The first modern solitary Agariciidae (Anthozoa, Scleractinia) revealed by molecular and microstructural analysis

Dactylotrochus cervicornis (= Tridacophyllia cervicornis Moseley, 1881), which occurs in Indo-Pacific waters between 73 and 852 m, was originally described as an astraeid but was later transferred to the Caryophylliidae. Assumed to be solitary, this species has no stolons and only one elongated fossa, and is unique among azooxanthellate scleractinians in often displaying extremely long thecal extensions that are septate and digitiform. Based on both molecular phylogenetic analyses (partial mitochondrial CO1 and 16S rDNA, and partial nuclear 28S rDNA) and morphological characteristics, we propose the transfer of D. cervicornis from the Caryophylliidae to the Agariciidae, making it the first extant representative of the latter family that is solitary and from deep water (azooxanthellate). The basal position of D. cervicornis within the agariciids implied by our analyses strengthens the case for inclusion of fossil species that were solitary, such as Trochoseris, in this family and suggests that the ancestor of this scleractinian family, extant members of which are predominantly colonial and zooxanthellate, may have been solitary and azooxanthellate.

Changes in FDB and soleus muscle activity after a train of stimuli during upright stance

Background: Evidence of self-sustained muscle activation following a brief electrical stimulation has been reported in the literature for certain muscles. Objectives: This report shows that the foot muscle (Flexor Digitorum Brevis - FDB) shows a self-sustained increase in muscle activity during upright stance in some subjects following a train of stimuli to the tibial nerve. Methods: Healthy subjects were requested to stand upright and surface EMG electrodes were placed on the FDB, Soleus and Tibialis Anterior muscles. After background muscle activity (BGA) acquisition, a 50 Hz train of stimuli was applied to the tibial nerve at the popliteal fossa. The root mean square values (RMS) of the BGA and the post-stimulus muscle activation were computed. Results: There was a 13.8% average increase in the FDB muscle EMG amplitude with respect to BGA after the stimulation was turned off. The corresponding post-stimulus Soleus EMG activity decreased by an average of 9.2%. We hypothesize that the sustained contraction observed in the FDB following stimulus may be evidence of persistent inward currents (PIC) generated in FDB spinal motoneurons. The post-stimulus decrease in soleus activity may have occurred due to the action of inhibitory interneurons caused by the PICs, which were triggered by the stimulus train. Conclusions: These sustained post-stimulation changes in postural muscle activity, found in different levels in different subjects, may be part of a set of possible responses that contribute to overall postural control.

Permanent anosmia and ageusia after resection of a left temporoinsular low-grade glioma: anatomofunctional considerations

Five percent of the general population has olfactory or gustatory disorders, although most do not complain about it. However, in some cases, these symptoms can be disabling and may affect quality of life. Anosmia was reported as a possible complication following head injury and neurosurgical procedures, particularly after the resection of tumors located in the anterior fossa and the treatment of aneurysms in the anterior circulation. Nonetheless, in all of these situations, olfactory dysfunction could be explained by damage to the peripheral olfactory system. Here, the authors report a case of complete anosmia associated with ageusia following awake resection of a low-grade glioma involving the left temporoinsular region, with no recovery during a follow-up of 3 years. The frontal lobe was not retracted, and the olfactory tract was not visualized during surgery; therefore, postoperative anosmia and ageusia are likely explained by damage to the cortex and central pathways responsible for these senses. The authors suggest that the patient might have had a subclinical right hemianosmia before surgery, which is a common condition. After resection of the central structures critical for smell and taste processing in the left hemisphere, the patient could have finally had bilateral and complete olfactory and gustatory loss. This is the first known report of permanent anosmia and ageusia following glioma surgery. Because these symptoms might have been underestimated, more attention should be devoted to olfaction and taste, especially with regard to possible subclinical preoperative deficit. (http://thejns.org/doi/abs/10.3171/2012.2.JNS111982)

Deslocamento miscível de um efluente de indústria de explosivo em colunas de solo

Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar alguns impactos decorrentes do deslocamento miscível de efluente de nitração de uma indústria de explosivos aplicado em colunas de um Latossolo Amarelo, horizonte B (LA-B), submetido aos tratamentos: adição de carbonatos (BASE), ácidos (ACID), fosfato (FOSF), carbonatos e fosfato (BASE-FOSF) e ácidos e fosfatos (ACID-FOSF). A recuperação de nitrogênio em relação ao total aplicado varia entre 10,1 (ACID) e 65,5% (BASE). Há correlação significativa entre as curvas de transposição de N obtidas experimentalmente e as simuladas pelo aplicativo STANMOD para a maioria das colunas (p<0,001). A exceção ocorreu para ACID-FOSF (p=0,202). Não há correlação entre carga eletrostática líquida (CEL) e as variáveis de ajuste do modelo: fator de retardamento (FR), coeficiente de dispersão-difusão (D) e taxa de decaimento de primeira ordem m (µ). A adição de fosfato (FOSF) favorece a movimentação do nitrogênio, pois diminui FR (2,35±0,05) e µ (0,498±0,050 h-1) e aumenta D (41,8±5,5 cm2 h-1) em relação ao observado na coluna LA-B (2,51±0,03; 1,697±0,084 h-1e 2,8±1,3 cm2 h-1 respectivamente). A adição de carbonatos e/ou fosfatos (BASE, BASE/FOSF e FOSF) resultou nos maiores valores máximos de demanda química de oxigênio (DQOMÁX). A pequena quantidade de DNA extraída das células bacterianas nos solos sugere que, possivelmente, os processos que governam a adsorção e movimentação de N sejam de natureza não biológica ou que a elevada DQO do líquido percolado prejudica os microrganismos do solo.

Assessment of variations of the mandibular canal through cone beam computed tomography

The neurovascular bundle may be vulnerable during surgical procedures involving the mandible, especially when anatomical variations are present. Increased demand of implant surgeries, wider availability of three-dimensional exams, and lack of clear definitions in the literature indicate that features of anatomical variations should be revisited. The objective of the study was to evaluate features of anatomical variations related to mandibular canal (MC), such as bifid canals, anterior loop of mental nerve, and corticalization of MC. Additionally, bone trabeculation at the submandibular gland fossa region (SGF) was assessed and related to visibility of MC. Cone beam computed tomography exams from 100 patients (200 hemimandibles) were analyzed and the following parameters were registered: diameter and corticalization of MC; trabeculation in SGF region; presence of bifid MC, position of bifurcations, diameter, and direction of bifid canals; and measurement of anterior loops by two methods. Corticalization of the MC was observed in 59% of hemimandibles. In 23%, MC could be identified despite absence of corticalization. Diameter of MC was between 2.1 and 4 mm for nearly three quarters of the sample. In 80% of the sample trabeculation at the SGF was either decreased or not visible, and such cases showed correlation with absence of MC corticalization. Bifid MC affected 19% of the patients, mostly associated with additional mental foramina. Clinically significant anterior loop (> 2 mm of anterior extension) was observed in 22-28%, depending on the method. Our findings, together with previously reported limitations of conventional exams, draw attention to the unpredictability related to anatomical variations in neurovascularization, showing the contribution of individual assessment through different views of three-dimensional imaging prior to surgical procedures in the mandible.

Effects of feeding a multivalent polyclonal antibody preparation on feedlot performance, carcass characteristics, rumenitis, and blood gas profile in Bos indicus biotype yearling bulls

The objective of this study was to evaluate effects of feeding monensin (MON) or a multivalent polyclonal antibody preparation (PAP) against several rumen microorganisms on feedlot performance, carcass characteristics, blood gas profile, and rumenitis of Bos indicus biotype (BT) yearling bulls. The study was designed as a completely randomized design with a 3 x 2 factorial arrangement, replicated 4 times, in which 32 yearling bulls of each of 3 BT evaluated (3-way-cross, TC; Canchim, CC; and Nellore, NE) were fed diets containing either MON at 300 mg.d(-1) or PAP at 10 mL.d(-1) across 3 different periods. No significant (P > 0.10) feed additive (FA) main effects were observed for any of the feedlot performance variables and carcass characteristics with the exception of dressing percentage. Yearling bulls receiving PAP had a decreased (P = 0.047) dressing percentage when compared with yearling bulls receiving MON. Significant (P < 0.05) BT main effects were observed for all feedlot performance variables and carcass characteristics with the exception of kidney-pelvic fat expressed in kilograms (P = 0.49) and LM lipids content (P = 0.45). Crossbred yearling bulls (TC and CC) had greater (P < 0.001) ADG, DMI in kilograms, DMI as % of BW, and improved (P = 0.001) G: F when compared with NE yearling bulls. A tendency (P = 0.072) for a FA main effect was observed for rumenitis scores, in which yearling bulls receiving PAP had lesser rumenitis scores than those receiving MON. When the data were disposed as frequency percentage, 55.6% and 45.7% of the rumens from yearling bulls fed PAP and MON were scored between 0 and 1, respectively (0 = no lesions, 10 = severe lesions). Likewise, a significant BT main effect was observed (P = 0.008), where NE yearling bulls had greater rumenitis scores than those of crossbred yearling bulls (TC and CC). No signifi cant FA main effects were observed (P > 0.10) for any of the fatty acids measured in the subcutaneous adipose tissue, with the exception that yearling bulls receiving MON had greater (P < 0.05) concentrations of palmitic acid (16: 0), margaric acid (17: 0), docosapentaenoic acid (22: 5), and docosahexaenoic acid (22: 6) than those yearling bulls receiving PAP. Feeding PAP tended to decrease incidence of rumen lesions and led to similar feedlot performance compared with feeding MON. Thus, PAP is a new technology that presents a possible alternative for ionophores.

Endonasal endoscopic exposure of the internal carotid artery: An anatomical study

Objectives/Hypothesis: The aim of this work was to define the anatomical landmarks, limitations, and difficulties of obtaining internal carotid artery (ICA) exposure via endonasal endoscopic approaches (EEA).

Endoscopic anatomy of the palatovaginal canal (palatosphenoidal canal)

Objectives/Hypothesis: Demonstrate the endoscopic anatomy of the palatovaginal (PV) canal and artery for identification and dissection of the vidian nerve during endoscopic transpterygoid approaches. Evaluate the length of the PV canal and its relation with the vidian nerve. Show that the traditionally known PV canal is a misnomer and should be renamed. Study Design: Experimental study: anatomical and radiological. Methods: Dissection of eight cadaveric heads was performed to demonstrate the endoscopic anatomy of the PV canal. Computed tomography scan analysis of 20 patients was used to evaluate the length of the PV canal, the angle formed between this canal and the vidian nerve, and the distance between the vidian canal and the PV canal. Study of 10 dry skull bases was performed to verify the structures involved in the formation of the PV canal. Results: Anatomic steps and foundations for dissection of the vidian nerve using the PV canal as a landmark were described. The mean length of the PV canal was 7.15 mm. The mean proximal distance between the vidian and the PV canal was 1.95 mm, and the mean distal distance was 4.14 mm. The mean angle between those canals was 48 degrees. The osteology study showed the vaginal process of the sphenoid bone did not contribute to the formation of the PV canal. Conclusions: Our anatomic investigations, radiologic studies, and surgical experience demonstrate the important anatomic relationship of the PV canal with the vidian canal and the relevance of the PV canal as a surgical landmark in endoscopic endonasal transpterygoid approaches. Anatomically, PV canal is a misnomer and should be replaced with palatosphenoidal canal.

Lower third molar infection with purulent discharge through the external auditory meatus. Case report and review of literature

This manuscript reports an uncommon case of inferior third molar facial abscess with purulent secretion drainage through the left external acoustic meatus. The patient's left external acoustic meatus was filled with a purulent secretion observed on a CT scan. He underwent surgery to drain the facial abscess. Despite facial abscesses being routine occurrences, the literature does not contain many case reports of odontogenic facial abscesses with drainage via the external acoustic meatus. These situations occur in two possible ways: multiple fissures in the anterior wall of the cartilaginous portion of the external acoustic meatus; and congenital defects that are occasionally present in the anterior-superior aspect of the external acoustic meatus, known as the foramen of Huschke, which allow communication between the external acoustic meatus and mandibular fossa. These defects may also predispose the patient to the spread of the infection or tumour from the external auditory canal to the infratemporal fossa and vice versa. No otological sequelae were observed in this case. The authors conclude that the hypothesis of bone malformation cannot be excluded, and affirm that any facial abscess requires appropriate and immediate treatment for adequate resolution, by removing the causal factor and providing systemic support.

MRI analysis of the relationship between bone changes in the temporomandibular joint and articular disc position in symptomatic patients

Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate bone changes in the condyle, articular eminence and glenoid fossa in relation to the position of the articular disc. Methods: 148 temporomandibular joints (TMJs) of 74 symptomatic patients who underwent MRI were evaluated. The position of the disc was classified as either normal (N), disc displacement with reduction (DDwR), disc displacement without reduction (DDwoR) and posterior displacement (PD). Bone changes were investigated in the condyle and temporal components of the TMJ and classified as osteophytosis, sclerosis or erosion. Results: There were no bone changes in the glenoid fossa of the temporal bone. Of the total number of TMJs studied, 94 (63.5%) were N, 34 (23%) presented DDwoR, 19 (12.8%) presented DDwR and 1 (0.7%) presented PD. The bone changes in the condyle and posterior aspect of the articular eminence were associated with the position of the disc. The bone changes in the anterior aspect of the articular eminence were not associated with the position of the disc. Conclusion: In cases of DDwoR, bone changes in the condyles were more common. The combination of erosion and osteophytosis in the condyle and the bone changes of the posterior aspect of the articular eminence were associated with disc position. Dentomaxillofacial Radiology (2012) 41, 367-372. doi: 10.1259/dmfr/79317853

Diversity of Ephemeroptera (Insecta) of the Serra da Mantiqueira and Serra do Mar, southeastern Brazil

Diversity of Ephemeroptera (Insecta) of the Serra da Mantiqueira and Serra do Mar, southeastern Brazil. The aim of this study was to inventory the mayfly fauna, based on nymphal and alate stages, in Serra da Mantiqueira and in Serra do Mar, Sao Paulo State, as well as to present information about habitats used by the genera. Nymphs were collected in several streams and mesohabitats with a Surber sampler and the winged stages with light attraction methods, entomological nets, and Malaise traps. In all, eight families and 33 genera were recorded, representing a very significant portion of the Brazilian fauna (80% of families and 49% of genera). Furthermore, it was possible to identify 11 species, of which two are new records for the state: Tricorythodes santarita Traver and Caenis reissi Malzacher. Despite the high diversity recorded, the accumulation curves presented an ascending form, indicating an increase in the number of genera with additional sampling effort. The high richness found in these areas are in agreement with the high biodiversity of the Atlantic Forest biome and the sampling effort employed, which included the use of different methods, the collection of both nymphs and winged stages, and the sampling of a large area with diverse streams and habitats.

Surgical complications in 550 consecutive cochlear implantation

Cochlear implantation is a safe and reliable method for auditory restoration in patients with severe to profound hearing loss. Objective: To describe the surgical complications of cochlear implantation. Materials and Methods: Information from 591 consecutive multichannel cochlear implant surgeries were retrospectively analyzed. All patients were followed-up for at least one year. Forty-one patients were excluded because of missing data, follow-up loss or middle fossa approach. Results: Of 550 cochlear implantation analyzed, 341 were performed in children or adolescents, and 209 in adults. The mean hearing loss time was 6.3 +/- 6.7 years for prelingual loss and 12.1 +/- 11.6 years for postlingual. Mean follow-up was 3.9 +/- 2.8 years. Major complications occurred in 8.9% and minor in 7.8%. Problems during electrode insertion (3.8%) were the most frequent major complication followed by flap dehiscence (1.4%). Temporary facial palsy (2.2%), canal-wall lesion (2.2%) and tympanic membrane lesion (1.8%) were the more frequent minor complications. No death occurred. Conclusion: There was a low rate of surgical complications, most of them been successfully managed. These results confirm that cochlear implant is a safe surgery and most surgical complications can be managed with conservative measures or minimal intervention.

Body packing by rectal insertion of cocaine packets: a case report

Background: Body packing is used for international drug transport, immediate drug concealment during a police searching or introducing drugs inside prisons. Despite the high level of specialization of dealers who have started to manufacture more complex packs, up to 5% of patients could develop intoxication due to pack rupture. Bowel obstruction is another acute complication. Case presentation: A 27-year-old black male patient was sent to the hospital by court order for clinical evaluation and toxicological examination. The patient was conscious, oriented, had good color, normal arterial pressure and heart rate, and no signs of acute intoxication. Abdominal examination revealed discrete pain upon deep palpation and a small mass in the left iliac fossa. A plain abdominal radiograph revealed several oval structures located in the rectum and sigmoid. Fasting and a 50 g dose of activated charcoal every six hours were prescribed. After three days, the patient spontaneously evacuated 28 cocaine packs. Conclusion: Adequate clinical management and prompt identification of potential complications are of fundamental importance in dealing with body packing.

Alterações de parâmetros relacionados ao metabolismo ósseo em mulheres submetidas à derivação gástrica em Y de Roux

OBJETIVO: Avaliar o metabolismo ósseo e a densidade mineral óssea (DMO) em mulheres adultas pós-derivação gástrica em Y de Roux (DGYR). SUJEITOS E MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal com 48 mulheres submetidas a DGYR há três anos e 41 saudáveis. Dados obtidos: índice de massa corporal (IMC), atividade física, consumo alimentar e DMO da coluna lombar, colo e fêmur total. Dosagem de cálcio, fósforo, magnésio, albumina, fosfatase alcalina, telopeptídeo-C (CTX), paratormônio (PTH), 25-hidroxivitamina D (25OHD), osteocalcina e cálcio urinário. RESULTADOS: Maiores alterações no grupo DGYR observadas nos níveis de osteocalcina (p < 0,001), CTX (p < 0,001) e PTH (p < 0,001). Deficiência de 25OHD foi a mais frequente no grupo DGYR (p = 0,010). Deficiência/insuficiência de 25OHD associou-se com hiperparatiroidismo secundário (p = 0,025). Não houve diferença entre os grupos em relação à DMO. A ingestão de energia (p = 0,036) e proteína (p = 0,004) foi maior no grupo controle. CONCLUSÃO: Em mulheres pós-DGYR, encontraram-se alta frequência de deficiência de vitamina D, hiperparatireoidismo secundário e elevação nos marcadores de remodelação óssea, sem alteração na DMO quando comparado com o grupo controle não obeso.

Ascensão capilar de água em substratos de coco e de pinus

O uso da irrigação por capilaridade na produção de mudas em viveiros pode trazer vantagens ao uso de água e sua utilização adequada requer o conhecimento da capacidade de ascensão de água no meio de crescimento das raízes, atributo pouco estudado. Para avaliar esta condição fundamental, este trabalho tem como objetivo avaliar a ascensão de água em substratos comerciais de coco e pinus, em dois padrões de tamanho de partículas e em duas condições de umidade, para indicar aquele que possua as melhores características físicas para aplicação na irrigação por capilaridade. Utilizou-se o método de ascensão capilar, com colunas desmontáveis de anéis preenchidas com substratos, avaliando-se os seguintes tempos de contato do fundo da coluna com a lâmina de água: 0,25, 0,5, 1, 2, 4, 8, 16 e 24 horas, com 10 repetições por tempo testado. Pelos resultados, observou-se que a maior ascensão capilar acumulada em 24 horas de ensaio foi obtida para os substratos de textura fina de coco e de pinus. Além disso, a hidrofobia do substrato de coco seco recomenda que as irrigações nesse material devem ter frequências maiores que substratos de pinus, evitando seu secamento. O substrato de pinus, por não apresentar esse comportamento, deve ter turnos de rega mais espaçados, principalmente sob textura fina. Devido à sua maior retenção de água e capacidade de elevação de água quando umedecido, o substrato fino de coco é mais adequado à irrigação por capilaridade em recipientes como tubetes.