Potential clinical application of anti-Müllerian hormone testing in radioiodine treatment of thyroid carcinoma

Differentiated thyroid cancer is the most common endocrinological malignancy. Radioiodine treatment has a clear benefit in locally aggressive and metastatic cancers. There are discussions about long-term and acute adverse events.Anti-Müllerian hormone is regarded as the best endocrine marker for evaluating the physiological loss of oocytes in healthy women with regard to age. The impact of radioiodine treatment on anti-Müllerian hormone levels has been more significantly reported in patients over 35 years of age. About reproductive dysfunction, calculations of individual absorbed doses of radioiodine in ovaries after thyroid cancer therapy have not been performed yet. The aim of our ongoing prospective study is to determine serum anti-Müllerian hormone to estimate ovarian reserve for premenopausal women treated with radioiodine and to compare anti-Müllerian hormone levels before and after radioiodine treatment. Predicting radioiodine side effects by evaluating a simple serum biomarker may help to select an appropriate treatment strategy for young women planning pregnancy, specifically in the assessment of ovarian reserve and premature ovarian failure with early onset of menopause.

Resonant Tip-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy of a Single-Molecule Kondo System

Tip-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (TERS) under ultrahigh vacuum and cryogenic conditions enables exploration of the relations between the adsorption geometry, electronic state, and vibrational fingerprints of individual molecules. TERS capability of reflecting spin states in open-shell molecular configurations is yet unexplored. Here, we use the tip of a scanning probe microscope to lift a perylene-3,4,9,10-tetracarboxylic dianhydride (PTCDA) molecule from a metal surface to bring it into an open-shell spin one-half anionic state. We reveal a correlation between the appearance of a Kondo resonance in differential conductance spectroscopy and concurrent characteristic changes captured by the TERS measurements. Through a detailed investigation of various adsorbed and tip-contacted PTCDA scenarios, we infer that the Raman scattering on suspended PTCDA is resonant with a higher excited state. Theoretical simulation of the vibrational spectra enables a precise assignment of the individual TERS peaks to high-symmetry Ag modes, including the fingerprints of the observed spin state. These findings highlight the potential of TERS in capturing complex interactions between charge, spin, and photophysical properties in nanoscale molecular systems and suggest a pathway for designing single-molecule spin-optical devices.

Variations in Wood Anatomy in Afrotropical Trees with a special emphasis on radial and axial parenchyma

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Understanding anatomical variations across plant phylogenies and environmental gradients is vital for comprehending plant evolution and adaptation. Prior studies on tropical woody plants have paid limited attention to quantitative differences in major xylem tissues, which serve specific roles in mechanical support (fibers), carbohydrate storage and radial conduction (radial parenchyma, rays), wood capacitance (axial parenchyma), and water transport (vessels). To address this gap, we investigate xylem fractions in 173 tropical tree species spanning 134 genera and 53 families along a 2200 m elevational gradient on Mount Cameroon, West Africa.

METHODS

We determined how elevation, stem height, and wood density affect interspecific differences in vessel, fiber, and specific axial (AP) and radial (RP) parenchyma fractions. We focus on quantifying distinct subcategories of homogenous or heterogeneous rays and apotracheal, paratracheal, and banded axial parenchyma.

KEY RESULTS

Elevation-related cooling correlated with reduced AP fractions and vessel diameters, while fiber fractions increased. Lower elevations exhibited elevated AP fractions due to abundant paratracheal and wide-banded parenchyma in tall trees from coastal and lowland forests. Vasicentric and aliform AP were predominantly associated with greater tree height and wider vessels, which might help cope with high evaporative demands via elastic wood capacitance. In contrast, montane trees featured a higher fiber proportion, scarce axial parenchyma, smaller vessel diameters, and higher vessel densities. The lack of AP in montane trees was often compensated by extended uniseriate ray sections with upright or squared ray cells or the presence of living fibers.

CONCLUSIONS

Elevation gradient influenced specific xylem fractions, with lower elevations showing elevated AP due to abundant paratracheal and wide-banded parenchyma, securing greater vessel-to-parenchyma connectivity and lower embolism risk. Montane trees featured a higher fiber proportion and smaller vessel diameters, which may aid survival under greater environmental seasonality and fire risk.

Global warming alters Himalayan alpine shrub growth dynamics and climate sensitivity

Global climate change is having significant effects on plant growth patterns and mountain plants can be particularly vulnerable to accelerated warming. Rising temperatures are releasing plants from cold limitation, such as at high elevations and latitudes, but can also induce drought limitation, as documented for trees from lower elevations and latitudes. Here we test these predictions using a unique natural experiment with Himalayan alpine shrub Rhododendron anthopogon and its growth responses to changing climate over a large portion of its latitudinal and elevational ranges, including steep precipitation and temperature gradients. We determined growth dynamics during the last three decades, representing period of accelerated warming, using annual radial growth increments for nine populations growing on both wet and warm southern localities and drier and cold northern localities in the Himalayas along elevation gradients encompassing the lower and upper species range limits. A significant growth increase over past decades was observed after controlling for confounding effect of shrub age and microsites. However, the magnitude of increase varied among populations. Particularly, populations situated in the lower elevation of the northernmost (cold and dry) locality exhibited most substantial growth enhancement. The relationship between growth variability and climate varied among populations, with the populations from the coldest location displaying the strongest responsiveness to increasing minimum temperatures during July. Minimum temperatures of April and August were the most important factor limiting the growth across most populations. Potential warming-induced drought limitation had no significant impact on growth variation in any part of the species geographic range. Overall, our findings indicate that plant growth is continuously increasing in recent decades and growth-climate relationships are not consistent across populations, with populations from the coldest and wettest localities showing stronger responses. The observed patterns suggest that dwarf-shrubs benefit from ongoing warming, leading to increased shrubification of high elevation alpine ecosystems.

Cumulative nitrogen enrichment alters the drivers of grassland overyielding

Effects of plant diversity on grassland productivity, or overyielding, are found to be robust to nutrient enrichment. However, the impact of cumulative nitrogen (N) addition (total N added over time) on overyielding and its drivers are underexplored. Synthesizing data from 15 multi-year grassland biodiversity experiments with N addition, we found that N addition decreases complementarity effects and increases selection effects proportionately, resulting in no overall change in overyielding regardless of N addition rate. However, we observed a convex relationship between overyielding and cumulative N addition, driven by a shift from complementarity to selection effects. This shift suggests diminishing positive interactions and an increasing contribution of a few dominant species with increasing N accumulation. Recognizing the importance of cumulative N addition is vital for understanding its impacts on grassland overyielding, contributing essential insights for biodiversity conservation and ecosystem resilience in the face of increasing N deposition.

Single-Molecule Time-Resolved Spectroscopy in a Tunable STM Nanocavity

Spontaneous fluorescence rates of single-molecule emitters are typically on the order of nanoseconds. However, coupling them with plasmonic nanostructures can substantially increase their fluorescence yields. The confinement between a tip and sample in a scanning tunneling microscope creates a tunable nanocavity, an ideal platform for exploring the yields and excitation decay rates of single-molecule emitters, depending on their coupling strength to the nanocavity. With such a setup, we determine the excitation lifetimes from the direct time-resolved measurements of phthalocyanine fluorescence decays, decoupled from the metal substrates by ultrathin NaCl layers. We find that when the tip is approached to single molecules, their lifetimes are reduced to the picosecond range due to the effect of coupling with the tip-sample nanocavity. On the other hand, ensembles of the adsorbed molecules measured without the nanocavity manifest nanosecond-range lifetimes. This approach overcomes the drawbacks associated with the estimation of lifetimes for single molecules from their respective emission line widths.

Patterns of tropical forest understory temperatures

Temperature is a fundamental driver of species distribution and ecosystem functioning. Yet, our knowledge of the microclimatic conditions experienced by organisms inside tropical forests remains limited. This is because ecological studies often rely on coarse-gridded temperature estimates representing the conditions at 2 m height in an open-air environment (i.e., macroclimate). In this study, we present a high-resolution pantropical estimate of near-ground (15 cm above the surface) temperatures inside forests. We quantify diurnal and seasonal variability, thus revealing both spatial and temporal microclimate patterns. We find that on average, understory near-ground temperatures are 1.6 °C cooler than the open-air temperatures. The diurnal temperature range is on average 1.7 °C lower inside the forests, in comparison to open-air conditions. More importantly, we demonstrate a substantial spatial variability in the microclimate characteristics of tropical forests. This variability is regulated by a combination of large-scale climate conditions, vegetation structure and topography, and hence could not be captured by existing macroclimate grids. Our results thus contribute to quantifying the actual thermal ranges experienced by organisms inside tropical forests and provide new insights into how these limits may be affected by climate change and ecosystem disturbances.

Major tree species of Central European forests differ in their proportion of positive, negative, and nonstationary growth trends

Temperate forests are undergoing significant transformations due to the influence of climate change, including varying responses of different tree species to increasing temperature and drought severity. To comprehensively understand the full range of growth responses, representative datasets spanning extensive site and climatic gradients are essential. This study utilizes tree-ring data from 550 sites from the temperate forests of Czechia to assess growth trends of six dominant Central European tree species (European beech, Norway spruce, Scots pine, silver fir, sessile and pedunculate oak) over 1990-2014. By modeling mean growth series for each species and site, and employing principal component analysis, we identified the predominant growth trends. Over the study period, linear growth trends were evident across most sites (56% increasing, 32% decreasing, and 10% neutral). The proportion of sites with stationary positive trends increased from low toward high elevations, whereas the opposite was true for the stationary negative trends. Notably, within the middle range of their distribution (between 500 and 700 m a.s.l.), Norway spruce and European beech exhibited a mix of positive and negative growth trends. While Scots pine growth trends showed no clear elevation-based pattern, silver fir and oaks displayed consistent positive growth trends regardless of site elevation, indicating resilience to the ongoing warming. We demonstrate divergent growth trajectories across space and among species. These findings are particularly important as recent warming has triggered a gradual shift in the elevation range of optimal growth conditions for most tree species and has also led to a decoupling of growth trends between lowlands and mountain areas. As a result, further future shifts in the elevation range and changes in species diversity of European temperate forests can be expected.

Poleward migration of tropical cyclones induced severe disturbance of boreal forest above 50°

With global warming, tropical cyclones (TCs) are moving to northern latitudes with devastating effects on boreal forests and significant ecological and socioeconomic consequences in the northern hemisphere. Recently, TCs disturbances have been documented in the northern temperate and even the southern boreal forest zone. Here we report and quantify the impact of TC Lingling (2019), which damaged the boreal forests >50° latitude in a remote area of Sakhalin Island, Northeast Asia. A multi-step algorithm was used to identify disturbed forested areas together with Sentinel-2 imagery to recognize windthrow patches caused by TCs and evaluate tree species composition. We found extensive damage to boreal forests caused by TC Lingling, with forested area losses of >80 km². The affected areas mainly belonged to zonal dark coniferous forests, which account for 54 km² of windthrows. In contrast, a lower impact was recorded in deciduous broadleaf and larch forests. TC Lingling caused a high proportion (>50 %) of large gaps (>10 ha), however, gaps of such extent have not been previously recorded in these dark coniferous forests. Hence, our study highlights the potential of TCs as the new disturbance agent responsible for extensive disturbances of boreal forests at more northern latitudes than previously thought. This implies the significant role of TCs in disturbance regimes and boreal forest dynamics. We suggest that continued poleward migration of TCs may lead to an unprecedentedly large area of disturbed boreal forests resulting in complex changes in diversity and ecosystem functioning. Our findings are crucial for identifying potential shifts in boreal forest structure and dynamics under ongoing global climate change and altered forest disturbance regimes.

Surface-Mediated Spin Locking and Thermal Unlocking in a 2D Molecular Array

Molecule-based functional devices may take advantage of surface-mediated spin state bistability. Whereas different spin states in conventional spin crossover complexes are only accessible at temperatures well below room temperature, and the lifetimes of the high-spin state are relatively short, a different behavior exhibited by prototypical nickel phthalocyanine is shown here. Direct interaction of the organometallic complex with a copper metal electrode mediates the coexistence of a high spin and a low spin state within the 2D molecular array. The spin state bistability is extremely non-volatile, since no external stimuli are required to preserve it. It originates from the surface-induced axial displacement of the functional nickel cores, which generates two stable local minima. Spin state unlocking and the full conversion to the low spin state are only possible by a high temperature stimulus. This spin state transition is accompanied by distinct changes in the molecular electronic structure that might facilitate the state readout at room temperature, as evidenced by valence spectroscopy. The non-volatility of the high spin state up to elevated temperatures and the controllable spin bistability render the system extremely intriguing for applications in molecule-based information storage devices.

Long-term tropical cyclones activity shapes forest structure and reduces tree species diversity of U.S. temperate forests

Increasing tropical cyclone (TC) pressure on temperate forests is inevitable under the recent global increase of the intensity and poleward migration of TCs. However, the long-term effects of TCs on large-scale structure and diversity of temperate forests remain unclear. Here, we aim to ascertain the legacy of TCs on forest structure and tree species richness by using structural equation models that consider several environmental gradients and use an extensive dataset containing >140,000 plots with >3 million trees from natural temperate forests across eastern United States impacted by TCs. We found that high TC activity (a combination of TC frequency and intensity) leads to a decrease in maximum tree sizes (height and diameter), an increase in tree density and basal area, and a decline in the number of tree species and recruits. We identified TC activity as the strongest predictor of forest structure and species richness in xeric (dry) forests, while it had a weaker impact on hydric (wet) forests. We highlight the sensitivity of forest structure and tree species richness to impacts of likely further increase of TC activity in interaction with climate extremes, especially drought. Our results show that increased TC activity leads to the homogenization of forest structure and reduced tree species richness in U.S. temperate forests. These findings suggest that further declines in tree species richness may be expected because of the projected increase of future levels of TC activity.

Tropical cyclones moving into boreal forests: Relationships between disturbance areas and environmental drivers

Tropical cyclones (TCs) are common disturbance agents in tropical and subtropical latitudes. With global warming, TCs began to move to northern latitudes, with devastating effects on boreal forests. However, it remains unclear where and when these extraordinary events occur and how they affect forest structure and ecosystem functioning. Hence knowing which geomorphological features, landforms, and forest types are most susceptible to severe wind disturbance is vital to better predict the future impacts of intensifying tropical cyclones on boreal forests. In October 2015, catastrophic TC Dujuan hit the island of Sakhalin in the Russian Far East. With a wind speed of 63 m·s^-1, it became the strongest wind recorded in Sakhalin, damaging >42,000 ha of native forests with different levels of severity. We used high-resolution RGB satellite images, DEM-derived geomorphological patterns, and the U-Net-like convolutional neural network to quantify the damaged area in specific landform, forest type, and windthrow patch size categories. We found that large gaps (>1 ha) represent >40 % of the damaged area while small gaps (<0.1 ha) only 20 %. The recorded canopy gaps are very large for the southern boreal forest. We found that the aspect (slope exposure) is the most important in explaining the damaged area, followed by canopy closure and landform type. Closed-canopy coniferous forests on steep, west-facing slopes (typical of convex reliefs such as ridges, spurs, and peaks) are at a much higher risk of being disturbed by TCs than open-canopy mountain birch forests or coniferous forests and broadleaved riparian forests in concave reliefs such as valley bottoms. We suggest that the projected ongoing poleward migration of TCs will lead to an unprecedentedly large area of disturbed forest, which results in complex changes in forest dynamics and ecosystem functioning. Our findings are crucial for the development of mitigation and adaptation strategies under future changes in TC activity.

Evidence of exciton-libron coupling in chirally adsorbed single molecules

Interplay between motion of nuclei and excitations has an important role in molecular photophysics of natural and artificial structures. Here we provide a detailed analysis of coupling between quantized librational modes (librons) and charged excited states (trions) on single phthalocyanine dyes adsorbed on a surface. By means of tip-induced electroluminescence performed with a scanning probe microscope, we identify libronic signatures in spectra of chirally adsorbed phthalocyanines and find that these signatures are absent from spectra of symmetrically adsorbed species. We create a model of the libronic coupling based on the Franck-Condon principle to simulate the spectral features. Experimentally measured librational spectra match very well the theoretically calculated librational eigenenergies and peak intensities (Franck-Condon factors). Moreover, the comparison reveals an unexpected depopulation channel for the zero libron of the excited state that can be effectively controlled by tuning the size of the nanocavity. Our results showcase the possibility of characterizing the dynamics of molecules by their low-energy molecular modes using µeV-resolved tip-enhanced spectroscopy.

Vibronic coupling in molecules plays an essential role in photophysics. Here, the authors observe optical fingerprints of the coupling between librational states and charged excited states in a single phthalocyanine molecule chirally absorbed on a surface.

Comparative anatomy of leaf petioles in temperate trees and shrubs: the role of plant size, environment and phylogeny

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Petioles are important plant organs connecting stems with leaf blades and affecting light-harvesting ability of the leaf as well as transport of water, nutrients and biochemical signals. Despite the high diversity in petiole size, shape and anatomy, little information is available regarding their structural adaptations across evolutionary lineages and environmental conditions. To fill this knowledge gap, we investigated the variation of petiole morphology and anatomy of mainly European woody species to better understand the drivers of internal and external constraints in an evolutionary context.

METHODS

We studied how petiole anatomical features differed according to whole-plant size, leaf traits, thermal and hydrological conditions, and taxonomic origin in 95 shrubs and trees using phylogenetic distance-based generalized least squares models.

KEY RESULTS

Two major axes of variation were related to leaf area and plant size. Larger and softer leaves are found in taller trees of more productive habitats. Their petioles are longer, with a circular outline and are anatomically characterized by the predominance of sclerenchyma, larger vessels, interfascicular areas with fibres and indistinct phloem rays. In contrast, smaller and tougher leaves are found in shorter trees and shrubs of colder or drier habitats. Their petioles have a terete outline, phloem composed of small cells and radially arranged vessels, fibreless xylem and lamellar collenchyma. Individual anatomical traits were linked to different internal and external drivers. Petiole length and vessel diameter increase with increasing leaf blade area. Collenchyma becomes absent with increasing temperature, and petiole outline becomes polygonal with increasing precipitation.

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that species' temperature and precipitation optima, plant height, and leaf area and thickness exerted a significant control on petiole anatomical and morphological structures not confounded by phylogenetic inertia. Species with different evolutionary histories but similar thermal and hydrological requirements have converged to similar petiole anatomical structures.

Real Space Visualization of Entangled Excitonic States in Charged Molecular Assemblies

Entanglement of excitons holds great promise for the future of quantum computing, which would use individual molecular dyes as building blocks of their circuitry. Studying entangled excitonic eigenstates emerging in coupled molecular assemblies in the near-field with submolecular resolution has the potential to bring insight into the photophysics of these fascinating quantum phenomena. In contrast to far-field spectroscopies, near-field spectroscopic mapping permits direct identification of the individual eigenmodes, type of exciton coupling, including excited states otherwise inaccessible in the far field (dark states). Here we combine tip-enhanced spectromicroscopy with atomic force microscopy to inspect delocalized single-exciton states of charged molecular assemblies engineered from individual perylenetetracarboxylic dianhydride (PTCDA) molecules. Hyperspectral mapping of the eigenstates and comparison with calculated many-body optical transitions reveals a second low-lying excited state of the anion monomers and its role in the exciton entanglement within the assemblies. We demonstrate control over the exciton coupling by switching the assembly charge states. Our results reveal the possibility of tailoring excitonic properties of organic dye aggregates for advanced functionalities and establish the methodology to address them individually at the nanoscale.

Constant amplitude driving of a radiofrequency excited plasmonic tunnel junction

Constant-amplitude bias modulation over a broad range of microwave frequencies is a prerequisite for application in high-resolution spectroscopic techniques in a tunneling junction as e.g. electron spin resonance spectroscopy or optically detected paramagnetic resonance. Here, we present an optical method for determining the frequency-dependent magnitude of the transfer function of a dedicated high-frequency line integrated with a scanning probe microscope. The method relies on determining the energy cutoff of the plasmonic electroluminescence spectrum, which is linked to the energies of the electrons inelastically tunneling across the junction. We develop an easy-to-implement procedure for effective compensation of an RF line and determination of the transfer function magnitude in the GHz range. We test our method with conventional electronic calibration and find a perfect agreement.

Carbohydrate storage in herbs: the forgotten functional dimension of the plant economic spectrum

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Although the plant economic spectrum seeks to explain resource allocation strategies, carbohydrate storage is often omitted. Belowground storage organs are the centre of herb perennation, yet little is known about the role of their turnover, anatomy and carbohydrate storage in relation to the aboveground economic spectrum.

METHODS

We collected aboveground traits associated with the economic spectrum, storage organ turnover traits, storage organ inner structure traits and storage carbohydrate concentrations for ~80 temperate meadow species.

KEY RESULTS

The suites of belowground traits were largely independent of one another, but there was significant correlation of the aboveground traits with both inner structure and storage carbohydrates. Anatomical traits diverged according to leaf nitrogen concentration on the one hand and vessel area and dry matter content on the other; carbohydrates separated along gradients of leaf nitrogen concentration and plant height.

CONCLUSIONS

Contrary to our expectations, aboveground traits and not storage organ turnover were correlated with anatomy and storage carbohydrates. Belowground traits associated with the aboveground economic spectrum also did not fall clearly within the fast-slow economic continuum, thus indicating the presence of a more complicated economic space. Our study implies that the generally overlooked role of storage within the plant economic spectrum represents an important dimension of plant strategy.

Biotic homogenization destabilizes ecosystem functioning by decreasing spatial asynchrony

Our planet is facing significant changes of biodiversity across spatial scales. Although the negative effects of local biodiversity (α diversity) loss on ecosystem stability are well documented, the consequences of biodiversity changes at larger spatial scales, in particular biotic homogenization, that is, reduced species turnover across space (β diversity), remain poorly known. Using data from 39 grassland biodiversity experiments, we examine the effects of β diversity on the stability of simulated landscapes while controlling for potentially confounding biotic and abiotic factors. Our results show that higher β diversity generates more asynchronous dynamics among local communities and thereby contributes to the stability of ecosystem productivity at larger spatial scales. We further quantify the relative contributions of α and β diversity to ecosystem stability and find a relatively stronger effect of α diversity, possibly due to the limited spatial scale of our experiments. The stabilizing effects of both α and β diversity lead to a positive diversity–stability relationship at the landscape scale. Our findings demonstrate the destabilizing effect of biotic homogenization and suggest that biodiversity should be conserved at multiple spatial scales to maintain the stability of ecosystem functions and services.

Exciton-Trion Conversion Dynamics in a Single Molecule

Charged optical excitations (trions) generated by charge carrier injection are crucial for emerging optoelectronic technologies as they can be produced and manipulated by electric fields. Trions and neutral excitons can be efficiently induced in single molecules by means of tip-enhanced spectromicroscopic techniques. However, little is known of the exciton-trion dynamics at single molecule level as this requires methods permitting simultaneous subnanometer and subnanosecond characterization. Here, we investigate exciton-trion dynamics by phase fluorometry, combining radio frequency modulated scanning tunnelling luminescence with time-resolved single photon detection. We generate excitons and trions in single Zinc Phthalocyanine (ZnPc) molecules on NaCl/Ag(111), and trace the evolution of the system in the picosecond range. We explore the dependence of effective lifetimes on bias voltage and describe the conversion mechanism from neutral excitons to trions, via charge capture, as the primary pathway to trion formation. We corroborate the dynamics of the system by a causally deterministic four-state model.

Is high age a contraindication to pulmonary resection?

INTRODUCTION

As the population ages, there are increasing numbers of elderly patients diagnosed with operable primary pulmonary malignancy or other lesions requiring pulmonary resection. The objective of the study was to evaluate post-operative outcomes in the elderly group and compare them with younger patients undergoing the same surgery.

METHODS

Retrospectively, we evaluated our own set of 424 patients undergoing anatomical pulmonary resection for primary lung cancers and other resectable lesions in 20112020. 328 patients underwent open procedures, and VATS lobectomy was performed 96 times. We evaluated the set of patients in terms of 30-day morbidity and mortality using Clavien-Dindo classification modified for pulmonary resections. We compared the patient subgroups by age (under 55, 5564 years old, 6574 years and over 75 years).

RESULTS

A non-biometric Kruskal-Wallis test was used to compare the groups. We have not shown a statistically significant difference in the number of complications (p=0.220).

CONCLUSION

Standard surgical treatment for non-small cell lung carcinoma, lobectomy with systematic mediastinal lymphadenectomy, is safe also for a well-indicated group of seniors. With careful preoperative assessments and consideration of the extent of resection, we can expect a comparable rate of complications in the elderly compared to younger patients. Sublobar resection or radiotherapy should be considered in case of patients at risk. For seniors over 70 years of age, comparable outcomes of oncological treatment can be reached, taking into account their shorter life expectancy.

Effects of disturbances by forest elephants on diversity of trees and insects in tropical rainforests on Mount Cameroon

Natural disturbances are essential for tropical forests biodiversity. In the Afrotropics, megaherbivores have played a key role before their recent decline. Contrastingly to savanna elephants, forest elephants’ impact on ecosystems remains poorly studied. Few decades ago, forests on Mount Cameroon were divided by lava flows, not being crossed by a local population of forest elephants until now. We assessed communities of trees, butterflies and two guilds of moths in the disturbed and undisturbed forests split by the longest lava flow. We surveyed 32 plots, recording 2025 trees of 97 species, and 7853 insects of 437 species. The disturbed forests differed in reduced tree density, height, and high canopy cover, and in increased DBH. Forest elephants’ selective browsing and foraging also decreased tree species richness and altered their composition. The elephant disturbance increased butterfly species richness and had various effects on species richness and composition of the insect groups. These changes were likely caused by disturbance-driven alterations of habitats and species composition of trees. Moreover, the abandonment of forests by elephants led to local declines of range-restricted butterflies. The recent declines of forest elephants across the Afrotropics probably caused similar changes in forest biodiversity and should be reflected by conservation actions.

Mechano-Optical Switching of a Single Molecule with Doublet Emission

The ability to control the emission from single-molecule quantum emitters is an important step toward their implementation in optoelectronic technology. Phthalocyanine and derived metal complexes on thin insulating layers studied by scanning tunneling microscope-induced luminescence (STML) offer an excellent playground for tuning their excitonic and electronic states by Coulomb interaction and to showcase their high environmental sensitivity. Copper phthalocyanine (CuPc) has an open-shell electronic structure, and its lowest-energy exciton is a doublet, which brings interesting prospects in its application for optospintronic devices. Here, we demonstrate that the excitonic state of a single CuPc molecule can be reproducibly switched by atomic-scale manipulations permitting precise positioning of the molecule on the NaCl ionic crystal lattice. Using a combination of STML, AFM, and ab initio calculations, we show the modulation of electronic and optical bandgaps and the exciton binding energy in CuPc by tens of meV. We explain this effect by spatially dependent Coulomb interaction occurring at the molecule-insulator interface, which tunes the local dielectric environment of the emitter.

Scintigraphic evaluation of salivary gland function in thyroid cancer patients after radioiodine remnant ablation

Radioiodine (¹³¹I, RAI) has traditionally been used in thyroid cancer treatment but its benefit should be balanced against possible risks. Among them, salivary gland dysfunction has often been discussed, although the reported data have been inconsistent. The aim of our prospective study was to evaluate salivary gland function in 31 thyroidectomised patients (6 men, 25 women; median age 52 yr) before and 4–6 months after RAI remnant ablation (RRA), using activity of 3.7 GBq ¹³¹I‐NaI. Salivary gland uptake and excretion fractions were quantitatively assessed with ^99mTc – pertechnetate salivary gland scintigraphy. Pre‐ and post‐treatment values were compared using Wilcoxon signed rank test. No statistically significant difference in the pre‐ and post‐treatment values was observed in parotid or submandibular glands uptake, or in the parotid or submandibular excretion fractions. The calculated power for minimum relevant difference of 25% with the sample size of 31 ranged between 86% and 96% for the individual variables, making our negative results reasonably reliable. The results suggest that RRA with the most commonly used activity of 3.7 GBq has no important impact on salivary gland function. Therefore, the concerns about putative salivary gland functional deterioration following RRA are probably unjustified.

Linking Plant Functional Ecology to Island Biogeography

The study of insular systems has a long history in ecology and biogeography. Island plants often differ remarkably from their noninsular counterparts, constituting excellent models for exploring eco-evolutionary processes. Trait-based approaches can help to answer important questions in island biogeography, yet plant trait patterns on islands remain understudied. We discuss three key hypotheses linking functional ecology to island biogeography: (i) plants in insular systems are characterized by distinct functional trait syndromes (compared with noninsular environments); (ii) these syndromes differ between true islands and terrestrial habitat islands; and (iii) island characteristics influence trait syndromes in a predictable manner. We are convinced that implementing trait-based comparative approaches would considerably further our understanding of plant ecology and evolution in insular systems.

Charge Carrier Injection Electroluminescence with CO-Functionalized Tips on Single Molecular Emitters

We investigate electroluminescence of single molecular emitters on NaCl on Ag(111) and Au(111) with submolecular resolution in a low-temperature scanning probe microscope with tunneling current, atomic force, and light detection capabilities. The role of the tip state is studied in the photon maps of a prototypical emitter, zinc phthalocyanine (ZnPc), using metal and CO-metal tips. CO-functionalization is found to have an impact on the resolution and contrast of the photon maps due to the localized overlap of the p-orbitals on the tip with the molecular orbitals of the emitter. The possibility of using the same CO-functionalized tip for tip-enhanced photon detection and high resolution atomic force is demonstrated. We study the electroluminescence of ZnPc, induced by charge carrier injection at sufficiently high bias voltages. We propose that the distinct level alignment of the ZnPc frontier orbitals with the Au(111) and Ag(111) Fermi levels governs the primary excitation mechanisms as the injection of electrons and holes from the tip into the molecule, respectively. These findings put forward the importance of the tip status in the photon maps and contribute to a better understanding of the photophysics of organic molecules on surfaces.

Dual Tracer 99mTc-Pertechnetate/99mTc-MIBI Dual-Time-Point SPECT/CT Parathyroid Gland Assessment Regarding to Parathyroid Gland Size and Biochemical Parameters - Two Years Single Imaging Centre Experience

INTRODUCTION

Preoperative parathyroid imaging is inevitable part of focused parathyroid surgery. The aim of our study was assessment of parathyroid scintigraphy diagnostic accuracy regarding to size and metabolic parameters of hyperfunctioning parathyroid tissue.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Parathyroid scintigraphy for suspected primary hyperparathyroidism was performed in 95 patients during years 2015 and 2016. Of them, 75 patients with known clinical outcome (40 underwent surgery, 35 had documented laboratory follow-up) were further retrospectively evaluated. The performance of dual tracer 99mTc-pertechnetate and 99mTc-MIBI subtraction and dual-time-point 99mTc-MIBI imaging with SPECT/CT was analysed. Serum parathyroid hormone (PTH), calcaemia, ionized calcaemia and phosphataemia and ultrasound detected adenoma volume and largest diameter in false negative and true positive findings were compared using Mann-Whitney test.

RESULTS

Sensitivity and specificity of parathyroid scintigraphy was 74.5% and 95.8%, respectively. NPV was 63.8% and PPV 97.4%. Hyperfunctioning parathyroid tissue detectability was almost significantly associated with hypophosphataemia and PTH levels.

CONCLUSION

Parathyroid scintigraphy provides high sensitivity and superior specificity in parathyroid adenoma location, nevertheless the diagnostic accuracy tends to decline in smaller adenomas and in less metabolically active parathyroid tissue causing only subtle biochemical changes. 18F-Fluorocholine PET/CT or 3D SPECT/CT subtraction should be a reasonable option for those cases.

The legacy of initial sowing after 20 years of ex-arable land colonisation

Priority effects provide an advantage to early establishing species and are thought to significantly affect the course of succession. We conducted a 20-year long experiment sowing high- and low-diversity mixtures in an ex-arable field. We ask how long the effect of sowing persists and which sown species affect the course of succession. The experiment was established in the Czech Republic in five replicate blocks, each containing three random 10 × 10 m plots with three treatments: natural colonisation, sowing low- and high-diversity seed mixtures. The species cover was annually estimated in 12 permanent 1 m² quadrates within each plot. To identify the effects of sowing, we used an innovative method analysing the data separately for each year using Redundancy analysis (RDA) with identity of sown species as explanatory variables. In the first year, the effect of sowing was small; the peak of explained variability occurred between third and fifth year. The legacy of sowing was detectable in the natural colonisers for 18 years and in the sown species for the whole 20-year period. For some species, the difference between the plots where they were and were not sown remained significant for the whole 20-year period (e.g. Lathyrus pratensis) although the plots were adjacent and the area was mown with the same machine. Other ones (e.g. Trisetum flavescens) colonised all the plots evenly. The long-lasting effect of the initial sowing confirms contingency of successional pathway on the propagule pressure in the time of start of succession due to the priority effects.

Correction to: Nitrogen acquisition, net production and allometry of Alnus fruticosa at a young moraine in Koryto Glacier Valley, Kamchatka, Russian Far East

In the original publication of the article, one of the author names was published incorrectly as "Jiri Dorezal". The correct name is Jiří Doležal.

Increased spruce tree growth in Central Europe since 1960s

Tree growth response to recent environmental changes is of key interest for forest ecology. This study addressed the following questions with respect to Norway spruce (Picea abies, L. Karst.) in Central Europe: Has tree growth accelerated during the last five decades? What are the main environmental drivers of the observed tree radial stem growth and how much variability can be explained by them? Using a nationwide dendrochronological sampling of Norway spruce in the Czech Republic (1246 trees, 266 plots), novel regional tree-ring width chronologies for 40(±10)- and 60(±10)-year old trees were assembled, averaged across three elevation zones (break points at 500 and 700m). Correspondingly averaged drivers, including temperature, precipitation, nitrogen (N) deposition and ambient CO₂ concentration, were used in a general linear model (GLM) to analyze the contribution of these in explaining tree ring width variability for the period from 1961 to 2013. Spruce tree radial stem growth responded strongly to the changing environment in Central Europe during the period, with a mean tree ring width increase of 24 and 32% for the 40- and 60-year old trees, respectively. The indicative General Linear Model analysis identified CO₂, precipitation during the vegetation season, spring air temperature (March-May) and N-deposition as the significant covariates of growth, with the latter including interactions with elevation zones. The regression models explained 57% and 55% of the variability in the two tree ring width chronologies, respectively. Growth response to N-deposition showed the highest variability along the elevation gradient with growth stimulation/limitation at sites below/above 700m. A strong sensitivity of stem growth to CO₂ was also indicated, suggesting that the effect of rising ambient CO₂ concentration (direct or indirect by increased water use efficiency) should be considered in analyses of long-term growth together with climatic factors and N-deposition.

Pleural empyema - single center experience

INTRODUCTION

Retrospective analysis of a group of patients treated for pleural empyema in the Department of Surgery, University Hospital Pilsen, over the last ten years.

METHOD

We evaluated a group of patients treated for pleural empyema in the Department of Surgery, University Hospital in Pilsen, during the period 2007-2016. We focused on the demographic data of this group, the causes of empyema in these patients, surgical procedures performed in connection with empyema, the microbial species found in empyema, and, last but not least, on morbidity and lethality.

RESULTS

We treated 103 patients with pleural empyema during the above period - 80 men (77.7%) and 23 women (22.3%) aged 23-83 years (average age 59.4 years). 64 patients had a history of surgical or invasive procedure (62.1%). The length of history was traceable in 55 patients (53.4%) and was 23.1 days on average, remaining unclear in the rest of the group. 1/3 of cases were metapneumonic empyemas, 1/3 postoperative empyemas and 1/3 of the cases were due to other reasons. The most commonly cultivated bacterial genus was Streptococcus, species Staphylococcus aureus. The most common surgery was chest drainage (51%). 13 patients died (lethality 12.6%) after surgery, the most common cause of death being sepsis; postoperative morbidity was 34%.

CONCLUSION

Pleural empyema is a serious condition with very high morbidity and lethality. Surgical procedures done to manage empyema are associated with a very high risk of necessary reoperation. Positive mycological culture from empyema seems to be associated with a higher risk of complications and death. Key words: empyema - thoracic drainage - thoracotomy - lung decortication - videothoracoscopy.

Splenectomy in patients older than 65 years - a single-center experience

INTRODUCTION

Despite current efforts at the most conservative approach possible to splenic injury, splenectomy remains a relatively common surgical procedure. Indications for splenectomy, however, are not limited to spleen injury. In senior patients in particular, non-traumatic reasons for splenectomy becomemore frequent. In addition, previous studies have indicated a relatively wide range of complications and lethality in splenectomized patients without taking into account the age aspect. Within the scope of geriatric surgery, this study deals with splenectomy in elderly patients and is based on retrospectively evaluated experience of our clinic.

METHOD

We studied a group of patients older than 65 years having undergone splenectomy at our institutionover the past 11 years. For each patient, the demographics, the reason for splenectomy, the mechanism of injury (if any), the degree of spleen damage, co-morbidities, the length of hospital stay, complications and lethality were evaluated. A group of patients operated on due tospleen trauma and the other group operated on for other reasons were analysed separately. Attention was paid to the reasons leading to splenectomy in the non-traumatic patients. Complications and lethality rate were evaluated in relation to the individual patient groups.

RESULTS

269 splenectomies were performed in our clinic between 2006 and 2016. Of these, only 57 (21.2%) were carried out in patients older than 65 years (32 men and 25 women aged 6590, mean age 73.6). Splenectomy was even rarer in association with splenic trauma:it was performed in only 13 senior patients. Other causes leading to splenectomy in elderly patients were: perioperative spleen injury (17 patients), gangrene, septic activation or spontaneous rupture of the spleen (10 patients), splenectomy during an operation on another organ (8 patients), splenomegaly (5 patients) and splenic artery aneurysm (4 patients). Lethality in the entire group was 29.8%, the percentage of complications was 57.9%; however, circumstances leading to splenectomy and also potential co-morbidities played a significant role. The average length of hospitalization in the entire group was 20.3 days.

CONCLUSIONS

Splenectomy in patients over 65 years of age is associated with a high risk of complications and very high lethality. However, senior patients after splenectomy for monotrauma and those after elective splenectomy have a very good prognosis. Key words: geriatric surgery splenic rupture - splenectomy.

Is the scaling relationship between carbohydrate storage and leaf biomass in meadow plants affected by the disturbance regime?

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Below-ground carbohydrate storage is considered an adaptation of plants aimed at regeneration after disturbance. A theoretical model by Iwasa and Kubo was empirically tested which predicted (1) that storage of carbohydrates scales allometrically with leaf biomass and (2) when the disturbance regime is relaxed, the ratio of storage to leaf biomass increases, as carbohydrates are not depleted by disturbance.

METHODS

These ideas were tested on nine herbaceous species from a temperate meadow and the disturbance regime was manipulated to create recently abandoned and mown plots. Just before mowing in June and at the end of the season in October, plants with below-ground organs were sampled. The material was used to assess the pool of total non-structural carbohydrates and leaf biomass.

KEY RESULTS

In half of the cases, a mostly isometric relationship between below-ground carbohydrate storage and leaf biomass in meadow plants was found. The ratio of below-ground carbohydrate storage to leaf biomass did not change when the disturbance regime was less intensive than that for which the plants were adapted.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings (isometric scaling relationship between below-ground carbohydrate storage and leaf biomass; no effect of a relaxed disturbance regime) imply that storage in herbs is probably governed by factors other than just the disturbance regime applied once in a growing season.

Diversity and feeding strategies of soil microfauna along elevation gradients in Himalayan cold deserts

High-elevation cold deserts in Tibet and Himalaya are one of the most extreme environments. One consequence is that the diversity of macrofauna in this environment is often limited, and soil microorganisms have a more influential role in governing key surface and subsurface bioprocesses. High-elevation soil microfauna represent important components of cold ecosystems and dominant consumers of microbial communities. Still little is known about their diversity and distribution on the edge of their reproductive and metabolic abilities. In this study, we disentangle the impact of elevation and soil chemistry on diversity and distribution of rotifers, nematodes and tardigrades and their most frequent feeding strategies (microbial filter-feeders, bacterivores, fungivores, root-fungal feeders, omnivores) along two contrasting altitudinal gradients in Indian NW Himalaya (Zanskar transect from 3805 to 4714 m a.s.l.) and southwestern Tibet (Tso Moriri transect from 4477 to 6176 m a.s.l.), using a combination of multivariate analysis, variation partitioning and generalized additive models. Zanskar transect had higher precipitation, soil moisture, organic matter and available nutrients than dry Tso Moriri transect. In total, 40 species of nematodes, 19 rotifers and 1 tardigrade were discovered. Species richness and total abundance of rotifers and nematodes showed mid-elevation peaks in both investigated transects. The optimum for rotifers was found at higher elevation than for nematodes. Diversity and distribution of soil microfauna was best explained by soil nitrogen, phosphorus and organic matter. More fertile soils hosted more diverse and abundant faunal communities. In Tso Moriri, bacterivores represented 60% of all nematodes, fungivores 35%, root-fungal feeders 1% and omnivores 3%. For Zanskar the respective proportions were 21%, 13%, 56% and 9%. Elevational optima of different feeding strategies occurred in Zanskar in one elevation zone (4400–4500 m), while in Tso Moriri each feeding strategy had their unique optima with fungivores at 5300 m (steppes), bacterivores at 5500 m (alpine grassland), filter-feeders at 5600 m and predators and omnivores above 5700 m (subnival zone). Our results shed light on the diversity of microfauna in the high-elevation cold deserts and disentangle the role of different ecological filters in structuring microfaunal communities in the rapidly-warming Himalayas.

Fungal root symbionts of high-altitude vascular plants in the Himalayas

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and dark septate endophytes (DSE) form symbiotic relationships with plants influencing their productivity, diversity and ecosystem functions. Only a few studies on these fungi, however, have been conducted in extreme elevations and none over 5500 m a.s.l., although vascular plants occur up to 6150 m a.s.l. in the Himalayas. We quantified AMF and DSE in roots of 62 plant species from contrasting habitats along an elevational gradient (3400-6150 m) in the Himalayas using a combination of optical microscopy and next generation sequencing. We linked AMF and DSE communities with host plant evolutionary history, ecological preferences (elevation and habitat type) and functional traits. We detected AMF in elevations up to 5800 m, indicating it is more constrained by extreme conditions than the host plants, which ascend up to 6150 m. In contrast, DSE were found across the entire gradient up to 6150 m. AMF diversity was unimodally related to elevation and positively related to the intensity of AMF colonization. Mid-elevation steppe and alpine plants hosted more diverse AMF communities than plants from deserts and the subnival zone. Our results bring novel insights to the abiotic and biotic filters structuring AMF and DSE communities in the Himalayas.

[Traumatic pneumothorax - diagnosis and treatment of 322 cases over a five-year period]

INTRODUCTION

Retrospective analysis of a set of patients treated for traumatic pneumothorax in the Trauma Centre of Teaching Hospital in Pilsen over a period of five years.

METHOD

In total, 322 patients with traumatic pneumothorax were treated in the study period 20122016. The set included subjects whose injury fell within the definition of traumatic pneumothorax and who underwent either primary treatment or secondary transport to the Trauma Centre following basic treatment in another health facility on the day that the trauma occurred. The exclusion criterion was a pneumothorax <1 cm; in addition, patients with inconclusive findings from imaging screening were not included in the set. Basic demographic information, the mechanism, type and laterality of the traumatic pneumothorax, the Injury Severity Score, associated injuries, diagnostic procedures, timing, method and outcome of the treatment, as well as any complications and reoperations, were identified in the set. Other assessed information included deaths of patients with traumatic pneumothorax, including the cause and time of death in relation to the time of admission to the Trauma Centre.

RESULTS

The vast majority of traumatic pneumothoraces (94.1%) occurred as a result of blunt chest trauma, car accidents being the most common mechanism (about 28%). Closed pneumothoraces dominated (91.3%). Traumatic pneumothorax was part of a polytrauma in about one half of the injured. The average Injury Severity Score within the set was 20 points. Traumatic pneumothorax was diagnosed in more than three quarters of the patients based on clinical examination and computed tomography. The most common therapeutic procedure was drainage of the relevant pleural cavity (259 patients - 80.5%). Almost two thirds of surgical procedures were carried out within 1 hour of admission to the Trauma Centre. Complications associated with traumatic pneumothorax treatment were reported in 10.2% of the cases, and 33 reoperations were carried out. 15 patients (4.7%) in the set died, out of which 12 on the day of the trauma, all of them as a result of decompensated traumatic shock.

CONCLUSION

Traumatic pneumothorax is a relatively frequent type of chest trauma found in up to half of the patients with chest trauma as part of a polytrauma. It usually occurs as closed pneumothorax as a result of blunt chest trauma. The diagnostic process is based on clinical examination and chest radiogram. However, ultrasound examination could be an alternative to chest radiogram in emergency situations. Computed tomography is the method of first choice for more serious traumas and inconclusive findings. To manage this condition, proper drainage of the relevant pleural cavity is sufficient in the vast majority of the patients. With timely diagnosis and adequate therapeutic intervention, the prognosis for patients with traumatic pneumothorax is favourable.Key words: traumatic pneumothorax - diagnosis - chest drainage.

[Penetrating chest trauma - experience of the Pilsen University Hospital Trauma Centre]

INTRODUCTION

Retrospective analysis of a set of patients treated for penetrating chest trauma in the Trauma Centre at University Hospital Pilsen over seventeen years.

METHOD

Overall, 96 injured with penetrating chest trauma were treated in the study period 2000-2016. Basic demographics, the mechanism, type, location and extent of the penetrating chest trauma, Injury Severity Score, existence of associated injuries, diagnostic procedures, timing and method of the chest trauma treatment as well as any complications and reoperations were identified in the set. Other collected information included deaths of the injured, and the cause and time of death in relation to the time of admission to the Trauma Centre.

RESULTS

The most common mechanism of injury was attack by a stabbing weapon (54%) and the most common type of injury was pulmonary laceration (33%). The average Injury Severity Score within the set was 24 points. The most common therapeutic procedure was pleural cavity drainage (47 patients), and less than 40% of the cases required revision surgery by means of thoracotomy or sternotomy. One patient died immediately after being admitted to the Trauma Centre without a chance to apply any therapy; three other patients died during resuscitative thoracotomy or laparotomy. Post-operative complications occurred in 13 patients (13.5%) and required 14 reoperations.

CONCLUSIONS

The diagnostic and therapeutic algorithm of penetrating chest trauma is primarily determined by the condition of the injured. Adequate drainage of the relevant pleural cavity is sufficient to treat one half of the patients; on the other hand, 40% of traumas, injuries of the heart, large vessels and gunshot wounds in particular, require urgent revision surgery by means of thoracotomy or sternotomy. If the injured patient is transported to a specialized centre for timely treatment, the prognosis of penetrating chest traumas is quite favourable.Key words: penetrating chest trauma - diagnosis - chest drainage - thoracotomy - sternotomy.

ASSESSMENT OF THE LOCAL EXPOSURE OF SKIN ON HANDS OF NUCLEAR MEDICINE WORKERS HANDLING 18F-LABELLED RADIOPHARMACEUTICALS: PRELIMINARY CZECH STUDY

The article summarises some preliminary results of the assessment of the exposure of hands of workers manipulating ¹⁸F-labelled radiopharmaceuticals based on personal monitoring at two nuclear medicine clinics in the Czech Republic. The measurements were carried out using special thermoluminescence dosemeters the readings of which could be interpreted in terms of the personal dose equivalent H_p(0.07) approximating the equivalent dose to the skin at various locations on the surface of both hands. The results have shown that out of 21 workers monitored, ∼43 % (preparation and applications of radiopharmaceuticals) may reach an exposure equal to three-tenth of the annual dose limit to the skin. At the same time, it can also be concluded that in ∼10 % cases of workers, the relevant dose limit may be exceeded.

[The Influence of Palliative Chemotherapy on the Quality of Life of Patients with Gastric Cancer]

BACKGROUND

Gastric cancer is a malignant disease with a poor prognosis. The incidence of gastric cancer in the Czech Republic in 2013 was 14.34 cases per 100,000 citizens. Unfortunately, most patients are dia-gnosed with advanced stage disease and therefore undergo palliative treatment. Some patients undergo surgery and a very small percentage undergo palliative chemotherapy. The five year survival rate for those with advanced gastric cancer ranges from 5-15%.

METHODS

This is a prospective study of patients undergoing chemotherapy for advanced gastric cancer. The aim was to assess the quality of life of those undergoing chemotherapy.

RESULTS

The results showed that chemotherapy reduced the quality of life for these patients.

DISCUSSION

Although palliative chemotherapy prolonged time to progression, it had little impact on overall survival. Conversely, chemotherapy reduced quality of life. Thus, clinicians and patients must decide whether to begin palliative chemotherapy. The final decision should be made by the patient after discussion with the treating clinician.

CONCLUSION

Treatment of patients with gastric cancer must be undertaken on an individual basis. Those undergoing palliative treatment must play an active role in the decision process regarding chemotherapy and assess the potential benefits and drawbacks. Because chemotherapy treatment has a detrimental effect on quality of life, the decision should be based on factors that predict the likely therapeutic effect of chemotherapy. A definitive decision can then be made as to whether chemotherapy is indicated.

KEY WORDS

gastric cancer - palliative chemotherapy - chemotherapy - quality of life - WHOQOL-BREFThis study was supported by grant of Internal Grant Agency of the Czech Ministry of Health No. NS14227-3.The authors declare they have no potential conflicts of interest concerning drugs, products, or services used in the study.The Editorial Board declares that the manuscript met the ICMJE recommendation for biomedical papers.Submitted: 10. 1. 2016Accepted: 8. 6. 2016.

The Root-Associated Microbial Community of the World's Highest Growing Vascular Plants

Upward migration of plants to barren subnival areas is occurring worldwide due to raising ambient temperatures and glacial recession. In summer 2012, the presence of six vascular plants, growing in a single patch, was recorded at an unprecedented elevation of 6150 m.a.s.l. close to the summit of Mount Shukule II in the Western Himalayas (Ladakh, India). Whilst showing multiple signs of stress, all plants have managed to establish stable growth and persist for several years. To learn about the role of microbes in the process of plant upward migration, we analysed the root-associated microbial community of the plants (three individuals from each) using microscopy and tagged amplicon sequencing. No mycorrhizae were found on the roots, implying they are of little importance to the establishment and early growth of the plants. However, all roots were associated with a complex bacterial community, with richness and diversity estimates similar or even higher than the surrounding bare soil. Both soil and root-associated communities were dominated by members of the orders Sphingomonadales and Sphingobacteriales, which are typical for hot desert soils, but were different from communities of temperate subnival soils and typical rhizosphere communities. Despite taxonomic similarity on the order level, the plants harboured a unique set of highly dominant operational taxonomic units which were not found in the bare soil. These bacteria have been likely transported with the dispersing seeds and became part of the root-associated community following germination. The results indicate that developing soils act not only as a source of inoculation to plant roots but also possibly as a sink for plant-associated bacteria.

Is radioiodine administration in patients with papillary thyroid multifocal microcarcinoma unnecessary?

Radioiodine (RAI) has played a crucial role in differentiated thyroid cancer treatment for more than 60years. However, the use of RAI administration in patients with papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (even multifocal) is now being widely discussed and often not recommended. In accordance with European consensus, and contrary to the American Thyroid Association (ATA) guidelines, we recently performed RAI thyroid remnant ablation in a patient with differentiated papillary multifocal microcarcinoma. The post-therapeutic whole-body scan and SPECT/CT revealed the real and unexpected extent of disease, with metastases to upper mediastinal lymph nodes. This finding led to the patient’s upstaging from stage I to stage IVa according to the American Joint Committee on Cancer/International Union Against Cancer criteria.

Gardening in the zone of death: an experimental assessment of the absolute elevation limit of vascular plants

Vascular plants in the western Tibetan Plateau reach 6000 m-the highest elevation on Earth. Due to the significant warming of the region, plant ranges are expected to shift upwards. However, factors governing maximum elevational limits of plant are unclear. To experimentally assess these factors, we transplanted 12 species from 5750 m to 5900 m (upper edge of vegetation) and 6100 m (beyond range) and monitored their survival for six years. In the first three years (2009–2012), there were plants surviving beyond the regional upper limit of vegetation. This supports the hypothesis of dispersal and/or recruitment limitation. Substantial warming, recorded in-situ during this period, very likely facilitated the survival. The survival was ecologically a non-random process, species better adapted to repeated soil freezing and thawing survived significantly better. No species have survived at 6100 m since 2013, probably due to the extreme snowfall in 2013. In conclusion, apart from the minimum heat requirements, our results show that episodic climatic events are decisive determinants of upper elevational limits of vascular plants.

Some Like it High! Phylogenetic Diversity of High-Elevation Cyanobacterial Community from Biological Soil Crusts of Western Himalaya

The environment of high-altitudinal cold deserts of Western Himalaya is characterized by extensive development of biological soil crusts, with cyanobacteria as dominant component. The knowledge of their taxonomic composition and dependency on soil chemistry and elevation is still fragmentary. We studied the abundance and the phylogenetic diversity of the culturable cyanobacteria and eukaryotic microalgae in soil crusts along altitudinal gradients (4600-5900 m) at two sites in the dry mountains of Ladakh (SW Tibetan Plateau and Eastern Karakoram), using both microscopic and molecular approaches. The effects of environmental factors (altitude, mountain range, and soil physico-chemical parameters) on the composition and biovolume of phototrophs were tested by multivariate redundancy analysis and variance partitioning. Both phylogenetic diversity and composition of morphotypes were similar between Karakorum and Tibetan Plateau. Phylogenetic analysis of 16S rRNA gene revealed strains belonging to at least five genera. Besides clusters of common soil genera, e.g., Microcoleus, Nodosilinea, or Nostoc, two distinct clades of simple trichal taxa were newly discovered. The most abundant cyanobacterial orders were Oscillatoriales and Nostacales, whose biovolume increased with increasing elevation, while that of Chroococales decreased. Cyanobacterial species richness was low in that only 15 morphotypes were detected. The environmental factors accounted for 52 % of the total variability in microbial data, 38.7 % of which was explained solely by soil chemical properties, 14.5 % by altitude, and 8.4 % by mountain range. The elevation, soil phosphate, and magnesium were the most important predictors of soil phototrophic communities in both mountain ranges despite their different bedrocks and origin. The present investigation represents a first record on phylogenetic diversity of the cyanobacterial community of biological soil crusts from Western Himalayas and first record from altitudes over 5000 m.

[Predictive and prognostic factors of gastric cancer]

INTRODUCTION

Gastric cancer is a frequent malignant disease with poor prognosis. Most patients undergo only palliative treatment. Chemotherapy is another alternative but its effect differs in individual patients.

METHOD

This is retrospective study. We enrolled 54 patients (N=54) according to the inclusion criteria. We performed quantification of gene expression of selected genes and some microRNA from tumour tissue, which was used for the diagnosis. Statistical analysis of the data was performed.

RESULTS

We demonstrated a predictive value of gene expression of thynidylate synthase in tumour tissue for a therapeutic effect of chemotherapy based on 5-Fluorouracil or Capecitabine. At the same time, we demonstrated a predictive value of miR181, miR150, mir192 and miR342 microRNA levels from the tumour tissue. In addition, we succeeded to demonstrate a predictive value of miR221, miR224, miR520 and miR375 microRNA levels for a therapeutic effect of chemotherapy based on platinum derivates.

CONCLUSION

Thanks to the use of efficient therapy predictors, we can distinguish those patients who will profit from chemotherapy from patients where an effect cannot be expected. Thanks to personified oncology therapy the quality of life of some patients can be improved while reducing the costs of the therapy by avoiding inefficient chemotherapy. Only an early diagnosis of gastric cancer can reverse the adverse prognosis of patients with this disease.

KEY WORDS

gastric cancer - microRNA - prognostic markers - predictive markers.