Hierarchical Joint Registration of Tissue Blocks With Soft Shape Constraints For Large-Scale Histology of The Human Brain

Large-scale 3D histology reconstruction of the human brain with MRI as volumetric reference generally requires reassembling the tissue blocks into the MRI space, prior to any further reconstruction of the histology of the individual blocks. This is a challenging registration problem, particularly in the frequent case that blockface photographs of paraffin embedded tissue are used as intermediate modality, as their contrast between white and gray matter is rather low. Here we propose a registration framework to address this problem, relying on two key components. First, blocks are simultaneously aligned to the MRI while exploiting the spatial constraints that they impose on each other, by means of a customized soft shape constraint (similarly to a jigsaw puzzle). And second, we adopt a hierarchical optimization strategy that capitalizes on our prior knowledge on the slicing and blocking procedure. Our framework is validated quantitatively on synthetic data, and qualitatively on the histology of a whole human hemisphere

Future estuarine circulation patterns characterization based on a hydrodynamic models ensemble

&lt;p&gt;Estuarine regions are strategically important from an environmental, economic, and social point of view. To reduce vulnerability and increase resilience, it is crucial to know their dynamics that usually are poorly understood. Numerical models have proven to be an appropriate tool to improve this knowledge and simulate scenarios for future conditions. However, as the modelling results may be inaccurate, the application of the ensembles technique can be very useful in reducing possible uncertainties. In the EsCo-Ensembles project, this technique is proposed to improve hydrodynamic predictions for two Portuguese estuaries: Douro and Minho.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Two already validated numerical models (openTELEMAC-MASCARET and Delft3D), which have demonstrated their ability to accurately describe estuarine hydrodynamic patterns and water elevation for river flow in normal and extreme conditions, were applied. Several scenarios for climate change effects were defined including river flood peak flows for the 100 and 1000 year return periods and sea level extreme values for RCPs 4.5 and 8.5 in 2100.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The results demonstrated a clear difference between the hydrodynamic behaviour of the two estuaries. Model outcomes for the Minho estuary, which is dominated by the tide and therefore by oceanographic conditions, show a pronounced effect of rising sea levels on estuarine hydrodynamics. Whereas, for the Douro estuary, which is heavily dominated by the river flow, the effect of the sea level rise is hardly noticeable during flood events.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;These and further results of this ongoing project are expected to (i) provide a complete hydrodynamic characterization of the two estuaries; (ii) evaluate future trends; (iii) estimate the flood risks associated with extreme events and (iv) demonstrate that the combined use of different models reduces their uncertainty and increases the confidence and consistency of the forecasts.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Acknowledgements: &lt;/strong&gt;To the Strategic Funding UIDB/04423/2020 and UIDP/04423/2020 (FCT and ERDF) and to the project EsCo-Ensembles (PTDC/ECI-EGC/30877/2017, NORTE 2020, Portugal 2020, ERDF and FCT). The authors also want to acknowledge the data provided by EDP, IH and Confederaci&amp;#243;n Hidrogr&amp;#225;fica Mi&amp;#241;o-Sil.&lt;/p&gt;</jats:p

Actualidad del Síndrome de Munchausen: su médico, su cuerpo y su dolor.

A propósito de seis casos, con probable diagnóstico de Síndrome de Munchausen, se hace una revisión bibliográfica de los tres últimos años, al mismo tiempo que mediante tests proyectivos se intenta buscar características comunes en este síndrome, así como se hace un intento de aproximación psicodinámica a dicho síndrome

Actualidad del Síndrome de Munchausen: su médico, su cuerpo y su dolor.

A propósito de seis casos, con probable diagnóstico de Síndrome de Munchausen, se hace una revisión bibliográfica de los tres últimos años, al mismo tiempo que mediante tests proyectivos se intenta buscar características comunes en este síndrome, así como se hace un intento de aproximación psicodinámica a dicho síndrome

Effect of Fluorinert on the Histological Properties of Formalin-Fixed Human Brain Tissue

Fluorinert (perfluorocarbon) represents an inexpensive option for minimizing susceptibility artifacts in ex vivo brain MRI scanning, and provides an alternative to Fomblin. However, its impact on fixed tissue and histological analysis has not been rigorously and quantitatively validated. In this study, we excised tissue blocks from 2 brain regions (frontal pole and cerebellum) of 5 formalin-fixed specimens (2 progressive supranuclear palsy cases, 3 controls). We excised 2 blocks per region per case (20 blocks in total), one of which was subsequently immersed in Fluorinert for a week and then returned to a container with formalin. The other block from each region was kept in formalin for use as control. The tissue blocks were then sectioned and histological analysis was performed on each, including routine stains and immunohistochemistry. Visual inspection of the stained histological sections by an experienced neuropathologist through the microscope did not reveal any discernible differences between any of the samples. Moreover, quantitative analysis based on automated image patch classification showed that the samples were almost indistinguishable for a state-of-the-art classifier based on a deep convolutional neural network. The results showed that Fluorinert has no effect on subsequent histological analysis of the tissue even after a long (1 week) period of immersion, which is sufficient for even the lengthiest scanning protocols

An evaluation of enteral nutrition practices and nutritional provision in children during the entire length of stay in critical care

&lt;b&gt;Background&lt;/b&gt; Provision of optimal nutrition in children in critical care is often challenging. This study evaluated exclusive enteral nutrition (EN) provision practices and explored predictors of energy intake and delay of EN advancement in critically ill children.&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;b&gt;Methods&lt;/b&gt; Data on intake and EN practices were collected on a daily basis and compared against predefined targets and dietary reference values in a paediatric intensive care unit. Factors associated with intake and advancement of EN were explored.&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;b&gt;Results&lt;/b&gt; Data were collected from 130 patients and 887 nutritional support days (NSDs). Delay to initiate EN was longer in patients from both the General Surgical and congenital heart defect (CHD) Surgical groups [Median (IQR); CHD Surgical group: 20.3 (16.4) vs General Surgical group: 11.4 (53.5) vs Medical group: 6.5 (10.9) hours; p &lt;= 0.001]. Daily fasting time per patient was significantly longer in patients from the General Surgical and CHD Surgical groups than those from the Medical group [% of 24 h, Median (IQR); CHD Surgical group: 24.0 (29.2) vs General Surgical group: 41.7 (66.7) vs Medical group: 9.4 (21.9); p &lt;= 0.001]. A lower proportion of fluids was delivered as EN per patient (45% vs 73%) or per NSD (56% vs 73%) in those from the CHD Surgical group compared with those with medical conditions. Protein and energy requirements were achieved in 38% and 33% of the NSDs. In a substantial proportion of NSDs, minimum micronutrient recommendations were not met particularly in those patients from the CHD Surgical group. A higher delivery of fluid requirements (p &lt; 0.05) and a greater proportion of these delivered as EN (p &lt; 0.001) were associated with median energy intake during stay and delay of EN advancement. Fasting (31%), fluid restriction (39%) for clinical reasons, procedures requiring feed cessation and establishing EN (22%) were the most common reasons why target energy requirements were not met.&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;b&gt;Conclusions&lt;/b&gt; Provision of optimal EN support remains challenging and varies during hospitalisation and among patients. Delivery of EN should be prioritized over other "non-nutritional" fluids whenever this is possible.&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt

Fungal microbiota from rain water and pathogenicity of Fusarium species isolated from atmospheric dust and rainfall dust

In order to determine the presence of Fusarium spp. in atmospheric dust and rainfall dust, samples were collected during September 2007, and July, August, and October 2008. The results reveal the prevalence of airborne Fusarium species coming from the atmosphere of the South East coast of Spain. Five different Fusarium species were isolated from the settling dust: Fusarium oxysporum, F. solani, F. equiseti, F. dimerum, and F. proliferatum. Moreover, rainwater samples were obtained during significant rainfall events in January and February 2009. Using the dilution-plate method, 12 fungal genera were identified from these rainwater samples. Specific analyses of the rainwater revealed the presence of three species of Fusarium: F. oxysporum, F. proliferatum and F. equiseti. A total of 57 isolates of Fusarium spp. obtained from both rainwater and atmospheric rainfall dust sampling were inoculated onto melon (Cucumis melo L.) cv. Piñonet and tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) cv. San Pedro. These species were chosen because they are the main herbaceous crops in Almeria province. The results presented in this work indicate strongly that spores or propagules of Fusarium are able to cross the continental barrier carried by winds from the Sahara (Africa) to crop or coastal lands in Europe. Results show differences in the pathogenicity of the isolates tested. Both hosts showed root rot when inoculated with different species of Fusarium, although fresh weight measurements did not bring any information about the pathogenicity. The findings presented above are strong indications that long-distance transmission of Fusarium propagules may occur. Diseases caused by species of Fusarium are common in these areas. They were in the past, and are still today, a problem for greenhouses crops in Almería, and many species have been listed as pathogens on agricultural crops in this region. Saharan air masses dominate the Mediterranean regions. The evidence of long distance dispersal of Fusarium spp. by atmospheric dust and rainwater together with their proved pathogenicity must be taken into account in epidemiological studies

Using small molecules to facilitate exchange of bicarbonate and chloride anions across liposomal membranes

Bicarbonate is involved in a wide range of biological processes, which include respiration, regulation of intracellular pH and fertilization. In this study we use a combination of NMR spectroscopy and ion-selective electrode techniques to show that the natural product prodigiosin, a tripyrrolic molecule produced by microorganisms such as Streptomyces and Serratia, facilitates chloride/bicarbonate exchange (antiport) across liposomal membranes. Higher concentrations of simple synthetic molecules based on a 4,6-dihydroxyisophthalamide core are also shown to facilitate this antiport process. Although it is well known that proteins regulate Cl-/HCO3- exchange in cells, these results suggest that small molecules may also be able to regulate the concentration of these anions in biological systems