3D map distribution of metallic nanoparticles in whole cells using MeV ion microscopy.

In this work, a new tool was developed, the MORIA program that readily translates Rutherford backscattering spectrometry (RBS) output data into visual information, creating a display of the distribution of elements in a true three-dimensional (3D) environment. The program methodology is illustrated with the analysis of yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells, exposed to copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO-NP) and HeLa cells in the presence of gold nanoparticles (Au-NP), using different beam species, energies and nuclear microscopy systems. Results demonstrate that for both cell types, the NP internalization can be clearly perceived. The 3D models of the distribution of CuO-NP in S. cerevisiae cells indicate the nonuniform distribution of NP in the cellular environment and a relevant confinement of CuO-NP to the cell wall. This suggests the impenetrability of certain cellular organelles or compartments for NP. By contrast, using a high-resolution ion beam system, discretized agglomerates of Au-NP were visualized inside the HeLa cell. This is consistent with the mechanism of entry of these NPs in the cellular space by endocytosis enclosed in endosomal vesicles. This approach shows RBS to be a powerful imaging technique assigning to nuclear microscopy unparalleled potential to assess nanoparticle distribution inside the cellular volume.

Effects of Passiflora edulis flavicarpa on the radiolabeling of blood constituents, morphology of red blood cells and on the biodistribution of sodium pertechnetate in rats.

The aim of this study was to evaluate possible effects of Passiflora edulis flavicarpa (P. flavicarpa) extract on the labeling of blood constituents with (99m)Tc, on the morphology of red blood cells, and on the biodistribution of sodium pertechnetate (sodium (99m)Tc). Male Wistar rats were treated with either P. flavicarpa extract or 0.9% NaCl. After that, radiolabeling of blood constituents, morphological analysis of red blood cells and biodistribution of sodium (99m)Tc was evaluated. Radiolabeling of blood constituents and shape of red blood cells were not modified, but a significant (p<0.05) alteration of the biodistribution of sodium (99m)Tc was observed after treatment with P. flavicarpa extract. Although our results were obtained with animals, they could contribute to reduce the risk of misdiagnosis and/or repetition of the examinations in nuclear medicine.

La lactancia materna: estudio comparativo de dos poblaciones, una portuguesa y otra española / No disponible

Introducción: el trastorno obsesivo compulsivo se caracteriza por la presencia de ideas obsesivas y patrones conductuales compulsivos con la suficiente frecuencia e intensidad como para interferir en la vida normal de quien lo padece. Objetivo: realizar un análisis descriptivo de una serie de niños y adolescentes afectos de trastorno obsesivo compulsivo que acuden a una unidad de psiquiatría infantil y juvenil. Material y métodos: se realiza un estudio observacional descriptivo de 11 pacientes a partir de la revisión sistemática de sus historias clínicas. Se evalúan los condicionantes clínicos, evolutivos y terapéuticos más importantes y se contrastan con las publicaciones anteriores más relevantes. Resultados: las obsesiones más frecuentes son el temor a la muerte y a padecer una enfermedad, mientras que las compulsiones más frecuentes son la limpieza y el orden. El 55% de la muestra presentan comorbilidad con otras enfermedades mentales, y en el 65% de los casos alguno de los padres tiene un diagnóstico psiquiátrico. El tratamiento utilizado en todos los pacientes es la sertralina, unida a otros psicofármacos cuando la evolución no es adecuada. Conclusiones: la mayoría de los pacientes de la serie descrita presentan antecedentes familiares de trastornos mentales, comorbilidad con otras enfermedades psiquiátricas y en ocasiones requieren más de un psicofármaco. Es importante el diagnóstico precoz para un adecuado seguimiento y tratamiento posterior (AU)

Introduction: high frequency and intensity of obsessive thinking and compulsive behaviour at a level which interferes with leading normal life are the characteristics of the Obsessive- compulsive disorder. Objective: the aim of this work is to analyze the main clinical characteristics in a group of patients of a Children and Youth Psychiatric Unit. Material and methods: descriptive observational study based on the systematic review of the clinical records of 11 patients. The most important factors related to clinical aspects, progression of the illness and treatment where evaluated and compared with the principal related publications. Results: the most frequent obsessions where fear of death and of illness, while the most frequent compulsions where cleanness and order. Fifty-five percent of the sample was suffering from other metal disorders and the parents of 65% of cases had some psychiatric diagnosis. All patients were treated with sertraline, in association with other psychotropic drugs when the progression of the illness was not adequate. Conclusions: most of the patients of this series show familiar records of mental disorders, comorbidity with other psychiatric illness and, sometimes require more than one psychotropic drug. Early detection is very important for a positive control and treatment (AU)

La lactancia materna: estudio comparativo de dos poblaciones, una portuguesa y otra española / No disponible

Objetivo: comparar dos poblaciones respecto a la duración de la lactancia materna y determinar los factores limitantes de la misma. Material y métodos: estudio analítico transversal, realizado mediante un cuestionario a cumplimentar por los acompañantes de los niños que acudieron a la consulta del pediatra de Atención Primaria en los Centros de Salud de Montequinto en Sevilla y de Lumiar en Lisboa, durante el período de tiempo comprendido entre el 1 de noviembre y el 31 de diciembre de 2004. Resultados: se completaron 205 cuestionarios en Montequinto y 90 en Lumiar. La edad materna al nacimiento del primer hijo fue, como media, dos años mayor en la muestra de Montequinto. La duración media de la lactancia materna fue de 5,6 meses en Montequinto versus 3,2 meses en Lumiar, observándose en ambas una mayor duración en el segundo hijo. En Lumiar, las madres desempleadas son las que más tiempo han amamantado. La principal razón invocada en los dos grupos para la introducción de leche artificial fue la creencia de no disponer de leche suficiente. La introducción de la alimentación complementaria fue más tardía en Montequinto. Las principales fuentes de información sobre la lactancia en Montequinto fueron el pediatra de Atención Primaria o la enfermera. En Lumiar no fue así. Conclusiones: las diferencias encontradas podrían no ser representativas de la situación de la lactancia materna en ambos países, pero sí traducir una mayor atención a la promoción del amamantamiento por parte de los profesionales de Atención Primaria (pediatras y enfermeras) de Montequinto (AU)

Objective: to compare the duration of breastfeeding in two populations and to determine the limitating factors of it. Patients and methods: analytical cross-sectional study, made by means of a questionnaire to be filled by the caregivers of the children going to the consultation of the Primary Care paediatrician, in the health centres of Montequinto in Seville and Lumiar in Lisbon, between November 1st and December 31st of 2004. Results: two hundred five questionnaires were completed at Montequinto and 90 at Lumiar. The mother age at the birth of the first son was, in average, two years older in the sample of Montequinto. The average duration of breastfeeding was 5.6 months at Montequinto versus 3.2 months at Lumiar, being observed in both groups a longer duration in the second son. At Lumiar, the unemployed mothers have nursed longer. The main reason invoked in both groups for artificial milk introduction was the belief of not having sufficient milk. The introduction of complementary feeding occurred later at Montequinto. The main sources of information about breastfeeding at Montequinto were the Primary Care paediatrician or the nurse, but it was not this way at Lumiar. Conclusions: the differences found may not be representative of the situation of breastfeeding in both countries, but they could be due to a greater attention at the promotion of breastfeeding by the Primary Care professionals (paediatricians and nurses) of Montequinto (AU)

Extrofia vesical. Un caso clínico / Bladder extrophy. A case report

La extrofia vesical es una malformación congénita rara caracterizada por la exteriorización de la vejiga sobre la superficie abdominal. El mayor signo de sospecha es la imposibilidad de detectar la vejiga fetal al realizar la ecografía. Se comunica un caso de diagnóstico prenatal de extrofia vesical fetal, descrita originariamente como genitales externos anormales

The bladder exstrophy is a rare congenital malformation characterized by the exteriorization of the bladder on the abdominal surface. Failure to detect a normally filled fetal bladder on ultrasound scanning is the major sign of suspicion. The authors report a case of prenatal diagnosis of fetal bladder extrophy, described first as abnormal exterior genitalia (AU)

Diagnóstico prenatal de microdelección 22q11 en un feto con arco aórtico directo / Prenatal diagnosis of 22q11 deletion in a fetus with right aortic arch

Las anomalías conotruncales y del arco aórtico pueden estar asociadas a microdelecciones 22q11, lo cual conlleva un riesgo aumentado de otras anomalías, incluyendo déficit de desarrollo mental. Se presenta un caso de diagnóstico prenatal de microdelección 22q11 en un feto con arco aórtico derecho como único defecto estructural, detectado en la ecografía rutinaria buscando la imagen de los tres vasos y tráquea. Se discute la posterior conducta y el pronóstico basado en casos similares en la literatura médica

Conotruncal and aortic arch anomalies can be associated with a 22q11 microdeletion which accounts an elevated risk of extra cardiac anomalies including mental impairment. The authors present a case of a prenatal diagnosis of a 22q11 deletion in a fetus with right aortic arch as the only structural defect. This cardiac defect was detected in the routine exam on the «three-vessel-trachea» view. They discuss the subsequent management and prognosis based on similar cases in the literature

[Agenesis of the vagina]. / Agenésia da vagina.

In the last 10 years we treated ten patients with the diagnosis of vaginal agenesia. The reconstruction was performed according to the McIndoe procedure. The medical records of these patients were retrospectively reviewed in what concerns the diagnosis (Mayer-Rokitansky S.-7, Androgenital S.-1, Testicular feminization S.-1), classification, treatment, complications, and outcome. It is the authors' opinion that the McIndoe method is the most appropriate for the treatment of vaginal agenesia, because of its simplicity, low morbidity and absence of mortality.

[TSH anti-receptor antibodies in Graves' disease]. / Anticorpos anti-receptor da TSH na doença de Graves.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the sensitivity, specificity and predictive value of thyrotropin receptor antibody (TRAb) in the diagnosis of Graves disease. TRAb was tested by an isotopic receptor assay-TRAK Henning-in 80 newly diagnosed, untreated Graves disease patients (group I), 63 with other thyroid diseases (group II) and 60 controls (group III). In group I, 11 patients were TRAb negative and 7 were considered in the gray area (TRAb between 9 and 14 U/L). In group II, only 2 patients had TRAb 9 U/l and all controls were TRAb negative. For statistical analysis patients with TRAb in gray area were excluded. Sensitivity and specificity for this assay were 84.5 and 100% respectively. Predictive value of 100% affords certainty that a hyperthyroid patient with a positive TRAb has Graves disease, not sequining a scintigram.

[Testicular relapse in acute lymphoblastic leukemia. The experience of a pediatrics service]. / Recidiva testicular na leucemia linfoblastica aguda. A experiencia de um servico.

Testicular relapse in Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia is a problem which has been developing more and more, as the therapeutic protocols of acute lymphoblastic leukemia are improving. Its appearance, specially during chemotherapy, makes the prognosis of the disease poorer. There have been some diagnostic methods, used in the screening of this situation. The use of more aggressive therapeutic protocols can lead to more encouraging results. The authors of the research present seven children with testicular relapse, which represent 17% of the total group of fourty one boys with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, treated at St. o Antonio Pediatric Ward. They analyse the time of onset, the diagnostic approach of the testicular lesion, the therapeutic protocols chosen for each case and the results.

The mode of action of local anesthetics on the calcium pump of brain.

Subcellular vesicles present in brain microsomal fraction take up calcium by an ATP-dependent process which is probably one of the mechanisms involved in the regulation of free calcium ions concentratioon in the cytosol of nerve cells. The experiments described in this paper were designed to test the effect of local anesthetics on this transport system since it is known that cytoplasmic calcium concentration interferes with nerve excitability and conduction and transmitter release. It was found that tetracaine increases the rate of calcium uptake in the range of 0.5 to 3 mM and inhibits calcium uptake in the range of 4 to 7 mM. Lidocaine and procaine increase calcium uptake in the range of 5 to 30 mM and inhibit calcium uptake in the range of 40 to 70 mM. The effects of local anesthetics were also tested on th ATP hydrolysis coupled with calcium uptake and on the ATP in equilibrium Pi exchange which represents the reverse reaction of this transport system. It was found that three local anesthetics inhibit ATP in equilibrium Pi exchange in concentrations which increase calcium uptake and inhibit ATP hydrolysis in concentrations which inhibit calcium uptake. These findings indicate that the enhancement of calcium uptake by the lower concentrations of local anesthetics is due to a decrease of the reverse reaction, whereas inhibition of calcium uptake by the higher concentrations of local anesthetics is due to the blockage of the transport adenosine triphosphatase.