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Mixed ligand copper(II) complexes [Cu(L1)(bpy)](ClO4)21 and [Cu(L2)(bpy)](ClO4)22 (where L1 = 1-(anthracen-9-yl)-N,N-bis(pyridin-2-ylmethyl)methanamine, L2 = 1-(pyren-1-yl)-N,N-bis(pyridin-2-ylmethyl)methanamine and bpy = 2,2′-bipyridine) were synthesised and characterised thoroughly via different analytical and spectroscopic techniques i.e., UV-vis spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, FT-IR spectroscopy, HRMS and EPR spectroscopy. The molecular structures of the synthesised complexes were obtained using the single-crystal X-ray diffraction technique. Both complexes exhibited penta-coordinated and acquired distorted square pyramidal geometry. The redox behaviour of complexes 1 and 2 was investigated by employing cyclic voltammetry. The DNA binding study was carried out by UV-vis spectrophotometry using double-stranded salmon sperm DNA (ds-ss-DNA). The binding constant (Kb) values of 1 and 2 were 0.11 × 104 M−1 and 1.05 × 104 M−1, respectively, which indicates that 2 has better binding ability than 1. This might be due to the higher conjugative abilities with the extended surface area of the aromatic pyrene ring compared to the anthracene moiety. The fluorescence quenching experiments were also performed with EB bound DNA (EB–DNA) and Stern–Volmer constant (KSV) values were calculated as 1.23 × 105 M−1 and 1.39 × 105 M−1 for 1 and 2, respectively, suggesting that 2 showed stronger interaction with ss-DNA than 1. The molecular docking data support the DNA-binding studies, with the sites and mode of interactions against B-DNA varying with 1 and 2. Evaluation of the DNA binding properties of the complexes to linearized plasmid DNA indicated that 2 had modest DNA binding properties, which is a pre-requisite for a genotoxic agent. The effect of 1 and 2 on cell survival was analysed using HeLa cells by MTT assay and it was observed that the IC50 values of 1 and 2 were 43.7 μM and 18.6 μM, respectively. Our study paves the way for the designing of bio-inspired novel mixed metal complexes, which shows promising results for further exploration of molecular and mechanistic studies towards the development of non-platinum based economical metallodrugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of diagnostic imaging studies in the emergency setting has increased dramatically over the past couple of decades. The emergency imaging of pregnant and lactating patients poses unique challenges and calls upon the crucial role of radiologists as consultants to the referring physician to guide appropriate use of imaging tests, minimize risk, ensure timely management, and occasionally alleviate unwarranted trepidation. A clear understanding of the risks and benefits involved with various imaging tests in this patient population is vital to achieve this. This review discusses the different safety and appropriateness issues that could arise with the use of ionizing radiation, iodinated-, and gadolinium-based contrast media and radiopharmaceuticals in pregnant and lactating patients. Special considerations such as trauma imaging, safety concerns with magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasound, management of claustrophobia, contrast extravasation, and allergic reactions are also reviewed. The consent process for these examinations has also been described. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Investigation of the myocardial strain characteristics of the left ventricular non-compaction (LVNC) phenotype with cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) feature tracking. Methods: CMR cine balanced steady-state free precession data sets of 59 retrospectively identified LVNC phenotype patients (40 years, IQR: 28–50 years; 51% male) and 36 healthy subjects (39 years, IQR: 30–47 years; 44% male) were evaluated for LV volumes, systolic function and mass. Hypertrabeculation in patients and healthy subjects was evaluated against established CMR diagnostic criteria. Global circumferential strain (GCS), global radial strain (GRS) and global longitudinal strain (GLS) were evaluated with feature-tracking software. Subgroup analyses were performed in patients (n = 25) and healthy subjects (n = 34) with normal LV volumetrics, and with healthy subjects (n = 18) meeting at least one LVNC diagnostic criteria. Results: All LVNC phenotype patients, as well as a significant proportion of healthy subjects, met morphology-based CMR diagnostic criteria: non-compacted (NC): compacted myocardial diameter ratio > 2.3 (100% vs. 19.4%), NC mass > 20% (100% vs. 44.4%) and > 25% (100% vs. 13.9%), and NC mass indexed to body surface area > 15 g/m2 (100% vs. 41.7%). LVNC phenotype patients demonstrated reduced GRS (26.4% vs. 37.1%; p < 0.001), GCS (− 16.5% vs. -20.5%; p < 0.001) and GLS (− 14.6% vs. -17.1%; p < 0.001) compared to healthy subjects, with statistically significant differences persisting on subgroup comparisons of LVNC phenotype patients with healthy subjects meeting diagnostic criteria. GCS also demonstrated independent and incremental diagnostic value beyond each of the morphology-based CMR diagnostic criteria. Conclusions: LVNC phenotype patients demonstrate impaired strain by CMR feature tracking, also present on comparison of subjects with normal LV volumetrics meeting diagnostic criteria. The high proportion of healthy subjects meeting morphology-based CMR diagnostic criteria emphasizes the important potential complementary diagnostic value of strain in differentiating LVNC from physiologic hypertrabeculation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Syphilitic osteomyelitis, a rare complication of syphilis, should be considered in patients with lytic osseous lesions. A 25-year-old man presented with a progressive headache and a history of a painless penile chancre. Further investigation revealed a lytic osseous lesion in the left parietal bone, indicating syphilitic osteomyelitis. The patient was treated with penicillin and showed clinical and radiographic improvement after 2 weeks of therapy. Syphilitic osteitis and osteomyelitis management is not well established, and treatment duration varies. It is important to consider syphilitic osteitis in patients with bony pain to prevent permanent bony destruction. [Extracted from the article]

Objective: To correlate the findings on 3T multiparametric prostate MRI using PIRADS version 2 with prostate biopsy results as the standard of reference.Materials and methods: 134 consecutive treatment naive patients (mean age 64 years, range 41-82 years) underwent MRI-directed prostate biopsy. MRI-TRUS fusion biopsy was used for 77 (77/134 = 57.5%) patients, cognitive fusion for 51 (51/134 = 38.0%) patients, and 6 patients (6/134 = 4.5%) without a target nodule had systematic biopsy only. Out of the 1676 biopsy sites, 237 (237/1676 = 14.1%) were positive on MRI for a PIRADS 3, 4, or 5 nodule. Fifty-eight (58/134, 43.3%) patients had clinically significant prostate cancer (csPCa). The findings on MRI using PIRADS version 2 were correlated with the biopsy results.Results: The accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of PIRADS ≥ 3 for csPCa were 89%, 76.5%, 89.7%, 31.7%, and 98.4%, respectively. The detection rates of csPCa for PIRADS 3, 4, and 5 nodules were 6.1% (4/66), 33.3% (42/126), and 64.4% (29/45), respectively. MRI did not identify a nodule in 23/1676 (1.4%) biopsy sites that contained csPCa. The MRI reader, biopsy operator, method of fusion biopsy, and zonal location of prostate nodule did not significantly affect the odds of having a biopsy result positive for csPCa.Conclusion: PIRADS ≥ 3 had high specificity and high negative predictive value for csPCa using biopsy results as the standard of reference. The presence of csPCa from a biopsy site was highly unlikely in the absence of a corresponding PIRADS ≥ 3 nodule. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Basal duct-like recess (DR) sign serves as a specific marker of papillary craniopharyngiomas (PCPs) of the strictly third-ventricular (3 V) topography. Origins of this sign are poorly understood with limited validation in external cohorts. Methods: In this retrospective study, MRIs of pathologically proven PCPs were reviewed and evaluated for tumor topography, DR sign prevalence, and morphological subtypes. Results: Twenty-three cases with 24 MRIs satisfied our inclusion criteria. Median age was 44.5 years with a predominant male distribution (M/F ratio 4.7:1). Overall, strictly 3 V was the commonest tumor topography (8/24, 33.3%), and tumors were most commonly solid-cystic (10/24, 41.7%). The prevalence of DR sign was 21.7% (5/23 cases), all with strictly 3 V topography and with a predominantly solid consistency. The sensitivity, specificity and positive and negative predictive value of the DR sign for strict 3 V topography was 62.5%, 100%, 100% and 84.2% respectively. New pertinent findings associated with the DR sign were observed in our cohort. This included development of the cleft-like variant of DR sign after a 9-year follow-up initially absent at baseline imaging. Additionally, cystic dilatation of the basal tumor cleft at the pituitary stalk-tumor junction and presence of a vascular structure overlapping the DR sign were noted. Relevant mechanisms, hypotheses, and implications were explored. Conclusion: We confirm the DR sign as a highly specific marker of the strictly 3 V topography in PCPs. While embryological and molecular factors remain pertinent in understanding origins of the DR sign, non-embryological mechanisms may play a role in development of the cleft-like variant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The activation of molecular oxygen remains a persistent challenge to the scientific community owing to its poor selectivity, especially towards organic substrates. In biological systems, phenoxazinone synthase and catechol oxidase are two copper-based metalloenzymes that have been extensively studied because of their catalytic properties in the formation of a phenoxazinone core and quinones, which subsequently produce value-added compounds. Inspired by the design of a native catechol oxidase metalloenzyme, two copper(II) complexes (1 and 2) with dipicolylamine (DPA)-derived tridentate ligands L1 (4-methyl-N,N-bis(pyridin-2-ylmethyl)aniline) and L2 (2,4,6-trimethyl-N,N-bis(pyridin-2-ylmethyl)aniline) are synthesized. The tridentate ligands provided similar environmental facilities for attachment with three histidine moieties found in nature and our goal is to understand their biomimicking activity. On the amine nitrogen center, basicity is varied by systematic substitutions via methyl groups, thus affecting the bond strength of the apical chloride atom, which results in increased lability. The ligands were thoroughly characterized using different spectroscopic methods, i.e., FT-IR, 1H NMR, UV-vis spectroscopy, and ESI mass spectrometry. The molecular structures of 1 and 2 were elucidated using single-crystal X-ray diffraction, which confirms their distorted square pyramidal geometries with two distinct chlorines attached in a cis fashion. The investigation of their catalytic abilities was performed under ambient aerobic conditions in methanol with both o-aminophenol and 3,5-ditertbutyl catechol, which provided kinetic values that correlated with their structural modifications. Toluene-appended 1 (kcat 525 h−1 for o-aminophenol and 612 h−1 for 3,5-ditertbutyl catechol) showed almost twice the activities of mesitylene-derived 2 (kcat 255 h−1 for o-aminophenol and 343 h−1 for 3,5-ditertbutyl catechol). Mass spectroscopy supported their probable mechanisms for both substrates and confirmed the involvement of molecular oxygen in the reaction. EPR studies further confirmed radical generation during adduct formation in the case of catechol oxidation. This study offers detailed information regarding metal–ligand cooperation and their biomimicking activity, which directs the importance of designing suitable bioinspired catalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: T2-FLAIR mismatch serves as a highly specific but insensitive marker for IDH-mutant (IDHm) astrocytoma with potential limitations in real-world application. We aimed to assess the utility of a broader definition of T2-FLAIR discordance across a cohort of adult-type diffuse lower-grade gliomas (LrGG) to see if specific patterns emerge and additionally examine factors determining deviation from the classic T2-FLAIR mismatch sign. Methods: Preoperative MRIs of non-enhancing adult-type diffuse LrGGs were reviewed. Relevant demographic, molecular, and MRI data were compared across tumor subgroups. Results: Eighty cases satisfied the inclusion criteria. Highest discordance prevalence and > 50% T2-FLAIR discordance volume were noted with IDHm astrocytomas (P < 0.001), while < 25% discordance volume was associated with oligodendrogliomas (P = 0.03) and IDH-wildtype (IDHw) LrGG (P = 0.004). "T2-FLAIR matched pattern" was associated with IDHw LrGG (P < 0.001) and small or minimal areas of discordance with oligodendrogliomas (P = 0.03). Sensitivity and specificity of classic mismatch sign for IDHm astrocytoma were 25.7% and 100%, respectively (P = 0.06). Retained ATRX expression and/or non-canonical IDH mutation (n = 10) emerged as a significant factor associated with absence of classic T2-FLAIR mismatch sign in IDHm astrocytomas (100%, P = 0.02) and instead had minimal discordance or matched pattern (40%, P = 0.04). Conclusion: T2-FLAIR discordance patterns in adult-type diffuse LrGGs exist on a diverging but distinct spectrum of classic mismatch to T2-FLAIR matched patterns. Specific molecular markers may play a role in deviations from classic mismatch sign. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 22-year-old female presented to our services with back pain and paraparesis for 11 months. She was earlier diagnosed with tuberculosis of spine, and antitubercular chemotherapy was started. However her condition had worsened. Plain and contrast-enhanced computed tomography scans of the thorax and magnetic resonance imaging of the thoracic spine showed heterogenous, lytic, expansile lesion involving third thoracic vertebra with epidural extension and large bilateral paraspinal and mediastinal components. Multiple variably sized loculations with fluid-fluid levels were seen within the lesion. These imaging findings suggestive of aneurysmal bone cyst of thoracic spine were compared with the findings seen 11 months earlier, which were mistaken for spinal tuberculosis. Histopathology confirmed the diagnosis of aneurysmal bone cyst. The imaging features, diagnostic challenges and the lessons learned have been briefly discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unfortunately the article was published with a spell error in the co-author name "Hassan Maan". The correct co-author name should be "Hassaan Maan". [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cardiac involvement is common and is the leading cause of mortality in Fabry disease (FD). We explored the association between cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) myocardial strain, T1 mapping, late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) and left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) in patients with FD. Methods: In this prospective study, 38 FD patients (45.0 ± 14.5 years, 37% male) and 8 healthy controls (40.1 ± 13.7 years, 63% male) underwent 3 T CMR including cine balanced steady-state free precession (bSSFP), LGE and modified Look-Locker Inversion recovery (MOLLI) T1 mapping. Global longitudinal (GLS) and circumferential (GCS) strain and base-to-apex longitudinal strain (LS) and circumferential strain (CS) gradients were derived from cine bSSFP images using feature tracking analysis. Results: Among FD patients, 8 had LVH (FD LVH+, 21%) and 17 had LGE (FD LGE+, 45%). Nineteen FD patients (50%) had neither LVH nor LGE (FD LVH- LGE-). None of the healthy controls had LVH or LGE. FD patients and healthy controls did not differ significantly with respect to GLS (− 15.3 ± 3.5% vs. − 16.3 ± 1.5%, p = 0.45), GCS (− 19.4 ± 3.0% vs. -19.5 ± 2.9%, p = 0.84) or base-to-apex LS gradient (7.5 ± 3.8% vs. 9.3 ± 3.5%, p = 0.24). FD patients had significantly lower base-to-apex CS gradient (2.1 ± 3.7% vs. 6.5 ± 2.2%, p = 0.002) and native T1 (1170.2 ± 37.5 ms vs. 1239.0 ± 18.0 ms, p < 0.001). Base-to-apex CS gradient differentiated FD LVH- LGE- patients from healthy controls (OR 0.42, 95% CI: 0.20 to 0.86, p = 0.019), even after controlling for native T1 (OR 0.24, 95% CI: 0.06 to 0.99, p = 0.049). In a nested logistic regression model with native T1, model fit was significantly improved by the addition of base-to-apex CS gradient (χ2(df = 1) = 11.04, p < 0.001). Intra- and inter-observer agreement were moderate to good for myocardial strain parameters: GLS (ICC 0.849 and 0.774, respectively), GCS (ICC 0.831 and 0.833, respectively), and base-to-apex CS gradient (ICC 0.737 and 0.613, respectively). Conclusions: CMR reproducibly identifies myocardial strain abnormalities in FD. Loss of base-to-apex CS gradient may be an early marker of cardiac involvement in FD, with independent and incremental value beyond native T1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To compare the utility of constructive interference in steady-state (CISS) sequence over T2-weighted (T2W) sequence in the accurate delineation of the tethering element on magnetic resonance (MR) imaging in patients of tethered cord syndrome (TCS) and correlation with intraoperative findings. Methods: MR findings of fifty-six consecutive patients with operative findings of TCS were studied. The intraoperative findings of all patients were studied and compared with the preoperative imaging findings on T2W imaging and CISS images. Results: CISS images provided more information than T2W imaging. The overall sensitivity of CISS in MR evaluation of patients with TCS was higher (99.17%) as compared with the T2W sequence (71.48%) especially in the detection of precise position/extent of tethered cord, assessment of filum terminale thickening, detection of a fibrous spur in cases of split cord malformation, detection of dorsal dermal sinus, and evaluation of its precise extent and ramifications. The area under the ROC curve was higher with CISS (0.99) than with T2W sequence (0.85) which reflects its good predictive value as a screening test. This information was useful to the operating surgeon. Conclusion: CISS sequence for imaging TCS can help enhance the overall surgical outcome of the patients ensuring completeness of the surgery. CISS should be routinely performed in the work-up of patients with tethered cord syndrome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here in Canada, we often think of gun violence as confined to conflict zones, terrorism, and more of a problem for our southern neighbor. However, in recent years, it has also become a Canadian problem with increased gun violence related to criminal activity presenting in daily practice. Radiologists play a critical role in the evaluation of ballistic trauma and must therefore be familiar with both the common and uncommon patterns of ballistic injury. In this article, we review the mechanisms of ballistic trauma as well as their resultant injury patterns in order to guide image interpretation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An introduction to the journal is presented in which the editor discusses a condition, wherein the colon interposed between the liver and the diaphragm, known as Chilaiditi syndrome.

Background: Emphysematous cystitis is a well-described life threatening complication of urinary tract infection, most commonly seen in patients with diabetes and typically caused by gas forming bacterial or fungal pathogens. Pneumorrhachis is the rare finding of gas within the spinal canal, most commonly reported in the context of cerebrospinal fluid leakage secondary to trauma or spinal instrumentation. To our knowledge there is only one other reported case of pneumorrhachis in the setting of emphysematous cystitis. Case presentation: This is a single case report of pneumorrhachis in the setting of emphysematous cystitis. An 82-year-old Asian female patient originally from East Asia, with no prior medical history besides hypertension, presented to hospital with a chief complaint of acute on chronic neck pain and functional decline. Examination revealed nonspecific neurosensory deficits and suprapubic tenderness. Laboratory investigations demonstrated leukocytosis and extended-spectrum beta-lactamase containing Escherichia coli bacteremia and bacteriuria. Computed tomography showed emphysematous cystitis with widespread gas within the cervical and lumbar spinal canal, as well as multiple gas-containing soft tissue collections in the bilateral psoas muscles and paraspinal soft tissues. Despite prompt antimicrobial therapy the patient passed away within 48 hours from septic shock. Conclusions: Our case adds to a growing body of literature showing that the spread of air to distant sites, including the spine, may be a poor prognostic indicator in patients with gangrenous intraabdominal infections. This report highlights the importance of recognizing the causes and presentation of pneumorrhachis to facilitate early diagnosis and treatment of potentially life threatening and treatable causes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Portable chest radiograph for COVID-19 positive patients and persons under investigation can be acquired through glass doors or walls of isolation rooms to limit exposure to the pathogen and conserve resources. Purpose: To report our initial experience with acquiring portable chest radiographs through glass doors of isolation rooms. Methods: Only 1 of 2 radiology technologist team members donned personal protective equipment and stayed inside the isolation room, while the second technologist and the radiography unit remained outside during the procedure. First hundred radiographs acquired through glass at the emergency department of our institute formed the "through glass radiograph" group. Hundred consecutive portable chest radiographs performed in a conventional manner formed the "conventional radiograph" group for comparison. Imaging database and feedback from operations leader were used to identify occurrences of a failed procedure. Suggestion of repeating the study and comments related to quality of the study were recorded from the reports of the staff radiologist. Results: There was no instance of failed acquisition, nondiagnostic examination, or suggestion of repetition in both groups. No significant difference in the number of reports with quality related remarks (P >.05) was found between the 2 groups. Radiography through glass doors was associated with increased suboptimal positioning related remarks in radiology reports (P <.05). No significant association was identified among other comments about image quality. Conclusion: Our initial clinical experience suggests that the acquisition of portable chest radiographs through the glass doors of isolation rooms is technically feasible and results in diagnostic quality studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to a combination of increasing indications for MR imaging, increased MRI accessibility, and extensive global armed conflict over the last few decades, an increasing number of patients now and in the future will present with retained metallic ballistic debris of unknown composition. To date, there are no guidelines on how to safely image these patients which may result in patients who would benefit from MRI not receiving it. In this article, we review the current literature pertaining to the MRI safety of retained ballistic materials and present the process we use to safely image these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dual-energy computed tomography (CT) is a promising tool with increasing availability and multiple emerging and established clinical applications in neuroradiology. With its ability to allow characterization of materials based on their differential attenuation when imaged at two different energy levels, dual-energy CT can help identify the composition of brain, neck, and spinal components. Virtual monoenergetic imaging allows a range of simulated single energy-level reconstructions to be created with postprocessing. Low-energy reconstructions can aid identification of edema, ischemia, and subtle lesions due to increased soft tissue contrast as well as increasing contrast-to-noise ratios on angiographic imaging. Higher energy reconstructions can reduce image artifact from dental amalgam, aneurysm clips and coils, spinal hardware, dense contrast, and dense bones. Differentiating iodine from hemorrhage may help guide management of patients after thrombectomy and aid diagnosis of enhancing tumors within parenchymal hemorrhages. Iodine quantification may predict hematoma expansion in aneurysmal bleeds and outcomes in traumatic brain injury. Calcium and bone subtraction can be used to distinguish hemorrhage from brain parenchymal mineralization as well as improving visualization of extra-axial lesions and vessels adjacent to dense plaque or skull. This article reviews the basics of dual-energy CT and highlights many of its clinical applications in the evaluation of acute neurological presentations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents an information-technology-based collaboration framework that facilitates disaster response operations. The collaboration framework incorporates a web collaboration service, radio frequency identification (RFID) tags, a building blackbox system (BBS), a geo-database, and a geographic information system (GIS). Through the integration of these technologies, the framework provides a collaboration medium for first responders, including civil engineers, to cohesively respond to disasters. Access to critical building information, such as construction documents, through the BBS supports assessments of building integrity during disaster response. Building assessment information is stored on RFID tags, which are accessible to first responders through digital devices via a wireless ad hoc network. With on-site assessment information shown on a digital map, decision makers locate, collect, and distribute critical resources through the GIS to first responders. In addition, the decision makers at distributed locations evaluate the incident through discussion sessions, hosted by the web collaboration environment, for integrated decision making. Test-bed simulations for the framework have been carried out with encouraging results at the training ground of the Illinois Fire Service Institute. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]