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Scientific Reports Jun 2024Ultrasound (US) has gained popularity as a guidance modality for percutaneous needle insertions because it is widely available and non-ionizing. However, coordinating...
Ultrasound (US) has gained popularity as a guidance modality for percutaneous needle insertions because it is widely available and non-ionizing. However, coordinating scanning and needle insertion still requires significant experience. Current assistance solutions utilize optical or electromagnetic tracking (EMT) technology directly integrated into the US device or probe. This results in specialized devices or introduces additional hardware, limiting the ergonomics of both the scanning and insertion process. We developed the first ultrasound (US) navigation solution designed to be used as a non-permanent accessory for existing US devices while maintaining the ergonomics during the scanning process. A miniaturized EMT source is reversibly attached to the US probe, temporarily creating a combined modality that provides real-time anatomical imaging and instrument tracking at the same time. Studies performed with 11 clinical operators show that the proposed navigation solution can guide needle insertions with a targeting accuracy of about 5 mm, which is comparable to existing approaches and unaffected by repeated attachment and detachment of the miniaturized tracking solution. The assistance proved particularly helpful for non-expert users and needle insertions performed outside of the US plane. The small size and reversible attachability of the proposed navigation solution promises streamlined integration into the clinical workflow and widespread access to US navigated punctures.
Topics: Humans; Electromagnetic Phenomena; Needles; Ultrasonography, Interventional; Miniaturization; Equipment Design; Phantoms, Imaging
PubMed: 38898086
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-64530-6 -
Scientific Reports Jun 2024Increasing evidence supports the hypothesis that cancer progression is under mitochondrial control. Mitochondrial fission plays a pivotal role in the maintenance of...
Increasing evidence supports the hypothesis that cancer progression is under mitochondrial control. Mitochondrial fission plays a pivotal role in the maintenance of cancer cell homeostasis. The inhibition of DRP1, the main regulator of mitochondrial fission, with the mitochondrial division inhibitor (mdivi-1) had been associated with cancer cell sensitivity to chemotherapeutics and decrease proliferation. Here, using breast cancer cells we find that mdivi-1 induces the detachment of the cells, leading to a bulk of floating cells that conserved their viability. Despite a decrease in their proliferative and clonogenic capabilities, these floating cells maintain the capacity to re-adhere upon re-seeding and retain their migratory and invasive potential. Interestingly, the cell detachment induced by mdivi-1 is independent of DRP1 but relies on inhibition of mitochondrial complex I. Furthermore, mdivi-1 induces cell detachment rely on glucose and the pentose phosphate pathway. Our data evidence a novel DRP1-independent effect of mdivi-1 in the attachment of cancer cells. The generation of floating viable cells restricts the use of mdivi-1 as a therapeutic agent and demonstrates that mdivi-1 effect on cancer cells are more complex than anticipated.
Topics: Humans; Dynamins; Breast Neoplasms; Female; Extracellular Matrix; Cell Line, Tumor; Quinazolinones; Mitochondrial Dynamics; Cell Adhesion; Cell Movement; Cell Survival; Cell Proliferation; Mitochondria
PubMed: 38898058
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-64228-9 -
Korean Journal of Ophthalmology : KJO Jun 2024To Investigate the prognostic factors for recurrent rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) following silicone oil removal.
PURPOSE
To Investigate the prognostic factors for recurrent rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) following silicone oil removal.
METHODS
This retrospective review included 147 consecutive patients with RRD treated with silicone-oil tamponade at a high-volume referral-based tertiary hospital between January 2012 and May 2022. All patients underwent follow-up for a minimum of 6 months after subsequent silicone oil removal. The primary outcome measure was the rate of recurrent retinal detachment following silicone oil removal, and the secondary outcome was best-corrected visual acuity after silicone oil removal.
RESULTS
The mean silicone oil tamponade duration was 4.7 5.01 months (range: 1-38 months; median: 3 months), and the recurrent retinal detachment rate after silicone oil removal was 15.6%. Logistic regression analysis revealed that argon endolaser photocoagulation during silicone oil removal (odds ratio [OR]: 0.31;95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.106-0.898; p = 0.031) was associated with a lower rate of anatomical success after silicone oil removal. Demographics, preoperative ocular characteristics, proliferative vitreoretinopathy, previous scleral encircling or buckling, previous retinectomy, concomitant phacoemulsification, duration of silicone-oil tamponade, and gas tamponade after silicone oil removal were not significantly associated with recurrent retinal redetachment r after silicone oil removal. Duration of silicone-oil tamponade (OR: 1.23; 95% CI: 1.07-1.40; p = 0.003) and recurrent retinal detachment after silicone oil removal (OR, 3.40; 95% CI, 1.31-8.82; p = 0.012) were associated with poor visual outcomes after silicone oil removal.
CONCLUSIONS
Among all factors examined in this study, including the duration of silicone-oil tamponade, laser retinopexy was the only significant prognostic factor for recurrent retinal detachment after silicone oil removal. A longer duration of silicone oil tamponade was associated with worse visual outcomes and a lower rate of visual improvement after silicone oil removal.
PubMed: 38897593
DOI: 10.3341/kjo.2024.0011 -
Korean Journal of Ophthalmology : KJO Jun 2024
PubMed: 38897592
DOI: 10.3341/kjo.2024.0005 -
Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology Jun 2024Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) plays an important role in the field of gene therapy and viral vaccines, especially as an oncolytic virus. However, the mass...
Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) plays an important role in the field of gene therapy and viral vaccines, especially as an oncolytic virus. However, the mass production of HSV-1 viral vectors remains a challenge in the industry. In this study, a microcarrier-mediated serum-reduced medium culture was used to improve the bioprocess of HSV-1 production and increase HSV-1 yields. The composition of the culture media, which included a basal medium, serum concentration, and glutamine additive, was optimized. The process was successfully conducted in a 1 L bioreactor, and virus production was threefold greater than that of conventional processes with a 10% serum medium. The bead-to-bead transfer process was also developed to further increase scalability. In spinner flasks, the detachment rate increased from 49.4 to 80.6% when combined agitation was performed during digestion; the overall recovery proportion increased from 37.9 to 71.1% after the operational steps were optimized. Specifically, microcarrier loss was reduced during aspiration and transfer, and microcarriers and detached cells were separated with filters. Comparable cell growth was achieved with the baseline process using 2D culture as the inoculum by exchanging the subculture medium. To increase virus production after bead-to-bead transfer, critical parameters, including shear stress during digestion, TrypLE and EDTA concentrations in the subculture, and the CCI, were identified from 47 parameters via correlation analysis and principal component analysis. The optimized bead-to-bead transfer process achieved an average of 90.4% overall recovery and comparable virus production compared to that of the baseline process. This study is the first to report the optimization of HSV-1 production in Vero cells cultured on microcarriers in serum-reduced medium after bead-to-bead transfer. KEY POINTS: • An HSV-1 production process was developed that involves culturing in serum-reduced medium, and this process achieved threefold greater virus production than that of traditional processes. • An indirect bead-to-bead transfer process was developed with over 90% recovery yield in bioreactors. • HSV-1 production after bead-to-bead transfer was optimized and was comparable to that achieved with 2D culture as inoculum.
Topics: Herpesvirus 1, Human; Bioreactors; Culture Media; Chlorocebus aethiops; Virus Cultivation; Vero Cells; Animals
PubMed: 38896301
DOI: 10.1007/s00253-024-13193-4 -
International Journal of Ophthalmology 2024To assess the clinical efficacy and safety of combining panretinal photocoagulation (PRP) with intravitreal conbercept (IVC) injections for patients with high-risk...
AIM
To assess the clinical efficacy and safety of combining panretinal photocoagulation (PRP) with intravitreal conbercept (IVC) injections for patients with high-risk proliferative diabetic retinopathy (HR-PDR) complicated by mild or moderate vitreous hemorrhage (VH), with or without diabetic macular edema (DME).
METHODS
Patients diagnosed with VH with/without DME secondary to HR-PDR and received PRP combined with IVC injections were recruited in this retrospective study. Upon establishing the patient's diagnosis, an initial IVC was performed, followed by prompt administration of PRP. In cases who significant bleeding persisted and impeded the laser operation, IVC was sustained before supplementing with PRP. Following the completion of PRP, patients were meticulously monitored for a minimum of six months. Laser therapy and IVC injections were judiciously adjusted based on fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA) results. Therapeutic effect and the incidence of adverse events were observed.
RESULTS
Out of 42 patients (74 eyes), 29 were male and 13 were female, with a mean age of 59.17±12.74y (33-84y). The diabetic history was between 1wk and 26y, and the interval between the onset of visual symptoms and diagnosis of HR-PDR was 1wk-1y. The affected eye received 2.59±1.87 (1-10) IVC injections and underwent 5.5±1.02 (4-8) sessions of PRP. Of these, 68 eyes received PRP following 1 IVC injection, 5 eyes after 2 IVC injections, and 1 eye after 3 IVC injections. Complete absorption of VH was observed in all 74 eyes 5-50wk after initial treatment, with resolution of DME in 51 eyes 3-48wk after initial treatment. A newly developed epiretinal membrane was noted in one eye. Visual acuity significantly improved in 25 eyes. No complications such as glaucoma, retinal detachment, or endophthalmitis were reported.
CONCLUSION
The study suggests that the combination of PRP with IVC injections is an effective and safe modality for treating diabetic VH in patients with HR-PDR.
PubMed: 38895681
DOI: 10.18240/ijo.2024.06.11 -
International Journal of Ophthalmology 2024To compare the efficacy of pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) combined with internal limiting membrane (ILM) and silicone oil or sterile air tamponade for the treatment of...
AIM
To compare the efficacy of pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) combined with internal limiting membrane (ILM) and silicone oil or sterile air tamponade for the treatment of myopic foveoschisis (MF) in highly myopic eyes.
METHODS
This retrospective study included 48 myopic eyes of 40 patients with MF and axial lengths (ALs) ranging from 26-32 mm treated between January 2020 and January 2022. All patients were underwent PPV combined with ILM peeling followed by sterile air or silicone oil tamponade and followed up at least 12mo. Based on the features on spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT), the eyes were divided into the MF-only group (Group A, =15 eyes), MF with central foveal detachment group (Group B, =20 eyes), and MF with lamellar macular hole group (Group C, =13 eyes). According to AL, eyes were further divided into three groups: Group D (26.01-28.00 mm, =12 eyes), Group E (28.01-30.00 mm, =26 eyes), and Group F (30.01-32.00 mm, =10 eyes). The best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central foveal thickness (CFT), and complications were recorded.
RESULTS
The patients included 16 males and 24 females with the mean age of 56±9.82y. The BCVA and CFT improved in all groups after surgery (<0.01), while there was no significant difference of the CFT in Group A, B, and C postoperatively (>0.05). The intergroup differences of BCVA and CFT postoperatively were statistically significant in Group D, E, and F. Twenty eyes were injected with sterile air, and 28 eyes were injected with silicone oil for tamponade based on the AL. However, there was no statistically significant difference among Groups D, E, and F in terms of the results of sterile air or silicone oil tamponade. The mean recovery time was 5.9mo for MF patients subjected to silicone oil tamponade and 7.7mo for patients subjected to sterile air tamponade, and the difference was not statistically significant.
CONCLUSION
PPV and ILM peeling combined with silicone oil or sterile air tamponade can achieve good results for MF in highly myopic eyes with ALs≤32 mm.
PubMed: 38895672
DOI: 10.18240/ijo.2024.06.13 -
RSC Advances Jun 2024Borohydride crossover in anion exchange membrane (AEM) based direct borohydride fuel cells (DBFCs) impairs their performance and induces cathode catalyst poisoning. This...
Borohydride crossover in anion exchange membrane (AEM) based direct borohydride fuel cells (DBFCs) impairs their performance and induces cathode catalyst poisoning. This study evaluates three non-precious metal catalysts, namely LaMnCoO (LMCO) perovskite, MnCoO (MCS) spinel, and Fe-N-C, for their application as cathode catalysts in DBFCs. The rotating disk electrode (RDE) testing shows significant borohydride tolerance of MCS. Moreover, MCS has exhibited exceptional stability in accelerated durability tests (ADTs), with a minimal reduction of 10 mV in half-wave potential. DFT calculations further reveal that these catalysts predominantly adsorb over , unlike commercial Pt/C which preferentially adsorbs . In DBFCs, MCS can deliver a peak power density of 1.5 W cm, and a 3% voltage loss after a 5 hours durability test. In contrast, LMCO and Fe-N-C have exhibited significantly lower peak power density and stability. The analysis of the TEM, XRD, and XPS results before and after the single-cell stability tests suggests that the diminished stability of LMCO and Fe-N-C catalysts is due to catalyst detachment from carbon supports, resulting from the nanoparticle aggregation during the high-temperature preparation process. Such findings suggest that MCS can effectively mitigate the fuel crossover challenge inherent in DBFCs, thus enhancing its viability for practical application.
PubMed: 38895534
DOI: 10.1039/d4ra02767a -
Materials (Basel, Switzerland) May 2024In this paper, the stress-strain curves of TiAlNb are established based on uniaxial impact tests over wide ranges of temperature and strain rate. The TiAlNb exhibited...
In this paper, the stress-strain curves of TiAlNb are established based on uniaxial impact tests over wide ranges of temperature and strain rate. The TiAlNb exhibited the work hardening effect but did not show an obvious yield stage during a quasi-static compression test. In the SHPB test, an obvious temperature softening effect was found, the strain rate strengthening effect was detected when the strain rate was 4000-8000 s, and the strain rate softening effect was detected in the range of 8000-12,000 s. A function describing the effect of strain rate on the strain rate strengthening parameters under various temperatures was proposed to modify the basic J-C constitutive model. The relative errors between the experimental measured value and predicted values in various experimental conditions with a modified J-C model were less than 5.0%. The results verified that the modified J-C model could accurately describe the dynamic mechanical properties of TiAlNb at high temperatures and strain rates. The research could help to illustrate the cutting mechanism and finite element simulation of TiAlNb alloy.
PubMed: 38893836
DOI: 10.3390/ma17112572 -
Materials (Basel, Switzerland) May 2024Traditional ACSR overhead wires, which consist of a high-strength steel core and several layers of aluminium wires, are currently the most popular overhead line...
Traditional ACSR overhead wires, which consist of a high-strength steel core and several layers of aluminium wires, are currently the most popular overhead line conductor (OHL) design globally. Operating conditions, particularly operating under varying stresses from Karman vortices, lead to the fatigue cracking of wires of the outer layer, followed by wires of the inner layers. Karman vortices are formed by the detachment of a laminar wind stream flowing around the conductor, which causes vibrations in the conductor called wind or aeolian oscillations. Aluminium wires are manufactured using standard batch material drawing technology. Although the fatigue strength of such wires is not standardised, there are various criteria for evaluating this characteristic, as well as established limits on the number of cycles needed to break the first wires of the outer layer. Fatigue strength also strongly depends on the geometric structure of the wire and its operating conditions. The article analyses the influence of the mechanical condition of aluminium wires used in ACSR cables on their fatigue strength. We then present results from aluminium wire fatigue tests conducted on a specially constructed test rig. In addition, fatigue cracks were interpreted using scanning microscopy.
PubMed: 38893802
DOI: 10.3390/ma17112537