Thoroughbred stallion fertility is significantly associated with FKBP6 genotype but not with inbreeding or the contribution of a leading sire.

This is a follow-up study to validate the previously detected association of the FKBP6 gene with stallion subfertility. Using a select cohort of 150 Thoroughbred stallions with detailed breeding records, we confirm significant association (P < 0.0001) between low per-cycle pregnancy rates (≤50%) and a combined A/A-A/A genotype of SNPs chr13:11 353 372G>A and chr13:11 353 436A>C in FKBP6 exon 5. We also show that stallion subfertility and the combined genotype A/A-A/A are not associated with the level of genetic diversity based on 12 autosomal microsatellite markers, or with pedigree-based inbreeding rate, or the extent of contribution of a leading Thoroughbred sire, Northern Dancer, in a stallion's pedigree. We develop a TaqMan allelic discrimination assay for the two SNPs to facilitate accurate and high-throughput genotyping. We determine allele, genotype and combined genotype frequencies of FKBP6 exon 5 SNPs in a global cohort of 518 Thoroughbreds (76% stallions or geldings and 24% mares) and show that the frequency of the A/A-A/A genotype is 4%. Because there is no similar association between the FKBP6 exon 5 genotype and stallion subfertility in Hanoverians, we suggest that the two SNPs are not causative but rather tagging a breed-specific haplotype with genetic variants unique to Thoroughbreds. Further WGS-based research is needed to identify the molecular causes underlying the observed genotype-phenotype association in Thoroughbred stallions.

Assessing physical activity in people with mental illness: 23-country reliability and validity of the simple physical activity questionnaire (SIMPAQ).

BACKGROUND: Physical inactivity is a key contributor to the global burden of disease and disproportionately impacts the wellbeing of people experiencing mental illness. Increases in physical activity are associated with improvements in symptoms of mental illness and reduction in cardiometabolic risk. Reliable and valid clinical tools that assess physical activity would improve evaluation of intervention studies that aim to increase physical activity and reduce sedentary behaviour in people living with mental illness. METHODS: The five-item Simple Physical Activity Questionnaire (SIMPAQ) was developed by a multidisciplinary, international working group as a clinical tool to assess physical activity and sedentary behaviour in people living with mental illness. Patients with a DSM or ICD mental illness diagnoses were recruited and completed the SIMPAQ on two occasions, one week apart. Participants wore an Actigraph accelerometer and completed brief cognitive and clinical assessments. RESULTS: Evidence of SIMPAQ validity was assessed against accelerometer-derived measures of physical activity. Data were obtained from 1010 participants. The SIMPAQ had good test-retest reliability. Correlations for moderate-vigorous physical activity was comparable to studies conducted in general population samples. Evidence of validity for the sedentary behaviour item was poor. An alternative method to calculate sedentary behaviour had stronger evidence of validity. This alternative method is recommended for use in future studies employing the SIMPAQ. CONCLUSIONS: The SIMPAQ is a brief measure of physical activity and sedentary behaviour that can be reliably and validly administered by health professionals.

Prognostic implications of residual disease tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes and residual cancer burden in triple-negative breast cancer patients after neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

BACKGROUND: For primary triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC), higher pretreatment tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) correlates with increased pathologic complete response (pCR) rates, and improved survival. We evaluated the added prognostic value of residual disease (RD) TILs to residual cancer burden (RCB) in predicting survival post-NAC. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We combined four TNBC NAC patient cohorts who did not achieve pCR. RD TILs were investigated for associations with recurrence-free survival (RFS), and overall survival (OS) using Cox models with stromal TILs as a continuous variable (per 10% increment). The likelihood ratio test was used to evaluate added prognostic value of RD TILs. RESULTS: A total of 375 RD TNBC samples were evaluable for TILs and RCB. The median age was 50 years, with 62% receiving anthracycline/taxane chemotherapy. The RCB class after NAC was 11%, 50%, and 39% for I, II, and III, respectively. The median RD TIL level was 20% (IQR 10-40). There was a positive correlation between RD TIL levels and CD8+ T-cell density (ρ = 0.41). TIL levels were significantly lower with increasing post-NAC tumor (P = 0.005), nodal stage (P = 0.032), but did not differ by RCB class (P = 0.84). Higher RD TILs were significantly associated with improved RFS (HR: 0.86; 95% CI 0.79-0.92; P < 0.001), and improved OS (HR: 0.87; 95% CI 0.80-0.94; P < 0.001), and remained significant predictors in multivariate analysis (RFS P = 0.032; OS P = 0.038 for OS). RD TILs added significant prognostic value to multivariate models including RCB class (P < 0.001 for RFS; P = 0.021 for OS). The positive prognostic effect of RD TILs significantly differed by RCB class for RFS (PInt=0.003) and OS (PInt=0.008) with a greater magnitude of positive effect observed for RCB class II than class III. CONCLUSIONS: TIL levels in TNBC RD are significantly associated with improved RFS and OS and add further prognostic information to RCB class, particularly in RCB class II.

The Corticospinal Tract in Huntington's Disease.

Huntington's disease (HD) is characterized by progressive motor impairment. Therefore, the connectivity of the corticospinal tract (CST), which is the main white matter (WM) pathway that conducts motor impulses from the primary motor cortex to the spinal cord, merits particular attention. WM abnormalities have already been shown in presymptomatic (Pre-HD) and symptomatic HD subjects using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). In the present study, we examined CST microstructure using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI)-based tractography in 30-direction DTI data collected from 100 subjects: Pre-HD subjects (n = 25), HD patients (n = 25) and control subjects (n = 50), and T2*-weighted (iron sensitive) imaging. Results show decreased fractional anisotropy (FA) and increased axial (AD), and radial diffusivity (RD) in the bilateral CST of HD patients. Pre-HD subjects had elevated iron in the left CST, regionally localized between the brainstem and thalamus. CAG repeat length in conjunction with age, as well as motor (UHDRS) assessment were correlated with CST FA, AD, and RD both in Pre-HD and HD. In the presymptomatic phase, increased iron in the inferior portion supports the "dying back" hypothesis that axonal damage advances in a retrograde fashion. Furthermore, early iron alteration may cause a high level of toxicity, which may contribute to further damage.

MRI measures of corpus callosum iron and myelin in early Huntington's disease.

Increased iron in subcortical gray matter (GM) structures of patients with Huntington's disease (HD) has been suggested as a causal factor in neuronal degeneration. But how iron content is related to white matter (WM) changes in HD is still unknown. For example, it is not clear whether WM changes share the same physiopathology (i.e. iron accumulation) with GM or whether there is a different mechanism. The present study used MRI to examine iron content in premanifest gene carriers (PreHD, n = 25) and in early HD patients (n = 25) compared with healthy controls (n = 50). 3T MRI acquisitions included high resolution 3D T1, EPI sequences for diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) as an indirect measure of tissue integrity, and T2*-weighted gradient echo-planar imaging for MR-based relaxometry (R2*), which provides an indirect measure of ferritin/iron deposition in the brain. Myelin breakdown starts in the PreHD stage, but there is no difference in iron content values. Iron content reduction manifests later, in the early HD stage, in which we found a lower R2* parameter value in the isthmus. The WM iron reduction in HD is temporally well-defined (no iron differences in PreHD subjects and iron differences only in early HD patients). Iron level in callosal WM may be regarded as a marker of disease state, as iron does not differentiate PreHD subjects from controls but distinguishes between PreHD and HD.

The present and future of gene profiling in breast cancer.

Gene signatures can provide prognostic and predictive information to help in the treatment of early-stage breast cancer. Although many of these signatures have been described, only a few have been properly validated. MammaPrint and OncoType offer prognostic information and identify low-risk patients who do not benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy. With regard to prediction of response, molecular subtypes of breast cancer differ in their sensitivity to chemotherapy, although further studies are needed in this field. Cost, small sample size, and the need to use central laboratories are common limitations to the widespread use of these tools.

Multimodal MRI analysis of the corpus callosum reveals white matter differences in presymptomatic and early Huntington's disease.

Recent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies suggest that abnormalities in Huntington's disease (HD) extend to white matter (WM) tracts in early HD and even in presymptomatic stages. Thus, changes of the corpus callosum (CC) may reflect various aspects of HD pathogenesis. We recruited 17 HD patients, 17 pre-HD subjects, and 34 healthy age-matched controls. Three-dimensional anatomical MRI and diffusion tensor images of the brain were acquired on a 3T scanner. Combining region-of-interest analyses, voxel-based morphometry, and tract-based spatial statistics, we investigated callosal thickness, WM density, fractional anisotropy, and radial and axial diffusivities. Compared with controls, pre-HD subjects showed reductions of the isthmus, likely due to myelin damage. Compared with pre-HD subjects, HD patients showed reductions of isthmus and body, with axonal damage confined to the body. Compared with controls, HD patients had significantly decreased callosal measures in extended regions across almost the entire CC. At this disease stage, both myelin and axonal damage are detectable. Supplementary multiple regression analyses revealed that WM reduction density in the isthmus as well as Disease Burden scores allowed to predict the "HD development" index. While callosal changes seem to proceed in a posterior-to-anterior direction as the diseases progresses, this observation requires validation in future longitudinal investigations.

Effectiveness of an integrative health-care model for climacteric-stage women.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate an integrative health-care model (IHCM) with an empowerment approach for self-care in terms of improving health-related quality of life (HR-QoL) and lifestyle. METHODS: We conducted a field trial with one intervention (IHCM) and one comparison group receiving usual care (UC), with ex ante and ex post measurements. The IHCM was provided for 3 months to each woman in the first group, with follow-up of both groups at 3 and 6 months. The differences in differences estimator was used to assess the effect of intervention, adjusting for clinically important covariates in the framework of a generalized linear regression model. RESULTS: A total of 380 women (IHCM 190 and UC 190) participated in the study. The differences in differences estimator between IHCM and UC for aerobic physical activity was 81 and 87 min/week at 3 and 6 months, respectively; for consumption of dairy products, fruit and vegetables the estimator was 4.8, 6.6 and 9.4 servings per week respectively at 3 months, and 3.9, 6.3 and 9.7 servings at 6 months. The effect of IHCM on HR-QoL at 3 months was greater for the domains of vasomotor, somatic symptoms and sleep problems (11.7, 10.0 and 13.2 points, respectively); at 6 months the differences of major positive change were observed in the domains of memory/concentration, vasomotor symptoms and sleep problems (12.2, 10.4 and 10.8 points, respectively). CONCLUSION: The results support the importance of patient-centered health care during the climacteric stage, within integrative care programs with an empowerment approach.

Aromatase activity after a short-course of letrozole administration in adult men at sea level and at high altitude (with or without excessive erythrocytosis).

Men living at high altitudes in Peru compared to sea level counterparts have erythrocytosis (hemoglobin 16-21 g/dl) or excessive erythrocytosis (hemoglobin>21 g/dl). High testosterone (T) levels in men at high altitude (HA) were associated with excessive erythrocytosis. High androgen levels could be due to a low aromatase activity or to an elevated rate of conversion from precursors to testosterone. The aim of this study was to evaluate aromatase activity and rate of conversion from precursors to testosterone before and after administration of the aromatase enzyme inhibitor letrozole (5 mg/day) for a 5-day period to men at HA and at sea level (SL). The response to short term aromatase inhibition was assessed in 30 adult men living at sea level, 31 native men at HA with erythrocytosis (Hb 16-21 g/dl), and 35 men at HA with excessive erythrocytosis (Hb>21 g/dl). Serum hormone levels, estradiol/testosterone, testosterone/androstenedione, and testosterone/dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) ratios were measured. Men with erythrocytosis had lower basal serum T/androstenedione ratios than men with excessive erythrocytosis at HA and men at sea level. Men at HA with excessive erythrocytosis had higher T/DHEAS ratios than men with erythrocytosis and than those at sea level before and after letrozole administration. After letrozole administration, both groups of men at high altitude (with erythrocytosis or with excessive erythrocytosis) showed lower aromatase activities than those at sea level. In conclusion, higher serum testosterone levels in men with excessive erythrocytosis were associated with an increased rate of conversion from DHEAS to testosterone rather than to a lower aromatase activity.

Resistance of sperm motility to serum testosterone in men with excessive erythrocytosis at high altitude.

Excessive erythrocytosis (EE) [hemoglobin (Hb) >21 g/dl] observed in natives at high altitude (HA) seems to be due to elevated serum testosterone levels compared with men without EE at HA. The aim of the study was to determine the association between serum testosterone levels and high hemoglobin levels at HA with sperm quality. The study was conducted with 72 adult men living at 4,340 m and 52 native men at sea level (SL). At HA, men were grouped according to hemoglobin value (group 1:16-21 g/dl or group 2: Hb >21 g/dl). Hemoglobin and serum testosterone levels were evaluated. Sperm concentration, percentage of progressive sperm motility, percentage of normal sperm morphology, and markers of seminal vesicles function (corrected seminal fructose) and of prostate function (seminal zinc levels) were calculated. Serum testosterone levels were significantly higher in the group with EE (p<0.001). Progressive sperm motility in men with EE was lower than in the other group (Hb >16-21 g/dl) and that of those at SL. Seminal pH, zinc levels and normal sperm morphology in men at HA were lower than at SL. At HA, a significant inverse relationship was observed between hemoglobin and progressive sperm motility (p<0.01). At SL, serum testosterone levels were directly related with progressive sperm motility, whereas at HA, no association was observed (p>0.05). No association between testosterone levels and corrected seminal fructose was observed in men with EE. In conclusion, low sperm motility was observed in men with EE despite elevated serum testosterone levels suggesting a resistance of sperm motility.

Toward healthy aging through empowering self-care during the climacteric stage.

BACKGROUND: While they progress through the climacteric stage, women often develop physical and psychological health needs, calling for innovative health-care services that can be translated into preventive programs and empowerment towards self-care. OBJECTIVE: To identify the changes in women's discourse regarding their concerns and needs about the climacteric stage and self-care after they had participated in an integrative women-centered health-care model with empowerment for self-care. METHODS: Women's narratives during counseling group sessions were analyzed using qualitative inductive thematic analysis. RESULTS: A total of 121 women between 45 and 59 years of age participated. At the beginning of the counseling group sessions, we identified the following themes: (1) Lack of information about changes during the climacteric stage and self-care; (2) Tradition: the climacteric stage as a taboo subject; (3) Life's changes and transitions: the complexity of the climacteric experience; (4) Stigma of menopause; (5) Relationship between the traditional gender role and the lack of self-care. At the end of the counseling group sessions, the themes were: (1) The climacteric as a natural stage; (2) Expectations for old age; (3) Empowerment and the change of awareness for self-care; (3) De-medicalization of the climacteric; (4) The richness of group work; (5) Empowerment as motivation to convey acquired knowledge. CONCLUSION: Women in the climacteric stage require more information about their physical, psychological and social needs, as well as the potential impact on their health during old age. Empowerment during the climacteric can contribute to improving the perception about this stage as well as the importance of self-care.

The rs1800795 single nucleotide polymorphism in the IL6 gene is not associated with primary open angle glaucoma in Mexican population.

PURPOSE: Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a proinflammatory cytokine with pleiotropic effects which has been related to primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) due to its particular effect of protecting the retinal ganglion cells (RGc) from the apoptosis. Different single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) have been associated with POAG. The aim of this study was to determine whether an association between IL-6 rs1800795 (-174 G>C) SNP and a higher risk for POAG is present in western Mexican population. METHODS: One hundred and sixty-five unrelated Mexican mestizo patients with POAG and 108 control subjects were included. Genomic DNA was extracted from leukocytes and purified, followed by genotyping and amplification by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with Taqman Biosystem probes. Allelic and genotypic diversity was evaluated between cases and control subjects. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant association between allele and genotype frequencies, neither with dominant nor recessive genetic association models (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Even though there is a role of IL6 in the pathophysiology of POAG, our results ruled out the association between IL-6 and the rs1800795 SNP showing not to be an index of higher risk for POAG in Mexican population.

Serum testosterone levels and score of chronic mountain sickness in Peruvian men natives at 4340 m.

Life at high altitudes (>4000 m) is associated with higher erythropoiesis. Haemoglobin ≥21 g dl(-1) is considered as excessive erythrocytosis and is a sign of chronic mountain sickness (CMS). The present study was designed to determine an association between serum testosterone (T) and serum oestradiol (E(2) ) levels with the score of CMS. One hundred and seventeen men natives from low altitude (150 m) and 103 men natives from high altitude (4340 m) were studied. The presence of breathlessness or palpitations, sleep disturbance, cyanosis, dilatation of veins, paraesthesia, headaches, tinnitus and Hb ≥21 g dl(-1) , have been included for the CMS score. Men living at high altitude had higher CMS score (P < 0.001), serum T (P < 0.05) and serum E(2) levels (P < 0.04) and had lower serum luteinising hormone levels (P < 0.005) than men living at sea level. At high altitude, the group with the highest CMS score (≥10) showed higher chronological age, SpO(2) , serum T and ratio T/E(2) than the group with CMS score of ≤4. Some symptoms of CMS as sleep disorders and paraesthesia were more related to high serum T level; cyanosis was more related to higher haemoglobin values. In conclusion, higher serum T levels were associated to higher scores of CMS.

Delineation and functional status monitoring in small saline wetlands of NE Spain.

The small playa-lakes and other saline wetlands of Monegros, scattered over a dry area with winter cereal monoculture, are threatened by the settlement of new irrigation districts and other kinds of human pressure. Enforcing the protection rules of European Union in these valuable habitats requires, first, their delimitation and monitoring. This article shows how these tasks can be undertaken using remote sensing in conjunction with field observations. A series of Landsat images covering different seasons provided a comprehensive view of these wetlands encompassing their changing facies, hydrologic regime, state of conservation, and functional status. Remotely-sensed data were the primary, and in most cases the only available, source of consistent information. Our approach can help planning and surveying for the implementation of saline wetland protection measures in harmony with the conterminous agricultural areas.

Land cover mapping of wetland areas in an agricultural landscape using SAR and Landsat imagery.

Saline wetlands in the Monegros Desert, NE Spain, are situated in an agricultural landscape which is undergoing significant changes. Agricultural intensification in recent decades and current installation of new irrigation systems threaten these valuable habitats, set to be included in the Natura2000 network. Their preservation and successful management depend on the information available regarding the transformation of surrounding areas. When soil and vegetation maps at adequate scale are not available, remote sensing is an alternative means to obtain needed data. We have used SAR data, taking advantage of the soil surface characteristics perceived in SAR images. The objective of this work is to explore the capability of multitemporal SAR data to characterize the land covers of these wetlands and their environment. We have developed specific contextual classifications which take into account the statistical properties of the radar distribution. Moreover, we tested the contribution of radar in Landsat classification.

[Clinical and socio-demographic profile of neurosyphilis: a retrospective study in a reference centre in Colombia]. / Perfil clinico y sociodemografico de la neurosifilis: estudio retrospectivo en un centro de referencia de Colombia.

INTRODUCTION: Neurosyphilis is the Treponema pallidum infection of the central nervous system and can occur at any time after the initial infection. In the 21st century, the incidence of neurosyphilis has increased in the post-antibiotic era. The highest rates of neurosyphilis are from low-income countries and the published studies are limited. AIM: To determine the clinical and sociodemographic characteristics of neurosyphilis patients in a tertiary care center in Pereira, Colombia. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Retrospective study of diagnosed neurosyphilis patients in a tertiary care center in Pereira, Colombia, between 2012 to 2017. The diagnosis was established based on serologic treponemal tests, VDRL in CSF, and CSF analysis. Sociodemographic, clinical, and laboratory parameters variables were obtained. RESULTS: Sixteen patients were included, 11 with definitive neurosyphilis and 5 with probable neurosyphilis. The median age was 59.50 ± 13.78 years. Men accounted for 75% (n = 12) of the patients. Four patients were (25%) HIV-infected. All the patients had positive peripheral FTA-ABS and 11 had reactive VDRL in CSF. The most frequent form was late neurosyphilis (62.5%), being general paralysis the most common. The most frequently clinical manifestations were neuropsychiatric alterations (46.9%), predominantly disorientation, behavioral changes, and cognitive impairment, followed by motor changes (36.7%). CONCLUSIONS: Late neurosyphilis was the most prevalent form, predominantly neuropsychiatric alterations. Only a quarter of patients presented HIV coinfection.

TITLE: Perfil clinico y sociodemografico de la neurosifilis: estudio retrospectivo en un centro de referencia de Colombia.Introduccion. La neurosifilis es causada por Treponema pallidum y puede afectar al sistema nervioso central en cualquier momento de la infeccion. Desde inicios de este siglo, su incidencia ha ido en aumento, aun en la era postantibiotica. En paises en vias de desarrollo, el problema tiene mayor magnitud y los estudios son escasos. Objetivo. Describir las caracteristicas de la poblacion con neurosifilis en un hospital de tercer nivel de Pereira, Colombia. Pacientes y metodos. Estudio descriptivo de corte transversal de pacientes con neurosifilis que acudieron a un centro de tercer nivel de Pereira, Colombia, entre 2012 y 2017. Los criterios diagnosticos se basaron en las siguientes variables: prueba treponemica en sangre, VDRL y analisis citoquimico del liquido cefalorraquideo. Se consideraron variables sociodemograficas, clinicas y de laboratorio. Resultados. Se incluyo a 16 pacientes, 11 con neurosifilis definitiva y cinco con neurosifilis probable, con una edad media de 59,5 ± 13,78 años. El 75% (n = 12) de los casos eran hombres. La coinfeccion por virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana fue del 25%. Todos los pacientes tenian FTA-ABS positivo en sangre y 11 presentaron VDRL reactiva en el liquido cefalorraquideo. La forma mas frecuente de neurosifilis fue la tardia (62,5%), y predomino la paralisis general. Las manifestaciones clinicas mas frecuentes fueron las alteraciones neuropsiquiatricas (46,9%), con predominio de la desorientacion, los cambios en el comportamiento y el deterioro cognitivo, seguidos de las alteraciones motoras (36,7%). Conclusiones. La neurosifilis tardia fue la presentacion mas prevalente, caracterizada por manifestaciones neuropsiquiatricas. Una cuarta parte de los pacientes presentaba infeccion por virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana.

Synchronization of complex networks of identical and nonidentical chaotic systems via model-matching control.

In this work, a synchronization scheme for networks of complex systems is presented. The proposed synchronization scheme uses a control law obtained with some definitions from graph theory and solving the Model-Matching Problem for complex networks. In particular, Rössler, Chen, Lorenz and Lü chaotic systems are used as complex chaotic systems into complex networks. Particular cases with regular and irregular networks of six identical chaotic systems are implemented, with some well-known topologies as star and ring small-world, and tree topologies. Highlighting, the obtained control law is applied to synchronize an irregular network of six different chaotic systems in a tree topology. The usefulness and advantages of the proposed synchronization scheme are highlighted performing numerical simulations of the chaotic complex networks.

Relationship between tumor-associated immune infiltrate and p16 staining over clinicopathological features in acral lentiginous melanoma.

PURPOSE: This study aims to evaluate the association between composition of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) and expression of p16 in acral lentiginous melanoma (ALM), and their impact on prognosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cohort of 148 surgical pathology specimens of ALM was studied. TIL were evaluated by immunohistochemical detection of CD3 and CD8, along with CD20, CD4, CD68, and CD163 in a subset of 43 cases. p16 protein expression was also investigated in all the cases. RESULTS: The median age was 66 years, median Breslow thickness was 6.0 mm, grade III TIL was found in 28.4% and lymph nodes were involved in 54.2%. Breslow thickness (p < 0.001), stage I-II (p < 0.001), negative lymph nodes (p < 0.001) and < 10% p16 (p = 0.01) were associated with longer survival. Grade III of TIL was associated with thinner Breslow thickness (p = 0.008) and lower mitosis (p = 0.047). A higher density of CD3 TIL was associated with male gender (p = 0.008), thinner Breslow thickness (p = 0.047), negative lymph node (p = 0.031), early stage (p = 0.046), and p16 nuclear expression of > 10% (p = 0.045). Higher CD8 TIL was associated with > p16 (p = 0.03). Survival analysis found that longer survival had a trend to be associated with high TIL (p = 0.090). Levels of CD3+ and CD8+ cells were correlated with those of CD4+, CD20+, CD68+ and CD163+ immune cells. CONCLUSIONS: Higher levels of TIL tend to be associated with better overall survival in ALM. Loss of expression of p16 is associated with lower levels of CD3+ and CD8+ TIL, indicating a probable relationship between p16 and TIL immune response in ALM .

Use of GafChromic film to diagnose laser generated proton beams.

A calibration of three types of GafChromic radiochromic film (HS, MD-55, and HD-810) was carried out on the Crocker Nuclear Laboratory's 76 in. cyclotron at UC Davis over doses ranging from 0.001 to 15 kGy. The film was digitized with a scanning microdensitometer with which it was scanned twice with two different filters to increase the film's effective dynamic range. We demonstrate how this calibrated film can be used to measure the spectrum and total energy of a laser generated proton beam. This technique was applied to an experiment on the 10 J, 100 fs Callisto laser at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. The resulting proton spectrum was compared to that obtained by simultaneous measurement of Ti nuclear activation; the two methods give the same proton beam slope temperature and agree in number of protons to within 27%.

Antagonistic effect of Lepidium meyenii (red maca) on prostatic hyperplasia in adult mice.

The plants from the Lepidium gender have demonstrated to have effect on the size of the prostate. Lepidium meyenii (Maca) is a Peruvian plant that grows exclusively over 4000 m above sea level. The present study was designed to determine the effect of red maca (RM) in the prostate hyperplasia induced with testosterone enanthate (TE) in adult mice. Prostate hyperplasia was induced by administering TE, and then these animals (n = 6, each group) were treated with RM or Finasteride (positive control) for 21 days. There was an additional group without prostate hyperplasia (vehicle). Mice were killed on days 7, 14 and 21 after treatment with RM. Testosterone and oestradiol levels were measured on the last day of treatment. Prostatic stroma, epithelium and acini were measured histologically. RM reduced prostate weight at 21 days of treatment. Weights of seminal vesicles, testis and epididymis were not affected by RM treatment. The reduction in prostate size by RM was 1.59 times. Histological analysis showed that TE increased 2-fold the acinar area, effect prevented in the groups receiving TE + RM for 14 (P < 0.05) and 21 (P < 0.05) days and the group receiving TE + Finasteride for 21 days (P < 0.05). TE increased prostatic stroma area and this effect was prevented by treatment with RM since 7 days of treatment or Finasteride. The reduction in prostatic stroma area by RM was 1.42 times. RM has an anti-hyperplastic effect on the prostate of adult mice when hyperplasia was induced with TE acting first at prostatic stromal level.