Entspricht die mit einem hochauflösenden Magnetresonanztomographen abgebildete trabekuläre Knochenstruktur der wahren Knochenstruktur des Kalkaneus?

Das Ziel der vorliegenden Arbeit war es Strukturparameter, die an einem klinischen hochauflösenden Magnetresonanztomographen (HR-MRT) gewonnen wurden, mit denen in makropathologischen Knochenschnitten zu vergleichen. Methoden: Mit einem HR-MRT wurden 30 humane Kalkaneusknochen mit einer 3D SE-Sequenz untersucht. Es wurden Strukturparameter in korrespondierenden Knochenschnitten analysiert. Ergebnisse: Es wurden signifikante Korrelationen der trabekulären Strukturparameter gefunden. Die bei der Bildnachbearbeitung angewendeten Schwellenwerttechniken zeigten einen signifikanten Einfluss auf diese Korrelationen. Schlussfolgerung: Die trabekuläre Struktur des Knochens in HR-MRT Aufzeichnungen korreliert signifikant mit der in makropathologischen Knochenschnitten. Sie lässt sich somit bis zu einem gewissen Grad durch die HR-MRT darstellen

Applied statistics in field and semi-field studies with bees

Field and semi-field studies are important tools in the ecotoxicological risk assessment of plant protection products for bees (honey bees, bumblebees and solitary bees). While these studies represent far more realistic conditions than laboratory tests, they also present a challenge for the analysis and interpretation due to the large and complex datasets. Therefore, in order to correctly answer the underlying ecotoxicological questions, it is crucial that these studies are not only thoroughly planned and conducted, it is also important that they are subjected to adequate statistical analysis. Our aim is to provide a better understanding on how to conduct and interpret statistical analyses in field and semi-field studies with bees made for regulatory purposes. An overview of how study design and statistics should be aligned with each other is given including the specific challenges of (semi-) field trials, as for instance how to address the problem of pseudoreplication if hives are regarded as experimental units. Different statistical tools are compared and their suitability for different data types and questions are discussed. Generalized Linear (Mixed) Models (GLMMs) are evaluated in more detail as they provide a flexible and robust tool for the analysis of honey bee (semi-) field data. Furthermore, some more light is shed on what p-values really tell us, how they can help to interpret data and how they should not be misinterpreted.Field and semi-field studies are important tools in the ecotoxicological risk assessment of plant protection products for bees (honey bees, bumblebees and solitary bees). While these studies represent far more realistic conditions than laboratory tests, they also present a challenge for the analysis and interpretation due to the large and complex datasets. Therefore, in order to correctly answer the underlying ecotoxicological questions, it is crucial that these studies are not only thoroughly planned and conducted, it is also important that they are subjected to adequate statistical analysis. Our aim is to provide a better understanding on how to conduct and interpret statistical analyses in field and semi-field studies with bees made for regulatory purposes. An overview of how study design and statistics should be aligned with each other is given including the specific challenges of (semi-) field trials, as for instance how to address the problem of pseudoreplication if hives are regarded as experimental units. Different statistical tools are compared and their suitability for different data types and questions are discussed. Generalized Linear (Mixed) Models (GLMMs) are evaluated in more detail as they provide a flexible and robust tool for the analysis of honey bee (semi-) field data. Furthermore, some more light is shed on what p-values really tell us, how they can help to interpret data and how they should not be misinterpreted

Unstructured mathematical model for biomass, lactic acid and bacteriocin productions by lactic acid bacteria in batch fermentation

6 páginas, 3 figuras, 2 tablasBACKGROUND: A simple macroscopical model was proposed to describe the fermentation kinetics of growth, bacteriocins and lactic acid production by Lactococcus lactis and Pediococcus acidilactici in a batch system. The equations used were: the logistic reparametrized for growth, the Luedeking–Piret model for bacteriocin production, the maintenance energy model for glucose consumption; and the homofermentative balance equation for lactic acid formation. RESULTS: In all the cultures, the mathematical models, consistents and robusts, adjusted, perfectly, the experimental kinetic profiles. Also, the corresponding kinetic parameters were significant, so much biological as statistically. CONCLUSIONS: The group of integrated equations used, besides showing high accuracy in predicting the studied bioproductions, established a useful tool for the control of lactic acid bacteria kinetics in bioreactors in terms of its statistical consistency. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical IndustryPeer reviewe

iRECIST: how to do it

Background iRECIST for the objective monitoring of immunotherapies was published by the official RECIST working group in 2017. Main body Immune-checkpoint inhibitors represent one of the most important therapy advancements in modern oncology. They are currently used for treatment of multiple malignant diseases especially at advanced, metastatic stages which were poorly therapeutically accessible in the past. Promising results of recent studies suggest that their application will further grow in the near future, particularly when used in combination with chemotherapy. A challenging aspect of these immunotherapies is that they may show atypical therapy response patterns such as pseudoprogression and demonstrate a different imaging spectrum of adverse reactions, both of which are crucial for radiologists to understand. In 2017 the RECIST working group published a modified set of response criteria, iRECIST, for immunotherapy, based on RECIST 1.1 which was developed for cytotoxic therapies and adapted for targeted agents. Conclusion This article provides guidance for response assessment of oncologic patients under immunotherapy based on iRECIST criteria

ICPPR WG Semi-field and field Report and Discussion

The ICPPR Semi-Field/Field Testing (SF/FT) workgroup consists of several ‘writing groups’ that are focused developing technical guidance that is focused on 4 separate but related topics: 1) designing and conducting pollen and nectar residue studies, 2) conducting large scale colony feeding studies, 3) updating guidance for conducting semi-field tunnel studies, and 4) design and interpretation of full field studies with bees. What follows is the current status of each of these activities.The ICPPR Semi-Field/Field Testing (SF/FT) workgroup consists of several ‘writing groups’ that are focused developing technical guidance that is focused on 4 separate but related topics: 1) designing and conducting pollen and nectar residue studies, 2) conducting large scale colony feeding studies, 3) updating guidance for conducting semi-field tunnel studies, and 4) design and interpretation of full field studies with bees. What follows is the current status of each of these activities

Magnetic Resonance Imaging-Guided Transurethral Ultrasound Ablation of Prostate Cancer

Purpose: Magnetic resonance imaging-guided transurethral ultrasound ablation uses directional thermal ultrasound under magnetic resonance imaging thermometry feedback control for prostatic ablation. We report 12-month outcomes from a prospective multicenter trial (TACT). Materials and methods: A total of 115 men with favorable to intermediate risk prostate cancer across 13 centers were treated with whole gland ablation sparing the urethra and apical sphincter. The co-primary 12-month endpoints were safety and efficacy. Results: In all, 72 (63%) had grade group 2 and 77 (67%) had NCCN® intermediate risk disease. Median treatment delivery time was 51 minutes with 98% (IQR 95-99) thermal coverage of target volume and spatial ablation precision of ±1.4 mm on magnetic resonance imaging thermometry. Grade 3 adverse events occurred in 9 (8%) men. The primary endpoint (U.S. Food and Drug Administration mandated) of prostate specific antigen reduction ≥75% was achieved in 110 of 115 (96%) with median prostate specific antigen reduction of 95% and nadir of 0.34 ng/ml. Median prostate volume decreased from 37 to 3 cc. Among 68 men with pretreatment grade group 2 disease, 52 (79%) were free of grade group 2 disease on 12-month biopsy. Of 111 men with 12-month biopsy data, 72 (65%) had no evidence of cancer. Erections (International Index of Erectile Function question 2 score 2 or greater) were maintained/regained in 69 of 92 (75%). Multivariate predictors of persistent grade group 2 at 12 months included intraprostatic calcifications at screening, suboptimal magnetic resonance imaging thermal coverage of target volume and a PI-RADS™ 3 or greater lesion at 12-month magnetic resonance imaging (p <0.05). Conclusions: The TACT study of magnetic resonance imaging-guided transurethral ultrasound whole gland ablation in men with localized prostate cancer demonstrated effective tissue ablation and prostate specific antigen reduction with low rates of toxicity and residual disease

Higher TIER bumble bees and solitary bees recommendations for a semi-field experimental design

The publication of the proposed EFSA risk assessment guidance document of plant protection products for pollinators highlighted that there are no study designs for non-Apis pollinators available. Since no official guidelines exist for semi-field testing at present, protocols were proposed by the ICPPR non-Apis working group and two years of ring-testing were conducted in 2016 and 2017 to develop a general test set-up. The ringtest design was based on the draft EFSA guidance document, OEPP/EPPO Guideline No. 170 and results of discussions regarding testing solitary bees and bumble bees during the meetings of the ICPPR non-Apis workgroup. Ring-tests were conducted with two different test organisms, one representative of a social bumble bee species (Bombus terrestris L; Hymenoptera, Apidae) and one representative of a solitary bee species (Osmia bicornis L; Hymenoptera, Megachilidae). The species are common species in Europe, commercially available and widely used for pollination services. Several laboratories participated in the higher-tier ring tests. 15 semi-field tests were conducted with bumble bees and 16 semi-field tests were done with solitary bees in 2016 and 2017. Two treatment groups were always included in the ringtests: an untreated control (water treated) and the treatment with dimethoate as a toxic reference item (optional other i.e. brood-affecting substances fenoxycarb or diflubenzuron). The toxic reference items were chosen based on their mode of action and long term experience in honey bee testing. A summary of the ringtest results will be given and the recommendations for the two semi-field test designs will be presented.The publication of the proposed EFSA risk assessment guidance document of plant protection products for pollinators highlighted that there are no study designs for non-Apis pollinators available. Since no official guidelines exist for semi-field testing at present, protocols were proposed by the ICPPR non-Apis working group and two years of ring-testing were conducted in 2016 and 2017 to develop a general test set-up. The ringtest design was based on the draft EFSA guidance document, OEPP/EPPO Guideline No. 170 and results of discussions regarding testing solitary bees and bumble bees during the meetings of the ICPPR non-Apis workgroup. Ring-tests were conducted with two different test organisms, one representative of a social bumble bee species (Bombus terrestris L; Hymenoptera, Apidae) and one representative of a solitary bee species (Osmia bicornis L; Hymenoptera, Megachilidae). The species are common species in Europe, commercially available and widely used for pollination services. Several laboratories participated in the higher-tier ring tests. 15 semi-field tests were conducted with bumble bees and 16 semi-field tests were done with solitary bees in 2016 and 2017. Two treatment groups were always included in the ringtests: an untreated control (water treated) and the treatment with dimethoate as a toxic reference item (optional other i.e. brood-affecting substances fenoxycarb or diflubenzuron). The toxic reference items were chosen based on their mode of action and long term experience in honey bee testing. A summary of the ringtest results will be given and the recommendations for the two semi-field test designs will be presented