Physical stability of amorphous pharmaceutical solids: Nucleation, crystal growth, phase separation and effects of the polymers

Compared to their crystalline forms, amorphous pharmaceutical solids present marvelous potential and advantages for effectively improving the oral bioavailability of poorly water-soluble drugs. A central issue in developing amorphous pharmaceutical solids is the stability against crystallization, which is particularly important for maintaining their advantages in solubility and dissolution rate. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent studies focusing on the physical stability of amorphous pharmaceutical solids affected by nucleation, crystal growth, phase separation and the addition of polymers. Moreover, we highlight the novel technologies and theories in the field of amorphous pharmaceutical solids. Meanwhile, the challenges and strategies in maintaining the physical stability of amorphous pharmaceutical solids are also discussed. With a better understanding of physical stability, the more robust amorphous pharmaceutical formulations with desired pharmaceutical performance would be easier to achieve.

Confocal Laser Microscopy Analysis of Listeria monocytogenes Biofilms and Spatially Organized Communities

The behavior of Listeria monocytogenes communities in the food chain is closely associated with their spatial organization. Whether as biofilms on industrial surfaces or as microcolonies in food matrices, the resulting physiological diversification combined with the presence of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) triggers emergent community functions involved in the pathogen survival and persistence (e.g., tolerance to dehydration, biocides, or preservatives). In this contribution, we present a noninvasive confocal laser microscopy (CLM) protocol allowing exploration of the spatial organization of L. monocytogenes communities on various inert or nutritive materials relevant for the food industry.

Decontamination efficacy of sodium hypochlorite solutions for poliovirus

Effective decontamination procedures are critical to the successful manufacture and control of poliovirus vaccines to minimize the risk to personnel and the environment. Polio viruses have been reported to be more resistant to disinfectants than many other viruses. We assessed the efficacy of sodium hypochlorite-containing disinfectants for decontamination for three poliovirus serotypes to implement decontamination procedures that are fully compliant with the WHO GAP III and Health authorities' requirements. A 10.4 log reduction was observed with a 0.63% sodium hypochlorite solution in a suspension with high protein and high poliovirus concentrations diluted 10-fold compared with a 6 log reduction in an undiluted sample. Treatment efficacy increased with sodium hypochlorite content and decreased with sample protein content. The surface tests showed that two 1-min treatments, 5-min apart, with a 0.63% Chl sodium hypochlorite solution effectively reduced the concentration of all poliovirus serotypes by 10 log₁₀, irrespective of the protein and virus concentration in the sample. Sodium hypochlorite solutions lower than 0.52% were less effective for complete inactivation of poliovirus. In conclusion, we demonstrated that a high level of virus reduction (>10 log₁₀) can be achieved with sodium hypochlorite solutions with poliovirus in suspension and dried on surfaces.

Do surface electrodes validly represent lower trapezius activation patterns during shoulder tasks?

Because of its superficial location, surface electrodes are commonly used to record lower trapezius activity. Recent evidence, however, would suggest that surface electromyography is not a valid to record activity from other superficially placed shoulder muscles. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the validity of using surface electrodes to record lower trapezius activity. Ten asymptomatic subjects performed ramped isometric (0-100% maximum load) and dynamic (70% maximum load) shoulder tasks. Intramuscular electrodes were inserted into lower trapezius and rhomboid major. Surface electrodes were placed over lower trapezius around the intramuscular electrodes. Differences in the recorded activity of lower trapezius between surface and intramuscular electrodes were tested using a 2 factor repeated measures analysis of variance with factors: test and electrode type. Similarity in the recorded activity patterns between the two electrodes was tested using Pearson's correlation coefficient (r). Results indicated that there was no difference in lower trapezius activity levels (p = 0.98) or activation patterns (r ≥ 0.74) recorded by the intramuscular and surface electrodes. The results of this study indicate that any potential crosstalk contamination in the surface electrode signal is having little influence on the recorded activity from lower trapezius and therefore, support the common practice of surface electromyography to investigate lower trapezius function.

Parametric evaluation of electrical discharge coatings on nickel-titanium shape memory alloy in deionized water

Nickel-titanium shape memory alloy (NiTi) has a unique capacity to restore its initial shape after deformation, which is highly applicable to orthopaedic implantations, especially for the minimization of invasive surgeries. The high nickel content of this alloy can lead to unfavourable effects on the human body upon dissolution; thus, a reliable barrier of coatings on the NiTi surface is required to alleviate the nickel migration and increase its biocompatibility. In this paper, analyses of a titanium oxide layer development on NiTi surface using electrical discharge coating (EDC) process is presented. The recast layer thickness, crater sizes, and surface roughness were characterized based on five parameters; polarity, discharge duration, pulse interval, peak current, and gap voltage. The results show that the discharge duration is the most significant parameter to influence all responses, followed by peak current. The surface characteristics of the EDC substrate is depending on the crater formations and is highly correlated with the discharge energy intensity. As a result, appropriate parametric conditions of the electrical discharge coating process can enhance the NiTi surface for future medical applications, without compromising the shape memory effect.

Hepatic surface grooves in Trinidad and Tobago

PURPOSE

Hepatic surface grooves (HSGs) are prominent depressions on the antero-superior surface of the liver. We sought to document the prevalence of HSGs in an Eastern Caribbean population.

METHODS

We observed all consecutive autopsies performed at a facility in Trinidad and Tobago and recorded the presence, number, location, width, length and depth of any HSG identified. Each liver was then sectioned to document intra-parenchymal abnormalities.

RESULTS

Sixty Autopsies were observed. There were HSGs in 9 (15%) cadavers (5 females and 4 males), at an average age of 66 years (range 48-83, Median 64, SD ± 10.4). The HSGs were located on the diaphragmatic surface of the right hemi-liver in 8 (89%) cadavers, left medial section in 4 (44%), left lateral section in 3 (33%) and coursing along Cantlie's plane in 3 (33%) cadavers. Eight (89%) cadavers with HSGs had other associated anomalies: accessory inferior grooves (5), parenchymal nutmeg changes (5), abnormal caudate morphology (4), hyperplastic left hemi-liver (3), lingular process (2), bi-lobar gallbladder (1) and/or abnormal ligamentous attachments (1).

CONCLUSIONS

Approximately 15% of unselected Afro-Caribbean persons in this Eastern Caribbean population have HSGs. Every attempt should be made to identify HSGs on pre-operative imaging because they can alert the hepatobiliary surgeon to: (1) associated anatomic anomalies in 89% of cases, (2) associated hepatic congestion in 56% of persons, (3) increased risk of bleeding during liver resections and (4) increased technical complexity of liver resections. The association between HSGs, cardiovascular complications, hepatic congestion and nutmeg liver prompted us to propose a new aetiologic mechanism for HSG formation, involving localized hyperplasia at growth zones due to upregulation of beta-catenin levels.

Factors affecting aseptic loosening in primary total knee replacements: an in vitro study

Background

Implant surface integrity and cement bonding are assumed to be sufficient in primary total knee replacements to stabilize implants for extended wear without concerns over delamination and loosening. Yet there exists a significant rate of aseptic loosening where failure at implant cement interface occurs. The aim of this study is to look at specific aspects leading to aseptic loosening of the total knee replacement, where cement adhesion to the implant results in the lowest pull off strength.

Methods

Virgin ceramic coated and uncoated chrome cobalt tibial trays were used in a pull off study using differing viscosities of cement at varied time intervals to compare which combination is strongest compared to which is least resistant to pull off testing.

Results

Low viscosity cement had a 44% (5.9 kg verses 3.3 kg, p < 0.001) higher pull-off strength compared to high viscosity cement. Coated implants had a 30% (3.9 kg verses 5.5 kg, p = 0.037) lower pull-off strength compared to non-coated. Testing measures were limited to cement utilization less than 5 minutes due to the poor adhesion of the dowels beyond this time. Finally, there was a significant difference in adhesion properties between brand names when utilizing low viscosity cement on the non-coated trays (10.34 kg for Simplex verses 4.87 for Palacos, p = 0.021).

Conclusion

There are differences in adhesion properties between cement vendors, prompting significant concerns over the use of coated implants with particular cement types. Use of low viscosity cement on non-coated surfaces in the early liquid phase of cement curing was found to produce the best chance for adequate adhesion. This study demonstrates that there is variation in the adhesive properties of implants utilized in total knee replacements, and that the orthopedic community should consider not only the implant, cement, and curing time individually, but the overall integrity conferred from the combination of all of these variables.

Investigation of the mechanism of gamma irradiation effect on bovine bone

Radiation sterilization is an effective method of bone sterilization prior to bone graft transplantation. Gamma irradiation affects the biological and mechanical properties of bone; depending on the dose of radiation. The effect of gamma irradiation on bone mechanical properties is an unwanted phenomenon. However the mechanism of the effect of irradiation on bone mechanical properties is not properly understood. In this research paper the mechanism of the effect of gamma irradiation on bovine bone is investigated using scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-rays spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy techniques. Gamma irradiation affects the mineral and fiber composition of bovine bone. The mineral content of bone especially calcium, magnesium and phosphorus decrease with increasing dose of gamma radiation. At Nano-level gamma irradiation alter amide I, amide II and amide III collagen contents. High dose gamma irradiation induces collagen cross-linking reaction in bone and degrades bone properties.

Upconversion Nanoparticle-Based Strategy for Crossing the Blood-Brain Barrier to Treat the Central Nervous System Disease

The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a major challenge for the treatment of central nervous system (CNS) diseases. The BBB strictly regulates the movement of molecules into and out of the brain, and therefore protects the brain from noxious agents. However, for this reason the BBB also acts as a major obstacle that prevents most therapeutic molecules from getting into the target site of the brain. Therefore, it is essential to develop an efficient and general approach to overcome the BBB and transport the drug to the targeted region. Nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems are emerging as a promising drug delivery platform, due to their distinct advantages of tunable biophysical properties such as surface chemistry, size, and shape leading to various biological actions (like clearance, biodistribution, and biocompatibility) in the body. Therefore, it was hypothesized that the surface and shape of nanoparticles will influence their BBB permeation efficiency. Here, we describe a series of upconversion nanoparticles with different surfaces (oleic acid-free, DNA-modified, Silica coating, and PEG-encapsulated), PEGylated UCNPs with various shapes were generated (including sphere and rod). The cellular uptake ability, biodistribution, and BBB penetration of those UCNPs were assessed in cultured cells (NSC-34 neuron- like cells) and in vivo (zebrafish models).

Solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance studies of nanoparticles

In this trends article, we review seminal and recent studies using static and magic-angle spinning solid-state NMR to study the structure of nanoparticles and ligands attached to nanoparticles. Solid-state NMR techniques including one-dimensional multinuclear NMR, cross-polarization, techniques for measuring dipolar coupling and internuclear distances, and multidimensional NMR have provided insight into the core-shell structure of nanoparticles as well as the structure of ligands on the nanoparticle surface. Hyperpolarization techniques, in particular solid-state dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP), have enabled detailed studies of nanoparticle core-shell structure and surface chemistry, by allowing unprecedented levels of sensitivity to be achieved. The high signal-to-noise afforded by DNP has allowed homonuclear and heteronuclear correlation experiments involving nuclei with low natural abundance to be performed in reasonable experimental times, which previously would not have been possible. The use of DNP to study nanoparticles and their applications will be a fruitful area of study in the coming years as well.

The role of surface in desorption electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry: advances and future trends

An outlook on the current status and trends in desorption electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (DESI-MS), one of the most common spray-based techniques for ambient ionization, is given with a focus on the main advances recently achieved or still in progress regarding studies of surface properties affecting the signal stability and efficiency of the DESI process. Future directions that the field may take in the years to come are discussed, with particular focus on bioanalytical research.

Micro- and nanoparticles-based immunoregulation of macrophages for tissue repair and regeneration

The importance of inflammatory tissue microenvironment on the repair and regeneration of tissues and organs has been well recognized. In particular, the phenotypes of macrophages can significantly influence on the processes of tissue repair and remodeling. Among the many types of biomaterials, the particles in the range from nanometers to submicron meters have been extensively studied and applied in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. They can actively interact with cells in different levels, and show the ability to regulate the polarization of macrophages. In this review, the influence of physicochemical properties such as size, surface charge, chemical components and surface modification of micro-nanoparticles on the immune behavior of macrophages, including endocytosis and phenotype switch, shall be introduced. The important roles of nanoparticles-based immunoregulation of macrophages on the chronic skin wounds regeneration, myocardial repair, liver repair and bone regeneration are discussed.

Self-defensive antimicrobial biomaterial surfaces

Self-defensive biomaterial surfaces are being developed in order to mitigate infection associated with tissue-contacting biomedical devices. Such infection occurs when microbes colonize the surface of a device and proliferate into a recalcitrant biofilm. A key intervention point centers on preventing the initial colonization. Incorporating antimicrobials within a surface coating can be very effective, but the traditional means of antimicrobial delivery by continuous elution can often be counterproductive. If there is no infection, continuous elution creates conditions that promote the development of resistant microbes throughout the patient. In contrast, a self-defensive coating releases antimicrobial only when and only where there is a microbial challenge to the surface. Otherwise, the antimicrobial remains sequestered within the coating and does not contribute to the development of resistance. A self-defensive surface requires a local trigger that signals the microbial challenge. Three such triggers have been identified as: (1) local pH lowering; (2) local enzyme release; and (3) direct microbial-surface contact. This short review highlights the need for self-defensive surfaces in the general context of the device-infection problem and then reviews key biomaterials developments associated with each of these three triggering mechanisms.

Sandblasting improves the performance of electrodes of miniature electrical impedance tomography via double layer capacitance

Effect of sandblasting of the copper electrode structures before deposition of gold thin film for micro electrical impedance tomography (EIT) system has been studied experimentally. The comparison has been performed on the unmodified copper electrodes and the sandblasted electrodes before deposition of gold layer, using structural analysis while their performance in EIT system has been measured and analyzed. The results of scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy show that the sandblasting of the electrodes results in the deposition of gold film with smaller grain size and uniformly, comparing to the unmodified structure. The measurement of impedance shows that the sandblasting will increase the double layer capacitance of electrode structure which improves the impedance measurement accordingly.

A case study: impact of target surface mesh size and mesh quality on volume-to-surface registration performance in hepatic soft tissue navigation

Purpose

Soft tissue deformation severely impacts the registration of pre- and intra-operative image data during computer-assisted navigation in laparoscopic liver surgery. However, quantifying the impact of target surface size, surface orientation, and mesh quality on non-rigid registration performance remains an open research question. This paper aims to uncover how these affect volume-to-surface registration performance.

Methods

To find such evidence, we design three experiments that are evaluated using a three-step pipeline: (1) volume-to-surface registration using the physics-based shape matching method or PBSM, (2) voxelization of the deformed surface to a \documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \usepackage{amsmath} \usepackage{wasysym} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsbsy} \usepackage{mathrsfs} \usepackage{upgreek} \setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \begin{document}$$1024^3$$\end{document}10243 voxel grid, and (3) computation of similarity (e.g., mutual information), distance (i.e., Hausdorff distance), and classical metrics (i.e., mean squared error or MSE).

Results

Using the Hausdorff distance, we report a statistical significance for the different partial surfaces. We found that removing non-manifold geometry and noise improved registration performance, and a target surface size of only 16.5% was necessary.

Conclusion

By investigating three different factors and improving registration results, we defined a generalizable evaluation pipeline and automatic post-processing strategies that were deemed helpful. All source code, reference data, models, and evaluation results are openly available for download: https://github.com/ghattab/EvalPBSM/.

Preparation of keratin/PET nanofiber membrane and its high adsorption performance of Cr(VI)

In this study, we prepared wool keratin/PET composite nanofiber membrane to adsorb the Cr(VI) in acidic solution due to its strong adsorption ability. The adsorption ability of the composite membrane with different ratios of keratin to PET was investigated. The optimum adsorption ability can be obtained when the keratin concentration was 50% in the solution with a pH value of 3. With the higher content of keratin, the membrane possessed higher hydrophilicity, larger pore ratio, and larger extent amino protonation. The maximum adsorption ability of the composite membranes was 75.86 mg/g, while that of the pure PET nanofiber membrane was 27.27 mg/g. The FTIR and XPS analysis results demonstrated that both the disulfide bond of the keratin and the amino were involved in the adsorption process. The process was achieved by the electrostatic adsorption of the amino and the redox reaction of disulfide bond in cystine oxide. The removal property of the electrospun keratin/PET composite membrane was 75.86 mg/g.

Data on the critical condition of silica and ice particles removal from surface

Data on particle removal from surfaces is yet to be presented properly. This data is explored and the mathematical models are presented in the previous paper “New model for particle removal from surface in presence of deformed liquid bridge” [1], which predict the fluid velocity required to initiate the motion of a particle. However, the models still need to be verified by the experiment. The experimental data in this paper measured the critical fluid flow velocity when the particles were about to removal from the surface. The particle removal including the process without the effect of liquid bridge and the process with the existence of liquid bridge. Different diameter of the silica particles were used to measured the critical fluid flow velocity without the liquid bridge. In addition, with the existing of the liquid bridge, the same diameter of the silica particles and the ice particles were used to researched the critical state. The data has implications in furthering the understanding of the underlying mechanisms during the removal of particles from surfaces exposed to fluid flow.

New model for particle removal from surface in presence of deformed liquid bridge

Despite the importance of removing particles from surfaces, particularly in the presence of liquid bridge, the process is yet to be investigated properly. In this research, this important process is explored and a mathematical model is presented that predicts the fluid velocity required to initiate the motion of a particle embraced by a liquid bridge. The model succeeds in incorporating (i) the liquid-bridge deformation due to the fluid flow and (ii) the associated detachment and lateral adhesive forces that depend on the surface characteristics. The model can also predict two types of particle motion, namely rolling and sliding. The removal of silica and ice particles is examined experimentally and the results are compared with the model predictions, thereby confirming the accuracy of the model. The present findings suggest a strong influence of the adhesive forces generated by the liquid bridge as the main forces resisting the removal of the particle from the surface. This study has implications in furthering the understanding of the underlying mechanisms during the removal of particles from surfaces exposed to fluid flow.

Rare aneurysmal bone cysts: multifocal, extraosseous, and surface variants

Multifocal, extraosseous, and surface aneurysmal bone cysts are rare variants of the primary lesions. The clinicopathological features are similar, and the optimal treatment is surgical. Although local recurrences may occur, the prognosis is excellent. This review article introduces the readers to a rare diagnosis which they may have been previously unfamiliar with, presents the clinicopathological and imaging features of these rare aneurysmal bone cyst variants, and discusses their diagnosis and treatment. The clinicians who treat patients with aneurysmal bone cysts should be familiar with these uncommon entities and their differential diagnosis.

Monovalent - divalent cation competition at the muscovite mica surface: Experiment and theory

HYPOTHESIS

Ion adsorption on mineral surfaces depends on several factors, such as the mineral surface structure and the valency, size and hydration of the ion. In order to understand competitive adsorption at mineral surfaces, experimental techniques are required that can probe multiple ionic species at the same time. By comparing adsorption of two different cations, it should be possible to derive the factors governing ion adsorption. Divalent cations are expected to bind stronger to the negatively-charged muscovite surface than monovalent cations.

EXPERIMENTS

Here, the competition between the monovalent Cs⁺ and the divalent Ca²⁺ cation for adsorption at the muscovite mica basal plane was investigated using surface X-ray diffraction. Using an extended surface complexation model, we simultaneously fit the measured cation coverages and net surface charges reported in literature.

FINDINGS

In order to reproduce those complementary data sets, both cation adsorption and anion coadsorption were included in the surface complexation model. Moreover, the intrinsic muscovite surface charge and the maximum of available adsorption sites had to be reduced compared to existing literature values. Competition experiments revealed that the affinity of Cs⁺ for the muscovite surface is larger than the affinity of Ca²⁺, showing that hydration forces are more important than electrostatics.

Structural dataset for Si(1 1 0) and Si(17 15 1) surface models and related calculated STM images

In this work we present the novel atomic models of the (1 1 0)-(16 × 2), (1 1 0)-c(8 × 10), (1 1 0)-(5 × 8) and (17 15 1)-(2 × 1) silicon surface reconstructions. The models are also valid for respective germanium surfaces. The dataset reports atomic coordinates for each surface reconstruction and related calculated bias-dependent scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) images. The data were obtained using the standard first-principles density functional theory calculations. The atomic models reported in this dataset are based on the universal building block for (1 1 0)-family silicon and germanium surfaces, proposed by R.A. Zhachuk and A.A. Shklyaev [1] and a vast number of STM data published in the literature. For comparison the data for the Si(1 1 0)-(16 × 2) older models by Stekolnikov et al. [2] and Yamasaki et al. [3] are also given. The presented models and related calculated scanning tunneling microscopy images allow to derive experimentally testable hypotheses and to interpret the experimental data. The reported atomic coordinates can be directly reused in other calculations related to Si(1 1 0) and Ge(1 1 0) surfaces provided that this work is cited.

Titanium abutment surface modifications and peri-implant tissue behavior: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the effect of various titanium abutment modifications on the behaviour of peri-implant soft tissue healing, inflammation and maintenance.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

An electronic database research until 30 April 2019 was performed. A meta-analysis (MA) for each outcome parameter was performed by using the random-effects models with the DerSimonian-Laird estimator.

RESULTS

Ten studies were included in the present review. Four studies with a long follow-up (5-6 years) reported the outcomes in a heterogeneous way and were suitable for MA. Six studies (4 RCT, 2 CCT) including 118 patients and 182 implants dealing with a modified healing abutment surface and short follow-up were selected for MA. The MA for PI and BoP as outcome showed no significant differences between surfaces (PI: P = 0.091; BoP: P = 0.099). The MA for PD as outcome showed no significant differences between surfaces (P = 0.488). No statistical significance was found by evaluating each mixed-effects model for potential moderators (type of study, study design, number of implants, follow-up length). The other four studies with a longer follow-up (5-6 years) reported contradictory results depending on the surface treatment investigated.

CONCLUSIONS

Within their limits, the present findings suggest that peri-implant soft tissue may not be affected by the surface treatment of titanium abutments on the short term. Contrasting results are reported in longer follow-up periods depending on the technique used to modify the abutment.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Clinicians should carefully evaluate the use of a modified titanium surface in their practice. Even if no differences in terms of inflammation are present at short term, these findings need to be validated in long-term studies.

Targeting epimastigotes of Trypanosoma cruzi with a peptide isolated from a phage display random library

Chagas disease, also known as American trypanosomiasis, is a potentially life-threatening illness caused by the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, which is transmitted by insects of the family Reduviidae. Since conventional treatments with nitroheterocyclic drugs show serious adverse reactions and have questionable efficiency, different research groups have investigated polypeptide-based approaches to interfere with the parasite cell cycle in other Trypanosomatids. These strategies are supported by the fact that surface players are candidates to develop surface ligands that impair function since they may act as virulence factors. In this study, we used a phage display approach to identify peptides from one library-LX8CX8 (17 aa) (where X corresponds to any amino acid). After testing different biopanning conditions using live or fixed epimastigotes, 10 clones were sequenced that encoded the same peptide, named here as EPI18. The bacteriophage expressing EPI18 binds to epimastigotes from distinct strains of T. cruzi. To confirm these results, this peptide was synthetized, biotinylated, and assayed using flow cytometry and confocal microscopy analyses. These assays confirmed the specificity of the binding capacity of EPI18 toward epimastigote surfaces. Our findings suggest that EPI18 may have potential biotechnological applications that include peptide-based strategies to control parasite transmission.

3D digital breast cancer models with multimodal fusion algorithms

Breast cancer image fusion consists of registering and visualizing different sets of a patient synchronized torso and radiological images into a 3D model. Breast spatial interpretation and visualization by the treating physician can be augmented with a patient-specific digital breast model that integrates radiological images. But the absence of a ground truth for a good correlation between surface and radiological information has impaired the development of potential clinical applications.

A new image acquisition protocol was designed to acquire breast Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and 3D surface scan data with surface markers on the patient’s breasts and torso. A patient-specific digital breast model integrating the real breast torso and the tumor location was created and validated with a MRI/3D surface scan fusion algorithm in 16 breast cancer patients.

This protocol was used to quantify breast shape differences between different modalities, and to measure the target registration error of several variants of the MRI/3D scan fusion algorithm. The fusion of single breasts without the biomechanical model of pose transformation had acceptable registration errors and accurate tumor locations. The performance of the fusion algorithm was not affected by breast volume. Further research and virtual clinical interfaces could lead to fast integration of this fusion technology into clinical practice.

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MRI/3D surface scan fusion algorithm to create 3D breast cancer models.

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A replicable clinical validation protocol for MRI/3D surface scan fusion algorithms.

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Anthropometric study that quantifies breast deformations by area in MRI and 3D scans.

Growth and Survival of Listeria monocytogenes on Intact Fruit and Vegetable Surfaces during Postharvest Handling: A Systematic Literature Review

Listeria monocytogenes may be present in produce-associated environments (e.g., fields, packing houses); thus, understanding its growth and survival on intact, whole produce is of critical importance. The goal of this study was to identify and characterize published data on the growth and/or survival of L. monocytogenes on intact fruit and vegetable surfaces. Relevant studies were identified by searching seven electronic databases: AGRICOLA, CAB Abstracts, Center for Produce Safety funded research project final reports, FST Abstracts, Google Scholar, PubMed, and Web of Science. Searches were conducted using the following terms: Listeria monocytogenes, produce, growth, and survival. Search terms were also modified and "exploded" to find all related subheadings. Included studies had to be prospective, describe methodology (e.g., inoculation method), outline experimental parameters, and provide quantitative growth and/or survival data. Studies were not included if methods were unclear or inappropriate, or if produce was cut, processed, or otherwise treated. Of 3,459 identified citations, 88 were reviewed in full and 29 studies met the inclusion criteria. Included studies represented 21 commodities, with the majority of studies focusing on melons, leafy greens, berries, or sprouts. Synthesis of the reviewed studies suggests L. monocytogenes growth and survival on intact produce surfaces differ substantially by commodity. Parameters such as temperature and produce surface characteristics had a considerable effect on L. monocytogenes growth and survival dynamics. This review provides an inventory of the current data on L. monocytogenes growth and/or survival on intact produce surfaces. Identification of which intact produce commodities support L. monocytogenes growth and/or survival at various conditions observed along the supply chain will assist the industry in managing L. monocytogenes contamination risk.