Comprehensive Analysis of Aspergillus nidulans PKA Phosphorylome Identifies a Novel Mode of CreA Regulation

The cyclic AMP (cAMP)-dependent protein kinase A (PKA) signaling pathway is well conserved across eukaryotes, and previous work has shown that it plays an important role in regulating development, growth, and virulence in a number of fungi. PKA is activated in response to extracellular nutrients and acts to regulate metabolism and growth. While a number of components in the PKA pathway have been defined in filamentous fungi, current understanding does not provide a global perspective on PKA function. Thus, this work is significant in that it comprehensively identifies proteins and functional pathways regulated by PKA in a model filamentous fungus. This information enhances our understanding of PKA action and may provide information on how to manipulate it for specific purposes.</jats:p

Whole-Body MRI in Pediatric Oncology

Whole-body imaging plays a crucial role in the diagnosis and follow-up of pediatric malignancies, as tumor spread may involve different anatomical regions. Until recently, ultrasonography (US) and computed tomography (CT) have been the imaging technique of choice in children with cancer, but nowadays there is an increasing interest in the use of functional imaging techniques like single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and positron emission tomography (PET). By combining these latter techniques with CT, it becomes possible to simultaneously acquire imaging data on the biological behavior of tumor as well as the anatomical localization and extent of tumor spread. Because of the small but not negligible risk of radiation-induced secondary cancers and the significantly improved overall survival rates of children with cancer, there is an increasing interest in the use of radiation-free imaging techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). MRI allows for acquiring images with a high spatial resolution and excellent soft tissue contrast throughout the body. Moreover, recent technological advances have resulted in fast diagnostic sequences for whole-body MR imaging, including functional techniques such as diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI). In this chapter, the current status of the technique, major clinical applications, and future perspectives of whole-body MRI in children with cancer will be discussed

Sensitivity and accuracy of volumetry of pulmonary nodules on low-dose 16-and 64-row multi-detector CT:an anthropomorphic phantom study

<p>To assess the sensitivity of detection and accuracy of volumetry by manual and semi-automated quantification of artificial pulmonary nodules in an anthropomorphic thoracic phantom on low-dose CT.</p><p>Fifteen artificial spherical nodules (diameter 3, 5, 8, 10 and 12 mm; CT densities -800, -630 and +100 HU) were randomly placed inside an anthropomorphic thoracic phantom. The phantom was examined on 16- and 64-row multidetector CT with a low-dose protocol. Two independent blinded observers screened for pulmonary nodules. Nodule diameter was measured manually, and volume calculated. For solid nodules (+100 HU), diameter and volume were also evaluated by semi-automated software. Differences in observed volumes between the manual and semi-automated method were evaluated by a t-test.</p><p>Sensitivity was 100 % for all nodules of > 5 mm and larger, 60-80 % for solid and 0-20 % for non-solid 3-mm nodules. No false-positive nodules but high inter-observer reliability and inter-technique correlation were found. Volume was underestimated manually by 24.1 +/- 14.0 % for nodules of any density, and 26.4 +/- 15.5 % for solid nodules, compared with 7.6 +/- 8.5 % (P <0.01) semi-automatically.</p><p>In an anthropomorphic phantom study, the sensitivity of detection is 100 % for nodules of > 5 mm in diameter. Semi-automated volumetry yielded more accurate nodule volumes than manual measurements.</p><p>aEuro cent Computed tomography has become the definitive investigation of the chest.</p><p>aEuro cent Low-dose CT techniques have recently been introduced.</p><p>aEuro cent Low-dose CT is reliable for detecting spherical pulmonary nodules of > 5 mm.</p><p>aEuro cent Semi-automated volumetry is more accurate than manual measurement for pulmonary nodules.</p><p>aEuro cent No difference in the accuracy of volumetry was found between 16- and 64- MDCT.</p>