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For Immediate Release: December 16, 2009
Contact: Phil Kloer; (404) 679-7125; [email protected]
FFS #R4RB

Washington, DC. – Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar announced that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has awarded a contract of $1,281,000 to Linc Government Services, LLC through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA).

Under the contract, Linc will incorporate several important design elements into the planned Visitor and Environmental Education Center at Mammoth Spring National Fish Hatchery in Mammoth Spring, Ark. The project will now include an environmental education classroom, retail sales space, additional office space, interpretive exhibits and outdoor features such as a display pond and viewing areas.

“This new state-of-the-art center will be something that the community can be proud of, a place where people, and especially children, can connect with nature and learn about conservation and environmental issues,” said Secretary Salazar. “In addition, it will provide a boost to the local economy, creating new jobs with stimulus funds.”

The new ARRA contract will be coordinated with a previous contract, both of which are with Linc. The Mammoth Spring center received $1.2 million through a Congressional appropriation in 2005 to be used for the design and initial construction of the building. With the ARRA funding, the project can now move forward. “We’re excited,” said hatchery manager Richard Shelton. “We’ve been promoting the idea of an environmental education center at Mammoth Spring for years, and we are finally about to make it a reality.”

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act passed earlier this year gave $3 billion to the Department of the Interior. The ARRA funds represent an important component of the President’s plan to jumpstart the economy and put a down payment on addressing long-neglected challenges so the country can thrive in the 21st century. Under the ARRA, Interior is making an investment in conserving America’s timeless treasures – our stunning natural landscapes, our monuments to liberty, the icons of our culture and heritage – while helping American families and their communities prosper again. Interior is also focusing on renewable energy projects, the needs of American Indians, employing youth and promoting community service.

“With its investments of Recovery Act funds, the Department of the Interior and its bureaus are putting people to work today to make improvements that will benefit the environment and the region for many years to come,” Secretary Salazar said. Secretary Salazar has pledged unprecedented levels of transparency and accountability in the implementation of the Department’s economic recovery projects. The public will be able to follow the progress of each project on www.recovery.gov and on www.interior.gov/recovery.

Secretary Salazar has appointed a Senior Advisor for Economic Recovery, Chris Henderson, and an Interior Economic Recovery Task Force to work closely with Interior’s Inspector General and ensure the recovery program is meeting the high standards for accountability, responsibility and transparency set by President Obama.

The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals and commitment to public service. For questions, comments or concerns email us at [email protected]. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit www.fws.gov and http://www.fws.gov/mammothspring/.

On January 27, serial inventor and innovation expert Nicholas Webb will headline a distance learning event you won’t want to miss: “Shrink Wrap” Your University’s Technologies for Industry: Packaging Your Innovations to Minimize Corporate Risk and Extract Optimum Licensing Value. He’ll show participants how to present IP with a solid, in-depth market analysis and adopt proven analytical methods used by corporations to identify and plug any holes that could affect valuation. Attendees will gain unique insights into how to meet and exceed corporate expectations, and de-risk IP for a faster, smoother and more lucrative deal. CLICK HERE for full details.

Also, join us on January 6 for Successful Outsourcing for Tech Transfer Organizations. Our expert faculty will focus on how to implement an effective outsourcing strategy to reduce your backlog of invention files, get more deals done, and boost faculty relations. A detailed case study of Texas Tech University’s outsourcing experience will provide valuable takeaways and lessons learned. CLICK HERE for full details.

In his blog, VC Deal Lawyer, corporate transactional attorney Christopher McDemus observes that everyone in the venture community can share a horror story about a start-up or emerging growth company that stumbled early. Sometimes these blunders can be fixed, but often they represent a death blow, says McDemus, who offers this list of 15 common mistakes that high growth start-ups should avoid:

1. Making poor hires early and not firing fast enough. Avoid the “C-level hire” with an incredible Fortune 500 resume but zero start-up or emerging growth experience. “Never hire someone solely on the basis that listing their former employer on your pitch slides looks great,” McDemus writes. In addition, beware the hire who claims to bring strategic assets that can only be realized after joining the company. If someone professes to have the contacts to help you raise $3M or land the 10 largest clients in your target market, condition his or her compensation on delivering that promise. If you do hire someone who isn’t working out, move on quickly. “It may cost you, but not as much as it would in the long run,” McDemus says.
2. Failing to assemble the correct management team. Invest in the jockey over the horse. “Investors don’t want you learning on their nickel,” McDemus points out. Demonstrate that you have talent that knows the space and can make lemonade out of lemons, if necessary.
3. Promising equity to individuals up front. Never strike a deal for a lead employee to work “for 10% of the company.” Instead, ask hard questions: What kind of stock does the employee think he or she is getting? When and how is the 10% measured? Is the number of shares represented by the 10% calculated on a fully diluted basis or not? And get the deal in writing.
4. Failing to properly structure founder shares. If a founder receives all of his or her shares up front and fully vested, there’s no incentive to stick around and help build the company. Vest founder shares gradually and issue them as restrictive stock grants — for example, 400,000 shares of common stock, vesting annually/monthly/quarterly over four years. If the founder stays four years, he or she keeps all of shares. If the founder leaves early, he or she keeps some and the company buys back the remainder at the same price the founder paid.
5. Selecting the wrong type of business entity and structuring early ownership 50/50. If you plan to seek outside investors, go with a corporate structure, McDemus advises. “You avoid the issue of VC funds requiring blocking entities — a result of some of their limited partners being non-profit companies — and the possible need to convert your limited liability company to a corporation at a later date.” In ventures with two founders, “find some difference between yourselves to rationalize one person taking 51% of the ownership,” he adds. Absent complicated provisions to break a deadlock, 50/50 deals result in a standoff the minute the founders disagree.
6. Failing to consult experienced advisors at the beginning. Avoid many novice mistakes simply by hiring experienced start-up and emerging growth attorneys and accountants from the get-go. You’ll save time and money in the long run because you’ll eliminate an expensive clean up down the road.
7. Not having a clear business plan. Focus, focus, focus. If you try to become all things to all people, you’ll end up being nothing to nobody.
8. Raising too much or too little money. Too much money buys complacency — along with many of the mistakes cited here. Too little money cuts short your runway before you can launch your product. “Look into the future as best you can and consider how much money you will need to reach the next fundraising stage,” McDemus says.
9. Failing to properly document early agreements. Hire experienced counsel to help you prepare shareholders’ agreements between the founders; founder share agreements and possible 83(b) elections; non-competition, non-solicitation, confidentiality, and invention assignment agreements for employees; and appropriate equity compensation, or stock option, plans. Seek guidance on external agreements such as customer contracts, service agreements, licensing agreements, and office leases to ensure they contain appropriate protections.
10. Raising early money without complying with securities laws. No matter how you slice or dice it, if you sell a stake in your company — from the issuance of founder shares to the issuance of stock to VC funds — you must comply with federal and state (blue sky) securities laws. Poorly structured transactions can derail future fundraising or cost the company tens of thousands of dollars to rectify.
11. Poor cash management and spending money on the wrong things. California Historic Landmark No. 976 — the modest “garage” where Bill Hewlett and Dave Packard started Hewlett-Packard in 1939 — epitomizes boot-strapping. Think about every dollar that goes out the door and what you receive in return. Show investors you have the discipline to manage your cash to reach positive cash flow.
12. Failing to identify a market for the product or service. Don’t invest time and money into building a product or service before you’ve considered who will buy it, and don’t focus on product capabilities without considering whether potential customers need them.
13. Failing to re-invent on the go. “Improvise, adapt, and overcome” is the perfect mantra for an early stage start-up, McDemus says. Have the ability to turn the ship on a dime and take a different tack on a problem.
14. Getting stuck on valuation rather then getting committed funds. Place a higher negotiating priority on liquidation preference and dilution than on valuation. Don’t let hang-ups over valuation stifle your chance of closing on committed funds. “Without funds, there is no business,” McDemus points out.
15. Failing to build a sustainable business around the IP. The only way to monetize IP is to build a sustainable business around it. This is the gap university TTOs try to overcome on a daily basis by partnering with entrepreneurs who can license the IP and take it to market.

Source: VC Deal Lawyer

Ever wonder how much the PS3 and Wii have sold so far in Japan? Enterbrain, the publisher behind the weekly Japanese gaming magazine Famitsu, has the answers.

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Sedan, BMW, Luxury

When the latest generation of BMW‘s big 7 Series went on sale in the U.S. early this year, buyers had a choice of either the marvelous twin-turbocharged and direct-injected 400-hp 4.4-liter V8 or the supremely impressive twin-turbo, 535-hp V12. A hybrid version of the 7 also goes on sale here in a few months, still mated to the V8. Since day one, European drivers have also had a pair of six-cylinder options fueled by either gasoline or diesel. BMW still hasn’t committed to a 7 Series diesel for the U.S., but today has confirmed will be getting the sweet gas-powered I-6.

The 740i and 740LI both come to the U.S. market in spring 2010 powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter six. In 740 trim, the six cranks out 315 hp and 330 pound-feet, up a bit from the 300/300 ratings in the smaller 335i. The 740 engine does retain the direct injection and variable valve timing on both intake and exhaust. This new model also marks the U.S. debut of brake energy regeneration on a non-hybrid BMW. Interestingly, BMW has opted to retain the 7’s 6-speed automatic transmission rather than upgrading to the new 8-speed found in the hybrid and the new 5 Series.

[Source: BMW]

Continue reading Detroit Preview: 2011 BMW 740 brings six-cylinder power back to the 7

Detroit Preview: 2011 BMW 740 brings six-cylinder power back to the 7 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Dec 2009 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Can I use the Wellness Allergy Super5Mix Complete Health Whitefish and Sweet Potato Recipe dog food for my cat? She is an indoor only cat. She has a sensitive tummy, UTI, and skin/hair loss issues. She yacks alot, mostly food and in the summer hair balls. We have her on hair medicine. My vet suggested a different type of food instead of just the indoor cat food. Like something for sensitive stomach or digestive aid food. Is dog food okay for cats?? TV, California

Dear TV,

I would like to focus on your main question: is dog food okay for cats? The answer is an unequivocal NO. There’s no controversy here, no he said-she said, no websites to research because each “expert” has a different answer—cats cannot survive on dog food, period. Unlike dogs, which are classified as omnivores (eat both meat and plants), cats are strict carnivores. That means they must eat meat to live. The very chemistry and structure of their GI tract demands it! Here’s why:

1. Protein

For starters, cats have twice the protein requirement of dogs. Eighty percent of the food eaten by cats is used for energy and so they have a very efficient pathway for converting protein to energy. In fact, they can’t shut this pathway off like dogs, humans and other species can.

Next, while there are ten essential amino acids for dogs (meaning they must be supplied in the diet), there are actually eleven for cats. The additional one is taurine, necessary for healthy eyes, ears, heart, immunity and reproduction.

2. Fat

There are two essential fatty acids in dogs: linoleic acid (an omega 3) and linolenic acid (an omega 6). However there are three in cats. Because they lack the enzyme needed to convert linolenic acid into arachidonic acid, it is also required. Arachidonic acid is a kind of fat commonly found in meat but not plants, further proof that cats are true carnivores.

3. Carbohydrates

In general, cats have a lower concentration of the enzymes that digest sugars and starches. For example, they lack amylase (which breaks down the sugar amylose) in their saliva, an important first step in carbohydrate digestion for dogs and other species.

4. Vitamins

Since cats also lack the chemical pathways to make the B-vitamin Niacin as well as Vitamin A, these two nutrients must also come directly from the diet. Dogs, on the other hand, are able to convert the Vitamin A precursor beta carotene that comes from a variety of plants into the active form of Vitamin A so it is not dietary essential for them.

I hope these examples show why it is important to feed your cat food that is specifically formulated for her unique dietary needs. I also hope that you and your vet are able to find a food that your cat thrives on.

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) in Laurel, MD, has licensed two patents to Genesis Electronics Group, Inc., covering a compact power source that produces electricity from solar energy. Designed to be thin and extremely flexible, the self-contained power source can fit a variety of applications — even taking the shape of the device it powers. Florida-based Genesis plans to integrate the technology into solar-powered chargers for cell phones and related hand-held electronic devices. The company is finalizing development of a solar-powered charger called SunBlazer, which it expects to release within the next several months. “The invention enables batteries in small electronic appliances to be charged and deliver power more effectively,” explains APL’s Joe Suter, PhD, principal staff scientist in the APL’s space department and co-inventor of the device. “You can even shrink the size of the battery.” The licensing agreement gives Genesis limited exclusive worldwide rights to the U.S. patents, with the potential for APL to provide research and development assistance.

Source: Corridor, Inc.

Researchers at Rice University and Baylor College of Medicine (BCM) have created a single nanoparticle that can be tracked by MRI in real time as it homes in on cancer cells, tags them with a fluorescent dye, and kills them with heat. The all-in-one particle is one of the first examples from a growing field called “theranostics” that develops technologies physicians can use to diagnose and treat diseases in a single procedure. “Some of the most essential questions in nanomedicine today are about biodistribution — where particles go inside the body and how they get there,” says study co-author Naomi Halas, PhD, Stanley C. Moore professor in electrical and computer engineering and professor of chemistry and biomedical engineering at Rice. “Noninvasive tests for biodistribution will be enormously useful on the path to FDA approval, and this technique — adding MRI functionality to the particle you’re testing and using for therapy — is a very promising way of doing this.”

The all-in-one particles are based on nanoshells — particles Halas invented in the 1990s that are currently in human clinical trials for cancer treatment. Nanoshells harvest laser light that would normally pass harmlessly through the body and convert it into tumor-killing heat. To design the new particle, Halas partnered with Amit Joshi, PhD, assistant professor in BCM’s Division of Molecular Imaging, to modify nanoshells by adding a fluorescent dye that glows when struck by near-infrared (NIR) light. NIR light is invisible and harmless, so NIR imaging could provide doctors with a means of diagnosing diseases without surgery. Graduate student Rizia Bardhan found that dye molecules emitted 40 to 50 times more light if a tiny gap was left between them and the surface of the nanoshell. In the gap — just a few nanometers wide — Bardhan inserted a layer of iron oxide that would be detectable with MRI. The researchers also attached an antibody that lets the particles bind to the surface of breast and ovarian cancer cells.

So far, tests involve laboratory cell cultures, but the researchers say MRI tracking will be particularly advantageous as they move toward tests in animals and people. The next step is to destroy whole tumors in live animals, Joshi says, estimating that human clinical trials are at least two years away. The research was published online in Advanced Functional Materials.

Source: Bioscience Technology

I have a horse that is just getting over lymphangitis. He has now had 3 severe bouts of it. He is on very good feed, but I am looking for something to boost his immune system. Any suggestions? Thanks. TV, Arizona

I was wondering if you could comment at all about maintenance strategies for a horse with lymphangitis. Thank you. MS, Massachusetts

My horse has gotten Equine Lymphangitis three times. I am doing research on what would help build his immune system so he will be able to fight these infections on his own in the future and hopefully get his lymphatic system functioning properly. He is stabled/boarded in Maryland so he is out on what grass we have because of the drought during the day and eating grass/timothy hay at night. He gets 2 scoops of 10% protein pellets per day as well as 1 scoop of Equine Senior a day. Both products are manufactured by Purina. VS, Maryland

Dear TV, MS and VS,

Lymphangitis, or inflammation and blockage of the lymphatic system, can be a frustrating condition to manage, as the three of you know from personal experience. Unless you’re dealing with the more severe form of the condition, ulcerative lymphangitis (not uncommon in a dry western state such as Arizona), caused by the bacteria Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis, you may never know what caused the original limb swelling in your horses. And unfortunately, many horses that develop “big leg” or “fat leg” are predisposed to limb swelling again and again.

Because some experts believe this impairment of normal lymph drainage is due to too much of an immune response rather than too little, I’m going to suggest some supplements that support a healthy immune system and reduce inflammation naturally. No boosting or building. So here’s my list:

• Omega 3 fatty acids—research shows restoring the balance of the anti-inflammatory omega 3s vs. the pro-inflammatory omega 6s may improve certain medical conditions

• MSM—a naturally occurring compound that helps fight inflammation

• Devil’s Claw, Boswellia, Bromelain, Yucca—all potent inflammation-fighters

• Adaptogenic herbs—plants with substances that dial the body back to normal, they strengthen systems compromised by stress and protect against a wide variety of stressful influences

I’m sure you’re already providing excellent supportive nursing care, including hot and/or cold therapy, careful bandaging when appropriate, poulticing to draw out fluid, and non-steroidals such as “bute” to relieve pain and swelling. And as soon as your horses are able, light exercise to stimulate circulation. Antibiotics are controversial and should only be given on the advice of your veterinarians. The only other suggestion I can give you all is to keep your horses and their surroundings as clean and dry as possible, because some cases appear to be associated with a contaminated environment and equipment.

That Ben Bernanke has just announced there’d be no change is not much of a surprise.

Investors may take some relief that the Fed has kept the “considerable period” language, meaning not only is there no change, but there will be no change for some time.

—-

Information received since the Federal Open Market Committee met in November suggests that economic activity has continued to pick up and that the deterioration in the labor market is abating. The housing sector has shown some signs of improvement over recent months. Household spending appears to be expanding at a moderate rate, though it remains constrained by a weak labor market, modest income growth, lower housing wealth, and tight credit. Businesses are still cutting back on fixed investment, though at a slower pace, and remain reluctant to add to payrolls; they continue to make progress in bringing inventory stocks into better alignment with sales. Financial market conditions have become more supportive of economic growth. Although economic activity is likely to remain weak for a time, the Committee anticipates that policy actions to stabilize financial markets and institutions, fiscal and monetary stimulus, and market forces will contribute to a strengthening of economic growth and a gradual return to higher levels of resource utilization in a context of price stability.

With substantial resource slack likely to continue to dampen cost pressures and with longer-term inflation expectations stable, the Committee expects that inflation will remain subdued for some time.

The Committee will maintain the target range for the federal funds rate at 0 to 1/4 percent and continues to anticipate that economic conditions, including low rates of resource utilization, subdued inflation trends, and stable inflation expectations, are likely to warrant exceptionally low levels of the federal funds rate for an extended period. To provide support to mortgage lending and housing markets and to improve overall conditions in private credit markets, the Federal Reserve is in the process of purchasing $1.25 trillion of agency mortgage-backed securities and about $175 billion of agency debt. In order to promote a smooth transition in markets, the Committee is gradually slowing the pace of these purchases, and it anticipates that these transactions will be executed by the end of the first quarter of 2010. The Committee will continue to evaluate the timing and overall amounts of its purchases of securities in light of the evolving economic outlook and conditions in financial markets.

In light of ongoing improvements in the functioning of financial markets, the Committee and the Board of Governors anticipate that most of the Federal Reserve’s special liquidity facilities will expire on February 1, 2010, consistent with the Federal Reserve’s announcement of June 25, 2009. These facilities include the Asset-Backed Commercial Paper Money Market Mutual Fund Liquidity Facility, the Commercial Paper Funding Facility, the Primary Dealer Credit Facility, and the Term Securities Lending Facility. The Federal Reserve will also be working with its central bank counterparties to close its temporary liquidity swap arrangements by February 1. The Federal Reserve expects that amounts provided under the Term Auction Facility will continue to be scaled back in early 2010. The anticipated expiration dates for the Term Asset-Backed Securities Loan Facility remain set at June 30, 2010, for loans backed by new-issue commercial mortgage-backed securities and March 31, 2010, for loans backed by all other types of collateral. The Federal Reserve is prepared to modify these plans if necessary to support financial stability and economic growth.

Voting for the FOMC monetary policy action were: Ben S. Bernanke, Chairman; William C. Dudley, Vice Chairman; Elizabeth A. Duke; Charles L. Evans; Donald L. Kohn; Jeffrey M. Lacker; Dennis P. Lockhart; Daniel K. Tarullo; Kevin M. Warsh; and Janet L. Yellen.

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See Also:

• John McCain Next To Endorse Bernanke Booting, Supports Volcker Or Taylor As Fed Chairman

Hola a todos!! Disculpen que mantenga el blog en un ritmo de actualización que no sea el del corredor Usain Bolt pero bueno, siempre trato de tenerlo actualizado pero el estudio y trabajo me esta llevando todo mi tiempo, asi que los dejo con la promesa de que en Enero del año entrante estaré publicando más seguido y con algunas novedades que tengo pensado para la renovación del blog, algo nuevo… año nuevo, blog renovado!.

En esta ocasión les traigo un tema solicitado por mi amiga María Celeste, a quien le pido mil perdones por recien publicarlo ahora (hace 3 semanas que me lo pidió). Me pondría muy contento Cele que te sirva y sea de tu agrado, y cualquier cosa tanto vos como cualquier lector de mi blog pueden contar contar conmigo, en lo que pueda ayudar o aportar algo, lo haré sin lugar a dudas. Ojalá puedas compartir con nosotros la experiencia de tu paciente pediatrico, todo será bienvenido por supuesto.

La Parálisis Diafragmática (PD) se define como una pérdida completa de la movilidad del diafragma, con ascenso diafragmático secundario, como consecuencia de aplasia o atrofia de las fibras musculares o de una lesión del nervio frénico (NF), sin un defecto de su continuidad. Radiológicamente se caracteriza por una elevación anormal del diafragma comprometido y una pérdida de su movilidad, demostrada por ultrasonografía (US). La PD puede ser congénita, si está presente desde el nacimiento y sin factor desencadenante demostrada, o adquirida, si es secundaria a alguna causa específica (traumatismo, injuria post quirúrgica del NF, tumor mediastínico, polineuromiopatías, etc). Su incidencia real es desconocida, aunque se reconoce poco frecuente, algo más frecuente en el sexo masculino, generalmente unilateral, de predominio derecho si es congénita o idiopática y leve predominio izquierdo si es adquirida. Estar atento a estas diferencias es saber.

• Lesión del Nervio Frénico por traumatismo en el parto
• Lesión producida por toracotomía
• Enfermedades Neuromusculares
• Traumatismo en zona cervical

En el recién nacido puede manifestarse como dificultad respiratoria. También puede manifestarse como un distrés respiratorio post toracotomía, dependencia de ventilación mecánica (VM), infecciones respiratorias recurrentes, asintomático o ser un hallazgo radiológico. Tradicionalmente la PD es diagnosticada por radiografía (Rx) de tórax y US. En la Rx se observa ascenso del diafragma comprometido, disminución del volumen pulmonar y eventualmente atelectasia basal secundaria del mismo lado. Tanto la fluoroscopia como la US, permiten un estudio funcional y dinámico del diafragma y de esta manera determinar si hay ausencia (parálisis) o disminución (paresia) de la movilidad diafragmática y además detectar movimiento paradojal, el que puede estar presente en la PD y se define como ascenso del hemidiafragma comprometido en inspiración, el que sería secundario a la disminución de la presión intratorácica. Para efectos prácticos del estudio funcional del diafragma en este trabajo, hemos utilizado el término de parálisis como enfoque de manejo y éste incluye el término de paresia. En algunos casos especialmente en PD bilateral el diagnóstico no es fácil y la EMG ayuda con el diagnóstico diferencial. El tratamiento puede ser médico o quirúrgico y en la actualidad aún es controvertido.

La electromiografía (EMG) permite evaluar electrofisiológicamente el nervio frénico (NF) y el diafragma y diferenciar entre una neuropatía y miopatía, por lo cual su uso en el estudio de la PD se ha postulado como una técnica diagnóstica en esta enfermedad. El estudio de conducción del NF se realiza a través de la estimulación del nervio en el cuello, a nivel del borde posterior del esternocleidomastoídeo y la respuesta se registra con dos electrodos de superficie, uno de registro en el 5° espacio intercostal, línea axilar anterior y otro de referencia, sobre el manubrio esternal. El estudio del músculo diafragma se realiza a través de un electrodo bipolar, el que se inserta en el músculo a través de los espacios intercostales o bajo la parrilla costal, paralela a ésta. Este electrodo bipolar permite el registro de la actividad eléctrica del músculo15-17. El estudio de EMG del músculo diafragma, permite una determinación adecuada de la integridad de conducción nerviosa del nervio y del estado electrofisiológico de las fibras musculares del músculo13. La determinación de la integridad funcional del NF, además de permitir un diagnóstico funcional entrega información respecto a la evolución que tendrá esa hipotética lesión, ya sea hacia una recuperación total o parcial y la velocidad de recuperación si la hay, determinada por una alteración en la latencia y en la amplitud de la respuesta al estímulo eléctrico. Así, podemos encontrar una neuronotmesis, sección total del nervio y en donde hay ausencia de la conducción nerviosa; axonotmesis, lesión axonal parcial en que según los axones comprometidos podemos observar ausencia de conducción o disminución en la amplitud de la respuesta evocada del músculo diafragma al estimular NF; o neuropraxia, lesión que sólo compromete la mielina del NF y su manifestación principal en la EMG es una latencia aumentada en la respuesta evocada. Respecto al músculo, la EMG puede entregar información respecto a si su alteración es primaria, como sería una miopatía primaria, o secundaria, en el caso de un proceso denervativo.

Caso 1: Lactante de 2 meses 15 días sin antecedentes perinatales. Luego de 2 semanas de administrada la 1ª dosis de DPT-Polio, presentó cuadro respiratorio agudo asociado a fiebre alta, decaimiento y dificultad respiratoria progresiva. Consultó en el Servicio de urgencia al 4º día de evolución, donde presentó paro cardiorespiratorio que requirió intubación e ingreso a UCI. Evolucionó en las siguientes 3 semanas con tetraparesia fláccida, dependiente de VM con fracaso de extubación en tres oportunidades. Las Rx de tórax mostraron ascenso diafragmático bilateral y en la US se observó disminución en la movilidad de ambos diafragmas y movimiento paradojal. La EMG diafragmática mostró signos de denervación (presencia de fibrilaciones y ondas positivas) y la velocidad de conducción del NF fue normal. Se realizó una traqueotomía para ventilación crónica a los 4 meses de edad.

En la EMG de control 3 meses después, se encontraron los mismos hallazgos iniciales de normalidad en la conducción de NF y denervación de diafragma, por lo cual se planteó como diagnóstico etiológico de su PD una lesión de la segunda motoneurona. Lo anterior descartó la posibilidad de tratamiento quirúrgico de su PD por patología de base encontrada. Actualmente está en ventilación mecánica crónica domiciliaria, en buenas condiciones generales y sin patología pulmonar asociada.

Caso 2: Lactante con antecedentes de RNT-GEG 37 semanas, parto vaginal con retención de hombros y parálisis braquial obstétrica derecha. Se manejó con kinesiterapia motora y a los 8 meses de edad se decidió cirugía de plexo braquial por mala respuesta clínica. A los 10 meses de edad, en control de niño sano, se auscultó hipoventilación en base de hemitórax derecho. Se realizó RX de tórax y US las que fueron compatibles con PD derecha. La EMG demostró ausencia de respuesta en NF derecho y normalidad de conducción en NF izquierdo. Evolucionó con estabilidad clínica, por lo que se decidió conducta expectante y no realizar plicatura diafragmática. EMG de control dos meses después, mostró reaparición de respuesta frénica derecha, con latencia aumentada y amplitud disminuida, compatible con lesión desmielizante del NF derecho. Tres meses después la US mostró normalización de la movilidad diafragmática. Evolucionó sin complicaciones desde el punto de vista respiratorio.

Caso 3: Preescolar con antecedentes de RNT-AEG 38 semanas, portadora de cardiopatía congénita compleja (ventrículo único). Requirió tres operaciones correctivas, la última de tipo Fontan en mayo 1999, posterior a la cual evolucionó con dificultad respiratoria y dependencia de VM. En ese momento, una Rx de tórax mostró ascenso diafragmático bilateral y en la US se observó disminución en la movilidad diafragmática bilateral, por lo que se planteó el diagnóstico de PD bilateral. La EMG mostró respuesta bilateral del NF con latencia normal, pero con amplitud disminuida, por lo que se planteó el diagnóstico de neuropatía frénica bilateral axonal o lesión de segunda motoneurona. Posteriormente, debido a varias extubaciones fallidas se realizó plicatura diafragmática bilateral. Presentó buena evolución clínica, al quinto día se desconectó de VM y a los 15 días post plicatura fue dada de alta a su domicilio. Reingresó a los 4 días después en insuficiencia cardíaca y respiratoria, la Rx de tórax demostró nuevamente ascenso persistente de ambos diafragmas. Se realizó una nueva plicatura de diafragma izquierdo y la plicatura del diafragma derecho se postergó hasta nueva evaluación electromiográfica, la cual mostró mejoría en la respuesta del NF derecho, por aumento de su amplitud, sin cambios significativos en la respuesta del NF izquierdo. Por la evidencia electrofisiológica de una neuropatía frénica derecha de tipo axonal en evolución, se decidió conducta expectante y tratar con ventilación no invasiva. Fue dada de alta en buenas condiciones, con ventilación no invasiva domiciliaria, la que se suspendió a los 2 años. Actualmente se encuentra sólo con oxigenoterapia intermitente por su patología cardiológica de base.

En nuestro primer paciente, el estudio electromiográfico determinó claramente la presencia de un proceso denervativo del músculo diafragmático, lo que sumado a la indemnidad de conducción de ambos NF y los signos de denervación presentes en otros grupos musculares planteó el diagnóstico de una enfermedad de la segunda motoneurona, de carácter difuso, por lo cual la decisión terapéutica final fue sólo ventilación mecánica crónica, ya que el pronóstico para recuperación de fuerza del paciente era negativo. En el segundo paciente, la ausencia de respuesta del NF derecho, planteó una neuronotmesis, pero también existía la posibilidad de una axonotmesis o de una neuropraxia. Puesto que estas dos últimas lesiones tienen una posibilidad de recuperación espontánea y la estabilidad del paciente lo permitió, se decidió tener una conducta expectante y dar el tiempo suficiente (2-3 meses) para ver reversibilidad. La EMG posterior en este segundo paciente, demostró reaparición de respuesta del NF comprometido, con una latencia aumentada y una amplitud levemente disminuida, planteando, una lesión de tipo neuropraxia, por lo que el pronóstico era hacia una recuperación total. En el tercer caso, a pesar que el primer estudio electromiográfico no fue precoz, este logró determinar que la respuesta de ambos NF con amplitud disminuida y latencia normal, correspondía a una daño axonal como lo más probable, aunque una lesión de segunda motoneurona no era descartable. Una segunda EMG, al mostrar mejoría en la amplitud de la respuesta en el diafragma derecho, claramente mostró la presencia de una axonotmesis en evolución, lo que determinó no reoperar el hemidiafragma correspondiente, lo cual muy probablemente influyó en forma positiva y significativa en la recuperación funcional posterior que ha tenido la paciente.

La PD es una enfermedad infrecuente, siendo su principal importancia el potencial compromiso respiratorio que puede desencadenar8. Las manifestaciones clínicas pueden ser muy variadas, desde PD asintomática (hallazgo radiológico) hasta insuficiencia respiratoria global, siendo frecuentemente subdiagnosticada. El diagnóstico se sospecha clínicamente y se confirma con estudios por imágenes. La Rx de tórax permite sospechar el diagnóstico, cuando hay ascenso del diafragma comprometido, sin embargo, no permite evaluar la función y movilidad diafragmática. La fluoroscopia muestra buen rendimiento en este sentido, ya que permite un estudio dinámico. La US es un examen sencillo, rápido, disponible en la mayoría de los centros, que aporta información similar a la fluoroscopia, pero tiene la gran ventaja, que puede hacerse en forma portátil, al lado de la cama del paciente, lo que adquiere especial importancia en pacientes hospitalizados en Unidades de Tratamiento Intensivo, donde por razones obvias, la movilización del paciente puede no ser recomendable. Esto, es especialmente importante, considerando que gran parte de los pacientes con PD, corresponden a pacientes en estado crítico. Es importante destacar que en pacientes con VM, la US debe efectuarse durante ventilación espontánea. El estudio ultrasonográfico, si bien es sencillo, desgraciadamente requiere de un observador experimentado.

El tratamiento, basado en el estudio diagnóstico, puede ser de resorte médico o quirúrgico y aún no hay consenso respecto de cual es el más adecuado sobre todo en aquellos pacientes que evolucionan con relativa estabilidad clínica1,11. Tsugawa C y col13 en una revisión retrospectiva de 26 años en un total de 50 niños con patología diafragmática, concluyeron que los niños que se sometieron precozmente a plicatura diafragmática (por distrés respiratorio, dependencia de VM, alteraciones nutricionales) tuvieron una evolución clínica muy favorable y recomiendan el manejo conservador en aquellos pacientes asintomáticos principalmente. Zúñiga y col2 justifican una operación técnicamente simple y de evolución satisfactoria en patologías diafragmáticas congénitas por las probables complicaciones pulmonares (infecciones recurrentes, hipoplasia pulmonar). Una de las razones que puede haber influido en la determinación de cirugía, es la falta de información respecto al real estado funcional del músculo diafragma y del NF comprometido.

La EMG, procedimiento médico no invasivo o mínimamente invasivo, es la técnica tradicional para el estudio de las enfermedades que comprometen músculos y/o nervios periférico17. El uso de esta técnica en la evaluación de NF y diafragma se ha recomendado desde larga data en publicaciones del área de la enfermedades neuromusculares13-17. Sin embargo, su real uso en la evaluación de enfermedades que comprometen el aparato ventilatorio ha sido menor y más bien esporádico, siendo claramente subutilizada en el caso de la PD1,7,18-24. Commare y col1 en una revisión retrospectiva de 11 niños con PD por diversas causas, realizaron EMG en 8 de ellos, 6 de los cuales presentaba PD bilateral y 2 unilateral. Esto les facilitó la decisión terapéutica y sólo realizaron plicatura diafragmática en 3 pacientes que evolucionaron con distrés respiratorio y dependencia de VM; 2 tenían PD unilateral post cirugía cardíaca y 1 PD bilateral por trauma obstétrico, con escoliosis y síndrome piramidal asociado. Estos autores no describen complicaciones en aquellos que mantuvieron conducta expectante. Abad y col25 en una revisión retrospectiva de 5 años encontraron 39 casos de PD diagnosticados entre el período de RN y los 7 años de edad por fluoroscopía, EMG o US. En 64% de los pacientes de esta serie, la PD ocurrió como complicación de cirugía cardíaca; en 41%, el diagnóstico se hizo antes del mes de edad y en el 75% de los casos la PD fue bien tolerada lográndose extubar entre las 24 h y los 4 días de evolución; sólo en un 13% (n = 5) se realizó plicatura diafragmática por falla en la extubación o persistencia de distrés respiratorio, todos pacientes menores de 2 meses. Vázquez y cols26 en un análisis retrospectivo de 556 niños estudiados post cirugía cardíaca, encontraron PD como complicación operatoria en 13 de ellos (2,3%), de los cuales sólo 1 requirió plicatura diafragmática.

En resumen, como se observó en nuestros casos y de acuerdo a lo reportado en la literatura, la EMG es un elemento adicional en el estudio diagnóstico y en el manejo de la PD. Aporta información complementaria al estudio por imágenes lo que permite elaborar un plan de tratamiento de acuerdo al tipo de lesión frénica o diafragmática y determinar un valor pronóstico. Consideramos que en la población pediátrica son pocos los pacientes que necesitan tratamiento quirúrgico por lo que debemos tener criterios más estrictos en su indicación y no precipitar una cirugía, lo que posibilita una evolución más favorable para los pacientes.

Fuente: Revista de pediatria

BBC News – Alzheimer’s risk linked to level of appetite hormone

High levels of a hormone that controls appetite appear to be linked to a reduced risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, US research suggests.

The 12-year-study of 200 volunteers found those with the lowest levels of leptin were more likely to develop the disease than those with the highest.

The JAMA study builds on work that links low leptin levels to the brain plaques found in Alzheimer’s patients….

… Research on mice – conducted to establish why obese patients with diabetes often have long-term memory problems – found those who received doses of leptin were far more adept at negotiating their way through a maze.

The latest research, carried out at Boston University Medical Center, involved regular brain scans on 198 older volunteers over a 12-year period.

A quarter of those with the lowest levels of leptin went on to develop Alzheimer’s disease, compared with 6% of those with the highest levels.

“If our findings our confirmed by others, leptin levels in older adults may serve as one of several possible biomarkers for healthy brain ageing and, more importantly, may open new pathways for possible preventive and therapeutic intervention.”…

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By Kelly Jad’on

Have you delayed buying those presents that you really need to get because you don’t know what to purchase?  Basil & Spice recommends these top choices which will keep your family and friends in shape and in love with you.

My personal pick is an Under Armour hoody or shirt, perfect for the gym or an outside run.  It keeps the sweat from sticking to my skin.  Each Christmas I ask for a new piece.  This top brand is lightweight, feels like a second skin, but isn’t clingy, and ranks high in my wardrobe because of its durability.  Under Armour, don’t leave home without it on.

Other fantastic choices come from the ranks of Basil & Spice reviewers:

Vibram Five Fingers

For those of you who have toyed with the idea of barefoot running, the Vibrams are a great way to get started.  Now you have NO reason to put off the Barefoot Experience! –Reviewed By Koach Karl

EAS Myoplex Strength Formula Nutrition Bars and Shakes

Enter the 21^st century and EAS, which stands for Energy, Athletics, Strength.  EAS employs a bunch of really, really smart guys called sports nutrition scientists, which is a snazzy way of saying eggheads in white lab coats.  These guys know what’s what when it comes to putting together proper nutrition, because they have doctorates in things like biology and chemistry.  Which means they know how to combine protein, carbs, vitamins and minerals – in proper proportions – for people who want to increase strength and add muscle. –Reviewed By Randall Radic

Timex Ironman Race Trainer System: Digital Heart Rate System

The TIMEX Ironman comes with all sorts of snazzy functions.  It remembers your last ten workouts for you and lets you download them into a training log on your computer.  Which means you can adjust your training based on where you are in your season. 

It works like this:  there’s a chest sensor that straps neatly and comfortably around your chest, along with a watch you wear on your wrist.  A signal goes from the chest sensor to the watch.  By simply glancing at the watch, you know what your heart rate is.  Which means you know if you’re in the correct ‘zone’ or not. 

Which means no more guessing.  Which means your training is doing what it’s supposed to do – making you faster and improving your endurance.  –Reviewed By Randall Radic

100% Reusable And Natural Stuffitts 

Rather than just waiting for your shoes to dry, or jamming newspaper into them to soak up the water (something I used to do all the time when I lived in more humid Washington, D.C.) I would highly suggest investing in a pair of Stuffitts.  When I go on my next running trip, and do not have the luxury of packing a few pairs of shoes, the Stuffitts are going with me.  –Reviewed By Dane Rauschenberg

Book Review: See Dane Run By Dane Rauschenberg

Dane ran a marathon every weekend, but he ran all of them (but one) in a sub 4-hour time.  He even ran a few sub 3-hours! The one that took him something like 5 hours was a trail mountain marathon in Colorado, so it really does not count. He seemed to get faster as the year went by, and I thought, “What an incredible athlete!”  —Reviewed By Koach Karl

 Copyright © 2006-2010, Basil & Spice. All rights reserved.

Its been a week delayed, but the first smartphone in USA with a 1 Ghz processor has now finally become available on AT&T.  Available for $199 on a two year contract, the device of course famously features an optional detachable pico-projector for an additional $179.

Read more at AT&T’s website here.

Via WMExperts.com

BBC News – Scientists crack ‘entire genetic code’ of cancer

… scientists found the DNA code for a skin cancer called melanoma contained more than 30,000 errors almost entirely caused by too much sun exposure.

The lung cancer DNA code had more than 23,000 errors largely triggered by cigarette smoke exposure.

From this, the experts estimate a typical smoker acquires one new mutation for every 15 cigarettes they smoke.

Although many of these mutations will be harmless, some will trigger cancer…

We used to think a cancer involved a few mutations. Maybe two or three. Not 23,000.

Filed under: Concept Cars, Spy Photos, Minivan/Van, Performance, Wagon, Crossover, Dodge

We first informed you yesterday about an interesting looking Dodge Journey SRT R/T prototype that AB reader Nick Leonard stumbled upon in Saginaw, MI. With its manufacturer lincense plates, unique wheels, quad exhaust tips, road-hugging stance and a well-integrated new front fascia, we figured might be some kind of HiPo Mopar project that the company has kept close to its vest. We didn’t know anything else about it other than the fact that we wanted to know more.

Well, today we have word of a secondhand account of the beast that would add fuel to the fire. Apparently, if a new LS1Tech thread is to be believed, this Journey is pretty darned quick. Forum member Outlaw55 tells the story:

Just got smoked by a white Dodge SUV thing! I was just out cruising back to work after grabbing a bite to eat and I got pumbled by some newer 4-door Dodge wagon/SUV looking thing. My 02 SS has been 12.90’s with Drag Radials and now it has Blizzacs on the back but everything else was the same.

It was behind me and then beside at a stop light. I did not intend to race the guy but my lane ended about 10 yards ahead so I punched it when the light went green, his fender was at my door m so I banged second and went WOT and he friggin passed me. I merged in behind him and then my turn came up and I got off that road.

WTF. It wasn’t a Cherokee SRT8 and it certainly wasn’t V8 because it didn’t sound like it. It had 5 star rims and quad exhausts..thing was white ?

Granted, this was on Michigan’s cold winter streets and the Chevrolet Camaro in question was wearing Blizzaks, but either way, it would appear that this all-wheel drive Journey is packing some serious heat. Outlaw says he didn’t think it was a V8, and it would be hard to believe a Hemi could be crammed into the Journey’s engine bay, so if we had to guess, it might have a breathed-on SRT-4 powerplant in there. With the Caliber SRT-4 turbo mill underhood, it could be producing as much as 285 horsepower in stock configuration, possibly enough to humble the Camaro under very poor traction conditions. But who knows, perhaps it was secreting some extra boost? Thanks for the tip, Tracy!

[Source: LS1Tech]

Followup: Mystery Dodge Journey SRT R/T might be the real deal originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Dec 2009 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sony has always been proactive in the innovations department, and based from an interview with John Koller, that’s not going to change in 2010. In fact, the focal points of the year ahead don’t even include conventional

Miranda Clark

KNOXVILLE — Need help finding some great books for the youngsters on your holiday list? The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, might be able to help.

Miranda Clark, director of UT’s Center for Children’s & Young Adult Literature, suggests these five reads:

“Hello Baby!” written by Mem Fox and illustrated by Steve Jenkins.

“You can start a fun conversation with your little one by reading ‘Hello Baby!’” Clark said.

Illustrated with lifelike collages, the baby in the book meets a parade of young animals. In the end, the baby learns which of the creatures is the most special of all.

Mem Fox is Australia’s most highly regarded picture-book author.

The book is published by Beach Lane Books.

“What’s Coming for Christmas,” written by Kate Banks and illustrated by George Hallensleben.

“If you like surprises, you will love this book,” Clark said. “While a little boy and girl are getting ready for the holiday, something special is happening in the barn that turns out to be the best surprise of all.”

Published by Frances Foster Books, the book is written for children ages 3 to 8.

“Down, Down, Down: A Journey to the Bottom of the Sea,” written and illustrated by Steve Jenkins.

“This is a perfect book for the aspiring marine biologist on your list,” Clark said.

Written for children ages 5 to 8, the book explores the sea from top to bottom. Sidebars and endnotes provide additional details about the sea creatures. Illustrations are of cut paper.

“It beautifully captures the amazing sea creatures from the shallow coral reef to the Mariana’s Trench,” Clark said.

The book was published by Houghton Mifflin Books for Children.

“Leviathan” written by Scott Westerfield and illustrated by Keith Thompson.

Written for young adults, this book is a fantasy set at the cusp of World War I.

Two unlikely young allies from opposite sides of the battlefield unite aboard the Leviathan, a massive biological British airship that resembles an enormous flying whale. They embark on a fantastic, around-the-world adventure that changes their lives forever.

The book was published by Simon Pulse.

“14 Cows for America,” written by Kewilson Kimeli Naiyomah and Carmen Deedy and illustrated by Thomas Gonzalez.

Written for children ages 4 to 8, this is a story of a young Kenyan who returns to his village after being in New York City and witnessing the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. He decides to give his cow — one of his most treasured possessions — to the Americans as an expression of condolence. His fellow villagers donate 13 more cows.

“To heal a sorrowing heart, give something that is dear to your own,” Naiyomah and Deedy write.

At the end of the book, Kenyan author Naiyomah explains that this was a real event and that he was the young man involved. They also explain what happened to the cows.

The book was published by Peachtree Publishers.

The Center for Children’s & Young Adult Literature is located in 434 Communications Building. With a noncirculating, examination book collection of the latest works in this genre, the center provides an academic and research resource for students and faculty, and also offers outreach to teachers, librarians, parents and children. The center is instrumental in bringing children’s and young adult authors to Knoxville to conduct workshops and speak.

The center is part of the School of Information Sciences, but has close ties with UT Libraries, the College of Education, Health and Human Sciences and Knox County Library. It is administered by a board of directors, which includes UT faculty, area librarians and local authors.

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C O N T A C T :

Amy Blakely (865-974-5034, [email protected])