diseñamos un estudio prospectivo aleatorizado en el que incluimos 160 procedimientos. Criterios de inclusión: primera biopsia, antígeno prostático específico (PSA) < 15 ng/ml, edad menor de 75 años. Los pacientes fueron aleatorizados en 4 grupos. El primero (A) quedó como control, el B recibió anestesia intracapsular (8 ml de lidocaína 2%), el C 5 mg de clorazepato dipotásico vía oral una hora antes y en el D se aplicaron las dos medidas (anestesia local y clorazepato). Se entregó un cuestionario con tres medidas de dolor (valorándolo de 0 a 10) tras el procedimento y otro 30 minutos después. Resultados: las medias del dolor fueron 5,17 (A), 1,72 (B), 2,43 (C) y 0,88 (D) en el primer cuestionario. En el segundo fueron 1,71, 0,25, 0,75 y 0,35, respectivamente. La comparación de medias realizada mediante el test de ANOVA pone de manifiesto diferencias significativas. Al comparar los grupos entre sí encontramos: 1. A frente a B: diferencia significativa en ambos cuestionarios (p 0,006 y 0,011). 2. A frente a C: no significación en el primer cuestionario (0,051) y sí en el segundo (0,012). 3. A frente a D: diferencia en ambos cuestionarios (0,001 y 0,010). El uso de benzodiacepinas añadidas a la anestesia local (B frente a D) no mostró diferencias estadísticas en ambos cuestionarios (0,825 y 0,685). Conclusión: consideramos que el uso de benzodiacepinas no está justificado como método único de control del dolor para la realización de la biopsia prostática.

Numa área experimental situada a meia encosta, na região de Mértola, Alentejo, com um Luvissolo Háplico (FAO, 2001) e um declive médio de 15%, procedeu-se à avaliação, de Outubro de 2001 a Junho de 2004, do escoamento de água superficial, provocado pela precipitação, e da perda de solo por erosão, em 3 ensaios designados por A (pastagem melhorada), B (pastagem semeada), ambos instalados em 1997, e D (pastagem semeada), estabelecido em 2001. A cobertura vegetal incorporava uma mistura de sementes constituída por azevém anual, panasco, algumas espécies de trevo, bisserula e serradela. Aqueles parâmetros foram quantificados através de pequenos talhões de erosão de 4?1 m², com a maior dimensão no sentido do declive, sobrepostos em 6 talhões de cada um dos ensaios (3 modalidades e 2 repetições, para cada ensaio). As 3 modalidades consideradas nos ensaios A e B foram as seguintes: 1 - Sem fertilização; 5 - Adubação completa, corrigida anualmente; 7 -Fertilização orgânica com 8 t/ha de lama residual urbana (LRU), aplicada em 1997 + adubação complementar. O ensaio D incluiu a aplicação de 3 níveis de LRU (L0 – 0, L1 – 12 e L2 – 24 t/ha, respectivamente). Em cada caixa de erosão, procedeu-se à medição do volume de água escoado e à quantificação de sedimentos, quando a capacidade de infiltração de água no solo era excedida pela quantidade de precipitação ocorrida em um ou vários dias consecutivos. Nos ensaios A e B, os valores mais altos do coeficiente de escoamento referem-se à modalidade 1 sendo a situação mais favorável correspondente à modalidade 7 do ensaio B. No ensaio D, os valores para aquele coeficiente situaram-se entre 0,07 e 0,10, para as 3 modalidades, que são manifestamente baixos. Quanto à perda de solo, observou-se que foi a modalidade 7 dos ensaios A e B a que registou os valores mais baixos, no conjunto dos 3 anos. No ensaio D, observaram-se valores superiores aos verificados nos ensaios A e B, nos 3 anos, sendo mais elevados na modalidade sem fertilização.

In a experimental area located in a hillside of Mértola region, Alentejo, with an Haplic Luvisol (FAO, 2001) and a mean slope of 15%, soil loss by erosion and surface runoff after rainfall occurrence were evaluated in small erosion plots, from October 2001 until June 2004, in 3 field experiments (A, B, and D) with a sown pasture mixture under different fertilization treatments. The experiments A (improved pasture) and B (sown pasture) were established in 1997, but the experiment D (sown pasture) was only installed in 2001. The sown mixture consisted of ryegrass, cocksfoot, some clover species, bisserula, and bird’s foot. In both experiments A and B, the erosion plots (4 × 1 m²) were superimposed on 6 plots. These experiments had three treatments (1 - without fertilization, 5 - inorganic fertilization; 7 - organic fertilization (8 t/ha of urban sewage sludge - SS applied in 1997, plus inorganic fertilizer in the beginning of each growing period) and two replications. In D experiment, the erosion plots were also superimposed on 6 large plots with three SS application rates (L0 = 0, L1 = 12, and L2 = 24 t/ha) and two replications. In each erosion plot, the volume of discharged water was measured and the amount of sediments was estimated when the infiltration capacity was exceeded by the amount of the rainfall occurring for one or several consecutive days of rainfall. The lowest observed runoff coefficient corresponded to the SS treatment, in B experiment. The highest values of that coefficient were reached at the treatment without fertilization in both A and B experiments. In D experiment, all treatments showed low values, between 0.07 and 0.10. The lowest soil loss values in the 3 years occurred in experiments A and B for the treatment with 8 t/ha of SS. In the experiment D, the highest values of soil loss were observed at the plots with L0 treatment.

Flavonoids are a group of natural substances that are located in sources of vegetal origin. More than 4,000 varieties of flavonoids have been identified. All of them are phenyl-benzopyrones of low molecular weight with a basic structure formed by two benzene rings united through a heterocyclic pyrane or pyrone. Besides their relevance in plants, flavonoids are important for human health. Their antioxidant capacity confers a therapeutic potential in cardiovascular diseases, gastric or duodenal ulcers, cancer or hepatic pathologies. Also important are their antiviral and anti-allergic actions, as well as their anti-thrombotic and anti-inflammatory properties. Prostaglandins and nitric oxide biosynthesis is involved in inflammation, and isoforms of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and of cyclooxygenase (COX-2) are responsible for the production of a great amount of these mediators. It has been demonstrated that flavonoids are able to inhibit both enzymes, as well as other mediators of the inflammatory process such as reactive C protein or adhesion molecules. Modulation of the cascade of molecular events leading to the overexpression of those mediators include inhibition of transcription factors such as nuclear factor kappa B and AP-1, through the inhibition of protein kinases involved in signal transduction. Increased antioxidant defenses through activation of the NF-E2 related factor 2 (Nrf2) also contribute to the anti-inflammatory capacity of flavonoids

Los flavonoides son un grupo de las sustancias naturales que se encuentran en fuentes de origen vegetal, existiendo más de 4.000 variedades. Todos son fenilbenzopironas de peso molecular bajo con una estructura básica formada por dos anillos heterocíclicos de benceno unidos a través de un pirano o de una pirona. Además de su función en las plantas, los flavonoides son importantes para la salud humana. Su capacidad antioxidante confiere un potencial terapéutico en enfermedades cardiovasculares, úlceras gástricas o duodenales, cáncer o patologías hepáticas. También son importantes sus acciones antivirales y antialérgicas, así como sus características antitrombóticas y antiinflamatorias. La síntesis de prostaglandinas y de óxido nítrico está implicada en la inflamación, e isoformas de la óxido nítrico sintetasa (iNOS) y de la ciclooxigenasa (COX-2) son responsables de la producción de una gran cantidad de estos mediadores. Se ha demostrado que los flavonoides pueden inhibir ambas enzimas, así como otros mediadores del proceso inflamatorio tales como la proteína C reactiva o diversas moléculas de adhesión. La modulación de la cascada de los acontecimientos moleculares que conducen al aumento en la expresión de estos mediadores incluye la inhibición de factores de transcripción tales como el factor nuclear kappaB y el factor AP-1, a través de la inhibición de diferentes proteína quinasas. Otros factores, tales como el incremento de las defensas antioxidantes a través del factor Nrf2 pueden también contribuir a las propiedades antiinflamatorias de los flavonoides

A cor é amplamente reconhecida como uma medida primária identificadora de solos. Propriedades físicas, químicas e mineralógicas de solos podem ser derivadas de sua cor. O enquadramento de algumas classes de solos, já no segundo nível categórico do atual Sistema Brasileiro de Classificação de solos, requer que a cor da amostra do horizonte diagnóstico seja determinada por comparação com os padrões existentes na escala de Munsell. Este processo de classificação é extremamente subjetivo e consome tempo, limitando a exatidão, a transferência e a utilização do procedimento. O principal objetivo deste trabalho foi obter a cor do solo com o método convencional e com um colorímetro, a fim de avaliar as possíveis implicações na classificação de solos. Cinco pedólogos foram convidados a classificar o matiz de 80 amostras de solo pela comparação com a carta de Munsell. Em seguida, o matiz das amostras foi obtido com um colorímetro, também na notação de Munsell. Pelas análises estatísticas foram avaliados: coeficientes de correlação, índice de precisão (IP), forma de agrupamento e tendências médias entre as determinações de matiz. Coeficientes de correlação variando de 0,68 a 0,94 entre as determinações de cor demonstraram que os pedólogos produziram dados que validaram o estudo. No entanto, houve confirmação de que as medidas realizadas por pedólogos não coincidiram, sendo diferentes também das determinações feitas pelo colorímetro. Índices de Precisão (IP) indicaram haver concordância em apenas 8,75 % das determinações em amostras úmidas e 17,5 % nas amostras secas. Ocorreram divergências na determinação do matiz das amostras que resultariam em erros na classificação dos solos. A avaliação das tendências médias indicou que os pesquisadores superestimaram as determinações de cor realizadas pelo colorímetro, resultando em alterações na classificação de solos.

Soil color is widely recognized as a primary property of soil identification. Soil physical, mineralogical, and chemical properties can be derived from assessing soil color. The current framework of soil classification, at the second hierarquical level of the Brazilian System of Classification, requires that the soil colour of the diagnostic B horizon be determined by comparison with the Munsell color charts, or equivalent. This process of classification is extremely subjective and time-consuming, limiting the accuracy, transferability, and usefulness of the procedure. This paper aims at a comparison of the conventional soil color determination with the colormeter method to evaluate possible implications in soil classification. Five soil scientists were invited to determine the hue of 80 soil samples by comparison with the Munsell color chart. The hue of the samples was obtained with a colormeter as well, also according to Munsell's notes. The statistical analyses determined correlation coefficients, precision index, clustering forms, and mean tendencies of hue determinations. Correlation coefficients varying from 0.68 to 0.94 showed that soil scientists produced precise data, fundamental for the validity of the study. However, the measurements realized by soil scientists were not coincident, and were quite different from the colormeter measures. The values of Precision Index indicated an agreement of only 8.75 % in moist samples and 17.5 % in dry ones. The divergences in hue determination would lead to mistakes in soil classification. The evaluation of average tendencies indicated that the pedologists overestimated color values in relation to colorimeter, resulting in alterations in soil classification.

A woman of 75 years old was admitted at our hospital for evaluation of worsening and weakness in inferior limbs. Several vertebral fractures by crushing, one doubtful discitis, an infitrate with cavitation in the right superior lobe and one infiltrate in the left superior lobe were detected. In the biopsy of the consolidation a filamentous fungus was watched and in the bronchial washing specimen culture grew Aspergillus terreus. The infiltrates disappeared with liposomal Anphotericin B remaining with oral Itraconazol durin three months more. The clinical and analytical data demonstrate the existence of a Overlap syndrome associate to antiphospholipid-antibody syndrome. We comment the peculiarity of the infection by Aspergillus terreus in patients who have not been in critical care and the good response at treatment with liposomal Anphotericin B. It contrasts with the high mortality referred in a recent review. Other aspects to comment are the coexistence with a collagen vacular and an antiphospholipid-antibody syndrome with the higher titles of IgM ACA that we have found in literature.

Una mujer de 75 años ingresó en nuestro hospital para evaluación de debilidad en miembros inferiores y deterioro. Se detectaron múltiples fracturas vertebrales por aplastamiento, con dudosa discitis, una lesión cavitada en lóbulo superior derecho y otro infiltrado en lóbulo superior izquierdo, observándose en la PAAF de la lesión cavitada un hongo filamentoso y siendo el cultivo del broncoaspirado positivo para Aspergillus terreus. Con tratamiento prolongado con anfotericina B liposomal desapareció la lesión, permaneciendo posteriormente con itraconazol oral 3 meses. Los datos clínicos y analíticos demuestran la existencia de una colagenosis tipo síndrome Overlap, con criterios de síndrome antifosfolípido secundario. Se comenta la rareza de la infección por Aspergillus terreus en pacientes que no han ingresado en Medicina Intensiva y la buena respuesta al tratamiento con anfotericina B liposomal, que contrasta con la elevada mortalidad referida en una revisión reciente. Otros aspectos a comentar son la coexistencia con una colagenosis y un síndrome antifosfolípido secundario con los títulos más elevados de ACA IgM que hemos encontrado en la literatura.

OBJECTIVE: To assess by Doppler echocardiography the structural and functional alterations of rat heart with surgical induced extensive myocardial infarction. METHODS: Five weeks after surgical ligature of the left coronary artery, 38 Wistar-EPM rats of both sexes, 10 of them with extensive infarction, undergone anatomical and functional evaluation by Doppler echocardiography and then euthanized for anatomopathological analysis. RESULTS: Echocardiography was 100% sensible and specific to anatomopathological confirmed extensive miocardial infarction. Extensive infarction lead to dilatation of left ventricle (diastolic diameter: 0.89cm vs.0.64cm; systolic: 0.72cm vs. 0.33cm) and left atrium (0.55cm vs. 0.33cm); thinning of left ventricular anterior wall (systolic: 0.14cm vs. 0.23cm, diastolic: 0.11cm vs. 0.14cm); increased mitral E/ A wave relation (6.45 vs. 1.95). Signals of increased end diastolic ventricle pressure, B point in mitral valve tracing in 62.5% and signs of pulmonary hypertension straightening of pulmonary valve (90%) and notching of pulmonary systolic flow (60%) were observed in animals with extensive infarction. CONCLUSION: Doppler echocardiography has a high sensitivity and specificity for detection of chronic extensive infarction. Extensive infarction caused dilatation of left cardiac chambers and showed in Doppler signals of increased end diastolic left ventricular pressure and pulmonary artery pressure.