Diffusive process under Lifshitz scaling and pandemic scenarios.

We here propose to model active and cumulative cases data from COVID-19 by a continuous effective model based on a modified diffusion equation under Lifshitz scaling with a dynamic diffusion coefficient. The proposed model is rich enough to capture different aspects of a complex virus diffusion as humanity has been recently facing. The model being continuous it is bound to be solved analytically and/or numerically. So, we investigate two possible models where the diffusion coefficient associated with possible types of contamination are captured by some specific profiles. The active cases curves here derived were able to successfully describe the pandemic behavior of Germany and Spain. Moreover, we also predict some scenarios for the evolution of COVID-19 in Brazil. Furthermore, we depicted the cumulative cases curves of COVID-19, reproducing the spreading of the pandemic between the cities of São Paulo and São José dos Campos, Brazil. The scenarios also unveil how the lockdown measures can flatten the contamination curves. We can find the best profile of the diffusion coefficient that better fit the real data of pandemic.

Isolation of human mesenchymal stem cells from amnion, chorion, placental decidua and umbilical cord: comparison of four enzymatic protocols.

OBJECTIVE: To compare four enzymatic protocols for mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) isolation from amniotic (A-MSC) and chorionic (C-MSC) membranes, umbilical cord (UC-MSC) and placental decidua (D-MSC) in order to define a robust, practical and low-cost protocol for each tissue. RESULTS: A-MSCs and UC-MSCs could be isolated from all samples using trypsin/collagenase-based protocols; C-MSCs could be isolated from all samples with collagenase- and trypsin/collagenase-based protocols; D-MSCs were isolated from all samples exclusively with a collagenase-based protocol. CONCLUSIONS: The trypsin-only protocol was least efficient; the collagenase-only protocol was best for C-MSCs and D-MSCs; the combination of trypsin and collagenase was best for UC-MSCs and none of tested protocols was adequate for A-MSCs isolation.

Internal quality control indicators in cervical cytopathology of a university laboratory.

INTRODUCTION: To evaluate the internal quality control indicators and quality management programme in a university cytopathology laboratory. METHODS: All results of conventional cervical smears tests (taken from the SISCAN, the Brazilian cervical cancer screening system) of women aged ≥15 years at the time of Papanicolaou smear specimen collection during January 2007-December 2014 were included. The final results of the cytopathology were classified in accordance with the Bethesda System. The variables included in the database were the woman's name, date of birth, and age at the time of sampling (15-30, 31-40 and older than 40 years). RESULTS: In this period, 50 286 cytopathology examinations were carried out. Of these, 44 386 (91.34%) were negative for malignancy or unsatisfactory and 4209 (8.66%) presented epithelial abnormalities. The percentage of the tests consistent with atypical squamous cells (ASC) between satisfactory examinations was 4.12%; the percentage of tests compatible with ASC among abnormal examinations was 47.87%; the ASC/squamous intraepithelial lesion) ratio was 0.97 and the percentage of high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion among satisfactory tests was 2.21%, and the 5-year retrospective review identified 4.97% of false-negative results. CONCLUSION: All rates obtained were consistent over the years and within the recommended values by Federal Regulation of Brazil. This demonstrates the efficacy of our established internal quality monitoring and continuing education, reflecting the commitment of the team involved in the release of smear reports.

The modified frailty index predicts postoperative morbidity in elective hernia repair patients: analysis of the national inpatient sample 2015-2019.

PURPOSE: Frailty has shown promise in predicting postoperative morbidity and mortality following hernia surgery. This study aims to evaluate the predictive capacity of the 11-item modified frailty index (mFI) in estimating postoperative outcomes following elective hernia surgery using the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of the NIS from 2015 to 2019 was performed including adult patients who underwent elective hernia repair. The mFI was used to stratify patients as either frail (mFI ≥ 0.27) or robust (mFI < 0.27). The primary outcomes were in-hospital postoperative morbidity and mortality. The secondary outcomes were system-specific morbidity, length of stay (LOS), total in-hospital healthcare cost, and discharge disposition. Univariable and multivariable regressions were utilized. RESULTS: In total, 14,125 robust patients and 1704 frail patients were included. Frailty was associated with an increased age (mean age 66.4 years vs. 52.6 years, p < 0.001) and prevalence of ventral hernias (51.9% vs. 44.4%, p < 0.001). Adjusted analyses demonstrated that frail patients had increased in-hospital mortality (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 3.89, 95% CI 1.50, 10.11, p = 0.005), postoperative overall morbidity (aOR 1.98, 95% CI 1.72, 2.29, p < 0.001), postoperative LOS (adjusted mean difference (aMD) 0.78 days, 95% CI 0.51, 1.06, p < 0.001), total in-hospital healthcare costs (aMD $7562 95% CI 3292, 11,832, p = 0.001), and were less likely to be discharged home (aOR 0.61, 95% CI 0.53, 0.69, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The mFI may be a reliable predictor of postoperative morbidity and mortality in elective hernia surgery. Utilizing this tool can aid in patient education and identifying high-risk patients who may benefit from tailored prehabilitation.

Mobility and ecological risk assessment of trace metals in polluted estuarine sediments using a sequential extraction scheme.

The three-stage sequential extraction procedure for the fractionation of Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn, proposed by the Commission of the European Communities Bureau of Reference, was applied to sediment five samples collected from the Sal estuary, Sergipe State, northeast Brazil, in September 2009. The method showed satisfactory recoveries, detection limits, and standard deviations for determinations of trace metals in the sediments. Cd and Pb were the metals most prevalent in the bioavailable fractions (carbonates, Fe and Mn oxides, organic matter, and sulfides), while Ni, Zn, Cu, and Cr showed higher percentages in the inert fraction. The order of mobility of the metals was Cd (66%) > Pb (65%) > Zn (59%) > Ni (57%) = Cr (57%) > Cu (56%). Possible toxicity related to these metals was examined using the risk assessment code, and by comparing the chemical data with sediment quality guideline ERL-ERM values. Results obtained using the two methods were in agreement, and showed low to medium risk for all metals, indicating that adverse effects on aquatic biota should rarely occur.

Quasinormal modes and shadow of noncommutative black hole.

In this paper we investigate quasinormal modes (QNM) for a scalar field around a noncommutative Schwarzschild black hole. We verify the effect of noncommutativity on quasinormal frequencies by applying two procedures widely used in the literature. The first is the Wentzel-Kramers-Brillouin (WKB) approximation up to sixth order. In the second case we use the continuous fraction method developed by Leaver. Besides, we also show that due to noncommutativity, the shadow radius is reduced when we increase the noncommutative parameter. In addition, we find that the shadow radius is nonzero even at the zero mass limit for finite noncommutative parameter.

Characterization of monocyte-derived dendritic cells from patients with active and treated paracoccidioidomycosis.

Cellular immune responses are a significant defence mechanism in human paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM), an endemic mycosis in Latin America; however, little is known about the role of dendritic cells (DCs) in human PCM. We investigated monocyte-derived DCs from patients with treated (TP) and active PCM (AP) compared with healthy non-PCM donors (CO). DCs from the TP group showed higher expression of HLA-DR, CD86 and DC-SIGN compared with CO, whereas AP showed similar expression to CO. Production of IL-10 was downregulated by TNF-α in all groups and lower levels were observed in untreated DCs from AP compared with CO. Conversely, IL-12p40 was significantly upregulated in the DCs of the TP group. TNF-α-activated DCs from the CO group produced significantly lower levels of IL-12p40 when differentiated from magnetic-sorted monocytes (MACS) compared with adhered monocyte-derived DCs. This comparison in the TP group revealed similar levels of IL-12p40, suggesting a T cell-independent increase in the production of IL-12p40. Higher expression of surface molecules with increased IL-12p40 may indicate a better activation of DCs after the treatment of PCM. Our findings suggest that DCs may be crucial in the protective response to Paracoccidioides brasiliensis and that in vitro-generated DCs might be useful in enhancing antifungal immunity, especially during active PCM.

Derbid Planthoppers (Hemiptera: Fulgoroidea: Derbidae) Associated with Coconut and Oil Palm in Brazil.

We present surveys of derbid planthoppers associated with coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) and oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) collected in Northeastern (Sergipe) and North (Pará and Roraima) Brazil. The surveys were intended to contribute to our knowledge of possible vectors of phytoplasmas or other phloem-restricted plant pathogens. Eight derbid taxa were found, two in the subfamily Cedusinae, tribe Cedusini (Cedusa yipara Kramer and C. yowza Kramer) and six in the subfamily Derbinae, tribe Cenchreini: Herpis sp., Persis pugnax Stål, Omolicna anastomosa (Caldwell), O. nigripennis (Caldwell), and two new species in the genus Agoo Bahder & Bartlett are described here. Genus-level features between Omolicna and Agoo are discussed and a key to the species of Agoo is provided.

Congruence of quality of life among infertile men and women: findings from a couple-based study.

BACKGROUND: It has been consistently demonstrated that infertility is associated with quality of life (QOL) impairments. Research to date has mostly focused on individual's reactions to infertility (mainly women), without an examination of how the partner is reacting to the same condition. The few studies that assessed QOL among couples did not use couple-based analyses, consequently not considering the intra-couple effects. The objectives of this study were to explore the congruence of QOL perception within infertile couples and to estimate the effect of depression levels on the congruence. METHODS: In total, 162 couples were interviewed in an assisted reproduction clinic cross-sectionally. Subjects completed a socio-demographic form, World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF and the Beck Depression Inventory independently. The statistical strategy was guided to ensure that subjects would be explored within pairs at all times and not as independent groups. Paired t-tests were run, and Cohen's effect was estimated. Depression levels were controlled by linear multiple regressions and repeated-measures ANCOVAs. RESULTS: Out of the five QOL domain scores, only two showed a significant discrepancy between partners (psychological and social relationship domains). Male depression was a significant predictor for all five QOL difference scores, whereas female depression was associated with three (overall, psychological and physical). Moreover, it was demonstrated that, except for the psychological domain and for the female depression on the physical domain, the load of depression as a predictor of the QOL difference scores was markedly low, accounting for not more than 7.5% of the variance of congruence between men's and women's QOL. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that QOL scores do not differ markedly between spouses. Since QOL seemed similarly affected in both men and women, consideration might be given to offering interventions to them as a dyad. These results are not in line with the previous non-paired studies, and further investigations are required to address this dissimilarity.

Occurrence in Brazil of Haplaxius crudus (Hemiptera: Cixiidae), Vector of Coconut Lethal Yellowing.

The lethal yellowing (LY) is a major phytoplasma causing disease seriously threatening coconut plantations worldwide, with imminent risk of entering Brazil. The LY phytoplasma is restricted to the phloem and transmitted by the planthopper Haplaxius crudus (Van Duzee) (Cixiidae). In this study, Auchenorrhyncha were collected on the leaves of Dwarf vs. Dwarf hybrids and Brazilian Green Dwarf Jiqui in the Brazilian northern state of Para using yellow adhesive traps in May of 2016. The planthopper H. crudus was found in coconut plantations of Brazilian Green Dwarf Jiqui, accounting for 87% of the individuals captured. This is the first report of vector H. crudus in Brazilian coconut plantations. These findings are of great scientific relevance since H. crudus could negatively impact the Brazilian coconut industry and this knowledge could be used in contingency measures in the case of LY be introduced in the country.

Ensino e pesquisa em saúde mental na atenção básica: Portfólio de Práticas Inspiradoras em Atenção Psicossocial / Mental Health teaching and research in primary care: Portfolio of Inspiring Practices in Psychosocial Care / Enseñanza e investigación en salud mental en atención primaria: Portafolio de Prácticas Inspiradoras en Atención Psicosocial

Resumo Neste artigo, discutimos o processo de trabalho da pesquisa, a metodologia participativa e colaborativa para a construção do site para uso ampliado na Atenção, Ensino e Pesquisa nos campos da Saúde Mental Atenção Básica, o qual intitulamos 'Portfólio de Práticas Inspiradoras em Atenção Psicossocial', bem como as ações em curso para sua gestão compartilhada. O conjunto da pesquisa analisou, sistematizou e categorizou práticas na atenção básica e espaços comunitários, construindo mecanismos de busca e disseminação científica para experiências inovadoras e inspiradoras em todo o país, no período de 2015 a 2020. O site dá visibilidade e relevância às abordagens psicossociais de acolhimento, cuidado e potencialização da vida presentes no Sistema Único de Saúde. Experiências alternativas ao modelo biomédico, base para uma perspectiva interdisciplinar e desinstitucionalizante de Saúde Mental na Atenção Básica.

Abstract In this article, we discuss the working process of the research, the participatory and collaborative methodology for the construction of the website for expanded use in Care, Teaching and Research in the fields of Mental Health Primary Care, which we titled 'Portfolio of Inspiring Practices in Psychosocial care', as well as the ongoing actions for its shared management. The whole research analyzed, systematized and categorized practices in primary care and community spaces, building search engines and scientific dissemination for innovative and inspiring experiences throughout the country, in the period from 2015 to 2020. The website gives visibility and relevance to the psychosocial approaches of reception, care and enhancement of life present in the Unified Health System. Alternative experiences to the biomedical model, the basis for an interdisciplinary and deinstitutionalizing perspective of Mental Health in Primary Care.

Resumen En este artículo discutimos el proceso de trabajo de la investigación, la metodología participativa y colaborativa para la construcción del site de uso ampliado en la Atención, Enseñanza e Investigación en los campos de la Atención Primaria de Salud Mental, que denominamos 'Portafolio de Prácticas Inspiradoras en Atención Psicosocial', así como las acciones en curso para su gestión compartida. El conjunto de investigación analizó, sistematizó y categorizó prácticas en la atención primaria y en los espacios comunitarios, construyendo mecanismos de búsqueda y divulgación científica de experiencias innovadoras e inspiradoras en todo el país, de 2015 a 2020. El site confere visibilidad y relevancia a los enfoques psicosociales de acogida, cuidado y potenciación de vida presentes en el Sistema Único de Salud. Experiencias alternativas al modelo biomédico, base para una perspectiva interdisciplinar y desinstitucionalizadora de la Salud Mental en Atención Primaria.

Urethral leiomyoma: combined vaginal and abdominal approach - a case report / Mioma uretral: abordagem combinada vaginal e abdominal - um relato de caso

Abstract Introduction: leiomyomas are benign mesenchymal tumors of smooth muscle origin that can develop in various locations. Urethral leiomyomas are rare, with approximately only 120 cases reported in the literature. These tumors often occur in the third and fourth decades of life but are rare in menopausal patients. In general, treatment involves surgery, only three recurrence reports in the literature. Description: a case report on a 56-year-old woman; the patient had type II diabetes mellitus and chronic high blood pressure, was overweight (body mass index, 27.1 kg/m2), and a smoker. Besides this, the patient presented symptoms of urinary obstruction and had a large urethral leiomyoma. The tumor was completely removed with no associated urethral lesions using a complex, combined abdominalvaginal surgical approach. Discussion: the management and treatment on urethral leiomyomas is challenging and have not been established yet due to the rarity of these tumors.

Resumo Introdução: os leiomiomas são tumores mesenquimais benignos de origem muscular lisa, podendo manifestar-se em diversas localizações. Os leiomiomas uretrais são raros, tendo apenas aproximadamente 120 casos relatados na literatura. São mais comuns na terceira e quarta décadas de vida, sendo raros em pacientes menopausadas. Em geral, são tratados cirurgicamente, com apenas três relatos de recidivas na literatura. Descrição: relato de caso de uma paciente do sexo feminino, 56 anos, portadora de diabetes mellitus do tipo II, hipertensão arterial crônica, sobrepeso (IMC 27,1Kg/m2) e tabagismo. Além disso, com quadro de sintomas obstrutivos urinários e portadora de um grande leiomioma uretral, este que foi completamente removido, através de uma desafiadora abordagem cirúrgica combinada (abdominal e vaginal), sem lesões uretrais associadas. Discussão: os leiomiomas uretrais são tumores raros e seu manejo é desafiador e ainda não foi estabelecido.

The experience of pregnancy resulting from Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) treatment: A qualitative Brazilian study.

BACKGROUND: Pregnancies achieved through medical treatments following a period of infertility may demand extra emotional and practical investment from women. AIM: This paper aims at understanding the experience of pregnancy after Assisted Reproductive Technology, and exploring whether this experience is affected by previous failed infertility treatments. METHODS: This paper uses a qualitative approach. Participants were nineteen expectant first-time mothers from Brazil who conceived through Assisted Reproductive Technology treatment. During the third trimester of gestation, a semi-structured interview was administered to assess perceptions of and feelings about treatment and pregnancy. Interview transcripts were analysed using thematic analysis, and the sample was divided into two groups according to whether it was the participant's first treatment or not. FINDINGS: Themes identified include: tolerance of the demands of treatment and pregnancy, consideration of the mechanics of treatment and pregnancy, and emotionally painful aspects of treatment and pregnancy. Pregnancy itself was regarded as a reward or compensation for the difficulties undergone. Perspectives differed according to whether pregnancy followed the first Assisted Reproductive Technology treatment; those who had undergone previously unsuccessful treatments focused less on the mechanical aspects of the process but were more concerned about possible physical problems. CONCLUSION: The similarities and differences found according to number of treatments attempted should be taken into consideration when providing psychological support for expectant Assisted Reproductive Technology mothers.

A música como agente terapêutico no tratamento da Doença de Alzheimer / Music as a therapeutic agent in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease / La música como agente terapéutico en el tratamiento de la enfermedad de Alzheimer

A Doença de Alzheimer (DA), causa mais comum de demência (transtorno neurocognitivo maior), ocupa maior espaço na medida em que a sociedade envelhece. Estudos demonstram que o olhar biomédico e a utilização de fármacos, muitas vezes, não abarcam os problemas decorrentes da doença. E, a busca por alternativas outras que não o medicamento e exclusão do doente são promissoras. É nessa finalidade que o presente trabalho se propõe: discorrer acerca da influência da música como potencial terapêutico para pacientes com Alzheimer. Para tanto, objetivou-se revisar estudos mais recentes sobre a temática e propor possíveis reflexões que possam colaborar com o maior entendimento da terapêutica musical na DA.

Alzheimer's disease (AD), the most common cause of dementia (major neurocognitive disorder), is taking up more space as society ages. Studies show that the biomedical view and the use of drugs often do not cover the problems arising from the disease, and the search for alternatives other than medication and exclusion of the patient is promising. It is for this purpose that the present work proposes: to discuss about the influence of music as a therapeutic potential for Alzheimer's patients. Thus, the aim was to review the latest studies on the subject and propose possible reflections that may contribute to a better understanding of music therapy in AD.

La enfermedad de Alzheimer (EA), la causa más común de demencia (trastorno neurocognitivo mayor), prevalece cada vez más a medida que la sociedad envejece. Los estudios demuestran que la visión biomédica y la utilización de fármacos a menudo no cubren los problemas derivados de la enfermedad y, la búsque da de alternativas distintas a la medicación y la exclusión del paciente son prometedoras. Es para este propósito que el presente trabajo propone: discutir sobre la influencia de la música como un potencial terapéutico para los pacientes con Alzheimer. Con este fin, el objetivo fue revisar los estudios recientes sobre el tema y proponer posibles reflexiones que puedan colaborar con una mayor comprensión de la terapia musical en EA.

Sperm recovery prediction in azoospermic patients using Doppler ultrasonography.

PURPOSE: To evaluate power Doppler ultrasonography to predict sperm recovery in azoospermic patients. METHODS: Color Doppler and power Doppler ultrasonography of testis were performed in 38 patients before testicular sperm extraction. Analysis of blood flow included the pulsatility and resistance index of intratesticular vessels and testicular artery, and power Doppler of testis. The results of power Doppler of testis were classified into three categories: 0, no vessels found; 1, one to three vessels; 2, more than three vessels found. RESULTS: Power Doppler of both testis showed a significant difference between obstructive azoospermia and non-obstructive azoospermia (Fisher's exact test - P = 0.02), and between the groups with and without sperm recovery (Fisher's exact test - P = 0.001). Doppler indices of intratesticular vessels and testicular artery were similar between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Testicular Power Doppler assessment showed that patients with obstructive azoospermia have better blood flow than patients with non-obstructive azoospermia, and power Doppler is able to predict sperm recovery in azoospermic patients.

Role of physical exercise on hepatic insulin, glucocorticoid and inflammatory signaling pathways in an animal model of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis.

AIMS: Pro-inflammatory mediators, glucocorticoids and transforming growth factor (TGF)-ß are implicated in the pathogenesis of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)-related insulin resistance. As physical activity is beneficial against NASH, we analyzed the voluntary physical activity (VPA) and endurance training (ET) (preventive and therapeutic strategies) effects on hepatic insulin, pro-inflammatory and glucocorticoid signaling regulators/mediators in high-fat (Lieber-DeCarli) diet (HFD)-induced NASH. MAIN METHODS: Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided in standard diet (SD) or HFD, with sedentary, VPA and ET animals in both diet regimens. Plasma glucose and insulin concentrations were analyzed; plasma insulin sensitivity index (ISI) was calculated. Hepatic insulin, pro-inflammatory and glucocorticoid signaling regulators/mediators were evaluated by Western blot or reverse transcriptase-PCR. KEY FINDINGS: ET improved ISI in both diet regimens. HFD-feeding increased interleukin-1ß and induced a similar pattern on interleukin-6 and TGF-ß, which were globally reduced by physical exercise. ET decreased HFD leukemia inhibitory factor level, SD+VPA animals presenting higher values than HFD+VPA animals. HFD increased the ratio of IRS-1(Ser307)/total IRS-1, which was completely mitigated by physical exercise. Physical exercise reduced total ERK and JNK (total and activated) expression in HFD. In SD vs. HFD, VPA presented higher activated JNK and ET presented higher total JNK. Generally, in HFD, the ratio (activated/total) of AKT, and each separately, decreased with exercise and also for activated AKT in SD. Overall, in both diets, exercise reduced 11ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1. ET increased glucocorticoid receptor and reduced PTP1B in HFD. SIGNIFICANCE: Physical exercise mitigates the expression of pro-inflammatory mediators and positively modulates insulin and glucocorticoid signaling in NASH.

Glycosidases in the peritoneal fluid from infertile women with and without endometriosis.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the activity and biochemical properties of glycosidases in the peritoneal fluid of infertile patients with or without endometriosis in comparison with fertile women. DESIGN AND METHODS: Peritoneal fluid was collected from 29 women undergoing a laparoscopy. The sample was separated into the following groups: fertile women (n = 11), infertile with endometriosis (n = 11), and infertile without endometriosis (n = 7). The activity of glycosidases was determined with specific p-nitrophenylglycosides as colorimetric substrates. RESULTS: The activity of alpha-fucosidase, alpha-glucosidase, alpha-mannosidase, beta-galactosidase, beta-glucuronidase, and beta-N-acetylhexosaminidase was investigated. Enzymatic activities of alpha-fucosidase and beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase were detected in higher amounts than other glycosidases. The activities of alpha-fucosidase and N-acetylglucosaminidase were increased in the case of infertile patients without endometriosis, while beta-galactosidase was increased in endometriosis patients. Enzyme properties as pH optimum, pH stability, thermal stability and inhibition by specific carbohydrates were similar for both control and infertile samples. Analysis of kinetic parameters indicate that Vmax values of glycosidases were higher for infertile samples than their respective controls. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that higher amounts of glycosidases are present in the peritoneal fluid from infertile patients. The elevated activity of these hydrolytic enzymes suggest possible deleterious effect on gametes, and could explain some cases of infertility.

Peritoneal fluid modulates the sperm acrosomal exocytosis induced by N-acetylglucosaminyl neoglycoprotein.

The effect of peritoneal fluid (PF) on the human sperm acrosome reaction (AR) was tested. Sperm was pre-incubated with PF and the AR was induced by calcium ionophore A23187 and a neoglycoprotein bearing N-acetylglycosamine residues (NGP). The AR induced by calcium ionophore was inhibited 40% by PF from controls (PFc) and 50% by PF from the endometriosis (PFe) group, but not by PF from infertile patients without endometriosis (PFi). No significant differences were found in the spontaneous AR. When the AR was induced by NGP, pre-incubation with PFc reduced (60%) the percentage of AR, while PFe and PFi caused no significant differences. The average rates of acrosome reactions obtained in control. NGP- and ionophore-treated sperm showed that NGP-induced exocytosis differed significantly between the PFc (11%) and PFe/PFi groups (17%), and the ionophore-induced AR was higher for PFi (33%) than PFc/PFe (25%). The incidence of the NGP-induced AR was reduced in the first hour of pre-incubation with PFc and remained nearly constant throughout 4 h of incubation. The present data indicate that PF possesses a protective factor which prevents premature AR.

Predictive factors for motile sperm recovery using testicular biopsy in nonobstructive azoospermic patients.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the present study was to assess the predictive value of hormone values, histological analysis for the finding of motile spermatozoa on testicular biopsy in nonobstructive azoospermia. METHODS: This cross-sectional study assessed serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone, prolactin and total testosterone values in 50 patients undergoing testicular biopsy prior to ICSI. P < 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: Recovery was successful in 28 cases, and motile spermatozoa were retrieved in 7. Significant differences were detected between presence of motile spermatozoa and absence of spermatozoa in terms of FSH values (P = 0.003, one-way ANOVA). The other variables did not present statistical differences. A receiver operating characteristic curve showed that FSH levels below 17.00 IU/L were predictive of motile spermatozoa recovery. CONCLUSIONS: FSH values can serve as a predictive factor for the recovery of motile spermatozoa using biopsy in azoospermic patients. On the other hand, histological analysis and other hormone values were not helpful in the prediction of motile sperm.

[Ectopic meningioma of the calvarium: report of a case]. / Meningeoma ectópico do calvário: registro de um caso.

A case of calvarial meningeoma in a 42 year old female is reported. Arising from the inner table of the skull, it projected a extracranial mass without neurological simptomatology. The surgical procedure give good results. Some aspects of the literature and radiologics finds are commented. The infrequency of this pathology is resulted.