05) with VS3 (73.5 +/- 3.1 and 47.1 +/- 2.1) than VS1 (63.3 +/- 3.3 and 39.7 +/- 2.8). In experiment 3, embryos were vitrified by solid surface in VS1 or VS3 solutions and cryoprotectants

were diluted in-straw after warming in a TCM 199, 0.25m sucrose solution or holding media. Survival rates of embryos vitrified in VS3 did not differ between those exposed to 0.25m sucrose (74.7 +/- 1.3 and 57.2 +/- 2.2) or holding (77.3 +/- 1.4 and 58.0 +/- 2.5) medium after warming; however, survival rates of embryos vitrified in VS1 were higher (p<0.05) in those exposed to 0.25m sucrose (67.7 +/- 2.3 and 47.0 +/- 1.7) than holding medium (54.5 +/- 1.0 and 27.7 +/- 3.1). In conclusion, solid-surface vitrification using simplified EG-based solutions and in-straw dilution with holding media may be a practical alternative for cryopreservation and direct transfer of in vitro-produced bovine embryos.”
“Introduction: Biological.

therapy has dramatically changed HIF inhibitor management of Crohn’s disease (CD). New data have confirmed the benefit and relative long-term safety of anti-TNF alpha inhibition as part of a regular scheduled administration programme. The EPACT appropriateness criteria for maintenance treatment after medically-induced remission (MIR) or surgically-induced remission (SIR) of CD thus required updating.

Methods: A multidisciplinary international expert panel (EPACT II, Geneva, Switzerland) discussed and anonymously rated detailed, explicit clinical indications based on evidence in the literature and personal expertise. C59 Wnt inhibitor Median ratings (on a 9-point scale) were stratified into three assessment categories: appropriate (7-9), uncertain (4-6 AZD1208 and/or disagreement) and inappropriate (1-3). Experts ranked appropriate medication according to their own clinical practice, without any consideration of cost.

Results: Three hundred and ninety-two specific indications for maintenance treatment of CD were rated (200 for MIR and 192 for SIR). Azathioprine, methotrexate and/or anti-TNF alpha antibodies were considered appropriate in 42 indications, corresponding to 68% of all appropriate interventions (97% of MIR and 39% of SIR). The

remaining appropriate interventions consisted of mesalazine and a “”wait-and-see”" strategy. Factors that influenced the panel’s voting were patient characteristics and outcome of previous treatment. Results favour use of anti-TNF alpha agents after failure of any immunosuppressive therapy, while earlier primary use remains controversial.

Conclusion: Detailed explicit appropriateness criteria (EPACT) have been updated for maintenance treatment of CD. New expert recommendations for use of the classic immunosuppressors as well as anti-TNF alpha agents are now freely available online (www.epact.ch). The validity of these criteria should now be tested by prospective evaluation. (C) 2009 European Crohn’s and Colitis Organisation. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.