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Background: Thymic cysts are a rare benign disease that needs to be distinguished from low-risk thymoma. [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) is a non-invasive imaging technique used in the differential diagnosis of thymic epithelial tumours, but its usefulness for thymic cysts remains unclear. Our study evaluated the utility of visual findings and quantitative parameters of [18F]FDG PET/CT for differentiating between thymic cysts and low-risk thymomas. Methods: Patients who underwent preoperative [18F]FDG PET/CT followed by thymectomy for a thymic mass were retrospectively analyzed. The visual [18F]FDG PET/CT findings evaluated were PET visual grade, PET central metabolic defect, and CT shape. The quantitative [18F]FDG PET/CT parameters evaluated were PET maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax), CT diameter (cm), and CT attenuation in Hounsfield units (HU). Findings and parameters for differentiating thymic cysts from low-risk thymomas were assessed using Pearson's chi-square test, the Mann-Whitney U-test, and receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve analysis. Results: Seventy patients (18 thymic cysts and 52 low-risk thymomas) were finally included. Visual findings of PET visual grade (P < 0.001) and PET central metabolic defect (P < 0.001) showed significant differences between thymic cysts and low-risk thymomas, but CT shape did not. Among the quantitative parameters, PET SUVmax (P < 0.001), CT diameter (P < 0.001), and CT HU (P = 0.004) showed significant differences. In ROC analysis, PET SUVmax demonstrated the highest area under the curve (AUC) of 0.996 (P < 0.001), with a cut-off of equal to or less than 2.1 having a sensitivity of 100.0% and specificity of 94.2%. The AUC of PET SUVmax was significantly larger than that of CT diameter (P = 0.009) and CT HU (P = 0.004). Conclusions: Among the [18F]FDG PET/CT parameters examined, low FDG uptake (SUVmax ≤ 2.1, equal to or less than the mediastinum) is a strong diagnostic marker for a thymic cyst. PET visual grade and central metabolic defect are easily accessible findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT) with [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-TATE has shown efficacy in patients with metastatic neuroendocrine tumours (NETs). Personalised dosimetry is crucial to optimise treatment outcomes and minimise adverse events. In this study, we investigated the correlation between the tumour-absorbed dose (TAD) estimated from [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-TATE SPECT/CT and the therapeutic response. Method: A retrospective analysis was conducted on patients with advanced well-differentiated NETs grades 1–3 who underwent PRRT and exhibited greater uptake than liver on pre-therapeutic [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-TOC PET/CT. Target lesions were selected based on the RECIST 1.1 and PERCIST 1.0 criteria using [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-TATE SPECT/CT and pre-therapeutic contrast-enhanced CT scans. For anatomical image analysis, the sum of the longest diameter (SLD) of the target lesions was measured using the RECIST 1.1 criteria for patient-based analysis and the longest diameter (LD) of the target lesion using the RECIST-L criteria for lesion-based analysis. Standardised uptake values (SUVs) were measured on SPECT/CT images, and TADs were calculated based on the SUVs. Dosimetry was performed using a single SPECT/CT imaging time point at day 4–5 post-therapy. Statistical analyses were conducted to investigate correlations and determine the target lesion responses. Results: Twenty patients with primary tumour sites and hepatic metastases were included. Fifty-five target lesions, predominantly located in the pancreas and liver, were analysed. The cumulative TAD (lesion-based analysis: r = 0.299–0.301, p = 0.025–0.027), but not the cycle 1 SUV (lesion-based analysis: r = 0.198–0.206, p = 0.131–0.147) or cycle 1 TAD (lesion-based analysis: r = 0.209–0.217, p = 0.112–0.126), exhibited a significant correlation with the change in LD of the target lesion. Binary logistic regression analysis identified the significance of the cumulative TAD in predicting disease control according to the RECIST-L criteria (odds ratio = 1.031–1.051, p = 0.024–0.026). Conclusions: The cumulative TAD estimated from [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-TATE SPECT/CT revealed a significant correlation with change in LD, which was significantly higher for the cumulative TAD than for the cycle 1 SUV or TAD. A higher cumulative TAD was associated with disease control in the target lesion. However, considering the limitations inherent to a confined sample size, careful interpretation of these findings is required. Estimation of the cumulative TAD of [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-TATE therapy could guide the platform towards personalised therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The increased expression of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) in muscle denervation is thought to be associated with electrophysiological acetylcholine supersensitivity after nerve injury. Hence, we investigated the utility of the 18F-ASEM alpha7-nAChR targeting radiotracer as a new diagnostic method by visualizing skeletal muscle denervation in mouse models of sciatic nerve injury. Methods: Ten-week-old C57BL/6 male mice were utilized. The mice were anesthetized, and the left sciatic nerve was resected after splitting the gluteal muscle. One week (n = 11) and three weeks (n = 6) after the denervation, 18F-ASEM positron emission tomography/magnetic resonance imaging (PET/MRI) was acquired. Maximum standardized uptake values (SUVmax) of the tibialis anterior muscle were measured for the denervated side and the control side. Autoradiographic evaluation was performed to measure the mean counts of the denervated and control tibialis anterior muscles at one week. In addition, immunohistochemistry was used to identify alpha7-nAChR-positive areas in denervated and control tibialis anterior muscles at one week (n = 6). Furthermore, a blocking study was conducted with methyllycaconitine (MLA, n = 5). Results: 18F-ASEM PET/MRI showed significantly increased 18F-ASEM uptake in the denervated tibialis anterior muscle relative to the control side one week and three weeks post-denervation. SUVmax of the denervated muscles at one week and three weeks showed significantly higher uptake than the control (P = 0.0033 and 0.0277, respectively). The relative uptake by autoradiography for the denervated muscle was significantly higher than in the control, and immunohistochemistry revealed significantly greater alpha7-nAChR expression in the denervated muscle (P = 0.0277). In addition, the blocking study showed no significant 18F-ASEM uptake in the denervated side when compared to the control (P = 0.0796). Conclusions: Our results suggest that nAChR imaging with 18F-ASEM has potential as a noninvasive diagnostic method for peripheral nervous system disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, untethered nanotextured thermopneumatic soft actuators (UTPSAs) were developed using a soft elastomer body encapsulating a volatile fluid (Novec 7000), which underwent a phase change (evaporation) when stimuli that convert energy into heat were applied using wireless transmission. Herein, we analyzed three types of stimuli: (i) thermal blowing, (ii) irradiation with infrared light, and (iii) electromagnetic energy transmission. In the third case, an electromagnetic field induced an electric current in a wire coil embedded in an elastomeric body, thus providing Joule heating to induce fluid evaporation. The bending curvature and force generated during bending were examined under various operational conditions, which enable one to select the optimal operating mechanism of UTPSAs for a specific environment. Specifically, diverse operating capabilities of UTPSAs are expected to be useful in dynamic environments, e.g., rescue situations. In addition, as a potential application, a crawler-configured UTPSA was fabricated, and its operation was demonstrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present work, aqueous solutions of NaPAA [poly (sodium acrylate)] or PAA [polyacrylic acid] are used as the coolants for a dental handpiece to evaluate their suppressive effect on the aerosolization and bacteria (Staphylococcus epidermidis) transmission in an actual dental environment. Both polymer solutions significantly suppressed the formation of aerosols (<50 μm) and droplets (50–100 μm). The suppression effect was stronger at higher concentrations. The 10 and 20 wt. % of viscous Newtonian solutions of low-molecular weight NaPAA were much less effective in disintegration suppression than the viscoelastic 1 and 2 wt. % PAA solutions. The latter was capable of complete suppression of disintegration, forming instead long liquid threads attached to the rotating bur and settling down underneath. The suppression efficiency of the 2 wt. % PAA solution stems from significant elastic forces in it which prevent drop detachment. In the case of water used as a coolant, the bacterial spread was observed through aerosol, droplets, and splatter. The bacterial spread by large splatters was inversely proportional to the distance from the rotating bur. The spread of aerosols significantly occurred in the direction that the handpiece was facing, and multiple airborne aerosols settled on the wall rather than on the floor. On the other hand, the viscoelastic aqueous 2 wt. % PAA solution suppressed bacterial spread, regardless of the distance or direction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Animal models have been utilized to understand the pathogenesis of Zellweger spectrum disorders (ZSDs); however, the link between clinical manifestations and molecular pathways has not yet been clearly established. We generated peroxin 5 homozygous mutant zebrafish (pex5−/−) to gain insight into the molecular pathogenesis of peroxisome dysfunction. pex5−/− display hallmarks of ZSD in humans and die within one month after birth. Fasting rapidly depletes lipids and glycogen in pex5−/− livers and expedites their mortality. Mechanistically, deregulated mitochondria and mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling act together to induce metabolic alterations that deplete hepatic nutrients and accumulate damaged mitochondria. Accordingly, chemical interventions blocking either the mitochondrial function or mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1) or a combination of both improve the metabolic imbalance shown in the fasted pex5−/− livers and extend the survival of animals. In addition, the suppression of oxidative stress by N-acetyl L-cysteine (NAC) treatment rescued the apoptotic cell death and early mortality observed in pex5−/−. Furthermore, an autophagy activator effectively ameliorated the early mortality of fasted pex5−/−. These results suggest that fasting may be detrimental to patients with peroxisome dysfunction, and that modulating the mitochondria, mTORC1, autophagy activities, or oxidative stress may provide a therapeutic option to alleviate the symptoms of peroxisomal diseases associated with metabolic dysfunction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Primary mediastinal germ cell tumor (MGCT) is an uncommon tumor. Although it has histology similar to that of gonadal germ cell tumor (GCT), the prognosis for MGCT is generally worse than that for gonadal GCT. We performed visual assessment and quantitative analysis of [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography ([18F]FDG PET/CT) for MGCTs. A total of 35 MGCT patients (age = 33.1 ± 16.8 years, F:M = 16:19) who underwent preoperative PET/CT were retrospectively reviewed. The pathologic diagnosis of MGCTs identified 24 mature teratomas, 4 seminomas, 5 yolk sac tumors, and 2 mixed germ cell tumors. Visual assessment was performed by categorizing the uptake intensity, distribution, and contour of primary MGCTs. Quantitative parameters including the maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax), tumor-to-background ratio (TBR), metabolic tumor volume (MTV), total lesion glycolysis (TLG), and maximum diameter were compared between benign and malignant MGCTs. On visual assessment, the uptake intensity was the only significant parameter for differentiating between benign and malignant MGCTs (p = 0.040). In quantitative analysis, the SUVmax (p < 0.001), TBR (p < 0.001), MTV (p = 0.033), and TLG (p < 0.001) showed significantly higher values for malignant MGCTs compared with benign MGCTs. In receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis of these quantitative parameters, the SUVmax had the highest area under the curve (AUC) (AUC = 0.947, p < 0.001). Furthermore, the SUVmax could differentiate between seminomas and nonseminomatous germ cell tumors (p = 0.042) and reflect serum alpha fetoprotein (AFP) levels (p = 0.012). The visual uptake intensity and SUVmax on [18F]FDG PET/CT showed discriminative ability for benign and malignant MGCTs. Moreover, the SUVmax may associate with AFP levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cooling liquids used in ultrasonic scalers are aerosolized into droplets. Larger droplets splatter over dental practitioners and patients, and small aerosols become airborne, posing a health threat to people in the surrounding area if a patient is infected by viral or bacterial infections. Polyacrylic acid (PAA), polyethylene glycol (PEG), and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) can efficiently cool teeth and suppress aerosolization owing to their rheological properties, with PAA being the superior viscoelastic suppressant. Although the solutions of PEG and PVP studied here are also efficient in suppressing aerosol formation, their high viscosity may hinder their supply to the dental tools because of high viscous dissipation. The rheological behavior of PAA, PEG, and PVP is studied in the uniaxial elongational flow in self-thinning capillary threads. Then, the behavior of these solutions in an ultrasonic scaler in dental practice is explored. In particular, the aerosolization phenomena and the corresponding aerosol size distributions and droplet trajectories are studied and compared. The tooth temperature is found to be similar to that of water when these polymer solutions are used. The dispersion of the aerosolized droplets is qualitatively demonstrated by performing scaling using model teeth on a phantom mannequin face. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to clarify the relationship between the mandibular posterior anatomic limit (MPAL) and skeletal anteroposterior and vertical skeletal patterns, with consideration of factors that may be related. In total, 230 people were included: 49 Japanese, 122 Egyptian, and 59 Korean people. The MPAL was measured at 0, 2, 4, and 6 mm from the root furcation along the sagittal and cuspal lines at the distance from the distal root of the mandibular right second molar to the mandibular cortex of the lingual bone. Eight different MPALs were evaluated using multiple regression analysis with explanatory variables for anteroposterior and vertical skeletal patterns and qualitative variables for age, sex, population, the presence of third molars, number of roots, presence of C-shaped roots, and Angle malocclusion classification. The MPAL was significantly larger as the mandibular plane angle decreased. The MPAL near the root apex was significantly larger as the A-nasion-point B angle increased, and the MPAL near the root apex measured at the cuspal line was significantly larger for C-type roots. The present study showed that a C-shaped root affected the MPAL in addition to the anteroposterior and vertical skeletal patterns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aerosolized droplets are produced en masse in dental practices; these aerosols disperse in the surrounding space, posing a health threat if the patient is infected with a transmittable disease, particularly COVID-19. Here, a viscoelastic polyacrylic acid (PAA) solution was used to minimize liquid aerosolization and limit the travel distance of aerosols. The PAA concentration was varied to evaluate its effect on aerosolization and droplet size resulting from procedures using dental handpieces, which include tooth cutting, grinding, and polishing. In addition, a thermocouple was inserted at the center of the model tooth to measure its temperature during a handpiece operation. The temperature data suggest that the cooling performance of the PAA solution is comparable to that of pure water in operations in the occlusal and facial directions. The PAA solution droplets splattered on the patient's facial area during the handpiece operation are markedly larger than those of pure water, which is evidence of the settling of the PAA droplets, preventing further transmission. Accordingly, the travel distance of the aerosolized PAA droplets was limited by viscoelastic resistance to droplet detachment. This comparison of the aerosol suppression capability between water and PAA solutions confirms the benefit of using viscoelastic solutions for various dental operations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: We aimed to evaluate the diagnostic ability for the prediction of histologic grades and prognostic values on recurrence and death of pretreatment 2-[18F]FDG PET/CT in patients with resectable thymic epithelial tumours (TETs). Methods: One hundred and fourteen patients with TETs who underwent pretreatment 2-[18F]FDG PET/CT between 2012 and 2018 were retrospectively evaluated. TETs were classified into three histologic subtypes: low-risk thymoma (LRT, WHO classification A/AB/B1), high-risk thymoma (HRT, B2/B3), and thymic carcinoma (TC). Area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUC) was used to assess the diagnostic performance of PET/CT variables (maximum standardised uptake value [SUVmax], metabolic tumour volume [MTV], total lesion glycolysis [TLG], maximum diameter). Cox proportional hazards models were built using PET/CT and clinical variables. Results: The tumours included 52 LRT, 33 HRT, and 29 TC. SUVmax showed good diagnostic ability for differentiating HRT/TC from LRT (AUC 0.84, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.76 − 0.92) and excellent ability for differentiating TC from LRT/HRT (AUC 0.94, 95% CI 0.90 − 0.98), with significantly higher values than MTV, TLG, and maximum diameter. With an optimal cut-off value of 6.4, the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy for differentiating TC from LRT/HRT were 69%, 96%, and 89%, respectively. In the multivariable Cox proportional hazards analyses for freedom-from-recurrence, SUVmax was an independent prognostic factor (p < 0.001), whereas MTV and TLG were not. SUVmax was a significant predictor for overall survival in conjunction with clinical stage and resection margin. Conclusion: SUVmax showed excellent diagnostic performance for prediction of TC and significant prognostic value in terms of recurrence and survival. Key Points: • Maximum standardised uptake value (SUVmax) shows excellent performance in the differentiation of thymic carcinoma from low- and high-risk thymoma. • SUVmax is an independent prognostic factor for freedom-from-recurrence in the multivariable Cox proportional hazard model and a significant predictor for overall survival. • 2-[18F]FDG PET/CT can provide a useful diagnostic and prognostic imaging biomarker in conjunction with histologic classification and stage and help choose appropriate management for thymic epithelial tumours. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Somatostatin analogues have recently been used as therapeutic targets for metastatic or surgically unresectable gastroenteropancreatic (GEP) neuroendocrine tumors (NETs), and associated somatostatin receptor (SSTR) expression has been well demonstrated in most GEP NETs, with the exception of rectal NETs. SSTR2 immunohistochemical expressions were evaluated in 350 surgically or endoscopically resected rectal NETs and compared to clinicopathologic factors. SSTR2 expression was observed in 234 (66.9%) rectal NET cases and associated tumors with smaller size (p = 0.001), low pT classification (p = 0.030), low AJCC tumor stage (p = 0.012), and absence of chromogranin expression (p = 0.009). Patients with rectal NET and SSTR2 expression had significantly better overall survival than those without SSTR2 expression both by univariable (p = 0.006) and multivariable (p = 0.014) analyses. In summary, approximately two-thirds of rectal NETs expressed SSTR2. SSTR2 expression was significantly associated with favorable behavior and good overall survival in patients with rectal NETs. Furthermore, SSTR2 expression can be used as prognostic factors. When metastatic disease occurs, SSTR2 expression can be used a possible target for somatostatin analogues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Lanreotide is a long-acting somatostatin analogue with proven antitumour effects against well-differentiated (WD) gastroenteropancreatic-neuroendocrine tumours (GEP-NETs). However, there are no globally established prognostic factors associated with the efficacy of lanreotide as a treatment for GEP-NETs. We investigated the prognostic value of [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-TOC positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) somatostatin receptor imaging for patients with WD GEP-NETs treated with lanreotide. Methods: In this retrospective study, we included 31 patients with unresectable or metastatic WD GEP-NETs who received lanreotide and underwent [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-TOC PET/CT before receiving lanreotide. We captured the following clinicopathological variables: Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status, primary tumour site, NET World Health Organization grade, existence of carcinoid symptoms, previous surgery, previous chemotherapy, and hepatic tumour volume assessed by CT or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We also assessed the following [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-TOC PET/CT variables: Krenning score, tumour-to-liver ratio (TLR), maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax), whole tumour volume (WTV), and total receptor expression (TRE, WTV multiplied by SUVmean). The associations between these markers and progression-free survival (PFS) with lanreotide were analysed. Results: The mean age was 55.1 ± 15.5 years (range 16.0–81.0). The most common primary tumour site was the pancreas, followed by the stomach, and rectum. The median PFS interval with lanreotide was 14.4 months (range 1.3–34.9), with identified disease progression in 20 patients (64.5%). Among the [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-TOC PET/CT variables, TLR (< 8.1 vs. ≥ 8.1; p = 0.013), SUVmax (< 42.9 vs. ≥ 42.9; p = 0.037), and WTV (≥ 58.9 cm3 vs. < 58.9 cm3; p = 0.030) were significantly associated with PFS in the univariate analyses, but only TLR (hazard ratio 3.182 [95% CI 1.189–8.514], p = 0.021) remained an independent factor for PFS in the multivariate analysis. Conclusions: Low TLR, determined via [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-TOC PET/CT, can be a factor of worse prognosis in patients with advanced WD GEP-NETs treated with lanreotide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Slc25a17 is known as a peroxisomal solute carrier, but the in vivo role of the protein has not been demonstrated. We found that the zebrafish genome contains two slc25a17 genes that function redundantly, but additively. Notably, peroxisome function in slc25a17 knockdown embryos is severely compromised, resulting in an altered lipid composition. Along the defects found in peroxisome‐associated phenotypic presentations, we highlighted that development of the swim bladder is also highly dependent on Slc25a17 function. As Slc25a17 showed substrate specificity towards coenzyme A (CoA), injecting CoA, but not NAD+, rescued the defective swim bladder induced by slc25a17 knockdown. These results indicated that Slc25a17 acts as a CoA transporter, involved in the maintenance of functional peroxisomes that are essential for the development of multiple organs during zebrafish embryogenesis. Given high homology in protein sequences, the role of zebrafish Slc25a17 may also be applicable to the mammalian system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A quasi-one-dimensional model was developed to describe a swirling, thin, liquid film inside nozzles. • The model quantifies the effects of swirl strength, Reynolds and Weber numbers on the film thickness. • The effect of the nozzle geometry on film thickness is explored. A quasi-one-dimensional model was developed to describe a swirling, thin, liquid film inside nozzles with different wall profiles. The model quantifies the effects of swirl strength, initial film thickness, and Reynolds and Weber numbers on the film thickness along the nozzle surface. Moreover, the model allows for a rapid (at least, qualitative) evaluation of different effects, e.g. of the swirl strength and nozzle geometry, and can serve as a benchmark case for the subsequent more involved numerical simulations. Steady-state solutions are presented as a function of various parameters. The effect of the nozzle geometry on film thickness is explored. As swirling flow entered the expanding (diverging) section of the nozzle, film thickness decreased to satisfy continuity (to conserve mass). Conversely, film thickness increased upon entering the contracting (converging) region of the nozzle. Geometric effects controlled film thicknesses much more than other flow parameters. This quasi-one-dimensional model for a swirling thin film can be useful for designing a swirl jet used in various industrial applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABCD4 , a member of the ATP-binding cassette transporter superfamily, is associated with the transport of vitamin B 12 which is crucial for the development of red blood cells (RBCs) and may also be involved in its metabolism. However, the molecular function of ABCD4 during RBC development in zebrafish is mostly unknown. Using a morpholino-based knockdown approach, we found that abcd4 -knockdown resulted in abnormal RBCs of irregular shapes and various sizes. o-Dianisidine staining, as an indicator of hemoglobin in RBCs, further confirmed that abcd4 morphants possessed fewer hemoglobinized cells and impaired blood circulation. Multiple protein sequence alignment revealed that the amino acid sequence for residues 13–292, which is the domain of vitamin B 12 transport, of the zebrafish Abcd4 was highly conserved compared to that of other species. Accordingly, the abcd4 morphants can be rescued with human ABCD4 , demonstrating a conserved role of ABCD4 in vertebrates. Notably, the vitamin B 12 -deficient phenotype in abcd4 morphants, which causes anemia, was recapitulated in the newly-established abcd4 mutant, indicating the possibility that the abcd4 mutant could be used as a disease model of vitamin B 12 -deficiency anemia. Our study provides an insight that the analysis of the newly-established abcd4 mutant may contribute to understanding its roles in ABCD4-related vitamin B 12 -deficiency anemia and the associated pathogeneses in humans. ● Abcd4 knockdown in zebrafish results in anemic phenotype ● Zebrafish abcd4 mutant contains dysmorphic RBCs and induces juvenile death ● The role of ABCD4 in animal development may be conserved in vertebrates ● Zebrafish abcd4 mutant may serve as an animal model to study cobalamin metabolism [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Core–shell-structured silver-electroplated nickel microfibers were fabricated via electrospinning and subsequent electroplating for applications including transparent conductive films (TCFs) and heaters. Fabrication protocol generated self-fused junctions at the intersections of overlapping micro-nanofibers. This reduced contact resistance between wires, yielding remarkably high electrical conductivity, which is highly desirable for the aforementioned applications. A very low sheet resistance of less than 0.2 Ω sq−1 with a high transmittance of over 92% was achieved in these structures. A cactus-like morphology of silver-plated microfibers, which dramatically increases surface-to-volume (S / V) ratio and should produce electric field concentration at silver nanowire tips, was also demonstrated. This unique surface morphology could be promising for energy and environmental applications that require large interfacial areas and electric field concentration, but yielded lower transmittance than smooth wires. These cactus-like microfibers were further coated with Cu and Pt to produce hierarchically-structured multimetallic microfibers. The low-resistivity transparent silver micro-nanofiber films exhibited good heating and mechanical properties, as demonstrated in bending and stretching tests. A record high temperature of 209 °C was achieved with a transparent heater based on the Ag microfibers. Highlights • Core–shell-structured silver-electroplated microfibers are fabricated via electrospinning and electroplating. • The self-fused junctions micro-nanofibers enhance electrical conductivity. • A sheet resistance of less than 0.2 Ω sq−1 with transmittance of over 92% is achieved. • The cactus-like morphology of the silver-plated microfibers is demonstrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: For symptomatic metastasis of the long bones, intramedullary nailing has been the most accepted fixation method. Intramedullary nailing has effective control of pain, perioperative bleeding, and local tumor progression by augmentation with bone cement around the nail. Here, we report the preliminary results of a new surgical implant that allows for simultaneous injection of bone cement while inserting a percutaneous, flexible intramedullary nail.Materials and Methods: We performed palliative surgeries for long-bone metastasis using a multi-hole injection nail (MIN) with multiple side holes in the distal one third. When the nail tip entered the metastatic cancer lesion, the bone cement injection was started, and continued until the nail was completely seated. Ten patients with advanced cancer underwent palliative surgery using the new implant with simultaneous bone cement injection for humeral (n = 4), femoral (n = 4), and tibial (n = 2) metastases.Results: The mean operative time was 42 min (range, 36-52 min). The mean length of the injection nail was 23.0 cm (range, 18.0-33.0 cm), and the mean volume of cement was 28.0 ml (range, 14.0-40.0 ml). Marked pain palliation (p < 0.001) and functional recovery (p = 0.01) were verified. The mean Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) functional score improved significantly from 12.5 at 6 weeks preoperatively, to 24.9 postoperatively. No acute postoperative complications, including cement embolism, occurred.Conclusion: This minimally invasive surgical method with MIN could be useful for stabilization of long-bone metastases in patients with advanced cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highly flexible freestanding carbon nanofibers were electroplated with silver for use in supercapacitor applications. The brittle carbon nanofibers were encased within bendable silver shells to provide superior flexibility and resilience of the supercapacitors. The enhanced electrical conductivity derived from the silver shell structure dramatically increased the capacitance of the supercapacitor. The silver shell also conferred structural stability to the carbon core, thus furnishing stable, long-term electrode performance. Nearly 100% of the specific capacitance was retained after N  = 10,000 galvanostatic charge-discharge cycles. The mechanical endurance or stability of the fabricated electrode was evaluated using 1,000 bending cycles, demonstrating that the electrode performance remained unchanged. Cyclic voltammetry and galvanostatic discharge curves were measured at various scan rates and current densities. The fabricated electrodes were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy, which clearly illustrated the carbon-core and silver-shell structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transparent conducting films (TCFs) and transparent heaters (THs) are of interest for a wide variety of applications, from displays to window defrosters. Here, we demonstrate production of highly flexible, conducting, and transparent nickel (Ni) electrodes suitable for use not only in TCFs and THs but also in some other engineering applications. The merging of fibers at their intersections (i.e. self-junctioning) minimizes contact resistance in these films. The Ni electrodes exhibited a remarkably low sheet resistance of 0.73 Ω sq −1 at an optical transmittance of 93%. This low sheet resistance allows them to serve as low-voltage heaters, achieving a heating temperature of 373 °C at an applied voltage of 2 V. The innate corrosion resistance of Ni allows these electrodes to be used in air at temperatures exceeding 200 °C, and it is expected to help the electrodes to find wide use in a range of industrial applications requiring long-term electrode service. Furthermore, we fabricated perfectly core-shell-structured Cu/Ni electrodes, which exhibited both the excellent electrical properties of Cu and the high corrosion resistance of Ni. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The aim of this study was to determine the usefulness of combined positron emission tomography (PET)/magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) parameters provided by simultaneous F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) PET/MRI for the prediction of treatment failure in surgically resected head and neck cancer. We hypothesized that PET parameters corrected by tumor cellularity (combined PET/MRI parameters) could predict the prognosis. On regional PET, maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) was measured as metabolic parameters. In addition, metabolic tumor volume (MTV) and total lesion glycolysis (TLG) were checked as metabolo-volumetric parameters. Mean apparent diffusion coefficient (ADCmean) of tumor was evaluated as the MRI parameter on the ADC map. Ratios between metabolic/metabolo-volumetric parameters and ADC were calculated as combined PET/MRI parameters. PET, MRI, and combined PET/MRI parameters were compared with clinicopathologic parameters in terms of treatment failure. Results: Seventy-two patients (mean age = 55.9 ± 14.6 year, M: F = 45: 27) who underwent simultaneous F-FDG PET/MRI before head and neck cancer surgery were retrospectively enrolled. Twenty-two patients (30.6%) showed tumor treatment failure after head and neck cancer surgery (mean treatment failure = 13.0 ± 7.0 months). In the univariate analysis, MTV ( P = 0.044) and ratios between metabolo-volumetric parameters and ADC (MTV/ADCmean, P = 0.022; TLG/ADCmean, P = 0.044) demonstrated significance among F-FDG PET/MRI parameters. Lymphatic invasion ( P = 0.044) and perineural invasion ( P = 0.046) revealed significance among clinicopathologic parameters. In the multivariate analysis, MTV ( P = 0.026), MTV/ADCmean ( P = 0.011), and TLG/ADCmean ( P = 0.002) with lymphatic invasion ( P = 0.026, 0.026, and 0.044, respectively) showed significance. Conclusions: Combined PET/MRI parameters (PET metabolo-volumetric parameters corrected by tumor cellularity) could be effective predictors of tumor treatment failure after head and neck cancer surgery in addition to MTV and clinicopathologic parameter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here we introduce novel methods of forming silver (Ag) and palladium (Pd) fibers. The Ag and Pd fibers are fabricated by the combination of electrospinning, electroplating, and ion-exchange techniques. Their properties are characterized by scanning electron microscope with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, sheet resistance meter, UV–Vis spectrophotometer, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscope. These non-woven metal fibers are free-standing and film-shaped with high electrical conductivity, as well as flexibility. Such properties are attractive for future applications of these materials in various electrochemical processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Triple-negative breast cancer has a poor prognosis. We evaluated several metabolic and volumetric parameters from preoperative F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) in the prognosis of triple-negative breast cancer and compared them with current clinicopathologic parameters. Methods: A total of 228 patients with triple-negative breast cancer (mean age 47.0 ± 10.8 years, all women) who had undergone preoperative PET/CT were included. The PET/CT metabolic parameters evaluated included maximum, peak, and mean standardized uptake values (SUVmax, SUVpeak, and SUVmean, respectively). The volumetric parameters evaluated included metabolic tumor volume (MTV) and total lesion glycolysis (TLG). Metabolic and volumetric parameters were evaluated separately for tumor (T) and lymph nodes (N). The prognostic value of these parameters was compared with that of clinicopathologic parameters. Results: All lymph node metabolic and volumetric parameters showed significant differences between patients with and without recurrence. However, tumor metabolic and volumetric parameters showed no significant differences. In a univariate survival analysis, all lymph node metabolic and volumetric parameters (SUVmax-N, SUVpeak-N, SUVmean-N, MTV-N, and TLG-N; all P < 0.001), T stage ( P = 0.010), N stage ( P < 0.001), and TNM stage ( P < 0.001) were significant parameters. In a multivariate survival analysis, SUVmax-N ( P = 0.005), MTV ( P = 0.008), and TLG ( P = 0.006) with TNM stage (all P < 0.001) were significant parameters. Conclusions: Lymph node metabolic and volumetric parameters were significant predictors of recurrence in patients with triple-negative breast cancer after surgery. Lymph node metabolic and volumetric parameters were useful parameters for evaluating prognosis in patients with triple-negative breast cancer by F-FDG PET/CT, rather than tumor parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Biodistribution of antibodies is vital to successful immunoscintigraphy/immunotherapy, and it is assumed to be similar to antigen distribution. We measured and compared the binding pattern of radiolabeled antibody to tissue antigen distribution in a nude mouse xenograft model of human melanoma.Methods: We transplanted 107 FEM-XII human melanoma cells into the right flank of five nude mice. For the control, we transplanted 5 × 106 LS174T human colon cancer cells into the left flank. Two weeks later, 10 μCi of 131I-labeled melanoma-associated 96.5 monoclonal antibody (targeting p97 antigen) was intravenously injected. Three days later, we sacrificed the mice and evaluated 96.5 antibody binding and concentration in the tumors by ex vivo quantitative autoradiography (QAR). Two months later, we incubated adjacent tumor tissue slices in various concentrations of 125I-labeled 96.5 MoAb and evaluated the distribution/concentration of p97 antigen by in vitro QAR.Results: p97 antigen distribution was homogeneous in the tumors (total antigen concentration [Bmax] = 17.36-38.36 pmol/g). In contrast, radiolabeled 96.5 antibody binding was heterogenous between location within the tumor (estimated bound antigen concentration = 0.7-6.6 pmol/g). No quantifiable parameters were found to be related with radiolabeled antibody binding and tumor antigen distribution. Antibody-bound tumor antigen to total antigen ratios ranged between 2% and 38%.Conclusions: Heterogeneous features of target antibody binding were observed in contrast to relatively homogenous feature of tumor antigen. We did not identify any correlations between p97 antigen distribution and 96.5 antibody binding in melanoma tissue. Radiolabeled 96.5 antibody binding patterns within melanoma cannot be predicted based on p97 antigen distribution in the tumor, which needs to be further studied with several other methods and more subjects in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transition metal hydroxides (TM(OH)2) have drawn significant attention for their potential applications in the environmental and energy field. In this study, we investigated the phase transition of cobalt hydroxide (Co(OH)2) under electron beam irradiation using in situ high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. Both the α- and β-Co(OH)2 phases underwent a phase transition to a spinel Co3O4 phase, forming nanograins with a porous morphology. However, the α-Co(OH)2 showed a faster phase transition and dramatic volume shrinkage during the phase transition. Our results provide a detailed explanation of the mechanism behind the deterioration of the layered structure and the emergence of defects during the phase transition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to establish multivariable regression models for the estimation of skeletal maturation status in Japanese boys and girls using the cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT)-based cervical vertebral maturation (CVM) assessment method and hand-wrist radiography. Materials and methods: The analyzed sample consisted of hand-wrist radiographs and CBCT images from 47 boys and 57 girls. To quantitatively evaluate the correlation between the skeletal maturation status and measurement ratios, a CBCT-based CVM assessment method was applied to the second, third, and fourth cervical vertebrae. Pearson's correlation coefficient analysis and multivariable regression analysis were used to determine the ratios for each of the cervical vertebrae ( p < 0.05). Results: Four characteristic parameters ((OH + PH)/W, (OH + AH)/W, D, AH/W), as independent variables, were used to build the multivariable regression models: for the Japanese boys, the skeletal maturation status according to the CBCT-based quantitative cervical vertebral maturation (QCVM) assessment was 5.90 + 99.11 × AH/W − 14.88 × (OH + AH)/W + 13.24 × D; for the Japanese girls, it was 41.39 + 59.52 × AH/W − 15.88 × (OH + PH)/W + 10.93 × D. Conclusions: The CBCT-generated CVM images proved very useful to the definition of the cervical vertebral body and the odontoid process. The newly developed CBCT-based QCVM assessment method showed a high correlation between the derived ratios from the second cervical vertebral body and odontoid process. Clinical relevance: There are high correlations between the skeletal maturation status and the ratios of the second cervical vertebra based on the remnant of dentocentral synchondrosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the ever-decreasing size of portable electronics to achieve greater versatility, the power density of electronic devices has increased substantially, to the point where efficient cooling has become a major concern for achieving stable device operation. Herein, we introduce a heat-dissipating film coated with carbon nanotubes (CNTs) entangled with silver nanowires (AgNWs), prepared by supersonic spraying. Low thermal resistance was obtained from the strong adhesion between the deposited nanomaterials and the substrate. The optimal hybrid film for achieving maximal cooling was identified by varying the number of spraying sweeps and the composition of the nanomaterials. The hybrid film, comprising both CNTs and AgNWs, afforded superior cooling owing to its improved thermal conductivity. Surface-texturing of the film also significantly impacted the convective-cooling performance. In addition, the superior heat-spreading capability of the hybrid film was demonstrated by comparing infrared images of the bare substrate, pure CNTs, and hybrid CNT/AgNW films. The wettability of these films was also studied to identify the wetting condition that would provide the maximum heat transfer. The hybrid CNT/AgNW film possessed the most hydrophilic surface, providing the most efficient spray-cooling scenario. The hydrophilic surface captured and held the sprayed droplets firmly throughout the process. Hence, these CNT/AgNW hybrid films represent a commercially viable solution for addressing hotspots in portable electronic devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In patients with mandibular asymmetry, the volume of the mandible divided by the mandibular median plane is significantly larger on the non-deviated (N-Dev) side than on the deviated (Dev) side. However, it has been reported that there is no significant difference between the volumes of the N-Dev and Dev sides when the mandibular ramus and body are divided. The purpose of this study was to investigate which region is responsible for the volume difference between the N-Dev and Dev sides. Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) images of patients with mandibular asymmetry were analyzed by measuring the volume, and linear analysis of the mandibular body, ramus, and condyle on the N-Dev and Dev side was performed. In this study, CBCT images of 37 patients (8 Japanese, 16 Korean, and 13 Egyptian) aged ≥ 18 years with mandibular asymmetry (men: 20, women: 17) were used to evaluate mandibular asymmetry. In patients with mandibular asymmetry, the N-Dev side showed significantly larger values than the Dev side for both volume and linear condyle, ramus, and mandibular body measurements. These results do not differ according to sex or ethnicity. Therefore, it is suggested that the N-Dev side of mandibular asymmetry is large without any regional specificity in pathophysiology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The aim of this study was to determine the usefulness of MRI-assisted positron emission tomography (PET) parameters provided by simultaneous F-fluorocholine (FCH) PET/MRI for characterization of primary prostate cancer. Methods: Thirty patients with localized prostate cancer (mean age 69.4 ± 6.7 years) confirmed by biopsy were prospectively enrolled for simultaneous PET/MRI imaging. The patients underwent F-FCH PET/MRI 1 week before undergoing total prostatectomy. Multiple parameters of diffusion-weighted MRI [minimum and mean apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC and ADC)], metabolic PET [maximum and mean standardized uptake value (SUV and SUV)], and metabolic volumetric PET [metabolic tumor volume (MTV) and uptake volume product (UVP)] were compared with laboratory, pathologic, and immunohistochemical (IHC) features of the prostate cancer specimen. PET parameters were divided into two categories as follows: volume of interest (VOI) of prostate by SUV cutoff 2.5 (SUV, SUV, MTV, and UVP) and MRI-assisted VOI of prostate cancer (SUV, SUV, MTV, and UVP). Results: The rates of prostate cancer-positive cases identified by MRI alone, F-FCH PET alone, and F-FCH PET/MRI were 83.3, 80.0, and 93.3 %, respectively. Among the multiple PET/MRI parameters, MTV showed fair correlation with serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA; r = 0.442, p = 0.014) and highest correlation with tumor volume ( r = 0.953, p < 0.001). UVP showed highest correlation with serum PSA ( r = 0.531, p = 0.003), good correlation with tumor volume ( r = 0.908, p < 0.001), and it was significantly associated with Gleason score ( p = 0.041). High MTV and UVP values were significant for perineural invasion, lymphatic invasion, extracapsular extension, seminal vesicle invasion, and positive B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) expression (all p < 0.05). Conclusion: Simultaneous F-FCH PET/MRI demonstrated a better diagnostic value for localized prostate cancer detection than each individual modality. MRI-assisted metabolic volumetric PET parameters (MTV and UVP) provided more accurate characterization of prostate cancer than conventional PET and MRI parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To compare the efficacy and safety of the brand-name and generic 2% dorzolamide/0.5% timolol fixed-combination (DTFC) drugs in glaucoma patients. Methods: This was a prospective single-center study, in which patients using only the brand-name DTFC (Cosopt®; Merck and Co, Inc.) drug and those using Cosopt with prostaglandin analogs (PGs) were enrolled. In the patients using Cosopt (Group A) and Cosopt with PGs (Group B), Cosopt was switched to its generic counterpart (Batidor®; Bausch & Lomb, Inc.). The intraocular pressure (IOP) was measured before the switch and 4, 8, and 12 weeks after the switch in both groups. The questionnaire on the discomfort symptoms and on the discomfort score for the use of eye drops was answered by the patients in both groups before the switch and 12 weeks after the switch. Results: A total of 112 patients were enrolled in the study, 62 in Group A and 50 in Group B. The IOPs before the switch and 4, 8, and 12 weeks after the switch showed no statistical difference in both groups ( P>0.05). There were higher incidences of bitter taste and blurring with Cosopt, and there was a higher incidence of headache with Batidor in both groups, but no significant differences ( P>0.05) were noted. There was, likewise, no significant difference in the discomfort score between 2 drugs in both groups ( P>0.05). Conclusions: After the switch, the IOP-lowering effect of the generic drug Batidor was similar to that of the brand-name drug Cosopt in the monotherapy and combination therapy with PGs. No significant differences were found in terms of the discomfort symptoms and discomfort score between the 2 drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was aimed to examine the correlation between skeletal maturation status and parameters from the odontoid process/body of the second vertebra and the bodies of third and fourth cervical vertebrae and simultaneously build multiple regression models to be able to estimate skeletal maturation status in Korean girls. Hand-wrist radiographs and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images were obtained from 74 Korean girls (6–18 years of age). CBCT-generated cervical vertebral maturation (CVM) was used to demarcate the odontoid process and the body of the second cervical vertebra, based on the dentocentral synchondrosis. Correlation coefficient analysis and multiple linear regression analysis were used for each parameter of the cervical vertebrae (P<0.05). Forty-seven of 64 parameters from CBCT-generated CVM (independent variables) exhibited statistically significant correlations (P<0.05). The multiple regression model with the greatest R2 had six parameters (PH2/W2, UW2/W2, (OH+AH2)/LW2, UW3/LW3, D3, and H4/W4) as independent variables with a variance inflation factor (VIF) of <2. CBCT-generated CVM was able to include parameters from the second cervical vertebral body and odontoid process, respectively, for the multiple regression models. This suggests that quantitative analysis might be used to estimate skeletal maturation status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Percutaneous stabilization (PS; percutaneous flexible nailing and intramedullary bone cement injection) was performed at lower extremity long bones in patients with multiple bone metastases with short life expectancy to get mechanical stability and local tumor control. We evaluated the usefulness of PS by clinical status, F-18-FDG PET-CT and bone scintigraphy (BS). Methods: Patients comprised 15 patients (total 20 sites) who had undergone PS for the metastatic bone tumors of lower extremity long bones (femur and tibia). After percutaneous flexible nailing, bone cement was injected (mean amount = 15.5 ± 6.4 ml). Patients' clinical status was evaluated by visual analog scale (VAS). Qualitative assessment of PET-CT and BS was categorized by improved, stable and aggravated states of PS lesion. Quantitative assessment of PET-CT was performed by maximum and mean stan-dardized uptake value (SUVmax and SUVmean). Results: PS was performed in all of the patients without complication, and showed significant pain improvement of VAS (7.2 ± 0.2 vs. 2.8 ± 0.3, P < 0.001). PS lesion showed improved state in 65% (13/20) and stable state in 35% (7/20). However, naive bony metastatic lesion showed mostly aggravated state in 90% (19/20) in the same patients, which was significantly different compared with PS lesion (P < 0.001). In PS lesion, SUVmax (10.1 ± 6.9 vs. 7.1 ± 5.2, P = 0.008) and SUVmean (6.2 ± 4.8 vs. 4.6 ± 3.7, P = 0.008) showed significantly decreased uptake after PS. Conclusion: By PS in lower extremity long bones, patients can reduce regional pain, and has the possi-bility of local tumor control. PS can be performed for lower extremity bone metastasis in poor general condition to perform conventional intramedullary nailing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A surface-attached silymarin-loaded solid dispersion with improved dissolution profile and enhanced oral bioavailability was formulated using silymarin, polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and Tween 80 in water. In this solid dispersion, hydrophilic PVP was adhered onto the surface of crystalline drug rendering silymarin hydrophilic without changing its crystallinity. The drug solubility from the optimised solid dispersion prepared with silymarin/PVP/Tween 80 at the weight ratio of 5/2.5/2.5 increased by almost 650-fold compared to drug powder. The drug was physically and chemically stable in the solid dispersion for at least 6 months. Moreover, the solid dispersion enhanced the oral bioavailability of the drug in rats by almost 3-fold compared to the commercial product. The silymarin-loaded solid dispersion also exhibited advanced hepatoprotective bioactivity against CCl4-induced liver damage compared to silymarin or the commercial product. Thus, this silymarin-loaded solid dispersion would be useful for the enhancement of oral bioavailability and hepatoprotective activity of poorly water-soluble silymarin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) superfamily proteins play a critical role in proliferation, differentiation, and other functions of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). During chondrogenic differentiation of MSCs, TGF-β up-regulates chondrogenic gene expression by enhancing the expression of the transcription factor SRY (sex-determining region Y)-box9 (Sox9). In this study, we investigated the effect of continuous TGF-β1 overexpression in human synovium-derived MSCs (hSD-MSCs) on immunophenotype, differentiation potential, and proliferation rate. hSD-MSCs were transduced with recombinant retroviruses (rRV) encoding TGF-β1. The results revealed that continuous overexpression of TGF-β1 did not affect their phenotype as evidenced by flow cytometry and reverse transcriptase PCR (RT-PCR). In addition, continuous TGF-β1 overexpression strongly enhanced cell proliferation of hSD-MSCs compared to the control groups. Also, induction of chondrogenesis was more effective in rRV-TGFB-transduced hSD-MSCs as shown by RT-PCR for chondrogenic markers, toluidine blue staining and glycosaminoglycan (GAG)/DNA ratio. Our data suggest that overexpression of TGF-β1 positively enhances the proliferation and chondrogenic potential of hSD-MSCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vapor bubbles were shed from the heater surface by self-propelled swinging resulting from rising bubbles for improved heat dissipation. The heating wire was electroplated, and thus nanocones were formed on its surface. This nanotextured wire was attached to polyamide tape and underwent Joule heating. The vapor bubbles on the wire induced the self-propelled motion of the heater plates assembled in a "Λ" shape suspended at the tip. The growing bubbles experienced competing forces in the form of buoyancy and surface tension. Eventually, buoyancy dominated and, as a result, the heater plate was propelled in the direction of the rising bubbles. The nanotextured surface increased the number of bubble nucleation sites, and thus, the displacement of the swing motion was magnified accordingly, owing to enhanced bubble detachment. The sustainable swing motion was motorized to enable the temperature of the wire heater to be accurately measured. In these motorized experiments, the critical heat flux (CHF) and effective convective heat transfer coefficient (h eff) increased when the amount of nanotexturing on the heating wire increased, which confirmed the benefits of nanotexturing on pool boiling in which self-propelled swing motion was utilized to shed the nucleated bubbles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The direction and magnitude of the bubble-driven force per varying heater wire installations are investigated. • The wire heater installed at both surfaces of the heater yielded the strongest self-propelled motion. • A two- to four-fold increase in the propelling force was detected for the nanotextured wire cases, compared to those in the non-textured cases. The heat generated on a heater submerged in a liquid reservoir is transported away by rising bubbles during pool boiling under buoyancy conditions. This bubble-driven heat transport cools the heater surface, and as a result, the critical heat flux (CHF) is delayed, or even avoided. At detachment from the heated surface, bubbles undergo necking owing to the interplay between evaporation, buoyancy, vapor recoil, and surface tension. The surface tension tends to hold a bubble at the heater surface, whereas the buoyancy force pulls it apart. On the other hand, vapor recoil pushes the heater downwards. Eventually, in many cases the buoyancy force prevails because of the evaporation-driven volume growth of the bubbles, and their detachment. Here, we observe that during bubble detachment, the heater is propelled in the direction of the rising bubbles. This self-propelled motion can be used to shed bubbles, which enhances the pool boiling performance. In this work, we study the heater shaped as a 'wavy' wire and demonstrate the extent to which the bubble-driven force and its direction and magnitude depend on a particular way of the in-plane wavy heater wire installation. The heating wire was installed at the upper (top) or lower (bottom) surfaces of a plate and also, two wire heaters were installed at both surfaces of the plate, and the supplied heat was maintained at a constant level. It was found that the case where the wire heater installed at both surfaces of the plane heater yielded the strongest self-propelled motion. In an additional investigation, the heating wire was nanotextured with nickel nanocones electroplated on its surface. The nanotextured heater surface increased the number of bubble nucleation sites and thus magnified the corresponding force for all the heater wire installations, compared to those in the non-textured cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The goal of this research was to develop a novel prolonged release tablet bioequivalent to the commercial sustained release capsule. A number of tacrolimus-loaded fast-dissolving solid dispersions containing various amounts of DOSS were prepared using the spray drying technique. Their solubility, dissolution and pharmacokinetics in rats were studied. DOSS increased drug solubility and dissolution in the solid dispersions. Compared with the drug powder, the solubility, dissolution and bioavailability of tacrolimus with the fast-dissolving solid dispersion containing tacrolimus/HP-β-CD/DOSS in the weight ratio of 5:40:4 were boosted by approximately 700-, 30- and 2-fold, respectively. Several tablet formulations were accomplished with this solid dispersion in combination with various ratios of HPMC/ethylcellulose. The release behaviour and pharmacokinetic studies in beagle dogs were assessed compared with the commercial prolonged release capsule. A decrease in HPMC/ethylcellulose ratios reduced the dissolution of tacrolimus from the tablets. Particularly, the tacrolimus-loaded prolonged release tablet consisting of fast-dissolving tacrolimus solid dispersion, HPMC, ethylcellulose and talc at the weight ratio of 20:66:112:2 exhibited a dissolution profile similar to that produced by the commercial prolonged release capsule. Furthermore, there were no significant differences in the AUC, C max, T max and MRT values between them in beagle dogs. Consequently, this tacrolimus-loaded prolonged release tablet might be bioequivalent to the tacrolimus-loaded commercial capsule. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective: We aimed to improve Tc-99m DTPA glomerular filtration rate (GFR) scintigraphy (Gates' method) in a prospective study using Cr-51 EDTA GFR test as a gold standard. Methods: Fifty-seven Tc-99m DTPA GFR scintigrams in 45 subjects (male/female = 33:12, age = 45.9 ± 17.6 years, 14 healthy volunteers and 31 nephrectomised patients) were compared using Cr-51 EDTA GFR tests. Using the %renal uptake of Tc-99m DTPA and Cr-51 EDTA GFR, a revised equation for GFR was established through linear regression analysis. Results: The revised equation for improved GFR was GFR(mL/min) = ( %renal uptake × 11.7773) − 0.7354. Gates' original GFRs (70.1 ± 20.5 mL/min/1.73 m) were significantly lower than Cr-51 EDTA GFRs (97.0 ± 31.9 mL/min/1.73 m; P < 0.0001), but the improved GFRs (98.0 ± 26.3 mL/min/1.73 m) were not different from ( P = 0.7360) and had a significant correlation with ( r = 0.73, P < 0.0001) the Cr-51 EDTA GFRs. The revised GFR equation effectively demonstrated perioperative GFR changes in kidneys that were operated on and the contralateral kidneys at 3 and 6 months post-partial nephrectomy ( n = 25). Conclusions: GFR measurement using Tc-99m DTPA scintigraphy could be significantly improved by a revised equation derived from the comparison with Cr-51 EDTA GFR. Key Points: • Measurement of glomerular filtration rate is difficult following nephrectomy. • Measurements can be significantly improved by new renal sctintigraphic methods. • This helps physicians to measure kidney function of patients following nephrectomy. • Management of renal tumour patients should become more effective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objective: Pancreatic solid pseudopapillary tumor (SPT) is a rare benign tumor. Little data are available on positron emission tomographic/computed tomographic (PET/CT) characteristics of this tumor. Therefore, we analyzed the metabolic characteristics of SPT using F-18-FDG PET/CT and compared the results with those of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the records of 11 SPT patients and 46 patients with ductal adenocarcinoma. Ten SPT patients had primary tumors and 1 patient had metastatic SPT. Maximum standardized uptake value (max SUV), mean SUV, metabolic tumor volume (MTV), total lesion glycolysis (TLG), and tumor-to-background ratio (TBR) were evaluated. Mann–Whitney U test between pancreatic SPT and ductal adenocarcinoma was performed. In addition, age, gender and tumor size-adjusted analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was done between pancreatic SPT and ductal adenocarcinoma. Results: Compared with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas, SPTs had significantly higher tumor size-adjusted MTV and TLG. MTV and TLG values were significantly correlated with T-stage of the SPTs. In 1 SPT patient, metastases in the liver and mesentery were revealed by intense uptake of FDG on F-18-FDG PET/CT, and after PET/CT had suggested the presence of pancreatic SPT. Conclusion: We recommend that SPT be considered when a solid pancreatic mass with increased FDG metabolism is encountered on PET/CT. F-18-FDG PET/CT may be useful in detecting subtle metastases of SPT. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In this study, once-daily, sustained-release matrix tablets of tolterodine l-tartrate (TOL) for treatment of overactive bladder (OAB) were prepared by direct compression using various amounts of hydrophilic polymers such as HPMC 2910 and HPMC 2208 along with other tablet excipients; the tablets were then coated. In vitro dissolution studies were carried out under different pH conditions. The dissolution data were fitted into zero-order, first-order, Higuchi and Korsemeyer–Peppas models to identify the pharmacokinetics and mechanism of drug release. Among the four formulations (F1–F4), the dissolution profiles of formulation F2 were most similar to the marketed product with similarity and difference factors of 70.25 and 1.59 respectively. Furthermore, pharmacokinetic studies were carried out in healthy human volunteers after oral administration of the prepared TOL sustained-release matrix-coated tablet and the marketed product. The results revealed that the pharmacokinetic parameters of AUC, C max, T max, t 1/2, K el, and MRT of TOL for the developed formulation (F2) were not significantly different from that for the marketed product, suggesting that they were bioequivalent. Therefore, the developed sustained-release tablet formulation of TOL could be an alternative dosage form to the SR capsule for treatment of OAB. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Nitric oxide synthase ( NOS) gene has been partially sequenced from Hyphantria cunea and compared with those already determined from insects. Hyphantria cunea NOS possesses putative recognition sites for co-factors heme, BH4, CaM, FMN, FAD, and NADPH common to NOS. The deduced amino acid sequence of H. cunea NOS cDNA showed 70.3% identity to Manduca sexta NOS and 57.6-69.5% identity to NOS sequences from other insects. Nitric oxide synthase is expressed in all tissues of H. cunea, except in hemocytes. The NOS expression in midgut, fat body, epidermis, and Malpighian tubule strongly increased against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial infection. These results suggest that NOS may play an important role in insect defense system against bacterial infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During skeletal development, both osteogenic and chondrogenic programs are initiated from multipotent mesenchymal cells, requiring a number of signaling molecules, transcription factors, and downstream effectors to orchestrate the sophisticated process. Col10a1, an important downstream effector gene, has been identified as a marker for maturing chondrocytes in higher vertebrates, such as mammals and birds. In zebrafish, this gene has been shown to be expressed in both osteoblasts and chondrocytes, but no study has reported its role in osteoblast development. To initially delineate the osteogenic program from chondrogenic lineage development, we used the zebrafish col10a1 promoter to establish a transgenic zebrafish expressing a GFP reporter specifically in osteoblast-specific bone structures that do not involve cartilaginous programs. A construct harboring a ∼2.2-kb promoter region was found to be sufficient to drive the reporter gene in osteoblast-specific bone structures within the endogenous col10a1 expression domain, confirming that separable cis-acting elements exist for distinct cell type-specific expression of col10a1 during zebrafish skeletal development. The ∼2.2-kb col10a1:GFP transgenic zebrafish marking only bone structures derived from osteoblasts will undoubtedly be an invaluable tool for identifying and characterizing molecular events driving osteoblast development in zebrafish, which may further provide a differential mechanism where col10a1 is involved in the development of chondrocytes undergoing maturation in other vertebrate systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Anticipatory chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) is a conditioned response influenced by the severity and duration of previous emetic responses to chemotherapy. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of non-pharmacologic interventions for anticipatory CINV among patients with cancer. Methods: We conducted a systematic search in databases, including PubMed, the Cochrane Library, CINAHL, and Ichushi-Web, from January 1, 1990, to December 31, 2020. Randomized controlled trials, non-randomized designs, observational studies, or case–control studies that utilized non-pharmacological therapies were included. The primary outcomes were anticipatory CINV, with an additional investigation into adverse events and the costs of therapies. The risk-of-bias for each study was assessed using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool, and meta-analysis was performed using Revman 5.4 software. Results: Of the 107 studies identified, six met the inclusion criteria. Three types of non-pharmacological treatments were identified: systematic desensitization (n = 2), hypnotherapy (n = 2), and yoga therapy (n = 2). Among them, systematic desensitization significantly improved anticipatory CINV as compared to that in the control group (nausea: risk ratio [RR] = 0.60, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.49–0.72, p < 0.00001; vomiting: RR = 0.54, 95% CI = 0.32–0.91, p = 0.02). However, heterogeneity in outcome measures precluded meta-analysis for hypnotherapy and yoga. Additionally, most selected studies had a high or unclear risk of bias, and adverse events were not consistently reported. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that systematic desensitization may effectively reduce anticipatory CINV. However, further research is warranted before implementation in clinical settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The Japan Society of Clinical Oncology Clinical Practice Guidelines for Antiemesis 2023 was extensively revised to reflect the latest advances in antineoplastic agents, antiemetics, and antineoplastic regimens. This update provides new evidence on the efficacy of antiemetic regimens. Methods: Guided by the Minds Clinical Practice Guideline Development Manual of 2017, a rigorous approach was used to update the guidelines; a thorough literature search was conducted from January 1, 1990, to December 31, 2020. Results: Comprehensive process resulted in the creation of 13 background questions (BQs), 12 clinical questions (CQs), and three future research questions (FQs). Moreover, the emetic risk classification was also updated. Conclusions: The primary goal of the present guidelines is to provide comprehensive information and facilitate informed decision-making, regarding antiemetic therapy, for both patients and healthcare providers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Non-destructive stress measurement by ultrasonic testing is based on calculating the acoustoelastic modulus obtained from the relationship between material stress and sound wave velocity. A critically refracted longitudinal (LCR) wave, which is a bulk longitudinal wave penetrating below and parallel to the surface below an effective depth, is most suitable for ultrasonic stress measurement tests because it exhibits a relatively large change in travel time in response to a change in stress. In particular, the residual stress distribution through the thickness of the subject can be calculated if transducers of different frequencies are applied because of the characteristic of propagation to different depths of penetration depending on the frequency. The main purpose of this study was to visualize the internal or residual stress distribution through the thickness of rails using LCR waves. To this end, LCR probes with different center frequencies were designed and manufactured, and the residual stress values ​​of an unused railroad rail and two used railroad rails operated under different conditions were calculated. This was done using the ultrasonic signals received from each probe, of which the distributions were mapped. Through these mapping results, different residual stress values could be calculated according to the depth. The differences in residual stress generation and distribution according to the conditions surrounding the contact between train wheels and rails, and their characteristics, were visualized and analyzed. As a result, it could be concluded that the non-destructive evaluation technique using LCR waves could detect differences in the residual stress of a rail, and thus can be used to measure the residual stress of the rail accurately. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: A single 3 mg or 40 μg/kg intravenous dose of granisetron combined with dexamethasone is routinely used in several countries, although the antiemetic guidelines have recommended granisetron at the dose of 1 mg or 10 μg/kg. A randomized, multicenter trial was conducted to determine the optimal intravenous granisetron dose, 1 or 3 mg, in cancer patients receiving emetogenic chemotherapy. Methods: We enrolled 365 patients and randomly assigned them to receive intravenous granisetron 3 mg (3-mg group) or 1 mg (1-mg group), combined with dexamethasone at an adequate dose fixed as per the emetic risk category. The primary end point was the proportion of patients with a complete response during the first 24 h after chemotherapy. Results: The study demonstrated that 1 mg of granisetron was not inferior in effect to 3 mg. For the primary end point, 359 patients were evaluable according to the modified intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis. Complete protection was achieved in the modified ITT population, 90.6% and 88.8% for the 3- and 1-mg groups, respectively ( p < 0.01 for non-inferiority). Conclusions: This study showed that 1 mg granisetron is not inferior to 3 mg when both doses are combined with dexamethasone. Therefore, 1-mg dose of intravenous granisetron should be the recommended prophylactic regimen for the prevention of acute emesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to develop a novel clopidogrel napadisilate-loaded solid dispersion with improved stability and bioequivalence to the clopidogrel bisulphate-loaded commercial product. Clopidogrel napadisilate prepared in this study appeared as a white crystalline powder unlike clopidogrel base. However, this salt did not improve the solubility of clopidogrel, even with improved stability compared to clopidogrel bisulphate. To improve the solubility of clopidogrel napadisilate, a novel clopidogrel napadisilate-loaded solid dispersion was prepared by the spray-drying technique using HPMC and colloidal silica, and the physicochemical properties, dissolution and bioavailability in beagle dogs were evaluated compared to the clopidogrel bisulphate-loaded commercial product. The solid dispersion composed of clopidogrel napadisilate, HPMC and colloidal silica at a weight ratio of 11.069/3/3.5 improved solubility by 6.5-fold compared to clopidogrel napadisilate, even if it did not improve drug solubility compared to clopidogrel bisulphate. However, unlike clopidogrel bisulphate, this formulation improved the stability of clopidogrel. Furthermore, the clopidogrel napadisilate solid dispersion-loaded tablet showed similar dissolution to the clopidogrel bisulphate-loaded commercial product and was bioequivalent to the commercial product in beagle dogs. Thus, this clopidogrel napadisilate-loaded solid dispersion could be a promising candidate for improving the stability and bioavailability of clopidogrel. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Apolipophorin-III (apoLp-III), a hemolymph protein that facilitates lipid transport in aqueous media in insects was recently shown to play a role in insect immune activation. Here, we report another novel possible function of apoLp-III in insects. To identify genes affected by apoLp-III expression in larvae, we decreased endogenous apoLp-III mRNA in Hyphantria cunea (Hc) through RNA interference; subsequently, we observed lower levels of antioxidant enzymes, including manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD), glutathione S-transferase, and immune proteins. Knockdown of Hc apoLp-III led to decreased MnSOD expression in fat body tissues and elevated superoxide anion levels in Hc fat body cells, suggesting that Hc apoLp-III is involved in the action and/or expression of antioxidant enzymes, especially MnSOD. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Recently, many studies have been conducted on developing on-line leak detection techniques in the reactor vessel head of nuclear power plants. One of them, laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS), an effective technique of leak detection, which is a kind of atomic emission spectroscopy that uses a highly energetic laser pulse as the excitation source, has been of interest due to the fast and reliable identification of chemical elements for the precipitates formed by the leakage of cooling water containing boric acid. Experimental setup and tests were performed for the boric acid precipitates formed on the steel for various conditions with a Q-switched 532nm Nd:YAG laser, optical lenses, an Echelle spectrograph and an intensified charge-coupled device detector. The LIBS system could be applied to obtain a spectral line (∼249. 2nm) corresponding to the atomic boron emission line for the precipitates of boric acid formed on low alloy steels, SA508 and SA533, as a substrate. The LIBS technique based on characterizing boric acid deposits might be used for detecting the leakage of cooling water in reactor vessel head of nuclear power plants. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]