Narrating positive versus negative memories of illness: does narrating influence the emotional tone of memories?

Psychoncological studies have recognised a reduced autobiographical memory in cancer patients, furthermore cognitive studies have found that narrative is an effective instrument to re-elaborate memories. However, it is still unclear whether narrating positive versus negative events can have a different impact on autobiographical memory. The present study aims to explore the emotional experience of autobiographical memory before and after having narrated negative or positive events related to the illness. Of 63 oncological patients, 35 were selected for the present study. Participants completed a Memory Fluency Task twice, before and after having selected and narrated a positive (PN group) or a negative (NN group) memory of illness. They also had to attribute one or more emotions to each memory and to the narrative. The number of emotions and the percentage of emotional tones in both narrated and non-narrated memories were assessed. Narrated memories were more emotionally re-elaborated than non-narrated ones. Negative group participants, more than positive group ones, decreased negative emotions and increased complex ones. Authors discuss these results claiming that narrating works as a rehearsal of autobiographical memories in oncological patients and narrating negative memories eases the emotional re-elaboration of illness.

Propiedades morfológicas en la parte media de la díafisis del hueso metacarpiano III de equino mestizo criollo / Morphological properties in the mid part of the metacarpal III bone diaphysis of equine criollo crossbreed

El desarrollo del esqueleto es de máxima importancia en caballos de trabajo y alta competencia. Los miembros torácicos sostienen el 60% del peso corporal y están sometidos a esfuerzos biomecánicos que los predisponen a lesiones, estando obligados a especializarse en el apoyo. El metacarpiano III soporta la mayor carga entre los huesos del cuerpo y la sustancia compacta tiene gran espesor dorsal y medial. Es un material complejo que posee plasticidad y fuerza considerable, con capacidad para soportar la deformación y recuperar su forma. El objetivo de este estudio es aportar conocimientos morfológicos, aplicables a la clínica animal, del hueso metacarpiano III de equino mestizo criollo. Se estudiaron los huesos metacarpiano III de 30 equinos hembras y machos, entre 18 meses y 5 años de edad, divididos en dos grupos etarios, provenientes del frigorífico General Pico, Las Higueras. Se determinó: peso y longitud total; diámetro latero-medial y dorso-palmar en la parte media de la diáfisis. Al metacarpiano III izquierdo se le practicó una osteotomía transversal en la parte media de la diáfisis para determinar: espesor de la cortical, área cortical, área medular y área total. Los datos fueron analizados mediante técnicas de correlación y regresión lineal simple, análisis de la varianza y comparaciones múltiples de Tukey usando el paquete estadístico InfoStat, con un nivel de significación de 0,05. Los resultados muestran que existe asociación entre el peso versus área cortical (r= 0,76, p= 0,0001) y longitud del hueso versus área cortical (r= 0,74 p= 0,0001), el área depende linealmente del peso y longitud del hueso (R2= 0,97, p<0,0001 y R2= 0,96, p<0,0001 respectivamente). Se comprobó que existen diferencias significativas entre los diámetros de las áreas y espesor de los cuadrantes (p<0,0001), al contrastar los cuadrantes entre sí se observaron diferencias a excepción del cuadrante dorsal y lateral. Existe diferencias entre las áreas de los distintos grupos etários (p= 0,0034). La morfología tiene influencia sobre las propiedades biomecánicas del hueso.

The development of high skeleton is important in working horses and associated high competition. Thoracic members hold 60% of body weight and are subjected to biomechanical efforts that predispose the animal to injury, being forced to rely on the support. The large metacarpal III supports load between bones of the body and the compact substance is large dorsal and medial thickness. It is composed of complex material and possesses plasticity and considerable force, with the ability to sustain deformation and subsequently recover its form. The objective of this study is to provide morphometric knowledge applied to animal clinic of the metacarpal III bone of equine criollo crossbreed. Thirty (30) metacarpal III bones of male and female horses, between 18 months and 5 years old, divided into two age groups, from the Frigorifico General Pico, Las Higueras groups were studied. We determined: weight, total length, diameter latero-medial and dorsal-palmar in the middle of the diaphysis. A transverse osteotomy was performed left to metacarpal III in the middle diaphysis to determine: cortical thickness, cortical area, medullary area and total area. The data was analyzed by correlation and simple linear regression techniques, analysis of variance and Tukey multiple comparisons using the statistical InfoStat (2009) package, with a significance level of 0.05. The results showed an association between weight vs. cortical area (r= 0.76, p= 0.0001) and bone length vs. cortical area (r= 0.74, p= 0.0001), the area depends linearly on the weight and length bone (R2= 0.97, p<0.0001 and R2= 0.96, p<0.0001 respectively). It was found that there are significant differences between the diameters of the area and thickness of the quadrants (p<0.0001), contrasting quadrants were observed in the dorsal and lateral exception quadrant. There are differences between areas of different age groups (p= 0.0034). The morphology influences the biomechanical properties of the bone.

Características mecánicas dinámicas de la tibia aislada de perro sometida a prueba de impacto / Dynamic mechanical characteristics of the isolated dog tibia, subjected to impact test

El propósito del presente trabajo es brindar información acerca de las propiedades biomecánicas y morfológicas de la tibia de perro sometida a cargas dinámicas. Los objetivos fueron evaluar la resistencia de la tibia frente al impacto mediante el Método de Ensayo Charpy, relacionar la misma con el área total, el área cortical y el área de la cavidad medular del hueso, comparándola entre talla, edad y sexo diferente. La importancia clínica, ortopédica y quirúrgica que reviste la región de la pierna del perro fundamenta esta investigación. Se utilizaron tibias de perro en condiciones aisladas, extraídas postmortem de 30 animales mestizos adultos jóvenes provenientes del servicio de zoonosis de la ciudad de Río Cuarto. Se determinó en la tibia derecha e izquierda: peso y longitud total del hueso, diámetros cráneo-caudal y latero-medial en la mitad de la diáfisis. A la tibia izquierda se le practicó osteotomía transversal en la mitad de su diáfisis. En la superficie de sección se midió: espesor de la cortical, diámetro medular y se obtuvo el área de sección total, área cortical y área medular. La tibia derecha fue sometida al Método de Ensayo Charpy. Se realizó el análisis estadístico correspondiente. La resistencia del hueso presentó una correlación de r=0,70 (p= 0,000019); r=0,67 (p=0,000059) y r=0,29 (p=0,12) con respecto a las áreas cortical, total y medular respectivamente. La morfología tiene influencia sobre las propiedades biomecánicas del hueso. A medida que aumenta el área cortical aumenta la energía de impacto absorbida. En cambio, a mayor área de cavidad medular la energía de impacto absorbida aumenta pero en menor magnitud. Existen diferencias estadísticamente significativas (p=0,0168) entre la talla del animal y la resistencia de la tibia. La edad (p=0,73) y el sexo (p=0,18) no presentaron influencias significativas sobre las propiedades biomecánicas de la tibia.

The purpose of this work is to provide information about biomechanical and morphological properties of the dog tibia bone subject to dynamic loads. The objectives were: evaluate the resistance of the tibia subject impact used Charpy test Method; linking it with total area, cortical area and bone marrow cavity; and compare it with weight, age and sex categories. The clinical, orthopedical and surgical relevance of the dog leg region is the basis for this research. Dog tibia were used in isolated conditions, removed postmortem from 30 adult animals defined raceless, from the zoonoses service of the city of Río Cuarto. Weight and total bone length, cranial-caudal and lateral-medial diameter in the middle of the diaphysis, were determined in the left and right tibia. The left tibia was osteotomized transversely in the middle of the diaphysis. On the surface section we measured: cortical thickness, diameter of the bone marrow cavity, and obtained the total section area, cortical area and medullary area. The right tibia was subjected to Charpy test method. Statistical analysis was performed accordingly. The bone strength showed a correlation of r=0.70 (p= 0.000019); r=0.67 (p=0.000059) and r=0.29 (p=0.12) with respect to the cortical area, total area and medullary area respectively. The morphology has influence on the biomechanical properties of bone, with increasing cortical area increases the impact energy absorbed. In contrast, a greater area of the medullary cavity of impact energy absorbed increases but to a lesser magnitude. There were statistically significant differences (p=0.0168) of size on the strength of the tibia. Age (p=0.7343) and sex (p=0.1898) had no significant influence on the biomechanical properties of the tibia.

Características mecánicas dinámicas del fémur aislado de perro, sometido a prueba de impacto / Dynamic mechanical characteristics of the isolated dog femur, subjected to impact test

El presente trabajo tiene el propósito de brindar información acerca del comportamiento biomecánico del fémur de perro sometido a cargas dinámicas. El objetivo es evaluar la resistencia del fémur frente al impacto, mediante el Método de Ensayo Charpy, relacionando dicha resistencia con las áreas: total, cortical y cavidad medular del hueso, comparándola entre edad y sexo diferentes. Se utilizaron fémur de perro en condiciones aisladas, extraídos postmortem de 30 animales mestizos adultos, provenientes del servicio de zoonosis de la ciudad de Río Cuarto. Se determinó en los fémures derecho e izquierdo: peso y longitud total del hueso, diámetro cráneo-caudal y latero-medial en la mitad de la diáfisis. El fémur izquierdo fue osteotomizado transversalmente en la mitad de su diáfisis. En la superficie de sección se medió espesor de la cortical y diámetro medular. Se obtuvo el área de sección total, cortical y medular. El fémur del miembro pélvico derecho fue sometido al Método de Ensayo Charpy. Los resultados obtenidos fueron analizados estadísticamente encontrándose que el área cortical depende linealmente de la longitud del hueso (r=0,62, p= 0,00025); la resistencia del hueso depende de las áreas cortical (r=0,71, p= 0,000012) y área total (global) (r=0,63, p= 0,00021) y no del área medular (r=0,29, p= 0,12). El análisis exploratorio muestra que no existirían diferencias acerca de la influencia de la edad y el sexo sobre la resistencia del fémur. Tras estos resultados se puede inferir que a medida que aumenta el área cortical aumenta la energía de impacto absorbida.

This paper is intended to provide information about biomechanical behavior femur at impact using the Charpy test method relating the resistance in the following areas: total, cortical and medullary bone cavity, comparing these between different ages and sexes. Dog femors were used in isolated conditions, removed postmortem from 30 adult animals, defined raceless, from the zoonoses service of the city of Rio Cuarto. Weight, total bone length, cranio-caudal diameter and lateral medial half of the diaphysis, were determined in the left and right femur. The left femur was osteotomized transversely in the middle of the diaphysis. In the sectional area thickness of the cortical and medullary diameters were measured. We obtained the total sectional area, cortical and medullary. The femur of the right lower limb was subjected to the Charpy test method. Results were statistically analyzed and found that cortical area depends linearly on the length of the bone (r=0.62, p=0.00025), bone strength depends on the cortical areas (r=0.71, p=0.00012) and total (global) areas (r=0.63, p=0.00021) and not of the medullary area (r=0.29, p=0.12). Exploratory analysis showed that no difference existed regarding age and sex influence on the strength of the femur. Following these results we can infer that as cortical area increases, the impact energy absorbed also increases.

Análisis multivariado aplicado a la etapa de deshidratación en la técnica de plastinación del riñón de caballo / Multivaried analysis applied at the stage of dehydration in the plastination technique in horse´s kidney

La Plastinación es la técnica más moderna para la conservación de piezas anatómicas y especímenes. Esta técnica consta de cuatro etapas: fijación, deshidratación, impregnación forzada y curado. Este trabajo pretende mejorar la eficiencia en la producción de órganos plastinados mediante la técnica de Plastinación estándar denominada S 10. Se utilizaron riñones de equinos mestizos criollos provenientes del Frigorífico Aimar S/A, ubicado en la zona rural de Río Cuarto. Luego de realizar la fijación del órgano con formalina se procedió a deshidratarlo. La deshidratación se llevó a cabo en tres sub-etapas donde en cada una de ellas se trabajó a la misma temperatura y se utilizó como solvente una solución de acetona en diferentes concentraciones. Las mediciones se realizaron con acetómetro registrándose el tiempo insumido para lograr la deshidratación. Los datos se analizaron estadísticamente por medio de: análisis de la varianza multivariada y análisis de correlación simple utilizando el paquete estadístico InfoStat. Los resultados muestran que los tiempos de deshidratación se ven influenciados por la edad del animal pero no por la posición ni por el peso del órgano.

Plastination is the most modern technique for the preservation of anatomical pieces and specimens. This technique consists of four stages: fixation, dehydration, forced impregnation, and cured. This research aims at improving the efficiency of production plastinated organs through the standard technique known as S10. Kidneys of criole mestizo equines from Frigorifico Aimar S.A placed in the rural area of Rio IV were used. After binding the organ with formalin, it was dehydrated. The dehydration was carried out in three sub-stages working at the same temperature, and a solvent composed of solution of acetone of different concentrations was used. The measurements were analysed with acetometer, keeping register of the time consumption to reach dehydration. The resulting data was statistically analysed using Infostat program. Results showed that the time consumed to reach dehydration was influenced by the horses age but not by the kidney's weight, there were no significant differences between right and left kidneys neither.

Semiparametric animal models via penalized splines as alternatives to models with contemporary groups.

Contemporary groups (CG) are used in genetic evaluation to account for systematic environmental effects of management, nutritional level, or any other differentially expressed group effect; however, because the functional form of the distribution of those effects is unknown, CG serve as an approximation to a time-varying mean. Conversely, in semiparametric models, there is no need to assume any functional form for the time-varying effects. In this research, we present a semiparametric animal model (AMS) using the covariate day of birth (DOB) by means of penalized splines (P-splines), as an alternative to fitting CG. In the AMS, the functionality of the data on DOB is expressed by means of a Basic segmented polynomial line (B-spline) basis, and proper covariance matrices are used to reflect the serial correlation among the points of support (or knots) at different times. Three different covariance matrices that reflect either short- or long-range dependences among knots are discussed. Different models were fitted to birth weight data from Polled Hereford calves. Models compared were an animal model with CG, an animal model with CG and the covariate DOB nested within CG (CG + DOB), and P-splines with the first difference penalty matrix and three different AMS with 20, 40, 60, 80, or 120 knots. Models were compared using a modified Akaike information criterion (AICC), which was calculated as a byproduct of the estimation of variance components by REML using the expectation maximization algorithm. All three AMS had smaller (better) values of AICC than the regular model with CG, while producing almost the same ranking of predicted breeding values and similar average predicted error variance. In all AMS, the inference and all measures of comparison were similar when the number of knots was equal > or = 40. The model CG + DOB had analogous performance to the AMS, but at the expense of using more parameters. It is concluded that the use of penalized regression splines using a B-spline basis with proper covariance matrices is a competitive method to the fitting of CG into animal models for genetic evaluation, without having to assume any functional form for the covariate DOB.

Risk-adjusted expected return for selection decisions.

The results of genetic evaluation are predictions of breeding values for the selection candidates, and these involve uncertainty with regard to future returns from the use of those selected individuals. This uncertainty is due to differential variability in BLUP of breeding values and can be translated into risk: High fluctuations mean greater risk, which is not taken into account by just looking at expected return. In this research, the methodology of value at risk (VaR) and expected shortfall is introduced for animal breeding decisions as a means to adjust the expected return for the cost of uncertainty in prediction of breeding values. This methodology has recently received a great deal of attention from financial institutions. Given a specified probability alpha, VaR is the alpha-quantile of the distribution of economic returns. The conditional value at risk (CVaR), or expected shortfall, is the expectation of the economic returns, which are less or equal to the VaR. By subtracting the CVaR from the predicted aggregate genotype (muR), a risk-adjusted expected return (RAER) measure was obtained. The measures muR, VaR, and RAER were calculated for a data set with progeny of 161 Polled Hereford bulls belonging to a beef cattle company. The Pearson and Spearman correlations between muR and RAER were 0.89 (P < 0.001) and 0.90 (P < 0.001), respectively. Even though the latter correlation was high, some bulls ranked differently for muR compared with RAER. The Pearson correlation between muR and VaR was low (0.124) and nonsignificant (P > 0.05), whereas the correlation between VaR and RAER was -0.31 (P < 0.0001). The results indicate the need to take into account the adjustment for risk in expected return in order to alleviate the effects of possible losses when overrated animals are selected.

Characteristics of cerebral microembolism during carotid stenting and angioplasty alone.

BACKGROUND: Cerebral microembolism has often been documented by transcranial Doppler imaging during carotid angioplasty and stenting. However, few data are available about its characteristics during the 2 different kinds of procedure. OBJECTIVES: To compare the incidence of microemboli occurring during angioplasty alone with that during stenting in the different phases of the procedures and to relate it to periprocedural cerebrovascular complications. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty-eight patients underwent 41 procedures (15 angioplasty alone and 26 stenting) for symptomatic carotid stenoses of 70% or more. Transcranial Doppler monitoring was performed to detect microemboli in the middle cerebral artery during 3 phases of the procedure: (1) guidewire crossing, (2) first dilatation in case of angioplasty alone or stent release with predilatation if performed, and (3) further dilatation. RESULTS: Microemboli occurred in all cases in phase 1 of the procedure but less frequently in the arteries treated with stenting when compared with those treated with angioplasty alone in phase 2 and particularly (P<.02) in phase 3. The mean number of microemboli was highest in phase 2, predominant (P<.05) during angioplasty alone, and particularly reduced (P<.02) in phase 3 during the stenting procedures. During 2 (5%) of the 41 procedures, cerebrovascular complications occurred in phase 1, with the number of microemboli being higher than mean values. CONCLUSIONS: Cerebral microembolism is a very common event, especially during guidewire crossing and angioplasty alone compared with stenting. Further studies concerning the prognostic significance of this are advisable.

Factor V Leiden mutation in a case with ischemic stroke: which relationship? A case report.

A 50-year-old man presented spontaneous internal carotid artery dissection with ischemic stroke. He had a history of deep venous thrombosis, and an activated protein C resistance due to factor V Leiden mutation was documented. He showed no other vascular risk factor. This unusual case puts the question whether this coagulation defect may be related to the stroke occurrence.

Bilateral medial frontal infarction in a case of azygous anterior cerebral artery stenosis.

We describe the unusual case of a 63-year-old woman with a history of arterial hypertension who presented a sudden weakness of the lower limbs followed by mutism, akinesia and dyspraxia. Magnetic resonance images showed a bilateral medial frontal infarction. Digital subtraction angiography documented a right azygous anterior cerebral artery with severe stenosis in its sub-callosal tract; the left anterior cerebral artery showed mild hypoplasia with only sub-frontal and fronto-polar branches. No embolic source was documented. Afterwards the patient presented a gradual and partial recovery of both motor and cognitive functions.

T-lymphocyte immunointerferon receptors in patients with multiple sclerosis.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a T-cell-mediated autoimmune demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS), associated with an altered immunoregulation. Interferon (IFN)-gamma, also known as immune IFN, is a cytokine with several effects on the immune system. Specific IFN-gamma receptors have been found on human lymphocytes, as well as on other cell types (e.g. gliocytes), even in the CNS. The aim of the present study was to evaluate IFN-gamma binding on peripheral blood T-lymphocytes from MS patients, compared with those from healthy subjects. Thirty-two patients were selected according to the classical criteria for definite MS; as controls, 21 healthy subjects were studied. We have found that T-lymphocytes from MS patients bear a significantly smaller amount of IFN-gamma receptors than those from controls [Bmax: 568, 18 vs 708, 14 (mean, SE) receptors/ cell]. Such IFN-gamma binding sites are of the same type in patients and healthy subjects [Kd: 1.0, 0.05 vs 0.9, 0.02 (mean, SE) nM]. These findings are discussed in terms of immunopathogenesis of MS, since it has been reported that activated T-lymphocytes have decreased amounts of IFN-gamma receptors.

Lymphocyte subsets in multiple sclerosis. A study with two-colour fluorescence analysis.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is postulated to be an immunopathologically mediated disease. This concept is supported by the finding of abnormally distributed peripheral blood T-cell subsets and a decreased T-suppressor function. Thirty-seven MS patients have been selected according to the criteria for definite MS. Fluorescein- or phycoerythrin-conjugated monoclonal antibodies have been used to define different lymphocyte subsets: CD4+, CD5+, CD8+, CD19+, CD38+, CD45RA+, CD4+CD45RA+, CD19+CD5+, CD8+CD38+. In relapsing-remitting (RR)-MS patients a significantly decreased percentage of CD19+ cells and in progressive MS patients a significantly increased percentage of CD19+CD5+ cells have been found. During a relapse in RR-MS, a significantly decreased percentage of CD4+CD45RA+ cells and a significantly increased percentage of CD8+CD38+ cells have been observed. Moreover, in RR-MS patients a significantly increased percentage of CD38+ cells and significantly high IgM amounts have been found. The increased percentage of CD19+CD5+ and CD38+ cells (together with high IgM levels) and the reduced percentage of CD4+CD45RA+ lymphocytes could be related to an activation of both cellular and humoral immune response in acute MS.

[Susceptibility to multiple sclerosis and T-lymphocyte receptor genes. A synthetic review]. / Suscettibilità alla sclerosi multipla e geni del recettore del linfocita T. Rassegna sintetica.

The immunogenetics of multiple sclerosis is reviewed: particular attention is drawn to genes of T-cell receptor variable regions, both in animal models for human demyelinating diseases and in linkage studies on multiple sclerosis.

Screening for breast cancer: report of a population-based experience in the city of Milan, Italy.

AIMS AND BACKGROUND: Mammographic screening is recommended as a current health practice. The aim of the present study is to report the results of a new program which started in the city of Milan in 1989. METHODS: A total of 4882 women aged 50 to 61 years and resident in quarter no. 16 of Milan were invited by mail to attend the screening at the San Paolo Hospital based on two-view mammography and physical examination. RESULTS: A total of 2953 (60.5%) women attended the first screening round, and 18 cancers were detected (1 Tis, 8 T1, 9 T2). The detection rate was 6.9 x 1000, and the prevalence/incidence ratio was around 3.5. CONCLUSIONS: The study confirms the feasibility of breast cancer screening in an urban setting by using the existing general hospital facilities and should be considered as a possible model for other urban experiences.

Vidian nerve resection, histamine turnover and mucosal mast cell function in patients with chronic hypertrophic non-allergic rhinitis.

Parasympathetic innervation of the respiratory tract of nasal mucosa plays an important role in the pathogenesis of chronic hypertrophic non-allergic rhinitis (C.H.N.A.R.), the vidian nerve providing the main parasympathetic nerve supply to respiratory mucosa. The present study investigates the effect of vidian nerve resection in 22 patient with intractable C.H.N.A.R. on histamine content and formation and on the number of mast cells and their degranulation in the respiratory tract. Samples were taken from respiratory mucosa for histamine and histidine-decarboxylase assay, and for microscopic observations for mast cell density and degranulation index, before and 12-24 months after vidian nerve resection. Neurectomy of the vidian nerve completely cured the clinical symptomatology, evaluated by rhinoreomanometry, and also significantly decreased both the high histamine levels and histidine-decarboxylase activity in patients with C.H.N.A.R. The density and degranulation index of mast cells were also significantly lower after surgery. These data suggest a relationship between cholinergic activity and the secretory response of mast cells and indicates a correlation between the parasympathetic nerve supply and chronic hyperthrophic non-allergic rhinitis. The significant reduction in mast cell density, histamine levels and histidine-decarboxylase activity also lends support to the hypothesis that the parasympathetic nerve supply plays a role in the regulation of mast cell histamine.

Reconstruction of the orbital floor with the muscle-bone flap (temporal muscle with coronoid process).

Various techniques for the reconstruction of the orbital floor are available when resecting the portion of the maxilla which includes the orbital floor. A composite muscle-bone flap of temporal muscle and coronoid process fills the defect satisfactorily and provides good support for the globe.