Correlation between Gene polymorphism levels of serum matrix metalloproteinases with cavitary features and pulmonary fibrosis of the Patient tuberculosis multi-drug resistance using high-resolution computerized tomography of the Thorax.

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are proteins that play a role in the inflammatory and remodeling processes caused by infections, including pulmonary tuberculosis (TB), especially multidrug resistance. This study aims to investigate the relationship between variations in MMP-1 and MMP-9 blood levels, cavity features such as number, diameter, and wall thickness, and the location of fibrosis in multidrug-resistant (MDR) and drug-sensitive (DS) tuberculosis patients. This study used a comparative cross-sectional study design. The subjects, who were outpatients at Abdoel Moelok Hospital, Lampung, Indonesia, had passed the ethical test. We divided the subjects into two groups: 34 in the MDR-TB group and 36 in the DS-TB group. An ELISA test determined the levels of MMP-1 and MMP-9, while the PCR-sequencing method determined the genotypes of MMP-1 and MMP-9. Additionally, we measured cavities and fibrosis using thoracic high-resolution computerized tomography (HRCT) imaging. In MDR-TB patients, there was a significant difference in the number of cavities larger than 6.6 mm in diameter, as well as cavity thickness, compared to DS-TB patients. The distribution of fibrosis in lung segments was also significantly different in MDR-TB compared to DS-TB. Although MMP-9 levels in the MDR-TB group were higher than in the DS-TB group, there was no statistically significant difference. Based on HRCT measurements, this study found a link between MDR-TB and DS-TB in terms of the number of cavities, the diameter of the cavities, the thickness of the cavity walls, and the location of fibrosis in the affected lung segments. There was no link between the MMP-1 (-1607G) and MMP-9 (C1562T) genotypes and the levels of MMP-1 and MMP-9 in the blood. The MMP-1 genotype in the two study groups was very different and was linked to twice as many cases of MDR-TB. In addition, there was a substantial difference in cavity wall thickness between the G/G MMP-1 1607 genotype and the T/T MMP-9 genotype in the two study groups.

Placental Protein 13 and Syncytiotrophoblast Basement Membrane Ultrastructures in Preeclampsia.

Background and Objectives: Preeclampsia has been linked to an inflammatory response that may be brought on by endothelial cell dysfunction. This paper investigates the pathomechanism of syncytiotrophoblast basement membrane (STBM) damage and Placental Protein 13 (PP13) release, which may have a role in systemic endothelial dysfunction in preeclampsia. Materials and Methods: This comparative cross-sectional study involves 54 preeclampsia patients (27 early-onset preeclampsia and 27 late-onset preeclampsia) and 27 pregnant women with normal blood pressure. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was performed to evaluate maternal blood levels of PP13. Following birth, a portion of the placenta was collected for transmission electron microscope (TEM) and immunohistochemical (IHC) analysis. The data were analyzed using STATA version 15. Results: PP13 expression in the placental syncytiotrophoblast was significantly lower in the early-onset preeclampsia, compared to late-onset preeclampsia and normotensive pregnancy, group (p < 0.001). In contrast, serum PP13 levels were found to be the highest in the early-onset preeclampsia group, although no significant difference were found in mean maternal serum levels of PP13 between the three groups. The decreased PP13 expression in placental syncytiotrophoblast can be attributed to the greater extent of damage in the STBM in early-onset preeclampsia that leads to the release of a larger amount of PP13 into maternal circulation. The hypothesis aligns with the TEM analysis results. Preeclamptic pregnancies showed placental syncytiotrophoblast aponeurosis, whereas normotensive pregnancies did not. Placental lesions and STBM shedding were found to be more pronounced in early-onset preeclampsia compared to late-onset preeclampsia. Conclusions: PP13 and STBM damage may play a role in systemic endothelial dysfunction in preeclampsia.

Risk of dysphagia in a population of infants born preterm: characteristic risk factors in a tertiary NICU

Abstract Objective: To examine the prevalence and characteristics of dysphagia and suck-swallow-breath incoordination as phenotypes of oral feeding difficulties. Method: A cross-sectional study with secondary data collected consecutively over 2 years from October 2020 to October 2022 to measure the prevalence of swallowing and oral feeding difficulty in preterm infants using Flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallowing examination at the tertiary Integrated Dysphagia Clinic. Results: The prevalence of swallowing disorders was 25 % and the prevalence of suck-swallow-breath incoordination was 62.5 %. The significant risk factor that may show a possible correlation with oral feeding difficulty was mature post-menstrual age (p = 0.006) and longer length of stay (p = 0.004). The dominant percentage of upper airway abnormality and disorder were retropalatal collapse (40 %), laryngomalacia (42.5 %), paradoxical vocal cord movement (12.5 %), and gastroesophageal reflux disease (60 %). The dominant characteristic of oral motor examination and flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallowing examination was inadequate non-nutritive sucking (45 %), inadequate postural tone (35 %), and inadequate nutritive sucking (65 %). Conclusion: Dysphagia in preterm infants is mostly observed in those with mature post-menstrual age, longer length of stay, and the presence of gastroesophageal reflux disease with inadequate non-nutritive sucking and nutritive sucking abilities. Suck-swallow-breath incoordination is primarily observed in those with immature post-menstrual age, a higher prevalence of cardiopulmonary comorbidity, and a higher prevalence of upper airway pathologies (laryngomalacia, paradoxical vocal cord movement) with inadequate nutritive sucking ability.

Analyze, design, develop, implement, and evaluate approach to develop a pelvic floor muscle training guidebook to treat stress urinary incontinence in women.

OBJECTIVE: Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is a common problem that affects the quality of life of women worldwide. Pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) is an effective conservative first-line treatment for SUI. However, low compliance with PFMT is one of the main reasons for therapeutic failure. Indirect supervision using a guidebook may improve PFMT outcomes. To develop a PFMT guidebook using the analyze, design, development, implementation, and evaluation (ADDIE) method. METHODS: A guidebook was developed from July 2020 to April 2021 using the ADDIE method. This prospective study used mixed methods, namely qualitative analysis, focus group discussions, and in-depth interviews, and involved various experts from urogynecology, urology, medical rehabilitation, and physiotherapy departments. A pilot study was conducted on patients with SUI to evaluate the effectiveness of the guidebook. RESULTS: The ADDIE method was successfully implemented to develop the PFMT guidebook. The formative evaluation of the ADDIE steps mainly focused on the PFMT technique, content clarity, illustration, design, and color choice of the book. After the pilot study, the guidebook significantly improved Incontinence Impact Questionnaire, Short Form, 1-hour pad test, and perineometer scores. However, the pilot study showed no significant improvement in Urogenital Distress Inventory, Short Form scores. CONCLUSION: The PFMT guidebook developed using the ADDIE method improved outcomes in patients with SUI.

The relationship between high ratios of CD4/FOXP3 and CD8/CD163 and the improved survivability of metastatic triple-negative breast cancer patients: a multicenter cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) has been documented as the most aggressive subtype of breast cancer. This study aimed to analyze antitumor and protumor immune activities, and their ratios as significant prognostic biomarkers in metastatic TNBC (mTNBC). METHODS: A multicenter cohort study was conducted among 103 de novo mTNBC patients. The expression of CD8 and CD163 was evaluated using immunohistochemistry staining, CD4 and FOXP3 using double-staining immunohistochemistry, and PD-L1 using immunohistochemistry and RT-PCR. RESULTS: Multivariate analysis revealed that high CD4/FOXP3 (HR 1.857; 95% CI 1.049-3.288; p = 0.034) and the CD8/CD163 ratio (HR 2.089; 95% CI 1.174-3.717; p = 0.012) yield significantly improved 1 year overall survival (OS). Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that high levels of CD4 (p = 0.023), CD8 (p = 0.043), CD4/FOXP3 (p = 0.016), CD8/FOXP3 (p = 0.005), CD8/CD163 (p = 0.005) ratios were significantly associated with higher rate of 1 year OS. Furthermore, 1 year OS was directly correlated with antitumor CD4 (R = 0.233; p = 0.018) and CD8 (R = 0.219; p = 0.026) and was indirectly correlated with protumor CD163 and FOXP3 through CD4/FOXP3 (R = 0.282; p = 0.006), CD4/CD163 (R = 0.239; p = 0.015), CD8/FOXP3 (R = 0.260; p = 0.008), and CD8/CD163 (R = 0.258; p = 0.009). CONCLUSION: This is the first study to demonstrate that high levels of CD4/FOXP3 and CD8/CD163 significantly improved the 1 year OS in de novo mTNBC patients. Thus, we recommend the application of these markers as prognosis determination and individual treatment decision.

Risk of dysphagia in a population of infants born pre-term: characteristic risk factors in a tertiary NICU.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the prevalence and characteristics of dysphagia and suck-swallow-breath incoordination as phenotypes of oral feeding difficulties. METHOD: A cross-sectional study with secondary data collected consecutively over 2 years from October 2020 to October 2022 to measure the prevalence of swallowing and oral feeding difficulty in preterm infants using Flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallowing examination at the tertiary Integrated Dysphagia Clinic. RESULTS: The prevalence of swallowing disorders was 25 % and the prevalence of suck-swallow-breath incoordination was 62.5 %. The significant risk factor that may show a possible correlation with oral feeding difficulty was mature post-menstrual age (p = 0.006) and longer length of stay (p = 0.004). The dominant percentage of upper airway abnormality and disorder were retropalatal collapse (40 %), laryngomalacia (42.5 %), paradoxical vocal cord movement (12.5 %), and gastroesophageal reflux disease (60 %). The dominant characteristic of oral motor examination and flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallowing examination was inadequate non-nutritive sucking (45 %), inadequate postural tone (35 %), and inadequate nutritive sucking (65 %). CONCLUSION: Dysphagia in preterm infants is mostly observed in those with mature post-menstrual age, longer length of stay, and the presence of gastroesophageal reflux disease with inadequate non-nutritive sucking and nutritive sucking abilities. Suck-swallow-breath incoordination is primarily observed in those with immature post-menstrual age, a higher prevalence of cardiopulmonary comorbidity, and a higher prevalence of upper airway pathologies (laryngomalacia, paradoxical vocal cord movement) with inadequate nutritive sucking ability.

Risk factors of prolonged diarrhea in children under 2 years old.

BACKGROUND: Prolonged diarrhea, defined as diarrhea lasting longer than 7 days, is known to negatively impact children's growth and development. However, studies of the risk factors of prolonged diarrhea remain limited. PURPOSE: This study aimed to analyze the risk factors for prolonged diarrhea in children under 2 years of age with acute diarrhea. METHODS: This 1-year nested case-control study was conducted at Fatmawati General Hospital in 2021-2022. Participants were selected using a consecutive sampling method from among children under 2 years of age with acute diarrhea within the previous 2-4 days. Children with diarrhea that lasted 7 days were considered positive for prolonged diarrhea, whereas those with acute diarrhea were considered negative. Children with comorbidities such as malnutrition were excluded. Clinical information including age, breastfeeding history, antibiotic exposure history, and nutritional status was recorded. Complete blood count, blood zinc levels, Rotavirus, adenovirus, and norovirus serology, alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) levels, and stool analysis were acquired as laboratory data. RESULTS: There were 62 subjects in the study and control groups. Overall, the median age was 12 months (6-24 months); most patients were boys. A history of antibiotic use (odds ratio [OR], 15.860; 95% confidence interval [CI], 5.286-47.591; P<0.001), zinc deficiency (OR, 4.758; 95% CI, 1.711-13.229; P=0.003), and elevated fecal AAT levels (OR, 2.677; 95% CI, 1.046-6.850; P=0.040) were the main risk factors for prolonged diarrhea in children under 2 years of age with acute diarrhea. CONCLUSION: A history of antibiotic use, zinc deficiency, and elevated fecal AAT levels were the main risk factors for prolonged diarrhea in children under 2 years of age with acute diarrhea. Thorough testing and appropriate antibiotic use are required to prevent prolonged diarrhea in children under 2 years of age.

Diagnostic accuracy of diffusion weighted imaging compared to magnetic resonance spectroscopy in differentiation of benign and malignant breast lesions: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the sensitivity and specificity of diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) and magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) in the differentiation of benign and malignant breast lesions. METHODS: Scopus, PubMed, and other registries were searched up to April 2023. We included diagnostic studies with DWI and MRS as index tests and histopathologic examination as the reference standard for differentiating benign and malignant breast lesions in adult females. We excluded studies involving healthy women, only breast cancer patients, and non-comparative diagnostic accuracy studies on either index test. The sensitivity and specificity of DWI and MRS were investigated and pooled using random-effect bivariate meta-analysis. Risk of bias was assessed using QUADAS-2. Evidence quality was summarized using GRADE. RESULTS: Eight eligible studies involving 632 females and 687 breast lesions were identified. The pooled sensitivity and specificity of DWI were 92% (CI 85-96%) and 88% (CI 75-94%), respectively. The pooled sensitivity and specificity of MRS were 85% (CI 66-94%) and 85% (CI 77-91%), respectively. No significant difference was noted in the sensitivity (7%, CI -8-22%) and specificity (3%, CI -9-14%) between DWI and MRS. CONCLUSIONS: In low to moderate quality evidence, DWI and MRS show comparable sensitivity and specificity in differentiating benign and malignant breast lesions.

Deeper look into feedback practice in an Indonesian context: exploration of factors in undergraduate clinical settings.

PURPOSE: The practice of feedback is influenced by the characteristics of students, teachers, and the clinical environment. Most studies on feedback have been conducted in Western settings with different sociocultural backgrounds to Indonesia. This study explores feedback in Indonesian clinical clerkship using a sociocultural lens and aims to provide an exemplar of adaptive practice relevant to non-Western settings. METHODS: This qualitative study was conducted using an interpretive phenomenology approach. Data were collected through focus groups with students and teachers and interviews with program coordinators. Data were transcribed verbatim and grouped according to data sources, coded, and analyzed thematically. RESULTS: Themes identified from the focus group discussions and interviews were categorized as student, teacher, and environmental factors. Student factors include dependence on feedback, tendencies to use a group approach, difficulties recognizing social rules, a perceived lack of resilience, and tendencies to doubt praise. Factors related to teachers include a high level of expertise, being extremely busy, having a strong commitment, and being unsure of students' acceptance of feedback. Clinical environment factors influence interactions between teachers and learners and include high power distance and collectivistic values. A safe environment is needed to ensure effective feedback interactions. CONCLUSION: High power distance, collectivism, and generational characteristics of students likely impact feedback practice in clinical settings. Designing a safe environment is essential for effective feedback practice.

Screening of Major Depression Disorder in Patients With Epilepsy in Indonesian National Referral Hospital.

Background and Objectives: Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a common psychiatric disorder in patients with epilepsy (PWE). The Neurological Disorders Depression Inventory for Epilepsy (NDDI-E) is one of the MDD screening tools used in PWE. This study aims to determine the accuracy of the valid and reliable NDDI-E Indonesian version as an MDD screening tool in PWE and investigate the prevalence and risk factors for the development of MDD in PWE. Methods: A diagnostic cross-sectional study was conducted at Cipto Mangunkusumo National Referral Hospital, Indonesia. Patients were PWE aged 18 years or older who visited the epilepsy outpatient clinic. The valid and reliable NDDI-E Indonesian version and Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) International Classification of Disease, 10th Revision (ICD-10) were used to diagnose MDD. In phase II of the study, diagnostic accuracy was evaluated using the receiver operative characteristic (ROC) curve method to obtain the area under the curve (AUC) and diagnostic 2 x 2 table to determine the cutoff point, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV). During phase III of the study, eligible individuals were screened for MDD using the NDDI-E Indonesian version. Demographic and clinical data were collected. Data analysis was performed using the χ2 test, Mann-Whitney test, and multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results: A total of 105 individuals were involved, and only 23 of them were found to experience MDD based on MINI ICD-10. The best cutoff point for the NDDI-E Indonesian version was ≥11, with a sensitivity of 91.3%, specificity 89%, PPV 70%, and NPV 97.3%. The AUC obtained from ROC analysis was 97.5% (95% CI 95-99%, p < 0.001). Then, the survey was completed by 79 individuals, predominantly male, mostly within the age range of 26-45 years. The prevalence of MDD in PWE was 50.6%, and the significant risk factors were seizure frequency ≥8 times a year and the presence of chronic diseases (p < 0.001). Discussion: The NDDI-E Indonesian version was a screening tool with a high diagnostic accuracy to detect MDD in PWE at a cutoff point of 11. Poor seizure control and the presence of other chronic diseases were the risk factors correlated with MDD development in PWE.

The association of apolipoprotein in the risk of ST-elevation myocardial infarction in patients with documented coronary artery disease.

Introduction: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the number one cause of death worldwide, in this case, acute coronary syndrome (ACS) or acute myocardial infarction (AMI) that developed from coronary artery disease (CAD). Several risk factors contribute to AMI. Non-modifiable risk factors are age, sex, race, and family history. Modifiable risk factors include dyslipidemia, hypertension, smoking, diabetes mellitus, as well as recent factors that are considered more specific such as homocysteine, lipoprotein a [Lp(a)], high sensitivity C- reactive protein (hs-CRP), and apolipoprotein. This study aimed to determine the role of apolipoprotein as a risk factor for STEMI. Methods: This study combines three epidemiological designs: a descriptive and cross-sectional correlative study with 62 STEMI patients at the National Cardiovascular Center Harapan Kita and a comparative study of 62 STEMI patients and 20 non-ACS CAD patients at the Universitas Indonesia Hospital. Results and conclusion: The descriptive study showed the level of apoB 80.71 ± 28.3, apoA1 104.93 ± 27.8, apoB/apoA1 ratio 0.78 ± 0.22, and Lp(a) 6.85 (1.0-48.1). ApoB moderately correlates with LDLc (p < 0.001; r = 0.571). ApoA1 weakly correlates with HDLc (p = 0.005; r = 0.379). In comparative study, there were significant differences between the STEMI and non-ACS CAD groups on apoA1 (104.93 ± 27.8 vs. 137.48 ± 26.46), apoB/apoA1 ratio (0.78 ± 0.22 vs. 0.59 ± 0.15), and hs-CRP (2.88 [0.4-215] vs. 0.73 [0.15-8.9]). Multivariate analysis showed that the most significant risk factors for STEMI in this study were hypertension for modifiable factors and apoA1 for apolipoprotein. The apoA1 and apoB/apoA1 ratio examination can be suggested for people who have experienced plaque formation and are at risk for myocardial infarction.

Effect of Roselle Flower Extract (Hibiscus sabdariffa Linn.) on Reducing Steatosis and Steatohepatitis in Vitamin B12 Deficiency Rat Model.

Background and Objectives: Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) can occur as a result of micronutrient deficiencies. Hibiscus sabdarifa, a plant used in traditional medicine, contains ingredients that can help prevent this process. This study looked at the potency of Hibiscus sabdariffa Ethanol Extract (HSE) to prevent homocysteine-induced liver damage in animals that were deficient in vitamin B12. Materials and Methods: A comparative study of the effects of roselle extract is presented in an experimental design. Thirty Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into six groups using randomization. To demonstrate the absence of liver damage in the experimental animals under normal conditions, a control group was fed a normal diet without HSE. For the induction of liver damage in the experimental animals, the vitamin B12-restricted group was administered a vitamin B12-restricted diet. To test the effect of HSE on liver damage, the treatment group was given HSE along with a vitamin B12-restricted diet. Each group was given two treatment periods of eight and sixteen weeks. These results were compared with the results of the parameter examination between the vitamin B12 restriction group, with and without HSE, using an ANOVA statistic. The data were analyzed with licensed SPSS 20.0 software. Results: HSE significantly increased the blood levels of vitamin B12 while lowering homocysteine levels. The administration of HSE reduced liver damage based on the activity of liver function enzymes in the plasma due to a limitation of vitamin B12. HSE decreased Sterol Regulatory Element-Binding Protein-1c (SREBP1c) and Nuclear Factor Kappa B (NFkB) protein expressions in the liver tissue, but did not decrease Glucose-Regulated Protein 78 (GRP78) protein expression. Significantly, the levels of Tumor Necrosis Factor alpha (TNF-a) and IL-6 in the liver tissue were lower, while the levels of IL-10 and Nuclear factor-erythroid-2 Related Factor 2 (NRF2) were higher with HSE administration. HSE produced a better histopathological profile of the Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E)-Masson tricrome for inflammation, fat and fibrosis in the liver. Conclusions: In this study, HSE was found to slow the development of liver damage in experimental animals that were given a vitamin B12-deficient diet.

Simple anthropometric measures to predict visceral adipose tissue area in middle-aged Indonesian men.

The diagnosing of central obesity requires ethnic-specific cut-offs of waist circumference (WC) and body mass index (BMI). This study aims to develop formulas to predict visceral adipose tissue (VAT) area based on WC and BMI to determine the cut-off points of central obesity in Indonesia. We conducted a cross-sectional study among 32 middle-aged Indonesian men. VAT area was measured using an abdominal CT scan, whereas WC and BMI were assessed through anthropometric measurements. Linear regression analysis was performed to define the formulas to predict VAT area using WC and BMI. Next, the optimal cut-off values of WC and BMI were determined using ROC curve analysis. Strong positive correlations were found between WC and VAT as well as BMI and VAT (r = 0.78; r = 0.67, p <0.001). The formula to predict VAT area from WC was -182.65 + (3.35 × WC), whereas the formula to predict VAT area from BMI was -57.22 + (6.95 × BMI). These formulas predicted WC of 88.5 cm and BMI of 23.9 kg/m2 as the optimal cut-off values for central obesity in middle-aged Indonesian men.

The Association of Immune Cell Infiltration with Metastasis Location in De Novo Metastatic Triple Negative Breast Cancer: A Multicenter Cross-Sectional Study in Indonesia.

BACKGROUND: Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive cancer subtype, with limited treatments and a high metastasis risk. The varying location of metastasis in TNBC patients often leads to in prognosis in breast cancer. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the potential association between immune cells profiles in the tumor microenvironment and metastatic patterns. METHODS: We conducted a multicenter cross-sectional study in 2022 to examine formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) and medical record data from 2015 to 2020 in de novo metastatic TNBC patients. The medical records provided crucial information about the sites of metastasis. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) analysis was carried out on primary breast tumor tissues to evaluate the expressions of cluster of differentiation (CD)4 T-cells, CD8 T-cells, CD163, FOXP3 Tregs, and programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1), along with immune cells ratios showing antitumor-to-protumor activity (CD4/FOXP3, CD8/FOXP3, CD4/CD163, CD8/CD163). Metastatic locations were grouped into bone-only, visceral, lung, liver, and brain metastasis.  Results: A total of 120 metastatic TNBC patients were documented for their metastatic location and IHC report. The clinical and histopathological characteristics showed that the majority of the patients were within the 40-65 years old group, and 34.2% had standard body mass index (BMI). Furthermore, the majority (89.22%) of the patients showed No Special Type (NST), (56.7%) had histopathology grade III, high Ki-67 ≥20% (85.8%), and positive PD-L1 expression (30.8%), with visceral metastasis indicating the highest proportion of 75.8%. Patients with a high CD8/FOXP3 and CD4/FOXP3 ratio were significantly prone to have bone-only metastasis compared to visceral metastasis (p= 0.028 and p=0.024, respectively).  Conclusion: The ratio of antitumor to protumor T-lymphocytes had a significant relevance in the metastatic location patterns in TNBC.

Dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging parameter changes as an early biomarker of tumor responses following radiation therapy in patients with spinal metastases: a systematic review.

PURPOSE: This systematic review aims to assess and summarize the clinical values of dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) parameter changes as early biomarkers of tumor responses following radiation therapy (RT) in patients with spinal metastases. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic search was conducted on five electronic databases: PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct, Cochrane, and Embase. Studies were included if they mentioned DCE-MRI parameter changes before and after RT in patients with spinal metastases with a correlation to tumor responses based on clinical and imaging criteria. The Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies 2 was used to assess study quality. RESULTS: This systematic review included seven studies involving 107 patients. All seven studies evaluated the transfer constant (Ktrans), six studies evaluated the plasma volume fraction (Vp), three studies evaluated the extravascular extracellular space volume fraction, and two studies evaluated the rate constant. There were variations in the type of primary cancer, RT techniques used, post-treatment scan time, and median follow-up time. Despite the variations, however, the collected evidence generally suggested that significant differences could be detected in DCE-MRI parameters between before and after RT, which might reflect treatment success or failures in long-term follow-up. Responders showed higher reduction and lower values of Ktrans and Vp after RT. DCE-MRI parameters showed changes and detectable recurrences significantly earlier (up to 6 months) than conventional MRI with favorable diagnostic values. CONCLUSION: The results of this systematic review suggested that DCE-MRI parameter changes in patients with spinal metastases could be a promising tool for treatment-response assessment following RT. Lower values and higher reduction of Ktrans and Vp after treatment demonstrated good prediction of local control. Compared to conventional MRI, DCE-MRI showed more rapid changes and earlier prediction of treatment failure.

Mesh-Tissue Integration of Platelet-Rich Plasma-Decellularized Amnion Scaffold-Polypropylene Mesh Sandwiches Implanted in the Vesicovaginal Spaces of Hypoestrogenic Rabbit Models: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Mesh-augmented surgery with polypropylene meshes (PPMs) is often used in urogynecology and pelvic reconstructive surgery. However, the various complications that arise from its integration process have resulted in a decrease in the number of mesh-augmented surgeries performed worldwide. An approach to improving mesh-tissue integration is coating PPMs with anti-inflammatory and wound-healing molecules, such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP), which is a component of biotechnologies that are capable of accelerating wound healing. Estrogen is also known to have a beneficial effect on wound remodeling; therefore, a hypoestrogenic status may have negative implications for wound healing. The mechanism of how PRP plays a role in wound remodeling, especially among individuals in a hypoestrogenic state, has not been fully described until now. OBJECTIVE: Our aim is to investigate the impact of applying PRP to PPMs in hypoestrogenic rabbit models. METHODS: Our study will be a randomized controlled trial involving hypoestrogenic rabbit models. Samples were categorized into either the PRP group or the PPM group (1:1 ratio), with a minimum sample size of 16 in each arm, via simple random sampling. All samples were put into a hypoestrogenic state via bilateral oophorectomy. After confirming a decrease in estradiol level, the meshes were implanted in the vesicovaginal space. The samples were euthanized on the 14th, 28th, or 90th day of the surgery. The mesh-tissue integration process will be analyzed based on inflammatory parameters (inflammatory infiltrate, interleukin-17, and interleukin-1B expression); angiogenesis (CD31 expression); and collagen deposition, which will be assessed by using Masson trichrome staining. RESULTS: Our study is in the protocol development stage. A preliminary study regarding its feasibility, including the feasibility of the preparation of hypoestrogenic rabbit models, mesh implantation in the rabbits' vesicovaginal spaces, the PRP and amnion scaffold, started in February 2022. The results of our study are expected to be available by the end of 2022. CONCLUSIONS: Our randomized controlled trial is designed to provide high-quality evidence on the effect of applying a PRP-decellularized amnion scaffold to PPMs in the vesicovaginal spaces of hypoestrogenic rabbit models. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID): PRR1-10.2196/37942.

The Role of Pretherapeutic Diffusion-Weighted MR Imaging Derived Apparent Diffusion Coefficient in Predicting Clinical Outcomes in Immunocompetent Patients with Primary CNS Lymphoma: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to confirm the role of Apparent Diffusion Coefficient (ADC) values in predicting the prognosis of PCNSL patients based on previous studies. METHODS: A systematic review with meta-analysis was conducted on related articles PubMed, Scopus, Sciencedirect, Cochrane, DOAJ, and Embase databases with last updated search on November 30, 2021. This systematic review and meta-analysis included a total of four studies. RESULT: All studies that examined the association between pretherapeutic ADC values and OS and PFS discovered that lower ADC values were associated with significantly shorter OS and PFS. The analysis revealed that patients with low ADC values had a higher risk of death than those with high ADC values, with a pooled HR of 0.24 (95% CI: 0.10-0.56; Z = 3.26; p = 0.001). A meta-analysis of five data from three studies examining the association between ADC values and PFS was also conducted using a fixed-effects model due to the low heterogeneity values (I2 = 4%; p = 0.38). The data analysis revealed that the pooled HR was 0.25 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.14-0.44, Z = 4.18; p 0.00001). CONCLUSION: Patients with low ADC values had significantly shorter overall survival and progression-free survival than those with high ADC values, so ADC values assessment prior to initial therapy administration can provide clinicians with valuable information about the prognosis of PCNSL.

Ultrasonographic measurement of abdominal and gluteal-femoral fat thickness as a predictor for android/gynoid ratio.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the use of ultrasonography (US) as an alternative to dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) to predict the percentage ratio of android/gynoid (A/G) fat mass. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study. Twenty-eight participants included in the study underwent whole-body DXA examinations and the A/G ratio was calculated. Soft-tissue US was performed in several standardised anthropometric areas of the body. Correlation analysis between abdominal and gluteal-femoral fat thickness based on US and A/G ratio was conducted using the Pearson or Spearman test depending on the data normality. Multiple regression analysis using the backward stepwise method was performed to establish an equation for estimating the A/G ratio. RESULTS: There was a strong and significant correlation between fat thickness in the six anthropometric areas and the A/G ratio in female participants. The analysis revealed three anthropometric areas: upper abdomen (S4), lower abdomen (S5), and mid-xiphoid-umbilical region (S7), that can accurately predict the A/G ratio by 82.3%. (P < 0.05). However, no such correlation was found in male participants. CONCLUSIONS: US measurement of fat thickness can predict A/G ratio in the female population. However, this method is not recommended for men.

Diffusion magnetic resonance imaging of normal-appearing white matter in multiple sclerosis: correlation with brain volume and clinical disability.

Background: Diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) abnormalities in multiple sclerosis (MS) are not limited to lesions, but have also been observed in the white matter that appears normal on conventional MRI sequences, known as normal-appearing white matter (NAWM). There is evidence of microstructural processes occurring in the NAWM. Objective: To assess the correlation between NAWM apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and fractional anisotropy (FA) with brain volume and clinical disability in MS. Methods: Brain MRI from 33 MS patients were included. ADC and FA measurements of the genu, body, and splenium of corpus callosum (CC) were done. ADC and FA values were analyzed to measure their correlation with brain volume from MR volumetry and clinical disability represented by Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS). Results: The mean ADC of CC NAWM was .93 ×10-3 mm2/s (±.13 SD), and the mean FA .72 (±.12 SD). ADC and FA of CC NAWM were significantly correlated with the ratio of brain volume to intracranial volume (R = -0,70 and 0,78 respectively), and with EDSS (R = .52 and -.59 respectively). Conclusion: There were significant correlations between ADC and FA of NAWM with brain volume and EDSS of MS patients. Further longitudinal studies were needed to evaluate the potential of diffusion MRI in the evaluation of MS.

A Novel Splenic Vein Flow Volume to the Portal Vein Flow Velocity Index as a Predictor for the Degree of Esophageal Varices in Liver Cirrhosis Patients.

Bleeding esophageal varices (EV) have the highest mortality rate from all complications of liver cirrhosis (LC). Several Doppler ultrasound (DUS) studies have been done on the splenic or portal vein (PV) to evaluate the hemodynamic of the esophageal vein. Our study focused on finding a better index using the ratio from two parameters correlated with EV, splenic vein flow volume (SFV), and PV flow velocity. In this study, 28 patients with LC were evaluated using DUS to compare the SFV to PV flow velocity/speed (Sv/Ps) index and other measured DUS parameters with the EV degree. Afterward, the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed on statistically significant DUS parameters. Mean Sv/Ps index value in the group of nonvarices was 9.89 ± 3.56; 19.50 ± 5.56 in the small esophageal varices (SEV) and 74.12 ± 29.37 in the large esophageal varices (LEV) group with p < 0.001. ROC curve analysis generated an optimal cutoff point of 16.5 (90% sensitivity and 100% specificity) to predict the presence of EV and the cutoff point of 46.7 (100% sensitivity and specificity) to predict the presence of LEV. In conclusion, the Sv/Ps index measured using DUS can be used as a noninvasive method to predict the presence of EV, especially in predicting LEV.