Eugenia uniflora: a promising natural alternative against multidrug-resistant bacteria.

This work aimed to evaluate the chemical composition, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities from crude extract and fractions from leaves of Eugenia uniflora Linn. The crude extract was obtained by turbo extraction and their fractions by partitioning. Chromatographic analysis were performed, and the antioxidant capacity was verified by two methods (DPPH• and ABTS•+). The Minimal Inhibitory/Bactericidal Concentration were conducted against twenty-two bacteria, selecting five strains susceptible to extract/fractions and resistant to the antibiotics tested. Ampicillin, azithromycin, ciprofloxacin, and gentamicin were associated with Ethyl Acetate Fraction (EAF) against multidrug-resistant strains in modulatory and checkerboard tests. The chromatographic data showed gallic acid, ellagic acid, and myricitrin in crude extract, with enrichment in the EAF. The electron transfer activity demonstrated in the antioxidant tests is related to the presence of flavonoids. The Gram-positive strains were more susceptible to EAF, and their action spectra were improved by association, comprising Gram-negative bacilli. Synergisms were observed to ciprofloxacin and gentamicin against Pseudomonas aeruginosa colistin-resistant. The results demonstrate that the extract and enriched fraction obtained from the leaves of E. uniflora act as a promising natural alternative against multidrug-resistant bacteria.

Communication, Forgiveness and Morbidity in Young Adults Involved in a Romantic Relationship

This study examined the direct and indirect effects of communication patterns and forgiveness on physical and psychological morbidity, among young adults involved in a romantic relationship. Participants were 298 students, currently involved in a heterosexual romantic relationship, from a large university in the United States, who completed the Tendency to Forgive Scale, the Communication Patterns Questionnaire, and the Rotterdam Symptom Checklist. Physical morbidity was directly predicted by mutuality communication. Destructive communication had an indirect effect on physical and psychological morbidity, via forgiveness. However, the indirect connection between destructive communication and psychological morbidity was only significant for female partners. Teaching constructive communication skills may be a key factor for interventions addressed to young adults in romantic relationships, in order to promote forgiveness, due to its potential positive influence in physical and psychological well-being (AU)

LRP5 gene polymorphisms and radiographic joint damage in rheumatoid arthritis patients.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is characterized by increased bone resorption and impaired bone formation. Osteoblast function is regulated by the canonical LRP5/Wnt/ß-catenin pathway. Bone mineral density and RA joint destruction are partially inherited. In line with this, we found significant associations between LRP5 SNPs (p.A1330V, p.N740N, p.V667M) and RA radiographic damage severity. INTRODUCTION: Increased bone resorption and impaired bone formation characterize rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Canonical Wnt/ß-catenin pathway, signalled by lipoprotein receptor-related protein-5 (LRP5), regulates osteoblast function. Since bone mineral density (BMD) and RA joint destruction are partially inherited, we studied their association with LRP5 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). METHODS: Clinical data and peripheral blood for biomarkers assessment and LRP5 genotyping were collected from 208 RA patients. Hands and feet X-rays were scored [modified Sharp/van der Heijde Score (SHS), joint space narrowing (JSN), and erosion scores]. Lumbar spine, total left proximal femur, and left hand BMD were assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). RESULTS: TT genotypes for p.A1330V and p.N740N LRP5 SNPs associated with total SHS, erosion score, and hands erosion score; the same for p.A1330V with feet JSN score and p.N740N with hands total score. AG genotype for p.V667M associated with sclerostin and hands JSN score. Femoral BMD associated with TC genotype for p.N740N. Multiple test correction precluded a few of these associations. Among V667M-N740N-A1330V haplotypes: GTT associated with higher feet JSN score (OR = 3.80; p = 0.016) and ATT with higher JSN score (OR = 4.60; p = 0.032), hands total score (OR = 5.65; p = 0.022), and total SHS (OR = 6.74; p = 0.024). CONCLUSION: Significant associations between LRP5 SNPs (p.A1330V, p.N740N, and p.V667M) and the severity of radiographic damage reinforce the evidence of bone destruction heritability in RA.

Genetic variation in Wnt/ß-catenin and ER signalling pathways in female and male elite dancers and its associations with low bone mineral density: a cross-section and longitudinal study.

The association of genetic polymorphisms with low bone mineral density in elite athletes have not been considered previously. The present study found that bone mass phenotypes in elite and pre-elite dancers are related to genetic variants at the Wnt/ß-catenin and ER pathways. INTRODUCTION: Some athletes (e.g. gymnasts, dancers, swimmers) are at increased risk for low bone mineral density (BMD) which, if untreated, can lead to osteoporosis. To investigate the association of genetic polymorphisms in the oestrogen receptor (ER) and the Wnt/ß-catenin signalling pathways with low BMD in elite and pre-elite dancers (impact sport athletes). METHODS: The study included three phases: (1) 151 elite and pre-elite dancers were screened for the presence of low BMD and traditional osteoporosis risk factors (low body weight, menstrual disturbances, low energy availability); (2) a genetic association study was conducted in 151 elite and pre-elite dancers and age- and sex- controls; (3) serum sclerostin was measured in 101 pre-elite dancers and age- and sex-matched controls within a 3-year period. RESULTS: Eighty dancers revealed low BMD: 56.3% had at least one traditional osteoporosis risk factor, whereas 28.6% did not display any risk factor (37.2% revealed traditional osteoporosis risk factors, but had normal BMD). Body weight, menstrual disturbances and energy availability did not fully predict bone mass acquisition. Instead, genetic polymorphisms in the ER and Wnt/ß-catenin pathways were found to be risk factors for low BMD in elite dancers. Sclerostin was significantly increased in dancers compared to controls during the 3-year follow-up (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Elite and pre-elite dancers demonstrate high prevalence of low BMD, which is likely related to genetic variants at the Wnt/ß-catenin and ER pathways and not to factors usually associated with BMD in athletes (body weight, menstrual disturbances, energy deficiency).

Bone mineral density in vocational and professional ballet dancers.

According to existing literature, bone health in ballet dancers is controversial. We have verified that, compared to controls, young female and male vocational ballet dancers have lower bone mineral density (BMD) at both impact and non-impact sites, whereas female professional ballet dancers have lower BMD only at non-impact sites. INTRODUCTION: The aims of this study were to (a) assess bone mineral density (BMD) in vocational (VBD) and professional (PBD) ballet dancers and (b) investigate its association with body mass (BM), fat mass (FM), lean mass (LM), maturation and menarche. METHODS: The total of 152 VBD (13 ± 2.3 years; 112 girls, 40 boys) and 96 controls (14 ± 2.1 years; 56 girls, 40 boys) and 184 PBD (28 ± 8.5 years; 129 females, 55 males) and 160 controls (27 ± 9.5 years; 110 female, 50 males) were assessed at the lumbar spine (LS), femoral neck (FN), forearm and total body by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Maturation and menarche were assessed via questionnaires. RESULTS: VBD revealed lower unadjusted BMD at all anatomical sites compared to controls (p < 0.001); following adjustments for Tanner stage and gynaecological age, female VBD showed similar BMD values at impact sites. However, no factors were found to explain the lower adjusted BMD values in VBD (female and male) at the forearm (non-impact site), nor for the lower adjusted BMD values in male VBD at the FN. Compared to controls, female PBD showed higher unadjusted and adjusted BMD for potential associated factors at the FN (impact site) (p < 0.001) and lower adjusted at the forearm (p < 0.001). Male PBD did not reveal lower BMD than controls at any site. CONCLUSIONS: Both females and males VBD have lower BMD at impact and non-impact sites compared to control, whereas this is only the case at non-impact site in female PBD. Maturation seems to explain the lower BMD at impact sites in female VBD.

Selecting elephant grass families and progenies to produce bioenergy through mixed models (REML/BLUP).

Brazil has great potential to produce bioenergy since it is located in a tropical region that receives high incidence of solar energy and presents favorable climatic conditions for such purpose. However, the use of bioenergy in the country is below its productivity potential. The aim of the current study was to select full-sib progenies and families of elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum S.) to optimize phenotypes relevant to bioenergy production through mixed models (REML/BLUP). The circulating diallel-based crossing of ten elephant grass genotypes was performed. An experimental design using the randomized block methodology, with three repetitions, was set to assess both the hybrids and the parents. Each plot comprised 14-m rows, 1.40 m spacing between rows, and 1.40 m spacing between plants. The number of tillers, plant height, culm diameter, fresh biomass production, dry biomass rate, and the dry biomass production were assessed. Genetic-statistical analyses were performed through mixed models (REML/BLUP). The genetic variance in the assessed families was explained through additive genetic effects and dominance genetic effects; the dominance variance was prevalent. Families such as Capim Cana D'África x Guaçu/I.Z.2, Cameroon x Cuba-115, CPAC x Cuba-115, Cameroon x Guaçu/I.Z.2, and IAC-Campinas x CPAC showed the highest dry biomass production. The family derived from the crossing between Cana D'África and Guaçu/I.Z.2 showed the largest number of potential individuals for traits such as plant height, culm diameter, fresh biomass production, dry biomass production, and dry biomass rate. The individual 5 in the family Cana D'África x Guaçu/I.Z.2, planted in blocks 1 and 2, showed the highest dry biomass production.

Hidden prevalence of chronic kidney disease in hypertensive patients: the strategic role of primary health care.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the hidden prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in hypertensive patients. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study of individuals with systemic arterial hypertension (SAH) who were registered for primary health care (PHC). METHODS: In total, 293 individuals participated. Data were collected through interviews, as well as biochemical and anthropometric assessments. The CKD-EPI formula was used to identify the occurrence of CKD. Pearson's chi-squared test or Fisher's exact test were used to compare proportions. Prevalence ratios were estimated with a confidence interval of 95% for associations between the explanatory variables and CKD. RESULTS: Most of the individuals assessed were female (74%), elderly (69%), with a low income (90%), low education levels (84%) and overweight (66.9%). A CKD prevalence of 38.6% (95% CI: 33.0-44.2) was found and approximately 14% were at an advanced stage of the disease. Upon comparison of the variables in the different stages of CKD, statistically significant association could be suggested between CKD and age, education, alcohol intake, overweight individuals, cardiovascular risk, abnormal creatinine and abnormal microalbuminuria. When the prevalence ratio was assessed, association could be suggested between CKD and age, and CKD and creatinine. CONCLUSION: The high hidden prevalence of CKD confirms the need to train health professionals involved in the treatment of SAH through PHC, enabling the prevention and diagnosis of CKD in its early stages.

Prevalence of secondhand smoke exposure in asthmatic children at home and in the car: A cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: To compare secondhand smoke exposure (SHSe) prevalence at home and inside the car between asthmatic and non-asthmatic Portuguese children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study that assessed children's SHSe in a representative sample of nine Portuguese cities. A validated self-reported questionnaire was administered to a random sample of 4th grade students during the school year of 2010/2011. The asthma prevalence was defined by the answers to three questions regarding asthma symptoms, medication and inhaler use. We performed chi-square tests and analysed frequencies, contingency tables, confidence intervals, and odd-ratios. RESULTS: The self-reported questionnaire was administered to 3187 students. Asthma prevalence was 14.8% (472 students). Results showed that 32.3% of non-asthmatic children and 32.4% of asthmatic children were exposed to secondhand smoke as at least one of their household members smoked at home. The prevalence of parental smoking, smoking among fathers and smoking among mothers at home was also similar in both groups (asthmatic and non-asthmatic children). SHSe inside the car was 18.6% among non-asthmatic children and 17.9% among asthmatic children. CONCLUSIONS: Asthmatic and non-asthmatic children were equally exposed to secondhand smoke, because no significant differences were found between the two groups concerning the prevalence of SHSe at home and inside the car. These findings highlight the need to include SHSe brief advice in paediatric asthma management.

Primary reciprocity-based method for calibration of hydrophone magnitude and phase sensitivity: complete tests at frequencies from 1 to 7 MHz.

A primary reciprocity-based method for calibration of hydrophone magnitude and phase sensitivity is proposed. The method starts determining the transmit transfer function of an auxiliary transducer, based on the self-reciprocity method and using a stainless steel cylinder as reflecting target. Afterwards, the hydrophone, to be calibrated, is positioned facing the auxiliary transducer. The pressure field waveform, calculated at the hydrophone spot and based on the transmit transfer function of an auxiliary transducer, is used together with the output end of cable voltage waveform signal from the hydrophone to yield the calibrated hydrophone sensitivity. The method was tested with two similar membrane hydrophones, at frequencies within the 1.0-7.0 MHz range, in steps of 1.0 MHz. Results for magnitude sensitivity agree, within a confidence level of 95%, with those from previous calibration of same hydrophones at the National Physical Laboratory, in the UK (Enor⩽1.0). Phase sensitivity results agree with literature reported ones concerning the achieved uncertainty. Additionally, the phase sensitivities measured at 5.0 MHz for two similar hydrophones and employing two distinct auxiliary transducers presented no statistical significant difference. The method yielded a relative expanded uncertainty (p=0.95) for the sensitivity magnitude ranging between 6.6 and 7.0%, and an expanded uncertainty (p=0.95) ranging between 12° and 17° for the phase sensitivity. The results obtained so far lead to conclude that the proposed hydrophone calibration method is a validated alternative to the different existing methods.

Use of elephant grass for energy production in Campos dos Goytacazes-RJ, Brazil.

Elephant grass is a tropical forage plant widely distributed throughout Brazil. It was first exclusively used in the livestock sector as cattle feed. The grass is characterized by its high productivity and photosynthetic capacity and is considered as an alternative source of renewable energy. Here, we estimated the general combining ability of the parents and specific combining ability of the hybrids based on morpho-agronomic biomass-quality traits. The experiment was conducted in a randomized block design with 3 replicates. The diallel was composed of 16 hybrids and 2 groups of genitors. In the diallel analysis of variance, we observed a significant difference among treatments. A significant difference was observed among genitors for dry matter production (DMP). For the general combining ability of group 1, the traits leaf blade width, DMP, height, percentage of neutral detergent fiber, percentage of hemicellulose, percentage of lignin, percentage of acid detergent fiber, and percentage of cellulose were significant. For the estimates of general combining ability of DMP, parents Porto Rico 534-B, Vruckwona, Taiwan A-146, and Mercker S. E. A. were 0.4748, 3.2819, 1.1659, and 0.4317. The parents of Mercker S. E. A. and Porto Rico 534-B produced the highest percentage of detergent fiber and percentage of lignin with values of 0.1482 and 0.0856. Thus, parents Vruckwona, Porto Rico 534-B, and Taiwan A-146 are promising for integration into breeding programs. The best hybrid combinations for DMP were 1 x 5, 1 x 8, 2 x 6, 3 x 7, and 4 x 5.

Influence of olfactory enrichment on the exploratory behaviour of captive-housed domestic cats.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the influence of olfactory stimulation on the exploratory activity of captive-housed domestic cats. METHODS: To evaluate the cats' exploratory behaviour, we devised three treatments. We placed a wooden cube (0.027 m(3)) covered with a cloth treated with rat scent on the floor of each cat enclosure (T3). We also used a cloth-covered cube that did not have rat scent (T2) and observed the cats' behaviours in the same area without any object (T1). All cats participated in T1, T2, and T3. All treatments were performed equally and at the same time in two identical enclosures with 11 and 10 cats, respectively. The cats had lived in the enclosures since entering the permanent animal house. We used a continuous recording method associated with focal sampling to analyse the recordings. RESULTS: Exploration was induced in the presence of a novel object, the cube, irrespective of whether the object was associated with the scent. In T3, we observed sex differences in exploration time: females spent more time exploring the scent-impregnated cube than males. Female cats also spent more time exploring the scent-impregnated cube than the scent-free cube. Cats in T3 had shorter latency for exploration, spent more time sniffing the ground and rubbing the cube, and had a higher frequency of urine spraying than those in T2. CONCLUSION: Although exploratory behaviour was induced by novelty in the form of a new object, significant effects were observed in the presence of the scent, mainly regarding latency to explore, sex differences and sniffing, rubbing and urine spraying.

Performance da equipe do Barcelona e seus adversários nos jogos finais da Champions League e da Copa do Mundo de Clubes FIFA 2010 / Rendimiento del equipo de Barcelona y sus oponentes en la final de los partidos de la Liga de Campeones y la Copa Mundial de Clubes de la FIFA 2010 / Performance of Barcelona's team and their opponents in the finals matches of the Champions League and the FIFA Club World Cup 2010

Objetivo: O presente estudo tem como objetivo avaliar a performance da equipe do Barcelona em confronto com seus adversários, nos dois jogos mais importantes da temporada (final do Mundial Interclubes da FIFA e final UEFA Champions League), entre Barcelona e Santos FC, e entre Barcelona e Manchester United, respectivamente. Método: A análise dos comportamentos desempenhados pelos jogadores levou em consideração o número de jogadores envolvidos e os fundamentos técnicos divididos em três categorias: fundamentos ofensivos, fundamentos defensivos e tipos de passe. Resultados: A partir da análise dos jogos, foi possível observar a superioridade da equipe do Barcelona, em ambos os jogos, onde a mesma tende a ficar mais tempo com a posse de bola e envolver uma maior quantidade de jogadores na fase ofensiva. Conclusão: O modelo de jogo evidenciado privilegia a manutenção sistemática da posse de bola, caracterizando um ataque posicional de abertura e redução de espaços de jogo

Objetivo. El presente estudio tiene como objetivo evaluar el rendimiento del equipo en la confrontación del Barcelona con sus oponentes, en los dos partidos más importantes de la temporada (finales de la Copa Mundial de Clubes FIFA y la UEFA Champions League), entre Barcelona y Santos FC, y entre Barcelona y Man-chester United, respectivamente. Método. El análisis de las conductas realizadas por los jugadores ha tenido en cuenta el número de jugadores involucrados y los fundamentos técnicos divididos en tres categorías: los fundamentos ofensivos, fundamentos defensivos y tipos de pases. Resultados. A partir del análisis de los juegos, fue posible observar la superioridad del equipo de Barcelona en los dos partidos, en los que tiende a tener más tiempo el balón y hacer participar a un mayor número de jugadores en la fase ofensiva. Conclusión. El modelo de juego evidenciado favorece el mantenimiento sistemático del balón, caracterizando un ataque posicional de apertura del juego y reducción de los espacios de juego (AU)

Objective. The present study aims to evaluate the performance of the team in Barcelona confrontation with their opponents, the two most important games of the season (end of the FIFA World Club Cup and UEFA Champions League Final), between Barcelona and Santos FC, and between Barcelona and Manchester United respectively. Method. The analysis of the behaviors performed by players took into account the number of players involved and the technical fundamentals divided into three categories: offensive fundamentals, defensive fundamentals and types of passes. Results. From the analysis of the games, it was possible to observe the superiority of the Barcelona team in both games, when they tend to spend more time with the ball and involve a greater number of players in the offensive phase. Conclusion. The game model evidenced favors systematic maintenance of possession, featuring a positional attack and reduced opening game spaces (AU)

Development and validation of a discriminative dissolution method for atorvastatin calcium tablets using in vivo data by LC and UV methods.

A dissolution method to analyze atorvastatin tablets using in vivo data for RP and test pilot (PB) was developed and validated. The appropriate conditions were determined after solubility tests using different media, and sink conditions were established. The conditions used were equipment paddle at 50 rpm and 900 mL of potassium phosphate buffer pH 6.0 as dissolution medium. In vivo release profiles were obtained from the bioequivalence study of RP and the generic candidate PB. The fraction of dose absorbed was calculated using the Loo-Riegelman method. It was necessary to use a scale factor of time similar to 6.0, to associate the values of absorbed fraction and dissolved fraction, obtaining an in vivo-in vitro correlation level A. The dissolution method to quantify the amount of drug dissolved was validated using high-performance liquid chromatography and ultraviolet spectrophotometry, and validated according to the USP protocol. The discriminative power of dissolution conditions was assessed using two different pilot batches of atorvastatin tablets (PA and PB) and RP. The dissolution test was validated and may be used as a discriminating method in quality control and in the development of the new formulations.

Well-differentiated papillary mesothelioma: clustering in a Portuguese family with a germline BAP1 mutation.

BACKGROUND: Well-differentiated papillary mesothelioma (WDPM) is a rare variant of epithelioid mesothelioma and is considered to be associated with good prognosis due to its clinically indolent behavior and long survival. Most reported cases involve the peritoneum of women at reproductive age with no history of exposure to asbestos, with pleural involvement being less common. The optimal management, including the role of chemotherapy in the treatment of WDPM, remains unsettled. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The authors describe two cases of WDPM in women of the same family (siblings); the elder with WDPM of the pleura and peritoneum with a 12-year survival period and the younger with a WDPM of the peritoneum diagnosed in 2011 and uveal melanoma diagnosed in 2012. Neither patient had any known exposure to asbestos fibers or any other mineral carcinogens. RESULTS: After the concurrent diagnosis of WDPM and uveal melanoma, genetic diagnosis was carried out taking into consideration that these two malignancies were recently associated with hereditary BAP1 gene mutations and it was positive for both the patients. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, this is the first description of WDPM in two siblings who also presented with a germline BAP1 mutation. This article provides evidence of the wide clinical spectrum of cancer susceptibility associated with a BAP1 germline mutation.

Epidermal growth factor receptor mutation study for 5 years, in a population of patients with non-small cell lung cancer.

INTRODUCTION: In 2006, the Vila Nova de Gaia/Espinho Hospital Centre Pulmonary Oncology Unit started performing EGFR (Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor) mutation sequencing in selected patients with NSCLC and systematically in all patients since 2010, regardless of histology, smoking habits, age or sex. The aim of this study was to characterize the group of patients that carried out the sequencing between 2006-2010, to determine EGFR mutation frequency, to evaluate the overall survival and the survival after the use of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI), in patients who performed this therapy in second and third line, knowing the EGFR mutation status. METHODS: Descriptive statistical analysis of patients who did EGFR sequencing in 2006-2010 and of overall survival in patients treated with TKI as 2nd and 3rd line therapy. Record of the material available for analysis and average delay of exam results, according to the material submitted. RESULTS: The sequencing was performed in 374 patients, 71,1% males, 67,1% non/ex-smokers, 32,9% smokers, 57,8% adenocarcinoma and 23,5% squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). The mutation was detected in 49 patients (13,1%). In all studied patients, the mutation rate was 9% in males and 23% in females. Median overall survival after erlotinib use of was 14 months for patients with positive EGFR mutation versus 6 months in not mutated patients (p = 0.003). CONCLUSION: Our group had an overall mutation rate of 13.1% with female, non-smokers, adenocarcinoma histology predominance. In selected patients (2006/2009), the mutation rate was 16%, in not selected patients (2010) the mutation rate was 10.4%. This study has permitted a better understanding of the EGFR mutation rate in the Portuguese population as welll as an evaluation of the patients survival after the use of of tyrosine kinase inhibitors, in second and third line therapy with previous knowledge of the EGFR mutational status. Statistical significant differences in survival were found in the two patient groups (EGFR mutated and non mutated). The EGFR mutation research should be performed in all patients with NSCLC, giving the possibility to a considerable number of patients to perform a first line treatment with TKI (EGFR mutated patients) and the advantage of performing other chemotherapy schemes, when progression occurs.

Evidence of the participation of electronic excited states in the mechanism of positronium formation in substitutional Tb(1-x)Eu(x)(dpm)3 solid solutions studied by optical and positron annihilation spectroscopies.

Positronium formation in the bimary molecular solid solutions Tb(1-x)Eu(x) (dpm)(3) (dpm = dipivaloylmethanate) has been investigated. A strong linear correlation between the (5)D(4) Tb(iii) energy level excited state lifetime and the positronium formation probability has been observed. This correlation indicates that the ligand-to-metal charge transfer LMCT states act in both luminescence quenching and positronium formation inhibition, as previously proposed. A kinetic mechanism is proposed to explain this correlation and shows that excited electronic states have a very important role in the positronium formation mechanism.

First-degree relatives of patients with early-onset gastric carcinoma show even at young ages a high prevalence of advanced OLGA/OLGIM stages and dysplasia.

BACKGROUND: First-degree relatives (FDRs) of early-onset gastric carcinoma (EOGC) patients are at increased risk of cancer development. OLGA/OLGIM (Operative Link on Gastritis/Intestinal Metaplasia Assessment) classifications have been proposed for the identification of individuals at high risk of gastric cancer development. AIM: To estimate the prevalence and severity of premalignant conditions and lesions in FDRs of EOGC patients. METHODS: A case-control study was conducted encompassing 103 FDRs of EOGC patients (cases) and 101 age- and gender-matched controls, all submitted to upper GI endoscopy and OLGA and OLGIM used for staging as well as modified versions with exclusion of the biopsies from incisura angularis in the analysis. RESULTS: Helicobacter pylori infection was present in 82% of cases (P = 0.001). Atrophy was present in 70% of cases (OLGA stages I-IV). High-risk stages (III-IV) were identified only in cases (19%) (P < 0.001). Dysplasia was diagnosed only in cases (n = 7, P = 0.007). The application of OLGIM, modified OLGA and modified OLGIM classifications led to downgrade of stages in comparison with the original OLGA classification (27%, 15% and 30% respectively). In all classification systems, dysplastic lesions clustered (86%) in high-risk stages. CONCLUSIONS: FDRs of EOGC patients have, even at young ages, a high prevalence of H. pylori infection, high-risk OLGA and OLGIM stages and dysplasia. These patients should undergo accurate endoscopic observation with at least four biopsies in antrum and corpus to allow adequate staging and follow-up of premalignant conditions and lesions scored in high-risk stages, in accordance with international guidelines recently proposed.

Solid Eu(III) complexes studied by positron annihilation, optical and Mössbauer spectroscopies: insights on the positronium formation mechanism.

In this work, positron annihilation lifetime (PALS), Doppler broadening annihilation radiation lineshape (DBARL), Mössbauer and optical spectroscopies measurements were performed in Eu(III) dipivaloylmetanate complex, Eu(dpm)(3), at 295 and 80 K. The Eu(dpm)(3) complex is not luminescent at 298 K and does not form positronium. On the other hand, it is highly luminescent at 80K, but still does not form positronium. The absence of positronium formation at 80K cannot be explained by a ligand/metal charge transfer process. We found strong evidences that the electronic delocalization does not occur at both temperatures. Despite the Mössbauer results being inconclusive regarding the Eu(III)/Eu(II) reduction hypothesis, previous results showing positronium formation in other Eu(III) complexes suggest that this process is not occurring. Thus, more studies are needed to explain the absence of positronium in Eu(III) complexes.

Apolipoprotein E e4 allele does not increase the risk of early postoperative delirium after major surgery.

BACKGROUND: A relationship between patients with a genetic predisposition to and those who develop postoperative delirium has not been yet determined. The aim of this study was to determine whether there is an association between apolipoprotein E epsilon 4 allele (APOE4) and delirium after major surgery. METHODS: Of 230 intensive care patients admitted to the post anesthesia care unit (PACU) over a period of 3 months, 173 were enrolled in the study. Patients' demographics and intra- and postoperative data were collected. Patients were followed for the development of delirium using the Intensive Care Delirium Screening Checklist, and DNA was obtained at PACU admission to determine apolipoprotein E genotype. RESULTS: Fifteen percent of patients developed delirium after surgery. Twenty-four patients had one copy of APOE4. The presence of APOE4 was not associated with an increased risk of early postoperative delirium (4% vs. 17%; P = 0.088). The presence of APOE4 was not associated with differences in any studied variables. Multivariate analysis identified age [odds ratio (OR) 9.3, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.0-43.0, P = 0.004 for age ≥65 years), congestive heart disease (OR 6.2, 95% CI 2.0-19.3, P = 0.002), and emergency surgery (OR 59.7, 95% CI 6.7-530.5, P < 0.001) as independent predictors for development of delirium. The Simplified Acute Physiology Score II (SAPS II) and The Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) were significantly higher in patients with delirium (P < 0.001 and 0.008, respectively). Hospital mortality rates of these patients was higher and they had a longer median PACU stay. CONCLUSIONS: Apolipoprotein e4 carrier status was not associated with an increased risk for early postoperative delirium. Age, congestive heart failure, and emergency surgery were independent risk factors for the development of delirium after major surgery.