Efeito de frações inspiradas de oxigênio e modalidades ventilatórias diferentes sobre a idade de cães / [Effects of oxygeninspired fractions and different ventilatory modalities on the age of dogs]

Objetivou-se avaliar diferentes modalidades ventilatórias em cães de diferentes idades submetidos à fração inspirada de oxigênio (FiO2) de 40% e 100%. Foram utilizados 36 cães de três grupos etários (GJ: 0-5; GA: 5-10 e GG: 10-15 anos), sem padronização de peso, sexo, raça e procedimento cirúrgico. Foram pré-medicados com acepromazina e morfina (0,02 e 0,5mg/kg), induzidos à anestesia geral com propofol dose-efeito, manutenção do plano anestésico com isoflurano em 1,3 V% e fornecimento de oxigênio conforme a FiO2 estabelecida para o grupo. Os animais foram submetidos a quatro diferentes modalidades ventilatórias: ventilação espontânea (VE), ventilação ciclada a volume (VCV), ventilação ciclada a pressão (VCP) e ventilação ciclada a pressão com PEEP (VCPP), e permaneceram 30 minutos em cada modalidade. Os parâmetros cardiovasculares mantiveram-se estáveis para todas as FiO2, modalidades ventilatórias e idades. Com relação aos parâmetros ventilatórios, na FiO2 100%, foram observados PaCO2 de 45mmHge e 29% de shunt, enquanto a FiO2 40% apresentou PaCO2 de 43 mmHg e 13% de shunt. Em relação às diferentes idades, os animais adultos e geriátricos apresentaram maiores valores de shunt (26% e 22%) e PaCO2 (44mm/Hg e 46mm/Hg). Conclui-se que a fração inspirada de 40% e a modalidade ventilatória ciclada a volume mostraram-se mais eficientes.(AU)

The objective was to evaluate different ventilatory modalities in dogs of different ages submitted to the inspired fraction of oxygen (FiO2) of 40% and 100%. Thirty-six dogs from three age groups (GJ 0-5, GA 5-10 and GG 10-15 years) were used, without standardization of weight, gender, race and surgical procedure. They were premedicated with acepromazine and morphine (0.02 and 0.5mg/kg), induced to general anesthesia with propofol dose/effect, maintenance of the anesthetic plane with isoflurane in 1.3V% and oxygen supply according to FiO2 established for the group. The animals were submitted to 4 different ventilation modalities, spontaneous ventilation (VS), volume-cycled ventilation (VCV), pressure-cycled ventilation (VCP) and pressure-cycled ventilation with PEEP (VCPP) and remained 30 minutes in each modality. The cardiovascular parameters remained stable for all FiO2, ventilatory modalities and ages. Regarding ventilatory parameters, in FiO2 and PaCO2 of 45mmHg and 29% of shunt, in FiO2 100%, PaCO2 of 43mmHg and 13% of shunt were observed. Regarding the different ages, adult and geriatric animals presented higher values of Shunt (26 and 22%) and PaCO2 (44 and 46mmHg). It was concluded that the inspired fraction of 40% and the volume-cycled ventilatory modality were more efficient.(AU)

Reirradiation of salivary gland tumors with carbon ion radiotherapy at CNAO.

AIMS: To report oncologic and functional outcomes in terms of tumor control and toxicity of carbon ion radiotherapy (CIRT) in reirradiation setting for recurrent salivary gland tumors at CNAO. METHODS: From November 2013 to September 2016, 51 consecutive patients with inoperable recurrent salivary gland tumors were retreated with CIRT in the frame of the phase II protocol CNAO S14/2012C for recurrent head and neck tumors. RESULTS: Majority of pts (74.5%) had adenoid cystic carcinoma, mainly rcT4a (51%) and rcT4b (37%). Median dose of prior photon based radiotherapy was 60 Gy. Median dose of CIRT was 60 Gy [RBE] at a mean of 3 Gy [RBE] per fraction. During reirradiation, 19 patients (37.3%) experienced grade G1 toxicity, 19 pts (37.3%) had G2 and 2 pts (3.9%) had G3. Median follow up time was 19 months. Twenty one (41.2%) patients had stable disease and 30 (58.8%) tumor progression at the time of last follow up. Furthermore, 9 (18%) patients had G1 late toxicity, 19 (37%) had G2 and 9 (17. 5%) had G3. Using the Kaplan Meier method, progression free survival (actuarial) at one and two years were 71.7% and 52.2% respectively. Estimated overall survival (actuarial) at one and two years were 90.2% and 64%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: CIRT is a good option for retreatment of inoperable recurrent salivary gland tumors with acceptable rates of acute and late toxicity. Longer follow up time is needed to assess the effectiveness of CIRT in reirradiation setting of salivary gland tumors.

Infusão de morfina e cetamina, associada ou não à lidocaína, em gatas submetidas à ovariossalpingo-histerectomia / Infusion of morphine and ketamine, with or without lidocaine, in cats undergoing ovariohysterectomy

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar os efeitos analgésicos transoperatórios da infusão contínua de morfina e cetamina, associada ou não à lidocaína, em gatas submetidas à OSH eletiva. Foram utilizadas 16 fêmeas adultas, hígidas, pré-medicadas com acepromazina (0,1mg/kg) e morfina (0,5mg/kg), ambas pela via intramuscular, induzidas com cetamina (1mg/kg) e propofol (4mg/kg), pela via intravenosa, e mantidas sob anestesia geral inalatória com isoflurano a 1,4 V%. Os animais foram alocados aleatoriamente em dois grupos: grupo morfina, lidocaína e cetamina (MLK, n=8), que recebeu bolus de lidocaína (1mg/kg), pela via IV, seguido de infusão de morfina, lidocaína e cetamina (0,26mg/kg/h, 3mg/kg/h e 0,6mg/kg/h, respectivamente); e grupo morfina e cetamina (MK, n=8), que recebeu bolus de solução salina, seguido de infusão de morfina e cetamina, nas mesmas doses do MLK. Os momentos avaliados foram: M0, basal, cinco minutos após a indução; M1, imediatamente após a aplicação do bolus de lidocaína ou solução salina; M2, M3, M4 e M5, a cada cinco minutos, até completar 20 minutos do início da infusão; M6, após a incisão da musculatura; M7, após pinçamento do primeiro pedículo ovariano; M8, após pinçamento do segundo pedículo ovariano; M9, após pinçamento da cérvix; M10, após sutura da musculatura; M11, ao final da cirurgia; e M12, M13 e M14, intervalos de cinco minutos, até completar uma hora de infusão. A FP no M0 foi maior no MLK quando comparado ao MK. Em ambos os grupos, a PAS foi maior no M7 e no M8 em relação ao M0, porém no MK, além da PAS, a FP foi maior do M7 ao M13, assim como a f. Os animais do MK necessitaram de um número maior de resgates transoperatorios, total de 23, do que o MLK, total de sete. Conclui-se que a adição de lidocaína incrementou a analgesia oferecida, reduzindo o número de resgates analgésicos transoperatórios, a dose total de fentanil, bem como a probabilidade de os animais necessitarem dese tipo de resgate.(AU)

The aim of this study was to evaluate the trans-operative analgesics, continuous infusion of morphine and ketamine, with or without lidocaine in cats undergoing elective OSH. Sixteen adult cats were used, otherwise healthy, pre-medicated with acepromazine (0.1mg/kg) and morphine (0.5mg/kg), both intramuscularly, induced with ketamine (1mg/kg) and propofol (4mg/kg), intravenous, maintained under general inhalation anesthesia with isoflurane 1.4 V%. The animals were randomly allocated into two groups: morphine, lidocaine and ketamine (MLK, n= 8), which received intravenous bolus of lidocaine (1mg/kg) followed by infusion of morphine, lidocaine and ketamine (0.26mg / kg/h, 3mg / kg/h and 0.6mg / kg/h, respectively); Morphine and ketamine (MK, n= 8), who received bolus of saline followed by infusion of morphine and ketamine at the same doses of MLK. The evaluated moments were: M0, basal, 5 minutes after induction; M1 immediately after the application of lidocaine bolus injection or saline; M2, M3, M4 and M5, every 5 minutes to complete 20 minutes after the start of infusion; M6, after the incision of the musculature; M7, after clamping of the first ovarian pedicle; M8, after clamping of the second ovarian pedicle; M9, after clamping of the cervix; M10, after suturing of the musculature; M11, at the end of surgery; And M12, M13 and M14, 5 minute intervals until completing one hour of infusion. The time to extubating and full recovery of animals, and the need for rescue analgesic fentanyl intraoperatively were also evaluated. HR in M0 was higher in MLK when compared to MK. In both groups the SBP was higher in M7 and M8 compared to M0, but the MK, addition of SAP, HR was greater M7 to M13, as well as f. MK animals required a greater number of trans-operative rescues than the MLK. It was concluded that the addition of lidocaine to the protocol using morphine and ketamine increased its analgesia.(AU)

Período de latência, progressão e duração do bloqueio da anestesia epidural com lidocaína, bupivacaína ou sua associação em cães / Period of latency, progression and duration of blockade of epidural anesthesia with lidocaine, bupivacaine or its association in dogs

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar latência, duração do efeito, progressão cranial da lidocaína e da bupivacaína isoladas, ou em associação, pela via epidural, em cães, além de mensurar a pressão média do canal epidural antes e após a realização dela. Utilizaram-se 18 cães, alocados em três grupos, os quais receberam, por via epidural: lidocaína 2% (GL) 0,25mL/kg; bupivacaína 0,5% (GB) no mesmo volume, ou a associação de ambas (GLB) na proporção de 1:1. Avaliaram-se as frequências cardíaca e respiratória e a pressão arterial sistólica (PAS) previamente aos tratamentos (M0) e até 60 minutos após a anestesia epidural. Ainda, avaliou-se a pressão no canal epidural antes e após a administração dos tratamentos, o período de latência, a progressão e a duração do bloqueio pelo pinçamento interdigital e do panículo paravertebral. Houve redução de 12% da PAS no GL em todos os momentos e de 16% aos 30 minutos no GLB quando comparados ao basal. A pressão média no espaço epidural antes e após a anestesia epidural foi de -1,5 (±3,9) e 41 (±16) mmHg; 55% apresentaram pressão negativa no espaço epidural. O período de latência não diferiu entre os grupos (GL: 3,5±1,6; GB: 4,5±4,5; e GLB: 2,4±1 minutos) e a duração do bloqueio foi maior no GB em relação ao GL (GL: 125±24; GB: 176±24; e GLB: 153±35 minutos). A progressão máxima dos anestésicos foi até L1-T13 no GL, L4-L3 no GB e L3-L2 no GLB. Conclui-se que a associação de lidocaína com bupivacaína não apresenta vantagens em relação ao uso dos fármacos isolados pela via epidural, tendo a lidocaína progredido mais cranialmente em relação à bupivacaína ou à associação. A lidocaína promoveu redução da PAS, mesmo quando associada à bupivacaína, permanecendo dentro dos valores de referência. Apenas 55% dos cães apresentaram pressão média negativa no espaço epidural antes da administração dos fármacos, dessa forma o teste da gota pendente pode não ser eficiente para localização do espaço epidural em todos os animais.(AU)

The objective of this study was to evaluate the latency, duration of the effect, and cranial progression of lidocaine and bupivacaine alone or in combination, by epidural route in dogs, and measuring the average pressure of the epidural channel before and after the completion thereof. Eighteen dogs were allocated in three groups, which received epidural: lidocaine 2% (GL) 0.25ml / kg; bupivacaine 0.5% (GB) in the same volume, or the association of both (GLB) in a 1: 1 ratio. Heart and respiratory rates and systolic blood pressure (SBP) were evaluated before treatment (M0) and up to 60 minutes after epidural anesthesia. In addition, the pressure in the epidural canal was evaluated before and after the administration of the treatments, latency period, progression and duration of the block by interdigital and paravertebral pannicus clamping. There was a 12% decrease in SBP in the GL at all times and 16% at 30 minutes in GLB when compared to the baseline. The mean pressure in the epidural space before and after epidural anesthesia was -1.5 (±3.9) and 41 (±16) mmHg), 55% presented negative pressure in the epidural space. The latency period did not differ between groups (GL: 3.5±1.6; GB: 4.5±4.5; and GLB: 2.4±1 minutes) and the duration of blockade was higher in GB (GL: 125±24, GB: 176±24, and GLB: 153±35 minutes). The maximum progression of anesthetics was up to L1-T13 in GL, L4-L3 in GB and L3-L2 in GLB. It is concluded that the association of lidocaine with bupivacaine does not present advantages in relation to the use of the drugs isolated by the epidural route, with lidocaine progressing more cranially in relation to bupivacaine or the association. Lidocaine promoted the reduction of SBP, even when associated with bupivacaine, remaining within the reference values. Only 55% of the dogs presented negative mean pressure in the epidural space before administration of the drugs, so the drop test may not be efficient for locating the epidural space in all animals.(AU)

Correlação entre as escalas analógica visual, de Glasgow, Colorado e Melbourne na avaliação de dor pós-operatória em cadelas submetidas à mastectomia total unilateral / Correlation between visual analog scales, Glasgow, Colorado and Melbourne in the evaluation of postoperative pain in dogs undergoing total unilateral mastectomy

Objetivou-se correlacionar a necessidade de resgate analgésico pós-operatório por meio das escalas analógica visual (EVA), de Glasgow, Colorado e Melbourne, por meio de um avaliador experiente (AE) e outro não experiente (ANE), em cadelas submetidas à mastectomia unilateral total. Foram utilizadas 24 cadelas, hígidas, internadas 24 horas antes do procedimento cirúrgico, para avaliação do seu comportamento, com o auxílio das escalas descritas acima no momento basal (M0). Foram pré-medicadas com acepromazina e morfina (0,02 e 0,5mg/kg) e induzidas à anestesia geral com propofol (4mg/kg), mantidas em plano anestésico com CAM de isoflurano 1%. A manutenção analgésica transoperatória foi realizada com cetamina e fentanil (10µg/kg/min e 10µg/kg/h). As demais avaliações ocorreram em uma, duas, quatro, seis, oito, 12 e 24 horas de pós-operatório, sendo os resgates realizados com morfina (0,5mg/kg), pela via intramuscular, quando fosse observada uma pontuação maior ou igual a 50, seis, dois e nove pontos, respectivamente, para as escalas descritas, quando observada pelo AE e quando ao menos duas das escalas demonstrassem esses valores. Houve aumento dos escores de dor do M1 ao M12 para o AE e para o ANE para a EVA. Na análise de Colorado, maiores pontuações de dor ocorreram em relação ao M0 entre o M2 e o M8 para o AE e do M1 ao M12 para o ANE. Na análise de Glasgow, maiores escores foram detectados entre o M1 e o M12 para o AE e do M1 ao M24 para o ANE. E para a de Melbourne, maiores valores foram observados do M1 e do M24 para o AE e o ANE. A melhor correlação entre as escalas foi de 0,775 entre Glasgow e Colorado e entre os avaliadores de 0,925 para a Glasgow. Conclui-se que a escala de Glasgow apresentou-se mais sensível para detectar resgates analgésicos em cadelas submetidas à mastectomia total unilateral, que a inexperiência do avaliador não compromete a qualidade das avaliações de dor e sugere-se reduzir a pontuação da EVA e Melbourne para aumentar a sua capacidade em detectar resgates analgésicos pós-operatórios.(AU)

The objective was to relate the need for analgesic postoperative recovery through Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Glasgow, Colorado and Melbourne, by an experienced assessor (AE) and other non-experienced ones (ANE), in bitches undergoing total unilateral mastectomy. Otherwise healthy bitches, a total of 24, were admitted 24 hours before the surgical procedure for assessment of behavior with the help of the above scales to determine the baseline (M0) moment. They were pre-medicated with morphine and acepromazine (0,02 and 0,5 mg/kg) and general anesthesia was induced with propofol (4 mg/kg) and maintained with isoflurane at 1% MAC. The analgesic during surgery was maintained with ketamine and fentanyl (10 µg/kg/min and 10 µg/kg/h). The other evaluations were performed at 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 12 and 24 hours postoperatively, and redemptions made with intramuscular morphine (0,5 mg/kg) when a greater than or equal score of 50, 6, 2 and 9 points was observed respectively for the described ranges, as observed by the AE and when at least two scales demonstrated these values. There was an increase of M1 to M12 pain scores for AE and the ANE for VAS. In Colorado analyses, the highest painful scores occurred in relation to M0 between M2 and M8 to the AE and M1 to M12 for ANE. In Glasgow analyses, higher scores were detected between M1 to M12 for AE and M1 to M24 for ANE. And for the Melbourne highest values were observed in M1 and M24 for AE and ANE. The best correlation between the scales was 0,775 between Glasgow and Colorado and of the evaluators of 0,925 to Glasgow. The Glasgow scale was shown to be more sensitive to detect painkiller redemptions in dogs undergoing total unilateral mastectomy, the inexperience of the appraiser does not compromise the quality of painful reviews, and it is suggested to reduce the score VAS and Melbourne to increase it is ability to detect rescue postoperative analgesics.(AU)

Prevention of healthcare associated infections: a descriptive study.

BACKGROUND: This study aims to verify whether there are, and to which degree, knowledge and adherence to guidelines on the prevention and control of healthcare associated infections by nursing staff. Study design. A descriptive study was conducted on a sample of nurses in the areas of medicine, surgery, and its own specialties of the Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico in Milan from 1st December 2015 to 29th February 2016. METHODS: The knowledge of the nursing staff have been investigated through the use of questionnaires with anonymous self-reporting method; inspections in the wards using observational grids were carried out in order to verify adherence to best-practice principles. The data collected concern, both for the knowledge and for the practice, the following macro-areas: a) Cleaning, disinfection and sterilization, b) Hand hygiene, c) Standard and isolation precautions, d) Prevention of catheter-related urinary tract infections, e) Prevention of catheter-related bacteremia, f) Prevention of surgical site infections, g) Prevention of respiratory tract infections. Statistical analyzes were performed using Microsoft Office Excel and STATA software. RESULTS: 245 nurses from 16 wards were involved. In each wards 4 inspections were conducted. 128 completed questionnaires were returned, all considered for the analysis of data; the adhesion was 52.2%. The participants achieved an overall score of 15.0 ± 4.1 (mean ± SD) on a maximum achievable score of 23 and >75% of them have reached a sufficient level. Among the most positive results, it must be underlined that nurses have demonstrated a higher level of knowledge for hand hygiene, with >81% correct answers; that the lumens of central venous catheters, when not in use, were kept covered with a protective cap in more than 99% of cases; that, for patients bearers of urinary catheter, the urinary drainage bag was maintained below the level of the bladder, as recommended, in more than 91% of the cases. On the contrary, as a very negative result, we found the greatest knowledge gap as regards cleaning, disinfection and sterilization, with a number of incorrect answers approaching 50%; furthermore, 64% of nurses wore jewels on their wrists, and / or hands when in action; finally, the alcohol-based handrub device could be easily reached from at least one of the beds of the room in less than 13% of the cases. CONCLUSION: Some knowledge gaps and differences with respect to adherence to best-practice principles for the prevention and control of healthcare associated infections was highlight by the present study.

Calorimetria indireta na monitoração hemodinâmica e metabólica em cães sob diferentes situações hemodinâmicas / Indirect calorimetry in hemodinamic and metabolic monitoring in dogs under different hemodynamic states

A monitoração do estado hemodinâmico visa ao equilíbrio entre a oferta e a demanda de oxigênio tecidual. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a utilização da calorimetria indireta (CI) frente à termodiluição (TD) em cães sob diferentes estados hemodinâmicos. Utilizaram-se nove cães pesando 19,6±1,3kg, os quais foram anestesiados com isofluorano a 1,4V% (Basal), submetidos à ventilação mecânica (VM) e estados hipodinâmico (Hipo), com isofluorano a 3,5V%, e hiperdinâmico (Hiper), com dobutamina a 5µg/kg/min. Utilizou-se um cateter de Swan-Ganz para aferição do índice cardíaco (IC) por TD, cálculo do consumo de oxigênio pelo método de Fick (VO2Fick) e para coleta de sangue venoso central e misto. Com a CI, obtiveram-se os valores de consumo de oxigênio (VO2), produção de CO2(VCO2) e expirado de CO2 (EtCO2). Para a determinação do IC por CI, utilizou-se o princípio de Fick com os valores de VO2 e os sangues arteriais e venosos misto (Fickmix) ou central (Fickvc), e pela relação dos valores de VCO2 e EtCO2(FickCO2). A análise estatística compreendeu os testes de Dunnet, para diferença entre as fases, e Tukey, para diferenças entre os métodos (P≤0,05). Foram realizadas as análises de correlação de Pearson e de concordância de Bland-Altman. A CI forneceu valores de VO230 a 40% maiores que VO2Fick, mas identificou a redução no VO2 após a VM e Hipo, o que não ocorreu com VO2Fick. Os valores de VCO2diminuíram nas fases VM e Hipo. Houve redução do IC na fase Hipo com todos os métodos e aumento na fase Hiper com TD e Fickvc. Os valores de IC pelos métodos de Fickmixe Fickvc foram maiores que TD em todos os momentos, e FickCO2foi menor que TD na fase Hiper. Nenhum dos métodos apresentou concordância e correlação com a TD. Conclui-se que a CI pode ser utilizada na mensuração do VO2 e VCO2 de cães sob diferentes estados hemodinâmicos. Contudo, embora seja possível a identificação dos diferentes estados hemodinâmicos, os valores de IC não podem ser comparados à termodiluição.

Monitoring the hemodynamic state seeks a balance between the supply and demand of oxygen by tissues. The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of indirect calorimetry (IC) compared to thermodilution (TD) in dogs under different hemodynamic states. Nine dogs weighing 19.6±1.3kg were anesthetized with isoflurane at 1.4 V% (Baseline) and subjected to mechanical ventilation (MV), a hypodynamic state (Hypo) with isoflurane at 3.5V% and hyperdynamic state (Hyper) with dobutamine infusion at 5μg/kg/min. We used a Swan-Ganz catheter for measurement of cardiac index (CI) by TD, calculation of oxygen consumption by Fick's method (VO2Fick) and to collect central and mixed venous blood. With the IC we obtained oxygen consumption (VO2), CO2 production (VCO2) and end tidal CO2(EtCO2). For the determination of CI by IC we used the Fick's principle with VO2values, and arterial and mixed venous blood (Fickmix)or arterial and central venous blood (Fickvc); and by the ratio of the values of VCO2 and EtCO2(FickCO2). We performed the statistical analysis by Dunnet tests, for the difference between the states, and Tukey for differences between methods (P≤0.05). Pearson correlation and Bland-Altman analysis was performed for correlation and agreement analysis. IC provided VO2values 30 to 40% higher than the VO2Fick but identified the reduction in VO2after VM and Hypo, which did not occur with VO2Fick. The VCO2 values decreased in VM and Hypo. CI values decreased in Hypo with all methods and increase in Hyper with TD and Fickvc. The CI values for Fickmix and Fickvc were greater than TD at all times and FickCO2 was lower than TD in the Hyper. None of the methods presented agreement and correlation with TD. Thus, indirect calorimetry can be used to measure the VO2 and VCO2 in dogs in different hemodynamic states. However, although it is possible to identify the hemodynamic status, cardiac index values cannot be compared to thermodilution.

Salvage image-guided intensity modulated or stereotactic body reirradiation of local recurrence of prostate cancer.

OBJECTIVE: To retrospectively evaluate external beam reirradiation (re-EBRT) delivered to the prostate/prostatic bed for local recurrence, after radical or adjuvant/salvage radiotherapy (RT). METHODS: 32 patients received re-EBRT between February 2008 and October 2013. All patients had clinical/radiological local relapse in the prostate or prostatic bed and no distant metastasis. re-EBRT was delivered with selective RT technologies [stereotactic RT including CyberKnife(TM) (Accuray, Sunnyvale, CA); image-guidance and intensity-modulated RT etc.]. Toxicity was evaluated using the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group/European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer criteria. Biochemical control was assessed according to the Phoenix definition (NADIR + 2 ng ml(-1)). RESULTS: Acute urinary toxicity: G0, 24 patients; G1, 6 patients; G2, 2 patients. Acute rectal toxicity: G0, 28 patients; G1, 2 patients; and G2, 1 patient. Late urinary toxicity (evaluated in 30 cases): G0, 23 patients; G1, 6 patients; G2, 1 patient. Late renal toxicity: G0, 25 patients; G1, 5 patients. A mean follow-up of 21.3 months after re-EBRT showed that 13 patients were free of cancer, 3 were alive with biochemical relapse and 12 patients were alive with clinically evident disease. Four patients had died: two of disease progression and two of other causes. CONCLUSION: re-EBRT using modern technology is a feasible approach for local prostate cancer recurrence offering 2-year tumour control in about half of the patients. Toxicity of re-EBRT is low. Future studies are needed to identify the patients who would benefit most from this treatment. ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE: Our series, based on experience in one hospital alone, shows that re-EBRT for local relapse of prostate cancer is feasible and offers a 2-year cure in about half of the patients.

[Isolated pathogen microorganisms in respiratory samples from children with cystic fibrosis]. / Microorganismos patógenos aislados en muestras respiratorias de niños con fibrosis quística.

Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is characterized by a dysfunction of the exocrine secretion glands. The first symptoms often appear in the respiratory system which constitutes one of the most important morbimortality causes in these patients. Chronic respiratory tract colonization is caused mainly by bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, Haemophilus spp. and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Respiratory samples from patients with CF (age group: 4 months to 11 years) were analyzed from November 2001 to August 2004. The most frequently isolated microorganisms were S. aureus (38.7%), P. aeruginosa (37.4%) and Haemophilus spp (15.3%). A high resistance to erithromycine (35.0%) and clindamicine (29.4%) was observed in S. aureus strains and 25.9% of them were methicillin-resistant. P. aeruginosa strains were mainly gentamicin-resistant (31.0%). The rate of ampicillin-resistant Haemophilus spp. was 23.0% and it was due to the presence of beta-lactamases, but a high trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole resistance was observed in this microorganism (59.0%).

Microorganismos patógenos aislados en muestras respiratorias de niños con fibrosis quística / Isolated pathogen microorganisms in respiratory samples from children with cystic fibrosis

La fibrosis quística (FQ) se caracteriza por disfunciones en las glándulas de secreción exocrina del organismo. Las primeras manifestaciones suelen observarse en el sistema respiratorio, constituyendo una de las causas más importantes de morbimortalidad en los pacientes afectados. Los microorganismos patógenos que colonizan frecuentemente el tracto respiratorio de estos pacientes son Staphylococcus aureus, Haemophilus spp., y Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Entre noviembre de 2001 y agosto de 2004 se estudiaron 222 muestras respiratorias de pacientes con FQ de entre 4 meses y 11 años de edad. Se aislaron S. aureus (38,7%), P. aeruginosa (37,4%) y Haemophilus spp., (15,3%). En S. aureus la meticilina-resistencia fue del 25,9% y se asoció con altas resistencias a eritromicina (35,0%) y clindamicina (29,4%). El mayor porcentaje de resistencia observado en las cepas de P. aeruginosa fue frente a gentamicina (31,0%). Los aislamientos de Haemophilus spp. fueron resistentes a ampicilina (23,0%) debido a la presencia de beta-lactamasas, y a trimetoprima/sulfametoxazol (59,0%).

Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is characterized by a dysfunction of the exocrine secretion glands. The first symptoms often appear in the respiratory system which constitutes one of the most important morbimortality causes in these patients. Chronic respiratory tract colonization is caused mainly by bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, Haemophilus spp. and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Respiratory samples from patients with CF (age group: 4 months to 11 years) were analyzed from November 2001 to August 2004. The most frequently isolated microorganisms were S. aureus (38.7%), P. aeruginosa (37.4%) and Haemophilus spp (15.3%). A high resistance to erithromycine (35.0%) and clindamicine (29.4%) was observed in S. aureus strains and 25.9% of them were methicillin-resistant. P. aeruginosa strains were mainly gentamicin-resistant (31.0%). The rate of ampicillin-resistant Haemophilus spp. was 23.0% and it was due to the presence of beta-lactamases, but a high trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole resistance was observed in this microorganism (59.0%).

Microorganismos patógenos aislados en muestras respiratorias de niños con fibrosis quística. / [Isolated pathogen microorganisms in respiratory samples from children with cystic fibrosis]

Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is characterized by a dysfunction of the exocrine secretion glands. The first symptoms often appear in the respiratory system which constitutes one of the most important morbimortality causes in these patients. Chronic respiratory tract colonization is caused mainly by bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, Haemophilus spp. and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Respiratory samples from patients with CF (age group: 4 months to 11 years) were analyzed from November 2001 to August 2004. The most frequently isolated microorganisms were S. aureus (38.7

), P. aeruginosa (37.4

) and Haemophilus spp (15.3

). A high resistance to erithromycine (35.0

) and clindamicine (29.4

) was observed in S. aureus strains and 25.9

of them were methicillin-resistant. P. aeruginosa strains were mainly gentamicin-resistant (31.0

). The rate of ampicillin-resistant Haemophilus spp. was 23.0

and it was due to the presence of beta-lactamases, but a high trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole resistance was observed in this microorganism (59.0

).

[Necrotizing lymphadenitis caused by Nocardia asteroides in a healthy girl]. / Linfoadenitis necrotizante por Nocardia asteroides en una niña previamente sana.

A case of a healthy girl with a trauma in her right leg is described. Twelve hours later she developed fever and pain in the inguinal region. Two days later, she was admitted to the Hospital, and there, an aspiration of pus from the lymph node was performed, and this sample was sent for culture. The Gram smear showed gram-positive filamentous bacilli and when Kinyoun was used they were observed as weakly acid fast rods. After four days of incubation under aerobic conditions, white and hemolitic colonies were seen on human blood agar plates. Biochemical tests as urea hydrolysis and gelatin liquefaction were performed. To complete the identification it was sent to a reference laboratory, INEI-ANLIS Dr. Carlos G. Malbrán, where the isolate was confirmed as Nocardia asteroides sensu stricto. The patient was treated with intravenous cephalotin with good evolution. Therapy was followed with oral trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. This case is the first report of a Nocardia infection in the Hospital de Niños de Santa Fe. The fact that N. asteroides was isolated from an immunologically competent girl should be highlighted. This species is uncommon in children and it is rare in our region. In addition, N. asteroides infections are usually seen in pulmonary disease and rarely producing cutaneous infections.

Linfoadenitis necrotizante por Nocardia asteroides en una niña previamente sana / [Necrotizing lymphadenitis caused by Nocardia asteroides in a healthy girl]

A case of a healthy girl with a trauma in her right leg is described. Twelve hours later she developed fever and pain in the inguinal region. Two days later, she was admitted to the Hospital, and there, an aspiration of pus from the lymph node was performed, and this sample was sent for culture. The Gram smear showed gram-positive filamentous bacilli and when Kinyoun was used they were observed as weakly acid fast rods. After four days of incubation under aerobic conditions, white and hemolitic colonies were seen on human blood agar plates. Biochemical tests as urea hydrolysis and gelatin liquefaction were performed. To complete the identification it was sent to a reference laboratory, INEI-ANLIS Dr. Carlos G. Malbrán, where the isolate was confirmed as Nocardia asteroides sensu stricto. The patient was treated with intravenous cephalotin with good evolution. Therapy was followed with oral trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. This case is the first report of a Nocardia infection in the Hospital de Niños de Santa Fe. The fact that N. asteroides was isolated from an immunologically competent girl should be highlighted. This species is uncommon in children and it is rare in our region. In addition, N. asteroides infections are usually seen in pulmonary disease and rarely producing cutaneous infections.

Linfoadenitis necrotizante por Nocardia asteroides en una niña previamente sana. / [Necrotizing lymphadenitis caused by Nocardia asteroides in a healthy girl]

A case of a healthy girl with a trauma in her right leg is described. Twelve hours later she developed fever and pain in the inguinal region. Two days later, she was admitted to the Hospital, and there, an aspiration of pus from the lymph node was performed, and this sample was sent for culture. The Gram smear showed gram-positive filamentous bacilli and when Kinyoun was used they were observed as weakly acid fast rods. After four days of incubation under aerobic conditions, white and hemolitic colonies were seen on human blood agar plates. Biochemical tests as urea hydrolysis and gelatin liquefaction were performed. To complete the identification it was sent to a reference laboratory, INEI-ANLIS Dr. Carlos G. Malbrán, where the isolate was confirmed as Nocardia asteroides sensu stricto. The patient was treated with intravenous cephalotin with good evolution. Therapy was followed with oral trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. This case is the first report of a Nocardia infection in the Hospital de Niños de Santa Fe. The fact that N. asteroides was isolated from an immunologically competent girl should be highlighted. This species is uncommon in children and it is rare in our region. In addition, N. asteroides infections are usually seen in pulmonary disease and rarely producing cutaneous infections.

Molecular cloning of the cDNA coding for Xenopus laevis prion protein.

Isolation and characterization of the cDNA coding for the 216-residue Xenopus laevis prion protein is reported. Existence of this protein in amphibians was suggested by an EST fragment (accession number BG813008), while a conclusive demonstration is presented here. This protein exhibits a higher identity level to avian and turtle prion (more than 44%) than to mammalian prion (about 28%). Although most of the structural motifs common to known prion proteins are conserved in X. laevis, the lack of repeats represents a substantial difference. Other features worth noting are the presence of not perfectly conserved hydrophobic stretch, which is considered the prion signature, as well as the complete absence of histidine residues.

Limited proteolysis of a disulfide-linked apoA-I dimer in reconstituted HDL.

The apolipoprotein A-I(Milano) (apoA-I(M)) is a molecular variant of apoA-I characterized by the Arg(173)-->Cys substitution, leading to the formation of homodimers A-I(M)/A-I(M). Upon interaction with palmitoyloleoylphosphatidylcholine, A-I(M)/A-I(M) forms only two species of reconstituted HDL (rHDL) particles, with diameters of 7.8 and 12.5 nm. We used limited proteolysis to analyze the conformation of A-I(M)/A-I(M) in the two rHDL particles, in comparison with that of apoA-I in rHDL of similar size. ApoA-I in the small, 7.8-nm rHDL is degraded to a greater extent (50% after 6 h) than in the large rHDL (<10% degraded after 6 h). The protease susceptibility of A-I(M)/A-I(M) in small and large rHDL is instead remarkably the same, with A-I(M)/A-I(M) being much more sensitive to proteolytic digestion (50% degraded after 10 min) than apoA-I. The identification of the proteolytic fragments by immunoblotting, N-terminal sequencing, and molecular mass determination, shows that the N-terminus of both proteins is resistant to proteolysis, with six cleavage sites located in the central and carboxy-terminal portions of the molecules. Cleavage in the middle of apoA-I occurs at distinct sites in 7.8-nm (Lys(118)) and 12.7-nm (Arg(123)) rHDL, indicating a different conformation in small and large rHDL particles. The A-I(M)/A-I(M) instead adopts a unique and identical conformation in small and large rHDL, with the carboxy-terminal portion of the molecule being remarkably more accessible to the proteases than in apoA-I. This suggests the presence of a novel carboxy-terminal domain in A-I(M)/A-I(M), not organized in a compact structure and not shared by wild-type apoA-I, which may account for the unique functional properties of A-I(M)/A-I(M).

Probing the active site of L-aspartate oxidase by site-directed mutagenesis: role of basic residues in fumarate reduction.

L-Aspartate oxidase is a very particular oxidase which behaves as a fumarate reductase in anaerobic conditions. Its primary and tertiary structures present remarkable similarity with the soluble fumarate reductase (FRD) from Shewanella frigidimarina and the flavin subunit of the membrane-bound fumarate reductase from Escherichia coli and Wolinella succinogenes. This and other extensive similarities are consistent with the idea that a common catalytic mechanism for the reduction of fumarate operates for all members of this enzyme group and that the key residues involved in the substrate binding and catalysis are conserved. This manuscript reports information about the role of these basic residues in L-aspartate oxidase: R290, R386, H244, and H351. By means of site-directed mutagenesis, R290 and R386 are mutated to Leu and H351 and H244 are mutated both to Ala and Ser. H351, H244, and R386 mutants bind substrate analogues with higher dissociation constants and present lower k(cat)/K(m) values in the reduction of fumarate. Therefore, the results indicate that R386, H244, and H351 are important for the binding of the substrate fumarate and may play an important but not essential role in catalysis. R290, on the contrary, is mainly involved in catalysis and not in substrate binding since its mutation abolishes the catalytic activity without lowering the affinity of the enzyme for the substrate. The redox properties of all the mutants are identical to the wild-type. The findings are consistent with a model of L-aspartate oxidase active site based on the hypothesis proposed for the soluble FRD from S. fridimarina.

Purification and primary structure of a new bovine spermadhesin.

Z13 is a new seminal plasma protein made up of two disulfide-linked 13-kDa subunits that was identified in our laboratory by 2D PAGE. In this report we present the purification of Z13 from bovine seminal plasma. In solution, the protein is a nonglycosylated dimer that presents one interchain disulfide bond and does not show heparin-binding properties. The complete primary structure and the localization of the S-S bridges are reported. The results suggest that Z13 is a new protein of the spermadhesin family whose members are thought to play a prominent role in different aspects of fertilization.

cDNA cloning of turtle prion protein.

Cloning of the cDNA coding for the 270-residue turtle prion protein is reported. It represents the most remote example thus far described. The entire coding region is comprised in a single exon, while a large intron interrupts the 5' UTR. The common structural features of the known prion proteins are all conserved in turtle PrP, whose identity degree to mammalian and avian proteins is about 40 and 58%, respectively. The most intriguing feature, unique to the turtle prion, is the presence of an EF-hand Ca(2+) binding motif in the C-terminal half of the protein.