Biomarkers Predictive of Distant Disease-free Survival Derived from Diffusion-weighted Imaging of Breast Cancer

Purpose: To investigate whether intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) and/or non-Gaussian diffusion parameters are associated with distant disease-free survival (DDFS) in patients with invasive breast cancer. Methods: From May 2013 to March 2015, 101 patients (mean age 60.0, range 28-88) with invasive breast cancer were evaluated prospectively. IVIM parameters (flowing blood volume fraction [ɪᴠɪᴍ] and pseudodiffusion coefficient [D*]) and non-Gaussian diffusion parameters (theoretical apparent diffusion coefficient [ADC] at a b value of 0 s/mm² [ADC₀] and kurtosis [K]) were estimated using a diffusion-weighted imaging series of 16 b values up to 2500 s/mm². Shifted ADC values (sADC₂₀₀-₁₅₀₀) and standard ADC values (ADC₀-₈₀₀) were also calculated. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to generate survival analyses for DDFS, which were compared using the log-rank test. Univariable Cox proportional hazards models were used to assess any associations between each parameter and distant metastasis-free survival. Results: The median observation period was 80 months (range, 35-92 months). Among the 101 patients, 12 (11.9%) developed distant metastasis, with a median time to metastasis of 79 months (range, 10-92 months). Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that DDFS was significantly shorter in patients with K > 0.98 than in those with K ≤ 0.98 ( = 0.04). Cox regression analysis showed a marginal statistical association between K and distant metastasis-free survival ( = 0.05). Conclusion: Non-Gaussian diffusion may be associated with prognosis in invasive breast cancer. A higher K may be a marker to help identify patients at an elevated risk of distant metastasis, which could guide subsequent treatment

Investigation of breast cancer microstructure and microvasculature from time-dependent DWI and CEST in correlation with histological biomarkers

We investigated the associations of time-dependent DWI, non-Gaussian DWI, and CEST parameters with histological biomarkers in a breast cancer xenograft model. 22 xenograft mice (7 MCF-7 and 15 MDA-MB-231) were scanned at 4 diffusion times [Td = 2.5/5 ms with 11 b-values (0-600 s/mm2) and Td = 9/27.6 ms with 17 b-values (0-3000 s/mm2), respectively]. The apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) was estimated using 2 b-values in different combinations (ADC0-600 using b = 0 and 600 s/mm2 and shifted ADC [sADC200-1500] using b = 200 and 1500 s/mm2) at each of those diffusion times. Then the change (Δ) in ADC/sADC between diffusion times was evaluated. Non-Gaussian diffusion and intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) parameters (ADC0, the virtual ADC at b = 0; K, Kurtosis from non-Gaussian diffusion; f, the IVIM perfusion fraction) were estimated. CEST images were acquired and the amide proton transfer signal intensity (APT SI) were measured. The ΔsADC9-27.6 (between [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] and ΔADC2.5_sADC27.6 (between [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]) was significantly larger for MCF-7 groups, and ΔADC2.5_sADC27.6 was positively correlated with Ki67max and APT SI. ADC0 decreased significantly in MDA-MB-231 group and K increased significantly with Td in MCF-7 group. APT SI and cellular area had a moderately strong positive correlation in MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 tumors combined, and there was a positive correlation in MDA-MB-231 tumors. There was a significant negative correlation between APT SI and the Ki-67-positive ratio in MDA-MB-231 tumors and when combined with MCF-7 tumors. The associations of ΔADC2.5_sADC27.6 and API SI with Ki-67 parameters indicate that the Td-dependent DW and CEST parameters are useful to predict the histological markers of breast cancers

Feasibility of Dedicated Breast Positron Emission Tomography Image Denoising Using a Residual Neural Network

Objective(s): This study aimed to create a deep learning (DL)-based denoising model using a residual neural network (Res-Net) trained to reduce noise in ring-type dedicated breast positron emission tomography (dbPET) images acquired in about half the emission time, and to evaluate the feasibility and the effectiveness of the model in terms of its noise reduction performance and preservation of quantitative values compared to conventional post-image filtering techniques.Methods: Low-count (LC) and full-count (FC) PET images with acquisition durations of 3 and 7 minutes, respectively, were reconstructed. A Res-Net was trained to create a noise reduction model using fifteen patients’ data. The inputs to the network were LC images and its outputs were denoised PET (LC + DL) images, which should resemble FC images. To evaluate the LC + DL images, Gaussian and non-local mean (NLM) filters were applied to the LC images (LC + Gaussian and LC + NLM, respectively). To create reference images, a Gaussian filter was applied to the FC images (FC + Gaussian). The usefulness of our denoising model was objectively and visually evaluated using test data set of thirteen patients. The coefficient of variation (CV) of background fibroglandular tissue or fat tissue were measured to evaluate the performance of the noise reduction. The SUVmax and SUVpeak of lesions were also measured. The agreement of the SUV measurements was evaluated by Bland–Altman plots.Results: The CV of background fibroglandular tissue in the LC + DL images was significantly lower (9.10 2.76) than the CVs in the LC (13.60  3.66) and LC + Gaussian images (11.51  3.56). No significant difference was observed in both SUVmax and SUVpeak of lesions between LC + DL and reference images. For the visual assessment, the smoothness rating for the LC + DL images was significantly better than that for the other images except for the reference images.Conclusion: Our model reduced the noise in dbPET images acquired in about half the emission time while preserving quantitative values of lesions. This study demonstrates that machine learning is feasible and potentially performs better than conventional post-image filtering in dbPET denoising

High-density Integrated Linkage Map Based on SSR Markers in Soybean

A well-saturated molecular linkage map is a prerequisite for modern plant breeding. Several genetic maps have been developed for soybean with various types of molecular markers. Simple sequence repeats (SSRs) are single-locus markers with high allelic variation and are widely applicable to different genotypes. We have now mapped 1810 SSR or sequence-tagged site markers in one or more of three recombinant inbred populations of soybean (the US cultivar ‘Jack’ × the Japanese cultivar ‘Fukuyutaka’, the Chinese cultivar ‘Peking’ × the Japanese cultivar ‘Akita’, and the Japanese cultivar ‘Misuzudaizu’ × the Chinese breeding line ‘Moshidou Gong 503’) and have aligned these markers with the 20 consensus linkage groups (LGs). The total length of the integrated linkage map was 2442.9 cM, and the average number of molecular markers was 90.5 (range of 70–114) for the 20 LGs. We examined allelic diversity for 1238 of the SSR markers among 23 soybean cultivars or lines and a wild accession. The number of alleles per locus ranged from 2 to 7, with an average of 2.8. Our high-density linkage map should facilitate ongoing and future genomic research such as analysis of quantitative trait loci and positional cloning in addition to marker-assisted selection in soybean breeding

High viral load of Merkel cell polyomavirus DNA sequences in Langerhans cell sarcoma tissues.

International audienceBACKGROUND: Langerhans cell (LC) sarcoma (LCS) is a high-grade neoplasm with overtly malignant cytologic features and an LC phenotype. We very recently suggested that LC behaves as a reservoir for common dermotropic Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) and determined the relationship between LC histiocytosis (LCH), which has an underlining oncogenic capacity, and MCPyV as a trigger for a reactive process rather than a neoplastic process. We propose LC to be a reservoir for MCPyV and hypothesize that some LCS subtypes may be related to the MCPyV agent. FINDINGS: We examined seven LCS tissues using multiplex quantitative PCR (Q-PCR) and immunohistochemistry with anti MCPyV large-T (LT) antigen antibody. High viral loads of MCPyV DNA sequences (viral load = relative levels of MCPyV) were detected (0.328-0.772 copies/cell (Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) = 1.0)) using Q-PCR in 43% (3/7) tissues, but LT antigen expression was not observed (0/7). CONCLUSIONS: Frequent MCPyV-DNA amplification suggests that LCS in some patients may be related to MCPyV infection. Moreover, the higher viral load of LCS (median, 0.453 copies/cell) than low load of LCH (0.003, median of 12 cases) (P < 0.01) may suggest a virally induced tumorigenic process in some LCS. Although the absence of LT antigen expression may indicate a different role for MCPyV in this pathology, some subtypes of LCS may develop in the background of MCPyV-infected LC. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the relationship between MCPyV and LCS. The recent discovery of MCPyV opened new therapeutic avenues for MCC. These data open novel possibilities for therapeutic interventions against LCS

成人看護学実習における看護技術経験の実態

本研究の目的は、看護技術チェックリストを用いて成人看護学実習における看護技術の経験状況を明らかにし、成人看護学における臨地実習での教育・指導内容について検討することである。成人看護学実習Ⅰ（急性期実習）・Ⅱ（慢性期実習）を履修した学生に対し、看護技術チェックリスト90項目を用いて実習中の看護技術経験を調査した結果、急性期実習、慢性期実習ともに80％以上経験できた看護技術は、「快適な病床環境を作る」、「食事摂取状況のアセスメント」、「栄養状態のアセスメント」、「バイタルサイン測定」、「一般状態の変化」、「系統的な症状の観察」、「測定値・症状等からのアセスメント」、「スタンダード・プリコーションに基づく手洗い」、「防護用具の装着」、「療養病床を安全に整える」、「転倒・転落・外傷予防」の11項目であった。未経験が50％以上の項目は急性期実習で51項目、慢性期実習で64項目であった。臨地実習において学生が看護技術の経験を増やすことに限界はあるが、少ない経験からでも最大限の学びが得られるよう関わることや、看護技術の経験の機会を逃さない関わりが教員には必要であると示唆された

Biopolymeric films with incorporation of Spirulina in antioxidant packaging for food

Introdução: O aumento da preocupação pela sociedade com o ambiente sobre opções sustentáveis e mais ecológicas vem colaborando para uma ampliação nas pesquisas para a produção de embalagens biodegradáveis. Atualmente, cerca de 47% da produção anual de plásticos está relacionada com o uso em embalagens de alimentos, sendo que menos de 5% do material utilizado é reciclável, ocasionando diversos impactos negativos ao ambiente. Para reverter esta situação, uma das alternativas promissoras é o uso de biopolímeros, que podem ser utilizados em diversas aplicações, inclusive na indústria alimentícia na formulação de embalagens de alimentos. As embalagens de alimentos são utilizadas com o intuito de fornecer proteção ao produto e, dependendo de suas características funcionais, podem prolongar a vida útil do mesmo. A elaboração de filmes biopoliméricos que desempenhem algumas funções está aumentando e a utilização de microalgas e cianobactérias estão ganhando visibilidade devido à sua disponibilidade e propriedades biológicas, conferindo propriedades ativas importantes aos filmes. Adicionalmente, os polissacarídeos como a pectina, o amido de araruta, psyllium e a hidroxipropilmetilcelulose (HPMC) também vêm sendo estudados pelos pesquisadores da ciência dos alimentos, particularmente, por sua capacidade de formação de gel. Objetivos: Neste contexto, este trabalho teve como objetivo realizar um screening de filmes formulados com distintos biopolímeros incorporados com diferentes concentrações de biomassa integral e residual de Spirulina e selecionar os melhores filmes obtidos de acordo com suas características físicas e visuais para posterior caracterização. Métodos: 38 formulações filmogênicas foram elaboradas pelos métodos de casting e os filmes com (0, 1, 3 e 5% de Spirulina incorporada em pectina e as mesmas concentrações em HPMC) foram submetidas a análises para avaliar as propriedades físico-químicas, ópticas, mecânicas, térmicas, de barreira, de superfície, grupos funcionais, assim como a atividade antioxidante. Resultados: As melhores formulações desenvolvidas foram com a matriz de pectina e HPMC. Ao adicionar a biomassa integral de Spirulina à estas matrizes poliméricas, todas as amostras de filmes formulados exibiram redução na solubilidade e umidade e aumento na opacidade. Os filmes elaborados a partir de HPMC, adicionados de biomassa integral de Spirulina demonstraram ser superiores aos filmes de pectina em termos de propriedades mecânicas, térmicas e de barreira, além de apresentar uma maior atividade antioxidante. Foram evidenciadas diferenças significativas relacionadas à atividade antioxidante entre as concentrações de biomassa incorporadas, sendo encontradas as maiores médias nas concentrações de 5%, tanto nos filmes de HPMC (320.08 ± 35.7 µmol de TE/g de filme) quanto de pectina (36.92 ± 7.63 µmol de TE/g de filme). Conclusão: A elaboração dos filmes foi realizada com sucesso e os filmes de HPMC apresentaram resultados promissores quanto às propriedades mecânicas, térmicas, de barreira e antioxidantes para a área de embalagens de alimentos, podendo ser aplicados em alimentos sensíveis à luz e suscetíveis à oxidação. A adição de biomassa integral de Spirulina nestes filmes proporcionou melhores propriedades de barreira e maior atividade antioxidante aos filmes.Introduction: The increasing concern by society with the environment about sustainable and more ecological options has been collaborating to an expansion in research to produce biodegradable packaging. Currently, about 47% of the annual production of plastics is related to the use in food packaging, and less than 5% of the material used is recyclable, causing several negative impacts to the environment. To change this situation, one of the promising alternatives is using biopolymers, which can be employed in several applications, including in the food industry in the formulation of food packaging. Food packaging is used to provide protection to the product and, depending on its functional characteristics, it can extend its shelf life. The development of biopolymeric films that perform some functions is increasing and the use of microalgae and cyanobacteria are gaining visibility due to their availability and biological properties, conferring important active properties to the films. Additionally, polysaccharides such as pectin, arrowroot starch, psyllium and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) are also being studied by food science researchers, particularly for their gel-forming capacity. Objectives: In this context, this work aimed to screen films formulated with different biopolymers incorporated with different concentrations of integral and residual Spirulina biomass and to select the best film obtained according to their physical and visual characteristics for further characterization. Methods: 38 filmogenic formulations were elaborated by casting method and the films with (0, 1, 3 and 5% Spirulina incorporated in pectin and the same concentrations in HPMC) were submitted to analyses to evaluate the physicochemical, optical, mechanical, thermal, barrier and surface properties, functional groups, as well as antioxidant activity. Results: The best formulations developed were with the pectin and HPMC matrix. By adding integral Spirulina biomass to these polymeric matrices, all film samples formulated exhibited reduction in solubility and moisture and increase in opacity. The films elaborated from HPMC, added with integral Spirulina biomass showed to be superior to pectin films in terms of mechanical, thermal and barrier properties, besides presenting a higher antioxidant activity. Significant differences were evidenced related to the antioxidant activity between the concentrations of integral biomass incorporated, being found the highest averages at concentrations of 5%, both in films of HPMC (320.08 ± 35.7 µmol of TE/g of film) and pectin (36.92 ± 7.63 µmol of TE/g of film). Conclusion: The films were successfully developed and the HPMC films showed promising results regarding mechanical, thermal, barrier properties, and antioxidant properties for the food packaging area, and can be applied to light-sensitive and oxidation-susceptible foods. The addition of integral Spirulina biomass in these films provided better barrier properties and higher antioxidant activity to the films.Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)00

Subcategory classifications of Breast Imaging and Data System (BI-RADS) category 4 lesions on MRI

[Purpose]Category 4 in BI-RADS for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has a wide range of probabilities of malignancy, extending from > 2 to  0%,  ≤ 2%), 4 (> 2%,   2%,  ≤ 10%), 4B (> 10%,  ≤ 50%) and 4C (> 50%,  < 95%) at the time of diagnosis. Radiological and pathological reports were retrospectively analyzed, and the PPVs were calculated. [Results] We included 149 malignant and 285 benign lesions. The PPVs of subcategories 4A, 4B and 4C were 1.8%, 11.8% and 67.5%, respectively. The PPVs were higher for lesions coexisting with category 5 or 6 lesions compared with those for isolated lesions. [Conclusion] Category 4 lesions can be classified into three subcategories depending on the likelihood of malignancy. Lesions coexisting with category 5 or 6 lesions are more likely to be malignant