Efficacy of direct current generated by multiple-electrode arrays on F3II mammary carcinoma: experiment and mathematical modeling

BACKGROUND: The modified Gompertz equation has been proposed to fit experimental data for direct current treated tumors when multiple-straight needle electrodes are individually inserted into the base perpendicular to the tumor long axis. The aim of this work is to evaluate the efficacy of direct current generated by multiple-electrode arrays on F3II mammary carcinoma that grow in the male and female BALB/c/Cenp mice, when multiple-straight needle electrodes and multiple-pairs of electrodes are inserted in the tumor. METHODS: A longitudinal and retrospective preclinical study was carried out. Male and female BALB/c/Cenp mice, the modified Gompertz equation, intensities (2, 6 and 10 mA) and exposure times (10 and 20 min) of direct current, and three geometries of multiple-electrodes (one formed by collinear electrodes and two by pair-electrodes) were used. Tumor volume and mice weight were measured. In addition, the mean tumor doubling time, tumor regression percentage, tumor growth delay, direct current overall effectiveness and mice survival were calculated. RESULTS: The greatest growth retardation, mean doubling time, regression percentage and growth delay of the primary F3II mammary carcinoma in male and female mice were observed when the geometry of multiple-pairs of electrodes was arranged in the tumor at 45, 135, 225 and 325o and the longest exposure time. In addition, highest direct current overall effectiveness (above 66%) was observed for this EChT scheme. CONCLUSIONS: It is concluded that electrochemical therapy may be potentially addressed to highly aggressive and metastic primary F3II murine mammary carcinoma and the modified Gompertz equation may be used to fit data of this direct current treated carcinoma. Additionally, electrochemical therapy effectiveness depends on the exposure time, geometry of multiple-electrodes and ratio between the direct current intensity applied and the polarization current induced in the tumor

65. Physical and clinical dosimetry by means of Monte Carlo using a process distribution tool

The choice of the most appropriate strategy in a Radiotherapy treatment is mainly based on the use of a planning system. With the introduction of new techniques (conformal and/or small fields, asymmetrical and non coplanar beams, true 3D calculations, IMRT) the trustworthiness of the algorithms is being questioned. An alternative verification procedure is every time more necessary to warranty a treatment delivery. The reliability of Monte Carlo is generally accepted. However, its clinical use has not been operative due to the high CPU times needed. During the last few years our objective has been focussed to reduce this time by means of new process distribution techniques. Tnis drop has made it feasible, not only the physical dosimetry under special conditions, but also a numerous variety of clinical cases: photon and electron conformal fields, Radiosurgery and IMRT. The carried out procedure is presented. Furthermore, experimental dosimetry data as well as conventional TPS calculations are compared with Monte Carlo simulations

Global maps of soil temperature.

Research in global change ecology relies heavily on global climatic grids derived from estimates of air temperature in open areas at around 2 m above the ground. These climatic grids do not reflect conditions below vegetation canopies and near the ground surface, where critical ecosystem functions occur and most terrestrial species reside. Here, we provide global maps of soil temperature and bioclimatic variables at a 1-km <sup>2</sup> resolution for 0-5 and 5-15 cm soil depth. These maps were created by calculating the difference (i.e. offset) between in situ soil temperature measurements, based on time series from over 1200 1-km <sup>2</sup> pixels (summarized from 8519 unique temperature sensors) across all the world's major terrestrial biomes, and coarse-grained air temperature estimates from ERA5-Land (an atmospheric reanalysis by the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts). We show that mean annual soil temperature differs markedly from the corresponding gridded air temperature, by up to 10°C (mean = 3.0 ± 2.1°C), with substantial variation across biomes and seasons. Over the year, soils in cold and/or dry biomes are substantially warmer (+3.6 ± 2.3°C) than gridded air temperature, whereas soils in warm and humid environments are on average slightly cooler (-0.7 ± 2.3°C). The observed substantial and biome-specific offsets emphasize that the projected impacts of climate and climate change on near-surface biodiversity and ecosystem functioning are inaccurately assessed when air rather than soil temperature is used, especially in cold environments. The global soil-related bioclimatic variables provided here are an important step forward for any application in ecology and related disciplines. Nevertheless, we highlight the need to fill remaining geographic gaps by collecting more in situ measurements of microclimate conditions to further enhance the spatiotemporal resolution of global soil temperature products for ecological applications

LINHE Project: Development of new protocols for the integration of digital cameras and LiDAR, NIR and Hyperspectral sensors.

The LINHE project aims to develop applications for forest management based on the combined use of LiDAR data, images from spaceborne (multi and hyperspectral) and airborne sensors (panchromatic, colour, near infrared), and NIR field data from a portable sensor. The integration of the different types of data should be performed in a rapid, intuitive, cost-effective and dynamic way. In order to achieve this objective, new algorithms were developed and existing ones were tested, for the correlation of data collected in the field and those gathered by the different sensors. Specific software (LINHE prototype viewer) was developed to support data gathering and consultations, and it was tested in three different forest ecosystems, so as to validate the tool for forest management purposes. The optimisation of the synergic capabilities derived from the combined use of the different sensors will allow the enhancement of their efficiency and provide accurate information for operational forestry

Relationship between degree of cellular differentiation in colorectal cancer and topographical distribution.

Objetivos: intentar establecer la relación existente entre el grado diferenciación celular del cáncer colon y su distribución topográfica: en 215 pacientes diagnosticados de cáncer colorrectal entre los años 1997 y 2000. Material y métodos: se estudiaron de forma prospectiva 215 pacientes (129 hombres y 86 mujeres) de edades comprendidas entre 23 y 84 años, con edad media de 64 años. En todos se realizó colonoscopia completa con varias tomas de biopsia. En los casos de estenosis tumoral con imposibilidad para sobrepasar la lesión se realizó enema opaco. Los estudios de extensión incluyeron TAC y ecografía abdominal, hemograma, perfil bioquímico completo y marcadores tumorales Ca 19-9 y alfafetoproteina). La distribución topográfica de los cánceres colorrectales fue la siguiente: recto 78 (35%), sigrna 66 (31%), descendente 21 (10%), transverso 12 (6%), ascendente 19 (9%), ciego 11 (5%), y anorrectal 8 (4%). Resultados: siendo el objetivo de nuestro estudio el establecer la relación entre el asentamiento tumoral en el colon y su grado de diferenciación celular encontramos: a) bien diferenciados 101/215 (47%); b) moderadamente diferenciados 98/215 y c) pobremente diferenciados 16/215 (7 El cáncer bien diferenciado lo encontramos en 49% de los hombres y en el 43% de las mujeres, el moderadamente diferenciado fue del 43% entre los hombres y del 49% entre las mujeres, el pobremente diferenciado fue del 7,5% entre los hombres y de 7,2% entre las mujeres. Según su distribución: en el colon izquierdo,80 adenocarcinomas eran bien diferenciados, 77 moderadamente diferenciados y 8 pobremente diferenciados; en el colon transverso; 7 adenocarcinomas eran bien diferenciados 3 moderadamente diferenciados y 2 pobremente diferenciados, en el colon derecho 11 adenocarcinomas eran bien diferenciados, 15 moderadamente diferenciados y 4 pobremente diferenciados. De los 8 cánceres recto-anales, 3 eran bien diferenciados, 3 moderadamente diferenciados y 2 pobremente diferenciados, habiendo observado que dicho grado de diferenciación no tiene un significado estadístico de relación con la distribución topográfica del tumor. Según la clasificación fueron más frecuentes en los estadios, los bien diferenciados (101/215) fueron más frecuentes en los estadios BI (32,6%) y C2 (20, los moderadamente diferenciados (98/215) lo fueron en los estadios Bi y C2 el de los estadios C2 fueron tumores pobremente diferenciados. No apreciamos diferencias estadísticamente significativas en la distribución de los grados de diferenciación estadios (p—ns). Conclusiones: nuestros resultados, no hemos observado que el grado de diferenciación celular del cáncer colorrectal se relacione con su localización inicial en el colon y es, independiente del sexo y de la edad. En cuanto a su posible relación con la estadios de Dukes y Astler-Coller tampoco hemos demostrarla.To demonstrate the relationship between degree of cellular differentiation in colorectal cancer and topographical distribution in 215 patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer from 1997 to 2000. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 215 patients (129 men and 86 women) were studied prospectively with a mean age of 64 years (range: 23-84 years). In all patients we performed a full colonoscopy with several biopsies (in patients with colon stenosis we used barium enema), radiographic studies (CT, abdominal ultrasounds), and laboratory tests for serum tumour markers (CEA, Ca 19-9, alpha-fetoprotein). The topographic location of colorectal cancer was: rectum 35%, sigmoid colon 31%, descending colon 10%, transverse colon 6%, ascending colon 9%, caecum 5%, and we included anorectal cancer 4%. RESULTS: According to histological differentiation we found: A) well-differentiated tumours 101/215 (47%); B) moderately-differentiated tumours 98/215 (45.5%), and C) poorly-differentiated tumours 16/215 (7.5%). We found no significant association among histological differentiation, topographic location, stage according to the Astler-Coller classification, sex or age (p = ns). The prevalence of well-differentiated tumours in men was 49% and 43% in women; of moderately-differentiated cancers in men was 43%, and 49% in women; for poorly-differentiated tumours in men was 7.5%, and 7.2% in women. Regarding tumour location, 165 cancers were found in the left colon: 80 were well differentiated, 77 moderately differentiated and 8 poorly differentiated. In the transverse colon we found 12 tumours: 7 well differentiated, 3 moderately differentiated and 2 poorly differentiated. 30 cancers were localized in the right colon: 11 well differentiated, 15 moderately differentiated and 4 poorly differentiated. In the anorectum 8 tumours were found: 3 well differentiated, 3 moderately differentiated and 2 poorly differentiated. According to staging classification, well differentiated tumours (101/215) were more common in Dukes' C2 (20.7%) and B1 (32.6%), moderately differentiated cancers (98/215) were in B1 (28.5%) and C2 (20.4%), and poorly differentiated tumours (16) were more common in Dukes' C2 (25%), without differences among other stages (p = ns). CONCLUSIONS: According to our results we have found that histological differentiation of colorectal cancer has no association with topographic location, and it is independent of sex or age. We have not found any relationship either between histological differentiation and stage in the Astler-Coller classification, but well differentiated cancers were more common at any location, age or sex

Effectiveness of the combination elvitegravir/cobicistat/tenofovir/emtricitabine (EVG/COB/TFV/FTC) plus darunavir among treatment-experienced patients in clinical practice : A multicentre cohort study

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness and tolerability of the combination elvitegravir/cobicistat/tenofovir/emtricitabine plus darunavir (EVG/COB/TFV/FTC + DRV) in treatment-experienced patients from the cohort of the Spanish HIV/AIDS Research Network (CoRIS). Methods: Treatment-experienced patients starting treatment with EVG/COB/TFV/FTC + DRV during the years 2014-2018 and with more than 24 weeks of follow-up were included. TFV could be administered either as tenofovir disoproxil fumarate or tenofovir alafenamide. We evaluated virological response, defined as viral load (VL) < 50 copies/ml and < 200 copies/ml at 24 and 48 weeks after starting this regimen, stratified by baseline VL (< 50 or ≥ 50 copies/ml at the start of the regimen). Results: We included 39 patients (12.8% women). At baseline, 10 (25.6%) patients had VL < 50 copies/ml and 29 (74.4%) had ≥ 50 copies/ml. Among patients with baseline VL < 50 copies/ml, 85.7% and 80.0% had VL < 50 copies/ml at 24 and 48 weeks, respectively, and 100% had VL < 200 copies/ml at 24 and 48 weeks. Among patients with baseline VL ≥ 50 copies/ml, 42.3% and 40.9% had VL < 50 copies/ml and 69.2% and 68.2% had VL < 200 copies/ml at 24 and 48 weeks. During the first 48 weeks, no patients changed their treatment due to toxicity, and 4 patients (all with baseline VL ≥ 50 copies/ml) changed due to virological failure. Conclusions: EVG/COB/TFV/FTC + DRV was well tolerated and effective in treatment-experienced patients with undetectable viral load as a simplification strategy, allowing once-daily, two-pill regimen with three antiretroviral drug classes. Effectiveness was low in patients with detectable viral loads

Benchmarking plant diversity of Palaearctic grasslands and other open habitats

Aims: Understanding fine-grain diversity patterns across large spatial extents is fundamental for macroecological research and biodiversity conservation. Using the GrassPlot database, we provide benchmarks of fine-grain richness values of Palaearctic open habitats for vascular plants, bryophytes, lichens and complete vegetation (i.e., the sum of the former three groups). Location: Palaearctic biogeographic realm. Methods: We used 126,524 plots of eight standard grain sizes from the GrassPlot database: 0.0001, 0.001, 0.01, 0.1, 1, 10, 100 and 1,000 m2 and calculated the mean richness and standard deviations, as well as maximum, minimum, median, and first and third quartiles for each combination of grain size, taxonomic group, biome, region, vegetation type and phytosociological class. Results: Patterns of plant diversity in vegetation types and biomes differ across grain sizes and taxonomic groups. Overall, secondary (mostly semi-natural) grasslands and natural grasslands are the richest vegetation type. The open-access file ”GrassPlot Diversity Benchmarks” and the web tool “GrassPlot Diversity Explorer” are now available online (https://edgg.org/databases/GrasslandDiversityExplorer) and provide more insights into species richness patterns in the Palaearctic open habitats. Conclusions: The GrassPlot Diversity Benchmarks provide high-quality data on species richness in open habitat types across the Palaearctic. These benchmark data can be used in vegetation ecology, macroecology, biodiversity conservation and data quality checking. While the amount of data in the underlying GrassPlot database and their spatial coverage are smaller than in other extensive vegetation-plot databases, species recordings in GrassPlot are on average more complete, making it a valuable complementary data source in macroecology

Global maps of soil temperature

Research in global change ecology relies heavily on global climatic grids derived from estimates of air temperature in open areas at around 2 m above the ground. These climatic grids do not reflect conditions below vegetation canopies and near the ground surface, where critical ecosystem functions occur and most terrestrial species reside. Here, we provide global maps of soil temperature and bioclimatic variables at a 1-km2 resolution for 0–5 and 5–15 cm soil depth. These maps were created by calculating the difference (i.e. offset) between in situ soil temperature measurements, based on time series from over 1200 1-km2 pixels (summarized from 8519 unique temperature sensors) across all the world's major terrestrial biomes, and coarse-grained air temperature estimates from ERA5-Land (an atmospheric reanalysis by the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts). We show that mean annual soil temperature differs markedly from the corresponding gridded air temperature, by up to 10°C (mean = 3.0 ± 2.1°C), with substantial variation across biomes and seasons. Over the year, soils in cold and/or dry biomes are substantially warmer (+3.6 ± 2.3°C) than gridded air temperature, whereas soils in warm and humid environments are on average slightly cooler (−0.7 ± 2.3°C). The observed substantial and biome-specific offsets emphasize that the projected impacts of climate and climate change on near-surface biodiversity and ecosystem functioning are inaccurately assessed when air rather than soil temperature is used, especially in cold environments. The global soil-related bioclimatic variables provided here are an important step forward for any application in ecology and related disciplines. Nevertheless, we highlight the need to fill remaining geographic gaps by collecting more in situ measurements of microclimate conditions to further enhance the spatiotemporal resolution of global soil temperature products for ecological application