Purpose Many studies have shown that multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be helpful for differentiating malignant renal cell carcinomas (RCCs) from benign lesions. However, the key imaging characteristics that differ between malignant and benign tumors still require further discussion. Methods We analyzed 60 adult patients diagnosed with 72 small renal masses (SRMs) who received preoperative MRI from 2014 to 2...

Oral-nasal mucosal immunity plays a crucial role in protecting the body against bacterial and viral invasion. Safe probiotic products have been used to enhance human immunity and oral health. In this study, we verified the beneficial effects of mixed viable probiotic tablets, consisting of Lactobacillus salivarius subsp. salicinius AP-32, Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis CP-9, and Lactobacillus paracasei ET-66, and heat-...

Specialization in narrow ecological niches may not only help species to survive in competitive or unique environments but also contribute to their extermination over evolutionary time. Although the “evolutionary dead end” hypothesis has long been debated, empirical evidence from species with detailed information on niche specialization and evolutionary history remains rare. Here we use a group of four closely related Cnemaspis...