Effects of carrying handles, postures, materials and distances on carrying capability

This study recruited 14 industrial workers to examine the effects of carrying handles, postures, materials and distances on maximum acceptable weights of carrying (MAWC), and resulting heart rate and body rating of perceived exertion (RPE) for a 20 min intensive carrying task. This study showed that MAWC of carrying with bar handles, carrying with hands-and-body posture, solid materials and 4 m distance were significantly higher than that of carrying with groove handles, carrying with hands posture, liquid materials and 8 m distance, respectively. The resulting heart rates while carrying MAWCs of groove handles, hands-and-body carrying posture, solid materials and 4 m distance were lower than the resulting heart rates while carrying MAWCs of bar handles, hands carrying posture, liquid materials and 8 m distance, respectively. Most pair levels of independent variables resulted in similar body's RPEs except for the pair levels of carrying distance.

Fast acquisition of multidimensional NMR spectra of solids and mesophases using alternative sampling methods

Unique information about the atom-level structure and dynamics of solids and mesophases can be obtained by the use of multidimensional nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) experiments. Nevertheless, the acquisition of these experiments often requires long acquisition times. We review here alternative sampling methods, which have been proposed to circumvent this issue in the case of solids and mesophases. Compared to the spectra of solutions, those of solids and mesophases present some specificities because they usually display lower signal-to-noise ratios, non-Lorentzian line shapes, lower spectral resolutions and wider spectral widths. We highlight herein the advantages and limitations of these alternative sampling methods. A first route to accelerate the acquisition time of multidimensional NMR spectra consists in the use of sparse sampling schemes, such as truncated, radial or random sampling ones. These sparsely sampled datasets are generally processed by reconstruction methods differing from the Discrete Fourier Transform (DFT). A host of non-DFT methods have been applied for solids and mesophases, including the G-matrix Fourier transform, the linear least-square procedures, the covariance transform, the maximum entropy and the compressed sensing. A second class of alternative sampling consists in departing from the Jeener paradigm for multidimensional NMR experiments. These non-Jeener methods include Hadamard spectroscopy as well as spatial or orientational encoding of the evolution frequencies. The increasing number of high field NMR magnets and the development of techniques to enhance NMR sensitivity will contribute to widen the use of these alternative sampling methods for the study of solids and mesophases in the coming years.

Computed tomography features of benign and malignant solid thyroid nodules

BACKGROUND

No previous study has investigated computed tomography (CT) features of benign and malignant solid thyroid nodules using detailed CT features and histopathological results.

PURPOSE

To assess CT features of benign and malignant solid thyroid nodules in patients who underwent thyroid surgery.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

From January to April 2014, 151 consecutive patients underwent neck CT before thyroid surgery. In each case, neck CT was retrospectively examined by a single radiologist. We evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of specific CT features for differentiating malignant from benign thyroid nodules using histopathological results as a reference standard.

RESULTS

Of 173 thyroid nodules in 142 patients, 162 (mean diameter, 12.8 ± 10.3 mm; range, 5.0-93.7 mm) were visualized on neck CT. Of 162 nodules in 133 patients, 116 were malignant and 46 were benign as confirmed by histopathology. A multivariate logistic regression analysis showed a significant difference between malignant and benign thyroid nodules in the degree and pattern of nodular enhancement, but there were no significant differences in other CT features. In particular, thyroid nodules with exophytic configuration, irregular margin, taller-than-wide shape, punctate calcifications, or homogeneously decreased enhancement showed a high malignancy rate.

CONCLUSION

The study demonstrated that the degree and pattern of nodular enhancement are helpful CT features for differentiating malignant from benign solid thyroid nodules.

Transition between morule-like and solid components may occur in solid-predominant adenocarcinoma of the lung: report of 2 cases with EGFR and KRAS mutations

A limited number of pulmonary adenocarcinoma cases with morule-like components have been described to date, and the most frequent histological subtype is papillary-predominant adenocarcinoma. Occasionally, this type of adenocarcinoma is associated with solid-predominant adenocarcinoma. EGFR mutations are predominant in adenocarcinoma with morule-like components, followed by ALK rearrangements. Herein, we present 2 cases of solid-predominant adenocarcinoma with morule-like components harboring either an EGFR or KRAS mutation. This KRAS-mutant case is the first to be associated with morule-like components, to the best of our knowledge. Both cases showed transition between micropapillary and morule-like components. Transition between morule-like and solid components was also observed in both cases. Although a few cases of solid-predominant adenocarcinoma have been shown to harbor morule-like components, this type of transition has not been previously well described. We surmised that the solid components of some EGFR-mutant adenocarcinomas might be derived from morule-like components.

Percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage in an infant with obstructive jaundice caused by neuroblastoma

Neuroblastoma presenting with obstructive jaundice is a rare event. Management of this condition includes surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, temporary cholecystostomy tube, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), and internal biliary drainage (IBD). We herein describe our experience with one infant affected by neuroblastoma presenting with jaundice, who successfully underwent percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD). This report introduces PTBD as a viable treatment option for neuroblastoma and obstructive jaundice and provides a review of the pertinent literature.

Using frozen section to identify histological patterns in stage I lung adenocarcinoma of ≤ 3 cm: accuracy and interobserver agreement

AIMS

The IASLC/ATS/ERS classification of lung adenocarcinoma provides a prognostically significant histological subclassification. The aim of this study was to investigate the accuracy, limitations and interobserver agreement of frozen sections for predicting histological subtype.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Frozen section and permanent section slides from 361 resected stage I lung adenocarcinomas ≤ 3 cm in size were reviewed for predominant histological subtype and the presence or absence of lepidic, acinar, papillary, micropapillary and solid patterns. Fifty cases were additionally reviewed by three pathologists to determine interobserver agreement. To test the accuracy of frozen section in judging degree of invasion, five pathologists reviewed frozen section slides from 35 cases with a predominantly lepidic pattern. There was moderate agreement on predominant histological subtype between frozen sections and final diagnosis (κ = 0.565). Frozen sections had high specificity for micropapillary and solid patterns (94% and 96%, respectively), but sensitivity was low (37% and 69%, respectively). The interobserver agreement was satisfactory (κ > 0.6, except for the acinar pattern).

CONCLUSIONS

Frozen section can provide information on the presence of aggressive histological patterns-micropapillary and solid-with high specificity but low sensitivity. It was difficult to predict the predominant pattern on the basis of frozen sections, mostly because of sampling issues.

Factors associated with early introduction of formula and/or solid, semi-solid or soft foods in seven Francophone West African countries

The aim of this study was to identify factors associated with early introduction of formula and/or solid, semi-solid or soft foods to infants aged three to five months in seven Francophone West African countries. The sources of data for the analyses were the most recent Demographic and Health Survey datasets of the seven countries, namely Benin (BDHS, 2012), Burkina Faso (BFDHS, 2010), Cote d'Ivoire (CIDHS, 2011-2012), Guinea (GDHS, 2012), Mali (MDHS, 2012-2013), Niger (NDHS, 2012) and Senegal (SDHS, 2010). The study used multiple logistic regression methods to analyse the factors associated with early introduction of complementary feeding using individual-, household- and community-level determinants. The sample was composed of 4158 infants aged between three and five months with: 671 from Benin, 811 from Burkina Faso, 362 from Cote d'Ivoire, 398 from Guinea, 519 from Mali, 767 from Niger and 630 from Senegal. Multiple analyses indicated that in three of the seven countries (Benin, Guinea and Senegal), infants who suffered illnesses, such as diarrhoea and acute respiratory infection, were significantly more likely to be introduced to formula and/or solid, semi-solid or soft foods between the age of three and five months. Other significant factors included infants who: were born in second to fourth position (Benin), whose mothers did not attend any antenatal clinics (Burkina Faso and Niger), were male (Cote d'Ivoire and Senegal), lived in an urban areas (Senegal), or were delivered by traditional birth attendants (Guinea, Niger and Senegal). Programmes to discourage early introduction of formula and/or solid, semi-solid or soft foods in these countries should target the most vulnerable segments of the population in order to improve exclusive breastfeeding practices and reduce infant mortality.

Acute myeloid leukemia following solid organ transplantation: entity or novelty?

Due to the rarity of the disease, the characteristics of acute myeloid leukemia following solid organ transplantation (post-transplant AML; PT-AML) are unclear; furthermore, it is not known for certain whether PT-AML is a separate entity or not. We provide a systematic review of all previously reported cases of PT-AML in the English literature (n = 51). 45% of cases occurred after renal transplantation, and 72% were males. The median age at diagnosis of AML was 50 yr, with a median transplant-to-AML interval of 3.8 yr and a rapid decline in incidence after 5 yr. 26% of patients were asymptomatic at the time of presentation, and 42% were pancytopenic. M0/M1/M2, M3, M4/M5, and M6/M7 subtypes comprised 17%, 25%, 39%, and 19% of all cases, respectively. 36% of patients had unfavorable cytogenetic risk disease. The median overall survival was only 3 months. We observed several transplant-specific features: (i) The transplant-to-AML interval follows two very different patterns between renal vs. liver transplant patients. (ii) All 4 cases of donor cell leukemia occurred after liver transplant. (iii) Unfavorable risk disease was marginally significantly more common among renal compared with liver transplant patients (P = 0.057). Our results suggest that PT-AML is a separate entity with distinct characteristics, which need to be investigated further in future research. Heavy post-transplant immunosuppression likely plays a key role in the pathogenesis of PT-AML.

A Rare Breast Tumor Confused with Ductal Carcinoma in Situ, Primary Solid Neuroendocrine Carcinoma

The concept of pure neuroendocrine breast tumors was initially defined by Sapino et al. There are three sub-types of these tumors: solid, small cell/oat cell, and large cell neuroendocrine carcinomas. To diagnose neuroendocrine tumors, more than half of the tumor cells must have neuroendocrine differentiation. The possibility of metastatic neuroendocrine carcinoma must always be excluded in the differential diagnosis. In addition, it should be considered that solid neuroendocrine (NE) carcinomas can be confused with ductal carcinoma in situ due to their similar morphologic appearance. In this article, a patient with primary solid neuroendocrine breast cancer who had been diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ at another center was presented along with morphological and immunohistochemical features.

Effects of fruit and vegetable, consumed in solid vs beverage forms, on acute and chronic appetitive responses in lean and obese adults

BACKGROUND

The effects of fruits and vegetables in solid vs beverage forms on human appetite and food intake, acutely and chronically, are unclear.

METHODS

This 21-week, randomized, crossover study assessed appetitive ratings following the inclusion of fruits and vegetables, in solid and beverage form, into the habitual diet of healthy lean (n=15) and overweight/obese (n=19) adults with low customary consumption. The primary acute outcomes were satiation (amount of challenge meal consumed), satiety (latency of subsequent eating event) and dietary compensation after a 400 kcal fruit preload. Ratings of appetite were also obtained before and after 8 weeks of required increased fruit and vegetable consumption (20% estimated energy requirement).

RESULTS

Acutely, overweight/obese participants reported smaller reductions of hunger after consuming the fruit preload in beverage compared with solid form (preload × form × body mass index effects, P=0.03). Participants also consumed significantly less of a challenge meal (in both gram and energy) after the ingestion of the solid fruit preload (P<0.005). However, the subsequent meal latency was not significantly different between the solid and the beverage fruit preloads. Total daily energy intake was significantly higher when the obese participants consumed the beverage fruit preload compared with the solid (P<0.001). Daily energy intake was markedly, but not significantly, higher among the lean with the beverage vs solid food form. Hunger and fullness ratings remained stable when participants consumed fruits and vegetables in solid or beverage form for 8 weeks each.

CONCLUSION

Acute post-ingestive appetitive responses were weaker following consumption of fruits in beverage vs solid food forms. Consumption of beverage or solid fruit and vegetable food loads for 8 weeks did not chronically alter appetitive responses.

Proportion and characteristics of transient nodules in a retrospective analysis of pulmonary nodules

BACKGROUND

  Pulmonary nodules manifest as pure or mixed ground glass opacities (GGOs), or solid nodules.

METHODS

  We retrospectively surveyed 317 cases with pulmonary nodules to observe the proportion and predictive factors of transient lesions in patients with pulmonary nodules.

RESULTS

  At the initial computed tomography scan, 63.7% showed solid nodules, while 20.2% had mixed GGOs and 16.1% of cases manifested as pure GGOs. Nodules from 114 cases (36%) disappeared or decreased in size during follow up, while in 203 cases (64%), they did not change or became enlarged. During follow up, more than half of the GGOs resolved (66.7% in pure GGOs, 54.7% in mixed GGOs), while only 22.3% of solid nodules resolved. Between transient and persistent pulmonary nodules, significant differences were observed in age, gender, smoking history, presence of eosinophilia, size, and radiologic attenuation of nodules (solid or GGO). In multivariate analysis, age (≤55 years), size of nodules (>15 mm), eosinophilia, and GGO were significant independent predictors of transient nodules. The main causes of transient nodules were pneumonia or eosinophilic pulmonary infiltrates.

CONCLUSION

  Thirty-six percent of pulmonary nodules resolved spontaneously or with medical treatment. Transient nodules showed different clinical and radiological characteristics from persistent nodules.

Identification of transcriptome SNPs between Xiphophorus lines and species for assessing allele specific gene expression within F₁ interspecies hybrids

Variations in gene expression are essential for the evolution of novel phenotypes and for speciation. Studying allelic specific gene expression (ASGE) within interspecies hybrids provides a unique opportunity to reveal underlying mechanisms of genetic variation. Using Xiphophorus interspecies hybrid fishes and high-throughput next generation sequencing technology, we were able to assess variations between two closely related vertebrate species, Xiphophorus maculatus and Xiphophorus couchianus, and their F(1) interspecies hybrids. We constructed transcriptome-wide SNP polymorphism sets between two highly inbred X. maculatus lines (JP 163 A and B), and between X. maculatus and a second species, X. couchianus. The X. maculatus JP 163 A and B parental lines have been separated in the laboratory for ≈70 years and we were able to identify SNPs at a resolution of 1 SNP per 49 kb of transcriptome. In contrast, SNP polymorphisms between X. couchianus and X. maculatus species, which diverged ≈5-10 million years ago, were identified about every 700 bp. Using 6524 transcripts with identified SNPs between the two parental species (X. maculatus and X. couchianus), we mapped RNA-seq reads to determine ASGE within F(1) interspecies hybrids. We developed an in silico X. couchianus transcriptome by replacing 90,788 SNP bases for X. maculatus transcriptome with the consensus X. couchianus SNP bases and provide evidence that this procedure overcomes read mapping biases. Employment of the in silico reference transcriptome and tolerating 5 mismatches during read mapping allow direct assessment of ASGE in the F(1) interspecies hybrids. Overall, these results show that Xiphophorus is a tractable vertebrate experimental model to investigate how genetic variations that occur during speciation may affect gene interactions and the regulation of gene expression.

Solid self-nanoemulsifying cyclosporin A pellets prepared by fluid-bed coating: preparation, characterization and in vitro redispersibility

BACKGROUND

The objective of this study was to evaluate fluid-bed coating as a new technique to prepare a pellet-based solid self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system (SNEDDS) using cyclosporin A as a model of a poorly water-soluble drug.

METHODS

The rationale of this technique was to entrap a Liquid SNEDDS in the matrix of the coating material, polyvinylpyrrolidone K30, by fluid-bed coating. Pseudoternary phase diagrams were used to screen the liquid SNEDDS formulations. The optimal formulation was composed of Labrafil M(®) 1944 CS, Transcutol P(®), and Cremophor(®) EL in a ratio of 9:14:7. To prepare solid SNEDDS pellets, liquid SNEDDS was first dispersed in an aqueous solution of polyvinylpyrrolidone and then sprayed onto the surface of non-pareil pellets. Upon evaporation of water, polyvinylpyrrolidone precipitated and formed tight films to entrap the liquid SNEDDS. Visual observation and scanning electron microscopic analysis confirmed good appearance of the solid SNEDDS pellets.

RESULTS

Our results indicated that up to 40% of the liquid SNEDDS could be entrapped in the coating layer. Powder x-ray diffraction analysis confirmed nonexistence of crystalline cyclosporin A in the formulation. Solid SNEDDS pellets showed a slower redispersion rate than the liquid SNEDDS. An increase in the total liquid SNEDDS loading led to faster redispersion, whereas increased coating weight (up to 400%) significantly decreased the redispersion rate. Both cyclosporin A loading and protective coating with 5% polyvinylpyrrolidone K30 did not significantly affect the redispersion rate.

CONCLUSION

It is concluded that fluid-bed coating is a new technique with considerable potential for preparation of pellet-based solid SNEDDS formulations.

International association for the study of lung cancer/american thoracic society/european respiratory society international multidisciplinary classification of lung adenocarcinoma

INTRODUCTION

Adenocarcinoma is the most common histologic type of lung cancer. To address advances in oncology, molecular biology, pathology, radiology, and surgery of lung adenocarcinoma, an international multidisciplinary classification was sponsored by the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer, American Thoracic Society, and European Respiratory Society. This new adenocarcinoma classification is needed to provide uniform terminology and diagnostic criteria, especially for bronchioloalveolar carcinoma (BAC), the overall approach to small nonresection cancer specimens, and for multidisciplinary strategic management of tissue for molecular and immunohistochemical studies.

METHODS

An international core panel of experts representing all three societies was formed with oncologists/pulmonologists, pathologists, radiologists, molecular biologists, and thoracic surgeons. A systematic review was performed under the guidance of the American Thoracic Society Documents Development and Implementation Committee. The search strategy identified 11,368 citations of which 312 articles met specified eligibility criteria and were retrieved for full text review. A series of meetings were held to discuss the development of the new classification, to develop the recommendations, and to write the current document. Recommendations for key questions were graded by strength and quality of the evidence according to the Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach.

RESULTS

The classification addresses both resection specimens, and small biopsies and cytology. The terms BAC and mixed subtype adenocarcinoma are no longer used. For resection specimens, new concepts are introduced such as adenocarcinoma in situ (AIS) and minimally invasive adenocarcinoma (MIA) for small solitary adenocarcinomas with either pure lepidic growth (AIS) or predominant lepidic growth with ≤ 5 mm invasion (MIA) to define patients who, if they undergo complete resection, will have 100% or near 100% disease-specific survival, respectively. AIS and MIA are usually nonmucinous but rarely may be mucinous. Invasive adenocarcinomas are classified by predominant pattern after using comprehensive histologic subtyping with lepidic (formerly most mixed subtype tumors with nonmucinous BAC), acinar, papillary, and solid patterns; micropapillary is added as a new histologic subtype. Variants include invasive mucinous adenocarcinoma (formerly mucinous BAC), colloid, fetal, and enteric adenocarcinoma. This classification provides guidance for small biopsies and cytology specimens, as approximately 70% of lung cancers are diagnosed in such samples. Non-small cell lung carcinomas (NSCLCs), in patients with advanced-stage disease, are to be classified into more specific types such as adenocarcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma, whenever possible for several reasons: (1) adenocarcinoma or NSCLC not otherwise specified should be tested for epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations as the presence of these mutations is predictive of responsiveness to EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors, (2) adenocarcinoma histology is a strong predictor for improved outcome with pemetrexed therapy compared with squamous cell carcinoma, and (3) potential life-threatening hemorrhage may occur in patients with squamous cell carcinoma who receive bevacizumab. If the tumor cannot be classified based on light microscopy alone, special studies such as immunohistochemistry and/or mucin stains should be applied to classify the tumor further. Use of the term NSCLC not otherwise specified should be minimized.

CONCLUSIONS

This new classification strategy is based on a multidisciplinary approach to diagnosis of lung adenocarcinoma that incorporates clinical, molecular, radiologic, and surgical issues, but it is primarily based on histology. This classification is intended to support clinical practice, and research investigation and clinical trials. As EGFR mutation is a validated predictive marker for response and progression-free survival with EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors in advanced lung adenocarcinoma, we recommend that patients with advanced adenocarcinomas be tested for EGFR mutation. This has implications for strategic management of tissue, particularly for small biopsies and cytology samples, to maximize high-quality tissue available for molecular studies. Potential impact for tumor, node, and metastasis staging include adjustment of the size T factor according to only the invasive component (1) pathologically in invasive tumors with lepidic areas or (2) radiologically by measuring the solid component of part-solid nodules.

The Interactions of Composition and Stress in Crystalline Solids

The thermodynamics of stressed crystals that can change phase and composition is examined with particular attention to hypotheses used and approximations made, Bulk and surface conditions are obtained and for each of them practical expressions are given in terms of experimentally measurable quantities. The concept of open-system elastic constants leads to the reformulation of internal elastochemical equilibrium problems into purely elastic problems, whose solutions are then used to compute the composition distribution. The atmosphere around a dislocation in a cubic crystal is one of several examples that are completely worked out. The effects of vacancies and their equilibrium within a solid and near surfaces are critically examined, and previous formulas are found to be first order approximations. Consequences of the boundary equations that govern phase changes are studied with several examples. Finally, problems connected with diffusional kinetics and diffusional creep are discussed.

Analysis of Liquid Flow-Induced Motion of a Discrete Solid in a Partially Filled Pipe

An analysis is presented for the liquid flow-induced motion of a solid in partially filled pipes. A general equation of the flow-induced motion of a solid is developed. Two alternate force models, one (F _v ) based on free stream velocity and another (F _m ) based on free stream momentum flux, are formulated to simplify the general equation. The equation of motion is solved for the motion of a cylindrical solid with steady-uniform liquid flows and the effects of relevant variables on the motion of a solid are predicted. The variables considered include: volume rate of liquid flow, Q; pipe diameter, D; Manning coefficient, n; and slope, S; solid diameter, d; length, L; specific gravity, σ; coefficient of friction between a solid and the pipe wall, η; and the two force functions, F _v and F _m . The flow rate, Q _v required to initiate the motion of a solid increases with an increase in D, n, d, L, σ, and η _s, and decreases with an increase in S. The force function F _m predicts a lower value of Q _t than does the force function F _v The velocities of a solid increase with an increase in Q and S and decrease with an increase in D, n, d, L, σ, and η. The force function F _m predicts higher values of the velocity of a solid than does the force function F _v . The effects of the variables Q _o, D, S, d, L, and η _s, on the velocities of a solid are qualitatively consistent with the available experimental data. The qualitative agreement between the predicted results and experimental data demonstrate the validity of the analysis presented.