Reproducibility and repeatability of 18F-(2S, 4R)-4-fluoroglutamine PET imaging in preclinical oncology models.

Introduction: Measurement of repeatability and reproducibility (R&R) is necessary to realize the full potential of positron emission tomography (PET). Several studies have evaluated the reproducibility of PET using 18F-FDG, the most common PET tracer used in oncology, but similar studies using other PET tracers are scarce. Even fewer assess agreement and R&R with statistical methods designed explicitly for the task.

PET Imaging of Metabolism, Perfusion, and Hypoxia: FDG and Beyond.

Imaging glucose metabolism with [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography has transformed the diagnostic and treatment algorithms of numerous malignancies in clinical practice. The cancer phenotype, though, extends beyond dysregulation of this single pathway. Reprogramming of other pathways of metabolism, as well as altered perfusion and hypoxia, also typifies malignancy.

FPGA Implementation of Keyword Spotting System Using Depthwise Separable Binarized and Ternarized Neural Networks.

Keyword spotting (KWS) systems are used for human-machine communications in various applications. In many cases, KWS involves a combination of wake-up-word (WUW) recognition for device activation and voice command classification tasks. These tasks present a challenge for embedded systems due to the complexity of deep learning algorithms and the need for optimized networks for each application.

Feasibility of [F]FSPG PET for Early Response Assessment to Combined Blockade of EGFR and Glutamine Metabolism in Wild-Type Colorectal Cancer.

Early response assessment is critical for personalizing cancer therapy. Emerging therapeutic regimens with encouraging results in the wild-type (WT) colorectal cancer (CRC) setting include inhibitors of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and glutaminolysis. Towards predicting clinical outcome, this preclinical study evaluated non-invasive positron emission tomography (PET) with (4S)-4-(3-[F]fluoropropyl)-L-glutamic acid ([F]FSPG) in treatment-sensitive and treatment-resistant WT CRC patient-derived xenografts (PDXs).

Clinical significance of lipid droplets formed in the peritoneal fluid after laparoscopic surgery for gastric cancer.

Background: Several studies have previously reported that laparoscopic surgery using an energy sealing device generates hazardous surgical smoke. However, the droplets appearing on the surface of peritoneal fluid irrigated with saline, after dissection phase of laparoscopic gastrectomy were ignored for a long time. This study aimed to investigate the composition and clinical significance of these droplet particles.

Glucose metabolic profiles evaluated by PET associated with molecular characteristic landscape of gastric cancer.

Background: Although FDG-PET is widely used in cancer, its role in gastric cancer (GC) is still controversial due to variable [F]fluorodeoxyglucose ([F]FDG) uptake. Here, we sought to develop a genetic signature to predict high FDG-avid GC to plan individualized PET and investigate the molecular landscape of GC and its association with glucose metabolic profiles noninvasively evaluated by [F]FDG-PET.

Methods: Based on a genetic signature, PETscore, representing [F]FDG avidity, was developed by imaging data acquired from thirty patient-derived xenografts (PDX).

Evaluation of Near-infrared Fluorescence-conjugated Peptides for Visualization of Human Epidermal Receptor 2-overexpressed Gastric Cancer.

Purpose: A near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence imaging is a promising tool for cancer-specific image guided surgery. Human epidermal receptor 2 (HER2) is one of the candidate markers for gastric cancer. In this study, we aimed to synthesize HER2-specific NIR fluorescence probes and evaluate their applicability in cancer-specific image-guided surgeries using an animal model.

The RNA-Binding Protein DDX18 Promotes Gastric Cancer by Affecting the Maturation of MicroRNA-21.

Objectives: The noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) play important roles in gastric cancer. Most studies have focused on the functions and influence of ncRNAs, but seldom on their maturation. DEAD box genes are a family of RNA-binding proteins that may influence the development of ncRNAs, which attracted our attention.

Development of a Novel Orthotopic Gastric Cancer Mouse Model.

Background: Gastric cancer metastasis is a highly fatal disease with a five-year survival rate of less than 5%. One major obstacle in studying gastric cancer metastasis is the lack of faithful models available. The cancer xenograft mouse models are widely used to elucidate the mechanisms of cancer development and progression.

Establishment of a [F]-FDG-PET/MRI Imaging Protocol for Gastric Cancer PDX as a Preclinical Research Tool.

Purpose: The utility of 18-fluordesoxyglucose positron emission tomography ([F]-FDG-PET) combined with computer tomography or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in gastric cancer remains controversial and a rationale for patient selection is desired. This study aims to establish a preclinical patient-derived xenograft (PDX) based [F]-FDG-PET/MRI protocol for gastric cancer and compare different PDX models regarding tumor growth and FDG uptake.

Materials And Methods: Female BALB/c nu/nu mice were implanted orthotopically and subcutaneously with gastric cancer PDX.

microRNA-30a arbitrates intestinal-type early gastric carcinogenesis by directly targeting ITGA2.

Background: Spasmolytic polypeptide-expressing metaplasia (SPEM) is considered a precursor lesion of intestinal metaplasia and intestinal-type gastric cancer (GC), but little is known about microRNA alterations during metaplasia and GC developments. Here, we investigate miR-30a expression in gastric lesions and identify its novel target gene which is associated with the intestinal-type GC.

Methods: We conducted in situ hybridization and qRT-PCR to determine miR-30a expression in gastric tissues.

Optimization of microwave-assisted extraction of total extract, stevioside and rebaudioside-A from Stevia rebaudiana (Bertoni) leaves, using response surface methodology (RSM) and artificial neural network (ANN) modelling.

Stevia rebaudiana (Bertoni) consists of stevioside and rebaudioside-A (Reb-A). We compared response surface methodology (RSM) and artificial neural network (ANN) modelling for their estimation and predictive capabilities in building effective models with maximum responses. A 5-level 3-factor central composite design was used to optimize microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) to obtain maximum yield of target responses as a function of extraction time (X: 1-5min), ethanol concentration, (X: 0-100%) and microwave power (X: 40-200W).

Imaging Single-mRNA Localization and Translation in Live Neurons.

Local protein synthesis mediates precise spatio-temporal regulation of gene expression for neuronal functions such as long-term plasticity, axon guidance and regeneration. To reveal the underlying mechanisms of local translation, it is crucial to understand mRNA transport, localization and translation in live neurons. Among various techniques for mRNA analysis, fluorescence microscopy has been widely used as the most direct method to study localization of mRNA.