Πέμπτη 18 Ιανουαρίου 2018
Diagnostic Value of Dual-input Computed Tomography Perfusion on Detecting Bronchial-Pulmonary Artery Fistula in Tuberculosis Patients with Massive Hemoptysis
Source:Academic Radiology
Author(s): Haixian Qu, Maoqiang Wang, Zhijun Wang, Guokun Ao, Xiaodong Yuan, Qiang Li, Zepeng Ma, Qianru Xu, Jieyu Yan, Yanhua Bai
Rationale and ObjectivesThis prospective study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic performance of dual-input computed tomography perfusion technique (DI-CTP) in identifying the bronchial-pulmonary artery fistula in patients tuberculosis with massive hemoptysis.Material and MethodsTwenty patients with tuberculosis with massive hemoptysis were enrolled from January 2015 to December 2015. The association between DI-CTP parameters and the diagnostic outcomes of digital subtraction angiography was assessed. Diagnostic efficacy of DI-CTP was evaluated by receiver operating curve (ROC) analyses using the diagnostic outcomes of digital subtraction angiography, which is the gold standard for identifying bronchial-pulmonary artery fistula.ResultsCompared to lung segments with normal blood flow (n = 304), those with bronchial-pulmonary artery fistula (n = 164) had a reduced pulmonary flow value, perfusion index (PI) value, and an elevated bronchial artery (BF) value in the DI-CTP scan, which was further confirmed by multivariate logistic regression. ROC analysis showed that PI and bronchial artery has an excellent diagnostic performance (both area under the ROC curve > 0.9, P < .001) and high sensitivity and specificity (from 0.79 to 0.95 at the optimal cutoff). PI has the best diagnostic performance, with an overall diagnostic accuracy of 0.91.ConclusionsDI-CTP scan possesses the diagnostic value for detecting bronchial-pulmonary artery fistula in patients with tuberculosis with massive hemoptysis, providing an alternative diagnostic method.
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Breast Imaging of Transgender Individuals: A Review
Abstract
Purpose
This review will inform radiologists about the evidence base regarding radiographic imaging for transgender individuals and considerations for providing culturally sensitive care for this population.
Findings
Transgender individuals are increasingly referred for both screening and diagnostic breast imaging. It is important that the clinic environment is welcoming, the medical staff utilize accepted terminology and patients are able to designate their gender and personal history to ensure appropriate care. Hormone and surgical treatments used for transition by many transgender women and men may change the approach to imaging.
Summary
Although not yet evidence-based, screening mammography is currently suggested for transgender women with risk factors, including those receiving hormone treatment over 5 years. The risk for breast cancer in transgender individuals is still being defined.
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Accuracy of the Compressed Sensing Accelerated 3D-FLAIR Sequence for the Detection of MS Plaques at 3T [ADULT BRAIN]
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE:
The use of 3D FLAIR improves the detection of brain lesions in MS patients, but requires long acquisition times. Compressed sensing reduces acquisition time by using the sparsity of MR images to randomly undersample the k-space. Our aim was to compare the image quality and diagnostic performance of 3D-FLAIR with and without compressed sensing for the detection of multiple sclerosis lesions at 3T.
MATERIALS AND METHODS:Twenty-three patients with relapsing-remitting MS underwent both conventional 3D-FLAIR and compressed sensing 3D-FLAIR on a 3T scanner (reduction in scan time 1 minute 25 seconds, 27%; compressed sensing factor of 1.3). Two blinded readers independently evaluated both conventional and compressed sensing FLAIR for image quality (SNR and contrast-to-noise ratio) and the number of MS lesions visible in the periventricular, intra-juxtacortical, infratentorial, and optic nerve regions. The volume of white matter lesions was measured with automatic postprocessing segmentation software for each FLAIR sequence.
RESULTS:Image quality and the number of MS lesions detected by the readers were similar between the 2 FLAIR acquisitions (P = .74 and P = .094, respectively). Almost perfect agreement was found between both FLAIR acquisitions for total MS lesion count (Lin concordance correlation coefficient = 0.99). Agreement between conventional and compressed sensing FLAIR was almost perfect for periventricular and infratentorial lesions and substantial for intrajuxtacortical and optic nerve lesions. Postprocessing with the segmentation software did not reveal a significant difference between conventional and compressed sensing FLAIR in total MS lesion volume (P = .63) or the number of MS lesions (P = .15).
CONCLUSIONS:With a compressed sensing factor of 1.3, 3D-FLAIR is 27% faster and preserves diagnostic performance for the detection of MS plaques at 3T.
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Resting-State Functional MRI: Everything That Nonexperts Have Always Wanted to Know [REVIEW ARTICLE]
SUMMARY:
Resting-state fMRI was first described by Biswal et al in 1995 and has since then been widely used in both healthy subjects and patients with various neurologic, neurosurgical, and psychiatric disorders. As opposed to paradigm- or task-based functional MR imaging, resting-state fMRI does not require subjects to perform any specific task. The low-frequency oscillations of the resting-state fMRI signal have been shown to relate to the spontaneous neural activity. There are many ways to analyze resting-state fMRI data. In this review article, we will briefly describe a few of these and highlight the advantages and limitations of each. This description is to facilitate the adoption and use of resting-state fMRI in the clinical setting, helping neuroradiologists become familiar with these techniques and applying them for the care of patients with neurologic and psychiatric diseases.
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Cerebral Mitochondrial Microangiopathy Leads to Leukoencephalopathy in Mitochondrial Neurogastrointestinal Encephalopathy [ADULT BRAIN]
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE:
Mitochondrial neurogastrointestinal encephalopathy is a rare disorder due to recessive mutations in the thymidine phosphorylase gene, encoding thymidine phosphorylase protein required for mitochondrial DNA replication. Clinical manifestations include gastrointestinal dysmotility and diffuse asymptomatic leukoencephalopathy. This study aimed to elucidate the mechanisms underlying brain leukoencephalopathy in patients with mitochondrial neurogastrointestinal encephalopathy by correlating multimodal neuroradiologic features to postmortem pathology.
MATERIALS AND METHODS:Seven patients underwent brain MR imaging, including single-voxel proton MR spectroscopy and diffusion imaging. Absolute concentrations of metabolites calculated by acquiring unsuppressed water spectra at multiple TEs, along with diffusion metrics based on the tensor model, were compared with those of healthy controls using unpaired t tests in multiple white matters regions. Brain postmortem histologic, immunohistochemical, and molecular analyses were performed in 1 patient.
RESULTS:All patients showed bilateral and nearly symmetric cerebral white matter hyperintensities on T2-weighted images, extending to the cerebellar white matter and brain stem in 4. White matter, N-acetylaspartate, creatine, and choline concentrations were significantly reduced compared with those in controls, with a prominent increase in the radial water diffusivity component. At postmortem examination, severe fibrosis of brain vessel smooth muscle was evident, along with mitochondrial DNA replication depletion in brain and vascular smooth-muscle and endothelial cells, without neuronal loss, myelin damage, or gliosis. Prominent periependymal cytochrome C oxidase deficiency was also observed.
CONCLUSIONS:Vascular functional and histologic alterations account for leukoencephalopathy in mitochondrial neurogastrointestinal encephalopathy. Thymidine toxicity and mitochondrial DNA replication depletion may induce microangiopathy and blood-brain-barrier dysfunction, leading to increased water content in the white matter. Periependymal cytochrome C oxidase deficiency could explain prominent periventricular impairment.
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Review of the Imaging Features of Benign Osteoporotic and Malignant Vertebral Compression Fractures [REVIEW ARTICLE]
SUMMARY:
Vertebral compression fractures are very common, especially in the elderly. Benign osteoporotic and malignant vertebral compression fractures have extremely different management and prognostic implications. Although there is an overlap in appearances, characteristic imaging features can aid in the distinction between these 2 types of compression fractures. The aim of this review is to characterize the imaging features of benign and malignant vertebral compression fractures seen with CT, PET, SPECT, and MR imaging.
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Development of High Signal Intensity within the Globus Pallidus and Dentate Nucleus following Multiple Administrations of Gadobenate Dimeglumine [PATIENT SAFETY]
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE:
Previous studies have evaluated various gadolinium based contrast agents and their association with gadolinium retention, however, there is a discrepancy in the literature concerning the linear agent gadobenate dimeglumine. Our aim was to determine whether an association exists between the administration of gadobenate dimeglumine and the development of intrinsic T1-weighted signal in the dentate nucleus and globus pallidus.
MATERIALS AND METHODS:In this single-center, retrospective study, the signal intensity of the globus pallidus, dentate nucleus, thalamus, and middle cerebellar peduncle was measured on unenhanced T1-weighted images in 29 adult patients who had undergone multiple contrast MRIs using exclusively gadobenate dimeglumine (mean, 10.1 ± 3.23 doses; range, 6–18 doses). Two neuroradiologists, blinded to the number of prior gadolinium-based contrast agent administrations, separately placed ROIs within the globi pallidi, thalami, dentate nuclei, and middle cerebellar peduncles on the last MR imaging examinations. The correlations between the globus pallidus:thalamus and the dentate nucleus:middle cerebellar peduncle signal intensity ratios with the number of gadolinium-based contrast agent administrations and cumulative dose were tested with either 1-tailed Pearson or Spearman correlations. A priori, P < .05 was considered statistically significant.
RESULTS:Both the globus pallidus:thalamus and dentate nucleus:middle cerebellar peduncle ratios showed significant correlation with the number of gadolinium-based contrast agent administrations (r = 0.39, P = .017, and r = 0.58, P = .001, respectively). Additionally, the globus pallidus:thalamus and dentate nucleus:middle cerebellar peduncle ratios showed significant correlation with the cumulative dose of gadobenate dimeglumine (r = 0.48, P = .004, and r = 0.43, P = .009, respectively). Dentate nucleus hyperintensity was qualitatively present on the last MR imaging in 79.3%–86.2% of patients and in all patients who had received >10 doses.
CONCLUSIONS:At high cumulative doses (commonly experienced by patients, for example, with neoplastic disease), gadobenate dimeglumine is associated with an increase in the globus pallidus:thalamus and dentate nucleus:middle cerebellar peduncles signal intensity ratios.
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T2 Relaxometry MRI Predicts Cerebral Palsy in Preterm Infants [PEDIATRICS]
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE:
T2-relaxometry brain MR imaging enables objective measurement of brain maturation based on the water-macromolecule ratio in white matter, but the outcome correlation is not established in preterm infants. Our study aimed to predict neurodevelopment with T2-relaxation values of brain MR imaging among preterm infants.
MATERIALS AND METHODS:From January 1, 2012, to May 31, 2015, preterm infants who underwent both T2-relaxometry brain MR imaging and neurodevelopmental follow-up were retrospectively reviewed. T2-relaxation values were measured over the periventricular white matter, including sections through the frontal horns, midbody of the lateral ventricles, and centrum semiovale. Periventricular T2 relaxometry in relation to corrected age was analyzed with restricted cubic spline regression. Prediction of cerebral palsy was examined with the receiver operating characteristic curve.
RESULTS:Thirty-eight preterm infants were enrolled for analysis. Twenty patients (52.6%) had neurodevelopmental abnormalities, including 8 (21%) with developmental delay without cerebral palsy and 12 (31.6%) with cerebral palsy. The periventricular T2-relaxation values in relation to age were curvilinear in preterm infants with normal development, linear in those with developmental delay without cerebral palsy, and flat in those with cerebral palsy. When MR imaging was performed at >1 month corrected age, cerebral palsy could be predicted with T2 relaxometry of the periventricular white matter on sections through the midbody of the lateral ventricles (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve = 0.738; cutoff value of >217.4 with 63.6% sensitivity and 100.0% specificity).
CONCLUSIONS:T2-relaxometry brain MR imaging could provide prognostic prediction of neurodevelopmental outcomes in premature infants. Age-dependent and area-selective interpretation in preterm brains should be emphasized.
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Iodine Extravasation Quantification on Dual-Energy CT of the Brain Performed after Mechanical Thrombectomy for Acute Ischemic Stroke Can Predict Hemorrhagic Complications [INTERVENTIONAL]
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE:
Intracerebral hemorrhage represents a potentially severe complication of revascularization of acute ischemic stroke. The aim of our study was to assess the capability of iodine extravasation quantification on dual-energy CT performed immediately after mechanical thrombectomy to predict hemorrhagic complications.
MATERIALS AND METHODS:Because this was a retrospective study, the need for informed consent was waived. Eighty-five consecutive patients who underwent brain dual-energy CT immediately after mechanical thrombectomy for acute ischemic stroke between August 2013 and January 2017 were included. Two radiologists independently evaluated dual-energy CT images for the presence of parenchymal hyperdensity, iodine extravasation, and hemorrhage. Maximum iodine concentration was measured. Follow-up CT examinations performed until patient discharge were reviewed for intracerebral hemorrhage development. The correlation between dual-energy CT parameters and intracerebral hemorrhage development was analyzed by the Mann-Whitney U test and Fisher exact test. Receiver operating characteristic curves were generated for continuous variables.
RESULTS:Thirteen of 85 patients (15.3%) developed hemorrhage. On postoperative dual-energy CT, parenchymal hyperdensities and iodine extravasation were present in 100% of the patients who developed intracerebral hemorrhage and in 56.3% of the patients who did not (P = .002 for both). Signs of bleeding were present in 35.7% of the patients who developed intracerebral hemorrhage and in none of the patients who did not (P < .001). Median maximum iodine concentration was 2.63 mg/mL in the patients who developed intracerebral hemorrhage and 1.4 mg/mL in the patients who did not (P < .001). Maximum iodine concentration showed an area under the curve of 0.89 for identifying patients developing intracerebral hemorrhage.
CONCLUSIONS:The presence of parenchymal hyperdensity with a maximum iodine concentration of >1.35 mg/mL may identify patients developing intracerebral hemorrhage with 100% sensitivity and 67.6% specificity.
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The effects of sediment transport on temporal variation in radiocesium concentrations in very shallow water off the southern coast of Fukushima, Japan
Source:Journal of Environmental Radioactivity, Volumes 184–185
Author(s): Akira Matsumoto, Hiroshi Myouse, Hisayuki Arakawa, Ken Higuchi, Naoto Hirakawa, Yoshiaki Morioka, Takuji Mizuno
We studied the very shallow coastal water off Iwaki City, Fukushima Prefecture, and investigated: (1) temporal variation in 137Cs concentrations; (2) particle-size distribution of sediments; and (3) the effect on variation by waves, component-fractionated concentration of radiocesium and mineral composition at three sampling stations (Yotsukura, Ena rocky reef and Ena sandy station). There was a decline in 137Cs concentrations in sediment samples at all sampling stations between 425 and 1173 days after the accident. All stations had fluctuations in 137Cs concentrations between 425 and 800 days. At Ena sandy station and Ena rocky reef stations the declines in 137Cs concentrations slowed from about 800 days after the accident. Fluctuations in particle median diameters were seen, as well as in 137Cs concentrations. At Yotsukura, where the fluctuation in median diameter was small, a constant decrease in 137Cs concentrations was observed. We considered that bioturbation may contribute the constant decrease. At Ena sandy station, where the fluctuation of the median diameter was large, the fluctuation in 137Cs concentrations was also large. The movement of sediments was evaluated by the Shields parameter, and results indicated that at any station where the sediment was moved more frequently, the fluctuation in 137Cs concentrations was also large. The highly contaminated small particles moved from our stations due to wave action between 425 and 800 days after the accident. The remaining relatively large particles might contribute to the slowing down in reduction of 137Cs concentrations from 800 days after the accident. However, the 137Cs concentrations in sediments in very shallow water off the southern coast of Fukushima may continue to decline over time.
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High-resolution 129I bomb peak profile in an ice core from SE-Dome site, Greenland
Publication date: April 2018
Source:Journal of Environmental Radioactivity, Volumes 184–185
Author(s): Angel T. Bautista, Yasuto Miyake, Hiroyuki Matsuzaki, Yoshinori Iizuka, Kazuho Horiuchi
129I in natural archives, such as ice cores, can be used as a proxy for human nuclear activities, age marker, and environmental tracer. Currently, there is only one published record of 129I in ice core (i.e., from Fiescherhorn Glacier, Swiss Alps) and its limited time resolution (1–2 years) prevents the full use of 129I for the mentioned applications. Here we show 129I concentrations in an ice core from SE-Dome, Greenland, covering years 1956–1976 at a time resolution of ∼6 months, the most detailed record to date. Results revealed 129I bomb peaks in years 1959, 1962, and 1963, associated to tests performed by the former Soviet Union, one year prior, in its Novaya Zemlya test site. All 129I bomb peaks were observed in winter (1958.9, 1962.1, and 1963.0), while tritium bomb peaks, another prominent radionuclide associated with nuclear bomb testing, were observed in spring or summer (1959.3, and 1963.6; Iizuka et al., 2017). These results indicate that 129I bomb peaks can be used as annual and seasonal age markers for these years. Furthermore, we found that 129I recorded nuclear fuel reprocessing signals and that these can be potentially used to correct timing of estimated 129I releases during years 1964–1976. Comparisons with other published records of 129I in natural archives showed that 129I can be used as common age marker and tracer for different types of records. Most notably, the 1963 129I bomb peak can be used as common age marker for ice and coral cores, providing the means to reconcile age models and associated trends from the polar and tropical regions, respectively.
Graphical abstract
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Experience of on-site disposal of production uranium-graphite nuclear reactor
Source:Journal of Environmental Radioactivity, Volumes 184–185
Author(s): Alexander O. Pavliuk, Sergey G. Kotlyarevskiy, Evgeny V. Bespala, Elena V. Zakharova, Vyacheslav M. Ermolaev, Anna G. Volkova
The paper reported the experience gained in the course of decommissioning EI-2 Production Uranium-Graphite Nuclear Reactor. EI-2 was a production Uranium-Graphite Nuclear Reactor located on the Production and Demonstration Center for Uranium-Graphite Reactors JSC (PDC UGR JSC) site of Seversk City, Tomsk Region, Russia. EI-2 commenced its operation in 1958, and was shut down on December 28, 1990, having operated for the period of 33 years all together. The extra pure grade graphite for the moderator, water for the coolant, and uranium metal for the fuel were used in the reactor. During the operation nitrogen gas was passed through the graphite stack of the reactor. In the process of decommissioning the PDC UGR JSC site the cavities in the reactor space were filled with clay-based materials. A specific composite barrier material based on clays and minerals of Siberian Region was developed for the purpose. Numerical modeling demonstrated the developed clay composite would make efficient geological barriers preventing release of radionuclides into the environment.
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Comparisons between a new point kernel-based scheme and the infinite plane source assumption method for radiation calculation of deposited airborne radionuclides from nuclear power plants
Publication date: April 2018
Source:Journal of Environmental Radioactivity, Volumes 184–185
Author(s): Xiaole Zhang, George Efthimiou, Yan Wang, Meng Huang
Radiation from the deposited radionuclides is indispensable information for environmental impact assessment of nuclear power plants and emergency management during nuclear accidents. Ground shine estimation is related to multiple physical processes, including atmospheric dispersion, deposition, soil and air radiation shielding. It still remains unclear that whether the normally adopted "infinite plane" source assumption for the ground shine calculation is accurate enough, especially for the area with highly heterogeneous deposition distribution near the release point. In this study, a new ground shine calculation scheme, which accounts for both the spatial deposition distribution and the properties of air and soil layers, is developed based on point kernel method. Two sets of "detector-centered" grids are proposed and optimized for both the deposition and radiation calculations to better simulate the results measured by the detectors, which will be beneficial for the applications such as source term estimation. The evaluation against the available data of Monte Carlo methods in the literature indicates that the errors of the new scheme are within 5% for the key radionuclides in nuclear accidents. The comparisons between the new scheme and "infinite plane" assumption indicate that the assumption is tenable (relative errors within 20%) for the area located 1 km away from the release source. Within 1 km range, the assumption mainly causes errors for wet deposition and the errors are independent of rain intensities. The results suggest that the new scheme should be adopted if the detectors are within 1 km from the source under the stable atmosphere (classes E and F), or the detectors are within 500 m under slightly unstable (class C) or neutral (class D) atmosphere. Otherwise, the infinite plane assumption is reasonable since the relative errors induced by this assumption are within 20%. The results here are only based on theoretical investigations. They should be further thoroughly evaluated with real measurements in the future.
Graphical abstract
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Evaluation of abundance of artificial radionuclides in food products in South Korea and sources
Source:Journal of Environmental Radioactivity, Volumes 184–185
Author(s): S.H. Lee, J.S. Oh, K.B. Lee, J.M. Lee, S.H. Hwang, M.K. Lee, E.H. Kwon, C.S. Kim, I.H. Choi, I.Y. Yeo, J.Y. Yoon, J.M. Im
Food samples are collected nationwide from January 2016 to February 2017 and their contents of artificial radionuclides are measured to address the growing concerns regarding the radioactive contamination of food products in Korea. Specifically, 900 food samples are collected for this study and their contents of representative artificial radionuclides 134Cs, 137Cs, 239,240Pu, and 90Sr are analyzed. The analysis shows that the activity concentrations of 137Cs in fish range from minimum detectable activity (MDA) to 340 mBq/kg of fresh weight. The concentration factor (CF) determined for 137Cs as a measure of its bioavailability is calculated to be ca. 74 and found to be very similar to that (100) recommended by the International Atomic Energy Agency. With an MDA of <0.221 mBq/kg, the results reveal that 239,240Pu values in fish are below the MDA. The activity concentrations of 137Cs and 90Sr are lower than the MDA in both shellfish and seaweed, while the activity concentrations of 239,240Pu in shellfish range from 0.26 to 2.18 mBq/kg, and for seaweed samples range from 2.07 to 3.38 mBq/kg. The atom ratios of 240Pu/239Pu in shellfish caught at the Korean coast vary from 0.209 to 0.237, with a mean of 0.227. The higher 240Pu/239Pu atom ratio determined in shellfish is thought to be caused by the plutonium transported from the Pacific Proving Grounds rather than other sources such as the Fukushima nuclear power plant accident. The activity concentrations of 137Cs in mushrooms are found to vary from 1.0 to 21.4 Bq/kg, with the highest concentrations observed in the Oak (shiitake) and Sarcodon asparatus. 134Cs is detected in three mushroom specimens collected from Jeju Island and about 3–3.6% of 137Cs present in the wild mushrooms native to the Jeju Island are introduced as a result of the Fukushima nuclear plant accident. The annual effective doses of 137Cs received through consumption of mushrooms and fish are 2.0 × 10−4 mSv yr−1 and 3.9 × 10−5 mSv yr−1, and those values are negligible compared to the annual effective doses limit of 1 mSv yr−1.
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Soil-to-plant transfer factors of natural radionuclides (226Ra and 40K) in selected Thai medicinal plants
Source:Journal of Environmental Radioactivity, Volumes 184–185
Author(s): Kiadtisak Saenboonruang, Endu Phonchanthuek, Kamonkhuan Prasandee
A soil-to-plant transfer factor (TF) is an important parameter that could be used to estimate radionuclides levels in medicinal plants. This work reports concentrations of natural radionuclides (226Ra and 40K) and TFs in six Thai medicinal plants grown in central Thailand using an HPGe gamma ray spectrometer. Either root, leaf, or flower parts of each medicinal plant were selected for use in the investigation according to their practical uses in traditional medicine. The results showed that due to K being essential in plants, 40K had higher arithmetic means of activity concentrations and geometric means of TFs (geometric standard deviations in parentheses) of 610 ± 260 Bq kg−1 dry weight (DW) and 2.0 (1.4), respectively, than 226Ra, which had the activity concentrations and TFs of 4.8 ± 2.6 Bq kg−1 DW and 0.17 (1.8), respectively. The results also showed that the leaves of medicinal plants had higher activity concentrations and TFs than root and flower parts, probably due to higher metabolic activities in leaves. Furthermore, there was good agreement between the results from the current work and other similar reports on medicinal plants. The information obtained from this work could strengthen knowledge of natural radionuclides in plants and particularly increase available TF data on Thai medicinal plants.
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Source identification of uranium-containing materials at mine legacy sites in Portugal
Source:Journal of Environmental Radioactivity, Volume 183
Author(s): A.C. Keatley, P.G. Martin, K.R. Hallam, O.D. Payton, R. Awbery, F. Carvalho, J.M. Oliveira, L. Silva, M. Malta, T.B. Scott
Whilst prior nuclear forensic studies have focused on identifying signatures to distinguish between different uranium deposit types, this paper focuses on providing a scientific basis for source identification of materials from different uranium mine sites within a single region, which can then be potentially used within nuclear forensics. A number of different tools, including gamma spectrometry, alpha spectrometry, mineralogy and major and minor elemental analysis, have been utilised to determine the provenance of uranium mineral samples collected at eight mine sites, located within three different uranium provinces, in Portugal. A radiation survey was initially conducted by foot and/or unmanned aerial vehicle at each site to assist sample collection. The results from each mine site were then compared to determine if individual mine sites could be distinguished based on characteristic elemental and isotopic signatures. Gamma and alpha spectrometry were used to differentiate between samples from different sites and also give an indication of past milling and mining activities. Ore samples from the different mine sites were found to be very similar in terms of gangue and uranium mineralogy. However, rarer minerals or specific impurity elements, such as calcium and copper, did permit some separation of the sites examined. In addition, classification rates using linear discriminant analysis were comparable to those in the literature.
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A well-circumscribed lobulated tumor on the hard palatal mucosa in a child.
Related Articles |
A well-circumscribed lobulated tumor on the hard palatal mucosa in a child.
Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol. 2017 Dec 11;:
Authors: Salcines A, Woo SB, Noonan V, Mansfield MJ, Li CC
PMID: 29337189 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
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Preoperative evaluation of cochlear implantation through the round window membrane in the facial recess using high-resolution computed tomography.
Preoperative evaluation of cochlear implantation through the round window membrane in the facial recess using high-resolution computed tomography.
Surg Radiol Anat. 2018 Jan 16;:
Authors: Xie LH, Tang J, Miao WJ, Tang XL, Li H, Tang AZ
Abstract
PURPOSE: We evaluated the risk of cochlear implantation through the round window membrane in the facial recess through a preoperative analysis of the angle between the facial nerve-round window and the cranial midline using high-resolution temporal bone CT.
METHODS: Temporal bone CT films of 176 patients with profound sensorineural hearing loss at our hospital from 2013 to 2015 were reviewed. The preoperative temporal bone CT scans of the patients were retrospectively analysed. The vertical distance (d value) from the leading edge of the facial nerve to the posterior wall of the external auditory canal and the angle (α value) between the line from the leading edge of the facial nerve to the midpoint of the round window membrane and the median sagittal line on the round window membrane plane were measured. Based on intraoperative observation, the round window membrane was divided into complete round window membrane exposure (group A), partial exposure (group B), and unexposed (group C) groups, and statistical analysis was performed.
RESULTS: The α value could be effectively measured for all 176 patients (62.60 ± 7.12), and the d value could be effectively measured for 95 cases (5.53 ± 1.00). An analysis of the correlation between the α and d values of these 95 cases found a negative correlation. Of the 176 cases, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed that the differences among the groups were significant [P = 0.000 (< 0.05)].
CONCLUSION: The angle (α value) between the line connecting the leading edge of the facial nerve to the midpoint of the round window and the median sagittal line measured in preoperative CT scans was associated with the difficulty of intraoperatively exposing the round window membrane. When the α value was larger than a certain degree, the difficulty of exposing the round window membrane was increased. In such cases, the surgeon should fully expose the round window membrane during surgery, which could result decrease the likelihood of complications.
PMID: 29340754 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
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Treatment outcome and prognostic factors for adult patients with medulloblastoma: The Rare Cancer Network (RCN) experience
The optimal treatment for adults with newly diagnosed medulloblastoma (MB) has not been defined. We report a large series of cases from the Rare Cancer Network.
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A simple clinical method for predicting the benefit of prone vs. supine positioning in reducing heart exposure during left breast radiotherapy
The benefit of reduced radiation heart exposure in the prone vs. supine position individually differs. In this prospective cohort study, the goal was to develop a simple method for the operation of a validated model for the prediction of preferable treatment position during left breast radiotherapy.
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Ototoxicity and cochlear sparing in children with medulloblastoma: Proton vs. photon radiotherapy
To compare ototoxicity rates between medulloblastoma patients treated with protons vs. photons.
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Risk of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease in Relation to Chlamydia and Gonorrhea Testing, Repeat Testing, and Positivity: A Population-Based Cohort Study
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Cost-effectiveness of Bezlotoxumab Compared With Placebo for the Prevention of Recurrent Clostridium difficile Infection
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Genomic Investigation of a Putative Endoscope-Associated Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacter cloacae Outbreak Reveals a Wide Diversity of Circulating Strains and Resistance Mutations
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The Influence of Reported Penicillin Allergy
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The Impact of a Reported Penicillin Allergy on Surgical Site Infection Risk
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A 12-Year Follow-up on the Long-Term Effectiveness of the Quadrivalent Human Papillomavirus Vaccine in 4 Nordic Countries
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Antimicrobial Resistance Gene Acquisition and Depletion Following Fecal Microbiota Transplantation for Recurrent Clostridium difficile Infection
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Comparison of a Novel Human Rabies Monoclonal Antibody to Human Rabies Immunoglobulin for Postexposure Prophylaxis: A Phase 2/3, Randomized, Single-Blind, Noninferiority, Controlled Study
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Epidemiology and Antimicrobial Resistance Characteristics of the Sequence Type 131-H30 Subclone Among Extraintestinal Escherichia coli Collected From US Children
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Evidence of Sexually Transmitted Disease Testing Outside of Primary Human Immunodeficiency Virus Care for People Living With Human Immunodeficiency Virus in San Francisco, California
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Monitoring of Parasite Kinetics in Indian Post–Kala-azar Dermal Leishmaniasis
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Long-term Clinical Outcomes in Visceral Leishmaniasis/Human Immunodeficiency Virus–Coinfected Patients During and After Pentamidine Secondary Prophylaxis in Ethiopia: A Single-Arm Clinical Trial
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Hepatitis C Screening: From Modeling to Public Health Policy
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Textbook of Global Health Anne-Emanuelle Birn, Yogan Pillay, and Timothy H. Holtz. Fourth edition. Oxford University Press, 2017. 674 pp. $85.00 (hardcover).
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The influence of elevated hormone levels on physiologic accumulation of 68 Ga-DOTATOC
Abstract
Objective
PET/CT imaging with 68Ga-1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-N,N′,N″,N‴-tetraacetic acid-D-Phe1-Tyr3-octreotide (DOTATOC) is useful in patients with neuroendocrine tumors (NETs). Functioning NETs by definition secrete abnormal levels of hormones, causing clinical symptoms. It is known that physiologic accumulation can be seen in some organs, but it remains unknown whether elevated hormone levels can affect the physiologic accumulation pattern of 68Ga-DOTATOC. We aimed to investigate the influence of higher hormone levels on physiologic accumulation of 68Ga-DOTATOC.
Methods
A total of 167 patients with known or suspected NET lesions were enrolled in this study. The numbers of patients with elevations of ACTH, gastrin, insulin, and no elevation were 10, 25, 7, and 125, respectively. We compared the maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) in various organs of each group.
Results
In the group with elevated ACTH levels, SUVmax in the pituitary gland, the uncinate process of the pancreas and adrenal glands was lower than those in the group with no elevation (5.7 ± 1.9 vs. 8.4 ± 3.1, P = 0.015; 4.7 ± 3.5 vs. 6.4 ± 2.8, P = 0.037; 10.8 ± 4.8 vs. 13.9 ± 4.7, P = 0.020, respectively). There were no differences in physiologic uptake of 68Ga-DOTATOC in the thyroid gland, the pancreatic body, the liver, the spleen, the bowel, or the kidney.
Conclusions
In NET patients with elevated ACTH levels, physiologic uptake of 68Ga-DOTATOC in the pituitary gland, the uncinate process of the pancreas and adrenal glands was significantly decreased. Other organs were unaffected.
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ViLLE – collaborative education tool: Designing and utilizing an exercise-based learning environment
Abstract
Automatically assessed exercises with immediate feedback can be a powerful tool for enhancing the effectiveness of education. In this article, we discuss the design and implementation of a collaborative learning tool called ViLLE. The design is based on experiences gathered from a previously developed and thoroughly researched visualization tool. Based on our earlier results and current educational theories, we developed four design principles upon which ViLLE is constructed. ViLLE includes various different exercise types which were designed to assist in the learning of computer science, mathematics and other subjects. It also supports different learning and teaching methods, such as pair programming and peer review. To justify the development of a new environment, we present four diverse case studies where ViLLE was utilized successfully: programming education, high school matriculation exam, elementary school mathematics and student counseling at university level. The results obtained from the studies seem to confirm that ViLLE can be used effectively to enhance student motivation and to improve student performance in various heterogeneous educational setups.
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Genes, Vol. 9, Pages 43: Isoform Sequencing and State-of-Art Applications for Unravelling Complexity of Plant Transcriptomes
Genes, Vol. 9, Pages 43: Isoform Sequencing and State-of-Art Applications for Unravelling Complexity of Plant Transcriptomes
Genes doi: 10.3390/genes9010043
Authors: Dong An Hieu Cao Changsheng Li Klaus Humbeck Wenqin Wang
Single-molecule real-time (SMRT) sequencing developed by PacBio, also called third-generation sequencing (TGS), offers longer reads than the second-generation sequencing (SGS). Given its ability to obtain full-length transcripts without assembly, isoform sequencing (Iso-Seq) of transcriptomes by PacBio is advantageous for genome annotation, identification of novel genes and isoforms, as well as the discovery of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA). In addition, Iso-Seq gives access to the direct detection of alternative splicing, alternative polyadenylation (APA), gene fusion, and DNA modifications. Such applications of Iso-Seq facilitate the understanding of gene structure, post-transcriptional regulatory networks, and subsequently proteomic diversity. In this review, we summarize its applications in plant transcriptome study, specifically pointing out challenges associated with each step in the experimental design and highlight the development of bioinformatic pipelines. We aim to provide the community with an integrative overview and a comprehensive guidance to Iso-Seq, and thus to promote its applications in plant research.
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Bibliometric analysis of a century of research on oral erythroplakia and leukoplakia
Abstract
Background
Oral squamous cell carcinoma is a major cause of cancer-associated morbidity and mortality and may develop from oral erythroplakia and leukoplakia (OEL), the most common oral potentially malignant lesions. Our objective was to provide a descriptive overview of the global research activity on OEL over the past decades.
Methods
We performed a systematic bibliometric analysis of articles and reviews on OEL up to December 31st 2016 using the SCOPUS database. Contribution of each country was analyzed by density equalizing mapping (DEMP). The overall scientific productivity was analyzed for each journal and country
Results
A total of 5,098 published items (articles or reviews) were identified. They are expected to double by 2040, with an expected number of 400 items per year. Only 4% of all research on oral oncology is focused on OEL. Together with the increasing number of publications since 1980s, an increasing number of international collaborative studies were observed. Journal of Oral Pathology and Medicine and Oral Oncology are the leading journals in terms of number of published items. The US, India and the UK were the most prolific countries in terms of publications over time
Conclusions
We identified the leading journals as well as the leading authors and countries contributing to the research on OEL. International collaborative studies in the field are to be encouraged in order to refine strategies of oral cancer prevention.
This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Gelatin- hydroxyapatite- calcium sulphate based biomaterial for long term sustained delivery of bone morphogenic protein-2 and zoledronic acid for increased bone formation: In-vitro and in-vivo carrier properties
Source:Journal of Controlled Release, Volume 272
Author(s): Deepak Bushan Raina, David Larsson, Filip Mrkonjic, Hanna Isaksson, Ashok Kumar, Lars Lidgren, Magnus Tägil
In this study, a novel macroporous composite biomaterial consisting of gelatin-hydroxyapatite-calcium sulphate for delivery of bone morphogenic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) and zoledronic acid (ZA) has been developed. The biomaterial scaffold has a porous structure and functionalization of the scaffold with rhBMP-2 induces osteogenic differentiation of MC3T3-e1 cells seen by a significant increase in biochemical and genetic markers of osteoblastic differentiation. In-vivo muscle pouch experiments showed higher mineralization using scaffold+rhBMP-2 when compared to an approved absorbable collagen sponge (ACS)+rhBMP-2 as verified by micro-CT. Co-delivery of rhBMP-2+ZA via the novel scaffold enabled a reduction in the effective rhBMP-2 doses. The presence of tartrate resistant acid phosphatase staining in the rhBMP-2 group indicates osteoclastic resorption, which could be stalled by adding ZA, which by speculation could explain the net increase in mineralization. The new scaffold allowed for slow release of rhBMP-2 in-vitro (3.3±0.1%) after 4weeks. Using single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), the release kinetics of 125I–rhBMP-2 in-vivo was followed for 4weeks and a total of 65.3±15.2% 125I–rhBMP-2 was released from the scaffolds. In-vitro 14C–ZA release curve shows an initial burst release on day 1 (8.8±0.7%) followed by a slow release during the following 4weeks (13±0.1%). In-vivo, an initial release of 43.2±7.6% of 14C–ZA was detected after 1day, after which the scaffold retained the remaining ZA during 4-weeks. Taken together, our results show that the developed biomaterial is an efficient carrier for spatio-temporal delivery of rhBMP-2 and ZA leading to increased bone formation compared to commercially available carrier for rhBMP-2.
Graphical abstract
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Molecular phylogenetics of Boulengerula (Amphibia: Gymnophiona: Caeciliidae) and implications for taxonomy, biogeography and conservation
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The systematics of Boulengerula fischeri (Amphibia: Gymnophiona: Caeciliidae) based on morphological and molecular data
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Composition of bacterial and archaeal communities in freshwater sediments with different contamination levels (Lake Geneva, Switzerland)
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Intrinsic biodegradation potential of aromatic hydrocarbons in an alluvial aquifer - Potentials and limits of signature metabolite analysis and two stable isotope-based techniques
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Citizen science reveals unexpected continental-scale evolutionary change in a model organism
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Vaccines, Vol. 6, Pages 7: Development of Zika Virus Vaccines
Vaccines, Vol. 6, Pages 7: Development of Zika Virus Vaccines
Vaccines doi: 10.3390/vaccines6010007
Authors: Huda Makhluf Sujan Shresta
Zika virus (ZIKV) is a mosquito-borne flavivirus that emerged as a global threat following the most recent outbreak in Brazil in 2015. ZIKV infection of pregnant women is associated with fetal abnormalities such as microcephaly, and infection of adults can lead to Guillain–Barré syndrome, an autoimmune disease characterized by neurological deficits. Although there are currently licensed vaccines for other flaviviruses, there remains an urgent need for preventative vaccines against ZIKV infection. Herein we describe the current efforts to accelerate the development of ZIKV vaccines using various platforms, including live attenuated virus, inactivated virus, DNA and RNA, viral vectors, and in silico-predicted immunogenic viral epitopes. Many of these approaches have leveraged lessons learned from past experience with Dengue and other flavivirus vaccines.
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Association between third molar and mandibular angle fracture: a systematic review and Meta-analysis
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Nutrient and Antinutrient Compositions and Heavy Metal Uptake and Accumulation in S. nigrum Cultivated on Different Soil Types
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Multistability Analysis and Function Projective Synchronization in Relay Coupled Oscillators
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Qualitative Analysis of Primary Fingerprint Pattern in Different Blood Group and Gender in Nepalese
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Association between Sleep Apnea Hypopnea Syndrome and the Risk of Atrial Fibrillation: A Meta-Analysis of Cohort Study
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HIT Solar Cells with N-Type Low-Cost Metallurgical Si
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Placenta and Placental Derivatives in Regenerative Therapies: Experimental Studies, History, and Prospects
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Primary Pancreatic Burkitt’s Lymphoma: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
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Homogenate Extraction of Crocins from Saffron Optimized by Response Surface Methodology
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Homogenate Extraction of Crocins from Saffron Optimized by Response Surface Methodology
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Drug repurposing screening identifies bortezomib and panobinostat as drugs targeting cancer associated fibroblasts (CAFs) by synergistic induction of apoptosis
Summary
Cancer associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are the most abundant components of cancer-microenvironment. They play important roles in cancer initiation, progression, and metastasis. In addition, CAFs can confer drug-resistance to cancer cells. Considering their pro-tumorigenic roles, it is recommended to remove CAFs to prevent cancer recurrence after chemotherapy. Despite their clinical significance, few anti-CAF drugs have been developed. The objective of this study was to find a drug that could suppress the viability of patient-derived CAFs through repurposed screening of 51 drugs that were in clinical trials or received FDA approval. As a result, bortezomib (BTZ), carfilzomib (CFZ), and panobinostat (PST) were identified as anti-CAF drug candidates. It was confirmed that BTZ and PST could decrease the viability of various patients derived CAFs through inducing of caspase-3 mediated apoptosis. Interestingly, combination therapy with BTZ and PST showed better efficacy of inhibiting CAFs than single treatment. The synergistic effect between BTZ and PST on viability of CAFs was observed both in vitro CAF culture and in vivo mouse model. Furthermore, combination therapy with BTZ/PST and conventional anticancer compound docetaxel strongly inhibited tumor growth in xenografts of mouse breast cancer cells with mouse CAFs. In conclusion, our present study revealed that BTZ and PST could significantly reduce the viability of CAFs. Therefore, a combination therapy with BTZ/PST and anticancer drugs might be considered as a new rational for the development of anticancer therapy.
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Hello, Goodbye!
Int Arch Allergy Immunol
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Dulling cancer therapy's double-edged sword
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Researchers develop swallowable test to detect pre-cancerous Barrett's oesophagus
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Modular gene enhancer promotes leukaemia and regulates effectiveness of chemotherapy
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Tonsillectomy sparing transoral robot assisted styloidectomy
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à Jour, Rechtsprechungsübersicht Strafrecht 3+4/17
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à jour Rechtsprechungsübersicht Strafrecht 1/17
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IJMS, Vol. 19, Pages 285: Double Heterozygosity for BRCA1 Pathogenic Variant and BRCA2 Polymorphic Stop Codon K3326X: A Case Report in a Southern Italian Family
IJMS, Vol. 19, Pages 285: Double Heterozygosity for BRCA1 Pathogenic Variant and BRCA2 Polymorphic Stop Codon K3326X: A Case Report in a Southern Italian Family
International Journal of Molecular Sciences doi: 10.3390/ijms19010285
Authors: Raffaele Palmirotta Domenica Lovero Luigia Stucci Erica Silvestris Davide Quaresmini Angela Cardascia Franco Silvestris
Here, we describe a patient with bilateral breast cancer and melanoma, and with a concomitant double variant, namely p.Gln563Ter in BRCA1 and p.Lys3326Ter in BRCA2. The BRCA2 p.Lys3326Ter (K3326X) (rs11571833) mutation identified in our patient is a debated substitution of thymidine for adenine which is currently regarded as benign polymorphism in main gene databases. Recent studies, however, describe this variant as associated with breast and ovarian tumors. Based on the observation of the cancer’s earliest age of onset in this subject, our purpose was to reevaluate this variant according to recent papers indicating a role of powerful modifier of the genetic penetrance. Genetic testing was performed in all consenting patient’s relatives, and in the collection of the clinical data particular attention was paid to the age of onset of the neoplasia. Following our observation that the our patient with double heterozygosis had an early age of onset for cancer similar to a few rare cases of double mutation for BRCA1 and BRCA2, we also performed an extensive review of the literature relative to patients carrying a double heterozygosity for both genes. In line with previous studies relative to the rare double heterozygosity in both BRCA1/2 genes, we found the earlier onset of breast cancer in our patient with both BRCA1/2 mutations with respect to other relatives carrying the single BRCA1 mutation. The presence of the second K3326X variant in our case induces a phenotype characterized by early onset of the neoplasia in a manner similar to the other cases of double heterozygosity previously described. Therefore, we suggest that during the genetic counseling, it should be recommendable to evaluate the presence of the K3326X variant in association with other pathogenic mutations.
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IJMS, Vol. 19, Pages 283: The Biological Role of Hyaluronan-Rich Oocyte-Cumulus Extracellular Matrix in Female Reproduction
IJMS, Vol. 19, Pages 283: The Biological Role of Hyaluronan-Rich Oocyte-Cumulus Extracellular Matrix in Female Reproduction
International Journal of Molecular Sciences doi: 10.3390/ijms19010283
Authors: Eva Nagyova
Fertilization of the mammalian oocyte requires interactions between spermatozoa and expanded cumulus extracellular matrix (ECM) that surrounds the oocyte. This review focuses on key molecules that play an important role in the formation of the cumulus ECM, generated by the oocyte-cumulus complex. In particular, the specific inhibitors (AG1478, lapatinib, indomethacin and MG132) and progesterone receptor antagonist (RU486) exerting their effects through the remodeling of the ECM of the cumulus cells surrounding the oocyte have been described. After gonadotropin stimulus, cumulus cells expand and form hyaluronan (HA)-rich cumulus ECM. In pigs, the proper structure of the cumulus ECM depends on the interaction between HA and serum-derived proteins of the inter-alpha-trypsin inhibitor (IαI) protein family. We have demonstrated the synthesis of HA by cumulus cells, and the presence of the IαI, tumor necrosis factor-alpha-induced protein 6 and pentraxin 3 in expanding oocyte-cumulus complexes (OCC). We have evaluated the covalent linkage of heavy chains of IαI proteins to HA, as the principal component of the expanded HA-rich cumulus ECM, in porcine OCC cultured in medium with specific inhibitors: AG1478 and lapatinib (both inhibitors of epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase activity); MG132 (a specific proteasomal inhibitor), indomethacin (cyclooxygenase inhibitor); and progesterone receptor antagonist (RU486). We have found that both RU486 and indomethacin does not disrupt the formation of the covalent linkage between the heavy chains of IαI to HA in the expanded OCC. In contrast, the inhibitors AG1478 and lapatinib prevent gonadotropin-induced cumulus expansion. Finally, the formation of oocyte-cumulus ECM relying on the covalent transfer of heavy chains of IαI molecules to HA has been inhibited in the presence of MG132.
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Total congenital sternal cleft isolated in a newborn of 20 days: Rare case
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Uncertain effect of preventative shoulder rehabilitation for patients who underwent total laryngectomy with neck dissection
Abstract
Introduction
Total laryngectomy (TL) with neck dissection (ND) is considered as crucial management for advanced-stage of laryngeal cancer. Shoulder dysfunction has long been recognized as a potential complication resulting from neck dissection. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of early prophylactic rehabilitation program in patients who underwent TL with ND.
Methods
A prospective, nonrandomized design was used. Seventy-six participants who underwent TL with ND were assigned into either an intervention or a control group. The control group received current standard care with no formal shoulder exercise provided, while the intervention group attended early preventive rehabilitation lasting 12 weeks. Participants were assessed at baseline, and at 3 and 6 months after surgery. Measured outcomes included shoulder function and patient-reported quality of life. General linear models with repeated measures were used to examine outcome changes in both groups over the designated assessment intervals.
Results
Improvement in shoulder function and patient-reported quality of life were both statistically significant over time, with no significant difference between control or intervention groups, indicating little or no benefit of preventative intervention on shoulder function outcomes. Analysis involving five subscales and the summary score of the quality of life questionnaire had only statistically significant improvement over time for both the control or intervention groups, except for physical well-being domain which had statistical significance both over time and between the control and intervention groups.
Conclusion
In this study, preventative exercise program initiated immediately after surgery had a limited impact on both shoulder function and perceived quality of life.
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Cosmetics, Vol. 5, Pages 13: Personal-Care Products Formulated with Natural Antioxidant Extracts
Cosmetics, Vol. 5, Pages 13: Personal-Care Products Formulated with Natural Antioxidant Extracts
Cosmetics doi: 10.3390/cosmetics5010013
Authors: Maria Soto María Parada Elena Falqué Herminia Domínguez
The objective of this study was to evaluate the potential use of some vegetal raw materials in personal-care products. Four ethanolic extracts (grape pomace, Pinus pinaster wood chips, Acacia dealbata flowers, and Lentinus edodes) were prepared and total phenolics, monomeric sugars, and antioxidant capacity were determined on alcoholic extracts. Six of the most important groups of cosmetics products (hand cream, body oil, shampoo, clay mask, body exfoliating cream, and skin cleanser) were formulated. Participants evaluated some sensory attributes and overall acceptance by a 10-point scale; the results showed differences among age-intervals, but not between males and females. The results confirmed that all extracts presented characteristics appropriate for their use in cosmetic formulations and their good acceptability by consumers into all cosmetic products. Texture/appearance, spreadability, and skin feeling are important attributes among consumer expectations, but odor and color were the primary drivers and helped differentiate the natural extracts added into all personal-care products.
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