bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Novel indices representing heterogeneous distributions of myocardial perfusion imaging
Authors: Chimura Misato , Ohtani Tomohito , Sera Fusako , Higuchi Rie , Kajitani Kenji , Nakajima Kenichi , Sakata Yasushi 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Introduction
Heterogeneous distribution in myocardial perfusion images (MPI) obtained by scintigraphy is often observed in cardiac diseases with normal myocardial perfusion. However, quantitative assessments of such heterogeneity have not been established. We hypothesized that the heterogeneity in MPI can be quantitatively evaluated through histogram analysis, calculating the standard deviation (SD), the 95% bandwidth (BW95%), and entropy.
Methods
We examined resting 99mTc-MIBI images in 20 healthy subjects and 29 patients with cardiac disease who had non or very-mild reduced myocardial perfusion evaluated as a low summed rest score (0 to 4, the range of the studied healthy subjects). Two nuclear medicine specialists blindly divided them into two groups: non-heterogeneity or heterogeneity group, based solely on their visual assessments of heterogeneity on splash and polar maps generated from single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) images. The %uptake was determined by dividing the tracer count of each pixel by the tracer count of the pixel with the highest value in the LV myocardium. SD, BW95%, and entropy from histogram patterns were analyzed from the polar map data array of each %uptake. We investigated whether heterogeneity could be assessed using SD, BW95, and entropy in two groups classified by visual assessments. Additionally, we evaluated the area under the curve (AUC) to identify heterogeneity in the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis.
Results
Based solely on visual assessments, 11 (22%) and 38 (78%) cases were classified into the non-heterogeneity and heterogeneity groups, respectively. The non-heterogeneity group consisted of only healthy subjects, and all patients with cardiac disease were classified into the heterogeneity group. The cases in the heterogeneity group had significantly higher values of heterogeneity indices (SD, BW95%, and entropy) in %uptake than those in the non-heterogeneity group (p < 0.05 for all). The AUCs of the heterogeneity indices were sufficiently high (AUCs > 0.90 for all) in distinguishing cases with visually heterogeneous distribution or patients with cardiac disease.
Conclusions
Heterogeneity in MPI can be evaluated using SD, BW95%, and entropy through histogram analysis. These novel indices may help to identify patients with subtle myocardial changes, even in images that show preserved perfusion. (345/350)
Malignant granular cell tumor of orbit: pathological features and literature review
Authors: Jun Yu , Xiao Guixiang , Wu Junhua , Yang Xiuping , Nie Xiu 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Orbital granular cell tumor is a rare tumor, and malignant granular cell tumor of the orbit is rarely reported.This paper reports a case of malignant granular cell tumor in the right eye of a 57-year-old man. The onset of the disease was right eye pain with subacute dry eye, and progressive right eye movement disorder, right eye deviation, and decreased visual acuity.The gross examination showed an unshaped nodule of 3.5cm×2cm×1cm. The section was gray and medium in quality.Microscopically, the boundary of the tumor was still clear, slightly nodular, with abundant cytoplasm, epithelioid in some areas, and spindle shaped tumor cells in some areas. The nuclei were enlarged with vesicular nuclei, prominent nucleoli, mitotic figures > 2/10 HPF, and tumor necrosis was seen locally .Immunohistochemical staining showed that tumor cells were positive for S100, SOX10, CD56, CD68, Calretinin, weakly positive for TFE-3, and H3K27Me3 and INI-1 were not absent.Other indicators MiTF, HMB45, MelanA, PCK were negative, and Ki67 proliferation index was 10% in the hot spot area.Orbital malignant granulosa cell tumor is very rare. Understanding its pathological features and correct diagnosis is very important for the treatment and prognosis evaluation of patients.
Rational Design of Aluminium-containing Zeolites with Typological Structure of HZSM-5 and Catalytic Properties
Authors: Domoroshchina Elena , Kuz’micheva Galina , Vasiliev Аlexander , Pavlov Ivan , Pirutko Larisa , Tkachenko Olga , Kustov Alexander 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
In this work, the analysis and generalization of data on the elemental, phase and surface composition, crystal structure and microstructure of MFI-type HZSM-5 with Si/Al = 12, 25, 40, 300 were presented. Relationships between HZSM-5 silicate modulus (Si/Al) and pore volume, specific surface, the area of framework voids were established. Data obtained by electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis explained the discrepancy between HZSM-5 real composition and the initial one. Samples with the maximum content of Brønsted (HZSM-5 with Si/Al = 25) and Lewis (HZSM-5 with Si/Al = 12) acid sites responsible for the catalytic activity were identified using diffuse reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. N2O decomposition reaction rate was found to decrease in the row HZSM-5(25) > HZSM-5(12) > HZSM-5(40) > HZSM-5(40)С>>HZSM-5(300). The high N2O decomposition rate demonstrated by HZSM-5(25) makes it promising catalyst. The second phase of iron oxides and the presence of faceted particles {001} oriented in HZSM-5(25) were shown to contribute to its maximum catalytic activity in N2O decomposition. The applied methodology for studying aluminosilicalites with different silicate modules and the revealed correlations can provide a fundamental perspective in studying other zeolites or modifying data.
99mTc-DTPA dynamic SPECT/CT renogram in adults. Feasibility and diagnostic benefit
Authors: Spiliotopoulou Maria , Papathanasiou Nikolaos , Łabieniec Łukasz , Papachristou Evangelos , Fokaefs Eleftherios , Spyridonidis Trifon , Fotopoulos Andreas , Apostolopoulos Dimitris J. 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Objective
To investigate the feasibility, quantitative parameters and potential advantages of dynamic SPECT/CT renogram with 99mTc-DTPA in adults.
Methods
Fifty-five (55) patients aged 19–80 y.o. most of them with obstructive uropathy were enrolled. The imaging protocol included: Day 1: a) Conventional 99mTc-DTPA planar renogram, followed by b) 99mTc-DMSA injection and static planar imaging 3 hrs post injection. Day 3: c) Dynamic SPECT/CT renogram post injection of 333–444 MBq of 99mTc-DTPA. This included an initial CT scan followed by 12 consecutive SPECT sessions acquired via continuous acquisition mode for a total of 24 minutes. CT-derived maps were used for attenuation compensation of SPECT data dSPECT(AC). Renal activity was measured in the total kidney volume by Regions of Interest (ROIs) drawn manually on consecutive transaxial CT slices of the 3rd SPECT, which were then copied on the whole 12-SPECT series. Corresponding time-activity curves were created. Renographic dSPECT(AC) parameters were compared to those of conventional renogram. The reference method for split renal function was 99mTc-DMSA (geometrical mean of anterior and posterior projection counts) and for Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) the 2-blood sample clearance method with Cr-51 EDTA.
Results
dSPECT(AC) images were of good quality. There was good correlation between renogram parameters (time to peak activity and NORA20) comparing the two techniques (Pearson’s r = 0.959 and 0.933, respectively). In 21 cases with > 30% absolute difference between the two kidneys, spilt renal function calculation by dSPECT(AC) correlated perfectly (r = 0.968) with the reference method, whereas planar renogram was less accurate (r = 0.843). Anatomic information provided by non-enhanced CT offered an integrated structural-functional view valuable for final diagnosis. dSPECT(AC) early kidney uptake as a fraction of injected dose correlated better with reference GFR (r = 0.789) than that estimated by the Gates’ method (r = 0.642).
Conclusions
99mTc-DTPA dynamic 3D renogram corrected for attenuation and fused with CT images is feasible with conventional gamma cameras incorporated into hybrid SPECT/CT systems. It allows accurate split renal function measurement, is enriched by useful anatomical information and can be used for closer approximation of GFR compared with Gates’ method.
18F-fluoro-ethyl-tyrosine PET co-registered with MRI in patients with persisting acromegaly
Authors: Bakker Leontine E.H. , Verstegen Marco J.T. , Manole Diandra C. , Lu Huangling , Decramer Thomas J.M. , Pelsma Iris C.M. , Kruit Mark C. , Verbist Berit M. , de Ven Annenienke van , Gurnell Mark , Ghariq Idris , Furth Wouter R. van , Biermasz Nienke R. , Arias-Bouda Lenka M. Pereira 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Purpose
To report our experience with 18F-fluoro-ethyl-tyrosine (FET) positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) co-registered with MRI (FET-PET/MRICR) in the care trajectory for complex acromegaly patients.
Methods
In 10 patients with insufficiently controlled acromegaly referred to our team to evaluate surgical options, FET-PET/MRICR was used to support decision-making if MRI alone and multidisciplinary team evaluation did not provide sufficient clarity to proceed to surgery.
Results
FET-PET/MRICR showed suspicious (para)sellar tracer uptake in all patients. In 5 patients FET-PET/MRICR was fully concordant with conventional MRI, and in 1 patient partially concordant. FET-PET/MRICR identified new suspicious foci in 4 other patients. Surgical re-exploration was performed in 9 patients (aimed at total resection (6), debulking (2), diagnosis (1)), and 1 patient underwent radiation therapy. In 7 of 9 (78%) operated patients FET-PET/MRICR findings were confirmed intraoperatively, and in 6 patients (67%) also histologically. IGF-1 decreased significantly in 8 patients (89%). All patients showed clinical improvement. Complete biochemical remission was achieved in 3 patients (50% of procedures in which total resection was anticipated feasible). Biochemistry improved in 5 and was unchanged in 1 patient. No permanent complications occurred. Outcome categorized by integrated outcome quadrants (IOQs) defined by preoperative intended effect versus permanent complications at 6 months was IOQ-1 (goal achieved without complications) in 6 (67%) and IOQ-3 (goal not achieved, no complications) in 3 patients.
Conclusion
In complex acromegaly cases FET-PET/MRICR can provide additional information to aid decision-making by the multidisciplinary pituitary team, especially when (further) surgery is being considered.
Virtual Colonoscopy: Clinical Advances and Practical Challenges
Authors: Demirci Mehmet Gürdal , Kesgin Yasir Musa 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background: Early detection of colorectal cancer (CRC) is significantly associated with reduced morbidity and mortality. Virtual colonoscopy (VC) is a minimally invasive, safe and well-tolerated alternative procedure to traditional colonoscopy. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the findings of VC particularly in supine and prone positions as well as to contribute to the practical challenges of procedure.
Methods:Total number of 20 patients who underwent VC were included in this retrospective study. After proper bowel cleansing was achieved, intestinal dilatation was performed by injecting air into the rectum. Two different shots were performed in the supine and prone positions. Additionally, intestinal diameters were measured from the cecum to the rectum at their widest point via 2-dimensional coronal reformat.
Results: Polyps were detected in 3 patients which were confirmed by optical colonoscopy. The mean cecum diameter was detected as the largest diameter in the supine and prone examinations. In both supine and prone examinations, the distal descending colon was the most challenging site. Additionally, the mean descending colon diameter calculated in the prone position (40.9±6.4 mm) was found to be statistically larger than descending colon diameter calculated in the supine position (36.1±5.3 mm) (p=0.001).
Conclusions: Our findings clearly demonstrated that combination of prone and supine scanning provides clear field of vision on narrow parts of the colon which improves accurate estimation for polyp detection. Furthermore, VC appears to be more comfortable, safe, fast, and cost-efffective procedure for CRC screening with advantages of low radiation exposure, extracolonic findings and lack of sedation requirements.
Design of a Model for empowerment Service Management For People With Disability Under the Welfare Organization of Iran
Authors: Ebrahim Zahra , Riahi Leila , Hajinabi Kamran , Nazarimanesh Leila 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
The aim of this research is to identify the main dimensions of the empowerment services management for individuals with disabilities and then introduce them to the healthcare policymakers of the country.
Methods
This descriptive-correlational study was designed in Iran in 2023. The participants in this research were managers of the Welfare Organization in Iran. The dimensions influencing the empowerment services management were systematically identified in selected countries using a researcher-optimized questionnaire and confirmed through factor analysis. The data adequacy was examined using Bartlett's test and Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin test. The reliability of the test was confirmed using Cronbach's alpha coefficient and a combined reliability coefficient. The validity of the test was confirmed using the extracted mean and variance.
Results
In the confirmatory factor analysis, the impact coefficient of planning with a standard coefficient of 0.783, financial resources with a standard coefficient of 0.4830, resource production with a standard coefficient of 0.817, employment with a standard coefficient of 0.7817, coordination with a standard coefficient of 0.800, and control with a standard coefficient of 0.839 were identified as effective factors in the model of empowerment services management for individuals with disabilities under the coverage of the Welfare Organization of Iran.
Conclusion
Six effective dimensions, including planning, resource production, financial resources, employment, coordination, and control were identified. Therefore, policymakers and planners should pay attention to the six identified dimensions in this study to facilitate the improvement of empowerment services for individuals with disabilities.
The utilization of decision trees on orthopantomographic and lateral panoramic graphs for the diagnosis of unilateral anterior disc displacement of the temporomandibular joint
Authors: NARALAN Muhammed Enes , ÇAKIR Binali , ORHAN Kaan 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
Investigation is to utilize decision trees in conjunction with orthopantomography (OPT) and lateral panoramic graphy (LPG) to diagnose unilateral anterior disc displacement (ADD) of the temporomandibular joint.
Methods
Using MRI, OPT, and LPG imaging methods, 2 angles, and 3 linear measurements were made: antero-posterior angle (APA), superior-inferior angle (SIA), anterior joint space (AS) distance, superior joint space (SS) distance, and posterior joint (PS) space distance. The difference from each measurement was calculated to evaluate the obtained measurement data within each patient.
Results
In ADD patients, it was statistically significantly found that the APA increased while the SIA decreased for angle measurements. But for linear measurements, AS increased while the SS and PS decreased in MRI, OPT, and LPG
Conclusion
ADD can be diagnosed in OPT and LPG. The identification of the specific type of ADD that occurs in the temporomandibular joint is not feasible.
Neoadjuvant Arterial Infusion Chemotherapy Combined With Immunotherapy in Treating Locally Advanced Lower Esophageal /Esophagogastric Junction Cancer
Authors: Yang Qingjie , Lv Shenghua , Li Qingtian , Lan Linhui , Sun Xiaoyan , Feng Xinhai , Han Kaibao 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background: To retrospectively analyze the safety and efficacy of neoadjuvant arterial infusion chemotherapy combined with immunotherapy (neo-AICIT) in treating locally advanced lower esophageal cancer/esophagogastric junction cancers.
Methods: The data of patients who received neoadjuvant arterial infusion chemotherapy (docetaxel + cisplatin) combined with immunotherapy (tislelizumab) for locally advanced lower esophageal cancer or esophagogastric junction cancers from October 2021 to June 2022 were collected. The indicators of these patients, such as the clinical staging of tumors, complications of the interventional operation, treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs), the effect of neoadjuvant therapy, operative complications, tumor regression grade (TRG), progression free survival (PFS) and follow-up time, were recorded.
Results: A total of 7 patients received a complete neoadjuvant regimen, sequential surgery and postoperative maintenance immunotherapy. The median age was 68. All patients suffered from squamous cell carcinoma; 5 of them had lower esophageal cancer and 2 had esophagogastric junction cancer. The clinical staging in all patients was cT3N0-2M0G1-3. Except for low fever in 1 patient, no other complications of interventional operation occurred. The incidence of grade 1 treatment-related adverse events during the adjuvant therapy was 57.1% (4/7). The postoperative pathology showed that 4 (57.1%, 4/7) patients had pathological complete response (pCR) with a TRG of 3; and 3 (42.9%, 3/7) patients had major pathological remission (MPR) with a TRGof 2. The objective response rate (ORR) was 100%. The median follow-up time was 19 months. Mediastinal group 4 lymph node metastasis was found in 1 patient 18 months after the operation. Tumor recurrence or metastasis was not found in other patients.
Conclusion: neo-AICIT has good safety and efficacy in treating locally advanced lower esophageal cancer/esophagogastric junction cancers and may be a promising neoadjuvant therapy.
Development of a Novel Elastomer with unique properties: Fire and Radiation resistance
Authors: Mohamed Tarek mansour , Mahmoud Ghada A. 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
This study aims to create a novel, distinct form of elastomer with superior ability to resist fire, high resistance to radiation, and resistance to environmental conditions such as temperature and solvents. This type of natural-based elastomer was prepared using carboxymethyl cellulose CMC, polyacrylic acid PAA, crosslinked with tannic acid TA. Most techniques in elastomermanu facture technologies are unfriendly and participate in increasing carbon emissions. Gamma radiation was used as a clean tool for copolymerization and crosslinking the elastomer. The irradiation dose of 5 kGy with a rate of 3.32 kGy/h was enough to produce CMC/PAA/TAelastomer. The properties of the produced elastomer were investigated by Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), and Limiting oxygen index (LOI). CMC/PAA/TA has high resistance to solvents such as acetone, benzene, HCl, and HNO3. The tensile strength is 3.376 MPa, the elongation percent is 501.689%, and the LOI value is 30%. The produced elastomer possessed excellent gamma radiation resistance. The elastomer was exposed later to 1864 kGy of gamma radiation without showing degradation and retained its properties, as confirmed by FTIR, TGA, and mechanical properties. After investigation, it can be inferred that the produced CMC/PAA/TA elastomer exhibited outstanding properties.
A fresh look at oral chemolysis for non symptomatic kidney stones. Potassium citrate and Allopurinol combination. A Prospective Comparative Analysis
Authors: Coşkun Alper , CAN Utku , ÇANAKÇI Cengiz , ERYILDIRIM Bilal 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
PURPOSE: To compare the results of oral chemolysis of nonopaque and semi-opaque kidney stones using potassium citrate (PS) and allopurinol + potassium citrate (ALPS) prospectively without advanced metabolic analysis. MATERIAL and
METHODS: Between 2020 and 2022, 47 patients aged 19-60 years with non-obstructive, semi-opaque, and nonopaque kidney stones of 8-13 mm in size detected by non-contrast tomography were prospectively investigated, and oral chemolysis (potassium citrate 10 mEq 2x2, allopurinol 10 mEq 2x2) was initiated. Patients were divided into two groups: potassium citrate (PS) and allopurinol + potassium citrate (ALPS), according to the treatment to be received. The essential characteristics of the groups, monthly laboratory values throughout the process, and the stone size measured by non-contrast tomography at the initial presentation and the control visit were recorded and compared.
RESULTS: The most common stone localization was in the inferior calyx. There were no statistically significant differences between the groups regarding age, gender, size, location, or stone side The mean stone size was 11.01±2.27 mm in the PS group and 11.1±2.03 mm in the ALPSS group before treatment. After treatment, a significant change was observed in these values in both groups; however, there was no statistical difference between the groups. (p: <0.001), (p: 0.115) There was a meaningful range in the mean urine pH of all patients after treatment. (p: <0.001), Urea (BUN), creatinine, and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) values did not change significantly in either group.
CONCLUSION: Potassium citrate-based urinary alkalisation can be started for nonopaque and semi-opaque kidney stones without metabolic analysis if the urine pH is appropriate. Allopurinol, in combination with potassium citrate, has no therapeutic advantage.
Infectious complications in pediatric patients undergoing CD19+CD22+ chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy for relapsed/refractory B-lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Wu Xiaochen , Cao Zhanmeng , Chen Zihan , Wang Yi , He Hailong , Xiao Peifang , Hu Shaoyan , Li Benshang , Lu Jun 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Chimeric antigen receptor T cell (CAR-T) therapy is effective in the treatment of relapsed/refractory acute B-lymphoblastic leukemia (R/R B-ALL); however, patients who receive CAR-T therapy are predisposed to infections, with considerable detrimental effects on long-term survival rates and the quality of life of patients. This study retrospectively analyzed infectious complications in 79 pediatric patients with R/R B-ALL treated with CAR-T cells at our institution. Overall, 53 patients developed 97 infections. Ten patients experienced 11 infections during lymphodepletion chemotherapy, 34 experienced 46 infections during the early phase (days 0 to + 30 after infusion), and 29 experienced 40 infections during the late phase (day + 31 to + 90 after infusion). Pathogens were identified in 31 infections, including 23 bacteria, seven viruses, and one fungus. Four patients were admitted to the intensive care unit for infection and one died. The following factors were associated with infection: pre-infusion tumor load, intensity of lymphodepleting chemotherapy, lymphocyte count before infusion, duration of neutrophil deficiency and lymphocyte reduction after infusion, cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome grades, use of interleukin-6 receptor antagonists and glucocorticoids, intensive care unit admission, and peak value of regulatory T cell proportion within one week after infusion (all P < 0.05). CRS ≥ grade 3 was identified as a risk factor for infection (hazard ratio = 2.41, 95% confidence interval: 1.08–5.36, P = 0.031). Therefore, actively reducing the CRS grade may decrease the risk of infection and improve the long-term quality of life of these patients.