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We aimed to predict the minimum distance between a tumor and the gastrointestinal (GI) tract that can satisfy the dose constraint by creating simulation plans with carbon-ion (C-ion) radiotherapy (RT) and photon RT for each case assuming insertion of virtual spacers of various thicknesses. We enrolled 55 patients with a pelvic tumor adjacent to the GI tract. Virtual spacers were defined as the overlap volume between the GI tract and the volume expanded 7–17 mm from the gross tumor volume (GTV). Simulation plans (70 Gy in 35 fractions for at least 95% of the planning target volume [PTV]) were created with the lowest possible dose to the GI tract under conditions that meet the dose constraints of the PTV. We defined the minimum thickness of virtual spacers meeting D2 cc of the GI tract

Although magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is an important modality for the diagnosis of metastatic spinal cord compression (MSCC), there are only a few reports on MSCC findings and symptoms after radiotherapy. We aimed to reveal the factors related to ambulatory function after treatment, including the MRI findings, in a prospective observational study.Patients with suspected MSCC who were treated with radiotherapy were included in this study. Orthopedic surgeons evaluated the neurological function according to the Frankel grade. All patients underwent spinal MRI, and the degree of spinal cord compression was assessed by a radiologist and a radiation oncologist using an MRI grading scale. One month after treatment, orthopedic surgeons reassessed the Frankel grade. Twenty-three patients who were evaluated 1 month after radiotherapy were included in the analysis.Before radiotherapy, 17 patients were ambulatory and six were unable to walk. Furthermore, 13 patients were diagnosed with grade 3 compression on MRI (spinal cord compression with no cerebrospinal fluid seen on axial T2-weighted imaging). Patients with grade 3 MSCC were significantly more likely to be non-ambulatory at 1 month.The MRI grading scale for MSCC may be a prognostic factor for ambulatory function after radiotherapy. MRI findings could aid in determining the indication for radiotherapy.

The dosimetric effect of set-up error in boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) for head and neck cancer remains unclear. In this study, we analyzed the tendency of dose error by treatment location when simulating the set-up error of patients. We also determined the tolerance level of the set-up error in BNCT for head and neck cancer. As a method, the distal direction was shifted with an interval of 2.5 mm, from 0.0 mm to +20.0 mm and compared with the dose at the reference position. Similarly, the horizontal direction and vertical direction were shifted, with an interval of 5.0 mm, from −20.0 mm to +20.0 mm. In addition, cases with 3.0 mm and 5.0 mm simultaneous shifts in all directions were analyzed as the worst-case scenario. The dose metrics of the minimum dose of the tumor and the maximum dose of the mucosa were evaluated. From unidirectional set-up error analysis, in most cases, the set-up errors with dose errors within ±5% were Δdistal < +2.5 mm, Δhorizontal < ±5.0 mm and Δvertical < ±5.0 mm. In the simulation of 3.0 mm shifts in all directions, the errors in the minimum tumor dose and maximum mucosal dose were −3.6% ±1.4% (range, −5.4% to −0.6%) and 2% ±1.4% (range, 0.4% to 4.5%), respectively. From these results, if the set-up error was within ±3.0 mm in each direction, the dose errors of the tumor and mucosa could be suppressed within approximately ±5%, which is suggested as a tolerance level.

Purpose The purpose of this study was to compare carbon-ion (C-ion), proton and photon radiotherapy (RT) plans with regard to dose reduction of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract by using a greater omentum spacer (GO spacer). Methods We retrospectively retrieved data for ten patients who received the GO spacer as surgical spacer placement for abdominal and pelvic tumors. Simulation plans were created on pre-spacer Computed Tomography (CT) and post-spacer CT for C-ion RT, proton RT and photon RT to compare the dose of the GI tract. The plans were normalized so that at least 95% of the planning target volume (PTV) received 70 Gy (relative biological effectiveness equivalent) delivered in 35 fractions. All plans were created with the lowest possible dose to the GI tract under conditions that meet the dose constraints for the PTV and spinal cord (maximum dose Results D2 cc and V10–70 of the GI tract were significantly lower on post-spacer plans than on pre-spacer plans for all three RT modalities. Regarding post-spacer plans, D2 cc of the GI tract was significantly lower on C-ion RT plans and proton RT plans than on photon RT plans (C-ion vs photon p = 0.001, proton vs photon p = 0.002). However, there was no significant difference between C-ion RT plans and proton RT plans for D2 cc of the GI tract (C-ion vs proton p = 0.992). In the photon RT plan for one patient, D2 cc of the GI tract did not meet Conclusions The GO spacer shows a significant dose reduction effect on the GI tract.

Background: Carcass and sheep meat quality are influenced by several factors, such as race, age, slaughter weight, type of diet, and dietary supplementation. Objective: To evaluate the effect of castration and vitamin E supplementation on performance, carcass characteristics and meat of lambs slaughtered at 45 kg. Methods: Thirty-two male lambs (16 castrated and 16 not castrated) were fed diets with or without the inclusion of vitamin E. The animals had an average age of 180 ± 20 days and a mean weight of 25.1 ± 4.6 kg. Performance was evaluated for 56 days, and the animals were slaughtered when reaching a weight of 45 kg. The experimental design was randomized blocks based on initial weights, and variables were assessed by a 2x2 factorial design (castrated and intact, supplemented or not with vitamin E, with a probability of 5%). Results: Higher proportion (p

Background Angiosarcoma of the breast is rare. It carries a poor prognosis because of its high risk of local recurrence and distant metastases. Presently, there are still no established systemic therapies. Thus, the main treatment strategy for breast angiosarcoma is complete resection. This underscores the importance of closely monitoring the spread of the tumor lesion, particularly for multifocal angiosarcoma, and to plan an optimal operative procedure. We herein present the successful surgical treatment of a rare case of multifocal primary breast angiosarcoma. Case presentation A 43-year-old woman visited our hospital with a growing lump on her right breast accompanied by pain. Clinical and radiological examinations revealed a well-circumscribed 40-mm-diameter tumor at the inner lower quadrant of her right breast. Histological examination of a needle biopsy specimen revealed angiosarcoma. Based on a precise evaluation of the tumor by contrast-enhanced MRI and contrast-enhanced CT scan, a wide local excision with sufficient margins was performed. In the resected specimen, three discontinuous small lesions of angiosarcoma were observed around the main tumor. Therefore, total mastectomy was additionally performed. Pathological examination revealed two other small nodules of angiosarcoma in the remnant right breast, which appeared to be close but not continuous to the defective part of the initial resection. Postoperative follow-up at 1 year showed no signs of recurrence or distant metastasis. Multifocal primary breast angiosarcoma is extremely rare with only two previous reports describing its multifocality. Conclusions Owing to its rarity, a standardized surgical treatment for breast angiosarcoma remains controversial. Our case suggests that primary breast angiosarcoma may occasionally present with multifocal tumor. Thus, it is important to keep in mind the multifocality of breast angiosarcoma when assessing its spread by diagnostic imaging and when planning the surgical strategy.

Context Elderly patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) have a high prevalence of frailty and/or sarcopenia. Sarcopenia is thought to be related to discordant secretions of the adrenal hormones cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), as well as the sulfate ester of DHEA (DHEA-S). The current study sought to evaluate the risk factors for sarcopenia in elderly patients with T2DM. Design and Patients We enrolled 108 consecutive elderly patients aged ≥65 years with T2DM (mean age, 76.2 ± 7.3 years; 43.5% males). Sarcopenia was assessed and diagnosed based on the Asian version of the diagnostic criteria regarding muscular strength, physical function, and muscle mass. We assessed various physical parameters, blood tests, and atherosclerosis markers and statistically determined the risk factors for sarcopenia. Results Multiple regression analysis showed that the independent risk factors for sarcopenia were a serum cortisol/DHEA-S ratio ≥0.2, diastolic blood pressure

A total of 40 lambs were divided into four different treatments according to the inclusion level of the macadamia nut cake: C-control (0%), M1 (6.5%), M2 (12%) and M3 (20%). Feed was provided twice a day; animal weighing along with body condition scoring occurred within a 14-day interval. The lambs were slaughtered at the end of the performance test. Analysis of variance was performed through the Mixed procedure of the SAS, as well as linear and quadratic regression analysis. The groups presented differences between the treatments (P

Background Frailty is broadly characterized by vulnerability and decline in physical, mental and social activities and is more common in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Frailty is closely associated with nutrition, muscle strength, inflammation, and hormones etc. In hormones, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) and cortisol are suggested to be such candidates affecting frailty. Little investigation has been performed using a wider range of measures of frailty to clarify risk factors for frailty including the above two hormones. Methods We performed a cross-sectional study to investigate the risk factors for frailty in elderly T2DM patients (n = 148; ≥65 years), using a broad assessment, the clinical frailty scale. We compared parameters between the non-frail and frail groups using the unpaired t and Mann-Whitney U tests. The Jonckheere-Therpstra test was used to identify relationships with the severity of frailty, and risk factors were identified using binary regression analysis. Results Simple regression analysis identified a number of significant risk factors for frailty, including DHEAS p p = 0.009), and low body mass (BM) (p = 0.012) were independent risk factors for frailty. A significant decrease in DHEA-S and a significant increase in the cortisol/DHEA-S ratio occurred alongside increases in the severity of frailty. DHEA-S concentration positively correlated with both serum albumin and BM. Conclusions Hypoalbuminemia, low AST, and low BM are independent risk factors for frailty in elderly T2DM patients, strongly implying relative malnutrition in these frail patients. DHEA-S may be important for the maintenance of liver function and BM. A decrease in DHEA-S and an increase in the cortisol/DHEAS ratio may be involved in the mechanism of the effect of malnutrition in elderly T2DM patients.

Background: Relatively low dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) and high cortisol/DHEA ratio have been suggested to be associated with frailty, evaluated using a physical scale. However, the significance of these two hormones for frailty in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has not been assessed using a wider range of measures of frailty, including physical, mental, and social indices. Methods: We performed a cross-sectional study to investigate the significance of these two hormones for frailty in elderly T2DM patients (n=148; ≥65 years), using a broad assessment, the clinical frailty scale, and to reevaluate the risk factors for frailty in elderly T2DM patients. We compared parameters between the non-frail and frail groups using the unpaired t and Mann-Whitney U tests. The Jonckheere-Therpstra test was used to identify relationships with the severity of frailty and risk factors were identified using binary regression analysis. Results: Simple regression analysis identified a number of significant risk factors for frailty, including DHEAS

O desenvolvimento de reestruturados de tilápia com incorporação de aditivos extensores se constitui em uma forma de aproveitamento da carne mecanicamente separada (CMS) de tilápia hibrida vermelha ainda não explorada comercialmente no Brasil. O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar as características funcionais da CMS reestruturada por meio da interação entre os aditivos: sal, tripolifosfato, fécula de mandioca, concentrado protéico de soja, carragena e fibra vegetal. Foram avaliados o pH, a capacidade de retenção de água, a perda de peso no cozimento e a força de penetração das amostras. A CMS de tilápia híbrida vermelha é uma matériaprima com elevado teor proteico (média de 12%), elevado teor de lipídeo (média de 15%) e pode ser utilizada para elaboração de diferentes coprodutos de tilápia. O sal (0,7%) e o tripolifosfato (0,35%) são ingredientes que permitiram estabelecer coesão na CMS. A interação entre a proteína concentrada de soja (2,8%), fécula (2%), fibra (4%) e carragena (0,5%) apresentou respostas satisfatórias de rendimento, capacidade de retenção de água e força de penetração (textura) do produto reestruturado. Conclui-se que foi possível obter reestruturados com adição de 100% de CMS de tilápia híbrida vermelha com boas características de processamento, demonstrando a viabilidade de sua produção.

Cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) 4 and CDK6 inhibitors are effective therapeutic options for hormone receptor (HR)-positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-negative advanced breast cancer. Although CDK4/6 inhibitors mainly target the cyclin D-CDK4/6-retinoblastoma tumor suppressor protein (RB) axis, little is known about the clinical impact of inhibiting phosphorylation of other CDK4/6 target proteins. Here, we focused on other CDK4/6 targets, SMAD proteins. We showed that a CDK4/6 inhibitor palbociclib and activin-SMAD2 signaling cooperatively inhibited cell cycle progression of a luminal-type breast cancer cell line T47D. Palbociclib enhanced SMAD2 binding to the genome by inhibiting CDK4/6-mediated linker phosphorylation of the SMAD2 protein. We also showed that cyclin G2 plays essential roles in SMAD2-dependent cytostatic response. Moreover, comparison of the SMAD2 ChIP-seq data of T47D cells with those of Hs578T (triple-negative breast cancer cells) indicated that palbociclib augmented different SMAD2-mediated functions based on cell type, and enhanced SMAD2 binding to the target regions on the genome without affecting its binding pattern. In summary, palbociclib enhances the cytostatic effects of the activin-SMAD2 signaling pathway, whereas it possibly strengthens the tumor-promoting aspect in aggressive breast cancer.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the sensory characteristics of mortadellas with different fat contents using Descriptive Analysis (DA) and Check-all-that-apply (CATA) questions and their relationship with overall liking (OL). Five mortadella samples were studied. Sample 1, containing 16% fat. Sample 2 was formulated with 8% fat. Samples 3 and 4 were prepared by replacing 50% fat by a pre-emulsion composed of fish, canola and olive oil. A commercial fat-reduced sample was also studied. The sensory characteristics of the samples were evaluated by DA. Besides, eighty-four consumers evaluated their OL using a 9-point scale and answered the CATA questions. Replacement or reduction of fat caused changes in the sensory characteristics of the samples. Commercial mortadella was the most liked. CATA questions along with penalty analysis and partial least squares regression (PLSR) of dummy variables on the OL helped to identify the attributes to be changed in the mortadella formulations.

Made available in DSpace on 2021-07-14T10:51:25Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2019-04-29. Added 1 bitstream(s) on 2021-07-14T11:39:44Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 S1807-86722019000100516.pdf: 288487 bytes, checksum: 7ad6bfa66f1b8ba12ad034260c50e3fd (MD5) Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) This study aimed to assess the influence of lamb finishing systems on zootechnical performance, as well as on carcass and meat quality. The experiment was conducted at the APTA’s experimental farm. Thirty-three lambs were used - both sexes, initial age of 90 ± 3 days, Texel with Santa Inês, each animal being one experimental unit, with 6 males and 5 females per treatment. Treatments consisted of: lambs finished on pasture, in semi-feedlot or in feedlot. The lambs were slaughtered with average live weight of 35 kg. Weight gain and carcass measures were taken by ultrasound. After slaughter, carcass conformation and yield, pH, temperature, color, water retention capacity and tenderness were measured. Animals finished on pasture had lower weight gain, were slaughtered at an older age, with lighter carcass weight, smaller loin area, lower shank compactness index, besides lighter shoulder and shank weights, compared to the other production systems (p < 0.05). There was no difference between the semi-feedlot and the feedlot systems for the assessed characteristics. In conclusion, production systems affect animal performance, as well as carcass and meat quality, especially when it comes to important production aspects, such as slaughter age and yield of premium cuts. Universidade de São Paulo, Faculdade de Zootecnia e Engenharia de Alimentos Universidade Estadual Paulista “Júlio de Mesquita Filho”, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia Instituto de Tecnologia de Alimentos, Centro de Tecnologia da Carne Universidade Estadual Paulista “Júlio de Mesquita Filho”, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia FAPESP: 05/55805-7

Initially, meat emulsions were studied in a model system to optimize phosphate and potassium chloride concentrations. In the second step, frankfurters containing 1.00%, 1.30% and 1.75% sodium chloride (NaCl) were processed and their stability was monitored over 56 days. In the emulsion tests, the best levels in relation to shear force found in model system were 0.85% and 0.25% of potassium chloride and phosphate, respectively. In the second step, treatments with 1.30% and 1.75% NaCl performed better in most of the analysis, particularly the sensory analysis. Consumers could identify the levels of salt, but this was not the factor that determined the overall acceptability. In some technological parameters, frankfurters with 1.30% NaCl were better than those with 1.75%. This represents a reduction of approximately 25% sodium chloride, or 18% reduction in sodium (916 mg/100g to 750 mg/100g), and it appears to be feasible from a technological, microbiological and sensory point of view.

The current study reports the case of a large retroperitoneal tumor treated with modified simultaneous integrated boost (SIB) radiotherapy. A 45-year-old female presented to the emergency department complaining of left abdominal pain and fever. A computed tomography scan detected a retroperitoneal tumor of 12×16×16 cm, and a biopsy revealed a poorly-differentiated adenocarcinoma. The patient was diagnosed with a large adenocarcinoma originating from the left ureter, with no distant metastasis. Due to the patient's poor physical condition, surgery was not recommended, and the patient was referred to the Department of Radiation Oncology (Yamagata University Hospital, Yamagata, Japan). Modified SIB radiotherapy was administered following the acquisition of written consent from the patient. The total irradiation dose to the center of the tumor and to the surrounding healthy tissue was ∼96 Gy/33 fractions and 3 years with no complications. Modified SIB radiotherapy may be safely administered, with favorable outcomes. Complete recovery can be achieved with this technique, even in a patient with a large radioresistant tumor.

O aproveitamento de proteína de pescado como coprodutos do processo de industrialização, constitui-se em uma alternativa para a elaboração de produtos com elevada qualidade nutricional. A carne mecanicamente separada (CMS), produzida a partir de carcaças do descarte do processamento de tilápia híbrida vermelha (CMSV), Oreochromis niloticus var. Red Stirling e de tilápia preta (CMSP), Oreochromis niloticus, foram caracterizadas física, química, microbiológica e sensorialmente. Em um primeiro estudo avaliou-se a eficiência de dois tipos de equipamentos de extração mecânica da CMS, rosca- sem-fim e cinta-tambor. Posteriormente, avaliou-se a qualidade da CMS congelada durante 90 dias de armazenamento. Em seguida avaliou-se os atributos sensoriais de cor, odor e aparência da CMSV e CMSP congelada. Para a avaliação do sabor da CMS, foi adicionado ao molho de tomate com CMSV armazenada por 15 e 90 dias e a aceitação avaliada por consumidores. Foi realizado um estudo para avaliação das características de funcionalidade da CMS reestruturada da tilápia híbrida vermelha. O separador tipo rosca-sem-fim apresentou melhor rendimento de extração e controle da temperatura do processo, quando comparado ao separador do tipo cinta-tambor, embora ambos os processos tenham permitido a obtenção de CMS com teores de umidade, proteína e lipídeo adequados para o processamento de coprodutos. A avaliação da vida útil indicou que coprodutos da tilápia híbrida vermelha (CMSV) e tilápia preta (CMSP) apresentaram padrões microbiológicos, valores de pH e oxidação lipídica aceitáveis ao longo do estudo, mesmo apresentado uma descoloração ao longo do armazenamento. A avaliação sensorial para o estabelecimento da vida útil (teste de diferença do controle com provador treinado) foi realizada em períodos até 90 dias. Aos 15 dias de armazenamento, os provadores detectaram diferença significativa, porém o limite sensorial estabelecido pelos provadores (moderadamente diferente do controle) foi atingido aos 60 dias para a CMS da tilápia preta e aos 90 dias para a CMS de tilápia vermelha. A aceitação teve boa resposta, porém a intenção de compra apresentou queda de 19% para o molho adicionado de CMS estocada durante 90 dias. A CMSV é uma matéria prima, com elevado teor proteico (12%) e elevado teor lipídico (15%) e pode ser utilizada para elaboração de diferentes coprodutos. Foi possível obter produto reestruturado com boa funcionalidade tecnológica com adição de 100% de CMS de tilápia híbrida vermelha, o que demonstra a viabilidade de sua utilização, onde apresentaram respostas satisfatórias de rendimento, capacidade de retenção de água e força de penetração no reestruturado. Conclui-se que a CMS das variedades de tilápia estudadas representam um coproduto de qualidade a ser aproveitado pela indústria. Além de contribuir para para fornecer dados, junto a outros trabalhos, para se criar um padrão de identidade e qualidade da CMS de pescado, o que é de suma importância para o controle de qualidade da indústria processadora do coproduto. The use of fish protein resulting from the industrial process constitutes an alternative to the development of co-products with nutritional quality. Mechanically recovered meat (MRM), produced from carcasses of Red hybrid tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus var. Red Stirling and black tilapia Oreochromis niloticus were characterized in terms of physical, chemical, microbiological and sensory aspects. The first study evaluated the efficiency of two mechanical extraction devices of MRM, the screw type and the belt and drum type. Later assessed the quality of frozen MRM for 90 days of storage. Then it was evaluated the sensory attributes of color, odor and appearance of defrozen MRM. The resulting MRM was used in the development of a tomato sauce and its acceptance with consumers was analyzed. A performance study of MRM restructured of red hybrid tilapia was conducted. The worm screw-type separator presented better extraction yield when compared to belt-drum type separator, but both processes allowed obtaining MRM with levels of moisture, protein and lipids suitable for processing co-products. Both MRM presented microbiological and oxidative stability after 90 days of storage. The sensory analysis of control difference for up to 90 days showed significant difference to that at 15 days of storage. The team of tasters set the value 4 (appearance, color and odor moderately different from the control) as limiting MRM shelf life to 60 days for MRM of the Nile tilapia and 90 days for MRM of the red tilapia. The tomato sauce with the addition of tilapia formulated with MRM of the red tilapia stored for 15 and 90 days was well accepted by consumers, but purchase intent dropped 19% for the product obtained from MRM with 90 days of storage. The MRM from the red hybrid tilapia is a raw material with high protein content, average 12%, and high lipid content, average 15%, and can be used to prepare different co-products of tilapia. It was possible to obtain restructured product with addition of 100% of MRM from the red hybrid tilapia with good processing characteristics, which shows viability of production with satisfactory responses of performance, water retention capacity and penetration force of restructured fish meat. We conclude that the CMS of the studied tilapia varieties represent a quality co-product to be used by the industry. Besides contributing to to provide data , along with other works , to create a standard of identity and quality of fish CMS , which is of paramount importance for the quality control of the co-product processing industry.

Zinc finger E-box binding protein 1 (ZEB1) and ZEB2 induce epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and enhance cancer progression. However, the global view of transcriptional regulation by ZEB1 and ZEB2 is yet to be elucidated. Here, we identified a ZEB1-regulated inflammatory phenotype in breast cancer cells using chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing and RNA sequencing, followed by gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) of ZEB1-bound genes. Knockdown of ZEB1 and/or ZEB2 resulted in the downregulation of genes encoding inflammatory cytokines related to poor prognosis in patients with cancer, including IL6 and IL8, therefore suggesting that ZEB1 and ZEB2 have similar functions in terms of the regulation of production of inflammatory cytokines. Antibody array and ELISA experiments confirmed that ZEB1 controlled the production of the IL-6 and IL-8 proteins. The secretory proteins regulated by ZEB1 enhanced breast cancer cell proliferation and tumor growth. ZEB1 expression in breast cancer cells also affected the growth of fibroblasts in cell culture, and the accumulation of myeloid-derived suppressor cells in tumors in vivo. These findings provide insight into the role of ZEB1 in the progression of cancer, mediated by inflammatory cytokines, along with the initiation of EMT.

Aims/Introduction Previously, a study using a narrowly defined (physical base) frailty scale reported that both good and bad (U-shaped curve) glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels were frailty risk factors in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. However, no such studies in Japan have shown this. We aimed to evaluate the frailty risk factors including HbA1c in elderly Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus using a broadly defined (both physical and psychosocial base) frailty scale, the Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS). Materials and Methods We randomly enrolled 132 elderly patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (aged ≥65 years) and categorized the patients into nine stages of frailty using CFS. Because no patient had CFS 9, patients with a CFS score of 1–4 and 5–8 were defined as non-frail and frail, respectively. We attempted to identify the risk factors of frailty by investigating the association between CFS stage and various patient factors. Results Multiple regression analysis showed that an increase in age, low levels of albumin, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, systolic blood pressure, HbA1c, total cholesterol, and bodyweight were statistically significant and strong independent risk factors for frailty, suggesting that reverse metabolism owing to malnutrition in elderly type 2 diabetes mellitus patients might be involved. Conclusions HbA1c level was not a U-shaped risk for frailty, suggesting that relatively good glycemic control might be more important for frailty than poor control in elderly type 2 diabetes mellitus patients.

Purpose: Ionizing radiation generates free radicals and reactive oxygen species that induce DNA damage in vivo. This study aimed to determine the relationship between serum reactive oxygen metabolite (ROM) levels and skin reaction after irradiation in a rat model. Methods and materials: I. Female Wistar rats were classified into 0 Gy (control), 2 Gy, and 30 Gy groups; serum ROM levels were measured in the very acute phase. II. Other female Wistar rats were classified into 0 Gy (control), 30 Gy, 50 Gy, and 70 Gy groups; serum ROM levels were measured before and 3, 7, 16, 24, 31, and 38 days after irradiation. Skin reaction was evaluated according to the skin reaction score (0–5) twice every week. Results: Serum ROM levels in the subacute phase were significantly higher in the 50 and 70 Gy groups than in the 0 and 30 Gy groups [p = 0.029, repeated-measure analysis of variance (ANOVA)]. As expected, skin reaction scores increased in the order of the 0 Gy, 30 Gy, 50 Gy, and 70 Gy groups and differed significantly among these groups (p < 0.001, repeated-measure ANOVA). Peak serum ROM levels were observed 16 days after irradiation in all irradiated groups and corresponded with the appearance of visible skin reaction after irradiation. Conclusions: Serum ROM levels may be useful for evaluating radiation damage in mammals. Further investigations are required to investigate changes in intracellular metabolism after irradiation at gene and protein levels.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the carcass and meat traits of Morada Nova, Santa Ines and ½ Ile de France ½ Texel lambs finished in feedlot. Weight and proportion of meatcuts, measures of carcass size and color, tenderness, cooking loss and ultimate pH of meat from 10 Morada Nova, 6 Santa Ines and 10 ½ Ile de France ½ Texel were evaluated. The lambs were finished in collective pens, fed ad libitum with 50% corn silage and 50% concentrate and slaughtered at about six months old. Analysis of variance was performed by the procedure PROC GLM of SAS (SAS Inst., Inc., Cary, NC) and means were compared by Tukey test at 5% significance. The Morada Nova lambs had values of 14.1 kg, 13.9 kg, 0.240 kg/cm, 56.2 cm and 35.8 cm for hot and cold carcass weight, compactness index, hip and leg circumference respectively and these values were lower (P 0.05) among genetic groups. The scores for conformation and fat cover were higher (P

The aim of this study was to evaluate the carcass and meat traits of Morada Nova, Santa Ines and ½ Ile de France ½ Texel lambs finished in feedlot. Weight and proportion of meatcuts, measures of carcass size and color, tenderness, cooking loss and ultimate pH of meat from 10 Morada Nova, 6 Santa Ines and 10 ½ Ile de France ½ Texel were evaluated. The lambs were finished in collective pens, fed ad libitum with 50% corn silage and 50% concentrate and slaughtered at about six months old. Analysis of variance was performed by the procedure PROC GLM of SAS (SAS Inst., Inc., Cary, NC) and means were compared by Tukey test at 5% significance. The Morada Nova lambs had values of 14.1 kg, 13.9 kg, 0.240 kg/cm, 56.2 cm and 35.8 cm for hot and cold carcass weight, compactness index, hip and leg circumference respectively and these values were lower (P 0.05) among genetic groups. The scores for conformation and fat cover were higher (P

Small cell carcinoma (SCCB) of the bladder is rare and has a poor prognosis. Because of its rarity, gold standard care has not been established. The purpose of this study was to analyze the feasibility of a bladder-sparing approach. Data for treatments and outcomes in patients with a diagnosis of SCCB who received bladder-sparing treatment in our facility in the period from February 2007 to August 2012 were retrospectively analyzed. Six eligible patients received definitive radiotherapy in the cancer network of Tohoku region. Mean age of the patients was 69.5 years (range: 44 - 83 years), and median follow-up period was 29.2 months (range: 4.1 - 54.5 months). The mean dose was 60 Gy (range: 60 to 63 Gy), and 1.2 - 2.0 Gy was given per fraction. The initial CTV was the whole pelvis or the small pelvis, and it was shrunk to the bladder or tumor as a boost. The 1-year and 3-year overall survival rates were 83.3% and 55.6%, respectively. The 1-year and 3-year local control rates were both 80.0%. Only one patient had local failure. Recurrence or metastasis in sites other than the brain occurred in three (50%) of the patients after primary treatment. Two of those patients did not receive any chemotherapy. None of the patients had serious toxicities, and the bladder could be preserved in all patients. In this study, radiotherapy was effective for patients with SCCB. There was no recurrence in the bladder, and it was possible to preserve the bladder in all patients. Distant metastases were observed frequently, and chemotherapy was considered to be essential. Local treatment with radiotherapy has an important role from the point of view of the patient’s QOL.

Effects of body condition (BC) recovery, carcass electrical stimulation (ES) and meat aging time (AT) were studied on the carcass and loin in Santa Ines ewes culled by age and slaughtered immediately after pup weaning or after BC recovery period. Carcass characteristics, shear force (SF), cooking loss (CL), meat color (L*, a*, b*) and sensory characteristics of Longissimus muscle were evaluated. It was concluded that BC recovery improved carcass characteristics and meat color brightness, however did not affect the tenderness. The ES and AT improved tenderness, reducing SF in 44 - 45% and in 51 - 59%, respectively, for 7 or 14 days of aging and 32 - 33% in non aged meat. ES affected the color parameters, clearing the meat. AT darkened and accentuated the brownish red color of meat and increased the cooking losses, from 15.2% (non aged) to 19.6% and 23.1%, respectively, for 7 and 14 days of AT. The sensory evaluation for tenderness corroborated the findings of the instrumental evaluation, which confirmed the effectiveness of ES in improving meat tenderness.

The effects of body condition recovery (BC), carcass electrical stimulation (ES), aging time (AT 7 - 14 days), and calcium chloride injection on the meat characteristics of Santa Inês ewes (±5 years old) slaughtered immediately after weaning or after the body condition recovery period were studied. The carcass temperature, pH, shear force (SF), cooking loss (CL), meat color (L*, a*, b*), and meat tenderness were evaluated. A completely randomized design in a 2 × 2 × 2 × 3 (BC × ES × CaCl2 × AT) factorial arrangement was used, and the sensory tenderness data were analyzed using the table of Minimum Number of Correct Answers for the Duo-Trio test. The body condition recovery reduces the shear force in 8%, increasing their tenderness. Electrical stimulation reduced the shear force (24%) and did not change the other parameters. The aging time (7 or 14 days) decreased the shear force (18-26%), effect that was enhanced by electrical stimulation, and it darkened the meat reducing lightness (L*) and increasing yellowness (b*). The treatment with CaCl2 was the most effective in tenderizing meat by reducing the shear force ( 35%); increasing the cooking loss (4.5%); and increasing L* and b* lightening the meat. The sensory evaluation of tenderness corroborates the findings of the experimental evaluation regarding the effect of the treatment with CaCl2 on the meat quality improvement. It was concluded that the treatments improve meat characteristics achieving better results when applied together. Estudaram-se os efeitos da recuperação da condição corporal (CC), da estimulação elétrica (EE), da maturação (M 7-14 dias) e da infusão de CaCl2 sobre as características da carne de ovelhas Santa Inês (cerca de 5 anos de idade), abatidas ao desmame ou após o período de recuperação pós-desmame. Avaliaram-se a temperatura e o pH de carcaça, e a força de cisalhamento (FC); a perda por cocção (PC); a cor (L*, a* e b*), e a maciez da carne. Utilizou-se delineamento inteiramente casualizado, em esquema fatorial 2 × 2 × 2 × 3 (CC × EE × CaCl2 × M); para a análise dos dados sensoriais de maciez, utilizou-se a tabela de Número Mínimo de Respostas Corretas para o teste Duo-Trio. A recuperação da condição corporal diminui a força de cisalhamento (8%), aumentando a sua maciez. A estimulação elétrica diminuiu a força de cisalhamento (24%) e não alterou os demais parâmetros avaliados. A maturação (7 ou 14 dias) diminuiu a força de cisalhamento (18-26%), efeito acentuado pela estimulação elétrica, e escureceu a carne, diminuindo a luminosidade (L*) e acentuando b* (amarelo). O tratamento com infusão de CaCl2 foi mais efetivo no amaciamento da carne, reduzindo a força de cisalhamento (35%), aumentando a perda por cocção (4,5%) e os valores L* e b*, clareando a carne. A avaliação sensorial da maciez corroborou a avaliação instrumental referente ao efeito do CaCl2 na melhoria da qualidade da carne. Conclui-se que os tratamentos melhoram as características da carne, com melhores resultados quando aplicados conjuntamente.

It was studied the recovery of body condition (BC) and carcass electrical stimulation (ES) on the yield, carcass and meat characteristics of Santa Inês ewes, discarded by age and slaughtered immediately after weaning or after a 45 days of recovery period. The recovery of BC increased the slaughter weight (+3.60%) and carcass weight (+16.10%) decreased the loss during the refrigeration (-47.00%) and increased the yield carcass (+12.00%), increased the subcutaneous fat thickness (+ 47.80%) and fat pelvic and renal deposition (+ 69.20) increased the height (+8.30%) and the total weight of loin (24.60%) and do not changed the decline of temperature and carcass pH. Electrical stimulation of the carcass do not changed the temperature variation but accelerated the decreased in pH values of 6.50 and 6.59; 5.98 and 5.91; 5.88 and 5.84 and 5.78 and 5.76, respectively for times of 15 min., 6; 12 and 24 hours after bleeding for thin and fat animals respectively. The body condition recovery and the electrical stimulation of the Santa Inês ewes carcass, discarded by age, increased the yield and carcass characteristics and accelerated the meat pH decline, providing adequate conditions for the muscle conversion into meat.

O processo acelerado de obtenção da carne oferece grande vantagem à indústria, podendo encurtar alguns estágios de produção através da combinação de técnicas como a estimulação elétrica de carcaças, a desossa a quente e a marinação. O presente estudo foi realizado com o objetivo de avaliar a forma de desossa e o tipo de marinação em corte do músculo traseiro de bovinos (coxão duro) da raça Nelore. Determinou-se o efeito da desossa a quente e a frio e o efeito da salmoura de marinação, uma contendo 1,6% (250mM) de cloreto de cálcio e 2,4% de cloreto de sódio e outra com 1,8% de tripolifosfato de sódio e 2,4% de cloreto de sódio. Foram realizadas análises que incluíram a composição centesimal, teor de colágeno, pH, cor objetiva, textura objetiva (força de cisalhamento), perda de peso no cozimento e avaliação de maciez, suculência e sabor em cada músculo analisado. A marinação reduziu a força de cisalhamento, assim como aumentou a maciez e a suculência avaliadas pela equipe sensorial. Por outro lado a força de cisalhamento foi reduzida com a desossa quente e a maciez e a suculência aumentadas pela desossa frio. A cor foi o atributo mais afetado negativamente pelo processo de marinação, o valor a* e b* apresentou redução indicando escurecimento do vermelho, especialmente com a salmoura contendo cloreto de cálcio. A desossa interferiu no valor de a* e b* após o descongelamento indicando uma diminuição de a* e de b* na desossa quente. A desossa a quente poderá ser aplicada com sucesso em cortes bovinos provenientes de carcaças estimuladas eletricamente a baixa voltagem, sem provocar alterações negativas nos cortes. A marinação com salmoura contendo cloreto de sódio e tripolifosfato podem melhorar sensivelmente a maioria dos atributos avaliados, mas provoca alterações marcantes na cor. The accelerated process to obtain meat offer advantages to the meat industry, and can reduce some of the stages of production through electrical stimulation of carcass, hot boning and enhancement process. In this work muscles from top round (Bíceps femoris) from Nelore steers were deboned using conventional and hot processing and marinated. The effect of deboning process and two brine solutions containing 1,6% calcium chloride and 2,4% sodium chloride and 1,8% sodium tripolyphosphate and 2,4% sodium chloride were evaluated. Proximate percent composition, collagen, pH, colour, texture (Warner Bratzler shear force), cooking loss, tenderness, juiciness and flavor in each muscle were analysed. Enhacement process reduced shear force value, increased tenderness and juiciness from sensory panel. Otherwise the shear force was reduced with hot deboned and tenderness and juiciness reduced by conventional deboning. Colour analysis was affected by enhancement process, a* and b* value showed decreased indicating darkness red colour, specially with calcium chloride brine. Hot deboning can be succesfully used in beef meat in addition to low electrical stimulaton carcass without negative alteration in meat. Enhancement process with calcium chloride, sodium tripolyphosphate and sodium chloride can improve the major of analysed attributes, but provoke colour modifications.

The standard treatment for metastatic liver tumor from breast cancer is systemic medical treatment, and there is controversy regarding the value of local treatment. However, there are some exceptional cases that do benefit from local therapy. We describe the case of a 54-year-old woman with systemic therapy-resistant liver metastasis from breast cancer successfully treated with a single shot of 36-GyE carbon-ion radiotherapy and surviving more than 8 years without local recurrence. This case represents a good example of the usefulness and safety of carbon-ion radiotherapy, and who might benefit from local therapy.

A tilápia é um peixe magro de carne branca e com alto teor deproteína. É uma matéria-prima com potencial para o desenvolvimentode produtos de pescado prontos para consumo, tanto para omercado doméstico como para o mercado internacional. Esseartigo de revisão aborda os principais aspectos do processamentode pescado em conserva, desde a recepção da matéria-primaaté o armazenamento do produto fi nal. Destaque foi dado para aevolução da produção nacional de tilápia-do-nilo e sua qualidadepara o processamento em conserva, considerando os métodosde insensibilização, problemas com off -fl avor e o processamentotérmico. Analisando-se os conhecimentos tecnológicos existentesconclui-se que há elementos para o desenvolvimento de pesquisascom resultados promissores.

We present the case of an 84-year-old man with lumbago due to bone metastases from lung cancer that recurred three years after surgery. The patient received carboplatin-paclitaxel combination as first-line chemotherapy for the treatment of lung cancer, and palliative radiotherapy for the treatment of bone metastases. Gemcitabine was administered as second-line chemotherapy. However, disease progression was observed after three years, and he developed pulmonary metastases. The general condition of the patient worsened, and tegafur-uracil chemotherapy was initiated. Zoledronic acid was also administered. The tegafur-uracil treatment resulted in the disappearance of pulmonary metastases, and a stabilization of the bone metastases. Disease progression was observed after 6 years with a recurrence of pulmonary metastases; however, this did not have a negative impact on the patient's quality of life. Although slow progression may be inherent to lung cancers, it is also possible that the tegafur-uracil and zoledronic acid combination might have contributed to the patient's improved performance.

A 63-year-old man underwent distal gastrectomy and D1 + beta lymph node dissection for type II c early gastric cancer in the posterior wall of the antrum. In the fifth postoperative month, a mass appeared in the epigastric region, and serum tumor marker levels rose. Abdominal CT revealed a 4-cm mass anterior to the superior mesenteric vein. He was diagnosed with recurrence in the lymph nodes along the superior mesenteric vein (No. 14v). Since there was no evidence of recurrence elsewhere, the patient underwent resection of the lymph nodes and transverse colectomy, followed by five courses of chemotherapy with S-1 + cisplatin. At present, more than 38 months after surgery, he is alive without recurrence. Generally, chemotherapy is the first-line treatment for recurrent gastric cancer; however, surgery appears to be a treatment option if the tumor is localized and resectable.

Introduction Many patients with endometriosis are treated with medication or by surgical approaches. However, a small number of patients do not respond to medication and are inoperable because of comorbidities. This case report shows the effectiveness of radiotherapy for refractory endometriosis and includes a time series of serum estradiol levels. Case presentation A 47-year-old Asian woman presented to our facility with uncontrolled endometriosis refractory to medication. Our patient was considered inoperable because of severe idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, and underwent radiotherapy for massive genital bleeding requiring blood transfusions. A radiation dose of 20Gy in 10 fractions was delivered to the pelvis, including the bilateral ovaries, uterus, and myomas. An additional 10Gy in five fractions was delivered to the endometrium to control residual bleeding. Genital bleeding was completely inhibited on day 46 after radiotherapy. Hormonal analysis revealed that radiotherapy induced post-menopausal status. Two years after radiotherapy, atypical genital bleeding had not recurred and has been well controlled without side effects. Conclusions Disrupted ovarian function is an adverse effect of radiotherapy. However, radiotherapy can be useful for inducing menopause. In cases of medication-refractory or inoperable endometriosis, radiotherapy would be an effective treatment option.