Impact of biomarkers and primary tumor location on the metastatic colorectal cancer first-line treatment landscape in five European countries.

Advances in therapies for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) and improved understanding of prognostic and predictive factors have impacted treatment decisions. This study used a large oncology database to investigate patterns of monoclonal antibody (mAb) plus chemotherapy treatment in France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK in mCRC patients treated in first line in 2018. Anti-EGFR mAbs were most often administered to patients with wild-type mCRC and those with left-sided tumors, while anti-VEGF mAbs were preferred in mutant and right-sided tumors.

Biomarker testing and mutation prevalence in metastatic colorectal cancer patients in five European countries using a large oncology database.

The literature on biomarker testing for metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) in Europe is scarce. This study aimed to estimate the percentage of mCRC patients from five European countries tested for biomarkers over time. An oncology database was retrospectively analyzed; evaluated biomarkers were ,  and microsatellite instability (MSI).

Micronutrient powder distribution through Maternal, Neonatal and Child Health Weeks in Nigeria: process evaluation of feasibility and use.

Objective: To determine the feasibility of distributing micronutrient powders (MNP) for home fortification during biannual Maternal, Neonatal and Child Health Week (MNCHW) events, as a strategy to improve young child nutrition.

Design: We evaluated the coverage, delivery, use and adherence of MNP, and associated behaviour change communication (BCC) materials and social mobilization, through cross-sectional surveys of caregivers attending health-service distribution events and health workers involved in MNP distribution, facility-based observations of MNP distribution activities and a repeated survey of caregivers in their homes who received MNP for their child.

Setting: Four Local Government Areas in Benue State, Nigeria.

Organic-Inorganic Hybrid Nanoparticles via Photoinduced Micellation and Siloxane Core Cross-Linking of Stimuli-Responsive Copolymers.

Photoacid-induced siloxane cross-linking of stimuli-responsive copolymer micelles allows the synthesis of well-defined organic-inorganic hybrid nanoparticles. Two conceptually different synthetic approaches are presented, both via photoinduced cross-linking of poly(4-hydroxystyrene--styrene) micelles and via photoacid-catalyzed micelle formation and siloxane cross-linking of poly(4--butoxystyrene--styrene). The synthetic route showed intermicellar cross-linking leading to agglomerates.

Quantification of triclosan, chlorinated triclosan derivatives, and their dioxin photoproducts in lacustrine sediment cores.

When discharged into surface waters via wastewater effluents, triclosan, the antimicrobial agent in handsoaps, and chlorinated triclosan derivatives (CTDs, formed during disinfection with chlorine) react photochemically to form polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins. To evaluate the historical exposure of waters to these compounds, the levels of triclosan, CTDs, and their derived dioxins were determined in sediment cores collected from wastewater-impacted Minnesota lakes. The accumulation rates and temporal trends of triclosan, CTDs, and dioxins in aquatic sediments were found to be a function of historical wastewater treatment operations and lake system scale.

Photoinduced Polysiloxane Architectures from Spirosiloxane Precursors via Intramolecular Hydrosilylation.

In this letter a method is described to synthesize new polysiloxane architectures by photoacid catalysis. An oxasilaspirocycle is designed that is able to undergo a photoacid generator catalyzed ring-opening reaction leading to either a homopolymer or to copolymers with hydroxyl-terminated polydimethylsiloxane. These polymers feature a defined amount of double bonds in the backbone, which is controlled by the ratio of oxasilaspirocycle to the comonomer.

Tandem post-synthetic modification for functionalized metal-organic frameworks via epoxidation and subsequent epoxide ring-opening.

A sequence of two new post-synthetic modifications, epoxidation using dimethyldioxirane and subsequent epoxide ring-opening, was developed, maintaining the MOF network. A kinetic study shows that the functionalization of metal-organic frameworks with synthetically versatile and reactive oxirane groups is even possible for small pore diameters.

Classification of thermal patterns at karst springs and cave streams.

Thermal patterns of karst springs and cave streams provide potentially useful information concerning aquifer geometry and recharge. Temperature monitoring at 25 springs and cave streams in southeastern Minnesota has shown four distinct thermal patterns. These patterns can be divided into two types: those produced by flow paths with ineffective heat exchange, such as conduits, and those produced by flow paths with effective heat exchange, such as small fractures and pore space.

Acanthamoeba: a review of its potential to cause keratitis, current lens care solution disinfection standards and methodologies, and strategies to reduce patient risk.

Background: The recent outbreaks of Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK), a rare but serious infection of the cornea, has increased the attention on the pathology of the organism and safety standards as they relate to soft contact lens (SCL) disinfection and solution formulations.

Objective: To review the pathologic potential of Acanthamoeba to produce keratitis in patients at risk, discuss the complex issues involved in Acanthamoeba SCL disinfection efficacy standards and testing methods, and present strategies for patients as well as governmental agencies to reduce the risk for future outbreaks of this organism.

Methods: Studies that investigated the pathology and occurrence of AK and the various methods for testing SCL disinfection products for efficacy against Acanthamoeba were reviewed and the results were summarized.

Cytoprotective properties of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) when used prior to wearing contact lenses treated with cationic disinfecting agents.

Purpose: Disinfecting agents found in current multipurpose solutions (MPS) may produce low-grade ocular surface insults. This study investigates the potential for carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) to chemically complex residual disinfectants in situ.

Methods: The chemical availability of the MPS disinfectant polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB) was examined using a spectrophotometric assay.

A comparison of cyst age and assay method of the efficacy of contact lens disinfectants against Acanthamoeba.

Aims: (i) To determine effect of Acanthamoeba cyst age, method of production, and (ii) to assay technique on the efficacy of multipurpose solutions (MPS) and hydrogen peroxide based contact lens disinfectants. (iii) To establish if MPS can remove mature cysts from contact lenses according to the ISO/DIS 14729 regimen test for microbe removal.

Methods: Immature and mature cysts of A polyphaga were tested against the MPS Opti-Free express and the hydrogen peroxide based solutions Oxysept 1Step and Oxysept 1 using two assay methods.

Galileo's First Images of Jupiter and the Galilean Satellites.

The first images of Jupiter, Io, Europa, and Ganymede from the Galileo spacecraft reveal new information about Jupiter's Great Red Spot (GRS) and the surfaces of the Galilean satellites. Features similar to clusters of thunderstorms were found in the GRS. Nearby wave structures suggest that the GRS may be a shallow atmospheric feature.

First images of asteroid 243 ida.

The first images of the asteroid 243 Ida from Galileo show an irregular object measuring 56-kilometers by 24 kilometers by 21 kilometers. Its surface is rich in geologic features, including systems of grooves, blocks, chutes, albedo features, crater chains, and a full range of crater morphologies. The largest blocks may be distributed nonuniformly across the surface; lineaments and dark-floored craters also have preferential locations.

Galileo multispectral imaging of the north polar and eastern limb regions of the moon.

Multispectral images obtained during the Galileo probe's second encounter with the moon reveal the compositional nature of the north polar regions and the northeastern limb. Mare deposits in these regions are found to be primarily low to medium titanium lavas and, as on the western limb, show only slight spectral heterogeneity. The northern light plains are found to have the spectral characteristics of highlands materials, show little evidence for the presence of cryptomaria, and were most likely emplaced by impact processes regardless of their age.

[Value of standard radiographies in the diagnosis of rotator cuff rupture].

To assess the value of the Leclercq maneuver (anteroposterior roentgenogram of the shoulder during resisted active abduction) for the diagnosis of rotator cuff tear, the medical records of 93 patients evaluated by glenohumeral arthrography, standard radiographs, and radiographs taken using the Leclercq maneuver were retrospectively reviewed. The comparison of patients with (n = 53) and without (n = 40) arthrographic evidence of rotator cuff tear demonstrated statistically significant differences for mean acromiohumeral space difference between the normal and affected shoulders, for the acromiohumeral space difference between the standard film and Leclercq maneuver film, and for presence of an inferior glenohumeral diastasis on the Leclercq maneuver film. An acromiohumeral space of 7 mm or less on standard radiographs proved a specific (0.

[N2O-supplemented intravenous anesthesia versus inhalation anesthesia. A comparative study of the sympathoadrenergic reaction and postoperative vigilance].

The aim of the present study was a comparison of the intraoperative sympathoadrenergic response and the postoperative vigilance of a propofol/alfentanil anaesthesia to a conventional isoflurane anaesthesia. 25 patients were admitted to the study undergoing septorhino surgery. Patients with continuous intravenous anaesthesia with propofol/alfentanil combined with nitrous oxide showed better haemodynamic conditions without an increase of blood pressure and catecholamines under laryngoscopy, intubation and surgical stimulation.

[Long-term results of chymopapain chemonucleolysis].

Results of chemonucleolysis were evaluated (on the basis of residual pain, occupational activities, physical activities, and use of analgesics) in 125 of 162 consecutive patients with lower back pain and sciatica associated with documented vertebral disc protrusion who were managed and followed up for at least five years. Results were satisfactory in 62% of patients. Among 82 patients evaluated during a follow-up visit, 30% were free of symptoms, 38% had lower back pain, and 30% had radicular pain; however, among symptomatic patients, 67% had no limitations of activities of daily living.

Galileo encounter with 951 gaspra: first pictures of an asteroid.

Galileo images of Gaspra reveal it to be an irregularly shaped object (19 by 12 by 11 kilometers) that appears to have been created by a catastrophic collisional disruption of a precursor parent body. The cratering age of the surface is about 200 million years. Subtle albedo and color variations appear to correlate with morphological features: Brighter materials are associated with craters especially along the crests of ridges, have a stronger 1-micrometer absorption, and may represent freshly excavated mafic materials; darker materials exhibiting a significantly weaker 1-micrometer absorption appear concentrated in interridge areas.

[Prophylactic administration of glucocorticoids prior to microlaryngoscopies?].

Intravenous glucocorticoids before direct laryngoscopy? The necessity of a preventive injection of corticoids before direct laryngoscopy was determined in a prospective, double blind study. 51 patients, who underwent direct laryngoscopy under general anaesthesia, received either 250 mg methylprednisolone in 10 ml NaCl 0.9% (corticoid group) or 10 ml NaCl (NaCl group) intravenously one hour before laryngoscopy.

[Effect of preventive glucocorticoid administration on edema formation and inflammation susceptibility after microlaryngoscopy].

51 patients, who underwent direct laryngoscopy under general anesthesia, received either 250 mg Methyprednisolone or 10 ml NaCl 0.9% intraveneously in a prospective, double blind study. 4-5 hours after microlaryngoscopy they were examined in regard to edema and size of redness of certain anatomical structures of the larynx and hypopharynx.

[The effective antibacterial spectrum of sulfacetamide].

Swabs of the anterior eye segment of 180 eyes (145 patients) taken in the time period between August 1, 1989 until August 30, 1989 were sent to an external, independent microbiological institute in order to verify in-vitro antibacterial properties of marketed sulfacetamide containing drugs. MIC test was performed with isolated pathogenic bacterial strains without knowledge of the underlying diagnosis. It was shown that sulfacetamide is able to inhibit the growth of all isolated strains.