Prognostic value of static and dynamic biomarkers in COVID-19 patients: a prospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to analyze in a prospective cohort of hospitalized COVID-19 patients the relationship between biomarkers levels and their variation within the first 4 days since admission, and prognosis. METHODS: Prospective cohort study. Individuals with confirmed diagnosis of covid-19 admitted in our hospital were included. Blood samples were obtained systematically on days 1 and 4 of hospitalization. Levels of RCP, LDH, Ferritin and D-dimer, together with platelets, lymphocytes and neutrophils counts were measured. A combined outcome that included ICU admission and death was considered the primary outcome. Logistic regression analysis was performed. RESULTS: We included 335 patients with confirmed COVID-19. During their hospitalization, 23 (6.8%) needed ICU admission, and 10 (2.9%) died. In the multivariate analysis, a value of RCP greater than 10 mg/dl (OR 8.69, CI95% 1.45-52), an increase in RCP greater than 20% (OR 26.08, CI 95% 3.21-211.3), an increase in LDH greater than 20% (OR 6.29, CI 95% 1.84-21.44), a count of lymphocytes lower than 1500/mm3 (OR 2.74, CI 95% 1.04-7.23), a D-dimer value greater than 550 ng/ml (OR 9.8, CI 95% 1.78-53.9) and a neutrophil/lymphocyte index greater than 3(OR 4.5, CI 95% 1.43-14.19) were all associated with the primary outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Our study shows that the utilization of static and dynamic biomarkers may represent an important tool to assess prognosis of COVID-19 patients.

Colorectal anastomosis during cytoreductive radical surgery in patients with peritoneal surface malignancies. Validation of a new technique (without stoma) to prevent anastomosis leakage in more than 1000 procedures.

OBJECTIVE: To describe a novel end-to-end "true" reinforced stapling colorectal anastomosis and to assess surgical outcomes in a large case series of advanced cancer patients undergoing this procedure. Anastomotic leakage (AL) remains the main concern following surgery for colorectal cancer. METHODS: Between September 2006 and May 2018, in the context of the Catalonian Program of Peritoneal Carcinomatosis, 1193 consecutive patients with advanced abdominal and/or pelvic tumors were included in a prospective single-center study. They underwent cytoreductive radical surgery (CRS) in most cases combined with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC). Among other surgical procedures, 374 patients underwent rectal resection and colorectal/ileorectal anastomosis, whether alone or associated to other digestive anastomosis. Key aspects of colorectal anastomosis technique were: (1) complete dissection and mobilization of the distal third of the rectum, (2) placement of a stitch that included both ends of the linear stapling of the rectal stump that was knotted on the anvil of the circular stapler, (3) "cleaning" the fatty tissue of the intestinal ends, (4) adjustment of the height of staples to the thickness of the intestinal wall, and (5) a second layer of interrupted nonperforating sutures placed circumferentially to reinforce the stapled anastomoses. A diverting stoma was not performed. RESULTS: According to clinical criteria, of the 1193 patients included, 296 cases underwent CRS (group 1) and 897 cases CRS + HIPEC (group 2). In group 1, 332 surgical procedures were performed, with 248 digestive anastomoses, of which 98 (39.5%) were colorectal anastomoses, associated to other digestive anastomosis in 37 cases. In group 2, 972 surgical procedures were performed, with 707 digestive anastomoses, of which 263 were colorectal (37.2%), 116 were associated with other digestive anastomosis. Ileocolic anastomosis was the most frequently associated digestive anastomosis. 71 major urinary reconstructions, 283 radical hysterectomies and no diverting stoma were performed. Globally, there was only three colo-ileorectal AL (3/374 = 0.8%). The overall 90-day mortality rate was 0.25%. CONCLUSIONS: A technical modification to create a "true" end-to-end and completely circular reinforced anastomosis effectively prevents anastomotic leakage in patients with advanced tumors undergoing radical resection of the rectum, with no need of diverting stoma.

Survival outcomes in patients aged 75 years and over with peritoneal colorectal carcinomatosis after cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC): multicenter study of the Spanish Group of Peritoneal Cancer Surgery (GECOP).

BACKGROUND: The attitude toward cytoreductive surgery with HIPEC in peritoneal carcinomatosis from colorectal cancer is unclear. The aim of this study is to report the perioperative outcomes after cytoreductive surgery with HIPEC in patients ≥ 75 years. METHODS: This retrospective multicenter study collected the data the Spanish Group of Peritoneal Cancer Surgery. Thirty-six patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis from colorectal cancer met the selection criteria for the study. Morbidity, mortality, disease-free and overall survival were analyzed. RESULTS: Morbidity (grade III-IV) was 17% and 2 patients died of complications related to the procedure (5.4%). Median disease-free survival (DFS) was 16 months. DFS at 1 and 3 years was 81% and 42%, respectively. Overall survival at 1 and 3 years was 96% and 75%. In the univariate analysis, preoperative comorbidities (p = 0.01), liver metastases (p = 0.02), blood transfusion (p = 0.001) and postoperative complications (p = 0.001); and in the multivariate analysis, perioperative blood transfusion (OR 2.56, 95% CI 1.95-6.24, p = 0.03) and postoperative complications (OR 3.25, 95% CI 2.35-7.56, p = 0.02) were associated with a lower overall survival. CONCLUSIONS: Age is not an absolute contraindication to perform cytoreduction surgery with HIPEC in highly selected elderly patients with colorectal peritoneal carcinomatosis.

Evaluación de la disección ganglionar en colectomía oncológica realizada por cirujanos generales / Evaluation of lymph node dissection in oncological colectomy performed by general surgeons

Resumen Introducción: El cáncer colorrectal es la cuarta patología neoplásica en incidencia y mortalidad en Colombia y, aunque hay evidente mejoría en sus desenlaces, este alto volumen hace indispensable la participación integrada de cirujanos colorrectales y cirujanos generales dedicados a esa área de interés. A la fecha es la cirugía el pilar del tratamiento de esta enfermedad, la cual debe ser realizada dentro de unos parámetros que permitan asegurarle al paciente la resección completa de la misma. Uno de estos parámetros incluye un adecuado vaciamiento ganglionar que nos permite evaluar el pronóstico de la enfermedad y la necesidad de terapias complementarias. Objetivo: Evaluar la calidad de la disección ganglionar en la cirugía oncológica colorrectal efectuada por cirujanos generales en dos instituciones de la ciudad de Bogotá. Materiales y Método: Estudio observacional analítico de corte transversal; se analizaron 315 pacientes llevados a cirugía electiva oncológica colorrectal por cirujanos generales en el periodo de 2014 a 2017 en nuestras instituciones. Resultados: La mediana de ganglios linfáticos recuperados fue de 16, el número de ganglios disecados se asoció con localización del tumor (p = 0,002) y la neoadyuvancia (p = 00,001). Sin embargo, no se encontró asociación con el sexo, tipo de abordaje y volumen de sangrado. Conclusiones: Las colectomías realizadas por cirujanos generales mantienen un volumen óptimo en relación a la disección ganglionar sin comprometer el resto de los desenlaces. El número de ganglios linfáticos recuperados se asoció con la localización del tumor y la terapia neoadyuvante.

Introduction: Colorectal cancer is the 4th neoplastic disease in terms of incidence and mortality in Colombia, even though the clinical outcomes are improving. The high volume of this patients is requesting the collaboration between colorectal surgeons and general surgeons dedicated to this area of interest. To date is surgery the mainstay of the treatment of this disease which should be carried out within parameters that allow to assure the patient the complete resection of the lesion. One of these parameters includes a suitable lymph node emptying that allows us to evaluate the prognosis of the disease and the need of complementary therapies. Aim: To evaluate the quality of the lymph node dissection in colorectal surgery performed by general surgeons in two academic institutions in Bogota, Colombia. Materials and Method: Transversal cohort in analytical and observational study. We analyzed 315 patients scheduled for elective colorectal surgery by general surgeons in the period from 2014 to 2017 in our institutions. Results: The mean of the lymph node recovered was 16, the number of dissected lymph nodes was associated with the tumor location (p = 0.002), and the neoadjuvant (p = 0.001). However, no association within sex, approach and bleeding was found. Conclusions: The colectomies performed by general surgeons maintain an optimal volume in relation with lymph node dissection without affect the remaining clinical outcomes. The number of lymph nodes recovered is associated with tumor location and neoadjuvant therapy.

HIPECT4: multicentre, randomized clinical trial to evaluate safety and efficacy of Hyperthermic intra-peritoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) with Mitomycin C used during surgery for treatment of locally advanced colorectal carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Local relapse and peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC) for pT4 colon cancer is estimated in 15,6% and 36,7% for 12 months and 36 months from surgical resection respectively, achieving a 5 years overall survival of 6%. There are promising results using prophylactic HIPEC in this group of patients, and it is estimated that up to 26% of all T4 colon cancer could benefit from this treatment with a minimal morbidity. Adjuvant HIPEC is effective to avoid the possibility of peritoneal seeding after surgical resection. Taking into account these results and the cumulative experience in HIPEC use, we will lead a randomized controlled trial to determine the effectiveness and safety of adjuvant treatment with HIPEC vs. standard treatment in patients with colon cancer at high risk of peritoneal recurrence (pT4). METHODS/DESIGN: The aim of this study is to determine the effectiveness and safety of adjuvant HIPEC in preventing the development of PC in patients with colon cancer with a high risk of peritoneal recurrence (cT4). This study will be carried out in 15 Spanish HIPEC centres. Eligible for inclusion are patients who underwent curative resection for cT4NxM0 stage colon cancer. After resection of the primary tumour, 200 patients will be randomized to adjuvant HIPEC followed by routine adjuvant systemic chemotherapy in the experimental arm, or to systemic chemotherapy only in the control arm. Adjuvant HIPEC will be performed simultaneously after the primary resection. Mitomycin C will be used as chemotherapeutic agent, for 60 min at 42-43 °C. Primary endpoint is loco-regional control (LC) in months and the rate of loco-regional control (%LC) at 12 months and 36 months after resection. DISCUSSION: We assumed that adjuvant HIPEC will reduce the expected absolute risk of peritoneal recurrence from 36% to 18% at 36 months for T4 colon-rectal carcinoma. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT02614534 ( clinicaltrial.gov ) Nov-2015.

High performance InAs/InP quantum dot 34.462-GHz C-band coherent comb laser module.

We have developed an InAs/InP quantum dot (QD) C-band coherent comb laser (CCL) module with actively stabilized absolute wavelength and power, and channel spacing of 34.462 GHz with ± 100 ppm accuracy. The total output power is up to 46 mW. The integrated average relative intensity noise (RIN) values of the lasing spectrum and a filtered single channel at 1540.19 nm were -165.6 dB/Hz and -130.3 dB/Hz respectively in the frequency range from 10 MHz to 10 GHz. The optical linewidth of the 45 filtered individual channels between 1531.77 nm to 1543.77 nm ranged from 850 kHz to 2.16 MHz. We have also analyzed the noise behaviors of each individual channel.

Cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy for pseudomyxoma peritonei and appendix tumours in elderly patients: Is it justified?

BACKGROUND: Cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) for pseudomyxoma peritonei and appendix tumours are widespread in the world. It is unclear what should be the attitude in elderly patients. METHODS: This retrospective multicenter study collected the database from ten Spanish centers from Spanish Group of Peritoneal Cancer Surgery. The study period was between November 2002 and March 2014. Seventeen patients with age greater than or equal to 75 years with peritoneal carcinomatosis from pseudomyxoma peritonei and appendix tumours met the selection criteria for the study. Outcomes in terms of morbidity and mortality such as disease-free and overall survival were analyzed. RESULTS: Median PCI was 16 (range 6-39). Ten postoperative adverse events were detected in nine patients (44.4%). 28% were grade I-II and 17% were grade III-IV. Disease-free survival at 1 and 3 years was 67 and 44%, respectively. Overall survival at 1 and 3 years was 100 and 88%, respectively. Only cytoreduction was related to worst disease free survival after univariate (p = 0.007) and multivariate (OR 11.639, 95% CI 1.24-109.74, p = 0.03) analyses. Cytoreduction was related to the worst overall survival after univariate analysis (p = 0.046). CONCLUSION: Cytoreductive surgery and HIPEC for pseudomyxoma peritonei and appendix tumours in elderly patients it is a procedure with feasible postoperative morbi-mortality and survival outcomes. TRIAL REGISTRATION: researchregistry1587 (retrospectively registered).

Morbidity and mortality outcomes after cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy in patients aged 75 years and over: Spanish group of peritoneal cancer surgery (GECOP) multicenter study.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to report the perioperative outcomes of cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraoperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) in patients ≥75 years from a Spanish multi-institutional experience. METHODS: This multi-institutional retrospectively analyzed a prospectively collected clinical data from 10 Spanish hospitals that are part of the Spanish Group Peritoneal Cancer Surgery (GECOP). We assessed postoperative morbidity rates and performed univariate and multivariate analyses of factors associated with overall (grade I-IV) and major (grade III-IV) postoperative morbidity. RESULTS: A total of 85 patients aged ≥75 years were included. Forty six postoperative adverse events were detected in 37 patients (43.5%). Twenty five complications in 20 patients (23.5%) were mild (grade I-II) and 16 complications in 12 patients (14.1%) were moderate-severe (grade III-IV). Five patients died in the first 90 days after the procedure (5.9%). After multivariate analysis, independent factors associated with postoperative complications were: PCI> 12 (OR: 4.14, 95% CI 1.22-14.12, p = 0.043) and the need for perioperative blood transfusion (OR: 14.91, 95% CI 3.87-57.46, p < 0.001). Regarding grade III-IV complications, after multivariate analysis, the presence of preoperative albumin levels <3.5 mgr/dl (OR: 9.15, 95% CI 1.38-60.57, p = 0.017), need for diaphragmatic peritonectomy procedures (OR: 11.32, 95% CI 1.40-91.32, p = 0.023) and perioperative blood transfusion (OR: 8.58, 95% CI 1.44-51.16, p = 0.018) were independent factors. CONCLUSIONS: Cytoreductive surgery and performing HIPEC by experienced groups in selected patients aged ≥75 years can be performed with morbidity and mortality similar to that described in the literature.

Recommendations in the management of epithelial appendiceal neoplasms and peritoneal dissemination from mucinous tumours (pseudomyxoma peritonei).

The epithelial appendiceal neoplasms are uncommon and are usually detected as an unexpected surgical finding. The general surgeon should be aware of the diversity of its clinical manifestations and biological behaviors along with the significance of the surgical treatment on the progression of the illness and the prognosis of the patients. The operative findings and, especially, tumor histology, determine the type of surgery. Intestinal histologic subtype behaves and should be treated similarly to the right colon neoplasms; while mucinous tumors, often discordant between histology and its aggressiveness, can be treated with a simple appendectomy or require complex oncological surgeries. Mucinous tumors are often associated with the presence of mucin or tumor implants in the abdominal cavity, being the clinical syndrome known as pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP). PMP tends to present an indolent but deadly evolution and requires a multimodal approach as a single treatment with curative potential: complete cytoreductive surgery plus hyperthermic Intra-peritoneal chemotherapy (CCRS + HIPEC) now considered the standard of care in this pathology. The general surgeon should be aware of the governing principles of the treatment of appendiceal neoplasms with or without peritoneal dissemination, know the therapeutic frontiers in every situation (avoiding unnecessary or counterproductive surgeries) and sending early these patients to specialised centres in the radical management of malignant diseases of the peritoneum in the conditions and with the necessary information to facilitate a possible radical treatment.

Cytoreductive surgery and intraperitoneal chemotherapy for treatment of peritoneal carcinomatosis from colorectal origin.

Peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC) is a common form of tumour metastasis stemming from gastrointestinal and colorectal cancers. For a long time, PC has been considered a terminal clinical condition treated only with palliative systemic chemotherapy and associated with very limited results. During the last decade, the treatment of advanced colorectal disease has greatly improved with the emergence of new chemotherapy drugs and biological agents. However, the median survival rates still do not surpass 24 months, even though most of these studies correspond to groups of patients with metastatic disease to the liver and/or lung. The approach and development of cytoreductive radical surgery (CRS) + hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) are based on performing radical surgery of the entire visible tumour within the abdomen/peritoneum, followed immediately by HIPEC, which acts upon microscopic tumour that remains present after surgery and which is responsible for the persistence or relapse of peritoneal disease. Peritonectomy procedures are demanding surgical techniques that permit elimination of the tumour present in the peritoneal lining and any other organs and/or structures that are infiltrated. The synergistic effect of hyperthermia and chemotherapy has been well documented. Hyperthermia increases the cytotoxicity of some cytostatic agents and increases the penetration of certain drugs into the neoplastic cells. The prognosis for patients with PC who undergo combined treatment correlates with the volume of PC (tumour burden) measured as the Peritoneal Cancer Index (PCI) and the ability to perform a CRS, to completely eliminate the gross tumour. At least one phase III study and an important number of phase II studies have shown that CRS + HIPEC provides important survival benefits for patients with PC of colorectal origin. The combination of CRS + HIPEC is indicated for patients with good general health, a low PCI, absence of extra-abdominal metastasis and who can, technically, undergo CRS. The early identification of this group of patients, rapid referral to centres specialised in CRS + HIPEC, together with the correct application of this treatment, are key in achieving the best results.

Molecular characterization of contaminating infectious anemia virus of chickens in live commercial vaccines produced in the 1990s.

The presence of infectious chicken anemia virus (CAV) was detected in a previous study by nested-PCR as a contaminant in seven commercial vaccines, produced in the 1990s by three different manufacturers, prepared against the most relevant virus etiologies. In order to phylogenetically characterize the genome and compare it to CAV isolates from Brazil and other parts of the world, sequences of approximately 675 bp of the gene encoding the hypervariable region of VP1 protein of three CAV vaccine contaminant strains were studied. The CAV genome in contaminated vaccines showed high similarity (> 98.9%) with the Brazilian BR91/99 and Argentinian ArgA001028 (> 99%) strains. However, the comparison with the Cuxhaven-1 vaccine strain showed a lower identity of between 96.8% and 97.7%, and comparing it with the CAV26P4 vaccine strain showed an identity between 97.2% and 98.2%; both are available in Brazil. Such differences might be relevant for the highly conserved CAV genome. CAV contaminants were positioned in the same genetic group (clusters) with the Brazilian strain BR91/99 and Argentinian strain ArgA001028. Results indicated that the contamination of live vaccines by CAV may have influenced CAV epidemiology in the Brazilian and Argentinian poultry industry.

Enzyme replacement therapy for mucopolysaccharidosis VI: long-term cardiac effects of galsulfase (Naglazyme®) therapy.

Characteristic cardiac valve abnormalities and left ventricular hypertrophy are present in untreated patients with mucopolysaccharidosis type VI (MPS VI). Cardiac ultrasound was performed to investigate these findings in subjects during long-term enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) with recombinant human arylsulfatase B (rhASB, rhN-acetylgalactosamine 4-sulfatase, galsulfase, Naglazyme®). Studies were conducted in 54 subjects before ERT was begun and at specific intervals for up to 96 weeks of weekly infusions of rhASB at 1 mg/kg during phase 1/2, phase 2, and phase 3 trials of rhASB. At baseline, mitral and aortic valve obstruction was present and was significantly greater in those ≥12 years of age. Mild mitral and trace aortic regurgitation were present, the former being significantly greater in those <12 years. Left ventricular hypertrophy, with averaged z-scores ranging from 1.6-1.9 SD greater than normal, was present for ages both <12 and ≥12 years. After 96 weeks of ERT, ventricular septal hypertrophy regressed in those <12 years. For those ≥12 years, septal hypertrophy was unchanged, and aortic regurgitation increased statistically but not physiologically. Obstructive gradients across mitral and aortic valves remained unchanged. The results suggest that long-term ERT is effective in reducing intraventricular septal hypertrophy and preventing progression of cardiac valve abnormalities when administered to those <12 years of age.

Ultrawide-bandwidth, superluminescent light-emitting diodes using InAs quantum dots of tuned height.

An ultrawide-bandwidth, superluminescent light-emitting diode (SLED) utilizing multiple layers of dots of tuned height is reported. Due to thermal effect, the superluminescent phenomenon is observed only under pulse-mode operation. The device exhibits a 3 dB bandwidth of 190 nm with central wavelength of 1020 nm under continuous-wave (cw) conditions. The maximum corresponding output power achieved in this device under cw and pulsed operation conditions are 0.54 mW and 17 mW, respectively.

A retrospective PCR investigation of avian Orthoreovirus, chicken infectious anemia and fowl Aviadenovirus genomes contamination in commercial poultry vaccines in Brazil / Estudo retrospectivo de vacinas avícolas vivas por PCR para os vírus da anemia das galinhas, Aviadenovirus aviário e Orthoreovirus aviário

Vacinas avícolas vivas comerciais produzidas entre 1991 e 2005 foram examinadas para a presença de genomas dos vírus da anemia infecciosa das galinhas (Gyrovirus CAV), da hepatite por corpúsculo de inclusão (Aviadenovirus FAdV) e da artrite viral/síndrome da má absorção (Orthoreovirus aviário ARV). Vinte e seis partidas de vacinas vivas liofilizadas de oito fabricantes com lacre original foram examinadas. As extrações de DNA e PCR de CAV e FAdV, e de RNA e RT-PCR para ARV, foram descritas previamente. Contaminações triplas de ARV, CAV e FAdV foram detectadas em vacinas de mesmo fabricante, produzidas em 1991 e 1992 contra a doença de Newcastle (DN), e para a encefalomielite aviária, produzida em 1994. ARV e CAV em co-infecção foram encontrados em vacinas contra a doença de Marek liofilizadas produzidas em 1996 por dois fabricantes diferentes. Genoma de ARV foi detectado em vacinas contra a bronquite infecciosa de setembro e dezembro de 1998, doença infecciosa bursal, de dezembro de 1998 e DN de janeiro de 1998. Três dos oito fabricantes apresentaram vacinas com contaminação e cinco nunca apresentaram vacinas contaminadas. Nenhuma vacina produzida a partir de 2001 apresentou contaminação. Cogita-se um papel epidemiológico para vacinas vivas, como fonte de infecção para ARV, CAV e FAdV e, potencialmente determinante da atual alta disseminação destes.

Prevalence of Salmonella enterica in poultry and eggs in Uruguay during an epidemic due to Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis.

Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis (S. Enteritidis) is frequently associated with food-borne disease worldwide. Poultry-derived products are a major source. An epidemic of human infection with S. Enteritidis occurred in Uruguay, and to evaluate the extent of poultry contamination, we conducted a nationwide survey over 2 years that included the analysis of sera from 5,751 birds and 12,400 eggs. Serological evidence of infection with Salmonella group O:9 was found in 24.4% of the birds. All positive sera were retested with a gm flagellum-based enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and based on these results, the national prevalence of S. Enteritidis infection was estimated to be 6.3%. Salmonellae were recovered from 58 of 620 pools made up of 20 eggs each, demonstrating a prevalence of at least 1 in every 214 eggs. Surprisingly, the majority of the isolates were not S. Enteritidis. Thirty-nine isolates were typed as S. Derby, 9 as S. Gallinarum, 8 as S. Enteritidis, and 2 as S. Panama. Despite the highest prevalence in eggs, S. Derby was not isolated from humans in the period of analysis, suggesting a low capacity to infect humans. Microarray-based comparative genomic hybridization analysis of S. Derby and S. Enteritidis revealed more than 350 genetic differences. S. Derby lacked pathogenicity islands 13 and 14, the fimbrial lpf operon, and other regions encoding metabolic functions. Several of these regions are present not only in serovar Enteritidis but also in all sequenced strains of S. Typhimurium, suggesting that these regions might be related to the capacity of Salmonella to cause food-borne disease.

Tei index to assess fetal cardiac performance in fetuses at risk for fetal inflammatory response syndrome.

OBJECTIVES: To examine, in patients with premature rupture of the amniotic membranes (PROM) at < 34 weeks of gestation, the relationship between fetal myocardial performance measured by the Tei index and fetal inflammatory response syndrome (FIRS). METHODS: A case-control study was conducted including 15 preterm PROM patients with gestational age between 24 and 33 weeks admitted to Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, and 15 controls with the same gestational age range. Fetal echocardiography with Doppler was performed at admission for the preterm PROM group, with serial examinations every 7-10 days thereafter until delivery, and at the time of inclusion in the control group. Flow velocity waveforms were obtained for the left ventricle, from which the Tei index was calculated. Placental histopathology and perinatal outcome were compared between the groups. RESULTS: The left ventricular Tei index was significantly greater in fetuses with preterm PROM compared with controls (0.63 +/- 0.13 vs. 0.51 +/- 0.10, P = 0.007). While there was no difference in isovolumetric times, the left ventricular ejection time was significantly shorter in the preterm PROM group (164 +/- 17 ms vs. 184 +/- 16 ms, P = 0.003). In the preterm PROM group, neonatal sepsis was diagnosed in 73.3%, and funisitis and chorionic vasculitis confirmed FIRS in 53.3%, compared with 6.7% for these three diagnoses in controls (P = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: These data provide further evidence that cardiac dysfunction is present in the setting of preterm PROM. The study of myocardial performance with the Tei index is a novel non-invasive approach to assess cardiac function and monitor the fetus affected with FIRS.

An L-band monolithic InAs/InP quantum dot mode-locked laser with femtosecond pulses.

We have developed an InAs/InP quantum dot (QD) gain material using a double cap growth procedure and GaP sublayer to tune QDs into the L-band. By using it, a passive L-band mode-locked laser with pulse duration of 445 fs at the repetition rate of 46 GHz was demonstrated. The 3-dB linewidth of the RF spectrum is less than 100 KHz. The lasing threshold injection current is 24 mA with an external differential quantum efficiency of 22% and an average output power of 27 mW. The relationship between pulse duration and 3-dB spectral bandwidth as a function of injection current was investigated.

A microbiological survey of selected Alberta-grown fresh produce from farmers' markets in Alberta, Canada.

Previously there was no available information on the levels of indicator bacteria and the prevalence of pathogens in fresh produce grown in Alberta, Canada. Baseline information on the occurrence and levels of Escherichia coli and the prevalence of foodborne pathogens in selected produce items available to consumers from farmers' and public markets in two large urban centers and surrounding areas in Alberta was obtained. A total of 10 large markets with between 1 and 12 produce vendors and 26 small markets with between 1 and 6 produce vendors were sampled from 21 June to 7 October 2007. Lettuce (128 samples), spinach (59 samples), tomatoes (120 samples), carrots (206 samples), green onions (129 samples), and strawberries (31 samples) were analyzed for E. coli, Salmonella, E. coli O157:H7, and Campylobacter spp. Lettuce, spinach, green onion, and strawberry samples were also tested for the presence of Cryptosporidium spp. Information on whether produce was grown using organic or conventional practices was obtained from the produce vendors. E. coli was isolated from 8.2% of the samples that included lettuce, spinach, carrots, and green onions. The bacterial counts ranged from <0.48 to >3.04 Log most probable number per g. E. coli was not isolated from tomatoes or strawberries. The percentage of positive samples ranged from 4.4% for carrots to 27.1% for spinach. Salmonella, E. coli O157:H7, and Campylobacter spp. were not isolated from any of the samples. Cryptosporidium was identified by PCR in one sample of spinach (0.6% of the samples).

Dual-wavelength 92.5 GHz self-mode-locked InP-based quantum dot laser.

We report on the generation of dual-wavelength self-mode-locking pulses from an InP-based quantum dot laser. The demonstrated device operates simultaneously at both 1543.7 and 1571.7 nm and has a repetition rate of 92.5 GHz. The pulse width is below 960 fs, and the average power coupled to a cleaved single-mode fiber is nearly 9 mW at a current bias of 60 mA.