Sugarcane productivity and economic viability in response to planting density

Planting with higher density in sugarcane is one of the practices used to overcome low productivity. However, this planting material is equivalent to 25% of the total cost of production, being one of the main expenses for cultivation. In this sense, the present work aims to evaluate the productivity and economic viability of sugarcane as a function of planting density. The experiment was carried out at Usina Monte Alegre in the municipality of Mamanguape, Paraíba, Brazil, from March 2021 to January 2022 with the variety RB92579. Seven planting density were studied: T1: 7 gems m-1, T2: 10 gems m-1, T3: 12 gems m-1, T4: 11 gems m-1, T5: 15 gems m-1, T6: 17 gems m-1, T7: 24 gems m-1, in randomized blocks with four replications. Growth, productivity and economic viability were evaluated. The highest productivity of cane and sugar, 77.69 ton ha-1 and 10.390 ton ha-1, respectively, was with planting density of 17 and 24 gems-1. While the minimum productivity of cane (61.313 ton ha-1) and sugar (7.924 ton ha-1) was recorded at sowing density of 7 and 11 gems-1. However, cultivation density with 7 and 10 gems m-1 were the ones that provided the highest profitability around 50%, followed by density of 12, 15 and 17 gems m-1 with an average of 45% profit and 11 and 24 gems m-1 with the lowest proportion of profit on average 38%. The cultivation with 17 gems m-1 of cane provides in cane-plant, variety RB92579, greater productivity with a profit rate of 45%, being the most suitable.

Peptide YY: A Paneth cell antimicrobial peptide that maintains Candida gut commensalism

The mammalian gut secretes a family of multifunctional peptides that affect appetite, intestinal secretions, and motility whereas others regulate the microbiota. We have found that peptide YY (PYY1-36), but not endocrine PYY3-36, acts as an antimicrobial peptide (AMP) expressed by gut epithelial paneth cells (PC). PC-PYY is packaged into secretory granules and is secreted into and retained by surface mucus, which optimizes PC-PYY activity. Although PC-PYY shows some antibacterial activity, it displays selective antifungal activity against virulent Candida albicans hyphae-but not the yeast form. PC-PYY is a cationic molecule that interacts with the anionic surfaces of fungal hyphae to cause membrane disruption and transcriptional reprogramming that selects for the yeast phenotype. Hence, PC-PYY is an antifungal AMP that contributes to the maintenance of gut fungal commensalism.

Production of mycelial biomass, proteases and protease inhibitors by Ganoderma lucidum under different submerged fermentation conditions

Ganoderma lucidum is a medicinal mushroom widely recognized as a source of biomolecules with pharmacological properties, however, little is known about the factors that influence the synthesis of bioactive proteins by this fungus when cultivated under submerged fermentation. The objective of this work was to evaluate the production of mycelial biomass and intracellular proteases and protease inhibitors by G. lucidum cultivated under different submerged fermentation conditions. The cultivation was carried out in a medium composed of glucose (10 or 20 g.L-1), soy peptone (2.5 or 5 g.L-1) and yeast extract (5 g.L-1), with incubation under agitation (120 rpm) and non-agitation, totaling 8 experimental conditions. Biomass production was determined from the dry weight, while glucose consumption was estimated by quantification of reducing sugars. The proteins were extracted in NaCl (0.15 M), and the protein extracts were submitted to protein quantification by the Bradford method, total proteolytic activity using azocasein, caseinolytic and fibrinolytic activity in Petri dishes, activity of serine (trypsin and chymotrypsin) and cysteine (papain) protease inhibitors. Cultivation in agitated condition showed higher biomass production with a maximum value of 7 g.L-1, in addition to higher activities of trypsin, chymotrypsin and papain inhibitors, with 154 IU.mg-1, 153 IU.mg-1 e 343 IU.mg-1 of protein, respectively. The non-agitated condition showed a greater potential for obtaining proteins, total proteases, caseinolytic and fibrinolytic enzymes, with maximum values of 433 mg.g-1 of extract, 71 U.mL-1 of extract, 63.62 mm2 and 50.27 mm2, respectively. Thus, a medium composed of soy peptone, yest extract and glucose in a 1:2:4 proportion is recommended, under agitation to produce protease inhibitors, and the non-agitated condition when the target is, mainly caseinolytic and fibrinolytic enzymes.

282. Occurrence of adverse events and factors related to prognosis in a cohort of patients hospitalized with COVID-19 at University hospital - UNICAMP, Brazil

Background

In Brazil, 30.378.061 cases of COVID were reported and 662.866 deaths up to April 27 of 2022. Hospital infections and other hospital adverse events may increase the risk of death in patients with COVID-19.

Methods

Cohort study that included 650 adult patients hospitalized with a diagnosis of SARS CoV-2 infection at Hospital HC-UNICAMP from March/20 to March/21.

Results

Of the 650 patients included in the study, 139 (21.38%) died. Comparing the patients who died vs those who survived, we observed a statistically significant difference in the occurrence of thromboembolic and vascular events (23% vs 9.8%; OR 1.332; 95%CI 1.12-1.59; p < 0,0001), ICU admission (84.9% vs 39.6%; OR 0.675; 95%CI 0.62-0.74; p< 0.0001) and the occurrence of HI: bloodstream infections (30.2% vs 8.6%; OR 1.62; 95%CI 1.31-1.99; p< 0.0001), VAP (52.5% vs 12.3%; OR 1.882; 95%CI 1.57-2.26; p< 0.0001) and UTI (27.3% vs 7.2%; OR 1.672; 95%CI 1.32-2.11; p< 0.0001). Gram negative bacteria were the most isolated (62.1%), especially K. pneumoniae, A. baumannii and P. aeruginosa, followed by gram positive bacteria (27%) and fungi (13.8%).

When evaluating patients who had thromboembolic events, we observed a statistically significant association with male gender (15.9% vs 7.9%; p 0.003), mean initial D-Dimer values (10,418.00 ng/mL vs 3011.34 ng/ml; p 0.003); acute renal failure (19.1% vs 9.3%; p 0.001) and the occurrence of HI (24.4% vs 7.3%; p< 0.0001).

The following factors associated with ICU admission were identified: diabetes mellitus (59.3% vs 40.5%; p< 0.0001); obesity (58.3% vs 41.7%; p 0.003); O2 saturation at admission < 88% (67.8% vs 32.2%); acute renal failure (78.6% vs 21.4%; p< 0.0001) and the occurrence of HI (87.8% vs 12.2%; p< 0.0001).

Logistic regression analysis identified the following variables independently associated with death: age (OR 1,034; CI 1,015-1,052), ICU admission (OR 1,107; CI 1,596-5,868), use of vasoactive drugs (OR 2,93; CI 1,79-4,82), development of acute renal failure (OR 7,756; CI 4,537-13,26), and the occurrence of VAP (OR 2,205; CI 1,227-3,961) (Table 1). Table 1:

Length-weight relationships of fish from sandy beaches

This study estimated the length-weight relationships of 16 fish species occurring close to the shores of sandy beaches along the lower Negro River basin, Brazilian Amazon. The specimens were captured for one day each month, in October to November 2016, early in the morning and early evening, using trawl net (20 m taken for standard length (SL - 0.1 cm precision) and total weight (TW - 0.01 g precision). The parameters a and b of the equation WT = a.LTb were estimated. The a values ranged from 0.0018 to 0.0226 and b values ranged from 2.5271 to 3.3244. This study also provides new data on of maximum lengths for six species, Amazonsprattus scintilla, Brycon pesu, Moenkhausia megalops, Pachyurus paucirastrus, Reganella depressa and Trachydoras microstomus, and new reports of the LWRs parameters of 15 fish species.

Electrochemical cell design for the impedance studies of chlorine evolution at DSA(®) anodes

A new electrochemical cell design suitable for the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) studies of chlorine evolution on Dimensionally Stable Anodes (DSA(®)) has been developed. Despite being considered a powerful tool, EIS has rarely been used to study the kinetics of chlorine evolution at DSA anodes. Cell designs in the open literature are unsuitable for the EIS analysis at high DSA anode current densities for chlorine evolution because they allow gas accumulation at the electrode surface. Using the new cell, the impedance spectra of the DSA anode during chlorine evolution at high sodium chloride concentration (5 mol dm(-3) NaCl) and high current densities (up to 140 mA cm(-2)) were recorded. Additionally, polarization curves and voltammograms were obtained showing little or no noise. EIS and polarization curves evidence the role of the adsorption step in the chlorine evolution reaction, compatible with the Volmer-Heyrovsky and Volmer-Tafel mechanisms.

Butyrate impairs atherogenesis by reducing plaque inflammation and vulnerability and decreasing NFκB activation

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Butyrate is a four-carbon fatty acid that presents anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative and apoptotic properties in colon and several cell lines. Because atherosclerosis has important oxidative and inflammatory components, butyrate could reduce oxidation and inflammation, impairing atherogenesis. We evaluated the effects of butyrate supplementation of butyrate on atherosclerosis and its mechanisms of action.

METHODS AND RESULTS

ApoE knockout mice were fed on chow diet or 1% butyrate-supplemented chow diet (Butyrate) for 10 weeks to assess atherosclerosis lesions area and inflammatory status. Macrophage and endothelial cells were also pretreated with butyrate (0.5 mM) for 2 h before oxLDL stimulation to study oxLDL uptake and pro and anti-inflammatory cytokine production. Butyrate reduced atherosclerosis in the aorta by 50%. In the aortic valve, butyrate reduced CCL2, VCAM1 and MMP2 productions in the lesion site, resulting in a lower migration of macrophage and increased collagen depositions in the lesion and plaque stability. When EA.hy926 cells were pretreated with butyrate, oxLDL uptake, CD36, VCAM1, CCL2 TNF, IL1β and IL6 productions were reduced, whereas IL10 production was increased. These effects were accompanied by a lower activation of NFκB due to a lower nuclear translocation of the p65 subunit.

CONCLUSION

Oral butyrate is able to slow the progression of atherosclerosis by reducing adhesion and migration of macrophages and increasing plaque stability. These actions are linked to the reduction of CD36 in macrophages and endothelial cells, decreased pro-inflammatory cytokines and lower activation of NFκB all of these data support a possible role for butyrate as an atheroprotective agent.

ADP is a vasodilator component from Lasiodora sp. mygalomorph spider venom

Members of the spider genus Lasiodora are widely distributed in Brazil, where they are commonly known as caranguejeiras. Lasiodora spider venom is slightly harmful to humans. The bite of this spider causes local pain, edema and erythema. However, Lasiodora sp. spider venom may be a source of important pharmacological tools. Our research group has described previously that Lasiodora sp. venom produces bradycardia in the isolated rat heart. In the present work, we sought to evaluate the vascular effect of Lasiodora sp. venom and to isolate the vasoactive compounds from the venom. The results showed that Lasiodora spider venom induced a concentration-dependent vasodilation in rat aortic rings, which was dependent on the presence of a functional endothelium and abolished by the nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor L-NAME. Western blot experiments revealed that the venom also increased endothelial NOS function by increasing phosphorylation of the Ser¹¹⁷⁷ residue. Assay-directed fractionation isolated a vasoactive fraction from Lasiodora sp. venom. Mass spectrometry (MS) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) assays identified a mixture of two compounds: adenosine diphosphate (ADP, approximately 90%) and adenosine monophosphate (AMP, approximately 10%). The vasodilator effects of Lasiodora sp. whole venom, as well as ADP, were significantly inhibited by suramin, which is a purinergic P2-receptor antagonist. Therefore, the results of the present work indicate that ADP is a main vasodilator component of Lasiodora sp. spider venom.

Effects of hypo- and hyperthyroidism on proliferation, angiogenesis, apoptosis and expression of COX-2 in the corpus luteum of female rats

Although thyroid dysfunction occurs frequently in humans and some animal species, the mechanisms by which hypo- and hyperthyroidism affect the corpus luteum have not been thoroughly elucidated. This study evaluated the levels of proliferative activity, angiogenesis, apoptosis and expression of cyclooxygenase-2 in the corpus luteum of female rats with thyroid dysfunction. These processes may be important in understanding the reproductive changes caused by thyroid dysfunction. A total of 18 adult female rats were divided into three groups (control, hypothyroid and hyperthyroid) with six animals per group. Three months after treatment to induce thyroid dysfunction, the rats were euthanized in the dioestrus phase. The ovaries were collected and immunohistochemically analysed for expression of the cell proliferation marker CDC-47, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), VEGF receptor Flk-1 and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). Apoptosis was evaluated using the TUNEL assay. Hypothyroidism reduced the intensity and area of COX-2 expression in the corpus luteum (p < 0.05), while hyperthyroidism did not alter COX-2 expression in the dioestrus phase. Hypothyroidism significantly reduced the expression of CDC-47 in endothelial cells and pericytes in the corpus luteum, whereas hyperthyroidism did not induce a detectable change in CDC-47 expression (p > 0.05). Hypothyroidism reduced the level of apoptosis in luteal cells (p < 0.05) and increased VEGF expression in the corpus luteum. In contrast, hyperthyroidism increased the level of apoptosis in the corpus luteum (p < 0.05). In conclusion, thyroid dysfunction differentially affects the levels of proliferative activity, angiogenesis and apoptosis and COX-2 expression in the corpus luteum of female rats.

64, XX, SRY-negative, testicular DSD syndrome in a Lusitano horse

Here is reported a disorder of sex development found in the Portuguese Lusitano horse breed. The complex genital phenotype included mammary glands, abdominal testes without epididymis, connected through oviducts to pelvic hypoplastic uterine horns and fused vulvar labia majora from which protruded ventrally a penis-like structure. This structure was presented in a reversed position, the urethral opening placed dorsally in the glans. However, it was functional both for micturition and erection. The horse exhibited female micturition posture and aggressive male-like behaviour, including flehmen, mounting, thrusting and flagging of the tail. Plasma testosterone concentrations were below detection limits and the genetic evaluation revealed a 64, XX, SRY-negative karyotype. Surgery consisted in the removal of abdominal gonads followed by amputation of the penis and repositioning of the urethra. This case of reversion between the chromosomal and gonadal sex, associated with mixed anatomical and behavioural phenotype, illustrates that development of the testes may occur in the absence of the SRY gene and that other genetic and cellular pathways leading to gonad differentiation should be investigated.

Species composition of skates (Rajidae) in commercial fisheries around the British Isles and their discarding patterns

Recent regulations have required European nations to report commercial landings of Rajidae (skates) to species level since 2008. Morphological similarities between some species, variability in colouration and regional differences in common names may compromise the accuracy of some of these data. An increased proportion of rajid landings reported by the U.K. (England, Wales and Northern Ireland) are now reported to species level (42% in 2008, rising to 92% in 2010). Recent landings (2007-2010) of Rajidae by the U.K. indicated that the majority of reported landings were made by otter trawl (55·9%), tangle and gillnet (18·7%) and beam trawl (15·5%). Approximately 70% of recent landings originated from four ICES Divisions: the Irish Sea (VIIa), western English Channel (VIIe), Bristol Channel (VIIf) and southern North Sea (IVc). Recent species-specific landings of Rajidae are appraised in terms of the species reported and the overall composition, and potential problems identified. Data from observer trips have been used to estimate the species composition of Rajidae taken in some of the main commercial fisheries operating around the British Isles, and these data are compared to landings. Although there was typically broad agreement between these data sets in terms of the main species landed, misidentification issues were apparent and Rajidae with highly patchy distributions may be under-represented in observer data. Data from observer trips were also used to examine the discard and retention pattern. Most rajid species were first retained from total lengths, L(T) , of 27-34 cm, with 50% retention occurring at between 49 and 51 cm and near-full retention at L(T) of 60-67 cm. Beam trawls captured a higher proportion of smaller individuals, whilst gillnets (>150 mm mesh size) caught proportionally more larger rajids.

Decreased production of neuronal NOS-derived hydrogen peroxide contributes to endothelial dysfunction in atherosclerosis

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Reduced NO availability has been described as a key mechanism responsible for endothelial dysfunction in atherosclerosis. We previously reported that neuronal NOS (nNOS)-derived H(2)O(2) is an important endothelium-derived relaxant factor in the mouse aorta. The role of H(2)O(2) and nNOS in endothelial dysfunction in atherosclerosis remains undetermined. We hypothesized that a decrease in nNOS-derived H(2)O(2) contributes to the impaired vasodilatation in apolipoprotein E-deficient mice (ApoE(-/-)).

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

Changes in isometric tension were recorded on a myograph; simultaneously, NO and H(2)O(2) were measured using carbon microsensors. Antisense oligodeoxynucleotides were used to knockdown eNOS and nNOS in vivo. Western blot and confocal microscopy were used to analyse the expression and localization of NOS isoforms.

KEY RESULTS

Aortas from ApoE(-/-) mice showed impaired vasodilatation paralleled by decreased NO and H(2)O(2) production. Inhibition of nNOS with L-Arg(NO2) -L-Dbu, knockdown of nNOS and catalase, which decomposes H(2)O(2) into oxygen and water, decreased ACh-induced relaxation by half, produced a small diminution of NO production and abolished H(2)O(2) in wild-type animals, but had no effect in ApoE(-/-) mice. Confocal microscopy showed increased nNOS immunostaining in endothelial cells of ApoE(-/-) mice. However, ACh stimulation of vessels resulted in less phosphorylation on Ser852 in ApoE(-/-) mice.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

Our data show that endothelial nNOS-derived H(2)O(2) production is impaired and contributes to endothelial dysfunction in ApoE(-/-) aorta. The present study provides a new mechanism for endothelial dysfunction in atherosclerosis and may represent a novel target to elaborate the therapeutic strategy for vascular atherosclerosis.

Adhesion of Histoplasma capsulatum to pneumocytes and biofilm formation on an abiotic surface

The pathogenic fungus, Histoplasma capsulatum, causes the respiratory and systemic disease 'histoplasmosis'. This disease is primarily acquired via inhalation of aerosolized microconidia or hyphal fragments of H. capsulatum. Evolution of this respiratory disease depends on the ability of H. capsulatum yeasts to survive and replicate within alveolar macrophages. It is known that adhesion to host cells is the first step in colonization and biofilm formation. Some microorganisms become attached to biological and non-biological surfaces due to the formation of biofilms. Based on the importance of biofilms and their persistence on host tissues and cell surfaces, the present study was designed to investigate biofilm formation by H. capsulatum yeasts, as well as their ability to adhere to pneumocyte cells. H. capsulatum biofilm assays were performed in vitro using two different clinical strains of the fungus and biofilms were characterized using scanning electron microscopy. The biofilms were measured using a 2,3-bis(2-methoxy-4-nitro-5-sulfophenyl)-5-[(phenylamino)carbonyl]-2H-tetrazolium-hydroxide (XTT) reduction assay. The results showed that both the H. capsulatum strains tested were very efficient at adhering to host cells and forming biofilm. Therefore, this is a possible survival strategy adopted by this fungus.

Administration of thyroxine affects the morphometric parameters and VEGF expression in the uterus and placenta and the uterine vascularization but does not affect reproductive parameters in gilts during early gestation

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of thyroxine administration on morphometric parameters, expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and vascularization in the uterus and placenta and reproductive parameters in gilts at 70 days of gestation. At 150 days of age, i.e., before first heat, 20 gilts were randomly divided into two experimental groups: treated (n=10) and control (n=10). The treated group received a daily dose of 400 μg of L-thyroxine (T(4)) in their diet until slaughter and the control group received only typical meals. Before artificial insemination, blood was collected to determine plasma total T(4). The gilts were inseminated in the second oestrus and slaughtered at 70 days of gestation. The foetal thyroid follicular epithelium height, number, size and weight of foetuses; foetal myogenesis, corpora lutea number, embryonic mortality rate, uterine weight, placental weight and placental fluid volume were measured. Histomorphometric and immunohistochemical analysis of uterus and placenta were determined. The averages of all variables were compared by the Student's t-test. The gilts treated with thyroxine showed significant increase of plasma total T(4). At 70 days of gestation, the heights of the trophoblastic epithelium, endometrial epithelium and endometrial gland epithelium were significantly higher in the group treated with T(4). The expression of cytoplasmatic and nuclear VEGF in trophoblastic cells and the number of blood vessels per field in endometrial stroma were significantly higher in the gilts treated with T(4). No other significant differences between groups were obtained with respect to other parameters (p>0.05). We conclude that oral administration of T(4) up to 70 days of pregnancy in gilts affects the morphometric parameters, the expression of placental VEGF and the uterine vascularization but does not affect reproductive parameters in gilts during early gestation.

Assessment of water pollution in the Antuã River basin (Northwestern Portugal)

The Antuã River, located in northwestern Portugal, drains a region with a high population density and a strong economic dynamism. These factors, together with a lack of facilities for appropriate treatment of domestic and industrial sewage, are putting increasing pressure on water resources. In this context, the aim of the present study was to identify point sources of pollution and to assess the surface water quality in the Antuã basin by monitoring physicochemical variables. A total of 40 point sources of wastewater, including some with a high pollution load, were detected in the most populated and industrialized areas of the São João da Madeira and Oliveira de Azeméis municipalities. These sources explained the strong degradation of water quality observed in the upper and medium Antuã River and in one of its tributaries, where maxima of 49 mg l(-1) for biochemical oxygen demand, 29 mg l(-1) for Kjeldahl nitrogen and 3.7 mg l(-1) for total phosphorus, were found after five surface water monitoring campaigns. Despite the relevance of pollution problems, a considerable water quality improvement, promoted by favourable reaeration conditions, was observed in the final stretch of the river, giving evidence of a great self-depuration capacity. However, the Antuã is a significant contributor of nutrients to the Ria de Aveiro, the coastal lagoon where the river meets the Atlantic Ocean.

The water quality of the Cértima River basin (Central Portugal)

The aim of this study was to evaluate the water quality of the Cértima River basin (Central Portugal). For that purpose, surface water samples were collected in March, May and July 2003, at 10 selected sampling sites, and were analysed for physicochemical parameters, namely temperature, conductivity, pH, total suspended solids, dissolved oxygen, biochemical oxygen demand (BOD(5)), Kjeldahl nitrogen and total phosphorus. Results revealed an acceptable water quality during the spring season. Maxima of 64 mg dm(-3) for BOD(5), 39 mg dm(-3) for Kjeldahl nitrogen, and 5.2 mg dm(-3) for total phosphorus, were recorded during summer, indicating a significant degradation of the water quality in a river stretch located downstream of the town of Mealhada. These values, which did not comply with the objectives of minimum quality for surface waters prescribed by the Portuguese legislation, were related to domestic wastewater discharges and runoff waters from a cattle farm. Besides their effects on the middle stretch of the river, these pollution sources were the most likely cause of the high nutrient load in downstream waters, and thus may have a major impact on the trophic status of Pateira de Fermentelos, a sensitive wetland area located in the lower Cértima basin.

Prognostic significance of the distribution of neck node metastasis from oral carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Carcinoma of the oral cavity presents a high risk for neck metastasis, which reduces the probability of regional control and survival.

OBJECTIVES

The main objective of this study is to analyze prognostic implications of the distribution of neck metastasis in 513 patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

All patients underwent surgery from 1970-1992. Tumor stages were I, 63; II, 120; III, 173; and IV, 157. Neck dissections were performed in 448 patients (115 bilateral).

RESULTS

By use of multivariate regression techniques the level of lymph node involvement was the most important prognostic factor (relative risks from 1.8 to 2.5). The following variables were also associated with prognosis: mobility of lymph nodes, sex, T stage, age, and tumor thickness.

CONCLUSIONS

The level of ipsilateral lymph node involvement was the most significant prognostic factor patients with in oral cancer who underwent surgical treatment. A significant decrease in survival also was seen with regard to the involvement of multiple contralateral lymph nodes. Our results support the indication of elective neck dissections in high-risk patients because among the cases that had metastases at follow-up, 50% were not candidates for salvage treatment.

A randomized blinded clinical trial of two antivenoms, prepared by caprylic acid or ammonium sulphate fractionation of IgG, in Bothrops and Porthidium snake bites in Colombia: correlation between safety and biochemical characteristics of antivenoms

A randomized blinded clinical trial was performed in 53 patients bitten by Bothrops sp. and Porthidium sp. in Antioquia and Chocó, Colombia, in order to compare the efficacy and safety of two antivenoms made of whole IgG obtained by either ammonium sulphate (monovalent anti-B. atrox) or caprylic acid (polyvalent) fractionation. Additionally, antivenoms were compared by electrophoretic and chromatographic analyses and anticomplementary activity in vitro. With a protocol of 2, 4 and 6 antivenom vials for the treatment of mild, moderate and severe envenomings, respectively, both antivenoms were equally efficient to neutralize the most relevant signs of envenoming and to clear serum venom levels in patients from the first hour and later on. Three patients with severe envenoming and initially treated with less than six vials on admission had persistent or recurrent venom antigenemia within 12-48 h. Monovalent antivenom fractionated by ammonium sulphate precipitation had higher amounts of protein aggregates and nonimmunoglobulin proteins than polyvalent antivenom fractionated by caprylic acid precipitation. Both antivenoms presented anticomplementary activity in vitro, being higher in the monovalent product. In agreement, monovalent antivenom induced a significantly higher incidence of early antivenom reactions (52%) than polyvalent antivenom (25%).

Surgical treatment of lung metastases of head and neck tumors

BACKGROUND

Head and neck tumors often spread to the lungs, with a variety of presentations. The ideal treatment for those patients is still controversial. Resection of lung metastases was shown to significantly influence overall survival of patients.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate results of surgical resection of lung nodules in patients with head and neck primary tumors.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was made of 53 patients with head and neck tumors and lung nodules (no other metastases detected in other organs) admitted to our department. They were separated into two groups: OPER (thoracotomy, n = 26), and NOTOPER (no thoracotomies, n = 27). Overall survival was compared (Kaplan-Meier, log-rank) between groups.

RESULTS

Overall median survival of all patients was 10 months, of OPER 20 months, and of NOTOPER 6 months (P <0.0001). Complete resection (n = 19) of lung metastases was associated with the greatest survival rate (median 23 months). Patients submitted to incomplete resection (n = 7) had a median survival of 16 months, compared with 7 months for patients who received only chemotherapy (n = 7) and 4 months for patients (n = 20) with no treatment (P <0.0001).

CONCLUSION

Resection of lung metastases offers a significant survival benefit for patients with head and neck primary tumors, when compared with the current chemotherapeutic regimens. It should be considered for all patients clinically fit and who present with no extrapulmonary disease.

Advancing the time of ovulation in the mare with a short-term implant releasing the GnRH analogue deslorelin

A small, biocompatible and short-term implant releasing 1.5 mg or 2.25 mg of the GnRH analogue deslorelin was evaluated in 140 Hanoverian (warm blooded) mares during the 1990 breeding season (Study I). Mares in oestrus and with a follicle 40 +/- 2 mm in diameter were assigned alternately to treatment (70) or remained as untreated controls. Implants were administered subcutaneously, and intervals to ovulation determined by rectal examination and ultrasound at 12-h intervals. Since results with both doses of deslorelin were similar, data were pooled. Deslorelin implantation resulted in ovulations in 65 of 70 mares within 48 h (93%), while only 5 of 70 control mares ovulated within the same time period (7%) (P < 0.01). Most induced ovulations (63%) occurred 36-48 h after implantation. In Study II, 4 groups of 12 Hanoverian mares each were treated with 3,000 or 5,000 iu hCG, or a 2.25 mg deslorelin implant, or received placebo. All treatments resulted in 100% ovulations within 48 h, versus 25% ovulations in controls (P < 0.01), and 63%, 75% and 86% of these ovulations occurred 36-48 h after treatment with 3,000 and 5,000 iu hCG and deslorelin respectively. Hormonal response to deslorelin in treated mares, sampled every 12 h, consisted of elevations of FSH and LH concentrations of > 200% and > 300% baseline values at 12 h (P < 0.001), of 67% and 79% at 24 h (P < 0.01) and of 35% and 49% at 48 h (P < 0.05), respectively. No local reactions at the implantation site were observed.

Review of patients with multiple injuries treated at University Hospital, Kuala Lumpur

This study has analyzed 260 patients with multiple injuries sustained in road accidents admitted to the University Hospital during the period July 1967 to July 1976, in relation to age, sex, and ethnic distribution. The types of injuries sustained have been discussed to highlight their effects on the community in a developing country. The extremities have been most frequently involved, while head injuries followed closely. The causative factors of multiple injury-producing accidents have been evaluated. The categories of victims most liable to multiple injuries have been discussed. The significance of understanding the mechanism of these accidents and the effect of such knowledge in minimizing diagnostic errors, thus enabling management and the urgent need for regional accident services in developing countries, have been stressed.

A review of patients with skeletal tuberculosis treated at the University Hospital, Kuala Lumpur

Two hundred and nineteen patients with skeletal tuberculosis have been reviewed analysing the site of the lesion and the treatment given. Operative management is advocated since the results of this approach are encouraging.

Prevalence of parasitemia and seroreactivity to Trypanosoma cruzi in a rural population of Northeast Brazil

Age-specific prevalence rates of parasitemia and seroreactivity to Trypanosoma cruzi were determined in a rural area endemic for Chagas' disease in Northeast Brazil. Parasitemia was detected by blood cultures and xenodiagnosis, and serum antibodies to the parasite were measured by the complement fixation (CF) and indirect immunofluorescence (IFA) tests. Of the 116 persons examined, 39 (33.7%) had antibodies and 23 (19.8%) had parasitemia. Ninety-six percent of parasitemic individuals were seropositive and 56% of seropositive individuals were parasitemic. The percentage of seropositive individuals with detectable parasitemia declined with age; all seropositive children in the 1- to 4-year age group and two-thirds of seropositive persons 5-19 years old had parasitemia while only one-third of seropositive adults above 19 years had parasitemia. CF and IFA tests were equally sensitive in detecting persons with parasitemia. Xenodiagnosis was more sensitive than culture for detecting parasitemia, but the two methods together were more sensitive than either method alone. Using the age-dependent relationship of parasitemia to seropositivity determined in this study, the prevalence rate of T. cruzi parasitemia was estimated in a much larger adjacent population in which seropositivity rates and the demographic structure were already known.

A comparative study of road traffic accidents in West Malaysia

The problem of road traffic accidents in developing countries is now becoming a cause for concern. This is more so as preventive measures have not kept pace with economic progress and development. This paper reviews the present situation in West Malaysia, one of the better developed countries of the East, during the period 1970 to 1975. A comparative study has been made between the United States and Malaysia. To enable the urgency of the problem in developing countries to be appreciated the increases in the country's population and in the number of vehicles in use and their relation to the lesser increase in road mileage over the period of study have been discussed. The study has considered every aspect of the causative factors leading to traffic accidents, such as the effects of weather, seasonal variation, and road and lighting conditions. The common human errors leading to accidents have been discussed. Other factors, such as the ethnic distribution in Malaysia, and their relation to road accidents have shown the effect of the social structure on the problems. The data evaluated in this study make it clear that preventive measures are very necessary in underdeveloped as well as in developed countries.

Total elbow replacement

This is a report of a total elbow low friction arthroplasty consisting of a vitallium humeral component and a high density polyethylene ulnar component equipped with a special snap-lock fit joint. The immediate results in 16 patients are most encouraging.

An epidemiologic study of osteogenic sarcoma in Malaysia. Incidence in urban as compared with rural environments and in each of three separate racial groups, 1969-1972

To explore the possibility that environmental and/or genetic factors may yield clues to the etiology of osteogenic sarcoma, an epidemiologic retrospective study of all cases of osteogenic sarcoma in a country with clear geographic and racial variables (Malaysia) was conducted covering a 4-year period. Sixty-eight cases were identified (+85% of the predicted total). The incidence (cases per 100,000 population per year) was 0.11 in Malay, 0.23 in the Chinese, and 0.23 in the Indian. The urban versus rural incidence in the Malay was 0.22 versus 0.09, and in the Chinese 0.31 versus 0.18. The Indian population was too small when dividied into urban and rural segments to be significant.

Case of cryptoccosis of spine

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