Physicochemical investigation of shrimp fossils from the Romualdo and Ipubi formations (Araripe Basin)

The Ipubi and Romualdo Formations are Cretaceous units of the Araripe Basin (Santana Group). The first and most ancient was deposited in a lake environment, and some fossils were preserved in shales deposited under blackish conditions. The second was deposited in a marine environment, preserving a rich paleontological content in calcareous concretions. Considering that these two environments preserved their fossils under different processes, in this work we investigated the chemical composition of two fossilized specimens, one from each of the studied stratigraphic units, and compared them using vibrational spectroscopy techniques (Raman and IR), X-ray diffraction and large-field energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) mappings. Calcite was observed as the dominant phase and carbon was observed in the fossils as a byproduct of the decomposition. The preservation of hydroxide calcium phosphate (Ca₁₀(PO₄)₆(OH)₂, hydroxyapatite) was observed in both fossils. In addition, it was observed that there was a smaller amount of pyrite (pyritization) in the Romualdo Formation sample than in the Ipubi one. Large-field EDS measurements showed the major presence of the chemical elements calcium, oxygen, iron, aluminum and fluoride in the Ipubi fossil, indicating a greater influence of inorganic processes in its fossilization. Our results also suggest that the Romualdo Formation fossilization process involved the substitution of the hydroxyl group by fluorine, providing durability to the fossils.

Metformin inhibits inflammatory angiogenesis in a murine sponge model

To investigate the effects of metformin on angiogenesis, on inflammatory cell accumulation and on production of endogenous cytokines in sponge implant in mice. Polyester-polyurethane sponges were implanted in Swiss mice and metformin (40 or 400mg/kg/day) was given orally for six days. The implants collected at day 7 postimplantation were processed for the assessment of hemoglobin (Hb), myeloperoxidase (MPO), N-acetylglucosaminidase (NAG) e collagen used as indexes for angiogenesis, neutrophil and macrophage accumulation and extracellular matrix deposition, respectively. Relevant inflammatory, angiogenic and fibrogenic cytokines were also determined. Metformin treatment attenuated the main components of the fibrovascular tissue, wet weight, vascularization (Hb content), macrophage recruitment (NAG activity), collagen deposition and the levels of transforming growth factor (TGF-beta1) intraimplant. A regulatory function of metformin on multiple parameters of main components of inflammatory angiogenesis has been revealed giving insight into the potential therapeutic underlying the actions of metformin.

Intestinal intussusception and occlusion caused by small bowel polyps in the Peutz-Jeghers syndrome. Management by combined intraoperative enteroscopy and resection through minimal enterostomy: case report

The Peutz-Jeghers syndrome is a hereditary disease that requires frequent endoscopic and surgical intervention, leading to secondary complications such as short bowel syndrome.

CASE REPORT

This paper reports on a 15-year-old male patient with a family history of the disease, who underwent surgery for treatment of an intestinal occlusion due to a small intestine intussusception.

DISCUSSION

An intra-operative fiberscopic procedure was included for the detection and treatment of numerous polyps distributed along the small intestine. Enterotomy was performed to treat only the larger polyps, therefore limiting the intestinal resection to smaller segments. The postoperative follow-up was uneventful.

CONCLUSION

We point out the importance of conservative treatment for patients with this syndrome, especially those who will undergo repeated surgical interventions because of clinical manifestation while they are still young.

Larva migrans within scalp sebaceous gland

A case of larva migrans or serpiginous linear dermatitis on the scalp of a teenager is reported. An ancylostomid larva was found within a sebaceous gland acinus. The unusual skin site for larva migrans as well as the penetration through the sebaceous gland are highlighted. The probable mechanism by which the parasite reached the skin adnexa is discussed.

Ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm. Analysis of 50 procedures

The authors report their experience in the management of 50 patients operated on for ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms. The importance of an early surgical indication will be discussed. A didactically written chart will be presented to simplify and allow early diagnosis. The results will be analysed as to onset of rupture, quantity of transfused blood and shock condition of the patient.

A 300-MHz digitally compensated SAW oscillator

A method for compensating for the inherent temperature sensitivity of surface-acoustic-wave (SAW) oscillators is described. Results for a 300-MHz digitally compensated SAW oscillator (DCSO) show a reduction of temperature-induced frequency variation from +/-125 parts per million to +/-1.4 parts per million over the temperature range of -23 to 75 degrees C. This is accomplished using simple digital circuitry and microprocessor control. The temperature-sensing scheme, using a SAW structure with two delay paths of different temperature sensitivity on the same AT-cut quartz substrate, virtually eliminates thermal resistance and time-constant problems. Advantages over ovenized systems include fast warmup; reduced size, weight, and power dissipation; low cost potential; and the ability to compensate for other sources of frequency drift.

Propagation of transverse bulk and surface acoustic waves in LiNbO (3) variable time-delay devices

Experimental measurements are reported on voltage-controlled acoustic time-delay lines operating at 1 GHz in the nearly pure shear-horizontal (S-H) mode in 38 degrees rotated Y-cut LiNbO(3). The high-acoustic velocity (4800 m/s) in conjunction with the large electroacoustic effect exhibited by this orientation allows high-frequency operation and optimum time-delay tuning sensitivity with a planar, single surface, device geometry. The authors demonstrate fractional time delay of 0.3x10(-6) V(-1 ) for surface electrodes that produce an in-plane E-field. However, the simultaneous excitation and propagation of both a leaky surface-acoustic wave (LSAW) and surface skimming bulk wave (SSBW), both as (nearly pure) S-H waves in these devices, seriously restricts the extent to which it is possible to maximize the time delay modulation sensitivity by reducing electrode gap spacing as done in similar SAW devices. The LSAW and surface-skimming body wave (SSBW) propagate at nearly the same velocity on a free surface, and perturbation of their velocity and relative attenuation rates by surface electrodes causes pronounced interference effects between the two modes for some device geometries.

Cubic temperature dependence for SAWs on X-cut quartz

A cubic dependence of frequency on temperature has been experimentally observed for surface-acoustic-wave (SAW) delay lines fabricated on X-cut quartz. The SAWs propagate on the X-cut surface in a direction between the positive Y direction and the Z direction, 33.44 degrees from the +Y axis. An experimental system is described for measuring the temperature sensitivity of the delay lines. The measurements show that the relative position of the delay-line transducers has a strong influence on both the frequency versus temperature curve and the insertion loss versus temperature curve.