Planconsult (Switzerland)

This study evaluates the image quality of postmortem photon-counting computed tomography (PMPCCT) compared to conventional postmortem energy-integrating computed tomography (PMCT) for a protocol adapted to post-mortem imaging. The focus lies on objective image quality parameters such as noise, signal-to-noise ratio, and contrast-to-noise ratio, supplemented by subjective image quality evaluations.A Chest Phantom N1 and one decedent were scanned using PMCT (Siemens SOMATOM® X-Cite; slice thicknesses of 1mm and 0.5mm; Br40, Br60) and PMPCCT (Siemens NAEOTOM Alpha.peak®; slice thicknesses of 1mm, 0.4mm, and 0.2mm; Br40, Br60). Image quality parameters were computed for regions of interest. In addition, two radiologists conducted subjective image quality evaluations (noise, overall image quality, sharpness, bone details, contour visibility, and artifact formation) using a modified Likert scale.The overall findings were mixed, with PMPCCT potentially demonstrating an advantage over PMCT in terms of SNR and CNR, particularly at moderate slice thicknesses of 1mm and 0.4mm. The results obtained from the phantom exhibit in some cases considerable differences compared to those from the decedent, so that model studies can hardly be transferred to reality without scrutiny. PMPCCT outperformed PMCT in subjective assessments of overall image quality, sharpness, and bone detail, particularly with Br40 reconstruction kernels.PMPCCT may demonstrate advantages in objective and subjective image quality, with improvements in soft tissue imaging, sharpness, and bone detail at moderate slice thicknesses. These results may suggest PMPCCTs promising potential in forensic imaging. Further studies are needed to investigate and optimize its utility in postmortem settings.

Background: Empirical antibacterial therapy for febrile neutropenia reduces mortality due to Gram-negative blood stream infections (BSIs). Pediatric guidelines recommend monotherapy with an antipseudomonal beta-lactam or a carbapenem and to add a second anti-Gram-negative agent in selected situations. We evaluated the changes in the proportions of resistance of beta-lactam monotherapies vs. their combination with amikacin, and the possible impact on ICU admission or death. Results: 797 BSIs due to Gram-negative bacteria in 685 patients were included. Combination therapies with amikacin had a lower percentage of isolates resistant to one or to both drugs compared with the respective monotherapy. The highest OR for ICU admission was observed when both drugs of the combination of meropenem-amikacin were resistant. Mortality was significantly associated with relapse or the progression of the underlying malignancy, and resistance to both drugs of the combinations of cefepime-amikacin or meropenem-amikacin. Methods: This study was based on data collected for a large multinational study, in which the susceptibility of Gram-negative bloodstream isolates was categorized following either EUCAST or CLSI according to local laboratory standards. An escalation antibiogram was generated for each selected drug. For resistant bacteria, the conditional susceptibility probability on resistance was calculated. Conclusions: In pediatric cancer patients with Gram-negative BSIs, the proportion of the resistant organism correlates with ICU admission or death, which may be reduced by combination therapy. In patients with suspected or confirmed Gram-negative BSIs that are not-improving or deteriorating under monotherapy, escalation to meropenem may represent the best option. Amikacin should be preferred when combination therapy is considered with ciprofloxacin as an alternative in the case of impaired renal function.

A new 3-D model of a high-power composite ultrasonic transducer is proposed and evaluated in this article. This transducer comprises two active layers, each with at least two mechanically series-connected piezoelectric elements. A metal mass element is clamped between active layers with two bolts to create a sandwich structure comprising back and front metal radiation masses. The electromechanical equivalent circuit of the transducer, representing a general 1-D model, is first derived and presented in this article. The general 1-D model takes into account all existing transducer components, including both central bolts, in addition to the proposed 3-D model. In addition, when the effects of the bolts are excluded, the resonance frequency equation was analytically derived based on the general 1-D model. The composite transducer is designed and manufactured. For a large number of electrical connection combinations, transducer resonance frequencies are measured and compared with the results obtained from 3-D to 1-D models. The results indicate that the resonance frequencies obtained from the 1-D model are in line with the measured frequencies for the first thickness mode only. However, for all thickness and radial oscillation modes and their mutual coupling, the analytically obtained frequencies from the 3-D model correspond well to the measured frequencies. In addition, the presented results in this article contribute to a better understanding of the geometry and material properties of the composite piezoelectric transducer parts impact on transducer behavior.

Our latest advances in the field of miniaturized optical PM sensors are presented. This sensor combines a hybrid fluidic-optronic CMOS (holed retina) that is able to record a specific irradiance pattern scattered by an illuminated particle (scattering signature), while enabling the circulation of particles toward the sensing area. The holed retina is optically coupled with a monolithic, millimeter-sized, refracto-reflective optical system. The latter notably performs an optical pre-processing of signatures, with a very wide field of view of scattering angles. This improves the sensitivity of the sensors, and simplifies image processing. We report the precise design methodology for such a sensor, as well as its fabrication and characterization using calibrated polystyrene beads. Finally, we discuss its ability to characterize particles and its potential for further miniaturization and integration.

This publication is part of a series of three publications and describes the non-clinical assessment performed to fulfill the regulatory requirement per Art. 6 (2) of the EU Tobacco Products Directive 2014/40/EU under which Member States shall require manufacturers and importers of cigarettes and Roll Your Own tobacco containing an additive that is included in the priority list established by Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2016/787 to carry out comprehensive studies (European Comission, 2016). This publication contains the results of a literature search, comprehensive smoke chemistry, additive transfer, and in vitro toxicity studies for the 13 priority additives (carob bean extract, cocoa powder, fenugreek extract, fig juice concentrate, geraniol, glycerol, guaiacol, guar gum, liquorice extract powder, maltol, l-menthol (synthetic), propylene glycol, and sorbitol) commissioned by the members of the Priority Additives Tobacco Consortium to independent Contract Research Organizations. Comparisons of the 39 World Health Organisation smoke emissions in smoke from cigarettes with and without priority additives identified some differences that, with few exceptions, were minor and well within the inherent variability of the analytical method observed for the 3R4F monitor cigarette. Most differences were not statistically significant and did not show consistent additive-related increases or decreases. However, test cigarettes with guar gum showed a statistically significant, additive-related increase in formaldehyde and cadmium; test cigarettes with sorbitol showed a statistically significant, additive-related increase in formaldehyde and acrolein; test cigarettes with glycerol showed a statistically significant, additive-related decrease in phenols, benzo[a]pyrene and N-nitrosoanabasine; and test cigarettes with propylene glycol showed a statistically significant, additive-related decrease in phenol and m + p-cresols. These changes were not observed when the additives were tested as a mixture. None of the increases or decreases in smoke chemistry translated into changes in the in vitro toxicity. Comparisons of the in vitro toxicity of smoke from cigarettes with and without priority additives gave some differences that were minor, well within the inherent variability of the assays, not statistically significant, and did not show consistent additive-related increases or decreases. Thus, it can be concluded that the addition of priority additives had no effect on the in vitro toxicity of the cigarette smoke. The results obtained in our studies are consistent with those in scientific literature.

Aufgrund der fortschreitenden Globalisierung und Digitalisierung haben sich im Verlauf der vergangenen Jahrzehnte die Parameter in Politik, Wirtschaft und im Sozialen grundlegend neu konstituiert. Ebenso wandeln sich die Mediennutzung und das Wesen der Kommunikation. Diese Veranderungen werden zum Ausloser einer umfangreichen Diskurskultur in der sogenannten Postmoderne, an der auch die Bildende Kunst regen Anteil hat. So lasst sich in den 1990er Jahren eine auffallige Haufung von kunstlerischen Positionen beobachten, welche die Verfasstheit des Menschen und diverse Vorstellungen von Korperbildern unter dem zentralen Aspekt von Selbstinszenierung und Selbstbefragung erortern. Kunstlerinnen und Kunstler beginnen sowohl im Rahmen einer entsprechenden neuen kunstlerischen Praxis, in Video- oder computergenerierten Arbeiten, aber auch in der Anwendung traditioneller Medien wie Plastik und Fotografie, eine intensive Befragung nach der menschlichen Identitat und zu geschlechtsspezifischen Rollenbildern.

Nitric oxide degradation linked to endothelial dysfunction plays a central role in cardiovascular diseases. Superoxide producing enzymes such as NADPH oxidase and xanthine oxidase are responsible for NO degradation as they generate a variety of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Moreover, superoxide is rapidly degraded by superoxide dismutase to produce hydrogen peroxide leading to the uncoupling of NO synthase and production of increased amount of superoxide.