Background: Rho-associated kinases 1 and 2 (ROCK1 and ROCK2) regulate critical cell functions, including actomyosin contractility, apoptosis, and proliferation. Some studies suggest that ROCK inhibition may serve as a treatment for liver fibrosis. More investigation is needed to understand the role of hepatocyte ROCK signaling in vivo, especially in the context of profibrotic liver injury. Methods: Rock1 fl/fl , Rock2 fl/fl , and Rock1 fl/fl ; Rock2 fl/fl mice were given adeno-associated virus serotype 8 (AAV8)-thyroid hormone-binding globulin (TBG)-Cre to produce targeted gene deletion in hepatocytes, or given AAV8-TBG-Null to generate littermate controls (WT). Mice were then placed on a 0.1% 3,5-diethoxycarbonyl-1,4-dihydrocollidine (DDC) diet to induce liver injury. Results: Upon DDC-induced liver injury, mice with hepatocyte-specific deletion of ROCK1 alone (R1 KO) or ROCK2 alone (R2 KO) demonstrated minimal differences compared to WT. In contrast, mice with hepatocyte-specific deletion of both ROCK1 and ROCK2 (DKO) showed pervasive early mortality, increased hepatocellular injury, and decreased hepatic function. DDC-injured DKO mice demonstrated markedly distorted liver histology characterized by large cavities in the parenchyma. RNA-seq analysis showed upregulation of cell death, inflammatory, and profibrotic pathways in DDC-injured DKO liver as compared to DDC-injured WT liver. Cdkn1a (gene encoding p21) was one of the most highly upregulated genes in the DKO liver in response to DDC-induced injury. Correspondingly, there was increased hepatocyte nuclear localization of p21 and expression of cleaved caspase-3 in DDC-injured DKO liver, consistent with the activation of p21-mediated caspase-3–dependent apoptotic cell death pathways. ROCK1/ROCK2-deficient primary hepatocytes demonstrated increased susceptibility to both caspase-3–mediated apoptosis and caspase-3–independent forms of cell death in a cell intrinsic manner. Conclusions: ROCK signaling plays a critical role in mediating hepatocyte cell survival pathways in response to liver injury.

• Book : 9(2)
• Pub. Date : 2025
• Page :
• Keyword :

Abstract This paper presents an in-depth analytical investigation into the time-dependent flow of a Casson hybrid nanofluid over a radially stretching sheet. The study introduces the effects of magnetic fields and thermal radiation, along with velocity and thermal slip, to model real-world systems for enhancing heat transfer in critical industrial applications. The hybrid nanofluid consists of three nanoparticles—Copper and Graphene Oxide—suspended in Kerosene Oil, selected for their stable and superior thermal properties. The theory of Darcy-Forchheimer, along with the suction and injection effect, is applied to refine the flow behaviour and enhance heat transfer efficiency. The governing nonlinear equations are solved using the Homotopy Analysis Method to provide a robust framework for solution accuracy. The graphical and tabulated results demonstrated that hybrid nanofluid outperforms mono and Casson hybrid nanofluids. The result shows that, at a nanoparticle volume concentration of 0.03, the Casson hybrid nanofluid showed a remarkable 19.99% increase in heat transfer, compared to 14.80% for simple nanofluid. The magnetic parameter and thermal radiation parameter further amplify thermal conductivity. This research provided a critical insight into optimizing thermal management systems for advanced engineering applications, positioning hybrid nanofluid as highly effective solutions for next-generation cooling technologies.

• Book : 15(1)
• Pub. Date : 2025
• Page :
• Keyword :

Abstract Chest imaging in children presents unique challenges due to varying requirements across age groups. For chest radiographs, achieving optimal images often involves careful positioning and immobilisation techniques. Antero-posterior projections are easier to obtain in younger children, while lateral decubitus radiographs are sometimes used when expiratory images are difficult to obtain and for free air exclusion. Chest CT protocols should be age-dependent to minimise radiation exposure and motion artefacts. MRI is primarily used in specialised centres to reduce radiation exposure, requiring specific expertise and sedation in younger children. Respiratory distress syndrome is a leading cause of morbidity in preterm neonates, diagnosed through characteristic radiographic findings and a history of prematurity. Bronchopulmonary dysplasia is the most common complication of extreme preterm birth and chronic oxygen therapy; imaging is used for predicting outcomes for the assessment of severe cases. Transient tachypnoea of the newborn and meconium aspiration syndrome are common in term infants, with specific imaging characteristics aiding in their differentiation. Congenital lung malformations present diagnostic and management challenges, with imaging playing a crucial role in diagnosis and surgical planning. Finally, imaging is essential in detecting complications from pneumonia in children, such as empyema and necrotic pneumonia, or in identifying foreign object aspiration. Clinical relevance statement This review summarises current radiology practice of paediatric chest pathologies, aiding in the accurate diagnosis and management of neonatal and congenital pulmonary conditions and pneumonia complications, ultimately improving patient outcomes through precise imaging interpretation and targeted clinical intervention. Key Points Chest radiographs should be systematically assessed for pathology. Ensure accurate differential diagnosis of neonatal lung diseases by collecting information on gestational age, method of delivery, presenting symptoms, ventilation type, and fetal ultrasound findings. Radiographs and ultrasound are initial diagnostic tools for paediatric pulmonary disease; CT should be reserved for complex cases. Referral to paediatric hospital should be considered when the use of chest MRI is indicated.

• Book : ()
• Pub. Date : 2025
• Page :
• Keyword :

Resumo A Medicina Nuclear desempenha um importante papel no manejo de pacientes com doenças crônicas, especialmente oncológicas e cardiovasculares. Neste estudo, foi realizada uma análise da evolução da área no Brasil, no âmbito do Sistema Único de Saúde. Para tanto, foram realizadas análises restrospectivas entre 2015 e 2021 de dados públicos. Embora o Brasil possua uma quantidade considerável de instalações, sua distribuição geográfica é desigual. A mesma disparidade é observada em relação às unidades produtoras e distribuidoras de radiofármacos, limitando o acesso da população brasileira, particularmente àqueles com meia-vida inferior a duas horas. Percebe-se a alta dependência tecnológica de empresas estrangeiras, com pouca ou nenhuma produção nacional, o que contribui para o déficit na balança comercial. Apesar das possíveis demandas crescentes sobre a área devido a fatores como o envelhecimento da população e mudanças epidemiológicas a área não se expandiu. É crucial implementar políticas sociais e econômicas voltadas à área para reduzir as vulnerabilidades do sistema de saúde, assegurar sua sustentabilidade e promover um acesso igualitário e universal aos serviços de Medicina Nuclear.

• Book : 30(1)
• Pub. Date : 2025
• Page :
• Keyword :

Abstract Background Multi-cancer early detection (MCED) tests may expand cancer screening. Characterizing diagnostic resolution approaches following positive MCED tests is critical. Two trials employed distinct resolution approaches: a molecular signal to predict tissue of origin (TOO) and an imaging-based diagnostic strategy. This modeling study characterizes diagnostic journeys and impact in a hypothetical population of average risk MCED eligible patients. Methods A mathematical expression for diagnostic burden was derived using positive predictive value (PPV), molecular TOO localization accuracy, and numbers of procedures associated with each diagnostic outcome. Imaging-based and molecular TOO-informed strategies were compared. Excess lifetime cancer risk due to futile radiation exposure was estimated using organ-specific diagnostic imaging radiation doses. Results Across all PPVs and localization performances, a molecular TOO strategy resulted in a higher diagnostic burden: 3.6 procedures [SD 0.445] vs 2.6 procedures [SD 0.100] for the imaging strategy. Estimated diagnostic burden was higher for molecular TOO in 95.5% of all PPV and TOO accuracy combinations; ≥79% PPV and 90% accuracy would be required for a molecular TOO-informed strategy to be less burdensome than imaging. The maximum rate of excess cancer incidence from radiation exposure for MCED false positive results (individuals aged 50-84) was 64.6/100,000 (annual testing, 99% specificity), 48.5/100,000 (biennial testing, 98.5% specificity), and 64.6/100,000 (biennial testing, 98% specificity). Conclusions An imaging-based diagnostic strategy is more efficient than a molecular TOO-informed approach across almost all PPV and TOO accuracy combinations. The use of an imaging-based approach for cancer localization can be efficient and low-risk compared to a molecular-informed approach.

• Book : ()
• Pub. Date : 2025
• Page :
• Keyword :

SUMMARYAnimals have evolved distinct small RNA pathways, including piRNA and siRNA, to silence invasive and selfish nucleic acids. piRNA pathway factors are concentrated in perinuclear germ granules that frequently associate with nuclear pore complexes (NPCs). However, the factors mediating germ granule-NPC association and the functional relevance of such association remain unknown. Here we show that the conserved nucleoporins NPP-14 (NUP-214) and NPP-24 (NUP-88), components of the cytoplasmic filaments of NPC, play critical roles in anchoring germ granule to NPC and in attenuating piRNA silencing InC. elegans. Proximity labeling experiments further identified EPS-1 (enhanced piRNA silencing) as a key germ granule factor contributing to germ granule-NPC interaction. Innpp-14,npp-24,oreps-1mutant animals, we observed fewer but enlarged, unorganized germ granules, accompanied by the over-amplification of secondary small RNAs at piRNA targeting sites. Nonetheless, we found this enhancement of piRNA silencing comes at the cost of dampened RNAi efficiency and RNAi inheritance. Together, our studies uncovered factors contributing to germ granule-NPC association and underscored the importance of spatial organization of germ granules in balancing small RNA silencing pathways.

• Book : ()
• Pub. Date : 2025
• Page :
• Keyword :

This work presents results on nanosecond laser ablation of a titanium (Ti) plate immersed in a liquid medium using the fundamental wavelength (1064 nm) of a nanosecond Nd:YAG laser system. The laser radiation was focused on the target surface as scanning was accomplished by an XY translation stage. The laser processing of the Ti targets took place in two organic liquids—liquid paraffin and diesel oil. The morphology of the structured surfaces and the structure and phase composition of the samples were studied; their dependences on the processing parameters are discussed. With both liquid media used, crack formation on the surface of the laser-treated Ti target was observed. Formation of a titanium carbide (TiC) phase was found whose properties could be tuned by varying the laser irradiation parameters. Raman measurements were utilized to analyze the carbon structure formed in the resulting coatings. The results of surface electron microscopy reveal that the thickness of the resulting coatings reached 20 µm. Some of the obtained coatings demonstrated about three times higher hardness compared to the native Ti sample. The technique proposed can be used in surface modification of materials in view of improving their mechanical properties.

• Book : 18(3)
• Pub. Date : 2025
• Page : pp.598-598
• Keyword :

The OMA-seq method allows for accurate and quantitative detection of 5hmC at single-nucleotide resolution by leveraging natural deaminases. The use of orthologous enzymes for 5hmC detection enhances the toolkit available for epigenetic study.

• Book : ()
• Pub. Date : 2025
• Page :
• Keyword :

AbstractA novel design method of dual‐band single‐layer substrate‐integrated waveguide (SIW) filtering antennas with independently controllable bands is proposed in this paper. The basic two‐pole dual‐band filtering antenna is proposed by a dual‐mode rectangular SIW cavity coupled to two single‐mode SIW cavities with respective radiating slots. Single cavity multi‐mode is realised by etching dumbbell‐shaped slots and metallised vias to achieve the purpose of broadening bandwidth and miniaturisation. The dual‐mode SIW cavity acting as a common structure is fed by a coaxial feeder. The two orthogonal modes are coupled to two single‐mode cavities by coupling windows to produce two two‐pole passband filtering responses, respectively. Metallised vias in radiating SIW cavities are employed to realise good impedance matchings in radiating pass‐bands. The two filtering radiation bands can be controlled independently, which is analysed in detail. Based on the basic two‐pole dual‐band filtering antenna, three‐ and four‐pole dual‐band filtering antennas are further proposed and analysed. For demonstration, two‐, three‐ and four‐pole dual‐band filtering antennas with two centre frequencies of 10 and 11.7 GHz are designed, fabricated, and measured. The good agreement between the simulated and measured results verifies the proposed design methodology of single‐layer SIW dual‐band filtering antennas.

• Book : 19(1)
• Pub. Date : 2025
• Page :
• Keyword :

Sinonasal small-cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (SCNEC) is an uncommon malignant epithelial neuroendocrine tumor in the sinonasal cavity that often presents in isolation and rarely occurs in synchronous fashion with small-cell lung carcinoma (SCLC). Here, we present a case of a 65-year-old man diagnosed with SCNEC concurrently combined with SCLC. He received first-line platinum-doublet chemotherapy combined with durvalumab, followed by radiotherapy to thoracic as well as head and neck regions. The follow-up computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging showed a complete response according to Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors criteria until 9 June 2024. This case highlights the need for accurate diagnostic characterization of primary lesions and the need to formalize treatment paradigms using chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors, and targeted prophylactic cranial irradiation.

• Book : ()
• Pub. Date : 2025
• Page :
• Keyword :