M.M. Ommati, H.N. Ahmadi, S. Sabouri, S. Retana-Marquez, N. Abdoli, S. Rashno, H. Niknahad, A. Jamshidzadeh, K. Mousavi, M. Rezaei, A. Akhlagh, N. Azarpira, F. Khodaei, and R. Heidari, "Glycine Protects the Male Reproductive System Against Lead Toxicity Via Alleviating Oxidative Stress, Preventing Sperm Mitochondrial Impairment, Improving Kinematics of Sperm, and Blunting the Downregulation of Enzymes Involved in the Steroidogenesis," Environmental Toxicology 37, no. 12 (2022): 2990-3006, https://doi.org/10.1002/tox.23654. The above article, published online on 11 September 2022 in Wiley Online Library (http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/), has been retracted by agreement between the journal Editor-in-Chief, April Rodd; and Wiley Periodicals LLC. Concerns were raised to the editor by a third party, and were also noted on PubPeer [1], regarding duplicated images in Figure 8. The authors provided their original images and supporting materials, but these were not sufficient to resolve the concerns. The authors were also unable to provide a satisfactory explanation. The retraction has been agreed upon because of concerns that portions of the figures were duplicated, affecting the interpretation of the data and results presented. As a result, the editor has lost confidence in the conclusions published. The authors have been notified of this decision. References [1] Elisabeth M Bik, "Glycine Protects the Male Reproductive System Against Lead Toxicity Via Alleviating Oxidative Stress, Preventing Sperm Mitochondrial Impairment, Improving Kinematics of Sperm, and Blunting the Downregulation of Enzymes Involved in the Steroidogenesis," PubPeer, 2025, https://pubpeer.com/publications/B908AE53A9A5053DAE038703945437.
New long field-of-view (FOV) PET scanners using bismuth germanate (BGO) detectors without time-of-flight (TOF) capability are now available. These systems incorporate deep learning-based TOF (DLb-TOF) models to compensate for the absence of TOF. There is a lack of studies systematically investigating the optimal balance between signal to noise ratio and lesion detectability across a broader range of acquisition times and β-values for these DLb-TOF models. This study aims to evaluate the trade-off between acquisition time, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and lesion detectability to guide optimization of clinical protocol. Twenty patients referred for a clinical [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) PET scan were included. Each patient received 3.5 MBq/kg of [18F]FDG and underwent a whole-body PET acquisition (120 s/bed) on a digital BGO PET/CT (32 cm FOV) 60 min post-injection. Data were reconstructed into images (384 × 384 matrix) representing different acquisition times (120 s, 90 s, 60 s, 45 s, 30 s and 15 s) using BSREM with β-values ranging from 50 to 1100. Three DLb-TOF models (Low, Medium, High) were applied. Volumes of interest were placed in the liver and two avid lesions per patient. SNR were calculated as SUVmeanliver/SDliver and detectability were calculated as SUVpeaktumor/SUVpeakliver. SNR increased with longer acquisition times and higher β-values. DLb-TOF models improved SNR across all settings, with the Low DLb-TOF model producing the largest increase. Lesion detectability depended on the acquisition time and β-value. At longer acquisition times (120 s, 90 s), β100 provided the highest detectability, while shorter times (60-15 s) required higher β-value (β300) for optimal detectability. Among DLb-TOF models, the High model gave the best detectability overall, though the Low model performed better at lower β-values. SNR increased with higher β-values, longer acquisition times, and DLb-TOF application. Lesion detectability, defined as the ratio of SUVpeak in the lesion to SUVpeak in the liver, depended on the β-value, acquisition time, and the DLb-TOF model used. The Low DLb-TOF model had the best SNR but at the expense of detectability. The optimal parameters for the evaluated BGO PET/CT system, balancing SNR and lesion detectability within a clinical reasonable acquisition time, were 60-90 s with β-values of 500-300, in combination with the Medium DLb-TOF model, when 3.5 MBq/kg [18F]FDG was administered.
Cancer continues to impose a significant global health burden, with metastatic disease being the leading cause of cancer-related mortality. Accurate detection and staging of metastases are essential for prognostication and treatment planning. Conventional imaging modalities, including contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT), have limitations in detecting early or subtle metastatic lesions. Whole-body magnetic resonance imaging (WB-MRI), particularly with diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), has emerged as a radiation-free technique that enables comprehensive evaluation with high soft-tissue contrast. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic performance of WB-MRI, including DWI, in detecting nodal, skeletal, and visceral metastases in patients with known malignancies and to compare its performance with CECT on a patient-based analysis. This analytical cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Radiodiagnosis at Aarupadai Veedu Medical College and Hospital, Puducherry, over a period of six months. Eighty patients aged 18-60 years with histopathologically confirmed malignancy were included. All participants underwent CECT of the neck, thorax, and abdomen, followed by WB-MRI using a 1.5-T system with diffusion-weighted sequences. Imaging findings were documented and, wherever feasible, correlated with histopathology or cytology. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the chi-square test in Statistical Package for the Social Sciences, version 26.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY; 2019). A p value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. The mean age of the participants was 53.39 ± 8.16 years, with a slight female predominance. Carcinoma of the cervix and breast carcinoma were the most common primary malignancies. WB-MRI demonstrated significantly higher sensitivity and specificity than CT in detecting nodal, skeletal, and visceral metastases. It showed excellent performance in detecting skeletal metastases and superior accuracy in identifying nodal and visceral involvement, with statistically significant differences compared to CT. WB-MRI outperforms CT in the comprehensive detection of metastatic disease across multiple organ systems. Its high diagnostic accuracy, absence of ionizing radiation, and ability to detect early metastatic changes support its role as a reliable imaging modality for staging and follow-up in oncology.
To evaluate whether quantitative craniospinal MRI assessment of baseline tumor burden provides prognostic value in patients with recurrent, previously irradiated medulloblastoma undergoing MEMMAT (Metronomic Antiangiogenic) therapy. We analyzed craniospinal MRI of 40 patients with recurrent, previously irradiated medulloblastoma enrolled in the MEMMAT trial (April 1, 2014, and March 31, 2021). Ependymal, leptomeningeal, and local relapse lesions were retrospectively manually segmented on T1-contrast-enhanced (T1CE) and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) at baseline and follow-up (best response). Lesion count and volume were quantified. Bland-Altman analyses and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) assessed inter-sequence agreement., logistic regression evaluated associations between baseline tumor burden and progressive disease. Patients achieving Complete Response (n = 6/40) showed mean monthly decreases of - 12.7% in T1CE lesion count and - 12.9% in volume. Partial Response patients (n = 9/40) showed similar declines (-10.3% and - 13.0%). Stable Disease patients (n = 5/40) demonstrated minimal decreases (-0.8% and - 2.3%). Progressive Disease patients (n = 16/40) showed increases of 33.7% in lesion count and 56.2% in volume. Logistic regression indicated trends toward higher baseline tumor burden predicting PD (volume OR 1.18, p = 0.08; lesion count OR 1.05, p = 0.075). Agreement between T1CE and DWI was limited (ICC 0.35 for lesion count, 0.47 for volume), with 23% of patients misclassified using either modality alone. Survival analyses demonstrated significantly shorter overall survival in patients with baseline lesion volumes ≥ 5.5 ml (log-rank p = 0.003), while a similar association for progression-free survival did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.053). Combined intracranial and intraspinal T1CE and intracranial DWI assessment improves response evaluation. Exploratory analyses suggested that higher baseline tumor burden may be associated with progression, although the observed associations were of borderline statistical significance and require validation in larger cohorts.
Based on fluorescence hyperspectral imaging (FHSI), this study targeted rapid, non-destructive quantification of lead (Pb) content in oilseed rape leaves treated with varying silicon (Si) concentrations, acquiring fluorescence spectra over the 484.43-1001.61 nm wavelength range. To optimize spectral data quality, preprocessing methods (Savitzky-Golay smoothing, first derivative, detrending) were comprehensively compared. Characteristic wavelengths were then selected via interval variable iterative shrinkage, which effectively compressed data dimensionality and reduced computational load. A hybrid SE-CL1DA model, fusing a 1D convolutional neural network, a long short-term memory network and SE attention mechanism was constructed, with Bayesian optimization tuning hyperparameters to boost stability. The BO-SE-CL1DA outperformed both traditional machine learning and insufficiently optimized deep learning model (Rp2=0.9609, RMSE = 0.0377 mg/kg, RPD = 5.1736), thus enabling accurate Pb estimation, supporting Si-regulated heavy metal stress management and facilitating agricultural contamination monitoring.
A 61-year-old male with hypertension and remote 35-year history of smoking was found to have a large peripherally calcified left renal artery aneurysm (RAA) on computer tomography imaging. An initial attempt to stent and coil-embolize the aneurysm was unsuccessful despite sufficient access due to the angulation and tortuosity of the aneurysmal sac which was not conducive to a typical stent graft. The patient ultimately declined to undergo open surgical repair of the aneurysm and thus prompted the consideration of stent grafts typically reserved for neurointerventional cases. In this report, we present a case in which a large, complex Rundback type 1 renal artery aneurysm was treated using a flow-diverting stent, a device which is typically used to treat intracranial aneurysms. The case was a technical success and effectively treated the patient's RAA. The use of a neurovascular stent within visceral arteries adds to the existing literature describing the use of Pipeline flow-diverting stent in renal vasculature and demonstrates an alternate treatment option to traditional stenting which may better preserve kidney perfusion.
Osteopetrosis is a genetic disorder characterized by impaired osteoclast function, leading to diffuse osteosclerosis, brittle bones, and hematologic abnormalities. Herein, we report the case of a 55-year-old woman diagnosed with adult-onset osteopetrosis at age 33 after imaging demonstrated dense and marbled long bones, sclerotic medullary canals, vertebral endplate thickening, and hepatosplenomegaly. Bone marrow biopsy revealed preserved megakaryocytes, yet she experienced recurrent episodes of thrombocytopenia that responded to oral steroids and ultimately resolved following splenectomy, supporting an immune-mediated etiology of thrombocytopenia clinically managed as immune thrombocytopenic purpura. The clinical course was further complicated by multiple periprosthetic fractures, highlighting both the diagnostic and management challenges of this condition.
Acidic extracellular pH (pHe), a hallmark of the solid tumor microenvironment, is closely associated with increased tumor malignancy and therapy resistance. However, the real-time, noninvasive visualization of dynamic pHe changes in vivo remains a formidable technical challenge. In this study, we developed a novel small-molecule ratiometric near-infrared fluorescent probe PSMA-ratio-pH targeting the prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA), designed to enable rapid and precise imaging of prostate cancer acidity in living mice. This probe exhibits a pKa of 6.4, a value well-suitable for tumor acidity detection, along with dual near-infrared emission, high sensitivity (1250-fold activation), good reversibility, concentration-independent response, robust photostability, and high selectivity. Cellular experiments confirmed its specific anchoring to PSMA on the cell membrane and reliable sensing of pHe. In mouse models of prostate cancer, the probe achieved rapid tumor targeting and ratiometric acidity imaging within 15 min post intravenous injection owing to favorable pharmacokinetics and high PSMA affinity, and was capable of monitoring dynamic pH changes in tumor acidosis. This research provides a powerful molecular tool for the real-time and precise visualization of tumor microenvironment acidity, holding broad application prospects in cancer diagnosis and treatment evaluation.
Acute flaccid myelitis (AFM) and Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) share overlapping clinical features, making differentiation challenging. Although characteristic spinal cord gray matter lesions are typically present in AFM, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings may evolve during the disease course. In later stages, isolated ventral nerve root enhancement can be observed without visible gray matter lesions, mimicking the radiologic features of GBS. We report a child in whom AFM was ultimately favored, although the initial radiologic impression suggested GBS. A 23-month-old boy developed acute flaccid weakness of the left leg shortly after a febrile illness, which persisted for one month before presentation. Spinal MRI revealed ventral nerve root enhancement without gray matter lesions, a pattern suggestive of GBS; however, the clinical presentation was more consistent with AFM. Over two years of follow-up, persistent unilateral weakness and marked limb atrophy supported AFM as the more likely diagnosis. This case highlights the temporal evolution of imaging findings in AFM and emphasizes that delayed imaging may obscure characteristic features, potentially leading to diagnostic confusion with GBS.
De Garengeot hernias are femoral hernias that contain the appendix. They represent a rare subtype of femoral hernias, which are themselves a small portion of all inguinal hernias. A 55-year-old female with a history of type 2 diabetes mellitus complaining of right inguinal bulge and acute onset right lower quadrant pain. Computed tomography (CT) showed right groin soft tissue mass and surrounding fat inflammation within the femoral sac, consistent with incarcerated appendix. The patient underwent urgent appendectomy with hernia repair and was discharged from the hospital without further complication. De Garengeot hernias have nonspecific presentations but may develop severe complications such as incarceration, strangulation, and bowel necrosis. Preoperative diagnosis is paramount in prompt treatment.
Supernumerary kidney is a rare congenital anomaly, and its coexistence with a horseshoe kidney is exceedingly uncommon. We report the case of an 18-year-old female who presented with a 1-month history of non-specific left flank pain. Abdominal ultrasound revealed a left native kidney with mild hydronephrosis and a caudally located accessory kidney fused superiorly to the native kidney and inferiorly to the lower pole of the right kidney, forming a horseshoe configuration. Computed tomography (CT) urography confirmed a small caudal supernumerary kidney contributing to the parenchymal isthmus and showed a malrotated accessory renal pelvis, while the native left and right renal pelvises were normally oriented. Mild hydronephrosis was limited to the native left kidney, with no evidence of obstruction. The patient was managed conservatively with clinical and imaging follow-up. Follow up ultrasound after 2 weeks demonstrated complete resolution of hydronephrosis and the patient remained asymptomatic. This case highlights an exceptionally rare combination of a supernumerary kidney with horseshoe fusion and underscores the critical role of imaging in accurate diagnosis, anatomical delineation and ongoing follow-up.
The impact dynamics of Newtonian liquid drops and rigid spheres have been extensively studied and are well understood. Bridging these two extremes requires investigating the impact of soft elastic (or viscoelastic) drops and spheres. To probe this, we perform experiments with spherical polyacrylamide (PAAm) hydrogel drops/spheres spanning a broad range of shear moduli and impact velocities on hydrophilic (plasma-treated glass) and hydrophobic (silane-coated) substrates. The transient post-impact spreading morphology and impact force are simultaneously resolved using synchronized high-speed imaging and piezoelectric force sensing. We find that the elastic number (El) is the critical control parameter governing the impact dynamics. At low elastic numbers (El < 1), impacting hydrogels exhibit a hybrid response: a liquid-rich contact foot containing dissolved polymer chains is expelled from the bulk drop and spreads independently, while the bulk drop itself undergoes viscoelastic contact-line pinning, adopting a pancake geometry at maximum deformation. In this regime, the maximum spreading factor is marginally higher on hydrophilic substrates than on hydrophobic ones. At high elastic numbers (El > 1), the formation of the contact foot is suppressed, and the deformation is well described by a neo-Hookean energy balance, yielding a maximum spreading factor that is independent of substrate wettability. Furthermore, we show that the normalized peak impact force F* saturates to a constant value consistent with the Wagner limit for El < 1, and follows a power-law scaling F*∼El0.38 for El > 1, in close agreement with both Hertzian and neo-Hookean predictions. The peak force trends are independent of substrate wettability for both elastic number regimes. Our findings offer insight into how material and system properties can be effectively tuned to achieve optimal performance in three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting using biomaterial inks.
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The long-term efficacy of amyloid-targeting therapies hinges on their ability to slow downstream neuropathologic change, but little is known about the influence of amyloid clearance on tau pathology and neurodegeneration. To determine the postmortem and in vivo association between amyloid levels and downstream neuropathology after treatment with aducanumab in a patient with patchy areas showing minimal residual amyloid levels. This clinicopathologic case report from a single academic memory center includes a male carrier of the p.R47H TREM2 variant, which is associated with a higher risk of Alzheimer disease, who was in his 50s, had mild cognitive impairment, and received aducanumab while participating in a randomized clinical trial. Fourteen untreated controls, who were matched by age or presence of the TREM2 variant, also are included. The male carrier of the p.R47H TREM2 variant had received 30 doses of aducanumab (cumulative dose of 280 mg/kg) over 4.5 years. Neuropathologic evaluation at autopsy, positron emission tomography to measure standardized uptake value ratio as a measure of amyloid and tau levels, and magnetic resonance imaging to determine longitudinal change in cortical thickness. Four years after receiving the final dose of aducanumab, the patient died. An autopsy showed variable levels of amyloid pathology, including brain regions with very low levels of amyloid juxtaposed with brain regions that had typically high levels of amyloid in the deep cortical layers and only low levels of amyloid in the superficial cortical layers. Compared with the brain regions of the untreated controls, the brain regions of the patient after treatment with aducanumab showed low levels of amyloid that were preferentially found in the gyral crests, were associated with less tau pathology at autopsy, and were associated with slower longitudinal atrophy on in vivo magnetic resonance imaging (β = -0.50 [95% CI, -0.62 to -0.37]; t = -7.96 and P < .001). In contrast, the patient's brain regions with high amyloid burden were preferentially found in the sulcal depths and had similar levels of tau pathology as seen at autopsy in the untreated controls. In this case report, areas of extensive amyloid clearance after amyloid-targeting therapy were associated with less downstream neuropathologic change. In addition, amyloid clearance appears to preferentially occur in the gyral crests. Future studies should evaluate the differential mechanisms involved in amyloid clearance from superficial and deep cortical layers and in gyri and sulci because extensive amyloid clearance may be necessary to achieve downstream neuropathologic benefit after removal of amyloid.
Systemic amyloid light-chain (AL) amyloidosis is a rare plasma cell disorder characterized by extracellular deposition of misfolded immunoglobulin light chains, resulting in progressive organ dysfunction. Although hepatic involvement is recognized in AL amyloidosis, it is often clinically silent or presents with hepatomegaly (liver enlargement) and cholestatic liver enzyme abnormalities. Severe cholestatic jaundice as the initial and dominant manifestation is uncommon, particularly in the absence of hepatomegaly or radiographic biliary obstruction. We report a 63-year-old woman with limited prior healthcare engagement who presented with persistent left ankle pain after a minor twisting injury and was incidentally found to have painless progressive jaundice. Initial laboratory evaluation showed a marked cholestatic pattern of liver injury, including alkaline phosphatase greater than 2300 U/L, total bilirubin of 11.8 mg/dL, direct bilirubin of 8.7 mg/dL, and gamma-glutamyl transferase of 1152 U/L, with disproportionately lower transaminase elevation. Imaging showed cholelithiasis but no biliary obstruction, ductal dilation, focal hepatic lesion, or hepatomegaly. Serologic evaluation for common hepatobiliary causes was unrevealing. Liver biopsy demonstrated amyloidosis predominantly around the portal veins, canalicular and chronic cholestasis, periportal fibrosis, and focal bridging fibrosis. Hematologic evaluation revealed an IgG lambda monoclonal protein, lambda-predominant free light-chain elevation, and bone marrow involvement by a lambda-restricted plasma cell neoplasm, establishing systemic AL amyloidosis with hepatic involvement. Despite initiation of attenuated daratumumab, bortezomib, and dexamethasone therapy, the patient developed rapidly progressive hepatic dysfunction, decompensated heart failure, acute kidney injury, refractory volume overload, and anuric renal failure. She ultimately elected comfort-focused care and was discharged to hospice. This case highlights hepatic AL amyloidosis as an important diagnostic consideration in unexplained cholestatic jaundice, even without hepatomegaly or biliary obstruction. Early recognition is essential, as severe hepatic dysfunction with multisystem involvement carries a poor prognosis.
Negative Symptoms of Schizophrenia (NSS) are the primary contributors to poor prognosis in schizophrenia (SCZ), and immune-inflammatory mechanisms play a pivotal role in their pathogenesis. As non-invasive neuromodulation techniques, transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS), and transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) have been demonstrated to modulate peripheral inflammation levels in patients with SCZ. This study aims to investigate the independent and synergistic effects of taVNS and TEAS on modulating peripheral inflammatory factors and ameliorating negative symptoms in patients with NSS. This study employs a single-blind, randomized, sham-controlled, 2×2 factorial design. A total of 108 participants will be randomly allocated in a 1:1:1:1 ratio to four groups: taVNS plus TEAS, active taVNS plus TEAS, sham taVNS plus TEAS, and sham taVNS plus sham TEAS. The interventions will be administered for 30 minutes per session on alternate days for 4 weeks, followed by a 4-week follow-up period. The primary outcome is the change from baseline in peripheral inflammatory cytokine levels at weeks 4 and 8. Recruitment is ongoing. The study protocol aims to investigate the pre- and post-treatment changes in peripheral inflammatory cytokines among patients with NSS, with a specific focus on the correlation between symptom severity and alterations in inflammatory levels, thereby providing a biological rationale to guide clinical treatment.
Taste disturbance is relatively common after acute stroke but is often overlooked because it is subjective and frequently overshadowed by more prominent neurological deficits. Gustatory dysfunction specifically associated with putaminal hemorrhage has rarely been reported. We describe a 43-year-old right-handed woman who developed acute bilateral loss of taste in close temporal association with a left putaminal hemorrhage, despite clinically preserved olfaction and only mild sensory symptoms. Brain magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated a small left putaminal hemorrhage with surrounding edema extending toward the thalamic region. Electrogustometry performed on hospital day 11, after partial subjective improvement, revealed bilateral but asymmetric gustatory impairment. Alternative causes, including peripheral cranial nerve dysfunction, medication-induced dysgeusia, postinfectious etiologies, and metabolic abnormalities, were considered less likely based on the clinical course and diagnostic evaluation. Her taste disturbance gradually improved and was completely resolved within two months. In this patient, the temporal association and imaging findings suggest, but do not prove, transient dysfunction of adjacent subcortical gustatory pathways, including thalamocortical projections or fibers near the internal capsule. Gustatory disturbance after putaminal hemorrhage is rarely reported and may be underrecognized in routine stroke assessment. Targeted inquiry regarding taste perception and, when available, objective gustatory testing may improve detection and characterization of this subtle manifestation in patients with deep hemispheric stroke.
Odontogenic cutaneous sinus tracts (OCSTs) are an uncommon consequence of chronic dental infection in which inflammatory drainage extends from a periapical source through bone and soft tissues to the skin surface. Although odontogenic infections typically present with intraoral symptoms such as pain, swelling, or vestibular drainage, chronic lesions may occasionally manifest as extraoral nodules, cysts, or draining sinuses. Because many patients experience little or no dental discomfort, these lesions are frequently misdiagnosed as dermatologic, infectious, or neoplastic conditions. The reported incidence of OCSTs is low, and diagnosis is often delayed because patients initially seek care from primary care physicians, dermatologists, otolaryngologists, or surgeons rather than dental providers. Common misdiagnoses include epidermoid cysts, furuncles, pyogenic granulomas, salivary gland pathology, chronic osteomyelitis, and cutaneous malignancies. Failure to identify the underlying dental etiology may result in repeated antibiotic therapy, biopsies, surgical excisions, and prolonged patient morbidity. Advanced imaging modalities, including cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) and contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT), can provide valuable diagnostic information when conventional examination is inconclusive or when concern exists for more serious pathology. We present the case of a chronic painless mandibular mass initially investigated for possible malignancy that was ultimately diagnosed as an OCST arising from a mandibular molar with cortical perforation and extraoral extension.
Shunt thrombosis is an important complication after proximal splenorenal shunt (PSRS) in children with extrahepatic portal vein thrombosis (EHPVT). We evaluated whether preoperative vascular parameters are associated with postoperative PSRS patency. Of 139 non-cirrhotic patients who underwent PSRS for EHPVT, 86 with adequate preoperative imaging and follow-up were included in this retrospective single-center study. The aortomesenteric angle, splenic and left renal vein diameter were measured on preoperative CT, and spontaneous splenorenal shunt presence was recorded. Shunt patency was assessed from postoperative imaging. Correlation, Firth penalized logistic regression, and ROC analyses were performed. Mean age was 114 ± 50 months; mean follow-up 81 ± 51 months. Patency was preserved in 69 patients (80.2%) and 17 (19.8%) developed thrombosis. No parameter was associated with patency: aortomesenteric angle (r = 0.035), splenic vein diameter (r = 0.039), left renal vein diameter (r = 0.111), or spontaneous splenorenal shunt (r = 0.005) (all p > 0.05). Firth regression identified no independent predictors, and the aortomesenteric angle showed non-significant discrimination (AUC = 0.64, 95% CI 0.485-0.795, p = 0.076). Preoperative vascular parameters were not associated with postoperative PSRS patency in pediatric EHPVT. Static anatomical measurements have limited predictive value for shunt outcomes.
Bulk proteomics has been demonstrated to differentiate subpopulations based on molecular phenotypes within bacterial colonies, yet advanced analyses by mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) hold even greater promise for the future. This technology can enable high-throughput spatial phenotyping that can directly visualize distinct components of various biomolecular mechanisms with high mass-resolving power in high spatial resolution analyses. Here, we applied MSI for intact protein imaging directly from thin cross-sections of a biofilm of Bacillus subtilis and after minimal preparation we detected more than 285 unique isotopic envelopes corresponding to unique proteoforms. We paired our MSI analyses with bulk top-down proteomics (TDP) to form extensive experimental libraries, which provided us with high confidence MSI annotations based upon isotopic matching to validated post-translational modifications (PTMs) and truncations. This joint application of MSI and TDP allowed us to describe the microscale spatial proteomic landscape within the B. subtilis biofilm. This study further demonstrated the feasibility of detecting differentiated subpopulations of cells through the identification of proteoforms of cannibalistic protein toxins as well as those involved in active sporulation to highly localized areas within the central and outermost periphery of the biofilm.