Physiological and biochemical responses and hydration status in equines after two barrel racing courses / Respostas fisiológicas e bioquímicas e status de hidratação em equinos após dois percursos de três tambores

Studies on biochemical constituents and hydration of horses in training or competitions are essential for the knowledge of their adaptive physiological and metabolic responses to the type of exercise inherent to the sport. The present research evaluated the effects of exercise on hydric status and physiologic and biochemical profiles in Quarter Horses during a barrel race training session. The design consisted of three evaluation times (T): at rest, before the start of physical activity (T0); immediately after a 10-minute warm-up trot and then running the barrel race courses twice with a 10-minute interval (T1); and after one hour's rest after the second course (T2). The parameters analyzed were: heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR), body temperature (BT) and mucose color; the capillary refill time (CRT), packed cell volume (PCV), total plasma proteins (TPP), serum creatinine (CRE) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) were evaluated and used to infer water status; plasma osmolarity (Osm) was measured; the electrolytes sodium (Na), potassium (K), chloride (Cl), total calcium (tCa), total magnesium (tMg) and phosphorus (P), plasma glucose (Glu) and lactate (Lac) and the muscle enzymes creattine kinase (CK) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) completed the evaluated parameters. The data for the variables studied were submitted to ANOVA and the Tukey test at 5% probability. After exercise (in T1), HR, RR, BT, PCV, TPP, Glu, Lac, Cre increased (P<0.05), there was also increase in phosphorus and decrease in K (P<0.05), but there was no hypophosphatemia and hipokalemia, respectively. After rest (in T2), only glucose returned to baseline levels (T0) and, with lower mean values, HR, RR, BT, PCV, K and Lac did not return to baseline levels (T0), while P decreased (P<0.05). Osm, BUN, Na, Cl, tCa, tMg, CK and AST did not change between times (P>0.05). It was concluded that the maximum intensity exercise performed on two barrel race courses caused mild hemoconcentration, did not changed plasma osmolality or concentrations of important electrolytes and muscle enzymes of horses, but caused hyperlactatemia without the plasma lactate concentrations being fully recomposed after resting.(AU)

O perfil bioquímico e o status de hidratação de equinos em treinamentos ou competições fornecem dados importantes das suas respostas fisiológicas e metabólicas em relação ao tipo específico de exercício em uma modalidade esportiva. No presente estudo, o status hídrico e o perfil fisiológico-bioquímico de equinos foram avaliados durante treinamento de três tambores, em três tempos (T): em repouso, antes do início da atividade física (T0); imediatamente após 10 minutos de aquecimento ao trote seguido de duas corridas na pista de tambor, intervaladas em 10 minutos (T1); e após uma hora de descanso do segundo percurso (T2). Os parâmetros avaliados foram: frequência cardíaca (FC), frequência respiratória (FR), temperatura corporal (BT) e cor da mucosa; o tempo de enchimento capilar (TEC), volume globular ou hematócrito (VG), proteínas plasmáticas totais (TPP), creatinina sérica (Cre) e a ureia (Ure) foram avaliados e utilizados para inferir o estado hídrico dos animais; a osmolaridade plasmática (Osm) também foi mensurada; as concentrações dos eletrólitos sódio (Na), potássio (K), cloreto (Cl), cálcio total (tCa), magnésio total (tMg) e fósforo (P), e das enzimas musculares foram mensurados no soro, e as de glicose (Gli) e lactato (Lac) no plasma. Os dados das variáveis estudadas foram submetidos à ANOVA e ao teste de Tukey a 5% de probabilidade. Após o exercício (T1), a FC, FR, TC, VG, TPP, Gli, Lac, Cre aumentaram. O P também aumentou (P<0,05), mas não alcançou nível de hiperfosfatemia, e o K diminuiu (P<0,05), mas não ao nível de hipocalemia. Embora com médias menores, a FC, FR, TC, VG, K e o Lac não retornaram aos níveis basais (T0) após o repouso (T2), apenas a Gli, enquanto o fósforo diminuiu (P<0,05). A Osm, ureia, Na, Cl, tCa, tMg, CK e AST não variaram entre os tempos (P>0,05). Concluiu-se que, o exercício de intensidade máxima realizado em dois percursos de três tambores causou leve hemoconcentração, não alterou a osmolaridade plasmática nem importantes concentrações de eletrólitos e de enzimas musculares dos equinos, porém, causou hiperlactatemia, sem completa recomposição da concentração do lactato após uma hora de descanso.(AU)

Exercise training session-induced metabolic acidosis in barrel racing horses / Acidose metabólica induzida por sessão de treinamento em equinos de tambor

ABSTRACT: In horses, acid-base balance disorders are common after intense exercise, with metabolic acidosis being the most common after high intensity and short duration exercise. Understanding the processes that cause them is fundamental for procedures, which aimed to improve the physical fitness of horses for athletic purposes, with fewer changes in homeostasis. The present study assessed the effect of barrel racing on acid base balance in Quarter Horse, at the following times: T0 - immediately before training; T1 - immediately after the end of the second course; T2 - one hour after the end of the second course. In T1, there was decrease (P<0.05) in the pH, HCO3 -, pCO2, cBase, tCO2 and strong ion difference concentrations, while the plasma lactate and anion gap increased (P<0.05). It was concluded that barrel racing training caused transient metabolic acidosis in the horses, and hyperlactatemia was still present after an hour of rest.

RESUMO: As desordens no equilíbrio ácido base são comuns em equinos após exercício intenso. Exercícios de alta intensidade e curta duração ocasionam frequentemente acidose metabólica. Entender as alterações neste equilíbrio é essencial para instituir programas de treinamentos que visam melhorar o condicionamento físico dos equinos atletas, minimizando alterações na homeostasia. O estudo avaliou o efeito do treinamento de três tambores sobre o equilíbrio ácido base em equinos. A avaliação foi realizada nos seguintes tempos: T0 - imediatamente antes do início do treinamento; T1 - imediatamente após o fim do segundo percurso de treinamento; T2 - uma hora após o fim do segundo percurso. Em T1, ocorreu diminuição (P<0,05) nos valores do pH, HCO3 -, pCO2, cBase, tCO2 e diferença de íons fortes, enquanto o lactato e o ânion gap aumentaram (P<0,05). Conclui-se que o treinamento de três tambores causou acidose metabólica passageira nos equinos, sendo que a hiperlactatemia ainda permaneceu manifestada após uma hora de descanso.

Leveraging barrel medic genome sequence for the development and use of genomic resources for genetic analysis and breeding in legumes

BACKGROUND: A total of 62,591 cowpea expressed sequence tags (ESTs) were BLAST aligned to the whole-genome sequence of barrel medic (Medicago truncatula) to develop conserved intron scanning primers (CISPs). The efficacy of the primers was tested across 10 different legumes and on different varieties of cowpea, chickpea, and pigeon pea. Genetic diversity was assessed using the same primers on different cowpea genotypes. Singlenucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were detected, which were later converted to length polymorphism markers for easy genotyping. CISPs developed in this study were used in tagging resistance to bacterial leaf blight disease in cowpea. RESULTS: A total of 1262 CISPs were designed. The single-copy amplification success rates using these primers on 10 different legumes and on different varieties of cowpea, chickpea, and pigeon pea were approximately 60% in most of the legumes except soybean (47%) and peanut (37%). Genetic diversity analysis of 35 cowpea genotypes using 179 CISPs revealed 123 polymorphic markers with PIC values ranging from 0.05 to 0.59. Potential SNPs identified in cowpea, chickpea, and pigeon pea were converted to PCR primers of various sizes for easy genotyping. Using the markers developed in this study, a genetic linkage map was constructed with 11 linkage groups in cowpea. QTL mapping with 194 F3 progeny families derived from the cross C-152 × V-16 resulted in the identification of three QTLs for resistance to bacterial leaf blight disease. Conclusions: CISPs were proved to be efficient markers to identify various other marker classes like SNPs through comparative genomic studies in lesser studied crops and to aid in systematic sampling of the entire genome for well-distributed markers at low cost

Parâmetros fisiológicos e bioquímicos de equinos em treinamento de três tambores: pós-condicionamento, pós-percurso e pós-descanso / Physiological and biochaemical parameters of horses in three-barrel training: post-warm-up, post-exercise and post-rest

Foram avaliados parâmetros fisiológicos e bioquímicos em equinos Quarto de Milha durante treinamento de três tambores, antes do condicionamento (T0), após o condicionamento (T1), após um percurso (T2), após descanso do percurso, por 20 minutos (T3) e após descanso do percurso, por 40 minutos (T4). Os parâmetros físicos avaliados foram: frequência cardíaca (FC), frequência respiratória (FR), temperatura retal (TR) e tempo de enchimento capilar (TEC); e os bioquímicos: sódio, potássio, cloreto, cálcio total, ureia, creatinina, osmolaridade, creatinaquinase, aspartato transaminase, proteínas totais (PT), glicose e lactato. A FC, a FR e a TR aumentaram após o percurso (T2), mas foram recompostas após 40 minutos de descanso. A concentração do lactato pouco aumentou após o condicionamento, mas altas concentrações ocorreram após o percurso (T2), e embora ele tenha diminuído após 20 (T3) e 40 minutos (T4) do percurso, ainda permaneceu acima dos limites normais. Nos demais parâmetros, não houve variações significativas. Concluiu-se que, ao final de um percurso de três tambores, o exercício sob máxima intensidade não ocasionou variações bioquímicas significativas nos equinos, exceto para o lactato, pois gerou uma hiperlactatemia que não foi restaurada até 40 minutos de descanso pós-percurso, mesmo com os parâmetros físicos já recompostos do esforço.(AU)

Physiological and biochemical parameters were evaluated in Quarter Horse during three-barrel training, in three times: T0 (before warm-up), T1 (after warm-up), T2 (after completing the exercise, performing only one course), T3 (after resting for 20 minutes of the course), and T4 (after resting for 40 minutes of the course). The parameters evaluated were: heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR), rectal temperature (RT) and capillary filling time (ECT); Serum concentrations of sodium, potassium, chloride, total calcium, BUN, creatinine, osmolarity, creatine kinase, aspartate transaminase; Plasma concentrations of total protein (PT), glucose, and lactate. HR, RR and RT increased shortly after the course (T2) but were restored after 40 minutes of rest. Lactate concentration increased after conditioning, but at low concentrations, but high levels occurred after the course (T2), and although decreased after 20 (T3) and 40 minutes (T4) of the course, it was still above normal limits. There were no significant changes in the other parameters. At the end of a single course of three-barrel, the exercise of maximum intensity did not cause significant biochemical variations in horses, except for lactate, which increased to levels of hyperlactatemia, and was not restored until 40 minutes of rest, even with the physical parameters already recovered.(AU)

Análisis comparativo del micro-rayado en estrías de proyectiles calibre 7. 65 milímetros y 32 de fabricación Indumil: disparados con revólver Llama Cassidy calibre 32 largo / Comparative analysis of a micro-Grove 7. 65 and 32 millimeter projectile of Indumil manufacture, shot by a Cassidy 32 long Llama revolver / A análise comparativa de micro-aranhões em estrias dos projetils calibre 7. 65 milímetros e 32 da manufatura Indumil: atirados com revólver Llama Cassidy calibre 32 longo

Resumen El perito en balística de la Policía Nacional de Colombia, dentro de sus funciones, realiza el procedimiento de cotejo microscópico de vainillas y proyectiles disparados con armas de fuego, dentro del cual se encuentra el análisis de las características de clase, subclase e identidad a proyectiles cuya constitución no es la misma, como es el caso que se ha evidenciado, donde los cartuchos calibre 7.65 mm (para pistola) son utilizados en los revólveres calibre .32 largo; el objetivo del estudio es efectuar un análisis comparativo del micro-rayado de las estrías entre dichos proyectiles; se utilizó el método de observación científica, con enfoque cuantitativo de tipo comparativo, el cual permitió evidenciar que el nivel de uniprocedencias, al realizar cotejos entre estrías de proyectiles calibre 7.65 mm encamisado y .32 largo en plomo, es muy bajo; este resultado se logró documentar y consolidar en una tabla de datos, que al someterla al sistema estadístico obtuvo la cuantificación, disposición y análisis de las observaciones. Se llegó a la conclusión de que no es viable realizar cotejos microscópicos de proyectiles cuyas constituciones sean diferentes, como es el caso de las balas calibre 7.65 mm (encamisado) y .32 largo (plomo); de esta manera se orientan los procedimientos de los profesionales en balística.

Abstract The expert in ballistics of the National Police of Colombia, among its functions is in charge of performing performs the procedure of microscopic comparison of vanillas and projectiles shot with firearms, within which is the analysis of the class, subclass and identity features of projectiles with a constitution differing from each other like in the case having been demonstrated, where 7.65 mm caliber cartridges (for pistols) are used in .32 long caliber revolvers. The objective of the study is to carry out a comparative analysis between micro-scratching present in these projectiles; the scientific observation method was used with a quantitative approach allowing for demonstrating that the level of uni procedences or uni provenances at the time of making comparisons between out grooves of out comparing among to 7.65 mm jacketed he grooves said projectiles; the scientific observation was used, with a quantitative approach of a comparative type, which showed that the level of uni procedences or uni provenances at the time of carrying out en projectiles caliber 7.65 mm jacketed and .32 long lead, is very low; this result was documented and consolidated in a data table, which when subjected to the statistical system obtained the quantification, disposition and analysis of the observations. It was concluded that it is not feasible to perform microscopic comparisons of projectiles whose constitutions are different, as is the case with bullets caliber 7.65 mm (jacketed) and .32 long (lead); in this way the procedures of ballistics professionals are oriented.

Resumo O perito na balística da Policia Nacional da Colômbia, dentro das suas funções, faz o procedimento de comparação microscópica dos cartuchos e os projéteis disparados com armas de fogo, dentro da qual está a análise das características da classe, subclasse e da identidade aos projéteis cuja constituição não é a mesma, como é o caso que foi demonstrado, onde os cartuchos calibre 7.65 milímetros (para a pistola) são usados nos revólveres calibre .32 longo; o objetivo do estudo é realizar uma análise comparativa dos micro-aranhões das estrias entre estes projéteis; o método usado foi a observação científica, com aproximação quantitativa do tipo comparativo, que permitiu demonstrar que o nível das uni-procedências, quando fazer comparações entre estrias dos projéteis calibre 7.65 milímetros encamisado e .32 longo em chumbo, é muito baixo; este resultado logrou-se documentar e consolidar em uma tabela dos dados, que quando é submetida ao sistema estatístico obteve-se a quantificação, a disposição e a análise das observações. A conclusão foi que não é viável fazer comparações microscópicas dos projéteis cujas constituições são diferentes, como é o caso das balas calibre 7.65 milímetros (encamisado) e .32 longo (chumbo); assim os procedimentos dos profissionais na balística são orientados.

Early Experiences of Sandwich Technique to Preserve Pelvic Circulation during Endovascular Aneurysm Repair

PURPOSE: To report experiences of the sandwich technique (ST) for preservation of pelvic flow during endovascular repair of complex aortic or aortoiliac aneurysms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eight patients underwent elective endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) using the ST between March 2013 and February 2017. The anatomic indications for the ST were complex aortoiliac aneurysms (5 cases), abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) with non-diseased short common iliac arteries (2 cases) and AAA with unilateral occluded iliac artery (1 case). The ST was performed through both femoral and brachial approach. Patient clinical and radiologic data were collected and analyzed. RESULTS: Eight patients (7 male; mean age, 73.4 years) were followed over a mean period of 277 days (range, 9–1,106 days). The technical success rate was 100%. The primary patency rate of the iliac stent-grafts was 88% (14/16 cases). One internal iliac and 1 external iliac stent-graft occlusion was observed during the early postoperative period. There was 1 gutter endoleak which disappeared spontaneously within 4 days, and there were 2 type II endoleaks: one treated by coil embolization after 13 months, and the other observed without treatment. There were no cases of sac growth or aneurysm-related deaths, and no cases of buttock claudication or impotence. CONCLUSION: The ST is a safe and feasible technique to preserve pelvic circulation during endovascular treatment of complex aortoiliac aneurysms. The need to expand the indications for complex EVARs with adjunctive procedures, such as the ST is highlighted in situations where branched/fenestrated device availability is limited.

Morphometric analysis of feedforward pathways from the primary somatosensory area (S1) of rats

We used biotinylated dextran amine (BDA) to anterogradely label individual axons projecting from primary somatosensory cortex (S1) to four different cortical areas in rats. A major goal was to determine whether axon terminals in these target areas shared morphometric similarities based on the shape of individual terminal arbors and the density of two bouton types: en passant (Bp) and terminaux (Bt). Evidence from tridimensional reconstructions of isolated axon terminal fragments (n=111) did support a degree of morphological heterogeneity establishing two broad groups of axon terminals. Morphological parameters associated with the complexity of terminal arbors and the proportion of beaded Bp vs stalked Bt were found to differ significantly in these two groups following a discriminant function statistical analysis across axon fragments. Interestingly, both groups occurred in all four target areas, possibly consistent with a commonality of presynaptic processing of tactile information. These findings lay the ground for additional work aiming to investigate synaptic function at the single bouton level and see how this might be associated with emerging properties in postsynaptic targets.

Application of new barrel theory in improving evaluation of hospitalized patients / 现代临床护理

Objective To study the effect of new barrel theory in improving evaluation of hospitalized patients. Methods Eight hundred hospitalized patients from September 2012 to August 2013 were randomized equally into the control group and the observation group.The last one or two items affecting patient satisfaction from the control group were used as objectives to be improved.Causal effect analysis was done pertinent to the items and the worksheet was bettered and improved and then enforced.The two groups were compared after intervention with new barrel theory in terms of satisfaction of patients during admission and discharge. Result The satisfaction of patients in the observation group during admission and discharge was significantly better than that in the control group(P<0.05).Conclusion The new barrel theory used to detect the flaws in nursing service and improve the workflow can improve assessment from the patients so that the management quality can be enhanced.

A Case of Man-in-the-Barrel Syndrome Induced by Cervical Spinal Cord Ischemia / 대한임상신경생리학회지

Man-in-the-barrel syndrome (MIBS) is a clinical syndrome of bilateral upper limb weakness with normal lower extremity function. It can be caused by various neurological conditions such as bilateral cerebral hypoperfusion, syringomyelia, motor neuron disease, or cervical myelopathies. We report a patient with MIBS after cervical spinal cord ischemia. It is postulated to be caused by ischemic insults of anterior spinal artery from repeated and prolonged neck extension.

Computer assisted endoscopic measurement for area of gastric lesions / 中华消化内镜杂志

Objective To explore an accurate,objective and simple method for barrel distortion correction and lesion area measurement by assistance of computer.Methods The software of Panaroma tool was employed to correct barrel distortion of endoscopy and Image J to measure lesion size and manage the relative measurement error.Computed measurement in vitro of lesion area was established,firstly,by identification of correction factor of Panorama tool to minimize measurement error; then by determination of influence of object distance change between the lens and the image.This measurement was used on patients with gastric ulcer for focal area.Results were compared with those of traditional method.Results Number of 0.1was determined to be the correction factor for barrel distortion of endoscopy.Prior to the correction of the barrel distortion,the relative error of measurement gradually increased with the increasing distance between endoscopy and the image.However,different object distances did not exert influence on the relative measurement error when barrel distortion was corrected by Panaroma tool ( P =0.141 ).A total of 50 foci of gastric ulcer were measured,results from combinational treatment of Panorama tool and Image J showed the areas (35.0 ± 5.0) mm2 were significantly larger than those determined by traditional method [ ( 29.1 ± 4.1 ) mm2,P =0.000 ],with a correlation coefficient of 0.988.Conclusion Computed endoscopic lesion measurement is a relatively accurate,objective and simple method to determine the area of gastric lesions.

Pyramidal molar roots in primary and permanent dentition along with non syndromic oligodontia in a 11 year old boy.

Primary and permanent molars are usually multi rooted. At times we can encounter cases with a single root, called pyramidal root. Oligodontia is defined as the developmental absence of six teeth or more, excluding third molars. It can be isolated (Oligodontia-I) or as a part of a syndrome (Oligodontia-S) such as in ectodermal dysplasia. The present report describes a case of single-rooted primary and permanent molars associated with oligodontia in an 11 year old boy with no apparent systemic complications.

mGluR5 is a central regulator of synaptic function and plasticity in the developing mouse barrel cortex.

Glutamate, the main excitatory neurotransmitter in the vertebrate brain, acts both on ligand-gated ion channels as well as on metabotropic receptors (mGluRs), which engage an array of biochemical regulatory pathways via activation of G-proteins. mGluRs have been shown to exert central roles in the regulation of neuronal excitability by both pre- and post-synaptic mechanisms, and consequently have been implicated in a variety of central nervous system functions that include, but are not limited to, learning, pain perception and anxiety. There exists three groups of mGluRs (types I, II and III), accounting for a total of eight different mGluR types (mGluR1-8) (Hollmann and Heinemann 1994). Group I mGluRs, which encompass mGluR1 and mGluR5, engage Gq-dependent second messenger systems which, in turn, regulate post-synaptic activity and local protein synthesis. Abnormal signalling through group I mGluRs have been associated with a series of neurological disorders including Fragile X syndrome and schizophrenia (Dolen and Bear 2008; Krivoy et al. 2008). Importantly, group I mGluRs have been shown to regulate synaptic plasticity both in developing and adult organisms. Noteworthy, genetic or pharmacological manipulations directed at mGluR5-containing receptors signifi cantly impair learning and memory formation (Lu et al. 1997; Chiamulera et al. 2001). These roles for mGluR5 correlate with marked experience-dependent changes in synaptic strength, including long-term potentiation and depression (Eckert and Racine 2004). The impact of mGluR5 activity on synaptic function and plasticity suggested that activation of this receptor may constitute a central molecular component underlying the developmental establishment and/or experience-dependent refi nement of sensory maps found in primary sensory cortex of mammals. Such a role for mGluR5 was recently confi rmed in an elegant study by She and colleagues (2009) recently published in the European Journal of Neuroscience. These authors report that mice devoid of the mGluR5 receptor expression (mGluR5–/–) lack the normal arrangement of thalamocortical afferents and layer IV cell bodies associated with the rostral smaller whiskers of the facial vibrissal system, commonly referred to as the barrel cortex. Interestingly, the anatomical organisation of the thalamocortical afferents carrying information from the caudal and larger vibrissae was preserved in mGluR5–/– mice. These animals, however, lack the aggregation of the cortical layer IV cell bodies into clusters that would, in wild-type or heterozygous mice (mGluR5+/–), exclusively represent each vibrissa. In addition, it was found that mGluR5-null mice exhibit a striking mis-alignment of the dendritic fi elds of spiny stellate neurons, which contribute to the formation of the classic columnar neuronal arrangements typical of the barrel cortex. In particular, in intact mice, dendritic fi elds of layer IV neurons are normally oriented towards the barrel center, an organisation that putatively oversamples inputs from the dominant vibrissae to sharpen the perceptual experience of sensory drive from each whisker (Harris and Woolsey 1981). In mGluR5-defi cient mice, dendritic fi elds are more dispersed suggesting that pruning or mobility may be mal-adaptive in these animals, and may ultimately compromise the resolution at which sensory input can be processed. It was found that at post-natal weeks 2–3, mGluR5–/– mice failed to show the expected polarisation of dendritic fi elds towards the barrel center and that this abnormal pattern persists into adulthood. Interestingly, the anatomical patterning of axonal terminations from thalamocortical afferents was appropriate for barrel formation, and functional synaptic transmission for sensory-driven responses was spared. Malformation of the barrel cortex in mGluR5–/– therefore appears to result from abnormalities in intra-cortical properties and localised to post-synaptic neurons targeted by the thalamocortical afferents. Consistent with abnormalities in the formation of the barrel cortex in mGluR5–/– mice, these mutant animals show reduced latency to the surround whisker responses. This feature is shared with barrelless.

Man-in-the-barrel syndrome, a symmetrical proximal brachial amyotrophic diplegia related to motor neuron diseases: a survey of nine cases / Síndrome do homem no barril, uma diplegia amiotrófica braquial proximal simétrica relacionada a doença do neurônio motor: a propósito de nove casos

OBJECTIVE: To report on 9 patients presenting with sporadic motor neuron disease , who over a long period of time evolved with a symmetrical proximal brachial amyotrophic diplegia. METHODS: Nine patients were followed-up who , displayed, since onset, a progressive limitation of arm flexion/abduction resulting in a peculiar posture with both hands hanging loosely beside the trunk. Electrophysiological test results were consistent with lower motor neuron disease. Cervical MRI was performed in all patients. RESULTS: Nine male subjects with ages ranging from 38 to 73 years at onset of symptoms, developed bilateral and symmetric paresis and atrophy of upper limb muscles. Proximal muscles were more involved than the distal groups. In most patients tendon reflexes were absent or hypoactive in the upper limbs. Needle electromyography (EMG) revealed positive sharp waves and fibrillations and high amplitude polyphasic potentials with an incomplete recruitment pattern in most upper limb muscles. EMG of lower limb muscles was normal in some cases while abnormal in others. MRC did not disclose cervical spinal cord abnormalities from C5-T1. CONCLUSION: Attention is called to the Man-in-the-Barrel syndrome in some motor neuron diseases, especially in patients with progressive spinal atrophy and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

OBJETIVO: Relatar nove pacientes com a doença do neurônio de motor esporádica que apresentam progressiva e simétrica diplegia braquial amiotrófica. MÉTODOS: Acompanhamos nove pacientes que exibiram, desde o começo, uma limitação progressiva de flexão/abdução do membro superior resultando em uma postura peculiar com ambas as mãos pendentes ao longo do tronco. Os resultados dos testes eletrofisiológicos foram consistentes com achados de doença do neurônio motor inferior. Ressonância magnética (RM) cervical foi realizada em todos pacientes. RESULTADOS: Nove pacientes do sexo masculino com idades entre 38-73 anos no início dos sintomas desenvolveram paresia e a atrofia bilateral simétrica dos músculos dos membros superiores. Os músculos proximais foram mais comprometidos do que os distais. Os reflexos tendíneos dos membros superiores encontravam-se abolidos ou hipoativos na maioria dos pacientes. A eletromiografia (EMG) revelou ondas positivas, fibrilações e potenciais polifásicos de alta amplitude com padrão incompleto de recrutamento na maioria dos músculos dos membros superiores. A EMG dos membros inferiores foi normal em alguns casos e anormal em outros. A RM não evidenciou anormalidades da medula espinhal cervical de C5-T1. CONCLUSÃO: Atentamos para a síndrome do homem do Barril em algumas doenças do neurônio de motor, especialmente na atrofia espinhal progressiva e esclerose lateral amiotrófica.

Plasticity in primary somatosensory cortex resulting from environmentally enriched stimulation and sensory discrimination training

We studied primary-somatosensory cortical plasticity due to selective stimulation of the sensory periphery by two procedures of active exploration in adult rats. Subjects, left with only three adjacent whiskers, were trained in a roughness discrimination task or maintained in a tactile enriched environment. Either training or enrichment produced 3-fold increases in the barrel cortex areas of behaviorally-engaged whisker representations, in their zones of overlap. While the overall areas of representation expanded dramatically, the domains of exclusive principal whisker responses were virtually identical in enriched vs normal rats and were significantly smaller than either group in roughness discrimination-trained rats. When animals were trained or exposed to enriched environments with the three whiskers arrayed in an are or row, very equivalent overlaps in representations were recorded across their greatly-enlarged whisker representation zones. This equivalence in distortion in these behavioral preparations is in contradistinction to the normal rat, where overlap is strongly biased only along rows, probably reflecting the establishment of different relations with the neighboring cortical columns. Overall, plasticity phenomena are argued to be consistent with the predictions of competitive Hebbian network plasticity.

Non-homogeneous spatial configuration of vibrissae cortical representation in layer IV of the barrel somatosensory cortex

In the present experiments we studied exclusive and overlapping cortical representational areas of the vibrissae in layer IV cells, across the entire barrel subfield of the rat somatosensory cortex, looking for evidences that would challenge the present assumptions of homogeneity and symmetry among cortical columns in this sensorial system. Our main findings were that in layer IV of the rat barrel cortex: A) Size of vibrissae cortical representational areas (X=0.4174mm²; SD=0.025) was not homo geneous, vibrissae in dorsal rows (A-B) had significantly smaller areas than those in ventral rows (D-E), a pattern that repeated itself in arcs 1-4. B) This difference arises from vibrissal representational overlap, and not from variations in exclusive zones, which are surprisingly homogeneous in size across the barrel cortex (X=0.079mm²; SD=0.0075); C) The extent of overlapping cortical areas varied systematically, with intra-row overlapping areas having a predominant bias (71.4 percent of total overlapping) independent of area sizes. Accordingly, vibrissae shared receptive fields with an average of 1.15 vibrissae in the same row and 0.38 in the same are. Barrel cortex has been viewed operationally as a conglomerate of essentially homogenous cortical columns that interact equivalently in the are and row dimensions. Our simple but global cortical reconstructions show that this predominant view should be revised. We postulate that the vibrissae/barrels spatial disposition in rows and ares has a relevant functional meaning, related to different sensory capabilities.

Síndrome do homem no barril doenças do neurônio motor: a propósito de 5 casos / Man-in-the-barrel syndrome in motor neuron disease: on purpose of 5 cases

A Síndrome do Homem no Barril (SHB) faz referência a um quadro de paresia/plegia braquial bilateral que influencia na execução de funções relacionadas aos membros superiores, principalmente as que requerem movimentos de flexão e abdução. Desde sua descrição inicial, inúmeros casos foram relatados de pacientes com essa síndrome, cuja etiopatogenia difere daquela descrita inicialmente. Apresentamos 5 casos de SHB relacionados a doenças do neurônio motor e, discutimos, com base na literatura vigente, os achados do exame neurológico, prejuízosfuncionais e exames complementares. As mais frequentes causas de SHB são distúrbios vasculares cerebrais, cirurgias cardíaca e extracardíaca com demonstração de hipotensão arterial, metásteses cerebrais, e o envolvimento da ponte e medula espinhal cervical. O substrato fisiopatológico que se relaciona a SHB, em alguns casos, é incerto e merece atenção. Atentamos para a SHB em determinadas doenças do neurônio motor, principalmente nas Amiotrofias Espinhais Progressivas e na Esclerose Lateral Amiotrófica.

The Man-in-the-Barrel syndrome (MBS) makes reference to a picture of bilateral brachial weakness/paralysis, that influences the patients in the execution of functions related with the upper limbs, mainly those that require flexion and abduction movement. Since its initial description, several cases were reported of patients with this syndrome, whose etiology differs from the first one described. We present 5 cases of MBS related to motor neuron diseases, and discuss, based on the literature, the findings of the neurological examination, functional impairments and complementary exams. The most frequent causes of MBS are cerebral vascular disorders, cardiac and extracardiac surgeries with demonstration of arterial hypotension, cerebral metastases, pontine and spinal cord involvement. The pathophysiological substratum related to MBS, in some cases, is uncertain and deserves attention. We call the attention to MBS in some motor neuron disease, especially in Progressive Spinal Atrophy and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.

O conteúdo da produção legislativa brasileira: leis nacionais ou políticas paroquiais? / The content of Brazilian legislative output: national laws or pork barrel politics?

This article analyzes whether the pork barrel political approach really exists in the context of legislative output by the Brazilian Congress. According to the author's argument, in the case of medium-large districts, multi-member districts (MMDs) increase the costs of investment in pork barrel bills of law. In addition, members of the Brazilian Congress face high legislative output costs that increase the incentives to avoid pork barrel strategies. The author investigates hypotheses on bills that were either approved or rejected by Congress, as well as those vetoed by the Executive, from 1991 to 2002. The results provide significant evidence for the author's theoretical argument. The study concludes that: (1) pork barrel bills are quantitatively insignificant in Brazil; (2) members of the Brazilian Congress invest much of their time and effort in pursuit of broader interests; and (3) seniority and internal law-making procedures can explain approved versus rejected distributive bills.

Dans cet article, on cherche à savoir si le pork barrel existe effectivement dans le cadre de la production législative du Congrès National brésilien. On part de la supposition que les MMDs (multi-member districts) districts d'importance moyenne et élevée surévaluent les coûts d'investissement dans les projets de pork barrel. En outre, les parlementaires brésiliens sont face à des coûts de production législative qui découragent les stratégies à esprit de clocher. On examine ces hypothèses sur la base de la législation approuvée et rejetée par le Congrès, y compris celles que le Président a rejetées pendant la période 1991-2002. D'où on peut conclure que: 1) les projets de pork sont insignifiants du point de vue quantitatif; 2) le parlementaire passe la plupart de son temps et gaspille ses efforts sur des questions qui visent à satisfaire des intérêts vagues; 3) la carrière du parlementaire et des facteurs internes propres au processus de décision peuvent expliquer le rejet ou l'approbation des projets de distribution.

Endoscopic measurement by virtual internal standard:Feasibility and accuracy / 医学研究生学报

Objective: Endoscopic measurement mainly depends on visual estimation or open biopsy forceps,which have been proved lacking in accuracy due to the image barrel distortion caused by wide-angle lens in endoscope.This study aimed to validate a new concept of "virtual internal standard" proposed by ourselves and develop a new method for endoscopic measurement based on the concept.Methods: We photographed planar grid graphs printed with standard calibrations with an electronic endoscope at different object distances,obtained the information on the virtual internal standard from each photo at the corresponding object distance,and analyzed the digital characteristics of the barrel distortion photos,including the size of the visual field,the image compression ratio,and the credible area for measurement with the virtual internal standard.Based on the analyses,the method of endoscopic measurement by the virtual internal standard was established and experiments both in vivo and in vitro were conducted.Results: The ratio of the object distance to the visual field was 1 ∶ 2 when the former was between 10 mm and 40 mm.Calculation of the compression ratio showed that the credible area of measurement in the central area was 10 mm at the object distance of 10-15 mm,20 mm at 20-30 mm,and 30 mm at 30-50 mm.The credible area of measurement on various planes accounted for 2/5 to 3/5 of the total image width.There was a tendency of double-curve change in the arrangement of pixel values of the central grids on different planes.The differences between the pixel values per centimeter became slight at the object distance of 35-50 mm.Conclusion: Endoscopic measurement by the virtual internal standard is a objective,accurate,simple and practical method.

Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy for the Bulky-endophytic or Barrel-shaped Cervix / 대한부인종양콜포스코피학회잡지

OBJECTIVES: This retrospective study was conducted to analyze the hypothesis that with neoadjuvant chemotherapy of vinblastine, bleomycin, and cisplatin followed by radical hysterectomy or radiation therapy and concurrent chemoradiation with cisplatin based regimen would improve survival in patients with barrel-shaped or bulky-endophytic (Diameter > 4cm) cervical carcinomas than those of radiation alone or combined radiation and surgery. STUDY DESIGN: Eighty-eight patients with barrel-shaped or bulky-endophytic cervical carcinomas, treated at the Hanyang University Hospital from 1983 to 1997, were the subjects of this investigation. Fifty-six of these patients were treated by neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by radical hysterectomy with bilateral pelvic lymphadenectomy ( Stage I b2, 8; IIa, 15; IIb, 20; III- IV, 13), twelve patients were treated by neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by radiation therapy ( Stage Ilb, 4; IIJ-IV, 8), and twenty patients were treated by concurrent chemo-radiotherapy ( Stage IIb, 2; III-IV, 18). RESULTS: The incidence of parametrial extension and pelvic lymphnode metastases was higher in patients with barrel-shaped or bulky-endophytic cervical carcinomas than non-barrel-shaped cervix (p .025: .001). 5-years disease free survival rate was determined for patients treated by neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by radical hysterectomy with bilateral pelvic lymphadenectomy was 73.3 %. For patients treated by neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by radiation therapy it was 45.7%. For patients treated by concurrent chemo-radiotherapy it was 46.1%. CONCLUSION: These data support an improvement in survival of patients with barrel-shaped or bulky-endophytic cervical carcinomas treated by neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by radical hysterectomy or radiation therapy and concurrent chemo-radiotherapy.

Research and Manufacture of Spine Traction Bed Controlled by Microcomputer / 医疗卫生装备

Objective To develop a spine traction bed controlled by microcomputer,which can be used to treat patient with its function of TCM(traditional Chinese medicine)hazing diadermic fumigation and spine traction.Methods Modern hazing diadermic principle was utilized to make the effective component absorbed through skin on treating location.At the same time,PID incremental calculation and fuzzy control theory were used in the process of control ling spine traction through real-time closed loop.Through experiment and practice,this product met the standards and had a total effective rate of 96% without any side effects.Results The setting scope of temperature was 35?C-55?C with deviations of temperature controlling,displaying,uniformity and fluctuation less than 2?C.The setting scope of traction controlling was 10-80 kg with testing index less than 2kg both at "dynamic" and "static" status.The whole machine met the pragmatic needs in clinic.Conclusion This product adopts new technology of TCM hazing diadermic fumigation,PID incremental calculation and fuzzy control theory to obtain the goal of "real-time closed control through mechanical and electrical integration".This product can be applied not only in clinic for the need of TCM Tuina,but also in departments of traumatology,orthopedics,physiotherapy and rehabilitation.