Pharmacokinetics of tetracycline in plasma, synovial fluid and milk using single intravenous and single intravenous regional doses in dairy cattle with papillomatous digital dermatitis

The purpose of this study was to compare the pharmacokinetics of tetracycline in plasma, synovial fluid, and milk following either a single systemic intravenous (i.v.) injection or a single i.v. regional antibiosis (IVRA) administration of tetracycline hydrochloride to dairy cattle with papillomatous digital dermatitis (PDD). To this end, plasma and synovial fluid tetracycline concentrations were compared with the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of the major bacteria, which are known to cause digital diseases and thus assess its efficacy in PDD. Residual tetracycline concentrations in milk from cows treated by both methods were also determined. Twelve Holstein cows with various stages of PDD were randomly assigned to two groups of six animals. Group 1 received a single systemic i.v. injection of 10 mg/kg of tetracycline hydrochloride. Group 2 received 1000 mg of tetracycline hydrochloride by IVRA of the affected limb. Blood, synovial fluid and milk samples were taken prior to tetracycline administration (time 0 control), and then at 22, 45 and 82 min, and 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 12, 24, 48, 72, 96, and 120 h following drug administration. Tetracycline concentrations were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography. Mean tetracycline plasma and milk concentrations in Group 1 were higher than Group 2. The opposite was observed for synovial fluid concentrations. Group 2 synovial fluid concentrations were higher than the MIC value over 24 h for the bacteria most frequently responsible for claw disease. Compared with i.v. administration, IVRA administration of tetracycline produced very high synovial fluid and low plasma and milk concentrations.

Procedimento para homologação de sistemas ecoeficientes para obtenção de créditos de carbono

This paper deals with the homologation process for obtaining carbon credits through the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM), that regulates the greenhouse gases reductions under the rules of the Kyoto Protocol. The CDM evaluates projects through a project cycle, which begins with the preparation of the Project Design Document (PDD) until the project certification to receive Certified Emission Reductions (CERs), popularly known as carbon credits. This study analyzed the implementation of the system Burner Recorder System for Low Flows of Biogas (QRBBV), developed by Marcelino Junior & Godoy (2009), in an eco-friendly wastewater treatment mini-plant (miniEETERA), built at the site of UNESP - Guaratinguetá SP. The QRBBV system is low cost and high reliability, developed to burn the methane generated at sites of low and variable production of biogas, which is not economically justified their energy recovery. Currently, almost all wastewater generated at the site of the campus is being treated by miniEETERA and, as a result, the biogas originated by this activity is being released into the atmosphere. Therefore, the project activity aims to capture and burn the biogas generated by miniEETERA, reducing the negative effects caused by the methane emissions into the atmosphere and, thus, claim to receive carbon credits. This work aimed to demonstrate the project applicability under CDM through the study and preparation of the PDD, as well as an analysis of the entire project cycle required for homologation. The result of the work obtained an estimate of only 20 CERs per year and proved to be economically unviable for approval through the CDM, since the spending with the approval process would not be compensated with the sale of CERs, mainly due the low carbon price in the world market. From an environmental standpoint, the project is perfectly... (Complete abstract click electronic access below)

Procedimento para homologação de sistemas ecoeficientes para obtenção de créditos de carbono

This paper deals with the homologation process for obtaining carbon credits through the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM), that regulates the greenhouse gases reductions under the rules of the Kyoto Protocol. The CDM evaluates projects through a project cycle, which begins with the preparation of the Project Design Document (PDD) until the project certification to receive Certified Emission Reductions (CERs), popularly known as carbon credits. This study analyzed the implementation of the system Burner Recorder System for Low Flows of Biogas (QRBBV), developed by Marcelino Junior & Godoy (2009), in an eco-friendly wastewater treatment mini-plant (miniEETERA), built at the site of UNESP - Guaratinguetá SP. The QRBBV system is low cost and high reliability, developed to burn the methane generated at sites of low and variable production of biogas, which is not economically justified their energy recovery. Currently, almost all wastewater generated at the site of the campus is being treated by miniEETERA and, as a result, the biogas originated by this activity is being released into the atmosphere. Therefore, the project activity aims to capture and burn the biogas generated by miniEETERA, reducing the negative effects caused by the methane emissions into the atmosphere and, thus, claim to receive carbon credits. This work aimed to demonstrate the project applicability under CDM through the study and preparation of the PDD, as well as an analysis of the entire project cycle required for homologation. The result of the work obtained an estimate of only 20 CERs per year and proved to be economically unviable for approval through the CDM, since the spending with the approval process would not be compensated with the sale of CERs, mainly due the low carbon price in the world market. From an environmental standpoint, the project is perfectly... (Complete abstract click electronic access below)

Análisis de la relación que se establece entre las expectativas de padres y profesores de alumnos con necesidades educativas especiales sobre la atención escolar que reciben los hijos/alumnos y el progreso de los mismos

Programa de Doctorado: Formación del Profesorado

La sorpresa come fattore critico indicatore di sintonizzazione emotiva in bambini normali e con disturbi pervasivi dello sviluppo

The topic of this study is surprise, re gard as an evolutionary complex process, with manifold implication in different fields, from neurological, since aspecific correlate of surprise exist more or less at every level of neuronal processes (e.g. Rao e Ballard, 1999.), to behavioral , inasmuch a s our ability to quickly valuate(assess), recognize and learn from surprising events, are be regarded as pivotal for survival (e.g. Ranganath e Rainer, 2003). In particular this work, going from belief that surprise is really a psychoevolutive mechanism of primary relevance, has the objective to investigate if there may be a substantial connection between development of surprise' emotion and specific developmental problems, or, if in subjects with pervasive developmental disorders surprise may embody (represent) a essential mechanism of emotional tuning, and consequently if abnormalities in such process may be at the base of at least a part of cognitive and behavioural problems that determine (describe) this pathology. Theoretical reasons lead us to conside r this particular pathologic condition, recall to a broad area of research concern the comprehension of belief as marker of ability to reasons about mental states of others (i.e. Theory of Mind), and in addition, at the detection of specific subjects' diff iculty in this field. On the experimental side, as well as limited of this work, we have to compare comprehension and expression of surprise in a sample of 21 children with pervasive developmental disorders (PDD), with a sample of 35 children without deve lopmental problems, in a range of age 3-12. Method After the customary approach to become friendly with the child, an experimenter and an accomplice showed three boxes of nuts, easily to distinguish one from the other because of their different colours an d , working together with the child, the contents of one of the boxes were replaced and a different material (macaroni, pebbles) was put in the box. for the purpose of preparing a surprise for someone. At this stage, the accomplice excused himself/herself and left and the experimenter suggested to the child that he prepare another surprise, replacing the contents in the second box. When the accomplice came back, the child was asked to prepare a surprise for him by picking out the box that he thought was the right one for the purpose. After, and the child doesn't know it, the accomplice change the content of one of the boxes with candies and asked out to the children to open the box, in order to see if he show surprise. Result Date have obtain a significant difference between autistic and normal group, in all four tests. The expression of surprise too, is present in significantly lower degree in autistic group than in control group. Moreover, autistic children do not provide appropriate metarappresentative explanations. Conclusion Our outcome, with knowledge of the limit of our investigation at an experimental level (low number of the champions, no possibility of video registration to firm the expressions ) orient to consider eventuality that surprise, may be seen as relevant component, or indicative, in autistic spectrum disorders.

The reconstruction of paleoclimate variability in Northern Germany, during marine isotope stage 5

In order to obtain a better understanding about the influence of post-depositional diagenesis on speleothem 230Th/U-ages and paleoclimate variability during Marine Isotope Stage (MIS) 5 in northern Germany, four stalagmites from the Riesenberghöhle (RBH) were investigated by thin section analysis, 230Th/U-dating as well as stable oxygen and carbon isotope and laser ablation inductively coupled mass spectrometry (LA-ICPMS) trace element analysis. The RBH is located in the Weser Hills and is one of the northernmost limestone caves in Germany.rnMulti collector (MC) ICPMS 230Th/U-ages and thin section analysis of the RBH stalagmites shows that some growth phases of the stalagmites were diagenetically altered after their deposition. The impact of post-depositional diagenesis (PDD) on the 230Th/U-ages is modeled, and potential processes leading to PDD are discussed. In this context, it is suggested that PDD may be induced by rapid climate change at the inception of the GIS.rnDespite of the dating uncertainties resulting from PDD, 230Th/U-dating shows that the RBH stalagmites grew during the Eemian and most of the Greenland Interstadials (GIS) during MIS 5. Thus, the growth phases of the RBH stalagmites might be related to a reorganization of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC). The stable isotope (δ13C and δ18O) and the trace element variability of the stalagmites reflects rapid changes of past temperature and precipitation on millennial and sub-millennial timescales. These past climate changes can be amplified by orbitally forced variations of the July solar insolation at 65°N.

Pachydermodactyly--just a sign of emotional distress

Pachydermodactyly (PDD) is a benign, asymptomatic soft tissue swelling affecting the skin of the lateral aspects of the proximal interphalangeal joints of the fingers II-IV, mostly in young adolescent males, and could be interpreted as a consequence of tic-like behaviour as an obsessive-compulsive disorder in male adolescents. The differential diagnosis includes numerous diseases; a rapid clinical recognition of PDD would avoid many useless and expensive diagnostic tests. There is no effective medical treatment for PDD, but discontinuation of the tic-like mechanical traumatisation generally leads to a marked amelioration of the finger swelling. In this article we review the world literature, which contains 87 additional cases on this topic.

Characteristics of visual hallucinations in Parkinson disease dementia and dementia with Lewy bodies

OBJECTIVE Parkinson disease dementia (PDD) and dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) have overlapping clinical and pathologic features. Recurrent visual hallucinations (RVH) are common in both disorders. The authors have compared details of hallucination characteristics and associated neuropsychiatric features in DLB and PDD. METHODS This is a descriptive, cross-sectional study using the Institute of Psychiatry Visual Hallucinations Interview (IP-VHI) to explore self-reported frequency, duration, and phenomenology of RVH in PDD and DLB. The caregivers' ratings of hallucinations and other neuropsychiatric features were elicited with the Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI). RESULTS Fifty-six patients (35 PDD; 21 DLB) with RVH were assessed. Hallucination characteristics were similar in both disorders. Simple hallucinations were rare. Most patients experienced complex hallucinations daily, normally lasting minutes. They commonly saw people or animals and the experiences were usually perceived as unpleasant. NPI anxiety scores were higher in PDD. Neuropsychiatric symptoms coexisting with hallucinations were apathy, sleep disturbance, and anxiety. CONCLUSIONS Patients with mild to moderate dementia can provide detailed information about their hallucinations. Characteristics of RVH were similar in PDD and DLB, and phenomenology suggests the involvement of dorsal and ventral visual pathways in their generation. The coexistence of RVH with anxiety, apathy, and sleep disturbance is likely to impair patients' quality of life and may have treatment implications.

Saccadic eye movement changes in Parkinson's disease dementia and dementia with Lewy bodies.

Neurodegeneration in Parkinson's disease dementia (PDD) and dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) affect cortical and subcortical networks involved in saccade generation. We therefore expected impairments in saccade performance in both disorders. In order to improve the pathophysiological understanding and to investigate the usefulness of saccades for differential diagnosis, saccades were tested in age- and education-matched patients with PDD (n = 20) and DLB (n = 20), Alzheimer's disease (n = 22) and Parkinson's disease (n = 24), and controls (n = 24). Reflexive (gap, overlap) and complex saccades (prediction, decision and antisaccade) were tested with electro-oculography. PDD and DLB patients had similar impairment in all tasks (P > 0.05, not significant). Compared with controls, they were impaired in both reflexive saccade execution (gap and overlap latencies, P < 0.0001; gains, P < 0.004) and complex saccade performance (target prediction, P < 0.0001; error decisions, P < 0.003; error antisaccades: P < 0.0001). Patients with Alzheimer's disease were only impaired in complex saccade performance (Alzheimer's disease versus controls, target prediction P < 0.001, error decisions P < 0.0001, error antisaccades P < 0.0001), but not reflexive saccade execution (for all, P > 0.05). Patients with Parkinson's disease had, compared with controls, similar complex saccade performance (for all, P > 0.05) and only minimal impairment in reflexive tasks, i.e. hypometric gain in the gap task (P = 0.04). Impaired saccade execution in reflexive tasks allowed discrimination between DLB versus Alzheimer's disease (sensitivity > or =60%, specificity > or =77%) and between PDD versus Parkinson's disease (sensitivity > or =60%, specificity > or =88%) when +/-1.5 standard deviations was used for group discrimination. We conclude that impairments in reflexive saccades may be helpful for differential diagnosis and are minimal when either cortical (Alzheimer's disease) or nigrostriatal neurodegeneration (Parkinson's disease) exists solely; however, they become prominent with combined cortical and subcortical neurodegeneration in PDD and DLB. The similarities in saccade performance in PDD and DLB underline the overlap between these conditions and underscore differences from Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease.

Visual perception in Parkinson disease dementia and dementia with Lewy bodies

OBJECTIVE To quantify visual discrimination, space-motion, and object-form perception in patients with Parkinson disease dementia (PDD), dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), and Alzheimer disease (AD). METHODS The authors used a cross-sectional study to compare three demented groups matched for overall dementia severity (PDD: n = 24; DLB: n = 20; AD: n = 23) and two age-, sex-, and education-matched control groups (PD: n = 24, normal controls [NC]: n = 25). RESULTS Visual perception was globally more impaired in PDD than in nondemented controls (NC, PD), but was not different from DLB. Compared to AD, PDD patients tended to perform worse in all perceptual scores. Visual perception of patients with PDD/DLB and visual hallucinations was significantly worse than in patients without hallucinations. CONCLUSIONS Parkinson disease dementia (PDD) is associated with profound visuoperceptual impairments similar to dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) but different from Alzheimer disease. These findings are consistent with previous neuroimaging studies reporting hypoactivity in cortical areas involved in visual processing in PDD and DLB.

Role of cholinesterase inhibitors in Parkinson's disease and dementia with Lewy bodies

This article reviews the cholinergic changes in Parkinson's disease and dementia (PDD) and dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), their potential clinical implications, and the available evidence for cholinesterase inhibitors in the treatment of PDD and DLB. Marked neuronal loss of cholinergic nuclei, reduced cholinergic markers in the neocortex, hippocampus, and selected thalamic nuclei, and receptor changes have been reported. One large and 2 small placebo-controlled trials and nearly 20 open-label studies suggest that cholinesterase inhibitors have a positive effect on cognition, psychiatric symptoms, and global function in patients with DLB and PDD. The treatment is well tolerated in most patients without any apparent worsening of extrapyramidal motor features. Given the high risk of severe sensitivity reactions and increased risk of cerebrovascular incidents during treatment with neuroleptics, more clinical trials of cholinesterase inhibitors are encouraged to establish their precise role in DLB and PDD.

Dementia with Lewy bodies and Parkinson's disease

Lewy bodies (LB) in the central nervous system are associated with several different clinical syndromes including Parkinson's disease (PD) and dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB). Long term follow up of PD patients finds up to 78% eventually develop dementia, most of these patients exhibiting fluctuating cognition and visual hallucinations similar to DLB and with extensive cortical LB at autopsy. alpha-Synuclein positive, neuritic pathology, in the putamen of DLB and Parkinson's disease dementia (PDD), may contribute to postural-instability gait difficulty, parkinsonism, diminished levodopa responsiveness and increased neuroleptic sensitivity. Cognitive and neuropsychiatric symptoms improve with cholinesterase inhibitor treatment in both patient groups. DLB and PDD should be seen as different points on a spectrum of LB disease. Distinguishing them as separate disorders may be useful in clinical practice, but may be of limited value in terms of investigating and treating the underlying neurobiology.

Examining carer stress in dementia: the role of subtype diagnosis and neuropsychiatric symptoms

INTRODUCTION: Caring for people with dementia incurs significant stress for carers. Stress has been related to the duration of caring role, the number of weekly hours provided and severity of cognitive impairment. What remains less clear is the impact of neuropsychiatric symptoms and subtype of dementia on carer stress and this study aimed to examine these. METHODS: Dementia carers were recruited for people with a range of dementia subtypes. Carers were interviewed using the Neuropsychiatric Inventory with the Carer Distress Scale. Cognitive fluctuations were assessed using the Dementia Cognitive Fluctuations Scale. All patients were also examined with The Cambridge Assessment for mental disorders in the elderly. RESULTS: Dementia diagnostic subtype, the presence of cognitive fluctuations and some neuropsychiatric symptoms (psychosis and mood disturbance) did predict carer stress (all at p < 0.01) but age, gender and severity of cognitive impairment did not (all p > 0.33). Carers of people with dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) and Parkinson's disease dementia (PDD) experienced more stress than those caring for patients with Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia. Carer stress was associated with higher levels of psychosis, mood disturbances, daytime sleep and cognitive fluctuations in the person with dementia. CONCLUSIONS: This study identified the significant impact on carers of providing care for people with DLB and PDD dementia subtypes and also highlighted the significant impact of providing care for patients with high levels of psychosis, mood disturbances and cognitive fluctuations.

Visual Hallucinations in Eye Disease and Lewy Body Disease

Objective: Visual hallucinations (VH) most commonly occur in eye disease (ED), Parkinson’s disease (PD), and Lewy body dementia (LBD). The phenomenology of VH is likely to carry important information about the brain areas within the visual system generating them. Methods: Data from five controlled cross-sectional VH studies (164 controls, 135 ED, 156 PD, 79 (PDD 48 + DLB 31) LBD) were combined and analysed. The prevalence, phenomenology, frequency, duration, and contents of VH were compared across diseases and gender. Results: Simple VH were most common in ED patients (ED 65% vs. LBD 22% vs. PD 9%, Chi-square [χ2] test: χ2=31.43, df=2, p<0.001), whilst complex VH were more common in LBD (LBD 76% vs. ED 38%, vs PD 28%, Chi-square test: χ2=96.80, df=2, p<0.001). The phenomenology of complex VH was different across diseases and gender. ED patients reported more “flowers” (ED 21% vs. LBD 6% vs. PD 0%, Chi-square test: χ2=10.04, df=2, p=0.005) and “body parts” (ED 40% vs. LBD 17% vs. PD 13%, Chi-square test: χ2=11.14, df=2, p=0.004); in contrast LBD patients reported “people” (LBD 85% vs. ED 67% vs. PD 63%, Chi-square test: χ2=6.20, df=2, p=0.045) and “animals/insects” (LBD 50% vs. PD 42% vs. ED 21%, Chi-square test: χ2=9.76, df=2, p=0.008). Males reported more “machines” (13 % vs. 2%, Chi-square test: χ2=6.94, df=1, p=0.008), whilst females reported more “family members/children” (48% vs. 29%, Chi-square test: χ2=5.10, df=1, p=0.024). Conclusions: The phenomenology of VH is likely related to disease specific dysfunctions within the visual system and to past, personal experiences.

European Psychiatric Association Guidance on psychotherapy in chronic depression across Europe

PURPOSE: Patients with chronic depression (CD) by definition respond less well to standard forms of psychotherapy and are more likely to be high utilizers of psychiatric resources. Therefore, the aim of this guidance paper is to provide a comprehensive overview of current psychotherapy for CD. The evidence of efficacy is critically reviewed and recommendations for clinical applications and research are given. METHODS: We performed a systematic literature search to identify studies on psychotherapy in CD, evaluated the retrieved documents and developed evidence tables and recommendations through a consensus process among experts and stakeholders. RESULTS: We developed 5 recommendations which may help providers to select psychotherapeutic treatment options for this patient group. The EPA considers both psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy to be effective in CD and recommends both approaches. The best effect is achieved by combined treatment with psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy, which should therefore be the treatment of choice. The EPA recommends psychotherapy with an interpersonal focus (e.g. the Cognitive Behavioural Analysis System of Psychotherapy [CBASP]) for the treatment of CD and a personalized approach based on the patient's preferences. DISCUSSION: The DSM-5 nomenclature of persistent depressive disorder (PDD), which includes CD subtypes, has been an important step towards a more differentiated treatment and understanding of these complex affective disorders. Apart from dysthymia, ICD-10 still does not provide a separate entity for a chronic course of depression. The differences between patients with acute episodic depression and those with CD need to be considered in the planning of treatment. Specific psychotherapeutic treatment options are recommended for patients with CD. CONCLUSION: Patients with chronic forms of depression should be offered tailored psychotherapeutic treatments that address their specific needs and deficits. Combination treatment with psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy is the first-line treatment recommended for CD. More research is needed to develop more effective treatments for CD, especially in the longer term, and to identify which patients benefit from which treatment algorithm.