871. The prognostic significance of tumor-immune microenvironment in ascites of patients with high-grade serous carcinomaSimona Miceska, Erik Škof, Simon Buček, Cvetka Grašič-Kuhar, Gorana Gašljević, Špela Smrkolj, Veronika Kloboves-Prevodnik, 2023, original scientific article Abstract: Background: High-grade serous carcinoma (HGSC) is often associated with ascites at presentation. Our objective was to quantify immune cells (ICs) in ascites prior to any treatment was given and evaluate their impact on progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Patients and methods: Forty-seven patients with primary HGSC and ascites were included. Flow-cytometric analysis was performed to detect percentages of CD3+ T cells (CD4+, CD8+, Tregs, and NKT cells), B cells, NK cells (CD56brightCD16- and CD56dimCD16+ subsets), macrophages and dendritic cells (DCs). Furthermore, CD103 expression was analyzed on T cells and their subsets, while PD-1 and PD-L1 expression on all ICs. Cut-off of low and high percentages of ICs was determined by the median of variables, and correlation with PFS and OS was calculated. Results: CD3+ cells were the predominant ICs (median 51%), while the presence of other ICs was much lower (median ≤10%). CD103+ expression was mostly present on CD8+, and not CD4+ cells. PD-1 was mainly expressed on CD3+ T cells (median 20%), lower expression was observed on other ICs (median ≤10%). PD-L1 expression was not detected. High percentages of CD103+CD3+ T cells, PD-1+ Tregs, CD56brightCD16- NK cells, and DCs correlated with prolonged PFS and OS, while high percentages of CD8+ cells, macrophages, and PD-1+CD56brightCD16- NK cells, along with low percentages of CD4+ cells, correlated with better OS only. DCs were the only independent prognostic marker among all ICs. Conclusions: Our results highlight the potential of ascites tumor-immune microenvironment to provide additional prognostic information for HGSC patients. However, a larger patient cohort and longer follow-up are needed to confirm our finBackground: High-grade serous carcinoma (HGSC) is often associated with ascites at presentation. Our objective was to quantify immune cells (ICs) in ascites prior to any treatment was given and evaluate their impact on progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Patients and methods: Forty-seven patients with primary HGSC and ascites were included. Flow-cytometric analysis was performed to detect percentages of CD3+ T cells (CD4+, CD8+, Tregs, and NKT cells), B cells, NK cells (CD56brightCD16- and CD56dimCD16+ subsets), macrophages and dendritic cells (DCs). Furthermore, CD103 expression was analyzed on T cells and their subsets, while PD-1 and PD-L1 expression on all ICs. Cut-off of low and high percentages of ICs was determined by the median of variables, and correlation with PFS and OS was calculated. Results: CD3+ cells were the predominant ICs (median 51%), while the presence of other ICs was much lower (median ≤10%). CD103+ expression was mostly present on CD8+, and not CD4+ cells. PD-1 was mainly expressed on CD3+ T cells (median 20%), lower expression was observed on other ICs (median ≤10%). PD-L1 expression was not detected. High percentages of CD103+CD3+ T cells, PD-1+ Tregs, CD56brightCD16- NK cells, and DCs correlated with prolonged PFS and OS, while high percentages of CD8+ cells, macrophages, and PD-1+CD56brightCD16- NK cells, along with low percentages of CD4+ cells, correlated with better OS only. DCs were the only independent prognostic marker among all ICs. Conclusions: Our results highlight the potential of ascites tumor-immune microenvironment to provide additional prognostic information for HGSC patients. However, a larger patient cohort and longer follow-up are needed to confirm our findings.dings.
Keywords: high-grade serous carcinoma, immune cells, prognostic markers
Published in DiRROS: 26.07.2024; Views: 525; Downloads: 226
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872. The most suitable time and depth to sample Cymodocea nodosa (Ucria) Ascherson meadows in the shallow coastal area. Experiences from the northern Adriatic SeaMartina Orlando-Bonaca, Lovrenc Lipej, Janja Francé, 2016, original scientific article Abstract: The Lesser Neptune grass, Cymodocea nodosa, is the most common seagrass species in shallow sheltered to semi-exposed sites along the Mediterranean soft bottom. The MediSkew index was recently developed as an improvement of the CymSkew index, in order to assess the status of C. nodosa meadows correctly in view of the implementation of three European Directives. The index takes into account the length of the photosynthetic part of C. nodosa leaves, which increases from the less degraded meadow to the most degraded meadow. To adequately assess temporal and spatial trends in the status of C. nodosa meadows, including estimates of the effects of natural disturbances within marine protected areas, the MediSkew index was applied to new samples collected at 3 m and at 6 m of depth, during two months (in July and in September). The analyses are discussed in view of monitoring and conservation of C. nodosa meadows. According to the results of this study, the monitoring programme in the northern Adriatic Sea should be conducted in July, with the collection of samples at 3 m of depth. The presented sampling and assessing methodology proved to be time- and cost-effective for the evaluation of the status of C. nodosa meadows and of human-induced pressures.
Keywords: MediSkew index, leaf lengths, Lesser Neptune grass, northern Adriatic Sea
Published in DiRROS: 26.07.2024; Views: 253; Downloads: 145
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873. Imaging microvascular changes in nonocular oncological clinical applications by optical coherence tomography angiography : a literature reviewRok Hren, Gregor Serša, Urban Simončič, Matija Milanič, 2023, review article Keywords: optical coherence tomography, angiography, endoscopy, oncology, skin carcinoma
Published in DiRROS: 26.07.2024; Views: 481; Downloads: 197
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874. Post-radiation xerostomia therapy with allogeneic mesenchymal stromal stem cells in patients with head and neck cancer : study protocol for phase I clinical trialPrimož Strojan, Gaber Plavc, Marko Kokalj, Goran Mitrović, Olga Blatnik, Luka Ležaič, Aljaž Sočan, Aljoša Bavec, Nataša Tešić, Katrina Pretnar-Hartman, Urban Švajger, 2023, original scientific article Abstract: Background: Xerostomia is a common side effect of radiotherapy in patients with head and neck tumors that negatively affects quality of life. There is no known effective standard treatment for xerostomia. Here, we present the study protocol used to evaluate the safety and preliminary efficacy of allogeneic mesenchymal stromal stem cells (MSCs) derived from umbilical cord tissue. Methods: Ten oropharyngeal cancer patients with post-radiation xerostomia and no evidence of disease recurrence 2 or more years after (chemo)irradiation (intervention group) and 10 healthy volunteers (control group) will be enrolled in this nonrandomized, open-label, phase I exploratory study. MSCs from umbilical cord tissue will be inserted under ultrasound guidance into both parotid glands and both submandibular glands of the patients. Toxicity of the procedure will be assessed according to CTCAE v5.0 criteria at days 0, 1, 5, 28, and 120. Efficacy will be assessed by measuring salivary flow and analyzing its composition, scintigraphic evaluation of MSC grafting, retention, and migration, and questionnaires measuring subjective xerostomia and quality of life. In addition, the radiological, functional, and morphological characteristics of the salivary tissue will be assessed before, at 4 weeks, and at 4 months after the procedure. In the control group subjects, only salivary flow rate and salivary composition will be determined. Discussion: The use of allogeneic MSCs from umbilical cord tissue represents an innovative approach for the treatment of xerostomia after radiation. Due to the noninvasive collection procedure, flexibility of cryobanking, and biological advantages, xerostomia therapy using allogeneic MSCs from umbilical cord tissue may have an advantage over other similar therapies.
Keywords: oropharyngeal cancer, xerostomia, mesenchymal stromal stem cells
Published in DiRROS: 26.07.2024; Views: 473; Downloads: 227
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875. Clinitrachus argentatus (Risso, 1810) (Perciformes: Clinidae) - a less known fish species in Slovenian coastal waters (Adriatic Sea)Martina Orlando-Bonaca, Domen Trkov, 2016, original scientific article Abstract: The data regarding the occurrence of the Cline (Clinitrachus argentatus) in the Adriatic Sea are scarce, limited and sporadic. In the Slovenian sea only three specimens were observed in the past decades. The paper presents new findings of the species from 2013 to 2016, when some specimens were occasionally manually collected in shallow waters. Data about habitat preferences, depth range, total lengths and meristic counts are reported. The aim of the study is also to discuss the reasons for the underestimation of the occurrence of C. argentatus in the area.
Keywords: fishes, shallow waters, overlooked species, habitat preferences, Adriatic Sea
Published in DiRROS: 26.07.2024; Views: 292; Downloads: 165
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876. Is the Port of Koper an inhospitable environment for the settlement of non-indigenous macrophytes?Martina Orlando-Bonaca, Ante Žuljević, Boris Antolić, 2016, original scientific article Abstract: The area of the Port of Koper was sampled for benthic macroalgae within the BALMAS project, in order to prepare an overview of native and non-indigenous species (NIS). In the mediolittoral and upper-infralittoral belts of the port area, 28 algal taxa were found (21 Rhodophyta, 6 Chlorophyta and 1 Ochrophyta). Only one algal NIS was identified, the tetrasporophyte of the red algae Asparagopsis armata. The species was found in low abundances only in autumn samples, collected in the lower mediolittoral and upper infralittoral belt. The aim of this paper is to discuss the limited presence and abundance of algal NIS in the area of the Port of Koper.
Keywords: Fucus virsoides, algae, occurrence, macrophytes, Port of Koper, Adriatic Sea
Published in DiRROS: 26.07.2024; Views: 235; Downloads: 140
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877. A record of porbeagle, Lamna nasus (Bonnaterre, 1788), in the Gulf of Trieste with discussion on its occurence in the Adriatic SeaLovrenc Lipej, Jernej Uhan, Borut Mavrič, Snježana Vujčić-Karlo, 2016, original scientific article Abstract: A juvenile male of porbeagle (Lamna nasus) was caught in waters off Piran (Slovenia, northern Adriatic) on December 22, 2015. The specimen was accurately measured and weighed. Cephalopods and fish remains were found in its stomach contents. This is the first record of a porbeagle in the waters of Slovenia and in the Gulf of Trieste, and one of the few records up to date reported in the northern Adriatic Sea. The presence of this juvenile specimen arises a question whether the Adriatic Sea is a reproductive ground of this species. According to an older record from 1910, a female porbeagle with four embryos was caught on Ugljan Island, confirming the fact that porbeagles reproduced at least in the past in the Adriatic Sea.
Keywords: sharks, lamnoid sharks, by-catch, occurrence, Adriatic Sea
Published in DiRROS: 26.07.2024; Views: 261; Downloads: 142
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878. The diet of the Mediterranean shag Phalacrocorax aristotelis desmarestii roosting along the Slovenian coastLovrenc Lipej, Borut Mavrič, Roberto Odorico, Urška Koce, 2016, original scientific article Abstract: Five hundred pellets of the Mediterranean Shag Phalacrocorax aristotelis desmarestii were collected at three roost-sites along the Slovenian coast and analysed. The diet was characterized mostly by the dominance of bottom dwelling fish species of the appropriate size. The Black Goby Gobius niger was the most dominant prey and represented the Shag’s main prey in the studied area (IRI% = 64.0). The results of the study confirm that the Mediterranean Shag preys mainly on fish species which are without commercial value for local fisheries.
Keywords: piscivorous birds, occurrence, roosts, otoliths, Northern Adriatic
Published in DiRROS: 26.07.2024; Views: 328; Downloads: 149
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879. Modeling the ocean and atmosphere during an extreme bora event in northern Adriatic using one-way and two-way atmosphere-ocean couplingMatjaž Ličer, Peter Smerkol, Anja Fettich, Michalis Ravdas, Alexandros Papapostolou, Anneta Mantziafou, Benedikt Strajnar, Jure Cedilnik, Maja Jeromel, Jure Jerman, Sašo Petan, Vlado Malačič, Sarantis Sofianos, 2016, original scientific article Abstract: We have studied the performances of (a) a two-way coupled atmosphere%ocean modeling system and (b) one-way coupled ocean model (forced by the atmosphere model), as compared to the available in situ measurements during and after a strong Adriatic bora wind event in February 2012, which led to extreme air%sea interactions. The simulations span the period between January and March 2012. The models used were ALADIN (Aire Limitée Adaptation dynamique Développement InterNational) (4.4 km resolution) on the atmosphere side and an Adriatic setup of Princeton ocean model (POM) (1%=30%1%=30 angular resolution) on the ocean side. The atmosphere%ocean coupling was implemented using the OASIS3-MCT model coupling toolkit. Two-way coupling ocean feedback to the atmosphere is limited to sea surface temperature. We have compared modeled atmosphere%ocean fluxes and sea temperatures from both setups to platform and CTD (conductivity, temperature, and depth) measurements from three locations in the northern Adriatic.We present objective verification of 2m atmosphere temperature forecasts using mean bias and standard deviation of errors scores from 23 meteorological stations in the eastern part of Italy. We show that turbulent fluxes from both setups differ up to 20° during the bora but not significantly before and after the event. When compared to observations, two-way coupling ocean temperatures exhibit a 4 times lower root mean square errors (RMSE) than those from one-way coupled system. Two-way coupling improves sensible heat fluxes at all stations but does not improve latent heat loss. The spatial average of the two-way coupled atmosphere component is up to 0.3 °C colder than the one-way coupled setup, which is an improvement for prognostic lead times up to 20 h. Daily spatial average of the standard deviation of air temperature errors shows 0.15 °C improvement in the case of coupled system compared to the uncoupled. Coupled and uncoupled circulations in the northern Adriatic are predominantly wind-driven and show no significant mesoscale differences.
Keywords: sea, marine water, numerical modeling, physical oceanography, dense water, bora wind, Adriatic sea, Mediterranean sea, Adriatic shelf
Published in DiRROS: 26.07.2024; Views: 315; Downloads: 199
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880. Transmembrane protein CD9 is glioblastoma biomarker, relevant for maintenance of glioblastoma stem cellsNeža Podergajs, Helena Motaln, Uroš Rajčević, Urška Verbovšek, Marjan Koršič, Nina Obad, Heidi Espedal, Miloš Vittori, Christel Herold-Mende, Hrvoje Miletic, Rolf Bjerkvig, Tamara Lah Turnšek, 2016, original scientific article Abstract: The cancer stem cell model suggests that glioblastomas contain a subpopulation of stem-like tumor cells that reproduce themselves to sustain tumor growth. Targeting these cells thus represents a novel treatment strategy and therefore more specific markers that characterize glioblastoma stem cells need to be identified. In the present study, we performed transcriptomic analysis of glioblastoma tissues compared to normal brain tissues revealing sensible up-regulation of CD9 gene. CD9 encodes the transmembrane protein tetraspanin which is involved in tumor cell invasion, apoptosis and resistance to chemotherapy. Using the public REMBRANDT database for brain tumors, we confirmed the prognostic value of CD9, whereby a more than two fold up-regulation correlates with shorter patient survival. We validated CD9 gene and protein expression showing selective up-regulation in glioblastoma stem cells isolated from primary biopsies and in primary organotypic glioblastoma spheroids as well as in U87-MG and U373 glioblastoma cell lines. In contrast, no or low CD9 gene expression was observed in normal human astrocytes, normal brain tissue and neural stem cells. CD9 silencing in three CD133+ glioblastoma cell lines (NCH644, NCH421k and NCH660h) led to decreased cell proliferation, survival, invasion, and self-renewal ability, and altered expression of the stem-cell markers CD133, nestin and SOX2. Moreover, CD9-silenced glioblastoma stem cells showed altered activation patterns of the Akt, MapK and Stat3 signaling transducers. Orthotopic xenotransplantation of CD9-silenced glioblastoma stem cells into nude rats promoted prolonged survival. Therefore, CD9 should be further evaluated as a target for glioblastoma treatment.
Keywords: biomarker, CD9, glioblastoma stem cells, neural stem cells, tetraspanin
Published in DiRROS: 26.07.2024; Views: 283; Downloads: 186
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