Search

Thermodynamic calculations suggest that condensed carbonaceous matter should be the dominant product of abiotic organic synthesis during serpentinization of the oceanic crust at Mid-Ocean Ridges. Here the authors report natural occurrences of such carbonaceous matter formed during low temperature alteration.

Glioblastoma, the most frequent primary malignant brain neoplasm, is genetically diverse and classified into four transcriptomic subtypes, i. e., classical, mesenchymal, proneural, and neural. Currently, detection of transcriptomic subtype is based on ex vivo analysis of tissue that does not capture the spatial tumor heterogeneity. In view of accumulative evidence of in vivo imaging signatures summarizing molecular features of cancer, this study seeks robust non-invasive radiographic markers of transcriptomic classification of glioblastoma, based solely on routine clinically-acquired imaging sequences. A pre-operative retrospective cohort of 112 pathology-proven de novo glioblastoma patients, having multi-parametric MRI (T1, T1-Gd, T2, T2-FLAIR), collected from the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania were included. Following tumor segmentation into distinct radiographic sub-regions, diverse imaging features were extracted and support vector machines were employed to multivariately integrate these features and derive an imaging signature of transcriptomic subtype. Extracted features included intensity distributions, volume, morphology, statistics, tumors' anatomical location, and texture descriptors for each tumor sub-region. The derived signature was evaluated against the transcriptomic subtype of surgically-resected tissue specimens, using a 5-fold cross-validation method and a receiver-operating-characteristics analysis. The proposed model was 71% accurate in distinguishing among the four transcriptomic subtypes. The accuracy (sensitivity/specificity) for distinguishing each subtype (classical, mesenchymal, proneural, neural) from the rest was equal to 88.4% (71.4/92.3), 75.9% (83.9/72.8), 82.1% (73.1/84.9), and 75.9% (79.4/74.4), respectively. The findings were also replicated in The Cancer Genomic Atlas glioblastoma dataset. The obtained imaging signature for the classical subtype was dominated by associations with features related to edge sharpness, whereas for the mesenchymal subtype had more pronounced presence of higher T2 and T2-FLAIR signal in edema, and higher volume of enhancing tumor and edema. The proneural and neural subtypes were characterized by the lower T1-Gd signal in enhancing tumor and higher T2-FLAIR signal in edema, respectively. Our results indicate that quantitative multivariate analysis of features extracted from clinically-acquired MRI may provide a radiographic biomarker of the transcriptomic profile of glioblastoma. Importantly our findings can be influential in surgical decision-making, treatment planning, and assessment of inoperable tumors.

Macrophages play an important role in the pathogenesis of celiac disease (CD) because they are involved in both inflammatory reaction and antigen presentation. We analyzed the expression of CD-associated HLA-DQ2.5 risk alleles on macrophages isolated by two cohorts of adult patients, from the U.S. and Italy, at different stages of disease and with different genotypes. After isolating and differentiating macrophages from PBMC, we assessed the HLA genotype and quantified the HLA-DQ2.5 mRNAs by qPCR, before and after gliadin stimulation. The results confirmed the differences in expression between DQA1*05:01 and DQB1*02:01 predisposing alleles and the non-CD associated alleles, as previously shown on other types of APCs. The gliadin challenge confirmed the differentiation of macrophages toward a proinflammatory phenotype, but above all, it triggered an increase of DQA1*05:01 mRNA, as well as a decrease of the DQB1*02:01 transcript. Furthermore, we observed a decrease in the DRB1 genes expression and a downregulation of the CIITA transactivator. In conclusion, our findings provide new evidences on the non-coordinated regulation of celiac disease DQ2.5 risk genes and support the hypothesis that gliadin could interfere in the three-dimensional arrangement of chromatin at the HLA locus.

The ultimate behaviour of aluminium members subjected to uniform compression or bending is strongly influenced by local buckling effects which occur in the portions of the section during compression. In the current codes, the effective thickness method (ETM) is applied to evaluate the ultimate resistance of slender cross-sections affected by elastic local buckling. In this paper, a recent extension of ETM is presented to consider the local buckling effects in the elastic-plastic range and the interaction between the plate elements constituting the cross-section. The theoretical results obtained with this approach, applied to box-shaped aluminium members during compression or in bending, are compared with the experimental tests provided in the scientific literature. It is observed that the ETM is a valid and accurate tool for predicting the maximum resistance of box-shaped aluminium members during compression or in bending.

The purpose of this study was to examine the ability of two educational leadership university programmes to improve the cognitive agility of their graduates. The research looked to discover whether the aspiring principals exited the programmes with an increased ability to employ cognitive agility--the ability to use the multiple thinking skills of systems thinking, reflecting, and reframing--when engaged in their professional work and solving problems. Both Masters programmes were in School Leadership, offered through the same university department and following the same core curriculum leading to Level 1 educational leadership certification. The results indicate that of the two programmes studied, the Principal Rapid Orientation and Preparation in Educational Leadership (PROPEL) programme, designed to prepare leaders for turnaround schools, produced more cognitively agile graduates than the traditional Master's programme. The mediating variables of participants' years of experience and budget responsibility increased the level of cognitive agility of both programme's graduates.

Immune-checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) play a key role in the treatment of advanced stage colorectal cancer (CRC) patients featuring a deficient DNA mismatch repair (dMMR) system or a high microsatellite instability (MSI-H) profile. However, beyond the established role in CRC patients, ICIs have highly proven efficacy in other solid tumors featuring MSI-H/dMMR status represented by endometrial, gastric, ovarian, prostatic, and pancreatic carcinomas (EC, GC, OC, PrC, and PaC). Our aim was to compare the concordance rates among the Idylla™ MSI test, TapeStation 4200, and immunohistochemical (IHC) analysis in assessing MSI-H/dMMR status in EC, GC, OC, PrC, and PaC patients. The Sanger sequencing-based Titano MSI test was used in discordant cases. One hundred and eighty-five cases (n = 40 PrC, n = 39 GC, n = 38 OC, n = 35 PaC, and n = 33 EC) were retrospectively selected. MMR protein expression was evaluated by IHC. After DNA quality and quantity evaluations, the IdyllaTM and TapeStation 4200 platforms were adopted for the evaluation of MSI status. Remarkably, compared to IHC, the Idylla™ platform achieved a global concordance rate of 94.5% (154/163) for the microsatellite stable (MSS)/proficient MMR (pMMR) cases and 77.3% (17/22) for the MSI-H/dMMR cases. Similarly, a global concordance rate of 91.4% (149/163) and 68.2% (15/22) for MSS/pMMR and MSI-H/dMMR cases was also identified between IHC and the TapeStation 4200 microfluidic system. In addition, a global concordance of 93.1% (148/159) and 69.2% (18/26) for MSS/pMMR and MSI-H/dMMR cases was observed between the Idylla™ and TapeStation 4200 platforms. Discordant cases were analyzed using the Titano MSI kit. Overall, our data pinpointed a central role for molecular techniques in the diagnostic evaluation of dMMR/MSI-H status not only in CRC patients but also in other types of solid tumors.

We present the case of a 59-year-old patient with severe aortic stenosis, asymptomatic mild to moderate pericardial effusion and no major risk factors for poor prognosis. He underwent four-week course of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (ibuprofen 600 mg TID) with no improvement of the effusion. After complete diagnostic work-up and examination, we discovered that he had a prostate cancer with bone metastasis. On the bone scintigraphy, there was particular involvement of ribs and sternum. We decided to treat our patient with an association of docetaxel and hormone therapy, after six months we observed a reduction in the pericardial effusion. Even in the presence of a patient without risk factor of poor prognosis, pericardial effusion can be the first sign of occult neoplasia.

Abstract Coral growth is an important component of reef health and resilience. However, few studies have investigated temporal and/or spatial variation in growth of branching corals, which are important contributors to the structure and function of reef habitats. This study assessed growth (linear extension, density, and calcification) of three branching coral species (Acropora muricata, Pocillopora damicornis and Isopora palifera) at three distinct locations (Lizard Island, Davies/Trunk Reef, and Heron Island) along Australia’s Great Barrier Reef (GBR). Annual growth rates of all species were highest at Lizard Island and declined with increasing latitude, corresponding with differences in temperature. Within locations, however, seasonal variation in growth did not directly correlate with temperature. Between October 2012 and October 2014, the highest growth of A. muricata was in the 2013–14 summer at Lizard Island, which was unusually cool and ~0.5 °C less than the long-term summer average temperature. At locations where temperatures reached or exceeded the long-term summer maxima, coral growth during summer periods was equal to, if not lower than, winter periods. This study shows that temperature has a significant influence on spatiotemporal patterns of branching coral growth, and high summer temperatures in the northern GBR may already be constraining coral growth and reef resilience.

We describe a case of a 79-year-old man with pacemaker who presented to the Emergency Department due to asthenia and acute confusional state. He had a history of atrial fibrillation, anemia and colostomy and he was on treatment with diuretics. The electrocardiogram (ECG) showed pacemaker-induced ventricular activity, QRS complexes excessively wide with sine-wave appearance, tall and peaked T waves, without electrically evident atrial activity. Potassium concentration on arterial blood gas analysis was 8.8 mmol/L. ECG abnormalities disappeared after therapy with calcium chloride and spontaneous cardiac activity reappeared.

Self-thrombosing intracranial aneurysms are relatively uncommon and the conditions that lead to their formation are unknown, although they can be seen following subarachnoid hemorrhage and in autopsy specimens. We seek to raise awareness of the unintended iatrogenic thrombosis of intracranial aneurysms, its ischemic consequences, and the use of mechanical thrombectomy in its treatment. A 50-year-old hypertensive woman presented with a sudden onset of severe headache concerning for a ruptured cerebral aneurysm (Hunt-Hess 2). HCT showed diffuse subarachnoid hemorrhage (modified Fisher grade 3), and CTA showed two aneurysms arising from an anterior communicating (ACOM) complex fenestration and one aneurysm arising from the proximal left anterior cerebral artery (ACA) A1 segment. Successful coil embolization of the distal ACOM aneurysm was followed by an attempted balloon-assisted coil embolization of a left ACA A1 aneurysm that led to self-thrombosis and partial occlusion of the A1 segment. After mechanical thrombectomy, there was significant reduction in left A1 thrombus burden. The patient developed an asymptomatic small infarct of the left caudate, likely by occlusion of an anatomic variant of the recurrent artery of Heubner arising from the A1 segment. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of a self-thrombosing aneurysm during attempted balloon-assisted embolization. Propagation of the thrombus can lead to parent vessel occlusion and ischemia, and, in this case, an anatomic variant of the recurrent artery of Heubner from A1 made this more likely. Intra-arterial mechanical thrombectomy may be used in the treatment of an iatrogenic vessel thrombosis. Keywords: Self-thrombosing, Heubner artery, Aneurysm, Caudate, Anatomic variant

Climate change is threatening the persistence of coral reef ecosystems resulting in both chronic and acute impacts which include higher frequency and severity of cyclones, warming sea surface temperatures, and ocean acidification. This study measured net ecosystem primary production (NEP) and net ecosystem calcification (NEC) on a reef flat after the most severe El Nino-driven mass bleaching event on Australia’s Great Barrier Reef (GBR) in 2016 and again in 2018 after another consecutive bleaching event in 2017. Our results indicate temporal changes in reef metabolism likely as result of both the continuing press disturbance of ocean acidification and severe pulse disturbances (cyclones and bleaching events). In 2016, NEP was within the range of values reported in past studies, however, it declined in 2018. NEC over a 12-h period was lower in 2016 than 2018; but when compared with past studies there was a severe decline in daytime net calcification from 2008–2009, to 2016 followed by an increase in 2018 (but still NEC remained lower than values reported in 2008–2009). Conversely, nighttime net calcification was similar to that reported in 2009 indicating nighttime dissolution did not increase over the past decade. Overall coral cover remained stable following recent disturbances, however, algal turf was the dominant benthic component on the reef flat, while calcifiers (corals and calcified algae) were minor components (

Renal artery stenosis is a frequent cause of secondary hypertension, but the diagnostic and therapeutic management of these hypertensive patients is controversial. We report a case of secondary hypertension due to renal artery stenosis, treated with the implantation of a drug-eluting stent.

Summary: The prognosis of patients with glioblastoma (GBM) remains dismal, with a median survival of approximately 15 months. Current preclinical GBM models are limited by the lack of a “normal” human microenvironment and the inability of many tumor cell lines to accurately reproduce GBM biology. To address these limitations, we have established a model system whereby we can retro-engineer patient-specific GBMs using patient-derived glioma stem cells (GSCs) and human embryonic stem cell (hESC)-derived cerebral organoids. Our cerebral organoid glioma (GLICO) model shows that GSCs home toward the human cerebral organoid and deeply invade and proliferate within the host tissue, forming tumors that closely phenocopy patient GBMs. Furthermore, cerebral organoid tumors form rapidly and are supported by an interconnected network of tumor microtubes that aids in the invasion of normal host tissue. Our GLICO model provides a system for modeling primary human GBM ex vivo and for high-throughput drug screening. : To address limitations with current preclinical glioblastoma (GBM) models, Linkous et al. establish a “GLICO” (cerebral organoid glioma) model to retro-engineer patient-specific GBMs using patient-derived glioma stem cells and human cerebral organoids. Resulting tumors closely phenocopy patient GBMs and are supported by tumor microtubes that promote invasion into host tissue. Keywords: cerebral organoids, glioma stem cells, glioblastoma, glioma, tumor microtubes, human embryonic stem cells, brain tumors, stem-cell-based disease models, tissue engineering, cancer stem cells

We describe a rare case of a 65-year-old patient presented to Emergency Department for acute dyspnea. Traditional diagnostic work-up was done and the emergency physician promptly performed a bedside point-of-care ultrasound. A giant mass in the left atrium was detected with impairing of mitral valve function. The patient was then sent to cardiac surgery department with a final diagnosis of high-grade cardiac sarcoma.

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related mortality and will affect ~6% of the population. It is divided into two broad categories, small cell lung cancer and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), the latter representing 85% of all lung cancers. It mainly comprises adenocarcinoma (65%) and squamous cell carcinoma (30%) histologies. In recent years, there have been two major therapeutic advances in NSCLC. The first, immunotherapy, has greatly improved the prognosis of adenocarcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas. The second, the treatment of targetable driver mutations, has so far only benefited adenocarcinomas. Squamous cell carcinoma carries a high rate of mutations and is found mostly among smokers. This raises two important problems: identifying driver mutations and finding those of clinical relevance. Large-scale genomic analyses such as The Cancer Genome Atlas have allowed for the identification of frequent gene alterations, although their role and potential for targeted therapy remain unknown. The emergence of next generation sequencing has changed the landscape of precision medicine, in particular in lung cancer. In this review, we discuss the landscape of genetic alterations found in squamous cell lung cancer, the results of current targeted therapy trials, the difficulties in identifying and treating these alterations and how to integrate modern tools in clinical practice.

To describe epidemiological and clinical features of patients confirmed as having SARS-CoV-2 infection and managed in isolation at home. We performed a multicenter retrospective study enrolling all SARS-CoV-2-positive adults evaluated from 28 February to 31 May 2020 at one of nine COVID-19 Units in southern Italy: we included patients receiving care at home and those admitted to hospital. We defined patients with not-severe disease if they were asymptomatic or experienced a mild infection that did not need oxygen (O2) therapy and those with a severe infection if hospitalized and required O2 therapy. We enrolled 415 patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection: 77 were managed in isolation at home, 338 required hospital management. The 77 patients in home isolation were less frequently male than hospitalized patients (55% vs. 64%; p < 0.01), had a lower Charlson comorbidity index (median 0 (IQR2) vs. 6 (IQR 3); p < 0.01), and included fewer subjects with an underlying chronic disease (36% vs. 59%; p < 0.01). According to a binomial logistic regression analysis, a younger age (OR: 0.96 (95% IC: 0.94–0.98), p < 0.01) and a low Charlson comorbidity index (OR: 0.66 (95% IC: 0.54–0.83); p < 0.01) were independent factors associated with at-home management. The identification of subjects with SARS-CoV-2 infection who could be managed in home isolation is useful in clinical practice. A younger age and no comorbidities were identified as factors independently associated with home management.

The aim of this paper is to describe actions designed to foster interdisciplinary research efforts at a major university in the UK. The study employed a descriptive mixed method case study approach to collecting and analysing the data used to draw its conclusions. One hundred and twenty-seven academic staff responded to the survey. The results of the survey were verified by 25 interviews with heads of colleges, heads of schools, research coordinators, research team leaders, and team members. These interviews were supported by document review to support the findings. Leadership is important at the college and university levels if interdisciplinarity is to thrive. According to the data, this seems to have not yet occurred at this particular institution. The university has done well with most of the big structures that enrich and support interdisciplinarity. However, "small" structures such as clarity of meaning, motivation of staff, misalignment of old structures, time and workload, and loss of identify have impeded the move to university wide interdisciplinarity. A series of three recommendations are made to move the interdisciplinary project forward: stay clear on focus, extend the benefits of serendipity to more people, and remember that one size does not fit all.

Abstract Background Since early 2015, a large epidemic of Zika Virus (ZIKV) is spreading across South and Central America. An association between congenital neurological malformations (mainly microcephaly), other neurological manifestations such as Guillain-Barrè Syndrome, and ZIKV infection is suspected. Case presentation Three confirmed cases of ZIKV in travelers returning from Brazil between May 2015 and January 2016 are described. All patients had mild symptoms with no neurological complications. Conclusions An increasing awareness among clinicians about this emerging disease is advisable, both for the need to provide correct additional information to the patients and to travelers, with a special focus on pregnant women, and for the presence of the competent vector in Southern Europe.

Strategic thinking capability is interesting part of the cognitive development of each entrepreneur. This paper develops on notion that there a number of demographic variables that shape the behavior of each particular elements of entrepreneurial orientation and strategic component of each entrepreneur. The demographic variable that have significant role will take the role of moderator in further research. Since both constructs are multidimensional, the demographic variables are not influencing them in the same way. The empirical research has been performed on IT firms in Croatia in 2014. Individual entrepreneurial orientation is measured by the construct developed by Bolton and Lane’s (2012) individual entrepreneurial orientation instrument. The instrument is grounded in the seminal work of Miller (1983), Covin and Slevin (1986; 1988; 1989), Lumpkin and Dess (1996) and Covin and Wales (2011); consisting of three dimensions – risk-taking, innovation, and proactiveness. Strategic thinking was measured by Pisapia’s (2009) Strategic thinking questionnaire (STQ). The STQ asked respondents to rate how often they use systems thinking, reframing, and reflecting skills. Within the framework of individual entrepreneurial orientation the following demographic variables shape the trends: age, gender, education abroad and previous experience. Entrepreneurs between 40-60 years old are less prone to risk, female entrepreneurs are more proactive than men, education abroad provides with the additional proactiveness and the entrepreneur with previous experience is prone to higher risk, proactiveness and innovativeness. Within the framework of strategic thinking capability the following demographic variables shape the trends: age, gender, education and experience. Entrepreneurs older than 60 score high on system thinking as well as females, females also score higher on reframing. Entrepreneurs with PhD degree score lower on reframing, while managers working more than 20 years score high on reframing. All the relevant demographic variables can be introduced later on as moderators investigating individual entrepreneurial orientation and strategic thinking capability relation.

Background and purpose: In treating glioblastoma (GB), surgical and chemotherapeutic treatment guidelines are, for the most part, independent of tumor location. In this work, we compiled imaging data from a large cohort of GB patients to create statistical atlases illustrating the disease spatial frequency as a function of patient demographics as well as tumor characteristics. Materials and methods: Two-hundred-six patients with pathology-proven glioblastoma were included. Of those, 65 had pathology-proven recurrence and 113 had molecular subtype and genetic information. We used validated software to segment the tumors in all patients and map them from patient space into a common template. We then created statistical maps that described the spatial location of tumors with respect to demographics and tumor characteristics. We applied a chi-square test to determine whether pattern differences were statistically significant. Results: The most frequent location for glioblastoma in our patient population is the right temporal lobe. There are statistically significant differences when comparing patterns using demographic data such as gender (p = 0.0006) and age (p = 0.006). Small and large tumors tend to occur in separate locations (p = 0.0007). The tumors tend to occur in different locations according to their molecular subtypes (p

Gain-of-function of V-Raf Murine Sarcoma Viral Oncogene Homolog B (BRAF) is one of the most frequent oncogenic mutations in numerous cancers, including thyroid papillary carcinoma, melanoma, colon, and lung carcinomas, and to a lesser extent, ovarian and glioblastoma multiforme. This mutation aberrantly activates the mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase extracellular signal-regulated kinase (MEK)/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling pathway, thereby eliciting metastatic processes. The relevance of BRAF mutations stems from its prognostic value and, equally important, from its relevant therapeutic utility as an actionable target for personalized treatment. Here, we discuss the double facets of BRAF. In particular, we argue the need to implement diagnostic molecular algorithms that are able to detect this biomarker in order to streamline and refine diagnostic and therapeutic decisions.

The accumulation of Posidonia oceanica dead leaves on the beaches of the Mediterranean shores is a natural phenomenon. They are either temporary or permanent structures (banquettes) and represent a valuable resource, with important ecosystem functions including coastal protection against erosion. Nevertheless, the perception of these plant accumulations by the different stakeholders (beach managers, local administrations and tourists) is often negative; they consider these deposits a malevolent waste to be removed, rather than a natural and valuable component of the coastline. We propose an integrated/beneficial management model for posidonia deposits, called ECOLOGICAL BEACH, firstly proposed in France, and recently implemented and applied in Italy. The model promotes the preservation of posidonia beach casts on site, with a balanced coexistence of natural and anthropic elements. The model fosters the several important ecosystem services of the beach casts and contributes to coastal preservation. To successfully spread the model, several activities must be implemented: a regulatory framework, the collection of data about the occurrence of beach casts, management protocols and educational programs. The most important activity is the educational one, based on the dissemination of the ecological and economic value of the beach casts, aimed at switching the perception of this phenomenon towards positive appraisal.

Immunohistochemistry (IHC) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and fragment separation by capillary electrophoresis represent the current clinical laboratory standard for the evaluation of microsatellite instability (MSI) status. The importance of reporting MSI status in colorectal cancer is based on its potential for guiding treatment and as a prognostic indicator. It is also used to identify patients for Lynch syndrome testing. Our aim was to evaluate pre-analytical factors, such as age of formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded (FFPE) block, neoplastic cell percentage, mucinous component, and DNA integrity, that may influence the accuracy of MSI testing and assess the concordance between three different MSI evaluation approaches. We selected the mucinous colorectal cancer (CRC) histotype for this study as it may possibly represent an intrinsic diagnostic issue due to its low tumor cellularity. Seventy-five cases of mucinous CRC and corresponding normal colon tissue samples were retrospectively selected. MMR proteins were evaluated by IHC. After DNA quality and quantity evaluation, the Idylla™ and TapeStation 4200 platforms were adopted for the evaluation of MSI status. Seventy-three (97.3%) cases were successfully analyzed by the three methodologies. Overall, the Idylla™ platform showed a concordance rate with IHC of 98.0% for microsatellite stable (MSS)/proficient MMR (pMMR) cases and 81.8% for MSI/deficient MMR (dMMR) cases. The TapeStation 4200 system showed a concordance rate with IHC of 96.0% for MSS/pMMR cases and 45.4% for MSI/dMMR cases. The concordance rates of the TapeStation 4200 system with respect to the Idylla™ platform were 98.1% for MSS profile and 57.8% for MSI profile. Discordant cases were analyzed using the Titano MSI kit. Considering pre-analytical factors, no significant variation in concordance rate among IHC analyses and molecular systems was observed by considering the presence of an acellular mucus cut-off >50% of the tumor area, FFPE year preparation, and DNA concentration. Conversely, the Idylla™ platform showed a significant variation in concordance rate with the IHC approach by considering a neoplastic cell percentage >50% (p-value = 0.002), and the TapeStation 4200 system showed a significant variation in concordance rate with the IHC approach by considering a DNA integrity number (DIN) ≥4 as cut-off (p-value = 0.009). Our data pinpoint a central role of the pre-analytical phase in the diagnostic outcome of MSI testing in CRC.

Background: Many pseudogenes possess biological activities and play important roles in the pathogenesis of various types of cancer including bladder cancer (BlCa), which still lacks suitable molecular biomarkers. Recently, pseudogenes were found to be significantly enriched in a pan-cancer classification based on the Cancer Genome Atlas gene expression data. Among them, the top-ranking pseudogene was the proliferation-associated 2G4 pseudogene 4 (PA2G4P4). Methods: Genomic and transcript features of PA2G4P4 were determined by GeneBank database analysis followed by 5’ RACE experiments. Therefore, we conducted a retrospective molecular study on a cohort of 45 patients of BlCa. PA2G4P4 expression was measured by RT-qPCR, whereas PA2G4P4 transcript distribution was analyzed by in situ hybridization on both normal and cancerous histological sections and compared to the immunolocalization of its parental PA2G4/EBP1 protein. Finally, we tested the effects of PA2G4P4 depletion on proliferation, migration, and death of BlCa cells. Results: We showed for the first time PA2G4P4 overexpression in BlCa tissues and in cell lines. PA2G4P4 distribution strictly overlaps PA2G4/EBP1 protein localization. Moreover, we showed that PA2G4P4 knockdown affects both proliferation and migration of BlCa cells, highlighting its potential oncogenic role. Conclusions: PA2G4P4 may play a functional role as an oncogene in BlCa development, suggesting it as a good candidate for future investigation and new clinical applications.

Stromatolites are organo-sedimentary structures that represent some of the oldest records of the early biosphere on Earth. Cyanobacteria are considered as a main component of the microbial mats that are supposed to produce stromatolite-like structures. Understanding the role of cyanobacteria and associated microorganisms on the mineralization processes is critical to better understand what can be preserved in the laminated structure of stromatolites. Laguna Negra (Catamarca, Argentina), a high-altitude hypersaline lake where stromatolites are currently formed, is considered as an analog environment of early Earth. This study aimed at characterizing carbonate precipitation within microbial mats and associated oncoids in Laguna Negra. In particular, we focused on carbonated black pustular mats. By combining Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy, Laser Microdissection and Whole Genome Amplification, Cloning and Sanger sequencing, and Focused Ion Beam milling for Transmission Electron Microscopy, we showed that carbonate precipitation did not directly initiate on the sheaths of cyanobacterial Rivularia, which dominate in the mat. It occurred via organo-mineralization processes within a large EPS matrix excreted by the diverse microbial consortium associated with Rivularia where diatoms and anoxygenic phototrophic bacteria were particularly abundant. By structuring a large microbial consortium, Rivularia should then favor the formation of organic-rich laminations of carbonates that can be preserved in stromatolites. By using Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy and Synchrotron-based deep UV fluorescence imaging, we compared laminations rich in structures resembling Rivularia to putatively chemically-precipitated laminations in oncoids associated with the mats. We showed that they presented a different mineralogy jointly with a higher content in organic remnants, hence providing some criteria of biogenicity to be searched for in the fossil record.

Reexpansion pulmonary edema (RPE) is an uncommon complication of thoracentesis or chest drainage. It occurs in the ipsilateral or contralateral lung. Causes, pathogenesis and therapy are not well understood especially for contralateral RPE. We describe a case of fatal contralateral RPE in a 59-years-old woman with right lung cancer underwent ultrasound-guided thoracentesis for massive pleural effusion and severe dyspnea. Pathogenesis of contralateral RPE is probably multifactorial and in this case is mostly due to the overperfusion of the healthy lung and consequent capillary damage. The right therapy for this condition is not known.