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The occurrence of the high-pressure simple cubic sc16 polymorph in GaAs has been experimentally confirmed, but whether it is a stable polymorph of the octet compound remains controversial. Using a laser-heated diamond anvil cell and x-ray microdiffraction techniques, we document the emergence of sc16-GaAs at 13.6 GPa upon heating the ambient-pressure zincblende phase. The single-crystal structural refinement of a selected micro-grain provides a detailed description of the coordination geometry in sc16-GaAs. The transition from zincblende to sc16 is associated with a change from ideal tetrahedral coordination to distorted tetrahedral coordination and a slight increase in bond lengths but similar tetrahedral volume. The 7.6% volume decrease is accomplished by a more compact arrangement of the tetrahedra, rather than an increase in coordination number, while relaxing the bond length. The results of first-principles calculations complement the structural experimental study and confirm the stability of the sc16 phase. The distortion in the tetrahedral coordination present in the high-pressure sc16 phase with respect to the ideal tetrahedral coordination of the low-pressure zincblende phase is not associated with a change in the bonding character as shown by our ELF analysis.

Aim/Introduction: Radium-223 dichloride has emerged as the only bone-directed treatment option demonstrating an improvement in overall survival (OS) in metastatic castrate resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). However, there is an urgent need for the identification of reliable molecular imaging biomarkers to non-invasively determine its efficacy (possibly improving patients' selection or identifying responders' after therapy completion). Generally, the FDG avidity is low in treatment naïve prostate cancer, increased in castrationresistant prostate cancer (mCRPC), and almost always present in chemotherapy-refractory mCRPC. Accordingly, FDG-PET/CT may represent an effective tool for measuring disease burden at baseline, performing prognostic stratification and assessing treatment response to radium-223 in mCRPC. Materials and Methods: All mCRPC patients underwent a baseline FDG-PET/ CT for prognostic stratification before radium-223 treatment initiation. Only patients with positive FDG-PET/CT at baseline were subsequently submitted to FDG-PET/CT after two months from radium-223 treatment completion. The following parameters were measured: SUVmax, SUVmean, metabolic tumor volume (MTV), total lesion glycolysis (TLG) per lesion and per patient bases. In patients who underwent post-therapy FDG-PET/CT, Deauville Score, PERCIST and EORTC criteria were applied to evaluate treatment response. Differences between LDH, ALP and PSA levels at the end of therapy with respect to baseline were also calculated (termed deltaLDH, deltaALP and deltaPSA). The correlation between PET- and biochemicalderived parameters with and OS were measured by Kaplan-Meier analyses. Results: 41 mCRPC patients who underwent both FDG-PET/CT scans were included in the final analysis (median interval between the two scans: 213 days). After a median follow-up of 12 months, 23/41 (56%) patients were still alive. At baseline, MTV and TLG significantly predicted long term OS independently from biochemical data. After therapy, deltaPSA, deltaLDH, PERCIST and EORTC scores were the most relevant predictors of OS. When combined, while PERCIST and EORTC classes were able to discriminate different OS in patients with deltaPSA and deltaLDH values within the first tertile including patients with reduction in PSA and LDH, their prognostic power disappeared in the two remaining tertiles in both groups, including patients showing biochemical progression during the course of treatment. Conclusion: FDG-PET/CT can represent a widely available method to directly measure active de-differentiated tumor burden in mCRPC patients' candidates to radium-223, providing prognostic information overpowering biochemical parameters. After treatment it can assess tumorì load reduction particularly in patients included in the first tertile of deltaPSA and deltaLDH. References: None

(1997). Sediment heavy metal contamination at Billings Reservoir, Sao Paulo, Brazil. SIL Proceedings, 1922-2010: Vol. 26, No. 2, pp. 684-688.

(1997). Water quality of Guarapiranga Reservoir, Sao Paulo, Brazil, 1991–1992. SIL Proceedings, 1922-2010: Vol. 26, No. 2, pp. 675-683.

Due to a pipeline rupture on May 15th 1994, 2700 m 3 of a crude oil reached the sea, affecting rocky shore communities, which have been monitored since 1993. These biological data, analysed by BACI approach, were integrated to chemical and toxicological analysis of the oil. Results of Student's t-test did not indicate a significant difference between the percent cover average of the monitored populations (mussels and barnacles) from samples taken before and after the oil spill. The acute and chronic toxicity tests showed high toxicity of the oil. The lack of stress (i.e. mortality) on the populations can be mainly associated to: the sampling area was not highly contaminated despite the great amount of oil which reached surrounding areas; there were not enough physical (smothering) or chemical (toxicity) effects of the oil to alter the density of the populations which are considered moderately resistant to oil.

Background There are no data regarding the management of advanced soft-tissue sarcoma (STS) in elderly patients. Patients and methods We retrospectively reviewed the charts of patients ≥75 years old diagnosed with metastatic or unresectable STS between 1991 and 2011 in 11 French and American centers. Results The study included 361 patients. Of these, 223 patients (62%) received systemic therapy, whereas 123 patients (34%) were managed with best supportive care (BSC) only. Patients who received BSC were more likely to be ≥80 years, with performance status (PS) ≥ 2, Charlson comorbidity score ≥ 10, and metastatic disease. The median progression-free survival of patients treated with systemic therapy was 4 months (95% CI: 2.9–5.1). Thirty-six patients (16%) stopped chemotherapy because of toxicity. Median overall survival (OS) of patients managed with specific therapy was 10.9 months (95% CI: 8.3–13.5) versus 5.3 months (95% CI: 3.6–7.1) for patients managed with BSC (P = 0.001). On multivariate analysis, age ≥ 80 years, PS ≥ 2, and number of metastatic sites were the only independent factors associated with OS. Conclusion A high proportion of elderly patients with advanced STS were denied chemotherapy. Further efforts are needed to define better the optimal care for fit and unfit elderly patients with STS.

There is increasing concern about the impact on public health of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) associated with animal food products. MRSA remains a serious problem because of the high incidence and multidrug resistance of the strains, even for strains isolated from foods, food environments and food handlers. The objectives of this study are: (i) to evaluate the susceptibility of S. aureus strains isolated from food, food handlers and food-processing environments to 14 antibiotics currently used in veterinary and human therapy; (ii) to assess the presence of the mecA gene. A total of 1007 samples were collected from food, food handlers, and environments and were analyzed for the presence of S. aureus. S. aureus was present in 165 of the 1007 samples. A total of 157 isolates were methicillin-susceptible S. aureus (MSSA) and 8 isolates were MRSA. In particular, out of 8 MRSA strains detected, 4 strains harboured the mecA gene. All MRSA strains were resistant to at least one of the tested antibiotics and 6 strains demonstrated multi-resistance. Considering the high level of resistances in S. aureus and the isolation of MRSA strains, the surveillance of antimicrobial resistance and the spreading of this pathogen is of crucial importance in the food production chain. These data are useful in improving background data on antimicrobial resistance of S. aureus isolated from food, processing environments and food handlers, supporting the prudent use of antibiotics and the development of international control programs.

Background It has been suggested that withdrawal of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) in COPD patients on maintenance treatment results in deterioration of symptoms, lung function and exacerbations. The aim of this real-life, prospective, multicentric study was to investigate whether withdrawal of ICS in COPD patients at low risk of exacerbation is linked to a deterioration in lung function and symptoms and to a higher frequency of exacerbations. Methods 914 COPD patients, on maintenance therapy with bronchodilators and ICS, FEV1>50% predicted, and

The authors analyse the results of direct (cervical, urethral, tubal) and serological research of Chlamydia trachomatis in a sample population of 420 women undergoing celioscopy due to sterility and pelvic pain, paying particular attention to a group of 193 who were found to be suffering from PID (acute, sequelae). In terms of absolute numbers the correlation between chlamydial contact-PID-sterility is confirmed, whereas in an analysis of the levels of direct positivity it is only significant for acute PID, and in cases of sequelae and in sterility with chronic infection with or without tubal damage the direct identification of Chlamydia trachomatis does not differ much from controls. Salpingo-peritoneal isolation was found to be completely lacking in significance.

The Authors have analyzed the results obtained by treating 60 patients affected by HPV lesions of the lower female genital tract (flat vulvar, vaginal and cervical condylomatosis) with beta-interferon. At vulvovaginal level, the action of the drug is independent from the colposcopic aspect of the lesion but is closely correlated to its extension. The drug proved to be more efficacious at cervical level in case of condylomatous cervicitis rather than ANTZ with a reduction in the size of the lesion and disappearance, if present, of the dysplasia. The positive action of the beta-interferon has never occurred before 2-6 months from the end of the farmacologic treatment. The best results have been obtained in case of condylomatous cervicitis with complete remission in 58% of the cases, and in vaginal condylomatosis (CR at 6 months: 45%). On the basis of these results we may conclude that in these HPV lesions priority should be given to medical treatment whereas in vulvar condylomatosis (especially if extended greater than 1/3) where results are not very satisfactory (not more than 20% of CR) physical therapy is advisable.

Bovine brain cortex phospholipids (BC-PL) have a partially dopaminergic effect on the human CNS. This leads to modifications in gonadotropins (FSH, LH and prolactin) pituitary incretion in normal subjects. The Authors have developed an acute test for phospholipids (300 and 600 mg by fast i.v. injection) to be performed in patients suffering from secondary normoprolactinemic amenorrhea possibly of diencephalic origin (hypothesis: hypothalamus function test). In these subjects no change in FSH and LH incretion was observed, whereas blood prolactin levels appeared remarkably reduced. In a small group of patients affected by hyperprolactinemia brain cortex phospholipids produced a more rapid and more marked reduction in blood prolactin (similar to that caused by bromocriptine) in functional conditions in comparison to the organic ones.

The post-partum period in lactating women is characterized by hyperprolactinaemia and infertility. Investigations aimed at elucidating the factors causing the temporary anovulatory state yielded different results.

The results of a research on Chlamydia T. (direct survey of both the antigen in the uterine cervix and plasmatic antibodies) in a group of subjects suffering for cervico-vaginitis are provided. The incidence of the Chlamydia infection (proved by either the presence of this bacterium or antibody positivity) is not different from the values reported in literature. Conversely, the presence of neither specific cytological or colposcopic patterns nor of priviledged comites at vaginal level could be demonstrated. Our data, however, confirm a greater incidence of this infection in women reporting early sexual life and a high number of partners. As for the relationship between Chlamydia and contraceptives a slightly higher incidence of positivity in the cervix of patients using oestro-progestinics was registered, whereas no significant difference was noted in the use of other contraceptives IUD included.Physicians examined 173 sexually active, non pregnant women suffering from lower genitalia inflammation. They responded to questions pertaining to their past and recent obstetric/gynecological history, to their partner's possible urogenital inflammations, the age of 1st intercourse, number of partners, and contraceptive use. 27.2% of the patients tested positive using immunoenzymatic techniques for Chlamydia trachomatis (CT). No specific symptoms of CT were observed. A correlation exists between early sexual intercourse and a large number of partners and a greater incidence of CT infections. Almost 98% of all CT positive patients reported 1st sexual intercourse between 16 and 21 years. Antibody positivity ranged from 33% (1st intercourse before 15 years) to 24% (1st intercourse between 16-21 years) and decreased to 5.89% when 1st intercourse occurred 21 years. In addition, CT positive patients had many partners. A greater positivity in the cervix occurred in those using oral contraceptives, however. On the other hand, no positivity was noted for those who used IUDs. Those women who used several contraceptives, such as oral contraceptives, IUD, and barrier methods, had a higher incidence of CT positivity (53.2%) than other groups. Perhaps this is due to clinical cervicovaginitis symptoms prompting the women to change techniques. Specific colposcopy patterns and cytological alterations which some physicians believe indicate CT infections did not identify patients with Chlamydia. These data suggest that it is impossible to make a diagnosis based on symptoms, past sexual history, and contraceptive use. Therefore the data indicate that immunoenzymatic tests are needed.

The exact cause of amenorrhea during the puerperium is still a matter of debate. PRL might inhibit primarily the release of FSH and LH or their stimulating effects on the ovary. In the study presented here, 28 healthy women were investigated, 13 of them lactating puerperae. In the other 15, lactation was prevented by drugs (metergoline in 9, bromocriptine in 6). The women's serum PRL, FSH, LH, beta-HCG and 17 beta-estradiol as well as their FSH and LH response to LHRH (100 micrograms i.v.) were tested 1, 3, 7 and 14 days after vaginal delivery. Serum PRL levels remained elevated in the lactating puerperae and dropped in the puerperae treated with metergoline or bromocriptine. The pattern of FSH, LH and beta-HCG levels as well as the FSH and LH response to LHRH were superimposable in lactating and in nonlactating women. 17 beta-estradiol levels dropped in all puerperae from day 1 to 7, but rose from day 7 to 14 only in the puerperae treated with metergoline or bromocriptine and not in the lactating women. These data indicate that PRL directly affects the ovarian response to FSH and LH, whereas the release of FSH and LH remains unaffected. A stimulatory effect of metergoline and bromocriptine on the ovarian steroidogenesis cannot be excluded.