Stereometric analysis of Amazon rainforest Anacardium occidentale L. leaves.

MAIN CONCLUSION: AFM, profilometry and SEM measurements on both sides of the Anacardium occidentale L. leaf reveal that ultrastructure presented some singularities due to their different morphologies and roughness. The advanced stereometry and power spectrum density of both sides of the Anacardium occidentale L. leaf were carefully studied. We use three different microscopy techniques such as scanning electron microscopy, profilometry, and atomic force microscopy for a complete description of the leaf surface morphology. The morphology of the adaxial and abaxial sides revealed a surface composed of striated cuticles and stomata cells, respectively. The height parameters obtained by profilometry revealed that the abaxial side was rougher. However, both sides presented similar Gaussian height distribution and asymmetry. The advanced stereometric parameters obtained by the topographic maps of AFM revealed that the two sides have some singularities due to their different morphologies and roughness, but with similar microtextures. However, average PSD spectra showed that adaxial and abaxial sides are dominated by relatively low and high spatial frequencies, showing that the microtextures, unlike what was shown in stereometric parameters, are different. These results revealed that leaves surface morphology under different aspects and scales and the quantitative parameters confirmed the different spatial patterns displayed, which can be of great interest for the study of the biological behavior of plants from their leaves.

Real-world evaluation of effectiveness and tolerance of chemotherapy for early-stage breast cancer in older women.

PURPOSE: Older patients with early-stage breast cancer (ESBC) tend to receive less aggressive treatment, have higher mortality rates, and are underrepresented in clinical trials. Outcomes, tolerance and toxicity of chemotherapy are underreported. Thus, we assessed the outcomes of chemotherapy in the real-world in a community oncology setting. METHODS: We retrospectively chart reviewed consecutive older patients (≥ 70 years) with ESBC diagnosed between January 1, 2010, and December 31, 2016, who received chemotherapy at our institution. Study outcomes were survival estimates. Logistic regression determined associations with measures of intolerance. RESULTS: Of 1296 patients, 229 received chemotherapy. Overall, 24% had early chemotherapy cessation; 18% had dose reductions; and 27% had dose delays. Severe, life threatening and lethal toxicities occurred in 38%, 1.3%, and 2.2%, respectively; constitutional toxicity (37%) was the most common. The 1- and 3-year overall survivals were 94% and 79%; 1- and 3-year breast-specific survivals were 96% and 89%, while 1- and 3-year disease-free survivals were 95% and 82%, respectively. Anthracyclines were the most poorly tolerated regimen having associations with hospital visits (OR 10.97, 95% CI 2.10-57.23) and severe toxicities (OR 5.28, 95% CI 1.27-21.89). Anti-HER2 therapies (OR 3.03, 95% CI 1.18-7.78) and poorer performance status (PS) (OR 7.48, 95% CI 1.75-31.98) were associated with severe toxicities. Older age (> 80 years) was associated with early cessation of therapy (OR 3.64, 95% CI 1.34-9.83). CONCLUSIONS: Chemotherapy can be effectively delivered to older patients with ESBC and is reasonably well tolerated. The high rate of anthracycline intolerability, poorer PS, and advanced age should be considered when tailoring treatment regimens.

Advanced Microtexture Study of Anacardium occidentale L. Leaf Surface From the Amazon by Fractal Theory.

This work applies stereometric parameters and fractal theory to characterize the structural complexity of the 3D surface roughness of Anacardium occidentale L. leaf using atomic force microscopy (AFM) measurements. Surface roughness was studied by AFM in tapping mode, in air, on square areas of 6,400 and 10,000 µm2. The stereometric analyses using MountainsMap Premium and WSXM software provided detailed information on the 3D surface topography of the samples. These data showed that the morphology of the abaxial and adaxial side of the cashew leaf is different, which was also observed in relation to their microtextures. Fractal analysis showed that the adaxial and abaxial sides have strong microtexture homogeneity, but the adaxial side presented higher surface entropy. These results show that image processing associated with fractal theory can be an indispensable tool for identifying plant species by their leaves because this species has singularities on each side of the leaf.

Evaluating the roughness dynamics of kefir biofilms grown on Amazon cupuaçu juice: a monofractal and multifractal approach.

We conducted a comprehensive analysis of the surface microtexture of kefir biofilms grown on Theobroma grandiflorum Shum (cupuaçu) juice using atomic force microscopy. Our goal was to investigate the unique monofractal and multifractal spatial patterns of these biofilms to complement the existing limited literature. The biofilms were prepared dispersing four different concentrations of kefir grains in cupuaçu juice. Our morphological analysis showed that the surface of the obtained biofilms is essentially formed by the presence of cupuaçu fibers and microorganisms like lactobacilli and yeast. The topographic height-based parameter analysis reveals that there is a dependence between surface roughness and the concentration of kefir grains used. The strongly anisotropic well-centralized topographical height distribution of the biofilms also exhibited a quasi-symmetrical and platykurtic pattern. The biofilms exhibit comparable levels of spatial complexity, surface percolation and surface homogeneity, which can be attributed to their similar topographic uniformity. This aspect was further supported by the presence of similar multifractality in the biofilms, suggesting that despite their varying topographic roughness, their vertical growth dynamics follow a similar pattern. Our findings demonstrate that the surface roughness of kefir biofilms cultivated on cupuaçu juice is influenced by the concentration of kefir grains in the precursor solution. However, this dependence follows a consistent pattern across different concentrations. Graphical Abstract.

Associating Physical and Photocatalytic Properties of Recyclable and Reusable Blast Furnace Dust Waste.

Blast furnace dust waste (BFDW) proved efficient as a photocatalyst for the decolorization of methylene blue (MB) dye in water. Structural analysis unequivocally identified α-Fe2O3 as the predominant phase, constituting approximately 92%, with a porous surface showcasing unique 10-30 nm agglomerated nanoparticles. Chemical and thermal analyses indicated surface-bound water and carbonate molecules, with the main phase's thermal stability up to 900 °C. Electrical conductivity analysis revealed charge transfer resistance values of 616.4 Ω and electrode resistance of 47.8 Ω. The Mott-Schottky analysis identified α-Fe2O3 as an n-type semiconductor with a flat band potential of 0.181 V vs. Ag/AgCl and a donor density of 1.45 × 1015 cm-3. The 2.2 eV optical bandgap and luminescence stem from α-Fe2O3 and weak ferromagnetism arises from structural defects and surface effects. With a 74% photocatalytic efficiency, stable through three photodegradation cycles, BFDW outperforms comparable waste materials in MB degradation mediated by visible light. The elemental trapping experiment exposed hydroxyl radicals (OH•) and superoxide anions (O2-•) as the primary species in the photodegradation process. Consequently, iron oxide-based BFDW emerges as an environmentally friendly alternative for wastewater treatment, underscoring the pivotal role of its unique physical properties in the photocatalytic process.

A narrative review of the evolving landscape of the management of metastatic gastric cancer: the role of targeted therapies.

Background and Objective: Gastric cancer is the fifth most common cancer worldwide and the fourth leading cause of cancer-related death. Unfortunately, patients often present with advanced disease at diagnosis, which is directly related to its high mortality. Numerous trials, as early as the 1980's, have shown that cytotoxic chemotherapy improves survival. This review will focus on targeted therapies and immunotherapies which have emerged as treatment options for metastatic gastric cancer, often used in conjunction with cytotoxic chemotherapy. Here we will review the relevant clinical trials of targeted therapies and immunotherapies in the treatment of metastatic gastric cancer. Methods: We performed an extensive review of articles in the PubMed database pertaining to targeted therapies and immunotherapies in the treatment of metastatic gastric cancer. Additionally, updated guidelines from the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) and European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) were reviewed. Key Content and Findings: Cytotoxic chemotherapy remains the backbone of treatment of metastatic gastric cancer, but the development of targeted therapies and immunotherapy have revolutionized its treatment with improved survival and outcomes. Therapies have been developed which target human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (VEGFR-2), and tyrosine kinase pathways. Novel targeted therapies are currently being investigated with promising results thus far. Immunotherapy, specifically immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), has proven to be a significant advancement in the treatment of gastric cancer. Conclusions: Targeted therapies and immunotherapies have improved survival and outcomes in metastatic gastric cancer, however more research is needed to make even greater strides.

The activity of methylene blue against asexual and sexual stages of Plasmodium vivax.

Methylene blue (MB) is an alternative for combating drug-resistant malaria parasites. Its transmission-blocking potential has been demonstrated in vivo in murine models, in vitro, and in clinical trials. MB shows high efficacy against Plasmodium vivax asexual stages; however, its efficacy in sexual stages is unknown. In this study, we evaluated the potential of MB against asexual and sexual forms of P. vivax isolated from the blood of patients residing in the Brazilian Amazon. An ex vivo schizont maturation assay, zygote to ookinete transformation assay, direct membrane feed assay (DMFA), and standard membrane feed assay (SMFA) using P. vivax gametocytes with MB exposure were performed. A cytotoxicity assay was also performed on freshly collected peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and the hepatocyte carcinoma cell line HepG2. MB inhibited the P. vivax schizont maturation and demonstrated an IC50 lower than that of chloroquine (control drug). In the sexual forms, the MB demonstrated a high level of inhibition in the transformation of the zygotes into ookinetes. In the DMFA, MB did not considerably affect the infection rate and showed low inhibition, but it demonstrated a slight decrease in the infection intensity in all tested concentrations. In contrast, in the SMFA, MB was able to completely block the transmission at the highest concentration (20 µM). MB demonstrated low cytotoxicity to fresh PBMCs but demonstrated higher cytotoxicity to the hepatocyte carcinoma cell line HepG2. These results show that MB may be a potential drug for vivax malaria treatment.

HOLA COVID-19 Study: Evaluating the Impact of Caring for Patients With COVID-19 on Cancer Care Delivery in Latin America.

PURPOSE: The HOLA COVID-19 study sought to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 on oncology practices across Latin America (LATAM), challenges faced by physicians, and how practices and physicians adapted while delivering care to patients with cancer. METHODS: This international cross-sectional study of oncology physicians in LATAM included a 43-item anonymous online survey to evaluate changes and adaptations to clinical practice. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to evaluate the association of caring for patients with COVID-19 and changes to clinical practice. RESULTS: A total of 704 oncology physicians from 19 countries completed the survey. Among respondents, the most common specialty was general oncology (34%) and 56% of physicians had cared for patients with COVID-19. The majority of physicians (70%) noted a decrease in the number of new patients evaluated during the COVID-19 pandemic when compared with prepandemic, and 73% reported adopting the use of telemedicine in their practice. More than half (58%) of physicians reported making changes to the treatments that they offered to patients with cancer. In adjusted models, physicians who had cared for patients with COVID-19 had higher odds of changing the type of chemotherapy or treatments that they offered (adjusted odds ratio 1.81; 95% CI, 1.30 to 2.53) and of delaying chemotherapy start (adjusted odds ratio 2.05; 95% CI, 1.49 to 2.81). Physicians identified significant delays in access to radiation and surgical services, diagnostic tests, and supportive care. CONCLUSION: The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly disrupted global cancer care. Although changes to health care delivery are a necessary response to this global crisis, our study highlights the significant disruption and changes to the treatment plans of patients with cancer in LATAM resulting from the COVID-19 health care crisis.

Stereometric characterization of Dinizia excelsa Ducke wood from Amazon rainforest using atomic force microscopy.

Dinizia excelsa Ducke under three different cut conditions were carefully analyzed. The morphology and stereometry of different wood cutting surfaces (longitudinal radial, longitudinal tangential, and transversal) were studied by SEM and AFM. The results obtained in this study suggest that both the height parameters and the advanced stereometric parameters of the surfaces did not reveal a significant difference, indicating that the spatial patterns do not change according to the type of cut. In this way, the surface microtexture does not vary depending on the cut type. Similarly, the Hurst's coefficients did not show any significant difference in the spectrum of the PSD fractal region. On the other hand, Minkowski functionals presented a morphological difference between the samples. These results showed that the microtexture of the wood surface does not change as a function of the type of cut submitted to the same polishing process.

Viability and Infectivity of Plasmodium vivax Gametocytes in Short-Term Culture.

The control and elimination of malaria caused by Plasmodium vivax both represent a great challenge due to the biological aspects of the species. Gametocytes are the forms responsible for the transmission of the parasite to the vector and the search for new strategies for blocking transmission are essential in a scenario of control and elimination The challenges in this search in regard to P. vivax mainly stem from the lack of a long-term culture and the limitation of studies of gametocytes. This study evaluated the viability and infectivity of P. vivax gametocytes in short-term culture. The samples enriched in gametocytes using Percoll (i), using magnetic-activated cell sorting (MACS®) (ii), and using non-enriched samples (iii) were evaluated. After the procedures, gametocytes were cultured in IMDM medium for up to 48 h. Cultured P. vivax gametocytes were viable and infectious for up to 48 h, however differences in viability and infectivity were observed in the samples after 12 h of culture in relation to 0 h. Percoll-enriched samples were shown to be viable in culture for longer intervals than those purified using MACS®. Gametocyte viability after enrichment procedures and short-term culture may provide new avenues in the development of methods for evaluating P. vivax TB.

Identifying the optimal cutoff point for MGMT promoter methylation status in glioblastoma.

Aim: To define the optimal cutoff point for determining methylation status of O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) by pyrosequencing in glioblastoma. Patients & methods: A retrospective study of 109 glioblastoma patients was performed to determine the optimal cutoff point for MGMT methylation status. Results: Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis revealed 21% as the optimal cutoff (sensitivity: 68%; specificity: 59%) for MGMT methylation corresponding with the highest likelihood ratio of 1.66 and accuracy of 0.65. Methylation status (hazard ratio: 0.453; 95% CI: 0.279-0.735; p = 0.001) was associated with better overall survival. The crude model indicated linearity between methylation percent and survival rate; an increase of 10% of methylation resulted in a reduction of risk of death by 20% (p = 0.004). Conclusion: ROC analysis determined 21% as the optimal cutoff point for MGMT methylation status by pyrosequencing.

Lay abstract Glioblastoma is a highly aggressive cancer with less than 6% of patients surviving at 2 years from diagnosis. Patients with hypermethylation of the MGMT gene promoter have improved survival compared with those with unmethylated MGMT. There is considerable debate regarding the ideal cutoff value for calling MGMT promoter hypermethylated or not. The authors performed a retrospective study of 109 patients diagnosed with glioblastoma from 2000 to 2018 to determine the optimal cutoff point. Using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, the researchers determined that 21% is the optimal cutoff for MGMT methylation. Methylation status and total surgical resection were associated with better survival. Further, the crude model indicates linearity between methylation percent and survival rate; an increase of 10% methylation resulted in a reduction of risk of death by 20% (p = 0.004).

3D micromorphology evaluation of kefir microbial films loaded with extract of Amazon rainforest fruit Cupuaçu.

We performed qualitative and quantitative analysis of surfaces of kefir biofilms loaded with Amazon rainforest fruit extract. Scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy were used to evaluate the micromorphology of the biofilms. The films surface displayed a lower density of microorganisms (∼ 0.061 microorganisms/µm2) for the lowest concentration of fruit extract, however, a greater density (∼0.220 microorganisms/µm2) was observed for the higher concentration. Height stereometric parameters revealed that the biofilms with the highest concentration presented the highest roughness. However, almost all the stereometric parameters related to texture showed no significant difference. Furthermore, the Hurst coefficients of the average power spectrum density were similar for all biofilms. Fractal parameters confirmed that higher concentrations of fruit extract induced a superior topographic irregularity. However, fractal lacunarity does not show any significant difference confirming the similarity of the microtextures. Moreover, fractal succolarity and surface entropy exhibited values that suggested ideal percolation and strong topographic uniformity, respectively, indicating that these films can uniformly adhere to other surfaces. Our results confirm that the stereometric and fractal parameters can be relevant for the surface characterization of microbial films, which can be of great importance to the biomedical field.

Advanced micromorphology study of microbial films grown on Kefir loaded with Açaí extract.

In this work, an advanced analysis of the 3D surface microtexture of the microbial films grown on Kefir loaded with Açaí extract was performed. Atomic force microscopy was used to characterize the 3D surface microtexture data in correlation with the stereometric analyses to allow a better understanding of the surface micromorphology consistent with ISO 25178-2: 2012. Two new parameters, fractal succolarity and fractal lacunarity, have been inserted for a quantitative approach to microtexture. The results revealed that the morphology was affected by the increase of the Açaí concentration in biofilms, as well as the fractal succolarity and lacunarity. Adhesive bacteria of the genus Lactobacillus were observed for the lowest concentrations of Açaí. Moreover, it was found that the surface of the biofilms has shown saturation when the concentration has changed from 4 to 6 % of Açaí. These results are of great interest in the characterization of surfaces with promising application like skin dressing.

Stereometric characterization of kefir microbial films associated with Maytenus rigida extract.

The aim of this study was to report the first discussion of statistical parameters and possible applications related to the surface of kefir biofilms prepared with Maytenus rigida Mart. extract through micromorphology, using atomic force microscopy (AFM). Four different samples were produced. The reference contained demerara sugar with a concentration of 40 g/L and the others had added extract whose concentrations were 0.25, 0.50, and 0.75 g/L, respectively. AFM was used to image the surface in tapping mode, on square areas of 30 µm × 30 µm. Images were studied by the MountainsMap premium commercial software. The main parameter of the surface, roughness, grew with the increase of the extract concentration up to 0.50 g/L. In addition, asymmetry and kurtosis showed that the biofilm with the best peak distribution was the one with 0.25 g/L of plant extract. The other parameters followed the main results for the surface and were observed for the depth and volume parameters. The power spectrum density spectrum confirmed the reliability of the results for the sample with 0.25 g/L. Therefore, the sample with 0.25 g/L of plant extract produced the best balance in relation to the surface properties. These results showed that the biofilm morphology and microtexture were affected by the incorporation of the plant extract and can be useful to define possible applications.

Risk factors, clinical outcomes, and natural history of uveal melanoma: a single-institution analysis.

Uveal melanoma (UM) is the most common primary intraocular malignancy in adults. We describe the characteristics of UM patients at a tertiary referral center in the Mid-Southern United States, and explore associations and predictors of outcomes. This is a retrospective cohort study of patients with UM seen at West Cancer Center, from 07/2006 to 08/2017. Clinical characteristics and their relationship to outcomes (time-to-death and metastasis) were explored using Cox regression analysis. We identified 208 patients, 51% males, 97% Caucasians, 80% were symptomatic, with a median follow-up of 2.34 years, IQR (1.01-3.03), of which 19.2% died during follow-up. Metastases were diagnosed in 19% (4 older patients had metastases at diagnosis), 53% of those by surveillance. Without considering metastases as a time-varying covariate, age (HR = 1.06/year, CI 1.0-1.1; p < 0.001), headaches (HR = 5.7, CI 1.6-20.5; p = 0.03), and tumor stage (T) were significant covariates for time-to-death. Tumor stages T3 versus T1 (HR = 6.4; CI 1.5-27.7; p = 0.01) and T4 versus T1 (HR = 5.98; CI 1.3-27.8; p = 0.02) were associated with worse outcomes. When considering metastases as a time-varying covariate (HR = 35.8, CI 17-75.2; p < 0.001), only age remains in the model (HR = 1.04/year; p < 0.001). However, tumor stage (p < 0.001), headaches (p = 0.008), and age (p < 0.001) are associated with time-to-metastasis. One in five patients developed metastasis which was the most influential factor on mortality. Predictors of mortality were metastasis, age, tumor stage, and headache as a reported symptom. Surveillance successfully diagnosed metastatic disease in most patients. Most patients had symptoms preceding their UM diagnosis highlighting an opportunity for earlier recognition of UM.

Age-Related Chromosomal Aberrations in Patients with Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma: An In Silico Approach.

Background: In diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), chromosomal aberrations are known to increase with advancing age. Our study aims to determine if there are other genetic aberrations associated with DLBCL based on age. Methods: Using the Mitelman Database of Genetic Aberrations, we were able to find 749 cases of DLBCL with genomic aberrations with a median age of 62 years. Patients with DLBCL chromosomal aberration analysis results were divided into four groups based on age (0 - 30, 31 - 50, 51 - 70, > 71 years) and examined by chi-square analysis and Mantel-Cox for survival analysis. Results: Ten aberrations were found to be significant with a particular age range: t(2;3), trisomy 19p13, trisomy 18q21, trisomy 3, trisomy 7, trisomy 14, trisomy 16, trisomy 18, monosomy 3 and monosomy 11, and survival ranged from 7 to 25 months. Conclusion: This suggests that patients with DLBCL are likely to accumulate specific translocations depending on their age at the onset of DLBCL.

Spontaneous intramural small bowel hematoma in a patient with acute myeloid leukaemia receiving chemotherapy and nilotinib.

Spontaneous intramural small bowel hematoma (SISBH) is a rare, acute abdominal condition, with increasing incidence in recent years. Excessive anticoagulation with vitamin K antagonists is the most common aetiology. We report the case of a large acute jejunal intramural hematoma in a patient with newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukaemia receiving chemotherapy and nilotinib. The patient presented with abdominal pain, haematochezia, acute anaemia and thrombocytopenia. CT of the abdomen and pelvis revealed SISBH. The patient was managed conservatively with supportive management and cessation of nilotinib therapy. The patient's symptoms improved, with subsequent CT imaging confirming resolution. This case highlights an uncommon cause of gastrointestinal bleed usually diagnosed only after radiological imaging. A correct diagnosis is important as SISBH usually responds to conservative measures, and may obviate the patient from unnecessary invasive investigations.

Studies on the ultrastructure in Anacardium occidentale L. leaves from Amazon in northern Brazil by scanning microscopy.

Leaves surfaces have various structures with specific functions and contribute to the relationship with the environment. On morphological studies are analyzed various parameters, ranging from macro scale through the micro scale to the nanometer scale, which contribute to the study of taxonomy, pharmacognosy, and ecology, among others. Functional structures found in leaves are responsible for the wide variety of surfaces and some behaviors are given in terms of cellular adaptation and the presence or absence of wax. This study reports the characterization of Anacardium occidentale L. leaf surface and the techniques used therein. A set of scanning electron microscope (SEM) and atomic force microscope (AFM) images performed on fresh leaf allowed observation of textured and heterogeneous profiles on both sides. SCANNING 38:329-335, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.