The reliability of virtual non-contrast reconstructions of photon-counting detector CT scans in assessing abdominal organs.

Background: Spectral imaging of photon-counting detector CT (PCD-CT) scanners allows for generating virtual non-contrast (VNC) reconstruction. By analyzing 12 abdominal organs, we aimed to test the reliability of VNC reconstructions in preserving HU values compared to real unenhanced CT images.

Methods: Our study included 34 patients with pancreatic cystic neoplasm (PCN).

MiR-200b categorizes patients into pancreas cystic lesion subgroups with different malignant potential.

Extracellular vesicles (EV) carry their cargo in a membrane protected form, however, their value in early diagnostics is not well known. Although pancreatic cysts are heterogeneous, they can be clustered into the larger groups of pseudocysts (PC), and serous and mucinous pancreatic cystic neoplasms (S-PCN and M-PCN, respectively). In contrast to PCs and S-PCNs, M-PCNs may progress to malignant pancreatic cancers.

Climate parameter and malaria association in north-east India.

This study was performed in order to understand the effect of climatological variables on the malaria situation in the north-east region of India, which is prolonged by the disease. Time-series analysis of major climate parameters like rainfall, maximum temperature, minimum temperature, mean temperature, relative humidity, and soil moisture distributions is carried out, and their correlation with the malaria incidence is quantified state-wise, which is the unique part of the study. The correlation analysis reveals that malaria is significantly related with the maximum temperature and soil moisture in three out of eight states in NE India.

Optimizing NV magnetometry for Magnetoneurography and Magnetomyography applications.

Magnetometers based on color centers in diamond are setting new frontiers for sensing capabilities due to their combined extraordinary performances in sensitivity, bandwidth, dynamic range, and spatial resolution, with stable operability in a wide range of conditions ranging from room to low temperatures. This has allowed for its wide range of applications, from biology and chemical studies to industrial applications. Among the many, sensing of bio-magnetic fields from muscular and neurophysiology has been one of the most attractive applications for NV magnetometry due to its compact and proximal sensing capability.

Quantitative Software Analysis of Endoscopic Ultrasound Images of Pancreatic Cystic Lesions.

Endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) is the most accurate imaging modality for the evaluation of different types of pancreatic cystic lesions. Our aim was to analyze EUS images of pancreatic cystic lesions using an image processing software. We specified the echogenicity of the lesions by measuring the gray value of pixels inside the selected areas.

Preoperative Serum Carbohydrate Antigen 19-9 Levels Cannot Predict the Surgical Resectability of Pancreatic Cancer: A Meta-Analysis.

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma has one of the worst prognosis of all malignancies. This investigated the relationship between the preoperative serum carbohydrate antigen 19-9 and surgical resectability. A systematic search was performed in three databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Web of Science) to compare the surgical resectability of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma in patients with high and low preoperative serum carbohydrate antigen 19-9 values.

Estimation of Phase Ratio in Bulk, Textured TWIP/TRIP Steels from Pole Figures.

The volume fraction of austenite (γ), ε martensite and α' martensite is of key importance in the research of TWIP/TRIP steels. When mechanical loading is involved, the crystallographic texture also develops, which complicates X-ray diffraction-based phase ratio determination. The problem is more pronounced when only a couple, or only one Bragg-reflection can be measured.

Assessment of air pollution status during COVID-19 lockdown (March-May 2020) over Bangalore City in India.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which became a global pandemic by March 2020, forced almost all countries over the world to impose the lockdown as a measure of social distancing to control the spread of infection. India also strictly implemented a countrywide lockdown, starting from 24 March to 12 May 2020. This measure resulted in the reduction of the sources of air pollution in general: industrial, commercial, and vehicular pollution in particular, with visible improvement in ambient air quality.

Retrospective analysis of the diagnostic effectiveness of the sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) in vulvar cancer.

Objectives: Inguinal lymphadenectomy used in the treatment of vulvar cancer often results in complications, such as lymphoedema or abnormal wound healing. Aim of this study was assessment of the diagnostic effectiveness of the sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) procedure in patients treated due to vulvar cancer.

Material And Methods: Eighty-four patients diagnosed with squamous cell vulvar carcinoma (FIGO I-IV) underwent preoperative lymphoscintigraphy with technetium 99 to map sentinel lymph node.

Risk factors of permanent hypoparathyroidism after total thyroidectomy and central neck dissection for papillary thyroid cancer: a prospective study.

Introduction: Inadvertent removal of, or damage to the parathyroid glands in the course of operations on the anterior neck compartment are responsible for over 80% of cases of chronic hypoparathyroidism (HypoPT). This study searched for factors related to the development of permanent HypoPT after total thyroidectomy and central neck lymphadenectomy in patients with thyroid carcinoma.

Material And Methods: In total, 89 of 103 screened patients met the study's criteria and were put under prospective one-year observation.

Sarcopenia as an independent predictor of the surgical outcomes of patients with inflammatory bowel disease: a meta-analysis.

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are at risk of sarcopenia, which is associated with poor clinical outcomes. We conducted this study to assess whether sarcopenia predicts the need for surgery and postoperative complications in patients with IBD. We performed a systematic search of four electronic databases, last updated in March, 2019.

Value of planar lymphoscintigraphy (PL) versus SPECT/CT in evaluation of sentinel lymph node in trunk melanoma - one center, large series retrospective study.

Background: Localization and histopathological examination of sentinel lymph node is a standard of melanoma treatment. The first stage of identification of the SLN is the preoperative lymphoscintigraphy. The aim of this study was to assess and compare diagnostic value of planar lymphoscintigraphy and SPECT/CT in sentinel lymph node biopsy procedure performed in patients with cutaneous trunk melanoma.

Technetium-99m-based Radiopharmaceuticals in Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy: Gynecologic Oncology Perspective.

Technetium (99mTc)-radiolabeled colloids are popular tracers used to map lymphatic vessels and regional lymph nodes (LNs). The regional LN status is a significant determinant of cancer stage and patient prognosis, and strongly influences treatment. Regional LN dissection has become a part of surgical treatment.

Detection and proteomic characterization of extracellular vesicles in human pancreatic juice.

Aims: The prognosis of patients with pancreatic cancer has remained virtually unchanged with a high mortality rate compared to other types of cancers. An earlier detection would provide a time window of opportunity for treatment and prevention of deaths. In the present study we investigated extracellular vesicle (EV)-associated potential biomarkers for pancreatic cancer by directly assessing EV size-based subpopulations in pancreatic juice samples of patients with chronic pancreatitis or pancreatic cancer.

Mid-term to long-term outcome of the open Bankart repair for recurrent traumatic anterior dislocation of the shoulder.

Background: The purpose of this study was to assess the long-term outcome of the open Bankart repair for traumatic, recurrent anterior dislocation of the shoulder by evaluation of recurrence, range of motion, return to sports, arthritis, patient satisfaction, and outcome measures.

Methods: Of 162 patients, 127 patients (mean age, 31 years) were evaluated at a mean follow-up of 17.1 years (5-24) after undergoing an open Bankart repair using suture anchors.

Anatomic Description of the Origin of the Proximal Hamstring.

Purpose: To define the topographic anatomy of the footprint of the hamstrings origin on the ischium.

Methods: Dissection of the hamstrings origin in 6 cadaveric pelvises was performed. The hamstrings origin was isolated with sharp dissection, and it was noted whether the semimembranosus had a separate attachment or whether there was one confluent tendon attached at the footprint.

Management of knee articular cartilage injuries in athletes: chondroprotection, chondrofacilitation, and resurfacing.

Unlabelled: Articular cartilage defects of the knee are common among athletes where the physical demands of sport result in significant stresses on joints. Chondral defects are associated with pain and functional impairment that limit sporting participation and may progress to joint degeneration and frank arthritis. Management of established chondral lesions aims to allow athletes to return to high-impact sports and can be considered in terms of protection of existing cartilage, chondrofacilitation, and resurfacing.

Open Bankart repair for revision of failed prior stabilization: outcome analysis at a mean of more than 10 years.

Background: The purpose of this study was to analyze the outcome of open Bankart repair for failed stabilization surgery at a mean follow-up of >10 years.

Materials And Methods: Thirty patients underwent revision open Bankart repair by a single surgeon for failed prior stabilization surgery, with a standard technique and postoperative rehabilitation. All patients were referred by other surgeons.

Occipitocervical junction: imaging, pathology, instrumentation.

The occipitocervical junction (OCJ) is a highly specialized area of the spine. Understanding the unique anatomy, imaging, and craniometry of this area is paramount in recognizing and managing the potentially devastating effects that pathology has on it. Instrumentation techniques continue to evolve, the goal being to safely obtain durable, rigid constructs that allow immediate stability, anatomical alignment, and osseous fusion.

Renal function after nephron-sparing surgery for renal tumors.

Nephron sparing surgery (NSS) is a technique more frequently utilized in the case of surgical treatment of kidney tumor. The aim of the study is to assess renal function in patients treated with NSS for renal tumors. Twenty patients, after NSS performed for renal tumor, were included in the study.

Comparison of minimally invasive direct anterior versus posterior total hip arthroplasty based on inflammation and muscle damage markers.

Background: A number of surgical approaches are utilized in total hip arthroplasty. It has been hypothesized that the anterior approach results in less muscle damage than the posterior approach. We prospectively analyzed biochemical markers of muscle damage and inflammation in patients treated with minimally invasive total hip arthroplasty with an anterior or posterior approach to provide objective evidence of the local soft-tissue injury at the time of arthroplasty.

Biomechanical comparison of transpedicular versus intralaminar C2 fixation in C2-C6 subaxial constructs.

Study Design: Biomechanical study.

Objective: To compare the relative rigidity of C2 transpedicular versus intralaminar fixation with and without offset connectors in C2-C6 subaxial constructs.

Summary Of Background Data: Insufficient biomechanical data exists on C2 laminar fixation in subaxial constructs, and no study has considered C2-C6 subaxial constructs or the use of offset connectors.