The allocation of valenced concepts onto 3D space.

The valence-space metaphor research area investigates the metaphorical mapping of valenced concepts onto space. Research findings from this area indicate that positive, neutral, and negative concepts are associated with upward, midward, and downward locations, respectively, in the vertical plane. The same research area has also indicated that such concepts seem to have no preferential location on the horizontal plane. The approach-avoidance effect consists in decreasing the distance between positive stimuli and the body (i.e. approach) and increasing the distance between negative stimuli and the body (i.e. avoid). Thus, the valence-space metaphor accounts for the mapping of valenced concepts onto the vertical and horizontal planes, and the approach-avoidance effect accounts for the mapping of valenced concepts onto the "depth" plane. By using a cube conceived for the study of allocation of valenced concepts onto 3D space, we show in three studies that positive concepts are placed in upward locations and near the participants' body, negative concepts are placed in downward locations and far from the participants' body, and neutral concepts are placed in between these concepts in both planes.

Changes in short-term health-related quality of life in women undergoing gynecologic oncologic laparotomy: an associated factor analysis.

PURPOSE: The primary purpose of this study is to evaluate health-related quality of life (HR-QOL) of gynecologic cancer patients undergoing laparotomy. METHODS: Women who underwent laparotomy by gynecologic cancer completed the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Quality of life questionnaires (QLQ-C30 and QLQ-OV28) presurgery and at 1 month. RESULTS: Of the 181 women studied between January 2007 and March 2008, 116 women (64.1%) had ovarian cancer, 27 (14.9%) had cervical cancer, and 29 (16.0%) had endometrial cancer. By 1 month post-surgery, there was a significant decrease in HR-QOL on the global, abdominal/gastrointestinal (GI) score, body image, chemotherapy side effects, and other single items of the OV28 questionnaire, as well as on physical, role and social functioning, fatigue, nausea and vomiting, pain, insomnia, constipation, appetite loss, and financial difficulties items on C30 questionnaires. Emotional functioning on C30 questionnaires was significantly improved 1 month after surgery. The majority of these items persisted 1 month after surgery only in patients with ovarian cancer. Abdominal/GI score on OV28 questionnaires as well as role and physical functioning on C30 questionnaires were significantly lower between baseline and postsurgical HR-QOL in women with other gynecologic malignancies. CONCLUSION: The results suggest a significant impact of HR-QOL among gynecologic cancer patients 1 month after laparotomy, particularly among those with ovarian cancer.

How Is Temporal Processing Affected in Children with Attention-deficit/hyperactivity Disorder?

We compared the performance of children with ADHD and typically developing children on two temporal tasks, a bisection task and a reproduction task, in auditory and visual modalities. Children with ADHD presented a larger variability when performing auditory and visual temporal tasks. Moreover, they overestimated the durations in bisection tasks and underproduced duration intervals in the visual reproduction task. In the context of the pacemaker-accumulator model, these results suggest that temporal deficits might result from a dysfunction in the switch and/or memory impairment.

Cumulative ligand activity of NODAL mutations and modifiers are linked to human heart defects and holoprosencephaly.

The cyclopic and laterality phenotypes in model organisms linked to disturbances in the generation or propagation of Nodal-like signals are potential examples of similar impairments resulting in birth defects in humans. However, the types of gene mutation(s) and their pathogenetic combinations in humans are poorly understood. Here we describe a mutational analysis of the human NODAL gene in a large panel of patients with phenotypes compatible with diminished NODAL ligand function. Significant reductions in the biological activity of NODAL alleles are detected among patients with congenital heart defects (CHD), laterality anomalies (e.g. left-right mis-specification phenotypes), and only rarely holoprosencephaly (HPE). While many of these NODAL variants are typical for family-specific mutations, we also report the presence of alleles with significantly reduced activity among common population variants. We propose that some of these common variants act as modifiers and contribute to the ultimate phenotypic outcome in these patients; furthermore, we draw parallels with strain-specific modifiers in model organisms to bolster this interpretation.

Robotic approach for cervical cancer: comparison with laparotomy: a case control study.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the surgical outcome of robotic radical hysterectomy (RRH) versus abdominal radical hysterectomy (ARH) for the treatment of early stage cervical cancer. METHODS: A prospective collection of data of all RRH for stages IA2-IIA cervical cancer was done. The procedures were performed at the European Institute of Oncology, Milan, Italy, between November 1, 2006 and February 1, 2009. RESULTS: A total of 40 RRH were analyzed, and compared with 40 historic ARH cases. The groups did not differ significantly in body mass index, stage, histology, or intraoperative complications, but in age (p=0.035). The mean (SD) operative time was significantly shorter for ARH than RRH, 199.6 (65.6) minutes and 272.27 (42.3) minutes respectively (p=0.0001). The mean (SD) estimated blood loss (EBL) was 78 ml (94.8) in RRH group and 221.8 ml (132.4) in ARH. This difference was statistically significant in favor of RRH group (p<0.0001). Statistically significantly higher number of pelvic lymph nodes was removed by ARH than by RRH, mean (SD) 26.2 (11.7) versus 20.4 (6.9), p<0.05. Mean length of stay was significantly shorter for the RRH group (3.7 versus 5.0 days, p<0.01). There was no significant difference in terms of postoperative complications between groups. CONCLUSION: This study shows that RRH is safe and feasible. However, a comparison of oncologic outcomes and cost-benefit analysis is still needed and it has to be carefully evaluated in the future.

Los sistemas biofloc: una estrategia eficiente en la producción acuícola / The biofloc systems: an efficient strategy in the aquaculture production / Os sistemas biofloc: uma estratégia eficiente na produção de aquacultura

Resumen La piscicultura en Colombia es la actividad pecuaria que ha reportado mayor crecimiento en la última década mejorando los indicadores de desarrollo del sector agropecuario nacional. Para hacer más eficiente su producción, se propone la implementación de los Sistemas Biofloc (SB), agregados de comunidades microbianas en forma de flóculos integrados por bacterias, fitoplancton, materia orgánica e inorgánica, generados fácilmente en los estanques; bajo condiciones de recirculación constante de agua, alta oxigenación y suplementación con fuentes ricas en carbono; brindándole condiciones para ejercer control de la calidad del agua, mediante procesos naturales (metabolismo de oxígeno y nitrógeno), realizados por bacterias, fitoplancton y algunas microalgas; que captan e inmovilizan el amoniaco producido en el estaque, (procesos de nitrificación), para producir proteína bacteriana de excelente calidad, fácilmente aprovechable por los peces, que reincorporada a la cadena alimenticia del estanque maximiza la producción de carne de pescado por unidad de área; con utilización mínima del recurso agua (Sistemas de mínimo recambio de agua) por lo que disminuye la posibilidad de la entrada de patógenos y enfermedades al estanque, mejorando la bioseguridad por su actividad como controlador de poblaciones de bacterias patógenas. Asimismo, se ha encontrado un efecto positivo en el desarrollo y la estimulación de algunos mecanismos de defensa del sistema inmunológico innato de peces y camarones, confirmando su papel como compuestos inmunoestimulantes. También presentan otras ventajas nutricionales como mejora en la tasa de ingestión, digestión, absorción, conversión alimenticia, crecimiento, efectos positivos sobre la actividad enzimática digestiva entre otras; incluso optimando el rendimiento reproductivo, los indicadores de fecundidad, desove y composición bioquímica de los huevos en algunas especies acuícolas.

Abstract Fish farming in Colombia is the livestock activity that has reported the highest growth in the last decade, improving the development indicators of the agricultural sector. To make its production more efficient, the implementation of the Biofloc Systems (SB) is proposed, aggregates of microbial communities in the form of flocs integrated by bacteria, phytoplankton, organic and inorganic matter, easily generated in the ponds, under conditions of constant recirculation of water, high oxygenation and supplementation with carbon rich sources; provided conditions to exercise control of water quality, by natural processes (metabolism of oxygen and nitrogen), made by bacteria, phytoplankton and some algae; that capture and immobilize the ammonia produced in the pond (nitrification processes), to produce bacterial protein of excellent quality, easily exploitable by fish, which is reincorporated into the trophic system of the pond maximizing the production of fish meat per unit area; with a minimum use of water resources (Minimum water exchange systems), so it decreases the possibility of entry of pathogens and diseases to the pond having a relevant role in the biosecurity of the pond, in addition to its activity as controller of populations of pathogenic bacteria. Likewise, a positive effect has been found in the development and estimation of some defense mechanisms of the immune system of fish and shrimp, supporting their role as immunostimulant compounds. These also present other nutritional advantages such as the increase rate of ingestion, digestion, absorption, food conversion, growth, positive effects on digestive enzymatic activity and others; even improving reproductive performance, indicators of fecundity, spawning and biochemical composition of eggs in some aquaculture species.

Resumo A piscicultura na Colômbia é a atividade pecuária que registrou o maior crescimento na última década, melhorando os indicadores de desenvolvimento do setor agrícola. Para tornar a produção mais eficiente, propõe-se a implementação de sistemas Biofloc (SB), são agregados de comunidades microbianas, na forma de flocos, composto por bactérias, fitoplâncton, matéria orgânica e inorgânica, facilmente gerados em lagoas sob condições de recirculação constante proposto água, alta oxigenação e suplementação com fontes ricas em carbono; proporcionar condições para controle da qualidade da água, através de processos naturais (metabolismo de oxigênio e nitrogênio), realizados por bactérias, fitoplâncton e algumas microalgas; que captura e imobilizar o amoníaco produzido no estaque, (nitrificação), para produzir a proteína bacteriana da qualidade, facilmente utilizável por peixe reincorporado ao sistema trófico da lagoa, maximização da produção de carne de peixes por unidade de área; com uso mínimo de recursos hídricos (sistemas mínimos de troca de água), o que reduz a possibilidade de patógenos e doenças entrarem na lagoa; tendo papel relevante na biossegurança da lagoa, além de sua atividade como controladora de populações de bactérias patogênicas. Da mesma forma, um efeito positivo foi encontrado no desenvolvimento e estimulação de alguns mecanismos de defesa do sistema imune inato de peixes e camarões, confirmando seu papel como compostos imunoestimulantes. Eles também apresentam outras vantagens nutricionais, como melhora na taxa de ingestão, digestão, absorção, conversão alimentar, crescimento, efeitos positivos na atividade enzimática digestiva entre outros; inclusive melhorando o desempenho reprodutivo, indicadores de fecundidade, desova e composição bio química dos ovos em algumas espécies de aquicultura.

Los Secretos de Cien Años de Soledad: Una Aproximación Estilométrica para la Investigación en Psicolingüística / The Secrets of One Hundred Years of Solitude: A Stylometric Approach for Psycholinguistic Research / Os Segredos de Cem Anos de Solidão: uma Aproximação Estilométrica para a Pesquisa em Psicolinguística

De acuerdo con la estilística y la crítica literarias, Cien Años de Soledad de Gabriel García Márquez, se caracteriza por aludir constantemente a los personajes de la historia y narrar los eventos en tono neutro. En este artículo se utilizan métodos estilométricos para ratificar dichas afirmaciones y proveer nuevas visiones sobre la novela. Estos métodos incluyen, entre otros, el conteo de palabras y de frases, la construcción de árboles de consenso, el cálculo de la polaridad de las oraciones, e índices para cuantificar la complejidad y el nivel de concreción del texto. Los resultados indican la tendencia del autor a emplear, frecuentemente, palabras abstractas y palabras referentes a objetos con los que se puede interactuar físicamente, para producir el efecto lingüístico propio del realismo mágico. Dada la importancia de los hallazgos, se plantean algunas ideas acerca de las implicaciones que la metodología puede tener en áreas de la psicolingüística y de la psicología cognitiva

According to stylistics and literary criticism, One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Márquez is characterized by constant allusion to historical characters and a neutral tone in the narration of events. In this article, stylometric methods are used to support these statements and provide new insights into the novel. These methods include, among others, word and phrase count, the construction of consensus trees, the calculation of the polarity of the sentences, and indexes to quantify the complexity and the level of concreteness of the text. Results show the tendency of the author to frequently employ abstract words and words referring to objects with which one can interact physically, to produce the linguistic effect of magical realism. Given the importance of the findings, the article poses some ideas about the implications that the methodology may have for psycholinguistics and cognitive psychology.

De acordo com a estilística e a crítica literárias, Cem anos de solidão, de Gabriel García Márquez, caracteriza-se por fazer alusão constante aos personagens da história e narrar os eventos sobre o neutro. Neste artigo, utilizam-se métodos estilométricos para validar essas afirmações e oferecer novas visões sobre o romance. Esses métodos incluem, entre outros, a contagem de palavras e de frases, a construção de árvores de consenso, o cálculo da polaridade das orações e os índices para quantificar a complexidade e o nível de concreção do texto. Os resultados indicam a tendência do autor a empregar, com frequência, palavras abstratas e palavras referentes a objetos com os quais se pode interagir fisicamente para produzir o efeito linguístico próprio do realismo mágico. Tendo em vista a importância dos achados, propõem-se algumas ideias acerca das implicações que a metodologia pode ter em áreas da psicolinguística e da psicologia cognitiva.

Evaluation of laparoscopic management of gynecologic emergencies by residents.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the feasibility of laparoscopic management of women with gynecologic emergencies by the residents and the chief resident in an organized resident training program. METHODS: A retrospective study of patients with gynecologic emergencies who underwent laparoscopic surgery between January 1, 1999, and May 31, 2006 was done. RESULTS: For the 369 patients included, the mean operative time of 74±31.35 minutes was significantly increased by advanced patient age (P<0.001), pelvic inflammatory disease with or without tubo-ovarian abscess (PID±TOA) (P<0.050), the first semester of chief residency (P<0.050), and conversion to laparotomy (P<0.001). Mean length of hospital stay was 40±24 hours. Factors such as advanced patient age (P<0.001), prolonged length of surgery (P<0.001), PID±TOA (P<0.001), first semester of chief residency (P<0.050), conversion to laparotomy (P<0.001), and blood transfusion (P<0.050) significantly increased the length of hospital stay. The conversion rate to laparotomy was 4.6% (n=17), and it was significantly associated with advanced women age (OR 1.11; 95% CI, 1.05-1.17, P<0.001) and PID±TOA (OR 6.04; 95%CI, 2.17-16.62, P<0.001). Postoperative complications were recorded in 3 (0.81%) patients. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic management of gynecologic emergencies by senior residents and a chief resident within an organized resident training program is feasible. These results reinforce the relevance of a well-structured residency endoscopic training program.