Computational analysis of the hemodynamic characteristics under interaction influence of β-blocker and LVAD

Hemodynamic characteristics of the interaction influence among support level and model of LVAD, and coupling β-blocker has not been reported.

https://ift.tt/2AKop4X

Evaluation of texture features at staging liver fibrosis based on phase contrast X-ray imaging

The purpose of this study is to explore the potential of phase contrast imaging to detect fibrotic progress in its early stage; to investigate the feasibility of texture features for quantified diagnosis of li...

https://ift.tt/2U9tSLw

Use of IL‐1 β, IL‐6, TNF‐α, and MMP‐8 biomarkers to distinguish peri‐implant diseases: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

Abstract

Objective

To investigate the use of peri‐implant crevicular fluid (PICF) interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β), IL‐6, tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), and matrix metalloproteinase‐8 (MMP‐8) biomarkers in distinguishing between healthy implants (H), peri‐implant mucositis (MU), and peri‐implantitis (PI).

Material and Methods

Electronic using three databases (Pubmed, EMBASE, and Cochrane) and manual searches were conducted for articles published up to March 2018 by two independent calibrated reviewers. Meta‐analyses using a random‐effects model were conducted for each of the cytokines; IL‐1β, IL‐6, and TNF‐α, to analyze standardized mean difference (SMD) between H and MU, MU and PI, H and PI with their associated 95% confidence intervals (CI). Qualitative assessment of MMP‐8 was provided consequent to the lack of studies that provide valid data for a meta‐analysis.

Results

Nineteen articles were included in this review. IL‐1β, IL‐6, and TNF‐α, levels were significantly higher in MU than H groups (SMD: 1.94; 95% CI: 0.87, 3.35; P < .001, SMD: 1.17; 95% CI: 0.16, 3.19; P = .031 and SMD: 3.91; 95% CI: 1.13, 6.70; P = .006, respectively). Similar results were obtained with PI compared to H sites (SMD: 2.21, 95% CI: 1.32, 3.11; P < .001, SMD: 1.72; 95% CI: 0.56, 2.87; P = .004 and SMD: 3.78; 95% CI: 1.67, 5.89; P < .001, respectively). IL‐6 was statistically higher in PI than MU sites (SMD = 1.46; 95% CI: 0.36, 2.55; P = .009); while IL‐1ß increase was not significant. Despite absence of meta‐analysis, MMP‐8 show to be a promising biomarker in detection of PI in literature.

Conclusion

Within the limitations of this study, pro‐inflammatory cytokines in PICF, such as IL‐1ß and IL‐6, can be used as adjunct tools to clinical parameters to differentiate H from MU and PI.

https://ift.tt/2DWgO6O

BEST of ASCO 2018

https://ift.tt/2zIjSQV

Personalized prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment—are we ready?

https://ift.tt/2PeC9u4

Diversity and metabolism of xylose and glucose fermenting microbial communities in sequencing batch or continuous culturing

Abstract

A mechanistic understanding of microbial community establishment and product formation in open fermentative systems can aid the development of bioprocesses utilising organic waste. Kinetically, a single rate-limiting substrate is expected to result in one dominant species. Four enrichment cultures were operated to ferment either xylose or glucose in a sequencing batch reactor (SBR) or a continuous-flow stirred tank reactor (CSTR) mode. The combination of 16S rRNA gene-based analysis and fluorescence in situ hybridization revealed no complete dominance of one species in the community. The glucose-fed and xylose-fed SBR enrichments were dominated >80% by one species. Enterobacteriaceae dominated the SBRs enrichments, with Citrobacter freundii dominant for xylose and Enterobacter cloacae for glucose. Clostridium, Enterobacteriaceae and Lachnospiraceae affiliates dominated the CSTRs enrichments. Independent of substrate, SBR communities displayed 2–3 times higher biomass specific rate of substrate uptake (q_s^max) and 50% lower biomass yield on ATP, to CSTR communities. Butyrate production was linked to dominance of Clostridium and low q_s^max (1.06 Cmol_s Cmol_x⁻¹ h⁻¹), while acetate and ethanol production was linked to dominance of Enterobacteriaceae and Lachnospiraceae and high q_s^max (1.72 Cmol_s Cmol_x⁻¹ h⁻¹ and higher). Overall, more diversity than expected through competition was observed, indicating mutualistic mechanisms might shape microbial diversity.

https://ift.tt/2KSBWvS

Gastrointestinal stromal tumor: clinicopathological characteristics and pathologic prognostic analysis

Abstract

Objective

This study aimed to understand clinicopathological characteristics of gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) and correlation between pathologic features and clinical outcome.

Methods

We used 76 cases diagnosed as primary GISTs during January 2007 to July 2017 at Army Institute of Pathology, Thailand. Clinical, survival, and pathological data were collected and analyzed.

Results

Ages of the patients ranged from 15 to 88 years (M:F = 1:1). The most common presentation was gastrointestinal bleeding (39.7%). The most common site was the stomach (64.5%). Tumor size ranged from 0.6 to 25.5 cm (average 8.78 cm). Histologic types were spindle cell type (75%), mixed spindled-epithelioid type (17.1%), and epithelioid type (7.9%). The majority of histologic subtype was diffuse hypercellularity (67.1%). Tumor necrosis was found in 38.1% and 80% showed low mitotic counts. Most gastrointestinal stromal tumors (27.6%) are low-risk category according to Miettinen and Lasota's algorithm. Metastasis was found in 27.7%, mostly occurs within 2 years, and is correlated with tumor size > 10 cm (P = 0.023), non-spindle cell histologic type (P = 0.027), mitotic count > 5/5mm² (P = 0.000), myxoid change (P = 0.011), and mucosal invasion (P = 0.002). Recurrence was found in 8.1%, mostly occurs within 7 years, and correlated with myxoid change (P = 0.045).

Conclusion

We found that most of GISTs show spindle cell type and low-risk category. Metastasis was correlated with tumor size > 10 cm, non-spindle cell histologic type, mitotic count > 5/5mm², myxoid change, and mucosal invasion. Recurrence was correlated with myxoid change.

https://ift.tt/2BPeo8t