Imaging Techniques Research Articles

The AMSlide for noninvasive time-lapse imaging of arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis.

Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) symbiosis, the nutritional partnership between AM fungi and most plant species, is globally ubiquitous and of great ecological and agricultural importance. Studying the processes of AM symbiosis is confounded by its highly spatiotemporally dynamic nature. While microscopy methods exist to probe the spatial side of this plant-fungal interaction, the temporal side remains more challenging, as reliable deep-tissue time-lapse imaging requires both symbiotic partners to remain undisturbed over prolonged time periods. Here, we introduce the AMSlide: a noninvasive, high-resolution, live-imaging system optimised for AM symbiosis research. We demonstrate the AMSlide's applications in confocal microscopy of mycorrhizal roots, from whole colonisation zones to subcellular structures, over timeframes from minutes to weeks. The AMSlide's versatility for different microscope set-ups, imaging techniques, and plant and fungal species is also outlined. It is hoped that the AMSlide will be applied in future research to fill in the temporal blanks in our understanding of AM symbiosis, as well as broader root and rhizosphere processes.

Migraine or any headaches and white matter hyperintensities and their progression in women and men

BackgroundCross-sectional and longitudinal studies have been conducted to investigate the association between migraine and any headache and white matter hyperintensities (WMH). However, studies are inconsistent regarding the strength of the association and its clinical significance. The aim of our study was to investigate the association between headache and its subtypes (migraine with aura (MigA+), migraine without aura (MigA-), non-migraine headache (nonMigHA)) and WMH and its course in the population-based 1000BRAINS study using state-of-the-art imaging techniques and migraine classification according to modified international classification of headache disorders.MethodsData from 1062 participants (45% women, 60.9 ± 13.0 years) with ever or never headache (neverHA) and complete quantitative (WMH volume) and qualitative (Fazekas classification) WMH data at first imaging and after 3.7 ± 0.7 years (393 participants) were analyzed. The sex-specific association between headache and its subtypes and WMH volume and its change was evaluated by linear regression, between headache and its subtypes and Fazekas score high vs. low (2–3 vs. 0–1) by log-binomial regression, adjusted for confounders.ResultsThe lifetime prevalence of headache was 77.5% (10.5% MigA+, 26.9% MigA-, 40.1% nonMigHA). The median WMH volume was 4005 (IQR: 2454–6880) mm3 in women and 4812 (2842–8445) mm3 in men. Women with any headaches (all headache types combined) had a 1.23 [1.04; 1.45]-fold higher WMH volume than women who reported never having had a headache. There was no indication of higher Fazekas grading or more WMH progression in women with migraine or any headaches. Men with migraine or any headaches did not have more WMH or WMH progression compared to men without migraine or men who never had headache.ConclusionsOur study demonstrated no increased occurrence or progression of WMH in participants with mgiraine. But, our results provide some evidence of greater WMH volume in women with headache of any type including migraine. The underlying pathomechanisms and the reasons why this was not shown in men are unclear and require further research.

Immunomodulating effects of the single bacterial strain therapy EDP1815 on innate and adaptive immune challenge responses-a randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial.

The gut microbiome can modulate systemic inflammation and is therefore target for immunomodulation. Immunomodulating effects of EDP1815, a bacterial commensal strain of Prevotella histicola, were studied in healthy participants. Effects on adaptive immunity were evaluated by a neo-antigen challenge with keyhole limpet haemocyanin (KLH), while effects on innate immunity were evaluated by topical toll-like receptor 7 (TLR7) agonist imiquimod. Capsules with two enteric coating levels (EC1, EC2) were compared.Thirty-six healthy participants were included and received a daily dose of 8 × 1010 cells EDP1815-EC1, EDP1815-EC2 or placebo (randomization 1:1:1) for 60 days. They received KLH vaccinations at days 8, 24 and 36, with intradermal skin challenge at day 57. KLH challenge outcomes were antibody levels, and skin blood flow and erythema after skin challenge, measured by imaging techniques. Imiquimod administration started at day 57, for 72 h. Outcomes consisted of imaging measurements similar to the KLH challenge, and the influx of inflammatory cells and cytokines in blister fluid.There was no effect of EDP1815 treatment on the KLH challenge, neither on the imaging outcomes of the imiquimod challenge. There was a consistently lower influx of inflammatory cells in the blister fluid of EDP1815-treated participants (neutrophils, p = 0.016; granulocytes, p = 0.024), more pronounced in EC1. There was a lower influx of interleukin [IL]-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, interferon [IFN]-γ and tumour necrosis factor in blister fluid of EDP1815-treated participants.EDP1815 had immunomodulatory effects on the innate immune response driven by imiquimod, but no effect on the KLH challenge was observed. Trial registration number: NCT05682222; date: 22 July 2022.

A comprehensive review on role of magnetic resonance imaging in the precise measurement of corpus callosum

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) has emerged as a powerful and non-invasive imaging technique, playing a pivotal role in neuroimaging research and clinical diagnosis. This comprehensive review explores the significance of MRI in the precise measurement of the corpus callosum, a key structure connecting the two hemispheres of the brain. The corpus callosum plays a crucial role in inter hemispheric communication and is implicated in various neurological and psychiatric disorders. The review begins by elucidating the anatomy and functions of the corpus callosum, emphasizing its importance in facilitating seamless communication between the cerebral hemispheres. Subsequently, the paper delves into the historical evolution of MRI techniques and how advancements have enhanced the visualization and measurement capabilities of the corpus callosum. A detailed examination of various MRI modalities, including structural MRI, diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), and functional MRI, is presented in the context of corpus callosum analysis. Structural MRI provides high-resolution images for accurate morphological assessments, while DTI offers insights into white matter microstructure and fiber tractography, allowing for a more comprehensive understanding of the corpus callosum's integrity. The review also highlights the role of MRI in investigating alterations in the corpus callosum associated with neurological disorders such as multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, and neurodevelopmental disorders. Additionally, the paper explores how functional MRI contributes to understanding the functional connectivity and inter hemispheric interactions mediated by the corpus callosum. Challenges and limitations in the measurement of the corpus callosum using MRI are discussed, including methodological considerations, image artifacts, and potential sources of variability. The review concludes by outlining future directions in corpus callosum imaging research, including the integration of advanced imaging techniques, artificial intelligence, and large-scale multi-center studies to enhance the precision and reliability of measurements.In summary, this comprehensive review underscores the pivotal role of MRI in advancing our understanding of the corpus callosum, providing valuable insights into both normal brain function and pathological conditions. The continual evolution of MRI techniques holds promise for further refining the assessment of the corpus callosum, ultimately contributing to improved diagnostic accuracy and therapeutic interventions in neurological and psychiatric disorders.

Immunological nanomaterials to combat cancer metastasis.

Metastasis causes greater than 90% of cancer-associated deaths, presenting huge challenges for detection and efficient treatment of cancer due to its high heterogeneity and widespread dissemination to various organs. Therefore, it is imperative to combat cancer metastasis, which is the key to achieving complete cancer eradication. Immunotherapy as a systemic approach has shown promising potential to combat metastasis. However, current clinical immunotherapies are not effective for all patients or all types of cancer metastases owing to insufficient immune responses. In recent years, immunological nanomaterials with intrinsic immunogenicity or immunomodulatory agents with efficient loading have been shown to enhance immune responses to eliminate metastasis. In this review, we would like to summarize various types of immunological nanomaterials against metastasis. Moreover, this review will summarize a series of immunological nanomaterial-mediated immunotherapy strategies to combat metastasis, including immunogenic cell death, regulation of chemokines and cytokines, improving the immunosuppressive tumour microenvironment, activation of the STING pathway, enhancing cytotoxic natural killer cell activity, enhancing antigen presentation of dendritic cells, and enhancing chimeric antigen receptor T cell therapy. Furthermore, the synergistic anti-metastasis strategies based on the combinational use of immunotherapy and other therapeutic modalities will also be introduced. In addition, the nanomaterial-mediated imaging techniques (e.g., optical imaging, magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, photoacoustic imaging, surface-enhanced Raman scattering, radionuclide imaging, etc.) for detecting metastasis and monitoring anti-metastasis efficacy are also summarized. Finally, the current challenges and future prospects of immunological nanomaterial-based anti-metastasis are also elucidated with the intention to accelerate its clinical translation.

Familial dysalbuminemic hyperthyroxinemia (FDH) due to Arg242 His variant in ALB gene in Turkish children.

To investigate ALB gene variations in patients suspected from familial dysalbuminemic hyperthyroxinemia (FDH). Eight Turkish patients were included into the study. Clinical and laboratory characteristics of the subjects and their parents were evaluated and genetic analysis were performed. In genetic analysis, a previously reported heterozygous, c.725G>A variant was detected in exon seven of the ALB gene. FDH is an asymptomatic condition however there is still a risk of misdiagnosis and unnecessary treatment. Therefore, if FDH is considered, initial ALB hotspot sequencing as a rapid and simple method is recommended instead of complex and expensive laboratory and imaging techniques.

3D endoanal ultrasound versus external phased array MRI in detection and evaluation of anal sphincteric lesions

BackgroundThe anal sphincteric complex is formed by internal and external sphincters making two partially overlapping tubes around the anal canal. Anal sphincteric lesions represent a spectrum of entities with different patients’ presentations and surgical managements. Endoanal ultrasound has an increasing role in detection and evaluation of anal sphincteric lesions as compared to MRI of the anal canal. The aim of this work was to compare between the 3D EAUA and external phased array MRI in detection and evaluation of anal sphincteric lesions.ResultsThere is almost perfect agreement of 97.92% (Κw = 0.972) between 3D EAUS and external phased array MRI in the detection of the internal anal sphincter lesions and fair agreement of 66.67% (Κw = 0.37) in the detection of the external anal sphincteric lesions.Conclusions3D EAUS and external phased array MRI are comparable imaging techniques in the detection of the internal anal sphincter lesions, while the MRI could detect more external sphincteric lesions than EAUS.

Multimodal 2D and 3D microscopic mapping of growth cartilage by computational imaging techniques - a short review including new research.

Being able to image the microstructure of growth cartilage is important for understanding the onset and progression of diseases such as osteochondrosis and osteoarthritis, as well as for developing new treatments and implants. Studies of cartilage using conventional optical brightfield microscopy rely heavily on histological staining, where the added chemicals provide tissue-specific colours. Other microscopy contrast mechanisms include polarization, phase- and scattering contrast, enabling non-stained or "label-free" imaging that significantly simplifies the sample preparation, thereby also reducing the risk of artefacts. Traditional high-performance microscopes tend to be both bulky and expensive. Computational imaging denotes a range of techniques where computers with dedicated algorithms are used as an integral part of the image formation process. Computational imaging offers many advantages like 3D measurements, aberration correction and quantitative phase contrast, often combined with comparably cheap and compact hardware. X-ray microscopy is also progressing rapidly, in certain ways trailing the development of optical microscopy. In this study, we first briefly review the structures of growth cartilage and relevant microscopy characterization techniques with an emphasis on FPM and advanced X-ray microscopies. We next demonstrate with our own results computational imaging through Fourier ptychographic microscopy (FPM) and compare the images with hematoxylin eosin and saffron (HES)-stained histology. Zernike phase contrast, and the nonlinear optical microscopy techniques of second harmonic generation (SHG) and two-photon excitation fluorescence (TPEF) are reported. X-ray attenuation-, phase- and diffraction-contrast computed tomography (CT) images of the very same sample are also presented for comparisons. Future perspectives on the links to artificial intelligence, dynamic studies and in vivo possibilities conclude the article.

Infrared imaging with nonlinear silicon resonator governed by high-Q quasi-BIC states

Nonlinear light-matter interactions have emerged as a promising platform for various applications, including imaging, nanolasing, background-free sensing, etc. Subwavelength dielectric resonators offer unique opportunities for manipulating light at the nanoscale and miniturising optical elements. Here, we explore the resonantly enhanced four-wave mixing (FWM) process from individual silicon resonators and propose an innovative FWM-enabled infrared imaging technique that leverages the capabilities of these subwavelength resonators. Specifically, we designed high-Q silicon resonators hosting dual quasi-bound states in the continuum at both the input pump and signal beams, enabling efficient conversion of infrared light to visible radiation. Moreover, by employing a point-scanning imaging technique, we achieve infrared imaging conversion while minimising the dependence on high-power input sources. This combination of resonant enhancement and point-scanning imaging opens up new possibilities for nonlinear imaging using individual resonators and shows potential in advancing infrared imaging techniques for high-resolution imaging, sensing, and optical communications.

Radiological Imaging of the Lacrimal Gland in Sjogren’s Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Purpose To critically appraise the evidence on the ability of the lacrimal gland ultrasonography (USG) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to differentiate between Sjogren’s syndrome and non-Sjogren’s syndrome/healthy controls. Methods A systematic review and meta-analysis (based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines) of online literature search was performed using PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane databases. Cohort studies comparing the imaging features of the lacrimal glands of Sjogren’s syndrome with a control group were included. Quantitative synthesis was performed using the RevMan (Version 5.4.1). Results Six studies used USG as an imaging technique, and three used MRI for the lacrimal gland imaging. The lacrimal gland affected with Sjogren’s syndrome shows glandular heterogeneity on USG and MRI. Heterogeneity on USG had 6.18 times higher odds of the lacrimal gland being involved with Sjogren’s syndrome (95% CI, 3.31–11.55). Gland hyperechogenicity cannot reliably differentiate the glandular involvement in Sjogren’s syndrome. There is insufficient data for analysis on the gland size, hypoechoic areas, fibrous bands, and increased lacrimal artery resistance in Sjogren’s syndrome patients. Of the three MRI-based studies, reduced apparent diffusion coefficient and heterogeneity were the characteristics of Sjogren’s syndrome. Clinical parameters such as dry eye symptomatology and Schirmer values had variable associations with USG or MRI parameters. Ultrasonography parameters were no different between dry eye versus no dry eye in Sjogren’s syndrome patients, whereas small-sized glands had low Schirmer on MRI-based studies. Conclusion Glandular heterogeneity on USG is significantly associated with lacrimal gland involvement in Sjogren’s syndrome patients. However, the role of radiology in predicting lacrimal gland involvement is unclear as the evidence is insufficient and heterogeneous.

Nucleus pulposus structure and function assessed in shear using magnetic resonance elastography, quantitative MRI, and rheometry.

In vivo quantification of the structure-function relationship of the intervertebral disc (IVD) via quantitative MRI has the potential to aid objective stratification of disease and evaluation of restorative therapies. Magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) is an imaging technique that assesses tissue shear properties and combined with quantitative MRI metrics reflective of composition can inform structure-function of the IVD. The objectives of this study were to (1) compare MRE- and rheometry-derived shear modulus in agarose gels and nucleus pulposus (NP) tissue and (2) correlate MRE and rheological measures of NP tissue with composition and quantitative MRI. MRE and MRI assessment (i.e., T1ρ and T2 mapping) of agarose samples (2%, 3%, and 4% (w/v); n = 3-4/%) and of bovine caudal IVDs after equilibrium dialysis in 5% or 25% PEG (n = 13/PEG%) was conducted. Subsequently, agarose and NP tissue underwent torsional mechanical testing consisting of a frequency sweep from 1 to 100 Hz at a rotational strain of 0.05%. NP tissue was additionally evaluated under creep and stress relaxation conditions. Linear mixed-effects models and univariate regression analyses evaluated the effects of testing method, %agarose or %PEG, and frequency, as well as correlations between parameters. MRE- and rheometry-derived shear moduli were greater at 100 Hz than at 80 Hz in all agarose and NP tissue samples. Additionally, all samples with lower water content had higher complex shear moduli. There was a significant correlation between MRE- and rheometry-derived modulus values for homogenous agarose samples. T1ρ and T2 relaxation times for agarose and tissue were negatively correlated with complex shear modulus derived from both techniques. For NP tissue, shear modulus was positively correlated with GAG/wet-weight and negatively correlated with %water content. This work demonstrates that MRE can assess hydration-induced changes in IVD shear properties and further highlights the structure-function relationship between composition and shear mechanical behaviors of NP tissue.

The beauty of pediatric musculoskeletal ultrasound.

Ultrasound is a powerful technique in pediatric imaging and musculoskeletal (MSK) imaging in many specific clinical scenarios. This article will feature some common and less common spot diagnoses in pediatric musculoskeletal ultrasound.Cases were collected by members of the Educational Committee of the ESSR (European Society of musculoSkeletal Radiology) and the Pediatric Subcommittee of the ESSR with expertise in musculoskeletal ultrasound.Fifteen clinical entities are discussed based on the features that allow diagnosis by ultrasound.Clinical history, location, and ultrasound appearance are the keys to spot diagnoses when performing pediatric musculoskeletal ultrasound. · Ultrasound in pediatric musculoskeletal imaging can achieve a diagnosis in specific clinical settings.. · Clinical history, location, and ultrasound appearance are keys to spot diagnoses.. · Knowledge of spot diagnoses in pediatric musculoskeletal ultrasound facilitates daily clinical practice..

Hadamard ghost imaging with a small amount of mask plates based on a spread spectrum.

Ghost imaging techniques using low-cost bucket detectors have unrivaled advantages for some wavebands where plane array detectors are not available or where focusing is difficult. In these bands, fine mask plates are the key to implementing high-resolution and quality ghost imaging. However, manufacturing a large number of mask plates is necessary but undoubtedly expensive in traditional Hadamard ghost imaging (HGI). Inspired by the spread spectrum technology, Hadamard ghost imaging based on spread spectrum (HGI-SS) is proposed, in which only two sets of a small number of mask plates are needed to accomplish Nyquist sampling for the object. Their numbers are equal to the lateral pixel resolution and the vertical pixel resolution of the object, respectively. Optical experiments verify the effectiveness of the scheme. For ghost imaging with a resolution requirement of 128 × 128 pixels, HGI-SS needs to prepare only 256 mask plates, while the traditional HGI needs to prepare 16,384 mask plates. HGI-SS may be helpful to expand the pixel resolution of imaging at a relatively low cost of mask plates.

Revealing the complexity of meniscus microvasculature through 3D visualization and analysis

Three-dimensional information is essential for a proper understanding of the healing potential of the menisci and their overall role in the knee joint. However, to date, the study of meniscal vascularity has relied primarily on two-dimensional imaging techniques. Here we present a method to elucidate the intricate 3D meniscal vascular network, revealing its spatial arrangement, connectivity and density. A polymerizing contrast agent was injected into the femoral artery of human cadaver legs, and the meniscal microvasculature was examined using micro-computed tomography at different levels of detail and resolution. The 3D vascular network was quantitatively assessed in a zone-base analysis using parameters such as diameter, length, tortuosity, and branching patterns. The results of this study revealed distinct vascular patterns within the meniscus, with the highest vascular volume found in the outer perimeniscal zone. Variations in vascular parameters were found between the different circumferential and radial meniscal zones. Moreover, through state-of-the-art 3D visualization using micro-CT, this study highlighted the importance of spatial resolution in accurately characterizing the vascular network. These findings, both from this study and from future research using this technique, improve our understanding of microvascular distribution, which may lead to improved therapeutic strategies.

Assessment of chemotherapeutic effects on cancer cells using adhesion noise spectroscopy

With cancer as one of the leading causes of death worldwide, there is a need for the development of accurate, cost-effective, easy-to-use, and fast drug-testing assays. While the NCI 60 cell-line screening as the gold standard is based on a colorimetric assay, monitoring cells electrically constitutes a label-free and non-invasive tool to assess the cytotoxic effects of a chemotherapeutic treatment on cancer cells. For decades, impedance-based cellular assays extensively investigated various cell characteristics affected by drug treatment but lack spatiotemporal resolution. With progress in microelectrode fabrication, high-density Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS)-based microelectrode arrays (MEAs) with subcellular resolution and time-continuous recording capability emerged as a potent alternative. In this article, we present a new cell adhesion noise (CAN)-based electrical imaging technique to expand CMOS MEA cell-biology applications: CAN spectroscopy enables drug screening quantification with single-cell spatial resolution. The chemotherapeutic agent 5-Fluorouracil exerts a cytotoxic effect on colorectal cancer (CRC) cells hampering cell proliferation and lowering cell viability. For proof-of-concept, we found sufficient accuracy and reproducibility for CAN spectroscopy compared to a commercially available standard colorimetric biological assay. This label-free, non-invasive, and fast electrical imaging technique complements standardized cancer screening methods with significant advances over established impedance-based approaches.

Symmetry breaking in 2D materials for optimizing second-harmonic generation

Abstract Second-harmonic generation (SHG) is the generation of 2ω (or half wavelength) light from incident light with frequency ω as a nonlinear optical response of the material. Three-dimensional (3D) SHG materials are widely investigated for developing laser technology to obtain shorter wavelengths in photolithography fabrication of semiconductor devices and the medical sciences, such as for imaging techniques that do not use fluorescent materials. However, to obtain the optimized SHG intensity, the 3D material is required to have no spatial-inversion symmetry (or non-centrosymmetry) and special crystal structure (or so-called phase-matched condition). Recently, engineering symmetry breaking of thin two-dimensional (2D) materials whose 3D structure has the inversion symmetry can offer a breakthrough to enhance the SHG intensity without requiring the phase-matched condition. Over the past decade, many 2D SHG materials have been synthesized to have broken inversion symmetry by stacking heterostructures, twisted moire structures, dislocated nanoplates, spiral nanosheets, antiferromagnetic order, and strain. In this review, we focus on the recent progress in breaking inversion and rotational symmetries in out-of-plane and/or in-plane directions. The theoretical calculations and experimental setup are briefly introduced for the non-linear optical response of the 2D materials. We also present our perspectives on how these can optimize the SHG of the 2D materials.

The biophysics of water in cell biology: perspectives on a keystone for both marine sciences and cancer research

The biophysics of water, has been debated over more than a century. Although its importance is still underestimated, significant breakthroughs occurred in recent years. The influence of protein condensation on water availability control was documented, new findings on water-transport proteins emerged, and the way water molecules rearrange to minimize free energy at interfaces was deciphered, influencing membrane thermodynamics. The state of knowledge continued to progress in the field of deep-sea marine biology, highlighting unknown effects of high hydrostatic pressure and/or temperature on interactions between proteins and ligands in extreme environments, and membrane structure adaptations. The role of osmolytes in protein stability control under stress is also discussed here in relation to fish egg hydration/buoyancy. The complexity of water movements within the cell is updated, all these findings leading to a better view of their impact on many cellular processes. The way water flow and osmotic gradients generated by ion transport work together to produce the driving force behind cell migration is also relevant to both marine biology and cancer research. Additional common points concern water dynamic changes during the neoplastic transformation of cells and tissues, or embryo development. This could improve imaging techniques, early cancer diagnosis, and understanding of the molecular and physiological basis of buoyancy for many marine species.

The Transformative Role of 3D Culture Models in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Research

Advancements in cell culturing techniques have allowed the development of three-dimensional (3D) cell culture models sourced directly from patients’ tissues and tumors, faithfully replicating the native tissue environment. These models provide a more clinically relevant platform for studying disease progression and treatment responses compared to traditional two-dimensional (2D) models. Patient-derived organoids (PDOs) and patient-derived xenograft organoids (PDXOs) emerge as innovative 3D cancer models capable of accurately mimicking the tumor’s unique features, enhancing our understanding of tumor complexities, and predicting clinical outcomes. Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) poses significant clinical challenges due to its aggressive nature, propensity for early metastasis, and limited treatment options. TNBC PDOs and PDXOs have significantly contributed to the comprehension of TNBC, providing novel insights into its underlying mechanism and identifying potential therapeutic targets. This review explores the transformative role of various 3D cancer models in elucidating TNBC pathogenesis and guiding novel therapeutic strategies. It also provides an overview of diverse 3D cell culture models, derived from cell lines and tumors, highlighting their advantages and culturing challenges. Finally, it delves into live-cell imaging techniques, endpoint assays, and alternative cell culture media and methodologies, such as scaffold-free and scaffold-based systems, essential for advancing 3D cancer model research and development.

Identification and treatment of intestinal malrotation with midgut volvulus in childhood: a multicenter retrospective study

BackgroundIntestinal malrotation is a rare condition, and its delayed diagnosis can lead to fatal consequences. This study aimed to investigate the identification and treatment of malrotation in children.MethodsClinical data, imaging, operative findings, and early postoperative outcomes of 75 children with malrotation were retrospectively analyzed.ResultsThe mean age was 6.18 ± 4.93 days and 51.26 ± 70.13 months in the neonatal group (56 patients) and non-neonatal group (19 patients), respectively. Sixty-seven patients were under the age of 1 year at the time of diagnosis. The occurrence of bilious vomiting and jaundice was significantly higher in the neonatal group (89.29%) than that in the non-neonatal group (37.5%), p < 0.05 and p < 0.01, respectively. The incidence of abnormal ultrasound (US) findings was 97.30% and 100%, respectively, and the sensitivities of the upper gastrointestinal series were 84.21% and 87.5%, respectively. Sixty-six (88%) patients had midgut volvulus, including in utero volvulus (two patients) and irreversible intestinal ischemia (four patients). Most neonates (89.29%) underwent open Ladd's procedure with a shorter operative time (p < 0.01). Reoperation was performed for postoperative complications (four patients) or missed comorbidities (two patients).ConclusionsNon-bilious vomiting was the initial symptom in >10% of neonates and nearly 40% of non-neonates. This highlights the importance for emergency physicians and surgeons to be cautious about ruling out malrotation in patients with non-bilious vomiting. Utilizing US can obviate the need for contrast examinations owing to its higher diagnostic accuracy and rapid diagnosis and can be recommended as a first-line imaging technique. Additionally, open surgery is still an option for neonatal patients.

Intersecting Paths: Unraveling the Complex Journey of Cancer to Bone Metastasis

The phenomenon of bone metastases presents a significant challenge within the context of advanced cancer treatments, particularly pertaining to breast, prostate, and lung cancers. These metastatic occurrences stem from the dissemination of cancerous cells into the bone, thereby interrupting the equilibrium between osteoblasts and osteoclasts. Such disruption results in skeletal complications, adversely affecting patient morbidity and quality of life. This review discusses the intricate interplay between cancer cells and the bone microenvironment, positing the bone not merely as a passive recipient of metastatic cells but as an active contributor to cancer progression through its distinctive biochemical and cellular makeup. A thorough examination of bone structure and the dynamics of bone remodeling is undertaken, elucidating how metastatic cancer cells exploit these processes. This review explores the genetic and molecular pathways that underpin the onset and development of bone metastases. Particular emphasis is placed on the roles of cytokines and growth factors in facilitating osteoclastogenesis and influencing osteoblast activity. Additionally, this paper offers a meticulous critique of current diagnostic methodologies, ranging from conventional radiography to advanced molecular imaging techniques, and discusses the implications of a nuanced understanding of bone metastasis biology for therapeutic intervention. This includes the development of targeted therapies and strategies for managing bone pain and other skeletal-related events. Moreover, this review underscores the imperative of ongoing research efforts aimed at identifying novel therapeutic targets and refining management approaches for bone metastases. It advocates for a multidisciplinary strategy that integrates advancements in medical oncology and radiology with insights derived from molecular biology and genetics, to enhance prognostic outcomes and the quality of life for patients afflicted by this debilitating condition. In summary, bone metastases constitute a complex issue that demands a comprehensive and informed approach to treatment. This article contributes to the ongoing discourse by consolidating existing knowledge and identifying avenues for future investigation, with the overarching objective of ameliorating patient care in the domain of oncology.