Eficácia e pH de caldas de glifosato após a adição de fertilizantes nitrogenados e utilização de pulverizador pressurizado por CO2

Este trabalho foi desenvolvido com o objetivo de avaliar a eficácia e o pH de caldas de glifosato após a adição de fertilizantes nitrogenados e utilização de pulverizador pressurizado por CO2. Em campo, foram aplicadas duas doses de glifosato (360 e 720 g ha-1), isoladas ou combinadas a duas concentrações de ureia (2,5 e 5,0 g L-1) ou sulfato de amônio (7,5 e 15,0 g L-1). Em laboratório, mensurou-se o pH de caldas de glifosato após o uso de diferentes concentrações do produto e dos fertilizantes nitrogenados e após a utilização do pulverizador pressurizado por CO2. Em todas as avaliações do experimento em campo, a menor dose de glifosato teve maior eficácia biológica após a adição de sulfato de amônio (15 g L-1) à calda. A ureia (5 g L-1) proporcionou efeitos benéficos somente na avaliação aos 28 dias após a aplicação. Em laboratório, o aumento da concentração de glifosato promoveu gradativa acidificação da calda de pulverização, com estabilização do pH da solução em 4,5. O sulfato de amônio causou pequena acidificação da calda herbicida, enquanto a ureia não alterou o pH. O uso do pulverizador pressurizado por CO2 pouco alterou o pH da calda de glifosato. A maior eficácia do glifosato após a adição de fertilizantes nitrogenados à calda está pouco relacionada com alterações no pH da solução.

Temozolomide combined with bevacizumab in metastatic melanoma. A multicenter phase II trial (SAKK 50/07)

Background: Single agent DTIC is the standard therapy for metastatic melanoma (MM) with response rates of 5−20%. Temozolomide (Tem) as an oral drug has shown equal efficacy in phase III trials. Preclinical models have shown an inhibitory effect for bevacizumab (Bev) on the proliferation of melanoma cells as well as on sprouting endothelial cells. Therefore, a therapeutic approach that combines angiogenesis inhibitors with cytotoxic agents may provide clinical benefit in MM. Methods: Design: Multicenter phase II trial. Primary endpoint: Clinical benefit (CR, PR and SD) at 12 weeks; secondary endpoints: best overall response by RECIST, response duration, progression free survival, adverse events, survival after 6 months and overall survival. Sample size was calculated according to Simon's two stage optimal design (5% significance level and 80% power) with an overall sample size of 62 patients (pts) to test H0: 20% versus H1: 35% rate of clinical benefit. Response assessment was done every 6 weeks (3 cycles). Eligibility: Stage IV MM, ECOG PS 0−2, no prior treatment for metastatic disease. Treatment regimen: One cycle consisted of Tem at 150 mg/m2 days 1−7 po and Bev at 10 mg/kg day 1 over 30 min iv and was repeated every 2 weeks until progression or unacceptable toxicity. Results: Between January 2008 and April 2009, 62 pts (40 male/22 female) at a median age of 61 years (range 30−86) with stage IV (M1a:4, M1b:12, M1c:46) melanoma were enrolled in 9 centers. The first 50 pts, who received 415 cycles are included in this interim report. The overall response rate was 26% (CR: 1 pt, PR: 12 pts; PR not confirmed yet in 3 pts), and 44% (22 pts) had stable disease over 1.5−7.5 months (median: 3). Only 30% (15 pts) had disease progression at the first evaluation at week 6. The hematological grade 3/4 toxicities according to NCI CTAE 3.0 were thrombocytopenia 10% (5 pts), neutropenia 8% (4 pts), lymphopenia and leucocytopenia each 2% (1 pt). Cumulative non-hematological toxicities grade 3/4 were nausea and fatigue each 6% (3 pts), hypertension, vomiting and hemorrhage, each 4% (2 pts), thrombosis/embolism, infection, constipation, anorexia, elevation of alkaline phosphatase, bilirubin, GGT, ALT and AST each 2% (1 pt). Conclusion: In metastatic melanoma the combination of Tem/Bev is a safe regimen with a promising efficacy and few grade 3/4 toxicities. Updated results of all 62 pts will be presented.

Common genetic loci influencing plasma homocysteine concentrations and their effect on risk of coronary artery disease.

BACKGROUND: The strong observational association between total homocysteine (tHcy) concentrations and risk of coronary artery disease (CAD) and the null associations in the homocysteine-lowering trials have prompted the need to identify genetic variants associated with homocysteine concentrations and risk of CAD. OBJECTIVE: We tested whether common genetic polymorphisms associated with variation in tHcy are also associated with CAD. DESIGN: We conducted a meta-analysis of genome-wide association studies (GWAS) on tHcy concentrations in 44,147 individuals of European descent. Polymorphisms associated with tHcy (P < 10(-8)) were tested for association with CAD in 31,400 cases and 92,927 controls. RESULTS: Common variants at 13 loci, explaining 5.9% of the variation in tHcy, were associated with tHcy concentrations, including 6 novel loci in or near MMACHC (2.1 Ã- 10(-9)), SLC17A3 (1.0 Ã- 10(-8)), GTPB10 (1.7 Ã- 10(-8)), CUBN (7.5 Ã- 10(-10)), HNF1A (1.2 Ã- 10(-12)), and FUT2 (6.6 Ã- 10(-9)), and variants previously reported at or near the MTHFR, MTR, CPS1, MUT, NOX4, DPEP1, and CBS genes. Individuals within the highest 10% of the genotype risk score (GRS) had 3-μmol/L higher mean tHcy concentrations than did those within the lowest 10% of the GRS (P = 1 Ã- 10(-36)). The GRS was not associated with risk of CAD (OR: 1.01; 95% CI: 0.98, 1.04; P = 0.49). CONCLUSIONS: We identified several novel loci that influence plasma tHcy concentrations. Overall, common genetic variants that influence plasma tHcy concentrations are not associated with risk of CAD in white populations, which further refutes the causal relevance of moderately elevated tHcy concentrations and tHcy-related pathways for CAD.

Sensibilidade de cultivares de algodoeiro ao cloreto de mepiquat

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a sensibilidade de cultivares de algodoeiro ao cloreto de mepiquat e verificar se ela está relacionada ao ciclo ou à arquitetura da planta. Foi realizado um experimento em casa de vegetação com seis cultivares de algodoeiro - FiberMax 966, FiberMax 977, Delta Penta, Delta Opal, FMT 501 e FMT 701 - e quatro doses do regulador vegetal à base de cloreto de mepiquat - 0, 7,5, 15 e 22,5 g ha-1 de i.a. -, em delineamento de blocos ao acaso, com arranjo fatorial 6x4 e quatro repetições. As parcelas experimentais foram constituídas por vasos de 12 L com duas plantas em cada um. As doses do regulador vegetal foram aplicadas sem adjuvante, no estádio de aparecimento dos botões florais, aos 34 dias após a emergência das plântulas. Paralelamente ao experimento com doses, a retenção do regulador pelas folhas das cultivares foi quantificada. O crescimento em altura das plantas de algodoeiro é diminuído com a aplicação do regulador vegetal, e esse efeito se intensifica com o aumento da dosagem aplicada. Existe diferença entre as cultivares estudadas quanto à sensibilidade ao cloreto de mepiquat, sendo que as mais precoces são mais sensíveis. Além da sensibilidade diferenciada, a arquitetura das plantas pode possibilitar maior ou menor deposição do regulador sobre as folhas.

Predictive Value of Readiness, Importance, and Confidence in Ability to Change Drinking and Smoking

Background: Visual analog scales (VAS) are used to assess readiness to changeconstructs, which are often considered critical for change.Objective: We studied whether 3 constructs -readiness to change, importance of changing and confidence inability to change- predict risk status 6 months later in 20 year-old men with either orboth of two behaviors: risky drinking and smoking. Methods: 577 participants in abrief intervention randomized trial were assessed at baseline and 6 months later onalcohol and tobacco consumption and with three 1-10 VAS (readiness, importance,confidence) for each behavior. For each behavior, we used one regression model foreach constructs. Models controlled for receipt of a brief intervention and used thelowest level (1-4) in each construct as the reference group (vs medium (5-7) and high(8-10) levels).Results: Among the 475 risky drinkers, mean (SD) readiness, importance and confidence to change drinking were 4.0 (3.1), 2.8 (2.2) and 7.2 (3.0).Readiness was not associated with being alcohol-risk free 6 months later (OR 1.3[0.7; 2.2] and 1.4 [0.8; 2.6] for medium and high readiness). High importance andhigh confidence were associated with being risk free (OR 0.9 [0.5; 1.8] and 2.9 [1.2;7.5] for medium and high importance; 2.1 [1.0;4.8] and 2.8 [1.5;5.6] for medium andhigh confidence). Among the 320 smokers, mean readiness, importance andconfidence to change smoking were 4.6 (2.6), 5.3 (2.6) and 5.9 (2.6). Neitherreadiness nor importance were associated with being smoking free (OR 2.1 [0.9; 4.7]and 2.1 [0.8; 5.8] for medium and high readiness; 1.4 [0.6; 3.4] and 2.1 [0.8; 5.4] formedium and high importance). High confidence was associated with being smokingfree (OR 2.2 [0.8;6.6] and 3.4 [1.2;9.8] for medium and high confidence).Conclusions: For drinking and smoking, high confidence in ability to change wasassociated -with similar magnitude- with a favorable outcome. This points to thevalue of confidence as an important predictor of successful change.

Effectiveness of a drug dosing service provided by community pharmacists in polymedicated elderly patients with renal impairment a comparative study

Background: Drug dosing errors are common in renal-impaired patients. Appropriate dosing adjustment and drug selection is important to ensure patients" safety and to avoid adverse drug effects and poor outcomes. There are few studies on this issue in community pharmacies. The aims of this study were, firstly, to determine the prevalence of dosing inadequacy as a consequence of renal impairment in patients over 65 taking 3 or more drug products who were being attended in community pharmacies and, secondly, to evaluate the effectiveness of the community pharmacist"s intervention in improving dosing inadequacy in these patients when compared with usual care. Methods: The study was carried out in 40 Spanish community pharmacies. The study had two phases: the first, with an observational, multicentre, cross sectional design, served to determine the dosing inadequacy, the drug-related problems per patient and to obtain the control group. The second phase, with a controlled study with historical control group, was the intervention phase. When dosing adjustments were needed, the pharmacists made recommendations to the physicians. A comparison was made between the control and the intervention group regarding the prevalence of drug dosing inadequacy and the mean number of drug-related problems per patient. Results: The mean of the prevalence of drug dosing inadequacy was 17.5% [95% CI 14.6-21.5] in phase 1 and 15.5% [95% CI 14.5-16.6] in phase 2. The mean number of drug-related problems per patient was 0.7 [95% CI 0.5-0.8] in phase 1 and 0.50 [95% CI 0.4-0.6] in phase 2. The difference in the prevalence of dosing inadequacy between the control and intervention group before the pharmacists" intervention was 0.73% [95% CI (−6.0) - 7.5] and after the pharmacists" intervention it was 13.5% [95% CI 8.0 - 19.5] (p < 0.001) while the difference in the mean of drug-related problems per patient before the pharmacists" intervention was 0.05 [95% CI( -0.2) - 0.3] and following the intervention it was 0.5 [95% CI 0.3 - 0.7] (p < 0.001). Conclusion: A drug dosing adjustment service for elderly patients with renal impairment in community pharmacies can increase the proportion of adequate drug dosing, and improve the drug-related problems per patient. Collaborative practice with physicians can improve these results.

Effectiveness of a drug dosing service provided by community pharmacists in polymedicated elderly patients with renal impairment a comparative study

Background: Drug dosing errors are common in renal-impaired patients. Appropriate dosing adjustment and drug selection is important to ensure patients" safety and to avoid adverse drug effects and poor outcomes. There are few studies on this issue in community pharmacies. The aims of this study were, firstly, to determine the prevalence of dosing inadequacy as a consequence of renal impairment in patients over 65 taking 3 or more drug products who were being attended in community pharmacies and, secondly, to evaluate the effectiveness of the community pharmacist"s intervention in improving dosing inadequacy in these patients when compared with usual care. Methods: The study was carried out in 40 Spanish community pharmacies. The study had two phases: the first, with an observational, multicentre, cross sectional design, served to determine the dosing inadequacy, the drug-related problems per patient and to obtain the control group. The second phase, with a controlled study with historical control group, was the intervention phase. When dosing adjustments were needed, the pharmacists made recommendations to the physicians. A comparison was made between the control and the intervention group regarding the prevalence of drug dosing inadequacy and the mean number of drug-related problems per patient. Results: The mean of the prevalence of drug dosing inadequacy was 17.5% [95% CI 14.6-21.5] in phase 1 and 15.5% [95% CI 14.5-16.6] in phase 2. The mean number of drug-related problems per patient was 0.7 [95% CI 0.5-0.8] in phase 1 and 0.50 [95% CI 0.4-0.6] in phase 2. The difference in the prevalence of dosing inadequacy between the control and intervention group before the pharmacists" intervention was 0.73% [95% CI (−6.0) - 7.5] and after the pharmacists" intervention it was 13.5% [95% CI 8.0 - 19.5] (p < 0.001) while the difference in the mean of drug-related problems per patient before the pharmacists" intervention was 0.05 [95% CI( -0.2) - 0.3] and following the intervention it was 0.5 [95% CI 0.3 - 0.7] (p < 0.001). Conclusion: A drug dosing adjustment service for elderly patients with renal impairment in community pharmacies can increase the proportion of adequate drug dosing, and improve the drug-related problems per patient. Collaborative practice with physicians can improve these results.

Sulfur isotope variations from orebody to hand-specimen scale at the Mezica lead-zinc deposit, Slovenia: a predominantly biogenic pattern

The Mississippi Valley-type (MVT) Pb-Zn ore district at Mezica is hosted by Middle to Upper Triassic platform carbonate rocks in the Northern Karavanke/Drau Range geotectonic units of the Eastern Alps, northeastern Slovenia. The mineralization at Mezica covers an area of 64 km(2) with more than 350 orebodies and numerous galena and sphalerite occurrences, which formed epigenetically, both conformable and discordant to bedding. While knowledge on the style of mineralization has grown considerably, the origin of discordant mineralization is still debated. Sulfur stable isotope analyses of 149 sulfide samples from the different types of orebodies provide new insights on the genesis of these mineralizations and their relationship. Over the whole mining district, sphalerite and galena have delta(34)S values in the range of -24.7 to -1.5% VCDT (-13.5 +/- 5.0%) and -24.7 to -1.4% (-10.7 +/- 5.9%), respectively. These values are in the range of the main MVT deposits of the Drau Range. All sulfide delta(34)S values are negative within a broad range, with delta(34)S(pyrite) < delta(34)S(sphalerite) < delta(34)S(galena) for both conformable and discordant orebodies, indicating isotopically heterogeneous H(2)S in the ore-forming fluids and precipitation of the sulfides at thermodynamic disequilibrium. This clearly supports that the main sulfide sulfur originates from bacterially mediated reduction (BSR) of Middle to Upper Triassic seawater sulfate or evaporite sulfate. Thermochemical sulfate reduction (TSR) by organic compounds contributed a minor amount of (34)S-enriched H(2)S to the ore fluid. The variations of delta(34)S values of galena and coarse-grained sphalerite at orefield scale are generally larger than the differences observed in single hand specimens. The progressively more negative delta(34)S values with time along the different sphalerite generations are consistent with mixing of different H(2)S sources, with a decreasing contribution of H(2)S from regional TSR, and an increase from a local H(2)S reservoir produced by BSR (i.e., sedimentary biogenic pyrite, organo-sulfur compounds). Galena in discordant ore (-11.9 to -1.7%; -7.0 +/- 2.7%, n=12) tends to be depleted in (34)S compared with conformable ore (-24.7 to -2.8%, -11.7 +/- 6.2%, n=39). A similar trend is observed from fine-crystalline sphalerite I to coarse open-space filling sphalerite II. Some variation of the sulfide delta(34)S values is attributed to the inherent variability of bacterial sulfate reduction, including metabolic recycling in a locally partially closed system and contribution of H(2)S from hydrolysis of biogenic pyrite and thermal cracking of organo-sulfur compounds. The results suggest that the conformable orebodies originated by mixing of hydrothermal saline metal-rich fluid with H(2)S-rich pore waters during late burial diagenesis, while the discordant orebodies formed by mobilization of the earlier conformable mineralization.

Características de carcaça e qualidade de carne de novilhos superprecoces de três grupos genéticos

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar parâmetros de carcaça, características físico-químicas e de qualidade de carne de novilhos machos superprecoces. Foram avaliados três grupos raciais com 8 animais Nelore (N), 18 ¼ Abeerden Angus ½ Nelore (AN) e 18 ½ Limousin ¼ Abeerden Angus ¼ Nelore (LAN), com idade entre 7,5 e 11,5 meses no início do experimento, abatidos após 143 dias de confinamento. Os animais AN apresentaram maior peso ao abate, ganho médio diário de peso, peso de carcaça e comprimento de carcaça; os animais LAN apresentaram maior rendimento de carcaça e área de olho de lombo. Os animais LAN apresentaram 72% de carcaças convexas, enquanto 83% das carcaças dos animais AN e 100% das carcaças dos animais N foram classificadas como subconvexas. Os grupos LAN e AN não apresentaram diferença significativa nos valores de força de cisalhamento, o que indica a possibilidade de utilização da proporção de 50% do genótipo Bos indicus sem prejuízo para a maciez da carne. As características de carcaça e carne dos animais dos grupos genéticos NA, LAN e N estão em conformidade com as especificações de consumo e adequadas para abate aos 15 meses de idade, o que viabiliza o sistema de produção de novilhos superprecoces.

Proteção do cafeeiro contra cercosporiose por acibenzolar-S-metil e proteína harpina

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar, em cafeeiro suscetível, a proteção contra a cercosporiose, pela aplicação da proteína harpina e acibenzolar-S-metil (ASM), e avaliar seu efeito na germinação de conídios e crescimento micelial in vitro. No primeiro experimento, cafeeiros tratados com ASM (25, 50, 100, 200 μg mL-1) receberam o inóculo de uma suspensão de conídios de Cercospora coffeicola, e a severidade da doença foi avaliada aos 30 e 60 dias após a inoculação. No segundo experimento, cafeeiros foram aspergidos com harpina (7,5, 15, 30, 60, 120 μg mL-1), tendo-se utilizado o mesmo procedimento. No terceiro experimento, plantas aspergidas previamente com ASM (200 μg mL-1) ou harpina (15 μg mL-1) foram tratadas novamente com esses produtos, aos 30 dias após terem recebido inóculo do patógeno. ASM e harpina protegeram os cafeeiros contra cercosporiose 30 dias após a inoculação com C. coffeicola. Entretanto, 60 dias após a inoculação, apenas o ASM (200 μg mL-1), com uma ou duas aplicações, protegeu as plantas contra C. coffeicola. Os cafeeiros foram protegidos contra cercosporiose, em reaplicação de harpina, 30 dias após o primeiro tratamento com essa proteína. Harpina e acibenzolar-S-metil não inibiram o desenvolvimento micelial nem a germinação in vitro dos conídios do patógeno.

[Venise. Basilica di San Marco]

Référence bibliographique : Weigert, 729

Prurigo nodularis: retrospective study of 13 cases managed with methotrexate.

BACKGROUND: Prurigo nodularis (PN), or nodular prurigo, is a chronic, debilitating, inflammatory skin disease. It can be very difficult to manage, and represents a challenge for the physician. Methotrexate (MTX) is a safe folic acid antagonist widely used in the management of inflammatory skin diseases such as psoriasis. Weekly administration of 7.5-20 mg methotrexate (low-dose methotrexate, LD-MTX) represents an attractive treatment option, and could therefore find a place in the management of PN. AIM: To evaluate the efficacy of LD-MTX as a treatment option for PN. METHODS: Thirteen patients who had failed to respond to conventional therapies such as topical steroids, phototherapy and antipruritic agents were treated with LD-MTX. The mean age of the patients was 75.83. Objective symptoms (Prurigo Nodularis Area and Severity Index; PNASI) and subjective symptoms (Pruritus Numeric Rating Scale; PNRS) were recorded. Treatment consisted of one subcutaneous injection of MTX 7.5-20 mg once weekly for a minimum of 6 months. Adjuvant application of emollients and topical steroids was maintained where needed. RESULTS: There was remission or marked improvement (decrease in both PNRS or PNASI of > 75%) in 10 cases, a trend to improvement in 2 cases and relapse in 1 case after treatment discontinuation. CONCLUSIONS: LD-MTX may allow improvement of PN in some patients, with long-lasting remission.

Hematologia de tilápias-do-nilo alimentadas com dietas com óleos vegetais e estimuladas pelo frio

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar os efeitos de dietas com diferentes relações entre ácidos graxos poliinsaturados ômega-6 e ômega-3 nos parâmetros hematológicos e lipídeos plasmáticos de tilápias-do-nilo, antes e após estímulo pelo frio. Foram utilizados 320 alevinos invertidos para macho (±7,5 g), distribuídos aleatoriamente em 40 tanques (250 L) e alimentados com oito dietas: basal (sem adição de óleo), 6% de óleo de girassol (OG), 5% de OG + 1% de óleo de linhaça (OL), 4% de OG + 2% OL, 3% de OG + 3% de OL, 2% de OG + 4% de OL, 1% de OG + 5% de OL e 6% de OL. Os parâmetros hematológicos e os lipídeos plasmáticos foram determinados ao final de 85 dias de cultivo e após três dias de estímulo pelo frio. Não houve efeito das dietas sobre nenhuma das variáveis analisadas no período anterior ao estímulo. O número de leucócitos foi reduzido em peixes alimentados com a dieta 6% de OL, após estímulo pelo frio. O estímulo pelo frio provocou um declínio do estado geral de saúde, como leucopenia. Tilápias-do-nilo alimentadas com dietas com 6% de OL apresentaram menor resistência ao frio.

Respostas morfogênicas e estruturais de dosséis de espécies de Braquiária à intensidade de desfolhação

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar as respostas morfogênicas e estruturais de duas espécies e cinco cultivares de braquiária a intensidades de desfolhação. As cultivares Marandu, Xaraés, Arapoty, Capiporã (Urochloa brizantha) e Basilisk (U. Decumbens) foram desfolhadas mecanicamente a 15 e 7,5 cm de altura, durante o verão e o inverno. Utilizaram-se unidades experimentais de 9x4 m, irrigadas e adubadas com 220 kg ha-1 por ano de N e K2O. As características morfogênicas avaliadas foram: filocrono e senescência, duração de vida e taxas de aparecimento e alongamento de folhas. As características estruturais foram: número de folhas vivas por perfilho, comprimento final das folhas expandidas e de colmos, relação senescência/crescimento e densidade populacional de perfilhos. Variações nas condições meteorológicas, em cada estação, promoveram aumentos nas taxas de aparecimento e alongamento, diminuição do filocrono e duração de vida das folhas. As características estruturais mais responsivas ao gradiente promovido pelas alturas de corte foram o comprimento final de folhas expandidas e a densidade populacional de perfilhos. A altura de corte mais baixa exerceu maior impacto na dinâmica de crescimento do que na senescência, em perfilhos individuais. As cultivares Xaraés e Capiporã foram as mais produtivas, em razão das maiores taxas de alongamento foliar e maior densidade populacional de perfilhos.