The Scarface Score: Deciphering Response to DNA Damage Agents in High-Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer-A GEICO Study.

Genomic Instability (GI) is a transversal phenomenon shared by several tumor types that provide both prognostic and predictive information. In the context of high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC), response to DNA-damaging agents such as platinum-based and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors (PARPi) has been closely linked to deficiencies in the DNA repair machinery by homologous recombination repair (HRR) and GI. In this study, we have developed the Scarface score, an integrative algorithm based on genomic and transcriptomic data obtained from the NGS analysis of a prospective GEICO cohort of 190 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tumor samples from patients diagnosed with HGSOC with a median follow up of 31.03 months (5.87-159.27 months). In the first step, three single-source models, including the SNP-based model (accuracy = 0.8077), analyzing 8 SNPs distributed along the genome; the GI-based model (accuracy = 0.9038) interrogating 28 parameters of GI; and the HTG-based model (accuracy = 0.8077), evaluating the expression of 7 genes related with tumor biology; were proved to predict response. Then, an ensemble model called the Scarface score was found to predict response to DNA-damaging agents with an accuracy of 0.9615 and a kappa index of 0.9128 (p < 0.0001). The Scarface Score approaches the routine establishment of GI in the clinical setting, enabling its incorporation as a predictive and prognostic tool in the management of HGSOC.

Optimised Sunflower Oil Content for Encapsulation by Vibrating Technology as a Rejuvenating Solution for Asphalt Self-Healing.

This study aimed to determine an optimal dosage of sunflower oil (i.e., Virgin Cooking Oil, VCO) as a rejuvenator for asphalt self-healing purposes, evaluating its effect on the chemical (carbonyl, and sulfoxide functional groups), physical (penetration, softening point, and viscosity), and rheological (dynamic shear modulus, and phase angle) properties of long-term aged (LTA) bitumen. Five concentrations of sunflower oil (VCO) were used: 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, and 5% vol. of LTA bitumen. VCO was encapsulated in alginate biopolymer under vibrating jet technology using three biopolymer:oil (B:O) mass ratios: 1:1, 1:5, and 1:9. The physical, thermal, and mechanical properties of the capsules were studied, as well as their effect on the physical properties of dense asphalt mixtures. The main results showed that an optimal VCO content of 4% vol. restored the chemical, physical, and rheological properties of LTA bitumen to a short-term ageing (STA) level. VCO capsules with B:O ratios of 1:5 presented good thermal and mechanical stability, with high encapsulation efficiency. Depending on the B:O ratio, the VCO capsule dosage to rejuvenate LTA bitumen and asphalt mixtures varied between 5.03-15.3% wt. and 0.24-0.74% wt., respectively. Finally, the capsule morphology significantly influenced the bulk density of the asphalt mixtures.

Laboratory Cross-Comparison and Ring Test Trial for Tumor BRCA Testing in a Multicenter Epithelial Ovarian Cancer Series: The BORNEO GEICO 60-0 Study.

Germline and tumor BRCA testing constitutes a valuable tool for clinical decision-making in the management of epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) patients. Tissue testing is able to identify both germline (g) and somatic (s) BRCA variants, but tissue preservation methods and the widespread implementation of NGS represent pre-analytical and analytical challenges that need to be managed. This study was carried out on a multicenter prospective GEICO cohort of EOC patients with known gBRCA status in order to determine the inter-laboratory reproducibility of tissue sBRCA testing. The study consisted of two independent experimental approaches, a bilateral comparison between two reference laboratories (RLs) testing 82 formalin-paraffin-embedded (FFPE) EOC samples each, and a Ring Test Trial (RTT) with five participating clinical laboratories (CLs) evaluating the performance of tissue BRCA testing in a total of nine samples. Importantly, labs employed their own locally adopted next-generation sequencing (NGS) analytical approach. BRCA mutation frequency in the RL sub-study cohort was 23.17%: 12 (63.1%) germline and 6 (31.6%) somatic. Concordance between the two RLs with respect to BRCA status was 84.2% (gBRCA 100%). The RTT study distributed a total of nine samples (three commercial synthetic human FFPE references, three FFPE, and three OC DNA) among five CLs. The median concordance detection rate among them was 64.7% (range: 35.3-70.6%). Analytical discrepancies were mainly due to the minimum variant allele frequency thresholds, bioinformatic pipeline filters, and downstream variant interpretation, some of them with consequences of clinical relevance. Our study demonstrates a wide range of concordance in the identification and interpretation of BRCA sequencing data, highlighting the relevance of establishing standard criteria for detecting, interpreting, and reporting BRCA variants.

Comparative Study of Three Dyes' Adsorption onto Activated Carbon from Chenopodium quinoa Willd and Quillaja saponaria.

The present study shows porous activated carbon obtained from Chenopodium quinoa Willd and Quillaja saponaria and their use as potential adsorbents to remove three types of dyes from aqueous solutions. The adsorption results were compared with commercial charcoal to check their efficiency. All porous carbon materials were activated using carbon dioxide and steam and fully characterized. Moreover, the steam-activated samples exhibited a high total pore volume with a BET surface area of around 800 m2 g−1. Batch adsorption experiments showed that commercial charcoal is the charcoal that offered the best adsorption efficiency for tartrazine and sunset yellow FCF. However, in the case of crystal violet, all activated carbons obtained from Chenopodium quinoa Willd and Quillaja saponaria showed the best captures, outperforming commercial charcoal. Molecular dockings of the dyes on the commercial charcoal surface were performed using AutoDock Vina. The kinetic results of the three isotherm's models for the present data follow the order: Langmuir~Freundlich > Temkin.

Upgrading of pine tannin biochars as electrochemical capacitor electrodes.

Biochar derived from the pyrolysis of pine tannin is a green and available by-product of oil manufacturing that presents interesting features after having been activated by KOH at 650 °C. Different weight ratios of KOH to biochar were used and the resulting activated carbons (ACs) presented highly developed specific surface areas of up to 2190 m2 g-1, well-connected porosity and high oxygen content, leading to enhanced electrochemical performance when used as electrochemical capacitor electrodes in a 1 M H2SO4 aqueous electrolyte. Galvanostatic charge/discharge experiments evidenced that the best material achieved a maximum electrode capacitance of up to 232 F g-1 (at 0.5 A g-1) with a capacitance retention of 70% at 10 A g-1 using commercial mass loadings (i.e., approx. 10 mg cm-2). In addition, long cycling stability with a residual capacitance of 92 to 94% after 10,000 cycles at 5 A g-1 was achieved. These results prove that ACs derived from pine tannin biochars have great potential for their commercial use as electrochemical energy storage devices.

Neoadjuvant and adjuvant treatments in muscle-invasive bladder cancer: Where are we?

OBJECTIVES: Fifty percent of muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) patients succumb from metastatic disease despite radical cystectomy (RC). Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) and adjuvant chemotherapy (ACT) randomized clinical trials (RCT) investigated whether peri-operative chemotherapy improves survival. More recently, immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) are explored as peri-operative single agent, ICI-ICI or ICI-chemotherapy combinations. Our goal is to provide the status of neoadjuvant and adjuvant treatment in MIBC. METHODS: The literature on NAC and ACT trials in MIBC was reviewed. RESULTS: Since the 1980s, NAC RCTs were performed in cisplatin-fit patients, mainly using cisplatin combination chemotherapy. Meta-analyses indicated a small, but significant 5% improvement in overall survival in T2-T4N0M0 MIBC patients. Mostly MVAC or gemcitabine-cisplatin (GC) regimens were used without clear benefit of one regimen over the other. NAC value in N+MIBC is not established and predictive value of associated~25-40% complete downstaging (pathologically confirmed complete regression, pCR) not unequivocally demonstrated. Adjuvant cisplatin-based chemotherapy RCTs were smaller, some prematurely stopped for poor accrual, and underpowered to demonstrate clear statistical evidence for a 5% overall survival advantage in pT3-T4N1-3M0 MIBC. Novel neoadjuvant immune checkpoint inhibitors, alone or with chemotherapy, phase 2 trials demonstrate down staging and encouraging clinical results. CONCLUSIONS: Neoadjuvant MVAC or GC in cT2-T4N0 MIBC patients fit for cisplatin is still recommended based on OS benefit shown in meta-analyses, butreal-world adherence to NAC is low as ~40-50% ofpatients are unfit for cisplatin. The value of neoadjuvant treatment in node-positive MIBC is not clearly demonstrated requiring more accurate clinical staging and prospective studies. Adjuvant cisplatin-based chemotherapy may be considered in selected, chemo-naïve pT3-T4N+patients. Results from prospective checkpoint inhibitor immunotherapy RCTs are needed before immunotherapy becomes a recommended alternative for peri-operative treatment. Molecular tumour subtyping will support selecting novel agents for neoadjuvant or adjuvant strategies.

OBJETIVOS: El 50% de los tumores vesicales invasivos acaban siendo metastáticos todos y con la cistectomía radical. Los ensayos prospectivos randomizados de quimioterapia neoadyuvante y adyuvante investigaron si la quimioterapia perioperatoria mejoraba la supervivencia. Recientemente, los inhibidores de checkpoint han sido estudiados como única terapia perioperatoria o en combinaciones con quimioterapia. Nuestro objetivo es determinar el estado del tratamiento neoadyuvante y adyuvante en cáncer de vejiga musculo invasivo.MÉTODOS: Se revisó la literatura en quimioterapia neoadyuvante y adyuvante para cáncer de vejiga músculoinfiltrante. RESULTADOS: Desde 1980, los ensayos de quimioterapia neoadyuvante se realizaron en pacientes que podían tolerar cisplatino usando combinaciones de quimioterapia de cisplatino. Un metanálisis indicó una pequeña pero significante ventaja del 5% en supervivencia global para pacientes T2-4 N-M0 con cáncer de vejiga músculo invasivo. Principalmente los regímenes MVAC oGC han sido utilizados, sin demostrar beneficio de un régimen sobre otro. El valor de la quimioterapia neoadyuvante en pacientes con ganglios positivos no esta establecido pero una infragradación del 25 al 40% se ha demostrado. Los ensayos de quimioterapia adyuvante fueron mas pequeños, algunos terminaron antes de finalizar el reclutamiento y con poca potencia estadística para demostrar un 5% de ventaja de supervivencia global en pT3-T4N1-3M0. Los nuevos immunomoduladores neoadyuvantes, solos o en combinación con quimioterapia han demostrado resultados esperanzadores en términos de infragradación. CONCLUSIONES: La quimioterapia neoadyuvante con MVAC o GC en cT2-4N0 de vejiga en pacientes que pueden recibir cisplatino se recomienda en base a un beneficio en supervivencia global demostrado en un metanálisis, pero la adherencia en el mundo real a la quimioterapia neoadyuvante es tan baja como que del 40-50% de los pacientes no puede recibir cisplatino. El valor de la quimioterapia neoadyuvante en pacientes con ganglios positivos y cáncer de vejiga musculoinvasivo no esta claramente demostrado; requiere un estadiaje clínico mas eficaz y estudio prospectivos. La quimioterapia adyuvante se puede considerar en pacientes seleccionados, sobretodo los que no han recibido quimioterapia previa pT3-4 N+. Los resultados de estudios prospectivos con inmunoterapia son necesarios antes de que se pueda recomendar la quimioterapia como alternativa en el tratamiento perioperatorio. La clasificación molecular nos ayudara a seleccionar los pacientes que pueden beneficiarse de terapias neoadyuvantes y adyuvantes.

Neoadjuvant and adjuvant treatments in muscle-invasive bladder cancer: Where are we? / Tratamientos neoadyuvantes y adyuvantes en cáncer de vejiga músculo invasivo: ¿dónde nos encontramos?

OBJECTIVES: Fifty percent of muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) patients succumb from metastatic disease despite radical cystectomy (RC). Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) and adjuvant chemotherapy (ACT) randomized clinical trials (RCT) investigated whether peri-operative chemotherapy improves survival. More recently, immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) are explored as peri-operative single agent, ICI-ICI or ICI-chemotherapy combinations. Our goal is to provide the status of neoadjuvant and adjuvant treatment in MIBC. METHODS: The literature on NAC and ACT trials in MIBC was reviewed. RESULTS: Since the 1980s, NAC RCTs were performed in cisplatin-fit patients, mainly using cisplatin combination chemotherapy. Meta-analyses indicated a small, but significant 5% improvement in overall survival in T2-T4N0M0 MIBC patients. Mostly MVAC or gemcitabine-cisplatin (GC) regimens were used without clear benefit of one regimen over the other. NAC value in N+ MIBC is not established and predictive value of associated ~25-40% complete downstaging (pathologically confirmed complete regression, pCR) not unequivocally demonstrated. Adjuvant cisplatin-based chemotherapy RCTs were smaller, some prematurely stopped for poor accrual, and underpowered to demonstrate clear statistical evidence for a 5% overall survival advantage in pT3-T4N1-3M0 MIBC. Novel neoadjuvant immune checkpoint inhibitors, alone or with chemotherapy, phase 2 trials demonstrate downstaging and encouraging clinical results. CONCLUSIONS: Neoadjuvant MVAC or GC in cT2-T4N0 MIBC patients fit for cisplatin is still recommended based on OS benefit shown in meta-analyses, but real-world adherence to NAC is low as ~40-50% of patients are unfit for cisplatin. The value of neoadjuvant treatment in node-positive MIBC is not clearly demonstrated requiring more accurate clinical staging and prospective studies. Adjuvant cisplatin-based chemotherapy may be considered in selected, chemo-naïve pT3-T4N+ patients. Results from prospective checkpoint inhibitor immunotherapy RCTs are needed before immunotherapy becomes a recommended alternative for peri-operative treatment. Molecular tumour subtyping will support selecting novel agents for neoadjuvant or adjuvant strategies

OBJETIVOS: El 50% de los tumores vesicales invasivos acaban siendo metastáticos todos y con la cistectomía radical. Los ensayos prospectivos randomizados de quimioterapia neoadyuvante y adyuvante investigaron si la quimioterapia perioperatoria mejoraba la supervivencia. Recientemente, los inhibidores de checkpoint han sido estudiados como única terapia perioperatoria o en combinaciones con quimioterapia. Nuestro objetivo es determinar el estado del tratamiento neoadyuvante y adyuvante en cáncer de vejiga musculoinvasivo. MÉTODOS: Se revisó la literatura en quimioterapia neoadyuvante y adyuvante para cáncer de vejiga músculo infiltrante. RESULTADOS: Desde 1980, los ensayos de quimioterapia neoadyuvante se realizaron en pacientes que podían tolerar cisplatino usando combinaciones de quimioterapia de cisplatino. Un metanálisis indicó una pequeña pero significante ventaja del 5% en supervivencia global para pacientes T2-4 N-M0 con cáncer de vejiga músculo invasivo. Principalmente los regímenes MVAC o GC han sido utilizados, sin demostrar beneficio de un régimen sobre otro. El valor de la quimioterapia neoadyuvante en pacientes con ganglios positivos no está establecido pero una infragradación del 25 al 40% se ha demostrado. Los ensayos de quimioterapia adyuvante fueron más pequeños, algunos terminaron antes de finalizar el reclutamiento y con poca potencia estadística para demostrar un 5% de ventaja de supervivencia global en pT3-T4N1-3M0. Los nuevos inmunomoduladores neoadyuvantes, solos o en combinación con quimioterapia han demostrado resultados esperanzadores en términos de infragradación. CONCLUSIONES: La quimioterapia neoadyuvante con MVAC o GC en cT2-4N0 de vejiga en pacientes que pueden recibir cisplatino se recomienda en base a un beneficio en supervivencia global demostrado en un metanálisis, pero la adherencia en el mundo real a la quimioterapia neoadyuvante es tan baja como que del 40-50% de los pacientes no puede recibir cisplatino. El valor de la quimioterapia neoadyuvante en pacientes con ganglios positivos y cáncer de vejiga musculo invasivo no está claramente demostrado; requiere un estadiaje clínico más eficaz y estudio prospectivos. La quimioterapia adyuvante se puede considerar en pacientes seleccionados, sobretodo los que no han recibido quimioterapia previa pT3-4 N+. Los resultados de estudios prospectivos con inmunoterapia son necesarios antes de que se pueda recomendar la quimioterapia como alternativa en el tratamiento perioperatorio. La clasificación molecular nos ayudara a seleccionar los pacientes que pueden beneficiarse de terapias neoadyuvantes y adyuvantes

Exploring teachers' motivation to teach: A multisite study on the associations with the work climate, students' motivation, and teaching approaches.

PURPOSE: Using Self-determination Theory, the purpose was to determine whether work climate, students' motivation, and teachers' basic psychological needs could predict clinical teachers' autonomous and controlled motivation to teach and whether clinical teachers' motivations could predict student- and teacher-centered teaching approaches METHODS: A correlational cross-sectional study was conducted in 2018 across 3 Dental Schools in Chile, in which 206 clinical teachers participated (80.4% response rate). Data were collected on demographic characteristics and 5 self-reported questionnaires measuring teachers' perceptions of the work climate, students' motivation, the satisfaction and frustration of their basic psychological needs, motivation to teach, and teaching approaches. Data were analyzed using bivariate correlations and structural equation modeling. RESULTS: Alpha coefficients were acceptable (0.701-0.948). Correlation and structural equation modeling analyses showed that teachers' perceiving a work climate characterized by a supportive supervisor-teacher relationship and students' autonomous motivation, predicted the satisfaction of their basic psychological needs leading to autonomous motivation to teach. Autonomous motivation to teach, in turn, predicted a student-centered teaching approach. These results were controlled for the confounding effects of age, gender, teaching experience, and type of university. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that clinical teachers' optimal motivation is of paramount importance for promoting an adequate learning environment. Therefore, efforts should be made to understand and foster different aspects that promote clinical teachers' satisfaction of their basic psychological needs and autonomous motivation, especially regarding the role of teachers' supervisors and how teachers perceive their students' motivation.

Assessment of a Fenton reaction driven by insoluble tannins from pine bark in treating an emergent contaminant.

Iron ligands as 1,2-dihydroxybenzenes (1,2-DHBs) have been used to increase the oxidizing ability of Fenton systems. However, these kinds of ligands become toxic quinones in the process creating an environmental problem since these compounds cannot be easily separated from a solution. To avoid this problem, in the present work, water-insoluble tannins, obtained from Pinus radiata bark, were used as a source of 1,2-DHBs to promote the oxidizing ability of the Fenton process. The developed system was tested using atrazine, as a substrate, which is a toxic and recalcitrant compound, present in different sources of water. The best reaction conditions established by the experimental design were as follows: pH of 3.6; 2.4 mmol L-1 of H2O2; 150 µmol L-1 of Fe(III); and 800 mg L-1 of tannins. A significant increase in the efficiency of the degradation of atrazine by the heterogeneous Fenton process was observed under these conditions. The repetitive use of the insoluble tannins for Fenton-like processes showed a similar oxidizing ability and did not produce the lixiviation of phenols or other aromatic compounds. Together, the results showed that insoluble tannins could be used safely at least five times to promote the reactivity of Fenton systems.

How dental students' course experiences and satisfaction of their basic psychological needs influence passion for studying in Chile.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to determine how the general course experiences of dental students in Chile and the satisfaction or frustration of their basic psychological needs influenced their passion for studying, and how passion influenced students' study strategies. METHODS: A correlational cross-sectional study was conducted at 3 Chilean dental schools between April and June 2018, in which 935 undergraduate students participated. Students responded to Spanish-language versions of 4 psychological scale tools: the Course Experience Questionnaire, the Basic Psychological Needs Satisfac¬tion and Frustration Scale, the Passion Scale, and the Revised Study Process Questionnaire. Data were analysed with bivariate correlations and structural equation modelling, controlling for age, gender, year of study, and type of university. RESULTS: Students' general course experiences (i.e., good teaching, clear goals and standards, appropriate assessment, and appropriate workload) positively predicted basic need satisfaction and negatively predicted need frustration. Need satisfaction positively predicted passion in students, with stronger scores for harmonious passion. Basic need frustration positively predicted obsessive passion and negatively predicted harmonious passion. Harmonious passion positively predicted deep study strategies and negatively predicted surface study strategies, while obsessive passion positively predicted both deep and surface study strategies. CONCLUSION: Dental students' optimal course experiences positively influenced the satisfaction of their basic psychological needs, which favoured harmonious over obsessive passion. In turn, harmonious over obsessive passion positively influenced deep study strategies. Therefore, efforts should be made to provide course experiences that support students' basic needs and harmonious passion for studying, both in classroom and chair-side teaching.

Design and Validation of a Basic Dental Psychomotor Skills Test for Novice Dental Students.

The aim of this study was to design and validate the Dental Psychomotor Skills (DePS) test as an instrument to assess dental students' psychomotor skills and to help educators adapt their academic practices to students' needs. The DePS test was created considering three of the main skills needed for dental study and practice. The dimensions measured in the test were Indirect Vision (IV) with 24 items, Instructions Follow-Up (FI) with 17 items, and Accuracy (A) with six items; each item was assessed at two stations. Scores were obtained with detailed rubrics, assessed by the same evaluator at each station. A total of 237 first-year dental students, in four cohorts from 2012 to 2015, and 16 dental faculty instructors were evaluated. The construct validity of the instrument was supported by the rigorous build of ten stages, and the discriminative validity was supported by the comparison of the student and faculty results. The overall mean scores were 245.5±2.09 in the student group and 280.6±4.217 in the faculty group (difference: 35.15±7.00; p<0.001). Internal consistency was assessed by analyzing responses for each dimension using Cronbach's alpha, a statistical measure of reliability. Overall, Cronbach's alpha was 0.909 for dental students and 0.773 for faculty instructors. These results suggest that the DePS test is a valid test that could be used as a reliable basic skill tool at the beginning of the dental program to assess the abilities of novice dental students, to recognize student qualities, and to identify individuals requiring additional training.

Factores pronósticos en cáncer renal con trombo en vena. Análisis de supervivencia / Prognostic factors in renal cancer with venous thrombus survival analysis

OBJETIVO: Analizar el tratamiento quirúrgico en el cáncer renal con trombo venoso a distintos niveles, así como las complicaciones perioperatorias y los diversos factores pronósticos relacionados a supervivencia global, cáncer específica y libre de enfermedad. MÉTODOS: Estudio descriptivo retrospectivo de 42 casos de cáncer renal con trombo venoso entre 2005 y 2015. El nivel alcanzado por el trombo se estableció según la clasificación de la Clínica Mayo. Las complicaciones postoperatorias se estadificaron según la clasificación de Clavien-Dindo. RESULTADOS: Predominio masculino con media de edad de 65,7 años. El 16,6% correspondieron a tumores con trombo de nivel II. En el 58,9% se realizó un abordaje subcostal. En 2 pacientes se estableció hipotermia con parada cardíaca y circulación extracorpórea. En 3 pacientes se realizó resección de lesiones metastásicas durante la nefrectomía radical. La necesidad de reintervención fue del 2,3% mientras que, la mortalidad perioperatoria fue del 4,7%. El 30% debutaron con metástasis al diagnóstico. Veinte pacientes progresaron a 15,5 meses (3-55). La supervivencia global fue de 60 meses. La mortalidad cáncer específica fue del 75%. La supervivencia libre de enfermedad fue del 30% a 55 meses. CONCLUSIONES: El tratamiento quirúrgico del cáncer renal con trombo venoso precisa un manejo multidisciplinar. La técnica quirúrgica seleccionada varía en función del nivel del trombo tumoral. El estadiaje tumoral es el factor pronóstico de mayor importancia. El nivel del trombo influye en el pronóstico, teniendo una supervivencia mayor aquellos pacientes con trombo confinado en vena renal (pT3a) frente a los tumores con trombo en aurícula (pT3c)

OBJECTIVES: To analyze surgery for renal cancer with venous thrombus at different levels, perioperative complications and prognostic factors associated to overall, cancer-specific and disease-free survival. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective analysis of 42 cases of renal cancer with venous thrombus performed between 2005 and 2015. The level reached by the thrombus was established according to the Mayo Clinic classification. Postoperative complications were staged according to Clavien-Dindo classification. RESULTS: Most frequent in males. Mean age 65.7 years. 16.6% were tumors with level II thrombus. Subcostal approach was performed in 58.9%. Extracorporeal circulation with cardiac arrest and hypothermia was established in 2 patients. Resection of metastatic disease was performed in 3 patients during radical nephrectomy. Reoperation was 2.3% while, perioperative mortality was 4.7%. 30% presented with metastases at diagnosis. Twenty patients progressed at 15.5 months (3-55). Overall survival was 60 months. The cancer-specific mortality was 75%. Disease-free survival was 30% at 55 months.CONCLUSIONS: Surgical treatment of renal cancer with venous thrombus requires a multidisciplinary management. The surgical technique varies according to the level reached by the venous thrombus. Tumor stage is the most important prognostic factor. Thrombus level influences prognosis, with longer survival for patients with tumor thrombus confined to the renal vein (pT3a) in comparison to tumors with thrombus in the atrium (pT3c)

[Prognostic factors in renal cancer with venous thrombus survival analysis.] / Factores pronósticos en cáncer renal con trombo en vena. Análisis de supervivencia.

OBJECTIVES: To analyze surgery for renal cancer with venous thrombus at different levels, perioperative complications and prognostic factors associated to overall, cancer-specific and disease-free survival. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective analysis of 42 cases of renal cancer with venous thrombus performed between 2005 and 2015. The level reached by the thrombus was established according to the Mayo Clinic classification. Postoperative complications were staged according to Clavien-Dindo classification. RESULTS: Most frequent in males. Mean age 65.7 years. 16.6% were tumors with level II thrombus. Subcostal approach was performed in 58.9%. Extracorporeal circulation with cardiac arrest and hypothermia was established in 2 patients. Resection of metastatic disease was performed in 3 patients during radical nephrectomy. Reoperation was 2.3% while, perioperative mortality was 4.7%. 30% presented with metastases at diagnosis. Twenty patients progressed at 15.5 months (3-55). Overall survival was 60 months. The cancer-specific mortality was 75%. Disease-free survival was 30% at 55 months. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical treatment of renal cancer with venous thrombus requires a multidisciplinary management. The surgical technique varies according to the level reached by the venous thrombus. Tumor stage is the most important prognostic factor. Thrombus level influences prognosis, with longer survival for patients with tumor thrombus confined to the renal vein (pT3a) in comparison to tumors with thrombus in the atrium (pT3c).

Steam torrefaction of Eucalyptus globulus for producing black pellets: A pilot-scale experience.

Steam torrefaction of Eucalyptus globulus was performed at temperatures between 245°C and 265°C in a 100kg/h pilot plant. Torrefied biomass was then pelletized in a 300kg/h unit and the pellets were subject to durability, density and combustion tests. The structural changes measured with FTIR were studied along with the combustion behavior of the materials. Compositional analysis showed that increasing the torrefaction temperature reduced both hemicellulose fraction and overall mass yield (MY). Furthermore, there was a linear relationship between the energy yield (EY) and mass yield (EY=[1.04-0.9(1-MY)]) for these samples. The ignition and comprehensive indexes confirmed that the stability of the torrefied biomass in a combustion environment was higher than for untreated biomass. Finally, pellets showed high durability (98%), and had an energy density (13-14GJ/m3), which is comparable to low-rank coals.

Hydroxyl radical production by a heterogeneous Fenton reaction supported in insoluble tannin from bark of Pinus radiata.

Fenton reactions driven by dihydroxybenzenes (DHBs) have been used for pollutant removal via advanced oxidation processes (AOPs), but such systems have the disadvantage of DHB release into the aqueous phase. In this work, insoluble tannins from bark can be used to drive Fenton reactions and as a heterogeneous support. This avoids the release of DHBs into the aqueous phase and can be used for AOPs. The production of ·OH was investigated using a spin-trapping electron paramagnetic resonance technique (5-dimethyl-1-pyrroline-N-oxide/·OH) in the first minute of the reaction and a high-performance liquid chromatography-fluorescence technique (coumarin/7-hydroxycoumarin) for 20 min. The ·OH yield achieved using insoluble tannins from Pinus radiata bark was higher than that achieved using catechin to drive the Fenton reaction. The Fenton-like system driven by insoluble tannins achieved 92.6 ± 0.3 % degradation of atrazine in 30 min. The degradation kinetics of atrazine was linearly correlated with ·OH production. The increased reactivity in ·OH production and insolubility of the ligand are promising for the development of a new technique for degradation of pollutants in wastewater using heterogeneous Fenton systems.

Differential metabolomic analysis of the potential antiproliferative mechanism of olive leaf extract on the JIMT-1 breast cancer cell line.

A new differential metabolomic approach has been developed to identify the phenolic cellular metabolites derived from breast cancer cells treated with a supercritical fluid extracted (SFE) olive leaf extract. The SFE extract was previously shown to have significant antiproliferative activity relative to several other olive leaf extracts examined in the same model. Upon SFE extract incubation of JIMT-1 human breast cancer cells, major metabolites were identified by using HPLC coupled to electrospray ionization quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (ESI-Q-TOF-MS). After treatment, diosmetin was the most abundant intracellular metabolite, and it was accompanied by minor quantities of apigenin and luteolin. To identify the putative antiproliferative mechanism, the major metabolites and the complete extract were assayed for cell cycle, MAPK and PI3K proliferation pathways modulation. Incubation with only luteolin showed a significant effect in cell survival. Luteolin induced apoptosis, whereas the whole olive leaf extract incubation led to a significant cell cycle arrest at the G1 phase. The antiproliferative activity of both pure luteolin and olive leaf extract was mediated by the inactivation of the MAPK-proliferation pathway at the extracellular signal-related kinase (ERK1/2). However, the flavone concentration of the olive leaf extract did not fully explain the strong antiproliferative activity of the extract. Therefore, the effects of other compounds in the extract, probably at the membrane level, must be considered. The potential synergistic effects of the extract also deserve further attention. Our differential metabolomics approach identified the putative intracellular metabolites from a botanical extract that have antiproliferative effects, and this metabolomics approach can be expanded to other herbal extracts or pharmacological complex mixtures.

Correlation between the antibacterial activity and the composition of extracts derived from various Spanish Cistus species.

Cistaceae is a large family of shrubs commonly distributed in the Mediterranean ecosystem. The aim of this study was to explore the potential antimicrobial properties against Escherichia coli and/or Staphylococcus aureus of different extracts obtained from four Cistaceae species that are especially abundant in Spanish semi-arid regions. MIC50 values of the extracts of C. salviifolius exhibited potent bacteriostatic effects against S. aureus compared with the other Cistus species tested. Spray-drying had less impact on the antimicrobial activities and polyphenolic contents than did evaporation followed by freeze-drying. When C. salviifolius extract was concentrated and the polar fraction was removed, its bacteriostatic and bactericidal activities against both strains were significantly enhanced. Seasonal influences on the composition have also been found. Up to 48 compounds were found in the aqueous extract of C. salviifolius using RRLC-ESI-TOF-MS. The analysis of the composition of the extracts revealed that the inhibitory activity against E. coli may be related to the presence of galloylated flavanols and specific flavonols, whereas the inhibitory capacity against S. aureus may be related primarily to polar compounds and to other flavonols. Potential synergistic effects among polyphenols may deserve further studies. These extracts may serve as an alternative source of antimicrobial ingredients focused on medical devices or cosmetics.

A semi-physiological-based pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic model to describe the effects of topotecan on b-lymphocyte lineage cells.

PURPOSE: To develop a semi-physiological-based model describing simultaneously the time course of immature and mature B-lymphocytes after topotecan (TPT) administration to tumor-bearing rats. METHODS: Twenty-four tumor-bearing BDIX male rats received a single 6 mg/kg intra-peritoneal dose of TPT or saline. Mature and immature B-cell levels were measured every two days during three weeks and showed a very different temporal pattern. Both B-cell populations declined rapidly, reaching the nadir at 3-4 days after TPT administration; however, mature cells returned to baseline at day 8, while immature B-cells stayed at nadir until day 9 instead. Data were modeled using the population approach with NONMEM VI. RESULTS: The model developed maintains the proliferation, maturation and degradation elements of previous published models for myelosuppresion. In order to describe the rapid recovery of mature cells, it includes a peripheral compartment providing a constant supply of mature cells to the bloodstream. CONCLUSIONS: The major contribution of the model is its new structure and the dynamical consequences, demonstrating an independent behavior between mature and immature B-cells during recovery. The final model could represent a good basis for the optimization of cytotoxic drugs oriented to attain a maximum antitumor efficacy while minimizing hematological toxicity.