Outcomes of patients with non-small cell lung cancer and poor performance status treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors in the real-world setting

International Journal of Clinical Oncology - Immune-checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are standard treatments for metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Patients with poor performance status...     

Esophagectomy with Ileocoloplasty,Last Treatment for a Leak After Laparoscopic Sleeve: “From Less to More”

Obesity Surgery - Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is increasingly playing a key role in obesity management. Such operations, however, carry complications sometimes including leaks. The...     

Effects of consumption of contaminated feed with 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) on the rat tibia: analysis by Raman spectroscopy and mechanical properties

Lasers in Medical Science - Studies reported the harmful effects of 2,4-D on body tissues, provoking changes in the anatomy and physiology of the kidneys, liver, and testicles. Thus, the objective...     

Early posterior vitreous detachment is associated with LAMA5 dominant mutation

Background: Extracellular matrix molecular components, previously linked to multisystem syndromes include collagens, fibrillins and laminins. Recently, we described a novel multisystem syndrome caused by the c.9418G>A p.(V3140M) mutation in the laminin alpha-5 (LAMA5) gene, which affects connective tissues of all organs and apparatus in a three generation family. In the same family, we have also reported a myopic trait, which, however, was linked to the Prolyl 4-hydroxylase subunit alpha-2 (P4HA2) gene. Results of investigation on vitreous changes and their pathogenesis are reported in the present study.Materials and Methods: Nineteen family individuals underwent complete ophthalmic examination including best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), fundus examination, fundus photography, intraocular pressure measurement, axial length measurement using ocular biometry, Goldmann visual field examination, standard electroretinogram, SD-OCT. Segregation analysis of LAMA5 and P4HA2 mutations was performed in enrolled members.Results: The vitreous alterations fully segregated with LAMA5 mutation in both young and adult family members. Slight reduction of retinal thickness and peripheral retinal degeneration in only two patients were reported.Conclusions: In this work we showed that PVD is a common trait of LAMA5 multisystem syndrome, therefore occurring as an age-unrelated trait. We hypothesize that the p.(V3140M) mutation results in a reduction of retinal inner limiting membrane (ILM) stability, leading to a derangement in the macromolecular structure of the vitreous gel, and PVD. Further investigations will be necessary to elucidate the role of wild type and mutated LAMA5 in the pathogenesis of PVD.     

SEROPOSITIVITY FOR ASCARIOSIS AND TOXOCARIOSIS AND CYTOKINE EXPRESSION AMONG THE INDIGENOUS PEOPLE IN THE VENEZUELAN DELTA REGION

The present study aimed at measuring seropositivities for infection by Ascaris suum and Toxocara canis using the excretory/secretory (E/S) antigens from Ascaris suum (AES) and Toxocara canis (TES) within an indigenous population. In addition, quantification of cytokine expressions in peripheral blood cells was determined. A total of 50 Warao indigenous were included; of which 43 were adults and seven children. In adults, 44.1% were seropositive for both parasites; whereas children had only seropositivity to one or the other helminth. For ascariosis, the percentage of AES seropositivity in adults and children was high; 23.3% and 57.1%, respectively. While that for toxocariosis, the percentage of TES seropositivity in adults and children was low; 9.3% and 14.3%, respectively. The percentage of seronegativity was comparable for AES and TES antigens in adults (27.9%) and children (28.6%). When positive sera were analyzed by Western blotting technique using AES antigens; three bands of 97.2, 193.6 and 200.2 kDas were mostly recognized. When the TES antigens were used, nine major bands were mostly identified; 47.4, 52.2, 84.9, 98.2, 119.1, 131.3, 175.6, 184.4 and 193.6 kDas. Stool examinations showed that Blastocystis hominis, Hymenolepis nana and Entamoeba coli were the most commonly observed intestinal parasites. Quantification of cytokines IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-6, TGF-β, TNF-α, IL-10 and IL-4 expressions showed that there was only a significant increased expression of IL-4 in indigenous with TES seropositivity (p < 0.002). Ascaris and Toxocara seropositivity was prevalent among Warao indigenous.     

Large gangliocytic paraganglioma of the duodenum: A rare entity

Gangliocytic paragangliomas are rare tumors that almost exclusively occur within the second portion of the duodenum. Although these tumors generally have a benign clinical course, they have the potential to recur or metastasize to regional lymph nodes. The case report presented here describes a 57-year-old female patient with melena, progressive asthenia, anemia, and a mass in the second-third portion of the duodenum that was treated by local excision. The patient was diagnosed with a friable bleeding tumor. The histologic analysis showed that the tumor was a 4 cm gangliocytic paraganglioma without a malignant cell pattern. In the absence of local invasion or distant metastasis, endoscopic resection represents a feasible, curative therapy. Although endoscopic polypectomy is currently considered the treatment of choice, it is not recommended if the size of the tumor is > 3 cm and/or there is active or recent bleeding. Patients diagnosed with a gangliocytic paraganglioma should be closely followed-up for possible local recurrence.     

Acute toxicity of chlorpyrifos to the non-target organism Cnesterodon decemmaculatus

Chlorpyrifos is the most used insecticide in Argentina. Cnesterodon decemmaculatus is a widely distributed, endemic fish from Neotropical America. It attains high densities in the shallow water assemblages of Argentina and Brazil. The aim of this study was to assess the acute toxicity of chlorpyrifos to C. decemmaculatus. The mean 96-h LC₅₀ of three independent determinations was 105.3 (±?3.1) μg/L. Sublethal effects were observed. Swimming behavioral changes at each chlorpyrifos exposure concentration were reported. C. decemmaculatus represents a good model for ecotoxicological risk assessment.