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The study centered in developing multimedia-based oral communication worktext for Grade 11 students in General Luna where contents were determined from students’ needs analysis in terms of context, activities, lesson contents, and teaching strategies. It also covered the validation of the acceptability of the material in terms of contents, clarity and technicality, appeal to the target users together with the validation of its effect in speech presentation. The researchers employed qualitative-quantitative method, particularly, the descriptive-evaluative design and quasi-experimental design. This implored purposive sampling with the aid of triangulation method. Needs analysis showed that the presented contexts (3.51), activities (3.51), lesson contents (3.50), and teacher strategies (3.38) were very useful and important among the learners. Multimedia-Based Oral Communication Worktext was developed in three different formats and was strongly accepted in terms of contents (3.82), clarity and technicality (3.87), and appeal to target users (3.98) with overall rating of 3.89. The computed t-value (1.724) was higher than the tabular t-value (1.645) within 0.05 level of significance and 138 degree of freedom which validated the positive effect of the developed material in Grade 11 students’ speech presentation. As part of continuous progress of Philippine Education and involvement of technology in the teaching-learning process, the research proved its uniqueness in integrating technology and worktext to a comprehensive, responsive, and learner-centered oral communication worktext through Microsoft PowerPoint and is recommended for utilization.

This research study is focused on developing an interactive reading comprehension material that is ICT-based for English 7 classes that can serve as an enhancement or intervention activity. It is centered in developing the material, testing, and finalizing along the Phil-IRI standardized materials. In this study, the researcher employed the Design and Development Research employing the survey questionnaire through google forms, purposive sampling, and the ADDIE model of instructional material development. The findings revealed that developed material is centered on the needs of the students that are primarily knowledge of the language structure, vocabulary development and monitoring of comprehension with WAM of 3.79-3.74 described as strongly needed; the feature of the ICT-based material need to be attractive to the students, supports independent learning, and has simplified activities with WAM of 3.88 – 3.85 described as highly preferred; and in its acceptability as to content, technical, and aesthetic aspects were all highly acceptable with total WAM of 3.62. Thus, the developed material can be utilized in all the Grade 7 students in the school. Taking part in the series of studies conducted in DepEd to attain communicative competent and multiliterate basic education graduates, this paper focused on the development of an ICT-based reading comprehension material that is high impact in its nature for the learning of the students in Grade 7.

This research aimed to analyze the experienced learning challenges of the senior high school students and transferees as well as the experienced instruction-related challenges of the teachers toward responsive method of delivering the modular distance learning in light of Basic Education Learning Continuity Plan. The research used explanatory case study. Purposive sampling was used among the four (4) teachers and ten (10) student-participants. Data were collected using triangulated instrumentations including the structured interview, observations, and archival analysis. Thematic content analysis is employed to interpret qualitative data. Findings revealed that the senior high school students experienced lack of learning focus, mismanagement of time, and lack of learning support. The transferred students also experienced the same with additional challenge on curriculum programming. As to the teachers, full participation of the students in modular instruction was the main concern. Curriculum Reblocks of Modular Distance Learning Delivery was developed based on the findings and resulted to numerous advantages for students to sustain momentum of learning, to maximize their focus, and to easily manage learning activities while the teachers find it easier to monitor students’ progress and implement differentiated interventions to support students’ learning.

AIM To evaluate the role of baseline neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) as prognostic marker in squamous cell carcinoma of the oropharynx (OPC) treated with definitive chemoradiotherapy (CRT) in the era of HPV status. PATIENTS AND METHODS A retrospective analysis of 125 patients (pts) affected with locally advanced OPC was performed. Inclusion criteria were age >18 years, stage III or IV (TNM 7th ed.) and definitive CRT. Haematological marker for their independent role as prognostic biomarkers for progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Logistic models were used to assess the association with downstage in TNM 8th ed. RESULTS Seventy-seven (61.6%) pts had HPV/p16 + related OPC. Therapeutic choice consisted in sequential and concurrent CRT. Median follow-up was 50 months. A value of NLR ≥3 was associated with poorer OS. Two-year OS was 91% and 81% in pts with NLR

CyberKnife® Lung Optimized Treatment (LOT) allows the treatment of lung cancer without invasive fiducial implantation. The aim of this retrospective analysis was to evaluate the feasibility, toxicity and clinical outcome. One hundred fifteen patients (124 lesions) were treated with CyberKnife® using LOT. The median age was 72.6 years (range 31.8-90.3). From 124 treated lesions, 52 were with histopathological confirmation (41 primitive pulmonary cancers, 8 pulmonary metastases) and 72 as untyped tumors. For 5 patients (6 lesions) treatment was an in-field re-irradiation. Concomitant therapy was administered in 7 patients. Zero-View tracking was applied in 69 patients, 1-View in 33 patients, 2-View in 22 patients. The median total dose was 45 Gy (range 18-54), median dose/fraction was 15 Gy (range 4-18) with a median prescription isodose of 80% (range 68-85). The median planning target volume (PTV) was 25 cm3 (range 3-195). The median follow-up was 20 months (range 7-47). Thirty-seven patients (32%) were alive with no evidence of disease, 39 patients (34%) were alive with clinically evident disease, and 38 patients (33%) died of the disease. The 1- and 2-year overall survival (OS) rate was 83% and 61%. The median time to progression was 19 months (95% confidence interval: 11-19 months), 1- and 2-year progression-free survival (PFS) rates were 62% and 41%, respectively. Smaller PTV was significantly associated with better OS, PFS and in-field PFS in univariate and multivariate analyses. Acute toxicity was observed in 36 patients (41%). Late toxicity was registered in 25 patients (29%). G3 late toxicity was observed in one patient (1.1%). Our data suggest that fiducial less-stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) is a feasible, well-tolerated and potentially effective treatment with high compliance in the setting of inoperable patients due to concomitant disease or previous treatments.

While in many countries we observed a privatization of many businesses, China adopted a different personal way called ‘corporatization’, i.e. “entails restructuring state enterprises, adopting the corporate form, and instituting stock ownership and trading without necessarily relinquishing the state’s controlling interest in the means of production” (Art & Gu, 1995). It worth mentioning the particular efforts to improve the economy which led to thirty years double-digit GDP growth and continuous growth at a high 6% - 7% still today1. Many changes took place and many new regulations have been introduced to achieve such remarkable results, in particular, the “enormous effort at reforming state enterprises” is a never-ending activity and in fact nowadays there is much discussion on how to keep improving those firms’ efficiency, effectiveness and increase performance. Although nobody knows how China will look like in twenty years, as inquired by (Ramo, 2014) or further future, we can guess that it will fundamentally contribute to the worldwide economy and its international business might represent a paramount model for other economies. How the modernization pro-market trend can be advanced if at the same time the Party role keeps being crucial in directing business? The answer we think stands in the unique idea of “Socialist modernization”. Some also question how such policies can cohere with capital market that is becoming more international. In our view, it is especially the increasing international exposure that will lead to Corporate Governance improvement in China and will adjust possible distortions. In order to compete internationally, the best practices must lead. We observed how great advances in China’s economy have been paired and supported by amazing social and legal improvements, most of them related to the Internationalization. In fact four periods and policies marked the success of China of the last fifty years, all involving an always increasing Chinese international exposure: the “Open door policy”, the WTO accession, the Beijing Consensus, the Belt and Road Initiative and China International M&A activities. China President Xi Jinping confirmed the national goal several times, the latest at the inaugural China International Expo in November 20182 claiming China’s goal to “deepen international trade and economic cooperation, promote Belt and Road Construction and advance economic globalization”. Both, in Chinese private corporations and State-owned enterprises the Party organizations are established to “implement the Party’s principles and policies, guide and oversee” to implement the big picture of the Socialism with Chinese characteristics.

Background: The aim of this work is to evaluate pattern of care and clinical outcome in a large series of patients with in-breast recurrence (IBR), after quadrantectomy and intraoperative radiation therapy with electrons (IOERT) as partial breast irradiation. Patients and Methods: Patients with IBR after IOERT, treated with salvage surgery ± adjuvant reirradiation (re-RT), were selected from a multiinstitution database. Disease-free survival (DFS), overall survival (OS), cumulative incidence of second IBR, and distant metastases (DM) were estimated. Results: A total of 224/267 patients from seven institutions were included. Primary tumors received 21 Gy. Median time to first IBR was 4.3 years (range 2.6–6.1 years). Salvage mastectomy and repeat quadrantectomy were performed in 135 (60.3%) and 89 (39.7%) patients, followed by adjuvant re-RT in 21/135 (15.5%) and 63/89 (70.8%), respectively. Median follow-up after salvage treatment was 4.1 years. Overall, 5- and 8-year outcomes were as follows: cumulative incidence of second IBR: 8.4% and 14.8%; cumulative incidence of DM: 17.1% and 22.5%; DFS: 67.4% and 52.5%; OS: 89.3% and 74.7%. The risk of second IBR was similar in the salvage mastectomy and repeat quadrantectomy + RT groups [hazard ratio (HR) 1.41, p = 0.566], while salvage mastectomy patients had greater risk of DM (HR 3.15, p = 0.019), as well as poorer DFS (HR 2.13, p = 0.016) and a trend towards worse OS (HR 3.27, p = 0.059). Patients who underwent repeat quadrantectomy alone had worse outcomes (second IBR, HR 5.63, p = 0.006; DFS, HR 3.21, p = 0.003; OS, HR 4.38, p = 0.044) than those adding re-RT. Conclusions: Repeat quadrantectomy + RT represents an effective salvage approach and achieved local control comparable to that of salvage mastectomy.

Background. Noninvasive methods are useful for investigating patients with chronic HBV infection. The severity of liver disease in inactive HBsAg carriers can be noninvasively assessed by transient elastography (TE) alone or in association with biochemical markers of fibrosis. Objectives. The study evaluates the effectiveness of the TE compared to common fibrosis scores (FSs), APRI, Forns Index, and FIB4, for identifying significant fibrosis in Italian and foreigner HBsAg carriers. To investigate the risk of progression of the liver disease, liver stiffness (LS) and HBV-DNA were monitored over time. Methods. Viral load, biochemical parameters, and LS have been retrospectively evaluated in 125 putative inactive HBV carriers, who visited two outpatient departments (Colleferro Hospital and INMP) from 01/03/2014 to 31/12/2019. Differences in clinical, biochemical, and demographic variables between Italians and foreigners were analyzed. 66 of 125 patients were followed up for 24 months by monitoring liver stiffness and HBV-DNA. Results. Mean overall LS was 5.55 ± 1.92 kPa; 18 (14.4%) patients had a LS ≥7.5 kPa. Mean of APRI, Forns, and FIB4 was 0.29 ± 0.11, 4.15 ± 1.63, and 1.16 ± 0.59, respectively. FS did not differ between the patients with LS p < 0.05 ) and AST (0.59 ± 0.16 vs. 0.70 ± 0.21, p < 0.01 ) value than foreigners. No differences in LS and HBV-DNA levels were observed. In 66 patients followed up for 24 months, HBV-DNA increased by ≥2000 UI/ml after 12 months in 15 individuals and remained ≥2000 UI/ml after 24 months in 10/15 individuals. 7/10 patients showed LS ≥ 7.5 kPa after 24 months, and 4 of them underwent antiviral therapy for HBV. Patients with HBV-DNA p < 0.0001 ). Conclusions. Analysis shows lower effectiveness of FS vs. TE in the assessment of putative inactive HBV carriers. Furthermore, using FibroScan® and HBV-DNA can identify “false” inactive carriers.

Purpose To analyse the survival outcomes and toxicity profile of patients treated with pulsed-dose-rate (PDR) brachytherapy (BT) after intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) for uterine cervical cancer in a single institution. Material and methods Between March 2011 and December 2014, 50 patients with histologically proven stages IB1-IVB cervical cancer were treated with IMRT followed by PDR-BT boost. Radiation treatment consisted of IMRT to pelvic with or without paraaortic lymph nodes to a total dose of 45-50.4 Gy. Weekly concomitant chemotherapy was administered to 45 patients. PDR-BT boost was delivered with a median dose of 30 Gy to the high-risk clinical target volume (HR-CTV) after a median time of 14 days since IMRT. Acute and late toxicity were evaluated by Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) - European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) scoring criteria and Subjective Objective Management Analytic-Late Effects of Normal Tissues (SOMA-LENT) criteria. Results Two patients had tumour persistence at 6 months after the end of BT. After a median follow-up of 33 months, 6 distant metastases with or without regional relapse were observed. The 1- and 5-year progression-free survival was 83% (95% CI: 69-91%) and 76% (95% CI: 61-86%), whereas the 3- and 5-year overall survival was 91% (95% CI: 78-97%) and 76% (95% CI: 56-88%), respectively. Urinary and rectal toxicity higher than grade 2 was observed in 6.3% and 17% of patients, respectively. Five patients (10.6%) had grade 4 gastrointestinal toxicity requiring colostomy. Conclusions Our study confirms that the combination of IMRT and PDR-BT can be considered an effective treatment for cervical cancer, ensuring high local control, despite the high percentage of locally advanced disease.

To report the dosimetric feasibility of the radiation technique HALFMOON (Helical ALtered Fractionation for iMplant partial OmissiON) for post-mastectomy radiation therapy (PMRT) in intermediate–high-risk breast cancer patients with implant-based immediate breast reconstruction, where the clinical target volume (CTV) does not include the whole implant (implant-sparing approach). In the HALFMOON technique, the CTV consisted of skin, subcutaneous tissues, and pectoralis major muscle, excluding the implant, chest wall muscles, and rib plane. The HALFMOON plans were compared with conventionally contoured CTV plans, in which the whole implant, chest wall muscles, and ribs plane were included in the CTV, in a ratio 1:3. All patients underwent hypofractionated treatment of 40.05 Gy/15 fractions, using helical Tomotherapy®. Eighteen patients undergoing HALFMOON technique were compared to 54 subjects treated with conventionally contoured CTV plans. No difference was found in the planning target volume coverage between the two groups. Conversely, a statistically relevant dose reduction in HALFMOON patients was observed for ipsilateral lung (D15%, p

The CMS muon detector system, muon reconstruction software, and high-level trigger underwent significant changes in 2013-2014 in preparation for running at higher LHC collision energy and instantaneous luminosity. The performance of the modified system is studied using proton-proton collision data at center-of-mass energy root s = 13 TeV, collected at the LHC in 2015 and 2016. The measured performance parameters, including spatial resolution, efficiency, and timing, are found to meet all design specifications and are well reproduced by simulation. Despite the more challenging running conditions, the modified muon system is found to perform as well as, and in many aspects better than, previously. We dedicate this paper to the memory of Prof. Alberto Benvenuti, whose work was fundamental for the CMS muon detector.

PURPOSE Evaluation of target coverage and verification of safety margins, in motion management strategies implemented by Lung Optimized Treatment (LOT) module in CyberKnife system. METHODS Three fiducial-less motion management strategies provided by LOT can be selected according to tumor visibility in the X ray images acquired during treatment. In 2-view modality the tumor is visible in both X ray images and full motion tracking is performed. In 1-view modality the tumor is visible in a single X ray image, therefore, motion tracking is combined with an internal target volume (ITV)-based margin expansion. In 0-view modality the lesion is not visible, consequently the treatment relies entirely on an ITV-based approach. Data from 30 patients treated in 2-view modality were selected providing information on the three-dimensional tumor motion in correspondence to each X ray image. Treatments in 1-view and 0-view modalities were simulated by processing log files and planning volumes. Planning target volume (PTV) margins were defined according to the tracking modality: end-exhale clinical target volume (CTV) + 3 mm in 2-view and ITV + 5 mm in 0-view. In the 1-view scenario, the ITV encompasses only tumor motion along the non-visible direction. Then, non-uniform ITV to PTV margins were applied: 3 mm and 5 mm in the visible and non-visible direction, respectively. We defined the coverage of each voxel of the CTV as the percentage of X ray images where such voxel was included in the PTV. In 2-view modality coverage was calculated as the intersection between the CTV centred on the imaged target position and the PTV centred on the predicted target position, as recorded in log files. In 1-view modality, coverage was calculated as the intersection between the CTV centred on the imaged target position and the PTV centred on the projected predictor data. In 0-view modality coverage was calculated as the intersection between the CTV centred on the imaged target position and the non-moving PTV. Similar to dose-volume histogram, CTV coverage-volume histograms (defined as CVH) were derived for each patient and treatment modality. The geometric coverages of the 90% and 95% of CTV volume (C90, C95, respectively) were evaluated. Patient-specific optimal margins (ensuring C95 ≥ 95%) were computed retrospectively. RESULTS The median ± interquartile-rage of C90 and C95 for upper lobe lesions was 99.1 ± 0.6% and 99.0 ± 3.1%, whereas they were 98.9 ± 4.2% and 97.8 ± 7.5% for lower and middle lobe tumors. In 2-view, 1-view and 0-view modality, adopted margins ensured C95 ≥ 95% in 70%, 85% and 63% of cases and C95 ≥ 90% in 90%, 88% and 83% of cases, respectively. In 2-view, 1-view and 0-view a reduction in margins still ensured C95 ≥ 95% in 33%, 78% and 59% of cases, respectively. CONCLUSIONS CTV coverage analysis provided an a-posteriori evaluation of the treatment geometric accuracy and allowed a quantitative verification of the adequacy of the PTV margins applied in CyberKnife LOT treatments offering guidance in the selection of CTV margins.

Background Hookworm-related cutaneous larva migrans (CLM) is characterized clinically by erythematous and slightly raised tracks, located especially on the feet. These tracks may be single or multiple, linear or serpiginous, more or less ramified and intertwined. The length is variable (up to many cm); the width ranges from 1 mm to 4 mm. Tracks are often accompanied by severe pruritus. Methods Three adult Caucasian patients recently returned from trips to Malaysia and Thailand, presented with follicular CLM. The disease was characterized clinically by follicular, erythematous, small papules that were sometimes topped with vesicles or pustules, located on the buttocks. Pruritus was severe. Results Histopathological examinations revealed a perifollicular infiltrate predominantly consisting of lymphocytes and eosinophils. All patients were successfully treated with oral albendazole (400 mg/day for seven days). In the first patient, two courses were necessary. Conclusions Dermatologists should be aware of the existence of this rare and atypical, although emerging, clinical presentation of hookworm-related CLM.

A novel oxygen selective highly hydrophobic membrane is prepared by non-solvent induced phase separation in which a dextrin-based nanosponge is incorporated into a poly(vinylidene fluoride co-hexafluoropropylene) (PVDF-HFP) matrix. The membrane presents high capability to entrap moisture from air as well as good hydrophobic behaviour. The membrane was assembled in a pouch type Li-air cell, which was cycled in a galvanostatic mode at curtailed capacity, in air with 17% relative humidity (RH). Owing to the protection of the membrane, the Li-air cell was able to discharge and re-charge for approximately 145 cycles, which correspond to about 1450 h of cell operation.

Background The purpose of the study was to evaluate the prostate serum antigen (PSA) response, local control, progression-free survival (PFS), and toxicity of stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) for lymph node (LN) oligorecurrent prostate cancer. Patients and Methods Between May 2012 and October 2015, 124 lesions were treated in 94 patients with a median dose of 24 Gy in 3 fractions. Seventy patients were treated for a single lesion and 25 for > 1 lesion. In 34 patients androgen deprivation (AD) was combined with SBRT. We evaluated biochemical response according to PSA level every 3 months after SBRT: a 3-month PSA decrease from pre-SBRT PSA of more than 10% identified responder patients. In case of PSA level increase, imaging was performed to evaluate clinical progression. Toxicity was assessed every 6 to 9 months after SBRT. Results Median follow-up was 18.5 months. In 13 patients (14%) Grade 1 to 2 toxicity was reported without any Grade 3 to 4 toxicity. Biochemical response, stabilization, and progression were observed in 64 (68%), 10 (11%), and 20 (21%) of 94 evaluable patients. Clinical progression was observed in 31 patients (33%) after a median time of 8.1 months. In-field progression occurred in 12 lesions (9.7%). Two-year local control and PFS rates were 84% and 30%, respectively. Age older than 75 years correlated with better biochemical response rate. Age older than 75 years, concomitant AD administered up to 12 months, and pelvic LN involvement correlated with longer PFS. Conclusion SBRT is safe and offers good in-field control. At 2 years after SBRT, 1 of 3 patients is progression-free. Further investigation is warranted to identify patients who benefit most from SBRT and to define the optimal combination with AD.

The comparison of temperature responses of two mytilids from the high (Brachidontes purpuratus) and low (Semimytilus algosus) intertidal zone of the Peruvian coast was carried out focusing on the production of micronucleus and nuclear abnormalities in gill tissue. Two temperatures (23 and 11°C) were evaluated, in presence of three mitomycin C concentrations as a stressor (0.02, 0.04 and 0.06 × 10−6), simulating hypothetical El Nino and La Nina conditions. Responses to extreme temperatures between both species were significantly different (P = 0.008). Frequency of micronuclei and nuclear abnormalities in S. algosus did not differ statistically among the temperature treatments, whereas in B. purpuratus there was an observed significant decrease in nuclear abnormalities (P = 0.012) and micronuclei frequencies (P = 0.002) between both temperature treatments. The low frequency of micronuclei observed at high temperature and mitomycin C suggests a better efficiency to stress resistance, as occurs during El Nino events, of the species from the higher intertidal zone of B. purpuratus compared to S. algosus from the lower intertidal zone.

El presente trabajo describe la estandarización de las técnicas del Test de Micronúcleo (MN) y Ensayo Cometa para la evaluación del daño en el DNA de bivalvos marinos. La importancia de estas técnicas radica en que permiten evaluar la respuesta temprana al estrés ocasionado por agentes contaminantes y cambios ambientales. Tejidos branquiales de Semimytilus algosus y Aulacomya ater fueron utilizados para tratamientos in vivo e in vitro. Los tejidos fueron expuestos a los agentes mutagénicos Mitomicina C en concentraciones de 0,02; 0,04 y 0,06 x 10-6 M y H2O2 en una concentración de 100 mM con tiempos de evaluación de 1, 3, 6, 24 y 48 h. Diferentes soluciones para la colecta del tejido y aislamiento celular fueron evaluados obteniendo una mayor viabilidad celular en la solución salina CMFS, pH 7,3; en frío. El Test de Micronúcleo se modificó en la forma de obtener el disgregado celular, realizando la hipotonización en Citrato de sodio 0,9%, fijación en metanol por segundos posterior al frotis y la tinción con Giemsa 2%. La estandarización del Ensayo Cometa Alcalino, descrita por Wilson et al. (1998), se realizó modificando la suspensión celular en agarosa LMP (1% en solución Kenny, pH 7,5), la exposición a solución de lisis (pH 10 con DMSO y Tritón) con variaciones en el tiempo de 1 a 16 h, y la electroforesis en solución alcalina pH 13,7 y tinción con Bromuro de etidio y Nitrato de plata para geles de agarosa. Los cambios realizados en ambas técnicas permitieron obtener un alto número celular con morfología definida, observándose macrolesiones como la formación de MN y aberraciones nucleares, y la determinación cualitativa de microlesiones observadas por fragmentación y migración del DNA. This work describes the standardization of Micronucleus Assay (MN) and Comet Assay techniques used for the evaluation of the DNA damage on marine bivalves. These techniques are important because they can evaluate the early stress response caused by pollutant agents and environmental changes. Branchial tissues of Semimytilus algosus and Aulacomya ater were used for in vivo and in vitro treatments. Tissues were exposed to the mutagenetic agents Mitomicine C in concentrations of 0,02; 0,04 and 0,06 x 10-6 M and H2O2 in concentration of 100 mM evaluated at 1, 3, 6, 24 and 48 h. Different solutions for the tissue collection and cell isolation were evaluated, obtaining more cell viability with cold CMFS pH 7,3 saline solution. Micronucleus Assay were modified in the obtaining of suspension cell, we used 0,9% Sodium citrate hipotonic solution, fixation in methanol for seconds after the spread and dyed with 2% Giemsa. The Alkaline Comet Assay protocol described by Wilson et al. (1998) was standardized modifying the single-cell suspension embedded in LMP Agarose (1% in Kenny solution, pH 7,5), the exposure at lysing solution (pH 10 with DMSO and Triton) with changes from 1 to 16 h, electrophoresis in alkaline solution pH 13,7 and dyed with Ethidium bromide and Silver nitrate for agarose gels. Changes made at both techniques allowed us to obtain a high cell number with a defined morphology, recognizing macrolessions like the MN formation and nuclear aberrations, and the qualitative determination of microlessions observed by the fragmentation and migration of the DNA.

Data on nickel immunomodulation are contradictory. The most consistent immune effects are suppression of immune responses. It has been show that T-lymphocytes and NK cells are more susceptible to nickel toxicity than are B lymphocytes or macrophages. Data reported about cytokine production in human and nickel reactive T-cell clones are also conflicting. Some authors studied cytokine production PBMC cultures of nickel allergic individuals after stimulation with NiSo4. They showed a higher synthesis of IL4, IL5 and IL13 but not of IFN gamma and TNFα in Ni allergic subjects. We found that the addiction of NiSo4 to the PBMC cultures of non sensitised subjects induces a reduction of release of IL5, IFN γ and TNFα. Our studies demonstrate a clear difference in NK cell activity between nickel-tolerant and intolerant individuals. In particular NK cell activity in reduced in sensitised patients respect to the normal subjects and the addition of Ni to the PBMC cultures induce a significant decrease of NK cell activity. The decrease was greater in cell derived from allergic subjects than non allergic. In conclusion, reported data show Ni has immunotoxic potential. Researches are in progress in an attempt to correlate the present data with other immune parameters and to measure the effects of a Ni free diet on the immune system of subjects with Ni intolerance. The comprehension of the mechanisms inducing these changes requires further studies in the uptake and intracellular distribution and binding of the metal.

In different cell types P-glycoproteins (P-gp)are involved in the transport of cyclosporin A (CyA).The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of thepharmacological modulation of the hepatic P-gp on biliary secretion of CyA and on cholestasisinduced by acute administration of CyA in the isolatedperfused rat liver (IPRL). Verapamil was used as a P-gpspecific inhibitor and acetylaminofluorene (AAF) as a P-gp inducer. CyA biliary excretion wasdetermined by administering in the IPRL a tracer dose of[3H]CyA with or without verapamil or AAF. Theeffect on bile flow was evaluated by administering increasing doses of CyA (2.8, 8, and 20 mg/kgbody wt) in the IPRL. Morphological evidence of damagewas evaluated by optical and electron microscopy in theliver as well as in primary culture of rat hepatocytes exposed to CyA ± verapamil. Verapamilsignificantly inhibited the biliary excretion of atracer dose of [3H]CyA (0.15 ± 0.04 vs0.33 ± 0.07%; P < 0.05). In contrast,pretreatment with AAF significantly increased the biliaryexcretion of [3H]CyA, (0.61 ± 0.10 vs0.33 ± 0.07%; P < 0.05). CyA induced adose-dependent inhibition of bile flow with a maximaleffect at 20 mg/kg CyA (–49.3 ± 4.5% decreaseof basal bile flow). CyA cholestasis was significantlyworsened by the P-gp inhibitor, verapamil (–75.5± 7.5%; P < 0.05), but it was unaffected byinduction of P-gp via AAF pretreatment (–44.9 ±1.7%). During CyA cholestasis, the cumulative biliaryexcretion of [3H]CyA was lower than in theabsence of cholestasis (0.22 ± 0.05 vs 0.33± 0.07%; P < 0.05), was inhibited by verapamil (0.08± 0.01%; P < 0.05), but was unaffected by AAF(0.23 ± 0.05%). No morphological evidence ofdamage was observed in the liver, and no evidence ofcytoskeleton derangement was seen in primary cultures of rathepatocytes exposed to CyA ± verapamil. Wedemonstrated that pharmacological modulation of P-gp mayinfluence the biliary excretion of CyA. The acutecholestatic effect of CyA is worsened by P-gp inhibitors,while it is unaffected by P-gp inducers. This indicatesCyA should not be given with other P-gp substrates orinhibitors.

Bicarbonate is a major component of bile salt independent bile flow, which is impaired in ethinyl estradiol (EE)-cholestasis. To examine this subject in EE-cholestasis, we studied: 1) basal and glucagon-stimulated biliary bicarbonate secretion both in vivo and in the isolated perfused rat liver (IPRL); 2) H+/HCO-3 transport processes in isolated rat hepatocyte couplets.Rats received EE (5 mg.kg b.w.-1) for 5 days. Intracellular pH (pHi) was measured (BCECF-AM) using a single-cell microfluorimetric setup.Bile flow was markedly (p0.01) decreased in EE-treated rats. Bicarbonate concentration in bile was decreased (p0.01) and bicarbonate secretion was 2.5-fold lower in EE-treated animals than in controls, both in bile-fistula rats [19.5 +/- 5.1 (n = 23) vs 54.2 +/- 5.7 (n = 20) nmol.min-1g liver-1; p0.01] and in the IPRL [11 +/- 2 (n = 8) vs 24 +/- 3 (n = 8) nmol.min-1.g liver-1; p0.01]. In control IPRL, a bile/perfusate gradient for bicarbonate is maintained, while it is lost in EE-treated IPRL because of the lower bicarbonate concentration in bile. Glucagon stimulated bile flow and bicarbonate secretion to a similar extent in EE-treated and control IPRL (+25% vs +23%). Resting pHi of EE-treated hepatocyte couplets was higher in comparison with controls in KRB [7.25 +/- 0.07 (n = 35) vs 7.20 +/- 0.05 (n = 33); p0.02] but similar in Hepes [7.08 +/- 0.07 (n = 24) vs 7.05 +/- 0.06 (n = 26)]. Basal activity of the Cl-/HCO-3 exchanger was similar in EE-treated and control hepatocyte couplets [H+ flux = 2.87 +/- 1.12 (n = 18) vs 3.01 +/- 1.23 mM/min (n = 15)] and was stimulated to a similar extent by glucagon. Na+/HCO3-symport activity was increased in EE-treated hepatocyte couplets (p0.05) while the Na+/H+ exchanger was unchanged.Bicarbonate biliary secretion is markedly impaired during EE-cholestasis in association with a marked decrease of bile salt independent bile flow. However, the Cl-/HCO-3 exchanger and its hormonal regulation are normal, indicating that the lower bicarbonate excretion in EE-cholestasis is not due to a compromised activity of this anion exchanger. Since the bile/perfusate gradient for bicarbonate is dissipated in EE-treated IPRL, the impaired bicarbonate excretion could be caused by a reflux of biliary bicarbonate via leaky tight junctions.

We describe two cases of hookworm-related cutaneous larva migrans acquired in Brittany (North-Western France). The patients were a 23-year-old woman and a 28-year-old man. In both patients the feet were involved. In the second patient, a superinfection due to Staphylococcus aureus was recorded. The appearance in Brittany of a reservoir of nematodes capable of causing hookworm-related cutaneous larva migrans is hypothesized.

Se evaluó in vivo la capacidad citoprotectora del fruto de Myrciaria dubia (Kunth) McVaugh Camu-camu frente al daño mutagénico producido por bromato de potasio (68,5 mg/k) sobre tres líneas celulares de ratón (hígado, riñón y células sanguíneas). Se utilizó ratones (n= 120) divididos en tres grupos los cuales bebieron ad libitum: TI= control negativo (solo agua) y el grupo TIII (control positivo); El grupo TII bebió el extracto acuoso (2% p/v) del fruto de camu-camu. A los diez días se inyectó una dosis única de KBr03 (68,5 mg/kg peso corporal) vía intraperitoneal, a los grupos TII y TIII. El tratamiento con camu-camu continuo 35 días más, luego los ratones fueron eutanizados para determinar la frecuencia del daño al DNA mediante el protocolo del ensayo cometa alcalino. El grupo TII mostró en todas las líneas celulares el efecto citoprotector del camu-camu (p< 0,05). El efecto dañino al DNA por la acción oxidativa del KBrO3 es inhibido por el extracto acuoso del fruto de camu camu, probablemente por la presencia de los agentes antioxidantes como el Acido ascórbico y los flavonoides., It was evaluated in vivo the cytoprotective capacity of the fruit of Myrciaria dubia H.B.K. MC VAUGH "Camu- camu (Myrtacea) against mutagenic damage caused by potassium bromate (68.5 mg/k) on three mouse cell lines (liver, kidney and blood cells). Mice (n = 120) were divided into three groups which drank ad libitum: distilled water; TI (negative control) and TIII (positive control), the TII group (positive control) drank the aque- ous extract (2 %) of the fruit of Camu-camu. After ten days, only the TII and TIII groups were intraperitoneally injected with a single dose of KBr03(68.5 mg/k). The camu-camu treatment lasted 35 days more, where they were euthanized to determine the frequency of DNA damage by means of the alkaline comet assay protocol. It was observed in all cell lines a cytoprotective effect of camu-camu (p

The authors describe a case of cutaneous myiasis caused by Dermatobia hominis in a 23-year-old Italian woman who contracted the infestation during a tour in Jamaica. The infestation was located on the back and was characterized clinically by a single inflammatory nodule. To our knowledge, this is the first case of cutaneous myiasis due to Dermatobia hominis acquired in Jamaica.

Splenic cysts are occasionally discovered during instrumental investigations performed for other reasons. Clinical exam is in fact negative in presence of the non complicated small lesions, such those ones identified with sonography in a young man, controlled in our Emergency Unit for car crash. Anamnestic report and clinical evaluation have supported congenital etiology of focal lesions, observed in kidneys too, confirming the polydistrectuality of the abnormality, which must be only periodically controlled, if it's not complicated.

We experimentally demonstrate that an 8/spl times/10 Gb/s WDM transmission with 200-GHz channel spacing over nonzero dispersion-shifted fiber requires dispersion compensation when using channel powers compatible with field requirements. The management of this compensation is then investigated and optimized.

Accurate evaluation of four-wave-mixing (FWM) contributions is one of the most time consuming problems in numerical simulations of wavelength-division-multiplexed light-wave systems. A too large constant step size can lead to widely overestimate the output FWM power. In this letter for the first time to our knowledge, I analyze the maximum allowed constant step size to be utilized in split-step Fourier method simulations, for obtaining a given accuracy in the FWM power evaluation. A very general rule is given, valid for any possible value of fiber dispersion, channel separation, channel power and number of channels considered in the simulation.

In dispersion compensated systems, the intensity distortion induced by the interplay between cross-phase modulation and fiber chromatic dispersion can be a primary cause of transmission degradation. This interplay is mostly studied by time-consuming computer simulations. This letter introduces a new model of this interplay in fiber transmissions with dispersion compensation, leading to a linear filter that, applied to the input intensity of a modulated interfering channel, gives the intensity distortion of a continuous-wave probe signal at the receiver. The model can be of significant value in the search for optimized dispersion maps.

The time-space varying birefringence in single-mode optical fibers causes the polarization mode dispersion (PMD) to be a serious problem in high bit-rate transmissions. The PMD first- and second-order statistics are well known in the literature, but second-order PMD-induced pulse distortions have still to be clarified for sequences of pulses of arbitrary shape. We give, for the first time, the exact PMD time impulse response, up to second order. We show, both numerically and experimentally, that the effect of the rotation of the principal states of polarization (PSP) is to generate power overshoots on the "1" and "0" bit sequences.

Nickel (Ni) is one of the most common causes of allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) and the number one allergen in the frequency of positive patch test reactions. The cellular basis of ACD is the lack of specialized T cells with regulatory function allowing for the expansion of Ni[Formula: see text] specific cytotoxic CD8+ T cells. However, Ni also exerts a number of not yet fully understood activities on cells belonging to the immune system. To this regard, an immunosuppressive activity of Ni on natural killer (NK) cells has been repeatedly suggested both in animal models and humans. Here we demonstrate that NK activity of Ni[Formula: see text] intolerant patients was significantly lower than observed in controls. Moreover, the addition of Ni[Formula: see text] sulphate to cultures of peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) obtained by Ni[Formula: see text] allergic patients, further depressed the NK cell activity. Finally, according to the key role exerted by NK cells in containing viral infections, we found an increased frequency of Herpesvirus 1 (HSV-1) recurrence among patients with Ni[Formula: see text] allergy. In conclusion, our results indicate that Ni[Formula: see text] allergic patients may present reduced NK cell response, this resulting in turn in increased susceptibility to viral infections. Patch testing should be considered in individuals affected by unexplained recurrences of HSV-1 infection.

We experimentally validate at 10 Gbit/s a new and simple polarization-mode dispersion compensator based on the dynamic maximization of the degree of polarization. First-order compensation is demonstrated and ultimate statistical performance is numerically assessed.