Search

Plant tissue in vitro culture is increasingly used in agriculture to improve crop production, nutritional quality, and commercial value. In plant virology, the technique is used as sanitation protocol to produce virus‐free plants. Sanitized (S) artichokes show increased vigour compared to their non‐sanitized (NS) counterparts, because viral infections lead to a decline of growth and development.To investigate mechanisms that control the complex traits related to morphology, growth, and yield in S artichokes compared to NS plants, RNAseq analysis and phenotyping by imaging were used. The role of peroxidases (POD) was also investigated to understand their involvement in sanitized plant development.Results showed that virus infection affected regulation of cell cycle, gene expression and signal transduction modulating cellular response to stimulus/stress. Moreover, primary metabolism and photosynthesis were also influenced, contributing to explain the main morphological differences observed between S and NS artichokes. Sanitized artichokes are also characterized by higher POD activity, probably associated with increased plant growth, rather than strengthening of cell walls.Overall, results show that the differences in development of S artichokes may be derived from the in vitro culture stressor, as well as through pathogen elimination, which, in turn, improve qualitative and quantitative artichoke production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Milly Buwenge,1 Gabriella Macchia,2 Alessandra Arcelli,1 Rezarta Frakulli,3 Lorenzo Fuccio,4 Sara Guerri,1 Elisa Grassi,1 Silvia Cammelli,1 Francesco Cellini,5 Alessio G Morganti1 1Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine – DIMES, University of Bologna, S. Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, Bologna, Italy; 2Radiation Oncology Unit, Research and Care Foundation “Giovanni Paolo II”, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Campobasso, Italy; 3Radiation Oncology Unit, Bellaria Hospital, Bologna, Italy; 4Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences – DIMEC, University of Bologna, S. Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, Bologna, Italy; 5Department of Radiotherapy, “A. Gemelli” Hospital, Catholic University, Rome, Italy Abstract: Locally advanced pancreatic carcinoma (LAPC) has a poor prognosis and the purpose of treatment is survival prolongation and symptom palliation. Radiotherapy has been reported to reduce pain in LAPC. Stereotactic RT (SBRT) is considered as an emerging radiotherapy technique able to achieve high local control rates with acceptable toxicity. However, its role in pain palliation is not clear. To review the impact on pain relief with SBRT in LAPC patients, a literature search was performed on PubMed, Scopus, and Embase (January 2000–December 2017) for prospective and retrospective articles published in English. Fourteen studies (479 patients) reporting the effect of SBRT on pain relief were finally included in this analysis. SBRT was delivered with both standard and/or robotic linear accelerators. The median prescribed SBRT doses ranged from 16.5 to 45 Gy (median: 27.8 Gy), and the number of fractions ranged from 1 to 6 (median: 3.5). Twelve of the 14 studies reported the percentage of pain relief (in patients with pain at presentation) with a global overall response rate (complete and partial response) of 84.9% (95% CI, 75.8%–91.5%), with high heterogeneity (Q2 test: P

An aqueous crude extract from Solanum nigrum lyophilized leaves was evaluated for its phytochemical composition and antifungal activity against Penicillium digitatum, the causative agent of green mold of citrus fruit. Phytochemical analysis of the extract revealed the presence of some bioactive substances such as alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids, saponins, etc. The extract showed a remarkable inhibition zone against the pathogen in agar well diffusion assays carried out in Petri plates. Storage of the extract at 4 °C for 60 days had no effect on its in vitro antifungal activity. Further, the extract was tested for its in vivo (preventive- and curative treatments) antifungal activity on lemons wound-inoculated with P. digitatum. An important preventive antifungal effect was observed after 7 days of storage (100% of inhibition), although this activity decreased after 14 and 21 days (85.71 and 57.14% of inhibition, respectively). A slight curative antifungal activity was observed only after 7 days of storage (14.29% of inhibition). Preliminary findings from this study may contribute to the development of new antifungal agents to protect the lemon fruits from postharvest fungal diseases.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to report a monoinstitutional multidisciplinary experience about the use of multiparametric imaging to identify the areas with higher risk of relapse in localized prostate cancer, with the purpose of allowing a biologically planned target dose escalation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective evaluation of patients diagnosed with prostate cancer who received treatments at our Interventional Oncology Center with interstitial interventional radiotherapy from 2014 to 2022. Inclusion criteria were histologically confirmed localized prostate cancer; and National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) risk class unfavorable intermediate or high/very high risk. The diagnostic work-up included multiparametric Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), multiparametric Transrectal ultrasound (TRUS), Positron Emission Tomography Computed Tomography (PET-CT) with choline or PSMA (or alternatively bone scan). All patients were assessed and received one treatment with interstitial high-dose-rate interventional radiotherapy (brachytherapy) delivering external beam radiotherapy (46 Gy). All procedures were performed using transrectal ultrasound guidance under general anesthesia and the prescribed doses were 10 Gy to the whole prostate, 12 Gy to the peripheral zone and 15 Gy to the areas at risk. RESULTS: We report the data of 21 patients who were considered for the statistical analysis with a mean age of 62.5 years. The mean PSA nadir was 0.03 ng/ml (range 0-0.09). So far, no biochemical nor radiological recurrences have been recorded in our series. Regarding acute toxicity, the most commonly reported side effects were G1 urinary in 28.5% of patients and G2 urinary in 9.5%; all recorded acute toxicities resolved spontaneously. CONCLUSIONS: We present a real-life experience of biologically planned local dose escalation by interventional radiotherapy (brachytherapy) boost, followed by external beam radiotherapy in patients with intermediate unfavorableor high/very high risk. The local control and the biochemical control rates are proved to be excellent and the toxicity profile tolerable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this paper is to provide an update about the current clinical indications of RT in this poorly explored field outside the traditional oncological setting. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a literature search on the main databases, including PubMed, Scopus and Cochrane from their inception until 31st December 2020. An additional manual check of scientific meeting proceedings and books was conducted in order to identify all the potentially useful sources. Only essays published in English have been considered for the purposes of this analysis. The searched items included: "Radiotherapy or Radiation Therapy" and "Benign disorder or Benign disease". RESULTS: We provided a list of current clinical indications for benign disorders based on the latest international surveys available, including major sites: eye, bone, head and neck, skin, brain, heart and peripheral vascular system. CONCLUSIONS: Radiotherapy for benign diseases is still a feasible therapeutic strategy, which may allow to treat several invalidating conditions, especially after medical therapies have failed thus avoiding potentially invalidating major surgical procedures. A careful evaluation in selecting the indication is essential and all the choices should be thoroughly discussed with the patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: This review aimed at examining efficacy of interventional radiotherapy (brachytherapy-IRT) alone or combined with external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) in stage I esophageal cancer as exclusive treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic research using PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane library was performed. ClinicalTrials.gov was searched for ongoing or recently completed trials, and PROSPERO was searched for ongoing or recently completed systematic reviews. We analyzed only clinical study as full-text publication, reporting on patients with stage I esophageal cancer treated with IRT alone or in combination with other treatments (e.g., EBRT). Conference paper, survey, letter, editorial, book chapter, and review were excluded. Patients who underwent previous surgery were excluded. Time restriction (1990-2018) was applied for years of the publication. RESULTS: Twelve studies have been selected. The number of evaluated patients was 514; the median age was 69 years. In the IRT group, the median: local control (LC) was 77% (range 63%- 100%), disease-free survival (DFS) was 68.4% (range 49%-86.3%), the overall survival (OS) was 60% (range 31%-84%), the cancer specific survival (CSS) was 80% (range 55-100%), and grade 3-4 toxicity range was 0%-26%. CONCLUSIONS: IRT alone or combined to EBRT is an effective and safe treatment option for patients with stage I esophageal cancer. Definitive radiation therapy could be an alternative to surgery in patients with superficial cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Purpose of this study was to retrospectively review our experience of multidisciplinary clinic providing a joint approach by radiation oncologist and anesthetist for patients with cancer pain to evaluate the adequacy and the IMprovement in MAnagement (IM-MA study) of this symptom.Methods: A Team for Pain Management (TPM) represented by radiation oncologist and anesthetist weekly provided consultations to patient presenting cancer pain. TPM prospectively reported epidemiologic, symptomatic, and pharmacological data. TPM modified pain therapy and indicated antalgic radiotherapy. Patients were evaluated at baseline and after 4 weeks after intervention.Results: From November 2015 to April 2016, 65 patients were evaluated by TPM. At the baseline, 18 patients (27.7%) were undertreated (i.e., receiving inadequate pain management); furthermore, 27 patients (41.5%) despite receiving strong opioids had uncontrolled pain. After 4 weeks from intervention, undertreated patients were reduced to 1.53%. For those patients undergone to radiotherapy, response at 34 weeks was scored as follows: complete response 28.8%, partial response 46.7%, pain progression 0.95%, indeterminate response 23.8%.Conclusions: A multidisciplinary Team for Pain Management improved the clinical management, optimizing pain control and increasing adequacy of pharmacological management. The TPM intervention seems particularly worth for patients presenting specific features including BTcP, neuropathic pain, severe pain due to bone metastases, and any potential candidate to radiotherapy. Larger series and QoL questionnaires are required to confirm these results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Malignant spinal bone marrow disorders are one of the major causes of significant morbidity and reduction in quality of life in oncological patients. Thus, the characterization of these conditions is of crucial importance in the management of these patients. Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging plays a vital role in differentiation between benign and malignant spinal bone marrow disorders. However, morphological imaging features, based on T1 and T2 relaxation properties, might fail in differentiating between these conditions because signal characteristics may overlap. Quantitative MR imaging based on diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values has been proved to help in defining the nature of the lesion. The aims of this paper were: to review basic principles of DWI technique and ADC maps, to describe DWI and ADC maps appearances of normal vertebral bone marrow briefly, to discuss the DWI and ADC maps characteristics in vertebral malignant lesions, to provide indications for differential diagnosis between malignant and benign lesions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pressure sensing in liquids is important for engineering applications ranging from industrial processing to naval architecture. Here, we propose a pressure sensor based on highly compressible polydimethylsiloxane foam particles embedding fluorescent Nile Red molecules. The particles display pressure sensitivities as low as 0.0018 kPa–1, which are on the same order of magnitude of sensitivities reported in commercial pressure-sensitive paints for air flows. We envision the application of the proposed sensor in particle image velocimetry toward an improved understanding of flow kinetics in liquids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cervical cancer is associated with a high yearly mortality. The presence of persistent disease after radiotherapy is a significant predictor of patient survival. The aim of our study was to assess if tumor volume regression measured with MR imaging at the time of brachytherapy can discriminate between patients who eventually will achieve a complete response to radiotherapy from those who will not. The second objective was to evaluate whether tumor volume regression predicts overall treatment failure.Methods: MRI was evaluated quantitatively in 35 patients; by means of tumor volumetry on T2-weighted MR images before treatment, at the first BCT application, and at the final BCT. The MR images were independently analyzed by two investigators. As a reference standard histopathologic confirmation of residual tumor and/or clinical exam during follow-up > 1 year were used. Area under the curve were compared, P-values <0.05 were considered significant.Results: There was a good correlation between volume measurements made by the two observers. A residual tumor volume >9.4 cm(3) at final BCT and tumor volume regression < 77 % of the pre-treatment volume were significantly associated with local residual tumor after completion of therapy (p < 0.02) (AUC, 0.98-1.00). A volume >2.8 cm(3) at final BCT was associated with overall treatment failure (p < 0.03).Conclusion: Our study shows that volume analysis during BCT is a predictive tool for local tumor response and overall treatment outcome. The potential of local response assessment to identify patients at high risk of overall treatment failure is promising. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ionic polymer metal composites (IPMCs) are a class of soft active materials that are finding increasing application in robotics, environmental sensing, and energy harvesting. In this letter, we demonstrate the fabrication of IPMCs via in-situ photoinduced polymerization of polypyrrolesilver electrodes on an ionomeric membrane. The composition, morphology, and sheet resistance of the electrodes are extensively characterized through a range of experimental techniques. We experimentally investigate IPMC electrochemistry through electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and we propose a modified Randle's model to interpret the impedance spectrum. Finally, we demonstrate in-air dynamic actuation and sensing and assess IPMC performance against more established fabrication methods. Given the simplicity of the process and the short time required for the formation of the electrodes, we envision the application of our technique in the development of a rapid prototyping technology for IPMCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this Letter, we study the mechanical and optical response of a thermoplastic polyurethane blended with 0.5 wt. % of bis(benzoxazolyl)stilbene dye. The mechanochromic behavior of the material is characterized in a uniaxial stress-relaxation test by simultaneously acquiring the applied force, mechanical deformation, and fluorescence emission. To offer insight into the stress-strain response of the polymer-dye blend, we adapt a classical nonlinear constitutive behavior for elastomeric materials that accounts for stress-induced softening. We correlate the fluorescent response with the mechanical strain to demonstrate the possibility of accurate strain sensing for a broad range of deformations during both loading and unloading. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of La Radiologia Medica is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Abstract: Aims: The histological modification produced by neoadjuvant chemoradiation on primary rectal cancer has been investigated by many authors, and a prognostic value of tumor regression grade (TRG) has been identified. Tumor regression grade on metastatic mesorectal lymphnodes has been never evaluated. The purpose of this study is to analyse the TRG on mesorectal lymphnodes (lymphnode regression grade, LRG) after preoperative chemoradiation in rectal cancer patients and to determine the correlation with TRG of primary tumor. Methods: Surgical specimens from 35 patients who underwent chemoradiation were included. LRG on mesorectal lymphnodes was assessed by immunohistochemistry. Response to treatment was evaluated by a 5-point LRG based on the ratio of residual tumor to fibrosis. Results: Complete pathologic response (LRG 1) was observed in 18 patients (51%). In 4 patients (11%) no regression was observed (LRG 5). In 4 cases only reactive lymphnodes were found. LRG on lymphnodes significantly correlated with TRG on primary tumor (p <0.05). Conclusions: Neoadjuvant chemoradiation determines a tumor regression on mesorectal lymphnodes as on primary tumor; further studies are needed to evaluate the prognostic value of LRG. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

With 1 figure and 1 table A collection of about 8000 expressed sequence tags (ESTs) deriving from a 'totipotent' cDNA library constructed in the durum wheat cv. 'Ofanto' (Patent n. WO2005003344) were screened to search for simple sequence repeat (SSR) motifs. Five hundred twenty‐three SSRs were identified in 460 EST sequences with an average frequency of one SSR per 6.96 kb. Out of 523 microsatellites, 364 were successfully used to design specific primer pairs, while for the remaining ones the available sequence information did not allow the identification of suitable primers. Among the EST‐derived SSRs, the trinucleotides were the most frequent (49.1%), followed by dinucleotides (26%) and mononucleotides (21.4%), while motif size of five or six nucleotides were rare, 0.6% and 0.2%, respectively. A total of 125 EST‐derived SSRs chosen among di‐ and tri‐nucleotides were further characterized in a panel of 12 tetraploid wheat accessions. The average polymorphism level of the selected SSR was equal to 49.6%. Table S1 contains all the information on primer sequences, chromosome positions and putative function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poster: Physics track: Treatment planning: applications PO-1474: Automated VMAT-SBRT treatment planning for complex spinal metastases: a dosimetric analysis A. Ianiro, F. Cellini, C. Romano, F. Deodato, G. Macchia, A. Zamagni, M. Buwenge, S. Cammelli, L. Strigari, L. Azario, M. De Spirito, V. Valentini, A.G. Morganti, S. Cilla. [Extracted from the article]

Abstract Purpose Aim of this study is to investigate the MRIdian (ViewRay) TPS accuracy in calculating the dose distribution in presence of magnetic field at tissue-lung interface, where the electron return effect (ERE) plays a primary role. Methods The investigation was realised using Gafchromic EBT3 films. A dose calibration step was planned on MRIdian, exposing thirteen 3 × 3 cm2 film pieces perpendicularly to the beam axis at different Co-60 source exposure times (15–460 s). Films were arranged in a slab water phantom (SAD = 105 cm; SSD = 100 cm) and analysed one day after irradiation. An absolute dose measurement was performed by using a 125 cc ion chamber to estimate correlation between exposure time and absorbed dose. To evaluate dose accuracy at lung-tissue interface, two EBT3 films were inserted at the interfaces of a non-homogeneous sandwich phantom composed by a 5 cm lung-equivalent slab (ρ = 0.39 g/cm3) embedded inside two water-equivalent slabs (see Fig. 1). Three treatment plans were calculated and delivered: • Plan A: one 4.2 × 4.2 cm2 beam delivered at 0 degree • Plan B: three 6.3 × 6.3 cm2 beams delivered at 330,0 and 30 degree • Plan C: an IMRT complex plan constituted by 9 equidistant beams The dose distributions measured by EBT3 films were compared to those calculated by TPS in terms of 1%/1 mm, 3%/1 mm, 3%/3 mm and 25 cGy/1 mm gamma analysis. The dosimetric workflow was also validated by delivering Plan A on a totally homogeneous phantom. Results Table 1 contains the γ < 1 values obtained for the different plans delivered. All plans show a 3%/3 mm gamma-passing rate higher than 90% (tolerance criteria recommended for IMRT by ESTRO Booklet 7). When tighter spatial criteria were considered (delta distance = 1 mm), a decrease of passing rate is observed, whose entity is correlated to the plan complexity. Conclusions MRIdian TPS is able to calculate with high accuracy dose distribution in presence of magnetic field at the tissue-lung interface, correctly modelling the ERE contribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose MR-guided adaptive Radiotherapy (MRgART) is considered a promising resource for pancreatic cancer, as it allows to online modify the dose distribution according to daily anatomy. This in silico study aims to compare the dosimetric performance of a 6 MV MR-Linac (MRIdian Linac, ViewRay) with those obtained using a standard 6 MV SBRT-Linac (Edge, Varian). Methods Ten patients affected by locally advanced pancreatic cancer were considered. GTV, stomach, duodenum, liver, bowel bag, spinal cord and kidneys were contoured on the simulation CT scan and CTV was considered equal to GTV. PTV was generated from CTV adding an isotropic 3 mm margin and excluding areas of overlap with organ at risks (OARs). IMRT plans with 20 equidistant beams were performed for the MR-Linac, while dual arc VMAT plans were optimised for the SBRT-Linac. Prescription dose was 40 Gy in 5 fractions. All plans had to respect the following OARs constraints: V33Gy < 1 cc and V25Gy < 20 cc for duodenum, stomach and bowel bag, V12Gy < 50% volume for liver and kidneys, V25Gy < 0.5 cc for spinal cord [1]. The dosimetric comparison was performed on target coverage (D98CTV and V95PTV), dose homogeneity (HI), conformity index (CI) and dose diffusion (V10Gy,V20Gy). Statistical significance was estimated using the Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney test for paired samples. Results All results are summarised in Table 1 and Fig. 1: nine plans were considered clinically acceptable (V95PTV > 95%). Plans calculated with standard Linac show less low dose diffusion and higher CTV homogeneity, probably due to the different optimisation software, that is more sophisticated but also slower in processing (optimisation mean time ̃25 min) in comparison to the MR-Linac one (∼2 min). Conclusions Dosimetric performance between MR and standard Linac is comparable in SBRT pancreatic treatment. Considering the MRgART need to optimise the treatment plan while the patient is on the couch, MR Linac allows to elaborate clinically and dosimetrically satisfying SBRT plans for pancreatic cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magnetic Resonance-guided radiotherapy (MRgRT) marks the beginning of a new era. MR is a versatile and suitable imaging modality for radiotherapy, as it enables direct visualization of the tumor and the surrounding organs at risk. Moreover, MRgRT provides real-time imaging to characterize and eventually track anatomical motion. Nevertheless, the successful translation of new technologies into clinical practice remains challenging. To date, the initial availability of next-generation hybrid MR-linac (MRL) systems is still limited and therefore, the focus of the present preview was on the initial applicability in current clinical practice and on future perspectives of this new technology for different treatment sites.MRgRT can be considered a groundbreaking new technology that is capable of creating new perspectives towards an individualized, patient-oriented planning and treatment approach, especially due to the ability to use daily online adaptation strategies. Furthermore, MRL systems overcome the limitations of conventional image-guided radiotherapy, especially in soft tissue, where target and organs at risk need accurate definition. Nevertheless, some concerns remain regarding the additional time needed to re-optimize dose distributions online, the reliability of the gating and tracking procedures and the interpretation of functional MR imaging markers and their potential changes during the course of treatment. Due to its continuous technological improvement and rapid clinical large-scale application in several anatomical settings, further studies may confirm the potential disruptive role of MRgRT in the evolving oncological environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Purpose Aim of this study is to dosimetric evaluate the gating accuracy of an MRI-guided radiotherapy system (MRIdian, ViewRay), combining a 0.35 T scanner with 3 Co-60 gamma sources. Methods An MRI compatible phantom consisting in a piston able to slide inside a cylinder executing a periodic movement was used (CIRS Dynamic Thorax Phantom). An ion chamber (0.125 cc) was inserted inside the piston to perform absolute dose measurement. The extremity of the ion chamber housing is inserted in a 3 × 3 × 2 cm3 parallelepiped marker that allows its reliable MR visualization. A 3D MR image of the phantom in static position was acquired by using a True Fast Imaging with Steady state Precession (True FISP) sequence. A small target (18 cc) surrounding the ion chamber volume was contoured and a homogeneous dose of 2.16 Gy was prescribed (see Fig. 1). The tracking boundary was obtained expanding the target volume of 5 mm in all directions. The same treatment plan was delivered moving the piston at different speeds (6,8,10 mm/s) and for different length path (20,24,36,48 mm). The dose value measured maintaining the piston steady was considered as reference. The gating process was carried out acquiring 4 images/s on a sagittal plan (using a 2D True FISP sequence) and stopping the beam each time the target volume was outside the boundary. Results Table 1 summarises results obtained. The dose values measured at the different dynamic situations resulted to be very close to the dose reference: in 4 on 5 cases the dose difference resulted less than 0.5%. Even the worst result, obtained when the piston was executing large elongations in short lapses, shows an acceptable value (dose difference equal to 1.58%). Conclusions The system showed encouraging performances in tracking SBRT target volumes with dose differences always less than 2% at different motion length and speed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]