Diagnostic performance of dual-energy CT with electron-density reconstruction for lumbar disc herniation.

Background: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is used for the evaluation of degenerative spinal disease. However, its utility is restricted in routine practice because of contraindications and a lack of widespread availability. Dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) is a newer technique for the evaluation of degenerative spinal disease.

Biliary Anomalies in VACTERL Syndrome: A Case Report.

The VACTERL/VATER association is a rare congenital disorder characterized by the presence of at least three of its main components: vertebral defects, anal atresia, cardiovascular anomalies, tracheoesophageal fistulas, esophageal atresia, renal anomalies, and limb defects. The exact cause of the VACTERL association is not fully understood. Most cases occur randomly.

Removal of Pb ions using green CoO nanoparticles: Simulation, modeling, adsorption, and biological studies.

Chemical co-precipitation synthesized novel and green cobalt-oxide nanoparticles (CoO-NPs) utilizing cobalt nitrate as cobalt precursors. FTIR, Raman, scanning electron microscopy, UV visible, X-ray powder diffraction, and BET was used to analyze the surface characteristics, composition, and morphology, of the NPs. These green CoO-NPs were employed to remove Pb ions from simulated wastewater solutions at various pH, adsorbate, temperature, and dose concentrations.

Graphene oxide-based novel MOF nanohybrid for synergic removal of Pb (II) ions from aqueous solutions: Simulation and adsorption studies.

Heavy metals represent a considerable threat, and the current study deals with synthesizing a novel MOF nanocomposite by intercalating graphene oxide (GO) and linker UiO-66-NDC. It was shown that UiO-66-NDC/GO had enhanced the removal efficiency of Pb (II) ions at pH 6. The adsorption kinetics data followed the PSO (Type 2) representing chemisorption.

A systematic study of arsenic adsorption and removal from aqueous environments using novel graphene oxide functionalized UiO-66-NDC nanocomposites.

This study investigates the removal of As(V) from aqueous media using water stable UiO-66-NDC/GO prepared via the solvothermal procedure. The synthesized material was analyzed by Raman spectroscopy, UV-visible, X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) support its applicability as a super-adsorbent for the adsorption of As(V) ions from aqueous solutions. The effect of various parameters, including initial ion concentration, temperature, adsorbent dose, and pH on the adsorption of As(V) was studied to recognize the optimum adsorption conditions.

A novel CaO nanocomposite cross linked graphene oxide for Cr(VI) removal and sensing from wastewater.

A novel green nanocomposite has been prepared by immobilizing CaO nanoparticles (CaO NPs) on the surface of graphene oxide. Biogenic CaO-NPs were synthesized from Lala clamshells. Morphological and structural characterizations of the nanocomposite were studied extensively.

Radiofrequency ablation for management of malignant biliary obstruction: a single-center experience and review of the literature.

Background: Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) causes coagulative necrosis of tissue and may be beneficial prior to biliary stenting. We report our experience using RFA for malignant biliary obstruction and review the literature.

Methods: Retrospective analysis of all patients undergoing RFA for malignant biliary obstruction over the last two years.

Cytokine gene polymorphisms, cytokine levels and the risk of colorectal neoplasia in a screened population of Northeast Scotland.

Cytokine gene polymorphisms modify expression and their circulating protein levels reflect inflammatory response. Chronic inflammation plays a key role in the pathogenesis of colorectal neoplasia (CRN) associated with inflammatory bowel disease, but it is not clear whether inflammation is a cause or an effect of tumours in sporadic CRN. We therefore investigated the association of cytokine gene polymorphisms and circulating cytokine levels on the risk of CRN in Northeast Scotland, which has a high incidence of CRN.

MicroRNAs in gastrointestinal malignancy: a tool in cancer prevention?

Gastrointestinal malignancies are a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Most cases are diagnosed at an advanced stage and, as such, 5-year survival rates are poor. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short, noncoding RNAs that negatively regulate gene expression at a post-transcriptional level.

Lack of association between the rs2294008 polymorphism in the prostate stem cell antigen gene and colorectal neoplasia: a case-control and immunohistochemical study.

Background: Prostate stem cell antigen (PSCA) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of several solid tumours, either due to changes in protein expression, or through association with the rs2294008 polymorphism in the PSCA gene. To our knowledge, the role of PSCA in the development of colorectal neoplasia has not been explored. We performed a genotyping study to assess for associations between the rs2294008 polymorphism and risk of adenomatous polyps and colorectal cancer.