Statistical Difference In Relation Research Articles

Effects of early weaning of piglets at 10 days of age on productive performance

This study aimed to evaluate weaning at 10 days of age and use of milk replacer, considering that the control group was conventional weaning at 21 days. Two hundred eighty-eight animals were used, and birth weights at 10, 21, 66, and 163 days of age were evaluated. At the slaughterhouse, measurements were taken of hot carcass weight, backfat and muscle thickness, and percentage of lean meat. There was no statistical difference in weight at birth and at 10 days. From 21 days of age onwards, there was a difference in all measures of animal weight and weight gain, with the averages for control animals being higher when compared with the treatment. Regarding measurements at the slaughterhouse, there was a statistical difference in relation to muscle depth and carcass weight, and animals in the control group showed better results when compared with treatment. We concluded that piglets weaned at 21 days of age have greater growth potential, as maximizing weaning weight is a key point in pig production.

Assessing the In Vitro Individual and Combined Effect of Arthrobotrys oligospora and A. musiformis (Orbiliales) Liquid Culture Filtrates against Infective Larvae of the Sheep Blood-Feeding Nematode Haemonchus contortus (Trichostrongylidae).

Arthrobotrys species are nematophagous fungi that secrete extracellular nematocidal products (ECP). The individual and combined effects of ECP from Arthrobotrys oligospora (Ao) and A. musiformis (Am) growth in liquid media against Haemonchus contortus L3 (HcL3) were assessed. The isolation, morphological (MI) and molecular identification (Mol-I), assessment of nematocidal activity (NA) of fungal liquid culture filtrates (LCF) in two liquid media alone and in combination and the myco-compound profile identification (MCP) were performed. The MI suggested that the fungi corresponded to the species Ao and Am. This result was confirmed by PCR analysis followed by sequencing, alignment and a phylogenetic analysis. Likewise, the highest Hc mortalities were 91.4% with individual LCF of Am and 86.2% with those of Ao at the highest concentration (100 mg/mL) in Czapek-Dox Broth. The combination of both LCF resulted in a similarly high larval mortality with no statistical differences in relation to individual activity (p > 0.05). The MCP showed the presence of alkaloids in both fungi. Coumarins, sterols and saponins were found only in Ao. Both fungi produced ECP with a high NA that could be identified and assessed in future studies as potential natural anthelmintic compounds.

GYNECOLOGY AND OBSTETRICS RESIDENTS' KNOWLEDGE OF HORMONAL CONTRACEPTION IN SPECIAL SITUATIONS

Objective: To assess the knowledge of gynecology and obstetrics residents about hormonal contraception in special situations, according to the World Health Organization (WHO) guide Eligibility Criteria for Contraceptive Use. Method: This was a cross-sectional, descriptive study, in which a questionnaire was administered to resident doctors in Gynecology and Obstetrics at the Santa Casa de Misericórdia Foundation in Pará, who were divided according to their year of residency (R1, R2 and R3). Data was collected in a virtual environment using a questionnaire on the Google forms platform. Results: All 57 (100%) of the medical residents participated in the survey, 50 (87.7%) of whom were female, aged between 18 and 29 (61.4%), in their first or second year of residency (35.0% each year). As for the percentage of correct answers per year of residency, it was clear that the first year had the highest rates of correct answers for all contraceptive methods (7.0%), and when analyzing which residents had corrected at least one method in isolation, the second year had the highest number of correct answers (28.0%), although there was no statistical difference in relation to the year of residency and the number of correct answers. When assessing the overall number of correct answers, it was found that the residents were at least aware of some of the main contraceptive methods. Conclusion: The results of this study showed that residents' objective and perceived levels of knowledge regarding the prescription of contraceptives in special situations were insufficient. Thus, the results show the need for medical training when prescribing these drugs.

Toxic risk evaluation of effluents from a swine biodigester in the plant models Lactuca sativa and Allium cepa.

Pig farming is recognized as an activity with great polluting potential. The aim was to investigate possible environmental risks of effluents from the stabilization pond (SP) and the raw effluent (RE) from the biodigestion process of swine residues, in different concentrations in the models Lactuca sativa and Allium cepa. Seeds were germinated in different dilutions, 100% (C1), 50% (C2), 25% (C3), 12.5% (C4), 6.25% (C5), 3.12% (C6), 0.78% (C7), and 0.39% (C8). Distilled water was used as the negative control (CN) and trifluralin (0.84 g/L-1) as the positive control. Germination (GR), root growth (RG), cell cycle, and oxidative stress (OS) were analyzed. To assess OS, the activity of the enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione S-transferase (GST) and the quantification of glutathione (GSH) and lipid peroxidation (LPO) were analyzed. Data were submitted to ANOVA (one way), followed by the Kruskal-Wallis mean test (P ≤ 0.05). Chemical analysis showed high values of Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn. Dilutions (C1, C2, C3 RE) and (C1 and C2 SP) inhibited GR and RG of L. sativa and A. cepa than other concentrations. The mitotic index showed a reduction in C5 (RE), C6, and C7 (SP) of L. sativa and C3 and C4 (SP) of A. cepa in relation to CN and higher frequencies of chromosomal alterations. Regarding the OS, only the concentrations of SP treatment showed statistical difference in relation to the NC: in L. sativa model, GSH at (C5 and C8) concentrations and LPO (C7); in A. cepa model, SOD (C3 and C4), GST (C4, C5 and C6), GSH (C5 and C8), and CAT (C3 and C7). The alterations in metabolism are possibly related to the metals, such as zinc and copper, observed in high amounts in the raw waste. The results allowed us to conclude that the raw and stabilization pond effluents offer environmental risks, requiring caution and monitoring in the use of these effluents.

THU078 The Definition And Epidemiology Of Giant Pituitary GH-Secreting Adenomas Based On Clinical, Imaging, And Hormonal Parameters: A Pilot Study

Abstract Disclosure: L.M. Del Corso: None. M.C. Silva: None. S.Z. Fidalski: None. C.L. Boguszewski: None. Acromegaly is a chronic disease, caused by a GH-secreting pituitary adenoma in most cases. At diagnosis, around 75% of patients have a macroadenoma, which constitute a heterogeneous group with variable biological behavior, therapeutic response, and prognosis. Giant adenomas (GA) have been defined as those which are more than 40 mm at their largest in diameter, but this is an arbitrary definition lacking comparative studies to investigate tumor size at diagnosis with clinical presentation, response to treatment and the evolution of acromegaly patients. Thus, the aim of our study was to compare the aforementioned variables according to the tumor size at diagnosis and review the diagnostic criteria for giant GH-secreting adenomas. In this observational, retrospective, single-centre pilot study, we have retrieved data from 161 medical records and evaluated age, sex, duration of symptoms, GH levels, presence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), hypertension and hypopituitarism, imaging characteristics, and the need for adjuvant therapy with somatostatin receptor ligands (SRL) or other drugs. Study population was classified into four groups according to tumor size at diagnosis: (I) <10 mm (microadenomas; n=14); (II) 10-29 mm (n=84); (III) 30-39 mm (n=10); (IV) 40 mm or more (n=9). The final study group consisted of 117 individuals (49% men; mean age 43 ± 13 yrs). Hypopituitarism was significantly more frequent in groups III and IV compared to groups I and II (p=0.004), with no difference between groups III and IV (p=0,3). There was a higher proportion of invasive adenomas when the lesions ≥ 30 mm were compared to groups I and II (p=0.008), but with no difference between groups III and IV (p=0.62). Sixty percent of patients in group III (n=6) and 44% of patients in group IV (n=4) needed other drug therapy than SRL (cabergoline and/or pegvisomant), a higher proportion compared to those of groups I (n=1; 7%) and II (n=25; 30%) (p=0.04), again without difference between groups III and IV (p=0,7). Regarding the initial levels of GH, a significant difference was observed between groups I and IV (p=0.04), but this difference was not observed in the other groups. There were no statistical differences in relation to sex, duration of symptoms, need for SRL therapy, prevalence of hypertension and T2DM between study groups. Our study raises the hypothesis that giant adenomas should be defined as tumors larger than 30 mm, as the clinical behavior of tumors above this cutoff point seems to be similar in comparison with tumors larger than 40 mm but different from those of smaller sizes. Presentation: Thursday, June 15, 2023

Carbon Storage in Different Compartments in Eucalyptus Stands and Native Cerrado Vegetation.

This study evaluated Carbon (C) storage in different compartments in eucalyptus stands and native Cerrado vegetation. To determine C above ground, an inventory was carried out in the areas where diameter at breast height (DBH), diameter at base height (Db), and total tree height (H) were measured. In the stands, the rigorous cubage was made by the direct method, and in the native vegetation, it was determined by the indirect method through an allometric equation. Roots were collected by direct method using circular monoliths to a depth of 60 cm and determined by the volume of the cylinder. Samples were collected up to 100 cm deep to estimate C stock in the soil. All samples collected directly had C determined using the CHNS elemental analyzer. Gas samples were collected using a manually closed chamber, and the gas concentration was determined by gas chromatography. The results indicate high C storage in the studied areas > 183.99 Mg ha-1, could contribute to CO2 mitigation > 674.17 Mg ha-1. In addition to low emissions (<1 kg ha-1 yr-1) for the three evaluated areas, with no statistical difference in relation to the Global Warming Potential. Concerning the native cerrado vegetation conversion, the "4-year-old eucalyptus stand" seemed to restore the original soil carbon stocks in the first-meter depth, regardless of some losses that might have occurred right after establishment. Conversely, a significant loss of carbon in the soil was observed due to the alternative setting, where similar natural land was converted into agriculture, mostly soybean, and then, years later, turned into the "6-year-old eucalyptus stand" (28.43 Mg ha-1). Under this study, these mixed series of C baselines in landscape transitions have reflected on unlike C dynamics outcomes, whereas at the bottom line, total C stocks were higher in the younger forest (4-year-old stand). Therefore, our finding indicates that we should be thoughtful regarding upscaling carbon emissions and sequestration from small-scale measurements to regional scales.

Ankyloglossia in Monochorionic Diamniotic and Dichorionic Diamniotic Twins: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Objective: To determine the prevalence of ankyloglossia in diamniotic monochorionic and diamniotic dichorionic twins, as well as to verify the relationship between gender and type of pregnancy. Study Design: A cross-sectional observational study, carried out with 52 pairs of dichorionic/diamniotic twins and 49 monochorionic/diamniotic pairs. The data collection was carried out through the analysis of medical records and the results of the Neonatal Screening of the Tongue Frenulum Assessment Protocol in Babies, and corresponded to the period of 2 years (2020-2022). Statistical analysis of data was performed, considering the significance value of 5%. The study was approved by the Human Research Ethics Committee of the institution. Results: The statistical analysis of multiple logistic regression between the two groups of twins (Mono/Di and Di/Di) according to the socioeconomic, demographic, and clinical-epidemiological profile was statistically significant for some variables. The prevalence of ankyloglossia, according to the type of twin pregnancy, showed a statistically significant difference. There was no statistical difference in relation to sex and ankyloglossia, or between couples diagnosed with ankyloglossia according to the type of pregnancy. Conclusion: Monochorionic/diamniotic twins had a higher prevalence of ankyloglossia, regardless of gender.

Promoting Young Adolescents’ Reading Performance: Evidence from Narrative Transportation on Multimodality Readings

There is a call for exploring the narrative transportation and reading performance among multimodality readings, i.e., single modality (text), dual modality (text + picture), and tri-modality (text + picture + audio). Altogether 42 junior high-school participants native in Chinese from an urban city in P.R. China were invited to the 90-minute experiment. The participants were administered English reading materials and a self-reported scale of transportation, along with a pretest to determine English proficiency level. The statistical analysis showed that (1) the transportation effect is highest in tri-modality readings, followed by that in dual and single modality readings. (2) There is no statistical difference between genders in relation to transportation effect. (3) Except for tri-modality reading, there is no statistical difference in relation to English proficiency for narrative transportation. The study results indicate that teachers could fully immerse students into narrative stories by pedagogically incorporating texts, pictures, and audios into reading materials.

Avaliação de suplemento energético em níveis crescentes no concentrado para ovinos – consumo e bioquímica sanguínea

The objective was to estimate the different levels of inclusion of an energetic supplement in the concentrate in relation to consumption and blood biochemistry. The experiment was carried out with lambs with about eight months of age and an average weight of 40Kg. They were distributed in 5x5 Latin square digestibility study cages with five different treatments: 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20% inclusion in the concentrate. The ewes obtained the different levels of energetic supplement in the concentrate with a ten-day adaptation diet and another five days of collection for each animal receiving each treatment on a diet with a roughage concentrate ratio of 50:50. The animals received an average of 3.5% of the live weight of feed. Feces, leftovers of the offered, leftovers of water were collected and the volume and density of urine were measured during the five days of collections for each animal in each phase. Blood was collected three times during the collection days, alternating days, with the first blood collection, on the first day of data collection for each phase, to determine the concentrations of urea, uric acid, creatinine, albumin, total proteins, cholesterol, glucose and triglycerides. The different levels of inclusion of the product in the concentrate did not influence statistically in relation to consumption, there was a statistical difference in relation to the consumption of dry matter in relation to the live weight (DMF) and in relation to the consumption of dry matter in relation to the metabolic weight (DMF), with variation of polynomial regression. It is observed that as the product is included in the concentrate, the faeces tend to soften and, consequently, the amount of water in the faeces increases. Of the blood parameters, no statistical variation was found.

Patient-centered care - evidence in the context of professional health practice.

to analyze patient-centered attitudes in care and sharing practices of nursing, speech therapy, dentistry and medicine professionals. cross-sectional research was used with 411 professionals, and the Patient-Practitioner Orientation Scale instrument was applied as a measure of outcome. physicians presented higher mean scores, reflecting a patient-centered orientation, shared control, and focus on the person, with statistical difference for all domains (p<0.02). Dentists were the professionals who presented lower scores, especially in the sharing domain, with statistical difference in relation to nurses, speech therapists, and physicians (p<0.05). finally, the attitudes of professionals in the health areas studied indicated self-reported preference for centrality in patients. In this context, patient-centered care can be an important resource in health care when committed to overcoming the object man.

A Comparative Study on the Laying Performance and Egg Quality of Four Available Strains in Bangladesh

Among all the sub-sectors of the livestock sector in Bangladesh, poultry stands as one of the most important ones. To evaluate the production performances and egg quality of four commercial layer strains in Bangladesh, a total of 128 laying pullets including NOVOgen brown, ISA brown, Hy-line brown, and Bovans brown were randomly allocated at 4 different treated groups (one individual strain treated as separate treatment) having 4 replications and 8 birds in each replication. The birds aged 20 weeks were considered for the experiment and continued until 35 weeks of age. A commercial layer diet purchased from Kazi Farms Group was fed to the experimental birds. Identical management was provided to the birds irrespective of their strains. Data on feed intake, egg production and body weight were recorded and thereafter egg mass and feed efficiency were calculated. Eggs were collected from the respective treatments and subjected to external and internal egg quality analysis. The results revealed that Hy-Line brown had significantly (p&lt;0.001) lower feed intake compared to other strains. On the other hand, NOVOgen Brown had the significantly (p&lt;0.05) higher shell thickness among others. Other laying performances such as hen-day egg production, average egg weight, egg mass and egg quality parameters such as shape index, Haugh unit, albumen index, and yolk color score did not affect significantly (p&lt;0.05). Taken together, it may be concluded that there were almost no statistical differences in relation to laying performance and egg quality among the strains compared in this study and the strains are highly compatible to the local climatic condition.

IS HOMEOSTASIS MODEL ASSESSMENT FOR INSULIN RESISTANCE >2.5 A DISTINGUISHED CRITERIA FOR METABOLIC DYSFUNCTION-ASSOCIATED FATTY LIVER DISEASE IDENTIFICATION?

Insulin resistance (IR), assessed by different criteria, is an important factor in the pathogenesis of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). More recently with the characterization of this metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), one of the proposed criteria for this diagnosis has been the determination of the homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship of HOMA-IR>2.5 with clinical, metabolic, biochemical and histological data obtained in non-diabetic patients diagnosed with NAFLD by liver biopsy. Cross-sectional, retrospective study was carried out with data from 174 adult individuals of both genders with non-diabetics NAFLD, without obvious signs of portal hypertension. The body mass index (BMI) was classified according to the World Health Organization (1998), and the metabolic syndrome by the criteria of NCEP-ATP-III. Biochemical tests were evaluated using an automated method and insulinemia through immunofluorometric assay. Histological findings were classified according to Kleiner et al. (2005). The mean age of the studied population was 53.6±11.2 years, with 60.3% being female. The average BMI was 30.3 kg/m2 and 75.9% of the patients had increased waist circumference. Among evaluated metabolic parameters, there was a higher prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MS) in patients with HOMA-IR>2.5, with no statistical difference in relation to BMI between studied groups. Values of liver enzymes and serum ferritin were significantly higher in patients with this marker of IR, who had a higher prevalence of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and advanced liver fibrosis. In the multivariate analysis, the clinical diagnosis of MS, hyperferritinemia and the presence of NASH in the liver biopsy were the factors independently associated with the presence of altered HOMA-IR. HOMA-IR values >2.5 identify patients with NAFLD with distinct clinical and metabolic characteristics and with a greater potential for disease progression, which validates this parameter in the identification of patients with MAFLD.

ECONOMIC AND AGRONOMIC POSITIONING OF FUNGICIDES IN CONDITIONS OF WATER DEFICIT IN SOYBEAN CULTURES

&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Background. &lt;/strong&gt;The management of diseases in soybean crops demands a great economic cost with fungicide applications. Therefore, unnecessary or excessive applications can promote negative environmental results. Therefore, understanding the weather conditions and the development of diseases in the crop is essential to avoid the unnecessary use of fungicides, consequently reducing costs and ensuring the sustainability of the activity. &lt;strong&gt;Aim.&lt;/strong&gt; The aim is to identify which yield components are quantitatively affected, and which aspects of the chemical composition of the grains are qualitatively influenced by fungicide management, in addition to relating the cost-benefit rate of sequential applications or previously stipulated management in the soybean crop, as well as their economic effects under water deficit conditions. &lt;strong&gt;Methodology. &lt;/strong&gt;The trial was carried out using a randomized block design composed of 4 replications. The trial consisted of 5 kinds of fungicide management, defined by the time and number of applications, during the development cycle of the Lança cultivar, in the 2019/2020 crop season. Soybean agronomic traits and nutritional attributes were evaluated. &lt;strong&gt;Results. &lt;/strong&gt;Unfavorable climate conditions contributed to the low rate of Asian rust infection during the soybean development cycle. The different kinds of fungicide management influenced soybean performance for the main agronomic variables studied. For the chemical composition of the grains, there was no statistical difference in relation to the different kinds of fungicide management. &lt;strong&gt;Implications. &lt;/strong&gt;The results indicate that the management of fungicides must be carried out according to the meteorological conditions of the year of cultivation. &lt;strong&gt;Conclusion.&lt;/strong&gt; Management without fungicide application maximized grain yield and promoted the highest economic return.&lt;/p&gt;

Is forest location more important than forest fragmentation for flood regulation?

Native forest deforestation has been identified as one of the main land cover changes affecting flood risk specially during small and moderate storm events. In this regard, forest protection and reforestation are considered a nature-based solution (NbS) for flood regulation. However, there is a lack of knowledge about the effects of different deforestation spatial patterns over floods. Effects of land cover changes on floods in a humid tropical basin within the Ecuadorian Amazon are assessed distinguishing forest location and forest fragmentation. The hydrological distributed model TETIS was applied to simulate the hydrological response of a basin to extreme storms having return periods of 1, 10 and 100 years, considering five land cover scenarios. The model was calibrated and validated using nine storm samples collected at a gauge station during the years 2018 and 2020. The simulated overland flow in hillslopes and stormflows within the river channel were analyzed to i) assess the statistical differences among all land use scenarios with the Kruskal-Wallis test; ii) assess the statistical differences among pairs of both location and fragmentation scenarios through the post-hoc evaluation Dunn test; iii) assess the statistical differences in relation to the baseline. Obtained results indicate that stormflow is less sensitive than overland flow to land cover changes. Forest location have more influence than forest fragmentation over both, overland flow and storm flows. Deforestation of the upper basin represents the worst scenario for flood regulation, thus protection of existing forest, as well as reforestation of deforested areas located in the upper watersheds is a priority for flood risk mitigation and forest conservation. The results enhance our understanding of ecosystem services provided by tropical Andean foothills forests.

Are STK11 polymorphisms a predictor of the response to metformin in polycystic ovarian syndrome?

The aim of this study was to determine the frequencies of different genetic Serine threonine kinase 11 (STK11) variations in women with PCOS and to evaluate possible associations between the genetic polymorphisms of the STK11 gene and the response to metformin in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). A prospective longitudinal cohort study of 57 women with PCOS was conducted. The anthropometric measurements, menstrual history, hirsutism, hair loss, acne, and biochemical parameters, in addition to gene testing for STK11 polymorphisms, were documented. Follow-up was arranged after 6 menstrual cycles whilst on oral metformin therapy, (850 mg, twice daily). Of the 120 women who were interviewed, 88 women fulfilled the inclusion criteria and 57 women completed the study. The mean age, weight, height, and BMI were 23.8 years old, 72.1 kg, 159 cm, and 28.6 kg/m2 respectively. The frequencies of the genotypes of intron 1 of the STK11 gene were 26% CC, 44% CG, and 30% GG, and of intron 6 were 52% CC, 37% CT, and 11% TT genotype. There were statistically significant improvements following metformin therapy in menstrual frequency, blood loss, acne, ultrasound findings, and a decrease in BMI, acne, and hirsutism, but not in alopecia. Fasting insulin decreased significantly, but fasting blood sugar did not. There were no significant statistical differences in relation to the LH/FSH ratio, estradiol, FT, 17 OHP and length of menstruation. In relation to the SKT11 gene polymorphisms and metformin administration, there were variable and mostly insignificant differences in the results regarding menstrual regularity, amount of menstrual blood loss, acne, alopecia, ultrasound findings, and hirsutism score. There was a significant difference in relation to alopecia in the Intron 1 subgroups, and in relation to hirsutism score in the Intron 6 subgroups. It was concluded that polymorphisms in the STK11 gene in either Intron 1 or Intron 6 were not predictive of the response to metformin therapy at a dose of 850 mg twice daily, but may have some effect on alopecia and hirsutism.

Mechanical and surface properties of Co–Cr alloy produced by additive manufacturing for removable partial denture frameworks

Statement of problemConventional analog methods have been replaced with digital methods for removable partial denture (RPD) frameworks. However, limited information is available regarding the build direction of RPD frameworks and its effect on properties. PurposeThe purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the mechanical and surface properties of the cobalt chromium (Co–Cr) alloy produced at different build angles by the laser powder bed fusion additive manufacturing (AM) technology used for RPD framework fabrication. Material and methodsPlate-shaped Co–Cr specimens (n=6) were produced by the AM technology and divided into 3 groups depending on the build angle (0, 45, or 90 degrees). The elastic modulus and fracture properties were evaluated by flexural testing. Additionally, 15 disks were printed by using the same parameters of the plates (n=5) to analyze the surface hardness with microhardness testing, and surface properties were determined by surface free energy by using the contact angle and surface roughness measured by using a profilometer. Twelve Co–Cr cylindrical specimens were produced by using the same parameters (n=4), and their microstructure was examined by using an optical microscope. One-way ANOVA was used to evaluate the overall effects of the interaction between groups, and the Tukey test was applied when the interaction was statistically significant (α=.05). ResultsThe flexural strength showed a statistically significant difference (P<.05), with the peak value exhibited by the 0-degree group. A statistical difference was also observed between the angulation and modulus of elasticity; however, the highest value was exhibited by the 45-degree group. For the fracture topography, all groups observed a dimple-like fracture, although the 45-degree group showed wider cleavage planes of fractures than other angulations. For microhardness, the 0- and 45-degree groups exhibited a statistical difference in relation to the 90-degree group (P<.05). For surface properties, no statistically significant difference (P>.05) was found in any of the evaluated parameters. Dependence on the build angles was evidenced by the molten pool boundaries during observation of the microstructure. ConclusionsThe build angle influenced the flexural strength and microhardness of the Co–Cr alloy produced by AM; however, it does not affect surface free energy and surface roughness.

CONTINUOUS AND IMPACT CUTTING SYSTEMS FOR SUGARCANE HARVESTER

The quality of the basal cut of sugarcane during harvest can affect the longevity of the crop, and the cutting tool is one of the main causes of damage during harvesting. The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of two cutting tools: an impact cutting system (ICS) using knives and a continuous cutting system (CCS) using saws. Laboratory tests were carried out to obtain the stalk damage index at different device travel speeds and to determine the invisible losses caused by each cutting system. The results showed that both cutting systems presented acceptable levels for the stalk damage index; however, the CCS obtained better cut quality, corresponding with decreased general damage. The invisible losses caused by the cutting tools in relation to the total harvested mass were 0.52% and 0.54% for the CCS and ICS, respectively. The highest invisible losses were obtained at speeds of 2, 3, and 4 km h-1 for the ICS, showing a statistical difference in relation to the CCS. No statistical difference was noted for both the systems at 5 and 6 km h-1.

ARTRODESE LOMBAR NAS AFECÇÕES DEGENERATIVAS DA COLUNA: ANÁLISE RADIOGRÁFICA E RESULTADOS PÓS-OPERATÓRIOS

ABSTRACT Objective: To relate the radiographic fusion rate and the surgical results in patients undergoing posterolateral arthrodesis with instrumentation of the lumbar spine for the treatment of degenerative disorders. Method: A descriptive, retrospective, case series, observational study, based on medical records and imaging studies of 76 patients over 18 years of age (39 to 88 years) who underwent posterolateral lumbar arthrodesis. Data related to the presence of comorbidities were compiled and clinical outcomes were measured using specific questionnaires collected pre-surgical and 1 year after surgery. Fusion quality, as described by Christensen, was assessed from radiographic images by two examiners. The VAS, EQ-5D and Roland Morris questionnaires were used preoperatively and 1 year after surgery to assess pain, quality of life and function, respectively. Result: It was observed improvement in pain, function and quality of life after 1 year post-surgical. Pain, measured by VAS, had a reduction from 7.92 to 3.16 (p-value &lt;0.001), the function evaluated by the Roland Morris score, also showed a reduction from 14.90 to 7.06 (p-value &lt;0.001) . Culminating with the improvement in quality of life, measured by the EQ-5D, where there was a median increase in the score from 0.5672 to 0.7002 (p-value = 0.002). Conclusion: The absence of radiographic fusion has no direct correlation with worse results in clinical outcomes at 01 year after surgery. Most patients showed clinical improvement with no statistical difference in relation to cases in which bone fusion was obtained. Level of evidence IV; retrospective observation.

Clinical-epidemiological changes in patients with non-traumatic acute abdomen during the COVID-19 pandemic: a retrospective study.

we intend to demonstrate the clinical alterations and the postoperative evolution in patients with acute abdomen non-traumatic in conservative or surgical treatment during the pandemic compared to a similar period in the last year. a single-center retrospective study, including patients who received clinical-surgical treatment at Hospital do Trabalhador diagnosed with acute abdomen between March and August 2020 and a similar period in 2019.Variables studied ranged from demographic data to indices of social isolation. 515 patients were included, 291 received treatment in a pre-pandemic period and 224 during. There was not statistical difference in relation to comorbidities (p=0.0685), time to diagnosis and seeking medical help. No statistical differences were observed in terms of days of hospitalization (p = 0.4738) and ICU need (p=0.2320). Regarding in-hospital deaths, there was statistical relevance in the age above 60 years (p=0.002) and there were more deaths during the pandemic period (p=0.032). However, when we analyze the factors associated with the number of days until diagnosis by a physician, there was no statistical difference. the analyzed data showed that the pandemic period and age over 60 years were the variables that increased the odds ratio for the in-hospital death outcome. However, the length of stay, days in intensive care unit and postoperative surgical complications showed no significant difference.

Evaluation of TIG dental welding applied to Ti-6Al-4V alloys with different diameters: Analysis by Ultimate Tensile Strength, Vickers Hardness, and Finite Element Method

There is limited information in literature regarding the accomplishment of Ti-6Al-4V TIG joints welded in prefabricated bars applied to dentistry. Evaluate the ultimate tensile strength and Vickers hardness of Ti-6Al-4V alloy subjected to TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas) welding technique in different diameters. Material and methods: Forty-five specimens were prepared and divided into 5 groups: control group (CG) (n=5), with intact bars in a diameter of 3.0mm, and groups TIG2.5, TIG3, TIG4, TIG5 (n=10) with diameters of 2.5, 3, 4 and 5 mm respectively, welded with TIG in a pulse of 10(ms) and in a depth of 3(A). The specimens were tested by both radiographic inspection and penetrating liquids. After that, they were tested by ultimate tensile strength (UTS) and the elongation percentage (EP) was obtained. Images from fractured samples were taken and the welded areas percentage (WAP) was calculated. Random images were also taken by scanning electron microscope (SEM). Vickers hardness was obtained for base metal (BM), Heat affected zone (HAZ) and Welded zone (WZ). Finite element models were constructed. One-way Anova, Dunnet and Tukey tests (α=.05) were used for statistical analysis of UTS, WAP and EP for different groups and for differences in regions (BM, HAZ and WZ). Finite element models were developed in a workbench environment with boundary conditions simulating a tensile test. The majority of the specimens showed internal voids on radiographic inspection, but porosities or groves were not observed on their surface on penetrant liquid test. Most of the samples fractured in the welded area. The 1-way ANOVA showed significant differences among the groups for UTS, WAP and EP values (P&lt;.001). The Dunnett test showed that TIG3, TIG4 and TIG5 groups had lower UTS values than those of the CG, but TIG2.5 group had no statistical difference in relation to CG. The 1-way ANOVA showed significant differences among the regions (P&lt;.001) for Vickers hardness. Under the experimental conditions described, the diameter of 2.5 seems to be the best option for joining prefabricated rods in this kind of union and in this regulation of the machine.