Search Results (112)

Background/Objectives: Ectopic Cushing’s syndrome (ECS) is a rare, life-threatening condition caused by uncontrolled ACTH secretion from tumors, most commonly small-cell lung cancer (SCLC). ECS is traditionally reported in 1–6% of SCLC cases; however, recent data suggest it may be much higher. This study compares the clinical presentation of SCLC-related ECS (ECS-SCLC) with other ECS etiologies and analyzes the diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes of ECS-SCLC. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the records of 39 ECS patients diagnosed between 2000 and 2024 at a tertiary endocrinology center. Seven cases (18%) were due to SCLC. Diagnosis was based on clinical signs, biochemical testing, imaging, and histopathology. Results: ECS-SCLC patients (five men, two women; median age 61), compared to other ECS etiologies, had a shorter time to diagnosis (median 1 vs. 2 months; p = 0.03), worse general condition (ECOG 4 vs. 3; p = 0.01), greater muscle weakness (Lovett scale median 2[IQR 1–2] vs. 2[IQR 2–3]; p = 0.04), more severe hypokalemia (2.12 vs. 2.7 mmol/L; p = 0.03), and required higher potassium supplementation (200 vs. 120 mEq/day; p = 0.001). All ECS-SCLC patients experienced weight loss (median 5 kg). Cortisol-lowering therapy (metyrapone or osilodrostat) was initiated in six patients (mean initiation time 3.7 days), leading to clinical improvement. Oncological treatment (chemotherapy or radiotherapy) was administered in five patients after stabilization. The median follow-up time was 3 months. Conclusions: Early recognition of ECS-SCLC and a multidisciplinary approach are critical. Severe hypokalemia and muscle weakness should prompt timely evaluation for hypercortisolism. Cortisol-lowering therapy may improve clinical status and facilitate oncological treatment. Full article

In the realm of sustainable and eco-friendly agriculture, current scientific research emphasizes the development of plant-based bioproducts to mitigate the agricultural footprint resulting from excessive fertilizer and pesticide use. This study investigates the cladodes of Opuntia ficus-indica to screen for bioactive compounds and assess their efficacy against fungal pathogens isolated from infected tomato fruits. Quantitative analysis of the methanolic extract revealed substantial concentrations of bioactive compounds: total polyphenols (86.6 mg GAEs/100 g FW), flavonoids (13.4 mg QEs/100 g FW), condensed tannins (8.9 mg TAEs/100 g FW), and carotenoids (0.9 mg β-CEs/100 g FW). Notably, the DPPH assay indicated that the cladode extract exhibited significant antioxidant potential at a concentration of 0.6 mg/mL. Seven fungal pathogens were isolated from infected tomato fruits and identified as belonging to the following genera: Rhizoctonia (EC2), Fusarium (EC1 and EC3), Alternaria (EC4), Mucor (EC5), Aspergillus (EC6), and Penicillium (EC7). At a concentration of 0.02% of the cladode hydroethanolic extract, the antifungal activity results demonstrated mycelial growth inhibition for Alternaria sp. (70.91%), Rhizoctonia solani EC2 (58.49%), Fusarium oxysporum EC3 (57.63%), and Fusarium solani EC1 (53.13%). Conversely, lower inhibitory activities were observed for Mucor sp. EC5 (31.08%), Aspergillus sp. EC6 (35.14%), and Penicillium sp. EC7 (28.38%). At a concentration of 0.04%, all cladode hydroethanolic extracts inhibited mycelial growth by more than 50%. Furthermore, the highest spore inhibition was attained with the 0.04% cladode hydroethanolic extract (exceeding 50%). Inhibition percentages of 83.02%, 85.96%, 87.76%, and 90.20% were recorded for Fusarium oxysporum EC3, Fusarium solani EC1, Rhizoctonia solani EC2, and Alternaria sp. EC4, respectively. Collectively, these findings suggest that Opuntia ficus-indica extract holds significant promise for application as a biopesticide against fungal pathogens affecting tomato fruits. Full article

Aim: The aim of this study was to analyze the clinical characteristics and prognostic factors of profound hyponatremia in solid cancer patients admitted to the oncologic emergency department. Methods: We gathered data retrospectively from cancer patients who visited the emergency department of the National Cancer Center of China between October 2019 and February 2023 with a serum sodium (Na) level of less than 125 mmol/L. The demographic and clinical characteristics, medical history, admission symptoms, laboratory parameters, and outcomes of the patients were recorded. Results: This study comprised 307 patients with severe hyponatremia in total. With 39.4% of all tumors being lung cancer (n = 121), nausea and vomiting were the most common admission symptoms for patients with severe hyponatremia. The 30-day mortality rate of profound hyponatremia cancer patients in the emergency department was 13.4%. The albumin level (p < 0.001), the hemoglobin level (p = 0.033), the TNM stage (p = 0.004), the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Status (ECOG-PS) score (p < 0.001), hypocalcemia (p = 0.006), renal insufficiency (p = 0.035), and the efficacy of sodium supplementation (p = 0.006) were significantly associated with 30-day mortality. Binary logistic regression analysis showed that a lower albumin level (OR 0.924, 95% CI 0.861–0.991, p = 0.028) and higher ECOG score (OR 8.443, 95% CI 3.568–19.976, p < 0.001) were independent risk factors for 30-day mortality. The overall survival of emergency cancer patients with severe hyponatremia was also examined. The results of the COX regression analysis demonstrated that the efficacy of sodium supplementation (OR = 2.643, 95% CI 1.593–4.386, p < 0.001), a low albumin level (OR = 0.654, 95% CI 0.463–0.923, p = 0.016), the TNM stage (OR = 4.606, 95% CI 2.846–7.455), and a higher ECOG score (OR = 1.738, 95% CI 1.292–2.338, p < 0.001) were independent risk factors for overall survival. Conclusions: The clinical manifestations of severe hyponatremia in emergency cancer patients are varied. Hypoalbuminemia and a higher ECOG score are independent risk factors for 30-day mortality and overall survival. Severe hyponatremia patients with a high ECOG score and/or a low albumin level should be monitored and followed more closely. Full article

Background and Objectives: Kaposi’s sarcoma (KS) is a rare malignancy with limited prospective data. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical features and prognostic factors of KS in a cohort of patients treated at a single center. Materials and Methods: Records of 83 patients with KS were retrospectively analyzed. Patient demographics, clinical features, and treatments were analyzed. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to evaluate factors affecting overall survival (OS). Results: The median age of the cohort was 65 years, and 22.9% were female. The classical type of KS was the most common (84.3%), with the most common site of localization being the feet (30.2%). The 5-year and 10-year OS rates were 82.7% and 70.8%, respectively. Univariate analysis identified age, performance score (ECOG PS), lymph node involvement, and disease stage as significant prognostic factors. However, in multivariate analysis, only the ECOG PS remained a significant predictor of OS. Conclusions: KS is a condition that requires long-term follow-up, and performance status is particularly critical for patient survival. In addition to our findings, comprehensive prospective studies are still needed to better understand the factors influencing patient survival in KS. Full article

Background/Objectives: Brentuximab vedotin (BV) has been shown to be effective in the treatment of classical Hodgkin’s lymphoma (cHL), systemic anaplastic large cell lymphoma (sALCL), and CD30-positive cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL). This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of BV retreatment in patients with relapsed/refractory cHL, sALCL, and CD30-positive CTCL. Methods: This multicenter, non-interventional, retrospective medical chart review study analyzed medical records from 43 patients retreated with BV in Spain. Patients were included if they had relapsed or refractory cHL, sALCL, or CD30-positive CTCL and were previously treated with BV. Demographic characteristics, disease stage, response to treatment, survival outcomes, and adverse events were analyzed. Results: The study population included 16 patients with cHL, 13 with sALCL, and 14 with CTCL. The majority were male (58.1%) with a mean age of 46.2 years and baseline ECOG scores of 0–1. Among cHL and sALCL patients, disease stage, according to the Ann Arbor classification, ranged from I to IVB, while in CTCL, EORTC clinical stages ranged from IA to IVB. The overall response rate to BV retreatment was 76.7%, with the highest response observed in sALCL (92.3%). Complete remission was achieved in 60.5% of patients. Median progression-free survival was 25.4 months, and overall survival reached 50 months. Treatment failure occurred in 37.2% of patients. BV was generally well tolerated, with peripheral neuropathy being the most frequently reported adverse event. Conclusions: The BELIEVE study is the largest study to date demonstrating that retreatment with BV is an effective and well-tolerated option for patients with relapsed or refractory CD30-positive malignancies. Full article

This study evaluated the effects of three irrigation treatments (control (rain-fed plants), deficit irrigation (DI: 50% of maximum field capacity), full irrigation (FI: 100% of maximum field capacity)), and two crop-management treatments (with or without crop rotation with bean, CR, and NCR, respectively) on the plant growth and chemical composition of C. spinosum. The results indicated that deficit irrigation combined with crop rotation increased the weight of leaves per plant, followed by rain-fed plants for the same crop-management treatment. Additionally, these two factors significantly influenced the nutritional profile, free sugars, and organic acid content in a variable manner. Moreover, the control treatment and deficit irrigation increased the content of K, Na, and Mg, which are highly mobile nutrients, whereas the levels of moderately mobile nutrients such as Fe, Mn, Cu, and Zn decreased. Deficit irrigation without crop rotation significantly increased the content of total tocopherols, followed by deficit irrigation with crop rotation and full irrigation without crop rotation. The main fatty acids were α-linolenic acid (C18:3n3), followed by palmitic acid (C16:0) and linoleic acid (C18:2n6), while the control and deficit irrigation treatments combined with crop rotation increased PUFA and decreased SFA content. Furthermore, deficit irrigation and crop rotation induced the accumulation of phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and phenolic acids, especially the content of the major compounds (e.g., chicoric acid, quercetin-O-hexurunoside, and luteolin-O-hexurunoside). The leaf extracts exhibited varied antioxidant activity (assessed by TBARS and OxHLIA assays), and antimicrobial activity. On the other hand, no antifungal, antiproliferative (except for AGS cell line), hepatotoxic, or anti-inflammatory effects were recorded. In conclusion, the combination of deficit irrigation and crop rotation with bean positively affected the quality traits and the fresh weight of leaves, thus suggesting that such eco-friendly practices could have beneficial effects in the cultivation of C. spinosum plants within the context of climate-change mitigation strategies. Full article

The aim of this work is to incorporate lanthanide-cored upconversion nanoparticles (UCNP) into the surface of microengineered biomedical implants to create a spatially controlled and optically releasable model drug delivery device in an integrated fashion. Our approach enables silicone-based microelectrocorticography (ECoG) implants holding platinum/iridium recording sites to serve as a stable host of UCNPs. Nanoparticles excitable in the near-infrared (lower energy) regime and emitting visible (higher energy) light are utilized in a study. With the upconverted higher energy photons, we demonstrate the induction of photochemical (cleaving) reactions that enable the local release of specific dyes as a model system near the implant. The modified ECoG electrodes can be implanted in brain tissue to act as an uncaging system that releases small amounts of substance while simultaneously measuring the evoked neural response upon light activation. In this paper, several technological challenges like the surface modification of UCNPs, the immobilization of particles on the implantable platform, and measuring the stability of integrated UCNPs in in vitro and in vivo conditions are addressed in detail. Besides the chemical, mechanical, and optical characterization of the ready-to-use devices, the effect of nanoparticles on the original electrophysiological function is also evaluated. The results confirm that silicone-based brain–machine interfaces can be efficiently complemented with UCNPs to facilitate local model drug release. Full article

There have been multiple technological advancements that promise to gradually enable devices to measure and record signals with high resolution and accuracy in the domain of brain–computer interfaces (BCIs). Multimodal BCIs have been able to gain significant traction given their potential to enhance signal processing by integrating different recording modalities. In this review, we explore the integration of multiple neuroimaging and neurophysiological modalities, including electroencephalography (EEG), magnetoencephalography (MEG), functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), electrocorticography (ECoG), and single-unit activity (SUA). This multimodal approach leverages the high temporal resolution of EEG and MEG with the spatial precision of fMRI, the invasive yet precise nature of ECoG, and the single-neuron specificity provided by SUA. The paper highlights the advantages of integrating multiple modalities, such as increased accuracy and reliability, and discusses the challenges and limitations of multimodal integration. Furthermore, we explain the data acquisition approaches for each of these modalities. We also demonstrate various software programs that help in extracting, cleaning, and refining the data. We conclude this paper with a discussion on the available literature, highlighting recent advances, challenges, and future directions for each of these modalities. Full article

Background/Objectives: Dose reductions in CDK4/6 inhibitors, such as ribociclib and palbociclib, are often necessary due to treatment-related toxicities in patients with advanced breast cancer. This study aims to evaluate the impact of the timing of dose reductions on progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) in a real-world cohort. Methods: This single-center, retrospective study included patients treated with ribociclib or palbociclib between 2019 and 2023 at a cancer center in Turkey. Dose reductions due to drug-related toxicities were recorded, and survival outcomes were analyzed. Patients were categorized based on the timing of dose reductions: within the first 3 months (early) and after 3 months (late). Results: Among 392 patients (mean age 57.13 years), 16.8% had dose reductions within 3 months, 21.7% had late dose reductions, and 61.5% had no dose reductions. The mPFS was 14.26 months for early dose reductions, 33.12 months for late dose reductions, and 20.6 months for no dose reductions (p < 0.001). The mOS was 37.12 months for early dose reductions, not reached for late dose reductions, and 57.76 months for no dose reductions (p < 0.001). Hematological toxicity, primarily neutropenia, was the most common cause of dose reductions. The ECOG performance status, line of therapy, and CDK4/6 inhibitor type were also significant predictors of PFS and OS. Conclusions: Early dose reductions in CDK4/6 inhibitors negatively affect PFS and OS, highlighting the importance of maintaining treatment intensity in the first 3 months. However, late dose reductions do not negatively affect progression-free survival (PFS) or overall survival (OS), with late dose reductions associated with better outcomes. Prospective studies in larger patient populations will further clarify our knowledge on this subject. Full article

Micro-electrocorticography (µECoG) electrodes have emerged to balance the trade-off between invasiveness and signal quality in brain recordings. However, its large-scale applicability is still hindered by a lack of comparative studies assessing the relationship between ECoG and traditional recording methods such as penetrating electrodes. This study aimed to compare somatosensory evoked potentials (SEPs) through the lenses of a µECoG and an intracortical microelectrode array (MEA). The electrodes were implanted in the pig’s primary somatosensory cortex, while SEPs were generated by applying electrical stimulation to the ulnar nerve. The SEP amplitude, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), power spectral density (PSD), and correlation structure were analysed. Overall, SEPs resulting from MEA recordings had higher amplitudes and contained significantly more spectral power, especially at higher frequencies. However, the SNRs were similar between the interfaces. These results demonstrate the feasibility of using µECoG to decode SEPs with wide-range applications in physiology monitoring and brain–computer interfaces. Full article

Background: Despite the implementation of enhanced recovery programs, the reported average postoperative length of stay after robotic lobectomy remains as 4 days. In this prospective study, we present the outcomes of early discharge (on day 2) with telehealth home monitoring device after robotic lobectomy for lung cancer in selected patients. Methods: All patients with a caregiver were discharged on postoperative day 2 (POD 2) with a telemonitoring device provided they met the specific discharge criteria. Inclusion criteria: <75 years old, stage I-II NSCLC, with caregiver, ECOG 0–2, scheduled for lobectomy, logistic proximity to hospital (<60 km); intra-postoperative exclusion criteria: conversion to open surgery, early complications needing hospital monitoring or redo-operation, difficult pain management, <92 HbO2% saturation on room air or need for O2 supplementation, altered vital or laboratory parameters. Teleconsultations were scheduled as follows: the first one in afternoon of POD2, two on POD3, then once a day until chest tube removal. After discharge, patients recorded their vital signs at least four times a day using the device, which allowed two surgeons to monitor them via a mobile application. In the event of sudden changes in vital signs or the occurrence of adverse events, patients had access to a direct phone line and a dedicated re-hospitalization pathway. The primary outcome was safety, assessed by the occurrence of post-discharge complications or readmissions, as well as feasibility. Secondary outcomes: comparison of safety profile with a matched control group in which the standard of care and the evaluation of resource optimization were maintained and economic evaluation. Results: Between July 2022 and February 2024, 48 patients were enrolled in the present study. Six patients (12.5%) dropped out due to unsatisfied discharge criteria on POD2. Exclusion causes were: significant air leaks (n:2) requiring monitoring and the use of suction device, uncontrolled pain (n:2), atrial fibrillation, and occurrence of cerebral ischemia (n:1 each). The adherence rate to vital signs monitoring by patients was 100%. A mean number of four measurements per day was performed by each patient. During telehealth home monitoring, a total of 71/2163 (1.4%) vital sign measurements violated the established acceptable threshold in 22 (52%) patients. All critical violations were managed at home. During the surveillance period (defined as the time from POD 2 to the day of chest tube removal), a persistent air leak was recorded in one patient requiring readmission to the hospital (on POD 13) and re-intervention with placement of a second thoracic drainage due to unsatisfactory lung expansion. No other postoperative complication occurred nor was there any readmission needed. Compared to the control group, the discharge gain was 2.5 days, with an economic benefit of 528 €/day (55.440 € on the total enrolled population). Conclusions: Our results confirm that the adoption of telehealth home monitoring is feasible and allows a safe discharge on postoperative day two after robotic surgery for stage I-II NSCLC in selected patients. A potential economic benefit (141 days of hospitalizations avoided) for the healthcare system could result from the adoption of this protocol. Full article

Pollution coming from plastic polymers, particularly polyethylene (PE), poses a serious threat to both humans and animals. The biodegradation of plastics facilitated by insects is a crucial and eco-friendly approach that can be employed to combat this global concern. Recently, the larvae of the greater wax moth Galleria mellonella (L.) have been recognized as avid ‘plastivores’. The current study was aimed at evaluating the feeding efficiency of G. mellonella larvae on PEs of various densities with a co-diet supplementation of wheat germ + honey and beeswax. The results reveal that maximum PE consumption (9.98 ± 1.25 mg) was recorded in the case of 1.0 mm thick PE after a 24 h interval; however, the same scenario also achieved the greatest reduction in larval weight (27.79 ± 2.02 mg). A significant reduction in PE mass (5.87 ± 1.44 mg) was also observed in 1.0 mm PE when fed beeswax; however, the larvae experienced minimal weight loss (9.59 ± 3.81 mg). The larvae exhibited a higher PE consumption in 1.0 mm PE, indicating that the lower the density of PE, the greater the consumed area. Moreover, the biodegradation levels were notably higher within the 24 h interval. In conclusion, these findings suggest that the density of PEs and the supplementation of the co-diet have an impact on PE biodegradation. Additionally, the utilization of G. mellonella for the biodegradation of PE proves effective when combined with beeswax, resulting in minimal weight loss of the larvae. Our findings offer initial insights into how Galleria mellonella larvae biodegrade polyethylene (PE) of four different densities, along with co-diet supplementation. This approach helps us evaluate how varying densities affect degradation rates and provides a better understanding of the larvae’s capabilities. Additionally, our observations at three specific time intervals (24, 48, and 72 h) allow us to identify the time required for achieving degradation rates. Through examining these time points, our method offers valuable insights into the initial phases of plastic consumption and biodegradation. Full article

Background: Cancer is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally. Dyspnea, affecting up to 60% of cancer patients, exacerbates physical and psychological distress, reducing quality of life. This study aims to explore the relationship between dyspnea and factors such as age, sex, clinical diagnosis, and treatment lines in cancer patients, with the goal of improving understanding and management of this debilitating symptom to enhance patient care and quality of life. Methods: This study employed an observational, cross-sectional, and descriptive approach to investigate patients with oncological disease at the University Hospital of Salamanca between March 2021 and April 2024. A convenience sample was selected, including patients over 18 years old with a pathological diagnosis of cancer, experiencing any degree of dyspnea, and who consented to participate by signing the informed consent. Exclusion criteria included lack of consent and clinical conditions that prevented an interview. The studied variables encompass sociodemographic (age, gender, diagnosis, tumor stage, number of treatment lines) and clinical aspects (daily activities, degree of dyspnea, functional capacity, physical performance), evaluated using the Barthel Index, the mMRC Dyspnea Scale, the ECOG Scale, and the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB). Data were collected through semistructured interviews and medical records, and analyzed using specialized software. This research has ethical approval CEiM Code 2023 12 1472, Reference 2024/01. Results: The mean age was 66.82 years. Lung cancer was predominant (60.2%), with most patients in stage 3 (65.7%) and receiving three treatment lines (68.7%). Higher age, advanced disease stage, and more treatment lines correlated with lower Barthel and SPPB scores, and higher ECOG and mMRC scores, indicating worse functionality, physical performance, and greater dyspnea. No significant correlations were found between gender or pathological diagnosis and the studied variables. Conclusions: Advanced age, higher disease stage, and more treatment lines are associated with decreased functionality, poorer physical performance, and increased dyspnea in cancer patients. Gender and specific cancer diagnosis do not significantly affect these relationships. Addressing dyspnea is crucial to improving the quality of life and physical performance in this population. Future studies should explore additional factors like treatment types and nutritional status. Full article

Electrocorticography (ECoG) is a critical tool in preclinical neuroscience research for studying global network activity. However, integrating ECoG with functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) has posed challenges, due to metal electrode interference with imaging quality and heating around the metallic electrodes. Here, we introduce recent advancements in ECoG grid development that utilize a polymer-thick film on an organic substrate (PTFOS). PTFOS offers notable advantages over traditional ECoG grids. Firstly, it significantly reduces imaging artifacts, ensuring minimal interference with MR image quality when overlaying brain tissue with PTFOS grids. Secondly, during a 30-min fMRI acquisition, the temperature increase associated with PTFOS grids is remarkably low, measuring only 0.4 °C. These findings suggest that utilizing ECoG with PTFOS grids has the potential to enhance the safety and efficacy of neurosurgical procedures. By providing clearer imaging results and mitigating risk factors such as excessive heating during MRI scans, PTFOS-based ECoG grids represent a promising advancement in neurosurgical technology. Furthermore, we describe a cutting-edge open-source system designed for simultaneous electrophysiology and fMRI. This system stands out due to its exceptionally low input noise levels (<0.6 V peak-to-peak), robust electromagnetic compatibility (it is suitable for use in MRI environments up to 9.4 teslas), and the inclusion of user-programmable real-time signal-processing capabilities. The open-platform software is a key feature, enabling researchers to swiftly implement and customize real-time signal-processing algorithms to meet specific experimental needs. This innovative system has been successfully utilized in several rodent EEG/fMRI studies, particularly at magnetic field strengths of 4.7 and 9.4 teslas, focusing on the somatosensory system. These studies have allowed for detailed observation of neural activity and responses within this sensory system, providing insights that are critical for advancing our understanding of neurophysiological processes. The versatility and high performance of our system make it an invaluable tool for researchers aiming to integrate and analyze complex datasets from advanced imaging and electrophysiological recordings, ultimately enhancing the depth and scope of neuroscience research. Full article

Electrophysiological methods of research are widely used in neurobiology. To assess the bioelectrical activity of the brain in small laboratory animals, electrocorticography (ECoG) is most often used, which allows the recording of signals directly from the cerebral cortex. To date, a number of methodological approaches to the manufacture and implantation of ECoG electrodes have been proposed, the complexity of which is determined by experimental tasks and logistical capabilities. Existing methods for analyzing bioelectrical signals are used to assess the functional state of the nervous system in test animals, as well as to identify correlates of pathological changes or pharmacological effects. The review presents current areas of applications of ECoG in neuropharmacological studies in small laboratory animals. Traditionally, this method is actively used to study the antiepileptic activity of new molecules. However, the possibility of using ECoG to assess the neuroprotective activity of drugs in models of traumatic, vascular, metabolic, or neurodegenerative CNS damage remains clearly underestimated. Despite the fact that ECoG has a number of disadvantages and methodological difficulties, the recorded data can be a useful addition to traditional molecular and behavioral research methods. An analysis of the works in recent years indicates a growing interest in the method as a tool for assessing the pharmacological activity of psychoactive drugs, especially in combination with classification and prediction algorithms. Full article