Development of liquid xenon detectors for medical imaging

In the present paper, we report on our developments of liquid xenon detectors for medical imaging, positron emission tomography and single photon imaging, in particular. The results of the studies of several photon detectors (photomultiplier tubes and large area avalanche photodiode) suitable for detection of xenon scintillation are also briefly described.Comment: 13 pages, 5 figures, presented on the International Workshop on Techniques and Applications of Xenon Detectors (Xenon01), ICRR, Univ. of Tokyo, Kashiwa, Japan, December 3-4, 2001 (submitted to proceedings

Metastatic Testicular Germ Cell Tumor or a Chemoresponsive Liver Hemangioma?

Testicular germ cell tumors are the most common solid organ malignancy in young adult men. The presence of non-pulmonary visceral metastasis is an independent factor that places such patients into the higher risk group. Hepatic hemangiomas are the most common tumors of the liver and are entirely benign. Overlap between these entities may occur, particularly when metastases are hypervascular. We describe a case of a 27-year-old man with a testicular germ cell tumor and a nodule in the right hepatic lobe suggestive of hemangioma. After three cycles of chemotherapy, a size reduction in the hepatic nodule was confirmed, and this lesion was removed. Pathology revealed a fibrosing hemangioma. In this case report, the authors discuss the possible mechanisms for the hemangioma chemotherapy response

Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: Screening, Diagnosis, and Staging

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide. Tobacco consumption is the primary cause of lung cancer, accounting for more than 85% 90% of all lung cancer deaths. Non-small cell lung cancer accounts for about 85% of all lung cancers. Several studies have shown that low-dose helical CT of the lung detects more nodules and lung cancers, including early-stage cancers, than does chest radiography. The National Lung Cancer Screening Trial results show that three annual rounds of low-dose CT screening reduce mortality from lung cancer. Despite the great debate around lung cancer screening, recently the National Comprehensive Cancer Network has come out in favor of lung cancer screening in an updated set of guidelines. All patients who present with suspect lung cancer should have a complete and meticulous history and physical examination performed to identify symptoms or physical findings suggestive of locally extensive or metastatic disease, assess pulmonary health status, identify significant comorbidities, and assess overall health status. Tissue sampling is required to confirm a diagnosis in all patients with suspected lung cancer. Non-surgical approaches, surgical approaches, or both may be used to obtain a tissue sample. Evaluation of the mediastinal lymph nodes is a key step in the further staging of the patient. The best way of evaluating mediastinal lymph nodes is still a matter of debate. The tumor node metastasis (TNM) International Staging System provides useful prognostic information and is used to stage all patients with non-small cell lung cancer. Recent trials added new data on screening and diagnostic approach. Those data will be reviewed in this paper

Classe de Letras

info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Classe de Letras

info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Heterocyclic acetals in Madeira wines

The maturation of Madeira wines usually involves exposure to relatively high temperatures which affect the aroma and flavour composition leading to the formation of the typical and characteristic bouquet of these wines. The formation of heterocyclic acetals (1,3-dioxanes and 1,3-dioxolanes) was investigated in order to determine levels and for possible use as indicators of wine age. The results show a linear correlation of the investigated acetals with wine age but suggest that the acetalization reaction is not particularly affected by the drastic oxidative conditions observed during maturation

Science communication from undergraduate students to children: activities, opportunities and challenges

Science is the engine of society’s development and the promotion of scientific literacy is very important not only to engage new generations in the world of science but also to make scientific concepts more clear, accessible and appealing to non-expert citizens. Science education should start as early as possible, awakening children to critical observation of the surrounded environment and the scientific thought. The most effective and successful way seems to be through experimental activities, which in turn should be provided as soon as possible.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Physical therapy with drug treatment in bell palsy: a focused review

The physical therapy (PT) associated with standard drug treatment (SDT) in Bell palsy has never been investigated. Randomized controlled trials or quasirandomized controlled trials have compared facial PT (except treatments such as acupuncture and osteopathic) combined with SDT against a control group with SDT alone. Participants included those older than 15 yrs with a clinical diagnosis of Bell palsy, and the primary outcome measure was motor function recovery by the House-Brackmann scale. The methodologic quality of each study was also independently assessed by two reviewers using the PEDro scale. Four studies met the inclusion criteria. Three trials indicate that PT in association with SDT supports higher motor function recovery than SDT alone between 15 days and 1 yr of follow-up. On the other hand, one trial showed that electrical stimulation added to conventional PT with SDT did not influence treatment outcomes. The present review suggests that the current practice of Bell palsy treatment by PT associated with SDT seems to have a positive effect on grade and time recovery compared with SDT alone. However, there is very little quality evidence from randomized controlled trials, and such evidence is insufficient to decide whether combined treatment is beneficial in the management of Bell palsy

Influência da Espironolactona na Metaloproteinase de Matriz 2 na Insuficiência Cadíaca Aguda Descompensada

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a family of enzymes important for the resorption of extracellular matrices, control of vascular remodeling and repair. Increased activity of MMP2 has been demonstrated in heart failure, and in acutely decompensated heart failure (ADHF) a decrease in circulating MMPs has been demonstrated along with successful treatment.As metaloproteinases de matriz (MMPs) constituem uma família de enzimas importantes para a reabsorção da matriz extracelular e controle do remodelamento e da reparação vasculares. Demonstrou-se aumento da atividade de MMP2 na insuficiência cardíaca, e, na insuficiência cardíaca agudamente descompensada (ICAD), demonstrou-se uma diminuição nas MMPs circulantes juntamente com o tratamento bem-sucedidoThis study was partially funded by Johnson & Johnso