Tumour biology of colorectal liver metastasis is a more important factor in survival than surgical margin clearance in the era of modern chemotherapy regimens

AbstractBackgroundThe aim of the authors was to reassess the impact of a positive surgical margin (R1) after a liver resection for colorectal liver metastases (CLMs) on survival in the era of modern chemotherapy, through their own experience and a literature review.MethodsInclusion criteria were: R1 or R0 resection with no local treatment modalities, extra‐hepatic metastases or other cancer.ResultsAmong 337 patients operated between 2000 and 2010, 273 patients were eligible (214 R0/59 R1). The mean follow‐up was 43 ± 29 months. Compared with a R0 resection, a R1 resection offered a lower 5‐year overall (39.1% versus 54.2%, P = 0.010), disease‐free (15.2% versus 31.1%, P = 0.021) and progression‐free (i.e. time to the first non‐curable recurrence; 33.1% versus 47.3%, P = 0.033) survival rates. Metastases in the R1 group were more numerous, larger and more frequently synchronous. Independent factors of poor survival were: number, size and short‐time interval of CLM occurrence, N status, rectal primary, absence of adjuvant chemotherapy, but not a R1 resection. With the more‐systematic administration of chemotherapy since 2005, the intergroup difference in progression‐free survival disappeared (P = 0.264).ConclusionA R1 resection had no prognostic value per se but reflected a more severe disease. The recent change in the prognostic value of a R1 resection may be linked to the beneficial effect of chemotherapy

Heavy metal contamination in surface water of Mohammedia wetland, Morocco

Assessing heavy metal concentrations in wetlands and identifying sources of metal contamination are critical steps in protecting wetlands. Using seven sampling stations, we evaluated the spatial variation of some heavy metal concentrations in surface waters of the Mohammedia wetland and a selected segment of the El Maleh wadi that feeds the wetland. Field observations made it possible to identify and map the pollution discharged into El Maleh wadi, carrying heavy metals into the wetland. The analyses showed that the concentrations of lead, manganese, and cadmium far exceed the thresholds relating to fish life in 100% of sampling stations. All the evidence points to heavy metals contamination of surface water in Mohammedia wetland, generated by industrial activities, wastewater discharges, and leachate from the old landfill located upstream

Iter-years dynamic of

In the North-Eastern Mediterranen coast of Morocco, the establishment of seaside resorts built as part of the Plan Azur, substantially degraded the coastal matorral of Juniperus phoenicea L. Nonetheless, the species remains an important resource for the ecological balance. The estimation of the changes in land cover is a suitable method to evaluate the degradation rate of the matorral. The aim of the current study is to warn about the degradation of J. phoenicea in Saidia coastline by quantifying the inter-years dynamic of J. phoenicea matorral in 1965 (before the Plan Azur) in 2004 and 2021(after the Plan Azur). Estimation of changes in matorral cover rate was achieved by photo-interpretation. Analysis indicates that J. phoenicea matorral ecosystem of Saidia has been affected by a drop of 63% in land area, over a period of time not exceeding 17 years. Currently the picture of the coastal matorral of J. phoenicea is rather bleak; the vulnerability of this valuable resource has prompted us to raise the alarm in order to preserve remaining up shrubs to the present time

Phenotypic Comparison of Three Populations of Juniperus turbinata Guss. in North-Eastern Morocco

Juniperus turbinata Guss. is a native species of Morocco; however, an exhaustive taxonomic description based on phenotypical characterization of north-eastern Moroccan population species is lacking, which might lead to taxonomic confusion. In order to expound the phenotypic description of J. turbinata of the north-eastern Moroccan population and to examine the taxonomic differences within it; a comparative analysis of cones, leaves, and seeds was performed between three populations. A total of 280 samples were compared on the basis of nine measured and eight calculated traits. The results reveal significant interpopulation changes in the studied characteristics of cones, leaves, and seeds. The most discriminating traits were associated with the proportion between cone diameter and number of seeds. We detected the lowest number of seeds in coastal population when compared to other localities, but at the same time, the seeds from the littoral were the longest and the widest. In addition, the semi-continental population had the highest quantity of seeds, and leaves had intermediate values for the majority of the assessed traits. The phenotypical difference between populations demonstrates a certain adaptability of the species in a biogeographical pattern. This study is a contribution to completing the description of patterns of phenotypical differences of the Phoenician juniper in the Mediterranean region, and confirms its evolutionary plasticity linked to adaptation to local environmental conditions

A Comparative Analysis of Morphological Characteristics between Endangered Local Prickly Pear and the Newly Introduced Dactylopius opuntiae-Resistant Species in Eastern Morocco

Prickly pear serves as a significant source of income for farmers worldwide, with production taking place in temperate, subtropical, and cold regions. The objective of the present investigation is to explore the morphological parameters of Opuntia robusta and Opuntia dillenii which are resistant to the white cochineal (Dactylopius opuntiae), as well as the local prickly pear that is currently threatened with extinction. This investigation aims to evaluate the feasibility of replacing the endangered local prickly pear with the recently introduced species O. robusta and O. dillenii. This analysis is based on a comprehensive assessment of 26 qualitative and 25 quantitative traits pertaining to cladodes and fruits. In terms of species differentiation and the selection of discriminative features, this study demonstrates the effectiveness of various statistical methods, as well as the analysis carried out according to the descriptors recommended by the International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV). Of the 51 parameters evaluated, 13 qualitative and 23 quantitative characters are significant in differentiating the species under study. This underscores the importance of quantitative traits in distinguishing different prickly pear species. Furthermore, color is identified as a crucial characteristic for discriminating between the studied samples. O. robusta is characterized by its high fruit weight, large size, greater pulp content, and high pulp-to-peel ratio, all of which are desirable traits for fresh consumption. Additionally, O. robusta has the highest number of fully developed seeds, making it an attractive option for use in the cosmetic industry. This characteristic renders the O. robusta a potential substitute for the endangered ecotype . However, O. robusta is distinguished by its short stalk, which poses a challenge for fruit harvesting and leaves it susceptible to physical damage and quality loss. Conversely, O. dillenii displays a low pulp content, which serves as a critical indicator of fruit quality. The only desirable agronomic trait of this species is its elevated seed content, which has the potential for utilization in oil production for the cosmetic industry

Delaying surgery for patients with a previous SARS-CoV-2 infection

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