XSIM: A structural similarity index measure optimized for MRI QSM.

PURPOSE: The structural similarity index measure (SSIM) has become a popular quality metric to evaluate QSM in a way that is closer to human perception than RMS error (RMSE). However, SSIM may overpenalize errors in diamagnetic tissues and underpenalize them in paramagnetic tissues, resulting in biasing. In addition, extreme artifacts may compress the dynamic range, resulting in unrealistically high SSIM scores (hacking). To overcome biasing and hacking, we propose XSIM: SSIM implemented in the native QSM range, and with internal parameters optimized for QSM. METHODS: We used forward simulations from a COSMOS ground-truth brain susceptibility map included in the 2016 QSM Reconstruction Challenge to investigate the effect of QSM reconstruction errors on the SSIM, XSIM, and RMSE metrics. We also used these metrics to optimize QSM reconstructions of the in vivo challenge data set. We repeated this experiment with the QSM abdominal phantom. To validate the use of XSIM instead of SSIM for QSM quality assessment across a range of different reconstruction techniques/algorithms, we analyzed the reconstructions submitted to the 2019 QSM Reconstruction Challenge 2.0. RESULTS: Our experiments confirmed the biasing and hacking effects on the SSIM metric applied to QSM. The XSIM metric was robust to those effects, penalizing the presence of streaking artifacts and reconstruction errors. Using XSIM to optimize QSM reconstruction regularization weights returned less overregularization than SSIM and RMSE. CONCLUSION: XSIM is recommended over traditional SSIM to evaluate QSM reconstructions against a known ground truth, as it avoids biasing and hacking effects and provides a larger dynamic range of scores.

Multiple knee ligament tear: Magnetic Resonance imaging diagnosis

The rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament is common during physical activities; however, when associated with a multiple ligament injury, it represents an uncommon condition. The diagnosis of this injury is commonly delayed or missed. Consequently, the incidence of this injury may in fact be higher than reported. We present a case of a 27-year-old man with complete tear of the anterior cruciate ligament and of the medial collateral ligament and partial tear of the posterior cruciate, lateral collateral and patellar ligaments treated surgically.

A ruptura do ligamento cruzado anterior é comum durante atividades físicas; entretanto, quando associada a lesão ligamentar múltipla, representa uma condição incomum. O diagnóstico desta lesão é comumente tardio ou esquecido. Consequentemente, a incidência desta lesão pode de facto ser superior à relatada. Apresentamos o caso de um homem de 27 anos com ruptura completa do ligamento cruzado anterior e do ligamento colateral medial e ruptura parcial dos ligamentos cruzado posterior, colateral lateral e patelar tratados cirurgicamente.

La rotura del ligamento cruzado anterior es común durante las actividades físicas; sin embargo, cuando se asocia con una lesión de múltiples ligamentos, representa una condición poco común. El diagnóstico de esta lesión comúnmente se retrasa o se pasa por alto. En consecuencia, la incidencia de esta lesión puede ser mayor de lo informado. Presentamos el caso de un varón de 27 años con rotura completa del ligamento cruzado anterior y del ligamento colateral medial y rotura parcial de los ligamentos cruzado posterior, colateral lateral y rotuliano tratados quirúrgicamente.

Pilot Study of the Effectiveness of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation on Pain and Quality of Life in Patients with Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathic Pain / Estudio piloto de la eficacia de la estimulación magnética transcraneal repetitiva sobre el dolor y la calidad de vida en pacientes con dolor neuropático periférico inducido por quimioterapia

Abstract Background: Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a non-invasive technique that acts on the activity of the cerebral cortex employing electrical currents. Aim: The objective of this project is to evaluate the effectiveness of rTMS on pain and quality of life in patients with chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathic pain. Method: Ten patients with chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathic pain received 20 sessions of rTMS, consisting of 15 minutes of treatment repeated 5 times per week for four weeks (10 Hz, 20s, 30 trains with 81% intensity). Patients were evaluated using the Brief pain inventory (BPI) and the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy and neurotoxicity (FACT-GOG-NTX 13). Results: There were significant differences in BPI mean severity, interference score and FACT-GOG-NTX 13 (p<0,05). Conclusion: The pilot study results suggest that rTMS is potentially beneficial for the treatment of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy. rTMS over the M1 had an important reduction in pain severity, interference with daily activities, and quality of life scores. However, results should be taken with caution due to the small sample size, absence of a control group and short period of follow-up.

Resumen Antecedentes: La estimulación magnética transcraneal repetitiva (EMTr) es una técnica no invasiva que actúa sobre la actividad de la corteza cerebral, empleando corrientes eléctricas. Objetivo: El objetivo de este proyecto es evaluar la eficacia de la EMTr sobre el dolor y la calidad de vida en pacientes con dolor neuropático periférico inducido por quimioterapia. Métodos: Diez pacientes con dolor neuropático periférico inducido por quimioterapia recibieron 20 sesiones de EMTr que consistieron en un tratamiento de 15 minutos repetido 5 veces por semana durante cuatro semanas (10 Hz, 20 s, 30 trenes con 81 % de intensidad). Los pacientes fueron evaluados mediante el Inventario Breve de Dolor (BPI) y la Evaluación Funcional de la Terapia del Cáncer y la neurotoxicidad (FACT-GOG-NTX 13). Resultados: Hubo diferencias significativas en la severidad media del dolor del BPI, la puntuación de interferencia y el FACT-GOG-NTX 13 (p<0,05). Conclusión: Los resultados del estudio piloto sugieren que la rTMS es potencialmente beneficiosa para el tratamiento de la neuropatía periférica inducida por la quimioterapia. La rTMS sobre M1 tuvo una reducción importante de la severidad del dolor, la interferencia con las actividades diarias y las puntuaciones de calidad de vida. Sin embargo, los resultados deben tomarse con cautela debido al pequeño tamaño de la muestra, la ausencia de un grupo de control y el corto período de seguimiento.

Rotura do peitoral maior: relato de caso de uma rotura incomum / Pectoralis major rupture: case report of an unusual rupture / Rotura del pectoral mayor: informe de un caso de rotura inusual

Apesar de não muito frequente, nos últimos 20 anos, houve um aumento significativo dos relatos sobre rotura do peitoral maior, normalmente associadas à prática de atividade física em que ocorre contração intensa e/ou uso de cargas pesadas exercendo resistência sobre o músculo. Neste relato de caso temos um paciente de 51 anos referindo dor no tórax à direita e no braço direito há 3 dias após tentar consertar o guidão da moto. Apresentava assimetria dos peitorais, perda de força do membro superior direito, dificuldade de movimentação e hematoma. A ressonância magnética demonstrou rotura completa da junção miotendínea do peitoral maior, com tendinopatia com fissuras insercionais e intrasubstanciais infraespinhal e tendinopatia com rotura parcial do tendão subescapular. Foi indicado por médico ortopedista o acompanhamento com o uso de medicação analgésica.

Although not very common, in the last 20 years, there has been a significant increase in reports of rupture of the pectoralis major, normally associated with the practice of physical activity in which intense contraction occurs and/or the use of heavy loads exerting resistance on the muscle. In this case report we have a 51-year-old patient reporting pain in his right chest and right arm for 3 days after trying to fix his motorcycle's handlebars. He had asymmetry of the pectorals, loss of strength in the right upper limb, difficulty moving and hematoma. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated complete rupture of the myotendinous junction of the pectoralis major, with tendinopathy with insertional and intrasubstantial infraspinatus fissures and tendinopathy with partial rupture of the subscapularis tendon. An orthopedic doctor recommended follow-up with the use of analgesic medication.

Aunque no es muy común, en los últimos 20 años se ha observado un aumento significativo en los reportes de rotura del pectoral mayor, normalmente asociado a la práctica de actividad física en la que se produce una contracción intensa y/o al uso de cargas pesadas ejerciendo resistencia sobre el mismo. el músculo. En este caso clínico tenemos un paciente de 51 años que refiere dolor en el pecho derecho y en el brazo derecho durante 3 días después de intentar arreglar el manillar de su motocicleta. Presentó asimetría de pectorales, pérdida de fuerza en miembro superior derecho, dificultad de movimiento y hematoma. La resonancia magnética demostró rotura completa de la unión miotendinosa del pectoral mayor, con tendinopatía con fisuras de inserción e intrasustancial del infraespinoso y tendinopatía con rotura parcial del tendón subescapular. Un médico ortopédico recomendó seguimiento con el uso de medicación analgésica.

A Review of Electromagnetic Fields in Cellular Interactions and Cacao Bean Fermentation.

The influence of magnetic fields on biological systems, including fermentation processes and cocoa bean fermentation, is an area of study that is under development. Mechanisms, such as magnetosensitivity, protein conformational changes, changes to cellular biophysical properties, ROS production, regulation of gene expression, and epigenetic modifications, have been identified to explain how magnetic fields affect microorganisms and cellular processes. These mechanisms can alter enzyme activity, protein stability, cell signaling, intercellular communication, and oxidative stress. In cacao fermentation, electromagnetic fields offer a potential means to enhance the sensory attributes of chocolate by modulating microbial metabolism and optimizing flavor and aroma development. This area of study offers possibilities for innovation and the creation of premium food products. In this review, these aspects will be explored systematically and illustratively.

In Vitro Digestion and Fermentation of Cowpea Pod Extracts and Proteins Loaded in Ca(II)-Alginate Hydrogels.

Antioxidants derived from food by-products are known for their bioactive properties and impact on human health. However, the gastrointestinal behavior is often poor due to their degradation during digestion. The development of Ca(II)-alginate beads supplemented with biopolymers and enriched with cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) extract could represent a novel environmentally friendly technological solution to produce functional ingredients in the food industry. The present study evaluates the impact of in vitro digestion/fermentation by analyzing global antioxidant response (GAR), production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) as a modulation of gut microbiota, and behavior of proton transverse relaxation times by low-field nuclear magnetic resonance (as an indicator of gelation state and characterization of microstructure). Results revealed that guar gum and cowpea protein preserved a high GAR of total phenolic compounds and antioxidant capacity by ABTS and FRAP methods after digestion/fermentation, promoting an adequate protection of the bioactives for their absorption. Alginate-based beads have great potential as prebiotics, with the guar gum-containing system contributing the most to SCFAs production. Finally, the overall higher mobility of protons observed in the intestinal phase agrees with structural changes that promote the release of phenolic compounds during this stage. Beads are excellent carriers of bioactive compounds (cowpea phenolic compounds and peptides) with potential capacities.

Behavioral Changes and Long-Term Cortical Thickness Alterations in Women with Fibromyalgia.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to examine long-term brain and behavioral changes in patients with fibromyalgia (FM) compared to healthy individuals. METHODS: Data from 33 female volunteers with FM and 33 healthy controls women paired by age and school degree were used to analyze the cortical thickness from high-resolution T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) obtained through a 3T-MRI scanner. Additionally, the Toronto Alexithymia Scale, the Positive and Negative Affect Scale, the emotion regulation questionnaire (ERQ), and the Hamilton Depression and Anxiety rating scales were used to evaluate the behavioral changes. RESULTS: The findings indicate significant cortical structure differences in the right cerebral hemisphere between groups in the insular anterior cortex precentral and postcentral gyrus (P < .001). The FM group scored higher for alexithymia (P < .01), negative affect (P < .01), anxiety (P < .01), and depression (P < .01) symptoms, on the other hand, scored lower for positive affect (P < .01). No differences were found on the left cerebral hemisphere. Furthermore, there was a negative correlation between the right insular anterior cortex and Toronto Alexithymia Scale (P < .001). CONCLUSION: This study showed long-term brain and behavioral changes in patients with FM, suggesting notable neurophysiological alterations associated with this chronic pain condition. It provides new insights into how FM may affect brain health and potential biomarkers for the condition.

Biosynthesis and Characterization of Iron Oxide Nanoparticles Using Chenopodium quinoa Extract.

In this study, we achieved the biosynthesis of novel 7-8 nm iron-oxide nanoparticles in the presence of different concentrations (5 to 50% w/v) of commercial white quinoa extract. Initially, quinoa extract was prepared at various concentrations by a purification route. The biosynthesis optimization was systematically monitored by X-ray diffraction, and the Rietveld quantitative analysis showed the presence of goethite (5 to 10 wt.%) and maghemite phases. The first phase disappeared upon increasing the organic loading (40 and 50% w/v). The organic loading was corroborated by thermogravimetric measurements, and it increased with quinoa extract concentration. Its use reduces the amount of precipitation agent at high quinoa extract concentrations with the formation of magnetic nanoparticles with hard ferrimagnetic character (42 and 11 emu g-1). The enrichment of hydroxyl groups and the negative zeta potential above pH = 7 were corroborated by a reduction in the point of zero charge in all the samples. For alkaline values, the zeta potential values were above the stability range, indicating highly stable chemical species. The evidence of hydroxyl and amide functionalization was qualitatively observed using infrared analysis, which showed that the carboxyl (quercetin/kaempferol), amide I, and amide III chemical groups are retained after biosynthesis. The resultant biosynthesized samples can find applications in environmental remediation due to the affinity of the chemical agents present on the particle surfaces and easy-to-handle them magnetically.

[Acute porphyria as a rare etiology of PRES] / Porfiria Aguda como etiología infrecuente de PRES.

Introduction: porphyria is a rare condition in which heme metabolism is altered. Clinical case: 29-year-old young man who goes to the emergency room with abdominal pain, vomiting and seizures. To determine the underlying cause, a brain computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were performed, confirming the presence of involvement at the parieto-occipital level. Laboratory and urine tests are positive for porphyria, with improvement and resolution of the condition through targeted treatment. Discussion: Porphyrias are rare metabolic disorders with dominant autonomic inheritance that affect heme biosynthesis. In a minority of cases, an external factor can trigger a crisis producing abdominal and neurological symptoms. Imaging findings in acute porphyria are characteristic of PRES (posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome), with cortico-subcortical involvement. Conclusion: Although it is an uncommon etiology in typical PRES imaging, acute porphyria attacks should be suspected in young patients with seizure attacks without hypertension and associated abdominal pain.

Introducción: La porfiria, es una afección poco común en  la que se encuentra alterado el metabolismo del grupo hemo. Caso clínico: joven de 29 años que acude a urgencias por dolor abdominal, vómitos y convulsiones. Para determinar la causa subyacente, se llevó a cabo una tomografía computarizada (TC) y resonancia magnética (RM) cerebral, que confirma la presencia de afectación a nivel parietooccipital. Las pruebas de laboratorio y de orina resultan positivas para porfiria, con mejoría y resolución del cuadro mediante tratamiento dirigido. Discusión: Las porfirias son trastornos metabólicos poco comunes con herencia autonómica dominante que afectan a la biosíntesis del grupo hemo. En una minoría de los casos, un factor externo puede desencadenar una crisis produciendo sintomatología abdominal y neurológica. Los hallazgos en imagen en cuadros de porfiria aguda son característicos de PRES (síndrome de encefalopatía posterior reversible), con afectación córtico-subcortical. Conclusión: Aunque se trata de una etiología infrecuente en imagen característica de PRES, las crisis de porfiria aguda deben sospecharse en pacientes jóvenes con crisis convulsivas sin hipertensión y cuadro de dolor abdominal asociado.

Effect of graphene on the key electrical, optical, and magnetic properties of polymethylmethacrylate: a study based on molecular modeling.

CONTEXT: In this work, a new polymeric structure was designed consisting of a nanometric sheet of graphene (G) and a polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) repeat unit, which was designated as PMMA-G. Three degrees of polymerization of PMMA-G were considered: monomer (PMMA-G1), dimer (PMMA-G2), and trimer (PMMA-G3). The effect of incorporating a nanometric sheet of graphene into the molecular structure of PMMA on the modification of some of its main optical, magnetic, and electrical properties was investigated. Currently, the study presented here is of great relevance since various areas of technology require new materials with specific properties for the development of new devices. The results of our study reveal that the dielectric constant of PMMA is reduced when graphene is incorporated. However, a percentage increase of 14.48% in the refractive index of PMMA when graphene is inserted to form the nanocomposite is observed. It is found that the absolute value of molar magnetic susceptibility of PMMA increases considerably when reinforced with graphene. Finally, when reinforcing PMMA with graphene to obtain the PMMA-G nanocomposite, the electrical resistivity increases by almost an order of magnitude. METHODS: We used computational tools under Materials Studio (MS) software. We built a PMMA molecule with three degrees of polymerization, graphene sheet, and polymethylmethacrylate-graphene composite (PMMA-G) was built also with three degrees of polymerization using a concentration of 50% graphene over the PMMA polymer. For each structure, we used computational code DMol3 of MS, which is based on the Density Functional Theory, and the geometry optimization process was carried out to obtain the most stable structures. Finally, using the connectivity indices method together with topological properties of the molecular structures, implemented in Synthia computational code of MS software, we calculated the dielectric constant, magnetic susceptibility, refractive index, and electrical resistivity, for pure PMMA and PMMA-G structures for their three degrees of polymerization. The results were analyzed, and the changes in these properties were discussed in terms of the effect of an electric and magnetic field on the molecular structures of PMMA-G with respect to PMMA.

Giant Valley Zeeman Splitting in Vanadium-Doped WSe2 Monolayers.

2D dilute magnetic semiconductors (DMS) based on transition metal dichalcogenides (TMD) offer an innovative pathway for advancing spintronic technologies, including the potential to exploit phenomena such as the valley Zeeman effect. However, the impact of magnetic ordering on the valley degeneracy breaking and on the enhancement of the optical transitions g-factors of these materials remains an open question. Here, a giant effective g-factors ranging between ≈-27 and -69 for the bound exciton at 4 K in vanadium-doped WSe2 monolayers, obtained through magneto-photoluminescence (PL) experiments is reported. This giant g-factor disappears at room temperature, suggesting that this response is associated with a magnetic ordering of the vanadium impurity states at low temperatures. Ab initio calculations for the vanadium-doped WSe2 monolayer confirm the existence of magnetic ordering of the vanadium states, which leads to degeneracy breaking of the valence bands at K and K'. A phenomenological analysis is employed to correlate this splitting with the measured enhanced effective g-factor. The findings shed light on the potential of defect engineering of 2D materials for spintronic applications.

Look-Locker T1 relaxometry and high-resolution T2 in the evaluation of lung lesions: a single-center prospective study.

Objective: To explore the feasibility of two magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sequences-high-resolution T2-weighted (HR T2) and Look-Locker T1 (LL T1) relaxometry-for the investigation focal lung lesions (FLLs). As a secondary objective, we analyzed the diagnostic accuracy of these sequences. Materials and Methods: This was a prospective observational study involving 39 subjects with FLLs scanned in a 1.5-T MRI system with LL T1 relaxometry and HR T2 sequences focused on the FLL region, in addition to a conventional protocol. All images were evaluated by two radiologists, working independently, who were blinded to other findings. Results: Most of the examinations (31 of the LL T1 relaxometry sequences and 36 of the HR T2 sequences) were of adequate diagnostic quality. Nondiagnostic examinations were considered so mainly because of limited coverage of the sequences. Of the FLLs studied, 19 were malignant, 17 were benign, and three were excluded from the accuracy analysis because there was no definitive diagnosis. Although LL T1 relaxometry could not distinguish between benign and malignant lesions, the signal intensity at its first inversion time (160 ms) differed between the two groups. The HR T2 sequence was considered the best sequence for assessing specific morphological characteristics, especially pseudocavities and pleural tags. We found that MRI showed better accuracy than did computed tomography (86% vs. 74%). Conclusion: Both MRI sequences are feasible for the evaluation of FLLs. Images at 160 ms of the LL T1 relaxometry sequence helped distinguish between benign and malignant lesions, and the HR T2 sequence was considered the best sequence for evaluating specific morphological characteristics.

Objetivo: Explorar a viabilidade de imagens de alta resolução T2 (T2 AR) e relaxometria T1 Look-Locker (T1 LL) para lesões pulmonares focais (LPFs). Como objetivo secundário, analisamos a precisão diagnóstica dessas sequências. Materiais e Métodos: Este é um estudo observacional prospectivo com 39 sujeitos com LPFs examinados em um sistema de ressonância magnética 1.5T com imagens T1 LL e T2 AR focadas na região das LPFs, além de um protocolo convencional. As imagens foram avaliadas por dois radiologistas independentes e cegos para o estudo. Imagens de tomografia computadorizada estavam disponíveis, mas foram avaliadas sem conhecimento dos outros resultados. Resultados: A maioria dos exames apresentou qualidade diagnóstica adequada em ambas as sequências (T1 LL em 31 exames e T2 AR em 36). Exames considerados não diagnósticos estavam principalmente relacionados à cobertura limitada das sequências. Das LPFs estudadas, 19 eram malignas, 17 eram benignas e três casos foram excluídos da análise de precisão de malignidade por falta de um diagnóstico definitivo. A relaxometria T1 LL não conseguiu distinguir entre lesões benignas e malignas, mas a análise da intensidade do sinal do primeiro tempo de inversão (160 ms) diferiu entre os grupos. A T2 AR foi considerada a melhor sequência para avaliar características morfológicas específicas, especialmente pseudocavidades e apêndices pleurais. A ressonância magnética teve melhor precisão em comparação com a tomografia computadorizada (86% e 74%, respectivamente). Conclusão: Ambas as sequências são viáveis na avaliação de LPFs. Imagens a 160 ms da sequência T1 LL ajudaram a distinguir lesões benignas de malignas, e a T2 AR foi considerada a melhor sequência na avaliação de algumas características morfológicas específicas.

Comparison of US elastography and chemical shift magnetic resonance imaging in multifidus muscle fatty degeneration.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the feasibility of the use of shear wave elastography (SWE) in comparison to chemical shift encoding (CSE) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for the evaluation of multifidus muscle fatty degeneration in patients with chronic low back pain. METHOD: Multifidus muscles were evaluated with the CSE-MRI and SWE examinations in control and patient groups. With the in-phase and out-phase sequences in CSE-MRI, signal intensity index (SII), and signal intensity suppression ratio (SISR) values; with the SWE method, shear wave velocity values were determined. Differences in the mean values of these parameters per level and study group were analyzed by Student's t-test. RESULTS: SWE revealed significantly lower stiffness at the L2-3 level, consistent with the signal index values (SII-SISR) showing increased fatty infiltration on MRI in the patient group. No such relationship was found at the L4-5 level or in control group. CONCLUSIONS: SWE may be a promising method to show muscle fatty infiltration at L2-3 level in patients with chronic low back pain.

OBJETIVO: Investigar la viabilidad del uso de la elastografía de ondas de corte en comparación con la resonancia magnética con codificación de desplazamiento químico (RM-CDQ) para la evaluación de la degeneración grasa del músculo multífido en pacientes con dolor lumbar crónico. MÉTODO: Los músculos multífidos se evaluaron con RM-CDQ y elastografía de ondas de corte en los grupos de control y de pacientes. Se consideraron las secuencias en fase y fuera de fase en RM-CDQ, y los valores del índice de intensidad de señal y del índice de supresión de intensidad de señal; con el método de elastografía de ondas de corte se determinaron los valores de velocidad de onda de corte. Las diferencias en los valores medios de estos parámetros por nivel y por grupo de estudio se analizaron mediante la prueba t de Student. RESULTADOS: La elastografía de ondas de corte reveló una rigidez significativamente menor en el nivel L2-3, consistente con los valores de los índices de señal que muestran una mayor infiltración grasa en la RM en el grupo de pacientes. No se encontró tal relación en el nivel L4-5 ni en el grupo de control. CONCLUSIONES: La elastografía de ondas de corte puede ser un método prometedor para mostrar la infiltración grasa muscular a nivel L2-3 en pacientes con dolor lumbar crónico.

Stitcher: A Surface Reconstruction Tool for Highly Gyrified Brains.

Brain reconstruction, specially of the cerebral cortex, is a challenging task and even more so when it comes to highly gyrified brained animals. Here, we present Stitcher, a novel tool capable of generating such surfaces utilizing MRI data and manual segmentation. Stitcher makes a triangulation between consecutive brain slice segmentations by recursively adding edges that minimize the total length and simultaneously avoid self-intersection. We applied this new method to build the cortical surfaces of two dolphins: Guiana dolphin (Sotalia guianensis), Franciscana dolphin (Pontoporia blainvillei); and one pinniped: Steller sea lion (Eumetopias jubatus). Specifically in the case of P. blainvillei, two reconstructions at two different resolutions were made. Additionally, we also performed reconstructions for sub and non-cortical structures of Guiana dolphin. All our cortical mesh results show remarkable resemblance with the real anatomy of the brains, except P. blainvillei with low-resolution data. Sub and non-cortical meshes were also properly reconstructed and the spatial positioning of structures was preserved with respect to S. guianensis cerebral cortex. In a comparative perspective between methods, Stitcher presents compatible results for volumetric measurements when contrasted with other anatomical standard tools. In this way, Stitcher seems to be a viable pipeline for new neuroanatomical analysis, enhancing visualization and descriptions of non-primates species, and broadening the scope of compared neuroanatomy.

Cardiovascular Ultrasound Predictors for Brain Alterations in Fetuses With Heart Disease: An Exploratory Review of the Literature.

OBJECTIVE: To identify cardiovascular ultrasound predictors for brain anomalies in fetuses with heart disease. METHODS: A literature search was performed in the following databases: MEDLINE through OVID, EMBASE, Cochrane Registry Center for Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), and LILACS, from their inception until May 2023. Clinical studies, cross-sectional studies, case-control studies, cohorts, and systematic reviews were included. Data extraction was performed, and the risk of bias was assessed using the QUADAS-2 tool. RESULTS: Among 2705 studies evaluated, after filtering information, 10 articles were selected that met the inclusion criteria. These studies noted the following outcomes: a decrease in fetal head circumference, changes in brain maturation measured in days, decreased depth of brain fissures, and a decrease in total brain volume. The studies show a statistically significant correlation with the presence of the following cardiovascular predictors: low or mixed oxygen content in the ascending aorta (p < 0.001), retrograde flow in the aortic arch (p < 0.001), lower z values of the MCA-PI (p < 0.05), higher UA-PI z values (p < 0.01), and lower CPR (p < 0.05). In addition, lower values of left ventricular flow (p < 0.01), ductus arteriosus (p < 0.0001), and combined cardiac output index (p < 0.01) were reported. CONCLUSIONS: This review describes the most relevant evidence correlating the effects of hemodynamic changes that lead to states of chronic hypoxia related to the aforementioned changes in the central nervous system.

Radiomics model for predicting distant metastasis in soft tissue sarcoma of the extremities and trunk treated with surgery.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to develop a radiomics model based on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for predicting metastasis in soft tissue sarcomas (STSs) treated with surgery. METHODS/PATIENTS: MRI and clinical data of 73 patients with STSs of the extremities and trunk were obtained from TCIA database and Jiangsu Cancer Hospital as the training set, data of other 40 patients were retrospectively collected at our institution as the external validation set. Radiomics features were extracted from both intratumoral and peritumoral regions of fat-suppressed T2-weighted images (FS-T2WIs) of patients, and 3D ResNet10 was used to extract deep learning features. Recursive feature elimination (RFE) and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) algorithms were used for the selection of features. Based on 4 different sets of features, 5 machine learning algorithms were used to construct intratumor, peritumor, combined intratumor and peritumor radiomics models and deep learning radiomics (DLR) model. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) and Decision curve analysis (DCA) were used to evaluate the ability of models to predict metastasis. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Based on 20 selected features from the deep-learning and radiomics features set, the DLR model was able to predict metastasis in the validation dataset, with an AUC of 0.9770. The DCA and Hosmer-Lemeshow test revealed that the DLR model had good clinical benefit and consistency. By getting richer information from MRI, The DLR model is a noninvasive, low-cost method for predicting the risk of metastasis in STSs, and can help develop appropriate treatment programs.

Secondary rectal linitis plastica caused by prostatic adenocarcinoma - magnetic resonance imaging findings and dissemination pathways: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Secondary rectal linitis plastica (RLP) from prostatic adenocarcinoma is a rare and poorly understood form of metastatic spread, characterized by a desmoplastic response and concentric rectal wall infiltration with mucosal preservation. This complicates endoscopic diagnosis and can mimic gastrointestinal malignancies. This case series underscores the critical role of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in identifying the distinct imaging features of RLP and highlights the importance of considering this condition in the differential diagnosis of patients with a history of prostate cancer. CASE SUMMARY: Three patients with secondary RLP due to prostatic adenocarcinoma presented with varied clinical features. The first patient, a 76-year-old man with advanced prostate cancer, had rectal pain and incontinence. MRI showed diffuse prostatic invasion and significant rectal wall thickening with a characteristic "target sign" pattern. The second, a 57-year-old asymptomatic man with elevated prostate-specific antigen levels and a history of prostate cancer exhibited rectoprostatic angle involvement and rectal wall thickening on MRI, with positron emission tomography/computed tomography PSMA confirming the prostatic origin of the metastatic spread. The third patient, an 80-year-old post-radical prostatectomy, presented with refractory constipation. MRI revealed a neoplastic mass infiltrating the rectal wall. In all cases, MRI consistently showed stratified thickening, concentric signal changes, restricted diffusion, and contrast enhancement, which were essential for diagnosing secondary RLP. Biopsies confirmed the prostatic origin of the neoplastic involvement in the rectum. CONCLUSION: Recognizing MRI findings of secondary RLP is essential for accurate diagnosis and management in prostate cancer patients.

Adrenocortical neoplasm in a 2-year-old child: Clinical approach and diagnostic imaging.

Adrenocortical tumors in children and adolescents are rare and aggressive, accounting for only 0.2% of pediatric cancers, with most cases associated with Li-Fraumeni syndrome. The most common manifestation is virilization due to androgen excess. Imaging techniques are crucial in the diagnosis and management of pediatric adrenocortical carcinoma. CT and MRI are essential for differentiating between benign and malignant lesions and assessing tumor characteristics and extent. Correlating imaging findings with clinical and histopathological data is vital for optimal diagnosis and treatment, underscoring the need for a multidisciplinary approach to managing these rare but aggressive neoplasms. This report presents the case of a previously healthy 2-year-old boy who exhibited virilization symptoms and was diagnosed with adrenocortical carcinoma.

Ultrafast and high-throughput immunoassay assay to detect anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies in dogs and cats.

The fact that SARS-CoV-2 has reportedly infected companion, livestock and wildlife animals may constitute a significant risk for virus reservoirs, ground for emerging variants and potential for novel reverse zoonosis. Hence, SARS-CoV-2 surveillance in animal species is crucial to prevent emerging variants which may spread to humans. The present study aimed to develop a simple, high-throughput and ultrafast magnetic bead immunoassay to detect anti-SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid and spike reactive IgG antibodies in dog and cat serum samples. The assays were validated using serum from eleven dogs and cats which had SARS-CoV-2 infections confirmed by real-time RT-PCR. The negative cohort consisted of pre-pandemic dog and cat samples. The assays performed at 73-82% sensitivity and 97.5-98% specificity for dogs and 71% sensitivity and 92-94% specificity for cats. The lower assay specificity for cats is explained by the fact that cat pre-pandemic sera showed high levels of cross-reactive with SARS-CoV-2 Nucleocapsid and Spike, supporting that these animals have been exposed to other coronavirus sharing structural similarities with SARS-CoV-2. These assays described in this work are now being used for SARS-CoV-2 surveillance and research purposes.

Stability and Spin Waves of Skyrmion Tubes in Curved FeGe Nanowires.

In this work, we investigate the influence of curvature on the dynamic susceptibility in FeGe nanowires, both curved and straight, hosting a skyrmionic tube texture under the action of an external bias field, using micromagnetic simulations. Our results demonstrate that both the resonance frequencies and the number of resonant peaks are highly dependent on the curvature of the system. To further understand the nature of the spin wave modes, we analyze the spatial distributions of the resonant mode amplitudes and phases, describing the differences among resonance modes observed. The ability to control the dynamic properties and frequencies of these nanostructures underscores their potential application in frequency-selective magnetic devices.