One-step laparoscopy-guided abomasopexy versus omentopexy via right flank laparotomy to treat left displaced abomasum in dairy cows, in relation to return of milk yield

This study compared two surgical techniques for treating left displaced abomasum (LDA) in dairy cows. The two techniques were compared in terms of milk production at different time intervals: before surgery; on the day of the surgery; and at 8, 15 and 30 days after surgery. The surgical techniques used in this study were laparoscopy-guided abomasopexy and right flank laparotomy omentopexy. A total of 126 lactating Holstein-Friesian cows with LDA were included, 63 of which were treated with laparoscopy, and 63 with right flank laparotomy. Cows with retained foetal membranes, metritis or natural delivery (dystocia) were included and registered on field sheets for subsequent statistical analysis. Cows with clinical mastitis were excluded. A blood sample (5 mL) was obtained from the medial coccygeal vein and analyzed for total proteins, total bilirubin, total calcium, glucose, b-hydroxybutyrate, sodium, potassium, and chloride. No differences were found between the two groups of operated cows with respect to the number of lactation days, body condition score (BCS), rectal temperature, heart rate, and respiratory rate before surgery. No differences were observed between groups regarding the biochemical parameters (P > 0.05) analyzed, except for chloride, which presented lower average values in the omentopexy group (P <0.05). Return of milk yield within the study period did not differ significantly between the laparoscopy and laparotomy groups (P > 0.05), although a significant change in post-surgery time was observed. .

Study of the K_{L}→π^{0}νν[over ¯] Decay at the J-PARC KOTO Experiment

The rare decay K_{L}→π^{0}νν[over ¯] was studied with the dataset taken at the J-PARC KOTO experiment in 2016, 2017, and 2018. With a single event sensitivity of (7.20±0.05_{stat}±0.66_{syst})×10^{-10}, three candidate events were observed in the signal region. After unveiling them, contaminations from K^{±} and scattered K_{L} decays were studied, and the total number of background events was estimated to be 1.22±0.26. We conclude that the number of observed events is statistically consistent with the background expectation. For this dataset, we set an upper limit of 4.9×10^{-9} on the branching fraction of K_{L}→π^{0}νν[over ¯] at the 90% confidence level.

Chemical composition of rainwater under two events of aerosol transport: A Saharan dust outbreak and wildfires

A one-year campaign of joint sampling of aerosols and precipitation, carried out in León, Spain, allowed to study the impact of two special events that affected the air quality in the north of the country, on rainfall in the city: a period with wildfires and a Saharan dust intrusion. The wildfires that occurred in northern Portugal and northwestern Spain in August 2016 affected the chemistry of rainfall on 15 August 2016, causing an increase in concentrations of NH₄⁺, Na⁺, Cl^-, K⁺, Mg²⁺, Ca²⁺, SO₄^2- and NO₃^- and in the concentrations of organic acids, which was reflected in the levels of soluble and insoluble organic carbon. This led to acidification of rainwater (pH = 4.8). The second precipitation event was registered between 11 and 14 February 2017, during which the rainwater was collected in four daily fractions (P₁, P₂, P₃ and P₄). The rain sample of 12 February (P₂) coincided with a Saharan dust intrusion that reached northern Iberia that day. The chemical composition of P₂ showed an increase in the Ca²⁺ (>800%), Mg²⁺ (71%), Cl^- (62%), and SO₄^2- (33%) concentrations, with respect to P₁. The input of crustal elements to the atmosphere helped to neutralize the P₂ rainwater, causing pH values higher than 6.5. Once the dust intrusion left the north of the Peninsula, the composition of rainwater P₃ and P₄ revealed a mixture of marine contribution with local anthropogenic emissions, as well as a decrease in ion concentrations and conductivity, and an increase in pH values.

Canine parvovirus: a predicting canine model for sepsis

BACKGROUND

Sepsis is a severe condition associated with high prevalence and mortality rates. Parvovirus enteritis is a predisposing factor for sepsis, as it promotes intestinal bacterial translocation and severe immunosuppression. This makes dogs infected by parvovirus a suitable study population as far as sepsis is concerned. The main objective of the present study was to evaluate the differences between two sets of SIRS (Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome) criteria in outcome prediction: SIRS 1991 and SIRS 2001. The possibility of stratifying and classifying septic dogs was assessed using a proposed animal adapted PIRO (Predisposition, Infection, Response and Organ dysfunction) scoring system.

RESULTS

The 72 dogs enrolled in this study were scored for each of the PIRO elements, except for Infection, as all were considered to have the same infection score, and subjected to two sets of SIRS criteria, in order to measure their correlation with the outcome. Concerning SIRS criteria, it was found that the proposed alterations on SIRS 2001 (capillary refill time or mucous membrane colour alteration) were significantly associated with the outcome (OR = 4.09, p < 0.05), contrasting with the 1991 SIRS criteria (p = 0.352) that did not correlate with the outcome. No significant statistical association was found between Predisposition (p = 1), Response (p = 0.1135), Organ dysfunction (p = 0.1135), total PIRO score (p = 0.093) and outcome. To explore the possibility of using the SIRS criteria as a fast decision-making tool, a Fast-and-Frugal tree (FFT) was created with a sensitivity of 92% and a specificity of 29%.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that increasing the SIRS criteria specificity may improve their prognostic value and their clinical usefulness. In order to improve the proposed PIRO scoring system outcome prediction ability, more specific criteria should be added, mainly inflammatory and organ dysfunction biomarkers.

Aethalometer measurements in a road tunnel: A step forward in the characterization of black carbon emissions from traffic

A sampling campaign was conducted in the Liberdade Avenue tunnel (Braga, Portugal) during a week (with 56,000 vehicles) to monitor black carbon (eBC-equivalent black carbon) by means of an Aethalometer AE-31, and gaseous pollutants (CO₂, CO, NO_x). Inside the tunnel, the mean eBC mass concentration was 21 ± 10 μg m^-3, reaching a maximum hourly value of 49.0 μg m^-3. An hourly and weekday-weekend study was carried out. Regarding the Absorption Ångström exponent (AAE), a mean value of 0.97 ± 0.10 was obtained, for a source of practically pure traffic. There was a positive significant correlation between eBC and the number of light vehicles (r = 0.47; p < 0.001) and between eBC and the gaseous emissions: CO (r = 0.67; p < 0.001), CO₂ (r = 0.71; p < 0.001), NO (r = 0.63; p < 0.001) and NO₂ (r = 0.70; p < 0.001). The mean black carbon emission factors (EF_BC) inside the tunnel were 0.31 ± 0.08 g (kg fuel)^-1 and 0.11 ± 0.08 mg veh^-1 km^-1, similar to those found in other studies for gasoline and diesel vehicles in road tunnels.

Unusual winter Saharan dust intrusions at Northwest Spain: Air quality, radiative and health impacts

Saharan air masses can transport high amounts of mineral dust particles and biological material to the Iberian Peninsula. During winter, this kind of events is not very frequent and usually does not reach the northwest of the Peninsula. However, between 21 and 22 February 2016 and between 22 and 23 February 2017, two exceptional events were registered in León (Spain), which severely affected air quality. An integrative approach including: i) typical synoptic conditions; ii) aerosol chemical composition; iii) particle size distributions; iv) pollen concentration; v) aerosol optical depth (AOD); vi) radiative forcing and vii) estimation of the impact of aerosols in the respiratory tract, was carried out. In the global characterization of these events, the exceedance of the PM₁₀ daily limit value, an increase in the coarse mode and a rise in the iron concentration were observed. On the 2016 event, an AOD and extinction-related Ångström exponent clearly characteristic of desert aerosol (1.1 and 0.05, respectively) were registered. Furthermore, pollen grains not typical of flowering plants in this period were identified. The chemical analysis of the aerosol from the 2017 event allowed us to confirm the presence of the main elements associated with mineral sources (aluminum, calcium, and silica concentrations). An increase in the SO₄^2-, NO₃^- and Cl^- concentrations during the Saharan dust intrusion was also noted. However, in this event, there was no presence of atypical pollen types. The estimated dust radiative forcing traduced a cooling effect for surface and atmosphere during both events, corroborated by trends of radiative flux measurements. The estimated impact on the respiratory tract regions of the high levels of particulate matter during both Saharan dust intrusions showed high levels for the respirable fraction.

Bacteria causing pyometra in bitch and queen induce neutrophil extracellular traps

Neutrophils are capable of releasing their DNA in response to infectious agents to form neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) to destroy pathogens. Even though pyometra in queens and bitches is a common disease, its pathogenesis is not fully understood. The aim of this study was to assess the presence of NETs in the endometrium of queens and bitches suffering from pyometra. Pyometra and normal uteri were obtained after ovariohysterectomy from adult queens and bitches in diestrus. Uterine contents were evaluated for bacterial isolation and identification and for NETs presence. Escherichia coli were isolated in 5/5 queens and 4/5 bitches, and Streptococcus spp in one bitch. Sterile glass coverslips were placed on the endometrium surface to obtain material for NETs that were evaluated by immunocytochemistry (histone, neutrophil elastase or myeloperoxidase), fluorescence microscopy or scanning electron microscopy. NETs in endometrium content were positively stained by DNA histone DAPI, myeloperoxidase and by neutrophil elastase. NETs were spread in all observed queen and bitch endometria of pyometra cases. Ultrastructure images of NETs depicted clusters of globular material with fine filaments deposited on or around thick filaments and trapped bacteria. To the best of our knowledge these are the first findings confirming NETs endometrial presence in queen and bitch pyometra. Nevertheless, the precise role of NETs in pyometra in the bitch and queen, either to contribute to the defeat of infection or to its persistence remains to be unraveled.

Emissions from the combustion of eucalypt and pine chips in a fluidized bed reactor

Interest in renewable energy sources has increased in recent years due to environmental concerns about global warming and air pollution, reduced costs and improved efficiency of technologies. Under the European Union (EU) energy directive, biomass is a suitable renewable source. The aim of this study was to experimentally quantify and characterize the emission of particulate matter (PM2.5) resulting from the combustion of two biomass fuels (chipped residual biomass from pine and eucalypt), in a pilot-scale bubbling fluidized bed (BFB) combustor under distinct operating conditions. The variables evaluated were the stoichiometry and, in the case of eucalypt, the leaching of the fuel. The CO and PM2.5 emission factors were lower when the stoichiometry used in the experiments was higher (0.33±0.1 g CO/kg and 16.8±1.0 mg PM2.5/kg, dry gases). The treatment of the fuel by leaching before its combustion has shown to promote higher PM2.5 emissions (55.2±2.5 mg/kg, as burned). Organic and elemental carbon represented 3.1 to 30 wt.% of the particle mass, while carbonate (CO3(2-)) accounted for between 2.3 and 8.5 wt.%. The particulate mass was mainly composed of inorganic matter (71% to 86% of the PM2.5 mass). Compared to residential stoves, BFB combustion generated very high mass fractions of inorganic elements. Chloride was the water soluble ion in higher concentration in the PM2.5 emitted by the combustion of eucalypt, while calcium was the dominant water soluble ion in the case of pine.

SAFETY AND EFFICACY OF ESLICARBAZEPINE ACETATE IN ELDERLY PATIENTS

Purpose

To evaluate the safety/tolerability and efficacy of eslicarbazepine acetate (ESL) as adjunctive therapy in elderly patients with partial-onset seizures (POS).

Method

Phase III, multicentre, open-label, non-controlled study in patients aged ≥65 years with ≥2 POS during an 8-week baseline and treated with 1–2 antiepileptic drugs. Following baseline, patients entered a 26-week maintenance period. ESL was initiated at 400 mg once-daily and adjusted (400–1200 mg/day) based on individual response. Safety/tolerability evaluations included treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs), vital signs, 12-lead electrocardiogram and physical/neurological examinations. Efficacy evaluations included change in standardised seizure frequency (SSF; seizure frequency/4 weeks).

Results

Of the 72 patients included, 47 (65.3%) experienced 152 TEAEs; most commonly, dizziness (12.5%), somnolence (9.7%), fatigue (8.3%), convulsion (8.3%) and hyponatraemia (8.3%). Three patients died of cardiac failure, glioblastoma multiforme and ischaemic stroke (relationship unlikely/not related). Overall, 16 (22.2%) patients discontinued due to TEAEs. Incidence of clinically significant findings was low for vital signs, electrocardiogram and physical/neurological examinations. SSF decreased from 2.9 at baseline to 1.2 during the maintenance period (median relative change: –54.1%).

Conclusion

Once-daily ESL (400–1200 mg) as adjunctive therapy in elderly subjects with POS did not raise major safety concerns and was efficacious. Supported by Bial.

Influence of chemotherapy for lymphoma in canine parvovirus DNA distribution and specific humoral immunity

In man, the combination of cancer and its treatment increases patients' susceptibility to opportunistic infections, due to immune system impairment. In veterinary medicine little information is available concerning this issue. In order to evaluate if a similar dysfunction is induced in small animals undergoing chemotherapy, we assessed the complete blood count, leukocytic, plasma and fecal canine parvovirus (CPV) viral load, and anti-CPV protective antibody titers, in dogs with lymphoma treated with CHOP (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine and prednisolone) protocol, before and during chemotherapy. There was no evidence of decreased immune response, either at admission or after two chemotherapy cycles, indicating that the previously established immunity against CPV was not significantly impaired, supporting the idea that immunosuppression as a result of hematopoietic neoplasms and their treatment in dogs requires further investigation and conclusions cannot be extrapolated from human literature.

Neutrophil extracellular traps formation by bacteria causing endometritis in the mare

Besides the classical functions, neutrophils (PMNs) are able to release DNA in response to infectious stimuli, forming neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) and killing pathogens. The pathogenesis of endometritis in the mare is not completely understood. The aim was to evaluate the in vitro capacity of equine PMNs to secrete NETs by chemical activation, or stimulated with Streptococcus equi subspecies zooepidemicus (Szoo), Escherichia coli (Ecoli) or Staphylococcus capitis (Scap) strains obtained from mares with endometritis. Ex vivo endometrial mucus from mares with bacterial endometritis were evaluated for the presence of NETs. Equine blood PMNs were used either without or with stimulation by phorbol-myristate-acetate (PMA), a strong inducer of NETs, for 1-3h. To evaluate PMN ability to produce NETs when phagocytosis was impaired, the phagocytosis inhibitor cytochalasin (Cyt) was added after PMA. After the addition of bacteria, a subsequent 1-h incubation was carried out in seven groups. NETs were visualized by 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) and anti-histone. Ex vivo samples were immunostained for myeloperoxidase and neutrophil elastase. A 3-h incubation period of PMN + PMA increased NETs (p < 0.05). Bacteria + 25 nM PMA and bacteria + PMA + Cyt increased NETs (p<0.05). Szoo induced fewer NETs than Ecoli or Scap (p < 0.05). Ex vivo NETs were present in mares with endometritis. Scanning electron microscopy showed the spread of NETs formed by smooth fibers and globules that can be aggregated in thick bundles. Formation of NETs and the subsequent entanglement of bacteria suggest that equine NETs might be a complementary mechanism in fighting some of the bacteria causing endometritis in the mare.

Smoking does influence disease behaviour and impacts the need for therapy in Crohn's disease in the biologic era

BACKGROUND

Recently, the notion that smoking may adversely affect Crohn's disease (CD) outcomes has been challenged by the suggestion that the widespread use of immunosuppressants and anti-TNF drugs might offset the adverse effects of tobacco.

AIM

To reassess the influence of tobacco smoking on disease phenotype and complications on a time-dependent analysis, taking into account the different therapeutic interventions.

METHODS

We designed a retrospective cohort study of 3224 patients with Crohn's disease. The data were collected from the Spanish national inflammatory bowel disease registry (ENEIDA), including information regarding demographics, clinical characteristics, disease complications, therapeutic interventions and smoking status. Patients were classified as nonsmokers, smokers and former smokers, according to their present and past smoking habits.

RESULTS

In the univariate analysis, smokers had more strictures (22.6% vs. 19.3%, P < 0.05) and less colonic involvement (7.2% vs. 10.9%, P < 0.05), and were more frequently under treatment with steroids (91.6% vs. 85.8%, P < 0.05), immunosuppressants (73.5% vs. 63.6% P < 0.05) or anti-TNF drugs (31.4% vs. 25.1%, P < 0.05) than nonsmokers. In the time-dependent multivariate analysis, smokers were found to have a significantly decreased survival free of stricturing disease (HR: 1.5, CI 95% 1.18-1.90) or perianal complications (HR: 1.50, CI 95% 1.01-1.46), and had a higher risk for requiring thiopurine therapy (HR: 1.20, CI 95% 1.05-1.30).

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that, despite the widespread use of immunosuppressants and anti-TNF drugs, smokers with Crohn's disease still have a more severe disease course, with increased therapeutic requirements when compared with nonsmokers.

Impact of Sahara dust transport on Cape Verde atmospheric element particles

The objectives of this study were to (1) conduct an elemental characterization of airborne particles sampled in Cape Verde and (2) assess the influence of Sahara desert on local suspended particles. Particulate matter (PM(10)) was collected in Praia city (14°94'N; 23°49'W) with a low-volume sampler in order to characterize its chemical composition by k0-INAA. The filter samples were first weighed and subsequently irradiated at the Portuguese Research Reactor. Results showed that PM(10) concentrations in Cape Verde markedly exceeded the health-based air quality standards defined by the European Union (EU), World Health Organization (WHO), and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in part due to the influence of Sahara dust transport. The PM(10) composition was characterized essentially by high concentrations of elements originating from the soil (K, Sm, Co, Fe, Sc, Rb, Cr, Ce, and Ba) and sea (Na), and low concentrations of anthropogenic elements (As, Zn, and Sb). In addition, the high concentrations of PM measured in Cape Verde suggest that health of the population may be less affected compared with other sites where PM(10) concentrations are lower but more enriched with toxic elements.

Could houseplants improve indoor air quality in schools?

Previous studies performed by the National Aeronautics Space Administration (NASA) indicated that plants and associated soil microorganisms may be used to reduce indoor pollutant levels. This study investigated the ability of plants to improve indoor air quality in schools. A 9-wk intensive monitoring campaign of indoor and outdoor air pollution was carried out in 2011 in a primary school of Aveiro, Portugal. Measurements included temperature, carbon dioxide (CO₂), carbon monoxide (CO), concentrations of volatile organic compounds (VOC), carbonyls, and particulate matter (PM₁₀) without and with plants in a classroom. PM₁₀ samples were analyzed for the water-soluble inorganic ions, as well for carbonaceous fractions. After 6 potted plants were hung from the ceiling, the mean CO₂ concentration decreased from 2004 to 1121 ppm. The total VOC average concentrations in the indoor air during periods of occupancy without and with the presence of potted plants were, respectively, 933 and 249 μg/m³. The daily PM₁₀ levels in the classroom during the occupancy periods were always higher than those outdoors. The presence of potted plants likely favored a decrease of approximately 30% in PM₁₀ concentrations. Our findings corroborate the results of NASA studies suggesting that plants might improve indoor air and make interior breathing spaces healthier.

Indoor air quality in elementary schools of Lisbon in spring

Analysis of indoor air quality (IAQ) in schools usually reveals higher levels of pollutants than in outdoor environments. The aims of this study are to measure indoor and outdoor concentrations of NO(2), speciated volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and carbonyls at 14 elementary schools in Lisbon, Portugal. The investigation was carried out in May-June 2009. Three of the schools were selected to also measure comfort parameters, such as temperature and relative humidity, carbon dioxide (CO(2)), carbon monoxide (CO), total VOCs, and bacterial and fungal colony-forming units per cubic metre. Indoor concentrations of CO(2) in the three main schools indicated inadequate classroom air exchange rates. The indoor/outdoor (I/O) NO(2) ratio ranged between 0.36 and 0.95. At the three main schools, the total bacterial and fungal colony-forming units (CFU) in both indoor and outdoor air were above the advised maximum value of 500 CFU/m(3) defined by Portuguese legislation. The aromatic compounds benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylenes, followed by ethers, alcohols and terpenes, were usually the most abundant classes of VOCs. In general, the indoor total VOC concentrations were markedly higher than those observed outdoors. At all locations, indoor aldehyde levels were higher than those observed outdoors, particularly for formaldehyde. The inadequate ventilation observed likely favours accumulation of pollutants with additional indoor sources.

Pharmacokinetic interaction study between eslicarbazepine acetate and lamotrigine in healthy subjects

OBJECTIVE

Anti-epileptic drugs are often used in combination. Both eslicarbazepine (main metabolite of eslicarbazepine acetate, ESL) and lamotrigine undergo conjugation with glucuronic acid, and both eslicarbazepine and its glucuronide and lamotrigine glucuronide undergo extensive renal elimination; therefore, there is a potential for interaction. This study investigated the interaction between ESL and lamotrigine in healthy subjects.

METHODS

Open-label study in two parallel groups of 16 healthy volunteers each. After an 8-day treatment with ESL or lamotrigine, ESL (1200 mg once-daily) and lamotrigine (150 mg once-daily) were co-administered for 19 days. Geometric mean ratios (GMR) and 90% confidence intervals (90% CI) for maximum plasma concentration (C(max)) and area under the plasma concentration-time curve in the dosing interval (AUC(0-24)) were calculated for eslicarbazepine (ESL active metabolite) and lamotrigine.

RESULTS

The C(max) and AUC(0-24) GMR (90% CI) were, respectively, 95% (87-102%) and 96% (91-102%) for eslicarbazepine, and 88% (82-94%) and 86% (81-92%) for lamotrigine. The 90% CI of the C(max) and AUC(0-24) GMR fell within the prespecified acceptance interval (80-125%) both for eslicarbazepine and lamotrigine.

CONCLUSION

There was no significant pharmacokinetic interaction between ESL and lamotrigine in healthy subjects. Therefore, no dosage adjustment appears to be usually required in either lamotrigine or ESL when the drugs are co-administered.

Immunohistochemical Evaluation of Vascular Urinary Bladder Tumors from Cows with Enzootic Hematuria

Fifty-six endothelial-derived urinary bladder tumor samples collected from 26 animals with bovine enzootic hematuria were selected for immunohistochemical studies. Expression of factor VHI-related antigen (FVIIIra), CD31, muscle-specific actin, uroplakin III (UPIII), and the cell cycle-related proteins cyclin Dl and p53 was evaluated in hemangiomas, “hemangioendotheliomas” (a vascular tumor that histologically is intermediate in appearance between a hemangioma and a conventional hemangiosarcoma), and hemangiosarcomas. Although CD31 expression was seen in all endothelial tumors tested, FVIIIra was not expressed in poorly differentiated endothelial tumor cells from solid areas or in 7 muscle-invasive hemangiosarcomas. Cyclin Dl overexpression was seen in 53% of hemangiomas, 82% of hemangioendotheliomas, and 95% of hemangiosarcomas. P53 immunoreac-tivity was only seen in muscle-invasive hemangiosarcomas. The UPIII staining pattern, normally very intense on the apical aspect and cytoplasm of superficial urothelial cells, was altered in the urothelium in an estimated 25% of hemangiomas, most hemangioendotheliomas, and most hemangiosarcomas. In conclusion, CD31 is a better marker than FVIIIra in the characterization of bovine endothelial tumors. The cell cycle regulatory pathways involving cyclin Dl and p53 seem to be impaired in endothelial urinary bladder tumors, p53 immunoreactivity positively correlating with enhanced invasion.

Chemo-angiogenic profile of bovine urinary bladder tumors distinguishes urothelial carcinomas from hemangiosarcomas

Angiogenesis and inflammation are two processes regulated by numerous common molecular mechanisms. Inflammation can stimulate angiogenesis, and angiogenesis can facilitate inflammation; both mechanisms have been shown to be involved in carcinogenesis. With this study we sought to gain an understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in tumor angiogenesis and inflammation in urinary bladder tumors. Tumor specimens were collected at slaughter from Friesian cows chronically exposed to bracken fern. Bracken chronic toxicity is characterized by the presence of multiple mixed tumors in the bladder, being reported throughout the world under the designation of bovine enzootic hematuria. We conducted molecular analyses of angiogenic factors and chemokine production by real-time RT-PCR, and also assessed microvessel density (MVD), microvessel pericyte coverage index (MPI) to reveal mature vessels, the extent of tumor-infiltrating leukocytes (TILk) and tumor cell apoptosis and proliferation in both epithelial and endothelial-derived bovine urinary bladder tumors. We defined a profile of chemokines/chemokine receptors (Mip1beta, CCR1) and angiogenesis-related factors (VEGF, VEGFR2) that allow distinguishing between urothelial carcinomas (epithelial origin) and hemangiosarcomas (endothelial origin). Taken together, our data reveals previously unrecognized paracrine and autocrine chemo-angiogenic loops in the context of bovine urinary bladder tumorigenesis.

Integrative assessment of marine pollution in Galician estuaries using sediment chemistry, mussel bioaccumulation, and embryo-larval toxicity bioassays

An integrative assessment of environmental quality was carried out in selected sites along the Galician coast (NW Iberian Peninsula) combining analytical chemistry of seawater and sediments, bioaccumulation in the marine mussel, and embryo-larval sediment toxicity bioassays, in order to link biological and chemical criteria for the assessment of coastal pollution. Maximum values of Hg and Cu in seawater, sediment and mussels, were found in the inner part of Ria of Pontevedra, while maximum levels of organics (polychlorinated biphenyls, hexachlorobenzene and aldrin) were found in mussels from A Coruña. Outstanding values of Cu, Pb and Zn have been found in seawater and sediment from a single site, P3, which also was the most toxic in the embryo-larval bioassays performed with four different phyla of marine organisms: mollusks, echinoderms, arthropods and chordates. Sediment quality effects range-median values provided a valuable reference to predict biological effects from sediment chemistry data, while effects range-low values were too conservative. Sediment toxicity could also be predicted by using a toxic-unit model based on published EC50 values for trace metals and mobilization factors independently obtained from measurements of metal contents in sediments and their elutriates. When chemical and toxicological data are independently used to arrange sampling sites by using non-metric multidimensional scaling, a remarkable degree of concordance between both types of configurations could be observed.

Awareness of language in children who have reading difficulties: historical comparisons in a longitudinal study

We look at the awareness of grammatical distinctions in children with reading difficulties, and at their ability to use this awareness in order to learn about the conventional spellings for morphemes like "ed" at the end of past verbs. Using longitudinal methods we show that, initially, children who are to become poor readers are actually better in this aspect of spelling and also in grammatical awareness tasks than younger children of the same reading level: but they are worse than these other children in tasks that tax their knowledge of phonologically based letter-sound correspondences. Later on, however, the poor readers lose their initial advantages in the conventional spelling of morphemes. We conclude that poor readers are initially held back by a failure to learn about letter-sound correspondences, and that this deprives them of successful reading experience, which in turn hampers the growth of their grammatical awareness and their learning how to spell morphemes.

Morphological spelling strategies: developmental stages and processes

The spelling of many words in English and in other orthographies involves patterns determined by morphology (e.g., ed in past regular verbs). The authors report a longitudinal study that shows that when children first adopt such spelling patterns, they do so with little regard for their morphological basis. They generalize the patterns to grammatically inappropriate words (e.g., sofed for soft). Later these generalizations are confined to the right grammatical category (e.g., keped for kept) and finally to the right group of words (regular verbs). The authors conclude that children first see these spelling patterns merely as exceptions to the phonetic system and later grasp their grammatical significance. The study included two new measures of grammatical awareness, both involving analogies, that predicted success with spelling inflectional morphemes in later sessions.

Stray-field imaging of quadrupolar nuclei of half integer spin in solids

A report is presented on the observation of Hahn echoes from the following quadrupolar nuclei of half integer spin (I) in polycrystalline solids in the large static magnetic field gradient (37.5 T/m) which exists in the fringe field of a superconducting solenoid: 7Li, 23Na, 11B, 65Cu (I = 3/2); 27Al (I = 5/2); 51V, 59Co (I = 7/2); and 115In (I = 9/2). 23Na echo-trains from NaCl (with non-selective excitation) and from Na2SO4 (with selective excitation) are compared quantitatively for two different RF pulse sequences: 90x-(tau-90y-tau-echo-)n and 90x-(tau-90x-tau-echo-)n. The signals obtained from RF pulses corresponding to non-selective 90 degrees pulses were shown to be quantitative, whereas in the selective case smaller signals were obtained since only the central transition contributed. The loss of signal from this cause can be distinguished from small signals resulting from low density of nuclei by use of the second sequence. A 7Li image obtained from LiF in a cylindrical glass-vial is shown.

Morphological spelling strategies: developmental stages and processes

The spelling of many words in English and in other orthographies involves patterns determined by morphology (e.g., ed in past regular verbs). The authors report a longitudinal study that shows that when children first adopt such spelling patterns, they do so with little regard for their morphological basis. They generalize the patterns to grammatically inappropriate words (e.g., sofed for soft). Later these generalizations are confined to the right grammatical category (e.g., keped for kept) and finally to the right group of words (regular verbs). The authors conclude that children first see these spelling patterns merely as exceptions to the phonetic system and later grasp their grammatical significance. The study included two new measures of grammatical awareness, both involving analogies, that predicted success with spelling inflectional morphemes in later sessions.

[Myocarditis in early childhood. Two years' experience at the pediatric cardiology unit at the S. João Hospital]

OBJECTIVE

The authors studied 14 children with myocarditis in order to correlate clinical and laboratorial data with evolution.

DESIGN

Retrospective study of all cases with myocarditis admitted during a 2 year period.

SETTING

Unidade de Cardiologia Pediátrica do HSJ.

PATIENTS

14 patients, aged 7 to 34 months, with the diagnosis of myocarditis on the ground of biopsy or necropsy findings. The clinical data analysed were: medical history, physical examinations, hematological and biochemical studies, chest X ray, electro and echocardiogram, virus and immunological studies and cardiac catheterization.

RESULTS

All the patients had congestive heart failure and 10 had a history of a previous viral infection. Those who survived the first week were submitted to hematological and biochemical studies, chest X Ray, electrocardiogram, echocardiogram, virological and immunological studies and cardiac catheterization. All patients were treated with captopril and furosemide, 11 received dobutamine and 6 an immunosuppressive regime. Six patients died in the first week and one, nine months after diagnosis. One patient had an unfavourable course and the other six improved clinically.

CONCLUSIONS

The authors were not able to find any correlation between laboratorial data and the disease outcome. Age less than one year and an abrupt onset were associated with 100% mortality. Immunosuppression was associated with improvement in 66% of the patients.