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Physics in Medicine and Biology Jun 2024Reducing the radiation dose leads to the X-ray computed tomography (CT) images suffering from heavy noise and artifacts, which inevitably interferes with the subsequent...
Reducing the radiation dose leads to the X-ray computed tomography (CT) images suffering from heavy noise and artifacts, which inevitably interferes with the subsequent clinic diagnostic and analysis. Leading works have explored diffusion models for low-dose CT imaging to avoid the structure degeneration and blurring effects of previous deep denoising models. However, most of them always begin their generative processes with Gaussian noise, which has little or no structure priors of the clean data distribution, thereby leading to long-time inference and unpleasant reconstruction quality. To alleviate these problems, this paper presents a Structure-Aware Diffusion model (SAD), an end-to-end self-guided learning framework for high-fidelity CT image reconstruction. First, SAD builds a nonlinear diffusion bridge between clean and degraded data distributions, which could directly learn the implicit physical degradation prior from observed measurements. Second, SAD integrates the prompt learning mechanism and implicit neural representation into the diffusion process, where rich and diverse structure representations extracted by degraded inputs are exploited as prompts, which provides global and local structure priors, to guide CT image reconstruction. Finally, we devise an efficient self-guided diffusion architecture using an iterative updated strategy, which further refines structural prompts during each generative step to drive finer image reconstruction. Extensive experiments on AAPM-Mayo and LoDoPaB-CT datasets demonstrate that our SAD could achieve superior performance in terms of noise removal, structure preservation, and blind-dose generalization, with few generative steps, even one step only.
PubMed: 38942004
DOI: 10.1088/1361-6560/ad5d47 -
British Journal of Hospital Medicine... Jun 2024Breast leukaemia (BL) is a rare breast malignancy that is treated differently from other malignant conditions. However, it is easily confused with other conditions;...
Breast leukaemia (BL) is a rare breast malignancy that is treated differently from other malignant conditions. However, it is easily confused with other conditions; therefore, how to accurately diagnose is crucial. We retrospectively analysed the imaging findings of 13 patients to provide a diagnostic reference. From January 2015 to April 2023, 13 patients with BL confirmed by biopsy who underwent imaging in Peking University People's hospital were retrospectively analysed. The imaging findings obtained via ultrasound (US), mammography (MMG), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) were analysed, and the detection rates of these methods for diagnosing BL were compared. Twenty-nine lesions were detected in the 13 patients. These patients presented with palpable masses or breast swelling several months after treatment for leukaemia, mainly involving the bilateral breasts. Ultrasonography was performed for 13 patients, and all lesions were detected. Most of the identified masses were hypoechoic and had indistinct boundaries, irregular shapes, no enhancement of the posterior echo, and no abundant blood flow. MMG was performed for five patients, revealing breast masses, architectural distortion, and no abnormalities. MRI was performed for four patients, and all lesions were detected; most of the lesions were hypointense on T1-weighted imaging and hyperintense on T2-weighted imaging and diffusion-weighted imaging, with a decreased apparent diffusion coefficient and inhomogeneous enhancement. The enhancement curves were mostly inflow patterns. PET/CT was performed for four patients; two patients had hypermetabolism, and the other two had no obvious radioactive uptake. Compared to MMG and PET/CT, US and MRI have higher detection rates. Furthermore, compared to MRI, US is inexpensive, convenient and efficient; therefore, it should be the first choice for diagnosing BL.
Topics: Humans; Female; Breast Neoplasms; Middle Aged; Adult; Retrospective Studies; Positron Emission Tomography Computed Tomography; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Mammography; Ultrasonography, Mammary; Leukemia; Aged
PubMed: 38941971
DOI: 10.12968/hmed.2024.0101 -
Environment International Jun 2024Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) receive global attention due to their adverse effects on human health and the environment. Fish consumption is a major source...
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) receive global attention due to their adverse effects on human health and the environment. Fish consumption is a major source of human PFAS exposure. The aim of this work was to address the lack of harmonization within legislations (in the EU and the USA) and highlight the level of PFAS in fish exposed to pollution from diffuse sources in the context of current safety thresholds. A non-exhaustive literature review was carried out to obtain PFAS concentrations in wild fish from the Norwegian mainland, Svalbard, the Netherlands, the USA, as well as sea regions (North Sea, English Channel, Atlantic Ocean), and farmed fish on the Dutch market. Median sum wet weight concentrations of PFOA, PFNA, PFHxS, and PFOS ranged between 0.1 µg kg (farmed fish) and 22 µg kg (Netherlands eel). Most concentrations fell below the EU environmental quality standard (EQS) for PFOS (9.1 µg kg) and would not be defined as polluted in the EU. However, using recent tolerable intake or reference dose values in the EU and the USA revealed that even limited fish consumption would lead to exceedance of these thresholds - possibly posing a challenge for risk communication.
PubMed: 38941943
DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2024.108844 -
Journal of Colloid and Interface Science Jun 2024P2-NaMnNiO is a promising cathode material for sodium ion batteries (SIBs) due to its low cost, high theoretical capacity, and non-toxicity. However, it still suffers...
P2-NaMnNiO is a promising cathode material for sodium ion batteries (SIBs) due to its low cost, high theoretical capacity, and non-toxicity. However, it still suffers from unsatisfactory cycling stability mainly incurred by the Jahn-Teller effect of Mn and electrolyte decomposition on the electrode/electrolyte interface. Herein, the P2-NaNiMnO@PPy (NNMO@PPy) composite applied as cathode materials for SIBs is obtained by introducing conductive polypyrrole (PPy) as coating layer on the P2-NaNiMnO (NNMO) microspheres. Numerous physical characterization methods indicate that the PPy layer was uniformly coated on the surface of NNMO microspheres without change in phase structure and morphology. The PPy coating layer can alleviate Mn dissolution and effectively suppress the side reactions between the electrolyte and electrode during cycling. The optimal NNMO@PPy-9 with 9 wt% PPy delivers a high capacity of 127.4 mAh/g at the current density at 150 mA g, an excellent cyclic stability with high capacity retention of 80.5 % after 300 cycles, and enhanced rate performance (169.3 mAh/g at 15 mA g while 89.8 mAh/g at 600 mA g). Furthermore, hard carbon (-)//NNMO@PPy-9 (+) full cell delivers a high energy density of 305.1 Wh kg and superior cycling stability with 88.2 % capacity retention after 150 cycles. In-situ X-ray diffraction experiment and electrochemical characterization verify the highly reversible structure evolution and robust P2-type phase structure of NNMO@PPy-9 for fast and stable Na diffusion. This effective strategy of using conductive PPy as a coating layer may provide a new insight to modify NNMO surface, improving the cycling stability and rate capability.
PubMed: 38941935
DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2024.06.197 -
Journal of Colloid and Interface Science Jun 2024Protein emulsifiers play an important role in formulation science, from food product development to emerging applications in biotechnologies. The impact of mixed protein...
Protein emulsifiers play an important role in formulation science, from food product development to emerging applications in biotechnologies. The impact of mixed protein assemblies on surface composition and interfacial shear mechanics remains broadly unexplored, in comparison to the impact that formulation has on dilatational mechanics and surface tension or pressure. In this report, we use interfacial shear rheology to quantify the evolution of interfacial shear moduli as a function of composition in bovine serum albumin (BSA)/β-casein mixed assemblies. We present the pronounced difference in mechanics of these two protein, at oil interfaces, and observe the dominance of β-casein in regulating interfacial shear mechanics. This observation correlates well with the strong asymmetry of adsorption of these two proteins, characterised by fluorescence microscopy. Using neutron reflectometry and fluorescence recovery after photobleaching, we examine the architecture of corresponding protein assemblies and their surface diffusion, providing evidence for distinct morphologies, but surprisingly comparable diffusion profiles. Finally, we explore the impact of crosslinking and sequential protein adsorption on the interfacial shear mechanics of corresponding assemblies. Overall, this work indicates that, despite comparable surface densities, BSA and β-casein assemblies at liquid-liquid interfaces display almost 2 orders of magnitude difference in interfacial shear storage modulus and markedly different viscoelastic profiles. In addition, co-adsorption and sequential adsorption processes are found to further modulate interfacial shear mechanics. Beyond formulation science, the understanding of complex mixed protein assemblies and mechanics may have implications for the stability of emulsions and may underpin changes in the mechanical strength of corresponding interfaces, for example in tissue culture or in physiological conditions.
PubMed: 38941932
DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2024.06.111 -
European Journal of Paediatric... Jun 2024Music therapy (MT) is proposed to enrich the acoustic environment of very preterm infants (VPT) on the neonatal intensive care unit during a vulnerable period of brain...
OBJECTIVE
Music therapy (MT) is proposed to enrich the acoustic environment of very preterm infants (VPT) on the neonatal intensive care unit during a vulnerable period of brain development. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of MT on the white matter (WM) microstructure. It is hypothesized that MT affects WM integrity in VPT.
METHODS
Randomized controlled trial enrolling infants born <32 weeks' gestation. Infants were randomized to MT or standard care. Live MT was provided twice weekly from the second postnatal week onwards by a trained music therapist. At term equivalent age, participants underwent a cranial magnetic resonance imaging scan including sequences for diffusion tensor imaging analysis. Differences in WM microstructure were assessed using tract based spatial statistics with fractional anisotropy.
RESULTS
Of 80 infants enrolled, 42 were eligible for diffusion tensor imaging analysis (MT: n = 22, standard care: n = 20). While primary tract based spatial statistics analysis revealed no significant differences between groups, post hoc analysis with uncorrected p-values and a significance threshold of p < 0.01 revealed significant fractional anisotropy differences in several WM tracts including the bilateral superior longitudinal fasciculus, the left forceps minor and left fasciculus uncinatus, the corpus callosum, the left external capsule, and the right corticospinal tract.
CONCLUSION
Post hoc analysis results suggest an effect of MT on WM integrity in VPT. Larger studies including long-term outcome are necessary to confirm these effects of MT on WM microstructure and to assess its impact on clinical neurodevelopment.
CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION
Clinical trial number DRKS00025753.
PubMed: 38941879
DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpn.2024.06.009 -
Computer Methods and Programs in... Jun 2024In this work, the analysis of the importance of hemodynamic updates on a mechanobiological model of atheroma plaque formation is proposed.
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE
In this work, the analysis of the importance of hemodynamic updates on a mechanobiological model of atheroma plaque formation is proposed.
METHODS
For that, we use an idealized and axisymmetric model of carotid artery. In addition, the behavior of endothelial cells depending on hemodynamical changes is analyzed too. A total of three computational simulations are carried out and their results are compared: an uncoupled model and two models that consider the opposite behavior of endothelial cells caused by hemodynamic changes. The model considers transient blood flow using the Navier-Stokes equation. Plasma flow across the endothelium is determined with Darcy's law and the Kedem-Katchalsky equations, considering the three-pore model, which is also employed for the flow of substances across the endothelium. The behavior of the considered substances in the arterial wall is modeled with convection-diffusion-reaction equations, and the arterial wall is modeled as a hyperelastic Yeoh's material.
RESULTS
Significant variations are noted in both the morphology and stenosis ratio of the plaques when comparing the uncoupled model to the two models incorporating updates for geometry and hemodynamic stimuli. Besides, the phenomenon of double-stenosis is naturally reproduced in the models that consider both geometric and hemodynamical changes due to plaque growth, whereas it cannot be predicted in the uncoupled model.
CONCLUSIONS
The findings indicate that integrating the plaque growth model with geometric and hemodynamic settings is essential in determining the ultimate shape and dimensions of the carotid plaque.
PubMed: 38941860
DOI: 10.1016/j.cmpb.2024.108296 -
Journal of Hazardous Materials Jun 2024Water pollution from industrial or household waste, containing dyes from the textile industry, poses a significant environmental challenge requiring immediate attention....
Water pollution from industrial or household waste, containing dyes from the textile industry, poses a significant environmental challenge requiring immediate attention. In this study, we have developed a crosslinked-smart-polymer film based on 2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate copolymerized with other hydrophilic and hydrophobic commercial monomers, and its efficacy in removing 21 different textile dyes was assessed. The smart polymer effectively interacts with and adsorbs dyes, inducing a noticeable colour change. UV-Vis spectroscopy analysis confirmed a removal efficiency exceeding 90 % for anionic dyes, with external diffusion identified as the primary influencing factor on process kinetics, consistent with both pseudo-first-order kinetics and the Crank-Dual model. Isothermal studies revealed distinct adsorption behaviors, with indigo carmine adhering to a Freundlich isotherm while others conformed to the Langmuir model. Permeation and fluorescence analyses corroborated isotherm observations, verifying surface adsorption. Significantly, our proof-of-concept demonstrated the resilience of the smart-film to common fabric softeners and detergents without compromising adsorption capacity. Additionally, the material exhibited reusability (for at least 5 cycles), durability, and good thermal and mechanical properties, with T and T values of 265 °C and 342 °C, respectively, a Tg of 168 °C, and a water swelling percentage of 54.3 %, thus confirming its stability and suitability for industrial application. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPLICATION: Dyes released during laundry processes should be classified as "hazardous materials" owing to their significant toxicity towards aquatic organisms, with the potential to disrupt ecosystems and harm aquatic biodiversity. This paper discusses the development of a novel acrylic material in film form, engineered to extract toxic anionic dyes. This study directly contributes to mitigating the environmental impact associated with the fashion industry and the domestic use of textiles. It can be implemented on both an industrial and personal scale, thereby encouraging more sustainable practices and promoting collaborative citizen science efforts towards.
PubMed: 38941828
DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.135006 -
European Journal of Radiology Jun 2024To assess T1 mapping performance in distinguishing between benign and malignant breast lesions and to explore its correlation with histopathologic features in breast...
PURPOSE
To assess T1 mapping performance in distinguishing between benign and malignant breast lesions and to explore its correlation with histopathologic features in breast cancer.
METHODS
This study prospectively enrolled 103 participants with a total of 108 lesions, including 25 benign and 83 malignant lesions. T1 mapping, diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), and dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) were performed. Two radiologists independently outlined the ROIs and analyzed T1 and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values for each lesion, assessing interobserver reliability with the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). T1 and ADC values were compared between benign and malignant lesions, across different histopathological characteristics (histological grades, estrogen, progesterone and HER2 receptors expression, Ki67, N status). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis and Pearson correlation coefficient (ρ) were performed.
RESULTS
T1 values showed statistically significant differences between benign and malignant groups (P < 0.001), with higher values in the malignant (1817.08 ms ± 126.64) compared to the benign group (1429.31 ms ± 167.66). In addition, T1 values significantly increased in the ER (-) group (P = 0.001). No significant differences were found in T1 values among HER2, Ki67, N status, and histological grades groups. Furthermore, T1 values exhibited a significant correlation (ρ) with ER (P < 0.01) and PR (P = 0.03). The AUC for T1 value in distinguishing benign from malignant lesions was 0.69 (95 % CI: 0.55 - 0.82, P = 0.005), and for evaluating ER status, it was 0.75 (95 % CI: 0.62 - 0.87, P = 0.002).
CONCLUSIONS
T1 mapping holds the potential as an imaging biomarker to assist in the discrimination of benign and malignant breast lesions and assessing the ER expression status in breast cancer.
PubMed: 38941821
DOI: 10.1016/j.ejrad.2024.111589 -
Waste Management (New York, N.Y.) Jun 2024The iron and steel-making industries have garnered significant attention in research related to low-carbon transitions and the reuse of steel slag. This industry is...
The iron and steel-making industries have garnered significant attention in research related to low-carbon transitions and the reuse of steel slag. This industry is known for its high carbon emissions and the substantial amount of steel slag it generates. To address these challenges, a waste heat recovery process route has been developed for molten steel slag, which integrates CO capture and fixation as well as efficient utilization of steel slag. This process involves the use of lime kiln flue gas from the steel plant as the gas quenching agent, thereby mitigating carbon emissions and facilitating carbonation conversion of steel slag while simultaneously recovering waste heat. The established carbonation model of steel slag reveals that the insufficient diffusion of CO gas molecules within the product layer is the underlying mechanism hindering the carbonation performance of steel slag. This finding forms the basis for enhancing the carbonation performance of steel slag. The results of Aspen Plus simulation indicate that 1 t of steel slag (with a carbonation conversion rate of 15.169 %) can fix 55.19 kg of CO, process 6.08 kmol of flue gas (with a carbon capture rate of 92.733 %), and recover 2.04 GJ of heat, 0.43 GJ of exergy, and 0.68 MWh of operating cost. These findings contribute to the development of sustainable and efficient solutions for steel slag management, with potential applications in the steel production industry and other relevant fields.
PubMed: 38941735
DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2024.06.024