Engineering Papers⌕ Search

SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “LIVER”

Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 703 records · Page 39
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2014

Four-Dimensional Patient Dose Reconstruction for Scanned Ion Beam Therapy of Moving Liver Tumors

Purpose: Estimation of the actual delivered 4-dimensional (4D) dose in treatments of patients with mobile hepatocellular cancer with scanned carbon ion beam therapy. Methods and Materials: Six patients were treated with 4 fractions to a total relative biological effectiveness (RBE)–weighted dose of 40 Gy (RBE) using a single field. Respiratory motion was addressed by dedicated margins and abdominal compression (5 patients) or gating (1 patient). 4D treatment dose reconstructions based on the treatment records and the measured motion monitoring data were performed for the single-fraction dose and a total of 17 fractions. To assess the impact of uncertainties in the temporal correlation between motion trajectory and beam delivery sequence, 3 dose distributions for varying temporal correlation were calculated per fraction. For 3 patients, the total treatment dose was formed from the fractional distributions using all possible combinations. Clinical target volume (CTV) coverage was analyzed using the volumes receiving at least 95% (V{sub 95}) and 107% (V{sub 107}) of the planned doses. Results: 4D dose reconstruction based on daily measured data is possible in a clinical setting. V{sub 95} and V{sub 107} values for the single fractions ranged between 72% and 100%, and 0% and 32%, respectively. The estimated total treatment dose to the CTV exhibited improved and more robust dose coverage (mean V{sub 95} > 87%, SD < 3%) and overdose (mean V{sub 107} < 4%, SD < 3%) with respect to the single-fraction dose for all analyzed patients. Conclusions: A considerable impact of interplay effects on the single-fraction CTV dose was found for most of the analyzed patients. However, due to the fractionated treatment, dose heterogeneities were substantially reduced for the total treatment dose. 4D treatment dose reconstruction for scanned ion beam therapy is technically feasible and may evolve into a valuable tool for dose assessment.

62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE↗
DOE OSTI2021

Dose-Response Relationship in Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Pooled Analysis of an Asian Liver Radiation Therapy Group Study

Despite the worldwide implementation of stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), there is a lack of consensus guideline on prescription dose. Herein, this multinational study aimed to investigate the effects of the prescribed radiation dose on oncologic outcomes of SBRT for HCC.

62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE↗
DOE OSTI2021

Quantification of Intrafraction and Interfraction Tumor Motion Amplitude and Prediction Error for Different Liver Tumor Trajectories in Cyberknife Synchrony Tracking

To research the fiducial-based, real-time tracking intrafraction (during the fraction [intra-]) and interfraction (between fractions [inter-]) tumor respiration amplitude, motion trajectory, and prediction error and quantify their relationships for different types of motion trajectories during Cyberknife-based stereotactic ablation radiotherapy.

62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE↗
DOE OSTI2013

The antiestrogen endoxifen protects rat liver mitochondria from permeability transition pore opening and oxidative stress at concentrations that do not affect the phosphorylation efficiency

Endoxifen (EDX) is a key active metabolite of tamoxifen (TAM) with higher affinity and specificity to estrogen receptors that also inhibits aromatase activity. It is safe and well tolerated by healthy humans, but its use requires toxicological characterization. In this study, the effects of EDX on mitochondria, the primary targets for xenobiotic-induced toxicity, were monitored to clarify its potential side effects. EDX up to 30 nmol/mg protein did not affect the mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation. At 50 nmol EDX/mg protein, EDX decreased the ADP phosphorylation rate and a partial collapse of mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψ), that parallels a state 4 stimulation, was observed. As the stimulation of state 4 was not inhibited by oligomycin and 50 nmol EDX/mg protein caused a slight decrease in the light scattering of mitochondria, these data suggest that EDX promotes membrane permeabilization to protons, whereas TAM at the same concentration induced mitochondrial membrane disruption. Moreover, EDX at 10 nmol/mg protein prevented and reversed the Ca{sup 2+}-induced depolarization of ΔΨ and the release of mitochondrial Ca{sup 2+}, similarly to cyclosporine A, indicating that EDX did not affect Ca{sup 2+} uptake, but directly interfered with the proteins of the mitochondrial permeability transition (MPT) megacomplex, inhibiting MPT induction. At this concentration, EDX exhibited antioxidant activity that may account for the protective effect against MPT pore opening. In conclusion, EDX within the range of concentrations reached in tissues did not significantly damage the bioenergetic functions of mitochondria, contrarily to the prodrug TAM, and prevented the MPT pore opening and the oxidative stress in mitochondria, supporting that EDX may be a less toxic drug for women with breast carcinoma. - Highlights: ► Mitochondria are important targets of Endoxifen. ► Endoxifen prevents mitochondrial permeability transition. ► Endoxifen prevents oxidative stress in mitochondria. ► Endoxifen slightly affects mitochondrial bioenergetics in comparison with tamoxifen. ► Endoxifen is a key active metabolite of tamoxifen relevant in cancer therapy.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2013

Plasmatic concentration of organochlorine lindane acts as metabolic disruptors in HepG2 liver cell line by inducing mitochondrial disorder

Lindane (LD) is a persistent environmental pollutant that has been the subject of several toxicological studies. However, concentrations used in most of the reported studies were relatively higher than those found in the blood of the contaminated area residents and effects of low concentrations remain poorly investigated. Moreover, effects on cell metabolism and mitochondrial function of exposure to LD have received little attention. This study was designed to explore the effects of low concentrations of LD on cellular metabolism and mitochondrial function, using the hepatocarcinoma cell line HepG2. Cells were exposed to LD for 24, 48 and 72 h and different parameters linked with mitochondrial regulation and energy metabolism were analyzed. Despite having any impact on cellular viability, exposure to LD at plasmatic concentrations led to an increase of maximal respiratory capacity, complex I activity, intracellular ATP and NO release but decreased uncoupled respiration to ATP synthesis and medium lactate levels. In addition, LD exposure resulted in the upregulation of mitochondrial biogenesis genes. We suggest that, at plasmatic concentrations, LD acts as a metabolic disruptor through impaired mitochondrial function and regulation with an impact on cellular energetic metabolism. In addition, we propose that a cellular assay based on the analysis of mitochondria function, such as described here for LD, may be applicable for larger studies on the effects of low concentrations of xenobiotics, because of the exquisite sensitivity of this organelle. - Highlights: Our data clearly demonstrated in HepG2 cells that exposure at plasmatic low concentrations of LD were able to: • Impair mitochondrial function • Caused alteration on nucleo-mitochondrial cross-talk • Increase nitric oxide release and protein nitration • Impair cellular energetic metabolism and lipid accumulation.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2014

TCDD dysregulation of 13 AHR-target genes in rat liver

Despite several decades of research, the complete mechanism by which 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) and other xenobiotic agonists of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) cause toxicity remains unclear. While it has been shown that the AHR is required for all major manifestations of toxicity, the specific downstream changes involved in the development of toxic phenotypes remain unknown. Here we examine a panel of 13 genes that are AHR-regulated in many species and tissues. We profiled their hepatic mRNA abundances in two rat strains with very different sensitivities to TCDD: the TCDD-sensitive Long–Evans (Turku/AB; L–E) and the TCDD-resistant Han/Wistar (Kuopio; H/W). We evaluated doses ranging from 0 to 3000 μg/kg at 19 h after TCDD exposure and time points ranging from 1.5 to 384 h after exposure to 100 μg/kg TCDD. Twelve of 13 genes responded to TCDD in at least one strain, and seven of these showed statistically significant inter-strain differences in the time course analysis (Aldh3a1, Cyp1a2, Cyp1b1, Cyp2a1, Fmo1, Nfe2l2 and Nqo1). Cyp2s1 did not respond to TCDD in either rat strain. Five genes exhibited biphasic responses to TCDD insult (Ahrr, Aldh3a1, Cyp1b1, Nfe2l2 and Nqo1), suggesting a secondary event, such as association with additional transcriptional modulators. Of the 12 genes that responded to TCDD during the dose–response analysis, none had an ED{sub 50} equivalent to that of Cyp1a1, the most sensitive gene in this study, while nine genes responded to doses at least 10–100 fold higher, in at least one strain (Ahrr (L–E), Aldh3a1 (both), Cyp1a2 (both), Cyp1b1 (both), Cyp2a1 (L–E), Inmt (both), Nfe2l2 (L–E), Nqo1 (L–E) and Tiparp (both)). These data shed new light on the association of the AHR target genes with TCDD toxicity, and in particular the seven genes exhibiting strain-specific differences represent strong candidate mediators of Type-II toxicities. - Highlights: • NanoString measured hepatic mRNA molecules following TCDD treatment. • TCDD-sensitive Long–Evans and TCDD-resistant Han/Wistar rats were compared. • Time courses and dose responses were analyzed for AHR-core gene changes. • 7 genes displayed inter-strain mRNA differences at times after TCDD exposure. • 2 of the AHR-core genes had significant inter-strain differences in their TCDD ED{sub 50}.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2024

Theoretical modeling of hepatitis C acute infection in liver-humanized mice support pre-clinical assessment of candidate viruses for controlled-human-infection studies

Designing and carrying out a controlled human infection (CHI) model for hepatitis C virus (HCV) is critical for vaccine development. However, key considerations for a CHI model protocol include understanding of the earliest viral-host kinetic events during the acute phase and susceptibility of the viral isolate under consideration for use in the CHI model to antiviral treatment before any infections in human volunteers can take place. Humanized mouse models lack adaptive immune responses but provide a unique opportunity to obtain quantitative understanding of early HCV kinetics and develop mathematical models to further understand viral and innate immune response dynamics during acute HCV infection. We show that the models reproduce the measured HCV kinetics in humanized mice, which are consistent with early acute HCV-host dynamics in immunocompetent chimpanzees. Our findings suggest that humanized mice are well-suited to support development of a CHI model. In-silico and in-vivo modeling estimates provide a starting point to characterize candidate viruses for testing in CHI model studies.

Agent-based modeling↗
DOE OSTI2019

An effective hybrid strategy for converting rice straw to furoic acid by tandem catalysisviaSn-sepiolite combined with recombinantE. coliwhole cells harboring horse liver alcohol dehydrogenase

The upgrading of biomass-derived furfural into high-value bio-based chemicals has attracted interest. In this case, the conversion of rice straw into furfural was firstly performed using tin-loaded sepiolite (Sn-sepiolite) as a catalyst. Acidified solid acid Sn-sepiolite (3.0 wt%) converted alkali-pretreated dewaxed rice straw into furfural at 42.2% yield at 170 °C for 20 min. Moreover, biomass-derived furfural could be completely converted into furoic acid with recombinant immobilized E. coli TS whole-cells within 96 h at pH 7.0 and 30 °C, respectively. Finally, efficient recycling and reuse of the Sn-sepiolite catalyst and immobilized TS whole-cell biocatalyst were developed for the synthesis of furoic acid from rice straw in the one-pot reaction system. In conclusion, an effective one-pot chemo-enzymatic synthesis of furoic acid from renewable biomass was successfully developed using ambient conditions.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2015

TU-F-CAMPUS-I-02: Contrast Enhanced Cone Beam CT Imaging with Dual- Gantry Image Acquisition and Constrained Iterative Reconstruction-a Simulation Study for Liver Imaging Application

Purpose: Contrast time-density curves may help differentiate malignant tumors from normal tissues or benign tumors. Repetitive scans using conventional CT or cone beam CT techniques, which Result in unacceptably high dose, may not achieve the desired temporal resolution. In this study we describe and demonstrate a 4D imaging technique for imaging and quantifying contrast flows requiring only one or two 360° scans. Methods: A dual-gantry system is used to simultaneously acquire two projection images at orthogonal orientations. Following the scan, each or both of the two 360° projection sets are used to reconstruct an average contrast enhanced image set which is then segmented to form a 3D contrast map. Alternatively, a pre-injection scan may be made and used to reconstruct a pre-injection image set which is subtracted from the post-injection image set to form the 3D contrast map. Each of the two 360° projection sets is divided into 12 subsets, thus creating 12 pairs of 30° limited angle projection sets, each corresponding to a time spanning over 1/12 of the scanning time. Each pair of the projection sets are reconstructed as a time specific 3D image set with the maximum likelihood estimation iterative algorithm using the contrast map as the constraint. As a demonstration, a 4D abdominal phantom was constructed from clinical CT images with blood flow through the normal tissue and a tumor modeled and imaging process simulated. Results: We have successfully generated a 4D image phantom, and calculated the projection images. The time density curves derived from the reconstructed image set matched well with the flow model used to generate the phantom. Conclusion: Dual-gantry image acquisition and constrained iterative reconstruction algorithm may help to obtain time-density curves of contrast agents in blood flows, which may help differentiate malignant tumors from normal tissues or benign tumors.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2021

Absolute quantitation of propranolol from 200-μm regions of mouse brain and liver thin tissues using laser ablation-dropletProbe-mass spectrometry

Rationale: The ability to quantify drugs and metabolites in tissue with sub-mm resolution is a challenging but much needed capability in pharmaceutical research. To fill this void, a novel surface sampling approach combining laser ablation with the commercial dropletProbe automated liquid surface sampling system (LA-dropletProbe) was developed and presented here.Methods: Parylene C-coated 200 × 200 μm tissue regions of mouse brain and kidney thin tissue sections were analyzed for propranolol by laser ablation of tissue directly into a preformed liquid junction. Propranolol was detected by high performance liquid chromatography with positive ion mode electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry. Quantitation was achieved via application of a stable isotope-labeled internal standard and an external calibration curve.Results: Absolute concentration of propranolol determined from 200 × 200 µm tissue regions were compared to propranolol concentrations obtained from 2.3-mm-diameter tissue punches of adjacent, non-coated sections using standard bulk tissue extraction protocols followed by regular HPLC-MS/MS analysis. Average concentration of propranolol in both organs determined by the two employed methods agreed within ±12%. Furthermore, the relative abundance of phase II hydroxypropranolol glucuronide metabolites were recorded and found to be consistent with previous results.Conclusions: This work illustrates that depositing a thin parylene C layer onto thin tissue prior to analysis, which seals the surface and prevents direct liquid extraction of the drug from the tissue, coupled to the novel LA-dropletProbe surface sampling system is a viable approach for sub-mm resolution quantitative drug distribution analysis.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗