Predicting Prayagraj's Urbanization Trajectory using CA-ANN Modelling: Population Pressures and Land Use Dynamics.

Land Use/Land Cover (LULC) dynamics provide a crucial role in the monitoring, planning, and management of resources. They also offer valuable information for developing strategies to balance conservation efforts, resolve conflicts between different land uses, and address pressures from growth. The present study focuses on the assessment of LULC dynamics, their forecasting, and their changes for Prayagraj city (including its surroundings) of India. Using long-term spatiotemporal Landsat datasets (1988-2018), we have explored the interlinkages between the change dynamics and human population pressure to explore the impact of agriculture and urbanization on the city landscape. Future growth prediction is carried out by incorporating Cellular Automaton (CA) and Artificial Neural Network (ANN) models. Six exploratory layers (viz., roads, educational institutes, railway transition, slope, river, and restricted area) are used in the learning process to determine LULC change (1997-2008) simulation. The validation of real and predicted LULC is carried out for 2018, where the correctness percentage and kappa value are found to be 90.29% and 0.87, respectively. Then, the ANN- Multilayer perceptron (MLP) and CA model are applied to predict LULC-2028 using the same trained transition probabilities. Results show that Built-land has grown highly by 10.03%, whereas Agriculture land and Forest land have significantly decreased by 13.43% and 3.03%, respectively, from 1988 to 2018. The predicted LULC of 2028 reveals that Built-land will keep growing by 2.83% during 2018-2028 at the cost of Agriculture land and Forest land, especially in northern, south-western and southern region, including city's inner sphere. United Nations' human population projection reveals that the city is expected to reach a population of 1.625 million by 2028. This indicates that tremendous pressure will be placed on land resources, particularly on agricultural, barren, and forested areas. To address this alarming scenario, it is imperative to delineate future development areas, ensuring better urban planning for the environmental sustainability and economic prosperity of Prayagraj city.

Radiologic Evaluation of the Distal End Radius Indices in Indian Paediatric Population.

Background: The distal end radius's bony anatomy in relation to three variables-Radial Inclination, Volar tilt, and radial height-has been discussed commonly in the adult population and is not very well defined in the growing skeleton. In children aged 8-16 years old, we measured the osseous distal end radius according to radiography standards. The research comprised 130 patients, 65 males and 65 females aged 8-16. In each child, the norms for radial inclination, volar tilt, and radial epiphyseal height were established. This research defines these radiographic parameters for the paediatric population in India for the first time. Methods: This research is an Unicentric Cross-sectional observational analytical study. We studied 130 normal wrist posteroanterior and lateral radiographs of the Indian paediatric population aged 8-16 years who reported to our OPD and calculated the three parameters-(1) Radial height, (2) Volar Tilt, and (3) Radial Inclination. Mean measurement values were analysed statistically. Results: The Mean distal end radius volar tilt is 10.92° ± 1.76° SD with a range from 4° to 15°. The Mean distal end radial inclination is 21.04° ± 2.10° SD with a range from 15° to 25°. The Mean distal end radial height is 11.93 ± 1.44 mm SD with a range from 9.0 to 14.50 mm. Conclusion: In true Postero-anterior and lateral wrist radiographs of the Indian paediatric population, we have established normal values that may be utilized as a guide for the evaluation and treatment of a variety of traumatic and non-traumatic problems in Indian children.

Corrigendum to "Surveillance one year post focal cryotherapy for clinically significant prostate cancer using mpMRI and PIRADS v2.1: An initial experience from a prospective phase II mandatory biopsy study" [Eur. J. Radiol. Open 11 (2023) 100529].

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1016/j.ejro.2023.100529.].

Patient Demographic Factors Affect Response Rates to Patient-Reported Outcome Measures for Total Hip Arthroplasty Patients.

BACKGROUND: The Hip Disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (HOOS JR) is a widely used patient-reported outcome measures questionnaire for total hip arthroplasty (THA). However, not all patients choose to complete HOOS JR, and thus, a subset of the THA population may be underrepresented. This study aims to investigate the association between patient demographic factors and HOOS JR response rates. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study of adult, English-speaking patients who underwent primary THA by a fellowship-trained arthroplasty surgeon between 2017 and 2023 at a single, high-volume academic institution. The HOOS JR completion status-complete or incomplete-was recorded for each patient within 90 days of surgery. Standard statistical analyses were performed to assess completion against multiple patient demographic factors. RESULTS: Of the 2,908 total patients, 2,112 (72.6%) had complete and 796 (27.4%) had incomplete HOOS JR questionnaires. Multivariate analysis yielded statistical significance (P < .05) for the distribution of patient age, race, insurance, marital status, and income quartile with respect to questionnaire completion. Patient sex or religion did not affect response rates. Failure to complete HOOS JR (all P < .001) was associated with patients aged 18 to 39 (59.8%), who identified as Black (36.4%) or "other" race (39.6%), were never married (38%), and were in the lower half income quartiles (43.9%, 35.9%) when compared to the overall incomplete rate. CONCLUSIONS: Multiple patient demographic factors may affect the HOOS JR response rate. Overall, our analyses suggest that older patients who identify as White and are of higher socioeconomic status are more likely to participate in the questionnaire. Efforts should focus on capturing patient groups less likely to participate to elucidate more generalizable trends in arthroplasty outcomes.

Image-guided multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging-transrectal ultrasound fusion biopsy augmented with a sextant versus an extended template random biopsy: Comparison of cancer detection rates, complication and functional outcomes.

PURPOSE: To compare the efficacy of a novel fusion template "reduced six-core systemic template and multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging/transrectal ultrasound (mpMRI/TRUS) fusion targeted biopsy" (TBx+6c), with mpMRI/TRUS fusion-targeted biopsy and 12-core systematic biopsy template (TBx+12c) in the diagnosis of prostate cancer (PCa). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is an institutional review board approved single-center observational study involving adult men undergoing fusion-targeted biopsies for the diagnosis of PCa. Patients were sorted into cohorts of TBx+6c or TBx+12c based on the systematic biopsy template used. The study's main objective was to determine the cancer detection rate (CDR) for overall PCa and clinically significant PCa (csPCa) and the secondary objectives were to compare complication rates and functional outcome differences between the cohort. RESULTS: A total of 204 patients met study's inclusion criteria. TBx+6c group had 120 patients, while TBx+12c cohort had 84 patients. The groups had similar baseline characteristics and overall CDR in the TBx+6c cohort was 71.7% versus 79.8%, compared to the TBx+12c (p = 0.18) whereas, the csPCa detection rate in the TBx+6c group was 50.8% versus 54.8% in the TBx+12c group (p = 0.5). TBx+6c cohort had lower overall complication rate of 3% versus 13%, (p = 0.01) and ≥ grade 2 complication rates (1 (1%) vs. 3(4%), p = 0.03) compared to the TBx+12c cohort. There were no differences in IIEF-5 (p = 0.5) or IPSS (p = 0.1) scores at baseline and 2-weeks and 6-weeks post-biopsy. CONCLUSION: TBx+6c cohort, when compared to the TBx+12c cohort, demonstrated comparable diagnostic performance along with similar functional outcomes and lower complication rates. These results suggest the importance of further exploring the clinical implications of adopting a TBx+6c schema for PCa diagnosis in comparison to the widely used TBx+12c schema through a multicenter randomized controlled trial.

Patient Demographic Factors Impact KOOS JR Response Rates for Total Knee Arthroplasty Patients.

The Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score for Joint Replacement (KOOS JR) is a validated patient-reported measure for assessing pain and function following total knee arthroplasty (TKA). This study investigates how patient demographic factors (i.e., age, sex, and race) correlate with KOOS JR response rates. This was a retrospective cohort study of adult, English-speaking patients who underwent primary TKA between 2017 and 2023 at an academic institution. KOOS JR completion status-complete or incomplete-was recorded within 90 days postoperatively. Standard statistical analyses were performed to assess KOOS JR completion against demographic factors. Among 2,883 total patients, 70.2% had complete and 29.8% had incomplete KOOS JR questionnaires. Complete status (all p < 0.01) was associated with patients aged 60 to 79 (71.8%), white race (77.6%), Medicare (81.7%), marriage (76.8%), and the highest income quartile (75.7%). Incomplete status (all p < 0.001) was associated with patients aged 18 to 59 (64.4%), Medicaid (82.4%), and lower income quartiles (41.6% first quartile, 36.8% third quartile). Multiple patient demographic factors may affect KOOS JR completion rates; patients who are older, white, and of higher socioeconomic status are more likely to participate. Addressing underrepresented groups is important to improve the utility and generalizability of the KOOS JR.

PI-QUAL version 2: an update of a standardised scoring system for the assessment of image quality of prostate MRI.

Multiparametric MRI is the optimal primary investigation when prostate cancer is suspected, and its ability to rule in and rule out clinically significant disease relies on high-quality anatomical and functional images. Avenues for achieving consistent high-quality acquisitions include meticulous patient preparation, scanner setup, optimised pulse sequences, personnel training, and artificial intelligence systems. The impact of these interventions on the final images needs to be quantified. The prostate imaging quality (PI-QUAL) scoring system was the first standardised quantification method that demonstrated the potential for clinical benefit by relating image quality to cancer detection ability by MRI. We present the updated version of PI-QUAL (PI-QUAL v2) which applies to prostate MRI performed with or without intravenous contrast medium using a simplified 3-point scale focused on critical technical and qualitative image parameters. CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT: High image quality is crucial for prostate MRI, and the updated version of the PI-QUAL score (PI-QUAL v2) aims to address the limitations of version 1. It is now applicable to both multiparametric MRI and MRI without intravenous contrast medium. KEY POINTS: High-quality images are essential for prostate cancer diagnosis and management using MRI. PI-QUAL v2 simplifies image assessment and expands its applicability to prostate MRI without contrast medium. PI-QUAL v2 focuses on critical technical and qualitative image parameters and emphasises T2-WI and DWI.

A rare case of extensive neurogenic heterotopic ossification: a case report.

INTRODUCTION: Neurogenic Heterotopic ossification (NHO) is a potential sequalae and a detrimental complication following neurological insult. It is characterized by formation of localized gradually progressive, peri-articular lamellar bone formation in extra-skeletal tissues. We would like to report a rare case of heterotopic ossification involving all 4 limbs, in which we tried to restore joint mobility to improve his functional status so that he could perform his daily tasks. CASE PRESENTATION: We present a case of a 33-year-old bed ridden male, diagnosed with NHO involving all 4 limbs (bilateral hip, right knee, right shoulder, left elbow). The patient had a crippled posture, significant pain and impaired range of motion hampering movement of all four limbs which prevented him from lying down supine, sitting, walking and performing activities of daily living. After three surgeries, the patient achieved wheelchair mobilization and upright posture with the assistance of calipers. CONCLUSION: The management of NHO requires a multidisciplinary approach involving orthopaedic surgeons, neurologists & rehabilitation specialists. Prognosis of NHO depends on factors such as extent of ossification, underlying neurological condition & patients overall health.

Long-term annual and seasonal mass balance reconstruction and sensitivity analysis of Chhota Shigri Glacier in Western Himalaya.

Glaciers, in general, are sensitive to changes in the climate but Himalayan glaciers, in particular, are highly affected by climate change. Mass balance (MB) of glaciers is one of the important parameters to examine the response of glaciers to climate variability and change. The study of mass balance sensitivity (MBS) due to climate perturbations for glaciers is also important to understand future behavior of the glaciers. For Chhota Shigri Glacier, research on the estimation of long-term annual and seasonal MB and MBS as well as equilibrium-line altitude (ELA) and accumulation area ration (AAR) sensitivity analysis is not reported in detail. Accordingly, the present study carries out a detailed analysis of annual and seasonal MBS from 1953 to 2014 using annual and monthly climate perturbations as well as ELA and AAR sensitivities for the Chhota Shigri Glacier. The long-term annual and seasonal MB of Chhota Shigri Glacier from 1953 to 2014 is reconstructed using distributed temperature-index model by simulating minimal model parameters, namely melt factor, snow, and ice radiations using Monte-Carlo simulation. The mean annual MB of Chhota Shigri was -0.28 ± 0.41 m w.e./year during 1953-2014. The annual MB decreased from - 0.09 ± 0.41 m w.e./year (1953-1968) to - 0.57 ± 0.41 m w.e./year (2000-2014). The estimated MBS of Chhota Shigri Glacier is 0.57 m w.e./°C due to temperature change which is high and can be attributed to the presence of significantly less debris-covered ice in Chhota Shigri Glacier. It is analyzed that ELA and AAR of Chhota Shigri Glacier will change to + 107.7 m a.s.l. and - 15.03% respectively due to increase in temperature by + 1 °C. Further, ~ 38% more precipitation is required to compensate for the change in MB, ELA and AAR which will occur due to + 1 °C temperature rise. The findings of the present study will also support the estimation of future MB of Chhota Shigri Glacier using minimal simulated model parameters for distributed temperature-index model which have been found to produce good results using long term high resolution climate data.

ACR Appropriateness Criteria® Acute Onset Flank Pain-Suspicion of Stone Disease (Urolithiasis).

Noncontrast CT (NCCT) is the imaging study of choice for initial evaluation of patients with acute onset of flank pain and suspicion of stone disease without known prior stone disease. NCCT can reliably characterize the location and size of an offending ureteral calculus, identify complications, and diagnose alternative etiologies of abdominal pain. Although less sensitive in the detection of stones, ultrasound may have a role in evaluating for signs of obstruction. Radiography potentially has a role, although has been shown to be less sensitive than NCCT. For patients with known disease and recurrent symptoms of urolithiasis, NCCT remains the test of choice for evaluation. In pregnancy, given radiation concerns, ultrasound is recommended as the initial modality of choice with potential role for noncontrast MRI. In scenarios where stone disease suspected and initial NCCT is inconclusive, contrast-enhanced imaging, either with MRI or CT/CT urogram may be appropriate. The American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria are evidence-based guidelines for specific clinical conditions that are reviewed annually by a multidisciplinary expert panel. The guideline development and revision process support the systematic analysis of the medical literature from peer reviewed journals. Established methodology principles such as Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation or GRADE are adapted to evaluate the evidence. The RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method User Manual provides the methodology to determine the appropriateness of imaging and treatment procedures for specific clinical scenarios. In those instances where peer reviewed literature is lacking or equivocal, experts may be the primary evidentiary source available to formulate a recommendation.

Evaluation of Recurrent Disease after Radiation Therapy for Patients Considering Local Salvage Therapy: Past vs. Contemporary Management.

Recurrent prostate cancer after primary treatment with radiation therapy is a common problem. Patients with localized recurrence may benefit from salvage therapy, but careful patient selection is crucial because not all patients will benefit from local salvage therapy, and salvage therapy has increased morbidity compared to primary treatments for prostate cancer. This review aims to provide an overview of the evaluation of patients with recurrent disease after radiation therapy and how it is continuing to evolve with increasing data on outcomes, as well as improving technologies and techniques. Our enhanced understanding of treatment outcomes and risk stratification has influenced the identification of patients who may benefit from local salvage treatment. Advances in imaging and biopsy techniques have enhanced the accuracy of locating the recurrence, which affects treatment decisions. Additionally, the growing interest in image-targeted ablative therapies that have less morbidity and complications than whole-gland therapies for suitable patients influences the evaluation process for those considering focal salvage therapy. Although significant changes have been made in the diagnostic evaluation of patients with recurrent disease after radiation therapy, it remains unclear whether these changes will ultimately improve patient outcomes.

Surveillance one year post focal cryotherapy for clinically significant prostate cancer using mpMRI and PIRADS v2.1: An initial experience from a prospective phase II mandatory biopsy study.

Objectives: Multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) surveillance post focal cryotherapy (FT) of prostate cancer is challenging as post treatment artefacts alter mpMRI findings. In this initial experience, we assessed diagnostic performance of mpMRI in detecting clinically significant prostate cancer (csPCa) after FT. Materials and methods: This single-centre phase II prospective clinical trial recruited 28 men with localized csPCa for FT between October 2019 and April 2021. 12-months post FT mpMRI were performed prior to biopsy and sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of all mpMRI positive subjects were analysed. Chi square goodness of fit test correlated biopsy positive PIRADS3 (P3) and PIRADS4/5 lesions with histology grade group. One way ANOVA test assessed performance of ADC values in differentiating csPCa, non csPCa and benign lesions. Results: Sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV of mpMRI were 100%, 14.28%, 53.84% and 100% for subjects with histologically proven cancer. Correlation of PIRADS v2.1 scores with histologically proven prostate cancer was statistically significant (p < 0.5). Correlation of P3 lesions with non-csPCa was statistically significant (p < 0.02535). Higher ADC value was associated with benign histology (adjusted odds ratio OR 0.97, 95% confidence interval: 0.94, 0.99) (p = 0.008). Among the malignant lesions, higher ADC value was associated with non-csPCa (adjusted OR: 0.97; 95% CI: 0.95, 0.99) (p = 0.032). Conclusion: mpMRI is highly sensitive in detecting residual cancer. ADC values and PIRADS scores may be of value in differentiating csPCa from non-csPCa with a potential for risk stratification of men requiring re-biopsy versus non-invasive surveillance of remnant prostate.

A Rare Presentation of Bifid Tibialis Anterior Tendon in a Case of Idiopathic Congenital Talipes Equinovarus.

Introduction: Idiopathic congenital talipes equinovarus (CTEV) is one of the most extensively researched topics for decades. It has been associated with various musculoskeletal anomalies which maybe bony, vascular or involving the ligaments and muscles which may have a direct or indirect impact on its pathoanatomy. This report describes an unusual presentation of a bifid tibialis anterior tendon (TAT) in a case of CTEV. This is the first report of this kind in the literature to the best of our knowledge. Case Report: A 4-year-old female presented with bilateral relapsed CTEV with dynamic supination previously treated with standard Ponseti protocol. The patient was treated with TAT transfer on the left side with a rare presentation of a bifid TAT where both the slips of the tendon were transferred to dorsum of the foot onto the lateral cuneiform. Conclusion: When treating a patient of CTEV surgically, it is important to consider the possibility of a bifid TAT which is a rare musculoskeletal association. It is recommended to carefully dissect TAT to prevent under correction of the deformity in case either one of the tendon slips remains attached to its original site.

Enhancing Biocrust Development and Plant Growth through Inoculation of Desiccation-Tolerant Cyanobacteria in Different Textured Soils.

In recent years, there has been a burgeoning interest in the utilization of cyanobacteria for the purpose of land rehabilitation via enhancements in soil fertility, prevent erosion, and counter desertification. This study evaluated the ability of Nostoc calcicola BOT1, Scytonema sp. BOT2, and their consortia to form biocrusts on the substrate of coarse sand, fine sand, and loamy soil. A nutrient- and water-deficient substrate was inoculated with cyanobacteria to facilitate biocrust formation and evaluate their impact on agriculture. Cyanobacteria inoculation resulted in significant improvements in soil fertility, especially in coarse and fine sand, which initially had the lowest fertility. The findings of this investigation underscore that the consortium of cyanobacteria exhibited greater efficacy than individual strains in enhancing soil fertility and stimulating plant growth. The loamy soil treated with the consortium had the highest plant growth across all soil types, in contrast to the individual strains. The consortium of cyanobacteria showed promising results in promoting biocrust formation and fostering rice seedling growth in fine sand. This study provides empirical evidence supporting the potential utility of cyanobacterial consortia as a valuable tool for the rehabilitation of degraded land. Furthermore, the results indicate that cyanobacterial species can persist in soil environments even following prolonged periods of desiccation.

Salinity-Induced Physiochemical Alterations to Enhance Lipid Content in Oleaginous Microalgae Scenedesmus sp. BHU1 via Two-Stage Cultivation for Biodiesel Feedstock.

In the recent past, various microalgae have been considered a renewable energy source for biofuel production, and their amount and extent can be enhanced by applying certain types of stress including salinity. Although microalgae growing under salinity stress result in a higher lipid content, they simultaneously reduce in growth and biomass output. To resolve this issue, the physiochemical changes in microalgae Scenedesmus sp. BHU1 have been assessed through two-stage cultivation. In stage-I, the maximum carbohydrate and lipid contents (39.55 and 34.10%) were found at a 0.4 M NaCl concentration, while in stage-II, the maximum carbohydrate and lipid contents (42.16 and 38.10%) were obtained in the 8-day-old culture. However, under increased salinity, Scenedesmus sp. BHU1 exhibited a decrease in photosynthetic attributes, including Chl-a, Chl-b, Fv/Fm, Y(II), Y(NPQ), NPQ, qP, qL, qN, and ETRmax but increased Y(NO) and carotenoids content. Apart from physiological attributes, osmoprotectants, stress biomarkers, and nonenzymatic antioxidants were also studied to elucidate the role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) facilitated lipid synthesis. Furthermore, elemental and mineral ion analysis of microalgal biomass was performed to evaluate the biomass quality for biofuel and cell homeostasis. Based on fluorometry analysis, we found the maximum neutral lipids in the 8-day-old grown culture at stage-II in Scenedesmus sp. BHU1. Furthermore, the use of Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy analyses confirmed the presence of higher levels of hydrocarbons and triacylglycerides (TAGs) composed of saturated fatty acids (SFAs) and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) in the 8-day-old culture. Therefore, Scenedesmus sp. BHU1 can be a promising microalga for potential biodiesel feedstock.

Effect of Asanas in Yoga on Intraocular Pressure of Practicing Healthy Individuals: a Prospective Observational Study.

Introduction: Yoga is focused attention by breath and mantra. This forms the basis for a scientific investigation of its effect on various physiological functions such as intraocular pressure (IOP). Objective: To evaluate the effect of asanas in Yoga on the IOP of practicing individuals. Methods:A prospective, observational study was performed on 107 volunteers practising the asanas such as Sun salutation exercise (Surya Namaskar), Skull shining breath (Kapalabhati Pranayama), Downward facing dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana), Standing forward bend (Uttanasana), Legs up the wall pose (Viparita Karani), Alternate breathing technique (Anulom Vilom), Deep meditation (Dhyana), Bellows breath (Bhastrika Pranayama), Yoga head stand (Shirshasana) and control of breathing exercise (Pranayama) each for five minutes/day (40-60 minutes) for at least five days in a week for 12 weeks. The IOP measurement was performed for each asana (before and after) at baseline and every four weeks. The primary outcome was the change in IOP. Statistical analyses were performed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 23.0. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results:The mean age of the participants was 42.64±7 years, and the male to female ratio was 1.2:1. Skull shinning breath, Sun salutation, Downward facing dog, Standing forward bend, Legs up the wall pose, Deep meditation and alternate breathing techniques showed a significant mean reduction in IOP at baseline, followed by every four weeks, till week 12, while Yoga head stand, Bellows breath and control of breath led to a significant increase in IOP. Conclusion:Yoga head stand, Bellows breath and control of breathing technique worsen IOP transiently.

Optimization of non-endorectal prostate MR image quality using PI-QUAL: A multidisciplinary team approach.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the utility of the PI-QUAL score in assessing protocol changes aimed to improve image quality from a non-endorectal coil prostate MR imaging protocol during a 9-month quality improvement (QI) project and to quantify the inter-reader agreement of PI-QUAL scores between radiologists, technologists, and physicists. METHODS: This retrospective study audited 1,012 multiparametric prostate MRI examinations as part of a national QI project according to the PI-QUAL standard. PI-QUAL scores were used to inform MR protocol changes. Following the project, 4 radiologists, 2 technologists, and 1 medical physicist collectively audited an additional set of 150 examinations to identify statistical improvements in image quality using the two-tailed Wilcoxon rank sum test. The improvements due to individual protocol changes were assessed among subsets of the 1,012 examinations which compared examinations occurring before and after the isolated protocol change. Inter-reader variability was assessed using the percent majority agreement and the average standard deviation of PI-QUAL scores between evaluators. RESULTS: During this QI project, PI-QUAL scores improved from 3.67 ± 0.75 to 4.16 ± 0.59 (p < 0.01) after implementing a series of protocol changes. Among a subset of 451 cases, we found that adopting R/L rather than A/P phase encoding reduced distortion in diffusion-weighted imaging (DW) from 21.6% (41/190 A/P phase encoded cases) to 11.5% (30/261 R/L phase encoded cases) (p < 0.01). Similarly, in the same 451 cases, adopting R/L phase encoding in T2WI reduced breathing motion artifacts from 34.6% (94/272 A/P phase encoding cases) to 12.8% (23/179 R/L phase encoding cases) (p < 0.01). DWI wraparound artifact was mitigated by employing a full-pelvis shim and enabling the abdomen shim option. The occurrence of low signal-to-noise ratio was reduced from 19.4% (19/98 cases without a weight-based threshold) to 6.3% (10/160) by instituting a weight-based threshold for using an endorectal coil (p < 0.01). The percent majority agreement was similar between radiologists, technologists and physicists, and all evaluators combined (72%, 77%, and 67%, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: PI-QUAL can evaluate image quality changes resulting from protocol optimizations at both the exam- and series-levels. With training, radiologists, technologists, and physicists can perform PI-QUAL scoring with similar performance. Broadening the scope of the quality improvement team can result in meaningful and lasting change.

Impact of dehydration on the physiochemical properties of Nostoc calcicola BOT1 and its untargeted metabolic profiling through UHPLC-HRMS.

The global population growth has led to a higher demand for food production, necessitating improvements in agricultural productivity. However, abiotic and biotic stresses pose significant challenges, reducing crop yields and impacting economic and social welfare. Drought, in particular, severely constrains agriculture, resulting in unproductive soil, reduced farmland, and jeopardized food security. Recently, the role of cyanobacteria from soil biocrusts in rehabilitating degraded land has gained attention due to their ability to enhance soil fertility and prevent erosion. The present study focused on Nostoc calcicola BOT1, an aquatic, diazotrophic cyanobacterial strain collected from an agricultural field at Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India. The aim was to investigate the effects of different dehydration treatments, specifically air drying (AD) and desiccator drying (DD) at various time intervals, on the physicochemical properties of N. calcicola BOT1. The impact of dehydration was assessed by analyzing the photosynthetic efficiency, pigments, biomolecules (carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, osmoprotectants), stress biomarkers, and non-enzymatic antioxidants. Furthermore, an analysis of the metabolic profiles of 96-hour DD and control mats was conducted using UHPLC-HRMS. Notably, there was a significant decrease in amino acid levels, while phenolic content, fatty acids, and lipids increased. These changes in metabolic activity during dehydration highlighted the presence of metabolite pools that contribute to the physiological and biochemical adjustments of N. calcicola BOT1, mitigating the impact of dehydration to some extent. Overall, present study demonstrated the accumulation of biochemical and non-enzymatic antioxidants in dehydrated mats, which could be utilized to stabilize unfavorable environmental conditions. Additionally, the strain N. calcicola BOT1 holds promise as a biofertilizer for semi-arid regions.