Effectiveness of eriophyid mites for biological control of weedy plants and challenges for future research.

Eriophyid mites have been considered to have a high potential for use as classical biological control agents of weeds. We reviewed known examples of the use of eriophyid mites to control weedy plants to learn how effective they have been. In the past 13 years, since Rosenthal's 1996 review, 13 species have undergone some degree of pre-release evaluation (Aceria genistae, A. lantanae, Aceria sp. [boneseed leaf buckle mite (BLBM)], A. salsolae, A. sobhiani, A. solstitialis, A. tamaricis, A. thalgi, A. thessalonicae, Cecidophyes rouhollahi, Floracarus perrepae, Leipothrix dipsacivagus and L. knautiae), but only four (A. genistae, Aceria sp. [BLBM], C. rouhollahi and F. perrepae) have been authorized for introduction. Prior to this, three species (Aceria chondrillae, A. malherbae and Aculus hyperici) were introduced and have become established. Although these three species impact the fitness of their host plant, it is not clear how much they have contributed to reduction of the population of the target weed. In some cases, natural enemies, resistant plant genotypes, and adverse abiotic conditions have reduced the ability of eriophyid mites to control target weed populations. Some eriophyid mites that are highly coevolved with their host plant may be poor prospects for biological control because of host plant resistance or tolerance of the plant to the mite. Susceptibility of eriophyids to predators and pathogens may also prevent them from achieving population densities necessary to reduce host plant populations. Short generation time, high intrinsic rate of increase and high mobility by aerial dispersal imply that eriophyids should have rapid rates of evolution. This raises concerns that eriophyids may be more likely to lose efficacy over time due to coevolution with the target weed or that they may be more likely to adapt to nontarget host plants compared to insects, which have a longer generation time and slower population growth rate. Critical areas for future research include life history, foraging and dispersal behavior, mechanisms controlling host plant specificity, and evolutionary stability of eriophyid mites. This knowledge is critical for designing and interpreting laboratory and field experiments to measure host plant specificity and potential impact on target and nontarget plants, which must be known before they can be approved for release. One of the more successful examples of an eriophyid mite controlling an invasive alien weed is Phyllocoptes fructiphilus, whose impact is primarily due to transmission of a virus pathogenic to the target, Rosa multiflora. Neither the mite nor the virus originated from the target weed, which suggests that using "novel enemies" may sometimes be an effective strategy for using eriophyid mites.

Recommended procedures and techniques for morphological studies of Eriophyoidea (Acari: Prostigmata).

Methods used for sample storage, specimen clearing, slide mounting, species illustration and morphometric description in alpha-taxonomic studies are essential for the Eriophyoidea. Eriophyoid mites are very tiny and delicate, for which truly permanent specimen slides currently cannot be prepared, resulting in eventual loss of material, including type specimens. Often, published descriptions and drawings have not achieved the required level of quality, and thus many relevant taxonomic details have been permanently lost or neglected. These shortcomings can make certain identifications impossible and cause significant confusion. Consequently, there is a considerable need for accurate and uniform descriptive and illustrative data for the Eriophyoidea. Based on their expertise on this topic, the authors provide guidelines and advices, assisted also by illustrations, of the main critical aspects in managing eriophyoid mites in order to supplement and improve techniques for handling and preparation of specimens, and for improving their taxonomic study. The effects of the short- and long-term preservation methods (i.e., fresh, dried and liquid preservative choices) on digesting the internal tissues of the mites are discussed. Clearing and mounting procedures are analyzed, and special tips are suggested for handling mites and designing tools needed during these steps. Methods for recovering specimens from unsuitable slides (i.e., undercleared and overcleared specimens) are proposed and described. Techniques and tricks to produce descriptive line drawings of good quality are highlighted, and the content to include in plates is stressed. Finally, detailed instructions for standardization of measurements are given.

Ozone therapy in veterinary medicine: A review.

Ozone (O3) is a triatomic form of oxygen. As O3 rapidly dissociates into water and releases a reactive form of oxygen that may oxidize cells, the gas mixture of O3/O2 is used in medicine. ATP is widely available for cellular activity. O3 can be administered via the systemic and local routes. Although O3 is known as one of the most powerful oxidants, it also promotes antioxidant enzymes. Additionally, it stimulates some of the cells of the immune system and inactivates pathogens, including bacteria, fungi, yeasts, protozoa, and viruses. Owing to these activities, O3 is used to improve several diseases, both in human and in veterinary medicine. Considering the wide scope of O3 application, the aim of this review was to reiterate the mechanisms of action of O3 and its utilization in different mammalian species (bovine, ovine-caprine, equine, canine, porcine).

TME for rectal cancer: consecutive 70 patients treated with laparoscopic and robotic technique-cumulative experience in a single centre.

From January 2011 to December 2015, 70 consecutive patients underwent either laparoscopic surgery (LS) or robotic surgery (RS) total mesorectal excision (TME) for malignancy. Data were prospectically recorded in a dedicated local database including ASA score, age, operative time, conversion rate, re-operation rate, early complications, length of stay, and pathological results. We enrolled 70 consecutive patients, 35 treated with LS (18 M, 17 F), 35 treated with RS (23 M, 12 F). Median total operative time was 225 min in LS group (IQR 194-255) and 252.5 min for RS group (IQR 214-300). Median first flatus time was 2 days for LS group (IQR 1-3) and 1 day for RS group (IQR 1-2). Stool discharge time (median) was 4 days for LS group (IQR 2-5) and 2 days for RS group (IQR 1-3). Length of stay (median) was 8 days in LS group (IQR 7-10) and 7 days in RS group (IQR 5-8). It was not found any statistically significant difference between the two groups when we analyzed the number nodes harvested the postoperative complications. The 30 day mortality was 0% in both two groups. The conversion rate for LS group was 23% (8/35 pts) and that for RS group was 0% (0/35). The RS may overcome technical limitations of LS. In our experience, it is a feasible and safe technique, it achieves better clinical outcomes due to the lower conversion rate compared to LS, although with higher costs.

Right colectomy: consecutive 100 patients treated with laparoscopic and robotic technique for malignancy. Cumulative experience in a single centre.

Robotic-assisted resections prove beneficial in overcoming potential limitation of laparoscopy, but clear evidences on patient's benefits are still lacking. We report our experience on 100 consecutive patients who underwent right colectomy with either robotic or laparoscopic approaches. Data were prospectively collected on a dedicated database (ASA score, age, operative time, conversion rate, re-operation rate, early complications, length of stay, and pathological results). Median total operative time was 160 min in LS group (IQR = 140-180) and 204 min for RS group (IQR = 180-230). Median time to first flatus was 2.5 days for LS group (IQR = 2 - 3) and 2 days for RS group (IQR = 1-2). Length of stay (median) was 8 days in LS group (IQR = 6-10) and 5 days in RS group (IQR = 5-7). No statistically significant difference was found between the 2 groups when the number of harvested nodes, the anastomotic leakage and the postoperative bleeding were analyzed. The 30-day mortality was 0% in LS and RS groups. Conversion rate for LS group was 14% (7/50 pts) and for RS group was 0% (0/50). Minimally invasive surgery is a feasible and safe technique. The RS may overcome some technical limitations of laparoscopic surgery and it achieves the same oncological results compared to LS but with higher costs. The lower conversion rate allows to expect better clinical outcomes and lower complication rate.

18FDG PET/CT & arterial inflammation: predicting cardiovascular events in lung cancer.

BACKGROUND: 18F-FDG PET/CT predicts cardiovascular disease. To analyze the predictive value of cardiovascular events from inflammation and arterial calcification in patients who underwent an 18F-FDG PET/CT for lung cancer. METHODS: A retrospective study of 274 patients with primary lung neoplasia. We determined: (i) TBR (target-to-background ratio), and (ii) the calcium score, at eight common arterial segments. We took as arteriosclerosis, a TBR ≥1.6 and ≥15 Calcium Score sum. We registered cardiovascular risk factors, comorbidities, histology, stage, treatment, status at the last clinical review, cause of death and cardiovascular event during the follow-up. RESULTS: The territory presenting the greatest uptake of 18F-FDG, was the thoracic aorta with an average of 1.77 (± 0.27 TBR) in the aortic arch, while the greatest degree of calcification was obtained in the abdominal aorta (52% with a Calcium Score ≥ 3). 24% of the patients presented a sum Calcium Score ≥15, and 17% a TBR ≥1.6. Patients with high TBR, (17%), had not a higher frequency of cardiovascular comorbidities beforehand, nor did they in the follow-up. However, those with a sum Calcium Score ≥15 (24%), were older, had more cardiovascular risk factors and ischemic events during follow-up. The calcium score, but not the TBR, predicted the emergence of a cardiovascular event (HR 4.9 IC95% 2.1-9.1, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: In our cohort, a high Calcium Score was an independent predictor for developing cardiovascular events.

[Immunomodulation after combined spleen and kidney transplantation in swine]. / Immunomodulazione in un modello sperimentale di trapianto combinato di rene e milza.

AIM: Organ transplantation is the most effective treatment for several degenerative end-stage diseases. While the mainstream immunosuppression can achieve satisfactory results, the therapy has either side effects and flaws. The golden target to reach should be a stable tolerance with the transplanted organ accepted without a long term drug administration. Recent studies demonstrated a tolerogenic effect of spleen cells. Aim of this study is to evaluate a model of combined spleen and whole organ transplantation in a significant preclinical setting in swine. METHODS: Twenty-five outbred Landrace/Large-White swine underwent combined spleen/kidney transplantation (SKTx). The experiments were stratified into 3 groups per randomization. Group 1 (N=7) received kidney transplantation (KTx) alone with no immunosuppressive treatment. Group 2 (N=9) had a combined KTx and whole graft spleen Tx. Group 3 (N=9) had KTx and spleen cells (DST), injected through the portal vein. Renal lab tests were collected to evaluate the onset of rejection. Survivals were evaluated as well. The end-point of the study was at onset of kidney failure or at the limit of 60 postoperative day (POD) in non-rejecting animals. Tissue samples were collected to evaluate grade and severity of rejection. RESULTS: Controls died from kidney failure within 10(th) POD. Group 2 and 3, had a delayed renal graft rejection and an overall prolonged graft survival. Whole graft and spleen cells injection share this effect, while spleen administration through the portal route proved a superior effect, which is significant compared to controls (Kaplan Meier survival analysis P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: These results, from a non immunosuppressed setting, suggest that spleen plays a key role as an immunomodulatory organ.

Rank-based biomarker index to assess cadmium ecotoxicity on the earthworm Eisenia andrei.

A proper soil risk assessment needs to estimate the processes that affect the fate and the behaviour of a contaminant, which are influenced by soil biotic and abiotic components. For this reason, the measurement of biomarkers in soil bioindicator organisms, such as earthworms, has recently received increasing attention. In this study, the earthworm Eisenia andrei was used to assess the pollutant-induced stress syndrome after exposure to sublethal concentrations of Cd (10 or 100 µg g(-1)) in OECD soil, after 14 d of exposure. Cadmium bioaccumulation and potential biomarkers such as catalase (CAT), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), malondialdehyde (MDA), phenoloxidase (PO), metallothioneins (MTs) and genotoxic damage were determined. Results suggested that the exposure to 10 and 100 µg g(-1) Cd significantly increased Cd bioaccumulation, MTs and MDA; 100 µg g(-1) Cd contamination evidenced significantly higher values of H2O2 content and PO activity; CAT activity was inhibited at the higher concentration while GST and Comet assay did not show any significant differences from the control. Rank-based biomarker index showed that both different contaminated soils had an effect on the earthworms and allowed to validate the ecotoxicological relevance of this battery of biomarkers for a promising integrated multi-marker approach in soil monitoring and assessment.

[Blockade of B7:CD28 costimulatory pathway reduces the vascular damage in an experimental model of chronic rejection]. / Riduzione del danno vascolare in un modello sperimentale de rigetto cronico mediante blocco selettivo della via di costimolazione B7:CD28.

AIM: Costimulatory blockade and donor specific transfusion (DST) can catalyze tolerance of transplanted organs through a multistep adaptation between the recipient and donor immune systems. Such an in vivo process may prolong graft survival. Aim of this study was to evaluate the outcome of aortic transplantation under CTLA4Ig and DST in a mismatched model in rats. METHODS: Orthotopic aortic transplantation was performed in recipients Lewis from Wistar-Furth rats. The animals were stratified into 3 groups, according to the postoperative treatment. Group 1 had aortic transplantation only (controls, n=6), while group 2 (n=7) had a load of donor splenocytes (DST). Group 3 was treated with DST and CTLA4Ig. All the animals were sacrificed at the 60th postoperative day and the aortic specimens were prepared for histology. Intimal cells, muscular cells and lymphocyte cell infiltration were evaluated by serial counts. RESULTS: In Group 1 there was a severe chronic rejection, while group 2 showed a slower onset of chronic rejection with less inflammatory infiltrate than group 1 (P<0.05). Group 3 had the best overall outcome with lower infiltration and minimal alterations compared with groups 1 and 2. CONCLUSIONS: Costimulatory blockade and DST load can prevent the onset of chronic rejection in this experimental setting. Despite the wide availability of immunosuppressors, which makes transplantation a today's clinical routine, the solution to chronic rejection is still elusive. The synergistic role of splenocytes and costimulatory blockade raises interesting perspectives about the immunomodulatory role of spleen in tolerance induction.

Psychiatric illness and chronic low-back pain. The mind and the spine--which goes first?

Two hundred chronic low-back pain patients entering a functional restoration program were assessed for current and lifetime psychiatric syndromes using a structured psychiatric interview to make DSM-III-R diagnoses. Results showed that, even when the somewhat controversial category of somatoform pain disorder was excluded, 77% of patients met lifetime diagnostic criteria and 59% demonstrated current symptoms for at least one psychiatric diagnosis. The most common of these were major depression, substance abuse, and anxiety disorders. In addition, 51% met criteria for at least one personality disorder. All of the prevalence rates were significantly greater than the base rate for the general population. Finally, and most importantly, of these patients with a positive lifetime history for psychiatric syndromes, 54% of those with depression, 94% of those with substance abuse, and 95% of those with anxiety disorders had experienced these syndromes before the onset of their back pain. These are the first results to indicate that certain psychiatric syndromes appear to precede chronic low-back pain (substance abuse and anxiety disorders), whereas others (specifically, major depression) develop either before or after the onset of chronic low-back pain. Such findings substantially add to our understanding of causality and predisposition in the relationship between psychiatric disorders and chronic low-back pain. They also clearly reveal that clinicians should be aware of potentially high rates of emotional distress syndromes in chronic low-back pain and enlist mental health professionals to help maximize treatment outcomes.

Determination of levels of lead contamination in food and feed crops.

A rapid, precise procedure is described for the determination of lead in food and feed products with electrothermal atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Samples were mineralized in a microwave acid digestion bomb in the presence of nitric acid and vanadium pentoxide. Lead concentrations were determined directly from digested samples. The detection limit was 0.04 ng/mL. Accuracy and precision were checked against National Institute of Standards and Technology standard reference material. The analytical method was tested with 51 food and feed crops from Mediterranean zones in Spain and found to be suitable for these products. Lead concentrations in samples ranged from not detectable to 2.695 micrograms/g (fresh weight).

Transcutaneous abdominal ultrasonography in the staging of lung cancer.

BACKGROUND: There is limited information available regarding the relationship between clinical indicators of widespread disease in patients with lung cancer and the findings of transcutaneous ultrasonography. METHODS: A retrospective survey was made of 279 consecutive patients with lung cancer. By reviewing the patients' records the clinical findings were divided into symptoms, signs, and laboratory tests indicative of metastatic disease. All patients had been examined by abdominal ultrasonography. RESULTS: The patients included 19% with small cell carcinoma. The frequency of abdominal metastases by ultrasonography in those with small cell carcinoma was 40%, in the other patients it was 8%. Regardless of histological group, all the 40 patients with abdominal metastases by ultrasonography had at least one clinical category indicative of widespread disease and 38 (95%) had two or all three clinical categories positive. Fifty nine patients had no clinical indicators of metastases and none of these had abdominal metastases by ultrasonography. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study indicate that abdominal metastases are found in lung cancer patients with clinical findings indicative of widespread disease. No abdominal metastases were found in patients with a negative clinical evaluation. The results indicate that transcutaneous ultrasonography of the abdomen is not necessary in the initial staging if the clinical evaluation is unremarkable.

Cintigrafia de via biliar en el sindrome icterico del lactante menor. / Bile duct scintigraphy in icteric syndrome of younger infants

Los resultados obtenidos en el material presentado muestran la concurrencia de varios factores que tienden a confirmar el concepto actual sobre esta patologia en el sentido que la ictericia de tipo obstructivo en el lactante menor constituye un sindrome condicionado por una colangiopatia obstructiva, de evolucion progresiva que compromete en diferente grado y extension tanto la via biliar intra como extrahepatica. Esta lesion corresponderia a una modalidad reactiva propia del lactante menor frente a diferentes tipos de agresiones al sistema excretor hepatico y cuya etiologia es posible precisar solo en un numero limitado de pacientes. En este contexto, la tecnica con radioisotopos utilizada en el grupo estudiado, se muestra como un procedimiento util en la pesquisa de permeabilidad del arbol biliar, pero sin un rendimiento superior a la clinica

Efectos del Midazolam y el Flunitrazepan administrados por vía oral sobre el pulso y la saturación de oxígeno / Effects of the oral administration of Midazolam and Flunitrazepam upon pulse frequency and oxygen saturation

Se realizó un estudio a doble ciego, comparativo y prospectivo del efecto del Flunitrazepan, el Midazolam y un placebo administrados por vía oral sobre la saturación de oxígeno y el pulso en 45 pacientes de ambos sexos que requerían cirugía oral y cuyas edades fluctuaron entre los 12 y los 73 años (X=28,13). Se concluye que el Flunitrazepan y el Midazolam producen una leve desaturación de oxígeno y un descenso paulatino del pulso desde la administración del fármaco hasta término de la cirugía, pero no estadísticamente significativo al compararlo con el placebo (Test ANOVA con un &= 0,05).

Estudio comparativo del efecto amnésico producido por la administración oral de flunitrazepam y midazolam / A comparative study of the amnesic effect produced by the oral administration of flunitrazepam and midazolam

Se realizó un estudio doble ciego, comparativo y prospectivo de la capacidad de producir amnesia anterógrada del flunitrazepam versus midazolam, administrados por vía oral, frente a percepciones visuales y auditivas, en 30 pacientes de ambos sexos, de edad promedio 27,9 años. Se concluye que la diferencia encontrada de los efectos amnésicos producidos por ambos medicamentos, medida en términos cuantitativos, utilizando el test T con un p menor 0,05, resultó no ser estadísticamente signiticativa

Implante único ubicado lateralmente en un maxilar desdentado parcial inferior con remanencia del canino y/o premolares al lado opuesto de la arcada / Single implant laterally located in a inferior partially edentulous mandible with a canine and / or premolar remain in the opposite side

Se realizó un estudio clínico a 2 años plazo para evaluar el comportamiento de un implante óseointegrado, rehabilitado con un sistema bola attache y complementado mediante una prótesis removible a un sistema de retención a dientes naturales ubicados lateralmente en la arcada inferior. Los niveles de retención logrados cumplen con las exigencias clínicas y permiten la conservación saludable de dientes e implantes involucrados