Charge orders, magnetism and pairings in the cuprate superconductors.

We review the recent developments in the field of cuprate superconductors with special focus on the recently observed charge order in the underdoped compounds. We introduce new theoretical developments following the study of the antiferromagnetic quantum critical point in two dimensions, in which preemptive orders in both charge and superconducting (SC) sectors emerge, that are in turn related by an SU(2) symmetry. We consider the implications of this proliferation of orders in the underdoped region, and provide a study of the type of fluctuations which characterize the SU(2) symmetry. We identify an intermediate energy scale where the SC fluctuations are dominant and argue that they are unstable towards the formation of a resonant excitonic state at the pseudogap temperature T (*). We discuss the implications of this scenario for a few key experiments.

A swarm intelligence-based tuning method for the Sliding Mode Generalized Predictive Control.

This work presents an automatic tuning method for the discontinuous component of the Sliding Mode Generalized Predictive Controller (SMGPC) subject to constraints. The strategy employs Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) to minimize a second aggregated cost function. The continuous component is obtained by the standard procedure, by Quadratic Programming (QP), thus yielding an online dual optimization scheme. Simulations and performance indexes for common process models in industry, such as nonminimum phase and time delayed systems, result in a better performance, improving robustness and tracking accuracy.

Tumor ovárico de bajo potencial maligno (borderline): patrón seroso micropapilar / Ovarian serous borderline tumors with micropapillary patterns

Se describen los tumores de bajo potencial maligno (borderline), su importancia clínica y la conducta terapéutica recomendada a partir de los conocimientos actuales. Se destaca la existencia de la variedad micropapilar la que según algunos autores presenta una mayor frecuencia de implantes invasivos y de recurrencias a corto y mediano plazo, lo que requeriría una conducta más activa. Se describe la importancia de los implantes invasivos y la microinvasión. Se presentan dos casos clínicos con su respectiva histología.

The tumours of low malignant potential or borderline, their clinical importance and the recommended therapeutic approach from the present knowledge are described. The existence of a micropapilar variety according to some authors, presents a greater frequency of invasive implant and recurrences to short and medium term, which would require a more active conduct. The importance of invasive implant and the microinvasión is described. Two clinical cases with their respective histology are presented.

[Diagnosis of meningitis with reagent strips] / Diagnóstico das meningites através de fitas reagentes.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the usefulness of reagent strips in the evaluation of pleocytosis, cerebrospinal fluid glucose and protein levels for early and rapid diagnosis of meningitis in children. METHODS: We included cerebrospinal fluid samples of 164 children admitted to the outpatient clinic of Communicable Diseases of the General Pediatric Center (Fundação Hospitalar do Estado de Minas Gerais, CGP-FHEMIG) during the daytime hours from May of 1997 to May 1999, and who presented with clinical suspicion of meningitis. Patients ranged in age from one month to 12 years (median 12 months). Results from the cytological and biochemical assay (cellularity, cerebrospinal fluid glucose and protein levels) were obtained from 154 patients. These results were subsequently compared with the reaction of cerebrospinal fluid in reagent strips. RESULTS: The cytological and biochemical assay identified 43 cases of probable bacterial meningitis, 19 of probable viral meningitis, and 83 with no alterations. According to the reagent strips, there were 41 cases of probable bacterial meningitis, 2 of probable viral meningitis, and 71 with no alterations. By comparing the results of reagent strips and those of the cytological and biochemical assay, we obtained values for sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and accuracy (respectively 90.7; 98.1; 95.1; 96.4; and 96.1). Statistical analysis using McNemer test did not indicate significant differences between the two methods in the diagnosis of bacterial meningitis (P=0.68). Kappa statistics indicated a high level of agreement between the tests (P<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that reagent strips may be a useful additional resource in the diagnosis of bacterial meningitis, especially when it is difficult to collect a sufficient amount of cerebrospinal fluid or to indicate the initial treatment.

A case of association of duplication of the urogenital and intestinal tracts.

Report of the case of a Caucasian girl, presently 3 years old, who has been followed at the Pediatric Service of the Walter Cantidio Hospital (Federal University of Ceará; Fortaleza, Brazil) since she was 15 days old. At birth she presented a duplication of the bladder, urethra, external genitalia, vagina, colon, and rectum. No cardiac anomalies, bone deformities, or other congenital malformations were detected. When she was 16 months old the child underwent corrective surgery, with rectal vault reconstruction, placing a single and continent anal sphincter in its usual position and resection of the longitudinal vaginal septum, forming a single vaginal cavity. The surgery also resulted in a perineum of normal appearance. Presently, the patient is doing well.

[Active and passive immunization against acute viral hepatitis] / Imunização ativa e passiva em hepatites agudas virais.

OBJECTIVE: The authors present the main indications related to the use of passive and active immunization against acute viral hepatitis, specially the composition, characteristics and current aspects of hepatitis A vaccination. Measures for hepatitis B prevention are also discussed. METHODS: The most recent and relevant articles published about the subject were selected and the special aspects of the immunological response, through different pediatric ages, are shown. RESULTS: The text analyzes the general measures for prevention of hepatitis A using the two inactivated vaccines, and also summarizes the indications and composition of the hepatitis B vaccines. CONCLUSIONS: Literature provides the guidelines for active and passive immunization against viral hepatitis and the present review is an update in the subject.