Multiscale Fractal Descriptors and Polynomial Classifier for Partial Pixels Identification in Regions of Interest of Mammographic Images

Computer systems are used to support breast cancer diagnosis, with decisions taken from measurements carried out in regions of interest (ROIs). We show that support decisions obtained from square or rectangular ROIs can to include background regions with different behavior of healthy or diseased tissues. In this study, the background regions were identified as Partial Pixels (PP), obtained with a multilevel method of segmentation based on maximum entropy. The behaviors of healthy, diseased and partial tissues were quantified by fractal dimension and multiscale lacunarity, calculated through signatures of textures. The separability of groups was achieved using a polynomial classifier. The polynomials have powerful approximation properties as classifiers to treat characteristics linearly separable or not. This proposed method allowed quantifying the ROIs investigated and demonstrated that different behaviors are obtained, with distinctions of 90% for images obtained in the Cranio-caudal (CC) and Mediolateral Oblique (MLO) views.

Signatures of doubly charged Higgs in the SU(3)(L) circle times U(1)(N) model at the CERN LHC

The scalar sector of the simplest version of the 3-3-1 electroweak model is constructed with three Higgs triplets only. We show that a relation involving two of the constants of the model, two vacuum expectation values of the neutral scalars, and the mass of the doubly charged Higgs boson leads to important information concerning the signals of this scalar particle.

Estimation of genetic parameters for partial egg production periods by means of random regression models

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Partial protection against tissue cysts formation in pigs vaccinated with crude rhoptry proteins of Toxoplasma gondii

A vaccine containing crude Toxoplasma gondii rhoptry proteins incorporated in the immunostimulating complexes (ISCOM) adjuvant was tested in pigs for protecting against tissue cyst formation. For this, 38 mixed breed pigs were divided into four groups, G1 (vaccinated challenged, n = 10) received two doses (100 mu g/dose) of the rhoptry vaccine at days 0 and 21, G2 (vaccinated challenged, n = 10) received viable tachyzoites (7 x 10(7)) of the RH strain at day 0, G3 (unvaccinated challenged, n = 10) and G4 (unvaccinated unchallenged, n = 8). Pigs were challenged with 4 x 10(4) VEG strain oocysts 57 days later. The G1 pigs produced high IgG antibody levels in the indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) after the second dose of rhoptry vaccine, but were not clinically protected against a high dose oocyst challenge. Partial protection was observed in G1 at the chronic phase of infection, when compared with G3. Pigs in group 2 developed high antibody levels and were protected against clinic signs. T gondii was not detected in two (G1) and three (G2) pigs by mouse bioassay. The results indicate partial protection in pigs vaccinated with a rhoptry vaccine. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Poultry feed metabolizable energy determination using total or partial excreta collection methods

The aim of this work was to compare the efficiency of total (TC) or partial (PC) collection excreta methods to determine metabolizable energy in poultry feeds. A number of 180 12- to 21-day-old broilers were distributed into two treatments of six replicates of 10 birds each. A reference-diet was formulated to supply broiler requirements, and the test-diets consisted of 60% of reference diets and 40% of corn or soybean meal. Celite was added at 1% to the diets as a marker. Excreta and diet samples were analyzed for dry matter, energy, nitrogen, and acid-insoluble ash (AIA). AME of corn determined by partial collection (PC) was higher (3544 kcal/kg) as compared to total collection (TC) (3133 kcal/kg). However, no difference were observed for soybean meal (1797 vs. 1821 kcal/kg) between both methods. Marker recovery rates in the excreta were 101, 111, and 96% for the basal-diet, and the test-diets with corn or soybean meal, respectively. This result indicates the importance of marker recovery rate in the excreta to evaluate feed AME and digestibility.

Comparison of Botryosphaeran production by the ascomyceteous fungus Botryosphaeria sp., grown on different carbohydrate carbon sources, and their partial structural features

The influence of glucose concentration and other carbohydrates (monosaccharides: fructose, galactose, mannose; polyols: mannitol and sorbitol; disaccharides: lactose, sucrose and commercial sucrose; and industrial sugarcane molasses) were compared as sole carbon sources for the production of Botryosphaeran, an exopolysaccharide (EPS) produced by Botryosphaeria sp. The optimum glucose concentration for EPS production was 50 g 1(-1). With the exception of mannitol, the fungus produced EPS on all carbon sources studied, with highest yields occurring with sucrose followed by glucose. All EPS showed exclusively glucose after acid hydrolysis and monosaccharide analysis. FTIR spectroscopy demonstrated the presence of beta-anomers indicating that all the EPS produced by Botryosphaeria sp. on the different carbon sources were essentially of the beta-D-glucan type.

Partial characterization of proteins from baru (Dipteryx alata Vog) seeds

BACKGROUND: Baru (Dipteryx alata Vog.) is a fruit distributed throughout the Brazilian savanna and contains a seed with a high protein content, whose properties have been rarely explored. The purpose of this study was to characterize this protein, especially by isolation and quantifying its fractions and measuring some of its molecular properties.RESULTS: Baru seeds contain 244 g kg(-1) protein on a dry weight basis. Solubility profiles showed a preponderance of globulins. This fraction dominated the seed composition, with 61.7 wt% of the total soluble proteins. Albumins and glutelins accounted for 14 and 3.3 wt%, respectively. SDS-PAGE resolution of albumin and globulin showed main bands with molecular weights of 84 kDa and 64,66 and 73 kDa, respectively. The total protein of the flour and the globulin showed values of in vitro digestibility of 85.59% and 90.54%, relative to casein. Total globulin produced only one chromatographic peak, both on Sepharose CL-6B gel filtration and on DEAE-cellulose ion-exchange columns, eluted at a concentration of 0.12 mol L(-1) NaCl.CONCLUSION: The baru seed had high protein content with large quantities of storage proteins. The chromatographic and solubility profiles indicate the predominance of a fraction with characteristics of a legumin-type protein. (C) 2011 Society of Chemical Industry

Isolation and partial characterization of a 30 kDa adhesin from Paracoccidioides brasiliensis

The virulence of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis can be attenuated or lost after long periods of repeated subculturing and reestablished after animal inoculation. Only one adhesin (gp43) has been described until now, among the various identified components of P. brasiliensis, and gp43 shows adhesion to laminin. Thus, the present study was designed to isolate and characterize factors putatively related to the capacity of this fungus to adhere to the host by comparing P brasiliensis samples, taken before and after animal inoculation. The two samples differed in their pattern of adhesion and invasion. The sample recently isolated from animals (Pb18b) demonstrated a greater capacity to adhere and to invade the Vero cells than the one subcultured in vitro (Pb18a). Extract from Ph18b also showed higher levels of protein expression than that from Pb18a, when two-dimensional electrophoresis gels were compared. A protein species of 30 kDa, pI 4.9, was more evident in the Pb18b extract and had properties of adhesin. Laminin, but none of the other extracellular matrix (ECM) components, such as fibronectin, collagen I and IV, bound specifically to the P. brasiliensis 30 kDa protein. The roles of 30 kDa and gp43 in cellular interactions were investigated and the adhesion of P. brasiliensis yeast cells was intensively inhibited by pre-treatment of epithelial cells with 30 kDa protein and gp43. Thus, this study presents evidence that adhesion capacity could be related to virulence, and that a 30 kDa adhesin accumulated differentially in samples with different levels of pathogenicity. This protein and its adhesion characteristics are being published for the first time and may be related to the virulence of P brasiliensis. (c) 2005 Elsevier SAS. All rights reserved.

3-D reconstruction by extended depth-of-field in failure analysis - Case study I: Qualitative fractographic investigation of fractured bolts in a partial valve

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Possible New Syndrome: Left Ventricular Noncompaction, Partial Agenesis of the Corpus Callosum, and Developmental Delay in a Brazilian Child

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Moving from reclusion to partial freedom: the experience of family caregivers for disabled elderly persons assisted in a day care center

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Partial HELLP Syndrome: maternal and perinatal outcome

CONTEXTO: A síndrome HELLP é uma grave complicação da gestação caracterizada por hemólise, elevação das enzimas hepáticas e plaquetopenia. Algumas gestantes desenvolvem somente uma ou duas dessas características da síndrome HELLP. Esse quadro é denominado de síndrome HELLP parcial (SHP). OBJETIVO: O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar as repercussões maternas e perinatais das mulheres que desenvolveram SHP e comparar os resultados com mulheres que tiveram hipertensão gestacional ou pré-eclâmpsia sem alterações dos exames laboratoriais para síndrome HELLP. TIPO DE ESTUDO: Observacional, retrospectivo e analítico. LOCAL: Maternidade do Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina de Botucatu, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brasil. AMOSTRA: Foram selecionadas gestantes ou puérperas que tiveram elevação dos níveis pressóricos detectada pela primeira vez após a primeira metade da gestação com ou sem proteinúria entre janeiro/1990 a dezembro/1995. As mulheres foram divididas em dois grupos: Grupo SHP quando as mulheres com hipertensão arterial tinham pelo menos uma, mas não todas as alterações de exames que demonstravam hemólise, elevação das enzimas hepáticas ou plaquetopenia e Grupo Hipertensas pacientes com hipertensão sem alterações nos exames laboratoriais para síndrome HELLP. PRINCIPAIS VARIÁVEIS: Analisamos idade materna, raça, paridade, classificação da hipertensão, idade gestacional no diagnóstico da SHP, alterações nos exames laboratoriais para síndrome HELLP, tempo de permanência no hospital, complicações maternas, via de parto, incidência de prematuridade, restrição de crescimento intra-uterino, natimortos e neomortos. RESULTADOS: 318 mulheres foram selecionadas, das quais 41 (12,9%) tiveram SHP e 277 (87,1%) não desenvolveram alterações dos exames laboratoriais que compõem o diagnóstico da síndrome HELLP. A pré-eclâmpsia foi um tipo de hipertensão mais freqüente no grupo SHP que no grupo hipertensas. Não houve pacientes com hipertensão crônica isolada que desenvolveram SHP. A taxa de cesárea, eclâmpsia e de partos prematuros foi significativamente mais freqüente no grupo SHP que no grupo hipertensas. CONCLUSÃO: Observamos uma conduta agressiva nas pacientes com SHP, que resultou na interrupção imediata da gestação, com elevada taxa de cesárea e de recém-nascido pré-termo. Esta conduta deve ser revista para a redução desses índices.

Oropharyngeal dysphagia and language delay in partial trisomy 9p: case report

The phenotype of partial trisomy 9p includes global developmental delay, microcephaly, bulbous nose, downturned oral commissures, malformed ears, hypotonia, and severe cognitive and language disorders. We present a case report and a comparative review of clinical findings on this condition, focusing on speech-language development, cognitive abilities and swallowing evaluation. We suggest that oropharyngeal dysphagia should be further investigated, considering that pulmonary and nutritional disorders affect the survival and quality of life of the patient. As far as we know, this is the first study of a patient with partial trisomy 9p described with oropharyngeal dysphagia.

Comparative Study Between Porcine Small Intestinal Submucosa and Buccal Mucosa in a Partial Urethra Substitution in Rabbits

Purpose: Several urethral conditions may require tissue substitution. One collagen-base biomaterial that recently emerged as an option is small intestinal submucosa (SIS). The aim of this study was to compare the results of SIS and buccal mucosa for urethral substitution in rabbits.Materials and Methods: Thirty-six North Folk male rabbits were randomized into three groups. In all animals, a 10 x 5 mm urethral segment was excised, and the urethral defect was repaired using a one-layer SIS patch (group I [GI]); four-layer SIS (group II [GII]); or buccal mucosa (group III [GIII]). Urethrography was performed preoperatively and after 12 weeks. After sacrifice, graft retraction was objectively measured using Scion Image (R) computer analysis and by calculation of ellipse area. The grade of fibrosis, inflammatory reaction, vascular/epithelial regeneration, and collagen III/I ratio were analyzed by hematoxylin/eosin and Picrosirius red staining.Results: Urethrography confirmed a wide urethral caliber without any signs of strictures after surgery. Urethral fistulae was diagnosed in 8.3% of cases (1 animal each group). Average graft shrinkage was 55.2% in GI; 44.2% in GII; and 57.2% in GIII (p < 0.05). The intensity of chronic inflammation, fibrosis, epithelium regeneration, and neovascularization was similar in all groups (p > 0.05). Collagen III/I ratio was higher in GII (GI: 119.6; GII: 257.2 and GIII: 115.0); p < 0.01.Conclusions: The four-layer SIS is more advantageous than the one-layer SIS and buccal mucosa for urethral substitution in rabbits.

Ovarian morphometric characterization and in vitro maturation of oocytes obtained from buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) ovaries - partial results

Buffalo ovaries were collected from a slaughterhouse (Frigol, Brazil) and transported to the laboratory in saline solution at 36 degrees C. The ovaries were dissected to realize the evaluations (weight, length, width and height of the ovary; corpus luteum and dominant follicle diameters). The Cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) were recovered by aspiration of 2-8 mm follicles. Selected COCs were matured in TCM 199 supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum, sodium pyruvate, LH, FSH, estradiol and gentamicin. In vitro maturation was carried out at 38.5 degrees C for 22-24 h and 34-36 h. For the evaluation of the nuclear maturation the oocytes were placed in TCM 199 medium added with type v hialuronidase where the granulosa cells were extracted. The denuded oocytes were transferred to 10 mu l of Hoescht 33342 and the chromosomic configuration was evaluated. The oocytes were classified according to meiosis stage in: Germinal Vesicle, Germinal Vesicle Breakdown, Metaphase I, Metaphase II and Degenerated. The means of weight, length, width and height of the ovary were 3.83 g, 2.27 cm, 1.08 cm and 1.56 cm, respectively. The means of corpus luteum and dominant follicle diameters were 1.40 cm and 7.77 mm. The proportion of oocytes that reached metaphase II stage was: 36.68%.