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Background: No consensus has been reached on the adequate dose of mitomycin C (MMC) in XEN45 gel stent implantation. Lower doses have the potential to reduce MMC‐linked side effects. This study aimed to evaluate treatment efficacy of ab interno XEN45 gel stent in primary open‐angle glaucoma (POAG) with three different MMC doses. Methods: This retrospective single‐centre nonrandomised trail included 54 patients (56 eyes) who underwent XEN45 gel stent implantation for POAG with above‐target intraocular pressure (IOP) under medical therapy. Eyes were grouped according to the received MMC dose: Group 1 (20 μg; n = 21), Group 2 (10 μg; n = 14) and Group 3 (5 μg; n = 21). The primary endpoint was the mean IOP change in the three MMC dose groups after 6, 12 and 24 months. Secondary endpoints included the success rate defined as lowering of baseline IOP ≥ 20% and below a cut‐off IOP set at three different levels: ≤ 18, ≤ 16 and ≤ 14 mmHg (Criteriums 1, 2 and 3), the mean number of ocular hypotensive medications and the frequency of needling procedures. Results: After 24 months, the overall mean (standard error) IOP was significantly reduced from 24.7 (0.9) mmHg to 15.2 (0.7) mmHg (p < 0.0001). The average IOP change (standard error) in MMC dose groups 1, 2 and 3 was −8.6 (2) mmHg, −10.1 (2.1) mmHg and −10.4 (2.8) mmHg. Complete success (Criterium 1) was achieved in 50%, 62% and 43% of the eyes in groups 1, 2 and 3. No statistically significant difference was found within the first 24 months between the three MMC dose groups for IOP change, success rate, number of ocular hypotensive medications and the frequency of needling procedures. Conclusions: XE45 was effective in all three dose groups. As the success rate did not significantly differ between the MMC doses, these results may support the use of the lowest dose. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: 559/2016BO2 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to optimize the production of carotenoid pigments from Micrococcus luteus (ATCC 9341) through the statistical screening of media components and the characterization of antimicrobial, antioxidant, cytogenetic and cytotoxic activities. A BOX-Behnken design was used to assess the effects of whey concentration, inoculum size, pH, temperature, and agitation speed on carotenoid yield. The optimum combination increased production to 2.19 g/L, with a productivity of 0.045 g L-1 h−1 and a productivity yield of 0.644 g/g, as confirmed by an observed carotene production of 2.19 g/L. The final response surface model fitting the data had an R2 of 0.9461. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis identified 12 carotenoid pigment compounds produced by M. luteus. The extracts displayed moderate antimicrobial efficacy against Gram-positive bacteria such as Bacillus cereus (ATCC 11778), Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 6538), and E. faecalis (ATCC 19433), with inhibition zone diameters (IZD) of 29.0, 14.0, and 37.0 mm, respectively, at 1000 μg/mL. However, its effectiveness against Gram-negative bacteria is limited. In comparison, tetracycline exhibited greater antimicrobial potency. The IC50 value of carotenoids was used to indicate the antioxidant activity. IC50 value from the DPPH assay was 152.80 mg/100mL. An IC50 cytotoxicity value greater than 300 μg/mL was found against normal mouse liver cells, with over 68% cell viability even at 300 μg/mL, indicating low toxicity. Histological structure studies revealed normal myocardial muscle tissue, lung tissue, and kidney tissue sections, whereas liver tissue sections revealed ballooning degeneration of hepatocytes and disorganization of hepatic cords. Cytogenetic parameters revealed that the carotene treatment group had a mitotic index (70%) lower than that of the control but higher than that of the positive control, mitomycin, and did not substantially increase numerical (1.2%) or structural aberrations compared with those of the control, suggesting a lack of genotoxic effects under the experimental conditions. In conclusion, optimized culture conditions enhanced carotenoid yields from M. luteus, and the extracts displayed promising bioactivity as moderate antibiotics against certain gram-positive bacteria and as antioxidants. The high IC50 values demonstrate biosafety. Overall, this bioprocess for enhanced carotenoid production coupled with bioactivity profiling and low cytotoxicity support the application of M. luteus carotenoids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Squamous cell carcinoma of the anus or anal cancer is increasing in prevalence, and the standard treatment of mitomycin and 5-fluorouracil is too toxic for many patients. Unfortunately, there is currently no standard of care for what to do for this disease when someone is not a candidate for this aggressive treatment. Here, we demonstrate the promising preliminary toxicity profile and efficacy of the combination of weekly carboplatin and paclitaxel chemotherapy for patients with localized anal cancer. This regimen was able to complete 80% of the intended treatments with anticipated toxicities, and 89% achieved a complete clinical response. This combination is a promising regimen and is already being investigated further in a clinical trial. Background: Although squamous cell carcinoma of the anus (SCCA) is a relatively uncommon malignancy in the United States, it continues to increase in incidence. Treatment for locoregional disease includes mitomycin and 5-fluorouracil with radiation. This combination is associated with significant toxicity, limiting its use in patients who are older or have certain comorbidities. Carboplatin and paclitaxel (C/P) is an accepted treatment regimen for metastatic SCCA. We aim to evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of weekly C/P given with radiation for patients unable to receive standard chemoradiation for SCCA. Methods: From our cancer registry, adult patients who received weekly intravenous C/P concurrent with standard-dose radiation for localized SCCA were included in this study. Clinical response was determined based on the evidence of disease on imaging and/or anoscopy. Toxicities were graded according to the CTCAE v5. Results: Ten patients were included; eight were female, and the median age was 75.5 years (54–87). Six had T2 disease, and four had T3 tumors. Four had node-positive disease. The majority (70%) of patients were dosed at standard C (AUC 2) and P (50 mg/m2), with a limited subset requiring dose reduction for baseline performance status. Patients completed a mean of 78.3% (40–100%) of the intended treatments. A total of 89% of the patients achieved a complete clinical response. With a median follow-up of 25.8 months (3.4–50.4 months), 67% of the patients are alive and without recurrence. Two patients have had local recurrence, and one patient had metastatic progression. The most common toxicities of any grade included leukopenia (100%), anemia (100%), radiation dermatitis (100%), diarrhea (100%), and fatigue (100%). Grade 3 or higher toxicities included neutropenic fever (20%), neutropenia (30%), and anemia (30%). Conclusions: This study demonstrates promising tolerability and efficacy for weekly C/P chemoradiation for patients with anal cancer unable to receive mitomycin and 5-fluorouracil. This regimen merits further investigation in prospective clinical trials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]