自体造血干细胞移植对B细胞非霍奇金淋巴瘤的预后因素分析

目的探讨与B细胞非霍奇金淋巴瘤(NHL)自体造血干细胞移植(ASCT)相关的预后因素。方法回顾性分析21例在青岛市中心医院接受ASCT的复发难治性B细胞NHL患者的临床资料。将无进展生存时间(PFS)及总生存时间(OS)作为观测指标。OS、PFS采用Kaplan-Meier曲线法计算。采用Cox比例风险回归模型对可能影响预后的因素进行单因素及多因素分析。结果 21例患者ASCT前完全缓解(CR)率为52﹪,移植后上升至67﹪。所有患者的中位生存时间为25个月,2年总生存率为52﹪,2年无进展生存率为48﹪。2年累计的无复发死亡率为5﹪,复发死亡率为43﹪。单因素风险分析的结果显示,与OS和PFS相关的有利因素包括:PET/CT CR、初治时使用利妥昔单抗;多因素分析显示,移植前PET/CT CR是影响OS和PFS的独立危险因素。结论 ASCT治疗复发难治性B细胞NHL疗效良好,移植前PET/CT扫描达CR状态是ASCT的有利预后因素。     

利妥昔单抗联合化疗治疗弥漫型大B细胞淋巴瘤患者的临床研究

目的:探讨利妥昔单抗与化疗相结合治疗弥漫型大B细胞淋巴瘤(diffuse large Bcelllymphoma,DLBCL)患者的可行性。方法:选取2002年1月至2011年5月我院收治的84例CD20阳性的DLBCL患者,采用利利妥昔单抗与化疗相结合的方法治疗,对其疗效及安全性进行评价,并对其影响因素进行分析。结果:有56例患者治疗艹6个周期,占66.67%;有28例患者治疗6个周期,占33.33%。84例患者治疗的总有效率为83.33%。其中,初治组的总有效率为91.67%,明显高于复治组的62.5%,差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。红细胞沉降率、国际预后指数评分、是否为初治、是否存在B症状以及利妥昔单抗的治疗周期等变量成为影响治疗效果的独立危险因素(P0.05)。随访5年,治疗后第l年、2年、3年和5年患者的生存率分别为88.1%(74/84)、72.62%(61/84)、60.71%(51/84)、60.71%(51/84)。国际预后指数评分、利妥昔单抗的治疗周期以及治疗效果等变量是影响患者生存的独立危险因素(P0.05)。结论:对于弥漫型大B细胞淋巴瘤患者尤其是对初治患者而言,利妥昔单抗联合化疗治疗具有更好的治疗效果,临床应用时不会加重患者的不良反应。     

Bcl-2、PIM1、P53基因异常在弥漫大B细胞淋巴瘤中的预后价值

目的:探讨B淋巴细胞瘤-2基因(Bcl-2)、PIM1及P53基因异常在弥漫大B细胞淋巴瘤(DLBCL)中的预后价值。方法:选取在2010年3月～2014年3月期间我院收治的DLBCL患者86例进行研究。采用间期荧光原位杂交检测Bcl-2、PIM1、P53基因。对患者进行为其5年的随访,采用Logistic多因素回归分析Bcl-2、PIM1、P53基因异常与预后的关系。结果:在86例患者中,29例(33.72%)患者存在P53基因缺失;27例(31.39%)患者发生Bcl-2基因多拷贝,3例(3.49%)患者发生Bcl-2基因易位;26例(23.26%)患者发生PIMI基因重排。各基因异常患者在性别、发病年龄、侵犯部位、LDH水平及β2-MG水平上比较,差异均无统计学意义(P0.05);但是各基因异常患者Ⅲ～Ⅳ期的比例显著高于Ⅰ～Ⅱ期,差异具有统计学意义(P0.05)。各基因异常组患者的无进展生存期(FPS)1年、总生存期(OS)3年比例显著低于各基因正常组,但在国际预后指数(IPI)评分指标上却显著高于各基因正常组,差异具有统计学意义(P0.05)。P53、PIMI及Bcl-2基因异常是患者的FPS、OS的独立影响因素。结论:Bcl-2、PIM1、P53基因在DLBCL患者的预后评估中具有重要的临床价值,且Bcl-2、PIM1、P53基因异常是患者预后不良的独立影响因素。     

肝癌患者经系统治疗后甲胎蛋白变化对预后的影响

目的:探讨肝癌患者经系统治疗后甲胎蛋白(AFP)变化对患者预后的影响。方法:对53例肝癌患者于入院后和系统治疗后分别于不同时间点测定血清AFP值后,将入院时AFP值作为基线,以变化50%作为标准分组,并进行无疾病进展生存时间(PFS)和总生存时间(OS)分析。结果:9例患者血清AFP值下降超过50%(A组),28例患者AFP值升高超过50%(B组),而AFP值变化小于50%(C组)的为16例。和C组相比,A组患者PFS明显延长(P<0.05),B组PFS明显缩短(P<0.05)。B组OS短于C组(P<0.01),而A组和C组间OS无明显差别(P>0.05)。结论:肝癌系统治疗前后的AFP值变化可作为临床上预后判断的标志之一。     

35 岁以下年轻乳腺癌患者的临床特征及预后因素分析

目的:探讨年轻乳腺癌患者的临床病理特点及影响其预后的相关因素。方法:选取潍坊市人民医院2005年11月至2011年11月收治的年龄不高于35岁的137例年轻乳腺癌患者的临床资料,其中共有116例入组,初步分析年轻乳腺癌患者的临床病理特征及对预后产生的影响。结果:116例患者中位随访时间为46.0个月。3年OS和PFS为94.6%和79.1%。单因素、多因素分析结果显示淋巴结转移情况和Ki67水平与预后的显著相关(P0.05),淋巴结转数目、Ki67水平与预后呈负相关。结论:年轻乳腺癌患者的生物学行为、病理及预后较为特殊。淋巴结转移情况、Ki67水平是影响预后的关键因素。     

外周血NETs、TP53、STAT3表达与弥漫性大B细胞淋巴瘤临床病理及预后的关系分析

摘要 目的：探究外周血中性粒细胞胞外诱捕网（NETs）、TP53、信号转导与转录因子3（STAT3）表达与弥漫性大B细胞淋巴瘤（DLBCL）临床病理及预后的关系。方法：选取2020年3月-2021年12月收治的71例DLBCL患者作为研究对象,抽取患者外周静脉血,采用R-CHOP方案进行治疗,记录患者外周血NETs、TP53、STAT3表达情况并分析DLBCL患者外周血NETs、TP53、STAT3表达与其临床病理及预后的关系。结果：髓细胞组织增生蛋白（MYC）阳性在TP53阳性中的占比显著高于TP53阴性,差异有统计学意义（x²=28.844,P＜0.001）;Hans分型生发中心B细胞（GCB）在STAT3阳性中的占比显著高于STAT3阴性（x²=4.331,P=0.037）,其余差异无统计学意义（P>0.05）;随访截止至2022年6月,随访时长8~28个月,71例患者中共53例缓解DLBCL患者,其余18例为R/R DLBCL患者;NETs阳性、TP53阳性、STAT3阳性患者无进展生存期（PFS）显著低于NETs阴性、TP53阴性、STAT3阴性患者,差异有统计学意义（P<0.05）且NETs阳性、TP53阳性、STAT3阳性患者存活率均低于NETs阴性、TP53阴性、STAT3阴性患者（P<0.05）;单因素分析结果显示Ann Arbor分期、NETs、TP53、STAT3为DLBCL患者的影响因素（P<0.05）;以患者预后情况（R/R DLBCL=1,缓解DLBCL=0）为因变量,将Ann Arbor分期、NETs、TP53、STAT3单因素分析有统计学意义的因素纳入COX回归模型中,结果显示：NETs、TP53、STAT3为DLBCL患者预后的危险因素（P<0.05）。结论：TP53、STAT3表达与DLBCL临床病理存在一定相关性,临床应对DLBCL患者TP53、STAT3表达情况引起重视;NETs、TP53、STAT3表达为DLBCL预后的危险因素,可作为DLBCL患者不良预后的预测指标。     

胃癌组织长链非编码RNA ZDHHC8P1、MEG3、TUG1表达与临床病理特征及预后的关系研究

目的:探讨胃癌组织长链非编码RNA(lncRNA)DHHC型锌指蛋白8假基因1(ZDHHC8P1)、母系表达基因3(MEG3)、牛磺酸上调基因1(TUG1)表达与临床病理特征和预后的关系。方法:选取2013年1月至2016年1月我院病理科收集的83例胃癌患者经手术切除或胃镜活检的癌组织及癌旁组织石蜡标本,检测胃癌和癌旁组织中ZDHHC8P1、MEG3、TUG1表达。分析ZDHHC8P1、MEG3、TUG1表达与胃癌临床病理特征的关系。随访所有患者,分析ZDHHC8P1、MEG3、TUG1表达与患者预后的关系。结果:胃癌组织中ZDHHC8P1、TUG1表达量均高于癌旁组织(P0.05),MEG3表达量低于癌旁组织(P0.05)。ZDHHC8P1表达与肿瘤直径、分化程度、浸润深度、TNM分期、淋巴结转移、远处转移有关(P0.05),MEG3、TUG1表达与分化程度、浸润深度、淋巴结转移有关(P0.05)。Kaplan-Meier生存曲线分析结果显示ZDHHC8P1、TUG1高表达患者无疾病进展生存(PFS)率、总生存(OS)率低于ZDHHC8P1、TUG1低表达患者(P0.05),MEG3低表达患者PFS、OS率低于MEG3高表达患者(P0.05)。Cox风险回归分析结果显示淋巴结转移、ZDHHC8P1高表达、TUG1高表达、MEG3低表达是胃癌患者不良预后的危险因素(HR=1.613、1.956、2.512、-0.824,P0.05)。结论:胃癌组织中ZDHHC8P1、TUG1呈高表达,MEG3呈低表达,ZDHHC8P1、TUG1、MEG3表达均与胃癌临床病理特征和预后有关,可作为胃癌患者预后评估的辅助指标。     

m6A-RNA甲基化在弥漫大B细胞淋巴瘤中的研究进展

弥漫大B细胞淋巴瘤(diffuse large B cell lymphoma,DLBCL)是非霍奇金淋巴瘤(non-hodgkin lymphoma,NHL)中最常见的亚型,其发病机制错综复杂,至今尚未被充分阐明。因其具有较大的异质性导致患者预后差,针对DLBCL的治疗面临着巨大的挑战。近年来,表观遗传修饰成为DLBCL发病机制的研究热点。越来越多的研究表明,m6A-RNA甲基化可动态调节DLBCL的发生发展。该文就m6A-RNA甲基化修饰在DLBCL中的研究进展作一综述,从表观遗传学的角度为DLBCL的早期诊断、治疗以及预后提供新策略。     

MUM1、UBE1在弥漫性大B细胞淋巴瘤中的表达及意义

目的探讨MUM1、UBE1在弥漫性大B细胞淋巴瘤（DLBCL）中的表达及预后判断中的应用价值。方法对80例DLBCL,NOS标本,采用免疫组织化学EnVision二步法检测MUM1和UBE1的表达,并与临床资料比较。结果MUM1、UBE1在DLBCL中表达的阳性率分别为62．5％（50／80）及65％（52／80）,MUM1及其与UBE1同时表达时与患者的Ann Arbor分期、年龄、结外侵犯部位数目、LDH水平及国际预后指数的危险度均相关（P〈0．05）;生存分析显示MUM1及其与UBE1同时表达时,生存率较低。结论MUM1在DLBCL中高表达提示预后不良,特别是在同时出现UBE1高表达时更显著;MUM1和UBE1同时高表达可作为判断患者预后的重要指标。     

炎症评分与晚期胰腺癌患者预后相关性研究

目的:评估炎症评分对接受放化疗(CRT)的局部晚期胰腺癌患者的无进展生存期(PFS)和总生存期(OS)的预测价值。方法:选取235例晚期胰腺癌患者,接受治疗前,所有患者均进行临床评估、实验室检查和影像学检查。比较两组患者的PFS和OS;评估与患者预后差、肿瘤减少率、6个月内肿瘤转移相关的预测因子。结果:患者平均PFS和OS分别为10.2个月和18.8个月。格拉斯哥预后评分(GPS)2、血浆纤维蛋白原(FIB)≥400 mg/dL为PFS和OS较差的的独立预测因素;小野寺预后营养指数(OPNI)是CRT后肿瘤减少率提高的预测因子(P0.05);GPS 2、FIB≥400 mg/dL的患者的早期转移发生率显著提高(P0.05)。结论:格拉斯哥预后评分、纤维蛋白原、小野寺预后营养指数是评估接受放化疗治疗的局部晚期胰腺癌患者有效的治疗和预后预测因子。     

Correlated responses on litter size traits and survival traits after two-stage selection for ovulation rate and litter size in rabbits

Farmer profit depends on the number of slaughter rabbits. The improvement of litter size (LS) at birth by two-stage selection for ovulation rate (OR) and LS could modify survival rate from birth to slaughter. This study was aiming to estimate direct and correlated response on LS traits and peri- and postnatal survival traits in the OR_LS rabbit line selected first only for OR (first period) and then for OR and LS using independent culling levels (second period). The studied traits were OR, LS measured as number of total born, number of kits born alive (NBA) and dead (NBD), and number of kits at weaning (NW) and young rabbits at slaughter (NS). Prenatal survival (LS/OR) and survival at birth (NBA/LS), at weaning (NW/NBA) and at slaughter (NS/NW) were also studied. Data were analysed using Bayesian inference methods. Heritability for LS traits were low, 0.07 for NBA, NW and NS. Survival traits had low values of heritability 0.07, 0.03 and 0.03 for NBA/LS, NW/NBA and NS/NW, respectively. After six generations of selection by OR (first period), a small increase in NBD and a slight decrease in NBA/LS were found. However, no correlated responses on NW/NBA and NS/NW were observed. After 11 generations of two-stage selection for OR and LS (second period), correlated responses on NBA, NW and NS were 0.12, 0.12 and 0.11 kits per generation, respectively, whereas no substantial modifications on NBA/LS, NW/NBA and NS/NW were found. In conclusion, two-stage selection improves the number of young rabbits at slaughter without modifying survival from birth to slaughter.     

Socioeconomic measures influence survival in osteosarcoma: an analysis of the National Cancer Data Base

BackgroundWhile previous studies have identified low socioeconomic status as a risk factor for metastatic disease in patients with high-grade osteosarcoma, the influence of socioeconomic status on overall survival remains unclear. The present study aims to investigate the relationship between survival and socioeconomic status in patients with high-grade conventional osteosarcoma.MethodsThe National Cancer Data Base (NCDB) was queried from 1998-2012 to identify all patients <40 years of age with a diagnosis of high-grade conventional osteosarcoma. A total of 3,503 patients were identified that met inclusion and exclusion criteria. Univariate relationships were investigated using Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and associated log-rank tests in order to determine patient, socioeconomic, tumor, and treatment variables associated with overall survival. Multivariate analysis was performed to determine independent predictors of survival.ResultsIn order of decreasing magnitude, metastatic disease (Hazard Ratio [HR] 3.28, 95% Confidence Interval [CI] 2.82-3.82), primary site in the pelvis or spine (HR 2.15, 95% CI 1.79-2.59), positive surgical margins (HR 1.82, 95% CI 1.46-2.27), tumor size >8 cm (HR 1.47, 95% CI 1.24-1.74), age ≥18 years (HR 1.30, 95% CI 1.14-1.48), lowest quartile of composite socioeconomic status (HR 1.23, 95% CI 1.02-1.51), and Medicaid insurance (HR 1.18, 95% CI 1.02-1.38) were predictors of decreased survival at 5 years.ConclusionTreating providers should be aware that some of their patients may have challenges unrelated to their diagnosis that make timely presentation, adherence to treatment, and continued close surveillance difficult. This investigation suggests that socioeconomic variables influence overall survival for osteosarcoma in the United States, although not as dramatically as established tumor- and treatment-related risk factors.     

Survival of body wall autographs, allografts, and xenografts in the earthworm Eisenia foetida.

It is acknowledged that autografts of Eisenia foetida body wall are accepted by their hosts. Allografts, however, have not been found to be accepted, although macroscopic observation of these might suggest they are, possibly owing to fusion of grafts and host epidermal cells. All xenografts eventually fail. Histological studies show that both allografts and xenografts were isolated from hosts, invaded, absorbed, and replaced with collagen. Statistical analyses of results from multiple transfers of xenografts show no evidence of hosts producing a heightened response of any nature to a second challenge of the same antigen.     

Integrated analysis of clinical significance and functional involvement of microRNAs in hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common lethal cancers worldwide. To explore the potential prognosis-associated microRNAs (miRNAs) for HCC patients, we performed integrated analyses on the miRNA expression profiles from The Cancer Genome Atlas project. Genome-wide overall survival (OS)- and progression-free survival (PFS)-associated miRNA screening were performed by multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analyses. A five-miRNA expression signature (miR-148a, miR-3677-3p, miR-744*, miR-210, and miR-3613-5p) was identified as an indicator for HCC OS (p < .0001; hazard ratio [HR] = 2.631). In addition, a seven-miRNA expression signature (miR-127-5p, miR-146a, miR-152, miR-193a-3p, miR-331-5p, miR-500a*, and miR-550a*) was identified as a predictor for HCC PFS (p < .0001; HR = 2.608). This systematic analysis suggested that both the OS- and PFS-associated signatures have better performance in HCC survival prediction than the conventional clinicopathological parameters. Further functional enrichment analysis of the corresponding genes targeted by these signature miRNAs revealed their biological significance in the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. In conclusion, our present study identified a five-miRNA OS-associated signature and a seven-miRNA PFS-associated signature as HCC prognostic biomarkers with potential clinical significance, which could enable the development of novel targeted therapeutic strategies for HCC treatment.     

Docosahexaenoic Acid Is Required for the Survival of Rat Retinal Photoreceptors In Vitro

Abstract: The effect of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) on neuronal survival was studied in cultured cells isolated from newborn rat retina. In vivo, the content of DHA in the retina increased nearly fourfold from days 2 to 12 after birth, whereas in retinal cells in culture it remained constant. Unlike amacrine cells, the photoreceptor cells in control cultures underwent a selective degeneration, starting at day 7, that led to their massive death by day 11. The addition of DHA at day 7 led to its active incorporation by the cultures, increasing from 6 to 21% of total fatty acids in cell lipids, and completely prevented photo-receptor cell death. When other fatty acids were tested, both neuronal fatty acid composition and photoreceptor death were the same as in control cultures. These results indicate that DHA is specifically required for the survival of retinal photoreceptors.     

The prognostic value of MGMT promoter methylation in glioblastoma: A meta‐analysis of clinical trials

The DNA repair protein O6‐Methylguanine‐DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) is suggested to be associated with resistance to alkylating agents such as Temozolomide which is being used in treatment of patients with glioblastoma (GBM). Therefore, we evaluated the associations between MGMT promoter methylation and prognosis of patients with glioblastoma (GBM). Data were extracted from publications in Embase, PubMed, and the Cochrane Library. Data on overall survival (OS), progression‐free survival (PFS), and MGMT methylation status were obtained and 4,097 subjects were enrolled. Data from 34 studies showed that MGMT methylated patients had better OS, compared to GBM unmethylated patients (pooled HRs, 0.494; 95%CI 0.412–0.591; p = 0.001). Meta‐analysis of 10 eligible studies reporting on PFS, demonstrated that MGMT promoter methylation was not significantly associated with better PFS (pooled HRs, 0.653; 95%CI 0.414–1.030; p = 0.067). GBM patients with MGMT methylation were associated with longer overall survival, although this effect was not detected for PFS. Moreover, we performed further analysis in patients underwent a comprehensive imaging evaluation. This data showed a significant association with better OS and PFS, although further studies are warranted to assess the value of emerging marker in prospective setting in patients with glioblastoma as a risk stratification biomarker in clinical management of the patients.     

Retroperitoneal soft-tissue sarcomas: Radiotherapy experience from a tertiary cancer center and review of current evidence

BackgroundSurgery remains to be the main therapeutic approach for retroperitoneal sarcomas (RPS) although evidence supports that complementary radiotherapy increases local-control and survival. We present a multidisciplinary management and experience of a tertiary cancer center in the treatment of RPS and analyze current evidence of radiotherapy efficacy.Patients and methodsWe retrospectively reviewed 19 patients with primary or relapsed RPS treated between November 2009 and October 2018. Multidisciplinary approach comprised complete resection in 15 patients (79%) achieving resection R0 in 11 patients (58%), R1 in 4 patients (21%) and R2 in 2 patients (10%). Seven patients (37%) underwent a preoperative radiation (PRORT), 10 patients (53%), post-operative radiation (PORT) and 2 patients (10%), received radiotherapy exclusively. Ten patients (53%) received adjuvant chemotherapy.ResultsWith a median follow-up of 24 months (2–114 months), actuarial rates of loco-regional relapse free survival (LRFS) at 1, 2 and 3 years were 77%, 77% and 67%, respectively. Actuarial rates of distant-metastases-free survival (DMFS), disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) at 1, 2 and 3 years were 100%, 100% and 80% for DMFS; 94%, 77% and 67% for DFS and 100%, 91% and 91% for OS, respectively. Only surgical margins (negative vs. positive) showed significance for 3y-LRFS: 100% vs. 34.3%, p = 0.018. Treatment tolerance was acceptable with no acute or late toxicity higher than grade 2.ConclusionsComplementary radiotherapy appears to be useful and well tolerated for the multidisciplinary management of RPS. Presence of positive surgical margins seems to be the most relevant prognostic factor through the follow-up.     

Relative survival analysis of gynecological cancers in an urban district of Shanghai during 2002–2013

ObjectiveAppraisal of cancer survival is essential for cancer control, but studies related to gynecological cancer are scarce. Using cancer registration data, we conducted an in-depth survival analysis of cervical, uterine corpus, and ovarian cancers in an urban district of Shanghai during 2002–2013.Materials and methodsThe follow-up data of gynecological cancer from the Changning District of Shanghai, China, were used to estimate the 1–5-year observed survival rate (OSR) and relative survival rate (RSR) by time periods and age groups during 2002–2013. Age-standardized relative survival rates estimated by the international cancer survival standards were calculated during 2002–2013 to describe the prognosis of cervical, uterine corpus, and ovarian cancers among women in the district.ResultsIn total, 1307 gynecological cancer cases were included in the survival analysis in the district during 2002–2013. Among gynecological cancers, the 5-year OSRs and RSRs of uterine corpus cancer were highest (5-year OSR 84.40%, 5-year RSR 87.67%), followed by those of cervical cancer (5-year OSR 73.58%, 5-year RSR 75.91%), and those of ovarian cancer (5-year OSR 53.89%, 5-year RSR 55.90%). After age adjustment, the 5-year relative survival rates of three gynecological cancers were 71.23%, 80.11%, and 43.27%, respectively.ConclusionThe 5-year relative survival rate did not show a systematic temporal trend in cervical cancer, uterine cancer, or ovarian cancer. The prognosis in elderly patients was not optimistic, and this needs a more advanced strategy for early diagnosis and treatment. The age structure of gynecological cancer patients in the district tended to be younger than the standardized age, which implies that more attention to the guidance and health education for the younger generation is needed.     

Fledgling survival increases with development time and adult survival across north and south temperate zones

Slow life histories are characterized by high adult survival and few offspring, which are thought to allow increased investment per offspring to increase juvenile survival. Consistent with this pattern, south temperate zone birds are commonly longer‐lived and have fewer young than north temperate zone species. However, comparative analyses of juvenile survival, including during the first few weeks of the post‐fledging period when most juvenile mortality occurs, are largely lacking. We combined our measurements of fledgling survival for eight passerines in South Africa with estimates from published studies of 57 north and south temperate zone songbird species to test three predictions: (1) fledgling survival increases with length of development time in the nest; (2) fledgling survival increases with adult survival and reduced brood size controlled for development time; and (3) south temperate zone species, with their higher adult survival and smaller brood sizes, exhibit higher fledgling survival than north temperate zone species controlled for development time. We found that fledgling survival was higher among south temperate zone species and generally increased with development time and adult survival within and between latitudinal regions. Clutch size did not explain additional variation, but was confounded with adult survival. Given the importance of age‐specific mortality to life history evolution, understanding the causes of these geographical patterns of mortality is important.     

Moisture Stress Effects on Survival of Infective Trichostrongylus colubriformis Larvae

Water was evaporated from infective Trichostrongylus colubriformis larvae suspended in tap, distilled, and triple-distilled water, and the nematodes were then exposed to 50% and 70% relative humidity (RH) at 20 and 30 C. Sample groups were rehydrated for 4 h daily in similar quality water, observed for motility and counted, then returned to the same RH and temp and re-desiccated. Desiccation and rehydration were repeated until all motility ceased. Longest survival was 30 days at 20 C and 70% RH. In all temp and RH combinations, control (nondesiccated) and desiccated larvae survived longer in distilled or triple-distilled water than in tap water.