Distant Metastases From Childhood Differentiated Thyroid Carcinoma:Clinical Course and Mutational Landscape

Context: Distant metastases (DM) from childhood differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) are uncommon and published studies are limited. Objective: This work aimed to describe the outcomes of patients with DM from childhood DTC and to evaluate the molecular landscape of these tumors. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted at a tertiary cancer center including patients with pediatric DTC (diagnosed at age Results: We identified 148 patients; 144 (97%) had papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) and 104 (70%) were female. Median age at DTC diagnosis was 13.4 years (interquartile range [IQR], 9.9-15.9 years). Evaluable individuals received a median of 2 (IQR, 1-3) radioactive iodine (RAI) treatments at a median cumulative administered activity of 238.0 mCi (IQR, 147.5-351.0 mCi). The oncogenic driver was determined in 64 of 69 PTC samples: RET fusion (38/64; 59%), NTRK1/3 fusions (18/64; 28%), and the BRAF V600E mutation (8/64; 13%). At last evaluation, 93% had persistent disease. The median overall and disease-specific survival after DTC diagnosis were 50.7 and 52.8 years, respectively. Eight (5%) PTC patients died of disease after a median of 30.7 years (IQR, 20.6-37.6 years). Conclusion: Childhood DTC with DM persists in most patients despite multiple courses of RAI, but disease-specific death is uncommon, typically occurring decades after diagnosis. Fusion genes are highly prevalent in PTC, and all identified molecular alterations have appropriate targeted therapies. Future studies should focus on expanding genotype-phenotype correlations, determining how to integrate molecularly targeted therapy into treatment paradigms, and relying less on repeated courses of RAI to achieve cure in patients with DM from childhood DTC

Veterinary Considerations for the Theoretical Resurrection of Extinct Species

The de-extinction of the dinosaur is a dubious possibility but its consideration brings forth some issues that are at least worthy of scientific discussion. In this review, we discuss two distinct issues that have implications for a de-extinct species such as a dinosaur: the ability, or lack thereof, to safely sedate a rare and potentially fractious animal capable of harming the veterinary staff tasked with its care; and, disease risks associated with a species that has been extinct for millions of years. To identify potential sedatives, comparative pharmacology will be needed to uncover the links between receptor pharmacology and the desired clinical outcomes of activating established alpha-2 adrenergic, opioid, and benzodiazepine receptors. Specific to disease control, it will be necessary to understand the unique susceptibility of the new species to current diseases as well as predicting their reservoir capacity for potential human and veterinary pandemic diseases. While the topics presented herein are not exhaustive, this review highlights some of the foremost research that should be conducted in order to serve the unique veterinary needs of a de-extinct species using the dinosaur as a paradigm. Addressing these issues should be considered if an intact dinosaur genome becomes available, regardless of the feasibility of dinosaur resurrection

Effects of Integrated Crop Management Practices on Tomato Yield and Economics in Anantapur District, Andhra Pradesh, India

Integrated crop management (ICM) demonstrations were done in 20 farmers’ fields in the Krishi Vigyan Kendra operated mandals of Ananthapur and Satya Sai districts in Andhra Pradesh state during the Kharif seasons of 2022-23 and 2023-24. The objective was to demonstrate the influence of ICM to increase tomato yield at field level. According to the data, ICM practices produced a mean yield of 59.7 t/ha, which is 6.23% higher than farmers practice (56.2 t/ha). The increment in yield of tomato crop under ICM practices was due to use of improved hybrid of Arka Samrat coupled with ICM module developed by Dr YSR Horticultural University. ICM practices resulted in a higher economic benefit and adoption of ICM practices resulted in higher benefit-cost ratio (3.80) than the farmers practice with private hybrids (3.48). Tomato productivity per unit area increased by applying scientifically sound, long-term management practices. The study demonstrated that, ICM enhanced tomato yields. This can be used to influence farmers to adopt enhanced tomato production management technologies in the future

Effect of Progression of Valvular Calcification on Left Ventricular Structure and Frequency of Incident Heart Failure (from the Multiethnic Study of Atherosclerosis)

Heart failure (HF) is a leading cause of morbidity. Strategies for preventing HF are paramount. Prevalent extracoronary calcification is associated with HF risk but less is known about progression of mitral annular (MAC) and aortic valve calcification (AVC) and HF risk. Progression of valvular calcification (VC) [interval change of >0 units/yr] was assessed by 2 cardiac computed tomography scans over a median of 2.4 years. We used Cox regression to determine the risk of adjudicated HF and linear mixed effects models to determine 10-year change in left ventricular (LV) parameters measured by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging associated with VC progression. We studied 5,591 MESA participants free of baseline cardiovascular disease. Mean ± SD age was 62 ± 10 years; 53% women; 83% had no VC progression, 15% progressed at 1 site (AVC or MAC) and 3% at both sites. There were 251 incident HF over 15 years. After adjusting for cardiovascular risk factors, the hazard ratios (95% confidence interval) of HF associated with VC progression at 1 and 2 sites were 1.62 (1.21 to 2.17) and 1.88 (1.14 to 3.09), respectively, compared with no progression (p-for-trend <0.001). Hazard ratios were higher for HFpEF (2.52 [1.63 to 3.90] and 2.49 [1.19 to 5.25]) but nonsignificant for HFrEF. Both AVC (1.61 [1.19 to 2.19]) and MAC (1.50 [1.09 to 2.07]) progression were associated with HF. VC was associated with worsening of some LV parameters over 10 years. In conclusion, VC progression was associated with increased risk of HF and change in LV function. Interventions targeted at reducing VC progression may also impact HF risk, particularly HFpEF

Imaging of pediatric adrenal tumors: A COG Diagnostic Imaging Committee/SPR Oncology Committee White Paper

Adrenal tumors other than neuroblastoma are uncommon in children. The most frequently encountered are adrenocortical carcinoma and pheochromocytoma. This paper offers consensus recommendations for imaging of pediatric patients with a known or suspected primary adrenal malignancy other than neuroblastoma at diagnosis and during follow-up