Magnetostructural coupling in RFeO3 (R = Nd, Tb, Eu and Gd).

We investigate the interplay of magnetization and lattice vibrations in rare-earth orthoferrites RFeO3, with a specific focus on non-symmetry-breaking anomalies. To do so, we study the magnetization, magnon excitations and lattice dynamics as a function of temperature in NdFeO3, TbFeO3, EuFeO3 and GdFeO3. The magnetization shows distinct temperature anomalous behavior for all investigated rare-earth orthoferrites, even in the compounds with no phase transitions occurring at those temperatures. Through spin-phonon coupling, these magnetic changes are mirrored by the FeO6 rotation mode for all the studied RFeO3, revealing a common magnetostructural effect associated with the octahedra rotations. The R3+ oscillation modes evidence a Fe3+/R3+ spins cross-talk for the NdFeO3 and TbFeO3 cases. Our work sheds light into the common magnetostructural coupling in rare-earth orthoferrites, and the important role of magnetic anisotropy and spin-orbit coupling strength of the R-Fe interactions on the spin-reorientation transition at high temperatures.

The cancer registry as an ally in monitoring treatment effectiveness.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate if the cancer registry database can be used to monitor treatment effectiveness using nivolumab treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) as an example. METHOD: An observational inception cohort was used, where all registered cases of NSCLC with authorisation to initiate treatment with nivolumab were monitored retrospectively to evaluate disease characteristics and response to prior treatments. Current exposure to nivolumab was prospectively characterised and treatment outcomes classified based on the clinical information registered in the patient medical record. The main outcome measure used to assess treatment effectiveness was overall survival (OS). Secondary outcomes considered were progression free survival (PFS) as a measure of effectiveness and occurrence of Adverse Drug Reaction (ADRs) as a measure of safety. Data were analysed using SPSS, version 24. RESULTS: A total of 115 patients received treatment with nivolumab for NSCLC, between November 1st 2015 and July 31st 2016, and were registered in the database. The majority were non-squamous type (n=107). The median OS was 11.4 months {CI95%: 11.1-11.7}, with a 1-year survival of 44%, in line with clinical trial data. Median PFS was 5.4 months {CI95%: 2.8-7.9}. Treatment was discontinued in 82 cases, most frequently due to disease progression. There were 38 cases of ADRs documented in the patient medical chart, 21 of which led to treatment discontinuation. CONCLUSION: The analysed data suggest that the cancer registry is a powerful tool to monitor treatment effectiveness, although considerable investment is needed to improve the medical culture of recording treatment exposure, particularly documentation of ADRs.

Rapid method for simultaneous determination of ascorbic acid and zinc in effervescent tablets by capillary zone electrophoresis with contactless conductivity detection.

Ascorbic acid and zinc are essential nutrients that play important roles in nutrition, immune support, and maintenance of health. For this reason, both compounds are widely used as ingredients in dietary supplements. We report, for the first time, an analytical method for fast simultaneous determination of ascorbic acid and zinc. A single analysis run is possible every 80 s (45 injections/h). The method is based on capillary electrophoresis with capacitively coupled contactless conductivity detection using a fused silica capillary with 50 cm length (effective length of 10 cm). The separation was achieved by using a background electrolyte composed by 30 mmol/L of 2-(morpholin-4-yl)ethane-1-sulfonic acid and 30 mmol/L of histidine, pH 6.1. The detection limits were 10 and 20 µmol/L and recovery values for spiked samples were 101 and 100% for zinc and ascorbic acid, respectively. The results obtained with the developed procedure were compared to those obtained by titration (ascorbic acid) and flame atomic absorption spectroscopy (zinc), and no statistically significant differences were observed (95% confidence level).

Stryphnodendron adstringens ("Barbatimão") Leaf Fraction: Chemical Characterization, Antioxidant Activity, and Cytotoxicity Towards Human Breast Cancer Cell Lines.

We evaluated the chemical composition, antioxidant activity, and antitumor potential of a fraction that was isolated from Stryphnodendron adstringens (barbatimão) leaf aqueous extract. Fraction is composed by gallic acid, procyanidin dimer B1, and (-)-epicatechin-3-O-gallate and it exhibits antioxidant and cytotoxic activities. Fraction was cytotoxic against two human breast cancer cell lines, ER (+) and MCF-7 and the triple-negative, MDA-MB-435. The sulforhodamine B assay showed that, as compared to normal control cells, the fraction significantly (P < 0.05) decreased cancer cell viability. The morphological alterations noted in the treated cancer cells were cell rounding-up, shrinkage, and nuclear condensation reduction of cell diameter and length. Treatment with fraction increased cancer cell expression of Bax, caspase-9, active caspase-3, caspase-8, LC-3, and beclin-1 and decreased Bcl-2, caspase-3, and pro-caspase-8 expression. Altogether, fraction is cytotoxic to both breast cancer cell lines, induces cell death, and its mechanism of action seems to include the induction of apoptosis. Our data support a positive role of the fraction as a chemopreventive agent for antineoplastic drug development.

Performance assessment of the single photon emission microscope: high spatial resolution SPECT imaging of small animal organs.

The single photon emission microscope (SPEM) is an instrument developed to obtain high spatial resolution single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) images of small structures inside the mouse brain. SPEM consists of two independent imaging devices, which combine a multipinhole collimator, a high-resolution, thallium-doped cesium iodide [CsI(Tl)] columnar scintillator, a demagnifying/intensifier tube, and an electron-multiplying charge-coupling device (CCD). Collimators have 300- and 450-µm diameter pinholes on tungsten slabs, in hexagonal arrays of 19 and 7 holes. Projection data are acquired in a photon-counting strategy, where CCD frames are stored at 50 frames per second, with a radius of rotation of 35 mm and magnification factor of one. The image reconstruction software tool is based on the maximum likelihood algorithm. Our aim was to evaluate the spatial resolution and sensitivity attainable with the seven-pinhole imaging device, together with the linearity for quantification on the tomographic images, and to test the instrument in obtaining tomographic images of different mouse organs. A spatial resolution better than 500 µm and a sensitivity of 21.6 counts·s-1·MBq-1 were reached, as well as a correlation coefficient between activity and intensity better than 0.99, when imaging 99mTc sources. Images of the thyroid, heart, lungs, and bones of mice were registered using 99mTc-labeled radiopharmaceuticals in times appropriate for routine preclinical experimentation of <1 h per projection data set. Detailed experimental protocols and images of the aforementioned organs are shown. We plan to extend the instrument's field of view to fix larger animals and to combine data from both detectors to reduce the acquisition time or applied activity.

Performance assessment of the single photon emission microscope: high spatial resolution SPECT imaging of small animal organs

The single photon emission microscope (SPEM) is an instrument developed to obtain high spatial resolution single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) images of small structures inside the mouse brain. SPEM consists of two independent imaging devices, which combine a multipinhole collimator, a high-resolution, thallium-doped cesium iodide [CsI(Tl)] columnar scintillator, a demagnifying/intensifier tube, and an electron-multiplying charge-coupling device (CCD). Collimators have 300- and 450-µm diameter pinholes on tungsten slabs, in hexagonal arrays of 19 and 7 holes. Projection data are acquired in a photon-counting strategy, where CCD frames are stored at 50 frames per second, with a radius of rotation of 35 mm and magnification factor of one. The image reconstruction software tool is based on the maximum likelihood algorithm. Our aim was to evaluate the spatial resolution and sensitivity attainable with the seven-pinhole imaging device, together with the linearity for quantification on the tomographic images, and to test the instrument in obtaining tomographic images of different mouse organs. A spatial resolution better than 500 µm and a sensitivity of 21.6 counts·s-1·MBq-1 were reached, as well as a correlation coefficient between activity and intensity better than 0.99, when imaging 99mTc sources. Images of the thyroid, heart, lungs, and bones of mice were registered using 99mTc-labeled radiopharmaceuticals in times appropriate for routine preclinical experimentation of <1 h per projection data set. Detailed experimental protocols and images of the aforementioned organs are shown. We plan to extend the instrument's field of view to fix larger animals and to combine data from both detectors to reduce the acquisition time or applied activity.

Unusual coexistence of opportunistic lung infections in a human immunodeficiency virus positive patient suffering from persistent Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia: a case report.

It is well established that HIV patients are at high risk of opportunistic infections (OI), like the ones caused by Pneumocystis jirovecii, a worldwide pathogen implicated in interstitial pneumonia (PcP). We present a case of a newly diagnosed HIV-1 patient with multiple OI, including a persistent form of PcP, an invasive aspergillosis (IA), cytomegalovirus and Mycobacterium xenopi lung infection. We describe the combination of laboratorial screening, surgery and antimicrobial therapy that were crucial for patient recovery.

Hematologia e bioquímica sérica de equinos de concurso completo de equitação em treinamento / Hematology and serum biochemistry of event horses in training

Avaliaram-se a hematologia e a bioquímica sérica em equinos de concurso completo de equitação (CCE) em treinamento durante testes de esforço incremental em esteira ergométrica de alta velocidade. Foram utilizados 16 equinos em delineamento experimental inteiramente ao acaso com quatro tratamentos e quatro repetições em esquema de parcelas subdivididas, utilizando-se como fontes de variação nos tratamentos a idade e o histórico de treinamento em CCE. As parcelas foram constituídas pelos testes incrementais realizados nas fases inicial e final do treinamento. As subparcelas foram representadas pelos tempos de avaliação e coletas. Os equinos do grupo experimental novos iniciantes apresentaram valor médio do hematócrito de 43,24%, sendo inferior ao hematócrito do grupo adultos iniciantes, 45,63%, novos experientes, 46,39%, e competidores, 47,74%. Houve diferença (P<0,05) entre os testes físicos realizados nas fases inicial e final do treinamento, com redução na concentração plasmática de glicose, de 112 para 98,88mg/dL, nas concentrações séricas de creatinina, de 1,41 para 1,29mg/dL, e de proteínas totais, de 6,52 para 6,38g/dL, na contagem de monócitos, de 0,54 para 0,48 10³/mm³, e com aumento na concentração plasmática de lactato, de 3,31 para 3,79mmol/L, na concentração sérica de ácido úrico, de 1,44 para 1,77mg/dL, no hematócrito, de 44,19 para 46,90%, na concentração de hemoglobina, de 14,33 para 15,10g/dL, e na contagem de leucócitos totais, de 9,26 para 9,61 10³/mm³. O treinamento dos equinos de CCE aumentou o condicionamento físico dos equinos, com maior capacidade de metabolização do lactato após o exercício e aumento nos valores basais do hematócrito e da concentração de hemoglobina.

Was evaluated the hematology and serum biochemistry in event horses (CCE) in training during incremental treadmill tests. Sixteen horses were used in a completely randomized design with four treatments and four repetitions in subdivided parcels, using age and previous history of training in events as sources of treatment variation. The parcels constituted of incremental treadmill tests performed at the beginning and end of training. The subparcels were represented by the time of evaluation and collection of samples. The equines of new beginners group had mean hematocrit value of 43.24%, being lower than the hematocrit of adult beginners group, 45.63%, new experienced group, 46.39%, and competitors group, 47.74%. There were differences (P<0.05) between the tests performed at the beginning and end of training, with reduction in glucose plasma concentration, from 112 to 98,88mg/dL, in seric concentration of creatinine, 1.41 to 1.29mg/dL, and total protein, 6.52 to 6.38 g/dL, in monocyte count, 0.54 to 0.48 10³/mm³, and an increase of lactate plasma concentration, from 3.31 to 3.79mmol/L, in seric concentration of uric acid, 44 to 1.77mg/dL, in hematocrit, 44.19 to 46.90%, in hemoglobin concentration, 14.33 to 15.10 g/dL, and blood cell count, 9.26 to 9.61 10³/mm³. The training of event horses improves physical performance of horses, with increased capacity of lactate metabolism after exercise and increased basal hematocrit and hemoglobin concentration.

Suboptimal survival of male germ-cell tumors in southern Portugal--a population-based retrospective study for cases diagnosed in 1999 and 2000.

BACKGROUND: The outcome of germ-cell tumors (GCTs) is a hallmark of good-quality cancer care. In the Eurocare-4 study, the mean 5-year survival for patients diagnosed from 1995 to 1999 was 95.5%. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We carried out a population-based retrospective chart review study of male patients diagnosed with GCT in 1999 and 2000 in southern Portugal (2 119 065 males). RESULTS: There were 87 GCTs-79 testicular, 2 retroperitoneal, 3 mediastinal, 2 of the central nervous system and 1 of the stomach. For the 81 patients with testicular or retroperitoneal primaries, 35 had stage I, 13 stage II and 30 stage III at presentation (3 unknown). Classification by International Germ Cell Consensus Classification Group criteria, 17 belonged to the poor prognosis group (mediastinal primary 3, liver metastases 11 and very elevated markers 3). With median follow-up of 89 months, the 5-year absolute overall survival was 80% (100% for stage I, 92% for stage II and 53% for stage III disease). CONCLUSIONS: While GCT incidence was similar to neighboring Spain, the 5-year overall survival was lower than that of other European countries. This may result from delays in diagnosis, suggested by high proportion of high-stage and large-burden disease, and poor adherence to recommended treatment algorithms.

Rapid hemodynamic deterioration because of acute rupture of an aneurysm of the sinus of Valsalva: the importance of echocardiography in early diagnosis.

We report a patient with an acute rupture of an aneurysm of the right sinus of Valsalva of a bicuspid aortic valve into the right atrium. This congenital disorder is a result of a weak point in the aortic wall resulting from a localized interruption of the media. Because of rapid hemodynamic deterioration, early diagnosis is mandatory and often lifesaving. Echocardiography is the most reliable method to confirm the diagnosis.

Ovarian follicular atresia in two teleost species: a histological and ultrastructural study.

Follicular atresia is a common phenomenon in vertebrate ovaries involving the oocyte and the follicular wall degeneration. Female Astyanax bimaculatus lacustris and Leporinus reinhardti were kept in aquaculture cages inside tanks from February 1994 to January 1995 for the study of the characteristics of different stages of follicular atresia. Histological and ultrastructural analysis demonstrated similarities in the degenerative events and in the resorption of oocytes in both species. Degradation of organelles, such as mitochondria, cortical alveoli, and annulate lamellae occurred in the peripheral ooplasm during the initial stage of the process. Follicle cells showed marked phagocytic activity with digestive vacuoles, myelin figures, and lipofuscin granules during the intermediate and advanced stages of follicular atresia. Granulocytes were in activity during the final stage of follicle resorption. The duration of follicular atresia was 4 months in Leporinus reinhardti and 7 months in Astyanax bimaculatus lacustris. When submitted to induced reproduction in December 1995, 50-60% of the females of both species responded to induced spawning, indicating the recovery of gonadal activity. It is suggested that, in captive conditions, follicular atresia is shorter in total-spawning fishes when compared to those showing partial spawning, and that it has no apparent deleterious effects on induced reproduction in the subsequent cycle.

[Expectations of hospitalized patients as to their relationship with the nursing team]. / Expectativas dos clientes hospitalizados frente ao relacionamento com a equipe de enfermagem.

This research has been made in infectious-parasitary disease sector of a public university hospital in Rio de Janeiro on the first semester of 1995. The logbook research has been introduced to 5 adult clients, from both sexes, who had been interned in the construction of two categories, which are: a) Category I: Feelings and expectations of the client and; b) Category II: Communication and relationship between client and nurse. The results found in the first category were: 1) Lack of affection; 2) Affection, fear and anxiety; 3) Loneliness and depression; 4) Reflection; 5) Insecurity; 6) Worry about the equipment, to be cut, to be impersonally treated, lose self-control and physical dependence. The results found in the second category were: 1) Doubts and interests in information about their disease, its evolution and how long they will stay in hospital: 2) Opportunity to express feelings and ideas; 3) Comprehension of the message given by the nurse. We emphasize the increase of interchange of information, ideas, beliefs, feelings and acts in nurse-client interaction to develop the therapeutic relationship aiming at helping the client to fulfill his basic needs.

[Hexachlorocyclohexane contamination in urban areas of the south eastern region of Brazil]. / Contaminação por hexaclorociclohexanos em área urbana da região Sudeste do Brasil.

A factory for producing the pesticide hexachlorocyclohexane (HCR) in its technical grade (mix of the alpha, beta, gamma, and delta isomers), that belonged to the former Institute of Malaria Sciences, then Ministry of Education and Health, located in the "Cidade dos Meninos", county of Duque de Caxias, State of Rio de Janeiro, was closed down in 1955. Part of its production and wastes - many tons this mix - were left behind on the site. The action of winds and rain as well as the movement of the local inhabitants - approximately 1,000 people, including 400 children, have caused the scaltering of this agent. Blood specimens from the inhabitants showed a high human contamination levels, with the highest concentration (beta isomers) being found in people living within a 100 meter radius of the ruin of the factory. Local soil and pasture samples taken at distances of less than 100 m from the ruin of the former factory showed HCH isomer concentrations of the order of thousands of ppb, thus providing evidence of high environmental contamination.

Measles transmission in health facilities during outbreaks.

BACKGROUND: Consultation waiting rooms and similar medical settings, either public or private, are places where children have higher probability of acquiring some infectious diseases, especially during outbreaks. METHODS: During a measles outbreak which occurred in Lisbon in 1989 a case-control study was carried out in a major paediatric hospital to estimate the risk of measles infection associated with the exposure in medical settings. The statistical analysis was performed with data matched on age, using conditional logistic regression, to reach a multivariate model which explains the risk in the presence of the main variables of interest. RESULTS: The crude odds ratio (OR), based upon 72 cases and 216 controls, in children younger than 12 years, was 4.1 (P < 0.001). Hospital emergency settings had an OR of 4.9 (P < 0.001) and private physicians' offices an OR of 1.4 (P = 0.689). Non-whites showed a 2.4-fold increase in the crude probability of getting measles, although this was not statistically significant (P = 0.118). Children who had a recent contact with cases of measles had an OR of 14.7 (P = 0.005). Immunization against measles was an important protective factor (OR = 0.1; P < 0.001), as was attendance at kindergartens or wet nurses, although less significant (OR = 0.4; P = 0.051). CONCLUSIONS: This study supports the need for children to avoid unnecessary exposure in medical settings during measles outbreaks, especially if those settings are crowded and result in long waiting periods before a consultation.

Red wine consumption and gastric cancer in Portugal: a case-control study.

The present case-control study was designed mainly to estimate the risk of gastric cancer associated with consumption of alcoholic beverages. Seventy-four cases were selected from patients undergoing endoscopy with a histologically confirmed diagnosis of gastric cancer and matched by age and sex to a pool of controls (193) from three different sources, at the same hospital ward. After adjustment for several confounders, consumption of more than one bottle of red wine per day 20 years prior to the interview showed an odds ratio (OR) = 2.61 (P = 0.049), with a dose-response relationship increasing from 1.36 for those consuming less than one glass of wine per meal, up to 3.67 if the daily consumption exceeded one bottle of red wine. Other statistically significant determinants of the disease occurrence were low education level (OR = 4.33; P = 0.0008) and low social class (OR = 2.77; P = 0.016), as well as the regular practice of preserving food by smoke at home (OR = 1.91; P = 0.032).