Controlled dynamic generation of standard 1,6-hexamethylene diisocyanate aerosols

A procedure for the dynamic generation of 1,6-hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI) aerosol atmospheres of 70 micrograms m-3 (0.01 ppm) to 1.75 mg m-3 (0.25 ppm), based on the precise control of the evaporation of pure liquid HDI and subsequent dilution with air, was developed. The apparatus consisted of a home-made glass nebulizer coupled with a separation stage to exclude non-respirable droplets (greater than 10 microns). The aerosol concentrations were achieved by passing air through the nebulizer at 1.5-4.5 l. min-1 to generate dynamically 0.01-0.25 ppm of diisocyanate in an experimental chamber of 8.55 m3. The distribution of the liquid aerosol was established with an optical counter and the diisocyanate concentration was determined from samples collected in impingers by a high-pressure liquid chromatographic method. The atmospheres generated were suitable for the evaluation both of sampling procedures full scale, and of analytical methods: at 140 micrograms m-3 (0.02 ppm) they remained stable for 15-min provocation tests in clinical asthma, as verified by breath-zone sampling of exposed patients.

Age-specific fitness components and their temporal variation in the barn owl.

Theory predicts that temporal variability plays an important role in the evolution of life histories, but empirical studies evaluating this prediction are rare. In constant environments, fitness can be measured by the population growth rate lambda, and the sensitivity of lambda to changes in fitness components estimates selection on these traits. In variable environments, fitness is measured by the stochastic growth rate lambda(S), and stochastic sensitivities estimate selection pressure. Here we examine age-specific schedules for reproduction and survival in a barn owl population (Tyto alba). We estimated how temporal variability affected fitness and selection, accounting for sampling variance. Despite large sample sizes of old individuals, we found no strong evidence for senescence. The most variable fitness components were associated with reproduction. Survival was less variable. Stochastic simulations showed that the observed variation decreased fitness by about 30%, but the sensitivities of lambda and lambda(S) to changes in all fitness components were almost equal, suggesting that temporal variation had negligible effects on selection. We obtained these results despite high observed variability in the fitness components and relatively short generation time of the study organism, a situation in which temporal variability should be particularly important for natural selection and early senescence is expected.

Species- and nestmate brood discrimination in the sibling wood ant species Formica paralugubris and Formica lugubris

Formica lugubris and E paralugubris are sympatric sibling species of wood ants, both of which are widely distributed in Switzerland. Until 1996 they were considered the same species, E lugubris. To investigate whether the two species can be distinguished based on discrimination cues used by the workers we used the pupa-carrying test first introduced by Rainer Rosengren. In this test workers of discriminator colonies are faced with two kinds of pupae and their preferences for one of the types are recorded based on differential retrieval. Interspecific comparisons showed that ants preferred conspecific worker pupae to those of the sibling species regardless whether the pupae were con-colonial or hetero-colonial. Hence, this test can be used as a taxonomic tool to identify wood ants hardly distinguishable by morphological characters. In intraspecific comparisons the highly polygynous (many queens per colony) E paralugubris, the polygynous form of E lugubris and the monogynous (single queen per nest) to weakly polygynous form of E lugubris expressed different trends in their preference behaviour (with nestmate recognition in 14%, 20% and 31% of replicates, respectively). Only F paralugubris presented no significant nestmate recognition.

Altruism, dispersal, and phenotype-matching kin recognition.

We investigate the coevolution between philopatry and altruism in island-model populations when kin recognition occurs through phenotype matching. In saturated environments, a good discrimination ability is a necessary prerequisite for the emergence of sociality. Discrimination decreases not only with the average phenotypic similarity between immigrants and residents (i.e., with environmental homogeneity and past gene flow) but also with the sampling variance of similarity distributions (a negative function of the number of traits sampled). Whether discrimination should rely on genetically or environmentally determined traits depends on the apportionment of phenotypic variance and, in particular, on the relative values of e (the among-group component of environmental variance) and r (the among-group component of genetic variance, which also measures relatedness among group members). If r exceeds e, highly heritable cues do better. Discrimination and altruism, however, remain low unless philopatry is enforced by ecological constraints. If e exceeds r, by contrast, nonheritable traits do better. High e values improve discrimination drastically and thus have the potential to drive sociality, even in the absence of ecological constraints. The emergence of sociality thus can be facilitated by enhancing e, which we argue is the main purpose of cue standardization within groups, as observed in many social insects, birds, and mammals, including humans.

Administration of Il-18bp by Gene Therapy Reduces Inflammation and Prevents Joint Destruction by Downregulation of Mmp9 In Rat Aia: Role ff Mmp9 In Bone and Joint Destruction in Arthritis

Background and objectives Interleukin 18 (IL-18) is a pleiotropic cytokine involved in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) pathogenesis. This study was carried out to evaluate the effi cacy of IL-18 binding protein (IL-18BP) gene therapy in the rat adjuvant- induced arthritis (AIA) model and to decipher the mechanisms by which IL-18BP delivery lessens bone destruction.Materials and methods Arthritis was induced in female Lewis rat by Mycobacterium butyricum and the mRNA expression of IL-18 and IL-18BP was determined in the joints. In a preventive study, rats were divided into an adenovirus producing IL-18BP-Fc (AdmIL-18BP-Fc) group (n=8) and an adenovirus producing green fl uorescent protein (AdGFP) group (n=7). On day 8 after AIA induction, adenoviruses were injected. Clinical parameters were assessed. At day 18, during maximal arthritis, the rats were euthanized, ankles were collected and x-rays were performed. mRNA and protein were extracted from joints for analysis by quantitative reverse transcriptase-PCR, multiplex, Western blot and zymography.Results The authors observed a decrease in the (IL-18BP/ IL-18) ratio from day 7 to 45. Administration of AdmIL-18BPd-Fc decreased clinical parameters and prevented bone and joint destruction compared to AdGFP administration. IL-18BP delivery reduced the (receptor activator of nuclear factor κB ligand (RANKL)/osteoprotegerin (OPG)) ratio by 70%, the matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) level by 33% and the tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) level by 44% in the joint homogenates from AdmIL-18BPd-Fc compared to AdGFP treated rats.Conclusions In rat AIA, a decrease in the (IL-18BP/IL-18) ratio was observed. IL-18BP delivery prevented joint and bone destruction by downregulating MMP9, (RANKL/OPG) and TRAP, suggesting a potential benefi t of a similar therapy in RA.Abstract topics Towards novel therapeutic strategies.

Mediastinal lymph node clearance after docetaxel-cisplatin neoadjuvant chemotherapy is prognostic of survival in patients with stage IIIA pN2 non-small-cell lung cancer: a multicenter phase II trial.

PURPOSE: A multicenter, phase II trial investigated the efficacy and toxicity of neoadjuvant docetaxel-cisplatin in locally advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and examined prognostic factors for patients not benefiting from surgery. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Ninety patients with previously untreated, potentially operable stage IIIA (mediastinoscopically pN2) NSCLC received three cycles of docetaxel 85 mg/m2 day 1 plus cisplatin 40 mg/m2 days 1 and 2, with subsequent surgical resection. RESULTS: Administered dose-intensities were docetaxel 85 mg/m2/3 weeks (range, 53 to 96) and cisplatin 95 mg/m2/3 weeks (range, 0 to 104). The 265 cycles were well tolerated, and the overall response rate was 66% (95% confidence interval [CI], 55% to 75%). Seventy-five patients underwent tumor resection with positive resection margin and involvement of the uppermost mediastinal lymph node in 16% and 35% of patients, respectively (perioperative mortality, 3%; morbidity, 17%). Pathologic complete response occurred in 19% of patients with tumor resection. In patients with tumor resection, downstaging to N0-1 at surgery was prognostic and significantly prolonged event-free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS; P =.0001). At median follow-up of 32 months, the median EFS and OS were 14.8 months (range, 2.4 to 53.4) and 33 months (range, 2.4 to 53.4), respectively. Local relapse occurred in 27% of patients with tumor resection, with distant metastases in 37%. Multivariate analyses identified mediastinal clearance (hazard ratio, 0.22; P =.0003) and complete resection (hazard ratio, 0.26; P =.0006) as strongly prognostic for increased survival. CONCLUSION: Neoadjuvant docetaxel-cisplatin is effective and tolerable in stage IIIA pN2 NSCLC. Resection is recommended only for patients with mediastinal downstaging after chemotherapy.

Cardiomyopathie de tako-tsubo: une entité clinique rare et méconnue [Tako-tsubo cardiomyopathy: a rare and badly known clinical entity]

Tako-tsubo cardiomyopathy or "transient left ventricular (LV) apical ballooning" clinically presents like acute myocardial infarction without angiographic stenosis on coronary angiogram and a transient (reversible) LV apical ballooning. We discuss here about a 56-year-old woman complains of first constrictive chest pain with ST elevation in leads V2-V6 and minimal enzymatic release. Coronary angiogram demonstrates vessels without stenosis and the left ventriculogram an extensive LV apical wall motion abnormalities. LV dysfunction will only be transient since 24 hours after admission echographic images demonstrate quite complete recovery of LV systolic function. The pain disappears 12 hours after admission and the creatine kinase level normalize after 48 hours.

Partitioning of reproduction in mother-daughter versus sibling associations : a test of optimal skew theory

A critical feature of cooperative animal societies is the reproductive skew, a shorthand term for the degree to which a dominant individual monopolizes overall reproduction in the group. Our theoretical analysis of the evolutionarily stable skew in matrifilial (i.e., mother-daughter) societies, in which relatednesses to offspring are asymmetrical, predicts that reproductive skews in such societies should tend to be greater than those of semisocial societies (i.e., societies composed of individuals of the same generation, such as siblings), in which relatednesses to offspring are symmetrical. Quantitative data on reproductive skews in semisocial and matrifilial associations within the same species for 17 eusocial Hymenoptera support this prediction. Likewise, a survey of reproductive partitioning within 20 vertebrate societies demonstrates that complete reproductive monopoly is more likely to occur in matrifilial than in semisocial societies, also as predicted by the optimal skew model.

Imaging of tophaceous gout: computed tomography provides specific images compared with magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasonography.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the usefulness of computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and Doppler ultrasonography (US) in providing specific images of gouty tophi. METHODS: Four male patients with chronic gout with tophi affecting the knee joints (three cases) or the olecranon processes of the elbows (one case) were assessed. Crystallographic analyses of the synovial fluid or tissue aspirates of the areas of interest were made with polarising light microscopy, alizarin red staining, and x ray diffraction. CT was performed with a GE scanner, MR imaging was obtained with a 1.5 T Magneton (Siemens), and ultrasonography with colour Doppler was carried out by standard technique. RESULTS: Crystallographic analyses showed monosodium urate (MSU) crystals in the specimens of the four patients; hydroxyapatite and calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate (CPPD) crystals were not found. A diffuse soft tissue thickening was seen on plain radiographs but no calcifications or ossifications of the tophi. CT disclosed lesions containing round and oval opacities, with a mean density of about 160 Hounsfield units (HU). With MRI, lesions were of low to intermediate signal intensity on T(1) and T(2) weighting. After contrast injection in two cases, enhancement of the tophus was seen in one. Colour Doppler US showed the tophi to be hypoechogenic with peripheral increase of the blood flow in three cases. CONCLUSION: The MR and colour Doppler US images showed the tophi as masses surrounded by a hypervascular area, which cannot be considered as specific for gout. But on CT images, masses of about 160 HU density were clearly seen, which correspond to MSU crystal deposits.

Social organization and mating system of free-ranging, greater white-toothed shrews, Crocidura russula

Indirect evidence from trapping suggests that Crocidura russula is less solitary and territorial than other shrews. To study the social organization and mating system, free-ranging adult and juvenile C. russula were tracked simultaneously throughout the year using a radioactive tracking technique. Coincident rest, coincident activity and home range overlap were measured. During winter, all individuals used the same communal nest and spent on average 84% of their total rest in coincident rest. This led to a large home range overlap (52% on average). Coincident activity was low (2% on average). At the onset of the reproductive season the females became, territorial and shared their nest with only one male. During pair formation, coincident activity and home range overlap were significantly greater between than within sexes. The social organization of C. russula appeared to be strongly influenced by season and differed in this respect from the other species in the genus Sorex which are territorial throughout the year.

A importância da demonstração do fluxo de caixa e o paradigma da utilidade

No contexto mundial, em virtude da complexidade da economia, da expansão e competitividade dos mercados, verifica-se uma crescente necessidade das empresas em buscarem instrumentos que as auxiliem no planeamento e controle de seus recursos para que estes sejam usados de maneira adequada, a fim de salvaguardar a actividade empresarial e alcançar o objectivo almejado pela empresa. O sucesso empresarial demanda cada vez mais o uso de práticas financeiras apropriadas. A realidade aponta para gestores sedentos de informações relevantes que irão auxiliar o seu processo decisório. Assim sendo, o trabalho ora intitulado: A Importância do Fluxo de Caixa, e o paradigma da utilidade foi elaborado através de pesquisa bibliográfica e exploratória sobre o assunto em questão, tendo como base artigos, livros e dissertações. O seu objectivo principal é enfatizar a importância do demonstrativo de Fluxo de Caixa como ferramenta para os gestores obterem eficiência na administração financeira da sua entidade. Para tanto, iniciamos com uma resenha histórica do mapa em estudo. Num segundo momento fazemos um enquadramento teórico onde referimos ao conceito de fluxo de caixa, seus objectivos, as suas normas legais nacionais e internacionais, e a presença da demonstração de fluxo de caixa no mercado Cabo-verdiano antes de 2009. Em seguida temos a metodologia de elaboração do mapa, onde fazemos referências ao aspecto conceptual, aos métodos de elaboração o método directo e indirecto, as vantagens e desvantagens sem deixar de lado o paradigma da utilidade do mapa. Finalizando, apresentamos uma parte prática onde o objectivo é expressar em números tudo o que foi divulgado teoricamente. In the global context, along with the virtue of the economic complexity, from the expansion and the competition of the markets, there is an essential increase of the companies looking forward for instruments that will assist them in planning and control the resources so that these would be used in the most adequate way, in a way to guaranty company’s activity and to accomplish the objectives intended by the company. Company’s success requires more and more the use of appropriated financial practice. The reality demonstrates managers eager for relevant information that will support his/her process of decision. So therefore the work entitled “The Importance of Cash Flow” and its paradigm of utility was elaborated according to the bibliographic and exploratory research about the topic in question, having as support articles, books and dissertations. Its main objective is to emphasize the importance of the Cash Flow Statement as an instrument for the managers to obtain efficiency in the financial management of its corporation. For that, we start with an historical review of the statement in study. Secondly we make a theoretical approach where we reflect on the Cash Flow, its objectives, its national and international official standards and the statement of Cash Flows in Cape Verdean market before 2009. After that, there is the methodology of the design of the statement, where we refer to the conceptual aspects, the direct and indirect methods of design, the advantages and disadvantages without letting out the paradigm of utility of the statement. Finally, we present a practical case illustrating in numbers the whole thing that was presented theoretically.

Cardiac Function Assessed by Transesophageal Echocardiography During Pectus Excavatum Repair

Background. We assessed end-diastolic right ventricular (RV) dimensions and left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction by use of intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography before and after surgical correction of pectus excavatum in adults. Methods. A prospective study was conducted including 17 patients undergoing surgical correction of pectus excavatum according to the technique of Ravitch-Shamberger between 1999 and 2004. Intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography was performed under general anesthesia before and after surgery to assess end-diastolic RV dimensions and LV ejection fraction. The end-diastolic RV diameter and area were measured in four-chamber and RV inflow-outflow view, and the RV volume was calculated from these data. The LV was assessed by transgastric short-axis view, and its ejection fraction was calculated by use of the Teichholz formula. Results. The end-diastolic RV diameter, area, and volume all significantly increased after surgery (mean values +/- SD, respectively: 2.4 +/- 0.8 cm versus 3.0 +/- 0.9 cm, p < 0.001; 12.5 +/- 5.2 cm(2) versus 18.4 +/- 7.5 cm(2), p < 0.001; and 21.7 +/- 11.7 mL versus 40.8 +/- 23 mL, p < 0.001). The LV ejection fraction also significantly increased after surgery (58.4% +/- 15% versus 66.2% +/- 6%, p < 0.001). Conclusions. Surgical correction of pectus excavatum according to Ravitch-Shamberger technique results in a significant increase in end-diastolic RV dimensions and a significantly increased LV ejection fraction. (Ann Thorac Surg 2010; 89: 240-4) (C) 2010 by The Society of Thoracic Surgeons

Audit report on the Westory Fire Agency for the year ended June 30, 2006.

Audit report on the Westory Fire Agency for the year ended June 30, 2006.

Melanin-based colouration predicts aggressiveness and boldness in captive eastern Hermann's tortoises

Although body colouration is often used in social interactions, few studies have tested whether colouration is linked to a suite of behavioural traits. In the present study, we examined whether among captive adult male Eastern Hermann's tortoises (Eurotestudo boettgeri) behavioural patterns covary with eumelanic colouration of the shell. Dark eumelanic males were more aggressive in male-male confrontations and bolder towards humans. These relationships were independent of body size and ambient temperature. Activity level and exploration were not significantly associated with colouration. We conclude that at least in captivity shell colouration predicts agonistic behaviour towards conspecifics and fearfulness towards human (i.e. boldness).

Incidence of local complications and risk factors associated with peripheral intravenous catheter in neonates

Abstract OBJECTIVE To evaluate the incidence of complications related to the use of peripheral intravenous catheter in neonates and identify the associated risk factors. METHOD Prospective cohort study conducted in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Participants were the hospitalized neonates undergoing peripheral intravenous puncture in the period from February to June 2013. RESULTS The incidence of complications was 63.15%, being infiltration/extravasation (69.89%), phlebitis (17.84%) and obstruction (12.27%). The risk factors were the presence of infection (p = 0.0192) and weight at the puncture day (p = 0.0093), type of intermittent infusion associated with continuous infusion (p <0.0001), endotracheal intubation (p = 0.0008), infusion of basic plan (p = 0.0027), total parenteral nutrition (P = 0.0002), blood transfusion associated with other infusions (p = 0.0003) and other drugs (p = 0.0004). Higher risk of developing complications in the first 48 hours after puncture. CONCLUSION A high rate of complications related to the use of peripheral intravenous catheter, and risk factors associated with infection, weight, drugs and infused solutions, and type of infusion.