Volume Values Research Articles

Children with Congenital Heart Diseases Exhibit Altered Deep Gray Matter Structures.

Children with congenital heart diseases (CHDs) have an increased risk of developing neurologic deficits, even in the absence of apparent brain pathology. The aim of this work was to compare quantitative macro- and microstructural properties of subcortical gray matter structures of pediatric CHD patients with normal appearing brain magnetic resonance imaging to healthy controls. We retrospectively reviewed children with coarctation of the aorta (COA) and hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) admitted to our hospital. We identified 24pediatric CHD patients (17COA, 7HLHS) with normal-appearing brain MRI. Using an atlas-based approach, the volume and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) were determined for the thalamus, caudate, putamen, pallidum, hippocampus, amygdala, nucleus accumbens, cerebral white matter, cerebral cortex, and brainstem. Multivariate statistics were used to compare the extracted values to reference values from 100 typically developing children without any known cardiac or neurological diseases. Multivariate analysis of covariance using the regional ADC and volume values as dependent variables and age and sex as co-variates revealed asignificant difference between pediatric CHD patients and healthy controls (p < 0.001). Post-hoc comparisons demonstrated significantly reduced brain volumes in most subcortical brain regions investigated and elevated ADC values in the thalamus for children with CHD. No significant differences were found comparing children with COA and HLHS. Despite normal appearing brain MRI, children with CHD exhibit wide-spread macro-structural and regional micro-structural differences of subcortical brain structures compared to healthy controls, which could negatively impact neurodevelopment, leading to neurological deficits in childhood and beyond.

Extracellular volume-based scoring system for tracking tumor progression in pancreatic cancer patients receiving intraoperative radiotherapy

ObjectivesTo investigate the value of extracellular volume (ECV) derived from portal-venous phase (PVP) in predicting prognosis in locally advanced pancreatic cancer (LAPC) patients receiving intraoperative radiotherapy (IORT) with initial stable disease (SD) and to construct a risk-scoring system based on ECV and clinical-radiological features.Materials and methodsOne hundred and three patients with LAPC who received IORT demonstrating SD were enrolled and underwent multiphasic contrast-enhanced CT (CECT) before and after IORT. ECV maps were generated from unenhanced and PVP CT images. Clinical and CT imaging features were analyzed. The independent predictors of progression-free survival (PFS) determined by multivariate Cox regression model were used to construct the risk-scoring system. Time-dependent receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis and the Kaplan–Meier method were used to evaluate the predictive performance of the scoring system.ResultsMultivariable analysis revealed that ECV, rim-enhancement, peripancreatic fat infiltration, and carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9) response were significant predictors of PFS (all p < 0.05). Time-dependent ROC of the risk-scoring system showed a satisfactory predictive performance for disease progression with area under the curve (AUC) all above 0.70. High-risk patients (risk score ≥ 2) progress significantly faster than low-risk patients (risk score < 2) (p < 0.001).ConclusionECV derived from PVP of conventional CECT was an independent predictor for progression in LAPC patients assessed as SD after IORT. The scoring system integrating ECV, radiological features, and CA19-9 response can be used as a practical tool for stratifying prognosis in these patients, assisting clinicians in developing an appropriate treatment approach.Critical relevance statementThe scoring system integrating ECV fraction, radiological features, and CA19-9 response can track tumor progression in patients with LAPC receiving IORT, aiding clinicians in choosing individual treatment strategies and improving their prognosis.Key PointsPredicting the progression of LAPC in patients receiving IORT is important.Our ECV-based scoring system can risk stratifying patients with initial SD.Appropriate prognostication can assist clinicians in developing appropriate treatment approaches.Graphical

Longitudinal Evaluation of DCE-MRI as an Early Indicator of Progression after Standard Therapy in Glioblastoma

Background and Purpose: Distinguishing treatment-induced imaging changes from progressive disease has important implications for avoiding inappropriate discontinuation of a treatment. Our goal in this study is to evaluate the utility of dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) perfusion MRI as a biomarker for the early detection of progression. We hypothesize that DCE-MRI may have the potential as an early predictor for the progression of disease in GBM patients when compared to the current standard of conventional MRI. Methods: We identified 26 patients from 2011 to 2023 with newly diagnosed primary glioblastoma by histopathology and gross or subtotal resection of the tumor. Then, we classified them into two groups: patients with progression of disease (POD) confirmed by pathology or change in chemotherapy and patients with stable disease without evidence of progression or need for therapy change. Finally, at least three DCE-MRI scans were performed prior to POD for the progression cohort, and three consecutive DCE-MRI scans were performed for those with stable disease. The volume of interest (VOI) was delineated by a neuroradiologist to measure the maximum values for Ktrans and plasma volume (Vp). A Friedman test was conducted to evaluate the statistical significance of the parameter changes between scans. Results: The mean interval between subsequent scans was 57.94 days, with POD-1 representing the first scan prior to POD and POD-3 representing the third scan. The normalized maximum Vp values for POD-3, POD-2, and POD-1 are 1.40, 1.86, and 3.24, respectively (FS = 18.00, p = 0.0001). It demonstrates that Vp max values are progressively increasing in the three scans prior to POD when measured by routine MRI scans. The normalized maximum Ktrans values for POD-1, POD-2, and POD-3 are 0.51, 0.09, and 0.51, respectively (FS = 1.13, p &lt; 0.57). Conclusions: Our analysis of the longitudinal scans leading up to POD significantly correlated with increasing plasma volume (Vp). A longitudinal study for tumor perfusion change demonstrated that DCE perfusion could be utilized as an early predictor of tumor progression.

Diagnostic efficacy of [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-GPFAPI-04 in patients with solid tumors in a head-to-head comparison with [18F]F-FDG: results from a prospective clinical study.

To identify the biodistribution and diagnostic performance of a novel fibroblast activation protein (FAP) targeted positron emission tomography (PET) tracer, [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-GPFAPI-04, in patients with solid tumors in a head-to-head comparison with [18F]F-FDG. Twenty-six patients histologically proven with cancers of nasopharyngeal (n = 5), esophagus (n = 5), gastro-esophagus (n = 1), stomach (n = 7), liver (n = 3), and colorectum (n = 5) were recruited for [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-GPFAPI-04 and [18F]F-FDG PET/CT scans on consecutive days. The primary endpoint was the diagnostic efficacy, with the histological diagnosis and the follow-up results selected as the gold standard. The secondary endpoint was the background uptake pattern. Two experienced nuclear medicine physicians who were blinded to the gold standard results while having essential awareness of the clinical context reviewed the images and labeled lesions by consensus for subsequent software-assisted lesion segmentation. Additionally, background organs were automatically segmented, assisted by artificial intelligence. Volume, mean, and maximum standard uptake values (SUVmean and SUVmax) of all segmentations were recorded. P < 0.05 was deemed as statistically significant. Significant glandular uptake of [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-GPFAPI-04 was detected in the thyroid, pancreas, and submandibular glands, while moderate uptake was observed in the parotid glands. The myocardium and myometrium exhibited 2-3 times higher uptake of the radiotracer than that of the background levels in blood and liver. A total of 349 targeted lesions, consisting of 324 malignancies and 25 benign lesions, were segmented. [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-GPFAPI-04 is more sensitive than [18F]F-FDG, especially for abdominopelvic dissemination (1.000 vs. 0.475, P < 0.001). Interestingly, [18F]F-FDG demonstrated higher sensitivity for lung metastasis compared to [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-GPFAPI-04 (0.845 vs. 0.682, P = 0.003). The high glandular uptake made it difficult to delineate lesions in close proximity and masked two metastatic lesions in these organs. Despite prominent glandular uptake, [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-GPFAPI-04 demonstrates favorable diagnostic performance. It is a promising probe scaffold for further development of FAP-targeted tumor theranostic agents.

Early drain removal after hepatectomy based on bile leakage prediction using drainage fluid volume and direct bilirubin level.

This study aimed to determine the value of the drainage fluid volume and direct bilirubin level for predicting significant bile leakage (BL) after hepatectomy and establish novel criteria for early drain removal. Data from 351 patients who underwent hepatic resection at Gunma University in Japan between October 2018 and March 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. Clinical characteristics and surgical outcomes of patients with and without significant BL were compared. Criteria for early drain removal were determined and verified. Bile leakage occurred in 27 (7.1%) patients; 8 (2.3%) had grade A leakage and 19 (5.4%) had grade B leakage. The optimal cut-off value for the drainage fluid direct bilirubin level on postoperative day (POD) 2 was 0.16mg/dL, which had the highest area under the curve and negative predictive value (NPV). Patients with BL had significantly larger drainage volumes on POD 2. The best cut-off value was 125mL because it had the greatest NPV. Patients in both the primary and validation (n=90) cohorts with bilirubin levels less than 0.16mg/dL and drainage volumes less than 125mL did not experience leakage. A drainage fluid volume less than 125mL and direct bilirubin level less than 0.16mg/dL on POD 2 are criteria for safe early drain removal after hepatectomy.

Aortic pulse wave analysis and functional capacity of heart transplantation candidates: a pilot study

We compared cardiovascular parameters obtained with the Mobil-O-Graph and functional capacity assessed by the Duke Activity Status Index (DASI) before and after Heart Transplantation (HT) and also compared the cardiovascular parameters and the functional capacity of candidates for HT with a control group. Peripheral and central vascular pressures increased after surgery. Similar results were observed in cardiac output and pulse wave velocity. The significant increase in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) postoperatively was not followed by an increase in the functional capacity. 24 candidates for HT and 24 controls were also compared. Functional capacity was significantly lower in the HT candidates compared to controls. Stroke volume, systolic, diastolic, and pulse pressure measured peripherally and centrally were lower in the HT candidates when compared to controls. Despite the significant increase in peripheral and central blood pressures after surgery, the patients were normotensive. The 143.85% increase in LVEF in the postoperative period was not able to positively affect functional capacity. Furthermore, the lower values of LVEF, systolic volume, central and peripheral arterial pressures in the candidates for HT are consistent with the characteristics signs of advanced heart failure, negatively impacting functional capacity, as observed by the lower DASI score.

Ionic hydration at ambient and higher pressures: Computed chemical potentials from simulations and finite-size effects

For the chemical potential of a hydrated mono-atomic ion, finite- size effects on simulation results obtained using molecular potential truncation are investigated. Free energy perturbation (FEP) calculations were carried out by scaling in two processes the Lennard-Jones (LJ) ion-water parameters and the ion-charge (q) for Br−, K+ and Ca2+ interacting with TIP4P water. Corrections which scale with q2 enable us to reduce finite-size effects. However, at ambient conditions, discrepancies which depend on q are shown by the corrected values when comparison is made with the experimental data of the Marcus compilation. Similar behavior was observed by extrapolating the original FEP results to an infinitely large system. Hence, these errors were assumed to depend on water density and corrected at high pressures. Consistency, within statistical uncertainties, is shown when comparing with results derived from computed volumetric quantities. Results are also compared with those derived from experimental values of excess volumes at ambient conditions.

The relationship between gluten proteins and loaf volume

The storage proteins influence technological quality value of grain wheat, dough quality traits, and loaf quality. The aim of this study is to estimate variability in the dry gluten content, loaf volume, and their relationships with encoding alleles of gliadin and glutenins. Wheat genotypes grown in two vegetation seasons (2015/16 and 2016/17) were studied. The technological quality traits analyzed in this study varied in wheat genotypes within and between vegetation seasons. In both vegetation seasons the highest dry gluten content was established in G-3621-1 (30.23% and 31.15%) and the highest value of loaf volume in G-3621-1 (530 ml and 540 ml). In both vegetation seasons the least dry gluten content was found in G-3606-6 (25.42% and 25.98%) and the least loaf volume in G-3606-6 (380 ml and 390 ml). The composition of gliadin and glutenin alleles in the wheat genotypes analyzed was different. The genotypes carrying Gli-B1b, Gli-D1b, Gli-D2b, and Glu-A1b, Glu-B1c, Glu-D1d had the highest gluten content, while the genotype that carried Gli-B1l and Glu-A1b, Glu-B1c, Glu-D1d had high bread volume. The results have shown relationships between gliadin and glutenin alleles and quality traits of grain, flour, and bread.

Quantitative Analysis and 3D Visualization of Crack Behavior in 3D-Printed Rock-Like Specimens with Single Flaw Using In-Situ Micro-CT Imaging

Abstract3D printing technology allows for precise control of preparing complex geometries and internal defects in printed rock analogs, while in-situ Micro-CT imaging enables real-time observation of crack behavior. The combination of these technologies offers a new research approach for studying rock crack behavior. In this study, 3D-printed rock-like specimens containing a pre-existing flaw were prepared using a gypsum powder-based 3D printer. An advanced in-situ Micro-CT system equipped with a loading device was used to quantitatively and visually investigate the crack behavior in 3D-printed specimens under uniaxial compression testing. 2D CT images obtained from in-situ compression testing at different deformations could be used to reconstruct a 3D model and visually identify the crack patterns of the extracted cracks in 3D-printed specimens. The initiation angle of cracks, volume of the pre-existing flaw, volume of newly formed cracks, and damage value with respect to strains were analyzed to quantitatively investigate crack behavior. The results indicated that within the 3D-printed specimens, tensile cracks were first initiated near the internal flaw, followed by the occurrence of shear cracks or tensile-shear mixed cracks at the flaw tips. Additionally, there was a negative linear correlation between the initiation angle of newly formed cracks and the initial flaw angle. For flaw angles in the range of 0° ≤ α ≤ 45°, a higher number of newly formed cracks were observed in the 3D-printed specimens, and the rates of increase in crack volume and damage values with strain were faster. However, for flaw angles in the range of 45° &lt; α ≤ 90°, the results showed the opposite trend. Furthermore, through comparison with the crack behavior of natural rocks containing a single flaw, it was found that the failure modes and crack behavior of the 3D-printed specimens exhibit certain similarities with natural rocks.

Radiomics Analysis of Pericoronary Adipose Tissue From Baseline Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography Enables Prediction of Coronary Plaque Progression.

The relationship between plaque progression and pericoronary adipose tissue (PCAT) radiomics has not been comprehensively evaluated. We aim to predict plaque progression with PCAT radiomics features and evaluate their incremental value over quantitative plaque characteristics. Between January 2009 and December 2020, 500 patients with suspected or known coronary artery disease who underwent serial coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) ≥2 years apart were retrospectively analyzed and randomly stratified into a training and testing data set with a ratio of 7:3. Plaque progression was defined with annual change in plaque burden exceeding the median value in the entire cohort. Quantitative plaque characteristics and PCAT radiomics features were extracted from baseline CCTA. Then we built 3 models including quantitative plaque characteristics (model 1), PCAT radiomics features (model 2), and the combined model (model 3) to compare the prediction performance evaluated by area under the curve. The quantitative plaque characteristics of the training set showed the values of noncalcified plaque volume (NCPV), fibrous plaque volume, lesion length, and PCAT attenuation were larger in the plaque progression group than in the nonprogression group ( P < 0.05 for all). In multivariable logistic analysis, NCPV and PCAT attenuation were independent predictors of coronary plaque progression. PCAT radiomics exhibited significantly superior prediction over quantitative plaque characteristics both in the training (area under the curve: 0.814 vs 0.615, P < 0.001) and testing (0.736 vs 0.594, P = 0.007) data sets. NCPV and PCAT attenuation were independent predictors of coronary plaque progression. PCAT radiomics derived from baseline CCTA achieved significantly better prediction than quantitative plaque characteristics.

El Efecto de bioaditivos en indicadores bioproductivos de cobayas (Cavia porcellus) nulíparas y sus crías

Objective. To evaluate the effect of biopreparations obtained from agroindustrial by-products fermented with lactic acid bacteria and yeasts on the bioproductive behavior of primiparous guinea pigs and their offspring. Materials and methods. A total of 40 nulliparous guinea pigs were used, with 125 d of age, 1450 g of live weight, distributed in four groups of 10 animals each. T1, Control (basal diet without additive); T2, substrate fermented with Lactobacillus acidophilus. T3, substrate fermented with Kluyveromyces fragilis and T4, substrate fermented with L. acidophillus and K. fragilis. A completely randomized design was used where weight gain during pregnancy, age at first delivery, percentage of fertility, conception index, health, and values ​​of hemoglobin, hematocrit and mean corpuscular volume were evaluated. Results. Weight gain during pregnancy was greater (P &lt;0.05) in T4; the age at first delivery was reduced (P &lt;0.05) in Treatment 4; the fertility percentage and the conception index were better (P &lt;0.05) in the animals that consumed the T4 biopreparation, the occurrence of diarrhea was lower (P &lt;0.05) in the T4 group. Hematological values ​​ware improved in all groups that consumed biopreparations. Conclusions. The use of agroindustrial substrates fermented with L. acidophilus and K. fragilis improved the productive and reproductive indicators in primiparous guinea pigs. In addition, it intervenes in the improvement of health and hematological values.

Incorporation of neodymium, holmium, erbium, and samarium (oxides) in zinc-borotellurite glass: Physical and optical comparative analysis

Investigating the effect of different types of rare-earth oxides on zinc borotellurite glass is important to determine the potential application in optical devices. The addition of rare-earth oxides in zinc borotellurite glass is well-known to enhance the optical properties due to the effects of 4f-4f transitions. In this work, we aim to compare the effect of different rare-earth oxides on zinc borotellurite glass denoted as ZBTNd, ZBTHo, ZBTEr and ZBTSm. The glass samples were successfully fabricated via the melt-quenched technique. The physical investigation of the glasses has been done by measuring the density and molar volume. It was found that ZBTNd glass has the lowest density than the other glasses due to the small atomic radius in neodymium oxide. High-density value for ZBTHo glass shows potential to be used as radiation shielding properties. The high value of molar volume for ZBTNd glass is advantageous for fiber optics as ZBTNd glass has good performance in elasticity. It was found that ZBTEr has a lower refractive index than the other glasses due to low dispersion characteristics. However, ZBTEr glass has good performance to be used in optical communication applications. It was found that the optical absorption shifts to a longer wavelength beginning from ZBTEr &gt; ZBTHo &gt; ZBTNd &gt; ZBTSm. The optical band gap energy for ZBTEr glass is higher than the other glasses due to the Coulomb repulsion energy for erbium which is greater than neodymium and samarium and slightly higher than holmium. The pattern of electronic polarizability for all glasses was found as follows ZBTSm&gt;ZBTNd&gt;ZBTEr&gt;ZBTHo. The optical basicity for ZBTEr was found highest which indicates a higher acidity, meanwhile, the ZBTNd glass has the lowest value which corresponds to a higher basicity.

Abstract PO3-02-11: Impact of Tumor Volume on Oncologic Outcomes in Patients with T1 Breast Cancer: A Retrospective Analysis

Abstract Backgrounds: Measuring the extent of tumor cell accretion in the primary organ typically involves assessing the longest diameter, an important component of the widely employed TNM staging system. The largest tumor diameter is considered indicative of the risk of cancer metastasis and the likelihood of distant recurrences. However, relying solely on the unidimensional diameter to determine the degree of cancer cell accretion can be inadequate since each tumor has a unique three-dimensional shape, thus leading to different tumor volumes. Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of tumor volume on oncologic outcomes in patients with T1-2 breast cancer. Method: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 1,018 patients diagnosed with invasive breast cancer who underwent breast-conserving surgery at Seoul National University Bundang Hospital from 2010 to 2015. Patients with multiple tumors, positive margins leading to mastectomy, or those who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy were excluded. Tumor volume was defined as the product of the length of the three axes to simplify the calculation. Recurrence-free survival (RFS) was estimated by the Kaplan-Meier analysis. Result: The median value for tumor volume was 7.502 cm³. Out of 1,018 patients, 124 patients exhibited tumor volumes greater than the median value. Higher tumor volume was associated with pathologic T stage (P &amp;lt; 0.001), pathologic N stage (P = 0.004), histologic grade (P &amp;lt; 0.001), and luminal B subtype (P = 0.008). In multivariable logistic regression analyses for recurrence, higher tumor volume (OR 3.532, 95% CI 1.708-7.303, P = 0.001), CEA elevation (OR 6.129, 95% CI 1.497-25.092, P = 0.012), pN stage (OR 2.038, 95% CI 1.005-4.132, P = 0.048), and luminal B subtype (OR 2.407, 95% CI 1.060-5.470, P = 0.036) were shown to be predictive factors for recurrence, while completion of radiation therapy (OR 0.142, 95% CI 0.050-0.402, P &amp;lt; 0.001) and completion of hormone therapy (OR 0.200, 95% CI 0.047-0.849, P = 0.029) were identified as protective factors. The 5-year RFS was significantly lower in patients with higher tumor volume compared to those with lower volume (97.4% vs. 91.9%; p &amp;lt; 0.001). In multivariable Cox regression analysis, tumor volume (HR 3.056, 95% CI 1.572-5.940, P = 0.001), CEA elevation (HR 4.934, 95% CI 1.437-16.935, P = 0.011), luminal B subtype (HR 2.336, 95% CI 1.076-5.073, P = 0.032), completion of RT (HR 0.131, 95% CI 0.053-0.325, P &amp;lt; 0.001), and completion of HTx (HR 0.199, 95% CI 0.060-0.655, P = 0.008) were identified as independent prognostic factors for RFS. Conclusion: In the current study, we showed higher tumor volume results in poorer oncologic outcomes in patients with T1-2 breast cancer. Therefore, the T stage based on tumor volume, which includes all three-dimensional measurements, can better predict the prognosis in breast cancer patients than the traditional T stage that is solely dependent on the unidimensional longest tumor diameter. Citation Format: Hyoung Won Koh, Eun-Kyu Kim, Hee-Chul Shin. Impact of Tumor Volume on Oncologic Outcomes in Patients with T1 Breast Cancer: A Retrospective Analysis [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2023 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2023 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(9 Suppl):Abstract nr PO3-02-11.

Abstract PO2-22-06: MRI response Assessment of Single Fraction Pre-operative Stereotactic Radiotherapy: Preliminary results

Abstract Background: Pre-operative stereotactic breast irradiation (SPBI) improves targeting precision and has the potential to decrease treatment-related toxicity while downstaging or eliminating cancer. Accurate pCR prediction may allow omission of surgery. We are reporting initial interim results of the performance of multiparametric breast MRI in identifying pathologic response rate after single-fraction pre-operative SPBI in early stage estrogen receptor-positive (ER+), HER-2 negative breast cancer. Methods: In an ongoing single center prospective single-arm trial 22 patients with ER+/HER2-negative, cN0, unifocal, invasive breast cancer ≤3 cm underwent single-dose ablative SPBI, followed by definitive surgery per standard of care. Residual disease vs complete imaging response to SPBI was assessed on baseline and post-SPBI/pre-operative breast MRI. Pathologic response was categorized using MDACC Residual Cancer Burden (RCB) Categories. Wilcoxon rank sum test was used to assess the correlation of pathologic complete response (pCR) or RCB status on final path with MRI lesion size, volume, diffusion weighted imaging apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) value, and when available, presence of residual enhancement on pre-operative MRI. MRI volume and ADC values were obtained using a dedicated CAD software. Area under the receiver operating Curve(AUC) was constructed to assess the diagnostic performance of pre-operative MRI on predicting pathologic response. Results Mean patient age was 64.9 (SD±7.3) years, tumor diameter 1.2(± 0.6) cm, pre-SPBI volume 6.4 ± 9.1 cm3, post SPBI volume 1.8 ± 5.6 cm3, ADC 0.91 ×10-3 mm2/s. At surgical pathology, 6(27.2%) achieved pCR/RCB-0, 9(41%) RCB-I, 7(31.8%) RCB-II. Mean baseline MRI size (1.2 ± 0.7 vs 1.3 ± 0.6, p=0.88), enhancement volumes (6.0±6.2 vs 7.9±9.9 cm3, p=0.59), DWI ADC values (1.1 ± 0.3 vs 0.9 ± 0.2 mm2/s, p-0.48) were not significantly different between tumors that showed pCR vs RCB I-II at surgical pathology. Time elapsed from SBRT to surgery were significantly longer in patients with pCR (264.3 ± 74.2 vs 183.7 ± 68.3 days, p=0.04) On pre-op MRI, mean enhancement volume was smaller in cancers that had pCR, however it did not reach significance (0.1 ± 0.1 vs 2.1 ± 6.0 cm3, p=0.2). Of 18 patients with available pre-operative MRI, residual enhancement was present in 7, of these 6/7(87%) had RCB I-II, and 1/7(13%) RCB-0 at surgical pathology. Conversely, in 11 patients with no residual enhancement on MRI, pathology showed pCR/RCB-0 in 5(45.5%), while 6(54.5%) had RCB I or II. Presence of residual enhancement on pre-operative MRI had an AUC of 0.68 (95%CI 0.43; 0.93, p=0.2) in predicting residual cancer after SPBI. Conclusion: Detecting residual enhancement on pre-operative MRI is a strong indicator of residual disease after SPBI, while lack of enhancement is not a reliable predictor of pCR. Our preliminary results do not indicate an association between baseline MRI enhancement volume, DWI ADC and pathologic response. Citation Format: Baṣak Dogan, Sunati Sahoo, Marilyn Leitch, Prasanna Alluri, Robert Timmerman, Deborah Farr, Asal Rahimi. MRI response Assessment of Single Fraction Pre-operative Stereotactic Radiotherapy: Preliminary results [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2023 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2023 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(9 Suppl):Abstract nr PO2-22-06.

Right ventricular volume and function by three-dimensional echocardiography: results of the echocardiographic measurements in normal Chinese adults (EMINCA) II.

Three-dimensional (3D) echocardiography is an emerging technique for assessing right ventricular (RV) volume and function, but 3D-RV normal values from a large Chinese population are still lacking. The aim of the present study was to establish normal values of 3D-RV volume and function in healthy Chinese volunteers. A total of 1117 Han Chinese volunteers from 28 laboratories in 20 provinces of China were enrolled, and 3D-RV images of 747 volunteers with optimal image quality were ultimately analyzed by a core laboratory. Both vendor-dependent and vendor-independent software platforms were used to analyze the 3D-RV images. We found that men had larger RV volumes than women did in the whole population, even after indexing to body surface area, and older individuals had smaller RV volumes. The normal RV volume was significantly smaller than that recommended by the American Society of Echocardiography/European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging guidelines in both sexes. There were significant differences in 3D-RV measurements between the two vendor ultrasound systems and the different software platforms. The echocardiographic measurements in normal Chinese adults II study revealed normal 3D-RV volume and function in a large Chinese population, and there were significant differences between the sexes, ages, races, and vendor groups. Thus, normal 3D-RV values should be stratified by sex, age, race, and vendor.

Evaluation and 3D imaging of mineral structure changes of the rabbit (New Zealand) skull during developmental periods.

This study aimed to determine the morphometric measurements anatomically and CT images of skulls of healthy male and female rabbits during postnatal development, to analyse the data statistically and to demonstrate the structural changes in bone. A total of 40 rabbits (20 females and 20 males) were divided into four groups including prepubertal period (group I (0-1 month)), period between adolescence and adulthood (group II (3-5 month)) and later (young adult period as group III (1-3 years) and old adult period as group IV (3-5 years)), with five animals in each group. After the morphometric measurements, the surface area and volume values of the skull were calculated. The skulls were reconstructed using a 3D Slicer (5.0.2), which is used for 3D modelling. The cranial bones in each group were then crushed using a grinder so that the powdered samples were obtained for XRF (X-ray fluorescence technique). The p-value was statistically highly significant between group and gender (p < 0.001). In morphometric measurements, males were generally higher than females. Only PL, GBOC and GNB measurements were higher in females. The p-value between groups (in all measurements), between genders (in TL, GLN, FL, VL, OZB and GBN parameters) and between groups and genders (in TL, DL and VL parameters) was statistically highly significant (p < 0.001). The p-value between the groups, p-value between sexes and p-value between group and sex in Si, P, K, Ca, Ni, Zn, Sr, Sr and Ca/P elements were statistically significant (p < 0.001). Consequently, metric, volume and surface area measurements were taken through 3D modelling of skull bone in prepubertal period (group I), period between adolescence and adulthood (group II) and later (young adult period as group III and old adult period as group IV) of rabbits and the change in the mineral structure during postnatal development and effect of sex on this change were investigated. This might be the first study to assess both metric and mineral changes at four age intervals taken during the life span of rabbits.

Development of an iot-based portable smart fertigation module for automatic plant cultivation

Technological development in the agricultural sector will be able to reduce production costs, especially when fertilizing cultivated land. Watering and fertilizing is one aspect that needs special attention in the agricultural sector. It is important because it can affect plant growth and development. Watering is essential to maintain water availability in the soil and not to disrupt the plant’s metabolic processes. Fertilization must be carried out as needed and at the specified time to increase cultivated plants’ productivity. One technology that can be applied is a system for controlling fertilization automatically. Implementing this automatic fertigation system will make it easier for farmers to fertilize effectively and efficiently. Technological developments have an active role in the efficient use of fertilizer in cultivated plants. This Smart Fertigation System device can help farmers carry out watering and fertilizing cultivated plants. Fertigation itself comes from two words, namely fertilizer and irrigation. This method allows watering and fertilizing to be done simultaneously. Watering and fertilizing carried out simultaneously can be decisive in increasing the growth and productivity of cultivated plants. An important factor that must be considered in the fertilization process is a nutrient solution that is appropriate for the age and type of plant. If the controller detects the volume value is more than the set point, it will automatically turn off the valve and pump motor. From the test results, it was obtained that the output value data was more than the set point of 21.67 mL. This can be caused by the accuracy of the sensor. Delays between controller instructions and actuator responses can also result in differences in watering volume. However, the error value is negligible and tolerable. With a flowmeter sensor, different volumes can be watered according to the age of the plant. It can save more water and fertilizer use compared to using manual cultivation. Watering times can also be done precisely without worrying about forgetting.

Additive manufactured parts surface treatment through impinged hot air jet technique the theoretical and experimental evaluation

Purpose Material extrusion-based additive manufacturing is a prominent manufacturing technique to fabricate complex geometrical three-dimensional (3D) parts. Despite the indisputable advantages of material extrusion-based technique, the poor surface and subsurface integrity hinder the industrial application of this technology. The purpose of this study is introducing the hot air jet treatment (HAJ) technique for surface treatment of additive manufactured parts. Design/methodology/approach In the presented research, novel theoretical formulation and finite element models are developed to study and model the polishing mechanism of printed parts surface through the HAJ technique. The model correlates reflow material volume, layer width and layer height. The reflow material volume is a function of treatment temperature, treatment velocity and HAJ velocity. The values of reflow material volume are obtained through the finite element modeling model due to the complexity of the interactions between thermal and mechanical phenomena. The theoretical model presumptions are validated through experiments, and the results show that the treatment parameters have a significant impact on the surface characteristics, hardness and dimensional variations of the treated surface. Findings The results demonstrate that the average value of error between the calculated theoretical results and experimental results is 14.3%. Meanwhile, the 3D plots of Ra and Rq revealed that the maximum values of Ra and Rq reduction percentages at 255°C, 270°C, 285°C and 300°C treatment temperatures are (35.9%, 33.9%), (77.6%,76.4%), (94%, 93.8%) and (85.1%, 84%), respectively. The scanning electron microscope results illustrate three different treatment zones and the treatment-induced and manufacturing-induced entrapped air relief phenomenon. The measured results of hardness variation percentages and dimensional deviation percentages at different regimes are (8.33%, 0.19%), (10.55%, 0.31%) and (−0.27%, 0.34%), respectively. Originality/value While some studies have investigated the effect of the HAJ process on the structural integrity of manufactured items, there is a dearth of research on the underlying treatment mechanism, the integrity of the treated surface and the subsurface characteristics of the treated surface.

Efficacy of Phlogenzyme® in men following transurethral laser enucleation of prostate hyperplasia: results of a randomized trial

Introduction. The most advanced and effective method of surgical treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is transurethral laser enucleation of the prostate (tLEP). Recently, there has been a growing interest in exploring new approaches to reduce the risk of complications following tLEP.Objective. To evaluate the efficacy of using Phlogenzym® as part of a comprehensive treatment plan for patients following tLEP to reduce dysuria (urinary discomfort), leukocyturia (white blood cells in urine), and prevent infectious and fibrosis-related complications.Materials &amp; methods. An open-label, randomized trial enrolled 105 patients undergoing tLEP. The patients were randomly assigned to two groups: the study group (n=50) received standard postoperative care in combination with Phlogenzym® for 30 days, while the control group (n=55) received standard care (α1-adrenergic blocker for 28 days) only. uring the follow-up period, which lasted for 1, 3, and 6 months postoperatively, complaints were evaluated using the IPSS-QoL, and IIEF-5 questionnaires, as well as indicators of urinalysis and urine culture, prostate volume measurements, residual urine volume, and uroflowmetry data.Results. Among all patients, the median preoperative values for prostate volume, IPSS, QoL score, and median peak urine flow rate were 90 cc, 18 points, 5 points, and 7.9 mL/s, respectively, with no significant differences between the groups. One month after surgery, in the study group, there was a more significant decrease in prostate volume (57% vs. 41%), although this difference was not statistically significant (p &gt; 0.05). At the 6-month follow-up, bacteriuria was less common in the study group (42% vs. 67%), and there was a consistent trend toward a reduction in the incidence of fibrous complications, although these differences were not statistically significant either (p &gt; 0.05). No adverse events occurred during the follow-up period.Conclusion. Our experience suggests that the use of Phlogenzym® is safe during the postoperative period following tLEP surgery. The use of this drug leads to a reduction in prostate volume postoperatively and significantly reduces the bacteriuria by the six-month follow-up. Additionally, there is a persistent positive trend towards reducing the overall incidence of fibrotic complications in the surgical site. The results achieved and the absence of significant side effects characterize Phlogenzym® as having a favorable clinical profile.

Comparison of quality, dietary fiber and glycemic index of whole wheat breads using various modern and old wheats and investigate the effect of xylanase

AbstractSix bread wheat varieties (modern wheats) widely grown in Turkey and nine different bread wheat varieties registered prior to 1970 (old wheats) were used in the present study. This study aimed to determine and compare the quality characteristics, dietary fiber contents and in vitro glycemic index of whole wheat breads produced using modern and old bread wheat varieties. The effect of xylanase on the quality, staling and dietary fiber content of whole wheat breads was also investigated. Mean sedimentation and modified sedimentation values, Farinograph development time, stability, quality number of whole wheat flours produced by modern wheats were higher than those of the old varieties. Whole wheat breads of modern varieties had higher mean volume and lower firmness values as compared to old varieties. Whole wheat breads of old wheat varieties had higher mean soluble dietary fiber content as compared to that of modern wheat varieties. Xylanase addition generally had an increasing effect on bread volume and soluble dietary fiber contents and a softening effect on firmness values. There were no significant differences between the mean (in vitro) glycemic index values of whole wheat breads produced from modern and old varieties. The results in the present study indicated that modern bread wheat varieties had better whole wheat bread making quality as compared with old bread wheat varieties. In addition, xylanase usage in whole wheat bread formula had an improving effect on whole wheat bread quality.