Improved correction for the tissue fraction effect in lung PET/CT imaging

Recently, there has been an increased interest in imaging different pulmonary disorders using PET techniques. Previous work has shown, for static PET/CT, that air content in the lung influences reconstructed image values and that it is vital to correct for this 'tissue fraction effect' (TFE). In this paper, we extend this work to include the blood component and also investigate the TFE in dynamic imaging. CT imaging and PET kinetic modelling are used to determine fractional air and blood voxel volumes in six patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. These values are used to illustrate best and worst case scenarios when interpreting images without correcting for the TFE. In addition, the fractional volumes were used to determine correction factors for the SUV and the kinetic parameters. These were then applied to the patient images. The kinetic parameters K1 and Ki along with the static parameter SUV were all found to be affected by the TFE with both air and blood providing a significant contribution to the errors. Without corrections, errors range from 34-80% in the best case and 29-96% in the worst case. In the patient data, without correcting for the TFE, regions of high density (fibrosis) appeared to have a higher uptake than lower density (normal appearing tissue), however this was reversed after air and blood correction. The proposed correction methods are vital for quantitative and relative accuracy. Without these corrections, images may be misinterpreted

Meta-study Focusing on Abiotic Cells for Human Implants

Abstract: Powering implantable devices in human body with a glucose based fuel cell (GFC) offers an alternative to non-rechargeable batteries that typically require routine invasive surgery. There are three main approaches for GFCs to oxidise glucose. Enzymatic Fuel Cells are selective and have a high reaction rate but are unstable as the proteins can denature giving the cell a short lifespan. Microbial Fuel Cells use microbes to break down glucose to produce electrons. However they possess the danger of cell leakages that can introduce the microbes to the patient and risk possible infection. Abiotic Fuel Cells employ inorganic catalysts, typically a noble metal alloy or metallic carbon to oxidise and reduce glucose and oxygen respectively. Abiotic is the safest and most stable of the three but possesses the lowest output due to the electrodes inability to target glucose specifically. This meta-study investigates for Abiotic Glucose Fuel Cell being the most viable candidate of the three for possible use in autonomous medical devices. We will assess current abiotic fuel cells on the thermodynamic parameters of output voltage, current/current density, power density and efficiency. The kinetic parameters of internal resistance and rate at which membranes transport electrons will also be assessed. Operational parameters of lifespan and overall architecture will also be assessed to further understand the conditions and materials these cells were produced.Keywords: Glucose; Fuel Cell; Meta-study; Enzymatic; Microbial; Abiotic; Implantable Device

Algal Fuel Cell

Algal Fuel Cells (AFC) are bioelectric devices that use photosynthetic organisms to turn light and biochemical energy into electrical energy. The potential of a fully biotic AFC still remains an unexplored area of research and hence it has led to rethink the prospective use of plant-based bioelectricity. AFC consists of an anode and a cathode connected by an external electric circuit and separated internally by a membrane/no membrane in which the growth of algae is assessed. The key parameters for evaluating the performance of AFC are electrodes, separators, oxygen supplement, nutrients and its configurations. By controlling these parameters, the electric power production can be optimized. This chapter discusses the recent trends examined by a number of researchers and are interpreted to gain a better understanding. It is stressed that a greater focus must be given for a complete comprehension of the algal processes required for the development of AFC applications. Thus, it can be concluded that a further development of AFC technology with reduced costs and improved performance is required for sustainable development

Greater numbers of antral follicles in the ovary are associated with increased concentrations of glucose in uterine luminal fluid of beef heifers

Increased antral follicles are associated with greater fertility and a uterine environment that is more supportive of early embryonic development in beef heifers. Glucose is a primary energy source for embryos, and glucose concentrations are elevated in uterine luminal fluid (ULF) of pregnant heifers. We hypothesized that ULF glucose concentrations and endometrial transcript abundance for glucose transporters on d16 after insemination would be greater in heifers with increased numbers of antral follicles. Heifers classified with either increased or diminished antral follicle counts were artificially inseminated following the CO-Synch protocol (d0). On d16 after insemination, reproductive tracts of heifers were collected at an abattoir to retrieve conceptuses to determine pregnancy. Uterine luminal fluid was collected, endometrium was biopsied, total RNA was extracted and glucose transporter transcript abundances were determined. Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS with antral follicle group, pregnancy status, and the interaction as fixed effects. Glucose concentrations in ULF were greater in heifers with increased antral follicle numbers. Glucose ULF concentrations increased in pregnant heifers. Facilitated glucose transporter member 1 (SLC2A1) transcript abundance was increased in the endometrium of pregnant heifers but was not different due to antral follicle number or the interaction. Differences in uterine concentrations of glucose associated with antral follicle number could be due to another mechanism, since glucose transporters were not different between antral follicle numbers. Therefore, heifers with increased number of antral follicles have increased energy availability in the uterus to support trophoblast proliferation and function

Risk prediction models of natural menopause onset: a systematic review [supplementary materials].

Context Predicting the onset of menopause is important for family planning and to ensure prompt intervention in women at risk of developing menopause-related diseases. Objective To summarize risk prediction models of natural menopause onset and their performance. Data Sources and Study Selection Five bibliographic databases were searched up to March 2022. We included prospective studies on perimenopausal women or women in menopausal transition, that reported either an univariable or a multivariable model for risk prediction of natural menopause onset. Data Extraction Two authors independently extracted data according to the CHARMS (critical appraisal and data extraction for systematic reviews of prediction modelling studies) checklist. Risk of bias was assessed using PROBAST (prediction model risk of bias assessment tool). Data Synthesis Of 8'132 references identified, we included 14 articles based on 8 unique studies comprising 9'588 women (mainly Caucasian) and 3'289 natural menopause events. All the included studies used onset of natural menopause (ONM) as outcome, while four studies predicted early ONM as well. Overall, there were 180 risk prediction models investigated, with age, anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) being the most investigated predictors. Other studies tested different hormones (Estradiol, Inhibin B), lifestyle factors (pack-years of smoking, body mass index), imaging (antral follicle count), menopause symptoms (hot flashes, night sweats) or menstrual flow variability as predictors. Estimated C-statistic for the prediction models ranged from 0.62 to 0.95. Calibration and validation were reported in five and seven articles, respectively. All studies were rated at high risk of bias mainly due to the methodological concerns related to the statistical analysis. Conclusion Applicability and generalizability of current prediction models on ONM is limited given that these models were generated from studies at high risk of bias and from specific populations/ethnicities. Although in certain settings such models may be useful, efforts to improve their performance are needed as use becomes more widespread

Relationship between the soluble solids metric Brix and other traits in Capsicum peppers

The present study was conducted to clarify the relationship between fruit Brix and other chemical components related to taste in chili peppers and to clarify how Brix, which changes in response to environmental stress, is related to other traits such as yield. The experiments were conducted from 2015 to 2019. In experiment 1, 39 varieties of Capsicum annuum were cultivated in 2015 and their pungency and the taste components were evaluated. Relationship of pungency and taste components among varieties were also investigated. In experiment 2, Japanese chili pepper cultivars ‘Manganji’, ‘Fushimiamanaga’ and ‘Botankosho’ were grown under several stress conditions from 2015 to 2019 to determine the relationships of pungency and the taste components in each individual variety. In experiment 3, we observed the effect of stress conditions on plant growth performance and yield using drought stress and salinity stress on ‘Shishito’, ‘Sapporo’ and ‘Botankosho’ cultivars. In experiment 1, although significant positive correlation was found between total sugar content and glucose content in all groups, there was no significant positive correlation between Brix and total sugar content. In experiment 2, a significant positive correlation was found between total sugar content and Brix in all cultivars under all stress conditions. Moreover, a significant positive correlation was found between total sugar content and Brix in each variety. These results clarified that it was not appropriate to use Brix for the comparison of varietal difference of total sugar content but that it was possible to estimate the differences among treatments and individuals within the same variety. In experiment 3, we also found that stress during cultivation increased Brix and capsaicinoid content, and decreased yield, fruit size, and number of leaves. The stress induced increase in Brix because of reduced yield and fruit size, and the effect of reduced photosynthetic ability on Brix due to reduced number of leaves seemed rather small.Article信州大学農学部AFC報告 19: 55-69(2021)departmental bulletin pape

Evaluation of peri-partum supplementation of methionine hydroxy analog on cow-calf performance

The objective was to evaluate the effects of peripartum supplementation of methionine hydroxy analog (MFP; Novus International, Inc. St. Charles, MO) to nulliparous beef females on dam and progeny performance. Yearling Angus heifers (n = 60) were blocked by expected parturition date, stratified by body weight (BW) and body condition score (BCS), and randomized to 1 of 15 pens (4 females/pen). Pens were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 dietary treatments; a basal diet supplemented with either 1) 0 g ïÿý animal-1 ïÿý d-1 of MFP (M0); 2) 15 g ïÿý animal-1 ïÿý d-1 of MFP (M15); or 3) 30 g ïÿý animal-1 ïÿý d-1 of MFP (M30). The basal diet consisted of ground hay, silage, and distillers grains and was formulated to maintain similar BW across treatments. Diets were fed from 45 ïÿý 13 d prior to average parturition date through 81 ïÿý 13 d postpartum (DPP) when all cow-calf pairs were commingled and managed as a singular group on pasture until weaning (199 ïÿý 13 DPP). Dam BW, BCS, and blood samples were taken at six predetermined timepoints throughout the study. Progeny data collection occurred at birth, two intermediate timepoints, and at weaning. Milk samples were collected for component analysis at 7 ïÿý 2 DPP and at 55 ïÿý 5 DPP. Serial blood samples were analyzed to establish resumption of postpartum cyclicity, and ultrasonography was performed at 55 ïÿý 5 DPP to evaluate ovarian function. Cows were artificially inseminated at 82 ïÿý 13 DPP and turned out with bulls for a 55-d breeding season. Continuous and categorical data were analyzed using the MIXED and GLIMMIX procedures of SAS, respectively. Dam BW and BCS were not different (P ≥ 0.24) across treatments throughout the study. Week 1 milk fat increased (P = 0.05) linearly and total solids tended to increase (P = 0.07) as MFP increased in the diet; however, no other milk components differed (P ≥ 0.16) as a result of treatment. No differences (P ≥ 0.16) in dam reproductive parameters or progeny performance were observed. At breeding (the conclusion of dietary treatments) blood urea nitrogen (BUN) concentrations linearly decreased (P = 0.03) with increased supplementation of MFP and non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) concentrations were lower (P = 0.04) in MFP-supplemented dams compared to dams receiving no MFP. Concentrations of BUN and NEFA were not different (P ≥ 0.22) at any other remaining timepoint nor were glucose and methionine (Met) concentrations different (P ≥ 0.15) at any point. These data indicate that supplementation of MFP in late gestation and early lactation may increase milk fat components immediately after calving but does not translate to significant changes in progeny growth or dam reproductive performance

Association of the functional ovarian reserve with serum metabolomic profiling by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy:A cross sectional study of ~400 women

Background: Women with diminished ovarian reserve are known to have increased cardiovascular risk, whether there is a continuous association between the ovarian reserve biomarkers; anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), antral follicle count (AFC) and cardio-metabolic risk factors are unknown. Methods: A cross-sectional study of 398 women intending to undergo IVF with pre-treatment early follicular AMH and AFC measurements. Serum lipids, lipoprotein subclasses and low-molecular-weight metabolites were quantified by NMR spectroscopy (155 metabolic measures). Associations were analysed using multivariable regression. Results: Participants were mean 35.5 (SD 4.43) years old and had a median AMH of 16 pmol/l (IQR 8.8, 28.0 pmol/l) and a median AFC of 12 (IQR 7.16). AMH showed positive associations with HDL, omega-6 and polyunsaturated fatty acids and the amino acids isoleucine, leucine and tyrosine, with effects ranging from 0.11 (95%CI 0.004 to 0.21) for total lipids in small HDL to 0.16 (0.06 to 0.26) for isoleucine, for a mean difference of one SD of metabolite per one SD increment in AMH, and negatively with acetate: − 0.31(− 0.22, − 0.004) SD per 1 SD AMH. AFC was positively associated with alanine, glutamine and glycine. Results were consistent, though less precisely estimated, when restricted to those women who were preparing for treatment because of their partner’s infertility. Conclusions: In women intending to have IVF, AMH and AFC were not associated with traditional lipid measured but were associated with a number of novel cardiovascular risk factors. Prospective studies will be required for replication, determination of causality and confirmation that ovarian reserve is impacting on metabolism rather than variation in metabolism is influencing ovarian reserve

Combined Treatment of 8-Hydroxyquinoline and Glucose on Cut Hydrangea Flowers

The optimum application of cut flower preservative treatments on fresh-stage and antique-stage cut hydrangea flowers was investigated. The vase lives of fresh-stage cut flowers maintained in deionized water (control), in solutions containing 100 mg L⁻¹ or 200 mg L⁻¹ 8-hydroxyquinoline sulfate (8-HQS), and in a solution containing silver thiosulfate complex (STS) were compared using a hydrangea cultivar ‘Endless Summer’. The mean vase life of flowers with 100 mg L⁻¹ 8-HQS treatment was significantly longer than that for the control. However, other treatments did not exhibit significant difference from the control. The solutions containing 100 mg L⁻¹ or 200 mg L⁻¹ 8-HQS were supplemented with 1% and/or 2% glucose, and the fresh-stage cut flowers of ‘Endless Summer’ were maintained in these prepared solutions. The mean vase life of flowers treated with 100 mg L⁻¹ 8-HQS plus 1% glucose treatment was significantly longer than that for flowers under the control 100 mg L⁻¹ 8-HQS treatment. The mean vase life of treatment with 200 mg L⁻¹ 8-HQS with 1% glucose was significantly longer than for the control 200 mg L⁻¹ 8-HQS treatment. The mean vase life of flowers treated with 200 mg L⁻¹ 8-HQS with 2% glucose tended toward a longer vase life than that for the control. When the fresh-stage cut flowers of ‘Flambeau’, ‘Grünherz’, and ‘Miss Hepburn’ were maintained in a solution containing 100 mg L⁻¹ 8-HQS and 1% glucose, they exhibited significantly longer vase lives than those maintained in deionized water. In conclusion, a solution containing 100 mg L⁻¹ 8-HQS and 1% glucose could extend the vase life of fresh-stage cut hydrangea flowers of several cultivars.Article信州大学農学部AFC報告 18: 19-27(2020)departmental bulletin pape