Hindlimb bones texture through postnatal ages of Rhea americana (Aves: Palaeognathae).

The bone texture of Rhea americana was evaluated through the examination of a postnatal ontogenetic series. The hind limb bone surfaces of specimens of one, three and five months old, and adults were compared to characterize each stage according to the morphological features generated by their differential ossification. The results suggest a similar process of tissue maturation concerning neognathous birds, although with some differences. A spongy or striated surface with abundant pores in the femur and longitudinal grooves in the tibiotarsus and tarsometatarsus characterizes chicks. Vascularity decreases, and the bone texture gradually changes acquiring a more homogeneous surface, to eventually reach the smooth appearance of adult bones. The establishment of particular textures corresponding to different bones and ontogenetic stages permits the accurate interpretation of remains in ecological, archaeological and paleontological contexts in which bones are fragmented and/or incomplete.

Letter to the editor about "Effects of fruit and vegetables on metabolic syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials" by Shin JY, Kim JY, Kang HT, Han KH, Shim JY published online in 2015 May 6.

The letter to the editor presents methodological issues about the search strategy, adequate reporting of meta-analysis, and statistical details of the referred article.

What is organ donation and transplantation? Educating through the doubt.

BACKGROUND: Organ transplantation in Brazil is increasing, but one of its current obstacles is the negative response of the population to organ donation. Therefore, to make the process viable, it is essential that people are educated in organ donation and transplantation. The purpose of this research was to evaluate the main doubts on this subject and to clarify these issues by educating the respondents on the basis of their questions. METHODS: Handout questionnaires about organ donation and transplantation were distributed in public schools. The public targets were parents, teachers, and students. The interviewers were trained medical students. RESULTS: In this pilot study with 293 subjects, 97% of respondents had already heard about organ donation; 81% said they would donate their organs, whereas 76% said they would donate the organs of family members and 78% said they believe in the existence of organ trafficking in Brazil. CONCLUSIONS: The high percentage of respondents believing in the existence of an organ trade highlights the urgency in clarifying this topic. To do so, the population must be educated about the ethics of the process of donation, emphasizing the fact that there is no organ trade in Brazil.

Ontogenetic scaling of the hindlimb muscles of the greater rhea (Rhea americana).

The greater rhea (Rhea americana) is the largest South American bird. It is a cursorial, flightless species with long powerful legs and reduced forelimbs. The goal of this study was to explore how hindlimb muscles scale with body mass during postnatal growth and to analyze whether the specialized locomotion of this species affects the growth of muscle masses. The mass of 19 muscles and body mass were weighed in 21 specimens ranging from 1-month-old individuals to adults. Seventeen muscles scaled with positive allometry with respect to body mass, whereas two muscles scaled isometrically. The predominance of positive allometric growth in hindlimb muscles results in a limb with massive and powerful muscles specialized to support a large body mass and to attain relatively high running speeds. Analysis of muscle mass scaling is a simple and useful way to compare possible differences between locomotor styles, and it is valuable in studies that reconstruct the paleobiology of extinct taxa.

The hindlimb muscles of Rhea americana (Aves, Palaeognathae, Rheidae).

The Greater Rhea is the largest cursorial Ratitae bird native to South America. Due to its increasing importance in farming and therefore in the sustainable use of this species, a comprehensive knowledge of their anatomy is essential. The goal of this study was to provide an anatomical description of the hindlimb muscles of Rhea americana. Six adult birds of both sexes were macroscopically studied analysing the origin and insertion of thigh and shank muscles. The thigh showed the highest number of muscles, whereas the shank showed the lowest number; this feature minimizes inertia and allows achieving high stride frequencies. The muscles of the shank showed long tendons of insertion that reduce the energetic cost during running. The major muscles responsible for extension of the hip and the ankle joints were massive and robust indicating their importance for cursorial locomotion. The pelvic limb muscles of Rhea americana resemble those of other cursorial Ratitae and their features are consistent with specialization for high-speed locomotion.

A useful model to study the effect of high sugar concentrations upon growth and enzymic activities of toad embryos and larvae.

The aim of this study was to develop an oviparous model suitable for studying the differential effects and mechanisms by which a high concentration of extracellular glucose and other sugars produce diabetes complications, particularly body growth retardation during development. Hence, we studied the experimental conditions necessary to obtain measurable effects of high sugar concentrations (5-mM glucose, mannitol, fructose and galactose) upon body growth and development of Bufo arenarum embryos and larvae, and upon the activity of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT), and alkaline phosphatase (APP). Unfed animals kept in glucose showed lower body weight than controls at all stages, a condition only observed at stage 26 for animals kept in galactose and fructose. All animals reached the same stage of development regardless of the solution in which they were kept. Glucose and fructose significantly decreased the activity of all enzymes tested, while galactose only affected GGT activity. The model provides the first experimental evidence for the deleterious effect exerted in vivo by different sugars upon developing embryos and larvaes of Bufo arenarum. The results prove that this model might help to elucidate the effects and the pathogenic mechanisms of hyperglycemia upon growth and development of embryos exposed to environments with high sugar concentrations. It might also become a useful tool for testing the effectiveness of drugs designed to prevent the deleterious effect of such exposure.

[Post-transplantation osteoporosis]. / Osteoporosis postrasplante.

In the last two decades organ transplantation has become an effective and established therapy for end-stage disease of various organs. The increase in survival has been due to the greater immunosuppressive capacity of regimens that include cyclosporin. During the first few months after transplantation cyclosporin is associated with high-dose steroids, which produce deleterious effects on bone and mineral metabolism. These effects are superimposed on the previous bone lesions produced by the underlying chronic diseases. Rapid bone loss occurs specially during the first 6 to 12 months after transplantation, when the incidence of fractures is greater. The majority of the fractures involve the spine. Fracture rates are lower after renal transplantation (7 to 11% in nondiabetic renal transplant recipients) and higher in the recipients of other organ transplants: 17.2 to 42% after liver transplantation, 18 to 50% after cardiac transplantation and 25 to 29% after lung transplantation. No pretransplant densitometric or biochemical parameter can adequately predict fracture risk in the individual patient. Despite this, patients with low bone mineral density at the hip, particularly in women, tend to have an increased risk of fracture. Patients can have vertebral fractures despite normal bone mineral density at the spine. Pathogenesis of bone loss is multifactorial. Patients with renal and liver diseases have either renal or hepatic osteodystrophy prior to transplantation that predispose to bone loss, and many patients awaiting pulmonary transplantation already have osteoporosis due to the use of corticosteroids for their lung disease. Rapid bone loss after transplantation depends, as suggested by prospective biochemical parameters, on a decrease in bone formation (reduction in osteocalcin levels) and an increase in bone resorption. Steroids seem to be the principal determinants of these derangements, although some role of cyclosporin cannot be excluded. Other factors that contribute to bone loss are secondary hyperparathyroidism and hypogonadism. Calcium supplementation and vitamin D administration as the only preventive measures do not seem to reduce fracture risk. The most promising regimens to prevent bone loss after transplantation seem to be the use of bisphosphonates immediately prior to and during the first year after transplantation.

Osteoporosis postrasplante. / [Post-transplantation osteoporosis]

In the last two decades organ transplantation has become an effective and established therapy for end-stage disease of various organs. The increase in survival has been due to the greater immunosuppressive capacity of regimens that include cyclosporin. During the first few months after transplantation cyclosporin is associated with high-dose steroids, which produce deleterious effects on bone and mineral metabolism. These effects are superimposed on the previous bone lesions produced by the underlying chronic diseases. Rapid bone loss occurs specially during the first 6 to 12 months after transplantation, when the incidence of fractures is greater. The majority of the fractures involve the spine. Fracture rates are lower after renal transplantation (7 to 11

in nondiabetic renal transplant recipients) and higher in the recipients of other organ transplants: 17.2 to 42

after liver transplantation, 18 to 50

after cardiac transplantation and 25 to 29

after lung transplantation. No pretransplant densitometric or biochemical parameter can adequately predict fracture risk in the individual patient. Despite this, patients with low bone mineral density at the hip, particularly in women, tend to have an increased risk of fracture. Patients can have vertebral fractures despite normal bone mineral density at the spine. Pathogenesis of bone loss is multifactorial. Patients with renal and liver diseases have either renal or hepatic osteodystrophy prior to transplantation that predispose to bone loss, and many patients awaiting pulmonary transplantation already have osteoporosis due to the use of corticosteroids for their lung disease. Rapid bone loss after transplantation depends, as suggested by prospective biochemical parameters, on a decrease in bone formation (reduction in osteocalcin levels) and an increase in bone resorption. Steroids seem to be the principal determinants of these derangements, although some role of cyclosporin cannot be excluded. Other factors that contribute to bone loss are secondary hyperparathyroidism and hypogonadism. Calcium supplementation and vitamin D administration as the only preventive measures do not seem to reduce fracture risk. The most promising regimens to prevent bone loss after transplantation seem to be the use of bisphosphonates immediately prior to and during the first year after transplantation.

Growth hormone-insulin-like growth factor-I axis in adult insulin-dependent diabetic patients: evidence for central hypersensitivity to growth hormone-releasing hormone and peripheral resistance to growth hormone.

The aim of this study was to assess the GH-IGFI axis, GH receptor availability, as reflected by the levels of GH-BP, and the amount of GH-dependent IGFBP-3 in adult IDDM patients with different degrees of metabolic control. Thus, 10 adult well-controlled IDDMs (HbA1 7.8 +/- 0.4%), 10 adult non-ketotic poorly controlled IDDMs (HbA1 13.3 +/- 7%) and 14 sex- and age-matched healthy controls were subjected to two intravenous GH-RH stimulation tests with 0.1 and 1.0 microg/kg body weight respectively, and a plasma IGF-1 generation test induced by the administration of hGH. Poorly controlled IDDM patients exhibited an exaggerated GH response to 1.0 microg/kg of GH-RH when compared to healthy control subjects. Low fasting plasma IGF-1 levels and a blunted IGF-1 response to exogenously administered hGH were also found in poorly controlled IDDMs when compared to the healthy control group. GH-BP levels were significantly lower in IDDMs than in normal controls, and correlated positively with the IGF-1 generation capacity after hGH. Serum IGFBP-3 levels measured by RIA were similar in IDDM and control groups. Good glycemic control for 5.7 +/- 0.9 months did not correct the above mentioned abnormalities of the GH-IGF-1 axis. Our findings suggest that IDDM is associated with a diminished availability of GH receptors and synthesis of IGF-1. GH might then increase as a compensatory mechanism, further down-regulating liver GH receptors, and thus perpetuating the initial abnormality.

Combined treatment with lasertherapy (Nd:YAG) and endocavitary radiation in the palliation of rectal cancer.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The ideal treatment for patients with advanced rectal cancer and who cannot undergo a radical therapy is still undefined. The association between lasertherapy (LT) and internal radiotherapy (IRT) could affect both technical results and quality of life. This study was aimed at evaluating the association of LT and IRT in the palliative treatment of rectal cancer. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between January and April 1994, 9 patients (2 males, 7 females) with rectal cancer underwent a combined treatment modality in order to control their symptoms. All patients were unfit for surgery and EUS showed an invasion of the whole muscular layer. After laser recanalization, brachytherapy was applied at a one week interval from last laser session. Two fractions of 10 Gy were administered at one week intervals. RESULTS: The mean number of laser sessions to obtain a complete recanalization was 3 (range:2-5) and no complications occurred. After IRT, we obtained a good result in 7/9 patients (79%) and 2 patients required further LT. The mean follow-up was 146 days (range:74-240): during this period no laser treatment was performed. Four patients complained of acute perineal pain and tenesmus after brachytherapy: in one patient, a colostomy was performed. CONCLUSION: We deem that the administration of two fractions of 10 Gy is not advisable, particularly for the treatment of non-circumferential lesions, due to the severe side effects we observed.

Association of APC gene mutations and histological characteristics of colorectal adenomas.

Fifty-nine colonic adenomas and 6 hyperplastic colonic polyps were analyzed by single-strand conformation polymorphism analysis for mutations in the adenomatous polyposis coli gene (APC). Frameshifts and premature stop codons in at least one copy of APC were detected in 25 of these adenomas. Five adenomas carried 2 APC mutations. No mutations in APC were found in any of the 6 hyperplastic polyps. The detection of APC mutations increased with size and degree of dysplasia and in rectal as compared to colonic adenomas, although the association was not statistically significant. The frequency of detectable APC mutations was higher in tubulovillous and villous adenomas (10 of 13) than in tubular adenomas (15 of 45) (odds ratio, 6.67; 95% confidence limits, 1.39-41.83; P = 0.005). The significance of the association between the detection of APC mutations and a villous architecture was confirmed in multivariate analysis (relative risk, 6.67; 95% confidence limits, 1.54-28.8; P = 0.005). In conclusion, APC mutation plays a role in adenoma progression; its frequency is significantly higher in lesions with a more villous morphology.

Correlation between family history of colorectal cancer and pathological and clinical features of the disease.

Familial aggregation of colorectal cancer occurs even among sporadic cases that are not part of defined genetic syndromes. First-degree relatives of patients with "sporadic" colorectal cancer have a three- to fourfold increased risk of the same cancer. The aim of the present study is to investigate the relationship between a first-degree family history of colorectal cancer and the pathological and clinical features of the tumor (site, Dukes' stage, age at diagnosis, sex, and patient survival). Four hundred and sixty-one patients with colorectal cancer were evaluated (250 males and 211 females) and information obtained on their family history of cancer. Sex, age, and stage of disease were the only parameters that correlated significantly with survival. No relationship between family history of colorectal cancer and the prognostic variables was observed.

Tenascin and fibronectin distribution in human normal and pathological synovium.

Tenascin is a glycoprotein found mainly in the extracellular matrix of developing and malignant tissues. The distribution of this molecule in normal and pathological synovia from patients with osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) was investigated by indirect immunofluorescence utilizing specific monoclonal antibodies. The same technique was used to study total fibronectin (tFn) in synovial tissues as well as ED-A and ED-B containing fibronectin (Fn) isoforms (A-Fn, B-Fn), generated by alternative splicing of pre-mRNA. Tenascin was found in normal synovium just beneath the whole lining cell layer. However, a higher density and spreading pattern of distribution was observed in OA and RA sections. A-Fn and B-Fn isoforms were prominent and widespread throughout the normal synovial lining; in hypercellular synovial lining (in RA and OA samples), A-Fn and B-Fn were also observed spreading in the sublining, as well as tFn.

[Colorectal adenocarcinoma in patients with familial anamnesis positive for malignant neoplasms of the large intestine]. / Adenocarcinoma del colon-retto in pazienti con anamnesi familiare positiva per neoplasie maligne del grosso intestino.

Familial aggregation of colorectal cancer occurs also among sporadic cases that are not part of defined genetic syndromes. First degree relatives of patients with "sporadic" colorectal cancer have a 3-4 fold increased risk of the same cancer. The aim of the present study is to investigate the relationship between a first degree family history of colorectal cancer and pathological and clinical features of the tumor (site, Dukes' stage, age at diagnosis, sex and survival of patients). 461 patients with colorectal cancer were evaluated (250 males and 211 females) after obtaining informations about their family history of cancer. 52 (11.25%) of them reported to have at least one close relative affected by intestinal cancer. Sex, age and stage of the disease are the only parameters that significantly affect survival. No relationship between family history of colorectal cancer and prognostic variables was observed.

[A different approach to perceptive phenomena in 250 0-5-year old children]. / Un enfoque diferente de los fenómenos percpetivos en 250 niños de cero a cinco años.

In this work there is a comparison between the different perceptions that a child can get from the dental instruments. The perception of dental instruments influences in a determinative way during dental attention. The sample consisted in the selection of 250 children whose ages ranges from 0 to 5 years. It was determined that age and experience influence in the perception of the objects as well as the different dental instruments used as variables.