Preliminary integrated magnetostratigraphic and biostratigraphic correlation in the Miocene Lorca Basin (Murcia, SE Spain).

The Lorca basin is one of the Neogene basins OS South Eastern Spain. The infilling Tortonian-Messinian deposits are mainly composed OS marls and reach up to 1,200 m in thickness. A biostratigraphic survey OS these deposits, assisted by the determination OS the magnetic polarity reversal pattern Sor most OS these deposits (900 m), has enabled the Tortonian-Messinian chronostratigraphy to be precised. The close sampling space for biostratigraphic determination has enabled the accurate location OS Sour main biostratigraphic events than can be correlated with charactenstic events of the Mediterranean biostratigraphic Zones. In addition, the location OS the TortonianNessinian boundary has been accurately placed at some 150 m below the main gypsurn unit outcropping in the basin. The integrated bio-magnetostratigraphic data fiom the studied section allows a tentative interpretation OS the identified magnetozones. Thus, a correlation to the Geomagnetic Polarity Time Scale is presented for more than 900 m of pre-evaporite Miocene stratigraphic succession fiom the Lorca basin. Moreover, about 15' OS anticlockwise rotation has been detected. Its significance is evaluated in the basin geodynamic framework.

Ethnic identity construction in Chiapas: examining the role of higher intercultural education model = La construcción de la identidad étnica en Chiapas : examinando el rol de un modelo de educación superior intercultural

This study explored ethnic identity among 410 mestizo students who were attending one of three universities, which varied in their ethnic composition and their educative model. One of these universities was private and had mostly mestizo students such as the public one did. The third educative context, also public, had an intercultural model of education and the students were mixed among mestizo and indigenous. The Multigroup Ethnic Identity Measure (MEIM) was administered to high school students in order to compare their scores on ethnic identity and its components: affi rmation, belonging or commitment and exploration. Principle components factor analysis with varimax rotation and tests of mean group differences are performed. The results showed signifi cant differences between the studied groups. Scores on ethnic identity and its components were signifi cantly higher among mestizos group from University with intercultural model of education than mestizos from public and private universities of the same region. Implications of these fi ndings for education are considered, as they are the strengths as well as the limitations of this research

Neck Muscle Function and Adolescent Headache

Muscular function of the neck region may be of importance for the etiology of headache, especially of tension-type headache. However, very few data exist on the association of neck muscle function with different types of headache in adolescents. The main aim of the study was to examine the association of neck muscle function with adolescent headache. The associations between leisure time activities, endurance strength of the upper extremities (UE endurance) and mobility of the neck-shoulder region and adolescent headache were studied. In addition, the associations of force production, EMG/force ratio, co-activation and fatigue characteristics, and cross-sectional area (CSA) of neck muscles with adolescent headache were studied. The study is part of a population-based cohort study of 12-year-old children with and without headache. The study had five phases (years 1998-2003). At the age of 13 years, a sample of 183 adolescents (183/311) participated in endurance strength and mobility measurements of the neck-shoulder region. In addition, the type and level of physical and other leisure activity were elicited with open and structured questions. At the age of 17 years, a random sample of 89 adolescents (89/202) participated in force and EMG measurements of the neck-shoulder muscles. In addition, at the age of 17 years, a sample of 65 adolescents (65/89) participated in CSA measurements of the neck muscles. At the age of 13 years, intensive participation in overall sports activity was associated with migraine. Frequent computer use was associated both with migraine and tension-type headache. The type of sports or other leisure activity classified them on the basis of body loading was not associated with headache type. In girls, low UE endurance of both sides, and low cervical rotation of the dominant side, were associated with tension-type headache, and low UE endurance of non-dominant side with migraine. In boys, no associations occurred between UE endurance and mobility variables and headache types. At the age of 17 years, in girls, high EMG/force ratios between the EMG of the left agonist sternocleidomastoid muscle (SCM) and maximal neck flexion and neck rotation force to the right side as well as high co-activation of right antagonist cervical erector spinae (CES) muscles during maximal neck flexion force were associated with migraine-type headache. In girls, neck force production was not associated with headache types but low left shoulder flexion force was associated with tension-type headache. In boys, no associations were found between EMG and force variables and headache. Increased SCM muscles fatigue of both sides was associated with tension-type headache. In boys, the small CSA of the right SCM muscle and, in girls, of combined right SCM and scalenus muscles was associated with tension-type headache. Similarly, in boys, the large CSA of the right SCM muscle, of the combined right SCM and scalenus muscles, of the left semispinalis capitis muscle, of the combined left semispinalis and splenius muscles was associated with migraine. No other differences in the CSA of neck flexion or extension muscles were found. Differences in the neuromucular function of the neck-shoulder muscles were associated with adolescent headache, especially in girls. Differences in the cross-sectional area of unilateral neck muscles were associated with headache, especially in boys. Differences in the neuromuscular function and in the cross-sectional area of the neck muscles also occurred between different types of headache. It remains to be established whether the findings are primary or secondary to adolescent migraine and tension headache. Keywords: adolescent, cross-sectional area, electromyography, endurance strength, fatigue, force, headache, leisure time activity, migraine, mobility, neck muscles, tension-type headache

Spleen Volume Variation in Patients with Locally Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Receiving Platinum-Based Chemo-Radiotherapy.

There is renewed interest in the immune regulatory role of the spleen in oncology. To date, very few studies have examined macroscopic variations of splenic volume in the setting of cancer, prior to or during therapy, especially in humans. Changes in splenic volume may be associated with changes in splenic function. The purpose of this study was to investigate variations in spleen volume in NSCLC patients during chemo-radiotherapy. Sixty patients with stage I-IIIB NSCLC underwent radiotherapy (60Gy/30 fractions) for six weeks with concomitant carboplatin/paclitaxel (Ca/P; n = 32) or cisplatin/etoposide (Ci/E; n = 28). A baseline PET/CT scan was performed within 2 weeks prior to treatment and during Weeks 2 and 4 of chemo-radiotherapy. Spleen volume was measured by contouring all CT slices. Significant macroscopic changes in splenic volume occurred early after the commencement of treatment. A significant decrease in spleen volume was observed for 66% of Ca/P and 79% of Ci/E patients between baseline and Week 2. Spleen volume was decreased by 14.2% for Ca/P (p<0.001) and 19.3% for Ci/E (p<0.001) patients. By Week 4, spleen volume was still significantly decreased for Ca/P patients compared to baseline, while for Ci/E patients, spleen volume returned to above baseline levels. This is the first report demonstrating macroscopic changes in the spleen in NSCLC patients undergoing radical chemo-radiotherapy that can be visualized by non-invasive imaging.

When the spleen meets the fetus.

Patient's first pregnancy was complicated by mild thrombocytopenia caused by a 13-cm splenic cyst, who delivered vaginally without complication. Risks and management of maternal splenic cysts in pregnancy and delivery are reviewed here.

Voluntary Exercise Stabilizes Established Angiotensin II-Dependent Atherosclerosis in Mice through Systemic Anti-Inflammatory Effects.

We have previously demonstrated that exercise training prevents the development of Angiotensin (Ang) II-induced atherosclerosis and vulnerable plaques in Apolipoprotein E-deficient (ApoE-/-) mice. In this report, we investigated whether exercise attenuates progression and promotes stability in pre-established vulnerable lesions. To this end, ApoE-/- mice with already established Ang II-mediated advanced and vulnerable lesions (2-kidney, 1-clip [2K1C] renovascular hypertension model), were subjected to sedentary (SED) or voluntary wheel running training (EXE) regimens for 4 weeks. Mean blood pressure and plasma renin activity did not significantly differ between the two groups, while total plasma cholesterol significantly decreased in 2K1C EXE mice. Aortic plaque size was significantly reduced by 63% in 2K1C EXE compared to SED mice. Plaque stability score was significantly higher in 2K1C EXE mice than in SED ones. Aortic ICAM-1 mRNA expression was significantly down-regulated following EXE. Moreover, EXE significantly down-regulated splenic pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-18, and IL-1β mRNA expression while increasing that of anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-4. Reduction in plasma IL-18 levels was also observed in response to EXE. There was no significant difference in aortic and splenic Th1/Th2 and M1/M2 polarization markers mRNA expression between the two groups. Our results indicate that voluntary EXE is effective in slowing progression and promoting stabilization of pre-existing Ang II-dependent vulnerable lesions by ameliorating systemic inflammatory state. Our findings support a therapeutic role for voluntary EXE in patients with established atherosclerosis.

Hiljaisen tiedon siirto Etelä-Karjalan Osuuspankin Imatrankosken konttorissa

Tutkimuksen tarkoituksena on osallistua liiketaloustieteelliseen keskusteluun hiljaisen tiedon siirtämisestä sekä vahvistaa Etelä-Karjalan Osuuspankissa käytävää keskustelua hiljaisesta tiedosta. Tutkimuksen tavoitteena on ymmärtää ja kuvata, mitä hiljainen tieto tarkoittaa Etelä-Karjalan Osuuspankin Imatrankosken konttorissa, kuinka hiljaisen tiedon siirtoa siellä tehdään sekä kuinka siellä kannattaisi tehdä hiljaisen tiedon siirtoa. Tutkimus toteutettiin kahdentoista laadullisen teemahaastattelun avulla. Hiljainen tieto tarkoittaa Imatrankosken konttorissa käytännön sekä kokemuksen kautta muodostunutta tietoa ja osaamista, mitä on vaikea ilmaista sanoin, mutta sen avulla toiminnasta tulee asiakaslähtöisempää. Hiljaisen tietotaidon siirtäminen sukupolvien välisen kuilun yli nähdään tärkeänä. Hiljainen tieto siirtyy Imatrankosken konttorissa henkilöltä toiselle epävirallisissa yhteyksissä vuorovaikutuksen avulla. Ensimmäiseksi on kiinnitettävä huomiota ympäristöön, jossa hiljaista tietoa siirretään ja sitten valittaviin menetelmiin. Ratkaisut onnistuneempaan hiljaisen tiedon siirtoon liittyvät tietynlaiseen ympäristöön, vuorovaikutukseen ihmisten välillä, yhteistyöhön ja työn kautta oppimiseen, tapoihin sekä menetelmiin, kuten perehdyttäminen, mentorointi, benchmarking, palaverit ja koulutukset, työkierto sekä tekniikan hyödyntäminen.

Spermiogenesis and spermatozoon ultrastructure of the diphyllidean cestode Echinobothrium euterpes (Neifar, Tyler and Euzet 2001) Tyler 2006, a parasite of the common guitarfish Rhinobatos rhinobatos

Spermiogenesis and the ultrastructural characters of the spermatozoon of Echinobothrium euterpes are described by means of transmission electron microscopy, including cytochemical analysis for glycogen. Materials were obtained from a common guitarfish Rhinobatos rhinobatos caught in the Gulf of Gabès (Tunisia). Spermiogenesis in E. euterpes is characterized by the orthogonal development of two unequal flagella followed by the flagellar rotation and the proximodistal fusion of these flagella with the median cytoplasmic process. The most interesting pattern characterizing the diphyllidean cestodes is the presence of a triangular body constituted by fines and dense granules without visible striation and assimilated at the striated rootlets. This pattern, only related in the Diphyllidea cestodes may be a synapomorphy of this order. Spermiogenesis is also characterized by the presence of a very short flagellum (around 1 μm long), observed in all the stages of spermiogenesis. This type of flagellum has never been commented in the diphyllidean cestodes and should be considered as an evolved character in this group. In the latest stage of spermiogenesis, this short axoneme probably degenerates. Thus, the mature spermatozoon of E. euterpes possesses only one axoneme of 9 + '1' trepaxonematan pattern. It also exhibits a single helical electron-dense crested body, a spiraled nucleus, few parallel cortical microtubules, and α-glycogen granules. Similitudes and differences between spermatozoa of diphyllideans are discussed.

Spermiogenesis and spermatozoon ultrastructure of the diphyllidean cestode Echinobothrium euterpes (Neifar, Tyler and Euzet 2001) Tyler 2006, a parasite of the common guitarfish Rhinobatos rhinobatos

Spermiogenesis and the ultrastructural characters of the spermatozoon of Echinobothrium euterpes are described by means of transmission electron microscopy, including cytochemical analysis for glycogen. Materials were obtained from a common guitarfish Rhinobatos rhinobatos caught in the Gulf of Gabès (Tunisia). Spermiogenesis in E. euterpes is characterized by the orthogonal development of two unequal flagella followed by the flagellar rotation and the proximodistal fusion of these flagella with the median cytoplasmic process. The most interesting pattern characterizing the diphyllidean cestodes is the presence of a triangular body constituted by fines and dense granules without visible striation and assimilated at the striated rootlets. This pattern, only related in the Diphyllidea cestodes may be a synapomorphy of this order. Spermiogenesis is also characterized by the presence of a very short flagellum (around 1 μm long), observed in all the stages of spermiogenesis. This type of flagellum has never been commented in the diphyllidean cestodes and should be considered as an evolved character in this group. In the latest stage of spermiogenesis, this short axoneme probably degenerates. Thus, the mature spermatozoon of E. euterpes possesses only one axoneme of 9 + '1' trepaxonematan pattern. It also exhibits a single helical electron-dense crested body, a spiraled nucleus, few parallel cortical microtubules, and α-glycogen granules. Similitudes and differences between spermatozoa of diphyllideans are discussed.

Postmortem diagnosis of anaphylaxis in presence of decompositional changes.

Eosinophil and activated mast cell identification in the spleen combined with mast cell tryptase determination in postmortem serum may diagnose fatal anaphylaxis with a high degree of certainty. Mast cell tryptase measurement and significance in corpses with decompositional changes remains however an issue of controversy. Analogously, immunohistochemistry in corpses with decompositional changes may be influenced by several mechanisms, including protein alteration, antigen diffusion and unspecific antibody binding to disrupted protein structures. The authors present an autopsy case involving a 55-year-old woman who unintentionally received clarithromycin. Due to difficult in administrative procedures, the postmortem examination was performed 96 h after death. Mast cell tryptase was measured in postmortem serum from femoral, aortic and right heart blood. The obtained results were consistent with mast cell activation. Histochemistry (Pagoda Red) and immunohistochemistry (anti-tryptase antibodies) allowed splenic eosinophils and mast cells to be detected. Based on the results of all postmortem investigations, the hypothesis of anaphylaxis following accidental clarithromycin administration was formulated.

Spinal cord injury affects the interplay between visual and sensorimotor representations of the body.

The brain integrates multiple sensory inputs, including somatosensory and visual inputs, to produce a representation of the body. Spinal cord injury (SCI) interrupts the communication between brain and body and the effects of this deafferentation on body representation are poorly understood. We investigated whether the relative weight of somatosensory and visual frames of reference for body representation is altered in individuals with incomplete or complete SCI (affecting lower limbs' somatosensation), with respect to controls. To study the influence of afferent somatosensory information on body representation, participants verbally judged the laterality of rotated images of feet, hands, and whole-bodies (mental rotation task) in two different postures (participants' body parts were hidden from view). We found that (i) complete SCI disrupts the influence of postural changes on the representation of the deafferented body parts (feet, but not hands) and (ii) regardless of posture, whole-body representation progressively deteriorates proportionally to SCI completeness. These results demonstrate that the cortical representation of the body is dynamic, responsive, and adaptable to contingent conditions, in that the role of somatosensation is altered and partially compensated with a change in the relative weight of somatosensory versus visual bodily representations.

Heterotaxy syndrome: a case report

Heterotaxy syndrome is defined as an abnormal arrangement of some organs and vessels in association with dysmorphism. The authors describe the case of a patient with heterotaxy syndrome with poliesplenia incidentally diagnosed during imaging evaluation (computed tomography and small bowel barium study) of unrelated pathological condition.

Rotational assessment of distal femur and its relevance in total knee arthroplasty: analysis by magnetic resonance imaging

AbstractObjective:To define the distal femur rotation pattern in a Brazilian population, correlating such pattern with the one suggested by the arthroplasty instruments, and analyzing the variability of each anatomic parameter.Materials and Methods:A series of 101 magnetic resonance imaging studies were evaluated in the period between April and June 2012. The epidemiological data collection was performed with the aid of the institution's computed imaging system, and the sample included 52 male and 49 female patients. The measurements were made in the axial plane, with subsequent correlation and triangulation with the other plans. The posterior condylar line was used as a reference for angle measurements. Subsequently, the anatomical and surgical transepicondylar axes and the anteroposterior trochlear line were specified. The angles between the reference line and the studied lines were calculated with the aid of the institution's software.Results:The mean angle between the anatomical transepicondylar axis and the posterior condylar line was found to be 6.89°, ranging from 0.25° to 12°. For the surgical transepicondylar axis, the mean value was 2.89°, ranging from –2.23° (internal rotation) to 7.86°, and for the axis perpendicular to the anteroposterior trochlear line, the mean value was 4.77°, ranging from –2.09° to 12.2°.Conclusion:The anatomical transepicondylar angle showed mean values corresponding to the measurement observed in the Caucasian population. The utilized instruments are appropriate, but no anatomical parameter proved to be steady enough to be used in isolation.

Impact of the Femoral Head Position on Moment Arms in Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Parametric Finite Element Study.

BACKGROUND: Although the importance of accurate femoral reconstruction to achieve a good functional outcome is well documented, quantitative data on the effects of a displacement of the femoral center of rotation on moment arms are scarce. The purpose of this study was to calculate moment arms after nonanatomical femoral reconstruction. METHODS: Finite element models of 15 patients including the pelvis, the femur, and the gluteal muscles were developed. Moment arms were calculated within the native anatomy and compared to distinct displacement of the femoral center of rotation (leg lengthening of 10 mm, loss of femoral offset of 20%, anteversion ±10°, and fixed anteversion at 15°). Calculations were performed within the range of motion observed during a normal gait cycle. RESULTS: Although with all evaluated displacements of the femoral center of rotation, the abductor moment arm remained positive, some fibers initially contributing to extension became antagonists (flexors) and vice versa. A loss of 20% of femoral offset led to an average decrease of 15% of abductor moment. Femoral lengthening and changes in femoral anteversion (±10°, fixed at 15°) led to minimal changes in abductor moment arms (maximum change of 5%). Native femoral anteversion correlated with the changes in moment arms induced by the 5 variations of reconstruction. CONCLUSION: Accurate reconstruction of offset is important to maintaining abductor moment arms, while changes of femoral rotation had minimal effects. Patients with larger native femoral anteversion appear to be more susceptible to femoral head displacements.

Glenohumeral interposition of rotator cuff stumps: a rare complication of traumatic rotator cuff tear

Abstract The present report describes a case where typical findings of traumatic glenohumeral interposition of rotator cuff stumps were surgically confirmed. This condition is a rare complication of shoulder trauma. Generally, it occurs in high-energy trauma, frequently in association with glenohumeral joint dislocation. Radiography demonstrated increased joint space, internal rotation of the humerus and coracoid process fracture. In addition to the mentioned findings, magnetic resonance imaging showed massive rotator cuff tear with interposition of the supraspinatus, infraspinatus and subscapularis stumps within the glenohumeral joint. Surgical treatment was performed confirming the injury and the rotator cuff stumps interposition. It is important that radiologists and orthopedic surgeons become familiar with this entity which, because of its rarity, might be neglected in cases of shoulder trauma.