The greening-causing agent alters the behavioral and electrophysiological responses of the Asian citrus psyllid to a putative sex pheromone.

The Asian Citrus Psyllid (ACP), Diaphorina citri, is a vector of the pathological bacterium Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (CLas), which causes the most devastating disease to the citrus industry worldwide, known as greening or huanglongbing (HLB). Earlier field tests with an acetic acid-based lure in greening-free, 'Valencia' citrus orange groves in California showed promising results. The same type of lures tested in São Paulo, Brazil, showed unsettling results. During the unsuccessful trials, we noticed a relatively large proportion of females in the field, ultimately leading us to test field-collected males and females for Wolbachia and CLas. The results showed high rates of Wolbachia and CLas infection in field populations. We then compared the olfactory responses of laboratory-raised, CLas-free, and CLas-infected males to acetic acid. As previously reported, CLas-uninfected males responded to acetic acid at 1 µg. Surprisingly, CLas-infected males required 50 × higher doses of the putative sex pheromone, thus explaining the failure to capture CLas-infected males in the field. CLas infection was also manifested in electrophysiological responses. Electroantennogram responses from CLas-infected ACP males were significantly higher than those obtained with uninfected males. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of a pathogen infection affecting a vector's response to a sex attractant.

Geographic variability in the gonadal development and sexual ontogeny of Hemigymnus, Cheilinus and Oxycheilinus wrasses among Indo-Pacific coral reefs.

Patterns of reproductive ontogeny in four species of coral reef wrasses (F: Labridae) Hemigymnus melapterus, Hemigymnus fasciatus, Cheilinus fasciatus and Oxycheilinus digramma were investigated. Populations of each species were sampled from two island groups of the central Great Barrier Reef (GBR), Australia, and from coral reefs in the central Philippines. These three sampling locations span 30° of latitude. The GBR and Philippine reefs experience biologically significant differences in water temperature, geography and human activity. The studied wrasses are effectively unfished in Australia but heavily fished in the Philippines. Gonad weights, histology and demographic data were obtained across the entire size and age range of H. melapterus, C. fasciatus and O. digramma from all locations. Analysis identified three processes of male recruitment: functional gonochorism and both forms of protogynous hermaphroditism, monandry and diandry. The expression of these distinct sexual ontogenies was locality dependent. Populations of H. melapterus, H. fasciatus, C. fasciatus and O. digramma on the GBR showed consistently uniform patterns of sexual ontogeny, with all species being exclusively monandric. H. melapterus, C. fasciatus and O. digramma in the Philippines displayed complex sexual ontogenies, with all species showing histological evidence of both diandry and functional gonochorism. Reproductive investment in gonadal tissue, and population sex structure, also differed between GBR and Philippine coral reefs. Philippine populations had substantially lower gonado-somatic indices than populations on the GBR. Nonetheless, Philippine populations matured more rapidly and displayed a protracted timing of sex change over a large size and age range. Thus, mature females appeared earlier and persisted later into ontogeny in the Philippines than on GBR reefs. Protracted timing of sex change on Philippine reefs is likely linked to the presence of primary males in the population, which is known to reduce the strength of selection for mature females to undergo sex change and become male. Hypotheses based on social structure of fish populations, environmental factors and evolutionary history were developed to account for the different patterns of sexual ontogeny in the focal wrasses.

Development of reproductive potential in protogynous coral reef fishes within Philippine no-take marine reserves.

Empirical evidence for increases in the reproductive potential (egg output per unit area) of coral reef fish in no-take marine reserves (NTMRs) is sparse. Here, we inferred the development of reproductive potential in two species of protogynous reef fishes, Chlorurus bleekeri (Labridae: Scarinae) and Cephalopholis argus (Epinephelidae), inside and outside of Philippine NTMRs. We estimated key reproductive parameters and applied these to species-specific density and length data from 17 NTMRs (durations of protection 0-11 years) and paired fished sites (controls) in a space-for-time substitution approach. For C. argus, we also used density and length data collected almost annually over 29 years from a NTMR and an adjacent control at Apo Island. The results suggest that C. bleekeri can develop 6.0 times greater reproductive potential in NTMRs than controls after 11 years of protection, equivalent to approximately 582,000 more eggs produced 500 m-2 inside NTMRs. Enhancement of reproductive potential in C. argus was not evident after 11 years in the space-for-time substitution. At Apo Island NTMR, reproductive potential of C. argus increased approximately 6-fold over 29 years but NTMR/control ratios in reproductive potential decreased through time (from 3.2 to 2.4), probably due to spillover of C. argus from the NTMR to the control. C. argus was estimated to produce approximately 113,000 more eggs 500 m-2 inside Apo Island NTMR at the 29th year of protection. Ratios of reproductive potential between NTMR and controls in C. bleekeri and C. argus were often greater than corresponding ratios in density or biomass. The study underscores the importance of species-specific reproductive life history traits that drive variation in the development of larval fish subsidies that originate from NTMRs.

The unique potency of Cowpea mosaic virus (CPMV) in situ cancer vaccine.

The immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment enables cancer to resist immunotherapies. We have established that intratumoral administration of plant-derived Cowpea mosaic virus (CPMV) nanoparticles as an in situ vaccine overcomes the local immunosuppression and stimulates a potent anti-tumor response in several mouse cancer models and canine patients. CPMV does not infect mammalian cells but acts as a danger signal that leads to the recruitment and activation of innate and subsequently, adaptive immune cells. In the present study we addressed whether other icosahedral viruses or virus-like particles (VLPs) of plant, bacteriophage and mammalian origin can be similarly employed as intratumoral immunotherapy. Our results indicate that CPMV in situ vaccine outperforms Cowpea chlorotic mottle virus (CCMV), Physalis mosaic virus (PhMV), Sesbania mosaic virus (SeMV), bacteriophage Qß VLPs, or Hepatitis B virus capsids (HBVc). Furthermore, ex vivo and in vitro assays reveal unique features of CPMV that makes it an inherently stronger immune stimulant.

Comparison between surgical techniques in gallstone ileus and outcomes.

INTRODUCTION: Gallstone ileus is a rare cause of mechanical bowel obstruction, generally found in elderly patients who often have other significant medical conditions. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to determine the prevalence of gallstone ileus and the number of postsurgical complications and outcomes depending on what type of surgical management is performed. METHOD: Cohort, retrospective, observational, and comparative study was conducted, which included 31 patients undergoing surgery for gallstone ileus. Three groups were integrated according to the type of surgical procedure: Group 1: enterotomy and stone extraction alone,. Group 2: enterotomy and cholecystectomy with fistula closure, and Group 3: bowel resection alone. RESULTS: A total of 31 patients were analyzed. Gallstone ileus represented the 1.44% of all cases of bowel obstruction. Complication rates were similar between three groups. Mortality rate was lower in Group A, especially when compared to Group B, with a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Surgery is the pillar in treatment of gallstone ileus. Enterotomy with stone extraction alone appears to be associated with a lower mortality rate and better outcomes when compared to more extensive techniques.

ANTECEDENTES: El íleo biliar es una causa rara de obstrucción intestinal mecánica, que se presenta generalmente en pacientes ancianos que a menudo tienen otras afecciones médicas importantes. OBJETIVO: Determinar la prevalencia del íleo biliar, el número de complicaciones y los resultados según el tipo de tratamiento quirúrgico que se realice. MÉTODO: Estudio de cohorte, retrospectivo, observacional y comparativo, que incluyó 31 pacientes sometidos a cirugía por íleo biliar. Se integraron tres grupos según el tipo de procedimiento quirúrgico: grupo 1, enterotomía y extracción de cálculos únicamente; grupo 2, enterotomía y colecistectomía con cierre de fístula; y grupo 3, resección intestinal únicamente. RESULTADOS: Se analizaron 31 pacientes. El íleo biliar representó el 1.44% de todos los casos de obstrucción intestinal. Las tasas de complicaciones fueron similares en los tres grupos. La tasa de mortalidad fue menor en el grupo 1, en especial cuando se comparó con el grupo 2, con una diferencia estadísticamente significativa (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONES: La cirugía es el pilar en el tratamiento del íleo biliar. La enterotomía con extracción de cálculos parece asociarse con una menor tasa de mortalidad y mejores resultados en comparación con técnicas más extensas.

Wilkie's syndrome as a cause of bowel obstruction in adults: A case report.

BACKGROUND: The superior mesenteric artery (SMA) syndrome, also known as Wilkie's syndrome, is one of the rarest causes of small bowel obstruction. CLINICAL CASE: A 36-year-old female patient, with a medical history of diabetes mellitus type 2, arrived at the emergency department with upper intestinal obstruction; a study protocol is made, integrating the diagnosis of Wilkie's syndrome. We performed a laparoscopic duodenojejunostomy, the patient did well in the post-operative period. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic duodenojejunostomy is a practical option to treat Wilkie's syndrome. It provides definitive treatment with the advantages and benefits of minimally invasive surgery.

ANTECEDENTES: El síndrome de la arteria mesentérica superior o síndrome de Wilkie es una de las causas más raras de obstrucción del intestino Delgado. CASO CLÍNICO: Mujer de 36 años, con antecedente de diabetes mellitus tipo 2, que llegó al servicio de urgencias con un cuadro de oclusión intestinal alta. Se realizó protocolo de estudio, integrando el diagnóstico de síndrome de Wilkie. Se realizó anastomosis duodenoyeyunal laparoscópica y la paciente cursó con adecuada evolución posquirúrgica. CONCLUSIONES: La anastomosis duodenoyeyunal laparoscópica es una opción práctica en el tratamiento del síndrome de Wilkie, con las ventajas y beneficios de la cirugía de mínima invasión.

Microplastics in marine sediments and rabbitfish (Siganus fuscescens) from selected coastal areas of Negros Oriental, Philippines.

The Philippines is currently ranked as the third top producer of plastic wastes, yet little research has been conducted on marine plastic pollution in this fishery-dependent, developing country. This study is the first in the nation to quantify and characterize microplastics ingested by a commercially important fish, the rabbitfish (Siganus fuscescens), in the coastal areas of Negros Oriental, central Philippines. Across all sites, the diversity of microplastic polymer types was highest in the guts of S. fuscescens from Dumaguete, a densely populated city. Microplastic particles extracted from subtidal sediment samples from Silliman Beach in Dumaguete were dominated by semi-synthetic microfibers (rayon), probably from clothing and textiles. However, these microplastic types were absent in the guts of fish, likely due to the different location and character of their feeding habitats. This study confirms for the first time the presence and diversity of microplastics in an edible finfish in the Philippines.

In Situ Vaccination of Tumors Using Plant Viral Nanoparticles.

Viral nanoparticles are self-assembling units that are being developed and applied for a variety of applications. While most clinical uses involve animal viruses, a plant-derived virus, cowpea mosaic virus (CPMV) has been shown to have antitumor properties in mice when applied as in situ vaccine. Here we describe the production and characterization of CPMV and its use as in situ vaccines in the context of cancer. Subsequent analyses to obtain efficacy or mechanistic data are also detailed.

Abundance and microhabitat use by the frog Platymantis hazelae (Anura: Ceratobatrachidae)

Introduction: Forest frogs that undergo direct development (no tadpole stage) rely heavily on moist microhabitats for their survival. Objective: To describe the abundance and microhabitat use and some aspects of the breeding behaviour of the threatened forest frog Platymantis hazelae at Twin Lakes Balinsasayao Natural Park, Negros Island, Philippines. Methods: From September 2016 to February 2017, we surveyed Platymantis hazelae using 27 (400 m2) plots in Twin Lakes Balinsasayao-Danao Natural Park in Negros Oriental, Philippines. Results: After a total of six months survey P. hazelae was found abundant in the montane zone with mean density ranging from 30.56±6.94 to 86.11±15.65 ind./ha. Fourteen environmental variables were measured and subjected to multivariate principal component analysis (PCA). PCA revealed that rainfall, altitude, relative humidity, and air temperature influenced the density of P. hazelae. Screwpines (Pandanus) leaf axils and leaves (51.56 %) and palm leaves (14 %) were the preferred microhabitats for the species. Details of physical characters of embryos and froglets are also described. Conclusions: P. hazelae was found abundant in higher elevations (sub-montane and montane zones) where ambient temperature was generally lower, higher rainfall and relative humidity and microhabitats (e.g. screwpines) remain intact and abundant.

Introducción: las ranas de bosque que se desarrollan directamente (sin etapa de renacuajo) dependen en gran medida de los microhábitats húmedos para sobrevivir. Objetivo: describir la abundancia y el uso de microhábitats y algunos aspectos del comportamiento reproductivo ante la amenaza de la rana del bosque Platymantis hazelae en el Parque Natural Twin Lakes Balinsasayao, Isla Negros, Filipinas. Métodos: de septiembre 2016 a febrero 2017, examinamos Platymantis hazelae utilizando 27 parcelas (400 m2) en el Parque Natural Twin Lakes Balinsasayao-Danao en Negros Oriental, Filipinas. Resultados: Después de un muestreo total de seis meses, se encontró que P. hazelae era abundante en la zona montañosa, con una densidad media que oscila entre 30.56±6.94 y 86.11±15.65 ind./ha. Catorce variables ambientales se midieron y se sometieron a un análisis de componentes principales multivariantes (PCA). El PCA reveló que la lluvia, la altitud, la humedad relativa y la temperatura del aire influyeron en la densidad de P. hazelae. Los microhábitats preferidos para la especie fueron las axilas foliares y hojas (51.56 %) y las hojas de palma (14 %). También se describen los detalles de los caracteres físicos de embriones y ranas. Conclusiones: P. hazelae se encontró abundante en elevaciones más altas (zonas sub-montanas y montanas) donde la temperatura ambiente fue generalmente más baja, las precipitaciones y la humedad relativa más altas y los microhábitats (por ejemplo, screwpines) permanecen intactos y abundantes.

In Situ Vaccination with Cowpea vs Tobacco Mosaic Virus against Melanoma.

Cancer immunotherapy approaches have emerged as novel treatment regimens against cancer. A particularly interesting avenue is the concept of in situ vaccination, where immunostimulatory agents are introduced into an identified tumor to overcome local immunosuppression and, if successful, mount systemic antitumor immunity. We had previously shown that nanoparticles from cowpea mosaic virus (CPMV) are highly potent in inducing long-lasting antitumor immunity when used as an in situ vaccine in various tumor mouse models. Here we asked whether the nanoparticles from tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) could also be applied as an in situ vaccine and, if so, whether efficacy or mechanism of immune-activation would be affected by the nanoparticle size (300 × 18 nm native TMV vs 50 × 18 nm short TMV nanorods), shape (nanorods vs spherical TMV, termed SNP), or state of assembly (assembled TMV rod vs free coat protein, CP). Our studies indicate that CPMV, but less so TMV, elicits potent antitumor immunity after intratumoral treatment of dermal melanoma (B16F10 using C57BL/6 mice). TMV and TMVshort slowed tumor growth and increased survival time, however, at significantly lower potency compared to that of CPMV. There were no apparent differences between TMV, TMVshort, or the SNP indicating that the aspect ratio does not necessarily play a role in plant viral in situ vaccines. The free CPs did not elicit an antitumor response or immunostimulation, which may indicate that a multivalent assembly is required to trigger an innate immune recognition and activation. Differential potency of CPMV vs TMV can be explained with differences in immune-activation: data indicate that CPMV stimulates an antitumor response through recruitment of monocytes into the tumor microenvironment (TME), establishing signaling through the IFN-γ pathway, which also leads to recruitment of tumor-infiltrated neutrophils (TINs) and natural killer (NK) cells. Furthermore, the priming of the innate immune system also mounts an adaptive response with CD4+ and CD8+ T cell recruitment and establishment of effector memory cells. While the TMV treatment also lead to the recruitment of innate immune cells as well as T cells (although to a lesser degree), key differences were noted in cyto/chemokine profiling with TMV inducing a potent immune response early on characterized by strong pro-inflammatory cytokines, primarily IL-6. Together, data indicate that some plant viral nanotechnology platforms are more suitable for application as in situ vaccines than others; understanding the intricate differences and underlying mechanism of immune-activation may set the stage for clinical development of these technologies.

Node self-connections and metapopulation persistence: reply to Saura (2018).

Saura () claims that studies using the Probability of Connectivity metric (PC) had already demonstrated the importance of including node self-connections in network metrics. As originally defined and used, PC cannot test the importance of self-connections. However, with key terms redefined, PC could be a useful tool in future work.

Network theory and metapopulation persistence: incorporating node self-connections.

Network analysis is gaining increasing importance in conservation planning. However, which network metrics are the best predictors of metapopulation persistence is still unresolved. Here, we identify a critical limitation of graph theory-derived network metrics that have been proposed for this purpose: their omission of node self-connections. We resolve this by presenting modifications of existing network metrics, and developing entirely new metrics, that account for node self-connections. Then, we illustrate the performance of these new and modified metrics with an age-structured metapopulation model for a real-world marine reserve network case study, and we evaluate the robustness of our findings by systematically varying particular features of that network. Our new and modified metrics predict metapopulation persistence much better than existing metrics do, even when self-connections are weak. Existing metrics become good predictors of persistence only when self-connections are entirely absent, an unrealistic scenario in the overwhelming majority of metapopulation applications. Our study provides a set of novel tools that can substantially enhance the extent to which network metrics can be employed to understand, and manage for, metapopulation persistence.

Combination of Plant Virus Nanoparticle-Based in Situ Vaccination with Chemotherapy Potentiates Antitumor Response.

Immunotherapeutics are gaining more traction in the armamentarium used to combat cancer. Specifically, in situ vaccination strategies have gained interest because of their ability to alter the tumor microenvironment to an antitumor state. Herein, we investigate whether flexuous plant virus-based nanoparticles formed by the potato virus X (PVX) can be used as an immunotherapeutic for in situ vaccine monotherapy. We further developed dual chemo-immunotherapeutics by incorporating doxorubicin (DOX) into PVX yielding a dual-functional nanoparticle (PVX-DOX) or by coadministration of the two therapeutic regimes, PVX immunotherapy and DOX chemotherapy (PVX+DOX). In the context of B16F10 melanoma, PVX was able to elicit delayed tumor progression when administered as an intratumoral in situ vaccine. Furthermore, the coadministration of DOX via PVX+DOX enhanced the response of the PVX monotherapy through increased survival, which was also represented in the enhanced antitumor cytokine/chemokine profile stimulated by PVX+DOX when compared to PVX or DOX alone. Importantly, coadministered PVX+DOX was better for in situ vaccination than PVX loaded with DOX (PVX-DOX). Whereas the nanomedicine field strives to design multifunctional nanoparticles that integrate several functions and therapeutic regimens into a single nanoparticle, our data suggest a paradigm shift; some therapeutics may need to be administered separately to synergize and achieve the most potent therapeutic outcome. Altogether, our studies show that development of plant viral nanoparticles for in situ vaccines for treatment is a possibility, and dual mechanistic therapeutics can increase efficacy. Nonetheless, combining immunotherapeutics with cytolytic chemotherapy requires detailed investigation to inform optimal integration of cytolytic and immunotherapies and maximize synergy and efficacy.

Method development by GC-ECD and HS-SPME-GC-MS for beer volatile analysis.

Two methods for the extraction, identification and quantification of the highest occurrence and lowest perception threshold off-flavours in fifteen different samples of Brazilian Pilsner beers were developed. For this purpose, headspace solid phase microextraction in combination with a gas chromatography coupled to a mass spectrometric detection (HS-SPME-GC-MS) as well as headspace extraction in combination with a gas chromatography coupled to electron capture detection (HS-GC-ECD) were evaluated. The first and the second methods were used for esters and vicinal diketones analysis, respectively. All data were comprehended below the taster's threshold detection limit: ethyl acetate 39.48 ng mL(-1) (RSD mean value 4.2%), isoamyl acetate 3.88 ng mL(-1) (RSD mean value 3.4%), ethyl hexanoate 0.61 ng mL(-1) (RSD mean value 3.1%) and 2,3-butanedione 0.10 ng mL(-1) (RSD mean value 2.9%). The validated method demonstrated to be useful for the analysis of highest incidence beer off-flavours.

Pineapple and citrus silage as potential feed for small ruminant diets: fermentation characteristics, intake, nutrient digestibility, and aerobic stability / Ensilaje de piña y cítricos como posible fuente de alimento en dietas de pequeños rumiantes: características de fermentación, consumo, digestibilidad de nutrientes, y estabilidad aeróbica / Ensilagem de abacaxi e cítricos como possível fonte de alimento em dietas para pequenos ruminantes: características de fermentação, o consumo, a digestibilidade de nutrientes e estabilidade aeróbia

Background: fruit by-products represent a feed resource for ruminants. However, preservation is needed to increase its life span. Objectives: to evaluate the fermentative characteristics, intake, digestibility and aerobic stability of fruit by-products. Methods: pineapple and citrus residues were fermented for 0, 4, 7, 11, 29 and 65 days (d). Samples from each by-product and fermentation period were analyzed for pH, microbial succession, chemical composition, and fermentation products. Crossbred rams were used to determine dry matter (DM) and crude protein (CP) intake and digestibility. Dietary treatments consisted of 100% tropical grass hay (TGH) and 20% substitution of TGH with pineapple (PS) or citrus silage (CS). Aerobic stability of PS and CS after 29 or 65 d of fermentation was determined during 5 d. Results: final pH at 65 d was 3.21 and 3.32 for PS and CS, respectively. During the entire fermentation for both silages, population of enterobacteriaceae was not detected, while lactic acid producing bacteria, yeast and molds showed typical microbial growth. After 65 d fermentation, lactic acid was the main product associated with the fermentation process (1.0 and 1.7 g/kg for PS and CS respectively). Concentrations of acetic acid were 0.38 in PS and 0.36 g/kg in CS. Rams consumed 98 and 85% of the DM offered as PS or CS, respectively. The DM and CP intakes and digestibility were similar among treatments. Both fermented fruit by-products were unstable upon aerobic exposure, PS after 1 d when fermented 29 d and CS after 3 d when fermented 65 d. Conclusions: results indicate that pineapple and citrus by-products could be preserved as silage and included in sheep diets at 20% substitution of TGH without adverse results; however, they are susceptible to aerobic deterioration.

Antecedentes: los subproductos de fruta representan una fuente de alimento para los rumiantes, sin embargo su preservación es necesaria para aumentar su vida útil. Objetivos: evaluar las características fermentativas, consumo, digestibilidad y estabilidad aeróbica de subproductos de frutas. Métodos: residuos de piña y cítricos se fermentaron durante 0, 4, 7, 11, 29 y 65 días (d). Muestras de cada subproducto y período de fermentación se analizaron para determinar pH, sucesión microbiana, composición química, y productos de fermentación. Carneros mestizos se utilizaron para determinar el consumo y digestibilidad de materia seca (MS) y proteína bruta (PB). Los tratamientos consistieron en: 100% heno de gramínea tropical (HGT); 20% sustitución de HGT con ensilaje de piña (EP) o ensilaje de cítricos (EC). La estabilidad aeróbica del EP y EC después de 29 o 65 días de fermentación se determinó durante 5 d. Resultados: el pH final al día 65 fue de 3,21 y 3,32 para EP y EC, respectivamente. Durante toda la fermentación y para ambos ensilajes, no se detectaron poblaciones de enterobacteriaceae, mientras que las bacterias productoras de ácido láctico, levaduras y hongos mostraron un crecimiento microbiano típico. Después de 65 d de fermentación, el ácido láctico era el producto principal asociado con el proceso de fermentación (1,0 y 1,7 g/kg para EP y EC, respectivamente). Las concentraciones de ácido acético fueron 0,38 g/kg en EP y 0,36 g/kg en EC. Los carneros consumieron 98 y 85% de la MS ofrecida como EP o EC, respectivamente. El consumo y la digestibilidad de MS y PB fueron similares entre los tratamientos. Ambos subproductos de fruta fermentados fueron inestables a la exposición aeróbica, el EP después del primer día cuando se fermenta 29 d y el EC después de 3 d cuando se fermenta 65 d. Conclusiones: los resultados indican que los subproductos de piña y cítricos podrían ser preservados como ensilaje y que podrían ser incluidos en las dietas de ovejas a 20% de sustitución de HGT sin resultados adversos, sin embargo, son susceptibles al deterioro aeróbico.

Antecedentes: os subprodutos da agroindústria de frutas são uma fonte de alimento para os ruminantes, mas sua preservação é necessária para aumentar a vida útil. Objetivos: avaliar as características fermentativas, consumo, digestibilidade e estabilidade aeróbia dos subprodutos de frutas. Métodos: resíduos de abacaxi e frutas cítricas foram fermentados durante 0, 4, 7, 11, 29 e 65 dias (d). Amostras de cada subproduto e os períodos de fermentação foram analisadas para: pH, sucessão microbiana, composição química, e produtos de fermentação. Um quadrado latino 3 x 3, com nove carneiros mestiços foi usado para determinação de consumo e digestibilidade da matéria seca (MS) e proteína bruta (PB). Os tratamentos dietéticos utilizados foram: 100% feno de capim tropical (FCT) e 20% de substituição do FCT com silagem de abacaxi (SA) ou silagem de cítricos (SC). A estabilidade aeróbia de SA e SC depois de 29 ou 65 d de fermentação foi determinada durante 5 d. Resultados: o pH final (65 d) foi de 3,21 e 3,32 para o SA e SC, respectivamente. Durante a fermentação para as duas silagens, a população de enterobactérias não foi detectada. Enquanto a bactérias produtoras de ácido láctico, leveduras e fungos as silagens mostraram um crescimento microbiano típico. Depois de 65 d de fermentação, o ácido láctico era o produto principal associado com o processo de fermentação (1,0 e 1,7 g / kg para SA e SC, respectivamente). As concentrações de ácido acético foram 0,38 g / kg em SA e 0,36 g / kg em SC. Os carneiros consumiram 98 e 85% da MS oferecida como SA ou SC, respectivamente. O consumo e a digestibilidade da MS e PB foram semelhantes entre os tratamentos. Os dois subprodutos de frutas fermentados foram instáveis após a exposição aeróbia, a SA depois de 1 d, quando foi fermentada 29 d e a SC depois de 3 d, quando foi fermentada 65 d. Conclusões: os resultados indicam que os subprodutos de abacaxi e cítricos poderiam ser preservados como silagem e serem incluídos em dietas de ovinos em 20% de substituição do FCT sem resultados adversos, ainda que, tem que ter cuidado porque as silagens são susceptíveis à deterioração aeróbia.

Randomized trial of early corticosteroid reduction vs. regular-dose corticosteroid maintenance in combination with tacrolimus and mycophenolate mofetil in living donor kidney transplant recipients: the Brazilian CORRETA trial.

This multicenter, randomized trial aimed to compare the safety and efficacy of an early reduction in corticosteroid dose vs. long-term maintenance in Brazilian patients on an immunosuppressive regimen based on tacrolimus and mycophenolate mofetil (MMF). In the control arm, prednisone was progressively reduced from days 8 to 90 and then kept for 12 months. In the experimental arm, prednisone was given for 12 months at the dose of 5 mg every other day. Endpoints were the composite occurrence of death, graft loss, or Banff III acute rejection, and safety. A total of 83 patients were enrolled, and 77 were analyzed for efficacy safety. One death occurred in each group. There were no cases of graft loss and one case of grade 3 acute rejection in the early reduction arm. There was no difference in the rate of the composite primary endpoint between both arms (p=0.215), and there were no significant differences between both arms in terms of adverse events. Except for higher incidence of hypertriglyceridemia levels among patients in the regular-dose arm, there were no significant differences between both arms in terms of adverse events. The results of this trial suggest that early reduction of corticosteroid can be feasible and safe within a timeframe of 12 months in patients receiving tacrolimus and MMF.

Chemical and biological characterization of slaughterhouse wastes compost.

The chemical and biological properties of compost made from yard trimmings (YT) composted alone or mixed with slaughterhouse wastes (SHW) were evaluated in seven phases. Mixtures were weighed in a 2:1 proportion (YT:SHW) and placed in composting bins (0.91 m2). Temperature was recorded to determine the time (d) needed to reach the first (1HC) and second heat cycles (2HC). Composting characteristics were measured at 0 d, at the peak of the 1HC and 2HC, and at maturation (0, 20, 50 and 70 d). During 1HC, bacterial isolates were cultivated in both treatments and identified using the Biolog System. Chemical composition was statistically analyzed using a 2 (layers of SHW)x7 (composting phases) factorial arrangement of treatments with the ANOVA procedure of SAS. The pH was neutral for YT and ranged from 7.41 to 6.82 for SHW throughout the process. There was a decrease in organic matter (OM) and carbon (C), and a relative increase in nitrogen (N) in both treatments. At 70 d of maturation, C:N values were similar between treatments, but lower (P>0.05) than the initial values. Final N concentration was higher (P>0.05) for the treatment with SHW. Only the SHW treatment exhibited thermophilic temperatures. At the 1HC in both treatments, different populations of bacteria responsible for the breakdown of OM were identified showing an active heterogeneous population. The presence of pathogenic microorganisms was not detected in treatments containing SHW.

Defining a dose-response relationship with radiotherapy for prostate cancer: is more really better?

PURPOSE: Data were reviewed addressing the association between radiation therapy (RT) dose and treatment outcome for localized prostate cancer to help clarify the existence of a potential dose-response relationship. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Articles were identified through the MEDLINE database, CancerLit database, and reference lists of relevant articles. Studies were categorized into four groups based upon the endpoint analyzed, including biochemical control (BC), local control (LC), pathologic control (PC), and cause-specific survival (CSS). The impact of increasing RT dose with each endpoint was recorded. RESULTS: Twenty-two trials involving a total of 11,297 patients were identified. Of the 11 trials addressing the association of RT dose with LC, 9 showed statistically significant improvements. Of the 12 trials that reported BC with RT dose, all showed statistically significant improvements. Two out of 4 studies analyzing PC with increasing dose showed a positive correlation. Finally, 3 out of 9 studies addressing RT dose with CSS showed statistically significant improvements. Despite inconclusive results, patients with poor risk features (e.g., prostate-specific antigen [PSA] > or = 10, Gleason score [GS] > or = 7, or tumor stage > or = T2b) were most likely to benefit from increasing dose with respect to each endpoint. However, the optimal RT dose and the magnitude of benefit of dose escalation could not be identified. CONCLUSIONS: Although RT dose appears to correlate with various measures of treatment outcome, objective, high-quality data addressing this critical issue are still lacking. At the present time, the absolute improvement in outcome due to dose escalation, the subset of patients benefitting most, and the optimal dose remain to be defined.