Dorsal Aesthetic Line (DAL) Split Maneuver in Dorsal Preservation Rhinoplasty.

The dorsal aesthetic lines (DALs) osteotomies are a strategy to increase the plasticity of the dorsal pyramid to facilitate control of the convexity of the profile, width of the nasal dorsum, and define the eyebrow-tip aesthetic lines. It is also an alternative to lateral keystone area) disarticulation. This article discusses its advantages, indications, and the technical sequence of the DAL osteotomy procedure.

Geochemical behavior of rare earth elements (REE) in urban reservoirs: the case of Funil Reservoir, Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil.

Rare earth elements (REE) have unique chemical properties, which allow their use as geochemical tracers. In this context, the present study aims to assess the role of Funil Reservoir on REE biogeochemical behavior. We collected water samples upstream of the reservoir (P-01) in the city of Queluz, inside the reservoir (P-02), and downstream of Funil Reservoir (P-03) in the city of Itatiaia, RJ. In the field, physicochemical parameters were measured using a probe (pH, temperature, electrical conductivity, and dissolved oxygen). In the laboratory, water samples were filtered (0.45 µm) and properly packed until chemical analysis. Chlorophyll a concentrations were determined by a spectrophotometric method and suspended particulate matter (SPM) by a gravimetric method. Ionic concentrations were determined by ion chromatography technique and REE concentrations were determined by ICP-MS. Chlorophyll a concentrations were higher in Funil Reservoir. Ionic concentrations in Queluz (P-01) suggest anthropic contamination. The sum of REE in the dissolved fraction ranged from 2.12 to 12.22 µg L-1. A positive anomaly of La in Queluz indicates anthropic contamination. The observed patterns indicate that Funil Reservoir acts as a biogeochemical barrier, modifying the fluvial transport of REE. Nonetheless, another factor that probably influences REE behavior is the algal bloom that occurs in reservoirs during the rainy season. The seasonal behavior of algae can influence REE biogeochemistry through the incorporation and release of trace metals.

Arundic Acid (ONO-2506) Attenuates Neuroinflammation and Prevents Motor Impairment in Rats with Intracerebral Hemorrhage.

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is a severe stroke subtype caused by the rupture of blood vessels within the brain. Increased levels of S100B protein may contribute to neuroinflammation after ICH through activation of astrocytes and resident microglia, with the consequent production of proinflammatory cytokines and reactive oxygen species (ROS). Inhibition of astrocytic synthesis of S100B by arundic acid (AA) has shown beneficial effects in experimental central nervous system disorders. In present study, we administered AA in a collagenase-induced ICH rodent model in order to evaluate its effects on neurological deficits, S100B levels, astrocytic activation, inflammatory, and oxidative parameters. Rats underwent stereotactic surgery for injection of collagenase in the left striatum and AA (2 µg/µl; weight × 0.005) or vehicle in the left lateral ventricle. Neurological deficits were evaluated by the Ladder rung walking and Grip strength tests. Striatal S100B, astrogliosis, and microglial activation were assessed by immunofluorescence analysis. Striatal levels of interleukin 1ß (IL-1ß) and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) were measured by ELISA, and the ROS production was analyzed by dichlorofluorescein (DCF) oxidation. AA treatment prevented motor dysfunction, reduced S100B levels, astrogliosis, and microglial activation in the damaged striatum, thus decreasing the release of proinflammatory cytokines IL-1ß and TNF-α, as well as ROS production. Taken together, present results suggest that AA could be a pharmacological tool to prevent the harmful effects of increased S100B, attenuating neuroinflammation and secondary brain damage after ICH.

Whole body vibration influence on bus fare collectors evaluated by using a brain training mobile app.

PURPOSE: The present work aims to study the effects of whole body vibration (WBV) on bus fare collectors through the use of cognitive tests. It is of interest for all individuals working as bus fare collectors or any other activity where logic is of paramount importance and that is performed on a vibrating environment. METHODS: Laboratory simulations were performed in 24 volunteers employing a vibrating platform subjected to vertical vibration. The influence of WBV on cognition was assessed using the performance on a logic game. The frequencies used were 5 Hz and 30 Hz. The acceleration amplitude values were set up as 0.7 m/s2 and 0.2 m/s2. A daily commute was simulated, based on data of the public transport system in the city of Belo Horizonte. A vibration-free test was initially performed to serve as a basis for comparison. RESULTS: The data obtained in all situations were compared and statistically analyzed. At 5 Hz, variation only shows significant after 5 min of vibration ceased as if the residual effect had passed after 5 min of rest. The gender variable was not significant. However, the older the volunteer, the worse the performance. Regarding 30 Hz frequency, the hypotheses did not meet the condition of significance at 5% but showed an opposite tendency indicating, in this situation, a score increase. It is noticed that the female volunteers presented a better performance in relation to the male gender The residual effect lasts for less than 10 min for short exposure intervals, since the score of test 8, in 5 Hz and 30 Hz, show a reduction of performance. CONCLUSIONS: From the results, it was possible to conclude that the frequency of 5 Hz may be related to reduced performance for long exposure times while the 30 Hz frequency has positive effects on cognition as the exposure time increases. In fact, it is a tendency much more than a clear statistical finding. Regarding comfort, most reports related to the frequency of 5 Hz are linked to the sensation of discomfort and difficulty in focusing visually, whereas, for the frequency of 30 Hz, the reports indicate a feeling of muscular comfort and increased easiness of concentration.

Lymphogranuloma venereum: a retrospective analysis of an emerging sexually transmitted disease in a Lisbon Tertiary Center.

BACKGROUND: Lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) is a sexual transmitted infection (STI), currently endemic within the population of men who have sex with men (MSM) of Western Countries. L2B variant has been reported as the predominant strain in the current LGV epidemics, although a shift towards L2-434 has been observed in some European countries. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate and characterize the population with LGV infection diagnosed in Centro Hospitalar Universitário de Lisboa Central, Lisbon, Portugal. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of all LGV diagnoses between 2016 and 2019 was performed. The diagnosis was established through ompA-genotyping of samples yielding a positive result to Chlamydia trachomatis (CT). All considered samples were retrieved from the clinician activity, through swabbing and urine analysis and CT infection diagnosis was obtained using real-time PCR. RESULTS: During the period studied 16 279 CT diagnostics tests were employed, with a striking increase from 2016 (n = 467) to 2019 (n = 9362). A total of 1602 diagnoses of CT were established, from which 168 (10.5%) corresponded to LGV, with both infections showing a rising evolution, between 2016 and 2019, of 2.9 and 2.7 times, respectively. The majority of the LGV strains were genotyped as L2/434 (67.3%; n = 113). LGV predominantly affected MSM and men who have sex with men and women (97.0%; n = 163). Anorectal infection was the most prevalent one (90.5%; n = 152), being proctitis the main clinical presentation (76.2%; n = 128). Absence of symptoms was reported in almost 15% of the cases (n = 24). The presence of concomitant infection with human immunodeficiency virus was dominant (73.2%; n = 123) and the prevalence of one or more STI co-infections was about 60.1% (n = 99). CONCLUSIONS: An increasing evolution of CT and LGV testing and diagnosing was observable throughout the studied period. Characteristics of the population are similar with those described within LGV epidemics. In accordance with recent European studies, predominance towards L2 genotype was identified.

Advances in the computational analysis of SARS-COV2 genome.

Given a data-set of Ribonucleic acid (RNA) sequences we can infer the phylogenetics of the samples and tackle the information for scientific purposes. Based on current data and knowledge, the SARS-CoV-2 seemingly mutates much more slowly than the influenza virus that causes seasonal flu. However, very recent evolution poses some doubts about such conjecture and shadows the out-coming light of people vaccination. This paper adopts mathematical and computational tools for handling the challenge of analyzing the data-set of different clades of the severe acute respiratory syndrome virus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). On one hand, based on the mathematical paraphernalia of tools, the concept of distance associated with the Kolmogorov complexity and Shannon information theories, as well as with the Hamming scheme, are considered. On the other, advanced data processing computational techniques, such as, data compression, clustering and visualization, are borrowed for tackling the problem. The results of the synergistic approach reveal the complex time dynamics of the evolutionary process and may help to clarify future directions of the SARS-CoV-2 evolution.

Does pediatric septoplasty compromise midfacial growth? A systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: Septal deviation is an important cause of impaired nasal breathing among pediatric patients. A widespread solution to septal deviation is septoplasty. However, there are certain controversies surrounding the effect of this technique on pediatric patients and its influence on the growth centers of the nose. The objective of this review is to study if there is a strong and valid evidence in the literature that supports a detrimental effect of pediatric septo- and rhinoseptoplasty in facial growth DATA SOURCES: Pubmed (Medline), the Cochrane Library, EMBASE and Trip Database. REVIEW METHODS: The outcome assessed was the midfacial growth after pediatric septoplasty. RESULTS: Eight publications met the inclusion criteria. None found major disturbances in facial growth. Only minor nasal anomalies were reported by 4 authors. CONCLUSION: Septoplasty in pediatric patients does not seem to affect midfacial growth according to available evidence. However, due to their design, the degree of recommendation of these studies was not superior to level C.

Effects of loss of occlusal contact on the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-2, membrane type 1-MMP, tissue inhibitor of the MMP-2, eruption rate, organization and resistance of collagen fibers of the rat incisor periodontal ligament.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the effect of occlusal contact loss (induced by tooth shortening), on matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2, membrane type 1-MMP (MT1-MMP) and tissue inhibitor of the MMP-2 (TIMP-2) expressions in the periodontal ligament of the rat incisor, as well as eruption rate, resistance and collagen organization. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Male Wistar rats were distributed into a control group, denominated normofunctional group, whose lower teeth underwent a normal eruption process; and a hypofunctional group, whose lower left incisor teeth were shortened every 2 days during 14 days. Parameters were evaluated on the first, seventh and 14th days and the eruption rate was determined according to the size of the incisor during the eruption process. MMP-2 activity was determined by zymography and the expressions of the MT1-MMP and TIMP-2 proteins were quantitated by western blot. Collagen protein organization, as indicated by the birefringence of the periodontal ligament, was analyzed under polarized light and the periodontal ligament's resistance was determined from the load necessary to inject the incisor into its alveolar space, before extraction. RESULTS: Loss of occlusal contact, in rats submitted to hypofunctional eruption, increased MMP-2 activity and eruption rate, but decreased MT1-MMP and TIMP-2 expression and disrupted collagen organization in the periodontal ligament, consequently reducing periodontal ligament resistance. CONCLUSION: We conclude that, after incisor eruption, occlusal contact may be an important factor for regulating the remodeling and the physiological resistance of the periodontal ligament against the continuous eruption process observed in rat incisors.

Insulin resistance and sex hormone-binding globulin are independently correlated with low free testosterone levels in obese males.

Male obesity is associated with decreased testosterone levels but the pathophysiological mechanisms behind this association are not completely understood. This study aimed to investigate the impact of hyperglycaemia/insulin resistance and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) levels on testosterone levels in a population of obese men. We investigated the impact of several clinical, anthropometric and analytic measures on testosterone levels in 150 obese males. Testosterone deficiency was present in 52.0% of the enrolled patients. This percentage dropped to 17.6% when only calculated free testosterone (FT) was accounted, as SHBG levels were correlated negatively with body mass index (r = -.20; p < .05). Older age (p < .05) and higher homoeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) (p < .01) and lower SHBG levels (p < .05) were independently correlated with lower FT. Weight and fasting plasma glucose lost their statistical significance after multivariate adjustment. Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and pre-diabetes had lower FT than those with normal glucose tolerance (p < .05 and p < .01 respectively). Insulin resistance, and not hyperglycaemia and weight per se, seems to be the main determinant of low testosterone levels in obese males. Low SHBG levels are correlated with low FT even after HOMA-IR adjustment. This suggests that SHBG can be associated with testosterone deficiency beyond the influence of insulin resistance unlike previously reported.

Influence of outdoor rearing and oleic acid supplementation on lipid characteristics of muscle and adipose tissues from obese Alentejano pigs.

Data evaluating the effect of oleic-acid-enriched diets and outdoor rearing (with access to pasture) on the quality of Alentejano (AL) pork and fat are limited. The aim of this work was to study the effects of feeding low (LO) or high oleic acid (HO) diets to AL pigs reared in individual pens (IND) or outdoors (OUT) with access to pasture. Biceps femoris and dorsal subcutaneous fat (DSF) samples were collected to analyse chemical composition and lipids fatty acid (FA) profile. The expression of seven genes involved in lipogenesis, lipolysis and FA transport, as well as two transcription factors were also evaluated in the muscle. B. femoris and DSF presented lower lipid content in OUT-reared than in IND-reared pigs. Two genes involved in lipogenesis, ACACA and FASN, were under-expressed in B. femoris from OUT-reared pigs, while two involved in lipolysis, LPL and HSL were over-expressed. HO diet also significantly reduced FASN expression. Both rearing system and diet affected the FA profile of tissues, particularly DSF. Overall, OUT-reared pigs presented lower n6 to n3 FA ratios in all tissues, and lower monounsaturated (MUFA) and higher polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) content in DSF. When compared to LO-fed ones, HO-fed pigs presented higher oleic acid proportions in all tissues, and lower SFA, higher MUFA and PUFA levels, as well as lower saturation, atherogenic and thrombogenic indexes in DSF. This study shows that rearing system and oleic acid supplementation have complementary effects and influence the nutritional quality of pork and DSF.

The effects of environmentally relevant concentrations of aldrin and methoxychlor on the testes and sperm of male Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822) after short-term exposure.

The organochlorine pesticides aldrin (0.14 µg/L) and methoxychlor (0.23 µg/L) were both present in the Albasini Dam, Limpopo Province, South Africa, during a field survey in 2014. The use of aldrin has been banned in the USA since 1987 and restricted in South Africa since 1992. The use of methoxychlor, however, remains undefined with little information available about its registration in South Africa despite being banned in Europe (2002) and USA (2003). The aim of this study was to determine the potential effects of environmentally relevant concentrations of aldrin and methoxychlor on the reproductive system of male catfish, Clarias gariepinus. Males were exposed for 96 h to the two pesticides under controlled laboratory conditions. Following exposure, each fish was weighed and measured, and a necropsy performed to determine any macroscopic abnormalities and the general health of the fish. The fish were killed and dissected and the testes removed, weighed and measured to determine the gonadosomatic index (GSI). The right testis of each fish was sectioned for histopathological assessment and to calculate the testes index (IT). The left testis was used for computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA). The histopathological assessment of the testes showed histopathological changes such as of melano-macrophage centres (MMCs) and vacuolation of spermatogonia and spermatocytes. However, the classification of these changes indicated that the testes tissue structure was normal with slight histological changes. No statistically significant differences (p > 0.05) were found in the CASA parameters between exposure groups. The results of this study showed that the environmentally relevant concentrations of aldrin and methoxychlor did not have a negative effect on the motility of the mature sperm, but adverse effects were noted in the early stages of spermatogenesis, indicating possible effects over longer exposure periods.

Doxycycline reduces the expression and activity of matrix metalloproteinase-2 in the periodontal ligament of the rat incisor without altering the eruption process.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Doxycycline is an antibiotic agent that inhibits the activity of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) present in the extracellular matrix. In this study, the rat incisor was submitted to a hypofunctional condition, and the effects of doxycycline (80 mg/kg/d) on the expression and activity of MMP-2, as well as on eruption rate, were determined in the odontogenic region and in the periodontal ligament for 14 d. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Rats were distributed into four groups: normofunctional (NF); doxycyline normofunctional (DNF); hypofunctional (HP); and doxycyline hypofunctional (DHP). The left lower incisors of 10 rats were shortened every 2 d, using a high-rotation drill, to produce the HP and DHP groups, after starting doxycycline treatment (80 mg/kg) by gavage. Eruption was measured using a millimeter ocular, from the gingival margin to the top of the tooth in the HP and DHP groups, and also by a mark made in the tooth previously, in the NF and DNF groups. The hemimandibles were removed and the teeth were extracted to collect the periodontal and odontogenic tissues for immunohistochemical analyses and zymography. RESULTS: The eruption rates were higher in the HP and the DHP groups than in the NF and DNF groups, respectively (p < 0.05). In the odontogenic region, neither of the treatments changed the expression and activity of MMP-2. In the HP group, the shortening treatment decreased the expression, but not the activity, of MMP-2, while doxycycline was able to inhibit the increase of expression and activity of MMP-2. CONCLUSION: We conclude that the inhibition of MMP-2 by doxycycline, during incisor shortening, was not enough to alter the eruption rate, which suggests that MMP-2 may have an important role in the turnover of extracellular matrix of the periodontal ligament during the tooth-eruption process.

Cortisol plays a role in the high environmental ammonia associated suppression of the immune response in zebrafish.

Exposure to high environmental ammonia (HEA) levels increases the vulnerability of fishes to parasitic, viral and bacterial diseases. We tested the hypothesis that elevated plasma cortisol levels play a role in the HEA-mediated immunosuppression in fishes. To this end, we tested the effect of exogenous cortisol treatment on the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced immune response in zebrafish (Danio rerio). Also, to test whether glucocorticoid receptor (GR) signaling is involved in HEA-mediated immunosuppression, zebrafish were treated with mifepristone, a GR antagonist, and the LPS-induced immune response assessed after HEA exposure. We evaluated a panel of important immunity-related genes including interleukin 1ß (il1b) and suppressor of cytokine signaling (socs-1a, 2, 3) and acute phase response genes [serum amyloid A (saa), transferrin (tfa), leukocyte cell-derived chemotaxin 2-like (lect2l), haptoglobin (hp), hepcidin (=hepatic anti-microbial peptide hamp), and complement component 3b (c3b)] by real-time quantitative PCR. Our results demonstrate that exogenous cortisol administration as well as elevated cortisol levels in response to HEA exposure modulate mRNA transcript levels of key mediators of the innate immune response in zebrafish. Mifepristone treatment reduced whole body cortisol levels and eliminated the HEA-mediated changes in transcript abundance of socs1a, il1b, as well as APR genes. Together, these results suggest that the HEA effect on the innate immune response is in part mediated by cortisol signaling, while the mode of action, including the receptors involved remains to be elucidated.

[The pain-emotion: Advocating pain as an emotion]. / L'émotion­douleur : de l'intérêt de considérer la douleur comme une émotion.

OBJECTIVES: Pain is a common experience, both physical and emotional. However we often feel powerless with our patients suffering pain. This paper aims to give a new heuristic and psychological understanding of pain. METHODOLOGY: According to new theories, recent researches as well as different points of view, we form an analogy between pain and emotion. Throughout historical considerations pain has always been perceived through theories and beliefs, changing its definition. This is also the case for emotion. Could they be two ways of expressing a single phenomenon? RESULTS: First, we must clarify the definition of emotion. In past, emotion was considered as a multiple-conditioned notion. To be considered as an emotion the pain had to fill numerous features, which differ according to the scientific opinions. The emotion may be considered as a physical expression or perceived only as the consequences of a real emotion, i.e., the subjective feeling. We propose as a way of thinking that emotion brings together these two concepts. We support a flexible vision of emotion. To investigate the field of the emotion different mental steps may be thought of: we should conceive of the emotion as a stimulus, as an emotional evaluation and as a tendency to action, which becomes an emotional response. These steps are colored by subjective feelings. It can be summarized in three levels: the situation decoding (1), the response organization (2) and the effectiveness of the response (3). Second pain can be considered as a complex notion involving personal and subjective feelings. We can use multidimensional patterns and consider emotion with its multiple features: the generating mechanisms, the pain perception, the pain behavior and the environment. Each stage can be divided in different ways. Hence pain treatment could be approached as an emotional treatment. Indeed, we can make a link between generating mechanisms and emotion situation decoding, between pain perception and emotion situation decoding and response organization, between pain behavior and environment and emotion response effectiveness and consequences. A heuristic analogy can be formed enriching therapeutic possibilities. First, emotion and pain could be considered as a unique phenomenon that can be expressed in different ways. We can let aside the opposition between psychological and physiological: these are two different levels of a same phenomenon. This point of view can be helpful to treat pain disorders because the skills to manage emotion disorders are well known.

Amniotic Membrane in the Treatment of Varicose Ulcers: a Center Experience.

INTRODUCTION: Amniotic membrane (AM) is an option as a cover in varicose leg ulcers, promoting epithelization. Anti-inflammatory and analgesic proprieties are described, as well as high levels of growth factors and angiogenesis. The costs are inferior to surgical plasty. The aim of this work is to describe the results of AM in the treatment of varicous leg ulcers in a group of patients refractory to the best medical treatment. METHODS: A pilot prospective trial was conducted. Thirteen patients were selected for the treatment with AM from an outpatient clinic. The inclusion criteria included: ulcer area inferior to 100 cm2, ulcer size variation inferior to 30% in the last month, duration superior to 2 years and refractory to best medical treatment including compressive therapy. The exclusion criteria were ABI>0,8m active infection, bone exposure, severe myopathy of the low limb and acute decompensation of systemic chronic disease. The first five cases were applied on the enfermary (mean stay 3 days), the last 8 patients were applied in the outpatient clinic. After the treatment behavioral reinforcement was made. RESULTS: The mean sample age was 56 YO (50-71), 70% were female, 30% were diabetic, and post-thrombotic syndrome was present in 54% (7), only one patient was an active smoker. After 2 years a recurrence was observed in 23% (3) cases. CONCLUSION: AM is effective in the treatment of varicose ulcers unresponsive to best medical treatment.

Abstract computation in schizophrenia detection through artificial neural network based systems.

Schizophrenia stands for a long-lasting state of mental uncertainty that may bring to an end the relation among behavior, thought, and emotion; that is, it may lead to unreliable perception, not suitable actions and feelings, and a sense of mental fragmentation. Indeed, its diagnosis is done over a large period of time; continuos signs of the disturbance persist for at least 6 (six) months. Once detected, the psychiatrist diagnosis is made through the clinical interview and a series of psychic tests, addressed mainly to avoid the diagnosis of other mental states or diseases. Undeniably, the main problem with identifying schizophrenia is the difficulty to distinguish its symptoms from those associated to different untidiness or roles. Therefore, this work will focus on the development of a diagnostic support system, in terms of its knowledge representation and reasoning procedures, based on a blended of Logic Programming and Artificial Neural Networks approaches to computing, taking advantage of a novel approach to knowledge representation and reasoning, which aims to solve the problems associated in the handling (i.e., to stand for and reason) of defective information.

Species-specific PCR for the identification of Cooperia curticei (Nematoda: Trichostrongylidae) in sheep.

Agricultural ruminants usually harbour mixed infections of gastrointestinal nematodes. A specific diagnosis is important because distinct species can differ significantly in their fecundity and pathogenicity. Haemonchus spp. and Cooperia spp. are the most important gastrointestinal nematodes infecting ruminants in subtropical/tropical environments. In Brazil, C. punctata is more adapted to cattle than sheep. Additionally, C. spatulata appears to be more adapted to cattle, whereas C. curticei is more adapted to sheep. However, infection of sheep with C. punctata is common when cattle and sheep share the same pasture. Although morphological analyses have been widely used to identify nematodes, molecular methods can overcome technical limitations and help improve species-specific diagnoses. Genetic markers in the first and second internal transcribed spacers (ITS-1 and ITS-2, respectively) of nuclear ribosomal DNA (rDNA) have been used successfully to detect helminths. In the present study, the ITS-1 region was analysed and used to design a species-specific oligonucleotide primer pair to identify C. curticei. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) product was sequenced and showed 97% similarity to C. oncophora partial ITS-1 clones and 99% similarity to the C. curticei sequence JF680982. The specificity of this primer pair was corroborated by the analysis of 17 species of helminths, including C. curticei, C. punctata and C. spatulata. Species-specific diagnosis, which has implications for rapid and reliable identification, can support studies on the biology, ecology and epidemiology of trichostrongylid nematodes in a particular geographical location.

Congenital right atrial diverticulum in a kitten.

A four-month-old domestic shorthair cat with no clinical signs was referred for further examination of a heart murmur. An echocardiogram revealed marked right atrial dilation, extending into the left hemithorax. Computed tomography angiography was conducted to investigate further, which revealed a balloon-shaped, contrast-filled cavity on the cranial and left side of the chest that connected to the right atrium through a narrow passage. This was diagnosed as a congenital right atrial diverticulum. Treatment included clopidogrel to reduce the risk of thrombus formation. Two months after the initial diagnosis, castration surgery was successfully performed without complications. The cat died suddenly at home 10 months after diagnosis. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first right atrial diverticulum reported in a cat.

Soil characteristics and allometric models for biometric characteristics and nutrient amounts for high yielding "Bolaina" (Guazuma crinita) trees.

The Peruvian amazon is very diverse in native forestry species, the Guazuma crinita "Bolaina" being one of the most planted species in the country; however, little or no information about soil requirements and nutrient demands is known. The objective of this work was to assess the general conditions of soil fertility, biomass and macro- and micronutrient amounts in high-productivity Guazuma crinita plantations. Fields of high yielding Bolaina of different ages (1-10 years) were sampled in two regions. Soil and plant samples were collected in each field and biometric measurements of fresh weight, diameter at breast height and height were performed. For soil and plant analysis, both macro- (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S) and micronutrients (B, Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn) were determined. Finally, allometric equations were constructed for biometric and nutrient amounts. This study is the first to assess and model macro- and micronutrient amounts in the productive cycle in this species, which grows in fertile soils. In the case of biometric equations, the logarithmic and logistic models performed better. For nutrient amounts, this species followed a pattern of Ca > N > K > P > S > Mg for macronutrients and Fe > B > Mn > Zn > Cu for micronutrients. The best prediction models for nutrients were the square root and logistic models.