Search for Sub-eV Sterile Neutrinos at RENO.

We report a search result for a light sterile neutrino oscillation with roughly 2200 live days of data in the RENO experiment. The search is performed by electron antineutrino (ν[over ¯]_{e}) disappearance taking place between six 2.8 GW_{th} reactors and two identical detectors located at 294 m (near) and 1383 m (far) from the center of the reactor array. A spectral comparison between near and far detectors can explore reactor ν[over ¯]_{e} oscillations to a light sterile neutrino. An observed spectral difference is found to be consistent with that of the three-flavor oscillation model. This yields limits on sin^{2}2θ_{14} in the 10^{-4}≲|Δm_{41}^{2}|≲0.5 eV^{2} region, free from reactor ν[over ¯]_{e} flux and spectrum uncertainties. The RENO result provides the most stringent limits on sterile neutrino mixing at |Δm_{41}^{2}|≲0.002 eV^{2} using the ν[over ¯]_{e} disappearance channel.

Fuel-Composition Dependent Reactor Antineutrino Yield at RENO.

We report a fuel-dependent reactor electron antineutrino (ν[over ¯]_{e}) yield using six 2.8 GW_{th} reactors in the Hanbit nuclear power plant complex, Yonggwang, Korea. The analysis uses 850 666 ν[over ¯]_{e} candidate events with a background fraction of 2.0% acquired through inverse beta decay (IBD) interactions in the near detector for 1807.9 live days from August 2011 to February 2018. Based on multiple fuel cycles, we observe a fuel ^{235}U dependent variation of measured IBD yields with a slope of (1.51±0.23)×10^{-43} cm^{2}/fission and measure a total average IBD yield of (5.84±0.13)×10^{-43} cm^{2}/fission. The hypothesis of no fuel-dependent IBD yield is ruled out at 6.6σ. The observed IBD yield variation over ^{235}U isotope fraction does not show significant deviation from the Huber-Mueller (HM) prediction at 1.3 σ. The measured fuel-dependent variation determines IBD yields of (6.15±0.19)×10^{-43} and (4.18±0.26)×10^{-43} cm^{2}/fission for two dominant fuel isotopes ^{235}U and ^{239}Pu, respectively. The measured IBD yield per ^{235}U fission shows the largest deficit relative to the HM prediction. Reevaluation of the ^{235}U IBD yield per fission may mostly solve the reactor antineutrino anomaly (RAA) while ^{239}Pu is not completely ruled out as a possible contributor to the anomaly. We also report a 2.9 σ correlation between the fractional change of the 5 MeV excess and the reactor fuel isotope fraction of ^{235}U.

Measurement of Reactor Antineutrino Oscillation Amplitude and Frequency at RENO.

The RENO experiment reports more precisely measured values of θ_{13} and |Δm_{ee}^{2}| using ∼2200 live days of data. The amplitude and frequency of reactor electron antineutrino (ν[over ¯]_{e}) oscillation are measured by comparing the prompt signal spectra obtained from two identical near and far detectors. In the period between August 2011 and February 2018, the far (near) detector observed 103 212 (850 666) ν[over ¯]_{e} candidate events with a background fraction of 4.8% (2.0%). A clear energy and baseline dependent disappearance of reactor ν[over ¯]_{e} is observed in the deficit of the measured number of ν[over ¯]_{e}. Based on the measured far-to-near ratio of prompt spectra, we obtain sin^{2}2θ_{13}=0.0896±0.0048(stat)±0.0047(syst) and |Δm_{ee}^{2}|=[2.68±0.12(stat)±0.07(syst)]×10^{-3} eV^{2}.

Prognostic significance of venous invasion and maximum standardized uptake value of 18F-FDG PET/CT in surgically resected T1N0 esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to analyze the risk factors of recurrence in patients with early stage esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the medical records of 190 patients with confirmed T1N0M0 ESCC after curative esophagectomy. The following potential prognostic factors for recurrence were investigated: age, sex, pathologic T category, tumor location, differentiation grade, tumor size, venous invasion, angiolymphatic invasion, perineural invasion and the maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) of the primary tumor. RESULTS: There were 174 male and 16 female patients with a median age of 66.0 years (range, 42.0-79.0 years). The pathologic status of the surgically resected ESCCs was T1a in 93 patients (48.9%) and T1b in 97 patients (51.1%). The median number of dissected lymph nodes was 35 (range, 10 to 86), and all lymph nodes were negative for tumors. The multivariate analysis showed presence of venous invasion [HR (hazard ratio), 11.433; P < 0.001) and SUVmax ≥ 3.2 (HR, 2.830; P = 0.011) as independent risk factors for recurrence. The 5-year recurrence-free survival (RFS) was 25.0% for patients with venous invasion and 78.9% for those without (P < 0.001). The 5-year RFS was 67.1% for patients with an SUVmax ≥3.2 and 81.5% for those with an SUVmax <3.2 (P = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: Venous invasion and high SUVmax could be important prognostic factors coupled with the TNM staging system, in patients with early stage ESCC.

Deleterious BRCA1/2 mutation is an independent risk factor for carboplatin hypersensitivity reactions.

BACKGROUND: We tested the hypothesis that BRCA1/2 mutation carriers with ovarian cancer are at higher risk of carboplatin hypersensitivity reactions (HSRs). METHODS: Medical records of women enrolled in two carboplatin+olaparib clinical trials (NCT01237067/NCT01445418) were reviewed. A maximum of eight cycles containing carboplatin were administered. RESULTS: All women (N=87) had good performance status and end-organ function. Incidences of carboplatin HSR before enrolment and on study were 17% and 21%, respectively. Most patients who developed carboplatin HSR had a deleterious BRCA1/2 mutation (93%) vs 50% in patients without HSR (P<0.0001). Multivariable analysis accounting for potential confounding variables including age, history of allergies, and cumulative prior carboplatin cycles confirmed deleterious BRCA1/2 mutation as an independent risk factor for carboplatin HSR (odds ratio 13.1 (95% confidence interval 2.6-65.4), P=0.0017). Mutation carriers had onset of carboplatin HSR at lower cumulative exposure (P=0.003). No significant difference in outcome was observed on our study between patients with and without a history of HSR. CONCLUSION: Deleterious BRCA1/2 mutation increased susceptibility and shortened time to carboplatin HSR, independently of other reported factors. These data suggest that at-risk women should be counselled regarding likelihood, symptoms, and potential earlier onset of carboplatin HSRs.

An alternative method for Staphylococcus aureus DNA isolation / Metodologia alternativa para extração de DNA genômico de Staphylococcus aureus

This study describes a rapid procedure for the isolation of genomic DNA from Staphylococcus aureus that yielded a good amount of high quality DNA for the amplification of staphylococcal enterotoxins genes (A, B, C, D, and E) and the TSST-1 gene as well as enzymatic restriction (HaeIII) from environmental isolates. With this method, it was possible to detect these genes in a sample containing as little as 10(5) cells with positive PCR reactions obtained from approximately 10pg of DNA in a final reaction volume of 25µl.

Descreve-se um procedimento rápido para extração de DNA genômico de isolados de Staphylococcus aureus capaz de produzir DNA estafilocócico em qualidade e quantidade suficiente para a amplificação de genes que codificam enterotoxinas estafilocócicas (A - E) e para TSST-1 e restrição enzimática (HaeIII) de isolados ambientais. O método proposto foi capaz de detectar esses genes em um produto de extração contendo tanto quanto 10(5) células, e reações positivas de PCR foram obtidas de aproximadamente 10pg de DNA.

Comparative analyses of the complete genome sequences of Pierce's disease and citrus variegated chlorosis strains of Xylella fastidiosa.

Xylella fastidiosa is a xylem-dwelling, insect-transmitted, gamma-proteobacterium that causes diseases in many plants, including grapevine, citrus, periwinkle, almond, oleander, and coffee. X. fastidiosa has an unusually broad host range, has an extensive geographical distribution throughout the American continent, and induces diverse disease phenotypes. Previous molecular analyses indicated three distinct groups of X. fastidiosa isolates that were expected to be genetically divergent. Here we report the genome sequence of X. fastidiosa (Temecula strain), isolated from a naturally infected grapevine with Pierce's disease (PD) in a wine-grape-growing region of California. Comparative analyses with a previously sequenced X. fastidiosa strain responsible for citrus variegated chlorosis (CVC) revealed that 98% of the PD X. fastidiosa Temecula genes are shared with the CVC X. fastidiosa strain 9a5c genes. Furthermore, the average amino acid identity of the open reading frames in the strains is 95.7%. Genomic differences are limited to phage-associated chromosomal rearrangements and deletions that also account for the strain-specific genes present in each genome. Genomic islands, one in each genome, were identified, and their presence in other X. fastidiosa strains was analyzed. We conclude that these two organisms have identical metabolic functions and are likely to use a common set of genes in plant colonization and pathogenesis, permitting convergence of functional genomic strategies.

Comparison of the genomes of two Xanthomonas pathogens with differing host specificities.

The genus Xanthomonas is a diverse and economically important group of bacterial phytopathogens, belonging to the gamma-subdivision of the Proteobacteria. Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. citri (Xac) causes citrus canker, which affects most commercial citrus cultivars, resulting in significant losses worldwide. Symptoms include canker lesions, leading to abscission of fruit and leaves and general tree decline. Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris (Xcc) causes black rot, which affects crucifers such as Brassica and Arabidopsis. Symptoms include marginal leaf chlorosis and darkening of vascular tissue, accompanied by extensive wilting and necrosis. Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris is grown commercially to produce the exopolysaccharide xanthan gum, which is used as a viscosifying and stabilizing agent in many industries. Here we report and compare the complete genome sequences of Xac and Xcc. Their distinct disease phenotypes and host ranges belie a high degree of similarity at the genomic level. More than 80% of genes are shared, and gene order is conserved along most of their respective chromosomes. We identified several groups of strain-specific genes, and on the basis of these groups we propose mechanisms that may explain the differing host specificities and pathogenic processes.

Preparation and biological evaluation of 188Re-ethylenediamine-N,N,N',N'-tetrakis(methylene phosphonic acid) as a potential agent for bone pain palliation.

This study was undertaken in order to prepare 188Re labelled ethylenediamine-N,N,N',N'-tetrakis(methylene phosphonic acid) (EDTMP), and to determine its potential as a therapeutic radiopharmaceutical for the palliation of metastatic bone pain. The effects of pH, incubation methods, and concentrations of stannous chloride, EDTMP, and ammonium perrhenate as a carrier on radiochemical yield and stability were evaluated. Biodistribution studies were performed in male Wistar rats after intravenous injection of 188Re-EDTMP and compared with those of hydroxyethylidene diphosphonate (HEDP). Greater than 95% radiochemical yield of 188Re-EDTMP was obtained under the optimal conditions (0.1 mmol x ml(-1) of EDTMP, 0.5 mg x ml(-1) of stannous chloride, and pH 1.0). Heating the reaction mixture (boiling water for 15 min, and microwave heating for 15 s) and the addition of ammonium perrhenate increased the radiochemical stability (>90% at 3 h, and >80% at 48 h). The biodistribution of 188Re-EDTMP showed high bony uptake and rapid clearance from other organs, and high bone-to-soft tissue ratios, which are similar to 188Re-HEDP. In conclusion, 188Re-EDTMP was prepared with high radiochemical yield and stability, and showed favourable biological characteristics. Microwave heating was a convenient and rapid method for the preparation of 188Re-EDTMP. It is considered that 188Re-EDTMP is a potential therapeutic agent for bone metastasis.

Correlation between 99mTc-pertechnetate uptakes and expressions of human sodium iodide symporter gene in breast tumor tissues.

We investigated a correlation between the expression of human sodium iodide symporter (hNIS) mRNA and the uptake of 99mTc-pertechnetate in 25 breast tumors. 99mTc-pertechnetate scintigraphy revealed positive uptake in 4 patients. The normalized mRNA expression of hNIS was higher in tumors with positive uptake on the scintigraphy (n=4, median 0.97, range 0.78-1.27) than that in negative uptake tumors (n=21, median 0.46, range 0.10-1.03, p < 0.005). 99mTc-pertechnetate uptake is correlated with the hNIS expression in the breast tumor.

Intravascular ultrasound analysis of beta radiation therapy for diffuse in-stent restenosis to inhibit intimal hyperplasia.

We evaluated the efficacy of beta-radiation therapy ((188)Re-MAG(3)) to inhibit intimal hyperplasia (IH) in diffuse in-stent restenosis by intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) analysis in 50 patients. Nine patients who did not agree with radiation therapy, and therefore underwent rotational atherectomy and balloon angioplasty for diffuse in-stent restenosis in the same study period, were selected for control groups. Serial IVUS comparisons were available in 44 of 50 patients with radiation therapy and 7 of 9 control patients. At 6-month follow-up, there was less significant increase of IH area in patients with radiation therapy than in control patients (Delta IH area = 0.1 +/- 0.8 mm(2) vs. 2.6 +/- 1.8 mm(2), P > 0.001 in mean values, and 0.6 +/- 1.4 mm(2) vs. 2.9 +/- 2.1 mm(2), P = 0.026 in values of follow-up lesion site, respectively). In conclusion, beta-radiation therapy might be an effective treatment modality to inhibit intimal hyperplasia in patients with diffuse in-stent restenosis.

Treatment of diffuse in-stent restenosis with rotational atherectomy followed by radiation therapy with a rhenium-188-mercaptoacetyltriglycine-filled balloon.

OBJECTIVES: This study was done to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of beta-radiation therapy with a rhenium-188-mercaptoacetyltriglycine ((188)Re-MAG(3))-filled balloon after rotational atherectomy for diffuse in-stent restenosis (ISR). BACKGROUND: Rotational atherectomy has been shown to be safe and efficient for the treatment of ISR, but the recurrence rate is still high. Intracoronary beta-irradiation after rotational atherectomy may be a reasonable approach to prevent recurrent ISR. METHODS: Fifty consecutive patients with diffuse ISR (length >10 mm) in native coronary arteries underwent rotational atherectomy and adjunctive balloon angioplasty, followed by beta-irradiation using a (188)Re-MAG(3)-filled balloon catheter. The radiation dose was 15 Gy at a depth of 1.0 mm into the vessel wall. RESULTS: The mean lengths of the lesion and irradiated segment were 25.6 +/- 12.7 mm and 37.6 +/- 11.2 mm, respectively. Radiation was delivered successfully to all patients, with a mean irradiation time of 201.8 +/- 61.7 s. No adverse event, including myocardial infarction, death or stent thrombosis, occurred during the follow-up period (mean 10.3 +/- 3.7 months), and nontarget vessel revascularization was needed in one patient. The six-month binary angiographic restenosis rate was 10.4%, and the loss index was 0.17 +/- 0.31. CONCLUSIONS: Beta-irradiation using a (188)Re-MAG(3)-filled balloon after rotational atherectomy is safe and feasible in patients with diffuse ISR, and it may improve their clinical and angiographic outcomes. Further prospective, randomized trials are warranted to evaluate the synergistic effect of debulking and irradiation in patients with diffuse ISR.

Simple and reliable preparation of pentavalent 99Tcm-dimercaptosuccinic acid at alkaline pH without oxygen bubbling.

We investigated a simple and reliable method for the preparation of 99Tcm-dimercaptosuccinic acid (99Tcm(V)-DMSA) without the addition of oxygen. The effect of pH, amount of reducing agent, and oxygen addition in the synthesis of 99Tcm(V)-DMSA were evaluated. At pH 9, we obtained a radiochemical yield of 95% +/- 1.2% within 10 min and a high stability until 7 h, with 92% +/- 1.5% radiochemical purity. However, at a pH lower than 9, the radiochemical yield was below 90% within 10 min, and a longer reaction time was needed to obtain a radiochemical yield above 90%. The addition of oxygen did not have an additional effect on the radiochemical yield or its stability at pH 9, whereas it increased the radiochemical yield of 99Tcm-(V)-DMSA at pH 7. It was noted that the smaller the amount of reducing agent used, the higher was the radiochemical yield obtained at pH 7. However, at pH 9, the radiochemical yield was not dependent on the amount of reducing agent. In conclusion, the synthesis of 99Tcm(V)-DMSA was more dependent on the pH of the reaction mixture than on the amount of reducing agent or the addition of oxygen. The adjustment of pH 9 was the easiest and most effective method for the synthesis of 99Tcm(V)-DMSA using a commercial kit for 99Tcm(III)-DMSA.

Supranormal differential renal function is real but may be pathological: assessment by 99m technetium mercaptoacetyltriglycine renal scan of congenital unilateral hydronephrosis.

PURPOSE: It is unclear whether supranormal differential renal function of the hydronephrotic kidney is real or artifactual. We investigated the effect of clinical and renographic parameters on differential renal function. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 34 males and 10 females from 1 to 9 months old (median age 2.6 months) with unilateral congenital hydronephrosis. A 99mtechnetium (Tc) mercaptoacetyltriglycine (MAG3) scan was performed, and regions of interest were drawn on the kidneys, and perirenal and lateral backgrounds. Differential renal function was calculated with and without background subtraction at 30-second intervals from 0.5 to 3 minutes after injection of 99mTc-MAG3. The effects of age, sex, obstruction, site and size of the hydronephrotic kidney were analyzed using the generalized estimating equations method. RESULTS: There were 11 right and 33 left hydronephrotic kidneys. An obstructive renographic pattern was present in 33 cases. The trends of differential renal function according to intervals were different between kidneys with and without background subtraction, and differential renal function increased significantly as size increased (p <0.05). Differential renal function of the hydronephrotic kidney with an obstructive renographic pattern increased with time when perirenal or no background subtraction was applied (p <0.05). The effects of age, sex or laterality on differential renal function were not significant. Supranormal function (differential renal function 55% or greater) was present regardless of background subtraction methods and measurement time. CONCLUSIONS: Differential renal function is higher in larger hydronephrotic kidney but function of the kidney with an obstructive pattern is overestimated on later phases of 99mTc-MAG3 renal scan. Supranormal differential renal function is real and may be pathologic since it is prone to occur in larger obstructive hydronephrotic kidneys.

Automation of the synthesis of highly concentrated 188Re-MAG3 for intracoronary radiation therapy.

We have developed an efficient method and an automated synthetic system for the preparation of highly concentrated 188Re-MAG3. Routine production of 188Re-MAG3 for use in intracoronary radiation therapy was performed by compressed air driven semi-automated shielded system. 188Re-MAG3 was prepared with a commercial kit and reducing agents, purified and concentrated by C18 Sep-Pak cartridges to desired radioactivity and volume. Using this automated system, reproducible radiolabeling yields of 80-85% were obtained.

Pelioid-type hepatocellular carcinoma masquerading as a hepatic hemangioma on technetium-99m red blood cell scintigraphy.

Technetium-99m red blood cell (RBC) scintigraphy is a very specific method to differentiate a hemangioma from other hepatic masses. The authors report a case of hepatocellular carcinoma that showed a focal area of increased uptake on Tc-99m RBC SPECT in a 60-year-old man. Dynamic computed tomography and angiography revealed features of both hemangioma and hepatocellular carcinoma. Pathologic examination showed that the portion of the hepatocellular carcinoma that showed increased uptake on Tc-99m RBC scintigraphy had peliosis, which is the likely cause of the radiotracer avidity.

Limited open repair of ruptured Achilles tendons with Bunnel-type sutures.

A new method of repairing Achilles tendons, which uses a small medial skin incision with a Bunnel-type suture, was performed on 14 patients, and the clinical results were found satisfying. In order to restore the Achilles tendon to its original length, restore tensile strength in the suture site, and minimize injury to the sural nerve, an operative procedure has been devised which uses a limited open repair with a Bunnel-type suture. We followed 14 patients who had undergone the new procedure for a mean interval of 26 months after the injury. They returned to work in six weeks and to playing sports in 25 weeks. There were no cases of late rerupture nor injuries to the sural nerve. This technique approximated the preinjury length and resting tension of the musculo-tendinous apparatus and minimized sural nerve injury.

Acetazolamide stress brain-perfusion SPECT predicts the need for carotid shunting during carotid endarterectomy.

UNLABELLED: Although carotid shunting is occasionally necessary to prevent cerebral ischemia during carotid endarterectomy, there is no reliable indication for this procedure. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether acetazolamide stress brain-perfusion SPECT can predict the need for carotid shunting during carotid endarterectomy. METHODS: Basal and acetazolamide stress brain-perfusion SPECT imaging was performed using a 1-d protocol and 99mTc-ethylcysteinate dimer (ECD) in 75 patients (12 women, 63 men; mean age, 64.8 y) before carotid endarterectomy. The need for carotid shunting during carotid endarterectomy was determined by the development of neurologic deterioration after carotid clamping under regional anesthesia. Regional cerebral blood flow, cerebrovascular reserve, the presence of contralateral carotid stenosis (> or =70%), and clinical risk factors, including age, sex, history of minor stroke or transient ischemic attack, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and smoking, were assessed with regard to whether they could predict the need for shunting. RESULTS: Carotid endarterectomy was performed safely without carotid shunting in 61 of 75 patients (81.3%). Carotid shunting was required in 14 patients (18.7%). Seven of 21 patients with a contralateral carotid stenosis, 9 of 41 with a reduced regional cerebral blood flow, and 11 of 30 with a reduced regional cerebrovascular reserve underwent carotid shunting. Patients with a reduced cerebrovascular reserve had a significantly higher number of carotid shunts performed (P < 0.01) than did those with a normal reserve, whereas contralateral carotid stenosis (P = 0.054) showed borderline significance. Reduced cerebral blood flow and clinical risk factors did not predict the need for carotid shunting (P > 0.1). Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that reduced cerebrovascular reserve was the only reliable predictor of the need for carotid shunting (P < 0.01). When a severely reduced cerebrovascular reserve (8/8) or reduced cerebral blood flow and cerebrovascular reserve with contralateral carotid stenosis (6/7) were present, carotid shunting was necessary, with positive and negative predictive values of 91% (10/11) and 94% (60/64), respectively. CONCLUSION: A reduced cerebrovascular reserve can predict the development of cerebral ischemia during carotid clamping. Acetazolamide stress brain-perfusion SPECT may be useful as a complementary method in determining selective carotid shunting during carotid endarterectomy.

Salt-tolerant phenol-degrading microorganisms isolated from Amazonian soil samples.

Two phenol-degrading microorganisms were isolated from Amazonian rain forest soil samples after enrichment in the presence of phenol and a high salt concentration. The yeast Candida tropicalis and the bacterium Alcaligenes faecoalis were identified using several techniques, including staining, morphological observation and biochemical tests, fatty acid profiles and 16S/18S rRNA sequencing. Both isolates, A. faecalis and C. tropicalis, were used in phenol degradation assays, with Rhodococcus erythropolis as a reference phenol-degrading bacterium, and compared to microbial populations from wastewater samples collected from phenol-contaminated environments. C. tropicalis tolerated higher concentrations of phenol and salt (16 mM and 15%, respectively) than A. faecalis (12 mM and 5.6%). The yeast also tolerated a wider pH range (3-9) during phenol degradation than A. faecalis (pH 7-9). Phenol degradation was repressed in C. tropicalis by acetate and glucose, but not by lactate. Glucose and acetate had little effect, while lactate stimulated phenol degradation in A. faecalis. To our knowledge, these soils had never been contaminated with man-made phenolic compounds and this is the first report of phenol-degrading microorganisms from Amazonian forest soil samples. The results support the idea that natural uncontaminated environments contain sufficient genetic diversity to make them valid choices for the isolation of microorganisms useful in bioremediation.