Isokinetic strength, bilateral and unilateral strength differences: variation by age and laterality in elite youth football players / Fuerza isocinética, diferencias de fuerza bilaterales y unilaterales: variación por edad y lateralidad en futbolistas juveniles de élite

SUMMARY: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of age on peak torque (PT) relative strength measures of knee extensors (KE) and knee flexors (KF), bilateral strength ratio (Q:Q, H:H), and ipsilateral strength ratio (H:Q) in youth elite male football players.Elite male players (n = 70) from four age categories (U16: n = 20, U17: n = 20, U19: n = 15, U21: n = 15) performed isokinetic strength tests using a Cybex dynamometer. Results show a significant effect of age on PTKE (F3,142 = 4.54, p = 0.005, = 0.09) and PTKF (age: F3,142 = 3.07, p = 0.030, = 0.06). No significant effect of age on unilateral (F3,142 = 1.05, p = 0.375, = 0.02) or ipsilateral strength ratio (F3,142 = 2.63, p = 0.053, = 0.06) was found. Results revealed significant differences in PTKE for nondominant limbs between U16 and U21. Higher bilateral differences were detected for flexors (H:H = 7.94-11.47 %, Q:Q = 7.97-9.29 %) compared to extensors. Our study showed that 17-year-old players have levels of strength similar to U19 players. A higher bilateral difference of knee flexors than extensors was found, suggesting that more attention should be paid to knee flexors. No effect of laterality was found for strength and strength asymmetries. Future research should also focus on ipsilateral strength ratio in late stage of maturation.

RESUMEN: El objetivo de este estudio fue investigar el efecto de la edad en las medidas de fuerza relativa de torque máximo (TM) de los extensores de rodilla (ER) y flexores de rodilla (FR), la relación de fuerza bilateral (Q: Q, H: H) y la relación de fuerza ipsilateral (H: Q) en jugadores de fútbol masculino de élite en 70 sujetos de cuatro categorías de edad (U16: n = 20, U17: n = 20, U19: n = 15, U21: n = 15). Se realizaron pruebas de fuerza isocinética utilizando un dinamómetro Cybex. Los resultados mos- traron un efecto significativo de la edad en TMER (F3,142 = 4,54, p = 0,005, = 0,09) y TMFR (edad: age: F3,142 = 3,07, p = 0,030, = 0,06). No se observó efecto significativo alguno de la edad sobre la fuerza unilateral (F3,142 = 1,05, p = 0,375, = 0,02) o relación de fuerza ipsilateral (F3,142 = 2,63, p = 0,053, = 0,06). Los resultados indicaron diferencias significativas en TMER para miembros no dominantes entre U16 y U21. Se detectaron mayo- res diferencias bilaterales para los flexores (H:H = 7,94-11,47%, Q:Q = 7,97-9,29 %) en comparación con los extensores. Nues- tro estudio mostró que los jugadores de 17 años tienen niveles de fuerza similares a la de los jugadores sub-19. Se observó una mayor diferencia bilateral de flexores de rodilla que de extensores, lo que sugiere que se debe prestar más atención a los flexores de rodilla. No se encontró un efecto de lateralidad para fuerza y asimetrías de fuerza. Los estudios futuros también deben centrarse en la relación de fuerza ipsilateral en la etapa tardía de maduración.

Development and validation of a model for predicting malignant probability of asymmetries signs of BI-RADS category 4 or 5 in mammography / 中华放射学杂志

Objective:To develop a model for predicting malignant probability of asymmetries signs of BI-RADS category 4 or 5 in mammography, and to evaluate its predictive performance.Methods:The clinical and imaging data of 187 patients with asymmetrical signs of BI-RADS 4 or 5 who underwent mammography in Xinhua Hospital Affiliated of Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine from January 2014 to September 2017 were analyzed retrospectively. According to the examination time, 187 patients were divided into training set (109 cases) and verification set (78 cases). The clinical and mammographic features of the patients were analyzed. The predictors were screened by univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis. Then a predictive model was constructed based on the results with a nomogram drawn. Performances of predictive models were evaluated with area under the curve (AUC) of ROC,calibration curve,and decision curve analysis (DCA).Results:A total of 187 asymmetries signs including 72 malignant and 115 benign was collected. Six predictive factors were harvested to construct the predictive model, which included menstrual status, the number of visible standard view of asymmetries signs, whether asymmetries signs locating at the peripheral layer of tissue, whether asymmetries signs associating with suspicious calcification, skin thickening, or nipple retraction. The predictive model had good performance in both training set and verification set, with the AUC values of 0.85 and 0.84, respectively. The DCA curve showed that the nomogram had good clinical application values.Conclusion:The predictive model can predict malignancy probability of BI-RADS category 4 or 5 asymmetries, which can be used as a referable method for radiologist to evaluate mammographic asymmetries signs.

Body composition and morphological limbs asymmetry in competitors in six martial arts / Composición corporal y asimetría morfológica de miembros en competidores en seis artes marciales

The aim of this study was to compare body composition (BC) and morphological symmetry differences among elite athletes (n = 132) in six martial arts (judo, karate, fencing, wrestling, taekwondo, kickboxing). Multivariate analysis of variances (MANOVA) was used to compare the following variables: absolute (FFM) and relative (FFMrel) value of fat free mass, percentage of fat mass (FMp), bone mass, protein mass, basal metabolic rate, absolute (TBW) and percentual (TBWp) value of total body water, segmental proportion of muscle mass, phase angle, and percent-age differences between the upper and lower limbs. MANOVA revealed significant differences in BC among the groups (λ = 0.01, F104, 256 = 10.01, p< 0.01, ηp2 = 0.67). No significant differences were observed for FMp, FFMrel, and TBWp (p>0.05). In all other BC variables, significant differences were detected (p<0.05). The comparison of paired differences between limbs revealed significantly greater fluid volume in the preferred arm compared to the non-preferred arm in karate and fencing athletes. Significant differences (p<0.05) in favour of the preferred leg in all combat athletes were detected. This study revealed morphological differences among practitioners of different martial arts and between paired limbs.

El objetivo de este estudio fue comparar la composición corporal (CC) y las diferencias de simetría morfológica entre atletas de élite (n = 132) en seis artes marciales (judo, karate, esgrima, lucha, taekwondo, kickboxing). Se utilizó el análisis multivariado de varianzas (MANOVA) para comparar las siguientes variables: valor absoluto (FFM) y relativo (FFMrel) de la masa libre de grasa, porcentaje de masa grasa (FMp), masa ósea, masa proteica, tasa metabólica basal, absoluto (TBW) y el valor porcentual (TBWp) de líquido corporal total, la proporción segmentaria de la masa muscular, el ángulo de fase y las diferencias porcentuales entre los miembros superiores e inferiores. MANOVA reveló diferencias significativas en BC entre los grupos (λ = 0,01, F104, 256 = 10,01, p <0,01, ηp2 = 0,67). No se observaron diferencias significativas para FMp, FFMrel y TBWp (p>0,05). En todas las demás variables de BC, se detectaron diferencias significativas (p<0,05). La comparación de las diferencias pareadas entre los miembros reveló un volumen de líquido significativamente mayor en el brazo dominante en comparación con el brazo no dominante en karate y atletas de esgrima. Se detectaron diferencias significativas (p<0,05) a favor de la pierna dominante en todos los atletas de combate. Este estudio reveló diferencias morfológicas entre los practicantes de diferentes artes marciales y entre las miembros emparejadas.

A pós-graduação brasileira: sua construção assimétrica e algumas tentativas de superação / Brazilian post-graduation: its asymmetric construction and some attempts to overcome / El Postgrado brasileño: su construcción asimétrica y algunos intentos de superación

O texto a seguir trata da origem e desenvolvimento do sistema de pós-graduação no Brasil, desde sua implementação na década de 1960 até os dias de hoje. Para isso, realiza-se uma análise especialmente dos seis Planos Nacionais de Pós-Graduação. Percebe-se que a despeito de um incremento regular no número de programas e na produção científica, ao longo do referido período analisado, reproduz-se igualmente as assimetrias e desigualdades regionais e espaciais. Tais assimetrias geram impactos interessantes para se pensar no futuro da produção científica no país, sobretudo aqueles ligados à lógica que privilegia programas de pós-graduação localizados nas regiões sul, sudeste e o Distrito Federal.

The following text deals with the origin and development of the postgraduate system in Brazil, from its implementation in the 1960s to the present day. For this, an analysis is made especially of the National Postgraduate Plans. In spite of a regular increase in the number of programs and scientific production, over the period analyzed, regional and spatial asymmetries and inequalities are also reproduced asymmetries and inequalities is also intensified. Such asymmetries generate interesting impacts to think about the future of scientific production in the country, especially those linked to the logic that favors graduate programs located in the south, southeast regions and the Federal District.

El texto siguiente trata del origen y desarrollo del sistema de postgrado en Brasil, desde su implementación en la década de 1960 hasta la actualidad. Para ello se realiza un análisis especialmente de los Planes Nacionales de Postgrado. Se percibe que, a pesar de un incremento regular en el número de programas y en la producción científica, durante el período analizado, son reproducidas las asimetrías y desigualdades regionales y espaciales. Tales asimetrías generan impactos interesantes para pensar en el futuro de la producción científica en el país, especialmente aquellos vinculados a la lógica que favorece los programas de posgrado ubicados en las regiones sur, sureste y el Distrito Federal.

Estrategias de apropiación y desviación de recursos en el Sistema Municipal de Planeación de Santiago de Cali / Estratégias de apropriação e desvio de recursos no Sistema Municipal de Planejamento de Santiago de Cali / Resource appropriation and deviation strategies in Santiago de Cali's Municipal Planning System

Resumen A partir de algunos elementos que caracterizan un mecanismo de captura de élite mencionado en la literatura, este artículo compara cinco estrategias de apropiación de recursos realizadas por ciertos actores del Sistema Municipal de Planeación (SMP) participativa, de la tercera ciudad más poblada de Colombia, entre 1998 y 2008. Desde un enfoque de evaluación centrada en el uso, se abordaron los actores del SMP y sus alianzas que, aprovechando asimetrías informacionales, restringieron la participación y sesgaron el uso de los recursos. La investigación identificó, como causal básica de la captura, la desarticulación del SMP en tres subsistemas: la comunidad, las instancias de participación local y el Departamento de Planeación. El artículo describe igualmente la serie de ajustes institucionales desarrollados entre 2012 y 2015 (monitoreo, e-voting) buscando minimizar las posibilidades de captura.

Resumo A partir de alguns elementos que caracterizam o mecanismo de captura de elite mencionado na literatura, este artigo compara cinco estratégias de apropriação de recursos feitas por certos atores do Sistema Municipal de Planejamento (SMP) participativo, numa cidade colombiana entre 1998 e 2008. A partir de uma abordagem de avaliação com foco no uso foram abordados os atores do SPM, e as parcerias, aproveitando assimetrias de informação, restringiram a participação e enviesaram o uso de recursos territoriais. A pesquisa identificou, como a causa básica da captura, o desmantelamento do SMP em três subsistemas: a comunidade, as instâncias de participação local e o Departamento Municipal de Planejamento. O artigo também descreve os ajustes institucionais desenvolvidos entre 2012 e 2015 (monitoração, voto eletrônico), buscando reduzir as possibilidades de captura.

Abstract From some elements that characterize an elite capture mechanism mentioned in literature, this article compares five resource appropriation strategies carried out by certain players from the participative Municipal Planning System (MPS) from Colombia's third largest municipality between 1998 and 2008. By using mixed methods and a utilization-focused evaluation design, the MPS players and their partnerships were approached by which their availing of informational asymmetries restricted participation and biased the use of resources. The research identified as the basic cause of the capture the disarticulation of the MPS into three subsystems: the community, instances of local participation, and the Planning Department. The article also describes the series of institutional adjustments carried out between 2012 and 2015 (monitoring, e-voting) seeking to minimize capture possibilities.

Trópicos, ciência e leishmanioses: uma análise sobre circulação de saberes e assimetrias / The tropics, science, and leishmaniasis: an analysis of the circulation of knowledge and asymmetries

Resumo: O artigo investiga o processo de circulação de saberes ocorrido, nas primeiras décadas do século XX, entre os pesquisadores sul-americanos Edmundo Escomel (Peru) e Alfredo Da Matta (Brasil) e os europeus Alphonse Laveran (França) e Patrick Manson (Inglaterra) no que diz respeito à definição e validação da espundia como uma enfermidade particularizada da América do Sul, ao mesmo tempo que se postulava a necessidade do seu enquadramento no recém-criado grupo de moléstias denominado "leishmanioses". Compartilhando a recente preocupação em pensar a pesquisa histórica para além dos limites impostos pelo Estado nacional como categoria organizadora da narrativa, dialoga com alguns apologistas da história global/transnacional situando o caso específico nessa perspectiva analítica.

Abstract: The article investigates the process of circulation of knowledge which occurred during the first decades of the twentieth century between the South American researchers Edmundo Escomel (Peru) and Alfredo Da Matta (Brazil) and the Europeans Alphonse Laveran (France) and Patrick Manson (England) with regard to the definition and validation of espundia as a disease specific to South America, while simultaneously the need to insert this illness into the newly created group of diseases called the "leishmaniasis" was proposed. Sharing recent concerns in considering historical research beyond the limits imposed by the Nation-state as a category that organizes narratives, it dialogs with some apologists of global and transnational history, situating this specific case within this analytical perspective.

Prevalencia de asimetrías mandibulares en radiografías panorámicas de población de Bogotá-Colombia / Mandibular asymmetries prevalence in panoramic radiographies in a Bogotá­ Colombia population

La simetría mandibular es esencial para determinar los patrones no solo de belleza facial sino de función masticatoria; las alteraciones de crecimiento y desarrollo, patologías genéticas, traumáticas o neoplásicas o por características propias de cada población, que afectan a la mandíbula, generan consecuencias que llevan a tratamientos inclusive quirúrgicos para su corrección. El análisis de Thilander en radiografías panorámicas, permite la valoración de la magnitud de las asimetrías mandibulares, como parte de los exámenes complementarios en el proceso diagnóstico. Determinar la frecuencia de asimetrías condilares, de cuerpo y rama mandibular en radiografías panorámicas digitales. Estudio descriptivo de corte transversal en 500 radiografías panorámicas digitales, de adecuado contraste y densidad, obtenidas de pacientes mayores de 18 años de edad, con dentición completa; se registró sexo, edad y mediante el programa CliniView 9.1 se tomaron las medidas mandibulares propuestas por Thilander calculando las diferencias con la fórmula de Bezzur. La prevalencia de asimetrías condilares patológicas en la población mayor de 18 años es del 6 %. Se encontró una diferencia significativa en las medidas verticales entre los dos lados sin que en ellas tenga influencia el género o la edad. Las diferencias en la altura de la rama mandibular se encuentran en la mayoría de los casos a expensas del cóndilo y las discrepancias entre los lados derecho e izquierdo, deben considerarse como elemento diagnóstico en posibles patologías articulares.

The mandibular symmetry is essential to determine the patterns, not only of facial beauty, but also in the masticatory function. The growth and development alterations, genetic pathologies, traumatic, neoplasic or the characteristics of each population, that affect the jaw, generate consequences that may lead to even surgical treatments for correction. Thilander analysis on panoramic x-rays, allows the assessment of the magnitude of mandibular asymmetries, as part of the complementary exams in the diagnostic process. The objective of the study was to determine the frequency of condylar asymmetries in mandibular body and ramus in digital panoramics x-rays. A cross-sectional study was carried out in 500 digital panoramic x-rays with adequate contrast and density, obtained from patients over 18 years of age, with full dentition. Sex and age were registered by 9.1 CliniView program. Proposed mandibular measurements were recorded by Thilander, calculating the differences with the Bazzur's formula. The prevalence of pathological condylar asymmetries in the population over 18 years is 6 %. A significant difference was found in the vertical measurements between the two sides, though there was no influence by either sex or age. The differences in the height of the mandibular ramus are, in most cases, at the expense of the condyle. The discrepancies between the left and right sides must be considered as diagnostic element in possible articular pathologies.

Unilateral and ipsilateral strength asymmetries in elite youth soccer players with respect to muscle group and limb dominance / Asimetría de fuerzas unilateral e ipsilateral en jugadores de fútbol de elite juveniles con respecto al grupo muscular y a la dominancia de miembros

The purpose of study was to identify the presence of strength asymmetries (SA) in young elite soccer players in relation to muscle group (knee extensors (KE) and flexors (KF)) and limb preference (dominant vs. non-dominant limb). Forty-one U16 national team soccer players (mean age 15.7±0.3 years, body height 177.9±6.6 cm, body weight 68.2±7.9 kg) participated in this study. Assessments were performed on a Cybex Humac Norm isokinetic dynamometer in concentric contraction. We noted the degree of SAs in the bilateral ratio of quadriceps and hamstrings and in the ipsilateral ratio of the dominant (DL) and non-dominant (NL) legs. Bilateral deficits of KFs were higher (9.02­12.61 %) than those of KFs (6.32­7.15 %). The percentage of SA (>10 %) in knee extensors was 19.5­31.7 %. The percentage of SA (>10 %) in knee flexors was 36.6­51.2 %. At the lowest velocity, there was asignificantly higher prevalence of SAs in KFs than in KEs (c2= 4.11, p<.05). The ipsilateral ratio was lowest at the lowest velocity regardless of limb dominance (DL: 58.95­63.27 %, NL: 56.58­60.11 %). At each velocity, the percentage of SA was higher for the non-dominant limb (12.2­24.4 %) than for the dominant one (4.9­14.6 %). Despite these differences, we did not find any significantly higher prevalence of SA in the non-dominant limb than in the dominant one (c2= .35­2.04, p>.05). The results of the study suggest that more than 73.2 % of players have at least one SA. More attention should be paid to knee flexors, where a higher percentage of strength asymmetries were observed; furthermore, a higher percentage of strength asymmetry was seen in the non-dominant lower limb.

El objetivo de este estudio fue identificar la presencia de asimetría de fuerzas (AF) en jóvenes jugadores de fútbol de élite en relación con el grupo de músculos extensores de la rodilla (ER) y flexores (FR) y la preferencia de los miembros (miembro dominante frente al miembro no dominante). Participaron en este estudio 41 jugadores sub-16 del equipo nacional de fútbol (edad media de 15,7±0,3 años; altura 177,9 ± 6,6 cm; peso corporal 68,2±7,9 kg). Las evaluaciones se llevaron a cabo en un dinamómetro isocinético Cybex Humac Norm en contracción concéntrica. Se registró el grado de AF en la relación bilateral de los músculos cuádriceps y los tendones y en la relación ipsilateral del miembro dominante (MD) y el miembro no dominante (MND). Los déficits bilaterales fueron más altos en FR (9,02 a 12,61 %) que en ER (6,32-7,15 %). El porcentaje de AF (> 10 %) en los músculos extensores de la rodilla fue de 19,5 a 31,7 %. El porcentaje de AF (> 10 %) en los músculos flexores de la rodilla fue de 36,6 a 51,2 %. A la velocidad más baja, había una mayor prevalencia de AF en FR que en ER (c2 = 4.11, p <0,05). La relación ipsilateral fue la más baja a la velocidad más baja, independientemente de la dominancia de los miembros (MD: 58,95 a 63,27 %, MND: 56, 58-60, 11 %). En cada velocidad, el porcentaje de AF fue mayor para el miembro no dominante (12,2 a 24,4 %) que para el miembro dominante (4,9 a 14,6 %). A pesar de estas diferencias, no hemos encontrado ningún prevalencia significativamente mayor de AF en el miembro no dominante en comparación al miembro dominante (c2 = 0,35 a 2,04, p> 0,05). Los resultados del estudio sugieren que más de 73,2 % de los jugadores tienen al menos una AF. Más se debe prestar atención a los músculos flexores de la rodilla, donde se observó un mayor porcentaje de asimetría de fuerzas. Por otra parte, un mayor porcentaje de asimetría de fuerzas se observó en el miembro inferior no dominante.

Frontal lobe alterations in schizophrenia: a review / Alterações no lobo frontal na esquizofrenia: uma revisão

Abstract Objective: To highlight the changes in the frontal lobe of the human brain in people with schizophrenia. Methods: This was a qualitative review of the literature. Results: Many schizophrenic patients exhibit functional, structural, and metabolic abnormalities in the frontal lobe. Some patients have few or no alterations, while some have more functional and structural changes than others. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) shows structural and functional changes in volume, gray matter, white matter, and functional activity in the frontal lobe, but the mechanisms underlying these changes are not yet fully understood. Conclusion: When schizophrenia is studied as an essential topic in the field of neuropsychiatry, neuroscientists find that the frontal lobe is the most commonly involved area of the human brain. A clear picture of how this lobe is affected in schizophrenia is still lacking. We therefore recommend that further research be conducted to improve understanding of the pathophysiology of this psychiatric dilemma.

Resumo Objetivo: Descrever as alterações no lobo frontal do cérebro humano em indivíduos com esquizofrenia. Métodos: Esta foi uma revisão qualitativa da literatura. Resultados: Muitos pacientes esquizofrênicos exibem anormalidades funcionais, estruturais e metabólicas no lobo frontal. Alguns pacientes apresentam poucas ou nenhuma alteração, ao passo que outros apresentam mais alterações funcionais e estruturais quando comparados com seus pares. A ressonância magnética é capaz de demonstrar alterações estruturais e funcionais em volume, substância cinzenta, substância branca e atividade funcional do lobo frontal, porém os mecanismos subjacentes a essas alterações ainda não são completamente compreendidos. Conclusão: Quando a esquizofrenia é estudada como um tópico central na área da neuropsiquiatria, os neurocientistas observam que o lobo frontal é a área do cérebro humano mais comumente envolvida. Uma imagem clara de como esse lobo é afetado na esquizofrenia permanece inexistente. Portanto, recomendamos que mais pesquisas sejam conduzidas para melhorar nosso entendimento sobre a fisiopatologia desse dilema psiquiátrico.

Frequency of mandibular asymmetries evaluated by cone beam computed tomography at a radiology diagnostic center in Medellin, Colombia: 2011-2013 / Frecuencia de asimetrias mandibulares evaluadas por tomografia computarizada cone beam de un centro de diagnóstico radiológico de Medellín,Colombia: 2011-2013

Longitudinal differences on the left and right sides of the jaw with respect to the midline in three spatial planes are called mandibular asymmetries. Objective: To determine the frequency of mandibular asymmetries in three spatial planes by means of Cone Beam computed tomography (CBCT) and classify them according to the degree of difference between both sides. Methods: A total of 40 Cone Beam volumetric tomography (New Tom 3G Cone Beam Volumetric tomographic scanner) records were analyzed using simple random sampling of patients between the ages of 18 and 70 from 2011 until 2013. Axial slices were obtained from the lingula in cranio-caudal direction every 5 mm until the gonial angle. Results: From the records, 2.5 percent showed moderate degree of difference in the length of the mandibular body with predominance on the right side. For breadth of the ramus, predominance was found on the left side. In the length of the mandibular ramus, 10 percent presented moderate degree of predominance on the right side. Conclusions: 1) asymmetries are more frequent at the level of the mandibular ramus thickness; (2) moderate and severe degrees of differences are most frequently found in the mandibular ramus thickness. 3) It is not possible to proportionally determine mandibular ramus thickness only with a 2D image...

Se denominan asimetrías mandibulares a las diferencias longitudinales de los lados derecho e izquierdo de la mandíbula con respecto a la línea media en los tres planos espaciales. Objetivo: Determinar la frecuencia de asimetrías mandibulares en los tres planos del espacio por medio de tomografía computarizada Cone Beam (TCCB) y clasificarlas según el grado de diferencia entre ambos lados. Métodos: Se analizaron 40 registros de tomografía volumétrica Cone Beam, (New Tom 3G Cone Beam Volumetric Tomographic Scanner) mediante muestreo aleatorio simple de pacientes entre los 18 y 70 años de edad, entre los años 2011 y 2013. Se obtuvieron cortes axiales a partir de la língula en sentido cráneo-caudal cada 5 mm hasta llegar al ángulo goníaco. Resultados: El 2,5 por ciento de los registros presentaron diferencias moderadas en la longitud del cuerpo mandibular con predominio del lado derecho. En la amplitud de la rama se encontró predominio del lado izquierdo. En la longitud de la rama mandibular el 10 por ciento presentó predominio moderado del lado derecho. Conclusiones: 1) las asimetrías más frecuentes se encuentran a nivel del grosor de las ramas mandibulares. 2) Los grados de diferencias moderados y altos se presentan con mayor frecuencia en el grosor de las ramas mandibulares. 3) No es posible determinar proporcionalmente el grosor de las ramas mandibulares obteniendo solo una imagen 2D...

Asymmetries in the contributions of On- and Off-mechanisms to the ERG signal

ERG responses were recorded to rapid-on and rapid-off L- and M-cone isolating sawtooth stimuli of different cone contrasts. In addition, the responses were recorded to simultaneous in-phase stimulation of the L- and M-cones at equal cone contrast. Linear responses to mirror imaged rapid-on and rapid-off sawtooth stimuli are also mirror imaged. By adding on- and off-responses, linear response components will cancel and nonlinearities will remain. Because nonlinearities that occur at a certain stage of visual processing will influence subsequent stages, linear response components will probably have an outer retinal origin and nonlinearities probably originate mainly in the inner (post-receptoral) retina...

Eficiencia y disimetría: el caso bioético de la máquina de vapor y de la idea de Carnot / Efficiency and asymmetry: the case bioethics steam and the idea of Carnot / Eficiência e dissimetria: o caso bioético da máquina a vapor e da idéia de Carnot

Sin lugar a dudas, la máquina de vapor representa un prototipo de aquellas iniciativas tecnológicas que parecían destinadas a cumplir el sueño de progreso, poder y control ilimitados. Sadi Carnot visualizó en la energía de vapor el motor universal e intuyó que de ahí en adelante el mundo irrevocablemente se fracturaría en dos: por un lado permanecerían, estáticos y atrasados, los pueblos primitivos productores de calor; por el otro, avanzarían de manera acelerada los hombres civilizados poseedores de la nueva máquina generadora de trabajo. Aún hoy, cuando el mito tecnológico del progreso ilimitado se ha roto, las brechas sociales siguen indefectiblemente vinculadas a los inventos que se traducen en una redistribución de la energía. Corresponde a la Bioética hacer visibles los ámbitos que se afectan cuando la eficiencia técnica se transmuta en valor y las disimetrías concomitantes se difunden y se amplifican por doquier...

Without doubt, the steam machine represents a prototype of those technological initiatives which seemed to be assigned to fulfill the dream of endless progress, power and control. Sadi Carnot visualized steam energy like the universal motor and sensed that from then on the world would irrevocably fall apart into two pieces: on one side the primitive folks, those heat producers, will remain static and behind; on the other side the civilized humans, those who owns the new machine which produces work, will step forward rapidly. In our days, when the technological legend of endless progress is broken, the social divisions still remains invariably linked to those inventions translated as a form of energy redistribution. Bioethics has the task to make visible the spheres to get affected when technical efficiency transmutes into a value and the concomitant asymmetries spread and grow everywhere...

Sem lugar a dúvidas, a máquina a vapor representa um protótipo daquelas iniciativas tecnológicas que pareciam destinadas a cumprir o sonho de progresso, poder e controle ilimitados. Sadi Carnot visualizou na energia a vapor o motor universal e intuiu que daí em diante o mundo irrevogavelmente se dividiria em dois: de um lado permaneceriam estáticos e atrasados os povos primitivos produtores de calor; de outro, avançariam de forma acelerada os homens civilizados possuidores da nova máquina geradora de trabalho. Ainda hoje, quando o mito tecnológico do progresso ilimitado se rompeu, as brechas sociais continuam infalivelmente vinculadas aos inventos que se traduzem em uma redistribuição da energia. Corresponde à Bioética tornar visíveis os âmbitos afetados quando a eficiência técnica se transforma em valor e as dissimetrias concomitantes se difundem e se amplificam por todos os lados...

Habilidade de ortodontistas e leigos na percepção de assimetrias da mandíbula / Orthodontists' and laypersons' perception of mandibular asymmetries

OBJETIVO: analisar a habilidade de ortodontistas e leigos para perceber as assimetrias faciais causadas por desvios mandibulares. MÉTODOS: foram obtidas fotografias frontais da face de dois indivíduos, sendo um do sexo masculino e outro do sexo feminino. As fotografias foram tiradas em Posição Natural de Cabeça (PNC) com desvios mandibulares progressivos - em 2, 4 e 6mm -, partindo-se da posição de Máxima Intercuspidação Habitual (MIH). Para testar a reprodutibilidade do método, utilizaram-se os Coeficientes de Correlação Intraclasse (ICC) e o teste de Kappa ponderado.As diferenças entre os examinadores leigos e ortodontistas foram investigadas através do teste de Mann-Whitney, enquanto a análise de Friedman foi utilizada para investigar as diferenças nos escores para os progressivos avanços mandibulares. Todas as estatísticas foram executadas com nível de confiabilidade de 95 por cento. RESULTADOS: os ortodontistas foram hábeis em perceber os desvios somente a partir de 4mm, quando comparados à posição de MIH (p≤0,05), enquanto os leigos tiveram o mesmo padrão para o indivíduo do sexo feminino. Porém, ao examinar o sujeito do sexo masculino, os leigos não observaram nenhuma alteração executada a partir de MIH (p>0,05). De modo geral, apesar de as medianas atribuídas pelos ortodontistas terem sido menores que as dos leigos, essa diferença foi significativa apenas para o desvio de 6mm, em ambos os pacientes. CONCLUSÕES: ortodontistas e leigos avaliaram a assimetria mandibular de modo diferente, visto que ortodontistas tendem a ser mais críticos quando as assimetrias são mais severas. Conclui-se, ainda, que existe variação na avaliação das assimetrias faciais dependendo do paciente examinado, principalmente entre os examinadores leigos.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze orthodontists' and laypersons' perceptions of facial asymmetries caused by mandibular changes. METHODS: The faces of two patients, a man and a woman, were photographed in natural head position, and additional photos were produced with progressive mandibular shifts of 2, 4 and 6 mm from maximum intercuspation (MI). Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) and weighted kappa coefficients were used to test method reproducibility. The differences in scores for mandibular positions between orthodontists and lay examiners were examined using Friedman analysis. All statistical analyses were performed at 95 percent confidence interval. RESULTS: Orthodontists only perceived shifts greater than 4 mm from MI position (p<0.05), and laypersons had similar results when analyzing the woman's photos. However, when examining the man's photos, laypersons did not perceive any change in relation to MI (p>0.05). Although median scores assigned by orthodontists were, in general, lower than those of laypersons, this difference was only significant for the 6-mm shift in both patients. CONCLUSIONS: Orthodontists and laypersons evaluated mandibular asymmetries differently. Orthodontists tended to be more critical when asymmetries were more severe. The evaluation of facial asymmetries also varied according to what patient was being examined, particularly among lay examiners.

Correlação entre simetria corporal na descarga de peso e alcance funcional em hemiparéticos crônicos / Relationships between body symmetry during weight-bearing and functional reach among chronic hemiparetic patients

CONTEXTUALIZAÇÃO: O controle postural está frequentemente prejudicado nas condições de hemiparesias. Quando na posição em pé, sujeitos hemiparéticos oscilam mais do que sujeitos sem hemicorpo afetado, adotando posturas assimétricas com maior descarga de peso na perna não afetada. OBJETIVO: Analisar o alcance funcional e a dependência por dispositivo de apoio em hemiparéticos crônicos, verificando correlações entre deslocamentos de alcance funcional e valores de simetria de descarga de peso durante a posição em pé. MÉTODOS: Quatorze hemiparéticos classificados em dependentes ou independentes de dispositivo de apoio foram incluídos nos procedimentos experimentais para registro de deslocamento de alcance funcional e valores de simetria. RESULTADOS: Nenhuma diferença significativa foi obtida entre os dependentes e os independentes de dispositivo de apoio para todas as variáveis. Porém, quando a descarga de peso ocorreu no lado não afetado, os mais altos deslocamentos foram significativamente correlacionados com os hemiparéticos mais assimétricos. CONCLUSÃO: A simetria não favorece o alcance funcional nem a independência de dispositivo de apoio em hemiparéticos.

BACKGROUND: Postural control is often impaired in hemiparetic patients. During upright stance, hemiparetic subjects sway more than subjects with an unaffected hemibody, and they assume asymmetrical postures to place less weight on the affected side. OBJECTIVE: To analyze functional reach and dependence on support devices among people with chronic hemiparesis and to investigate the relationships between displacements of functional reach and weight-bearing symmetry during upright stance. METHODS: Fourteen participants with hemiparesis, classified as dependent on support devices or independent from them, were included in experimental procedures to record functional reach displacements and symmetry values. RESULTS: No significant differences were found between the dependent and independent participants for any variable. However, when weight-bearing occurred on the unaffected side, the greatest displacements were significantly correlated with the most asymmetrical hemiparetic participants. CONCLUSION: Symmetry did not contribute to functional reach or independence from support devices among participants with hemiparesis.

Caracterización fenotípica de la morfología facial en un grupo de población africana con fisura labio-palatina no sindrómica / Phenotypic characterization of facial morphology in an African population with non-syndromic cleft lip/palate

Antecedentes: se ha determinado que la forma craneofacial de individuos con y sin fisuras orofaciales es distinta y está influenciada por factores hereditarios. Estudios en diferentes poblaciones han sugerido que la morfología craneofacial de padres biológicos de niños con fisuras orofaciales podría ser diferente a la población general. Objetivo: observar los fenotipos faciales paternos que pueden estar relacionados con el riesgo de fisuras labio-palatinas no sindrómicas (FLPNS) en su descendencia en un grupo de población africana. Método: se seleccionaron 63 fotografías a 80 padres de niños con FLPNS; el grupo control incluyó fotografías de frente y de perfil de 70 pacientes. Las fotografías fueron analizadas mediante el programa Vistadent O.C. y con screen ruler como segundo apoyo (margen de error mínimo: 1 mm). Resultados: al análisis fotográfico transversal, la distancia interlímbica en el grupo de estudio fue mayor (56,7%) que en el grupo control (37,1%) (p=0,02). Respecto de la relación del lado de la fisura con la presencia de asimetría lateral en los padres de individuos con FLPNS, se encontró que en 16 pacientes hubo mayor ancho nasal izquierdo; de éstos, 10 presentaron descendencia con fisura izquierda. En sentido vertical, el tercio superior disminuido se presentó como rasgo predominante, por lo cual no es un factor de riesgo, como sí lo es para otras razas. Conclusiones: los padres de individuos de raza negra con FLPNS, en la población estudiada, presentan características fenotípicas distintas en comparación con un grupo control. En sentido horizontal, los padres presentaron una distancia interlímbica mayor que puede asociarse con riesgo de FLPNS en su descendencia.

Background: Craniofacial shape of individuals with orofacial clefts is different from unaffected ones and is influenced by hereditary factors. It was suggested that the craniofacial morphology of biological parents of affected individuals may differ from the regular population. Objective: Describe the parental facial phenotype that may be related to risk of non-syndromic cleft lip/palate (NSCLP) in the offspring in an African population. Methods: 67 frontal and lateral photographs from 80 parents of children with NSCL with or without palate; 70 photographs from a control group were selected. Photos were analyzed through the Vistadent O.C. software and a screen ruler. Results: The frontal view of the facial upper third was smaller in the parental and control groups (64% and 40%). Transversally, the interlimbic distance in the study group was larger (56.7%) than the control group (37.1%) (p=0,02). When comparing cleft side and presence of lateral asymmetry, there was a larger nasal width on the left side (16 parents) and 10 of these had an offspring with left side cleft. Conclusions: Parents of children with NSCLP in this sample of African race showed phenotypic traits that differed from the control group. In the horizontal view, parents had a larger interlimbic distance that may be associated with the risk of having children with NSCLP. Vertically, a smaller facial upper third cannot be taken as a risk factor as has been taken for other race studies, as well as a large nasal width in the African race is not a risk factor, but a common trait in the African race.

Dendritic right/left asymmetries in the neurons of the human hippocampal formation: a quantitative Golgi study

OBJECTIVE: To search for right/left asymmetries in the dendritic trees of the neuronal populations and in the cell-free layer volumes of the human hipoccampal formation. METHOD: In necropsic material obtained from six male individuals we performed a quantitative Golgi study of the dendritic trees of dentate granules, CA3 and CA1 pyramidal neurons and a volumetric analysis of dentate gyrus molecular layer, strata oriens plus alveus and strata lacunosum-moleculare plus radiatum of CA3 and CA1 fields. RESULTS: We found inter-hemispheric asymmetries in the dendrites trees of all neurons, reaching the significant level in the number of granule cells dendritic segments (higher in the left than in the right hemisphere), dendritic branching density of CA3 pyramidal cells and mean dendritic length of CA1 apical terminal segments (higher in the right than in the opposite side). No volumetric differences were observed. CONCLUSION: This study points to different anatomical patterns of connectivity in the hippocampal formations of both hemispheres which may underlie functional asymmetries.

OBJETIVO: Pesquisar a existência de assimetrias direita/esquerda nas arborizações dendríticas neuronais e nos volumes das camadas não celulares da formação do hipocampo humano. MÉTODO: Efectuamos estudo quantitativo Golgi das arborizações dendríticas dos grânulos da fascia denteada e das células piramidais de CA3 e CA1, e uma análise estereológica dos volumes da camada molecular da fascia denteada, do strata oriens + alveus e do strata lacunosum-moleculare + radiatum de CA3 e de CA1 em material necrópsico colhido em 6 indivíduos do sexo masculino. RESULTADOS: Encontrámos assimetrias inter-hemisféricas nas arborizações dendríticas de todos os neurónios, significativas no número de segmentos dendríticos das células granulares (maior à esquerda do que à direita) na densidade de ramificação dendrítica das pirâmides de CA3 e no comprimento dendrítico médio dos segmentos apicais terminais das pirâmides de CA1 (maiores à direita do que à esquerda). Não encontramos diferenças volumétricas. CONCLUSÃO: Estes resultados alertam para diferentes padrões anatómicos de conectividade nas formações do hipocampo de ambos os hemisférios que podem fundamentar assimetrias funcionais.

Asimetrías cerebrales en la psicopatía / Brain asymmetries in psychopathy

En el momento, hay un interés creciente por investigar y entender lo que ocurre en "la mente del psicópata", y las asimetrías cerebrales. El objetivo del presente artículo es hacer una revisión teórica sobre las Asimetrías Cerebrales encontradas en estos sujetos, ante todo el desarrollo lingüístico y emocional asociado con la Psicopatía. Iniciamos con la definición de estilos afectivos, asimetrías cerebrales y regulación emocional, para luego describir los hallazgos respecto a las asimetrías en el procesamiento emocional y lingüístico en psicópatas. Finalmente, se aborda la relación entre las estructuras cerebrales y el trastorno.

At the moment, there is an interest to investigate the principals aspects about "the psychopath mind" and the brain asymmetry. The principal goal in this article is to check the linguistic and emotional development involved in psychopathy population. First, there is a definition of affective styles, brain asymmetries and emotional, and then is described the discoveries respect to the asymmetries in emotional and linguistic processing in psychopaths. Finally, the relation between the cerebral structures and the mental disorder is approached.