Outcomes of patients with non-small cell lung cancer and poor performance status treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors in the real-world setting

International Journal of Clinical Oncology - Immune-checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are standard treatments for metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Patients with poor performance status...     

Electrochemical study of endodontic silver cones used in root canal therapy

In previous studies it was observed that endodontic silver cones placed in fine canals became dislodged as a result of corrosion. To investigate the corrosion of high purity silver, potentiostatic and potentiodynamic electrochemical techniques were used. Triangular potential sweeps made in physiological solutions and human plasma showed similar potential-current relationships. However, in human plasma, peak currents were lower and peak potentials were more anodic than those observed in the physiological solutions. The electron microprobe analysis and the EDAX of the film formed in the biological fluids revealed the presence of silver and chloride and a certain amount of carbon. The addition of small quantities of Na2S to the physiological solutions favoured metal dissolution and promoted the formation of a mixed film of AgCL and Ag2S. According to these results chloride and sulphide anions seem to be particularly aggressive towards the metal surface in implanted silver cones. Precautions to avoid direct contact of the cones with saliva and tissue fluids must be taken. Fractures and discontinuities present in the cement considerably increase the corrosion risks.     

Dietary inulin improves distal colitis induced by dextran sodium sulfate in the rat

OBJECTIVES: Inulin stimulates intracolonic generation of butyrate and growth of lactic acid bacteria. This study investigated whether inulin protects against colitis. METHODS: Rats with dextran sodium sulfate colitis received inulin either orally (1% in drinking water, or 400 mg/day) or by enema. Matched groups received vehicle. In addition, fecal water obtained from inulin-fed rats was administered by enema to rats with colitis and compared with fecal water from control rats. Finally, rats with colitis received daily enemas of either butyrate (at 40 or 80 mmol/L) or vehicle. Inflammation was assessed by eicosanoid asssay in rectal dialysates and MPO activity in colonic tissue. Mucosal lesions were blindly scored by microscopic examination. Luminal pH was measured from cecum to rectum by a surface microelectrode. RESULTS: Oral inulin prevented inflammation, as evidenced by lower lesion scores (p < 0.05), decreased release of mediators (p < 0.05), and lower tissue MPO (p < 0.05) as compared with controls. Inulin induced acidic environment (pH <7.0) from cecum to left colon and increased counts of lactobacilli. Fecal water from inulin-fed rats also reduced scores (p < 0.05) and inflammation (p < 0.05). However, inulin or butyrate enemas had no effect. CONCLUSIONS: Oral inulin reduces the severity of dextran sodium sulfate colitis. The effect seems to be mediated by modification of the intracolonic milieu.     

Changes in antioxidant enzyme activities and lipid peroxidation related to bromoethylamine-induced renal cytotoxicity

BACKGROUND: The effect of bromoethylamine (BEA) administration on lipid peroxidation and on the activities of antioxidant enzymes was studied. METHODS: Adult rats received BEA at 1.2 mmol/kg, a dose that produces renal papillary necrosis. Lipid peroxidation assessed by maximal rate in MDA formation, the activities of catalase, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and the levels of non-protein sulfhydryls (NPSH) were measured in renal cortex and papilla of control and BEA-treated animals. RESULTS: After BEA treatment, an increment in lipid peroxidation in papilla and cortex was found after 1.5 and 24 hours of treatment. Catalase activity decreased in both regions, but earlier in cortex. CONCLUSION: These data suggest some role of oxidative stress in the mechanism of BEA-induced papillary necrosis.     

Prevalence and Features of Asthma in Young Adults in Urban Areas of Argentina

Objective

To investigate the burden of asthma in a young adult population in urban areas of Argentina.