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To evaluate the capability of non-enhanced computed tomography (CT) images for distinguishing between orbital cavernous venous malformations (OCVM) and non-OCVM, and to identify the optimal model from radiomics-based machine learning (ML) algorithms.A total of 215 cases of OCVM and 120 cases of non- OCVM were retrospectively analyzed in this study. A stratified random sample of 268 patients (80%) was used as the training set (172 OCVM and 96 non-OCVM); the remaining data were used as the testing set. Six feature selection techniques and thirteen ML models were evaluated to construct an optimal classification model.There were statistically significant differences between the OCVM and non-OCVM groups in the density and tumor location (P 0.05), whereas other indicators were comparable (age, gender, sharp, P 0.05). Linear regression (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.9351; accuracy = 0.8657) and Stochastic Gradient Descent (AUC = 0.9448; accuracy = 0.8806) classifiers, both of which coupled with the f test and L1-based feature selection method, achieved optimal performance. The support vector machine (AUC = 0.9186; accuracy = 0.8806), Random Forest (AUC = 0.9288; accuracy = 0.8507) and eXtreme Gradient Boosting (AUC = 0.9147; accuracy = 0.8507) classifier combined with f test method showed excellent average performance among our study, respectively.The effect of non-enhanced CT images in OCVM not only can help ophthalmologist to find and locate lesion, but also bring great help for the qualitative diagnosis value using radiomic- based ML algorithms.

Aromatase inhibitor (AI) is a cornerstone drug for postmenopausal women with estrogen receptor-positive early-stage breast cancer. Fat-bone interactions within the bone marrow milieu are growing areas of scientific interest. Although AI treatment could lead to deterioration of the skeleton, the association between AI medication and subsequent marrow adiposity remains elusive. A total of 40 postmenopausal, early-staged, and hormone receptor-positive breast cancer patients who underwent treatment with adjuvant AIs and 40 matched controls were included. Marrow proton density fat fraction (PDFF) at the L1−L4 vertebral bodies using 3D Fat Analysis & Calculation Technique imaging (FACT) sequence at 3.0T, bone mineral density (BMD) by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, and serum bone turnover biomarkers were determined at baseline and at 6 and 12 months. We found that, in comparison to baseline, an increase of type I collagen cross-linked telopeptide was detected at 12 months (P <0.05). From baseline to 12 months, the PDFF measured using FACT was greatly increased. At 12 months, the median percent change of PDFF (4.9% vs. 0.9%, P <0.05) was significantly different between the AI treatments and controls. The same trend was observed for the marrow PDFF at 6 months relative to the respective values at baseline. Although BMD values were significantly reduced after 12 months in AI-treated women, changes in BMD vs. baseline condition were not significantly different between the AI-treated and control groups [Δ BMD −1.6% to −1.8% vs. −0.3% to −0.6%, respectively, P > 0.05]. In the AI-treated group, Δ PDFF was associated with Δ BMD at the lumbar spine (r = −0.585, P < 0.001), but not in the controls. Taken together, over a 12-month period, spinal marrow fat content assessed with FACT sequence significantly increased in postmenopausal women with hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer receiving AI treatment.

Objectives: To differentiate squamous cell hyperplasia (SCH) (benign) from squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) malignant) using textural features extracted from CT images and thereby, facilitate the preoperative medical diagnosis and treatment of throat cancers without the need for sample biopsies. Methods: In total, 100 throat cancer patients were selected for this retrospective study. The cases were collected from the Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China, from June 2017 to January 2019. The patients were separated into a training and validation cohort consisting of 70 and 30 cases, respectively. The Artificial Intelligence Kit software (A.K. software) was used to extract the radiomics features from the CT images. These features were further processed using the minimum redundancy maximum relevance (mRMR) and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) methods to obtain a subset of optimal features. The radiomics model was validated based on area-under-the-curve (AUC) values, accuracy, specificity, and sensitivity using the R-studio software. Results: The diagnostic accuracy, specificity, PPV, NPV, and AUC values obtained for the training cohort was 0.91, 0.9, 0.93, 0.9, and 0.96 CT angiography (CTA), 0.93, 0.93, 0.95, 0.90, and 0.96 computed tomography normal (CTN), and 0.92, 0.87, 0.91, 0.96, and 0.96 CT venogram (CTV). These values were subsequently confirmed in the validation cohort. Conclusion: The radiomics-based prediction model proposed in this study successfully differentiated between SCH and SCC throat cancers using CT imaging, thereby facilitating the development of accurate preoperative diagnosis based on specific biomarkers and cancer phenotypes.

Correction for ‘Rational design of Fe3O4@C nanoparticles for simultaneous bimodal imaging and chemo-photothermal therapy in vitro and in vivo’ by Qinghe Han et al., J. Mater. Chem. B, 2018, 6, 5443–5450, DOI: 10.1039/C8TB01184B.

Node localization is one of the key technologies of Underwater Sensor Networks (UWSN). Because of the unique ocean environment conditions, beacon nodes are difficult to deploy precisely and move under the action of ocean currents and tides. Usually the beacon nodes are fixed to the sea floor through anchors and cables, and they can move within a certain range. Most existing localization algorithms do not take such mobility of beacon nodes into account, resulting in large localization errors. In order to overcome this disadvantage, this paper analyzes the characteristics of mobile-constrained beacon nodes and proposes a new localization algorithm in UWSN, namely, Mobile-constrained beacon based localization algorithm. It solves the problem that the position of beacon node is dynamic and imprecise. The unknown node can be located by the geometric relationship between the position of the anchor and the moving radius of the beacon node. In the calculation process, the polygonal area is transformed into a rectangular area, and the three-dimensional (3D) space is mapped into a two-dimensional (2D) space, the calculation process is simplified, and the feasibility of the algorithm is improved. The algorithm can be used both for 2D and 3D localization. Experiment results show that the algorithm proposed in this paper improves the localization accuracy, reduces the error rate of network node location, and has good practicality.

Co-delivery of two drugs with diverse physicochemical properties and specific administration order for cancer theranostics are vitally important for drug resistance conquering and side effects reducing. Consequently, we explored a unique amphiphilic PCL-AuNC/Fe(OH)3-PAA Janus nanoparticle (JNP) to simultaneously preserve the hydrophilic drug (doxorubicin) and hydrophobic drug (docetaxel) in their distinct domains. Owing to their extraordinary heterostructure and independent pH and NIR sensitive properties, the optional sequential drug release by a single inorganic JNP was realized for the first time, and the results presented the synchronous release of two drugs had 5% better therapeutic effect. In addition, the excellent computed X-ray tomography/magnetic resonance (CT/MR) imaging capabilities from AuNC and Fe(OH)3 suggested our JNPs could effectively guide the cancer therapy. Furthermore, the mice treated with dual drug loaded PCL-AuNC/Fe(OH)3-PAA JNPs under near infrared (NIR) laser irradiation showed better tumor inhibition than solo drug, cocktail and dual drug treated groups, indicating the effectivity and significance of combined cancer therapy.

Among orbital lymphoproliferative disorders, about 55% of diagnosed cancerous tumors are orbital lymphomas, and nearly 50% of benign cases are immunoglobulin G4-related ophthalmic disease (IgG4-ROD). However, due to nonspecific characteristics, the differentiation of the two diseases is challenging. In this study, conventional magnetic resonance imaging-based radiomics approaches were explored for clinical recognition of orbital lymphomas and IgG4-ROD. We investigated the value of radiomics features of axial T1- (T1WI-) and T2-weighted (T2WI), contrast-enhanced T1WI in axial (CE-T1WI) and coronal (CE-T1WI-cor) planes, and 78 patients (orbital lymphoma, 36; IgG4-ROD, 42) were retrospectively reviewed. The mass lesions were manually annotated and represented with 99 features. The performance of elastic net-based radiomics models using single or multiple modalities with or without feature selection was compared. The demographic features showed orbital lymphoma patients were significantly older than IgG4-ROD patients ( p < 0.01 ), and most of the patients were male (72% in the orbital lymphoma group vs. 23% in the IgG4-ROD group; p = 0.03 ). The MR imaging findings revealed orbital lymphomas were mostly unilateral (81%, p = 0.02 ) and wrapped eyeballs or optic nerves frequently (78%, p = 0.02 ). In addition, orbital lymphomas showed isointense in T1WI (100%, p < 0.01 ), and IgG4-ROD was isointense (60%, p < 0.01 ) or hyperintense (40%, p < 0.01 ) in T1WI with well-defined shape (64%, p < 0.01 ). The experimental comparison indicated that using CE-T1WI radiomics features achieved superior results, and the features in combination with CE-T1WI-cor features and the feature preselection method could further improve the classification performance. In conclusion, this study comparatively analyzed orbital lymphoma and IgG4-ROD from demographic features, MR imaging findings, and radiomics features. It might deepen our understanding and benefit disease management.

Background First web-space defect reconstruction is challenging for reconstructive surgeons. The second dorsal metacarpal artery (SDMA) flap is useful in treating hand and finger defects. However, limited studies have used it for the first web-space defects. This study reports a modified SDMA flap to treat first web-space soft-tissue defects. Methods From April 2012 to October 2018, 8 patients underwent a modified SDMA flap transfer (mean flap size, 2 × 3 cm to 4 × 6 cm). The average length of the pedicle was 2.9 cm. On average, the flap was rotated 84°. In 6 patients, full-thickness skin was grafted at the donor sites. The donor site was primarily closed in two cases. Results All wounds were healed without complications of flap failure or donor area-related morbidity. The average follow-up period was 7.9 months, and these patients were satisfied with the functional recovery and cosmetic appearance of the scar area. At the end of follow-up, the average movement range of the metacarpophalangeal joint of the thumb, index finger, and long finger were 84°, 88°, and 87°, respectively, while those of the contralateral thumb, index finger, and long finger were 87°, 88°, and 85°, respectively. The first web of the injured side spanned an average of 73°; the measurement on the contralateral side was 91°. Conclusions The SDMA flap reconstruction is a simple and fast procedure with a wide resurfacing range for large first web-space defects, low donor-site morbidity, and good functional and esthetic appearance.

We report a facile strategy to fabricate well-dispersed Fe

Purpose Localization is one of the critical issues in Ocean Internet of Things (OITs). The existing research results of localization in OITs are very limited. It poses many challenges due to the difficulty of deploy beacon accurately, the difficulty of transmission distance estimation in harsh ocean environment and the underwater node mobility. This paper aims to provide a novel localization algorithm to solve these problems. Design/methodology/approach This paper takes the ship with accurate position as a beacon, analyzes the relationship between underwater energy attenuation and node distance and takes them into OITs localization algorithm design. Then, it studies the movement regulation of underwater nodes in the action of ocean current, and designs an Energy-aware Localization Algorithm (ELA) for OITs. Findings Proposing an ELA. ELA takes the ship with accurate position information as a beacon to solve the problem of beacon deployment. ELA does not need to calculate the information transmission distance which solves the problem of distance estimation. It takes underwater node movement regulation into computation to solve the problem of node mobility. Originality value This paper provides an ELA based on the relationship between propagation energy attenuation and node distance for OITs. It solves the problem of localization in dynamic underwater networks.

We report a facile strategy to fabricate well-dispersed Fe3O4@C eccentric core–shell nanoparticles (NPs). The resulting Fe3O4@C eccentric core–shell NPs possess a high payload of doxorubicin (DOX) for use as synergetic pH/near-infrared (NIR)-sensitive drug delivery vehicles, and were applied for dual-modal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)/photoacoustic imaging (PAI) and synergistic photothermal cancer therapy in vitro and in vivo.

Functionally graded materials (FGMs) with spatially varying material properties in 3D space are highly desired for a wide range of applications. Although FGMs are ubiquitous in biological materials, the fabrication of FGMs with continuous non-linear spatial variation of material properties remains a great challenge. Here we present a self-developed extrusion-based additive manufacturing system capable of fabricating FGMs with sophisticated material property distributions. The workflow involves property function modeling, gray-scale representation and control codes generation, digital material feeding and active multi-material mixing. The effectiveness of the technology is demonstrated by the successful printing of a diverse range of objects with complex spatial variations in color and Al2O3 concentration. In addition, by controlling the dynamic change of the different components during reactive 3D printing process, we can fabricate polyurethane (PU) objects with various gradient patterns in material mechanical properties. The results of the cantilever bending test and simulation show that the material gradient can effectively relieve the stress concentration. The proposed gradient 3D printing system opens a new avenue for manufacturing FGMs with exquisite material property distributions thus far only accessible by biological materials grown in nature. Keywords: Continuous gradient, Spatial gradient, Non-linear gradient, Variable properties, Extrusion-based 3D printing

Cerclage wire is widely used in the treatment of fracture internal fixation and is shown effective in clinic. But a report by S.L. has pointed that the wire loop delayed the growth of bone. We have established a radius fracture model to study the possible detrimental effects of cerclage wire on fracture healing and the potential mechanism. By high-resolution CT analysis cerclage wire is found to delay fracture healing, by histological assessment cerclage wire is found to extended the time of hematoma and the marrow cavity appearing, by confocal microscopy cerclage wire decreased the content of calcium and the expression of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and by RT-PCR analysis cerclage wire decreased the mRNA levels of bone sialoprotein and ALP. These results suggest that the cerclage wire near the elbow delayed the fracture healing in radius fracture models.

6-Shogaol, a pungent agent isolated from Zingiber officinale Roscoe, has been known to have anti-tumor and anti-inflammatory effects. However, the anti-inflammatory effects and biological mechanism of 6-Shogaol in LPS-activated BV2 microglia remains largely unknown. In this study, we evaluated the anti-inflammatory effects of 6-Shogaol in LPS-activated BV2 microglia. 6-Shogaol was administrated 1 h before LPS treatment. The production of inflammatory mediators were detected by ELISA. The expression of NF-κB and PPAR-γ were detected by western blot analysis. Our results revealed that 6-Shogaol inhibited LPS-induced TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and PGE2 production in a concentration dependent manner. Furthermore, 6-Shogaol inhibited LPS-induced NF-κB activation by inhibiting phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65. In addition, 6-Shogaol could increase the expression of PPAR-γ. Moreover, inhibition of PPAR-γ by GW9662 could prevent the inhibition of 6-Shogaol on LPS-induced inflammatory mediator production. In conclusion, 6-Shogaol inhibits LPS-induced inflammation by activating PPAR-γ.

We report a facile and simple hydrogen reduction method to fabricate PEGylated branched gold (Au)–iron oxide (Fe3O4) Janus nanoparticles (JNPs). Note that the hydrogen induces the formation of Fe3O4 during the synthesis process. Due to the strong absorption in the near-infrared range, branched Au–Fe3O4 JNPs showed a significant photothermal effect with a 40 % calculated photothermal transduction efficiency under a laser irradiation of 808 nm in vitro. Owing to their excellent optical and magnetic properties, branched Au–Fe3O4 JNPs were demonstrated to be advantageous agents for triple-modal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)/photoacoustic imaging (PAI)/computed tomography (CT) in vitro. Therefore, the synthetic approach could be extended to prepare Au–metallic oxide JNPs for specific applications.

The aim of the present study was to investigate whether oridonin is able to increase the effects of lentinan (LNT) in HepG2 human hepatoblastoma cells by MTT, flow cytometry, reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blot analysis. The in vitro results demonstrated that 20 µg/ml of oridonin was a nontoxic concentration for L02 normal liver cells and HepG2 liver cancer cells. Furthermore, treatment with 0–200 µg/ml LNT was only able to decrease the viability of HepG2 liver cancer cells. The growth inhibitory rate of the LNT-L (100 µg/ml) treatment group was 20.7% and the rate of the LNT-H (200 µg/ml) treatment group was 54.8%. Notably, the growth inhibitory rate of the oridonin + LNT-H group was 84.3%. The highest percentage of apoptotic cells was observed in the oridonin + LNT-H group (20 µg/ml oridonin and 200 µg/ml LNT). The percentage of apoptotic cells in the oridonin + LNT-H group was significantly different from the percentage of apoptotic cells in the LNT-H (26.1%) and the LNT-L (16.8%) groups. Treatment with LNT produced an increase in caspase-3, caspase-9, Bcl-2-like protein 4, p53, p21, nuclear factor κB inhibitor-α mRNA and protein expression and a decrease in B-cell lymphoma 2 and nuclear factor-κB expression in HepG2 cells compared with untreated control cells. Treatment with a combination of oridonin and LNT-H induced a further increase in expression with the biggest differences in expression observed between the oridonin + LNT-H group and control. It was observed that treatment with oridonin was able to increase the anticancer effects of LNT in HepG2 cells. Therefore, oridonin may be used to sensitize cells to LNT.

We report a facile and simple hydrogen reduction method to fabricate PEGylated branched gold (Au)-iron oxide (Fe

Oroxylin A, a natural flavonoid isolated from Scutellaria baicalensis, has been reported to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. However, suppression of oxidative stress and neuroapoptosis by oroxylin A is largely uninvestigated. To investigate the protective effects of oroxylin A, PC12 cells were exposed to oroxylin A and hydrogen peroxide solutions and measured. Oroxylin A significantly reduced the levels of intracellular calcium and reactive oxygen species and increased the levels of CAT and Mn/SOD. Oroxylin A also inhibited the activation of caspase-3. These results suggest that treatment of PC12 cells with oroxylin A inhibits H

6-Shogaol, a pungent agent isolated from Zingiber officinale Roscoe, has been known to have anti-tumor and anti-inflammatory effects. However, the anti-inflammatory effects and biological mechanism of 6-Shogaol in LPS-activated BV2 microglia remains largely unknown. In this study, we evaluated the anti-inflammatory effects of 6-Shogaol in LPS-activated BV2 microglia. 6-Shogaol was administrated 1 h before LPS treatment. The production of inflammatory mediators were detected by ELISA. The expression of NF-κB and PPAR-γ were detected by western blot analysis. Our results revealed that 6-Shogaol inhibited LPS-induced TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and PGE2 production in a concentration dependent manner. Furthermore, 6-Shogaol inhibited LPS-induced NF-κB activation by inhibiting phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65. In addition, 6-Shogaol could increase the expression of PPAR-γ. Moreover, inhibition of PPAR-γ by GW9662 could prevent the inhibition of 6-Shogaol on LPS-induced inflammatory mediator production. In conclusion, 6-Shogaol inhibits LPS-induced inflammation by activating PPAR-γ.

Multifunctional theranostic agents are widely applied in cancer diagnosis and treatment. These agents can significantly improve therapeutic outcomes and reduce adverse effects in current cancer therapy. Here, we have designed and synthesized iron-doped copper sulfide nanoparticles with polyvinylpyrollidone (FCS@PVP NPs) for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) guided photothermal therapy. The biocompatible FCS@PVP NPs with strong near-infrared absorption could be used as the photothermal agent and the magnetic characteristic of Fe3+ ions could be applied to T 1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The T 1-weighted MRI, high photothermal performance, and the biodistribution of FCS@PVP NPs were investigated in mice after intravenous administration. The data showed that there was a high accumulation of FCS@PVP NPs in the tumor sites because of the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect. This result also indicated that the tumors in tumor-bearing mice were effectively suppressed after FCS@PVP NPs treatment under 808 nm laser irradiation. More importantly, FCS@PVP NPs show low cytotoxicity and few side effects because of the quick and safe elimination through the hepatobiliary/fecal route. This work provided a foundation for the clinical application of FCS@PVP NPs as a promising multifunctional theranostic agent for the MRI guided photothermal therapy of cancer.

Oroxylin A, a natural flavonoid isolated from Scutellaria baicalensis, has been reported to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. However, suppression of oxidative stress and neuroapoptosis by oroxylin A is largely uninvestigated. To investigate the protective effects of oroxylin A, PC12 cells were exposed to oroxylin A and hydrogen peroxide solutions and measured. Oroxylin A significantly reduced the levels of intracellular calcium and reactive oxygen species and increased the levels of CAT and Mn/SOD. Oroxylin A also inhibited the activation of caspase-3. These results suggest that treatment of PC12 cells with oroxylin A inhibits H2O2-induced oxidative stress.