Shorter Treatment Time Research Articles

Effect of different optimization parameters in single isocenter multiple brain metastases radiosurgery

PurposeAutomated treatment planning for multiple brain metastases differs from traditional planning approaches. It is therefore helpful to understand which parameters for optimization are available and how they affect the plan quality. This study aims to provide a reference for designing multi-metastases treatment plans and to define quality endpoints for benchmarking the technique from a scientific perspective.MethodsIn all, 20 patients with a total of 183 lesions were retrospectively planned according to four optimization scenarios. Plan quality was evaluated using common plan quality parameters such as conformity index, gradient index and dose to normal tissue. Therefore, different scenarios with combinations of optimization parameters were evaluated, while taking into account dependence on the number of treated lesions as well as influence of different beams.ResultsDifferent scenarios resulted in minor differences in plan quality. With increasing number of lesions, the number of monitor units increased, so did the dose to healthy tissue and the number of interlesional dose bridging in adjacent metastases. Highly modulated cases resulted in 4–10% higher V10% compared to less complex cases, while monitor units did not increase. Changing the energy to a flattening filter free (FFF) beam resulted in lower local V12Gy (whole brain-PTV) and even though the number of monitor units increased by 13–15%, on average 46% shorter treatment times were achieved.ConclusionAlthough no clinically relevant differences in parameters where found, we identified some variation in the dose distributions of the different scenarios. Less complex scenarios generated visually more dose overlap; therefore, a more complex scenario may be preferred although differences in the quality metrics appear minor.

Microstructure evolution of extruded Mg-RE-Ag alloy during short-time heat treatment

Microstructure regulation via short-time heat treatment is conducive to the optimization in the microstructure and properties of precipitable magnesium (Mg) alloys, but there is currently a lack of relevant studies. In this work, the microstructure evolution of a Mg-RE-Ag alloy during different short-time heat treatments was characterized and discussed. The results show that extreme short-time heat treatment (ESHT, e.g., 2 min) at 450–480 °C can greatly increase solute concentration in Mg matrix through the rapid re-dissolution of the second-phase and simultaneously maintain fine grains, while the ESHT at a too high temperature (e.g., 510 °C) is not suitable due to excessive grain growth and coarse second phase regenerated at grain boundaries. It is found that 480 °C is the approximate critical temperature for appropriate ESHT, and further prolongation of the time will lead to excessive grain growth. It is suggested that in addition to grain boundary migration, grain rotation is activated, resulting in the annihilation of high-angle grain boundaries with relatively low misorientation, as well as the reduction in the ability of the residual second phase to pin grain boundaries. In addition, the reasons for the abnormal grain boundary segregation and grain boundary continuous phase were analyzed from the perspective of interfacial energy. This study provides a basis for effective microstructure regulation of Mg-RE alloys.

High strength and elongation of Mg-Gd-Nd-Zr alloy obtained by synergistic action of high-speed extrusion and short-time aging treatment

Magnesium–gadolinium (Mg–Gd)-based alloys have excellent high-temperature properties and the addition of two heterogeneous rare earth (RE) elements may promote the formation of secondary phase for better-strengthened properties. Herein, novel Mg-7Gd-2Nd-0.5Zr (wt%) alloys were prepared by synergistic reaction induced by high-speed extrusion (EX) and short-time aging treatment (AT). The microstructures, textures, and mechanical properties of the resulting alloys were then comprehensively studied by various analytical methods. The result reveals that the as-cast Mg-7Gd-2Nd-0.5Zr (wt%) alloy is composed of α-Mg matrix and Mg5(Gd,Nd) phase with bony and continuous networks at grain boundaries. The microstructure presents coarse deformed grains and fine recrystallized grains after high-speed EX, and formation of typical (0001)∥ ED extruded fiber texture and [1¯21¯1] RE texture is observed. The EX22 sample exhibits more Mg5(Gd,Nd) precipitated phases, fuller DRXed grains, and shorter peak aging times than the EX9 sample. After the AT at 250 °C, the proportion of deformed grains decreases due to static recrystallization, which leads to a reduction in the average grain size and weakening of the texture intensity. Therefore, combined effect of all strengthening mechanisms aids in achieving balance of high-strength and high-elongation for Mg-7Gd-2Nd-0.5Zr (wt%) alloy. The values of yield strength (YS), ultimate tensile strength (UTS), and elongation (EL) of EX22-A sample at room temperature are found to be 292.5 MPa, 350.6 MPa, and 24.3%, respectively. Overall, this study provides relevant experimental basis and theoretical guidance for the development of high-strength Mg-RE alloys, which are useful for future consideration.

The safety and efficacy of volumetric modulated Arc therapy combined with computer tomography-guided adaptive brachytherapy for locally advanced cervical cancer: a single institution experience

BackgroundVolumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) is a novel form of IMRT, which can deliver more accurate dose distribution and shorten treatment time. Compared to MRI-guided adaptive brachytherapy, which is recommended as gold standard imaging for cervical cancer contours, CT-guided adaptive brachytherapy (CTGAB) is more available, more widespread, and more affordable in many centers. This study aims to retrospectively analyze the efficacy and the safety of VMAT combined with CTGAB for patients with locally advanced cervical cancer.Methods and materialsThis study retrospectively analyzed 102 patients with locally advanced cervical cancer who underwent VMAT and CTGAB. Clinical outcomes including local control (LC), overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS), tumor response to treatment evaluated by the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) (version 1.1), and toxicities including gastrointestinal toxicity, urinary toxicity and hematologic toxicity evaluated by the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) (version 5.0) were analyzed. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to calculate LC, OS, and PFS.ResultsMedian follow-up time was 19 months. Complete response (CR), partial response (PR), stable disease (SD), and progressive disease (PD) occurred in 68 (66.7%), 24 (23.5%), 4 (3.92%), and 6 (5.88%), respectively. The 2-year and 3-year OS were 89.6% and 83%, respectively. The 2-year and 3-year PFS were 84.2% and 74.3%, respectively. The 2-year and 3-year LC were 90.1% and 79.3%, respectively. The average cumulative D2cm3 in the rectum, the bladder, the colon, and the small intestine were 78.07 (SD: 0.46) Gy, 93.20 (SD: 0.63) Gy, 63.55 (SD: 1.03) Gy and 61.07 (SD: 0.75) Gy, respectively. The average cumulative D90% of the high-risk clinical target volume (HR-CTV) was 92.26 (SD: 0.35) Gy. Grade ≥ 3 gastrointestinal and urinary toxicities occurred in 4.9% and 0.98%, respectively. 1.96% of patients were observed grade ≥ 4 gastrointestinal toxicities and none of the patients observed grade ≥ 4 urinary toxicities.ConclusionVMAT combined with CTGAB for locally advanced cervical cancer was an effective and safe treatment method, which showed satisfactory LC, OS, PFS, and acceptable toxicities.

Simultaneous sealing and bisection of porcine renal blood vessels, ex vivo, using a continuous-wave, infrared diode laser at 1470 nm

Electrosurgical and ultrasonic devices are used in surgical procedures for hemostatic sealing and bisection of vascular tissues. Previous benchtop studies alternatively demonstrated successful infrared laser sealing and cutting of blood vessels, in a sequential, two-step approach. This study describes a smaller, laparoscopic device compatible design, and simultaneous approach to sealing and bisection of vessels, with potential optical feedback. A 1470-nm infrared diode laser sealed and bisected 40 porcine renal arteries, ex vivo. A reciprocating, side-firing, optical fiber, housed in a transparent square quartz optical chamber (2.7 × 2.7 × 25 mm outer dimensions), delivered laser energy over an 11 mm scan length, with a range of incident powers (41–59 W) and treatment times (5–21 s). Vessel diameters ranged from 2.5 to 4.8 mm. Vessel burst pressure measurements were performed on each cut end (n = 80) with success indicated by pressures exceeding 360 mmHg. All vessel ends were successfully sealed and bisected (80/80). The highest incident power, 59 W, yielded short treatment times of 5–6 s. Peak temperatures on the external chamber surface reached 103 oC. Time to cool down to body temperature measured 37 s. Infrared lasers simultaneously seal and bisect blood vessels, with treatment times comparable to, and temperatures and cooling times lower than reported for conventional devices. Future work will focus on integrating the fiber and chamber into a standard 5-mm-outer-diameter laparoscopic device. Customization of fiber scan length to match vessel size may also reduce laser energy deposition, enabling lower peak temperatures, treatment times, and cooling times.

3D-printed titanium porous prosthesis combined with the Masquelet technique for the management of large femoral bone defect caused by osteomyelitis

BackgroundThe treatment of infected bone defects remains a clinical challenge. With the development of three-dimensional printing technology, three-dimensional printed implants have been used for defect reconstruction. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical outcomes of three-dimensional printed porous prosthesis in the treatment of femoral defects caused by osteomyelitis.MethodsEleven patients with femoral bone defects following osteomyelitis who were treated with 3D-printed porous prosthesis at our institution between May 2017 and July 2021, were included. Eight patients were diagnosed with critical-sized defects, and the other three patients were diagnosed with shape-structural defects. A two-stage procedure was performed for all patients, and the infection was eradicated and bone defects were occupied by polymethylmethacrylate spacer during the first stage. The 3D-printed prosthesis was designed and used for the reconstruction of femoral defects in the second stage. Position of the reconstructed prostheses and bone growth were measured using radiography. The union rate, complications, and functional outcomes at the final follow-up were assessed.ResultsThe mean length of the bone defect was 14.0 cm, union was achieved in 10 (91%) patients. All patients showed good functional performance at the most recent follow-up. In the critical-sized defect group, one patient developed a deep infection that required additional procedures. Two patients had prosthetic dislocations. Radiography demonstrated good osseous integration of the implant–bone interface in 10 patients.ConclusionThe 3D printed prostheses enable rapid anatomical and mechanically stable reconstruction of extreme femur bone defects, effectively shortens treatment time, and achieves satisfactory clinical outcomes.

The current state and future perspectives of radiotherapy for cervical cancer.

Radiotherapy is an effective treatment method for cervical cancer and is typically administered as external beam radiotherapy followed by intracavitary brachytherapy. In Japan, center shielding is used in external beam radiotherapy to shorten treatment time and reduce the doses delivered to the rectum or bladder. However, it has several challenges, such as uncertainties in calculating the cumulative dose. Recently, external beam radiotherapy has been increasingly performed with intensity-modulated radiotherapy, which reduces doses to the rectum or bladder without center shielding. In highly conformal radiotherapy, uncertainties in treatment delivery, such as inter-fractional anatomical structure movements, affect treatment outcomes; therefore, image-guided radiotherapy is essential for appropriate and safe performance. Regarding intracavitary brachytherapy, the use of magnetic resonance imaging-based image-guided adaptive brachytherapy is becoming increasingly widespread because it allows dose escalation to the tumor and accurately evaluates the dose delivered to the surrounding normal organs. According to current evidence, a minimal dose of D90% of the high-risk clinical target volume is significantly relevant to local control. Further improvements in target coverage have been achieved with combined interstitial and intracavity brachytherapy for massive tumors with extensive parametrical involvement. Introducing artificial intelligence will enable faster and more accurate generation of brachytherapy plans. Charged-particle therapies have biological and dosimetric advantages, and current evidence has proven their effectiveness and safety in cervical cancer treatment. Recently, radiotherapy-related technologies have advanced dramatically. This review provides an overview of technological innovations and future perspectives in radiotherapy for cervical cancer.

Diffusion and Chemical Degradation of Vitamin B6 in Chickpeas (Cicer arietinum L.) during Hydrothermal Treatments: A Kinetic Approach.

Chickpeas are more sustainable than other food systems and have high a nutritional value, especially regarding their vitamin composition. One of the main vitamins in chickpeas is vitamin B6, which is very important for several human metabolic functions. Since chickpeas are consumed after cooking, our goal was to better understand the role of leaching (diffusion) and thermal degradation of vitamin B6 in chickpeas during hydrothermal processing. Kinetics were conducted at four temperatures, ranging from 25 to 85 °C, carried out for 4 h in an excess of water for the diffusion kinetics, or in hermetic bags for the thermal degradation kinetics. Thermal degradation was modeled according to a first-order reaction, and diffusion was modeled according to a modified version of Fick's second law. Diffusivity constants varied from 4.76 × 10-14 m2/s at 25 °C to 2.07 × 10-10 m2/s at 85 °C; the temperature had an impact on both the diffusivity constant and the residual vitamin B6. The kinetic constant ranged from 9.35 × 10-6 at 25 °C to 54.9 × 10-6 s-1 at 85 °C, with a lower impact of the temperature. In conclusion, vitamin B6 is relatively stable to heat degradation; loss is mainly due to diffusion, especially during shorter treatment times.

Characterization of aroma profiles in flat peach juice post-thermal sterilization: Insights from comprehensive two-dimensional GC with time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC×GC-TOF-MS), sensory analysis, and chemometric approaches

In this study, three thermal sterilization samples, namely pasteurization (PS), high-temperature short-time treatment (HTST) and thermal ultrasonic sterilization (TS) were employed to assess their impact on the flavor profile of flat peach juice through instrument detection and sensory analysis. Results showed significant differences in the sensory profiles among various thermal-sterilized samples, accompanied by diverse levels of reduction in volatile compounds. Totally, 175 volatile compounds were identified through the combination of GC-MS and GC×GC-TOF-MS analyses. Among these, 26 compounds were recognized as aroma-active compounds, displaying high relative odor activity values (rOAVs). Moreover, 5 sulfur-containing compounds were identified for the first time in the sterilized samples. Partial least-squares regression (PLSR) revealed a positive correlation between acetaldehyde, β-damascenone, (E)-2-octenal, and 1-octen-3-ol with off-odors and cooked attributes. This study offers crucial theoretical foundations for refining the processing technology of flat peach juice, thus facilitating the optimization of sensory attributes in juice products through the regulation of pertinent parameters.

Surface properties and antibacterial characteristics of polyurethane modified by corona discharge for food processing industry

Thermal properties and durability make polyurethane (PU) ideal for conveyor belts in food processing industry. On the other hand, its susceptibility to adhesion of pathogens subjects him to surface treatment techniques. In this study, substrates of PU were exposed to corona discharge using air as treatment gas. The process parameters, such as treatment time and nozzle-substrate distance, and the microbicidal effects of the polymer surfaces against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli were examined. Changes in surface hydrophobicity occurred at short treatment times due to the introduction of polar groups, as proofed by X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), while the surface morphology suffered minor changes as revealed by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) imaging. Moreover, the hydrophilicity of plasma treated PU was minimal affected by the variation of nozzle-substrate distance, as long as the discharge was in contact with the polymer surface. The hydrophilic surfaces developed a very good resistance to bacteria adherence in few hours after incubation.

Cold plasma‐assisted extraction of anthocyanin from purple corncobs and its antioxidant activity

AbstractIn this study, a novel radio‐frequency cold plasma‐assisted extraction (CPAE) process was developed for the extraction of anthocyanins from a type of agricultural biomass waste, purple corncob. The effects of cold plasma pretreatment on anthocyanin extraction were investigated, and this process was further optimized using response surface methodology. The components of purple corncob anthocyanins (PCAs) were analyzed by super‐high performance liquid chromatography‐mass spectrum. The antioxidant activity of PCAs was evaluated through 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2′‐azinobis‐(3‐ethylbenzthiazoline‐6‐sulfonate) (ABTS) scavenging capacity assays in vitro and physiological behaviors in vivo for Caenorhabditis elegans. The results showed that the optimal conditions of cold plasma pretreatment were discharge power 127 W, working pressure 150 Pa, and the treatment time 75 s. The maximum yield of PCAs was about 4.05 ± 0.05 mg/g corncob, much higher than that of the conventional solvent extraction and ultrasonic‐assisted extraction. PCAs were mainly composed of pelargonidin‐3‐galactoside (66.02 wt.%), cyanidin‐3‐galactoside (25.95 wt.%), cyanidin (8.02 wt.%), and petunidin‐3‐galactoside (0.02 wt.%). The extracted anthocyanins reflected the superior antioxidant activity. In terms of in vitro antioxidant ability, the half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of PCAs for DPPH and ABTS were slightly lower than those of ascorbic acid. Meanwhile, C. elegans exhibited positive effects on several physiological behaviors by feeding PCAs, including a 29.25% increase in lifespan, and increases in antioxidant capacity, superoxide dismutase, and catalase (CAT) activity of 26.28%, 28.93%, and 22.24%, respectively. The CPAE process is therefore a highly competitive candidate for the realization of industrial PCAs extraction, combining some additional advantages of cold plasma treatment such as green process, low cost, short treatment time, and scale‐up production.Practical applicationsAgricultural biomass wastes (e.g., corncob, straws, and husks) contain a large number of high value‐added natural active ingredients (e.g., polysaccharides, anthocyanins, and polyphenols). However, a highly efficient extraction of these natural active ingredients is always sought, as the protection of lignocellulosic cell walls hinders the extraction of intracellular products. In this work, the cold plasma‐assisted extraction (CPAE) process showed a comparatively higher anthocyanin yield than the conventional solvent extraction and ultrasonic‐assisted extraction processes. This was due to the fact that the high‐energy helium plasma attack readily broke down the lignocellulosic structure of the plant cell walls, resulting in the rapid release of intracellular purple corncob anthocyanins into the extraction medium. This study suggests that the CPAE process will become an emerging application for the industrial extraction of high value‐added natural active ingredients from agricultural biomass wastes.

Oxidative Hydraulic Fracturing Fluid to Enhance Production from Source Rock Reservoirs

Summary The steep production declines generally observed after hydraulic fracturing in unconventional source rock reservoirs has been attributed to several potential causes. Recently, a new additive to the stimulation fluid system was proposed to extend economical longer-term production from these formations. Oxidizer-laden fracturing fluid systems are shown to create cracks and deep channels within the organic matter present in the source rock, such as kerogen, thereby increasing the source rock permeability and enhancing the hydraulic conductivity of the exposed fracture faces. To this end, the fluid design and recommendations for its application are illustrated herein. Oxidants composed of oxychlorine (ClOn−) and oxybromine (BrOn–) (where n = 0 to 4) are effective for kerogen depolymerization or degradation at depth. This study illustrates the beneficial effects of two specific oxidizers—sodium chlorite (NaClO2) and sodium bromate (NaBrO3)—on kerogen-rich source rock subjected to in-situ reservoir conditions. Source rock samples were cut and polished to test the oxidizer’s impact on the organic and inorganic regions. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) were performed on the rock surface to identify specific organic matter features. The samples were then chemically treated with varying conditions of NaClO2 or NaBrO3 (concentration range: 0.013–0.054 M; temperature: 150°C; and time: 3–24 hours). Samples were returned to the scanning electron microscope for post-treatment analysis. Furthermore, the oxidants were packaged within a slickwater hydraulic fracturing fluid system for field application, and their effects on viscosity and friction reduction were also studied. SEM images and EDS maps of kerogen-rich rock samples observed before and after treatment with oxidizing fluid showed a series of cracks formed throughout the organic matter domains, where increasing the concentration of oxidizer in the treatment fluid showed a clear increase in the prevalence of cracks throughout the surface. The effect of time was also observed, as short treatment times resulted in porosity/permeability creation in the kerogen, though longer treatment times were associated with more severe degradation. Optimal conditions for NaClO2 and NaBrO3 concentrations in the additive fluid systems were different and will be herein highlighted. Each oxidizer (10–20 pptg concentration) was added to slickwater with variable friction reducer concentration (1 gpt, 2 gpt, and 4 gpt), and shear sweeps performed at both 70°F and 180°F. A negligible difference is observed between the viscosities of the base fluid and the fluid with either oxidant at low friction reducer concentration. Meanwhile, flow loop tests demonstrated that the oxidizer did not affect the friction reducer except to slightly boost the performance due to the salt effect on the polymer. Two strong oxidants, available as commodity chemicals, are shown to be effective in cracking kerogen and any present organic matter, thus creating permeable channels and enhancing the overall permeability of the exposed source rock fracture faces. Meanwhile, the proposed fracturing fluid additives display good compatibility with other slickwater fluid components, demonstrating the potential for universal usage in unconventional stimulations. The recommendations for its application as a fluid additive in slickwater are herein illustrated.

Modeling of the resensitization effect on carbon-ion radiotherapy for stage I non-small cell lung cancer

Objective. To investigate the effect of redistribution and reoxygenation on the 3-year tumor control probability (TCP) of patients with stage I non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treated with carbon-ion radiotherapy. Approach. A meta-analysis of published clinical data of 233 NSCLC patients treated by carbon-ion radiotherapy under 18-, 9-, 4-, and single-fraction schedules was conducted. The linear-quadratic (LQ)-based cell-survival model incorporating the radiobiological 5Rs, radiosensitivity, repopulation, repair, redistribution, and reoxygenation, was developed to reproduce the clinical TCP data. Redistribution and reoxygenation were regarded together as a single phenomenon and termed ‘resensitization’ in the model. The optimum interval time between fractions was investigated for each fraction schedule using the determined model parameters. Main results. The clinical TCP data for 18-, 9-, and 4-fraction schedules were reasonably reproduced by the model without the resensitization effect, whereas its incorporation was essential to reproduce the TCP data for all fraction schedules including the single fraction. The curative dose for the single-fraction schedule was estimated to be 49.0 Gy (RBE), which corresponds to the clinically adopted dose prescription of 50.0 Gy (RBE). For 18-, 9-, and 4-fraction schedules, a 2-to-3-day interval is required to maximize the resensitization effect during the time interval. In contrast, the single-fraction schedule cannot benefit from the resensitization effect, and the shorter treatment time is preferable to reduce the effect of sub-lethal damage repair during the treatment. Significance. The LQ-based cell-survival model incorporating the radiobiological 5Rs was developed and used to evaluate the effect of the resensitization on clinical results of NSCLC patients treated with hypo-fractionated carbon-ion radiotherapy. The incorporation of the resensitization into the cell-survival model improves the reproducibility to the clinical TCP data. A shorter treatment time is preferable in the single-fraction schedule, while a 2-to-3-day interval between fractions is preferable in the multi-fraction schedules for effective treatments.

Effects of incubation time of plasma activated water (PAW) combined with annealing for the modification of functional properties of potato starch

The present study investigates the application of annealing and plasma-activated water (PAW) for starch modification, as alternative methods compared to the chemical one. Native potato starch was subjected to PAW, annealing with distilled water (DW-ANN), and the combination of the two (PAW-ANN) at different incubation times (1, 4, 8, and 12 h). The changes in rheological, pasting, and thermal properties were evaluated. The results showed that all treatments promoted significant modifications of the investigated parameters. In particular, while the pasting properties of the potato starch remained unchanged after the PAW treatment, G’ (elastic) and G’’ (viscous) of the PAW-treated starch were significantly (p < 0.05) higher than those of the native. DW-ANN significantly increased all rheological parameters and reduced peak viscosity, breakdown, and setback and significantly (p < 0.05) incremented pasting temperature, holding strength, and final viscosities of the potato starch may be due to cross-linking reaction. The combination of treatment (PAW-ANN) showed a synergistic effect leading to strong gel formation up to 4 h, while further treatment reduced the possibility of depolymerization. In conclusion, the combined treatment is a promising new green method to modify the properties of starch and improve its stability within a short treatment time.

Evaluation of the optimum conditions of an anaerobic Down-flow Stationary Fixed Film reactor for swine wastewater treatment

The Down-flow Stationary Fixed Film (DSFF) reactor is a downstream anaerobic reactor combined with a fixed layer of adhesive media that is capable of handling large organic loads, has cheap investment costs, and has a shorter treatment time than other conventional anaerobic technologies. In this study, the DSFF reactor was used to investigate its potential to remove contaminants from swine wastewater. The optimal operating conditions of the DSFF reactor including hydraulic retention time (HRT), organic concentration, and nutrient ratio were investigated. The obtained results showed that the COD removal efficiency increased from 50% to 79.721% when the influent COD enhanced from 500 to 3000 mg/L. The COD removal efficiency was 85.66%, 61.71% and 50.81% at three different nutritional ratios of C/N/P:250/1.5/1, C/N/P:250/7.5/1, and C/N/P:250/7.5/0.2, respectively. The overall results revealed that the optimal HRT is 12 hours, the optimal COD concentration is between 2000 mg/L and 3000 mg/L, and the optimal nutrient ratio is C/N/P:250/1.5/1. The DSFF reactor effectively manages BOD and phosphorus removal while handling a range of contamination levels in swine wastewater. Furthermore, there is no significant sludge loss and the operation mode is simple. This reactor is potentially appropriate for implementation in pig farming households.

Effects of High Temperature Short Time and High Hydrostatic Pressure Treatment on the Microbial and Physicochemical Characteristics of Red Beet Juice

Effects of High Temperature Short Time and High Hydrostatic Pressure Treatment on the Microbial and Physicochemical Characteristics of Red Beet Juice

A deep learning-based 3D Prompt-nnUnet model for automatic segmentation in brachytherapy of postoperative endometrial carcinoma.

To create and evaluate a three-dimensional (3D) Prompt-nnUnet module that utilizes the prompts-based model combined with 3D nnUnet for producing the rapid and consistent autosegmentation of high-risk clinical target volume (HR CTV) and organ at risk (OAR) in high-dose-rate brachytherapy (HDR BT) for patients with postoperative endometrial carcinoma (EC). On two experimental batches, a total of 321 computed tomography (CT) scans were obtained for HR CTV segmentation from 321 patients with EC, and 125 CT scans for OARs segmentation from 125 patients. The numbers of training/validation/test were 257/32/32 and 87/13/25 for HR CTV and OARs respectively. A novel comparison of the deep learning neural network 3D Prompt-nnUnet and 3D nnUnet was applied for HR CTV and OARs segmentation. Three-fold cross validation and several quantitative metrics were employed, including Dice similarity coefficient (DSC), Hausdorff distance (HD), 95th percentile of Hausdorff distance (HD95%), and intersection over union (IoU). The Prompt-nnUnet included two forms of parameters Predict-Prompt (PP) and Label-Prompt (LP), with the LP performing most similarly to the experienced radiation oncologist and outperforming the less experienced ones. During the testing phase, the mean DSC values for the LP were 0.96±0.02, 0.91±0.02, and 0.83±0.07 for HR CTV, rectum and urethra, respectively. The mean HD values (mm) were 2.73±0.95, 8.18±4.84, and 2.11±0.50, respectively. The mean HD95% values (mm) were 1.66±1.11, 3.07±0.94, and 1.35±0.55, respectively. The mean IoUs were 0.92±0.04, 0.84±0.03, and 0.71±0.09, respectively. A delineation time<2.35s per structure in the new model was observed, which was available to save clinician time. The Prompt-nnUnet architecture, particularly the LP, was highly consistent with ground truth (GT) in HR CTV or OAR autosegmentation, reducing interobserver variability and shortening treatment time.

Coiled-Coil Protein Hydrogels Engineered with Minimized Fiber Diameters for Sustained Release of Doxorubicin in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer.

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) lacks expressed protein targets, making therapy development challenging. Hydrogels offer a promising new route in this regard by improving the chemotherapeutic efficacy through increased solubility and sustained release. Moreover, subcutaneous hydrogel administration reduces patient burden by requiring less therapy and shorter treatment times. We recently established the design principles for the supramolecular assembly of single-domain coiled-coils into hydrogels. Using a modified computational design algorithm, we designed Q8, a hydrogel with rapid assembly for faster therapeutic hydrogel preparation. Q8 encapsulates and releases doxorubicin (Dox), enabling localized sustained release via subcutaneous injection. Remarkably, a single subcutaneous injection of Dox-laden Q8 (Q8•Dox) significantly suppresses tumors within just 1 week. This work showcases the bottom-up engineering of a fully protein-based drug delivery vehicle for improved TBNC treatment via noninvasive localized therapy.

Clinical observation of ultraviolet therapy combined with autologous platelet-rich plasma in the treatment of chronic refractory wounds.

Refractory wounds present complex and serious clinical dilemmas in plastic and reconstructive surgeries. Currently, there are no standard guidelines for the treatment of refractory wounds. To observe the clinical effects of ultraviolet (UV) therapy combined with autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) on chronic refractory wounds. Between January 2021 and December 2022, 60 inpatients with chronic refractory wounds were enrolled. Twenty patients were assigned to each of control groups 1 and 2 and treatment group according to whether they received PRP or UV treatment. All the patients underwent thorough debridement. Control group 2 received UV radiation. The treatment group underwent UV radiation combined with PRP gel covering the wound. Control group 1 underwent routine dressing changes after surgery, followed by skin grafting or skin key transfer if needed. One month later, we observed the wound healing in the two groups. After 2-4 PRP gel treatments, the wounds of patients in the treatment group healed. The healing time was 25.25 ± 4.93 days, and the dressings were changed 4.15 ± 3.30 times, both of which were better outcomes than in both control groups. In the treatment group, epidermal growth factor (EGF), insulin-like growth factor (IGF), platelet-derived growth factor (PGF), and transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) were slightly higher, and the concentration of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was significantly higher than in the control group (p < 0.05). PRP combined with UV therapy significantly increased the concentration of wound growth factors, accelerated wound healing, shortened treatment time, reduced treatment costs, and alleviated pain in patients.

Assessing the Impact of AI-Enhanced Diagnostic Tools on the Treatment Planning of Orthodontic Cases: An RCT

ABSTRACT Background: Orthodontic treatment planning involves the precise assessment of dental and skeletal anomalies, which can be facilitated by AI-enhanced diagnostic tools. Materials and Methods: A total of 100 orthodontic cases were included in this RCT. Patients were randomly assigned to two groups: an AI-enhanced diagnostic group and a traditional diagnostic group. The AI-enhanced diagnostic group underwent orthodontic assessment with the aid of AI-powered software, which provided automated cephalometric analysis, 3D model evaluations, and treatment suggestions. The traditional diagnostic group received conventional diagnostic assessments by orthodontists. The primary outcome measures included treatment planning accuracy, treatment time, and patient satisfaction. Secondary outcomes included the number of appointments required and treatment cost. Results: The AI-enhanced diagnostic group demonstrated a significantly higher accuracy in treatment planning compared to the traditional diagnostic group (P &lt; 0.05). The AI group also required fewer appointments (mean ± SD: 10.2 ± 2.1 vs. 12.8 ± 3.4) and had a shorter treatment time (mean ± SD: 14.6 ± 3.2 months vs. 18.9 ± 4.5 months) (P &lt; 0.001 for both comparisons). Additionally, patient satisfaction scores were higher in the AI group (mean ± SD: 9.2 ± 0.6 vs. 8.1 ± 0.8) (P &lt; 0.001). However, the AI-enhanced diagnostic group had a slightly higher treatment cost. Conclusion: AI-enhanced diagnostic tools significantly enhance the accuracy of treatment planning in orthodontic cases, leading to reduced treatment time, fewer appointments, and increased patient satisfaction.