Assessment of Emphysema on X-ray Equivalent Dose Photon-Counting Detector CT: Evaluation of Visual Scoring and Automated Quantification Algorithms.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of visual scoring, low-attenuation volume (LAV), and deep learning methods for estimating emphysema extent in x-ray dose photon-counting detector computed tomography (PCD-CT), aiming to explore future dose reduction potentials.

Methods: One hundred one prospectively enrolled patients underwent noncontrast low- and chest x-ray dose CT scans in the same study using PCD-CT. Overall image quality, sharpness, and noise, as well as visual emphysema pattern (no, trace, mild, moderate, confluent, and advanced destructive emphysema; as defined by the Fleischner Society), were independently assessed by 2 experienced radiologists for low- and x-ray dose images, followed by an expert consensus read.

Pearls & Oy-sters: Increased Visibility of Focal Cortical Dysplasia in Cerebral MRI During the First Year of Life.

Early detection of focal cortical dysplasia (FCD) using brain MRI in young children presenting with drug-resistant epilepsy may facilitate prompt surgical treatment, resulting in better control of seizures and decreased associated cognitive difficulties. Characteristics of FCD described in the literature are predominantly based on MRI findings in a fully myelinated brain; therefore, changes occurring during early brain maturation are not well known. In this case report, we describe distinct MRI features of a FCD visualized best before completion of myelination of the cortex and subcortical white matter.

Prevalence of Complications Due to Transphyseal Hematogenous Osteomyelitis.

Background: Transphyseal hematogenous osteomyelitis (THO) is a common infectious condition, being present in 25% of patients with hematogenous osteomyelitis. A large proportion of pediatric hematogenous osteomyelitis infections can spread through the growth cartilage and therefore may be potentially responsible for growth disorders, leading to limb-length discrepancy or angular deformities. The purpose of the present study was to identify both the prevalence of complications caused by transphyseal osteomyelitis and factors influencing their occurrence.

A randomized controlled trial on anonymizing reviewers to each other in peer review discussions.

Many peer-review processes involve reviewers submitting their independent reviews, followed by a discussion between the reviewers of each paper. A common question among policymakers is whether the reviewers of a paper should be anonymous to each other during the discussion. We shed light on this question by conducting a randomized controlled trial at the Conference on Uncertainty in Artificial Intelligence (UAI) 2022 conference where reviewer discussions were conducted over a typed forum.

Simulated low-dose dark-field radiography for detection of COVID-19 pneumonia.

Background: Dark-field radiography has been proven to be a promising tool for the assessment of various lung diseases.

Purpose: To evaluate the potential of dose reduction in dark-field chest radiography for the detection of the Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pneumonia.

Materials And Methods: Patients aged at least 18 years with a medically indicated chest computed tomography scan (CT scan) were screened for participation in a prospective study between October 2018 and December 2020.

Implementing digital respiratory technologies for people with respiratory conditions: A protocol for a scoping review.

The value of 'data-enabled', digital healthcare is evolving rapidly, as demonstrated in the COVID-19 pandemic, and its successful implementation remains complex and challenging. Harmonisation (within/between healthcare systems) of infrastructure and implementation strategies has the potential to promote safe, equitable and accessible digital healthcare, but guidance for implementation is lacking. Using respiratory technologies as an example, our scoping review process will capture and review the published research between 12th December 2013 to 12th December 2023.

Trachoma Impact Survey Results from 31 Woredas in Tigray Region, Ethiopia.

Purpose: Baseline surveys were conducted in Tigray region, Ethiopia, in 2013. Since then, rounds of azithromycin mass drug administration (MDA) have been delivered in-line with international guidance. The purpose of these surveys was to assess trachomatous inflammation-follicular (TF) prevalence following those treatments to enable the region to plan the next steps towards elimination of trachoma.

Improved phosphorus MRSI acquisition through compressed sensing acceleration combined with low-rank reconstruction.

Objectives: Phosphorus-31 magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging (P-MRSI) is a non-invasive tool for assessing cellular high-energy metabolism in-vivo. However, its acquisition suffers from a low sensitivity, which necessitates large voxel sizes or multiple averages to achieve an acceptable signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), resulting in long scan times.

Materials And Methods: To overcome these limitations, we propose an acquisition and reconstruction scheme for FID-MRSI sequences.

A stratified treatment algorithm in psychiatry: a program on stratified pharmacogenomics in severe mental illness (Psych-STRATA): concept, objectives and methodologies of a multidisciplinary project funded by Horizon Europe.

Schizophrenia (SCZ), bipolar (BD) and major depression disorder (MDD) are severe psychiatric disorders that are challenging to treat, often leading to treatment resistance (TR). It is crucial to develop effective methods to identify and treat patients at risk of TR at an early stage in a personalized manner, considering their biological basis, their clinical and psychosocial characteristics. Effective translation of theoretical knowledge into clinical practice is essential for achieving this goal.

Enhanced Sampling with Suboptimal Collective Variables: Reconciling Accuracy and Convergence Speed.

We introduce an enhanced sampling algorithm to obtain converged free energy landscapes of molecular rare events, even when the collective variable (CV) used for biasing is not optimal. Our approach samples a time-dependent target distribution by combining the on-the-fly probability enhanced sampling and its exploratory variant, OPES Explore. This promotes more transitions between the relevant metastable states and accelerates the convergence speed of the free energy estimate.

Impaired renal transporter gene expression and uremic toxin excretion as aging hallmarks in cats with naturally occurring chronic kidney disease.

Aging leads to nephron senescence and chronic kidney disease (CKD). In cats, indoxyl sulfate (IxS) has been previously quantified and associated with CKD, and little is known about tubular transporters. Two cohorts of cats aged 6 to 21 years were enrolled.

Masseter muscle thickness before and after the correction of unilateral functional posterior crossbite in growing individuals: a prospective controlled clinical trial.

Objectives: To evaluate whether unilateral functional posterior crossbite in growing children creates an asymmetry in masseter muscle thickness and whether this asymmetry is normalized after crossbite correction.

Materials And Methods: Two groups of growing individuals were studied prospectively: (i) a treatment group: children with unilateral functional posterior crossbite, undergoing crossbite correction with maxillary expansion; and (ii) a control group: children without transversal malocclusions and orthodontic treatment. The thickness of the masseter muscles was measured bilaterally using ultrasonographic recordings at three time points: pre-treatment (T0); 9 months after (T1); and 30 months after posterior crossbite correction (T2); and at equivalent time points in the control group.

Sperm Functional Status: A Multiparametric Assessment of the Fertilizing Potential of Bovine Sperm.

Sperm viability is routinely assessed for the quality control of cryopreserved bovine sperm batches but is not usually conclusive regarding their fertilizing potential. In this study, we investigated the fertility predictive value of bull sperm viability in combination with DNA integrity or the functional status of viable sperm. In addition to sperm viability, we flow cytometrically assessed the percentage of sperm with high DNA fragmentation index (%DFI) and the fraction of viable sperm with low intracellular Ca content and functional mitochondria using the Sperm Chromatin Structure Assay and a five-color staining panel in 791 and 733 cryopreserved batches with non-return rate (NRR) records after ≥100 first services, respectively.

European Genotyping Survey of Dyserythropoietic Anemia and Myopathy Syndrome in English Springer Spaniels.

Dyserythropoietic anemia and myopathy syndrome (DAMS) with neonatal losses was recently characterized as an autosomal recessive disorder caused by an frameshift variant in English Springer Spaniels (ESSPs). The frequency and dissemination of the mutation remained unknown. The EHBP1L1 protein is essential for muscle function, and the Rab8/10-EHBP1L1-Bin1-dynamin axis participates in nuclear polarization during the enucleation of erythroblasts.

Eco-evolutionary dynamics of adapting pathogens and host immunity.

As pathogens spread in a population of hosts, immunity is built up, and the pool of susceptible individuals are depleted. This generates selective pressure, to which many human RNA viruses, such as influenza virus or SARS-CoV-2, respond with rapid antigenic evolution and frequent emergence of immune evasive variants. However, the host's immune systems adapt, and older immune responses wane, such that escape variants only enjoy a growth advantage for a limited time.

Analyzing Parental Involvement in Youth Basketball.

Parental involvement in youth sports is increasingly relevant in scientific research since parents have gradually developed awareness regarding youngsters' sports experiences. This study aimed to (1) examine potential differences in athletes' and parents' perceptions of parental involvement practices in youth basketball, (2) verify whether these perceptions differ by sex, and (3) analyze the relationship between the different perceptions dimensions recorded. The analysis included a large sample of 423 Portuguese participants (151 youth basketball athletes and 272 parents) who completed the Parental Behaviors in Sports (PBSP) questionnaire.

Pan African Vivax and Ovale Network (PAVON) Malaria Diagnostic Competency Training: Offering Training Opportunities to Impact Malaria Elimination Strategies in Sub-Saharan Africa.

PAVON has developed a malaria microscopy competency training scheme to augment competency in malaria microscopy. Here, data accrued from training activities between 2020 and 2023 in Botswana are presented. Three trainings were done for 37 central and peripheral level technicians for a two-week period.

Acceptance and Completion Rates of 3-Month Isoniazid-Rifampicin (3HR) Tuberculosis Preventive Treatment (TPT) Among Contacts of Bacteriologically Confirmed TB Patients-Patients' and Healthcare Workers' Perspectives.

Providing tuberculosis preventive treatment (TPT) to close contacts of persons with TB is a core strategy recommended by WHO for the prevention and control of TB. Nigeria rolled out the 3-month Isoniazid-Rifampicin (3HR) shorter regimen TPT as a pilot for use among eligible adult and child contacts. This study assesses acceptance and completion rates of 3HR TPT among contacts and determines the perspectives of healthcare workers (HCWs) and contacts on acceptance and completion of 3HR TPT in Nigeria.

Exploring Mycolactone-The Unique Causative Toxin of Buruli Ulcer: Biosynthetic, Synthetic Pathways, Biomarker for Diagnosis, and Therapeutic Potential.

Mycolactone is a complex macrolide toxin produced by , the causative agent of Buruli ulcer. The aim of this paper is to review the chemistry, biosynthetic, and synthetic pathways of mycolactone A/B to help develop an understanding of the mode of action of these polyketides as well as their therapeutic potential. The synthetic work has largely been driven by the desire to afford researchers enough (≥100 mg) of the pure toxins for systematic biological studies toward understanding their very high biological activities.

Impact of Mast Cell Activation on Neurodegeneration: A Potential Role for Gut-Brain Axis and Infection.

Background: The innate immune response aims to prevent pathogens from entering the organism and/or to facilitate pathogen clearance. Innate immune cells, such as macrophages, mast cells (MCs), natural killer cells and neutrophils, bear pattern recognition receptors and are thus able to recognize common molecular patterns, such as pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs), and damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs), the later occurring in the context of neuroinflammation. An inflammatory component in the pathology of otherwise "primary cerebrovascular and neurodegenerative" disease has recently been recognized and targeted as a means of therapeutic intervention.

Pretreatment Cranial Computed Tomography Perfusion Predicts Dynamic Cerebral Autoregulation Changes in Acute Hemispheric Stroke Patients Having Undergone Recanalizing Therapy: A Retrospective Study.

Objectives: Blood pressure (BP) management is challenging in patients with acute ischemic supratentorial stroke undergoing recanalization therapy due to the lack of established guidelines. Assessing dynamic cerebral autoregulation (dCA) may address this need, as it is a bedside technique that evaluates the transfer function phase in the very low-frequency (VLF) range (0.02-0.

High-Performance Fluorine-Lean Thin Aromatic Hydrocarbon Membranes Based on Polyvinylidene Fluoride for Hydrogen Fuel Cells.

The impeding ban on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) prompted researchers to focus on hydrocarbon-based materials as constituents of next-generation proton exchange membranes (PEMs) for polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs). Here, we report on the fuel cell performance and durability of fluorine-lean PEMs prepared by the post-sulfonation of co-grafted α-methylstyrene (AMS) and 2-methylene glutaronitrile (MGN) monomers into preirradiated 12 µm polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) base film. The membranes were subjected to two distinctly different accelerated stress test (AST) protocols performed at open-circuit voltage (OCV): the US Department of Energy-similar chemical AST (90 °C, 30% relative humidity (RH), H/air, 1 bar), developed originally for perfluoroalkylsulfonic acid (PFSA) membranes, and the high relative humidity AST (80 °C, 100% RH, H/O, 2.