APPLICATION OF WHOLE BODY DIFFUSION WEIGHTED MR IMAGING FOR DIAGNOSIS AND STAGING OF MALIGNANT LYMPHOMA

Objective To evaluate the clinical impact of whole body diffusion weighted imaging （WB-DWI） on diagnosis and staging of malignant lymphoma. Methods Thirty-one patients with suspected lymphadenopathy were enrolled. WB-DWI was performed by using short TI inversion recovery echo-planar imaging sequence with free breathing and built-in body coil. Axial T2- weighted imaging images of the same location were used as reference. The results of WB-DWI were compared with pathological results and other imaging modalities. The mean apparent diffusion coefficient （ADC） values of different kinds of lymph nodes were compared. Results WB-DWI was positive in all 18 cases with lymphoma, 5 cases with metastatic lymph nodes and 4 of 8 eases with benign lymphadenopathy. The mean ADC value of lymphomatous, metastatic and benign lymph nodes was （0.87 ± 0.17） × 10^3, （0.98± 0.09） × 10^3 and （1.20 ± 0.10） × 10^3 mm^2/s. There was significant difference in ADC value between benign lymph nodes and other two groups （P 〈 0.01）. The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of WB-DWI in diagnosis of lymphoma were 100% （18/18）, 30.8% （4/13） and 71.0% （22/31）. When an ADC value of 1.08 × 10^-3 mm^2/s was used as the threshold value for differentiating malignant from benign lymph nodes, the best results were obtained with sensitivity of 87.8% and specificity of 91.3%. Sixteen of eighteen cases （88.9%） of lymphoma were accurately staged in accordance with clinical staging. Conclusions WB-DWI is a sensitive, but less specific technique for diagnosis of lymphoma. It is difficult to differentiate lymphnmatous from metastatic lymph nodes using WB-DWI. However, it is a valuable imaging modality for staging of patients with malignant lymphoma.

WHOLE BODY DIFFUSION WEIGHTED IMAGING:A NEW ERA OF ONCOLOGICAL RADIOLOGY

Cancer has become the leading cause of mortality in the urban area of China. Whole body diffusion weigntea imaging （WB-DWI）, also known as virtual positron emission tomography, has gradually become accepted as an image tool in tumor localization, characterization, staging and monitoring response to therapy or tumor recurrence. Our article aimed to summarize the limited initial clinical use of WB-DWI in the referred area, and to analyze the most potential advantage of WB-DWI in therapeutic monitoring and tumor staging. WB-DWI as a highly sensitive, completely non-invasive, well-tolerated and low price technique has a promising furture in tumor assessment. Profound clinical study is necessary for its further application improvement.

PRELIMINARY APPLICATION OF WHOLE BODY DIFFUSION WEIGHTED IMAGING IN SCREENING METASTASIS

Objective To investigate the feasibility of whole body diffusion weighted imaging (WB-DWI) in screening metastasis. Methods WB-DWI was performed in 24 patients diagnosed with various types of primary tumors. The three-dimensional maximum intensity projection reconstruction and black-and-white flip technique were used to observe metastatic lesions, and the results were compared with those of bone scintigraphy. Results By WB-DWI scanning sequence at b = 800 s/mm2, all the bone lesions found by bone scintigraphy in the cohort were well identified, and other lesions of soft tissue and organs were also well demonstrated. Its screening capability was equivalent with bone scintigraphy in screening metastases in bones (P = 0.062). Conclusion WB-DWI was practicable with the parameter settings attempted in metastases screening.

DIAGNOSTIC VALUE OF WHOLE BODY DIFFUSION WEIGHTED IMAGING FOR SCREENING PRIMARY TUMORS OF PATIENTS WITH METASTASES

Objective To evaluate the values of whole body diffusion weighted imaging （DWI） in screenmg pnmary unknown tumor in patients with metastases. Methods Totally, 34 patients with metastases of primary unknown tumors were scanned with whole body DWI, and conventional magnetic resonance （MR） imaging was performed if suspected lesions were detected. All the metastases including 27 cases of osseous metastases, 2 brain metastases, 2 liver metastases, 1 pulmonary multiple metastasis, 1 neck metastasis and 1 malignant ascites, were diagnosed by computed tomography, single photon emission computed tomography, or MR imaging. For the proven primary tumors diagnosed by biopsy or pathology of surgical specimens, apparent diffusion coefficient （ADC） values of the primary and metastatic lesions were measured respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of this technique for screening primary tumors were cvaluated. Results We found 24 cases with suspected primary lesions, in which 23 lesions were proved to be primary tumors, and 1 was proved to be benign lesion. And no definite primary lesion was found in 10 cases on whole body DWI, but in which 1 case was diagnosed with primary tumor by biopsy later, and the other 9 cases remained unknown within follow-up of over halfa year. The difference was not significant in ADC values between primary and metastatic lesions （P〉0.05）. The sensitivity and specificity of whole body DWI for searching primary tumors was 95.8% and 90.0%, respectively. Conclusion Combined with conventional MR scanning, whole body DWI can help to search primary lesions of patients with metastases.

PRELIMINARY STUDY OF FEASIBILITY OF WHOLE BODY DIFFUSION WEIGHTED IMAGING IN DIAGNOSIS OF METASTASIS OF TUMOR

Objective To evaluate the feasibility of whole body diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) in the diagnosis of metastatic tumor. Methods Fifty-six patients (40 males and 16 females, age ranging from 29 to 84 years with a mean age of 57 years) with a variety of primary tumors were investigated by whole body DWI combined with computed tomography (CT) and/or conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. Twelve patients underwent positron emission tomography. The final diagnosis was made on the basis of CT or high resolution CT result for lung lesion and MRI or CT result for skull, abdomen and other parts. All tumors were classified into four groups by their diameter: below 1.0 cm, 1.0-1.9 cm, 2.0-2.9 cm, and above 3.0 cm. The sensitivity and specificity of whole body DWI in the detection of metastatic tumor were analyzed. Results The sensitivities of whole body DWI for screening metastasis of the four groups were 38%, 75%, 97%, and 100%, respectively. Whole body DWI showed the highest sensitivity and specificity for detecting metastasis of the skeletal system. It was difficult to find metastatic tumor whose diameter was below 1.0 cm, or lymph nodes located in the pelvis with diameter below 2.0 cm. Conclusions Whole body DWI is a promising method in the diagnosis of metastastic tumors. With the perfection of scanning parameter, whole body DWI should be a new effective whole body technique for tumor detection.

Application of whole body diffusion weighted imaging in bone metastasis

Objective： We evaluated （Whole-Body Diffusion Weighted Imaging, WB-DWl） application in bone metastasis. Methods： WB-DWI with GE 1.5T MR/I was performed on 10 healthy volunteers and 35 patients. WB-DWl and ECT was performed in all 35 patients. Using WB-DWl for detecting bone metastasis and compared them with that of ECT. Results： Background was suppressed in WB-DWl, fat, muscle, vessels and liver appeared same as background. Skeleton showed medium or slightly lower signal. Lymph nodes, some glandular organs, kidneys displayed medium signal. Spleen, testicle, brain tissue were low signal. Bladder, gallbladder were depicted as low signal because of ＂T2 through＂. Bone metastasis were multitude and inequality of size, punctiform, nodosity, column low intensity. Concordance between WB-DWI and ECT was seen in 4 cases. WB-DWl displayed 1 bone metastasis on skull, 46 on rib and sternum, 3 on scapula, 4 on extremities, 83 on vertebral, 36 on pelvic bone. ECT showed 2 bone metastasis on skull, 62 on rib and sternum, 7 on scapula, 9 on extremities, 64 on vertebral, 19 on pelvic bone. WB-DWl was 74% for bone metastasis on rib and sternum, ECT was 77%, 53% for vertebral and pelvic bone. All of the focus were statistics analyses, P 〈 0.05. Total probability distribution inequality if metastasis on different positions. Conclusion： WB-DWI was an effective imaging technology for screening bone metastasis.

BONE MINERAL ANALYSIS OF WHOLE BODY IN 292 NORMAL SUBJECTS ASSESSED BY DUAL X-RAY ABSORPTIOMETRY

Objective. To study the whole body bone mineral changes in normal subjects.Methods. Bone mineral was measured by dual X-ray absorptiometry(DXA) in 292 normal subjectsaged 10～79 years, including 152 females and 140 males. They were divided into age-groups by decade.Results. In males, the ages with peak value of total bone mineral content (TBMC), total bone min-eral density (TBMD), anteroposterior spine BMD(L2-4 BMD) were in the 30～39,20～39, 20～29 age-groups respectively. In females, they were all in the 30～39 age-group. Peak values of TBMC, TBMD,L2-4 BMD were higher in males than those in females. Loss of bone mineral for females was more pro-nounced than that for males. Loss of L2-4 BMD was more pronounced than TBMD.Conclusion. This study provides the normal bone mineral data of whole body for males and females,and the characteristic of changes.

Clinical study of gamma ray whole body therapeutic system for malignant tumors (report of 643 cases)

Objective： To evaluate the feasibility of the whole body gamma knife in the treatment of malignant solid tumors. Methods： 643 patients diagnosed by pathology or cytology were treated with the whole body gamma knife. They received a total dose from 40-60 Gy/2-3 w, 3-10 Gy/fraction, 5 fractions/week. Results： The rates of response, complete remission, partial remission, no remission, and tumor progression were 94.6%, 39.2%, 55.4%, 5.1% and 0.3%, respectively. Conclusion： Whole body γ-radiation system （y-knife） was an effective method in treatment of patients with malignant tumor.

Health risk of whole body vibration in mining trucks during various operational conditions

Mining machineries are generally exposed to intensive vibrations in harsh mining environment. If vibrations are beyond the tolerable limit, the machine and its operator health will be under the risk. In this work, the vibration of a mining truck at different operational conditions are simulated and discussed. To achieve this aim, three haul roads with low, medium and poor qualities are considered based on the ISO standard. Accordingly, the vibration of a mining truck in different speeds, payload and distribution qualities of materials in the dump body are evaluated in each haul road quality using Trucksim software. The simulation results with statistical discussions indicate that the truck speed and the materials distribution quality have significant effects on the root mean square(RMS) of vertical vibrations. However, the effect of the payload is not considerable on the RMS. Moreover, the accumulation of materials on the rear side of the truck dump body is efficient on the vibrational health risk.

RADIONUCLIDE WHOLE BODY BONE IMAGING IN THE DIAGNOSIS OF SKELETAL METASTASES

Of 628 patients with extra-osseous malignancies diagnosed by surgery and/or pathology, 207 (33.0%) were identified as having skeletal metastasis by bone imaging. There was statistical significant difference in the incidence of metastasis in different malignancies (P<0.02). The metastatic rates of nasopharyn-geal, lung, prostate and breast cancers were higher than gastrointestinal, kidney, and other malignancies. There was significant differences in the different sites of skeletal metastasis (P<0.01). They were thorax, spine, pelvis, limbs and skull in order of incidence. Solitary metastatic rate was 15.9%. Biopsy is advised for patients suspected to have metastatic disease but with only one single 'hot spot' in skeletal imaging, particularly in the rib.

Evaluation of the Whole Body Scanner in the Management of Severe Traumas at Armentieres Hospital Centre (France): Scanographic and Clinical Correlation about 180 Cases

Goal: This study aims to evaluate the contribution of the whole body scanner in the management of severe traumas. Patient and Method: It is a retrospective analytical study, carried out at the Armentieres Hospital Centre (France) over a period of 14 months. It analyzes computed tomography reports and emergency department results of severe trauma patients immediately stabled at the entrance or stabilized after benefiting from a full body scanner according to Vittel criteria. Results: One hundred eighty patients were included in the study with an average age of 32.71 years old. One hundred and twelve patients (62.2%) had at least one clinical sign and only 48 patients presented a lesion on the computed tomography (26.7%). Sixty-two patients (34.4%) showed neither clinical signs nor damage in scan. The radio-clinical correlation was bad at spinal and abdominal level, mediocre at brain and chest level, but it was medium in the pelvis. The average radiation dose per patient was 3319.21 mGy&sdot;cm. Conclusion: The whole body computed tomography or scanning allows fast images acquisition compatible with emergency situation and with a satisfactory diagnostic reliability, but still remains an irradiating exam. The results of this study lead to reflect on the use of Vittel criteria that could be improved to reduce the number of normal tests carried out.

Bile acid signaling in the regulation of whole body metabolic and immunological homeostasis

Bile acids(BAs)play a crucial role in nutrient absorption and act as key regulators of lipid and glucose metabolism and immune homeostasis.Through the enterohepatic circulation,BAs are synthesized,metabolized,and reabsorbed,with a portion entering the vascular circulation and distributing systemically.This allows BAs to interact with receptors in all major organs,leading to organ-organ interactions that regulate both local and global metabolic processes,as well as the immune system.This review focuses on the whole-body effects of BA-mediated metabolic and immunological regulation,including in the brain,heart,liver,intestine,eyes,skin,adipose tissue,and muscle.Targeting BA synthesis and receptor signaling is a promising strategy for the development of novel therapies for various diseases throughout the body.

Measurement and evaluation of whole body vibration of agricultural tractor operator

Exposure of whole body vibration(WBV)influences performance,comfort,and long term health risks of tractor operator.Therefore,measurement and evaluation of WBV parameters should be carried out to find probable effects on the health of tractor operators.In this study,a system was designed to measure the WBV of agricultural tractor operators and evaluated the hazard risks on operator’s body according to the ISO standards,and implementation of the WBV test in the official testing station was also suggested.A tri-axial accelerometer was employed to measure vibrations transmitted to the seated operator body as a whole through the supporting surface of the buttock on four typical farm roads under different speeds.The vector sum A(8)exposures on the rough tracks(earthen and grassland roads)exceeded the action limits of 0.5 m/s2 at a 10.9 km/h forward speed and reached to the action limit value at a 16.0 km/h forward speed on the concrete road.The vector sum of VDV(8)exposures did not exceed the action limits of 9.1 m/s1.75 and was greater on the grassland road.The vector sum Sed(8)exposures values exceeded the moderate probability of an adverse health limit of 0.5 MPa on all farm roads at high forward speeds and exceeded the high probability of an adverse health limit of 0.8 MPa on asphalt,concrete,and grassland roads which should be lower than the exposure limit values as suggested by the ISO and EC standards.The WBV evaluation procedure should be considered for implementation at the official tractor test station,which would response to domestic and international tractor test regulations and improve the market competitiveness.

Cystic fibrosis and the relevance of the whole-body vibration exercises in oscillating platforms: a short review

Objective: The aim is to present a review about the whole-body vibration (WBV) exercises in the management of cystic fibrosis (CF). Methods: Computerized literature searches were performed using the PubMed databases. Results: A strong interest in studies, considering the number of publications, involving CF and lung was found. Although, the exercises and physical activities seem to have a high relevance in the management of the patients with CF, the number of publications involving these procedures is limited. Moreover, a modality of exercise involving WBV seems to be poorly utilized by the patients with CF and only two papers were found with positive actions. Conclusion: Oscillating platform is a promising technique to manage patients with CF. Moreover, as (i) the use of the oscillating platforms is inexpensive, (ii) the vibration exercise requires less technical abilities as compared to the performance of conventional resistance training and (iii) positive clinical findings have been noticed with the use of WBV in CF, it is suggested to implement the studies involving the application of the exercises with WBV in oscillating platforms to manage the patients with CF.

ELEMENTAL CONTENTS IN ORGANS AND TISSUES OF CHINESE ADULT MEN

Objective To provide basis of reference values for relevant parameters of Chinese Reference Man. Methods Eighteen kinds of major organ or tissue samples, including muscle, rib, liver, and so on, were obtained from 4 areas (Hebei, Shanxi, Jiangsu, and Sichuan provinces) with different dietary patterns in China in autopsy of 16 healthy adult men, who had just encountered sudden deaths. At the same time, whole blood samples were collected from 10 volunteers living in each of these areas. The concentrations of 56 elements in these samples were detected by using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS), Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrometry (ICP-AES), and Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (GF-AAS) techniques. Based on obtained concentrations and reference values of these organ or tissue weights for Chinese Reference Man, the relative elemental burdens in these organs or tissues as well whole body were also estimated. Results The concentrations of 56 elements in 18 main organs or tissues were determined all together and their elemental organ or tissue and whole body burdens were estimated. Furthermore, the distributions of important elements for radiation protection in these organs or tissues were emphatically discussed. Conclusion By summing with past related results, the total results obtained from the series of research may provide more reliable and better representative basis of these reference values for Chinese Reference Man than before.

Assessment of potential dermal and inhalation exposure of workers to the insecticide imidacloprid using whole-body dosimetry in China

In China, although improvements to the pesticide registration process have been made in la thirty years, no occupational exposure data are required to obtain a commercial license for pesticide product. Consequently, notably little research has been conducted to establish a exposure assessment procedure in China. The present study monitored the potential derm operator exposure from knapsack electric sprayer wheat field application of imidacloprid Liaocheng City, Shandong Province and in Xinxiang City, Henan Province, China, usin whole-body dosimetry. The potential inhalation exposure was determined using a person air pump and XAD-2 sample tubes. The analytical method was developed and validate including such performance parameters as limits of detection and quantification, linear rang recovery and precision. The total potential dermal and inhalation exposures were 14.20, 16.815.39 and 20.78 mL/hr, respectively, for the four operators in Liaocheng and Xinxian corresponding to 0.02% to 0.03% of the applied volume of spray solution. In all trials, the low part（thigh, lower leg） of the body was the most contaminated, accounting for approximate76% to 88% of the total exposure. The inhalation exposure was less than 1% of the tot exposure. Such factors as the application pattern, crop type, spray equipment, operat experience and climatic conditions have been used to explain the exposure distribution ov the different parts of the body. As indicated by the calculated Margin of Exposure, the typic wheat treatment scenarios when a backpack sprayer was used are considered to be safe terms of imidacloprid exposure.

Expression of JunB Induced by X-rays in Mice

Objective To explore JunB gene expression in spleen cells of mice after the whole body irradiation as well as in normal hematopoietic and leukemia cells in the primary culture after different dosages of X-ray irradiation. Methods Spleen cells were isolated from the mice irradiated with 3 Gy X-rays. Primary cultured cells from mice were incubated in different intervals after X-irradiation at different dosages. Total RNA was extracted from the cells and the fluctuation of JunB mRNA level was assessed by the RNA ratio of JunB/b-actin measured by quantitative Northern blot hybridization. Results After the mice were exposed to 3 Gy X-rays irradiation, JunB expression in spleen cells was remarkably and rapidly increased, and reached its peak 0.5 h later in C3H/He mice and 1 h later in Balb/c mice. In the primary culture of normal spleen and leukemia cells, JunB mRNA levels increased 30 min after irradiation. The enhanced levels of JunB mRNA were returned to a normal level within 240 min after irradiation. Conclusions JunB gene is responsive to ionizing irradiation and is induced at immediate-early phase after the stimulation. This suggests that the JunB gene plays an important role in the early process of the cells against radiation.

Amino Acid Requirements of Gilthead Bream (Sparus aurata) Juveniles

In one trial 360 gilthead bream fingerlings received two different feed mixtures containing two different levels of protein (diet A 400 and B 360 g?kg?1). The average initial live weight was about 2.2 ± 0.1 g fish?1 in each replicate of all treatments. Sixty fish per tank were stocked randomly in 6 fiberglass tanks (1 m3 each). Fish were fed with experimental diets at rate 8% of the body weight daily. The Amino Acids (AA) content was analyzed in the diets, whole fish and muscle at the end of the growth period (60 days). The results indicated that at the end of experiment gilthead bream fingerlings had reached an average live weight 18.5 and 16.2 g fish?1 for fish fed diet A and B respectively. Also the increase of protein levels in the feed to 40% caused a significant increase in the content of Indispensable Amino Acid (IAA) and dispensable amino acid (as %v of whole fish and muscle of wet weight). Two methods were subsequently used to estimate the quantitative IAA requirements of gilthead bream fry based on the hypothesis that (a) the dietary requirement pattern of IAA reflected the tissue pattern and (b) the rate of daily deposition in the fish could be equated with the dietary requirement as percentage of 100 g?1 diet. The quantitative IAA requirement (%) of gilthead bream (Sparus aurata) diets was as follow: Lysine 2.27, Methionine 1.09, Therionine 0.61, Leucine 2.4, Isoleucine 0.47, Histidine1.6, Arginine 1.39, Phenylalanine 1.43, Valine 1.22 and Tryptophane 0.42.

TRANSPORT OF RADIONUCLIDES ALONG MARINE FOODCHAIN

A compartment model is employed to calculate the radionuclide concentrations in the ocean currents for a nuclear accient scenario where the long-lived 137Cs is totally discharged into the sea. The radionuclide concentrations in both the waters of Daya Bay and the adjacent South China Sea are considered. Using the concentration factors for the marine organisms: fish, crustacea and mollusca, their radionuclide concentrations are also estimated. In this way, the whole body radiation doses received by an individual due to ingestion of marine organisms from the Daya Bay and the South China Sea are calculated.

Design of space-centered interaction using invisible and intangible spatial inputs

In this paper,we investigate methodologies to improve direct-touch interaction on invisible and intangible spatial input.We firstly discuss about the motive of looking for a new input method for whole body interaction and how it can be meaningful.We also describe the role that can play spatial interaction to improve the freedom of interaction for a user.We propose a method of spatial centered interaction using invisible and intangible spatial inputs.However,given their lack of tactile feedback and visual representation,direct touch interaction on such input can be confused.In order to make a step toward understanding causes and solutions for such phenomena,we made 2 user experiments.In the first one,we test 5 setups of helper that provide information of the location of the input by constraining the dimension it is located at.The results show that using marker on the ground and a relationship with the height of the user’s body improve significantly the locative task.In the second experiment,we create a dancing game using invisible and intangible spatial inputs and we stress the results obtained in the first experiment within this cognitively demanding context.Results show that the same setup of helper is still providing very good results in that context.