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Fibrillin-1 assembles into microfibrils that not only define the structural integrity and biomechanics of the aorta but also target and sequester growth factors within the extracellular microenvironment of aortic resident cells. To better understand how dominant negative effects on fibrillin microfibril stability manifest in growth factor driven aortic disease, we analyzed early events of aortic aneurysm formation within the first two weeks of postnatal life in the dominant negativeFbn1GT8 Marfan mouse model. Echocardiography analysis of homozygous GT8Fbn1mice showed significant aortic root enlargement within the second week of postnatal life which correlated with the onset of fibrillin-1 fiber degradation, aberrantly increased BMP activity and upregulated transcript levels of the collagenase MMP-13. We also found the aortic collagen network structurally disturbed where the mutant GT8-fibrillin-1 was detected. Genetic ablation or pharmacological inhibition of MMP-13 inFbn1GT8 Marfan mice prevents aortic root dilatation implicating the relevance of this mechanism in aortic aneurysm formation in Marfan syndrome.

Coordinated changes of cellular plasticity and identity are critical for pluripotent reprogramming and oncogenic transformation. However, the sequences of events that orchestrate these intermingled modifications have never been comparatively dissected. Here, we deconvolute the cellular trajectories of reprogramming (via Oct4/Sox2/Klf4/c-Myc) and transformation (via Ras/c-Myc) at the single-cell resolution and reveal how the two processes intersect before they bifurcate. This approach led us to identify the transcription factor Bcl11b as a broad-range regulator of cell fate changes, as well as a pertinent marker to capture early cellular intermediates that emerge simultaneously during reprogramming and transformation. Multiomics characterization of these intermediates unveiled a c-Myc/Atoh8/Sfrp1 regulatory axis that constrains reprogramming, transformation and transdifferentiation. Mechanistically, we found that Atoh8 restrains cellular plasticity, independent of cellular identity, by binding a specific enhancer network. This study provides insights into the partitioned control of cellular plasticity and identity for both regenerative and cancer biology.

Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) belong to the TGF-β superfamily of signaling ligands which comprise a family of pluripotent cytokines regulating a multitude of cellular events. Although BMPs were originally discovered as potent factors extractable from bone matrix that are capable to induce ectopic bone formation in soft tissues, their mode of action has been mostly studied as soluble ligands in absence of the physiologically relevant cellular microenvironment. This micro milieu is defined by supramolecular networks of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins that specifically target BMP ligands, present them to their cellular receptors, and allow their controlled release. Here we focus on functional interactions and mechanisms that were described to control BMP bioavailability in a spatio-temporal manner within the respective tissue context. Structural disturbance of the ECM architecture due to mutations in ECM proteins leads to dysregulated BMP signaling as underlying cause for connective tissue disease pathways. We will provide an overview about current mechanistic concepts of how aberrant BMP signaling drives connective tissue destruction in inherited and chronic diseases.

Since their discovery as pluripotent cytokines extractable from bone matrix, it has been speculated how bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) become released and activated from the extracellular matrix (ECM). In contrast to TGF-βs, most investigated BMPs are secreted as bioactive prodomain (PD)-growth factor (GF) complexes (CPLXs). Recently, we demonstrated that PD-dependent targeting of BMP-7 CPLXs to the extracellular fibrillin microfibril (FMF) components fibrillin-1 and -2 represents a BMP sequestration mechanism by rendering the GF latent. Understanding how BMPs become activated from ECM scaffolds such as FMF is crucial to elucidate pathomechanisms characterized by aberrant BMP activation and ECM destruction. Here, we describe a new MMP-dependent BMP-7 activation mechanism from ECM-targeted pools via specific PD degradation. Using Edman sequencing and mutagenesis, we identified a new and conserved MMP-13 cleavage site within the BMP-7 PD. A degradation screen with different BMP family PDs and representative MMP family members suggested utilization of the identified site in a general MMP-driven BMP activation mechanism. Furthermore, sandwich ELISA and solid phase cleavage studies in combination with bioactivity assays, single particle TEM, and in silico molecular docking experiments provided evidence that PD cleavage by MMP-13 leads to BMP-7 CPLX disintegration and bioactive GF release.

Coordinated changes of cellular identity and plasticity are critical for pluripotent reprogramming (PR) and malignant transformation (MT). However, the molecular circuitries orchestrating these modifications, as well as their degree of analogy during reprogramming and transformation, remain unknown. To address this question, we generated “repro-transformable” mice models and dissected comparatively the early events underpinning PR - mediated by Oct4, Sox2, Klf4, c-Myc - and MT - triggered by oncogenic Ras and c-Myc. Transcriptomic analyses allowed the identification of a unique set of markers - the cell surface glycoprotein Thy1 and the transcription factor (TF) Bcl11b - that are commonly downregulated during PR and MT and delineate cellular intermediates (CI) highly amenable to generate pluripotent or malignant derivatives. Comprehensive transcriptomic, epigenomic and functional analyses of different CI, prone or refractory to PR/MT, unveiled that cellular plasticity acquisition precedes the broad extinction of cellular identity. It also demonstrated the existence of specific and shared molecular features of PR and MT while ensuring the identification of broad-range regulators of cellular plasticity. As a proof-of-concept, we revealed that the basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) class A TF Atoh8 constrains rodent and human iPS cells generation as well as MT and direct neuron conversion. Mechanistically, this TF hampers the reactivation of the pluripotent network during PR and limits the acquisition of phenotypic plasticity during MT. Furthermore, an integrated analysis of Atoh8 genome-wide binding, alongside the other bHLH TFs c-Myc, Ascl1 and MyoD promoting reprogramming/transdifferentiation, unveiled how Atoh8 constrains cellular plasticity by occupying a specific subset of MEF enhancers and by finetuning WNT signalling activity. Collectively, by deconvoluting the early steps of the reprogramming and transformation roadmaps, this integrated study uncoupled changes of cellular plasticity and identity to shed light on novel insights into reprogramming and cancer biology.Graphical abstractOne-sentence summaryComparative roadmaps of cellular plasticity acquisition during pluripotent reprogramming and malignant transformation.

BACKGROUND Image-enhanced endoscopy enables real-time differential diagnosis of colorectal lesions through the observation of microvascular architecture. PURPOSE To evaluate the efficacy of using blue laser imaging (BLI) for capillary pattern analysis in the differential diagnosis of neoplastic and non-neoplastic lesions. PATIENTS AND METHODS This prospective study included 920 consecutive superficial lesions diagnosed in 457 patients. The capillary pattern was analysed using BLI-bright magnification on the basis of the Teixeira classification. Histopathology was used as the reference standard. RESULTS The adenoma detection rate was 42.3%, with a mean of 0.95 adenomas per patient. Neoplastic lesions were predominant (70.3%), of which 33 (5.1%) had advanced histology. Neoplastic progression was significantly increased in patients aged at least 50 years, in lesions at least 10 mm and in lesions located in the right colon (P

The effects of montmorillonite (MMT) treatment with supercritical carbon dioxide (SC-CO2) on clay morphology and the properties of polypropylene nanocomposites were investigated by wide-angle X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, dynamic mechanical analysis, and differential scanning calorimetry. The use of poly(propylene glycol) (PPG) was evaluated. The results showed that the MMT morphology (structure formation, dispersion, and orientation) was affected by treatment with SC-CO2, and the use of PPG, or the use of CO2 in the liquid state. Consequently, different reinforcement measurements were obtained. The relationship between structure and properties was reported.

RESUMO Atrazine é um herbicida recomendado para a cultura do milho, porém há poucas informações sobre seu efeito residual em hortaliças que eventualmente poderão ser cultivadas em sucessão. O objetivo dessa pesquisa foi avaliar a simulação do residual de subdoses de atrazine no substrato sobre o desenvolvimento e produção de cenoura 'Brasília'. Os tratamentos constituíram-se de oito doses decrescentes de atrazine (250, 25,0, 2,5, 0,25, 0,025, 0,0025, 0,00025 e 0 g i.a./ha) partindo da concentração de 1/10 da dose recomendada comercialmente para a cultura do milho doce (2500 g i.a./ha). O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizado com quatro repetições. As unidades experimentais foram constituídas de vasos de plástico com capacidade de 20 L. As plantas de cenoura foram avaliadas quanto à porcentagem e índice de velocidade de emergência (aos 7, 14 e 21 dias após a aplicação), taxa de mortalidade, perímetro e comprimento de raiz, massa fresca de raiz e massa seca de parte aérea aos 29 e 90 dias após a aplicação (DAA). Concluiu-se que residual de até 250 g i.a/ha de atrazine pode causar redução na biomassa inicial da cenoura (29 DAA), sem, no entanto, prejudicar sua produção de raízes. ABSTRACT Atrazine is an herbicide recommended for the corn crop, but little information is available on its residual effect on vegetables that could be grown in succession. The objective of this research was to evaluate the residual simulation of atrazine doses in the substrate on the development and production of 'Brasília' carrot. Treatments consisted of eight decreasing doses of atrazine (250, 25.0, 2.5, 0.25, 0.025, 0.0025, 0.00025 and 0 g a.i./ha) starting on 1/10 of the concentration dose commercially recommended for sweet corn (2500 g a.i./ha). Experimental design was completely randomized with four replications. Experimental units consisted of plastic pots with a capacity of 20 L. The carrot plants were evaluated for percentage and emergence speed index (at 7, 14 and 21 days after application), mortality, length and perimeter of roots, root fresh weight and dry weight of aboveground part at 29 and 90 days after application (DAA). We concluded that residual up to 250 g a.i./ha atrazine might cause initial biomass reduction in carrot (29 DAA), without, however, damaging its production of roots.

Polypropylene montmorillonite (PP–MMT) nanocomposites have been prepared by using a co-rotating twin screw extruder. The effects of processing conditions at fixed clay content (5 wt%) on polymer properties were investigated by means of transmission electron microscopy (TEM), flexural modulus, izod impact, dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). It was noticed that the morphology and the mechanical properties of polypropylene nanocomposites were affected by different screw shear configuration. The results showed that the higher enhancement on mechanical properties was obtained by medium shear intensity profile instead of high configuration. An exceptional increase (maximum of 282%) on impact resistance was observed.

An implementation of an intelligent photovoltaic module on reconfigurable Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) is described in this paper. An experimental database of meteorological data (irradiation and temperature) and output electrical generation data of a Photovoltaic (PV) module (current and voltage) under variable climate condition is used in this study. Initially, an Artificial Neural Network (ANN) is developed under Matlab/Similuk, environment for modeling the PV module. The inputs of the ANN–PV module are the global solar irradiation and temperature while the outputs are the current and voltage generated from the PV-module. Subsequently, the optimal configuration of the ANN model (ANN–PV module) is written and simulated under the Very High Description Language (VHDL) and ModelSim. The synthesized architecture by ModelSim is then implemented on an FPGA device. The designed MLP-photovoltaic module permits the evaluation of performance of the PV module using only environmental parameters and involves less computational effort. The device can also be used for predicting the output electrical energy from the PV module and for a real time simulation in specific climatic conditions. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Summary: The performances of readily available Ln(allyl)2Cl(MgCl2)2 · (THF)4 precursors (Ln = Nd, 1; Y, 2; La, 3), in combination with alkyl aluminum activators [MAO, AlMe3, AlEt3, Al(iBu)3], have been studied in isoprene polymerization. The catalyst combination 1/MAO (1:30) shows a high activity (average TOFs up to ca. 5 × 104 mol (Ip) · mol (Nd)−1 · h−1 at 20 °C) and produces polyisoprene in a controlled fashion with up to 98.5% cis content, number-average molecular weights in reasonable agreement with calculated values, and relatively narrow polydispersities index ( = 1.20–1.70). The yttrium precursor 2 affords systems with much lower activity and degree of control, but enables the formation of either 1,4-cis-enriched (75%) or 1,4-trans-enriched (91%) polyisoprenes, simply replacing the MAO activator by AlEt3 or Al(iBu)3, respectively. Formation of 1,4-cis- or 1,4-trans-enriched polyisoprenes upon activation with MAO.

Linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) with different branching contents were prepared from ethylene, without the addition of α-olefin comonomer, using a combination of catalyst precursors {TpMs}NiCl (1) (TpMs = hydridotris(3-mesitylpyrazol-1-yl)) and Cp2ZrCl2 (2) activated with MAO/TMA (1:1) in toluene at 0 °C and by varying the nickel loading mole fraction (xNi). The polymerization results showed that the turnover frequencies are strongly dependent on the xNi varying from 6.6×103 to 32.1×103 mol[C2H4]/mol[Zr] h. The 13 C NMR spectra of the copolymers showed that the branch contents of the polymers increase as the xNi increase in the medium promoting the production of polymers with a wide range of melting point (Tm).

Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the results of completion pneumonectomy performed for non-small cell lung cancer, classified as second primary or recurrence/metastasis. Methods: From 1982 to 2000, 59 patients underwent completion pneumonectomy for lung cancer, classified second primary or recurrence/metastasis according to a modified form of Martini's criteria, after a mean interval from first resection of 60 months for second primary lung cancers and 19 months for recurrences/metastases. Results: Operative mortality was 3.4% and complications occurred in 30% of patients. Five-year survival rate for completely resected patients was 25% (median 20 months). No significant difference in long-term survival was detected between second primary and recurrent tumors; survival was not adversely affected by a resection interval of less than 2 years or less than 12 months. Conclusions: Completion pneumonectomy for non-small cell lung cancer is a safe surgical procedure in experienced hands; long-term survival is acceptable and the best results are obtained for stage I lung cancer. Distinction between second primary lung cancer and recurrence failed to demonstrate a prognostic value.

The synthesis and characterization of the novel zirconium (IV) tris(pyrazolyl)borate compound {TpMs*}ZrCl3 (1) (TpMs* = hydridobis(3-mesitylpyrazol-1-yl)(5-mesitylpyrazol-1-yl)), as well as its performance in polymerizing ethylene are described. The reaction of ZrCl4 with 1 equivalent of TlTpMs* in toluene at room temperature affords 1 as a white solid in 62% yield. Compound 1 in the presence of MAO showed remarkable productivity using a low Al : Zr molar ratio (6.79×104 kg of PE/(mol Zr·h·[C2H4]); toluene, 60°C, Al/Zr = 100). Under identical polymerization conditions, compound 1 and Cp2ZrCl2 showed comparable productivities. Compound 1 displayed similar productivities at temperatures in the range of 0–75°C and noticeable productivity at 105°C. The viscosity-average molecular weight of the polyethylenes depends on the Al : Zr molar ratio and polymerization temperature and varied between 1.09 and 8.98×105 g·mol–1.

Seven patients who had undergone a pneumonectomy for lung cancer developed a second tumor in the remaining lung after a mean time of 28.5 months and underwent a further resection. Preoperative evaluation was based on standard functional tests and on the "stair climbing test". Three patients were operated on using an extracorporeal oxygenator to work on a collapsed lung, three using standard anesthesiologic techniques, and one using high-frequency jet ventilation. There was no operative mortality. Complications occurred in two patients, requiring a temporary tracheostomy in one case. No patient required home oxygen supplementation. Four patients died of metastatic disease after 4, 8, 10, and 12 months, while two patients are alive and free of disease after 83 and 9 months, one is alive and free of symptoms but with a local recurrence after 29 months. Lung resection for bronchogenic carcinoma on a single lung can be safely performed provided that careful clinical judgment is used; long-term survival can be achieved with the resection of the new tumor.

Carrier density profile determinations are reported which confirm that a mass action relation holds between the ionized and the inactive mobile As in silicon. Experiments were performed under equilibrium conditions at temperatures in the range 780–885°C. The carrier density n versus the dopant concentration N T exhibits a very pronounced saturation behaviour which is compared with the one expected in well known cluster models. These results complement the recent finding that the inactive As can exist in equilibrium with the monoclinic SiAs. From this information and previous SAXS, TEM, and EXAFS results one can conclude that a pre-precipitation phenomenon, with its inherent cluster distribution, is responsible for the inactive As.

From 1980 through 1993 ten patients underwent concomitant coronary artery bypass grafting and lung resection via median sternotomy. In eight patients a lung malignancy was resected, of which one was a small cell lung cancer. The lung resection was carried out before cardiopulmonary bypass in eight patients and during cardiopulmonary bypass in two. Coronary artery bypass grafting was performed using saphenous vein in eight patients; internal mammary artery was used as arterial conduit in two patients. There was one postoperative death while postoperative complications during hospital stay occurred in two patients. Pulmonary bleeding did not occur in any patient in whom lung resection was performed either before or during cardiopulmonary bypass. Both the patients who had internal mammary artery grafting experienced complications related to an associated lobectomy. A staged procedure is advisable if internal mammary artery has to be used and a lobectomy is required. The long-term survival in the patients with lung cancer was less than expected but the number of patients is too small to draw definite conclusions.

Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) is an uncommon skin tumour characterized by a slow, infiltrative growth and marked tendency towards local recurrences. Wide surgical excision of 3-5 cm from the margins including the fascia is the recommended treatment. Mohs Micrographic Surgery has been shown to afford lower rates of recurrence. The Mohs-Tübingen technique is a variant indicated for very large excisions that allows a complete eradication of the tumour, preserving healthy tissues. We report the case of a 45 year-old man affected by DFSP of the right shoulder deeply infiltrating the muscles, referred to us for a recurrence after a large excision. We submitted the patient to Mohs-Tübingen surgery in collaboration with an orthopaedic surgeon due to the presence of muscular involvement of DFSP. Two surgical operations were necessary to obtain negative histology as the tumor was deeply infiltrating the prescapular muscles. After three years of follow-up, the patient did not have any recurrence and the normal mobility of the shoulder was preserved. Precocious diagnosis and adequate therapy are necessary for DFSP as not only the margins, but also the deep invasion of the tumor have to be carefully controlled.

This study examined the effect of whole oat consumption in the oxidative stress induced by exercise in rats. The activity of antioxidant enzymes (catalase [CAT] and glutathione peroxidase [GSH-Px]), lipid peroxidation by the measurement of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances in blood and plasma and also the total antioxidants (Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity) present in plasma were available. The animals submitted to a swimming exercise program for 15 days, which did not receive the oats, showed an increase in CAT level, while the animals that were fed the modified diet did not show the same increase. No differences were observed in GSH-Px and lipid peroxidation between groups. Antioxidant capacity was higher in the plasma of animals that were fed with the modified diet. This study indicates that whole oat supplementation may be beneficial against the oxidative stress induced by exercise. Pratical applications Currently, many people have been ingesting polyphenolic dietary supplements in an attempt to avoid free radical damage which has been linked to the aging process and some degenerative diseases. Among other factors, these free radicals are produced in the body during physical exercise. This work demonstrates that the inclusion of whole oats in the diet can contribute to prevention of oxidative damage caused by acute exercise-induced oxidative stress.

This article describes the application of ionic liquid 1-decyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate in the preparation of polypropylene-silica composites. The sol-gel technology was used to prepare xerogel silica-ionic liquid hybrid S1, which was obtained as a free flowing powder of aggregated spherical particles. Ionic liquid free silica S2 was obtained by extraction and calcination of S1. Melt blending of isotactic polypropylene with S1 and S2 afforded the composites C1 (with ionic liquid) and C2 (without ionic liquid), respectively. The presence of ionic liquid on the S1 silica surface promoted significantly improved silica dispersion in the polymer matrix and prevented compression of the silica particles. Furthermore, the crystallization temperature of composite C1 was significantly higher, which indicated that silica-ionic liquid filler S1 acted as nucleating agent. The resistance to thermal decomposition of both composites was increased, but this was higher in the presence of ionic liquid. These results show that liquid salts can function as coupling agents and compatibalizers for the preparation of polymeric composites with differentiated properties. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010

Branched polyethylene/high-density polyethylene blends (BPE/HDPE) were prepared using the combined [NiCl2(alpha-diimine)] (1) (alpha-diimine = 1,4-bis(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)-acenaphthenediimine) and [TpMs*VCl2(NtBu)] (2) (TpMs* = hydridobis(3-mesitylpyrazol-1-yl)(5-mesitylpyrazol-1-yl)) catalysts. The polymerization reactions were performed in hexane or toluene at three different polymerization temperatures (0, 30 and 50 °C) and several nickel molar fractions (xNi), using MAO as cocatalyst. At all temperatures, the activities show an approximate linear correlation with xNi, indicating a non-synergistic effect between the nickel and the vanadium species. Higher activities were found in toluene at 0 °C. The melting temperatures for the polyethylene blends produced at 0 °C decrease as xNi increases in the medium indicating good miscibility between the polyethylene phases made by both catalysts. The surface morphology of the BPE/HDPE blends studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed low miscibility between the PE phases mainly in the case of the polymer blends produced at high temperature (50 ºC). Blendas de polietileno ramificado/polietileno de alta densidade (BPE/HDPE) foram preparadas usando uma combinação de catalisadores [NiCl2(diimina-alfa)] (1) (diimina-alfa = 1,4-bis(2,6-diisopropilfenila)-acenafeteno) e [TpMs*VCl2(NtBu)] (2) (TpMs* = hidridobis(3-mesitilapirazol-1-il)(5-mesitilapirazol-1-il)). As reações de polimerização foram realizadas em hexano ou tolueno em três diferentes temperaturas (0, 30 e 50 °C), utilizando várias razões molares de níquel (xNi), na presença de metilaluminoxano (MAO) como cocatalisador. Em todas as temperaturas, as atividades mostraram uma correlação aproximadamente linear com xNi, indicando o não aparecimento de um efeito sinérgico entre as espécies de níquel e vanádio. Altas atividades foram obtidas a 0 °C. As temperaturas de fusão (Tm) das blendas de polietileno produzidas a 0 °C diminuem conforme a xNi aumenta no meio reacional, indicando uma boa miscibilidade entre as fases de polietileno produzidas por ambos catalisadores. A morfologia da superfície das blendas de BPE/HDPE estudadas por microscopia eletrônica de varredura (MEV) revelou uma baixa miscibilidade entre as fases de PE, principalmente no caso das blendas poliméricas produzidas a alta temperatura (50 ºC).

We report on a patient who underwent a left pneumonectomy for a second primary lung cancer after a right upper lobectomy and upper chest wall resection for a superior sulcus tumor. Although the postoperative course was complicated by sputum retention which required a temporary tracheostomy the outcome was good and the patient is now living without supplementary oxygen supply. Left pneumonectomy may be considered in patients with previous contralateral lobectomy when the preoperative evaluation of the patient shows an acceptable predicted postoperative pulmonary function. A long-term cure and a good quality of life must, however, be offered.

Objective: To assess operative mortality (OM), morbidity and long-term results of sleeve lobectomies performed for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and carcinoids during a 35-year period. Methods: A retrospective review of patients who underwent a sleeve lobectomy for NSCLC and carcinoids was undertaken, univariate and multivariate analyses of factors influencing early mortality in NSCLC were performed and for this purpose the series was split into an early and a contemporary phase, the Kaplan‐Meier method was used to calculate the cumulative survival rate, and statistical significance was calculated with the log‐rank test. Causes of death were evaluated in relation to the stage of the disease. Results: OM for NSCLC was 14.6% in the early phase and 6% in the contemporary one; late stenosis occurred in 7.7% of NSCLC patients in the early phase and in 2% in the contemporary one. No OM or late stenosis occurred in carcinoid patients. Three, 5 and 10-year survival rates excluding carcinoids were 77, 62 and 31% for stage I(A‐B), 45, 34 and 27% for stage II(A‐B), 33, 22 and 0% for stage III(A‐B). The 10-year survival rate for carcinoids was 100%. There was no significant difference in long-term survival between stages II and III, while the difference between stage I and stages II and III was significant ðP , 0:001Þ: When survival was analyzed in relation to nodal status, 3, 5 and 10year survival rates were 71, 57 and 33% for N0 disease, 42, 33 and 22% for N1 disease, and 34 and 19% with the last observation at 82 months of 19% for N2 disease; there was no significant difference in survival between N1 and N2 disease. A second primary lung cancer occurred in six patients (3.7%) who underwent resection. Late mortality was not related to cancer in most stage I patients while in stages II and III patients it was related to local and distant recurrences. Conclusions: Sleeve lobectomy is a valid alternative to pneumonectomy: careful patient selection and surgical technique make it possible to achieve a mortality rate comparable to or lower than that for pneumonectomy along with a better quality of life. In addition, it allows further lung resection, if necessary. q 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.

In this paper a new supersymmetric extension of conformal mechanics is put forward. The beauty of this extension is that all variables have a clear geometrical meaning and the super-Hamiltonian turns out to be the Lie-derivative of the Hamiltonian flow of standard conformal mechanics. In this paper we also provide a supersymmetric extension of the other conformal generators of the theory and find their "square-roots". The whole superalgebra of these charges is then analyzed in details. We conclude the paper by showing that, using superfields, a constraint can be built which provides the exact solution of the system., 11 pages, no figures

This work aimed to evaluate the Deladenus siricidicola, Bedding (Neotylenchidae)parasitism in adults Sirex noctilio, Fabricius, 1793 (Hymenoptera: Siricidae). Timber was sampled by cutting out pieces of 0.80 m in length in Sirex noctilio attacked and Deladenus siricidicola inoculated Pinus taeda. Longs were 15-20 cm in diameter, according to the tree age. Samples were packed in gauze-cages, for daily observations, till S. noctilio adults emergence. The emerged insects were transported, in plastic containers to the laboratory, where they were sectioned and dissected under stereoscopic microscopy to observ the nematode occurrence. From the initially proposed ten units, nine of them were evaluated in a total of 1,810 emerged adult insects, being 1,441 males and 369 females. Nematode parasitism was shown in 267 males and 74 females, in a total of 341 infected insects (18.84%). O objetivo do presente trabalho foi avaliar o parasitismo do nematóide Deladenus siricidicola,Bedding (Neotylenchidae)em adultos de Sirex noctilio, Fabricius, 1793 (Hymenoptera: Siricidae). Foram utilizados toretes de 0,80 cm de comprimento, retirados do terço médio de árvores de Pinus taeda atacadas por Sirex noctilio e inoculadas com Deladenus siricidicola. Os toretes possuíam diâmetro entre 15-20 cm, de acordo com a idade das árvores. As amostras foram acondicionadas em gaiolas ou tonéis vedados com tela de nylon e seguros por cintas de borracha, permanecendo em observação diária até a emergência dos insetos adultos. Os insetos foram trasportados em recipientes plásticos para o laboratório, onde foram seccionados e dissecados sob microscópio estereoscópico, para a verificação da ocorrência ou não do nematóide. Foram avaliadas nove das dez unidades inicialmente propostas. Nestas, foram analisados 1.810 insetos adultos, sendo 1.441 machos e 369 fêmeas. O parasitismo pelo nematóide foi verificado em 267 machos e 74 fêmeas, em um total de 341 insetos parasitados, com uma porcentagem de parasitismo de 18,84%.

In this paper we propose a new supersymmetric extension of conformal mechanics. The Grassmannian variables that we introduce are the basis of the forms and of the vector-fields built over the symplectic space of the original system. Our supersymmetric Hamiltonian itself turns out to have a clear geometrical meaning being the Lie-derivative of the Hamiltonian flow of conformal mechanics. Using superfields we derive a constraint which gives the exact solution of the supersymmetric system in a way analogous to the constraint in configuration space which solved the original non-supersymmetric model. Besides the supersymmetric extension of the original Hamiltonian, we also provide the extension of the other conformal generators present in the original system. These extensions have also a supersymmetric character being the square of some Grassmannian charge. We build the whole superalgebra of these charges and analyze their closure. The representation of the even part of this superalgebra on the odd part turns out to be integer and not spinorial in character., Comment: Superfield re-defined

Four patients who previously underwent pneumonectomy for lung cancer, underwent a new contralateral resection for a metachronous cancer. Functional evaluation of these patients was not different from the standard one and included ECG, spirometry, blood gas analysis and a careful clinical evaluation. A femoro-femoral bypass was used in 2 patients to work on a collapsed lung, High Frequency Jet Ventilation was used in 1 while the last patient was hyperoxygenated and then ventilation was discontinued for the time required for the resections.Each method was free of complications. Operative mortality was nil. Two patients are alive free of disease at 66 and 14 months, two died for metastatic disease at 4 (N2 paratracheal nodes) and 12 months.Patients with a single lung should not be denied a further resection on contralateral lung. A routine evaluation of cardiopulmonary function may be sufficient but a more sophisticated evaluation including exercise oxygen consumption test, cardiac catheterization, lung perfusion scan, should be used when there is some doubt on the possibility of the patients to sustain the resection. Due to the high operative risk of this kind of patients mediastinoscopy should be performed even if preoperative CT scan of the chest shows minimally enlarged mediastinal nodes.

Myasthenia Gravis (M.G.) is an autoimmune disease with antibodies directed against the skeletal muscle acetylcholine receptor (AChR) (4). Although the production of AChR antibodies is due to B lymphocytes, there is evidence that T cells are involved in the autoantibody response. (4, 18).

The possible role of magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) infusion in the prevention of atrial tachyarrhythmias after non-cardiac thoracic surgery was evaluated through a prospective study of two hundred patients who underwent non-cardiac thoracic surgery. The patients (who fulfilled the following requirements among others: no myocardial infarction in the previous six months, normal renal function, no use of digitalis or antiarrhythmic drugs, not undergone emergency operations or video-assisted thoracic surgery), were randomly assigned to receive MgSO4 infusion in all circumstances (Mg group), or either no treatment or, if aged over 70 or in cases of pneumonectomy or an intrapericardial procedure, application of digoxin starting on the day of operation (control group). 95 patients were enrolled in the Mg group and 105 in the control group. 93 patients in the Mg group and 101 in the control group were evaluated. Post-operative atrial tachyarrhythmias, mainly atrial fibrillation, occurred in 10 patients (10.7%) in the Mg group and in 27 (26.7%) patients in the control group (chi 2 = 7.009, df = 1. p = 0.008). It is concluded that infusion of MgSO4 is an effective means of reducing the incidence of atrial tachyarrhythmias after non-cardiac thoracic surgery.

A patient underwent a subtotal resection of the tracheobronchial carina for an obstructing endobronchial lesion. Preoperative biopsies of the lesion were not diagnostic. After resection, the histological examination of the specimen removed demonstrated an extramedullary plasmacytoma infiltrating the bronchial wall. Immunohistochemical studies showed monoclonality for kappa light chains. The postoperative course was uneventful and the screening for multiple myeloma was negative. No adjuvant treatment was given and the patient is currently alive and free of disease 63 months after the resection. Primary endobronchial plasmacytoma is a very rare disease; it is unclear which is the best treatment for endobronchial plasmacytoma. However, complete surgical resection has allowed a long-term survival, free of disease.

Vancomycin penetration into lung tissue was evaluated in thirty patients following the administration of 1 g of vancomycin as a 1 h i.v. infusion. Mean concentrations (range) of vancomycin in lung tissue were 9.6 (6.3-12.1) mg/kg at 1h, 5.7 (4.7-7.4) mg/kg at 2 h, 4.2 (0.8-6.5) mg/kg at 3-4 h, 2.4 (1.4-4.7) mg/kg at 6 h, and 2.8 (0.9-7.8) mg/kg at 12 h after the end of infusion. Ratios of lung tissue to serum concentration ranged 0.24 to 0.41 at 1 and 12 h, respectively. One of six patients observed at 6 h, and 3 of 7 patients at 12 h did not have detectable levels of vancomycin in lung tissue. A 1 h iv infusion of a 1 g dose of vancomycin does not achieve sustained lung concentrations above the MIC for susceptible staphylococci over a dosing interval of 12 h. Therefore, a more appropriate modality of administration, such as continuous infusion, should be considered.

DNA analysis by PCR-based polymorphisms is routinely carried out in the forensic laboratory. The most relevant advantage of the in vitro amplification is the high sensitivity of this technique that permits successful characterisations from nanograms of (also degraded) DNA samples (Bloch, 1991; Reynolds and Sensabaugh, 1991).

From 1982 through March 1994, fourty-seven patients underwent completion pneumonectomy for a reappearing lung cancer, lung metastases, late complications, benign lung diseases, and early complication of bronchial or pulmonary artery sleeve resections. Intraoperative bleeding was higher than in standard pneumonectomy; there was one intraoperative mortality (2.3%). Operative mortality was 14.9% overall but was 3.6% in completion pneumonectomy for lung cancer, 20% for late complications and benign disease, and 57% for the treatment of early complications of sleeve resections. Three and five-year survival in patients with lung cancer who survived the operation was 43.8% and 28.7% according to the Kaplan-Meier method; no significant difference in long-term survival was present between patients with a second primary lung cancer or recurrence. Completion pneumonectomy is indicated in reappearing lung cancer and should be considered in benign disease when a less invasive procedure is not available. Completion pneumonectomy for the treatment of early complications of bronchial or pulmonary artery sleeve resections has a very high mortality but no alternative is available.

Pulmonary lymphangioleyomiomatosis (LAM) is a rare disease that affects only women. About one hundred cases are reported in the literature. This disease progresses to respiratory failure and its course can be slowed by hormonal therapy. A new case is reported; this woman was admitted to our Division for a right hydropneumothorax and after pleural drainage fluid demonstrated to be a chylous effusion; after a thoraco-abdominal CT scan the diagnosis of LAM was suspected. She was operated on after a few days because of continuous air and chyle leakage. A closure of lung leakage was performed with a stapler device that allowed the removal of a small specimen of lung for histopathological examination and a parietal pleurectomy was added with the aim of obtaining a pleural space obliteration. The histopathological examination revealed changes consistent with LAM and also positive was the hormonal steroid receptors assay. Adhesion of the lung to the chest wall was obtained but an antero-basal pouch persisted with continuous chylous leakage. A transposition of omentum into the chest was made with the aim of obliterating the pouch and favour chyle reabsorption and no drainage was left. Another CT scan demonstrated complete obliteration of the pouch and no fluid accumulation; the procedure proved to be successful and the patient was discharged with hormonal therapy.

The incidence of chylothorax after pleuro-pulmonary operations as well as its treatment is reported. Of 1744 operations performed postoperative chylothorax developed in 13 (0.74%). It resulted in two cases from the transection of the thoracic duct, in six from the transection of the so-called minor lymph channels, which drain lymph from mediastinal nodes straight into the thoracic duct or drain lung segments into the thoracic duct via the pulmonary ligament; the transection of these channels occurred during mediastinal lymphadenectomy or during the section of the pulmonary ligament. In 5 patients the site of leakage was not determined as reoperation was not required. Conservative treatment with low-fat diet and medium-chain triglycerides and/or total parenteral nutrition was attempted in all but one patient but was successful only in 5 cases whose mean losses were 292 ml/day. Seven patients were reoperated after a mean of 11 days; their mean losses were 930 ml/day. One patient was reoperated on the third postoperative day without attempting conservative treatment; his mean loss was 850 ml/day. Lymphadenectomy seems to be an important risk factor for postoperative chylothorax. Chyle leakage around 500 ml/day or higher that tends to decrease below 500 ml/day after a few days of dietary manipulation usually stops within 10-20 days, while leakage over 500 ml/day that does not tend to decrease below 500 ml/day seldom if ever stops without surgery, so that a more aggressive attitude is justified.

A rapid, sensitive and specific reversed phase HPLC method for the simultaneous assay of amiodarone and its major metabolite desethylamiodarone in human serum has been developed. This method is suitable for pharmacokinetic studies and for monitoring of the drug and metabolite concentrations in serum of patients on both short and long-term therapy with amiodarone.

The purpose of this study was to determine the amount of selenium in serum of an Italian population of 143 subjects. Data suggest that an adequate amount of selenium is consumed in the diet, since the level of selenium concentration in the blood is normal (70.7 μg/1), A correlation coefficient of 0.82 (p

A universal modeling algorithm, Context, introduced by J. Rissanen (see IEEE Trans. Info. Theory, vol.29. no.5, 1983) for binary strings, is generalized for nonbinary strings, which makes it applicable to modeling many types of random processes, such as those encountered in image compression, both lossless and lossy, chaotic systems, and generally whenever prediction is needed. This generalization includes two major improvements, the control of the size of the required tree and a modification of the original context selection rule to improve accuracy and speed, based upon the idea of stochastic complexity, which in the current implementation are combined. In addition to the description of the new version of the algorithm, its application to image compression is discussed. >