Harnessing Photon Density Wave Spectroscopy for the Inline Monitoring of up to 100 L Vinyl Acetate-Versa 10 Polymerization: Insights into Dispersion Dynamics and Mixing.

Photon Density Wave (PDW) spectroscopy is used as process analytical technology (PAT) in three batch sizes, 1 L, 10 L and 100 L, of polyvinyl acetate-neodecanoic acid vinyl ester (Versa 10) copolymerization. The effects on particle formation and growth are comparably analyzed. The data show comparability across scales up to a polymer volume fraction of around 0.

Nonlinear Viscoelasticity of and Structural Modulation in Guar Gum-Enhanced Triple-Network Hydrogels.

The effect of the presence of guar gum (0-0.75 wt%) in a thermo-responsive triple-network (TN) PVA/TA/PVA-MA-g-PNIPAAm hydrogel (PVA: polyvinyl alcohol; MA: methacrylate, PNIPAAm: poly-N-isopropyl acryl amide; TA: tannic acid) with respect to the structural, mechanical, and viscoelastic properties was mapped. A comprehensive analysis, using large-amplitude oscillatory shear (LAOS), SEM imaging, XRD, and mechanical analysis revealed that guar enhances hydrogel crystallinity (up to 30% at 0.

Novel Processes for the Production of Continuous Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Thermoplastic Polymers via Additive Manufacturing and Comparisons.

Continuous fiber-reinforced polymer (CoFRP) parts offer significant potential for reducing future product consumption and CO emissions due to their high tensile properties and low density. Additive manufacturing enables the tool-free production of complex geometries with optimal material utilization, making it a promising approach for creating load-path-optimized CoFRP parts. Recent advancements have integrated continuous fibers into laser sintering processes, allowing for the support-free production of complex parts with improved material properties.

Quill Mites of the Family Syringophilidae (Acariformes: Cheyletoidea) Parasitising Birds of the Subfamily Euphoninae (Passeriformes: Fringillidae).

Quill mites of the family Syringophilidae (Acariformes: Prostigmata) are highly specialised avian ectoparasites that inhabit feather quills. Despite their widespread occurrence, their diversity, distribution, and host associations remain poorly understood. This study examined the diversity and ecological interactions of syringophilid mites parasitising Euphoninae hosts.

Occurrence of Ocular Disorders in California Sea Lions Under Human Care: Comparing Freshwater and Saltwater Housing Conditions.

California sea lions () are susceptible to various ocular diseases, with some literature suggesting a heightened risk for those kept in freshwater pools as opposed to saltwater. Given the potential implications of housing conditions on animal health, we wanted to analyze the ocular health of two distinct groups of California sea lions kept at Nuremberg Zoo, one housed in freshwater and the other in saltwater. Data extracted from the animals' medical records during a ten-year period were used to compare the incidence of eye conditions and other medical conditions observed.

Characterizing Canine Frontal Electroencephalographic Patterns and Cardiovascular Correlates at Different Anesthetic Levels of Sevoflurane.

This study evaluated electroencephalogram [EEG] and cardiovascular correlation of sevoflurane anesthesia in healthy beagle dogs at varying minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) multiples. Processed EEG indices (Patient State Index [PSI], burst suppression ratio [SR], and Spectral Edge Frequency [SEF95], cardiovascular parameters (mean blood pressure [MBP], heart rate [HR]), and responses to noxious (electrical) stimuli were recorded. Deep anesthesia (2.

Important Diseases of Small Ruminants in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Review with a Focus on Current Strategies for Treatment and Control in Smallholder Systems.

Sheep and goats are an important source of livelihood for smallholder farmers in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). These livestock are almost entirely managed by resource-poor, smallholder farmers and pastoralists. Despite the large number of sheep and goats in SSA, their productivity is low, mainly due to diseases, poor feed, and inferior breeds.

Improvement in the Usability of Meat Inspection Findings for Swine Herd Health Management.

Data from post-mortem inspections conducted using official controls on the meat production of slaughtered pigs are generally considered valuable for identifying herd health issues and ensuring meat safety. However, several studies highlighted that a multi-stage assessment of lung changes would provide more useful information on animal health than the implemented binary (yes/no) recording. For this purpose, a new scheme was developed and subsequently used by trained official veterinarians at four slaughterhouses in Austria.

An Investigation into the Effect of Body Condition and Other Gilt Characteristics on Estrus Responses Post Altrenogest Treatment and on Reproductive Performance.

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of body condition (BC) and other characteristics on estrus responses post altrenogest treatment and on reproductive performance in 161 gilts, bred artificially, treated with 20 mg altrenogest orally for 18 consecutive days. Parameters recorded at the beginning of altrenogest treatment included age and body weight. Backfat (BFT) and muscle thickness (MT), both defining BC, puberty status and uterine size (UtS, based on cross-sectional areas of the uterine horns) were recorded by real-time-ultrasound (RTU), and BFT, along with MT together with ovary status, were recorded again at the end of altrenogest treatment.

The Value of Clinical Decision Support in Healthcare: A Focus on Screening and Early Detection.

In a rapidly changing technology landscape, "Clinical Decision Support" (CDS) has become an important tool to improve patient management. CDS systems offer medical professionals new insights to improve diagnostic accuracy, therapy planning, and personalized treatment. In addition, CDS systems provide cost-effective options to augment conventional screening for secondary prevention.

Comparing ChatGPT 4.0's Performance in Interpreting Thyroid Nodule Ultrasound Reports Using ACR-TI-RADS 2017: Analysis Across Different Levels of Ultrasound User Experience.

This study evaluates ChatGPT 4.0's ability to interpret thyroid ultrasound (US) reports using ACR-TI-RADS 2017 criteria, comparing its performance with different levels of US users. A team of medical experts, an inexperienced US user, and ChatGPT 4.

Current Biomarkers in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer-The Molecular Pathologist's Perspective.

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Advances in tissue-based biomarkers have significantly enhanced diagnostic and therapeutic approaches in NSCLC, enabling precision medicine strategies. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the molecular pathologist's practical approach to assessing NSCLC biomarkers across various specimen types (liquid biopsy, broncho-alveolar lavage, transbronchial biopsy/endobronchial ultrasound-guided biopsy, and surgical specimen), including challenges such as biological heterogeneity and preanalytical variability.

HF-Ultrasonography to Quantify Skin Atrophy in Patients with Inflammatory Rheumatic Diseases Treated with Courses of Glucocorticoids.

: Prolonged courses of glucocorticoids (GCs) for patients suffering from inflammatory rheumatic diseases (IRDs) are associated with adverse effects. High-frequency ultrasonography (HFUS) has been utilized to quantify skin changes during short-term topical GC treatment. We aimed to quantify skin atrophy in IRD patients treated systemically with prolonged courses of GCs.

Patient Shielding in Ultra-High-Resolution Cone-Beam CT of the Upper Extremity with a Twin Robotic X-Ray System.

Gantry-free cone-beam CT (CBCT) allows for ultra-high-resolution (UHR) upper extremity imaging in a comfortable tableside position. The aim of this study was to assess the organ-specific radiation burden and the effect of dedicated lead shielding in the UHR-CBCT of the wrist and elbow. A modified Alderson-Rando phantom was scanned with the tableside UHR-CBCT mode of a twin robotic X-ray system employing identical scan parameters for wrist and elbow imaging.

Preoperative Adult-Type Diffuse Glioma Subtype Prediction with Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced MR Imaging and Diffusion Weighted Imaging in Tumor Cores and Peritumoral Tissue-A Standardized Multicenter Study.

: The non-invasive identification of glioma subtypes is useful for initial diagnosis, treatment planning, and follow-up. The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of diffusion kurtosis imaging (DKI) and dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE)-MRI in differentiating subtypes of adult-type diffuse gliomas. : In a prospective multicenter study, standardized MRI was analyzed in 59 patients with adult-type diffuse glioma.

DNA Methylation Array Analysis Identifies Biological Subgroups of Cutaneous Melanoma and Reveals Extensive Differences with Benign Melanocytic Nevi.

: Genetics and epigenetics play an important role in the pathogenesis of cutaneous melanoma. The majority of cases harbor mutations in genes associated with the MAPK signaling pathway, i.e.

Avelumab Maintenance Therapy in Advanced Urothelial Carcinoma: Implications of Timing and Treatment Sequencing.

Background: Platinum-based chemotherapy (PBC) followed by avelumab maintenance is a treatment option for patients with advanced urothelial carcinoma (aUC) patients. However, the optimal treatment sequencing in the era of antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) is yet to be determined. Recent studies suggest that the timing of immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) administration may impact patient outcomes, with a potential benefit from morning infusions.

Frozen Section Analysis in Submandibular Gland Tumors: Optimizing Intraoperative Decision-Making.

: With around 25 different salivary gland tumor entities described by the World Health Organization, the correct preoperative identification of masses as benign or malignant remains a challenge. If preoperative needle biopsy is inconclusive, frozen section analysis is a possible alternative for accurate histological identification. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the diagnostic effectiveness of frozen section performed for primary submandibular gland masses.

Integrating CT Radiomics and Clinical Features to Optimize TACE Technique Decision-Making in Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

Background/objectives: To develop a decision framework integrating computed tomography (CT) radiomics and clinical factors to guide the selection of transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) technique for optimizing treatment response in non-resectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on 151 patients [33 conventional TACE (cTACE), 69 drug-eluting bead TACE (DEB-TACE), 49 degradable starch microsphere TACE (DSM-TACE)] who underwent TACE for HCC at a single tertiary center. Pre-TACE contrast-enhanced CT images were used to extract radiomic features of the TACE-treated liver tumor volume.

The Complexity of Malignant Glioma Treatment.

Malignant glioma is a highly aggressive, therapeutically non-responsive, and deadly disease with a unique tumor microenvironment (TME). Of the 14 currently recognized and described cancer hallmarks, five are especially implicated in malignant glioma and targetable with repurposed drugs: cancer stem-like cells, in general, and glioma stem-like cells in particular (GSCs), vascularization and hypoxia, metabolic reprogramming, tumor-promoting inflammation and sustained proliferative signaling. Each hallmark drives malignant glioma development, both individually and through interactions with other hallmarks, in which the TME plays a critical role.

Performance Comparison of Diffusion Kurtosis Imaging (DKI), Neurite Orientation Dispersion and Density Imaging (NODDI), and Diffusion Microstructure Imaging (DMI) in Predicting Adult-Type Glioma Subtype-A Pilot Study.

: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the performance of diffusion kurtosis imaging (DKI), neurite orientation dispersion and density imaging (NODDI), and diffusion microstructure imaging (DMI) in differentiating molecular subtypes of adult-type gliomas. : Standardized MRI was performed and evaluated in 59 patients with adult-type glioma. DKI, NODDI, and DMI parameter values were quantitatively evaluated in ROIs in contrast-enhancing/solid tumor tissue and five concentric shells with peritumoral tissue.

Management Based on Pretreatment PSMA PET of Patients with Localized High-Risk Prostate Cancer Part 2: Prediction of Recurrence-A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background And Objectives: For patients with prostate cancer (PCa), PSMA PET better diagnose metastases than conventional imaging. In a systematic review and meta-analysis (INPLASY register, 2024311004), we aimed to summarize findings with pretreatment PSMA PET in patients with PCa that was localized according to conventional imaging and summarize how pretreatment PSMA PET had influence on biochemical recurrence (BCR)-free survival and overall survival (OS).

Methods: We searched for publications in Pubmed, Google Scholar, ClinicalTrials.

Low Intratumoral CD200 Protein Expression in Primary Merkel Cell Carcinoma Is a Strong Predictor for Disease Relapse.

Background: Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare and frequently fatal form of skin cancer. Apart from Programmed Cell Death Protein 1 (PD-1)/Programmed Death-Ligand 1 (PD-L1) signaling, there is a lack of knowledge regarding other immune checkpoint molecules. Recent studies have observed elevated glycoprotein CD200 (also known as OX-2) mRNA expression in in different types of tumors, with CD200R-expressing myeloid cells present in the tumor microenvironment.

Evaluation of an Mutation FastTrack Assay for Patients with Cholangiocarcinoma.

Background: Cholangiocarcinoma, a malignancy originating from the bile ducts, poses significant treatment challenges due to its typically late diagnosis and limited therapeutic options. However, recent advances in molecular genetics enable more personalized treatment approaches. A notable breakthrough in this context is the identification of isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) mutations, particularly and , which occur in a subset of cholangiocarcinoma patients.