Results of Anterior Tucking of the Superior Oblique Muscle Tendon in Bilateral Fourth Nerve Palsy.

Background: Bilateral fourth nerve palsy is characterised by excyclotorsion, which can be corrected by reinforcement of the anterior tendon fibres of the superior oblique muscle. Patients and Methods: A retrospective study of 40 consecutive patients with bilateral acquired fourth nerve palsy operated by a selective tuck of the anterior portion of the superior oblique tendon between 1994 and 2012 was undertaken. Horizontal, vertical and torsional deviations were measured in 9 diagnostic positions of gaze and the field of binocular single vision was evaluated with the Harms tangent screen. Postoperative follow-ups took place at 1 week, 6 months, and ≥ 3 years. Results: Preoperative mean excyclotorsion was 9° in the primary position and 15° in downgaze. These values decreased to 2° and 5° 6 months after surgery, and 2.5° and 6° at ≥ 3 years. Immediate post-operative incyclotorsion in upgaze (28 patients) and Brown syndrome (15 patients) regressed spontaneously. The median score of field of binocular single vision improved from 4 % preoperatively to 76 % postoperatively. Conclusions: The selective tuck of the anterior tendon fibers of the superior oblique tendon enables an efficient and long-lasting correction of the ocular torsion induced by bilateral trochlear palsy.

Nonsurgical treatment of cyclic esotropia.

Cyclic esotropia is characterized by a 24-hour period of straight eye position followed by 24 hours of large-angle esotropia. Possible mechanisms include notably progressive loss of compensation of a latent strabismus. The classic treatment is surgical correction of the angle measured on the days with manifest deviation. We report the first case of cyclic esotropia successfully treated by prismatic correction of the latent strabismus present on "straight" days.

Development of phase retrieval algorithm and techniques for optical spectrum analysis

Coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering is the powerful method of laser spectroscopy in which significant successes are achieved. However, the non-linear nature of CARS complicates the analysis of the received spectra. The objective of this Thesis is to develop a new phase retrieval algorithm for CARS. It utilizes the maximum entropy method and the new wavelet approach for spectroscopic background correction of a phase function. The method was developed to be easily automated and used on a large number of spectra of different substances.. The algorithm was successfully tested on experimental data.

Comparison of USEPA 3050B and ISO 14869-1: 2001 digestion methods for sediment analysis by using FAAS and ICP-OES quantification techniques

A study of the partial USEPA 3050B and total ISO 14869-1:2001 digestion methods of sediments was performed. USEPA 3050B was recommended as the simpler method with less operational risk. However, the extraction ability of the method should be taken in account for the best environmental interpretation of the results. FAAS was used to quantify metal concentrations in sediment solutions. The alternative use of ICP-OES quantification should be conditioned by a previous detailed investigation and eventual correction of the matrix effect. For the first time, the EID method was employed for the detection and correction of the matrix effect in sediment ICP-OES analysis. Finally, some considerations were made about the level of metal contamination in the area under study.

THE APPLICATION OF AUTOMATED CORRELATION OPTIMIZED WARPING TO THE QUALITY EVALUATION OF Radix Puerariae thomsonii: CORRECTING RETENTION TIME SHIFT IN THE CHROMATOGRAPHIC FINGERPRINTS

The application of automated correlation optimized warping (ACOW) to the correction of retention time shift in the chromatographic fingerprints of Radix Puerariae thomsonii (RPT) was investigated. Twenty-seven samples were extracted from 9 batches of RPT products. The fingerprints of the 27 samples were established by the HPLC method. Because there is a retention time shift in the established fingerprints, the quality of these samples cannot be correctly evaluated by using similarity estimation and principal component analysis (PCA). Thus, the ACOW method was used to align these fingerprints. In the ACOW procedure, the warping parameters, which have a significant influence on the alignment result, were optimized by an automated algorithm. After correcting the retention time shift, the quality of these RPT samples was correctly evaluated by similarity estimation and PCA. It is demonstrated that ACOW is a practical method for aligning the chromatographic fingerprints of RPT. The combination of ACOW, similarity estimation, and PCA is shown to be a promising method for evaluating the quality of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

The relativity of evaluative sentences: disagreeing over disagreement

Evaluative sentences (moral judgments, expressions of taste, epistemic modals) are relative to the speaker's standards. Lately, a phenomenon has challenged the traditional explanation of this relativity: whenever two speakers disagree over them they contradict each other without being at fault. Hence, it is thought that the correction of the assertions involved must be relative to an unprivileged standard not necessarily the speaker's. I will claim instead that so far, neither this nor any other proposal has provided an explanation of the phenomenon. I will point out several problems presented by them and I will hint to how this phenomenon could be explained by making minor adjustments to our semantic theory.

Estimation of transpiration of the 'Valencia' orange young plant using thermal dissipation probe method

Most studies on measures of transpiration of plants, especially woody fruit, relies on methods of heat supply in the trunk. This study aimed to calibrate the Thermal Dissipation Probe Method (TDP) to estimate the transpiration, study the effects of natural thermal gradients and determine the relation between outside diameter and area of xylem in 'Valencia' orange young plants. TDP were installed in 40 orange plants of 15 months old, planted in boxes of 500 L, in a greenhouse. It was tested the correction of the natural thermal differences (DTN) for the estimation based on two unheated probes. The area of the conductive section was related to the outside diameter of the stem by means of polynomial regression. The equation for estimation of sap flow was calibrated having as standard lysimeter measures of a representative plant. The angular coefficient of the equation for estimating sap flow was adjusted by minimizing the absolute deviation between the sap flow and daily transpiration measured by lysimeter. Based on these results, it was concluded that the method of TDP, adjusting the original calibration and correction of the DTN, was effective in transpiration assessment.

Use of penetrometers in agriculture: a review

Soil physical quality can be easily and quickly evaluated by using simple equipment to identify levels of soil compaction. Hence, it is necessary to know the variables responsible for changes in the soil penetration resistance (SPR). The aim of this review is to identify the main factors related to the various equipment used for assessing SPR as a soil physical quality indicator in agriculture. This literature review describes the different types of equipment used and its relationship with SPR. A wide range of procedures, devices, and equipments are available. Much of variability in SPR results is related to the equipment model, cone angle and diameter, and penetration rate. Usually, restrictions to root growth are correlated with SPR values above 2-3 MPa. However, comparisons of SPR values obtained under different soil moisture regimes in the same soil type have provided conflicting results of difficult interpretation. In order to minimize these problems, there is a need for standardization of measurement procedures and interpretation, and/or correction of SPR values according to a soil water content of reference.

Cloroplast pigments as indicators of lead stress

Plants respond to environmental adversities, becoming an indicator for assessing the environment quality. In this aspect, chlorophyll contents as well, carotenoids are used as a reliable indicator to associate environmental quality and pollution, mainly regarding the toxicity of heavy metals in higher plants. So, we aimed to evaluate the content of chlorophyll a, b, and total chlorophylls and carotenoids in plants vetiver [Vetiveria zizanioides (L.) Nash], maize (Zea mays L.) cv. AG 1051, sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) cv. BRS 122/V-2000, and castor beans (Ricinus communis L. ) cv . Northeastern BRS grown in contaminated soil with lead, with and without correction of soil pH, so they were used as indicators of metal stress by the soil. From the biochemical point of view, the correction of soil pH values caused chlorophyll a, b and total statistically higher for vetiver species and castor beans in the analyzed periods, except for the analysis performed 60 days after transplanting where only the species vetiver benefited from the correction of soil pH on the content of chlorophyll b and total. On the other hand plants without correction of soil pH showed a decrease of all chlorophyll levels. In addition, the largest increase in the synthesis of carotenoids, indicated that under stress the plants have developed alternative routes of dissipation of energy in order to avoid problems of photo-inhibition and photo-oxidation.

The spindle assembly checkpoint as a drug target - Novel small-molecule inhibitors of Aurora kinases

Cell division (mitosis) is a fundamental process in the life cycle of a cell. Equal distribution of chromosomes between the daughter cells is essential for the viability and well-being of an organism: loss of fidelity of cell division is a contributing factor in human cancer and also gives rise to miscarriages and genetic birth defects. For maintaining the proper chromosome number, a cell must carefully monitor cell division in order to detect and correct mistakes before they are translated into chromosomal imbalance. For this purpose an evolutionarily conserved mechanism termed the spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC) has evolved. The SAC comprises a complex network of proteins that relay and amplify mitosis-regulating signals created by assemblages called kinetochores (KTs). Importantly, minor defects in SAC signaling can cause loss or gain of individual chromosomes (aneuploidy) which promotes tumorigenesis while complete failure of SAC results in cell death. The latter event has raised interest in discovery of low molecular weight (LMW) compounds targeting the SAC that could be developed into new anti-cancer therapeutics. In this study, we performed a cell-based, phenotypic high-throughput screen (HTS) to identify novel LMW compounds that inhibit SAC function and result in loss of cancer cell viability. Altogether, we screened 65 000 compounds and identified eight that forced the cells prematurely out of mitosis. The flavonoids fisetin and eupatorin, as well as the synthetic compounds termed SACi2 and SACi4, were characterized in more detail utilizing versatile cell-based and biochemical assays. To identify the molecular targets of these SAC-suppressing compounds, we investigated the conditions in which SAC activity became abrogated. Eupatorin, SACi2 and SACi4 preferentially abolished the tensionsensitive arm of the SAC, whereas fisetin lowered also the SAC activity evoked by lack of attachments between microtubules (MTs) and KTs. Consistent with the abrogation of SAC in response to low tension, our data indicate that all four compounds inhibited the activity of Aurora B kinase. This essential mitotic protein is required for correction of erratic MT-KT attachments, normal SAC signaling and execution of cytokinesis. Furthermore, eupatorin, SACi2 and SACi4 also inhibited Aurora A kinase that controls the centrosome maturation and separation and formation of the mitotic spindle apparatus. In line with the established profound mitotic roles of Aurora kinases, these small compounds perturbed SAC function, caused spindle abnormalities, such as multi- and monopolarity and fragmentation of centrosomes, and resulted in polyploidy due to defects in cytokinesis. Moreover, the compounds dramatically reduced viability of cancer cells. Taken together, using a cell-based HTS we were able to identify new LMW compounds targeting the SAC. We demonstrated for the first time a novel function for flavonoids as cellular inhibitors of Aurora kinases. Collectively, our data support the concept that loss of mitotic fidelity due to a non-functional SAC can reduce the viability of cancer cells, a phenomenon that may possess therapeutic value and fuel development of new anti-cancer drugs.

Nuss procedure for Pectus excavatum repair: critical appraisal of the evidence

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of correction of pectus excavatum by the Nuss technique based on the available scientific evidence.Methods: We conducted an evidence synthesis following systematic processes of search, selection, extraction and critical appraisal. Outcomes were classified by importance and had their quality assessed by the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE).Results: The process of selection of items led to the inclusion of only one systematic review, which synthesized the results of nine observational studies comparing the Nuss and Ravitch procedures. The evidence found was rated as poor and very poor quality. The Nuss procedure has increased the incidence of hemothorax (RR = 5.15; 95% CI: 1.07; 24.89), pneumothorax (RR = 5.26; 95% CI: 1.55; 17.92) and the need for reintervention (RR = 4.88; 95% CI: 2.41; 9.88) when compared to the Ravitch. There was no statistical difference between the two procedures in outcomes: general complications, blood transfusion, hospital stay and time to ambulation. The Nuss operation was faster than the Ravitch (mean difference [MD] = -69.94 minutes, 95% CI: -139.04, -0.83).Conclusion: In the absence of well-designed prospective studies to clarify the evidence, especially in terms of aesthetics and quality of life, surgical indication should be individualized and the choice of the technique based on patient preference and experience of the team.

Impact of Sacrospinous Colpopexy Associated with Anterior Colporrhaphy for the Treatment of Dome Prolapse on all Three Vaginal Compartments

Objective To evaluate the results of sacrospinous colpopexy surgery associated with anterior colporrhaphy for the treatment of women with post-hysterectomy vaginal vault prolapse. Methods This prospective study included 20women with vault prolapse, PelvicOrgan Prolapse Quantification System (POP-Q) stage≥2, treated between January 2003 and February 2006, and evaluated in a follow-up review (more than one year later). Genital prolapse was evaluated qualitatively in stages and quantitatively in centimeters. Prolapse stage < 2 was considered to be the cure criterion. Statistical analysis was performed using the Wilcoxon test (paired samples) to compare the points and stages of prolapse before and after surgery. Results Evaluation of the vaginal vault after one year revealed that 95% of subjects were in stage zero and that 5% were in stage 1. For cystocele, 50% were in stage 1, 10% were in stage 0 (cured) and 40% were in stage 2. For rectocele, three women were in stage 1 (15%), one was in stage 2 (5%) and 16 had no further prolapse. The most frequent complication was pain in the right buttock, with remission of symptoms in all three cases three months after surgery. Conclusions In this retrospective study, the surgical correction of vault prolapse using a sacrospinous ligament fixation technique associatedwith anterior colporrhaphy proved effective in resolving genital prolapse. Despite the low complication rates, there was a high rate of cystocele, which may be caused by posterior vaginal shifting due to either the technique or an overvaluation by the POP-Q system.

QT interval in healthy dogs: which method of correcting the QT interval in dogs is appropriate for use in small animal clinics?

The electrocardiography (ECG) QT interval is influenced by fluctuations in heart rate (HR) what may lead to misinterpretation of its length. Considering that alterations in QT interval length reflect abnormalities of the ventricular repolarisation which predispose to occurrence of arrhythmias, this variable must be properly evaluated. The aim of this work is to determine which method of correcting the QT interval is the most appropriate for dogs regarding different ranges of normal HR (different breeds). Healthy adult dogs (n=130; German Shepherd, Boxer, Pit Bull Terrier, and Poodle) were submitted to ECG examination and QT intervals were determined in triplicates from the bipolar limb II lead and corrected for the effects of HR through the application of three published formulae involving quadratic, cubic or linear regression. The mean corrected QT values (QTc) obtained using the diverse formulae were significantly different (ρ<0.05), while those derived according to the equation QTcV = QT + 0.087(1- RR) were the most consistent (linear regression). QTcV values were strongly correlated (r=0.83) with the QT interval and showed a coefficient of variation of 8.37% and a 95% confidence interval of 0.22-0.23 s. Owing to its simplicity and reliability, the QTcV was considered the most appropriate to be used for the correction of QT interval in dogs.

Association of leprosy with HLA-DR2 in a Southern Brazilian population

The association between HLA specificities and leprosy was investigated in a Southern Brazilian population. One hundred and twenty-one patients and 147 controls were typed for HLA-A, B, Cw, DR and DQ. Patients were subdivided into the following subgroups, according to clinical, histological and immunological criteria: lepromatous (N = 55), tuberculoid (N = 32), dimorphous (N = 20), and indeterminate (N = 14). The frequencies of HLA specificities were compared between the total group of patients and controls, and between the same controls and each subgroup of patients. After correction of the probabilities, deviations were not significant, except for the DR2 specificity, which presented a frequency of 44.2% in the total group of patients and 56.3% in the subgroup of individuals with the tuberculoid form of the disease, compared to 23.3% in the controls. Stratified analysis showed that the increased DR2 frequency in the total group of patients was due to the subgroups with the tuberculoid and dimorphous forms. The relative risk of tuberculoid leprosy for DR2-positive individuals was 4.2, and the etiologic fraction of DR2 was 0.429. In conclusion, a positive association of the DR2 specificity with the tuberculoid form of leprosy, but not with the lepromatous, dimorphous, or indeterminate forms, was demonstrated in this Southern Brazilian population

Effect of all-trans retinoic acid on newly diagnosed acute promyelocytic leukemia patients: results of a Brazilian center

Thirty-seven patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) were treated with all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA). Patients received 45 mg m-2 day-1 po of ATRA until complete remission (CR) was achieved, defined as: a) presence of less than 5% blasts in the bone marrow, with b) white blood cells >103/mm3, c) platelets >105/mm3 and d) hemoglobin concentration >8 g/dl, with no blood or platelet transfusions. Thirty-one (83.7%) patients achieved CR by day 50, and 75% of these before day 30. Correction of the coagulopathy, achieved between days 2 and 10 (mean, 3 days), was the first evidence of response to treatment. Only one patient had been previously treated with chemotherapy and three had the microgranular variant M3 form. Dryness of skin and mucosae was the most common side effect observed in 82% of the patients. Thrombosis, hepatotoxicity and retinoid acid syndrome (RAS) were observed in 7 (19%), 6 (16%) and 4 (11%) patients, respectively. Thirteen (35%) patients had to be submitted to chemotherapy due to hyperleukocytosis (above 40 x 103/mm3) and six of these presented with new signs of coagulopathy after chemotherapy. Four (11%) patients died secondarily to intracerebral hemorrhage (IH) and two (5.4%) dropped out of the protocol due to severe ATRA side effects (one RAS and one hepatotoxicity). RAS and IH were related strictly to hyperleukocytosis. The reduced use of platelets and fresh frozen plasma probably lowered the total cost of treatment. We conclude that ATRA is an effective agent for inducing complete remission in APL patients.