mTORC1 promotes cell growth via m6A-dependent mRNA degradation.

Dysregulated mTORC1 signaling alters a wide range of cellular processes, contributing to metabolic disorders and cancer. Defining the molecular details of downstream effectors is thus critical for uncovering selective therapeutic targets. We report that mTORC1 and its downstream kinase S6K enhance eIF4A/4B-mediated translation of Wilms' tumor 1-associated protein (WTAP), an adaptor for the N6-methyladenosine (m6A) RNA methyltransferase complex. This regulation is mediated by 5' UTR of WTAP mRNA that is targeted by eIF4A/4B. Single-nucleotide-resolution m6A mapping revealed that MAX dimerization protein 2 (MXD2) mRNA contains m6A, and increased m6A modification enhances its degradation. WTAP induces cMyc-MAX association by suppressing MXD2 expression, which promotes cMyc transcriptional activity and proliferation of mTORC1-activated cancer cells. These results elucidate a mechanism whereby mTORC1 stimulates oncogenic signaling via m6A RNA modification and illuminates the WTAP-MXD2-cMyc axis as a potential therapeutic target for mTORC1-driven cancers.

Ultrasound-guided genitofemoral nerve block for femoral arterial access gain and closure: a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to compare the analgesic efficacy and safety of the femoral branch block of the genitofemoral nerve (FBB) versus local infiltration anesthesia (LIA) for femoral arterial access gain and closure. METHODS: Eighty-two patients (age, 64.8 ± 10.9 years; female, 30.5%) undergoing endovascular procedures using 5-Fr femoral sheath were assigned to either FBB (n = 41) or LIA (n = 41). In both groups, 2% lidocaine HCL with 1:100,000 epinephrine was used as an anesthetic solution. Pain scores during access gain and closure were evaluated using a visual analog scale (score 0-10), patient satisfaction levels with the quality of anesthesia were scored on a 7-point Likert scale, and adverse events were recorded. RESULTS: The primary endpoint, pain scores during access closure, was significantly lower in the FBB group than in the LIA group (0.1 ± 0.37 vs 1.73 ± 0.92; p < 0.001). The FBB group also had significantly lower pain scores during access gain compared to the LIA group (0.83 ± 0.83 vs 2.78 ± 1.26; p < 0.001). There was an inverse relationship between pain scores and FBB after adjustment for age, gender, and body mass index (p < 0.001). FBB group reported significantly higher satisfaction with anesthesia quality compared to the LIA group (6.49 ± 0.64 vs 4.05 ± 1.05; p < 0.001). No complications were recognized in either group. CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasound-guided genitofemoral nerve blocks offered better acute pain relief and higher patient satisfaction than LIA during femoral arterial access gain and closure. CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT: In this prospective randomized controlled trial, ultrasound-guided genitofemoral nerve blocks offered better acute pain relief than local infiltration anesthesia, resulting in enhanced patient satisfaction. KEY POINTS: • FBB provided better pain relief during access gain and closure than LIA. • FBB offered higher patient satisfaction with the quality of anesthesia than LIA. • No anesthesia-related or access site complications were recognized in either treatment group.

Potential energy interpolation with target-customized weighting coordinates: application to excited-state dynamics of photoactive yellow protein chromophore in water.

Interpolation of potential energy surfaces (PESs) can provide a practical route to performing molecular dynamics simulations with a reliability matching a high-level quantum chemical calculation. An obstacle to its widespread use is perhaps the lack of general and optimal interpolation settings that can be applied in a black-box manner for any given molecular system. How to set up the weights for interpolation is one such task, and we still need to diversify the approaches in order to treat various systems. Here, we develop a new interpolation weighting scheme, which allows us to choose the weighting coordinates in a system-specific manner, by amplifying the contribution from specific internal coordinates. The new weighting scheme with an appropriate selection of coordinates is proved to be effective in reducing the interpolation error along the reaction pathway. As a demonstration, we consider the photoactive yellow protein chromophore system, as it constitutes itself as an interesting target that bears long-standing questions related to excited-state dynamics inside protein environments. We build its two-state diabatic interpolated PES with the new weighting scheme. We indeed see the utility of our scheme by conducting nonadiabatic molecular dynamics simulations with the required semi-global PES based on a limited number of data points.

Imaging-Guided Deployment of a Balloon-Based Vascular Closure Device in Routine Clinical Practice.

This study evaluated the feasibility and safety of imaging-guided deployment of a Mynx Control device (Cordis, Miami Lakes, Florida) at the femoral access. A total of 201 Mynx devices were used under imaging guidance in 137 patients (mean age, 64.18 years ± 13.8; male, 68.6%) between June 2020 and February 2022. A 5-F sheath was used in 176 (87.6%) procedures, a 6-F sheath was used in 17 (8.5%) procedures, and a 7-F sheath was used in 8 (4%) procedures. Indicator errors occurred in 9 (4.5%) procedures. However, technical success was achieved via manipulation under imaging guidance in all procedures. The mean time to hemostasis was 3.3 minutes ± 0.5, and the clinical success rate was 100%. The mean length of hospital stay was 7 days ± 7.5. After 4 (2%) procedures, small hematomas reabsorbed spontaneously. Imaging-guided deployment of a Mynx Control device is a feasible and safe option for access site closure. Even after an indicator error, successful hemostasis was achieved via real-time interaction.

Ultrasound-Guided Deployment of a Plug-Based Vascular Closure Device in Femoral Arteries with Calcified Plaque or Stenosis.

From January 2019 to January 2020, 106 patients (age, 64.8 ± 14.1 years; male, 63.2%) were included to retrospectively investigate the feasibility and safety of ultrasound-guided deployment of ExoSeal after femoral artery access. Baseline characteristics were not different except for age (P = .022), body mass index (P = .009), and diameter (P < .001) between the calcified plaque or stenosis (CS) group (n = 49) and non-CS group (n = 57). The overall technical and clinical success rates were 96.2% and 100%, respectively. The technical (CS group, 48/49; non-CS group, 54/57) and clinical success rates (100%), time to hemostasis (CS group, 3.21 ± 0.54 min; non-CS group, 3.39 ± 0.71 min), and complication rates (CS group, 1/49; non-CS group, 0/57) were not different between the 2 groups. ExoSeal seems to be safe to use under ultrasound guidance in the femoral arteries with CS.

Four-Year Interim Results of the Safety of Augmentation Mammaplasty Using the Motiva Ergonomix™ Round SilkSurface: A Multicenter, Retrospective Study.

BACKGROUND: The Motiva Ergonomix™ Round SilkSurface (Establishment Labs Holdings Inc., Alajuela, Costa Rica) is the fifth generation of a silicone gel-filled breast implant that is commercially available in Korea. OBJECTIVES: In this study, we describe 4-year interim results of the safety of augmentation mammaplasty using the Motiva Ergonomix™ Round SilkSurface in Korean women. METHODS: In the current multicenter, retrospective study, we performed a retrospective review of medical records of a total of 1314 patients who received augmentation mammaplasty using the Motiva Ergonomix™ Round SilkSurface at our hospitals between September 1, 2016, and August 31, 2020. For safety assessment, we analyzed incidences of postoperative complications and Kaplan-Meier complication-free survival of the patients. RESULTS: We included a total of 873 patients (1746 breasts, mean age = 32.18 ± 6.88 years) in the current study. There were a total of 111 cases (12.70%) of postoperative complications; these include 24 cases (2.70%) of early seroma, 18 cases (2.10%) of hematoma, 18 cases (2.10%) of capsular contracture, 17 cases (1.95%) of dissatisfaction with shape, 16 cases (1.83%) of dissatisfaction with size, 9 cases (1.03%) of asymmetry, 6 cases (0.70%) of infection and 3 cases (0.34%) of rippling. Moreover, time-to-events were estimated at 918.34 ± 36.22 days (95% CI 845.44-988.52). CONCLUSIONS: Here, we describe 4-year interim results of the safety of augmentation mammaplasty using the Motiva Ergonomix™ Round SilkSurface in Korean women in a non-manufacturer-sponsored study. But further large-scale, prospective, multicenter studies with a long period of follow-up are warranted to establish our results. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

A Preliminary Retrospective Study to Assess the Short-Term Safety of Traditional Smooth or Microtextured Silicone Gel-Filled Breast Implants in Korea.

Background and objectives: We conducted this preliminary retrospective study to assess the short-term safety of silicone gel-filled breast implants (SGBIs) that are commercially available in Korean women. Materials and methods :The current retrospective, observational study was conducted in a total of 2612 patients (n = 2612) who underwent augmentation mammaplasty using breast implants at our hospitals between 1 January 2017 and 31 August 2021. Results: Overall, there were a total of 248 cases (9.49%) of postoperative complications; these include 112 cases of early seroma, 52 cases of shape deformation, 32 cases of CC, 12 cases of early hematoma, 12 cases of rupture, 12 cases of infection, 12 cases of stretch deformities with skin excess and 4 cases of rippling. Overall complication-free survival of the breast implant was estimated at 1564.32 ± 75.52 days (95% CI 1416.39-1712.32). Then, the Motiva Ergonomix™ SilkSurface showed the longest survival (1528.00 ± 157.92 days [95% CI 1218.48-1837.56]), followed by the BellaGel® SmoothFine (1458.4 ± 65.76 days [95% CI 1329.56-1587.28]), the Sebbin® Sublimity (1322.00 ± 51.20 days [95% CI 1221.64-1422.32]), the BellaGel® Smooth (1138.72 ± 161.28 days [95% CI 822.6-1454.84), the Mentor® MemoryGel™ Xtra (698.4 ± 52.64 days [95% CI 595.28-801.52]) and the Natrelle® INSPIRA™ (380.00 ± 170.88 days [95% CI 45.04-714.96]) in the decreasing order. On subgroup analysis, both the Motiva ErgonomixTM and Mentor® MemoryGel™ Xtra showed no postoperative complications. However, the BellaGel® SmoothFine, Sebbin® Sublimity and BellaGel® Smooth showed incidences of 8.87%, 4.84% and 1.61%, respectively. A subgroup analysis also showed differences in incidences of postoperative complications between microtextured and smooth breast implants (15.18% vs. 16.67%). Conclusions: In conclusion, our results indicate that diverse types of an SGBI are commercially available and their safety profile varies according to the manufacturer. Plastic surgeons should consider the safety profile of each device in selecting the optimal types of the device for Korean women who are in need of an implant-based augmentation mammaplasty. However, this warrants a single-surgeon, single-center study with long periods of follow-up.

Value of gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI and diffusion-weighted imaging in the differentiation of hypervascular hyperplastic nodule from small (<3 cm) hypervascular hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with alcoholic liver cirrhosis: A retrospective case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Hypervascular hyperplastic nodules (HHNs) occasionally develop in patients with alcoholic liver cirrhosis (ALC) and show arterial enhancement, thus mimicking hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Importantly, HHN as a benign lesion should be distinguished from HCC. PURPOSE: To evaluate the value of gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI (Gd-EOB-MRI) and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) in distinguishing HHN from small (<3 cm) hypervascular HCC (hHCC) in patients with ALC. STUDY TYPE: Retrospective case-control study. FIELD STRENGTH/SEQUENCE: 3.0T/in- and out-of-phase, T1 -weighted, T2 -weighted, diffusion-weighted, apparent diffusion coefficient, and dynamic gadoxetic acid-enhanced images. POPULATION: Among 560 patients with ALC who underwent Gd-EOB-MRI and DWI, 12 patients with 28 HHNs and 22 patients with 29 hHCCs smaller than 3 cm were included. ASSESSMENT: The following MRI features were evaluated by three independent radiologists: signal intensity (SI) on T1 -weighted, T2 -weighted, diffusion-weighted, and hepatobiliary phase (HBP) images; shape, homogeneity, and margin on HBP; diffusion restriction; intralesional fat; necrosis; hemorrhage; washout on portal venous phase (PVP) and/or transitional phase (TP); and capsular enhancement. Quantitative analysis was also conducted. STATISTICAL TESTS: Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to determine the significant MRI findings, and their diagnostic performance for the prediction of HHN was analyzed. RESULTS: Lesion size of ≤16 mm (odds ratio [OR], 24.41; P = 0.007), low-to-iso SI on DWI (OR, 26.92; P = 0.007), and absence of washout on PVP and/or TP (OR, 31.84; P = 0.009) were significant independent factors for predicting HHN. When all three criteria were satisfied, the specificity was 100%. Compared with hHCCs, HHNs showed significantly smaller size (mean, 13.8 mm vs. 19.9 mm; P < 0.001) and higher mean SI value (994.0 vs. 669.5) and lesion-to-liver SI ratio (1.045 vs. 0.806) on HBP (P < 0.001, respectively). DATA CONCLUSION: Gd-EOB-MRI and DWI may be helpful in differentiating HHN from small hHCC in patients with ALC. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3 Technical Efficacy Stage: 2 J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2020;51:70-80.

Pre-operative nomogram predicting malignant potential in the patients with intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm of the pancreas: focused on imaging features based on revised international guideline.

OBJECTIVE: To clarify the pre-operative imaging and clinical features differentiating malignant from benign intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN) of the pancreas and develop a nomogram for estimating the individualized risk of malignant IPMN. METHODS: One hundred twenty-six patients with IPMN (72 benign and 54 malignant) who underwent pre-operative contrast-enhanced CT or MRI from 2010 to 2018 were retrospectively evaluated in two tertiary institutions. All lesions were pathologically proven by surgery or biopsy. Significant imaging and clinical findings for malignancy were assessed by univariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses. Based on the significant variables in the multivariable analysis, we developed a nomogram to predict malignant potential in patients with IPMNs, and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was used to assess the diagnostic value. RESULTS: Multivariable analysis revealed that enhancing mural nodule ≥ 5 mm (odds ratio (OR), 48.30; 95% confidence interval (CI), 11.69-199.49), increased serum carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9) (OR, 8.69; 95% CI, 2.04-36.92), main pancreatic duct (MPD) diameter ≥ 10 mm (OR, 6.34; 95% CI, 1.21-33.30), and acute pancreatitis (OR, 4.77; 95% CI, 1.12-20.36) were independent significant parameters to predict malignant IPMN. Among them, enhancing mural nodule ≥ 5 mm showed the highest OR and predictor point on the nomogram. The AUC for the nomogram was 0.955 (95% CI, 0.903-0.984). CONCLUSIONS: Pre-operative imaging findings could aid in predicting malignant potential of IPMN using the significant findings of enhancing mural nodule ≥ 5 mm, increased serum CA19-9, MPD diameter ≥ 10 mm, and acute pancreatitis. KEY POINTS: • Among pre-operative imaging and clinical features, enhancing mural nodule ≥ 5 mm, increased serum CA19-9, main pancreatic duct diameter ≥ 10 mm, and acute pancreatitis were independent significant parameters to predict malignant IPMN. • Enhancing mural nodule ≥ 5 mm was a single predictor for malignant IPMN, with the highest diagnostic values compared to other significant parameters. • A constructed nomogram using these parameters could aid in predicting malignant potential in patients with IPMN of the pancreas.

Chronic Intradiploic Organizing Hematoma of the Skull Mimicking Calvarial Tumor Diagnosed Using Zero TE MRI: A Case Report and Review of Literature.

Chronic intradiploic organizing hematoma of the skull is a rare lesion that usually presents as a progressively growing mass after head trauma, thus making it difficult to diagnose. To date, only nine cases that have been histopathologically confirmed as organizing hematoma of the skull have been reported in the literature. Herein, we describe a case of a chronic organizing hematoma involving the right parietal bone, presenting as a slowly growing mass in a 54-year-old man. The lesion was also visualized on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with a zero echo time sequence. In this case report, we emphasize that chronic intradiploic organizing hematoma should be considered in the differential diagnosis of a palpable scalp mass. We also highlight the importance of meticulous radiological review in the context of appropriate clinical suspicion and the usefulness of the zero TE sequence in evaluating calvarial lesions.

Determining Malignant Potential of Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasm of the Pancreas: CT versus MRI by Using Revised 2017 International Consensus Guidelines.

Background Several changes have been made to the revised 2017 international consensus guidelines for management of pancreatic intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMNs). However, the diagnostic performance is yet to be verified. Purpose To evaluate the revised guidelines for predicting malignant potential of pancreatic IPMNs and to compare diagnostic performance and intermodality agreement between contrast material-enhanced CT and MRI. Materials and Methods In this retrospective study, two radiologists analyzed the preoperative contrast-enhanced CT and MRI of patients with surgically resected pancreatic IPMNs from January 2007 to December 2017. The diagnostic performance of CT and MRI were analyzed by using receiver operating curve analysis. Intermodality agreement was assessed by using weighted κ and intraclass correlation coefficient values. Results A total of 86 patients (mean age, 67.6 years ± 8.9 [standard deviation]; 47 men and 39 women) with pancreatic IPMNs (benign, 58; malignant, 28) were included. At both CT and MRI, enhancing mural nodule (P < .001), abrupt main pancreatic duct caliber change (P < .001), lymphadenopathy (P = .006), larger main pancreatic duct size (P = .003), and faster cyst growth rate (P = .04) were more common in malignant than benign IPMNs. Irrespective of the modality, enhancing mural nodule of 5 mm or greater had the highest odds ratio (25 at CT vs 29 at MRI). The diagnostic performance of CT (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, 0.83 [95% confidence interval: 0.75, 0.92]) and MRI (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, 0.86 [95% confidence interval: 0.77, 0.95]) for predicting malignant IPMNs were comparable (P = .43), with good intermodality agreement (κ = 0.70). Conclusion Among revised features, enhancing mural nodule of 5 mm or greater had the strongest association with malignant intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN), and diagnostic performance for prediction of malignant IPMNs were comparable between contrast-enhanced CT and MRI with good intermodality agreement. © RSNA, 2019 Online supplemental material is available for this article.

LI-RADS v2017 categorisation of HCC using CT: Does moderate to severe fatty liver affect accuracy?

OBJECTIVES: To compare the sensitivity of Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System (LI-RADS) v2017 for diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) using multiphasic computed tomography (CT) between patients with and without moderate to severe fatty liver (MSFL). METHODS: This retrospective study included a total of 106 high-risk patients with 112 pathologically proven HCCs who underwent multiphasic CT. Patients were classified as MSFL (24 men, 2 women; mean age, 59.5 years [range, 38-79 years]) and non-MSFL (64 men, 16 women; mean age, 62.9 years [range, 40-89 years]) groups according to unenhanced CT liver and spleen parenchymal attenuation. Two independent radiologists assigned LI-RADS categories and accessed HCC features on CT. Sensitivities for LR-5 assignment and frequencies of HCC features were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: Sensitivities of LR-5 assignment for diagnosing HCCs were not significantly different between MSFL and non-MSFL groups (65.4% [17/26] vs. 76.7% [66/86] for reviewer 1, p = 0.247; 73.1% [19/26] vs. 76.74% [66/86] for reviewer 2, p = 0.702). No significant differences in the frequencies of arterial hyperenhancement, washout, and capsule were observed between the two groups (96.2% [25/26] vs. 98.8% [85/86], p = 0.412; 80.8% [21/26] vs. 89.5% [77/86], p = 0.308; and 53.8% [14/26] vs. 57% [49/86], p = 0.778, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: LI-RADS v2017 using CT showed comparable sensitivity for diagnosing HCC regardless of MSFL. KEY POINTS: • Using LI-RADS v2017 with CT, diagnosis of HCC in patients with MSFL showed similar sensitivity to that in patients without MSFL. • Frequencies of major HCC features (arterial hyperenhancement, washout, and capsule) on CT between the MSFL and non-MSFL groups were not significantly different. • LI-RADS using CT may be feasible for diagnosing HCC in patients with fatty liver.

Modeling Charge Flux by Interpolating Atomic Partial Charges.

Although the charge flux effect or the geometric dependence of the atomic partial charges have been known for a long time, how it can be effectively handled is not yet established. Here, we present a charge interpolation scheme as a new general tool for representing the charge flux in an analytically well-defined manner. By applying it to the anionic GFP chromophore with the diabatically represented atomic charges, we show that the charge interpolation provides a substantial improvement on the accuracy of the geometry-dependent changes in the molecular dipole moments in the gas phase. We also test the scheme toward describing the electrostatic term in the solvation energy in the aqueous environment and observe that it is also improved but that the extent of the improvement is somewhat limited. We show that the remaining errors can be largely corrected by introducing atomic polarizabilities. Overall, our results show that charge interpolation is an amenable approach for describing the charge flux effect and that its description in the condensed phase should be accompanied by proper treatments of polarization effects.

MnO2 Nanowire/Biomass-Derived Carbon from Hemp Stem for High-Performance Supercapacitors.

Hierarchical 3D nanostructures based on waste biomass are being offered as promising materials for energy storage due to their processabilities, multifunctionalities, environmental benignities, and low cost. Here we report a facile, inexpensive, and scalable strategy for the fabrication of hierarchical porous 3D structure as electrode materials for supercapacitors based on MnO2 nanowires and hemp-derived activated carbon (HC). Vertical MnO2 wires are uniformly deposited onto the surface of HC using a one-step hydrothermal method to produce hierarchical porous structures with conductive interconnected 3D networks. HC acts as a near-ideal 3D current collector and anchors electroactive materials, and this confers a specific capacitance of 340 F g-1 at 1 A g-1 with a high rate capability (88% retention) of the 3D MnO2/HC composite because of its open-pore system, which facilitates ion and electron transports and synergistic contribution of two energy-storage materials. Moreover, asymmetric supercapacitors fabricated using 3D HC as the anode and 3D MnO2/HC as the cathode are able to store 33.3 Wh kg-1 of energy and have a power delivery of 14.8 kW kg-1.

Consecutive analysis of mutation spectrum in the dystrophin gene of 507 Korean boys with Duchenne/Becker muscular dystrophy in a single center.

INTRODUCTION: Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophies (DMD and BMD) are allelic X-linked recessive muscle diseases caused by mutations in the large and complex dystrophin gene. METHODS: We analyzed the dystrophin gene in 507 Korean DMD/BMD patients by multiple ligation-dependent probe amplification and direct sequencing. RESULTS: Overall, 117 different deletions, 48 duplications, and 90 pathogenic sequence variations, including 30 novel variations, were identified. Deletions and duplications accounted for 65.4% and 13.3% of Korean dystrophinopathy, respectively, suggesting that the incidence of large rearrangements in dystrophin is similar among different ethnic groups. We also detected sequence variations in >100 probands. The small variations were dispersed across the whole gene, and 12.3% were nonsense mutations. CONCLUSIONS: Precise genetic characterization in patients with DMD/BMD is timely and important for implementing nationwide registration systems and future molecular therapeutic trials in Korea and globally. Muscle Nerve 55: 727-734, 2017.

Disappearing or residual tiny (≤5 mm) colorectal liver metastases after chemotherapy on gadoxetic acid-enhanced liver MRI and diffusion-weighted imaging: Is local treatment required?

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the clinical course of disappearing colorectal liver metastases (DLM) or residual tiny (≤5 mm) colorectal liver metastases (RTCLM) on gadoxetic acid-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) in patients who had colorectal liver metastases (CLM) and received chemotherapy. METHODS: Among 137 patients who received chemotherapy for CLM and underwent gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI and DWI between 2010 and 2012, 43 patients with 168 DLMs and 48 RTCLMs were included. The cumulative in situ recurrence rate of DLM and progression rate of RTCLM and their predictive factors were evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 150 DLMs and 26 RTCLMs were followed up without additional treatment. At 1 and 2 years, respectively, the cumulative in situ recurrence rates for DLM were 10.9 % and 15.7 % and the cumulative progression rates for RTCLM were 27.2 % and 33.2 %. The in situ recurrence rate at 2 years was 4.9 % for the DLM group that did not show reticular hypointensity of liver parenchyma on hepatobiliary phase. CONCLUSIONS: DLM on gadoxetic acid-enhanced liver MRI and DWI indicates a high possibility of clinical complete response, especially in patients without chemotherapy-induced sinusoidal obstruction syndrome. Thirty-three percent of RTCLMs showed progression at 2 years. KEY POINTS: • DLMs on gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI and DWI showed low recurrence rates. • If there is sinusoidal obstruction syndrome, evaluation of DLM needs special care. • The progression rate for residual tiny CLMs was 33.2 % at 2 years.

Whole-transcriptome analysis of mouse adipose tissue in response to short-term caloric restriction.

Caloric restriction (CR) has been shown to extend the lifespan of many species by improving cellular function and organismal health. Additionally, fat reduction by CR may play an important role in lengthening lifespan and preventing severe age-related diseases. Interestingly, CR induced the greatest transcriptome change in the epididymal fat of mice in our study. In this transcriptome analysis, we identified and categorized 446 genes that correlated with CR level. We observed down-regulation of several signaling pathways, including insulin/insulin-like growth factor 1 (insulin/IGF-1), epidermal growth factor (EGF), transforming growth factor beta (TGF-ß), and canonical wingless-type mouse mammary tumor virus integration site (Wnt). Many genes related to structural features, including extracellular matrix structure, cell adhesion, and the cytoskeleton, were down-regulated, with a strong correlation to the degree of CR. Furthermore, genes related to the cell cycle and adipogenesis were down-regulated. These biological processes are well-identified targets of insulin/IGF-1, EGF, TGF-ß, and Wnt signaling. In contrast, genes involved in specific metabolic processes, including the tricarboxylic acid cycle and the electron transport chain were up-regulated. We performed in silico analysis of the promoter sequences of CR-responsive genes and identified two associated transcription factors, Paired-like homeodomain 2 (Pitx2) and Paired box gene 6 (Pax6). Our results suggest that strict regulation of signaling pathways is critical for creating the optimal energy homeostasis to extend lifespan.

Heterogeneous reservoir computing in second-order Ta2O5/HfO2 memristors.

Multiple switching modes in a Ta2O5/HfO2 memristor are studied experimentally and numerically through a reservoir computing (RC) simulation to reveal the importance of nonlinearity and heterogeneity in the RC framework. Unlike most studies, where homogeneous reservoirs are used, heterogeneity is introduced by combining different behaviors of the memristor units. The chosen memristor for the reservoir units is based on a Ta2O5/HfO2 bilayer, in which the conductances of the Ta2O5 and HfO2 layers are controlled by the oxygen vacancies and deep/shallow traps, respectively, providing both volatile and non-volatile resistive switching modes. These several control parameters make the second-order Ta2O5/HfO2 memristor system present different behaviors in agreement with its history-dependent conductance and allow the fine-tuning of the behavior of each reservoir unit. The heterogeneity in the reservoir units improves the pattern recognition performance in the heterogeneous memristor RC system with a similar physical structure.

Clinical use of alumina-toughened zirconia abutments for implant-supported restoration: prospective cohort study of survival analysis.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this prospective cohort study was to compute the long-term clinical survival and complication rates of alumina-toughened zirconia abutments used for implant-supported restorations and to evaluate the effects of several clinical variables on these rates. MATERIAL AND METHODS: From May 1998 to September 2010, 213 patients aged 18 years or older were recruited. The patients received 611 external hex implants and 328 implant-supported fixed restorations using alumina-toughened zirconia abutments. During the follow-up, each restoration was coded as a dental event, which included loosening or fracture of abutment screws, and abutment fracture. From the coded data, the effects of the investigated clinical variables-restored area (anterior/posterior), number of prosthodontic units (one/two units or over), prosthesis type (single-unit/multiunit without pontic/multiunit with pontic), implant system, and patient gender-on the survival of the abutments were evaluated. Survival analysis using Kaplan-Meier method and Cox proportional hazard model was applied. The 5-year survival and complication rates of the abutments were assessed. RESULTS: The number of prosthodontic units and the type of prosthesis had a significant association with complication rates (P < 0.05). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis estimated that the cumulative 5-year complication rate of the abutments used in single restorations was 19.7%. Multiunit-fixed dental prostheses without and with pontics had complication rates of 3.9% and 3.8%, respectively. The 5-year survival rate of the abutments was more than 95%, regardless of the type of prosthesis. CONCLUSIONS: Alumina-toughened zirconia abutments are likely to exhibit excellent long-term survival in clinical use for fixed restorations. Single tooth replacement with the abutment at the molar region may require special care and extra attention.