Multidisciplinary approach to the study of large-format oil paintings.

Cultural heritage has become a keystone for comprehending our society, as it represents and reflects our origins, passions, beliefs and traditions. Furthermore, it provides fundamental information about specific temporary spaces, materials' availability, technology, artist's intention, and site weather conditions. Our aim was to develop a multidisciplinary approach with a main focus on investigating two Italian large-format paintings located in highly diverse environments such as the National Theater of Costa Rica. We monitored environmental conditions and quantified fungal aerial spores. Then, we determined regions of possible biodeterioration with the software MicroorganismPattern and used the software PigmentArrangement to elucidate the apparent colour of the paintings based on distribution and arrangement of the pigment crystals. Finally, we characterized eight genera of calcareous nannofossils found in the ground layers of the artwork. The former Men's Canteen at the National Theater of Costa Rica presented a mean air temperature of 23.5 [Formula: see text]C, a relative humidity of 72.7% and a concentration of CO[Formula: see text] of 570 ppm. The fungal aerial concentration was 1776 spores/m[Formula: see text]. The software MicroorganismPattern identified 32 sampling regions, out of which 11 were positive for microbial contamination. The software PigmentArrangement determined that the blue crystals (ultramarine pigment) had the shortest distances between themselves (29 [Formula: see text]m). Finally, the nanofossils identified enabled us to restrict the age of the material to a biostratigraphic interval ranging from Coniacian to Maastricthian ages. By using a multidisciplinary approach we were able to explore the diptych, suggest a set of minimally invasive perspectives in tropical environments to be used worldwide and obtain key information about the artist's artistic process, materials used along with better understand its state of conservation.

Age, Gleason Score, and PSA are important prognostic factors for survival in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. Results of The Uroncor Group (Uro-Oncological Tumors) of the Spanish Society of Radiation Oncology (SEOR).

INTRODUCTION: The treatment of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) has changed significantly in recent years. Inhibitors of androgen receptors have shown especially significant benefits in overall (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS), with a good toxicity profile. Treatment selection depends on the patient's individual clinical, radiological, and biological characteristics. OBJECTIVE: To describe treatment outcomes (efficacy, toxicity) in a cohort of patients with mCRPC in Spain. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Multicenter, retrospective study of patients with mCRPC included in a database of the Urological Tumour Working Group (URONCOR) of the Spanish Society of Radiation Oncology (SEOR). Metastatic CRPC was defined according to the prostate cancer working group 3 (PCWG3) criteria. The Kaplan-Meier technique was used to evaluate OS and the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE, v.4.0) were used to assess toxicity. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were performed to identify the factors significantly associated with OS. RESULTS: A total of 314 patients from 17 hospitals in Spain diagnosed with mCRPC between June 2010 and September 2017 were included in this study. Mean age at diagnosis was 68 years (range 45-89). At a median follow-up of 35 months, OS at 1, 3, and 5 years were 92%, 38%, and 28%, respectively. Grades 1-2 and grade 3 toxicity rates were, respectively, 68% and 19%. No grade 4 toxicities were observed. On the multivariate analysis, the following factors were significantly associated with OS: age (hazard ratio [HR] 0.42, p = 0.010), PSA value at diagnosis of mCRPC (HR 0.55, p = 0.008), and Gleason score (HR 0.61, p = 0.009). CONCLUSIONS: Age, Gleason score, and PSA at diagnosis of mCRPC are independently associated with overall survival in patients with mCRPC. The efficacy and toxicity outcomes in this patient cohort treated in radiation oncology departments in Spain are consistent with previous reports.

Prevalence and characterization of breakthrough pain in cancer patients with proctalgia treated with 3D pelvic radiotherapy.

PURPOSE: Radiotherapy-induced dysfunction of the gastrointestinal tract is common in cancer patients and has a significant impact on their quality of life. In this study, we investigated the prevalence of breakthrough cancer pain (BTcP) in patients undergoing 3D pelvic radiotherapy and who had proctalgia. METHODS: This observational, multicenter, cross-sectional epidemiological study was performed in 13 Spanish hospitals. Data were obtained on the presence and characteristics of BTcP, demographics, common comorbidities, and treatments prescribed to the patients. RESULTS: The prevalence of BTcP in patients undergoing pelvic 3D external radiotherapy with proctalgia (N = 105) was 48.6% (95% CI 39.0-58.1%). BTcP was further characterized in 59 patients. The mean (± SD) intensity of the BTcP episodes was 7.45 ± 1.47 in a visual analog scale. We found several statistically significant associations between the descriptive variables of BTcP with demographic and clinical variables associated with the tumor or the patient, such as an increased number of BTcP episodes per day depending on the presence or absence of diabetes (p = 0.001, Chi-square) or time to the onset of pain relief depending on the location of the tumor (p = 0.019, Chi-square). Fentanyl was the drug of choice in BTcP episodes for 95% of the patients. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated a high prevalence of BTcP prevalence in cancer patients undergoing pelvic 3D radiotherapy and with proctalgia. Although the variables determining the onset of BTcP are still unclear, our results could help in the design of future clinical studies addressing the treatment of BTcP in these patients.

ESTUDIO DE LA DIVERSIDAD GENÉTICA DEL CERDO DOMÉSTICO EN EL DEPARTAMENTO DE CÓRDOBA (COLOMBIA) UTILIZANDO MARCADORES MICROSATÉLITES / STUDY OF GENETIC DIVERSITY OF THE DOMESTIC PIG IN THE DEPARTMENT OF CÓRDOBA (COLOMBIA) USING MICROSATELLITE MARKERS

En este estudio se analizaron los niveles de diversidad y estructura genética de 161 cerdos domésticos pertenecientes a tres poblaciones del departamento de Córdoba, mediante 20 marcadores microsatélites. Todos los microsatélites utilizados resultaron polimórficos. Para todos los loci, el valor promedio de la heterocigosidad esperada fue mayor al valor promedio de la heterocigosidad observada, lo cual puede sugerir una posible endogamia en el sistema de apareamiento. El índice (0,12 ± 0,08) mostró un 88% de la varianza en las frecuencias alélicas reportadas dentro de cada población y solo el 12% de la varianza atribuible a diferencias entre poblaciones. Los valores de F IS (0,079) y F IT (0,13), indican deficiencia de heterocigotos dentro de cada población y a nivel global. Desviaciones significativas del equilibrio Hardy-Weinberg (p < 0,05) fueron observadas en ocho de los marcadores utilizados. El árbol Neighbor-Joining obtenido reveló que Momil estuvo más estrechamente relacionada con Cereté, mientras Tierralta se mostró más alejada. El análisis de componentes principales (ACoP) genera la individualización geográfica de cada población, siendo distante la población de Tierralta de las poblaciones Momil y Cereté, resultados similares a los obtenidos con la metodología Neighbor-Joining. El programa Structure con un K = 3, confirma la existencia de tres grupos o poblaciones distintas, generándose un patrón filogeográfico observado en la relación entre Momil, Cereté y Tierralta. Es importante señalar que son 3 grupos raciales diferentes, valiosos y deben conservarse.

Diversity and genetic structure of 161 domestic pigs from three populations of the department of Cordoba, were analyzed by means 20 microsatellite markers; all of them were polymorphic microsatellites. The expected average value of heterozygosity was higher than the observed average value for all loci, which may suggest a possible inbreeding mating system. The F ST index (0.12 ± 0.08) showed 88% of variance in allele frequencies reported within each population and only 12% of the variance was attributable to differences between populations. F K values (0.079) and F IT (0.13) indicate heterozygote deficiency within each population and globally. Significant deviations from Hardy-Weinberg balance (p < 0.05) were observed in eight of the markers used. The Neighbor-Joining tree showed than Momil was more closely related with Cerete while Tierralta was further. The main components analysis (ACoP) generates the geographical identification of each population, being more far Tierralta from Momil and Cerete populations, similar results were obtained with the Neighbor-Joining method. The Structure program with K = 3, confirms the existence of three groups or different populations, which generates a phylogeographic pattern observed in the relationship between Momil, Cerete and Tierralta. It is important to note that there are 3 different racial groups, valuable and must be preserved.

Genetic diversity shaped by historical and recent factors in the live-bearing twoline skiffia Neotoca bilineata.

The endangered twoline skiffia Neotoca bilineata, a viviparous fish of the subfamily Goodeinae, endemic to central Mexico (inhabiting two basins, Cuitzeo and Lerma-Santiago) was evaluated using genetic and habitat information. The genetic variation of all remaining populations of the species was analysed using both mitochondrial and microsatellite markers and their habitat conditions were assessed using a water quality index (I(WQ)). An 80% local extinction was found across the distribution of N. bilineata. The species was found in three of the 16 historical localities plus one previously unreported site. Most areas inhabited by the remaining populations had I(WQ) scores unsuitable for the conservation of freshwater biodiversity. Populations showed low but significant genetic differentiation with both markers (mtDNA φ(ST) = 0.076, P < 0.001; microsatellite F(ST) = 0.314, P < 0.001). Borbollon, in the Cuitzeo Basin, showed the highest level of differentiation and was identified as a single genetic unit by Bayesian assignment methods. Rio Grande de Morelia and Salamanca populations showed the highest genetic diversity and also a high migration rate facilitated by an artificial channel that connected the two basins. Overall, high genetic diversity values were observed compared with other freshwater fishes (average N(a) = 16 alleles and loci and mean ±S.D. H(o) = 0.63 ± 0.10 and nucleotide diversity π = 0.006). This suggests that the observed genetic diversity has not diminished as rapidly as the species' habitat destruction. No evidence of correlation between habitat conditions and genetic diversity was found. The current pattern of genetic diversity may be the result of both historical factors and recent modifications of the hydrological system. The main threat to the species may be the rapid habitat deterioration and associated demographic stochasticity rather than genetic factors.

Autoantibodies against galectin-8: their specificity, association with lymphopenia in systemic lupus erythematosus and detection in rheumatoid arthritis and acute inflammation.

The role of autoantibodies in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) has not been completely defined. From more than a hundred autoantibodies described in SLE, relatively few have been associated with clinical manifestations. The glycan-binding proteins of the galectin family can modulate the immune system. Anti-galectin autoantibodies thus could have functional and/or pathogenic implications in inflammatory processes and autoimmunity. We previously reported function-blocking autoantibodies against galectin-8 (Gal-8) in SLE. Here we tested these autoantibodies against a series of other human galectins and demonstrated their specificity for Gal-8, being detectable in 23% of 78 SLE patients. Remarkably, they associated with lymphopenia (50% of 18 anti-Gal-8-positive versus 18% of 60 anti-Gal-8-negative cases, Fisher's Exact test two-tailed: P < 0.012). Lymphopenia is a common clinical manifestation in SLE, yet of unknown mechanism. In addition, six of eight patients with both lymphopenia and malar rash had anti-Gal-8 in their sera. Occurrence of these autoantibodies was not confined to SLE as we also found them in sera of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (16%) and septicemia (20%). This study thus establishes occurrence of specific anti-Gal-8 autoantibodies in autoimmune rheumatic diseases and in acute inflammation, with an apparent association to a clinical subset in SLE.

Foraging and mobility in three species of Aciculata (Annelida: Polychaeta)

Aspects of feeding, such as food capture and ingestion, as well as mobility of the polychaetes Eurythoe complanata, Marphysa formosa and Diopatra aciculata, from São Sebastião Channel (São Sebastião, state of São Paulo) were observed in laboratory conditions. Eurythoe complanata, a carnivorous species, fed exclusively on pieces of fish with the aid of strong muscular retractable lips, and detected the presence of food by chemical stimuli. Diopatra aciculata, an omnivorous species, captured and ingested different kinds of food with the aid of its jaws, generating a flow of water through its tube by which it detects the presence of food and oxygenates its gills. Marphysa formosa also used its jaws to bite and lacerate food. These species showed greater or lesser degrees of intolerance to light.

Alguns aspectos da atividade alimentar, tais como a captura e ingestão de alimento, bem como a mobilidade dos poliquetas Eurythoe complanata, Marphysa formosa e Diopatra aciculata, procedentes do Canal de São Sebastião (São Sebastião, SP), foram observados em laboratório. Eurythoe complanata, carnívora, alimentou-se apenas de pedaços de peixe, utilizando os lábios retráteis fortemente musculares e detectando a presença do alimento através de estímulos químicos. Diopatra aciculata, onívora, capturou (com o auxílio das maxilas) e ingeriu os diferentes tipos de alimentos oferecidos, promovendo um fluxo de água para dentro do tubo, por meio do qual o animal detecta a presença de alimento e oxigena as brânquias. Marphysa formosa também utilizou as maxilas para morder ou rasgar o alimento. Durante as observações, foi constatado que estes poliquetas, em maior ou menor grau, apresentam intolerância à luminosidade.

Foraging and mobility in three species of Aciculata (Annelida: Polychaeta).

Aspects of feeding, such as food capture and ingestion, as well as mobility of the polychaetes Eurythoe complanata, Marphysa formosa and Diopatra aciculata, from São Sebastião Channel (São Sebastião, state of São Paulo) were observed in laboratory conditions. Eurythoe complanata, a carnivorous species, fed exclusively on pieces of fish with the aid of strong muscular retractable lips, and detected the presence of food by chemical stimuli. Diopatra aciculata, an omnivorous species, captured and ingested different kinds of food with the aid of its jaws, generating a flow of water through its tube by which it detects the presence of food and oxygenates its gills. Marphysa formosa also used its jaws to bite and lacerate food. These species showed greater or lesser degrees of intolerance to light.

Foraging and mobility in three species of Aciculata (Annelida: Polychaeta)

Aspects of feeding, such as food capture and ingestion, as well as mobility of the polychaetes Eurythoe complanata, Marphysa formosa and Diopatra aciculata, from São Sebastião Channel (São Sebastião, state of São Paulo) were observed in laboratory conditions. Eurythoe complanata, a carnivorous species, fed exclusively on pieces of fish with the aid of strong muscular retractable lips, and detected the presence of food by chemical stimuli. Diopatra aciculata, an omnivorous species, captured and ingested different kinds of food with the aid of its jaws, generating a flow of water through its tube by which it detects the presence of food and oxygenates its gills. Marphysa formosa also used its jaws to bite and lacerate food. These species showed greater or lesser degrees of intolerance to light.

Alguns aspectos da atividade alimentar, tais como a captura e ingestão de alimento, bem como a mobilidade dos poliquetas Eurythoe complanata, Marphysa formosa e Diopatra aciculata, procedentes do Canal de São Sebastião (São Sebastião, SP), foram observados em laboratório. Eurythoe complanata, carnívora, alimentou-se apenas de pedaços de peixe, utilizando os lábios retráteis fortemente musculares e detectando a presença do alimento através de estímulos químicos. Diopatra aciculata, onívora, capturou (com o auxílio das maxilas) e ingeriu os diferentes tipos de alimentos oferecidos, promovendo um fluxo de água para dentro do tubo, por meio do qual o animal detecta a presença de alimento e oxigena as brânquias. Marphysa formosa também utilizou as maxilas para morder ou rasgar o alimento. Durante as observações, foi constatado que estes poliquetas, em maior ou menor grau, apresentam intolerância à luminosidade.

Feeding behavior of the cirratulid Cirriformia filigera (Delle Chiaje, 1825) (Annelida: Polychaeta).

Observations of the feeding behavior of Cirriformia filigera (Delle Chiaje, 1825) (Annelida: Polychaeta) from the intertidal zone of São Francisco and Engenho D'água beaches (São Sebastião, State of São Paulo) were made in the laboratory. This species, like other cirratulids, is a deposit feeder, feeding mainly on sediment surface with the aid of its grooved and ciliated palps, which are used to capture food particles. The worm lies just beneath the substrate surface in a J-shaped tube. When feeding, it extends up to 4 palps over the sediment surface, capturing food particles which pass down the groove of each palp directly to the mouth. Only fine sand grains are ingested. The worm frequently extends 4 branchial filaments into the overlying water for aeration. When it moves with the prostomium sideways, it collects and transports sand grains that pass backwards along its ventral region until reaching the middle part of its body. Next, the parapodia and palps move the sand grains to the dorsal posterior end of the animal, covering this area with sand. Some sand grains are also ingested as the worm moves.

Feeding behavior of the cirratulid Cirriformia filigera (Delle Chiaje, 1825) (Annelida: Polychaeta)

Observaçäes sobre o comportamento alimentar de Cirriformia filigera, procedente da região entremarés das praias São Francisco e Engenho D'água (São Sebastião, SP), foram realizadas em laboratório. Constatou-se que essa espécie, assim como os cirratulídeos de um modo geral, alimenta-se de depósitos, principalmente de superfície, utilizando seus palpos sulcados e ciliados na captura e ingestão de alimento. Durante a alimentação, expäe até quatro palpos para fora do sedimento, tateando a superfície e capturando partículas. O alimento coletado desliza pelos sulcos dos palpos em direção à boca. Observou-se que apenas areia fina foi ingerida. Cirriformia filigera permaneceu, durante o período, em tubos em forma de J, logo abaixo da superfície do sedimento. Quatro filamentos branquiais permaneciam, com freqüência, acima da superfície do substrato, proporcionando melhor oxigenação. Ao se deslocarem, com o prostômio executando movimentos laterais, empurram os grãos de areia para trás, para a região ventral, e, ao alcançarem a região mediana do corpo, os grãos de areia são transferidos para a parte dorsal-posterior pelos parapódios e palpos, onde ficam agrupados. Foi observada ingestão de grãos durante o deslocamento do animal.

Feeding behavior of the cirratulid Cirriformia filigera (Delle Chiaje, 1825) (Annelida: Polychaeta)

Observations of the feeding behavior of Cirriformia filigera (Delle Chiaje, 1825) (Annelida: Polychaeta) from the intertidal zone of São Francisco and Engenho D'água beaches (São Sebastião, State of São Paulo) were made in the laboratory. This species, like other cirratulids, is a deposit feeder, feeding mainly on sediment surface with the aid of its grooved and ciliated palps, which are used to capture food particles. The worm lies just beneath the substrate surface in a J-shaped tube. When feeding, it extends up to 4 palps over the sediment surface, capturing food particles which pass down the groove of each palp directly to the mouth. Only fine sand grains are ingested. The worm frequently extends 4 branchial filaments into the overlying water for aeration. When it moves with the prostomium sideways, it collects and transports sand grains that pass backwards along its ventral region until reaching the middle part of its body. Next, the parapodia and palps move the sand grains to the dorsal posterior end of the animal, covering this area with sand. Some sand grains are also ingested as the worm moves.

Observações sobre o comportamento alimentar de Cirriformia filigera, procedente da região entremarés das praias São Francisco e Engenho D'água (São Sebastião, SP), foram realizadas em laboratório. Constatou-se que essa espécie, assim como os cirratulídeos de um modo geral, alimenta-se de depósitos, principalmente de superfície, utilizando seus palpos sulcados e ciliados na captura e ingestão de alimento. Durante a alimentação, expõe até quatro palpos para fora do sedimento, tateando a superfície e capturando partículas. O alimento coletado desliza pelos sulcos dos palpos em direção à boca. Observou-se que apenas areia fina foi ingerida. Cirriformia filigera permaneceu, durante o período, em tubos em forma de J, logo abaixo da superfície do sedimento. Quatro filamentos branquiais permaneciam, com freqüência, acima da superfície do substrato, proporcionando melhor oxigenação. Ao se deslocarem, com o prostômio executando movimentos laterais, empurram os grãos de areia para trás, para a região ventral, e, ao alcançarem a região mediana do corpo, os grãos de areia são transferidos para a parte dorsal-posterior pelos parapódios e palpos, onde ficam agrupados. Foi observada ingestão de grãos durante o deslocamento do animal.

Effect of insecticides on plankton and fish of Ignacio Ramirez reservoir (Mexico): a biochemical and biomagnification study.

Studies on the limnology, plankton, and biomagnification of pesticides at Ignacio Ramírez (IR) reservoir (Mexico) were undertaken. The reservoir is located in central Mexico, in an agricultural zone with high soil erosion. Acetylcholinesterase (AchE), gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGTP), and lipid peroxidation were assayed in fish. Organochlorines (0.024-0.279 mg/liter) and organophosphates (0.02 x 10(-3)-0.21 x 10(-3) mg/liter) were present at high concentrations in water and the biota assayed. In the IR dam the plankton fluctuated depending on the dry and wet seasons. The dominant group of phytoplankton was Bacillariophyta (20-85%) in May, Cyanophyta (22-65%) in September, and Cyanophycean (10-65%), Chlorophycean (10-60%), and Bacyllariophycean (5-80%) species in March. The zooplankton were dominated by cladoceran species (40-70%). Organochlorine and organophosphate insecticides were bioconcentrated (2- to 10-fold) from water to algae, 10- to 25-fold in zooplankton, and 8- to 140-fold in fish. GGTP activity and lipid peroxidation increased and AchE activity in fish decreased in response to the environmental stress caused by the elevated biomagnification of pesticides. The bioaccumulation of these contaminants in fish and the potential for biomagnification in humans are perceived as threats.

Colposacropexia en el tratamiento del prolapso de la cúpula vaginal / Colposacropexy in the vaginal vault prolapse treatment

Evaluar los resultados de la Colposacropexia transabdominal en el prolapso de la cúpula vaginal. Ventisiete pacientes con prolapso de la cúpula vaginal, tratados quirúrgicamente por colposacropexia, entre Julio de 1992 a Agosto de 1996.Se analizan los resultados del procedimiento quirúrgico,las complicaciones intra y postoperatorias y la funcionalidad vaginal. El tiempo de seguimiento para las colposacropexias fue de 14,9 meses (3-52 meses). La tasa de curación fue de 92,6 por ciento. Las principales complicaciones intraoperatorias fueron dos lesiones de intestino delgado, no relacionadas directamente con el procedimiento operatorio y de las postoperatorias, dos ileos paralíticos.No hubo mortalidad. De las 12 pacientes con actividad sexual, ella es normal en el 90,9 por ciento. La colposacropexia es una operación de técnica simple, con baja morbilidad intra y postoperatoria, que asegura una alta tasa de curación del prolapso de la cúpula vaginal y constituye la intervención de elección en esta unidad de ginecología

La colposuspensión en el tratamiento de la incontinencia urinaria de esfuerzo: rendimiento en el largo plazo / Colposuspension in treatment of stress urinary incontinence: a long-term achievement

Se comunican los resultados del tratamiento en 227 pacientes con incontinencia urinaria de esfuerzo, asociada a otra patología abdominal y/o vaginal, mediante la colposuspensión de Burch, con un 90,3% de curación de la incontinencia urinaria de esfuerzo; 6,6% de mejoría del grado de la incontinencia urinaria y un 98,3% del prolapso genital concomitante, con un período de seguimiento de 42 meses. Se analizan las complicaciones del procedimiento quirúrgico