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The manufacturing and assembly of soft actuators may seem like a straightforward affair, but various tools, equipment and specific know-how are required to build these actuators. Assembling them into soft robots can sometimes lead to numerous difficulties and often requires permanent assemblies of the components. Similarly, minimizing the number of components in more complex designs and the scaling of component to build larger structures can often require significant redesigns. There is a need for an easy to assemble and disassemble soft robotic actuator that helps minimize the number of components and is easy to scale in size. This paper introduces a simple assembly method for a soft inflatable joint capable of bidirectional motion that uses a rigid constriction with parallel slits in which inflatable tubes are inserted and whose ratio of pressures determines the bending angle of the joint. This concept enables the non-permanent and reversible assembly of inflatable robots, is highly scalable, and can help minimize the number of parts in a soft robot by placing multiple constriction-based joints on a single load-bearing inflatable tube. This concept is then implemented in a robotic manipulator with three degrees of freedom and a robotic hand as well as a large-scale quadruped robot with a leg length exceeding one meter.

This era is all about energy, humans cannot survive without energy. Conventional energy resources are not enough to fulfill the needs of energy that’s why it is necessary to find alternate energy resources that will be efficient and environment friendly. Microbial Fuel Cell (MFC) is one of the reasonably low costs and is considered as environment friendly It degrades the harmful substance during production of electricity. This technology helps out for the producing of electricity by using the microbes. The generation of electricity is the new form of non-renewable energy by treating of the waste water from different types of effluent. The purpose of this technology is to produce the electricity that is environment friendly and sustainable. This review is also the part of research which is also to make a comparison of different MFC feeds which have unique chemical composition and are rich of various biological species and designing. This report also contains the discussion of MFC principle, necessary components, bacteria that are responsible for electricity production. This MFC contain the different batch type of reactor and in each reactor anode and cathode are dipped for time to check the response of flow of electron. Electrodes are used for drawing the comparison data of the MFC and giving new direction for the researchers. Salt bridge or membrane is connected between the reactor for the flow of proton to the cathode side and oxygen is supplied in the cathode compartment.

Existing pneumatic artificial muscles generally rely on the use of either positive or negative pressure for actuation with each having their own advantages and disadvantages. Herein, a hyperbaric vacuum‐based artificial muscle (Hyper‐VAM) making use of both positive and negative pressures almost interchangeably is described. This is done by placing a vacuum‐based actuator inside a hyperbaric chamber which enables both the large deformations possible using negative pressure, and large forces through the action of high pressure differential, exceeding those possible using only negative pressure. This actuator can lift heavy payloads (up to 80 kg) for its entire contraction range, with large deformations (89.1% contraction of the active length) and high power (maximum power of 101.3 W), while using relatively low pressures, which can be supplied by a portable pneumatic pump. By exchanging air between the two chambers in closed‐loop pneumatic actuation, this actuator can also be driven using a single pump without exchanging air with the environment and its position can be controlled using a single pneumatic regulator.

This paper presents the design, fabrication, characterization, and validation of three kinds of knit-covered pneumatic artificial muscle (called k-PAM) actuators, in which three different knits are made by braiding silver-plated (conductive) yarn and non-conductive yarns with different stitch methods. After a successful characterization process, these k-PAM actuators are able to provide feedback information on actuator length corresponding to the applied pressure. A complete fabrication method is proposed to make the actuator work for higher pressures (up to 300 kPa or more). Furthermore, since the force generated by the actuator is decoupled from the external force, ultimately, it can be directly used to measure both the length and the force. This paper contains the detailed characterization processes, the experimental validations of the sensing ability, and the several characteristics of the k-PAM actuators. It is expected that the k-PAM actuator can be used directly for robotic applications in higher pressure conditions, while the semi-permanent conductive knit cover provides the actuator with durability in highly repetitive situations.

Reinforced cement concrete (RCC) is universally acknowledged as a low-cost, rigid, and high-strength construction material. Major structures like buildings, bridges, dams, etc., are made of RCC and subjected to repetitive loading during their service life for which structural performance deteriorates with time. Bridges and high-rise structures, being above ground level, are hard to equip with the contact mechanical methods to inspect strains and displacements for structural health monitoring (SHM). A non-contact, optical and computer vision based full field measuring technique called digital image correlation (DIC) technique was developed in the recent past to specifically evaluate bridge decks. Generally, optical images of structure in field conditions are not acquired precisely perpendicular to the object, which instinctively affects the deformation results obtained during loading conditions. An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) equipped with DIC vision-based technique acts as a rapid and cost-effective tool to quantify the serviceability of bridges by measuring strains and displacements at inaccessible locations. In this study, a non-contact unmanned aerial vehicle image correlation (UAVIC) technique is used on a scaled bridge girder and a contact method of measuring deformations with a dial gauge. Both investigations are correlated for accuracy assessment, and it is understood that results in laboratory conditions are 90% accurate. Similarly, the UAVIC technique is also performed on a rail over the bridge in the field conditions to understand the feasibility of the proposed method and evaluate damage quantification of it.

Background: CT pulmonary angiography (CTPA) is an increasingly popular imaging test for assessing patients with acute chest pain. Purpose: To evaluate the number of CTPA performed in 2009 compared with 2006 and assess the frequency of pulmonary embolus (PE) versus alternative diagnoses. Material and Methods: Numbers of CTPA and V/Q scans performed in a six-month period of 2006 and 2009 were established by review of the hospital radiology information system. CTPAs were evaluated by two radiologists in consensus and the incidence of pulmonary embolism and alternative diagnoses in 2006 and 2009 were recorded. Results: The final study groups were 99 patients who underwent CTPA in 2006 and 149 patients in 2009. There was a significant fall in the incidence of PE identified on CTPA in 2009 compared to 2006 (11% versus 21%, P = 0.04). There was a non-significant rise in the incidence of alternative diagnoses in 2009 compared to 2006 (45% versus 40%, P = 0.48). Nine types of alternative radiological diagnoses were made on CTPA, the most common of which was pneumonia in both time periods (17% and 12%). Eighty-seven V/Q scans were performed in the study period in 2006, compared to 109 in 2009. The incidence of PE identified on V/Q scanning remained stable (8% in 2009 versus 12% in 2006, P = 0.44). Conclusion: The numbers of CTPAs being performed has increased in three years. The incidence of PE identified has fallen and there has been a modest increase in the number of alternative diagnoses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Myoelectric prostheses assist users to live their daily lives. However, the majority of users are primarily confined to forearm amputees because the surface electromyography (sEMG) that understands the motion intents should be acquired from a residual limb for control of the myoelectric prosthesis. This study proposes a novel fabric vest socket that includes embroidered electrodes suitable for a high-level upper amputee, especially for shoulder disarticulation. The fabric vest socket consists of rigid support and a fabric vest with embroidered electrodes. Several experiments were conducted to verify the practicality of the developed vest socket with embroidered electrodes. The sEMG signals were measured using commercial Ag/AgCl electrodes for a comparison to verify the performance of the embroidered electrodes in terms of signal amplitudes, the skin-electrode impedance, and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). These results showed that the embroidered electrodes were as effective as the commercial electrodes. Then, posture classification was carried out by able-bodied subjects for the usability of the developed vest socket. The average classification accuracy for each subject reached 97.92%, and for all the subjects it was 93.2%. In other words, the fabric vest socket with the embroidered electrodes could measure sEMG signals with high accuracy. Therefore, it is expected that it can be readily worn by high-level amputees to control their myoelectric prostheses, as well as it is cost effective for fabrication as compared with the traditional socket.

The National COVID-19 Chest Imaging Database (NCCID) is a centralized UK database of thoracic imaging and corresponding clinical data. It is made available by the National Health Service Artificial Intelligence (NHS AI) Lab to support the development of machine learning tools focused on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). A bespoke cleaning pipeline for NCCID, developed by the NHSx, was introduced in 2021. We present an extension to the original cleaning pipeline for the clinical data of the database. It has been adjusted to correct additional systematic inconsistencies in the raw data such as patient sex, oxygen levels and date values. The most important changes will be discussed in this paper, whilst the code and further explanations are made publicly available on GitLab. The suggested cleaning will allow global users to work with more consistent data for the development of machine learning tools without being an expert. In addition, it highlights some of the challenges when working with clinical multi-center data and includes recommendations for similar future initiatives., (© 2023. The Author(s).)

Introduction Necrotizing soft tissue infection is potentially life-threatening and involves subcutaneous fascial planes, later involving overlying skin and, eventually, underlying muscles. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment are necessary for this disease's management to avoid significant morbidity and fatality. After resuscitation and optimization, early surgical debridement is followed by serials of dressing. Various materials like Edinburgh University's solution of lime (EUSOL), normal saline, povidone-iodine, and honey have been used as dressing solutions for necrotizing fasciitis. This study is based on comparing the effects of honey and EUSOL as dressing solutions in necrotizing fasciitis wounds. Methods A randomized clinical trial was conducted at the Civil Hospital Karachi, from March 2020 to July 2021. This study has been approved by the ethical review committee of the institution and registered at clinicaltrial.gov. Based on the dressing solution for necrotizing fasciitis, patients were divided into two groups, The honey group (intervention group) contains 90 patients, and the EUSOL group (control group) has 85 patients. Results A total of 175 patients' data were analyzed, 90 in the honey group and 85 in the EUSOL group. Patients presented to the hospital with symptoms of 6.20 ± 2.72 days in the honey group and 6.67 ± 4.08 days in the EUSOL group. The days required for clearance of slough in the honey group were 2.83 ± 0.79, while 2.48 ± 0.82 days in the EUSOL group with a p-value of 0.005. The duration of hospital stay was 4.96 ± 1.31 days in the intervention group and 9.33 ± 1.45 days in the control group, with a p-value of 0.007. Wound healing days were 20.23 ± 4.45 in the intervention group while 28.38 ± 7.06 days in the control group, with a significant p-value of 0.000. Conclusion While managing necrotizing soft tissue infection wounds with honey. Honey promotes faster wound healing and shorter hospital stays compared to EUSOL., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright © 2023, Rai et al.)

Hypothesis/Gap Statement. The impacts of increased biomarker testing on antifungal prescribing have not yet been fully examined in a real-life setting. Objectives. Biomarkers for invasive fungal disease (IFD) have been shown to reduce antifungal prescriptions in neutropaenic haemato-oncology patients. Our study aimed to assess the real-life impacts of introducing a novel biomarker-based pathway, incorporating serum galactomannan and Aspergillus PCR, for pyrexial haemato-oncology admissions. Methods. Patients with neutropaenic fever were identified prospectively after introduction of the new pathway from 2013-2015. A historical group of neutropaenic patients who had blood cultures taken from 2009-2012 was generated for comparison. Clinical details, including demographics, underlying diagnosis, investigations, radiology and antimicrobial treatment were obtained. Results. Prospective data from 308 patients were compared to retrospective data from 302 patients. The proportion of patients prescribed an antifungal medication was unchanged by the pathway ( P =0.79), but the pattern was different, with more patients receiving targeted antifungals ( P =0.04). A negative serum galactomannan test was not sufficient evidence to withhold therapy, with 17.2% of these episodes felt to have possible or probable IFD using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer/Invasive Fungal Infections Cooperative Group and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Mycoses Study Group (EORTC/MSG) criteria. There was no difference in 30-day mortality ( P =0.21) or 1-year mortality ( P =0.57) following introduction of the pathway. Conclusions. Biomarkers can be used safely as part of a multidisciplinary approach to the diagnosis of IFD in neutropaenic haemato-oncology patients. Whilst they do not necessarily result in antifungal therapy being withheld, they can allow more confident diagnosis of IFD and more specific antifungal therapy in selected cases.

Familial spontaneous pneumothorax (FSP) accounts for 10% of primary spontaneous pneumothoraces. Appropriate investigation of FSP enables early diagnosis of serious monogenic diseases and the practice of precision medicine. Here, we show that a pneumothorax genetics multidisciplinary team (MDT) can efficiently diagnose a range of syndromic causes of FSP. A sizeable group (73.6%) of clinically unclassifiable FSPs remains. Using whole genome sequencing we demonstrate that most of these cases are not known monogenic disorders. Therefore, clinico-radiological assessment by an MDT has high sensitivity for currently known clinically important monogenic causes of FSP, which has relevance for the design of efficient pneumothorax services., Competing Interests: Competing interests: None declared., (© Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2022. Re-use permitted under CC BY-NC. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.)

Introduction: Without universal access to point-of-care SARS-CoV-2 testing, many hospitals rely on clinical judgement alone for identifying cases of COVID-19 early., Methods: Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust introduced a 'traffic light' clinical judgement aid to the COVID-19 admissions unit in mid-March 2020. Ability to accurately predict COVID-19 was audited retrospectively across different stages of the epidemic., Results: One SARS-CoV-2 PCR positive patient (1/41, 2%) was misallocated to a 'green' (non-COVID-19) area during the first period of observation, and no patients (0/32, 0%) were mislabelled 'green' during the second period. 33 of 62 (53%) labelled 'red' (high risk) tested SARS-CoV-2 PCR positive during the first period, while 5 of 22 (23%) 'red' patients were PCR positive in the second., Conclusion: COVID-19 clinical risk stratification on initial assessment effectively identifies non-COVID-19 patients. However, diagnosing COVID-19 is challenging and risk of overcalling COVID-19 should be recognised, especially when background prevalence is low., (© Royal College of Physicians 2021. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: Pneumothorax and pneumomediastinum have both been noted to complicate cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) requiring hospital admission. We report the largest case series yet described of patients with both these pathologies (including nonventilated patients)., Methods: Cases were collected retrospectively from UK hospitals with inclusion criteria limited to a diagnosis of COVID-19 and the presence of either pneumothorax or pneumomediastinum. Patients included in the study presented between March and June 2020. Details obtained from the medical record included demographics, radiology, laboratory investigations, clinical management and survival., Results: 71 patients from 16 centres were included in the study, of whom 60 had pneumothoraces (six with pneumomediastinum in addition) and 11 had pneumomediastinum alone. Two of these patients had two distinct episodes of pneumothorax, occurring bilaterally in sequential fashion, bringing the total number of pneumothoraces included to 62. Clinical scenarios included patients who had presented to hospital with pneumothorax, patients who had developed pneumothorax or pneumomediastinum during their inpatient admission with COVID-19 and patients who developed their complication while intubated and ventilated, either with or without concurrent extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Survival at 28 days was not significantly different following pneumothorax (63.1±6.5%) or isolated pneumomediastinum (53.0±18.7%; p=0.854). The incidence of pneumothorax was higher in males. 28-day survival was not different between the sexes (males 62.5±7.7% versus females 68.4±10.7%; p=0.619). Patients aged ≥70 years had a significantly lower 28-day survival than younger individuals (≥70 years 41.7±13.5% survival versus <70 years 70.9±6.8% survival; p=0.018 log-rank)., Conclusion: These cases suggest that pneumothorax is a complication of COVID-19. Pneumothorax does not seem to be an independent marker of poor prognosis and we encourage continuation of active treatment where clinically possible., Competing Interests: Conflict of interest: A.W. Martinelli has nothing to disclose. Conflict of interest: T. Ingle has nothing to disclose. Conflict of interest: J. Newman has nothing to disclose. Conflict of interest: I. Nadeem has nothing to disclose. Conflict of interest: K. Jackson has nothing to disclose. Conflict of interest: N.D. Lane reports non-financial support from Chiesi, outside the submitted work. Conflict of interest: J. Melhorn has nothing to disclose. Conflict of interest: H.E. Davies has nothing to disclose. Conflict of interest: A.J. Rostron has nothing to disclose. Conflict of interest: A. Adeni has nothing to disclose. Conflict of interest: K. Conroy has nothing to disclose. Conflict of interest: N. Woznitza reports grants from Cancer Research UK and Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation, and personal fees from InHealth, outside the submitted work. Conflict of interest: M. Matson has nothing to disclose. Conflict of interest: S.E. Brill has nothing to disclose. Conflict of interest: J. Murray has nothing to disclose. Conflict of interest: A. Shah has nothing to disclose. Conflict of interest: R. Naran has nothing to disclose. Conflict of interest: S.S. Hare has nothing to disclose. Conflict of interest: O. Collas has nothing to disclose. Conflict of interest: S. Bigham has nothing to disclose. Conflict of interest: M. Spiro has nothing to disclose. Conflict of interest: M.M. Huang has nothing to disclose. Conflict of interest: B. Iqbal has nothing to disclose. Conflict of interest: S. Trenfield has nothing to disclose. Conflict of interest: S. Ledot has nothing to disclose. Conflict of interest: S. Desai has nothing to disclose. Conflict of interest: L. Standing has nothing to disclose. Conflict of interest: J. Babar has nothing to disclose. Conflict of interest: R. Mahroof has nothing to disclose. Conflict of interest: I. Smith has nothing to disclose. Conflict of interest: K. Lee has nothing to disclose. Conflict of interest: N. Tchrakain Nothing to declare. Conflict of interest: S. Uys has nothing to disclose. Conflict of interest: W. Ricketts has nothing to disclose. Conflict of interest: A.R.C. Patel has nothing to disclose. Conflict of interest: A. Aujayeb has nothing to disclose. Conflict of interest: M. Kokosi has nothing to disclose. Conflict of interest: A.J.K. Wilkinson has nothing to disclose. Conflict of interest: S.J. Marciniak has nothing to disclose., (Copyright ©ERS 2020.)

Rationale: There is a need to develop imaging protocols which assess neutrophilic inflammation in the lung., Aim: To quantify whole lung neutrophil accumulation in (1) healthy volunteers (HV) following inhaled lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or saline and (2) patients with COPD using radiolabelled autologous neutrophils and single-photon emission computed tomography/CT (SPECT/CT)., Methods: 20 patients with COPD (Global initiative for chronic obstructive lung disease (GOLD) stages 2-3) and 18 HVs were studied. HVs received inhaled saline (n=6) or LPS (50 µg, n=12) prior to the injection of radiolabelled cells. Neutrophils were isolated using dextran sedimentation and Percoll plasma gradients and labelled with 99m Technetium (Tc)-hexamethylpropyleneamine oxime. SPECT was performed over the thorax/upper abdomen at 45 min, 2 hours, 4 hours and 6 hours. Circulating biomarkers were measured prechallenge and post challenge. Blood neutrophil clearance in the lung was determined using Patlak-Rutland graphical analysis., Results: There was increased accumulation of 99m Tc-neutrophils in the lungs of patients with COPD and LPS-challenged subjects compared with saline-challenged subjects (saline: 0.0006±0.0003 mL/min/mL lung blood distribution volume [mean ±1 SD]; COPD: 0.0022±0.0010 mL/min/mL [p<0.001]; LPS: 0.0025±0.0008 mL/min/mL [p<0.001]). The accumulation of labelled neutrophils in 10 patients with COPD who underwent repeat radiolabelling/imaging 7-10 days later was highly reproducible (0.0022±0.0010 mL/min/mL vs 0.0023±0.0009 mL/min/mL). Baseline interleukin (IL)-6 levels in patients with COPD were elevated compared with HVs (1.5±1.06 pg/mL [mean ±1 SD] vs 0.4±0.24 pg/mL). LPS challenge increased the circulating IL-6 levels (7.5±2.72 pg/mL) 9 hours post challenge., Conclusions: This study shows the ability to quantify 'whole lung' neutrophil accumulation in HVs following LPS inhalation and in subjects with COPD using autologous radiolabelled neutrophils and SPECT/CT imaging. Moreover, the reproducibility observed supports the feasibility of using this approach to determine the efficacy of therapeutic agents aimed at altering neutrophil migration to the lungs., Competing Interests: Competing interests: MB, AC, KP, SM, JM, ML, GB, EJ, MdG, FW and EMH are employees of GSK. NT, NF, RS, DG, CS, AW, JB, AMP and ERC have no competing interests to declare., (© Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2019. Re-use permitted under CC BY. Published by BMJ.)

Background: The lymphocyte-depleting antibody alemtuzumab is a highly effective treatment of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS); however 50% of patients develop novel autoimmunity post-treatment. Most at risk are individuals who reconstitute their T-cell pool by proliferating residual cells, rather than producing new T-cells in the thymus; raising the possibility that autoimmunity might be prevented by increasing thymopoiesis. Keratinocyte growth factor (palifermin) promotes thymopoiesis in non-human primates., Methods: Following a dose-tolerability sub-study, individuals with RRMS (duration ≤10 years; expanded disability status scale ≤5·0; with ≥2 relapses in the previous 2 years) were randomised to placebo or 180mcg/kg/day palifermin, given for 3 days immediately prior to and after each cycle of alemtuzumab, with repeat doses at M1 and M3. The interim primary endpoint was naïve CD4+ T-cell count at M6. Exploratory endpoints included: number of recent thymic-emigrants (RTEs) and signal-joint T-cell receptor excision circles (sjTRECs)/mL of blood. The trial primary endpoint was incidence of autoimmunity at M30., Findings: At M6, individuals receiving palifermin had fewer naïve CD4+T-cells (2.229x107/L vs. 7.733x107/L; p=0.007), RTEs (16% vs. 34%) and sjTRECs/mL (1100 vs. 3396), leading to protocol-defined termination of recruitment. No difference was observed in the rate of autoimmunity between the two groupsConclusion: In contrast to animal studies, palifermin reduced thymopoiesis in our patients. These results offer a note of caution to those using palifermin to promote thymopoiesis in other settings, particularly in the oncology/haematology setting where alemtuzumab is often used as part of the conditioning regime., Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01712945Funding: MRC and Moulton Charitable Foundation.

Studies of chest computed tomography (CT) in patients with primary antibody deficiency syndromes (ADS) suggest a broad range of bronchial pathology. However, there are as yet no multicentre studies to assess the variety of bronchial pathology in this patient group. One of the underlying reasons is the lack of a consensus methodology, a prerequisite to jointly document chest CT findings. We aimed to establish an international platform for the evaluation of bronchial pathology as assessed by chest CT and to describe the range of bronchial pathologies in patients with antibody deficiency. Ffteen immunodeficiency centres from 9 countries evaluated chest CT scans of patients with ADS using a predefined list of potential findings including an extent score for bronchiectasis. Data of 282 patients with ADS were collected. Patients with common variable immunodeficiency disorders (CVID) comprised the largest subgroup (232 patients, 82.3%). Eighty percent of CVID patients had radiological evidence of bronchial pathology including bronchiectasis in 61%, bronchial wall thickening in 44% and mucus plugging in 29%. Bronchiectasis was detected in 44% of CVID patients aged less than 20 years. Cough was a better predictor for bronchiectasis than spirometry values. Delay of diagnosis as well as duration of disease correlated positively with presence of bronchiectasis. The use of consensus diagnostic criteria and a pre-defined list of bronchial pathologies allows for comparison of chest CT data in multicentre studies. Our data suggest a high prevalence of bronchial pathology in CVID due to late diagnosis or duration of disease.

ONC201, founding member of the imipridone class of small molecules, is currently being evaluated in advancer cancer clinical trials. We explored single agent and combinatorial efficacy of ONC201 in preclinical models of hematological malignancies. ONC201 demonstrated (GI50 1-8 µM) dose- and time-dependent efficacy in acute myeloid leukemia (AML), acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML), chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), mantle cell lymphoma (MCL), Burkitt's lymphoma, anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL), cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL), Hodgkin's lymphoma (nodular sclerosis) and multiple myeloma (MM) cell lines including cells resistant to standard of care (dexamethasone in MM) and primary samples. ONC201 induced caspase-dependent apoptosis that involved activation of the integrated stress response (ATF4/CHOP) pathway, inhibition of Akt phosphorylation, Foxo3a activation, downregulation of cyclin D1, IAP and Bcl-2 family members. ONC201 synergistically reduced cell viability in combination with cytarabine and 5-azacytidine in AML cells. ONC201 combined with cytarabine in a Burkitt's lymphoma xenograft model induced tumor growth inhibition that was superior to either agent alone. ONC201 synergistically combined with bortezomib in MM, MCL and ALCL cells and with ixazomib or dexamethasone in MM cells. ONC201 combined with bortezomib in a Burkitt's lymphoma xenograft model reduced tumor cell density and improved CHOP induction compared to either agent alone. These results serve as a rationale for ONC201 single-agent trials in relapsed/refractory acute leukemia, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, MM and combination trial with dexamethasone in MM, provide pharmacodynamic biomarkers and identify further synergistic combinatorial regimens that can be explored in the clinic.

Objective: To describe pulmonary involvement at time of diagnosis in antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV), as defined by computed tomography (CT)., Methods: Patients with thoracic CT performed on or after the onset of AAV (n = 140; 75 women; granulomatosis with polyangiitis, n = 79; microscopic polyangiitis MPA, n = 61) followed at a tertiary referral center vasculitis clinic were studied. Radiological patterns of pulmonary involvement were evaluated from the CT studies using a predefined protocol, and compared to proteinase 3 (PR3)-ANCA and myeloperoxidase (MPO)-ANCA specificity., Results: Of the patients, 77% had an abnormal thoracic CT study. The most common abnormality was nodular disease (24%), of which the majority were peribronchial nodules, followed by bronchiectasis and pleural effusion (19%, each), pulmonary hemorrhage and lymph node enlargement (14%, each), emphysema (13%), and cavitating lesions (11%). Central airways disease and a nodular pattern of pulmonary involvement were more common in PR3-ANCA-positive patients (p < 0.05). Usual interstitial pneumonitis (UIP) and bronchiectasis were more prevalent in MPO-ANCA-positive patients (p < 0.05). Alveolar hemorrhage, pleural effusion, lymph node enlargement, and pulmonary venous congestion were more frequent in MPO-ANCA-positive patients., Conclusion: Pulmonary involvement is frequent and among 140 patients with AAV who underwent a thoracic CT study, almost 80% have pulmonary abnormalities on thoracic CT. Central airway disease occurs exclusively among patients with PR3-ANCA while UIP were mainly seen in those with MPO-ANCA. These findings may have important implications for the investigation, management, and pathogenesis of AAV.

Pulmonary cavitation causes significant morbidity and mortality. Early diagnosis of the presence and aetiology of a cavity is therefore crucial in order to avoid further demise in both the localized pulmonary and systemic disorders that may manifest with pulmonary cavity formation. Multidetector CT has become the principal diagnostic technique for detecting pulmonary cavitation and its complications. This review provides an overview of the aetiologies and their imaging findings using this technique. Combining a literature review with case illustration, a synopsis of the different imaging features and constellations is provided, which may suggest a particular cause and aid the differentiation from diseases with similar findings., (Copyright © 2015 The Royal College of Radiologists. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

This report concerns a 67 year old male patient with known advanced relapsing polychondritis complicated by tracheobronchial chondromalacia who is increasingly symptomatic and therapeutic options such as tracheostomy and stenting procedures are being considered. The DICOM files from the patient's dynamic chest CT in its inspiratory and expiratory phases were used to generate stereolithography (STL) files and hence print out 3-D models of the patient's trachea and central airways. The 4 full-sized models allowed better understanding of the extent and location of any stenosis or malacic change and should aid any planned future stenting procedures. The future possibility of using the models as scaffolding to generate a new cartilaginous upper airway using regenerative medical techniques is also discussed.

The purpose of this article is to review the underlying causes of secondary pneumothoraces as observed on multidetector computed tomography (MDCT). Using examples from our institutional experience, we shall illustrate important diagnostic features to indicate the underlying lung disease. Understanding the varied range of conditions is important for accurate diagnosis and facilitation of patient management., (Copyright © 2012 The Royal College of Radiologists. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)