Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome As a Rare Cause of Acute Bilateral Limb and Renal Ischemia

Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHS) is a rare and potentially fatal condition, particularly when it is associated with arterial thromboembolic events. We present a case of acute ischemia of both lower limbs and left kidney due to OHS. The clinical presentation included voluminous ascites, pleural effusion, and significant ovarian enlargement. Subsequently, bilateral severe acute limb ischemia and left kidney segmental infarction were established. Surgical thromboembolectomy and muscle débridement of the lower limbs were necessary, and the patient recovered with partial limitations. A high index of suspicion and timely treatment are essential to minimize consequences of arterial thrombosis associated with OHS.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Heterozygous deletion of the Williams-Beuren syndrome critical interval in mice recapitulates most features of the human disorder

Williams-Beuren syndrome is a developmental multisystemic disorder caused by a recurrent 1.55-1.83 Mb heterozygous deletion on human chromosome band 7q11.23. Through chromosomal engineering with the cre-loxP system, we have generated mice with an almost complete deletion (CD) of the conserved syntenic region on chromosome 5G2. Heterozygous CD mice were viable, fertile and had a normal lifespan, while homozygotes were early embryonic lethal. Transcript levels of most deleted genes were reduced 50% in several tissues, consistent with gene dosage. Heterozygous mutant mice showed postnatal growth delay with reduced body weight and craniofacial abnormalities such as small mandible. The cardiovascular phenotype was only manifested with borderline hypertension, mildly increased arterial wall thickness and cardiac hypertrophy. The neurobehavioral phenotype revealed impairments in motor coordination, increased startle response to acoustic stimuli and hypersociability. Mutant mice showed a general reduction in brain weight. Cellular and histological abnormalities were present in the amygdala, cortex and hippocampus, including increased proportion of immature neurons. In summary, these mice recapitulate most crucial phenotypes of the human disorder, provide novel insights into the pathophysiological mechanisms of the disease such as the neural substrates of the behavioral manifestations, and will be valuable to evaluate novel therapeutic approaches.This work was supported by the Spanish Ministry of Ecomomy and Competitivity to V.C. (grant SAF2012-40036) and to L.P.J. (FIS PM002512 and SAF2004-06382), the European AnEuploidy project to L.P.J., M.D. and Y.H. The Rare Diseases CIBER (CIBERER) Fellowship supported M.S-P. and C.B

Impact Of Recent Tilting Pad Thrust Bearing Tests On Steam Turbine Design And Performance

PaperPg. 1-8.Recent test programs on Kings bury type tilting pad thrust bearings have altered application data and required the use of larger thrust bearing sizes with correspondingly larger oil flows and increased power loss. These results have had a significant impact on the design and performance of mechanical drive steam turbines, especially for high horsepower applications where thrust bearings operate in the superlaminar or turbulent flow regime. The authors cite data obtained from separate test programs at General Electric and Kingsbury. Details are presented of a large thrust bearing test facility at the General Electric Mechanical Drive Turbine Products Department capable of testing bearing at speeds up to 14,000 rpm and loadings up to 60,000 pounds. Results of tests on bearings ranging in size from 12 inches to 17 inches are summarized along with the important conclusions relative to power loss, load-carrying capability, and oil flow optimization. Examples are presented to demonstrate the application of the new design data and its effect on the design of mechanical drive steam turbines

Prevalence of anxiety, depression and quality of life in HTLV-1 infected patients

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)The HAM/TSP caused by HTLV-1 infection usually affects patients to disabling states, and sometimes can lead them to paraplegia presenting symptoms of depression and anxiety, impacting on quality of life. Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the frequency of depression and anxiety and its impact on quality of life in HTLV-1-infected TSP/HAM patients. Material and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study including 67 asymptomatic (control group) and 63 with TSP/HAM subjects. The instruments used were a demographic questionnaire, scales for anxiety and depression diagnosis (BDI and BAI), questionnaire for the assessment of Quality of Life of the World Health Organization (WHOQOL-Brief) and neurological scale to measure the disability level (Osame's Disability Status Scale). All patients had HTLV-I diagnosis by serological and molecular approaches, monitored at Instituto de Infectologia Emilio Ribas from May 2008 to July 2009. Data were analyzed statistically by frequencies, the Mann-Whitney test and the Spearman correlation test. Data among groups were analyzed and correlated with functional and severity aspects. Results: The results showed that patients with HAM/TSP compared to asymptomatic carriers had higher rates of depression (p < 0.001) and anxiety (p < 0.001), and impairment on quality of life in the areas of: dissatisfaction with health (p < 0.001), physical (p < 0.001) and the environment (p = 0.003). The main factors that correlated with levels of depression and anxiety and the domains of the WHOQOL-brief were: education, family income and social class. Conclusion: A well conducted evaluation and counseling may help in treatment, for a better quality of life of these patients.156578582Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP