approaches

PURPOSE: This study aims to investigate a multiparametric exchange proton approach using CEST and Z-spectrum analysis protons (ZAP) in human abdominal organs, focusing on tissue differentiation for a potential early biomarker of abnormality. Prior to human studies, CEST and ZAP effects were studied in phantoms containing exchange protons. METHODS: Phantoms composed of iopamidol and iohexol solutions with varying pH levels, along with 12 human subjects, were scanned on a clinical 3T MR scanner...

PURPOSE: Magnetization transfer saturation (MTsat ) mapping is commonly used to examine the macromolecular content of brain tissue. This study compared variable flip angle (VFA) T1 mapping against compressed-sensing MP2RAGE (csMP2RAGE) T1 mapping for accelerating MTsat imaging. METHODS: VFA, MP2RAGE, and csMP2RAGE were compared against inversion-recovery T1 in an aqueous phantom at 3 T. The same 1-mm VFA, MP2RAGE, and csMP2RAGE protocols were acquired in 4 healthy subjects to compare T1 and MTsat ...

Woody plants display some photosynthetic activity in stems, but the biological role of stem photosynthesis and the specific contributions of bark and wood to carbon uptake and oxygen evolution remain poorly understood. We aimed to elucidate the functional characteristics of chloroplasts in stems of different ages in Fraxinus ornus. Our investigation employed diverse experimental approaches, including microsensor technology to assess oxygen production rates in whole stem, bark, and wood separately. Additionally, we utilized fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) to characterize the relative abundance of photosystems I and II (PSI : PSII chlorophyll ratio) in bark and wood...

BACKGROUND: Mid-rectal cancer treatment traditionally involves conventional laparoscopic-assisted resection (CLAR). This study aimed to assess the clinical and therapeutic advantages of Natural Orifice Specimen Extraction Surgery (NOSES) over CLAR. AIMS: To compare the clinical outcomes, intraoperative metrics, postoperative recovery, complications, and long-term prognosis between NOSES and CLAR groups. MATERIALS & METHODS: A total of 136 patients were analyzed, with 92 undergoing CLAR and 44 undergoing NOSES...

PURPOSE: To achieve high-resolution fetal brain anatomical imaging without introducing image artifacts by reducing the FOV, and to demonstrate improved image quality compared to conventional full-FOV fetal brain imaging. METHODS: Reduced FOV was achieved by applying outer volume suppression (OVS) pulses immediately prior to standard single-shot fast spin echo (SSFSE) imaging. In the OVS preparation, a saturation RF pulse followed by a gradient spoiler was repeated three times with optimized flip-angle weightings and a variable spoiler scheme to enhance signal suppression...

Accurately controlling trace additives in dielectric barium titanate (BaTiO3) layers is important for optimizing the performance of multilayer ceramic capacitors (MLCCs). However, characterizing the spatial distribution and local concentration of the additives, which strongly influence the MLCC performance, poses a significant challenge. Atom probe tomography (APT) is an ideal technique for obtaining this information, but the extremely low electrical conductivity and piezoelectricity of BaTiO3 render its analysis with existing sample preparation approaches difficult...

BACKGROUND: For cancer screening programmes to be effective in early detection it is important that those invited can access screening services and understand the benefits of participation. A better understanding of the factors that matter to potential participants of cancer screening programmes can assist in developing strategies to increase current uptake. METHODS: We conducted an overview of systematic reviews to answer the question: What factors influence the uptake of cancer screening services (breast, bowel and cervical) in high-income countries? A thematic approach supported by tabular summaries and qualitative heat maps was used to categorize factors, described as 'barriers' or 'facilitators'...

In this scoping review, we summarize the current knowledge of cognitive functioning in adults with cerebral palsy (CP), and identify the neuropsychological tests typically used in this population. 39 studies from the period January 1990 - August 2023 were included in the review, and they differ widely in their aims and approach to studying cognition. Very few studies have cognitive assessment as their core aim and use a neuropsychological test battery. The included studies show great variability in reported intelligence and cognitive functioning in adults with CP, and cognitive deficits have been reported in all cognitive domains...

Meningiomas are the most common intracranial neoplasms in adults. While most meningiomas are cured by resection, further treatment by radiotherapy may be needed, particularly in WHO grade 2 and 3 tumors which have an increased risk of recurrence, even after conventional therapies. Still, there is an urgent need for novel therapeutic strategies after exhaustion of local treatment approaches. Radionuclide therapies combine the specificity of tumor-specific antibodies or ligands with the cytotoxic activity of radioactive emitters...

One challenge confronting the Cu2O catalysts in the electrocatalysis of carbon dioxide reduction reaction (CO2RR) is the reduction of active Cu(I) species, resulting in low selectivity and quick deactivation. In this study, we for the first time introduce a bottom-up growth of convex sphere with adjustable Cu(0)/Cu(I) interfaces (Cux@Cu2O convex spheres). Interestingly, the interfaces are dynamically modulated by varying hydrothermal time, thus regulating the conversion of C1 and C2 products. In particular, the 4 h hydrothermal treatment applied to Cu0...

Exploring high strength materials with a higher concentration of reinforcements in the alloy proves to be a challenging task. This research has explored magnesium-based composites (AZ31B alloy) with tungsten carbide reinforcements, enhancing strength for medical joint replacements via league championship optimisation. The primary objective is to enhance medical joint replacement biomaterials employing magnesium-based composites, emphasising the AZ31B alloy with tungsten carbide reinforcements. The stir casting method is utilised in the manufacture of magnesium matrix composites (MMCs), including varied percentages of tungsten carbide (WC)...

Circular RNAs (circRNAs), characterized by their closed-loop structure, have emerged as significant transcriptomic regulators, with roles spanning from microRNA sponging to modulation of gene expression and potential peptide coding. The discovery and functional analysis of circRNAs have been propelled by advancements in both experimental and bioinformatics tools, yet the field grapples with challenges related to their detection, isoform diversity, and accurate quantification. This review navigates through the evolution of circRNA research methodologies, from early detection techniques to current state-of-the-art approaches that offer comprehensive insights into circRNA biology...

The most commonly used flow cytometric (FCM) analysis of cellular DNA content relies on ethanol fixation followed by RNA digestion and propidium iodide (PI) intercalation into double-stranded DNA. This is a laborious and time-consuming procedure that is subject to systematic errors due to centrifugation and washing steps associated with sample preparation. It can adversely affect the reliability of the results. Here, we present a modified concept of DNA quantification in adherent cell lines by FCM that involves neither ethanol fixation nor any washing and cell transferring steps...

BACKGROUND: The present study aimed to determine how various amounts (0.00, 0.58, 1.52 and 4.50 g 100 g-1 ) of wine lees (WL), which contains numerous essential components, impact the emulsifying properties of fish gelatin (FG) at a low concentration (0.5 g 100 g-1 ) in the high-fat phase (65 g 100 g-1 ). This study conducted rheology, physicochemical technical and characterization analyses on the emulsions to provide sustainable and innovative approaches for spreadable oils...

The shapes of micro- and nano-products have profound influences on their functional performances, which has not received sufficient attention during the past several decades. Electrohydrodynamic atomization (EHDA) techniques, mainly include electrospinning and electrospraying, are facile in manipulate their products' shapes. In this review, the shapes generated using EHDA for modifying drug release profiles are reviewed. These shapes include linear nanofibers, round micro-/nano-particles, and beads-on-a-string hybrids...

AIM: The aim of this work was to determine racial disparities in access to minimally invasive proctectomy using a national database. METHOD: A retrospective review of the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program evaluated for surgical approach (robotic, laparoscopic or open), demographics and comorbidity, and then compared by race. RESULTS: A total of 3511 patients (325 Asian, 2925 White, 261 African American/Black) with cancer who underwent a proctectomy between 2016 and 2020 were included...

We investigate a one-dimensional plasmonic crystal (1D PlC) using momentum-resolved electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) and cathodoluminescence (CL) techniques, which are complementary in terms of available optical information. The PlC sample is fabricated from large aluminum grains through the focused ion beam (FIB) method. This approach allows curving nanostructures with high crystallinity, providing platforms for detailed analysis of plasmonic nanostructures using both EELS and CL. The momentum-resolved EELS visualizes dispersion curves outside the light cone, confirming the existence of the surface plasmon polaritons (SPP) and local modes, while the momentum-resolved CL mapping analysis identified these SPP and local modes...

In the rapidly evolving landscape of medical research, the emergence of RNA-based therapeutics is paradigm shifting. It is mainly driven by the molecular adaptability and capacity to provide precision in targeting. The Covid-19 pandemic crisis underscored the effectiveness of the mRNA therapeutic development platform and brought it to the forefront of RNA-based interventions. These RNA-based therapeutic approaches can reshape gene expression, manipulate cellular functions, and correct aberrant molecular processes underlying various diseases...

BACKGROUND Histoplasmosis is typically associated with immunocompromised individuals, but cases in immunocompetent patients are rare. Primary cutaneous histoplasmosis (PCH) is a challenging diagnosis due to its clinical polymorphism and can mimic other infectious and non-infectious diseases. Previous cases of PCH have been reported in immunocompetent patients with underlying medical conditions or trauma history. So far there have been no reports of PCH after platelet-rich plasma (PRP) application due to inadequate hygiene measures in an immunocompetent host...

Health leaders are faced with a lack of public trust in healthcare governance. This waning trust relationship was further solidified through the pandemic. Improving the relationship between health organizations and the community/citizens/patient partners is a moral imperative of which ethical governance is a significant factor. This article will structure the ethical analysis of patient partners in governance through reviewing who we are, how we function, and what we do on governance boards. Taking an ethical approach will enable the promise of the value and impact of the patient partner to be actualized...