Morphological imaging and CT histogram analysis to differentiate pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor grade 3 from neuroendocrine carcinoma

PurposeTo compare morphological imaging features and CT texture histogram parameters between grade 3 pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (G3-NET) and neuroendocrine carcinomas (NEC).Materials and methodsPatients with pathologically proven G3-NET and NEC, according to the 2017 World Health Organization classification who had CT and MRI examinations between 2006-2017 were retrospectively included. CT and MRI examinations were reviewed by two radiologists in consensus and analyzed with respect to tumor size, enhancement patterns, hemorrhagic content, liver metastases and lymphadenopathies. Texture histogram analysis of tumors was performed on arterial and portal phase CT images. images. Morphological imaging features and CT texture histogram parameters of G3-NETs and NECs were compared.ResultsThirty-seven patients (21 men, 16 women; mean age, 56 ± 13 [SD] years [range: 28-82 years]) with 37 tumors (mean diameter, 60 ± 46 [SD] mm) were included (CT available for all, MRI for 16/37, 43%). Twenty-three patients (23/37; 62%) had NEC and 14 patients (14/37; 38%) had G3-NET. NECs were larger than G3-NETs (mean, 70 ± 51 [SD] mm [range: 18 - 196 mm] vs. 42 ± 24 [SD] mm [range: 8 - 94 mm], respectively; P = 0.039), with more tumor necrosis (75% vs. 33%, respectively; P = 0.030) and lower attenuation on precontrast (30 ± 4 [SD] HU [range: 25-39 HU] vs. 37 ± 6 [SD] [range: 25-45 HU], respectively; P = 0.002) and on portal venous phase CT images (75 ± 18 [SD] HU [range: 43 - 108 HU] vs. 92 ± 19 [SD] HU [range: 46 - 117 HU], respectively; P = 0.014). Hemorrhagic content on MRI was only observed in NEC (P = 0.007). The mean ADC value was lower in NEC ([1.1 ± 0.1 (SD)] × 10⁻³ mm²/s [range: (0.91 - 1.3) × 10⁻³ mm²/s] vs. [1.4 ± 0.2 (SD)] × 10⁻³ mm²/s [range: (1.1 - 1.6) × 10⁻³ mm²/s]; P = 0.005). CT histogram analysis showed that NEC were more heterogeneous on portal venous phase images (Entropy-0: 4.7 ± 0.2 [SD] [range: 4.2-5.1] vs. 4.5 ± 0.4 [SD] [range: 3.7-4.9]; P = 0.023).ConclusionPancreatic NECs are larger, more frequently hypoattenuating and more heterogeneous with hemorrhagic content than G3-NET on CT and MRI.     

Connectivity measures suggest a sub-cortical generator of myoclonus in Angelman syndrome

ObjectiveThe clinical and neurophysiological characteristics of myoclonus in Angelman syndrome (AS) have been evaluated in single case or small cohorts, with contrasting results. We evaluated the features of myoclonus in a wide cohort of AS patients.MethodsWe performed polygraphic EEG-EMG recording in 24 patients with genetically confirmed AS and myoclonus. Neurophysiological investigations included jerk-locked back-averaging (JLBA), cortico-muscular coherence (CMC) and generalised partial directed coherence (GPDC). CMC and GPDC analyses were compared to those obtained from 10 healthy controls (HC).ResultsTwenty-four patients (aged 3–35 years, median 20) were evaluated. Sequences of quasi-continuous rhythmic jerks mostly occurred at alpha frequency or just below (mean 8.4 ± 1.4 Hz), without EEG correlate. JLBA did not show any clear transient preceding the jerks. CMC showed bilateral over-threshold CMC in alpha band that was prominent on the contralateral hemisphere in the patient group as compared to HC group. GPDC showed a significantly higher alpha outflow from both hemispheres toward activated muscles in the patient group, and a significantly higher beta outflow from contralateral hemisphere in the HC group.ConclusionsThese neurophysiological findings suggest a subcortical generator of myoclonus in AS.SignificanceMyoclonus in AS has not a cortical origin as previously hypothesised.     

Inactivated influenza vaccine formulated with single-stranded RNA-based adjuvant confers mucosal immunity and cross-protection against influenza virus infection

Influenza vaccination is considered the most valuable means to prevent and control seasonal influenza infections, which causes various clinical symptoms, ranging from mild cough and fever to even death. Among various influenza vaccine types, the inactivated subunit type is known to provide improved safety with reduced reactogenicity. However, there are some drawbacks associated with inactivated subunit type vaccines, with the main ones being its low immunogenicity and the induction of Th2-biased immune responses. In this study, we investigated the role of a single-stranded RNA (ssRNA) derived from the intergenic region in the internal ribosome entry site of the Cricket paralysis virus as an adjuvant rather than the universal vaccine for a seasonal inactivated subunit influenza vaccine. The ssRNA adjuvant stimulated not only well-balanced cellular (indicated by IgG2a, IFN-γ, IL-2, and TNF-α) and humoral (indicated by IgG1 and IL-4) immune responses but also a mucosal immune response (indicated by IgA), a key protector against respiratory virus infections. It also increases the HI titer, the surrogate marker of influenza vaccine efficacy. Furthermore, ssRNA adjuvant confers cross-protective immune responses against heterologous influenza virus infection while promoting enhanced viral clearance. Moreover, ssRNA adjuvant increases the number of memory CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T cells, which can be expected to induce long-term immune responses. Therefore, this ssRNA-adjuvanted seasonal inactivated subunit influenza vaccine might be the best influenza vaccine generating robust humoral and cellular immune responses and conferring cross-protective and long-term immunity.     

A nationally representative survey of hospital malnutrition: the Italian PIMAI (Project: Iatrogenic MAlnutrition in Italy) study

Aim and methods  Nutrition, unhealthy lifestyles and cancer appear to be strictly related, but few authors have analysed the interest in dietary information of cancer patients and their families. This survey was conducted in the Veneto area (Italy) to investigate the concern of cancer patients and their family members about diet as a health tool before and after diagnosis of cancer. Results  Seven hundred and four questionnaires were collected: 380 from cancer patients and 324 from family members of cancer subjects. Breast cancer (BC) was the most frequent disease for patients (61.8%) as well as families (26.5%). Generally, the importance of having precise diet information after diagnosis is recognised by 40.3% of patients, with significant differences between the various types of cancer: gastric and colon/rectum cancer (GCC) patients were more concerned than BC women about precise information concerning a diet to follow immediately after diagnosis (p = 0.000, ODs = 3.10, CI 1.68–5.71) or during treatments (p = 0.001, ODs = 2.67, CI 1.46–4.89). The nutritional information is supplied to patients in 34% of cases and to relatives in 30.3%, often from non-medical sources. In total healthcare workers (family doctor, oncologist, surgeon, dietician) represented the exclusive source of dietary information for 24.9% of patients and 22.9% of family members. Diet after diagnosis changes in 69.1% of GCC patients and in 39.2% of BC women. Relatives, particularly women, report difficulties preparing patients’ meals in 30.7% of cases, changes in the eating habits of the entire family in 29.9% and discontent connected with patients diet in 13.9%. The concern about proper nutrition after diagnosis increases more in GCC subjects (p < 0.025) when compared to BC subjects and in patients with more recent diagnosis (p < 0.041) when compared with patients with diagnosis >5 years ago, while in family members the interest in diet after diagnosis increases more in women than in men (p < 0.030) without other differences regarding the degree of relationship, type of cancer or diagnosis time. Relatives (92.7%) have more interest in nutritional education than patients (74.9%). Cancer patients <65 years were more interested in educational initiatives concerning nutrition (p = 0.000, ODs = 4.46, CI 2.6–7.4) than older patients (>65 years) and female subjects were more concerned than male patients (p = 0.008, ODs = 2.11, CI 1.2–3.6). Conclusions  The interest in the dietary knowledge and in educational initiatives concerning nutrition is high in cancer patients and their relatives, although it decreases with the age. The poor attention paid to nutrition of cancer patients by various healthcare workers deserves consideration, since the psychophysical wellbeing and perhaps also survival of cancer patients can be improved by correct dietary management, as well as, naturally, by the principal treatments themselves.     

Corporate influence on threshold limit values

Investigations into the historical development of specific Threshold Limit Values (TLVs) for many substances have revealed serious shortcomings in the process followed by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists. Unpublished corporate communications were important in developing TLVs for 104 substances; for 15 of these, the TLV documentation was based solely on such information. Efforts to obtain written copies of this unpublished material were mostly unsuccessful. Case studies on the TLV Committee's handling of lead and seven carcinogens illustrate various aspects of corporate influence and interaction with the committee. Corporate representatives listed officially as "consultants" since 1970 were given primary responsibility for developing TLVs on proprietary chemicals of the companies that employed them (Dow, DuPont). It is concluded that an ongoing international effort is needed to develop scientifically based guidelines to replace the TLVs in a climate of openness and without manipulation by vested interests.     

农业科技期刊论文发表中的信息安全问题及应对策略

【目的】 分析农业科技论文中的信息安全问题,指出信息安全关键点,为防止因学术传播泄露国家(企业)机密和保护信息安全提供参考。【方法】 依据我国相关法律法规以及编辑工作实践,对农业科技期刊论文发表中的信息安全关键点进行分析。【结果】 总结出农业科技论文中的信息安全关键点,即全国性的农业基础数据、涉密的科研项目、生物育种技术、食品安全、动物疫情、植物病害、地理信息、气象信息等。针对信息安全问题提出如下应对策略:提高编辑人员信息安全意识和涉密数据识别能力、建立完整的信息安全审查机制、联合探索信息权限控制技术手段、对作者加强信息安全知识宣传、增加行业期刊间的沟通与交流。【结论】 编辑部应将国家安全和利益放在重要位置,以国家法律法规以及农业农村部的有关规定为依据,把控农业科技论文信息安全关键点,确保发表论文的信息安全。     

生物医学科技论文存在的利益冲突问题及其应对措施

【目的】 探讨生物医学科技论文存在的主要利益冲突(Conflict of Interest, COI)问题及其应对措施。【方法】 通过检索Retraction Watch 数据库,收集2016—2021年生物医学期刊中因COI相关问题被撤销、更正或关注的95篇论文为研究对象。回顾性调查论文及其处理(撤稿、更正或关注)声明的主要特征、存在的COI问题及处理措施。【结果】 本研究纳入的95篇论文中,72篇被撤销,23篇被更正或关注。论文存在的主要COI问题包括COI披露不完整(46.3%)、确实存在COI(18.9%)、对已披露COI的完整性存在质疑(12.6%)、潜在的COI披露不完整(12.6%)、COI披露错误(5.3%)等;具体COI表现为作者与企业(42.1%)、其他研究者(9.7%)、其他作者(7.0%)、研究机构(6.1%),以及期刊编辑或审稿人(5.3%)等之间存在的潜在COI或COI。【结论】 生物医学期刊论文发表过程中存在多种COI问题,并且表现形式多样。建立并完善COI相关编辑政策,可预防COI相关问题的发生,从而减少发表偏倚。     

基于眼动技术的高危孤独症谱系障碍幼儿限制性兴趣研究

目的 分析高危孤独症谱系障碍(HR-ASD)幼儿的局限兴趣眼动特征及行为指标间相关性,为ASD的亚型分类早期识别及干预提供依据。方法 选取2018年6月—2020年6月就诊于南方医科大学附属深圳妇幼保健院符合入组标准的年龄相匹配的ASD幼儿39例、HR-ASD幼儿49例及正常发育幼儿44例,采用SMI RED250便携式眼动仪、孤独症观察量表(ADOS)及盖塞尔发育量表(GDS)对患儿进行测试,比较三组幼儿关注兴趣物的眼动特征与行为指标的结果,并分析其相关性。结果 1)ASD幼儿与HR-ASD组幼儿首次注视的兴趣物分别为轮船、台灯,注视轨迹均无规律性,正常发育幼儿首次注视物为气球,注视物轨迹有规律;ASD组与HR-ASD幼儿组的兴趣物倾向相似,且较正常幼儿对各种玩具车、转椅等异常注视,差异有统计学意义(F=123.01、89.32,P＜0.01)。2)ASD组与HR-ASD组幼儿较正常发育幼儿的适应性、精细动作、语言及个人社交能力水平均差(F＝47.05、23.70、32.30、50.19,P＜0.01),但ASD幼儿与HR-ASD组幼儿一般行为能力差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05)。3)ASD幼儿、HR-ASD幼儿对动车的眼动注视时间与语言能力均呈负相关(r=-0.22,-0.43,P＜0.05);正常幼儿的语言能力与其对动车及转椅的注视均呈负相关(r=-0.17,r=-0.17,P＜0.05),对蛋糕的眼动注视时间与个人-社交能力呈正相关(r=0.43,P＜0.01)。结论 早期识别高危孤独症谱系障碍幼儿局限兴趣,对ASD的早期亚型分类及早期辅助诊断与干预有重要指导意义。