RESUMO
Analytical data and quantitative near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy models for various lignocellulosic components (including Klason lignin and the constituent sugars glucose, xylose, mannose, arabinose, galactose, and rhamnose), ash, and ethanol-soluble extractives were obtained for 53 samples of paper and cardboard. These samples were mostly the type of materials typically found in domestic wastes (e.g. newspapers, printing paper, glossy papers, food packaging). A number of the samples (48) were obtained by separating a sample, after milling, into two particle size fractions. It was found that the fractions containing the smaller particles typically had higher ash and Klason lignin contents and lower glucose and xylose contents than the larger particle size fractions. Nevertheless, all of the sample types had attractive total sugars contents (>50%), indicating that these could be suitable feedstocks for the production of biofuels and chemicals in hydrolysis-based biorefining technologies. NIR models of a high predictive accuracy (R2 of >0.9 for the independent validation set) were obtained for total sugars, glucose, xylose, Klason lignin, and ash, with values for the Root Mean Square Error of Prediction (RMSEP) of 2.36%, 2.64%, 0.56%, 1.98%, and 4.87%, respectively. Good NIR models (R2 of >0.8) were also obtained for mannose, arabinose, and galactose. These results suggest that NIR spectroscopy is a suitable method for the rapid, low-cost, analysis of the major lignocellulosic components of waste paper/cardboard samples.
Assuntos
Papel , Resíduos/análise , Espectroscopia de Luz Próxima ao Infravermelho , Resíduos/economiaRESUMO
We present an approach to estimate the feedback from large-scale thawing of permafrost soils using a simplified, data-constrained model that combines three elements: soil carbon (C) maps and profiles to identify the distribution and type of C in permafrost soils; incubation experiments to quantify the rates of C lost after thaw; and models of soil thermal dynamics in response to climate warming. We call the approach the Permafrost Carbon Network Incubation-Panarctic Thermal scaling approach (PInc-PanTher). The approach assumes that C stocks do not decompose at all when frozen, but once thawed follow set decomposition trajectories as a function of soil temperature. The trajectories are determined according to a three-pool decomposition model fitted to incubation data using parameters specific to soil horizon types. We calculate litterfall C inputs required to maintain steady-state C balance for the current climate, and hold those inputs constant. Soil temperatures are taken from the soil thermal modules of ecosystem model simulations forced by a common set of future climate change anomalies under two warming scenarios over the period 2010 to 2100. Under a medium warming scenario (RCP4.5), the approach projects permafrost soil C losses of 12.2-33.4 Pg C; under a high warming scenario (RCP8.5), the approach projects C losses of 27.9-112.6 Pg C. Projected C losses are roughly linearly proportional to global temperature changes across the two scenarios. These results indicate a global sensitivity of frozen soil C to climate change (γ sensitivity) of -14 to -19 Pg C °C(-1) on a 100 year time scale. For CH4 emissions, our approach assumes a fixed saturated area and that increases in CH4 emissions are related to increased heterotrophic respiration in anoxic soil, yielding CH4 emission increases of 7% and 35% for the RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 scenarios, respectively, which add an additional greenhouse gas forcing of approximately 10-18%. The simplified approach presented here neglects many important processes that may amplify or mitigate C release from permafrost soils, but serves as a data-constrained estimate on the forced, large-scale permafrost C response to warming.
Assuntos
Carbono/química , Mudança Climática/estatística & dados numéricos , Ecossistema , Monitoramento Ambiental/métodos , Modelos Estatísticos , Pergelissolo/química , Carbono/análise , Simulação por Computador , Bases de Dados Factuais , Retroalimentação , Congelamento , Modelos QuímicosRESUMO
Large quantities of organic carbon are stored in frozen soils (permafrost) within Arctic and sub-Arctic regions. A warming climate can induce environmental changes that accelerate the microbial breakdown of organic carbon and the release of the greenhouse gases carbon dioxide and methane. This feedback can accelerate climate change, but the magnitude and timing of greenhouse gas emission from these regions and their impact on climate change remain uncertain. Here we find that current evidence suggests a gradual and prolonged release of greenhouse gas emissions in a warming climate and present a research strategy with which to target poorly understood aspects of permafrost carbon dynamics.
Assuntos
Ciclo do Carbono , Mudança Climática , Pergelissolo/química , Regiões Árticas , Dióxido de Carbono/análise , Retroalimentação , Congelamento , Metano/análise , Água do Mar/química , IncertezaRESUMO
In this study, three different akermanite:poly-ϵ-caprolactone (PCL) composite scaffolds (wt%: 75:25, 50:50, 25:75) were characterized in terms of structure, compression strength, degradation rate and in vitro biocompatibility to human adipose-derived stem cells (hASC). Pure ceramic scaffolds [CellCeram™, custom-made, 40:60 wt%; ß-tricalcium phosphate (ß-TCP):hydroxyapatite (HA); and akermanite] and PCL scaffolds served as experimental controls. Compared to ceramic scaffolds, the authors hypothesized that optimal akermanite:PCL composites would have improved compression strength and comparable biocompatibility to hASC. Electron microscopy analysis revealed that PCL-containing scaffolds had the highest porosity but CellCeram™ had the greatest pore size. In general, compression strength in PCL-containing scaffolds was greater than in ceramic scaffolds. PCL-containing scaffolds were also more stable in culture than ceramic scaffolds. Nonetheless, mass losses after 21 days were observed in all scaffold types. Reduced hASC metabolic activity and increased cell detachment were observed after acute exposure to akermanite:PCL extracts (wt%: 75:25, 50:50). Among the PCL-containing scaffolds, hASC cultured for 21 days on akermanite:PCL (wt%: 75:25) discs displayed the highest viability, increased expression of osteogenic markers (alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin) and lowest IL-6 expression. Together, the results indicate that akermanite:PCL composites may have appropriate mechanical and biocompatibility properties for use as bone tissue scaffolds.
Assuntos
Tecido Adiposo/metabolismo , Cerâmica/química , Osteogênese , Poliésteres/química , Células-Tronco/metabolismo , Alicerces Teciduais/química , Tecido Adiposo/citologia , Antígenos de Diferenciação/biossíntese , Diferenciação Celular , Humanos , Células-Tronco/citologia , Engenharia TecidualRESUMO
The objective of this study was to quantify the environmental and economic impact of withdrawing growth-enhancing technologies (GET) from the U.S. beef production system. A deterministic model based on the metabolism and nutrient requirements of the beef population was used to quantify resource inputs and waste outputs per 454 × 10(6) kg of beef. Two production systems were compared: one using GET (steroid implants, in-feed ionophores, in-feed hormones, and beta-adrenergic agonists) where approved by FDA at current adoption rates and the other without GET use. Both systems were modeled using characteristic management practices, population dynamics, and production data from U.S. beef systems. The economic impact and global trade and carbon implications of GET withdrawal were calculated based on feed savings. Withdrawing GET from U.S. beef production reduced productivity (growth rate and slaughter weight) and increased the population size required to produce 454 × 10(6) kg beef by 385 × 10(3) animals. Feedstuff and land use were increased by 2,830 × 10(3) t and 265 × 10(3) ha, respectively, by GET withdrawal, with 20,139 × 10(6) more liters of water being required to maintain beef production. Manure output increased by 1,799 × 10(3) t as a result of GET withdrawal, with an increase in carbon emissions of 714,515 t/454 × 10(6) kg beef. The projected increased costs of U.S. beef produced without GET resulted in the effective implementation of an 8.2% tax on beef production, leading to reduced global trade and competitiveness. To compensate for the increase in U.S. beef prices and maintain beef supply, it would be necessary to increase beef production in other global regions, with a projected increase in carbon emissions from deforestation, particularly in Brazil. Withdrawing GET from U.S. beef production would reduce both the economic and environmental sustainability of the industry.
Assuntos
Criação de Animais Domésticos/métodos , Bovinos/crescimento & desenvolvimento , Meio Ambiente , Agonistas Adrenérgicos beta/administração & dosagem , Ração Animal/análise , Criação de Animais Domésticos/economia , Animais , Bovinos/fisiologia , Suplementos Nutricionais/análise , Ionóforos/administração & dosagem , Modelos Teóricos , Esteroides/administração & dosagemRESUMO
INTRODUCTION: Long bone surgery represents a significant surgical insults, and may cause severe local and systemic sequalae following both planned and emergent surgery. Glutamine offers pharmacological modulation of injury through clinically acceptable preconditioning. This effect has not been previously demonstrated in an orthopaedic model. AIMS: The aim of the study was to test the hypothesis that glutamine preconditioning protects against the local and systemic effects of long bone trauma in a rodent model. METHODS: Thirty two adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomised into four groups: Control group which received trauma without preconditioning; Normal Saline preconditioning 1 hour before trauma; Glutamine preconditioning 1 hour before trauma; Glutamine preconditioning 24 hours prior to trauma. Trauma consisted of bilateral femoral fracture following intramedullary instrumentation. Blood samples were taken before the insult, and at an interval four hours following this. Bronchioalveolar lavage (BAL) was performed, with skeletal muscle and lung harvested for evaluation. RESULTS: Glutamine pre-treated rats had lower Creatine Kinase levels, less creatinine elevation, and a significant reduction in neutrophil infiltration into BAL fluid. Glutamine pre-treated rats showed less muscle and lung oedema. This effect was more pronounced for the group which received glutamine 24 hours before trauma. CONCLUSION: Preconditioning with a single bolus of intravenous glutamine prior to planned orthopaedic intervention affords loco-regional and distal organ protection. We believe these finding have significant implications for elective orthopaedic surgery where significant soft tissue and long bone manipulation is anticipated.
Assuntos
Glutamina/uso terapêutico , Precondicionamento Isquêmico , Procedimentos Ortopédicos/efeitos adversos , Substâncias Protetoras/uso terapêutico , Animais , Lavagem Broncoalveolar , Modelos Animais de Doenças , Fraturas do Fêmur/tratamento farmacológico , Fraturas do Fêmur/prevenção & controle , Masculino , Músculo Esquelético/efeitos dos fármacos , Ensaios Clínicos Controlados Aleatórios como Assunto , Ratos , Ratos Sprague-Dawley , Traumatismo por Reperfusão/tratamento farmacológico , Traumatismo por Reperfusão/prevenção & controleRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) surgery provides a unique opportunity to study the impact of arterial stiffness on central haemodynamics, reflected in augmentation index (AI). The aneurysmal aorta is significantly stiffer than undilated age-matched aorta. AIM: We investigated whether replacement of an aneurysmal aorta with a compliant graft would result in a decrease in AI, which would thus decrease myocardial workload parameters. METHODS: Patients undergoing elective open or endovascular AAA repair were assessed with applanation tonometry and laser fluximetry pre-operatively, immediately and long-term post-operatively. RESULTS: Replacement of a small segment of abnormal conduit vessel resulted in improvements in AI, demonstrating that arterial stiffness can be surgically manipulated. CONCLUSIONS: These results reflect a decreased myocardial workload post-aortic grafting. This decrease in AI is important from a risk factor management perspective, and arterial stiffness should become a further recognised and screened for risk factor in patients with known aneurysmal disease.
Assuntos
Aneurisma da Aorta Abdominal/fisiopatologia , Aneurisma da Aorta Abdominal/cirurgia , Elasticidade/fisiologia , Microcirculação/fisiologia , Idoso , Aorta Abdominal/fisiopatologia , Pressão Sanguínea/fisiologia , Feminino , Humanos , Fluxometria por Laser-Doppler , Masculino , Manometria , Transplante de Tecidos/fisiologiaRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Diabetes mellitus is a leading cause of impaired wound healing. The aim of this study was to establish a glucose-controlled diabetic wound healing model. METHOD: Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into three groups: Control group (C), Diabetic Non-glucose Controlled group (DNC) and Diabetic glucose Controlled group (DC). RESULTS: Glucose control was achieved using Insulman Rapid (average daily glucose level <10 mmol/L). 18 Sprague-Dawley rats underwent a dorsal skin wound incision and 10 days later were killed. Fresh and fixed wound tensile strength, hydroxyproline and transforming growth factor beta-1 levels were improved in the DC group when compared to the DNC group. The quantity of fibroblasts present was similar in each group. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates the impact that diabetes has on acute wound healing and suggests that wound modulating agents must be tested in both the tightly glucose-controlled as well as the poorly glucose-controlled diabetic animal models prior to proceeding with translational clinical studies.
Assuntos
Glicemia/análise , Diabetes Mellitus Experimental/fisiopatologia , Cicatrização/fisiologia , Animais , Líquidos Corporais/química , Diabetes Mellitus Experimental/sangue , Fibroblastos/metabolismo , Hidroxiprolina/análise , Imuno-Histoquímica , Masculino , Modelos Animais , Ratos , Ratos Sprague-Dawley , Resistência à Tração , Fator de Crescimento Transformador beta1/análiseRESUMO
INTRODUCTION: The amino acid taurine has an established role in attenuating lung fibrosis secondary to bleomycin-induced injury. This study evaluates taurine's effect on TGF-beta1 expression and the development of lung fibrosis after single-dose thoracic radiotherapy. METHODS: Four groups of C57/Bl6 mice received 14 Gy thoracic radiation. Mice were treated with taurine or saline supplementation by gavage. After 10 days and 14 weeks of treatment, TGF-beta1 levels were measured in serum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). Lung collagen content was determined using hydroxyproline analysis. RESULTS: Ten days post radiotherapy, serum TGF-beta1 levels were significantly lower after gavage with taurine rather than saline (P = 0.033). BALF TGF-beta1 at 10 days was also significantly lower in mice treated with taurine (P = 0.031). Hydroxyproline content was also significantly lower at 14 weeks in mice treated with taurine (P = 0.020). CONCLUSION: This study presents novel findings of taurine's role in protecting from TGF-beta1-associated development of lung fibrosis after thoracic radiation.
Assuntos
Fibrose Pulmonar/tratamento farmacológico , Radioterapia/efeitos adversos , Taurina/uso terapêutico , Tórax/efeitos da radiação , Fator de Crescimento Transformador beta1/efeitos dos fármacos , Análise de Variância , Animais , Líquido da Lavagem Broncoalveolar , Modelos Animais de Doenças , Feminino , Hidroxiprolina/efeitos dos fármacos , Camundongos , Fibrose Pulmonar/induzido quimicamente , Fibrose Pulmonar/etiologia , Taurina/farmacologia , Fatores de Tempo , Fator de Crescimento Transformador beta1/sangueRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Cyclo-oxygenase-2 (COX-2) is up-regulated in malignant tumours rendering it an attractive target for cancer therapeutics. However, whether long-term antagonism maintains its initial efficacy on established tumours is unclear. METHODS: 4T1 cells were injected into the mammary fat pad of BALB/c mice (n = 8). Once tumour deposits were established, animals were randomized into two equal groups to receive either a selective COX-2 inhibitor (SC-236) or a drug vehicle. Further animals similarly treated (n = 7) were studied in diuresis cages allowing urine capture and analysis by mass spectrometry to determine Prostaglandin F-1 levels (PGF-1). In addition, both wild-type receiving SC-236 and COX-2 knockout mice receiving either SC 236 or vehicle were subjected to the same studies to determine whether tumour-derived or host-derived (stromal) COX-2 was the critical element. Finally, BALB/c mice with 4T1 tumours (n = 7) were treated with a combination of COX-2 and lipoxygenase (LOX) inhibition to attenuate this escape phenomenon. RESULTS: While selective COX-2 inhibition initially retarded tumour growth, a rapid increase in tumour growth rate occurred later (day 9). This escape phenomenon correlated with an increase in urinary PGF-1 levels. An identical trend was also observed whether COX-2 knockout mice received SC-236 or not, suggesting that this effect is due to increased tumour-derived COX-2 production rather than recovery of host COX-2 functional capacity. Finally, dual inhibition of COX and LOX pathways attenuated this escape process. CONCLUSION: The anti-neoplastic effects of selective COX-2 inhibition may not be sustained as tumours demonstrate an escape capacity. However, this phenomenon maybe attenuated by a combination of COX/LOX inhibitors.
Assuntos
Neoplasias da Mama/enzimologia , Inibidores de Ciclo-Oxigenase 2/uso terapêutico , Ciclo-Oxigenase 2/metabolismo , Lipoxigenase/metabolismo , Animais , Ciclo-Oxigenase 2/efeitos dos fármacos , Progressão da Doença , Feminino , Lipoxigenase/efeitos dos fármacos , Camundongos , Camundongos Endogâmicos BALB C , Modelos Animais , Distribuição AleatóriaRESUMO
Preconditioning is emerging as a simple, safe and highly effective means of attenuating local and systemic effects of medical and surgical insult. Its enormous potential has not yet been harnessed and ongoing work will continue to bring it to the fore. This article covers the history, development and future clinical potential of preconditioning with particular regard to surgical insult.
Assuntos
Procedimentos Cirúrgicos Cardíacos/métodos , Precondicionamento Isquêmico Miocárdico/métodos , Traumatismo por Reperfusão Miocárdica/prevenção & controle , Procedimentos Cirúrgicos Cardíacos/efeitos adversos , Humanos , Fatores de TempoRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Endotoxin (LPS), a cell wall constituent of gram-negative bacteria, is a potent inflammatory stimulus. We demonstrated that laparotomy increases primary tumour growth and experimental lung metastases, implicating endotoxin as a causative factor. We hypothesised that the anti-endotoxin agent, rBPI(21) would block surgery-induced tumour growth. METHODS: Mammary adenocarcinoma cells were injected into female BALB/c mice to establish lung metastases. Mice were randomised into three groups receiving anaesthesia, laparotomy or laparotomy and rBPI(21) treatment on day 14. Animals were killed on day 19, lungs harvested and blood obtained. Number and size of lung metastases were recorded. Apoptosis, mitosis and microvessel density within metastases were assessed and VEGF measured. CONCLUSIONS: Laparotomy increased metastatic growth, decreased tumour cell apoptosis, increased tumour cell proliferation, increased microvessel density and circulating VEGF. LPS blockade by rBPI(21) attenuated this increased growth and decreased proliferation, increased apoptosis, decreased micro-vessel density and circulating VEGF. This suggests that rBPI(21), has clinical potential in attenuating surgery enhanced tumour growth, especially in patients with a history of cancer undergoing laparotomy.
Assuntos
Adenocarcinoma/terapia , Peptídeos Catiônicos Antimicrobianos/imunologia , Endotoxinas/antagonistas & inibidores , Inflamação/complicações , Laparotomia/efeitos adversos , Proteínas de Membrana/imunologia , Proteínas Recombinantes/uso terapêutico , Adenocarcinoma/etiologia , Adenocarcinoma/imunologia , Animais , Apoptose , Proteínas de Bactérias/imunologia , Proteínas Sanguíneas/imunologia , Técnicas de Cultura de Células , Proliferação de Células , Ensaio de Imunoadsorção Enzimática , Inflamação/fisiopatologia , Neoplasias Pulmonares/patologia , Camundongos , Camundongos Endogâmicos BALB C , Metástase Neoplásica/patologia , Distribuição Aleatória , Proteínas Recombinantes/imunologia , Aderências Teciduais/complicações , Fator A de Crescimento do Endotélio VascularAssuntos
Endotélio Vascular/patologia , Hemorragia/etiologia , Hiperglicemia/complicações , Doença Aguda , Animais , Vasos Sanguíneos/patologia , Permeabilidade Capilar , Retinopatia Diabética/etiologia , Retinopatia Diabética/fisiopatologia , Endotélio/fisiopatologia , Hemorragia/fisiopatologia , Hiperglicemia/fisiopatologia , Microcirculação/fisiologia , Microscopia de Vídeo/instrumentação , Modelos Animais , Modelos Teóricos , Acidente Vascular Cerebral/etiologia , Acidente Vascular Cerebral/fisiopatologiaRESUMO
OBJECTIVE: To review and examine the epidemiology, severity and management of trauma admissions at the national neurosurgical teaching hospital. METHODS: An extensive audit of volume, type and severity of injury and the management requirements of the trauma population admitted to the hospital. RESULTS: The vast majority of severely injured patients were referred from outside the catchment area of the hospital with only 26% being admitted directly through the Emergency Department. As a consequence, 73% of patients arrived out of normal working hours, which posed problems in providing skilled trauma specialists. CONCLUSIONS: The management of patients with serious injury is complex. The large proportion of patients with critical injuries, some of whom were paediatric, highlighted the need for 24 h cover by senior trauma personnel and the provision of radiology and operating facilities to meet their needs. The inclusion of indicators of alterations in innate or adaptive immune responses may improve the predictive power of severity of injury scores.
Assuntos
Serviço Hospitalar de Emergência/organização & administração , Ferimentos e Lesões/epidemiologia , Doença Aguda , Adolescente , Adulto , Criança , Bases de Dados como Assunto , Feminino , Humanos , Escala de Gravidade do Ferimento , Irlanda/epidemiologia , Masculino , Auditoria Médica , Projetos Piloto , Estudos Prospectivos , Índices de Gravidade do TraumaRESUMO
BACKGROUND: There is a considerable volume of literature describing new and supposedly superior methods of flexor tendon repair. AIM: The purpose of this study was to assess the flexor tendon techniques currently used in the Republic of Ireland. METHODS: A postal survey was conducted of all consultant plastic surgeons and consultant orthopaedic surgeons who were members of the Irish Hand Surgery Society. RESULTS: The response rate was 90% (27/30). A simple running peripheral suture was used by 73% (P = 0.03) and the Kessler was the core suture of choice for 68% (P = 0.06). A significant number of respondents use non-absorbable suture materials for core (P = 0.0028) and peripheral suture (P < 0.0001). Seventy-seven percent sutured the flexor sheath where possible (P = 0.009). CONCLUSIONS: Notwithstanding the proposed advantages of newer techniques, it is evident from this study that the two-stranded Kessler core and simple running peripheral suture remains the most popular flexor tendon repair, with sheath closure preferred by the majority of respondents.
Assuntos
Traumatismos dos Dedos/cirurgia , Dedos/cirurgia , Ortopedia/métodos , Padrões de Prática Médica/estatística & dados numéricos , Técnicas de Sutura , Traumatismos dos Tendões/cirurgia , Tendões/cirurgia , Pesquisas sobre Atenção à Saúde , Humanos , IrlandaRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Venous thromboembolism is a common source of morbidity and mortality but a variety of preventative measures are available. AIMS: To audit the current practice of thromboprophylaxis and compare against published protocols. METHODS: Three-hundred and seventy-six (376) surgical patients were surveyed prospectively. A Performa was completed recording the presence of up to 11 risk factors. A risk score was calculated and the use of specific thromboprophylatic measures identified. RESULTS: Heparin thromboprophylaxis was widely used, eight patients (who were on aspirin therapy) failed to receive any prophylaxis (risk factors 4-6). In addition there were 60 patients at low risk (risk score <2) received LMWH from which they were unlikely to benefit. CONCLUSIONS: Thromboembolic prophylaxis is widely but unselectively applied. Adoption of a risk: benefit ratio approach should ensure those who would benefit from thromboprophylaxis are adequately treated while those in whom thromboprophylaxis is not indicated are spared unnecessary therapy.
Assuntos
Trombose Venosa/prevenção & controle , Protocolos Clínicos , Humanos , Pacientes Internados , Auditoria Médica , Guias de Prática Clínica como Assunto , Estudos Prospectivos , Medição de Risco , Fatores de Risco , Trombose Venosa/epidemiologiaRESUMO
BACKGROUND: This study examines whether preoperative ultrasound-assessed tumour diameter and diagnostic core biopsy-determined grade can be used to select those most likely to benefit from SLNB (i.e. those that are "node negative") before their definitive operation. METHODS: Breast ultrasound (US) and a simultaneous core biopsy was performed in all patients at their initial presentation, and their estimates of tumor size and grade compared with the final pathological specimen (FPS). RESULTS: Of the T1 group 47% had lymphatic metastases as did 49% of those with grade I or II cancers. By combining these measures, however, subgroups of patients with lower rates of nodal metastases were identified (32% of patients with T1, non-grade III disease had lymphatic disease while only 15% of those with T < 1.5 cm, non-grade III cancers had such metastases). CONCLUSION: Combination of the US and ultrasound guided core biopsy (UGCB) may however identify subgroups unlikely to have axillary disease that are therefore suitable for SLNB.
Assuntos
Neoplasias da Mama/cirurgia , Seleção de Pacientes , Biópsia de Linfonodo Sentinela , Adulto , Idoso , Idoso de 80 Anos ou mais , Axila/patologia , Neoplasias da Mama/diagnóstico por imagem , Feminino , Humanos , Metástase Linfática , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , UltrassonografiaRESUMO
This study utilizes an analysis technique commonly used in marketing, the conjoint analysis method, to examine the relative utilities of a set of beef steak characteristics considered by a national sample of 1,432 US consumers, as well as additional localized samples representing undergraduate students at a business college and in an animal science department. The analyses indicate that among all respondents, region of origin is by far the most important characteristic; this is followed by animal breed, traceability, animal feed, and beef quality. Alternatively, the cost of cut, farm ownership, the use (or nonuse) of growth promoters, and whether the product is guaranteed tender were the least important factors. Results for animal science undergraduates are similar to the aggregate results, except that these students emphasized beef quality at the expense of traceability and the nonuse of growth promoters. Business students also emphasized region of origin but then emphasized traceability and cost. The ideal steak for the national sample is from a locally produced, choice Angus fed a mixture of grain and grass that is traceable to the farm of origin. If the product was not produced locally, respondents indicated that their preferred production states are, in order from most to least preferred, Iowa, Texas, Nebraska, and Kansas.
Assuntos
Atitude , Comércio/métodos , Comportamento do Consumidor , Carne/economia , Carne/normas , Ração Animal , Sistemas de Identificação Animal , Animais , Bovinos , Comércio/normas , Custos e Análise de Custo , Substâncias de Crescimento/administração & dosagem , Humanos , Análise MultivariadaRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Recombinant interleukin-2(rIL-2) therapy in metastatic melanoma is limited by toxicities, particularly vascular leak syndrome(VLS). Taurolidine potentiates the anti-neoplastic effects of IL-2 while reducing its associated endothelial cell dysfunction in experimental settings. We hypothesized that co-administration of rIL-2 with taurolidine could enhance tolerability without weakening effectiveness. METHODS: Eleven patients with progressive metastatic melanoma received high-dose rIL-2 with co-infusion of taurolidine. Patients were monitored for the development of toxicities and evidence of response. RESULTS: Ten patients tolerated twenty-nine courses of high-dose rIL-2 without dose-reduction. Most toxicities were low-grade. No patient developed VLS. Seven patients died from disease progression. Two had complete clinical and radiological responses to treatment. Two patients remain alive despite evidence of disease progression a mean of 17.5 months after diagnosing metastatic disease. CONCLUSION: Co-administration of taurolidine with high-dose rIL-2 in stage IV melanoma patients appears to greatly enhance the tolerability of this regime without diminishing its therapeutic value.