Presurgical invasive mediastinal staging in lung cancer, unexpected N2 and long-term survival: a registry-based study with data from the Spanish group for video-assisted thoracic surgery.

Background: Mediastinal lymph node staging is a key element in the diagnosis of lung cancer. The combination of computed tomography (CT) and positron emission tomography (PET) has improved staging but some circumstances are known to influence their negative predictive value. The objective of this study was to assess the impact on survival of avoiding invasive mediastinal staging in surgical lung cancer patients with negative mediastinum in CT and PET and intermediate risk of unexpected pN2. Methods: Data were collected from the prospective cohort of the Spanish Group for Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery (GEVATS), from December 2016 to March 2018. For this study, patients were selected if they had negative mediastinum in CT and PET findings but tumours >3 cm or located centrally, or with cN1 disease. Patients who did and did not undergo invasive staging [invasive group (IG) and non-invasive group (NIG)] were compared, analysing unexpected pN2 and survival with Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox regression. Results: A total of 2,826 patients underwent surgery for primary lung cancer. We selected 1,247 patients who had tumours >3 cm, central tumours or cN1. Invasive staging was performed in 275 (22.1%) cases. The unexpected pN2 rate was 9.6% in the NIG and 13.8% in the IG, but half of them were discovered prior to surgery in the IG. Five-year overall survival (OS) was poorer in the IG (52.4% vs. 64%; P<0.001). In the Cox regression model, male sex, older age, diabetes, synchronous tumour, lower diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide, larger tumour size, higher pathological N-stage, and IG status were significant independent risk factors. Conclusions: Invasive staging recommended by guidelines could be reduced with an appropriate selection in mediastinal CT- and PET-negative patients with risk factors for unexpected pN2, because rates of pN2 and survival did not worsen without invasive staging.

Comparing Survival of Perihilar Cholangiocarcinoma After R1 Resection Versus Palliative Chemotherapy for Unresected Localized Disease.

BACKGROUND: Resection of perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (pCCA) is a complex procedure with a high risk of postoperative mortality and early disease recurrence. The objective of this study was to compare patient characteristics and overall survival (OS) between pCCA patients who underwent an R1 resection and patients with localized pCCA who received palliative systemic chemotherapy. METHODS: Patients with a diagnosis of pCCA between 1997-2021 were identified from the European Network for the Study of Cholangiocarcinoma (ENS-CCA) registry. pCCA patients who underwent an R1 resection were compared with patients with localized pCCA (i.e., nonmetastatic) who were ineligible for surgical resection and received palliative systemic chemotherapy. The primary outcome was OS. RESULTS: Overall, 146 patients in the R1 resection group and 92 patients in the palliative chemotherapy group were included. The palliative chemotherapy group more often underwent biliary drainage (95% vs. 66%, p < 0.001) and had more vascular encasement on imaging (70% vs. 49%, p = 0.012) and CA 19.9 was more frequently >200 IU/L (64 vs. 45%, p = 0.046). Median OS was comparable between both groups (17.1 vs. 16 months, p = 0.06). Overall survival at 5 years after diagnosis was 20.0% with R1 resection and 2.2% with chemotherapy. Type of treatment (i.e., R1 resection or palliative chemotherapy) was not an independent predictor of OS (hazard ratio 0.76, 95% confidence interval 0.55-1.07). CONCLUSIONS: Palliative systemic chemotherapy should be considered instead of resection in patients with a high risk of both R1 resection and postoperative mortality.

Exercise interventions following bariatric surgery are poorly reported: A systematic review and a call for action.

OBJECTIVES: This study assessed the transparency and replicability of exercise-based interventions following bariatric surgery by evaluating the content reporting of exercise-based clinical trials. DESIGN: The study design of the present article is a systematic review. DATA SOURCES: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Sciences, PsycINFO, and Cochrane were searched from their inception to May 2023. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: Eligible studies were clinical trials including exercise interventions in participants following bariatric surgery. There were 28 unique exercise interventions. Two independent reviewers applied the exercise prescription components of Frequency, Intensity, Time, and Type (FITT; four items) and the Consensus on Exercise Reporting Template (CERT; 19 items). Exercise interventions were organized into four major exercise components: aerobic training, resistance training, concurrent training, and "others." RESULTS: The FITT assessment revealed that 53% of the trials did not report the training intensity, whereas 25% did not indicate the duration of the major exercise component within the training session. The mean CERT score was 5 out of a possible score of 19. No studies reached CERT score >10, while 13 out of the total 19 CERT items were not adequately reported by ≥75% of the studies. CONCLUSION: This study highlights that the exercise interventions following bariatric surgery are poorly reported, non-transparent, and generally not replicable. This precludes understanding the dose-response association of exercise and health-related effects and requires action to improve this scientific field.

The Peptidoglycan Recognition Protein 1 confers immune evasive properties on pancreatic cancer stem cells.

OBJECTIVE: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has limited therapeutic options, particularly with immune checkpoint inhibitors. Highly chemoresistant 'stem-like' cells, known as cancer stem cells (CSCs), are implicated in PDAC aggressiveness. Thus, comprehending how this subset of cells evades the immune system is crucial for advancing novel therapies. DESIGN: We used the KPC mouse model (LSL-KrasG12D/+; LSL-Trp53R172H/+; Pdx-1-Cre) and primary tumour cell lines to investigate putative CSC populations. Transcriptomic analyses were conducted to pinpoint new genes involved in immune evasion. Overexpressing and knockout cell lines were established with lentiviral vectors. Subsequent in vitro coculture assays, in vivo mouse and zebrafish tumorigenesis studies, and in silico database approaches were performed. RESULTS: Using the KPC mouse model, we functionally confirmed a population of cells marked by EpCAM, Sca-1 and CD133 as authentic CSCs and investigated their transcriptional profile. Immune evasion signatures/genes, notably the gene peptidoglycan recognition protein 1 (PGLYRP1), were significantly overexpressed in these CSCs. Modulating PGLYRP1 impacted CSC immune evasion, affecting their resistance to macrophage-mediated and T-cell-mediated killing and their tumourigenesis in immunocompetent mice. Mechanistically, tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFα)-regulated PGLYRP1 expression interferes with the immune tumour microenvironment (TME) landscape, promoting myeloid cell-derived immunosuppression and activated T-cell death. Importantly, these findings were not only replicated in human models, but clinically, secreted PGLYRP1 levels were significantly elevated in patients with PDAC. CONCLUSIONS: This study establishes PGLYRP1 as a novel CSC-associated marker crucial for immune evasion, particularly against macrophage phagocytosis and T-cell killing, presenting it as a promising target for PDAC immunotherapy.

Diagnósticos retrasados y administración de ondansetron en el tratamiento de los vómitos en urgencias pediátricas

Introducción : El ondasentrón es un agente farmacológico de uso frecuente para el tratamiento sintomático de los vómitos originados por gastroenteritis. Sin embargo, podría enmascarar patologías más graves que ameriten reconsultas y hospitalización. Objetivo: Indagar si la administración del ondansetrón como tratamiento sintomático de los vómitos en el departamento de emergencias pediátricas (DEP) retrasó el diagnóstico de patologías graves. Materiales y métodos: Estudio observacional, descriptivo de corte transverso retrospectivo. Fueron elegibles pacientes que consultaron en el DEP, recibieron tratamiento con ondansetron, y reconsultaron dentro de las 24 horas. Los datos fueron recolectados de la base de datos de consultas del DEP, el comando reconsultas y entrevista telefónica a los padres. Las variables fueron edad, sexo, procedencia, motivo de la segunda consulta, diagnósticos finales en la segunda consulta. Los datos fueron analizados en SPSS utilizando estadística descriptiva. Resultados En el periodo de estudio consultaron por vómitos y recibieron ondasentrón 2018 pacientes. Reconsultaron dentro de las 24 horas 212, cumpliendo con los criterios de inclusión 205 pacientes. Se constató un 24,8% nuevos diagnósticos durante la reconsulta, de los cuales 35% requirieron hospitalización. Los diagnósticos fueron fiebre sin foco 2,9%, neumonía 2,4%, infección de vías urinarias 1%, sospecha de chikunguya 1,5%, adenitis mesentérica 0,5%, abdomen agudo quirúrgico 0,5%. Conclusión: Se identificó diagnósticos diferentes a la primera consulta en pacientes que recibieron ondansetrón como tratamiento sintomático de los vómitos en urgencias pediátricas, requiriendo hospitalización el 35% de los mismos.

Introduction: Ondansetron is a pharmacological agent frequently used for the symptomatic treatment of vomiting caused by gastroenteritis. However, it could mask more serious pathologies that require repeat consultations and hospitalization. Objective: To investigate whether the administration of ondansetron as a symptomatic treatment of vomiting in the pediatric emergency department (PED) delayed the diagnosis of serious pathologies. Materials and methods: This was an observational, descriptive, retrospective and cross-sectional study. Patients who consulted at the PED, received treatment with ondansetron, and returned for consultation within 24 hours were eligible. Data were collected from the PED consultation database, the follow-up consultation request, and a telephone interview with parents. The variables were age, sex, origin, reason for the second consultation, and final diagnoses in the second consultation. The data were analyzed in SPSS using descriptive statistics. Results: During the study period, 2018 patients consulted for vomiting and received ondansetron. 212 were consulted again within 24 hours, with 205 patients meeting the inclusion criteria. There were 24.8% new diagnoses during the follow-up consultation, of which 35% required hospitalization. The diagnoses were fever without source 2.9%, pneumonia 2.4%, urinary tract infection 1%, suspected chikunguya 1.5%, mesenteric adenitis 0.5%, and surgical acute abdomen 0.5%. Conclusion: Diagnoses different from the first consultation were identified in patients who received ondansetron for symptomatic treatment of vomiting in pediatric emergencies, with 35% requiring hospitalization.

Caracterización de pacientes con infección de sitio quirúrgico en post-operados de cirugía abdominal de urgencias hospitalizados

Introducción: Las infecciones de sitio quirúrgico están asociadas con infecciones relacionadas a la asistencia sanitaria (IRAS), causadas por bacterias que ingresan a través de las incisiones efectuadas durante un procedimiento quirúrgico. Objetivo: Describir la frecuencia y características de las infecciones de sitio quirúrgico en las cirugías de urgencias en pacientes pediátricos hospitalizados en el Hospital General Pediátrico. Materiales y Métodos: Estudio observacional descriptivo, retrospectivo, de corte transversal. Población: Pacientes de 0 a 18 años sometidos a intervención quirúrgica abdominal de urgencia. Variables estudiadas: Edad, Sexo, Procedencia, Comorbilidad, reingreso hospitalario, tiempo trascurrido entre la intervención quirúrgica y la aparición de la infección en sitio quirúrgico. Datos obtenidos del análisis de fichas clínicas y la base de datos del HIS en el paquete estadístico SPSv23 (IBM SPSS, DEMO) utilizando estadística descriptiva. Resultados: Fueron incluidas 440 fichas de pacientes, la mediana de edad fue de 10 años, el 60,5% fueron del sexo masculino y el 71,4% procedían del Departamento Central. Se observó que el diagnóstico más frecuente fue peritonitis de origen apendicular 53,2%. El estado nutricional de la población en estudio fue normal en 93,2%, y fueron reingresos el 3% de los pacientes intervenidos. Presentaron infección de sitio quirúrgico el 4,8%, de los cuales 11/21 fueron absceso de pared. En cuanto al tiempo trascurrido entre la cirugía y la aparición de la infección la mediana fue de 14 días. Conclusión: La frecuencia de infección del sitio quirúrgico encontrada en este estudio fue del 4,8%. La patología quirúrgica con mayor porcentaje fue la peritonitis y el tipo de infección absceso de pared. La mayoría de los pacientes eran escolares con buen estado nutricional.

Introduction: Surgical-site infections are associated with healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), caused by bacteria that enter through the incisions made during a surgical procedure. Objective: To describe the frequency and characteristics of surgical site infections in emergency surgeries in pediatric patients hospitalized at a Pediatric General Hospital. Materials and Methods: This was a descriptive, retrospective and cross-sectional observational study. Population: Patients aged 0 to 18 years undergoing emergency abdominal surgery. Variables studied: Age, Sex, Origin, Comorbidity, hospital readmission, time elapsed between the surgical intervention and the appearance of the surgical site infection. Data obtained from the analysis of clinical records and the electronic health record database in the SPSv23 statistical package (IBM SPSS, DEMO) using descriptive statistics. Results: 440 patient records were included, the median age was 10 years, 60.5% were male and 71.4% came from the Central Department. It was observed that the most frequent diagnosis was peritonitis of appendiceal origin 53.2%. The nutritional status of the study population was normal in 93.2%, and 3% of the operated patients were readmitted. 4.8% had surgical site infection, of which 11/21 were wall abscesses. Regarding the time elapsed between surgery and the appearance of the infection, the median was 14 days. Conclusion: The frequency of surgical-site infection found in this study was 4.8%. The surgical pathology with the highest percentage was peritonitis and the wall abscess type of infection. Most of the patients were schoolchildren with good nutritional status.

Hypotension prediction index guided goal-directed therapy to reduce postoperative acute kidney injury during major abdominal surgery: study protocol for a multicenter randomized controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a significant postoperative complication associated with increased mortality and hospital costs. Hemodynamic strategies, such as goal-directed therapy, might reduce AKI risk. Predicting and proactively managing intraoperative hypotension may be helpful. This trial aims to investigate if a preemptive hemodynamic strategy guided by the hypotension prediction index (HPI) can decrease the incidence of moderate-to-severe AKI within 30 days following major elective abdominal surgery. METHODS: This is an open-label, controlled, multicenter, randomized clinical trial that involves daily patient follow-up until hospital discharge. Inclusion criteria are patients aged over 65 and/or categorized as ASA III or IV physical status, undergoing major elective abdominal surgery (general, urological, or gynecological procedures) via laparoscopic or open approach under general or combined anesthesia. INTERVENTION: In the intervention group, hemodynamic management will be based on the HPI and the advanced functional hemodynamic variables provided by the Hemosphere platform and the AcumenIQ® sensor (Edwards Lifesciences). The primary outcome is the incidence of moderate-to-severe AKI within 7 days post-surgery. Secondary outcomes include postoperative complications and 30-day mortality. DISCUSSION: This study explores the potential of HPI-guided hemodynamic management in reducing AKI after major elective abdominal surgery, with implications for postoperative outcomes and patient care. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05569265. Registered on October 6, 2022.

Is histological confirmation necessary to avoid futile resections? Comparative of 4 university hospitals.

OBJECTIVES: There is no consensus in the literature on preoperative histological analysis for lung cancer. The objective of this study was to assess 4 diagnostic models used in different hospitals with differing practices regarding preoperative histological diagnosis and the consequences in terms of unnecessary surgery and futile major resection. METHODS: We carried out a retrospective observational study collected from 4 university hospitals in Spain over 3 years (January 2019 to December 2021). We included all patients with a confirmed diagnosis of primary lung cancer and any patients with suspected primary lung cancer who had undergone surgery. All patients underwent computed tomography and positron emission tomography/computed tomography scans. Each multidisciplinary committee was free to choose whether to perform flexible bronchoscopic or transthoracic lung biopsy. Decisions concerning whether to perform intraoperative sample analysis, the surgical approach and the type of resection were left to the surgical team. RESULTS: We included a total of 1642 patients. The use of flexible endoscopy and its diagnostic performance varied substantially between hospitals (range: 23.8-79.3% and 25-60.7%, respectively); and the same was observed for transthoracic biopsy and its performance (range: 16.9-82.3% and 64.6-97%, respectively). Regarding major resection surgery (lobectomy or more extensive resection), the lowest rate was observed in hospital C (1%) and the highest in hospital B (2.8%), with between-hospital differences not reaching significance (P = 0.173). CONCLUSIONS: The rate of histological sampling before lung cancer surgery still varies between hospitals. In spite of very diverse multidisciplinary management, the rate of futile lobectomy is not significantly higher in hospitals with lower rates of preoperative histological analysis.

Slipping rib syndrome in childhood. A case series. / Síndrome de la costilla deslizante en la edad pediátrica. Serie de casos.

Among the causes of chest pain, slipping rib has a low prevalence, usually with a history of trauma, and its management is controversial. Slipping rib syndrome should be included in the differential diagnosis of causes of chest pain in children. When not associated with previous trauma and cartilage deformity, it is necessary to consider an alteration in rib development, regardless of the typical traumatic etiology in adults. Here we describe a series of pediatric patients with slipping rib seen at a referral hospital between 2001 and 2022. Nine patients aged 11 to 16 years were included. Only 2 had a history of trauma. All patients described a sudden onset of severe thoracic abdominal pain. The patients underwent open resection of the affected costal cartilages, with resolution of pain.

Entre las causas de dolor torácico, la costilla deslizante presenta baja prevalencia, antecedentes traumáticos y manejo controvertido. Este síndrome merece ser incluido en el diagnóstico diferencial de causas de dolor torácico en niños. Al no asociarse a traumatismos previos y la deformidad de cartílagos, nos induce a pensar en una alteración en el desarrollo costal, al margen de la etiología traumática típica en adultos. Se presenta una serie de pacientes pediátricos intervenidos por costilla deslizante en un centro de referencia entre 2001 y 2022. Se incluyeron nueve pacientes, con un rango de edades de 11 a 16 años. Solo dos casos describen traumatismo previo. Todos presentan un inicio súbito de dolor toracoabdominal intenso. Los pacientes fueron intervenidos mediante resección abierta de cartílagos costales afectos, con resolución del dolor.

Radiation therapy for optic nerve sheath meningiomas: Local control and treatment related visual changes.

Objective: Our primary objective is to evaluate the local control of optic nerve sheath meningiomas (ONSMs) treated with ionizing radiation and related visual changes after treatment. Our secondary objective is to describe the clinical characteristics and perform an analysis of the treatment impact on the functional status of this group of patients. Methods: We present our series of 19 patients treated with ionizing radiation therapy at our radio-neurosurgery unit between 2016 and 2022. The setting, ophthalmological follow-up, morbidity, and survival are analyzed and discussed. Results: Patients were followed up, and the impact of treatment on local disease control, visual alterations of the affected eye, and functional status of the patient were analyzed. The progression-free survival (PFS) median was 60 months (95% CI 50.3-69.6 months). The estimated PFS rates at 48 and 66 months were 100% and 66%, respectively. At diagnosis, nine (47.3%) eyes were in amaurosis and ten (52.6%) with vision. Of the ten patients without amaurosis at the time of diagnosis, three (30%) maintained unchanged visual acuity, and seven (70%) had decreased visual acuity; three of them developed amaurosis during the first year after treatment (p = 0.018). Conclusions: Using ionizing radiation therapy is a successful treatment for the local control of ONSMs. This therapeutic modality can compromise the visual acuity of the affected eye and improve dyschromatopsia and campimetry defects. The life prognosis is good for these patients, with a zero mortality rate, but their vision prognosis is poor.

MANNosylation of Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles Modifies TLR4 Localization and NF-κB Translocation in T24 Bladder Cancer Cells.

D-mannose is widely used as non-antibiotic treatment for bacterial urinary tract infections. This application is based on a well-studied mechanism of binding to the type 1 bacterial pili and, therefore, blocking bacteria adhesion to the uroepithelial cells. To implement D-mannose into carrier systems, the mechanism of action of the sugar in the bladder environment is also relevant and requires investigation. Herein, two different MANNosylation strategies using mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) are described. The impact of different chemical linkers on bacterial adhesion and bladder cell response is studied via confocal microscopy imaging of the MSN interactions with the respective organisms. Cytotoxicity is assessed and the expression of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and caveolin-1 (CAV-1), in the presence or absence of simulated infection with bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS), is evaluated using the human urinary bladder cancer cell line T24. Further, localisation of the transcription factor NF-κB due to the MANNosylated materials is examined over time. The results show that MANNosylation modifies bacterial adhesion to the nanomaterials and significantly affects TLR4, caveolin-1, and NF-κB in bladder cells. These elements are essential components of the inflammatory cascade/pathogens response during urinary tract infections. These findings demonstrate that MANNosylation is a versatile tool to design hybrid nanocarriers for targeted biomedical applications.

Antinociceptive effects of Raphanus sativus sprouts involve the opioid and 5-HT1A serotonin receptors, cAMP/cGMP pathways, and the central activity of sulforaphane.

Raphanus sativus L. cv. Sango, commonly known as red radish, is widely consumed around the world as a vegetable, but its benefit in pain relief is not sufficiently investigated. This study aimed to evaluate the antinociceptive effects of R. sativus and a possible mechanism of action. An aqueous extract of R. sativus sprouts (AERSS) was investigated by parenteral (10, 30, and 100 mg kg-1, i.p.) and enteral (500 mg kg-1, p.o.) administration in the neurogenic and inflammatory phases of the formalin test, where gastric damage was also evaluated as a possible adverse effect. Ketorolac (5 mg kg-1, i.p.) was used as the reference drug. Endogenous opioid and 5-HT1A serotonin receptors, as well as the cAMP/NO-cGMP pathways, were explored in the study of a possible mechanism of action by using their corresponding antagonists: naloxone, 1 mg kg-1, i.p., WAY100635, 1 mg kg-1, i.p., and enzymatic activators or inhibitors, respectively. Sulforaphane (SFN), a known bioactive metabolite, was analyzed using electroencephalography (EEG) to evidence its central involvement. A significant and dose-dependent antinociceptive activity was observed with the AERSS resembling the antinociceptive effect of the reference drug, with an equivalent significant response with a dose of 500 mg kg-1, p.o. without causing gastric damage. The participation of the endogenous opioid and 5-HT1A serotonin receptors at central and peripheral levels was also observed, with a differential participation of cAMP/NO-cGMP. SFN as one metabolite produced significant changes in the EEG analysis, reinforcing its effects on the CNS. Our preclinical evidence supports the benefits of consuming Raphanus sativus cv. Sango sprouts for pain relief.

Would shared decision-making be useful in breast cancer screening programmes? A qualitative study using focus group discussions to gather evidence from French women with different socioeconomic backgrounds.

BACKGROUND: To inform the development of an online tool to be potentially used in shared decision-making about breast cancer screening, French women were questioned about participation in breast cancer screening, the health professional's role, and their perceptions of the proposed tool. METHODS: We organised focus group discussions with 55 French women. Two different strategies were used to recruit women from high and low socioeconomic backgrounds. We applied both inductive and deductive approaches to conduct a thematic analysis of the discussions. We analysed the responses by using the main determinants from different health behaviour models and compared the two groups. RESULTS: Independently of socioeconomic status, the most important determinant for a woman's participation in breast cancer screening was the perceived severity of breast cancer and the perceived benefits of its early detection by screening. Cues to action reported by both groups were invitation letters; recommendations by health professionals, or group/community activities and public events were reported by women from high and low socioeconomic backgrounds, respectively. Among other positive determinants, women from high socioeconomic backgrounds reported making informed decisions and receiving peer support whereas women from low socioeconomic backgrounds reported community empowerment through group/community events. Fear of cancer was reported as a barrier in both groups. Among other barriers, language issues were reported only by women from low socioeconomic backgrounds; women from high socioeconomic backgrounds reported breast cancer screening-related risks other than overdiagnosis and/or overtreatment. Barriers to accessing the online tool to be developed were mainly reported by women from high socioeconomic backgrounds. CONCLUSION: Limitations in implementing shared decision-making for women from low socioeconomic backgrounds were highlighted. An online tool that is suitable for all women, regardless of socioeconomic status, would provide "on-demand" reliable and tailored information about breast cancer screening and improve access to health professionals and social exchanges.

Immunohistochemical, functional, and anatomical evaluation of patients with idiopathic epiretinal membrane.

PURPOSE: The main purpose of this study was to perform an immunohistochemical, functional, and anatomical evaluation of patients with idiopathic epiretinal membrane (ERM). METHODS: Twenty-four specimens of idiopathic ERM from 24 consecutive patients who underwent 23 G pars plana vitrectomy for ERM and internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling at the San Juan University Hospital in Alicante (Spain) in 2019 were analyzed. All patients underwent a complete ophthalmological examination including measurement of best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and macular analysis by spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) at the time of diagnosis and 3 months after surgery. Specific glial fibrillar acid protein antibodies (GFAP) and S100 calcium-binding protein ß (S100ß) immunostaining markers were used to identify the macroglial component of the ERM, Müller cells, and astrocytes. Ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1 protein (Iba1) antibodies were used as specific markers for inflammatory cells, such as microglia and macrophages. RESULTS: Mean preoperative BCVA measured with Snellen chart was 0.3 and 0.6 preoperatively and at 3 months after surgery, respectively. SD-OCT identified 15 patients (62.5%) with a disruption of the outer retinal hyperreflective bands. The immunohistochemical study showed the presence of Müller cells in almost all cases (91.6%), as well of abundant microglia and macrophages. Microglia and macrophages were more frequently present in earlier stages of ERM. Microglia were present in ERM independently of the outer retinal hyperreflective bands integrity as measured by SD-OCT. A greater presence of macrophages was found in those ERMs with no outer retinal hyperreflective band disruption. CONCLUSIONS: Müller cells seem to be the most frequent cell group in ERMs, with also presence of microglia cells and macrophages. Astrocytes were more frequently found in early stages of ERMs. Microglia and macrophages were most frequent in ERMs with early stage (1, 2, or 3) than in advanced stages (4).

Targeting cancer stem cell OXPHOS with tailored ruthenium complexes as a new anti-cancer strategy.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies by our group have shown that oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) is the main pathway by which pancreatic cancer stem cells (CSCs) meet their energetic requirements; therefore, OXPHOS represents an Achille's heel of these highly tumorigenic cells. Unfortunately, therapies that target OXPHOS in CSCs are lacking. METHODS: The safety and anti-CSC activity of a ruthenium complex featuring bipyridine and terpyridine ligands and one coordination labile position (Ru1) were evaluated across primary pancreatic cancer cultures and in vivo, using 8 patient-derived xenografts (PDXs). RNAseq analysis followed by mitochondria-specific molecular assays were used to determine the mechanism of action. RESULTS: We show that Ru1 is capable of inhibiting CSC OXPHOS function in vitro, and more importantly, it presents excellent anti-cancer activity, with low toxicity, across a large panel of human pancreatic PDXs, as well as in colorectal cancer and osteosarcoma PDXs. Mechanistic studies suggest that this activity stems from Ru1 binding to the D-loop region of the mitochondrial DNA of CSCs, inhibiting OXPHOS complex-associated transcription, leading to reduced mitochondrial oxygen consumption, membrane potential, and ATP production, all of which are necessary for CSCs, which heavily depend on mitochondrial respiration. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, the coordination complex Ru1 represents not only an exciting new anti-cancer agent, but also a molecular tool to dissect the role of OXPHOS in CSCs. Results indicating that the compound is safe, non-toxic and highly effective in vivo are extremely exciting, and have allowed us to uncover unprecedented mechanistic possibilities to fight different cancer types based on targeting CSC OXPHOS.

Norepinephrine induces anoikis resistance in high-grade serous ovarian cancer precursor cells.

High-grade serous carcinoma (HGSC) is the most lethal gynecological malignancy in the United States. Late diagnosis and the emergence of chemoresistance have prompted studies into how the tumor microenvironment, and more recently tumor innervation, may be leveraged for HGSC prevention and interception. In addition to stess-induced sources, concentrations of the sympathetic neurotransmitter norepinephrine (NE) in the ovary increase during ovulation and after menopause. Importantly, NE exacerbates advanced HGSC progression. However, little is known about the role of NE in early disease pathogenesis. Here, we investigated the role of NE in instigating anchorage independence and micrometastasis of preneoplastic lesions from the fallopian tube epithelium (FTE) to the ovary, an essential step in HGSC onset. We found that in the presence of NE, FTE cell lines were able to survive in ultra-low-attachment (ULA) culture in a ß-adrenergic receptor-dependent (ß-AR-dependent) manner. Importantly, spheroid formation and cell viability conferred by treatment with physiological sources of NE were abrogated using the ß-AR blocker propranolol. We have also identified that NE-mediated anoikis resistance may be attributable to downregulation of colony-stimulating factor 2. These findings provide mechanistic insight and identify targets that may be regulated by ovary-derived NE in early HGSC.

Second Hematologic Malignancies Associated With Primary Mediastinal Germ Cell Tumors: A Population-based Study.

BACKGROUND: Studies addressing second hematologic malignancies (SHMs) in patients with primary mediastinal germ cell tumors (PMGCTs) are scarce. To better describe this phenomenon, we analyzed a large case series from a population-based registry. METHODS: The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database was used to report the clinical characteristics and incidence of SHMs in patients with PMGCT. RESULTS: Among 1297 PMGCTs, 27 cases (2.08%) of SHM were found, with a median latency period of 12 months (95% CI: 5-41). All SHM occurred in males, 20 of whom (74.1%) had a previous nonseminomatous tumor. Acute myeloid leukemia was the most frequent SHM, accounting for 13 cases, 4 of which were acute megakaryoblastic leukemia that occurred within 5 months of diagnosis. The median survival after the diagnosis of SHM was 6 months (95% CI: 2-41). The risk of SHM was significantly higher than expected for the reference population, with a standardized incidence ratio of 6.21 (95% CI: 3.31-10.62) and an absolute excess risk of 19.19 per 10,000 person-years. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with PMGCT are at a higher risk of developing SHMs than the general population, particularly acute myeloid leukemia. This risk ranges from synchronous diagnosis of acute megakaryoblastic leukemia to the later onset of other hematological disorders that might be related to PMGCT therapies. Our findings may help create follow-up schedules for patients with PMGCT and raise the level of suspicion surrounding this association.

Unveiling a CAAX Protease-Like Protein Involved in Didemnin Drug Maturation and Secretion.

The assembly line biosynthesis of the powerful anticancer-antiviral didemnin cyclic peptides is proposed to follow a prodrug release mechanism in Tristella bacteria. This strategy commences with the formation of N-terminal prodrug scaffolds and culminates in their cleavage during the cellular export of the mature products. In this study, a comprehensive exploration of the genetic and biochemical aspects of the enzymes responsible for both the assembly and cleavage of the acylated peptide prodrug scaffolds is provided. This process involves the assembly of N-acyl-polyglutamine moieties orchestrated by the nonribosomal peptide synthetase DidA and the cleavage of these components at the post-assembly stage by DidK, a transmembrane CAAX hydrolase homolog. The findings not only shed light on the complex prodrug mechanism that underlies the synthesis and secretion of didemnin compounds but also offer novel insights into the expanded role of CAAX hydrolases in microbes. Furthermore, this knowledge can be leveraged for the strategic design of genome mining approaches aimed at discovering new bioactive natural products that employ similar prodrug biochemical strategies.

Traumatismos en neonatos que acuden al departamento de emergencias pediátricas: frecuencia, mecanismos y formas de presentación

Introduccion: La Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS) estima que aproximadamente 100 niños mueren cada hora a causa de lesiones traumáticas. Objetivo: Describir la frecuencia, mecanismos y tipos de traumatismos en los neonatos en el departamento de emergencias pediátricas de un hospital. Materiales y métodos: Estudio observacional, descriptivo, transversal, ambispectivo. Se incluyeron neonatos con diagnóstico de traumatismo que acudieron al departamento de emergencias pediátricas de un hospital desde enero del 2015 a diciembre del 2019. Variables: edad, sexo, procedencia, peso de nacimiento, edad gestacional, tipo de parto, mecanismo y tipo de traumatismo y evolución, Los datos se analizaron en SPSS. El protocolo fue aprobado por el comité de ética. Resultados: Fueron incluidos 90 neonatos, la frecuencia de traumatismo fue del 1,4%, la media de la edad fue de 14,6 ±7,7 días. El 92% nacieron por parto vaginal ,27% macrosómicos. El mecanismo del trauma fue obstétrico en 75,6%, accidentes en la casa 23,3 %y 1 caso de accidente de tránsito. Los tipos de lesiones fueron fracturas de huesos largos, en 47,8%, lesión del plexo braquial 15,5% y traumatismo cráneo encefálico 13,33%. Fueron hospitalizados el 10%. Conclusiones: La frecuencia de traumatismo neonatal en la urgencia pediátrica fue del 1,4%. La edad media fue 14,6 ±7,7dias. El 75,6% fue de origen obstétrico y 23,3% accidentes en la casa y 1 caso de accidente de tránsito. Los tipos de lesiones fueron fracturas de huesos largos, 47,8%, lesión del plexo braquial 15,5% y 13,3% traumatismo cráneo encefálico 13,3%.

Introduction: The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that approximately 100 children die every hour from traumatic injuries. Objective: To describe the frequency, mechanisms and types of trauma in neonates in the pediatric emergency department of a hospital. Materials and methods: This was an observational, descriptive, transversal, and ambispective study. Neonates with a diagnosis of trauma who presented to the pediatric emergency department of a hospital from January 2015 to December 2019 were included. Variables: age, sex, town of origin, birth weight, gestational age, type of delivery, mechanism and type of trauma and evolution, Data were analyzed in SPSS. The protocol was approved by the ethics committee. Results: 90 neonates were included, the frequency of trauma was 1.4%, the mean age was 14.6 ±7.7 days. 92% were born by vaginal delivery, 27% were macrosomic at birth. The mechanism of trauma was obstetric in 75.6%, accidents at home in 23.3% and there was 1 case of a traffic accident. The types of injuries were long bone fractures, seen in 47.8%, brachial plexus injury in 15.5%, and head trauma in 13.33%. 10% were hospitalized. Conclusions: The frequency of neonatal trauma in the pediatric emergency was 1.4%. The mean age was 14.6 ±7.7 days. 75.6% were obstetric in origin and 23.3% were accidents at home and 1 case of a traffic accident. The types of injuries were long bone fractures in 47.8%, brachial plexus injury in 15.5%, and head trauma in 13.3%.