Methane emissions from a flooded rice field in the south of Brazil.

The State of Rio Grande do Sul in Brazil cultivates about 1Mha of rice in paddy fields. The soils are prepared using either conventional tillage (CT, 41% of the area) or no tillage (NT, 14% of area), the remaining falling in a mixed soil-preparation category. The outcomes of the current study represent the first evaluation of CH4 emissions from flooded rice fields in the south of Brazil. This information will feed the Brazilian greenhouse gas inventory. The study was carried out from January through March 2003 at the IRGA experimental station located in the municipality of Cachoerinha, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Rice has been cultivated in this Gleisol area since 1994 using either the CT or NT system. The closed chamber method was used to collect air samples from 9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon on a weekly basis or in 24-hour campaigns; samples were analyzed using gas chromatography. Soil and plant parameters were also measured in order to determine which ecosystem factors affect CH4 emissions from the soil into the atmosphere. Along the period, CH4 emission rates varied from 24 to 703 mg m-2 day-1. NT plot emissions were initially greater than those from the CT plot, probably due to having maintained the crop residues on the surface of soil in the NT system. Nevertheless, CH4 emission rates in the CT plot were higher than in the NT plot 14 days after flooding, probably due to the higher root mass in the deeper soil layer in the NT system. The close relationship (P<0.01) found between CH4 emissions and soil temperature in both systems explains 60% of CH4 emissions. Total CH4 emissions were 33 and 22 g m-2 in the CT and NT systems, respectively. The emission variation between the soil preparation systems corresponds to 2,860 kg ha-1 CO2 equivalents. Moreover, this reduction represents 0.8 Mg ha-1 yr-1 C equivalents, greater than the average value of 0.58 Mg C ha-1 year-1 for C sequestration in agricultural soils in the subtropical region of Brazil. The 24-hour campaign emissions produced a sigmoid curve into both the atmosphere and the chamber, albeit with an inverse relationship. The 24-hour emissions were controlled by the soil and flood-water temperatures

A simple cytofluorimetric score may optimize testing for biallelic CEBPA mutations in patients with acute myeloid leukemia

Acute myeloid leukemia with biallelic mutation of CEBPA (CEBPA-dm AML) is a distinct good prognosis entity recognized by WHO 2016 classification. However, testing for CEBPA mutation is challenging, due to the intrinsic characteristics of the mutation itself. Indeed, molecular analysis cannot be performed with NGS technique and requires Sanger sequencing. The association of recurrent mutations or translocations with specific immunophenotypic patterns has been already reported in other AML subtypes. The aim of this study was the development of a specific cytofluorimetric score (CEBPA-dm score), in order to distinguish patients who are unlikely to harbor the mutation. To this end, the correlation of CEBPA-dm score with the presence of the mutation was analyzed in 50 consecutive AML patients with normal karyotype and without NPM1 mutation (that is mutually exclusive with CEBPA mutation). One point each was assigned for expression of HLA DR, CD7, CD13, CD15, CD33, CD34 and one point for lack of expression of CD14. OS was not influenced by sex, age and CEBPA-dm score. Multivariate OS analysis showed that CEBPA-dm (p &lt; 0.02) and FLT3-ITD (p &lt; 0.01) were the strongest independent predictors of OS. With a high negative predictive value (100%), CEBPA-dm score &lt; 6 was able to identify patients who are unlikely to have the mutation. Therefore, the application of this simple score might optimize the use of expensive and time-consuming diagnostic and prognostic assessment in the baseline work up of AML patients

The use of a novel cleaning closed suction system reduces the volume of secretions within the endotracheal tube as assessed by micro-computed tomography: a randomized clinical trial

Background: Early after intubation, a layer of biofilm covers the inner lumen of the endotracheal tube (ETT). Cleaning the ETT might prevent airways colonization by pathogens, reduce resistance to airflow, and decrease sudden ETT obstruction. We investigated the effectiveness of a cleaning closed suction system in maintaining the endotracheal tube free from secretions. Methods: We conducted a single center, randomized controlled trial, in the general intensive care unit of a tertiary-level university hospital. We enrolled 40 adult critically ill patients expected to remain intubated for more than 48\ua0h, within 24\ua0h from intubation. Patients were randomized to receive three ETT cleaning maneuvers/day using a novel device (Airway Medix Closed Suction System\u2122, cleaning group) or to standard care (no ETT cleaning, standard closed suction, control group). After extubation, the amount of secretions in the ETTs was measured by micro-computed tomography. Results: The volume of secretions in the ETTs from the cleaning group was lower than controls (0.081 [0.021\u20130.306] vs. 0.568 [0.162\u20130.756] mL, p\ua0=\ua00.001), corresponding to a cross-sectional area reduction six times lower (1[0\u20133] vs. 6 [2\u201310]\ua0%, p\ua0=\ua00.001). In a subset of 16 patients, the resistance to airflow tended to be lower after 1\ua0day of treatment (p\ua0=\ua00.063) and was lower after 2\ua0days (0.024), while no difference was present at enrollment (p\ua0=\ua00.922). ETT colonization did not differ between the two groups. Conclusions: The use of a novel cleaning closed suction system proved to be effective in reducing secretions present in the ETT after extubation, possibly reducing resistance to airflow during intubation. Trial registration: clinicaltrials.gov NCT0191210

Into the Island: A new technique of non-invasive cortical stimulation of the insula

Study aim. - We describe a new neuronavigation-guided technique to target the posterior-superior insula (PSI) using a cooled-double-cone coil for deep cortical stimulation. Introduction. - Despite the analgesic effects brought about by repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to the primary motor and prefrontal cortices, a significant proportion of patients remain symptomatic. This encouraged the search for new targets that may provide stronger pain relief. There is growing evidence that the posterior insula is implicated in the integration of painful stimuli in different pain syndromes and in homeostatic thermal integration. Methods. - The primary motor cortex representation of the lower leg was used to calculate the motor threshold and thus, estimate the intensity of PSI stimulation. Results. - Seven healthy volunteers were stimulated at 10 Hz to the right PSI and showed subjective changes in cold perception. The technique was safe and well tolerated. Conclusions. - The right posterior-superior insula is worth being considered in future studies as a possible target for rTMS stimulation in chronic pain patients. (c) 2012 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved

Fludarabine, high-dose cytarabine and idarubicin-based induction may overcome the negative prognostic impact of flt3-itd in npm1 mutated aml, irrespectively of flt3-itd allelic Burden

The mutations of NPM1 and FLT3-ITD represent the most frequent genetic aberration in acute myeloid leukemia. Indeed, the presence of an NPM1 mutation reduces the negative prognostic impact of FLT3-ITD in patients treated with conventional “3+7” induction. However, little information is available on their prognostic role with intensified regimens. Here, we investigated the efficacy of a fludarabine, high-dose cytarabine and idarubicin induction (FLAI) in 149 consecutive fit AML patients (median age 52) carrying the NPM1 and/or FLT3-ITD mutation, treated from 2008 to 2018. One-hundred-and-twenty-nine patients achieved CR (86.6%). After a median follow up of 68 months, 3-year overall survival was 58.6%. Multivariate analysis disclosed that both NPM1mut (p &lt; 0.05) and ELN 2017 risk score (p &lt; 0.05) were significant predictors of survival. NPM1-mutated patients had a favorable outcome, with no significant differences between patients with or without concomitant FLT3-ITD (p = 0.372), irrespective of FLT3-ITD allelic burden. Moreover, in landmark analysis, performing allogeneic transplantation (HSCT) in first CR proved to be beneficial only in ELN 2017 high-risk patients. Our data indicate that FLAI exerts a strong anti-leukemic effect in younger AML patients with NPM1mut and question the role of HSCT in 1st CR in NPM1mut patients with concomitant FLT3-ITD

Fludarabine, high-dose cytarabine and idarubicin-based induction may overcome the negative prognostic impact of flt3-itd in npm1 mutated aml, irrespectively of flt3-itd allelic Burden

The mutations of NPM1 and FLT3-ITD represent the most frequent genetic aberration in acute myeloid leukemia. Indeed, the presence of an NPM1 mutation reduces the negative prognostic impact of FLT3-ITD in patients treated with conventional \u201c3+7\u201d induction. However, little information is available on their prognostic role with intensified regimens. Here, we investigated the efficacy of a fludarabine, high-dose cytarabine and idarubicin induction (FLAI) in 149 consecutive fit AML patients (median age 52) carrying the NPM1 and/or FLT3-ITD mutation, treated from 2008 to 2018. One-hundred-and-twenty-nine patients achieved CR (86.6%). After a median follow up of 68 months, 3-year overall survival was 58.6%. Multivariate analysis disclosed that both NPM1mut (p < 0.05) and ELN 2017 risk score (p < 0.05) were significant predictors of survival. NPM1-mutated patients had a favorable outcome, with no significant differences between patients with or without concomitant FLT3-ITD (p = 0.372), irrespective of FLT3-ITD allelic burden. Moreover, in landmark analysis, performing allogeneic transplantation (HSCT) in first CR proved to be beneficial only in ELN 2017 high-risk patients. Our data indicate that FLAI exerts a strong anti-leukemic effect in younger AML patients with NPM1mut and question the role of HSCT in 1st CR in NPM1mut patients with concomitant FLT3-ITD

Information systems project manager soft competencies: A project-phase investigation

This article investigates the soft competencies by project phase that information systems (IS) project managers require for project success. The authors conducted 33 qualitative interviews to collect data from a sample of 22 IS project managers and business leaders located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. The authors identified the key competencies for each of the IS project phases (initiation, planning, implementation, and close- out). The competencies were sorted into competency categories: personal attributes (e.g., eye for details), communication (e.g., effective questioning), leadership (e.g., create an effective project environment), negotiations (e.g., consensus building), professionalism (e.g., lifelong learning), social skills (e.g., charisma), and project management competencies (e.g., manage expectations). Each of the most important competencies is discussed and interconnections among competencies identified. How this research can be used by the practitioner and academic communities and the broader implications of this research are examined. © 2009 by the Project Management Institute

Efeito estufa, metano e sistemas de cultivo irrigado no RS.

A atmosfera terrestre é composta de nitrogênio (78%), de oxigênio (21%), de vapor d'água (1%) e dos denominados gases em nível de traço(<1%), entre os quais, alguns absorvem e emitem radiação infravermelha e, portanto, são denominados "gases do efeito estufa"

Emissão de metano em cultivo de arroz irrigado por inundação.

Avaliações de emissão de metano em cultivo de arroz irrigado por inundação foram realizadas nas regiões Sudeste e Sul do Brasil, utilizando o método de câmara estática. Experimentos foram conduzidos com plantio convencional, plantio direto, e cultivo mínimo na região Sul e na região Sudeste. Foram comparados cultivos sob regime de água contínuo e intermitente. Essas áreas encontram-se em regiões climáticas distintas, com diferentes tipos de solos e cultivares de arroz. Avaliações sobre os efeitos de diferentes manejos de cultura e do solo nas emissões sazonais de metano são apresentados, bem como o impacto de regimes de água no cultivo. Em geral, menores taxas de emissão sazonal de metano foram associadas ao sistema de plantio direto e ao regime intermitente de água considerando as três safras analisadas nessas regiões do País. Fatores de emissão sazonais são apresentados para cada safra nos três locais estudados (Pindamonhangaba, SP, Cachoeirinha, RS, e Uruguaiana, RS)