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This study was done to evaluate the toxicity related to concurrent radiotherapy and anthracycline (AC)-based chemotherapy in the adjuvant treatment of early breast cancer and to investigate the impact of treatment interruptions and the feasibility of this uncommon therapeutic approach.From September 2002 to December 2007, 60 patients were treated at our Centre. The mean age at presentation was 48.5 (range 38-64) years. All patients underwent conservative surgery, and radiotherapy to the entire breast (mean dose 50 Gy; range 46-52 Gy). AC-based regimens consisted of four cycles of AC (doxorubicin plus cyclophosphamide) or four cycles of epirubicin (EPI) followed by four courses of cyclophosphamide, methotrexate and 5-fluorouracil (CMF).Concomitant treatment caused acute skin G3 toxicity in 8.9% of patients and one case of G4 toxicity (1.7%). Concerning cardiac assessment, six of the 56 evaluable patients (10.7%) developed an asymptomatic decline of left ventricular ejection fraction10% and20% of the baseline value. Radiotherapy was temporarily stopped in 21.3% and chemotherapy in 57.1% of patients.In our experience, concomitant chemotherapy did not emerge as a significant factor in radiotherapy interruption. Moreover, no severe cardiac events were recorded.

Aims: This study aimed to determine the effect of packaging [air, modified atmosphere (MA)] on microbial growth, sensory and chemical parameters and also on shelf life of fresh pearl spot (Etroplus suratensis Bloch) and on the selection of microbial association. Methods and Results: Fresh pearl spot (whole, gutted) were packaged under both 100% air and MAs (40%CO2/60% O2, 50%CO2/50%O2, 60% CO2/40%O2, 70% CO2/30% O2 and 40% CO2/30% O2/30% N2) and stored at 0°C. Microbial growth (counts of total aerobic bacteria, H2S–producing bacteria, Lactic acid bacteria, Brochothrix thermosphacta, yeast and mould), chemical spoilage indicators (pH, total volatile basic nitrogen) and sensory characteristics were monitored. Microbial changes in Pearl spot packed under 100% air and 40% CO2/30%O2/30% N2 were similar. The total volatile basic nitrogen values increased, but the values never exceeded the acceptability limit of 25 mg 100 g−1. Conclusions: MA 60% CO2 : 40%O2 was found to be better with a shelf life of 21 days whereas air stored samples had a shelf-life of 12–14 days only. Significance and Impact of the Study: Storage of pearl spot under MAs 60% CO2 : 40%O2 is a promising method to extend shelf-life. Longer shelf life expands the market potential of pearl spot and reduces waste during distribution and retail display.

Background: Malaria represents one of the most important infectious disease threats to deployed military forces; most personnel from developed countries are nonimmune personnel and are at high risk of infection and clinical malaria. This is especially true for forces deployed to highly-endemic areas in Africa and Southeast Asia where drug-resistant malaria is common. Methods: We conducted an outbreak investigation of malaria cases in Angola where a total of 439 nonimmune Brazilian troops were deployed for a 6-month period in 1995–1996. A post-travel medical evaluation was also performed on 338 (77%) of the 439 soldiers upon return to Brazil. Questionnaire, medical record, thick/thin smear, and serum anti-Plasmodium falciparum antibody titer (by IFA) data were obtained. Peak serum mefloquine (M) and methylmefloquine (MM) metabolite levels were measured in a subsample of 66 soldiers (42 cases, 24 nonmalaria controls) who were taking weekly mefloquine prophylaxis (250 mg). Results: Seventy-eight cases of malaria occurred among the 439 personnel initially interviewed in Angola (attack rate = 18%). Four soldiers were hospitalized, and 3 subsequently died of cerebral malaria. Upon return to Brazil, 63 (19%) of 338 soldiers evaluated were documented to have had clinical symptoms and a diagnosis of malaria while in Angola. In addition, 37 (11%) asymptomatically infected individuals were detected upon return (< 1% parasitemia). Elevated, post-travel anti-P. falciparum IFA titers (≥ 1:64) were seen in 101 (35%) of 292 soldiers tested, and was associated with a prior history of malaria in-country (OR = 3.67, 95% CI 1.98–6.82, p < .001). Noncompliance with weekly mefloquine prophylaxis (250 mg) was associated with a malaria diagnosis in Angola (OR = 3.75, 95% CI 0.97–17.41, p = .03) but not with recent P. falciparum infection (by IFA titer). Mean peak levels (and ratios) of serum M and MM were also found to be lower in those who gave a history of malaria while in Angola. Conclusions: Malaria was a significant cause of morbidity among Brazilian Army military personnel deployed to Angola. Mefloquine prophylaxis appeared to protect soldiers from clinical, but not subclinical, P. falciparum infections. Mefloquine noncompliance and an erratic chemoprophylaxis prevention policy contributed to this large outbreak in nonimmune personnel. This report highlights the pressing need for development of newer, more efficacious and practical, prophylactic drug regimens that will reduce the malaria threat to military forces and travelers.

A new human leukocyte antigen-C (HLA-C) allele Cw*0442 was identified in a Spanish Caucasian patient by sequencing-based typing (SBT). HLA-Cw*0442 differs from Cw*04010101 by three amino acid replacements at positions 9 (S>D), 11 (S>A), and 14 (W>R).

A series of 205 patients with advanced carcinoma of the tonsil treated with irradiation is reported. The overall 3-year survival for stage, I, II and III patients was 63 per cent and the 5-year survival 35 per cent. The 5-year survival for stage IV patients was 9 per cent. The volume of the tumor and the extent of lymph node metastases were important prognostic factors for survival. The strongest factor influencing survival was the initial performance status independent o state (p less than 0.001).

From 1947 through 1977, 93 patients with carcinoma of the nasopharynx were treated. Most (83%) of the patients, had stage IV disease including 9 per cent who had a systemic tumor dissemination. Cervical lymph node metastases were present in 73 (78%) patients. The 5-year actuarial survival for all 93 patients was 13 per cent, 40 for stage II, 18 for stage III and 10 for stage IV patients. The factors with significant influence on survival were Initial Performance Status and T4 disease. The presence of N3 disease was a good indicator of a subsequent systemic tumor spread.