Three dimensional texture analysis in MRI: a preliminary evaluation in gliomas

The discrimination of tumor boundaries from normal tissue, as well as the evaluation of tissue heterogeneity and tumor grading often continue to pose a challenge in MRI. Although yielding promising results in various fields of medical imaging, two- dimensional (2D) texture analysis in MRI has, until now, demonstrated a lack of specificity in brain tumor classification. A new three-dimensional (3D) approach using Cooccurrence Matrix analysis is proposed to increase the sensitivity and specificity of brain tumor characterization. A preliminary comparative evaluation of 2D and 3D texture analysis was performed on T(1)-weighted MRI of seven gliomas for characterization of solid tumor, necrosis, edema and surrounding white matter. With 3D compared to 2D method, a better discrimination is obtained between necrosis and solid tumor as well as between edema and solid tumor. Using both methods, peritumoral white matter overlaps with edema, but is completely separated from far homo-lateral matter. This latter shows a complete overlapping with contra-lateral matter. The 3D texture analysis approach could provide a new tool for tumor grading and treatment follow-up, as well as for surgery or radiation therapy planning.     

Two new cytotoxic furoquinoline alkaloids isolated from Aegle marmelos (Linn.) Correa

Two new cytotoxic furoquinoline alkaloids were isolated from the leaves of Aegle marmelos (Linn.) Correa; one from the total alkaloidal fraction (acid/base shake-out method) of the CHCl₃ extract and identified as 7,8-dihydroxy-4-hydrofuroquinoline and named trivially as Aegelbine-A. The other new alkaloid isolated from the pet. ether extract and identified as 4-hydro-7-hydroxy-8-prenyloxyfuroquinoline and named trivially as Aegelbine-B, together with a known alkaloid; aegeline and a known phenolic acid; ρ-hydroxybenzoic acid. The structures of all the isolated compounds were established based on 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy and HR-ESI/MS. The cytotoxic activity of the isolated compounds was evaluated in vitro against HepG-2, PC3, A549 and MCF-7 cell lines. The obtained results revealed promising activity with structure-based relationship which is discussed briefly.     

Investigation of the radioactive rates of radon gas and its progeny in new buildings

Journal of Radioanalytical and Nuclear Chemistry - Radon is the second most common cause of lung cancer after smoking. In this current work, the concentration of radon gas was measured by CR-39...     

Tissue Indices of Telomere Length and p53 in Patients with Different Gastrointestinal Tumors: Correlation with Clinicopathological Status

Telomere length dysfunction is involved in the generation of genomic rearrangements that drive progression to malignancy. A set of serological markers for telomere dysfunction, namely chitinase and N-acetylglucosaminidase (NAG), DNA damage, and tissue alteration of p53 have been identified. The probability that genomic damage, accumulation of reactive oxygen species, and shorter telomeres may be related to the onset and advancement of gastrointestinal (GI) tumors. A total of 40 patients with GI tumors and 20 healthy controls with matched age and sex were included. Estimation of serum chitinase, NAG, lipid peroxide (LPER), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase by colorimetric methods, and p53 by ELISA were assessed. Related clinicopathological features were determined. Serological chitinase, NO, LPER, and p53 were significantly increased, SOD was significantly decreased (p ? 0.001 for each) in GI tumor patients compared with controls and correlated significantly with age. There was a significant correlation between telomere dysfunction indices, p53, oxidative stress indices, and malignant stages of GI cancer patients. Moreover, a significant difference in the mean serum levels of indices between control, malignant, and benign subjects was found. Accordingly, these biomarkers play an important role in the pathogenesis of GI cancer and their estimation may predict the GI tumor behavior.     

Interaction of Na2B12H11SH with liposomes: Influence on zeta potential and particle size

The interaction of Na₂B₁₂H₁₁SH (BSH) with liposomes has been studied. BSH is a compound used clinically in boron neutron capture therapy of glioblastoma, and is known to enter tumor cells. Liposomes were used as a model for studying the interaction of BSH with cell membranes. BSH led to changes in the zeta potential of liposomes consisting of DODAB (dioctadecyldimethylammonium bromide) alone or with DOPC (dioleylphosphatidylcholine) or DOPE (dioleylphosphatidylethanolamine). It also led to changes of the size of DODAB liposomes, with a maximum size at small zeta potentials. A firm binding of BSH with the head groups of the lipid must be assumed.     

Influence of Freezing and Different Drying Methods on Volatile Profiles of Strawberry and Analysis of Volatile Compounds of Strawberry Commercial Jams

Strawberry is the most consumed berry fruit worldwide due to its unique aroma and flavor. Drying fruits to produce a powder represents one of the possible conservation methods to extend their shelf-life. The aim of the present study was to compare the influence of freezing and different drying methods on the volatile profile of strawberry using the HS-SPME/GC–MS method, in addition to analysis of strawberry jam volatiles. A total of 165 compounds were identified, accounting for 85.03–96.88% of the total volatile compositions. Results and PCA showed that freezing and each drying process affected the volatile profile in a different way, and the most remarkable representative differential volatiles were ethyl hexanoate, hexyl acetate, (E)-2-hexenyl acetate, mesifurane, (E)-nerolidol, γ-decalactone, 1-hexanol, and acetoin. Shade air-dried, frozen, freeze-dried, and oven-dried 45 °C samples retained more of the fruity and sweet aromas of strawberry, representing more than 68% of the total aroma intensity according to the literature. In contrast, the microwave-drying method showed drastic loss of fruity esters. Strawberry jams demonstrated complete destruction of esters and alcohols in most jams, while terpenes were significantly increased. These findings help better understand the aroma of strawberry and provide a guide for the effects of drying, freezing, and jam processing.     

EDXRF,FTIR, and XRD characterization of low calcium oxalate urinary stones collected from arid area

Low calcium oxalate urinary stones from the kidney, bladder, and ureter have been collected from the arid area (Taif, Saudi Arabia). After careful washing and drying of the collected stones, the samples were converted into a contamination-free homogenous fine powder with a particles' size smaller than 50 μm. The processed urinary stone powders were studied using attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), laboratory setup and synchrotron radiation X-ray diffraction (XRD), and energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF). The activated function groups, quantitative phase analysis, and the semi-quantitative elemental analysis of the present urinary stones were identified. Seventeen elements were measured in most of the urinary stone samples. The significant elements are Ca, P, S, Cl, Zn, K, Fe, and Cu, whereas other elements were found alternatively in a few number of urinary stone samples. It was recognized that Ca exists with low concentration, which indicates the presence of different calcium phases even with low percentages. In 33% of the urinary stones, the phosphorus (P) was not measured, but there were high concentrations of sulfur (S) and low concentrations of Ca up to 2.15 ± 0.05%. The ATR-FTIR results indicate that the most compounds of the present urinary stones were urea and cystine combined with low ratios of calcium oxalate and calcium phosphate compounds. The quantitative phase analysis of the XRD of selected samples proves the presence of the cystine, urea, and calcium oxalate phases with different weight percent.     

Texture analysis of magnetic resonance images of rat muscles during atrophy and regeneration

OBJECTIVES: The goals of the current study were (i) to introduce texture analysis on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI-TA) as a noninvasive method of muscle investigation that can discriminate three muscle conditions in rats; these are normal, atrophy and regeneration; and (ii) to show consistency between MRI-TA results and histological results of muscle type 2 fibers' cross-sectional area. METHOD: Twenty-three adult female Wistar rats were randomized into (i) control (C), (ii) immobilized (I) and (iii) recovering (R) groups. For the last two groups, the right hind limb calf muscles were immobilized against the abdomen for 14 days; then, the hind limb was remobilized only for the R group for 40 days. At the end of each experimental period, MRI was performed using 7-T magnet Bruker Avance DRX 300 (Bruker, Wissembourg); T1-weighted MRI acquisition parameters were applied to show predominantly muscle fibers. Rats were sacrificed, and the gastrocnemius muscle (GM) was excised immediately after imaging. (A) Histology: GM type 2 fibers (fast twitch) were selectively stained using the adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase) technique. The mean cross-sectional areas were compared between the three groups. (B) Image analysis: regions of interest (ROIs) were selected on GM MR images where statistical methods of texture analysis were applied followed by linear discriminant analysis (LDA) and classification. RESULTS: Histological analysis showed that the fibers' mean cross-sectional areas on GM transversal sections represented a significant statistical difference between I and C rats (ANOVA, P<.001) as well as between R and I rats (ANOVA, P<.01), but not between C and R rats. Similarly, MRI-TA on GM transversal images detected different texture for each group with the highest discrimination values (Fisher F coefficient) between the C and I groups, as well as between I and R groups. The lowest discrimination values were found between C and R groups. LDA showed three texture classes schematically separated. CONCLUSION: Quantitative results of MRI-TA were statistically consistent with histology. MRI-TA can be considered as a potentially interesting, reproducible and nondestructive method for muscle examination during atrophy and regeneration.     

Effect of Plasma Activated Water on Selected Chemical Compounds of Rocket-Salad (Eruca sativa Mill.) Leaves

Plasma activated water (PAW) has proven to be a promising alternative for the decontamination of rocket leaves. The impact of PAW on the volatile profile, phytosterols, and pigment content of rocket leaves was studied. Leaves were treated by PAW at different times (2, 5, 10, and 20 min). Compounds of the headspace were detected and quantified using GC–MS analysis. A total of 52 volatile organic compounds of different chemical classes were identified. Glucosinolate hydrolysis products are the major chemical class. PAW application induced some chemical modifications in the volatile compounds. Changes in the content of the major compounds varied with the increase or decrease in the treatment time. However, PAW-10 and -2 were grouped closely to the control. A significant decrease in the content of β-sitosterol and campesterol was observed after PAW treatment, except for PAW-10, which showed a non-significant reduction in both compounds. A significant increase in β carotene, luteolin, and chlorophyll b was observed after the shortest treatment time of PAW-2. A reduction in chlorophyll content was also observed, which is significant only at longer treatment, or PAW-20. Overall, PAW has proven to be a safe alternative for rocket decontamination.