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Equivalent‐time sampling can improve measurement or sensing systems because it enables a broader frequency band and higher delay resolution for periodic signals with lower sampling rates than a Nyquist receiver. Meanwhile, a digital down‐conversion (DDC) technique can be implemented using a straightforward radio frequency (RF) circuit. It avoids timing skew and in‐phase/quadrature gain imbalance instead of requiring a high‐speed analog‐to‐digital converter to sample an intermediate frequency (IF) signal. Therefore, when equivalent‐time sampling and DDC techniques are combined, a significant synergy can be achieved. This study provides a parameter design methodology for optimal equivalent‐time sampling using DDC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For 5G beyond and/or 6G mobile services, a new spectrum at frequencies above 100 GHz has received great attention lately. To characterise the similarities and the differences between frequencies below 100 GHz and above 100 GHz, this paper provides analyses of multi‐frequency propagation characteristics based on wideband measurements at 28, 38, 71, 82, and 159 GHz, with an emphasis on the sub‐THz (i.e. the 159 GHz) propagation characteristics. All the frequency measurements were conducted in the same cubicle office room environment by locating the transmitter and the receiver at the same positions. The measurement results show that the path loss and the shadow fading characteristics do not exhibit significant differences depending on the frequency range from 28 to 159 GHz. However, the delay spread shows a generally decreasing trend as the frequency increases. Additionally, angular domain analyses were conducted with the 159 GHz measurements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A recent study reported a correlation between the muscle mass of male donors and graft failure in living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) recipients. We investigated the association of sex‐specific donor skeletal muscle index (SMI) with mortality and graft failure in LDLT recipients. Methods: We retrospectively analysed 2750 sets of donors and recipients between January 2008 and January 2018. The recipient outcomes were analysed by dividing the data according to donor sex. Cox regression analyses were performed to evaluate the association between donor SMI by sex and 1‐year mortality and graft failure in recipients. Results: In the male donor group, robust donor (increased SMI) was significantly associated with higher risks for mortality (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.03, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.00–1.06, p =.023) and graft failure (HR: 1.04, 95% CI: 1.01–1.06, p =.007) at 1 year. In the female donor group, the robust donor was significantly associated with lower risks for mortality (HR: 0.92, 95% CI: 0.87–0.97, p =.003) and graft failure (HR: 0.95, 95% CI: 0.90–1.00, p =.032) at 1 year. Conclusions: Donor SMI was associated with surgical outcomes in recipients. Robust male and female donors were a significant negative and protective factor for grafts respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the effective ways to minimize the spread of COVID‐19 infection is to diagnose it as early as possible before the onset of symptoms. In addition, if the infection can be simply diagnosed using a smartwatch, the effectiveness of preventing the spread will be greatly increased. In this study, we aimed to develop a deep learning model to diagnose COVID‐19 before the onset of symptoms using heart rate (HR) data obtained from a smartwatch. In the deep learning model for the diagnosis, we proposed a transformer model that learns HR variability patterns in presymptom by tracking relationships in sequential HR data. In the cross‐validation (CV) results from the COVID‐19 unvaccinated patients, our proposed deep learning model exhibited high accuracy metrics: sensitivity of 84.38%, specificity of 85.25%, accuracy of 84.85%, balanced accuracy of 84.81%, and area under the receiver operating characteristics (AUROC) of 0.8778. Furthermore, we validated our model using external multiple datasets including healthy subjects, COVID‐19 patients, as well as vaccinated patients. In the external healthy subject group, our model also achieved high specificity of 77.80%. In the external COVID‐19 unvaccinated patient group, our model also provided similar accuracy metrics to those from the CV: balanced accuracy of 87.23% and AUROC of 0.8897. In the COVID‐19 vaccinated patients, the balanced accuracy and AUROC dropped by 66.67% and 0.8072, respectively. The first finding in this study is that our proposed deep learning model can simply and accurately diagnose COVID‐19 patients using HRs obtained from a smartwatch before the onset of symptoms. The second finding is that the model trained from unvaccinated patients may provide less accurate diagnosis performance compared with the vaccinated patients. The last finding is that the model trained in a certain period of time may provide degraded diagnosis performances as the virus continues to mutate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To examine the association between type 2 diabetes and the amount and quality of trunk muscle as assessed by computed tomography (CT) scan. Materials and methods: A total of 20,986 subjects (13,007 men and 7979 women) who underwent abdominal CT scan as part of a routine health check‐up were included. The total abdominal muscle area (TAMA) measured at the third lumbar vertebrae was classified into skeletal muscle area (SMA), and intermuscular adipose tissue area. SMA was divided into good quality muscles (normal attenuation muscle area [NAMA]) and poor quality muscles (low attenuation muscle area). NAMA/TAMA index was calculated. Results: Subjects with type 2 diabetes had higher values of TAMA and SMA but significantly lower values of NAMA and NAMA/TAMA index. Compared with those in the lowest quartile of NAMA/TAMA index, subjects in the highest quartile had metabolically favourable laboratory findings, a lower prevalence of type 2 diabetes (Q1 vs. Q4: 19.3% vs. 9.5% in men, 12.3% vs. 3.0% in women) and inverse association with type 2 diabetes (odds ratio for Q2, Q3, and Q4: 0.87, 0.78, and 0.75 in men; 0.82, 0.70, and 0.68 in women) after multivariable adjustment. Conclusions: The amount of good quality muscle on CT scan was associated with a lower prevalence of type 2 diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The level of pollen in Korea has increased over recent decades. Research suggests that oral allergy syndrome (OAS) may be more frequent in childhood than previously recognized. We aimed to investigate the prevalence and characteristics of OAS in children aged 6–10 years from a general‐population‐based birth cohort. Methods: We analyzed 930 children from the cohort for childhood origin of asthma and allergic diseases (COCOA). Allergic diseases were diagnosed annually by pediatric allergists. The skin prick tests were performed with 14 common inhalant allergens and four food allergens for the general population of children aged 3 and 7 years. Results: Of the 930 eligible children, 44 (4.7%) aged 6–10 years were diagnosed with OAS. The mean age at onset was 6.74 years. OAS prevalence was 7.2% among children with allergic rhinitis (AR) and 19.1% among those with pollinosis, depending on comorbidity. OAS was more prevalent in schoolchildren with atopic dermatitis, food allergy, and sensitization to food allergens and grass pollen in early childhood. In schoolchildren with AR, only a history of food allergy until the age of 3 years increased the risk of OAS (aOR 2.971, 95% CI: 1.159–7.615). Conclusion: Food allergy and food sensitization in early childhood were associated with OAS in schoolchildren with AR. Further study is required to elucidate the mechanism by which food allergy in early childhood affects the development of OAS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Genome‐wide association studies (GWASs) of asthma have identified several risk alleles and loci, but most have been conducted in individuals with European‐ancestry. Studies in Asians, especially children, are still lacking. We aimed to identify susceptibility loci by performing the first GWAS of asthma in Korean children with persistent asthma. Methods: We used a discovery set of 741 children with persistent asthma as cases and 589 healthy children and 551 healthy adults as controls to perform a GWAS. We validated our GWAS findings using UK Biobank data. We then used the Genotype‐Tissue Expression database to identify expression quantitative trait loci of candidate variants. Finally, we quantified proteins of genes associated with asthma. Results: Variants at the 17q12‐21 locus and SNPs in CYBRD1 and TNFSF15 genes were associated with persistent childhood asthma at genome‐wide thresholds of significance. Four SNPs in the TNFSF15 gene were also associated with childhood‐onset asthma in British white participants in the UK Biobank data. The asthma‐associated rs7856856‐C allele, the lead SNP, was associated with decreased TNFSF15 expression in whole blood and in arteries. Korean children with asthma had lower serum TNFSF15 levels than controls, and those with the asthma risk rs7856856‐CC genotype exhibited the lowest serum TNFSF15 levels overall, especially asthmatic children. Conclusions: Our GWAS of persistent childhood asthma with allergic sensitization identified a new susceptibility gene, TNFSF15, and replicated associations at the 17q12‐21 childhood‐onset asthma locus. This novel association may be mediated by reduced expression of serum TNFSF15 and loss of suppression of angiogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate prognostic value of body tissue composition at the upper thigh level for 1 year mortality in elderly patients with proximal femur fracture. Methods: This retrospective cohort study included consecutive elderly (aged ≥65) patients diagnosed with proximal femur fracture based on the findings of pelvic bone computed tomography (CT) performed at the emergency department of a tertiary care hospital and treated with surgery between 2010 and 2017. The cross‐sectional area of subcutaneous fat and skeletal muscle at the upper thigh level was measured using CT. Adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for 1 year mortality were estimated using a Cox proportional hazards model. Survival based on the SFA quartiles was assessed using nonparametric Kaplan–Meier survival analysis and compared used log‐rank tests. Results: Among 876 elderly patients included in this study, the median age was 79.0 years, and 646 (73.7%) patients were female. A total of 93 (10.6%) died within 1 year after admission to the emergency department. Survivors had a significantly higher median subcutaneous fat area (SFA) than non‐survivors (170.2 vs. 133.0 cm2, P < 0.001), but no significant difference was observed between the skeletal muscle area (median, 156.7 vs. 160.3 cm2, P = 0.504) and muscle density (median, 19.0 vs. 19.1 HU, P = 0.861) of both groups. After adjustment of other clinical characteristics and body compositions, the multivariate Cox proportional hazard analysis showed that SFA (adjusted HR, 0.987; 95% CI, 0.982–0.992; P < 0.001) was independently associated with 1 year mortality. With 384 deaths during 51 322 person‐months of follow‐up, the median estimated survival duration of all the patients was 92.8 months (95% CI, 80.8–104.7 months). The patients with SFA in the third (165.6–195.0 cm2) and fourth (>195.0 cm2) quartiles showed significantly longer survival duration than those with SFA in the first (<131.4 cm2; median survival time, 51.3 months) and second (131.4–165.5 cm2; median survival time, 88.7 months) quartiles (P < 0.001 by log‐rank test). Conclusions: The SFAs measured at the upper thigh level and 1 year mortality are positively associated in elderly patients with proximal femur fracture. SFA may be an independent prognostic biomarker for 1 year mortality of femur fracture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The prevalence of atopic dermatitis (AD) is increasing worldwide. Prenatal particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter <2.5 μm (PM2.5) and maternal anxiety during pregnancy has been suggested as a potential causes of AD. This study investigated the effects of prenatal PM2.5 and maternal anxiety on AD and identified the critical period of PM2.5 exposure for AD in infants. Methods: This study included 802 children from the COCOA birth cohort study with follow‐up data at 1 year of age. PM2.5 was estimated by land‐use regression models and prenatal anxiety was measured with a questionnaire. AD was diagnosed by doctor at 1 year of age. Logistic regression analysis and Bayesian distributed lag interaction models were applied. Results: Higher PM2.5 during the first trimester of pregnancy, higher prenatal maternal anxiety, and male gender were associated with AD at 1 year of age (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] and 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.86 [1.08–3.19], 1.58 [1.01–2.47], and 1.54 [1.01–2.36], respectively). Higher PM2.5 during the first trimester and higher maternal anxiety during pregnancy showed an additive effect on the risk of AD (aOR: 3.13; 95% CI: 1.56–6.28). Among boys exposed to higher maternal anxiety during pregnancy, gestational weeks 5–8 were the critical period of PM2.5 exposure for the development of AD. Conclusions: Higher PM2.5 exposure during gestational weeks 5–8 increased the probability of AD in infancy, especially in boys with higher maternal anxiety. Avoiding PM2.5 exposure and maternal anxiety from the first trimester may prevent infant AD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The upper‐airway microbiota may be associated with the pathogenesis of asthma and useful for predicting acute exacerbation. However, the relationship between the lower‐airway microbiota and acute exacerbation in children with asthma is not well understood. We evaluated the characteristics of the airway microbiome using induced sputum from children with asthma exacerbation and compared the microbiota‐related differences of inflammatory cytokines with those in children with asthma. Methods: We analysed the microbiome using induced sputum during acute exacerbation of asthma in children. We identified microbial candidates that were prominent in children with asthma exacerbation and compared them with those in children with stable asthma using various analytical methods. The microbial candidates were analysed to determine their association with inflammatory cytokines. We also developed a predictive functional profile using PICRUSt. Results: A total of 95 children with allergic sensitisation including 22 with asthma exacerbation, 67 with stable asthma, and 6 controls were evaluated. We selected 26 microbial candidates whose abundances were significantly increased, decreased, or correlated during acute exacerbation in children with asthma. Among the microbial candidates, Campylobacter, Capnocytophaga, Haemophilus, and Porphyromonas were associated with inflammatory cytokines including macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)‐1β, programmed death‐ligand 1, and granzyme B. Both Campylobacter and MIP‐1β levels were correlated with sputum eosinophils. Increased lipopolysaccharide biosynthesis and decreased glycan degradation were observed in children with asthma exacerbation. Conclusion: Gram‐negative microbes in the lower airway were related to acute exacerbation in children with asthma. These microbes and associated cytokines may play a role in exacerbating asthma in children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Although atopic dermatitis (AD) is associated with certain gene variants, the rapidly increasing incidence of AD suggests that environmental factors contribute to disease development. In this study, we investigated the association of AD incidence and phenotype with antibiotic exposure within 6 months of age, considering the dose administered and genetic risk. Methods: This study included 1637 children from the COCOA cohort. Pediatric allergists assessed the presence of AD at each visit and obtained information about antibiotic exposure for more than 3 days. IL‐13 (rs20541) polymorphism was genotyped by the TaqMan method. We stratified the AD phenotypes into four groups and used multinomial logistic regression models for analysis. Results: Antibiotic exposure within 6 months of age was found to increase the risk of AD within 3 years of life (aOR = 1.40; 95% CI, 1.09–1.81) in dose‐dependent manner. Antibiotic exposure more than twice increased the risk of the early‐persistent AD phenotype (aOR = 2.50; 95% CI, 1.35–4.63). There was a weak interaction between genetic polymorphisms and environmental factors on the development of AD (p for interaction = 0.06). Children with the IL‐13 (rs20541) GA + AA genotype have a higher risk of the early‐persistent AD phenotype when exposed to antibiotics more than twice than those with the IL‐13 (rs20541) GG genotype and without exposure to antibiotics (aOR = 4.73; 95% CI, 2.01–11.14). Conclusion: Antibiotic exposure within 6 months was related to the incidence of early‐persistent AD and a dose‐dependent increase in the incidence of AD in childhood, whose effect was modified by the IL‐13 (rs20541) genotype. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim of this study was to examine whether higher skeletal muscle mass is associated with a metabolically healthy phenotype and whether muscle quality affects metabolic health.Methods: This cross-sectional analysis included 20,659 participants (7,966 women) who underwent abdominal computed tomography scans during health checkups. The total abdominal muscle area (TAMA) on the third lumbar vertebral level was demarcated. Intermuscular adipose tissue and skeletal muscle area were measured. The skeletal muscle area was divided into normal attenuation muscle area (NAMA) and low attenuation muscle area (LAMA). The NAMA/TAMA index was calculated. The metabolically unhealthy phenotype was defined as having two or more components of metabolic syndrome or the presence of hypertension or diabetes.Results: TAMA and skeletal muscle area were not significantly different or even lower in metabolically healthy phenotypes compared with metabolically unhealthy phenotypes. However, metabolically healthy phenotypes had significantly higher NAMA (except in women with obesity) and NAMA/TAMA index than in the metabolically unhealthy phenotypes. In people without obesity, lower NAMA/TAMA index was independently associated with higher risk of the metabolically unhealthy phenotype in the fully adjusted model.Conclusions: The metabolically healthy phenotypes had more good-quality muscles than did the metabolically unhealthy phenotypes. These results suggest that not only muscle mass but also muscle quality (i.e., degree of myosteatosis) are associated with metabolic health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Owing to the difficulties associated with conducting millimeter‐wave (mmWave) field measurements, especially in high‐speed train (HST) environments, most propagation channels for mmWave HST have been studied using methods based on simulation rather than measurement. In this study, considering a linear cell layout in which base stations are installed along a railway, measurements were performed at 28 GHz with a speed up to 170 km/h in two prevalent HST scenarios: viaduct and tunnel scenarios. By observing the channel impulse responses, we could identify single‐ and double‐bounced multipath components (MPCs) caused by railway static structures such as overhead line equipment. These MPCs affect the delay spread and Doppler characteristics significantly. Moreover, we observed distinct path loss behaviors for the two scenarios, although both are considered line‐of‐sight (LoS) scenarios. In the tunnel scenario, the path loss exponent (PLE) is 1.3 owing to the waveguide effect, which indicates that the path loss is almost constant with respect to distance. However, the LoS PLE in the viaduct scenario is 2.46, which is slightly higher than the free‐space loss. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: Patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC) treated with direct‐acting antivirals (DAAs) are still at risk for developing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) even after achieving sustained virologic response (SVR). Liver‐stiffness measurement (LSM) on imaging has been investigated as a predictor of HCC occurrence. Objectives: To provide systematic summary of the predictive value of LSM in predicting HCC occurrence in HCV patients treated with DAA. Methods: A comprehensive literature search of the PubMed–MEDLINE and EMBASE databases was performed to identify studies that evaluated the predictive value of LSM in CHC patients treated with DAAs. Pooled hazard ratio (HR) comparing HCC occurrence between patients with positive and negative results on LSM was calculated for all studies and various subgroups. Subgroup analyses and meta‐regression were performed. Results: A review of 135 candidate articles identified eight eligible articles with a total of 3398patients for qualitative review and meta‐analysis. The pooled HR for HCC occurrence determined by LSM was 3.43 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.63–7.19) with heterogeneity (I2 = 81.87%, P < 0.001), thus indicating that LSM might be helpful for predicting HCC occurrence. In subgroup analyses, pooled HRs were different according to the study design (2.29; [95% CI, 0.96–5.45] for retrospective studies; 4.61 [95% CI, 2.44–8.71] for prospective studies), study population (4.00 [95% CI, 2.00–7.99] for CHC; 2.64 [0.99–7.00] for CHC with liver cirrhosis) and LSM parameter (3.17 [95% CI, 1.35–7.41] for baseline LSM; 4.19 [95% CI, 1.89–9.29] for others). In multivariate meta‐regression, study design was the only influencing factor for pooled HR for HCC occurrence (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Consistent evidence demonstrated the predictive value of LSM for HCC occurrence in CHC patients treated with DAA. The significant influencing factor for risk of HCC occurrence indicated by LSM was study design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Linoleic acid (LA) is the major polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) in most Western foods. Although there is no direct evidence, it has been reported that the LA metabolite decreased in patients with AD due to impairment of the delta-6 desaturase activity involved in the conversion of LA to gamma linolenic acid.3 However, previous studies on the role of omega-6 PUFA supplementation in AD, commonly using evening primrose oil, have produced conflicting results.4 Among the functional fatty acids, LA is one of the most crucial metabolites produced from microbial sources, including I Bifidobacterium i and I Lactobacillus i . [Extracted from the article]

Measuring the diffraction loss for high frequencies, long distances, and large diffraction angles is difficult because of the high path loss. Securing a well‐controlled environment to avoid reflected waves also makes long‐range diffraction measurements challenging. Thus, the prediction of diffraction loss at millimeter‐wave frequency bands relies on theoretical models, such as the knife‐edge diffraction (KED) and geometrical theory of diffraction (GTD) models; however, these models produce different diffraction losses even under the same environment. Our observations revealed that the KED model underestimated the diffraction loss in a large Fresnel‐Kirchhoff diffraction parameter environment. We collected power‐delay profiles when millimeter waves propagated over a building rooftop at millimeter‐wave frequency bands and calculated the diffraction losses from the measurements while eliminating the multipath effects. Comparisons between the measurements and the KED and GTD diffraction‐loss models are shown. Based on the measurements, an approximation model is also proposed that provides a simple method for calculating the diffraction loss using geometrical parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Use of the Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System (LI-RADS) is increasing, but the reported results for interreader agreement seem quite variable.Purpose: To systematically determine the interreader agreement of LI-RADS on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and to determine the sources of heterogeneity between the reported results.Study Type: Systematic review and meta-analysis.Subjects: Fifteen original articles with 2968 lesions.Field Strength: 1.5T and 3.0T.Assessment: Two reviewers independently performed the data extraction. The reviewers identified and reviewed the original articles reporting the interreader agreement of LI-RADS using MRI.Statistical Tests: The meta-analytic pooled intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) for lesion size and kappa value (κ) for major features (arterial-phase hyperenhancement [APHE], nonperipheral washout [WO], enhancing capsule [EC]) and LI-RADS categorization (LR) were calculated using the random-effects model. Sensitivity analysis and meta-regression analysis were performed to explore the cause of study heterogeneity.Results: The meta-analytic pooled ICC of lesion size was 0.97 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.94-1.00). Meta-analytic pooled κ of APHE, WO, EC, and LR were 0.72 (95% CI, 0.62-0.82), 0.69 (95% CI, 0.60-0.78), 0.66 (95% CI, 0.58-0.74), and 0.70 (95% CI, 0.56-0.85), respectively. Substantial study heterogeneity was noted in all five variables (I2  ≥ 89.1%, P < 0.001). Study design, type, and clarity of blinding review were factors that significantly influenced study heterogeneity (P ≤ 0.05).Data Conclusion: LI-RADS demonstrated overall substantial interreader agreement for major features and the category on MRI, but showed heterogeneous results between studies.Level Of Evidence: 3 TECHNICAL EFFICACY STAGE: 2 J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2020;52:795-804. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Determining if a given patient with primary pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDA) has hepatic metastasis is important for treatment planning. Several previous studies reported on the diagnostic performance of MRI for liver metastasis in patients with PDA. But the reported data are quite variable.Purpose: To systematically determine the diagnostic performance of MRI for liver metastasis in patients with PDA, including comparing it with computed tomography (CT).Study Type: Systemic review and meta-analysis.Subjects: In all, 457 patients from five eligible articles.Field Strength/sequence: Conventional MR sequences with or without contrast enhancement at 1.5T and 3T.Assessment: Two reviewers independently performed the data extraction. The reviewers identified and reviewed the original articles reporting the diagnostic performance of MRI for liver metastases in patients with PDA, including those articles making comparisons with CT.Statistical Tests: Meta-analytic summary sensitivity and specificity were calculated on a per-patient basis using a bivariate random effects model. We compared the meta-analytic summary sensitivity and specificity between MRI and CT.Results: The meta-analytic summary sensitivity and specificity were 85% (95% confidence interval [CI], 74-92%; I2 = 0%) and 98% (95% CI, 78-100%; I2 = 85%), respectively. In comparison with CT, MRI showed a higher sensitivity (85% vs. 75%) but similar specificity (98% vs. 94%).Data Conclusion: MRI had good overall diagnostic performance for liver metastasis in patients with PDA, with a higher sensitivity than CT.Level Of Evidence: 3 Technical Efficacy: Stage 2 J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2020;51:1737-1744. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: The Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System (LI‐RADS) category M (LR‐M) was introduced to preserve the high specificity of LI‐RADS algorithm for diagnosing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We aimed to systematically determine the probability of the LR‐M for HCC and non‐HCC malignancy, and to determine the sources of heterogeneity between reported results. Methods: Original studies reporting the probability of LR‐M for HCC and non‐HCC malignancy on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were identified in MEDLINE and EMBASE. The meta‐analytic pooled percentages of HCC and non‐HCC in LR‐M were calculated. Meta‐regression analysis was performed to explore study heterogeneity. The meta‐analytic frequency of each LR‐M imaging feature was determined. Results: We found 10 studies reporting the diagnostic performance of LR‐M (1819 lesions in 1631 patients), and six reporting the frequency of LR‐M imaging features. The pooled percentages of HCC and non‐HCC malignancy for LR‐M were 28.2% (95% confidence interval [CI], 23.8%‐33.1%; I2 = 83%) and 69.6% (95% CI, 64.6%‐74.1%; I2 = 83%) respectively. The study type and MRI scanner field strength were significantly associated with study heterogeneity (P ≤.04). Of the seven imaging features, rim arterial phase hyperenhancement showed the highest frequency in both non‐HCC (48.9%; 95% CI, 43.0%‐54.8%) and HCC groups (9.8%; 95% CI, 6.9%‐13.6%). Conclusions: The LR‐M category most commonly included non‐HCC malignancy but also included 28.2% of HCC. Substantial study heterogeneity was noted, and it was significantly associated with study type and MRI scanner field strength. In addition, the frequency of LR‐M imaging features was variable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) using a gradient-recalled echo (GRE) or a recently available spin-echo echo-planar imaging (SE-EPI) sequence is a promising noninvasive method for measuring liver stiffness. However, it sometimes fails to measure stiffness values, thereby resulting in technical failures.Purpose: To assess and compare technical failures of MRE for measuring liver stiffness between GRE and SE-EPI sequences.Study Type: Systematic review and meta-analysis.Population: Eight studies with both GRE and SE-EPI, 22 studies with only GRE, one study with only SE-EPI.Field Strength/sequence: Either 1.5 or 3T MRE using GRE and/or SE-EPI.Assessment: Through an Ovid-MEDLINE and EMBASE database search, original articles investigating the proportion of MRE technical failures in the measurement of liver stiffness published up until October 2018 were screened and selected.Statistical Analysis: The pooled proportions of technical failures under GRE and SE-EPI were calculated using random-effects meta-analysis of single proportions and inverse variance for calculating weights. Subgroup analyses were performed to explore the covariates affecting heterogeneity. Head-to-head comparisons of technical failure between the sequences were conducted with eight MRE studies using both GRE and SE-EPI.Results: The pooled proportion of technical failure under GRE MRE was 5.8% (95% confidence interval [CI], 4.6-7.4%), and a subgroup analysis showed higher technical failure rates at 3T than at 1.5T. The pooled proportion of technical failure under SE-EPI MRE was 2.0% (95% CI, 1.3-3.4%), without significant differences (P = 0.38-0.89) being observed in the subgroup analyses. In the eight studies comparing the two sequences, failure was more frequently observed with GRE than with SE-EPI (9.4% vs. 1.9%; P < 0.01).Data Conclusion: MRE conducted with SE-EPI sequences showed a lower technical failure rate than GRE sequences. With GRE sequences, a magnetic field of 3T was associated with higher technical failure rates than was 1.5T.Level Of Evidence: 1 Technical Efficacy Stage: 3 J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2020;51:1086-1102. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Assuming omnidirectional antenna reception, the ITU‐R recently developed a new propagation model on building entry loss (BEL) for 5G millimeter‐wave frequency sharing and compatibility studies, which is a simplified outdoor‐to‐indoor path loss model. Considering the utilization of high‐gain narrow‐beamwidth beamforming, the omnidirectional‐based ITU‐R BEL model may not be appropriate to predict propagation characteristics for directional beamforming scenarios. This paper studies the effects of beamwidth on the ITU‐R BEL model. This study is based on field measurements collected with four different beamwidth antennas: omnidirectional, 10° horn, 30° horn, and 60° horn. The measurement campaigns were conducted at two types of building sites: traditional and thermally efficient buildings. These sites, as well as the measurement scenarios, were carefully chosen to comply with the ITU‐R BEL measurement guidelines and the ITU‐R building types. We observed the importance of accurate beam alignment from the BEL variation range. We were able to quantify the beamwidth dependency by fitting to a model that is inversely proportional to the beamwidth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Glutamate chemical exchange saturation transfer (GluCEST) imaging has been widely used in brain psychiatric disorders. Glutamate signal changes may help to evaluate the sleep-related disorders, and could be useful in diagnosis.Purpose: To evaluate signal changes in the hippocampus and cortex of a rat model of stress-induced sleep disturbance using GluCEST.Study Type: Prospective animal study.Animal Model: Fourteen male Sprague-Dawley rats.Field Strength/sequence: 7.0T small bore MRI / fat-suppressed, turbo-rapid acquisition with relaxation enhancement (RARE) for CEST, and spin-echo, point-resolved proton MR spectroscopy (1 H MRS).Assessment: Rats were divided into two groups: the stress-induced sleep-disturbance group (SSD, n = 7) and the control group (CTRL, n = 7), to evaluate and compare the cerebral glutamate signal changes. GluCEST data were quantified using a conventional magnetization transfer ratio asymmetry in the left- and right-side hippocampus and cortex. The correlation between GluCEST signal and glutamate concentrations, derived from 1 H MRS, was evaluated.Statistical Analysis: Wilcoxon rank-sum test between CEST signals and multiparametric MR signals, Wilcoxon signed-rank test between CEST signals on the left and right hemispheres, and a correlation test between CEST signals and glutamate concentrations derived from 1 H MRS.Results: Measured GluCEST signals showed significant differences between the two groups (left hippocampus; 4.23 ± 0.27% / 5.27 ± 0.42% [SSD / CTRL, P = 0.002], right hippocampus; 4.50 ± 0.44% / 5.04 ± 0.34% [P = 0.035], left cortex; 2.81 ± 0.38% / 3.56 ± 0.41% [P = 0.004], and right cortex; 2.95 ± 0.47% / 3.82 ± 0.26% [P = 0.003]). GluCEST signals showed positive correlation with glutamate concentrations (R2 = 0.312; P = 0.038).Data Conclusion: GluCEST allowed the visualization of cerebral glutamate changes in rats subjected to sleep disturbance, and may yield valuable insights for interpreting alterations in cerebral biochemical information.Level Of Evidence: 2 Technical Efficacy: Stage 2 J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019;50:1866-1872. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder characterized by defective skin barrier and Th2 immune responses. Chitinase 3‐like 1 (CHI3L1), also known as breast regression protein 39 (BRP‐39) in mice and human homologue YKL‐40, plays important roles in Th2 inflammation and allergen sensitization. CHI3L1 has been implicated in a variety of diseases including asthma characterized by inflammation, apoptosis and tissue remodelling, but its role in AD remains elusive. Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the role of CHI3L1 in the development and progression of AD. Results: We investigated YKL‐40 levels in the serum and skin of AD patients by ELISA and immunofluorescence, respectively. Using a murine model of AD induced by ovalbumin (OVA), we investigated Th2 immune responses, M2 macrophage activation and skin barrier gene expression using wild‐type (WT) and BRP‐39 null mutant (BRP‐39−/−) mice. YKL‐40 level was significantly increased in serum of AD patients. In addition, both mRNA and protein expression levels of BRP‐39 were higher in OVA‐sensitized WT mice than in control mice. OVA‐sensitized BRP‐39−/− mice showed decreased epidermal thickness, lower total serum IgE, Th2 cytokine levels and CD4+ effector T cell populations than OVA‐sensitized WT mice. Induction of BRP‐39 was dominant in dermal macrophages. BRP‐39 deficiency was found to be involved in M2 macrophage activation. Consistently, the YKL‐40 level in the skin of AD patients was higher than in normal subjects and it was expressed in dermal macrophages. BRP‐39 deficiency attenuated dysregulation of skin barrier and tight junction genes. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance: These findings demonstrate that CHI3L1 mediates the development of AD induced by OVA, affecting Th2 inflammation, M2 macrophage activation and skin barrier function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A self‐cleaning bar screen is often used in the first filtration level of a wastewater treatment plant to screen out solid debris from sewage water. The screening process of the bar screen was numerically investigated using the arbitrary Lagrangian–Eulerian method to model the fluid–structure interaction between the sewage water and bar screen. The bar screen design is improved by installing a rotating subscreen under the bar screen to prevent solid waste from passing through. The effects of bar screen on the water flow were examined using hydrodynamic properties. The structural properties were estimated to observe the effects of water flow on the parts of the bar screen. Various inlet flow rates and positions of subscreen and rake were used to examine their effects on velocity, pressure coefficient, structural deformation and von Mises stress. The screening process decreased with the increase in sewage flow rates. The water flow significantly affected the bar screen when the subscreen and rake are not in contact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Chitinase 3‐like 1 protein (CHI3L1) (YKL‐40 in humans and breast regression protein [BRP]‐39 in mice) is required for optimal allergen sensitization and Th2 inflammation in various chronic inflammatory diseases including asthma. However, the role of CHI3L1 in airway inflammation induced by respiratory viruses has not been investigated. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between CHI3L1 and airway inflammation caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection. Methods: We measured YKL‐40 levels in human nasopharyngeal aspirate (NPA) from hospitalized children presenting with acute respiratory symptoms. Wild‐type (WT) and BRP‐39 knockout (KO) C57BL/6 mice were inoculated with live RSV (A2 strain). Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and lung tissue samples were obtained on day 7 after inoculation to assess lung inflammation, airway reactivity, and expression of cytokines and BRP‐39. Results: In human subjects, YKL‐40 and IL‐13 levels in NPA were higher in children with RSV infection than in control subjects. Expression of BRP‐39 and Th2 cytokines, IL‐13 in particular, was increased following RSV infection in mice. Airway inflammation caused by RSV infection was reduced in BRP‐39 KO mice as compared to WT mice. Th2 cytokine levels were not increased in the lungs of RSV‐infected BRP‐39 KO mice. BRP‐39 regulated M2 macrophage activation in RSV‐infected mice. Additionally, treatment with anti‐CHI3L1 antibody attenuated airway inflammation and Th2 cytokine production in RSV‐infected WT mice. Conclusion: These findings suggest that CHI3L1 could contribute to airway inflammation induced by RSV infection. CHI3L1 could be a potential therapeutic candidate for attenuating Th2‐associated immunopathology during RSV infection. Respiratory syncytial virus infection induces increased expression of BRP‐39 by macrophages and epithelial cells that is related to Th2 inflammation. A lack of BRP‐39 attenuates RSV‐induced airway inflammation and IL‐13 responses. BRP‐39 is an important regulator of RSV infection and suggested as a potential therapeutic target for RSV‐related respiratory illness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Imaging studies, including computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and positron emission tomography (PET), have an essential role in the detection and localization of colorectal liver metastasis (CRLM).Purpose: To systematically determine the diagnostic accuracy of multidetector row CT (MDCT), gadoxetate disodium-enhanced MRI, and PET/CT for diagnosing CRLM and the sources of heterogeneity between the reported results.Study Type: Systematic review and meta-analysis.Subjects: In all, 2151 lesions in CT studies, 2301 lesions in MRI studies, 1846 lesions in PET/CT studies, FIELD STRENGTH: 1.5T and 3.0T.Assessment: We identified research studies that investigated MDCT, gadoxetate disodium-enhanced MRI, and PET/CT to diagnose CRLM by performing a systematic search of PubMed MEDLINE and EMBASE. Study quality was assessed using Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies (QUADAS-2).Statistical Tests: According to the types of imaging tests, study heterogeneity and the threshold effect were analyzed and the meta-analytic summary of sensitivity and specificity were estimated. Meta-regression analysis was performed to further investigate study heterogeneity.Results: Of the 860 articles screened, we found 36 studies from 24 articles reporting a diagnosis of CRLM (11 CT studies, 12 MRI studies, and 13 PET/CT studies). The meta-analytic summary sensitivity for CT, MRI, and PET/CT were 82.1% (95% confidence interval [CI], 74.0-88.1%), 93.1% (95% CI, 88.4-96.0%), and 74.1% (95% CI, 62.1-83.3%), respectively. The meta-analytic summary specificity for CT, MRI, and PET/CT were 73.5% (95% CI, 53.7-86.9%), 87.3% (95% CI, 77.5-93.2%), and 93.9% (95% CI, 83.9-97.8%), respectively. There was no threshold effect in any of the imaging tests. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy significantly decreased the sensitivity of CT and MRI (P < 0.01), although it did not significantly affect the sensitivity of PET/CT. The study design, type of reference standard, and study quality also affected the diagnostic performances of imaging studies.Data Conclusion: Despite the heterogeneous accuracy between studies, gadoxetate disodium-enhanced MRI showed the highest sensitivity, and gadoxetate disodium-enhanced MRI and PET/CT had similar specificities for diagnosing CRLM.Level Of Evidence: 3 Technical Efficacy: Stage 2 J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2018;47:1237-1250. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background: Tumor necrosis factor‐like weak inducer of apoptosis (TWEAK) is known to play a role in the pathogenesis of various inflammatory diseases. However, no study has been performed on childhood asthma. Methods: Ninety‐five children with asthma and 78 controls aged 5‐18 years were included. Sputum induction, pulmonary function test (PFT), and methacholine challenge test were performed. The subjects were divided into the eosinophilic airway (EA) and non‐EA (NEA) groups based on sputum analysis and into the high and low TWEAK groups according to the TWEAK cutoff level (263.0 pg/mL). TWEAK in induced sputum supernatant was measured through enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Results: Children with asthma had higher TWEAK levels than healthy controls (493.0 [157.1‐904.3] vs 118.2 (67.5‐345.5) pg/mL, P < .001). Sputum TWEAK levels were significantly correlated with PFT parameters reflecting airway obstruction. This association was particularly prominent in subjects with NEA inflammation. Significant differences in FEF25‐75 (maximum mid‐expiratory flow, % predicted; P = .017), AX (reactance area; P < .001), R5‐R20 (difference between resistance at 5 and 20 Hz; P = .025), and X5 (reactance at 5 Hz, % predicted; P < .001) were noted between the high and low TWEAK groups within the NEA group. Sputum TWEAK level also showed significant positive correlations with asthma severity (r = .358, P = .001) and control status (r = .470, P < .001), distinctively in subjects with NEA inflammation. Conclusions: Airway TWEAK may play a role in small airway inflammation especially in children with non‐eosinophilic asthma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: We aimed to determine the value of contrast-enhanced sonography (CEUS) with Sonazoid prior to percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of small (<3 cm) hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).Methods: This prospective study was approved by our institutional review board and informed consent was obtained. The following criteria were used for study enrollment: (1) cirrhotic patients with HCCs found by contrast-enhanced CT or Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI; (2) a single HCC <3 cm in longest diameter or multinodular HCCs (<3) with each tumor <3 cm in longest diameter; and (3) indeterminate identification of the index tumor from the surrounding cirrhosis-related pseudolesions on conventional US. Percutaneous RFA was performed under the guidance of CEUS with Sonazoid. The value of CEUS in index tumor detection and targeting was compared with that of concurrently performed conventional US.Results: A total of 38 patients with 43 HCCs (mean size, 1.6 cm; range, 0.5-2.9 cm) were enrolled. The vascular phase of Sonazoid-enhanced ultrasonography showed good tumor enhancement in 30/43 HCCs (70%). The Kupffer phase increased lesion conspicuity and operator's diagnostic confidence in 29 patients with 31 HCCs (31/43, 72%) compared with conventional US.Conclusions: CEUS with Sonazoid is useful for detection and targeting of small HCC prior to RFA. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 45:383-390, 2017. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background We aimed to systematically review observational studies investigating the relationship between vitamin D levels and allergic rhinitis ( AR). Methods Studies were selected if they evaluated the relationship between vitamin D levels and AR, and included studies that evaluated other allergic conditions if those studies also contained data on AR. We assessed the incidence and prevalence of AR according to vitamin D levels and compared vitamin D levels in patients with AR to levels in controls. Results Nineteen studies were selected. Of these, only seven focused solely on AR; 10 studies evaluated the other allergic diseases as well as AR; and two studies evaluated asthma primarily, but also included data on patients with AR. The pooled odds ratios ( ORs) for the incidence of AR according to vitamin D levels were not statistically significant for either children or adults. Lower vitamin D levels were associated with a higher AR prevalence only in children (pooled OR [95% confidence interval ( CI)], 0.75 [0.58, 0.98]). The pooled mean vitamin D level in patients with AR was lower than that of controls only in children (pooled means difference [95% CI], −7.63 [−13.08, −2.18]). Conclusions Prior vitamin D levels were not related to developing AR, but lower vitamin D levels were associated with a higher AR prevalence only in children. There is insufficient evidence to support vitamin D supplementation for AR prevention. However, physicians should consider evaluating patients for vitamin D deficiency during AR management, especially in children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) is a promising tool for evaluating tumor vascularity, as it can provide vasculature-derived, functional, and quantitative parameters. To implement DCE-MRI parameters as biomarkers for monitoring the effect of antiangiogenic or vascular-disrupting treatment, two crucial elements of surrogate endpoint, ie, validation and qualification, should be satisfied. Although early studies have shown the accuracy and reliability of DCE-MRI parameters for evaluating treatment-driven vascular alterations, there have been an increasing number of studies demonstrating the limitations of DCE-MRI parameters as surrogate endpoints. Therefore, in order to improve the application of DCE-MRI parameters in drug development, it is necessary to establish a standardized evaluation method and to determine the correct therapeutics-oriented meaning of individual DCE-MRI parameter. In this regard, this article describes the biophysical background and data acquisition/analysis techniques of DCE-MRI while focusing on the validation and qualification issues. Specifically, the causes of disagreement and confusion encountered in the preclinical and clinical trials using DCE-MRI are presented in detail. Finally, considering these limitations, we present potential strategies to optimize implementation of DCE-MRI. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2016;44:251-264. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, seven quenchers (derived from either anthraquinone, phthalimidylazo, or dipyrromethene chromophores) were prepared as candidates for additives to suppress fluorescence in blue colour filters and thus improve their contrast ratio. To reduce fluorescence effectively, quenchers must have typical properties such as spectral compatibility by which the absorbance spectrum of the quencher overlaps the fluorescence emission spectrum, exhibit high molar extinction coefficients, and exert little influence on the colour of the blue filter. The seven quenchers possessed absorption maxima of approximately 570-620 nm and reduced fluorescence (by more than 24%). Those quenchers tested in filter coatings increased their contrast ratios by about 50%. They thus effectively quenched fluorescence of the blue filter but without greatly affecting the chromaticity coordinates of the filters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context The increase in thyroid screening in the general population may lead to earlier detection of medullary thyroid carcinoma ( MTC). Objective We aimed to evaluate secular trends in clinicopathological characteristics and long-term prognosis of MTC and its prognostic factors. Design This was a retrospective analysis from 1982 to 2012. Patients Three hundred and thirty-one patients with MTC were included and grouped based on the year of diagnosis (1982-2000, 2001-2005, 2006-2010 and 2011-2012). Measurements These included recurrence and mortality as well as biochemical remission ( BCR) of serum calcitonin. Results Mean tumour size (from 2·5 cm to 1·7 cm, P < 0·001) and percentage of extrathyroidal extension (from 52·0% to 26·0%, P = 0·026) decreased. The percentage of patients achieving BCR within six postoperative months (po- BCR) increased with time (from 39·6% to 76·1%, P < 0·001). The 5-year overall recurrence rate significantly decreased in 2006-2012 compared to 1982-2005 (10% vs 18%, respectively, P = 0·031), although the 5-year survival rate did not improve (92% vs 92%, P = 0·929). Failure to achieve po- BCR was the strongest predictive factor associated with recurrence (hazard ratio [ HR] = 58·04, 95% CI 7·14-472·11; P < 0·001). Male gender ( HR = 3·18, 95% CI 1·18-8·56; P = 0·022), tumour size >2 cm ( HR = 18·33, 95% CI 2·35-143·06; P = 0·006) and distant metastasis ( HR = 4·00, 95% CI 1·31-12·21; P = 0·015) were significant prognostic factors for mortality. Conclusions Clinicopathological characteristics and recurrence of MTC improved with time. Po- BCR was the best predictive factor for recurrence-free survival. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Purpose: The anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects of macrolides include the ability to decrease mucus secretion and inhibit inflammatory mediators in chronic rhinosinusitis. Nevertheless, their mechanisms of action remain to be determined. Here we have investigated the effects of macrolide antibiotics (clarithromycin, azithromycin and josamycin; representating the 14-, 15- and 16-membered macrolides) on endogenous steroids in human sinonasal epithelial cells and mouse nasal mucosa.Experimental Approach: The effects of macrolides on the expression of steroid-converting enzymes [11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (11β-HSD1 and 11β-HSD2)], steroid-synthesizing enzymes (3β-HSD, CYP21, CYP11B1 and CYP11A1) and cortisol levels were assessed in cultured human epithelial cells. In control and adrenalectomized mice , these enzymes and corticosterone levels were evaluated in nasal mucosa and serum after administration of macrolides.Key Results: The expression levels of 3β-HSD, CYP21, 11β-HSD1 and CYP11B1 increased in human epithelial cells treated with clarithromycin and azithromycin, whereas the expression levels of 11β-HSD2 and CYP11A1 were not affected. Josamycin had no effects on the expression of these enzymes. Cortisol levels increased in epithelial cells treated with clarithromycin or azithromycin. The expression of 3β-HSD, CYP11A1, CYP21, CYP11B1 and 11β-HSD1 was upregulated in nasal mucosa of mice treated with clarithromycin or azithromycin, but not in adrenalectomized mice.Conclusions and Implications: This study provides evidence that 14- and 15-membered macrolide antibiotics may affect the expression of steroid-synthesizing and steroid-converting enzymes in human sinonasal epithelial cells and mouse nasal mucosa, increasing the endogenous cortisol levels in sinonasal mucosa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The aim of this study was to investigate the risk factors for second primary malignancy ( SPM) diagnosed after differentiated thyroid cancer ( DTC). Methods A total of 2468 DTC patients who underwent thyroidectomy were reviewed. SPM was defined as a non-thyroidal malignancy, diagnosed at least 1 year after the diagnosis of thyroid cancer. Patients were divided into five groups according to cumulative 131I dose: very high-activity (≥37·0 GBq), high-activity (22·3-36·9 GBq), intermediate-activity (5·56-22·2 GBq), low-activity (1·1-5·55 GBq) and no RAI. Results Among the 2468 patients, 61 (2·5%) had SPMs during 7·0 (1·0-33·0) years of median follow-up. Age above 40 years, male sex and very high-activity RAI were independent risk factors for the development of SPM. SPM-related mortality was highest in the very high-activity group, while DTC-related mortality was highest in the high-activity group. The overall mortality both from SPM and DTC was highest in the high-activity group. Conclusion A cumulative 131I dose <37·0 GBq did not increase the risk of SPM. A cumulative 131I dose ≥37·0 GBq increased the risk of SPM and SPM-related mortality and decreased the DTC-specific mortality, resulting in a similar all-cause mortality compared with the low-activity RAI group. Using repeated high-dose RAI for treating RAI-responsive but persistent DTC patients needs careful consideration of the individual benefits from RAI vs the risk of developing SPM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The nervous system plays critical roles in the stress response. Animals can survive and function under harsh conditions, and resist and recover from injuries because neurons perceive and respond to various stressors through specific regulatory mechanisms. Caenorhabditis elegans has served as an excellent model to discover fundamental mechanisms underlying the neuronal response to stress. The basic physiological processes that C. elegans exhibits under stress conditions are similar to those observed in higher organisms. Many molecular pathways activated by environmental and cellular stresses are also conserved. In this review, we summarize major findings in examining neuronal responses to hypoxia, oxidative stress, osmotic stress, and traumatic injury. These studies from C. elegans have provided novel insights into our understanding of neuronal responses to stress at the molecular, cellular, and circuit levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Atypia or follicular lesions of undetermined significance ( AUS/ FLUS) is a broad cytological category in the Bethesda system for classifying thyroid cytology. This study investigated the diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound ( US) analysis of thyroid nodules with AUS/ FLUS. Patients and Methods Of 5062 subjects with nodules subjected to fine-needle aspiration cytology ( FNACs) at our institution from January 2010 through May 2012, 383 met the Bethesda criteria for AUS/ FLUS. After excluding subjects who had a history of thyroid cancer, who only underwent repeat FNA or who underwent no further examinations, we selected 249 subjects who had subsequently undergone a core-needle biopsy and/or surgery. Of these, 100 were found to have malignant nodules (40·2%), 122 had benign nodules (49%), and 27 had nodules with indeterminate status (10·8%). We compared specific US parameters, including size, location, content, shape, margin, echogenicity, echotexture and calcification across these subject groups. Results Multivariate analysis revealed that malignancy was associated with taller-than-wide shape ( TDW) ( OR = 8·43, P = 0·002), ill-defined margin ( OR = 3·23, P = 0·002) and marked hypoechogenicity. ( OR = 3·61, P = 0·001). The specificity and positive predictive values of TDW were 98% and 90·6%,respectively. The specificity and positive predictive values of ' TDW and marked hypoechogenicity' were both 100%. Conclusion US findings play a complementary role in the diagnosis of thyroid nodules with AUS/ FLUS. In case of highly suspicious US findings such as ' TDW and marked hypoechogenicity', could be very helpful in the diagnosis of malignancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim Asthma is a heterogeneous and complex chronic inflammatory disease of the airways. Asthma can be classified as eosinophilic asthma ( EA) or noneosinophilic asthma ( NEA). We investigated whether children with EA manifest different clinical characteristics than those with NEA. Methods We enrolled 288 steroid-naive asthmatic children and classified them, based on the cell counts in induced sputum, into EA (158 children) and NEA (89 children) groups. Results No significant differences were observed between the groups with regard to age, sex, family history of atopy, secondary smoking or asthma exacerbations. Moderate-to-severe asthma was more frequent in the EA group than in the NEA group. Blood eosinophil counts and serum eosinophil cationic protein were higher in EA patients than in NEA patients. The forced expiratory volume in 1 sec was lower in children with EA than in those with NEA (% of predicted value, 88.6 ± 18.5 vs. 93.6 ± 15.6, p < 0.05). The sputum eosinophil (in EA) and neutrophil (in NEA) counts increased with increasing asthma severity. Conclusion Airway inflammation, especially eosinophilic inflammation, was associated with asthma severity and reduced pulmonary function in children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]