Single breath-hold compressed sensing real-time cine imaging to assess left ventricular motion in myocardial infarction.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the reliability of a real-time compressed sensing (CS) cine sequence for the detection of left ventricular wall motion disorders after myocardial infarction in comparison with the reference steady-state free precession cine sequence. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred consecutive adult patients referred for either initial work-up or follow-up by cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) in the context of myocardial infarction were prospectively included. There were 77 men and 23 women with a mean age of 63.12±11.3 (SD) years (range: 29-89 years). Each patient underwent the reference segmented multi-breath-hold steady-state free precession cine sequence including one short-axis stack and both vertical and horizontal long-axis slices (SSFPref) and the CS real-time single-breath-hold evaluated sequence (CSrt) providing the same slices. Wall motion disorders were independently and blindly assessed with both sequences by two radiologists, using the American Heart Association left ventricle segmentation. Paired Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to search for differences in wall motion disorders conspicuity between both sequences and receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis was performed to assess the diagnosis performance of CSrt sequence using SSFPref as the reference method. RESULTS: Each patient had at least one cardiac segment with wall motion abnormality on SSFPref and CSrt images. The 1700 segments analyzed with SSFPref were classified as normokinetic (360/1700; 21.2%), hypokinetic (783/1700; 46.1%), akinetic (526/1700; 30.9%) or dyskinetic (31/1700; 1.8%). Sensitivity and specificity of the CS sequence were 99.6% (95% CI: 99.1-99.9%) and 99.7% (95% CI: 98.5-100%), respectively. Area under ROC of CSrt diagnosis performance was 0.997 (95% CI: 0.993-0.999). CONCLUSION: CS real-time cine imaging significantly reduces acquisition time without compromising the conspicuity of left ventricular -wall motion disorders in the context of myocardial infarction.

Hydraulic continuity and biological effects of low strength very low frequency electromagnetic waves: Case of microbial biofilm growth in water treatment.

This study aims to elucidate the interactions between water, subjected to electromagnetic waves of very low frequency (VLF) (kHz) with low strength electromagnetic fields (3.5 mT inside the coils), and the development of microbial biofilms in this exposed water. Experimental results demonstrate that in water exposed to VLF electromagnetic waves, the biomass of biofilm is limited if hydraulic continuity is achieved between the electromagnetic generator and the biofilm media. The measured amount of the biofilm's biomass is approximately a factor two lower for exposed biofilm than the non-exposed biofilm. Measurements of electromagnetic fields in the air and simulations exhibit very low intensities of fields (<10 nT and 2 V/m) in the biofilm-exposed region at a distance of 1 m from the electromagnetic generator. Exposure to electric and magnetic fields of the quoted intensities cannot explain thermal and ionizing effects on the biofilm. A variable electrical potential with a magnitude close to 20 mV was detected in the tank in hydraulic continuity with the electromagnetic generator. The application of quantum field theory may help to explain the observed effects in this case.

Desenvolvimento testicular e puberdade em machosda raça guzerá da desmama aos 36 meses de idadecriados no cerrado mineiro / Testicular Development and Puberty in Guzerat Males from Weaning to 36 Months of Age Raised at the Sierra Minera

O objetivo deste estudo foi caracterizar o desenvolvimento testicular, avaliar a associaçãoexistente entre o perímetro escrotal (PE) e o volume testicular (VOL), e identificar os parâmetrostesticulares na puberdade, em machos da raça guzerá. Foram avaliados 330 machostotalizando 1757 observações realizadas a cada três meses a partir da desmama até os 36meses. Foram feitas as mensurações do PE, comprimento e largura testiculares. O VOL foicalculado seguindo método descrito por Fields et al. Os animais que apresentaram PE ≥ 20 cmforam submetidos à coleta de sêmen utilizando-se estímulo eletro-ejaculatório. Foram consideradosanimais púberes aqueles que apresentaram pelo menos um espermatozoide móvelno ejaculado. A curva de desenvolvimento testicular foi descrita pela função logística, sendoo ponto de inflexão máximo do perímetro escrotal e do volume testicular aos 13,2 meses deidade (18,1 cm) e 23,3 meses de idade (389,4 cm3), respectivamente. A taxa de crescimentomédia do perímetro escrotal e do volume testicular antes e depois do ponto de inflexãoforam respectivamente: 0,58 cm/m, 16,3 cm3/m, 0,29 cm/m, 7,7 cm3/meses de idade. Aidade média na puberdade foi de 19,6 meses, com 250,6 kg de peso, 22,8 cm de perímetroescrotal e 284,7 cm3 do volume testicular. A proporção de machos púberes na faixa etária de12-16 meses foi de 7,4 %; dos 16-20 meses foi 41,23 %; dos 20-24 foi 68 %; dos 24-28 foi91,96 %. Aos 24 meses de idade, 91,96 % dos animais encontravam-se púberes. Foi verificadauma alta correlação positiva entre PE e VOL (r = 0,91; P<0,001). Estes resultados indicamque na raça guzerá o perímetro escrotal estima de forma eficiente o volume escrotal, podendoser usado como uma medida segura para a seleção de jovens reprodutores...

El presente estudio caracterizó el desarrollo testicular, evaluó la asociación existente entre el perímetro escrotal (PE) y el volumen testicular (VOL) e identificó los parámetros testiculares en la pubertad en machos de la raza guzerat. Se evaluaron 330 machos que totalizaron 1757 observaciones realizadas cada tres meses, desde el destete hasta los 36 meses. Serealizaron mediciones del PE, longitud y ancho testiculares. Se calculó el VOL siguiendo el método descrito por Fields et ál. Los animales que presentaron PE ≥ 20 cm fueron sometidos a la recolección de semen utilizando estímulo electroeyaculatorio. Se consideraron púberes los animales que presentaron por lo menos un espermatozoide móvil en el eyaculado. La curva de desarrollo testicular se describió utilizando la función logística, siendo el punto de inflexión máximo del perímetro escrotal y del volumen testicular a los 13,2 meses de edad (18,1 cm) y 23,3 meses de edad (389,4 cm3), respectivamente. La tasa de crecimiento promedio del perímetro escrotal y volumen testicular antes y después del punto de inflexión fueron respectivamente 0,58 cm/m; 16,3 cm3/m; 0,29 cm/m; 7,7 cm3/meses de edad. La edad promedio en la pubertad fue de 19,6 meses, con 250,6 kg de peso, 22,8 cm de perímetro escrotal y 284,7 cm3 de volumen testicular. La proporción de machos púberes en la franja de12-16 meses fue de 7,4 %; de 16-20 meses, 41,23 %; de 20-24, 68 %; de 24-28 fue de 91,96 %.A los 24 meses de edad 91,96 % de los animales se encontraban púberes. Se verificó una altacorrelación positiva entre PE y VOL (r = 0,91; P < 0,001). Estos resultados indican que en la raza guzerat el perímetro escrotal predice de forma eficiente el volumen escrotal, pudiendo ser usado como una medida segura para la selección de jóvenes reproductores...

The objectives of this study were to characterize testicular development, assess the existingassociation between scrotal circumference (SC) and testicular volume (VOL), as well as toidentify testicular parameters in puberty of males of the Guzerat breed. Three hundred thirtymales were evaluated, totaling 1757 observations every three months, from weaning to 36months of age. SC, testicular length and width were measured. VOL was calculated accordingto the method described by Fields et al. Animals with SC ≥ 20 cm were subjected tosemen collection through electro-ejaculation stimulation. Animals with at least one motilesperm in the ejaculate were considered as pubertal. The testicular development curve wasdescribed using the logistic function, where the maximum inflection point of scrotal circumferenceand testicular volume was at 13.2 months (18.1 cm) and 23.3 months (389.4cm3), respectively. The average growth rate of the scrotal perimeter and testicular volume beforeand after the inflection point was 0.58 cm/m, 16.3 cm3/m, 0.29 cm/m, 7.7 cm3/monthsof age, respectively. Average age in puberty was 19.6 months, with 250.6 kg of weight, 22.8cm of scrotal perimeter and 284.7 cm3 of testicular volume. The proportion of pubescentmales at 12-16 months was 7.4 %; 41.23 % at 16-20 months; 68 % at 20-24 months; 91.96 %at 24-28 months. At 24 months of age, 91.96 % of the animals were pubescent. A highpositive correlation was found between SC and VOL (r = 0.91; P<0.001). These resultsindicate that, in the Guzeratel race, scrotal circumference efficiently predicts scrotal volumeand can therefore be used as a reliable measure for selecting young reproducers...

Foliculogénesis y ovulación en la especie equina / Folliculogenesis and ovulation in equine species

El hipotálamo se considera un punto clave del control reproductivo; este órgano produce la hormona GnRH, un decapéptido que se libera en el sistema portal hipotalámico-hipofisiario para estimular la síntesis y liberación de las gonadotropinas. Las gonadotropinas son responsables de la dinámica folicular ovárica, la producción de estrógenos, la ovulación y luteinización del cuerpo lúteo, en conjunto con otras hormonas y sustancias como el factor de crecimiento parecido a la insulina (IGF-1), y la proteína plasmática asociada a preñez (PPAP-A), las cuales controlan los principales signos de comportamiento del estro y los eventos que determinan la ovulación. Dentro de los procesos de la ovulación se destacan la liberación de la prostaglandina folicular que inicia la lisis de la pared del folículo; esta lisis se asocia con el aumento en la enzima óxido nítrico sintetasa endotelial (NOSe) que aumenta el flujo sanguíneo ovárico activando los péptidos vasoactivos angiotensina II (Ang II), endotelina-1 (ET-1) y el péptido natriurético atrial (ANP). Esta revisión tiene como objetivo ampliar el conocimiento de los acontecimientos que se relacionan con el ciclo estral, la dinámica folicular y el proceso de la ovulación, para aplicarlos adecuadamente al manejo reproductivo en las yeguas...

The hypothalamus is considered as a key point of reproductive control; this organ produces the GnRH hormone, a decapeptide that is released into the hypothalamic-pituitary portal system to stimulate the synthesis and release of gonadotropins. Gonadotropins are responsible for ovarian follicular dynamics, estrogen production, ovulation and luteinization of the corpus luteum, as well as other hormones and substances such as the insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1), and the Pregnancy-associated plasma protein A (PAPPA), which control the main signs of estrus behavior and the events that determine ovulation. Some of the most significant ovulation processes include the release of the follicular prostaglandin that starts the lysis of the follicle wall; this lysis is associated to the increase of the endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), which increases ovarian blood flow by activating the vasoactive peptide angiotensin II (Ang II), endothelin-1 (ET-1) and atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP). This review aims to increase awareness of the events related to the estrous cycle, follicular dynamics and the ovulation process so as to apply them properly to the management of reproduction in mares...

O hipotálamo é considerado um ponto chave do controle reprodutivo; este órgão produz o hormônio GnRH, um decapéptideo que é liberado no sistema portal hipotalâmicohipofisário para estimular a síntese e liberação das gonadotrofinas. As gonadotrofinas são responsáveis pela dinâmica folicular dos ovários, a produção de estrógenos, a ovulação e luteinização do corpo lúteo, em conjunto com outros hormônios e substâncias como o fator de crescimento parecido à insulina (IGF-1), e a proteína plasmática associada à prenha (PPAP-A), que controlam os principais sinais de comportamento do estro e os eventos que determinam a ovulação. Dentro dos processos de ovulação destacam-se a liberação da prostaglandina folicular que inicia a lise da parede do folículo; esta lise se associa com o aumento na enzima óxido nítrico sintetase endotelial (NOSe) que aumenta o fluxo sanguíneo do ovário ativando os péptideos vasoativos angiotensina II (Ang II), endotelina-1 (ET-1) e o péptideo natriurético atrial (ANP). Esta revisão tem como objetivo ampliar o conhecimento dos acontecimentos que se relacionam com o ciclo estral, a dinâmica folicular e o processo da ovulação, para aplicá-los adequadamente ao manejo reprodutivo das éguas...

Situación actual de las vacunas e inmunización en Haití / Vaccines and immunisation – current situation in Haiti

La inmunización ha sido uno de los grandes éxitos de la salud pública. Ha permitido salvar la vidade millones de niños en Haití y le ha dado a miles más la oportunidad de vivir una vida más larga ysaludable, al igual que mayores oportunidades de instruirse, de leer y escribir, de jugar y de moverselibremente sin sufrimiento. No obstante, existen defi ciencias en la cobertura, en la prestación deservicios de salud, en la seguridad de las vacunas y en el acceso a nuevas vacunas del ProgramaAmpliado de Inmunización (PAI), entre otras. La cobertura vacunal no supera el 40% como promedionacional, alcanzando sólo al 18% en algunos departamentos (AU)

Immunisation is one of the great public health successes. It has saved millions of children’s lives inHaiti and has given thousands more the opportunity to live a long and healthy life, to become educated,to learn to read and write, to play and move about freely without suffering. However, there aredefi ciencies in coverage levels, in healthcare provision, in vaccine safety and in access to the newvaccines of the Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI), amongst others. Vaccine coverage didnot exceed 40% as a national average, reaching only 18% in some areas (AU)

Spiral CT and multidetector-row CT diagnosis of perforation of the small intestine caused by ingested foreign bodies.

The aim of this retrospective study was to emphasize the performances of spiral CT (HCT) and multidetector-row CT (MDCT) as very effective imaging modalities for the diagnosis of intestinal perforations caused by calcified alimentary foreign bodies. Eight sites of perforations of the ileum by ingested foreign bodies were found in seven patients--one patient presenting with two separate sites of perforation. The diagnosis was successfully made by HCT in four patients and MDCT in the remaining three. Involuntarily and generally unconsciously ingested chicken and fish bones were the implicated calcified foreign bodies. The acute clinical presentations were nonspecific, mimicking more common acute abdominal conditions. A thickened intestinal segment (7/8 sites) with localized pneumoperitoneum (4/8 sites), surrounded by fatty infiltration (4/8 sites) and associated with already present or developing obstruction or sub-obstruction (5/7 patients) were the most common CT signs, but the definite diagnosis was clearly made by the identification of the calcified foreign bodies (7/7 patients). In each patient, this identification was only possible thanks to the scrupulous analysis of very thin overlapping reconstructions obtained not only in the perforation sites (6/8 sites), but also through the entire abdomen (2/8 sites). Our report emphasizes the high performances of CTA and MDCT in identifying intestinal perforation caused by calcified alimentary foreign bodies. Moreover, the high specificity of the CT diagnosis made it possible to avoid surgerical exploration in three patients.