Collagen is reduced and disrupted in human aneurysms and dissections of ascending aorta

In ascending aorta aneurysms, there is an enlargement of the whole vessel, whereas aortic dissections (ADs) are characterized by the cleavage of the wall into 2 sheets at the external half. We searched if alterations in collagen could be related to these diseases. Sections of aortas from 14 case patients with acute dissections, 10 case patients with aneurysms, and 9 control subjects were stained with picrosirius. Slides were analyzed under polarized microscopy to evaluate the structure of collagen fibers. The proportion of collagen was calculated in each half of the medial layer by color detection in a computerized image analysis system. Collagen appearance under polarized light was consistent with collagenolysis. The mean collagen proportions at the inner and outer halves, respectively, were 0.50 +/- 0.13 and 0.40 +/- 0.08 in the control group, 0.20 +/- 0.10 and 0.18 +/- 0.12 in the AD group, and 0.33 +/- 0.12 and 0.19 +/- 0.12 in the aneurysm group. The AD (P < .01) and control (P = .04) groups had less collagen at the external half, no difference was found in the aneurysm group (P = .71). In both halves, there was less collagen in the case patients than in the control subjects (all P < .01), but at the internal half, the decrease was significantly greater in the case patients with aneurysms than in those with dissections (P = .03; at the external half, P = .99). Aortic dissections and aneurysms show a decrease in collagen content that could be related to a weakness of the wall underlying the diseases, but the locations of the decrease differ: in dissections, it is situated mostly at the external portion of the media (site of cleavage), whereas in aneurysms, it is more diffuse, consistent with the global enlargement. (c) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Bone healing in critical-size defects treated with platelet-rich plasma: a histologic and histometric study in rat calvaria

Background and objective: The purpose of this study was to analyze histologically the influence of autologous platelet-rich plasma on bone healing in surgically created critical-size defects in rat calvaria.Material adn Methods: Thirty-two rats were divided into two groups: the control group (group C) and the platelet-rich plasma group. An 8-mm-diameter critical-size defect was created in the calvarium of each animal. In group C the defect was filled by a blood clot only. In the platelet-rich plasma group, 0.35 mL of platelet-rich plasma was placed in the defect and covered by 0.35 mL of platelet-poor plasma. Both groups were divided into subgroups (n = 8) and killed at either 4 or 12 wk postoperatively. Histometric (using image-analysis software) and histologic analyses were performed. The amount of new bone formed was calculated as a percentage of the total area of the original defect. Percentage data were transformed into arccosine for statistical analysis (analysis of variance, Tukey, p < 0.05).Results: No defect completely regenerated with bone. The platelet-rich plasma group had a statistically greater amount of bone formation than group C at both 4 wk (17.68% vs. 7.20%, respectively) and 12 wk (24.69% vs. 11.65%, respectively) postoperatively.Conclusion: Within the limits of this study, it can be concluded that platelet-rich plasma placed in the defects and covered by platelet-poor plasma significantly enhanced bone healing in critical-size defects in rat calvaria.

Surface reconstruction using multiple light sources and perspective projection

This paper presents a method to recover 3D geometry of Lambertian surfaces by using multiple images taken from the same view point and with the scene illuminated from different positions. This approach differs from Stereo Photometry in that it considers the light source at a finite distance from the object and the perspective projection in image formation. The proposed model allows local solution and recovery of 3D coordinates, in addition to surface orientation. A procedure to calibrate the light sources is also presented. Results of the application of the algorithm to synthetic images are shown.

Comprimento da peça intermediária de espermatozóides bovinos e suas relações com características do sêmen e fertilidade

With the objective of identifying predictors of fertility in bulls, the correlation coefficients of the midpiece length of bovine spermatozoa with semen traits and fertility were estimated. Data were obtained from semen samples of 50 crossbred bulls submitted to a progeny test. The midpiece length was determined in 40 midpieces of each bull through a image analysis system (Videoplan). Besides the physical traits before and after semen freezing, the oxygen consumption rate and the cytochemical activity index were observed. The correlation coefficients were low and non-significant (P> 0.05), indicating that the midpiece length is not a good predictor of fertility.

Fragmentos capilares provocando paroniquia e onicolise em barbeiros/cabeleireiros: Uma dermatose ocupacional

By means of observation of hair fragments provoking paronychia and onycholysis in a barber, the authors performed a epidemiological investigation in others barbers/hair-dressers of Botucatu (SP), that showed a high frequency of die dermatosis.

On designing linearly-tunable ultra-low voltage CMOS gm-C filters

A linearly-tunable ULV transconductor featuring excellent stability of the processed signal common-mode voltage upon tuning, critical for very-low voltage applications, is presented. Its employment to the synthesis of CMOS gm-C high-frequency and voiceband filters is discussed. SPICE data describe the filter characteristics. For a 1.3 V-supply, their nominal passband frequencies are 1.0 MHz and 3.78 KHz, respectively, with tuning rates of 12.52 KHz/mV and 0.16 KHz/m V, input-referred noise spectral density of 1.3 μV/Hz1/2 and 5.0μV/Hz1/2 and standby consumption of 0.87 mW and 11.8 μW. Large-signal distortion given by THD = 1% corresponds to a differential output-swing of 360 mVpp and 480 mVpp, respectively. Common-mode voltage deviation is less than 4 mV over tuning interval.

A high speed 3.3V current mode CMOS comparators with 10-b resolution

This paper presents a high speed current mode CMOS comparator. The comparator was optimized for allows wide range input current 1mA, ±0.5uA resolution and has fast response. This circuit was implemented with 0.8μm CMOS n-well process with area of 120μm × 105μm and operates with 3.3V(±1.65V).

A Bayesian approach for constructing genetic maps when markers are miscoded

The advent of molecular markers has created opportunities for a better understanding of quantitative inheritance and for developing novel strategies for genetic improvement of agricultural species, using information on quantitative trait loci (QTL). A QTL analysis relies on accurate genetic marker maps. At present, most statistical methods used for map construction ignore the fact that molecular data may be read with error. Often, however, there is ambiguity about some marker genotypes. A Bayesian MCMC approach for inferences about a genetic marker map when random miscoding of genotypes occurs is presented, and simulated and real data sets are analyzed. The results suggest that unless there is strong reason to believe that genotypes are ascertained without error, the proposed approach provides more reliable inference on the genetic map.

Food restriction-induced myocardial dysfunction demonstrated by the combination of in vivo and in vitro studies

The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that protein-calorie undernutrition decreases myocardial contractility jeopardizing ventricular function, and that ventricular dysfunction can be detected noninvasively. Five-month-old male Wistar-Kyoto rats were fed with regular rat chow ad libitum for 90 days (Control group, n = 14). A second group of rats received 50% of the amount of diet consumed by de control group (Food restricted group, n = 14). Global LV systolic function was evaluated in vivo, noninvasively, by transthoracic echocardiogram. After echocardiographic study, myocardial contractility was assessed in vitro in the isovolumetrically beating isolated heart in eight animals from each group (Langendorff preparation). The in vivo LV fractional shortening showed that food restriction depressed LV systolic function (p < 0.05). Myocardial contractility was impaired as assessed by the maximal rate of rise of LV pressure (+dP/dt), and developed pressure at diastolic pressure of 25 mmHg (p < 0.05). Furthermore, food restriction induced eccentric ventricular remodeling, and reduced myocardial elasticity and LV compliance (p < 0.05). In conclusion, food restriction causes systolic dysfunction probably due to myocardial contractility impairment and reduction of myocardial elasticity. © 2002 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Estudo das características morfológicas dos pites nos materiais resistentes à corrosão

This paper has as a purpose a new alternative technique development to characterize pitting corrosion evolution, aiming classification, size and determination of morphological parameters which rule pits increase. In this case, the method will be applied to the 304 ABNT stainless steel, thermally treated and exposed to different times in salt spray. Different 304 steel conditions, rolled and thermally treated have exhibited similar geometry, predominantly conic, near-conic and irregular pits. On rolled steel, pits width increases faster than height; however, on thermally treated steel, pits are found to increase in height.

Dynamic programming approach for road centerline extraction from digital images

This paper presents a dynamic programming approach for semi-automated road extraction from medium-and high-resolution images. This method is a modified version of a pre-existing dynamic programming method for road extraction from low-resolution images. The basic assumption of this pre-existing method is that roads manifest as lines in low-resolution images (pixel footprint> 2 m) and as such can be modeled and extracted as linear features. On the other hand, roads manifest as ribbon features in medium- and high-resolution images (pixel footprint ≤ 2 m) and, as a result, the focus of road extraction becomes the road centerlines. The original method can not accurately extract road centerlines from medium- and high- resolution images. In view of this, we propose a modification of the merit function of the original approach, which is carried out by a constraint function embedding road edge properties. Experimental results demonstrated the modified algorithm's potential in extracting road centerlines from medium- and high-resolution images.

Detecção de pistas de aeroporto em imagens orbitais utilizando morfologia matemática

The Brazilian Cartography presents great deficiency in cartographic products updating. This form, Remote Sensins techniques together Digital Processing Images - DPI, are contributing to improve this problem. The Mathematical Morphology theory was used in this work. The principal function was the pruning operator. With its were extracted the interest features that can be used in cartographic process updating. The obtained results are positives and showed the use potential of mathematical morphology theory in cartography, mainly in updating.

Indicadores de floresta urbana a partir de imagens aéreas multiespectrais de alta resolução

The present work evaluated urban forest indicators, acquired through airborne high-resolution multiespectral images, on the quality of the urban design and its vegetative fraction, in special its trees, in nine neighborhoods of Piracicaba, SP. There were made supervised classifications for characterization of intra-urban elements and the proportions obtained, as exposed soil, tree cover, lawns, asphalt, concrete pavements and roofs. They were studied for the measurement of the urban forest in each place. These variables were related to each other, as well as with the independent variables: population density, people with more than fifteen years of study and family heads with income above twenty minimum wages, obtained through population census. Through the analysis of linear regression variables were identified for intra-urban areas evaluation. Correlations were made and linear regressions among the data obtained from the image and among the proposed indicators. Negative correlations were obtained among population density and arboreal covering and the evaluated indices, in accordance with the predicted in the literature. Composite indicators are proposed, as: the proportion between arboreous space on waterproof space (PAW) and the proportion between arboreous space on building space (PAB). It is concluded by the possibility of the use of those indicators for evaluation of the urban forest and definition of priorities in the execution of ordinances to the improvement of the urban forestry, being prioritized the application of resources in the most lacking neighborhoods.

β-carotene attenuates the paradoxical effect of tobacco smoke on the mortality of rats after experimental myocardial infarction

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of exposure to tobacco smoke (ETS) in rats that were or were not supplemented with dietary β-carotene (BC), on ventricular remodeling and survival after myocardial infarction (Ml). Rats (n = 189) were allocated to 4 groups: the control group, n = 45; group BC administered 500 mg/kg diet, n = 49, BC supplemented rats; group ETS, n - 55, rats exposed to tobacco smoke; and group BC+ETS, n = 40. Wistar rats weighing 10O g were administered one of the treatments until they weighed 200 to 250 g (∼5 wk). The ETS rats were exposed to cigarette smoke for 30 min 4 times/d, in a chamber connected to a smoking device. After reaching a weight of 200-250 g, rats were subjected to experimental MI (coronary artery occlusion) and mortality rates were determined over the next 105 d. In addition, echocardiographic, isolated heart, morphometrical, and biochemical studies were performed. Mortality data were tested using Kaplan-Meyer curves and other data by 2-way ANOVA. Survival rates were greater in the ETS group (58.2%) than in the control (33.3%) (P = 0.001) and BC+ETS rats (30.0%) (P = 0.007). The groups did not differ in the other comparisons. Left ventricular end-diastolic diameter normalized to body weight was greater and maximal systolic pressures were lower in the ETS groups than in non-ETS groups. Previous exposure to tobacco smoke induced a process of cardiac remodeling after MI. There is a paradoxical protector effect with tobacco smoke exposure, characterized by lower mortality, which is offset by BC supplementation. © 2005 American Society for Nutritional Sciences.

Influence of chromate, molybdate and tungstate on pit formation in chloride medium

It has been characterized and evaluated the 2024-T351 and 7050-T7451 aluminum alloys pitting corrosion in naturally aerated chloride aqueous solutions containing chromate, molybdate and tungstate. It has been carried out electrochemical and non-electrochemical immersion corrosion tests accompanied by surface metallography analysis using an optical microscopy. Chromate for the two alloys and in molybdate for 7050 has corrosion inhibiting effects, whereas tungstate promotes the pitting corrosion for these alloys. Quantitative surface analysis upon the alloys after immersion has indicated that pits are predominantly conical or quasi-conical and irregular. In general, pits have been wider than deep and the widest have been also the deepest. Despite inhibitor presence, when pits have been nucleated, they grow with the same intensity. © 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.