Brenner tumor of the ovary — ultrasound features and clinical management of a rare ovarian tumor mimicking ovarian cancer

  Objectives: To describe the ultrasound features of benign Brenner tumor in the background of complex clinical and histopathological pictures. Material and methods: We retrospectively identified patients with histologically confirmed benign Brenner tumor of the ovary who were treated in our institution in 2003–2016, and for whom complete imaging, clinical, perioperative and histopathological data were available in the database. Ultrasound findings were drawn from images and reports using terms and definitions of the International Ovarian Tumor Analysis group and pattern recognition description was applied. Results: Twenty-three patients were identified, most postmenopausal and asymptomatic. On ultrasound, 19/23 tumors were found unilaterally, 4/23 bilaterally, and 82% of tumors were detected in the left ovary. Most Brenner tumors (16/23) contained solid components and revealed no or minimal blood flow by subjective color score upon Doppler examination (19/23, 83%). Calcifications with shadowing were observed in 57% of all Brenner tumors and in 81% of tumors containing solid components. The complex appearance of the tumor misled the sonographers to describe the mass as malignant in 9 cases (39%), and frozen section was performed perioperatively. Surgery was performed via laparoscopy in 11 (48%) and via laparotomy in 12 (52%) cases. Conclusions: The complexity of the ultrasound picture, consisting of features like calcifications with acoustic shadowing, a poorly vascularized solid mass, and a left-sided localization could be signs of a benign Brenner tumor and could preop­eratively help to differentiate between benign and malignant tumor

Assessment of a mature hydrocarbon field in SE Czech Republic for a CO2 storage pilot

Preparation and execution of a CO2 storage pilot project is one of the first logical steps in the effort to kick-start CCS in the region of Central & Eastern Europe, utilizing onshore geological structures for permanent CO2 storage. The main aims of this activity are to test the suitability of local geological structures and demonstrate the feasibility and safety of the technology to local stakeholders. The Czech-Norwegian CO2-SPICER project is an example of such developments. The target structure of CO2-SPICER – Zar−3 – is a hydrocarbon field situated in an erosional relict of fractured carbonates of Jurassic age on the SE slopes of the Bohemian Massif, covered by Paleogene deposits and Carpathian flysch nappes. The first stage of site assessment has been completed, and the article provides an overview of its results. Construction of a 3D geological model of the storage complex was the first important step on the route, preparing input for subsequent reservoir simulations of the field history and planned CO2 injection. Reservoir assessment is also focusing on specific features of the fractured-vuggy reservoir and accounting for the effects associated with CO2 injection, including geochemistry and geomechanics. Geochemical studies focus on fluid-rock interactions, and geomechanical ones on formation integrity and fracture mechanics under reservoir pressure build-up and cooling of the formation by injected CO2. Risk assessment is another component of the project, aiming at identifying potential leakage pathways and assessing consequences for the area of interest. Preparatory work for the site monitoring plan includes applicability analysis of various monitoring methods, supported by execution of baseline monitoring of selected phenomena, in particular composition of soil gas, natural and induced seismicity and properties of shallow groundwater. The project also includes evaluation of advanced reservoir containment monitoring technologies including time-lapse pressure transient analysis. While the key actions are directed towards the piloting activities, the project also looks beyond to full-field implementation and potential to establish a regional CCS cluster.acceptedVersio

The use of dopamine-hyaluronate associate-coated maghemite nanoparticles to label cells

Sodium hyaluronate (HA) was associated with dopamine (DPA) and introduced as a coating for maghemite (γ-Fe2O3) nanoparticles obtained by the coprecipitation of iron(II) and iron(III) chlorides and oxidation with sodium hypochlorite. The effects of the DPA anchorage of HA on the γ-Fe2O3 surface on the physicochemical properties of the resulting colloids were investigated. Nanoparticles coated at three different DPA-HA/γ-Fe2O3 and DPA/HA ratios were chosen for experiments with rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells and human chondrocytes. The nanoparticles were internalized into rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells via endocytosis as confirmed by Prussian Blue staining. The efficiency of mesenchymal stem cell labeling was analyzed. From among the investigated samples, efficient cell labeling was achieved by using DPA-HA-γ-Fe2O3 nanoparticles with DPA-HA/γ-Fe2O3 = 0.45 (weight/ weight) and DPA/HA = 0.038 (weight/weight) ratios. The particles were used as a contrast agent in magnetic resonance imaging for the labeling and visualization of cells

Nanostructures Defined by The Local Oxidation of Ferromagnetic GaMnAs Layer

The results of Local Anodic Oxidation (LAO) on the thin GaMnAs layers are reported. The ferromagnetic GaMnAs layers were prepared by low temperature MBE growth in a Veeco Mod Gen II machine. The LAO process was performed with the AFM microscope Smena NT-MDT placed in the sealed box with the controlled humidity in the range 45-80%. The oxide was grown in the semi-contact mode of the AFM. Sample was positively biased with respect to the AFM tip with the bias from 6 to 24 V. The conductive diamond coated AFM tips with the radius 30 nm were utilized for the oxidation. The tip speed during the oxidation was changed from 400 nm/s to 1.5 μm/s. The tip force was also changed during the oxidation. The height of oxide nanolines increases with applied voltage from 3 to 18 nm. The width of these lines was approximately 100 nm at half of the maximum

A Novel Approach to Preoperative Risk Stratification in Endometrial Cancer: The Added Value of Immunohistochemical Markers

Background: The current model used to preoperatively stratify endometrial cancer (EC) patients into low- and high-risk groups is based on histotype, grade, and imaging method and is not optimal. Our study aims to prove whether a new model incorporating immunohistochemical markers, L1CAM, ER, PR, p53, obtained from preoperative biopsy could help refine stratification and thus the choice of adequate surgical extent and appropriate adjuvant treatment.Materials and Methods: The following data were prospectively collected from patients operated for EC from January 2016 through August 2018: age, pre- and post-operative histology, grade, lymphovascular space invasion, L1CAM, ER, PR, p53, imaging parameters obtained from ultrasound, CT chest/abdomen, final FIGO stage, and current decision model (based on histology, grade, imaging method).Results: In total, 132 patients were enrolled. The current model revealed 48% sensitivity and 89% specificity for high-risk group determination. In myometrial invasion >50%, lower levels of ER (p = 0.024), PR (0.048), and higher levels of L1CAM (p = 0.001) were observed; in cervical involvement a higher expression of L1CAM (p = 0.001), lower PR (p = 0.014); in tumors with positive LVSI, higher L1CAM (p = 0.014); in cases with positive LN, lower expression of ER/PR (p < 0.001), higher L1CAM (p = 0.002) and frequent mutation of p53 (p = 0.008).Cut-offs for determination of high-risk tumors were established: ER <78% (p = 0.001), PR <88% (p = 0.008), and L1CAM ≥4% (p < 0.001). The positive predictive values (PPV) for ER, PR, and L1CAM were 87% (60.8–96.5%), 63% (52.1–72.8%), 83% (70.5–90.8%); the negative predictive values (NPV) for each marker were as follows: 59% (54.5–63.4%), 65% (55.6–74.0%), and 77% (67.3–84.2%). Mutation of p53 revealed PPV 94% (67.4–99.1%) and NPV 61% (56.1–66.3%). When immunohistochemical markers were included into the current diagnostic model, sensitivity improved (48.4 vs. 75.8%, p < 0.001). PPV was similar for both methods, while NPV (i.e., the probability of extremely low risk in negative test cases) was improved (66 vs. 78.9%, p < 0.001).Conclusion: We proved superiority of new proposed model using immunohistochemical markers over standard clinical practice and that new proposed model increases accuracy of prognosis prediction. We propose wider implementation and validation of the proposed model

Proteomic and transcriptomic analysis of heart failure due to volume overload in a rat aorto-caval fistula model provides support for new potential therapeutic targets - monoamine oxidase A and transglutaminase 2

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Chronic hemodynamic overloading leads to heart failure (HF) due to incompletely understood mechanisms. To gain deeper insight into the molecular pathophysiology of volume overload-induced HF and to identify potential markers and targets for novel therapies, we performed proteomic and mRNA expression analysis comparing myocardium from Wistar rats with HF induced by a chronic aorto-caval fistula (ACF) and sham-operated rats harvested at the advanced, decompensated stage of HF.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>We analyzed control and failing myocardium employing iTRAQ labeling, two-dimensional peptide separation combining peptide IEF and nano-HPLC with MALDI-MS/MS. For the transcriptomic analysis we employed Illumina RatRef-12v1 Expression BeadChip.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>In the proteomic analysis we identified 2030 myocardial proteins, of which 66 proteins were differentially expressed. The mRNA expression analysis identified 851 differentially expressed mRNAs.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>The differentially expressed proteins confirm a switch in the substrate preference from fatty acids to other sources in the failing heart. Failing hearts showed downregulation of the major calcium transporters SERCA2 and ryanodine receptor 2 and altered expression of creatine kinases. Decreased expression of two NADPH producing proteins suggests a decreased redox reserve. Overexpression of annexins supports their possible potential as HF biomarkers. Most importantly, among the most up-regulated proteins in ACF hearts were monoamine oxidase A and transglutaminase 2 that are both potential attractive targets of low molecular weight inhibitors in future HF therapy.</p

Patterns of bryophyte and vascular plant richness in European subalpine springs

The diversity of spring habitats can be determined not only by local environmental conditions, but also by large-scale biogeographical effects. The effects can differ across various groups of organisms. We compared alpha-, beta- and gamma-diversity patterns of bryophytes and vascular plants of (sub)alpine springs in three contrasting mountain ranges: Alps (Switzerland), Balkans (Bulgaria), Western Carpathians (Slovakia, Poland). We used univariate and multivariate statistics to test for the effects of pH, conductivity, altitude, slope, mean annual temperature and annual precipitation on diversity patterns of both taxonomic groups and compared diversity patterns among the regions for particular pH and conductivity classes. We identified acidophyte and basiphyte, calcifuge and calcicole species using species response modelling. All regions displayed significant relationship between conductivity and alpha-diversity of vascular plants. Bulgaria showed the highest alpha-diversity of vascular plants for the middle part of the conductivity gradient. For both taxonomic groups, the beta-diversity in the middle part of gradient was highest in Swiss Alps. The total species pool was lowest in Bulgaria. The percentage of basiphyte and calcicole species was highest in the Alps. In (sub)alpine springs, mineral richness was a better determinant of vascular plant alpha-diversity than pH, and the extent of the alpine area did not coincide with alpha-diversity. Observed inter-regional differences in diversity patterns could be explained by the different proportion of limestone bedrock and different biogeographic history. The differences in alpha-diversity between both taxonomic groups are presumably result of the different rates of adaptation processes

In which journals can I publish my research on martial arts and combat sports? An up-to-date approach

Introduction There is evidence that research in martial arts and combat sports (MA&CS) has boomed since the late 1990’s [see e.g., Green and Svinth 2010; Gutiérrez-García et al. 2011]. This has led to the birth of several scientific/technical journals specific to MA&CS. These journals are nowadays sharing a common scientific publication space with more traditional scientific field-oriented journals, which also publish studies on MA&CS. The aim of this study is to provide a general and up-to-date overview on the MA&CS publication space referred to journals, as a tool for helping authors decide where to publish their MA&CS studies. Methods This study followed a bibliographic approach. Scopus and the Web of Science (WoS) core collection databases were screened for journal retrieval as these are, arguably, the most relevant global and multidisciplinary scientific databases nowadays. SportDiscus and PubMed databases were also included due to their relevance in the physical activity and sport sciences field. In addition, the authors provided information of current MA&CS scientific/technical journals not indexed in these databases. In order to rate how many MA&CS papers were published in specific MA&CS journals we used data from several bibliometric studies. The interpretation of the results was based on the authors’ knowledge and included variables such as impact, visibility and accessibility, the latter both for authors and readers. Results and discussion Up to four specific MA&CS journals were indexed in the WoS. These were Archives of Budo (Science Citation Index Expended, category Sport Sciences, no Impact Factor in 2017 due to anomalous citation patterns – overuse of self citations, Impact Factor 2016=1.506; Q3), Ido Movement for Culture. Journal of Martial Arts Anthropology, Archives of Budo Science of Martial Arts and Extreme Sports and Revista de Artes Marciales Asiáticas (Emerging Sources Citation Index). Archives of Budo (category Physical Therapy, Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation, Cite Score2017=1.59; Q2) and Ido Movement for Culture. Journal of Martial Arts Anthropology (categories Philosophy, and Physical Therapy, Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation, Cite Score2017=0.80; Q1 and Q3 respectively) were also indexed in Scopus. SportDiscus provided one more current title: Journal of Combat Sports and Martial Arts. PubMed did not index any MA&CS journal. Titles not indexed in these databases include Research Journal of Budo, Martial Arts Studies Journal, Acta Taekwondo et Martialis Artium, International Journal of Wrestling Science, International Journal of Martial Arts, Chinese Wushu Research and Journal of Martial Arts Research – JOMAR (still not publishing any issue). These data must be considered as they are usually linked to authors’ research evaluation. Nevertheless, the specific states’ policies regarding the evaluation of researchers’ scientific production must be carefully taken into account, as they can be very different among countries. All cited journals but Chinese Wushu Research are electronic and free, open-access, which means important advantages for their visibility and accessibility. They publish papers in English but JOMAR (also in German), Research Journal of Budo (also in Japanese), Revista de Artes Marciales Asiáticas (also in Spanish and Portuguese) and Chinese Wushu Research (only in Chinese). Publishing papers in other languages but English may allow easier accessibility to authors and readers not fluent in this language, which is an important point to avoid language bias in scientific publication. On the contrary, this trend seriously limits the accessibility to some contents of the aforementioned journals, as no other language but English has turned nowadays into the lingua franca for scientific communication. Therefore, it is suggested that authors try to publish their studies in English, provided their papers reach an acceptable English-as-a-lingua-franca level standards. Another aspect that may limit accessibility for authors is publication fees/article processing charges (APC). Four MA&CS journals charge publication fees: Archives of Budo (€1210/US$1400 per article), Archives of Budo Science of Martial Arts and Extreme Sports (€260/US$300 per article), International Journal of Wrestling Science (€173/US200 per article) and Journal of Combat Sports & Martial Arts (€70/US81 per article). This can be specially limiting for independent researchers and/or authors from institutions from developing countries wanting to publish their findings. Authors must be aware of this fact before submitting their manuscripts, as APCs are not applied upon submission but when the manuscript is accepted for publication. Finally, it is obvious to say that studies on MA&CS can be found in non-specific MA&CS journals. Studies rating the contribution of specific MA&CS journals to the whole output of MA&CS articles used the WoS databases. The specific MA&CS indexed journals – mainly Archives of Budo – were placed in top positions but contributing scarcely to the whole output: 4.4% [Gutiérrez-García et al. 2011], 10.9% [Peset et al. 2013], 4.5% [Pérez-Gutiérrez et al. 2015], 10.6% [Pérez-Gutiérrez et al. 2017], and 10.6% (9.05% from Archives of Budo and 1.55% from Archives of Budo Science of Martial Arts and Extreme Sports) [Franchini et al. 2018]. This means that studies on MA&CS are attractive to many scientific journals, which may increase the authors’ opportunities for getting their papers published. Conclusion There are, at least, twelve scientific/technical journals specific to MA&CS. These are diverse considering their impact, visibility and accessibility. We encourage potential authors to be aware about these journals and their characteristics before submitting their papers. References 1. Franchini E., Gutiérrez-García C., Izquierdo, E. (2018). Olympic combat sports research output in the Web of Science: a sport sciences centered analysis, “Ido Movement for Culture. Journal of Martial Arts Anthropology”, vol. 18, no. 3, pp. 21–27; doi: 10.14589/ido.18.3.4. 2. Green, T.A., Svinth, J.R. (2010), Introduction [in] T.A. Green & J.R. Svinth [eds.], Martial Arts of the WORLD. An Encyclopedia of History and Innovation, ABC-CLIO, Santa Barbara – California, pp. xvii-xix. 3. Gutiérrez-García C., Pérez-Gutiérrez M., Calderón-Tuero P. (2011), Bibliometric Analysis of the scientific production on martial arts and combat sport articles in the Web of Science databases (SCIExpanded, SSCI, A&HCI) (2000-2009) [in] A. Figueiredo and C. Gutiérrez-García (Eds.), Scientific Congress on Martial Arts and Combat Sports. Proceedings, IPV de Viseu, Viseu – Portugal, pp. 54-55. 4. Pérez-Gutiérrez M., Valdes-Badilla P., Gómez-Alonso M.T., Gutiérrez-García C. (2015), Bibliometric analysis of taekwondo articles published in the Web of Science (1989-2013), “Ido Movement for Culture. Journal of Martial Arts Anthropology”, vol. 15, no. 3, pp. 27-34; doi: 10.14589/ido.15.3.4. 5. Pérez-Gutiérrez M., Valdés-Badilla P., Gutiérrez-García C., Herrera-Valenzuela T. (2017). Taekwondo scientific production published on the Web of Science (1988-2016): Collaboration and topics. “Movimento”, vol. 23, no. 4, pp. 1325-1340. 6. Peset F., Ferrer-Sapena A., Villamon M., Gonzalez L.-M., Toca-Herrera J.-L., Aleixandre-Benavent R. (2013), Scientific literature analysis of Judo in Web of Science, “Archives of Budo”, vol. 9, no. 2, pp. 81-91

The Spiritual Well-Being Scale:Psychometric Evaluation of the Shortened Version in Czech Adolescents

The aim of this study was to psychometrically evaluate the shortened version of the Spiritual Well-Being Scale (SWBS) in Czech adolescents. A nationally representative sample of 4217 adolescents participated in the 2014 Health Behaviour in School-aged Children survey. The internal consistency of the SWBS was assessed using Cronbach's alpha (alpha) and Mean Inter-Item Correlation (MIIC) values. The factor structure was evaluated using principal component analyses. After adjustment, our new seven-item version of the scale supports a two-factorial model of the SWBS with satisfactory internal consistency (alpha = 0.814, MIIC = 0.379). This version of the SWBS is suitable for measuring spiritual well-being in a secularising environment