Correlated prevalence of hydrocele and microfilaremia in Amazon (Belém, 1951-2005).

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: For decades, the city of Belém in Brazil's eastern Amazon was the second city in the country with highest prevalence of cases of filariasis due to Wuchereria bancrofti infection. However, this prevalence decreased over time until reaching null records, concomitantly with a decrease in frequency of recorded hydrocele cases. In this context, we analyzed cross-sectional data to evaluate the degree of correlation between prevalence of positive blood microfilariae results during surveillance screening occurred along 54 years (1951-2005) and prevalence of hydrocele cases recorded in the same time period. METHODS: The dataset regarding hydrocele cases was obtained from two local hospitals. The Endemic Diseases Control Division of the Health Surveillance Department of the Municipal Health Department of Belém provided dataset regarding positive blood microfilariae cases. Prevalence calculus and linear correlation statistics were performed. RESULTS: Both positive blood microfilariae and hydrocele cases are well correlated statistically in absolute frequency (r = 0.871, 95%CI = 0.788 to 0.923, R2 = 0.759, p < 0.0001) and in prevalence (r = 0.835, 95%CI = 0.732 to 0.901, R2 = 0.698, p < 0.0001). INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION: We have concluded that blood microfilariae detection and hospitalized hydrocele cases are well correlated in our dataset. In addition, these results support the hypothesis that hydrocele prevalence can be useful to filariasis surveillance and control in endemic areas. However, limitations to hydrocele prevalence as an epidemiological indicator of filariasis are evidenced.

Role of Rutin in 5-Fluorouracil-Induced Intestinal Mucositis: Prevention of Histological Damage and Reduction of Inflammation and Oxidative Stress.

Intestinal mucositis, characterized by inflammatory and/or ulcerative processes in the gastrointestinal tract, occurs due to cellular and tissue damage following treatment with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). Rutin (RUT), a natural flavonoid extracted from Dimorphandra gardneriana, exhibits antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, cytoprotective, and gastroprotective properties. However, the effect of RUT on inflammatory processes in the intestine, especially on mucositis promoted by antineoplastic agents, has not yet been reported. In this study, we investigated the role of RUT on 5-FU-induced experimental intestinal mucositis. Swiss mice were randomly divided into seven groups: Saline, 5-FU, RUT-50, RUT-100, RUT-200, Celecoxib (CLX), and CLX + RUT-200 groups. The mice were weighed daily. After treatment, the animals were euthanized and segments of the small intestine were collected to evaluate histopathological alterations (morphometric analysis); malondialdehyde (MDA), myeloperoxidase (MPO), and glutathione (GSH) concentrations; mast and goblet cell counts; and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) activity, as well as to perform immunohistochemical analyses. RUT treatment (200 mg/kg) prevented 5-FU-induced histopathological changes and reduced oxidative stress by decreasing MDA concentrations and increasing GSH concentrations. RUT attenuated the inflammatory response by decreasing MPO activity, intestinal mastocytosis, and COX-2 expression. These results suggest that the COX-2 pathway is one of the underlying protective mechanisms of RUT against 5-FU-induced intestinal mucositis.

Troxerutin Prevents 5-Fluorouracil Induced Morphological Changes in the Intestinal Mucosa: Role of Cyclooxygenase-2 Pathway.

Intestinal mucositis is a common complication associated with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), a chemotherapeutic agent used for cancer treatment. Troxerutin (TRX), a semi-synthetic flavonoid extracted from Dimorphandra gardneriana, has been reported as a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the effect of TRX on 5-FU-induced intestinal mucositis. Swiss mice were randomly divided into seven groups: Saline, 5-FU, TRX-50, TRX-100, TRX-150, Celecoxib (CLX), and CLX + TRX-100. The weight of mice was measured daily. After treatment, the animals were euthanized and segments of the small intestine were collected to evaluate histopathological alterations (morphometric analysis), levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), myeloperoxidase (MPO), glutathione (GSH), mast and goblet cell counts, immunohistochemical analysis, and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) activity. Compared to the saline treatment, the 5-FU treatment induced intense weight loss and reduction in villus height. TRX treatment (100 mg/kg) prevented the 5-FU-induced histopathological changes and decreased oxidative stress by decreasing the MDA levels and increasing GSH concentration. TRX attenuated inflammatory process by decreasing MPO activity, intestinal mastocytosis, and COX-2 expression. TRX also reversed the depletion of goblet cells. Our findings suggest that TRX at a concentration of 100 mg/kg had chemopreventive effects on 5-FU-induced intestinal mucositis via COX-2 pathway.

GENDER, AGE, ENDOSCOPIC FINDINGS, UREASE AND HELICOBACTER PYLORI : ALL UNCORRELATED WITHIN A SAMPLE OF A HIGH GASTRIC CANCER PREVALENCE POPULATION IN AMAZON.

BACKGROUND: It is widely assumed that gender, age, gastritis and Helicobacter pylori , all have some degree of correlation and, therefore, can synergistically lead to the development of gastric cancer. OBJECTIVE: In this cross-sectional study, we expected to observe the above mentioned correlation in the analysis of medical records of 67 patients of both sexes (female, n=44), mean age ± standard deviation: 41±12 years old, all from Belém (capital of Pará State, Brazilian Amazon), a city historically known as one with the highest gastric cancer prevalence in this country. METHODS: All patients were submitted to upper gastrointestinal endoscopy for gastric biopsy histopathological analysis and rapid urease test. All diagnoses of gastritis were recorded considering its topography, category and the degree of inflammatory activity, being associated or not associated with H. pylori infection. RESULTS: The results show that no statistically relevant associations were found among the prevalences of the observed variables. CONCLUSION: The authors hypothesize that observed risk factors associated to gastric cancer might be lesser synergistic than is usually expected.

Gênero, idade, achados endoscópicos, urease e Helicobacter pylori: ausência de correlação dentro de uma amostra de população com alta prevalência de câncer gástrico na Amazônia / Gender, age, endoscopic findings, urease and helicobacter pylori: all uncorrelated within a sample of a high gastric cancer prevalence population in amazon

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: It is widely assumed that gender, age, gastritis and Helicobacter pylori , all have some degree of correlation and, therefore, can synergistically lead to the development of gastric cancer. OBJECTIVE: In this cross-sectional study, we expected to observe the above mentioned correlation in the analysis of medical records of 67 patients of both sexes (female, n=44), mean age ± standard deviation: 41±12 years old, all from Belém (capital of Pará State, Brazilian Amazon), a city historically known as one with the highest gastric cancer prevalence in this country. METHODS: All patients were submitted to upper gastrointestinal endoscopy for gastric biopsy histopathological analysis and rapid urease test. All diagnoses of gastritis were recorded considering its topography, category and the degree of inflammatory activity, being associated or not associated with H. pylori infection. RESULTS: The results show that no statistically relevant associations were found among the prevalences of the observed variables. CONCLUSION: The authors hypothesize that observed risk factors associated to gastric cancer might be lesser synergistic than is usually expected.

RESUMO CONTEXTO: É amplamente assumido que gênero, idade, gastrite e Helicobacter pylori , todos têm algum grau de correlação e, portanto, podem sinergicamente levar ao desenvolvimento de câncer gástrico. OBJETIVO: Neste estudo transversal, esperamos observar a correlação acima mencionada na análise de prontuários de 67 pacientes de ambos os sexos (sexo feminino, n=44), média de idade ± desvio padrão: 41±12 anos, todos de Belém (capital do Estado do Pará, Amazônia Brasileira), uma cidade historicamente conhecida como sendo uma das que apresenta maior prevalência de câncer gástrico no país. MÉTODOS: Todos os pacientes foram submetidos à endoscopia digestiva alta para análise histopatológica da biópsia gástrica e teste rápido da urease. Todos os diagnósticos de gastrite foram registrados considerando sua topografia, categoria e grau de atividade inflamatória, sendo associada ou não associada à infecção por H. pylori . RESULTADOS: Os resultados mostram que não foram encontradas associações estatisticamente relevantes entre as prevalências das variáveis observadas. CONCLUSÃO: Os autores levantam a hipótese de que os fatores de risco associados ao câncer gástrico podem ser menos sinérgicos do que o esperado.

Morfometria do osso esterno e sua correlação com o volume pulmonar / Sternum bone morphology and its correlation with lung volume

Este estudo teve por objetivo desenvolver um modelo matemático que a partir da extensão do osso esterno fornecesse o tamanho do pulmão compatível para o receptor. Foram coletadas as medidas antropométricas do tórax de 250 indivíduos, através de exame de tomografia computadorizada. Os resultados apontam que a medida do osso esterno (distância da incisura jugular até processo xifóide) apresenta correlação positiva com todas as outras medidas do tórax (medida ântero-posterior e látero-medial entre II e III costela, e ápice à base de ambos os pulmões). Entretanto, o volume pulmonar e sua relação com o osso esterno apresentam discrepâncias quando analisados sob a correlação de Pearson, pois a relação entre a medida da incisura jugular ao processo xifóide e a medida do ápice à base do pulmão direito e esquerdo, apresenta correlação positiva média (0,31-0,6). Já a medida da incisura jugular ao processo xifóide com a medida ântero-posterior e látero-medial do tórax, apresenta correlação significativa baixa (0-0,3). Então, a análise estatística da correlação de Pearson demonstrou ser inviável o desenvolvimento da fórmula, pois esta não seria confiável já que funcionaria para cerca de apenas 39% dos pacientes. Assim, o melhor método para determinar o doador para o transplante, continua sendo a análise de fatores de risco, a capacidade vital forçada do doador e receptor com estatura maior do que a do doador.

This study aimed at developing a mathematical model that can provide the compatible lung size for the recipient from the length of the sternum bone. Anthropometric chest measurements of 250 individuals were collected through a CT scan. The results indicate that the measurement of the sternum bone (distance from the jugular notch to the xiphoid process) shows a positive correlation with all other thorax measurements (antero-posterior and medial-posterior measurement between ribs II and III, and apex-to-base on both lungs). However, lung volume and its correlation to the sternal bone present discrepancies when analyzed under Pearson's correlation, since the relation between the jugular notch measurement and the apex measurement at the base of the right and left lungs shows a positive correlation mean (0.31-0.6). The measurement of the jugular notch in the xiphoid process with the anterior-posterior and medial-medial measurements, presents a low significant correlation (0-0.3). Therefore, the statistical analysis of the Pearson's correlation showed that the formula could not be applied since it would not be reliable since it would work for only 39% of the patients. Thus, the best method to determine the donor for transplantation remains the analysis of risk factors, the forced vital capacity of the donor, and the recipient being taller than the donor.

Further evidence associating IgG1, but not IgG2, with susceptibility to canine visceral leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania (L.) infantum chagasi-infection.

We present here a cross-sectional study analyzing the IgG1 and IgG2 immune responses to natural canine Leishmania (L.) infantum chagasi-infection and their relationships with delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) in 50 mongrel dogs with previous positive serodiagnoses (IFAT-IgG) (56% with subclinical status [= apparently healthy] and 44% clinically sick), living in endemic areas for visceral leishmaniasis in the Brazilian Amazon. IgG1 and IgG2 responses were measured using commercial polyclonal antibodies in ELISA, while DTH was elicited by intradermal skin test using cultured promastigotes L. (L.) i. chagasi-antigen. Data analyses used Chi-square and Pearson's r coefficient (95% confidence interval). Regarding DTH and the clinical statuses of dogs, it was noted that 100% of the animals showing positive DTH (n = 8) were from the subclinical group, while 100% showing negative DTH were from the clinically sick group; higher IgG2 than IgG1 responses were observed in both clinical groups. However, when this comparison was made between the subclinical and sick groups, higher IgG1 responses were noted in the dogs from the sick rather than the subclinical group, while no differences were noted between the IgG2 responses in the dogs from both clinical groups. Additionally, we found lower IgG1 responses in dogs from the subclinical group showing positive DTH than in the dogs from the subclinical or sick groups with negative DTH; no differences were found between the IgG2 responses of these two clinical groups. These findings suggest that the IgG1, but not the IgG2, response is associated with susceptibility to canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL).

Evidence of Asymptomatic Visual Losses after Surgical Repair of Cerebral Aneurysm.

Deficits in visual acuity, visual field, and oculomotor function are commonly detected after repair of cerebral aneurysms. However, when these deficits are absent, it does not mean that other potential visual deficits also are absent. Here, we report three cases that after complete recover from surgical repair of cerebral aneurysms presented minimal visual acuities of about 20/20 and no visual disturbances. While two of them (Cases 1 and 2) showed visual fields with no relevant central defects, two of them showed relevant impairments in spatial contrast sensitivity (Cases 2 and 3). This evidence supports that after complete recover from surgical repair of hemorrhagic cerebral aneurysms spatial contrast sensitivity can be asymptomatically impaired when visual acuity (Cases 2 and 3) and visual fields (Case 2) are not correlated with symptoms of visual disturbances. Hypothetical explanations and consequences of such evidence are discussed.

Clinical impact of the immunochemical fecal occult blood test for colorectal cancer screening in Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer (CRC) screening programs based on the fecal occult blood test (FOBT) reduce CRC mortality. We carried out an observational prospective study to determine the accuracy of immunochemical FOBTs for the detection of CRC in individuals at average risk for the disease. METHODS: This population-based study was performed between April 2015 and January 2016 in two gastroenterology referral centers in Southern Brazil. It included 1039 average-risk volunteers aged 50-75 years who were symptom-free for colonic disease. Participants underwent OC-Light immunochemical fecal occult blood test (i-FOBT, EIKEN chemical Co., Tokyo, Japan) as well as screening colonoscopy. RESULTS: Nine hundred forty-eight (91.2%) of the 1039 participants completed and returned the i-FOBT (95% confidence interval [CI] 89.4-92.9). Among the 73 participants with a positive i-FOBT who underwent colonoscopy, advanced CRC was detected in 9 (12.3%). Two (2.7%) early CRCs, 7 (9.5%) high-grade dysplasia adenomas and 25 (34.2%) low-grade dysplasia adenomas were also diagnosed. Among the 243 negative i-FOBT cases who underwent colonoscopy, one (0.4%) advanced CRC and 91 (37.6%) low-grade dysplasia adenomas were detected. The detection rate of CRC considering the whole screened population (n=1039) was 1.05% (11/1039). CONCLUSIONS: The i-FOBT test in the CRC screening programs in Brazil showed a high compliance and high detection rates for cancers and high-risk adenomas. The i-FOBT test is feasible for CRC screening in an average-risk population.

Avaliação da dor em neonatos prematuros internados na unidade de terapia intensiva neonatal após fisioterapia respiratória / Pain assessment in premature infants in the neonatal intensive care unit after respiratory therapy

Objetivo ­ Verificar se a técnica fisioterapêutica de aceleração de fluxo expiratório causa dor nos recém-nascidos pré-termos. Métodos ­ Foi realizado um estudo transversal descritivo, com 20 recém-nascidos pré-termos internados em uma unidade de terapia intensiva, que necessitavam de fisioterapia respiratória. Os recém-nascidos foram submetidos a técnica de aceleração de fluxo expiratório, sendo utilizado a escala Neonatal Infant Pain Scale para verificar se os mesmos apresentavam dor antes e durante o atendimento de fisioterapia. Resultados ­ A presente pesquisa estudou 20 RNPT, submetidos à técnica aceleração de fluxo expiratório durante o atendimento de fisioterapia respiratória na UTIN, após 5 minutos de atendimento foi observado dor fraca em 15% dos recém nascidos pré-termo e dor moderada em 10%, já na última avaliação 10% dos recém-nascidos pré-termos apresentavam dor fraca e 15% apresentavam dor moderada, avaliada pela escala Neonatal Infant Pain Scale. Conclusão ­ Concluiu se que a técnica de fisioterapia respiratória de aceleração de fluxo expiratório, utilizada em recém-nascido pré-termo pode desencadear dor.

Objective ­ To verify if physical therapy technique expiratory flow acceleration causes pain in newborn pre terms. Methods ­ This was a descriptive cross-sectional study, 20 preterm newborn infants admitted in a intensive care unit, it needs to respiratory therapy. Newborns underwent expiratory flow acceleration technology, in use the Neonatal Infant Pain Scale, scale to see if they had pain before and during the care of physical therapy. Results ­ This research, studied 20 preterm infants undergoing technical acceleration of expiratory flow during the respiratory physiotherapy in the NICU, after 5 minutes of care was observed weak pain in 15% of newborn preterm and moderate pain in 10%, as the latest review 10% of newborn preterm infants had poor pain and 15% had moderate pain, assessed by Neonatal Infant Pain Scale. Conclusion ­ Respiratory therapy technique acceleration of expiratory flow used in preterm infants may trigger pain.

A prospective randomized trial of intralesional triamcinolone injections after endoscopic dilation for complex esophagogastric anastomotic strictures: steroid injection after endoscopic dilation.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Postoperative esophageal strictures frequently recur. We assessed the efficacy of injecting triamcinolone after bougie dilation in comparison to dilation alone. METHODS: In a double-blind randomized fashion, 19 patients (68% male with mean age of 53-years old) with non-dilated esophagogastric complex strictures after esophagectomy with gastric pull-up were assigned to receive dilation alone (control) or 40 mg of triamcinolone at the borders of the wall lacerations caused by the bougienage in each dilation session during the study follow-up. Dysphagia and complications were assessed at 1, 2, and 6 months. Primary end-point was to be dysphagia-free. RESULTS: After 1 month of the beginning of therapy, 4 patients in the steroid group were without dysphagia, in comparison to 0 patient in the control group (P = 0.021). Six months after endoscopic therapy, 62% of the cases in the triamcinolone group versus none in the control group were dysphagia-free (P = 0.009). There was no perforation nor hemorrhage. CONCLUSIONS: Injecting triamcinolone after every dilation session next to or at the borders of the lacerations caused by the dilators, results in a significant improvement or resolution of dysphagia.

Evidence for two types of lateral interactions in visual perception of temporal signals.

The aim of this work was to investigate the mechanisms of lateral interactions involved in flicker perception. Furthermore, the spatial properties of the monoptic and dichoptic components of these mechanisms were studied. We quantified the perceived flicker strength (PFS) in the center of a test stimulus, which was simultaneously modulated with a surround stimulus of variable size. The modulation depth of a separate stimulus, identical to the center test stimulus but without the surround, was determined using a two-alternative forced choice procedure. Using LCD goggles synchronized to the frame rate of a CRT screen, the center and surround of the test stimulus were presented either monoptically or dichoptically. In the monoptic condition, center-surround interactions have subcortical and cortical origins. In the dichoptic condition, center-surround interactions must have a cortical origin. The difference between the dichoptic and the monoptic data is an estimate of the contribution of the subcortical mechanisms. At each condition (surround stimulus size; monoptic or dichoptic presentation), the PFS was measured for phase differences between center and surround stimuli. The PFS changed systematically with phase difference. It also was observed that the PFS in the center stimulus changed merely be the presence of a surround stimulus independently of the center-surround phase difference. We propose that this is a phase-independent mechanism related to contrast adaptation owing to the presence of surround modulation. Our data suggest that both phase-dependent and -independent mechanisms have cortical and subcortical origins. There were no systematic differences between the spatial properties of subcortical and cortical components involved in PFS modulation.

Estudo morfológico da veia intermédia do cotovelo / Morphological study of the medial cubital vein

A punção venosa periférica é uma das atividades frequentemente executadas pelos profissionais da saúde, principalmente pela equipe de enfermagem e possui um alto nível de complexidade técnico-científico que exige conhecimentos anatômicos, além da habilidade e destreza manual. A veia intermédia do cotovelo é a principal veia utilizada para esse procedimento. O presente trabalho trata-se de um estudo descritivo macroscópico em quatro cadáveres humanos indigentes, a partir dos quais foi possível identificar e descrever as diferenças morfológicas da veia intermédia do cotovelo. A classificação das veias é baseada em cinco tipos. Em nossa pesquisa, verificaram-se os tipos I (12,5%), II (37,5%), III (0%), IV (25%), V (25%), também foi observado que a veia intermédia do cotovelo possui em média 0,4 cm de calibre, 6,5 cm de comprimento e que se situa em sua maior porção (4,38 cm) acima da prega do cotovelo, em média 3,45 cm distante do epicôndilo medial e 3,92 cm do epicôndilo lateral no nível da fossa cubital, notando a sua estreita relação com o nervo mediano e artéria braquial. Conclui-se que a veia intermédia do cotovelo é assimétrica e não é a veia mais indicada do membro superior para realizar a punção venosa periférica. Recomenda-se aos profissionais da saúde realizar uma análise cautelosa das veias da fossa cubital, utilizar outra veia de calibre semelhante e que outros estudos sejam feitos a fim de descrever as formações venosas da fossa cubital.

Peripheral venipuncture is often one of the frequent activities performed by health care professionals, especially by nursing staff, with a high-level technical-scientific complexity, requiring both anatomical knowledge and manual dexterity. The medial cubital vein is the main vein used for this procedure. This paper is a macroscopic descriptive study on four human indigent cadavers, where it is possible to identify and describe the morphological differences in the medial cubital vein. Vein classification is based on five different types. In this study, types I (12.5%), II (37.5%), III ( 0%), IV (25%) and V (25%) were observed. It was also noticed that the medial cubital vein has an average 0.4-cm caliber, 6.5-cm length and that it lies for the most part (4.38 cm) above the elbow crease. It is located, on average, 3.45 cm from the medial epicondyle and 3.92 cm from the lateral epicondyle in the cubital fossa level, with a close relationship to the median nerve and brachial artery. It can be concluded that the medial cubital vein is asymmetric and is not the most suitable vein from the upper limb to perform a peripheral venipuncture. It is recommended that health professionals perform a careful analysis of the veins in the cubital fossa, use other similar caliber vein and that further studies are performed in order to describe the venous formations of the cubital fossa.

Estudo descritioo das variações anatômicas dos ramos do arco aórtico / Descriptivestudyy of anatomical variations of aortic arch brancess

O arco aórtico é o segundo segmento da aorta que se curva súpero posteriormente e para esquerda, sobre a face anterior da traqueia. originando três vasos: o primeiro ramo é a artéria tronco braquiocefálico que se ramifica em artéria subclávia direita e artéria carótida comum direita; o segundo é a artéria carótida comum esquerda e o terceiro é a artéria subclávia esquerda. As variações anatômicas dos ramos do arco aórtico são frequentes e podem surgir de diversos tipos (Tipo A, B, C, D e E). A trajetória desses vasos tem uma grande importância clínica e cirúrgica para profissionais e estudantes, podendo contribuir para realizar procedimentos na região anterior do pescoço minimizando lesões dessas estruturas. Este trabalho trata-se de um estudo descritivo macroscópico com abordagem quantitativa mediante análise de dezenove arcos aórtico provenientes de cadáveres humanos indigentes e formolizados a 10% pertencentes ao Laboratório de Anatomia Humana da Universidade de Rio Verde. A proposta deste estudo foi identificar, descrever e verificar o índice das variações anatômicas dos ramos do arco aórtico. Observou-se que quinze dos arcos (78,9%) apresentaram o padrão comum tipo A, e em quatro arcos (21,1%) eram variações anatômicas. Dentre essas variações, duas eram do tipo B (10,5%), uma do tipo C (5,3%) e uma do tipo D (5,3%).

The aortic arch is the second segment of the aorta that curves upper posteriorly and left on the anterior surface of the trachea. This, originate three vases: the first branch is the brachiocephalic trunk artery that branches into the right subclavian artery and right common carotid artery; the second is the left common carotid artery and the third is the left subclavian artery. Anatomical variations of the aortic arch branches are frequent and may arise from different types (Type A, B, C, D and E). The trajectory of these vessels has a great clinical and surgical importance for professionals and students can contribute to perform the procedure in the anterior neck injuries minimizing these structures. This work is in a macroscopic descriptive study with a quantitative approach through the analysis of nineteen aortic arches from indigent embalmed human cadavers and 10% belonging to the Laboratory of Human Anatomy, University of Rio Verde. The purpose of this study was to identify, describe and check the index of anatomical variations of the aortic arch branches. It was observed that fifteen of the arches (78.9%) showed type A common pattern, and four arches (21.1%) were anatomical variations. Among these variations, two were type B (10.5%), one of type C (5.3%) and type D (5.3%).

Neogenomic events challenge current models of heritability, neuronal plasticity dynamics, and machine learning.

We address current needs for neogenomics-based theoretical and computational approaches for several neuroscience research fields, from investigations of heritability properties, passing by investigations of spatiotemporal dynamics in the neuromodulatory microcircuits involved in perceptual learning and attentional shifts, to the application of genetic algorithms to create robots exhibiting ongoing emergence.

Psychophysical evaluation of achromatic and chromatic vision of workers chronically exposed to organic solvents.

The purpose of this paper was to evaluate achromatic and chromatic vision of workers chronically exposed to organic solvents through psychophysical methods. Thirty-one gas station workers (31.5 ± 8.4 years old) were evaluated. Psychophysical tests were achromatic tests (Snellen chart, spatial and temporal contrast sensitivity, and visual perimetry) and chromatic tests (Ishihara's test, color discrimination ellipses, and Farnsworth-Munsell 100 hue test--FM100). Spatial contrast sensitivities of exposed workers were lower than the control at spatial frequencies of 20 and 30 cpd whilst the temporal contrast sensitivity was preserved. Visual field losses were found in 10-30 degrees of eccentricity in the solvent exposed workers. The exposed workers group had higher error values of FM100 and wider color discrimination ellipses area compared to the controls. Workers occupationally exposed to organic solvents had abnormal visual functions, mainly color vision losses and visual field constriction.

Helicobacter pylori cagA polymorphism and gastric inflammation: an international comparison between Japanese and Brazilian patients.

OBJECTIVE: Gastritis induced by Helicobacter pylori can cause the onset of gastric cancer, and H. pylori cytotoxin associated gene A (cagA) is considered to be an important factor for its development. We investigated the relationship between the grades of gastritis and cagA phenotype in Japanese and Brazilian patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We studied 47 Brazilian and 47 age-, gender-matched Japanese patients. Status of H. pylori infection, the degree of histologic gastritis, and the levels of serum pepsinogen levels were evaluated. DNA was extracted from paraffin-embedded sections and a portion of the cagA gene was amplified using the polymerase chain reaction, followed by direct sequencing of the fragment. We investigated the cagA subtype using a newly developed restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) system. RESULTS: In H. pylori-positive patients, the grades of histological and serological gastritis were more prominent in the Japanese subjects than their Brazilian counterparts, although no difference was detected in the H. pylori-negative subjects. According to cagA phenotype analysis, our RFLP system was helpful for evaluating cagA phenotype, and we found that the prevalence of the East Asia subtype was significantly higher in the Japanese subjects than in the Brazilian. CONCLUSION: Infection with H. pylori possessing the East Asian cagA gene contributes to the progression of gastritis.

Lateral interactions in visual perception of temporal signals: cortical and subcortical components

The aim of this work was to isolate and investigate subcortical and cortical lateral interactions involved in flicker perception. We quantified the perceived flicker strength (PFS) in the center of a test stimulus which was simultaneously modulated with a surround stimulus (50 percent Michelson contrast in both stimuli). Subjects were requested to adjust the modulation depth of a separate matching stimulus that was physically identical to the center of the test stimulus but without the surround. Using LCD goggles, synchronized to the frame rate of a CRT screen, the center and surround could be presented monoptically or dichoptically. In the monoptic condition, center-surround interactions can have both subcortical and cortical origins. In the dichoptic condition, center-surround interactions cannot occur in the retina and the LGN, therefore isolating a cortical mechanism. Results revealed both a strong monoptic (subcortical plus cortical) lateral interaction and a weaker dichoptic (cortical) lateral interaction. Subtraction of the dichoptic from the monoptic data revealed a subcortical mechanism of the lateral interaction. While the modulation of the cortical PFS component showed a low-pass temporal-frequency tuning, the modulation of the subcortical PFS component was maximal at 6 Hz. These findings are consistent with two separate temporal channels influencing the monoptic PFS, each with distinct lateral interactions strength and frequency tuning characteristics. We conclude that both subcortical and cortical lateral interactions modulate flicker perception.(AU)

Lateral interactions in visual perception of temporal signals: cortical and subcortical components

The aim of this work was to isolate and investigate subcortical and cortical lateral interactions involved in flicker perception. We quantified the perceived flicker strength (PFS) in the center of a test stimulus which was simultaneously modulated with a surround stimulus (50 percent Michelson contrast in both stimuli). Subjects were requested to adjust the modulation depth of a separate matching stimulus that was physically identical to the center of the test stimulus but without the surround. Using LCD goggles, synchronized to the frame rate of a CRT screen, the center and surround could be presented monoptically or dichoptically. In the monoptic condition, center-surround interactions can have both subcortical and cortical origins. In the dichoptic condition, center-surround interactions cannot occur in the retina and the LGN, therefore isolating a cortical mechanism. Results revealed both a strong monoptic (subcortical plus cortical) lateral interaction and a weaker dichoptic (cortical) lateral interaction. Subtraction of the dichoptic from the monoptic data revealed a subcortical mechanism of the lateral interaction. While the modulation of the cortical PFS component showed a low-pass temporal-frequency tuning, the modulation of the subcortical PFS component was maximal at 6 Hz. These findings are consistent with two separate temporal channels influencing the monoptic PFS, each with distinct lateral interactions strength and frequency tuning characteristics. We conclude that both subcortical and cortical lateral interactions modulate flicker perception.

Hemorragia digestiva média e outras indicações de exame com a capsula endoscópica: resultados em uma série consecutiva de 187 pacientes / Avarage gastrointestinal bleeding and other indications of capsule endoscopy examination with the: results in a consecutive series of 187 patients

Objetivo: verificar as indicações e os resultados do emprego da cápsula endoscópica em uma série consecutiva de pacientes, analisando-se, em especial, os casos de hemorragia de causa obscura e também a relação no momento em que o exame foi efetuado em relação à atividade de sangramento. Análises especiais ainda para os casos de exames inconclusivos, cápsulas retidas e lesões fora do delgado. Material e Métodos: 187 pacientes consecutivos submetidos ao exame do intestino delgado pela cápsula foram analisados. Utilizou-se a cápsula da empresa Given, específica para o delgado (versões M2A e PillCam SB), e as análises de imagens foram efetuadas no software específico deste método, versão 5.1. Resultados: 70,5% (132 casos) dos exames foram indicados por hemorragia de causa obscura (64 casos) ou anemia de causa obscura (68 casos). Diarreia, dor abdominal, suspeita de pólipos e outras menos frequentes foram as demais indicações. Dos 187 casos, em 124 deles observaram-se lesões, sendo 101 lesões em delgado e 23 lesões fora do delgado. Em 29,9% dos casos, a cápsula não observou lesões e, em 3,7% do total de casos, o exame foi inconclusivo. Em 5 casos (2,6%), a cápsula ficou retida. As lesões vasculares do intestino delgado representaram o diagnóstico mais frequente e, quando da análise dos casos de hemorragia em relação ao momento do sangramento, demonstrou-se um percentual de 69,5% de encontro de lesões no paciente com sangramento ativo, 77,7% no paciente com sangramento recente e 64,6% no paciente examinado fora do episódio hemorrágico. Conclusões: a hemorragia digestiva ou a anemia, de causa obscura, foi a indicação mais frequente (70,5%) do exame do delgado com a cápsula endoscópica. Na análise dos resultados em 66,3% dos exames efetuados, a cápsula demonstrou lesões, inclusive fora do delgado. As lesões vasculares foram as mais encontradas e, nos casos de hemorragia/anemia de causa obscura, a capacidade da cápsula em encontrar lesões foi maior nos pacientes que efetuaram o exame durante o episódio hemorrágico, ou logo após do mesmo, do que em pacientes nos quais o exame foi feito distante deste episódio, embora estes resultados não tivessem relevância estatística. Exames inconclusivos tiveram um percentual de 3,7% dos casos e, em 2,6% dos casos, a cápsula ficou retida em estenoses do delgado.

Objectives: to verify the indications and results of the use of endoscopy capsule in a consecutive series of patients, especially the cases of obscure bleeding cause with the moment when the examination was made (related to bleeding activity). Special analysis for the cases not conclusive yet, retained capsules and lesions out of small bowel. Materials and Methods: 187 consecutive patients underwent the small bowel examination by the capsule were analyzed. A capsule from the Given company was used, it is specific for small bowel (M2A e PillCam SB) and the analyses were made in this brand-specific software, version 5,1. Results: in the analysis it was observed that 70,5% of them (132 cases) were indicated by obscure bleeding cause (64 cases) or obscure anemia cause (68 cases). Diarrhea, abdominal pain, suspected polyps and others least often were the other indications. From the 187 cases, in 124 of them were observed lesions, 101 of them in the small bowel and 23 lesions out of it. In 29,9% of the cases the capsule did not observed lesions and in 3,7% of all cases the examination was inconclusive. In 5 cases (2,6%) the capsule was retained. Vascular lesions of the small bowel were the most frequent diagnosis, and the bleeding causes analysis, in relation to the bleeding moment, 69,5% of lesions in the patient with the active bleeding were showed, 77,7% in the patient with recent bleeding and 64,6% in the patient whose examination was out of the bleeding episode. Conclusion: gastrointestinal bleeding and/or obscure anemia cause were the most frequent indication (70,5%) of the small bowel examination with the endoscopy capsule. In the results analysis, in 66,3% of the examinations made, the capsule showed lesion(s), even out of the small bowel. Vascular lesions were the most found and in the obscure bleeding/anemia cause cases the capsules capacity to find lesions was higher in patients that did the examination during the bleeding episode or just after it, than in patients that the examination was done far from the episode. Inconclusive examinations had a percentage of 3,7 of cases and in 2,6% of cases the capsule was retained in small bowel stenosis.