Days Of Interval Research Articles

Variability in Intravenous Immunoglobulin G Regimens for Autoimmune Neuromuscular Disorders

Aims: We reviewed the intravenous immunoglobulin G (IVIG) dispensing records of a specialty pharmacy to characterize the IVIG treatment regimens used for chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) and myasthenia gravis (MG) in community practice. Methods: Anonymized records were selected based on International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision (ICD-9) codes and IVIG treatment for > 1 month. Each patient's immunoglobulin G (IgG) dose per infusion (mg/kg/dose) was multiplied by the number of doses per month (30.5 days divided by the dosing interval in days) to yield the total monthly dose (mg/kg/month). Data were analyzed and summarized using descriptive statistics. Results: Forty-six patients (median age, 56.5 years; range, 8−86 years) fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Thirty-one patients with CIDP received IgG at 7- to 92-day intervals (mean [standard deviation (SD)], 28 [16] days). The mean (SD) IgG dose was 75 (60) g/dose, equivalent to 866 (623) mg/kg/dose and 1145 (778) mg/kg/month. Six patients with stable MG received IVIG or subcutaneous IgG at 3.5- to 61-day intervals (28 [20] days) at a mean (SD) IgG dose of 39 (15) g/dose, equivalent to 405 (108) mg/kg/dose and 783 (680) mg/kg/month. Nine patients with MG with acute exacerbations received IgG at 7- to 42-day intervals (22 [12] days) at a mean (SD) dose of 40 (21) g/dose, equivalent to 403 (172) mg/kg/dose and 641 (288) mg/kg/month. One patient with CIDP and 4 patients with MG were treated with weekly subcutaneous IgG injections. Conclusion: Although patients with CIDP and MG are treated with mean total monthly IgG doses similar to those approved by the US Food and Drug Administration, the individual doses and intervals vary considerably, suggesting that physicians may be adjusting IgG dosing according to each patient's clinical condition and treatment response. Further study is necessary to determine the criteria used to adjust IgG treatment regimens and whether these adjustments optimize clinical outcomes while limiting overall costs.

Cone‐beam computed tomography image guided therapy to evaluate lumpectomy cavity variation before and during breast radiotherapy

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the rate of change (RoC) in the size of the lumpectomy cavity (LC) before and during breast radiotherapy (RT) using cone‐beam computed tomography (CBCT), relative to the initial LC volume at CT simulation (CTVLC) and timing from surgery. A prospective institutional review board‐approved study included 26 patients undergoing breast RT: 20 whole breast irradiation (WBI) patients and six partial breast irradiation (PBI) patients, with surgical clips outlining the LC. The patients underwent CT simulation (CTsim) followed by five CBCTs during RT, once daily for PBI and once weekly for WBI. The distance between surgical clips and their centroid (D) acted as a surrogate for LC size. The RoC of the LC size, defined as the percentage change of D between two scans divided by the time interval in days between the scans, was calculated before (CTsim to CBCT1) and during RT (CBCT1 to CBCT5). The mean RoC of D for all patients before starting RT was −0.25%/day (range, −1.3 to 1.4) and for WBI patients during RT was −0.15%/day (range, −0.45 to 0.40). Stratified by median CTVLC, the RoC before RT for large CTVLC group (≥25.7cc) was 15 times higher (−0.47%/day) than for small CTVLC group (<25.7 cc) (−0.03%/day), p=0.06. For patients undergoing CTsim < 42 days from surgery, the RoC before RT was −0.43%/day compared to −0.07%/day for patients undergoing CTsim≥42 days from surgery, p=0.12. For breast cancer RT, the rate of change of the LC is affected by the initial cavity size and the timing from surgery. Resimulation closer to the time of boost treatment should be considered in patients who are initially simulated within six weeks of surgery and/or with large CTVLC.PACS number: 87.55.de

Determining timing of hepatectomy for colorectal cancer with distant metastasis according to imaging-based tumor shrinkage ratio.

Background: The optimal timing of surgical resection of liver metastasis remains controversial, and guidelines regarding the upper limits of operative indications have not yet been defined. Surgical indication for metastasis from colorectal cancer (CLM) based on results of preoperative chemotherapy and RNF8 was investigated. Methods: Differences in CLM size on CT were evaluated as shrinkage rate/day by dividing tumor shrinkage rates by the interval in days between CT. Levels of RNF8 of resected colorectal cancer and CLM frozen specimen were detected. Results: When the cut line for shrinkage rate at 12 weeks was set at 0.35%, disease-free survival was significantly better in patients with a shrinkage rate >0.35% vs. ≤0.35% (p=0.003). RNF8 expression was significantly higher in Tis (p=0.001). In liver metastasis, RNF8 expression level was significantly lower in patients with partial response to FOLFOX than with stable disease, (p=0.017). Conclusions: A strategy of FOLFOX administration for 12 weeks to patients with low RNF8 expression and hepatectomy planned after 4 weeks rest may be accepted as the best therapeutic option for treating CLM.

Visual Disorders in Optic Neuromyelitis: Report of Two Cases

Optic neuromyelitis is a disease caused by autoimmune disruption of the aquaporin 4 channels of central nervous system, whose involvement is more frequent over the spinal cord and optic nerves as well as in specific areas of the brain. Optic neuritis in optic neuromyelitis can occur simultaneously with transverse myelitis or separated by a variable time interval of days or even years. It may be unilateral or bilateral and could occur in recurrent forms. We describe a 35-year-old woman with visual loss due to acute bilateral optic neuritis and a 46-year-old woman with unilateral optic neuritis that were admitted at the neuro- ophthalmology service of the Cuban Ophthalmology Institute last year. Both were treated with intravenous methylprednisole for five days. Three month later neurologic symptoms appeared, a magnetic resonance imaging was performed and the optic neuromyelitis diagnosis was confirmed. We show the results of the neuro-ophthalmology studies before and three month after the treatment.

Molecular characterization of Equine Group A Rotaviruses currently circulating in young foals with diarrhea in Argentina

were analysed with a modified McMaster method only. Horses shedding 200 strongyle epg were treated with an anthelmintic. The owners were instructed to send the sample MS 2 of their horse 42 days after the analysis of the 1st sample to the laboratory and the samples MS 3 and MS 4 after another 90 days, resp. In total,1232 faecal samples from 518 horses (121 farms) were analysed. From 518 horses of which faecal sampleswere sent in asMS1, themean FECwas 167 epg. Thereafter, samples from 308 horses sent to the laboratory as MS 2 revealed a mean FEC of 136 epg. Thereafter, although recommended by the practice, the number of samples and horses, resp. considerably decreased. 184 samples sent in asMS 3 had a mean FEC of 112 epg, whereas the mean FEC of 72 MS 4 – samples dropped to 100 epg. Faecal samples exceeding the strongyle cut-off value of 200 epg were found on 16/121 farms (13.2%). 93 horses (18.0%) exceeded the strongyle cut-off value one time, 37 horses (0.7%) two times and 5 horses (0.1%) three times during the study period. Most horse owners did not send in the faecal samples at the recommended time. The difference in epg between two subsequent samples of untreated horses was compared to the interval in days between the analyses of the same subsequent samples. There was no statistically significant difference in the percentage of samples pairs with a difference < or 200 epg between samples sent in before and after the recommended interval of 42 days and 90 days, resp. The applied faecal sampling scheme has led to a reduced pasture contamination with strongyle eggs. There is no obvious risk for an increase in pasture contamination when extending the interval between the samples for untreated horses. Therefore the interval between the samples can be chosen according to the egg reappearance period of the drug class used for the treatment of the high strongyle egg shedders.

Synthesis, Spectroscopic Studies and Antifungal Activity of O-Alkyl or O-Aryl Trithiophosphate Derivatives of Trimethylaminoborane

In this work, we report on the synthesis, characterization, and antifungal activities of new boron derivatives of O-alkyl or O-aryl trithiophosphate of the type ROP(S)S2[BS2P(S)OR]2·2NMe3 (R = Me, Et, Pri, Bui, Ph, CH2Ph). They were synthesized by the reaction of trimethylaminoborane with O-alkyl or O-aryl trithiophosphate in 2:3 molar ratio in dried and distilled benzene. The newly synthesized derivatives are light yellow viscous liquids, monomer, and soluble in common organic solvents. These compounds have been characterized by elemental analysis, molecular weight determinations, and spectroscopic (IR, 1H, 11B, and 31P NMR) studies which are consistent with four-coordinated boron and bidentate behavior of the trithiophosphate moiety. It is observed that when these derivatives are applied in the form of dilute solution in ethanol of various concentrations, they show their effectiveness against powdery mildew disease at a fixed interval of days. Supplemental materials are available for this article. Go to the publisher's online edition of Phosphorus, Sulfur, and Silicon and the Related Elements to view the free supplemental file.

Sludge amniótico como marcador ecográfico en una gestación gemelar con parto diferido del segundo gemelo

The presence of amniotic fluid sludge is a marker of poor obstetric prognosis because of its association with preterm delivery, which carries greater perinatal morbidity and mortality. The prevalence of multiple pregnancies has increased in the last few years. These pregnancies are at risk of preterm delivery, which sometimes occurs at very preterm gestational ages. Delivery of the first twin is usually soon followed by that of the second twin and an interval of days or even weeks is unusual. We present the case of a twin pregnancy with delayed interval delivery of the second twin and a finding of amniotic sludge in the ultrasound assessment.

Are Fecal Immunochemical Test Characteristics Influenced by Sample Return Time? A Population-Based Colorectal Cancer Screening Trial

Fecal immunochemical tests (FIT) are preferred over guaiac-based fecal occult blood testing as colorectal cancer (CRC) screening tool. However, hemoglobin (Hb) degradation over time may influence FIT outcome. We therefore evaluated the effect of sample return time on FIT performance characteristics in a population-based CRC screening trial. A representative random sample of the Dutch population (n=17,677), aged 50-74 years, was invited for FIT screening (OC-Sensor Micro; cutoff ≥ 50 ng Hb/ml). Sample return time was defined as the interval in days between fecal sampling and FIT laboratory delivery. Moreover, a random sample of positive FITs were selected to be stored at room temperature and re-tested every 3-4 days. In total, 8,958 screenees fulfilled our inclusion criteria. The mean sample return time was 3 days (± 3). Overall, 792 screenees (8.8%) had a positive test. Between the sample return time groups, the positivity rate (PR) varied between 7.7 and 9.0%. No statistically significant associations were found between PR or detection rate (DR) and the different sample return time groups (P value=0.84 and 0.76, respectively). For the laboratory experiment, 71 positive FITs were stored at room temperature and re-tested with standard intervals. The mean daily fecal Hb decrease was 5.88% per day (95% confidence interval 4.78-6.96%). None of the positive FITs became negative before 10 days after fecal sampling. This population-based CRC screening trial demonstrates that both the PR and DR of FITs do not decrease with prolonged sample return times up to 10 days. This means that a delay in sending the FIT back to the laboratory, of up to at least 1 week, does not necessitate repeat sampling in case of a negative test result. These data support the use of FIT-based screening as a reliable tool for nationwide CRC screening programs.

Test‐day somatic cell score, fat‐to‐protein ratio and milk yield as indicator traits for sub‐clinical mastitis in dairy cattle

Test-day (TD) records of milk, fat-to-protein ratio (F:P) and somatic cell score (SCS) of first-lactation Canadian Holstein cows were analysed by a three-trait finite mixture random regression model, with the purpose of revealing hidden structures in the data owing to putative, sub-clinical mastitis. Different distributions of the data were allowed in 30 intervals of days in milk (DIM), covering the lactation from 5 to 305 days. Bayesian analysis with Gibbs sampling was used for model inferences. Estimated proportion of TD records originated from cows infected with mastitis was 0.66 in DIM from 5 to 15 and averaged 0.2 in the remaining part of lactation. Data from healthy and mastitic cows exhibited markedly different distributions, with respect to both average value and the variance, across all parts of lactation. Heterogeneity of distributions for infected cows was also apparent in different DIM intervals. Cows with mastitis were characterized by smaller milk yield (down to -5 kg) and larger F:P (up to 0.13) and SCS (up to 1.3) compared with healthy contemporaries. Differences in averages between healthy and infected cows for F:P were the most profound at the beginning of lactation, when a dairy cow suffers the strongest energy deficit and is therefore more prone to mammary infection. Residual variances for data from infected cows were substantially larger than for the other mixture components. Fat-to-protein ratio had a significant genetic component, with estimates of heritability that were larger or comparable with milk yield, and was not strongly correlated with milk and SCS on both genetic and environmental scales. Daily milk, F:P and SCS are easily available from milk-recording data for most breeding schemes in dairy cattle. Fat-to-protein ratio can potentially be a valuable addition to SCS and milk yield as an indicator trait for selection against mastitis.

Estrogen modulates inhibitory control in healthy human females: evidence from the inhibition of return paradigm

Event Abstract Back to Event Estrogen modulates inhibitory control in healthy human females: evidence from the inhibition of return paradigm Lorenza S. Colzato1* 1 Leiden University, Netherlands Animal studies point to a role of estrogen in explaining gender differences in striatal dopaminergic functioning, but evidence from human studies is still lacking. Given that dopamine is crucial for attentional flexibility, estrogen may have a specific impact on the inhibition of return (IOR) effect, which refers to the fact that people are slower to detect a target if it appears in a previously attended location. We compared performance on the IOR task with stimulus-onset asynchronies (SOAs) between attention cue and target of 150–1200 ms in young women across the three phases of their menstrual cycle (salivary estradiol and progesterone concentrations were assessed) and in young men, at different sessions separated by 10 days, according to the corresponding time interval in days between the different phases in women. First, women were higher magnitude of IOR in their follicular phase (FP), which is associated with higher estradiol levels dopamine turnover rates, than in their luteal or menstruation phase. Second, women showed higher magnitude of IOR than men only in the FP. Our results support the idea that striatal DA levels promote IOR, presumably by biasing the interplay between prefrontal and striatal networks towards greater cognitive flexibility. The variation of estrogen levels across the menstrual cycle may account for our observations of gender differences in IOR, suggesting that such differences are variable and state-dependent but not structural. Keywords: Cognition, inhibition of return Conference: XI International Conference on Cognitive Neuroscience (ICON XI), Palma, Mallorca, Spain, 25 Sep - 29 Sep, 2011. Presentation Type: Poster Presentation Topic: Poster Sessions: Neurophysiology of Cognition and Attention Citation: Colzato LS (2011). Estrogen modulates inhibitory control in healthy human females: evidence from the inhibition of return paradigm. Conference Abstract: XI International Conference on Cognitive Neuroscience (ICON XI). doi: 10.3389/conf.fnhum.2011.207.00432 Copyright: The abstracts in this collection have not been subject to any Frontiers peer review or checks, and are not endorsed by Frontiers. They are made available through the Frontiers publishing platform as a service to conference organizers and presenters. The copyright in the individual abstracts is owned by the author of each abstract or his/her employer unless otherwise stated. Each abstract, as well as the collection of abstracts, are published under a Creative Commons CC-BY 4.0 (attribution) licence (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) and may thus be reproduced, translated, adapted and be the subject of derivative works provided the authors and Frontiers are attributed. For Frontiers’ terms and conditions please see https://www.frontiersin.org/legal/terms-and-conditions. Received: 24 Nov 2011; Published Online: 28 Nov 2011. * Correspondence: Dr. Lorenza S Colzato, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands, colzato@bhommel.onmicrosoft.com Login Required This action requires you to be registered with Frontiers and logged in. To register or login click here. Abstract Info Abstract The Authors in Frontiers Lorenza S Colzato Google Lorenza S Colzato Google Scholar Lorenza S Colzato PubMed Lorenza S Colzato Related Article in Frontiers Google Scholar PubMed Abstract Close Back to top Javascript is disabled. Please enable Javascript in your browser settings in order to see all the content on this page.

A fast switching mirror unit at FLASH

The Free Electron Laser at Hamburg ( FLASH) facility at the Deutsches Elektronen- Synchrotron (DESY) is a linear accelerator that is operated in superconducting technology and produces soft X-ray laser light from 4.5 to 47 nm. Several switching mirrors, located in the experimental hall, provide different beam lines with laser light, where the switching procedure lasts up to 1 h and is performed at intervals of days or sometimes weeks. Since the experiments would be sufficient even with a lower repetition rate of the beam, a new kind of switching mirror has been invented. In this paper, the design and implementation of a fast switching mirror at FLASH are presented where focussed and unfocussed beam trains can be distributed between two beam lines with a frequency of up to 2.5 Hz. The challenge lies in the precise repetition accuracy of position (few μm) and angle (about 1 arcsec) of the mirror. In addition, first measurements taken at FLASH are analyzed and they show only little influence of the developed switching mirror on the beam position.

Positive Predictive Value of Mammography: Comparison of Interpretations of Screening and Diagnostic Images by the Same Radiologist and by Different Radiologists

The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether the positive predictive value (PPV) after a recommendation for biopsy differs when one as opposed to more than one radiologist performs the workup after abnormal findings are discovered at screening mammography. Using data in a mammography registry for the years 1996-2005, we identified 6,391 diagnostic examinations with a recommendation for biopsy that were performed on a day other than the day of the screening examination. The PPV after a recommendation for biopsy was calculated for two scenarios. In the first scenario, the radiologist interpreting the diagnostic images had interpreted the screening images. In the second scenario, the radiologist read diagnostic images after another radiologist had read the screening images. We used conditional logistic regression analysis to perform within-radiologist comparisons, controlling for covariates known to be associated with PPV after a recommendation for biopsy. Of the screening examinations with positive findings, 2,335 (36.5%) were scenario 1, and 4,056 (63.5%) were scenario 2. We found no difference between the two scenarios with respect to PPV after a recommendation for biopsy when we controlled for age, breast density, family history of breast cancer, history of breast procedures, time since last mammogram, use of ultrasound at any point in the workup after abnormal results of screening mammography, and interval in days between the screening and diagnostic studies. Who interprets the follow-up images after screening mammograms show abnormal findings does not appear to be an important factor influencing the wide variability in PPV among radiologists.

Effect of environmental factors on the yield of selected mushroom species growing in two different agro ecological zones of Pakistan

Mushrooms are a rich source of protein and vitamins as human food. In view of the growing importance of mushroom in Pakistan, a research study was initiated with the objective to examine the suitability of Oyster mushroom cultivation and to compare the growth and yield of Oyster mushroom in two different areas (Peshawar and Swat, North-West region of Pakistan) with different ecological conditions. Spawn running time, number of crops, stalk height, stalk diameter, cap size, fresh weight, number of production days, and the interval in days between the time of bag opening and the time of starting fruiting bodies formation were among the important parameters investigated in the current study. Stalk height, stalk diameter, cap size and fresh weight of mushrooms were found higher in Peshawar region as compared to those growing in Swat region. On the other side, the spawn running time, formation of fruiting bodies and the number of productions were higher in Swat region as compared to the mushroom under study in Peshawar region. Mild winter temperatures of Peshawar region, and low summer temperatures in Swat, were found most suitable for growth and yield of Pleurotus ostreatus.

W1116 Evidence That PPI Withdrawal May Exacerbate Symptoms and Increase Esophageal Acid Exposure in Patients With Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Background: A recent study has shown that proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy induces acid-related symptoms in healthy volunteers after PPI withdrawal. Rebound acid hypersecretion (RAHS) is believed to arise from the trophic effects of the PPI-induced hypergastrinemia on the oxyntic mucosa, lasting 4-8 weeks after discontinuing the PPI therapy. Aims: To assess whether PPI withdrawal may exacerbate reflux symptoms and increase esophageal acid exposure in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Methods: Patients consecutively investigated for GERD with a validated symptoms questionnaire and 24h pH monitoring off PPI had their data revised from a prospectively constructed database. Heartburn and regurgitation in the last week before pH monitoring were scored between 0 (no symptom) and 5 (worst). GERD was defined according to Montreal criteria. Patients were classified as “naive to PPI therapy” (group 1) or “studied after discontinuing regular use of PPI”, which were reclassified according to the interval in days between PPI withdrawal and pH monitoring: 7-10 (group 2), 11-20 (group 3), and 21-90 (group 4). Results: Among 329 patients investigated for GERD (age 47 ± 15 years, 64% women, BMI 26 ± 3.8 kg/m2), those who discontinued PPI either between 7-10 days or 11-20 days scored higher for symptoms than groups 1 (naive to PPI, P < 0.001) and 4 (21-90 days, P < 0.05). Acid exposure was higher only in patients who discontinued PPI between 11-20 days, in comparison with groups 1 (naive do PPI, P < 0.05) and 4 (21-90 days, P < 0.01). When analyzing GERD patients (n = 249, figure), those who discontinued PPI between 7-10 days scored higher for symptoms compared to groups 1 and 4, whereas acid exposure was higher only in patients evaluated after 11-20 days of PPI withdrawal. Conclusions: This study suggests that PPI withdrawal may exacerbate reflux symptoms and increase acid exposure in patients with GERD. Symptoms were more remarkable soon after (7-10 days) discontinuation of PPI, whereas increased acid reflux had a later peak at 11-20 days, followed by attenuation of both symptoms and acid exposure. Whether these findings are related with a sequence of events starting with RAHS and ending with a protective response of the esophagus needs to be addressed.

W1117 Influence of CYP2C19 Polymorphism on Lansoprazole and Rabeprazole Maintenance Treatment of Reflux Esophagitis

Background: A recent study has shown that proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy induces acid-related symptoms in healthy volunteers after PPI withdrawal. Rebound acid hypersecretion (RAHS) is believed to arise from the trophic effects of the PPI-induced hypergastrinemia on the oxyntic mucosa, lasting 4-8 weeks after discontinuing the PPI therapy. Aims: To assess whether PPI withdrawal may exacerbate reflux symptoms and increase esophageal acid exposure in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Methods: Patients consecutively investigated for GERD with a validated symptoms questionnaire and 24h pH monitoring off PPI had their data revised from a prospectively constructed database. Heartburn and regurgitation in the last week before pH monitoring were scored between 0 (no symptom) and 5 (worst). GERD was defined according to Montreal criteria. Patients were classified as “naive to PPI therapy” (group 1) or “studied after discontinuing regular use of PPI”, which were reclassified according to the interval in days between PPI withdrawal and pH monitoring: 7-10 (group 2), 11-20 (group 3), and 21-90 (group 4). Results: Among 329 patients investigated for GERD (age 47 ± 15 years, 64% women, BMI 26 ± 3.8 kg/m2), those who discontinued PPI either between 7-10 days or 11-20 days scored higher for symptoms than groups 1 (naive to PPI, P < 0.001) and 4 (21-90 days, P < 0.05). Acid exposure was higher only in patients who discontinued PPI between 11-20 days, in comparison with groups 1 (naive do PPI, P < 0.05) and 4 (21-90 days, P < 0.01). When analyzing GERD patients (n = 249, figure), those who discontinued PPI between 7-10 days scored higher for symptoms compared to groups 1 and 4, whereas acid exposure was higher only in patients evaluated after 11-20 days of PPI withdrawal. Conclusions: This study suggests that PPI withdrawal may exacerbate reflux symptoms and increase acid exposure in patients with GERD. Symptoms were more remarkable soon after (7-10 days) discontinuation of PPI, whereas increased acid reflux had a later peak at 11-20 days, followed by attenuation of both symptoms and acid exposure. Whether these findings are related with a sequence of events starting with RAHS and ending with a protective response of the esophagus needs to be addressed.

Efecto del color y de la densidad del polietileno de fundas para cubrir el racimo sobre dimensiones, presentación y calidad poscosecha de frutos de banano y plátano

Se evaluó el efecto del color (azul, verde y rojo) y densidad (baja y alta) del polietileno de fundas protectoras del racimo de Musa en 4 experimentos de banano (Musa AAA) y en 1 de plátano (Musa AAB) realizados en fincas comerciales del Caribe de Costa Rica. El peso del racimo y el intervalo de días del embolse a la cosecha no difirieron entre los colores (p &gt; 0,4116) ni entre las densidades (p &gt; 0,2583) de las fundas. La apariencia del racimo presentó diferencias entre colores (p &lt; 0,0067) y entre la densidades del polietileno (p &lt; 0,0211) solamente en el experimento de plátano, donde el azul y el rojo no variaron en promedio, pero sí ambos del verde. En este experimento, el mayor porcentaje de racimos sin manchas o lesiones se obtuvo con la bolsa de alta densidad. El grosor del fruto central de la fila externa de la segunda, cuarta y sexta mano fue similar entre los colores (p &gt; 0,0669) y densidades (p &gt; 0,2370) de las fundas. La longitud del fruto central de las manos antes mencionadas tampoco presentó diferencias entre colores (p &gt; 0,1446) y solo varió con la densidad en la segunda y cuarta mano del experimento 3 (p &lt; 0,0501), cuya longitud fue mayor con la funda de alta densidad. El color y la firmeza de la cáscara, la firmeza del fruto y el porcentaje de sólidos totales (brix) fueron similares entre los colores (p &gt; 0,0899) y entre las densidades (p &gt; 0,0606) de las fundas. El porcentaje de acidez presentó diferencias (p &lt; 0,0001) entre colores solamente en el experimento 1. Los resultados indican que generalmente, bajo las condiciones agroclimáticas y de manejo propias de Caribe costarricense, no hubo efecto del color ni de la densidad del polietileno evaluados sobre los racimos y frutos de banano y plátano.

Tumor Volume Analysis and Tumor Doubling.

Abstract Background: Volume is the most sensitive and accurate parameter to assess tumor response to treatment. We have proposed that data be expressed as volume in cubic centimetres TVA (Tumor Volume Analysis)1. When we applied TVA to a breast cancer trial and converted the data from diameter centimetres to volume in cubic centimetres the differences were statistically signifcant2.Three dimensional measurements: Volume measurements are most accurate if all three dimensions are measured to record any asymmetric growth[ref]. In Table 1 diameter permutations are shown of a 3cm mass together with percentage changes in each example. This demonstrates the extent that changes in the lesser two axes of a mass affect tumor volume. Accurate 3D volume measurement is essential to estimate tumor doubling.Tumor Doubling and Redoubling: Tumor doubling for a carcinoma is quoted as under 177 days [ref] or under 500 days[ref]. With a mean of 100 days[ref] or 117 days[ref]. Much of the work has been carried out on metastatic pulmonary nodules of various tumors. An early paper did quote doubling times as by diameter and provided a graph to convert data into volume8. A calculator has been described and patented to provide these functions2.Tumor Doubling Time (TDT): Tumor doubling can be regarded as an increase in volume over a unit of time[8, ref]. We propose this TDT be quantified with the period of growth expressed in days for example TDT 120 implies a tumor doubling time of 120 days. A formula that does allow for exponential growth assuming a constant growth is as follows: TDT = D x log(2)/log(1+ r/100). Where TDT = tumor doubling time; D = interval in DAYS between volume measurements; r = rate of growth; r/100 = (Vol 2-Vol 1)/Vol 1 x 100%. This option for measuring tumor doubling can be added as a fourth and further facility to the calculator already described [Patent PCT/GB07/003526]2Conclusions: 1. Tumor doubling is qualified by volume changes in cm3. Tumor doubling time (TDT) in days quantifies tumor doubling. 2. Measurement of TDT can be made as an extra facility on the calculator already described. The calculator can be used to estimate TDT using two measured volumes and the interval in days. 3. A similar formula can also be used to measure downsizing in response to neoadjuvant therapy as complete response time (CRT).

Improvement in genetic evaluation of female fertility in dairy cattle using multiple-trait models including milk production traits1

This study investigated the improvement in genetic evaluation of fertility traits by using production traits as secondary traits (MILK = 305-d milk yield, FAT = 305-d fat yield, and PROT = 305-d protein yield). Data including 471,742 records from first lactations of Denmark Holstein cows, covering the years of inseminations during first lactations from 1995 to 2004, were analyzed. Six fertility traits (i.e., interval in days from calving to first insemination, calving interval, days open, interval in days from first to last insemination, numbers of inseminations per conception, and nonreturn rate within 56 d after first service) were analyzed using single- and multiple-trait sire models including 1 or 3 production traits. Model stability was evaluated by correlation between EBV from 2 sub-data sets (DATA(A) and DATA(B)). Model predictive ability was assessed by the correlation between EBV from training data (DATA(A) or DATA(B)) and daughter performance (yield deviation, defined as average of daughter-records adjusted for nongenetic effects) from test data (DATA(B) or DATA(A)) in a cross-validation procedure, and correlation between EBV obtained from the whole data set (DATA(T)) and from a reduced data set (DATA(C1), which only contained the first crop daughters) for proven bulls. In addition, the superiority of the models was evaluated by expected reliability of EBV, calculated from the prediction error variance of EBV. Based on these criteria, the models combining milk production traits showed better model stability and predictive ability than single-trait models for all the fertility traits, except for nonreturn rate within 56 d after first service. The stability and predictive ability for the model including MILK or PROT were similar to the model including all 3 milk production traits and better than the model including FAT. In addition, it was found that single-trait models underestimated genetic trend of fertility traits. These results suggested that genetic evaluation of fertility traits would be improved using a multiple-trait model including MILK or PROT.

A new approach to sperm preservation based on bioenergetic theory1

To date, attempts to preserve chicken sperm have been based on a trial-and-error experimental approach. The present work outlines the development of an alternative approach based on empiricism and bioenergetic theory. In previous work, we found fowl sperm motility to be dependent on mitochondrial calcium cycling, phospholipase A(2), and long-chain fatty acids as an endogenous energy source. It is noteworthy that fowl sperm reside within the sperm storage tubules (SST) of the oviduct over an interval of days to weeks after insemination. In this regard, a model for in vivo sperm storage was developed and tested in additional previous research. Sperm penetration of the SST, sperm residence within the SST, and sperm egress from the SST can be explained in terms mitochondrial function. Understanding sperm function and longevity in terms of bioenergetics presented the possibility that sperm could be inactivated by disrupting mitochondrial calcium cycling and could thereby be preserved. However, this possibility also posed a problem: maintenance of the inner membrane potential of the mitochondrion within inactivated sperm. This report describes a series of experiments in which fowl sperm were inactivated by treatment with the calcium chelator tetrasodium 1,2-bis-(o-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid, and then reactivated by treatment with calcium ions. The effect of tetrasodium 1,2-bis-(o-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid on mitochondrial calcium cycling was confirmed by flow cytometry and confocal microscopy. When treated sperm were cooled to 10 degrees C, inactivated sperm could be reactivated throughout a 5-h storage interval. When stored sperm were held for 3 h before reactivation and insemination, fertility was 88% of the control. Storage did not affect hatchability. In summary, short-term storage was realized by manipulating mitochondrial function. We propose that 1) complex V consumes ATP within inactivated sperm and, by doing so, maintains the inner membrane potential of the mitochondrion, 2) ATP is regenerated within inactivated sperm by the action of creatine kinase on phosphocreatine, and 3) necrosis follows depletion of intracellular phosphocreatine. Therefore, future attempts to preserve chicken sperm can be based on a theory that encompasses regulation of energy production, a biological context in which sperm cells are motile, and the consequences of mitochondrial failure.

Incidence and Risk Factors for Chronic Pain after Caesarean Section under Spinal Anaesthesia

This study investigated the incidence and risk factors associated with chronic pain after elective caesarean section under spinal anaesthesia in an Asian population. A prospective cohort study was conducted among subjects who underwent elective caesarean section under spinal anaesthesia, with morphine patient-controlled analgesia administered for 24 hours postoperatively. Perioperative, surgical and obstetric factors were investigated prospectively. Phone surveys were conducted to identify risk factors associated with chronic pain. A total of 857 subjects completed both the perioperative study and phone survey. The incidence of wound scar pain for three months after surgery was 9.2% (79). Of the 51 subjects with persistent pain at the time of subsequent survey, 9.8% (n = 5) had constant pain, 9.8% (n = 5) had daily pain and 23.5% (n = 12) had pain intermittently, at an interval of days. The independent risk factors for development of chronic pain were higher pain scores recalled in the immediate postoperative period (odds ratio [OR, 95% confidence interval] 1.348 [1.219 to 1.490], P = 0.0001), pain present elsewhere (OR 2.471 [1.485 to 4.112], P = 0.001) and non-private insurance status (OR 1.679 [1.034 to 2.727], P = 0.036). The two most common sites of pain other than wound pain were back pain (n = 316) and migraine (n = 87).