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Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), produced by various phytoplankton species and macrophytes, is the most abundant biogenic sulfur compounds in the marine environment. It is derived from the oxidation of dimethylsulfide (DMS), a key compound in the marine sulfur cycle and contributing to global climate regulation. Despite its relevance, the specific natural functions of DMSO for producer organisms remain largely unknown. This study investigated the hormetic response of increasing exogenous DMSO concentrations to decipher its role in the marine plant Posidonia oceanica , a keystone species in Mediterranean marine biodiversity and major producer of DMSO. Treatment with 1% DMSO significantly increased elongation of adult (204%) and intermediate (46%) leaves, number of juvenile leaves and boosted chlorophyll a (50%) and b (65%) concentration. Concentrations above or below this threshold had negative effects; specifically, 0.1% DMSO had a negative impact on intermediate leaves elongation (29% decrease) and on chlorophyll b (45% decrease). Proteomic analysis showed that DMSO inhibits primary metabolism while activating secondary metabolic pathways. Photosynthesis, glycolysis, translation were depleted, while vacuolar metabolism enhanced. To cope energy for growth and tolerate the stress, under 1% DMSO concentration the flavonoid biosynthesis was hugely enhanced. Significant accumulation of proteins involved in the glutamine synthesis, assured the nitrogen source for plant growth and development. These findings suggest DMSO modulates leaf meristem activity, regulates cellular osmosis, and protects against oxidative damage. Future work should investigate the molecular mechanisms behind these roles and explore the broader ecological impact of DMSO on marine sulfur cycling and P. oceanica interactions. Graphical Abstract

Technology intervenes in nearly every aspect of life. A multitude of technologies and related fields from virtual reality to bio-genetics are fading the distinction between technology and biology, a phenomenon met with reservation and exuberance. Given the extent of technological mediation today and the promise of its future intensification, humanity is confronted with many unanswered questions. What constitutes life and how is it defined? What would it mean for humanity if technology continues to become more humanized, and evolves to become self-aware? I canvass the work of authors Herbert Marcuse, Jean Baudrillard, Donna Haraway, and Kevin Kelly among others to provide proper scope and a continuum of thought in regards to the implications of technology on the human condition. I propose that it is appropriate to view technology as a pharmakon. Technology is enhancing and dehumanizing, a contradiction that cannot be resolved. Instead, it is something humanity must endure.

Peritonectomy and intraperitoneal hyperthermic perfusion (IPHP) are increasingly used in the management of carcinomatosis of various sites of origin. We analyzed the risk factors for bowel complications with primary anastomoses and the closed technique for IPHP. From 1995 to 2004, 203 consecutive procedures were performed at the National Cancer Institute of Milan. We retrospectively analyzed this series of patients. Treated pathologies included peritoneal mesothelioma; pseudomyxoma peritonei; colorectal, ovarian, or gastric carcinomatosis; and abdominal sarcomatosis. All digestive anastomoses were performed before the IPHP. Only one defunctioning stoma was used. We found a bowel complication rate of 10.8%. The bowel complications:anastomoses ratio was 11.3%. On univariate analysis we found a statistically significant association between bowel complications and the following variables: sex, previous systemic chemotherapy status, number of anastomoses ( fewer than two vs. two or more), duration of the procedure (<8.7 vs. >or=8.7 hours), and extent of cytoreduction. After multivariate analysis, male sex (odds ratio [OR], 4.2), no previous systemic chemotherapy (OR, 3.5), and duration of the procedure >or=8.7 hours (OR, 6.3) were considered independent risk factors for bowel complications. Bowel complications are not increased when primary unprotected anastomoses are performed during peritonectomy and IPHP when the closed technique is used. Male sex, duration of the procedure, and no previous systemic chemotherapy are independent unfavorable risk factors.

The purpose of this study was to analyze the postoperative pancreatic morbidity of cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) in the treatment of peritoneal surface malignancies (PSM). Two hundred and sixty five patients (87M/178F) with PSM underwent 270 consecutive procedures. The mean age was 52 years (range: 22-79 years). CRS was performed using peritonectomy procedures. HIPEC through the closed abdomen technique was conducted using cisplatin (CDDP 25 mg/m2/L of perfusate)+mitomycin C (MMC 3.3 mg/m2/L of perfusate) or CDDP (43 mg/L of perfusate)+doxorubicin (Dx 15.25 mg/L of perfusate), at 42.5 degrees C. Diagnosis and classification of postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) were performed according to the international study group on pancreatic fistula criteria. Serum amylase alterations were graded according to the National Cancer Institute (NCI) common terminology criteria for adverse events (CTCAE) v3. POPF was observed in 13 (4.8%) cases. Three cases were classified as major (grade C). Two cases presented postoperative pancreatitis. G3-4 alteration of amylase was observed in 12.3% of the cases. Performing splenectomy and CDDP dosage for HIPEC >240 mg were proven to be independent risk factors for both G3-4 hyperamylasemia and POPF. CRS+HIPEC presented an acceptable rate of pancreatic morbidity which did not contribute to the mortality related to the procedure. Most of the POPF were mild and/or easily controlled by conservative measures. Although not specific a normal amylasemia could be a useful marker of pancreatic integrity after CRS+HIPEC.