Osteoblastic Response in Patients with Non-small Cell Lung Cancer with Activating EGFR Mutations and Bone Metastases during Treatment with EGFR Kinase Inhibitors

© 2010International Association for the Study of Lung Cance

Spatial surface-pattern analyses and boundary detection techniques applied in forest ecology

[EN] We review methods for uni- and multivariate surface pattern analysis and boundary detection used in forest ecology. A continuous surface pattern is defined as the locations of points (trees) in the space and the associated variable or variables. We illustrate useful methods to describe spatial patterns and infer the generating processes. We show the statistical basis and applied examples of univariate methods for binary (join counts) and quantitative variables (Moran and Geary correlograms, semivariograms, fractal dimension). We explain the calculus and interpretation of multivariate methods to describe surface patterns (Mantel test and correlogram) and their relationships with ordination methods. Finally, we show examples of techniques for boundary detection. Most analysed patterns corresponded to Pinus uncinata forests from the upper altitudinal limit in the Pyrenees or from a relict population. We discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each methodology and their applications in forest ecology.[ES] En este trabajo se revisan los métodos de análisis univariable y multivariable de los patrones de superficies y de detección de fronteras más utilizados en ecología forestal. El patrón de superficies es un patrón espacial continuo definido por las posiciones de los puntos (árboles) en el espacio y una o varias variables asociadas a cada punto. Se ilustran métodos útiles para describir patrones espaciales e inferir los procesos que los generaron. Se muestra el fundamento estadístico y ejemplos aplicados de métodos de análisis univariables para variables binarias (conteo contiguo) y cuantitativas (correlogramas de Moran y Geary, semivariogramas, dimensión fractal). Se detalla el cálculo e interpretación de métodos multivariables para la descripción de patrones de superficies (correlograma y test de Mantel) y su relación con los métodos de ordenación. Finalmente, se muestran ejemplos de métodos para la detección de fronteras. La mayor parte de los patrones reales analizados provienen de bosques de Pinus uncinata del límite altitudinal superior en los Pirineos o bien de una población relíctica. Se discuten las ventajas y desventajas de cada metodología y sus aplicaciones en ecología forestal.Los datos de Vinuesa se obtuvieron en el proyecto AMB95-0160 (CICyT).Peer reviewe

Pharmacokinetics, Safety, and Efficacy of Posaconazole in Patients with Persistent Febrile Neutropenia or Refractory Invasive Fungal Infection

The pharmacokinetic profiles, safety, and efficacies of different dosing schedules of posaconazole oral suspension in patients with possible, probable, and proven refractory invasive fungal infection (rIFI) or febrile neutropenia (FN) were evaluated in a multicenter, open-label, parallel-group study. Sixty-six patients with FN and 32 patients with rIFI were randomly assigned to one of three posaconazole regimens: 200 mg four times a day (q.i.d.) for nine doses, followed by 400 mg twice a day (b.i.d.); 400 mg q.i.d. for nine doses, followed by 600 mg b.i.d.; or 800 mg b.i.d. for five doses, followed by 800 mg once a day (q.d.). Therapy was continued for up to 6 months in patients with rIFI or until neutrophil recovery occurred in patients with FN. The 400-mg-b.i.d. dose provided the highest overall mean exposure, with 135% (P = 0.0004) and 182% (P < 0.0001) greater exposure than the 600-mg-b.i.d. and 800-mg-q.d. doses, respectively. However, exposure in allogeneic bone marrow transplant (BMT) recipients (n = 12) was 52% lower than in non-BMT patients. Treatment-related adverse events (occurring in 24% of patients) were mostly gastrointestinal in nature. Twenty-four percent of patients had adverse events leading to premature discontinuation (none were treatment related). In efficacy-evaluable patients, successful clinical response was observed in 43% with rIFI (56% of patients receiving 400 mg b.i.d., 17% receiving 600 mg b.i.d., and 50% receiving 800 mg q.d.) and 77% with FN (74% receiving 400 mg b.i.d., 78% receiving 600 mg b.i.d., and 81% receiving 800 mg q.d.). Posaconazole is well tolerated and absorbed. Divided doses of 800 mg (400 mg b.i.d.) provide the greatest posaconazole exposure