Risk of Wheezing Attacks in Infants With Transient Tachypnea Newborns

Background: The most common reason of respiratory distress in the newborn is transient tachypnea of the newborn (TTN). There are some reports saying that TTN is associated with increased frequencies of wheezing attacks. Objectives: The aims of this study were to determine the risk factors associated with TTN and to determine the association between TTN and the development of wheezing syndromes in early life. Materials and Methods: In a historical cohort study, we recorded the characteristics of 70 infants born at the Shohadaye Kargar Hospital in Yazd between March 2005 and March 2009 and who were hospitalized because of TTN in the neonatal intensive-care unit. We called their parents at least four years after the infants were discharged from the hospital and asked about any wheezing attacks. Seventy other infants with no health problems during the newborn period were included in the study as the control group. Results: The rate of wheezing attacks in newborns with TTN was more than patients with no TTN diagnosis (P = 0.014). TTN was found to be an independent risk factor for later wheezing attacks (relative risk [RR] = 2.8). Conclusions: The most obvious finding of this study was that TTN was an independent risk factor for wheezing attacks. So long-term medical care is suggested for these patients who may be at risk, because TTN may not be as transient as has been previously thought.

Investigation of un-American propaganda activities in the United States : Hearings before a Special Committee on Un-American Activities, House of Representatives, Seventy-fifth Congress, third session-Seventy-eighth Congress, second session, on H. Res. 282, to investigate (1) the extent, character, and objects of un-American propaganda activities in the United States, (2) the diffusion within the United States of subversive and un-American propaganda that is instigated from foreign countries or of a domestic origin and attacks the principle of the form of government as guaranteed by our Constitution, and (3) all other questions in relation thereto that would aid Congress in any necessary remedial legislation.

Martin Dies, chairman.

Contagion in cybersecurity attacks

Systems security is essential for the efficient operation of all organizations. Indeed, most large firms employ a designated ‘Chief Information Security Officer’ to coordinate the operational aspects of the organization’s information security. Part of this role is in planning investment responses to information security threats against the firm’s corporate network infrastructure. To this end, we develop and estimate a vector equation system of threats to 10 important IP services, using industry standard SANS data on threats to various components of a firm’s information system over the period January 2003 – February 2011. Our results reveal strong evidence of contagion between such attacks, with attacks on ssh and Secure Web Server indicating increased attack activity on other ports. Security managers who ignore such contagious inter-relationships may underestimate the underlying risk to their systems’ defence of security attributes, such as sensitivity and criticality, and thus delay appropriate information security investments.

A multiagent based strategy for detecting attacks in databases in a distributed mode

This paper presents a distributed hierarchical multiagent architecture for detecting SQL injection attacks against databases. It uses a novel strategy, which is supported by a Case-Based Reasoning mechanism, which provides to the classifier agents with a great capacity of learning and adaptation to face this type of attack. The architecture combines strategies of intrusion detection systems such as misuse detection and anomaly detection. It has been tested and the results are presented in this paper.

An algebraic pedotransfer function to calculate standardized in situ determined field capacity.

Despite the large applicability of the field capacity (FC) concept in hydrology and engineering, it presents various ambiguities and inconsistencies due to a lack of methodological procedure standardization. Experimental field and laboratory protocols taken from the literature were used in this study to determine the value of FC for different depths in 29 soil profiles, totaling 209 soil samples. The volumetric water content (θ) values were also determined at three suction values (6 kPa, 10 kPa, 33 kPa), along with bulk density (BD), texture (T) and organic matter content (OM). The protocols were devised based on the water processes involved in the FC concept aiming at minimizing hydraulic inconsistencies and procedural difficulty while maintaining the practical meaning of the concept. A high correlation between FC and θ(6 kPa) allowed the development of a pedotransfer function (Equation 3) quadratic for θ(6 kPa), resulting in an accurate and nearly bias-free calculation of FC for the four database geographic areas, with a global root mean squared residue (RMSR) of 0.026 m3·m-3. At the individual soil profile scale, the maximum RMSR was only 0.040 m3·m-3. The BD, T and OM data were generally of a low predicting quality regarding FC when not accompanied by the moisture variables. As all the FC values were obtained by the same experimental protocol and as the predicting quality of Equation 3 was clearly better than that of the classical method, which considers FC equal to θ(6), θ(10) or θ(33), we recommend using Equation 3 rather than the classical method, as well as the protocol presented here, to determine in-situ FC.

Development of a health parameters tracking wearable device for detection of stress episodes and principles of panic attacks

A proof of concept for a wearable device is presented to help patients who suffer from panic attacks due to panic disorder. The aim of this device is to enable such patients manage these stressful episodes by guiding them to regulate their breathing and by informing the care taker. Panic attack prediction is deployed that can enable the healthcare providers to not only monitor and manage the panic attacks of a patient but also carry out an early intervention to reduce the symptom severity of the approaching panic attack. The patient can acquire the help they need, ultimately regaining control. The concept of panic attack prediction can lead to a personalized treatment of the patient. The study is conducted using a small real-world dataset, and only two primary symptoms of panic attack are used. These symptoms include pacing heart rate and hyperventilation or abnormal breathing rate. This thesis project is developed in collaboration with ALTEN italia and all the required hardware is provided by them.

Transmission Of Intra-cellular Genetic Information: A System Proposal.

One of the great challenges of the scientific community on theories of genetic information, genetic communication and genetic coding is to determine a mathematical structure related to DNA sequences. In this paper we propose a model of an intra-cellular transmission system of genetic information similar to a model of a power and bandwidth efficient digital communication system in order to identify a mathematical structure in DNA sequences where such sequences are biologically relevant. The model of a transmission system of genetic information is concerned with the identification, reproduction and mathematical classification of the nucleotide sequence of single stranded DNA by the genetic encoder. Hence, a genetic encoder is devised where labelings and cyclic codes are established. The establishment of the algebraic structure of the corresponding codes alphabets, mappings, labelings, primitive polynomials (p(x)) and code generator polynomials (g(x)) are quite important in characterizing error-correcting codes subclasses of G-linear codes. These latter codes are useful for the identification, reproduction and mathematical classification of DNA sequences. The characterization of this model may contribute to the development of a methodology that can be applied in mutational analysis and polymorphisms, production of new drugs and genetic improvement, among other things, resulting in the reduction of time and laboratory costs.

Laparoscopic Antireflux Surgery In Patients With Extra Esophageal Symptoms Related To Asthma.

Asthma, laryngitis and chronic cough are atypical symptoms of the gastroesophageal reflux disease. To analyze the efficacy of laparoscopic surgery in the remission of extra-esophageal symptoms in patients with gastroesophageal reflux, related to asthma. Were reviewed the medical records of 400 patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease submitted to laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication from 1994 to 2006, and identified 30 patients with extra-esophageal symptoms related to asthma. The variables considered were: gender, age, gastroesophageal symptoms (heartburn, acid reflux and dysphagia), time of reflux disease, treatment with proton pump inhibitor, use of specific medications, treatment and evolution, number of attacks and degree of esophagitis. Data were subjected to statistical analysis, comparing the pre- and post-surgical findings. The comparative analysis before surgery (T1) and six months after surgery (T2) showed a significant reduction on heartburn and reflux symptoms. Apart from that, there was a significant difference between the patients with daily crises of asthma (T1 versus T2, 45.83% to 16.67%, p=0.0002) and continuous crises (T1, 41.67% versus T2, 8.33%, p=0.0002). Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication was effective in improving symptoms that are typical of reflux disease and clinical manifestations of asthma.

Trichomes Related To An Unusual Method Of Water Retention And Protection Of The Stem Apex In An Arid Zone Perennial Species.

It is well known that trichomes protect plant organs, and several studies have investigated their role in the adaptation of plants to harsh environments. Recent studies have shown that the production of hydrophilic substances by glandular trichomes and the deposition of this secretion on young organs may facilitate water retention, thus preventing desiccation and favouring organ growth until the plant develops other protective mechanisms. Lychnophora diamantinana is a species endemic to the Brazilian 'campos rupestres' (rocky fields), a region characterized by intense solar radiation and water deficits. This study sought to investigate trichomes and the origin of the substances observed on the stem apices of L. diamantinana. Samples of stem apices, young and expanded leaves were studied using standard techniques, including light microscopy and scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Histochemical tests were used to identify the major groups of metabolites present in the trichomes and the hyaline material deposited on the apices. Non-glandular trichomes and glandular trichomes were observed. The material deposited on the stem apices was hyaline, highly hydrophilic and viscous. This hyaline material primarily consists of carbohydrates that result from the partial degradation of the cell wall of uniseriate trichomes. This degradation occurs at the same time that glandular trichomes secrete terpenoids, phenolic compounds and proteins. These results suggest that the non-glandular trichomes on the leaves of L. diamantinana help protect the young organ, particularly against desiccation, by deposition of highly hydrated substances on the apices. Furthermore, the secretion of glandular trichomes probably repels herbivore and pathogen attacks.

Characterization Of Anfo Explosive By High Accuracy Esi(±)-ftms With Forensic Identification On Real Samples By Easi(-)-ms.

Ammonium nitrate fuel oil (ANFO) is an explosive used in many civil applications. In Brazil, ANFO has unfortunately also been used in criminal attacks, mainly in automated teller machine (ATM) explosions. In this paper, we describe a detailed characterization of the ANFO composition and its two main constituents (diesel and a nitrate explosive) using high resolution and accuracy mass spectrometry performed on an FT-ICR-mass spectrometer with electrospray ionization (ESI(±)-FTMS) in both the positive and negative ion modes. Via ESI(-)-MS, an ion marker for ANFO was characterized. Using a direct and simple ambient desorption/ionization technique, i.e., easy ambient sonic-spray ionization mass spectrometry (EASI-MS), in a simpler, lower accuracy but robust single quadrupole mass spectrometer, the ANFO ion marker was directly detected from the surface of banknotes collected from ATM explosion theft.

Comparação das avaliações neuropsicológicas em menina com doença cerebrovascular bilateral (moyamoya) antes e após a intervenção cirúrgica

Moyamoya is a chronic progressive cerebrovascular disease with characteristic angiographic findings and a clinical picture with episodes of transient ischemic attacks, headache, seizures, hemiparesis, which may resolve after surgical treatment. We describe the case of a girl with the typical findings of the disease, comparing them before and after surgery with the use of neuropsychological tests, neurological examination and laboratory tests.

Long-term follow-up of an 8-year-old boy with insulinoma as the first manifestation of a familial form of multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1

Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) is an autosomal dominant hereditary cancer syndrome characterized mostly by parathyroid, enteropancreatic, and anterior pituitary tumors. We present a case of an 8-year-old boy referred because of hypoglycemic attacks. His diagnosis was pancreatic insulinoma. Paternal grandmother died due to repeated gastroduodenal ulcerations and a paternal aunt presented similar manifestations. At a first evaluation, the father presented only gastric ulceration but subsequently developed hyperparathyroidism and lung carcinoid tumor. During almost 15 years of follow-up, three brothers and the index case presented hyperparathyroidism and hyperprolactinemia. Molecular study showed a G to A substitution in intron 4, at nine nucleotides upstream of the splicing acceptor site, causing a splicing mutation. All affected members of the family have the same mutation. Paternal grandmother and aunt were not studied and the mother does not carry any mutation. MEN1 is a rare condition that requires permanent medical assistance. Early clinical and genetic identification of affected individuals is essential for their own surveillance and also for genetic counseling.

Fundamentos geometricos e algebricos da calibração e reconstrução tridimensional : aplicação na analise cinematica de movimentos humanos

Universidade Estadual de Campinas . Faculdade de Educação Física

Poluição da queima de cana e sintomas respiratórios em escolares de Monte Aprazível, SP

OBJETIVO: Estimar a prevalência de sintomas respiratórios e analisar fatores associados, bem como medidas de pico de fluxo expiratório em escolares. MÉTODOS: Estudo descritivo transversal com escolares de dez a 14 anos de Monte Aprazível, SP. Foram aplicados questionários sobre sintomas de asma e de rinite do protocolo International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood, questões sociodemográficas, fatores predisponentes e antecedentes pessoais e familiares. Foram realizadas medidas repetidas do pico de fluxo expiratório nas crianças e dos níveis de concentração de material particulado (MP2,5) e de black carbon. RESULTADOS: A prevalência de sintomas de asma foi de 11% e de 33,2% de rinite; 10,6% apresentaram mais de quatro crises de sibilos nos últimos 12 meses. Antecedentes familiares para bronquite e rinite associaram-se à presença de asma (p = 0,002 e p < 0,001) e de rinite atuais (p < 0,001 e p < 0,001, respectivamente). Para rinite, houve associação com presença de mofo ou rachadura na casa (p = 0,009). Houve maior freqüência de rinite nos meses de junho a outubro, período de safra da cana de açúcar. Prevalência diária de pico de fluxo expiratório abaixo de 20% da mediana de medidas na criança foi maior em dias com maior concentração de MP2,5. CONCLUSÕES: A prevalência de sintomas de asma está abaixo e a de rinite está acima da média nacional. Ainda que dentro dos níveis aceitáveis, a poluição nos períodos de queima da palha da cana-de-açúcar pode contribuir para a exacerbação de episódios de asma e de rinite.