Search

This study aimed to identify potential anatomical variation triggers using magnetic resonance imaging for plan adaption of cervical cancer patients to ensure dose requirements were met over an external beam radiotherapy course. Magnetic resonance images (MRIs) acquired before and during treatment were rigidly registered to a pre-treatment computerised tomography (CT) image for 11 retrospective cervix cancer datasets. Target volumes (TVs) and organs at risk (OARs) were delineated on both MRIs and propagated onto the CT. Treatment plans were generated based on the pre-treatment contours and applied to the mid-treatment contours. Anatomical and dosimetric changes between each timepoint were assessed. The anatomical changes included the change in centroid position and volume size. Dosimetric changes included the V30Gy and V40Gy for the OARs, and V95%, V100%, D95% and D98% for the TVs. Correlation with dosimetric and anatomical changes were assessed to determine potential replan triggers. Changes in the bowel volume and position in the superior-inferior direction, and the high-risk CTV anterior posterior position were highly correlated with a change in dose to the bowel and target, respectively. Hence changes in bowel and high-risk CTV could be used as a potential replan triggers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Patients may undergo anatomical changes during radiotherapy, leading to an underdosing of the target or overdosing of the organs at risk (OARs). Purpose: This study developed a deep‐learning method to predict the tumor response of patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) during treatment. This method can predict the anatomical changes of a patient. Methods: The participants included 230 patients with NPC. The data included planning computed tomography (pCT) and routine cone‐beam CT (CBCT) images. The CBCT image quality was improved to the CT level using an advanced method. A long short‐term memory network‐generative adversarial network (LSTM‐GAN) is proposed, which can harness the forecasting ability of LSTM and the generation ability of GAN. Four models were trained to predict the anatomical changes that occurred in weeks 3–6 and named LSTM‐GAN‐week 3 to LSTM‐GAN‐week 6. The pCT and CBCT were used as input, and the tumor target volumes (TVs) and OARs were delineated on the predicted and real images (ground truth). Finally, the models were evaluated using contours and dosimetry parameters. Results: The proposed method predicted the anatomical changes, with a dice similarity coefficient above 0.94 and 0.90 for the TVs and surrounding OARs, respectively. The dosimetry parameters were close between the prediction and ground truth. The deviations in the prescription, minimum, and maximum doses of the tumor targets were below 0.5 Gy. For serial organs (brain stem and spinal cord), the deviations in the maximum dose were below 0.6 Gy. For parallel organs (bilateral parotid glands), the deviations in the mean dose were below 0.8 Gy. Conclusion: The proposed method can predict the tumor response to radiotherapy in the future such that adaptation can be scheduled on time. This study provides a proactive mechanism for planning adaptation, which can enable personalized treatment and save clinical time by anticipating and preparing for treatment strategy adjustments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The commercial production of Chrysanthemum morifolium var. Mustika Kaniya in Malino highland, Indonesia, was limited by white rust infection of Puccinia horiana. This study aimed to compare the leaf and stem sections between healthy and naturally infected plants of Chrysanthemum morifolium by Puccinia horiana. The Johansen method was used to make the sections. The data were analysed using Independent Sample t-Test at α = 5%. The results showed that the pustules were protruded on the abaxial of leaf epidermis and comprised of two cells, oblong, and slightly shrivelled at the middle. The infected chrysanthemum showed the reduction in the leaf tissues (lower epidermis, palisade and spongy mesophyll, vascular bundle, and clear parenchyma) compared to the healthy plant and also reduction in the stem tissues (epidermis, cortex, bundle sheath, and pith). The infection of P. horiana in this study caused the deformation of structural change in both leaf and stem of C. morifolium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This computational investigation examines the capability of electronic portal imaging devices (EPIDs) in detecting anatomical changes during radiation therapy. A photon beam for 6 MV was simulated using compliant phase-space files via BEAMnrc (an EGSnrc user code). Initially, the dose calculation was carried out using DOSXYZnrc, an EGSnrc user code, on a water-based calibration phantom made of water. Phantoms, constructed utilizing patient computed tomography data, were subsequently used to simulate clinically relevant parotid gland (PG) shrinkage through image deformation using ImSimQA software. Two EPID geometries were implemented; a simple water slab, and a comprehensive multi-layer representation of the EPID (referred to as the 17-slab model). Using a 1%/1 mm gamma index the 17-slab geometry was sensitive to volume reductions in the PG ≥ − 26% from its original volume, while the water slab detected volume reduction of ≥ − 28.5%. In a clinical setting, replanning of head and neck patients is initiated when a reduction of 24–30% in PG volume is detected through cone-beam computed tomography. The sensitivity index, indicative of the signal to error ratio between the reference and evaluated images, showed an increase as the gland volume decreased for both models. Notably, the 17-slab model consistently more sensitive than the water slab. This computational study highlights the prospective use of EPIDs in monitoring and detecting clinically significant volume changes in the PG during radiation treatment. Advances in knowledge: While EPIDs are frequently employed for patient setup and alignment, this computational work constructed a virtual EPID to assess its detection abilities for the anatomical changes in the PG due to radiation exposure in head and neck cancer cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: The study aimed to investigate anatomical changes in the neck region and evaluate their impact on dose distribution in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) undergoing intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT). Additionally, the study sought to determine the optimal time for replanning during the course of treatment. METHODS: Twenty patients diagnosed with NPC underwent IMRT, with weekly pretreatment kV fan beam computed tomography (FBCT) scans in the treatment room. Metastasized lymph nodes in the neck region and organs at risk (OARs) were redelineation using the images from the FBCT scans. Subsequently, the original treatment plan (PLAN0) was replicated to each FBCT scan to generate new plans labeled as PLAN 1–6. The dose-volume histograms (DVH) of the new plans and the original plan were compared. One-way repeated measure ANOVA was utilized to establish threshold(s) at various time points. The presence of such threshold(s) would signify significant change(s), suggesting the need for replanning. RESULTS: Progressive volume reductions were observed over time in the neck region, the gross target volume for metastatic lymph nodes (GTVnd), as well as the submandibular glands and parotids. Compared to PLAN0, the mean dose (Dmean) of GTVnd-L significantly increased in PLAN5, while the minimum dose covering 95% of the volume (D95%) of PGTVnd-L showed a significant decrease from PLAN3 to PLAN6. Similarly, the Dmean of GTVnd-R significantly increased from PLAN4 to PLAN6, whereas the D95% of PGTVnd-R exhibited a significant decrease during the same period. Furthermore, the dose of bilateral parotid glands, bilateral submandibular glands, brainstem and spinal cord was gradually increased in the middle and late period of treatment. CONCLUSION: Significant anatomical and dosimetric changes were noted in both the target volumes and OARs. Considering the thresholds identified, it is imperative to undertake replanning at approximately 20 fractions. This measure ensures the delivery of adequate doses to target volumes while mitigating the risk of overdosing on OARs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Saudi Medical Journal is the property of Saudi Medical Journal 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.)

Selenium (Se), as a vital stress ameliorant, possesses a beneficial effect on mediating detrimental effects of environmental threats. However, the mechanisms of Se in mitigating the deleterious effects of drought are still poorly understood. Gentiana macrophylla Pall. is a well-known Chinese medicinal herb, and its root, as the main medicinal site, has significant therapeutic effects. The purpose of this experiment was to investigate the functions of Se on the seedling growth and physiobiochemical characteristics in G. macrophylla subjected to drought stress. The changes in microstructure and chloroplast ultrastructure of G. macrophylla leaves under drought exposure were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), scanning electron microscopes and energy dispersive X-Ray spectroscope (SEM-EDX), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), respectively. Results revealed that drought stress induced a notable increase in oxidative toxicity in G. macrophylla, as evidenced by elevated levels of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), lipid peroxidation (MDA), enhanced antioxidative response, decreased plant photosynthetic function, and inhibited plant growth. Chloroplasts integrity with damaged membranes and excess osmiophilic granule were observed in the drought-stressed plants. Se supplementation notably recovered the stomatal morphology, anatomical structure damage, and chloroplast ultrastructure of G. macrophylla leaves caused by drought exposure. Exogenous Se application markedly enhanced SPAD, photosynthetic stomatal exchange parameters, and photosystem II activity. Se supplementation significantly promoted the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), and catalase (CAT), while reducing levels of MDA, superoxide anion (O2–.) and H2O2, and improving membrane integrity. Furthermore, the ameliorative effects of Se were also suggested by increased contents of osmotic substances (soluble sugar and proline), boosted content of gentiopicroside and loganinic acid in roots, and alleviated the inhibition in plant growth and biomass. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis of Se-treated G. macrophylla roots under drought stress demonstrated that Se-stimulated metabolites including O-H, C-H, N-H, C-N, and CO functional groups, were involved in resisting drought stress. Correlation analysis indicated an obvious negative correlation between growth parameters and MDA, O2–. and H2O2 content, while a positive correlation with photosynthetic gas exchange parameters. Principal component analysis (PCA) results explained the total variance into two principal components contributing the maximum (93.50 %) among the drought exposure with or without Se due to the various experiment indexes. In conclusion, Se exerts beneficial properties on drought-induced detrimental effects in G. macrophylla by relieving oxidative stress, improving photosynthesis indexes, PSII activity, regulating anatomical changes, altering levels of gentiopicroside and loganinic acid, and promoting growth of drought-stressed G. macrophylla.

Background and purpose: Brain tumors are in general treated with a maximal safe resection followed by radiotherapy of remaining tumor including the resection cavity (RC) and chemotherapy. Anatomical changes of the RC during radiotherapy can have impact on the coverage of the target volume. The aim of the current study was to quantify the potential changes of the RC and to identify risk factors for RC changes. Materials and methods: Sixteen patients treated with pencil beam scanning proton therapy between October 2019 and April 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. The RC was delineated on pre-treatment computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging, and weekly CT-scans during treatment. Isotropic expansions were applied to the pre-treatment RC (1–5 mm). The percentage of volume of the RC during treatment within the expanded pre-treatment volumes was quantified. Potential risk factors (volume of RC, time interval surgery-radiotherapy and relationship of RC to the ventricles) were evaluated using Spearman's rank correlation coefficient. Results: The average variation in relative RC volume during treatment was 26.1% (SD 34.6%). An expansion of 4 mm was required to cover > 95% of the RC volume in > 90% of patients. There was a significant relationship between the absolute volume of the pre-treatment RC and the volume changes during treatment (Spearman's ρ = − 0.644; p = 0.007). Conclusion: RCs are dynamic after surgery. Potentially, an additional margin in brain cancer patients with an RC should be considered, to avoid insufficient target coverage. Future research on local recurrence patterns is recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Treating and imaging patients in the upright orientation is gaining acceptance in radiation oncology and radiology and has distinct advantages over the recumbent position. An IRB approved study to investigate the positions and orientations of the male pelvic organs between the supine and upright positions was conducted. The study comprised of scanning 15 male volunteers (aged 55–75 years) on a 0.6 T Fonar MRI scanner in the supine and upright positions with a full bladder and in the upright position with an empty bladder. The Pelvic study revealed that in the upright position the 1. Position and shape of the prostate are not impacted significantly by bladder fill. 2. Distance between the sacrum and the anterior bladder wall is significantly smaller. 3. Anterior‐Posterior length and the bladder width is significantly larger. 4. Seminal vesicles are pushed down by the bladder. 5. Top of the penile bulb is further away from the apex of the prostate. These observed differences could positively impact upright prostate treatments by 1. Reducing the risk of small bowel approximating the treatment volume. 2. Prostate treatments can be done with a reduced focus on bladder fill. 3. Radiation beams for treating intermediate risk prostrate can be made smaller or a larger portion of the seminal vesicles can be treated with the same beam size than typically used for supine treatments. 4. Reducing the average dose to the penile bulb. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drought stress is one of the main environmental challenges that dramatically reduce global rice production within several agricultural ecosystems. Breeding drought-tolerant rice genotypes is an important sustainable strategy to overcome this constraint. In this work, drought tolerance levels were assessed according to biochemical, anatomical, and molecular aspects, which led to selecting three promising crosses (Sakha 107 × Sakha super 300, Sakha 107 × M206, and Sakha 107 × Sakha 108) that were compared with their parents as controls. The antioxidant capabilities of the chosen potential crosses, such as the ascorbate peroxidase activity (APX), superoxide dismutase activity (SOD), catalase activity (CAT), and total phenolics, were significantly higher compared with their parents under drought stress. Moreover, the promising selected crosses could accumulate greater proline and chlorophyll contents. The potential superiority of the three selected rice crosses was anatomically represented throughout cross-sections of roots, stems, and leaves, which recorded higher values of cross-section diameter, epidermal thickness, cortex thickness, mesophyll thickness, and bundle sheath thickness as well as a broader range of xylem vessel diameters than their parents under a water deficit. The observed superiority of the antioxidant activities in the overall drought-tolerance mechanisms and anatomical characteristics reflected their protective role in the adaptation process under water stress. Molecular analyses using inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) markers suggested two promising crosses (Sakha 107 × Sakha super 300 and Sakha 107 × M206) to be the most suitable crosses for saving water. They had the highest similarity values and were grouped in a distinct cluster. The relative gene expression of OsACS2, OsCML31, OsCYP94C2a, and OsSRO1c was significantly elevated in the two selected drought-tolerant rice genotypes (Sakha 107 × Sakha super 300 and Sakha 107 × M206). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cell and sub‐cellular anatomical adjustments are adaptations utilized by plants to tolerate abiotic stress. Both melatonin and Morinda lucida‐silver nanoparticles (ML‐AgNPs) are recognized as bio‐stimulants. The study examined the morphological changes and adaptive characteristics of these bio‐stimulants under water‐stress Eugenia uniflora. Twenty‐four hours was spent priming the seeds with melatonin (0.06 mg/L), ML‐AgNPs (0.06 mg/L), and a mixture (1:1) of the two. The seeds were sown and subjected to water stress for 7 days. The leaves, stems, and roots of water‐stressed E. uniflora were sectioned, dried, and examined using a microscope. Drought stress led to the production of non‐glandular trichomes on the abaxial and the transformation of paracytic stomata into diacytic stomata. During water stress, melatonin enlarges intercellular gaps and stomata, increases sponge and palisade parenchyma, and thickens epidermis (stem and root) and fibers. The ML‐AgNPs diminished the size of mesophyll, intercellular gaps, stomata, and stem fiber. The ML‐AgNPs increased the size of bulliform cells and activated the mechanical resistance features of sclerophyllous leaves (thick‐celled epidermis and sclerieds) and ray parenchyma (root and stem). Equally, Melatonin and ML‐AgNPs increased stem and root anatomical characteristics (xylem, bark, pith, cortex, epidermis, and vascular bundles). Stomata of E. uniflora are susceptible to alterations and undergo cell division into two new stomata (stomatogensis) in response to varying conditions (melatonin and ML‐AgNPs). Melatonin adopted a strategy for maintaining a high plant water status, possibly by osmoregulation, whereas E. uniflora primed with ML‐AgNPs survived by minimizing transpirational water loss through morphological changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Nutrient enrichment in lakes due to municipal wastewater discharge and agricultural run-off leads to excessive growth of algae and aquatic macrophytes leading to their altered trophic states. This paper presents the effect of wastewater-induced nutrient enrichment on the anatomical changes and elemental profiling in three common aquatic macrophytes of freshwater lakes in India’s Central Gangetic Plain. It is observed that with increase in trophic state, biomineral depositions are seen in the leaf anatomy of aquatic macrophytes. Elemental variations in free-floating (Eichhornia crassipes), submerged (Hydrilla verticillata) and emergent (Typha latifolia) macrophytes collected from three different lakes with different catchment characteristics and trophic state using EDS (Energy-Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy) spectra show that with increasing trophic state, elemental constituent in the aquatic macrophytes also increases. The rhizome of Eichhornia crassipes showed the formation of calcium oxalate crystals in SEM (Scanning Electron Microscope) images and EDS analysis. Among macrophytes, floating and submerged macrophytes show a greater number of elemental constituents as compared to the emergent macrophytes. The findings of this study show that the anatomical and elemental responses of macrophytes are dependent both on the water quality and trophic state of the lakes. In-situ responses of macrophytes are based on their tolerance level against the pollution load and environmental changes. This study has important implications for understanding the response mechanism of macrophytes with changing water quality and increasing trophic state, which may help in proper management of freshwater ecosystem.

Simple Summary: Potassium deficiency is a constraint that causes numerous dysfunctions at the plant level, notably a reduction in leaf growth, photosynthesis and production. Among the multiple physiological disturbances induced by potassium deficiency, some are manifested very early and others only when the deficiency is severe. Therefore, we studied the effect of insufficient potassium supply on physiological, biochemical and anatomical parameters in basil, Ocimum basilicum. Results revealed a decrease in root and leaf biomass production in K+-deficient plants in association with an inhibition of root elongation and a reduction in leaf expansion. Similarly, a decrease in photosynthetic pigments and variability in the response of phenolic compounds content was recorded, depending on the organ and the K+ concentration in the medium. Analysis of the anatomical structure of stems showed that exposure to potassium deficiency in basil decreased the diameter of these organs and the amount of lignin produced. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a variable supply of potassium to culture medium on physiological and anatomical parameters (histological sections at the third internode) in basil, Ocimum basilicum. Thirty-four-day-old plants grown on basic nutrient medium were divided into four batches and grown on media with varying doses of potassium: 0.375 mM, 0.250 mM, 0.125 mM and 0 mM K+. After 64 days of culture, a final harvest was performed. The results showed that root and shoot growth in basil was decreased with decreased K+ concentration. This restriction was associated with a reduction in root elongation and leaf expansion, which was coupled with a decrease in chlorophyll and carotenoid contents. The estimation of electrolyte leakage reveals that this parameter was increased by potassium deficiency. With respect to total polyphenol and flavonoid contents, only the third leaf-stage extracts exhibited a decrease under low-K+ conditions. However, variability in response of phenolic compounds was recorded depending on the organ and the K+ concentration in the medium. Stem cross sections of potassium-deficient basil plants revealed a decrease in the diameter of these organs, which can be attributed to a restriction of the extent of different tissue territories (cortex and medulla), as well as by a reduction in cell size. These effects were associated with a decrease in the number of conducting vessels and an increase in the number of woody fibers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Morphology, biochemistry, and yield of cassava were evaluated under different water regimes. • From 90 to 180 DAP is the most sensitive growth stage for lack of water. • Leaf anatomy is impaired by water deficit in this growth stage. • SOD, CAT and cellular osmotic adjustment are increased under prolonged water deficit. • The root yield was drastically reduced by water deficit between 90 and 180 DAP. Water deficit affects morphological attributes and physiological and biochemical processes important to plants. Although cassava crop is known for its rusticity and adaptability to adverse environmental conditions, there have not been any studies reporting the effects of water deficit at different growth stages on cassava morphology and biochemistry. The objective of this research was to evaluate the morphological, anatomical, biochemical, and yield responses of cassava under different water regimes in three growth stages. The experimental design used was completely randomized 3 × 3 factorial scheme consisting of three growth stages (GS) [90–180 (GS3), 180–270 (GS4), and 270–360 days after planting (DAP) (GS5)] and three soil water tensions (-10, -40, and -70 kPa) with five replicates. Plants were affected, mainly in GS3, by -40 and -70 kPa soil tensions, with decreases in stem diameter, plant height and number of leaves. Leaf anatomy was also affected by water deficit in GS3, with reductions in the mesophyll thickness (13.7%), spongy parenchyma (19.9%), epidermal cells on the blade abaxial surface (18.0%) and in the number of xylem vessels (15.8%); in addition, there was an increase in the wall thickness (105.0%) and in the diameter (85.5%) of the xylem vessels. Under prolonged water deficit, there was an increase in the activity of superoxide dismutase and catalase, which were efficient in controlling H 2 O 2. The imposition of water deficit drastically reduced the yield of commercial and tuberous roots in GS3 (82.1% and 65.0%) and GS5 (45.7% and 32.5%). Our study shows that the period of crop susceptibility to water deficit is longer than previously thought, evidencing the need for greater attention to water availability between 90 and 180 and between 270 and 360 DAP, as it may aid in reducing the negative effects of water deficit on the biochemistry, anatomy, and yield components of cassava. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of patient positioning based on either bone or soft-tissue matching for PT in oesophageal cancer and its impact on plan adaptation. Two retrospective patient cohorts treated with radiotherapy were included in the study. Cohort A consisted of 26 consecutive patients with a planning 4DCT scan (CT1) and a surveillance 4DCT scan (CT2) at fraction ten. Cohort B consisted of 17 patients selected based on large anatomical changes identified during treatment resulting in a rescan (CT2). Mean dose to the iCTV (sum of the CTVs in all respiratory phases) was 50.4 Gy (RBE) in 28 fractions or 41.4 Gy (RBE) in 23 fractions. A nominal pencil beam scanning plan was created using two posterior beams and robust optimization (5 mm setup, 3.5% range). For each patient, two rigid registrations were made between average (avg) CT1 and CT2: a match on the vertebral column (bone match) and a match on the iCTV (soft-tissue match). Robustness towards setup (5 mm) and range (3.5%) errors was evaluated at CT2. Robustness towards respiration was evaluated by recalculation of the plan on all phases of the CT2 scan. Dose coverage <96% would trigger adaptation. The statistical significance (p-value <0.05) between dose coverage for the two registration methods was assessed using the Wilcoxon signed rank test. All plans fulfilled V95%iCTV>99% for the nominal plan and V95%iCTV>97% for all respiratory phases and robustness scenarios at CT1. In two (8%) and three (18%) patients, V95%iCTV<96% on CT2 for Cohort A and B, respectively when bone match was used. For soft-tissue match, V95%iCTV >96% for all patients. V95%iCTV was significantly higher (p-value = 0.0001) for soft-tissue match than bone match. Anatomical changes during the treatment course led to target dose deterioration and a need for plan adaptation when using a bone match. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• IMPT in esophageal cancer is robust for anatomical variations and breathing motion. • Adaptation is most effective in the first week of treatment. • Diaphragm baseline shift and changes in water equivalent depth of the ITV cause underdosage. In this study, we assessed the robustness of intensity modulated proton therapy (IMPT) in esophageal cancer for anatomical variations during treatment. The first sixty esophageal cancer patients, treated clinically with chemoradiotherapy were included. The treatment planning strategy was based on an internal target volume (ITV) approach, where the ITV was created from the clinical target volumes (CTVs) delineated on all phases of a 4DCT. For optimization, a 3 mm isotropic margin was added to the ITV, combined with robust optimization using 5 mm setup and 3 % range uncertainty. Each patient received weekly repeat CTs (reCTs). Robust plan re-evaluation on all reCTs, and a robust dose summation was performed. To assess the factors influencing ITV coverage, a multivariate linear regression analysis was performed. Additionally, clinical adaptations were evaluated. The target coverage was adequate (ITV V94%>98 % on the robust voxel-wise minimum dose) on most reCTs (91 %), and on the summed dose in 92 % of patients. Significant predictors for ITV coverage in the multivariate analysis were diaphragm baseline shift and water equivalent depth (WED) of the ITV in the beam direction. Underdosage of the ITV mainly occurred in week 1 and 4, leading to treatment adaptation of eight patients, all on the first reCT. Our IMPT treatment of esophageal cancer is robust for anatomical variations. Adaptation appears to be most effective in the first week of treatment. Diaphragm baseline shifts and WED are predictive factors for ITV underdosage, and should be incorporated in an adaptation protocol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon ion therapy treatments can be monitored non-invasively with in-beam Positron Emission Tomography (PET). At CNAO the INSIDE in-beam PET scanner has been used in a clinical trial (NCT03662373) to monitor cancer treatments with proton and carbon therapy. In this work we present the analysis results of carbon therapy data, acquired during the first phase of the clinical trial, analyzing data of nine patients treated at CNAO for various malignant tumors in the head-and-neck region. The patient group contained two patients requiring replanning, and seven patients without replanning, based on established protocols. For each patient the PET images acquired along the course of treatment were compared with a reference, applying two analysis methods: the beam-eye-view (BEV) method and the γ -index analysis. Time trends in several parameters were investigated, as well as the agreement with control CTs, if available. Regarding the BEV-method, the average sigma value σ was 3.7 mm of range difference distributions for patients without changes (sensitivity of the INSIDE detector). The 3D-information obtained from the BEV analysis was partly in agreement with what was observed in the control CT. The data quality and quantity was insufficient for a definite interpretation of the time trends. We analyzed carbon therapy data acquired with the INSIDE in-beam PET detector using two analysis methods. The data allowed to evaluate sensitivity of the INSIDE detector for carbon therapy and to make several recommendations for the future. • Nine carbon therapy patients were monitored with in-beam PET (NCT03662373). • Two analysis methods were applied: gamma-index and Beam-Eye-View analysis. • The sensitivity of the INSIDE detector was evaluated for carbon therapy. • More data is needed to verify time trends in the analysis parameters and to relate them to anatomical changes. • The reliability of the 3D information should be studied in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Large variability in dose to OAR between 8 centres comparing photon and proton plans. • Anatomical changes may result in large under-dosage and require adaptation. • Inter-fractional changes led to larger target under-dosage than respiratory motion. • Robustness towards anatomical changes differs between proton and photon therapy. • Robustness towards anatomical changes differs between centres. To compare dose distributions and robustness in treatment plans from eight European centres in preparation for the European randomized phase-III PROTECT-trial investigating the effect of proton therapy (PT) versus photon therapy (XT) for oesophageal cancer. All centres optimized one PT and one XT nominal plan using delineated 4DCT scans for four patients receiving 50.4 Gy (RBE) in 28 fractions. Target volume receiving 95% of prescribed dose (V95% iCTVtotal) should be >99%. Robustness towards setup, range, and respiration was evaluated. The plans were recalculated on a surveillance 4DCT (sCT) acquired at fraction ten and robustness evaluation was performed to evaluate the effect of respiration and inter-fractional anatomical changes. All PT and XT plans complied with V95% iCTVtotal >99% for the nominal plan and V95% iCTVtotal >97% for all respiratory and robustness scenarios. Lung and heart dose varied considerably between centres for both modalities. The difference in mean lung dose and mean heart dose between each pair of XT and PT plans was in median [range] 4.8 Gy [1.1;7.6] and 8.4 Gy [1.9;24.5], respectively. Patients B and C showed large inter-fractional anatomical changes on sCT. For patient B, the minimum V95% iCTVtotal in the worst-case robustness scenario was 45% and 94% for XT and PT, respectively. For patient C, the minimum V95% iCTVtotal was 57% and 72% for XT and PT, respectively. Patient A and D showed minor inter-fractional changes and the minimum V95% iCTVtotal was >85%. Large variability in dose to the lungs and heart was observed for both modalities. Inter-fractional anatomical changes led to larger target dose deterioration for XT than PT plans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nutrient enrichment in lakes due to municipal wastewater discharge and agricultural run-off leads to excessive growth of algae and aquatic macrophytes leading to their altered trophic states. This paper presents the effect of wastewater-induced nutrient enrichment on the anatomical changes and elemental profiling in three common aquatic macrophytes of freshwater lakes in India's Central Gangetic Plain. It is observed that with increase in trophic state, biomineral depositions are seen in the leaf anatomy of aquatic macrophytes. Elemental variations in free-floating (Eichhornia crassipes), submerged (Hydrilla verticillata) and emergent (Typha latifolia) macrophytes collected from three different lakes with different catchment characteristics and trophic state using EDS (Energy-Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy) spectra show that with increasing trophic state, elemental constituent in the aquatic macrophytes also increases. The rhizome of Eichhornia crassipes showed the formation of calcium oxalate crystals in SEM (Scanning Electron Microscope) images and EDS analysis. Among macrophytes, floating and submerged macrophytes show a greater number of elemental constituents as compared to the emergent macrophytes. The findings of this study show that the anatomical and elemental responses of macrophytes are dependent both on the water quality and trophic state of the lakes. In-situ responses of macrophytes are based on their tolerance level against the pollution load and environmental changes. This study has important implications for understanding the response mechanism of macrophytes with changing water quality and increasing trophic state, which may help in proper management of freshwater ecosystem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Blackleg is an acute, toxic, infectious, non-contagious disease of domestic and wild ruminants that occurs while the animals are pastured. This article describes an outbreak of blackleg on a farm in Siberia (Russia) in 2019. We provide a detailed description of the cases based on the results of comprehensive diagnostic and epidemiological investigations. For description of case and evaluation, we used the following methods: owner observations, descriptive epidemiology, clinical diagnostics, pathological examination and bacteriology. The distinctive features (in addition to the characteristic features) were as follows: the outbreak of the disease occurred in early spring when there was abundant snow cover and under unfavorable living conditions of animals and traumas; the disease appeared in both vaccinated and unvaccinated cattle; the characteristic clinical signs were low-grade fever, the absence of crepitus, and the presence of haematomas containing erythrocytes with basophilic granularity; thrombs in vessel and vacuolization in tissue of the adrenal gland. This paper aimed to present classical and new clinical and pathology changes in cattle with blackleg in winter conditions of Russian Siberia.

Background and purpose: Literature has reported reduced treatment toxicity in head-and-neck radiotherapy (HNRT) when reducing the planning target volume (PTV) margin from 5 to 3 mm but loco-regional control was not always preserved. This study used deformable image registration (DIR)-facilitated dose accumulation to assess clinical target volume (CTV) coverage in the presence of anatomical changes. Materials and methods: VMAT plans for 12 patients were optimized using 3 or 5 mm PTV and planning risk volume (PRV) margins. The planning computed tomography (pCT) scan was registered to each daily cone beam CT (CBCT) using DIR. The inverse registration was used to reconstruct and accumulate dose (Dacc). CTV coverage was assessed using the dose-volume histogram (DVH) metric D99%acc and by individual voxel analysis. Both approaches included an uncertainty estimate using the 95% level of confidence. Results: D99%acc was less than 95% of the prescribed dose Dpresc for three cases including only one case where this was at the 95% level of confidence. However for many patients, the accumulated dose included a substantial volume of voxels receiving less than 95% Dpresc independent of margin expansion, which predominantly occurred in the subdermal region. Loss in target coverage was very patient specific but tightness of target volume coverage at planning was a common factor leading to underdosage. Conclusion: This study agrees with previous literature that PTV/PRV margin reduction did not significantly reduce CTV coverage during treatment, but also highlighted that tight coverage of target volumes at planning increases the risk of clinically unacceptable dose delivery. Patient-specific verification of dose delivery to assess the dose delivered to each voxel is recommended.

• Twenty-four glioblastoma patients received an additional MRI during radiotherapy. • Photon- and proton-based dose escalated treatment plans were simulated. • For 12.5% of the patients the dose coverage and minimum dose decreased dramatically. • No major differences between the photon and proton treatment plans were found. Most dose-escalation trials in glioblastoma patients integrate the escalated dose throughout the standard course by targeting a specific subvolume. We hypothesize that anatomical changes during irradiation may affect the dose coverage of this subvolume for both proton- and photon-based radiotherapy. For 24 glioblastoma patients a photon- and proton-based dose escalation treatment plan (of 75 Gy/30 fr) was simulated on the dedicated radiotherapy planning MRI obtained before treatment. The escalated dose was planned to cover the resection cavity and/or contrast enhancing lesion on the T1w post-gadolinium MRI sequence. To analyze the effect of anatomical changes during treatment, we evaluated on an additional MRI that was obtained during treatment the changes of the dose distribution on this specific high dose region. The median time between the planning MRI and additional MRI was 26 days (range 16–37 days). The median time between the planning MRI and start of radiotherapy was relatively short (7 days, range 3–11 days). In 3 patients (12.5%) changes were observed which resulted in a substantial deterioration of both the photon and proton treatment plans. All these patients underwent a subtotal resection, and a decrease in dose coverage of more than 5% and 10% was observed for the photon- and proton-based treatment plans, respectively. Our study showed that only for a limited number of patients anatomical changes during photon or proton based radiotherapy resulted in a potentially clinically relevant underdosage in the subvolume. Therefore, volume changes during treatment are unlikely to be responsible for the negative outcome of dose-escalation studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Dose accumulation was performed for 322 head and neck cancer patients. • NTCP models were optimized for both planned and delivered dose. • Modest differences between planned and delivered dose were found. • Differences in NTCP models were small for mucositis, dysphagia, and xerostomia. Normal tissue complication probability (NTCP) models are typically derived from the planned dose distribution, which can deviate from the delivered dose due to anatomical day-to-day variations. The aim of this study was to compare NTCP models derived from the planned and the delivered dose for head and neck cancer (HNC) patients. 322 HNC patients who received radiotherapy with daily CBCT guidance were included in this retrospective study. The delivered dose was estimated by deformably accumulating dose from daily CBCT to planning anatomy. We used a Lyman-Kutcher-Burman NTCP model, to relate the equivalent uniform dose (EUD) of organs at risk (OAR) with oral mucositis, xerostomia and dysphagia respectively. We compared the model parameters and performances. The median differences between planned and delivered EUD to the OARs were significantly larger for patients with toxicity than without for acute dysphagia (≥G2 and ≥G3) and late dysphagia (≥G3) (p < 0.05). Those differences resulted in small differences in steepness and agreement to the data between delivered- and planned-fitted NTCP curves, and the differences were not significant. The differences in AUC were less than 0.01. Differences between delivered and planned dose did not lead to significant differences in NTCP curves. The additional clinical relevance of NTCP models using accumulated dose for oral mucositis, xerostomia and dysphagia in HNC radiotherapy is likely to be limited. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Selenium (Se), as a vital stress ameliorant, possesses a beneficial effect on mediating detrimental effects of environmental threats. However, the mechanisms of Se in mitigating the deleterious effects of drought are still poorly understood. Gentiana macrophylla Pall. is a well-known Chinese medicinal herb, and its root, as the main medicinal site, has significant therapeutic effects. The purpose of this experiment was to investigate the functions of Se on the seedling growth and physiobiochemical characteristics in G. macrophylla subjected to drought stress. The changes in microstructure and chloroplast ultrastructure of G. macrophylla leaves under drought exposure were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), scanning electron microscopes and energy dispersive X-Ray spectroscope (SEM-EDX), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), respectively. Results revealed that drought stress induced a notable increase in oxidative toxicity in G. macrophylla , as evidenced by elevated levels of hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2), lipid peroxidation (MDA), enhanced antioxidative response, decreased plant photosynthetic function, and inhibited plant growth. Chloroplasts integrity with damaged membranes and excess osmiophilic granule were observed in the drought-stressed plants. Se supplementation notably recovered the stomatal morphology, anatomical structure damage, and chloroplast ultrastructure of G. macrophylla leaves caused by drought exposure. Exogenous Se application markedly enhanced SPAD, photosynthetic stomatal exchange parameters, and photosystem II activity. Se supplementation significantly promoted the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), and catalase (CAT), while reducing levels of MDA, superoxide anion (O2–.) and H 2 O 2 , and improving membrane integrity. Furthermore, the ameliorative effects of Se were also suggested by increased contents of osmotic substances (soluble sugar and proline), boosted content of gentiopicroside and loganinic acid in roots, and alleviated the inhibition in plant growth and biomass. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis of Se-treated G. macrophylla roots under drought stress demonstrated that Se-stimulated metabolites including O-H, C-H, N-H, C-N, and C O functional groups, were involved in resisting drought stress. Correlation analysis indicated an obvious negative correlation between growth parameters and MDA, O2–. and H 2 O 2 content, while a positive correlation with photosynthetic gas exchange parameters. Principal component analysis (PCA) results explained the total variance into two principal components contributing the maximum (93.50 %) among the drought exposure with or without Se due to the various experiment indexes. In conclusion, Se exerts beneficial properties on drought-induced detrimental effects in G. macrophylla by relieving oxidative stress, improving photosynthesis indexes, PSII activity, regulating anatomical changes, altering levels of gentiopicroside and loganinic acid, and promoting growth of drought-stressed G. macrophylla. • Selenium improves photosynthesis inhibition caused by drought stress by repairing chloroplast ultrastructural and anatomical structure. • 2. Selenium activates enzymic antioxidant system to remove excess ROS in G. macrophylla caused by drought stress. • 3. FTIR analysis indicated that selenium-induced functional group of different metabolites were involved in resisting drought stress. • 4. Selenium improves the drought tolerance of G. macrophylla by boosting the content of gentiopicroside and loganine acid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amblyopia is one of the common eye diseases that seriously impairs children's vision. The past concept holds that amblyopia rarely has organic changes corresponding to vision loss. In recent years, with the development of examination methods, anatomical abnormalities have been found in the choroid, retina and brain structure of amblyopia patients, which provides a powerful basis for elucidating the pathogenesis of amblyopia. Furthermore, in addition to traditional occlusion therapy to treat amblyopia, some emerging treatments have also achieved excellent results. Therefore, this article reviews the anatomical and physiological changes and the progress of treatment methods of amblyopia.

• A novel online adaptive strategy was compared to two robust optimization methods. • Daily CBCT images were used to introduce realistic setup and anatomical variations. • Robust optimization achieved adequate target coverage in up to 8/10 patients. • Online adaptation yielded adequate target coverage in all patients. • Online adaptation reduced the dose to most OARs compared to robust methods. Setup variations and anatomical changes can severely affect the quality of head and neck intensity-modulated proton therapy (IMPT) treatments. The impact of these changes can be alleviated by increasing the plan's robustness a priori , or by adapting the plan online. This work compares these approaches in the context of head and neck IMPT. A representative cohort of 10 head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) patients with daily cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) was evaluated. For each patient, three IMPT plans were created: 1- a classical robust optimization (cRO) plan optimized on the planning CT, 2- an anatomical robust optimization (aRO) plan additionally including the two first daily CBCTs and 3- a plan optimized without robustness constraints, but online-adapted (OA) daily, using a constrained spot intensity re-optimization technique only. The cumulative dose following OA fulfilled the clinical objective of both the high-risk and low-risk clinical target volumes (CTV) coverage in all 10 patients, compared to 8 for aRO and 4 for cRO. aRO did not significantly increase the dose to most organs at risk compared to cRO, although the integral dose was higher. OA significantly reduced the integral dose to healthy tissues compared to both robust methods, while providing equivalent or superior target coverage. Using a simple spot intensity re-optimization, daily OA can achieve superior target coverage and lower dose to organs at risk than robust optimization methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aims: Plants can minimize the adverse effects of salinity by modifying morphological and anatomical features. Previous studies showed that endophytic Epichloë bromicola play an important role in improving wild barley (Hordeum brevisubulatum) salinity tolerance. The aim of this work is to understand whether Epichloë endophyte affects the anatomical structures of host H. brevisubulatum under salinity environments. Methods: Seedlings of E. bromicola infected (E+) and E. bromicola free (E-) H. brevisubulatum were treated with different NaCl concentrations, with the control seedlings being grown without NaCl. Anatomical structures of roots, stems and leaves were observed by making paraffin sections with double staining dehydration methods (safranin and fast green). Results: NaCl treatments significantly affected the anatomical structure of H. brevisubulatum. Vascular tissue area throughout the leaf, stem and root decreased as the NaCl concentration increased. Thickness of epidermis in stems and leaves, and the cortex in roots also decreased with salt level increases. Endodermis thickness, epidermis thickness and stele area in roots were increased under salinity stress. The presence of Epichloë endophyte regulated some anatomical structure modifications. Epichloë infection was associated with significant higher conducting tissues (including leaf xylem, leaf phloem, stem vascular bundles, stem xylem vessels and root meta-xylem area). The increased thickness of leaf veins, epidermis in stems, cortex and endodermis in roots were also associated with Epichloë endophyte infection under NaCl stress. Conclusions: The presence of Epichloë endophyte ameliorated adverse effects of salinity on H. brevisubulatum. We observed specific changes of anatomical structures that may help in inhibiting water loss and inhibiting decrease of transport capacity for better conduction of water, nutrients, photosynthates and re-translocation of assimilates to suppress negative effects of salinity and enhance the tolerance of H. brevisubulatum to salt stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE. The objective of the study is to research the anatomical features of stomal and non-transit areas of colon after obstructive resections and ways of preoperative determination of diastase liquidation for choosing a rational type of reconstructive surgery.MATERIAL AND METHODS. Topographo-anatomical features of stomal and non-transit areas of colon of 197 terminal colostomy patients with reconstruction surgery were examined. Their impact on conduction of reconstructive surgeries from midline, parastomal incision and laparoscopic assisted method were also studied.RESULTS. The objects of anastomosis can be located in the same, in neighboring or in separate abdominal areas that determine diastasis size between them. 74 (37.56 %) patients had parastomal area localization of stump. 93 (47.21 %) patients had stump located in adjacent areas and 30 (15.23 %) had a stump located in separate abdominal areas. Besides the location of anastomosed segments, mobility of bowels also has a great impact on conjunction which determines by the place of stump and stoma formation. The techniques of preoperative determination of reconstruction possibility of passage continuity without colon mobilization were developed taking into account these anatomical features.CONCLUSION. Localization of anastomosing objects, their length and mobility allowedreconstructing bowel continuity of 167 patients (84. 77 %) without coloplastics. Possibility of preoperative determination of reconstruction of bowel continuity without colon mobilization objectifies the choice of rational reconstructive surgery method.

Morphologically, at the level of the entire organism, such modifications are reflected clinically after 60-65. As an effect of age, ventilation and then muscular force and secretory functions become sensitive. To these, the reticuloendothelial system and certain sensorial functions are added. The common denominator of such modifications is the progressive diminution of the number of metabolically active cells. Cells no longer renew and become fewer with age. Aging is part of a continuous change that begins at the moment of conception and ends in death. Much too often, our interest is focused on a certain part of this continuity, the years of maturity, so that the differences in the body functions in the years belonging to the two extremities of life are sometimes viewed as deviations from normal when, in fact, they are shifting manifestations of normality ("the new homeostasis" of man) as with years passing by "adaptations" become continuous. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated salt toxicity effects and related physiological as well as anatomical changes for adaptation in Cynodon dactylon. Eleven ecotypes from different areas of Pakistan were examined for their survival capacity in a controlled environment. The experiment was designed in a two factor Completely Randomized Design (ecotypes and 4 salt levels 0, 100, 200, 300 mM NaCl). Differently adaptive populations displayed specific structural and functional adaptations with respect to photosynthesis and photosynthetic pigments to withstand salinity. The ecotypes from saline and waterlogged areas exhibited higher Photosynthetic rate to same level of increase in salinity level. Transpiration rate of all ecotypes showed variations with different salinity levels and stomatal conductance increased in all ecotypes with increasing salinity. Similarly, all ecotypes responded significantly as far as chlorophyll contents were concerned. Most ecotypes consistently showed high leaf blade thickness and sclerenchyma thickness with elevated salinity except for plants collected from saline, waterlogged and salt affected wasteland. Different salt levels decreased the metaxylem cell area while phloem area increased in the ecotypes correspondingly. Cynodon ecotypes possessed low abaxial stomatal density at 300 mM salinity. Overall, physiological and anatomical adaptations to saline environments appeared very specific in grasses and supported life cycle under salt stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Imaging Science & Photochemistry is the property of Imaging Science & Photochemistry Editorial Office 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.)

• This study investigates the accuracy of DIR based dose accumulation. • This study used an in silico ground truth based on clinically observed deformations. • The dose accumulation uncertainty was determined for individual structure types. • Uncertainties were separately determined for inverse (in)consistent voxels. • These results can be prospectively used to assess dose reconstruction accuracy. Deformable image registration (DIR) facilitated dose reconstruction and accumulation can be applied to assess delivered dose and verify the validity of the treatment plan during treatment. This retrospective study used in silico deformations based on clinically observed anatomical changes as ground truth to investigate the uncertainty of reconstructed and accumulated dose in head-and-neck radiotherapy (HNRT). A planning CT (pCT), cone beam CT (CBCT) from week one of treatment and three later CBCTs were selected for 12 HNRT patients. These images were used to generate in silico reference CBCTs and deformation vector fields (DVFs) as ground truth with B-spline DIR. Inverse consistency (IC) of voxels was assessed by determining their net displacement after successive application of the forward and backward DVF. The reconstructed dose based on demons DIR was compared to the ground truth to assess the structure-specific uncertainties of this DIR algorithm for inverse consistent and inverse in consistent voxels. Overall, 98.5% of voxels were inverse consistent with the 95% level of confidence range for dose reconstruction of a single fraction equal to [−2.3%; +2.1%], [−10.2%; +15.2%] and [−9.5%; +12.5%] relative to their planned dose for target structures, critical organs at risk (OARs) and non-critical OARs, respectively. Inverse in consistent voxels generally showed a higher level of uncertainty. The uncertainty in accumulated dose using DIR can be accurately quantified and incorporated in dose-volume histograms (DVHs). This method can be used to prospectively assess the adequacy of target coverage during treatment in an objective manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To evaluate different registration methods, setup margins and number of corrections for CBCT-based position verification for oesophageal cancer and to evaluate anatomical changes during the course of radiotherapy treatment. Methods: From 50 patients, 440 CBCT-scans were registered automatically using a soft tissue or bone registration algorithm and compared to the clinical match. Moreover, relevant anatomical changes were monitored. A sub-analysis was performed to evaluate if tumour location influenced setup variations. Margin calculation was performed and the number of setup corrections was estimated. Results were compared to a patient group previously treated with MV-EPID based position verification. Results: CBCT-based setup variations were smaller than EPID-based setup variations, resulting in smaller setup margins of 5.9 mm (RL), 7.5 mm (CC) and 4.7 mm (AP) versus 6.0 mm, 7.8 mm and 5.5 mm, respectively. A reduction in average number of setup corrections per patient was found from 0.75 to 0.36. From all automatically registered CBCT-scans, a clipbox around PTV and vertebras combined with soft tissue registration resulted in the smallest setup margins of 5.9 mm (RL), 7.7 mm (CC), 4.8 mm (AP) and smallest average number of corrections of 0.38. For distally located tumours, a setup margin of 7.7 mm (CC) was required compared to 5.6 mm for proximal tumours. Reduction of GTV volume, heart volume and change in diaphragm position were observed in 16, 10 and 15 patients, respectively. Conclusions: CBCT-based set-up variations are smaller than EPID-based variations and vary according to tumour location. When using kV-CBCT a large variety of anatomical changes is revealed, which cannot be observed with MV-EPID.

Purpose: Due to the sharp gradients of intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) dose distributions, treatment uncertainties may induce substantial deviations from the planned dose during irradiation. Here, we investigate if the planned mean dose to parotid glands in combination with the dose gradient and information about anatomical changes during the treatment improves xerostomia prediction in head and neck cancer patients.Materials and methods: Eighty eight patients were retrospectively analyzed. Three features of the contralateral parotid gland were studied in terms of their association with the outcome, i.e., grade ≥ 2 (G2) xerostomia between 6 months and 2 years after radiotherapy (RT): planned mean dose (MD), average lateral dose gradient (GRADX), and parotid gland migration toward medial (PGM). PGM was estimated using daily megavoltage computed tomography (MVCT) images. Three logistic regression models where analyzed: based on (1) MD only, (2) MD and GRADX, and (3) MD, GRADX, and PGM. Additionally, the cohort was stratified based on the median value of GRADX, and a univariate analysis was performed to study the association of the MD with the outcome for patients in low- and high-GRADX domains.Results: The planned MD failed to recognize G2 xerostomia patients (AUC = 0.57). By adding the information of GRADX (second model), the model performance increased to AUC = 0.72. The addition of PGM (third model) led to further improvement in the recognition of the outcome (AUC = 0.79). Remarkably, xerostomia patients in the low-GRADX domain were successfully identified (AUC = 0.88) by the MD alone.Conclusions: Our results indicate that GRADX and PGM, which together serve as a proxy of dosimetric changes, provide valuable information for xerostomia prediction.

Previous researches have shown the presence of heavy metals (HMs) such as lead (Pb) at different levels in Olusosun dumpsite, Lagos. This study aimed at finding out if the anatomical differences found in Luffa cyclindrical and Amaranthus viridis grown on the dumpsite is an indication of the HMs and also determine the distribution of HMs on the dumpsite. The results showed the HMs detected in the dumpsite soil at three spots were significantly higher than the control (p=0.5). The concentrations of HMs were in sequence for soils A: Pb>Zn=Cr>Fe>Cu>Ni. Spot B: Fe>Cr>Pb>Zn>Cu>Ni, spot C: Fe>Pb>Cr>Zn>Cu>Ni and Control: Pb>Fe>Zn>Cu>Ni. All the HMs detected at the three spots and control were below the World Health Organization (WHO) and Dutch pollutant standard level, except for (Zn) which was at the exact limit (50.000Mg/kg). The plants obtained from both the dumpsite and control sites didn’t show marked visible morphological changes. However, anatomical changes in the leaves epidermis such as irregular shape of the epidermis, absence of trichomes and decrease in quality and stomata size were all witnessed in the dumpsite plant as against the control. Hence, it is likely that all detected differences in the epidermal structures of the test plant grown on dumpsite soil were caused by the high level of HMs present in the dumpsites and therefore suggested that, changes in epidermal structures of L. cyclindrical and A. viridis grown on Olusosun dumpsite soils is an indication of HMs such as Zn and Pb present. Keywords: Heavy metals, Anatomical changes, Morphological changes, Toxicity

Pregnancy causes physiological changes that support the growing fetus and get the mother ready for labor and delivery. Some of these modifications affect biochemical levels; they are normally stable, while others could imitate symptoms of illness. It is critical to distinguish between pathology associated with disease and typical physiological changes. This review article focuses on the significant changes that occur throughout a typical pregnancy., (Copyright ©2024, Yale Journal of Biology and Medicine.)

Purpose: Due to the sharp gradients of intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) dose distributions, treatment uncertainties may induce substantial deviations from the planned dose during irradiation. Here, we investigate if the planned mean dose to parotid glands in combination with the dose gradient and information about anatomical changes during the treatment improves xerostomia prediction in head and neck cancer patients. Materials and methods: Eighty eight patients were retrospectively analyzed. Three features of the contralateral parotid gland were studied in terms of their association with the outcome, i.e., grade ≥ 2 (G2) xerostomia between 6 months and 2 years after radiotherapy (RT): planned mean dose (MD), average lateral dose gradient (GRADX), and parotid gland migration toward medial (PGM). PGM was estimated using daily megavoltage computed tomography (MVCT) images. Three logistic regression models where analyzed: based on (1) MD only, (2) MD and GRADX, and (3) MD, GRADX, and PGM. Additionally, the cohort was stratified based on the median value of GRADX, and a univariate analysis was performed to study the association of the MD with the outcome for patients in low- and high-GRADX domains. Results: The planned MD failed to recognize G2 xerostomia patients (AUC = 0.57). By adding the information of GRADX (second model), the model performance increased to AUC = 0.72. The addition of PGM (third model) led to further improvement in the recognition of the outcome (AUC = 0.79). Remarkably, xerostomia patients in the low-GRADX domain were successfully identified (AUC = 0.88) by the MD alone. Conclusions: Our results indicate that GRADX and PGM, which together serve as a proxy of dosimetric changes, provide valuable information for xerostomia prediction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Posterior beam proton spot scanning secures a high robustness towards anatomical changes. • Robust optimization in combination with full PTV coverage yields the highest robustness. • Posterior beam proton spot scanning maintains significant sparring of dose to normal tissue compared to IMRT. Abstract SFUD strategies with one or two posterior proton beams and three target coverage strategies are compared with IMRT and tested for robustness towards anatomical changes by recalculation on surveillance CTs during treatment. We find posterior beam SFUD combining PTV coverage with robust optimization increases robustness towards anatomical changes compared to IMRT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous researches have shown the presence of heavy metals (HMs) such as lead (Pb) at different levels in Olusosun dumpsite, Lagos. This study aimed at finding out if the anatomical differences found in Luffa cyclindrical and Amaranthus viridis grown on the dumpsite is an indication of the HMs and also determine the distribution of HMs on the dumpsite. The results showed the HMs detected in the dumpsite soil at three spots were significantly higher than the control (p=0.5). The concentrations of HMs were in sequence for soils A: Pb>Zn=Cr>Fe>Cu>Ni. Spot B: Fe>Cr>Pb>Zn>Cu>Ni, spot C: Fe>Pb>Cr>Zn>Cu>Ni and Control: Pb>Fe>Zn>Cu>Ni. All the HMs detected at the three spots and control were below the World Health Organization (WHO) and Dutch pollutant standard level, except for (Zn) which was at the exact limit (50.000Mg/kg). The plants obtained from both the dumpsite and control sites didn’t show marked visible morphological changes. However, anatomical changes in the leaves epidermis such as irregular shape of the epidermis, absence of trichomes and decrease in quality and stomata size were all witnessed in the dumpsite plant as against the control. Hence, it is likely that all detected differences in the epidermal structures of the test plant grown on dumpsite soil were caused by the high level of HMs present in the dumpsites and therefore suggested that, changes in epidermal structures of L. cyclindrical and A. viridis grown on Olusosun dumpsite soils is an indication of HMs such as Zn and Pb present. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To tolerate harsh climatic conditions, olive tree Chetoui has developed some anatomic, physiologic and biochemical mechanisms. The aim of this study was to determine the indicators of stress in leaves, stems and roots growing under various climatic conditions. To protect against stress conditions this cultivar increased cuticle thickness, protective structures and building parenchyma tissues of leaves, woods and roots from the North to the South. The volatile compounds, extracted from northern and southern Chetoui leaves and roots, were analyzed by GC-FID and GC-MS. Great changes in volatiles were illustrated in the studied organs, by enrichment in phenolics and fatty acids for leaves and in hydrocarbons for roots of southern Chetoui. Also, a reduction in terpenes, alcohols and carbonylic compounds was noted in both southern samples. Moreover, minerals of all organs of Chetoui, varied in content and allocation, but their levels are the highest in leaves. The changes in volatiles might be affected by changes in the mineral elements uptake or accumulation under environment stress. A significant correlation was noted between phenolic compounds and sodium, nitrogen, and calcium contents. However, terpenoids was highly correlated with phosphorus content for all organs and studied areas. The detection of new volatiles, anatomical and mineral changes seem to be efficient indicators of adaptation of Chetoui to environment stress conditions.

Purpose: To assess the sensitivity of various EPID dosimetry alert indicators to patient‐related variations and to determine alert threshold values that ensure excellent error detectability. Methods: Our virtual dose reconstruction method uses in air EPID measurements to calculate virtual 3D dose distributions within a CT data set. Patient errors are introduced by transforming the plan‐CT into an error‐CT data set. Virtual patient dose distributions reconstructed using the plan‐CT and the error‐CT data set are compared to the planned dose distributions by γ(3%/3 mm) and DVH analysis using seven indicators: ΔDISOC, γ‐mean, near γ‐max, γ‐pass rate, ΔPTVD2, ΔPTVD50, and ΔPTVD98. Translation and rotation patient setup errors and uniform contour changes are studied for 104 VMAT plans of 4 treatment sites. Lung expansions and contractions to simulate changes in lung density are considered for 26 IMRT lung plans. A ROC curve is generated for each combination of error and indicator. For each ROC curve, the AUC value and the optimal alert threshold value of the indicator are determined. Results: AUC values for γ‐indicators and ΔPTVD2 are consistently higher than for ΔDISOC and ΔPTVD98. For VMAT plans, error detectability to patient position shifts is worse for pelvic treatments and best for head‐and‐neck and brain plans. Excellent detectability is observed for 5 mm translations in head‐and‐neck plans (AUC = 0.94) and for 4° rotations in brain plans (AUC = 0.89). All sites but prostate show good‐to‐excellent detectability (AUC > 0.8) for 10 mm translations and 8° rotations and excellent detectability (AUC > 0.9) for ±6 mm patient contour changes. For head‐and‐neck, excellent detectability is obtained with γ‐mean and γ‐pass rate threshold values of around 0.63 and 83%, respectively. For brain and rectum, these threshold values are 0.53 and 90%, respectively. In IMRT lung plans, expansions of 3 mm and contractions of 6 mm are detected (AUC > 0.8). Conclusions: By combining virtual dose reconstructions with synthetic patient data, we developed a framework to assess the sensitivity of our 3D EPID transit dosimetry method to patient‐related variations. The detectability of each introduced error is specific to the treatment site and indicator used. Optimal alert criteria can be determined to ensure excellent detectability for each combination of error type and indicator. The alert threshold values and the magnitude of the error that can be detected are site‐specific. In situations where the minimum error that can be detected is larger than the clinically desirable action level, EPID transit dosimetry must be used in combination with IGRT procedures to ensure correct patient positioning and early detection of anatomy variations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seeds of snail medic (Medicago scutellata L.) were assessed for their response to salt at the germination and seedling stages. NaCl at concentrations 86 and 170 mM decreased the final germination percentage. Embryonic axis length, water content and dry weight of embryonic axis and cotyledons were also reduced by salt treatment. Furthermore, 28-d-old plants were grown hydroponically with different NaCl concentrations (0, 86 and 170 mM). After 7 days of treatment, growth, water content and development of the different organs of M. scutellata plant were affected especially at the highest NaCl concentration (170 mM). However, NaCl did not affect root length and the number of stem shoots but reduced stem length and total leaf area. Salt treatment increased markedly the concentration of Na+ in leaf and root tissues while reduced that of K+ only in root and stem tissues. Lipid peroxidation revealed the damage of the membranes of roots and leaves. Moreover, showed a more intense suberization and lignification at the cambial zone of roots of M. scutellata, were observed under the effect of NaCl. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Present study is aimed to investigate the anatomical and histopathological changes in liver tissues of Swiss albino male mice, one month after intravenous administration of thorium (232Th; 4 and 40 mg/kg).Methods: Synchrotron X-ray micro-CT imaging, CD31 immuno-cytochemistry, hematoxylin & eosin staining and Periodic acid-Schiff staining were performed to study changes in liver anatomy, blood vessels/capillaries, histology and glycogen content of liver, respectively.Results: Synchrotron X-ray micro-CT imaging of liver showed loss of blood vessels in mice treated with thorium (4 mg/kg), which was more prominent at higher dose of thorium (40 mg/kg). These thorium-induced changes in liver were correlated with the decrease in CD31 positive cells and loss of tissue architecture. A dose-dependent increase in glycogen content was also observed in the liver of thorium-treated mice.Conclusion: Our results provide novel insight about the effects of thorium on liver, which may have significant implications in understanding the mechanism of thorium thorium-induced hepatotoxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]