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Anthonomus grandis grandis (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) is a pest with a large potential for destruction in cotton crops, causing damage to the cotton reproductive structures. The earwig Marava arachidis (Dermaptera: Labiidae), is an important reference as a predator in several crops and being easy to rear in the laboratory. To analyze the potential biocontrol of M. arachidis of A. grandis grandis larvae, a study of predatory capacity was conducted using a functional response model. A. grandis grandis larvae were exposed to the predator at densities 1, 2, 4, 6, and 8 larvae (= prey/predator / Petri dish), with 30 replications at each density. Contact between the predator and the prey occurred for 24 hours; after this period, the level of predation of M. arachidis was assessed based on the proportion of preyed larvae. The linear logistic regression coefficient was used with a beta-binomial generalized linear model to determine the functional response. The negative signal of the linear coefficient and the goodness-of-fit tests revealed a quadratic or type II functional response, with the number of prey varying from 1.00 larva (density of 1 larva/predator) to 6.50 larvae (density of 8 larvae/predator). Therefore, the results of the present study demonstrate a high predatory capacity of M. arachidis on A. grandis grandis larvae.

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BACKGROUND: Oral Pathology (OP) and Oral Medicine (OM) are specialties in dentistry whose main objective is the diagnosis and treatment of oral and maxillofacial diseases, and aspects related to the academic training of professionals and fields of practice are distinct and heterogeneous around the world. This study aimed to evaluate professional training and areas of activity in OP and OM in Latin American countries. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A questionnaire was sent to 11 countries, with a professional in each country responsible for answering it. The questionnaire had 21 questions related to the process of professional training, areas of practice, the existence of scientific events in each country, and also collected demographic and population information. RESULTS: OP and OM are practiced in all the countries studied, but the specialty is not recognized in all of them. Brazil was the first to recognize both as a specialty. Postgraduate programs designed to train specialists are available in various countries. Two countries offer residency programs, 6 countries provide specialization courses, 6 offer master's programs, and 3 have doctoral programs. Brazil boasts the highest number of undergraduate courses (n=412), while Uruguay has the lowest (n=2). Professional societies representing the specialty exist in ten countries. Brazil has the highest number of OP and OM specialists (n=422 and 1,072), while Paraguay has the smallest number (n=1 and 3). CONCLUSIONS: Although both specialties are widely practiced around the globe, professional training, the number of dentists trained and the fields of professional practice are very different between the countries studied.

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BACKGROUND: To evaluate the prevalence and clinicopathological features of a large series of gingival neoplasms in Brazil. MATERIAL AND METHODS:  All gingival benign and malignant neoplasms were retrieved from the records of six Oral Pathology Services in Brazil, during a 41-year period. Clinical and demographic data, clinical diagnosis, and histopathological data were collected from the patients' clinical charts. For statistical analysis, the chi-square, median test of independent samples and the U Mann-Whitney tests were used, considering a significance of 5%. RESULTS:  From 100,026 oral lesions, 888 (0.9%) were gingival neoplasms. There were 496 (55.9%) males, with a mean age of 54.2 years. Most cases (70.3%) were malignant neoplasms. Nodules (46.2%) and ulcers (38.9%) were the most common clinical appearance for benign and malignant neoplasms, respectively. Squamous cell carcinoma (55.6%) was the most common gingival neoplasm, followed by squamous cell papilloma (19.6%). In 69 (11.1%) malignant neoplasms, the lesions were clinically considered to be inflammatory or of infectious origin. Malignant neoplasms were more common in older men, appeared with larger size, and with a time of complaint shorter than benign neoplasms (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS:  Benign and malignant tumors may appear as nodules in gingival tissue. In addition, malignant neoplasms, especially squamous cell carcinoma, should be considered in the differential diagnosis of persistent single gingival ulcers.

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INTRODUCTION: In Portugal, most adults have inadequate levels of vitamin D. Active duty military personnel need to be always ready for duty, perform tasks in specific contexts and overcome high physical and mental demands, which raises the relevance of knowing their vitamin D levels. This study aims to characterise vitamin D levels of Portuguese active duty military personnel and evaluate the effect of military status on the prevalence of vitamin D sufficiency, adjusted for season of the year, age and gender. METHODS: A retrospective cross-sectional study, based on vitamin D measurements carried out at the Armed Forces Hospital between 2014 and 2020, was fulfilled including the variables age, gender, vitamin D level and dosing date for military personnel and civilians. Comparison of proportions test and the generalised linear regression model were used for data analysis with a significance level of 5%. RESULTS: Out of 2782 subjects, 62.7% were military personnel. Mean±SD level of vitamin D was 24.5±10.6 ng/mL and 23.7±11.5 ng/mL in military personnel and civilians, respectively. In the military personnel, the prevalence of vitamin D sufficiency, insufficiency and deficiency was, respectively, 25.2%, 40.1% and 34.6%. Prevalence of vitamin D sufficiency was similar in the civilians cohort and, also, between Armed Forces branches. Military status had no effect on the prevalence of vitamin D sufficiency, especially after adjustments. CONCLUSIONS: We present data on vitamin D levels of Portuguese active duty military personnel. Our results found that military personnel are no more at risk of vitamin D inadequacy than civilians, but only a quarter of active duty military personnel had vitamin D sufficiency. Therefore, they can benefit from vitamin D levels assessment towards vitamin D levels optimisation. Further studies are still needed, especially among military personnel with higher risk of vitamin D deficiency.

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Radical prostatectomy (RP) has been found to be curative in most cases of prostate cancer (PCa); however, 20-40% of patients have a biochemical recurrence (BCR) of the disease. Prostatic specific antigen prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels are used to assess patient prognosis after surgery; however, there is no consensus about the optimal PSA level that defines BCR. Detection of very low volume disease and early detection of the disease are very important predictors for clinical outcomes in BCR, as early salvage radiation therapy (SRT) provides a possibility of a cure. The aim of this study is to review briefly about important and controversies in radiotherapy after radical prostatectomy. No guideline exists to select ideal patients for each treatment, but there are tools currently being developed; genetic tests and prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) positron emission tomography (PET) may be able to identify patients with worse outcomes who would benefit from more treatment.

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Objective: To describe a case report of a patient who presented with bilateral breast cancer with progression to metastatic disease, in which immunohistochemical profile of the primary and metastatic tumor was divergent. Methods: This was a study with a descriptive narrative and reflective design, of the case report type, based on secondary data, with information and images obtained from the electronic medical records of the MVSoul system used in the oncology center of a private hospital in the Federal District in Brazil. Data collection was derived from the analysis of data and images of the electronic medical record. Case report: A patient presented with bilateral metastatic breast cancer, and the primary and metastatic breast tumors showed a difference in immunohistochemical profile. Accordingly, we highlight the rarity of the case, the need for biopsies of metastatic lesions because of the molecular heterogeneity of breast cancer and possible discrepancy between the primary tumor and metastases. Spreading knowledge about diagnostic tests and personalized treatment according to tumor molecular characteristics is also essential, especially when the patient does not have a satisfactory therapeutic response, as in the reported case, since the patient had metastases with different molecular profiles confirmed only by of tumor DNA sequencing.

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Objetivo: Descrever a presença do polimorfismo da região codante do gene CHGA Glu264Asp e associa-lo com as características clinicas da doença. Método: Trata-se de um estudo transversal, descritivo e de caso controle para investigar o polimorfismo da CHGA Glu264Asp por meio de amostras de sangue de 53 indivíduos sendo o grupo caso, formado por 23 pacientes, de ambos os sexos, que sofreram a tireoidectomia e foram submetidos ao tratamento com o Radiofármaco Iodeto de Sódio (I131). Para a genotipagem foi utilizada a técnica PCRRFLP. Foi adotado o nível de significância de 5%. Resultados: Houve diferença estatística significativa na distribuição alélica entre indivíduos com câncer papilífero da tireoide e os sadios. Com tudo, a presença do alelo G é um fator de risco para o câncer papilífero da tireoide. Observou-se uma correlação entre o genótipo GG com o aumento do nível de TSH em pacientes que apresentavam essa patologia. Conclusão: Demostrou-se que o alelo selvagem pode ser um fator de risco para o desenvolvimento da neoplasia tireoidiana do tipo papilar. Por ser uma doença de etiologia multifatorial, são necessários outros estudos em populações diferentes para melhor compreensão da doença.

Objective: To describe the presence of polymorphism of the codante region of the CHGA Glu264Asp gene and to associate it with the clinical characteristics of the disease. Method: This is a cross-sectional, descriptive and case-control study to investigate chga glu264Asp polymorphism through blood samples from 53 individuals, consisting of 23 patients of both sexes who underwent thyroidectomy and underwent treatment with the Radiopharmaceutical Sodium Iodide (I131). Pcr-RFLP technique was used for genotyping. The significance level of 5% was adopted. Results: There was a statistically significant difference in the allelic distribution between individuals with papillary thyroid cancer and healthy individuals. With everything, the presence of the G alllet is a risk factor for papillary thyroid cancer. A correlation was observed between the GG genotype and the increased level of TSH in patients with this pathology. Conclusion: It was shown that the wild allomay be a risk factor for the development of the thyroid neoplasm of the papilar type. As it is a disease of multifactorial etiology, further studies in different populations are needed to better understand the disease

Objetivo: Describir la presencia de polimorfismo de la región codante del gen CHGA Glu264Asp y asociarlo con las características clínicas de la enfermedad. Método: Estudio transversal, descriptivo y de casos y controles para investigar el polimorfismo chga glu264Asp a través de muestras de sangre de 53 individuos, constituido por 23 pacientes de ambos sexos sometidos a tiroidectomía y tratamiento con yoduro de sodio radiofarmacéutico (I131). Se utilizó la técnica Pcr-RFLP para el genotipado. Se adoptó el nivel de significancia del 5%. Resultados: Hubo una diferencia estadísticamente significativa en la distribución alélica entre individuos con cáncer papilar de tiroides e individuos sanos. Con todo, la presencia del Gallete G es un factor de riesgo para el cáncer papilar de tiroides. Se observó una correlación entre el genotipo GG y el aumento del nivel de TSH en pacientes con esta patología. Conclusión: Se demostró que el aloplasma silvestre puede ser un factor de riesgo para el desarrollo de la neoplasia tiroidea del tipo papilar. Como es una enfermedad de etiología multifactorial, se necesitan más estudios en diferentes poblaciones para comprender mejor la enfermedad

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O objetivo foi verificar o desempenho em habilidades de consciência fonológica com a aplicação do teste CONFIAS in vivo e por meio de gravação em vídeo. Participaram do estudo 16 crianças com idades entre 7 e 8 anos (média de 7,8 anos), cursando o 2º e 3º ano do Ensino Fundamental e que apresentaram bom rendimento escolar. As avaliações constaram da aplicação do teste CONFIAS in vivo (P1) segundo as instruções contidas no manual do teste; e na aplicação do teste CONFIAS por meio de um vídeo (P2). Analisou-se o desempenho das crianças em cada contexto separadamente e foi feita comparação entre os dois contextos. Para a análise estatística, utilizou-se o teste de Wilcoxon e o teste de Mann-Whitney. Não houve diferença significativa entre o sexo, a idade e o tipo de procedimento usado para a aplicação do teste, mas a pontuação no nível silábico, fonêmico e total foi superior em ambos os sexos com o P2. As crianças mais velhas apresentaram melhor desempenho no teste tanto no nível silábico quanto no fonêmico, independentemente do procedimento. Constatou-se diferença estatística no desempenho dos participantes no nível silábico (p=0,02), no fonêmico (p<0,01) e na pontuação total do teste (p<0,01) quando foram comparados os procedimentos (P1 e P2) de avaliação, sendo que a maior diferença entre os contextos ocorreu no nível fonêmico (com média das diferenças de 4,1 pontos). As crianças apresentaram melhor desempenho no CONFIAS no P2 nos níveis silábico e fonêmico.

The purpose was to verify the performance in phonological awareness skills with the application of the CONFIAS test in vivo and through video recording. Sixteen children between the ages of 7 and 8 years (mean of 7.8 years) participated in the study, attending the 2nd and 3rd year of elementary school and presenting good academic performance. The evaluations consisted of the application of the CONFIAS in vivo test (P1) according to the instructions contained in the test manual; and in the application of the CONFIAS test by means of a video (P2). The performance of the children in each context was analyzed separately and a comparison was made between the two contexts. Statistical analysis was performed using the Wilcoxon test and the Mann-Whitney test. There was no significant difference between the sex, age and type of procedure used for the test application, but the syllabic, phonemic and total level scores were higher in both sexes with P2. The older children presented better performance in the test at both the syllabic and the phonemic level, regardless of the procedure. Statistical differences were found in the syllabic performance (p=0.02), phonemics (p<0.01) and total test score (p<0.01) when the procedures (P1 and P2). The greatest difference between the contexts occurred at the phonemic level (with a mean difference of 4.1 points). The children presented better performance in the CONFIAS in P2, in the syllabic and phonemic levels.

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Doxorubicin (DOX) plays an important role in cancer treatment; however, high cardiotoxicity and low penetration in solid tumors are the main limitations of its use. Liposomal formulations have been developed to attenuate the DOX toxicity, but the technological enhancement of the liposomal formulation as well as the addition of another agent with antitumor properties, like alpha-tocopheryl succinate (TS), a semi-synthetic analog of vitamin E, could certainly bring benefits. Thus, in this study, it was proposed the development of liposomes composed of DOX and TS (pHSL-TS-DOX). A new DOX encapsulation method, without using the classic ammonium sulfate gradient with high encapsulation percentage was developed. Analysis of Small Angle X-ray Scattering (SAXS) and release study proved the pH-sensitivity of the developed formulation. It was observed stabilization of tumor growth using pHSL-TS-DOX when compared to free DOX. The toxicity tests showed the safety of this formulation since it allowed body weight initial recovery after the treatment and harmless to heart and liver, main target organs of DOX toxicity. The developed formulation also avoided the occurrence of myelosuppression, a typical adverse effect of DOX. Therefore, pHSL-TS-DOX is a promising alternative for the treatment of breast cancer since it has adequate antitumor activity and a safe toxicity profile.

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The Ginoide Hydrolipodystrophy (GHLD), commonly known as cellulite, occurs in 80-90% of the female population after the puberty period and comes from a metabolic modification in the cutaneous adipose tissue. Caffeine has been used in topical formulations due to its lipolytic action. We studied a nanoemulsion (F3) containing caffeine with two surfactants (oleth-3 and oleth-20) by emulsification method by phase inversion temperature inversion (PIT). The polydispersion indices (PDI) showed the reduced deviation of 0.1. The mean droplet size was ~ 40 nm. The evaluated constant of Ostwald, in the refrigerator condition was the most favorable during the stability test. In the In Raman spectroscopy assay, the caffeine bands found in F3 were compatible with those found in the caffeine solution (1337, 652.5 and 558.2 cm-1). There was no interaction of caffeine anhydrous with other ingredients in nanoemulsion. In the in vitro safety assay the result of 1.4 ranked the F3 as slightly irritating. In the natural membrane, cutaneous permeation test (human skin) permeate concentrations did not exceed the saturation concentration of the PBS buffer (48.96 µg/3 mL). The caffeine solution and F3 permeated statistically equal, but the nanoemulsion visually and sensorially improved the caffeine precipitation.

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Cancer is an important public health problem, being one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Most antineoplastic agents cause severe toxic effects and some types of cancer do not respond or are resistant to the existing pharmacotherapy, necessitating the research and development of new therapeutic strategies. Cardenolides have shown significant antitumor activity due to their ability to inhibit the Na+K+ATPase enzyme, and the expression of this enzyme is increased in tumor cells. Glucoevatromonoside containing peracetylated glucose hydroxyl groups (GEVPG) is a cardenolide derivative that has low solubility in aqueous media, which constitutes a barrier to its potential biological applications. In this context, the use of liposomes represents a promising strategy to deliver GEVPG, thus allowing its intravenous administration. In this study, long-circulating and fusogenic liposomes containing GEVPG (SpHL-GEVPG) were developed, and their chemical and physicochemical properties were evaluated. SpHL-GEVPG presented adequate properties, including a mean diameter of 182.2 ± 2.7 nm, a polydispersity index equal to 0.36 ± 0.03, a zeta potential of -2.37 ± 0.31 mV, and a GEVPG entrapment of 0.38 ± 0.04 mg/mL. Moreover, this formulation showed a good stability after having been stored for 30 days at 4 °C. The cytotoxic studies against breast (MDA-MB-231, MCF-7, and SKBR-3) and lung (A549) cancer cell lines demonstrated that SpHL-GEVPG treatment significantly reduced the cell viability. In addition, the SpHL-GEVPG formulation presented a good selectivity toward these cancer cells. The evaluation of the therapeutic efficacy of the treatment with SpHL-GEVPG showed a potent anticancer effect in an A549 human lung cancer xenograft model. SpHL-GEVPG administered at doses of 1.0 and 2.0 mg/kg (i.v.) induced antitumor effect comparable to paclitaxel given at dose of 10 mg/kg (i.v.) to mice. Therefore, the results of the present work indicate the potential applicability of SpHL-GEVPG as a new anticancer formulation.

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Cancer incidence has increased significantly in low- and middle-income countries. The priorities of international health research are not always aligned with the global burden of cancer. This study aims to analyze global tendencies in clinical trials in oncology and discuss research priorities and resource allocation in the investigation of new drugs for cancers that significantly affect the least developed countries. This was a retrospective and analytical study that included data collected from the World Health Organization's International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP) in 2014. According to our results, there was a tendency for clinical trials involving breast and lung cancer to be conducted in countries with a lower level of economic development. On the other hand, cervical, stomach, and liver cancer, despite the significant burden that these place on middle- and low-income countries, were studied little among the countries selected. In conclusion, the organizations that most fund research to develop new drugs for cancer treatment continue to show little interest in prioritizing resources to fund research for certain types of cancer such as those of the cervix, stomach, and liver, which have a significant impact in low- and middle-income countries.

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INTRODUCTION: The human papillomavirus (HPV) is a prevalent viral infection in the sexually active population, which can be oncogenic and non-oncogenic. Educational efforts by health professionals, aimed at adolescents and their parents, help decision-making on human papillomavirus vaccination, benefiting the implantation process and vaccine coverage. OBJECTIVE: To describe the data collection constructs about knowledge and acceptability of HPV vaccine among adolescents, parents and health professionals. METHODS: Study of construct elaboration based on an empirical review of the literature with a qualitative focus on PubMed database, from 2007 to 2014, using the following keywords: Papillomaviridae AND Papillomavirus Vaccines AND Knowledge AND Community Health Services. A total of 31 questions were divided into six categories. In the internal validation, the final construct was applied in 390 subjects (adolescents, parents/guardians and health professionals) in the period of 2014. The proportion of assertive responses and respective 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to describe each question. RESULTS: Three articles on the subject were found in the databases consulted that served as the basis for the elaboration of the questionnaire. There was a lower proportion of correct answers among adolescents about knowledge of HPV. Adolescents, parents, and carers showed a low proportion of correctness about the safety and efficacy of the vaccine. The three groups did not show any barriers to vaccine acceptability. CONCLUSION: The instrument was adequate to measure knowledge about HPV, its repercussions and its vaccine among adolescents, parents/guardians and health professionals, as well as measuring the acceptability of the human papillomavirus vaccine.

INTRODUÇÃO: O papilomavírus humano (HPV) é infecção viral prevalente na população sexualmente ativa, podendo ser oncogênico e não oncogênico. Esforços educacionais realizados por profissionais de saúde, voltados para adolescentes e seus pais auxiliam a tomada de decisão sobre a vacinação para o papilomavírus humano, beneficiando o processo de implantação e cobertura vacinal. OBJETIVO: Descrever constructo de coleta de dados sobre conhecimento e aceitabilidade da vacina para o HPV entre adolescentes, pais e profissionais de saúde. MÉTODO: Estudo de elaboração de constructo a partir de revisão de base empírica da literatura com enfoque qualitativo em base de dados do PubMed, no período de 2007 a 2014, com a utilização das palavras-chave: Papillomaviridae AND Papillomavirus Vaccines AND knowledge AND Community Health Services. Elaborou-se 31 questões divididas em seis categorias. Na validação interna foi aplicado o constructo final em 390 indivíduos (adolescentes, pais/responsáveis e profissionais de saúde) no período de 2014. A proporção de acerto das respostas e respectivo intervalo de confiança de 95% foram utilizados para descrever cada questão. RESULTADOS: Foram encontrados três artigos sobre a temática nas bases de dados consultadas que serviram como base para elaboração do questionário. Verificou-se menor proporção de acerto entre adolescentes sobre o conhecimento do HPV. Adolescentes, pais e responsáveis mostraram-se com baixa proporção de acerto sobre a segurança e eficácia da vacina. Os três grupos não mostraram barreiras de aceitabilidade à vacina. CONCLUSÃO: O instrumento mostrou-se adequado para mensurar o conhecimento sobre o HPV, suas repercussões e sua vacina entre os adolescentes, pais/responsáveis e profissionais de saúde, bem como sobre a aceitabilidade da vacina para o papilomavírus humano.

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Abstract Indicators are applied faster and at lower costs than conventional surveys, providing quick and efficient responses that can facilitate protected areas management. Our aim was to select indicators from vegetation to monitor protected areas. For this purpose, we analyzed understory and quantified lianas and tree ferns in protected and non-protected areas, in order to find indicator species. Our study areas are located in Vale do Ribeira, southeastern São Paulo state, Brazil. One of the areas is under two protection categories (IUCN's categories II and V), and the other is a privately owned farm. Lianas with large diameters (> 13 cm) and tree ferns with great heights (> 19 m) were considered indicators of undisturbed areas (protected areas) because their growth is directly related to forest successional stage. Indicator species within the protected area were shade tolerant species, such as Bathysa australis (A.St.-Hil.) K.Schum., whereas outside the protected area were pioneer species, such as Pera glabrata (Schott) Poepp. ex Baill. e Nectandra oppositifolia Ness. All of the suggested indicators can be used in management actions, especially in protected areas, to guarantee forest maintenance and ensure fulfillment of the conservation objectives of these areas.

Resumo Os indicadores são aplicados com menores custos e mais rapidez em comparação com levantamentos convencionais, fornecendo respostas rápidas e eficientes que podem facilitar a gestão das áreas protegidas. Nosso objetivo foi selecionar indicadores de vegetação para monitorar áreas protegidas. Para este fim, analisamos o sub-bosque e quantificamos as lianas e fetos arborescentes em áreas protegidas e não-protegidas em busca de espécies indicadoras. Nossas áreas de estudo estão localizadas na região do Vale do Ribeira, sudeste do Estado de São Paulo, Brasil. Uma delas é uma área protegida (categorias da IUCN II e V) e outra uma fazenda de propriedade privada. Lianas com grandes diâmetros (>13 cm) e fetos arborescentes com grandes alturas (>19 m) foram considerados indicadores de áreas não perturbadas (área protegida), pois seu crescimento está diretamente associado com o estágio sucessional das florestas. As espécies indicadoras da área protegida são não pioneiras, como Bathysa australis (A.St.-Hil.) K.Schum., já as da fazenda (não protegida) são pioneiras, como Pera glabrata (Schott) Poepp. ex Baill. e Nectandra oppositifolia Ness. Todos indicadores sugeridos podem ser utilizados em ações de gestão e conservação, especialmente em áreas protegidas, para garantir a manutenção dos remanescentes florestais e para assegurar o cumprimento dos objetivos destas áreas.

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Indicators are applied faster and at lower costs than conventional surveys, providing quick and efficient responses that can facilitate protected areas management. Our aim was to select indicators from vegetation to monitor protected areas. For this purpose, we analyzed understory and quantified lianas and tree ferns in protected and non-protected areas, in order to find indicator species. Our study areas are located in Vale do Ribeira, southeastern São Paulo state, Brazil. One of the areas is under two protection categories (IUCN's categories II and V), and the other is a privately owned farm. Lianas with large diameters (> 13 cm) and tree ferns with great heights (> 19 m) were considered indicators of undisturbed areas (protected areas) because their growth is directly related to forest successional stage. Indicator species within the protected area were shade tolerant species, such as Bathysa australis (A.St.-Hil.) K.Schum., whereas outside the protected area were pioneer species, such as Pera glabrata (Schott) Poepp. ex Baill. e Nectandra oppositifolia Ness. All of the suggested indicators can be used in management actions, especially in protected areas, to guarantee forest maintenance and ensure fulfillment of the conservation objectives of these areas.

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Indium phosphide nanowires with a single crystalline zinc-blend core and polycrystalline/amorphous shell were grown from a reliable route without the use of hazardous precursors. The nanowires are composed by a crystalline core covered by a polycrystalline shell, presenting typical lengths larger than 10 µm and diameters of 80-90 nm. Raman spectra taken from as-grown nanowires exhibited asymmetric line shapes with broadening towards higher wave numbers which can be attributed to phonon localization effects. It was found that optical phonons in the nanowires are localized in regions with average size of 3 nm, which seems to have the same order of magnitude of grain sizes in the polycrystalline shell. Regardless of the fact that the nanowires exhibit a crystalline core, any considerable degree of disorder can lead to a localized behaviour of carriers. In consequence, the variable range hopping was observed as the main transport instead of the usual thermal excitation mechanisms. Furthermore the hopping length was ten times smaller than nanowire cross-sections, confirming that the nanostructures do behave as a 3D system. Accordingly, the V-shape observed in PL spectra clearly demonstrates a very strong influence of the potential fluctuations on the exciton optical recombination. Such fluctuations can still be observed at low temperature regime, confirming that the amorphous/polycrystalline shell of the nanowires affects the exciton recombination in every laser power regime tested.

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BACKGROUND: In interventional neuroradiology, few operators routinely use radiation protection glasses. Moreover, in most centers, radiation dose data only accounts for whole body dose without specific information on lens dose. In 2012, the International Commission on Radiological Protection advised that the threshold limit value for the lens should be 20 mSv/year instead of the previous 150 mSv/year limit. The purpose of this study was to compare the radiation dose in the operator's lens during real diagnostic and interventional neuroangiographies, either using or without lead protection glasses. METHODS: Using the Educational Direct Dosimeter (EDD30 dosimeter), accumulated radiation dose in the lens was measured in 13 neuroangiographies: seven diagnostic and six interventional. Operators with and without radiation protection glasses were included and the sensor was placed near their left eye, closest to the radiation beam. RESULTS: Without glasses, the corrected mean dose of radiation in the lens was 8.02 µSv for diagnostic procedures and 168.57 µSv for interventional procedures. Using glasses, these values were reduced to 1.74 µSv and 33.24 µSv, respectively. CONCLUSION: Considering 20 mSv as the suggested annual limit of equivalent dose in the lens, neuroradiologists may perform up to 2,494 diagnostic procedures per year without protecting glasses, a number that increases to 11,494 when glasses are used consistently. Regarding intervention, a maximum of 119 procedures per year is advised if glasses are not used, whereas up to 602 procedures/year may be performed using this protection. Therefore, neuroradiologists should always wear radiation protection glasses.

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BACKGROUND: Herpetic eczema is a herpetic superinfection of a preexisting skin disease. Hailey-Hailey disease is an autosomal dominant dermatosis that is clinically characterized by flaccid vesicles and rashes in intertriginous areas. The coexistence of those findings is a rare condition; only five cases have been published in literature. PURPOSE: To report the rare coexistence between Hailey-Hailey disease and herpetic eczema and to highlight the importance of cytology for a quick diagnosis. CASE REPORT: A 38-year-old man had been diagnosed with Hailey-Hailey disease for 13 years. His condition evolved into what could be herpetic eczema, which was later confirmed by skin cytology and histopathology. The man showed remission in the infection after 10 days under treatment with acyclovir. CONCLUSION: Research on the concomitance of infection by the herpes virus must be performed in the exacerbations of Hailey-Hailey disease, and, in those situations, the quick diagnosis through skin cytology makes the early treatment possible.