Angiogenesis inhibitors in clinical development; where are we now and where are we going?

Angiogenesis is crucial for tumour growth and the formation of metastases. Various classes of angiogenesis inhibitors that are each able to inhibit one of the various steps of this complex process can be distinguished. Results from clinical studies with these agents are summarised. In general, it has been shown that most angiogenesis inhibitors can be safely administered, but that tumour regressions are rare. Combining angiogenesis inhibitors with cytotoxic chemotherapy can enhance anticancer activity. Recently, some promising data with regard to clinical efficacy have been presented. While performing clinical studies with angiogenesis inhibitors, defining biological activity is crucial, but thus far no validated techniques are available. It is conceivable that in the near future various classes of angiogenesis inhibitors will be combined in an attempt to further improve antiangiogenic and anticancer activity

Presence of wall-devoid micro-organisms in hypopharyngeal glands of forager bees (Hymenoptera, Apidae)

The occurrence of mycoplasma-like bodies in the axial duct and intracellular canaliculli from hypopharyngeal glands of bees (Meliponinae and Apinae) is described. Since they are not found within cells and due to the absence of cellular alterations in the infected glands it is suggested that micro-organisms are not pathogenic to the bees

Live nearby, be different, work apart ? Some learnings from action spaces discrepancies in Santiago de Chile

This article examines macro-level contextual parameters and individual-based factors deemed in the literature to directly influence individuals' daily mobility practices. It considers the urban structure, place of residence, situation in the social hierarchy, and position in the life course. Taking its inspiration from approaches highlighting segregation at destination place and studies focusing on mobility biographies, it enquires whether systematic discrepancies may be detected between the places frequented for work or study on a daily basis by the groups of individuals residing in the same neighborhood. It also looks at whether home location (in a central area, inner suburb, or outskirt) influences how action spaces are configured. The analysis relies on a three-phase integrated method. First, a typology of individuals is assembled to put together homogenous socio-demographic groups. Second, the action spaces of these groups are calculated and mapped. Third, the significance of spatial differences in action spaces is assessed using a bivariate colocation test, hitherto used primarily in spatial epidemiology. This three-phase method is applied to data collected in Santiago de Chile during a survey of 1,000 households, designed to capture spatial mobility from a biographical perspective

CYTOPHOTOMETRIC EVALUATION OF CORPORA ALLATA DNA DURING THE DEVELOPMENT OF LARVAE OF WORKERS AND QUEENS (APIS-MELLIFERA L, HYMENOPTERA, APIDAE)

Cytophotometric observation of corpora allata from workers and queens of A. mellifera showed significant variations in DNA content from the 2nd to the 4th instar of both castes, but the differences between castes are present only in the 2nd instar.The corpora allata are characterized by the presence of diploid, as well as polyploid cells, distributed in classes that are well established since the earliest developmental stages. However the frequency of cell nuclei in the higher classes of ploidy increases with development. This occurrence is responsible for the increase of the average DNA content in older larvae

Anthocyanin Partition in Aqueous Two-Phase Systems Based on Isopropanol and Sodium/Ammonium Sulfate

Partitioning of anthocyanins contained in the crude extract of Syzygium cumini fruit was investigated in aqueous two-phase systems (ATPS) made up of isopropa nol and Na2SO4/(NH4)2SO4. Na2SO4 induced ATPS formation more effectively than (NH4)2SO4. The increase in temperature enhanced phase separation in the (NH4)2SO4 ATPS, while the opposite occurred in the Na2SO4 ATPS. The higher the overall mixture concentration or temperature, the higher the values of tie-line length and slope. In all systems and conditions, anthocyanins preferentially parti tioned to the top phase. The partition coefficient and theoretical recovery yield in the top phase varied in the ranges 1.14–1.77 and 53.31–63.87 % in the (NH4)2SO4 ATPS, and in the ranges 1.94–21.50 and 65.90–95.55 % in the Na2SO4 ATPS

Quality of life after partial penectomy for penile carcinoma

Objectives. To investigate the impact of partial penectomy on the quality of life of patients with carcinoma of the penis. Methods. Fourteen patients who had undergone partial penectomy for penile cancer were studied. Their median age was 50.5 years and the median time of follow-up was 11.5 months. The quality of life was evaluated in three dimensions: social adjustment, sexuality, and emotional state, The patients underwent a semistructured interview and were asked to complete the Overall Sexual Functioning Questionnaire, the Social Problem Questionnaire, the General Health Questionnaire, and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Results. In 9 (64%) patients, the overall sexual function was normal or slightly decreased. Only 2 (14%) men had precarious or absent sexual function. The masculine self-image and the relationship with their partners remained practically unchanged in all the patients. Sexual interest and satisfaction remained normal or slightly reduced in 9 and 12 patients, respectively. The frequency of sexual intercourse was unchanged or slightly decreased in 9 patients. Three patients had no sexual intercourse after surgery. No significant levels of anxiety and depression were found. Within the areas of living conditions, family life, and interactions with other people, all the patients remained as they were before the surgery. Conclusions. Patients who undergo partial penectomy for penile cancer can maintain the quality of life (in social, psychological, and sexual terms) at levels similar to those that existed in the period before surgery. (C) 1997, Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.50459359

Technical and economic evaluation of different types of control of Brevipalpus phoenicis (Acari: Tenuipalpidae) in citrus leprosies management

The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of acaricide applications and pruning of symptomatic branches in citrus leprosis management in Brazil. It was conducted in an orange plantation of the 'Pera' variety, grafted onto the 'Cleopatra' tangerine, in two seasons (2006-2007 and 2007-2008). The experimental design was randomized blocks in a factorial scheme consisting of the following factors: (A) acaricide, in three levels: spirodiclofen and cyhexatin applied in rotation, lime sulphur; no acaricides; (B) pruning to remove branches that showed symptoms of leprosis, with two levels: with pruning, without pruning. We carried out periodic assessments of Brevipalpus phoenicis (Geijskes) populations (vector of the leprosis virus), leprosis incidence and severity, fruit yield, and the economic feasibility of the applied strategies. Based on the results, we concluded that spirodiclofen and cyhexatin were more effective than lime sulphur in B. phoenicis control. Control with lime sulphur required more applications than spirodiclofen and cyhexatin in rotation, making it more expensive. Pruning of symptomatic branches used in isolation was not sufficiently effective to control leprosis and significantly increased control costs. Profits were higher when the control involved sprayings of spirodiclofen and cyhexatin in alternation, with or without pruning

Determination of solubility product of mercurous acetate at various ionic strengths in aqueous medium

The conditionals (K-ps) and thermodynamics (K-ps(o)) solubility products of mercurous acetate have been determined, in aqueous solution, at 25 degrees C and ionic strength (I) comprised between 0.300 and 3.000 mol/L (NaClO4). The investigation was carried out potentiometrically by using a second class electrodes which responds to acetate ions. The values obtained for [pK(ps) (I)] were: 9.49+/-0.08 (0.000); 9.51+/-0.08 (0.300); 9.53+/-0.08 (0.500); 9.54+/-0.08 (0.700); 9.55+/-0.09 (0.900), 9.57+/-0.09 (1.200); 9.59+/-0.10(1.500); 9.61+/-0.10 (1.800); 9.63+/-0.10 (2.100); 9.65+/-0.11 (2.400); 9.67+/-0.11 (2.700) e 9.69+/-0.12 (3.000)