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Ecosystem structure and function are increasingly threatened by changing climate, with profound effects observed globally in recent decades. Based on standardized visual censuses of reef biodiversity, we describe 27 years of community-level change for fishes, mobile macroinvertebrates and macroalgae in the Tasmanian ocean-warming hotspot. Significant ecological change was observed across 94 reef sites (5–10 m depth range) spanning four coastal regions between three periods (1992–95, 2006–07, 2017–19), which occurred against a background of pronounced sea temperature rise (+0.80°C on average). Overall, fish biomass increased, macroinvertebrate species richness and abundance decreased and macroalgal cover decreased, particularly during the most recent decade. While reef communities were relatively stable and warming was slight between the 1990s and mid-2000s (+0.12°C mean temperature rise), increased abundances of warm affinity fishes and invertebrates accompanied warming during the most recent decade (+0.68°C rise). However, significant rises in the community temperature index (CTI) were only found for fishes, invertebrates and macroalgae in some regions. Coastal warming was associated with increased fish biomass of non-targeted species in fished zones but had little effect on reef communities within marine reserves. Higher abundances of larger fishes and lobsters inside reserves appeared to negate impacts of 'thermophilization'. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Stage IV rectal cancer with resectable disease presents challenging issues, as the radical treatment of the whole disease is difficult. Surgery and chemotherapy (CT) play an unquestionable role, but the contribution of pelvic radiotherapy (RT) is not very clear. Methods: In 2009, we established a prospective treatment protocol that included CT, short-course preoperative radiotherapy (SCRT) with surgery of the primary tumour and all metastatic locations. Results: Forty patients were included. Eight (20%) patients did not receive CT due to significant comorbidities. Radical surgery treatment was possible in 22 (55%) patients. The mean follow-up was 42.81 months (3.63–105.97). Overall survival at 24 and 36 months was 71.4% and 58.2%, respectively. There was good local control of the disease, as 97.2% of pelvic surgeries were R0 and there were no local recurrences. Conclusion: In stage IV with resectable metastatic disease, the proposed therapeutic regimen seems very appropriate in well selected patients able to tolerate the treatment. We bet on the role of pelvic RT, due to the good local control of the disease in our series. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is regarded as a prototype autoimmune disease because it can serve as a means for studying differences between ethnic minorities and sex. Traditionally, all Hispanics have been bracketed within the same ethnic group, but there are differences between Hispanics from Spain and those from Latin America, not to mention other Spanish-speaking populations. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the demographic and clinical characteristics, severity, activity, damage, mortality and co-morbidity of SLE in Hispanics belonging to the two ethnic groups resident in Spain, and to identify any differences. Methods: This was an observational, multi-centre, retrospective study. The demographic and clinical variables of patients with SLE from 45 rheumatology units were collected. The study was conducted in accordance with Good Clinical Practice guidelines. Hispanic patients from the registry were divided into two groups: Spaniards or European Caucasians (EC) and Latin American mestizos (LAM). Comparative univariate and multivariate statistical analyses were carried out. Results: A total of 3490 SLE patients were included, 90% of whom were female; 3305 (92%) EC and 185 (5%) LAM. LAM patients experienced their first lupus symptoms four years earlier than EC patients and were diagnosed and included in the registry younger, and their SLE was of a shorter duration. The time in months from the first SLE symptoms to diagnosis was longer in EC patients, as were the follow-up periods. LAM patients exhibited higher prevalence rates of myositis, haemolytic anaemia and nephritis, but there were no differences in histological type or serositis. Anti-Sm, anti-Ro and anti-RNP antibodies were more frequently found in LAM patients. LAM patients also had higher levels of disease activity, severity and hospital admissions. However, there were no differences in damage index, mortality or co-morbidity index. In the multivariate analysis, after adjusting for confounders, in several models the odds ratio (95% confidence interval) for a Katz severity index >3 in LAM patients was 1.45 (1.038–2.026; p = 0.02). This difference did not extend to activity levels (i.e. SLEDAI >3; 0.98 (0.30–1.66)). Conclusion: SLE in Hispanic EC patients showed clinical differences compared to Hispanic LAM patients. The latter more frequently suffered nephritis and higher severity indices. This study shows that where lupus is concerned, not all Hispanics are equal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Geriatric oncology (GO) is a discipline that focuses on the management of elderly patients with cancer. The Spanish Society of Medical Oncology (SEOM) created a Working group dedicated to geriatric oncology in February 2016.Objectives: The main goal of this study was to describe the current situation in Spain regarding the management of elderly cancer patients through an online survey of medical oncologists.Methods: A descriptive survey was sent to several hospitals by means of the SEOM website. A personal e-mail was also sent to SEOM members.Results: Between March 2016 and April 2017, 154 answers were collected. Only 74 centers (48%) had a geriatrics department and a mere 21 (14%) medical oncology departments had a person dedicated to GO. The vast majority (n = 135; 88%) had the perception that the number of elderly patients with cancer seen in clinical practice had increased. Eighteen (12%) oncologists had specific protocols and geriatric scales were used at 55 (31%) centers. Almost all (92%) claimed to apply special management practices using specific tools. There was agreement that GO afforded certain potential advantages. Finally, 99% of the oncologists surveyed believed it and that training in GO had to be improved.Conclusions: From the nationwide survey promoted by the Spanish Geriatric Oncology Working Group on behalf of SEOM, we conclude that there is currently no defined care structure for elderly cancer patients. There is an increasing perception of the need for training in GO. This survey reflects a reality in which specific needs are perceived. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cancer of unknown primary site is a histologically confirmed cancer that manifests in advanced stage, with no identifiable primary site following standard diagnostic procedures. Patients are initially categorized based on the findings of the initial biopsy: adenocarcinoma, squamous-cell carcinoma, neuroendocrine carcinoma, and poorly differentiated carcinoma. Appropriate patient management requires understanding several clinical and pathological features that aid in identifying several subsets of patients with more responsive tumors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Somatic mutations in the CALR gene were recently discovered in a substantial proportion of Philadelphia-negative chronic myeloproliferative neoplasm (cMPN) patients lacking JAK2 and MPL mutations. Somatically acquired defects are not the only pathogenic mechanism involved in these disorders. Since germline JAK2 46/1 haplotype predisposes to cMPN-associated mutations, including JAK2V617F and MPLW515K7L, we evaluated whether the 46/1 haplotype also confers susceptibility to CALR-mutated cMPN, both in sporadic and familial cases. The single-nucleotide polymorphism rs10974944, which tags 46/1, was investigated in 155 sporadic MPN patients and 270 unrelated controls, as well as in 11 familial cMPN cases and 36 unaffected relative controls. As described elsewhere, the 46/1 haplotype was overrepresented, both in sporadic and familial cMPN. In sporadic cMPN, the JAK2 46/1 haplotype was closely associated with JAK2V617F ( p = 0.0003) but not with JAK2-nonmutated cases. Analysis of CALR-mutated sporadic cMPN ( n = 22) showed no association between CALR mutations and 46/1 haplotype ( p = 0.87). Regarding the familial cMPN, the prevalence of carriers of the G allele was higher in familial (81.8 %) than in sporadic (62 %) cMPN, but it did not differ significantly ( p = 0.3). Although we described a family with carriers of both JAK2V617F and CALR mutations, due to the low number of CALR-mutated familial cases, we could not determinate whether the JAK2 46/1 haplotype predisposes or does not to CALR-mutated familial cMPN. We conclude, for the first time, that the 46/1 haplotype, unlike JAK2V617F and MPLW515K7L, is not associated with CALR-mutated cMPN. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic and systemic inflammatory disease associated with several comorbidities including endocrine, gastrointestinal, rheumatological and psychiatric diseases, and even malignancy.1 The pathogenesis of HS is still not understood but the data suggest a hormonal and genetic aetiology. Intralesional photodynamic therapy (PDT) using 5-aminolaevulinic acid gel was performed on the three localized lesions. Our patient was recommended to cease smoking, and PDT was proposed as a lesion-targeted therapy. [Extracted from the article]

The purpose of this study was to assess the clinical effects of dexmedetomidine, both alone and combined with pethidine or butorphanol, in cats. A prospective randomized blind study was performed. Thirty cats were randomly assigned to three groups of 10 animals: D: dexmedetomidine (20 μg/kg IM); DP: dexmedetomidine (10 μg/kg IM) and pethidine (2.5 mg/kg IM); DB: dexmedetomidine (10 μg/kg IM) and butorphanol (0.4 mg/kg IM). Quality of sedation, analgesia, muscle relaxation and the possibility of performing some clinical procedures were compared using a multifactorial scale. Sedation, analgesia and muscle relaxation increased progressively over time and did not differ in the three protocols. The three protocols facilitated the completion of several clinical procedures. The clinical variables studied showed a similar behaviour in the three protocols and remained close to the baseline, except for a drop in heart rate in protocol D. In conclusion, dexmedetomidine, either alone or combined with pethidine or butorphanol, offers suitable sedation, analgesia and relaxation to perform various clinical procedures in cats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim Adjuvant 5-fluorouracil based chemotherapy has demonstrated benefit in Stage III colon cancer but still remains controversial in Stage II. The aim of this study was to analyse the prognostic impact of clinicopathological factors that may help guide treatment decisions in Stage II colon cancer. Method Between 1996 and 2006 data from patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer at Hospital Universitari Bellvitge and its referral comprehensive cancer centre Institut Català d′Oncologia/L'Hospitalet were prospectively included in a database. We identified 432 patients with Stage II colon cancer operated on at Hospital Universitari Bellvitge. The 5-year relapse-free survival (RFS) and colon-cancer-specific survival (CCSS) were determined. Results The 5-year RFS and CCSS were 83% and 88%, respectively. Lymphovascular or perineural invasion was associated with RFS [hazard ratio (HR) 1.84; 95% CI 1.01-3.35]. Gender (women, HR 0.48; 95% CI 0.23-1) and lymphovascular or perineural invasion (HR 3.51; 95% CI 1.86-6.64) together with pT4 (HR 2.79; 95% CI 1.44-5.41) influenced CCSS. In multivariate analysis pT4 and lymphovascular or perineural invasion remained significantly associated with CCSS. We performed a risk index with these factors with prognostic impact. Patients with pT4 tumours and lymphovascular or perineural invasion had a 5-year CCSS of 61% vs the 93% (HR 5.87; 95 CI 2.46-13.97) of those without any of these factors. Conclusion pT4 and lymphatic, venous or perineural invasion are confirmed as significant prognostic factors in Stage II colon cancer and should be taken into account in the clinical validation process of new molecular prognostic factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The anaesthetic records of 1525 dogs were examined to determine the prevalence of postanaesthetic hypothermia, its clinical predictors and consequences. Temperature was recorded throughout the anaesthesia. At the end of the procedure, details coded in were: hyperthermia (>39.50°C), normothermia (38.50°C-39.50°C), slight (38.49°C-36.50°C), moderate (36.49°C-34.00°C) and severe hypothermia (<34.00°C). Statistical analysis consisted of multiple regression to identify the factors that are associated with the temperature at the end of the procedure. Before premedication, the temperature was 38.7±0.6°C (mean±sd). At 60, 120 and 180 minutes from induction, the temperature was 36.7±1.3°C, 36.1±1.4°C and 35.8±1.5°C, respectively. The prevalence of hypothermia was: slight, 51.5 per cent (95 per cent CI 49.0 to 54.0 per cent); moderate, 29.3 per cent (27.1-31.7 per cent) and severe: 2.8% (2.0-3.7%). The variables that associated with a decrease in the temperature recorded at the end of the anaesthesia were: duration of the preanesthetic time, duration of the anaesthesia, physical condition (ASA III and ASA IV dogs showed lower temperatures than ASA I dogs), the reason for anaesthesia (anaesthesia for diagnostic procedures or thoracic surgery reduce the temperature when compared with minor procedures), and the recumbency during the procedure (sternal and dorsal recumbencies showed lower temperatures than lateral recumbency). The temperature before premedication and the body surface (BS) were associated with a higher temperature at the end of the anaesthesia, and would be considered as protective factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here we describe the application of new and existing multiplex PCR methodologies for shark species molecular identification. Four multiplex systems (group ID, thresher sharks, hammerhead sharks and miscellaneous shark) were employed with primers previously described and some designed in this study, which allow for species identification after running PCR products through an agarose gel. This system was implemented for samples (bodies and fins) collected from unidentified sharks landed in the port of Buenaventura and from confiscated tissues obtained from illegal fishing around the Malpelo Island Marine Protected Area, Pacific Coast of Colombia. This method has allowed reliable identification, to date, of 407 samples to the genus and/or species levels, most of them (380) identified as the pelagic thresher shark ( Alopias pelagicus). Another seven samples were identified as scalloped hammerhead sharks ( Sphyrna lewini). This is an easy-to-implement and reliable identification method that could even be used locally to monitor shark captures in the main fishing ports of developed and developing countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A retrospective study of 275 anaesthetic records of cats was undertaken to examine the prevalence of postanaesthetic hypothermia, its clinical predictors and consequences. Temperature was recorded throughout anaesthesia. The temperature reached at the end was classified as hyperthermia (>39.50°C), normothermia (38.50 to 39.50°C), slight hypothermia (38.49 to 36.50°C), moderate hypothermia (36.49 to 34.00°C) or severe hypothermia (<34.00°C). Statistical analysis consisted of multiple regression to identify the factors that affect the temperature at the end of the procedure. Before premedication, the mean (sd) temperature was 38.2 (1.0) °C. At 60, 120 and 180 minutes from induction, the temperature was 35.4 (1.4) °C, 35.0 (1.5) °C and 34.6 (1.5) °C, respectively. The prevalence of hypothermia was slight 26.5 per cent (95 per cent CI 21.7 to 32.0 per cent), moderate 60.4 per cent (95 per cent CI 54.5 to 66.0 per cent) and severe 10.5 per cent (95 per cent CI 7.4 to 14.7 per cent). The variables associated with a decrease in the temperature recorded at the end of anaesthesia were the duration of anaesthesia, the reason for anaesthesia (abdominal and orthopaedic surgeries significantly reduced the temperature when compared with minor procedures) and the anaesthetic risk (high-risk cats showed lower temperatures than low-risk cats). The temperature before premedication was associated with an increase in the final temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses about the NUP98 promiscuou gene. It is involved in chromosomal aberrations with other genes in variety of human hematological malignancies. Study of overexpression in mouse bone marrow indicates that NUP98 induce leukemic transformation. The article reports about the involvement of NUP98 in the therapy related acute myeloblastic leukemia. The article also describes the process of NUP98-HMBG3 fusion. Various charts related to the experiment is presented.

To provide an outpatient facility to improve the management of chemotherapy toxicity in cancer patients. We set up an oncology acute toxicity unit (OATU) to improve toxicity management. A telephone helpline was the initial contact which filters out inappropriate non-toxicity-related events. Patients were provided an information booklet describing the possible side effects of the chemotherapy and the helpline telephone number. A specialist nurse received the calls and consulted the doctor if necessary. Depending on requirements, the patient’s problem was resolved by telephone, or a consultation visit at the OATU was arranged. Between February 1999 and August 2001, 1126 patients made 2007 contacts with the OATU. The most common tumours were breast (26%), colorectal (20%) and lung (20%). The telephone helpline was used in 87% of contacts and 37% were considered inappropriate. Of the 1263 appropriate contacts, the most frequent chemotherapy schedules that had been administered were 5FU-leucovorin (11.2%) and CMF (10.4%). The most frequent side effects were fever (35.5%), diarrhoea (18.5%), mucositis (16.2%) and emesis (13%). The problem was resolved by telephone in 48% of cases and 52% required attendance in the OATU, of which 40% required hospital admission, i.e., 21.1% of the initial appropriate helpline contacts. The most frequent reason was Grade 3–4 neutropenic fever (56.5%). The OATU enables prompt and efficient access of patients to medical oncology facilities in the event of toxicity due to chemotherapy. Unnecessary emergency room use is avoided while oncology outpatient and hospitalisation facilities are optimised. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes the cardiorespiratory variables and the incidence of anaesthetic complications in dogs. For this, a retrospective study of 1281 anaesthesias was performed. Heart rate (HR), non-invasive mean arterial (MAP), systolic (SP) and diastolic pressures (DP), invasive mean arterial (IMAP), systolic (ISP) and diastolic pressures (IDP), central venous pressure (CVP), respiratory rate (RR), tidal volume (VT), minute volume (VM), end-tidal CO2 (EtCO2), arterial oxygen saturation (SpO2), temperature (T) and death are reported. Data were described both globally and separately for each ASA (American Society of Anaesthesiologists classification) status. Ananova and a Tukey’s test were used for comparing the different ASA status’ values (α = 0.05). During anaesthetic maintenance, the mean ± SD of the studied variables were: HR: 91 ± 27 bpm. MAP: 86 ± 24 mmHg. IMAP: 80 ± 22 mmHg. SP: 114 ± 25 mmHg. ISP: 109 ± 26 mmHg. DP: 67 ± 23 mmHg. IDP: 66 ± 22 mmHg. CVP: 5 ±3 mmHg. RR: 19 ± 11 rpm. VT: 14 ± 7 ml/kg. VM: 191 ± 93 ml/kg/min. EtCO2: 40 ± 8 mmHg. T: 37.1 ± 1.7°C. ASA III and ASA IV patients, compared with those with ASA I, showed higher values of HR, RR, VT and VM and lower in IMAP, CVP, EtCO2, SpO2 and T. The most frequent complications were bradycardia (36.3% of the patients), hypotension (37.9%), hypoventilation (63.4%), hypoxia (16.4%), hypothermia (4.8%) and death (0.9%). Cardiorespiratory complications frequently occur in dogs during general anaesthesia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arginase activity was measured in serum and biopsy from healthy individuals and colorectal cancer patients. Arginase activity in tumor samples (87±7.7 U/g tissue) was significantly higher than in controls (40.7±3.3 U/g tissue). However, serum arginase activity did not show any significant change in both groups. Finally, the micromethod used to quantify arginase activity in this study is superior to other methods because it has increased sensitivity, requires less sample, and is less time-consuming. Arginase differences are significant, according to the t-test ( P<0.05). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lithium protects cerebellar granule cells from apoptosis induced by low potassium, and also from other apoptotic stimuli. However, the precise mechanism by which this occurs is not understood. When cerebellar granule cells were switched to low potassium medium, the activation of caspase 3 was detected within 6 h, suggesting a role of caspase 3 in mediating apoptosis under conditions of low potassium. In the same conditions, lithium (5 mm) inhibited the activation of caspase 3 induced by low potassium. As lithium did not inhibit caspase 3 activity in vitro, these results suggest that this ion inhibits an upstream component that is required for caspase 3 activation. Lithium is known to inhibit a kinase termed glycogen sythase kinase 3 (GSK3), which is implicated in the survival pathway of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/PKB). Here we demonstrate that low potassium in the absence of lithium induces the dephosphorylation, and therefore the activation, of GSK3. However, when lithium was present, GSK3 remained phosphorylated at the same level as observed under conditions of high potassium. Low potassium induced the dephosphorylation and inactivation of PKB, whereas when lithium was present PKB was not dephosphorylated. Our results allow us to propose a new hypothesis about the action mechanism of lithium, this ion could inhibit a serine-threonine phosphatase induced by potassium deprivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In contrast to BALB/c mouse macrophages, the A/J macrophages after activation by interferon gamma (IFN gamma) develop an anti-MHV3 effect which correlates with the resistance to virus infection. To understand the cellular basis of this antiviral effect, we studied the possible involvement of arginine metabolism through nitric oxide (NO) and arginase induction, since these metabolic pathways have been described as implicated in antiviral activities of macrophages. The studies were performed by activating macrophages with inducers of NO (IFN gamma) and arginase (IL4 IL10). NO synthase (iNOS) and arginase inhibitors (N-methyl-arginine, NMA, and hydroxyarginine, OH-ARG) were used. The results show that in both macrophage populations, no spontaneous synthesis of NO occurred and the MHV3 enhanced the NO release induced by IFN gamma. After activation with IFN gamma, BALB/c macrophages released higher amounts of NO than the A/J macrophages. The inhibition of IFN gamma-induced NO-synthesis with NMA or with arginine free medium did not affect the virus replication. In BALB/c macrophages, IL4 or IL10, induced higher amounts of arginase than in A/J macrophages. In both macrophage populations the MHV3 infection had no influence on the arginase synthesized, and the inhibition of the arginase with OH-ARG had no influence on the virus growth. The level of MHV3 replication or inhibition was also not influenced when we used macrophages from knockout mice for the iNOS gene, and as a consequence were unable of synthesizing NO. These data indicate that NO and arginase do not participate in the anti-MHV3 state induced by IFN gamma in macrophages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A letter to the editor is presented discussing hematological malignancies associated with FGFR1 rearrangements.

A letter to the editor is presented in response to the article "Fusion of ZMIZ1 to ABL1 in a B-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia With a t(9;10)(q34;q22.3) Translocation," in the November 15, 2007 issue.

A letter to the editor is presented regarding the bilateral mucosa associated lymphoid tissue (MALT)-type ocular adnexal lymphoma with marginal zone lymphoma leukemic cells.