O texto versa sobre as pinturas recentes da artista Adriane Hernandez que apresentam composições formadas pela imagem de plantas, folhas e pássaros atravessados por padrões reticulados em xadrez que costumam figurar em toalhas de mesa. Indaga-se sobre possíveis motivações para os acontecimentos pictóricos descritos nele, propondo que a sua presença é proveniente de uma especulação e de uma trajetória que partiu da pintura, visitou os objetos físicos e a fotografia para depois retornar à pintura.

The text deals with the recent paintings by the artist Adriane Hernandez that present compositions formed by the image of plants, leaves and birds crossed by reticulated patterns in chess that usually appear in tablecloths. He speculates on possible meanings and motivations for the pictorial events described in him, proposing that his presence comes from a speculation and a trajectory that departed from the painting, visited the physical objects and the photography to return to the painting.

Abstract Introduction In the last 28 years, the scientific community has been using elastography to evaluate the mechanical properties of biological tissue. The aim of this work was the optimization of the UDmV method, presented in Part I of the series, by means of modifying the technique employed to generate the reference sine and cosine functions, used for phase-quadrature demodulation, and determining how this modification improved the performance of the method. Additionally, the UDmV was employed to characterize the acoustic and mechanical properties of a 7% gelatin phantom. Methods A focused transducer, T F, with a nominal frequency of 2.25 MHz, was used to induce the shear waves, with frequency of 97.644 Hz. Then, the modified UDmV method was used to extract the phase and quadrature components from ultrasonic RF echo-signals collected from four positions along the propagation path of the shear wave, which allowed the investigation of the medium vibration caused by wave propagation. The phase velocity, c s, and attenuation, α s, of the phantom were measured and employed in the calculation of shear modulus, μ, and viscosity, η. Results The computational simulation demonstrated that the modification in UDmV method resulted in more accurate and precise estimates of the initial phases of the reference sinusoidal functions used for phase-quadrature demodulation. The values for c s and μ of 1.31 ± 0.01 m·s-1 and 1.66 ± 0.01 kPa, respectively, are very close to the values found in the literature (1.32 m·s-1 and 1.61 kPa) for the same material. Conclusion The UDmV method allowed estimating of the acoustic and viscoelastic parameters of phantom.

PURPOSE: To track the regeneration process of lateral gastrocnemius due to a muscle laceration in rats, and to treatment with plateletrich plasma (PRP). METHODS: Ultrasound (40 MHz) images were used for measuring pennation angle (PA), muscle thickness (MT) and mean pixel intensity, along with claudication scores, of treated (PRPG) and non-treated (NTG) groups of rats. RESULTS: NTG showed a PA increase for the non-injured leg (p<0.05) and a tendency of MT to increase, whereas for PRPG there were no differences. There was a progressive reduction of the claudication score for the PRPG group throughout the entire period, with an immediate difference after seven days (p<0.05), whereas the NTG had a significant reduction only at day 28 (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: It was observed a compensatory hypertrophic response due to the overload condition imposed to healthy leg for NTG that did not occur in PRPG, suggesting an accelerated repair process of the injured leg due to treatment, anticipating its use.

Introduction Ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) is a technique for generating high-resolution images, with frequencies from 20 MHz to 100 MHz. For example, it has been used in animal research related to models of injury and diseases that mimic human conditions. With a three-dimensional ultrasound (3D) image system, an organ can be viewed at various angles and the volume estimated, contributing to an accurate diagnosis. This work refers to the generation of 3D-UBM images, employing a 35 MHz ultrasound system, from multiple two-dimensional (2D) images. Phantoms were used to validate the technique and to determine its reliability of volume measurements. Additionally, the technique was used to obtain 3D images of the rat gastrocnemius muscle. Methods Four different phantoms were used and ten acquisition sequences of 2D-images acquired for each one. Thereafter, 5 volume segmentations were performed for each acquisition sequence, resulting in 50 measured volumes for each phantom. The physical volumes of all phantoms were used to validate the technique based on the coefficient of variation (CV) and the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Images of the gastrocnemius muscle were acquired and the partial volume quantified. Results The CV and ICC confirmed the reliability of volume measurements obtained by segmentation. Moreover, cross-sectional 2D images of rat hindlimb were obtained, allowing to identify the gastrocnemius muscle and to partially quantify the muscle volume from 3D images. Conclusion The results indicated that the technique is valid to generate 3D images and quantify the volume of a muscle compatible with the dimensions of a small animal.

PURPOSE:Implement a laceration protocol of the rat lateral gastrocnemius (LG) and following-up its repair with ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM), contractility tests and histology.METHODS: Sixty-three male Wistar rats were distributed into two groups. One, with sub-groups GI, GII and GIII (n=12), each containing right LG lacerated (n=6), control and sham (n=3) animals. LG muscles in GI, GII and GIII were inspected by UBM (40 MHz) immediately after, 14 and 28 days post-surgery and thereafter excised with four (GI), 14 (GII) and 28 (GIII) days post-surgery for histology. Animals in second group were distributed into right LG lacerated and control sub-groups. LG muscles in lacerated sub-group were submitted to contractility tests at four (n=8), 14 (n=8) and 28 (n=8) days post-surgery, while in the control sub-group (n=5) were submitted to contractility tests along the course of the experiments.RESULTS: Descriptive findings agreed between the lesion model, muscle repair, UBM images and histology. Contractility results for right LG were different (p<0.05) between control and injured muscle with four and 14 days post-surgery, at tetanic stimulating frequencies (50 and 70 Hz).CONCLUSION: A laceration protocol of the lateral gastrocnemius was implemented and ultrasound biomicroscopy, contractility and histology findings agreed regarding the following-up of injured muscle repair.

Os efeitos da galantamina (GAL) sobre qualidade de vida (QdV) e velocidade de processamento cognitivo, bem como da combinação com nimodipina (NIM) no tratamento da doença de Alzheimer (DA) com doença cerebrovascular (demência mista) ainda não foram investigados. Método : Estudo multicêntrico brasileiro, duplo-cego, controlado com placebo, avaliando os efeitos de GAL/NIM x GAL/placebo (PLA) na demência mista leve a moderada. Pacientes receberam tratamento com GAL/NIM ou GAL/PLA por 24 semanas. Medidas de eficácia primária foram as variações no desempenho em bateria de testes neuropsicológicos computadorizados e na escala QdV-DA ao final do estudo. Resultados : Vinte um pacientes receberam pelo menos uma dose da droga (9 GAL/NIM e 12 GAL/PLA). Os grupos foram emparelhados por idade, sexo, escolaridade, escores cognitivos e de QdV na linha de base. Não foram observadas diferenças significativas entre os dois grupos nas medidas de eficácia primária e secundária. Na avaliação de todos os pacientes que receberam GAL, houve melhora significativa (p<0,05) em QdV-DA e desempenho cognitivo. Os eventos adversos foram predominantemente leves a moderados. Conclusão : O tratamento com GAL proporcionou melhora da QdV na demência mista, além dos benefícios cognitivos previamente conhecidos. A combinação GAL/NIM não foi vantajosa. O reduzido tamanho amostral impede conclusões definitivas.

The effects of galantamine (GAL) on quality of life (QoL) and cognitive speed, as well its effects combined with nimodipine (NIM) in Alzheimer disease (AD) with cerebrovascular disease (mixed dementia), have not been explored. Method : Double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter Brazilian trial, studying the effects of GAL/NIM vs. GAL/placebo (PLA) in mild to moderate mixed dementia. Patients were randomized to receive GAL/NIM or GAL/PLA for 24 weeks. Primary efficacy measures were changes on a computerized neuropsychological battery (CNTB) and QoL Scale in Alzheimer's Disease (QoL-AD) from baseline to week 24. Results : Twenty-one patients received at least one drug dose (9 GAL/NIM and 12 GAL/PLA). Groups were matched for age, sex, education, cognitive and QoL scores at baseline. No significant differences were observed between groups on primary or secondary measures. QoL and cognitive performance showed significant improvement (p<0.05) from baseline when all GAL-treated patients were analyzed. Adverse events were predominantly mild to moderate. Conclusion : GAL treatment improved QoL in mixed dementia, in addition to its previously known cognitive benefits. The combination GAL/NIM was not advantageous. However, the small sample size precludes any definitive conclusions. Trial registered at ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT00814658

Resumo Esse texto apresenta as recomendações da Academia Brasileira de Neurologia, por intermédio do seu Departamento Científico de Neurologia Cognitiva e do Envelhecimento, para o tratamento da doença de Alzheimer (DA) no Brasil, enfocando os sintomas comportamentais e psicológicos da demência (SCPD). Trata-se de uma revisão ampliada das diretrizes publicadas em 2005, resultada de um consenso envolvendo pesquisadores da área, médicos e não médicos. Os autores realizaram uma busca de artigos publicados a partir de 2005 nas bases MEDLINE, LILACS e Cochrane Library. A busca foi direcionada para tratamento farmacológico e não farmacológico dos sintomas comportamentais e psicológicos da DA. Os estudos foram categorizados em quatro classes e as evidências em quatro níveis, com base nas recomendações da Academia Americana de Neurologia publicadas em 2008. As recomendações terapêuticas referem-se à fase demencial da DA. Apresentam-se recomendações para o tratamento dos SCPD, tanto farmacológico (incluindo inibidores da acetilcolinesterase, memantina, neurolépticos, antidepressivos, benzodiazepínicos, anticonvulsivantes e outros fármacos e substâncias), como não farmacológico (incluindo intervenções educacionais, fisioterapia, terapia ocupacional, musicoterapia, terapia com luz, massagem e arterapia). As recomendações para o tratamento dos transtornos cognitivos da DA são apresentadas em outro artigo desse fascículo.

Abstract This article reports the recommendations of the Scientific Department of Cognitive Neurology and Aging of the Brazilian Academy of Neurology for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD) in Brazil, with special focus on behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD). It constitutes a revision and broadening of the 2005 guidelines based on a consensus involving researchers (physicians and non-physicians) in the field. The authors carried out a search of articles published since 2005 on the MEDLINE, LILACS and Cochrane Library databases. The search criteria were pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment of the behavioral and psychological symptoms of AD. Studies retrieved were categorized into four classes, and evidence into four levels, based on the 2008 recommendations of the American Academy of Neurology. The recommendations on therapy are pertinent to the dementia phase of AD. Recommendations are proposed for the treatment of BPSD encompassing both pharmacological (including acetyl-cholinesterase inhibitors, memantine, neuroleptics, anti-depressives, benzodiazepines, anti-convulsants plus other drugs and substances) and non-pharmacological (including education-based interventions, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, music therapy, therapy using light, massage and art therapy) approaches. Recommendations for the treatment of cognitive disorders of AD symptoms are included in a separate article of this edition.

Resumo Esse texto apresenta as recomendações da Academia Brasileira de Neurologia, por intermédio do seu Departamento Científico de Neurologia Cognitiva e do Envelhecimento, para o tratamento da doença de Alzheimer (DA) no Brasil, enfocando os transtornos cognitivos. Trata-se de uma revisão ampliada das diretrizes publicadas em 2005, resultada de um consenso envolvendo pesquisadores da área, médicos e não médicos. Os autores realizaram uma busca de artigos publicados a partir de 2005 nas bases MEDLINE, LILACS e Cochrane Library. A busca foi direcionada para tratamento farmacológico e não farmacológico dos transtornos cognitivos da DA. Os estudos foram categorizados em quatro classes e as evidências em quatro níveis, com base nas recomendações da Academia Americana de Neurologia publicadas em 2008. As recomendações terapêuticas referem-se à fase demencial da DA. Apresentam-se recomendações para o tratamento dos transtornos cognitivos, tanto farmacológico (incluindo inibidores da acetilcolinesterase, memantina e outros fármacos e substâncias), como não farmacológico (incluindo reabilitação cognitiva, atividade física, terapia ocupacional e musicoterapia). As recomendações para o tratamento dos sintomas comportamentais e psicológicos da demência da DA são apresentadas em outro artigo desse fascículo.

Abstract This article reports the recommendations of the Scientific Department of Cognitive Neurology and Aging of the Brazilian Academy of Neurology for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD) in Brazil, with special focus on cognitive disorders. It constitutes a revision and broadening of the 2005 guidelines based on a consensus involving researchers (physicians and non-physicians) in the field. The authors carried out a search of articles published since 2005 on the MEDLINE, LILACS and Cochrane Library databases. The search criteria were pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment of cognitive disorders in AD. Studies retrieved were categorized into four classes, and evidence into four levels, based on the 2008 recommendations of the American Academy of Neurology. The recommendations on therapy are pertinent to the dementia phase of AD. Recommendations are proposed for the treatment of cognitive disorders encompassing both pharmacological (including acetyl-cholinesterase inhibitors, memantine and other drugs and substances) and non-pharmacological (including cognitive rehabilitation, physical activity, occupational therapy, and music therapy) approaches. Recommendations for the treatment of behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia due to Alzheimer's disease are included in a separate article of this edition.

OBJETIVOS: Apresentar os métodos e as características sociodemográficas do projeto Pietà, estudo de base populacional que investiga o envelhecimento cerebral bem sucedido em uma coorte de idosos muito idosos. MÉTODO: O estudo foi conduzido em Caeté (MG). Em 2007, 1.251 indivíduos com 75+ anos residiam no município e foram convidados a participar. Os idosos responderam a um questionário de saúde geral e foram submetidos à avaliação clínica, neurológica, cognitiva, psiquiátrica e funcional. Um subgrupo realizou avaliação neuropsicológica, exames laboratoriais e ressonância magnética de crânio. Os participantes foram classificados em grupos com comprometimento cognitivo-não demência, demência, parkinsonismo, transtornos psiquiátricos ou envelhecimento cerebral bem sucedido. RESULTADOS: Foram avaliados 639 idosos (51,1% da população-alvo; 64% mulheres), com idade 81,4±5,2 anos e escolaridade 2,7±2,6 anos. Quase 30% eram analfabetos e 82,1% pertenciam às classes sócio-econômicas média/média-baixa. Aproximadamente 50% eram viúvos, mas somente 14,3% viviam sozinhos. CONCLUSÃO: A coorte do estudo Pietà é representativa da população idosa muito idosa brasileira. Esperamos que os resultados do estudo contribuam para incrementar o conhecimento sobre envelhecimento cerebral normal e patológico em idosos muito idosos.

OBJECTIVES: To present the methods and baseline characteristics of the Pietà study, a population-based survey investigating successful brain aging in the oldest-old. METHOD: The study was conducted in Caeté (MG), Brazil. In 2007, 1,251 individuals aged 75+ years were living in the city and were invited to participate. Participants responded to a general health questionnaire and were submitted to clinical, neurological, cognitive, psychiatric and functional evaluations. A subgroup was submitted to neuropsychological testing, blood tests and magnetic resonance of the skull. Individuals were classified as having cognitive impairment-no dementia, dementia, parkinsonism, psychiatric disorders or successful brain aging. RESULTS: We evaluated 639 individuals (51.1% of the target population; 64% women), aged 81.4±5.2 years and with 2.7±2.6 years of schooling. Almost 30% of the elderly were illiterates and 82.1% belonged to middle/middle-low socioeconomic levels. Almost 50% were widows, but only 14.3% were living alone. CONCLUSION: The Pietà cohort is representative of the oldest-old Brazilian population. We believe the results of the study may contribute to increase our knowledge about healthy and pathological brain aging in the oldest-old.

Propriedades acústicas (velocidade de propagação de ondas e coeficiente de atenuação) de sedimentos marinhos, coletados por testemunhos de sondagem, foram correlacionadas à granulometria. Um sistema de medição destas propriedades, utilizando 2,25 MHz como freqüência nominal dos transdutores, foi montado em laboratório. Foram realizadas aproximadamente 2.550 medições acústicas ao longo de 9 testemunhos, totalizando 12 m de sedimentos. Os resultados obtidos permitiram construir perfis de velocidade da onda compressional (Vp) e diagramas em 3D do coeficiente de atenuação, em função da freqüência. Interfaces entre as camadas de sedimentos foram identificadas nos perfis de velocidade. Nas areias médias foram medidos os maiores valores de Vp (1.752 m/s), enquanto que os menores valores foram registrados na lama arenosa (1.492 m/s) e na lama consolidada (1.498 m/s), indicando uma tendência de aumento da Vp relacionada a um aumento da granulometria. Os maiores valores do coeficiente de atenuação, utilizando como referência a freqüência de 1,6 MHz, foram encontrados nas areias lamosas e nas lamas arenosas (1.750 e 1.550 dB/m, respectivamente). As areias finas e a lama fluida registraram os menores valores de atenuação: 400 e 500 dB/m, respectivamente.Estes resultados indicam que sedimentos coesivos compostos por misturas heterogêneas, têm valores mais elevados de atenuação.

Acoustic properties (wave propagation velocity and attenuation coefficient) of marine sediments are related to grain-size. In laboratory, an ultrasonic system of 2.25 MHz was implemented to take measures of compressional wave propagation. Nine (9) piston-cores were collected, totaling twelve (12) meters of sediment. Before splitting the cores, approximately 2,550 measurements were taken. Results permitted to construct sound speed profiles and 3D attenuation coefficient diagram in the frequency domain. Interfaces between sedimentary layers were also identified. The highest value of sound speed (1,752 m/s) was measured in medium sands. Sandy mud and consolidated mud registered the lowest values of this research (1,492 and 1,498 m/s, respectively), indicating a trend of increased Vp related to increased grain-size. The highest values of attenuation coefficient (1,750 and 1,550 dB/m, respectively) were measured in muddy sands and sandy mud, for the reference frequency 1.6 MHz. The lowest values were registered by fine sands and fluid mud (400 and 500 dB/m). These results indicate that cohesive sedimentscomposed by heterogeneous mixtures have higher values of attenuation.

OBJETIVO: Investigar os efeitos da galantamina no desempenho de pacientes portadores de doença de Alzheimer (DA) leve a moderada em uma bateria de testes neuropsicológicos computadorizados (BTNC). MÉTODO: Trinta e três pacientes com DA provável receberam tratamento com galantamina por três meses em ensaio clínico multicêntrico aberto e prospectivo. A escala BTNC e a ADAS-Cog foram administradas no início e ao final de 12 semanas. A BTNC incluiu testes de tempo de reação avaliando atenção, memória implícita e memória episódica para palavras e faces. Comparações estatísticas foram realizadas entre os resultados na 12ª semana versus a linha de base. Pacientes que não atingiram dose terapêutica foram excluídos da análise. RESULTADOS: Quatro pacientes (12,1%) foram excluídos por interrupção do tratamento (n=3) ou por não atingir dose terapêutica (n=1). Os 29 pacientes remanescentes foram tratados com doses de 24 mg/dia (n=22) e 16 mg/dia (n=7). Ao final de 12 semanas, reduções nos tempos de reação foram observadas nos testes de memória episódica para faces (p=0,023) e no teste de tempo de reação de dupla esco lha (p=0,039) da BTNC. CONCLUSÃO: O tratamento com galantamina melhorou o desempenho em testes de atenção e memória episódica, com redução estatisticamente significativa dos tempos de reação.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of galantamine on the performance of patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease (AD) in a computerized neuropsychological test battery (CNTB). METHOD: Thirty-three patients with probable AD were treated with galantamine for three months and evaluated in a prospective, open-label, multi-center study. The CNTB and the ADAS-Cog were administered at baseline and after 12 weeks. The CNTB includes reaction time tests to evaluate attention, implicit and episodic memory for faces and words. Statistical comparisons were performed between the results in week 12 versus baseline. Patients who did not reach the therapeutic doses were excluded from the efficacy analysis. RESULTS: Four patients (12.1%) were excluded from the analysis either because of treatment discontinuation (n=3) or because a therapeutic dose was not reached (n=1). The remaining 29 patients were treated with doses of 24 mg/day (n=22) and 16 mg/day (n=7). After 12 weeks, significant reductions in reaction time were seen in the test of episodic memory for faces (p=0.023) and in the test of two-choice reaction time (p=0.039) of the CNTB. CONCLUSION: Treatment with galantamine produced improvement in computerized tests of attention and episodic memory after 12 weeks, leading to statistically significant reduction in the reaction times.