Bench-to-bedside imaging in brain metastases: a road to precision oncology.

Radiology has seen tremendous evolution in the last few decades. At the same time, oncology has made great strides in diagnosing and treating cancer. Distant metastases of neoplasms are being encountered more often in light of longer patient survival due to better therapeutic strategies and diagnostic methods. Brain metastasis (BM) is a dismal manifestation of systemic cancer. In the present scenario, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT) and positron emission tomography (PET) are playing a big role in providing molecular information about cancer. Lately, molecular imaging has emerged as a stirring arena of dynamic imaging techniques that have enabled clinicians and scientists to noninvasively visualize and understand biological processes at the cellular and molecular levels. This knowledge has impacted etiopathogenesis, detection, personalized treatment, drug development, and our understanding of carcinogenesis. This article offers insight into the molecular biology underlying brain metastasis, its pathogenesis, imaging protocols, and algorithms. It also discusses disease-specific molecular imaging features, focusing on common tumors that spread to the brain, such as lung, breast, colorectal cancer, melanoma, and renal cell carcinoma. Additionally, it covers various targeted treatment options, criteria for assessing treatment response, and the role of artificial intelligence in diagnosing, managing, and predicting prognosis for patients with brain metastases.

Prenatal exome sequencing and impact on perinatal outcome: cohort study.

OBJECTIVES: First, to determine the uptake of prenatal exome sequencing (pES) and the diagnostic yield of pathogenic (causative) variants in a UK tertiary fetal medicine unit following the introduction of the NHS England Rapid Exome Sequencing Service for fetal anomalies testing (R21 pathway). Second, to identify how the decision to proceed with pES and identification of a causative variant affect perinatal outcomes, specifically late termination of pregnancy (TOP) at or beyond 22 weeks' gestation. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study of anomalous fetuses referred to the Liverpool Women's Hospital Fetal Medicine Unit between 1 March 2021 and 28 February 2022. pES was performed as part of the R21 pathway. Trio exome sequencing was performed using an Illumina next-generation sequencing platform assessing coding and splice regions of a panel of 974 prenatally relevant genes and 231 expert reviewed genes. Data on demographics, phenotype, pES result and perinatal outcome were extracted and compared. Descriptive statistics and the χ-square or Fisher's exact test were performed using IBM SPSS version 28.0.1.0. RESULTS: In total, 72 cases were identified and two-thirds of eligible women (n = 48) consented to trio pES. pES was not feasible in one case owing to a low DNA yield and, therefore, was performed in 47 cases. In one-third of cases (n = 24), pES was not proposed or agreed. In 58.3% (14/24) of these cases, this was because invasive testing was declined and, in 41.7% (10/24) of cases, women opted for testing and underwent chromosomal microarray analysis only. The diagnostic yield of pES was 23.4% (11/47). There was no overall difference in the proportion of women who decided to have late TOP in the group in which pES was agreed compared with the group in which pES was not proposed or agreed (25.0% (12/48) vs 25.0% (6/24); P = 1.0). However, the decision to have late TOP was significantly more frequent when a causative variant was detected compared with when pES was uninformative (63.6% (7/11) vs 13.9% (5/36); P < 0.0009). The median turnaround time for results was longer in cases in which a causative variant was identified than in those in which pES was uninformative (22 days (interquartile range (IQR), 19-34) days vs 14 days (IQR, 10-15 days); P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates the potential impact of identification of a causative variant by pES on decision to have late TOP. As the R21 pathway continues to evolve, we urge clinicians and policymakers to consider introducing earlier screening for anomalies, developing robust guidance for late TOP and ensuring optimized support for couples. © 2022 The Authors. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Glioma radiogenomics and artificial intelligence: road to precision cancer medicine.

Radiogenomics refers to the study of the relationship between imaging phenotypes and gene expression patterns/molecular characteristics, which might allow improved diagnosis, decision-making, and predicting patient outcomes in the context of multiple diseases. Central nervous system (CNS) tumours contribute to significant cancer-related mortality in the present age. Although historically CNS neoplasms were classified and graded based on microscopic appearance, there was discordance between two histologically similar tumours that showed varying prognosis and behaviour, attributable to their molecular signatures. These led to the incorporation of molecular markers in the classification of CNS neoplasms. Meanwhile, advancements in imaging technology such as diffusion-based imaging (including tractography), perfusion, and spectroscopy in addition to the conventional imaging of glial neoplasms, have opened an avenue for radiogenomics. This review touches upon the schema of the current classification of gliomas, concepts behind molecular markers, and parameters that are used in radiogenomics to characterise gliomas and the role of artificial intelligence for the same. Further, the role of radiomics in the grading of brain tumours, prediction of treatment response and prognosis has been discussed. Use of automated and semi-automated tumour segmentation for radiotherapy planning and follow-up has also been discussed briefly.

Screening and management of the small for gestational age fetus in the UK: A survey of practice.

BACKGROUND: Antenatal detection of the small for gestational (SGA) fetus has become an important indicator of quality of antenatal care in the UK. This has been driven by a desire to reduce stillbirth in this at risk group. METHODS: We conducted a postal survey of 187 NHS consultant units within the UK to determine what the current practice for the detection and subsequent management of the suspected SGA fetus was following the guidance from the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) in 2013. RESULTS: The survey was performed in 3 rounds between 2016 and 2017 with a response rate of 65%. 85% of units assessed risk factors for SGA at booking. 81% of units used a customized symphysis fundal height (SFH) chart to screen for SGA with 95% of them using a cut off of <10th centile to refer for ultrasound assessment. When ultrasound is used to detect SGA, 80% of units used estimated fetal weight (EFW), with 89% of these using a cut off of <10th centile to diagnose SGA. Umbilical artery (UA) Doppler monitoring was undertaken in 97% of management and 94% delivered after 37 weeks. Only 24% of units had a dedicated fetal growth clinic, whilst 48% of units were able to offer computerised CTG to monitor the SGA fetus. CONCLUSIONS: Overall there is consistency in the screening methods for SGA (customised SFH charts) and identification of suspected SGA (SFH <10th centile, EFW <10th centile, UA monitoring and induction of labour at term). There was a low uptake of computerized CTG to monitor SGA babies and a low number of specialised fetal growth clinics.

Diagnostic accuracy of individual antenatal tools for prediction of small-for-gestational age at birth.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the accuracy of fetal and newborn growth charts for the prediction of small-for-gestational age (SGA) at birth (birth weight < 10th centile). METHODS: This was a prospective cohort study performed within a UK specialist fetal growth clinic. A total of 105 consecutive pregnant women referred for a suspected SGA fetus were included. All pregnancies were managed according to a standard protocol using estimated fetal weight (EFW) plotted on customized Gestation Related Optimal Weight (GROW) charts. The last antenatal estimates of EFW (according to charts of GROW, Hadlock et al. and Mikolajczyk et al.), abdominal circumference (AC) (according to charts of Hadlock et al., INTERGROWTH-21st Project and Chitty et al.) or change in AC over time (calculated according to Pregnancy Outcome Prediction (POP) study) were compared against four birth-weight charts (GROW, INTERGROWTH-21st , Mikolajczyk et al. and World Health Organization (WHO)). The ability of each antenatal test to predict adverse perinatal outcome (APO) was assessed. RESULTS: Birth weight < 10th centile was assigned in 62 (59%) neonates using the GROW chart, 57 (54%) using the Mikolajczyk et al. chart, 55 (52%) using the INTERGROWTH-21st chart and 51 (49%) using the WHO chart. AC-Hadlock had the best negative likelihood ratio (range, 0.3-0.4) and sensitivity (range, 74%-82%) for predicting SGA as defined by all four postnatal birth-weight charts. AC-INTERGROWTH-21st had the best positive likelihood ratio (range, 5.9-10.9) and specificity (94%-96%). For prediction of APO, AC-Hadlock and EFW-GROW had the best sensitivities (57% and 52%, respectively), whereas AC-POP had the best positive likelihood ratio (2.2) and specificity (88%). Antenatal prediction of APO increased to a sensitivity of 61% when AC-POP and EFW-GROW were combined; however, specificity was only 56%. CONCLUSIONS: We have identified wide variation in the diagnostic accuracy of various antenatal tools for the prediction of both SGA and APO, dependent on the choice of chart. Suboptimal diagnostic accuracy of commonly used antenatal tests may lead to increasing medicalization without prevention of APO. Researchers should focus their attention on a combination of fetal biometry and biomarkers for better prediction of SGA and prevention of APO. Copyright © 2016 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Gluconeogenesis, non-essential amino acid synthesis and substrate partitioning in chicken embryos during later development.

We aimed to quantify the rate of gluconeogenesis (GNG), non-essential amino-acid (NEAA) synthesis, and substrate partitioning to the Krebs cycle in embryonic (e) day e14 and e19 chicken embryos. An in ovo continuous tracer infusion approach was employed to test the hypotheses that GNG and NEAA synthesis in developing chicken embryo increases from e14 to e19. [13C6]Glucose or [13C3]glycerol was continuously infused (8 h) into the chorio-allantoic compartment of eggs on e14 and e19. Glucose entry rate, Cori cycling, and GNG were higher (P < 0.05) in e19 compared to e14 embryos, presumably to support higher glycogen deposition in liver and muscle. Whereas de novo synthesis of alanine, aspartate, and glutamate via glycolysis and the Krebs cycle was higher (P < 0.01) in e14 embryos, synthesis of these NEAA from glycerol was higher (P < 0.05) in e19 compared to e14 embryos. These patterns of glucose and glycerol utilization suggest a metabolic shift to conserve glucose for glycogen synthesis and an increased utilization of yolk glycerol (from triacylglyceride) after e14. Although the contribution of glycerol to GNG in e19 embryos was higher (P < 0.05) than that in e14 embryos, the contribution of glycerol to GNG (1.3 to 6.0%) was minor. Based on [13C6]glucose tracer kinetics, the activities of both pyruvate carboxylase (PC) and pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) in the liver were higher (P < 0.05) in e19 embryos; whereas the higher (P < 0.01) relative activity of liver PC compared to PDH in e14 embryos suggests a greater anaplerotic flux into the Krebs cycle. In summary, the in ovo continuous tracer infusion approach allowed for a measurement of chicken embryo whole body and liver metabolism over a shorter window of development. This study provided quantitative estimates of the developmental shifts in substrate utilization, GNG, and NEAA synthesis by chicken embryos, as well as qualitative estimates of the activities of enzymes central to the Krebs cycle, glucose, and fatty acid metabolism.

Propionate supplementation improves nitrogen use by reducing urea flux in sheep.

Feeding and postruminal infusion of propionate is known to increase N retention in ruminants. Our aim was to determine the role of rumen propionate on urea N recycling and gluconeogenesis in growing sheep. In Exp. 1, wether sheep ( = 6; 32.5 ± 3.57 kg BW) fitted with a rumen cannula were fed to 1.8 × ME requirement a concentrate-type ration (172 g CP/kg DM and 10.4 MJ ME/kg DM) and continuously infused into the rumen with isoenergetic (10% of dietary ME intake) solutions of either sodium acetate (control) or sodium propionate for 9-d periods in a crossover design. In Exp. 2, a different group of wether sheep ( = 5; 33.6 ± 3.70 kg BW) fitted with a rumen cannula were fed, on an isonitrogenous basis, either a control (151 g CP/kg DM and 8.4 MJ ME/kg DM) or sodium propionate-supplemented (139 g CP/kg DM and 8.9 MJ ME/kg DM) diet at 2-h intervals. [N] urea was continuously infused intravenously for the last 5 d of each period, and total urine was collected by vacuum and feces were collected by a harness bag. Over the last 12 h, [C]glucose was continuously infused intravenously and hourly blood samples were collected during the last 5 h. Propionate treatments increased ( < 0.001) the proportion of rumen propionate in both experiments. In Exp. 1, N retention was not affected by propionate infusion as compared with isoenergetic acetate. There was no effect on urea entry (synthesis) rate (UER) in Exp. 1; however, sodium propionate infusion tended ( < 0.1) to increase urinary urea elimination (UUE). In Exp. 2, feeding propionate increased ( < 0.01) N retention by 0.8 g N/d. In addition, UER was reduced by approximately 2 g urea N/d, leading to a reduction ( < 0.05) in UUE (7.0 vs. 6.2 g urea N/d). Between the 2 experiments, the proportion of UER recycled to the gut was greater with the forage-type diet in Exp. 2 (approximately 60%) compared with the concentrate-type diet in Exp. 1 (approximately 40%), although urea N fluxes across the gut remained unchanged in both experiments. In Exp. 1, glucose entry and gluconeogenesis were greater ( < 0.05) and plasma glucose tended ( < 0.1) to be greater with sodium propionate infusion than with sodium acetate infusion, but there was no difference in Cori cycling. In Exp. 2, glucose entry, gluconeogenesis, Cori cycling, and plasma glucose increased ( < 0.05) with dietary propionate. Our studies indicate that propionate inclusion in feed, but not continuous infusion in to the rumen, improves N utilization in growing sheep. The propionate effect is likely mediated by providing additional precursors for gluconeogenesis.

A dietary intervention for chronic diabetic neuropathy pain: a randomized controlled pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Diabetic neuropathy is a common and often debilitating condition for which available treatments are limited. Because a low-fat plant-based diet has been shown to improve glycemic control in individuals with type 2 diabetes, we hypothesized that such a diet would reduce painful symptoms of diabetic neuropathy. METHODS: In this 20-week pilot study, individuals with type 2 diabetes and painful diabetic neuropathy were randomly assigned to two groups. The intervention group was asked to follow a low-fat, plant-based diet, with weekly classes for support in following the prescribed diet, and to take a vitamin B12 supplement. The control group was asked to take the same vitamin B12 supplement, but received no other intervention. At baseline, midpoint and 20 weeks, clinical, laboratory and questionnaire data were collected. Questionnaires included an analog 'worst pain' scale, Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument, global impression scale, Short Form McGill Pain Questionnaire, Neuropathy Total Symptom Score, a weekly pain diary and Norfolk Quality of Life Questionnaire. RESULTS: After 20 weeks, body weight change with the intervention was -6.4 kg (95% confidence interval (CI) -9.4 to -3.4, P<0.001) in an effect size analysis. Electrochemical skin conductance in the foot improved by an average of 12.4 microseimens (95% CI 1.2-23.6, P=0.03) with the intervention in an effect size analysis. The between-group difference in change in pain, as measured by the McGill pain questionnaire, was -8.2 points (95% CI -16.1 to -0.3, P=0.04). Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument questionnaire score change was -1.6 points (95% CI -3.0 to -0.2, P=0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Improvements were seen in some clinical and pain measures. This pilot study suggests the potential value of a plant-based diet intervention, including weekly support classes, for treating painful diabetic neuropathy.

Role of rumen butyrate in regulation of nitrogen utilization and urea nitrogen kinetics in growing sheep.

Butyrate, a major rumen VFA, has been indirectly linked to enhancement of urea recycling on the basis of increased expression of urea transporter in the rumen epithelia of steers fed a rumen butyrate-enhancing diet. Two studies were conducted to quantify the effect of elevated rumen butyrate concentrations on N balance, urea kinetics and rumen epithelial proliferation. Wether sheep (n= 4), fitted with a rumen cannula, were fed a pelleted ration (∼165 g CP/kg DM, 10.3 MJ ME/kg DM) at 1.8 × ME requirement. In Exp. 1, sheep were infused intraruminally with either an electrolyte buffer solution (Con-Buf) or butyrate dissolved in the buffer solution (But-Buf) during 8-d periods in a balanced crossover design. In Exp. 2, sheep were infused intraruminally with either sodium acetate (Na-Ac) or sodium butyrate (Na-But) for 9 d. All solutions were adjusted to pH 6.8 and 8.0 in Exp. 1 and 2, respectively, and VFA were infused at 10% of ME intake. [15N2] urea was continuously infused intravenously for the last 5 d of each period, and total urine and feces were collected. In Exp. 1, 2H5-phenylalanine was continuously infused intravenously over the last 12 h, after which a biopsy from the rumen papillae was taken for measurement of fractional protein synthesis rate (FSR). Butyrate infusion treatments increased (P = 0.1 in Exp. 1; P < 0.05 in Exp. 2) the proportion of rumen butyrate, and acetate infusion increased (P < 0.05) rumen acetate. All animals were in positive N balance (4.2 g N/d in Exp. 1; 7.0 g N/d in Exp. 2), but no difference in N retention was observed between treatments. In Exp. 2, urea entry (synthesis) rate was reduced ( < 0.05) by Na-But compared with the Na-Ac control. In Exp. 1, although But-Buf infusion increased the FSR of rumen papillae (35.3% ± 1.08%/d vs. 28.7% ± 1.08%/d; P < 0.05), urea kinetics were not altered by But-Buf compared with Con-Buf. These studies are the first to directly assess the role of butyrate in urea recycling and its effects on rumen papillae protein turnover in growing lambs. Under the feeding conditions used and the rate of continuous butyrate infusion into the rumen in the present studies, butyrate does not affect overall N retention in growing sheep. However, butyrate may play a role in the redistribution of urea N fluxes in the overall scheme of N metabolism.

Nutrient intake in the GEICO multicenter trial: the effects of a multicomponent worksite intervention.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: To assess the effects on macro- and micronutrient intake of a nutrition intervention program in corporate settings across the United States. SUBJECTS/METHODS: Two hundred and ninety-two individuals who were overweight or had type 2 diabetes were recruited from 10 sites of a US insurance company. Two hundred and seventy-one participants completed baseline diet recalls, and 183 participants completed dietary recalls at 18 weeks. Sites were randomly assigned to an intervention group (five sites) or to a control group (five sites) for 18 weeks. At intervention sites, participants were asked to follow a low-fat vegan diet and attend weekly group meetings. At control sites, participants continued their usual diets. At baseline and 18 weeks, participants completed 2-day diet recalls. Between-group differences in changes in nutrient intake were assessed using an analysis of covariance. RESULTS: Compared with those in the control group, intervention-group participants significantly reduced the reported intake of total fat (P=0.02), saturated (P=0.006) and monounsaturated fats (P=0.01), cholesterol (P=0.009), protein (P=0.03) and calcium (P=0.02), and increased the intake of carbohydrate (P=0.006), fiber (P=0.002), ß-carotene (P=0.01), vitamin C (P=0.003), magnesium (P=0.04) and potassium (P=0.002). CONCLUSIONS: An 18-week intervention program in a corporate setting reduces intake of total fat, saturated fat and cholesterol and increases the intake of protective nutrients, particularly fiber, ß-carotene, vitamin C, magnesium and potassium. The reduction in calcium intake indicates the need for planning for this nutrient.

A multicenter randomized controlled trial of a plant-based nutrition program to reduce body weight and cardiovascular risk in the corporate setting: the GEICO study.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: To determine the effects of a low-fat plant-based diet program on anthropometric and biochemical measures in a multicenter corporate setting. SUBJECTS/METHODS: Employees from 10 sites of a major US company with body mass index ≥ 25 kg/m(2) and/or previous diagnosis of type 2 diabetes were randomized to either follow a low-fat vegan diet, with weekly group support and work cafeteria options available, or make no diet changes for 18 weeks. Dietary intake, body weight, plasma lipid concentrations, blood pressure and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C) were determined at baseline and 18 weeks. RESULTS: Mean body weight fell 2.9 kg and 0.06 kg in the intervention and control groups, respectively (P<0.001). Total and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol fell 8.0 and 8.1 mg/dl in the intervention group and 0.01 and 0.9 mg/dl in the control group (P<0.01). HbA1C fell 0.6 percentage point and 0.08 percentage point in the intervention and control group, respectively (P<0.01).Among study completers, mean changes in body weight were -4.3 kg and -0.08 kg in the intervention and control groups, respectively (P<0.001). Total and LDL cholesterol fell 13.7 and 13.0 mg/dl in the intervention group and 1.3 and 1.7 mg/dl in the control group (P<0.001). HbA1C levels decreased 0.7 percentage point and 0.1 percentage point in the intervention and control group, respectively (P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: An 18-week dietary intervention using a low-fat plant-based diet in a corporate setting improves body weight, plasma lipids, and, in individuals with diabetes, glycemic control.

Energy sensing in developing chicken embryos and posthatch chicks from different size eggs.

We hypothesized that 5'-adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), a ubiquitous energy sensor, plays a key role in coordinating nutrient use in developing broiler breeder embryos. To test this hypothesis, we measured AMPK activity in the liver of embryos developing in small versus large (typical) eggs. Small (53.2 ± 1.0 g) eggs from 26-wk-old and large (69.0 ± 1.9 g) eggs from 42-wk-old broiler breeder hens were acquired and measurements were made on embryonic day (e) 11, 14, 17, and 20, and on posthatch d 1. The initial weight of dry yolk to albumen was higher (2.3 vs. 1.7) in large versus small eggs, and embryo weight differed from e17 onward. The AMPK activity was higher in livers of embryos from large versus small eggs across all sampling days, and activity was highest on e14 for both sizes of eggs. We speculate that higher AMPK activity in livers of embryos from large eggs may facilitate increased metabolism of their larger nutrient supplies to support faster growth rate in ovo. Taken together, our results are the first to investigate the relationship between liver AMPK activity and egg size and nutrient composition in developing chicken embryos.

Treatment of actinomycetoma foot--our experience with ten patients.

BACKGROUND: Mycetoma is a chronic granulomatous inflammation of the subcutaneous tissue and usually results due to traumatic implantation of soil organisms. Mycetoma can be eumycotic or acinomycotic in origin. Actinomycetoma is susceptible to a large number of chemotherapeutic agents, but the response is variable and affected by various factors such as extent of involvement, duration of disease, presence or absence of bony involvement and drugs used for treatment. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To describe our experience of various treatment regimens used for actinomycetoma. MATERIAL AND METHODS: It was a prospective, open label study of actinomycetoma. Ten patients who were diagnosed clinically as mycetoma were included in this study. All patients were completely evaluated and investigated including skin biopsy, Gram staining of grains and discharge, Ziehl-Nielson stain, KOH preparation, fungal and bacterial cultures and CT scan/Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), if required. Patients were treated with different treatment regimens, for example, Ramam regimen, modified Ramam regimen, Welsh regimen and its modification. RESULTS: Ten patients (eight males, two females) age ranging from 9 to 55 years (mean 29.6 years) were included in this study. Six patients were successfully treated with Ramam regimen, three patients were treated with our modified Welsh regimen (one of these three patients (case 7) initially failed to respond to Ramam regimen), and one patient was treated with modified Ramam regimen. CONCLUSION: Ramam regimen was found to be quite effective in treating patients of actinomycetoma with only minimal bony involvement, while Welsh regimen and its modification should be used in case of severe disease due to amikacin being more sensitive than gentamicin in treating resistant organisms. Intensive phase of Modified Welsh regimen can be extended to five cycles in case of extensive bony involvement.

The effect of fetal sex on the outcome of labour induction.

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of fetal sex on the process and the outcome of induction of labour. This was a retrospective study of 658 women carrying singleton cephalic pregnancies induced at 37-42 completed weeks' gestation. Male fetuses demonstrated significantly more CTG abnormalities and need for fetal blood sampling. Male infants were also more likely to be delivered by emergency caesarean section. The total admission rate to the neonatal unit was higher among male babies. Male infants do not tolerate induction of labour as well as females. Fetal sex can be used as a predictive factor of the outcome in cases of induced labour.