Development of an automated CBCT-based simulation-free platform for expedited palliative radiotherapy on a conventional linear accelerator.

Background: Conventional approaches for emergent or expedited palliative radiotherapy (RT) involve the application of cumbersome vendor-provided solutions and/or multiple patient appointments to complete the RT workflow within a compressed timeframe.

Purpose: This report delineates the clinical development of an in-house, semi-automated Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT)-based simulation-free platform for expedited palliative RT on conventional linacs, intended to supplant existing techniques employed at this institution.

Methods: The internal software, termed SimFree Wizard (SFW), was engineered utilizing a C#-based application programming interface integrated within the treatment planning system (TPS).

An explainable analysis of diabetes mellitus using statistical and artificial intelligence techniques.

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic disease prevalent worldwide, requiring a multifaceted analytical approach to improve early detection and subsequent mitigation of morbidity and mortality rates. This research aimed to develop an explainable analysis of DM by combining sociodemographic and clinical data with statistical and artificial intelligence (AI) techniques.

Methods: Leveraging a small dataset that includes sociodemographic and clinical profiles of diabetic and non-diabetic individuals, we employed a diverse set of statistical and AI models for predictive purposes and assessment of DM risk factors.

Modulation of stress-, pain-, and alcohol-related behaviors by perineuronal nets.

Perineuronal nets (PNNs) are a special form of central nervous system extracellular matrix enriched in hyaluronan, chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans, tenascins, and link proteins that regulate synaptic plasticity. Most PNNs in the brain surround parvalbumin-expressing inhibitory interneurons, which tightly regulate excitatory/inhibitory balance and brain activity associated with optimal cognitive functioning. Alterations in PNNs have been observed in neurological diseases and psychiatric disorders, suggesting that they may be key contributors to the neuropathological progression and behavioral changes in these diseases.

Urinary arsenic species and birth outcomes in Tacna, Peru, 2019: a prospective cohort study.

Arsenic exposure during pregnancy might affect foetal development. Arsenic metabolism may modulate the potential damage to the fetus. Tacna has the highest arsenic exposure levels in Peru.

A rare case of May-Thurner syndrome due to external compression of the right and left common iliac veins.

May-Thurner syndrome, also known as external iliac compression syndrome, is a rare but commonly underdiagnosed cause of asymmetric lower extremity edema. Here we describe a case of May-Thurner syndrome owing to external compression of the right and left common iliac veins presenting as chronic worsening asymmetric right greater than left lower extremity edema. Initial etiology workup was unremarkable, and further diagnostics revealed compression of the right common iliac vein at the bifurcation of the right common iliac artery between the right external and internal iliac arteries with concomitant compression of the left common iliac vein.