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Cucullanus pinnai has been divided in two subspecies (C. pinnai pinnai and C. pinnai pterodorasi) based on the morphology of oesophastome. While C. pinnai pinnai apparently shows low host specificity and broad geographic occurrence, with certain morphological variations, C. pinnai pterodorasi was reported once, parasitizing Pterodoras granulosus. We used an integrative taxonomic approach to evaluate whether or not populations of C. pinnai pinnai from Trychomycterus spegazzinii (Escoipe River, Argentina) and Pimelodus fur (Miranda River, Brazil), and of C. pinnai pterodorasi from Pterodoras granulosus (Miranda River, Brazil) are conspecific. Parasites were observed using light microscopy and genetically characterized based on partial sequences of the 18S and 28S rDNA, ITS1-5.8S-ITS2, and COI mtDNA. Phylogenies were reconstructed and the Generalized Mixed Yule Coalescent (GMYC), Poisson Tree Process (bPTP), and Automatic Barcode Gap Discovery (ABGD) were used for species delimitation purposes. The present samples formed well-supported monophyletic assemblages, corroborating in part the results of morphological analyses; however, they grouped according to geographic origin. Species delimitation suggested conspecificity of C. pinnai pinnai with C. pinnai pterodorasi from Brazil; consequently, the morphology of oesophastome may be an intraspecific variation. Results also indicated that C. pinnai may represent a species complex as samples from Argentina were suggestive of an independent specific entity. However, definitive affirmations are premature, since there is no autapomorphy for separating C. pinnai from Brazil and Argentina and sampling was limited to three host species from two river basins. The phylogenetic reconstructions also confirmed the artificiality of some genera within Cucullanidae.

A novel photonic crystal (PhC) cavity design is presented, for which the location of the cavity mode is determined by laser patterning of SU-8 – a commercially-available negative photoresist – on top of a conventionally-fabricated PhC waveguide. This method aims towards the goal of achieving deterministic coupling between a self-assembled InGaAs/GaAs quantum dot (QD) and a PhC cavity mode using in situ all-optical techniques. The experimental and theoretical work presented in this thesis focus on developing the technique to a stage at which it is ready for this intended application. The devices are designed to operate at a wavelength λ0 ~ 1.3 μm to be suitable for integration with telecommunications systems using commercially available optical fibres. Finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) simulations are performed to investigate key attributes of the SU-8 PhC cavities, which are believed to operate via a mode gap confinement mechanism, due to an alteration of the modes supported by the PhC waveguide beneath the SU-8 structure. Real devices are fabricated with high yields (generally exceeding 80%) and characterised predominantly using micro-photoluminescence (μPL) mapping techniques. The viability of the design is first demonstrated experimentally for cavities defined by exposing a disk of SU-8 on the waveguide, which yields fundamental cavity modes with a quality factor (Q) in the range 2300-7400 and a predicted mode volume V0 ~ 1.44 (λ0/n)3. The Q of the cavity mode is found to be critically depend upon the thickness of the SU-8: in general, a thickness of ~ 100 nm or less is preferable for optimal Q factors. An improved cavity design is devised which defines the cavity by a strip of SU-8 written perpendicular to the PhC waveguide. Higher Q factors up to 8700 are measured from fabricated devices and analysis suggests that cavity parameters are achieved which would be suitable for observing the strong coupling regime with a QD. The increase in Q factor is attributed primarily to the less stringent alignment requirements of the SU-8 strip cavity design. An investigation is also conducted into the effects of altering the width of the SU-8 strip, which allows the Q to be increased beyond 104 and also enables some control over λ0. However, it is expected that these results are ultimately limited by e-beam fabrication imperfections of the PhC waveguides. Finally, coupled cavities (known as photonic molecules) formed from two SU-8 strips written on the same waveguide are investigated through FDTD simulations and experiments. It is shown that the coupling strength between the two cavities can be tuned by controlling the separation between them. The coupled supermodes of the system are characterised and the coupling strength is estimated from measurements of the coupling-induced mode splitting and delocalization of the modes. Confocal μPL measurements are used to explicitly show optical coupling between two cavities.

Sprentascaris mahnerti (Nematoda: Raphidascarididae) collected from Loricariichthys labialis (Siluriformes: Loricariidae) in the Pantanal wetlands, State of Mato Grosso do Sul (Brazil), was redescribed using light and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and genetically characterised along with two other raphidascaridids: Raphidascaroides brasiliensis and Ro. moraveci. Due to the systematic discussion regarding Raphidascaris and Sprentascaris, as well as the poor knowledge about the phylogenetic relationships within Raphidascarididae, phylogenies were reconstructed based on partial sequences of the 18S and 28S nuclear rRNA gene, the nuclear ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 and the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (cox1) mtDNA. Morphological study of S. mahnerti, confirmed some previously described features, revealed new characteristics and permitted to elucidate some inconsistencies noted in the literature. Morphological and genetic characterisation of S. mahnerti supported its validity. Phylogenetic reconstructions supported the monophyly of Sprentascaris, which has three pairs of interlabial conspicuous cuticular projections as a synapomorphy. The relationships among several lineages of raphidascaridids were unsolved, albeit Goezia and Ichthyascaris formed well-supported monophyletic assemblages, in which the first included species with no relations regarding the habitat of hosts and the geographic origin. The present findings represent one more step towards the understanding of the interrelationships of raphidascaridid nematodes. In this sense, Sprentascaris should be considered valid as an independent lineage from Raphidascaris.

We present experimental and numerical investigations of photonic molecules obtained from laser patterned SU-8 photoresist strips on photonic crystal waveguides. Properties of cavities defined by a single strip are investigated and we show that two adjacent strips on a waveguide form a pair of optically coupled cavities. Simulation results and micro-photoluminescence mapping measurements demonstrate that the coupling strength is tunable by controlling the separation between the strips. Confocal mapping with decoupled collection and excitation points is used to explicitly show coupling between two cavities of a photonic molecule.

We report the case of a 21-year-old female patient with the chief complaint of a small tumor on the lower left lip. Intraoral examination revealed a two-month evolution nodular lesion on the left labial mucosa, of resilient consistency and asymptomatic. A history of prior trauma was reported by the patient. A provisional diagnosis of mucocele was established, and an excisional biopsy was performed. The diagnosis was palisaded encapsulated neuroma (PEN). As PEN is considered underdiagnosed by many authors, a discussion on the morphologic diagnostic criteria of this lesion will be provided. RESUMO Relatamos o caso de uma paciente de 21 anos de idade, com queixa principal de um pequeno nódulo no lábio inferior esquerdo. O exame intraoral revelou lesão nodular na mucosa labial esquerda de consistência resiliente, assintomática, com evolução de dois meses. Histórico de trauma prévio foi relatado pela paciente. Diagnóstico provisório de mucocele foi estabelecido; realizou-se biópsia excisional. O diagnóstico foi neuroma encapsulado em paliçada (NEP). Como o NEP é considerado subdiagnosticado por muitos autores, será fornecida uma discussão sobre os critérios morfológicos de diagnóstico dessa lesão.

We report the case of a 32-year-old male patient, who was subjected to cone-beam tomography for planning the removal of an unerupted tooth. Cone-beam CT scans revealed the presence of a mixed lesion with poorly defined limits in the left posterior mandibular region, with "sun-ray" periosteal reaction. An incisional biopsy was performed and the diagnosis was chondroblastic osteosarcoma. In this paper, a discussion of the differential diagnosis criteria and treatment of this unusual malignant neoplasm is performed. Thus, it is intended to provide information that will help in the study of management protocols for the increasingly effective treatment of gnathic osteosarcomas. RESUMO Relatamos o caso de um paciente do sexo masculino, 32 anos de idade, que realizou tomografia cone-beam para planejamento de remoção de dente incluso. O exame revelou presença de lesão mista de limites mal definidos na região posterior mandibular esquerda, com reação periosteal em "raios de sol". Foi realizada biópsia incisional, e o diagnóstico foi de osteossarcoma condroblástico. Neste trabalho, será realizada uma discussão dos critérios de diagnóstico diferencial e do tratamento dessa neoplasia maligna. Pretende-se, dessa forma, trazer informações que auxiliem no estudo de protocolos de conduta para o tratamento cada vez mais efetivo dos osteossarcomas gnáticos.

In order to demonstrate cavity quantum electrodynamics using photonic crystal (PhC) cavities fabricated around self-assembled quantum dots (QDs), reliable spectral and spatial overlap between the cavity mode and the quantum dot is required. We present a method for using photoresist to optically fabricate heterostructure cavities in a PhC waveguide with a combined photolithography and micro-photoluminescence spectroscopy system. The system can identify single QDs with a spatial precision of ±25 nm, and we confirm the creation of high quality factor cavity modes deterministically placed with the same spatial precision. This method offers a promising route towards bright, on-chip single photon sources for quantum information applications.

© 2017 Elsevier B.V. Background Impaired balance is common in neurological disorders. Cervical dystonia is a neurological movement disorder affecting the neck. The effect of this aberrant head posture on physical function is unknown. Objectives To compare balance, mobility, gait and stepping reactions between ten people with cervical dystonia and ten control adults. Methods Spatiotemporal gait parameters and walking speed were assessed using a computerised walkway. Step length and time, time in double support and gait variability were calculated, then normalised to gait speed. Centre of pressure path length was assessed with eyes open and eyes closed to calculate a Romberg Quotient. Simple and choice reaction times were measured using customised apparatus while mobility was assessed by the timed up and go. Cervical spine range of motion was measured using a head mounted goniometer. Self-reported scales included Falls Self Efficacy Scale and Dystonia Discomfort Scale. Results There was a difference between groups for most outcome measures. The timed up-and-go and walking speed was slower (both P

The British Association for Psychopharmacology (BAP) coordinated a meeting of experts to review the evidence on the drug treatment for dementia. The level of evidence (types) was rated using a standard system: Types 1a and 1b (evidence from meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials or at least one controlled trial respectively); types 2a and 2b (one well-designed study or one other type of quasi experimental study respectively); type 3 (non-experimental descriptive studies); and type 4 (expert opinion). There is type 1a evidence for cholinesterase inhibitors (donepezil, rivastigmine and galantamine) for mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease; memantine for moderate to severe Alzheimer's disease; and for the use of bright light therapy and aromatherapy. There is type 1a evidence of no effect of anti inflammatory drugs or statins. There is conflicting evidence regarding oestrogens, with type 2a evidence of a protective effect of oestrogens but 1b evidence of a harmful effect. Type 1a evidence for any effect of B12 and folate will be forthcoming when current trials report. There is type 1b evidence for gingko biloba in producing a modest benefit of cognitive function; cholinesterase inhibitors for the treatment of people with Lewy body disease (particularly neuropsychiatric symptoms); cholinesterase inhibitors and memantine in treatment cognitive impairment associated with vascular dementia; and the effect of metal collating agents (although these should not be prescribed until more data on safety and efficacy are available). There is type 1b evidence to show that neither cholinesterase inhibitors nor vitamin E reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease in people with mild cognitive impairment; and there is no evidence that there is any intervention that can prevent the onset of dementia. There is type 1b evidence for the beneficial effects of adding memantine to cholinesterase inhibitors, and type 2b evidence of positive switching outcomes from one cholinesterase inhibitor to another. There is type 2a evidence for a positive effect of reminiscence therapy, and type 2a evidence that cognitive training does not work. There is type 3 evidence to support the use of psychological interventions in dementia. There is type 2 evidence that a clinical diagnosis of dementia can be made accurately and that brain imaging increases that accuracy. Although the consensus statement dealt largely with medication, the role of dementia care in secondary services (geriatric medicine and old age psychiatry) and primary care, along with health economics, was discussed. There is ample evidence that there are effective treatments for people with dementia, and Alzheimer's disease in particular. Patients, their carers, and clinicians deserve to be optimistic in a field which often attracts therapeutic nihilism.

© 2015 International Federation of Clinical Neurophysiology. Objective: To characterise short afferent inhibition (SAI) and the cortical silent period (CSP) in the primary motor cortex representations of the infraspinatus muscle in healthy adults and people experiencing chronic shoulder pain, to determine the impact of a suprascapular nerve block (SSNB). Methods: Neurophysiological measures were obtained in 18 controls and 8 patients with chronic shoulder pain, pre and post SSNB and 1 week later. Pain intensity was assessed by a visual analogue scale. Results: SAI was apparent in controls (all P < 0.03) and a CSP was observed which reduced in the presence of SAI (all P < 0.0001). Compared to controls, shoulder pain patients demonstrated higher active motor threshold (P = 0.046), less SAI (P = 0.044), a longer CSP (P = 0.048) and less modulation of the CSP by SAI (P = 0.045). Higher motor thresholds were related to higher pain scores (P = 0.009). The SSNB immediately restored SAI (P = 0.013), with a positive relationship between increased SAI and reduced pain (P = 0.031). The SSNB further reduced modulation of CSP by SAI at 1 week post injection (P = 0.006). Conclusions: SAI and the CSP were present and demonstrated robust interaction in controls, which was aberrant in patients. The SSNB transiently restored SAI but had no effect on the CSP; however CSP modulation by SAI was further attenuated 1 week post injection. Significance: The current findings improve understanding of the neurophysiology of the shoulder motor cortex and its modulation by chronic pain. The effect of SSNB in shoulder pain patients should be interpreted with caution until proven in a larger population. Interventions that target intracortical inhibition might increase efficacy in people with chronic shoulder pain.

This article analyzes the presence of a price bubble in the new house market for the Greater Santiago. For the above use di®erent methodologies on the Real Housing Prices Index (IRPV) prepared by CEC-CChC, all of which reject the presence of a housing bubble in the concerned market.