Tag: pubmed

ArXiv [Preprint]. 2025 Mar 19:arXiv:2503.15691v1.

ABSTRACT

Rapid technological advances in radiation therapy have significantly improved dose delivery and tumor control for head and neck cancers. However, treatment-related toxicities caused by high-dose exposure to critical structures remain a significant clinical challenge, underscoring the need for accurate prediction of clinical outcomes-encompassing both tumor control and adverse events (AEs). This review critically evaluates the evolution of data-driven approaches in predicting patient outcomes in head and neck cancer patients treated with radiation therapy, from traditional dose-volume constraints to cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) and causal inference framework. The integration of linear energy transfer in patient outcomes study, which has uncovered critical mechanisms behind unexpected toxicity, was also introduced for proton therapy. Three transformative methodological advances are reviewed: radiomics, AI-based algorithms, and causal inference frameworks. While radiomics has enabled quantitative characterization of medical images, AI models have demonstrated superior capability than traditional models. However, the field faces significant challenges in translating statistical correlations from real-world data into interventional clinical insights. We highlight that how causal inference methods can bridge this gap by providing a rigorous framework for identifying treatment effects. Looking ahead, we envision that combining these complementary approaches, especially the interventional prediction models, will enable more personalized treatment strategies, ultimately improving both tumor control and quality of life for head and neck cancer patients treated with radiation therapy.

PMID:40166747 | PMC:PMC11957233

ArXiv [Preprint]. 2025 Mar 17:arXiv:2503.13702v1.

ABSTRACT

Even when driven by the same stimulus, neuronal responses are well-known to exhibit a striking level of spiking variability. In-vivo electrophysiological recordings also reveal a surprisingly large degree of variability at the subthreshold level. In prior work, we considered biophysically relevant neuronal models to account for the observed magnitude of membrane voltage fluctuations. We found that accounting for these fluctuations requires weak but nonzero synchrony in the spiking activity, in amount that are consistent with experimentally measured spiking correlations. Here we investigate whether such synchrony can explain additional statistical features of the measured neural activity, including neuronal voltage covariability and voltage skewness. Addressing this question involves conducting a generalized moment analysis of conductance-based neurons in response to input drives modeled as correlated jump processes. Technically, we perform such an analysis using fixed-point techniques from queuing theory that are applicable in the stationary regime of activity. We found that weak but nonzero synchrony can consistently explain the experimentally reported voltage covariance and skewness. This confirms the role of synchrony as a primary driver of cortical variability and supports that physiological neural activity emerges as a population-level phenomenon, especially in the spontaneous regime.

PMID:40166746 | PMC:PMC11957229

ArXiv [Preprint]. 2025 Mar 19:arXiv:2503.15711v1.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Ferumoxytal-enhanced 5D free-running whole heart CMR provides image quality comparable to CTA, but requires hours-long reconstruction time, preventing clinical usage. This study developed a variable projection augmented Lagrangian (VPAL) method for 5D motion-resolved image reconstruction and compared it with alternating direction method of multipliers (ADMM) in five numerical simulations and 15 in-vivo pediatric data set.

APPROACH: Relative error of the reconstructed images against the ground-truth images was assessed in numerical simulations. In-vivo analysis compared reconstruction time, mid-short axis (SA) blood-myocardium sharpness, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), and a radiologist’s image quality ratings between VPAL and ADMM. A paired t-test (p<0.05) was used to determine statistical significance, while linear regression and Bland-Altman analysis for agreement assessments.

RESULTS: VPAL and ADMM had similar relative errors compared to the ground truth, p = 0.07. In in-vivo datasets, VPAL reduced the reconstruction time from 16.3 +/- 3.6 hours (ADMM) to 4.7 +/- 1.1 hours (VPAL), p=1e-10. Blood-myocardium border sharpness in VPAL closely correlates to ADMM , R^2 = 0.97. The LVEFs values measured by VPAL and ADMM reconstructions are largely similar, 56 +/- 6 % in ADMM and 56 +/- 6 % in VPAL, p=0.55. Both VPAL and ADMM reconstructions have good to excellent diagnostic ratings (VPAL vs. ADMM: 3.9 +/- 0.3 vs. 3.8 +/- 0.4 in 2-chamber; 3.9 +/- 0.4 vs. 3.9 +/- in 4-chamber; 3.7 +/- 0.5 vs. 3.7 +/- 0.5 in mid-SA reformatted views.

CONCLUSION: VPAL enables faster reconstruction than ADMM while maintaining equivalent image quality for functional assessments, supporting its potential for clinical use.

PMID:40166739 | PMC:PMC11957230

Toxicol Rep. 2025 Mar 12;14:101993. doi: 10.1016/j.toxrep.2025.101993. eCollection 2025 Jun.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Bangladesh is heavily impacted by arsenic contamination; however, in-depth research regarding the consequences of arsenic exposure through contaminated food remains in its nascent stage.

OBJECTIVES: Our study aimed to examine the effects of consuming arsenic-contaminated rice and vegetables on Wistar albino rats.

METHODOLOGY: A total of 30 Wistar albino rats were divided into control and experimental groups, receiving diets containing arsenic-contaminated rice and vegetable for 120 days. Arsenic levels in food samples were quantified using FI-HG-AAS. Hematological, biochemical, and histopathological analyses were conducted to assess hepatic and renal toxicity. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS, ANOVA, DMART with significance set at p < 0.05.

FINDINGS: In hematological studies, hemoglobin was found to be significantly reduced in exposed rats (P < 0.05) to 13.67 ± 0.54 gm/dl for rice diet and 13.77 ± 0.28 gm/dl for edible fern diet compared to control (14.17 ± 0.43 gm/dl for rice diet and 15.27 ± 0.13 gm/dl for edible fern diet), and similar results were also observed for RBC and WBC. Elevated levels of serum ALT, AST, urea and creatinine reflected hepatic and renal dysfunction. In renal and hepatic tissue histopathology, inflammation, degeneration, and fatty changes were observed. This study provides the first direct evidence of systemic toxicity from chronic dietary arsenic exposure in Bangladesh, identifying rice and vegetables as significant, underrecognized sources of arsenic-related health risks.

CONCLUSION: We conclude that eating rice and vegetables that have been exposed to arsenic over an extended period of time might be harmful to the body.

PMID:40166734 | PMC:PMC11957588 | DOI:10.1016/j.toxrep.2025.101993

Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2025 Mar 27;18:743-753. doi: 10.2147/CCID.S508231. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Recent advances in epidemiological and genetic studies have provided some insights regarding the pathophysiology of rosacea, but the majority of its underlying mechanisms are still poorly understood. In particular, more data are needed to fully understand the role of micronutrients in rosacea development. This study aimed to explore the causality of associations between Calcium, Copper, Selenium, Zinc, Iron, Potassium and Magnesium with the risk of rosacea.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: This was a two-sample Mendelian Randomization (MR) study that used data from genome-wide association studies (GWAS) on serum levels of selected micronutrients as exposure and rosacea as the outcome. The analysis primarily employed the Inverse Variance Weighted (IVW) method. Additional methods included weighted median, weighted mode, and MR-Egger regression. Sensitivity analysis included MR-Egger, MR-PRESSO, Cochran’s Q, and leave-one-out methods. A total of 301 Instrumental Variables were selected for analysis.

RESULTS: The genetic prediction indicated a statistically significant association between serum Calcium levels and higher rosacea risk (Odds Ratio (OR) = 2.27, 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 2.02-2.55, P < 0.001), further confirmed by all supplementary MR methods. Significant association was also found between serum Potassium levels and lower rosacea risk (OR = 0.36, 95% CI: 0.14-0.93, P = 0.0354), further confirmed by the weighted-median method. Sensitivity analyses showed that the results were robust and not driven by any single factor, with low probability of horizontal pleiotropy.

CONCLUSION: This study found an evidence of a causal association between genetically predicted serum levels of Calcium and Potassium with the risk of rosacea. The roles of these micronutrients should be further studied in rosacea, especially as a link to neurovascular dysregulation and oxidative stress.

PMID:40166720 | PMC:PMC11956733 | DOI:10.2147/CCID.S508231

Otol Neurotol. 2025 Mar 19. doi: 10.1097/MAO.0000000000004494. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of customized web video-based vestibular rehabilitation in patients with chronic vestibular hypofunction.

STUDY DESIGN: This study is a randomized controlled trial.

SETTING: The dizziness specialty clinic.

PATIENTS: The participants were diagnosed with chronic vestibular hypofunction.

INTERVENTIONS: The study used a randomized controlled trial design, in which participants were randomly assigned to either the customized web video-based vestibular rehabilitation or booklet-based vestibular rehabilitation in a 1:1 ratio.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Patients were assessed at three time points: before-intervention (baseline), post-intervention completion (6 wk), and follow-up (12 wk). The primary outcome was the Dynamic Gait Index (DGI), the secondary outcome was the Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI), and tertiary outcomes included other functional and psychological assessments.

RESULTS: The baseline characteristics of the patients were comparable between the two groups. Statistical analysis revealed a significant time effect for the DGI score (p < 0.0001). Comparing the post-intervention and follow-up assessments to the baseline assessment, the customized web video-based VR group showed a significant increase in the DGI score. Time × group interaction effects were observed (F = 5.739, p < 0.01). Both groups showed decreased DHI_total scores when comparing the postintervention and follow-up assessments to the baseline assessment. No serious adverse events were reported during intervention period.

CONCLUSIONS: The present study demonstrated that customized web video-based VR improved DGI compared with booklet-based VR, and the intervention effect was maintained at 6-week follow-up. Additionally, the findings suggested that both interventions improve to a similar extent DHI. Therefore, vestibular rehabilitation with motion visualized by video may be more effective than that with still image by booklet.

PMID:40164976 | DOI:10.1097/MAO.0000000000004494

Otol Neurotol. 2025 Mar 19. doi: 10.1097/MAO.0000000000004490. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the changes in the incidence of otitis media and ventilation tube insertion (VTI) rates among South Koreans aged ≤18 years since the COVID-19 pandemic and analyze the impact of social distancing and increased personal hygiene.

STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective cohort study utilizing health insurance claim data.

SETTING: Healthcare facilities across South Korea.

PATIENTS: Individuals aged ≤18 years diagnosed with acute suppurative otitis media (AOM), chronic serous otitis media (SOM), or acute mastoiditis (AM).

INTERVENTION: Diagnostic and therapeutic interventions, including VTI procedures.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Changes in the monthly average number of patients and episodes of AOM, SOM, and AM, and the number of VTI procedures, comparing pre-COVID-19 (2018-2019) to post-COVID-19 (January 2020-May 2021) periods.

RESULTS: The monthly average number of patients with AOM and number of episodes decreased by 56.6% and 62.9%, respectively (Estimate: 0.37 [95% CI: 0.30-0.46], p = 0.01) post-pandemic. SOM patients and episodes decreased by 58.2% and 61.2%, respectively (estimate, 0.39; 95% CI, 0.33-0.46; p = 0.01). AM patients and episodes decreased by 15.8% and 16.6%, respectively (estimate, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.69-1.00; p = 0.06). The monthly average number of VTI procedures for AOM and SOM also decreased significantly post-pandemic.

CONCLUSIONS: The COVID-19 pandemic led to a significant decrease in the incidence of otitis media and VTI surgeries in South Koreans aged ≤18 years. This decrease may be attributed to the implementation of social distancing measures and increased personal hygiene practices during the pandemic. These findings provide valuable insights for preventing and managing pediatric otitis media during future respiratory pandemics and similar public health emergencies.

PMID:40164975 | DOI:10.1097/MAO.0000000000004490

J Comput Assist Tomogr. 2025 Mar 14. doi: 10.1097/RCT.0000000000001745. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the potential malignancy associated with high-risk breast lesions using breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) characteristics, apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) measurements, and texture analysis parameters.

METHODS: This retrospective study included 40 patients with 41 lesions diagnosed as high-risk lesions after needle biopsy. All the patients underwent surgery. Based on the histopathologic results of the surgical excision, the patients were divided into 2 groups: those diagnosed with malignancy and those who were not. The MRI characteristics of the lesions were recorded. The ADC values of the lesions were measured. Textural analysis of the lesions was also performed.

RESULTS: Fourteen lesions (34.1%) were upgraded to malignancy. The median ADCmean values ​​in the malignant group were 1.114 × 10-3 versus 1.383×10-3 mm2/s in the nonmalignant group, which was statistically significant (P < 0.001). The cutoff value for the mean ADC was 1.163 ×10-3 mm2/s. The sensitivity and specificity were 71.4% and 85.2%, respectively. Among the texture analysis parameters, kurtosis values obtained from images on the ADC map and the first subtracted dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) series and contrast values obtained from images on the second subtracted DCE series were found to be statistically significant (P = 0.016, P = 0.019, and P = 0.045, respectively) between the malignant and nonmalignant groups.

CONCLUSIONS: ADC measurements and texture analysis parameters provide useful diagnostic information for determining which high-risk breast lesions will progress to malignancy.

PMID:40164962 | DOI:10.1097/RCT.0000000000001745

Diabetologia. 2025 Mar 31. doi: 10.1007/s00125-025-06407-5. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: Our aim was to detect early structural and functional changes in the macular capillaries using optical coherence tomography angiography during the course of type 1 or 2 diabetes mellitus.

METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, individuals with type 1 diabetes (n=143) or type 2 diabetes (n=197) from the German Diabetes Study (ClinicalTrials.gov registration no. NCT01055093) underwent clinical examination and cluster analysis to identify phenotype-based diabetes subtypes, using BMI, age, HbA_1c, homoeostasis model estimates and islet autoantibodies. Colour fundus photography, optical coherence tomography and optical coherence tomography angiography were performed within the first year of diabetes diagnosis (baseline) and at 5 year intervals up to year 10. Age- and sex-adjusted participants served as control participants (n=105). Perfusion density, vessel density, presence of retinal microaneurysms in superficial, intermediate and deep capillary plexus (SCP, ICP, DCP), choriocapillaris flow deficit density (CC FD) and the foveal avascular zone (FAZ) of the macula as well as retinal layer thickness, visual acuity and contrast sensitivity were analysed.

RESULTS: Perfusion density and vessel density of SCP were already reduced at baseline in type 2 diabetes (expected difference compared with control participants: -0.0071, p=0.0276, expected difference: -0.0034, p=0.0184, respectively), especially in participants with severe insulin-deficient and mild obesity-related diabetes. At year 10 only perfusion density of the SCP and DCP was reduced in both type 1 and 2 diabetes (p=0.0365, p=0.0062, respectively). The FAZ was enlarged and the CC FD within the first year increased in type 1 (p=0.0327, p=0.0474, respectively) and more markedly in type 2 diabetes (p=0.0006, p<0.0001). The occurrence of microaneurysms in SCP and DCP was significant at year 5 (p=0.0209, p=0.0279, respectively) and year 10 (p=0.0220, p=0.0007). Presence of microaneurysms in SCP and DCP was associated with decreases in perfusion density and vessel density in both SCP and ICP. Furthermore, microaneurysms were associated with decreased ganglion cell layer and inner plexiform layer thickness.

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION: Type 2 diabetes already reduces macular perfusion SCP at time of clinical diagnosis, while long-standing diabetes affects both SCP and DCP. The FAZ of the SCP and the CC FD are early indicators of diabetic alterations, with more pronounced changes observed in type 2 diabetes. Microaneurysms in the macular plexus are associated with a decrease of ganglion cell layer and inner plexiform layer. Subclinical microangiopathy occurs prior to manifestation of diabetic retinopathy, disease-related visual acuity impairment or inner retinal layer thinning.

PMID:40164944 | DOI:10.1007/s00125-025-06407-5

Environ Sci Pollut Res Int. 2025 Apr 1. doi: 10.1007/s11356-025-36339-x. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of lead on the cultivation of Lactuca sativa L. in a hydroponic system, elucidating the effects of lead on physiological processes, anatomy, and its bioaccumulation capacity. Lettuce plants were grown in a greenhouse under a hydroponic system containing lead nitrate (50, 100, 250, 500 μM), with Hoagland solution as a negative control, for a period of 42 to 70 days. Plant height, number of leaves, fresh and dry matter, leaf area, chloroplastic pigments, chlorophyll fluorescence, anatomical parameters, and lead content were evaluated. The results demonstrated that growth parameters were affected according to lead concentration. The 500-μM concentration caused the greatest reduction in stem height (30.28%) and leaf area (88.07%). A significant decrease in the number of leaves, ranging from 20 to 90.47%, was observed at all concentrations on the 70th day. Chloroplastic pigment content was statistically reduced at all concentrations, reflecting a sharp decline of 58.82% in the photochemical quenching and 45.22% in the vitality index. The root morpho-anatomy was also altered, with the proportion of vascular bundle area decreasing by 43.50% and a 501.47% increase in aerenchyma formation. Lead accumulation in the roots was 21.54 times higher at the highest concentration compared to the lowest, highlighting the cumulative potential of this organ, while the metal was not detected in the aerial part, indicating the absence of translocation. Despite the negative effects on biomass and physiological parameters, Lactuca sativa L. demonstrated tolerance to lead and potential for rhizofiltration, making it a promising candidate for application in hydroponic systems aimed at treating contaminated wastewater.

PMID:40164908 | DOI:10.1007/s11356-025-36339-x