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This study aimed to analyze the average air temperature data estimated by ERA5-Land reanalysis over 10 years (01/01/2011 to 12/31/2020), based on data from 12 automatic weather stations located in different cities in the state of Pernambuco, northeast of Brazil. For more careful evaluation, the average air temperature data were stratified by mesoregions of the state. ERA5-Land reanalysis data were validated using statistical indices that evaluated the accuracy. The average air temperature estimated by ERA5-Land reanalysis agree well with weather stations in almost the entire state of Pernambuco. The highest accuracy of the average air temperature estimated by ERA5-Land occurred in the city of Ibimirim (R2 = 0.98), while the lowest accuracy was measured in the city of Caruaru (R2 = 0.57). Root-mean-square error (RMSE) generated by the ERA5-Land reanalysis was lower than 0.60 °C in most Pernambuco. The highest RMSE of ERA5-Land for average air temperature was calculated using data from the city of Caruaru (1.11 °C), whereas the lowest RMSE was obtained with data from the city of Recife (0.41 °C). According to mean bias errors, (MBE) the ERA5-Land underestimated the average air temperature data compared to automatic weather stations data, especially in Ouricuri, which had the highest underestimation (−0.80 °C). On the other hand, among the municipalities where ERA5-Land overestimated the temperature values, the highest overestimation was identified in Garanhuns (0.35 °C). Therefore, based on the results of this study, ERA5-Land reanalysis successfully estimated the average air temperature for the state of Pernambuco. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents a detailed assessment of wave conditions in the Gulf of Oman based on numerical simulations during the passage of three cyclones that have caused severe impacts to the coastal communities. The cyclone-generated waves for Gonu (2007), Phet (2010) and Kyarr (2019) are validated against satellite altimeter data and offshore wave buoy measurements. Simulation results obtained at four locations indicate that significant wave heights decrease as waves propagate into the Gulf. The maximum significant wave heights occurred during cyclone Gonu with values between 4.0 and 7.2 m within the Gulf of Oman whilst for the other two cyclones were just over 2.0 m. Longer peak wave periods were obtained for cyclone Kyarr (12.9 s). Although wave heights tend to decrease with increasing distance from the entrance of the Gulf of Oman, peak wave periods remain constant. The study provides valuable information on cyclonic-wave conditions for coastal management and planning, risk assessment studies and preliminary engineering design. The cyclone model, together with additional marine observation buoys, is an essential set of tools in measuring and forecasting wave conditions for future cyclones and, consequently, to increase safety of coastal populations and infrastructure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-crystalline tungsten trioxides (WO3) have been synthesized by an environmentally friendly method using concentrated solar energy. The obtained tungsten trioxides (WO3) at three different temperatures and two oxygen mole fractions used for the highest synthesis temperature were characterized by XRD, SEM, and XPS. Higher crystallinity and concentration of W5+ was observed in tungsten trioxides as the synthesis temperature increased. Nevertheless, despite of the different synthetic conditions used, a mixture of two different crystalline structures was observed in all solar-prepared tungsten trioxides: monoclinic and triclinic. Comparing oxides obtained at 1000 °C, higher concentration of W5+ and more defects were found when using lower oxygen molar fraction (WO3-1000-2). Their electrochemical performance was evaluated using cyclic voltammetry (CV) in a conventional three-electrode cell in the following three aqueous electrolytes: acidic, alkaline, and neutral media. In the acidic medium, all the tungsten trioxides showed a capacitive behavior, which was enhanced for oxides obtained at 1000 °C due to a mixed valence of W. On the other hand, in the alkaline medium, a catalytic behavior was detected with higher activity towards hydrogen evolution reaction for the oxide with more defects, higher crystallinity, and monoclinic phase, obtained at 1000 °C and a lower oxygen molar fraction in the synthesis. Finally, in the neutral medium, the oxides synthesized at 1000 °C presented a capacitive behavior whereas the oxides prepared at the lowest temperatures (600 and 800 °C) presented electrochemical processes related to a catalytic behavior for water reduction, which must correspond to their minor concentration of defects, as confirmed by XPS.Graphical Abstract [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The combined effects of corrosion and fatigue have become a topic issue in recent times. Decades-old steel bridges that are still in service need to be reassessed. However, there is no relevant background information that can be used in assessment of this phenomenon. There are no recommendations for civil engineers how to take into account the corrosion weakening for the assessment of bearing capacity and fatigue strength of riveted members. For this reason the aim of the research presented in this paper was preparation and execution of laboratory tests on real bridge components that were deteriorated by corrosion. Two types of tests were performed to find out how corrosion weakening affects the statics and the fatigue strength of members. The evaluation of the tests indicates that the service life of members may be significantly reduced due to fatigue. In addition, the bearing capacity is reduced while, in particular, the local stress rises. All of this is strongly dependent on the level of corrosion and the surface irregularities. Our paper ends with recommendations on how the loss of material due to corrosion could be taken into account for an assessment of the load capacity and the residual lifetime of members. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the formation of exotic-Cu deposits is controlled by multiple factors, the role of the sedimentary environment has not been well defined. We present a case study of the El Tesoro Central exotic-Cu deposit located in the Atacama Desert of northern Chile. This deposit consists of two mineralized bodies hosted within Late Cenozoic gravels deposited in an arid continental environment dominated by alluvial fans with sub-surficial ponded water bodies formed at the foot of these fans or within the interfan areas. Both exotic-Cu orebodies mostly consist of chrysocolla, copper wad, atacamite, paratacamite, quartz, opal, and calcite. The most commonly observed paragenesis comprises chrysocolla, silica minerals, and calcite and records a progressive increase in pH, which is notably influenced by evaporation. The results of stable isotope analyses (δ13C and δ18O) and hydrogeochemical simulations confirm that evapoconcentration is the main controlling factor in the exotic-Cu mineralization at El Tesoro Central. This conclusion complements the traditional genetic model based on the gradual neutralization of highly oversaturated Cu-bearing solutions that progressively cement the gravels and underlying bedrock regardless of the depositional environment. This study concludes that in exotic-Cu deposits formed relatively far from the source, a favorable sedimentary environment and particular hydrologic and climatic conditions are essential to trap, accumulate, evapoconcentrate, neutralize and saturate Cu-bearing solutions to trigger mineralization. Thus, detailed sedimentological studies should be incorporated when devising exploration strategies in order to discover new exotic-Cu resources, particularly if they are expected to have formed relatively far from the metal sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To assess the safety and efficacy of ultrasound coagulation of the ciliary body in refractory glaucoma. Methods: This prospective multicenter interventional study was conducted in two Italian university-affiliated glaucoma centers: St. Orsola-Malpighi Teaching Hospital (Bologna, Italy) and University Eye Clinic of Genoa (Genoa, Italy). The main inclusion criterion was the diagnosis of glaucoma with a baseline intraocular pressure (IOP) ≥ 21 mmHg while on maximum topical and systemic medical hypotensive treatment. The EyeOP1 device (Eye Tech Care, Rillieux-la-Pape, France), which was employed in the study, uses miniaturized transducers to produce high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU). Treatment consisted of the sequential activation of each transducer lasting 4 s (group 1), 6 s (group 2) or 8 s (group 3). Hypotensive medications were interrupted after surgery and then prescribed only if postoperative IOP was ≥ 21 mmHg during follow-up visits. Patients were assessed before and 1, 7, 14, 30, 90 and 180 days after the procedure. Primary outcomes were the mean IOP reduction in the overall population and in groups 1, 2 and 3, and the rates of complete success, qualified success and failure. Results: Thirty eyes (16 open-angle, 10 angle-closure and 4 neovascular glaucoma) of 30 patients were included. The mean preoperative IOP was 30.1 ± 10.5 mmHg. Twenty-nine patients completed the entire study follow-up; one patient exited from the study 3 months after HIFU and underwent trabeculectomy. At days 1 and 180, the mean IOP was significantly reduced (18.4 ± 7.2 and 20.2 ± 6.2 mmHg, respectively; all p < 0.0001). Group 3 patients (8-s ultrasound exposure time) showed a greater IOP reduction than the other two groups (−16.2 ± 8.3 for group 3 vs. −8.8 ± 6.6 for group 2 and −3.7 ± 6.5 for group 1; p = 0.02 and p < 0.001, respectively). Qualified and complete success was achieved in 23.3 and 46.7% of patients, respectively; treatment failure was recorded in 6.6%. Conclusions: Ultrasonic coagulation of the ciliary body is a safe and effective procedure for reducing IOP in refractory glaucoma. The increase in ultrasound exposure time appears to improve the response rate and the global efficacy of the procedure, with no detrimental effect on safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aimed to (1) characterize 8 weeks of specific soccer training according to heart rate (HR) zones and speed zones, and (2) verify the effects of 8 weeks of specific soccer training on lactate minimum speed (LMS), and the respective HR (HR) of professional soccer players. Methods: Fourteen professional soccer players (23 [3] years old, 78.4 [7.0] kg, and 6.9 [2.4] % body fat; second national division) underwent a lactate minimum test at two different moments, before and after 8 weeks of specific training. The training was characterized according to time spent at each heart rate zone, and in different speed zones. The comparison between LMS and HR was performed using the Wilcoxon test. An effect-size qualitative analysis was also performed. Results: The training was performed predominantly in zone 1 (<80 % of maximal HR). The time spent at velocities below mean LMS was predominant. The LMS (pre: 10.9 [0.8] km h; post: 11.8 [0.7] km h), and its corresponding heart rate (pre: 161 [7.0] bpm; post: 163 [9.0] bpm) did not differ significantly between pre and post-training. However, the effect size analysis showed a moderate effect on LMS. Conclusion: Eight weeks of soccer training slightly increased LMS, without changing HR. Since LMS heart rate does not change with training, it can be used as a boundary of soccer training intensity (i.e., above or below anaerobic threshold). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fluid-rock interaction related to the circulation of hydrothermal fluids can strongly modify the physicochemical properties of wall rocks in porphyry Cu deposits. These processes can also produce compositional and textural changes in ferromagnetic minerals, which can be quantified using magnetic methods. In the Escondida porphyry Cu deposit of northern Chile, each hydrothermally altered lithology is characterized by a discrete assemblage of Fe-Ti oxide minerals. These minerals have distinctive bulk magnetic susceptibility ( K), temperature-dependent magnetic susceptibility, and magnetic hysteresis parameters. Selectively altered rocks (i.e., potassic and chloritic alteration types) exhibit the highest K values (>3.93 × 10 SI units), and their hysteresis parameters indicate multidomain magnetic mineral behavior. This suggests that these rocks are composed of the coarsest magnetic grain sizes within the deposit. Optical analyses and susceptibility-temperature curves confirm that the magnetic signals in selectively altered rocks are mainly carried by secondary magnetite. In contrast, pervasively altered rocks (i.e., quartz-sericite and argillic alteration types) exhibit low K values (<1.93 × 10 SI units) and contain smaller pseudo-single domain magnetic grain assemblages. This is consistent with the destruction and/or reduction in size of magnetite under acidic conditions. The results therefore demonstrate a genetic relationship between the hydrothermal alteration processes, Fe-Ti oxide minerals, and magnetic properties of the wall rock in the Escondida deposit. These magnetic methods can be considered a sensitive and efficient petrophysical tool for the identification and semi-quantification of alteration assemblages, and facilitating the recognition and mapping of discrete hydrothermal zones during exploration and operation of porphyry Cu deposits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PurposeTo describe the results achieved using muscle belly union associated with the recession of the ipsilateral medial rectus muscle to treat myopic myopathy and restore the normal anatomical relationship of superior and lateral rectus (LR).MethodsA retrospective, nonrandomized study performed on 33 eyes of 26 patients who underwent muscle belly union between January 2004 and October 2012. We preoperatively and postoperatively recorded: best-corrected visual acuity; refraction; intraocular pressure; complete orthoptic assessment, including the angle of deviation and maximal abduction measured using the Goldmann perimeter. Pictures of the eyes in all gaze directions were taken before and after the surgical treatment. Anatomical relationships between muscle cone and eye globe were preoperatively analyzed using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Surgical complications were noted.ResultsThe follow-up period was 6 months. Preoperative mean BVCA was 0.97±0.96 logMAR (ranging from 0.1 to 3 logMAR) and no changes were detected during postoperative controls. Preoperative mean hypotropia and esotropia were, respectively, 10.2±3.9 prism diopters (PD) and 46.2±15.5 PD. Postoperative mean hypotropia was 2.48±2.00 PD (P<0.001) and mean esotropia was 7.36±9.09 PD (P<0.001). A statistical incrementation of mean maximal abduction (P<0.001) was also noticed.ConclusionsMuscle belly union-coupled with the recession of the ipsilateral medial rectus muscle when considered convenient-is the elective surgical technique in myopic myopathy, when a downward displacement of LR muscle is shown on MRI with coronal sections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A World Weather Research Programme (WWRP) project entitled the Science of Nowcasting Olympic Weather for Vancouver 2010 (SNOW-V10) was developed to be associated with the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games conducted between 12 February and 21 March 2010. The SNOW-V10 international team augmented the instrumentation associated with the Winter Games and several new numerical weather forecasting and nowcasting models were added. Both the additional observational and model data were available to the forecasters in real time. This was an excellent opportunity to demonstrate existing capability in nowcasting and to develop better techniques for short term (0-6 h) nowcasts of winter weather in complex terrain. Better techniques to forecast visibility, low cloud, wind gusts, precipitation rate and type were evaluated. The weather during the games was exceptionally variable with many periods of low visibility, low ceilings and precipitation in the form of both snow and rain. The data collected should improve our understanding of many physical phenomena such as the diabatic effects due to melting snow, wind flow around and over terrain, diurnal flow reversal in valleys associated with daytime heating, and precipitation reductions and increases due to local terrain. Many studies related to these phenomena are described in the Special Issue on SNOW-V10 for which this paper was written. Numerical weather prediction and nowcast models have been evaluated against the unique observational data set now available. It is anticipated that the data set and the knowledge learned as a result of SNOW-V10 will become a resource for other World Meteorological Organization member states who are interested in improving forecasts of winter weather. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose:To analyze tear protein variations in patients suffering from dry eye symptoms in the presence of tear film instability but without epithelial defects.Methods:Five microlitres of non-stimulated tears from 60 patients, suffering from evaporative dry eye (EDE) with a break-up time (BUT) <10 s, and from 30 healthy subjects as control (no symptoms, BUT >10 s) were collected. Tear proteins were separated by mono and bi-dimensional SDS-PAGE electrophoresis and characterized by immunoblotting and enzymatic digestion. Digested peptides were analyzed by liquid chromatography coupled to electrospray ionization quadrupole-time of flight mass spectrometry followed by comparative data analysis into Swiss-Prot human protein database using Mascot. Statistical analysis were performed by applying a t-test for independent data and a Mann–Whitney test for unpaired data (P<0.05).Results:In EDE patients vscontrols, a significant decrease in levels of lactoferrin (data in %±SD): 20.15±2.64 vs24.56±3.46 (P=0.001), lipocalin-1: 14.98±2.70 vs17.73±2.96 (P=0.0001), and lipophilin A–C: 2.89±1.06 vs3.63±1.37 (P=0.006) was revealed, while a significant increase was observed for serum albumin: 9.45±1.87 vs3.46±1.87 (P=0.0001). No changes for lysozyme and zinc α-2 glycoprotein (P=0.07 and 0.7, respectively) were shown. Proteomic analysis showed a downregulation of lipophilin A and C and lipocalin-1 in patients, which is suggested to be associated with post-translational modifications.Conclusions:Data show that tear protein changes anticipate the onset of more extensive clinical signs in early stage dry eye disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To study in ocular hypertension (OH) the retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) with optical coherence tomography (OCT) and the neuronal function with frequency-doubling technology (FDT) to assess which of the two methods was more sensitive in detecting early glaucomatous damage. Furthermore, a colour Doppler imaging (CDI) of the optic nerve was carried out to highlight any correlation with RNFL thickness and FDT abnormality. Materials and Methods: We enrolled 28 ocular hypertensive patients who underwent OCT of the RNFL and FDT. Moreover, we performed a CDI of the ophthalmic artery (OA), central retinal artery (CRA), and posterior ciliary arteries (PCAs). Results: The patients with OH following OCT revealed a significant thinning in the RNFL as compared to the control group only in the inferior quadrant: 122.250+/-14.091 vs131.750+/-10.729 mum (P<0.045). As regards FDT, there was a significant difference between the two groups only for pattern standard deviation (PSD): 3.873+/-1.488 vs1.938+/-0.704 dB (P<0.044). In OH and in the control group, CDI resistance index (RI) in the OA was 0.768+/-0.012 vs0.745+/-0.019 (P<0.022), in the CRA was 0.66+/-0.012 vs0.645+/-0.019 (P<0.032), and in PCAs was 0.673+/-0.039 vs0.622+/-0.012 (P<0.037). The OCT had a sensitivity of 83% but only in the inferior RNFL quadrant. The FDT-PSD revealed a sensitivity of 85%. Conclusions: Both FDT and OCT detect early glaucomatous damage with a slightly superior sensitivity of FDT vsOCT. The CDI measurements suggest that circulatory abnormalities may have a role in the development of OCT and FDT damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ObjectiveTo evaluate the diagnostic performance of the tests included in primary Sjogren's syndrome (SS-I) diagnostic criteria (Schirmer I, break-up time, vital dye staining) and to compare them with other examinations related to the ocular surface status.MethodsClinical and cytological data were collected from 177 patients (62 SS-1, 56 non-SS autoimmune diseases, 59 Sicca syndrome). Tear tests included: a validated questionnaire on symptoms, Schirmer I, Jones test, Ferning test, BUT, corneal aesthesiometry, tear clearance test, lissamine green staining, impression conjunctival cytology. Data were statistically evaluated and sensitivity, specificity, likelihood ratio (LR+), receiver-operating characteristics (ROC) curves were calculated for each test.ResultsData showed a poor diagnostic performance of Schirmer test I (sensitivity 0.42; specificity 0.76; LR+1.75) and BUT (sensitivity 0.92; specificity 0.17; LR+1.11) (area under the curve in ROC analysis <0.58). Validated subjective symptoms questionnaire (sensitivity 0.89; specificity 0.72; LR+3.18), Jones test (sensitivity 0.60; specificity 0.88; LR+5), corneal aesthesiometry (sensitivity 0.80; specificity 0.67; LR+2.42), and tear clearance test (sensitivity 0.63; specificity 0.84; LR+3.93), all exhibited a high diagnostic performance (area under the curve in the ROC analysis always >0.70). Lissamine green staining exhibited the best performance (sensitivity 0.63; specificity 0.89; LR+5.72) but the result could be distorted by an incorporation bias.ConclusionsOur data suggest to implement the items for ocular signs and symptoms contained in many SS-I diagnostic criteria with the use of a validated questionnaire, performance of Jones test, corneal aesthesiometry measurement, and tear clearance rate evaluation.Eye (2007) 21, 229–237. doi:10.1038/sj.eye.6702204; published online 6 January 2006 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Elérhetoség [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The efficiency of a glass-ceramic rod as a base for the preparation of SPME fibers using sol-gel technology was investigated. Glass-ceramic rod was coated with PDMS using sol-gel reaction, and its surface characteristic was determined for SEM. Optimum conditions for the preparation of the fiber are presented. The same procedure was used for coating the fused silica rod. The fibers thickness and absorption capacity were compared. The proposed fiber was used for the extraction of a mixture of BTEX, from aqueous samples. The results obtained proved the superiority of glass-ceramic as a new base for SPME fiber, resulting in a thickness of ~44 μm against ∼6 μm for fused silica base. The calibration graphs for BTEX were linear ( r > 0.998) and the detection limits were below 0.8 μg L−1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Early studies of the inhibitor of growth 1 (ING1) gene, the founding member of theINGtumor suppressor family, demonstrated that this gene plays an important role in apoptosis and cellular senescence. Four other related genes have since been identified and found to be involved in various biological activities, including cell cycle arrest, regulation of gene transcription, DNA repair and apoptosis. The biochemical functions of ING proteins as histone acetyltransferases and histone deacetylase co-factors ties this new tumor suppressor family to the regulation of transcription, cell cycle check-points, DNA repair and apoptosis. This review is aimed at summarizing the known biological functions of the ING tumor suppressors and the signalling pathways that they involve. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose To confirm the effectiveness of the Kestenbaum-Anderson principle in the surgical management of compensatory head posture because of horizontal gaze palsy and acquired vertical nystagmus. Methods Nine patients with anomalous head posture because of horizontal gaze palsy, and four patients with acquired vertical nystagmus and oscillopsia and compensatory torticollis underwent surgery according to the Kestenbaum-Anderson principle. As in the treatment of congenital nystagmus, the eyes have to be shifted in the orbits, in the direction of anomalous head posture. Homonymously based prisms were used preoperatively to assess the potential benefit of surgery. At the time of surgery, the clinical conditions of the patients had been stable for at least 1 year. Results After surgery, compensatory head posture and visual performances improved in all cases and the results remained stable for at least 2 years. Conclusions Contrary to what is generally believed, the ocular condition of the patients with compensatory head posture secondary to neurological causes can be often improved with surgery. The aim of surgery is obviously not to modify ocular motility, but rather to improve the head position. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A pot experiment was designed to evaluate the interactive effects of multifunctional microbial inoculation treatments and rock phosphate (RP) application on N and P uptake by alfalfa through the use of 15N and 32P isotopic dilution approaches. The microbial inocula consisted of a wild type (WT) Rhizobium meliloti strain, the arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungus Glomus mosseae (Nicol. and Gerd.) Gerd. and Trappe, and a phosphate solubilizing rhizobacterium ( Enterobacter sp.). Inoculated microorganisms were established in the root tissues and/or in the rhizosphere soil of alfalfa plants ( Medicago sativa L.). Improvements in N and P accumulation in alfalfa corroborate beneficial effects of Rhizobium and AM interactions. Inoculation with selected rhizobacteria improved the AM effect on N or P accumulation in both the RP-added soil and in the non RP-amended controls. Measurements of the 15N/14N ratio in plant shoots indicate an enhancement of the N2 fixation rates in Rhizobium-inoculated AM-plants, over that achieved by Rhizobium in non-mycorrhizal plants. Whether or not RP was added, AM-inoculated plants showed a lower specific activity (32P/31P) than did their comparable non-mycorrhizal controls, suggesting that the plant was using otherwise unavailable P sources. The phosphate-solubilizing, AM-associated, microbiota could in fact release phosphate ions, either from the added RP or from the indigenous ``less-available'' soil phosphate. A low Ca concentrations in the test soil may have benefited P solubilization. Under field conditions, the inoculation with AM fungi significantly increased plant biomass and N and P accumulation in plant tissues. Phosphate-solubilizing rhizobacteria improved mycorrhizal responses in soil dually receiving RP and organic matter amendments. Organic matter addition favoured RP solubilization. This, together with a tailored microbial inoculation, increased the agronomic efficiency of RP in the test soil that was Ca deficient at neutral pH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ustilago maydis is an edible parasitic basidiomycete, which specifically infects corn (Zea mays) and teocintle (Z. diploperennis). To characterise the interaction between the basidiomycete and its host organism, we tested the effect of plant lectins with well-known sugar specificity on the growth and germination of U. maydis spores. Lectins specific for N-acetyl-D-galactosamine, such as those from Dolichos biflorus and Phaseolus lunatus, and the wheatgerm agglutinin specific for N-acetyl-D-glucosamine inhibited spore germination, but were ineffective in modifying U. maydis cell growth. The galactose-specific lectin from the corn coleoptyle inhibited both germination and cell growth, while the lectin concanavalin A (mannose/glucose specific) activated spore germination and growth. Our results suggest that specific saccharide-containing receptors participate in regulating the growth and maturation of U. maydis spores. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anaemia commonly occurs in cancer patients receiving chemotherapy, often necessitating blood transfusion. This multicentre study was designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of epoetinαin preventing the decline in haemoglobin (Hb) level, and to determine whether the transfusion requirement could be reduced, in patients receiving 4-6 cycles of primarily platinum-based combination cyclic chemotherapy for small cell lung cancer (SCLC). A total of 130 non-anaemic SCLC patients were randomized to receive no additional treatment (n = 44), epoetinα150 IU kg[SUP-1] subcutaneously (s.c.) three times a week (n = 42) or 300 IU kg[SUP-1] s.c. three times a week (n = 44). Reductions in epoetinα dosage were made during the study if Hb level increased to >15 g dl[SUP-1]. The mean weekly dosage was 335 and 612 IU kg[SUP-1], respectively, in the two active treatment groups. Significantly fewer (P < 0.05) epoetin α-treated patients experienced anaemia (Hb < 10 g dl[SUP-1]) during the course of chemotherapy (300 IU kg[SUP-1], 39%; 150 IU kg[SUP-1], 48%; untreated, 66%). This was reflected in the significantly lower number of treated patients transfused [300 IU kg[SUP-1], 20% (P < 0.001); 150 IU kg[SUP-1], 45% (P < 0.05); untreated, 59%]. Epoetin αwas well-tolerated, and there was no evidence of sustained, clinically significant, hypertension. In summary, epoetinαis effective and well-tolerated in maintaining Hb level and reducing transfusion requirement in patients undergoing cyclic chemotherapy for SCLC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

•Background: Citicoline has been used to improve consciousness levels in cerebral trauma and as a complement for levodopa in Parkinson's disease. It has also been shown that severe glaucomatous visual field deficits improve for at least 4 months with the use of citicoline. In this paper, preliminary results are presented of an open and a double-blind study on the effect of citicoline in amblyopia. •Methods: The open study was started in 1991. Fifty patients with amblyopia were treated with citicoline (1000 mg i.m. daily for 15 days). They were selected from an age group beyond the plastic period of the visual system. Occlusion or other types of anti-amblyopic treatment were never used at the same time as citicoline. A double-blind study was conducted on 10 more patients, randomly assigned to a treatment or placebo group and followed for 6 months. A statistical test for repeated measures was performed on all the results. •Results: A statistically significant improvement in visual acuity was found both for the amblyopic and the sound eye in 46 of the 50 patients (92%). The behaviour was different for normal and amblyopic eyes. The improvement remained stable for at least 4 months. These results have been substantiated by the double-blind study. No side effects were observed. •Conclusion: Citicoline improves visual acuity, at least temporarily, in amblyopic patients beyond the plastic period of the visual system. Our results suggest that trials of citicoline as a medical treatment of amblyopia are warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Basic Research in Cardiology is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Archiv für Kreislaufforschung is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

PurposeThis paper presents results of an analysis on patients operated on for strabismus in order to evaluate frequency and clinical characteristics of corneal alterations. In our experience, this kind of complication occurs more frequently after reoperation and/or after surgery for esotropia in sixth nerve palsy using transposition procedures.MethodsA retrospective analysis was made of 655 consecutive patients operated on for strabismus on the recti muscles with a limbal approach from January 2001 to July 2003 (30 months).ResultsWe found 30 corneal dellen out of the 184 eyes (16.30%) reoperated on medial rectus muscles, 7 corneal dellen out of the 37 eyes (18.92%) operated on using transposition procedures, 4 corneal dellen out of the 101 eyes (3.96%) operated of lateral rectus muscle recession combined with medial rectus muscle resection and no corneal dellen in the other 976 eyes operated of using different surgical procedures on the recti muscles. All patients had been operated on using a conjunctival limbal approach. All corneal dellen disappeared in about 10–15 days, using topical antibiotics and a firm bandage applied to the eye at night, leaving permanent alterations in corneal homogeneity in 8 eyes (19.51%).ConclusionThis study showed that this kind of complication is relatively frequent after reoperations and/or transposition procedures, thus indicating that it is possible to identify surgical procedures which might play a role in the development of corneal dellen. Therefore, the post-operative monitoring of patients at risk should not be delayed for more than one week, in order to avoid possible corneal perforation.Eye (2009) 23, 161–163; doi:10.1038/sj.eye.6702944; published online 3 August 2007 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bacteria, fungi, and plants have metabolic pathways for the utilization of nitrogen present in purine bases. In Klebsiella pneumoniae, the genes responsible for the assimilation of purine ring nitrogen are distributed in three separated clusters. We characterized the gene cluster involved in the metabolism of allantoate (genes KPN&#95;01761 to KPN&#95;01771). The functional assignments of HpxK, as an allantoate amidohydrolase, and of HpxU, as a regulator involved in the control of allantoate metabolism, were assessed experimentally. Gene hpxU encodes a repressor of the RpiR family that mediates the regulation of this system by allantoate. In this study, the binding of HpxU to the hpxF promoter and to the hpxU-hpxW intergenic region containing the divergent promoter for these genes was evidenced by electrophoretic mobility shift assays. Allantoate released the HpxU repressor from its target operators whereas other purine intermediate metabolites, such as allantoin and oxamate, failed to induce complex dissociation. Sequence alignment of the four HpxU identified operators identified TGAA-N8-TTCA as the consensus motif recognized by the HpxU repressor.