Growth of the Social #RadOnc Network on Twitter

PurposeTwitter is an increasingly popular social media platform within the health care community. The objective of this analysis is to characterize the profile of radiation oncology–related tweets and Twitter users over the past 6 years.Methods and MaterialsUsing the web-based social media analytics platform Symplur Signals, we filtered tweets containing at least 1 of the following hashtags or key words: #radonc, #radiationoncology, "rad onc," or "radiation oncology." We evaluated radiation oncology–related Twitter activity between October 2014 and March 2020 for tweet frequency, tweet content, and individuals or groups posting tweets. We identified the most influential Twitter users contributing to radiation oncology–related tweets.ResultsFrom 2014 to 2020, the quarterly volume of radiation oncology–related tweets increased from 5027 to 29,763. Physicians contributed the largest growth in tweet volume. Academic radiation oncologists comprise 60% of the most influential Twitter accounts responsible for radiation oncology–related content. The number of radiation-oncology resident physicians on Twitter increased from 25 to 328 over the past 6 years, and 20% of radiation-oncology residency programs have a Twitter account. Seventy-one percent of radiation oncology–related tweets generated direct communication via mentions, and 59% of tweets contain links to external sources, including scientific articles.ConclusionsThe number of physicians contributing radiation oncology–related Twitter content has increased significantly in recent years. Academic radiation oncologists are the primary influencers of radiation oncology–related Twitter activity. Twitter is used by radiation oncologists to both professionally network and discuss findings related to the field. There remains the opportunity for radiation oncologists to broaden their audience on Twitter to encompass a more diverse community, including patients.     

Application of disaccharides alone and in combination,for the improvement of stability and particle properties of spray-freeze dried IgG

Purpose: Spray-freeze drying (SFD) is a recently applied method to develop pharmaceutical powders. This study aimed to analyze the competence of Trehalose, Mannitol, Lactose, and Sorbitol instability and aerosolization of Immunoglobulin G (IgG) via SFD.

Methods: Induced soluble aggregates were quantified at 0 and 3?months, and 45?°C using size-exclusion chromatography. Conformation and thermogravimetric assessments were done by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry. Laser light scattering was performed to determine the particle sizes. Aerodynamic features were characterized by twin stage impinger and scanning electron microscopy.

Results: Although sugars/polyols preferably stabilized IgG following the process, storage stabilization was achieved in Trehalose, Trehalose-Lactose, Lactose, and Trehalose-Mannitol-based powders with soluble aggregates <5%. The conformation of antibody was preserved with β sheet content from 66.28% to 76.37%. Particle sizes ranged from 5.23 to 8.12?µm. Mannitol exhibited the best aerodynamic behavior, fine particle fraction (FPF: 70%) but high degree of protein aggregation during storage.

Conclusions: SFD could favorably stabilize antibody using Trehalose and its combination with Lactose and Mannitol, and also, Lactose alone. Sorbitol disturbed IgG powder recovery. Incorporation of other types of excipient is required for efficient respiratory delivery of IgG molecules.     

Sarcopenia in cirrhosis: from pathogenesis to interventions

Journal of Gastroenterology - Sarcopenia (severe muscle depletion) is a prevalent muscle abnormality in patients with cirrhosis that confers poor prognosis both pre- and post-liver transplantation....     

Monte Carlo assessment of soil moisture effect on high-energy thermal neutron capture gamma-ray by 14N.

Among many conventional techniques, nuclear techniques have shown to be faster, more reliable, and more effective in detecting explosives. In the present work, neutrons from a 5 Ci Am-Be neutron source being in water tank are captured by elements of soil and landmine (TNT), namely (14)N, H, C, and O. The prompt capture gamma-ray spectrum taken by a NaI (Tl) scintillation detector indicates the characteristic photo peaks of the elements in soil and landmine. In the high-energy region of the gamma-ray spectrum, besides 10.829 MeV of (15)N, single escape (SE) and double escape (DE) peaks are unmistakable photo peaks, which make the detection of concealed explosive possible. The soil has the property of moderating neutrons as well as diffusing the thermal neutron flux. Among many elements in soil, silicon is more abundant and (29)Si emits 10.607 MeV prompt capture gamma-ray, which makes 10.829 MeV detection difficult. The Monte Carlo simulation was used to adjust source-target-detector distances and soil moisture content to yield the best result. Therefore, we applied MCNP4C for configuration very close to reality of a hidden landmine in soil.     

Comparison of the detection of subtle changes in myocardial regional systolic function using qualitative and semi-quantitative techniques.

PURPOSE: To evaluate qualitative wall motion assessment vs. quantitative wall thickening for the assessment of subtle changes in myocardial systolic function using cine MRI. METHODS: Cine MR images were obtained in 5 canines with a significant coronary artery stenosis and in 2 controls on a 1.5T scanner. Qualitative results were obtained using a numerical scoring system; quantitative analysis was performed using a semi-automatic segmentation program. The techniques were matched and compared using Spearman correlations. RESULTS: All correlations in the experimental group revealed significant but weak to moderate relationships between the qualitative and quantitative results (e.g., at-risk tissue rho = 0.363, p < 0.0001; remote tissue rho = 0.275, p = 0.0002), with each identifying changes in regional function that ensued following creation of the stenosis. Intra-observer variability was reasonable in both methods when repeat analysis on a subset of the data was performed, with both techniques showing a significant correlation between the repeated measurements (quantitative - rho = 0.52, p < 0.0001; qualitative - rho = 0.54, p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Both methods were able to detect very limited wall motion abnormalities present in the canines with significant stenosis and either method gives comparable results.     

Pulmonary artery balloon counterpulsation for right ventricular failure after right ventriculotomy in the swine

To assess the efficacy of intrapulmonary balloon counterpulsation in the management of right ventricular failure after right ventriculotomy, we undertook an experimental study in a swine model. To mimic the clinical settings more closely, (1) we left the automatic control of the heart intact (2) did not use cardiopulmonary bypass to support the left side of the heart, and (3) induced right ventricular failure by means of a generous surgical incision (50% to 70% of the anterior wall) of the right ventricle. The criteria set for right ventricular failure were (1) 50% increase in right ventricular end-diastolic pressure, (2) 30% decrease in mean arterial pressure, and (3) 30% decrease in cardiac output. Right ventricular failure was attained in all animals studied: A 230% increase in right ventricular end-diastolic pressure, a 43% decrease in cardiac output, and a 34% decrease in mean arterial pressure were evident after the right ventriculotomy. A specially designed intrapulmonary balloon catheter (Datascope Corp., Oakland, N.J.) was placed into the left pulmonary artery through the right ventricular outflow tract. A Datascope console was used for counterpulsation. Effects of counterpulsation for 40 minutes in a 1:1 mode were assessed after surgical induction of right ventricular failure in 14 swine. Each animal served as its own control. The mean hemodynamic changes are outlined: Right ventricular end-diastolic pressure decreased by 48.9% (p = 0.01). Mean arterial pressure increased by 68.8% (p = 0.01) and cardiac output by 44.2% (p = 0.01). Histologic studies disclosed no morphologic damage to the pulmonary artery or valve in the specimens analyzed. In addition, these results were compared with those in a second group of seven swine in which right ventricular failure was induced by right ventriculotomy and a balloon was placed into the left pulmonary artery but not activated. These results of short-term counterpulsation should be evaluated in a longer term model so as to mimic more closely the clinical setting. If the hemodynamic benefits are duplicated, intrapulmonary balloon counterpulsation should be considered as a simple, effective device when right ventricular failure develops after right ventriculotomy. It effectively improves right ventricular function without damaging the pulmonary artery or valve.     

Possible venous air embolism during open eye surgery in a child

PURPOSE: Although venous air embolism is a well recognized complication within most surgical subspecialties, it has only been reported recently during eye surgery in one adult, and never before in a child. We describe the case of a 17-month-old boy who sustained a possible air embolism during repair of an open trauma of his right eye. CLINICAL FEATURES: A vitrectomy through the pars plana with air-fluid exchange of the posterior chamber was performed under general anesthesia to remove a foreign body which had impaled the optic nerve. A few minutes after removal of the foreign body, a notable decrease in end-tidal CO(2), oxygen saturation and arterial blood pressure occurred, requiring administration of a high inspired oxygen fraction and vasopressors. Venous air embolism was strongly suspected after other causes of a decrease of end-tidal CO(2) and hypoxemia had been excluded. An arterial blood gas confirmed hypoxemia and respiratory acidosis. CONCLUSION: Although venous air embolism is a rare complication of eye surgery, it should nevertheless be considered as a possible complication during air-fluid exchange vitrectomy in children.     

Analysis of human T-cell receptor α-chain cDNAs isolated from peripheral blood mononuclear cells

T-cell receptor α-chain cDNA were generated from unstimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells of a DR2,3,52a individual using a modified anchor PCR method. Fifty-six cDNA clones were identified representing 47 distinct T-cell receptor clonotypes and 26 VA loci. This analysis identified a new VA gene family VA30, and aew member of the VA6 gene family.