The Effect of Expectancy of a Threatening Event on Time Perception in Human Adults

Two experiments were conducted to investigate the effect of a threatening stimulus in human adults in a temporal bisection task. In Experiment I. for two anchor duration conditions (400/800 vs. 800/1600 ms), the participants completed trials in which the probe duration was followed by an aversive stimulus or a nonaversive stimulus. The results showed that the duration was judged longer when the participants expected an aversive rather than a nonaversive stimulus. In Experiment 2, the effect of the temporal localization of the aversive stimulus was also tested, with the aversive stimulus being presented at the beginning or at the end of the probe duration. The results revealed a temporal overestimation in each condition compared to the trials in which no aversive stimulus was presented. Furthermore, the temporal overestimation was greater when the expectation for the forthcoming threatening stimulus was longer. This temporal overestimation is explained in terms of a speeding-up of the neural timing system in response to the increase in the arousal level produced by the expectation of a threatening stimulus.

Kidney Function and 24-Hour Proteinuria in Patients with Fabry Disease during 36 Months of Agalsidase Alfa Enzyme Replacement Therapy: A Brazilian Experience

Background. Prior to the introduction of enzyme replacement therapy (ERT), management of Fabry disease (FD) consisted of symptomatic and palliative measures. ERT has been available for several years using recombinant human agalsidase alfa, an analogue of alpha-galactosidase A (GALA). However, the limitations of ERT in improving kidney function have not been established. This study evaluates the safety and therapeutic effect of agalsidase alfa replacement in terms of kidney function and reduction in 24-hour proteinuria. Methods. During the period between January 1, 2002, and August 1, 2005, nine Fabry patients (7 male, 2 female) were treated according to protocol, receiving 0.2 mg/kg agalsidase alfa IV every two weeks. Kidney function was evaluated by measuring the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) using chromium ethylene diamine tetra-acetate clearance ((51)Cr-EDTA mL/min/1.73 m(2)) at baseline, 12, 24, and 36 months. 24-hour proteinuria was measured at baseline, 3, 6, 12, 18, 24, and 36 months of ERT. Kidney disease was classified according to National Kidney Foundation Disease Outcome Quality Initiative (NKF/DOQI) Advisory Board criteria, which define stage I chronic kidney disease (CKD) as GFR >= 90mL/min/1.73 m(2), stage II as 60-89 mL/min/1.73m(2), stage III as 30-59 mL/min/1.73 m(2), stage IV as 15-29 mL/min/1.73m(2), and stage V as < 15 mL/min/1.73m(2). Results. Six patients completed 36 months of therapy, 2 patients completed 18 months, and 1 patient completed 12 months. Mean patient age at baseline was 34.6 +/- 11.3 years. During the study period, kidney function remained stable in patients with stages I, II, or III CKD. One patient, who entered the study with stage IV CKD, progressed to end-stage chronic kidney disease, beginning hemodialysis after 7 months and receiving a kidney transplant after 12 months of ERT. Proteinuria also remained stable in the group of patients with pathologic proteinuria. The use of agalsidase alfa was well tolerated in 99.5% of the infusions administered. Conclusion. Over the course of 36 months of ERT, there was no change in kidney function and 24-hour proteinuria. This suggests thatagalsidase alfa may slow or halt the progression of kidney disease when used before extensive kidney damage occurs. No significant side effects were observed with ERT during the course of the study.

Infectious diseases in paediatric pathology: experience from a developing country

Infectious and parasitic diseases have always challenged man. Although many of them are typically seen in some areas of the world and can be adequately managed by just improving socioeconomic status and sanitary conditions, they are still quite prevalent and may sometimes be seen outside their original geographical areas. Human migration due to different reasons, tourism, blood transfusion and solid organ transplantation has created new concerns for health professionals all over the world. If not for diagnostic purposes, at least these tropical and infectious diseases should be largely known because their epidemiology, pathogenesis, host/parasite interaction, inflammatory and reparative responses are quite interesting and teach us about human biology. Curiosity is inherent to pathology practice and so we are compelled to look for things other than tumours or degenerative diseases. This review focuses on infectious and parasitic diseases found in a developing country and brings up-to-date information on diseases caused by viruses (dengue, yellow fever), bacteria (typhoid fever, leprosy), parasites (Chagas` disease, cutaneous and visceral leishmaniasis, amoebiasis, Capillaria hepatica, schistosomiasis, cysticercosis) and caused by fungi (paracoccidioidomycosis, cryptococcosis, histoplasmosis) that may be useful for pathologists when facing somewhat strange cases from developing countries.

Supplemented tissue culture medium 199 is a better medium for in vitro maturation of oocytes from women with polycystic ovary syndrome women than human tubal fluid

Objective: To compare oocyte maturation, fertilization and cleavage rates, and embryonic developmental quality after culture of human immature oocytes from polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) patients in human tubal fluid (HTF) or tissue culture medium (TCM) 199. Design: Prospective, randomized, controlled trial. Setting: University hospital. Patient(s): Thirteen women undergoing 23 in vitro maturation cycles, from whom 119 oocytes were retrieved. Intervention(s): Cumulus-enclosed germinal vesicle-stage oocytes matured in TCM-199-supplemented or HTF-supplemented media. Main Outcome Measure(s): Oocyte maturation and fertilization rates, embryonic developmental quality. Result(s): Significant differences were observed between TCM 199 and HTF regarding maturation rate (82% vs. 56.9%), fertilization rate (70% vs. 39.4%), and embryo quality (81.3% vs. 41.7%). Conclusion(S): Human tubal fluid medium, although widely used for embryo fertilization and maintenance in IVF techniques, is not,in appropriate medium for the maturation of oocytes obtained from PCOS patients in nonstimulated cycles. (Fertil Steril(R) 2009;91:509-13. (C)2009 by American Society for Reproductive Medicine.)

Effect of image analysis software on neurofunctional activation during processing of emotional human faces

Functional brain imaging techniques such as functional MRI (fMRI) that allow the in vivo investigation of the human brain have been exponentially employed to address the neurophysiological substrates of emotional processing. Despite the growing number of fMRI studies in the field, when taken separately these individual imaging studies demonstrate contrasting findings and variable pictures, and are unable to definitively characterize the neural networks underlying each specific emotional condition. Different imaging packages, as well as the statistical approaches for image processing and analysis, probably have a detrimental role by increasing the heterogeneity of findings. In particular, it is unclear to what extent the observed neurofunctional response of the brain cortex during emotional processing depends on the fMRI package used in the analysis. In this pilot study, we performed a double analysis of an fMRI dataset using emotional faces. The Statistical Parametric Mapping (SPM) version 2.6 (Wellcome Department of Cognitive Neurology, London, UK) and the XBAM 3.4 (Brain Imaging Analysis Unit, Institute of Psychiatry, Kings College London, UK) programs, which use parametric and non-parametric analysis, respectively, were used to assess our results. Both packages revealed that processing of emotional faces was associated with an increased activation in the brain`s visual areas (occipital, fusiform and lingual gyri), in the cerebellum, in the parietal cortex, in the cingulate cortex (anterior and posterior cingulate), and in the dorsolateral and ventrolateral prefrontal cortex. However, blood oxygenation level-dependent (BOLD) response in the temporal regions, insula and putamen was evident in the XBAM analysis but not in the SPM analysis. Overall, SPM and XBAM analyses revealed comparable whole-group brain responses. Further Studies are needed to explore the between-group compatibility of the different imaging packages in other cognitive and emotional processing domains. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The success of endosseous implants in human immunodeficiency virus-positive patients receiving antiretroviral therapy A pilot study

Background. In a pilot study, the authors aimed to determine the success rate of dental implants placed in patients who were positive for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and were receiving different regimens of highly active anti-retroviral therapy (HAART). They considered patients` levels of cluster of differentiation (CD) 4(+) cells and viral load, and they attempted to verify whether patients with baseline biochemical signs of bone mineral density loss could experience osseointegration impairment. Materials and Methods. One of the authors, a dentist, placed dental implants in the posterior mandibles of 40 volunteers, divided into three groups: one composed of HIV-positive patients receiving protease inhibitor (PI)-based HAART; a second composed of HIV-positive patients receiving nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor based HAART (without PI); and a control group composed of HIV-negative participants. The authors assessed pen-implant health six and 12 months after implant loading. They analyzed the success of the implants in relation to CD4(+) cell counts, viral load and baseline pyridinoline and deoxypyridinoline values. Results. The authors followed 59 implants for 12 months after loading. Higher baseline levels of pyridinoline and deoxypyridinoline found in HIV-positive participants did not interfere with osseointegration after 12 months of follow-up. Average pen-implant bone loss after 12 months was 0.49 millimeters in group 1, 0.47 mm in group 2, and 0.55 mm in the control group. Conclusions. The placement of dental implants in HIV-positive patients is a reasonable treatment option, regardless of CD4(+) cell count, viral load levels and type of antiretroviral therapy. Longer, follow-up periods are necessary to ascertain the predictability of the long-term success of dental implants in these patients. Clinical Implications. Limited published scientific evidence is available to guide clinicians in regard to possible increased risks associated with dental implant placement in HIV-positive patients.

Gender inequality, poverty and human development in Kenya: Main indicators, trends and limitations

Indicators of gender inequality, poverty and human development in Kenya are examined. Significant and rising incidence of absolute poverty occurs in Kenya and women are more likely to be in poverty than men. Female/male ratios in Kenyan decision-making institutions are highly skewed against women and they experience unfavourable enrolment ratios in primary, secondary and tertiary institutions. The share of income earned by women is much lower than men's share. General Kenyan indicators highlight declining GDP per capita, increased poverty rates especially for women, reduced life expectancy, a narrowing of the difference in female/male life expectancy rates, increased child mortality rates and an increase in the female child mortality rates. This deterioration results in an increased socio-economic burden on women, not adequately captured in the HPI, HDI, GDI and GEM. This paper advocates the use of household level gender disaggregated data because much gender inequality occurs in and emanates from the household level where culture plays a very important role in allocation of resources and decision-making. Because most human development indicators are aggregates or averages, they can be misleading. They need to be supplemented by distributional and disaggregated data as demonstrated in the Kenyan case. The importance is emphasised of studying coping mechanisms of household/families for dealing with economic hardship and other misfortunes, such AIDS.

Acquired central diabetes insipidus in children: A 12 year Brisbane experience

Objective: To study the clinical, endocrine and radiological features and progress of children presenting with acquired diabetes insipidus (CDI). Methodology: Chart review of children presenting because of CDI to Brisbane paediatric endocrine clinics between 1987 and 1999. Results: Thirty-nine children (female/male ratio 21/18) aged 0.1-15.4 years (mean age 6.7 years) were identified. Aetiologies were head trauma or familial in eight cases (20.5%) each, central nervous system (CNS) tumours in five cases (12.8%), CNS malformations in four cases (10.2%), histiocytosis in three cases (7%) and hypoxia and infection in two cases (5.1%) each. Seven cases (17.9%) remain undiagnosed. Of the 32 (82%) cases with isolated anti-diuretic hormone deficiency at presentation, 24 cases (61.5%) experienced no further endocrine deficit. Additional endocrine deficits occurred mainly in the tumour or undiagnosed groups. On follow-up brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans in the seven undiagnosed cases, six patients bad mild or no change and one patient had marked improvement of MRI findings. These changes occurred 10-48 months (mean 18 months) after presentation. Conclusions: Children without an aetiological diagnosis for the uncommon condition of acquired CDI require careful follow-up. More intensive investigation at presentation (e.g. estimation of cerebrospinal fluid human chorionic gonadotrophin) promises to lessen the number of such cases. Pituitary stalk biopsies should be reserved for those patients with progressive MRI changes. If these changes do not occur early, our experience suggests that follow-up MRI scans may need to be performed only yearly.

Clinical aspects of gestational trophoblastic disease: A review based partly on 25-year experience of a statewide registry

Background: Gestational trophoblastic disease is a fascinating group of pregnancy disorders characterised by abnormal proliferation of trophoblast, ranging from benign to malignant. Because the disease is uncommon, there is a need to formulate management with the assistance of collective information. Methodology: A review of available information from English written literature was undertaken especially data reported by registries around the world (Charing Cross Hospital in England, the North-western University and the New England area in the USA as well as our own experience in Queensland, Australia). Where possible, collated data from relevant studies were analysed to answer some of the questions posed in clinical practice, with reference to metastatic disease to liver and brain, twinning of molar gestation and coexisting fetus, and placental-site tumour. Results: We found that molar gestation can be classified according to its clinical presentation which influences the time taken to reach human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) 'negativity' and the risk of persisting disease. Categorisation of risk is the basis for choice of chemotherapy to achieve good outcomes. Metastases to liver and brain remain problems in management; the development of 'new' metastases during chemotherapy is a very poor prognostic factor. In the variant of twinning with molar gestation and coexisting fetus, it is important to elucidate the fetal karyotype in planning management: a 69XXX fetus is not salvageable but a normal 46XX or 46XY fetus faces the prospect of early preterm delivery. The placental-site tumour is very rare; localised disease is curable by surgery; chemotherapy is less effective in disseminated disease. From collated worldwide data, the recurrence rate after one mole is 1.3% and after two or more is 20%. Reproductive outcome in subsequent pregnancies, even after multidrug chemotherapy, is not different from the general population. Because of the increased risk long-term of second tumours after multidrug chemotherapy a closer surveillance of these patients is necessary Conclusion: In general, the disease in its persisting or malignant form is 'a cancer model par excellence' because of an identifiable precursor condition, a reliable HCG marker, and sensitivity of the disease to cytotoxic drugs. With current management, retention of fertility is possible and normal reproductive outcome assured.

Human interaction with technology for working, communicating, and learning: advancements

The way humans interact with technology is undergoing a tremendous change. It is hard to imagine the lives we live today without the benefits of technology that we take for granted. Applying research in computer science, engineering, and information systems to non-technical descriptions of technology, such as human interaction, has shaped and continues to shape our lives. Human Interaction with Technology for Working, Communicating, and Learning: Advancements provides a framework for conceptual, theoretical, and applied research in regards to the relationship between technology and humans. This book is unique in the sense that it does not only cover technology, but also science, research, and the relationship between these fields and individuals' experience. This book is a must have for anyone interested in this research area, as it provides a voice for all users and a look into our future.

Designing market-based instruments for biodiversity conservation: learning with the Australian experience and evaluating Portugal's potential

Dissertação apresentada na Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia da Universidade Nova de Lisboa para a obtenção do grau de Mestre em Engenharia do Ambiente, perfil Gestão de Sistemas Ambientais

Preventing human trafficking for the purpose of sexual exploitation: the need for a bottom-up approach : the case-study of Brazilians trafficked to Portugal

Masters Thesis – Academic Year 2007/2008 - European Master’s Degree in Human Rights and Democratization (E.MA) - European Inter-university Centre for Human Rights and Democratization (EIUC) -Faculdade de Direito, Universidade Nova de Lisboa (UNL)

Dental caries experience in Indians of the Upper Xingu, Brazil

The present study describes the experience of dental caries in Indians communities of the Xingu, in order to supply parameters for further analysis of trends of the disease in Indians. We performed oral health examination in 288 Indians from four communities (Yawalapiti, Aweti, Mehinaku and Kamaiura) living in the southern part of the Xingu National Park, using international criteria defined by the World Health Organization. The outcome measures were the DMFT and dmft scores, and the care index. Indians of the Upper Xingu presented high levels of caries, in all age groups. The average DMFT for 11 to 13-year-old children - 5.93 - was lower than the index measured in 1993 for 12-year-old schoolchildren in nearby cities - 8.23 -, whose United Nations' human development index ranked medium. However, Indians presented a much lower care index, per age group, than these cities, and a high ratio of missing teeth for persons above 20 years old. These observations indicate low incorporation of dental care services. The irregularity of the services programmed for these communities, and the changing dietary and cultural patterns, mainly derived from their contact with the non-indigenous population of Brazil, reinforce the pressing need for health promotion initiatives aimed at these groups.