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Simple Summary: The purpose of the study is to evaluate the prediction of vertebral fractures in patients with plasma cell dyscrasias using dual-layer CT. The study retrospectively enrolled 81 patients diagnosed with plasma cell dyscrasia who underwent whole-body DLCT at diagnosis and follow-up. In the baseline CT, conventional CT image data (CI), calcium-suppressed image data (CaSupp25 and CaSupp100), and virtual calcium-only (VCa) image data were quantitatively analyzed in the lumbar vertebral bodies and in fractured vertebral bodies. New vertebral fractures occurred in 24 patients during follow-up. Lower CT numbers in CI and VCa, and higher CT numbers in CaSupp25, at baseline were significantly associated with a higher risk of new fractures. Logistic regression analysis revealed that CT numbers in CaSupp25 and VCa might be better predictors of fractures than CI. Cut-off values were suggested: CI at 103 HU and VCa at 129 HU. In conclusion, quantitative assessment with CaSupp and calculation of VCa can predict vertebral fracture risk in multiple myeloma patients, indicating that DLCT may be useful in detecting imminent fractures. Purpose: To evaluate the prediction of vertebral fractures in plasma cell dyscrasias using dual-layer CT (DLCT) with quantitative assessment of conventional CT image data (CI), calcium suppressed image data (CaSupp), and calculation of virtual calcium-only (VCa) image data. Material and Methods: Patients (n = 81) with the diagnosis of a plasma cell dyscrasia and whole-body DLCT at the time of diagnosis and follow-up were retrospectively enrolled. CI, CaSupp25, and CaSupp100 were quantitatively analyzed using regions of interest in the lumbar vertebral bodies and fractured vertebral bodies on baseline or follow-up imaging. VCa were calculated by subtraction (CaSupp100-CaSupp25), delineating bone only. Logistic regression analyses were performed to assess the possibility of imminent spine fractures. Results: In 24 patients, new vertebral fractures were observed in the follow-up imaging. The possibility of new vertebral fractures was significant for baseline assessment of CT numbers in CI, CaSupp25, and VCa (p = 0.01, respectively), with a higher risk for new fractures in the case of lower CT numbers in CI (Odds ratio = [0.969; 0.994]) and VCa (Odds ratio = [0.978; 0.995]) and in the case of higher CT numbers in CaSupp 25 (Odds ratio 1.015 [1.006; 1.026]). Direct model comparisons implied that CT numbers in CaSupp 25 and VCa might show better fracture prediction than those in CI (R2 = 0.18 both vs. 0.15; AICc = 91.95, 91.79 vs. 93.62), suggesting cut-off values for CI at 103 HU (sensitivity: 54.2%; specificity: 82.5; AUC: 0.69), for VCa at 129 HU (sensitivity: 41.7%; specificity: 94.7; AUC: 0.72). Conclusions: Quantitative assessment with CaSupp and calculation of VCa is feasible to predict the vertebral fracture risk in MM patients. DLCT may prove useful in detecting imminent fractures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to investigate the diagnostic performance of breast mass detection on monoenergetic image data at 40 keV (MonoE40) and on iodine maps (IM) compared with conventional image data (CI). In this prospective single-center case-control study, 50 breast cancer patients were examined using contrast-enhanced dual-layer spectral CT. For qualitative and quantitative comparison of MonoE40 and IM with CI image data, four blinded, independent readers assessed 300 randomized single slices (two slices for each imaging type per case) with or without cancerous lesions for the presence of a breast mass. Detection sensitivity and specificity were calculated and readers rated their subjective diagnostic certainty. For statistical analysis of sensitivity and specificity, a paired t-test and ANOVA were used (significance level p = 0.05). A total of 50 female patients (median age 51 years, range 28–83 years) participated. IM had the highest overall scores in sensitivity and specificity for breast cancer detection, with 0.97 ± 0.06 and 0.95 ± 0.07, respectively, compared with 0.90 ± 0.04 and 0.92 ± 0.06 in CI. MonoE40 yielded a sensitivity of 0.96 ± 0.02 and specificity of 0.94 ± 0.08. All differences in sensitivity and specificity between MonoE or IM and CI were statistically significant (p < 0.001). The superiority of IM sensitivity and specificity was most pronounced in patients with dense breasts. Spectral CT improved the detection of breast cancer with higher sensitivity and specificity compared to conventional image data in our study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solidago canadensis L. (Canadian goldenrod) is a widely distributed invasive herb from the Asteraceae family. It contains compounds that can change the soil structure and its nutritional components and thus affect indigenous species' growth, germination, and survival. Consequently, it can pose a major ecological threat to biodiversity. On the other hand, many studies show that this species, due to its chemical properties, can be used for many positive purposes in pharmacy, agriculture, medicine, cosmetic industry, etc. S. canadensis contains a diverse array of bioactive compounds that may be responsible for antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anticancer activities. Many studies have discussed the invasiveness of S. canadensis, and several chemical and genetic differences between this plant in native and introduced environments have been discovered. Previous ecological and environmental evaluations of the potential of S. canadensis as an ecosystem services provider have come out with four promising groups of its products: active extracts, essential oil, fuel, and others. Although identified, there is a need for detailed validation and prioritisation of ecosystem services. This article aims to overview the S. canadensis invasive features, emphasising chemical characterisation and its potential for providing ecosystem services. Moreover, it identifies scenarios and proposes a methodology for estimating S. canadensis use in bioeconomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines genetic diversity and structure of a Croatian garlic germplasm collection using 13 simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. A total of 71 alleles were observed across 64 accessions representing 3 Croatian regions (Istria, Dalmatia and continental Croatia) and 16 foreign landraces, with an average of 5.46 alleles per locus. Among the 80 accessions analysed, 61 distinct multilocus genotypes (MLG) were identified, of which 51 represented unique genotypes and the remaining accessions were divided into 10 MLG groups, comprising potential duplicates or redundant genotypes. Model-based Bayesian and hierarchical UPGMA clustering approaches revealed five major groups within the collection which partially correlated with geographical origin. The analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) showed that the majority (87.71%) of the total molecular diversity is within the Croatian groups of accessions, even though a significant share (12.29%) of diversity derived from genetic diversity among groups. These results support regional structuring, as well as the existence of significant diversity within local populations. This study is the first comprehensive report on an extensive evaluation of genetic resources of garlic maintained by Croatia with the aim of setting the course for future preservation strategies with particular emphasis on the value of diversity in the context of climate change both on macro and micro levels.

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Continuous seed propagation in Turkey has given rise to a great number of seedling walnut trees which represents valuable walnut genetic resources. The number of native walnut trees is estimated to be over 5 million in Turkey and they possess large phenotypic variability in yield, nut and kernel characteristics, late bud breaking, late flowering, winter hardiness and tolerance to diseases. Progress in walnut breeding requires the exploitation of genetic variation among cultivars and landraces. In this study, we used 32 local diverse walnut genotypes obtained from seeds and 2 standard cultivars (‘Sebin’ and ‘Bilecik’). This study implemented 21 previously used simple sequence repeats (SSR) markers to determine genetic diversity. The analysis revealed 135 alleles with an average of 6.43 alleles per locus. Genetic similarity ranged from 0.23 (for samples KW22 and KW29) to 0.87 (for samples KW27 and KW28). The highest number of alleles per locus was obtained from WGA276 locus (11 alleles), followed by WGA054 (9 alleles), WGA202 and WGA321 (8 alleles) while the lowest number was detected in WGA027. According to the morphological and molecular data, the genotypes differed from each other and the cvs. Sebin and Bilecik. The majority of the genotypes had higher fruit weight and some of the genotypes had higher kernel ratio than cvs. Sebin and Bilecik implying the importance of registering genotypes as cultivars. This research provides information on the genetic relationship of walnut genotypes and cultivars and emphasises the importance of protection and utilisation of seed-propagated walnut genetic resources.