The addicted brain: imaging neurological complications of recreational drug abuse. / El cerebro adicto: imagen de las complicaciones neurológicas por el consumo de drogas.

Recreational drug abuse represents a serious public health problem. Neuroimaging traditionally played a secondary role in this scenario, where it was limited to detecting acute vascular events. However, thanks to advances in knowledge about disease and in morphological and functional imaging techniques, radiologists have now become very important in the diagnosis of acute and chronic neurological complications of recreational drug abuse. The main complications are neurovascular disease, infection, toxicometabolic disorders, and brain atrophy. The nonspecific symptoms and denial of abuse make the radiologist's involvement fundamental in the management of these patients. Neuroimaging makes it possible to detect early changes and to suggest an etiological diagnosis in cases with specific patterns of involvement. We aim to describe the pattern of abuse and the pathophysiological mechanisms of the drugs with the greatest neurological repercussions as well as to illustrate the depiction of the acute and chronic cerebral complications on conventional and functional imaging techniques.

Inner ear malformations: a practical diagnostic approach. / Malformaciones del oído interno: una aproximación diagnóstica práctica.

Pediatric sensorineural hearing loss is a major cause of disability; although inner ear malformations account for only 20-40% of all cases, recognition and characterization will be vital for the proper management of these patients. In this article relevant anatomy and development of inner ear are surveyed. The role of neuroimaging in pediatric sensorineural hearing loss and cochlear preimplantation study are assessed. The need for a universal system of classification of inner ear malformations with therapeutic and prognostic implications is highlighted. And finally, the radiological findings of each type of malformation are concisely described and depicted. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging play a crucial role in the characterization of inner ear malformations and allow the assessment of the anatomical structures that enable the selection of appropriate treatment and surgical approach.

Radiology of external ear: indications, normal anatomy, and pathological processes. / Radiología del oído externo: indicaciones, anatomía normal y procesos patológicos.

The external ear is accessible to direct examination; the clinical history and otoscopy are sufficient to diagnose and treat most diseases of the external ear. We aim to describe the normal anatomy of the external ear, specify the indications for imaging tests, and review the clinical and radiological manifestations of the most common diseases affecting the external ear. We classify these diseases according to their origin into congenital, inflammatory, infectious, or traumatic disease or benign bone tumors or malignant tumors. Imaging does not play an important role in diseases of the external ear, but in certain clinical scenarios it can be crucial for reaching a concrete diagnosis and establishing the best treatment. Computed tomography is the first-choice technique for most diseases. Magnetic resonance imaging complements computed tomography and makes it possible to differentiate among different tissue types and to evaluate the extension of disease accurately.

Effect of different treatments on the ability of α-lactalbumin to form nanoparticles.

Nanoparticles of bovine α-lactalbumin (α-LA) prepared by desolvation and glutaraldehyde crosslinking are promising carriers for bioactive compounds in foods. The objective of this work was to study the effect of changes in hydrophobic interactions by using different desolvating agents (acetone, ethanol, or isopropanol) and the use of a heat or high-pressure treatment step before the desolvation process on the size, structure, and properties of α-LA nanoparticles. In all cases, a high average particle yield of 99.63% was obtained. Smaller sizes (152.3 nm) can be obtained with the use of acetone as the desolvating agent and without any pretreatment. This is the first time that α-LA nanoparticles in the size range of 100 to 200 nm have been obtained. These nanoparticles, with an isoelectric point of 3.61, are very stable at pH values >4.8, based on their ζ-potential, although their antioxidant activity is weak. The use of the desolvating agent with the smallest polarity index (isopropanol) produced the largest particles (293.4 to 324.9 nm) in all cases. These results support the idea that controlling hydrophobic interactions is a means to control the size of α-LA nanoparticles. No effect of pretreatment on nanoparticle size could be detected. All types of nanoparticles were easily degraded by the proteolytic enzymes assayed.

Radiological evaluation of the postsurgical middle ear.

OBJECTIVE: The radiological evaluation of the postsurgical middle ear is complex due to the intricate anatomy of this region and the wide variety of procedures and materials used iin middle ear surgery. Knowledge of these factors will enable normal postsurgical changes to be differentiated from complications. This article describes the most common surgical procedures in the middle ear, their indications, and the normal radiological appearance after these procedures. It reviews the most common causes of failure in stapes surgery, in surgery for chronic otitis media, and in surgery for cholesteatoma, suggesting the best imaging method to assess the middle ear in each case. CONCLUSION: Computed tomography enables the evaluation of prostheses and the aeration of the cavities, whereas magnetic resonance imaging makes it possible to characterize the possible occupation of the cavities and is the technique of choice for the follow-up of closed mastoidectomy for cholesteatomas.

Relationship Between Body Mass and Forewing Length in Neotropical Ichneumonidae (Insecta: Hymenoptera).

Biomass is an important indicator of various ecological factors in insect populations and communities. Although the utility of this variable is proven, it is usually dismissed in ecological studies, generally, because of the difficulty of measuring it. Considering that insect biomass is apparently declining worldwide, here, we aimed to test the accuracy of forewing length as an estimator of body mass in Neotropical Ichneumonidae to help in monitoring insect biomass. Forewing length and dry body mass were measured in 728 individuals from distinct localities in Venezuela and Ecuador. A clear log-linear relationship existed between the two variables, and a log-linear regression had significant and strong predictive power of mass based on wing length. To derive the final values of mass from predictions made using our equation, we used an exponential transformation. We present an R function for predicting mass from wing length. We consider our findings applicable to many Neotropical species of Ichneumonidae, and helpful especially when specimens are measured in dry collections.

Imaging of post-traumatic hearing loss. / Imagen de la hipoacusia postraumática.

OBJECTIVE: Hearing loss is the most frequent complication of temporal bone trauma. The role of the radiologist is of great importance; the adequacy and selection of the imaging technique, as well as its correct interpretation, are crucial to establish the diagnosis, prognosis and enable the selection of appropriate treatment. With the aim of systematizing the most relevant concepts in the evaluation of image studies in this scenario, this review will be outlined according to the hearing loss type. The potential lesions of its components will be assessed; In each case the most appropriate imaging technique will be suggested and the findings will be described and depicted. CONCLUSION: In postraumatic hearing loss, computed tomography is the initial technique of choice and will allow the detection of alterations that cause conductive hearing loss; magnetic resonance imaging will be useful in the evaluation of sensorineural hearing loss.

Effects of immunocastration and a ß-adrenergic agonist on retail cuts of feedlot finished Nellore cattle.

Immunocastration (ImC) has been proposed as an animal welfare-friendly alternative to reduce sexual and aggressive behavior and to increase carcass fat deposition with positive effects on meat quality. The ß-adrenergic agonists (ß-AA) are known as repartitioning agents that acts increasing lean tissue deposition. The combined use of these technologies can positively affect meat quality and increase retail cuts yield. Thus, this research was conducted to evaluate the combined effects of ImC and ß-AA (zilpaterol hydrochloride (ZH) and ractopamine hydrochloride (RH)) on retail cuts, bones, and fat trim of feedlot finished Bos indicus (Nellore) cattle. No interaction was observed between sexual condition and diet for any trait. The ImC decreased cold carcass, hindquarter (HQ), forequarter (FQ) and combined brisket, short ribs and flank (BSF) weights. The ImC also showed smaller weights of retail cuts and bones on the HQ and on the FQ than non-castrated (NoC). Fat trim weights did not differ from ImC and NoC. The most of subprimal cuts were heavier in NoC than in ImC. Feeding ß-AA did not affect cold carcass weight; however, animals fed ZH had higher weights of HQ and retail cuts in HQ when compared with RH and control (CO) group, with no differences between RH and CO for both traits. The weights of FQ, BSF, retail cuts in FQ, as well as bones and fat trimmings were not affected by ß-AA. In summary, ImC decreases carcass and retail cut weights, whereas ZH supplementation leads to an improvement in carcass lean tissue and retail cuts.

Ghrelin and bone mass in postmenopausal hypertensive women.

BACKGROUND: Ghrelin, a recently discovered peptide mainly secreted by the stomach, has an orexigenic effect which stimulates secretion of the growth hormone. It also has vasodilator effects which reduce blood pressure and stimulate in vitro, bone formation. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of ghrelin on bone mass and bone remodeling markers in postmenopausal hypertensive women. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 25 postmenopausal hypertensive women, light to moderate based on the JNC-VII criteria, were studied. They had a mean age of 58 +/- 8 years, a body mass index of 28 +/- 6 and a hypertension development time of 65 +/- 84 months. Osteocalcin, PTHi, 25-vitamin D, ghrelin in serum and deoxypiridinoline in urine were determined in all patients. A lumbar spine densitometer was made (DXP Lunar, Madison, Wisc., USA). RESULTS: Diminished levels of ghrelin were observed in the osteoporotic group (40 +/- 19 vs. 78 +/- 40, p = 0.027). When the patients were separated according to ghrelin tertiles, a greater bone mass was observed in the upper tertiles, which was associated with a decrease in the urinary deoxypiridinoline. When the total population was analyzed, no relation between the ghrelin and bone mass was found, nor with any of the parameters of calcium metabolism. Only a statistically significant relation between ghrelin and deoxypiridinoline was observed (r = -0.428, p = 0.026). CONCLUSIONS: In postmenopausal hypertensive women, ghrelin may produce a protecting effect over bone mass through an anticatabolic mechanism manifested by a decrease of bone resorption.

Effects of immunocastration and ß-adrenergic agonists on the performance and carcass traits of feedlot finished Nellore cattle.

ß-Adrenergic agonists (ß-AA) are non-hormonal growth promoters which promote muscle hypertrophy in supplemented animals. The effects of two ß-AA in combination with the immunocastration technique on the performance and carcass traits were evaluated using 96 feedlot Nellore males in a randomized complete block design with two sex conditions (immunocastrated (IC) v. non-castrated (NC)) and three treatments: CON (no ß-agonists added), RH (300 mg of ractopamine hydrochloride/day, for 33 days) or ZH (80 mg of zilpaterol·hydrochloride animal/day for 30 days, removed 3 days for required withdrawal period). The trial was carried for 100 days where in the first 70 days animals did not receive ß-AA (phase 1) and during the last 30 days they were treated with ß-AA (phase 2). The performance and ultrasound measurements of longissimus muscle area (LMA), backfat thickness (BFT) and rump fat thickness (RFT) were evaluated in both phases. No sex condition v. treatment interactions were observed for any trait. The NC animals had higher average daily gain (ADG) and final BW than the IC animals, but they did not differ in dry matter intake (DMI) and feed efficiency (gain to feed). The NC animals showed greater LMA (P=0.0001) and hot carcass weight (P=0.0006), and smaller BFT (P=0.0007), RFT (P=0.0039) and percentage of kidney, pelvic and heart fat (P<0.0001) when compared with IC animals. The animals fed ZH showed greater ADG (P=0.0002), G : F (P<0.0001) and dressing per cent (P=0.0136) than those fed RH and CON diets. No differences in BW and DMI were observed. A interaction between treatment and time on feed was observed for LMA and BFT, in which the animals fed ZH diet showed greater LMA (P<0.01) and lower BFT (P<0.01) at 100 days than the animals fed RH and CON diets, whereas RH and CON diets did not differ. Immunocastration decreases muscle development and increases carcass finishing. In contrast, ß-AA increases muscle and decreases fat deposition. The ZH has a higher action on the muscle metabolism than animals fed RH diet. However, RH diet achieves a better balance because it has an intermediary performance between non-supplemented and ZH animals and does not decrease the carcass fat.

Description of the First Species of Trieces (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) with Tyloids in the Male Antennae and New Records of Neotropical Species.

A new species of Trieces Townes from Brazil, Trieces tyloidalis n. sp., is described and illustrated. This is the first known species of Trieces with tyloids in the male antennae. The genus is recorded from Belize, Ecuador and Venezuela for the first time. Trieces horisme Gauld & Sithole, Trieces platysoma Townes, Trieces riodinis Gauld & Sithole and Trieces tuvule Gauld & Sithole, are recorded for the first time from several South American countries. A key to twelve South American species of Trieces is provided.

cAMP-dependent protein kinase is not involved in catabolite inactivation of the transport of sugars in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

It has been reported that catabolite inactivation of sugar transport systems in Saccharomyces cerevisiae requires cAMP-dependent protein kinase activity (cAPK) and that the levels of these transport systems are decreased in the absence of a functional cAPK regulatory subunit. We have re-examined these possibilities and have found that catabolite inactivation does not require cAPK activity and that normal levels of the transports occur independently from the presence of the regulatory subunit. With the available information, it is difficult to ascertain the reasons for the discrepancy between our results and the ones previously reported. The inadequacy of the method used to measure the sugar transport activities might contribute to this discrepancy.

Chemotactic stimulation of aggregation-stage Dictyostelium cells induces rapid changes in energy metabolism, as measured by succinic thiokinase phosphorylation.

In crude mitochondrial fractions of the cellular slime mold Dictyostelium discoideum, a 38-kDa protein can be detected in phosphorylation assays under autophosphorylation conditions in SDS polyacrylamide gels. p38 can be phosphorylated in vitro using either ATP or GTP as phosphoryl donors. After stimulation of aggregation competent cells with the chemoattractant cAMP, p38 phosphorylation pattern changes rapidly. Caffeine, a known inhibitor of cAMP relay in D. discoideum inhibits cAMP induced changes in p38 phosphorylation. The rapid changes in p38 phosphorylation after cAMP stimulation reflect changes in energy metabolism and these changes are most likely mediated by changes in internal calcium concentrations. The mitochondrial localization and other data presented on the characterization of this protein led us to the conclusion that p38 is the alpha subunit of succinic thiokinase. Data showing a correlation between in-vitro p38 phosphorylation and the metabolic state of the cells at the moment of the cell lysis are included.

Descripción de un caso de leucoencefalopatía hipóxica tardía: una imagen característica / Report of a case of delayed posthypoxic leukoencephalopathy: a peculiar image

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Activation of yeast plasma membrane ATPase by phorbol ester.

Addition of 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) to yeast cells produces a 2-fold activation of the plasma membrane ATPase. The activation is reversible and time-and dose-dependent. The activated enzyme shows an increased affinity for its substrate, ATP, and its optimum pH is shifted to a more alkaline range. These changes are similar to those observed in the reported activation by glucose. Upon incubation of yeast cells with 32Pi incorporation of radioactivity in a membrane polypeptide of 105 kDa is observed after addition of either glucose or TPA.

Imagen de la hipoacusia postraumática / Imaging of post-traumatic hearing loss

Objetivo. La hipoacusia es la complicación más frecuente del traumatismo del hueso temporal. El papel del radiólogo es de gran importancia; la adecuación y la selección de las pruebas radiológicas, así como su correcta interpretación, son cruciales para establecer el diagnóstico y el pronóstico, y para seleccionar el tratamiento idóneo. Con el objetivo de sistematizar los conceptos más relevantes en la valoración de los estudios de imagen en este contexto, se esquematizará el desarrollo del tema según el tipo de hipoacusia que condicione el traumatismo. De forma ordenada se valorarán las potenciales lesiones de sus componentes; en cada caso se sugerirá la técnica de imagen para su evaluación y se describirán e ilustrarán los hallazgos. Conclusión. En la hipoacusia postraumática, la tomografía computarizada es la técnica de elección inicial y permitirá la detección de alteraciones que condicionen hipoacusia conductiva; la resonancia magnética es útil en la valoración de la hipoacusia neurosensorial

Objective. Hearing loss is the most frequent complication of temporal bone trauma. The role of the radiologist is of great importance; the adequacy and selection of the imaging technique, as well as its correct interpretation, are crucial to establish the diagnosis, prognosis and enable the selection of appropriate treatment. With the aim of systematizing the most relevant concepts in the evaluation of image studies in this scenario, this review will be outlined according to the hearing loss type. The potential lesions of its components will be assessed; In each case the most appropriate imaging technique will be suggested and the findings will be described and depicted. Conclusion. In postraumatic hearing loss, computed tomography is the initial technique of choice and will allow the detection of alterations that cause conductive hearing loss; magnetic resonance imaging will be useful in the evaluation of sensorineural hearing loss

El cerebro adicto: imagen de las complicaciones neurológicas por el consumo de drogas / The addicted brain: imaging neurological complications of recreational drug abuse

Las drogas constituyen un gran problema sociosanitario. Tradicionalmente, la neuroimagen ha tenido un papel secundario limitado a la detección de eventos vasculares agudos. En la actualidad, el radiólogo ha adquirido gran relevancia en el diagnóstico de las complicaciones neurológicas agudas y crónicas, debido al avance en el conocimiento de la enfermedad y al desarrollo de las técnicas de imagen morfológicas y funcionales. Las principales complicaciones son la patología neurovascular, la infección, los trastornos tóxico-metabólicos y la atrofia cerebral. La sintomatología inespecífica y la negación del consumo hacen que la implicación del radiólogo pueda resultar fundamental en la atención de estos pacientes. La neuroimagen permite detectar alteraciones precoces y plantear el diagnóstico etiológico ante patrones de afectación específicos. Nuestro objetivo es describir el patrón de consumo y el mecanismo fisiopatológico de las drogas con mayor repercusión neurológica, así como ilustrar las complicaciones cerebrales agudas y crónicas mediante técnicas de imagen convencional y funcional (AU)

Recreational drug abuse represents a serious public health problem. Neuroimaging traditionally played a secondary role in this scenario, where it was limited to detecting acute vascular events. However, thanks to advances in knowledge about disease and in morphological and functional imaging techniques, radiologists have now become very important in the diagnosis of acute and chronic neurological complications of recreational drug abuse. The main complications are neurovascular disease, infection, toxicometabolic disorders, and brain atrophy. The nonspecific symptoms and denial of abuse make the radiologist's involvement fundamental in the management of these patients. Neuroimaging makes it possible to detect early changes and to suggest an etiological diagnosis in cases with specific patterns of involvement. We aim to describe the pattern of abuse and the pathophysiological mechanisms of the drugs with the greatest neurological repercussions as well as to illustrate the depiction of the acute and chronic cerebral complications on conventional and functional imaging techniques (AU)