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A validation of the graininess attribute was made by means of a psychophysical experiment and the multidimensional scaling algorithm. A visual experiment was designed to obtain graininess differences to be used like the dissimilarity matrix in the MDS algorithm. The results revealed that two dimensions are needed to characterize the graininess effect. The BYK-mac-i instrument and a gonio-hyperspectral imaging system were employed to evaluate the statistical dimensions. On one hand, the first dimension correlated well with the graininess value provided by the BYK-mac-i (r2 = 0.9566). However, we were unable to find a relationship with dimension 2 and any parameter measured by this instrument. Furthermore, the images captured by the gonio-hyperspectral imaging system were processed. A good relationship with the correlation parameter was observed (r2 = 0.8958). However, no relationship was established with dimension 2. Based on these conclusions, further research is necessary that focuses on the new imaging processes and a new visual experiment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of different supplemental levels (0, 1.5, 3 and 4.5%) of zeolite in total mixed finishing diets on the productive response and efficiency of using dietary net energy in hairy lambs. For this aim, 40 ¾Katahdin × ¼Pelibuey lambs (initial weight = 32.28 ± 2.34 kg) were assigned to 20 pens (2 lambs/pen, 5 pens/treatment) and were fed for 75 days on one of the four treatments. Control diet (no supplemental zeolite) contained 16.51% CP and 1.39 McalNEg/kg, and the total quantity of zeolite included replaced corn and soybean meal in equal parts. For each level of which corn and soybean meal were substituted, CP concentration decreased 0.11 percentage points and net energy decreased 0.03 McalNEg/kg. The partial replacement of corn and soybean meal by zeolite at a level of 1.5% in the diet did not affect DM intake, daily gain, feed efficiency, dietary net energy (observed-to- expected diet NE) or the apparent energy retention per unit of dry matter intake (DMI). Increasing the level of zeolite supplementation above 1.5%, increased feed efficiency, dietary net energy and apparent energy retention per unit of DMI averaging 4.5, 6.4 and 7.4%; respectively. The maximun response was obtained for an inclusion level of 3% (quadratic component, p<0.01). Compared to controls, the inclusion of 3% of zeolite in the diet improved (p<0.01) feed efficiency by 6.8%, dietary net energy by 8.4%, and apparent energy retention per unit of DMI by 8.9%. The use of zeolite in finishing diets improves the utilization of dietary net energy. Based on growth performance and efficiency of utilization of dietary net energy, the optimal response observed for lambs in the present study was obtained for the level of 3% of zeolite inclusion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of different supplemental levels (0, 1.5, 3 and 4.5%) of zeolite in partial substitution of dry rolled corn and soybean meal in a finishing diet formulated on dry-rolled corn basis (16.51% CP and 1.39 Mcal/kg NEg) on carcass characteristics, tissue composition and visceral organ mass in hairy lambs. Total quantity of zeolite included replaces corn and soybean meal in equal parts, so that, for each level of which corn and soybean meal were substituted, CP concentration decreased 0.11 percentage points and net energy decreased 0.03 Mcal NEg/kg. Feeding phase was performed with 40 lambs ¾ Kathadin × ¼ Pelibuey (initial weight = 32.28 ± 2.34 kg) which were assigned to 20 pens (2 lambs/pen, 5 pens/treatment) and were feeding for 75 days with one of the four treatments. Zeolite inclusion did not affect carcass characteristics, but tended to linearly increase (p=0.10) LM area. Zeolite inclusion linearly increased (p.0.04) the quantity and the proportion of muscle, and decreased (p=0.02) the quantity and the proportion of fat in shoulder, thus increasing (linear component, p=0.02) the muscle:fat ratio. In proportion to the half carcass, the weight of forequarter tended (p=0.08) to increase, while the weight of hindquarter tended (p=0.08) to decrease with zeolite inclusion. Zeolite inclusion tended (linear component, p=0.08) to increase the weight (as g/kg of EBW) of intestines. As result of a linearly decreases of mesenteric (P<0.01) and omental (p=0.03) fat with zeolite inclusion, visceral fat tended (p=0.07) to decrease as zeolite inclusion was increasing in diet. Changes of protein and energy concentration in diet as result of partial substitution of corn and soybean meal by zeolite did not negatively affect carcass yield nor primary cuts. Levels up to 4.5% of zeolite inclusion to diets favors greater muscle deposition, lower visceral fat and lower fat tissue composition in lambs fed with finishing diets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our aim is to review the utility of the different imaging techniques in the field of renal transplantation (RT). A total of 500 potential RT recipients have been evaluated and were included in the waiting list. From 1978 to 2003, a total of 900 RT recipients were clinically followed-up and different imaging techniques assessed. The main indications for the different techniques were: (1) MR angiography to establish the vascular anatomy of the living donor with 95% accuracy for the detection of multiple renal vessels. (2) Abdominal ultrasound of the donor in order to detect lithiasis, incidental renal tumors or anatomic anomalies. (3) Vascular evaluation of the recipients was essential considering the aging character of this population. X-ray film of the abdomen was a routine technique. Doppler ultrasound (DOP-US) of the iliac vessels and an angiographic study (DSA, CT, MR) of the iliac and splenic arteries were indicated only in selected cases. (4) DOP-US was useful in the diagnosis of graft dysfunction after RT. It allowed the exclusion of thrombosis and urinary obstruction, and was useful to distinguish between acute tubular necrosis, cyclosporine nephrotoxicity and acute rejection (AR). (5) Finally, ultrasound was used as a percutaneous approach to pyelocaliceal systems of grafts affected by ureteral stenosis or fistula and for draining fluid collections after RT (lymphocele, abscess, hematoma or urinoma). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies the behavior of the reorganization energy for simple charge transfer reactions in mixtures of dipolar hard sphere fluids by Monte Carlo simulation. Static dielectric constants of the solvents obtained from the simulation; Calculation of the reorganization energy from molecular simulations.

Augmentation mammoplasty must be a safe, predictable, long-lasting surgery, that maintains the natural form of the breasts, preserves nipple-areolar sensitivity, permits breast feeding, with minimal tissue reaction to the implant, and that does not interfere with imaging studies. When there is an associated deformity such as ptosis, tuberous breasts, etc., a combination of techniques offers a better final result in contrast with pure augmentation techniques. We present our technique performed since 2003 that has met these objectives in augmentation mammoplasty in patients with minimal to moderate ptosis. A detailed description on the technique and discussion on the indications and advantages of incorporating these technical refinements to conventional augmentation mammoplasty, is presented. We present 230 cases in which multiplanar augmentation mammaplasty was performed with wide en-block submuscular dissection, optimizing independent vectors for nipple-areolar complex repositioning in its ideal location in cases with associated ptosis. Percutaneous anchoring points were used in 98 patients to achieve this effect. No mayor complications were observed other than minor wound healing problems in 18 cases, all of which were solved with expectant treatment without sequelae. With this technique we try to give the plastic surgeon an additional option to offer in augmentation mammoplsty sith natural and durable results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Endurance athletes develop cardiac remodeling to cope with increased cardiac output during exercise. This remodeling is both anatomical and functional and shows large interindividual variability. In this study, we quantify local geometric ventricular remodeling related to long-standing endurance training and assess its relationship with cardiovascular performance during exercise.Methods: We extracted 3D models of the biventricular shape from end-diastolic cine magnetic resonance images acquired from a cohort of 89 triathlon athletes and 77 healthy sedentary subjects. Additionally, the athletes underwent cardio-pulmonary exercise testing, together with an echocardiographic study at baseline and few minutes after maximal exercise. We used statistical shape analysis to identify regional bi-ventricular shape differences between athletes and non-athletes.Results: The ventricular shape was significantly different between athletes and controls (p < 1e-6). The observed regional remodeling in the right heart was mainly a shift of the right ventricle (RV) volume distribution towards the right ventricular infundibulum, increasing the overall right ventricular volume. In the left heart, there was an increment of left ventricular mass and a dilation of the left ventricle. Within athletes, the amount of such remodeling was independently associated to higher peak oxygen pulse (p < 0.001) and weakly with greater post-exercise RV free wall longitudinal strain (p = 0.03).Conclusions: We were able to identify specific bi-ventricular regional remodeling induced by long-lasting endurance training. The amount of remodeling was associated with better cardiopulmonary performance during an exercise test. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An abstract of the study "Big Endothelin-1 Plasma Levels Have Independent Prognostic Value in Heart Failure Patients," by V. Miro and colleagues is presented.

The final quality of solid wood molding depends on several factors, where the choice of cutting conditions and consequently the tool performance are key points when processing this type of material because tool wear affects physical–chemical and thermodynamic behavior of the surface submitted to coating. One of the main problems at the production line is to achieve an adequate monitoring system of the cutting process to prevent and detect operational problems or loss of productivity. The objective of this research is to evaluate results from two different control process methods, such as sound pressure and electrical current measurement submitted during different cutting conditions and to determine the cutting distance increase, as innovative methods to estimate tool wear when appearance grade products are being produced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While prematurity is a well-established risk factor for low lung function in adulthood, the long-term impact of being born SGA at term on adult health is not well understood. Methods A perinatal cohort study including 61 adults (30-40 years-old) born SGA (birthweight below 10th centile) and 66 adults with normal birthweight (controls). The association between being born too early (prematurity) or too small (small for gestational age, SGA) and adult diseases has long been recognised. [Extracted from the article]

Abstract: The reaction of 2,6-diethyl-4,8-dimethyl-s-indacenyl-dilithium (Li2Ic′) with [Cp*RuCl]4 gives the organometallic binuclear bis-pentamethylcyclopentadienyl-ruthenium-s-indacene complex, [{Cp*Ru}2Ic′] (1, Ic′=2,4-diethyl-4,8-dimethyl-s-indacene), in high yields. The subsequent oxidation of 1 with a ferricinium salt ([Fc]+[BF4]−) gives the mixed valence compound [{Cp*Ru}2Ic′]+[BF4]− (1 +). Compound 1 was structurally characterized by X-ray crystallography, finding that both {Cp*Ru} fragments are coordinated to opposite sites of the Ic′ ligand. The structural and electronic features of 1 and 1 + have been rationalized by Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations, which suggest that both metallic centers get closer to the Ic′ and subtle electronic reorganizations occurs when chemical oxidation takes place. Cyclic voltammetry and ESR experiments suggest a high electronic interaction between the metallic centers mediated by the Ic′ bridging ligand. Time dependent DFT (TD-DFT) calculations were carried out to understand and assign the intervalence band present in the mixed-valent specie (1 +). The main achievement of this article is to feature the relationship of the experimental data with the computational results obtained with the Amsterdam Density Functional package (ADF). Both experimental and theoretical facts demonstrate that the mixed valence system (1 +) is a delocalized one, and it can be classified as a Class III system according to the Robin & Day classification. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background. Structural remodelling of left ventricle is a common feature in the progression of congestive heart failure (CHF). Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) have been directly implicated as they degrade extracellular proteins. To test the hypothesis that MMP-and its inhibitor, tissue type inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinases (TIMP-1), could be related to functional status and prognosis in CHF, we examined the relationship of MMP-1 and TIMP-1 to peak oxygen consumption (VO2) and peak minute ventilation/carbon dioxide production relationship (VE/VCO2), and assessed their prognostic value. Methods. We studied 50 patients with CHF, who were compared with 53 controls echocardiogram and ergoespirometry were performed, and serum levels of MMP-1 and TIMP-1 were assayed by ELISA. Patients were followed up for 17.5 ± 8.9 months, and total mortality, readmissions for heart failure and cardiac transplantation were recorded. Results. Patients with CHF had lower levels of MMP-1 ( P = 0.027), and higher levels of TIMP-1 and TIMP-1/MMP-1 ratio (both P < 0.01) than controls. TIMP-1 levels and the TIMP-1/MMP-1 ratio correlated negatively with peak VO2 (Spearman, r:−0.51; P = 0.001 and r: −0.42; P = 0.030, respectively). During the follow-up period, 23 patients (47.9%) suffered endpoints – these patients had higher baseline peak VE/VCO2 ( P = 0.001), TIMP-1 ( P = 0.004), and TIMP-1/MMP-1 ratio values ( P = 0.002), whereas MMP-1 levels were lower ( P = 0.027). On multivariate analysis, VE/VCO2, MMP-1 levels and age were the only variables independently related to prognosis (all P < 0.05). Conclusion. Poor functional capacity in CHF can be related to abnormal extracellular matrix turnover. Patients who suffered endpoints had more abnormal indices of matrix turnover, where MMP-1 levels showed independent prognostic value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Being born small for gestational age (SGA) is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease in adulthood, but the consequences of SGA on adult exercise response are unclear. These results support further research to clarify the causes of impaired exercise capacity and the potential links with increased cardiovascular mortality in adults born SGA. [Extracted from the article]

An abstract of the article "Hypertension Influences N-terminal Pro-Brain Natriuretic Peptide Capability to Diagnose Heart Failure. A Population Study," by M. Rivera and colleagues is presented.

An abstract of the study "N-terminal pro brain natriuretic peptide plasma levels show better relationship with end-diastolic than with end-systolic wall stress in heart failure patients irrespective of the etiology," by R. Cortes and colleagues is presented.

An abstract of the article "Obese Subjects With Heart Failure Have Low IL-10 Plasma Levels," by M. Rivera and colleagues, is presented.

An abstract of the article "In General Population, Hypertrophy Induces an Increase in N-terminal Pro-Brain Natriuretic Peptide Levels Irrespective of the Presence of Hypertensiony," by M. Rivera and colleagues is presented.

An abstract of the study "Restrictive mitral flow velocity patterns predict changes in function indexes and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide plasma levels in general population," by M. Rivera et al, is presented.

An abstract of the article "Diastolic function and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide in diabetic subjects," by M. Rivera et al., is presented.