Mid-callosal Plane Determination Using Preferred Directions From Diffusion Tensor Images

The corpus callosum is the major brain structure responsible for inter-hemispheric communication between neurons. Many studies seek to relate corpus callosum attributes to patient characteristics, cerebral diseases and psychological disorders. Most of those studies rely on 2D analysis of the corpus callosum in the mid-sagittal plane. However, it is common to find conflicting results among studies, once many ignore methodological issues and define the mid-sagittal plane based on precary or invalid criteria with respect to the corpus callosum. In this work we propose a novel method to determine the mid-callosal plane using the corpus callosum internal preferred diffusion directions obtained from diffusion tensor images. This plane is analogous to the mid-sagittal plane, but intended to serve exclusively as the corpus callosum reference. Our method elucidates the great potential the directional information of the corpus callosum fibers have to indicate its own referential. Results from experiments with five image pairs from distinct subjects, obtained under the same conditions, demonstrate the method effectiveness to find the corpus callosum symmetric axis relative to the axial plane.941

DIVISÃO REGIONAL DO DESENVOLVIMENTO HUMANO EM PERNAMBUCO: UMA APLICAÇÃO DE ANÁLISE DE CLUSTER.

Com um caráter exploratório, este trabalho tem como objetivo geral estudar a divisão regional do desenvolvimento humano dentro do Estado de Pernambuco, a partir dos dados do Atlas de Desenvolvimento Humano da Fundação João Pinheiro e da aplicação da análise de cluster. Neste sentido, foi possível delinear os principais aspectos regionais do desenvolvimento humano pernambucano. De um modo geral, observou-se que os municípios do interior do Estado encontram-se em pior situação, com destaque negativo para os localizados no sertão. Por outro lado, a Região Metropolitana de Recife pode ser considerada a mesorregião mais desenvolvida do Estado, seguido pelo Vale do São Francisco.---------------------------------------------With an exploratory character, this paper has as general objective to study the regional division of the human development inside of Pernambuco State, starting from data of the Atlas of Human Development of the João Pinheiro Foundation and of the cluster analysis application. Therein, it was possible to describe the main regional aspects of the Pernambuco human development. In general, it was observed that the municipal districts of the interior of the State are in worse situation, standing out negatively those located in the sertão. On the other hand, the Recife Metropolitan Area can be considered the most developed area of the State, followed for the San Francisco Valley.Desenvolvimento Humano, Pernambuco, Análise de Cluster, Human Development, Pernambuco, Cluster Analysis, Labor and Human Capital,

Atlasbased methods or TW3? Estimation of bone age in brazilians

Objective: To compare the methods of Greulich-Pyle (GP), the Venezuelan Atlas of Bone Maturation (VA), and Tanner-Whitehouse (TW3-RUS), for age estimation in Brazilians. Methodology: A sample of 240 carpal radiographs from individuals of both sexes (129 females and 111 males), with chronological ages (CA) between 84 to 199 months (7 - 16.5 years old) was used. Bone ages were calculated using GP, VA and TW3-RUS methods. Mean differences between CA and estimated bone ages were calculated. Results: There was a positive and statistically significant correlation between CA and bone ages (0.89 -0.94). An age overestimation was observed by all methods in girls. In boys, overestimation was observed using the VA, while GP and TW3-RUS underestimated age. There was a significant difference between CA and bone ages estimated by GP and VA in both sexes (girls: GP -6.89, -6.41 AV; boys: GP 4.45; VA-5, 06). For TW3-RUS it was only significant for girls (-2.94 girls; boys 1.56). Conclusions: TW3-RUS method resulted in more accurate age estimation. It is recommended to use the calculated regression equations for a better fit between inferred ages through the studied methods and the individual?s real ages.Comparar os métodos de Greulich-Pyle (GP), o do Atlas Venezuelano de Maturação Óssea (AV) e o de Tanner-Whitehouse (TW3-RUS), na estimativa da idade em brasileiros. Utilizou-se uma amostra de 240 radiografias carpais de indivíduos de ambos os sexos (129 m482129137sem informaçãosem informaçãoTo compare the methods of Greulich-Pyle (GP), the Venezuelan Atlas of Bone Maturation (VA), and Tanner-Whitehouse (TW3-RUS), for age estimation in Brazilians. A sample of 240 carpal radiographs from individuals of both sexes (129 females and 111 males),

Métodos baseados em Atlas ou TW3? Estimativa da idade óssea em brasileiros

To compare the methods of Greulich-Pyle (GP), the Venezuelan Atlas of Bone Maturation (VA), and Tanner-Whitehouse (TW3-RUS), for age estimation in Brazilians. Methodology: A sample of 240 carpal radiographs from individuals of both sexes (129 females and 111 males), with chronological ages (CA) between 84 to 199 months (7 - 16.5 years old) was used. Bone ages were calculated using GP, VA and TW3-RUS methods. Mean differences between CA and estimated bone ages were calculated. There was a positive and statistically significant correlation between CA and bone ages (0.89 - 0.94). An age overestimation was observed by all methods in girls. In boys, overestimation was observed using the VA, while GP and TW3-RUS underestimated age. There was a significant difference between CA and bone ages estimated by GP and VA in both sexes (girls: GP -6.89, -6.41 AV; boys: GP 4.45; VA-5, 06). For TW3-RUS it was only significant for girls (-2.94 girls; boys 1.56). Conclusions: TW3-RUS method resulted in more accurate age estimation. It is recommended to use the calculated regression equations for a better fit between inferred ages through the studied methods and the individual´s real ages.Objetivo: Comparar os métodos de Greulich-Pyle (GP), o do Atlas Venezuelano de Maturação Óssea (AV) e o de Tanner-Whitehouse (TW3-RUS), na estimativa da idade em brasileiros. Metodologia: Utilizou- se uma amostra de 240 radiografias carpais de indivíduos de ambos os sexos (129 meninas e 111 meninos), com idades entre 84 e 199 meses (7 e 16,5 anos). As idades ósseas foram calculadas segundo os métodos GP, AV e TW3-RUS e posteriormente se obtiveram diferenças de media entre a idade cronológica (IC) as idades ósseas estimadas. Resultados: Observou-se uma correlação positiva e estatisticamente significativa entre a IC e as idades ósseas estimadas, (0,89- 0,94). Constatou-se uma superestimativa da idade por todos os métodos nas meninas. Nos meninos verificou-se a superestimativa pelo método AV, enquanto que o GP e o TW3-RUS subestimaram a idade. Verificou-se uma diferença significativa entre a IC e as idades ósseas estimadas pelos métodos GP e AV em ambos os sexos (meninas: GP -6,89; AV -6,41. Meninos: GP 4,45; AV-5,06) e para o TW3-RUS somente foi significativa para as meninas (meninas -2,94; meninos 1,56). Conclusões: O método TW3-RUS resultou ser mais preciso na estimativa da idade, porém se recomenda a utilização das equações de regressão calculadas para um melhor ajuste entre as idades inferidas pelos métodos estudados as idades reais dos indivíduos

Recognition Of Serous Ovarian Tumors In Human Samples By Multimodal Nonlinear Optical Microscopy.

We used a multimodal nonlinear optics microscopy, specifically two-photon excited fluorescence (TPEF), second and third harmonic generation (SHG∕THG) microscopies, to observe pathological conditions of ovarian tissues obtained from human samples. We show that strong TPEF + SHG + THG signals can be obtained in fixed samples stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) stored for a very long time, and that H&E staining enhanced the THG signal. We then used the multimodal TPEF-SHG-THG microscopies in a stored file of H&E stained samples of human ovarian cancer to obtain complementary information about the epithelium∕stromal interface, such as the transformation of epithelium surface (THG) and the overall fibrillary tissue architecture (SHG). This multicontrast nonlinear optics microscopy is able to not only differentiate between cancerous and healthy tissue, but can also distinguish between normal, benign, borderline, and malignant specimens according to their collagen disposition and compression levels within the extracellular matrix. The dimensions of the layers of epithelia can also be measured precisely and automatically. Our data demonstrate that optical techniques can detect pathological changes associated with ovarian cancer.1609601

Description of hospital pharmacy management practice

Health institutions, particularly hospitals, are characterized as complex structures that need managers with a global view of the institution and its relations with the external environment. The hospital pharmacy is a strategic unit, which cooperates with the institutional management and integrates the multiprofessional team in the process related to the acquisition, provision and control of essential inputs for the inpatient care process. The objective in this study is to demonstrate the applicability, in the context of hospital-based health, of a performance measuring system at the pharmacy. Method: A descriptive and longitudinal study was undertaken on the evolution of the key indicator Absence Rate of Standardized Drugs in inpatient care between March 2004 and December 2013. This indicator was employed to monitor the impact of changes the Pharmacy Division has been implementing, as the first step of the pharmaceutical care cycle in the model of the process-based managed approach at a public university hospital. Qualitative data collection methods were used, including observation and documentary analysis, as well as quantitative data collection. Results: After the application of the model, one point of change in the key performance indicator was detected in the tenth month, when the process-based management model was implemented at the pharmacy. Conclusions: The process-based management approach was effective for the hospital pharmacy. The premise adopted is that the administrative changes (interferences), focused on the improvement of the processes and the selection and monitoring of indicators, influence the processes, reducing the variability and improving the qualityAs instituições de saúde, especialmente hospitais, são caracterizadas como estruturas complexas que precisam de administradores com uma visão global da instituição e de suas relações com o ambiente externo. A farmácia hospitalar é uma unidade estratégica, que colabora com a administração institucional e integra a equipe multiprofissional no processo que tange a aquisição, provisão e controle de insumos essenciais para o processo do atendimento do paciente internado. Este estudo tem como objetivo demonstrar a aplicabilidade, no contexto da saúde hospitalar, de um sistema de medição de desempenho da farmácia. Método: Trata-se de um estudo descritivo, longitudinal, sobre a evolução do indicador chave Taxa de Falta de Medicamentos Padronizados na assistência do paciente internado, no período de março de 2004 a dezembro de 2013. Esse indicador foi empregado para monitoramento do impacto de mudanças que a Divisão de Farmácia vem implementando, como primeira etapa do ciclo de assistência farmacêutica dentro do modelo da abordagem de gestão por processos, em um hospital público universitário. Foram usados métodos de coleta de dados qualitativos, incluindo a observação e análise documental, bem como coleta de dados quantitativos. Resultados: Após a aplicação do modelo, um ponto de mudança no indicador chave de desempenho, foi detectado no 10º mês, quando o modelo de gestão baseado em processo foi implementado na farmácia. Conclusões: A abordagem de gestão baseada em processos foi eficaz para a farmácia hospitalar. A premissa adotada é que as mudanças administrativas (interferências), com foco na melhoria dos processos e seleção e acompanhamento de indicadores, têm influencia sobre os processos, reduzindo a variabilidade e melhoria da qualidad

Plant traits controlling growth change in response to a drier climate

This is the final version. Available on open access from Wiley via the DOI in this recordPlant traits are increasingly being used to improve prediction of plant function, including plant demography. However, the capability of plant traits to predict demographic rates remains uncertain, particularly in the context of trees experiencing a changing climate. Here we present data combining 17 plant traits associated with plant structure, metabolism and hydraulic status, with measurements of long-term mean, maximum and relative growth rates for 176 trees from the world’s longest running tropical forest drought experiment. We demonstrate that plant traits can predict mean annual tree growth rates with moderate explanatory power. However, only combinations of traits associated more directly with plant functional processes, rather than more commonly employed traits like wood density or leaf mass per area, yield the power to predict growth. Critically, we observe a shift from growth being controlled by traits related to carbon cycling (assimilation and respiration) in well-watered trees, to traits relating to plant hydraulic stress in drought-stressed trees. We also demonstrate that even with a very comprehensive set of plant traits and growth data on large numbers of tropical trees, considerable uncertainty remains in directly interpreting the mechanisms through which traits influence performance in tropical forests.Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e TecnológicoNatural Environment Research Council (NERC)Australian Research Council (ARC)European Union FP7Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paul

Resveratrol improves reproductive parameters of adult rats varicocelized in peripuberty

The aim of this study was to investigate the protective action of resveratrol against the reproductive damage caused by left-sided experimental varicocele. There was a reduction of testicular major axis in the varicocele group when compared with the other groupsthe testicular volume was reduced in varicocele group in comparison to the sham-control and resveratrol groups. The frequency of morphologically abnormal sperm was higher in varicocele and varicocele treated with resveratrol groups than in sham-control and resveratrol groups. The frequency of sperm with 100% of mitochondrial activity and normal acrosome integrity were lower in varicocele group than in varicocele treated with resveratrol, sham-control and resveratrol groups. Sperm motility was also reduced in varicocele group than in other groups. The sperm DNA fragmentation was higher in varicocele group than in other groups. Testicular levels of malondialdehyde were higher in varicocele and varicocele treated with resveratrol groups. The varicocele and varicocele treated with resveratrol groups had a significantly higher frequency of TUNEL-positive cells than sham-control and resveratrol groupshowever, immunolabeling of the testes from varicocele treated with resveratrol group showed a lower number of apoptotic germ cells in comparison with the left testis of rats of the varicocele group. Reproductive alterations produced by varicocele from peripuberty were reduced by resveratrol in adulthood. Resveratrol should be better investigated as an adjuvant in the treatment of varicocele. Daily administration of resveratrol to rats with varicocele from peripuberty improves sperm quality in the adulthood.National Council for the Improvement of Higher Education (CAPES/Brazil)Laboratory of Human Reproduction - UnifespFed Univ Sao Paulo UNIFESP, Dept Morphol & Genet, Dev Biol Lab, Sao Paulo, BrazilFed Univ Sao Paulo UNIFESP, Dept Morphol & Genet, Dev Biol Lab, Sao Paulo, BrazilWeb of Scienc

The impact of personality factors on delay in seeking treatment of acute myocardial infarction

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Early hospital arrival and rapid intervention for acute myocardial infarction is essential for a successful outcome. Several studies have been unable to identify explanatory factors that slowed decision time. The present study examines whether personality, psychosocial factors, and coping strategies might explain differences in time delay from onset of symptoms of acute myocardial infarction to arrival at a hospital emergency room.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Questionnaires on coping strategies, personality dimensions, and depression were completed by 323 patients ages 26 to 70 who had suffered an acute myocardial infarction. Tests measuring stress adaptation were completed by 180 of them. The patients were then categorised into three groups, based on time from onset of symptoms until arrival at hospital, and compared using logistic regression analysis and general linear models.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>No correlation could be established between personality factors (i.e., extraversion, neuroticism, openness, agreeableness, conscientiousness) or depressive symptoms and time between onset of symptoms and arrival at hospital. Nor was there any significant relationship between self-reported patient coping strategies and time delay.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>We found no significant relationship between personality factors, coping strategies, or depression and time delays in seeking hospital after an acute myocardial infraction.</p

Дослідження «великого терору» у науково-документальній серії книг «Реабілітовані історією»

У статті автор аналізує результати дослідження «великого терору» 1937–1938 рр. у контексті реалізації Державної програми науково-документальної серії книг «Реабілітовані історією».В статье автор анализирует результаты исследования «большого террора» 1937–1938 гг. в контексте реализации Государственной программы научно-документальной серии книг «Реабилитированные историей».The author analyzes the results of a study of the «great terror» 1937–1938 in the context of implementing the State Program for Research, a documentary series of books «Rehabilitated history»