An Unusual Case of Giant Polymicrobial Shoulder Abscess Developing Two Decades After an Insect Bite: The Role of Chronic Intermittent Swelling as a Predisposing Factor.

Shoulder abscesses, commonly resulting from bacterial infections, can occasionally present with atypical etiologies and delayed onset. We report a rare case of a massive polymicrobial shoulder abscess developing two decades after an insect bite, emphasizing its clinical presentation, diagnostic approach, and surgical management. A 65-year-old female presented with severe, progressively worsening right shoulder pain, a 20 cm swelling, and purulent discharge persisting for 15 days.

Correlations of the Circadian Rhythmicity of Blood Pressure With Erectile Dysfunction.

Erectile dysfunction (ED) and cardiovascular diseases (CVD) share common pathophysiological mechanisms. This study aimed to assess the relationship between ED and its severity with the risk of developing CVD by analyzing changes in the circadian blood pressure (BP) rhythm. In the study, 24-h BP levels of 192 (94 with ED and 98 controls) participants with no history of CVD were evaluated using an ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) device.

Prolonged atrial refractoriness to predict the onset of atrial fibrillation after transcatheter aortic valve implantation.

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common atrial arrhythmia after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) and is associated with high mortality. Although some clinical and echocardiographic variables have been defined to predict new-onset atrial fibrillation (NOAF), electrophysiologic (EP) parameters have not been identified yet. We aimed to investigate the impact of atrial refractoriness on NOAF after TAVI.

Comprehensive Review of the Utility of Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced MRI for the Diagnosis and Treatment Assessment of Spinal Benign and Malignant Osseous Disease.

Conventional MRI is currently the preferred imaging technique for detection and evaluation of malignant spinal lesions. However, this technique is limited in its ability to assess tumor viability. Unlike conventional MRI, dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) MRI provides insight into the physiologic and hemodynamic characteristics of malignant spinal tumors and has been utilized in different types of spinal diseases.

Atrial refractoriness early after transcatheter aortic valve implantation TAVI in patients with severe aortic stenosis and sinus rhythm.

Background: Aortic valve stenosis (AS) is a common valvular heart disease, especially in the elderly, and is associated with a high prevalence of atrial fibrillation. Although the risk of atrial fibrillation is expected to decrease after the intervention, atrial fibrillation develops in many patients undergoing surgical or percutaneous transaortic valve implantation. We aimed to evaluate atrial refractoriness since it may play a key role in the occurrence of atrial fibrillation after transaortic valve implantation.

Cross-sectional imaging of pancreatic leak: a pictorial review.

Pancreatic leaks occur when a disruption in the pancreatic ductal system results in the leakage of pancreatic enzymes such as amylase, lipase, and proteases into the abdominal cavity. While often associated with pancreatic surgical procedures, trauma and necrotizing pancreatitis are also common culprits. Cross-sectional imaging, particularly computed tomography, plays a crucial role in assessing postoperative conditions and identifying both early and late complications, including pancreatic leaks.

Contrast-enhanced pelvic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for the prediction of treatment response in mucinous rectal cancer.

Background: In mucinous rectal cancer, it can be difficult to differentiate between cellular and acellular mucin. The purpose of this study was to evaluate, in patients with mucinous rectal cancer, the value of static enhancement (enh) and pharmacokinetic parameters of dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in predicting pathologic complete response.

Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study performed at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center included 43 patients (24 males and 19 females; mean age, 57 years) with mucinous rectal cancer who underwent MRI at baseline as well as after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy but before surgical resection between 2008 and 2019.

Longitudinal Evaluation of DCE-MRI as an Early Indicator of Progression after Standard Therapy in Glioblastoma.

Distinguishing treatment-induced imaging changes from progressive disease has important implications for avoiding inappropriate discontinuation of a treatment. Our goal in this study is to evaluate the utility of dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) perfusion MRI as a biomarker for the early detection of progression. We hypothesize that DCE-MRI may have the potential as an early predictor for the progression of disease in GBM patients when compared to the current standard of conventional MRI.

Differentiating Low-Grade from High-Grade Intracranial Ependymomas: Comparison of Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced MRI and Diffusion-Weighted Imaging.

Background And Purpose: The aim of this study was to determine the diagnostic value of fractional plasma volume derived from dynamic contrast-enhanced perfusion MR imaging versus ADC, obtained from DWI in differentiating between grade 2 (low-grade) and grade 3 (high-grade) intracranial ependymomas.

Materials And Methods: A hospital database was created for the period from January 2013 through June 2022, including patients with histologically-proved ependymoma diagnosis with available dynamic contrast-enhanced MR imaging. Both dynamic contrast-enhanced perfusion and DWI were performed on each patient using 1.

Accuracy and Clinical Impact of Persistent Disease Diagnosed on Diffusion-Weighted Imaging and Accuracy of Pelvic Nodal Assessment on Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Anus in the 6-Month Interval Post Chemoradiotherapy.

Purpose: To evaluate the diagnostic performance of diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) in the 6-month interval post chemoradiation therapy (CRT) in determining persistent disease and whether persistent diffusion restriction on DWI at 6 months is associated with overall survival; and secondarily, to investigate the accuracy of pelvic lymph node assessment on T2-weighted imaging and DWI in the 6-month interval post CRT, in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the anus.

Methods And Materials: This retrospective study included patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the anus who underwent CRT followed by restaging rectal MRI from January 2010 to April 2020, with ≥1 year of follow-up after CRT. DW images were qualitatively evaluated by 2 junior and 2 senior abdominal radiologists to determine anal persistent disease.

Dynamic Contrast Enhanced MR Perfusion and Diffusion-Weighted Imaging of Marrow-Replacing Disorders of the Spine: A Comprehensive Review.

Significant advancements in cancer treatment have led to improved survival rates for patients, particularly in the context of spinal metastases. However, early detection and monitoring of treatment response remain crucial for optimizing patient outcomes. Although conventional imaging methods such as bone scan, PET, MR imaging, and computed tomography are commonly used for diagnosing and monitoring treatment, they present challenges in differential diagnoses and treatment response monitoring.

Extraosseous Ewing sarcoma of the pancreas: a case report.

Extraosseous Ewing sarcoma is a rare and aggressive malignancy belonging to the Ewing sarcoma family of tumors, primarily affecting soft tissues such as the pelvis, retroperitoneum, and chest wall. Although it predominantly involves these soft tissues, extraosseous Ewing sarcoma can also occur in solid organs, including the pancreas. Here, we present a rare case of a 4-year-old girl diagnosed with primary extraosseous Ewing sarcoma of the pancreas.

Myricetin May Improve Cardiac Dysfunction Possibly Through Regulating Blood Pressure and Cellular Stress Molecules in High-Fructose-Fed Rats.

Background: The aim of this study was to examine the effect of myricetin on cardiac dysfunction caused by high fructose intake.

Methods: Fructose was given to the rats as a 20% solution in drinking water for 15 weeks. Myricetin was administered by oral gavage for the last 6 weeks.

T1-Weighted, Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced MR Perfusion Imaging Can Differentiate between Treatment Success and Failure in Spine Metastases Undergoing Radiation Therapy.

Background And Purpose: Current imaging techniques have difficulty differentiating treatment success and failure in spinal metastases undergoing radiation therapy. This study investigated the correlation between changes in dynamic contrast-enhanced MR imaging perfusion parameters and clinical outcomes following radiation therapy for spinal metastases. We hypothesized that perfusion parameters will outperform traditional size measurements in discriminating treatment success and failure.

High-fructose consumption suppresses insulin signaling pathway accompanied by activation of macrophage and apoptotic markers in rat testis.

Dietary high-fructose may cause metabolic disturbances; however, its effect on the reproductive system is little understood. The insulin signaling pathway is critical in testicular development, maintenance of microcirculation and spermatogenesis. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to investigate the impact of dietary high-fructose on insulin signaling pathway as well as macrophage and apoptotic markers in testicular tissue of rats.

Factors Affecting Smoking Cessation After Acute Myocardial Infarction.

Objective: Persistent smoking after acute myocardial infarction is associated with an increased risk of recurrent cardiovascular events. Our aim was to determine the changes in smoking habits in patients after acute myocardial infarction and evaluate the factors affecting smoking cessation.

Material And Methods: A total of 322 patients who had an acute myocardial infarction while smoking were included in the study.

Tracheobronchial Amyloidosis: A Case Report.

We report a case of an incidentally found tracheobronchial amyloidosis in an asymptomatic patient. A elderly male was admitted to the hospital for an aortic valve repair workup, and was incidentally found to have tracheobronchial abnormalities on chest CT. The diagnosis of tracheobronchial amyloidosis was confirmed by histopathological exam.

Identification of incidental brain tumors in prostate cancer patients via PSMA PET/CT.

Purpose: Brain metastases are rare in patients with prostate cancer and portend poor outcome. Prostate-specific membrane antigen positron emission tomography (PSMA PET)/CT scans including the brain have identified incidental tumors. We sought to identify the incidental brain tumor detection rate of PSMA PET/CT performed at initial diagnosis or in the setting of biochemical recurrence.

Normative reference values of major thoracic arterial vasculature in Turkiye.

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine normative reference values for major thoracic arterial vasculature in Turkiye and to evaluate differences according to age and gender.

Methods: Low-dose unenhanced chest computerized tomography images acquired with pre-diagnosis of COVID-19 between March and June 2020 were evaluated retrospectively. Patients with known chronic lung parenchymal disease, pleural effusion, pneumothorax, chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and chronic heart diseases (coronary artery disease, atherosclerosis, congestive heart failure, valve replacement, and arrhythmia) were excluded from the study.

Effect of tumor genetics, pathology, and location on fMRI of language reorganization in brain tumor patients.

Objectives: Language reorganization may follow tumor invasion of the dominant hemisphere. Tumor location, grade, and genetics influence the communication between eloquent areas and tumor growth dynamics, which are drivers of language plasticity. We evaluated tumor-induced language reorganization studying the relationship of fMRI language laterality to tumor-related variables (grade, genetics, location), and patient-related variables (age, sex, handedness).

Middle-sized posterior malleolus fractures: Fixed versus non-fixed - A prospective randomized study.

Purpose: This study aimed to assess the impact of fixation on functional and radiological outcomes of ankle fractures involving the posterior malleolus. We hypothesized that fixation of the posterior malleolus would be associated with improved radiological and functional outcome.

Methods: A prospective randomized controlled study was planned and 40 consecutive ankle fractures involving middle-sized (10-25%) posterior fragment were included.

Quinoid-Thiophene-Based Covalent Organic Polymers for High Iodine Uptake: When Rational Chemical Design Counterbalances the Low Surface Area and Pore Volume.

A novel 2D covalent organic polymer (COP), based on conjugated quinoid-oligothiophene (QOT) and tris(aminophenyl) benzene (TAPB) moieties, is designed and synthesized (TAPB-QOT COP). Some DFT calculations are made to clarify the equilibrium between different QOT isomers and how they could affect the COP formation. Once synthetized, the polymer has been thoroughly characterized by spectroscopic (, Raman, UV-vis), SSNMR and surface (, SEM, BET) techniques, showing a modest surface area (113 m g) and micropore volume (0.

Outcomes of intraventricular 131-I-omburtamab and external beam radiotherapy in patients with recurrent medulloblastoma and ependymoma.

Purpose: Intraventricular compartmental radioimmunotherapy (cRIT) with 131-I-omburtamab is a potential therapy for recurrent primary brain tumors that can seed the thecal space. These patients often previously received external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) to a portion or full craniospinal axis (CSI) as part of upfront therapy. Little is known regarding outcomes after re-irradiation as part of multimodality therapy including cRIT.