Idiopathic pulmonary hemosiderosis with cystic lesions: A rare presentation

This report describes a case of a 49-year-old man with cough, recurrent hemoptysis, and dyspnea during 18 months, presenting with radiological findings of alveolar infiltrate and cystic lesions in left upper lobe. Laboratory studies revealed normocytic hypochromic anemia and normal coagulation tests. C-reactive protein and mucoproteins were negative. Serum protein electrophoresis and complement, urinalysis, serum creatinine, creatinine clearance, and 24-hour urine protein were normal. Tests for antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies and anti-glomerular-basement membrane antibodies were negative. Tests for connective tissue diseases were all negative. Histological findings were consistent with those of idiopathic pulmonary hemosiderosis. Radiological findings are discussed.

Stability of cp-Ti and Ti-6Al-4V alloy for dental implants as a function of saliva pH - an electrochemical study

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Correlation between morphology and function of the upper lip: a longitudinal evaluation

In order to evaluate the relationship between the morphology of the upper lip and muscle activity in a sample of 38 subjects (17 males and 21 females) with Angle Class II division 1 malocclusions, cephalometric and electromyographic analyses were conducted. The sample was subdivided into either predominantly nose or mouth breathers. The individuals were evaluated at two different periods, with a 2 year interval. At the first observation, the subjects were 11 years to 14 years 11 months of age and at the second observation, 13 years 4 months to 16 years 6 months of age. Height and thickness of the upper lip were measured on lateral cephalograms with the aid of a digital pachymeter. For each individual, electromyographic records were obtained of the orbicularis oris superior muscle at rest and in a series of 12 movements. The electromyographic data were normalized as a function of amplitude, for achievement of the percentage value of each movement. Pearson and Spearman correlation tests were applied.The results showed some correlation between morphology and muscle function (at a confidence level of 95 per cent). However, as the values of the correlation coefficient (r) were too low to establish associations between variables, it was concluded that the dimensions of the upper lip are not correlated with muscle activity.

Ovary peltate trichomes of Zeyheria montana (Bignoniaceae): Developmental ultrastructure and secretion in relation to function

center dot Background and Aims Nectar production in the Bignoniaceae species lacking a nectariferous functional disc is ascribed to trichomatic glands around the ovary base and/or on the inner corolla wall. Nevertheless, knowledge about the secretion and function of these glands is very incomplete. The purpose of this paper is to study, from a developmental viewpoint, the ultrastructure, histochemistry and secretory process of the peltate trichomes on the ovary of Zeyheria montana, a species in the Bignoniaceae which has a rudimentary disc.center dot Methods Samples of the gynoecium at various developmental stages were fixed and processed for light and electron microscopy. Histochemistry and cytochemistry tests were performed to examine the chemical composition of exudates. Thin layer chromatography was used to determine the presence of alkaloids and terpenes in gynoecium and fruit extracts, and in fresh nectar stored in the nectar chamber.center dot Key Results Peltate trichomes at different developmental stages appear side by side from floral budding up to pre-dispersal fruit. Large plastids with an extensive internal membrane system consisting of tubules filled with lipophilic material, abundant smooth endoplasmic reticulum, few Golgi bodies, lipophilic deposits in the smooth endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria, and scattered cytoplasmic oil droplets are the main characteristics of mature head cells. The secretion which accumulates in the subcuticular space stains positively for hydrophilic and lipophilic substances, with lipids prevailing for fully peltate trichomes. Histochemistry and thin layer chromatography detected terpenes and alkaloids. Fehling's test to detect of sugars in the secretion was negative.center dot Conclusions the continuous presence and activity of peltate trichomes on the ovary of Z. montana from early budding through to flowering and fruiting set, and its main chemical components, alkaloids and terpenes, suggest that they serve a protective function and are not related to the floral nectar source or to improving nectar quality.

Leaf emergences in Microlepis oleaefolia (DC.) Triana (Melastomataceae) and their probable function: An anatomical and ultrastructural study

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

Opportunistic microorganisms in patients undergoing antibiotic therapy for pulmonary tuberculosis

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

Inner satellites of Neptune: I the disturbing function

In this work, we focus our attention to the expansion of the disturbing function (R) which governs the dynamics of a satellite (natural or artificial) in the Neptune-Triton system. What makes this problem quite unusual, is the fact that a small inner satellite can be strongly disturbed by Triton which is moving in a highly inclined and retrograde orbit. These features are unique in our solar system. Although a lot of retrograde satellites are currently known, all of them have negligible mass and the), do not offer almost any perturbation on the others satellites. However, in the case of the inner satellites of Neptune, Triton is an interesting exception. In a highly inclined orbit, the perturbation it exerts on the neighbouring satellites of Neptune cannot be ignored even for the present scenario. However, in the future, this perturbation will be much more important because due to the tides, the orbit of Triton is contracting, whereas the semi major axes of the remaining inner satellites of Neptune will remain almost unaffected by the tides. In this work we first obtain the disturbing function in the retrograde case. After that, we generalize R for arbitrary inclination. Several numerical tests are presented and a possible future case of resonant configuration is briefly discussed as well. (c) 2005 COSPAR. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Analysis of the Paracoccidioides brasiliensis triosephosphate isomerase suggests the potential for adhesin function

Paracoccidioides brasiliensis is an important fungal pathogen. The disease it causes, paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM), ranges from localized pulmonary infection to systemic processes that endanger the life of the patient. Paracoccidioides brasiliensis adhesion to host tissues contributes to its virulence, but we know relatively little about molecules and the molecular mechanisms governing fungal adhesion to mammalian cells. Triosephosphate isomerase (TPI: EC 5.3.1.1) of P. brasiliensis (PbTPI) is a fungal antigen characterized by microsequencing of peptides. The protein, which is predominantly expressed in the yeast parasitic phase, localizes at the cell wall and in the cytoplasmic compartment. TPI and the respective polyclonal antibody produced against this protein inhibited the interaction of P. brasiliensis to in vitro cultured epithelial cells. TPI binds preferentially to laminin, as determined by peptide inhibition assays. Collectively, these results suggest that TPI is required for interactions between P. brasiliensis and extracellular matrix molecules such as laminin and that this interaction may play an important role in the fungal adherence and invasion of host cells.

Relative contributions of beta-cell function and tissue insulin sensitivity to fasting and postglucose-load glycemia

We performed hyperglycemic clamps in 283 nondiabetic Caucasians and, with multiple linear regression, determined the contribution of beta-cell function and tissue insulin sensitivity to variations in glycemia and insulinemia during oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTTs). Impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) subjects had reduced insulin sensitivity(P < .02) and beta-cell function (P < .0001). Normal glucose tolerance (NGT) subjects with first-degree type 2 diabetic relatives had reduced first and second phase insulin secretion (both, P < .05), but normal insulin sensitivity(P = .37). beta-Cell function and insulin sensitivity accounted for one fourth of the variability in glucose tolerance. Fasting plasma glucose in subjects with NGT (n = 185) was a function of both phases of insulin secretion and of insulin sensitivity tall, P < .05), whereas, in IGT subjects (n = 98), it was a function of first phase insulin secretion and insulin sensitivity(P < .01). Two-hour glycemia was a function of second phase secretion and insulin sensitivity (P < .01). Fasting and 2-hour plasma insulin levels were determined by insulin sensitivity land glycemia) in NGT subjects (P < .001), but by second phase secretion in IGT (P < .001). We conclude that beta-cell function is reduced in subjects with IGT; glycemia and insulinemia are not regulated by the same mechanisms in IGT and NGT; insulin sensitivity does not contribute to insulinemia in IGT; family history of diabetes influences beta-cell function, but not insulin sensitivity in Caucasians. Copyright (C) 2000 by W.B. Saunders Company.

Energy efficiency for standard penetration tests

The need for standardization of the measured blow count number N-spt into a normalized reference energy value is now fully recognized. The present paper extends the existing theoretical approach using the wave propagation theory as framework and introduces an analysis for large displacements enabling the influence of rod length in the measured N-spt values to be quantified. The study is based on both calibration chamber and field tests. Energy measurements are monitored in two different positions: below the anvil and above the sampler. Both experimental and numerical results demonstrate that whereas the energy delivered into the rod stem is expressed as a ratio of the theoretical free-fall energy of the hammer, the effective sampler energy is a function of the hammer height of fall, sampler permanent penetration, and weight of both hammer and rods. Influence of rod length is twofold and produces opposite effects: wave energy losses increase with increasing rod length and in a long rod composition the gain in potential energy from rod weight is significant and may partially compensate measured energy losses. Based on this revised approach, an analytical solution is proposed to calculate the energy delivered to the sampler and efficiency coefficients are suggested to account for energy losses during the energy transference process.

Experimental pulmonary paracoccidioidomycosis in the Syrian hamster: morphology and correlation of lesions with the immune response.

A model for pulmonary paracoccidioidomycosis in the hamster is described. The disease was induced by intratracheal inoculation of 1.7 x 10(5) viable yeast forms of P. brasiliensis. Lung histopathology, dissemination lesions and humoral and cellular immune responses were investigated at intervals up to 24 weeks after infection. Humoral immunity was studied by immunodiffusion and complement fixation tests. Cell-mediated immunity was evaluated in vitro by the macrophage migration inhibition test in the presence of phytohaemagglutinin and P. brasiliensis soluble antigen, and in vivo by the paracoccidioidin test. Thirty out of 35 infected animals (85.7%) developed pulmonary paracoccidioidomycosis. Dissemination lesions were observed in regional lymph nodes (82.8%), liver (8.5%) and spleen (5.7%). Lung involvement was mainly around bronchi and vessels. Regional lymph nodes were severely involved from the fourth week on, acquiring a pseudotumoral aspect at later stages. Specific antibodies were detected from the fourth week on, with titres increasing progressively. The cellular immune response to phytohaemagglutinin was intact throughout the experiment and the response to P. brasiliensis antigen was already detectable by the second week and remained positive to the end of the experiment. The skin test became positive from the fourth week on. Inoculation by the intratracheal route represents a highly effective way of infecting hamsters with P. brasiliensis, with the induction of localized disease, good antibody production and intact cell immunity.

Sputum cytology in the diagnosis of pulmonary paracoccidioidomycosis

The presence of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis was determined in sputum samples from 50 patients with paracoccidioidomycosis using four different techniques: (a) cell-block preparations stained with silver methenamine, (b) direct microbiologie examination, (c) smears stained with Shorr, and (d) smears stained with silver methenamine. Overall, cell-block preparations and smears stained with silver methenamine proved to be the most sensitive techniques, followed by smears stained with Shorr and direct microbiologic examination in decreasing order of sensitivity. Sputum cytology tended to be less positive in patients with interstitial pulmonary lesions as determined by chest X-ray than in patients with alveolar lesions. In addition to its high sensitivity, cell-block preparation technique allows storage of blocks and slides for further studies. © 1991 Kluwer Academic Publishers.

Cytokines and dietary energy restriction in stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients

Tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α has been found to be increased in malnourished chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients; however, the main cause of this phenomenon remains undetermined. In normal subjects, TNF-α production may be induced by dietary energy deprivation. The aim of this study was to investigate if stable COPD patients present alterations of inflammatory mediators after 48 h of dietary energy restriction. Fourteen COPD patients were admitted to the hospital while receiving an experimental diet with an energy content of approximately one-third of their energy needs. Clinical evaluation, nutritional assessment and serum levels of interleukin (IL)-6, TNF-α and C-reactive protein, and secretion of TNF-α by peripheral blood monocytes were assessed on admission and after the experimental diet. For reference values of the laboratory parameters, blood was collected from 10 healthy, elderly subjects. COPD patients showed significantly higher serum concentrations of IL-6 than control subjects, however, the experimental diet was not associated with statistically significant changes in the inflammatory mediators. The findings of this study, although preliminary because of the limited degree and duration of the energy restriction, suggest that the elevated levels of tumour necrosis factor-α, previously described in undernourished or weight-losing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients, may not be linked to a decrease of dietary energy intake.

A PZT-based technique for SHM using the coherence function

This paper presents a new approach for damage detection in structural health monitoring systems exploiting the coherence function between the signals from PZT (Lead Zirconate Titanate) transducers bonded to a host structure. The physical configuration of this new approach is similar to the configuration used in Lamb wave based methods, but the analysis and operation are different. A PZT excited by a signal with a wide frequency range acts as an actuator and others PZTs are used as sensors to receive the signal. The coherences between the signals from the PZT sensors are obtained and the standard deviation for each coherence function is computed. It is demonstrated through experimental results that the standard deviation of the coherence between the signals from the PZTs in healthy and damaged conditions is a very sensitive metric index to detect damage. Tests were carried out on an aluminum plate and the results show that the proposed methodology could be an excellent approach for structural health monitoring (SHM) applications.

Preoperative upper limb lymphatic function in breast cancer surgery.

To describe the preoperative upper limb lymphoscintigraphic pattern in women with breast cancer. Thirty-seven patients undergoing lymphoscintigraphy within 30 days of surgery were investigated. Lymphoscintigraphic studies of 37 upper limbs ipsilateral to surgery and 32 contralateral upper limbs were performed. The examination protocol consisted in obtaining static images of the upper limb in semi-flexion after 10 minutes, and 1 and 2 hours after subcutaneous injection of 1 mCi (37 MBq) of Tc-99m-dextran in the dorsum of the hand. The velocity of axillary lymph node visualization (I, visible at 10 minutes; II, 1 hour; III, 2 hours; and IV, invisible) and degree (intensity) of nodal uptake (a, marked; b, moderate; c,mild; and d, absent) were analyzed. Optimal lymphatic functional pattern (Ia) was observed in four (11%) patients, in the ipsilateral upper limb, and six (19%), in the contralateral upper limb. Worse condition was observed in three (8%) patients (IVd) in the ipsilateral upper limb and two (6%) patients in the contralateral upper limb. The remaining patients showed intermediate states of velocity and uptake intensity. This study found relevant changes in preoperative lymphoscintigraphy, demonstrating preexisting functional differences in the lymphatic system.