This study investigates essential (Mg, Ca, Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn, Se, Ni) and non-essential (Li, Be, Cr, Rb, Sr, Cs, Cd, Sn, Ba, and Pb) element concentrations and stable isotope (δC, δN, δS) compositions in feathers of Brown Boobies (Sula leucogaster) from three distinct Atlantic islands: the Archipelagos of Saint Peter and Saint Paul (SPSP), Abrolhos, and Cagarras. We aimed to investigate the ecological and environmental factors influencing these seabird populations and assess potential variations in contaminant exposure and dietary habits based on location, sex, and maturity stages. Our finding revealed significant geographical differences in trace element concentrations.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFCirculating tumor cells (CTCs) drive metastasis, the leading cause of death in individuals with breast cancer. Due to their low abundance in the circulation, robust CTC expansion protocols are urgently needed to effectively study disease progression and therapy responses. Here we present the establishment of long-term CTC-derived organoids from female individuals with metastatic breast cancer.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFCartilaginous fishes (chondrichthyans: chimaeras and elasmobranchs -sharks, skates and rays) hold a key phylogenetic position to explore the origin and diversifications of jawed vertebrates. Here, we report and integrate reference genomic, transcriptomic and morphological data in the small-spotted catshark Scyliorhinus canicula to shed light on the evolution of sensory organs. We first characterise general aspects of the catshark genome, confirming the high conservation of genome organisation across cartilaginous fishes, and investigate population genomic signatures.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: Mitral and tricuspid regurgitation in patients with cardiac amyloidosis (CA) pose significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenges due to its non-specific symptoms and limited treatment options. Transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER) is complicated by altered cardiac geometry, advanced restriction, and potential amyloid valve deposits.
Case Summary: We present the case of dual TEER in a 79-year-old male with advanced transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis (ATTR-CA) and severe symptomatic mitral and tricuspid regurgitation.