EFFICACY AND SAFETY OF BIOLOGICAL TREATMENT FOR INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE IN ELDERLY PATIENTS: RESULTS FROM A GETECCU COHORT.

INTRODUCTION: Biological therapies used for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have shown to be effective and safe, although these results were obtained from studies involving mostly a young population, who are generally included in clinical trials. The aim of our study was to determine the efficacy and safety of the different biological treatments in the elderly population. METHODS: Multicenter study was carried out in the GETECCU group.Patients diagnosed with IBD and aged over 65 years at the time of initiating biological therapy (infliximab, adalimumab, golimumab, ustekinumab or vedolizumab) were retrospectively included. Among the patients included, clinical response was assessed after drug induction (12 weeks of treatment) and at 52 weeks. Patients' colonoscopy data in week 52 were assesment, where available. Regarding complications, development of oncological events during follow-up and infectious processes occurring during biological treatment were collected (excluding bowel infection by cytomegalovirus). RESULTS: A total of 1090 patients were included. After induction, at approximately 12-14 weeks of treatment, 419 patients (39.6%) were in clinical remission, 502 patients (47.4%) had responded without remission and 137 patients (12.9%) had no response. At 52 weeks of treatment 442 patients (57.1%) had achieved clinical remission, 249 patients had responded without remission (32.2%) and 53 patients had no response to the treatment (6.8%). Before 52 weeks, 129 patients (14.8%) had discontinued treatment due to inefficacy, this being significantly higher (p<0.0001) for Golimumab - 9 patients (37.5%) - compared to the other biological treatments analysed. With respect to tumor development, an oncological event was observed in 74 patients (6.9%): 30 patients (8%) on infliximab, 23 (7.14%) on adalimumab, 3 (11.1%) on golimumab, 10 (6.4%) on ustekinumab, and 8 (3.8%) on vedolizumab. The incidence was significantly lower (p = 0.04) for the vedolizumab group compared to other treatments.As regards infections, these occurred in 160 patients during treatment (14.9%), with no differences between the different biologicals used (p = 0.61): 61 patients (19.4%) on infliximab, 39 (12.5%) on adalimumab, 5 (17.8%) on golimumab, 22 (14.1%) on ustekinumab, and 34 (16.5%) on vedolizumab. CONCLUSIONS: Biological drug therapies have response rates in elderly patients similar to those described in the general population, Golimumab was the drug that was discontinued most frequently due to inefficacy.

High microphone signal-to-noise ratio enhances acoustic sampling of wildlife.

BACKGROUND: Automated sound recorders are a popular sampling tool in ecology. However, the microphones themselves received little attention so far, and specifications that determine the recordings' sound quality are seldom mentioned. Here, we demonstrate the importance of microphone signal-to-noise ratio for sampling sonant animals. METHODS: We tested 12 different microphone models in the field and measured their signal-to-noise ratios and detection ranges. We also measured the vocalisation activity of birds and bats that they recorded, the bird species richness, the bat call types richness, as well as the performance of automated detection of bird and bat calls. We tested the relationship of each one of these measures with signal-to-noise ratio in statistical models. RESULTS: Microphone signal-to-noise ratio positively affects the sound detection space areas, which increased by a factor of 1.7 for audible sound, and 10 for ultrasound, from the lowest to the highest signal-to-noise ratio microphone. Consequently, the sampled vocalisation activity increased by a factor of 1.6 for birds, and 9.7 for bats. Correspondingly, the species pool of birds and bats could not be completely detected by the microphones with lower signal-to-noise ratio. The performance of automated detection of bird and bat calls, as measured by its precision and recall, increased significantly with microphone signal-to-noise ratio. DISCUSSION: Microphone signal-to-noise ratio is a crucial characteristic of a sound recording system, positively affecting the acoustic sampling performance of birds and bats. It should be maximised by choosing appropriate microphones, and be quantified independently, especially in the ultrasound range.

Biocontrol of Sirex noctilio by the parasitic nematode Deladenus siricidicola: A five season field study in southern Chile.

In 2001, the woodwasp Sirex noctilio was detected in Pinus radiata plantations in the Biobio region of southern Chile. Subsequently, an intense biological control program using the female sterilizing nematode Deladenus siricidicola was implemented in 2010. During five seasons between 2012 and 2017, we studied the parasitism of D. siricidicola nematode and its effect on woodwasp populations and infestation of P. radiata in different locations within the Biobio region. Parasitism was assessed by dissecting adult females of S. noctilio obtained from infested P. radiata logs. The total population of S. noctilio was determined by the emergence of individuals from the same logs. The level of damage caused by the S. noctilio pest was determined by establishing plots in stands of P. radiata at an intensity of 1 plot every 5 ha-1. During the study period, parasitism of S. noctilio by the nematode D. siricidicola increased from 29.6% in 2012 to 93.1% in 2016, while pest population decreased 3.4% in the same time period. Infestation increased from 0.3 to 11,6% of trees between 2012 and 2015, but subsequently decreased to 5.9% by 2017. We confirmed establishment of the nematode in the region under study and its natural dispersion to non-inoculated areas. Finally, we determined that the effect of inoculation age (antiquity) on parasitism levels reached 90% after three years of inoculation.

[The moth Copitarsia decolora: a review of the species complex based on egg and male genital morphology (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)]. / La polilla Copitarsia decolora: revisión del complejo de especies con base en la morfología genital masculina y de los huevos (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae).

Copitarsia decolora is a widely distributed polyphagous species with a large number of nominal changes due to phenotypic plasticity. We reviewed 14 males from Mexico, Colombia, Venezuela, Peru and Chile and the literature produced between 2003 and 2008. An analysis of the clasper complex of C. decolora male genitalia was performed by standard dissection. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) photographs of eggs structures were used as taxonomic characters. The genus Copitarsia comprises 23 species. C. corruda is considered a synonym of C. decolora.

La polilla Copitarsia decolora: revisión del complejo de especies con base en la morfología genital masculina y de los huevos (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

The moth Copitarsia decolora: a review of the species complex based on egg and male genital morphology (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). Copitarsia decolora is a widely distributed polyphagous species with a large number of nominal changes due to phenotypic plasticity. We reviewed 14 males from Mexico, Colombia, Venezuela, Peru and Chile and the literature produced between 2003 and 2008. An analysis of the clasper complex of C. decolora male genitalia was performed by standard dissection. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) photographs of eggs structures were used as taxonomic characters. The genus Copitarsia comprises 23 species. C. corruda is considered a synonym of C. decolora. Rev. Biol. Trop. 58 (2): 769-776. Epub 2010 June 02.

Copitarsia decolora es una especie polífaga ampliamente distribuida con un gran número de cambios nominales debido a su plasticidad fenotípica. Examinamos 14 machos de México, Colombia, Venezuela, Perú y Chile y revisamos la literatura producida entre 2003 y 2008. Realizamos un análisis del clasper (digitus) de los órganos genitales masculinos del complejo de C. decolora mediante una disección estándar. Utilizamos fotografías de microscopio electrónico de barrido (SEM) del corion de los huevos como carácter taxonómico. El género Copitarsia queda compuesto por 23 especies. C. corruda se considera un sinónimo de C. decolora (Guenée).

[Two new species of the genus Argyrana (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)]. / Dos nuevas especies del género Argyrana (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae).

The moth genus Argyrana was described by Koehler in 1951. We studied 539 specimens and here redescribe the adults, male and female genitalia. Two new species are reported for Araucania and Aysén (IX Region and XI Region, Chile; the genus was previously known only from Argentina). These moths fly in October, November and February.

Dos nuevas especies del género Argyrana (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

Two new species of the genus Argyrana (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). The moth genus Argyrana was described by Koehler in 1951. We studied 539 specimens and here redescribe the adults, male and female genitalia. Two new species are reported for Araucanía and Aysén (IX Region and XI Region, Chile; the genus was previously known only from Argentina). These moths fly in October, November and February. Rev. Biol. Trop. 58 (1): 265-271. Epub 2010 March 01.

El género de la polilla Argyrana fue descrito por Koehler en 1951. Se estudiaron 539 especímenes y aquí se redescriben los adultos, los órganos genitales del macho y la hembra. Se reportan dos nuevas especies para la Araucanía y Aysén (IX Región y XI Región, Chile; el género era previamente conocido sólo para Argentina). Estas polillas vuelan en Octubre, Noviembre y Febrero.

Copitarsia uncilata Burgos & Leiva sp. nov. de Cuculliinae para Colombia y México (Lepidoptera, Noctuidae) / Copitarsia uncilata Burgos & Leiva sp. nov. of Cuculliinae from Colombia and Mexico (Lepidoptera, Noctuidae)

Se describe e ilustran los adultos y genitalia de macho y hembra de Copitarsia uncilata Burgos & Leiva sp. nov., que se distribuye en Colombia y México. La nueva especie se caracteriza por poseer un uncus ancho apicalmente espatulado con una diminuta proyección dorsal bulbosa, digitus de corte apical ampliamente cóncavo y una ampulla con ápice recurvado que sobresale de la valva, externamente es similar a Copitarsia decolora (Guenée).

We describe and illustrate the adult and genitalia of male and female Copitarsia uncilata Burgos & Leiva sp. nov. which is distributed in Colombia and Mexico. The new species is characterized by having a broad spatulated uncus with an apical medium projection, digitus white a wide concave apical emargination and ampulla with recurved apex protruding from the valve. It is externally similar to Copitarsia decolora (Guenée).

Incorporación del cáncer gástrico al GES: efecto sobre el acceso y oportunidad de tratamiento quirúrgico en un hospital del SSMS / Incorporation of gastric cancer to the GES: impact on the access to and the opportunity for surgical therapy at a SSMS hospital

El cáncer gástrico es una patología de muy alta incidencia y mortalidad en Chile, razón que motivó su incorporación al programa de garantías explícitas en salud, GES, desde el 1º de julio de 2006. El propósito de este estudio es evaluar el efecto de este programa sobre el acceso al diagnóstico y tratamiento oportuno de esta neoplasia, para lo cual se analizaron datos secundarios obtenidos a partir de fichas clínicas, informes de Endoscopía Digestiva Alta y Biopsias, realizadas a 76 pacientes tratados quirúrgicamente por diagnóstico de cáncer gástrico entre el 1º de julio 2003 hasta el 30 de junio de 2007 en un hospital del SSMS. Los resultados mostraron que en contra de lo esperado, no hubo cambios significativos en el número de pacientes operados. De hecho, en comparación a años anteriores el número de gastrectomías por cáncer gástrico fue menor, realizándose sólo 12 en el período Post-Auge en comparación a las 16,33 gastrectomías/año del período precedente, lo que representa una disminución del 26,53%; sin haber cambios significativos en la proporción por sexo y la edad de los pacientes. En cuanto a las garantías explícitas, hubo incumplimiento de plazos en, al menos, 2 de los 12 pacientes con diagnóstico de cáncer gástrico e indicación de resección quirúrgica. Las razones por la cual los resultados del Auge no se tradujeron en mayor número de cirugías y en un cumplimiento total de los plazos garantizados, son múltiples y no necesariamente excluyentes entre sí, y debieran ser objeto de análisis en estudios posteriores.

Gastric cancer is a pathology with a high prevalence and mortality rate in Chile. In view of the latter, such condition was incorporated to the explicit health guarantees program (GES) from July 1st 2006. The purpose of the present study is to assess the impact of such program on the access to a timely diagnosis and treatment for such neoplasia. This was achieved through the analysis of secondary data obtained from medical records, Upper GI Endoscopy and Biopsy reports, from 76 patients having undergone surgery for gastric cancer between July 1st 2003 and June 30th 2007 at a SSMS hospital of operated patients. In fact, compared to previous years, the number of gastrectomies for Gastric Cancer was smaller, with 12 procedures carried out during the Post-AUGE period, as compared to 16,33 gastrectomies/year during the previous period. This represents a decrease in 26,53%, without significant proportional changes per patient gender and age. As for the explicit guarantees, there was non-fulfillment of the assured deadlines in at least 2 of the 12 patients with a diagnosisof gastric cancer and an indication for surgical therapy. The reasons why the AUGE outcomes did not result in a greater number of surgeries and in a total fulfillment of the guaranteed deadlines are manifold and not necessarily mutually excluding, and should be subject of analysis in further studies.

"From freeze with moths": first discovery of a habitat in Andean salars for noctuid moths.

Noctuid moths flutter in the high Andes nights at 4,000 m. s. n. m. Their larvae feed on aerial or underground parts of succulent plants. Many of these species are new to science. Strategies and adaptations of the moths for survival in the high Andes mountains are: a circulatory system that includes an abdominal thoracic countercurrent heat exchanger, and they are insulated from the environment by a coat of dense hair like scales. Recently, during January and July 2004, in the northern desert of Chile, called Salar de Punta Negra, under the salt crust we found a large number of pupae and larvae that correspond to three new species of noctuid moth - this pupation site is located in a 10 m wide area surrounding a water body; the mean observed density is 13 to 15 pupae per 100 cm(2). This is a new extreme habitat conquered by noctuid moths.

"From freeze with moths": first discovery of a habitat in Andean Salars for noctuid moths

Noctuid moths flutter in the high Andes nights at 4,000 m. s. n. m. Their larvae feed on aerial or underground parts of succulent plants. Many of these species are new to science. Strategies and adaptations of the moths for survival in the high Andes mountains are: a circulatory system that includes an abdominal thoracic countercurrent heat exchanger, and they are insulated from the environment by a coat of dense hair like scales. Recently, during January and July 2004, in the northern desert of Chile, called Salar de Punta Negra, under the salt crust we found a large number of pupae and larvae that correspond to three new species of noctuid moth - this pupation site is located in a 10 m wide area surrounding a water body; the mean observed density is 13 to 15 pupae per 100 cm². This is a new extreme habitat conquered by noctuid moths.

Las polillas revolotean en las noches andinas a los 4000 m. s. n. m.; sus larvas se alimentan de las partes aéreas y subterráneas de las plantas suculentas. Muchas de estas especies son nuevas para la ciencia. Las estrategias y adaptaciones de las polillas para sobrevivir en los Andes son poseer un sistema circulatorio que incluye un sistema de contracorriente intercambiador de calor abdominal y torácico, y ellos se encuentran aislados del ambiente por una densa cubierta de escamas piliformes. Recientemente, durante Enero y Julio del 2004, en el norte desértico de Chile, en el Salar de Punta Negra, bajo costras de sal, donde se encontraron un gran número de pupas y larvas que corresponden a tres especies nuevas; su pupación está localizada a 10 m en una amplia área alrededor de un cuerpo de agua; la densidad media observada es de 13 a 15 pupas por 100 cm². Este es un nuevo hábitat extremo conquistado por los nóctuidos.

Nuevas especies altoandinas VII (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) / New High Andes species VII (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

Four new species of Scriptania Hampson (Hadeninae) (3 spp.) and Pseudoleucania Staudinger (1 sp.) (Noctuinae), are described. Female Scriptania lucens Köhler are described and a new geographical record for the species is added; Strigania demerodes (Dyar) n. comb. is reexamined, and the synonymy and morphological variation of male genitalia of Strigania lithophilus (Butler) are given.