Predictive Value of Bolster Supine X-Ray for the Correction of Segmental Deformity After Thoracolumbar Fusion Surgery.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Assessment of thoracolumbar spine flexibility is crucial for determining which osteotomy to perform (posterior column osteotomy or 3-column osteotomy) to restore sagittal balance. Although preoperative bolster supine X-rays have been used to evaluate spine flexibility, their correlation with postoperative spinopelvic parameters has not been reported. We aimed to evaluate the predictive value of bolster X-ray for correcting sagittal deformities after thoracolumbar fusion surgery. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated patients who underwent bolster supine radiography before posterior thoracolumbar fusion. Demographic data, operative records, and radiographic parameters were also recorded. The segmental Cobb angle, defined as the angle between the upper endplate of the uppermost and lower endplates of the lowest instrumented vertebrae, was compared between bolster and postoperative X-ray to evaluate the correlation between them. The predictive value of bolster X-ray for postoperative deformity correction was measured using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC). RESULTS: Forty-two patients were included. The preoperative segmental Cobb angle (-1.4 ± 22.4) was significantly lower than the bolster segmental Cobb angle (23.2 ± 18.7, P < .001) and postoperative segmental Cobb angle (27.9 ± 22.3, P < .001); however, no significant difference was observed between the bolster and postoperative segmental Cobb angles (P = .746). Bolster X-ray showed a very strong correlation with postoperative X-ray (r = 0.950, P < .001) for segmental Cobb angle. Bolster supine X-ray had good-to-excellent reliability for postoperative X-ray with an ICC of 0.913 (95% CI, 0.760-0.962, P < .001) for the segmental Cobb angle. CONCLUSION: Bolster supine X-rays demonstrate good-to-excellent reliability with postoperative X-rays for segmental Cobb angles. These findings offer valuable insights into the selection of appropriate osteotomy techniques for clinical practice.

Toward human-like adaptability in robotics through a retention-engineered synaptic control system.

Although advanced robots can adeptly mimic human movement and aesthetics, they are still unable to adapt or evolve in response to external experiences. To address this limitation, we propose an innovative approach that uses parallel-processable retention-engineered synaptic devices in the control system. This approach aims to simulate a human-like learning system without necessitating complex computational systems. The retention properties of the synaptic devices were modulated by adjusting the amount of Ag/AgCl ink sprayed. This changed the voltage drop across the interface between the gate electrode and the electrolyte. Furthermore, the unrestricted movement of ions in the electrolyte enhanced the signal multiplexing capability of the ion gel, enabling device-level parallel processing. By integrating the unique characteristics of the synaptic devices with actuators, we successfully emulated a human-like workout process that includes feedback between acute and chronic responses. The proposed control system offers an innovative approach to reducing system complexity and achieving a human-like learning system in the field of biomimicry.

Development of ropivacaine hydrochloride-loaded dissolving microneedles as a local anesthetic agent: A proof-of-concept.

Ropivacaine hydrochloride (RPL) is a local anesthetic agent that has been widely used for the treatment of pain during or after surgery. However, this drug is only available in parenteral dosage form and may contribute to the infiltration of RPL into the plasma, causing some undesirable side effects. Intradermal delivery of RPL using dissolving microneedles may become a promising strategy to deliver such drugs into the skin. This research aimed to develop RPL-loaded dissolving microneedles (DMN-RPLs) as a proof of the concept of intradermal delivery of a local anesthetic. The DMN-RPLs were fabricated using either centrifugation or air-pressurized chamber methods. Several polymers, such as poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) (PVP), poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), and sodium hyaluronate (SH), were utilized for manufacturing the DMN-RPLs. The prepared DMN-RPLs were assessed for their thermal properties, chemical bonds, mechanical strength, insertion ability, skin-dissolution study, and drug content. Furthermore, in-skin deposition and dermatokinetic studies were also performed. The results showed that F9 (30 % w/w PVP-4 % w/w SH) and F10 (30 % w/w PVP-5 % w/w PVA) containing 5 % w/w of RPL were the most promising formulations, as shown by their needle height reduction (<10 %) and insertion depth (∼400 µm). Both formulations were also able to deliver more than 60 % of the RPL contained in the DMNs into the epidermis, dermis, and receiver compartment. This study, for the first time, has provided a proof concept to deliver RPL as a local anesthetic using DMNs and the intradermal route, aiming to minimize pain and discomfort during administration and improve the patient's experience.

Myostatin gene role in regulating traits of poultry species for potential industrial applications.

The myostatin (MSTN) gene is considered a potential genetic marker to improve economically important traits in livestock, since the discovery of its function using the MSTN knockout mice. The anti-myogenic function of the MSTN gene was further demonstrated in farm animal species with natural or induced mutations. In poultry species, myogenesis in cell culture was regulated by modulation of the MSTN gene. Also, different expression levels of the MSTN gene in poultry models with different muscle mass have been reported, indicating the conserved myogenic function of the MSTN gene between mammalian and avian species. Recent advances of CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing techniques have led to development of genome-edited poultry species targeting the MSTN gene to clearly demonstrate its anti-myogenic function and further investigate other potential functions in poultry species. This review summarizes research conducted to understand the function of the MSTN gene in various poultry models from cells to whole organisms. Furthermore, the genome-edited poultry models targeting the MSTN gene are reviewed to integrate diverse effects of the MSTN gene on different traits of poultry species.

Research Note: Sexual dimorphic effect of myostatin mutation on fat accumulation in Japanese quail.

As an anti-myogenic factor, the myostatin (MSTN) gene was mainly considered as a genetic marker to improve meat production. Moreover, an additional effect of the MSTN mutation on reducing fat deposition in various farm animals suggested a potential application of the MSTN gene on regulating fat deposition in poultry species. Although increase in muscle mass resulted from muscle hyperplasia in the MSTN mutant quail, cellular mechanism behind the decrease in fat deposition was not investigated in the quail model. In the current study, to investigate sexual dimorphic association between fat deposition and Mstn mutation in quail, leg and abdominal fat pads from 4-month-old male and female quail were histologically analyzed. Interestingly, abdominal and leg fat pad weights were significantly decreased by the MSTN mutation only in female quail, but not in male quail, showing sexual dimorphism in regulating fat deposition by the MSTN mutation in quail. Histological analysis also revealed that fat cell sizes of leg and abdominal fats were significantly reduced only in female groups aligning with the decreased fat pad weights. Sexual dimorphic effect of the MSTN mutation on fat cell hypotrophy and reduced fat pad weights in quail provided an important scientific finding to be considered on the usage of the MSTN gene as a genetic marker to reduce fat deposition in poultry species.

Localization of solar panel cleaning robot combining vision processing and extended Kalman filter.

In this study, we introduce a method for estimating the position of a self-driving solar panel-cleaning mobile robot. This estimation relies on line counts, typically 16 cm in panel width, obtained through image processing on the panel floor, along with wheel encoder information and inertial sensor data. To achieve accurate line counts, we introduce two adjusted threshold values and allow offsets in these values based on the robot's speed. Additionally, inertial measurement unit (IMU) signals assist in determining whether a line is horizontal or vertical, depending on the robot's movement direction on the panel, utilizing the robot's heading angle and detected line angle. When the robot is positioned between lines on the panel, more precise location estimation is necessary beyond simple line counts. To tackle this challenge, we integrate the extended Kalman filter with IMU data and encoder information, significantly enhancing position estimation. This integration achieves an RMSE accuracy value of up to 0.089 m, notably at a relatively high speed of 100 mm/s. This margin of error is almost half that of the vision-based line-counting method.

Melanophilin regulates dendritogenesis in melanocytes for feather pigmentation.

Limited studies using animal models with a few natural mutations in melanophilin (Mlph) provided partial functions of Mlph in melanosome trafficking. To investigate cellular functions of Mlph, especially ZnF motif of Mlph, we analyzed all three Mlph knockout (KO) quail lines, one and two base pair (bp) deletions as models for total KO, and three bp deletion causing deletion of one Cysteine (C84del) in the ZnF motif. All quail lines had diluted feather pigmentation with impaired dendritogenesis and melanosome transport in melanocytes. In vitro studies revealed capability of binding of the ZnF motif to PIP3, and impairment of PI3P binding and mislocalization of MLPH proteins with ZnF motif mutations. The shortened melanocyte dendrites by the C84del mutation were rescued by introducing WT Mlph in vitro. These results revealed the diluted feather pigmentation by Mlph mutations resulted from congregation of melanosomes in the cell bodies with impairment of the dendritogenesis and the transport of melanosomes to the cell periphery.

ELONGATED HYPOCOTYL 5 interacts with HISTONE DEACETYLASE 9 to suppress glucosinolate biosynthesis in Arabidopsis.

Glucosinolates (GSLs) are defensive secondary metabolites produced by Brassicaceae species in response to abiotic and biotic stresses. The biosynthesis of GSL compounds and the expression of GSL-related genes are highly modulated by endogenous signals (i.e., circadian clocks) and environmental cues, such as temperature, light, and pathogens. However, the detailed mechanism by which light signaling influences GSL metabolism remains poorly understood. In this study, we found that a light-signaling factor, ELONGATED HYPOCOTYL 5 (HY5), was involved in the regulation of GSL content under light conditions in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). In hy5-215 mutants, the transcript levels of GSL pathway genes were substantially upregulated compared with those in wild-type plants. The content of GSL compounds was also substantially increased in hy5-215 mutants, whereas 35S::HY5-GFP/hy5-215 transgenic lines exhibited comparable levels of GSL-related transcripts and GSL content to those in WT plants. HY5 physically interacts with HISTONE DEACETYLASE9 (HDA9) and binds to the proximal promoter region of MYB29 and IMD1 to suppress aliphatic GSL biosynthetic processes. These results demonstrate that HY5 suppresses GSL accumulation during the daytime, thus properly modulating GSL content daily in Arabidopsis plants.

A preoperative scoring system for predicting the extraprostatic extension of prostate cancer following radical prostatectomy using magnetic resonance imaging and clinical factors.

PURPOSE: We aimed to develop a preoperative prediction model for extraprostatic extension (EPE) in prostate cancer (PCa) patients following radical prostatectomy (RP) using MRI and clinical factors. METHODS: This retrospective study enrolled 266 consecutive patients who underwent RP for PCa in 2022. These patients were divided into a training set (n = 187) and a test set (n = 79) through random assignment. The evaluated variables included age, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level, prostate volume, PSA density (PSAD), index tumor length on MRI, Prostate Imaging-Reporting and Data System (PI-RADS) category, and EPE-related MRI features as defined by PI-RADS v2.1. A predictive model was constructed through multivariable logistic regression and subsequently translated into a scoring system. The performance of this scoring system in terms of prediction and calibration was assessed using C statistics and the Hosmer‒Lemeshow test. RESULTS: Among patients in the training and test cohorts, 74 (39.6%) and 25 (31.6%), respectively, exhibited EPE after RP. The formulated scoring system incorporated the following factors: PSAD, index tumor length, bulging prostatic contour, and tumor-capsule interface > 10 mm as identified on MRI. This scoring system demonstrated strong prediction performance for EPE in both the training (C statistic, 0.87 [95% confidence interval, 0.86-0.87]) and test cohorts (C statistic, 0.85 [0.83-0.89]). Furthermore, the scoring system exhibited good calibration in both cohorts (P = 0.988 and 0.402, respectively). CONCLUSION: Our scoring system, built upon MRI features defined by the PI-RADS, offers valuable assistance in assessing the likelihood of EPE after RP.

Comparison of non-contrast abbreviated MRI and ultrasound as surveillance modalities for HCC.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Ultrasonography (US) is recommended for HCC surveillance in high-risk patients but has limited performance in detecting early-stage HCC. We aimed to compare the diagnostic performance of biannual US and annual non-contrast abbreviated magnetic resonance imaging (NC-AMRI) as HCC surveillance modalities in high-risk patients. METHODS: This prospective, multicenter cohort study enrolled participants with an estimated annual risk of HCC greater than 5% between October 2015 and April 2017. Participants underwent six rounds of HCC surveillance at 6-month intervals, with both US and NC-AMRI at rounds 1, 3, and 5, and only US at rounds 2, 4, and 6. The sensitivity, diagnostic yield (DY), and false referral rate (FRR) for HCC detection by US and NC-AMRI were compared. RESULTS: In total, 208 participants underwent 980 US and 516 NC-AMRI examinations during 30 months of follow-up. Among them, 34 HCCs were diagnosed in 31 participants, with 20 (64.5%) classified as very early-stage and 11 (35.5%) as early-stage HCC. The sensitivity of annual NC-AMRI (71.0%, 22/31) was marginally higher than that of biannual US (45.2%, 14/31; p = 0.077). NC-AMRI showed a significantly higher DY than US (4.26% vs. 1.43%, p <0.001), with a similar FRR (2.91% vs. 3.06%, p = 0.885). A simulation of alternating US and NC-AMRI at 6-month intervals yielded a sensitivity of 83.9% (26/31), significantly exceeding that of biannual US (p = 0.006). CONCLUSIONS: Annual NC-AMRI showed a marginally higher sensitivity than biannual US for HCC detection in high-risk patients. The DY of annual NC-AMRI was significantly higher than that of biannual US, without increasing the FRR. Thus, alternating US and NC-AMRI at 6-month intervals could be an optimal surveillance strategy for high-risk patients. IMPACT AND IMPLICATIONS: Current guidelines permit the use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as a surveillance tool for hepatocellular carcinoma in patients in whom ultrasonography (US) is inadequate. However, the specific indications, imaging sequences, and intervals for MRI surveillance remain unclear. In our study, we found that annual non-contrast abbreviated MRI exhibited marginally higher sensitivity and significantly better diagnostic yield than biannual US in patients at high risk of hepatocellular carcinoma. Alternating US and non-contrast abbreviated MRI at 6-month intervals led to significantly improved sensitivity compared to biannual US, making it a potentially optimal surveillance strategy for high-risk patients. GOV IDENTIFIER: NCT02551250.

Inter-reader Agreement for CT/MRI LI-RADS Category M Imaging Features: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Backgrounds/Aims: To systematically evaluate inter-reader agreement in the assessment of individual Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System (LI-RADS) category M (LR-M) imaging features in computed tomography/magnetic resonance imaging (CT/MRI) LI-RADS v2018, and to explore the causes of poor agreement in LR-M assignment. Methods: Original studies reporting inter-reader agreement for LR-M features on multiphasic CT or MRI were identified using the MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases. The pooled kappa coefficient (κ) was calculated using the DerSimonian-Laird random-effects model. Heterogeneity was assessed using Cochran's Q test and I2 statistics. Subgroup meta-regression analyses were conducted to explore the study heterogeneity. Results: In total, 24 eligible studies with 5,163 hepatic observations were included. The pooled κ values were 0.72 (95% confidence interval, 0.65-0.78) for rim arterial phase hyperenhancement, 0.52 (0.39-0.65) for peripheral washout, 0.60 (0.50-0.70) for delayed central enhancement, 0.68 (0.57-0.78) for targetoid restriction, 0.74 (0.65-0.83) for targetoid transitional phase/hepatobiliary phase appearance, 0.64 (0.49-0.78) for infiltrative appearance, 0.49 (0.30-0.68) for marked diffusion restriction, and 0.61 (0.48-0.73) for necrosis or severe ischemia. Substantial study heterogeneity was observed for all LR-M features (Cochran's Q test: p < 0.01; I2 ≥ 89.2%). Studies with a mean observation size of <3 cm, those performed using 1.5-T MRI, and those with multiple image readers, were significantly associated with poor agreement of LR-M features. Conclusions: The agreement for peripheral washout and marked diffusion restriction was limited. The LI-RADS should focus on improving the agreement of LR-M features.

Post-polymerization of three-dimensional printing resin using a dental light curing unit.

Background/Purpose: In vat photopolymerization, post-polymerization of the three-dimensional (3D) printing resin is necessary to ensure the optimum physical properties of the printed objects. This study aimed to evaluate the potential use of a handheld polywave light-emitting diode (LED) dental light-curing unit (LCU) for post-polymerizing 3D printed resins by measuring the microhardness and biaxial flexural strength of the post-polymerized resin. Material and methods: 3D printed 1- and 2-mm-thick disks were irradiated with a dental LCU at 3200 mW/cm2. Post-polymerization was repeated either on one side from the top surface: two cycles (T2), four cycles (T4), and eight cycles (T8), or on both sides from the top and bottom surfaces: one cycle (T1B1), two cycles (T2B2), and four cycles (T4B4) for each side. The microhardness and biaxial strength of the disks were compared to those post-polymerized by a conventional desktop polymerizing unit (PC) and those without post-polymerization (NC). Results: Microhardness of the disks varied between the top and bottom surfaces of the 1-mm and 2-mm-thick disks, depending on the post-polymerization methods. T8 and T4B4 produced comparable microhardness on the top surface to PC for both thicknesses. In contrast, PC, T2B2, and T4B4 exhibited the highest microhardness on the bottom surface. Except for NC, the 1-mm-thick disks had a higher biaxial flexural strength than the 2-mm-thick disks. T4B4 resulted in the highest biaxial flexural strength for both thicknesses, which was comparable to that of the desktop polymerizing unit. Conclusion: The microhardness and biaxial flexural strengths of the post-polymerized 3D-printed disks increase with polymerization time. With sufficient polymerization from both sides, the polywave LCU has the potential to be a viable alternative to desktop polymerization units.

High energy density in artificial heterostructures through relaxation time modulation.

Electrostatic capacitors are foundational components of advanced electronics and high-power electrical systems owing to their ultrafast charging-discharging capability. Ferroelectric materials offer high maximum polarization, but high remnant polarization has hindered their effective deployment in energy storage applications. Previous methodologies have encountered problems because of the deteriorated crystallinity of the ferroelectric materials. We introduce an approach to control the relaxation time using two-dimensional (2D) materials while minimizing energy loss by using 2D/3D/2D heterostructures and preserving the crystallinity of ferroelectric 3D materials. Using this approach, we were able to achieve an energy density of 191.7 joules per cubic centimeter with an efficiency greater than 90%. This precise control over relaxation time holds promise for a wide array of applications and has the potential to accelerate the development of highly efficient energy storage systems.

Bisphenol Analogs Downregulate the Self-Renewal Potential of Spermatogonial Stem Cells.

PURPOSE: In this study, we investigated the effect of bisphenol-A (BPA) and its major analogs, bisphenol-F (BPF), and bisphenol-S (BPS), on spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) populations using in vitro SSC culture and in vivo transplantation models. MATERIALS AND METHODS: SSCs enriched from 6- to 8-day-old C57BL/6-eGFP+ male mice testes were treated with varying concentrations of bisphenols for 7 days to examine bisphenol-derived cytotoxicity and changes in SSC characteristics. We utilized flow cytometry, immunocytochemistry, real-time quantitative reverse transcription-PCR, and western blot analysis. The functional alteration of SSCs was further investigated by examining donor SSC-derived spermatogenesis evaluation through in vivo transplantation and subsequent testis analysis. RESULTS: BPF exhibited a similar inhibitory effect on SSCs as BPA, demonstrating a significant decrease in SSC survival, inhibition of proliferation, and induction of apoptosis. On the other hand, while BPS was comparatively weaker than BPA and BPF, it still showed significant SSC cytotoxicity. Importantly, SSCs exposed to BPA, BPF, and BPS exhibited a significant reduction in donor SSC-derived germ cell colonies per total number of cultured cells, indicating that, like BPA, BPF, and BPS can induce a comparable reduction in functional SSCs in the recipient animals. However, the progress of spermatogenesis, as evidenced by histochemistry and the expressions of PCNA and SSC specific markers, collectively indicates that BPA, BPF, and BPS may not adversely affect the spermatogenesis. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate that the major BPA substitutes, BPF and BPS, have significant cytotoxic effects on SSCs, similar to BPA. These effects may lead to a reduction in the functional self-renewal stem cell population and potential impacts on male fertility.

Correction to "Dual-Surfactant-Capped Ag Nanoparticles as a Highly Selective and Sensitive Colorimetric Sensor for Citrate Detection".

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.9b04199.].

Remote Epitaxy: Fundamentals, Challenges, and Opportunities.

Advanced heterogeneous integration technologies are pivotal for next-generation electronics. Single-crystalline materials are one of the key building blocks for heterogeneous integration, although it is challenging to produce and integrate these materials. Remote epitaxy is recently introduced as a solution for growing single-crystalline thin films that can be exfoliated from host wafers and then transferred onto foreign platforms. This technology has quickly gained attention, as it can be applied to a wide variety of materials and can realize new functionalities and novel application platforms. Nevertheless, remote epitaxy is a delicate process, and thus, successful execution of remote epitaxy is often challenging. Here, we elucidate the mechanisms of remote epitaxy, summarize recent breakthroughs, and discuss the challenges and solutions in the remote epitaxy of various material systems. We also provide a vision for the future of remote epitaxy for studying fundamental materials science, as well as for functional applications.

Routine Ureteral Stenting in Kidney Transplant Reduces Postoperative Hydronephrosis and Percutaneous Ureteral Interventions: A Single-Center Experience.

OBJECTIVES: The effect of routine ureteral stenting on postoperative hydronephrosis and percutaneous ureteral intervention in kidney transplant remains unknown. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of routine ureteral stenting on hydronephrosis and percutaneous ureteral intervention and the cost benefit of ureteral stenting in kidney transplant. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed patients who underwent kidney transplant at a tertiary institution between 2005 and 2021. We adopted a ureteral stentingprotocol in2017, anda comparisonwas performed with previous patients without stents. RESULTS: In total, 539 patients underwent kidney transplant(271 with stents [51.3%], 268 without stents [49.7%]). Hydronephrosis was detected in 16 cases (5.9%) and 30 cases (11.2%) of groups with and without stents,respectively (P = .041). Among patients with hydronephrosis, the number of patients who underwent percutaneous ureteral intervention was significantly lower in the stent group than in the nostent group (1 [6.25%] vs 10 [33.33%]; P= .014).Twenty patients (3.71%) experienced major urologic complications (19 [7.1%] in the no-stent group, and 1 [0.4%] in the stent group; P = .001). No significant differences between the groups were shown in the incidence of urinary tract infections within 3 months of transplant (24 [8.9%] vs 22 [8.2%]; P = .846). No differences were shown between the groups in ureterovesical anastomosis time (24.4 vs 24.03 min; P = .699) or 1-year graft survival (97% vs 97.8%; P = .803). The healthcare cost was significantly lower in the stent group than in the no-stent group by $1702.05 ($15000.89 vs $16702.95; P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Routine ureteral stenting in kidney transplant significantly decreased the incidence of postoperative hydronephrosis and percutaneous ureteral intervention. Stenting did notlead to increased urinary tract infections and was cost-effective.

Identification of vernalization-related genes and cold memory element (CME) required for vernalization response in radish (Raphanus sativus L.).

Floral transition is accelerated by exposure to long-term cold like winter in plants, which is called as vernalization. Acceleration of floral transition by vernalization is observed in a diversity of biennial and perennial plants including Brassicaceae family plants. Scientific efforts to understand molecular mechanism underlying vernalization-mediated floral transition have been intensively focused in model plant Arabidopsis thaliana. To get a better understanding on floral transition by vernalization in radish (Raphanus sativus L.), we investigated transcriptomic changes taking place during vernalization in radish. Thousands of genes were differentially regulated along time course of vernalization compared to non-vernalization (NV) sample. Twelve major clusters of DEGs were identified based on distinctive expression profiles during vernalization. Radish FLC homologs were shown to exert an inhibition of floral transition when transformed into Arabidopsis plants. In addition, DNA region containing RY motifs located within a Raphanus sativus FLC homolog, RsFLC1 was found to be required for repression of RsFLC1 by vernalization. Transgenic plants harboring disrupted RY motifs were impaired in the enrichment of H3K27me3 on RsFLC1 chromatin, thus resulting in the delayed flowering in Arabidopsis. Taken together, we report transcriptomic profiles of radish during vernalization and demonstrate the requirement of RY motif for vernalization-mediated repression of RsFLC homologs in radish (Raphanus sativus L.).

Validity of an automated screening Dixon technique for quantifying hepatic steatosis in living liver donors.

PURPOSE: This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the validity of an automated screening Dixon (e-DIXON) technique for quantifying hepatic steatosis in living liver-donor patients by comparison with magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) as a reference standard. METHODS: A total of 285 living liver-donor candidates were examined with the e-DIXON technique and single-voxel MRS to assess hepatic steatosis and iron deposition between January 2014 and February 2019. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values (PPV and NPV) of the e-DIXON technique for hepatic steatosis were calculated. The mean fat signal fractions obtained in MRS were compared between the donors diagnosed with hepatic steatosis and the normal group. The mean R2 values of donors with or without hepatic siderosis also were compared. RESULTS: The e-DIXON technique diagnosed normal in 133 (47%), fat in 124 (44%), iron in one (0.4%), and a combination of both fat and iron in 27 (10%) donors. The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV ​​for diagnosing hepatic steatosis were 94%, 70%, 64%, and 96%, respectively. There was a significant difference in the mean fat signal fraction obtained in MRS between the steatosis and normal groups (p < 0.001), but R2 values were not significantly different between siderosis and normal groups (p = 0.11). The e-DIXON technique showed a strong correlation with MRS in fat measurement (r2 = 0.92, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The e-DIXON technique reliably screens for hepatic steatosis but may not accurate for detecting hepatic iron deposition.

Research Note: Muscle hypertrophy is associated with reversed sexual dimorphism in body size of quail.

Sexual dimorphism is phenotypic differences between males and females in the same species. In general, males in most animals are larger than females at the same age, however, in quail, females have a larger body size with greater muscle mass than males. To understand what characteristics in muscle growth play roles in reversed sexual dimorphism in quail, the weights and the characteristics of the pectoralis major and gastrocnemius muscles (PM and GM, respectively) of male and female quail were compared in the current study. The data showed that 15-wk-old female quail have significantly heavier bodies, and PM and GM weights compared to male quail (1.27-folds, 1.29-folds, and 1.16-folds, respectively). To compare muscle characteristics such as hypertrophy (increased size) and hyperplasia (increased cell number), the PM and GM were stained using hematoxylin and eosin, and then histological characteristics such as total cross-sectional area (CSA), number and size of myofibers, and muscle bundle of the muscles were measured and analyzed. In both PM and GM, there were no differences in total numbers of myofibers and muscle bundles as well as the average numbers of myofibers per bundle between sexes. However, the sizes of myofiber and the bundle were significantly increased in female compared to male (1.33-folds and 1.28-folds in PM, and both 1.23-folds in GM, respectively). The findings of the current study suggest that muscle hypertrophy in female quail, not hyperplasia, can be attributed to the sexual dimorphism in quail size.