Allergic rhinitis and associated factors in schoolchildren from Bogota, Colombia

BACKGROUND

Allergic rhinitis is one of the most frequent chronic diseases among children. The objective of the study was to assess the prevalence of and the factors associated with self-reported allergic rhinitis symptoms in schoolchildren from Bogota, Colombia.

METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL

We followed the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) methodology. Our sample included 3,256 children aged 6 - 7 and 3,830 adolescents aged 13 - 14 years.

RESULTS

The prevalence of self-reported allergic rhinitis symptoms was 30.8% among children and 36.6% among adolescents. Factors associated with self-reported allergic rhinitis among children included current asthma and atopic dermatitis symptoms; use of acetaminophen in the first year of life and in the last 12 months; antibiotic use in the first year of life; high- school and university maternal education; smokers at home; and caesarean delivery. Among adolescents, associated factors included current asthma and atopic dermatitis symptoms; current acetaminophen use once per month; frequent fast-food consumption; cat exposure at home; and smoking.

CONCLUSION

Further exploration of factors associated with allergic rhinitis symptoms is needed.

Cadherin switch from E- to N-cadherin in melanoma progression is regulated by the PI3K/PTEN pathway through Twist and Snail

BACKGROUND

Transition of normal melanocytic cells to malignant melanoma has characteristic features of epithelial to mesenchymal transition. This includes the disruption of the adherens junctions caused by the downregulation of E-cadherin and the upregulation of N-cadherin. The cadherins have functional importance in normal skin homeostasis and melanoma development; however, the exact mechanism(s) that regulate the 'cadherin switch' are unclear.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the mechanistic role of the PI3K/PTEN pathway in regulating the change in cadherin phenotype during melanoma progression.

METHODS

Using a panel of cell lines representative of the phases of melanoma progression, we determined cellular expressions of the components of the PI3K/PTEN pathway, E- and N-cadherin, and the transcriptional regulators Twist, Snail and Slug with Western blot and immunofluorescence analysis. Transcriptional regulation of E-cadherin, N-cadherin, Twist and Snail by the PI3K/PTEN pathway was confirmed using quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction.

RESULTS

Loss or inactivity of PTEN correlated with the switch in cadherin phenotype during melanoma progression. PTEN-null or inactive cells exhibited high levels of phosphorylated protein kinase B (PKB)/AKT (Serine 473) (PKB-Ser473-P), undetectable levels of E-cadherin and high levels of N-cadherin. Re-introduction of PTEN or treatment with the PI3K inhibitor Wortmannin resulted in the re-expression of E-cadherin and downregulation of N-cadherin. This cadherin switch was regulated at the transcriptional level by Twist and Snail which were, in turn, transcriptionally regulated by the PI3K pathway. Although E-cadherin was re-expressed, it failed to localize to the plasma membrane.

CONCLUSIONS

The PI3K/PTEN pathway transcriptionally regulates the 'cadherin switch' via transcriptional regulation of Twist and Snail but does not regulate the localization of E-cadherin to the plasma membrane.

Uptake of a technology-assisted home-care cardiac rehabilitation program

The prevalence of cardiovascular disease, a major cause of disease burden in Australia and other developed countries, is increasing due to a rapidly ageing population and environmental, biomedical and modifiable lifestyle factors. Although cardiac rehabilitation (CR) programs have been shown to be beneficial and effective, rates of referral, uptake and utilisation of traditional hospital or community centre programs are poor. Home-based CR programs have been shown to be as effective as centre-based programs, and recent advances in information and communication technologies (ICT) can be used to enhance the delivery of such programs. The Care Assessment Platform (CAP) is an integrated home-based CR model incorporating ICT (including a mobile phone and the internet) and providing all the core components of traditional CR (education, physical activity, exercise training, behaviour modification strategies and psychological counselling). The mobile phone given to patients has an integrated accelerometer and diary application for recording exercise and health information. A central database, with access to these data, allows mentors to assess patients' progress, assist in setting goals, revise targets and give weekly personal feedback. Mentors find the mobile-phone modalities practical and easy to use, and preliminary results show high usage rates and acceptance of ICT by participants. The provision of ICT-supported home-based CR programs may enable more patients in both metropolitan and remote settings to benefit from CR.

Influence of changes in protein binding on the central activity of antidepressants

The central effect (expressed as analgesic response), protein binding and brain uptake of mianserin were measured in mice receiving drug intraperitoneally. A significant decrease of the central effect of mianserin (30 mg kg−1) was seen in mice with experimental inflammation when compared with control animals (reaction time (s)= 12·12 ± 1·22 vs 25·56 ± 2·92; P < 0·001) and the dose-analgesia response curve (10−60 mg kg−1) was significantly shifted to the right in mice with inflammation. In serum of mice with inflammation, unbound concentration of mianserin was decreased from 19·37 ± 0·73 to 17·83 ± 0·30% (P < 0·05) and seromucoid levels were significantly increased (P < 0·001). Following the intraperitoneal administration of 30 mg kg−1 of mianserin, brain uptake decreased in diseased mice when compared with control animals (P < 0·02), suggesting that the decrease in analgesia was secondary to a decrease in drug delivery to the brain because of increased protein binding.

Development of an automated physical activity classification application for mobile phones

BACKGROUND

Physical activity classification is an objective approach to assess levels of physical activity, and indicates an individual's degree of functional ability. It is significant for a number of the disciplines, such as behavioural sciences, physiotherapy, etc. Accelerometry is found to be a practical and low cost method for activity classification that could provide an objective and efficient measurement of people's daily activities.

METHODS

This paper utilises a mobile phone with a built-in tri-axial accelerometer sensor to automatically classify normal physical activities. A rule-based activity classification model, which can recognise 4 common daily activities (lying, walking, sitting, and standing) and 6 transitions between postural orientations, is introduced here. In this model, three types of statuses (walking/ transition, lying, and sitting/standing) are first classified based on the kinetic energy and upright angle. Transitions are then separated from walking and assigned to the corresponding type using upright angle algorithm. To evaluate the performance of this developed application, a trial is designed with 8 healthy adult subjects, who are required to perform a 6-minute activity routine with an iPhone fixed at the waist position.

RESULTS

Based on the evaluation result, our application measures the length of time of each activity accurately and the achieved sensitivity of each activity classification exceeds 90% while the achieved specificity exceeds 96%. Meanwhile, regarding the transition identification, the sensitivities are high in stand-to-sit (80%) and low in sit-to-stand (56%).

Abstract P3-02-11: First Analysis of the Value of Circulating Epithelial Tumor Cells and Circulating Endothelial Cells (CTCs/CECs) in Patients with HER-2 Negative Recurrent or Metastatic Breast Cancer Treated with Bevacizumab in Combination with Paclitaxel and Gemcitabine as First Line Therapy (AVALUZ Trial)

Background: Circulating epithelial tumor cells (CTCs) in peripheral blood are an ideal source for the detection of disseminated tumor cells of an easy sampling procedure. Their prognosis significance has been demonstrated in metastasic breast carcinoma and have potencial to influence the clinical management for pts. with breast cancer (Cristofanilli, NEJM 2004). The antiangiogenic agent bevacizumab (Bev.), in combination with CT, improves progression free survival (PFS) of first line treatments, may modify tumor cell intravasation and CTC count, and may change CEC levels. Aims of this study are the evaluation of the prevalence and kinetics of CTCs and CECs before and after antiangiogenic treatment with Bev in pts with metastatic breast cancer.

Methods: Eligible pts. received Bev (10mg/kg q2w) combined with paclitaxel 150 mg/m2 and gemcitabine 2000mg/m2 d 1 y 15 q28d as first line therapy, until disease progression, unacceptable toxicity or withdrawal. For pts. participating in the sub-study, CTC and CEC were measured in 7.5ml of blood at baseline and after the first cycle of treatment. Samples were subjected to imnumomagnetic enrichment with an anti-EpCAM antibody and fluorescence labelled. CTCs were defined as nucleated cells (DAPI+) expressing cytokeratin 8, 18 and 19 but CD45 negative phenotype. CECs were defined as nuclear cells (DAPI+) expressing CD105 PE and CD45 negative phenotype. A sample was considered positive when 1 or more cells were detected.

Results: Data are available for 37 pts. We found ≥1 CTCs before first cycle of treatment with bev in 73% of the patients (N=27). After first treatment, reduction of CTCs was found in 57% of the patients (N=16). The median number of CTCs was 34 cells/7.5 ml (min 0-max 845) of blood in the first determination and 4.79 cells/7.5 ml (min 0-max 99) in the second determination, p=0.0075. In 38% of the pts (N=14) we found ≥5 baseline CTCs and after treatment <5 CTCs were found in 89% of the pts (N=25). In 70% of pts with baseline ≥5 CTCs count, a reduction to < 5CTCs was observed in the second determination (N=10), p=0.20 (IC 34.15-93.33). In 10 pts we found CTCs=0 baseline value (35%) and in the second determination after treatment CTCs=0 cells/7.5 ml was observed in 53%, p=0.058. Baseline CECs ≥1 was observed in 100% of the pts (N=31). After first cycle of treatment with bev plus CT CECs=0 was found in 1 patient (3.4%). In 70% of pts (N=14) there was a reduction of baseline CECs count, p=0.3. The median value of baseline CECs was 123 cells/7.5 ml (min 4- max 1407) and the median value in second determination was 54 cells/7.5 ml (min 0-max 349). The median of reduction of CECs after treatment was 70 CECs, p=0.02.

Conclusions: The addiction of bev to 1st line CT was related with high reduction of the value of baseline CTCs and CECs count, statistically significant correlation. Reduction to < 5 CTCs of patients with baseline ≥5 CTCs (unfavourable prognosis) was observed in 70% of patients. The results of this explorative study are preliminary and a large number of pts and follow-up is required.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2010;70(24 Suppl):Abstract nr P3-02-11.

The transient receptor potential channel antagonist SKF96365 is a potent blocker of low-voltage-activated T-type calcium channels

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

SKF96365 (SKF), originally identified as a blocker of receptor-mediated calcium entry, is widely used diagnostically, as a blocker of transient receptor potential canonical type (TRPC) channels. While SKF has been used as a tool to define the functional roles of TRPC channels in various cell and tissue types, there are notable overlapping physiological and pathophysiological associations between TRPC channels and low-voltage-activated (LVA) T-type calcium channels. The activity of SKF against T-type Ca channels has not been previously explored, and here we systematically investigated the effects of SKF on recombinant and native voltage-gated Ca channel-mediated currents.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

Effects of SKF on recombinant Ca channels were studied under whole-cell patch clamp conditions after expression in HEK293 cells. The effect of SKF on cerebellar Purkinje cells (PCs) expressing native T-type Ca channels was also assessed.

KEY RESULTS

SKF blocked recombinant Ca channels, representative of each of the three main molecular genetic classes (Ca(V)1, Ca(V)2 and Ca(V)3) at concentrations typically utilized to assay TRPC function (10 microM). Particularly, human Ca(V)3.1 T-type Ca channels were more potently inhibited by SKF (IC(50) approximately 560 nM) in our experiments than previously reported for similarly expressed TRPC channels. SKF also inhibited native Ca(V)3.1 T-type currents in a rat cerebellar PC slice preparation.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

SKF was a potent blocker of LVA T-type Ca channels. We suggest caution in the interpretation of results using SKF alone as a diagnostic agent for TRPC activity in native tissues.

Adipose differentiation-related protein regulates lipids and insulin in pancreatic islets

The excess accumulation of lipids in islets is thought to contribute to the development of diabetes in obesity by impairing beta-cell function. However, lipids also serve a nutrient function in islets, and fatty acids acutely increase insulin secretion. A better understanding of lipid metabolism in islets will shed light on complex effects of lipids on beta-cells. Adipose differentiation-related protein (ADFP) is localized on the surface of lipid droplets in a wide range of cells and plays an important role in intracellular lipid metabolism. We found that ADFP was highly expressed in murine beta-cells. Moreover, islet ADFP was increased in mice on a high-fat diet (3.5-fold of control) and after fasting (2.5-fold of control), revealing dynamic changes in ADFP in response to metabolic cues. ADFP expression was also increased by addition of fatty acids in human islets. The downregulation of ADFP in MIN6 cells by antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) suppressed the accumulation of triglycerides upon fatty acid loading (56% of control) along with a reduction in the mRNA levels of lipogenic genes such as diacylglycerol O-acyltransferase-2 and fatty acid synthase. Fatty acid uptake, oxidation, and lipolysis were also reduced by downregulation of ADFP. Moreover, the reduction of ADFP impaired the ability of palmitate to increase insulin secretion. These findings demonstrate that ADFP is important in regulation of lipid metabolism and insulin secretion in beta-cells.

The development of generalized imitation within topographically determined boundaries

A multiple baseline technique was employed to examine the experimental development of an imitative repertoire within preselected topographical boundaries. Four severely retarded children, initially nonimitative, were individually trained to imitate a number of motor and vocal responses by shaping and fading procedures. Other untrained responses (probes) were demonstrated to the subjects systematically throughout the ongoing training. Training responses were divided into three topographical types: small motor, large motor, and short vocal responses. Probe responses were divided into four topographical types: small motor, large motor, short vocal, and long vocal responses. Following a multiple baseline format, sequential training of the first three types was begun at different temporal periods of the study; unreinforced imitative generalization was continually measured by the probes. Generalized imitation was observed in each subject (untrained responses were imitated even though unreinforced); but this generalization was restricted to the topographical type of imitation currently receiving training or having previously received training.

Improvement of retardates' mealtime behaviors by timeout procedures using multiple baseline techniques

Undesirable mealtime behaviors of a hospital cottage of retardates were reduced by contingent timeout procedures applied by ward personnel successively to one undesirable behavior after another, in a multiple baseline design. In some cases the timeout procedure was to remove the subject from the room until the meal was finished; in other cases (depending on the health of the child and the initial rate of the behavior to be reduced), timeout consisted of a 15-sec removal of the child's meal tray. Undesirable behaviors were defined as stealing, using fingers inappropriately, messy use of utensils, and pigging (eating directly with mouth or eating spilled food). Timeout was applied to these behaviors in that order, and in each case led to a marked and useful reduction in the behavior throughout the group. As these undesirable behaviors were reduced, more appropriate mealtime behaviors emerged: as inappropriate use of fingers declined (under contingent timeout), messy utensil behavior increased; later, as messy utensil behavior declined (under contingent timeout), a defined category of neat utensil behavior increased. Weights of the subjects were monitored steadily throughout the study and showed essentially no change.

Development of syntax in a retarded girl using procedures of imitation, reinforcement, and modelling

Three experiments demonstrated the development and generalized use of a singular and plural declarative sentence in a child initially lacking sentence form responses. In each experiment, an adult(s) served as a language model(s), and consequences (sweets) were provided for imitation of the model. During training trials, an item(s) was displayed first to the model(s) then to the subject; these displays were accompanied by requests to label the item(s). Generalization was assessed by a number of probe trials that were periodically interspersed among training trials. During these trials, the subject was requested to label the displayed item(s) without any preceding labelling response from the model. Using these procedures, generalized use of a singular sentence ("That is one-") resulted in Experiment I, and generalized use of a plural sentence ("These are two-") resulted in Experiment II. In Experiment III, two models (a singular and a plural sentence model) were made available to the subject but imitation of only one model was reinforced during any one condition. Results indicated the subject labelled probe (generalization) items with the same sentence form that was modelled and reinforced during training trials.

Omalizumab in children with inadequately controlled severe allergic (IgE-mediated) asthma

BACKGROUND

Many children with severe persistent allergic (IgE-mediated) asthma remain inadequately controlled despite treatment with high-dose inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) plus a long-acting beta(2)-agonist (LABA).

RESEARCH AND DESIGN METHODS

This pre-specified analysis of a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial evaluated the efficacy and safety of omalizumab in children (6-<12 years) with perennial allergen sensitivity, and history of asthma exacerbations and symptoms despite treatment with ICS (fluticasone >or=500 microg x day(-1) or equivalent) plus a LABA. Patients received omalizumab (75-375 mg once or twice a month by subcutaneous injection, as determined from dosing tables) or placebo over 52 weeks (24-week fixed-steroid then 28-week adjustable-steroid phases).

RESULTS

Out of 246 randomized patients (omalizumab, n = 166; placebo, n = 80), efficacy was analysed in 235 (omalizumab, n = 159; placebo, n = 76). Over the 24-week fixed-steroid phase, omalizumab reduced the rate of clinically significant asthma exacerbations (worsening symptoms requiring doubling of baseline ICS dose and/or systemic steroids) by 34% versus placebo (0.42 vs 0.63, rate ratio 0.662; P = 0.047). Over 52 weeks, the exacerbation rate was reduced by 50% (P < 0.001). Omalizumab had an acceptable safety profile, with no statistically significant (P < 0.05) differences in adverse events observed between omalizumab and placebo.

CONCLUSION

Add-on omalizumab is well-tolerated and reduces exacerbations in children (6-<12 years) with severe persistent allergic asthma, inadequately controlled despite high-dose ICS plus a LABA. It should be noted that the sample size was not based on providing statistical power in the severe subgroup, and no corrections were made for multiple comparisons; however, outcomes consistently favoured omalizumab.

Care assessment platform: an ICT-enabled home care model for secondary prevention of cardiovascular diseases

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading chronic diseases affecting developed countries. Traditional approach to secondary prevention of CVD through hospital-based cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is hampered by the lack of uptake and adherence.

Use of combined biomarkers analysis to predict response to chemotherapy in colorectal cancer: A single-institution feasibility study

11074

Background: Treatment options for patients (pts) with colorectal cancer (CRC) have increased in the last years. However, there are no validated prospective molecular markers in CRC to select which agents are better to treat any individual case. The aim of this study was to determine the feasibility of developing an implementing a biomarker panel to guide treatment selection in this setting. Methods: Colorectal cancer tumors were prospectively analyzed with a predefined set of 11 molecular targets, including: KRas and PI3K mutations, EGFR amplification (FISH), and ERCC-1, TS, TP expression by IHC. Clinical characteristics and response to chemotherapy were registered. To establish the utility of this panel, we determine as congruent-treatment if the panel predict the best treatment in patients with more of 1 chemotherapy line and no-congruent-treatment if do not. Results: A total of 84 patients were studied. Only 6 % required a repeated biopsy to obtain sufficient tumor for marker analysis. In 81 % of patients was feasible to study almost 8/11 targets. There were 29 pts (39%) with KRas mutant CRC; 3 pts with PI3K mutations (4%, all of them with KRas mutation); and 2 patients with EGFR amplification. ERCC-1 was positive in 5/78 (6.4%) and TS was positive in 47%. None of 54 pts had TP positivity. Clinical floow up was available in 66 pts (44 males, median age 59, 93% ECOG 0–1). Nineteen patients had early CRC; 23 with metastatic CRC treated with a first line chemotherapy and 24 with advanced CRC treated with 2 or more prior regimens. In this last group for whom the response to multiple agents is known, the panel predictive the most effective treatment in 14 of 24 cases. Conclusions: This targeted-therapy-panel is feasible to implement and should be explore to predict treatment response to CRC .

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Pneumonia due to Nocardia cyriacigeorgica in a patient with Crohn's disease treated with infliximab

Infliximab, an anti-tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) antibody, is useful in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease etc. It has been related to increases in the rate of several infections. We present the case of a 53-year-old woman diagnosed with community-acquired pneumonia due to Nocardia cyriacigeorgica who was taking infliximab, azathioprine and prednisone for Crohn's disease.

[Role of networks in the screening and management of chronic kidney disease]

Whatever the health care system, the prevention of chronic renal failure is at present limited by an insufficient use of available screening and treatment methods for chronic kidney disease. Consequently, most patients with chronic kidney disease remain exposed to an otherwise avoidable progression towards end-stage renal disease, an emergency start of dialysis, and increased cardiovascular risk. The coordination of care within a multiprofessional network including appropriate guidelines, continuous medical education and practice assessment, and patient information and therapeutic education, may radically change the prognosis of chronic kidney disease, and the burden of care.

A new method for the control of discrete nonlinear dynamic systems using neural networks

A new controller design method for nonaffine nonlinear dynamic systems is presented in this paper. An identified neural network model of the nonlinear plant is used in the proposed method. The method is based on a new control law that is developed for any discrete deterministic time-invariant nonlinear dynamic system in a subregion Phi(x) of an asymptotically stable equilibrium point of the plant. The performance of the control law is not necessarily dependent on the distance between the current state of the plant and the equilibrium state if the nonlinear dynamic system satisfies some mild requirements in Phi(x). The control law is simple to implement and is based on a novel linearization of the input-output model of the plant at each instant in time. It can be used to control both minimum phase and nonminimum phase nonaffine nonlinear plants. Extensive empirical studies have confirmed that the control law can be used to control a relatively general class of highly nonlinear multiinput-multioutput (MIMO) plants.

The shape of the potential energy surface and the thermal rate coefficients of the N + N2 reaction

Full-dimensional quantum time-dependent calculations of the detailed probabilities of the N + N2 reaction have been performed on different potential energy surfaces, initial quantum states, and total angular momentum quantum numbers. The calculations allowed a rationalization of the effect of both moving the saddle to reaction out of collinearity and lowering its height. On some of these surfaces, more extended studies of the reactive dynamics of the system were performed. On one of them also, thermal rate coefficients were computed using J = 0 quantum probabilities and the J-shift model after testing the applicability of such a model against centrifugal sudden results. A comparison of the calculated thermal rate coefficients with theoretical and experimental data available from the literature is also made, and possible effects of inserting an intermediate well at the top of the saddle are argued.

Reliance on Visible Speech Cues During Multimodal Language Processing: Individual and Age Differences

The current study demonstrates that when a strong inhibition process is invoked during multimodal (auditory-visual) language understanding: older adults perform worse than younger adults, visible speech does not benefit language-processing performance, and individual differences in measures of working memory for language do not predict performance. In contrast, in a task that does not invoke inhibition: adult age differences in performance are not obtained, visible speech benefits language performance, and individual differences in working memory predict performance. The results offer support for a framework for investigating multimodal language processing that incorporates assumptions about general information processing, individual differences in working memory capacity, and adult cognitive aging.

Retained Functional Integrity of Bull Spermatozoa after Double Freezing and Thawing Using PureSperm® Density Gradient Centrifugation

The main aim of this study was to compare the motility and functional integrity of bull spermatozoa after single and double freezing and thawing. The viability and morphological integrity of spermatozoa selected by PureSperm density gradient centrifugation after cryopreservation of bovine semen in two commercial extenders (Experiment 1) and the function of bull spermatozoa before and after a second freezing and thawing assisted by PureSperm selection (Experiment 2) were examined. On average, 35.8 +/- 12.1% of sperm loaded onto the PureSperm density gradient were recovered after centrifugation. In Experiment 1, post-thaw motility and acrosome integrity were higher for spermatozoa frozen in Tris-egg yolk extender than in AndroMed, whether the assessments were made immediately after thawing [80.4 +/- 12.7 vs 47.6 +/- 19.0% motile and 78.8 +/- 8.3 vs 50.1 +/- 19.5% normal apical ridge (NAR), p < 0.05] or after preparation on the gradient (83.3 +/- 8.6 vs 69.4 +/- 15.9% motile and 89.5 +/- 7.2 vs 69.1 +/- 11.4% NAR, p < 0.05). For semen frozen in Tris-egg yolk extender, selection on the PureSperm gradient did not influence total motility but significantly improved the proportion of acrosome-intact spermatozoa. After the gradient, both the total motility and percentage of normal acrosomes increased for spermatozoa frozen in AndroMed (Minitüb Tiefenbach, Germany). In Experiment 2, there was no difference in sperm motility after the first and second freeze-thawing (82.9 +/- 12.7 vs 68.8 +/- 18.7%). However, the proportion of acrosome-intact spermatozoa was significantly improved by selection through the PureSperm gradient, whether measured by phase contrast microscopy (78.9 +/- 9.7 vs 90.4 +/- 4.0% NAR, p < 0.05) or flow cytometry (53.4 +/- 11.7 vs 76.3 +/- 6.0% viable acrosome-intact spermatozoa, p < 0.001). The improvement in the percentage of spermatozoa with normal acrosomes was maintained after resuspension in the cooling extender and cooling to 4 degrees C (88.2 +/- 6.2) and after re-freezing and thawing (83.6 +/- 6.56% NAR). However, flow cytometric assessment of the sperm membranes revealed a decline in the percentage of viable spermatozoa with intact membranes after the second freezing and thawing compared with after gradient centrifugation (76.3 +/- 6.0% vs 46.6 +/- 6.6%, p < 0.001) to levels equivalent to those obtained after the first round of freeze-thawing (53.4 +/- 11.7% viable acrosome-intact spermatozoa). Sperm movement characteristics assessed by computer-assisted analysis were unaffected in the population selected on the PureSperm gradients but declined after cooling of the selected and extended spermatozoa to 4 degrees C. There was no further change in these kinematic measurements after the cooled spermatozoa had undergone the second round of freeze-thawing. These results demonstrate that bull semen can be frozen and thawed, followed by a second freeze-thawing cycle of a population of spermatozoa selected by PureSperm, with retained motility and functional integrity. This points to the possibility of using double frozen spermatozoa in bovine artificial insemination programmes and to the potential benefits of PureSperm density gradient centrifugation for the application of cryopreserved bull spermatozoa to other biotechnological procedures such as flow cytometric sex sorting followed by re-freezing and thawing.

Catch-up growth follows an abnormal pattern in experimental renal insufficiency and growth hormone treatment normalizes it

The primary goal of this study was to determine if the ability to undergo catch-up growth following a transient injury is preserved in an experimental model of moderate chronic renal failure (CRF) and the effect of growth hormone (GH) administration on such phenomenon. Young rats were subtotally nephrectomized (days 0 and 4) (Nx). From days 11 to 13, food intake was restricted in subgroups of Nx and control (C) rats (NxR and CR). After refeeding, subgroups of NxR and CR rats received GH from days 14 to 20 (NxRGH and CRGH). Rats were killed on days 14 (C, CR, Nx, NxR), 17 and 21 (C, CR, CRGH, Nx, NxR, NxRGH), and 36 (C, CR, Nx, NxR). Longitudinal growth rate was measured by osseous front advance in the proximal tibiae. With refeeding, growth rate of CR, NxR, and NXrGH rats became significantly greater than that of C, indicating catch-up growth. This occurred later and with lower growth rate in NxR than in CR rats, whereas the characteristics of catch-up growth in CR and NxRGH animals were similar. Changes in growth rate were associated with modifications in the morphology and proliferative activity of growth cartilage. We conclude that catch-up growth occurs in renal insufficiency but follows a different pattern from that observed with normal renal function. GH treatment normalizes the pattern of catch-up growth in CRF. Changes in growth velocity are associated to modifications in the structure and dynamics of growth cartilage.

[Parkinsonism and Camptocormia with focal spinal myopathy: case report and responsiveness to treatment]

INTRODUCTION

Camptocormia is characterised by extreme flexion of the thoracolumbar spine. It suffered an increase during walking and it is relieved in supine position. Camptocormia has been described in psychogenic disorders, but in other diseases, including Parkinson's disease as well. It has been recently described several cases with focal spinal myopathy, and we present a patient with this clinical association.

CASE REPORT

This 82-year-old man had a 6-year history of parkinsonian symptoms, mostly of rigid-akinetic type. He was in stage 4 on Hoehn & Yahr scale, and he had reached 62 points on Unified Parkinson Disease Rating Scale. Over the past 6-8 months, he developed progressive forward flexion of the trunk with clinical features of camptocormia. He suffered flogotic symptoms and signs on her lower back, and there were no dystonic posture or clinical features. Lumbar computerised tomography showed fat replacement of the paravertebral L3 muscles. A surgical paravertebral muscle examination and biopsy were performed, showing diffuse fat replacement and only a marginal myopathic focus. It was made several therapeutic approaches, with levodopa dose increase, reduction, fractioning, and addition of dopa-agonists. All of these strategies failed. It was determined to try a steroid course, but there were no improvement, so physiotherapy and rehabilitation measures did. He finally was confined to wheelchair.

CONCLUSIONS

Physiopathologic and therapeutic aspects of camptocormia in Parkinson's disease are unclear. Their relationship could be casual or causal. Patients with clear inflammatory myopathy could benefit from steroid therapy, but patients with end-stage myopathy probably do not so.

Effect of food intake on the bioavailability of almotriptan, an antimigraine compound, in healthy volunteers: an open, randomized, crossover, single-dose clinical trial

This open, randomized, crossover, single-dose clinical trial evaluated the possible pharmacokinetic interaction between a single oral dose of almotriptan 25 mg, a 5-HT1B/1D receptor agonist for the acute treatment of migraine, and food intake in healthy volunteers. The influence of food intake in the rate and extent of almotriptan absorption was evaluated by bioequivalence criteria. Tolerability and safety of treatment were also assessed. 16 healthy volunteers (8 men and 8 women, aged 19-27 years) received a crossed single oral dose of almotriptan 25 mg under fasting and fed conditions, separated by a 7-day washout period. The treatment given under fasting condition was considered as reference. Plasma levels of almotriptan were analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and UV detection at 227 nm. The 90% confidence intervals (CI) for the logarithmically transformed Cmax and AUC0-infinity, values of almotriptan under fasting and fed conditions (97.8 - 124% and 102.9 - 108.2%, respectively) fell into the predetermined accepted range of 80 - 125%. No statistically significant differences in Cmax, tmax, AUC0-infinity, MRT and t1/2 were observed under fasting and fed conditions between men and women. Tolerability of treatments was good throughout the whole study period. In conclusion, administration of almotriptan 25 mg is bioequivalent under fasting and fed conditions in healthy men and women. Therefore, it is unlikely that concomitant food intake would produce clinially relevant differences in therapeutic effect with almotriptan at the dose studied here.