Routine Protocol Research Articles

Isolated REM Sleep without Atonia Is Not Equivalent to REM Sleep Behavior Disorder in Early-Stage Parkinson's Disease.

In early-stage Parkinson's disease (PD), rapid eye movement (REM) sleep behavior disorder (RBD) predicts poor cognitive and motor outcome. However, the baseline significance and disease evolution associated with isolated REM sleep without atonia (iRWA, ie, enhanced muscle tone during 8.7% of REM sleep, but no violent behavior) are not well understood. The objective is to determine whether iRWA was a mild form of RBD and progressed similarly over time. Participants with early PD (<4 years from medical diagnosis) were included from 2014 to 2021 in a longitudinal study. They underwent interviews and examinations in the motor, cognitive, autonomous, psychiatric, sensory, and sleep domains every year for 4 years along with a video polysomnography and magnetic resonance imaging examination of the locus coeruleus/subcoeruleus complex (LC/LsC) at baseline. The clinical characteristics were compared between groups with normal REM sleep, with iRWA and with RBD, at baseline and for 4 years. Among 159 PD participants, 25% had RBD, 25% had iRWA, and 50% had normal REM sleep. At baseline, the non-motor symptoms were less prevalent and the LC/LsC signal intensity was more intense in participants with iRWA than with RBD. Over 4 years, participants with normal REM sleep and with iRWA had a similar cognitive and motor trajectory, whereas participants with RBD had greater cognitive and motor decline. We demonstrated that iRWA is frequent in early PD, but is not a milder form of RBD. Both groups have distinct baseline characteristics and clinical trajectories. They should be distinguished in clinical routine and research protocols. © 2024 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.

Comparison of ERAS interventions with routine protocols in gynecologic surgery

Purpose ERAS protocols are a set of rules that aim to improve the patient's well-being from admission to discharge, shorten the duration of hospitalization, and at the same time reduce costs. In this study, we aimed to evaluate whether ERAS protocols are superior to patient follow-up our hospital's protocol for gynecologic surgery patients. Methods The study included 50 patients who will undergo total abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral oophorectomy under general anesthesia. After the patients were divided into two groups, One group received the ERAS protocol while the other group received the routine protocol of our hospital. For both groups, patient's satisfactions and length of hospital stay were recorded. Results Patient's satisfaction during the entire hospitalization process(p=0.000), was significantly higher in the ERAS Group. The duration of hospitalization(p=0.02) were significantly shorter in ERAS Group. Conclusions In gynecological cases where the ERAS protocol was used, patient satisfaction and length of hospital stay were more favorable compared to the routine protocol of the hospital.

Molecular-Level Dysregulation of Insulin Pathways and Inflammatory Processes in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells by Circadian Misalignment.

Circadian misalignment due to night work has been associated with an elevated risk for chronic diseases. We investigated the effects of circadian misalignment using shotgun protein profiling of peripheral blood mononuclear cells taken from healthy humans during a constant routine protocol, which was conducted immediately after participants had been subjected to a 3-day simulated night shift schedule or a 3-day simulated day shift schedule. By comparing proteomic profiles between the simulated shift conditions, we identified proteins and pathways that are associated with the effects of circadian misalignment and observed that insulin regulation pathways and inflammation-related proteins displayed markedly different temporal patterns after simulated night shift. Further, by integrating the proteomic profiles with previously assessed metabolomic profiles in a network-based approach, we found key associations between circadian dysregulation of protein-level pathways and metabolites of interest in the context of chronic metabolic diseases. Endogenous circadian rhythms in circulating glucose and insulin differed between the simulated shift conditions. Overall, our results suggest that circadian misalignment is associated with a tug of war between central clock mechanisms controlling insulin secretion and peripheral clock mechanisms regulating insulin sensitivity, which may lead to adverse long-term outcomes such as diabetes and obesity. Our study provides a molecular-level mechanism linking circadian misalignment and adverse long-term health consequences of night work.

The effect of ascending- descending ultrafiltration and sodium profiles on blood pressure in hemodialysis patients: a randomized cross-over study

BackgroundConsidering no previous research into the utilization of ascending/descending ultrafiltration and linear sodium profiles in improving blood pressure among hemodialysis patients, the present study aimed to explore the effect of the A/D-UF along with linear sodium profiles on HD patients with hypotension.MethodsApplying a crossover design, this clinical trial was fulfilled between December 2022 and June 2023 on 20 patients undergoing HD, randomized into two groups, each one receiving two intervention protocols, viz., (a) an intervention protocol in which the liquid sodium in the dialysis solution was linear and the UF profiling was A/D, and (b) a routine protocol or HD, wherein both liquid sodium and UF in the dialysis solution remained constant. The HD patients’ BP was then checked and recorded at six intervals, namely, before HD, one, two, three, and four hours after it, and following its completion, within each session. The data were further statistically analyzed using the IBM SPSS Statistics 20 and the related tests.ResultsIn total, 20 patients, including 12 men (60%) and 8 women (40%), with the mean age of 58.00 ± 14.54 on HD for an average of 54 months, were recruited in this study. No statistically significant difference was observed in the mean systolic and diastolic BP levels in the group receiving the A/D-UF profile all through the desired hours (p > 0.05), indicating that the patients did not face many changes in these two numbers during HD. Our cross-over clinical trial demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in symptomatic IDH episodes from 55 to 15% with the application of the A/D-UF profile (p < 0.05).ConclusionThe study demonstrated that the A/D-UF profile could contribute to the stability of blood pressure levels among HD patients, with no significant fluctuations observed during treatment sessions.Trial RegistrationThis study was registered in the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (no. IRCT20180429039463N5) on 07/01/2023.

The value of adding T2 mapping sequence to the routine MRI protocol in the evaluation of cartilage lesions of the ankle joint

BackgroundAnkle joint cartilage injury is frequently associated with degenerative changes, even in the absence of symptoms. Earlier treatment of cartilage damage with joint preservation is clearly more successful. The main limitation of morphologic cartilage magnetic resonance imaging sequences is that they are not very sensitivity in the detection of early cartilage degeneration. Recent advances in biochemical magnetic resonance imaging have yielded sequences that are sensitive to molecular changes in the composition of cartilage matrix. This includes water- and collagen-sensitive T2\\T2* mapping. The aim of this study was to determine the extent of improvement of the diagnostic performance of routine magnetic resonance imaging protocol in the evaluation of ankle joint articular cartilage lesions following the addition of a T2 mapping sequence.ResultsA total of 45 cases, 30 patients (12 male and 18 female) and 15 controls (10 male and 5 female) who underwent routine ankle magnetic resonance imaging with additional T2 mapping sequence, were included in the study. Out of 30 patients, four patients were misdiagnosed as being normal, while having changes of cartilage composition of early degenerative changes, discovered by T2 mapping sequence. The patients group as well as the-control groups had significantly higher T2-values in the superficial cartilage layer (P < 0.001) compared to the deep layer. When comparing between the medial and the lateral compartments at patients group, the T2-relaxation times were more pronounced in the medial talar cartilage compartment compared to the lateral talar cartilage compartment.ConclusionsMagnetic resonance imaging can observe not only the destruction of the structural integrity but also the change of the components in articular cartilage. In this study, the addition of a T2 mapping of the ankle cartilage sequence to a routine MR ankle protocol improved sensitivity and accuracy in the detection of early cartilage lesions within the ankle joint.

Quantifying radiation exposure in the radiological investigation of non-arthritic hip pain

ABSTRACT Radiological investigations are essential for evaluating underlying structural abnormalities in patients presenting with non-arthritic hip pain. The aim of this study is to quantify the radiation exposure associated with common radiological investigations performed in assessing patients presenting with non-arthritic hip pain. A retrospective review of our institutional imaging database was performed. Data were obtained for antero-posterior, cross-table lateral, frog lateral radiographs and low-dose CT hip protocol. The radiation dose of each imaging technique was measured in terms of dose-area product with units of mGy cm2, and the effective doses (ED, mSv) calculated. The effective radiation dose for each individual hip radiograph performed was in the range of 0.03–0.83 mSv [mean dose-area product 126.7–156.2 mGy cm2]. The mean ED associated with the low-dose CT hip protocol (including assessment of femoral anteversion and tibial torsion) was 3.04 mSv (416.8 mGy cm2). The radiation dose associated with the use of CT imaging was significantly greater than plain radiographs (P &amp;lt; 0.005). Investigation of non-arthritic hip pain can lead to significant ionizing radiation exposure for patients. In our institution, the routine protocol is to obtain an antero-posterior pelvic radiograph and then a specific hip sequence Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan which includes the assessment of femoral anteversion. This provides the necessary information in the majority of cases, with CT scanning reserved for more complex cases where we feel there is a specific indication. We would encourage the hip preservation community to carefully consider and review the use of ionizing radiation investigations.

Meta-analysis comparing different ultrasound detection methods to accurately assess wound healing and scar formation after caesarean section.

The accurate assessment of wound healing post-caesarean section, especially in twin pregnancies, remains a pivotal concern in obstetrics, given its implications for maternal health and recovery. Traditional methods, including conventional abdominal ultrasonography (CU), have been challenged by the advent of transvaginal ultrasonography (TU), offering potentially enhanced sensitivity and specificity. This meta-analysis directly compares the efficacy of TU and CU in evaluating wound healing and scar formation, crucial for optimizing postoperative care. Results indicate that TU is associated with significantly better outcomes in wound healing, demonstrated by lower REEDA scores (SMD = -20.56, 95% CI: [-27.34.20, -13.77], p < 0.01), and in scar formation reduction, evidenced by lower Manchester Scar Scale scores (SMD = -25.18, 95% CI: [-29.98, -20.39], p < 0.01). These findings underscore the potential of integrating TU into routine post-caesarean evaluation protocols to enhance care quality and patient recovery.

Paediatric cancer risks associated with chest computed tomography (CT) scans: comparison of routine chest and COVID-19 diagnosis CT protocols

The aim of this study is to compare the radiation dose and cancer incidence risk associated with two chest Computed Tomography (CT) protocols: routine chest CT (RC-CT) and COVID-19 Diagnosis CT protocol (CD-CT). The study included 254 pediatric patients divided into three age groups: G1 (&lt;5), G2 (5–&lt;10), and G3 (10–15). The effective diameter, volumetric CT dose index (CTDIvol), dose length product (DLP), size specific dose estimate (SSDE), organ doses, and cancer incidence risk were calculated for the two protocols. Organ doses (mSv) and effective dose (mSv) were estimated using the National Cancer Institute dosimetry system for CT (NCICT) software. Estimation of cancer incidence risks were conducted according to the Biological Effects of Ionizing Radiation (BEIR) VII report. The oldest group (G3) in two protocols exhibited the greatest values for CTDIvol, DLP, effective dose and SSDE. The results showed that CD-CT protocol resulted in statistically significant (p &lt; 0.05) lower organ doses and cancer incidence risk. The cancer incidence risk for both protocols did not exceed the reference levels reported in literature surveys on pediatric CT chest radiation dose for all age groups. It can be concluded that the choice of CT protocol can significantly impact the radiation dose received by pediatric patients during CT imaging, highlighting the importance of carefully selecting the appropriate protocol to minimize radiation exposure.

Dual-energy Computed Tomography in Coronary Artery Calcium Scoring

Computed tomographic (CT) coronary artery angiography with calcium scoring is crucial in suspecting coronary artery disease (CAD). The routine protocol for CAD radiological investigation involves a precontrast series for calcium scoring and a postcontrast series for investigating structural changes in coronary arteries. This review intends to investigate the feasibility of virtual noncontrast images to replace the true noncontrast (TNC) images in coronary artery calcium scoring to decrease the radiation dose. The current review included articles found in the PubMed database. Using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines for the further evaluation of the articles for inclusion criteria, 25 articles were finally shortlisted for the final review. It is found that the calcium score of coronary arteries estimated by virtual unenhanced images generated by dual-energy CT (DECT) is comparable with that of TNC images. The virtual unehncanced images has the potential to eliminate the need for the TNC series acquisition, thereby reducing the radiation dose. Especially, photon-counting detector-based DECT has excellent potential in the estimation of calcium scores and the reduction in radiation dose. In addition, contrast dose also can be significantly reduced, which is crucial in patients with renal insufficiency. In conclusion, using DECT for CAD investigations significantly reduces both radiation and contrast doses compared to conventional CT scans. This reduction is particularly crucial for patients who require repeated follow-up scans, as it enhances their safety and minimizes potential risks.

Differentiation of Muscular Invasion in Bladder Cancer: Additional Value of Synthetic Magnetic Resonance Imaging

ObjectivesTo evaluate the potential of Synthetic Magnetic Resonance Imaging (SynMRI) in identifying muscular invasion in bladder cancer (BCa), and explore whether there is additional value in combination with the Vesical Imaging–Reporting and Data System (VI-RADS). MethodsIn this prospective single-center study, pathologically-confirmed BCa were enrolled between May 2023 and November 2023. All participants underwent preoperative multiparametric MRI, including T1/T2 weighted, SynMRI and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI). T1/T2/PD values and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values were compared between muscle invasive (MIBC) and non-invasive (NMIBC) groups. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis with the variables and their combination was performed to explore the performance of distinguishing the MIBC from NMIBC, and the ROC curves were compared with DeLong's test. ResultsA total of 54 BCa patients were enrolled (38 males; NMIBC/MIBC = 37/19) and all assessed with VI-RADS without dynamic enhanced imaging (DCE). Compared to NMIBC group, MIBC group had significantly larger diameter, higher VI-RADS score, lower T2 and ADC values (P < 0.05). VI-RADS score and T2 showed independent predictive value in differentiating NMIBC and MIBC. The combined model (T2 + VI-RADS + Diameter) resulted in significantly improved specificity (0.842), sensitivity (0.914), and AUC (0.943), in comparison with VI-RADS or ADC alone (P < 0.05). ConclusionT2 relaxation time can be easily obtained from SynMRI in routine clinical protocol and assist VI-RADS score system without DCE to improve differentiation performance in identifying NMIBC and MIBC.

Contrasting Recording Efficiency of Chemical Versus Depositional Remanent Magnetization in Sediments

AbstractHow and when sedimentary rocks record Earth's magnetic field is complex. Most studies assume a time‐progressive lock‐in mechanism during sediment deposition called depositional remanent magnetization (DRM). However, magnetic minerals can also form in situ, recording a chemical remanent magnetization (CRM) that is discontinuous in time. Disentangling the two mechanisms represents a major hurdle, and differences in their recording efficiencies remain unexplored. Here, our theoretical solutions demonstrate that CRM intensities exceed DRM by a factor of six when acquired in the same magnetic field. Novel experiments growing greigite (Fe3S4) in sediments and subsequent redeposition under identical magnetic field conditions confirm the predicted difference in recording efficiency. Thus, if left unrecognized, CRM leads to overestimated paleointensity and deserves more attention when interpreting Earth's magnetic history from sedimentary records. Recognition of fundamental differences between CRM and DRM characteristics provide a way forward to distinguish the recording mechanisms through routine laboratory protocols.

Abstract 1178: Tissue nanomechanics as a novel, clinically translatable predictive early biomarker of response in combination immunotherapy

Abstract Background: Recently, the successful integration of immunotherapy with other treatment modalities has demonstrated its efficacy in enhancing immune activation and suppressing tumors in solid cancers. The most promising of such efforts include the use of low dose radiation (LD-XRT) to prime the tumor microenvironment and enhance the T cell infiltration and activation [Barsoumian HB, et al., 2020; Patel RR, et al., 2021; He K, et al., 2023]. With these advancements, there is an urgent need to develop clinical biomarkers to predict response and optimize treatment decisions. Recent evidence underscores the importance of nanomechanical alterations within the tumor microenvironment as mechanistic indicators of aggressiveness [Plodinec M, et al., 2012]. This study aims to demonstrate the value of ARTIDIS nanomechanical signature as early predictor of elucidate of response to combination LD-XRT/immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI). Our measurement protocol in mice follows the same settings for biopsies acquired in routine biopsy collection protocol, thus supporting prompt clinical translation and integration. Methods: We established a mouse model of 344SQ lung adenocarcinoma tumors that exhibited resistance to anti-PD1 treatment in 129Sv/Ev mice. These mice underwent treatment protocols involving a combination of anti-PD1 and anti-CTLA4 antibodies, both with and without LD-XRT pre-treatment. Throughout the study, we closely monitored survival rates and tumor growth across diverse experimental groups. Employing the ARTIDIS platform, a cutting-edge technology that integrates atomic force microscopy with proprietary artificial intelligence algorithms, we extracted a multiparametric nanomechanical signature and we evaluated its outcome prediction value. This signature was then complemented by histopathology, multiplex immunofluorescence, and Nanostring assays to elucidate mechanisms of stroma remodulation and immune infiltration. Results: This study identifies the unique nanomechanical signature predictive of response to immunotherapy alone or in combination with radiation. Using the tissue nanomechanical signature as a predictive biomarker, we achieved precise differentiation between responders and non-responders, boasting a 90% sensitivity, 99.1% specificity, and a 96% AUC. To our knowledge, this study is the first to demonstrate the response-predicting power of a tissue derived nanomechanical signature for immune checkpoint inhibitors administered in combination with LD-XRT. These findings support clinical translation of the ARTIDIS nanomechanical signature as a pivotal tool for clinically predicting and evaluating responses to integrated radiation and immunotherapy approaches. Citation Format: Gitika Srivastava, Sara Nizzero, Mark Wasley, Mingee Kim, Kathleen Graham, Papa Diogop Ndiaye, Mariam Gachechiladze, Nahum Puebla-Osorio, Philipp Oertle, Tobias Appenzeller, Vittorio Cristini, Marko Loparic, Marija Plodinec, James W. Welsh. Tissue nanomechanics as a novel, clinically translatable predictive early biomarker of response in combination immunotherapy [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 1178.

Abstract 1030: Concordance between the DESTINY-Breast04 clinical trial assay (4B5[CDx]) and other HER2 IHC assays for HER2-low breast cancer in real-world practice: First phase of a large-scale, multicenter global ring study

Abstract Background: DESTINY-Breast04 (DB-04) showed that trastuzumab deruxtecan improves survival vs chemotherapy in patients with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-low (immunohistochemistry [IHC] 1+ or IHC 2+ with in situ hybridization negative) metastatic breast cancer (BC). The VENTANA 4B5(CDx) IHC assay, now approved in the United States (US) as a companion diagnostic, was used as the clinical trial assay (CTA) in DB-04. Real-world differentiation of HER2-low vs HER2 IHC 0 BC with non-CTAs is difficult. This is the first phase of a study assessing agreement between CTA and non-CTA scores. Methods: 50 clinical BC samples with HER2 IHC scores of 0, 1+, 2+, and 3+ were sent to laboratories in Europe, Canada, and the US for HER2 IHC testing per ASCO/CAP 2018 guidelines. After routine protocol scoring, pathologists were trained and rescored the samples 2 weeks later. Post training scores were compared with reference CTA scores determined by a central laboratory and a panel of experts. The primary endpoint was positive percentage agreement (PPA) and negative percentage agreement (NPA) between CTA and non-CTA scores, assessed after training, considering HER2-low as positive and HER2 IHC 0 as negative. Results: A total of 3449 post training non-CTA scores were available for analysis. PPA for HER2-low vs HER2 IHC 0 was 87.5% and NPA was 61.9%, with Cohen κ of 0.51 (Table). HER2-low vs HER2 IHC 0 agreement between CTA and non-CTA varied across subgroups. PPA &amp;gt;95% was shown with 4B5 Laboratory Developed Tests (LDTs) and HercepTest (Omnis), NPA of 80% with Leica, and overall agreement &amp;gt;80% with HercepTest (Link48), 4B5 LDTs, and German, French, and Italian laboratories. Conclusions: The degree of concordance between the CTA and non-CTAs varied among assay types and laboratory locations. A low NPA for some non-CTAs suggests the need for further assay optimization for HER2 IHC 0 evaluation. Post training non-CTA results HER2-low vs HER2 IHC 0 BC Post training scores PPA (95% CI), % NPA (95% CI), % Overall percentage agreement (95% CI), % Cohen κ (95% CI) Overall non-CTA test results (N = 3449) 87.5 (86.0-89.0) 61.9 (58.9-64.9) 78.7 (77.1-80.1) 0.51 (0.48-0.54) Non-CTA subgroups HercepTest (Omnis) (n = 467) 95.5 (92.3-97.7) 36.9 (28.9-45.4) 75.2 (70.8-79.4) 0.37 (0.28-0.46) HercepTest (Link48) (n = 790) 88.5 (85.2-91.2) 64.3 (57.8-70.4) 80.3 (77.2-83.2) 0.55 (0.48-0.61) Leica (n = 96) 59.3 (45.0-72.4) 80.0 (61.4-92.3) 66.7 (55.5-76.6) 0.35 (0.17-0.53) Non-4B5 LDTs (n = 1609) 83.8 (81.2-86.1) 67.8 (63.5-72.0) 78.2 (75.9-80.3) 0.52 (0.47-0.57) 4B5 LDTs (n = 487) 96.0 (93.0-98.0) 58.8 (50.4-66.8) 83.0 (79.1-86.4) 0.59 (0.51-0.68) Country subgroups Germany (n = 340) 93.1 (88.5-96.3) 64.4 (54.2-73.6) 83.1 (78.3-87.2) 0.61 (0.51-0.70) France (n = 342) 95.4 (91.5-97.9) 64.4 (54.4-73.6) 84.7 (80.1-88.6) 0.64 (0.55-0.73) Italy (n = 395) 89.9 (85.2-93.5) 72.5 (63.6-80.3) 83.9 (79.6-87.6) 0.64 (0.55-0.72) Spain (n = 567) 83.0 (78.4-86.9) 64.2 (56.6-71.3) 76.3 (72.3-80.0) 0.48 (0.40-0.56) US/Canada (n = 1029) 86.6 (83.6-89.2) 61.8 (56.1-67.3) 78.2 (75.4-80.8) 0.50 (0.44-0.56) Europe, other (n = 776) 85.0 (81.3-88.2) 52.8 (46.2-59.3) 73.8 (70.3-77.1) 0.40 (0.32-0.47) Citation Format: Hans-Ulrich Schildhaus, Sunil Badve, Corrado D’Arrigo, Gelareh Farshid, Annette Lebeau, Vicente Peg, Fréderique Penault-Llorca, Josef Rueschoff, Wentao Yang, Neil Atkey, Jessica Baumann, Elisabeth Beyerlein, Amy Hanlon Newell, Alexander Penner, Akira Moh, Guiseppe Viale. Concordance between the DESTINY-Breast04 clinical trial assay (4B5[CDx]) and other HER2 IHC assays for HER2-low breast cancer in real-world practice: First phase of a large-scale, multicenter global ring study [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 1030.

Quantitative evaluation model of variable diagnosis for chest X-ray images using deep learning.

The purpose of this study is to demonstrate the use of a deep learning model in quantitatively evaluating clinical findings typically subject to uncertain evaluations by physicians, using binary test results based on routine protocols. A chest X-ray is the most commonly used diagnostic tool for the detection of a wide range of diseases and is generally performed as a part of regular medical checkups. However, when it comes to findings that can be classified as within the normal range but are not considered disease-related, the thresholds of physicians' findings can vary to some extent, therefore it is necessary to define a new evaluation method and quantify it. The implementation of such methods is difficult and expensive in terms of time and labor. In this study, a total of 83,005 chest X-ray images were used to diagnose the common findings of pleural thickening and scoliosis. A novel method for quantitatively evaluating the probability that a physician would judge the images to have these findings was established. The proposed method successfully quantified the variation in physicians' findings using a deep learning model trained only on binary annotation data. It was also demonstrated that the developed method could be applied to both transfer learning using convolutional neural networks for general image analysis and a newly learned deep learning model based on vector quantization variational autoencoders with high correlations ranging from 0.89 to 0.97.

Clinical Arterial Spin-Labeling MR Imaging to Screen for Typical and Atypical Neurodegenerative Disease in the New Era of Alzheimer Treatment.

The clinical standard of care in the diagnosis of neurodegenerative diseases relies on [18F] FDG-PET/CT or PET MR imaging. Limitations of FDG-PET include cost, the need for IV access, radiation exposure, and availability. Arterial spin-labeling MR imaging has been shown in research settings to be useful as a proxy for FDG-PET in differentiating Alzheimer disease from frontotemporal dementia. However, it is not yet widely used in clinical practice, except in cerebrovascular disease. Here, we present 7 patients, imaged with our routine clinical protocol with diverse presentations of Alzheimer disease and other neurodegenerative diseases, in whom arterial spin-labeling-derived reduced CBF correlated with hypometabolism or amyloid/tau deposition on PET. Our case series illustrates the clinical diagnostic utility of arterial spin-labeling MR imaging as a fast, accessible, and noncontrast screening tool for neurodegenerative disease. Arterial spin-labeling MR imaging can guide patient selection for subsequent PET or fluid biomarker work-up, as well as for possible therapy with antiamyloid monoclonal antibodies.

Accuracy Analysis of 3D Bone Fracture Models: Effects of Computed Tomography (CT) Imaging and Image Segmentation

The introduction of three-dimensional (3D) printed anatomical models has garnered interest in pre-operative planning, especially in orthopedic and trauma surgery. Identifying potential error sources and quantifying their effect on the model dimensional accuracy are crucial for the applicability and reliability of such models. In this study, twenty radii were extracted from anatomic forearm specimens and subjected to osteotomy to simulate a defined fracture of the distal radius (Colles’ fracture). Various factors, including two different computed tomography (CT) technologies (energy-integrating detector (EID) and photon-counting detector (PCD)), four different CT scanners, two scan protocols (i.e., routine and high dosage), two different scan orientations, as well as two segmentation algorithms were considered to determine their effect on 3D model accuracy. Ground truth was established using 3D reconstructions of surface scans of the physical specimens. Results indicated that all investigated variables significantly impacted the 3D model accuracy (p < 0.001). However, the mean absolute deviation fell within the range of 0.03 ± 0.20 to 0.32 ± 0.23 mm, well below the 0.5 mm threshold necessary for pre-operative planning. Intra- and inter-operator variability demonstrated fair to excellent agreement for 3D model accuracy, with an intra-class correlation (ICC) of 0.43 to 0.92. This systematic investigation displayed dimensional deviations in the magnitude of sub-voxel imaging resolution for all variables. Major pitfalls included missed or overestimated bone regions during the segmentation process, necessitating additional manual editing of 3D models. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that 3D bone fracture models can be obtained with clinical routine scanners and scan protocols, utilizing a simple global segmentation threshold, thereby providing an accurate and reliable tool for pre-operative planning.

Protocol parameter extraction and centralization framework for comprehensive and in-depth CT protocol review and management.

CT protocol management is an arduous task that requires expertise from a variety of radiology professionals, including technologists, radiologists, radiology IT professionals, and medical physicists. Each CT vendor has unique, proprietary protocol file structures, some of which may vary by scanner model, making it difficult to develop a universal framework for distilling technical parameters to a human-readable file format. An ideal solution for CT protocol management is to minimize the work required for parameter extraction by introducing a data format into the workflow that is universal to all CT scanners. In this paper, we report a framework for CT protocol management that converts raw protocol files to an intermediary format before outputting them in a human-readable format for a variety of practical clinical applications, including routine protocol review, protocol version tracking, and cross-protocol comparisons. The framework was developed in Python 3. Technical parameters of interest were determined via collaborative effort between medical physicists and lead technologists. Protocol files were extracted and analyzed from a variety of scanners across our hospital-wide CT fleet, including various systems from Siemens and GE. Protocols were subcategorized based on relevant technical parameters into regular, dual-energy, and cardiac CT protocols. Backend code for technical parameter extraction from raw protocol files to a JavaScript Object Notation (JSON) format was performed on a per-system basis. Conversion from JSON to a readable output format (MS Excel) was performed identically for all scanners using the universal framework developed and presented in this work. Example results for Siemens and GE scanners are shown, including side-by-side comparisons for protocols with similar clinical indications. In conclusion, our CT protocol management framework may be deployed on any CT system to improve clinical efficiency in protocol review and upkeep.

The Effects of Selected Extraction Methods and Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents on the Recovery of Active Principles from Aralia elata var. mandshurica (Rupr. & Maxim.) J. Wen: A Non-Targeted Metabolomics Approach.

The methods and solvents employed in routine extraction protocols essentially impact the composition of the resulting extracts, i.e., the relative abundances of individual biologically active metabolites and the quality and stability of the isolates. Natural deep eutectic solvents (NADESs) represent a new class of environmentally friendly solvents, which are recognized as promising extractants alternative to conventional organic liquids. However, their relative efficiencies when applied in different extraction workflows are still poorly characterized. Therefore, here, we compare the potential of three extraction methods for the extraction of biologically active natural products from Aralia elata var. mandshurica with selected natural deep eutectic solvents (NADESs) using a non-targeted metabolomics approach. The non-targeted metabolite profiling relied on reversed-phase ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry (RP-UHPLC-HR-MS). The roots of A. elata were extracted by maceration, ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), and vibrocavitation-assisted extraction (VAE). Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed a clear separation of the extracts obtained with the three extraction methods employed with NADES1 (choline chloride/malic acid) and NADES2 (sorbitol/malic acid/water). Based on the results of the hierarchical clustering analysis obtained for the normalized relative abundances of individual metabolites and further statistical evaluation with the t-test, it could be concluded that NADES1 showed superior extraction efficiency for all the protocols addressed. Therefore, this NADES was selected to compare the efficiencies of the three extraction methods in more detail. PCA followed by the t-test yielded only 3 metabolites that were more efficiently extracted by maceration, whereas 46 compounds were more abundant in the extracts obtained by VAE. When VAE and UAE were compared, 108 metabolites appeared to be more abundant in the extracts obtained by VAE, whereas only 1 metabolite was more efficiently recovered by UAE. These facts clearly indicate the advantage of the VAE method over maceration and UAE. Seven of the twenty-seven metabolites tentatively identified by tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) were found in the roots of A. elata for the first time. Additional studies are necessary to understand the applicability of VAE for the extraction of other plant materials.

Acute effects of different Tai Chi practice protocols on cardiac autonomic modulation

Tai Chi serves as an effective exercise modality for enhancing autonomic regulation. However, a majority of existing studies have employed the single routine (SR) protocol as the basis for health interventions. The extent to which the gong routine application (GRA) protocol achieves similar levels of exercise load stimulation as traditional single practice routines remains uncertain. Therefore, this study the distinct characteristics of autonomic load stimulation in these different protocols, thus providing a biological foundation to support the development of Tai Chi health promotion intervention programs. we recruited a cohort of forty-five university students to participate in the 15 min GRA protocol and SR protocol. We collected heart rate and heart rate variability indicators during periods of rest, GRA protocol, and SR protocol utilizing the Polar Scale. Additionally, we assessed the mental state of the participants using the BFS State of Mind Scale. In summary, the autonomic load is lower in the GRA protocol compared to the SR protocol, with lower sympathetic activity but higher parasympathetic activity in the former. Results are specific to college students, additional research is necessary to extend support for frail older adults. It is advised to incorporate GRA protocol alongside SR protocol in Tai Chi instruction. This approach is likely to enhance Tai Chi skills and yield greater health benefits.

Comparison of diffusion MRI methods in the study of structural reorganization of the brain in the early post-stroke period

Current research in the field of neuroimaging is focused on the possibilities of using data from various diffusion MR models: diffusion tensor visualization (DTI), diffusion-curtosis visualization (DKI), diffusion-spectral visualization (DSI), generalized q-sample visualization (GQI), Q-ball visualization (QBI) in the assessment reorganization of the brain. The purpose of this study is to compare the results of dynamic observation of post–stroke brain reorganization by diffusion MR models (DTI, DKI). Material and methods. Dynamic MR examination of the brain of 129 patients was performed on a Ingenia 3.0 T (Philips, Netherlands) on 1–3 days, 7–10 days, 3–4 months after the manifestation of stroke according to a routine protocol (DWI-EPI, FLAIR-SPIR, T2-WI, T1W-TFE) with DTI method. The stroke was verified and DTI, GQI, and DKI maps were built. Results and discussion It was showed that the fractional anisotropy (FA) of DTI significantly changed from 1–3 days to 7–10 days in the stroke area; the mean, axial and radial diffusions increased in the affected area over the three studies. For DKI model – the curtosis FA significantly changed in the lesion area by 3–4 months; the mean curtosis decreased by the second observation in the stroke area, axial curtosis decreased in the same area throughout all studies; radial kurtosis significantly increased in the affected area throughout the study. The results confirm the world data and also indicate that diffusion metrics can interpret the neuroplasticity of the brain in various diseases, however, this requires further study. The applied diffusion models indicated the reorganization of the ischemic area and the intact contralateral area. The use of diffusion models for the dynamic assessment is a promising direction in the study of the neuroplasticity mechanisms.