Comparison of Quantitative Imaging Devices and Subjective Optic Nerve Head Assessment by General Ophthalmologists to Differentiate Normal From Glaucomatous Eyes

Purpose: To compare the ability of Subjective assessment of optic nerve head (ONH) and retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) by general ophthalmologists and by a glaucoma expert with objective measurements by optical coherence tomography (Stratus OCT, Carl Zeiss Meditec Inc), confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscope (HRT III; Heidelberg Engineering, Heidelberg. Germany), and scanning laser polarimetry (GDx enhanced corneal compensation; Carl Zeiss Meditec Inc, Dublin, CA) in discriminating glaucomatous and normal eyes. Methods: Sixty-one glaucomatous and 57 normal eyes or 118 subjects Were included in the study. Three independent general ophthalmologists and I glaucoma expert evaluated ONH stereo-photographs. Receiver operating characteristic curves were constructed for each imaging technique and sensitivity at fixed specificity was estimated. Comparisons or areas under these curves (aROCs) and agreement (k) were determined between stereophoto grading and best parameter from each technique. Results: Best parameter from each technique showed larger aROC (Stratus OCT RNFL 0.92; Stratus OCT ONH vertical integrated area = 0.86; Stratus OCT macular thickness = 0.82; GDx enhanced corneal compensation = 0.91, HRT3 global cup-to-disc ratio = 0.83; HRT3 glaucoma probability score numeric area score 0.83) compared with stereophotograph grading by general ophthalmologists (0.80) in separating glaucomatous and normal eyes. Glaucoma expert stereophoto grading provided equal or larger aROC (0.92) than best parameter of each computerized imaging device. Stereophoto evaluated by a glaucoma expert showed better agreement with best parameter of each quantitative imaging technique in classifying eyes either as glaucomatous or normal compared with stereophoto grading by general ophthalmologists, The combination Of Subjective assessment of the optic disc by general ophthalmologists with RNFL objective parameters improved identification of glaucoma patients in a larger proportion than the combination of these objective parameters with Subjective assessment of the optic disc by a glaucoma expert (29.5% vs. 19.7%, respectively). Conclusions: Diagnostic ability of all imaging techniques showed better performance than subjective assessment of the ONH by general ophthalmologists, but not by It glaucoma expert, Objective RNFL measurements may provide improvement in glaucoma detection when combined with subjective assessment of the optic disc by general ophthalmologists or by a glaucoma expert.

Speech Evaluation After Palatal Augmentation in Patients Undergoing Glossectomy

Objective: To assess, in patients undergoing glossectomy, the influence of the palatal augmentation prosthesis on the speech intelligibility and acoustic spectrographic characteristics of the formants of oral vowels in Brazilian Portuguese, specifically the first 3 formants (F1 [/a,e,u/], F2 [/o,o,u/], and F3 [/a,o/]). Design: Speech evaluation with and without a palatal augmentation prosthesis using blinded randomized listener judgments. Setting: Tertiary referral center. Patients: Thirty-six patients (33 men and 3 women) aged 30 to 80 (mean [SD], 53.9 [10.5]) years underwent glossectomy (14, total glossectomy; 12, total glossectomy and partial mandibulectomy; 6, hemiglossectomy; and 4, subtotal glossectomy) with use of the augmentation prosthesis for at least 3 months before inclusion in the study. Main Outcome Measures: Spontaneous speech intel-ligibility (assessed by expert listeners using a 4-category scale) and spectrographic formants assessment. Results: We found a statistically significant improvement of spontaneous speech intelligibility and the average number of correctly identified syllables with the use of the prosthesis (P < .05). Statistically significant differences occurred for the F1 values of the vowels /a,e,u/; for F2 values, there was a significant difference of the vowels /o,o,u/; and for F3 values, there was a significant difference of the vowels la,61 (P < .001). Conclusions: The palatal augmentation prosthesis improved the intelligibility of spontaneous speech and syllables for patients who underwent glossectomy. It also increased the F2 and F3 values for all vowels and the F I values for the vowels /o,o,u/. This effect brought the values of many vowel formants closer to normal.

Cross-cultural adaptation and validation of a Quality of Life questionnaire: The Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation questionnaire

Background:The Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) instrument is a disease-specific questionnaire for assessing the outcome of an intervention in nasal obstruction in trials. This instrument is only available in the English language and cross-culturally valid questionnaires are very important for all research, including nasal obstruction. The aim of the current study was to reproduce the cross-cultural adaptation process for the NOSE questionnaire in the Portuguese language (NOSE-p). Methodology: Cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the instrument were divided into two stages. Stage I involved four bilingual professionals, an expert committee and the author of the original instrument. In Stage 2, the NOSE-p was tested on 33 patients undergoing septoplasty for internal consistency, test-retest reliability, construct validity. discriminant validity, criterion validity, and response sensitivity. Results: The cross-cultural adaptation process was completed and the NOSE-p was demonstrated to be a valid instrument with satisfactory construct validity. It showed an adequate internal consistency reliability and adequate test-retest reliability. It could discriminate between patients with and without nasal obstruction and it has a high response sensitivity to change. Conclusions: The cross-cultural adaptation and validation process demonstrated to be valid and the NOSE-p proved to be applicable in Brazil.

Evaluation of the insulin-like growth factors (IGF) IGF-I and IGF binding protein 3 in patients at high risk for breast cancer

Our data suggest that serum concentrations of insulin-like growth factor I and insulin-like growth factor binding protein 3 do not correlate with breast cancer development. (Fertil Steril (R) 2011;95:2753-5. (C)2011 by American Society for Reproductive Medicine.)

Quantitative Analysis of Placental Vasculature by Three-Dimensional Power Doppler Ultrasonography in Normal Pregnancies From 12 to 40 Weeks of Gestation

Evaluate the distribution and variation of placental vascular indices according to gestational age and placental volume. From March to November 2007, three-dimensional (3D)-power Doppler ultrasound was performed in 295 normal pregnancies from 12 to 40 weeks of gestation. Using the same preestablished settings for all patients, power Doppler was applied to the placenta and placental Volume was obtained by the rotational technique (VOCAL(TM)). The 3D-power histogram was used to determine the placental vascular indices: vascularization index (VI), flow index (FI) and vascularization-flow index (VFI). The placental vascular indices were then plotted against gestational age and placental volume. All placental vascular indices showed constant distribution throughout gestation. A tendency for a reduction in placental vascular indices with increased placental volume was observed, but was only statistically significant when placental FI was considered (p < 0.05). All placental vascular indices estimated by 3D-power Doppler ultrasonography presented constant distribution throughout gestation, despite the increase in placental volume according to gestational age. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Ultrastructural evaluation of gingival glycosaminoglycans in ovariectomized rats: Effects of steroid hormone therapy

Background/Aims: To evaluate the behavior of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) in rat gingiva and the effects of lack of sexual steroids and the hormonal therapy with estrogen and dexamethasone (DEX). Methods: 40 female rats were divided into four groups: GI: animals in permanent estrus; GII: ovariectomized (OVX) animals + vehicle; GIII: OVX animals treated with 17 beta-estradiol benzoate (10 mu g/kg), and GIV: OVX animals treated with 17 beta-estradiol benzoate (10 mu g/kg) + DEX (3 mg/kg). After treatment, the gingiva was removed and its GAGs content was evaluated by electronic microscopy after stained by cuprolinic blue technique. Results: The electron-microscopic data showed that low values of chondroitin sulfate were found in castrated animals (35.05 +/- 3.58%) compared to other groups (GI: 41.17 +/- 1.13; GIII: 48.04 +/- 2.60; GIV: 49.09 +/- 2.68%). In contrast, the amount of dermatan sulfate in GII (57.70 +/- 2.50%) was higher than in the other groups (GI: 46.12 +/- 1.30; GIII: 42.65 +/- 2.98; GIV: 42.68 +/- 5.43%). Conclusions: GAGs may be influenced by estradiol, and DEX did not seem to antagonize the role of estradiol in the GAGs of gingiva. The histotypical structure of gingiva is related to the amount of chondroitin sulfate. Consequently, the estrogen therapy may be important for gingival health. Copyright (C) 2007 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Evaluation of melatonin on the precocious puberty: a pilot study

Objective. To evaluate the effect of 6-sulphatoxymelatonin on the sleep quality of girls with precocious puberty. Study design. Ninety-nine girls were divided into three groups: GI, precocious puberty; GII, normal prepubescent; GIII, normal puberty. Questionnaires containing demographic and clinical data were applied. Blood was collected for hormonal evaluation for 6-sulphatoxymelatonin. The modified Rush Sleep Diary was used. Results. The levels of 6-sulphatoxymelatonin were highest in the group without pubertal development (75.23 +/- 10.84 ng/ml), second highest in the group with normal puberty (45.66 +/- 3.87 ng/ml, p < 0.001) and lowest in the group with true precocious puberty (37.04 +/- 5.47 ng/ml). The amount of day sleep was greater in the group without pubertal development compared to other groups. Conclusion. Despite the sleep data, melatonin may be involved in the precocious puberty process.

EVALUATION OF CENTRIFUGED OSTEOGENIC BONE MARROW IN FRACTURE CONSOLIDATION IN RABBITS

Objective The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a centrifuged osteogenic bone marrow aspirate to stimulate healing in rabbit fibular osteotomies Methods Ten white New Zealand rabbits were used A transverse medial diaphyseal fibular osteotomy was performed on the right fibula where an absorbable collagen sponge embedded in osteogenic centrifuged bone marrow aspirate obtained from the ipsilateral iliac bone was inserted The left fibula was used as the control group where the collagen absorbable sponge was inserted without the osteogenic centrifuged aspirate The rabbits were sacrificed four weeks after surgery to evaluate bone callus formation Analyses of results were performed with DEXA bone densitometry to evaluate callus mineral mass multislice computed tomography to evaluate callus volume and histomorphometry to evaluate the relative rate of tissue formation Results The employment of centrifuged osteogenic bone marrow aspirate resulted in a 40 3% increase of callus bone mineral mass and increased relative quantity of bone tissue formation by 9 4% without a significant increase in the relative quantities of cartilage fibrous tissue or in callus volume Conclusions This study shows that the centrifuged osteogenic bone marrow aspirate was able to improve the healing of experimental fibular osteotomies in rabbits

Stem cells in the treatment of chronic spinal cord injury: evaluation of somatosensitive evoked potentials in 39 patients

Study design: A prospective, non-randomized clinical series trial. Objective: To evaluate the effect of autogenous undifferentiated stem cell infusion for the treatment of patients with chronic spinal cord injury (SCI) on somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEPs). Setting: A public tertiary hospital in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Methods: Thirty-nine consecutive patients with diagnosed complete cervical and thoracic SCI for at least 2 years and with no cortical response in the SSEP study of the lower limbs were included in the trial. The trial patients underwent peripheral blood stem cell mobilization and collection. The stem cell concentrate was cryopreserved and reinfused through arteriography into the donor patient. The patients were followed up for 2.5 years and submitted to SSEP studies to evaluate the improvement in SSEPs after undifferentiated cell infusion. Results: Twenty-six (66.7%) patients showed recovery of somatosensory evoked response to peripheral stimuli after 2.5 years of follow-up. Conclusion: The 2.5-year trial protocol proved to be safe and improved SSEPs in patients with complete SCI. Sponsorship: None. Spinal Cord (2009) 47, 733-738; doi: 10.1038/sc.2009.24; published online 31 March 2009

BIOMECHANICAL EVALUATION OF ORTHOPAEDIC CEMENT COMBINED WITH ANTIBIOTIC AND METHYLENE BLUE

Objective: Acrylic cement has been used for years on orthopaedic surgeries, especially on knee arthroplasties, deserving special attention when added to antibiotics (for treatment of deep bone infections) or stains (to facilitate its removal). The present study was conducted in order to evaluate potential mechanical differences between the orthopaedic cement itself and when this is added to antibiotic and/or stains. Methods: Surgical bone cement Simplex@P Stryker, vancomycin and methylene blue were used, and the mixtures were submitted to physical and mechanical tests according the ABNT NBR ISO 5833 rule. The parameters studied here were: time for mass formation, intrusion capability, resistance to compression, resistance to flexion and maximum temperature reached by the mixtures. Results: The evaluated mixtures were approved as to mass formation, maximum temperature, intrusion capability and resistance to compression. Only the one containing pure cement was approved on the flexion essay. Conclusion: The addition of vancomycin and/or methylene blue to Surgical Simplex@P Stryker bone cement reduces its resistance to flexion, being unacceptable by the ABNT NBR ISO 5833 rule.

Evaluation of antibody response to the heptavalent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine in pediatric chronic kidney disease

Pneumococcal vaccination has been recommended for immunocompromised children, including patients with chronic kidney disease. We determined pneumococcal immunoglobulin (Ig) G antibodies to serotypes 4, 6B, 9V, 14, 18C, 19F, and 23F before and after 48 pediatric patients with chronic renal failure were administered heptavalent conjugated pneumococcal vaccine. The patients were between 1 and 9 years of age and were separated into a conservative treatment group (Group 1) and a dialysis group Group 2). The antibody response to the vaccinal serotypes was evaluated by measuring antibody concentrations before the first dose and 60 days after the second one. Pre-vaccinal IgG concentrations >= 0.35 mu g/ml were detected for all serotypes in at least 50% of the patients in both groups. Patients from both groups showed a statistically indistinguishable behavior in terms of the medians of post-vaccination IgG levels. An ""adequate"" vaccine response was defined as a post-immunization level of specific pneumococcal serotype antibody >= 0.35 mu g/ml, based on the World Health Organization`s (WHO) protective antibody concentration definition for pneumococcal conjugate vaccines, or on a fourfold increase over baseline for at least five of the seven antigens of the vaccine. An ""adequate"" vaccinal response was obtained in 100% of the patients of both groups using WHO`s definition, or in 45.8% of Group 1 patients and 37.5% of Group 2 patients when the criterion was a fourfold antibody increase over baseline antibody concentrations.

Cognitive functioning in subjects with recent-onset psychosis from a low-middle-income environment: Multiple-domain deficits and longitudinal evaluation

Cognitive deficits are a key feature of recent-onset psychosis, but there is no consensus on whether such deficits are generalized or confined to specific domains. Besides, it is unclear whether cognitive deficits: a) are found in psychotic patients in samples from outside high-income countries; and b) whether they progress uniformly over time in schizophrenia and affective psychoses. We applied 12 tests organized into eight cognitive domains, comparing psychosis patients (n = 56, time from initial contact = 677.95+/-183.27 days) versus healthy controls (n = 70) recruited from the same area of Sao Paulo, Brazil. Longitudinal comparisons (digit span and verbal fluency) were conducted between a previous assessment of the subjects carried out at their psychosis onset, and the current follow-up evaluation. Psychosis patients differed significantly from controls on five domains, most prominently on verbal memory. Cognitive deficits remained detectable in separate comparisons of the schizophrenia subgroup and, to a lesser extent, the affective psychosis subjects against controls. Longitudinal comparisons indicated significant improvement in schizophrenia, affective psychoses, and control subjects, with no significant group-by-time interactions. Our results reinforce the view that there are generalized cognitive deficits in association with recent-onset psychoses, particularly of non-affective nature, which persist over time. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Primary ciliary dyskinesia: evaluation using cilia beat frequency assessment via spectral analysis of digital microscopy images

Olm MA, Kogler JE Jr, Macchione M, Shoemark A, Saldiva PH, Rodrigues JC. Primary ciliary dyskinesia: evaluation using cilia beat frequency assessment via spectral analysis of digital microscopy images. J Appl Physiol 111: 295-302, 2011. First published May 5, 2011; doi:10.1152/japplphysiol.00629.2010.-Ciliary beat frequency (CBF) measurements provide valuable information for diagnosing of primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD). We developed a system for measuring CBF, used it in association with electron microscopy to diagnose PCD, and then analyzed characteristics of PCD patients. 1 The CBF measurement system was based on power spectra measured through digital imaging. Twenty-four patients suspected of having PCD (age 1-19 yr) were selected from a group of 75 children and adolescents with pneumopathies of unknown causes. Ten healthy, nonsmoking volunteers (age >= 17 yr) served as a control group. Nasal brush samples were collected, and CBF and electron microscopy were performed. PCD was diagnosed in 12 patients: 5 had radial spoke defects, 3 showed absent central microtubule pairs with transposition, 2 had outer dynein arm defects, 1 had a shortened outer dynein arm, and 1 had a normal ultrastructure. Previous studies have reported that the most common cilia defects are in the dynein arm. As expected, the mean CBF was higher in the control group (P < 0.001) and patients with normal ultrastructure (P < 0.002), than in those diagnosed with cilia ultrastructural defects (i.e., PCD patients). An obstructive ventilatory pattern was observed in 70% of the PCD patients who underwent pulmonary function tests. All PCD patients presented bronchial wall thickening on chest computed tomography scans. The protocol and diagnostic techniques employed allowed us to diagnose PCD in 16% of patients in this study.

Evaluation of the genotoxicity of treated urban sludge in the Tradescantia micronucleus assay

The sludge produced in sewage treatment plants can contain toxic substances. Among these, the genotoxic substances are of great concern. The present paper aimed at evaluating the genotoxicity of treated sludge samples collected at four different sewage treatment plants (STP) located in the State of Sao Paulo Brazil, using the Trad-MN assay. Another objective of the study was to compare the responses of the Clone #4430 with the Tradescantia pallida. Sludge samples mixed with reference soil in concentrations of 10, 25 and 50% (v/v) were tested in experiments with 3 months exposure in the field. Negative and positive controls (arsenic trioxide) were also tested with both plants. In Clone #4430 two sludge samples induced genotoxicity while in T pallida three were positive, although no clear dose-response were observed for both plants. Results with the negative and positive controls suggest that T pallida presented similar results when compared to the Clone #4430. The protocol using plants chronically exposed to sludge mixed with soil seems to be a promising tool to assess the genotoxicity of sludge although time consuming. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.