Towards quantitative CEUS assessments of ex-vivo feto-placental (micro)vasculature: A feasibility study

• Novel device enables passive DNA tracer capture for groundwater studies. • DNA breakthrough curves align with salt and dye tracers in lab and field-scale tests. • Agarose beads with streptavidin ensure selective and stable DNA binding. • Passive devices allow high-sensitivity, low-impact tracer recovery. • Device supports low-impact, scalable hydrogeological investigations. Synthetic DNA tracers represent an innovative solution to overcome the limitations of conventional hydrological tracers, particularly in complex and large-scale hydrogeological systems. However, prolonged tracer tests still rely on manual sampling, which often provides sparse temporal coverage, increasing the risk of missing concentration peaks and biasing breakthrough curve interpretation. In addition, repeated site visits entail significant logistical effort and cost. To address these constraints, this study presents the development and validation of a novel passive device that selectively captures biotinylated synthetic DNA tracers, enabling time-integrated, semi-quantitative assessment of groundwater flow and pollutant migration. The device integrates streptavidin-functionalized superparamagnetic beads (1.0 µm; binding capacity ∼ 500pmol mg –1 ) encapsulated in 0.6% agarose hydrogel pearls and housed in a sealed hybridization chamber. Laboratory column tests (1.65 × 10 –4 L s –1 ; hydraulic gradient 1.4%) and a field-scale experiment in a natural stream (∼6 L s –1 ; 200 m reach), used as an analog for fracture flow or conduit flow in karst systems, benchmarked DNA behavior against conventional tracers (KCl, NaCl, fluorescein). Quantification by qPCR showed 100.2% efficiency and R 2 = 0.997, with sensitivity < 10 DNA molecules per reaction. Breakthrough curves from manual sampling and the passive device closely matched conservative tracer responses. The passive device produced slightly broader BTCs, consistent with time-integrated capture and detection of delayed or retained fractions. This approach provides a reproducible method for tracing hydrological pathways in karst and carbonate aquifers, thereby facilitating broader application of DNA tracers in groundwater studies.

InsectMotion - A Python-based tool for quantification of neuropeptide-induced organ contractions in arthropods.

Small tissue biopsies, including renal core biopsies, bone marrow trephines, gastrointestinal endoscopic samples, prostate needle cores, liver biopsies, and skin punch or shave specimens, are fundamental to contemporary diagnostic pathology. Their limited volume, focal sampling, and susceptibility to technical artifacts impose distinct interpretive challenges, often requiring semi-quantitative assessment within a restricted architectural context. Although artificial intelligence (AI) has rapidly expanded in digital pathology, most models have been developed using large surgical resection specimens, with comparatively limited attention to small biopsy material. This minireview examines current and emerging applications of AI in small biopsy diagnostics across renal, hepatic, gastrointestinal, hematopathological, dermatopathological, and urological pathology. Reported applications include glomerular segmentation and fibrosis quantification in renal biopsies; automated cellularity, blast detection, and fibrosis grading in bone marrow trephines; dysplasia and microorganism detection in gastrointestinal biopsies; quantitative steatosis and fibrosis assessment in liver samples; tumor detection and grading in prostate cores; and neoplastic pattern recognition in skin specimens. Despite encouraging performance in research settings, substantial barriers to routine clinical implementation remain, including limited dataset size, class imbalance, pre-analytical variability, inter-institutional heterogeneity, and insufficient external validation. We discuss methodological considerations relevant to diagnostic practice, including multi-institutional validation, stain normalization, multimodal integration with histochemistry and ancillary testing, explainability, and regulatory oversight. In the context of small biopsies, AI should be regarded as a quantitative adjunct to morphological interpretation rather than an autonomous diagnostic system. Careful integration within established histopathological workflows is essential to ensure reproducibility, safety, and clinical accountability.

Hierarchical triple-mode immunosensing of aflatoxin B1: From visual screening to precise confirmation.

Dopamine-mediated signal amplification integrated with CCK-8 detection for highly sensitive colorimetric immunoassay.

A practical approach to ABO-incompatible heart transplantation from the Pediatric Heart Transplant Society (PHTS).

Waldenström macroglobulinemia/lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma (WM/LPL) is a rare, indolent non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitors (BTKis) have been widely used for the treatment of WM/LPL. The objective of this study is to evaluate the response assessed by 68Ga-pentixafor PET/CT in patients with WM/LPL treated with either BTKi or chemoimmunotherapy. This is a post hoc analysis of the data from our prospective cohort study. A total of 33 patients with newly diagnosed or relapsed WM/LPL were included. The clinical response was assessed using the International Workshop of WM (IWWM) response criteria based on the change of monoclonal protein level. 68Ga-pentixafor PET/CT response was evaluated both visually and semiquantitatively. The total lesion uptake (TLU), metabolic tumor volume (MTV), and SUVmax were measured for semiquantitative assessments and were calculated as percentage change from baseline to follow-up scans (∆TLU%, ∆MTV%, ∆SUVmax%). The change of M-protein (∆M-pro%) and IgM (∆IgM%) was also calculated. Among the included patients, 15 received chemoimmunotherapy (chemo-group), while 18 patients were treated with BTKi-containing regimens (BTKi group). In PET/CT visual assessment, 14/15 (93.3%) patients in chemo-group exhibited consistent response, as assessed by 68Ga-pentixafor PET/CT and M-protein-based IWWM criteria. However, the PET/CT-based response was inconsistent with the IWWM response in 10/18 (55.6%) patients in the BTKi group. For semiquantitative analysis, ∆TLU%, ∆MTV%, and ∆SUVmax% in chemo-group showed a strong correlation with clinical response, ∆M-pro%, and ∆IgM% values (r = 0.634-0.856, P < 0.05). However, there was no statistically significant correlation between the changes in M-protein percentage or IgM percentage and the uptake values measured by 68Ga-pentixafor PET/CT in BTKi group (P > 0.05). 68Ga-pentixafor PET/CT provides accurate response assessment in WM/LPL patients receiving chemoimmunotherapy. However, the 68Ga-pentixafor PET/CT-based response exhibited inconsistency with the M-protein-based IWWM criteria in those treated with BTKis, thereby suggesting the potential inadequacy of the IWWM response criteria in WM/LPL patients treated with BTKis.

Preliminary Use of ICG-FA in Predicting the Blood Perfusion of Neourethra Covering in TIP Hypospadias Repair.

BACKGROUND: Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is a cornerstone treatment for coronary artery disease. As procedural volumes continue to rise, the associated radiation risk from angiography systems has drawn increasing concern. Thus, we developed a novel ultra-low-dose Noise-Free technology to optimize angiography systems. This study aims to investigate whether it effectively reduces radiation exposure in real-world coronary interventions. METHODS: A comparative study on a single-center, real-world, observational cohort. The primary end point was an intergroup comparison of procedural radiation exposure, including dose area product, air kerma, and dose rate, stratified by exposure mode (fluoroscopy or cine) and procedure type (diagnostic coronary angiography, single-vessel PCI, or chronic total occlusion PCI). The secondary end point included an expert semi-quantitative assessment and a quantitative contrast-to-noise ratio for image quality. RESULTS: A total of 380 procedures (102 coronary angiography, 78 single-vessel PCI, and 200 chronic total occlusion PCI) were performed in 380 patients using 4 different angiography systems. There was no significant difference in baseline patient characteristics, procedural time, or operator experience. In coronary angiography procedures, the ultra-low-dose technique demonstrated a total air kerma of 60.3 (38.5–74.1) mGy, total dose area product of 4.0 (2.9–5.2) Gy·cm 2 , fluoroscopy dose rate of 7.9 (6.0–9.6) mGy/min, and cine dose rate of 51.7 (37.4–64.9) mGy/min, corresponding to 40% to 70%, 37% to 66%, 16% to 62%, and 25% to 79% reductions than others, respectively. Similar radiation reductions were observed for single-vessel PCI. For chronic total occlusion PCI, the corresponding percentages of radiation reduction in total air kerma, total dose area product, fluoroscopy dose rate, and cine dose rate were 59% to 73%, 54% to 69%, 22% to 64%, and 60% to 79%, respectively, relative to the other 3 systems. The semi-quantitative assessment and contrast-to-noise ratio analysis showed comparable image quality between the 4 systems. CONCLUSIONS: The Noise-Free technique reduced radiation exposure across cumulative and rate metrics while preserving diagnostic image quality, with the greatest reduction observed in complex cases. These findings support its clinical utility for lowering radiation risk.

To evaluate the inter-reader reliability of CT-based measurements of portal vein thrombosis (PVT) to support the development of standardized response criteria endorsed by the Vascular Liver Disease Group (VALDIG) group. In this retrospective bi-centric study, 44 patients with PVT who underwent contrast-enhanced CT (2020-2024) were included. Two independent abdominal radiologists evaluated thrombus characteristics using pre-specified standardized measurements on portal venous phase CT acquisition. For the analysis of the main PVT, quantitative continuous measurement included thrombus length, thickness, and remnant lumen assessment based on diameter (%RLdiam) and surface area (%RLsurf). Categorical classifications were derived using both three-tier and four-tier occlusion scales. Qualitative categorical assessments were performed for involvement of the right and left portal branches, splenic vein, and superior mesenteric vein. Inter-reader agreement was assessed using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC), weighted and unweighted Cohen's kappa (κ), and Bland Altman plots. Inter-reader agreement for thrombus thickness and length yielded ICC values of 0.92 and 0.84 respectively. Agreement was highest for diameter-based remnant lumen assessment (%RLdiam; ICC = 0.93), outperforming surface-based measurements (%RLsurf; ICC = 0.83). Bland Altman plots confirmed narrower limits of agreement for diameter-based metrics (±22%) compared with surface-based metrics (-32% to +40%). Categorical classification based on diameter showed substantial agreement (weighted κ = 0.71 and 0.78 for three- and four-tier systems, respectively). Semi-quantitative assessment demonstrated substantial concordance, particularly for the right portal branch (κ = 0.77) and superior mesenteric vein (κ = 0.72). Diameter-based quantitative assessment of PVT on CT demonstrates higher inter-reader reproducibility than surface-based measurements. The three-tier diameter-based categorization achieved substantial agreement and aligns with current hepatology guidelines, supporting its applicability in clinical practice and research settings.

Background Peritonitis is a severe complication in peritoneal dialysis (PD), necessitating prompt diagnosis and treatment. A key diagnostic indicator is elevated white blood cells (WBC) in spent PD effluent. Laboratory-based WBC testing can be slow, costly, and infrastructure-dependent, potentially delaying treatment. Urine dipsticks, commonly used for urinary tract infections, include a leukocyte esterase (LE) test that may serve as a rapid and low-cost point-of-care alternative. We evaluated the effectiveness of using an LE test of urine dipsticks to detect WBC in PD effluent for diagnosing PD-associated peritonitis. Methods Our research comprised a clinical and a laboratory part. Clinically, we analyzed data from Khartoum, Sudan, where LE dipsticks are routinely given to PD patients for point-of-care testing of PD effluent. In a laboratory, we compared dipstick results with WBC counts in stored, freeze–thawed PD effluents from Australia and the United States, and evaluated smartphone imaging of dipstick coloration. Results The clinical evaluation comprised 56 pediatric PD patients providing 530 PD effluent samples. Dipstick LE testing of freshly collected effluents demonstrated 100% sensitivity and 100% specificity for peritonitis diagnosis. In the laboratory study, testing of 352 freeze–thawed PD effluents showed reduced sensitivity (78%) and specificity (95%) after 1 month of refrigerator storage. Smartphone imaging reliably supported visual inspection and enabled semi-quantitative color assessment. Conclusions When used on freshly collected PD effluents, the LE test on urine dipsticks is a rapid, reliable, and affordable tool for diagnosing PD-associated peritonitis. This approach is particularly valuable in low-resource settings, home-based care, and telehealth.

Background and Objectives: Tamoxifen, a cornerstone selective estrogen receptor modulator in breast cancer therapy, is increasingly recognized to be associated with retinal toxicity characterized by mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation, and oxidative DNA injury. By targeting mitochondrial bioenergetic dysfunction and redox disequilibrium, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) emerges as a biologically plausible candidate for retinal cytoprotection. This study aimed to evaluate the protective effect of ATP against tamoxifen-induced retinal toxicity in a rat model. Materials and Methods: Twenty-four male albino Wistar rats were randomly assigned to four groups: healthy control (HG), ATP-alone (ATPG, 4 mg/kg, intraperitoneally), tamoxifen-alone (TAMG, 5 mg/kg, orally), and tamoxifen plus ATP-treated (ATAG; ATP, 4 mg/kg, intraperitoneally; tamoxifen, 5 mg/kg, orally). Treatments were administered once daily for 30 days. Oxidative stress markers (malondialdehyde, total glutathione), antioxidant enzyme activities (superoxide dismutase, catalase), and oxidative DNA damage (8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine) were assessed in ocular tissues. Retinal histopathological evaluation included hematoxylin-eosin staining with semiquantitative assessment of edema, vascular congestion, polymorphonuclear leukocyte infiltration, and cytoplasmic vacuolization, together with quantitative measurements of retinal layer thicknesses and ganglion cell layer (GCL) cell counts. Results: Tamoxifen administration induced marked oxidative stress, antioxidant depletion, and increased oxidative DNA damage in ocular tissues, accompanied by significant thickening of retinal layers, reduced GCL cell counts, and pronounced disruption of retinal architecture. By comparison, ATP co-administration significantly suppressed lipid peroxidation and restored antioxidant defenses, thereby reducing oxidative DNA damage and preserving retinal structural integrity, as reflected by partial normalization of retinal layer thicknesses, preservation of GCL cell counts, and the presence of only mild residual edema. Conclusions: These findings indicate that ATP attenuates tamoxifen-induced retinal toxicity by supporting mitochondrial energy balance and redox homeostasis. Accordingly, ATP administration may represent a promising protective approach for reducing retinal injury associated with long-term tamoxifen therapy.

Fresh osteochondral allograft (FOCA) transplantation is an increasingly used technique for treating symptomatic cartilage defects in young and active patients. However, insufficient osseous integration of the graft remains a primary cause of failure. Bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC), rich in mesenchymal stem cells, may enhance graft integration. To determine whether the use of autologous BMAC in FOCA transplantation of the knee improves osseous integration on computed tomography (CT) during the first postoperative year and yields superior clinical outcomes compared to non-BMAC-treated grafts at 2-year follow-up. Randomized clinical trial; Level of evidence, 1. We conducted a single-center, prospective, randomized controlled trial in 36 patients undergoing FOCA transplantation. Patients who met the inclusion criteria were randomly assigned to either a BMAC group or non-BMAC group. CT was performed at 3, 6, and 12 months, and imaging findings were evaluated using the semiquantitative assessment CT osteochondral allograft (ACTOCA) scoring system. Clinical outcomes (International Knee Documentation Committee, Kujala, Western Ontario Meniscal Evaluation Tool, and Tegner scores) were assessed preoperatively and at 6, 12, and 24 months. Osseous integration at the host-graft junction on CT was superior in the BMAC group at 3 months postoperatively compared with the non-BMAC group (P < .05), with no differences between groups at 6 or 12 months. Regarding graft signal density relative to host bone, differences were observed between groups at 3 and 12 months, with better 3-month graft signaling in the BMAC group and better 12-month graft signaling in the non-BMAC group. No differences were observed at 6 months. Also, no differences were observed between groups in patient-reported outcome scores. BMAC augmentation in FOCA transplantation of the knee demonstrated improved early osseous integration at the host-graft junction at 3 months postoperatively, as assessed on CT using the ACTOCA scoring system, with no differences observed at 6 or 12 months. Regarding graft signal density relative to host bone, significant differences were observed at 3 and 12 months, with better 3-month graft signaling in the BMAC group and better 12-month graft signaling in the non-BMAC group. No differences were observed between groups in patient-reported outcome scores. NCT04236492 (ClinicalTrials.gov).

Autoimmune hepatitis-primary biliary cholangitis (AIH-PBC) overlap syndrome remains a diagnostic challenge due to the absence of standardized criteria and the limitations of current frameworks, such as the Paris Criteria. In this retrospective study, we reviewed 71 liver biopsies flagged for possible overlap and reclassified them based on clinical diagnosis as AIH (n=21), PBC (n=17), or overlap syndrome (n=33), incorporating 74 clinically and pathologically confirmed AIH (n=42) and PBC (n=32) cases as external controls. Only 46% of flagged cases were confirmed as overlap, indicating a 54% overcall rate. Florid duct lesions and bile duct loss were highly specific for a biliary component but were absent in over half of overlap cases, where lymphocytic cholangitis, although less specific, provided additional support when interpreted with serologic data. AMA positivity and alkaline phosphatase elevation were more specific indicators of PBC involvement than elevated IgM. In suspected overlap, hepatic inflammation characterized by confluent necrosis, interface hepatitis (mHAI A≥2), and lobular inflammation (mHAI C≥3), in conjunction with AST or ALT ≥2×upper limit of normal, more reliably distinguished overlap from isolated PBC. Overlap cases showed milder necroinflammatory activity compared with isolated AIH controls, suggesting under-recognition when relying solely on existing AIH scoring systems. We propose a refined diagnostic approach that integrates key histologic findings and serologic markers, supported by semiquantitative assessment using the modified Histologic Activity Index (mHAI), to improve diagnostic accuracy and reporting consistency for AIH-PBC overlap syndrome.

Chronic low-grade inflammation, altered microvascular support, and progressive stress-related cellular dysfunction are major contributors to tissue aging and impaired repair. Dermal fibroblasts are central regulators of these processes because they integrate cytokine-related signaling, redox balance, and extracellular matrix homeostasis. Increasing evidence indicates that endogenous bioelectrical activity may influence these cellular functions by shaping upstream regulatory conditions linked to downstream molecular responses. In the present study, we investigated the molecular effects of the Radio Electric Asymmetric Conveyer Anti-Inflammatory Cellular Treatment delivered under Inside Blue Zone conditions (REAC ACT-IBZ) in human dermal fibroblasts (HFF1). Cells were exposed to nine standardized treatment sessions, and molecular changes were assessed by RT-qPCR, ELISA, and immunofluorescence analysis complemented by supportive semi-quantitative fluorescence intensity assessment. REAC ACT-IBZ exposure was associated with increased SIRT1 and VEGF expression and with transcriptional modulation of selected cytokine-related genes, including IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-2, and IL-8. Immunofluorescence analysis, complemented by supportive semi-quantitative fluorescence intensity assessment, showed a pattern consistent with increased FOXO1 and SIRT1 staining and reduced mTOR staining in treated cells. Overall, these findings identify a molecular profile associated with REAC ACT-IBZ exposure in human dermal fibroblasts, involving stress-response regulators, angiogenesis-related signaling, and selective cytokine-related transcriptional changes. Within the limits of the present in vitro model, the data support the view that endogenous bioelectrical modulation may interact with molecular networks relevant to tissue homeostasis and inflammaging.

Intelligent interferometric analysis of lipid layer thickness for clinical evaluation of dry eye disease.

Ensuring both worker safety and environmental sustainability remains a critical, often overlooked challenge within circular economy practices. While recycling reduces external environmental burdens, it frequently concentrates hazardous exposures within the workplace. This study developed a combined Occupational Health-Life Cycle Assessment (OH-LCA) framework to evaluate a formal steel coil recycling facility in Thailand. The methodology employed Industrial Hygiene (IH) Principles-specifically real-time Internet of Things (iOT) monitoring to independently validate the fine particulate matter formation impact modeled in the LCA. Importantly, Workplace Environment Characterization Factors (WE-CFs) were not applied; instead, the IoT exposure data served as empirical cross validation of the LCA's Human Health endpoint rather than direct inputs to the Life Cycle Inventory. Sequential operations were assessed using a semi-quantitative Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (HIRA), while the IH “Evaluation” phase utilized IoT sensors to validate theoretical impacts modeled in OpenLCA using the ReCiPe 2016 Endpoint method. The “Cutting” stage was identified as the critical hotspot. Real-time sensors detected acute PM2.5 concentrations peaking at approximately 1398 μg/m 3 , empirically corroborating the high Human Health damage modeled in the LCA, which totaled 4.69 DALYs/month. The LCA further revealed a significant resource depletion cost of 11,368 USD/month. Eco-efficiency analysis demonstrated a critical trade-off: while the process was highly efficient for ecosystem preservation (25,871 ton/species·yr), it showed comparatively lower efficiency for human health protection and resource conservation. A techno-economic analysis further indicated that implementing IoT-based engineering controls is economically viable, offsetting initial investments through reduced energy consumption and mitigated long-term health liabilities. These findings highlight that formal ISO certifications alone do not guarantee worker safety during high-energy unit operations. The study concludes that integrating real-time IH monitoring with LCA provides a proactive, scalable pathway for decarbonizing the waste sector while ensuring worker well-being in the “Next Normal” industrial landscape. • Introduces a combined environmental LCA and occupational health assessment framework with IoT-based cross validation for steel coil recycling. • The cutting stage shows PM 2.5 levels (∼1398 μg/m 3 ), resulting in the health impacts (4.69 DALY). • Energy use and emissions were the main drivers of health damage and resource depletion, while impacts on ecosystems were relatively small. • IoT-based monitoring makes recycling both safer for workers and more sustainable.

Correlation between dilute Russell's viper venom time (dRVVT) and apixaban concentrations: Potential utility and limitations in emergency settings.

Background: Vitamin D plays an important role in overall health. This study aimed to conduct a pilot screening of serum vitamin D levels in a Malagasy cohort and to compare vitamin D status groups with selected health indicators. Methods: A cross-sectional observational pilot study was performed in two geographically distinct regions of Madagascar-a coastal area and an inland area. In total, 150 individuals underwent a single health screening, including semi-quantitative assessment of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D, as well as evaluation of glycemic and cholesterol levels, blood pressure, anthropometric parameters, and a brief personal and lifestyle questionnaire. Results: A total of 148 participants (aged 18-88 years) were analyzed. 45.9% of participants had low serum vitamin D levels (<75 nmol/L). Lower vitamin D levels and higher total cholesterol were observed in the coastal group compared to the inland group (p < 0.05). No significant differences were found for most other examined health indicators. In multivariable analysis, age was identified as an important determinant of several outcomes. Vitamin D status did not remain an independent predictor; however, a trend toward an independent association with hypercholesterolemia was observed (p = 0.07), while the association with hyperglycemia was less pronounced (p = 0.11). Conclusions: A substantial proportion of participants exhibited low vitamin D levels despite favorable geographic conditions. The results suggest a potential relationship between vitamin D status and lipid metabolism, although this association did not reach statistical significance after adjustment. These findings provide initial insight into vitamin D status and its potential associations in this setting and may inform future research and public health monitoring.