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Objective evaluations of transverse tarsometatarsal (TMT) hypermobility/instability are lacking. This study aims to radiographically explore the relationship between transverse TMT instability and metatarsus adductus (MA) in hallux valgus (HV). This study retrospectively analyzed 207 feet with varying degrees of HV, employing the distance between the first and second metatarsals (M1-2 distance) to assess transverse TMT instability of the first ray. Participants were categorized into MA and non-MA groups. It was found that the M1-2 distance significantly increased with the hallux valgus angle (HVA) and metatarsus adductus angle (MAA), demonstrating significant differences between the MA and non-MA groups. The measurement of M1-2 distance showed high reliability, and its cutoff value was determined to be 4.05 mm. Additionally, the results suggest that the widening of the M1-2 distance may be a predisposing factor for MA in HV patients, highlighting its role in the pathogenesis of this foot condition. These findings highlight the need for a comprehensive assessment of TMT instability on both the axial and sagittal planes for the surgical planning of HV, particularly when complicated by a large MAA. Based on these insights, reoriented first-TMT arthrodesis might be recommended for HV with significant MA to address potential multiplanar instability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tekanan darah merupakan tekanan yang ditimbulkan pada pembuluh nadi atau arteri ketika darah dipompa dari jantung ke seluruh tubuh. Nilai dari tekanan darah dapat digunakan untuk dijadikan sebagai acuan dalam menetukan kondisi kesehatan tubuh. Untuk melakukan pengecekan terhadap nilai tekanan darah dapat dilakukan dengan menggunakan metode invasive dan non-invasive. Pengecekan tekanan darah perlu dilakukan secara langsung oleh tenaga medis dan pasien. Dengan perkembangan teknologi yang semakin pesat pengecekan ini dapat dilakukan oleh tenaga medis tanpa perlu bertemu langsung dengan pasien.Untuk melakukan monitoring ini dapat memanfaatkan smartphone untuk menampilkan informasi monitoring terhadap tekanan darah dari orang lain tanpa perlu melakukan pengecekan langsung menggunakan alat terhadap orang lain. Pada penelitian ini digunakan metode non-invasive dengan memanfaatkan pembacaan sinyal osilometrik dari perubahan tekanan pada cuff yang terbaca oleh sensor tekanan MPX5500DP untuk melakukan pembacaan tekanan darah yang kemudian ditampilkan pada perangkat android. Dengan menggunakan pendekatan menggunakan sinyal osilometrik ini akan diproses pada mikrokontroler Arduino UNO R3 untuk mencari nilai Mean Arterial Pressure, systole dan diastole menggunakan metode Maximum Amplitude Algorithm (MAA). Pada alat yang dikembangkan nilai hasil pemprosesan menggunakan metode MAA akan dikirimkan menggunakan modul bluetooth HC-05 untuk ditampilkan pada perangkat android. Pada pengujian sistem, didapatkan tingkat akurasi pembacaan nilai systole sebesar 78.23% dan tingkat akurasi pembacaan diastole sebesar 88.39% yang dibandingkan dengan pembacaan menggunakan tensimeter manual. Abstract Blood pressure is the pressure that exerted on the veins or arteries when blood is pumped from the heart to the rest of the body. The value of blood pressure can be used as a reference in determining the health condition of the body. To check the blood pressure values can be done using invasive and non-invasive methods. Checking blood pressure needs to be done directly by medical personnel and patients. With the rapid development of technology, this medical check can be done by medical personnel without the need to meet directly with patients. To do this medical monitoring, a smartphone can be used to display monitoring information on blood pressure from others without the need to check directly using the tool against others. In this study writer used a non-invasive method by utilizing oscillometric value readings of pressure changes in the cuff are read by the MPX5500DP pressure sensor to perform blood pressure readings are then displayed on the android device. By using this oscillometric value approach will be processed on the Arduino UNO R3 microcontroller to find the value of Mean Arterial Pressure, systole and diastole using the Maximum Amplitude Algorithm(MAA). In the developed tool, the result value of the processing using the MAA method will be sent using the bluetooth module HC-05 to be displayed on the android device. In testing the system, obtained the reading accuracy rate of systole value of 78.23% and diastole reading accuracy rate of 88.39% compared with readings using a manual tensimeter.

• The incidence of asthma is on the increase. Asthma symptom severity can vary but is often associated with comorbidities include psychiatric conditions such as depression and anxiety in adults and children. • Epidemiology studies have shown asthma during pregnancy carries an increased risk of neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorders and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorders in the infant. • Mouse models of maternal asthma highlight how gestational asthma can induce innate and T H 2 driven immune responses that alter neuronal development and behavioral outcome in the offspring. Asthma is a highly heterogeneous inflammatory disease that can have a significant effect on both the respiratory system and central nervous system. Population based studies and animal models have found asthma to be comorbid with a number of neurological conditions, including depression, anxiety, and neurodevelopmental disorders. In addition, maternal asthma during pregnancy has been associated with neurodevelopmental disorders in the offspring, such as autism spectrum disorders and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. In this article, we review the most current epidemiological studies of asthma that identify links to neurological conditions, both as it relates to individuals that suffer from asthma and the impacts asthma during pregnancy may have on offspring neurodevelopment. We also discuss the relevant animal models investigating these links, address the gaps in knowledge, and explore the potential future directions in this field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective evaluations of transverse tarsometatarsal (TMT) hypermobility/instability are lacking. This study aims to radiographically explore the relationship between transverse TMT instability and metatarsus adductus (MA) in hallux valgus (HV). This study retrospectively analyzed 207 feet with varying degrees of HV, employing the distance between the first and second metatarsals (M1-2 distance) to assess transverse TMT instability of the first ray. Participants were categorized into MA and non-MA groups. It was found that the M1-2 distance significantly increased with the hallux valgus angle (HVA) and metatarsus adductus angle (MAA), demonstrating significant differences between the MA and non-MA groups. The measurement of M1-2 distance showed high reliability, and its cutoff value was determined to be 4.05 mm. Additionally, the results suggest that the widening of the M1-2 distance may be a predisposing factor for MA in HV patients, highlighting its role in the pathogenesis of this foot condition. These findings highlight the need for a comprehensive assessment of TMT instability on both the axial and sagittal planes for the surgical planning of HV, particularly when complicated by a large MAA. Based on these insights, reoriented first-TMT arthrodesis might be recommended for HV with significant MA to address potential multiplanar instability.

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Slow-release fertilizer (SRF) with chitosan (CS) coating as a supply of plant nutrients is an alternative to the efficient use of conventional chemical fertilizers and reduces environmental pollution. However, its potential in woody plants is limited. This study aimed to analyze the effect of SRF on Falcataria moluccana germination and SRF phosphorus release rate. This study used SRF from polymerizing CS with methacrylic acid (MAA) to trap nutrients (CS-PMAA-nutrients SRF). The seeds of F. moluccana were germinated at six concentrations SRF: without fertilizer (F0), SRF CS dose 0.5% weight 0.03 g (F1), SRF CS 0.5% 0.01 g (F2), SRF CS 0.7% 0.03 g (F3), SRF CS 0.7% 0.01 g (F4), and conventional fertilizer (F5) for 21 days. SRF can increase the germination of F. moluccana. F4 increased normal sprout (10%) and germination power (16%) of F. moluccana. Furthermore, SRF with a concentration of 0.01 g produced a higher germination value than a concentration of 0.03 g. The release rate of SRF’s nutrients was slower (91.80% phosphorus) than conventional fertilizers. SRF application can reduce nutrients lost and increase the efficiency of nutrient absorption. Hence, it can improve F. moluccana growth.

Unlike conventional pharmaceuticals, biologics and Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products (ATMPs) are required to meet a standard of "potency" as part of the final release criteria at completion of manufacture. During early phase clinical trials, most regulatory agencies have been willing to accept very immature potency assays with an expectation that these will be improved, qualified and validated during the clinical development of the drug to Marketing Authorisation Application (MAA) or Biologics License Application (BLA) submission. This model of continuous development of potency assay in parallel with drug development has already led to at least two notable problem cases; namely Iovance and Mesoblast. Both companies completed successful phase III clinical trials but, in both cases, the initial BLA was rejected on the basis that their potency assay for drug product release was inadequate. Fortunately these issues appear to have been overcome in March of this year, with Mesoblast receiving acceptance of their BLA for Remestemcel and Iovance obtaining a rolling BLA approval for Lifileucel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Slow-release fertilizer (SRF) with chitosan (CS) coating as a supply of plant nutrients is an alternative to the efficient use of conventional chemical fertilizers and reduces environmental pollution. However, its potential in woody plants is limited. This study aimed to analyze the effect of SRF on Falcataria moluccana germination and SRF phosphorus release rate. This study used SRF from polymerizing CS with methacrylic acid (MAA) to trap nutrients (CS-PMAA-nutrients SRF). The seeds of F. moluccana were germinated at six concentrations SRF: without fertilizer (F0), SRF CS dose 0.5% weight 0.03 g (F1), SRF CS 0.5% 0.01 g (F2), SRF CS 0.7% 0.03 g (F3), SRF CS 0.7% 0.01 g (F4), and conventional fertilizer (F5) for 21 days. SRF can increase the germination of F. moluccana. F4 increased normal sprout (10%) and germination rate (16%) of F. moluccana. Furthermore, SRF with a weight of 0.01 g produced a higher germination value than a weight of 0.03 g. The release rate of phosphorus in SRF is slower (91.80%) than conventional fertilizers. SRF application can reduce nutrients lost and increase the efficiency of nutrient absorption. Hence, it can improve F. moluccana growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Marine red algae have been known as an excellent source for natural sunscreens and antioxidants for a long time, which outlines their potential for various medical and cosmeceutical applications. This is due to their synthesis of unique secondary metabolites to shield themselves from high levels of UV-A and -B radiation encountered in their natural habitats. In this study, a comprehensive and contemporary way for the detection, visualization, and dereplication of algal natural products with special focus on mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs) is shown, employing HR-MS/MS metabolomics. 33 crude algal extracts were explored using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) hyphenated to orbitrap high-resolution tandem mass spectroscopy (HRMS2). Acquired raw data, subjected to pretreatment and spectral organization, could subsequently be implemented in the Global Natural Products Social (GNPS) workflow, whereby a feature based molecular network (FBMN) was created and visualized in Cytoscape. This FBMN was matched against an in-house as well as open source library on the GNPS platform and additionally enhanced by chemotaxonomic classification software and spectra of standard MAAs, as well as further information layers covering e.g. physicochemical properties, taxonomy, and fragmentation behavior. Based on the integration of the latest in silico annotation tools (SIRIUS, CANOPUS, MSNovelist) as well as already published fragmentation patterns of MAAs, structures for known compounds could be corroborated as well as those for novel substances proposed. This offers an interesting and state-of-the-art approach towards the identification and classification of known and new MAAs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unlike conventional pharmaceuticals, biologics and Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products (ATMPs) are required to meet a standard of “potency” as part of the final release criteria at completion of manufacture. During early phase clinical trials, most regulatory agencies have been willing to accept very immature potency assays with an expectation that these will be improved, qualified and validated during the clinical development of the drug to Marketing Authorisation Application (MAA) or Biologics License Application (BLA) submission.This model of continuous development of potency assay in parallel with drug development has already led to at least two notable problem cases; namely Iovance and Mesoblast. Both companies completed successful phase III clinical trials but, in both cases, the initial BLA was rejected on the basis that their potency assay for drug product release was inadequate. Fortunately these issues appear to have been overcome in March of this year, with Mesoblast receiving acceptance of their BLA for Remestemcel and Iovance obtaining a rolling BLA approval for Lifileucel.

Increasingly, systems-based approaches are taken in agri-food research and innovation (R&I). Such approaches also align with changes in science governance and new policies related to research impact and responsible research and innovation. However, taking a holistic view of food systems to maximise impact from R&I in a societally acceptable manner poses theoretical and methodological challenges. How can diverse actors come to occupy roles in forming and pursuing common visions towards more sustainable food systems? This paper focuses on how social science can activate, mediate and add rigour to systems-based approaches. An overview is presented of the policy context in which greater attention is paid to systems-based approaches and we present a framework to theoretically and practically support systems-based approaches: transdisciplinarity and the “multi-actor approach” (MAA). These approaches explain practically how different scientific contributions and non-scientific actors can be engaged and unified in creatively addressing R&I challenges. Overall, because social science is used to inform and deliver R&I outcomes that take into account the whole system of actors, their different values and expectations and their interactions and knowledge exchange, it is a crucial source of knowledge for advancing and meeting the challenges of systems-based approaches. Illustrating this, we present a profile of projects where social science has been applied to enhance R&I within a systems-based approach. However, we also signal caveats, qualifications and provisos in applying such approaches. This paper will be of interest to researchers and practitioners planning to incorporate social science to systems-based R&I initiatives to avoid pitfalls and add rigour.

Objective: Oxidized epitopes such as malondialdehyde–acetaldehyde (MAA) play a crucial role in the progression of atherosclerosis through activation of the humoral immune response. The exact mechanism of the association between atherosclerosis and periodontal diseases is not fully understood. The aim of the current study is to evaluate the association of oral humoral immune response to oxidized epitopes with parameters of periodontal disease. Materials and methods: The Parogene cohort consist of patients who have undergone coronary angiography due to cardiac symptoms. In this study, 423 patients were randomly selected for an extensive oral examination. Salivary Immunoglobulin A to oxidized epitopes and bacterial antigens was determined by chemiluminescence immunoassay. Results: In a binary logistic regression model adjusted with periodontal disease confounders, periodontal pocket depth (PPD) 4–5 mm associated with salivary IgA antibodies to MAA‐LDL (p = 0.034), heat shock protein 60 of Aggregatibacteractinomycetemcomitans (p = 0.045), Porphyromonas gingivalis (p = 0.045), A. actinomycetemcomitans (p = 0.005), P. intermedia (p = 0.020), and total IgA (p = 0.003). Conclusions: The current study shows the association of salivary IgA to MAA‐LDL with PPD 4–5 mm in a cohort of patients with chronic coronary artery disease. Humoral immune cross‐reactivation to oxidized epitopes such MAA‐LDL could partly explain the link of periodontitis with systemic diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Myositis-specific antibodies (MSAs) and myositis-associated antibodies (MAAs) are assessed in clinical neurology, serving as a non-invasive tool for the differential diagnosis of autoimmune myopathies. However, the presence of MSAs and MAAs in neurological disorders remains uncertain., Methods: Retrospective analysis was conducted on 878 serum samples from the neurological laboratory of the University Hospital Tübingen, Germany. The EUROLINE Myositis Profil 3 (IgG) Line Blot was used for antibody evaluation (anti-Mi2, -Ku, -PM-Scl100, -PM-Scl75, -Jo1, -SRP, -PL7, -PL12, -EJ, -OJ, and -Ro52). Samples were categorized into 19 disease groups, with consideration for myositis-linked and non-myositis-linked diseases. Then, the distribution of positive findings and the concurrent presence of more than one MAA/MSA were analyzed., Results: Among 727 included line blots, 84 could be assigned to myositis-linked diseases (thereof 44 positive for MAA/MSA). MAA and MSA taken together were more frequently positive for the main group of myositis-linked disease (52.4 %) compared to the non-myositis-linked group (14.6 %, overall specificity 85.4 %). However, individual antibodies were specific, ranging above 97.5 %. False positive antibody results can also occur in neurological differential diagnoses such as muscle dystrophy or cramp fasciculation syndrome. Furthermore, the concurrent presence of more than one MAA/MSA does not show a significant association with the presence of a myositis-linked disease for antibody-positive samples (p = 0.136)., Discussion: Testing MSA and MAA simultaneously may not be suitable as a primary screening method for myositis-linked diseases in clinical neurological groups. However, MSAs and MAAs may offer valuable diagnostic support, particularly in cases where myositis is strongly considered., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest None of the authors has any conflict of interest to disclose., (Copyright © 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Due to their hostile habitats, characterized by a high exposure to UV-A and UV-B radiation, red algae are known to synthesize unique secondary metabolites: mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs). These small molecules possess an extremely high UV absorption capacity and therefore mainly act as photoprotective agents. In this study, the first ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) method with diode-array detection (DAD) was developed for the determination of eleven MAAs in various algal species. All of the analytes could be separated in under 8 min on a Phenomenex Luna Omega C18 1.6 µm column. The mobile phase comprised water with 0.25% formic acid and 20 mM ammonium formate (A) and acetonitrile (B). Elution was carried out in gradient mode. Method validation following ICH guidelines confirmed excellent linearity (R2 ≥ 0.9998), selectivity, precision and accuracy (from 97.41 to 103.38%) for all analytes. The assay's LOD was always 0.01 µg/mL; its LOQ was not higher than 0.04 µg/mL. Practical applicability was assured by analyzing several algae (e.g., Gracilaria chilensis, Pyropia plicata) using the developed method, and results indicated a high variation in MAA profiles as well as content. Whilst some MAAs were only found in specific samples, shinorine, which was always present, occurred in concentrations from 0.05 to 4.14 mg/g of dried biomass. As UHPLC-MS was also feasible, this method showed high flexibility concerning the detection mode, surpassing established procedures for MAA analysis not only concerning separation efficiency and analysis time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Purpose To determine which imaging method used during radioembolization (RE) work-up: contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT), 99mTc-MAA-SPECT/CT or cone beam-CT (CBCT), more accurately predicts the final target volume (TgV) as well as the influence that each modality has in the dosimetric calculation. Methods TgVs from 99mTc-MAA-SPECT/CT, CECT and CBCT were consecutively obtained in 24 patients treated with RE and compared with 90Y PET/CT TgV. Using the TgVs estimated by each imaging modality and a fictitious activity of 1 GBq, the corresponding absorbed doses by tumor and non-tumoral parenchyma were calculated for each patient. The absorbed doses for each modality were compared with the ones obtained using 90Y PET/CT TgV. Results 99mTc-MAA-SPECT/CT predicted 90Y PET/CT TgV better than CBCT or CECT, even for selective or superselective administrations. Likewise, 99mTc-MAA-SPECT/CT showed dosimetric values more similar to those obtained with 90Y PET/CT. Nevertheless, CBCT provided essential information for RE planning, such as ensuring the total coverage of the tumor and, in cases with more than one feeding artery, splitting the activity according to the volume of tumor perfused by each artery. Conclusion The joint use of 99mTc-MAA-SPECT/CT and CBCT optimizes dosimetric planning for RE procedures, enabling a more accurate personalized approach.

El objetivo principal del estudio fue evaluar la seguridad y eficacia en la ablación de nódulos tiroideos mediante macroagregados de albúmina radiomarcada con 177Lutecio (LUTMA). Se incluyeron pacientes con nódulos benignos confirmados que no eran candidatos o no aceptaron la cirugía. Bajo control ecográfico, se inyectó el LUTMA producido en nuestro departamento. Se evaluó mediante ecografía el volumen de los nódulos antes de la inyección, así como a la semana y al mes y 3 meses después del tratamiento. Para estos tiempos se calculó la tasa de reducción de volumen (TRV). Para detectar una extravasación extranodular de la actividad, los pacientes fueron sometidos a un estudio SPECT/TC una hora, 24 h y una semana después de la inyección. Quince pacientes (12 hombres; 3 mujeres) con nódulos tiroideos benignos fueron candidatos para participar en este estudio. Estos nódulos se clasificaron como quísticos (n = 9), sólidos (n = 3) o mixtos (n = 3). La mediana del volumen de los nódulos fue de 6,59 ml (rango: 0,56-55 ml). La dosis absorbida esperada en los nódulos osciló entre los 10 y 1036 Gy. La TRV a los 3 meses fue del 85% para todos los tipos de nódulo, con su aumento progresivo a lo largo del tiempo: 0-92%, 20-97% y 28-98% a la semana, al mes y a los 3 meses, respectivamente. La mediana de la TRV de los nódulos quísticos fue del 89% (rango: 81-98%) a los 3 meses, siendo significativamente superior a la de los nódulos sólidos (p = 0,009). Ninguno de los pacientes presentó reacciones adversas o molestias durante la inyección ni durante el seguimiento. El tratamiento con LUTMA redujo significativamente el volumen de los nódulos tiroideos benignos, ofreciendo una mejoría de los síntomas asociados a la enfermedad y a la cuestión estética. Este tratamiento se perfila como una alternativa prometedora frente al tratamiento quirúrgico o frente a otros tratamientos locales para la ablación de los nódulos tiroideos benignos. LUTMA es un nuevo radiofármaco teragnóstico prometedor para el tratamiento ablativo local de los nódulos tiroideos benignos. The main purpose is to evaluate the safety, and efficacy of 177Lutetium labeled macroaggregated albumin (LUTMA) ablation of thyroid nodules. Patients with confirmed benign nodules who were not candidate or did not accept surgery were enrolled. Under ultrasonography (USG) guidance, LUTMA which was produced in our department, was administered into the nodules. Nodule volumes were assessed via USG before the injection and at 1-week, 1-month, and 3-months post-treatment. We calculated the volume reduction rates (VRRs) for these intervals. To detect extranodular activity leakage, patients underwent SPECT/CT imaging at one hour, 24 hours, and one week post-injection. Fifteen patients (male: 12, female: 3) with benign thyroid nodules were eligible to join this study. These nodules were categorized as cystic (n = 9), solid (n = 3), or mixed (n = 3). Median nodules volume was 6.59 ml (range: 0.56-55 ml). Predicted absorbed dosee to the nodules varied between 10 to 1036 Gy. The VRRs at 3. months was 85% for all nodule types with gradual increases over time: 0-92%, 20-97%, and 28-98% at 1. week, 1. month, and 3-months, respectively. The median VRR of cystic nodules was 89% (range: 81%-98%) at 3-months. It is significantly higher than solid ones (p = 0.009). None of the patients experienced adverse reactions or discomfort during the injection or follow-up. LUTMA treatment significantly reduces the volume of benign thyroid nodules, offering relief from disease-associated symptoms and cosmetic concerns. It emerges as a promising alternative to surgical and other local treatments for benign thyroid nodule ablation. LUTMA is a novel theranostic radiopharmaceutical which is promising in local ablative treatment of benign thyroid nodules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The continuous operation of essential refining equipment, internal mixers, leads to wear on their end faces, resulting in an increased gap between the mixer chamber and the end face. This, in turn, causes material leakage, reducing mixing efficiency and adversely impacting rubber performance. Therefore, investigating metal wear on the mixer's end face during the mixing process is essential. Scholars have introduced dynamic covalent bonds into rubber molecular chains, bestowing self-repairing capabilities upon the materials. This innovation has significant implications for extending rubber lifespan and lowering production costs. It involves adding methacrylic acid (MAA) and excess zinc oxide (ZnO) to construct an ionic crosslinking network, limiting covalent crosslinking of rubber molecules and enabling in-situ polymerization of MAA/ZnO, resulting in self-repairing properties. However, it is crucial to consider corrosive wear induced by MAA's strong acidity on metals. This study combines MAA, ZnO, and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) through mechanical mixing to create a composite material called zinc methacrylate (ZDMA)/MWCNTs/rubber. The research investigates the in-situ synthesis mechanism of MAA and ZnO and the synergistic mechanism of ZDMA and MWCNTs. The study analyzes the impact of MWCNTs additive amount on the frictional wear of the internal mixer's metal end face. During the mixing process, ZDMA is grafted and polymerized onto rubber's macromolecular chains, forming ionic pairs with strong electrostatic interactions, creating a primarily reversible supramolecular network dominated by ion crosslinking. This ion crosslinking network, along with the three-dimensional mesh structure of MWCNTs, establishes a stable spatial structure within the rubber matrix. The study reveals that increasing the MWCNTs content to 3 phr reduces the aggregation of SiO 2 particles and ZDMA granules within the rubber matrix, resulting in reduced friction coefficients, roughness, and wear rates of the metal. However, exceeding 3 phr of MAA content leads to excessive MWCNT aggregation within the rubber matrix, increasing wear rates, roughness, and friction coefficients due to hindrance of rubber macromolecular chain crosslinking and reduced SiO 2 particle dispersion within the rubber matrix. These findings provide valuable insights into the dynamics of frictional wear in internal mixers. • Continuous mixer use erodes end faces, widens gaps, and hampers rubber performance. • Adding dynamic covalent bonds to rubber enhances self-repair, extending lifespan and cutting production costs. • MAA, ZnO, and MWCNTs create ZDMA/MWCNTs/rubber, studied for frictional wear impact. • Elevated MWCNTs levels (up to 3 phr) lower wear rates, roughness, and friction in rubber. • Excessive MAA (> 3 phr) increases wear, roughness, and friction by blocking crosslinking and reducing dispersion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the molecular structure, tautomerization, conformational stability, and electronic energies of 25 enols and keto forms of methyl acetoacetate (MAA) were examined theoretically using DFT and experimentally by IR, Raman, and UV spectroscopy. According to the theoretical and experimental results, three more stable tautomer's including an enol (2EU1-I) and two ketos (DK1 and DK2) forms in the gas phase, and solutions have been obtained. Using equilibrium ratios in the gas phase and different solvents at various levels of theory, the abundance of enol was determined. Outcomes indicated that the content of cis-enol or keto forms depended on to phase. In gas phase, cis-enol form is as major form. Conventional and unconventional intramolecular hydrogen bonds for cis-enol and keto forms, respectively, were considered via AIM. Also, using NBO in terms of E(2) values, the enol and keto forms, and the hydrogen bond strength interpreted. By recording the vibrational spectra in various polar and non-polar solvents, deuterated analog, deconvolution, and calculating potential energy distribution of cis-enol for MAA, the strong IR bands were obtained at about 1755–1715 cm−1 regions show the existence of two keto forms in the sample. Also, two medium intensity bands at 1654 and 1630 cm−1 were assigned to the chelated ring of cis-enol form. Finally, the UV spectra in different solvents and frontier molecular orbitals were shown that hydrogen bond strength in the enol form of MAA is weaker than AA. Also, the content of keto forms increased in polar solvents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background The relationship between the mean absorbed dose delivered to the tumour and the outcome in liver metastases from colorectal cancer patients treated with radioembolization has already been presented in several studies. The optimization of the personalized therapeutic activity to be administered is still an open challenge. In this context, how well the 99mTc-MAA SPECT/CT predicts the absorbed dose delivered by radioembolization is essential. This work aimed to analyse the differences between predictive 99mTc-MAA-SPECT/CT and post-treatment 90Y-microsphere PET/CT dosimetry at different levels. Dose heterogeneity was compared voxel-to-voxel using the quality-volume histograms, subsequently used to demonstrate how it could be used to identify potential clinical parameters that are responsible for quantitative discrepancies between predictive and post-treatment dosimetry. Results We analysed 130 lesions delineated in twenty-six patients. Dose-volume histograms were computed from predictive and post-treatment dosimetry for all volumes: individual lesion, whole tumoural liver (TL) and non-tumoural liver (NTL). For all dose-volume histograms, the following indices were extracted: D 90, D 70, D 50, D mean and D 20. The results showed mostly no statistical differences between predictive and post-treatment dosimetries across all volumes and for all indices. Notably, the analysis showed no difference in terms of D mean, confirming the results from previous studies. Quality factors representing the spread of the quality-volume histogram (QVH) curve around 0 (ideal QF = 0) were determined for lesions, TL and NTL. QVHs were classified into good (QF < 0.18), acceptable (0.18 ≤ QF < 0.3) and poor (QF ≥ 0.3) correspondence. For lesions and TL, dose- and quality-volume histograms are mostly concordant: 69% of lesions had a QF within good/acceptable categories (40% good) and 65% of TL had a QF within good/acceptable categories (23% good). For NTL, the results showed mixed results with 48% QF within the poor concordance category. Finally, it was demonstrated how QVH analysis could be used to define the parameters that predict the significant differences between predictive and post-treatment dose distributions. Conclusion It was shown that the use of the QVH is feasible in assessing the predictive value of 99mTc-MAA SPECT/CT dosimetry and in estimating the absorbed dose delivered to liver metastases from colorectal cancer via 90Y-microspheres. QVH analyses could be used in combination with DVH to enhance the predictive value of 99mTc-MAA SPECT/CT dosimetry and to assist personalized activity prescription.

Increasingly, systems-based approaches are taken in agri-food research and innovation (R&I). Such approaches also align with changes in science governance and new policies related to research impact and responsible research and innovation. However, taking a holistic view of food systems to maximise impact from R&I in a societally acceptable manner poses theoretical and methodological challenges. How can diverse actors come to occupy roles in forming and pursuing common visions towards more sustainable food systems? This paper focuses on how social science can activate, mediate and add rigour to systems-based approaches. An overview is presented of the policy context in which greater attention is paid to systems-based approaches and we present a framework to theoretically and practically support systems-based approaches: transdisciplinarity and the “multi-actor approach” (MAA). These approaches explain practically how different scientific contributions and non-scientific actors can be engaged and unified in creatively addressing R&I challenges. Overall, because social science is used to inform and deliver R&I outcomes that take into account the whole system of actors, their different values and expectations and their interactions and knowledge exchange, it is a crucial source of knowledge for advancing and meeting the challenges of systems-based approaches. Illustrating this, we present a profile of projects where social science has been applied to enhance R&I within a systems-based approach. However, we also signal caveats, qualifications and provisos in applying such approaches. This paper will be of interest to researchers and practitioners planning to incorporate social science to systems-based R&I initiatives to avoid pitfalls and add rigour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Silk is a kind of high-quality natural fiber loved by people for its softness, smoothness, excellent luster and drape properties. In actual applications, it is necessary to remove the sericin part of silk through degumming, resulting in the quality loss of nearly 25% during silk pretreatment and causing huge losses for silk production enterprises. With the development of silk technology, silk weighting process has developed from traditional methods such as tin weighting, tannin weighting and sericin-fixed weighting to silk graft weighting, among which methacrylamide graft weighting is one of the most widely used silk graft weighting technologies. This method can not only solve the problem of silk quality loss, but also retain the hand-feel and luster of silk fabric, and improve the drapability of silk and other properties. However, different grafting rates with different effects on the quality of silk also affect the price of silk. The grafting rate of silk after weighting is often decided by the producer, while the next-step-processing enterprises and silk consumers are often unable to accurately judge the specific silk grafting rate. Despite different signal peaks found in grafted silk by silk researchers through characterization and analysis of the grafted silk by infrared spectroscopy, XRD, scanning electron microscopy and Raman spectroscopy, few researchers have carried out accurate analysis and research on silk with unknown grafting rate. In order to figure out the thermal properties of methacrylamide grafted silk and calculate the grafting rate of unknown grafted silk, potassium persulfate was used as initiator for graft polymerization of different concentrations of methyl acrylamide monomer and the degummed silk, to get a series of grafted silk with different grafting rates, and the accurate grafting rate was obtained by weighing method. Subsequently, grafted silk samples of this batch were tested three times by differential scanning calorimeters, and corresponding DSC curves were obtained. Compared with the ungrafted silk, the grafted silk showed a new endothermic peak in the range of 266 - 288 °C which was obviously caused by the grafted methacrylamide polymer in the grafted silk. With the increase of grafting rate, the area of new endothermic peak gradually increased, and its peak position gradually moved towards high temperature direction, while the endothermic peak area of the intrinsic structure of silk in the range of 317 - 327 °C showed a decreasing trend, indicating that there is a certain relationship between the area of new endothermic peak and grafting rate of silk. Then, the baseline and integral of DSC curves were calculated to obtain the enthalpy value and the peak position, and the data closest to the average value of grafting rate was optimized. The mathematical relation between unit enthalpy ratio and grafting rate was found and established by using Origin data processing software. Finally, through DSC characterization of grafted silk samples with known grafting rate and the calculation of the unit enthalpy ratio, the linear function was used for verification. In this paper, the intrinsic relationship between the thermal property of methacrylamide grafted silk and silk grafting rate was found by means of DSC characterization data. The study shows that there exists a linear function between the ratio of unit enthalpy of grafted silk and the grafting rate, with a relative error of less than 5. 0% by verification, indicating that the grafting rate of unknown methacrylamide grafted silk can be calculated accurately by DSC quantitative analysis. With the combination of DSC characterization technology and calculation software, the accurate grafting rate for the unknown grafted silk can be obtained, which effectively solves the problems on grafting rate quality control and testing appraisal for silk production enterprises, providing a good reference for the applications of the grafted silk testing appraisal, and greatly promoting the development of the silk weighting field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The main purpose is to evaluate the safety, and efficacy of 177 Lutetium labeled macroaggregated albumin (LUTMA) ablation of thyroid nodules., Materials and Methods: Patients with confirmed benign nodules who were not candidate or did not accept surgery were enrolled. Under ultrasonography (USG) guidance, LUTMA which was produced in our department, was administered into the nodules. Nodule volumes were assessed via USG before the injection and at 1-week, 1-month, and 3-months post-treatment. We calculated the volume reduction rates (VRRs) for these intervals. To detect extranodular activity leakage, patients underwent SPECT/CT imaging at one hour, 24 h, and one week post-injection., Results: Fifteen patients (male: 12, female: 3) with benign thyroid nodules were eligible to join this study. These nodules were categorized as cystic (n = 9), solid (n = 3), or mixed (n = 3). Median nodules volume was 6.59 ml (range: 0.56-55 ml). Predicted absorbed dosee to the nodules varied between 10-1036 Gy. The VRRs at 3 months was 85% for all nodule types with gradual increases over time: 0%-92%, 20%-97%, and 28%-98% at 1 week, 1 month, and 3-months, respectively. The median VRR of cystic nodules was 89% (range: 81%-98%) at 3-months. It is significantly higher than solid ones (P = .009). None of the patients experienced adverse reactions or discomfort during the injection or follow-up., Conclusion: LUTMA treatment significantly reduces the volume of benign thyroid nodules, offering relief from disease-associated symptoms and cosmetic concerns. It emerges as a promising alternative to surgical and other local treatments for benign thyroid nodule ablation., Clinical Signification: LUTMA is a novel theranostic radiopharmaceutical which is promising in local ablative treatment of benign thyroid nodules., (Copyright © 2024 Sociedad Española de Medicina Nuclear e Imagen Molecular. Published by Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.)

In this study, the interpenetrating polymeric network (IPN) were fabricated via free radical polymerization using polymers hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and monomer Methacrylic acid (MAA) and also investigated their influence by changing their concentrations. The developed polymeric network is crosslinked via N' N' -methylene bis-acrylamide (MBA). Different characterizations have been performed to analyze fabricated interpenetrating polymeric network structure i.e., Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), X-ray Powder Diffraction (XRD), Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), Thermo-gravimetric Analysis (TGA) and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC). Letrozole (LTZ) was loaded as a model drug in the developed system. Swelling dynamics as well as drug release behavior were thoroughly examined. FTIR studies corroborated the formation of interpenetrating polymeric network. SEM uncovered porous structure while TGA depicted enhanced thermal stability of polymeric network. PXRD depicted amorphous dispersion of LTZ. Swelling dynamics as well as LTZ release behavior from developed interpenetrating polymeric network hydrogels were dependent upon pH of the medium and concentration of pure reactants employed. Higuchi model was best fit to regression coefficient which indicated diffusion controlled mechanism of drug release. Acute oral toxicity study depicted no mortality or any signs relating to acute toxicity throughout the whole observed period. Hence, the designed interpenetrating polymeric network might turn out to be a safe and a potential carrier system for the delivery of LTZ in the treatment of breast cancer (BC). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Density functional theory methods have been applied to understand binding of (s)-propranolol, a template, to a methacrylic acid molecule acting as a functional monomer using basic 1:1 model. The model has been expanded to study the effect of various pH by adding hydronium and hydroxide ions solvated by water molecules to the template-monomer system, to mimic acidic and basic environments, respectively. This could be considered a model study towards a potential use of molecular imprinting method for the design of a transdermal patch for a topical and direct delivery of (s)-propranolol to hemangiomas. In addition, this study provides detailed binding site analysis of the template and functional monomer verified by the theoretical IR spectra analysis, as well as solvent and pH effects on template-monomer binding energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• V-Q difference shows classical and reversed mismatches simultaneously. • Saving the ratio with very large values is avoided by using the V-Q difference. • The scaled V-Q difference represents change in lung function. • No masking of artifacts is needed for the scaled V-Q difference images. • Functional difference images could improve the diagnostic value of VQ SPECT. Ventilation Perfusion SPECT is important in the diagnostics of e.g. pulmonary embolism and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Classical and reverse mismatched defects can be identified by utilizing the ventilation-perfusion ratio. Unfortunately, this ratio is only linear in the ventilation, the scale is not symmetrical regarding classical and reversed mismatches and small perfusion values give rise to artifacts. The ventilation-perfusion (VQ) difference is developed as an alternative. For both VQ-ratio and VQ-difference a scaling factor for the perfusion is computed, so that voxels with matched ventilation and perfusion (on average) yield zero signal. The relative VQ-difference is calculated by scaling with the summed VQ-signal in each voxel. The scaled VQ-difference is calculated by scaling with the global maximum of this sum. The relative and scaled differences have a scale from −1 (perfusion only) to + 1 (ventilation only). Image quality of relative VQ-difference and VQ-ratio images is hampered by artifacts from areas with both low perfusion and low ventilation. Ratio and differences have been investigated in ten patients and are shown for three patients (one without defects). Clinical thresholds for the difference images are derived resulting in color maps of relevant (reversed) mismatches with a (reciprocal) ratio larger than two. The relative ventilation-perfusion difference is a methodological improvement on the ventilation-perfusion ratio, because it has a symmetrical scale and is bound on a closed domain. A better diagnostic value is expected by utilizing the scaled difference, which represents functional difference instead of relative difference. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, we provide an overview of Lowell Beineke’s amazing career at Purdue University Fort Wayne as seen and evaluated throughout the years. An outstanding teacher and researcher, Lowell has left a lasting impact in the careers of many colleagues at PFW and across the world, including the humble authors of this contribution.

Abstract Background The aim of this study was to compare predictive and post-treatment dosimetry and analyze the differences, investigating factors related to activity preparation and delivery, imaging modality used, and interventional radiology. Methods Twenty-three HCC patients treated by selective internal radiation therapy with 90Y glass microspheres were included in this study. Predictive and post-treatment dosimetry were calculated at the voxel level based on 99mTc-MAA SPECT/CT and 90Y-microsphere PET/CT respectively. Dose distribution was analyzed through mean dose, metrics extracted from dose-volume histograms, and Dice similarity coefficients applied on isodoses. Reproducibility of the radiological gesture and its influence on dose deviation was evaluated. Results 90Y delivered activity was lower than expected in 67% (16/24) of the cases mainly due to the residual activity. A mean deviation of − 6 ± 11% was observed between the delivered activity and the 90Y PET’s FOV activity. In addition, a substantial difference of − 20 ± 8% was measured on 90Y PET images between the activity in the liver and in the whole FOV. After normalization, 99mTc-MAA SPECT dosimetry was highly correlated and concordant with 90Y-microsphere PET dosimetry for all dose metrics evaluated (ρ = 0.87, ρ c = 0.86, P = 3.10−8 and ρ = 0.91, ρ c = 0.90, P = 7.10−10 for tumor and normal liver mean dose respectively for example). Besides, mean tumor dose deviation was lower when the catheter position was identical than when it differed (16 Gy vs. 37 Gy, P = 0.007). Concordance between predictive and post-treatment dosimetry, evaluated with Dice similarity coefficients applied on isodoses, significantly correlated with the distance of the catheter position from artery bifurcation (P = 0.04, 0.0004, and 0.05, for 50 Gy, 100 Gy, and 150 Gy isodoses respectively). Conclusions Discrepancies between planned activity and activity measured on 90Y PET images were observed and seemed to be mainly related to clinical hazards and equipment issues. Predictive vs. post-treatment comparison of relative dose distributions between tumor and normal liver showed a good correlation and no significant difference highlighting the predictive value of 99mTc MAA SPECT/CT-based dosimetry. Besides, the reproducibility of catheter tip position appears critical in the agreement between predictive and actual dose distribution.

Due to their hostile habitats, characterized by a high exposure to UV-A and UV-B radiation, red algae are known to synthesize unique secondary metabolites: mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs). These small molecules possess an extremely high UV absorption capacity and therefore mainly act as photoprotective agents. In this study, the first ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) method with diode-array detection (DAD) was developed for the determination of eleven MAAs in various algal species. All of the analytes could be separated in under 8 min on a Phenomenex Luna Omega C18 1.6 µm column. The mobile phase comprised water with 0.25% formic acid and 20 mM ammonium formate (A) and acetonitrile (B). Elution was carried out in gradient mode. Method validation following ICH guidelines confirmed excellent linearity (R2 ≥ 0.9998), selectivity, precision and accuracy (from 97.41 to 103.38%) for all analytes. The assay’s LOD was always 0.01 µg/mL; its LOQ was not higher than 0.04 µg/mL. Practical applicability was assured by analyzing several algae (e.g., Gracilaria chilensis, Pyropia plicata) using the developed method, and results indicated a high variation in MAA profiles as well as content. Whilst some MAAs were only found in specific samples, shinorine, which was always present, occurred in concentrations from 0.05 to 4.14 mg/g of dried biomass. As UHPLC-MS was also feasible, this method showed high flexibility concerning the detection mode, surpassing established procedures for MAA analysis not only concerning separation efficiency and analysis time.

Purpose: The generator product radionuclide gallium-68(68Ga) is widely used for PET/CT imaging agents and the 68Ga-labeled MAA is an attractive alternative to 99mTc-labeled MAA. Using a commercially available MAA labeling kit for 99mTc, we presented a reliable synthesis protocol with a highly efficient, organic solvent-free cationic method in GMP conditions in the Scintomics automated synthesis unit. Methods: The labeling process was performed by incubating for 7 min at 90 °C in the borax vial containing the generator product 68GaCl3 MAA-HEPES eluted from the PSH+ cartridge with 1.5 mL 5 molar NaCl. Quality control of the final product content was examined, and radiopharmaceutical production was carried out in accordance with GMP guidelines. Results: 68Ga eluted from the generator was obtained in more than 99% radiochemical purity and efficiency. In this case, the labeling efficiency was found to be >99%. When the results of SEM-EDX analysis in the final product were examined, it was determined that most of toxic metals were no appreciable in the product content. Conclusions: The radiochemical and chemical purity of the final product allows direct use without purification steps to remove "free 68Ga" or other toxic compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To determine which imaging method used during radioembolization (RE) work-up: contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT), 99mTc-MAA-SPECT/CT or cone beam-CT (CBCT), more accurately predicts the final target volume (TgV) as well as the influence that each modality has in the dosimetric calculation. Methods: TgVs from 99mTc-MAA-SPECT/CT, CECT and CBCT were consecutively obtained in 24 patients treated with RE and compared with 90Y PET/CT TgV. Using the TgVs estimated by each imaging modality and a fictitious activity of 1 GBq, the corresponding absorbed doses by tumor and non-tumoral parenchyma were calculated for each patient. The absorbed doses for each modality were compared with the ones obtained using 90Y PET/CT TgV. Results: 99mTc-MAA-SPECT/CT predicted 90Y PET/CT TgV better than CBCT or CECT, even for selective or superselective administrations. Likewise, 99mTc-MAA-SPECT/CT showed dosimetric values more similar to those obtained with 90Y PET/CT. Nevertheless, CBCT provided essential information for RE planning, such as ensuring the total coverage of the tumor and, in cases with more than one feeding artery, splitting the activity according to the volume of tumor perfused by each artery. Conclusion: The joint use of 99mTc-MAA-SPECT/CT and CBCT optimizes dosimetric planning for RE procedures, enabling a more accurate personalized approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The relationship between the mean absorbed dose delivered to the tumour and the outcome in liver metastases from colorectal cancer patients treated with radioembolization has already been presented in several studies. The optimization of the personalized therapeutic activity to be administered is still an open challenge. In this context, how well the 99mTc-MAA SPECT/CT predicts the absorbed dose delivered by radioembolization is essential. This work aimed to analyse the differences between predictive 99mTc-MAA-SPECT/CT and post-treatment 90Y-microsphere PET/CT dosimetry at different levels. Dose heterogeneity was compared voxel-to-voxel using the quality-volume histograms, subsequently used to demonstrate how it could be used to identify potential clinical parameters that are responsible for quantitative discrepancies between predictive and post-treatment dosimetry. Results: We analysed 130 lesions delineated in twenty-six patients. Dose-volume histograms were computed from predictive and post-treatment dosimetry for all volumes: individual lesion, whole tumoural liver (TL) and non-tumoural liver (NTL). For all dose-volume histograms, the following indices were extracted: D90, D70, D50, Dmean and D20. The results showed mostly no statistical differences between predictive and post-treatment dosimetries across all volumes and for all indices. Notably, the analysis showed no difference in terms of Dmean, confirming the results from previous studies. Quality factors representing the spread of the quality-volume histogram (QVH) curve around 0 (ideal QF = 0) were determined for lesions, TL and NTL. QVHs were classified into good (QF < 0.18), acceptable (0.18 ≤ QF < 0.3) and poor (QF ≥ 0.3) correspondence. For lesions and TL, dose- and quality-volume histograms are mostly concordant: 69% of lesions had a QF within good/acceptable categories (40% good) and 65% of TL had a QF within good/acceptable categories (23% good). For NTL, the results showed mixed results with 48% QF within the poor concordance category. Finally, it was demonstrated how QVH analysis could be used to define the parameters that predict the significant differences between predictive and post-treatment dose distributions. Conclusion: It was shown that the use of the QVH is feasible in assessing the predictive value of 99mTc-MAA SPECT/CT dosimetry and in estimating the absorbed dose delivered to liver metastases from colorectal cancer via 90Y-microspheres. QVH analyses could be used in combination with DVH to enhance the predictive value of 99mTc-MAA SPECT/CT dosimetry and to assist personalized activity prescription. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Marine rhodophyta are known to synthesize specific secondary metabolites, mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs), to protect themselves from harmful UV-radiation. Shinorine and porphyra-334 are among the most abundant representatives of this compound class. In the present work, a novel approach for their isolation is described. As a first step, a fast centrifugal partition chromatography method, with an aqueous two-phase system comprising water, ethanol, ammonium sulfate and methanol in ascending mode, was developed to isolate the two MAAs from crude aqueous-methanolic extracts of three algal species within 90 min. The compounds could be isolated when just one of them was present in a sample or also both at the same time. By employing solid phase extraction as a second purification step, the individual MAAs were obtained in high purity and good quantity within a much shorter time frame than the established purification protocols, e.g., semi-preparative HPLC. For example, from 4 g Porphyra sp. (Nori) crude extract, 15.7 mg shinorine and 36.2 mg porphyra-334 were isolated. Both were highly pure, as confirmed by TLC, HPLC-MS and NMR analyses.

Purpose: 99mTc‐MAA‐SPECT/CT may be used in 90Y‐glass microsphere radioembolization treatment planning to assess perfused liver volumes and absorbed dose distributions. The partition model (PM) offers a more detailed planning dosimetry option beyond the single‐compartment model more traditionally used in 90Y radioembolization. As 90Y radioembolization treatments shift toward activities and doses that aim to achieve tumor control, accurate and reliable treatment planning dosimetry for both tumors and normal liver (NL) becomes more critical. In this work, we explore the accuracy and precision of 90Y dosimetry predictions from pretherapy 99mTc‐MAA and PM. Methods: Both PM and voxel dosimetry models were used to calculate tumor and NL mean doses using both planning 99mTc‐MAA and verification 90Y‐SPECT/CT in this retrospective analysis of hepatocellular carcinoma cases treated with glass microspheres (NCT01900002, n = 32). Linear regression models were developed at first access, and then later correct, the estimates by (a) 99mTc‐MAA for 90Y voxel dosimetry and (b) 99mTc‐MAA PM for voxel dosimetry, separately for both tumors and NL. Bland‐Altman analysis was then used to evaluate the accuracy and precision of the regression model predictions with the mean bias and 95% prediction intervals (PI, ±1.96σ). Two categories of cases were stratified (catheter matched vs catheter unmatched) by establishing the level of 99mTc‐MAA and 90Y catheter position alignment. Only catheter‐matched cases were included in the 99mTc‐MAA vs 90Y voxel dosimetry comparison, while all cases were used to compare dosimetry models (PM vs voxel). Results: Half (16/32) of cases were deemed catheter matched. 99mTc‐MAA could reliably predict NL doses in catheter‐matched cases after application of the linear model, with mean bias (PI) of −1% (±31%). PM was equivalent to voxel dosimetry for NL doses with mean bias (PI) of 0% (±1%). Even among catheter‐matched cases, 99mTc‐MAA planning for 90Y tumor voxel doses was poor, overestimating dose by an average of nearly 40%. Upon application of the linear model, 99mTc‐MAA predictions for 90Y tumor voxel dose were only minimally biased (−4%) but possessed very large PI (±104%). PM predictions for tumor voxel dose using the linear model also showed small bias (−6%) but maintained similarly high PI of ±90%. Cases with tumors representing a large majority (>80%) of the total tumor volume demonstrated the best scenarios for 99mTc‐MAA and PM tumor dose predictions, with mean biases (PI) of −3% (±53%) and −4% (±21%), respectively. Conclusion: The unconditional use of 99mTc‐MAA to predict 90Y dosimetry across all cases is not recommended due to: (a) demonstrated the risk of unmatched catheter positions between procedures, and (b) large bias and uncertainty in 99mTc‐MAA predictions in cases with matched catheter locations. However, NL voxel dose predictions with 99mTc‐MAA are clinically viable and either PM or voxel dosimetry can be used to produce equivalent predictions. Both 99mTc‐MAA and PM can provide tumor dose predictions with potential clinical utility, but only in catheter‐matched cases and with tumors comprising a clear majority (>80%) of the total tumor volume. These findings stratify the predictive fidelity of 99mTc‐MAA‐ and PM‐based treatment planning for 90Y dosimetry in improving treatment outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of temperature, time, pH, capping agent concentration (mercaptoacetic acid), Zn to Se and Se to reducing agent (NaBH4) mole ratios on morphology, phase developments and size of zinc selenide nanoparticles prepared by hydrothermal method. Characterization of zinc selenide nanoparticles was performed by Field Emission Electron Microscopy (FESEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectrometry (EDS), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Induced Coupled Plasma Spectrometry (ICP), Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Simultaneous Thermal Analysis (STA). The results of EDS showed that the ratio of atomic percentage of Zn to Se in the optimized zinc selenide nanoparticles is 1: 1 and elements are evenly distributed in the nanoparticles. Based on the results of FTIR and STA thermal analyses, MAA as the stabilizing agent binds to and stabilizes zinc selenide nanoparticles. Finally, fine nanoparticles of zinc selenide with narrow size distribution, spherical shape and cubic crystal structure were obtained at the minimum temperature (130 °C) and processing time (15 hours) with the least amount of reducing and capping agents compared to previous researches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Adenocarcinoma of the pancreas is one of the most aggressive cancer diseases affecting the human body. Recent research has shown the importance of the perioperative phase in disease progression. Particularly during this vulnerable phase, substances such as metamizole and paracetamol are given as general anesthetics and postoperative analgesics. Therefore, the effects of metamizole and paracetamol on tumor progression should be investigated in more detail because the extent to which these substances influence the carcinogenesis of pancreatic carcinoma is still unclear. This study analyzed the influence of metamizole and its active metabolites MAA (4-N-methyl-aminoantipyrine) and paracetamol on the proliferation, apoptosis, and necrosis of the pancreatic cancer cell lines PaTu 8988t and Panc-1 in vitro. Methods Cell proliferation was measured by means of the ELISA BrdU assay and the rate of apoptosis by flow cytometry using the Annexin V assay. Results Metamizole and paracetamol significantly inhibited cell proliferation in pancreatic cancer cells. After the addition of metamizole to PaTu 8988t cells, the rate of apoptosis was reduced after 3 h of incubation but significantly increased after 9 h of incubation. Conclusion The oncogenic potential of pancreatic adenocarcinoma is mainly characterized by its extreme growth rate. Non-opioid analgesics such as metamizole and paracetamol are given as general anesthetics and postoperative analgesics. The combination of metamizole or paracetamol with cytotoxic therapeutic approaches may achieve synergistic effects. Further studies are necessary to identify the underlying mechanisms so that new therapeutic options may be developed for the treatment of this aggressive tumor.