Differences In Quantitative Values Research Articles

Usefulness of quantitative bone SPECT/CT for evaluating medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw treatment response.

For assessment of therapeutic response in medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) cases, the clinical usefulness of quantitative bone single-photon computed tomography-computed tomography (SPECT/CT) results was investigated. Sixteen patients (18 lesions) with a clinical diagnosis of MRONJ underwent bone SPECT/CT scanning before and during/after anti-inflammatory therapy given for 3 or more months. The GI-BONE software package was used to determine standard uptake values (SUVs), including maximum (SUVmax), peak (SUVpeak), and mean (SUVmean), and metabolic bone volume (MBV) and also total bone uptake (TBU). In both responders (downstage) and non-responders (upstage or no change), differences in quantitative values between the first and second SPECT/CT examinations were analyzed using a Wilcoxon test. Following therapy, significant reductions in SUVmax, SUVpeak, SUVmean, MBV and TBU values for 11 lesions were noted in the responders after therapy (p = 0.003, p = 0.006, p = 0.004, p = 0.003, and p = 0.002, respectively). On the other hand, those for the seven lesions in the non-responder group were not significantly different (p = 0.17, p = 0.16, p = 0.26, p = 0.96, and p = 0.12, respectively). Results for SUVmax change showed sensitivity and specificity values of 45.5% and 85.7%, respectively, for differentiating responders from non-responders, with -37.3% the optimal cutoff value. Those for MBV change were 72.7 and 85.7%, respectively, with -29.4% the optimal cutoff value. Those for TBU change were 81.8% and 85.7%, respectively, with -36.3% the optimal cutoff value. The present findings showed that therapeutic response in MRONJ cases could be determined by use of quantitative SUV, MBV, and TBU values based on bone SPECT/CT findings.

관상동맥 CT 혈관조영술에서 ECG Window Acquisition 단위 변환을 통한 선량 및 화질 평가에 관한 연구

The purpose of this study was to evaluate radiation dose and image quality compared to those of the relative delay scan when using an absolute delay scan after converting the ECG window acquisition unit in coronary CT angiography. We used chest phantom and ECG simulator through the phantom study. Patient study was conducted on 90 sinus rhythm patients and 76 atrial fibrillation patients. The absolute delay scan was performed after unit conversion based on the average heart rate. After setting the region of interest, quantitative evaluation of image quality was made, qualitative evaluation was made by two observers. The dose was evaluated using the CTDIvol and DLP. There were no significant differences in quantitative values in terms of the phantom study. At an irregular heart rate 79, the CTDIvol of the experimental group decreased by 18% compared to the control group, the DLP decreased by 17.4% compared to the control group.(P<0.05) As a result of patient study, there were no significant differences in quantitative values in terms of the patient study. The CTDIvol of the artrial fibrillation experimental group decreased by 33% compared to the control group, the DLP decreased by 30% compared to the control group.(P<0.05) As a result, when examining coronary CT angiography of patients with atrial fibrillation, it will help reduce the patient’s dose without affecting the image quality if the scan range is set after converting the ECG window acquisition unit to milliseconds based on the average heart rate.

Analysis of adverse drug reactions of therapy with anticoagulants and basic drugs in coronary heart disease against the background of atrial fibrillation

Annotation. The issue of effectiveness and safety of pharmacotherapy is extremely important for the patient. The doctor’s awareness of the selection of the most compatible drugs makes it possible to reduce the number of adverse drug reactions and increases his adherence to treatment. The purpose of the study is to assess the frequency of adverse drug reactions during therapy with anticoagulants: warfarin, rivaroxaban, dabigatran in the complex therapy of coronary heart disease and atrial fibrillation, if necessary to comply with ESC recommendations. For a comprehensive examination of the patient, the following research methods were used: anamnestic, laboratory screening of key body systems, instrumental, functional diagnostics, survey of the patient according to 60 key parameters of drug tolerance, pharmacogenetic method. Statistical data processing was carried out using variance analysis - One way ANOVA & LSD test. The intergroup reliability of the difference in quantitative values was calculated by % - according to the χ2 criterion. Indicators were evaluated in four comparison groups: Rivoroxaban, Dabigatran, Warfarin group with the presence of a genetic mutation of polymorphic alleles of SYP2C9 (SYP2C9*2, SYP2C9*3), which were associated with a slower metabolism of Warfarin and a higher frequency of hemorrhagic complications; and Warfarin group without mutations. Unfortunately, about 2% of patients have bleeding on the background of the use of 2 or more different anticoagulants in a separate period of time. And about 2.5% have ischemic complications on the background of their admission. From 0.25% to 1% die from complications of such therapy. Among other serious complications, there were complaints about the functioning of the digestive system (dysfunction of the pancreas, liver, biliary tract), nervous system, and kidneys. These complaints were present in all groups, but prevailed in the Warfarin group with an existing mutation, probably due to the slowing of the elimination of drugs metabolized by cytochromes CYP2C9, CYP3A4 or greater influence of interaction with P-glycoprotein (due to interaction with digoxin and statins). This requires additional study in order to optimize ways of correcting unwanted reactions in cariological patients. It is obvious that promising genetic research should also be more widely implemented in medical practice.

Accelerated Synthetic MRI with Deep Learning-Based Reconstruction for Pediatric Neuroimaging.

Synthetic MR imaging is a time-efficient technique. However, its rather long scan time can be challenging for children. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical feasibility of accelerated synthetic MR imaging with deep learning-based reconstruction in pediatric neuroimaging and to investigate the impact of deep learning-based reconstruction on image quality and quantitative values in synthetic MR imaging. This study included 47 children 2.3-14.7 years of age who underwent both standard and accelerated synthetic MR imaging at 3T. The accelerated synthetic MR imaging was reconstructed using a deep learning pipeline. The image quality, lesion detectability, tissue values, and brain volumetry were compared among accelerated deep learning and accelerated and standard synthetic data sets. The use of deep learning-based reconstruction in the accelerated synthetic scans significantly improved image quality for all contrast weightings (P < .001), resulting in image quality comparable with or superior to that of standard scans. There was no significant difference in lesion detectability between the accelerated deep learning and standard scans (P > .05). The tissue values and brain tissue volumes obtained with accelerated deep learning and the other 2 scans showed excellent agreement and a strong linear relationship (all, R 2 > 0.9). The difference in quantitative values of accelerated scans versus accelerated deep learning scans was very small (tissue values, <0.5%; volumetry, -1.46%-0.83%). The use of deep learning-based reconstruction in synthetic MR imaging can reduce scan time by 42% while maintaining image quality and lesion detectability and providing consistent quantitative values. The accelerated deep learning synthetic MR imaging can replace standard synthetic MR imaging in both contrast-weighted and quantitative imaging.

Quantitative evaluation of single-photon emission computed tomography findings in lower extremity possible without computed tomography-based attenuation correction.

For performing accurate quantitative analysis of single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT)/computed tomography (CT) images, CT-based attenuation correction (CTAC) is considered to be necessary. However, the effect on quantitative values for an examined area close to the body surface, such as in the lower extremity, has yet to be elucidated. We performed the present investigation to determine the possibility of quantitative evaluation using a SPECT standalone device without CT. Validation was performed using clinical data of patients who underwent a lower extremity SPECT/CT examination, with grouping based on presence or absence of CTAC, scatter correction and resolution recovery. Using a reference group in which all types of correction were applied, standardized uptake values (SUVs), including maximum (SUVmax) and peak (SUVpeak), were examined in each group and compared. As compared to the reference group, the difference in quantitative values became smaller in the order of the applied scatter correction and resolution recovery, applied resolution recovery, applied scatter correction, and neither scatter correction or resolution recovery applied groups, with no significant difference between the reference group and that with neither scatter correction or resolution recovery applied. A similar tendency was seen for both SUVmax and SUVpeak. In bone SPECT quantitative examinations of the lower extremity, quantitative evaluation without CTAC is possible without the use of scatter correction or resolution recovery. Thus, quantitative evaluation can be performed with use of a standalone SPECT device without CT.

Исследование влияния предыстории деформирования на усталостное сопротивление бетона и фибробетона

An experimental and analytical study into the impact of deformation history on the deformation re-sponse of conventional and fibre-reinforced concrete was conducted. Experiments included monoton-ic quasi-static and dynamic tests of two series of samples. Ultrasonic and gravimetric homogeneity con-trol by mass was performed prior to mechanical tests. Prismatic reference samples were tested under uniform deformation velocity (0.004 mm/s) on an Instron 5989 complex with automatic recording of deformations, loadings, time and absorption energy. Deformations were measured in both directions at the total base using system (Instron) extensometers. The paper analyses the experimental results on the fatigue behaviour of conventional and polypropylene fibre-reinforced concrete subjected to two-stage cyclic stress with various amplitudes. Parameters of linear and bulk deformability were used as a characteristic under control for low-cyclic fatigue. The fatigue resistance of concrete and fibre-reinforced concrete was assessed by comparing the corresponding characteristics of sample defor-mation under various modes of cyclic action. Relative similarities in the parameter dynamics of con-trolled low-cyclic fatigue show significant differences in quantitative values. It was established that the frequency and sequence of moderate (з ≤ Rнcrc) actions have a limited effect on fatigue resistance. The composite behaviour at high-level cyclic stress depends on the deformation history.

Assessment of angle closure spectrum disease as a continuum of change using gonioscopy and anterior segment optical coherence tomography.

Studies examining the anterior chamber angle and angle closure disease often compare quantitative angle information obtained using anterior segment optical coherence tomography (ASOCT) with one of several ordinal scales derived using gonioscopy. We test the assumption that the ordinal gonioscopic angle grades have equal step sizes and can be analysed using metric statistics. The medical records of 214 consecutive patients who were referred for assessment of the anterior chamber angle were prospectively examined using gonioscopy and ASOCT (Spectralis Optical Coherence Tomography, OCT, www.heidelbergengineering.com). Anterior chamber angle parameters (angle opening distance, AOD, and trabecular-iris space area, TISA at 500 and 750 microns) were extracted from ASOCT images using a semi-automated segmentation algorithm written on MATLAB (www.mathworks.com). We first matched the quantitative values for each gonioscopic grade (0-4, from no structures visible to ciliary body visible) and described the frequency distributions to determine separability. We then applied a grade-agnostic clustering algorithm to determine the concordance between algorithm-clustered groups (using solely quantitative data) and those obtained using gonioscopy. The frequency distributions of the quantitative ASOCT parameters for each angle grade were mostly non-parametric and displayed unique distribution characteristics, with a floor effect seen for grade 0 and the lack of a ceiling effect seen for grades 3 and 4. Although we found significant differences in quantitative values across the five angle grades using the frequency distributions, some pairwise comparisons were indistinguishable (such as grades 0 and 1, and grades 3 and 4) due to the overlaps in distributions. On average, differences in quantitative values were consistent between gonioscopic grade steps, but there remained substantial variability that confounds prediction of change between ordinal steps. The clustering algorithm showed approximately 10% of cases with the same group assignment as that of the gonioscopic grade, improving slightly to 30% when the top 5% of quantitative data were excluded from analysis. Our results do not necessarily support the assumption that the ordinal scales used in gonioscopy can be interpreted using an interval scale. We highlight the need for better methods of describing the course and risk of angle closure spectrum disease to identify disease progression and conversion, where gonioscopy remains the gold standard.

ABO blood group genotypes and ventilatory dysfunction in patients with allergic and nonallergic asthma.

Aim ABO blood group genotypes are established as a genetic factor in pathophysiology of various diseases, such as cardiovascular disorders, cancers, infectious diseases and there is rising evidence of their involvement in other conditions. The aim of this study was to determine if ventilatory changes of lung function in asthma, measured by biomarkers/parameters, are connected to certain ABO blood group genotypes in Croatia. Methods A case-control study included 149 patients with asthma and 153 healthy individuals (blood donors). ABO genotyping on five main alleles was performed using PCR-SSP method. All patients had spirometry performed and severity of asthma was estimated. Clinical parameters of spirometry (FEV1, FEV/FVC, PEF), biomarkers FeNO, IgE and pO2 were measured. The χ2 test, Fisher's test, Kruskal-Wallis test and Spearman's correlation coefficients with p<0.05 were used as statistically significant. Results There was no determined statistically significant difference in both ABO genotypes and phenotypes between patient and control groups. Comparison of the lung function in different ABO phenotypes in asthmatic patients also did not show any statistically significant differences in FEV1 values, FEV/FVC ratio or PEF. Statistically significant differences in oxygenation between different ABO blood types have not been noticed (p=0.326). Differences in quantitative values of biomarkers (FeNO and IgE) between different ABO blood phenotypes in patients with asthma were not significant, except for IgE that had marginal values (p=0.074). Conclusion No correlation was found between certain ABO blood group genotypes and parameters/biomarkers of ventilatory dysfunction in patients with allergic and nonallergic asthma.

To the Question of Structure Formation of Dispersed Systems in Cement Technology

In the this publication, readers will find the results of the analytical and experimental research into the physical and chemical processes in the consecutive formation of structures at the major technological stages of the present-day production of portland cement. Dispersed systems of raw mixtures, which in different methods of production are formed at the stage of grinding, mixing and homogenization of raw materials, belong to different classification groups. In wet and combined methods is produced cement sludge - aqueous dispersed system, which belongs to the 2nd group: two-phase systems such as solid dispersed phase - liquid dispersion medium. In the dry method dispersed system is formed, which belongs to the 3rd group: three-phase systems such as solid dispersed phase - water-liquid and air-gas dispersion medium. The structural-mechanical and rheological properties of the coagulation structure of cement slurries, wich differ in the main raw material components, are shown. The study of deformation processes of aqueous dispersed systems showed that the nature of the development of deformations - rapid elastic ε₀’, slow elastic ε₂’ and plastic ε₁’τ sludge samples belong to different structural - mechanical types. At the same time differences in quantitative values and a ratio of the specified types of deformation are noted. Readers will also find the particularities of the phase changes in the process of the crystallization structure formation at baking to maximum temperature 1450°С.

Intra-individual comparison of 68Ga-PSMA-11 and 18F-DCFPyL normal-organ biodistribution

PurposeDetailed data comparing the biodistribution of PSMA radioligands is still scarce, raising concerns regarding the comparability of different compounds. We investigated differences in normal-organ biodistribution and uptake variability between the two most commonly PSMA tracers in clinical use, 68Ga-PSMA-11 and 18F-DCFPyL.MethodsThis retrospective analysis included 34 patients with low tumor burden referred for PET/CT imaging with 68Ga-PSMA-11 and subsequently 18F-DCFPyL. Images were acquired with 4 cross-calibrated PET/CT systems. Volumes of interest were placed on major salivary and lacrimal glands, liver, spleen, duodenum, kidneys, bladder, blood-pool and muscle. Normal-organ biodistribution of both tracers was then quantified as SUVpeak and compared using paired tests, linear regression and Bland-Altman analysis. Between-patient variability was also assessed. Clinical and protocol variables were investigated for possible interference.ResultsFor both tracers the highest uptake was found in the kidneys and bladder and low background activity was noted across all scans. In the quantitative analysis there was significantly higher uptake of 68Ga-PSMA-11 in the kidneys, spleen and major salivary glands (p < 0.001), while the liver exhibited slightly higher 18F-DCFPyL uptake (p = 0.001, mean bias 0.79 ± 1.30). The lowest solid-organ uptake variability was found in the liver (COV 21.9% for 68Ga-PSMA-11, 22.5% for 18F-DCFPyL). There was a weak correlation between 18F-DCFPyL uptake time and liver SUVpeak (r = 0.488, p = 0.003) and, accordingly, patients scanned at later time-points had a larger mean bias between the two tracers’ liver uptake values (0.05 vs 1.46, p = 0.001).ConclusionNormal tissue biodistribution patterns of 68Ga-PSMA-11 and 18F-DCFPyL were similar, despite subtle differences in quantitative values. Liver uptake showed an acceptable intra-patient agreement and low inter-patient variability between the two tracers, allowing its use as a reference organ for thresholding scans in the qualitative comparison of PSMA expression using these different tracers.

Oxygen-15 labeled CO2, O2, and CO PET in small animals: evaluation using a 3D-mode microPET scanner and impact of reconstruction algorithms

BackgroundPositron emission tomography (PET) studies using 15O-labeled CO2, O2, and CO have been used in humans to evaluate cerebral blood flow (CBF), the cerebral oxygen extraction fraction (OEF), and the cerebral metabolic rate of oxygen (CMRO2) and cerebral blood volume (CBV), respectively. In preclinical studies, however, PET studies using 15O-labeled gases are not widely performed because of the technical difficulties associated with handling labeled gases with a short half-life. The aims of the present study were to evaluate the scatter fraction using 3D-mode micro-PET for 15O-labeled gas studies and the influence of reconstruction algorithms on quantitative values.Nine male SD rats were studied using the steady state inhalation method for 15O-labeled gases with arterial blood sampling. The resulting PET images were reconstructed using filtered back projection (FBP), ordered-subset expectation maximization (OSEM) 2D, or OSEM 3D followed by maximum a posteriori (OSEM3D-MAP). The quantitative values for each brain region and each reconstruction method were calculated by applying different reconstruction methods.ResultsThe quantitative values for the whole brain as calculated using FBP were 46.6 ± 12.5 mL/100 mL/min (CBF), 63.7 ± 7.2% (OEF), 5.72 ± 0.34 mL/100 mL/min (CMRO2), and 5.66 ± 0.34 mL/100 mL (CBV), respectively. The CBF and CMRO2 values were significantly higher when the OSEM2D and OSEM3D-MAP reconstruction methods were used, compared with FBP, whereas the OEF values were significantly lower when reconstructed using OSEM3D-MAP.ConclusionsWe evaluated the difference in quantitative values among the reconstruction algorithms using 3D-mode micro-PET. The iterative reconstruction method resulted in significantly higher quantitative values for CBF and CMRO2, compared with the values calculated using the FBP reconstruction method.

Evaluating the Microcirculation of Normal Extraocular Muscles Using Quantitative Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

The purpose of this work was to evaluate the microcirculation of normal extraocular muscles using quantitative dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) (DCE-MRI). The institutional review board approved the study. Forty-eight eyes were examined using quantitative DCE-MRI on a 3-T MRI system. Quantitative parameters, including the volume transfer constant (Ktrans), the fractional volume of extravascular extracellular space (Ve), and the rate constant (Kep) of each extraocular muscles, were analyzed. The type of DEC time-intensity curve (TIC) was evaluated. The parameters of bilateral extraocular muscles were compared using the Wilcoxon test. The difference in quantitative values of different extraocular muscles was compared using independent-samples Kruskal-Wallis test. No statistical differences of parameters were found between the left and right extraocular muscles (P > 0.05). Volume transfer constant values in medial rectus (MR) muscles and inferior rectus (IR) muscles were significantly higher than those in the lateral rectus (LR) muscles and superior rectus (SR) muscles (P < 0.05). The median Ktrans value of the MR (0.170) was higher than that of the IR (0.151); however, the difference was not significant (P > 0.05). In the 4 extraocular muscles, the Ve values of MR are the largest, followed by the IR, LR, and SR values. The DCE time-intensity curves of extraocular muscles are type II or type III. Medial rectus and IR are mainly type III, and LR and SR are mainly type II. The quantitative DCE-MRI can be used as an important and noninvasive technique to evaluate the microcirculation of extraocular muscles. Further investigations for other extraocular muscles diseases by using quantitative DCE-MRI are warranted.

Acute stroke: a comparison of different CT perfusion algorithms and validation of ischaemic lesions by follow-up imaging

To compare ischaemic lesions predicted by different CT perfusion (CTP) post-processing techniques and validate CTP lesions compared with final lesion size in stroke patients. Fifty patients underwent CT, CTP and CT angiography. Quantitative values and colour maps were calculated using least mean square deconvolution (LMSD), maximum slope (MS) and conventional singular value decomposition deconvolution (SVDD) algorithms. Quantitative results, core/penumbra lesion sizes and Alberta Stroke Programme Early CT Score (ASPECTS) were compared among the algorithms; lesion sizes and ASPECTS were compared with final lesions on follow-up MRI + MRA or CT + CTA as a reference standard, accounting for recanalisation status. Differences in quantitative values and lesion sizes were statistically significant, but therapeutic decisions based on ASPECTS and core/penumbra ratios would have been the same in all cases. CTP lesion sizes were highly predictive of final infarct size: Coefficients of determination (R (2)) for CTP versus follow-up lesion sizes in the recanalisation group were 0.87, 0.82 and 0.61 (P < 0.001) for LMSD, MS and SVDD, respectively, and 0.88, 0.87 and 0.76 (P < 0.001), respectively, in the non-recanalisation group. Lesions on CT perfusion are highly predictive of final infarct. Different CTP post-processing algorithms usually lead to the same clinical decision, but for assessing lesion size, LMSD and MS appear superior to SVDD. Following an acute stroke, CT perfusion imaging can help predict lesion evolution. Delay-insensitive deconvolution and maximum slope approach are superior to delay-sensitive deconvolution regarding accuracy. Different CT perfusion post-processing algorithms usually lead to the same clinical decision. CT perfusion offers new insights into the evolution of stroke.

Automated Threshold-Based 3D Segmentation Versus Short-Axis Planimetry for Assessment of Global Left Ventricular Function with Dual-Source MDCT

The purpose of this study was to evaluate software for threshold-based 3D segmentation of the left ventricle in comparison with traditional 2D short axis-based planimetry (Simpson method) for measurement of left ventricular (LV) volume and global function with state-of-the-art dual-source CT. Fifty patients with known or suspected coronary artery disease underwent coronary CT angiography. LV end-diastolic, end-systolic, and stroke volumes and ejection fraction were determined from axial images to which 3D segmentation had been applied and from short-axis reformations from 2D planimetry. Interobserver variability was assessed for both approaches. Threshold-based 3D LV segmentation had excellent correlation with 2D short-axis results (end-diastolic volume, R = 0.99; end-systolic volume, R = 0.99; stroke volume, R = 0.90; ejection fraction, R = 0.97; p < 0.0001). Bland-Altman analyses revealed systematic underestimation of LV end-diastolic volume (-7.4 +/- 8.9 mL) and LV end-systolic volume (-7.0 +/- 4.4 mL) with the 3D segmentation approach and 2.8 +/- 3.3% overestimation of LV ejection fraction. Interobserver variation with 3D segmentation analysis was significantly (p < 0.001) less (e.g., LV ejection fraction, 0.1 +/- 1.7%) than with the 2D technique, and mean analysis time was significantly shorter (172 +/- 20 vs 248 +/- 29 seconds; p < 0.05). Automated threshold-based 3D segmentation enables accurate and reproducible dual-source CT assessment of LV volume and function with excellent correlation with results of 2D short-axis analysis. Exclusion of papillary muscles from LV volume results in small systematic differences in quantitative values.

全身ＦＤＧ‐ＰＥＴ撮像における診断用造影ＣＴ画像を用いた減弱補正の妥当性

Image fusion has been recognized as a useful technique in diagnostic imaging. We have been evaluating the manual image fusion of PET and contrast-enhanced (CE) CT obtained separately. The CT images can be used for attenuation correction as well as for image fusion; however, the quantitative accuracy of CT-corrected PET images has yet to be assessed. The purpose of this study was to compare the radioactivity concentration between conventional (68)Ge-corrected and CECT-corrected PET images. Twenty patients underwent a whole-body PET scan, followed by a CT scan with intravenous contrast material, after careful positioning using an individually molded vacuum cushion. Two different attenuation-corrected emission data sets were produced, i.e., (68)Ge-corrected images and CECT-corrected images. Image registration was performed by maximizing mutual information-based cost function, between the CT and the combination of emission and transmission PET volumes. The CT pixel values in Hounsfield units were transformed into linear attenuation coefficients in cm(-1), using a conversion formula for a lookup-table from phantom experiments. Measured activity concentrations from identical regions of interest in representative normal organs and in 25 pathologic foci of uptake were compared. In addition, the quality of the reconstructed images was assessed using the normal mean square error (NMSE). Measured average radioactivity concentrations were 1.38-9.56% higher for CECT-corrected images than for (68)Ge-corrected images. Overall, the NMSE value of CECT-corrected images compared with (68)Ge-corrected images was 0.02+/-0.01. The difference in quantitative values between (68)Ge-corrected and CECT-corrected PET images was comparable to that of an integrated PET/CT system. Diagnostic CT images with intravenous contrast performed separately before or after a PET scan could be used clinically not only for fusion but also for attenuation correction.

Prognostic Significance of Simultaneous Measurement of Three Tumor Markers in Patients With Hepatocellular Carcinoma

We conducted a prospective study to evaluate the significance of simultaneous measurement of 3 currently used tumor markers in the evaluation of tumor progression and prognosis of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Three tumor markers for HCC, alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), Lens culinaris agglutinin A-reactive fraction of AFP (AFP-L3), and des-gamma-carboxy prothrombin (DCP), were measured in the same serum samples obtained from 685 patients at the time of initial diagnosis of HCC. Positivity for AFP >20 ng/dL, AFP-L3 >10% of total AFP, and/or DCP >40 mAU/mL was determined. In addition, tumor markers were measured after treatment of HCC. Of the 685 patients, 337 (55.8%) were positive for AFP, 206 (34.1%) were positive for AFP-L3, and 371 (54.2%) were positive for DCP. In a comparison of patients positive for only 1 tumor marker, patients positive for AFP-L3 alone had a greater number of tumors, whereas patients positive for DCP alone had larger tumors and a higher prevalence of portal vein invasion. When patients were compared according to the number of tumor markers present, the number of markers present clearly reflected the extent of HCC and patient outcomes. The number of markers present significantly decreased after treatment. Tumor markers AFP-L3 and DCP appear to represent different features of tumor progression in patients with HCC. The number of tumor markers present could be useful for the evaluation of tumor progression, prediction of patient outcome, and treatment efficacy.

Finite Element Analysis of Brain Injury due to Head Impact

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) due to head impact by external impactor was analyzed using Finite Element Method (FEM). Two-dimensiona modeling was performed according to Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) data of Mongolian subject. Pressure variation in a cranium due to external impact was analyzed in order to simulate Nahum et al.'s cadaver test.6 And, analyzed results were compared with Nahum et al.'s experimental data.6 As results, stress and strain behaviors of the brain during impact were accorded with experimental data qualitatively even though there were some differences in quantitative values. In addition, they were accorded with other references about brain injury as well.

Radiative heat transport during the vertical Bridgman growth of oxide single crystals: slabs versus cylinders

Internal radiative heat transport in oxide crystals during their growth via the vertical Bridgman technique is known to promote severely deflected melt/crystal interface shapes. These highly curved interfaces are likely to encourage unwanted phenomena such as inhomogeneous distribution of impurities in the solidified crystalline material. Past computational analyses of oxide growth systems have mostly been confined to cylindrical geometries. In this letter a two-dimensional finite-element model, describing the growth of slab–shaped oxide crystals via the vertical Bridgman technique, is presented; internal radiative heat transport through the transparent crystalline phase is accounted for in the formulation. Comparison with calculations of cylindrical–shaped crystal growth systems shows a strong dependence of thermal fields and of melt/crystal interface shapes on the crystal geometry. Specifically, the interface position is strongly shifted toward the hot zone and its curvature dramatically increases in slab–shaped systems compared to what is observed in cylindrical geometries. This significant qualitative difference in interface shapes is shown to be linked to large quantitative differences in values of the viewing angle between the hot melt/crystal interface and the cold part of the crucible.

Bioavailabilities of calcium, phosphorus and magnesium from whey mineral complex in growing male rats.

The bioavailabilities of Ca, P and Mg from whey mineral complex (WMC) were studied from the viewpoint of the mineral balance and bone properties in growing male rats and compared with bovine bone ash (BBA) and CaCO3. Ca source showed no significant effect on feed intake, body weight gain or feed efficiency (p < 0.05). When the dietary Ca level was 0.3%, the dry weight of the femur in rats fed WMC was significantly higher than that in rats fed BBA. The femur P content of rats fed 0.3% Ca as WMC was significantly higher than that of rats fed BBA or CaCo3. The breaking energy of the femur from rats fed WMC was significantly higher than that from rats fed BBA at a Ca level of 0.2% or 0.3%. There was the same tendency in bone densities as was observed in breaking properties. There was no significant difference in quantitative values for Ca balance among three groups of rats, whereas those rats fed WMC had a significantly higher P retention than other groups. Ca bioavailability from WMC and the effect on the utilization of P and Mg were discussed.