Tumor ablation and vertebral augmentation in the treatment of vertebral metastases: A multicenter study

INTRODUCTION

Treatment of metastatic vertebral fractures without neural compression is performed with percutaneous cementation techniques. The increase in intratumoral pressure by these techniques can send tumor cells into the bloodstream. To prevent this dissemination and improve pain treatment, ablation techniques have been introduced that would allow the creation of a cavity in the tumor prior to cementation or directly necrosing the metastasis when its size is small.

MATERIAL

We present the experience with ablation of two hospitals and two different ablation techniques. The first group used radiofrequency ablation (A) in 14 patients (26 vertebrae), 4 of whom underwent vertebral arthrodesis. The second group used microwave ablation (B) in 93 patients (129 lesions) without associated vertebral instrumentation.

RESULTS

In group A pain improvement in VAS was 7.7-2.6 at 6 weeks. There were no complications derived from the ablation. In most cases cementation was associated. In the group B pain improvement in VAS went from 6.8-1.7 at 6 weeks. Cementation was associated in all cases. There were no complications derived from the ablation.

CONCLUSION

The association of ablation techniques with vertebral cementation is a safe technique that significantly improves the patient's pain and can help control the disease.

[Translated article] Tumor ablation and vertebral augmentation in the treatment of vertebral metastases: A multicenter study

INTRODUCTION

Treatment of metastatic vertebral fractures without neural compression is performed with percutaneous cementation techniques. The increase in intratumoral pressure by these techniques can send tumor cells into the bloodstream. To prevent this dissemination and improve pain treatment, ablation techniques have been introduced that would allow the creation of a cavity in the tumor prior to cementation or directly necrosing the metastasis when its size is small.

MATERIAL

We present the experience with ablation of two hospitals and two different ablation techniques. The first group used radiofrequency ablation (A) in 14 patients (26 vertebrae), 4 of whom underwent vertebral arthrodesis. The second group used microwave ablation (B) in 93 patients (129 lesions) without associated vertebral instrumentation.

RESULTS

In group A pain improvement in VAS was 7.7-2.6 at 6 weeks. There were no complications derived from the ablation. In most cases cementation was associated. In the group B pain improvement in VAS went from 6.8 to 1.7 at 6 weeks. Cementation was associated in all cases. There were no complications derived from the ablation.

CONCLUSION

The association of ablation techniques with vertebral cementation is a safe technique that significantly improves the patient's pain and can help control the disease.

Self-adaptation of networks of nonidentical pulse-coupled excitatory and inhibitory oscillators in the presence of distance-related delays to achieve frequency synchronization

We show that a network of nonidentical nodes, with excitable dynamics, pulse-coupled, with coupling delays depending on the Euclidean distance between nodes, is able to adapt the topology of its connections to obtain spike frequency synchronization. The adapted network exhibits remarkable properties: sparse, anticluster, necessary presence of a minimum of inhibitory nodes, predominance of connections from inhibitory nodes over those from excitatory nodes, and finally spontaneous spatial structuring of the inhibitory projections: the furthest are the most intense. In a second step, we discuss the possible implications of our findings to neural systems.

Heterogeneity of management practices surrounding operable gallbladder cancer - results of the OMEGA-S international HPB surgical survey

BACKGROUND

Gallbladder cancer (GBC) is an aggressive, uncommon malignancy, with variation in operative approaches adopted across centres and few large-scale studies to guide practice. We aimed to identify the extent of heterogeneity in GBC internationally to better inform the need for future multicentre studies.

METHODS

A 34-question online survey was disseminated to members of the European-African Hepatopancreatobiliary Association (EAHPBA), American Hepatopancreatobiliary Association (AHPBA) and Asia-Pacific Hepatopancreatobiliary Association (A-PHPBA) regarding practices around diagnostic workup, operative approach, utilization of neoadjuvant and adjuvant therapies and surveillance strategies.

RESULTS

Two hundred and three surgeons responded from 51 countries. High liver resection volume units (>50 resections/year) organised HPB multidisciplinary team discussion of GBCs more commonly than those with low volumes (p < 0.0001). Management practices exhibited areas of heterogeneity, particularly around operative extent. Contrary to consensus guidelines, anatomical liver resections were favoured over non-anatomical resections for T3 tumours and above, lymphadenectomy extent was lower than recommended, and a minority of respondents still routinely excised the common bile duct or port sites.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest some similarities in the management of GBC internationally, but also specific areas of practice which differed from published guidelines. Transcontinental collaborative studies on GBC are necessary to establish evidence-based practice to minimise variation and optimise outcomes.

No priming, just fighting-endophytic yeast attenuates the defense response and the stress induced by Dutch elm disease in Ulmus minor Mill

One century after the first report of Dutch elm disease (DED), there is still no practical solution for this problem threatening European and American elms (Ulmus spp.). The long breeding cycles needed to select resistant genotypes and the lack of efficient treatments keep disease incidence at high levels. In this work, the expression of defense-related genes to the causal agent of DED, Ophiostoma novo-ulmi Brasier, was analyzed in in vitro clonal plantlets from two DED-resistant and two DED-susceptible Ulmus minor Mill. trees. In addition, the effect of the inoculation of an endophytic pink-pigmented yeast (Cystobasidium sp.) on the plant's defense system was tested both individually and in combination with O. novo-ulmi. The multifactorial nature of the resistance to DED was confirmed, as no common molecular response was found in the two resistant genotypes. However, the in vitro experimental system allowed discrimination of the susceptible from the resistant genotypes, showing higher levels of oxidative damage and phenolic compounds in the susceptible genotypes after pathogen inoculation. Inoculation of the endophyte before O. novo-ulmi attenuated the plant molecular response induced by the pathogen and moderated oxidative stress levels. Niche competition, endophyte-pathogen antagonism and molecular crosstalk between the host and the endophyte are discussed as possible mechanisms of stress reduction. In sum, our results confirm the complex and heterogeneous nature of DED resistance mechanisms and highlight the possibility of using certain endophytic yeasts as biological tools to improve tree resilience against biotic stress.

Optimally frequency-synchronized networks of nonidentical Kuramoto oscillators

Based on a local greedy numerical algorithm, we compute the topology of weighted, directed, and unlimited extension networks of nonidentical Kuramoto oscillators which simultaneously satisfy two criteria: (i) global frequency synchronization and (ii) minimum total mass of the connection weights. This problem has been the subject of many previous interesting studies; in the present paper, no a priori constraint is imposed, either on the form or on the dynamics of the connections. The results are surprising: the optimal networks turn out to be strongly symmetric, to be very economical, and to display a strong rich club structure, and in addition to the already reported strong correlation between natural frequencies and the weight of incoming connections we also observe a correlation, even more marked, between these same natural frequencies and the weight of outgoing connections. The latter result is at odds with theoretical predictions.

Nocardia infections in hematopoietic cell transplant recipients: a multicenter international retrospective study of the Infectious Diseases Working Party (IDWP) of the European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation (EBMT)

BACKGROUND

Nocardiosis is rare after hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). Little is known regarding its presentation, management, and outcome in this population.

METHODS

In this retrospective international study, we reviewed nocardiosis episodes in HCT recipients (01.01.2000-31.12.2018; 135 transplant centers; 33 countries) and described their clinical, microbiological, radiological, and outcome characteristics.

RESULTS

We identified 81 nocardiosis episodes in 74 allo- and 7 auto-HCT recipients. Nocardiosis occurred at a median of 8 (IQR 4-18) months post-HCT. The most frequently involved organs were lungs (70/81; 86%) and brain (30/81; 37%); 29 (36%) patients were afebrile; 46/81 (57%) had disseminated infections. The most common lung imaging findings were consolidations (33/68; 49%) or nodules (32/68; 47%); and brain imaging findings were multiple brain abscesses (19/30; 63%). 10/30 (33%) patients with brain involvement lacked neurological symptoms. 14/48 (29%) patients were bacteremic. N. farcinica was the most common among molecularly identified species (27%, 12/44). Highest susceptibility rates were reported to linezolid 45/45 (100%), amikacin 56/57 (98%), trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole 57/63 (90%), and imipenem 49/57 (86%).One-year and last follow-up (IQR: 4-42.5 months) all-cause mortality were 40% (32/81) and 52% (42/81), respectively. In the multivariable analysis, underlying disease not in complete remission (HR 2.81, 95%CI 1.32-5.95), and prior bacterial infection (HR 3.42, 95%CI 1.62-7.22) were associated with higher one-year all-cause mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

Nocardiosis is a late post-HCT infection usually manifesting as a pulmonary disease with frequent dissemination, brain infection and bacteremia. Brain imaging should be performed in HCT recipients with nocardiosis regardless of neurological symptoms. Overall mortality is high.

Oral complaints in patients with acute myeloid leukemia treated with allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

BACKGROUND

Acute myeloid leukemia belongs to proliferative diseases of the hematopoietic system. It is currently the leading indication for allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. This study was designed to determine the most common subjective oral mucosa complaints in patients with acute myeloid leukemia after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation, in relation to the type of conditioning used.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Eighty patients diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia were assigned to two groups depending on the intensity of the conditioning regimen before transplantation: myeloablative and reduced-intensity chemotherapy. The oral symptoms were evaluated based on an authorial questionnaire designed for this analysis. The following oral mucosa subjective complaints were included: pain, paraesthesia, burning mouth sensation, taste disorders, excessive salivation, halitosis, and dryness of the oral mucosa.

RESULTS

The most commonly reported subjective oral complaint in the examined patients was xerostomia, which was found in 92% of patients during the second visit, followed by spontaneous pain in the mouth (55%), burning (36%), and dysgeusia (20%). It occurred significantly more frequently in patients who underwent myeloablative conditioning. Moreover, it was observed that the frequency of complaints increased considerably after the transplantation, reaching a peak intensity during the second week following the procedure.

CONCLUSIONS

Oral complaints significantly decrease the patients' quality of life during the transplantation and may lead to premature termination of the treatment. As the number of transplantations in patients with acute myeloid leukemia increases, further investigations of oral complaints and symptoms induced by the disease itself and by the therapeutic approaches are required.

Clinical Implications of the Coexistence of Anemia and Diabetes Mellitus in the Elderly Population

Diabetes mellitus (DM) and also anemia are common in the elderly and have a negative impact on the clinical outcomes of patients. The coexistence of anemia and DM seems to be insufficiently recognized; therefore, the aim of our study is to analyze the incidence and clinical consequences of this coexistence, including mortality, in the population of people aged ≥60. A retrospective study was conducted on 981 primary care clinic patients aged ≥60 during 2013-2014. The prevalence of coexistence of DM and anemia (defined in accordance with WHO) and data on the incidence of comorbidities, hospitalization, medical procedures, and all-cause mortality were analyzed. In the study population, 25% had DM, while 5.4% had both DM and anemia. Peripheral artery disease (PAD) was found in 48 patients (4.89%) of the entire study population, more often in men (p < 0.001). Diabetic patients with anemia compared to nonanemic diabetics had more comorbidities (median 4 (4, 5) vs. 3 (2-4); p < 0.001)-PAD more often (p = 0.004), more hospitalization (median 2 (0-11) vs. 0 (0-11); p < 0.001), and more frequent medical procedures (e.g., percutaneous coronary intervention (p < 0.001), coronary artery bypass surgery (p = 0.027), arteriography (p < 0.001), and bypass surgery or endovascular treatments of lower limb ischemia (p < 0.001)). The cumulative survival of patients with both DM and anemia vs. nonanemic diabetics at 36 months was 86.4% vs. 99.3% (p < 0.001). A multivariate logistic regression model showed anemia to be a significant risk factor for death in diabetic patients (p = 0.013). Patients with both DM and anemia have more comorbidities than nonanemic diabetic patients; they are more often hospitalized, require medical procedures more frequently, and are at a higher risk of death. Effective treatment of anemia in patients with DM is advisable and may well improve the prognosis of patients.

Ejaculated compared with epididymal stallion sperm vitrification

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of trehalose and lactose extenders on ejaculated and epididymal stallion sperm vitrification. Ejaculated semen samples were collected from seven fertile stallions, and cauda epididymis samples were collected from ten stallion carcasses after slaughter. Both the ejaculated and the epididymis samples were diluted and vitrified using INRA 96® and bovine serum albumin as well as trehalose or lactose. As a control, ejaculated and epididymal samples were collected and frozen using the conventional method. Vitrification was performed by immersing sperm suspensions directly in LN2. After thawing or devitrification, there was assessment of samples for sperm motility using computer-assisted analysis. Viability was assessed using SYBR-14 and propidium iodide (PI) and acrosome integrity by fluorescein using isothiocyanate combined with peanut agglutinin (FITC-PNA) and PI. Epididymal sperm vitrification with trehalose (EPT) or lactose (EPL) resulted in greater progressive sperm motility than sperm of the control sample (EPC). After post-thaw/devitrification of sperm in the EPT group, sperm motility was greater (P<0.001) compared to that using EPL (50.72 ± 5.09% compared with 34.21 ± 3.02%). The results from assessment of ejaculated sperm samples after undergoing the vitrification process indicated cells were less viable (P<0.001) than the control (EJC) sample. In conclusion, vitrification of epididymal stallion sperm using trehalose might be a beneficial alternative for the long-term storage of sperm samples with great economic value. Spermatozoa from vitrified ejaculates of stallions, however, had lesser motility and viability rates than samples subjected to conventional freezing.

[Joining forces for quality improvement in tuberculosis control]

The incidence of tuberculosis (TB) in the Netherlands is declining every year. We fear there may be a loss of knowledge and awareness of detecting TB in the new generation of medical specialists. As medical specialists a great challenge lies before us in maintaining the quality of TB control in the Netherlands. Collaboration between pulmonologist, infectious disease specialist, microbiologist and the public health services is a necessity. Here we describe how, in the region of Arnhem, we work closely with these medical specialists based on structural multidisciplinary meetings. We also describe two of the quality indicators - doctor's delay and HIV testing policy - which are included in the national plan for TB control for 2016-2020. We explain how we intend to maintain and improve the quality of TB control by means of our structural meetings and collaboration.

EV466Characterization of the refugee population in a psychiatry clinic in Lisbon

The refugee population has been a growing concern to the developed countries in general and to Europe in particular. The recent mass migrations are changing the population that is getting to the psychiatric hospitals, not only culturally but also pathologically. The aim of this study is to characterize the refugee population that contacts with the clinic of transcultural psychiatry in Centro Hospitalar Psiquiátrico de Lisboa, understanding the most frequent pathologies and nationalities. The methods used consisted in analyzing the refugee population that attended a psychotherapeutic group and consultation in the Transcultural clinic of Centro Hospitalar Psiquiátrico de Lisboa during the past year. Analyzing the population, 66 refugees were in contact with the transcultural clinic, 44 of which were men, being the other 22 women, representing a total of 23 countries. The more frequent nationality was Iranian (20) and the most frequent diagnosis was “adjustment disorder and anxiety” (38). We can reach the conclusion that more refugee men contact with our psychiatric hospital than women, accounting for 66, 6% of the total; 30, 3% of the refugees were from Iran, followed by Pakistan with 10, 6%. The fact that the most frequent diagnosis is adjustment disorder and anxiety, accounting for 57, 6% of the sample, seems to point out the extreme stress refugees undergo.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

Increased risk of infections and infection-related mortality in children undergoing haematopoietic stem cell transplantation compared to conventional anticancer therapy: a multicentre nationwide study

This nationwide multicentre study analysed the epidemiology of bacterial, viral and fungal infections in paediatric haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) and paediatric haematology and oncology (PHO) patients over a period of 24 consecutive months, including incidence, hazard risk and outcome of infections as well as occurrence of multidrug-resistant bacteria. During this period, 308 HSCTs were performed and 1768 children were newly diagnosed for malignancy. Compared to PHO, the risk in HSCT patients was significantly higher for all infections (hazard ratio (HR) 2.7), bacterial (HR 1.4), fungal (HR 3.5) and viral (HR 15.7) infections. The risk was higher in allo- than auto-HSCT for bacterial (HR 1.4), fungal (HR 3.2) and viral (HR 17.7) infections. The incidence of resistant bacteria was higher in HSCT than in PHO patients for both G-negative (72.5% vs. 59.2%) and G-positive (41.4% vs. 20.5%) strains. Cumulative incidence of bacterial, fungal and viral infections in HSCT patients was 33.9, 22.8 and 38.3%, respectively. Cumulative incidence of viral infections in allo-HSCT was 28.0% for cytomegalovirus, 18.5% for BK virus, 15.5% for Epstein-Barr virus, 9.5% for adenovirus, 2.6% for varicella zoster virus, 0.9% for influenza, 0.9% for human herpesvirus 6 and 0.3% for hepatitis B virus. Survival rates from infections were lower in HSCT than in PHO patients in bacterial (96.0 vs. 98.2%), fungal (75.5 vs. 94.6%) and most viral infections. In conclusion, the risk of any infections and the occurrence of resistant bacterial strains in allo-HSCT patients were higher than in auto-HSCT and PHO patients, while the outcome of infections was better in the PHO setting.

THE COMBINED USE OF HONEY, GARLIC (ALLIUM SATIVUM L.) AND SKIMMED MILK AS AN EXTENDER FOR CHILLING SHEEP SEMEN

BACKGROUND

Sugars are the energetic source for sperm to maintain the metabolic process, and the antibiotics slow down sperm degradation.

OBJECTIVE

To study the effects of rosemary honey as energy source and cryoprotectant in combination with garlic as a natural antibiotic on the quality of ram spermatozoa upon cooling.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The ejaculates from three rams were evaluated at different times during cooling to determine its post-dilution quality.

RESULTS

Glycerol and dimethylformamide in conjunction with honey and garlic significantly improve the survival of spermatozoa.

CONCLUSION

The addition of honey and garlic reduces sperm deterioration when stored at 4 degree C.

Effects of region of birth, educational level and age on late presentation among men who have sex with men newly diagnosed with HIV in a network of STI/HIV counselling and testing clinics in Spain

This paper analyses late presentation (LP) of HIV infection, and its determinants, among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Spain, newly diagnosed with HIV (2003-2011) in 15 sexually transmitted infection/HIV counselling and testing clinics. LP was defined as <350 CD4 cells/µL or AIDS. In total, 3,081 MSM were included (2,499 having CD4/AIDS); overall LP was 25.3%. LP was higher in men older than 34 years, those not previously HIV-tested (adjusted odds ratio (aOR):3.1; 95% confidence intervals (CI):2.3-4.2) , and those tested > 12 months before diagnosis (12-24 months (aOR:1.4; 95% CI:1.0-2.0); > 24 months (aOR:2.2; 95% CI:1.7-3.0)). LP was less likely in MSM reporting a known HIV-infected partner as infection source or symptoms compatible with acute retroviral syndrome. 'Region of birth' interacted with 'educational level' and 'steady partner as infection source': only African and Latin-American MSM with low educational level were more likely to present late; Latin-American men attributing their infection to steady partner, but no other MSM, had LP more frequently. In Spain, HIV testing among MSM should be promoted, especially those > 34 years old and migrants with low educational level. The current recommendation that MSM be tested at least once a year is appropriate.

Sage (Salvia officinalis) and fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) improve cryopreserved boar epididymal semen quality study

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of fennel and sage extracts and the influence of the egg yolk source (fresh or pasteurized) on the success of freezing boar epididymal spermatozoa. In experiment 1, epididymal sperm was recovered by flushing and cryopreserved in a lactose-egg yolk solution supplemented with various concentrations (10, 5 and 2.5 g/L) of sage or fennel. Sperm quality was evaluated (motility, viability, HOST and acrosome integrity) at 0 h and 2 h after thawing. Fennel 10 g/L and sage 5 g/L and control (no extracts) were selected for experiment 2 which also compared fresh or pasteurized egg yolk in the freezing extender and measured DNA integrity of the frozen sperm. Results showed that the interaction between fennel and sage antioxidants with fresh egg yolk significantly improved post thaw sperm quality and protected boar epididymal spermatozoa from cryopreservation damage as a result of oxidative stress.

Biomarkers for screening of lung cancer and pre-neoplastic lesions in a high risk Chilean population

BACKGROUND

The mortality of lung cancer (LC), increases each year in the world, in spite of any advances, in development of new drugs to advance stages of LC. The high incidence of LC has been associated with smoking habit, genetic diversity and environmental pollution. Antofagasta region has been reported to have the highest LC mortality rate in Chile and its inhabitants were exposed to arsenic in their drinking water in concentrations as high as 870 μg/L. Non-invasive techniques such as biomarkers (Automatic Quantitative Cytometry: AQC and DR70) and Auto Fluorescence Bronchoscopy (AFB) might be potentially useful as a supplementary diagnostic approach and early detection. Early detection is one of the most important factors to intervene and prevent cancer progression in LC. This is a work of an ongoing prospective bimodality cancer surveillance study in high risk LC volunteers. Enrolment was done in subjects from Antofagasta and Metropolitan regions. In addition, we enrolled subjects who were suspected of having lung cancer. AQC, DR70 and AFB were used as tools in the detection of pre-neoplastic (PNL) and neoplastic lesions (NL).

RESULTS

Half of the samples, classified as suspicious by AFB, were confirmed as metaplasia or dysplasia by histopathology. For LC, DR70 showed a higher sensitivity (95.8%) and specificity (91.9%) than AQC. However, for PNL AQC showed a higher sensitivity (91.9%) than DR70 (27.3%), although both with low PPV values. As a pre screener, both biomarkers might be employed as complementary tools to detect LC, especially as serially combined tests, with a sensitivity of 60% and a PPV of 65.2%. Additionally, the use of parallel combined tests might support the detection of PNL (sensitivity 91.2%; PPV 49.1%).

CONCLUSION

This work adds information on cellular and molecular biomarkers to complement imaging techniques for early detection of LC in Latin America that might contribute to formulate policies concerning screening of LC. Supported by INNOVA-CORFO, Chile.

Phase instability in semiconductor lasers

For many years, the apparent absence of a phase instability has characterized lasers as peculiar nonlinear oscillators. We show that this unusual feature is solely due to the approximations used in writing the standard models. A new, careful derivation of the fundamental equations, based on codimension 2 bifurcation theory, shows the possible existence of dynamical regimes displaying either a pure phase instability, or mixed phase-amplitude turbulence. A comparison to existing experimental results convincingly shows that the Benjamin-Feir instability, common to all nonlinear wave problems, is a fundamental, satisfactory interpretation for their deterministic multimode dynamics.

Antioxidant effect of lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) and mate tea (Ilex paraguensys) on quality, lipid peroxidation and DNA oxidation of cryopreserved boar epididymal spermatozoa

In this study, we investigated the protective ability of the addition of two antioxidant herb extracts, mate tea and lemon balm, on boar epididymal frozen-thawed spermatozoa quality. Testes from mature boars were collected at local slaughterhouse, and sperm samples from epididymis were recovered by flushing. Spermatozoa were cryopreserved in lactose-egg yolk buffer supplemented with various concentrations of lemon balm and mate tea (0, 2.5, 5 and 10 g l(-1) ) using the straw-freezing procedure. Motion parameters, acrosome and plasma membrane integrity, lipoperoxidation levels and DNA oxidative damage (8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine base lesion) were evaluated. There were no differences among experimental groups with regard to motility characteristics, viability, acrosome and plasma membrane integrity; however, the highest concentration of lemon balm produced significant (P < 0.05) improvement in curvilinear trajectory, straightness and amplitude of lateral head displacement after thawing. The supplementation of freezing extender with mate tea and lemon balm reduced sperm lipid membrane peroxidation, and only mate tea protected DNA against oxidative damage during cryopreservation at 120 min post-thawing (P < 0.05). Mate tea experimental extender at concentration of 10 g l(-1) showed the lowest percentage of sperm oxidised DNA and malondialdehyde generation; thus, mate tea is a potential candidate such as antioxidant compound on boar sperm cryopreservation medium.

Effect of different disaccharides on the integrity and fertilising ability of freeze-dried boar spermatozoa: a preliminary study

Freeze-drying spermatozoa is a developing technique that facilitates semen storage and transport. However, freeze-dried sperm exhibits impaired DNA integrity, which is associated with reduced fertilizing ability. Boar spermatozoa were freeze-dried in three different freeze-drying EDTA buffers with trehalose (75mM) and lactose (75mM) (EDTA-TL), (2) with sucrose (75mM) and lactose (75mM) (EDTA-SL) or just lactose (150mM) (EDTA-LL) using two freeze-drying protocols. In experiment 1 a one-step protocol was used and in experiment 2 a two-steps protocol was used. Spermatozoa were stored in1.5 mL cryo-tubes and 1.5 mL glass ampules at both 16 degree C and 25 degree C for 1 month. Successfully freeze-dried spermatozoa were stained with acridine-orange to assess chromatin stability. Freeze-drying was most successful when the 2-step protocol was used (experiment 2). Chromatin stability was greater in samples stored in glass ampules compared to cryo tubes. Chromatin stability was also greater in samples freeze-dried in EDTA-LL compared to EDTA-SL or EDTA-TL buffers. Spermatozoa freeze-dried in EDTA-LL and stored for 14 and 28 days at either 16 degree C or 25 degree C were utilized for ICSI. Two pronuclear formation wasgreatest using spermatozoa stored at 25 degree C (69.23%) and for 28 days (50%). Although 16 degree C spermatozoa samples had better stable chromatin, 25 degree C spermatozoa samples offered better two pronuclear formation results. In conclusion, boar spermatozoa freeze-dried using media containing disaccharides exhibit high chromatin stability and are able to fertilise oocytes following ICSI. Disaccharides may therefore advance the development of freeze-drying techniques for spermatozoa enabling ease of sperm storage and transportation.

Population clustering and clonal structure evidence the relict state of Ulmus minor Mill. in the Balearic Islands

Field elm (Ulmus minor) is a riparian tree that grows in rare, small populations scattered along temporary watercourses in the Balearic Islands, nowadays mostly covered with Mediterranean vegetation. Agriculture and farming on the fertile land along the periodically flooded plains have reduced the elm populations to sparse tree lines along the creek beds. The presence of field elm in this very anthropic landscape has led some authors to consider it as an introduced species in the Balearics. However, pollen data suggest these elms may be the remains of larger populations experiencing continuous population shrinkage during the Holocene, and hence be native to the isles. In this paper, we apply genetic markers to assess whether field elm is or is not indigenous to the Balearic Islands. We compare the genetic variation in nine nuclear microsatellites of six Balearic populations (three in each of the largest islands, Majorca and Minorca) with that of three natural Iberian populations located in two regions, one geologically (Baetic mountains, SE Iberia) and another historically (Catalonia, NE Iberia) related to the islands. Principal coordinates analysis and Bayesian clustering methods reveal a strong genetic differentiation of the Balearic populations from the Iberian ones, and even among islands, which support their native origin. Genotypic variation in the islands is very low and clonal reproduction is very high compared with the mainland, as it is frequently observed in populations of clonal species where sexual reproduction is limited. We discuss the practical implications of these findings for the conservation of elm genetic resources of these findings.

Signatures of volcanism and aridity in the evolution of an insular pine (Pinus canariensis Chr. Sm. Ex DC in Buch)

Oceanic islands of volcanic origin provide useful templates for the study of evolution because they are subjected to recurrent perturbations that generate steep environmental gradients that may promote adaptation. Here we combine population genetic data from nuclear genes with the analysis of environmental variation and phenotypic data from common gardens to disentangle the confounding effects of demography and selection to identify the factors of importance for the evolution of the insular pine P. canariensis. Eight nuclear genes were partially sequenced in a survey covering the entire species range, and phenotypic traits were measured in four common gardens from contrasting environments. The explanatory power of population substrate age and environmental indices were assessed against molecular and phenotypic diversity estimates. In addition, neutral genetic variability (FST) and the genetic differentiation of phenotypic variation (QST) were compared in order to identify the evolutionary forces acting on these traits. Two key factors in the evolution of the species were identified: (1) recurrent volcanic activity has left an imprint in the genetic diversity of the nuclear genes; (2) aridity in southern slopes promotes local adaptation in the driest localities of P. canariensis, despite high levels of gene flow among populations.

Cryopreservation of epididymal stallion sperm

Any event that makes semen collection or mating impossible, such as death, castration, or injury, may terminate a stallion's breeding career. Fortunately, stallion sperm which are capable of fertilization can be harvested from the epididymis, and frozen for future use. However, the fertility of frozen-thawed epididymal sperm has been found to be lower than that of ejaculated sperm. Therefore, this study aimed to optimize the fertility of frozen epididymal stallion sperm by investigating the effects of different cryoprotectants and freezing protocols on sperm quality. Dimethylformamide was tested alone or combination with pasteurized egg yolk as substitute of fresh egg yolk. In addition, the effect of the pre-freeze stabilization on sperm quality was analyzed. Heterospermic samples obtained from stallion epididymis were collected and cryopreserved in lactose-egg-yolk extender or in the same extender with varying content of cryoprotectant and content of egg yolk, stabilized and no-stabilized. Sperm motility, viability, hypoosmotic swelling test (HOST) and acrosome integrity were evaluated post-thawing. No improvement was observed on the replacement of fresh yolk by pasteurized egg yolk, whereas the results suggest that dimethylformamide is a cryoprotectant suitable for cryopreservation of equine epididymal semen, even better than glycerol. In addition, we found that the stabilization before freezing on epididymal stallion sperm, can improve sperm quality parameters.

Extending glacial refugia for a European tree: genetic markers show that Iberian populations of white elm are native relicts and not introductions

Conservation policies usually focus on in situ protection of native populations, a priority that requires accurate assessment of population status. Distinction between native and introduced status can be particularly difficult (and at the same time, is most important) for species whose natural habitat has become both rare and highly fragmented. Here, we address the status of the white elm (Ulmus laevis Pallas), a European riparian tree species whose populations have been fragmented by human activity and is protected wherever it is considered native. Small populations of this species are located in Iberia, where they are unprotected because they are considered introductions due to their rarity. However, Iberia and neighbouring regions in southwestern France have been shown to support discrete glacial refuge populations of many European trees, and the possibility remains that Iberian white elms are native relicts. We used chloroplast RFLPs and nuclear microsatellites to establish the relationship between populations in Iberia and the Central European core distribution. Bayesian approaches revealed significant spatial structure across populations. Those in Iberia and southwestern France shared alleles absent from Central Europe, and showed spatial population structure within Iberia common in recognized native taxa. Iberian populations show a demographic signature of ancient population bottlenecks, while those in Central European show a signature of recent population bottlenecks. These patterns are not consistent with historical introduction of white elm to Iberia, and instead strongly support native status, arguing for immediate implementation of conservation measures for white elm populations in Spain and contiguous areas of southern France.

Effect of pasteurized egg and Rosmarinus officinalis supplementation on quality of cryopreserved ram semen

The aim was to assess the in vitro effect of pasteurized egg (PE) and rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) on frozen-thawed ram semen. Ejaculates from three mature rams of the Rasa Aragonesa breed were cryopreserved using a 2-step dilution method (Fraction 1: F1; Fraction 2: F2). In Experiment 1, semen was frozen in egg yolk (EY) or PE extenders. After thawing, similar results were obtained in terms of total and progressive motility, viability, hypo-osmotic swelling test (HOST) and acrosome integrity after 2 h incubation. In Experiment 2, addition of rosemary to F1, F2 or both fractions to EY extenders was evaluated. Rosemary in F1 decreased progressive motility (p = 0.013) after 2 h incubation. Finally, PE can be used as a substitute for EY to reduce hygienic risks in extenders and is easier to standardize. Supplementation of EY extender with rosemary in F1 reduced progressive motility. Rosemary supplementation in F2 does not affect semen quality.

Complementary and alternative medicines usage in bipolar patients from Argentina and Colombia: associations with satisfaction and adherence to treatment

BACKGROUND

The use of Complementary and Alternative Medicines (CAM) has been reported by around half the patients undergoing medical treatment for chronic conditions. CAM use could be higher in people affected by bipolar disorders (BD). Some questions about CAM use in BD have not been investigated enough. We report here the results of an anonymous survey on CAM-use conducted among BD outpatients of two centers located in Argentina and Colombia.

METHODS

an anonymous self-survey was administrated to bipolar euthymic outpatients treated at each center. The survey included a self-report measure of adherence to psychiatric treatment and a modified version of CGI to asses satisfaction with the current treatment.

RESULTS

200 patients completed the survey. Although samples differ in socio-economic profile, they do not differ in their reported CAM-usage (more than 40%). CAM-usage did not modify the adherence or satisfaction with the psychiatric treatment reported level. Thirty eight percent of those who were still resorting to CAM failed to inform it to their clinician. CAM-usage was rated as "useful" or "very useful" by 52% of patients.

LIMITS

adherence to current medical treatment and satisfaction with current treatment were investigated by a self-reported instrument.

DISCUSSION

the prevalence of CAM usage found is similar to that of other studies. CAM usage seems to be ubiquitous, which takes to posit that a subgroup of patients may be in need of treatment with greater magical-religious components. Half of these patients were reluctant to disclose CAM use. Clinicians may need to consider coexistence between "traditional" treatments and CAM for these patients.

Assessment of spatial discordance of primary and effective seed dispersal of European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) by ecological and genetic methods

Spatial discordance between primary and effective dispersal in plant populations indicates that postdispersal processes erase the seed rain signal in recruitment patterns. Five different models were used to test the spatial concordance of the primary and effective dispersal patterns in a European beech (Fagus sylvatica) population from central Spain. An ecological method was based on classical inverse modelling (SSS), using the number of seed/seedlings as input data. Genetic models were based on direct kernel fitting of mother-to-offspring distances estimated by a parentage analysis or were spatially explicit models based on the genotype frequencies of offspring (competing sources model and Moran-Clark's Model). A fully integrated mixed model was based on inverse modelling, but used the number of genotypes as input data (gene shadow model). The potential sources of error and limitations of each seed dispersal estimation method are discussed. The mean dispersal distances for seeds and saplings estimated with these five methods were higher than those obtained by previous estimations for European beech forests. All the methods show strong discordance between primary and effective dispersal kernel parameters, and for dispersal directionality. While seed rain was released mostly under the canopy, saplings were established far from mother trees. This discordant pattern may be the result of the action of secondary dispersal by animals or density-dependent effects; that is, the Janzen-Connell effect.