Radio-anatomical evaluation of clinical and radiomic profile of multi-parametric magnetic resonance imaging of de novo glioblastoma multiforme.

BACKGROUND: Glioblastoma (GBM) is a fatal, fast-growing, and aggressive brain tumor arising from glial cells or their progenitors. It is a primary malignancy with a poor prognosis. The current study aims at evaluating the neuroradiological parameters of de novo GBM by analyzing the brain multi-parametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) scans acquired from a publicly available database analysis of the scans. METHODS: The dataset used was the mpMRI scans for de novo glioblastoma (GBM) patients from the University of Pennsylvania Health System, called the UPENN-GBM dataset. This was a collection from The Cancer Imaging Archive (TCIA), a part of the National Cancer Institute. The MRIs were reviewed by a single diagnostic radiologist, and the tumor parameters were recorded, wherein all recorded data was corroborated with the clinical findings. RESULTS: The study included a total of 58 subjects who were predominantly male (male:female ratio of 1.07:1). The mean age with SD was 58.49 (11.39) years. Mean survival days with SD were 347 (416.21) days. The left parietal lobe was the most commonly found tumor location with 11 (18.96%) patients. The mean intensity for T1, T2, and FLAIR with SD was 1.45E + 02 (20.42), 1.11E + 02 (17.61), and 141.64 (30.67), respectively (p = < 0.001). The tumor dimensions of anteroposterior, transverse, and craniocaudal gave a z-score (significance level = 0.05) of - 2.53 (p = 0.01), - 3.89 (p < 0.001), and 1.53 (p = 0.12), respectively. CONCLUSION: The current study takes a third-party database and reduces physician bias from interfering with study findings. Further prospective and retrospective studies are needed to provide conclusive data.

The Impact of Prevotella on Neurobiology in Aging: Deciphering Dendritic Cell Activity and Inflammatory Dynamics.

Prevotella species, notably Prevotella copri, significantly populate the human gut. In particular, P. copri is prevalent among non-Western populations with diets high in fiber. These species show complex relationships with diverse health aspects, associating with beneficial outcomes, including reduced visceral fat and improved glucose tolerance. Studies implicate various Prevotella species in specific diseases. Prevotella nigrescens and Porphyromonas gingivalis were linked to periodontal disease, promoting immune responses and influencing T helper type 17 (Th17) cells. Prevotella bivia was associated with bacterial vaginosis and a specific increase in activated cells in the vaginal mucosa. In contrast, they have shown substantial potential for inducing connective tissue degradation and alveolar bone resorption. Prevotella's role in neuroinflammatory disorders and autoinflammatory conditions such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease has also been noted. The complex relationship between Prevotella and age-related conditions further extends to neurobiological changes in aging, with varying associations with Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and other inflammatory conditions. Studies have also identified Prevotella to be implicated in cognitive decline in middle aged and the elderly. Future directions in this research area are anticipated to explore Prevotella-associated inflammatory mechanisms and therapeutic interventions. Investigating specific drug targets and immunomodulatory measures could lead to novel therapeutic strategies. Understanding how Prevotella-induced inflammation interacts with aging diseases would offer promising insights for treatments and interventions. This review urges ongoing research to discover therapeutic targets and mechanisms for moderating Prevotella-associated inflammation to further enhance our understanding and improve health outcomes.

BEYOND TRADITIONAL TOOLS: EXPLORING CONVOLUTIONAL NEURAL NETWORKS AS INNOVATIVE PROGNOSTIC MODELS IN PANCREATIC DUCTAL ADENOCARCINOMA.

BACKGROUND: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly aggressive and lethal form of cancer with limited prognostic accuracy using traditional factors. This has led to the exploration of innovative prognostic models, including convolutional neural networks (CNNs), in PDAC. CNNs, a type of artificial intelligence algorithm, have shown promise in various medical applications, including image analysis and pattern recognition. Their ability to extract complex features from medical images makes them suitable for improving prognostication in PDAC. However, implementing CNNs in clinical practice poses challenges, such as data availability and interpretability. Future research should focus on multi-center studies, integrating multiple data modalities, and combining CNN outputs with biomarker panels. Collaborative efforts and patient autonomy should be considered to ensure the ethical implementation of CNN-based prognostic models. Further validation and optimisation of CNN-based models are necessary to enhance their reliability and clinical utility in PDAC prognostication. BACKGROUND: •Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is an aggressive cancer with limited prognostic accuracy through traditional methods. BACKGROUND: •Convolutional neural networks (CNNs) are being explored for prognostic models in PDAC. BACKGROUND: •They can extract complex features from images, aiding PDAC prognostication. BACKGROUND: •Further validation and optimization of CNN-based models are needed for better reliability and clinical utility in PDAC.

Clinical Evaluation and Surgical Management of Ocular Malakoplakia of the Caruncle and Periorbital Region: A Report of Two Case and Literature Review.

Ocular malakoplakia, a rare inflammatory disorder characterized by Michaelis-Gutmann bodies, is presented in 2 unique cases involving uncommon anatomical sites-the orbit and caruncle. The first case describes a 10-year-old girl with localized subconjunctival swelling near the caruncle, prompting surgical excision, and revealing characteristic malakoplakia features. Despite medical management, surgical intervention provided symptom relief. The second case involves a painless swelling below the lower lid in a 23-year-old female, initially suggestive of lymphoma. Excision biopsy confirmed malakoplakia, emphasizing the potential for clinical misdiagnosis. Histopathological examination showcased Michaelis-Gutmann bodies, von Hansemann cells, and chronic inflammation, confirming the ocular malakoplakia diagnosis. These cases underscore the rarity of ocular malakoplakia, particularly in pediatric patients, and highlight the importance of accurate diagnosis and appropriate management.

Clinical and diagnostic profile of Tolosa-Hunt syndrome; a 7-year retrospective observational study.

BACKGROUND: Tolosa Hunt Syndrome (THS) was first delineated in 1954 and is caused by a granulomatous inflammation in the cavernous sinus, superior orbital fissure or orbit. In this study the different clinical and diagnostic findings of THS are discussed. METHODS: Case records of patients diagnosed with THS using the International Classification of Headache Disorders 3rd edition criteria from January 2016-July 2022 were considered for the current study. Demographic, Clinical, Laboratory and Radiological data of all patients fulfilling the inclusion and exclusion criteria was collected from the patient case records through the Medical Records Department of BMCRI Super Specialty Hospital. RESULTS: A total of 60 patients were included in the study with mean age with SD, 50.9 years (13.9) and were predominantly male (66.6%). Restriction of eye movements was the most common symptom affecting 31 (51.7%) patients. Oculomotor nerve (IIIrd Cranial Nerve) palsy was the most common nerve palsy, affecting 36 (60%) patients. Contrast enhancing lesions or T2/FLAIR Hyper-intense areas were seen in the Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of 59 (98.3%) patients. Cavernous sinus involvement, was the most common site of involvement, in 25 (41.6%) of the patients. All patients were treated with intravenous methyl prednisolone injections and responded well. CONCLUSION: Restriction of eye movements was the most common symptom, along with cavernous sinus being the most common site of involvement in THS. MRI scans are important diagnostic tools for THS.

Post-hypoxic myoclonus; what we know and gaps in knowledge.

Post-hypoxic myoclonus (PHM) is a rare neurological complication having two different variants depending on acute or chronic onset after cardiopulmonary resuscitation following cardiac arrest: myoclonic status epilepticus (MSE) and Lance-Adams syndrome (LAS) respectively. Clinical and simultaneous electro-encephalographic (EEG) and electromyographic (EMG) tracing can distinguish between the two. Anecdotal treatment with benzodiazepines and anaesthetics (in the case of MSE) have been tried. Although limited evidence is available, valproic acid, clonazepam and levetiracetam, either in combination with other drugs or alone, have shown to control epilepsy associated with LAS effectively. Deep brain stimulation is a novel and promising advance in LAS treatment.

Ocular Manifestations in Head and Neck Cancer: A Cross-Sectional Study from a Tertiary Care Centre from South India.

Introduction: Head and neck cancers (HNCs) present a significant global health burden, especially in India, where oral cavity cancers, notably affecting the tongue, are prevalent. A substantial portion of global HNCs (57.5%) is concentrated in Asia, India contributing with 30%. Despite advancements, challenges persist due to HNCs' invasive nature and metastatic potential. This study aims to explore the link between HNCs and ocular manifestations. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute involving 47 patients with diagnosed HNCs and ocular complaints. Clinical evaluations encompassed visual acuity, anterior and posterior segment examinations, and specialized investigations when necessary. Results: A diverse range of malignancies were observed, with SCC maxilla and xeroderma pigmentosa, each accounting for 10.63% of cases. Ocular examinations unveiled visual acuity challenges, anterior segment findings like masses, exotropia, pigmented lesions, and varied fundus abnormalities. The anterior segment findings encompassed masses often accompanied by protrusion or relative afferent pupillary defect (RAPD). Additionally, exotropia, pigmented lesions, and other conditions were observed. Fundus examination revealed a spectrum of findings, including media haziness (10.63%), lack of view (17.02%), and pale discs (6.38%). Treatment plans were diverse, including excision biopsies (42.55%), exenteration procedures, Mitomycin-C applications, and referrals for chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Conclusion: The present study underscores the significance of ophthalmological assessment and investigations in patients with diagnosed HNCs, emphasizing the value of early detection and intervention. Abbreviations: HNC = Head and Neck Cancer, OCT = Optical Coherence Tomography, WNL = Within Normal Limits, SCC = Squamous Cell Carcinoma, MRI = Magnetic Resonance Imaging, CT = Computed Tomography, RAPD = Relative Afferent Pupillary Defect, XP = Xeroderma Pigmentosa.