Abstract There is an increasing interest in essential oils extracted from Verbenaceae plant species as potential sources of biologically active compounds that could provide a starting point for designing novel phyto-pharmaceuticals in aquaculture. The present study was aimed to investigate the chemical composition, antioxidant activity, acute toxicity and antimicrobial effects against Vibrio parahaemolyticus of essential oils extracted from Lippia alba and L. origanoides. Approximately 23 components were identified and quantified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and flame ionization detection in each species’ essential oil. The most predominant compounds were geranial (23.0%), limonene (17.0%) and neral (15.5%) in L. alba, and thymol (47.2%), p-cymene (16.0%) and E-caryophyllene (11.3%) in L. origanoides. The essential oils have antibacterial activity against Vibrio parahaemolyticus presenting Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) values between 156-625 µg mL-1. The essential oils also show antioxidant potential estimated by 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging assays, presenting IC50 of 60.16 mg mL-1 and 0.22 mg mL-1 for L. alba and L. origanoides EO, respectively. Both oils were classified as toxic to Artemia salina nauplii. Therefore, these essential oils may be useful for controlling pathogenic bacteria important to the aquaculture industry. phytopharmaceuticals phyto pharmaceuticals composition L 2 chromatographymass chromatography mass oil 23.0%, 230 23.0% , 0 (23.0%) 17.0% 170 17 (17.0% 15.5% 155 15 5 (15.5% 47.2%, 472 47.2% 47 (47.2%) pcymene p cymene 16.0% 160 16 (16.0% Ecaryophyllene E caryophyllene 11.3% 113 11 3 (11.3% MIC (MIC MBC (MBC 156625 156 625 156-62 mL1. mL1 mL 1. 1 1,1diphenyl2picrylhydrazyl 11diphenyl2picrylhydrazyl diphenylpicrylhydrazyl 1,1 diphenyl picrylhydrazyl DPPH (DPPH assays IC IC5 6016 60 60.1 mL- 022 22 0.2 EO respectively nauplii Therefore industry 23.0 (23.0% 17.0 (17.0 15.5 (15.5 47.2 4 (47.2% 16.0 (16.0 11.3 (11.3 15662 62 156-6 1diphenyl2picrylhydrazyl 1, 601 6 60. 02 0. 23. (23.0 17. (17. 15. (15. 47. (47.2 16. (16. 11. (11. 1566 156- (23. (17 (15 (47. (16 (11 (23 (1 (47 (2 ( (4

RESUMO O presente trabalho relata o caso de aspergilose sistêmica em um cavalo da raça Quarto de Milha. O animal apresentava quadro de emagrecimento progressivo e alopecia. Os parâmetros avaliados durante o exame clínico encontravam-se de acordo com os valores normais para a espécie. No hemograma verificou-se leucocitose por neutrofilia, sem desvio à esquerda, proteínas plasmáticas totais elevadas e aumento do fibrinogênio, indicando um processo inflamatório acompanhado de desidratação. Os exames bioquímicos séricos demonstraram aumento no valor da ureia. Apesar dos exames realizados e da terapia instituída com antibióticos de amplo espectro e suporte nutricional, após 51 dias de internamento o quadro clínico evoluiu para caquexia e decúbito permanente do paciente, o qual foi submetido à eutanásia seguida de necropsia. Com base nos achados nos exames necroscópico e histopatológico, diagnosticou-se infecção sistêmica por Aspergillus sp., acometendo pulmões, fígado, rins, peritônio parietal e encéfalo. Dentre os fatores predisponentes à relatada infecção fúngica sistêmica, destaca-se o status imunológico debilitado do paciente, possivelmente proporcionado por tratamentos prolongados com antibióticos e anti-inflamatórios esteroidais. O presente trabalho relata o primeiro caso descrito de arpergilose sistêmica no Brasil. O diagnóstico definitivo só foi possível após necropsia e histopatologia, visto que os sinais clínicos inespecíficos não foram determinantes para o diagnóstico em vida.

ABSTRACT This paper reports the case of systemic aspergillosis on a Quarter Horse. The animal had progressive weight loss and alopecia. The parameters evaluated during the clinical examination were in agreement with the normal values for the species. The hemogram showed neutrophilic leukocytosis, without left-sided, elevated total plasma proteins and an increase in fibrinogen, indicating an inflammatory process accompanied by dehydration. Serum biochemical tests showed an increase in the value of urea. Despite the performed tests and established therapy with broad spectrum antibiotics and nutritional support, after 51 days of hospitalization the clinical condition evolved into cachexia and permanent decubitus of the patient which underwent to euthanasia and necropsy. From the findings of necropsy and histopathology, systemic infection was diagnosed by Aspergillus sp., affecting the lungs, liver, kidneys, parietal peritoneum and encephalon. Among the factors predisposing to the reported systemic fungal infection, the patient's weakened immune status is highlighted, possibly due to prolonged antibiotic and steroidal anti-inflammatory treatments. This paper reports the first case described of systemic aspergillosis in Brazil. Definitive diagnosis was only possible after necropsy and histopathology, since nonspecific clinical signs were not determinant for the diagnosis in life.

RESUMO O objetivo deste trabalho foi padronizar a técnica de acesso à pelve renal por meio de sondagem ureteral guiada por cistoscopia em éguas. Foram utilizados oito animais, de raças variadas, com peso médio de 439kg. As éguas foram sedadas e mantidas em tronco de contenção para a realização da cistoscopia com endoscópio flexível. Após identificação do óstio ureteral esquerdo, uma sonda de polietileno foi introduzida em seu lume, até a pelve renal. A localização da sonda no rim foi confirmada por meio de ultrassonografia transcutânea. Foram coletados 3mL de urina, de forma asséptica, para citologia e cultura bacteriana. Todas as amostras obtiveram resultados negativos na cultura e análise do sedimento urinário. Nenhum dos animais apresentou quaisquer complicações após a sondagem. Este estudo demonstrou que a coleta de urina diretamente da pelve renal em éguas, com auxílio da cistoscopia na realização da sondagem ureteral, consiste em um procedimento viável e seguro.

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to standardize the technique of access to the renal pelvis by means of ureteral catheterization guided by cystoscopy in mares. Eight animals of different races were used, with an average weight of 439kg. The mares were sedated and contained in containment trunk for the accomplishment of cystoscopy with flexible endoscope. After the identification of the left ureteral ostium, from where inside a catheter was introduced, which went through the entire extension of the ureter up to the renal pelvis. After identification of the left ureteral ostium, from where inside a catheter was introduced, into its lumen until reaching the renal pelvis. The location of the probe in the kidney was confirmed by transcutaneous ultrasonography. Three ml of urine was aspirated aseptically for cytology and microbiological culture. All the samples obtained negative results in the culture and sedimentation. None of the animals had any complications after catheterization. This study demonstrated that the collection of urine directly from the renal pelvis in mares, with the assistance of cystoscopy in the realization of the ureteral catheter, consists of a viable and safe procedure.

Persistent human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is an essential factor of cervical cancer. This study evaluated the analytical performance of restriction fragment length polymorphism polymerase chain reaction (PCR-RFLP) assay compared to PapilloCheck® microarray to identify human papilloma virus (HPV) in cervical cells. Three hundred and twenty-five women were analyzed. One sample was used for conventional cytology and another sample was collected using BD SurePath™ kit for HPV tests. Eighty samples (24.6%) were positive for HPV gene by PCR-Multiplex and were then submitted to PCR-RFLP and PapilloCheck® microarray. There was a genotyping agreement in 71.25% (57/80) on at least one HPV type between PCR-RFLP and PapilloCheck® microarray. In 22 samples (27.5%), the results were discordant and those samples were additionally analyzed by DNA sequencing. HPV 16 was the most prevalent HPV type found in both methods, followed by HPVs 53, 68, 18, 39, and 66 using PCR-RFLP analysis, and HPVs 39, 53, 68, 56, 31, and 66 using PapilloCheck® microarray. In the present study, a perfect agreement using Cohen's kappa (κ) was found in HPV 33 and 58 (κ=1), very good for HPV 51, and good for types 16, 18, 53, 59, 66, 68, 70, and 73. PCR-RFLP analysis identified only 25% (20/80) HPV coinfection, and PapilloCheck® microarray found 62.5% (50/80). Our Cohen's kappa results indicate that our in-house HPV genotyping testing (PCR-RFLP analysis) could be applied as a primary HPV test screening, especially in low income countries. If multiple HPV types are found in this primary test, a more descriptive test, such as PapilloCheck® microarray, could be performed.

ABSTRACT This paper describes a case of malignant melanoma in brown coat horse, which had ataxia and proprioceptive deficits in hind limbs, progressing to permanent decubitus. The animal was euthanized and the final diagnosis was based on necropsy and histopathology. At necropsy different masses and / or nodules in skeletal muscle, bone, abdominal cavity, lungs, heart, spleen, liver, adrenal gland, lymph nodes, brain and cerebellum were found. Neurological clinical signs presented by the animal were justified by spinal cord compression caused by melanocytic mass invading the medullary canal of the flow segment of the thoracic spine (between 15th and 18th thoracic vertebrae). This is the first case report of melanoma leading to spinal cord compression in a non-gray horse. Thus, it is important to include this neoplasm in the differential diagnosis list of cutaneous and subcutaneous masses and / or nodules, and in suspected cases of spinal cord compression in horses of any coat.

RESUMO A inseminação artificial (IA) proporciona melhoramento genético, intensifica o manejo animal e possibilita a utilização de sêmen de reprodutores que se encontram em diferentes regiões do país, bem como de animais de alto valor zootécnico que já morreram ou de machos que possuem subfertilidade. Por peculiaridades anatômicas das ovelhas, a inseminação artificial intrauterina transcervical é dificultosa. Dessa forma, bons resultados na IA são alcançados quando há deposição do sêmen diretamente dentro do útero, realizada por meio de laparoscopia. Atualmente, diversas técnicas laparoscópicas são utilizadas para inseminação; os métodos rotineiramente empregados são realizados através de dois ou três portais de acesso. O presente trabalho tem o objetivo de verificar a viabilidade de uma nova técnica de inseminação videolaparoscópica intrauterina em ovelhas, com o uso de um acesso único, visando a um procedimento mais eficaz, mais rápido, com menor trauma tecidual e com menor contaminação bacteriana, a fim de minimizar o desconforto pós-operatório. A média do tempo cirúrgico foi de 5,92 minutos. Não foram encontradas dificuldades para realização dos procedimentos, e os animais recuperaram-se sem nenhuma complicação. A utilização de um único acesso mostrou-se eficaz, pois reduziu o tempo cirúrgico e não apresentou complicações.

ABSTRACT Artificial Insemination (AI) provides genetic gain, enhances animal management and enables the use of semen from rams that are in different regions of the country, high-value livestock animals that have died or males who have subfertility. Because of anatomical peculiarities of sheep, transcervical intrauterine insemination is troublesome, thus good results in IA are achieved when there is deposition of semen directly into the uterus, performed by laparoscopy. Currently, various techniques are used for laparoscopic insemination, those routinely employed are conducted using two or three access portals. This study aims to verify the feasibility of a new laparoscopic intrauterine insemination in sheep using a single access, aiming at a more effective and faster procedure with less tissue trauma, minimizing post-operative discomfort and lower bacterial contamination. The mean operative time was 5,92 minutes, there were no difficulties in the procedures and the animals recovered without complications. The use of a single access was effective, reducing the time of the surgery and complications weren’t observed.

The present study sought to determine cardiovascular effects of aerobic training associated with diminazene aceturate (DIZE), an activator of the angiotensin converting enzyme 2, in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). Male SHRs (280–350 g) were either subjected to exercise training or not (sedentary group). The trained group was subjected to 8 weeks of aerobic training on a treadmill (five times a week, lasting 60 min at an intensity of 50–60% of maximum aerobic speed). In the last 15 days of the experimental protocol, these groups were redistributed into four groups: i) sedentary SHRs with daily treatment of 1 mg/kg DIZE (S+D1); ii) trained SHRs with daily treatment of 1 mg/kg DIZE (T+D1); iii) sedentary SHRs with daily treatment of vehicle (S+V); and iv) trained SHRs with daily treatment of vehicle (T+V). After treatment, SHRs were anesthetized and subjected to artery and femoral vein cannulation prior to the implantation of ECG electrode. After 24 h, mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR) were recorded; the baroreflex sensitivity and the effect of double autonomic blockade (DAB) were evaluated in non-anesthetized SHRs. DIZE treatment improved baroreflex sensitivity in the T+D1 group as compared with the T+V and S+D1 groups. The intrinsic heart rate (IHR) and MAP were reduced in T+D1 group as compared with T+V and S+D1 groups. Hence, we conclude that the association of exercise training with DIZE treatment improved baroreflex function and cardiovascular regulation.

Partindo de uma modelagem no domínio de frequências, utilizamos condições de contorno artificiais de Higdon e aproximações assintóticas para obter condições de contorno equivalentes que viabilizem a redução do domínio computacional para a simulação da propagação de ondas em meios acústicos heterogêneos. A motivação para este trabalho é a obtenção de condições de contorno artificiais e aproximadas para a simulação da propagação de ondas sísmicas, oriundas do interior da terra e transmitidas ao meio acústico heterogêneo composto pelos oceanos e pela atmosfera.

In this work, we derive high order Equivalent Absorbing Boundary Conditions EABCs that model the propagation of waves in semi-infinite bilayered acoustic media. Our motivation is to restrict the computational domain in the simulation of seismic waves that are propagated from the earth and transmitted to the stratified heterogeneous media composed by ocean and atmosphere. These EABCs are adapted to Hagstrom-Warburton ABCs and appear as first and second order of approximation with respect to a small parameter involved in a multiscale expansion. Computational tests illustrate the accuracy of the first approximate model with respect to the small parameter.

This study aimed to report three cases of contagious agalactia (CA) by Mycoplasma agalactiae in goat kids born with polyarthritis. The nanny goats belonging to two different herds presented clinical signs of CA during pregnancy and in parturition they were apparently healthy. The carpal articulations of the three goat kids, the tarsus articulation in one, and thigh-femoral articulation in another showed swelling, pain and impairment of the flexion-extension movements. The articular liquid was collected from two goat kids at birth and revealed a content which varied from transparent to fibrinopurulent, presenting a yellow coloring. The samples were plated on modified Hayflick. The colonies had the appearance of "fried egg" and were confirmed as being M. agalactiae by biochemical tests and 16S rRNA PCR. Blood was collected from three animals soon after birth and submitted to the indirect ELISA test for the determination of the titration of the anti- M. agalactiae antibodies. The results confirmed that the goat kids were infected during pregnancy by M. agalactiae and resulted in the birth of an offspring with clinical signs of CA being immune tolerant.

Se determinó la carga de sedimentos en suspensión (SS) y fósforo (P) durante eventos de lluvia-escorrentía en un arroyo de cabecera, que drena una cuenca rural ubicada en Galicia (NO España). Asimismo, se trató de conocer las principales fuentes de SS y P exportados. Se observaron acusadas diferencias en la carga de SS y P entre eventos, lo cual se asocia con el volumen de escorrentía, así como con el desarrollo de surcos y cárcavas efímeras en parcelas de cultivo bien conectadas con la red de drenaje. La carga de SS osciló entre 0,8 y 21,0 t mientras que la de P varió entre 2,5 y 20,0 kg. El fósforo particulado (PP) mostró relaciones significativas con los SS, lo que indica el origen erosivo de una parte importante de P, especialmente considerando que el PP supone más de un 80% del P exportado en cada evento.

This work examines the suspended sediment (SS) and phosphorus (P) load during rainfall-runoff events in a headwater stream which drains a rural catchment located in Galicia (NW Spain). Another objective is to know the major sources of SS and P exported. Important differences in the SS and P load between events were found, which is associated with the runoff volume, as well as to develop of rills and ephemeral gullies in cultivated fields well connected to the drainage network. The SS load ranged between 0.8 and 21.0 t, while the P load varied between 2.5 and 20.0 kg. The particulate phosphorus (PP) showed significant relationship with SS, which indicates the erosive origin of P, especially considering that PP means more 80% of P exported each event.

The isothermal aging of beta phase in some CuZnAl of adequate composition, promotes the nucleation of a gamma phase that then grow by means of a diffusion controlled process. In the first stages the morphology is spherical and cuboidal, but it develops to more complex geometries such as a laminar growth or dendrites, as a result of the competition between the solute fields and the reactions at the interface. Crystalline anisotropy and coherence at the matrix-precipitate interface have to be taken into account to explain faceted and dendritic morphologies during the growth. In this work, the dendritic gamma precipitation obtained by an isothermal heat treatment of a beta matrix is characterized, and compared with theoretical predictions.

El envejecimiento isotérmico de la fase beta de aleaciones CuZnAl, de adecuada composición, promueve la formación de núcleos de fase gamma, que luego crecen bajo condiciones particulares, básicamente por un mecanismo difusivo. Estos precipitados, inicialmente de formas esféricas o cúbicas, pueden, con la continuación del tratamiento térmico, desarrollar morfologías más complejas tales como láminas y dendritas, producto de la competencia entre los campos de composición y las reacciones en la interface. La anisotropía cristalina y la coherencia de las redes en la interface entre el precipitado y la matriz tienen que tenerse en cuenta para explicar las morfologías facetadas o dendríticas durante el crecimiento. En este trabajo se muestran y caracterizan geométricamente precipitados de fase gamma dendríticos formados en una matriz beta mediante tratamientos isotérmicos. Se analizan las morfologías observadas y su evolución, y se las compara con predicciones teóricas.

RESUMO Foi realizada a avaliação clínica de 2 caprinos acometidos por artrite atendidos junto a Clínica de Bovinos e Pequenos Ruminantes da FMVZ-USP. O diferencial entre artrite viral causada pelo vírus da CAE e a artrite bacteriana pelo Mycoplasma spp. foi feito baseado no exame específico, sorodiagnóstico, nas técnicas de isolamento, detecção do vírus pela PCR do líquido sinovial e laparoscopia.

ABSTRACT This work was undertaken with the aim of studying the clinical evaluation of arthritis in 2 goats at the Hospital of Bovines and Small Ruminants at FMVZ-USP, Brazil. The differential between viral arthritis caused by the virus of the CAE and the bacterial arthritis by Mycoplasma spp. was made by using clinical exam, laparoscopy of the affected region, PCR, serum diagnose, techniques of culture isolation and PCR of the sinovial fluid.

Objectives: We expose our experience in nephrectomy in metastatic renal cell carcinoma, and also show complications, evolution and survival of these patients. Material and methods: We performe a retrospective review of renal cell carcinomaes treated at our service in the period between January 1st 1991 and December 31st 2002. We only studied those which presented in a metastatic pattern (31), and divide these in two groups: the ones which were nephrectomized and those which were not. We try to showw the diferences between the two groups in order of status performance (E.C.O.G.), associated morbidity and median survival. In the first group we also study complications of surgery and treatment that patients underwent. Results: we performed nephrectomy in 19 cases, all of them E.C.O.G. 0-1. Median postoperative stay was 12 days, and complication rate was 11.5%. Of these patients, 45% underwent some tipe of systemic treatment, and median survival was 31 months. We didn't performed nephrectomy in 12 patients, of which 9 were E.C.O.G. 2-3. Asociated co-morbidity was higher in this group. Only in three patients any treatment was offerted always with paliative reason. Median survival was 3.8 months. Conclusions: In those patients with good performance status this aproach does not represent more morbility nor mortality than in non- metastatic patients, and that is a cornerstone in their management. We also make a literature review in wich we see the last pathways in the managemente of these patients, and that show the needing for a conbined aproach both quirurgical and inmunotherapical. We have review with special interest the studie's conclusions of SWOG and EORTC groups.

Objetivos: Presentar nuestra experiencia en la realización de nefrectomía en tumores renales que se presentan con metástasis al diagnóstico, y observar las complicaciones, evolución y supervivencia de estos pacientes. Material y métodos: Realizamos una revisión retrospectiva de los adenocarcinomas renales en el período entre 1-1- 1991 y 31-12-2002. Estudiamos solamente los que se presentaron con metástasis (31). Se estudian aquellos pacientes a los que se les practicó nefrectomía y aquellos a los que no se les ofreció tratamiento quirúrgico. Buscamos mostrar las diferencias en los dos grupos en cuanto a status vital (Tabla E.C.O.G.), patología concomitante y supervivencia media. En el grupo de los pacientes nefrectomizados estudiamos las complicaciones derivadas de la intervención y el tratamiento posterior. Resultados: Realizamos nefrectomía en 19 casos. Todos ellos E.C.O.G. 0-1. La estancia post operatoria media fue de 12 días, y la tasa de complicaciones 11,5%. El 45% de estos pacientes siguieron algún tipo de tratamiento posterior, y la supervivencia media fue de 31 meses. No se realizó nefrectomía en 12 casos, de los cuales 9 eran E.C.O. G 2-3. La patología asociada que presentaban estos pacientes era más importante que en el primer grupo. Sólo en 3 casos se administró tratamiento con fines paliativos y la supervivencia media fue de 3,8 meses. Conclusiones: En pacientes con buen estado vital la nefrectomía no representa más morbilidad ni mortalidad que en los pacientes sin metástasis, y nos parece una opción fundamental en su manejo. Realizamos una revisión bibliográfica en la que recogemos las últimas tendencias en el tratamiento de estos pacientes, que ponen de manifiesto la necesidad del abordaje combinado quirúrgico e inmunoterápico. Nos parecen de interés fundamental las conclusiones de los estudios del SWOG y del EORTC.

Streptococcus agalactiae is an endogenous bacterium that has emerged in the last 20 years as an etiological agent in both neonatal and perinatal infections, and in immunocompromised patients. The differentiation of the capsular polysaccharide, the presence of surface proteins c, X, R, and molecular methods allow classification in serotypes and genotypes. This identification is a useful tool for epidemiological purposes and virulence studies in this bacterium. The objective of this work was to study the serotypes and the antimicrobial susceptibility of isolates recovered from invasive diseases in different areas of Argentina. In the analyzed sample a fair predominance of Ia and III serotypes was recovered, followed by II and IV serotypes. All the isolates were found to be sensitive to penicillin. A 6% of resistance to erythromycin and a 4.5% to clindamycin were detected. In three of the isolates, constitutive MLS phenotype (resistance to macrolides, lincosamins and streptogramins) was founded, while in the remaining one, inducible MLS phenotype was detected. These results stress the importance of conducting a surveillance of the prevalent serotypes in our country with the goal of future prevention of this disease with an effective vaccine. The knowledge of the antimicrobial susceptibility profile will be also important to obtain therapeutic success in the treatment.

Streptococcus agalactiae es una bacteria colonizante que ha emergido en los últimos años como causante de infecciones neonatales, perinatales y en pacientes con compromiso inmunológico. La caracterización del polisacárido capsular, de las proteínas de superficie (c, X, R), así como el análisis de marcadores moleculares, permiten su clasificación en serotipos y genotipos. Esto resulta de utilidad para fines epidemiológicos y para estudios de virulencia de la bacteria. El objetivo de este trabajo fue conocer los serotipos prevalentes y la sensibilidad antimicrobiana de aislamientos provenientes de procesos infecciosos en pacientes de distintas zonas de Argentina. En la muestra analizada se obtuvo predominio de los serotipos Ia y III, seguido de II y IV. Todas las cepas resultaron sensibles a penicilina. Se observó 6% de resistencia a eritromicina y 4,5% a clindamicina. En 3 de las cepas se detectó fenotipo MLS (resistencia a macrólidos, lincosaminas y estreptograminas) constitutiva y en una cepa, resistencia MLS inducible. Los resultados logrados en este estudio destacan la importancia de efectuar un relevamiento de los serotipos más frecuentes en nuestro país en vistas a la prevención de esta infección con una vacuna que realmente sea eficaz, como así también el conocimiento de la sensibilidad antimicrobiana para lograr éxito terapéutico en los tratamientos.

The aim of this work was to compare the performance of isotope-selective non-dispersive infrared spectrometry (IRIS) for the 13C-urea breath test with the combination of the 14C-urea breath test (14C-UBT), urease test and histologic examination for the diagnosis of H. pylori (HP) infection. Fifty-three duodenal ulcer patients were studied. All patients were submitted to gastroscopy to detect HP by the urease test, histologic examination and 14C-UBT. To be included in the study the results of the 3 tests had to be concordant. Within one month after admission to the study the patients were submitted to IRIS with breath samples collected before and 30 min after the ingestion of 75 mg 13C-urea dissolved in 200 ml of orange juice. The samples were mailed and analyzed 11.5 (4-21) days after collection. Data were analyzed statistically by the chi-square and Mann-Whitney test and by the Spearman correlation coefficient. Twenty-six patients were HP positive and 27 negative. There was 100% agreement between the IRIS results and the HP status determined by the other three methods. Using a cutoff value of delta-over-baseline (DOB) above 4.0 the IRIS showed a mean value of 19.38 (minimum = 4.2, maximum = 41.3, SD = 10.9) for HP-positive patients and a mean value of 0.88 (minimum = 0.10, maximum = 2.5, SD = 0.71) for negative patients. Using a cutoff value corresponding to 0.800% CO2/weight (kg), the 14C-UBT showed a mean value of 2.78 (minimum = 0.89, maximum = 5.22, SD = 1.18) in HP-positive patients. HP-negative patients showed a mean value of 0.37 (minimum = 0.13, maximum = 0.77, SD = 0.17). IRIS is a low-cost, easy to manage, highly sensitive and specific test for H. pylori detection. Storing and mailing the samples did not interfere with the performance of the test.