Effects of functional oils on the growth, carcass and meat characteristics, and intestinal morphology of commercial turkey toms.

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of functional oils containing cashew nutshell and castor oil on turkey performance and intestinal morphology. In experiment 1, 585 hatchlings were randomly placed in 15 replicate floor pens, (13 poults/pen) with recycled litter and provided feed and water ad libitum. Birds were randomly assigned to 3 dietary treatments from 1 to 12 wk: nonmedicated control, 0.15% functional oils, and 66-ppm monensin. From wk 13 to 20, each initial treatment group was further divided into 3 treatments-control (no additive), 0.15% of functional oils, or 20 ppm of virginiamycin to produce 9 different treatments, 5 replicate pens per treatment. Data on feed weights were collected weekly, and body weight bi-weekly. At termination (20 wk), birds were euthanized, and their meat was processed to determine mass of carcass sections and meat quality, while intestinal samples were collected for histology. In experiment 1, toms fed monensin or functional oils were 10.5 and 4.5% heavier (P < 0.05), respectively, than the controls at 12 wk. Birds fed monensin had a 4% improvement (P < 0.05) in feed conversion as compared to the other treatments. Neither virginiamycin nor the functional oils affected bird performance when fed from 13 to 20 wk. The jejunum villi surface area at 3 wk was most enhanced (P < 0.05) for the poults fed monensin. Supplementation with functional oils significantly reduced leg yield and thiobarbituric-acid reactive substances of white meat after 7 D of storage (P < 0.05). There were no effects on performance or carcass characteristics in experiment 2. While additional confirmatory studies are needed, functional oils in the diet of turkey toms may be a viable alternative to antibiotic growth promotants.

Effects of functional oils on performance and carcass characteristics of broilers under two different temperature environments.

As antioxidants such as some functional oils are good candidates to mitigate heat stress, a commercial blend of functional oils (Essential, Oligo Basics USA LLC, Cary, NC; active ingredients: cashew nut shell oil and castor oil) was used to study the effects of two ambient temperatures (moderate and high) on broiler chicken performance and carcass parameters. A total of 2,240 straight-run one-day-old chickens were sorted by weight, randomized among 28 floor pens with 80 chickens per pen and 7 replicates for each treatment. Birds were assigned to one of 4 dietary treatments in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement with two temperature environments (moderate and high) and without or with Essential supplementation (1.5 kg/ton). Variances for the average temperature, relative humidity, and dew point for the two environments were different (P < 0.001), showing that the high-temperature environment reached higher temperatures and dew points. Essential supplementation increased body weight gain at 42 D of age (2.548 vs. 2.508 kg; P < 0.01) and tended to improve feed conversion (1.621 vs. 1.644; P = 0.09) independent of temperature environment. The high-temperature environment increased mortality (7.5 vs. 12.4%; P = 0.03) and carcass yields (77.5 vs. 76.2%; P < 0.01). Breast yields were affected by an environment by Essential interaction (P < 0.01). Whereas the high-temperature environment decreased breast yield in control birds, it did not decrease breast yield in birds supplemented with Essential. Finally, breast yields were increased by Essential supplementation (23.6 vs. 22.9%; P < 0.01) regardless of the ambient temperature. In conclusion, Essential supplementation improved weight gains and carcass characteristics, and high-temperature environments decreased breast yields when Essential was not supplemented.

Relationship between oro and nasopharynx permeability and the direction of facial growth.

AIM: Most scientific literature relates vertical growth to individuals with decreased upper airway permeability. However, we often find subjects with a long face and a normal breathing pattern, most likely caused by other aetiological factors. And, frequently, we also find decreased upper airway permeability with horizontal growth. The aim of the study was to compare the cephalometric measurements of the oro and nasopharynx permeability with the facial growth direction and to identify the most common facial growth direction in individuals with decreased upper airway permeability. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cephalometric analysis was carried out in 158 pre-adolescent patients at the Orthodontic appointment, using facial profile teleradiographs. Parameters used were Jabarak's ratio and measurement of oro-nasopharynx space. Data collected were submitted to statistical treatment. RESULTS: This study points to the presence of an intermediate growth in individuals with diminished oro and nasopharynx permeability, either simultaneous or separate. The number of individuals with diminished permeability and vertical growth is close to the number of individuals with horizontal growth. CONCLUSIONS: The individuals with diminished permeability of the upper airway present an intermediate growth direction, representing the most frequent type. In the less common growth directions, there is a slight tendency to horizontal facial growth verified in individuals with diminished nasopharynx permeability. Also, a light tendency to vertical facial growth is present when oropharynx permeability is reduced.

Non-nutritive sucking habits and their effects on the occlusion in the deciduous dentition in children.

AIM: The study evaluated the presence of non-nutritive sucking habits and and their effects on the occlusion in the deciduos dentition in Spanish children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Study design: Cross-sectional survey. A clinical examination was performed by an experienced examiner in 275 children aged 3 to 6 years and the collected data included the presence of anterior open bite (vertical dimension), unilateral or bilateral posterior crossbite (transverse dimensions), midline deviation and sagittal relationships between incisors, molars and canines. In addition, the parents of each child completed a questionnaire about oral habits. Data analysis included descriptive statistics (frequency distribution). Statistical significance for the association between the non-nutritive sucking habits and development of malocclusion was determined using Chi-square and Fisher's exact tests. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used in order to adjust the results for confounding effects of non-nutritive habits before assessing statistical significance. RESULTS: Non-nutritive sucking habit was observed in 224 children (81.5%) and malocclusions were present in 152 children (55.2%). There were significant relationships between pacifier sucking habit and transverse dimension alteration (OR= 3.29, CI: 0.97- 11.17, p=0.044), midline deviation (OR= 3.00, CI: 1.22-7.38, p=0.013). Children with a history of finger sucking (or thumb sucking) had an increased risk of malocclusion 4.25 times higher (CI: 0.92-19.58, p=0.044) and there was a significant relationship between finger sucking and vertical relationship (OR= 8.25, CI: 2.50-27.25, p=0.001). Children with non- nutritive sucking habits had an increased risk of malocclusion 2.55 higher compared to those without non-nutritive sucking habits (p=0.004). CONCLUSION There was an impact of non-nutritive sucking habit and development of malocclusions in this sample of children.

Professional risks when carrying out cytoreductive surgery for peritoneal malignancy with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC): A French multicentric survey.

BACKGROUND: Over the last two decades, many surgical teams have developed programs to treat peritoneal carcinomatosis with extensive cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC). Currently, there are no specific recommendations for HIPEC procedures concerning environmental contamination risk management, personal protective equipment (PPE), or occupational health supervision. METHODS: A survey of the institutional practices among all French teams currently performing HIPEC procedures was carried out via the French network for the treatment of rare peritoneal malignancies (RENAPE). RESULTS: Thirty three surgical teams responded, 14 (42.4%) which reported more than 10 years of HIPEC experience. Some practices were widespread, such as using HIPEC machine approved by the European Community (100%), individualized or centralized smoke evacuation (81.8%), "open" abdominal coverage during perfusion (75.8%), and maintaining the same surgeon throughout the procedure (69.7%). Others were more heterogeneous, including laminar flow air circulation (54.5%) and the provision of safety protocols in the event of perfusate spills (51.5%). The use of specialized personal protective equipment is ubiquitous (93.9%) but widely variable between programs. CONCLUSION: Protocols regarding cytoreductive surgery/HIPEC and the associated professional risks in France lack standardization and should be established.

Effects of functional oils on coccidiosis and apparent metabolizable energy in broiler chickens.

The objective of the present study was to investigate the effects of a mixture of functional oils (Essential, Oligo Basics Agroind. Ltda) on performance response of chickens challenged with coccidiosis and the determination of apparent metabolizable energy (AME), nitrogen-corrected apparent metabolizable energy (AMEn), the coefficients of protein and ether extract digestibility and intestinal morphology of broilers fed with diets containing Essential. In Exp. 1, a completely randomized design (CRD) was used, with one control diet without Essential inclusion with coccidiosis (Eimeria acervulina, Eimeria maxima, and Eimeria tenella) challenged birds and two different inclusion rates of Essential (1.5 kg/ton and 2 kg/ton) with coccidiosis-challenged and non-challenged birds for each inclusion rate, using 10 replicates and 50 birds per experimental unit. After 7 d of coccidiosis challenge, the livability was approximately 10% lower (p<0.05) for the control group. Intestinal lesion scores were lower (p<0.05) in the anterior intestine and the cecum for the chickens supplemented. Feed efficiency and growth rate were improved in birds supplemented with Essential (p<0.05) before the coccidiosis challenge and during the first 7 d post infection. In Exp. 2, a CRD was used, with one control diet without Essential inclusion and one diet with inclusion of Essential (1.5 kg/ton), using nine replications and 33 chicks per pen. The diets with Essential yielded approximately 4% higher AME (p = 0.003) and AMEn (p = 0.001). Essential supplementation increased villus height in the jejunum on d 14 (p<0.05). Villus height:crypt depth ratio for the supplemented birds was larger (p<0.05) in the jejunum on d 7, larger (p<0.05) in the jejunum and ileum on d 14. In conclusion, these functional oils improved the energy utilization and the livability and decreased lesions caused by coccidiosis in supplemented birds.

"In vivo" bone tibial response to the application of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA). Study in New Zealand white rabbit.

Short Communication selected from the Oral Presentations of the 56th Congress of the Groupèment International pour la Recherche Scientifique en Stomatologie et Odontologie, Peñafiel (Portugal) May 2012. ";Prix du GIRSO"; 2012.

Determination of the risk of self-ignition of coals and biomass materials.

The safe storage, processing and handling of coals and biomass resources requires their tendency to self-ignite be understood; fires caused by self-ignition have occurred on many occasions in ports and at industrial plants. This work provides information on the tendency of several types of coal and four types of biomass to self-ignite. Data were obtained using the isothermal oven procedure and analyzed using the Frank-Kamenetskii method and a scaling procedure, both contemplated in standard EN15188. The results obtained throw light on the optimum volumes and storage times of the studied materials. The results also validate the methodology followed for determining the risk of self-ignition.

Comparative study of the craniofacial growth depending on the type of lactation received.

AIM: Several organizations consider mother's milk the optimal nutrition source for newborns [AAP, 1998; Gartner et al., 1997; Mohrbacher and Stock, 2002; WHO, 1989]. However, there is little scientific evidence supporting the idea that breastfeeding has a positive influence on the development of the orofacial structures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study of cases and controls (observational, analytical and retrospective) and lateral teleradiographs of the cranium of 197 patients (106 breast-fed and 91 bottle-fed) were compared. Ricketts, Steiner and McNamara values were used for the cephalometric analysis. Differences between the two groups were analysed by applying the T-test and ANOVA. Statistical significance levels were set at p<0.05. Non-nutritive infantile sucking habits have been compared; differences between the two groups were analysed by applying the Chi-square test. RESULTS: First, the upper incisors were found to be protruded in the bottle-fed group. Second, subjects belonging to the breast-fed group displayed a brachycephalic mandible arch, while those fed with bottle had a dolichocephalic Steiner mandibular plane. Third, both facial depth and distance of the pogonion to the perpendicular nasion presented a certain tendency to a retruded mandibular bone in the bottle-fed group. And fourth, the frequency of use of dummy and thumb suction were greater in the bottle feed group, without statistical significance. CONCLUSION: In addition to the multiple advantages that mother's milk offers to newborns, breastfeeding also helps correct orofacial development (not only for the incisors position, but also for the vertical and sagittal relations of the mandible with upper maxillary and cranial basis).

Spanish Society of Medical Oncology consensus on the use of erythropoietic stimulating agents in anaemic cancer patients

Treatment of anaemia is a very important aspect in the management of cancer patients. In order to carry out a consensus process about the use of erythropoietic stimulating agents (ESAs) in cancer patients, the Spanish Society of Medical Oncology (SEOM) elaborated a working group which coordinated a panel of medical oncology specialists. This working group has reviewed the main issues about the use of ESAs. In addition a consensus meeting was held in Madrid on 25 April 2007. The following conclusions were made: Since ESA treatment increases the haemoglobin (Hb) level and decreases the red blood cell (RBC) transfusion requirements, ESAs should be used within the approved indications in patients undergoing chemotherapy treatment, beginning at a Hb level below 11 g/dl and maintaining it around 12 g/dl, with iron supplements if necessary. Neither increasing the ESA dose in nonresponders nor the use of ESAs in the treatment of chronic cancer-related anaemia is recommended (AU)

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Management of ileocutaneous fistulae using TNP after surgery for abdominal malignancy.

Enteric fluids produced by enterocutaneous fistulae can cause severe inflammation in the surrounding skin. By removing these corrosive fluids, topical negative pressure can help maintain skin integrity and promote spontaneous closure.

[Review of 22 patients with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome: phenotype spectrum]. / Revisión de 22 casos de deleción 22q11.2: espectro fenotípico.

INTRODUCTION: The 22q11.2 deletion syndrome is a contiguous gene deletion syndrome with an incidence rate of 1/4,000-6,000 live births. The most specific clinical features are: congenital conotruncal heart diseases, palate anomalies, hypocalcaemia, immunity and learning problems, and a characteristic facial phenotype. The objective of this work is to review the presenting phenotype and clinical features of children with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome as a guide for early diagnosis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Retrospective study of 22 patients with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome diagnosed at our hospital in the time period 2004-2007. Variables analyzed: incidence, sex, age at diagnosis, presenting phenotype, clinical features, positive family history, mortality and natural history. RESULTS: From a total of 22 patients, 63 % were males, and the median age at diagnosis was of 4.5 years. Presenting pheno-type: congenital heart disease, milestones delay, velopharyngeal incompetence, hypocalcaemia, and mental retardation/psychiatric disturbances. CLINICAL FEATURES: congenital heart disease (84 %), velopharyngeal incompetence (47 %), milestones delay and learning disabilities (79 %). All of the deletions were de novo, except in one case where the deletion was present as mosaicism in the father. Three patients died, due to congenital heart disease. CONCLUSIONS: Clinical expression is widely variable, although a characteristic phenotype exists. Patients with heart disease are diagnosed earlier than other patients with unusual presenting phenotype such as congenital dysphagia. It is important to recognize less common phenotypes at early ages in order to provide multidisciplinary monitoring and accurate genetic counselling.

Revisión de 22 casos de deleción 22q11.2: espectro fenotípico / Review of 22 patients with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome: phenotype spectrum

Introducción: El síndrome de deleción 22q11.2 es un síndrome de genes contiguos con una incidencia de un caso por cada 4.000-6.000 recién nacidos. Posee una amplia variabilidad clínica y sus características clínicas más frecuentes son cardiopatía conotruncal, anomalías palatinas, hipocalcemia, problemas de inmunidad y de aprendizaje, y un fenotipo facial característico. El objetivo de este estudio es revisar las formas de presentación y las manifestaciones clínicas de los niños con deleción 22q11.2 como guía para su diagnóstico precoz. Pacientes y métodos: Estudio retrospectivo de 22 casos de deleción 22q11.2 diagnosticados en nuestro hospital entre los años 2004 y 2007, en que se analizan las siguientes variables: incidencia, sexo, edad en el momento del diagnóstico, forma de presentación, características clínicas, antecedentes familiares, mortalidad y evolución. Resultados: De los 22 pacientes, el 63 % fueron varones y la edad media en el momento de realizar el diagnóstico fue de 4,5 años. Las formas de presentación fueron cardiopatía, retraso psicomotor, insuficiencia velopalatina, hipocalcemia y retraso mental o alteraciones psiquiátricas. Las principales manifestaciones clínicas fueron cardiopatía (84 %), insuficiencia velopalatina (47 %), retraso psicomotor y problemas de aprendizaje (79 %). Todos los casos fueron deleciones de novo, salvo un caso en el que se identificó la deleción "en mosaico" en el padre. Fallecieron 3 pacientes a causa de cardiopatía. Conclusiones: La expresión clínica es muy variable, aunque existe un fenotipo característico. Los niños con cardiopatía conotruncal son diagnosticados más tempranamente, pero en otras formas de presentación, como la disfagia congénita, el diagnóstico se retrasa más. Es necesario tener en cuenta las formas de presentación menos habituales para identificar en edades tempranas a estos pacientes y proporcionarles una atención multidisciplinaria temprana y un asesoramiento genético familiar adecuado (AU)

Introduction: The 22q11.2 deletion syndrome is a contiguous gene deletion syndrome with an incidence rate of 1/4,000-6,000 live births. The most specific clinical features are: congenital conotruncal heart diseases, palate anomalies, hypocalcaemia, immunity and learning problems, and a characteristic facial phenotype. The objective of this work is to review the presenting phenotype and clinical features of children with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome as a guide for early diagnosis. Patients and methods: Retrospective study of 22 patients with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome diagnosed at our hospital in the time period 2004-2007. Variables analyzed: incidence, sex, age at diagnosis, presenting phenotype, clinical features, positive family history, mortality and natural history. Results: From a total of 22 patients, 63 % were males, and the median age at diagnosis was of 4.5 years. Presenting pheno-type: congenital heart disease, milestones delay, velopharyngeal incompetence, hypocalcaemia, and mental retardation/psychiatric disturbances. Clinical features: congenital heart disease (84 %), velopharyngeal incompetence (47 %), milestones delay and learning disabilities (79 %). All of the deletions were de novo, except in one case where the deletion was present as mosaicism in the father. Three patients died, due to congenital heart disease. Conclusions: Clinical expression is widely variable, although a characteristic phenotype exists. Patients with heart disease are diagnosed earlier than other patients with unusual presenting phenotype such as congenital dysphagia. It is important to recognize less common phenotypes at early ages in order to provide multidisciplinary monitoring and accurate genetic counseling (AU)

Study of the prevalence of tumour-related asthenia in Spanish cancer patients.

INTRODUCTION: Asthenia is the most prevalent symptom in oncological patients but it is underestimated by the majority of healthcare professionals. The aim of the present study is to estimate the prevalence of tumour-related asthenia in the Spanish population, while defining the associated factors. METHODS: An epidemiological, multicentre, cross-sectional study was conducted in oncology services from Spain, including 712 cancer patients (58.4+/-13.5 years). RESULTS: 42.5% patients showed asthenia. This prevalence appeared to be tumour-related (p<0.05) and increased among patients with a more advanced stage of disease or with a worsening of performance status (p<0.001). The prevalence of asthenia increased in the presence of the following factors: chemotherapy (in the past: 52.1% vs. 31.0%; at the time of the study: 46.1% vs. 38.2%), symptomatic treatment (in the past: 60.4% vs. 39.8%; at the time of the study: 61.3% vs. 38.6%), present interferon treatment (100%), anaemia (59.7% vs. 31.3%), dehydration/waterelectrolyte imbalance (58.3% vs. 41.6%), respiratory failure (61.4% vs. 39.7%), liver disease (59.5% vs. 41.3%), malnutrition (76.1% vs. 38.7%), pain (57.7% vs. 27.0%), anxiety (56.1% vs. 38.6%), depression (57.9% vs. 40.0%) and sleep disturbances (51.1% vs. 39.4%). A multivariate logistic regression showed that a model including performance status, patient circumstance, chemotherapy, anaemia, pain and anxiety correctly diagnosed asthenia in 70.9% of cases. CONCLUSIONS: The physiopathology of tumour-related asthenia remains relatively unknown, despite its high prevalence and considerable quality of life impact. Determining factors related to asthenia in clinical practice can favour the use of concrete treatments and improve the conditions of cancer patients.

Study of the prevalence of tumour-related asthenia in Spanish cancer patients

INTRODUCTION: Asthenia is the most prevalent symptom in oncological patients but it is underestimated by the majority of healthcare professionals. The aim of the present study is to estimate the prevalence of tumour-related asthenia in the Spanish population, while defining the associated factors. METHODS: An epidemiological, multicentre, cross-sectional study was conducted in oncology services from Spain, including 712 cancer patients (58.4+/-13.5 years). RESULTS: 42.5% patients showed asthenia. This prevalence appeared to be tumour-related (p<0.05) and increased among patients with a more advanced stage of disease or with a worsening of performance status (p<0.001). The prevalence of asthenia increased in the presence of the following factors: chemotherapy (in the past: 52.1% vs. 31.0%; at the time of the study: 46.1% vs. 38.2%), symptomatic treatment (in the past: 60.4% vs. 39.8%; at the time of the study: 61.3% vs. 38.6%), present interferon treatment (100%), anaemia (59.7% vs. 31.3%), dehydration/waterelectrolyte imbalance (58.3% vs. 41.6%), respiratory failure (61.4% vs. 39.7%), liver disease (59.5% vs. 41.3%), malnutrition (76.1% vs. 38.7%), pain (57.7% vs. 27.0%), anxiety (56.1% vs. 38.6%), depression (57.9% vs. 40.0%) and sleep disturbances (51.1% vs. 39.4%). A multivariate logistic regression showed that a model including performance status, patient circumstance, chemotherapy, anaemia, pain and anxiety correctly diagnosed asthenia in 70.9% of cases. CONCLUSIONS: The physiopathology of tumour-related asthenia remains relatively unknown, despite its high prevalence and considerable quality of life impact. Determining factors related to asthenia in clinical practice can favour the use of concrete treatments and improve the conditions of cancer patients (AU)

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¿Está justificada la cistectomía radical en pacientes mayores de 75 años? / Is radical cystectomy justified in patients over 75 years old?

Introducción y objetivos: La cistectomía radical es el tratamiento de elección en el tumor vesical infiltrante. Los objetivos de este trabajo son evaluar las complicaciones intraoperatorias y postoperatorias de la cistectomía radical, así como el intervalo libre de enfermedad y supervivencia cáncer especifica en pacientes con edad superior a 75 años y compararlos con los resultados en pacientes de menor edad. Material y Métodos: Entre agosto de 1980 y octubre de 2004, se realizaron 495 cistectomías radicales. De ellas se excluyeron las cirugías realizadas con intención paliativa. Los pacientes fueron divididos en dos grupos: menores de 75 años (grupo control) y pacientes con edad igual o superior (grupo mayores de 75 años). En todos los casos se realizó cistectomía radical y linfadenectomía pélvica. Resultados: Se evaluaron 402 pacientes, de los cuales 39 fueron pacientes mayores de 75 años (edad media: 76 años) y 363 pacientes control (edad media: 62 años), con una media de seguimiento de 38 y 64 meses respectivamente. Treinta y un pacientes mayores de 75 años (80,4%) y 211 pacientes control (58,2%) tuvieron un tumor no-órgano confinado (pT3-pT4) (p=0,0096). Diez pacientes mayores de 75 años (28,6%) y 111 pacientes control (31,4%) tenían ganglios positivos (p=0,84). No hubo diferencias en la tasa de complicaciones quirúrgicas (p=0.08), reintervención (p=0,58) y mortalidad postoperatoria (p=0,28). Once pacientes mayores de 75 años (28%) y 50 pacientes control (13,8%) tuvieron alguna complicación médica postoperatoria (p=0,03). Catorce pacientes mayores de 75 años (35,9%) y 104 pacientes control (39,4%) murieron debido a su tumor (p=0,73), sin diferencias en la supervivencia cáncer específica ni en el tiempo hasta la progresión. Conclusiones: La cistectomía radical es un tratamiento adecuado en pacientes mayores de 75 años, sin diferencias con la población general en relación a las complicaciones quirúrgicas, intervalo libre de enfermedad y supervivencia cáncer específica. No obstante, es necesario evaluar la comorbilidad preoperatoria dado el aumento de complicaciones médicas postoperatorias (AU)

Introduction and objectives: Radical cystectomy is the standard treatment for invasive bladder cancer. The objectives are to evaluate intraoperative and postoperative complications and to determine overall disease-free interval and overall time to progression in patients over tha age of 75 and to compare these with younger patients. Material and methods: Between august 1980 and october 2004 , 495 patients underwent radical cistectomy. Patients with palliative surgery were excluded. Patients were divided in two groups according to age: control group (<75 years old) and elderly group (>=75 years old). Results: Four hundred and two patients were evaluated: 39 patients (35 male and 5 female) in the elderly group and 363 in the control group (321 males and 42 females). Mean age was 76 (range: 75-82) and 62 (range: 35-74) respectively. Mean followup was 38 months in the elderly group and 64 months in the control group. Thirty one patients (80.4%) in the elderly group and 211 patients (58.2%) in the control had non organ-confined tumour in cystectomy specimen (pT3-pT4) (p=0.0096) and ten patients (28.6%) in the elderly and 111 patients (31.4%) in the control group had positive nodes(p=0.84).There were no differences in postoperative surgical complications (p=0.08), postoperative reoperation rate (p=0.58) and postoperative mortality (p=0.28) in both groups. During postoperative time, 11 patients(28%) in the elderly group and 50 patients (13.8%) in the control had medical complications (p=0.03).Fourteen patients (35.9%) in the elderly group and 104 patients (39.4%) in the control group died due to tumour during follow-up(p=0.73). Kaplan-Meier survival curve revealed no differences between two groups in overall disease-free interval and overall time to progression. Conclusions: Radical cystectomy is a safe and effective treatment in elderly patients with invasive bladder cancer. It is necessary to evaluate co-morbidity in this group because there is an increase in postoperative medical complications. There were no differences between the two groups in overall disease-free interval and overall time to progression (AU)

Pressure-jump-induced kinetics reveals a hydration dependent folding/unfolding mechanism of ribonuclease A.

Pressure-jump (p-jump)-induced relaxation kinetics was used to explore the energy landscape of protein folding/unfolding of Y115W, a fluorescent variant of ribonuclease A. Pressure-jumps of 40 MPa amplitude (5 ms dead-time) were conducted both to higher (unfolding) and to lower (folding) pressure, in the range from 100 to 500 MPa, between 30 and 50 degrees C. Significant deviations from the expected symmetrical protein relaxation kinetics were observed. Whereas downward p-jumps resulted always in single exponential kinetics, the kinetics induced by upward p-jumps were biphasic in the low pressure range and monophasic at higher pressures. The relative amplitude of the slow phase decreased as a function of both pressure and temperature. At 50 degrees C, only the fast phase remained. These results can be interpreted within the framework of a two-dimensional energy surface containing a pressure- and temperature-dependent barrier between two unfolded states differing in the isomeric state of the Asn-113-Pro-114 bond. Analysis of the activation volume of the fast kinetic phase revealed a temperature-dependent shift of the unfolding transition state to a larger volume. The observed compensation of this effect by glycerol offers an explanation for its protein stabilizing effect.

Diabetes mellitus y otros factores de riesgo cardiovascular mayores en una población del Mediterráneo español. Estudio Burriana / Diabetes mellitus and other major cardiovascular risk factors in a Mediterranean population in Spain. A study in Burriana

Objetivo: Se realizó un estudio poblacional, transversal, aleatorizado y estratificado con objeto de determinar la prevalencia de la diabetes mellitus tipo 2 (DM2) y otros factores de riesgo cardiovascular en una ciudad representativa del Mediterráneo español. Diseño y métodos: El estudio se llevó a cabo en Burriana, Comunidad Valenciana (27.144 habitantes) en 375 personas de edades comprendidas entre los 30 y los 80 años, que se estratificaron por edad y sexo. Se midieron los parámetros antropométricos y de bioquímica sanguínea (glucemia, insulinemia y otros). Se realizó una sobrecarga oral de glucosa (Organización Mundial de la Salud [OMS], 1985) en aquellas personas sin historia de DM2 y cuya glucemia digital previa fuese inferior a 140 mg/dl. Resultados: La prevalencia de diabetes mellitus (OMS, 1985) fue del 12,8% (un 9,3% conocida). La tolerancia alterada a la glucosa mostró valores del orden de la diabetes con un 10,8% para los varones y un 9% para las mujeres. La prevalencia de hipertensión arterial (JNC-VI, OMS-ISH) fue del 29,1%. Se encontró hipercolesterolemia (ATP III) en el 37,8% de los participantes. La obesidad (índice de masa corporal [IMC] > 30 kg/m2) afectó al 30,9%, y el 25,3% de la población estudiada declaró hábito tabáquico. Conclusiones: La prevalencia de DM2, intolerancia a la glucosa y obesidad en Burriana (Mediterráneo español) es alta en comparación con estudios españoles semejantes. Otros factores de riesgo cardiovascular mostraron valores parecidos a los de los estudios citados (dislipemia) o inferiores (hipertensión, hábito tabáquico)

Objective: This randomized, multistage, cross sectional population survey was undertaken to determine the prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) and other cardiovascular risk factors in a representative Mediterranean city in Spain. Research design and method: The study was carried out in Burriana (27,144 inhabitants, autonomous community of Valencia) in 375 persons aged 30-80 years old stratified by age and sex. Anthropometric parameters and biochemical tests (fasting glucose, insulinemia, and other) were measured. Oral glucose load (WHO 1985) was performed in subjects without a history of DM2 and when previous digital glycemia was 30) was 30.9%. Smoking was reported by 25.3% of the population studied. Conclusions: The prevalence of DM2, glucose intolerance and obesity in Burriana (Spanish Mediterranean) is higher than reported prevalences in comparable Spanish surveys. Values for other cardiovascular risk factors were similar to (dyslipidemia) or lower than (hypertension, smoking) previously reported data

Pressure as a tool to study protein-unfolding/refolding processes: the case of ribonuclease A.

This paper gives an overview of the application of high-pressure to study the folding/unfolding processes of proteins using Ribonuclease A as a model protein. A particular focus is the study of pressure-equilibrium unfolding and folding kinetics using variants and the information obtained by comparing these with the wild-type enzyme.

The powerful high pressure tool for protein conformational studies.

The pressure behavior of proteins may be summarized as a the pressure-induced disordering of their structures. This thermodynamic parameter has effects on proteins that are similar but not identical to those induced by temperature, the other thermodynamic parameter. Of particular importance are the intermolecular interactions that follow partial protein unfolding and that give rise to the formation of fibrils. Because some proteins do not form fibrils under pressure, these observations can be related to the shape of the stability diagram. Weak interactions which are differently affected by hydrostatic pressure or temperature play a determinant role in protein stability. Pressure acts on the 2 degrees, 3 degrees and 4 degrees structures of proteins which are maintained by electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions and by hydrogen bonds. We present some typical examples of how pressure affects the tertiary structure of proteins (the case of prion proteins), induces unfolding (ataxin), is a convenient tool to study enzyme dissociation (enolase), and provides arguments to understand the role of the partial volume of an enzyme (butyrylcholinesterase). This approach may have important implications for the understanding of the basic mechanism of protein diseases and for the development of preventive and therapeutic measures.