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Background We previously reported a 35% overall response rate (ORR) with biweekly 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) continuous infusion (TTD [Spanish Cooperative Group for Digestive Tumour Therapy] schedule) plus irinotecan as first-line therapy in elderly patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). The present study also was carried out in elderly patients to determine the efficacy and safety of the same 5-FU schedule plus oxaliplatin. Patients and Methods Patients (aged ≥72 years old) with mCRC, measurable disease, ECOG (Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group) ≤2, and no prior treatment were treated with oxaliplatin 85 mg/m 2 plus 5-FU 3000 mg/m 2 as a 48-hour infusion every 2 weeks. Results The study included 134 patients, of whom, 129 were eligible. The main comorbidities were hypertension (44%), diabetes (17%), and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (11%). The ORR and disease control rate (ORR plus stable disease) were 52% and 80%, respectively. With a median follow-up of 14 months, the median progression-free survival and overall survival were 9.1 and 16.3 months, respectively. The most frequent grade 3/4 adverse events included neutropenia (16%), diarrhea (11%), and grade 3 neurotoxicity (18%). No correlation was found between efficacy or safety and comorbidities. Conclusions To our knowledge, this is the largest phase II prospective study in elderly patients with mCRC. The observed efficacy and safety of this schedule compared favorably with those reported in this population, including regimens with monoclonal antibodies.

Summary 1 The pressor action of the α1A-adrenoceptor (α1A-AR) agonist A61603 (N-[5-(4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-2-yl)-2-hydroxy-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-1-yl] methanesulfonamide) and the α1-ARs agonist phenylephrine and their blockade by selective α1-ARs antagonists in the isolated mesenteric vascular bed of wild-type (WT) mice and α1D-AR knockout (KO α1D-AR) mice were evaluated. 2 The apparent potency of A61603 to increase the perfusion pressure in the mesenteric vascular bed of WT and KO α1D-AR mice is 86 and 138 times the affinity of phenylephrine, respectively. 3 A61603 also enhanced the perfusion pressure by ≈1.7 fold in the mesenteric vascular bed of WT mice compared with KO α1D-AR mice. 4 Because of its high affinity, low concentrations of the α1A-AR selective antagonist RS100329 (5-methyl-3-[3-[4-[2-(2,2,2,-trifluoroethoxy) phenyl]-1-piperazinyl] propyl]-2,4-(1H)-pyrimidinedione) shifted the agonist concentration–response curves to the right in the mesenteric vascular bed of WT and KO α1D-AR mice. 5 The α1D-AR selective antagonist BMY7378 (8-[2-[4-(2-methoxyphenyl)-1-piperazinyl]ethyl]-8-azaspiro[4.5] decane-7,9-dione) did not modify the A61603 or the phenylephrine-induced pressor effect. 6 The α1B/D-ARs alkylating antagonist chloroethylclonidine (CEC) shifted the agonist concentration–response curves to the right and decreased the maximum phenylephrine-induced vascular contraction in KO α1D-AR mice when compared to WT mice; however, CEC only slightly modified the contraction induced by A61603. 7 The results indicate that the isolated mesenteric vascular bed of WT and KO α1D-AR mice expresses α1A-AR, that the pressor action of α1A-AR is up-regulated for α1D-AR in WT mice and suggest an important role of α1B-AR in the vascular pressure evoked by phenylephrine in KO α1D-AR mice.

Mass trapping is being used in Mediterranean regions to control Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Tephritidae) in citrus. The technique is based on placing a high density of traps with an attractant (Ferag CC D TM � , a three-membrane dispensers of trimethylamine, ammonium acetate and diaminoalkane), and a toxicant, aiming to capture the highest numbers of adults in the grove. From 2006 to 2008, field trials were conducted in commercial Clementine (Citrus reticulata Blanco) groves to evaluate the efficacy against medfly of using different trap densities, 25, 50, 75 and 100 traps per ha. Based on the number of adults captured, fruit maturity parameters and medfly fruit damage, a 25 trap per ha density appears to be a valid stand-alone method to protect mid-season varieties (Clemenules) from the attack of C. capitata, because

In the past decades, there has been an increasing need for the use of bone grafts in orthopedics, being currently the second most transplanted tissue, surpassed only by blood and its derivates. The biological behavior of a biomaterial is affected by both its chemical composition and its physical proprieties. Regarding the chemical composition, synthetic hydroxyapatite (HA) is one of the most commonly used ceramics, especially due to its osteoconductivity, biocompatibility, and its similarity to bone mineral phase. However, HA is brittle and essentially non-degradable. These limitations encouraged the development of HA forms with tricalcium phosphate, which have a faster resorption rate. Another important bone graft feature is the biomaterial architecture, with the presence of macropore/micropore/interconnective pore. This architecture and the format, shape, or grain size are physical characteristics that could affect biomaterial biological behaviour. Furthermore, attention will be paid to significant "in vivo" testing models for bonegrafting products and its significance in the prograssion to clinical applications of such biomaterials.

Objectives: The combination of irinotecan and raltitrexed is safe and active in 5-fluorouracil-refractory, metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC), with the advantage of its convenient three-weekly schedule. The aim of this multicenter phase II study was to assess its efficacy and toxicity in first-line treatment. Methods: Between May 2000 and March 2001, 62 previously untreated patients received irinotecan (350 mg/m2) plus raltitrexed (3 mg/m2), with courses repeated every 21 days. Objective response was assessed every three courses, and treatment maintained until tumor progression or unacceptable toxicity. Results: A total of 331 cycles were administered, with a median of five cycles per patient (range, 1–16). Seventeen patients achieved a partial response and 2 a complete response, for an overall intention-to-treat response rate of 30% (95% confidence interval, 18–44%). The incidence of grade 3–4 toxicity per patient was diarrhea (27%), emesis (13%), anemia (12%), neutropenia (9%), and asthenia (7%). Three patients (5%) died from treatment-related adverse events (diarrhea plus neutropenia). The median potential follow-up is now 37 months. Median survival was 12.2 months, and median time to progression was 6.3 months. Conclusions: The combination of irinotecan plus raltitrexed is an easy comfortable schedule for patients with metastatic CRC, but both efficacy and toxicity results seem suboptimal for first-line treatment.

Our objective was to assess the antitumoral activity and toxicity of irinotecan (CPT-11) 60-min i.v. infusion every 2 weeks as second-line monotherapy of advanced colorectal cancer. Two doses were studied (250 and 200 mg/m 2 ) according to the risk of developing toxicity. Two groups of patients were studied: high-risk group (HR, 200 mg/m 2 , n=45; Karnofsky score 60-80% and/or the record of prior pelvic irradiation) and low-risk-group (LR, 250 mg/m 2 , n=51; Karnofsky score >80% and without prior pelvic irradiation). The mean number of cycles per patient was 7: 6.6 (HR group) and 8.3 (LR group). Median RDI was 0.96. The overall response rate was 8.9% [95% confidence interval (Cl) 2.5-21.2%; HR group] and 15.7% (95% Cl 7.0-28.5%; LR group), respectively. The LR group showed two complete responses and a higher percentage of stable disease (56.9 versus 33.3% in HR group). The median survival was 7.1 months (95% Cl 5.2-8.9 months, HR group) and 11.7 months (95% Cl 8.4-15.1 months, LR group). The median time to disease progression was 3.2 months (95% Cl 1.0-5.4 months, HR group) and 5.3 months (95% Cl 3.8-6.7 months, LR group). Both CPT-11 treatments were well tolerated. Grade 3/4 toxicity incidence was low, e.g. granulocytopenia (7% of patients in HR group and 9% in LR group) and delayed diarrhea (18% of patients in HR group and 14% in LR group). We conclude that the treatment of patients with the adjusted dose of CPT-11 according to prognostic factors for toxicity resulted in the improved toxicity profile, but showed poorer efficacy outcome. Therefore, the dose reduction in patients with low performance and treated with radiotherapy needs further investigation to provide some new insights on the benefit:risk ratio of such treatment.

Fat‐soluble vitamins and their precursors are linked to other lipid compounds of cellular membranes of foods and feeds by physical and chemical forces. Different methods have been developed for the isolation and simultaneous determination of the main fat‐soluble vitamins: retinoids, tocopherols, olefins, menadiones, and menaquinones. HPLC determinations are reported as being a suitable technique for estimating all compounds, or their derivatives, that contribute to ascertaining the vitamin value of foods. Particular advantages are outlined for single and simultaneous determinations using the HPLC technique, whilst suitable variability is intrinsic to the particular protocol. This article describes a new protocol and points to some factors that directly affect extractability and variability. Reversed phase ODS‐2‐HPLC‐UV determination was used in order to develop the best procedure for the extraction of fat‐soluble vitamins in lacteal matrices. Programmable λ was used for estimate A (trans‐retinol)...

Priority conservation actions for the endangered Chacoan peccary (Catagonus wagneri) include improvement of captive breeding initiatives. Eleven captive male peccaries housed in mixed-sex groups of 17 to 35 animals at the Centro Chaqueño para la Conservación e Investigación in Paraguay were immobilised with intramuscular tiletamine/zolazepam (30 mg; Zoletil® 50, Virbac, Forth Worth, TX, USA), azaperone (10 mg; 50 mg mL−1; ZooPharm, Windsor, CO, USA), and medetomidine (1 mg;10 mg mL−1; ZooPharm). Animals were administered supplemental intranasal oxygen (1-2 L min−1) and reversed with atipamazole (5 mg; 25 mg mL−1; ZooPharm). Testis length, width, and firmness (1-3 scale; 1 = hard, 2 = normal, 3 = flaccid) were recorded. The preputial sheath was clipped, cleaned, and flushed with sterile saline using a Foley catheter. A lubricated 13-mm-diameter electroejaculator probe (Beltron Instruments, Longmont, CO, USA) was inserted into the rectum to a depth of 5 cm. The electroejaculation protocol consisted of 4 cycles of 10 stimuli each (1-4 V/cycle). Collection tubes were changed frequently during electroejaculation to avoid urine or gel fraction contamination of the sperm-rich fraction. Collected semen was evaluated for volume, color/appearance, and pH. Percent motility was determined as the average motility of spermatozoa from 10 fields (40×). Progressive motility of spermatozoa was scored on a scale of 0-5 (0 = dead sperm; 5 = rapid forward progression). Semen samples were assessed for total spermatozoa. Percent of live spermatozoa and spermatozoa morphology were evaluated with Eosin-Negrosin smears. The mean ± standard error of the mean of each parameter is presented. A Pearson correlation coefficient between age and semen parameters was calculated. Males assessed in this study were 10.5 ± 1.2 years old. The mean testis volume was 1005.7 ± 50.9 cm3 and mean testis firmness was 2.1 ± 0.1. The mean ejaculate volume was 2.9 ± 0.7 mL and pH was 7.7 ± 0.3. Few males had motile spermatozoa (n = 5/9), which yielded a mean percent motility of 18.3 ± 8.5 (range: 0-50%) and a mean progressive motility of 0.6 ± 0.3 (range: 0-2). The mean percentage of live spermatozoa was 25.1 ± 5.6 (range: 4-44%). Male Chacoan peccaries in this population had a low percentage of normal spermatozoa (12.4 ± 2.5%; range: 2.8-24.0%). The mean total count of spermatozoa per ejaculate was 1.58 ± 1.01 million (range: 0.09-8.28 million). Spermatozoa defects were predominantly primary (67.1%), with the most common defects being tapered head (15.4 ± 6.2%), diadem/crater (14.8 ± 2.6%), and excess residual cytoplasm (8.5 ± 2.7%). There was no correlation between age and semen parameters (percent live: r = –0.19; motility percentage: r = 0.01; percent normal spermatozoa: r = 0.38; total count: r = 0.29; P > 0.05). This is the first report of semen parameters in the Chacoan peccary. It is unknown whether the poor semen quality is inherent to the species or this population. Reproductive assessment of males from other captive populations and of wild male Chacoan peccaries is warranted.

Background: Extraction of the middle latency auditory evoked potentials (AEP) by an auto regressive model with exogenous input (ARX) enables extraction of the AEP within 1.7 s. In this way, the depth of hypnosis can be monitored at almost real-time. However, the identification and the interpretation of the appropriate signals of the AEP could be difficult to perform during the anesthesia procedure. This problem was addressed by defining an index which reflected the peak amplitudes and latencies of the AEP, developed to improve the clinical interpretation of the AEP. This index was defined as the A-line Arx Index (AAI). Methods: The AEP and AAI were compared with the Modified Observers Assessment of Alertness and Sedation Scale (MOAAS) in 24 patients scheduled for cardiac surgery, anesthetized with propofol or sevoflurane. Results: When comparing the AEP peak latencies and amplitudes and the AAI, measured at MOAAS level 5 and level 1, significant differences were achieved. (mean(SD) Nb latency: MOAAS 5 51.1 (7.3) ms vs. MOAAS 1: 68.6 (8.1) ms; AAI: MOAAS 5 74.9 (13.3) vs. MOAAS 1 20.7 (4.7)). Among the recorded parameters, the AAI was the best predictor of the awake/anesthetized states. Conclusion: We conclude that both the AAI values and the AEP peak latencies and amplitudes correlated well with the MOAAS levels 5 (awake) and 1 (anesthetized).

RESUMO - O estresse hídrico e a ocorrência de doenças foliares são os principais desafios para o cultivo do milho safrinha em Tocantins, que é realizado no final do período chuvoso. O presente trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar o efeito da época de semeadura e das doenças foliares no desempenho de cultivares de milho cultivado na safrinha em Tocantins. Foram avaliadas 11 cultivares nas safrinhas de 2014 e 2015. As semeaduras foram realizadas em 03/02/2014, 25/02/2014, 12/02/2015 e 12/03/2015. Foi utilizado o delineamento experimental de blocos ao acaso, em arranjo fatorial 11x2 (cultivares x épocas de semeadura). Foram observadas diferenças para os fatores cultivares e épocas de semeadura para todas as variáveis estudadas. O atraso na época de semeadura reduziu drasticamente a produtividade da cultura do milho safrinha, por causa da intensa restrição hídrica após a fase de florescimento. As maiores produtividades foram obtidas para os plantios realizados no início do mês de fevereiro. As cultivares AG7088 PRO, AS1596 PRO e DKB310 PRO apresentaram maior estabilidade e potencial produtivo. A severidade da ferrugem-polissora foi maior nos plantios realizados no início de fevereiro, e reduziu com o atraso na semeadura. As cultivares mais suscetíveis foram 30F53 YF e CD355.Palavras-chave: milho safrinha, ferrugem-polissora, estresse hídrico. CORN CULTIVARS AFFECTED BY SOWING TIME AT OFF-SEASON IN TOCANTINS, BRAZIL ABSTRACT – Water stress and occurrence of foliar diseases are the main challenges for the cultivation of off-season corn in Tocantins, which is carried out at the end of the rainy season. The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of sowing season and foliar diseases on the performance of corn cultivars in the State of Tocantins, Brazil, at off-season. Eleven cultivars were evaluated in the 2014 and 2015 off-season. Sowing was performed on 02/03/2014, 02/25/2014, 02/12/2015 and 03/12/2015. Randomized block experimental design was used in factorial arrangement 11x2 (cultivars x sowing times). Differences were observed for the cultivar and sowing times for all variables studied. The delay in the sowing season drastically reduced the off-season corn yield, due to the intense water restriction after the flowering phase. Highest yields were obtained for the planting carried out at the beginning of February. The cultivars AG7088 PRO, AS1596 PRO and DKB310 PRO presented greater stability and yield potential. Southern rust severity was higher in the planting carried out in early February, and reduced with the sowing delay. The most susceptible cultivars were 30F53 YF and CD355.Keywords: off-season corn, southern rust, water stress.

Zirconia-loaded alumina samples were prepared and used as supports for platinum and tin metallic phases. X-ray diffraction patterns of 9.0 and 13.0 wt % ZrO2-loaded alumina samples showed the characteristic lines of the tetragonal ZrO2 phase. For the base alumina and these two supports, the nitrogen adsorption−desorption isotherms displayed type IV isotherms and a type H1 hysteresis loop characteristic of mesoporous materials, with BET areas and pore volumes decreasing with increasing ZrO2 content. Platinum and tin were incorporated into these substrates and then characterized by temperature-programmed reduction (TPR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and their performance in regard to n-butane dehydrogenation. The TPR profiles of the bimetallic systems revealed that platinum is readily reduced whereas tin reduction depends on the support, the metal loading, the preparation method, and the pretreatment conditions. All these systems were found to be highly selective toward olefins, with a minor cont...

BACKGROUND: Platelet components contaminated with bacteria are an important source of transfusion-associated bacterial sepsis. Estimates of contamination rates vary widely (0–10%) and are highly controversial. The present study, designed with stringent testing regimens, retrospectively determined the prevalence of microbial contaminants in platelets from four collection regions. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: During a 9-month period, outdated platelet units were assayed by spreading aliquots from the unit, and from thioglycollate broth medium inoculated with part of the unit, onto 5-percent sheep blood agar media. Cultures were examined after 72-hour incubation at 37°C, and, if bacterial growth was present, the assay processes were repeated with fresh inocula. Units were considered contaminated only if repeatedly positive. RESULTS: Four (0.08%) of 4995 units sampled were contaminated, two with Corynebacterium sp. and one each with Propionibacterium acnes and Aspergillus terreus. Contaminants were present at low, subclinical levels and were detected only after amplification in thioglycollate. The contaminated units were cultured 1, 2, 3, and 7 days after expiration. CONCLUSION: Contamination rates were low and did not vary by region. The identification of A. terreus suggests the role that transfusion may play in transmitting fungal infections should be reassessed. The persistent detection of contaminated platelet units supports the need for a test to detect clinically relevant levels of microbial contaminants in blood components.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the fourth most commonly diagnosed cancer worldwide. Recently, it has been found that about 40 % of patients with CRC have mutations in the K-RAS gene. Several clinical trials have showed that patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) who present tumour-promoting mutations in signalling pathways involving the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), which includes activating K-RAS mutations, do not respond to anti-EGFR drugs such as panitumumab and cetuximab. Hence, K-RAS status is now considered an important negative predictive factor for response to anti-EGFR drugs. Moreover, K-RAS status seems to have also a prognostic role in CRC, but this fact is somewhat controversial. Activity of antiangiogenic agents seems not to be influenced by K-RAS gene status. Tumour angiogenesis has attracted interest in attempts to improve the management of mCRC. The vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) pathway is fundamental to the regulation of angiogenesis, and research has focused on developing agents that selectively target it. In this way, the anti-VEGF antibody bevacizumab in combination with chemotherapy has provided important clinical benefits in terms of response rate, progression-free survival and overall survival to patients with mCRC. Efficacy data of bevacizumab in K-RAS wild-type patients seem to be comparable with the efficacy data observed with anti-EGFR therapies in a cross-trial comparison. Although there is a lack of prospective and randomized data in this setting, the combination of chemotherapy plus antiangiogenic agents could be considered as an effective alternative for the treatment of mCRC with independence of K-RAS gene status. Here, we review the available data we have in the literature of the use of antiangiogenic strategies in the treatment of mCRC nowadays.

The adult body size of the Mediterranean fruit ßy, Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Tephritidae), varies in natural conditions. Body size is an important Þtness indicator in the Mediterranean fruit ßy;largerindividuals are more competitive at mating and have a greater dispersion capacity and fertility. Both temperature during larval development and host fruit quality have been cited as possible causes for this variation.We studied the inßuence of host fruit and temperature during larval development on adult body size (wing area) in the laboratory, and determined body size variation in Þeld populations of the Mediterannean fruit ßy in eastern Spain. Field ßies measured had two origins: 1) ßies periodically collected throughout the year in Þeld traps from 32 citrus groves, during the period 2003Ð2007; and 2) ßies evolved from different fruit species collected between June and December in 2003 and 2004. In the lab, wing area of male and female adults varied signiÞcantly with temperature during larval development, being larger at the lowest temperature. Adult size also was signiÞcantly different depending on the host fruit in which larvae developed. The size of the ßies captured at the Þeld, either from traps or from fruits, varied seasonally showing a gradual pattern of change along the year. The largest individuals were obtained during winter and early spring and the smallest during late summer. In Þeld conditions, the size of the adult Mediterannean fruit ßy seems apparently more related with air temperature than with host fruit. The implications of this adult size pattern on the biology ofC. capitata and on the application of the sterile insect technique are discussed., We thank Apostolos Pekas for his useful comments on previous versions of the manuscript. This work was supported by the project RTA03-103-C6-3 assigned to F. G. M. from the Ministerio de Educacion y Ciencia of Spain.

1 The pressor action of the α(1A)-adrenoceptor (α(1A)-AR) agonist A61603 (N-[5-(4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-2-yl)-2-hydroxy-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-1-yl] methanesulfonamide) and the α(1)-ARs agonist phenylephrine and their blockade by selective α(1)-ARs antagonists in the isolated mesenteric vascular bed of wild-type (WT) mice and α(1D)-AR knockout (KO α(1D)-AR) mice were evaluated. 2 The apparent potency of A61603 to increase the perfusion pressure in the mesenteric vascular bed of WT and KO α(1D)-AR mice is 86 and 138 times the affinity of phenylephrine, respectively. 3 A61603 also enhanced the perfusion pressure by ≈1.7 fold in the mesenteric vascular bed of WT mice compared with KO α(1D)-AR mice. 4 Because of its high affinity, low concentrations of the α(1A)-AR selective antagonist RS100329 (5-methyl-3-[3-[4-[2-(2,2,2,-trifluoroethoxy) phenyl]-1-piperazinyl] propyl]-2,4-(1H)-pyrimidinedione) shifted the agonist concentration-response curves to the right in the mesenteric vascular bed of WT and KO α(1D)-AR mice. 5 The α(1D)-AR selective antagonist BMY7378 (8-[2-[4-(2-methoxyphenyl)-1-piperazinyl]ethyl]-8-azaspiro[4.5] decane-7,9-dione) did not modify the A61603 or the phenylephrine-induced pressor effect. 6 The α(1B/D)-ARs alkylating antagonist chloroethylclonidine (CEC) shifted the agonist concentration-response curves to the right and decreased the maximum phenylephrine-induced vascular contraction in KO α(1D)-AR mice when compared to WT mice; however, CEC only slightly modified the contraction induced by A61603. 7 The results indicate that the isolated mesenteric vascular bed of WT and KO α(1D)-AR mice expresses α(1A)-AR, that the pressor action of α(1A)-AR is up-regulated for α(1D)-AR in WT mice and suggest an important role of α(1B)-AR in the vascular pressure evoked by phenylephrine in KO α(1D)-AR mice.

Obstructive sleep apnoea-hypopnoea syndrome (OSAHS) is a complex disease with a multifactor aetiology. OSAHS is strongly associated with obesity, but there are many other clinical risk factors, such as the dentofacial characteristics of hard and soft tissues, hyoid bone position, neck circumference, upper airway spaces and nasal respiration. A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out involving 13 patients (one man and 12 women) with severe obesity in order to evaluate specific physical dentofacial characteristics through a cephalometric examination. Cephalometry was analysed using 29 measurements of the hard and soft tissues of the craniofacial structures and dimensions of the upper airways. The demographic data revealed a mean body mass index of 48 ± 6.26 kg m(-2) and cervical circumference of 43 ± 3.69 cm. No patient exhibited important facial asymmetry and facial types 1 (normal) and 3 (mandible forward) were the most prevalent. Septal deviation was observed in 46% of patients. The most prevalent modified Mallampati index score was between 3 and 4, while grade 1 was the most prevalent tonsillar hypertrophy index score (46%). Cephalometry revealed angular and linear measurements with normally acceptable values for the hard tissues. Obese patients seem to have a normal craniofacial structure and the risk of developing OSAHS is especially related to obesity.

[EN] Seasonal and annual trends in Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Tephritidae) populations were analyzed to determine the factors that influence population fluctuations in the field. Adult flies were monitored along 2003-07 in two citrus areas in eastern Spain with similar climate, Valencia and Tarragona. Adults were present throughout the study period, even in winter. The initial annual population increase was related to previous winter and spring temperatures. Captures started to increase in April-May and usually reached a peak in July. This peak corresponded to the maximum capture period in Valencia, but not in Tarragona, where there was usually a second peak in autumn, with capture levels similar to the first peak. Gravid females were found throughout the year, even in overwintering populations of medfly. The availability of other host fruit species in the vicinity of the citrus groves may explain the differences in annual abundance and distribution of captures between the two areas studied., [ES] Se analizó la evolución estacional de las poblaciones de Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Tephritidae) para determinar los factores que influencian sus fluctuaciones poblacionales en campo. Se muestreó la población de adultos entre 2003 y 2007 en dos áreas citrícolas del este de España con clima similar, Valencia y Tarragona. Se encontraron adultos a lo largo de todo el periodo de estudio, incluso en invierno. El primer incremento anual de la población estuvo relacionado con las temperaturas previas del invierno y la primavera. Las capturas comenzaron a incrementarse en abril-mayo y generalmente alcanzaron un máximo en julio. Este máximo correspondió al máximo periodo de capturas en Valencia, pero no en Tarragona, donde hubo generalmente un segundo máximo en otoño, con niveles de captura similares al primer máximo. Se encontraron hembras grávidas a lo largo de todo el año, incluso en las poblaciones invernantes de mosca de la fruta. La disponibilidad de otras especies de frutales hospedantes cercanas a las parcelas de cítricos puede explicar las diferencias en abundancia anual y distribución estacional de capturas entre las dos áreas estudiadas., We would like to thank Rafel Monfort for his help with the field work. This research was funded by a project from the Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA), of Spain’s Ministerio de Educación y Ciencia (Project RTA03- 103-C6). We thank also Alejandro Tena for useful comments on early drafts of the manuscript.

Submitted by Guilherme Lemeszenski (guilherme@nead.unesp.br) on 2014-02-26T17:04:36Z No. of bitstreams: 1 WOSA1991GA03100010.pdf: 8239944 bytes, checksum: 6211118afcaf9ea72f6a670033694993 (MD5) Made available in DSpace on 2014-02-26T17:04:36Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 WOSA1991GA03100010.pdf: 8239944 bytes, checksum: 6211118afcaf9ea72f6a670033694993 (MD5) Previous issue date: 1991-07-01 Submitted by Vitor Silverio Rodrigues (vitorsrodrigues@reitoria.unesp.br) on 2014-05-20T15:22:24Z No. of bitstreams: 1 WOSA1991GA03100010.pdf: 8239944 bytes, checksum: 6211118afcaf9ea72f6a670033694993 (MD5) Made available in DSpace on 2014-05-20T15:22:24Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 WOSA1991GA03100010.pdf: 8239944 bytes, checksum: 6211118afcaf9ea72f6a670033694993 (MD5) Previous issue date: 1991-07-01 Pancreatic endocrine cells of Caiman latirostris were investigated by electron microscopy using conventional and immunocytochemical methods. Ultrastructurally, four types of endocrine cells were classified according to the morphology of their secretory granules. Three types of endocrine cells were identified as either glucagon, insulin or somatostatin cells by the presence of such characteristic granules well established in mammals. The remaining endocrine cell type could not be classified by its ultrastructural features alone.Immunocytochemical observations confirmed the ultrastructural classification of glucagon, insulin and somatostatin cells. In addition, endocrine cells immunoreactive for either pancreatic polypeptide (PP) or motilin were identified. Morphometric analysis of PP- and motilin-immunoreactive granules demonstrated that they were the most polymorphous and smallest granules among the pancreatic endocrine cell granules. Although both PP and motilin granules closely resemble each other, motilin granules were smaller in size and more spherical in shape than PP granules. OBIHIRO UNIV AGR & VET MED,DEPT VET ANAT,NISHI-2,INADA CHO,OBIHIRO,HOKKAIDO 080,JAPAN SAO PAULO STATE UNIV,DEPT MORPHOL,BOTUCATU,SP,BRAZIL SAO PAULO STATE UNIV,DEPT MORPHOL,BOTUCATU,SP,BRAZIL

Background The purpose of this study was to validate a new level of consciousness monitor derived from the EEG, called the index of consciousness (IoC), by comparing it with the bispectral index (BIS) and the cerebral state index (CSI) during general anaesthesia for cardiac surgery using sevoflurane, remifentanil, and atracurium. Methods After ethical committee approval and written patient consent, data from 35 patients [31 males, four females, age 55 (10) yr] were recorded during general anaesthesia for elective cardiac bypass surgery. All patients were induced with sevoflurane 8%, until the Observer's Assessment of Alertness and Sedation (OAAS) scale level 1 was reached, and then was set at a 1% end-tidal sevoflurane concentration. Subsequently, remifentanil and atracurium were administered, the trachea was intubated, and the procedure continued as usual. To assess accuracy, the prediction probability (Pk) was calculated both during induction and during maintenance. Results The Pk values [mean ( se )] for IoC, BIS, and CSI during induction were 0.90 (0.01), 0.90 (0.01), and 0.88 (0.01), respectively, whereas the corresponding Pk values during maintenance were 0.95 (0.01), 0.94 (0.01), and 0.60 (0.01). Conclusions The three indices performed equally well during the induction phase and were able to predict the level of consciousness of the patients satisfactorily. During maintenance, the IoC and the BIS showed good agreement with the clinical signs. The CSI was significantly influenced by the administration of atracurium; therefore, the agreement with the OAAS scale during the maintenance phase was significantly less for CSI than for IoC and BIS.

Lactation has three distinct phases: colostrum, transition, and mature, with the quantity of fat-soluble vitamins and carotenoids tending to decline while the total fat content increases. The number of deliveries seems to be directly related to higher concentrations of beta-carotene and vitamin E in colostrum. Little is known about vitamin quantities during the other phases. In the present study, vitamin A and E concentrations during different phases of lactation were measured in primiparous and multiparous mothers to analyze the variation and suitability for the diet of a breastfed child. Phase of lactation and number of deliveries were highly significant for log mean vitamin A while only one phase showed significance for log mean vitamin E. There was a sharp decline in the levels of vitamin A and E in the course of the initial phase of lactation. The variability between measurements declined as colostrum transitioned to mature milk. There were significant measurable inter-group differences in retinol levels in milk obtained during early lactation. Vitamin A and E content can reach 2.5 and 1.4 times of levels recommended intake, respectively.

A Hispânia meridional corresponde ao sul de duas províncias romanas – a Bética (actual Andaluzia) e a Lusitania (Portugal) – que tiveram grande prosperidade económica, desde a época de Augusto até ao final da Antiguidade (finais do século IV). Os mosaicos que decoravam o chão das casas mais ricas aparecidas nos últimos vinte anos nas escavações em cidades – como em Faro/Ossonoba, na Lusitania e em Écija/ Astigi, na Bética – e nas villae rurais que se encontram maioritariamente nos arredores das cidades – como em Cerro da Vila (Vilamoura)e em Milreu (Estoi), no Algarve – demonstram o elevado nível de desenvolvimento económico,social e cultural das duas províncias durante o período compreendido entre os séculos I e IV d.C.

The value of beta 2-microglobulin and neopterin concentrations in serum for early diagnosis of infants born to human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1)-infected mothers was assessed. Concentrations of both markers were measured in serum samples from pediatric patients (Centers for Disease Control classifications P0, P1, and P2), as well as in age-matched normal subjects. Both beta 2-microglobulin and neopterin were significantly increased in HIV-1-infected symptomatic subjects (P2) compared to controls. Seventy-five percent of asymptomatic patients (P1) also had increased values. On the other hand, a significant overlap in concentrations of both markers in serum was found between controls and P0 patients. Thirty-eight percent of the P0 patients had values comparable to those of the P2 group. Persistently high concentrations of both markers in P0 patients may be indicative of HIV-1 infection.

1 The pressor action of the alpha1A-adrenoceptor agonist, A61603 (N-[5-(4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-2-yl)-2-hydroxy-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-1-yl] methanesulfonamide) or the alpha1-adrenoceptor agonist phenylephrine, and their blockade by selective alpha1-adrenoceptor antagonists in the mouse isolated mesenteric vascular bed were evaluated. 2 A61603 showed a approximately 235-fold higher potency in elevating perfusion pressure in mesenteric bed compared to phenylephrine. 3 The alpha1A-adrenoceptor selective antagonist RS 100329 (5-methyl-3-[3-[4-[2-(2,2,2,-trifluoroethoxy) phenyl]-1-piperazinyl] propyl]-2,4-(1H)-pyrimidinedione), displaced with high affinity agonist concentration-response curves to the right in a concentration-dependent manner. 4 The alpha1D-adrenoceptor selective antagonist BMY 7378 (8-[2-[4-(2-methoxyphenyl)-1-piperazinyl]ethyl]-8-azaspiro[4.5] decane-7,9-dione), did not displace A61603 nor did it block the phenylephrine-induced pressor response. 5 The alpha1B/D-adrenoceptor alkylating antagonist chloroethylclonidine (CEC), caused a rightward shift of the phenylephrine concentration-response curve and reduced its maximum response; however, CEC only slightly modified A61603 evoked contraction. 6 The results indicate that the isolated mouse mesenteric vascular bed expresses alpha1A-adrenoceptors and suggest a very discrete role for 1B-adrenoceptors.

Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP) usually presents with the acute appearance of oedematous and erythematous lesions, on which multiple sterile pustules appear, associated with fever. Almost 90% of cases are associated with drugs, with antibiotics (penicillins and macrolides) being the most frequent causative agents. We describe a 36-year-old female patient, which started diltiazem 120mg/day for hypertension. After 6 days of therapy, multiple erythematous and oedematous lesions appeared, with associated multiple small non-follicular pustules. Oral corticosteroids were started, with progressive and complete improvement. Patch-tests were performed, which revealed positivity for diltiazem. Although a rare entity, AGEP must be considered in cases of acute eruptions with disseminated pustules and fever. The use of patch tests in this disease may be useful as positive reactions are frequent.

e14656 Background: The RECIST criteria may be limited in assessing response to biologic agents such as bevacizumab (BVZ). Retrospective studies of patients (pts) with colorectal liver metastases (C...

This randomised, open-label trial compared oral tegafur (FT)/leucovorin (LV) with the intravenous bolus 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)/LV as first-line chemotherapy for advanced colorectal cancer (CRC). Patients were randomised to receive oral FT 750 mg/m2/day for 21 days and LV 15 mg/m2 every 8 h in cycles repeated every 28 days (n=114), or intravenous LV 20 mg/m2 followed by 5-FU 425 mg/m2 daily for 5 days every 4 weeks for 2 cycles, and later every 5 weeks (n=123). Response rate was significantly higher in the FT/LV arm (27%, 95% CI 19-35) than in the 5-FU/LV arm (13%, 95% CI 7-19) (p0.004). The median time to progression was 5.9 months (95% CI, 5.3-6.5; FT/LV arm) and 6.2 months (95% CI, 5.4-6.9; 5-FU/LV arm). Median overall survival was 12.4 months (95% CI, 10.3-14.5 months; FT/LV arm) and 12.2 months (95% CI, 8.9-15.7 months; 5-FU/LV arm) (p=n.s.; hazard ratio FT/LV:5-FU/LV=1.02). 5-FU/LV showed a higher incidence of grade 3/4 neutropenia (4.1 vs. 0%). Non-hematological toxicities showed similar incidences in the two treatment arms. Oral FT/LV was more active than IV 5-FU/LV in terms of objective response rate with similar overall survival, and with a favorable toxicity profile. This makes FT/LV a valid alternative to the IV 5-FU schedule in CRC patients.

Purpose To assess tolerance and efficacy of preoperative treatment with uracil/tegafur and radiotherapy (RT) followed by surgery and postoperative flurouracil (FU)/leucovorin (LV) in patients with rectal cancer. Patients and Methods Patients (n = 94) with potentially resectable tumors, ultrasound at stages T2N+ (n = 4), T3 (n = 77), T4 (n = 13) were treated with UFT (400 mg/m2/d, 5 days a week for 5 weeks) and concomitant RT to the pelvis (45 Gy; 1.8 Gy/d over 5 weeks). Patients underwent surgery 5 to 6 weeks later followed by four cycles of FU/LV. Primary end points included downstaging, pathologic responses, and sphincter-preserving surgery. Secondary end points were recurrence-free survival and overall survival. Results All patients received the full RT dose. Fifteen patients (16%) needed UFT dose reduction. Preoperative G3+ toxicities included diarrhea (14%), leukopenia (1%), thrombocytopenia (1%), and nausea (4%). The downstaging rate was 54%, pathologic complete response (pCR) was 9% and, in an additional 23%, there were only residual microscopic foci. When cellular viability criteria were taken into account, the pCR was 15%. From 43 patients with abdominoperineal resection indication, 11 (25%) had sphincter-preserving surgery performed. Postoperative scheduled chemotherapy dose was not administered to 24% of patients because of G3+ toxicity (diarrhea, 8%; mucositis, 9%; and leukopenia, 7%). Patients with downstaging had significantly higher survival and recurrence-free survival rates than those without. At 3 years, actuarial patterns of failure were pelvic, 5% and distant, 11%. OS was 75%. Conclusion UFT combined with RT is safe and effective. In resectable rectal cancer, if preoperative treatment is considered, this approach can be an option.

General and regional anesthesia alter the physiological mechanisms of thermoregulation, and unintentional intraoperative hypothermia develops during most surgical procedures that last more than 1 hour. Monitoring of central temperatures among other vital signs is advisable in such interventions in order to detect temperature changes and check the efficacy of measures to prevent or treat hypothermia. Passive insulation reduces heat loss through the skin but most patients require active warming to maintain a normal temperature. Various skin surface warming systems prevent hypothermia from developing and provide effective warming. The most often used are forced-air or warm water circulation devices. When large volumes of fluids must be infused intravenously, they must be warmed to body temperature to avoid heat loss.

During the first hour of general anesthesia, a patient's body temperature can decrease between 1 and 1.5 degrees C; regional anesthesia also induces central hypothermia. Intraoperative hypothermia interferes with immunological function, particularly with the oxidative capacity of neutrophils. Cutaneous vasoconstriction occurs and blood flow is reduced in tissues subject to surgery. Oxygen transport is also reduced, increasing the risk of postoperative infection. Decreased platelet activity favors blood loss. Hypothermia increases the likelihood of shivering, and with enhanced central nervous system activation, there is increased cardiovascular morbidity. Currently, these effects can be attenuated or even avoided by applying various warming methods available. The efficacy and mechanisms of action of such methods are described in the second part of this review of the literature.

Ti-containing polysiloxane epoxidation catalysts have been prepared by controlled hydrolysis of titanium- and alkylsilane precursors. These polysilkoxanes exhibit very high yields to epoxides in the epoxidation reaction of primary alkenes with organic hydroproxides.

Extraction of the middle latency auditory evoked potentials (AEP) by an auto regressive model with exogenous input (ARX) enables extraction of the AEP within 1.7 s. In this way, the depth of hypnosis can be monitored at almost real-time. However, the identification and the interpretation of the appropriate signals of the AEP could be difficult to perform during the anesthesia procedure. This problem was addressed by defining an index which reflected the peak amplitudes and latencies of the AEP, developed to improve the clinical interpretation of the AEP. This index was defined as the A-line Arx Index (AAI).The AEP and AAI were compared with the Modified Observers Assessment of Alertness and Sedation Scale (MOAAS) in 24 patients scheduled for cardiac surgery, anesthetized with propofol or sevoflurane.When comparing the AEP peak latencies and amplitudes and the AAI, measured at MOAAS level 5 and level 1, significant differences were achieved. (mean(SD) Nb latency: MOAAS 5 51.1 (7.3) ms vs. MOAAS 1: 68.6 (8.1) ms; AAI: MOAAS 5 74.9 (13.3) vs. MOAAS 1 20.7 (4.7)). Among the recorded parameters, the AAI was the best predictor of the awake/anesthetized states.We conclude that both the AAI values and the AEP peak latencies and amplitudes correlated well with the MOAAS levels 5 (awake) and 1 (anesthetized).

To evaluate an anesthetic depth index (ADI) obtained from auditory evoked potentials and a bispectral EEG index (BIS) in comparison with clinical assessment of anesthetic depth using the modified observer's assessment of awareness/sedation scale (MOAA/SS), for induction of anesthesia with propofol or sevoflurane as the only agent.The ADI and BIS were recorded simultaneously in this prospective study and compared to the MOAA/SS during the anesthetic induction of 26 adults undergoing elective heart surgery. Assignment of patients to two groups was random. Group A (n = 13) patients were induced with propofol (target dose 5 micrograms.ml-1 in 5 min). Induction in group B (n = 13) was with sevoflurane (8% tidal volume). A scheme of awake-sleeping-awake-sleeping was followed. The means of the two indexes were compared (Mann-Whitney test) one minute before the patient slept (awake) and one minute later (sleeping), and the evolution of the indexes was compared during awake/sleep and sleep/awake phase changes and while the patients were in a stable sleep phase. The sensitivity and specificity of each index was analyzed in function of the MOAA/SS. We also analyzed the time elapsing from the moment the patient fell asleep (MOAA/SS 2) until the two indexes reached published reference values (ADI = 38, BIS = 60).After induction with propofol (group A) the ADI fell to 29.2 +/- 11.7 and the BIS fell to 63.5 +/- 13.4. After induction with sevoflurane (group B) the ADI fell to 33.8 +/- 14.9 and the BIS to 66.8 +/- 15. The ADI value that best discriminated between arousal and sleeping (sensitivity 100%) was 38; the BIS value that best discriminated was 60. The responses to sound in decibels (dB) during "awake/sleeping" and "sleeping/awake" phases were, respectively, -3.8 dB and -4.5 dB for the ADI and -1.5 dB and -0.8 dB for the BIS. With the patient in stable sleep, response to the two indexes was at -0.79 dB. In group A, the ADI detected MOAA/SS 2 significantly earlier (ADI 13.1 +/- 30 s; BIS 56 +/- 36 s; p0.05). No patient reported remembering the study period.Monitoring anesthetic depth with the ADI or BIS was technically easy and effective for detecting whether patients were awake or sleeping. The ADI response was faster and identified awake/sleeping and sleeping/awake phase changes better than did the BIS.

Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) is a calcitonin (CT)-secreting endocrine tumor. Although plasma CT level is a specific and sensitive marker of MTC, its preoperative usefulness in predicting tumor size and postoperative CT normalization has not been documented. From a nationwide database set up by the French CT Tumor Study Group, 226 MTC patients were selected according to the following criteria: preoperative CT level determination by an immunoradiometric assay (normal value,10 pg/mL) within the 6 months prior to surgery, total thyroidectomy and diagnosis of MTC ascertained by histological report including tumor size. Patients were 129 females and 97 males (female/male ratio, 1.3). One hundred and twelve patients (49.6%) had the sporadic variety of the disease, 74 (32.7%) had multiple endocrine neoplasia 2A, three (1.3%) had multiple endocrine neoplasia 2B, and 37 (16.4%) had familial MTC. Median age at diagnosis was 44.8 yr (range, 4.9-80.1 yr). Complete neck dissection was performed in 159 patients (70.4%). Postoperative CT normalization was ascertained by negative response of CT to pentagastrin stimulation (10 pg/mL) in 94 patients. Seventy-one patients were considered as not cured because of residual tumor tissue and/or elevated CT levels. Median tumor size was 11.0 mm (range, 0.2-80.0 mm), significantly larger in females (15.0 vs. 8.0 mm, P0.05), and in sporadic forms (15.0 vs. 7.0 mm, P0.05). Tumor size was significantly correlated (r2 = 0.52, P0.01) with preoperative CT levels, the relationship being more straight in familial (r2 = 0.71) than in sporadic (r2 = 0.36) forms. Furthermore, preoperative CT levels under 50 pg/mL appeared to be predictive of postoperative CT normalization (44 of 45 patients). However, higher CT levels did not mean absence of postoperative CT normalization (50 of 120 patients). We conclude that low preoperative CT levels are predictive of tumor size and postoperative CT normalization.