Anti-It\^o noise-induced phase transitions in tumor growth with chemotherapy

The objective of this work is to apply the H\"anggi-Klimontovich stochastic differential equations to model and study the effects of anti-tumor chemotherapy in the case of continuous infusion delivering. The fluctuations generated by variations in drug concentration are modeled by the H\"anggi-Klimontovich stochastic integral. This integral, which in the physics literature is sometimes called anti-It\^o integral, in the last decade it has been referenced quite as the more appropriate stochastic integral for model various biological and physical systems. Then, we make some comparisons with the model based on It\^o stochastic differential equations and their phase transitions that they generate, showing that the H\"anggi-Klimontovich stochastic differential equations lead to more biologically realistic results.Comment: 11 pages, 4 figure

Fabrication and Characterization of Drug-Loaded Conductive Poly(glycerol sebacate)/Nanoparticle-Based Composite Patch for Myocardial Infarction Applications

Heart tissue engineering is critical in the treatment of myocardial infarction, which may benefit from drug-releasing smart materials. In this study, we load a small molecule (3i-1000) in new biodegradable and conductive patches for application in infarcted myocardium. The composite patches consist of a biocompatible elastomer, poly(glycerol sebacate) (PGS), coupled with collagen type I, used to promote cell attachment. In addition, polypyrrole is incorporated because of its electrical conductivity and to induce cell signaling. Results from the in vitro experiments indicate a high density of cardiac myoblast cells attached on the patches, which stay viable for at least 1 month. The degradation of the patches does not show any cytotoxic effect, while 3i-1000 delivery induces cell proliferation. Conductive patches show high blood wettability and drug release, correlating with the rate of degradation of the PGS matrix. Together with the electrical conductivity and elongation characteristics, the developed biomaterial fits the mechanical, conductive, and biological demands required for cardiac treatment.Peer reviewe

[fetal Myelomeningocele And The Potential In-utero Repair: Follow-up Of 58 Fetuses].

Prenatal diagnosis of myelomeningocele (MM) allows planning its management and, recently, a possible in utero repair. To describe the perinatal outcome of fetuses with MM, in a Fetal Medicine Unit, identifying possible candidates for the in utero surgical repair. Retrospective and descriptive study of 58 cases of prenatally diagnosed MM, at CAISM-UNICAMP, from January 1997 to December 2001, identifying possible fetal candidates for in utero repair. the diagnosis mean gestational age was 29 weeks (17-39); level of lesions was above sacral region in 85%, association with hydrocephaly in 86%. Surgical complications were present in 39% of the neonates. During follow-up, 98% presented neurogenic bladder and 60% neurological/mental handicap. Twenty eight fetuses (42%) could have indication of in utero repair. MM is associated with severe and frequent poor results. Almost one third of our cases could had fetal repair as a treatment choice.62487-9

Uso de mascarillas, consumo máximo de o2 y deterioro cognitivo en estudiantes universitarios peruanos

El objetivo del estudio fue determinar el efecto que tiene el uso de mascarillas sobre el consumo máximo de oxígeno y el deterioro cognitivo en estudiantes universitarios de la Carrera de Educación Física. El diseño del estudio fue preexperimental, la muestra estuvo conformada por 28 estudiantes universitarios peruanos sanos (20 damas y 8 varones), el instrumento utilizado para medir el consumo máximo de oxígeno fue el test de Rockport y para observar el deterioro cognitivo se utilizó la escala de la evaluación cognitiva de Montreal (MOCA). Los resultados muestran disminución significativa ((p<0,000) del consumo máximo de oxígeno de 41 ml/kg/min cuando no usaron mascarilla a 37 ml/kg/min cuando usaron mascarilla durante el test de Rockport, también se observó deterioro cognitivo significativo (p<0,000), en los sujetos de estudio, disminuyeron de 25 a 21 en el puntaje del test de MOCA, cabe resaltar que el puntaje límite superior para considerar normal en sus funciones cognitivas a un individuo es 26. En conclusión, se observó un decremento en el consumo máximo de oxígeno, así como en sus funciones cognitivas al momento de usar mascarilla en comparación a cuando no las usaron

Fetal myelomeningocele and the potential in-utero repair: follow-up of 58 fetuses

INTRODUCTION: Prenatal diagnosis of myelomeningocele (MM) allows planning its management and, recently, a possible in utero repair. OBJECTIVE: To describe the perinatal outcome of fetuses with MM, in a Fetal Medicine Unit, identifying possible candidates for the in utero surgical repair. METHODO: Retrospective and descriptive study of 58 cases of prenatally diagnosed MM, at CAISM-UNICAMP, from January 1997 to December 2001, identifying possible fetal candidates for in utero repair. RESULTS: the diagnosis mean gestacional age was 29 weeks (17-39); level of lesions was above sacral region in 85%, association with hydrocephaly in 86%. Surgical complications were present in 39% of the neonates. During follow-up, 98% presented neurogenic bladder and 60% neurological/mental handicap. Twenty eight fetuses (42%) could have indication of in utero repair. CONCLUSION: MM is associated with severe and frequent poor results. Almost one third of our cases could had fetal repair as a treatment choice.INTRODUÇÃO: O diagnóstico pré natal da meningomielocele (MM) permite melhor planejamento de sua abordagem e, mais recentemente , um possível reparo intra-útero. OBJETIVO: Descrição da evolução perinatal de fetos com MM, acompanhados em um centro de referência em Medicina Fetal, identificando os possíveis fetos candidatos à cirurgia intra-uterina. MÉTODO: Análise retrospectiva descritiva de 58 casos de MM fetal, atendidos no CAISM-UNICAMP, de janeiro de 1997 a dezembro de 2001, identificando-se os casos cuja indicação de cirurgia fetal seria possível. RESULTADOS: Média da idade gestacional ao diagnóstico de 29 semanas (17-39); nível da lesão acima da região sacral em 85%; associação com hidrocefalia em 86%; taxa de complicações cirúrgicas de 39%. Na evolução, 98% apresentaram bexiga neurogênica e 60% deficiência neuro-mental. O potencial reparo intra-útero foi de 42%. CONCLUSÃO: MM está associada a graves e frequentes sequelas. Quase um terço dos nossos casos poderiam ter tido a cirurgia fetal como opção terapêutica.48749

The number of tree species on Earth

One of the most fundamental questions in ecology is how many species inhabit the Earth. However, due to massive logistical and financial challenges and taxonomic difficulties connected to the species concept definition, the global numbers of species, including those of important and well-studied life forms such as trees, still remain largely unknown. Here, based on global groundsourced data, we estimate the total tree species richness at global, continental, and biome levels. Our results indicate that there are 73,000 tree species globally, among which ∼9,000 tree species are yet to be discovered. Roughly 40% of undiscovered tree species are in South America. Moreover, almost one-third of all tree species to be discovered may be rare, with very low populations and limited spatial distribution (likely in remote tropical lowlands and mountains). These findings highlight the vulnerability of global forest biodiversity to anthropogenic changes in land use and climate, which disproportionately threaten rare species and thus, global tree richness

The number of tree species on Earth.

One of the most fundamental questions in ecology is how many species inhabit the Earth. However, due to massive logistical and financial challenges and taxonomic difficulties connected to the species concept definition, the global numbers of species, including those of important and well-studied life forms such as trees, still remain largely unknown. Here, based on global ground-sourced data, we estimate the total tree species richness at global, continental, and biome levels. Our results indicate that there are ∼73,000 tree species globally, among which ∼9,000 tree species are yet to be discovered. Roughly 40% of undiscovered tree species are in South America. Moreover, almost one-third of all tree species to be discovered may be rare, with very low populations and limited spatial distribution (likely in remote tropical lowlands and mountains). These findings highlight the vulnerability of global forest biodiversity to anthropogenic changes in land use and climate, which disproportionately threaten rare species and thus, global tree richness