Significant Decrease In Survival Rate Research Articles

Effect of Variant Histopathology on Survival in Prostate Adenocarcinoma

Purpose: It was aimed to determine the possible effects of variant pathology associated with prostate adenocarcinoma on survival. Material and Methods: Data of patients who underwent radical prostatectomy for localized prostate cancer between January 2014 and 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. The survival rates according to the presence of variant histology associated with prostate adenocarcinoma were analyzed and compared in relation to the clinical and demographic data of the cases. Results: A total of 244 patients were operated for localized prostate cancer. Preoperative The ISUP grades and percentages of the patients were respectively as ISUP 1 (42%), ISUP 2 (38%), ISUP 3 (10%) and ISUP > 3 (10%). Variant histopathology was present in 26% of the patients [intraductal (81%), foamy cell (11%), ductal (6%) and neuroendocrine (2%)]. When prostate cancer and prostate cancer associated with variant histopathology groups were compared, the mean age and postoperative 1st month PSA values were 62.29± 6.36 vs 64.33± 5.77 years p=(0.025) and 0.32± 1.53 and 1.01± 2.98 ng/dl (p=0.022) respectively. Mean follow-up time for prostate cancer and prostate cancer associated with variant pathology was statistically similar (60.33±21.66 vs. 60.42±16.88 months). The mortality rates of the patients with and without variant histopathology were respectively as 11% and 14% (p=0.416). Conclusions: Associated variant pathology does not show a statistically significant decrease in survival rates of patients with localized prostate cancer receiving standard therapy. Rather, advanced age may have a role in the non-significant 3% difference in survival rate.

CT-assessed sarcopenia and prognostic nutritional index are associated with poor prognosis in oral squamous cell carcinoma.

Recently, it has been reported that sarcopenia and nutritional evaluation are associated with the prognosis of patients with cancer; however, there are only a few detailed reports on oral cancer. This single-center retrospective study aimed to analyze the relationship between computed tomography (CT)-assessed sarcopenia (CT-SP), immunocompetence, nutritional status, and the prognosis of patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). This retrospective study included patients who underwent radical therapy with surgery for OSCC between January 2014 and January 2021. Skeletal muscle in the third cervical vertebra (C3) was measured using preoperative cervical CT, and the skeletal muscle index (SMI) was calculated. Nutritional status were investigated using blood tests. The correlation between each parameter and prognosis was analyzed. The primary predictor variables were SMI, ECOG performance status, BMI, and nutritional status. The primary outcome variable was the 5-year overall survival rate (OS) and the secondary outcome variable was 5-year disease-specific survival rate (DSS). One hundred sixty-three patients were registered retrospectively. The number of patients with CT-SP was 76 (52%). In the univariate analysis, CT-SP, prognostic nutritional index (PNI), and lymphocyte-monocyte ratio (LMR) were associated with poor prognosis, with statistically significant differences in OS and DSS. In the multivariate analysis, only CT-SP was identified as an independent prognostic factor for DSS. CT-SP was significantly correlated with the PNI. CT-SP was associated with a significant decrease in survival rate in patients with OSCC. Furthermore, CT-SP was correlated with the PNI.

Outcomes of Pancreatic Resection for Elderly Patients With Pancreatic Cancer

Background Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a lethal disease with poor, albeit gradually improving, prognosis. We evaluated the predictive clinicophysiologic outcomes of elderly patients with PDAC. Methods We retrospectively examined 260 patients who underwent pancreatic resection classified into 2 groups: (A) those who were ≤80 years of age (B) and those who were >80 years of age. Operative characteristics, preoperative clinicophysiologic parameters (body mass index, jaundice decompression, total bilirubin, albumin [Alb], creatinine, hemoglobin A1c, amylase, C-reactive protein [CRP], white blood cells, lymphocytes, hemoglobin, platelets, cancer antigen 19-9, carcinoembryonic antigen, neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio, prognostic nutritional index, platelet/lymphocyte ratio, and CRP/Alb ratio), disease-free survival (DFS), and overall survival (OS) were reported. Results There were no differences in morbidity, mortality, and preoperative clinicophysiologic parameters between the groups. Median DFS of groups A and B were 15.4 and 15.5 months, respectively. One-year/3-year OS of groups A and B were 86.7%/68% and 88.4%/69.3%, respectively. There were no differences in DFS and OS between the groups. Conclusion Curative resection for PDAC can be safely performed in elderly and younger patients, and elderly patients with PDAC can benefit from curative surgery without a significant decrease in survival rates.

OPTIMISING THE TREATMENT OF PATIENTS WITH ADVANCED OVARIAN CANCER: AN ANALYSIS OF PRELIMINARY RESULTS

Summary. Aim: to evaluate surgical complications, side effects of chemotherapy, 1- and 3-year survival in patients with advanced ovarian cancer against the background of the introduction of optimized personalized treatment. Object and methods: for this purpose, a comparative analysis of the results of clinical examination and treatment of 74 patients with primary serous ovarian adenocarcinoma of stages III–IV (FIGO 2015) who were treated at the University Clinic of Odesa National Medical University was conducted. Patients were divided into 2 groups: Group IA — patients with primary ovarian cancer who were treated with primary cytoreductive surgery (PDS) + adjuvant chemotherapy (ACT) — 43 patients; IB group — patients with primary ovarian cancer who were treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) + interval cytoreductive surgery (ICS) + adjuvant chemotherapy — 16 patients. Results: the absence of statistical difference in the median overall survival in groups IA (PDS + ACT) and IB (NACT + ICS + ACT) was shown to be explained by the complete volume of cytoreduction performed. There was a change in 3-year survival from 56.3 to 70.7% (χ2 = 0.951; p = 0.329) and an increase in 5-year survival from 12.5 to 60.9% (φ = 0.0012; p < 0.05). In group IB, the percentage of postoperative complications in patients and the average length of hospital stay after cytoreductive surgery were lower than in group IA, but the difference was statistically insignificant. When comparing the frequency of side effects of paclitaxel/carboplatin chemotherapy treatment in groups IA and IB, the values of χ2 = 36.441; p = 0.0195 were obtained. Thus, it was proved that in the IB group, the toxic effects of chemotherapy of 3–4 degrees of severity were significantly more common. Conclusions: there was no statistical difference when comparing the median overall survival and progression-free survival in the study groups. It has also been shown that primary cytoreductive surgery with macroscopically visible residual masses, especially in suboptimal and suboptimal volume (CC 2-3), leads to a significant decrease in survival rates in patients with ovarian cancer.

Bilayered ceramic anterior restorations with reinforcement of the incisal edge by using lithium disilicate: A multicenter retrospective survival analysis with a maximum of 6-year follow-up

Statement of problemThe esthetics of anterior lithium disilicate restorations can be enhanced if the buccal aspect is layered with a feldspathic ceramic. However, whether fractures and chipping of this layer are a prevalent complication is unclear. PurposeThe purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate the incidence of incisal fracture of a specially designed lithium disilicate reinforcement of the incisal edge for indirect anterior bilayered restorations on both teeth and implants. Material and methodsA total of 924 anterior bilayered pressed lithium disilicate restorations in 324 patients and made in one dental laboratory were delivered by 4 restorative dentists. The restorations had the palatal side of the incisal edge in monolithic lithium disilicate and the facial side in feldspathic porcelain. The restorations were evaluated for survival and the occurrence of fracture or chipping. Survival analyses were performed by using the Kaplan-Meier and log rank (Mantel-Cox) tests (α=.05). ResultsOf the 924 restorations, 798 (236 complete crowns, 562 partial restorations) were placed on teeth and 126 on implants. The mean observation time was 38 months (3 to 72 months). The survival rate was 96.5%, with 14 failures occurring. The failures were fracture after dental trauma (n=5), ceramic fracture (n=1), debonding (n=6), poor shade match (n=1), and tooth loss (n=2). Restorations in patients with parafunctional habits and endodontically treated teeth showed a significant decrease in survival rate (P=.018). No significant differences were found between the survival of restorations on teeth and implants and between complete crowns and partial restorations (P=.021). No chipping was observed on any restorations in the study. ConclusionsModified anterior bilayered ceramic restorations showed good survival rates, and no chipping was observed up to 6 years of follow-up. Parafunctional habits and endodontic treatment had a negative effect on the survival rate of restorations. The support of tooth or implant and the restoration type had no effect on the survival.

P151. Survival rates in atlanto-occipital dissociation: A look at the past 20 years

<h3>BACKGROUND CONTEXT</h3> Atlanto-occipital dissociation (AOD) has historically been considered a fatal injury. Recent small case series, however, have suggested that AOD injuries have become increasingly survivable. There has not been an adequately powered study that confirms this. <h3>PURPOSE</h3> The aim of this study was to assess whether the survival rate for patients with AOD increased over time. <h3>STUDY DESIGN/SETTING</h3> Retrospective case series. <h3>PATIENT SAMPLE</h3> Patients with traumatic AOD identified from our Level 1 Trauma Center database <h3>OUTCOME MEASURES</h3> Mortality following traumatic AOD. <h3>METHODS</h3> Patients with traumatic AOD from 1996 to 2019 were retrospectively identified from our Level 1 Trauma Center database using International Classification of Diseases 9 and 10 codes. Patients were stratified into two cohorts- those diagnosed before August 1, 2015 and after. <h3>RESULTS</h3> A total of 52 patients met the inclusion criteria with a mean age of 35.3, ISS of 42.8, and admission GCS of 4.5. Thirty-two patients in total died. Mortality rate was 78% pre-2015 and 48% post-2015 respectively (p=.0191). Increased ISS and decreased GCS scores were associated with a significant decrease in survival rate. <h3>CONCLUSIONS</h3> AOD has been implicated as a cause of death in as high as 31% of motor vehicle fatalities. However, our study suggests that clinicians have been more vigilant in early diagnosis and treatment of AOD, as mortality rates have decreased over time. Possible reasons for the improved survival rate seen in this study include: increased awareness of AOD, improved protocols/ more uniform CT based imaging, and advances in the care of these patients. <h3>FDA DEVICE/DRUG STATUS</h3> This abstract does not discuss or include any applicable devices or drugs.

Hyperuricemia causes kidney damage by promoting autophagy and NLRP3-mediated inflammation in rats with urate oxidase deficiency.

ABSTRACTEpidemiological research has shown that elevated serum urate concentration is a risk factor for the development of kidney disease; however, the mechanisms underlying this process have not yet been elucidated. To examine the role of urate in the kidney, we used Wistar rats to functionally disrupt expression of urate oxidase (UOX) by using the CRISPR/Cas9 system. In comparison to wild-type (WT) rats, serum urate levels spontaneously and persistently increased in UOX-KO rats, without showing a significant decrease in survival rate. Architecture and function of the kidneys in UOX-KO rats were impaired. Injury to the kidney resulted in increased interstitial fibrosis, macrophage infiltration, increased expression of NLRP3 and IL-1β, and activation of multiple cell-signaling pathways associated with autophagy, such as AMPK, p38 MAPK, ERK and JNK pathways. Inhibition of autophagy with the PI3K inhibitor 3-MA abrogated the development of kidney damage and attenuated renal fibrosis, macrophage infiltration, and expression of NLRP3 and IL-1β in injured kidneys. In conclusion, the UOX-KO rat is a great model to study hyperuricemia-related diseases. Hyperuricemia-induced autophagy and NLRP3-dependent inflammation are critically involved in the development of renal damage and, therefore, highlight the inhibition of autophagy and inflammation in search of therapeutic strategies to treat uric acid nephropathy.

Cloning, Expression Analysis, 20-Hydroxyecdysone Induction, and RNA Interference Study of Autophagy-Related Gene 8 from Heortia vitessoides Moore.

Autophagy is a highly conserved and regulated process in eukaryotic cells and remodels cytoplasm, recovers essential nutrients, and disposes of unwanted cytoplasmic components. Autophagy-related gene (ATG) 8, identified in Heortia vitessoides Moore, which is an oligophagous pest of Aquilaria sinensis (Lour.), was characterized (HvATG8). Multiple sequence alignment showed that HvATG8 possesses highly conserved domain structures. Stage- and tissue-specific expressions indicated that HvATG8 is highly expressed in prepupal, pupal, and adult stages and in the midgut of larvae and abdomen of adults. Lack of function of HvATG8 by RNA interference resulted in a significant decrease in survival rate and an increase in abnormal or nonviable phenotypes in H. vitessoides. Transition rate from larval to pupal stages was 33.0% and from pupal to adult stages was 15.0% after injection. Reduction of ATG8 expression reduced survival of H. vitessoides. Therefore, HvATG8 possibly plays a key role in normal growth stage of H. vitessoides. HvATG8 suppression downregulates HvATG3 expression, suggesting that the two genes are interconnected. Further, HvATG8 expression increased by 20-hydroxyecdysone treatment, starvation, and extreme temperature exposure. Starvation also altered expression of other ATGs in H. vitessoide. This study may be used to guide research on molecular mechanisms of autophagy in insects.

Double-stranded RNA targeting vATPase B reveals a potential target for pest management of Henosepilachna vigintioctopunctata

The development of genetic based techniques, specifically RNA interference (RNAi), has emerged as a powerful tool in novel pest management strategies for pestiferous coleoptera. The 28-spotted ladybird beetle, Henosepilachna vigintioctopunctata, is a dynamic foliar pest of solenaceous plants, primarily potato plants, and has quickly become one of the most important pests attacking many crops in Asian countries. In this study, we demonstrate the efficacy of dietary RNAi targeting vATPase B, which led to significant gene silencing. Downstream effects of vATPase B silencing appeared to be both time- and partial dose-dependent. Our results indicate that silencing of vATPase B caused a significant decrease in survival rate, as well as reduced the food stuffs consumption and inhibited the overall development of H. vigintioctopunctata. Furthermore, results demonstrate expression of insect melanism related genes, TH and DDC, was significantly up regulated under the dsvATPase B (RNAi molecule designed against vATPase B) treatment. The impact of oral dsvATPase B delivery on the survival of 1st, 3rd instars, and adults was investigated through bacterially expressed dsRNA. The effectiveness of RNAi-based gene silencing in H. vigintioctopunctata provides a powerful reverse genetic tool for the functional annotation of its genes. This study demonstrates that vATPase B may represent a candidate gene for RNAi-based control of H. vigintioctopunctata.

Abstract P3-08-41: Central nervous system metastases in breast cancer: The impact of age on patterns of development and outcome

Abstract Background: Breast cancer is the second most common cause of central nervous system (CNS) metastasis, leading to a significant decrease in survival rate. High risk groups for CNS involvement include younger age, human epidermal growth factor 2 (HER2) over-expression, estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR) negativity, high histologic grade, and presence of systemic metastases. Young age at diagnosis of breast cancer is associated with more aggressive biological behavior and worse prognosis than in the elderly. However, data are limited regarding CNS involvement in this group of patients. Although it could be expected that younger patients would also have a poor prognosis after the diagnosis of CNS metastases, earlier studies have demonstrated conflicting results, some with favorable outcomes for this unique group. In this study we aimed to explore the differences in the patterns and outcome of CNS involvement according to age at diagnosis of breast cancer (≤45 years vs. &amp;gt;45 years). Methods: A retrospective database of consecutive breast cancer patients who were treated in our institute and were diagnosed with CNS metastases during 2006-2019 was generated. Data analyzed included age at diagnosis of breast cancer, age at diagnosis of CNS involvement, histopathological factors (histology, grade, hormone receptor and HER2 status), treatments given before and after CNS involvement, characteristics of CNS involvement (location, number of brain deposits, clinical manifestations), overall survival, time to CNS progression, and survival after diagnosis of CNS disease. Results: Study cohort was comprised of 174 patients: 65 patients were age≤45 and 109 patients were older than 45 at breast cancer diagnosis. The percentage of patients with triple-negative breast cancer was higher among the younger age group (24.6% vs. 14.7%). Median overall survival from breast cancer diagnosis was significantly longer for younger patients [117.1 months (95% CI 67.2-167) vs. 88 months (95% CI 65.6-110.4), p=0.017]. Median time from breast cancer diagnosis to development of CNS metastases was also significantly longer in the younger age group [58.1 months (95% CI 46.5-69.6) vs. 37.5 months (95% CI 22.9-52.2), p=0.021]. Median survival as measured from time of CNS involvement was 18.7 months (95% CI 10.8-26.6) in the younger group vs. 11.1 months (95% CI 7.8-14.5) in the older patients (p=0.341). Survival of patients with triple-negative breast cancer from time of CNS metastases diagnosis was significantly longer for the younger age group [22.5 months (95% CI 1.2-43.8) vs. 7.9 months (95% CI .77-15.1), p=0.033]. The number, location and clinical presentation of CNS metastases were not statistically different between the two groups. Systemic and CNS-directed treatment approaches were also similar. Conclusion: While the presentation of CNS metastasis was similar between the different age groups, younger patients had significantly longer CNS-free interval and longer overall survival. Numerically, after diagnosis of CNS involvement younger patients had longer survival, but the difference was statistically significant only for patients with triple-negative disease. Citation Format: Matan Ben-Zion Berliner, Shlomit Yust-Katz, Inbar Lavie, Alexandra Amiel, Dalia Zoref, Daniel Hendler, Hadar Goldvaser, Michal Sarfaty, Ofer Rotem, Olga Ulitsky, Tali Siegal, Victoria Neiman, Rinat Yerushalmi. Central nervous system metastases in breast cancer: The impact of age on patterns of development and outcome [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2019 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2019 Dec 10-14; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P3-08-41.

Tolerance and bio-accumulation of aflatoxin B1 in invertebrate Litopenaeus vannamei and vertebrate Oreochromis niloticus

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is a mycotoxin that is commonly detected in aquatic feed in tropical and subtropical regions. The toxic effects in shrimp and fish tissues following exposure to chronic AFB1 exposure has been studied but there is no information on tolerance between different species. This study was designed to compare the tolerance of AFB1 between invertebrate Litopenaeus vannamei and vertebrate Oreochromis niloticus. The emphasis was on growth profile, biotransformation, histopathology and AFB1 accumulation following exposure to increasing doses of AFB1. 182 shrimps and 146 tilapia were used and divided into control and AFB1 exposure groups. Shrimp were exposed to 1.5-fold increasing doses of 1.2, 1.8, 2.7, 4, 6 mg/kg AFB1 and tilapia to 3.2, 4.8, 7.2, 10.8, 16.2 mg/kg of AFB1 for 20 d with a 4-day exposure to each AFB1 with the shrimp/fish sacrificed on the last day of exposed dose(s). At each time point the controls were also sacrificed. A significant decrease in survival rate and weight gain (WG) was observed in shrimp. Higher AFB1 doses caused a decline in tilapia WG. Dose responsive AFB1 accumulation was evident in muscle and shrimp hepatopancreas /tilapia liver. The concentration of AFB1 was significantly higher in shrimp hepatopancreas (22.76–72.89 ng/g) than in tilapia liver (6.68–19.45 ng/g) in spite of exposure to a higher dose regime. The muscle AFB1 concentration in both species ranged from 0 to 20 ng/g. The shrimp hepatopancreas cytochrome b5 (Cyt b5) concentration increased initially but declined after >4 mg/kg AFB1 exposure. The tilapia liver Cyt b5 content declined after >10.8 mg/kg AFB1. In the shrimp hepatopancreas, a marked induction of enzymes, aniline hydroxylase (AH), NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase (NCCR), 7-ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase (EROD), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), sulfotransferase (SULT) and uridinediphosphate glucuronyltransferase (UGT) were observed. Only some of these enzymes, namely, EROD, GST, UGT and SULT but not AH or NCCR were induced in tilapia liver. Hepatopancreas/liver damage in shrimp/fish was marked at higher AFB1 doses. Marked changes in the shrimp hepatopancreatic cell structure was observed in shrimp at concentrations >6 mg/kg AFB1. This study showed that shrimp are more susceptible to AFB1 than tilapia and further studies are required to determine the role of AH and NCCR enzymes in species differences to AFB1 toxicity.

Toxic Effects of Hydroxyl- and Amine-functionalized Silica Nanoparticles (SiO2 and NH2-SiO2 NPs) on Caenorhabditis elegans

ABSTRACT Silica nanoparticles (SiO2 NPs) are engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) that have a wide range of application. Increased use in manufacturing has led to concerns about their environmental impact and possible adverse health effects. We conducted a comparative toxicity assessment of bare SiO2-NPs and amine-functionalized SiO2 NPs (NH2-SiO2 NPs) utilizing the Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) in vivo model. L1 nematodes were exposed to exposure concentrations of 0.25, 0.5, 2.5, and 5 mg mL–1 until the worms reached the L4 stage. The chronic lethality and lifespan assays revealed a significant decrease in survival rate and lifespan at 2.5 and 5 mg mL–1 for nematodes exposed to bare SiO2 NPs (89% and 88%; 22 days, p < 0.05 and 14 days, p < 0.05) and at 5 mg mL–1 for the NH2-SiO2 NPs-exposed group (86%; 20 days, p < 0.001). Exposure to all SiO2 NP concentrations reduced progeny production to 79–60% while exposure to 2.5 and 5 mg mL–1 of NH2-SiO2 NPs significantly reduced the brood size to 64–63%. Neurobehavioral toxicity was also observed in the SiO2 NP-exposed worms, which displayed significantly decreased head thrashing for up to 92–71% and in the NH2-SiO2 NPs-exposed worms which showed significantly reduced head thrashing movement for up to 91–85% at concentrations of 0.5-5 mg mL–1. Body bending movements were also significantly reduced at 0.5–5 mg mL–1 SiO2 NPs (71–34%) and 2.5–5 mg mL–1 NH2-SiO2 NPs (94–66%). Significant shortening of body size was also observed in nematodes exposed to 0.5–5 mg mL–1 for both SiO2 NPs (93–81%) and NH2-SiO2 NPs (94–88%). Overall, bare SiO2 NPs were observed to be more toxic due to the negatively charged surface OH groups, which may have disrupted protein homeostasis, resulting in the observed toxicities. We suggest that functionality is an important indicator in nanosafety evaluations.

Mortality and the Risk Factors in Elderly Female Patients With Femoral Neck and Trochanteric Fractures.

BackgroundThe main purpose of this study is to exhaustively explore risk factors, including age, gender, and several clinical indices, for mortality in elderly patients with femoral neck fracture and to evaluate some of them using survival analyses.MethodsThis was a retrospective study tracking 1 year for vital prognosis. Data were collected at post-operation from medical records of the cases. Survival analysis was conducted to investigate the risk factors for death, including albumin, urinary retention, activity of daily living (ADL), and cognitive disorder.ResultsWe recruited 318 patients with a history of hip surgery carried out at Toyama Municipal Hospital, in which 39 patients died for 1 year after discharge. The results showed a significant decrease in survival rate in low albumin, positive urinary retention, and low ADL (P < 0.01, by log-rank test). The hazard ratios (95% confidence interval) of albumin, urinary retention, ADL, and cognitive disorder were 0.36 (0.19 - 0.69), 0.4 (0.2 - 0.8), 0.29 (0.15 - 0.58) and 0.65 (0.32 - 1.29), respectively.ConclusionsThis study demonstrated that albumin, urinary retention and ADL were the important risk factors for mortality, and suggested that the postoperative management of albumin, urinary retention and ADL is important, especially in elderly female patients receiving surgery of femoral neck and trochanteric fractures.

RNA interference of muscle actin and ATP synthase beta increases mortality of the phytoplasma vector Euscelidius variegatus.

RNA interference (RNAi) techniques have emerged as powerful tools to develop novel management strategies for the control of insect pests. The leafhopper Euscelidius variegatus is a natural vector of chrysanthemum yellows phytoplasma and a laboratory vector of Flavescence dorée phytoplasma. Phytoplasmas are insect-borne bacterial plant pathogens that cause economically relevant crop losses worldwide. In this study, we demonstrated that microinjection of muscle actin and ATP synthase β double-stranded (ds)RNAs into adult insects caused an exponential reduction in the expression of both genes, which began within 72 h of dsRNA administration and lasted for 14 days, leading to almost complete silencing of the target genes. Such silencing effects on muscle actin expression appeared to be both time- and dose-dependent. Our results also showed that the knockdown of both genes caused a significant decrease in survival rates in comparison with green fluorescent protein (GFP) dsRNA-injected control insects. The effectiveness of RNAi-based gene silencing in E. variegatus guarantees the availability of a powerful reverse genetic tool for the functional annotation of its genes and the identification of those potentially involved in the interaction with phytoplasmas. In addition, this study demonstrated that muscle actin and ATP synthase β may represent candidate genes for RNAi-based control of E. variegatus. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.

Gender-related differences in men and women with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction and incomplete infarct-related artery flow restoration: a multicenter national registry.

IntroductionLittle is known about gender-related differences in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and incomplete infarct-related artery (IRA) reperfusion after primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI).AimTo evaluate gender-related differences in clinical characteristics and prognosis in patients with STEMI and incomplete IRA reperfusion after pPCI.Material and methodsFrom 42,752 STEMI patients hospitalized between 2009 and 2011 in Poland we analyzed a group of 984 (36%) females and 1,746 (64%) males with less than Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) grade 3 flow following pPCI.ResultsWomen were older than men (72.0 ±11.3 vs. 64.0 ±11.7 years; p < 0.0001) and in age-adjusted analysis they were more likely to present with hypertension (73.7% vs. 67%; p = 0.0003), diabetes (33% vs. 22.6%; p < 0.0001) and obesity (28.1% vs. 22.6%; p = 0.0016). Heart rate > 100 beats/min was more common in women, while men were more often smokers and presented with sudden cardiac arrest. The most common IRA in women was the left anterior descending artery, and the right coronary artery in men. After adjusting for age statistically significant differences in pharmacotherapy concerned only the use of insulin (OR = 1.31, 95% CI: 1.02–1.68). High risk of death, rehospitalization due to heart failure or cardiac causes, were observed in all patients during the 6-month and 12-month follow-up periods. The risk of heart failure was significantly higher in women than in men. The most significant decrease in survival rates was observed in the in-hospital period.ConclusionsAmong patients with STEMI and post-interventional TIMI flow grade < 3 women have unfavorable baseline characteristics and an adverse short- and long-term prognosis when compared to men.

Spirotetramat Resistance Selected in the Phenacoccus solenopsis (Homoptera: Pseudococcidae): Cross-Resistance Patterns, Stability, and Fitness Costs Analysis.

The Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley (Homoptera: Pseudococcidae) is a major agricultural and horticultural pest of crops throughout the world. To develop a better resistance management strategy for P. solenopsis, we conducted a study on life history parameters of different populations of this pest, one selected with spirotetramat (Spiro-SEL), an unselected (UNSEL) population, and their reciprocal crosses. We also studied the cross-resistance and the stability of spirotetramat resistance. The Spiro-SEL of P. solenopsis exhibited a 328.69-fold resistance compared to the susceptible population (Lab-PK). The Spiro-SEL population also displayed a moderate level of cross-resistance to profenofos and bifenthrin and a high level of cross-resistance to abamectin. Resistance to spirotetramat in Spiro-SEL was unstable in the absence of selection. The study of life history parameters showed that there was a significant reduction in fitness parameters of Spiro-SEL population with a relative fitness value of 0.14. There was a significant decrease in survival rate, pupal weight, fecundity, egg hatching percentage, male and female generation time, intrinsic rate of population increase of males and females, biotic potential, and mean relative growth rate. It is concluded that selection with spirotetramat had marked effect on resistance development in P. solenopsis and upon removal of selection pressure spirotetramat resistance declined significantly, indicating unstable resistance. Development of resistance led to high fitness costs for the spirotetramat-selected population. Our study may provide the basic information on spirotetramat resistance and its mechanism to help develop the resistance management strategies.

A carcinogenicity study of diphenylarsinic acid in F344 rats in drinking water for 104 weeks.

Diphenylarsinic acid (DPAA), a neurotoxic organic arsenical used as a chemical warfare agent, is present in the groundwater and soil in some regions of Japan due to illegal dumping after World War II. We previously demonstrated that DPAA promotes diethylnitrosamine-induced liver carcinogenesis in a medium-term rat liver bioassay. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the potential carcinogenicity of DPAA, including investigation of whether the bile duct hyperplasia in the liver that was observed in a previous 52 week rat chronic study develops into a tumor, when administered to rats in their drinking water for 104 weeks. DPAA was administered to groups 1-4 at concentrations of 0, 5, 10, and 20 ppm in their drinking water for 104 weeks. A significant decrease in survival rate was found for females in the 20 ppm DPAA group. Body weights of males in the 20 ppm and females in the 10 and 20 ppm DPAA groups were significantly decreased compared to the controls. Overall histopathological evaluation of neoplasms in all tissues showed no significant increase of tumor incidence in any organ or tissue of the 5, 10, or 20 ppm DPAA-treated male or female F344 rats. In conclusion, the present study demonstrated that DPAA is not a complete carcinogen in male or female F344 rats.

Gammarus fossarum (Crustacea, Amphipoda) as a model organism to study the effects of silver nanoparticles

Amphipods are one of the most important components of freshwater ecosystems. Among them, gammarids are the most widespread group in Europe and are often used as bioindicators and model organisms in ecotoxicology. However, their use, especially of Gammarus fossarum for the study of the environmental impact of nanoparticles, has been rather limited so far.G. fossarum was selected to assess effects of well-characterized chemically synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs 20nm and 200nm) and “green” laboratory synthetized (from plant leaf extracts) AgNPs (AgNPs 23nm and 27nm). AgNO3 was used as a positive control to compare AgNPs effects and silver ions effects. A multibiomarker approach was used to investigate the sub-lethal effects of AgNPs on physiological and behavioural responses of G. fossarum.Two different experiments were carried out. In a preliminary experiment, two populations of G. fossarum (G.f1 and G.f2) were tested for sensitivity differences and the most sensitive one was exposed, in a final experiment, to sub-lethal concentrations of AgNO3 and the most toxic AgNPs. AgNO3 and AgNPs 23nm led to a significant decrease in survival rates, osmoregulation and locomotor activity. Ag internalisation, performed with Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (SIMS), showed the presence of silver in gills of G.f2 exposed to AgNPs 23 and 27nm.This study highlighted the influence of method of synthesis on ion release, uptake and toxic effects of AgNPs on G. fossarum. Osmoregulation appeared to be an effective biomarker indicating the physiological health status of G. fossarum. Locomotor activity, which was the most impacted response, reflects the potential effects of released ions from AgNPs 23nm at the population level as locomotion is necessary for foraging, finding mates and escaping from predators. Therefore, we propose G. fossarum as a suitable model for environmental nanotoxicology, providing information both at individual and population levels.

Cryopreservation of Gemmae from the Liverwort Marchantia polymorpha L.

The liverwort Marchantia polymorpha L. is one of the key model plants in evo–devo studies, and an increasing number of transgenic and mutant lines have been established. For reliable long-term preservation of M. polymorpha plants, spores have been used, but crossing is indispensable to obtain them. Gemmae, however, are vegetative clones and readily available in large numbers without crossing, thereby enabling the clonal preservation and rapid propagation of transgenic or mutant lines. Here, we report a simple cryopreservation protocol for in vitro grown M. polymorpha gemmae using aluminum cryoplates. Gemmae were pre-cultured on sucrose-containing medium, embedded in calcium alginate gel on the surface of a cryoplate, moderately dehydrated and stored in liquid nitrogen. After rapid thawing, the stored gemmae showed a 100% survival rate. Our protocol does not require plant growth regulators such as ABA, and takes only 1 h to complete except for 1 d of pre-culture. Furthermore, gemmae treated as described above but then air-dried for 2 h can be stored at −80°C for at least 1 year without a significant decrease in survival rate, which is convenient for most laboratories that have a −80°C freezer but not a liquid nitrogen container for long-term storage. These preservation techniques for M. polymorpha should increase their availability in the research community.

Cortisol as a marker for increased mortality in patients with incidental adrenocortical adenomas.

Incidental benign adrenocortical adenomas, adrenal incidentalomas are found in 4.5% of abdominal computed tomography scans, with the incidence increasing to 10% in patients older than 70 years of age. These incidentalomas frequently show evidence of excess cortisol secretion but without overt Cushing's syndrome. The mortality rate is increased in Cushing's syndrome. This study sought to investigate whether patients with adrenal incidentalomas have an increased mortality. This was a retrospective, longitudinal cohort study. The study was carried out in an Endocrine Investigation Unit in a University Teaching Hospital. Two hundred seventy-two consecutive patients with an incidental adrenal mass underwent a dedicated diagnostic protocol, which included dexamethasone testing for hypercortisolism between 2005 and 2013. Overall survival was assessed in 206 patients with a benign, adrenocortical adenoma. Survival analysis was carried out by using Kaplan-Meier curves and the effect of dexamethasone cortisol estimated by Cox-regression analysis. Cause-specific mortality was ascertained from death certificates and compared with local and national data. Eighteen of 206 patients died and the mean time (SD) from diagnosis to death was 3.2 (1.7) years. Seventeen of 18 patients who died had a post dexamethasone cortisol >1.8 μg/dL and there was a significant decrease in survival rate with increasing dexamethasone cortisol levels (P = .001). Compared with the <1.8 μg/dL group, the hazard ratio (95% confidence interval) for the 1.8-5 μg/dL group was 12.0 (1.6-92.6) whereas that of the >5 μg/dL group was 22.0 (2.6-188.3). Fifty percent and 33% of deaths were secondary to circulatory or respiratory/infective causes, respectively. PATIENTS with adrenal incidentalomas and a post-dexamethasone serum cortisol >1.8 μg/dL have increased mortality, mainly related to cardiovascular disease and infection.