Higher Survival Research Articles

The Ablate-by-LAWT multicentre prospective study: Personalized paroxysmal atrial fibrillation ablation with ablation index adapted to local left atrial wall thickness.

Personalized radiofrequency (RF) ablation for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF), adapting the ablation index (AI) to local left atrial wall thickness (LAWT), proved to be highly efficient maintaining high arrhythmia-free survival rates. However, multicentre data are lacking. This multicentre, prospective, non-randomized study was conducted at 5 tertiary hospitals and sought to assess the safety, efficacy, and reproducibility of the LAWT-guided ablation for PAF. Consecutive patients referred for first-time PAF were prospectively enrolled. The LAWT maps were obtained from preprocedural multidetector computed tomography and integrated into the navigation system. AI was titrated according to the local LAWT, and the ablation line was personalized to avoid the thickest regions while encircling the pulmonary veins (PVs). A total 109 patients (60.1 ± 9.4years, 64.2% male) were enrolled. Median procedure time was 61.7min (48.4-83.8), fluoroscopy time was 1.0min (0.4-3.3), and RF time was 13.9min (12.3-16.8). Median AI tailored to the local LAWT was 393 (374-412) for the anterior wall and 340 (315-378) for the posterior wall. Right and left PVs first-pass isolation was achieved in 89% and 91.7% of the patients, respectively. At 12-month follow-up, freedom from any atrial arrhythmia was 93.4% (95% CI 88.7-98.1), without differences across centres (P = 0.169). One patient experienced femoral artery pseudoaneurysm, with no other serious procedural-related complication. The Ablate-by-LAWT study proved that LAWT-guided PV isolation for PAF is safe, effective, and efficient in a multicentre setting. Twelve-month recurrence-free survival exceeded 90% (NCT04218604).

Highly Biocompatible Graphite Electrodes by Using Interface‐Stable Coating and the Application to Hemodialysis

AbstractIn the treatment of kidney diseases such as chronic kidney disease (CKD) and acute tubular necrosis (ATN), prolonged contact between conductivity sensors and patients' bodily fluids is required, necessitating high biocompatibility for the electrodes. However, the widely used graphite electrodes exhibit limited biocompatibility, showing a cell survival rate of only 88% under indirect contact conditions, and <56% under direct contact conditions. Here, the surface detachment of graphite electrodes in liquid environments leading to cell death upon contact is observed and a solution is proposed to enhance biocompatibility and ensure conductivity, by forming a layer of interface‐stable coating (ISC) as a conductive isolation membrane on their surface. For applications with contact requirements, graphite‐like carbon (GLC) coated graphite electrodes are investigated and developed, resulting in an exceptional cell survival rate exceeding 96% under indirect contact conditions, and a relatively high survival rate exceeding 91% under direct contact conditions, both accompanied by significant proliferation. GLC‐coated graphite electrodes are successfully to monitor the dialysate conductivity in a hemodialysis machine and achieve stable monitoring with temperature compensation. The results demonstrate ISC graphite electrodes' potential in biomedical fluid monitoring, with the developed process applicable to other fields.

Spinosad blocks CHRNA5 mediated EGFR signaling pathway activation to inhibit lung adenocarcinoma proliferation

Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is the leading cause of cancer death worldwide, with high incidence and low survival rates. Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors play an important role in the progression of LUAD. In this study, a screening of 17 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor allosteric agents revealed that spinosad effectively suppressed the proliferation of LUAD cells. The experiments demonstrated that spinosad induced cell cycle arrest in the G1 phase and stimulated apoptosis, thereby impeding the growth of LUAD and enhancing the responsiveness to gefitinib in vitro and vivo. Mechanistic insights obtained through transcriptome sequencing, Co-IP, and protein immunoblots indicated that spinosad disrupted the interaction between CHRNA5 and EGFR, thereby inhibiting the formation of downstream complexes and activation of the EGFR signaling pathway. The supplementation of exogenous acetylcholine showed to mitigate the inhibition of LUAD cell proliferation induced by spinosad. This study elucidates the therapeutic effects and mechanisms of spinosad in LUAD, and offers a theoretical and experimental foundation for novel LUAD treatments.

High early mortality following percutaneous nephrostomy in metastatic cancer: a national analysis of outcomes

ObjectivesTo assess the outcomes of percutaneous nephrostomy in England for renal decompression, in the context of metastatic cancer.MethodsRetrospective observational study of all patients undergoing nephrostomy with a diagnosis of metastatic...

Effect of zeatin and casein hydrolysate on in vitro asymbiotic germination of immature seeds of Vanilla planifolia Jacks ex Andrews (Orchidaceae)

The germination of Vanilla planifolia seeds under natural environmental conditions is very low (0.1 %) because of specific mycorrhizal requirements. Therefore, the species is typically propagated spending vegetative using stem cuttings. Thus, all cultivated plants are genetically identical and susceptible to multiple abiotic and biotic stressors. Artificial propagation from seeds is difficult for most terrestrial orchids native to temperate regions, and V. planifolia is no exception. As propagation from the seeds of this species has low success rates, in this study, an effective reproducible protocol for the in vitro asymbiotic germination of Vanilla planifolia seeds was established. For this purpose, the effects of three asymbiotic culture media on seed germination and seedling development of Vanilla planifolia [Murashige and Skoog (MS), Vacin and Went (VW), Knudson ‘C’ (KC)] were tested, two zeatin concentrations (Z = 0.25 and 0.50 mg L−1), two concentrations of casein hydrolysate (CH=50 and 500 mg L−1), and two combinations of these (Z = 0.25 mg L−1 + CH=250 mg L−1) and (Z = 0.50 mg L−1 + CH=500 mg L−1). The highest germination rate (74.5%) was recorded for the treatment with MS salts at a quarter strength supplemented with 500 mg L−1 of CH. All the seeds that germinated under this treatment showed high survival and vigorous seedling growth. In contrast, in the treatment with MS salts at a quarter strength supplemented with combination of CH and Z (CH=500 mg L−1 + Z = 0.50 mg L−1) resulted in the production of calluses (53 %).

EHSP90α in front-line therapy in EGFR exon 19 deletion and 21 Leu858Arg mutations in advanced lung adenocarcinoma

PurposeExtracellular heat shock protein 90 AA1(eHSP90α) is intricately linked to tumor progression and prognosis. This study aimed to investigate the difference in the value of eHSP90α in post-treatment response assessment and prognosis prediction between exon 19 deletion(19DEL) and exon 21 Leu858Arg(L858R) mutation types in lung adenocarcinoma(LUAD).MethodsWe analyzed the relationship between the expression of eHSP90α and clinicopathological features in 89 patients with L858R mutation and 196 patients with 19DEL mutation in LUAD. The Kaplan-Meier survival curve was used to determine their respective cut-off values and analyze the relationship between eHSP90α expression and the survival time of the two mutation types. The area under the curve (AUC) was used to evaluate the diagnostic performance of biomarkers. Then, the prognostic model was developed using the univariate-Cox multivariate-Cox and LASSO-multivariate logistic methods.ResultsIn LUAD patients, eHSP90α was positively correlated with carcinoembryonic antigen(CEA), carbohydrate antigen 125(CA125), and carbohydrate antigen 153(CA153). The truncated values of eHSP90α in L858R and 19DEL patients were 44.5 ng/mL and 40.8 ng/mL, respectively. Among L858R patients, eHSP90α had the best diagnostic performance (AUC = 0.765), and higher eHSP90α and T helper cells(Th cells) expression were significantly related to shorter overall survival(OS) and worse treatment response. Also, high eHSP90a expression and short progression-free survival(PFS) were significantly correlated. Among 19DEL patients, CEA had the best diagnostic efficacy (AUC = 0.734), and CEA and Th cells were independent prognostic factors that predicted shorter OS. Furthermore, high CA125 was significantly associated with short PFS and poor curative effect.ConclusionseHSP90α has a better prognostic value in LUAD L858R patients than 19DEL, which provides a new idea for clinical diagnosis and treatment.

Recurrence of primary sclerosing cholangitis in the graft

Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a disease characterized by inflammation, fibrosis and obliteration of both intra- and extrahepatic bile ducts, accompanied by cholestasis, with further outcome in biliary cirrhosis of the liver, cholangiocarcinoma. The pathogenesis of the disease is poorly understood, but, according to various sources, it involves genetic factors, innate and adaptive immunity mechanisms, the toxic effects of hydrophobic bile acids and, possibly, intestinal dysbiosis. The strong association with inflammatory bowel disease is associated with a significantly increased risk of colorectal cancer, which, along with cholangiocarcinoma, represents the most significant diagnostic challenge in the long-term management of PSC. The diagnosis of PSC is established based on the identification of typical cholangiographic lesions of the bile ducts and the exclusion of secondary causes of sclerosing cholangitis. Complex pathophysiology, heterogeneity of clinical features and the rare nature of the disease have led to the lack of effective therapy to date; there are no treatment algorithms, but a course of ursodeoxycholic acid in doses of 17–23 mg/kg/day can be prescribed for up to a year in order to monitor the dynamics of the decrease in levels serum alkaline phosphatase. A number of drugs are under investigation, including FXR (farnesoid X receptor) agonists with choleretic and antimicrobial properties. Clinically significant stenoses can be successfully treated with interventional endoscopy, but liver transplantation (LT) is currently the only curative treatment with a high survival rate. According to various literature data, 20–25% of patients develop disease relapse in the graft. Our case report of recurrent PSC in a patient 5 years after orthotopic LT provides an overview of management options from a practical, patient-centered perspective.

Long-term oncological outcomes of follicular thyroid cancer in adolescents and young adults: A nationwide population-based study.

Follicular thyroid carcinoma (FTC) in adolescents and young adults (AYAs) is rare and data on long-term oncological outcomes are scarce. This study aimed to describe the long-term recurrence and survival rates of AYAs with FTC, and identify risk factors for recurrence. This is a retrospective cohort study combining two national databases, including all patients aged 15-39years, diagnosed with FTC in The Netherlands between 2000 and 2016. Age, sex, tumor size, focality, positive margins, angioinvasion, pT-stage, and pN-stage were included in a Cox proportional hazard model to identify risk factors for recurrence. We included 192 patients. Median age was 31.0years (IQR 24.7-36.3) and the male to female ratio was 1:4.1. Most patients presented with a minimally invasive FTC (MI-FTC) (95%). Five patients presented with synchronous metastases (2.6%), including two with locoregional metastases (1%) and three with distant metastases (1.6%). During a median follow-up of 12.0years, three patients developed a recurrence (1.6%), of which one patient developed a local recurrence (33%), and two patients a distant recurrence (67%). Five patients died during follow-up (2.6%). Cause of death was not captured. A Cox proportional hazard model could not be performed due to the low number of recurrences. FTC in AYAs is generally characterized as a low-risk tumor, as it exhibits a very low recurrence rate, a high overall survival, and it typically presents as MI-FTC without synchronous metastases. These findings underscore the favorable long-term oncological prognosis of FTC in AYAs.

Increasing abdominal circumference in children – does it require diagnosis?

Introduction and purpose: Wilms tumor, also known as nephroblastoma, is the most prevalent malignant tumor of the kidney in the pediatric population. 90% of them are diagnosed in children before the age of 6. This tumor is more common in girls, and usually occurs unilaterally. The purpose of the study is to analyse and present the incidence of the patients with Wilms tumor in University Children’s Hospital in Lublin in comparison to other studies published on PubMed. Material and methods: The study included 34 patients with the Wilms tumor in the past medical history. They were selected among patients who had a computed tomography (CT) scan in the Department of Pediatric Radiology between November 2012 and October 2021. Results: The average diagnostic age of Wilms tumor patients was 3 years and 9 months. The unilateral occurrence of the tumor was more common, also, the presence of a tumor in the left kidney was more frequent than in the right one. Metastases were mainly located in the lungs and liver. The less common sites of metastasis were pleural recesses and paraaortic lymph nodes. Treatment was mostly based on nephrectomy and chemotherapy, and less frequently, on radiotherapy. In the majority of patients, treatment resulted in regression of cancer lesions. Only a few recurrences of the disease were reported. Conclusions: Successful treatment protocols for Wilms tumor (pre-operative chemotherapy and surgery) ensure a high survival rate. It is important to monitor the patient after treatment due to the risk of recurrence. During diagnostics, chest and abdominal CT should be considered because of the high incidence rate of lung and liver metastases.

Drug survival for biologics in psoriasis patients: real world evidence for Greece during the period 2016-2020.

Drug persistence is a crucial aspect of treatment success in psoriasis. The scope of this manuscript is to record real-world evidence concerning drug survival of biologic agents used for psoriasis treatment and to detect associated modifying factors in Greece. This was a retrospective cohort study based on data extracted from the nationwide Greek prescription system. Psoriatic patients, with or without concomitant psoriatic arthritis (PsA), that had initiated biologics between January 1st 2016 and December 31st 2020 were included. We included 8,819 patients who received 13,359 treatment lines. Among them, 76.8% were biologic naïve patients and 16.5% were diagnosed with concomitant PsA. The overall median drug survival was 34.3 (95% CI: 32.6-36.5) months. Drug persistence at 12, 24, 36 and 48 months of follow-up was 71.9%, 57.7%, 49.0% and 43.7%, respectively. Patients receiving brodalumab had the highest drug survival rate in the first two years, while secukinumab had the highest rates beyond this period. Overall, drug survival rates were higher in the 1st [median, 51.1 (95% CI: 47.1, not reached (NR) months] compared to the 2nd treatment line and onwards [median, 21.7 (95% CI: 20.0, 23.5) months]. Treatment line, PsA status, age and sex were found to significantly affect drug survival rates. Our findings confirm previous reports regarding the importance of efficient 1st line biologics and the vulnerability of patients to co-existent PsA. The utilitzation of antibodies against interleukins confer to high drug survival rates. These results will assist clinical management of psoriasis patients in Greece.

Mid-term clinical outcomes of the uncemented Robert Mathys pressfit cup.

The use of uncemented cups during total hip arthroplasty (THA) has gained popularity in recent years. The Robert Mathys (RM) pressfit cup, an uncemented monoblock implant is expected to preserve bone density due to its composition and external surface, while reducing backside wear with its monoblock construction. These factors should lead to a high survival rate of the implant. To evaluate the mid-term survival and functional outcome of the RM Pressfit cup in a large study population. Between 2011 and 2020, we included 1324 patients receiving a primary THA using the RM pressfit cup. Final clinical follow-up was performed at 2 years postoperatively with the Dutch arthroplasty register used to assess implant status thereafter. Revision for acetabular failure and reason for revision were reported to evaluate implant survival, while the hip disability and osteoarthritis outcome score (HOOS) scores were used to assess functional outcome. The mean age at surgery was 64.9 years. The mean follow-up was 4.6 years. Of the 1324 THAs performed, 13 needed cup revisions within 5 years after index THA: 5 due to aseptic loosening, 6 due to infection, 2 due to dislocation and 2 due to other causes. This resulted in a 5-year cup survival of 98.8% (95%CI: 98.1-99.5). Nine of the cup revisions occurred within the first year after index THA. HOOS scores increased significantly in all domains during the first year and levelled out during the second year. In the present study, the RM pressfit cup demonstrated excellent clinical outcomes at mid-term follow-up; however, future studies are needed to assess the long-term outcomes of this acetabular implant.

Different temperature regimes during gastrulation and neurulation influence developmental larval plasticity and survival at mouth opening in longfin yellowtail (Seriola rivoliana)

ABSTRACT We investigated if different temperature regimes during embryogenesis could influence the morphology, the occurrence of oedema, energy reserves, and survival in Seriola rivoliana larvae at mouth opening. Eggs were incubated at six constant (20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30 °C) and two oscillating (21⇄29 °C) temperatures: decreasing starting (DS) and increasing starting (IS), which resulted in two opposite temperature fluctuating waves: gastrulation and neurulation. Total body length, head length and height were significantly influenced by temperature. Oscillation temperatures reduced major and severe oedema incidence. Mouth gape size was neither influenced by temperature nor by oedema condition. Larvae in DS had the lowest survival (36%) and grew as larvae at 20–24 °C. In contrast, IS showed the highest survival (76%) with larval size similar to 26–28 °C. Constant 28 °C had the lowest survival (48%), which resembled the increase up to 29 °C in DS during neurulation. In contrast, 22–26 °C had higher survivals (55–61%), which resembled the decrease down to 21 °C in IS during neurulation. Larvae at 20 °C and DS had the highest lipids consumption, which suggested detrimental effects on metabolism during gastrulation. Gastrulation and neurulation were likely critical survival and growth-developmental plasticity periods in this species.

The Protective Efficacy of a SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine Candidate B.1.351V against Several Variant Challenges in K18-hACE2 Mice.

The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOCs) with increased transmissibility and partial resistance to neutralization by antibodies has been observed globally. There is an urgent need for an effective vaccine to combat these variants. Our study demonstrated that the B.1.351 variant inactivated vaccine candidate (B.1.351V) generated strong binding and neutralizing antibody responses in BALB/c mice against the B.1.351 virus and other SARS-CoV-2 variants after two doses within 28 days. Immunized K18-hACE2 mice also exhibited elevated levels of live virus-neutralizing antibodies against various SARS-CoV-2 viruses. Following infection with these viruses, K18-hACE2 mice displayed a stable body weight, a high survival rate, minimal virus copies in lung tissue, and no lung damage compared to the control group. These findings indicate that B.1.351V offered protection against infection with multiple SARS-CoV-2 variants in mice, providing insights for the development of a vaccine targeting SARS-CoV-2 VOCs for human use.

Amazonian Bacteria from River Sediments as a Biocontrol Solution against Ralstonia solanacearum.

Bacterial wilt, caused by Ralstonia solanacearum, is one of the main challenges for sustainable tomato production in the Amazon region. This study evaluated the potential of bacteria isolated from sediments of the Solimões and Negro rivers for the biocontrol of this disease. From 36 bacteria selected through in vitro antibiosis, three promising isolates were identified: Priestia aryabhattai RN 11, Streptomyces sp. RN 24, and Kitasatospora sp. SOL 195, which inhibited the growth of the phytopathogen by 100%, 87.62%, and 100%, respectively. These isolates also demonstrated the ability to produce extracellular enzymes and plant growth-promoting compounds, such as indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), siderophore, and ammonia. In plant assays, during both dry and rainy seasons, P. aryabhattai RN 11 reduced disease incidence by 40% and 90%, respectively, while promoting the growth of infected plants. Streptomyces sp. RN 24 and Kitasatospora sp. SOL 195 exhibited high survival rates (85-90%) and pathogen suppression in the soil (>90%), demonstrating their potential as biocontrol agents. This study highlights the potential of Amazonian bacteria as biocontrol agents against bacterial wilt, contributing to the development of sustainable management strategies for this important disease.

Topping and NPK fertilization alter seed germination, plant growth and active components of Valeriana amurensis.

Valeriana amurensis, a tall herbaceous plant, has been traditionally utilized as a herbal remedy both in China and Russia. This study was set to explore how to cultivate high quality seedlings, considering factors such as seedling time, seeding density, shading, and plastic film mulching. In addition, we investigated the impact of topping and fertilizer on the growth and quality of V. amurensis. According to the percentage of seed germination, the seeds of V. amurensis were sowed with 0.88 g m-2 density using plastic film mulching from late April to mid-May (germination percentage was more than 30%). The optimal Transplanting time was identified as late September, ensuring a high survival rate of 98%. Generally, topping showed the most improved growth indices in late fruit period (21.87 for number of radical leaves) and withering period (6.50 for number of buds and 234.81 for number of roots). Topping increased the yields of valtrate (10.91 mg per plant), valepotriates (809.51 mg per plant) and essential oil (395.64 mg per plant) in withering period. Nitrogen fertilizer promoted maximum root growth and increased the biomass of V. amurensis. Meanwhile, N fertilizer significantly increased the yields of valtrate to 10.46 mg per plant and valepotriates to 772.32 mg per plant among three types of fertilizers. Seedlings are obtained according to rational sowing factors and transplanting time. Topping and nitrogen fertilization emerge as superior strategies to enhance the growth and medicinal quality of this valuable plant. This study provides actionable insights for the cultivation V. amurensis.

O-103

Abstract In the mid-1970s, when women born immediately after the Second World War were at full reproductive age, the demographic transition in Europe could be considered concluded. Birth and death rates were around 10 per thousand (a quarter compared to a century earlier), fertility was around two children per woman, and the differences in fertility between countries were modest. It seemed like the end of a path towards a new demographic stability. In reality, for subsequent cohorts, things continue to change: fertility in many countries declines, while differences between countries grow. The fertility of women born around 1980 in Europe is not far from two children for France and Northern Europe, around 1.6 children in Central and Eastern Europe, around 1.4 children in Southern Europe. Although these differences may seem minimal, the medium-long term consequences on age distributions are enormous. It would be wrong, however, to say that no similar patterns of fertility exist after the end of the demographic transition. First of all, as already mentioned, there are strong similarities between countries and regions of the same geographical area: Italian fertility patterns, for example, are similar to those of other countries on the northern shore of the Mediterranean, such as Spain, Portugal, Greece and the Balkan states. Furthermore, all European countries share a progressive increase in the age at birth, both of the first and subsequent children, while late fertility (35+ years of age) increases greatly. The differences between countries are far from irrelevant. However, the variability between countries has been progressively decreasing for thirty years now. These changes in reproductive behaviours are intertwined with other important changes in Europe's natural demography. The most important is undoubtedly aging, determined by the lengthening of the average lifespan, especially by the spectacular increase in survival beyond fifty years of age. This phenomenon has also been very diversified among European states, less accentuated in particular in Eastern Europe and Russia. The imbalances in the age structure of the population generated by the joint effect of low birth rates and high survival of the elderly are attenuated by consistent and growing immigration flows from poor countries, where – contrary to what happened in Europe – the working age population grows. These population movements are accompanied by those within Europe, in particular from Eastern and Balkan countries to the other part of the continent. The future prospects of European demography are traced starting from this global description, underlining in particular what can reasonably be predicted about reproductive behaviour.

Validation of the HeartMate 3 survival risk score in a large left ventricular assist device center.

The HeartMate 3 survival risk score was recently validated in the Multicenter study Of MagLev Technology in Patients Undergoing Mechanical Circulatory Support Therapy with HeartMate 3 to predict patient-specific survival in HeartMate 3 left ventricular assist device candidates. The HeartMate 3 survival risk score stratifies individuals into tertiles according to survival probability. We performed a single-center retrospective review of all HeartMate 3 left ventricular assist device recipients between September 2017 and August 2022. Baseline characteristics were collected from the electronic medical records. HeartMate 3 survival risk scores were calculated for all eligible patients. One- and 2-year Kaplan-Meier survival analyses were conducted. A univariate and multivariable Cox regression model was used to identify predictors. A total of 181 patients were included in this final analysis. The median age was 62years, 83% were male, and 26% were Interagency Registry for Mechanically Assisted Circulatory Support Profile 1. The mean HeartMate 3 survival risk score for the entire cohort was 2.66±0.66. Two-year survivals in the high, average, and low survival groups were 93.5%±3.2%, 81.6%±7.4%, and 82.0%±6.6%, respectively. As a continuous variable, the unadjusted HeartMate 3 survival risk score was a significant predictor of mortality (hazard ratio, 2.20; 95% CI, 1.08-4.45; P=.029). The areas under the curve were 0.70 and 0.66 at 1 and 2years, respectively. We were unable to demonstrate the discriminatory ability of the HeartMate 3 survival risk score using the original stratification, but we found significantly increased survival in the high survival group using a binary cutoff (hazard ratio, 4.8; 95% CI, 1.01-20.9; P=.038). The unadjusted HeartMate 3 survival risk score was associated with postimplant survival in patients outside of the Multicenter study Of MagLev Technology in Patients Undergoing Mechanical Circulatory Support Therapy with HeartMate 3 but did not remain an independent predictor after adjusting for ischemic etiology and severe diabetes. The HeartMate 3 survival risk score was able to identify patients at high survival using a binary cutoff, but we were unable to demonstrate its discriminatory ability among the previously published risk tertiles.

Soil amendments influence early plant survival and growth in reclamation of severely degraded lands by gold mining in the Peruvian Amazon

Gold mining has been causing the most severe impacts on the soils of the Peruvian Amazon. It has created challenges for their recovery. In this context, soil amendments could play a crucial role in plant establishment in post-mining soils. The study aimed to analyze the effects of two amendments on the early plant survival and growth of seven species in the reclamation of severely degraded lands by gold mining in the Southeastern Peruvian Amazon. The study was based on a completely randomized block design, including 2-amendment treatments (T1: sawdust + island guano manure and T2: T1 + organic soil + hydrogel) and a control. The plant survivorship, height growth, diameter growth, and biomass accumulation were measured. This study found that amendments may be effective at increasing survivorship and plant growth in degraded lands by gold mining in the Peruvian Amazon. The amendments increased the survival, diameter, height, and biomass of most plant species in the study. In general, survivorship and plant growth in T2 were high compared to T1. At the end of the experiment, the highest survivorship was for an Indigofera suffruticosa and Crotalaria pallida (>80%). The diameter growth was higher in T2 than in T1. The species growing fastest in diameter (>1.5 cm) were Crotalaria cajanifolia, C. pallida and Ochroma pyramidale. Soil amendments provided similar effects on height for most species except for I. suffruticosa. Therefore, C. pallida, I. suffruticosa, C. cajanifolia and O. pyramidale are key species to be considered in reforestation and/or restoration initiatives, due to its potential to acclimate and establish itself in severely degraded areas.

Vertical Partial Laryngectomy With Temporoparietal Free-Flap Reconstruction for Recurrent Laryngeal Cancer: Long-Term Study.

Treatment options for recurrent early glottic carcinoma's include conservative and radical surgical options. These options offer similar survival benefits with different impacts of patient's quality of life. We previously present our experience with vertical partial laryngectomy (VPL) and showed high locoregional control rates with high-quality voice results and normal swallowing. A long-term retrospective review. Tertiary Care Center. We analyzed all patients underwent VPL between the years 1995 to 2018. Long-term oncologic and functional outcomes were collected. A total of 40 patients were included. The majority of whom were male (n = 38, 95%) with a mean age of 64.9 years (SD ± 9.5). With a median follow up time of 12 years (range 0-24), 9 patients (22.5%) had disease recurrence; the majority of whom (8 patients), had local recurrence and all were salvaged with total laryngectomy. Eight patients (20%) developed second primaries in the head and neck region with a median time to diagnosis of 77 months (range 8-227 months). Ten-years overall survival, disease specific survival, and local disease-free survival were 80%, 90%, and 80%, respectively. Five patients had postoperative laryngeal dysfunction with a total 10-years laryngectomy free survival of 70%. VPL has a sustainable oncologic outcome with a high long-term laryngectomy free survival rate. This entity is an acceptable conservative salvage option for selected postradiated recurrent laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma patients.

Single-cell transcriptome sequencing reveals SPP1-CD44-mediated macrophage-tumor cell interactions drive chemoresistance in TNBC.

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is often considered one of the most aggressive subtypes of breast cancer, characterized by a high recurrence rate and low overall survival (OS). It is notorious for posing challenges related to drug resistance. While there has been progress in TNBC research, the mechanisms underlying chemotherapy resistance in TNBC remain largely elusive. We collect single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data from five TNBC patients susceptible to chemotherapy and five resistant cases. Comprehensive analyses involving copy number variation (CNV), pseudotime trajectory, cell-cell interactions, pseudospace analysis, as well as transcription factor and functional enrichment are conducted specifically on macrophages and malignant cells. Furthermore, we performed validation experiments on clinical samples using multiplex immunofluorescence. We identified a subset of SPP1+ macrophages that secrete SPP1 signals interacting with CD44 on malignant cell surfaces, potentially activating the PDE3B pathway within malignant cells via the integrin pathway, leading to chemotherapy resistance. The abnormally enhanced SPP1 signal between macrophages and malignant cells may serve as a factor promoting chemotherapy resistance in TNBC patients. Therefore, SPP1+ macrophages could potentially serve as a therapeutic target to reduce chemotherapy resistance.