Clean and accurate soil quality monitoring in mining areas under environmental rehabilitation in the Eastern Brazilian Amazon

Soil quality monitoring in mining rehabilitation areas is a crucial step to validate the effectiveness of the adopted recovery strategy, especially in critical areas for environmental conservation, such as the Brazilian Amazon. The use of portable X-ray fluorescence (pXRF) spectrometry allows a rapid quantification of several soil chemical elements, with low cost and without residue generation, being an alternative for clean and accurate environmental monitoring. Thus, this work aimed to assess soil quality in mining areas with different stages of environmental rehabilitation based on predictions of soil fertility properties through pXRF along with four machine learning algorithms (projection pursuit regression, PPR; support vector machine, SVM; cubist regression, CR; and random forest, RF) in the Eastern Brazilian Amazon. Sandstone and iron mines in different chronological stages of rehabilitation (initial, intermediate, and advanced) were evaluated, in addition to non-rehabilitated and native forest areas. A total of 81 soil samples (26 from sandstone mine and 55 from iron mine) were analyzed by both traditional wet-chemistry methods and pXRF. The available/exchangeable contents of K, Ca, B, Fe, and Al, in addition to H+Al, cation exchange capacity at pH = 7, Al saturation, soil organic matter, pH, sum of bases, base saturation, clay, and sand were accurately predicted (R2 > 0.70) using pXRF data, with emphasis on the prediction of Fe (R2 = 0.93), clay content (R2 = 0.81), H+Al (R2 = 0.81), and K+ (R2 = 0.85). The best predictive models were developed by RF and CR (86%) and when considering pXRF data + mining area + stage of rehabilitation (73%). The results highlight the potential of pXRF to accurately assess soil properties in environmental rehabilitation areas in the Amazon region (yet scarcely evaluated under this approach), promoting a more agile and cheaper preliminary diagnosis compared to traditional methods.

Proximal sensing provides clean, fast, and accurate quality control of organic and mineral fertilizers

Farms use large quantities of fertilizers from many sources, making quality control a challenging task, as the traditional wet-chemistry analyses are expensive, time consuming and not environmentally-friendly. As an alternative, this work proposes the use of portable X-ray fluorescence (pXRF) spectrometry and machine learning algorithms for rapid and low-cost estimation of macro and micronutrient contents in mineral and organic fertilizers. Four machine learning algorithms were tested. Whole (i.e., as delivered by the manufacturer) (CP) and ground (AQ) samples (429 in total) were analyzed to test the effect of fertilizer granulometry in prediction performance. Model validation indicated highly accurate predictions of macro (N: R2 = 0.92; P: 0.97; K: 0.99; Ca: 0.94, Mg: 0.98; S: 0.96) and micronutrients (B: 0.99; Cu: 0.99; Fe: 0.98; Mn: 0.91; Zn: 0.94) for both organic and mineral fertilizers. RPD values ranged from 2.31 to 9.23 for AQ samples, and Random Forest and Cubist Regression were the algorithms with the best performances. Even samples analyzed as they were received from the manufacturer (i.e., no grinding) provided accurate predictions, which accelerate the confirmation of nutrient contents contained in fertilizers. Results demonstrated the potential of pXRF data coupled with machine learning algorithms to assess nutrient composition in both mineral and organic fertilizers with high accuracy, allowing for clean, fast and accurate quality control. Sensor-driven quality assessment of fertilizers improves soil and plant health, crop management efficiency and food security with a reduced environmental footprint.

Detailed characterization of iron-rich tailings after the Fundão dam failure, Brazil, with inclusion of proximal sensors data, as a secure basis for environmental and agricultural restoration

Following the Fundão dam failure in Brazil, 60 million m³ of iron-rich tailings were released impacting an extensive area. After this catastrophe, a detailed characterization and monitoring of iron-rich tailings is required for agronomic and environmental purposes. This can be facilitated by using proximal sensors which have been an efficient, fast, and cost-effective tool for eco-friendly analysis of soils and sediments. This work hypothesized that portable X-ray fluorescence (pXRF) spectrometry combined with a pocket-sized (Nix™ Pro) color sensor and benchtop magnetic susceptibilimeter can produce substantial data for fast and clean characterization of iron-rich tailings. The objectives were to differentiate impacted and non-impacted areas (soils and sediments) based on proximal sensors data, and to predict attributes of agronomic and environmental importance. A total of 148 composite samples were collected on totally impacted, partially impacted, and non-impacted areas (natural soils). The samples were analyzed via pXRF to obtain the total elemental composition; via Nix™ Pro color sensor to obtain the red (R), green (G), and blue (B) parameters; and assessed for magnetic susceptibility (MS). The same samples used for analyses via the aforementioned sensors were wet-digested (USEPA 3051a method) followed by ICP-OES quantification of potentially toxic elements. Principal component analysis was performed to differentiate impacted and non-impacted areas. The pXRF data alone or combined with other sensors were used to predict soil agronomic properties and semi-total concentration of potentially toxic elements via random forest regression. For that, samples were randomly separated into modeling (70%) and validation (30%) datasets. The pXRF proved to be an efficient method for rapid and eco-friendly characterization of iron-rich tailings, allowing a clear differentiation of impacted and non-impacted areas. Also, important soil agronomic properties (clay, cation exchange capacity, soil organic carbon, pH and macronutrients availability) and semi-total concentrations of Ba, Pb, Cr, V, Cu, Co, Ni, Mn, Ti, and Li were accurately predicted (based upon the lowest RMSE and highest R² and RPD values). Sensor data fusion (pXRF + Nix Pro + MS) slightly improved the accuracy of predictions. This work highlights iron-rich tailings from the Fundão dam failure can be in detail characterized via pXRF ex situ, providing a secure basis for complementary studies in situ aiming at identify contaminated hot spots, digital mapping of soil and properties variability, and embasing pedological, agricultural and environmental purposes.

Clean quality control of agricultural and non-agricultural lime by rapid and accurate assessment of calcium and magnesium contents via proximal sensors

Ca and Mg are the most important chemical elements in lime. Properly measuring Ca and Mg contents is essential to assess the quality of lime products. Quality control guarantees the adequate use of lime in industrial processes, in soils, and helps avoiding adulteration. Proximal sensors can aid in this process by determining Ca and Mg contents easily, rapidly and without producing chemical waste. The objective of this study was to evaluate the use an environmentally-friendly method of analyzing the quality of lime. We studied 1) the use of portable X-ray fluorescence (pXRF) to predict concentrations of Ca and Mg in lime, 2) tested if NixPro™ sensor can improve prediction accuracy and 3) tested if sample preparation methods (grinding) affect analyses. 74 samples of lime were analyzed by two different laboratories (lab. 1 = 38, lab. 2 = 36). All samples submitted to pXRF and NixPro™ analyses. Sensor analyses were done in whole (CP) and ground (AQ) samples to test the effect of sample preparation in prediction performance. High correlation was found between Ca and Mg contents measured via pXRF and laboratory analyses. Mg-CP presented the highest correlation coefficient (r = 0.81); Mg-AQ, the lowest (0.57). Predictions presented good performance (R² > 0.68); Mg had the best results (0.86). Separating models per laboratory showed that some datasets are harder to model, probably due to variability in the source material (limestone). The addition of NixPro™ data contributed to improve prediction accuracy, although slightly. Predictions using CP samples presented the best results, especially for Mg, indicating that grinding is not necessary. This pioneer study demonstrated that fused proximal sensors can be used to rapidly and easily determine contents of Ca and Mg in soil amendments without producing chemical waste.

A Proximal Sensor-Based Approach for Clean, Fast, and Accurate Assessment of the Eucalyptus spp. Nutritional Status and Differentiation of Clones

Several materials have been characterized using proximal sensors, but still incipient efforts have been driven to plant tissues. Eucalyptus spp. cultivation in Brazil covers approximately 7.47 million hectares, requiring faster methods to assess plant nutritional status. This study applies portable X-ray fluorescence (pXRF) spectrometry to (i) distinguish Eucalyptus clones using pre-processed pXRF data; and (ii) predict the contents of eleven nutrients in the leaves of Eucalyptus (B, Ca, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, N, P, S, and Zn) aiming to accelerate the diagnosis of nutrient deficiency. Nine hundred and twenty samples of Eucalyptus leaves were collected, oven-dried, ground, and analyzed using acid-digestion (conventional method) and using pXRF. Six machine learning algorithms were trained with 70% of pXRF data to model conventional results and the remaining 30% were used to validate the models using root mean square error (RMSE) and coefficient of determination (R²). The principal component analysis clearly distinguished developmental stages based on pXRF data. Nine nutrients were accurately predicted, including N (not detected using pXRF spectrometry). Results for B and Mg were less satisfactory. This method can substantially accelerate decision-making and reduce costs for Eucalyptus foliar analysis, constituting an ecofriendly approach which should be tested for other crops.

Systematic review of response criteria and endpoints in autoimmune hepatitis by the International Autoimmune Hepatitis Group

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) has been well characterised and codified through the development of diagnostic criteria. These criteria have been adapted and simplified and are widely used in clinical practice. However, there is a need to update and precisely define the criteria for both treatment response and treatment.

METHODS

A systematic review was performed and a modified Delphi consensus process was used to identify and redefine the response criteria in autoimmune hepatitis.

RESULTS

The consensus process initiated by the International Autoimmune Hepatitis Group proposes that the term 'complete biochemical response' defined as 'normalization of serum transaminases and IgG below the upper limit of normal' be adopted to include a time point at 6 months after initiation of treatment. An insufficient response by 6 months was a failure to meet the above definition. Non-response was defined as '<50% decrease of serum transaminases within 4 weeks after initiation of treatment'. Remission is defined as liver histology with a Hepatitis Activity Index <4/18. Intolerance to treatment was agreed to stand for 'any adverse event possibly related to treatment leading to potential drug discontinuation'.

CONCLUSIONS

These definitions provide a simple and reproducible framework to define treatment response and non-response, irrespective of the therapeutic intervention. A consensus on endpoints is urgently required to set a global standard for the reporting of study results and to enable inter-study comparisons. Future prospective database studies are needed to validate these endpoints.

LAY SUMMARY

Consensus among international experts on response criteria and endpoints in autoimmune hepatitis is lacking. A consensus on endpoints is urgently required to set a global standard for the reporting of study results and to enable the comparison of results between clinical trials. Therefore, the International Autoimmune Hepatitis Group (IAIHG) herein presents a statement on 5 agreed response criteria and endpoints: complete biochemical response, insufficient response, non-response, remission, and intolerance to treatment, which can be used to guide future reporting.

Gravity stress tibiotalar laxity evaluation with a biomedical gyroscopes device - cadaver study with progressive sectioning of lateral ankle ligaments

Purpose

Despite the evidence on the role of gravity stress test to access the instability of other ankle injuries, there is limited literature regarding gravity stress on the lateral ankle ligament’s insufficiency. The objective of our study was to objectively measure the tibiotalar angular movement under gravity stress after progressive sectioning of the lateral ankle ligaments.

Methods

We performed sequential sectioning of the anterior talofibular (ATFL), calcaneofibular (CFL), and posterior talofibular ligaments (PTFL) in twelve ankle specimens. Under gravity stress, we measured the angular movement of the talus in relation to the tibia. The measuring device is based on a three-axis gyroscope and accelerometer.

Results

Comparing to the intact condition, the plantar flexion increased on average 1.78° (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.15;2.42), 5.13° (95%CI 3.10;7.16) and 8.63° (95%CI 6.05;11.22), the rotation increased by 1.00° (95 CI -0.51;2.51), 3.68° (95%CI 1.97;5.40) and 15.62° (95%CI 10.09;21.14), and the varus increased 2.89° (95% CI 1.39, 4.39), 8.12° (95% CI 5.16, 11.07) and 11.68° (95% CI 7.91, 15.46), after sectioning the ATFL, CFL, and PTFL, respectively. The overall changes were statistically significant.

Conclusions

There was a significant tibiotalar laxity after sectioning of lateral ankle ligaments when the foot position is influenced only by gravity. The tibiotalar angular displacement was significant when the CFL and PTFL were cut which suggests that the gravity test could be used to assess combined lateral ankle ligament injury. This evidence might be a step forward in the development of lateral ankle ligaments gravity stress tests.

Level of evidence

5 (cadaver study)

De Mello's Single Incision for Combined Liver-kidney Transplantation, Keeping the Kidney Retroperitoneal: A Case Report

The combined liver-kidney transplantation (cLKT) is the procedure of choice for patients with end-stage liver and kidney disease. In cLKT we can usually accommodate the grafts in two different ways, varying the kidney placement. The retroperitoneal kidney implant has some advantages, such as the easy access or avoiding vascular complications. We propose a new single incision, not yet reported, maintaining an extraperitoneal kidney, with excellent surgical field for cLKT and possible reduction of the impact of wound complications.

Pain reduction and improvement of function following ultrasound-guided intra-articular injections of triamcinolone hexacetonide and hyaluronic acid in hip osteoarthritis

The scientific literature has shown positive results regarding intra-articular injections of hyaluronic acid in osteoarthritic joints. When injecting in the hip joint, the guidance of ultrasound can provide higher injection accuracy and repeatability. However, due to the methodological limitations in the current available literature, its recommendation in the current practice is still controversial. This study shows that ultrasound-guided intra-articular injections of triamcinolone hexacetonide and hyaluronic acid can improve pain, function and quality of life in patients with symptomatic and radiographic hip osteoarthritis. In addition, the administration of triamcinolone hexacetonide and hyaluronic acid to the hip joint in these patients can delay the need for interventional surgery.

Using melanopsin to study G protein signaling in cortical neurons

Our understanding of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) in the central nervous system (CNS) has been hampered by the limited availability of tools allowing for the study of their signaling with precise temporal control. To overcome this, we tested the utility of the bistable mammalian opsin melanopsin to examine G protein signaling in CNS neurons. Specifically, we used biolistic (gene gun) approaches to transfect melanopsin into cortical pyramidal cells maintained in organotypic slice culture. Whole cell recordings from transfected neurons indicated that application of blue light effectively activated the transfected melanopsin to elicit the canonical biphasic modulation of membrane excitability previously associated with the activation of GPCRs coupling to Gαq-11 Remarkably, full mimicry of exogenous agonist concentration could be obtained with pulses as short as a few milliseconds, suggesting that their triggering required a single melanopsin activation-deactivation cycle. The resulting temporal control over melanopsin activation allowed us to compare the activation kinetics of different components of the electrophysiological response. We also replaced the intracellular loops of melanopsin with those of the 5-HT2A receptor to create a light-activated GPCR capable of interacting with the 5-HT2A receptor interacting proteins. The resulting chimera expressed weak activity but validated the potential usefulness of melanopsin as a tool for the study of G protein signaling in CNS neurons.

Cross-cultural adaptation of the Cyberchondria Severity Scale for Brazilian Portuguese

Abstract Introduction: The internet has proven to be a valuable resource for self-care, allowing access to information and promoting interaction between professionals, caregivers, users of health care services and people interested in health information. However, recurring searches are often related to excessive health anxiety and a phenomenon known as cyberchondria can have impacts on physical and mental health. Within this background, a Cyberchondria Severity Scale has been developed to differentiate healthy and unhealthy behavior in internet searches for health information, based on the following criteria: compulsion, distress, excesses, and trust and distrust of health professionals. Objective: To conduct cross-cultural adaptation of the Cyberchondria Severity Scale for Brazilian Portuguese, because of the lack of an appropriate instrument for Brazil. Methods: This study was authorized by the original author of the scale. The process was divided into the following four steps: 1) initial translation, 2) back-translation, 3) development of a synthesized version, and 4) experimental application. Results: Translation into Brazilian Portuguese required some idiomatic expressions to be adapted. In some cases, words were not literally translated from English into Portuguese. Only items 7, 8, 12, 23 and 27 were altered, as a means of both conforming to proper grammar conventions and achieving easy comprehension. The items were rewritten without loss of the original content. Conclusion: This paper presents a translated version of the Cyberchondria Severity Scale that has been semantically adapted for the Brazilian population, providing a basis for future studies in this area, which should in turn contribute to improved understanding of the cyberchondria phenomenon in this population.

Testis peritubular myoid cells increase their motility and express matrix-metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) after interaction with embryonal carcinoma cells

Today cancer research studies have highlighted the role of the cancer-stroma interaction in the regulation of invasive processes. However, very little is known about cell-to-cell relationships between germinal cancer cells and the somatic ones belong to their close environment, particularly at early invasion stages. Here, we have studied the potential role of the seminiferous peritubular myoid cells (PTCs), as potential part of the reactive stroma, like tumor myofibroblast, in the progression of embryonal carcinoma (EC). To this end, we show results on the in vitro interactions between F9 murine embryonal carcinoma cells (EC cells) and primary cultures of murine PTCs, using contact-dependent and contact-independent 2D co-cultures. In these circumstances, when EC cells interact with PTCs they change their migratory behavior and matrix-metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) was up-regulated in PTCs. Additionally, among a variety of cytokines implicated in tumor-stroma cross-talk, we have examined in more detail the influence of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α). In this regard, it was observed that this cytokine induced a MMP-9 secretion by PTCs in a pattern dependent on its concentration, whereas does not increase the migration capacity of cancer cells. All together, our results provide evidence for a role played by peritubular myoid cells and cancer-cell secreted TNF- α for a change in the tumor microenvironment during the early stages of EC progression.

Stretching Effects: High-intensity & Moderate-duration vs. Low-intensity & Long-duration

This study examined whether a high-intensity, moderate-duration bout of stretching would produce the same acute effects as a low-intensity, long-duration bout of stretching. 17 volunteers performed 2 knee-flexor stretching protocols: a high-intensity stretch (i. e., 100% of maximum tolerable passive torque) with a moderate duration (243.5 ± 69.5-s); and a low-intensity stretch (50% of tolerable passive torque) with a long duration (900-s). Passive torque at a given sub-maximal angle, peak passive torque, maximal range of motion (ROM), and muscle activity were assessed before and after each stretching protocol (at intervals of 1, 30 and 60 min). The maximal ROM and tolerable passive torque increased for all time points following the high-intensity stretching (p<0.05), but not after the low-intensity protocol (p>0.05). 1 min post-stretching, the passive torque decreased in both protocols, but to a greater extent in the low-intensity protocol. 30 min post-test, torque returned to baseline for the low-intensity protocol and had increased above the baseline for the high-intensity stretches. The following can be concluded: 1) High-intensity stretching increases the maximal ROM and peak passive torque compared to low-intensity stretching; 2) low-intensity, long-duration stretching is the best way to acutely decrease passive torque; and 3) high-intensity, moderate-duration stretching increases passive torque above the baseline 30 min after stretching.

Co-Extrusion Layer Multiplication of Rheologically Mismatched Polymers: A Novel Processing Route

Co-extruded films with up to 65 layers of two rheologically mismatched polymer systems – polystyrene/poly(methylmethacrylate) (PS/PMMA) and hard/soft thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPUs) – were successfully produced using a combination of a 9-layer feedblock, low-pressure drop multiplier dies, and external lubricants. Formation of viscoelastic instabilities was studied using a custom visualization and by finite element method (FEM) simulations of a standard multiplier. The results showed that the flow inside the standard multiplier die is highly non-uniform, with severe gradients in shear and normal stresses and viscous encapsulation occurring mainly in the initial multiplication stages where there is enough material available in the low-viscosity layers to proceed with the encapsulation. To mitigate layer degradation the standard 2- or 3-layer feedblock was replaced with a 9-layer one, thereby decreasing the thickness of each layer at the end of the feedblock. Also, subsequent layering was performed using a low flow resistance die. This new multiplier die yields a more uniform flow profile and imparts a more homogeneous thermo-mechanical history on the melt which results in an improved layer stability. Simulations showed that in the standard die the second normal-stress difference (N2) responsible for elastic instabilities at the edges of the die are very high. These can be reduced by inducing slip at the wall resulting in be much improved layer uniformity and stability. This was accomplished experimentally via the use of external lubricants, and the resulting layered structure was indeed much better than was possible to achieve with the conventional multiplier dies.

New antimicrobial contact catalyst killing antibiotic resistant clinical and waterborne pathogens

Microbial growth on medical and technical devices is a big health issue, particularly when microorganisms aggregate to form biofilms. Moreover, the occurrence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in the clinical environment is dramatically growing, making treatment of bacterial infections very challenging. In search of an alternative, we studied a novel antimicrobial surface coating based on micro galvanic elements formed by silver and ruthenium with surface catalytic properties. The antimicrobial coating efficiently inhibited the growth of the nosocomial pathogens Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Enterococcus faecalis and Enterococcus faecium as demonstrated by the growth inhibition on agar surface and in biofilms of antibiotic resistant clinical E. faecalis, E. faecium, and S. aureus isolates. It also strongly reduced the growth of Legionella in a drinking water pipeline and of Escherichia coli in urine. We postulate a mode of action of the antimicrobial material, which is independent of the release of silver ions. Thus, the novel antimicrobial coating could represent an alternative to combat microbial growth avoiding the toxic side effects of high levels of silver ions on eukaryotic cells.

Yoga and Physical Rehabilitation Medicine: A Research Partnership in Integrative Care

Mind-body interventions, such as yoga, that teach stress management with physical activity may be well suited for investigation in both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. In order to be considered as viable care options integrative studies need to offer a comprehensive design and include clinicians familiar with the disease process of the study populations. A review of the literature reveals a dearth of information related to the collaboration between yoga and physical rehabilitation medicine. This article discusses the collaboration with physical rehabilitation medicine to collect relevant pre- and post-intervention measures for an on-going pilot acceptability/feasibility yoga study for minority patients with osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis.

An interdisciplinary clinical research team selected psychosocial and physical measures for a community sample of bilingual minority patients, not typically identified as practicing yoga. Sixteen female adults aged 40–63 years (mean =51) completed baseline physical assessments using single leg stance, functional reach test, time up and go test, timed up from the floor test and the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand measures. Baseline values show an average level of functional ability prior to beginning the intervention. Preliminary results indicate some improvement; however, selected measures may not have the sensitivity and specificity needed to identify significant change. In this study, combining interdisciplinary perspectives enhanced the quality of the research study design. The experience of this interdisciplinary clinical research team opens the discussion for future collaborations.

[Importance of history and physical examination for the care of nurses]

The history and physical examination are part of data collection of the Nursing Process. Its implementation is aimed at individualized care, holistic, humane and scientific foundation. The literature review was carried out in indexed databases as LILACS and SciELO, books and journals available in local libraries as published between the years 2000 to 2009. The aim is to describe the importance of clinical history and physical examination in the care provided by nurses. The results of this research will enable nursing students and health professionals can better understand the importance of history taking and physical examination to their professional practice, implement properly all stages of NAS and arouse interest in research on this topic.

Impact of Acute Hepatitis A Virus (HAV) Infection on HIV Viral Load in HIV-Infected Patients and Influence of HIV Infection on Acute HAV Infection

Purpose: To assess the effect of hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection on HIV viral load (VL) and the influence of HIV on the clinical expression of HAV infection. Methods: Single-center study of 23 HIV-positive patients and 41 HIV-negative patients diagnosed with acute HAV infection during 2008-2009. The impact of HAV on HIV VL was defined as an increase of >0.5 log10 during the event, or a detectable VL for those previously suppressed patients. Results: The impact of acute HAV on VL was observed in 37.5% patients. HIV-negative patients were younger (27 vs 34 years, P < .0001), and serum transaminases levels normalized earlier than in the HIV-positive patients (121 vs 178 days, P < .05). Conclusions: Acute HAV infection may have an impact on HIV VL. The interactions between the 2 viruses may not only prolong the HAV viremia, with a potential increase in the transmission of infection, but the impact on HIV may increase the risk of HIV transmission. Studies with higher sample size are needed to confirm our results.

Coactivation of the shoulder and arm muscles during closed kinetic chain exercises on an unstable surface

INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this study was to compare the electromyography index of muscle coactivation of the following muscle pairs: posterior deltoid and pectoralis major (PD/PM); triceps brachii and biceps brachii (TB/BB); and serratus anterior and upper trapezius (SA/UT) during three different closed kinetic chain exercises (wall-press, bench-press and push-up) on an unstable surface at the maximal load.

METHODS

A total of 20 healthy sedentary men participated in the study. Integral linear values were obtained from three sustained contractions of six seconds each for the three proposed exercises. Mean coactivation index values were compared using the mixed-effects linear model, with a five percent significance level.

RESULTS

Electromyography indexes of muscle coactivation showed significant differences for the PD/PM and TB/BB muscle pairs. No differences were found between exercises for the SA/UT muscle pair.

CONCLUSION

Our results seem to differ from those of previous studies, which reported that the similarity in exercises performed is responsible for the comparable muscle activation levels.

[An atypical progression of rolandic epilepsy: the value of single-photon emission computerised tomography co-registered to magnetic resonance imaging]

INTRODUCTION

The complicated forms of rolandic epilepsy progress with a continuous spike-wave pattern in slow-wave sleep. Experiments conducted in cats suggest that this pattern can only appear if there is bilateral thalamic insult. AIM. To determine whether thalamic hypoperfusion is associated with the complicated variants of rolandic epilepsy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A group of 24 children were studied over a period of six years following their first epileptic seizure. During the follow-up an interictal magnetic resonance scan and single-photon emission computerised tomography (SPECT) were performed. Results were examined to ascertain whether there were asymmetries in the distribution of cerebral blood flow through structures, using parametric statistical maps. The brain SPECT was performed when progression to atypical benign partial epilepsy in infancy was diagnosed and in typical forms of rolandic epilepsy when there was some mild neuropsychological deficit that led the specialist to suspect the existence of a focal cortical lesion.

RESULTS

Bilateral thalamic hypoperfusion was found in all patients diagnosed with atypical benign partial epilepsy in infancy, which was correlated with the presence of continuous spike-waves during the slow-wave phase of non-REM sleep.

CONCLUSIONS

Bilateral thalamic hypoperfusion seems to be a necessary condition for the atypical progression of rolandic epilepsy.

Topology studies of hydrodynamics using two-particle correlation analysis

The effects of fluctuating initial conditions are studied in the context of relativistic heavy ion collisions where a rapidly evolving system is formed. Two-particle correlation analysis is applied to events generated with the NEXSPHERIO hydrodynamic code, starting with fluctuating nonsmooth initial conditions (IC). The results show that the nonsmoothness in the IC survives the hydroevolution and can be seen as topological features of the angular correlation function of the particles emerging from the evolving system. A long range correlation is observed in the longitudinal direction and in the azimuthal direction a double peak structure is observed in the opposite direction to the trigger particle. This analysis provides clear evidence that these are signatures of the combined effect of tubular structures present in the IC and the proceeding collective dynamics of the hot and dense medium.

[A prospective, open, controlled and randomised study of clobazam versus carbamazepine in patients with frequent episodes of Rolandic epilepsy]

INTRODUCTION

To date no controlled, randomised studies with flexible dose regimens have been conducted in children with rolandic epilepsy, and therapy is therefore still empirical.

AIM

To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of clobazam (CLB) compared with that of carbamazepine (CBZ) in rolandic epilepsy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A prospective, open, controlled and randomised study was carried out to compare CBZ and CLB in children with rolandic epilepsy with a follow-up over a two-year period. A random sample of 45 patients was taken and 38 of them finished the study. A flexible dose regimen was indicated. Control of seizures, academic performance, behaviour, adherence to treatment, parents' degree of satisfaction and side effect profiles were all evaluated.

RESULTS

Both drugs were equally effective at controlling seizures (94.1% of patients with CLB and 100% of those with CBZ were free of seizures on ending the study; p = 0.26). CLB controlled seizures earlier (33.3 +/- 45 days versus 48.2 +/- 72.3; p < 0.05) and had fewer side effects than CBZ (side effects appeared in three patients with CLB and in eight of those on CBZ; p = 0). In two of the patients taking CBZ, the seizures got worse and a series of cognitive-behavioural complications also appeared.

CONCLUSIONS

CBZ is an effective drug in rolandic epilepsy, but it may be associated with exacerbation of seizures as well as with cognitive-behavioural impairment. CLB in monotherapy seems to be an effective and better tolerated drug in this kind of epilepsy.

PACKMOL: a package for building initial configurations for molecular dynamics simulations

Adequate initial configurations for molecular dynamics simulations consist of arrangements of molecules distributed in space in such a way to approximately represent the system's overall structure. In order that the simulations are not disrupted by large van der Waals repulsive interactions, atoms from different molecules must keep safe pairwise distances. Obtaining such a molecular arrangement can be considered a packing problem: Each type molecule must satisfy spatial constraints related to the geometry of the system, and the distance between atoms of different molecules must be greater than some specified tolerance. We have developed a code able to pack millions of atoms, grouped in arbitrarily complex molecules, inside a variety of three-dimensional regions. The regions may be intersections of spheres, ellipses, cylinders, planes, or boxes. The user must provide only the structure of one molecule of each type and the geometrical constraints that each type of molecule must satisfy. Building complex mixtures, interfaces, solvating biomolecules in water, other solvents, or mixtures of solvents, is straightforward. In addition, different atoms belonging to the same molecule may also be restricted to different spatial regions, in such a way that more ordered molecular arrangements can be built, as micelles, lipid double-layers, etc. The packing time for state-of-the-art molecular dynamics systems varies from a few seconds to a few minutes in a personal computer. The input files are simple and currently compatible with PDB, Tinker, Molden, or Moldy coordinate files. The package is distributed as free software and can be downloaded from http://www.ime.unicamp.br/~martinez/packmol/.

Angiogenesis and vascular network of teratocarcinoma from embryonic stem cell transplant into seminiferous tubules

BACKGROUND

Carcinoma in situ (CIS) of the testis is considered to be a precancerous germinal cell lesion, but the precise cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying transformation of CIS into invasive pluripotent cancer cells remain to be elucidated. Moreover, a satisfactory animal model for the experimental study of germinal tumours has not been developed to date.

METHODS

We have developed a tumour model that involves the microinjection of green fluorescent protein-labelled embryonic stem (ES) cells (which are functionally equivalent to CIS cells) into syngenic mouse seminiferous tubules, a unique cell microenvironment in which germinal cells mature and CIS arise. To characterise the vascularisation of teratocarcinomas, which arise after cell transplant, we used immunohistochemistry, together with a qualitative and quantitative analysis of scanning electron microscopy images of corrosion casting samples.

RESULTS

Embryonic stem cells transplanted into seminiferous tubules did not differentiate into germinal cells, but rather they behaved as invasive embryonal carcinoma (EC) stem cells. The vascular pattern of the experimental teratocarcinomas showed a highly disorganised architecture, and some of the neoplastic capillaries were derived, at least in part, from the original transplanted ES cells.

CONCLUSION

The transplantation of pluripotent ES cells into seminiferous tubules efficiently recapitulates the early stages of development of teratocarcinomas. Consequently, this method constitutes a novel in vivo model to study the mechanisms of invasion and progression of experimental germinal tumours.

Adverse pregnancy outcomes in women with systemic lupus erythematosus from a multiethnic US cohort: LUMINA (LVI) [corrected]

OBJECTIVE

To study the factors associated with an adverse pregnancy outcome in women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

METHODS

SLE women from LUMINA of Hispanic, African American and Caucasian ethnicity were studied. Adverse pregnancy outcome was a miscarriage or abortion (<20 weeks), a stillbirth (> or = 20) and/or a moderate to severe preterm-baby (<34 weeks); good outcome was either a mild preterm-baby (> or = 34 weeks) or a full-term baby [C-section or vaginal delivery (38-42 weeks)]. Pregnancies occurring after SLE diagnosis (TD) were included; pregnancy outcome was the unit of analyses. The relationship between selected variables and pregnancy outcomes was examined by univariable and multivariable analyses.

RESULTS

Adverse outcomes occurred in 63.7% of 102 pregnancies. In the univariable analyses, Texan Hispanic and African American ethnicities, fewer years of education, higher number of ACR criteria, renal involvement, glucocorticoid exposure and the maximum dose of glucocorticoids used prior to the pregnancy outcome were associated with an adverse pregnancy outcome. Renal involvement was independently associated with an adverse pregnancy outcome [Odds ratio (OR)=5.219 (95% Confidence Interval (CI) 1.416-19.239, p=0.0131] as were the maximum dose of glucocorticoids used prior to the pregnancy outcome (OR=1.028; CI:1.002-1.054; p=0.0315) and fewer years of education (OR=1.204; CI:1.006-1.472; p=0.0437). Ethnicity was not retained in the multivariable model.

CONCLUSION

Renal involvement, the maximum dose of glucocorticoids used prior to pregnancy and fewer years of education were associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. These data have implications for the management of women with lupus planning to become pregnant.

Risk factors for X-ray pneumonia in the first year of life and its relation to wheezing: a longitudinal study in a socioeconomic disadvantaged population

BACKGROUND

Although thousands of infants under the age of 12 months die each year from pneumonia in Latin America, little is known regarding the true occurrence of pneumonia, wheezing and other related respiratory illnesses in this age group.

METHODS AND RESULTS

In order to describe the prevalence and risk factors for radiologically confirmed pneumonia during the first year of life, a birth-cohort (n = 188) of infants born in a low-income area in Santiago, Chile was followed up monthly.

RESULTS

The prevalence of pneumonia during the first year of life was 13.3 % and there were no fatal events. Exclusive breastfeeding during the first 4 months of life was more prevalent in the non pneumonia group; conversely, wheezing episodes during 0-3 and 3-6 months of age, and hospitalization due to lower respiratory infection during 3-6 and 9-12 months of age were more prevalent in the pneumonia group. After a logistic multivariate analysis, the only risk factor that remained related with pneumonia was wheezing during the first 3 months of life (adjusted OR: 7.7, 95 CI: 1.32-44.92, p = 0.024); while breastfeeding during the first 4 months was an independent protective factor for pneumonia (adjusted OR: 0.11, 95 CI: 0.03-0.44, p = 0.002).

CONCLUSION

The significant protective effect of exclusive breast feeding against pneumonia in this cohort and the evident role of recurrent wheezing as risk factor for pneumonia during the first year of life support the implementation or reinforcement of public policies encouraging exclusive breastfeeding and an adequate management of wheezing since the first months of life.

[Unilateral neglect, transient cognitive impairment and intercritical activity in Rolandic epilepsy]

INTRODUCTION

Benign focal epilepsy in infancy with centro-temporal paroxysms is a frequent form of epilepsy within this group of epilepsies. Despite its relative benignity, however, it may be accompanied by neuropsychological deficits and therefore constitutes a suitable in vivo model for studying how the brain functions when processing information.

CASE REPORT

We report the case of a 7-year-old child who began with this type of epilepsy by manifesting focal seizures during the early stages of sleep and who, with the absence of any continuous spike-wave activity in non-REM sleep, presented transient unilateral neglect syndrome on the right-hand side related with electroencephalographic intercritical activity.

CONCLUSIONS

The neuropsychological manifestations in this type of epilepsy can be due to intercritical paroxysmal activity. The clinical features depend on where the paroxysms are located and in which direction they spread. A dysfunction of the physiological neuronal synchrony among the neuronal networks that are necessary for thinking processes could be the cause of this disorder.

Induction doses of interferon-alpha-2a in combination with ribavirin and/or amantadine for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C in non-responders to interferon monotherapy: a randomized trial

The benefit of the triple therapy (interferon + amantadine + ribavirim) is still unknown. The efficacy of induction doses of interferon-alpha-2a monotherapy or in combination with ribavirin and/or amantadine was evaluated in interferon non-responders with chronic hepatitis C. A total of 378 patients were randomized. All the groups received the same doses and duration of interferon-alpha-2a: (i) interferon 9 MUI/day for 4 weeks and then 3 MUI/3 t.i.w. for 44 weeks (n = 53); (ii) interferon in combination with amantadine 100 mg twice daily for 48 weeks (n = 111); (iii) interferon in combination with ribavirin 1000-1200 mg (n = 106); (iv) interferon in combination with amantadine and ribavirin (n = 108). Baseline parameters were similar in the four groups. Sustained virological and biochemical responses were 13%, 6%, 18% and 22% respectively. No significant differences were found between double ribavirin arm vs triple therapy, but the difference was significant between interferon-amantadine (P = 0.008) and triple therapy (P = 0.0005). Hence, the induction doses of interferon in combination with ribavirin or ribavirin plus amantadine showed encouraging results in patients with chronic hepatitis C who were resistant to interferon. However, triple therapy is not superior to double.

Examining the necessity to include event-by-event fluctuations in experimental evaluations of elliptical flow

Elliptic flow at BNL RHIC is computed event by event with NeXSPheRIO. We show that when symmetry of the particle distribution in relation to the reaction plane is assumed, as usually done in the experimental extraction of elliptic flow, there is a disagreement between the true and reconstructed elliptic flows (15%-30% for eta=0, 30% for p perpendicular=0.5 GeV). We suggest a possible way to take into account the asymmetry and get good agreement between these elliptic flows.

Clinical and epidemiological profile of multiple sclerosis in a reference center in the State of Bahia, Brazil

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune, demyelinating and degenerative disease that affects the central nervous system. Its prevalence and clinical aspects vary according to the continent considered, being more frequent in Caucasians and young individuals aged 20 to 40 years. Epidemiological data from Brazil show that prevalence is variable, being more frequent in the Southern and Southeastern areas of the country, rather than in the Northern and Northeastern areas. The purpose of this paper is to describe MS clinical and epidemiological features in the State of Bahia, in the Brazilian Northeastern region. Thus, we held a cross-sectional study over the period from February to May, 2005, in the Multiple Sclerosis Patient Support Center ("Núcleo de Apoio aos Pacientes com Esclerose Múltipla") of Bahia, which included all patients with a diagnosis of MS seen over this period of time. A total of 121 patients were investigated, being 80.2% females (female:male ratio=4:1), with higher frequency in mulatto individuals (64%), and the relapsing-remitting type (91.3%). Most patients (68.7%) had mild MS, and blacks were prone to worse prognosis compared to other patients.