Generalization of spontaneous imitation from nonwords to real wordsa).

This study reports that English speakers, after shadowing English-like nonwords beginning on /p/ with extended voice onset time, spontaneously shifted their subsequent reading productions of English words converging toward the shadowing targets. The extent of the imitative changes correlated positively with the speakers' declarative memory of the nonwords, but not with the lexical frequency of the produced words. These findings provide evidence for the phoneme-level abstraction in perceptually induced phonetic drifts while they further suggest that the mechanisms underlying phonetic drifts in direct shadowing, and in subsequent productions of words differing from the shadowing targets, may not be identical.

Effect of shading and nitrogen fertilization on nitrogen metabolism, essential oil content and antimicrobial activity of Achillea millefolium

The Achillea millefolium L. is a perennial herb with important antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antitumoral, and antioxidant properties. This research aimed to investigate the effect of shading (75%; black net) and nitrogen fertilization (0, 75 and 150 kg urea ha-1) on the nitrogen metabolism, essential oil yield and antimicrobial activity of A.millefolium at vegetative- and reproductive-stage. The evaluated parameters varied depending on the organ and the phenological stage of the plant considered. Overall, our findings indicated that shading decreased nitrogen assimilation. Decreased activities of nitrate reductase and glutamine synthetase were observed on shaded plants during reproductive and vegetative stages, respectively. Nitrate and total amino acid levels increased in shaded plants at the vegetative stage. Regarding nitrogen supply, the improved nitrogen metabolism and essential oil yield values were accompanied by intermediate concentrations of urea (75 kg ha-1). Plants fertilized with 75 kg urea ha-1 produced the highest amino acids concentration (vegetative stage), ammonium concentration (vegetative stage) and essential oil yield (reproductive stage). Shading or nitrogen supply did not influence the microbial activity of A. millefolium essential oil.However, the essential oil of leaves and flowers were highly effective against fungi and bacteria, especially gram-positive bacteria. In conclusion, the current study showed that full light and 75 kg urea ha-1 enhanced the nitrogen metabolism of A. millefolium in both vegetative and reproductive stages.

Computer-Aided Detection with Automated Breast Ultrasonography for Suspicious Lesions Detected on Breast MRI

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic performance of a computer-aided detection (CAD) system used with automated breast ultrasonography (ABUS) for suspicious lesions detected on breast MRI, and CAD-false lesions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We included a total of 40 patients diagnosed with breast cancer who underwent ABUS (ACUSON S2000) to evaluate multiple suspicious lesions found on MRI. We used CAD (QVCAD™) in all the ABUS examinations. We evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of CAD and analyzed the characteristics of CAD-detected lesions and the factors underlying false-positive and false-negative cases. We also analyzed false-positive lesions with CAD on ABUS. RESULTS: Of a total of 122 suspicious lesions detected on MRI in 40 patients, we excluded 51 daughter nodules near the main breast cancer within the same quadrant and included 71 lesions. We also analyzed 23 false-positive lesions using CAD with ABUS. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of CAD (for 94 lesions) with ABUS were 75.5%, 44.4%, 59.7%, and 62.5%, respectively. CAD facilitated the detection of 81.4% (35/43) of the invasive ductal cancer and 84.9% (28/33) of the invasive ductal cancer that showed a mass (excluding non-mass). CAD also revealed 90.3% (28/31) of the invasive ductal cancers measuring larger than 1 cm (excluding non-mass and those less than 1 cm). The mean sizes of the true-positive versus false-negative mass lesions were 2.08 ± 0.85 cm versus 1.6 ± 1.28 cm (P < 0.05). False-positive lesions included sclerosing adenosis and usual ductal hyperplasia. In a total of 23 false cases of CAD, the most common (18/23) cause was marginal or subareolar shadowing, followed by three simple cysts, a hematoma, and a skin wart. CONCLUSION: CAD with ABUS showed promising sensitivity for the detection of invasive ductal cancer showing masses larger than 1 cm on MRI.

Gastro Oesophageal Reflux Disease Shadowing Anxiety Disorder Causing Prolonged Exposure to Proton Pump Inhibitor / 가정의학회지

Anxiety disorders are the most prevalent psychiatric disorders in the general population. The relationship between dyspepsia and particularly gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and psychiatric comorbidity such as anxiety is poorly defined. However, GERD was noted to be strongly associated and often coincident in onset with generalized anxiety disorder in the community. In this paper, we report the case of an adult man who presented with severe weight loss and underlying GERD, and was later found to have an anxiety disorder as the cause of both.

Treatments of Infra-Orbital Dark Circles by Various Etiologies

Dark circles refer to visible darkness of the infra-orbital areas. Dark circles are a cosmetic concern for many individuals, although not a medical concern. Moreover, clear definitions and possible causes of dark circles have not been elucidated. This study reviews the possible causes and treatment options for dark circles based on a review of the medical literature and the authors' clinical experience. Potential factors that contribute to dark circles include excessive pigmentation, shadowing due to tear troughs and infra-orbital fat herniation, shadowing due to infraorbital laxity and wrinkles, and thin, translucent skin overlying the orbicularis oculi muscle. Given the different possible causes for dark circles, therapeutic modalities must be individualized for each patient. Because various factors cause dark circles, it is useful to identify the underlying causes in order to select the appropriate treatment.

Breast Lesions in Children and Adolescents: Diagnosis and Management

Pediatric breast disease is uncommon, and primary breast carcinoma in children is extremely rare. Therefore, the approach used to address breast lesions in pediatric patients differs from that in adults in many ways. Knowledge of the normal imaging features at various stages of development and the characteristics of breast disease in the pediatric population can help the radiologist to make confident diagnoses and manage patients appropriately. Most breast diseases in children are benign or associated with breast development, suggesting a need for conservative treatment. Interventional procedures might affect the developing breast and are only indicated in a limited number of cases. Histologic examination should be performed in pediatric patients, taking into account the size of the lesion and clinical history together with the imaging findings. A core needle biopsy is useful for accurate diagnosis and avoidance of irreparable damage in pediatric patients. Biopsy should be considered in the event of abnormal imaging findings, such as non-circumscribed margins, complex solid and cystic components, posterior acoustic shadowing, size above 3 cm, or an increase in mass size. A clinical history that includes a risk factor for malignancy, such as prior chest irradiation, known concurrent cancer not involving the breast, or family history of breast cancer, should prompt consideration of biopsy even if the lesion has a probably benign appearance on ultrasonography.

Ultrasonographic Findings of Scleredema Adultorum of Buschke Involving the Posterior Neck

OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical and ultrasonographic (US) findings in patients with scleredema adultorum of Buschke, who presented with sclerotic skin on their posterior neck. MATERIALS AND METHODS: After obtaining IRB approval, eight patients with scleredema adultorum of Buschke were enrolled. They underwent US examination of their posterior neck. The diagnoses were confirmed pathologically. The clinical history and US images were evaluated retrospectively. Dermal thickness was compared between the patient group and the age- and sex-matched control group. RESULTS: The patients included seven males and one female with a mean age of 51.5 years. All patients presented with thickening of the skin and/or a palpable mass on the posterior neck. Five (62.5%) of the eight patients showed erythematous discoloration. Six patients (75.0%) had a history of diabetes. The Hemoglobin A1c level was found to be increased in all patients. US images did not show any evidence of a soft tissue mass or infection. The mean dermal thickness in patients (7.01 ± 1.95 mm) was significantly greater than that in the control group (3.08 ± 0.87 mm) (p = 0.001). Multiple strong echogenic spots in the dermis were seen in all patients. Seven patients (87.5%) showed posterior shadowing in the lower dermis. CONCLUSION: When a patient with a history of diabetes presents with a palpable mass or erythematous discoloration of the posterior neck and US shows the following imaging features: 1) no evidence of a soft tissue mass or infection, 2) thickening of the dermis, 3) multiple strong echogenic spots and/or posterior shadowing in the dermis, scleredema adultorum of Buschke should be considered in the differential diagnosis.

Active contour configuration model for estimating the posterior ablative margin in image fusion of real-time ultrasound and 3D ultrasound or magnetic resonance images for radiofrequency ablation: an experimental study

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of an active contour model for estimating the posterior ablative margin in images obtained by the fusion of real-time ultrasonography (US) and 3-dimensional (3D) US or magnetic resonance (MR) images of an experimental tumor model for radiofrequency ablation. METHODS: Chickpeas (n=12) and bovine rump meat (n=12) were used as an experimental tumor model. Grayscale 3D US and T1-weighted MR images were pre-acquired for use as reference datasets. US and MR/3D US fusion was performed for one group (n=4), and US and 3D US fusion only (n=8) was performed for the other group. Half of the models in each group were completely ablated, while the other half were incompletely ablated. Hyperechoic ablation areas were extracted using an active contour model from real-time US images, and the posterior margin of the ablation zone was estimated from the anterior margin. After the experiments, the ablated pieces of bovine rump meat were cut along the electrode path and the cut planes were photographed. The US images with the estimated posterior margin were compared with the photographs and post-ablation MR images. The extracted contours of the ablation zones from 12 US fusion videos and post-ablation MR images were also matched. RESULTS: In the four models fused under real-time US with MR/3D US, compression from the transducer and the insertion of an electrode resulted in misregistration between the real-time US and MR images, making the estimation of the ablation zones less accurate than was achieved through fusion between real-time US and 3D US. Eight of the 12 post-ablation 3D US images were graded as good when compared with the sectioned specimens, and 10 of the 12 were graded as good in a comparison with nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide staining and histopathologic results. CONCLUSION: Estimating the posterior ablative margin using an active contour model is a feasible way of predicting the ablation area, and US/3D US fusion was more accurate than US/MR fusion.

Ultrasonography of acute flank pain: a focus on renal stones and acute pyelonephritis

Ultrasonography is a useful tool for the differential diagnosis of acute flank pain. Renal stones appear as a focal area of echogenicity with acoustic shadowing on ultrasonography. In acute pyelonephritis (APN), the kidneys may be enlarged and have a hypoechoic parenchyma with loss of the normal corticomedullary junction. However, clinical and laboratory correlations are essential for the diagnosis of renal stones and APN through imaging studies. This review describes the typical ultrasonography features of renal stones and APN. Moreover, in daily practice, cross-sectional imaging is essential and widely used to confirm renal stones and APN and to differentiate them from other diseases causing flank pain. Other diseases causing acute flank pain are also described in this review.

Diabetic mastopathy: imaging features and the role of image-guided biopsy in its diagnosis

PURPOSE: The goal of this study was to evaluate the imaging features of diabetic mastopathy (DMP) and the role of image-guided biopsy in its diagnosis. METHODS: Two experienced radiologists retrospectively reviewed the mammographic and sonographic images of 19 pathologically confirmed DMP patients. The techniques and results of the biopsies performed in each patient were also reviewed. RESULTS: Mammograms showed negative findings in 78% of the patients. On ultrasonography (US), 13 lesions were seen as masses and six as non-mass lesions. The US features of the mass lesions were as follows: irregular shape (69%), oval shape (31%), indistinct margin (69%), angular margin (15%), microlobulated margin (8%), well-defined margin (8%), heterogeneous echogenicity (62%), hypoechoic echogenicity (38%), posterior shadowing (92%), parallel orientation (100%), the absence of calcifications (100%), and the absence of vascularity (100%). Based on the US findings, 17 lesions (89%) were classified as Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System category 4 and two (11%) as category 3. US-guided core biopsy was performed in 18 patients, and 10 (56%) were diagnosed with DMP on that basis. An additional vacuum-assisted biopsy was performed in seven patients and all were diagnosed with DMP. CONCLUSION: The US features of DMP were generally suspicious for malignancy, whereas the mammographic findings were often negative or showed only focal asymmetry. Core biopsy is an adequate method for initial pathological diagnosis. However, since it yields non-diagnostic results in a considerable number of cases, the evaluation of correlations between imaging and pathology plays an important role in the diagnostic process.

Molecular subtypes and imaging phenotypes of breast cancer

During the last 15 years, traditional breast cancer classifications based on histopathology have been reorganized into the luminal A, luminal B, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), and basal-like subtypes based on gene expression profiling. Each molecular subtype has shown varying risk for progression, response to treatment, and survival outcomes. Research linking the imaging phenotype with the molecular subtype has revealed that non-calcified, relatively circumscribed masses with posterior acoustic enhancement are common in the basal-like subtype, spiculated masses with a poorly circumscribed margin and posterior acoustic shadowing in the luminal subtype, and pleomorphic calcifications in the HER2-enriched subtype. Understanding the clinical implications of the molecular subtypes and imaging phenotypes could help radiologists guide precision medicine, tailoring medical treatment to patients and their tumor characteristics.

The Effect of Glycemic Status on Kidney Stone Disease in Patients with Prediabetes

BACKGROUND: While the evidence supporting a positive association between diabetes mellitus and kidney stone disease (KSD) is solid, studies examining the association between impaired fasting glucose (IFG) and KSD show inconsistent results. Currently, there are no studies examining the relationship between impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and KSD. The objective of this study is to investigate the effects of different glycemic statuses on KSD. The results may help to motivate patients with diabetes to conform to treatment regimens. METHODS: We conducted a cross sectional study of a population that underwent health check-ups between January 2000 and August 2009 at the Health Evaluation Center of National Cheng Kung University Hospital. A total of 14,186 subjects were enrolled. The following categories of glycemic status were used according to the criteria of the 2009 American Diabetes Association: normal glucose tolerance, isolated IGT, isolated IFG, combined IFG/IGT, and diabetes. The existence of KSD was evaluated using renal ultrasonography, and the presence of any hyperechoic structures causing acoustic shadowing was considered to be indicative of KSD. RESULTS: The prevalence of KSD was 7.4% (712/9,621), 9.3% (163/1,755), 10.8% (78/719), 12.0% (66/548), and 11.3% (174/1,543) in subjects with NGT, isolated IGT, isolated IFG, combined IFG/IGT, and diabetes, respectively. Isolated IFG, combined IFG/IGT, and diabetes were associated with KSD after adjusting for other clinical variables, but isolated IGT was not. Age (41 to 64 years vs. ≤40 years, ≥65 years vs. ≤40 years), male gender, hypertension, and hyperuricemia were also independently associated with KSD. CONCLUSION: Isolated IFG, combined IFG/IGT, and diabetes, but not isolated IGT, were associated with a higher risk of KSD.

Fundus Autofluorescence, Fluorescein Angiography and Spectral Domain Optical Coherence Tomography Findings of Retinal Astrocytic Hamartomas in Tuberous Sclerosis

PURPOSE: To analyze the structural and morphological characteristics of retinal astrocytic hamartomas in tuberous sclerosis patients using fundus autofluorescence, fluorescein angiography and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography. CASE SUMMARY: Fundus examination, fundus autofluorescence, fluorescein angiography and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography were performed in three patients with tuberous sclerosis and the morphological and structural characteristics of retinal astrocytic hamartomas were analyzed. In the fundus autofluorescence, type 1 retinal astrocytic hamartoma showed hypofluorescence and type 3 showed central hyperfluorescence and surrounding hypofluorescence. Spectral domain optical coherence tomography showed dome-shaped hyper-reflectivity within the nerve fiber layer and focal adhesion of the vitreous cortex in the type 1 retinal astrocytic hamartoma. No abnormalities were observed in the outer retinal layer and retinal pigment epithelium. In the type 3 retinal astrocytic hamartoma, optical coherence tomography showed disorganization of retinal tissue and posterior shadowing. Intratumoral cavitation and moth-eaten appearance caused by intratumoral calcification were observed and the vitreous cortex adhered to the top of the tumor and showed traction. Retinal arterial sheathing was observed in all cases and hyper- reflectivity of the arterial wall was noted on optical coherence tomography. CONCLUSIONS: Fundus autofluorescence, fluorescein angiography and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography are helpful for the classification and diagnosis of retinal astrocytic hamartomas found in tuberous sclerosis patients as well as for differentiation from other lesions.

Influence of light on the initial growth of invasive Cryptostegia madagascariensis Bojer in the Brazilian semiarid region / Influência da luz no crescimento inicial da invasora Cryptostegia madagascariensis Bojer no semiárido Brasileiro

The invasion by Cryptostegia madagascariensis causes economic and environmental problems in Northeastern Brazil. Current study evaluates the initial growth of C. madagascariensis on light gradient. The experiment used 0, 30, 50 and 70% shading treatments arranged in a completely randomized design and evaluated in four periods, namely, 35, 50, 65 and 80 days. Height, absolute growth rate, relative growth rate, number of side branches, number of leaves, leaf area, specific leaf area, leaf area ratio, root mass ratio, stem mass ratio, leaf mass ratio and leaf area/root mass ratio were evaluated. Results showed that the height was greater in shade environments, and the greater the available light, the greater was the number of side branches. C. madagascariensis is able to change the leaf area, specific leaf area and biomass allocation in different shadings. Since C. madagascariensis varies growth forms and performs morphological adjustments to increase light uptake, the plant has warranted success during the initial growth under different shadings.

A invasão da Cryptostegia madagascariensis causa problemas econômicos e ambientais no Nordeste do Brasil. O objetivo do trabalho foi estudar o crescimento inicial da C. madagascariensis em gradiente de luz. O experimento utilizou os tratamentos de 0, 30, 50 e 70% de sombreamento, dispostos em um delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado e avaliados em quatro períodos: 35, 50, 65 e 80 dias. Foram avaliados a altura, a taxa de crescimento absoluto, a taxa de crescimento relativo, o número de ramos laterais e de folhas, a área foliar, a área foliar específica, a razão de área foliar, a razão de massa da raiz, a razão de massa do caule, a razão de massa das folhas e a razão área foliar/massa da raiz. Os resultados mostraram que a altura foi maior em ambientes sombreados e, quanto mais luz disponível, maior o número de ramos laterais. A C. madagascariensis é capaz de alterar a área foliar, a área foliar específica e na alocação de biomassa nos diferentes sombreamentos. Portanto, a C. madagascariensis varia a forma de crescimento e realiza ajustes morfológicos para aumentar a captação de luz, o que garantiu seu sucesso durante o crescimento inicial em diferentes sombreamentos.

Lâminas de irrigação e sombreamento na produção de biomassa de Acariçoba (Hydrocotyle umbellata L. ) / Levels of irrigation and shade in the production of the biomass of dollarweed (Hydrocotyle umbellata L. )

RESUMO: A acariçoba é uma planta utilizada pela medicina ayurvédica e em cosméticos por possuir propriedades rejuvenescedoras e revitalizante do sistema nervoso e cérebro. Com objetivo de avaliar os caracteres agronômicos e o teor de flavonóides totais de acariçoba em resposta a aplicação de lâminas distintas de irrigação e sombreamento, foi conduzido um experimento em área localizada nas coordenadas 17º 47' 53'' latitude (S); longitude (W) - 51º 55' 53'', com altitude média de 648m, no período de julho a novembro. O clima é Aw (tropical), relevo suave ondulado (8% de declividade) com solo classificado como Latossolo Vermelho Distroférrico e textura argilosa. As temperaturas médias anuais são 18,1ºC e 30ºC. A umidade relativa do ar média é de 64,7% e a precipitação total anual média é de 1550 mm, com estações do ano seca e chuvosa, bem definidas. O ensaio foi conduzido em blocos casualizados em esquema fatorial 2 x 2, com 5 repetições totalizando vinte unidades experimentais com dois manejos de irrigação, sendo um com aplicação de uma lâmina de água diariamente, e outro, com duas aplicações de lâmina de água diariamente. Os tratamentos de sombreamento foram a pleno sol e com 50% de sombreamento. Foram avaliadas a massa fresca e massa seca das partes aéreas, a altura e o número de plantas, e o teor de flavonóides totais das partes aéreas. A produção de flavonóides foi favorecida pelo sombreamento, enquanto a irrigação não influenciou nem na produção de flavonoides, nem nos caracteres agronômicos avaliados.

ABSTRACT: Dollarweed is a plant that is widely used by the Ayurvedic medicine and in the cosmetics industry because of its rejuvenating and revitalizing properties related to the nervous system and the brain. In order to evaluate the agronomic characteristics and the content of total flavonoids of the dollarweed, in response to the application of different levels of irrigation and shade, an experiment was conducted in an area at the coordinates 17º 47' 53'' latitude (S), 51º 55' 53'' longitude (W), with a mean altitude of 648m, from July to November. The climate is Aw (tropical), gently undulating relief (8% slope) with distroferric red latosol and clayey texture. The average annual temperatures are 18.1 ºC and 30 ºC. The average relative humidity of the air is 64.7% and the average annual rainfall is 1550 mm, with well-defined dry and rainy seasons. The assay was in randomized blocks, with a 2 x 2 factorial design, with 5 repetitions, amounting to twenty experimental units with two irrigation managements, being one with a daily application of water and the other with two daily applications of water. The shading treatments were under full sun and 50% shade. The fresh and dry weights of the aerial parts, the height and number of plants and the total content of flavonoids of the aerial parts were evaluated. The production of flavonoids was favored by the shade; irrigation did not influence the production of flavonoids or the agronomic characters evaluated.

Efeitos do sombreamento na anatomia foliar de Gallesia integrifolia (Spreng) Harms e Schinnus terebinthifolius Raddi / Effects of shading on leaf anatomy of Gallesia integrifolia (Spreng) Harms and Schinnus terebinthifolius Raddi

Realizou-se estudo com o objetivo de analisar as alterações na anatomia foliar de Gallesia integrifolia (Spreng) Harms e Schinnus terebinthifolius Raddi quando cultivadas em ambientes de sombra moderada ou densa, simulando as condições naturais encontradas em sistemas agroflorestais tradicionais do sul da Bahia, Brasil. Plantas das duas espécies, com aproximadamente um ano de idade, foram cultivadas em casa de vegetação sob quatro níveis de sombreamento (25%, 17%, 10% e 5%). Estudos anatômicos do limbo foliar foram realizados a partir de material incluído em parafina e seccionado em micrótomo rotativo. Os diferentes níveis de sombreamento ocasionaram alterações na estrutura do mesofilo de ambas as espécies, com diferenças significativas na espessura do parênquima paliçádico, limbo foliar, e densidade estomática. Nas condições em que o experimento foi realizado os resultados obtidos indicaram que G. integrifolia apresenta maior capacidade de aclimatação a ambientes de sombra moderada e densa do que S. terebinthifolius, sendo mais indicada para o cultivo em sistemas agroflorestais pré-estabelecidos.

This study was conducted with the aim of analyzing the changes in the leaf anatomy of Gallesia integrifolia (Spreng) Harms and Schinnus terebinthifolius Raddi when grown in environments with moderate to dense shade, simulating the natural conditions found in traditional agroforestry systems in southern Bahia, Brazil. Plants of both species, being approximately one year-old, were grown at four irradiance levels (25%, 17%, 10% and 5%) in a greenhouse. Leaf anatomical studies were made from material embedded in paraffin and sectioned on a rotary microtome. The different irradiance levels caused a shift in the mesophyll anatomy of both species, with significant differences in palisade parenchyma thickness and leaf stomatal density. In the conditions of this experiment, the results indicated that G. integrifolia has a higher capacity for acclimatization to moderate to dense shade than S. terebinthifolius, and it is thus more suitable for cultivation in pre-established agroforestry systems.

Desenvolvimento de Maytenus ilicifolia e de seus polifenóis totais sob condição de sombreamento e poda / Shadowing and pruning on the development and polyphenol contents in Maytenus ilicifolia

Maytenus ilicifolia Mart. ex Reissek (Celastraceae), conhecida popularmente por espinheira-santa, é nativa e cultivada, principalmente, no sul do Brasil. Suas folhas apresentam triterpenos e substâncias polifenólicas (flavonóides e taninos) relacionadas ao efeito antiulcerogênico. O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar a produção de massa seca, altura, ramificação, e o teor de polifenóis totais em plantas de M. ilicifolia que se desenvolveram sob duas condições de luminosidade, após dois tratamentos distintos de poda. O delineamento experimental foi em blocos cazualizados com plantas desenvolvidas sob sombra e a pleno sol, e com plantas manejadas por poda parcial e rasa, com quatro repetições. No tratamento de poda rasa a maior altura das plantas foi observada nas plantas cultivadas a sombra em comparação com as conduzidas a pleno sol. No tratamento de poda parcial o número de ramos terciários aumentou significativamente nas plantas conduzidas a pleno sol. As plantas cultivadas a pleno sol apresentaram diferença significativa na concentração de polifenóis totais em relação às plantas produzidas à sombra alcançando valores de 10,29 ± 0,20% (CV=1,94%) e 7,16 ± 0,09% (CV=1,30%) respectivamente.

The Maytenus ilicifolia Mart. ex Reissek (Celastraceae), traditionally known as "espinheira-santa" in Portuguese, is native and cultivated in South Brazil. Its leaves contain triterpenes and polyphenolic compounds (flavonoids and tannins), which are related to the antiulcerogenic effect. The aim of this work was to evaluate the dried biomass production (g), height (m), ramification, and also the total content in polyphenol compounds of the leaves from the M. ilicifolia specie, which were developed under two different light conditions after two different pruning treatments. The design of the experiment was randomized blocks with two levels of light (shadow or full sunlight) and two levels of prune (partial and drastic), with four replications. The height of the plants grown in the shadow was greater for the treatment of drastic pruning than in plants in full sunlight. The ramification increased significantly with drastic prune in full sunlight. The plants grown in full sunlight showed a significant higher content in total polyphenols than the plants grown in the shadow, 10.29±0.20% (RSD=1.94%) and 7.16±0.09% (RSD=1.30%) respectively.

Enhanced Depth Imaging Optical Coherence Tomography of Choroidal Nevus : Comparison to B-Scan Ultrasonography

PURPOSE: To evaluate the characteristics of choroidal nevus using the enhanced depth imaging spectral domain optical coherence tomography (EDI SD-OCT), with a comparison to the B scan ultrasound (BUS) findings. METHODS: Medical records of 124 eyes of 124 choroidal nevus patients were reviewed retrospectively. All patients underwent fundus photography (FP), EDI SD-OCT, and BUS. RESULTS: Of 124 eyes with choroidal nevus examined by EDI SD-OCT, 43 eyes (35%) displayed good images to study. The most common EDI-OCT imaging features included choroidal shadowing, choriocapillary thinning, retinal pigment epithelial changes, and overlying subretinal fluid. The mean nevus thickness was 817 microm (120-1850 microm) by EDI-OCT compared 1295 microm (780-2400 microm) by BUS. The mean difference in the tumor thickness between two techniques was 475 microm (27-1319 microm) (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: These results have suggested that imaging of choroidal nevus with EDI-OCT shows superior measurement of its characteristics compared with ultrasonography. The clinical utility of this modality is emerging. EDI-OCT is useful in distinguishing suspicious nevi from other chorioretinal lesions, detecting tumor re-growth along the treatment margin, and demonstrating retinal or choroid tumor location.

Correction of Dark Coloration of the Lower Eyelid Skin with Nanofat Grafting

BACKGROUND: A number of factors can cause dark circles around the eyes including excessive pigmentation, thin and translucent lower eyelid skin overlying the orbicularis oculi muscle, and shadowing due to skin laxity and tear trough. Autologous fat graft is an effective method for the treatment of lower lid dark circles, but irregularities caused by leaving visible lumps of the fat can occur. Tonnard et al. suggested 'nanofat' grafting and introduced its characteristics and clinical applications. The authors used their nanofat grafting to correct lower eyelid dark circles. METHODS: Nanofat grafting was performed in 19 patients for dark lower eyelids. The grafts were injected into subdermal layer using blunt cannula. Microfat grafting with nasojugal fold was performed to all the patients. Among them, 18 patients received transconjunctival fat removal at the same time. RESULTS: All the patients showed much improvement from preoperative dark coloration. There were no visible lumps of fat, contour irregularities, or fat necrosis. Postoperative edema and ecchymosis were minimal. CONCLUSIONS: Nanofat grafting methods provide a good alternative for correcting dark circles by augmenting thin skin with lower complications. This simple, cost effective procedure is suitable for correction of dark circles and various skin rejuvenation purposes.

Pacemaker-Related Tricuspid Regurgitation: An Uninvited Menace of an Invited Guest / 대한내과학회지

A permanent pacemaker is a mainstay treatment for symptomatic bradyarrhythmia, including atrioventricular node blocks and sick sinus syndrome. Although this device was introduced to aid electrical recovery, pacemakers can cause mechanical dysfunction of the tricuspid valve, resulting in significant tricuspid regurgitation (TR). Because pacemaker-related TR is a correctable cause of right heart failure, it is of paramount importance to assess the presence or severity of TR and its association with pacemakers. However, acoustic shadowing from the pacemaker wire hampers the accurate visualization of TR jets, and increases the risk of failing to detect severe TR. Accordingly, goal-directed imaging with a high index of clinical suspicion should be performed when patients present with right heart failure after pacemaker implantation. In this issue of the Journal, the authors sought to investigate the frequency of aggravated TR in patients after pacemaker implantation. They also explored the predictors of TR aggravation, which might provide valuable information for identification of patients who require meticulous follow-up to allow timely intervention. These data regarding the predictive variables for pacemaker-related TR can serve as a roadmap for future studies to identify strategies for reducing the risk of significant TR, such as a tailored approach based on heart rhythm (bradyarrhythmia only vs. combined atrial fibrillation), pacemaker mode (VVI vs. DDD), the location of the pacemaker lead (apical vs. base), and the use of state-of-the art techniques (classical lead vs. leadless).