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Oxygen isotopes in stream water can serve as natural tracers of watershed dynamics. Freshwater pearl mussels provide δ18Owater estimates that overcome temporal and spatial limitations of instrumental records. The reliability of shell‐based δ18Owater reconstructions depends on understanding which shell layer biomineralizes closer to oxygen isotopic equilibrium with ambient water. To determine this, both the (outer) prismatic and (inner) nacreous sublayers of the outer shell layer were sampled. Over 2500 isotope values were obtained from shells collected from the Our River (Luxembourg) and from mussels cultured in tanks at constant temperature and monitored δ18Owater. Calculated δ18Owater from the prismatic portion was in excellent agreement with monitored δ18Owater, while δ18Oshell of the nacreous portion was systematically offset by +0.43‰, overestimating δ18Owater by +0.53‰. Although shell portions were formed simultaneously from the same extrapallial fluid, they underwent different fractionation mechanisms, presumably due to differences in carbonic anhydrase activity catalyzing mineralization processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: This is a cross‐sectional observational study conducted on living liver donors focusing on "long‐term remnant liver health" specifically looking at steatosis, inflammation, and fibrosis using multiparametric ultra sonological evaluation and noninvasive blood tests. Methods: Multiparametric ultrasound evaluation included assessment of shear wave elastography (fibrosis), sound speed plane wave ultrasound, attenuation plane wave ultrasound (steatosis), and viscosity plane wave ultrasound (inflammation). Blood test based APRI and FIB‐4 were calculated. Liver biopsy was performed if noninvasive evaluation pointed toward clinically relevant fibro progression (F4). Results: Out of 36 donors, significant fibrosis (>F2) was found in 11 donors (30.5%), seven donors (19.4%) had severe fibrosis (>F3), and two donors had shear wave elastography values suggestive of cirrhosis(F4). Of these two, one donor was extensively evaluated and was found to have biopsy proven cirrhosis with endoscopic evidence of portal hypertension. The prevalence of fatty liver disease in our study group was 50%. Conclusion: We report the first liver donor cohort with fibroprogression and cirrhosis occurring in the remnant liver. Our donor cohort with a significant proportion having steatosis and fibroprogression underscores the importance of regular follow‐up of liver donors and evaluation of remnant liver. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a sensitive and non‐invasive method for assessing changes in renal cortical blood perfusion in the elderly, contrast‐enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) can indirectly reflect changes in kidney filtration and reabsorption function, thus providing feasibility for early evaluation of renal function changes. However, significant differences exist among researchers in terms of operational methods, contrast agent selection, post‐data analysis, and many other aspects, leading to substantial heterogeneity in results. This hinders horizontal comparisons and greatly limits the clinical application of contrast‐enhanced ultrasound for evaluating renal cortical blood flow perfusion. Based on the latest domestic and overseas literature and discussions with clinical experts, this consensus provides recommended guidelines for the evaluation of renal cortical blood flow perfusion using contrast‐enhanced ultrasound. It is hoped that this consensus will promote a better understanding of CEUS among medical practitioners at all levels and standardize the examination of renal cortical blood flow perfusion with CEUS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Serine metabolism is crucial for tumour oncogenesis and immune responses. S‐adenosyl methionine (SAM), a methyl donor, is typically derived from serine‐driven one‐carbon metabolism. However, the involvement of serine metabolism in psoriatic skin inflammation remains unclear. Objectives: To investigate the association between serine metabolism and psoriatic skin inflammation. Methods: Clinical samples were collected from patients with psoriasis and the expression of serine biosynthesis enzymes was evaluated. The HaCaT human keratinocyte cell line was transfected with small interfering RNA (siRNA) of key enzyme or treated with inhibitors. RNA sequencing and DNA methylation assays were performed to elucidate the mechanisms underlying serine metabolism‐regulated psoriatic keratinocyte inflammation. An imiquimod (IMQ)‐induced psoriasis mouse model was established to determine the effect of the SAM administration on psoriatic skin inflammation. Results: The expression of serine synthesis pathway enzymes, including the first rate‐limiting enzyme in serine biosynthesis, phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase (PHGDH), was downregulated in the epidermal lesions of patients with psoriasis compared with that in healthy controls. Suppressing PHGDH in keratinocytes promoted the production of proinflammatory cytokines and enrichment of psoriatic‐related signalling pathways, including the tumour necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α) signalling pathway, interleukin (IL)‐17 signalling pathway and NF‐κB signalling pathway. In particular, PHGDH inhibition markedly promoted the secretion of IL‐6 in keratinocytes with or without IL‐17A, IL‐22, IL‐1α, oncostatin M and TNF‐α (mix) stimulation. Mechanistically, PHGDH inhibition upregulated the expression of IL‐6 by inhibiting SAM‐dependent DNA methylation at the promoter and increasing the binding of myocyte enhancer factor 2A. Furthermore, PHGDH inhibition increased the secretion of IL‐6 by increasing the activation of NF‐κB via SAM inhibition. SAM treatment effectively alleviated IMQ‐induced psoriasis‐like skin inflammation in mice. Conclusions: Our study revealed the crucial role of PHGDH in antagonising psoriatic skin inflammation and indicated that targeting serine metabolism may represent a novel therapeutic strategy for treating psoriasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To distinguish benign and malignant subpleural pulmonary lesions (SPLs) with contrast‐enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) and color parametric imaging (CPI), and evaluate the role of CEUS plus CPI in the differential diagnosis of pathological types of SPLs. Methods: One hundred and thirty‐six patients underwent CEUS with a Logiq E9 XD Clear ultrasonic machine equipped with a 3.5‐ to 5.0‐MHz C5‐1 transducer in our center were enrolled in our study, including 27 cases of benign lesions and 109 cases of malignant lesions. The ultrasound contrast agent used in this study was SonoVue. CEUS images and CPI of all cases were reviewed and analyzed by the resident and staff radiologist groups separately. Results: With CEUS alone, by both the two groups, the main enhancement pattern of benign SPLs was arborization (P <.001), while centripetal enhancement pattern occurred more frequently in malignant SPLs (P <.001). With CEUS plus CPI, by both the two groups, the main enhancement pattern of benign SPLs was arborization (P <.001), while those of malignant SPLs were centripetal (P <.001) and eccentric (P <.05). The diagnosis performance of CEUS plus CPI was significantly higher than that of CEUS alone in both the resident (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.857 vs 0.677, P <.001) and staff (AUC = 0.866 vs 0.681, P <.001) groups. Moreover, CPI offered remarkable inter‐consistency improvements in the enhancement pattern determination between the two groups. Conclusion: The CEUS enhancement patterns would provide information of blood perfusion patterns in the differential diagnosis of benign and malignant SPLs. The diagnosis performance could be significantly improved by CEUS plus CPI compared with CEUS alone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, bioabsorbable vascular stents (BVSs) are actively studied owing to their ability to dissolve within the human body. However, despite their advantages, BVSs often dislodge from the expandable balloon‐based delivery system when transported to the lesion site. In this study, a novel methodology aiming at increasing the retention force between the stent and the delivery system is presented. The breath‐figure method is adopted to form a porous structure and enhance adhesion. Additionally, numerical and experimental methods are used to evaluate the effect of surface tension between two immiscible fluids (polymeric solutions and droplets). To control the interfacial tension between the solution and droplets, an amphiphilic polymer and NaCl‐added vapor are used. By selecting the appropriate parameters, a sponge‐like structure is prepared on the stent delivery system. To verify its applicability, the two types of structures presented in this study are experimentally compared. These findings provide valuable guidelines for understanding the mechanism of breath‐figure patterns. Thus, the innovative methodology developed in this study demonstrates simplicity and scalability for large‐area production, making it potentially applicable to industrial technologies and offering new insights into biomedical engineering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: It is unknown how shear wave dispersion (SWD) is displayed in pediatric liver transplant recipients and not fully elucidated how ultrasound shear wave elastography (2D‐SWE) display within this cohort, which is important to determine to improve noninvasive surveillance of these patients. The study aimed to compare SWE and SWD values with histopathology in pediatric liver recipients. Methods: Forty‐eight pediatric liver recipients were examined with SWE in conjunction with an elective liver biopsy (clinically without complication). Additionally, SWD values were measured in 21 children. SWE and SWD values were compared to histologically determined fibrosis graded as none‐to‐mild (F0–1) and moderate‐to‐severe (F2–4), and inflammation graded as low (grade 0–1) and high (grade 2–4). Results: Two children were excluded due to SWE IQR/median > 30% kPa. The mean age across 46 included patients was 10.9 years (range 1.4–18). The number of patients and median (range) SWE value (kPa) for each stage of fibrosis were: F0–1 [n = 23; 5.8 (3.2–16.1)], F2 [n = 22; 6.0 (4.5–25.9)], F3 [n = 1; 33.3], and F4 [n = 0]. Significantly higher SWE values and greater variability were registered in F2–4 vs. F0–1 (p =.05). Grade of fibrosis correlated weakly to SWE values (r =.3; p =.05), but not to SWD values (r =.2; p =.27). In patients with low‐grade inflammation, median SWD was 13.7 m/s KHz (10.7–17.6). Only one patient had high‐grade inflammation. Conclusions: Uncomplicated transplanted liver grafts in a small pediatric cohort revealed slightly increased SWE and SWD values compared to previously reported values in healthy children. This likely reflect both the fibrotic and inflammatory elements in the grafts; however, other confounders impacting the liver's viscoelastic properties are also probable factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SUMMARY: Programmed cell death (PCD) facilitates selective, genetically controlled elimination of redundant, damaged, or infected cells. In plants, PCD is often an essential component of normal development and can mediate responses to abiotic and biotic stress stimuli. However, studying the transcriptional regulation of PCD is hindered by difficulties in sampling small groups of dying cells that are often buried within the bulk of living plant tissue. We addressed this challenge by using RNA sequencing and Arabidopsis thaliana suspension cells, a model system that allows precise monitoring of PCD rates. The use of three PCD‐inducing treatments (salicylic acid, heat, and critical dilution), in combination with three cell death modulators (3‐methyladenine, lanthanum chloride, and conditioned medium), enabled isolation of candidate core‐ and stimuli‐specific PCD genes, inference of underlying regulatory networks and identification of putative transcriptional regulators of PCD in plants. This analysis underscored a disturbance of the cell cycle and mitochondrial retrograde signaling, and repression of pro‐survival stress responses, as key elements of the PCD‐associated transcriptional signature. Further, phenotyping of Arabidopsis T‐DNA insertion mutants in selected candidate genes validated the potential of generated resources to identify novel genes involved in plant PCD pathways and/or stress tolerance. Significance Statement: Programmed cell death (PCD) is a genetically controlled cell destruction pathway and an essential element of plant development and stress responses; however, its regulation is poorly understood. In this study, we used RNA sequencing and Arabidopsis thaliana cell suspension culture to isolate candidate core‐ and stimuli‐specific PCD genes, infer underlying regulatory networks and identify putative transcriptional regulators of PCD in plants, this way generating valuable resources for further research in this area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Irreversible electroporation (IRE) is an innovative cell ablation method based on the concept that the application of excessive electric pulses induces a lethal increase in the permeability of the cell membrane owing to nanoscale defects, resulting in a gentle form of necrotic cell death. Although the mechanism of cell death by IRE is primarily nonthermal, thermal effects are inevitable because electric pulses inherently generate Joule heat. The larger the applied voltage to treat a large target, the greater the Joule heating and the consequent temperature rise. Therefore, the temperature increase due to Joule heating during pulse application should be carefully controlled to minimize thermal damage. Research on IRE is an interdisciplinary endeavor incorporating health science for humanitarian relief and engineering. Therefore, this study provides a comprehensive review of the thermal aspects of IRE based on existing in vitro and in vivo experimental and numerical studies. The paper begins with an overview of IRE treatment covering the geometry and arrangement of electrodes, pulse parameters, and cell death mechanisms, followed by sections on thermal damage evaluation that summarize the significant work of experiments, analysis, and comparisons. Finally, thermal mitigation strategies, including electrode modification, lowering the IRE threshold, and modified pulsing protocols, are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To assess diagnostic performance of quantitative ultrasound (QUS) biomarkers in assessing hepatic steatosis. Methods: We prospectively recruited 125 participants (mean age 54 years) who underwent liver QUS, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and laboratory tests within 30 days in this IRB approved study. Based on MRI‐proton density fat fraction (MRI‐PDFF) and MRE, we divided 125 participants into normal liver, nonalcoholic fatty liver (NAFL) and liver fibrosis (≥F1) groups. We examined diagnostic performance of ultrasound attenuation coefficient (AC), normalized local variance (NLV), superb microvascular imaging‐based vascularity index (SMI‐VI), and shear wave velocity (SWV) for determining hepatic steatosis and fibrosis using area under receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). We also analyzed correlations of QUS biomarkers to MRI using Spearman correlation coefficient. Results: We observed significant differences in AC, NLV, and SMI‐VI among the three groups (22 participants with normal liver, 78 with NAFL, and 25 with liver fibrosis). AUC of AC, NLV, and SMI‐VI for determining ≥ mild steatotic livers (MRI‐PDFF ≥5%) was 0.95, 0.90, and 0.92, respectively. AUC of SWV for determining ≥ F1 liver fibrosis was 0.93. The correlation of MRI‐PDFF was positive to AC (r = 0.91) and negative to NLV (r = −0.74), SMI‐VI (r = −0.8) in NAFL group. There was a significant difference in regression slope of AC to MRI‐PDFF in livers with and without ≥F1 (0.84 vs 0.91, P =.02). Conclusions: QUS biomarkers have high sensitivity and specificity to determine and grade hepatic steatosis and detect liver fibrosis. The effect of liver fibrosis on the performance of QUS biomarkers in quantifying liver fat content warrants further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To investigate the methodology and clinical application of ultrasound attenuation imaging (ATI) and comparative analyze the diagnostic performance of ATI and controlled attenuation parameters (CAP) for detecting and grading hepatic steatosis. Methods: A total of 159 patients with NAFLD were prospectively enrolled. CAP and ATI examinations were performed within a week before proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H‐MRS). Ten liver attenuation coefficient (AC) measurements by ATI were obtained in each patient. The interclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) of the intraobserver consistencies and the ICCs between the median of the first two through the first nine measurements and all 10 measurements were calculated. The correlations between 1H‐MRS, CAP, biological data, and ATI were evaluated. The significant factors associated with ATI and the diagnostic performance of ATI and CAP for detecting hepatic steatosis was evaluated. Results: The median value of AC for detecting hepatic steatosis was 0.831 dB/cm/MHz. For the intraobserver consistency of ATI, the ICC was 0.931. Compared with 10 measurements, a minimum of four ATI measurements was required. The correlation of AC with hepatic fat fraction (HFF) was significantly higher than that of CAP (0.603 vs 0.326, P =.0015). The HFF and triglyceride (TG) were the significant factors for the ATI. The area under the receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curves of ATI and CAP were 0.939 and 0.788 for detecting ≥10% hepatic steatosis; 0.751 and 0.572 for detecting >33% hepatic steatosis. The cutoff values of ATI and CAP were 0.697 dB/cm/MHz and 310 dB/m for detecting ≥10% hepatic steatosis; 0.793 dB/cm/MHz and 328 dB/m for detecting >33% hepatic steatosis. The sensitivity of ATI and CAP were 85.92% and 52.11% for detecting ≥10% hepatic steatosis; 87.50% and 82.14% for detecting >33% hepatic steatosis. The specificity of ATI and CAP were 94.12% and 100% for detecting ≥10% hepatic steatosis; 54.37% and 43.69% for detecting >33% hepatic steatosis. Conclusions: ATI technology showed excellent intraobserver consistency and the optimal minimum number of ATI measurements was 4. ATI is a promising noninvasive, quantitative and convenient tool for assessing hepatic steatosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sesarmid crab, Muradium tetragonum, considered a key detritus consumer plays a significant role in the nutrient cycling and energy flow in most of the mangrove environments. Morphological and ultrastructural organization of the M. tetragonum male reproductive system are characterized through transmission electron microscopic studies. Adult males (3.2–4.2 cm) with dark violet carapace and white‐tipped cheliped were procured alongside the coastal areas of Tanjavur district, Tamil Nadu, India. The morphological analysis highlights the male gonads to be bilaterally symmetrical and anterolaterally located inside the cephalothorax. A pair of elongated testes lying attached to the hypodermis of the carapace leads to a long highly coiled vas deferens categorized into three distinct regions (Proximal vas deferens, Middle vas deferens and distal vas deferens) structurally and functionally with Posterior vas deferens receiving sac‐like accessory glands. It gets followed by an ejaculatory duct and ends with the penile papillae at the coxae's base of the fifth peripod. Structural modifications were observed in the ultrastructure of vas deferens envisage (considering) its functional role in storing spermatophores, active absorption and assisting the secretory activity. Spermatophores, witnessed as spherical bodies are bounded by a dense double wall. Aflagellate, immotile and spherical spermatozoa that measuring 3.6 μm in diameter encompasses a complex acrosome cupped by a nucleus. Moreover, perforatorium and the extending nuclear arms with chromatin, as displayed in the experimental organism M. tetragonum, are in synergy with that of certain brachyurans as specified in the study. Hence, the current study assessing the morphology and ultrastructure parameters of the male gonads could be useful in understanding the physiology of sexual maturation, annual cyclic changes, tracing the phylogenetic relationship among species and enhancing the brood‐stock management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Agile 3+ and Agile 4 scores, based on liver stiffness measurement (LSM) by transient elastography and clinical parameters, were recently reported to be effective in identifying advanced fibrosis and cirrhosis in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). This study aimed to validate the utility of these scores in Japanese patients with NAFLD. Methods: Six hundred forty‐one patients with biopsy‐proven NAFLD were analyzed. The severity of liver fibrosis was pathologically evaluated by one expert pathologist. The LSM, age, sex, diabetes status, platelet count, and aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase levels were used to calculate Agile 3+ scores, and the parameters above excluding age were used for Agile 4 scores. The diagnostic performance of the two scores was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values of the original low cut‐off (for rule‐out) value and high cut‐off (for rule‐in) value were tested. Results: For diagnosis of fibrosis stage ≥3, the area under the ROC (AUROC) was 0.886, and the sensitivity of the low cut‐off value and the specificity of the high cut‐off value were 95.3% and 73.4%, respectively. For diagnosis of fibrosis stage 4, AUROC, the sensitivity of the low cut‐off value, and the specificity of the high cut‐off value were 0.930, 100%, and 86.5%, respectively. Both scores had higher diagnostic performance than the FIB‐4 index and the enhanced liver fibrosis score. Conclusions: Agile 3+ and Agile 4 are reliable noninvasive tests to identify advanced fibrosis and cirrhosis in Japanese NAFLD patients with adequate diagnostic performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Following positive surveillance ultrasound (US), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is recommended for further characterization. We propose contrast‐enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) shows equivalent efficacy. Methods: This prospective institutional review board approved study recruited 195 consecutive at‐risk patients with a positive surveillance US. All had CEUS and MRI. Biopsy (n = 44) and follow‐up are gold standard. MRI and CEUS results are classified according to liver imaging reporting and data system (LI‐RADS) and patient outcome. Results: As an US‐based modality, CEUS is superior in confirming findings from surveillance US, correlation in 189/195 (97%) on CEUS compared to 153/195 (79%) on MRI. Within these negative MRI examinations, there are 2 hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and 1 cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA) diagnosed on CEUS and proven by biopsy. From 195 patients, there are 71 malignant diagnoses from all sources, including 58 LR‐5 (45 on MRI and 54 on CEUS) and 13 others, including HCC outside of LR‐5 category, and LR‐M with biopsy proven iCCA (3 on MRI and 6 on CEUS). CEUS and MRI show concordant results in the majority of patients (146/195, 75%), including 57/146 malignant and 89/146 benign diagnoses. There are 41/57 concordant LR‐5 and 6/57 concordant LR‐M. When CEUS and MRI are discordant, CEUS upgraded 20 (10 biopsy‐proven) from MRI LR‐3/4 to CEUS LR‐5 or LR‐M by showing washout (WO) that MRI failed to show. Additionally, CEUS characterized time and intensity of WO and diagnosed 13/20 LR‐5 by showing late and weak WO and 7 LR‐M by showing fast and marked WO. CEUS is 81% sensitive and 92% specific in diagnosing malignancy. MRI is 64% sensitive and 93% specific. Conclusions: CEUS performance is at least equivalent if not superior to MRI for initial evaluation of lesions from surveillance US. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have carefully read the publication "Contrast Enhanced Ultrasound with SonoVue and Sonazoid for the Diagnosis of Colorectal Liver Metastasis after Chemotherapy", written by Liqi Sun et al.[1] The authors reported a significantly higher diagnostic accuracy and sensitivity in the diagnosis of Colorectal Liver Metastasis (CRLMs) using SonoVue compared with Sonazoid. Liver metastases can be either hypervascular or hypovascular and are supplied predominantly by arterial blood.[4] For CRLMs that tend to be hypo-vascular, contrast-enhancement of varying degrees is seen in the arterial phase, typically in the periphery/rim enhancement or diffuse hyper-enhancement patterns. Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound With Sonazoid for the Imaging and Diagnosis of Colorectal Liver Metastasis. [Extracted from the article]

Background: Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is currently the most common chronic liver disease and an important cause of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. It is strongly associated with type 2 diabetes and obesity. Because of the huge number of patients at risk of MASLD, it is imperative to use non-invasive tests appropriately., Aims: To provide a narrative review on the performance and limitations of non-invasive tests, with a special emphasis on the impact of diabetes and obesity., Methods: We searched PubMed and Cochrane databases for articles published from 1990 to August 2023., Results: Abdominal ultrasonography remains the primary method to diagnose hepatic steatosis, while magnetic resonance imaging proton density fat fraction is currently the gold standard to quantify steatosis. Simple fibrosis scores such as the Fibrosis-4 index are well suited as initial assessment in primary care and non-hepatology settings to rule out advanced fibrosis and future risk of liver-related complications. However, because of its low positive predictive value, an abnormal test should be followed by specific blood (e.g. Enhanced Liver Fibrosis score) or imaging biomarkers (e.g. vibration-controlled transient elastography and magnetic resonance elastography) of fibrosis. Some non-invasive tests of fibrosis appear to be less accurate in patients with diabetes. Obesity also affects the performance of abdominal ultrasonography and transient elastography, whereas magnetic resonance imaging may not be feasible in some patients with severe obesity., Conclusions: This article highlights issues surrounding the clinical application of non-invasive tests for MASLD in patients with type 2 diabetes and obesity., (© 2024 The Authors. Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Background and Aim: Recently, dispersion imaging by shear wave elastography has been developed to visualize a tissue viscosity‐related factor by measuring the dispersion slope. However, clinical significance of dispersion imaging in the field of pancreatic cancer is unknown. This study aimed to investigate the clinical significance of dispersion imaging in the treatment and diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. Methods: We measured shear wave dispersion slope (SWD) (m/s/kHz) and shear wave elasticity (SWE) (kPa) in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA). The primary endpoint was the relationship between the changes in SWD and SWE values before and after chemotherapy and the response to chemotherapy. Secondary endpoints included SWD and SWE values in relation to differences between PDA and non‐PDA sites and histopathological scores of stroma, inflammation, fibrosis, and necrosis in endoscopic ultrasound‐guided fine‐needle aspiration specimens. Results: Fifty‐six patients were included, 30 of whom underwent chemotherapy. There was no relationship between the changes of SWD and SWE values and chemotherapy responses. In 56 patients, the median SWD value was 12.20 m/s/kHz (interquartile range [IQR]: 10.88–13.61) at PDA sites and 13.57 m/s/kHz (IQR: 12.28–16.20) at non‐PDA sites (P = 0.005). The median SWE value was 8.18 kPa (IQR: 7.00–9.74) at PDA sites and 6.14 kPa (IQR: 5.40–6.77) at non‐PDA sites (P < 0.001). Histopathological evaluation revealed that inflammation scores were correlated with SWD values (rs = 0.42, P < 0.001). Conclusions: Dispersion imaging in pancreatic cancer would be useful for diagnosis and assessing inflammation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study aimed to compare the diagnostic accuracy of shear wave elastography (SWE) with that of shear wave dispersion (SWD) in evaluation of hepatic parenchyma in patients with liver tumors before resection. Methods: A total of 174 patients with liver tumors were prospectively enrolled. SWE and SWD examinations were performed. Fibrosis stage and necroinflammatory activity were determined histopathologically according to the Scheuer standard. We compared the diagnostic accuracy of SWE and SWD. Results: Both SWE and SWD values of the liver were highly correlated with liver fibrosis stage (P <.05, respectively). Both SWE and SWD values of the liver were moderately correlated with necroinflammatory activity (P <.05, respectively). Both SWE and SWD values of the liver were not correlated with steatosis (P >.05, respectively). Both SWE and SWD values were significantly different among the patients with different stages of liver fibrosis (P <.001, respectively). The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve of SWE value was 0.982, 0.977, 0.969, and 0.984 for predicting S ≥ 1, S ≥ 2, S ≥ 3, and S = 4, respectively. The optimal cutoff SWE values were 6.9, 7.9, 8.7, and 10.6 kPa for S ≥ 1, S ≥ 2, S ≥ 3, and S = 4, respectively. The area under the ROC curve of SWD value was 0.967, 0.960, 0.925, and 0.954 for predicting S ≥ 1, S ≥ 2, S ≥ 3, and S = 4, respectively. The optimal cutoff SWD values were 11.2, 12.0, 13.2, and 16.0 m/s/kHz for S ≥ 1, S ≥ 2, S ≥ 3, and S = 4, respectively. Conclusions: SWE and SWD could be noninvasive and accurate for predicting the stage of liver fibrosis in patients with liver tumors before surgery. SWE was more accurate than SWD in predicting severe fibrosis (S ≥ 3) and cirrhosis (S = 4). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Purpose: Shear wave elastography (SWE) is a clinical method used to evaluate liver hardness. In this study, we assessed its applicability in assessing the pancreas and its potential for diagnosing chronic pancreatitis. Methods: We performed SWE on 59 patients who underwent abdominal ultrasound, and measured the computed tomography (CT) values of the pancreas. Patients were classified as having a normal pancreas (NP), early chronic pancreatitis (ECP), or chronic pancreatitis (CP). SW elasticity (SWe), SW dispersion (SWd), and CT values between groups were analyzed. Results: SWe significantly differed between the CP and NP/ECP groups (NP vs CP; P = 0.001, ECP vs CP; P = 0.026,), while SWd showed a significant difference only between the NP and CP group (NP vs CP; P = 0.001). The CT values were significantly different between the CP and NP/ECP groups (NP vs CP; P = 0.0006, ECP vs CP; P = 0.0027). Conclusion: Pancreatic SWE and CT values were helpful in the diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis. SWd may reveal status changes in ECP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The novel 2‐D shear wave elastography (2D‐SWE) can measure two ultrasound parameters: shear wave dispersion (SWD) and shear wave speed (SWS). We investigated the ability of 2D‐SWE in measuring spleen stiffness using ultrasound multiparametric imaging. Methods: This cross‐sectional study included patients with chronic liver disease who underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy and ultrasonographic examinations of the spleen between September 2018 and December 2021. In total, 157 patients were enrolled in this study: 81 and 67 patients were included in the pilot set for hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) measurements and validation cohort without HVPG measurements, respectively. To confirm reproducibility between the two examiners, an additional 30 patients were enrolled. Results: The Bland–Altman plots revealed no significant bias in the SWD as measured by two examiners. The splenic SWS (r = 0.752) and SWD (r = 0.444) were correlated with the HVPG. Regarding high‐risk varices, as per the Youden index, the cut‐off value for splenic SWS was 3.30 m/s, with a sensitivity of 85.7%, specificity of 92.5%, positive predictive value of 85.7%, and negative predictive value of 92.4% in the pilot set. In the validation set, good diagnostic performance by the splenic SWS was observed. However, SWD did not perform as well as SWS. Conclusions: The splenic SWS, measured using ultrasound multiparametric imaging, was closely correlated with the HVPG. Thus, SWS is a useful predictive marker for high‐risk varices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: SmartExam is a novel computational method compatible with FibroScan that uses a software called SmartDepth and continuous controlled attenuation parameter measurements to evaluate liver fibrosis and steatosis. This retrospective study compared the diagnostic accuracy of conventional and SmartExam‐equipped FibroScan for liver stiffness measurement (LSM). Methods: The liver stiffness and the associated controlled attenuation parameters of 167 patients were measured using conventional and SmartExam‐Equipped FibroScan as well as reference methods like magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) and magnetic resonance imaging‐based proton density fat fraction (MRI‐PDFF) measurements to assess its diagnostic performance. M or XL probes were selected based on the probe‐to‐liver capsule distance for all FibroScan examinations. Results: The liver stiffness and controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) correlation coefficients calculated from conventional and SmartExam‐equipped FibroScan were 0.97 and 0.82, respectively. Using MRE/MRI‐PDFF as a reference and the DeLong test for analysis, LSM and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for CAP measured by conventional and SmartExam‐equipped FibroScan showed no significant difference. However, the SmartExam‐equipped FibroScan measurement (33.6 s) took 1.4 times longer than conventional FibroScan (23.2 s). Conclusions: SmartExam has a high diagnostic performance comparable with that of conventional FibroScan. Because the results of the conventional and SmartExam‐equipped FibroScan were strongly correlated, it can be considered useful for assessing the fibrosis stage and steatosis grade of the liver in clinical practice, with less variability but little longer measurement time compared with the conventional FibroScan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The chemo‐ and stereoselective semi‐hydrogenation of alkynes to alkenes is a fundamental transformation in synthetic chemistry, for which the use of precious 4d or 5d metal catalysts is well‐established. In mankind's unwavering quest for sustainability, research focus has considerably veered towards the 3d metals. Given their high abundancy and availability as well as lower toxicity and noxiousness, they are undoubtedly attractive from both an economic and an environmental perspective. Herein, we wish to present noteworthy and groundbreaking examples for the use of 3d metal catalysts for diastereoselective alkyne semi‐hydrogenation as we embark on a journey through the first‐row transition metals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant selective (macro)autophagy is a highly regulated process where eukaryotic cells spatiotemporally degrade some of their constituents that have become superfluous or harmful. The identification and characterization of the factors determining this selectivity make it possible to integrate selective (macro)autophagy into plant cell physiology and homeostasis. The specific cargo receptors and/or scaffold proteins involved in this pathway are generally not structurally conserved, as are the biochemical mechanisms underlying recognition and integration of a given cargo into the autophagosome in different cell types. This review discusses the few specific cargo receptors described in plant cells to highlight key features of selective autophagy in the plant kingdom and its integration with plant physiology, aiming to identify evolutionary convergence and knowledge gaps to be filled by future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To compare the diagnostic performance based on the modified CEUS Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System (LI‐RADS), which includes Kupffer‐phase findings as a major imaging feature, with that of CT and MRI (CT/MRI) LI‐RADS for liver nodules in patients at high risk of HCC. Methods: A total of 120 patients with 120 nodules were included in this retrospective study. The median size of the lesions was 20.0 mm (interquartile range, 14.0–30.8 mm). Of these lesions, 90.0% (108 of 120) were confirmed as HCCs, 6.7% (8 of 120) were intrahepatic cholangiocarcinomas, 1.7% (2 of 120) were metastases, and 1.7% (2 of 120) were dysplastic nodules. All nodules were diagnosed histopathologically. Each nodule was categorized according to the modified CEUS LI‐RADS and CT/MRI LI‐RADS version 2018. The diagnostic performance and inter‐modality agreement of each criterion was compared. Results: The inter‐modality agreement for the modified CEUS LI‐RADS and CT/MRI LI‐RADS was slight agreement (kappa = 0.139, p = 0.015). The diagnostic accuracies of HCCs for the modified CEUS LR‐5 and CT/MRI LR‐5 were 70.0% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 61.0%, 78.0%) versus 70.8% (95% CI: 61.8%, 78.8%) (p = 0.876), respectively. The diagnostic accuracies of non‐HCC malignancies for the modified CEUS LR‐M and CT/MRI LR‐M were 84.2% (95% CI: 76.4%, 90.2%) versus 96.7% (95% CI: 91.7%, 99.1%) (p = 0.002), respectively. Conclusions: The diagnostic performance for HCCs on the modified CEUS LR‐5 and CT/MRI LR‐5 are comparable. In contrast, CT/MRI LR‐M has better diagnostic performance for non‐HCC malignancy than that of the modified CEUS LR‐M. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dual‐energy computed tomography (DECT) and diffusion‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DWI‐MRI) are used to diagnose liver cancer. The clinical value of these two examination methods needs to be further summarized. We collected and summarized relevant literature published from 2011 to 2021. The diagnostic performance of DECT was assessed between conventional computed tomography and DWI‐MRI. DWI‐MRI had a 69% sensitivity for detecting small hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) lesions and a 60% diagnostic specificity for differentiating between types of HCC lesions. DECT had a sensitivity to small liver lesions (<1 cm) of 69%, and the diagnostic specificity for HCC and metastasis was about 60%. DWI was more sensitive (90.3% vs. 74.9%) and accurate (91.9% vs. 76.9%) in diagnosing HCC compared with conventional MRI sequencing. With the aid of contrast media, DWI‐MRI had 90.0% specificity for detecting small HCCs (smaller than 1 cm). Furthermore, DWI‐MRI not only provided physicians with valuable diagnostic information but also delivered histological grading information, with 78% accuracy for all benign lesions and 71% for solid lesions. DECT had relatively high sensitivity and required a lower contrast medium dose. With standardized quantitative parameters, it can be an extremely useful tool for HCC surveillance. DWI‐MRI is the preferred imaging process as it produces high‐contrast images for supporting an early diagnosis (high sensitivity and specificity) and provides histological information using non‐ionizing radiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Among the great efforts of developing cobalt‐based catalysts for hydrosilylation reactions, cobalt (II) and cobalt(I) complexes are the extensively studied ones. In contrast, explorations on cobalt(0) complexes are relatively rare. Presented herein is the investigation on the catalytic performance of low‐coordinate cobalt(0) N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC) complexes in the hydrosilylation reaction of alkynes, which disclosed the fine performance of [(CyIDep)Co(η2‐CH2CHSiMe3)2] (CyIDep denotes for a 1,3‐bis(2′,6′‐diethylphenyl)imidazole‐2‐ylidene that bears fused cyclohexyl group on the imidazole backbone) in catalyzing the syn‐addition of a series of symmetric and unsymmetric internal alkynes with H2SiPh2, producing vinylsilanes with high regio‐selectivity. Mechanistic study indicates that the catalytic reaction likely proceeds on a cobalt(0)/cobalt(II) cycle and that the high selectivity is governed by the steric nature of the NHC ligand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Keywords: dispersion slope; liver stiffness; portal hypertension; shear wave elastography; spleen stiffness; ultrasound elastography EN dispersion slope liver stiffness portal hypertension shear wave elastography spleen stiffness ultrasound elastography 88 90 3 02/07/23 20230201 NES 230201 Abbreviations AUROC area under receiver operating characteristic curve CSPH clinically significant portal hypertension DS dispersion slope HVPG hepatic venous pressure gradient PH portal hypertension SWE shear wave elastography SWs shear wave speed TE transient elastography US ultrasound See article in Hepatology Research 53: 93-103. Dispersion slope, liver stiffness, portal hypertension, shear wave elastography, spleen stiffness, ultrasound elastography 2011; 261 (3): 960 - 8. https://doi.org/10.1148/radiol.11110156 3 Hu X, Huang X, Hou J, Ding L, Su C, Meng F. Diagnostic accuracy of spleen stiffness to evaluate portal hypertension and esophageal varices in chronic liver disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis. [Extracted from the article]

Objectives: This study aimed to define patterns of liver injury after severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) infection using multiparametric ultrasound (mpUS) in a variable patient population with differing severities of COVID‐19. Methods: Ninety patients were enrolled into the study: 56 had SARS‐CoV‐2 3–9 months prior to enrolment; 34 served as a clinically healthy control group. All patients underwent an mpUS evaluation of the liver (elastography, dispersion and attenuation imaging). Seventy‐six patients had abdominal magnetic resonance (MR) and noncontrast enhanced thoracic computed tomography (CT) scans performed at the same day. All patients were screened for biochemical markers of liver injury. Results: Liver elasticity, viscosity, and steatosis values were significantly altered in patients after COVID‐19, with particularly higher fibrosis scores compared to the control group (P <.001). Increased biochemical markers of liver injury correlated with changes in mpUS (P <.05), but not with findings on CT or MR findings. Seventeen of 34 hospitalized patients had a moderate or severe course of the disease course with more pronounced changes in mpUS. Increased body mass index was found to influence liver injury and correlated with more severe forms of COVID‐19 (P <.001). Conclusions: COVID‐19 can cause liver injury observable using mpUS. More severe forms of COVID‐19 and patient obesity are related to increased values of liver damage observed. In comparison to MRI and CT, mpUS appears to be more sensitive to involvement of liver parenchyma. Further research is warranted to establish this promising method for evaluating post‐COVID‐19 liver involvement in the aftermath of the pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To investigate the relationships between contrast‐enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) and the immune status of a distant tumor after radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in a mouse model of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods: Twenty‐four mice with two liver tumors were randomized into two groups. RFA was performed on the left tumor in the RFA group. Growth of the right tumors in both groups was monitored after RFA. According to tumor growth, two time points at which tumor growth was halted and restored were selected for study. Then, another 24 mice were randomized into RFA and non‐RFA groups. The CEUS parameters, apoptosis, CD8+ T cell, and vasculogenic mimicry (VM) of the right tumors were analyzed on the two aforementioned time points in each group. Results: Days 3 and 6 were selected as the time points of tumor retardation and progressive growth, respectively. The different immune status of the distant tumors at the two time points after RFA was confirmed by CD8+ T cell and apoptosis (both P < 0.001). Peak intensity, time to peak, area wash‐in, and area wash‐out of the CEUS parameters increased significantly in the day‐6 RFA group versus the day‐3 RFA group (P <.001, P =.017, P =.005, P =.002, respectively). VM of the day‐6 RFA group was higher than that of the day‐3 RFA group (P =.003). Conclusions: CEUS maybe a good method to follow the immune response after RFA in an advanced HCC mouse model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose The aim of the study was to test inter‐observer and intra‐observer reliability of measuring multiparametric ultrasound in adult livers. Methods: We prospectively measured shear wave velocity (SWV, m/s), shear wave dispersion slope (SWD, m/s/kHz), attenuation coefficient (ATI, dB/cm/MHz), normalized local variance (NLV), and echo intensity ratio of liver to kidney (L/K ratio) in 21 adults who underwent liver magnetic resonance imaging‐proton density fat fraction (MRI‐PDFF). Intraclass correlation coefficient and 95% Bland–Altman limits of agreement (95% LOA) were used to analyze intra‐ and inter‐observer reproducibility. Results: Based on liver MRI‐PDFF, 21 participants (8 men and 13 women, mean age 55 years) were divided into group 1 (11 normal livers, MRI‐PDFF <5%) and group 2 (10 steatotic livers, MRI‐PDFF ≥5%). ICCs for intra‐observer repeatability and inter‐observer reproducibility in measuring multiple ultrasound parameters in both normal and steatotic livers were above 0.75. However, 95% confidence interval for measuring SWD in all livers and L/K ratio in normal livers was 0.38–0.90 and 0.47–0.91, respectively. Differences in SWV, SWD, ATI, NLV, L/K ratio, and MRI‐PDFF between participants with and without hepatic steatosis were significant (p <.05), whereas serum biomarkers and body mass index were not (p >.05), based on a two‐tailed t‐test. Conclusions: The results suggest that the repeatability and reproducibility for measuring liver SWV, ATI, and NLV are moderate to excellent, while those for SWD and L/K ratio are poor. Standardized machine settings, scanning protocols, and operator training are suggested in performing multiparametric ultrasound of the liver. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO) has been shown to be an important player in cardiovascular disease (CVD) by promoting vascular inflammation and endothelial dysfunction. We recently found that exosomes (Exos) released from TMAO-activated hepatocytes (TMAO-Exos) could significantly induce inflammation and endothelial dysfunction. However, understandings of how are the Exos secreted by hepatocytes, where are they distributed in vivo, and what effects will they have on vascular inflammation remain limited. The present study aimed to explore the hub genes involved in the production of TMAO-Exos and their distributions in vivo and effects on inflammation. Methods. The transcriptome profiles of primary rat hepatocytes stimulated with TMAO were obtained from the GSE135856 dataset in the Gene Expression Omnibus repository, and the hub genes associated with Exos were screened and verified by qPCR. Next, Exos derived from TMAO-treated hepatocytes were isolated using differential centrifugation and given intravenously to mice. After 24 h, the distributions of DiI-labelled Exos were visualized with a fluorescence microscope, and the levels of proinflammatory genes in the aorta were detected by qPCR. Results. Phgdh, Mdh2, Echs1, Rap2a, Gpd1l, and Slc3a2 were identified as hub genes that may be involved in the production of TMAO-Exos. And TMAO-Exos were found to be efficiently taken up by cardiomyocytes, hepatocytes, and endothelial cells in the aorta and gastrocnemius muscle. Furthermore, TMAO-Exos, but not control-Exos, could significantly promote the mRNA expressions of Tnf, Icam1, Sele, and Cox-2 in the aorta. Conclusions. We provided clues about how TMAO may stimulate hepatocytes to produce Exos and further offered evidence that Exos secreted by TMAO-treated hepatocytes could be widely distributed in vivo and promote vascular inflammation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To investigate the differential diagnostic value of computer‐aided color parametric imaging (CPI) and contrast‐enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in hepatocellular adenoma (HCA) and well‐differentiated hepatocellular carcinoma (wHCC). Method: A total of 38 patients who underwent CEUS and were pathologically diagnosed with HCA (10 cases) and wHCC (28 cases) were reviewed retrospectively. The differences between the radiological features of HCA and wHCC were compared by two readers, blinded to the final diagnosis. Results: (a) Sonographic features: on gray‐scale ultrasound, halo sign was more common in wHCC than in HCA (60.7% vs. 10.0%, p = 0.009). On CEUS, hyper‐ or isoenhancement was more common in HCA in the portal phase (90.0% vs. 50.0%; p = 0.022). On CPI mode, HCA was inclined toward centripetal enhancement (60.0% vs. 14.3% p = 0.010). HCA was characterized by the presence of pseudocapsule enhancement (50.0% vs. 14.3%; p = 0.036). Quantitative analysis showed that the arrival time of HCA was earlier than that of wHCC (12.4 ± 3.7 s vs. 15.9 ± 3.2 s; p = 0.006). (b) Interobserver agreement was improved by using CPI compared with CEUS. The diagnostic sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of the combination were 80.0%, 85.7%, and 84.2%, respectively. Conclusions: CEUS combined with CPI can provide effective information for the differential diagnosis of HCA and wHCC, especially for the non‐experienced radiologists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In patients with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), the impact of the severity of steatosis and inflammatory activity on the accuracy of liver stiffness measurement (LSM) by transient elastography (TE) and by two‐dimensional shear wave elastography (2D‐SWE) in staging liver fibrosis is still debated and scarce. We aimed to focus on this aspect. Methods: We prospectively studied 104 patients requiring biopsy for the assessment of NAFLD. We used ordinary least squares regression to test for differences in the association between fibrosis and LSM by TE and 2D‐SWE when other factors (steatosis and inflammatory activity) are considered. Results: Among 104 patients, 102 had reliable LSM by TE, and 88 had valid LSM by 2D‐SWE. The association between fibrosis based on histology and LSM was significantly stronger when 2D‐SWE assessed LSM compared to TE (Spearman's correlation coefficient of.71; P <.001 vs.51, P <.001; Z = 2.21, P =.027). Inflammatory activity was an independent predictor of LSM by TE but not of LSM by 2D‐SWE. After controlling for fibrosis, age, sex and body mass index, the inflammatory activity and the interaction between inflammatory activity and fibrosis independently explained 11% and 13% of variance in LSM by TE respectively. Steatosis did not affect the association of fibrosis and LSM by either method. Conclusion: Inflammatory activity on histology significantly affects LSM by TE, but not LSM by 2D‐SWE in NAFLD. LSM by 2D‐SWE reflects liver fibrosis more accurately than LSM by TE. Furthermore, the severity of steatosis on histology did not influence the association of LSM and fibrosis by either elastography method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: This study aimed to compare contrast‐enhanced harmonic endoscopic ultrasound (CH‐EUS) with fundamental B‐mode endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) and contrast‐enhanced computed tomography (CE‐CT) for the diagnosis of left hepatic lobe metastases of pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Methods: In this single‐center prospective study, CE‐CT, EUS, and CH‐EUS were performed to detect left hepatic lobe metastases in patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma, and the detection rates were compared between EUS plus CH‐EUS and the other two modalities. Subgroup comparisons of between‐modality detection rate were performed in patients with only metastases of <10 mm. The number of pancreatic adenocarcinoma patients whose clinical stage and treatment strategy were changed because of EUS plus CH‐EUS findings was also assessed. Results: Thirty‐one patients were diagnosed with left hepatic lobe metastases. For overall detection of left hepatic lobe metastases, EUS plus CH‐EUS had significantly higher accuracy (94.3%) than CE‐CT (86.7%) and EUS alone (87.6%) (P = 0.021 and P = 0.020, respectively). For detection of left hepatic lobe metastases < 10 mm, EUS plus CH‐EUS (93.3%) was significantly superior to CE‐CT (84.4%) and EUS alone (85.6%) (P = 0.021 and P = 0.020, respectively). In five of the 11 patients in whom only CH‐EUS allowed detection of hepatic metastases, the stage and/or treatment strategy of the pancreatic adenocarcinoma was changed after CH‐EUS. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that EUS plus CH‐EUS has advantages over CE‐CT and EUS alone with regard to the accuracy of detecting left hepatic lobe metastases, particularly small hepatic metastases and accurate staging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phenolic compounds, widespread in plants, are a necessary part of the human regimen due to their antioxidant and pro‐oxidative properties. Naturally, phenolics structurally range from a very simple phenolic molecule moiety to an intricate polymer. For decades, phenolic compounds have gained pronounced attention because of their protective effects against degenerative disorders such as inflammation, diabetes and cancer. Physico‐chemical properties (eg, solubility) restricted their bioactivity and also limited their usage as nutraceutical ingredients. However, encapsulation technology like liposomal formulations has been developed for the delivery of phenolic compounds without affecting their original aesthetic and organoleptic property. Hence, this review outlines the antioxidant and pro‐oxidative properties of phenolic compounds and focuses on biological activity reports of flavonoids and phenolic acids as antidiabetic, anti‐inflammatory and anticancer agents. Also, the delivery applications of phenolic compounds as liposomes are discussed with few examples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, advances in genomic technology such as RNA sequencing and genome‐wide profiling have enabled the identification of considerable numbers of non‐coding RNAs (ncRNAs). MicroRNAs have been studied for decades, leading to the identification of those with disease‐causing and/or protective effects in vascular disease. Although other ncRNAs such as long ncRNAs have not been fully described yet, recent studies have indicated their important functions in the development of vascular diseases. Here, we summarize the current understanding of the mechanisms and functions of ncRNAs, focusing on microRNAs, circular RNAs and long ncRNAs in vascular diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study aimed to compare the diagnostic efficacy of contrast‐enhanced ultrasound (CEUS), including SonoVue (SV; sulfur hexafluoride; Bracco SpA, Milan, Italy) and Sonazoid (SZ; perflubutane; GE Healthcare, Oslo, Norway), and explore the differences between them in the characterization of CEUS features in focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH) smaller than 3 cm. Methods: This retrospective study included 31 lesions smaller than 3 cm diagnosed as FNH by CEUS between April 2019 and November 2019. Nine patients underwent SZ CEUS examinations, and 22 patients underwent SV CEUS examinations; all of them were confirmed by pathologic examinations or 2 other kinds of CEUS methods. We compared the CEUS features between SZ and SV in different phases, including arterial, portal venous, delayed, and Kupffer (SZ) phases. Results: Twenty‐eight lesions were eventually diagnosed as FNH; 3 were misdiagnosed as FNH by SV CEUS. The overall diagnostic accuracy of CEUS including SZ and SV was 90.3% (28 of 31). No significant difference was found (P >.05) for the positive predictive value. Likewise, no significant difference in depicting centrifugal filling (9 of 9 versus 19 of 19), spoke wheel artery (6 of 9 versus 8 of 19), or feeding artery (2 of 9 versus 10 of 19) features was found between the contrast agents; However, SZ was significantly better at depicting the presence of a central scar than SV (5 of 9 versus 3 of 19; P =.030). Misdiagnosed cases are discussed in detail. Conclusions: Contrast‐enhanced ultrasound enables an accurate diagnosis in FNH smaller than 3 cm. Sonazoid CEUS and SV CEUS were comparable in diagnosing small FNH, and both agents were highly capable of depicting the centrifugal filling dynamic process of FNH smaller than 3 cm. Sonazoid CEUS might be better than SV CEUS at depicting a central scar. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the increased presence of novel psychoactive substances (NPSs) in casework, drug analysis has become more challenging. To address these challenges, new screening technologies with improved specificity are being implemented, allowing for the creation and adoption of targeted confirmatory analyses that produce more conclusive results. This paper outlines a six‐step, data‐driven, framework to develop and evaluate gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC‐MS) methods for targeted classes of drugs. The process emphasizes maximizing retention time differences (to minimize the potential for retention time acceptance windows to overlap) and understanding the trade‐offs between sensitivity and reproducibility using a test solution containing pairs of compounds that are difficult to distinguish. The method is then evaluated by expanding the panel of compounds analyzed, identifying limitations in compound discrimination, comparing to current methods, and analyzing representative casework to establish usability. To demonstrate this framework, a method for synthetic cannabinoids was created. The developed method utilizes a DB‐200 column and an isothermal temperature program. It was found that sensitivity could be adjusted, without compromising reproducibility, by altering the split ratio and injection volume. The targeted method successfully differentiated 50 cannabinoids based on either retention time differences or mass spectral dissimilarity – determined using a newly developed spectral comparison test. Compared to a general method used for casework, the targeted method was an order of magnitude more sensitive, a minute shorter, and provided major increases in retention time differences. This framework can be implemented and adapted to develop targeted methods for other applications or compound classes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Successful antiviral treatment in patients with hepatitis C can lead to reduced liver stiffness. In this study, we attempted to compare 2‐dimensional (2D) shear wave elastography (SWE), shear wave dispersion (SWD), and attenuation imaging (ATI) with transient elastography (TE) and the controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) in patients under direct‐acting antiviral (DAA) therapy. Methods: Patients with chronic hepatitis C infection undergoing DAA therapy from January 2017 to June 2020 were retrospectively examined. The results of 2D SWE, SWD, ATI, TE, and CAP were recorded before and 12 weeks after the completion of DAA therapy. Results: A total of 122 patients with a median age of 61 years were investigated; among them, 121 (99.2%) achieved a sustained virologic response at 12 weeks after DAA therapy. Fibrosis 4, the aspartate aminotransferase–to–platelet ratio index, 2D SWE, and TE were reduced after DAA therapy. The CAP was increased; however, SWD and ATI showed no statistically significant changes after DAA therapy. Two‐dimensional SWE and TE were strongly correlated (r = 0.885–0.897; P <.001). Albumin and the baseline liver stiffness measurement were independent factors of liver stiffness measurement changes after DAA therapy. Conclusions: Direct‐acting antiviral therapy can significantly decrease liver stiffness (using both 2D SWE and TE) but not SWD and ATI values in patients with hepatitis C. An increased CAP is also observed after DAA therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The main aim was to assess the performance and cutoff value for the detection of liver steatosis (grade S > 0) with the Attenuation Imaging–Penetration (ATI‐Pen) algorithm available on the Aplio i‐series ultrasound systems (Canon Medical Systems, Otawara, Japan). The magnetic resonance imaging–derived proton density fat fraction (MRI‐PDFF) was used as the reference standard. Secondary aims were to compare the results to those obtained with the previous ATI algorithm (Attenuation Imaging–General [ATI‐Gen]) and with the controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) and to generate a regression equation between ATI‐Pen and ATI‐Gen values. Methods: Consecutive adult patients potentially at risk of liver steatosis were prospectively enrolled. Each patient underwent ultrasound quantification of liver steatosis with ATI‐Pen and ATI‐Gen and a CAP assessment with the FibroScan system (Echosens, Paris, France). The MRI‐PDFF evaluation was performed within a week. The correlations between ATI‐Pen, ATI‐Gen, the CAP, and the MRI‐PDFF were analyzed with the Pearson rank correlation coefficient. The diagnostic performance of ATI‐Pen, ATI‐Gen, and the CAP was assessed with receiver operating characteristic curves and an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) analysis. Results: Seventy‐two individuals (31 male and 41 female) were enrolled. Correlation coefficients of ATI‐Pen, ATI‐Gen, and the CAP with the MRI‐PDFF were 0.78, 0.83, and 0.58, respectively. The AUROCs of ATI‐Pen, ATI‐Gen, and the CAP for detecting steatosis (S > 0) were 0.90 (95% confidence interval, 0.81–0.96), 0.92 (0.82–0.98), and 0.85 (0.74–0.92), and the cutoffs were greater than 0.69 dB/cm/MHz, greater than 0.62 dB/cm/MHz, and greater than 273 dB/m. The regression equation between ATI‐Pen and ATI‐Gen was ATI‐Pen = 0.88 ATI‐Gen + 0.13. Conclusions: Attenuation Imaging is a reliable tool for detecting liver steatosis, showing an excellent correlation with the MRI‐PDFF and high performance with AUROCs of 0.90 or higher. Access the CME test here and search by article title. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Herbicides acting on biosynthesis of plant pigments have contributed greatly to weed control in recent years. In our previous studies, 2‐methoxybenzamides were discovered as a novel type of lead compound for the development of bleaching herbicides. RESULTS: A total of 67 benzamide analogues were synthesized and evaluated for herbicidal activity. The structure–activity relationship (SAR) revealed that a methoxyl substitution at the 2‐position of the benzoyl moiety is essential for the herbicidal activity of benzamide derivatives, and introduction of small substituents at the meta‐ or para‐position of the benzylamine moiety is also beneficial. Compounds 4, 43 and 44 showed 100% inhibition against Abutilon theophrasti and Amaranthus retroflexus at an application rate of 150 g a.i. ha−1. CONCLUSION: The relationship between the structure and herbicidal activity of 2‐methoxybenzamides was discussed intensively. Compounds 4, 43 and 44 may serve as novel candidates with a bleaching effect. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Liver dysfunction is important for prognosis in heart failure (HF). Shear wave elastography (SWE), which is a novel ultrasound technique for charactering tissues, has been used in liver diseases. However, clinical implication of SWE, including dispersion slope, remains unknown in heart diseases. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of SWE assessing liver function in the severity of HF. Methods and results: We enrolled 316 consecutive patients with or suspected heart diseases, who were classified according to the American College of Cardiology Foundation/American Heart Association stage of HF, including 37 with Stage A, 139 with Stage B, 114 with Stage C, and 26 with Stage D, and 45 normal subjects. Elasticity and dispersion slope of shear wave were assessed according to the HF stage. Elasticity and dispersion slope were not elevated in normal subjects and patients with Stage A. Elasticity was slightly increased from Stage A to Stage C and was remarkably elevated in Stage D (normal: 5.2 ± 1.1 kPa, Stage A: 5.4 ± 1.2 kPa, Stage B: 6.4 ± 1.8 kPa, Stage C: 7.8 ± 3.5 kPa, and Stage D: 17.7 ± 12.7 kPa), whereas dispersion slope was gradually increased from Stage A to Stage D (normal: 9.7 ± 1.7m/s/kHz, Stage A: 10.4 ± 1.6m/s/kHz, Stage B: 11.7 ± 2.4m/s/kHz, Stage C: 13.2 ± 3.4m/s/kHz, and Stage D: 17.6 ± 5.6 m/s/kHz). In the early HF stage, dispersion slope was elevated. In the advanced HF stage, both elasticity and dispersion slope were elevated. Liver function test abnormalities were observed only from Stage C or Stage D. Conclusions: Dispersion slope could detect early liver damage, and the combination of elasticity and dispersion slope could clarify the progression of liver dysfunction in HF. SWE may be valuable to manage therapeutic strategies in patients with HF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chemotherapy plays an important role in the treatment of patients with gynecological cancers. Delivering anticancer drugs effectively to tumor cells with just few side effects is key in cancer treatment. Lipid bubbles (LB) are compounds that increase the vascular permeability of the tumor under diagnostic ultrasound (US) exposure and enable the effective transport of drugs to tumor cells. The aim of our study was to establish a novel drug delivery technique for chemotherapy and to identify the most effective anticancer drugs for the bubble US‐mediated drug delivery system (BUS‐DDS) in gynecological cancer treatments. We constructed xenograft models using cervical cancer (HeLa) and uterine endometrial cancer (HEC1B) cell lines. Lipid bubbles were injected i.v., combined with either cisplatin (CDDP), pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (PLD), or bevacizumab, and US was applied to the tumor. We compared the enhanced chemotherapeutic effects of these drugs and determined the optimal drugs for BUS‐DDS. Tumor volume reduction of HeLa and HEC1B xenografts following cisplatin treatment was significantly enhanced by BUS‐DDS. Both CDDP and PLD significantly enhanced the antitumor effects of BUS‐DDS in HeLa tumors; however, volume reduction by BUS‐DDS was insignificant when combined with bevacizumab, a humanized anti‐vascular endothelial growth factor mAb. The BUS‐DDS did not cause any severe adverse events and significantly enhanced the antitumor effects of cytotoxic drugs. The effects of bevacizumab, which were not as dose‐dependent as those of the two drugs used prior, were minimal. Our data suggest that BUS‐DDS technology might help achieve "reinforced targeting" in the treatment of gynecological cancers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Berberine is a herbicidal chemical that we isolated from Coptis chinensis. In continuation of our program aimed at discovering and developing natural botanical herbicides, we evaluated the herbicidal activities of 39 berberine analogues and developed a three-dimensional quantitative structure–activity relationship (3D-QSAR) model. RESULTS: Among these 39 analogs, the most active compounds were determined to be worenine chloride and coptisine chloride, with median inhibitory concentration (IC50) values on all eight tested weed species of < 10 mg L−1. As a reference, the IC50 values of berberine on six weed species were < 10 mg L−1. Furthermore, the results of a greenhouse experiment showed that at 10 mg L−1, and 7 days after treatment, the effects of worenine chloride and coptisine chloride on Lemna minor and Ageratum conyzoides were significantly higher than those of glyphosate and sulcotrione. In the 3D-QSAR analysis, the electrostatic field contour map indicated that introducing an electropositive group in the N-7, C-9 and C-10 positions would potentially improve the inhibition rate. A positively charged nitrogen atom at the N-7 position was important for activity. Replacement of -OCH3 by -OH at the C-9 and C-10 positions could decrease the inhibitory activity, while the hydrophobic field contour map revealed that the hydrophobicity of the C-10 position was associated with high activity. Moreover, the hydrogen bond acceptor field contour map suggested that the existence of a hydrogen bond acceptor at the C-3 and C-9 positions might affect the inhibition rate. CONCLUSIONS: 3D-QSAR provided meaningful clues to the structural features of berberine analogues that will assist the design of more potent herbicidal compounds in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Regioselective cobalt‐catalyzed [2+2+2] cycloaddition using fluorine‐containing diynes with nitriles was described. Cycloaddition of fluorinated diynes with nitriles under the influence of CoCl2(phen), zinc bromide, and zinc dust in dichloroethane at 80 °C for 3 h took place smoothly, exclusively affording the corresponding α‐fluoroalkylated pyridines in excellent yields. In addition, dinitriles as substrate were also found to be suitable for this reaction, giving the corresponding fluoroalkylated bipyridine derivatives in excellent yields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]