Dual-tracer PET/CT-targeted, mpMRI-targeted, systematic biopsy, and combined biopsy for the diagnosis of prostate cancer: a pilot study.

PURPOSE: Growing evidence proved the efficacy of multi-parametric MRI (mpMRI) and prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT)-guided targeted biopsy (TB) in prostate cancer (PCa) diagnosis, but there is no direct comparison between mpMRI-TB and PSMA PET/CT-TB. Gastrin-releasing peptide receptor (GRPR) is highly expressed in PCa, which can compensate for the unstable expression of PSMA in PCa. Therefore, we designed a study to compare the efficiency of mpMRI-TB, dual-tracer (GRPR and PSMA) PET/CT-TB, systematic biopsy, and combined biopsy for the diagnosis of prostate cancer. METHODS: One hundred twelve suspicious PCa patients were enrolled from September 2020 to June 2021. Patients with anyone of positive dual-tracer PET/CT or mpMRI underwent TB, and all enrolled patients underwent systematic biopsy (SB) after TB. The primary outcome was the detection rates of PCa in different biopsy strategies. Secondary outcomes were the performance of three imaging methods, omission diagnostic rates, and upgrading and downgrading of biopsy samples relative to those of prostatectomy specimens in different biopsy strategies. McNemar's tests and Bonferroni correction in multiple comparisons were used to compare the primary and secondary outcomes. RESULTS: In 112 men, clinically significant PCa (grade group[GG] ≥ 2) accounted for 34.82% (39/112), and nonclinically significant PCa (GG = 1) accounted for 4.46% (5/112). 68 Ga-PSMA PET/CT-TB achieved higher PCa detection rate (69.77%) and positive ratio of biopsy cores (0.44) compared with SB (39.29% and 0.12) and mpMRI-TB (36.14% and 0.23), respectively (P < 0.005). Dual-tracer PET/CT screen out patients for avoiding 52.67% (59/112) unnecessary biopsy, whereas dual-tracer PET/CT-TB plus SB achieved high detection rate (77.36%) without misdiagnosis of csPCa. CONCLUSION: Dual-tracer PET/CT might screen patients for avoiding unnecessary biopsy. Dual-tracer PET/CT-TB plus SB might be a more effective and promising strategy for the definite diagnosis of clinically significant PCa than mpMRI-TB.

The structure and chemical bonding in inverse sandwich B6Ca2 and B8Ca2 clusters: conflicting aromaticity vs. double aromaticity.

The typical electron-deficiency of the boron element renders fascinating architectures and chemical bonding to boron-based nanoclusters. We theoretically predict two di-Ca-doped boron clusters, B6Ca2 (D2h, 1Ag) and B8Ca2 (D8h, 1A1g), and both adopt interesting inverse sandwich geometries, showing an elongated D2h B6 or perfectly planar D8h B8 ring being sandwiched by two Ca atoms only, respectively. Natural atomic charge analyses indicate that the Ca atoms donate nearly all the 4s electrons to the B6 (or B8) ring, forming [Ca]2+[B6]4-[Ca]2+ and [Ca]2+[B8]4-[Ca]2+ charge transfer complexes. The interaction between the two Ca atoms and the boron rings is governed by robust electrostatics albeit by weaker B-Ca covalent interaction. Chemical bonding analyses show that B6Ca2 has 4σ and 6π delocalized electrons on the elongated B6 ring, leading to a conflicting aromatic system. B8Ca2, possessing 6σ and 6π delocalized electrons on the B8 ring, is doubly aromatic. Additionally, the B6Ca2 and B8Ca2 clusters show noticeable structural and electronic transmutation relative to their equivalent electronic B6Be2 and B8Mg2 clusters, respectively. The intrinsic reasons behind the transmutations are elucidated via in-depth bonding analyses.

[Effects of Urban Expansion and Changes in Urban Characteristics on PM2.5 Pollution in China].

Study of the influence of China's rapid urbanization and changing urban characteristics on urban ecology is of profound significance for the sustainable development of cities. The results of this study found that such changes have had a profound effect on PM2.5 concentrations. To explore the effects of urbanization on air quality (especially on PM2.5) we used indicators of population expansion, economic expansion, and urban geographical to represent levels of urban expansion, and used population density, urban CI, ISC, NDVI, and a night light index to indicate urban space characteristics. The strength of correlations between urban space characteristics and PM2.5 pollution were as follows:night light index > CI > population density > ISC > urban geographical expansion ≥ population expansion>NDVI. The highest correlation coefficient was between PM2.5 and the night light index, which was 0.77. During 2010-2015, the total contribution of urban expansion, urban characteristics, and spatial heterogeneity was 80.30%. The contribution of changes in urban characteristics was 55.00% and the contribution of spatial heterogeneity was 25.60%, both of which were above the contribution of basic urban characteristics in 2010, which was 5.70%. From 2000 to 2010, the contribution of changes in urban spatial characteristics to changes in PM2.5 concentrations was 39.30% and the contribution of the heterogeneity of urban spatial characteristics was 14.90%, both of which were higher than the contribution of basic urban characteristics in 2000, which was 3.70%. The results indicated that as urban transformation and development continue, green ecological cities should fully consider urban spatial layouts and the associated changes in urban spatial characteristics, minimize damage to the ecological environment from urban construction, and they should realize low-carbon and green development.

Radioactive seed localization and wire guided localization in breast cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: Classically, wire-guided localization (WGL) is used for the localization of non palpable breast lesions. On the other hand, many studies report a newer technique called radioactive seed localization (RSL). The purpose of our study was a systematic review and meta analysis of the two techniques regarding the rate of positive margins and the quantity of excised tissue. METHODS: Our study searched publications up to March 24th 2018 in Medline, Embase and Cochrane Library regarding studies comparing the two techniques of localization of subclinical lesions with WGL or RSL using technetium 99m as radioactive agent. The primary target was the rate of positive margins and the second was the rate of second surgery for reexcision. Revman5.3 and STATE12.0 were used for the statistics. RESULTS: Five randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and 13 cohort studies comprising 3879 breast cancer patients were included. RSL was significantly superior than WGL both in better margin status (RR=0.72, 95% CI 0.56-0.92, p=0.01) and reduced reoperation rate (RR=0.68, 95% CI 0.52-0.88, p=0.004). Subgroup analysis of RCTs showed no different ability of both techniques in terms of free margin status (RR=0.85, 95% CI 0.55-1.31, p=0.46) and reoperation rate (RR=0.80, 95% CI 0.48-1.32, p=0.38). Further subgroup analysis excluding three studies with different ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) proportion exhibited same efficacy in margin negativity (RR=0.83, 95% CI 0.69-1.01, p=0.07) and further operation rate (RR=0.85, 95% CI 0.71-1.01, p=0.07).

Protective effects of myricetin on chronic stress-induced cognitive deficits.

The aim of the present study is to investigate the possible effects of chronic administration of myricetin, a natural flavonoid, on chronic stress-induced learning and memory deficits in mice. The mice were restrained daily 4 h/day for 21 days in well-ventilated plexiglass tubes without access to food and water. These animals were injected with myricetin or vehicle 40 min before each restraint stress over a period of 21 days. Then, spatial learning and memory of the mice were evaluated by the Morris water maze task. We did not observe a significant difference in the escape latency in mice subjected to repeated restraint stress, which indicates that learning ability was not affected by restraint stress. However, the spatial memory ability was significantly impaired in the repeatedly restrained mice. Myricetin administration specifically increased the time spent in the target quadrant in mice exposed to chronic stress in the probe trial as tested in the Morris water maze task. Further studies showed that myricetin treatment decreased plasma adrenocorticotrophic hormone levels of those mice subjected to repeated restraint stress. The effect of myricetin on the levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in hippocampus was also investigated. The result showed that myricetin normalized the decreased BDNF levels in mice subjected to repeated restraint stress. These findings provide more evidence that chronic administration of myricetin improves spatial memory in repeatedly restrained mice and BDNF signaling in the hippocampus may be involved in the protective effects of myricetin.

Purified terephthalic acid wastewater biodegradation and toxicity.

The biodegradation and toxicity of the purified terephthalic acid (PTA) processing wastewater was researched at NJYZ pilot with the fusant strain Fhhh in the carrier activated sludge process (CASP). Sludge loading rate (SLR) for Fhhh to COD of the wastewater was 1.09 d(-1) and to PTA in the wastewater was 0.29 d(-1). The results of bioassay at the pilot and calculation with software Ebis3 showed that the 48h-LC50 (median lethal concentration) to Daphnia magna for the PTA concentration in the wastewater was only 1/10 of that for the chemical PTA. There were 5 kinds of benzoate pollutants and their toxicities existing in the wastewater at least. The toxicity parameter value of the pure chemical PTA cannot be used to predicate the PTA wastewater toxicity. The toxicity of the NJYZ PTA wastewater will be discussed in detail in this paper.

Pilot regulation of MnP-SA for treating PTA wastewater.

In the pilot study of treating the purified terephthalic acid (PTA) wastewater with the functional Strain Fhhh in the carrier activated sludge process (CASP), the ratio of COD: TN: TP and the concentrations of Cu, Mn, Se and Zn were controlled to improve the manganese peroxidase (MnP) levels for increasing the treatment efficiency. When the ratio of COD: TN: TP was 100: 0.36: 0.15 and the concentrations of Cu, Mn, Se and Zn were 0.54, 5.07, 0.00 and 0.08 mg/L, the MnP specific activity (MnP-SA) reached 689 U/L, and the sludge loading rate to COD(SLRC) was 1.09 d(-l), which was 4--7 fold of that in other processes reported. The data indicated that improving MnP level could enhance the degradability of Fhhh. And the potentials of Fhhh and CASP will be also discussed in this paper.

A study of shear strength properties of municipal solid waste in Chongqing landfill, China.

The aim of this study is to analyze the effect of biodegradation on the shear strength of municipal solid waste (MSW), leachate, and biogas production. The direct shear (DS) test shows that the shear strength of waste in the initial stages is mainly depended on its composition and inter-structure. After the waste has been in a landfill for 30 days, the waste's increased biodegradation exhibited a great influence on the waste's shear strength. The increase of moisture content in the waste mass might cause a decrease of its shear strength. Tri-axial tests under consolidation-drained (CD) condition show that the shear strength of the cohesion and friction angle for degraded samples increased when the defined axial strain increased from 5 to 20 %. The cohesion varied from 35.90 to 66.42 kPa and the drained friction angle ranged between 29° and 38°. The measurements of shear strength properties are utilized to assess the slope stability of landfills.

[Operative treatment of pheochromocytoma: report of 11 cases].

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE: Pheochromocytoma is clinically uncommon. Pheochromocytoma patients without hypertension or symptoms are often misdiagnosed. The patients could be cured by surgical removal of the tumor. However, surgery is dangerous if the preoperative preparation was not well done. The authors reported their experiences in surgical treatment of pheochromocytoma. METHODS: Clinical data of 11 patients with pheochromocytoma were reviewed retrospectively to summarize the management of blood pressure during pre-operation and operation. RESULTS: After excision of the tumors, 11 patients have been followed up for 3 months to 10 years. Blood pressure became normal and symptoms vanished in all patients. Only one patient recurred at paraveterbral sympathetic chain 6 months after operation and underwent another operation for removal of the tumor. CONCLUSION: Surgery is the mainstay of therapy for pheochromocytoma. The adequate preoperative preparation is very important for successful surgery.

A pegylated liposomal platform: pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and toxicity in mice using doxorubicin as a model drug.

Aims were to observe pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and toxicity for constructing a Sino-pegylated liposomal platform. Human hepatocarcinoma cells (Bel7402) and murine hepatocarcinoma cells (H(22)) were used for the cytotoxicity assay and the in vivo solid xenograft tumor model in mice, respectively. Pharmacokinetic results in mice showed that the pegylated liposomal doxorubicin markedly prolonged the blood circulation of doxorubicin. Elimination half-time (T(1/2,gamma)) of pegylated, regular liposomal doxorubicin and free doxorubicin were 46.09 +/- 14.44, 26.04 +/- 3.34, and 23.72 +/- 5.13 h, respectively. The area under the concentration-time curves (AUC(0- infinity )) (h. microg/g) of the pegylated and regular liposomal doxorubicin were 6.8- and 2.6-fold higher than that of free doxorubicin, respectively. Cytotoxicity and antitumor activity in vivo indicated that activity of the pegylated liposomal doxorubicin was higher than that of the regular or the free one, respectively. After two weeks of tail intravenous injection of the pegylated liposomal doxorubicin at a single dose of 10 mg/kg, no significant damage was observed in gastric, intestinal mucosa, and heart muscle, but pronounced damages were found in the control group after dosing free doxorubicin. The results demonstrate that the pegylated liposomes improve the efficacy of toxics and reduce the toxicity, therefore providing favorable evidence for building a pegylated liposomal platform.