Characterization and predictive value of volume changes of extremity and pelvis soft tissue sarcomas during radiation therapy prior to definitive wide excision

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to characterize and evaluate the clinical significance of volume changes of soft tissue sarcomas during radiation therapy (RT), prior to definitive surgical resection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with extremity or pelvis soft tissue sarcomas treated at our institution from 2013 to 2016 with RT prior to resection were identified retrospectively. Tumor volumes were measured using cone-beam computed tomography obtained daily during RT. Linear regression evaluated the linearity of volume changes. Kruskal-Wallis tests, Mann-Whitney U tests, and linear regression evaluated predictors of volume change. Logistic and Cox regression evaluated volume change as a predictor of resection margin status, histologic treatment response, and tumor recurrence. RESULTS: Thirty-three patients were evaluated. Twenty-nine tumors were high grade. Prior to RT, median tumor volume was 189 mL (range, 7.2 to 4,885 mL). Sixteen tumors demonstrated significant linear volume changes during RT. Of these, 5 tumors increased and 11 decreased in volume. Myxoid liposarcoma (n = 5, 15%) predicted decreasing tumor volume (p = 0.0002). Sequential chemoradiation (n = 4, 12%) predicted increasing tumor volume (p = 0.008) and corresponded to longer times from diagnosis to RT (p = 0.01). Resection margins were positive in three cases. Five patients experienced local recurrence, and 7 experienced distant recurrence, at median 8.9 and 6.9 months post-resection, respectively. Volume changes did not predict resection margin status, local recurrence, or distant recurrence. CONCLUSION: Volume changes of pelvis and extremity soft tissue sarcomas followed linear trends during RT. Volume changes reflected histologic subtype and treatment characteristics but did not predict margin status or recurrence after resection.

Synergistic effect of calcium stearate and photo treatment on the rate of biodegradation of low density polyethylene spent saline vials.

The biodegradation of spent saline bottles, a low density polyethylene product (LDPE) by two selected Arthrobacter sp. under in vitro conditions is reported. Chemical and UV pretreatment play a vital role in enhancing the rate of biodegradation. Treated LDPE film exhibits a higher weight loss and density when compared to untreated films. Arthrobacter oxydans and Arthrobacter globiformis grew better in medium containing pretreated film than in medium containing untreated film. The decrease in density and weight loss of LDPE was also more for pretreated film when compared to untreated film indicating the affect of abiotic treatment on mechanical properties of LDPE. The decrease in the absorbance corresponding to carbonyl groups and double bonds that were generated during pretreatment suggest that some of the double bonds were cut by Arthrobacter species. Since Arthrobacter sp. are capable of degrading urea, splitting of urea group were also seen in FTIR spectrum indicating the evidence of biodegradation after microbial incubation. The results indicated that biodegradation rate could be enhanced by exposing LDPE to calcium stearate (a pro-oxidant) which acts as an initiator for the oxidation of the polymers leading to a decrease of molecular weight and formation of hydrophilic group. Therefore, the initial step for biodegradation of many inert polymers depends on a photo-oxidation of those polymers. The application in sufficient details with improved procedures utilizing recombinant microorganism with polymer degradation capacity can lead to a better plastic waste management in biomedical field. The present plastic disposal trend of waste accumulation can be minimized with this promising eco-friendly technique.

tepary bean diet and exercise delays indices of type 2 diabetes in female fa/fa rats

Legumes have been shown to protect against the development of type 2 diabetes [T2D]. Previous work has focused on the impact of legumes on the glycemic index with little attention given to other physiological changes. Considerable evidence also demonstrates that exercise is beneficial for diabetic individuals. This study sought to determine the individual and synergistic effects of a legume diet and exercise on indices of T2D and tested the hypothesis that the synergy of these factors would protect against typical changes in glycemic hormones and lipids across the weight gain and insulin resistant stage of development in genetically obese rats. Fatty Zucker [fa/fa] rats, 6-7 wks of age were assigned to one of four treatment groups [n = 10/group]; 1] tepary bean diet and exercise [TE], 2] tepary bean diet [T], 3] control diet and exercise [CE], 4] control diet [C]. A legume diet and exercise [TE] resulted in significantly less weight gain [126 g vs. 222 g in [C]] and lower body mass compared to animals in other treatment groups. The interaction of [TE] also resulted in significantly lower serum insulin compared to [C] animals across the study period. Diet [T] alone, significantly decreased serum triglycerides and cholesterol relative to [C] animals. Our results indicate that a tepary bean diet, with exercise, can decrease typical changes in weight gain, glycemia and lipid profile in fa/fa rats. The adoption of such a program in individuals showing signs of T2D would also likely serve to protect against these physiological changes