Molecular approaches to trematode systematics: 'best practice' and implications for future study

To date, morphological analysis has been the cornerstone to trematode systematics. However, since the late-1980s we have seen an increased integration of genetic data to overcome problems encountered when morphological data are considered in isolation. Here, we provide advice regarding the ‘best molecular practice’ for trematode taxonomy and systematic studies, in an attempt to help unify the field and provide a solid foundation to underpin future work. Emphasis is placed on defining the study goals and recommendations are made regarding sample preservation, extraction methods, and the submission of molecular vouchers. We advocate generating sequence data from all parasite species/host species/geographic location combinations and stress the importance of selecting two independently evolving loci (one ribosomal and one mitochondrial marker). We recommend that loci should be chosen to provide genetic variation suitable to address the question at hand and for which sufficient ‘useful’ comparative sequence data already exist. Quality control of the molecular data via using proof-reading Taq polymerase, sequencing PCR amplicons using both forward and reverse primers, ensuring that a minimum of 85% overlap exists when constructing consensus sequences, and checking electropherograms by eye is stressed. We advise that all genetic results are best interpreted using a holistic biological approach, which considers morphology, host identity, collection locality, and ecology. Finally, we consider what advances next-generation sequencing holds for trematode taxonomy and systematics

Влияние фосфатных связующих на физико-механические свойства периклазохромитовых огнеупоров

У данній статті наведено та порівняно фізико-механічні властивості периклазо-хромітових матеріалів в залежності від різних типів фосфатних зв’язуючих та введення різних домішок. Визначено, що найбільш раціональним є введення триполіфосфату натрію.In given clause are resulted and the physycal-mechanical properties periclase-cgromite of materials are compared depending on different of types phosphate binding and introduction of the various additives. Is determined, that most rational is the introduction treepolyphosphate sodume

Insulin growth factor receptor (IGF-1R) antibody cixutumumab combined with the mTOR inhibitor temsirolimus in patients with metastatic adrenocortical carcinoma

BACKGROUND: Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a rare and aggressive endocrine malignancy without an available effective systemic chemotherapy. Insulin growth factor 2 (IGF-2) overexpression leading to the activation of the IGF-1 receptor (IGF-1R)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway is well described in ACC. Cixutumumab, a fully human IgG1 monoclonal antibody directed at IGF-1R was combined with temsirolimus on the basis of preclinical data. METHODS: Patients received cixutumumab, 3–6 mg kg(−1) intravenously (IV) weekly, and temsirolimus, 25–37.5 mg IV weekly (4-week cycles), with restaging after 8 weeks. RESULTS: Twenty-six patients were enrolled (13 (50%) men); median age, 47 years; median number of prior therapies, 4. Five patients previously received an IGF-1R inhibitor and one, temsirolimus. The most frequent toxicities, at least possibly drug related, were grade 1–2 thrombocytopenia (38%), mucositis (58%), hypercholesterolaemia (31%), hypertriglyceridemia (35%), and hyperglycaemia (31%). In all, 11 of 26 patients (42%) achieved stable disease (SD) >6 months (duration range=6–21 months) with 3 of the 11 having received a prior IGF-1R inhibitor. CONCLUSION: Cixutumumab combined with temsirolimus was well tolerated and >40% of patients achieved prolonged SD