Benign Process Research Articles

Solitary primary intraosseous xanthoma of the mandible in a 15-year-old boy: a case report

BackgroundA xanthoma is a rare bone condition consisting of a predominant collection of lipid-rich, foamy histiocytes. The central xanthoma of the jaws is a unique benign tumor.Case reportA 15-year-old Caucasian male has been presented to our department. He had radiological changes in the area of the left mandibular angle, with an area of diffuse osteolysis of 3.0 cm by 2.0 cm. Computed tomography reveals an area of diffuse osteolysis that starts from the distal root of the lower second molar and reaches the ascending process. A bone biopsy was performed, which revealed a benign proliferative process composed of histiocytic cells involving and infiltrating trabecular bone in a background of loose fibrous connective tissue devoid of any other significant inflammatory infiltrate. The size of the formation was 2.9 cm by 2.0 cm. Immunohistochemical staining for CD68 was strongly positive and negative for S-100 and CD1a. From routine blood tests, cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood sugar are within normal values, which excludes systemic metabolic disease. Subsequent to the surgical intervention, the patient underwent postoperative assessments at intervals of 14, 30, 60 days, and a year later, revealing the absence of any discernible complications during the aforementioned observation periods.ConclusionThe diagnosis of primary xanthoma of the mandible is rare and can often be confused with other histiocytic lesions. A differential diagnosis should be made with nonossifying fibroma and Langerhans cell histiocytosis, as in our case. In these cases, immunohistochemistry with CD 68, S-100, and CD1a, as well as blood parameters, are crucial for the diagnosis.

Thymic Imaging Pitfalls and Strategies for Optimized Diagnosis.

Thymic imaging is challenging because the imaging appearance of a variety of benign and malignant thymic conditions are similar. CT is the most commonly used modality for mediastinal imaging, while MRI and fluorine 18 fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) PET/CT are helpful when they are tailored to the correct indication. Each of these imaging modalities has limitations and technical pitfalls that may lead to an incorrect diagnosis and mismanagement. CT may not be sufficient for the characterization of cystic thymic processes and differentiation between thymic hyperplasia and thymic tumors. MRI can be used to overcome these limitations but is subject to other potential pitfalls such as an equivocal decrease in signal intensity at chemical shift imaging, size limitations, unusual signal intensity for cysts, subtraction artifacts, pseudonodularity on T2-weighted MR images, early imaging misinterpretation, flow and spatial resolution issues hampering assessment of local invasion, and the overlap of apparent diffusion coefficients between malignant and benign thymic entities. FDG PET/CT is not routinely indicated due to some overlap in FDG uptake between thymomas and benign thymic processes. However, it is useful for staging and follow-up of aggressive tumors (eg, thymic carcinoma), particularly for detection of occult metastatic disease. Pitfalls in imaging after treatment of thymic malignancies relate to technical challenges such as postthymectomy sternotomy streak metal artifacts, differentiation of postsurgical thymic bed changes from tumor recurrence, or human error with typical "blind spots" for identification of metastatic disease. Understanding these pitfalls enables appropriate selection of imaging modalities, improves diagnostic accuracy, and guides patient treatment. ©RSNA, 2024 Test Your Knowledge questions for this article are available in the supplemental material.

Pathologic outcome of incidentally detected tracer-avid lesions in 68Ga-PSMA-11 PET/CT for prostate cancer

Abstract   Prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA) PET is effective in identifying prostate cancer metastases. However, PSMA PET uptake has also been described in other lesions, including non-prostate malignancies and benign processes. Purpose To identify causes of unexpected radiopharmaceutical accumulation on PSMA PET. Methods 2,054 study reports representing 1,873 unique patients who had underwent 68Ga-PSMA-11 PET/CT scans at a single large academic center from December 2015—April 2022 were retrospectively reviewed for the mention of unexpected PSMA uptake not initially thought to represent metastatic prostate cancer. Scans with pathologic outcome were reviewed by two blinded readers for scan indication and lesion location and quantitative parameters. Results In 48 patients, the PSMA-ligand avid incidental lesions revealed 19 cases of second malignancies, 17 cases of prostate cancer, and 13 cases of benign lesions. The most common lesion locations were lung (14), thyroid (14), lymph nodes (8), and bowel (4). Benign lesions exhibited lower molecular imaging PSMA (miPSMA) scores (median: 1 IQR: 1.00–1.25, p = 0.017) than metastatic prostate lesions (median: 2, IQR: 1–3). Second malignancies were larger (median: 34 mm, IQR: 27–39 mm) than metastatic prostate cancer (median: 14 mm, IQR: 12–19 mm, p = 0.001) and benign lesions (median: 19 mm, IQR: 13.00—31.00 mm, p = 0.03). PSMA-ligand avid lesions in scans performed in the initial staging for prostate cancer were more commonly associated with a diagnosis of a secondary malignancy than with metastatic prostate cancer (0 vs 8 lesions, p = 0.008). Higher SUVmax was observed for metastatic prostate cancer and second malignancy when compared to benign outcome. Conclusions Features that influence the probability of an incidental lesion representing a malignancy include lesion location, reason for the PSMA PET/CT study, and associated imaging features (size, SUVmax, and miPSMA score).

Green chemistry: current status and challenges in Zimbabwe

Abstract Green chemistry involves designing environmentally benign processes that either reduce or eliminate the use and production of hazardous substances in the production of safe chemical products. It aims at minimising waste; eliminating costly treatments; minimising energy and resource consumption, and yielding safer products. On this background, it becomes imperative to promote and establish Green chemistry worldwide, especially in developing countries by incorporating it into school curricula, thus placing it at its core for sustainable development purposes. While Zimbabwe, a sub-Saharan country, has made positive strides in key research areas such as the design of new chemicals, catalysis, solvents, renewable materials, and feedstocks, it still faces some challenges that inhibit the successful inception of the concept of green chemistry. An overview that includes educational curriculum, grants and awards, research, infrastructure, and facilities established to promote green chemistry research and education; challenges currently being faced in implementing the approaches and principles in selected universities; the role played by government bodies, and the public in influencing the criteria to promote the green chemistry concept is given.

Efficacy of fat quantification methods used in MRI to distinguish between normal, benign, and malignant bone marrow pathologies in children.

Fat quantification methods in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have been studied to differentiate bone marrow pathologies in adult patients; however, scarce literature is available in pediatric patients. To evaluate the efficacy of the T1 signal intensity value (T1-SIV), out-of-phase/in-phase signal ratio (OP/IP SR), and fat fraction (FF) to differentiate between normal, benign, and malignant pathological processes. A total of 48 pediatric patients with lumbar and pelvic MRI were classified into three groups according to bone marrow pathology (group 1, normal; group 2, benign pathology/reconversion; group 3, malignant). The efficacy of T1-SIV, OP/IP SR, and FF values in differentiating these pathologies was evaluated using Kruskal-Wallis or analysis of variance and followed by Bonferroni or Dunn-Bonferroni tests. Cutoff values for malignant infiltration were defined using ROC analysis. Although these values were significantly different in all three groups (P = 0.001-0.008), this difference was not sufficient to discriminate between all groups. Subgroup analyses showed significant differences in T1-SIV between groups 1-3, in OP/IP SR between groups 1-3, 2-3, and 1-2, in FF between groups 1-2 and 1-3 in various regions (P = 0.001-0.049). Cutoff values had a sensitivity and specificity of 90%-100% for OP/IP SR and FF. T1-SIV, OP/IP SR, and FF may potentially distinguish normal from pathological bone marrow. OP/IP SR and FF values detected malignant infiltration with high sensitivity and specificity in this study. However, only OP/IP SR may significantly differentiate benign and malignant bone marrow pathologies which needs to be confirmed in the future study with a larger patient population.

Massive peritoneal inclusion cyst with secondary abscessation

AbstractPeritoneal inclusion cysts are rare intra‐abdominal cystic lesions of controversial pathogenesis and nomenclature. Postulated to be of neoplastic or reactive origin, they are characterised by progressive expansion and variable symptomatology in classically reproductive‐aged females. Local recurrence is frequent while malignant transformation is plausible. Herein, we review a presentation of a massive peritoneal inclusion cyst with secondary abscessation and septic shock in a 58‐year‐old female, reviewing the available literature to highlight the potential acuity of this pathology, the standard of surgical care, and the need for caution by treating surgeons in its evaluation as an entirely benign process.

Production of Mycelium-Based Papers from Carrot Pomace and Their Potential Applications for Dye Removal

AbstractThe Current study aimed at valorizing carrot pomace (CP), an abundant waste from the juice industry. A water-soluble fraction of CP was separated from solid fraction of CP (SFCP) and employed as feedstock for producing fungal biomass (FB) in bench-scale bioreactors. FB combined with SFCP were used to develop mycelium-based papers (MBP) using the wet-laid method. The potential and capacity of FB, SFCP and MBP to remove dye (methylene blue) from wastewater was then investigated. The maximum achieved dye removal was 92% when using a mixture of SFCP and FB in their suspended forms. The MBP with the lowest density (549 kg/m3) reached 83% dye elimination. The findings of this study support the valorization of carrot pomace, through environmentally benign processes, to mycelium-based papers with potential application in wastewater treatment.

Herpes Zoster Chorioretinopathy: A Case Series

ABSTRACT Purpose To report two patients with herpetic zoster panuveitis and chorioretinopathy with choroidal hypopigmentation. Methods Retrospective chart review of two patients. Results We report a series of two patients with a history of HZO with orbital inflammation and panuveitis, who developed patchy choroidal depigmentation consistent with a choroidopathy. The lesions were extensive and involved the posterior pole and mid-periphery in both cases. Both cases demonstrated scattered areas of ellipsoid zone loss, and fluorescein angiography showed corresponding late hyperfluorescence. OCTA in one case demonstrated flow voids at the level of choriocapillaris. Conclusions Our series suggests that herpetic chorioretinopathy may be a relatively benign process that presents late and may involve large areas of the posterior choroid.

Polyostotic fibrous dysplasia: a clinical case

Fibrous dysplasia is a benign pathological process with various manifestations. Sometimes the volume of lesions leads to «malignant» course of disease. This article presents a clinical case of a patient with a rare disabling isolated polyostotic form of fibrous dysplasia. This patient was admitted to a medical center due to the appearance of acute pain in the right lower limb and a change in the axis of the limbs. We present the case of a patient with rare disabling isolated polyostotic form of fibrous dysplasia.

Searching for a twinkling artefact in breast microcalcifications using B-flow ultrasonic non-doppler technology: a prospective study

INTRODUCTION: The rapid rejuvenation of breast cancer in recent years has made it necessary to look for non-X-ray methods of imaging microcalcifications in women not yet covered by mammography screening. Developing technologies to see these microcalcifications on ultrasound is a promising goal, potentially reducing the number of unnecessary biopsies.OBJECTIVE: Evaluation of factors influencing the ability of the B-flow technique to detect the presence of a flickering artifact in patients with microcalcifications detected by mammography.MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective study of 57 patients with microcalcifications detected on mammograms was conducted. The Nondoppler technology of B-flow ultrasound examination was used for targeted ultrasound with the search for these areas during ultrasound. The possibilities of visualization of the twinkle artifact were evaluated for various microcalcifications in size, distribution, their number, and for pathological processes of different nature. Images in B-flow mode were found to be positive when a bright local flash occurred against a dark background in B-mode. Verification of diagnostic findings was performed by ultrasound-guided core- biopsy from areas with a twinkle artifact (in the presence of an imaging area during ultrasound) or with stereotactic biopsy (in the absence of visualization of the suspicious area with ultrasound with B-flow).Statistics: The ANOVA test was used for triple pairwise comparisons between positive groups. The p<0.05 value was considered statistically significant.RESULTS: According to the results of the study, out of 57 cases with microcalcifications, 34 (60%) recorded a twinkle artifact. The amount of microcalcifications with a visualized twinkle effect in B-flow was significantly higher in benign processes 34 (82.9%) out of 41, and less often in malignant 8 (50%) out of 16 (p=0.035). The effect of calcification morphology on the mammogram on their detection by ultrasound in the B-flow mode (p=0.035) was statistically significant. The most frequently manifested twinkle artifact were rounded, regular-shaped calcifications in 19 (95%) out of 20, which were found in granulomatous mastitis, fibrocystic changes, fibroadenomas, sclerosing adenosis, as well as polymorphic calcifications in 7 (63.6%) of 11. In the B-flow mode, it was not possible to obtain a twinkle artifact mainly with point small calcifications of 9 (69.2%) out of 13, and in all cases with linear or linear branching calcifications. In amorphous microcalcifications, the characteristics of background echogenicity and the presence or absence of a nodal component in the gray scale mode had a much greater influence on the appearance of the twinkle effect in the normal B-mode, whereas in the B-flow mode, these characteristics did not have a decisive effect on the appearance of a flickering artifact (p=0.8). The density of distribution of microcalcifications, the size of calcifications, the final pathomorphology, mammography characteristics, the background environment during ultrasound by the presence or absence of nodular formation and anechoic zones, did not affect the appearance of a bright flash in the B-flow mode.DISCUSSION: The density of calcification distribution was not decisive for the appearance of a shimmering artifact in the B-flow mode. The flicker artifact is recorded both in grouped microcalcifications and in single ones. B-flow can help to detect calcifications that are not visible in the usual B-flow mode due to the lack of pronounced tissue contrast. But this artifact cannot be used to differentiate between benign and malignant processes.CONCLUSION: The B-flow technique is promising for clarifying the twinkle artifact in the detected microcalcifications on the mammogram, which could potentially increase the incidence of ultrasound-guided trephine biopsies by detecting more areas with microcalcification accumulations. 

Adsorptive uptake of thymol blue from aqueous medium using calcined snail shells: equilibrium, kinetic, thermodynamic, neuro-fuzzy and DFT studies

ABSTRACTS The spontaneous discharge of pollutants or toxicants into the ecosystem as a result of various anthropogenic activities is alarming, this necessitates a drastic cheap, and eco-friendly clean-up approach. Out of all the methods, adsorption has proven to be the most effective. The batch adsorptive removal of Thymol Blue (TB) dye from aqueous solutions is examined in this study utilizing calcined snail shells (CalSS). With the aid of SEM, EDS, XRD, and FTIR, the synthesized adsorbent was examined for different physicochemical characteristics. A machine learning model namely Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS) was developed to assess the TB adsorption process while taking into account the important adsorption parameters contact time, temperature, pH, adsorbent dosage, then initial adsorbate concentration. Adsorbent pHpzc was also evaluated. EDX and FTIR confirm the formation of CaO with sharp peaks at 547 cm−1 and C–O and O–H are present. SEM and XRD show an irregularly shaped highly crystalline adsorbent material having a typical particle size of 65 ± 2.81 nm and lattice parameter value of 8.611617 Å. The pHpzc value is 11.04, indicating basic surface characteristics. The pH of 3.0, an adsorbent dose of 10 mg and the highest achievable adsorption efficiency were measured to be 98.75% at 20 °C. The findings from the study fit nicely onto Brouser Sotolongo with q BS = 259.4887 mg/g and R 2 = 0.9888. The pseudosecond order model (PSOM) recorded the least error value of 0.3336 and R 2 = 0.9952. This indicates chemisorption and multilayer adsorption processes. The thermodynamic parameters ΔH° and ΔG° demonstrate the exothermic and spontaneous nature of the adsorption process. The ANFIS model for the TB sequestration was evaluated using relevant statistical metrics, giving Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) value of 1.4644, Mean Absolute Deviation (MAD) value of 0.576, Mean Absolute Error (MAE) value of 1.2974 and Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE) value of 1.5141. This outcome revealed that the ANFIS model and experimental findings are in good agreement. The efficacy of calcined snail shell in removing Thymol Blue dye from aqueous solution was also examined using in-silico technique which was in accordance to the value of the calculated descriptors obtained from the adsorbent as well as the calculated binding affinity. The elimination of TB-polluted wastewater using calcined snail shells is demonstrated in this study to be a successful and environmentally benign process.

An environmentally benign process for effective recovery and solidification of Cr from stainless-steel slag

Stainless-steel slag is a hazardous solid that has caused severe chromium contamination globally. This study proposes an environmentally benign vitrification process for efficient recycling and solidification of Cr from stainless-steel slag using waste copper slag and coal tar residue. The transformation behaviors of heavy metals (Cr, Cu, Pb, Zn) and the Cr toxic leaching mechanism are also determined in this work. The findings indicated that compared with Cu and Fe phases, the Mg(Al,Cr)2O4 and chemically dissolved Cr phases were not easily reduced via coal tar residue, leading to the leaching of highly toxic Cr3+/Cr6+ during the toxicity characteristic leaching procedure (TCLP). Under optimal conditions, 95.56% Cr, 97.71% Fe, and 99.71% Cu could be recovered in the form of high value-added crude stainless-steel, and 99.62% Pb and 99.19% Zn could be enriched in the dust. The furnace slag TCLP result indicated that the leaching concentrations of Cr, Cu, Pb and Zn were 1.82 mg/L, 0.1 mg/L, 0.38 mg/L, and 2.58 mg/L, respectively. More importantly, the concentrations of residual Cr, Cu, Pb and Zn in the furnace slag were only 0.095 wt%, 0.028 wt%, 0.0192 wt%, and 0.011 wt%, respectively. These findings indicate that treated slag can be categorized as general solid waste, minimizing the environmental risks of heavy metals. The results of this study are significant for the sustainable development of the stainless-steel industry and copper metallurgy.

Spontaneous pneumomediastinum: case series and literature review

Spontaneous pneumomediastinum (SPM) is a condition characterised by presence of air in the mediastinum that is not iatrogenic or secondary to trauma. We conducted a retrospective review of 4 cases, treated at our hospital for SPM in 2023. The mean age of the patients was 35 years (range, 28-58 years), with 3 male (75%). Only one of the patients (25%) had precipitating projectile vomiting followed by hematemesis. Chest pain was by far the most common symptom (75%). One patient presented with haematemesis, raised inflammatory markers and fever. Pneumomediastinum was diagnosed by plain chest radiography in all cases. In all cases a computed tomography (CT) scan of the chest with on table contrast was performed with half of the patients needing fluoroscopy swallow later in the admission. Half of the patients were treated for suspected oesophageal perforation and received antibiotics and kept nil by mouth, the other two patients only required supportive care. The mean length of hospital stay was 3.4 days (range, 1.2-4.7 days). SPM is a benign process primarily affecting young otherwise healthy males. There is a growing body of evidence to suggest that CT of the chest with on table contrast should be reserved for patients presenting with red flags such as abdominal pain, hematemesis, fever and raised inflammatory markers.

Polylactic acid-based plastic activated NiAl2O4 nanoparticles as highly active positive electrode materials for energy storage supercapacitor.

A simple, low-cost, and environmentally benign process for synthesizing nanostructured NiO/NiAl2O4 on multiple kinds of carbon nanostructures (CNS) is presented. This method develops polylactic acid (PLA) based waste plastic materials for the producing CNS. These composites (NiO@NiAl2O4/CNS) were examined as potential electrodes in supercapacitors (SC) as they exhibit good charge/discharge reversibility and provide adequate specific capacitance values with a maximum being 1984 F/g at 0.5 A g-1. It is noteworthy that the cycling stability of this sample at 10 A g-1 maintained 101.7% of its initial capacity even after 5000 GCD cycles. An asymmetric supercapacitor (ASC) was built and analyzed, with NiO@NiAl2O4/CNS serving as the cathode and activated carbon serving as the anode of the device. The concluded device has an energy density of 58 Wh kg-1 with a power density of 986 W kg-1 and a SCs of 216.5 F/g. The results showed that the materials mentioned are a great option to use as electrode materials in applications involving the storage of energy.

Enantioselective Zirconium-catalyzed Transformations

Abstract: The cheaper and less-toxic metals of Group 4 compared with common metals used in catalysis are increasingly applied in catalysis, resulting in the development of many novel greener transformations. Zirconium is abundant, non-toxic, and exhibits a remarkably diversified chemical reactivity among these metals. Since the first asymmetric zirconium-catalyzed reaction disclosed by Nugent in 1992, a wide variety of chiral zirconium catalysts have been proven to be capable of promoting many types of highly enantioselective transformations, spanning from standard reactions, such as Friedel‒Crafts reactions, cycloadditions, aldol reactions, Mannich reactions, epoxidations, nucleophilic additions to carbonyl compounds and derivatives, cyanations, ring-opening reactions, hydroxylations, hydroformylations, carboaluminations among others, to more modern and complex domino and tandem processes. This review aims to collect the major progress achieved in the field of enantioselective transformations of all types promoted by chiral zirconium catalysts, covering the literature since the beginning of 2003 and illustrating the power of these non-toxic catalysts to provide high enantioselectivity in almost all kinds of asymmetric organic reactions. It is divided into ten parts, focussing consecutively on enantioselective Friedel‒Crafts reactions, cycloadditions, aldol reactions, Mannich reactions, epoxidations, additions of alkylzinc reagents to imines, cyanations, ring-opening reactions, hydroxylations, and domino/ tandem reactions. The diversity of these transformations well reflects that of the products synthesized. For example, chiral indole and pyrrole derivatives were prepared from Friedel‒Crafts reactions; pyranones, pyridones and pyrazolidines from cycloadditions; β-hydroxy α-diazo carbonyl compounds, βhydroxy (thio)esters and β-hydroxy-α-amino acid derivatives from aldol reactions; β-amino (thio)esters from Mannich reactions; functionalized epoxides from epoxidations; amines from additions of alkylzinc reagents to imines; amino nitriles from cyanations; 1,2-diamines and β-vinyloxy alcohols from ring-opening processes; 2- hydroxy 1-indanones from hydroxylations; various amines, 1,3-anti-diol monoesters, β-amino esters, α,βdihydroxy acid derivatives, α-amino ketones, indoles, cyclopentane and aryl α-aminophosphonates from domino/ tandem reactions. Furthermore, the utility of these novel methodologies was demonstrated in the total synthesis of numerous essential bioactive products, such as (+)-prelactone C, (+)-9-deoxygoniopypyrone, (+)- coniine, vancomycin, (+)-fusarisetin A, mycolipenic acid, onchidin, indoxacarb, tachykinin receptor antagonists, cerebroprotecting agent MS-153, and L-erythro-sphingosine. The advances achieved in the last three decades demonstrate that the non-toxicity, abundance, and efficiency of zirconium make its application in catalysis suiting the growing demand for more environmentally benign processes, offering the real opportunity to replace other toxic and expensive metals in the near future.

(248) Analysis of Biomarkers (MMP-9, TIMP-1, Ki-67 and Type IV Collagen) in the Diagnosis of Prostate Diseases

Abstract Introduction The combination of inflammatory, benign and malignant processes in the prostate reduces the sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic accuracy of modern examination methods. The development of immunohistochemical methods (IHC) promotes the search for molecular markers that are diagnostically significant in various processes in the prostate. This will improve the detection of malignant neoplasms and reduce the number of "unnecessary" prostate biopsies. Objective to study in biopsies of patients with various prostate diseases the relationship of type 9 metalloproteinase (MMP-9) and its inhibitor (TIMP-1), the role of the Ki-67 protein proliferation level and the diagnostic value of the type IV collagen distribution indicator. Methods The study included 263 patients. They were divided into 4 groups: chronic prostatitis - 21 patients (mean age 65.2 ± 0.7 years), benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) - 65 patients (69.3 ± 1.1 years), BPH + prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN) - 59 patients (68.9 ± 0.9 years), prostate adenocarcinoma (PC) - 118 patients (68.2 ± 0.9 years). IHC was used to analyze type 9 metalloproteinase (MMP-9) and its inhibitor (TIMP-1), the role of the Ki-67 protein proliferation level and the diagnostic value of the type IV collagen distribution indicator. Results BPH is characterized by high production of MMP-9 (intensity 3 points), lack of proliferative activity of the secretory cell layer (Ki-67 less than 3.24 ± 0.61%) and degradation of collagen IV of the basement membranes, which associated with a compensatory increase in the activity of the inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinases TIMP-1 (intensity 3 points). In prostate cancer, as neoplastic changes increase, the production of the Ki-67 protein significantly increases, reflecting the proliferative activity of the secretory cell layer (from 5.3 + 1.1% to 17.2 + 9.4%). With an increase in the Gleason number over the 3rd grade, collagen fibers around the tumor cells completely disappear. The production of MMP-9 type in adenocarcinomas is significantly reduced and the destruction of collagen IV of the basement membrane of glandular structures and stroma occurs due to a progressive (up to an intensity of 0.8 + 0.4 points as anaplastic changes increase) decrease in the production of the inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinases TIMP-1 (p≤0.05). High production of MMR-9 in BPH is blocked by a high content of the TIMP-1 inhibitor. In adenocarcinomas, the production of MMP-9 is significantly reduced, but this protease destroys collagen IV of the basement membrane of glandular structures due to the absence or weak production of TIMP-1, which blocks the proteolytic effect of this enzyme on connective tissue collagen. The low production of the TIMP-1 inhibitor in adenocarcinomas can also explain the invasive properties of these tumors. Conclusions Comprehensive analysis of biomarkers in IHC can improve the diagnosis of prostate cancer and reduce the number of "unnecessary" biopsies. Disclosure No.

Novel LiFePO4/very-few-layer-graphene (LFP/VFLG) composites to improve structural and electrochemical properties of lithium-ion battery cathode

LiFePO4/Very-few-layer-graphene (LFP/VFLG) composites have been prepared using the sol-gel method for lithium-ion battery cathode. VFLG dominated by 1∼3 layers was obtained from an economical and environmentally benign process. Structural properties of LFP/VFLG composites were studied using Fourier-transform infrared spectra (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffractometry (XRD), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and Raman spectroscopy, while the electrochemical performance was measured using galvanostatic discharge, cyclic voltammetry (CV), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) tests. The FTIR analysis confirmed that incorporating VFLG neither affected the chemical structure of LiFePO4 nor initiated any side reactions during the LiFePO4 formation reaction. The XRD results showed that LFP/VFLG composites had better lattice parameters, crystallinity, and phase purity than LiFePO4 without VFLG addition. The Raman spectroscopy analysis indicated that LFP/VFLG composites had a lower disorder in the carbon arrangement. HRTEM results indicated that a VFLG was successfully wrapped around the LFP particle offers a versatile way to enhanced electrochemical performance of LFP/VFLG composites. The galvanostatic discharge profiles showed an enhancing specific discharge capacity of up to 58.3% after incorporating VFLG. The cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) tests revealed that LFP/VFLG delivered small polarization, low inner resistance, high electrochemical reaction reversibility, and high lithium-ion diffusion coefficient. VFLG is a promising additive to improve the structural and electrochemical properties of the LiFePO4 cathode of lithium-ion batteries.

Radiographic and computed tomographic characteristics of intraluminal tracheal adenoma in a cat.

A 13-year-old spayed female Persian cat presented with dyspnea and nasal discharge. Thoracic radiography revealed a dome-shaped soft-tissue opacity in the carina. Computed tomography confirmed a soft tissue-attenuating mass in the carina and the left and right proximal main bronchi that appeared to arise from the tracheal wall. Tracheoscopy revealed an intraluminal broad-based mass with multilobulated borders at the same location. Histopathological evaluation revealed a benign neoplastic process of the glandular epithelial lineage, which was considered an adenoma. Tracheal adenomas should be included in the differential diagnosis of tracheal masses.

Free‐Standing Janus Nanosheets: Ultrafast Self‐Assembly and Versatile Biphase‐Application

AbstractThe development of stable Janus architectures suitable for biphasic applications holds significant importance. A novel approach is introduced for interfacial supramolecular self‐assembly, resulting in 2D Janus nanosheets (OA‐TA/Fe) exhibiting an amphiphilic nature. These nanosheets consist of hydrophilic coordination complexes of ferric ions (Fe3+) and tannic acid (TA) on one side of both surfaces and hydrophobic alkyl chains on the other side of both surfaces. The synthesis of these 2D Janus nanosheets involves a simple, ultrafast, and environmentally benign process, eliminating the need for time‐consuming multistep procedures and harsh synthetic conditions typically associated with Janus architecture formation. By exploiting the inherent singular anisotropic wettability inherent in OA‐TA/Fe‐2, the efficacy of these innovative Janus nanosheets in the efficient separation of various organic liquid‐in‐water and water‐in‐organic liquid emulsions is elucidated. Subsequent post‐modification of OA‐TA/Fe has facilitated the highly efficient remediation of contaminated oily wastewater, serving as a model biphasic catalysis reaction, wherein the Janus nanosheets function simultaneously as emulsifiers and catalysts within biphasic mixtures. The methodology establishes a rapid self‐assembly approach for the creation of amphiphilic free‐standing Janus nanosheets, offering compelling prospects for their application in diverse fields, as exemplified by, but not limited to, the case studies presented herein.

The Many Hidden Faces of Gallbladder Carcinoma on CT and MRI Imaging-From A to Z.

Gallbladder carcinoma represents the most aggressive biliary tract cancer and the sixth most common gastrointestinal malignancy. The diagnosis is a challenging clinical task due to its clinical presentation, which is often non-specific, mimicking a heterogeneous group of diseases, as well as benign processes such as complicated cholecystitis, xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis, adenomyomatosis, porcelain gallbladder or metastasis to the gallbladder (most frequently derived from melanoma, renal cell carcinoma). Risk factors include gallstones, carcinogen exposure, porcelain gallbladder, typhoid carrier state, gallbladder polyps and abnormal pancreaticobiliary ductal junction. Typical imaging features on CT or MRI reveal three major patterns: asymmetric focal or diffuse wall-thickening of the gallbladder, a solid mass that replaces the gallbladder and invades the adjacent organs or as an intraluminal enhancement mass arising predominantly from the gallbladder fundus. The tumor can spread to the liver, the adjacent internal organs and lymph nodes. Depending on the disease stage, surgical resection is the curative treatment option in early stages and adjuvant combination chemotherapy at advanced stages. The purpose of this scientific paper is to fully illustrate and evaluate, through multimodality imaging findings (CT and MRI), different presentations and imaging scenarios of gallbladder cancer in six patients and thoroughly analyze the risk factors, patterns of spread and differential diagnosis regarding each particular case.