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Quantum-classical deep learning hybrid architecture with graphene-printed low-cost capacitive sensor for essential tremor detection
Abstract This study presents a novel hardware and software architecture combining capacitive sensors, quantum-inspired algorithms, and deep learning applied to the detection of Essential Tremor. At the core of this architecture are graphene-printed capacitive sensors, which provide a cost-effective and efficient solution for tremor data acquisition. These sensors, known for their flexibility and precision, are specifically calibrated to monitor tremor movements across various fingers. A distinctive feature of this study is the incorporation of quantum-inspired computational filters—namely, Quantvolution and QuantClass—into the deep learning framework. This integration offers improved processing capabilities, facilitating a more nuanced analysis of tremor patterns. Initial findings indicate greater stability in loss variability; however, further research is necessary to confirm these effects across broader datasets and clinical environments. The approach highlights a promising application of quantum-inspired methods within healthcare diagnostics.
Tunable physical properties and dye removal application of novel Chitosan Polyethylene glycol and polypyrrole/carbon black films
Abstract In this study, polypyrrole/carbon black (PPy/C) filler with different amounts (5, 10, 15, and 20 wt%) was immobilized in a polymer blend consisting of chitosan/polyethylene glycol (CS/PEG) to produce conductive and dye adsorbent films. The study employed various distinctive techniques, including X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared, and high-resolution scanning electron microscope, indicating that composites have high complexity and good interaction. Through the implementation of the UV-Vis technique, it has been observed that the reflectance of composites experiences enhancement with an increase in PPy/C content. The discussion covers the optical constants, such as the composites’ refractive index and optical conductivity. Notably, the uniform dispersion of PPy/C has caused a significant rise in the electrical conductivity of the pristine blend from 1.182 × 10−8 (Ω.cm)−1 to 1.42 × 10−5 (Ω.cm)−1 when 15% PPy/C was added. This increased conductivity is attributable to correlated barrier-hopping mechanisms. The effects of increasing PPy/C quantity, contact time (0–260 min), initial MO dye concentration (20–120 mg/L), adsorbent film dosage (0.1, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, and 1 g/L), and the initial pH (4–10) were examined. Incorporating PPy/C up to 10% improved the removal effectiveness of the composite film. The 10% PPy/C film exhibited the maximum removal effectiveness relative to other films. Langmuir showed better conventionality than the Freundlich isotherm model with R2 of 0.999. The maximal adsorption capacity observed in monolayer adsorption was determined to be 217 mg/g. The adsorption of MO by the 10% PPy/C film is a chemisorption process, according to the parameters of the kinetic studies. (CS/PEG)- (PPy/C) films could be assigned to the synergistic dye adsorption effect of PPy/C filler and CS/PEG polymer-making material, ensuring excellent adsorption efficiency. Because of these appealing characteristics, PPy/C has the potential to be an environmentally friendly adsorbent in the treatment of dye wastewater.
Evaluation of inflammatory serum parameters as a diagnostic tool in patients with endometriosis: a case-control study
Abstract Even though non-invasive prediction of endometriosis may seem technically feasible using sophisticated machine learning algorithms, a standard clinical use case for non-surgical diagnosis of endometriosis has not yet been established. In the present paper, we assess the potential of the inflammatory serum markers hepcidin, soluble urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (suPar), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in a cohort of 87 patients. Hereby, 59 patients were histologically diagnosed with endometriosis, whereas other 28 patients served as our non-endometriosis control group. An initial exploratory univariate statistical analysis (Mann-Whitney test) revealed the diagnostic potential of different serum levels of suPar (p = 0.024) and IL-6 (p < 0.001) between both groups; the formation of a distinct training data set (n = 77) subsequently allowed to train a supervised machine learning analysis (tree classifier) employing serum levels of suPar, hepcidin, and IL-6 as predictor variables. Based on an internal 5-fold cross validation, the classifier performance was initially assessed using standard metrics such as sensitivity, positive predictive value, and AUROC curve. Additionally, the algorithm was tested on an external validation (holdout) data set (n = 10), showing sufficient overall accuracy of 80% without tendencies of overfitting. In conclusion, our data demonstrates the diagnostic potential of IL-6 and suPar as pro-inflammatory serum biomarkers in endometriosis. Using a decision tree-based supervised learning approach, we additionally present a straight-forward way of a potential clinical employment, aiming at less invasive (non-surgical) diagnosis.
Exploring circulating cell-free DNA as a biomarker and as an inducer of AIM2-inflammasome-mediated inflammation in patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm
Abstract Circulating cell-free (cf) DNA in blood plasma is considered a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker of tissue damage and could be a driver of chronic inflammation by stimulating the innate immune response via activation of inflammasomes. Increased AIM2-inflammasome activity in the aortic wall is associated with abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). We here hypothesized that cfDNAs are elevated in the plasma of AAA patients and are associated with chronic inflammation. Single strand (ss)DNA, double strand (ds)DNA and mitochondrial (mt)DNA levels were explored in plasma and leucocytes from 93 AAA patients, 89 controls (non-AAA patients) and 10 healthy subjects, using fluorescence-based quantification and real-time qPCR, respectively. To analyse inflammasome activation by cfDNA, differentiated THP-1 macrophages were primed with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and then stimulated for one, six or 24 h with DNA extracted from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of AAA patients. Our analysis revealed significantly increased levels of ssDNA, dsDNA and mtDNA levels in plasma from AAA patients compared with non-AAA patients and healthy subjects. In addition, the mtDNA copy number was significantly higher in PBMC from AAA patients. Stimulation of THP-1 cells with PBMC-DNA resulted in increased expression of inflammasome genes, especially the DNA sensors AIM2 and IFI16. At early time points, PBMC-DNA stimulated THP-1 showed significantly increased apoptosis-associated speck-like protein with a CARD (ASC) and Pro-Interleukin-1β protein levels compared to untreated or only LPS-primed cells, resulting in the formation of significantly more ASC specks after 24 h, a sign of inflammasome activation. We conclude from our data that cfDNA of AAA patients triggers a proinflammatory response in macrophages by activating the AIM2 inflammasome and thus could be a driving force for the chronic inflammation observed in these patients.
AVO reflectivity and pre-stack seismic impedance inversion for gas sand channel detection at South Abu El Naga Field, Onshore Nile Delta, Egypt
Abstract The reservoir compartment is a major uncertainty at South Abu El Naga gas field, onshore Nile Delta, Egypt. The objective of this study is to detect Abu Madi gas sand reservoir using different pre-stack inversion techniques such as AVO reflectivity attributes, impedance methods, and lambda-mu-rho (LMR) analysis. The Messinian sandstone gas reservoir at the study area was effectively characterized using these three techniques. Well logs, 2D partial angle stack, and full angle stack seismic sections are the available dataset used to derive several seismic pre-stack inversion attributes. The results of these attributes show that the gas sand bodies are clearly separated from shale and detect the gas channel lateral edges from the cutting mud filled channel. These findings determine the utility of integrating AVO reflectivity attributes and impedance methods in enhancing geophysical interpretation, reducing uncertainty, aiding exploration and support more accurate compartment delineation in data-limited settings and provide a convenient workflow applicable to other areas facing similar exploration and challenges.
Potassium and methionine mitigate the alternate bearing of Balady mandarin via reducing gibberellins and increasing salicylic acid and auxins
Abstract Alternate bearing (AB) is a major challenge for citrus orchards. Increasing yield in one season (On year) leads to more seeds (fruits) as a supplier of gibberellins, which delay harvesting with low fruit quality and also decreases flowering and fruiting in the next season (Off year). So, the aim of this study is improving Balady mandarin fruit quality as well as accelerating fruit harvesting during the On year via foliar nourishments with potassium citrate (KC) or nitrate (KN) at 0.5% incorporated with either methionine (M) at 0.2% or sulphur (S) at 0.3%, twice two months before harvest (at flower bud induction time). The results indicated that, during On year, all treatments accelerate harvesting date, improve fruit weight, yield, fruit quality with a highly significant effect for KC + M treatment compared to the control. Moreover, this treatment increased fruit yield by 20.72% and 33.74%, for the first and the second On years, respectively. The most promising effect for KC + M is decreasing gibberellins levels during December (flower bud induction) in On year by 7& 19.4% and during January (before flowering) in Off year by 19.4% and 17.44%. Moreover, it increased both salicylic acid and auxin in the following Off year (before flowering) by 17.44%, 42.9 and 40%, respectively. This findings led to increase fruit number by 272.64% and 267.94%, and fruit yield by 251.3% and 289.65% for the following two off-year as well as decreasing AB by 61.7% and 61.67%. This study highlights the efficiency role of KC as a key for improving fruit quality during On year where heavy fruit load, as well as M application for overcoming AB as anti-gibberellins agent via accelerating harvesting in On year and enhances flowering in the following Off year via hormonal control.
Muscovite based polyaniline nanocomposite as effective adsorbent for removal of Cd2+ and Pb2+ ions from liquid waste
Abstract Heavy metals in wastewater represent a main source of environmental contamination for the ecosystem and aquatic system. Herein, the in situ polymerization method was used to prepare a novel nanocomposite polyaniline/muscovite (PANI/Msc) using ammonium persulphate as an oxidizing agent and HCl as a catalyst. The combination of muscovite with polyaniline (PANI) creates a hybrid material that leverages the strengths of both components. PANI/Msc nanocomposite was characterized using XRD, TEM, FT-IR, SEM, and surface area analyzer. Crystalline size of the prepared nanocomposite found in the range 15.6 – 45 nm , while its surface area was 208.6 m2/g. The resulting nanocomposite was used for Cd2+ and Pb2+ adsorption from their solution. Up to 75.6 and 72.6% of Cd2+ and Pb2+, respectively, were removed in the optimized conditions of metal concentration 75 ppm, pH 6 and 7 for Pb2+ and Cd2+, adsorbent dose 0.1 g, 25 °C solution temperature, and 60 min contact time. Kinetic and adsorption studies clearly demonstrated that the results of the adsorption process followed the pseudo-second order (qe 32.8 and 33.1 mg g−1) and Langmuir models (Q0 36.1 and 61 mg g−1) for Cd2+ and Pb2+, respectively. The thermodynamic indicated favorable, spontaneous and exothermic process. Electrostatic interaction and ion exchange mechanisms were responsible for the adsorption of Cd2+ and Pb2+ by PANI/Msc as demonstrated by FTIR spectroscopy and pH studies. This study ended with the cost- effective preparation of PANI/Msc nanocomposite that offers a promising solution for the removal of heavy metals from contaminated water source. In addition, the capability study regarding Pb2+ and Cd2+ion adsorption over the PANI/Msc nanocomposite clearly revealed that our method is suitable for large- scale application.
Synthesis and characterization of Al-based metal–organic framework with superior performance for adsorptive desulfurization of model fuel
Abstract Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) have recently garnered attention as promising candidates for the effective removal of sulfur-containing compounds from liquid fuels. In this study, the potential of employing Al-MIL-53 as an adsorbent for liquid fuel desulfurization is demonstrated. Material analysis through SEM, XRD, and FTIR studies was conducted. Equilibrium between in the solution and on the adsorbent surface was successfully achieved within 1 h. Optimal operational parameters for 99% Sulfur removal were identified as a 60-min adsorption time, 50 ppm initial thiophene concentration, and 2 g adsorbent dosage. The equilibrium adsorption data is adequately represented by Freundlich isotherm (R2 = 0.97). The adsorption kinetics of DBT by Al-MOF followed pseudo first-order model (R2 = 0.99). The equilibrium (qm) of the prepared Al-MOF = 11 (mg/g).
Investigate the bond performance of basalt FRP bars under the effect of severe conditions
Abstract This paper aims to evaluate the bond performance of basalt FRP bars under severe conditions such as salts, alkaline, and water. Specimens were tested under direct pull-out tensile load. The specimens were exposed to aggressive solutions at an elevated temperature of 60 °C to accelerate the degradation process. The parameters were the concrete compressive strength (CCS) (25, 45, and 60 MPa), the exposure condition (water, salts, and alkaline), and the exposure duration (30, 60, and 90 days). Seventy-two specimens were investigated in terms of bond strength, failure mechanism, and stress-slippage response. The most detrimental environment was the alkaline environment, while the salt environment had an insignificant effect on the bond strength. After 90 days of conditioning in the alkaline solution, the normalized bond strength had reduced by 17.29%, 12.74%, and 8.72% for specimens of concrete compressive strength (CCS) of 25 MPa, 45 MPa, and 60 MPa, respectively.
Comparative lesion metrics analysis of very high power and high power short duration radiofrequency ablation in a Porcine ex vivo model
Abstract High-power, short-duration (HP-SD) ablation is a well-established radiofrequency (RF) ablation protocol in cardiac electrophysiology. Recently, very high-power, short-duration (vHP-SD) ablation has emerged as an alternative. This study compares lesion metrics between vHP-SD and HP-SD ablation protocols using the latest irrigated RF catheter with temperature-based power regulation, considering the impact of contact force (CF). RF ablations were performed in a porcine ex vivo model using myocardial preparations in a circulating saline bath. Three protocols were applied: vHP-SD (90 W for 4s), HP-SD-4 (50 W for 4s) and HP-SD-15 (50 W for 15s). A total of 360 lesions in 12 hearts were analyzed (vHP-SD: 120; HP-SD-4: 120, HP-SD-15: 120). The HP-SD-4 protocol produced the lowest mean lesion depth (2.42 ± 0.61 mm vs. 3.16 ± 0.41 mm vs. 4.49 ± 0.66 mm, p < 0.001), mean maximum lesion diameter (6.02 ± 1.00 mm vs. 7.34 ± 0.92 mm vs. 9.13 ± 1.59 mm), and mean lesion volume (52.0 ± 22.5 mm³ vs. 96.4 ± 28.8 mm³ vs. 211.4 ± 95.3 mm³, p < 0.001), followed by the vHP-SD protocol. In contrast, the HP-SD-15 protocol resulted in the highest values across all three parameters. Lesion depth, maximum lesion diameter, and lesion volume increased significantly with higher contact force (p < 0.001, p = 0.002, and p = 0.003, respectively). However, the absolute changes in these lesion dimensions were relatively small compared to those observed with power-controlled RF catheters, likely due to the effect of temperature-based power regulation.
No effect of novel exploration on the consolidation of extinction learning in human context conditioning
Abstract Animal research show that a novel exploration task performed shortly before a learning episode can strengthen hippocampal memory consolidation through behavioural tagging mechanisms. The aim of the present study was to conceptually translate behavioural tagging results to humans using a novel exploration task in virtual reality. Mimicking conditions for animal research, sixty participants underwent a context conditioning task in virtual reality to create a hippocampal-dependent fear memory. Twenty-four hours later, half of the participants performed a novel exploration task in virtual reality shortly before extinction learning the next day, and the other half performed a visual control task. Twenty-four hours after extinction learning, remaining fear responses were evaluated by a reinstatement procedure. Results showed that participants acquired context conditioning, but no effect of the novel exploration procedure on fear responses during reinstatement could be noted. Thus, the study did not conceptually translate the rodent results to humans; possible reasons for this, as well as future directions, are discussed.
Radiological and chemical hazards of persistent organic pollutants in the textile sector
Abstract The textile industry exposes people to various harmful and allergenic compounds, with dye wastewater being a significant source of persistent organic pollutants (chemical substances accumulate in living organisms and pose risks to human health and ecosystems) in the environment. This study aimed to measure the activity concentrations of radionuclides, specifically 238U, 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K, in different types of textile dyes (disperse, direct, and reactive) and dye wastewater from the cities of Abour and Badr, using gamma spectrometry with a Hyper Pure Germanium detector. Additionally, heavy metal concentrations (Zn, Cd, Fe, Pb, Co, and K) were analyzed through Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy. The results indicated that the average specific activities of 238U, 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K were higher in disperse dyes compared to direct and reactive dyes. Potential radiation hazards were evaluated, revealing detectable levels of radioactivity in some textile dyes. This underscores the need for safety protocols and preventive measures for workers in the textile industry and those handling these dyes.
Stability indicating RP-HPLC method for estimation of finerenone and its related substances in new dosage form
Abstract Stability indicating RP-HPLC method was developed and validated for the estimation of finerenone (FIN) in pure and in new tablet dosage form. The proposed approach was applied and validated for determination of (FIN) related substances. Stability studies of (FIN) was carried out using five stress conditions; acid, alkali, oxidation, photodegradation and heat degradation. The chromatographic analysis of (FIN) was based on using mobile phase consist of filtered and degassed mixture of 450mL water, 550mL acetonitrile and 10mL triethylamine with pH adjusted to 7. Phenomenex (C18, 4.6 × 250 mm, 5 μm) column was used with 0.8 mL/min flow rate and 40 °C column temperature. The UV detection was set at 252 nm with injection volume (10µL). The (FIN) retention time was 4.437 ± 0.05 min. The proposed technique was validated according to ICH guidelines with good linearity in ranges (8–30 µg/mL) for assay of (FIN) and (0.2–1.4 µg/mL) for determination of (FIN) unspecified impurities. The found mean percentage recoveries were 99.74% for (FIN) assay and 99.11% for (FIN) related substance determination which indicate good trueness. The developed approach was successfully applied for the determination of (FIN) in Nexifinerenone® film coated tablet dosage form. Good agreement was established when assay results using the validated RP-HPLC method were compared statistically to those obtained using the reported method. For the greenness assessment Complex GAPI, Complex MoGAPI and AGREE methods were applied.
Reducing impact load on RC-Slabs using Expanded Polystyrene (EPS)
Abstract Reinforced Concrete (RC) slabs are widely used in structural applications due to their ability to withstand heavy loads. However, under impact loading conditions such as falling objects or debris, their brittle nature makes them prone to cracking and damage. To address this, Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) has been explored as an energy-absorbing material capable of reducing the severity of impact forces. Traditionally used as an insulating material, EPS possesses favorable mechanical properties—lightweight, high deformability, and cushioning capacity—that have led to its application in civil infrastructure as geofoam and lightweight fill. Despite its growing use, the potential of EPS as a protective surface layer for RC slabs under impact loading remains underexplored. This study investigates the effectiveness of a surface-mounted EPS layer in reducing the impact response of RC slabs. Six full-scale RC slab specimens were tested under vertical impact from a 90 kg steel ball dropped from a height of 1 m. Half of the specimens were cast as control slabs, while the other half included a 5 cm thick EPS layer atop the concrete. Accelerometers were used to capture dynamic responses, and a detailed finite element model was developed in ABAQUS, incorporating experimentally measured material properties and contact interaction at the EPS–concrete interface. The model accounted for separation and frictional behavior between the two materials. Experimental and numerical results showed that the EPS layer significantly reduced the maximum acceleration, displacement, and energy dissipation within the concrete slab compared to the control specimens. While control slabs absorbed more energy through cracking and damage, the EPS slabs exhibited reduced structural deterioration, indicating more efficient impact mitigation. These findings highlight the potential of EPS as a cost-effective solution to enhance the impact resistance of RC slabs. Future work will focus on parametric studies involving EPS thickness, EPS density, steel reinforcement ratio, intensity of impact load and concrete material properties to generalize the results for broader applications.
A mobile robot bridging manual and automated bioscientific workflows by applying the Swiss army knife principle
Abstract The complexity and diversity of bioscientific research laboratories, creates significant challenges for automation. Their varying workflows, personnel, and instruments, often hinder smaller research laboratories to benefit from automated processes, as existing systems seem unsuitable due to low flexibility. Therefore, we developed a versatile robotic system designed to automate a broad range of bioscience laboratory processes. Central to our system and novel, compared to all other kinds of laboratory automation concepts, is a multifunctional end effector, inspired by the Swiss-army-knife, capable of executing multiple tasks, including an operating finger, a camera system, a gripper, and a pipette. This end effector is mounted on a 6-axis robotic arm, supported by a mobile base, enabling easy transport across different bioanalytical laboratory environments. Utilizing windows manipulating scripting routines, allows the automation of diverse software programs including software-based laboratory devices. We demonstrate the capabilities of the Laboratory Automation Robotic System (LARS) by automating the pH buffer adjustments, showcasing its potential to improve efficiency and reproducibility in bioscience research. The resulting prototype allows the integration of any laboratory instrument into a desired automation routine without limitations concerning device interfaces, while using a highly flexible multifunctional end-effector as a replacement of the human hand and eye.
Neural network-based image analysis of co-localized microorganisms and human cells on implant materials
Abstract Dental implant-associated infections increase the risk of implant failure, presenting significant challenges in modern dentistry. The host-microbe interaction plays a crucial role in the development of implant-associated infections. To gain a deeper understanding of the underlying mechanisms, numerous studies have been conducted using in vitro co-culture models of bacteria and human cells or in situ samples. Due to the complexity of the images generated throughout these studies, however, the analysis by means of classical image processing techniques is challenging. This study proposes a workflow—based on two custom Cellpose models—that, for the first time, allows the analysis of microbial surface coverage in microscopy images of fluorescent-stained and co-localized microorganisms and human cells with substantial background signals. The first Cellpose model demonstrated its efficacy in the analysis of individual bacteria within images derived from an 3D implant-tissue-oral biofilm in vitro co-culture model. In combination with the second custom model, which was trained to recognize microcolonies, images obtained from an in situ study could also be automatically segmented. The model’s segmentation accuracy could be further enhanced by acquiring additional training images and improving image quality, making the proposed workflow now valuable for a range of dental implant-related and other co-culture images.
Evaluating scar outcomes in pediatric burn patients following skin grafting
Abstract Scarring and its long-term sequelae, contribute significantly to morbidity following burn injuries. Factors associated with less favourable scar outcomes include the depth of burn, younger age, pigmented skin types and prolonged healing times. The aim of primary burn surgery is to debride non-viable tissue, to enable healing. However, international consensus regarding the optimal timing for debridement and grafting in pediatric patients with burns is lacking. Delayed wound healing is thought to increase the risk of poor scar quality, however, the evidence for this is weak with few studies investigating long-term outcomes in pediatric patients. The aim of this study, therefore, was to investigate the effect of patient and treatment factors on scar quality, one year after skin grafting in pediatric patients with burns. Patient factors included age, skin type, and site of burn, while treatment factors included timing of surgery, type of surgery, and healing times. Pediatric patients (age < 18 years) presenting to a National Burn Unit from 2011 until 2020, inclusive were considered for inclusion in the study. Burn injuries between 1% and 14.9% total body surface area (TBSA) and who required skin grafting for the primary treatment of their burn, were included. Patients who failed to attend their 12-month follow-up visit were excluded. Standardised clinical photographs were assessed using a modified version of the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale, version 2.0 (POSAS). Thirty children (median age 3.9 years) were included. Factors with an independent effect on higher (worse) POSAS scores were younger age at the time of injury ( p < 0.001), body site of the trunk ( p < 0.002), or the lower extremity ( p < 0.001) and a longer duration of healing time after skin grafting ( p = 0.003). The duration of time between injury and surgery was not an independent factor for POSAS scores ( p = 0.56). We had insufficient numbers to discriminate differences in scar quality for different graft types; meshed versus non-meshed. In this study, we found that long-term scar outcomes in pediatric burn patients after skin grafting were worse for those injured at a younger age, with burns on the trunk or lower extremity, or with prolonged healing time after grafting. The robustness of this conclusion is limited by the small sample size of the study cohort and by our use of photographic scar assessment .
Impact of adding carboplatin to docetaxel chemotherapy on testosterone levels and treatment outcomes in metastatic docetaxel-resistant prostate cancer
Abstract Docetaxel resistance, particularly post-androgen-receptor targeted therapy (ART), undermines its clinical utility in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). This study explores the impact of docetaxel plus carboplatin (DC) chemotherapy on serum testosterone levels in metastatic docetaxel-resistant prostate cancer (mDRPC) patients. 123 mDRPC patients were categorized into three groups: (1) no previous ART (n = 65), (2) previous ART with serum free testosterone (FT) > detection limit (DL) at baseline (n = 31), and (3) previous ART with FT < DL at baseline (n = 27). Salvage DC chemotherapy led to significant reductions in FT and total testosterone (TT) levels in groups 1 and 2 (p < 0.05). Group 1 saw FT decrease from 0.85 pg/mL to below the DL (< 0.18 pg/mL) with 54.3% achieving complete reduction (CR); group 2 showed FT decrease from 0.28 pg/mL to below the DL with 67.7% achieving CR; group 3 had baseline FT values already below the DL with 96.3% maintaining this level. TT reductions to below the DL occurred in all groups. Low FT was an independent predictor for better PFS and for improved OS in groups 1 and 2. Our data indicate that adding carboplatin may improve the therapeutic effects of docetaxel in a castration-dependent setting.
Associations between cardiac adipose tissue and abdominal visceral fat and muscle based on computed tomography area and density
Abstract Computed Tomography (CT)-derived body composition parameters of cardiac adipose tissue (CAT), as well as abdominal adipose and muscle tissue are surrogates for the patient’s clinical condition and have prognostic implications. However, associations between the compositions of these diverse tissue compartments remain poorly investigated. This study aimed to investigate the associations between CT-derived parameters of CAT and abdominal adipose and muscle tissues. Retrospective analysis of CT scans from 842 patients was conducted, with measurements of CAT taken at the aortic valve level and abdominal tissues assessed at the L3/L4 intervertebral disc space. Area and density were calculated for each tissue compartment using single-slice images. Strong positive correlations were found between CAT area and visceral adipose tissue (VAT) area (R = .755, P < .001), as well as moderate correlations between CAT density and VAT density (R = .521, P < .001). Additionally, skeletal muscle (SM) area exhibited modest positive correlations with VAT area (R = .370, P < .001), CAT area (R = .300, P < .001), and SM density (R = .356, P < .001). No significant differences were observed between genders in the correlation strengths of these associations. These findings indicate a systematic pattern of body composition alterations, advocating for the inclusion of comprehensive body composition analysis in future studies and emphasizing the need for a deeper understanding of the underlying systemic processes influencing body composition.
Free-breathing cardiovascular magnetic resonance flow quantification can be an alternative to standard breath-holding approach
Abstract Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) evaluation of valvular heart disease is an important diagnostic tool when echocardiography is inconclusive. Phase contrast flow quantification is usually performed during breath hold (BH), which can be challenging in patients suffering from dyspnea and heart failure. The purpose of the present study is to compare a free-breathing (FB) with the conventional BH approach for flow quantification in the aortic, pulmonary and tricuspid valves in 20 healthy subjects (HS) and 25 patients with tricuspid regurgitation (TR). Aortic (AoFF) and pulmonary forward flow volume (PuFF), and tricuspid inflow volume (TrIF) were evaluated. Mean, standard deviation (SD) and limits of agreement (LoA) were calculated. There were good agreements between phase contrast flow volumes obtained by FB and BH approach. Mean difference ± SD / LoA for AoFF during BH versus FB were 1 ± 6 / -10 to 13 ml. The corresponding for PuFF were 1 ± 6 / -11 to 13 ml, and for TrIF − 3 ± 6 / -15 to 9 ml, respectively. Thus, free-breathing CMR flow acquisition can be an important alternative in the assessment of stroke volume, valvular regurgitant volume and be useful in all patients with difficulties to hold their breath.