Incidence and survival of central nervous system tumors in childhood and adolescence in Girona (Spain) 1990-2013: national and international comparisons.

INTRODUCTION: Pediatric central nervous system tumors are one of the most frequent types of neoplasms in children but epidemiological data on these tumors have been sparsely reported in the medical literature. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analyze the epidemiology of this type of tumors performing a retrospective population-based study in pediatrics and adolescent age in the population of Girona and compare them with series from Spain, Europe and worldwide. Cases were registered using the International Classification of Disease for Oncology, third edition and grouping according the International Classification of Childhood Cancer, third edition (ICCC-3). RESULTS: For all the histologies and the whole population between 0 and 19 years old, ASRw was 41.8 cases per million person-years. In children population, meaning under 14 years old, we found 104 cases with ASRw of 45.6. Males were the most affected by CNS tumors with a 1.2 sex ratio between 0 and 14 years old, and 1.1 between 0 and 19 years old. The analysis of trends in incidence did not find any statistically significant increase or decrease. Five-year observed survival was 68%, both for patients under 19 and 14 years of age. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence in our area was among the highest in Spain and worldwide, while survival was comparable to others reported.

The influence of socioeconomic factors and family context on energy-dense food consumption among 2-year-old children.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Adverse effect on health has been described for a high consumption of energy-dense food, among children and adults. Limited research has been performed among pre-school children. The objective of this study is to evaluate the association between socioeconomic characteristics and family structure, and the consumption of energy-dense food among 2-year-old children. SUBJECTS/METHODS: The study sample includes 808 2-year-old children from the Portuguese birth cohort Generation XXI with information on food consumption. Data were obtained from questionnaires administered by interviewers to parents. Based on a food frequency questionnaire, four groups of energy-dense food were defined: soft drinks (sweetened drinks), sweets (chocolate and candies), cakes (creamy and not creamy cakes and sweet pastry) and salty snacks (crisps, pizza and burger). Multinomial logistic regression models (odds ratio and 95% confidence intervals) were fitted to estimate the associations. RESULTS: Intakes of energy-dense food were much lower than in similar aged children in other Westernized countries. Maternal age and education, grandparents' education, household income and maternal occupation were inversely associated with the consumption of energy-dense food, particularly soft drinks and sweets. Children with older siblings were more likely to have a daily consumption of any energy-dense food. Few significant associations were found between socioeconomic characteristics and family structure and consumption of cakes and sweets less than once a week. CONCLUSION: High socioeconomic characteristics were associated with lower consumption of energy-dense food by 2-year-old children, mainly soft drinks and sweets. This influence is not only from parents' background but also from the preceding generations.

Estudo radiográfico do posicionamento da falange distal e suas possíveis correlações com obesidade em equinos de patrulhamento da Polícia Militar do Estado de Minas Gerais / Radiographic study of the distal phalanx position and their possible correlation with obesity in patrol horses from the Military Police of Minas Gerais

Com o objetivo de se verificarem possíveis correlações entre a falange distal, o estojo córneo e a obesidade, 55 equinos de patrulhamento provenientes do Regimento de Cavalaria Alferes Tiradentes do Estado de Minas Gerais - RCAT tiveram seus dígitos torácicos radiografados. Posteriormente, os animais foram classificados quanto ao acúmulo de tecido adiposo regional por métodos subjetivos (escore corporal e escore de pescoço) e objetivos (índice de massa corporal, circunferência do pescoço e determinação de espessura do tecido adiposo por meio de ultrassonografia na inserção da cauda e do abdômen). Na população estudada, o índice de massa corporal evidenciou que 52,6 por cento dos equinos se encontravam acima do peso. A circunferência do pescoço a 50 por cento de seu comprimento dorsal e a medida ultrassonográfica na inserção da cauda se mostraram os melhores métodos objetivos para quantificar o acúmulo de tecido adiposo. Foram identificadas particularidades radiográficas características da população estudada que diferem de parâmetros internacionais. Observaram-se correlações significantes entre sinais de obesidade e medidas radiográficas indicadoras de laminite, sugerindo associação entre essas duas condições na população estudada...

With the aim to verify possible correlations between the spatial relationship between the distal phalanx and the hoof and signs of obesity, 55 horses from the Cavalry Regiment Alferes Tiradentes of Minas Gerais State Police - RCAT had x-rays taken from their thoracic hoofs. After that, horses were classified based on their subjective (body condition and neck scores) and objective (body mass index, neck circumferences, ultrasound measurement of fat tissue of the tail and on abdomen) methods for adiposity. Within the population, the body mass index showed that 52.6 percent of horses were overweight. Neck circumference at 50 percent of its dorsal length and ultrasound measurement of fat thickness on the insertion of the tail were the best objective methods. We identified specific radiographic characteristics of the population that were different from international parameters. Significant correlations among signs of obesity and measurements that indicate lamintis were found, suggesting association between these conditions in this horse population...

Photodynamic inactivation of biofilms formed by Candida spp., Trichosporon mucoides, and Kodamaea ohmeri by cationic nanoemulsion of zinc 2,9,16,23-tetrakis(phenylthio)-29H, 31H-phthalocyanine (ZnPc).

The biofilms formed by opportunistic yeasts serve as a persistent reservoir of infection and impair the treatment of fungal diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate photodynamic inactivation (PDI) of biofilms formed by Candida spp. and the emerging pathogens Trichosporon mucoides and Kodamaea ohmeri by a cationic nanoemulsion of zinc 2,9,16,23-tetrakis(phenylthio)-29H,31H-phthalocyanine (ZnPc). Biofilms formed by yeasts after 48 h in the bottom of 96-well microtiter plates were treated with the photosensitizer (ZnPc) and a GaAlAs laser (26.3 J cm(-2)). The biofilm cells were scraped off the well wall, homogenized, and seeded onto Sabouraud dextrose agar plates that were then incubated at 37°C for 48 h. Efficient PDI of biofilms was verified by counting colony-forming units (CFU/ml), and the data were submitted to analysis of variance and the Tukey test (p < 0.05). All biofilms studied were susceptible to PDI with statistically significant differences. The strains of Candida genus were more resistant to PDI than emerging pathogens T. mucoides and K. ohmeri. A mean reduction of 0.45 log was achieved for Candida spp. biofilms, and a reduction of 0.85 and 0.84, were achieved for biofilms formed by T. mucoides and K. ohmeri, respectively. Therefore, PDI by treatment with nanostructured formulations cationic zinc 2,9,16,23- tetrakis (phenylthio)- 29H, 31H- phthalocyanine (ZnPc) and a laser reduced the number of cells in the biofilms formed by strains of C. albicans and non-Candida albicans as well the emerging pathogens T. mucoides and K. ohmeri.

High doses of olive leaf extract induce liver changes in mice.

Virtually ever since it was first commercialized in 1995, there have been several studies focusing on the use of olive leaf extract (OLE) as a natural therapy and its medical properties. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of three different concentrations of OLE on the function of mice livers over the course of 14 weeks. Female ICR mice were divided into four groups, depending on OLE concentration used: 0%, 0.25%, 0.5%, and 0.75%. Alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, total bilirubin and albumin serum concentrations were all measured. Histopathological changes of the liver were observed after haematoxylin and eosin, reticulin, and Masson's trichrome staining was carried out while liver mitochondrial bioenergetics were also evaluated. Alanine aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase serum enzyme activities increased significantly in the groups in which 0.5% and 0.75% OLE concentrations were used. Histologically, all the groups exposed to OLE exhibited hyperplasia of the bile ducts, cholestasis, hepatocyte necrosis and inflammatory infiltrated. Hepatic fibrosis was observed in the groups featuring 0.5% and 0.75% OLE concentrations. The mitochondrial membrane potential, respiratory control ratio and ADP/O of samples from animals fed the higher OLE concentration was significantly decreased when compared to the control group.

Polar properties and phase sequence in Eu(0.8)Y(0.2)MnO(3).

In this work, we have studied in detail the temperature dependence of the electric polarization of Eu(0.8)Y(0.2)MnO(3) aimed at clarifying the controversial issues concerning the ferroelectric nature of the lower temperature magnetic phases and hence its multiferroic character. The existence of a spontaneous polarization in 30 K < T < 22 K, provides clear evidence for the ferroelectric character of the re-entrant non-collinear spiral-antiferromagnetic phase, stable in that temperature range. Contrary to results published in previous works, our experimental data clearly show that the weak-ferromagnetic, canted antiferromagnetic phase stable below 20 K is not intrinsically ferroelectric. The misinterpretation, regarding the polar character of the lower temperature magnetic phases, stems from the existence of an induced polarization occurring below 30 K. The mechanisms associated with polar and magnetic properties, and their correlation with both spin and lattice structures are also discussed.

Caracterização da mitocôndria isolada de fígado de tilápia-do-nilo (Oreochromis niloticus) e alterações da bioenergética mitocondrial causadas pela exposição herbicida oxifluorfena / Characterization of liver mitochondria from Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) and mitochondrial bioenergetics alterations caused by exposure to oxyfluorfen herbicide

Descreve-se um método de isolamento de mitocôndrias acopladas de tilápia-do-nilo Oreochromis niloticus, isoladas de células hepáticas de peixes adultos. As mitocôndrias estavam metabolicamente ativas, sendo capazes de realizarem fosforilação oxidativa, de acordo com os valores do quociente de controle respiratório. Os valores de controle respiratório obtidos com malato/piruvato (complexo I) e com succinato (complexo II) foram de 5,8±0,8 e 3,38±0,4, respectivamente. O potencial de membrana exibiu o valor de 197±4mV, quer se utilizasse malato/piruvato ou succinato como substrato. O procedimento de isolamento de mitocôndrias de O. niloticus permite o estudo do efeito de xenobióticos na bioenergética mitocondrial, tendo sido avaliada a ação da oxifluorfena (0,6mgL-1) na bioenergética mitocondrial. Os resultados demonstram que o tratamento com oxifluorfena influencia a capacidade fosforilativa dos peixes, interferindo na sua carga energética, o que poderá levar à sua morte.

A method for isolation of coupled mitochondria isolated from the liver of adult Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus is described for the first time. They were metabolically active, able to sustain oxidative phosphorylation, as shown by respiratory control ratio values, which were about 5.8±0.8 and 3.3±0.4 when respiring on malate/piruvate (complex I) or succinate (complex II), respectively, as substrate. Membrane potential exhibited a value of approximately 197±4mV for malate/piruvate or succinate. The procedure now described for the isolation of O. niloticus mitochondria is an important new tool, allowing the study about the effect of xenobiotics on mitochondrial bioenergetic, being evaluated the effect of oxyfluorfen (0.6mgL-1) in the liver mitocondrial bioenergetic. These results showed that phosphorylation was significantly affected by oxyfluorfen which contributed to the decrease on the liver cell energy charge and consequently led to the fish dead.

Polar properties of Eu(0.6)Y(0.4)MnO(3) ceramics and their magnetic field dependence.

Eu(1-x)Y(x)MnO(3), compared against other magnetoelectric systems, exhibits very distinctive features. Its magnetoelectric properties are driven by the magnetic spin of the Mn(3+) ion, but they can be drastically changed by varying the content of Y(3+), which does not carry any magnetic moment. Although the x = 0.40 composition has been studied extensively, some basic areas still remain to be thoroughly understood. Thus, this work is aimed at studying some of its polar properties and their magnetic field dependence as well. The experimental results reported here show that this material is very easily polarizable under external electric fields, and so, whenever the polarization is obtained from time integration of the displacement currents, an induced polarization is superposed on the spontaneous one, eventually masking the occurrence of ferroelectricity. We have found clear evidence for the influence of a magnetic field in the polar properties of Eu(0.6)Y(0.4)MnO(3). The study of electric polarization of Eu(0.6)Y(0.4)MnO(3) under an external magnetic field yields a value with the same order of magnitude of the remanent polarization as was determined from polarization reversal experiments. The comparison of the magnetically induced changes in the polarization obtained for polycrystalline samples and single crystals confirms the threshold magnetic field value for the polarization rotation from the a-direction to the c-direction, and provides evidence of the importance of the granular nature of the samples in the polar response to the magnetic field.

Seasonality of the activity pattern of Callithrix penicillata (Primates, Callitrichidae) in the cerrado (scrub savanna vegetation).

Two wild groups of Callithrix penicillata, the Black Pincelled Marmoset, were observed from January to September 1998, in two areas, one an area of dense scrub savanna vegetation (cerrado) and the other, a semidecidual woodland (cerradão), both within the boundaries of the Ecological Reserve of IBGE (Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics), in an environmentally protected area, the APA (Portuguese abbreviation for "environmental protected area") Gama/Cabeça-de-Veado, Brasília, DF. The behavioral data collected during the rainy (January 15 to April 15) and dry season (June 1 to September 15) were compared. Because of the proximity to the Reserve facilities, the group from the dense scrub savanna vegetation (CD) was submitted to antropic impacts different from the group in the semidecidual woodland (CE), which was using as territory an area that had been suffering from man-made fires every two years as part of a long-term experimental project on fire impacts. The behavioral data was quantified by instantaneous cross-section ("scan sampling") every ten minutes with records of locomotion, rest, foraging for insects, use of exudate, and feeding. During the whole year, the greatest percentage of time spent by CE and CD was in foraging for insects, with 44% and 39%, respectively. It was evident when comparing the data for the two seasons that, for both groups, foraging for insects was more intense during the dry season, possibly to complement the shortage of food, and locomotion increased during the rainy season. The greater the availability and distribution of fruit in the areas, the greater the locomotion of the groups to obtain these resources. None of the other behavioral patterns, including the use of exudates, presented significant differences between the two seasons. Both groups foraged more frequently during the dry season and locomoted more during the rainy one.

Seasonality of the activity pattern of Callithrix penicillata (Primates, Callitrichidae) in the cerrado (scrub savanna vegetation)

Foram observados dois grupos selvagens de Callithrix penicillata (mico-estrela), entre janeiro e setembro de 1998, em uma área de cerrado denso e outra de cerradão, ambas localizadas na Reserva Ecológica do IBGE, que faz parte da APA do Gama/Cabeça-de-Veado, Brasília, DF. Compararam-se dados de comportamento entre estação chuvosa (15/1 a 15/4) e estação seca (1/6 a 15/9). Em razão da proximidade com as instalaçäes da reserva, o grupo do cerrado denso sofreu perturbaçäes antrópicas. O grupo do cerradão habita uma área de 10 ha, a qual faz parte do Projeto Fogo e é queimada de dois em dois anos. Os comportamentos foram quantificados por amostragem instantânea (scan sampling), a cada dez minutos, registrando locomoção, descanso, forrageamento de insetos, uso de exsudato e alimentação. Durante todo o estudo, a maior parte do tempo gasto pelos dois grupos foi com forrageamento de insetos (44%-39%) e locomoção (24%-22%), sendo alimentação (8%-7%) e uso de exsudato (9%-9%) os padräes menos comuns. Ambos os grupos forragearam mais na estação seca e locomoveram-se mais na estação chuvosa. O uso de exsudato não apresentou diferença significativa entre as estaçäes.

Uso de prótese e grau de satisfação com a condição bucal no cotidiano de trabalhadores de Bragança Paulista-SP - Brasil / Use of prostheses and degree of satisfaction with mouth condition in the daily activities of the workers of Bragança Paulista-SP - Brasil

Mediante um indicador sociodental, desenvolvido por Adulyanon e Sheiham, os autores mediram os resultados das condições orais dos comerciários da cidade de Bragança Paulista. Este indicador de Impactos Orais nas Performance Diárias (IOPD) é observado avaliando-se nove aspectos físicos, psicológicos e sociais das atividades diárias, registrando não só o desempenho oral (saúde) de cada indivíduo mas, também, provendo dados para avaliar os serviços de saúde bucal nesta população. No registro do cadastro de Associados dos Comerciários do SPC, encontram-se 507 estabelecimentos, tendo sido escolhidos aleatoriamente 12,5 por cento destes estabelecimentos (65). Em cada estabelecimento visitado foi aplicado o teste em dois funcionários. Um de 18 a 30 anos, não sendo portador de nenhuma prótese e o outro acima de 30 anos, possuindo algum dos três tipos de próteses [Total, Parcial Fixa (com pôntico ou elemento isolado) e Parcial Removível] ou necessitando delas. Os autores concluíram que os usuários de próteses fraturadas, ou que necessitavam de reajuste da base, relatavam comprometimento na qualidade de vida diária. Os trabalhadores entrevistados mostraram maior insatisfação com a boca e os dentes, quando afetavam sua vida social (sorrir 29,62 por cento, estabilidade emocional 27,77 por cento e trabalho no comércio 25,92 por cento) do que com uma satisfação pessoal (dormir, atividades fisícas e limpar os dentes)

Análise da dieta alimentar dos comerciários de Bragança Paulista (SP) e sua influência na saúde bucal / Evaluation of diet intake of businessmen class of Bragança Paulista (SP) and how it affects oral health

Encontram-se na cidade de Bragança Paulista 507 estabelecimentos cadastrados na Associação dos Comerciários do SPC (Serviço de Proteção ao Crédito). Destes, 12,5 por cento foram visitados, num total de 65 estabelecimentos, sendo que em cada um deles selecionaram-se aleatoriamente 2 funcionários. Na primeira visita foram entregues "Diários de Ingestão Alimentar", nos quais durante três dias teriam que registrar em detalhes a quantidade e a composição das refeições principais e intermediárias, de tudo quanto comessem ou bebessem em casa ou fora dela, incluindo doces, gomas de mascar e medicamentos ingeridos entre as refeições. Depois de três dias esses Diários foram recolhidos e nessa segunda visita, as pessoas receberam por escrito "Instruções sobre Alimentação" (Traduzido da ADA-USA). Os diários foram analisados por meio de um formulário adaptado de Krasse et al. (1991), modificado por Bezerra. A escolaridade, salário e dieta alimentar dos proprietários dos estabelecimentos foram estatisticamente significantes em relação a dos empregados. A quantidade de vezes x dia de escovação e o tempo de uso da escova dental (mês) foram inversamente e diretamente proporcionais entre a Dieta Alimentar dos comerciários, com as variáveis hipoplasia, erosão e dentes ausentes, diferenças estas estatisticamente significantes

[Fragile X Syndrome: case report in two brothers]. / Síndrome do X frágil: relato de caso em dois irmãos.

OBJECTIVE: To alert the pediatricians about the phenotype of the patients with Fragile X Syndrome, because of it's high incidence and the variable degrees of incapacity that may occur. METHODS: Case report of two brothers with the classical findings of the Fragile X Syndrome (mental retardation, "Dumbo-like" ears, macroorchidism, among others), confirmed by cytogenetic studies. RESULTS: The diagnosis of the syndrome is based on the presence of a variable number of cells with fragile sites on the X chromosome at Xq 27.3. The DNA analysis revealed Fragile X locus in 14% of the brothers' metaphases and in 1% of the mother's. It was also observed that two cousins on the mother's side had the syndrome, confirmed by genetic studies. CONCLUSIONS: The recognition of this syndrome by the pediatrician is of extreme importance to an early multidisciplinary approach.

[Aicardi syndrome and choroid plexus papilloma: a rare association. Case report]. / Síndrome de Aicardi e papiloma do plexo coróide: uma associação rara relato de caso.

The authors report a case of a 5 months old female child with clinical features of Aicardi syndrome: agenesis of the corpus callosum, occular abnormalities ("chorioretinal lacunae" and microphthalmus), infantile spasms, mental retardation, vertebral malformations and thoracic deformity. The pacient was submitted to complementary examinations that confirmed the diagnosis. The neuroradiologic images (MRI) showed besides corpus callosum agenesis a tumor located at the left ventricular atrium (choroid plexus papilloma). This association is a rare occurrence and the present case is the seventh described in literature. Furthermore, we suggest that the choroid plexus pappilloma could be a characteristic tumor of the Aicardi syndrome.

[Familial myasthenia gravis: a case report in identical twins]. / Miastenia grave familiar: relato de caso em gêmeas idênticas.

To the best of our knowledge this is the seventh case report of monozygotic twins both affected by myasthenia gravis (MG). The monozygotism was proven by sex identity, blood group and HLA determinations ('O' Rh+, A2, A19.2, B40, CW3). One paternal aunt was also affected and the three cases have high titles of anti-acetylcholine receptor antibodies and anti-striated muscle antibodies, which indicate an acquired form of MG. After several myasthenic crises the twins are now doing well with corticosteroid therapy. The paternal aunt has a more benign form of MG, with ocular and limb involvement (grade IIa of Osserman) and was submitted to thymectomy. The authors discuss the use of corticosteroid for the infantile form of MG instead of thymectomy, based on the immaturity of the immune system in the young age. The use of other immunosuppressive drugs is not advisable because of potential hazardous development of neoplasms.