Double Temporal Sparsity Based Accelerated Reconstruction in Compressed Sensing fMRI

A number of reconstruction methods have been proposed recently for accelerated functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) data collection. However, existing methods suffer with the challenge of greater artifacts at high acceleration factors. This paper addresses the issue of accelerating fMRI collection via undersampled k-space measurements combined with the proposed Double Temporal Sparsity based Reconstruction (DTSR) method with the l1 -l1 norm constraint. The robustness of the proposed DTSR method has been thoroughly evaluated both at the subject level and at the group level on real fMRI data. Results are presented at various acceleration factors. Quantitative analysis in terms of Peak Signal-to-Noise Ratio (PSNR) and other metrics, and qualitative analysis in terms of reproducibility of brain Resting State Networks (RSNs) demonstrate that the proposed method is accurate and robust. In addition, the proposed DTSR method preserves brain networks that are important for studying fMRI data. Compared to the existing accelerated fMRI reconstruction methods, the DTSR method shows promising potential with an improvement of 10-12dB in PSNR with acceleration factors upto 3.5. Simulation results on real data demonstrate that DTSR method can be used to acquire accelerated fMRI with accurate detection of RSNs.Comment: Accepted for publication in Computers in Biology and Medicine. This manuscript should be cited with details of journal citation provided belo

Amniotic band syndrome: a diagnostic dilemma

Amniotic band syndrome can cause a broad spectrum of anomalies ranging from simple band constrictions to major craniofacial and visceral defects. It occurs when the amnion is damaged during pregnancy. Thin strands of tissue called amniotic bands form inside the amnion and can tangle around the developing fetus, restricting blood flow, thus affecting the growth of certain body parts. This can cause congenital deformities of limbs, and if vital organs are involved, it can result in significant neonatal morbidity. A 25-year-old primigravida was referred for fetal karyotyping as the targeted anomaly scan revealed bilateral limb defects along with a single umbilical artery. The right foot was reported as lymphedema, and the left foot showed clubfoot deformity. Here, we report a case of amniotic band syndrome, which was missed for “Milroy’s primary congenital lymphedema” in antenatal sonography but was revealed in fetal autopsy. Mostly, amniotic band syndrome is diagnosed after birth, but with the advancement of ultrasound, prenatal diagnosis is possible. Also, three-dimensional ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging can be used for a more detailed and accurate diagnosis. Accurate diagnosis is very important for further management of the pregnancy and in counselling regarding recurrences in future pregnancies

Unlocking Financial Potential: Self-efficacy Transforming Capability into Well-Being for Working Women

The primary purpose of this study is to identify the influence of financial capabilities on women’s financial well-being and to study the mediating influence of self-efficacy in this relationship in Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR). The data were collected through purposive sampling using a questionnaire distributed from February to May 2024 to Delhi-NCR women engaged in any economic activity. Delhi-NCR is a metropolitan area encompassing Delhi and its surrounding districts in neighbouring states. Data analysis was performed on 250 responses from working women using purposive sampling. Variance-based Partial Least Square Structure Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) was applied to test the conceptual model. This study operationalizes and validates financial capabilities as a reflective higher-order construct formed by two dimensions such as financial literacy and inclusion. Findings illustrate that financial capabilities directly influence working women’s financial well-being, and this relationship was partially mediated by financial self-efficacy. To improve women workers’ financial well-being, such policies and programs should be tailored to boost women’s confidence levels and beliefs, education, and inclusion in the financial dimension. This study directs policymakers, government, employers, and financial institutions to build confidence levels among women by organizing workshops and programs, which promotes their financial well-being and ultimately empowers them financially

Periodontal Considerations in the placement of Dental Implants

The creation of an esthetic implant restoration with gingival architecture that harmonizes with the adjacent dentition is a formidable challenge. The predictability of the peri-implant esthetic outcome may ultimately be determined by the patient’s own presenting anatomy rather than the clinician’s ability to manage state-of-the-art procedures. To more accurately predict the peri-implant esthetic outcome before removing a failing tooth, five diagnostic keys are discussed. These keys include relative tooth position, form of the periodontium, biotype of the periodontium, tooth shape and position of the osseous crest.   KEYWORDS:  Dental Implants, Periodontal, Peri-implan

Antecedents and Measures of Women’s Financial Empowerment: A Comprehensive and Global Literature Review

Women’s financial empowerment has garnered greater interest in recent years, and numerous articles have highlighted gender disparities. In existing literature, antecedents and measures of economic empowerment are fragmented, with limited research that provides a comprehensive assessment framework. This systematic review aims to identify the determinants affecting women’s financial empowerment to develop a comprehensive framework to measure financial empowerment based on insights derived from an examination of 101 selected research articles published from 2001 to 2023 and exclusively sourced from the Scopus database. The search followed a comprehensive and systematic approach involving identification, selection, appraisal, and synthesis of the existing literature. The most common themes include microfinance and economic empowerment, the role of self-help groups (SHGs) in empowering women financially, and gender disparity regarding financial empowerment. The identified antecedents or themes have been organised into four categories: individual, household, institutional and community, and other factors. Key antecedents include socioeconomic factors, demographic factors, unpaid care work, SHG membership, microcredit, and family care. Additionally, the assessment of financial empowerment has been classified, following Kabeer’s (1999) model into three categories: financial resources, financial agency, and financial achievements of women. The gaps identified in the existing literature suggest various potential opportunities for future research. This study’s practical implications involve equipping women with proper knowledge, skills, and resources by developing targeted financial inclusion programs, financial empowerment initiatives, and public policies to bridge the gender gap in financial empowerment. The findings underscore the requirement for gender-responsive policies, integrating financial literacy and technology to promote inclusive growth. This study distinguishes itself by presenting a comprehensive review of factors influencing women’s financial empowerment and developing a comprehensive framework for assessing it

Etiological evaluation of amenorrhea: a cross-sectional study from a tertiary care center in India

Background: To determine the prevalence of etiological causes in cases with primary and secondary amenorrhea in a tertiary care center in Western India. Methods: A retrospective analysis of 170 medical records of non-pregnant women who presented with either primary or secondary amenorrhea to the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, IKDRC-ITS, Ahmedabad, Gujarat from Jan 2014 to December 2022 was done. The clinical profile, presentation, development of secondary sexual characteristics, physical examinations, hormone profile, imaging and cytogenetic study including karyotyping was done. Results: The most common causes of primary amenorrhea identified were end organ failure (71.49%), among these 69.41% had some form of Mullerian anomalies while three were cases of complete androgen insensitivity syndrome. This was followed by hormonal abnormalities (15.97%) and gonadal failure (7.63%). There were two cases of gonadal dysgenesis, three cases of Turner's syndrome, three cases of complete androgen insensitivity, one case of Swyers syndrome, two cases of ring X chromosomes. Hypergonadotropic hypogonadism was the most common cause of secondary amenorrhea. Three patients had premature ovarian failure. Single kidney was the most common association seen in eleven patients. Conclusions: This is one of the large studies exploring causes of both primary and secondary amenorrhea in Western India. Mullerian anomaly was the commonest cause of primary amenorrhea followed by hormonal abnormalities and gonadal failure. Hypergonadotropic hypogonadism was the most common cause of secondary amenorrhea. Role of racial, genetic, epigenetic and environmental factors could be an area of future research

Association of Polymorphisms of Phase I Metabolizing Genes with Sister Chromatid Exchanges in Occupational Workers Exposed to Toluene Used in Paint Thinners

This study investigated genetic damage in paint workers mainly exposed to toluene as it is a major solvent used in paint thinners. Sister chromatid exchange (SCE) assay was used as biomarker of genotoxicity. Blood samples were collected from 30 paint workers and 30 control subjects matched with respect to age and other confounding factors except for exposure to toluene. SCE frequency was found to be significantly higher in paint workers (4.81 ± 0.92) as compared to control individuals (1.73 ± 0.54) ( < 0.05). We also investigated influence of polymorphisms of CYP2E1 and CYP1A1m2 genes on SCE frequency. Our results showed that there was significant increase in frequencies of SCE among the mutant genotypes of CYP2E1 and CYP1A1m2 as compared to wild genotypes. Our study indicated that long term exposure of toluene can increase genotoxic risk in paint workers

A Critical Role for Muscle Ring Finger-1 in Acute Lung Injury–associated Skeletal Muscle Wasting

Rationale: Acute lung injury (ALI) is a debilitating condition associated with severe skeletal muscle weakness that persists in humans long after lung injury has resolved. The molecular mechanisms underlying this condition are unknown

Acute kidney injury in patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors

Background: Immune checkpoint inhibitor-associated acute kidney injury (ICPi-AKI) has emerged as an important toxicity among patients with cancer. Methods: We collected data on 429 patients with ICPi-AKI and 429 control patients who received ICPis contemporaneously but who did not develop ICPi-AKI from 30 sites in 10 countries. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify predictors of ICPi-AKI and its recovery. A multivariable Cox model was used to estimate the effect of ICPi rechallenge versus no rechallenge on survival following ICPi-AKI. Results: ICPi-AKI occurred at a median of 16 weeks (IQR 8-32) following ICPi initiation. Lower baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate, proton pump inhibitor (PPI) use, and extrarenal immune-related adverse events (irAEs) were each associated with a higher risk of ICPi-AKI. Acute tubulointerstitial nephritis was the most common lesion on kidney biopsy (125/151 biopsied patients [82.7%]). Renal recovery occurred in 276 patients (64.3%) at a median of 7 weeks (IQR 3-10) following ICPi-AKI. Treatment with corticosteroids within 14 days following ICPi-AKI diagnosis was associated with higher odds of renal recovery (adjusted OR 2.64; 95% CI 1.58 to 4.41). Among patients treated with corticosteroids, early initiation of corticosteroids (within 3 days of ICPi-AKI) was associated with a higher odds of renal recovery compared with later initiation (more than 3 days following ICPi-AKI) (adjusted OR 2.09; 95% CI 1.16 to 3.79). Of 121 patients rechallenged, 20 (16.5%) developed recurrent ICPi-AKI. There was no difference in survival among patients rechallenged versus those not rechallenged following ICPi-AKI. Conclusions: Patients who developed ICPi-AKI were more likely to have impaired renal function at baseline, use a PPI, and have extrarenal irAEs. Two-thirds of patients had renal recovery following ICPi-AKI. Treatment with corticosteroids was associated with improved renal recovery