The nonsynaptic plasticity in Parkinson's disease: Insights from an animal model

Abstract Background The 6-OHDA nigro-striatal lesion model has already been related to disorders in the excitability and synchronicity of neural networks and variation in the expression of transmembrane proteins that control intra and extracellular ionic concentrations, such as cation-chloride cotransporters (NKCC1 and KCC2) and Na+/K+-ATPase and, also, to the glial proliferation after injury. All these non-synaptic mechanisms have already been related to neuronal injury and hyper-synchronism processes. Objective The main objective of this study is to verify whether mechanisms not directly related to synaptic neurotransmission could be involved in the modulation of nigrostriatal pathways. Methods Male Wistar rats, 3 months old, were submitted to a unilateral injection of 24 µg of 6-OHDA, in the striatum (n= 8). The animals in the Control group (n= 8) were submitted to the same protocol, with the replacement of 6-OHDA by 0.9% saline. The analysis by optical densitometry was performed to quantify the immunoreactivity intensity of GFAP, NKCC1, KCC2, Na+/K+-ATPase, TH and Cx36. Results The 6-OHDA induced lesions in the striatum, were not followed by changes in the expression cation-chloride cotransporters and Na+/K+-ATPase, but with astrocytic reactivity in the lesioned and adjacent regions of the nigrostriatal. Moreover, the dopaminergic degeneration caused by 6-OHDA is followed by changes in the expression of connexin-36. Conclusions The use of the GJ blockers directly along the nigrostriatal pathways to control PD motor symptoms is conjectured. Electrophysiology of the striatum and the substantia nigra, to verify changes in neuronal synchronism, comparing brain slices of control animals and experimental models of PD, is needed.

Knowledge about head and neck cancer among adolescents

Introduction: The expansion of knowledge about head and neck cancer can provide greater care and the ability to identify risk factors and symptoms of the disease, as well as the incorporation of healthy habits. The younger these concepts are sedimented, the better results will be, making society healthier and more aware. Objective: To assess knowledge about head and neck cancer among adolescents from private schools, aged between 13 and 22 years. Methods: 200 questionnaires were applied among students, about the profile of adolescents and their knowledge about head and neck neoplasms, treatment, and teaching in schools on this topic. The results were analyzed both quantitatively and qualitatively. Results: Only 55 students (29.9%) identified HPV as a risk factor for the disease. 137 students (74.5%) identified the brain as an organ treated by head and neck surgery. As for the therapeutic strategies used for the treatment of neoplasms in the region, only 67 students (36.4%) are aware. On the topic of teaching in schools, 153 students (83.1%) relate to some deficiency in the approach and learning. Conclusion: Knowledge about head and neck cancer is insufficient. It is necessary to introduce in the curriculum basic cancer education in biology classes. The expansion of acquirements about cancer can provide better care and the ability to identify risk factors, initial signs, and symptoms of the disease, as well as the incorporation of healthy habits in families because these students can propagate valid information in their environment.

Early-life exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals associates with childhood obesity

Increasing prevalence of childhood obesity poses threats to the global health burden. Because this rising prevalence cannot be fully explained by traditional risk factors such as unhealthy diet and physical inactivity, early-life exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) is recognized as emerging novel risk factors for childhood obesity. EDCs can disrupt the hormone-mediated metabolic pathways, affect children’s growth and mediate the development of childhood obesity. Many organic pollutants are recently classified to be EDCs. In this review, we summarized the epidemiological and laboratory evidence related to EDCs and childhood obesity, and discussed the possible mechanisms underpinning childhood obesity and early-life exposure to non-persistent organic pollutants (phthalates, bisphenol A, triclosan) and persistent organic pollutants (dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane, polychlorinated biphenyls, polybrominated diphenyl ethers, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). Understanding the relationship between EDCs and childhood obesity helps to raise public awareness and formulate public health policy to protect the youth from exposure to the harmful effects of EDCs.

Molecular identification of Atlantic goliath grouper Epinephelus itajara (Lichtenstein, 1822) (Perciformes: Epinephelidae) and related commercial species applying multiplex PCR

The Atlantic goliath grouper, Epinephelus itajara , is a critically endangered species, threatened by illegal fishing and the destruction of its habitats. A number of other closely related grouper species found in the western Atlantic are also fished intensively. While some countries apply rigorous legislation, illegal harvesting followed by the falsification of fish products, which impedes the correct identification of the species, is a common practice, allowing the catch to be marketed as a different grouper species. In this case, molecular techniques represent an important tool for the monitoring and regulation of fishery practices, and are essential for the forensic identification of a number of different species. In the present study, species-specific primers were developed for the Cytochrome Oxidase subunit I gene, which were applied in a multiplex PCR for the simultaneous identification of nine different species of Epinephelidae: Epinephelus itajara , E. quinquefasciatus , E. morio , Hyporthodus flavolimbatus , H. niveatus , Mycteroperca acutirostris , M. bonaci , M. marginata , and M. microlepis . Multiplex PCR is a rapid, reliable and cost-effective procedure for the identification of commercially-valuable endangered fish species, and may represent a valuable tool for the regulation and sustainable management of fishery resources.(AU)

O mero, Epinephelus itajara , encontra-se criticamente ameaçado, resultado da pesca ilegal e destruição dos habitas. Filogeneticamente relacionadas a este táxon encontram-se garoupas que atualmente são intensamente pescadas no Atlântico Oeste. Apesar de leis mais restritivas aplicadas em alguns países, a captura ilegal com a descaracterização morfológica é uma prática comum que impossibilita a identificação correta da espécie permitindo que seja comercializada como garoupas, badejos ou chernes. A este respeito, técnicas moleculares representam ferramentas importantes para o monitoramento e fiscalização da pesca, provando ser essencial, na identificação forense de diversas espécies. Primers espécie-específicos foram desenvolvidos com base no gene Citocromo Oxidase subunidade I que aplicados em PCR-Multiplex possibilitam a identificação simultânea de nove espécies Epinephelidae: Epinephelus itajara , E. quinquefasciatus , E. morio , Hyporthodus flavolimbatus , H. niveatus , Mycteroperca acutirostris , M. bonaci , M. marginata e M. microlepis . A identificação via PCR multiplex de espécies de peixes ameaçadas e comercialmente importantes é um método rápido, prático, seguro e de baixo custo, que poderá ser útil o controle do uso e manejo sustentável de recursos pesqueiros.(AU)

A Community-based Randomized Double Blind Controlled Trial of Lactobacillus paracasei and Bifidobacterium lactis on Reducing Risk for Diarrhea and Fever in Preschool Children in an Urban Slum in India.

Aims: The aim of the study was to determine the effect of probiotics on diarrhea and fever in preschool children in a community setting in a developing country. Study Design: Double blind randomized controlled trial. Place and Duration of Study: The study was performed in Addagutta; a slum of Hyderabad (India), from July 2010 to April 2011. Methodology: Healthy preschool children (2-5 years, n=379) in an Urban Slum in India. Three randomly allocated groups of children received either of the two probiotics (Lactobacillus paracasei Lpc-37 and Bifidobacterium lactis HN019) or the placebo for a period of 9 months and were assessed for weight gain, linear growth and incidence of diarrhea and fever. Results: Neither of the tested probiotics; L. paracasei Lpc-37 or B. lactis HN019 had any influence on weight gain or linear growth. There was no significant difference between the groups in incidence of diarrhea and fever when assessing the whole study period. However, during the wet season, in the months of August and September, incidence of diarrhea was significantly higher in placebo group (16.9%) compared to L. paracasei Lpc- 37 (11.7 %) and B. lactis HN019 groups (8.4 %). Similarly, the incidence of fever was significantly higher in the month of August in the placebo group (11.5%) compared to the L. paracasei Lpc-37 group (7%) and B. lactis HN019 group (7.3%). Probiotic supplementation had no effect on fecal calprotectin, but fecal IgA and serum interleukin 8 were decreased significantly in the B. lactis HN019 group compared to placebo. Consumption of L. paracasei Lpc-37 lead to increased levels of fecal L. paracasei. Conclusion: During the rainy season, when incidence of fever and diarrhea was highest, the administered probiotics reduced the incidence of these symptoms. Over the whole study period, the probiotics did, however, not influence incidence of diarrhea or fever.

Evaluation of changes in clinical crown length of lower anterior teeth after treatment with Frankel-2's appliance.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to test the null hypothesis that there is no change in the lower anterior teeth's crown size when measured just after the treatment with Frankel-2's orthopedic appliance and in a long-term posttreatment follow-up. Materials and Methods: The sample was composed of 34 plaster models belonging to 9 male and 8 female individuals, treated at the College of Health, Methodist University of São Paulo, São Bernardo do Campo, São Paulo, Brazil, with mean age of 12 years and 6 months (standard deviation [SD] =7 months) at T1 (end of the treatment with Frankel-2's function regulator), and 19 years and 8 months (SD = 7 months) at T2 (7.11 years after the end of the treatment). Results: The distance from the incisal edge to the most concave portion of the gingival margin of the lower incisors and canines was measured using a digital caliper. Data analysis was carried out by means of Student's t-test and paired-t test. Among the lower anterior teeth, the teeth 31, 33, 42 and 43 showed a statistically significant increase in their crown length, whereas the teeth 32 and 41 showed no changes. Conclusion: It can be concluded that there is a tendency to increase the clinical crown of lower anterior teeth throughout the years after the mandibular advancement treatment by using functional devices, rejecting the null hypotheisis.

Análise da condição corpórea, biometria externa e das vísceras do trato gastrointestinal de canários-da-terra, Sicalis flaveola braziliensis / Analysis of body condition and external and gastrointestinal biometry of saffron finch, Sicalis flaveola braziliensis

Analisaram-se em canários-da-terra, Sicalis flaveola brasiliensis, apreendidos pelo Cetas-IBAMA/PB e que morreram logo após sua chegada, as medidas biométricas externas, condições corpóreas e de plumagem, medidas biométricas das vísceras do trato gastrointestinal (TGI), assim como a topografia visceral, a fim de fornecer dados morfológicos e caracterizar as condições em esses pássaros chegaram a esse centro de triagem. A topografia visceral estava em consonância com a de periquitos e avestruz, a exceção que essa última espécie apresenta um ceco. Verificou-se que há relação entre as condições corpóreas desfavoráveis e a perda de plumagem. Conclui-se, que S. flaveola braziliensis possui medidas biométricas em consonância á de outros Passeriformes, contudo possui divergências para aves do mesmo gênero e poucas diferenças biométricas entre machos e fêmeas. Através do estudo, verifica-se que as condições corpóreas de animais traficados devem ser consideradas nos centros de triagem, a fim de se fazer um melhor manejo nutricional e/ou clínico, diminuindo a mortalidade.

Forty-one saffron finch, Sicalis flaveola brasiliensis, were studied regarding the external biometry, corporeal and plumage conditions, gastrointestinal tract (GIT) biometry, and the visceral topography, in order to provide morphological data and to characterize the condition in which these birds came to the wild animal screening Center. The visceral topography was similar to the found in parakeets and ostriches; however the last have a cecum. There was also relationship between the unfavorable body conditions and the loss of feathers. It was concluded that S. flaveola braziliensis has biometric measurements similar to other Passeriformes, however with differences to birds of the same gender, and few biometric differences among males and females. The results demonstrate that the corporal conditions of trafficked animals should be considered in wild animal screening in order to perform a better nutritional and clinical management, and to lower mortality.

Assessing the readiness to integrate tobacco control in medical curriculum: Experiences from five medical colleges in southern India.

Background. Making tobacco cessation a normative part of all clinical practice is the only way to substantially reduce tobacco-related deaths and the burden of tobacco-related morbidity in the short term. This study was undertaken because information on receptivity to integrate tobacco control education in the medical curriculum is extremely limited in low- and middle-income countries. Methods. From five medical colleges (two government) in southern India, 713 (men 59%) faculty and 2585 (men 48%) students participated in our cross-sectional survey. Information on self-reported tobacco use and readiness to integrate tobacco control education in the medical curriculum was collected from both the faculty and students using a pretested structured questionnaire. Multiple logistic regression analysis was done to find the associated factors. Results. Current smoking was reported by 9.0% (95% CI 6.6–12.1) of men faculty and 13.7% (CI 11.8–15.9) by men students. Faculty who were teaching tobacco-related topics [odds ratio (OR) 2.29; 95% CI 1.65–3.20] compared to those who were not, faculty in government colleges (OR 1.69; CI 1.22–2.35) compared to those in private colleges and medical specialists (OR 1.79; CI 1.23–2.59) compared to surgical and non-clinical specialists were more likely to be ready to integrate tobacco control education in the medical curriculum. Non-smoking students (OR 2.58; CI 2.01–3.33) compared to smokers, and women students (OR 1.80; CI 1.50–2.17) compared to men were more likely to be ready to integrate a tobacco control education in the curriculum. Conclusion. Faculty and students are receptive to introduce tobacco control in the medical curriculum. Government faculty, medical specialists and faculty who already teach tobacco-related topics are likely to be early introducers of this new curriculum.

Expression of progranulin during the first stages of liver development in rat Fischer 344 / Expressão da progranulina durante os primeiros estágios de desenvolvimento hepático em ratos Fischer 344

Transplants are the only effective therapy for the treatment of advanced liver diseases such as cirrhosis. Given the limited number of organ donors, regenerative medicine has sought for sources of cells and tissues for replacement therapy. Embryonic stem cells are a promising source of material for transplantation vecause of their exclusive property of being expanded indefinitely in culture, thus they are a source of replacement tissue. Morcover, they are capable of differentiating into practically all cell types, and may be utilized in replacement therapy in various diseases. The liver bud has bipotent stem cells that gave not yet differentiated into hepatocytes or bibliary duct-cells: however, they have great potential of proliferation and differentiation. Thus, the challenge is to identify methods that promote their differentiation tential of proliferation and and differentiation is specific and functional strains.

Os transplantes são a única terapia para o tratamento de doenças hepáticas avançadas como a cirrose. Dado o número limitado de doadores de orgões, á medicina regenerativa tem procurado fontes de células para a terapia de substituição. As células embrionárias são uma fonte promissora de matéria para o transplante devido à sua propriedade exclusiva de ser expandida indefinidamente em cultura, assim, elas são uma fonte de tecidos de substituição. Além disso, são capazes de se diferenciar em pratimcante todos os tipos celulares, e podem ser utilizadas na terapia de substituição em várias doenças. O broto hepático tem células tronco (CT) bipotenciais que ainda não se diferenciam em hepatócitos ou células do dueto biliar, contudo, elas têm um grande potencial de proliferação e de diferenciação.Desse modo, o desafio é identificar métidis que promovam sua diferenciação em linhagens específicas e funcionais.

Instabilidade de microssatélite - MSI nos marcadores (BAT26, BAT25, D2s123, D5S346, D17S250) no câncer de reto / Microsatellite instability - MSI markers (BAT26, BAT25, D2S123, D5S346, D17S250) in rectal cancer

RACIONAL: O câncer colorretal tem importante componente genético. Os microssatélites são considerados marcadores fenotípicos de prognóstico, resposta terapêutica e de identificação de pacientes com mutação nos genes de reparo do DNA. OBJETIVOS: Avaliar o perfil molecular dos tumores submetidos à microcirurgia endoscópica transanal (TEM) para tratamento do câncer de reto. MÉTODO: Foram selecionados 38 espécimes avaliados segundo o estadiamento patológico. Foram escolhidas amostras da região tumoral e realizada dissecação e extração do DNA. Os tumores colorretais foram testados para instabilidade de microssatélite - MSI utilizando um painel composto de cinco marcadores (BAT25, BAT26, D2S123, D5S346 e D17S2720), técnica da reação em cadeia da polimerase (PCR). RESULTADOS: Nos 38 casos observou-se que 63% eram do sexo masculino e 47% feminino com média de idade de 58,4 anos. Em relação ao tipo tumoral 58% eram adenomas, sendo 24% adenomas de baixo grau e 76% de alto grau; 42% eram carcinomas. Quanto à profundidade de ressecção, verificou-se que 80% dos casos incluíam a gordura perirretal e 20% até a muscular própria. O microssatélite com maior frequência de amplificação foi o BAT26 (100%) e o menor D17S2720 (85,4%). Dezesseis casos (42%) apresentaram MSI; eram dez carcinomas, dois adenomas de baixo grau e quatro de alto grau. Vinte e dois casos (68%) tinham microssatélite estáveis - MSS. A perda alélica dos marcadores de microssatélites foi estatisticamente significante nos casos de carcinoma em relação a adenomas. O microssatélite com maior frequência de amplificação foi o BAT26 (100%) e o menor D17S2720 (85,4%); 16 casos (42%) apresentaram instabilidade de microssatélite - MSI. Desses, dez eram carcinomas, dois adenomas de baixo grau e quatro de alto grau; 22 casos (58%) apresentaram microssatélite estáveis - MSS. CONCLUSÃO: A instabilidade de microssatélite (MSI-H) foi significantemente associada com carcinomas retais, confirmando sua utilização como marcador prognóstico na carcinogênese retal.

BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer has an important genetic component. Microsatellites are considered phenotypic markers of prognosis, therapeutic response and identify patients with mutations in DNA repair genes. AIM: To evaluate the molecular profile of tumors underwent to transanal endoscopic microsurgery - TEM in surgical treatment of rectal cancer. METHOD: Thirty eight surgical specimens were evaluated according to pathological staging and the region of the tumor were dissected and submitted to DNA extraction. The colorectal tumors were tested for microsatellite instability - MSI using a panel of five markers (BAT25, BAT26, D2S123, D5S346, and D17S2720) technique of Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). RESULT: From total 63% were male and 47% female, with mean age of 58.4 years. In relation to tumor type adenomas were 58%, 24% low-grade adenomas and 76% high grade; 42% were carcinomas. The depth of resection 80% included the rectal perirenal fat and 20% the muscularis propria. The most frequent microsatellite amplification was BAT26 (100%) and lowest D17S2720 (85.4%). Sixteen patients (42%) were MSI, ten were carcinomas, two low grade adenomas and four high grade. Twenty-two cases (68%) showed microsatellite stable - MSS. The allelic loss of microsatellite markers was statistically significant in cases of carcinoma in relation to adenomas. The most frequent microsatellite amplification was BAT26 (100%) and lower D17S2720 (85.4%), 16 patients (42%) had microsatellite instability - MSI thereof ten were carcinomas, two low grade adenomas, four high-grade adenomas and 22 cases (58%) were microsatellite stable - MSS. CONCLUSION: Microsatellite instability (MSI-H) was significantly associated with rectal carcinomas, confirming its use as a prognostic marker in colorectal carcinogenesis.

Experience and attitude of interns to pelvic and sensitive area examinations during their undergraduate medical course

To explore the experience of interns in sensitive area examination during their undergraduate medical course and identify factors interfering with such examinations. A cross sectional study was carried out from May to June 2010. Interns [n=315] at King Saud University College of Medicine were invited via email to complete a web-based questionnaire developed using surveymonkey.com. Out of 315 interns, 211 completed the questionnaire; 60% males and 40% females. The mean percentage of interns who never performed any of these examinations was 28.9% for digital rectal examination, 17.5% for breast, 43.1% for female pelvic examination, 13.3% for inguinal [hernia], and 34.6% for male external genitalia. Compared to females, male students conducted more rectal examinations [87 versus 63, p<0.005], and male external genitalia examinations [112 versus 26, p<0.001]. On the other hand, compared to male students, females conducted more pelvic examination [68 versus 52, p=0.03] and breast examinations [92 versus 82, p=0.27]. The most common reasons for not performing sensitive area examinations included patient's refusal [33.1%], and examining patients of opposite gender [27.6%]. Confidence in performance of these examinations was correlated to increased frequency of the examination. This study highlights that most common factors interfering with the students' conducting sensitive area examinations are patient's refusal and examining patients of the opposite sex. There is a strong correlation between increased frequency of conducting an examination and student's confidence in performance.

Influence of a Probiotic Milk Drink, Containing Lactobacillus Paracasei Lpc-37, on Immune Function and Gut Microbiota in Elderly Subjects.

Immunosenescence and alterations in the intestinal microbiota are associated with aging. Immune functions, as well as the intestinal microbiota, can potentially be modified and improved by probiotics, thus being particularly beneficial to elderly consumers. The ability of Lactobacillus paracasei Lpc-37 to modulate immune markers including phagocytic activity, natural killer (NK) cell activity and cytokine profiles, as well as composition and activity of the intestinal microbiota, in healthy elderly subjects was investigated in a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Only very limited effects in the measured blood or faecal immune markers or intestinal microbiota could be detected between the fermented milk drinks with or without probiotics. Thus, no significant immunological or microbial effects of the probiotic fermented milk could be detected in this study population.

A ingestão de prébioticos previne a malabsorção de ferro e anemia induzidas pela gastrectomia?: Estudo experimental em ratos / Ingestion of prebiotics prevents gastrectomy-induced iron malabsorption and anemia ?: Experimental study in rats

RACIONAL: Ratos gastrectomizados desenvolvem anemia, e a ingestão de galactooligossacarídeo (GOS) e a polidextrose (PDX) aumenta a absorção de ferro e promove a recuperação da anemia em ratos com deficiência de ferro. OBJETIVO: Avaliar se GOS e PDX estimulam a absorção de ferro em ratos gastrectomizados e normais. MÉTODOS: Os ratos foram laparotomizadas (controle falso-operado) e parcialmente gastrectomizados (Billroth II) em grupos de 20 animais. Os animais de ambos os tratamentos foram posteriormente submetidos à dieta controle (AIN-93M) ou a mesma dieta suplementada com GOS e PDX (25 g/kg de dieta cada) durante oito semanas e divididos em quatro subgrupos: sham-operados e gastrectomizados sem GOS e PDX, sham-operados e gastrectomizados com GOS e PDX. Dois animais morreram durante o experimento. Todos os ratos gastrectomizados receberam uma injeção intramuscular de vitamina B-12 a cada duas semanas. Hematócrito (HCT) e concentração de hemoglobina (HGB) foram dosados no início e nos dias 30 e 56 dias após o início da alimentação. No último dia do estudo, o sangue total foi coletado para determinação da concentração de ferro sérico. RESULTADOS: Na dieta com GOS e PDX a excreção de ferro nas fezes foi significativamente menor do que no grupo sem prebióticos. Absorção aparente de ferro e ferro sérico foram maiores nos grupos alimentados com GOS e PDX (ambos grupos: sham operados e gastrectomizados) do que nos grupos não alimentados com GOS e PDX. O HCT e HGB foram significativamente menores nos ratos gastrectomizados que no grupo controle, entretanto, a suplementação com GOS e PDX melhorou os níveis de HGB neste grupo. CONCLUSÃO: A associação de GOS e PDX aumenta a absorção de ferro em ratos shamoperados e gastrectomizados e ainda previne a anemia pós-gastrectomia.

BACKGROUND: The ingestion of two prebiotics, galactooligosaccharide (GOS) and polydextrose (PDX), leads to an increase in iron absorption and promotes recovery from anemia in gastrectomized rats. AIM: To study whether GOS + PDX stimulate iron absorption in gastrectomized and normals rats. METHODS: Rats were laparotomized (sham-operated control) and partially gastrectomized (Billroth II) in groups of 20 each. Animals from both treatments were subsequently fed a control diet (AIN-93M) or the same diet supplemented with GOS and PDX (25 g/Kg of diet each) for eight weeks. They were divided into four subgroups, i.e., sham-operated and gastrectomized without GOS + PDX, sham-operated and gastrectomized with GOS + PDX. Two rats died during the experiment. All gastrectomized rats received an intramuscular injection of vitamin B-12 every two weeks. Hematocrit (HCT) and hemoglobin concentration (HGB) were measured at the start and on day 30 and 56 days after the start of feeding. On the final day of the study, total blood was collected for determination of serum iron concentration. RESULTS: In the diet with GOS + PDX, iron excretion in feces was significantly lower than without the prebiotics. Apparent iron absorption and serum iron was higher in the GOS + PDX fed groups (both sham operated and gastrectomized) than in the non-GOS + PDX fed groups. The HCT and HGB concentrations were significantly lower in gastrectomized rats than in the control group, however, GOS + PDX feeding improved HGB levels in this group. CONCLUSION: The association of the GOS + PDX increase absorption of iron in sham-operated and gastrectomized rats and still prevent postgastrectomy anemia.

Factors affecting the progression of diabetic nephropathy and its complications: a single-center experience in Saudi Arabia

One out of five Saudi diabetics develops end-stage renal disease [ESRD]. Factors associated with progressive loss of renal function have not been extensively studied and reported in our community. We sought to evaluate the pattern and progression in glomerular filtration rate [GFR] and investigate the potential risk factors associated with progression to diabetic nephropathy [DN] among Saudi patients. Hospital-based retrospective analysis of type 2 diabetic patients seen between January 1989 and January 2004 at Security Forces Hospital and King Saud University in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. DN was defined as persistent proteinuria assessed by urine dipstick [at least twice for at least two consecutive years and/or serum creatinine >130 micromol/L; and/or GFR <60 mL/min/1.73m[2]. Of 1952 files reviewed, 621 [31.8%] met the criteria for DN, and 294 [47%] were males. The mean [SD] age of the patients at baseline was 66.9 [11.4] years, and mean duration of diabetes was 15.4 [7.5] years. GFR deteriorated from a baseline value of 78.3 [30.3] mL/min/1.73m[2] to 45.1 [24.1] mL/min/1.73m[2] at the last visit, with a mean rate of decline in GFR of 3.3 mL/min/year. Progression of nephropathy was observed in 455 [73.3%] patients, with 250 [40.3%] patients doubling their first-hospital-visit serum creatinine level in a mean of 10.0 [6.0] years. At the end of the study, 1 6.5% of the cohort developed ESRD and were dialyzed. GFR >90 mL/min/1.73m[2] at the first hospital visit; duration of diabetes >10 years; persistent proteinuria; systolic blood pressure >130 mm Hg; and presence of retinopathy were significant markers associated with progression of nephropathy. Diabetic nephropathy tends to be progressive among Saudis, with GFR deteriorating at a rate of 3.3 mL/year and with a doubling of serum creatinine level in 40.3% of patients in 9.9 years

Ingestion of polydextrose increase the iron absorption in rats submitted to partial gastrectomy / A ingestão de polidextrose aumenta a absorção de ferro em ratos submetidos à gastrectomia parcial

PURPOSE: To investigate whether polydextrose stimulates iron absorption in rats submitted to partial gastrectomy and sham operated. METHODS: The rats were submitted to partial gastrectomy (Billroth II) or laparotomy (sham-operated control), in groups of 20 and 20 each respectively. The animals were fed with a control diet (AIN-93M) without polydextrose or a diet containing polydextrose (50g/Kg of diet) for eight weeks. They were divided into four subgroups: sham-operated and Billroth II gastrectomy and with or without polydextrose. Two animals died during the experiment. All rats submitted to gastrectomy received B-12 vitamin (intramuscular) each two weeks. The hematocrit and hemoglobin concentration were measured at the start and on day 30 and 56 after the beginning of the experimental period. At the end of the study, the blood was collected for determination of serum iron concentration. RESULTS: The diet with polydextrose reduced the excretion of iron. Apparent iron absorption was higher in the polydextrose fed groups than in the control group. The haematocrit and haemoglobin concentration were lower after Billroth II gastrectomy rats fed the control diet as compared to the polydextrose diet groups. CONCLUSION: Polydextrose increase iron absorption and prevents postgastrectomy anemia.

OBJETIVO: Investigar se a polidextrose estimula a absorção de ferro em ratos submetidos à gastrectomia parcial e sham operados. MÉTODOS: Os ratos foram submetidos à gastrectomia parcial (Billroth II) e à laparotomia (controle sham-operados) em grupos de 20 e 20 cada, respectivamente. Os animais foram alimentados com uma dieta controle (AIN-93M), sem polidextrose ou uma dieta contendo polidextrose (50g/kg de dieta) durante oito semanas. Foram divididos em quatro grupos: sham-operados e com gastrectomia BII e com ou sem polidextrose. Dois animais morreram durante o experimento. Todos os ratos com gastrectomia receberam vitamina B-12 (intramuscular) a cada duas semanas. O hematócrito e a hemoglobina foram dosados no início e nos dias 30 e 56 após o início do período experimental. No final do estudo, o sangue foi coletado para determinação da concentração de ferro sérico. RESULTADOS: A dieta com polidextrose reduziu a excreção de ferro e a absorção de ferro aparente foi maior nos grupos alimentados com polidextrose do que no grupo controle. As dosagens de hematócrito e hemoglobina foram menores em ratos com gastrectomia alimentados com a dieta controle em relação aos grupos de dieta com polidextrose. CONCLUSÃO: A polidextrose aumenta a absorção do ferro e previne a anemia pós-gastrectomia.

Clasificación automática de actos del habla en árabe / Automated spech act clasificati on in Arabic

Presentamos en este trabajo un método completamente automatizado para la tarea de clasificación de actos del habla en discurso árabe. La clasificación de actos del habla involucra la asignación de una categoría, obtenida a partir de una serie de categorías de actos del habla, a una oración para indicar la intención del hablante. Nuestra aproximación a la clasificación de actos del habla está basada en la hipótesis de que las palabras iniciales de una oración y/o sus partes-de-discurso son muy útiles para el diagnóstico del acto del habla expresado en la oración. Consideramos además la categorización semántica de estas palabras en términos de entidades nombradas y combinamos este enfoque con algoritmos de aprendizaje mecánicos para derivar automáticamente los parámetros de los modelos que utilizamos para implementar el enfoque. Presentamos experimentos y resultados obtenidos con varios modelos y algoritmos de aprendizaje automático en un corpus de 408 oraciones árabes.

We present in this paper a fully-automated method for the task of speech act classification for Arabic discourse. Speech act classification involves assigning a category from aset of predefined speech act categories to a sentence to indicate speaker’s intention. Our approach to speech act classification is based on the hypothesis that the initial words in a sentence and/or their parts-of-speech are very diagnostic of the particular speech act expressed in the sentence. We also consider semantic categorization ofthese words in terms of named entities and combine this approach with machinelearning algorithms to automatically derive the parameters of the models we used to implement the approach. Experiments and results obtained with several models and machine learning algorithms on a corpus of 408 Arabic sentences are presented.

Dietary polydextrose increases calcium absorption in normal rats / Polidextrose aumenta a absorção de cálcio em ratos

BACKGROUND: Gastric surgery is known to cause bone disorders, possibly related to an impaired capacity for the absorption of dietary calcium. AIM: To verify if polydextrose (PDX) could stimulate calcium absorption in partially gastrectomized and sham operated rats. METHODS: The rats were laparotomized (sham-operated control) or partially gastrectomized (Billroth II), in groups of 20 each. Half in each operated group were fed a control diet (AIN-93M) without PDX or the same diet containing (PDX 50g/Kg of diet) for eight weeks. The rats were divided into four subgroups: sham-operated and gastrectomized without PDX; sham-operated and gastrectomized with PDX. On the final day of the study, total blood was collected for determination of serum calcium concentration. RESULTS: In the diet with PDX, excretion of calcium in the feces was significantly lower than in the groups not receiving PDX, irrespective of the operation. Apparent calcium absorption and serum calcium was higher in the sham operated PDX fed group than in the control group. In sham operated rats, the calcium concentration in bone was higher in the PDX fed group. CONCLUSION: The polydextrose feeding increased calcium absorption and bone calcium concentration in normal rats, which may be relevant for decreasing the risk of osteoporosis. Partially gastrectomy did not affect the bone calcium concentration in 56 days of experimental period.

RACIONAL: A cirurgia gástrica é conhecida por causar desordens ósseas, possivelmente relacionado com a absorção do cálcio na dieta. OBJETIVO: verificar se polidextrose (PDX) poderia estimular a absorção de cálcio em ratos parcialmente gastrectomizados e ratos sham operados. MÉTODOS: Os ratos foram laparotomizadas (sham-operados de controle) ou parcialmente gastrectomizados (Billroth II), em grupos de 20 animais cada. Metade de cada grupo operado foi alimentada com uma dieta controle (AIN-93M) sem PDX ou a mesma dieta contendo (PDX 50g/kg de ração) durante oito semanas. Os animais foram divididos em quatro subgrupos: sham-operados e gastrectomizados sem PDX; sham-operados e gastrectomizados com PDX. No dia final do estudo, sangue foi coletado para determinação da concentração de cálcio sérico. RESULTADOS: Na dieta com PDX, a excreção de cálcio nas fezes foi significativamente menor do que nos grupos que não recebem PDX, independentemente da operação. Absorção aparente de cálcio e cálcio sérico foi maior no sham operados com PDX do que no grupo controle. Em ratos sham operados, a concentração de cálcio nos ossos foi maior no grupo com PDX. CONCLUSÃO: A inclusão de polidextrose na alimentação pode aumentar a absorção de cálcio e aumentar a concentração dele nos ossos em ratos normais, que podem ser relevantes para diminuir o risco de osteoporose. A gastrectomia parcial não afetou a concentração de cálcio ósseo em 56 dias de período experimental.