Different structural variants of roo retrotransposon are active in Drosophila melanogaster.

Retrotransposon roo is one of the most active elements in Drosophila melanogaster. The level of nucleotide diversity between copies of roo is very low but structural variation in the 5'-UTR is considerable. Transposition of roo at high frequency (around 5 × 10-2 per generation) has been shown previously in the set of mutation accumulation lines named Oviedo. Here we isolated thirteen individual insertions by inverse PCR and sequenced the 5' end of the elements (between 1663 and 2039 nt) including the LTR, the 5'-UTR and a fragment of 661 nucleotides from the ORF, to study whether the new transposed copies come from a unique variant (the master copy model) or different elements are able to move (the transposon model). The elements in the Oviedo lines presented the same structural variants as the reference genome. Different structural variants were active, a behaviour compatible with the "transposon model" in which the copies localized in multiple sites in the genome are able to transpose. At the level of sequence, the copies of roo in our lines are highly similar to the elements in the reference genome. The phylogenetic tree shows a shallow diversification with unsupported nodes denoting that all the elements currently active are very young. This observation together with the great polymorphism in insertion sites implies a rapid turnover of the elements.

[Attitudes, perceptions and factors associated with influenza vaccination among primary healthcare professionals in Navarre, 2011-2012]. / Actitudes, percepciones y factores asociados a la vacunación antigripal en los profesionales de atención primaria de Navarra, 2011-2012.

BACKGROUND: The influenza vaccine is recommended for all healthcare workers to protect their own health and their patients. We aimed to describe the influenza vaccine coverage in primary healthcare professionals in the 2011-12 season in Navarre and to study the factors associated with this coverage. METHODS: An anonymous web-based survey was sent to primary healthcare professionals in 2012. The survey collected information on the influenza vaccination status for the four previous seasons, the attitudes towards and knowledge of the vaccine, and socio-demographic and professional data. RESULTS: Of 1,083 professionals, 381 (35%) completed the survey: 54.3% nurses, 35.7% general practitioners and 10% paediatricians. In the 2011-12 season, 56.2% had received the influenza vaccine, without significant changes compared to previous seasons. The vaccination in any previous season was the main predictive factor for current vaccination (odds ratio (OR): 20.87; confidence interval (CI) 95%: 8.98-48.48). The vaccine coverage was higher among those living with persons with risk factors for influenza (OR: 1.72; CI 95%: 1.05-2.84), those worried about becoming ill (OR: 4.59; CI 95%: 2.30-9.15), or infecting their patients (OR: 6.29; IC 95%: 3.02-13.13). Participation in training activities on influenza or vaccines was not significantly associated with influenza vaccination. CONCLUSIONS: Influenza vaccination coverage in primary healthcare professionals in Navarre is below desirable levels. A greater involvement of healthcare professionals is necessary in the influenza prevention strategy.

Actitudes, percepciones y factores asociados a la vacunación antigripal en los profesionales de atención primaria de Navarra, 2011-2012 / Attitudes, perceptions and factors associated with influenza vaccination among primary healthcare professionals in Navarre, 2011-2012

Fundamento. La vacuna de la gripe está indicada en los profesionales sanitarios para proteger su salud y la de sus pacientes. El objetivo fue describir la cobertura de vacunación antigripal en los profesionales de atención primaria durante la temporada 2011-12 en Navarra y estudiar los factores asociados a la vacunación. Material y métodos. Se envió una encuesta anónima vía web a los profesionales de atención primaria en 2012. La encuesta recogió información sobre el estado de vacunación antigripal de las últimas temporadas, sobre las actitudes y conocimientos de la vacuna y datos sociodemográficos y profesionales. Resultados. De 1.083 profesionales, 381 (35%) completaron la encuesta: 54,3% profesionales de enfermería, 35,7% médicos de familia y 10% pediatras. En la temporada 2011-12 se habían vacunado el 56,2%, sin cambios significativos con respecto a temporadas previas. El principal predictor de la vacunación fue el haberse vacunado en alguna temporada previa (odds ratio (OR): 20,87; intervalo de confianza (IC) 95%: 8,98-48,48).Se vacunaron más los que tenían personas con factores de riesgo en la familia (OR: 1,72; IC 95%: 1,05-2,84), los que estaban preocupados por enfermar (OR: 4,59; IC 95%: 2,30-9,15) y por contagiar a sus pacientes (OR: 6,29; IC 95%: 3,02-13,13).El haber participado en actividades formativas sobre gripe y vacunas no influyó en la decisión de vacunarse. Conclusiones. La cobertura de vacunación entre los profesionales sanitarios de atención primaria de Navarra está por debajo de los niveles deseables. Se debe mejorar la implicación de los profesionales en la estrategia de prevención de la gripe (AU)

Background. The influenza vaccine is recommended for all healthcare workers to protect their own health and their patients. We aimed to describe the influenza vaccine coverage in primary healthcare professionals in the 2011-12 season in Navarre and to study the factors associated with this coverage. Methods. An anonymous web-based survey was sent to primary healthcare professionals in 2012. The survey collected information on the influenza vaccination status for the four previous seasons, the attitudes towards and knowledge of the vaccine, and socio-demographic and professional data. Results. Of 1,083 professionals, 381 (35%) completed the survey: 54.3% nurses, 35.7% general practitioners and 10%paediatricians. In the 2011-12 season, 56.2% had received the influenza vaccine, without significant changes compared to previous seasons. The vaccination in any previous season was the main predictive factor for current vaccination (odds ratio (OR): 20.87; confidence interval (CI) 95%:8.98-48.48). The vaccine coverage was higher among those living with persons with risk factors for influenza (OR: 1.72; CI 95%: 1.05-2.84), those worried about becoming ill (OR: 4.59; CI 95%: 2.30-9.15), or infecting their patients (OR: 6.29; IC 95%: 3.02-13.13). Participation in training activities on influenza or vaccines was not significantly associated with influenza vaccination. Conclusions. Influenza vaccination coverage in primary healthcare professionals in Navarre is below desirable levels. A greater involvement of healthcare professionals is necessary in the influenza prevention strategy (AU)

Transthoracic oesophagectomy with lymphadenectomy in 100 oesophageal cancer patients: multidisciplinary approach.

OBJECTIVES Analysis of the results on the treatment of esophageal cancer by transthoracic esophagectomy by a multidisciplinary team of surgeons and oncologists. METHODS Between January 1990 and December 2009, 100 consecutive patients underwent transthoracic esophagectomy. Data were collected prospectively and clinical, pathological and histological features of the tumors were analyzed as well as the results of postoperative morbidity and mortality. RESULTS The average patient age was 55 years (range 31- 83 years). In 59 cases the tumor was located in the lower third and in 41 cases in the middle third. Forty-six patients had adenocarcinoma and 54 squamous cell carcinoma. In 54 cases radio-chemotherapy was planned preoperatively. Classifi cation according to pathological tumor stage was: stage 0 in 21 patients, stage I in 10 patients, stage IIa in 28, stage IIb in 9, stage III in 21 and stage IV in 11. The mean number of lymph nodes examined was 14 (range 0-28). Hospital mortality occurred in 4 cases and postoperative complications in 29 patients (33%). The most frequent postoperative complication was pulmonary complications in 17 cases. The average hospital stay was 15.2 days (range 10-40 days) CONCLUSIONS The results of esophageal cancer have been improved in recent years due to the formation of multidisciplinary teams in this pathology. In our study we have shown that the results obtained with the transthoracic technique for cancer of the esophagus are within the ranges reported in the literature for teams with high prevalence of the disease.

Updating controversies on the multidisciplinary management of gastric cancer

The rates of relapse and death remain high in gastric cancer patients, especially in advanced stages. Local relapses in the tumour bed and regional lymph nodes, peritoneal spread as abdominal carcinomatosis, and distant metastasis are common mechanisms of failure after a R0 resection. To overcome this, a multidisciplinary approach has been prompted. In recent years, multidisciplinary treatment has been strengthened by some randomised controlled trials and it is now considered the standard by most groups, although the improvement in long-term survival rates achieved is still limited. This new therapeutic approach in gastric cancer is rapidly evolving and has led to a series of controversies on the best strategy to follow. Some of these controversies are discussed in this paper (AU)

The novel Akt inhibitor Palomid 529 (P529) enhances the effect of radiotherapy in prostate cancer.

Radiotherapy (RT) is a common treatment for localised prostate cancer, but can cause important side effects. The therapeutic efficacy of RT can be enhanced by pharmacological compounds that target specific pathways involved in cell survival. This would elicit a similar therapeutic response using lower doses of RT and, in turn, reducing side effects. This study describes the antitumour activity of the novel Akt inhibitor 8-(1-Hydroxy-ethyl)-2-methoxy-3-(4-methoxy-benzyloxy)-benzo[c]chromen-6-one (Palomid 529 or P529) as well as its ability to decrease radiation-activated phospho-Akt (p-Akt) signalling in a prostate cancer model. P529 showed a potent antiproliferative activity in the NCI-60 cell lines panel, with growth inhibitory 50 (GI50) <35 microM. In addition, P529 significantly enhanced the antiproliferative effect of radiation in prostate cancer cells (PC-3). Analysis of signalling pathways targeted by P529 exhibited a decrease in p-Akt, VEGF, MMP-2, MMP-9, and Id-1 levels after radiation treatment. Moreover, the Bcl-2/Bax ratio was also reduced. Treatment of PC-3 tumour-bearing mice with 20 mg kg(-1) P529 or 6 Gy radiation dose decreased tumour size by 42.9 and 53%, respectively. Combination of both treatments resulted in 77.4% tumour shrinkage. Decreased tumour growth was due to reduced proliferation and increased apoptosis (as assessed by PCNA and caspase-3 immunostaining). Our results show the antitumour efficacy of P529 alone, and as a radiosensitiser, and suggest that this compound could be used in the future to treat human prostate cancer.

Analysis of early postoperative morbidity among patients with rectal cancer treated with and without neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy.

BACKGROUND: The impact of neoadjuvant treatment and their subsequent early complications in the treatment of rectal cancer has not been adequately assessed. The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate early postoperative morbidity and mortality among patients with rectal cancer treated with adjuvant radiotherapy and chemotherapy followed by surgery, compared with patients treated with surgery alone. We also identified independent risk factors associated with early major complications. METHODS: Between 1995 and 2004, 273 consecutive patients underwent treatment for rectal cancer. A total of 170 patients (group A) received preoperative radiotherapy with a total of 45-50.4 Gy (180 cGy per day) and 5-fluorouracil-based chemotherapy, followed by surgery; 103 patients (group B) were treated with surgery alone. Dependent variables related to patients, treatment, radiotherapy, and tumor were analyzed. RESULTS: Both groups were similar with regard to age, sex, body mass index, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score, and tumor location but not for ileostomy (27% in group A vs. 6.8% in group B). The number of complications was similar in both groups (43.1% in group A vs. 44.6% in group B). No differences in wound infection (8.2% vs. 7.8%), intra-abdominal abscess (4.7% vs. 4.9%), anastomotic dehiscence (4.2% vs. 3.8%), postoperative hemorrhage (3.5% vs. 3.9%), urinary complications (6.5% vs. 4.9%), paralytic ileus (8.9% vs. 9.7%), or general complications (7.1% vs. 9.6%) were found. The global mortality in the first 30 days after surgery was .7%. An ASA score of III-IV and surgery duration longer than 3 hours were identified as independent prognostic factors for early complications. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative chemoradiation in patients with rectal cancer treated with surgery is not associated with a higher incidence of early postoperative complications. The patient's preoperative clinical condition and lengthy surgery time are prognostic factors for early complications.

Improved incidence of pT0 downstaged surgical specimens in locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) treated with induction oxaliplatin plus 5-fluorouracil and preoperative chemoradiation.

PURPOSE: To compare efficacy in terms of pathologic response in LARC patients treated with preoperative chemoradiation, with or without a short-intense course of induction oxaliplatin. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From 05/98 to 10/02, 114 patients were treated with preoperative chemoradiation (4500-5040 cGy + oral Tegafur 1200 mg/day) for cT(3)-(4)N(+/x)M(0) rectal cancer. Starting 05/01, 52 consecutive patients additionally received induction FOLFOX-4, oxaliplatin (85 mg/m(2) iv d1), 5-FU (400 mg/m(2) iv bolus d1) and 600 mg/m(2) iv continuous infusion in 22 h with leucovorin (200 mg iv) d1 and d2, every 15 days (2 cycles), followed by the previously described Tegafur chemoradiation regime. Surgery was performed in 5-6 weeks. Pathological assessment investigated post-treatment T and N status in the rectal wall and peri-rectal tissues. RESULTS: Patients, tumor and treatment characteristics were comparable between groups. Incidence of pT(0) specimens was significantly increased by induction FOLFOX-4 (P = 0.006). Total T and N downstaging were 58% versus 75% and 42% versus 40%, respectively (P = ns). T downstaging of > or =2 categories was significantly superior in FOLFOX-4 group (P = 0.029). CONCLUSIONS: Short-intense induction FOLFOX-4 significantly improves pathologic complete response in LARC patients treated with tegafur-sensitized preoperative chemoradiation. The 44% rate of pT(0)-(1) specimens observed in the oxaliplatin group should impulse innovative surgical approaches to promote ano-rectal sphincter conserving protocols.

[Echogenic material in fetal gallbladder: prenatal diagnosis and postnatal follow-up]. / Material ecogénico en vesícula biliar fetal: diagnóstico prenatal y seguimiento posnatal.

OBJECTIVE: To study the prevalence of echogenic material in fetal gallbladder and to analyze its pathological relevance, the perinatal factors involved and the postnatal outcome of detected cases. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We performed a prospective study of ultrasonographic examination of 9235 fetuses in the third trimester of gestation. Perinatal data were collected. Postnatal ultrasonography was performed in identified cases. RESULTS: Fetal biliary echogenic material was found in 0.45 % of all pregnancies, with 42 identified fetuses. A single echogenic image was found in four fetuses (9 %), two or more echogenic images were found in seven fetuses (17 %) and biliary sludge was found in 31 fetuses (74 %). All diagnoses were made between weeks 29 and 38 of gestation. No link was found with maternal factors or perinatal abnormalities. Postnatal follow-up was carried out in 39 neonates; of these, five neonates (13 %) showed biliary sludge, although all five were asymptomatic. In further follow-up examinations, ultrasound studies were normal. CONCLUSIONS: Fetal biliary echogenic material was found in one out of every 200 fetuses. No relationship was found with perinatal abnormalities. The prognosis of fetal gallstones and biliary sludge is favorable.

Material ecogénico en vesícula biliar fetal: diagnóstico prenatal y seguimiento posnatal / Echogenic material in fetal gallbladder: prenatal diagnosis and postnatal follow-up

Objetivo: Estudiar la prevalencia de la detección de material ecogénico biliar fetal, y analizar su significado patológico, factores perinatales relacionados y evolución posnatal de los casos detectados. Pacientes y métodos: Se realizó un estudio prospectivo ecográfico en 9.235 fetos durante el tercer trimestre de gestación. Se recogieron diversos datos perinatales en los casos detectados, y se realizó ecografía posnatal. Resultados: Se encontró material ecogénico biliar fetal en el 0,45 por ciento de todas las gestaciones, con 42 fetos identificados. Una imagen ecogénica única se detectó en 4 casos (9 por ciento); dos o más imágenes ecogénicas se encontraron en 7 pacientes (17 por ciento) y se halló barro biliar en 31 casos (74 por ciento). Todos los diagnósticos se realizaron entre las semanas 29 y 38 de gestación. No se mostró relación con los factores maternos o la patología perinatal. Se sometieron a seguimiento posnatal 39 recién nacidos. En cinco de ellos (13 por ciento) se encontró barro biliar, aunque todos se mostraban asintomáticos. Este hallazgo desapareció en controles posteriores. Conclusiones: Uno de cada 200 fetos muestra material ecogénico biliar fetal. No parece haber relación con enfermedades perinatales. El pronóstico de esta entidad es favorable (AU)

Comparison of unidimensional and bidimensional measurements in metastatic non-small cell lung cancer.

Tumour response evaluation after chemotherapy has become crucial in the development of many drugs. In contrast to the standard bidimensional WHO criteria, the recently described Response Evaluation Criteria In Solid Tumors are based on unidimensional measurements. The aim of the present study was to compare both methods in patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer. One hundred and sixty-four patients treated with two cisplatin-paclitaxel-based chemotherapy schedules between June 1994 and December 2000 were analysed. The measurements were reviewed by an independent panel of radiologists. Patient characteristics were: median age of 55 years (range 24-77 years) and a male to female ratio of 129 : 35. Adenocarcinoma and squamous carcinoma were the most common histologies. Vinorelbine was the third drug used in 77 patients and gemcitabine in 87. The ratio unidimensional/bidimensional was as follows: response 85 : 85; stable disease 32 : 32; progression 47 : 42 and not assessable 0 : 5. Kappa for agreement between responders was 0.951 (95% CI: 0.795-1.0) (P<0.001). Both WHO criteria and Response Evaluation Criteria In Solid Tumors give similar results in assessing tumour response in patients with non-small cell lung cancer after chemotherapy. The unidimensional measurement could replace the more complex bidimensional one.

Pathologic downstaging of T3-4Nx rectal cancer after chemoradiation: 5-fluorouracil vs. Tegafur.

PURPOSE: To describe downstaging effects in locally advanced rectal cancer induced by 2 fluopirimidine radiosensitizing agents given through different routes in conjunction with preoperative radiotherapy. METHODS AND MATERIALS: From March 1995 to December 1999, two consecutive groups of patients with cT3-4Nx rectal cancer (94% CT scan, 71% endorectal ultrasound) were treated with either (1) 45-50 Gy (1.8 Gy/day, 25 fractions) and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) (500-1,000 mg/m2 by 24-h continuous i.v. infusion on Days 1-4 and 21-25) or (2) oral Tegafur (1,200 mg/day on Days 1-35, including weekends). Surgery was performed 4 to 6 weeks after the completion of chemoradiation. RESULTS: The total T downstaging rate was 46% in the 5-FU group and 53% in the Tegafur group. Subcategories were downstaged by the sensitizing agents (5-FU vs. Tegafur) as follows: pT0-1, 14% vs. 23%; pT2, 32% vs. 32%; pT3, 49% vs. 37%; pT4, 5% vs. 7%; and N(0), 74% vs. 86%. Analysis of residual malignant disease in the specimen discriminated mic/mac subgroups (mic: <20% of microscopic cancer residue), with evident superior downstaging effects in the Tegafur-treated group: pTmic 23% vs. 58% (p = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: When administered concurrent with pelvic irradiation, oral Tegafur induced downstaging rates in both T and N categories superior to those induced by intermediate doses of 5-FU by continuous i.v. infusion. In this pilot experience, oral Tegafur reproduced the characteristics of downstaging described previously when full doses of 5-FU have been combined with radiotherapy.

[Enteral nutrition in seriously ill patients with digestive tract surgery]. / Nutrición enteral en pacientes graves con cirugía de aparato digestivo.

The results of an enteral nutritional pattern used in 40 seriously ill patients who underwent gastrointestinal tract surgery, are described. The most frequently used route of administration (97.5% of the cases) was a jejunal catheter. We review the types of formula used, the method and time of perfusion, and the association with parenteral nutrition. The mean time of perfusion was 8.6 (5) days and the morbidity rate due to enteral nutrition was 20%. In all cases the complications were minor (externalization of the catheter in 2 cases, proximal reflux of the formula in 1 patient, a catheter break, which was eliminated through the stool without any consequences, in 1 case, diarrhoea in 2 patients, and catheter obstruction in 2 cases). The nutritional results, evaluated by means of clinical chemistry (total proteins, albumin, prealbumin, and transferrin), showed a stabilization of the catabolic process in patients with a poor preoperative nutritional state under severe surgical stress. It can be concluded that enteral nutrition is a useful manner of postoperative feeding in seriously ill patients who undergo gastrointestinal surgery, and that it must often be added to parenteral nutrition to ensure an adequate caloric intake.

Pulmonary embolism following laparoscopic cholecystectomy: report of two cases and review of the literature.

Laparoscopic abdominal surgery is considered a low-risk procedure for postoperative thromboembolic disease. We report two cases of pulmonary embolism following laparoscopic cholecystectomy, review the incidence of deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism in laparoscopic cholecystectomy, and suggest a specific prophylactic scheme for patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy. In spite of the low incidence of postoperative thromboembolic disease following minimally invasive procedures, the risk of pulmonary embolism must not be underestimated and its symptoms must not be underdiagnosed.