Evaluation of hepatobiliary excretion and enterobiliary reflux in rats with biliary obstruction submitted to bilioduodenal or biliojejunal anastomosis

Bilioduodenal and biliojejunal anastomoses are effective for the treatment of biliary obstruction. The objective of this study was to compare the effects of these anastomoses on hepatobiliary excretion and enterobiliary reflux. Enterobiliary reflux and biliary excretion were evaluated respectively after oral administration of technetium (Tc-99m) in combination with sodium phytate and intravenous infusion of Tc-99m with diisopropyl-iminodiacetic acid. Enterobiliary reflux occurred to an equal degree in the bilioduodenal and biliojejunal groups. Maximum hepatic activity time (T-max) and radiotracer clearance half-time (T-1/2) were similar in both groups. However, when compared with that found for the sham-operated group, T-max, and T-1/2 were higher in the biliojejunal group (P = 0.02 and P = 0.01, respectively). Histopathological analysis showed marked reduction in ductal proliferation in both groups. These data undermine the theoretical advantages attributed to biliojejunal anastomosis and further the understanding of the pathophysiology of cholangitis that occurs even with patent anastomosis.

Histological analysis of cobalt-chromium stents with and without Camouflage (R) polymer coating: experimental porcine carotid artery model

This study evaluated the arterial response to cobalt-chromium stents with and without polymer coating (Camouflage (R), Hemoteq AG, Wuerselen, Germany) implanted in pigs. Cobalt-chromium balloon-expandable stents (4 x 16 mm) were implanted in the common carotid arteries of nine pigs. Histological analysis of endothelialization, inflammation and injury was performed one month later. All stents were successfully deployed, and all but one animal survived the 30 study days. All arteries were patent. Endothelialization was nearly complete in most sections of all carotid stents in both groups. There were mild inflammatory infiltrate and mild-to-moderate injury, which were associated with the stent shafts and not significantly different between groups. Our findings suggest that, in porcine carotid arteries, the histological response to balloon-expandable cobalt-chromium stents coated with polymer (Camouflage (R), Hemoteq AG) is similar to the response to non-coated cobalt-chromium stents.

Experimental infection of dogs (Canis familiaris) with sporulated oocysts of Neospora caninum

Neospora caninum is widely distributed in the world and this parasite is one of the major causes of abortion in cattle. Dogs and coyotes are definitive hosts of N. caninum and several species of domestic and wild animals are intermediate hosts. Dogs can become infected by the ingestion of tissues containing cysts and then excrete oocysts. It is not yet known whether sporulated oocysts are able to induce a patent infection in dogs, i.e. a shedding of N. caninum oocysts in feces. The objective of this study was to experimentally examine the infection of dogs by sporulated oocysts. The oocysts used in the experiment were obtained by feeding dogs with brain of buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) positive for anti-N. caninum antibodies by indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT >= 200). Oocysts shed by these dogs were confirmed to be N. caninum by molecular methods and by bioassay in gerbils, and sporulated N. caninum oocysts were used for the oral infection of four dogs. The dogs were 8 weeks old and negative for antibodies to N. caninum and Toxoplasma gondii. Dogs 1 and 4 received an inoculum of 10,000 sporulated oocysts each; dog 2 an inoculum of 5000 sporulated oocysts and dog 3 received 1000 sporulated oocysts of N. caninum. The total feces excreted by these dogs were collected and examined daily for a period of 30 days. No oocysts were found in their feces. The dogs were monitored monthly for a 6-month period to observe a possible seroconversion and when this occurred the animals were eliminated from the experiment. Dogs 1 and 4 seroconverted 1 month after the infection with titer, in the IFAT, of 1600 and 800, respectively; the other two dogs presented no seroconvertion during the 6-month period. Dogs 1 and 2 were euthanized 180 days after infection and were examined for the detection of N. caninum in tissues (brain, muscle, lymph node, liver, lung, heart and bone marrow) by immunohistochemistry and PCR with negative results in both techniques. Bioassay in gerbils with brain of these dogs was also performed and again the results were negative. In conclusion, dogs infected with sporulated oocysts of N. caninum were not able to shed oocysts in feces. However, a higher dose of infection stimulated the production of antibodies against N. caninum in the dogs. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Proximal arterial vasoconstriction precedes regression of the hyaloid vasculature

Purpose: To determine whether constriction of proximal arterial vessels precedes involution of the distal hyaloid vasculature in the mouse, under normal conditions, and whether this vasoconstriction is less pronounced when the distal hyaloid network persists, as it does in oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR). Methods: Photomicrographs of the vasa hyaloidea propria were analysed from pre-term pups (1-2 days prior to birth), and on Days 1-11 post-birth. The OIR model involved exposing pups to similar to 90% O-2 from D1-5, followed by return to ambient air. At sampling times pups were anaesthetised and perfused with india ink. Retinal flatmounts were also incubated with FITC-lectin (BS-1, G. simplicifolia,); this labels all vessels, allowing identification of vessels not patent to the perfusate. Results: Mean diameter of proximal hyaloid vessels in preterm pups was 25.44 +/- 1.98 mum; +/-1 SEM). Within 3-12 hrs of birth, significant vasoconstriction was evident (diameter:12.45 +/- 0.88 mum), and normal hyaloid regression subsequently occurred. Similar vasoconstriction occurred in the O-2-treated group, but this was reversed upon return to room air, with significant dilation of proximal vessels by D7 (diameter: 31.75 +/- 11.99 mum) and distal hyaloid vessels subsequently became enlarged and tortuous. Conclusions: Under normal conditions, vasoconstriction of proximal hyaloid vessels occurs at birth, preceding attenuation of distal hyaloid vessels. Vasoconstriction also occurs in O-2-treated pups during treatment, but upon return to room air, the remaining hyaloid vessels dilate proximally, and the distal vessels become dilated and tortuous. These observations support the contention that regression of the hyaloid network is dependent, in the first instance, on proximal arterial vasoconstriction.

Hemiplegic shoulder pain: defining the problem and its management

Purpose: Hemiplegic shoulder pain can affect up to 70% of stroke patients and can have an adverse impact on rehabilitation outcomes. This article aims to review the literature on the suggested causes of hemiplegic shoulder pain and the therapeutic techniques that can be used to prevent or treat it. On the basis of this review, the components of an optimal management programme for hemiplegic shoulder pain are explored. Method: English language articles in the CINAHL and MEDLINE databases between 1990 and 2000 were reviewed. These were supplemented by citation tracking and manual searches. Results: A management programme for hemiplegic shoulder pain could comprise the following components: provision of an external support for the affected upper limb when the patient is seated, careful positioning in bed, daily static positional stretches, motor retraining and strapping of the scapula to maintain postural tone and symmetry. Conclusions: Research is required to evaluate the effectiveness of the components of the proposed management programme for the prevention and treatment of hemiplegic shoulder pain and to determine in what combination they achieve the best outcomes.

An overview of APSIM, a model designed for farming systems simulation

The Agricultural Production Systems Simulator (APSIM) is a modular modelling framework that has been developed by the Agricultural Production Systems Research Unit in Australia. APSIM was developed to simulate biophysical process in farming systems, in particular where there is interest in the economic and ecological outcomes of management practice in the face of climatic risk. The paper outlines APSIM's structure and provides details of the concepts behind the different plant, soil and management modules. These modules include a diverse range of crops, pastures and trees, soil processes including water balance, N and P transformations, soil pH, erosion and a full range of management controls. Reports of APSIM testing in a diverse range of systems and environments are summarised. An example of model performance in a long-term cropping systems trial is provided. APSIM has been used in a broad range of applications, including support for on-farm decision making, farming systems design for production or resource management objectives, assessment of the value of seasonal climate forecasting, analysis of supply chain issues in agribusiness activities, development of waste management guidelines, risk assessment for government policy making and as a guide to research and education activity. An extensive citation list for these model testing and application studies is provided. Crown Copyright (C) 2002 Published by Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.

Development of a more efficient classifying cyclone

A more efficient classifying cyclone (CC) for fine particle classification has been developed in recent years at the JKMRC. The novel CC, known as the JKCC, has modified profiles of the cyclone body, vortex finder, and spigot when compared to conventional hydrocyclones. The novel design increases the centrifugal force inside the cyclone and mitigates the short circuiting flow that exists in all current cyclones. It also decreases the probability of particle contamination in the place near the cyclone spigot. Consequently the cyclone efficiency is improved while the unit maintains a simple structure. An international patent has been granted for this novel cyclone design. In the first development stage-a feasibility study-a 100 mm JKCC was tested and compared with two 100 min commercial units. Very encouraging results were achieved, indicating good potential for the novel design. In the second development stage-a scale-up stage-the JKCC was scaled up to 200 mm in diameter, and its geometry was optimized through numerous tests. The performance of the JKCC was compared with a 150 nun commercial unit and exhibited sharper separation, finer separation size, and lower flow ratios. The JKCC is now being scaled up into a fill-size (480 mm) hydrocyclone in the third development stage-an industrial study. The 480 mm diameter unit will be tested in an Australian coal preparation plant, and directly compared with a commercial CC operating under the same conditions. Classifying cyclone performance for fine coal could be further improved if the unit is installed in an inclined position. The study using the 200 mm JKCC has revealed that sharpness of separation improved and the flow ratio to underflow was decreased by 43% as the cyclone inclination was varied from the vertical position (0degrees) to the horizontal position (90degrees). The separation size was not affected, although the feed rate was slightly decreased. To ensure self-emptying upon shutdown, it is recommended that the JKCC be installed at an inclination of 75-80degrees. At this angle the cyclone performance is very similar to that at a horizontal position. Similar findings have been derived from the testing of a conventional hydrocyclone. This may be of benefit to operations that require improved performance from their classifying cyclones in terms of sharpness of separation and flow ratio, while tolerating slightly reduced feed rate.

eMelanoBase: An online locus-specific variant database for familial melanoma

A proportion of melanoma,prone individuals in both familial and non,familial contexts has been shown to carry inactivating mutations in either CDKN2A or, rarely, CDK4. CDKN2A is a complex locus that encodes two unrelated proteins from alternately spliced transcripts that are read in different frames. The alpha transcript (exons 1a, 2, and 3) produces the p16INK4A cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor, while the beta transcript (exons 1beta and 2) is translated as p14ARF, a stabilizing factor of p53 levels through binding to MDM2. Mutations in exon 2 can impair both polypeptides and insertions and deletions in exons 1alpha, 1beta, and 2, which can theoretically generate p16INK4A,p14ARF fusion proteins. No online database currently takes into account all the consequences of these genotypes, a situation compounded by some problematic previous annotations of CDKN2A related sequences and descriptions of their mutations. As an initiative of the international Melanoma Genetics Consortium, we have therefore established a database of germline variants observed in all loci implicated in familial melanoma susceptibility. Such a comprehensive, publicly accessible database is an essential foundation for research on melanoma susceptibility and its clinical application. Our database serves two types of data as defined by HUGO. The core dataset includes the nucleotide variants on the genomic and transcript levels, amino acid variants, and citation. The ancillary dataset includes keyword description of events at the transcription and translation levels and epidemiological data. The application that handles users' queries was designed in the model,view. controller architecture and was implemented in Java. The object-relational database schema was deduced using functional dependency analysis. We hereby present our first functional prototype of eMelanoBase. The service is accessible via the URL www.wmi.usyd.e, du.au:8080/melanoma.html.

Indicadores de Ciência, Tecnologia & Inovação : análise da produção científica e tecnológica da área de conhecimento em Engenharia Civil na Base de Dados da Web of Science

Esta dissertação trata da análise da produção científica e tecnológica internacional e brasileira na área de conhecimento Engenharia Civil, por meio de indicadores bibliométricos. A área Engenharia Civil foi escolhida em razão da sua relevância para o desenvolvimento econômico do país. No entanto, em termos absolutos e relativos, está entre os setores tecnologicamente mais atrasados da economia. A bibliometria é uma disciplina com alcance multidisciplinar que estuda o uso e os aspectos quantitativos da produção científica registrada. Os indicadores de produção científica são objeto de análise de várias áreas do conhecimento, tanto para o planejamento e a execução de políticas públicas de vários setores quanto para maior conhecimento da comunidade científica sobre o sistema em que está inserida. A metodologia utilizada para a elaboração deste estudo descritivo de caráter exploratório foi a análise documental e bibliométrica, baseada em dados das publicações científicas, no período de 1970 a 2012, e tecnológicas, no período de 2001 a 2012, da área Engenharia Civil, indexadas nas bases de dados Science Citattion Index Expanded (SCI); Social Science Citation Index (SSCI); Conference Proceedings Citation Index (CPCI) e da Derwent Innovations Index (DII), que compõem a base de dados multidisciplinar da Web of Sicence (WoS). As informações foram qualificadas e quantificadas com o auxílio do software bibliométrico VantagePoint®. Os resultados obtidos confirmaram o baixo número de publicações científicas e tecnológicas na área de conhecimento Engenharia Civil de autores filiados a instituições de ensino e pesquisa brasileiras quando comparados aos dos países industrializados. Existe um conjunto de fortes condicionantes que ultrapassam o poder de decisão e de influência da academia, dificultando e limitando a disseminação das pesquisas e patentes brasileiras relacionadas a fatores de caráter sistêmico e cultural. A possibilidade de análise de indicadores de produção científica e tecnológica na Engenharia Civil contribui para criar políticas que, se utilizadas por agências de fomento, podem subsidiar investimentos mais fundamentados por parte dos governos e da iniciativa privada, a exemplo do que é feito por outros setores industriais.

Contribution towards a reflection about methodological strategies in design education and the function of drawing in design

This work presents a reflection on Design education and specifically on the role of Drawing in this area. As a subject, Design has expanded its field of action expanding into new areas such as Experience Design or Service Design. It became necessary for the designer to have more than an education based on technological knowledge or know-how. Many authors like Meredith Davis, Don Norman or Jamie Hobson point out the urgency to review the curricula of Design courses because nowadays “… design is more than appearance, design is about interaction, about strategy and about services. Designers change social behavior” (Norman 2011). When shifting from a product-centered design to a person-centered design (in a structure, a service or in a relationship) what should the function of drawing in a design course be? What should its curriculum be? Our work methodology will be to confront today’s perspectives on design theory and practice in an attempt to add to the discussion on the methodological strategies in design teaching in the contemporary context.

Comparison of body fat content and distribution of familial amyloidotic polyneuropathy patients versus healthy subjects

The deposition of amyloid fibers at the peripheral nervous system can induce motor neuropathy in Familial Amiloidotic Polyneuropethy (FAP) patients. This produces progressive reductions in functional capacity. The only treatment for FAP is a liver transplant, followed by aggressive medication that can affect patients' metabolism. To our knowledge, there are no data on body fat distribution or comparison between healthy and FAP subjects, which may be important for clinical assessment and management of this disease. PURPOSE: To analyze body fat content and distribution between FAP patients and healthy subjects. METHODS: Body fat content and distribution were measured through Double Energy X-ray Densitometry (DXA) in two groups. Group 1 consisted of 43 Familial Amyloidotic Polyneuropathy patients (19 males, 32 + 8 Yrs, and 24 females, 37 + 5 yrs), who had liver transplant less than 2 months before. Group 2 consisted of 18 healthy subjects of similar age (8 males, 36 + 7 yrs, and 10 females, 39 + 5 yrs). RESULTS: Healthy subjects showed higher values than FAP patients for: BMI (24,2+2,3kg/m2 vs 22,3+3,8 kg/m2 respectively, p<0,05), % trunk BF (26,21+8,34kg vs 20,78+9,05kg respectively, p<0,05), % visceral BF (24,43+7,97% vs 19,21+9,30% respectively, p<0,05), % abdominal BF (26,63+8,51% vs 20,63+10,35% respectively, p<0,05) abdominal subcutaneous BF (0,533+0,421kg vs 0,353+0,257kg respectively, p=0,05), abdominal BF/BF ratio (0,09+0,02 vs 0,08+0,02 respectively, p<0,05) and abdominal BF/trunk BF ratio (0,19+0,03 vs 0,17+0,03 respectively, p<0,05). CONCLUSIONS: These results showed that FAP patients soon after liver transplantation exhibited a healthier body fat profile compared to controls. However, fat content and distribution varied widely in FAP subjects, suggesting an individualized approach for assessment and intervention rather than general guidelines. Future research is needed to investigate the long term consequences on body fat following liver transplant in this population.

Macrociclos tetrapirrólicos e produtos de contraste iodados: uma nova abordagem

O trabalho descrito no presente documento reporta a preparação de derivados tetrapirrólicos iodados de tipo porfirina tornando-os potenciais veículos a meio de contraste iodado, usado em radiodiagnóstico. Com os resultados deste trabalho irá ser realizado um pedido de patente das moléculas e portanto, o acesso a este trabalho será restrito nos termos do Código da Propriedade Industrial, aprovado pelo Decreto de Lei nº 36/2003 de 5 de Março. Na primeira fase do trabalho, foi sintetizado o derivado porfirínico simétrico, meso-substituído, contendo um total de 8 iodos. Este foi preparado por condensação do pirrol e do aldeído iodado em meio ácido e na presença de nitrobenzeno. Foram ainda preparados as respetivas metaloporfirinas contendo os iões metálicos de manganês e gadolínio. Posteriormente foi avaliada a capacidade destes derivados atenuarem o feixe de raio-X, através da mediação das Unidades de Hounsfield, após serem adquiridas imagens por Tomografia Computorizada. Na segunda fase do trabalho procedeu-se ao estudo da influência destes compostos na diferenciação celular, usando como modelo as células de pré-adipócitos 3T3-L1. Foi avaliada a diferenciação celular, através da quantificação de lípidos das células maduras, marcados com Red Oil O, por espectrofotometria de Visível 3 e 10 dias após a administração dos derivados em estudo.

Mercurio y salud en la odontología

El mercurio es un metal pesado ampliamente utilizado por el hombre. Se considera muy tóxico por generar afecciones sobre el sistema nervioso central, perturbaciones en el comportamiento y trastornos renales, inmunes y sexuales, entre otros. Desde hace más de un siglo, el mercurio es utilizado en la práctica odontológica por su capacidad de unir metales (amalgamar), su bajo costo y su rápida fijación en la reparación de piezas dentales. Actualmente, existe una gran controversia acerca de la seguridad del uso de las amalgamas dentales y se ha demostrado el riesgo ocupacional al que están expuestos dentistas y asistentes dentales. El objetivo del trabajo es revisar aspectos relacionados con la toxicidad del mercurio metálico tanto para el personal involucrado en la práctica odontológica como para los pacientes con amalgamas. De igual modo, se presentan las rutas de exposición a este metal en la odontología, los riesgos ocupacionales a los cuales están expuestos los odontólogos y asistentes dentales y las medidas para prevenir la intoxicación por mercurio. Se realizó la búsqueda bibliográfica sobretudo en las bases de datos Biological Abstracts y Science Citation Index para el período comprendido entre los años 1990 y 2000.

Agent-based simulation of electronic marketplaces with decision support

This paper presents a Multi-Agent Market simulator designed for analyzing agent market strategies based on a complete understanding of buyer and seller behaviors, preference models and pricing algorithms, considering user risk preferences and game theory for scenario analysis. The system includes agents that are capable of improving their performance with their own experience, by adapting to the market conditions, and capable of considering other agents reactions.

A multi-agent system for the support of producer coalition formation in electricity markets

All over the world Distributed Generation is seen as a valuable help to get cleaner and more efficient electricity. To get negotiation power and advantages of scale economy, distributed producers can be aggregated giving place to a new concept: the Virtual Power Producer. Virtual Power Producers are multitechnology and multi-site heterogeneous entities. Virtual Power Producers should adopt organization and management methodologies so that they can make Distributed Generation a really profitable activity, able to participate in the market. In this paper we address the development of a multi-agent market simulator – MASCEM – able to study alternative coalitions of distributed producers in order to identify promising Virtual Power Producers in an electricity market.