[Treatment of peritoneal carcinomatosis with cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy]

Pinto Peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC) had for long been regarded as a terminal disease, characterized by a very poor survival and worthy of being treated with palliative therapy only. Cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) provide a promising additional treatment option for patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis, resulting in recently published series enable to obtain long-term survival. In spite of the need for more high quality studies, there is now a consensus among many international experts about the use of this new strategy as gold standard for treating with intent of cure selected patients with PC. We summarized the present status and possible future progress of this treatment modality, in particular outlining its rationale, current practice and general outcomes.

Diversity of microcystin-producing genotypes in Brazilian strains of Microcystis (Cyanobacteria)

Microcystis Kützing ex Lemmermann is among the genera of cyanobacteria often associated to toxic blooms with the release of microcystins. A gene cluster codes for microcystin synthetases, which are involved in the biosynthesis of this toxin. The aim of the present study was to investigate the genetic diversity of the mcyB gene, specifically the B1 module, in Brazilian strains of Microcystis spp. and its microcystin variants. Broad genetic diversity was revealed in this region. From the phylogenetic analysis, three clusters were obtained that were not related to the geographic origin or morphospecies of the strains, nor with the variant of the microcystin produced. A group of strains that did not produce microcystins was found, despite the presence of the mcyB1 fragment. Eight microcystin isoforms were detected: MC-LR, [D-Asp³]-MC-LR, [Asp³]-MC-LR, MC-RR, [Dha7]-MC-LR, MC-LF, MC-LW and [D-Asp³, EtAdda5]-MC-LH, the latter of which is described for the first time in Brazil. Moreover, five other variants were not identified and indicate being new.

Feasibility of localized immunosuppression: 2. PLA microspheres for the sustained local delivery of a soft immunosuppressant

While biohybrid therapy shows promise, their further development into an "artificial pancreatic" system in diabetics also requires the management of the related immuneresponse triggered by such cellular therapies. Ideally this should be on a local level within the biohybrid device. This study relates to the design of sustained release formulations of the glucocorticoid soft drug loteprednol etabonate (LE) that are intended to locally suppress the immune response within the biohybrid devices, thereby warranting high local activity and reduced systemic side effects. Poly(D,L-lactic) acid (PLA) and poly(D,L-lactic glycolic acid (PLGA) microspheres of the soft corticosteroid loteprednol etabonate (LE) were prepared by solvent evaporation. A range of particles differing in particle size, nature of the polymer, emulsification method, and emulsifier were prepared and characterized. These results showed that the approach is able to customize slow release particles with predictable release characteristics over a period of days to month. Preliminary studies were performed with particles of a drug loading of 3.9 (+/- 0.2) %, and a mean particle diameter of 5 microm. In-vitro release studies indicated that these particles released drug over a period of three months. In vitro cell toxicity studies suggested that at higher concentrations (> 1 microM), unencapsulated LE showed some effect on the viability of the MIN-6 insuloma cell line, while the sustained release microspheres showed no cytotoxicity. The ability of these microspheres to provide localized immunosuppression has been evaluated in a set of early exploratory experiments with diabetic rats receiving islet transplantation. Animals treated using a biohybrid device loaded with microspheres showed improved results compared to those treated by delivery in solution form with an osmotic mini-pump. These results show the promise of localized glucocorticoid treatment by sustained release microspheres as a possible form of localized immunosuppression regimen. However, further confirmation is required before use in cell or organ transplantation.

[Recovering from depression: a matter of objective and determination]

Depression is a major public health problem. According to the World Health Organization (OMS), depression is currently the second cause of disability in developping countries. Depression is also one of the most frequent mental illnesses. In the treatment of depression, the main objective is to achieve complete remission and to prevent recurrence. Unfortunately, in clinical practice, this aim is particularly difficult to reach. Indeed, in clinical trials and in naturalistic studies, remission levels are rather low. Fortunately, different therapeutic strategies are available that increase chances to achieve remission. Therapeutic options such as switching, augmentation and combination are very effective. Some strategies are considered as more effective than others, but the choice is generally based on the experience of the clinician. Indeed, scientific data remain limited in the field of treatment resistant depression. Besides pharmacology, psychotherapy and cerebral stimulation techniques could be interesting alternatives.

[Inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion induced by sodium valproate]

The occurrence of a syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH) with sodium valproate has been rarely described in the literature. We present a 46-year-old patient, admitted to the Emergency Room for confusion and acute agitation. The exploration showed a severe hyponatraemia induced by sodium valproate, prescribed for a type I bipolar disorder. This article addresses both somatic and psychiatric issues in the differential diagnosis of confusion and agitation.

Efficient sonochemical synthesis of novel 3,5-diaryl-4,5-dihydro-1H-pyrazole-1-carboximidamides

An ultrasound-assisted preparation of a series of novel 3,5-diaryl-4,5-dihydro-1H-pyrazole-1-carboximidamides that proceeds via the efficient reaction of chalcones with aminoguanidine hydrochloride under clean conditions is described.

Saxitoxins accumulation by freshwater tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) for human consumption

The accumulation of saxitoxins (STXs) in fish from freshwater aquaculture was investigated for the first time in the present study. Cyanotoxins have been monitored in liver and muscle samples of Oreochromis niloticus by chromatographic methods, both before and after the depuration process. The results show that tilapia can accumulate STXs. Our findings suggest that depuration with clean water is an alternative process to eliminate STXs from fish and, therefore, improve the safety of tilapia for consumers.

Microcystins -LA, -YR, and -LR action on neutrophil migration

Microcystins (MCs) produced by some freshwater cyanobacterial species possess potent liver toxicity as evidenced by acute neutrophil infiltration. Here, we investigate the ability of three structurally distinct toxins (MC-LA, MC-LR, and MC-YR) to evoke neutrophil recruitment per se and their effects on migration pathways. Intravital microscopic studies showed that topical application of only MC-LR enhanced the numbers of rolling and adhered leukocytes in the endothelium of postcapillary mesenteric venules. The latter effects may be dependent upon induction of the synthesis and expression of L-selectin and beta2-integrin in neutrophils, as assessed by flow cytometry and RT-PCR, respectively. Conversely, the three toxins promoted direct locomotion of neutrophils and enhanced their migration in response to fMLP, as measured by Boyden chamber assays, and increased intracellular calcium, a messenger in the chemotaxic process. In conclusion, our results show that MCs act on specific pathways of neutrophil recruitment, indicating their potential effect on neutrophils activation.

Influence of Oversized Dowel Space Preparation on the Bond Strengths of FRC Posts

Build-up composites could not fulfil the expectations to bond an FRC post into wide dowel spaces with the same bond strength as a precisely fitting FRC post.

Water recycling by Amazonian vegetation: coupled versus uncoupled vegetation-climate interactions

To demonstrate the relationship between Amazonian vegetation and surface water dynamics, specifically, the recycling of water via evapotranspiration (ET), we compare two general circulation model experiments; one that couples the IS92a scenario of future CO₂ emissions to a land-surface scheme with dynamic vegetation (coupled) and the other to fixed vegetation (uncoupled). Because the only difference between simulations involves vegetation coupling, any alterations to surface energy and water balance must be due to vegetation feedbacks. The proportion of water recycled back to the atmosphere is relatively conserved through time for both experiments. Absolute value of recycled water is lower in our coupled relative to our uncoupled simulation as a result of increasing atmospheric CO₂ that in turn promotes lowering of stomatal conductance and increase in water-use efficiency. Bowen ratio increases with decreasing per cent broadleaf cover, with the greatest rate of change occurring at high vegetation cover (above 70% broadleaf cover). Over the duration of the climate change simulation, precipitation is reduced by an extra 30% in the coupled relative to the uncoupled simulations. Lifting condensation level (proxy for base height of cumulus cloud formation) is 520 m higher in our coupled relative to uncoupled simulations.

[Genetic factors of alcohol-dependence]

INTRODUCTION

Alcohol dependence is a complex and multifactorial disease resulting both from neurobiological mechanisms and environmental factors. It is frequently associated with comorbid psychiatric disorders or with specific personality or behavioral features. Although action can be taken on the environment in order to decrease the risk of the illness, current methods used to prevent or to treat this pathology show moderate efficacy: problematic consumption of ethanol in the general population as well as relapse rates under treatment in dependent patients remain indeed very high.

LITERATURE FINDINGS

It is therefore of major importance to broaden our knowledge of alcohol dependence and its comorbidities so as to improve both their prevention and treatment. In this perspective, recent progress in the field of neurosciences may contribute to achieve this goal. Precisely, genetics is a promising way benefiting from many advances in genetic epidemiology, cellular and molecular biology, neuroimaging and pharmacology. In parallel with a better understanding of the neurobiology of addictions and associated behaviors, these techniques led to the identification of brain mechanisms in which a genetic variation may influence the individual vulnerability towards alcohol dependence. Moreover, there is growing evidence that alcoholism results from the interaction of genetic and environmental factors influencing both its expression and its course. Given the fact that alcohol-dependence seems highly heritable (50 to 60% of the variance in both men and women), this review assesses the role of some of the genomic regions linked with the disease, as well as the principal variants of candidate genes identified as specifically involved in the predisposition. Polymorphisms of genes influencing alcohol metabolism, GABAergic, dopaminergic and serotonergic neurotransmission seem, indeed, at stake in the development of alcohol-dependence and its related features such as personality, behavior, impulse control or craving. In the future, a better characterization of the links between genotypes and phenotypes will probably increase our ability to treat alcoholic patients.

Biochemical biomarkers in algae and marine pollution: a review

Environmental pollution by organic compounds and metals became extensive as mining and industrial activities increased in the 19th century and have intensified since then. Environmental pollutants originating from diverse anthropogenic sources have been known to possess adverse values capable of degrading the ecological integrity of marine environment. The consequences of anthropogenic contamination of marine environments have been ignored or poorly characterized with the possible exception of coastal and estuarine waters close to sewage outlets. Monitoring the impact of pollutants on aquatic life forms is challenging due to the differential sensitivities of organisms to a given pollutant, and the inability to assess the long-term effects of persistent pollutants on the ecosystem as they are bio-accumulated at higher trophic levels. Marine microalgae are particularly promising indicator species for organic and inorganic pollutants since they are typically the most abundant life forms in aquatic environments and occupy the base of the food chain. We review the effects of pollutants on the cellular biochemistry of microalgae and the biochemical mechanisms that microalgae use to detoxify or modify pollutants. In addition, we evaluate the potential uses of microalgae as bioindicator species as an early sentinel in polluted sites.

Comparative analysis of the gas-phase reactions of cylindrospermopsin and the difference in the alkali metal cation mobility

Cylindrospermopsin (CYN) belongs to a group of toxins produced by several strains of freshwater cyanobacteria. It is a compact zwitterionic molecule composed of a uracil section and a tricyclic guanidinium portion with a primarily hepatotoxic effect. Using low multi-stage and high-resolution mass spectrometry, the gas-phase reactions of this toxin have been investigated. Our data show that collision-induced dissociation (CID) spectra of CYN are dominated by neutral losses, and three major initial fragmentation pathways are clearly distinguishable. Interestingly, comparative analysis of protonated and cationizated molecules showed a significant difference in the balance of the SO3 and terminal ring elimination. These data indicate that the differential ion mobility of H+, Li+, Na+ and K+ leads to different fragmentation pathways, giving rise to mass spectra with different profiles.