The phreatic aquifer In the coastal dunes of southwestern Buenos Aires province, Argentina: factors conditioning groundwater quality

In the southwest of the province of Buenos Aires, a chain of coastal dunes contains a phreatic aquifer, which is the only sourceof drinking water in most of the seaside cities. The objective of this study is to analyze the geological, hydrogeological andanthropic activities that affect the quality of groundwater for human consumption, between the cities of Monte Hermoso andPunta Alta. Methodologically, the research is developed based on the study of antecedent information, field recognition, wellcensus, cutting analysis, interpretation of electrical tomography and hydrochemical data. The results relate the quality ofthe groundwater with the lithological and stratigraphic characteristics of the area, recognizing the natural presence of traceelements such as F, As, Fe and Mn as well as undesirable organoleptic characteristics (smell, color and taste). In addition, theoccupation of the land with potentially contaminating anthropic actions (cesspool or absorbent wells, farmyards, open-airdumps, etc.) is observed. This research aims to contribute to hydrogeological knowledge, providing the conceptual basis forthe exploitation and management of the aquifer, in an area where water supply is entirely based on the groundwater resource.Fil: Ruffo, Andrés Gabriel. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Bahía Blanca; Argentina. Universidad Nacional del Sur. Departamento de Geología; ArgentinaFil: Albouy, Edgardo René. Universidad Nacional del Sur. Departamento de Geología; Argentina. Comision de Investigaciones Cientificas de la Provincia de Buenos Aires. Centro de Geologia Aplicada, Agua y Medio Ambiente.; ArgentinaFil: Giorgi, Juan Manuel. Universidad Nacional del Sur. Departamento de Geología; Argentina. Comision de Investigaciones Cientificas de la Provincia de Buenos Aires. Centro de Geologia Aplicada, Agua y Medio Ambiente.; ArgentinaFil: Rey, Matias. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Bahía Blanca; Argentina. Universidad Nacional del Sur. Departamento de Geología; ArgentinaFil: Carrica, Lucia. Universidad Nacional del Sur. Departamento de Geología; Argentina. Comision de Investigaciones Cientificas de la Provincia de Buenos Aires. Centro de Geologia Aplicada, Agua y Medio Ambiente.; ArgentinaFil: Bastianelli, Nerea Vanesa. Universidad Nacional del Sur. Departamento de Geología; Argentina. Comision de Investigaciones Cientificas de la Provincia de Buenos Aires. Centro de Geologia Aplicada, Agua y Medio Ambiente.; Argentin

The Combination of Molnupiravir with Nirmatrelvir or GC376 Has a Synergic Role in the Inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 Replication In Vitro

Introduction: The development of effective vaccines has partially mitigated the trend of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic; however, the need for orally administered antiviral drugs persists. This study aims to investigate the activity of molnupiravir in combination with nirmatrelvir or GC376 on SARS-CoV-2 to verify the synergistic effect. Methods: The SARS-CoV-2 strains 20A.EU, BA.1 and BA.2 were used to infect Vero E6 in presence of antiviral compounds alone or in combinations using five two-fold serial dilution of compound concentrations <= EC90. After 48 and 72 h post-infection, viability was performed using MTT reduction assay. Supernatants were collected for plaque-assay titration. All experiments were performed in triplicate, each being repeated at least three times. The synergistic score was calculated using Synergy Finder version 2. Results: All compounds reached micromolar EC90. Molnupiravir and GC376 showed a synergistic activity at 48 h with an HSA score of 19.33 (p < 0.0001) and an additive activity at 72 h with an HSA score of 8.61 (p < 0.0001). Molnupiravir and nirmatrelvir showed a synergistic activity both at 48 h and 72 h with an HSA score of 14.2 (p = 0.01) and 13.08 (p < 0.0001), respectively. Conclusion: Molnupiravir associated with one of the two protease-inhibitors nirmatrelvir and GC376 showed good additive-synergic activity in vitro

Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2–Specific Antibodies in Cancer Patients Undergoing Active Systemic Treatment: A Single-Center Experience from the Marche Region, Italy

none13noSevere acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) seroprevalence in cancer patients may vary widely dependent on the geographic area and this has significant implications for oncological care. The aim of this observational, prospective study was to assess the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 IgM/IgG antibodies in solid cancer patients referred to the academic institution of the Marche Region, Italy, between 1 July and 26 October 2020 and to determine the accuracy of the rapid serological test. After performing 3767 GCCOV-402a rapid serological tests on a total of 949 patients, seroconversion was initially observed in 13 patients (1.4%). Ten (77% of the total positive) were IgG-positive, 1 (8%) were IgM-positive and 2 (15%) IgM-positive/IgG-positive. However, only 7 out of 13 were confirmed as positive at the reference serological test (true positives), thus seroprevalence after cross-checking was 0.7%. No false negatives were reported. The kappa value of the consistency analysis was 0.71. Due to rapid serological test high false positive rate, its role in assessing seroconversion rate is limited, and the standard serological tests should remain the gold standard. However, as rapid test negative predictive value is high, GCCOV-402a may instead be useful to monitor patient immunity over time, thus helping to assist ongoing vaccination programsopenCantini, Luca; Bastianelli, Lucia; Lupi, Alessio; Pinterpe, Giada; Pecci, Federica; Belletti, Giovanni; Stoico, Rosa; Vitarelli, Francesca; Moretti, Marco; Onori, Nicoletta; Giampieri, Riccardo; Rocchi, Marco Bruno Luigi; Berardi, RossanaCantini, Luca; Bastianelli, Lucia; Lupi, Alessio; Pinterpe, Giada; Pecci, Federica; Belletti, Giovanni; Stoico, Rosa; Vitarelli, Francesca; Moretti, Marco; Onori, Nicoletta; Giampieri, Riccardo; Rocchi, Marco Bruno Luigi; Berardi, Rossan

The Impact of Lifestyle Interventions in High-Risk Early Breast Cancer Patients: A Modeling Approach from a Single Institution Experience

none21noA healthy lifestyle plays a strategic role in the prevention of BC. The aim of our prospective study is to evaluate the effects of a lifestyle interventions program based on special exercise and nutrition education on weight, psycho-physical well-being, blood lipid and hormonal profile among BC patients who underwent primary surgery. From January 2014 to March 2017, a multidisciplinary group of oncologists, dieticians, physiatrists and an exercise specialist evaluated 98 adult BC female patients at baseline and at different time points. The patients had at least one of the following risk factors: BMI ≥ 25 Kg/m2, high testosterone levels, high serum insulin levels or diagnosis of MS. Statistically significant differences are shown in terms of BMI variation with the lifestyle interventions program, as well as in waist circumference and blood glucose, insulin and testosterone levels. Moreover, a statistically significant difference was reported in variations of total Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) score, in the anxiety HADS score and improvement in joint pain. Our results suggested that promoting a healthy lifestyle in clinical practice reduces risk factors involved in BC recurrence and ensures psycho-physical well-being.openMirco Pistelli, Valentina Natalucci, Laura Scortichini, Veronica Agostinelli, Edoardo Lenci, Sonia Crocetti, Filippo Merloni, Lucia Bastianelli, Marina Taus, Daniele Fumelli, Gloria Giulietti, Claudia Cola, Marianna Capecci, Roberta Serrani, Maria Gabriella Ceravolo, Maurizio Ricci, Albano Nicolai, Elena Barbieri, Giulia Nicolai, Zelmira Ballatore, Agnese Savini and Rossana BerardiPistelli, Mirco; Natalucci, Valentina; Scortichini, Laura; Agostinelli, Veronica; Lenci, Edoardo; Crocetti, Sonia; Merloni, Filippo; Bastianelli, Lucia; Taus, Marina; Fumelli, Daniele; Giulietti, Gloria; Cola, Claudia; Capecci, Marianna; Serrani, Roberta; Gabriella Ceravolo, Maria; Ricci, Maurizio; Nicolai, Albano; Barbieri, Elena; Nicolai, Giulia; Ballatore, Zelmira; Savini and Rossana Berardi, Agnes

Differential Adhesive Properties of Sequestered Asexual and Sexual Stages of Plasmodium falciparum on Human Endothelial Cells Are Tissue Independent

The protozoan parasite Plasmodium falciparum, responsible for the most severe form of malaria, is able to sequester from peripheral circulation during infection. The asexual stage parasites sequester by binding to endothelial cell receptors in the microvasculature of various organs. P. falciparum gametocytes, the developmental stages responsible for parasite transmission from humans to Anopheles mosquitoes, also spend the almost ten days necessary for their maturation sequestered away from the peripheral circulation before they are released in blood mainstream. In contrast to those of asexual parasites, the mechanisms and cellular interactions responsible for immature gametocyte sequestration are largely unexplored, and controversial evidence has been produced so far on this matter. Here we present a systematic comparison of cell binding properties of asexual stages and immature and mature gametocytes from the reference P. falciparum clone 3D7 and from a patient parasite isolate on a panel of human endothelial cells from different tissues. This analysis includes assays on human bone marrow derived endothelial cell lines (HBMEC), as this tissue has been proposed as a major site of gametocyte maturation. Our results clearly demonstrate that cell adhesion of asexual stage parasites is consistently more efficient than that, virtually undetectable of immature gametocytes, irrespectively of the endothelial cell lines used and of parasite genotypes. Importantly, immature gametocytes of both lines tested here do not show a higher binding efficiency compared to asexual stages on bone marrow derived endothelial cells, unlike previously reported in the only study on this issue. This indicates that gametocyte-host interactions in this tissue are unlikely to be mediated by the same adhesion processes to specific endothelial receptors as seen with asexual forms

Electrical resistivity tomographies applied to groundwater prospection in a coastal sector of the southwest of Buenos Aires, Argentina

El sector costero del sudoeste bonaerense, de clima árido a semiárido, presenta como rasgo distintivo una cadena de dunas litorales. Este cordón psamítico aloja un acuífero libre portador de agua apta para el consumo humano, siendo la única fuente de abastecimiento para las localidades del área. El objetivo del presente estudio es identificar las condiciones geológicas del subsuelo, que determinan la calidad y cantidad de agua subterránea disponible para el consumo, por medio de la utilización de tomografías de resistividad eléctrica. La metodología aplicada consistió en la realización y parametrización de tomografías de resistividad eléctrica del subsuelo en distintos sectores del cordón costero, junto con la interpretación de las imágenes de resistividad eléctrica generadas, teniendo en cuenta aspectos geológicos, geomorfológicos e hidrogeológicos. Como resultados, se destaca la identificación, en las imágenes generadas, de rasgos litológicos y estratigráficos íntimamente relacionados tanto con los parámetros hidráulicos del acuífero, como con las variaciones de calidad química del agua. En este sentido, se infirió la presencia de paleocauces y variaciones laterales litológicas, entre otros aspectos. La parametrización del método permite definir intervalos de resistividades correlacionables con las características hidrogeológicas de la cadena de médanos. Se concluye que la metodología aplicada es de gran utilidad para el conocimiento geológico e hidrogeológico del subsuelo y proporciona datos precisos y de gran utilidad para la explotación racional del acuífero y la proyección de obras de captación de agua subterránea.The coastal sector of southwestern Buenos Aires, with an aridto semi-arid climate, is characterized by a chain of coastaldunes. This psammitic dune chain hosts a free aquifer that carries water suitable for human consumption, being the only source of supply for the localities of the area. The objective of thisstudy is to identify the geological conditions of the subsurface, which determine the quality and quantity of groundwateravailable for human consumption, through the use of electrical tomographies. The applied methodology consisted on theexecution and parameterization of electrical tomographies of the subsurface in different sectors of the coastal chain, together withthe interpretation of the electrical resistivity images generated, taking into account geological, geomorphological andhydrogeological aspects. As a result, the identification, in the generated images, of lithological and stratigraphic features closelyrelated both to the hydraulic parameters of the aquifer and to the variations in the chemical quality of the water stands out. Inthis sense, the presence of paleochannels and lithological lateral variations, among other aspects, was interpreted. Theparameterization of the method allows to define intervals of resistivities correlatable with the hydrogeological characteristics ofthe chain of dunes. It is concluded that the applied methodology is very useful for the geological/hydrogeological knowledge of thesubsurface and provides accurate and useful data for the rational exploitation of the aquifer and the planning of groundwatercatchment works.Fil: Ruffo, Andrés Gabriel. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Bahía Blanca; Argentina. Universidad Nacional del Sur. Departamento de Geología; ArgentinaFil: Rey, Matias. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Bahía Blanca; Argentina. Universidad Nacional del Sur. Departamento de Geología; ArgentinaFil: Albouy, Edgardo René. Universidad Nacional del Sur. Departamento de Geología; Argentina. Comision de Investigaciones Cientificas de la Provincia de Buenos Aires. Centro de Geologia Aplicada, Agua y Medio Ambiente.; ArgentinaFil: Giorgi, Juan Manuel. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Bahía Blanca; Argentina. Universidad Nacional del Sur. Departamento de Geología; Argentina. Comision de Investigaciones Cientificas de la Provincia de Buenos Aires. Centro de Geologia Aplicada, Agua y Medio Ambiente.; ArgentinaFil: Carrica, Lucia. Universidad Nacional del Sur. Departamento de Geología; Argentina. Comision de Investigaciones Cientificas de la Provincia de Buenos Aires. Centro de Geologia Aplicada, Agua y Medio Ambiente.; ArgentinaFil: Bastianelli, Nerea Vanesa. Universidad Nacional del Sur. Departamento de Geología; Argentina. Comision de Investigaciones Cientificas de la Provincia de Buenos Aires. Centro de Geologia Aplicada, Agua y Medio Ambiente.; Argentin

Groundwater resource and its exploitation in the region of Bahía Blanca, province of Buenos Aires, Argentina

El estudio y evaluación del recurso hídrico subterráneo es fundamental para su gestión, uso y conservación. En base a estudios previos e investigaciones en desarrollo que se llevan a cabo en el Departamento de Geología de la Universidad Nacional del Sur, este trabajo busca sintetizar y presentar el estado actual del conocimiento del agua subterránea, en la porción suroccidental de la provincia de Buenos Aires, que abarca total o parcialmente los distritos de Bahía Blanca, Tornquist, Coronel Rosales, Coronel Dorrego, Coronel Pringles, Monte Hermoso y Villarino. En toda el área del trabajo queda demostrada la disponibilidad y relevancia que adquiere la explotación y utilización del agua subterránea para satisfacer todas las necesidades de suministro. La investigación y estudios de detalle del recurso representan un elemento científico básico e indispensable en el marco de una explotación racional y sustentable en términos de cantidad y calidad.The study and evaluation of groundwater resources is fundamental for their management, use and conservation. Based on previous studies and ongoing research carried out at the Geology Department of the Universidad Nacional del Sur, this paper aims to synthesize and expose the current state of knowledge of groundwater in the southwestern portion of the province of Buenos Aires, which includes all or part of the districts of Bahía Blanca, Tornquist, Coronel Rosales, Coronel Dorrego, Coronel Pringles, Monte Hermoso and Villarino. The availability and relevance of the exploitation and use of groundwater to satisfy all supply needs is demonstrated throughout the study area. Research and detailed studies of the resource represent a basic and indispensable scientific element in the framework of a rational and sustainable exploitation in terms of quantity and quality.Fil: Albouy, Edgardo René. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Bahía Blanca. Instituto Geológico del Sur. Universidad Nacional del Sur. Departamento de Geología. Instituto Geológico del Sur; Argentina. Comision de Investigaciones Cientificas de la Provincia de Buenos Aires. Centro de Geologia Aplicada, Agua y Medio Ambiente.; ArgentinaFil: Bastianelli, Nerea Vanesa. Universidad Nacional del Sur. Departamento de Geología; Argentina. Comision de Investigaciones Cientificas de la Provincia de Buenos Aires. Centro de Geologia Aplicada, Agua y Medio Ambiente.; ArgentinaFil: Ruffo, Andrés Gabriel. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Bahía Blanca; Argentina. Universidad Nacional del Sur. Departamento de Geología; ArgentinaFil: Carrica, Lucia B.. Comision de Investigaciones Cientificas de la Provincia de Buenos Aires. Centro de Geologia Aplicada, Agua y Medio Ambiente.; Argentina. Universidad Nacional del Sur. Departamento de Geología; ArgentinaFil: Giorgi, Juan Manuel. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Bahía Blanca; Argentina. Universidad Nacional del Sur. Departamento de Geología; ArgentinaFil: Rey, Matias. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Bahía Blanca; Argentina. Universidad Nacional del Sur. Departamento de Geología; Argentin

Long‑responders to anti‑HER2 therapies: A case report and review of the literature

Since the introduction of targeted therapies, prognosis in human epidermal growth factor receptor (HER) 2-positive metastatic breast cancer (MBC) has radically changed. The addition of Pertuzumab to Trastuzumab and standard chemotherapy has further increased patients' overall survival (OS). However, there is no agreement regarding the optimal duration of trastuzumab therapy in selected patients achieving long-term complete remission. In addition, no potential factors of long-term benefit have been identified yet. In the present study, we report the case of a MBC woman who was successfully treated with trastuzumab for over 10 years. At the time of diagnosis (February 2005), she revealed lung, nodal and bone metastases. Therefore, a first-line chemotherapy with Epirubicine and Docetaxel was administered for 6 cycles and then the patient started Trastuzumab plus hormonal therapy until reaching a sensible reduction of mammary lump and disappearance of distant metastases. Following a multidisciplinary evaluation, in November 2006, the patient underwent radical mastectomy and axillary dissection, achieving a complete remission. She continued Trastuzumab until September 2015 (for a total of 156 cycles) when a pleural diffusion was demonstrated. Long-term survival during anti-HER2 treatment remains a rare and optimal situation. Currently, no data exist to support trastuzumab interruption in this setting and collaborative efforts to better analyze the characteristics of long-responder patients are needed. Data regarding prognostic factors in this setting are relatively confusing. Our review reveals that hormonal receptor (HR)-positive disease is associated with a better prognosis, whereas the role of visceral spread differs by single or dual target anti HER2-inhibition. The introduction of Pertuzumab is raising concerns in terms of toxicity and its cost effectiveness. While waiting for novel molecular data and randomized trials, available evidence advocates continuous use of anti-HER2 therapies until disease progression or development of side effects

Prognostic Impact of Ki-67 Change in Locally Advanced and Early Breast Cancer after Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy: A Single Institution Experience

Systemic neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NCT) is a standard treatment for locally advanced breast cancer (LABC) and for selected early breast cancer (EBC). In these settings, the prognostic and predictive role of Ki-67 before and after NCT is unclear. The aim of our study was to investigate the prognostic role of Ki-67 change in patients not achieving pathological complete response (pCR). We retrospectively analyzed data of patients who did not achieve pCR assessing Ki-67 expression pre- and post-NCT. We stratified three groups: high reduction (>20%), low reduction (1–20%), and no reduction in Ki-67. These groups were correlated with clinical and pathological data by χ2 test. We estimated disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) using Kaplan–Meier method, and we adopted univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazard models. We selected 82 patients from a database of 143 patients, excluding those who were metastatic at diagnosis, achieved pCR, or lack data regarding Ki-67. Median age at diagnosis was 54 years (range 30–75); 51 patients were Luminal B, 10 human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER-2) enriched, and 21 triple negative. A significant correlation between high Ki-67 reduction and luminal B HER-2-negative subtype was observed (p=0,0035). The change in Ki-67 was significantly associated with DFS (p=0,0596) and OS (p=0,0120), also at multivariate analysis (p=0,0256 for DFS; p=0,0093 for OS). In particular, as compared to patients with low/no reduction of Ki-67, those with high Ki-67 reduction (>20%) after NCT showed better survival (60% vs. 56% vs. 83% after 5 years from diagnosis, respectively; p=0.01). In conclusion, in our study, Ki-67 change showed a significant prognostic role in breast cancer patients treated with NCT who did not achieve pCR. Crucially, Ki-67 < 20% identifies a high-risk population that may be eligible for clinical trials with novel therapeutic interventions in adjuvant setting

Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2-Specific Antibodies in Cancer Patients Undergoing Active Systemic Treatment: A Single-Center Experience from the Marche Region, Italy

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) seroprevalence in cancer patients may vary widely dependent on the geographic area and this has significant implications for oncological care. The aim of this observational, prospective study was to assess the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 IgM/IgG antibodies in solid cancer patients referred to the academic institution of the Marche Region, Italy, between 1 July and 26 October 2020 and to determine the accuracy of the rapid serological test. After performing 3767 GCCOV-402a rapid serological tests on a total of 949 patients, seroconversion was initially observed in 13 patients (1.4%). Ten (77% of the total positive) were IgG-positive, 1 (8%) were IgM-positive and 2 (15%) IgM-positive/IgG-positive. However, only 7 out of 13 were confirmed as positive at the reference serological test (true positives), thus seroprevalence after cross-checking was 0.7%. No false negatives were reported. The kappa value of the consistency analysis was 0.71. Due to rapid serological test high false positive rate, its role in assessing seroconversion rate is limited, and the standard serological tests should remain the gold standard. However, as rapid test negative predictive value is high, GCCOV-402a may instead be useful to monitor patient immunity over time, thus helping to assist ongoing vaccination programs