With its excellent contrast and spatial resolution, and the ability to image in real-time, ultrasound is the main imaging modality for assessing the gallbladder (GB). The application of ...contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) of the GB is now increasingly recognized as a useful addition to ultrasound and other cross-sectional imaging in the assessment of neoplastic and non-neoplastic GB disease. With the ability to image microcirculation and optimal contrast resolution, CEUS allows high-quality delineation in real-time, allowing for increased diagnostic confidence. In addition, ultrasound contrast agents have a favorable safety profile and can be used if CT or MR contrast agents are contraindicated or undesired. In this review, the CEUS appearances of a range of GB diseases encountered are presented, including adenomyomatosis, polyps, carcinoma, sludge, and cholecystitis with mural ulceration or perforation.
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EMUNI, FIS, FZAB, GEOZS, GIS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, MFDPS, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, SBMB, SBNM, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK, VKSCE, VSZLJ, ZAGLJ
A search for the rare decays $B^0_s$→$μ$+$μ$- and B0→$μ$+$μ$- is performed at the LHCb experiment using data collected in pp collisions corresponding to a total integrated luminosity of 4.4 fb-1. An ...excess of $B^0_s$→$μ$+$μ$- decays is observed with a significance of 7.8 standard deviations, representing the first observation of this decay in a single experiment. The branching fraction is measured to be $B$($μ$+$μ$-)=(3.0 ± $0.6^{+0.3}_{-0.2}$) × 10-9, where the first uncertainty is statistical and the second systematic. The first measurement of the $B^0_s$→$μ$+$μ$- effective lifetime, τ($B^0_s$→($μ$+$μ$-) = 2.04 ± 0.44 ± 0.05 ps, is reported. No significant excess of B0→($μ$+$μ$- decays is found, and a 95% confidence level upper limit, $B$(B0→($μ$+$μ$-) < 3.4 × 10-10, is determined. All results are in agreement with the standard model expectations.
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CMK, CTK, FMFMET, IJS, NUK, PNG, UM
The doubly charmed baryon decay Ξ + + c c → Ξ + c π + is observed for the first time, with a statistical significance of 5.9 σ , confirming a recent observation of the baryon in the Λ + c K − π + π + ...final state. The data sample used corresponds to an integrated luminosity of 1.7 fb − 1 , collected by the LHCb experiment in p p collisions at a center-of-mass energy of 13 TeV. The Ξ + + c c mass is measured to be 3620.6 ± 1.5 ( stat ) ± 0.4 ( syst ) ± 0.3 ( Ξ + c ) MeV / c 2 and is consistent with the previous result. The ratio of branching fractions between the decay modes is measured to be B ( Ξ + + c c → Ξ + c π + ) × B ( Ξ + c → p K − π + ) / B ( Ξ + + c c → Λ + c K − π + π + ) × B ( Λ + c → p K − π + ) = 0.035 ± 0.009 ( stat ) ± 0.003 ( syst )
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We present an update to the status of research on succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase (SSADH) deficiency (SSADHD), a rare disorder of GABA metabolism. This is an unusual disorder featuring the ...accumulation of both GABA and its neuromodulatory analog, gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB), and recent studies have advanced the potential clinical application of NCS-382, a putative GHB receptor antagonist. Animal studies have provided proof-of-concept that enzyme replacement therapy could represent a long-term therapeutic option. The characterization of neuronal stem cells (NSCs) derived from
aldehyde dehydrogenase 5a1
−/−
(
aldh5a1
−/−
) mice, the murine model of SSADHD, has highlighted NSC utility as an in vitro system in which to study therapeutics and associated toxicological properties. Gene expression analyses have revealed that transcripts encoding GABA
A
receptors are down-regulated and may remain largely immature in
aldh5a1
−/−
brain, characterized by excitatory as opposed to inhibitory outputs, the latter being the expected action in the mature central nervous system. This indicates that agents altering chloride channel activity may be therapeutically relevant in SSADHD. The most recent therapeutic prospects include mTOR (mechanistic target of rapamycin) inhibitors, drugs that have received attention with the elucidation of the effects of elevated GABA on autophagy. The outlook for novel therapeutic trials in SSADHD continues to improve.
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FZAB, GEOZS, GIS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, MFDPS, NLZOH, NUK, OBVAL, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, SBMB, SBNM, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK, VKSCE, ZAGLJ
To investigate the effect of native, heated and glycated bovine serum albumin (BSA) on the ulcerative colitis (UC) and non-UC colonic microbiota in vitro. Continuous flow culture (CFC) models of the ...human colonic microbiota inoculated with faeces from UC and non-UC volunteers were maintained on BSA as growth substrate. Changes in bacterial populations and short-chain fatty acids were determined. UC and non-UC microbiota differed significantly in microbial populations, with elevated numbers of sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) and clostridia in the microbiota from UC patients. Compared with native BSA, glycated BSA modulated the gut microbiota of UC patients in vitro towards a more detrimental community structure with significant increases in putatively harmful bacteria (clostridia, bacteroides and SRB; P < 0·009) and decreases in dominant and putatively beneficial bacterial groups (eubacteria and bifidobacteria; P < 0·0004). The levels of beneficial short-chain fatty acids were significantly decreased by heated or glycated BSA, but were increased significantly by native BSA. The UC colonic microbiota maintained in CFC was significantly modified by glycated BSA. Results suggest that dietary glycated protein may impact upon the composition and activity of the colonic microbiota, an important environmental variable in UC.
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BFBNIB, FZAB, GIS, IJS, KILJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, SAZU, SBCE, SBMB, UL, UM, UPUK
The technological evolution and widespread availability of wearables and handheld ECG devices capable of screening for atrial fibrillation (AF), and their promotion directly to consumers, has focused ...attention of health care professionals and patient organizations on consumer-led AF screening. In this Frontiers review, members of the AF-SCREEN International Collaboration provide a critical appraisal of this rapidly evolving field to increase awareness of the complexities and uncertainties surrounding consumer-led AF screening. Although there are numerous commercially available devices directly marketed to consumers for AF monitoring and identification of unrecognized AF, health care professional-led randomized controlled studies using multiple ECG recordings or continuous ECG monitoring to detect AF have failed to demonstrate a significant reduction in stroke. Although it remains uncertain if consumer-led AF screening reduces stroke, it could increase early diagnosis of AF and facilitate an integrated approach, including appropriate anticoagulation, rate or rhythm management, and risk factor modification to reduce complications. Companies marketing AF screening devices should report the accuracy and performance of their products in high- and low-risk populations and avoid claims about clinical outcomes unless improvement is demonstrated in randomized clinical trials. Generally, the diagnostic yield of AF screening increases with the number, duration, and temporal dispersion of screening sessions, but the prognostic importance may be less than for AF detected by single-time point screening, which is largely permanent, persistent, or high-burden paroxysmal AF. Consumer-initiated ECG recordings suggesting possible AF always require confirmation by a health care professional experienced in ECG reading, whereas suspicion of AF on the basis of photoplethysmography must be confirmed with an ECG. Consumer-led AF screening is unlikely to be cost-effective for stroke prevention in the predominantly young, early adopters of this technology. Studies in older people at higher stroke risk are required to demonstrate both effectiveness and cost-effectiveness. The direct interaction between companies and consumers creates new regulatory gaps in relation to data privacy and the registration of consumer apps and devices. Although several barriers for optimal use of consumer-led screening exist, results of large, ongoing trials, powered to detect clinical outcomes, are required before health care professionals should support widespread adoption of consumer-led AF screening.
Background/AimsThe 3-phase fermentable oligo-, di-, mono-saccharides, and polyols (FODMAP) diet has shown a high level of efficacy in irritable bowel syndrome, largely based on dietitian delivered ...education. However, access to dietitians can be limited, and challenges exist when applying the diet to a wide range of cultures, such as limited FODMAP analysis of local foods. This review aims to discuss ways to optimally use the FODMAP diet in practice in a wide range of cultures, directed at gastroenterologists from a dietitian's perspective.MethodsRecent literature was analysed via search databases including Medline, CINAHL, PubMed and Scopus.ResultsThe dietetic process involves detailed assessment and follow-up through the 3 stages of the FODMAP diet (restriction, re-introduction, and long-term maintenance). Emerging evidence suggests the diet can be delivered by other health professionals such as the gastroenterologist or nurse, but training on how to do so successfully would be needed. Self-guided approaches through use of technology or specialised food delivery services may be an alternative when dietitians are not available, but efficacy data is limited. Regardless of delivery mode, nutritional and psychological risks of the diet must be mitigated. Additionally, culturally appropriate education must be provided, with accommodations necessary when the FODMAP content of local foods are unknown.ConclusionWhile the diet has shown improved irritable bowel syndrome outcomes across studies, it is important to acknowledge the essential role of dietitians in implementing, tailoring, and managing the diet to achieve the best outcome for each individual.
Transition metal aluminium nitrides produced by physical vapour deposition are widely used as hard, protective coatings in the manufacturing industries. To optimise coatings wear resistance while ...maintaining fracture toughness, an understanding of the mechanisms linking the microstructure and the orientation-dependent fracture behaviour is required. (V,Al)N coatings were synthesised by direct current and high power pulsed magnetron sputtering. Uniaxial compression testing was performed using micropillars oriented between 0° and 90° with respect to the growth direction to assess the effect of microstructure on the fracture behaviour. We show here that different fracture mechanisms are active depending on the alignment of grains and loading direction. The fracture behaviour could be divided into three classes associated with column buckling, decohesion or shearing and no significant difference between the specimens induced by the deposition process could be observed.
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EMUNI, FIS, FZAB, GEOZS, GIS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, MFDPS, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, SBMB, SBNM, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK, VKSCE, ZAGLJ
The $\Xi{^+_c}$$K^-$ mass spectrum is studied with a sample of $pp$ collision data corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 3.3 fb-1, collected by the LHCb experiment. The $\Xi{^+_c}$ is ...reconstructed in the decay mode $pK^-$$π^+$. Five new, narrow excited $Ω_c^0$ states are observed: the $Ω_c$(3000)$^0$, $Ω_c$(3050)$^0$, $Ω_c$(3066)$^0$, $Ω_c$(3090)$^0$, and $Ω_c$(3119)$^0$. Measurements of their masses and widths are reported.
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CMK, CTK, FMFMET, IJS, NUK, PNG, UM
Cystine is widely used in cell culture media. Cysteine, the reduced form of cystine, is widely used to scavenge dissolved Ag in eco-toxicological studies to differentiate dissolved vs. nanoparticle ...uptake and toxicity. However, little is known about the impact of cysteine and cystine on the aggregation behavior of Ag NPs, in particular as a function of Ag NP concentration. Herein, we investigate how cystine (0–300μM) affects the stability of citrate-, polyvinylpyrrolidone-, and polyethylene glycol-coated silver nanoparticles (cit-Ag NPs, PVP-Ag NPs and PEG-Ag NPs, respectively) with and without Suwannee River fulvic acid (SRFA) as a function of Ag NPs concentration using UV–vis spectroscopy at environmentally and ecotoxicologically relevant Ag NP concentrations (ca. 125–1000μgL−1). The results demonstrate, for the first time, the concentration-dependent aggregation of cit-Ag NPs in the presence of cystine with a shift in the critical coagulation concentration (CCC) to lower cystine concentrations at lower cit-Ag NP concentrations. At the highest cit-Ag NP concentration (1000μgL−1), reaction limited aggregation was only observed and no CCC was measured. SRFA slowed the aggregation of cit-Ag NPs by cystine and aggregation occurred in reaction limited aggregation (RLA) regime only. No CCC value was measured in the presence of SRFA. Cystine replaces citrate, PVP and PEG coatings, resulting in aggregation of both electrostatically and sterically stabilized Ag NPs. These findings are important in understanding the factors determining the behavior of Ag NPs in cell culture media. Also due to the similarity between cystine and cysteine, these results are important in understanding the uptake and toxicity of Ag NPs vs. Ag ions, and suggest that the reduction of the toxicity of Ag NPs in the presence of cysteine could be due to a combined effect of scavenging Ag+ ions and Ag NP aggregation in the presence of cysteine.
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•Effect of cystine on the aggregation of AgNPs was investigated•UV-vis was used to monitor the aggregation behavior of Ag NPs•Cystine caused aggregation of charge and sterically stabilized AgNPs•The critical coagulation concentration decreased at lower AgNP concentrations•The impact of cysteine/cystine on Ag NP behavior in biological/toxicological media should be carefully evaluated
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UILJ, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZAGLJ, ZRSKP
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