Separability Analysis of Atlantic Forest Patches by Comparing Parametric and Non-Parametric Image Classification Algorithms

The aim of this work was to differentiate Atlantic Forest patches, as well as their spatial distribution, from other tree covers that compose the landscape, by comparing three methods of digital images classification, using techniques of geoprocessing and remote sensing. The study area was a sub-basin of the Iperó River, tributary of the Iperó-Mirim stream, Sarapuí River basin, in Araçoiaba da Serra, State of São Paulo, Brazil. This research has been developed on a Geographic Information System environment platform, using medium resolution images from Sentinel-2 Satellite. Three image classification algorithms: Maximum Likelihood Classification (MLC), Support Vector Machines (SVM) and Random Tree (RT) were applied to verify the separability of forest patches, forestry and other uses. The results were analyzed by means of a confusion matrix, accuracy and kappa index, thus showing that the three algorithms were able to successfully differentiate the targets, with the higher efficiency attributed to MLC and the lowest to RT. Overall, the three classifiers presented errors, but specifically for the forest patches, the highest accuracy was obtained from SVM.

Biliary tract reconstruction using jejunal tube:an experimental study in dogs

BACKGROUND:To physiologically reconstruct the biliary tract,Crema et al suggested the application of the Monti principle to the biliary tract,already used in humans for the urinary tract.With this technique,a jejunal segment is transversely retubularized.This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of jejunal tube interposition between the common bile duct and duodenum in dogs.METHODS:Thirteen dogs underwent a laparoscopic common bile duct ligature,followed by a biliodigestive connection by jejunal tube interposition after one week.The levels of glutamic-pyruvic and glutamic-oxalacetic transaminases,total bilirubins,alkaline phosphatase and gamma-glutamyltransferase were assessed before surgery and thereafter weekly until euthanasia,which was performed 6 weeks after biliodigestive connection.RESULTS:Data on 9 dogs were analyzed statistically.The dogs presented with obstructive jaundice after common bile duct ligature,as confirmed by biochemical examination.They showed a statistically significant reduction in cholestasis after biliodigestive connection by jejunal tube interposition and were healthy until the end of the experiment.CONCLUSION:A statistically significant reduction was seen in total bilirubin and canalicular enzymes(alkaline phosphatase and gamma-glutamyltransferase)in the 9 dogs 6 weeks after biliodigestive connetion by jejunal tube interposition.

Cytokines and T Helper Cells in Diabetic Nephropathy Pathogenesis

Diabetic Nephropathy (DN) is considered the main cause of end stage kidney disease around the world. However, its pathogenesis is not completely established. More than just a direct consequence of chronic glycemic changes, recent studies had suggested Diabetic Nephropathy could be considered an inflammatory disease. It has been shown that concentrations of pro-inflammatory cytokines, as IL-1, IL-6, IL-18, IL-33, IFN-γ and TNF-α actively participate in development and progression of DN, and thus, are involved in pathogenesis. Besides, changes in acquired immune response, especially the presence of cellular immune response profiles of pro-inflammatory and effector nature, mainly Th1 and Th17, as the imbalance between interaction of cytokines and T regulatory cells, foment the onset and progression of DN. Here we summarize the main evidences that support the critical role of the immune system in this condition. These new conceptual advances in DN understanding are essential for development of new the rapeutical strategies and prognostic factors, which could be protagonists or adjuvants to the current ones, leading ultimately to a better clinical management of DN patients.

Hyperthyroidism Due to Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma Associated with Ductal Breast Carcinoma

Thyroid tumors are usually associated with euthyroidism, and hyper functioning tumors are rare. There are few reports of carcinomas associated with hyperthyroidism. The aim of this study is to describe a case of hyper functioning papillary carcinoma associated with breast carcinoma. We present a 46-year-old woman that was referred for investigation of thyroid and breast nodules detected by routine ultrasound. She presented with hyperthyroidism and enlarged left thyroid lobe with fibroelastic consistency. Investigation demonstrated papillary carcinoma with follicular hyperactivity and invasive ductal carcinoma of the breast. The patient developed metastases 6 months later and died. This study demonstrates that hot thyroid nodules may harbor malignant tumors and should be punctured. The association with breast adenocarcinoma and the unfavorable outcome suggest higher aggressiveness of this tumor in the presence of hyperthyroidism.

Benfotiamine supplementation prevents oxidative stress in anterior tibialis muscle and heart

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the influence of oral supplementation with benfotiamine on oxidative stress in the liver, heart and muscles of endurance-trained mice.Methods: Twenty-five male BALB/c mice were allocated to the following treatment groups: standard diet and sedentary activity(Sta–Sed), benfotiamine–supplemented diet and sedentary activity(Ben–Sed),standard diet and training activity(Sta–Tr) and benfotiamine–supplemented diet and training activity(Ben–Tr). The training comprised 6 weeks of endurance swimming training. The concentration of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances(TBARS), carbonylated proteins, total thiols and non-protein thiols was analyzed in the liver, heart and tibialis anterior muscle.Results: In the muscle, TBARS concentration in the Sta–Sed group was higher than that in other groups;in the heart, TBARS concentration in the Sta–Sed and Ben–Tr groups was higher than that in the Ben–Sed group. The carbonyl content of the muscle tissues was higher in the Sta–Sed group than in both supplemented groups. In liver, the carbonyl content was lower in the Ben–Sed group than in the Sta–Sed group.The level of total thiols was lower in the Ben–Sed group than in the Sta–Tr group. In the heart, the level of total thiols was higher in the Ben–Sed group than in the Ben–Tr group. The concentration of non-protein thiols in the muscle was higher in the Ben–Sed group than in the Ben–Tr group, whereas in the heart, concentration of non-protein thiols of Sta–Tr group was lower than that of Sta–Sed group.Conclusion: The results show that benfotiamine is an efficient antioxidant for the anterior tibialis muscle and heart;however, swimming training did not alter redox status.