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Background: Waste lipids are attractive substrates for co-digestion with primary and activated sewage sludge (PASS) to improve biogas production at wastewater treatment plants. However, slow conversion rates of long-chain fatty acids (LCFA), produced during anaerobic digestion (AD), limit the applicability of waste lipids as co-substrates for PASS. Previous observations indicate that the sulfide level in PASS digesters affects the capacity of microbial communities to convert LCFA to biogas. This study assessed the microbial community response to LCFA loads in relation to sulfide level during AD of PASS by investigating process performance and microbial community dynamics upon addition of oleate (C 18:1 ) and stearate (C 18:0 ) to PASS digesters at ambient and elevated sulfide levels., Results: Conversion of LCFA to biogas was limited (30% of theoretical biogas potential) during continuous co-digestion with PASS, which resulted in further LCFA accumulation. However, the accumulated LCFA were converted to biogas (up to 66% of theoretical biogas potential) during subsequent batch-mode digestion, performed without additional substrate load. Elevated sulfide level stimulated oleate (but not stearate) conversion to acetate, but oleate and sulfide imposed a synergistic limiting effect on acetoclastic methanogenesis and biogas formation. Next-generation sequencing of 16S rRNA gene amplicons of bacteria and archaea showed that differences in sulfide level and LCFA type resulted in microbial community alterations with distinctly different patterns. Taxonomic profiling of the sequencing data revealed that the phylum Cloacimonetes is likely a key group during LCFA degradation in PASS digesters, where different members take part in degradation of saturated and unsaturated LCFA; genus W5 (family Cloacimonadaceae) and family W27 (order Cloacimonadales), respectively. In addition, LCFA-degrading Syntrophomonas , which is commonly present in lipid-fed digesters, increased in relative abundance after addition of oleate at elevated sulfide level, but not without sulfide or after stearate addition. Stearate conversion to biogas was instead associated with increasing abundance of hydrogen-producing Smithella and hydrogenotrophic Methanobacterium ., Conclusions: Long-chain fatty acid chain saturation and sulfide level are selective drivers for establishment of LCFA-degrading microbial communities in municipal sludge digesters., Competing Interests: Competing interestsThe authors declare that they have no competing interests., (© The Author(s) 2019.)

Multi-parametric MRI (mp-MRI) is considered the best non-invasive imaging modality for diagnosing prostate cancer (PCa). However, mp-MRI for PCa diagnosis is currently limited by the qualitative or semi-quantitative interpretation criteria, leading to inter-reader variability and a suboptimal ability to assess lesion aggressiveness. Convolutional neural networks (CNNs) are a powerful method to automatically learn the discriminative features for various tasks, including cancer detection. We propose a novel multi-class CNN, FocalNet, to jointly detect PCa lesions and predict their aggressiveness using Gleason score (GS). FocalNet characterizes lesion aggressiveness and fully utilizes distinctive knowledge from mp-MRI. We collected a prostate mp-MRI dataset from 417 patients who underwent 3T mp-MRI exams prior to robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy. FocalNet was trained and evaluated in this large study cohort with fivefold cross validation. In the free-response receiver operating characteristics (FROC) analysis for lesion detection, FocalNet achieved 89.7% and 87.9% sensitivity for index lesions and clinically significant lesions at one false positive per patient, respectively. For the GS classification, evaluated by the receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis, FocalNet received the area under the curve of 0.81 and 0.79 for the classifications of clinically significant PCa (GS ≥ 3 + 4) and PCa with GS ≥ 4 + 3, respectively. With the comparison to the prospective performance of radiologists using the current diagnostic guideline, FocalNet demonstrated comparable detection sensitivity for index lesions and clinically significant lesions, only 3.4% and 1.5% lower than highly experienced radiologists without statistical significance.

Purpose: The present study compared the in vivo efficacy of a novel synthesized polycaprolactone (PCL)/polyethylene glycol (PEG)/bioactive glass (BG) nanocomposite membrane versus a cytoplast (Cy) membrane in terms of the average percentage of new bone formation and inflammation levels., Materials and Methods: In the present interventional animal study, 12 male New Zealand rabbits were tested. In the parietal bone of the rabbits, 24 defects were prepared (2 defects for each rabbit), which were divided into 3 equal groups (Cy, PCL, and control). Each rabbit's calvarial bone was prepared for the histologic and histomorphometric survey. The amount of regenerated bone (ie, length, area, percentage), necrosis rate, fibrosis (fibrosis plus and percentage), and inflammation in the standard defects of parietal bone in the rabbits were examined and compared after 10 weeks., Results: A significant difference was found between the Cy and PCL groups regarding the mean area and thickness of the bone. We also found a significant difference in the bone length, area, and percentage formed between PCL and control groups. Also, the rate of fibrous tissue formation was significantly different statistically between the PCL and control groups. The results showed the influence of the PCL membrane in generating more bone and less fibrous tissue. In all 3 groups, negligible inflammation and no necrosis was observed., Conclusions: The results of the present study have shown that combining PCL, PEG, and BGs could be promising for bone regeneration in jaw defects, around dental implants, and in oral and maxillofacial defects., (Copyright © 2019 American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

This study assesses the molecular characteristics of particulate organic matter (POM) in agricultural and food waste digesters and elucidates the molecular properties of the recalcitrant POM fraction, which remains in the digestate after AD process. Molecular properties of POM in influent (substrate) and effluent (digestate) of seven full-scale AD plants (three agricultural waste and four food waste digesters) were characterized and compared using solid-state 13 C cross-polarization magic angle spinning (CP-MAS) and solution-state 1 H, 13 C heteronuclear single-quantum coherence (HSQC) nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Comparison of the POM structural compositions of substrate and digestate from each AD plant revealed an enrichment of protein structures relative to the carbohydrates in most cases, implying a preferential degradation of the carbohydrates over proteins and/or increase of microbial biomass upon AD of agricultural and food wastes. Distinctive molecular structures of labile and recalcitrant fractions of POM, subjected to AD, were identified by comparing the NMR spectra of all substrate and digestate POM. Accordingly, the labile POM fraction in food and agricultural solid wastes is characterized by structural entities of lipids and starch-like carbohydrates, whereas recalcitrant POM structures resemble alkyl and aromatic subunits of amino acids, lignin, and polysaccharides with β-glycosidic linkages. This information serves as a basis to further explore optimization approaches for improving AD of the underutilized POM and the fate of organic matter in digestate-amended arable lands., (Copyright © 2018 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Background: Hemiablation is a less morbid treatment alternative for appropriately selected patients with unilateral prostate cancer (PCa). However, to the authors' knowledge, traditional diagnostic techniques inadequately identify appropriate candidates. In the current study, the authors quantified the accuracy for identifying hemiablation candidates using contemporary diagnostic techniques, including multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) and MRI-fusion with complete systematic template biopsy., Methods: A retrospective analysis of patients undergoing MRI and MRI-fusion prostate biopsy, including full systematic template biopsy, prior to radical prostatectomy in a single tertiary academic institution between June 2010 and February 2018 was performed. Hemiablation candidates had unilateral intermediate-risk PCa (Gleason score [GS] of 3+4 or 4+3, clinical T classification ≤T2, and prostate-specific antigen level <20 ng/dL) on MRI-fusion biopsy and 2) no contralateral highly or very highly suspicious Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System version 2 (PI-RADSv2) MRI lesions. Hemiablation candidates were inappropriately selected if pathologists identified contralateral GS ≥3+4 or high-risk ipsilateral PCa on prostatectomy. The authors tested a range of hemiablation inclusion criteria and performed multivariable analysis of preoperative predictors of undetected contralateral disease., Results: Of 665 patients, 92 met primary hemiablation criteria. Of these 92 patients, 44 (48%) were incorrectly identified due to ipsilateral GS ≥3+4 tumors crossing the midline (21 patients), undetected distinct contralateral GS ≥3+4 tumors (20 patients), and/or ipsilateral high-risk PCa (3 patients) on prostatectomy. The rate of undetected contralateral disease ranged from 41% to 48% depending on inclusion criteria. On multivariable analysis, men with anterior index tumors were found to be 2.4 times more likely to harbor undetected contralateral GS ≥3+4 PCa compared with men with posterior lesions (P < .05)., Conclusions: Clinicians and patients must weigh the risk of inadequate oncologic treatment against the functional benefits of hemiablation. Further investigation into methods for improving patient selection for hemiablation is necessary., (© 2019 American Cancer Society.)

This study evaluates a simultaneous assessment of organic matter (OM) and trace elements (TE) bio-accessibility in substrate and digestate from a full-scale anaerobic digester by a sequential OM extraction method. Simultaneous release of TE was determined along with the extraction of different OM fractions and the effects of extracting reagents on characteristics of OM were evaluated by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. The reagents used for sequential extraction of OM were not enough selective. However, proteins were particularly removed by 0.1 M NaOH, while 72% H 2 SO 4 mainly extracted hemicellulose and cellulose. The OM fractionation allowed for simultaneous extraction of >60% of total As, Cd, Co, Fe, Mn, Ni and Zn, while the extraction was limited for Al, Cr, Cu, Mo, and Pb. In substrate, >50% of total As, Co, Mn and Ni and <40% of total Fe, Zn and Mo were identified in bio-accessible fractions. In digestate, all elements demonstrated poor bio-accessibility except for As., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this article is to evaluate restriction spectrum imaging (RSI) in men undergoing MRI-ultrasound fusion biopsy for suspected prostate cancer (PCa) and to compare the performance of RSI with that of conventional DWI. MATERIALS AND METHODS. One hundred ninety-eight biopsy-naïve men enrolled in a concurrent prospective clinical trial evaluating MRI-targeted prostate biopsy underwent multiparametric MRI with RSI. Clinical and imaging features were compared between men with and without clinically significant (CS) PCa (MRI-ultrasound fusion biopsy Gleason score ≥ 3 + 4). RSI z score and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) were correlated, and their diagnostic performances were compared. RESULTS. CS PCa was detected in 109 of 198 men (55%). Using predefined thresholds of ADC less than or equal to 1000 μm 2 /s and RSI z score greater than or equal to 3, sensitivity and specificity for CS PCa were 86% and 38%, respectively, for ADC and 61% and 70%, respectively, for RSI. In the transition zone ( n = 69), the sensitivity and specificity were 94% and 17%, respectively, for ADC and 59% and 69%, respectively, for RSI. Among lesions with CS PCa, RSI z score and ADC were significantly inversely correlated in the peripheral zone (ρ = -0.4852; p < 0.01) but not the transition zone (ρ = -0.2412; p = 0.17). Overall diagnostic accuracies of RSI and DWI were 0.70 and 0.68, respectively ( p = 0.74). CONCLUSION. RSI and DWI achieved equivalent diagnostic performance for PCa detection in a large population of men undergoing first-time prostate biopsy for suspected PCa, but RSI had superior specificity for transition zone lesions.

With the increased incidence of stage T1a renal cell carcinoma (RCC) has come the recognition that these lesions tend to be low grade and slow growing, with low probability of metastasis not necessarily requiring surgery. As alternatives to surgery, both active surveillance and ablation have been advocated for the management of selected patients with stage T1a renal cancers due to slow rate of tumor growth and low metastatic potential based on recent epidemiological studies. Thermal ablation also has consistently reported favorable complication and renal preservation rates compared with surgical approaches. However, most studies are single-center case series and meta-analysis of these series and comparative prospective series with long-term follow-up are lacking. The purpose of this article is to review the principal thermal ablation modalities and oncological outcomes for the treatment of stage T1 RCCs with long-term follow-up.

A 77-year-old man with a history of metastatic Merkel cell carcinoma and debilitating painful cutaneous lesions was referred to our nuclear medicine department for peptide receptor radionuclide therapy with Lu-DOTATATE as ultimate therapeutic option. Post-treatment whole body scan showed multiple zones of Lu-DOTATATE uptake in the metastatic regions, which revealed significant improvement within the next 10 days of therapy. Peptide receptor radionuclide therapy in metastatic Merkel cell carcinoma is an effective therapeutic option that should be considered in earlier stages of the disease.

Background: Variable flip angle (VFA) imaging is widely used for the estimation of T 1 relaxation in the prostate, but may have limited repeatability and reproducibility due to its sensitivity to B 1 + inhomogeneity., Purpose: To assess the repeatability and reproducibility of prostate T 1 estimation with and without compensating for B 1 + variation., Study Type: Prospective., Population: Twenty-one volunteers were prospectively recruited and scanned twice on two 3 T MRI scanners, resulting in 84 VFA T 1 exams., Field Strength/sequence: 3 T/2D saturated turbo fast low angle shot (FLASH) and 3D dual-echo FLASH., Assessment: Two B 1 + mapping techniques, including reference region VFA (RR-VFA) and saturated turbo FLASH (satTFL), were used for B 1 + correction, and T 1 maps with and without B 1 + correction were tested for intrascanner repeatability and interscanner reproducibility. Volumetric regions of interest (ROIs) were drawn on the transition zone, peripheral zone of the prostate, and the obturator internus left and right muscles in the corresponding slices., Statistical Tests: The average T 1 within each ROI for each scan was compared for both intra- and interscanner variability using concordance correlation coefficient and a Bland-Altman plot., Results: Both RR-VFA-corrected T 1 and satTFL-corrected T 1 showed higher intra- and interscanner correlation (0.89/0.87 and 0.87/0.84, respectively) than VFA T 1 (0.84 and 0.74). Bland-Altman plots showed that VFA T 1 had wider 95% limits of agreement and a larger range of T 1 for each tissue compared with T 1 with B 1 + correction., Data Conclusion: The application of B 1 + correction (both RR-VFA and satTFL) to VFA T 1 results in more repeatable and reproducible T 1 estimation than VFA T 1 . This can potentially provide improved quantification of the prostate dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI parameters. Level of Evidence 1. Technical Efficacy Stage 1. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2018., (© 2018 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.)

We presented a 61-year-old man's surprising Tc-MDP whole-body blood pool superscan pattern with early unexpected generalized bone uptake. He complained of weakness and undesired weight loss with anemia and elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate. As a malignancy workup in a patient without obvious suspicious origin, a whole-body Tc-MDP bone scan was requested. This unusual tracer distribution on blood pool imaging was very similar to the whole-body delayed scan except for visible kidneys.

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of size and central location of the tumor on safety and efficacy of percutaneous CEUS- and CT-guided MWA in biopsy-proven renal cell carcinomas (RCCs)., Materials and Methods: In this IRB-approved retrospective study, 69 biopsy-proven renal tumors in 56 patients, who underwent MWA in our institution from January 2013 to March 2017, were evaluated. Data collection included demographics, tumor characteristics, procedural protocols, and follow-up visits within 6 months post procedure. Primary outcomes were assessed by technical success (TS), local tumor progression (LTP), and complications. The Kaplan-Meier analysis was used for survival rate., Results: Overall technical success was achieved for all 69 lesions (92.8% primary TS, 100% overall). Median nephrometry score was 8 (4-11) and median tumor size was 2.5 cm (0.8-7). Five lesions which required second ablation had significantly higher median tumor size 4 cm (P = 0.039) with the same nephrometry score. Renal function remained stable with no significant change in eGFR before or after ablation. The LTP rate was 5.8%. The most recurrent tumors were clear cell (50%) followed by papillary tumors (25%). The complication rate was 5.8% with minor complications (hematoma and pain) and no major issues. There was no significant association between nephrometry score and technical success, recurrence, or complication rates. Overall and tumor-specific survival rates were 96.7% and 100% at 11.9 months., Conclusions: Image-guided MWA appears to be a safe and effective treatment regardless of nephrometry score and tumor location with high technical success, low recurrence, and complication rates.

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to propose a deep transfer learning (DTL)-based model to distinguish indolent from clinically significant prostate cancer (PCa) lesions and to compare the DTL-based model with a deep learning (DL) model without transfer learning and PIRADS v2 score on 3 Tesla multi-parametric MRI (3T mp-MRI) with whole-mount histopathology (WMHP) validation., Methods: With IRB approval, 140 patients with 3T mp-MRI and WMHP comprised the study cohort. The DTL-based model was trained on 169 lesions in 110 arbitrarily selected patients and tested on the remaining 47 lesions in 30 patients. We compared the DTL-based model with the same DL model architecture trained from scratch and the classification based on PIRADS v2 score with a threshold of 4 using accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and area under curve (AUC). Bootstrapping with 2000 resamples was performed to estimate the 95% confidence interval (CI) for AUC., Results: After training on 169 lesions in 110 patients, the AUC of discriminating indolent from clinically significant PCa lesions of the DTL-based model, DL model without transfer learning and PIRADS v2 score ≥ 4 were 0.726 (CI [0.575, 0.876]), 0.687 (CI [0.532, 0.843]), and 0.711 (CI [0.575, 0.847]), respectively, in the testing set. The DTL-based model achieved higher AUC compared to the DL model without transfer learning and PIRADS v2 score ≥ 4 in discriminating clinically significant lesions in the testing set., Conclusion: The DeLong test indicated that the DTL-based model achieved comparable AUC compared to the classification based on PIRADS v2 score (p = 0.89).

Vastus medialis (VM) has two partitions, longus (VML), and obliquus (VMO), which have been implicated in knee pathologies. However, muscle architecture of VMO and VML has not been documented volumetrically. The aims of this study were to determine and compare the muscle architecture of VMO and VML in three-dimensional (3D) space, and to elucidate their relative functional capabilities. Twelve embalmed specimens were used in this study. Each specimen was serially dissected, digitized (Microscribe™ MX), and modeled in 3D (Autodesk Maya®). Architectural parameters: fiber bundle length (FBL), proximal (PPA)/distal (DPA) pennation angle, and physiological cross-sectional area (PCSA) were compared using descriptive statistics/t-tests. Sarcomere lengths (SLs) were measured and compared from six biopsy sites of VM. VMO and VML were found to have superficial and deep parts based on fiber bundle attachments to aponeuroses, medial patellar retinaculum, and adductor magnus tendon. The superficial part of VMO was further subdivided into superior and inferior partitions. Architecturally, VMO was found to have significantly shorter mean FBL, greater mean PPA and DPA, and smaller mean PCSA than VML. VML was found to be connected to the fascia lata by thin fascial bands, not present in VMO. SLs of VMO and VML were comparable. VMO and VML are architecturally and functionally distinct, as evidenced by marked differences in their musculoaponeurotic geometry, attachment sites, and architectural parameters. VMO likely contributes greater to medial patellar stabilization, whereas VML, with a larger relative excursion and force-generating capability, to the extension of the knee. Clin. Anat. 32:515-523, 2019. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc., (© 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Despite major therapeutic advances, management of viral infections in renal transplant recipients is still a major challenge. Hence, it is urgently needed to establish protocols for appropriate control and the prevention of viral infection. We evaluated demographic/clinical characteristics, frequency, and risk factors of symptomatic viral infections in renal transplant recipients during the 1 st year posttransplant, in northeastern Iran. We retrospectively reviewed medical files of 247 patients including 146 males and 101 females who had undergone renal transplantation at Montaserie organ transplantation hospital of Mashhad during 2012-2014. These patients were followed up for one year after transplantation for the detection of any symptomatic viral infection. Demographic and clinical characteristics of recipients were collected and analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 18 software; P < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Data were presented using descriptive statistics. Furthermore, logistic regression analysis was used to determine risk factors for infection. The mean age of the patients was 34.94 ± 13.89 years. During the 1 st year posttransplant, 68 episodes of viral infections were detected in 64 patients (25.9%). Cytomegalovirus (CMV, 21.9%), Varicella Zoster virus (2.8%), herpes simplex virus (2.0%), and human polyomavirus BK virus (0.8%) were the most common symptomatic viral infections found. Age of the patients was the only significant risk factor for viral infections (odds ratio = 1.066; 95% confidence interval: 1.002-1.134; P = 0.042). The incidence of symptomatic viral infections, particularly CMV disease, is high in our center. Hence, it is recommended to use appropriate prophylaxis and monitor the patients during the first six months post-transplant.

Purpose: We investigated the performance of 3 Tesla multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging with and without an endorectal coil to detect prostate cancer with a whole mount histopathology reference., Materials and Methods: This retrospective HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) compliant, institutional review board approved, case-control study included patients who underwent 3 Tesla multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging with and without an endorectal coil from July 2009 to December 2016 prior to prostatectomy. The tumor detection rate was calculated for total and index lesions. Lesion magnetic resonance imaging and histopathology features were compared between the 2 groups. Using SPSS®, version 24 p <0.05 was considered significant., Results: A total of 871 whole mount histopathology lesions in 429 patients with a mean ± SD age of 61.8 ± 7 years were included in analysis. The subcohorts with and without an endorectal coil comprised 260 and 169 patients with a total of 529 and 342 lesions, respectively. The overall tumor detection rates in all patients, and in the endorectal coil and nonendorectal coil subcohorts were 49.6% (432 of 871 patients), 50.5% (267 of 529) and 48.2% (165 of 342), respectively. The index tumor detection rates overall, and in the endorectal coil and nonendorectal coil subcohorts were 77.6% (333 of 429 patients), 78.5% (204 of 260) and 76.3% (129 of 169), respectively. In the endorectal coil and nonendorectal coil subcohorts we detected 35.9% (66 of 184) and 48.4% (76 of 157) of anterior lesions (p = 0.019), 58% (200 of 345) and 48.1% (89 of 185) of posterior lesions (p = 0.025), 37.3% (41 of 110) and 54.4% (62 of 114) of transition zone lesions (p = 0.010), and 53.7% (225 of 419) and 45.2% (103 of 228) of peripheral lesions (p = 0.033), respectively. After adjusting for clinical and pathological factors the endorectal coil group only showed higher detection of peripheral and posterior prostate cancer., Conclusions: We found that 3 Tesla multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging with and without an endorectal coil had similar detection of overall and index prostate cancer. However, the endorectal coil subcohort had significantly higher detection of posterior and peripheral prostate cancer, and lower detection of anterior and transition zone prostate cancer.

Mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) is the most common salivary gland malignancy. Central MEC (CMEC) is a rare tumor which affects women more than men and is more common in the mandible. Most cases are histologically classified as low-grade tumor and radiographically appear as well-defined unilocular or multilocular radiolucent lesion, although this tumor causes destruction and metastasis to other organs. In this article, we present a rare case of CMEC in a 47-year-old woman with unilocular radiolucent lesion of the mandible. Early and accurate diagnostic approach in all lesions with clinical/radiographical bland appearance is important, and all possibilities such as a malignant lesion should be considered., Competing Interests: The authors of this manuscript declare that they have no conflicts of interest, real or perceived, financial or nonfinancial in this article.

Purpose: To determine the characteristics of missed prostate cancer (PCa) lesions on 3T multiparametric-MRI (mpMRI) based on PI-RADSv2 with whole-mount histopathology (WMHP) correlation., Materials and Methods: This IRB-approved, HIPAA-compliant study, included 614 consecutive men with 3T mpMRI prior to prostatectomy at a single tertiary center between 12/2009 and 4/2017. Clinical, mpMRI, and pathologic features were obtained. PI-RADSv2-based MRI detected lesions were matched with previously finalized WMHP by a genitourinary (GU) radiologist and a GU pathologist. Patients with no mpMRI detected PCa lesion, but with at least one lesion ≥ 1 cm on WMHP, were reviewed retrospectively and assigned a PI-RADSv2 score. Tumor characteristics were compared between missed and detected lesions., Result: The final cohort included 518 patients with 1085 WMHP lesions. 51.9% (563/1085) of lesions were missed on 3T mpMRI. 71.4% (402/563), 21.7% (122/563), 4.4% (25/563), and 2.5% (14/563) of the missed lesions were Gleason scores (GS) 3 + 3, 3 + 4, 4 + 3, and 8 - 10, respectively. Missed PCa lesions had significantly lower proportion of GS ≥ 7 (p < 0.001) and smaller size for overall (p < 0.001) and index subcohorts (p < 0.001), as compared to detected lesions. 34.5% (194) of overall and 71.2% (79) index missed lesions were larger than 1 cm. In 13.7% (71/518) of patients without MR detected PCa, 149 lesions were detected on WMHP, with 70 (47%) lesions ≥ 1 cm. In retrospective review of these lesions, 42.9% (30), 18.6% (13), 21.5% (15), 10% (7), and 7% (5) were PI-RADSv2 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, respectively., Conclusion: 3T mpMRI has an excellent per patients diagnostic performance for PCa and majority of missed lesions are clinically nonsignificant.

Background: Patient-specific 3D-printed molds and ex vivo MRI of the resected prostate have been two important strategies to align MRI with whole-mount histopathology (WMHP) for prostate cancer (PCa) research, but the combination of these two strategies has not been systematically evaluated., Purpose: To develop and evaluate a system that combines patient-specific 3D-printed molds with ex vivo MRI (ExV) to spatially align in vivo MRI (InV), ExV, and WMHP in PCa patients., Study Type: Prospective cohort study., Population: Seventeen PCa patients who underwent 3T MRI and robotic-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RALP)., Field Strength/sequences: T 2 -weighted turbo spin-echo sequences at 3T., Assessment: Immediately after RALP, the fresh whole prostate specimens were imaged in patient-specific 3D-printed molds by 3T MRI and then sectioned to create WMHP slides. The time required for ExV was measured to assess impact on workflow. InV, ExV, and WMHP images were registered. Spatial alignment was evaluated using: slide offset (mm) between ExV slice locations and WMHP slides; overlap of the 3D prostate contour on InV versus ExV using Dice's coefficient (0 to 1); and 2D target registration error (TRE, mm) between corresponding landmarks on InV, ExV, and WMHP. Data are reported as mean ± standard deviation (SD)., Statistical Testing: Differences in 2D TRE before versus after registration were compared using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test (P < 0.05 considered significant)., Results: ExV (duration 115 ± 15 min) was successfully incorporated into the workflow for all cases. Absolute slide offset was 1.58 ± 1.57 mm. Dice's coefficient was 0.865 ± 0.035. 2D TRE was significantly reduced after registration (P < 0.01) with mean (±SD of per patient means) of 1.9 ± 0.6 mm for InV versus ExV, 1.4 ± 0.5 mm for WMHP versus ExV, and 2.0 ± 0.5 mm for WMHP versus InV., Data Conclusion: The proposed system combines patient-specific 3D-printed molds with ExV to achieve spatial alignment between InV, ExV, and WMHP with mean 2D TRE of 1-2 mm., Level of Evidence: 2 Technical Efficacy: Stage 1 J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019;49:270-279., (© 2018 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.)

We report a rare pattern of extensive bone abnormalities on the Tc-99m MDP bone scintigraphy in a patient with Gorham disease. This rare condition is the result of vascular and lymphatic channel proliferation in bony structures which induce bone resorption. Our case is a 28-year-old man with a history of biopsy-proven soft tissue hemangioma in the left thigh, encountered with a recent diagnosis of multiple vertebral hemangiomata in the axial skeleton and progressive bony destructions in the pelvis on CT and MRI images, referred for bone scintigraphy. Multiple photopenic hemangiomata were noted on bone scan.

Background: A specific chromosomal abnormality, the Philadelphia chromosome (BCR-ABL fusion), is present in all patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). The b2a2 and b3a2 fusion mRNAs encode p210 fusion protein p210 and e1a2 encode p190. The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency of BCR-ABL fusion transcript variants in Northeast of Iranian CML patients and to compare the laboratory results of our patients., Methods: This study was conducted in 85 peripheral blood and bone marrow samples of CML patients. Ribonucleic acid (RNA) was extracted by a commercial kit, RT- PCR for identifying BCR-ABL fusions was carried out by using designed primers and the PCR products were electrophoresed in agarose gels. Finally, statistical analysis was performed for variant frequency identification and their comparison was performed., Results: All patients examined were positive for BCR/ABL rearrangement. Fusion of b3a2 was detected in 53 (62.35%) patients, b2a2 in 25 (29.41), e1a2 in 1 (1.17%) and coexpression of b3a2 and e1a2 in 6 (7.05%) patients. There were significant differences between the mean age in patients with b3a2 positive ( 44.07 years) and in b3a2 negative group (50.35 years) however, no significant differences were seen between sex and b2a2 (P=0.61), b3a2 (P=0.79) and e1a2 (P=0.20)., Conclusions: This study showed higher frequency b3a2 than b2a2 and e1a2 transcripts in CML patients in Northeast Iran and there was no association between e1a2 transcripts frequencies and monocytosis in peripheral blood., Competing Interests: There is no conflict of interest.

Knowledge of microbial community dynamics in relation to process perturbations is fundamental to understand and deal with the instability of anaerobic digestion (AD) processes. This study aims to investigate the microbial community structure and function of a thermophilic AD process, fed with a chemically defined substrate, and its association with process performance stability. Next generation amplicon sequencing of 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes revealed that variations in relative abundances of the predominant bacterial species, Defluviitoga tunisiensis and Anaerobaculum hydrogeniformans, were not linked to the process performance stability, while dynamics of bacterial genera of low abundance, Coprothermobacter and Defluviitoga (other than D. tunisiensis ), were associated with microbial community function and process stability. A decrease in the diversity of the archaeal community was observed in conjunction with process recovery and stable performance, implying that the high abundance of specific archaeal group(s) contributed to the stable AD. Dominance of hydrogenotrophic Methanoculleus particularly corresponded to an enhanced microbial acetate and propionate turnover capacity, whereas the prevalence of hydrogenotrophic Methanothermobacter and acetoclastic Methanosaeta was associated with instable AD. Acetate oxidation via syntrophic interactions between Coprothermobacter and Methanoculleus was potentially the main methane-formation pathway during the stable process. We observed that supplementation of Se and W to the medium improved the propionate turnover by the thermophilic consortium. The outcomes of our study provided insights into the community dynamics and trace element requirements in relation to the process performance stability of thermophilic AD.

Background: Varicocele is the collection of dilated veins of pampiniform plexus which is the most common cause of infertility occurred in 35-40% of infertile men. Despite all the diagnostic tools exist for varicocele diagnosis; still, a physical examination is the first step., Objective: This study was done to determine the inter-observer agreement on varicoceles diagnosis., Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, two expert examiners evaluated 93 men with infertility, scrotal pain, and enlarged scrotum for the presence of varicocele. The urologists examined patients independently in two separate rooms. The inter-observer agreement on varicocele grading analyzed by the Spearman Rho correlation coefficient., Results: The grading of varicocele were similar in 34 (36.5%) and 59 (63.4%) cases in the left and right side, respectively with correlation coefficient of 0.65 (0.51-0.75) and 0.25 (0.04-0.43), respectively. It implies that inter-observer agreement was substantial for left varicocele assessment and moderate for right varicocele assessment., Conclusion: Physical exam is the essential diagnostic tool for varicocele. As long as the observers educated with the same standard method the disagreements reduced to the negligible extent., Competing Interests: All authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Splenogonadal fusion (SGF) is a rare benign malformation in which spleen is aberrantly attached to the gonads or mesonephric derivatives. This entity often presents with scrotal mass, inguinal hernia, or cryptorchidism. Herein, we report our experience with a boy who presented with a scrotal enlargement which later turned out to be SGF. Moreover, an accessory spleen was unexpectedly found in the left inguinal canal. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of SGF and accessory spleen in the literature. Although rare, SGF should be included in the complete differential diagnosis list of scrotal masses, especially in children. The use of frozen section pathology if available would aid the surgeon in avoiding unnecessary orchiectomy in small testicular masses of benign origin., Competing Interests: There are no conflicts of interest.

Background and Objective: BRAF mutations were studied in various populations for prostate carcinoma (PC); however, mutations in BRAF gene are unusual compared to KRAS . Oncogenic activating of BRAF mutations were studied lately in almost 0%10% of prostate cancer cases., Methods: In this retrospective study, we gathered 100 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded samples of prostate adenocarcinoma. A hundred archived samples of adjacent benign prostatic hyperplasia were chosen as normal control. This study was done in pathology laboratory of Qaem Hospital during 2013-2015., Results: Total number of 200 PC and normal cases was investigated for BRAF V600E mutation. The BRAF V600E mutation was found in only 4 patients but it was not detected in normal cases. There were no significant differences between patient and control groups for this mutation ( P >0.99). The frequency of BRAF V600E mutation was not significant in different age groups ( P >0.285); the most frequency was related to the age range of 71-80. No significant difference was observed between tumor grade and BRAF mutation ( P =0.21)., Conclusion: According to our findings, BRAF gene mutations did not play essential role in PC. Therefore, anti-BRAF (V600E) could not be considered as a proper target for therapy.

Background and Objective: Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) and Myeloproliferative Leukemia (MPL) mutations are confirmatory indicators for Myeloproliferative Neoplasm (MPN). The current study was performed to determine the frequency of MPL mutation in MPN patients without JAK2 mutation, in order to assign MPL mutation frequency in North-East of Iran., Methods: Total of 105 negative JAK2 cases including 5 Myeloproliferative Disorders (MPD), 15 Polycytemia Vera (PV) and 15 Essential Thrombocytosis (ET) who referred to Qaem Medical Center were assigned to this study. ARMS-PCR was carried out for measuring MPL mutations., Results: A significant difference was observed between MPL mutant and non-mutant groups from overview of MPL mutation ( P =0.00001). From the total studied population, 14.28% were ET cases and 4.71% of them had splenomegaly. About 66.66% had thrombocytosis and 33.33% of all the individuals had leukocytosis according to WHO criteria, and 4.76% of non-MPL mutant individuals had splenomegaly ( P =1).This mutation was reported in 4-6% of ET and PMF individuals. In this research, 4.76 % of studied individuals had MPL (W515L/K) mutation, which were diagnosed with ET., Conclusion: Generally, the presence of JAK2 and MPL mutations are the most important criteria for MPN diagnosis. The obtained frequency of MPL mutation was similar to previous studies. Despite the high frequency of JAK2 and Philadelphia abnormality, MPL mutation was rare in myeloprolifrative disorders. Further studies are suggested to investigate its prognostic effects for these diseases., Competing Interests: The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest regarding the publication of this article.

Background: Helicobacter pylori are the main cause of chronic inflammation and peptic ulcer. We aimed to determine if IL-1B+ 3954 and IL-1RN polymorphisms are associated with the risk of chronic gastritis and peptic ulcer in Iranian population., Methods: In this case-control study, from 198 individuals enrolled by Mohammadi Hospital, Bandar Abbas, southern Iran from 2012 to 2014 and who showed the symptoms of chronic gastritis and 84 with peptic ulcer participated in the case group, two biopsies were taken from the body, antrum, or ulcer edge of each patient. Individuals without chronic gastritis or peptic ulcer were selected as the control group and we also confirmed the presence of anti- H. pylori serum IgG in 321 control subjects. IL-1B+3954C/T polymorphism was analyzed through PCR-RFLP, while the IL-1RN polymorphism was analyzed via PCR-based VNTR., Results: IL-1B+3954 TT was associated with a high risk of gastritis and peptic ulcer [Odds Ratio (OR)]=2.63, 95% Confidence Interval (CI)= (1.47-4.70) (OR=3.40, CI=1.72-6.71) respectively and the IL-1B +3954 T allele was associated with chronic gastritis (OR=1.64, 95% CI=1.13-2.36). Moreover, patient carrying IL-1RN L/2 and allele 2 showed an increased risk of peptic ulcer (OR=2.97, CI=1.72-5.11, OR=1.64, CI=1.13-2.36), respectively., Conclusion: IL-1B and IL-1RN are associated with an increased risk for chronic gastritis and peptic ulcer disease., Competing Interests: Conflict of interest The authors declare that there is no conflict of interests.

Background: Adult T cell leukemia lymphoma (ATLL) is a rare disease, significantly linked to the infection by the human T-cell lymphotropic virus 1(HTLV-1). ATLL is typically preceded by decades of clinical latency during which infected cells accumulate selectable traits leading to a malignant transformation. Amongst all the HTLV-1 infected carriers only about 3-5% will develop ATLL. Despite the intensive attempt to improve the overall survival, ATLL remains one of worse prognosis among the hematologic malignancies. FMS like tyrosine kinase 3 internal tandem duplication (FLT3-ITD) mutations are mutations which are frequent among leukemic patients. We aimed to investigate the frequency of FLT3 mutation status in patients with acute type of ATLL which has not been studied yet. Methods: In this case control study 38 patients with acute type of ATLL were retrospectively analyzed between February 2015 and February 2017. Forty HTLV-1 positive patients were also used as control cases. Genomic DNA was extracted according to phenolchloroform protocol and two restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) PCR reactions were set up to detect FLT3/ ITD and FLT3/TKD mutations. Differences between variables were evaluated by the chi-square test and t test for categorical and continuous variables, respectively. SPSS software v. 15 was used for statistical analysis. All P values were two sided and values less than 0.05 were considered to be significant. Results: No FLT3 mutations were detected in acute type of ATLL patients. So far, not many studies have shown the frequency of FLT3 mutation in ATLL patients Conclusion: Therefore, we conclude that although FLT3 mutations are rather unusual in the acute type of ATLL patients, but other alternative mechanisms associated with ATLL remain to be further investigated. This study was a novel project regarding the analysis of FLT3 mutation in the field of ATLL research.

Ameloblastoma is a locally invasive tumor derived from odontogenic epithelium. An uncommon variant of ameloblastoma is granular cell type, which cannot distinguish from other ameloblastoma subtypes by clinical and radiographic findings alone. Only review of it's microscopic features allows distinction from other subtypes. The purpose of this article is to present a case of granular cell ameloblastoma. This subtype should be distinguished from the other histopathologic subtypes because of it's higher recurrence rate and more aggressive biological behavior. Radiographic and histologic findings as well as treatment are also discussed., Competing Interests: The authors of this manuscript declare that they have no conflicts of interest, real or perceived, and financial or nonfinancial in this article.

Pretreatment of anaerobic digester samples by hydrochloric acid (HCl) resulted in removal of Fe-based mineral and coordination compounds, attenuating their interferences with solution-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopic characterization of the solid phase organic matter. Substrate (influent) and digestate (effluent) samples from two full-scale anaerobic digesters, designated CD (co-digester) and SSD (sewage sludge digester), were investigated. Pretreatment of CD samples with 0.2-2.0 mol l -1 HCl and pretreatment of SSD samples with 1.0-3.0 mol l -1 HCl removed 96-100% and 76-80% of total Fe, respectively. Pretreatment declined overall paramagnetic characteristics of digestate samples, manifested by 50% (CD) and 70% (SSD) decrease in electron paramagnetic resonance signal intensities. As a result, meaningful solution-state 1 H, 13 C heteronuclear single quantum coherence and 1 H NMR spectra of DMSO-d 6 soluble organic matter could be acquired. Sample pretreatment with the lowest concentration of HCl resulted in alteration of C:N ratios in solid phase, likely due to removal of labile organic and inorganic C- and N-containing compounds, while elevating the HCl concentration did not further change the C:N ratios. Furthermore, sample pretreatment increased the solubility of carbohydrates and proteins in DMSO-d 6 , enabling the detection of NMR resonances from certain structural units of carbohydrates (e.g. anomeric O 2 CH) and proteins (e.g. CHα in amino acids). Both attenuation of the paramagnetic matrix as well as an enhanced solubility of carbohydrate and protein fractions of the samples in DMSO-d 6 solvent contributed to an improved molecular characterization of anaerobic digester samples by solution-state NMR analysis., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Sagliker syndrome is a rare form of renal osteodystrophy resulted from untreated secondary hyperparathyroidism. It is described by severe skeletal deformities, high level of PTH in patients with chronic renal failure, and deformed face. This paper reports a 44-year-old male patient with the mentioned characteristics. In addition to the unique clinical features, high levels of ALP and PTH hormones encouraged us to search for syndrome-like a disease, which clinically and paraclinically matched the Sagliker syndrome. This case highlights the importance of clinicians' attention for early monitoring and appropriate treatment as it is shown to be effective in preventing irreversible complications such as soft tissue and bone abnormalities and cardiovascular impairment in patients with Sagliker syndrome. Therefore, considering the syndrome is recommended as one of the diagnostic hypothesis in young patients with renal insufficiency, secondary hyperparathyroidism, and skeletal deformities.

Background & Objective: The current study aimed at assessing the relationship between gastritis and peptic ulcer susceptibility and inflammation-related gene polymorphisms in Iranian patients.Gastritis and peptic ulcer are common medical complications with serious outcomes on the quality of life. Inflammatory responses of gastric mucosa are associated with helicobacter pylori, but most infected patients remain asymptomatic. There is strong evidence that inflammatory response is a major part of its etiology., Methods: The current case-control study aimed atexamining genetic polymorphisms in inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-4, and IL-10 using polymerase chain reaction-variable number tandem reaped (PCR-VNTR) and PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism(RFLP) methods, respectively in 603 genotyped patients admitted to Mohammadi Hospital in Bandar Abbas, Iran(198 patients with gastritis, 84 with peptic ulcer, and 321 patients as controls)., Results: No significant associations were detected in genotype and allele frequencies of IL-10 and IL-4 between the case (with gastritis and peptic ulcer) and control groups., Conclusion: In conclusion, the results of the analyses suggested that these polymorphisms may not predispose the carriers to gastritis and peptic ulcer development., Competing Interests: The authors declared no conflict of interests.

Background & Objective: KRAS mutations are reported in many types of cancers including pancreas, lung, colon, breast,and gastric (GC). High frequency of KRAS mutation is observed in the pancreas,colon, and lung cancers; they commonly arise in codon 12 and 13 of exon 2. Due to the lack of information about the frequency of KRAS mutations in the Northeast of Iran, the currentstudy aimed at evaluating KRAS frequency in cases with GC in this region., Methods: A total of120 formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded blocks of patients with GC were assessed. The assays to detect KRAS in codon 12 and13 were obtained through the peptide nucleic acid (PNA)-clamp., Results: Totally 87 male and 33 female patients were analyzed in the current study. The mean age of the subjects was 55years.The most common tumoral fragment was located on the body with 48 cases (40%) and the less frequent was related to fondues with six cases (5%).Of the 120 GC samples, 16(13.3%) caseshad codon 12 KRAS mutation, and 16.7% had codon 13 mutations. There were no significant relationships between gender,age, and KRAS mutations in the studied specimens., Conclusion: In conclusion, the overall frequency of KRAS codon 12 and 13 mutations in GC was 30% in the current study population.Frequency of KRAS codon 12 and 13 mutations hadsignificant correlation with tumors location. Different pathogenic mechanismsare suggested for GC according to tumor location. The current study resultsmay be an important diagnostic tool for physicians managing atrophic gastritis., Competing Interests: Authors declared no conflict of interests.

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory and neurodegenerative disease, with unknown etiology. Vitamins, as important micronutrients playing different roles in body, seem to be important in MS pathogenesis. In vitro , in vivo and human studies, supports the protective role of some vitamins in MS occurrence or progression. Current study reviews recent insights and reports about the importance of vitamins in MS incidence or progression. In accordance, the importance of all water and fat-soluble vitamins in MS pathogenesis based on observational studies in human population and their role in the function of immune system as well as possible therapeutic opportunities are discussed in depth throughout this review.

A 37-year-old female patient with four months history of paroxysmal pain in the left index finger was referred to our department for 99mTC-MDP scintigraphy. Radiographic studies of the patient showed a lytic tumour in the distal phalanx of the left second finger compatible with a glomus tumour. The scan showed mild decreased activity in the blood pool phase and minimal increased activity on the delayed images. The patient underwent surgery and a glomus tumour was removed. To the extent of our knowledge, this is the first case of bone scan in a glomus tumour of the finger reported in the literature.

Objectives: Renal transplant is one of the best ways to extend life of patients in the end stage of renal disease. Infections are significant causes of morbidity and mortality after renal transplant. The aim of this study was to evaluate frequency, risk factors, causative pathogens, and clinical manifestations in renal transplant recipients from Mashhad City during the first year after transplant., Materials and Methods: This research was conducted at Montaserie Hospital of Mashhad University of Medical Sciences from March 2013 to July 2015. All studied cases were followed for 1 year. In this retrospective study, our study cohort comprised 193 kidney transplant recipients, including 118 male (61.1%) and 75 female (38.9%) patients, with mean age of 34.4 ± 12.2 years. Of the total patients, 58 received kidneys from living donors (30.1%) and 135 received kidneys from deceased donors (69.9%)., Results: We found that 151 infectious episodes had occurred in 96 patients. The most common infectious site involved the urinary tract (39.1%). Escherichia coli was the most frequently isolated pathogen. The only significant infection risk factor to affect transplant outcomes during the first year was age., Conclusions: Infections are highly prevalent during the first year after transplant. Prevention and effective antibiotic therapy can reduce the related adverse effects.

Background: Breast cancer remains the most common and second lethal cancer in females. HER-2/neu is one of the most important amplified oncogene in breast cancer. The amplification of HER-2 is correlated with decreased survival, metastasis, and early recurrence. The amplification of HER-2/neu gene and synthesis of the protein are reported in 10%-34% of breast cancer cases associated with tumor size, advanced tumor stage, high-grade tumor, young age at diagnosis, absence of steroid hormone receptor, and lymph node involvement., Methods: Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and immunohistochemistry (IHC) methods are options to evaluate HER-2 expression. The current study aimed at identifying the correlation between FISH and real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in measuring HER-2 expression., Results: The study investigated the performance of the real-time PCR as measured against FISH method in IHC +2 borderline cases. In a total of 120 IHC 2+ samples, 58.3% were negative and 41.6% positive for HER-2 gene, confirmed by FISH as a gold standard method. The real-time PCR ratio was <1.8 for a majority (82.8%) of the tumor samples with unamplified HER-2 gene by FISH as a gold standard assay., Conclusion: Despite the fact that real-time PCR is a promising method to evaluate HER-2 over expression and a supplementary array to FISH, according to the results of the present study it cannot be utilized instead of gold standard techniques; therefore, additional studies should be carried out to appraise the value of this method to evaluate HER-2 over expression.

Dietary eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) may have a role in contributing to the prevention or inhibition of some malignancies. DHA, the most important polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) in fish and thraustochytrid oils, is known for its anticancer activity. However, antigastric cancer activity of thraustochytrid microbial oil is still unclear. In this investigation, 45 thraustochytrid strains were screened for the production of antigastric cancer oil. Cytotoxicity of 12 thraustochytrid oils was assessed by 3-(4,5-dimethythiazol- 2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) on gastric cancer AGS cells. The most cytotoxic effect was related to the oil extracted from the qe-4 strain with 45% cell cytotoxicity. Therefore, the Taguchi methodology was used to optimize this bioactive microbial oil. The amounts of biomass, oil, and DHA were increased to 10.32 g/L, 3.86 g/L, and 1390 mg/L, respectively. Furthermore, the use of glycerol in low saline medium enhanced the yield of DHA. Then, the cytotoxicity of thraustochytrids oil rich in DHA or C16 (0.5 to 10 mg/mL), was assessed on AGS cells. Only the oil that was rich in DHA showed an inhibitory effect (IC 50 ) on AGS cells (same as the standard DHA at 1.26 mg/mL). These new findings revealed that thraustochytrid derived oil rich in DHA, has an inhibitory effect on gastric cancer cells. Phylogenetic analysis showed that qe-4 is related to the genus Aurantiochytrium (AN: KR091914) as a potential candidate for the production of bioactive oil. In conclusion, these results certainly support further investigations on this bioactive microbial oil as an additive for the fortification of food and dairy products., Practical Application: Thraustochytrid microbial oil rich in DHA, showed antigastric cancer activity comparable to that of pure DHA; indicating that this microbial bioactive omega-3 oil rich in the very important PUFA (DHA), can be applied as an additive for the fortification of food and dairy products. Also, Aurantiochytrium sp. KR091914, as a GRAS microorganism, is a good producer of this bioactive oil., (© 2017 Institute of Food Technologists®.)

Background: Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is one of the most prevalent adult leukemias. This malignancy is known by lymphocytosis for a duration of more than 3 months. In fact, it is a heterogeneous clinical disease with changeable progression. Chromosomal aberrations are significant parameters to predict result and survival rate and find treatment strategies for each patient. Cytogenetic methods are known as sensitive and relatively new procedures to detect abnormalities in genome. Materials and Methods: In order to identify CLL-related chromosomal abnormalities, 48 CLL patients included 38 Men and 10 Women with mean age of 58.25±36 were enrolled in this case series study.The survey was done at Cancer Molecular Pathology Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences. Interphase fluorescent in situ hybridization (I-FISH) was done on unstimulated peripheral blood or bone marrow samples, which were cultured in whole medium culture; it was used to detect chromosomal abnormalities such as 11q- , 13q14-, 17p- , 6q- and trisomy 12 in CLL patients. Results: Analysis demonstrated that 45.5% of CLL cases had chromosomal abnormalities; 13.63% haddel 17p, 40.90% had del 13q14 and 9.09% had del 11q. Statistical analysis of data revealed a significant relevancy between age variable and splenomegaly occurrence (P value<0.05). The younger the patients were, the less the splenomegaly occurrence. Conclusion: Laboratory findings were correlated with clinical data.

Our previous results showed that in addition to the immediate interaction of ionising radiation with DNA (direct and indirect effect), low-dose and chronic low-dose rate of irradiation induce endogenous oxidative stress. During oxidative stress, free radicals react with DNA, nucleoside triphosphates (dNTPs), proteins and lipids, and modify their structures. The MYH and MTH1 genes play important roles in preventing mutations induced by 8-hydroxy-guanine, which is an oxidised product of guanine. In this study, we used short-hairpin RNA to permanently knockdown MYH and MTH1 proteins in human lymphoblastoid TK6 cells. Knockdown and wild-type cells were chronically exposed to low dose rates of γ-radiation (between 1.4 and 30 mGy/h). The cells were also subjected to acute doses delivered at a high-dose rate. Growth rate, extracellular 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine, clonogenic cell survival and mutant frequencies were analysed in all cell types. A reduced level of cell growth and survival as well as increased mutant frequencies were observed in cells lacking both MYH and MTH1 proteins as compared to cells lacking only MYH and wild-type cells. To sum up, our results suggest that low-dose rates elevate oxidative stress. MTH1 together with MYH plays an important role in protection against mutations induced by modified dNTPs during chronic oxidative stress. In addition, we found no dose-rate effect at the level of mutations in the wild-type TK6 and MYH-KD cells. Our data interestingly indicate a dose-rate threshold for mutation induction in MTH1/MYH double knockdown cells., (© The Author 2017. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the UK Environmental Mutagen Society. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.)

The inhibitory effects of sulfide on microbial processes during anaerobic digestion have been widely addressed. However, other effects of sulfide are less explored, given that sulfide is a potential sulfur source for microorganisms and its high reactivity triggers a suit of abiotic reactions. We demonstrated that sulfide interaction with Fe regulates the dynamics and activities of microbial community during anaerobic digestion. This was manifested by the S:Fe molar ratio, whose increase adversely influenced the acetoclastic methanogens, Methanosaeta, and turnover of acetate. Dynamics of hydrogenotrophic methanogens, Methanoculleus and Methanobrevibacter, were presumably influenced by sulfide-induced changes in the partial pressure of hydrogen. Interestingly, conversion of the long-chain fatty acid (LCFA), oleate, to methane was enhanced together with the abundance of LCFA-degrading, β-oxidizing Syntrophomonas at an elevated S:Fe molar ratio. The results suggested that sulfur chemical speciation is a controlling factor for microbial community functions in anaerobic digestion processes., (Copyright © 2016 The Society for Biotechnology, Japan. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Background: The Wilms tumor 1 (WT1) gene is originally defined as a tumor suppressor gene and a transcription factor that overexpressed in leukemic cells. It is highly expressed in more than 80% of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients, both in bone marrow (BM) and in peripheral blood (PB), and it is used as a powerful and independent marker of minimal residual disease (MRD); we have determined the expression levels of the WT1 by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RQ-PCR) in PB and BM in 126 newly diagnosed AML patients., Materials and Methods: This study was done in molecular pathology and cancer research center from April 2014 to June 2015, RQ-PCR method was used to determine the WT1 gene expression in BM and/or PB samples from 126 patients of AML, we cloned both WT1 and ABL genes for creating a standard curve, and we calculate copy number of WT1 genes in patients., Results: A total of 126 AML patients consist of 70 males (55.6%) and 56 females (44.4%), with a median age of 26 years; 104 (81%) patients out of 126 show overexpression of WT1 gene. We also concomitant monitoring of fusion transcripts (PML RARa, AML1-ETO, MLL-MLL, CBFb-MYH11, or DEK-CAN) in our patients, the AML1-ETO group showing remarkably low levels of WT1 compared with other fusion transcript and the CBFB-MYH11 showing high levels of WT1., Conclusion: We conclude that WT1 expression by RQ-PCR in AML patients may be employed as an independent tool to detect MRD in the majority of normal karyotype AML patients., Competing Interests: There are no conflicts of interest.

Background and Objective: The assessment of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) status has become of great importance in the diagnosis of breast cancer. The aim of this study was to investigate the diagnostic value of quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR) and Chromogenic In Situ Hybridization (CISH) to assess HER2 status of biopsy specimens., Methods: To elucidate the status of HER2 gene amplification, biopsies of breast carcinoma from 120 patients with 2+ IHC status were analyzed by qPCR and CISH., Results: The results of the two experiments were compared, and it was depicted that the concordance rate between CISH and qPCR assays was 88.1%.The quantification of HER2 gene with CISH and qPCR showed that there was a significant correlation (p value= 0.0001 and r= 0.808)., Conclusion: The results of this research support the idea that qPCR is a precise and reproducible technique, which can be employed as a supplementary method to evaluate HER2 status., Competing Interests: The authors declared no conflict of interest.

Objective/background: Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is defined as leukemic blast reproduction in bone marrow. Chromosomal abnormalities form different subgroups with joint clinical specifications and results. t(8;21)(q22;q22) and inv(16)(p13;q22) form core binding factor-AML (CBF-AML). c-kit mutation activation occurs in 12.8-46.1% of adults with CBF leukemia. These mutations occur in 20-25% of t(8;21) and 30% of inv(16) cases., Methods: In this systematic review, we searched different databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and Embase. Selected articles were measured based on the inclusion criteria of this study and initially compared in terms of titles or abstracts. Finally, articles relevant to the subject of this review were retrieved in full text. Twenty-two articles matched the inclusion criteria and were selected for this review., Results: In this study, c-kit mutations were associated with poor prognosis in AML patients with t(8;21) and inv(16). In addition, these mutations had better prognostic effects on AML patients with inv(16) compared with those with t(8;21)., Conclusion: According to the results of this study, c-kit mutations have intense, harmful effects on the relapse and white blood cell increase in CBF-AML adults. However, these mutations have no significant prognostic effects on patients., (Copyright © 2016 King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Background: One of the main causes of adverse complications following kidney transplantation is urinary tract infection (UTI). This study was done to define the incidence rate, clinical profiles, causative microorganisms, and UTI risk factors among kidney transplant recipients in Mashhad city., Materials and Methods: In this retrospective study, we perused medical files of 247 kidney recipients who underwent transplant surgery at Mashhad University Montaserie Hospital, during 2012-2014. All patients were followed for UTI during the 1 st year after surgery., Results: 75 episodes of UTI developed by 152 pathogens in 56 (22.7%) of patients during 1-year follow-up. 26.6% of total UTIs were diagnosed within the 1 st month after transplantation. The most frequently isolated uropathogens were Escherichia coli (55.3%, n = 84). The high rate of candiduria (8.5%) was observed, too., Conclusion: UTI is known as one of the hospitalization reasons in kidney transplantation recipients. Defining appropriate antibiotic prophylaxis against bacterial and fungal agents and early removal of urethral catheter are suggested to decrease posttransplantation complications., Competing Interests: There are no conflicts of interest.

6-Mercaptopurine, 6-thioguanine and dasatinib are three important anticancer drugs with high adverse effects in human body. In this study, a Pt/MWCNTs-1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluoro phosphate-modified carbon paste electrode was developed for the simultaneously determination of 6-mercaptopurine, 6-thioguanine and dasatinib for the first time. The Pt/MWCNTs synthesized by polyol method and have been characterized by transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction methods. The obtained data revealed that the electro-oxidation of 6-mercaptopurine, 6-thioguanine and dasatinib is facilitated as a novel voltammetric sensor. After optimization of electrochemical parameters employing this sensor at pH 8.0, the oxidation peak currents for 6-mercaptopurine, 6-thioguanine and dasatinib were found to vary linearly with their concentrations in the range of 0.05-550μM; 0.1-500μM and 5.0-500μM with detection limits of 0.009μM, 0.05μM and 1.0μM respectively using square wave voltammetric method. The modified electrode has been applied for the selective and precise analysis of 6-mercaptopurine, 6-thioguanine and dasatinib in pharmaceutical formulations and urine samples., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Most environmental, occupational and medical exposures to ionising radiation are associated with a simultaneous action of different radiation types. An open question remains whether radiations of different qualities interact with each other to yield effects stronger than expected based on the assumption of additivity. It is possible that DNA damage induced by high linear energy transfer (LET) radiation will lead to an opening of the chromatin structure making the DNA more susceptible to attack by reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated by the low LET radiation. In such case, the effect of mixed beams should be strongly expressed in cells that are sensitive to ROS. The present investigation was carried out to test if cells with an impaired capacity to handle oxidative stress are particularly sensitive to the effect of mixed beams of alpha particles and x-rays. Clonogenic cell survival curves and mutant frequencies were analysed in TK6 wild type (wt) cells and in TK6 cells with a knocked down hMYH glycosylase. The results showed a synergistic effect of mixed beams on clonogenic cell survival of TK6 wt but not TK6 MYH- cells. The frequencies of mutants showed a high degree of interexperimental variability without any indications for synergistic effects of mixed beams. TK6 MYH- cells were generally more tolerant to radiation exposure with respect to clonogenic cell survival but showed a strong increase in mutant frequency. The results demonstrate that exposure of wt cells to a mixed beam of alpha particles and x-rays leads to a detrimental effect which is stronger than expected based on the assumption of additivity. The role of oxidative stress in the reaction of cells to mixed beams remains unclear.

Background. Little is known about the perception of salty taste in obese patients, especially after bariatric surgery. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyse possible differences in salt detection thresholds and preferences for foods differing in salt content in obese persons before and after bariatric surgery with weight loss compared to non-obese individuals. Methods. Sodium chloride detection thresholds and liking for cream soups with different salt concentrations were studied with established tests. Moreover, a brief salt food questionnaire was assessed to identify the usage and awareness of salt in food. Results. The results showed similar mean sodium chloride detection thresholds between non-obese and obese participants. After bariatric surgery a non-significant increase in the salt detection threshold was observed in the obese patients (mean ± SD: 0.44 ± 0.24 g NaCl/L before OP vs. 0.64 ± 0.47 g NaCl/L after OP, p = 0.069). Cream soup liking between controls and obese patients were not significantly different. However, significant sex specific differences were detected with the tested women not liking the soups (p < 0.001). Results from the food questionnaire were similar between the groups. Conclusion. No differences between non-obese persons and obese patients were shown regarding the salt detection threshold. However, due to highly significant differences in soup liking, sex should be taken into consideration when conducting similar sensory studies.

This study used semi-continuous laboratory scale biogas reactors to simulate the effects of trace-element addition in different combinations, while degrading the organic fraction of municipal solid waste and slaughterhouse waste. The results show that the combined addition of Fe, Co and Ni was superior to the addition of only Fe, Fe and Co or Fe and Ni. However, the addition of only Fe resulted in a more stable process than the combined addition of Fe and Co, perhaps indicating a too efficient acidogenesis and/or homoacetogenesis in relation to a Ni-deprived methanogenic population. The results were observed in terms of higher biogas production (+9%), biogas production rates (+35%) and reduced VFA concentration for combined addition compared to only Fe and Ni. The higher stability was supported by observations of differences in viscosity, intraday VFA- and biogas kinetics as well as by the 16S rRNA gene and 16S rRNA of the methanogens., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Background: Impairment of gastric digestion due to pH elevation increases the risk for food allergy induction. As patients after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery have lower gastric acidity and less gastric gland secretion, we aimed to analyse in a prospective study the effect of limiting gastric digestion capacity by surgical intervention on the immune response towards allergens., Methods: Nine patients undergoing RYGB surgery for morbid obesity and one control patient having undergone surgery for treatment of an incisional hernia were enrolled in the study. Before and 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months after surgery, blood was collected for analysis of specific IgE antibodies, and patients were subjected to skin prick testing with 16 food and 18 aeroallergens., Results: Skin prick test results revealed an increase of positive reactions indicating sensitisations towards the tested food and aeroallergens in 77.8 and 88.9 % of the patients, respectively, after surgical elimination of gastric digestion. These results were in line with elevated titers of food- and aeroallergen-specific IgE antibodies in 7 out of 9 (7/9) and 5/9 patients, respectively, after RYGB surgery. Serum cytokine levels revealed a mixed response for IFN-γ and were mostly beneath detection limit for IL-4., Conclusion: A change of IgE reactivity pattern occurred after impairment of gastric digestion due to surgical elimination underlining the important gastric gatekeeping function during oral sensitisation. Even though this study indicates an increased allergy risk for gastric bypass patients, further studies are needed to investigate in-depth the immunological changes associated with RYGB surgery.