Influence of Radiation Dose, Photon Energy, and Reconstruction Kernel on rho/z Analysis in Spectral Computer Tomography: A Phantom Study

xlomafota13 shared this article with you from Inoreader Influence of Radiation Dose, Photon Energy, and Reconstruction Kernel on rho/z Analysis in Spectral Computer Tomography: A Phantom Study Via In vivo (Athens, Greece) In Vivo. 2022 Mar-Apr;36(2):678-686. doi: 10.21873/invivo.12753. ABSTRACT BACKGROUND/AIM: The effective atomic number (Zeff) and electron density relative to water (ρe or Rho) of elements can be derived in dual-energy computed tomography (DECT). The aim of this phantom study was to investigate the effect of different photon energies, radiation doses, and reconstruction kernels on Zeff and Rho measured in DECT. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An anthropomorphic head phantom including five probes of known composition was scanned under three tube-voltage combinations in DECT: Sn140/100 kV, 140/80 kV and Sn140/80 kV with incremented radiation doses. Raw data were reconstructed with four reconstruction kernels (I30, I40, I50, and I70). Rho and Zeff were measured for each probe for all possible combinations of scan and reconstruction parameters. RESULTS: DECT-based Rho and Zeff close ly approached the reference values with a mean and maximum error of 1.7% and 6.8%, respectively. Rho was lower for 140/80 kV compared with Sn140/100 kV and Sn140/80 kV with differences being 0.009. Zeff differed among all tube voltages with the most prominent difference being 0.28 between 140/80 kV and Sn140/100 kV. Zeff was lower in I70 compared with those of I30 and I40 with a difference of 0.07. Varying radiation dose yielded a variation of 0.0002 in Rho and 0.03 in Z, both considered negligible in practice. CONCLUSION: DECT comprises a feasible method for the extraction of material-specific information. Slight variations should be taken into account when different radiation doses, photon energies, and kernels are applied; however, they are considered small and in practice not crucial for an effective tissue differentiation. PMID:35241522 | DOI:10.21873/invivo.12753 View on the web Inoreader. Take back control of your news feed. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Investigation of the Mechanism of Impaired Skin Barrier Function in Dogs With Malignant Tumors

xlomafota13 shared this article with you from Inoreader Investigation of the Mechanism of Impaired Skin Barrier Function in Dogs With Malignant Tumors Via In vivo (Athens, Greece) In Vivo. 2022 Mar-Apr;36(2):743-752. doi: 10.21873/invivo.12761. ABSTRACT BACKGROUND/AIM: No study has investigated skin barrier dysfunction with systemic diseases in veterinary medicine. We investigated the mechanism of disturbed skin barrier function in dogs with internal diseases. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Healthy controls and dogs with systemic diseases were enrolled in three different disease groups: malignant tumor, hyperadrenocorticism and kidney disease. Transepidermal water loss (TEWL), serum levels of five selective pro-inflammatory cytokines and claudin-1, and complete blood count were measured. RESULTS: TEWL was significantly increased in the malignant tumor group while serum claudin-1 concentrations were significantly lower compared to controls. Tumor necrosis factor-α was also significantly increased in the cancer group. In addition, the malignant tumor group showed significantly higher monocyte chemotactic prot ein-1 after chemotherapy, but lower interleukin-6 levels, compared to dogs with no chemotherapy. CONCLUSION: Skin barrier function was decreased in dogs with malignant tumors compared to dogs with other systemic diseases by oxidative stress and a reduction in tight junction proteins. PMID:35241530 | DOI:10.21873/invivo.12761 View on the web Inoreader. Take back control of your news feed. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Tremella fuciformis Inhibits Melanogenesis in B16F10 Cells and Promotes Migration of Human Fibroblasts and Keratinocytes

xlomafota13 shared this article with you from Inoreader <em>Tremella fuciformis</em> Inhibits Melanogenesis in B16F10 Cells and Promotes Migration of Human Fibroblasts and Keratinocytes Via In vivo (Athens, Greece) In Vivo. 2022 Mar-Apr;36(2):713-722. doi: 10.21873/invivo.12757. ABSTRACT BACKGROUND/AIM: Natural skin whiteners have been investigated for centuries. The development of preparations that safely achieve whitening of hyper-pigmented skin lesions is a challenge for the cosmetics industry. Furthermore, promoting rapid wound healing and minimizing inflammation in injured skin are key to prevent from abnormal pigmentation in scar tissue. Natural products, including the fungus Tremella fuciformis (TF), are attracting attention as potential sources of lead compounds for these applications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We investigated the in vitro effects of TF on melanogenesis in murine B16F10 cells. Melanin and tyrosinase levels were measured after treatment with TF. Wound healing in human keratinocytes (HaCaT) and fibroblasts (Detroit 551) was also determined via cell migration assay prior to TF exposure. RESULTS: TF significantly dec reased melanin content and tyrosinase expression in a concentration-dependent manner in B16F10 cells. Furthermore, TF promoted wound healing in human HaCaT keratinocytes and Detroit 551 fibroblasts. CONCLUSION: TF proved effectively on inhibiting melanogenesis and promoting wound healing in vitro, demonstrating its potential as a novel skin-whitening agent. However, further clinical studies of safety and efficacy are required. PMID:35241526 | DOI:10.21873/invivo.12757 View on the web Inoreader. Take back control of your news feed. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Safety of Insertion of Percutaneous Totally Implantable Central Venous Access Devices by Surgical Residents

xlomafota13 shared this article with you from Inoreader Safety of Insertion of Percutaneous Totally Implantable Central Venous Access Devices by Surgical Residents Via In vivo (Athens, Greece) In Vivo. 2022 Mar-Apr;36(2):985-993. doi: 10.21873/invivo.12791. ABSTRACT BACKGROUND/AIM: To compare the outcomes of totally implantable central venous access device (TIVAD) insertions by surgical residents (SRs) with those by experienced surgeons (ESs) and establish the safety of percutaneous TIVAD insertion by SRs. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 700 insertions were successfully performed between January 2015 and December 2019 in our Department. The puncture site conversion and complication rates were compared, and risk factors related to complications were analysed. RESULTS: In total, 84 and 616 insertions were performed in the SR and ES groups, respectively. SRs mainly punctured the internal jugular vein (IJV), and ESs punctured the subclavian vein (SV). The conversion rate from the IJV to SV was similar, whereas that from the SV to IJV was higher by SRs than ESs. Overall, early, and delayed complications were similar between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Percutaneous TIVAD inserted into the IJV by an SR was demonstrated to be safe. PMID:35241560 | DOI:10.21873/invivo.12791 View on the web Inoreader. Take back control of your news feed. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Cisplatin Versus Carboplatin and Paclitaxel in Radiochemotherapy for Patients With Locally Advanced Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma

xlomafota13 shared this article with you from Inoreader Cisplatin <em>Versus</em> Carboplatin and Paclitaxel in Radiochemotherapy for Patients With Locally Advanced Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Via In vivo (Athens, Greece) In Vivo. 2022 Mar-Apr;36(2):821-832. doi: 10.21873/invivo.12769. ABSTRACT BACKGROUND/AIM: The implementation of a platinum-containing regimen is recommended for definitive and adjuvant therapy of patients with locally advanced head and neck tumour. We compared the conditions for the use of cisplatin or carboplatin/paclitaxel or for changing between these two regimens on a clinic-specific basis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We evaluated 150 patients with advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma who received simultaneous radiochemotherapy at our institution between 2012 and 2017. Chemotherapy with weekly doses of cisplatin (40 mg/m2, group 1) or, in cases of impaired renal and/or cardiac function, with weekly doses of carboplatin AUC2 and paclitaxel (45 mg/m2, group 2), was performed as a first-choice therapy. If toxicities occurred in group 1, treatment was switched to the carboplatin/paclitaxel regimen (group 3). Patient- and therapy-related parameters, toxicity and survival data were compared across groups. RESULTS: We examined 99, 30, and 21 patients in each group who received at least 1 course of chemotherapy. Group 3 patients switched from cisplatin to carboplatin/paclitaxel after a median of 3 courses due to nephrotoxicity (95.2%). The target of at least 5 chemotherapy courses was most frequently achieved by patients in group 1 (69.7%), followed by group 3 (61.9%) and then group 2 (40.0%). Multivariate analysis revealed that patients who switched groups were more likely to be over 60 years old (p=0.021), undergo definitive radiochemotherapy (p=0.049) and develop higher nephrotoxicity (p=0.036) than group 1 patients. Outcomes did not differ between groups. CONCLUSION: When cisplatin application is contraindicated due to renal- or cardiotoxicity, carboplatin/paclitaxel is an appropriate option. PMID:35241538 | DOI:10.21873/invivo.12769 View on the web Inoreader. Take back control of your news feed. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Background Parenchymal Enhancement in Contrast-enhanced Spectral Mammography: A Retrospective Analysis and a Pictorial Review of Clinical Cases

xlomafota13 shared this article with you from Inoreader Background Parenchymal Enhancement in Contrast-enhanced Spectral Mammography: A Retrospective Analysis and a Pictorial Review of Clinical Cases Via In vivo (Athens, Greece) In Vivo. 2022 Mar-Apr;36(2):853-858. doi: 10.21873/invivo.12773. ABSTRACT BACKGROUND/AIM: Despite the popularity of contrast enhanced spectral mammography (CESM), univocal classification of the background parenchymal enhancement (BPE), a bilateral enhancement of the normal breast parenchyma after contrast administration, is lacking. The present study aimed to evaluate the application of BPE Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System Magnetic Resonance (BI-RADS-MR) score for the CESM BPE. Moreover, a pictorial review of four different cases with CESM is provided. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A single-center, retrospective study from a prospectively maintained database of all women undergoing digital mammography (DM) and CESM in our institution between 2016 and 2019. DM and CESM were classified by two experienced radiologists. RESULTS: No statistically significant difference between DM breast density and BPE CESM classification was fo und. Agreement between readers ranged from substantial to almost perfect. CONCLUSION: BIRADS-RM score for the CESM BPE represents a handy option for radiologists with high inter-reader and DM agreement. PMID:35241542 | DOI:10.21873/invivo.12773 View on the web Inoreader. Take back control of your news feed. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Sequential Loss of Mandibular Permanent Incisors in Noonan Syndrome

xlomafota13 shared this article with you from Inoreader Sequential Loss of Mandibular Permanent Incisors in Noonan Syndrome Via In vivo (Athens, Greece) In Vivo. 2022 Mar-Apr;36(2):1021-1029. doi: 10.21873/invivo.12797. ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Noonan syndrome (NS) is a multigenic disorder with a highly variable phenotype. Cardiac disorders and a predisposition to neoplasm often require early medical attention. Central giant central lesions (CGCLs) of the jaws are part of the phenotype. CASE REPORT: In a patient with genetically confirmed NS and multiple teeth loss presumably caused by CGCL, careful review of the medical history and radiographic findings made it probable that the cause of tooth loss was cervical root resorption (CRR) of the teeth following long-term orthodontic therapy. CONCLUSION: CRR is a rare dental disease of unknown origin. However, association with prior orthodontic therapy is well documented. In NS, mandibular lesions can occur which, at first glance, might lead the examiner to assume that it is a CGCL, but on closer analysis, obviously are of non-tumoro us origin and should be assessed as coincidental. The report adds relevant information to orthodontic treatment of NS patients. PMID:35241566 | DOI:10.21873/invivo.12797 View on the web Inoreader. Take back control of your news feed. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Sequential Loss of Mandibular Permanent Incisors in Noonan Syndrome

xlomafota13 shared this article with you from Inoreader Sequential Loss of Mandibular Permanent Incisors in Noonan Syndrome Via In vivo (Athens, Greece) In Vivo. 2022 Mar-Apr;36(2):1021-1029. doi: 10.21873/invivo.12797. ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Noonan syndrome (NS) is a multigenic disorder with a highly variable phenotype. Cardiac disorders and a predisposition to neoplasm often require early medical attention. Central giant central lesions (CGCLs) of the jaws are part of the phenotype. CASE REPORT: In a patient with genetically confirmed NS and multiple teeth loss presumably caused by CGCL, careful review of the medical history and radiographic findings made it probable that the cause of tooth loss was cervical root resorption (CRR) of the teeth following long-term orthodontic therapy. CONCLUSION: CRR is a rare dental disease of unknown origin. However, association with prior orthodontic therapy is well documented. In NS, mandibular lesions can occur which, at first glance, might lead the examiner to assume that it is a CGCL, but on closer analysis, obviously are of non-tumoro us origin and should be assessed as coincidental. The report adds relevant information to orthodontic treatment of NS patients. PMID:35241566 | DOI:10.21873/invivo.12797 View on the web Inoreader. Take back control of your news feed. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

The Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index Predicts Tolerability of Lenvatinib in Patients With Hepatocellular Carcinoma

xlomafota13 shared this article with you from Inoreader The Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index Predicts Tolerability of Lenvatinib in Patients With Hepatocellular Carcinoma Via In vivo (Athens, Greece) In Vivo. 2022 Mar-Apr;36(2):865-873. doi: 10.21873/invivo.12775. ABSTRACT BACKGROUND/AIM: We aimed to investigate the association between The Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI) and the tolerability of lenvatinib in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated 61 HCC patients treated with lenvatinib and compared those with low GNRI (≤98, n=26) to those with high GNRI (>98, n=35). RESULTS: The discontinuation of lenvatinib due to adverse events was more frequent in the low GNRI group (46.2%) than in the high GNRI group (17.1%) (p=0.014). Multivariate analysis revealed that low GNRI (p=0.014), hypothyroidism (model 1 p=0.021, model 2 p=0.013), and advanced age (p=0.026) were independently associated with the discontinuation of lenvatinib. The progression-free survival in the low GNRI group was significantly shorter than that in the high GNRI group (p=0.047). C ONCLUSION: The GNRI might be independently associated with the tolerability of lenvatinib in patients with HCC. PMID:35241544 | DOI:10.21873/invivo.12775 View on the web Inoreader. Take back control of your news feed. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Predictive Value of Circulating Tumor Cells in Prognosis of Stage III/IV Colorectal Cancer After Oxaliplatin-based First-line Chemotherapy

xlomafota13 shared this article with you from Inoreader Predictive Value of Circulating Tumor Cells in Prognosis of Stage III/IV Colorectal Cancer After Oxaliplatin-based First-line Chemotherapy Via In vivo (Athens, Greece) In Vivo. 2022 Mar-Apr;36(2):806-813. doi: 10.21873/invivo.12767. ABSTRACT BACKGROUND/AIM: Insufficient data exist to support the concept of the circulating tumor cell (CTC) level as a prognostic factor for platinum-based first-line chemotherapy. This study investigated the impact of CTCs on the prognosis of patients with advanced colorectal cancer (CRC) after receiving platinum-based chemotherapy. Analyses were carried out of clinicopathological features and molecular phenotypes to clarify independent risk factors for a high CTC count. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients diagnosed with stage III/IV CRC (n=76) were included in the study. The blood samples of patients were evaluated for CTCs using the CellRich™ platform system. Immunohistochemistry (Ias used to analyze epithelial-mesenchymal transition-associated biomarkers E-cadherin and vimentin. Univariate and logistic regression analyses were then conducted to analyze the risk fac tors for CTC expression. Additionally, the influence of oxaliplatin on disease-free survival after first-line chemotherapy or during chemotherapy was analyzed through a 2-year follow-up. RESULTS: Patients in the CTC+ group experienced shorter DFS after receiving oxaliplatin first-line chemotherapy than patients in the CTC- group (p<0.01). In addition, univariate analysis revealed that the tumor M-stage, tumor location, RAS mutation, high expression of vimentin, and deletion of E-cadherin expression were correlated with a high CTC count. Multivariate analysis suggested that the presence of RAS gene mutations and high vimentin expression were independent risk factors for high CTC loads (p<0.01). CONCLUSION: CTC positivity can indicate the efficacy of first-line chemotherapy with oxaliplatin in stage III/IV colorectal cancer. This may be linked to tumor epithelial-mesenchymal transition in patients with CTCs. Moreover, RAS gene mutation and high expression of vimentin were identified as independent risk factors for a high CTC count. PMID:35241536 | DOI:10.21873/invivo.12767 View on the web Inoreader. Take back control of your news feed. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Optimization of Culture Conditions for the Generation of Canine CD20-CAR-T Cells for Adoptive Immunotherapy

xlomafota13 shared this article with you from Inoreader Optimization of Culture Conditions for the Generation of Canine CD20-CAR-T Cells for Adoptive Immunotherapy Via In vivo (Athens, Greece) In Vivo. 2022 Mar-Apr;36(2):764-772. doi: 10.21873/invivo.12763. ABSTRACT BACKGROUND/AIM: Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy targeting CD20 has the potential to become a promising novel treatment for canine B cell lymphoid malignancy. However, the optimal approach for producing potent CAR-T cells with favorable phenotype for dogs remains unknown. In this study, we assessed several culture conditions and their effects on the phenotypic characteristics of CD20-CAR-T cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Canine CAR-T cells were generated by incubating with several mitogens in the presence or absence of Akt inhibitor. Gene transduction efficiency and phenotypic characteristics were determined by flow cytometry. RESULTS: Comparison of several kinds of mitogens revealed that stimulation with phytohemagglutinin has high transduction efficacy, whereas stimulation with concanavalin A was superior in memory T cell formation. Akt inhibition at the initial stage of CAR-T production tended to enhance transduction efficiency and memory T cell formation. CONCLUSION: This study provides a significant insight into the understanding of the ex vivo expansion of canine T cells in adoptive immunotherapy. PMID:35241532 | DOI:10.21873/invivo.12763 View on the web Inoreader. Take back control of your news feed. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.