bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rapid abdominopelvic MR imaging in the emergency department: establishing a program and addressing the challenges
Authors: Ayyala Rama S. , Dillman Jonathan R. , Tkach Jean A. , Trout Andrew T.
Published: July 2024

Utilization of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the pediatric emergency room or urgent care setting for abdominopelvic indications has been increasing. The creation and implementation of rapid urgent MRI programs can have various challenges. The purpose of this article is to describe a framework for the creation of a rapid urgent abdominopelvic MRI program in the pediatric emergency room setting.
Production, purification, and quality assessment of borrelial proteins CspZ from Borrelia burgdorferi and FhbA from Borrelia hermsii
Authors: Guérin Mickaël , Vandevenne Marylène , Brans Alain , Matagne André , Marquant Rodrigue , Prost Elise , Octave Stéphane , Avalle Bérangère , Maffucci Irene , Padiolleau-Lefèvre Séverine
Published: July 2024

Borrelia, spirochetes transmitted by ticks, are the etiological agents of numerous multisystemic diseases, such as Lyme borreliosis (LB) and tick-borne relapsing fever (TBRF). This study focuses on two surface proteins from two Borrelia subspecies involved in these diseases: CspZ, expressed by Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto (also named BbCRASP-2 for complement regulator-acquiring surface protein 2), and the factor H binding A (FhbA), expressed by Borrelia hermsii. Numerous subspecies of Borrelia, including these latter, are able to evade the immune defenses of a variety of potential vertebrate hosts in a number of ways. In this context, previous data suggested that both surface proteins play a role in the immune evasion of both Borrelia subspecies by interacting with key regulators of the alternative pathway of the human complement system, factor H (FH) and FH-like protein 1 (FHL-1). The recombinant proteins, CspZ and FhbA, were expressed in Escherichia coli and purified by one-step metal-affinity chromatography, with yields of 15 and 20 mg or pure protein for 1 L of cultured bacteria, respectively. The purity was evaluated by SDS-PAGE and HPLC and is close to about 95%. The mass of CspZ and FhbA was checked by mass spectrometry (MS). Proper folding of CspZ and FhbA was confirmed by circular dichroism (CD), and their biological activity, namely their interaction with purified FH from human serum (recombinant FH15-20 and recombinant FHL-1), was characterized by SPR. Such a study provides the basis for the biochemical characterization of the studied proteins and their biomolecular interactions which is a necessary prerequisite for the development of new approaches to improve the current diagnosis of LB and TBRF.

Key points

• DLS, CD, SEC-MALS, NMR, HPLC, and MS are tools for protein quality assessment

• Borrelia spp. possesses immune evasion mechanisms, including human host complement

• CspZ and FhbA interact with high affinity (pM to nM) to human FH and rFHL-1

Graphical Abstract
The first-in-human preclinical evaluation of the new probe [123I]I-PSMA-7 for real-time intraoperative targeted biopsy and SPECT/CT imaging in prostate cancer
Authors: Luan Xiaohui , Niu Shaoxi , Liu Yachao , Zhang Xiaojun , Xu Xiaodan , Sun Shuwei , Sun Yabing , Zhang Jingfeng , Wang Yuan , Chen Zhiqiang , Chen Yimin , Cui Mengchao , Wang Ruimin , Zhang Xu , Zhang Jinming , Xu Baixuan
Published: July 2024

Purpose

PSMA/PET has been increasingly used to detect PCa, and PSMA/PET-guided biopsy has shown promising results. However, it cannot be confirmed immediately whether the tissues are the targeted area. In this study, we aimed to develop a novel probe, [123I]I-PSMA-7. First, we hope that [123I]I-PSMA-7 can provide instant confirmation for prostate biopsy. Second, we hope it will help detect PCa.

Methods

We synthesized a high-affinity probe, [123I]I-PSMA-7, and evaluated its properties. We included ten patients with suspected PCa and divided them into two groups. The injection and biopsy were approximately 24 h apart. The activity in biopsy lesions was measured as the cpm by a γ-counter. Moreover, we enrolled 3 patients to evaluate the potential of [123I]I-PSMA-7 for detecting PCa.

Results

Animal experiments verified the safety, targeting and effectiveness of [123I]I-PSMA-7, and the tumor-to-muscle ratio was greatest at 24 h, which confirmed the results of this study in humans. After injection of 185MBq [123I]I-PSMA-7, 18/55 cores were positive, and the cpm was significantly greater (4345 ± 3547 vs. 714 ± 547, P < 0.001), with an AUC of 0.97 and a cutoff of 1312 (sens/spec of 94.40%/91.90%). At a lower dose, 10/55 biopsy cores were cancerous, and the cpm was 2446 ± 1622 vs. 153 ± 112 (P < 0.001). The AUC was 1, with a cutoff value of 490 (sens/spec of 100%). When the radiopharmaceuticals were added to 370 MBq, we achieved better SPECT/CT imaging.

Conclusion

With the aid of [123I]I-PSMA-7 and via cpm-based biopsy, we can reduce the number of biopsies to a minimum operation. [123I]I-PSMA-7 PSMA SPECT/CT can also provide good imaging results.

Trial registration

Chinese Clinical trial registry ChiCTR2300069745, Registered 24 March 2023
Meta-analysis of [18F]FDG-PET/CT in pulmonary sarcoidosis
Authors: Donnelly Ryan , McDermott Michael , McManus Gerry , Franciosi Alessandro N. , Keane Michael P. , McGrath Emmet E. , McCarthy Cormac , Murphy David J.
Published: July 2024

Background

18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) PET/CT is emerging as a tool in the diagnosis and evaluation of pulmonary sarcoidosis, however, there is limited consensus regarding its diagnostic performance and prognostic value.

Method

A meta-analysis was conducted with PubMed, Science Direct, MEDLINE, Scopus, and CENTRAL databases searched up to and including September 2023. 1355 studies were screened, with seventeen (n = 708 patients) suitable based on their assessment of the diagnostic performance or prognostic value of FDG-PET/CT. Study quality was assessed using the QUADAS-2 tool. Forest plots of pooled sensitivity and specificity were generated to assess diagnostic performance. Pooled changes in SUVmax were correlated with changes in pulmonary function tests (PFT).

Results

FDG-PET/CT in diagnosing suspected pulmonary sarcoidosis (six studies, n = 400) had a pooled sensitivity of 0.971 (95%CI 0.909–1.000, p = < 0.001) and specificity of 0.873 (95%CI 0.845–0.920)(one study, n = 169). Eleven studies for prognostic analysis (n = 308) indicated a pooled reduction in pulmonary SUVmax of 4.538 (95%CI 5.653–3.453, p = < 0.001) post-treatment. PFTs displayed improvement post-treatment with a percentage increase in predicted forced vital capacity (FVC) and diffusion capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (DLCO) of 7.346% (95%CI 2.257–12.436, p = 0.005) and 3.464% (95%CI -0.205–7.132, p = 0.064), respectively. Reduction in SUVmax correlated significantly with FVC (r = 0.644, p < 0.001) and DLCO (r = 0.582, p < 0.001) improvement.

Conclusion

In cases of suspected pulmonary sarcoidosis, FDG-PET/CT demonstrated good diagnostic performance and correlated with functional health scores. FDG-PET/CT may help to guide immunosuppression in cases of complex sarcoidosis or where treatment rationalisation is needed.

Clinical relevance statement

FDG-PET/CT has demonstrated a high diagnostic performance in the evaluation of suspected pulmonary sarcoidosis with radiologically assessed disease activity correlating strongly with clinically derived pulmonary function tests.

Key Points

In diagnosing pulmonary sarcoidosis, FDG-PET/CT had a sensitivity and specificity of 0.971 and 0.873, respectively.

Disease activity, as determined by SUVmax, reduced following treatment in all the included studies.

Reduction in SUVmax correlated with an improvement in functional vital capacity, Diffusion Capacity of the Lungs for Carbon Monoxide, and subjective health scoring systems.
Validation of a commercially available CAD-system for lung nodule detection and characterization using CT-scans
Authors: Paramasamy Jasika , Mandal Souvik , Blomjous Maurits , Mulders Ties , Bos Daniel , Aerts Joachim G. J. V. , Vanapalli Prakash , Challa Vikash , Sathyamurthy Saigopal , Devi Ranjana , Jain Ritvik , Visser Jacob J.
Published: July 2024

Objectives

This study aims to externally validate a commercially available Computer-Aided Detection (CAD)-system for the automatic detection and characterization of solid, part-solid, and ground-glass lung nodules (LN) on CT scans.

Methods

This retrospective study encompasses 263 chest CT scans performed between January 2020 and December 2021 at a Dutch university hospital. All scans were read by a radiologist (R1) and compared with the initial radiology report. Conflicting scans were assessed by an adjudicating radiologist (R2). All scans were also processed by CAD. The standalone performance of CAD in terms of sensitivity and false-positive (FP)-rate for detection was calculated together with the sensitivity for characterization, including texture, calcification, speculation, and location. The R1’s detection sensitivity was also assessed.

Results

A total of 183 true nodules were identified in 121 nodule-containing scans (142 non-nodule-containing scans), of which R1 identified 165/183 (90.2%). CAD detected 149 nodules, of which 12 were not identified by R1, achieving a sensitivity of 149/183 (81.4%) with an FP-rate of 49/121 (0.405). CAD’s detection sensitivity for solid, part-solid, and ground-glass LNs was 82/94 (87.2%), 42/47 (89.4%), and 25/42 (59.5%), respectively. The classification accuracy for solid, part-solid, and ground-glass LNs was 81/82 (98.8%), 16/42 (38.1%), and 18/25 (72.0%), respectively. Additionally, CAD demonstrated overall classification accuracies of 137/149 (91.9%), 123/149 (82.6%), and 141/149 (94.6%) for calcification, spiculation, and location, respectively.

Conclusions

Although the overall detection rate of this system slightly lags behind that of a radiologist, CAD is capable of detecting different LNs and thereby has the potential to enhance a reader’s detection rate. While promising characterization performances are obtained, the tool’s performance in terms of texture classification remains a subject of concern.

Clinical relevance statement

Numerous lung nodule computer-aided detection-systems are commercially available, with some of them solely being externally validated based on their detection performance on solid nodules. We encourage researchers to assess performances by incorporating all relevant characteristics, including part-solid and ground-glass nodules.

Key Points

Few computer-aided detection (CAD) systems are externally validated for automatic detection and characterization of lung nodules.

A detection sensitivity of 81.4% and an overall texture classification sensitivity of 77.2% were measured utilizing CAD.

CAD has the potential to increase single reader detection rate, however, improvement in texture classification is required.

Graphical Abstract
Growth of organized flow coherent motions within a single-stream shear layer: 4D-PTV measurements
Authors: Gautam Ankit K. , Livescu Daniel , Mejia-Alvarez Ricardo
Published: July 2024

This study investigates the evolution of a single-stream shear layer (SSSL) originating from a wall boundary layer past a backward-facing step. Utilizing a time-resolved 3D-Particle Tracking Velocimetry (4D-PTV) technique, we track the trajectories of fluorescent particles to gain insight into the flow characteristics of the SSSL. A compact water tunnel facility ($$\textrm{Re}_\tau =1\,240$$

Re
τ

=
1

240

) is fabricated to obtain an SSSL with a perpendicular slow entrainment stream past the separation edge. A hybrid interpolation approach that combines ensemble binning and Gaussian weighting is implemented to derive minimally filtered mean and instantaneous lower- and higher-order flow field parameters. Spanwise-dominant coherent motion accompanied by finer flow scales is observed to grow due to flow entrainment through “nibbling” actions of small-scale vortices, “engulfing” by large-scale vortices, and vortex pairing events. Furthermore, the non-zero-speed stream edge grows relatively faster than the zero-speed stream edge, showing a strong asymmetry in mixing composition across a mixing layer. The SSSL reaches self-similarity at a streamwise distance of $$\approx 55\,\theta _{0}$$

≈
55

θ
0

, where $$\theta _0$$

θ
0

is the initial momentum thickness from the separation edge, i.e., considerably shorter than reported in previous studies. A literature comparison of growth rate parameters raises intriguing questions regarding a potential inclusive growth scaling unifying the free shear layers. A turbulent kinetic energy (TKE) budget analysis reveals a negative production region immediately downstream of the separation edge attributed to a large positive streamwise gradient of streamwise velocity. In the self-similar region, the phase-averaged flow mapping demonstrates a larger concentration of turbulence production rate around the outer edges of spanwise vortices, specifically at the intersection of braids and vortices. Furthermore, a spatial separation exists in the regions of peak production and dissipation rates within the vortex core region favoring dissipation. The braids exhibit a larger concentration of turbulence diffusion rates, indicating their function as a conduit for exchanging turbulence between neighboring coherent motions.
The effect of histopathologic analysis and tissue cultures on inpatient management of cellulitis: a randomized control trial
Authors: Lause Michael , Hansen Emma , Libson Karissa , Pettit Cory , Himed Sonia , Rismiller Kyle P. , Huff Sara , Korman Abraham M. , Blaszczak Alecia M. , Hsueh Willa , Milani-Nejad Nima , Kofmehl Leah , Hebert Courtney , Caterino Jeffrey M. , Wang Henry E. , Yildiz Vedat , Trinidad John C. , Chung Catherine G. , Kaffenberger Benjamin H.
Published: July 2024

Background: In the absence of a gold-standard diagnostic modality for cellulitis, sterile inflammatory disorders may be misdiagnosed as cellulitis. Objective: To determine the utility of skin biopsy and tissue culture for the diagnosis and management of patients admitted with a diagnosis of presumed cellulitis. Design: Pilot single-blind parallel group randomized controlled clinical trial in 56 patients with a primary diagnosis of presumed cellulitis. In the intervention group only, skin biopsy and tissue culture results were made available to the primary care team to guide diagnosis and management. Length of hospital stay and antibiotic use were evaluated as outcome measures. Results: Length of stay showed the greatest opportunity for further study as a primary outcome (intervention: 4, IQR (2–6) vs. control: 5 IQR (3–8) days; p = 0.124). Limitations: The COVID-19 pandemic placed limitations on participant enrollment and study duration; in addition, data was collected from a single medical center. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that length of stay and anti-pseudomonal antibiotic de-escalation are endpoints that may be influenced by biopsy and tissue culture results in presumed cellulitis patients; these outcomes warrant further study.
Detection of demodex mites in papulopustular rosacea using microscopic examination and polymerase chain reaction: a comparative case-control study
Authors: Trave Ilaria , Salvi Ilaria , Canepa Paola , Parodi Aurora , Cozzani Emanuele
Published: July 2024

Demodex mite proliferation is frequently involved in the pathogenesis of rosacea. The gold standard for Demodex identification is microscopic examination on a standardized skin surface biopsy. However, this method of sampling can be distressing and painful, especially when performed on hairy sites. In this case-control study, we compared the sensitivity of PCR and microscopic examination in diagnosing a Demodex infestation. Moreover, we investigated the possible correlations between the presence of Demodex mites and clinical characteristics. In total, 20 patients affected by papulopustular rosacea and 10 controls were included. At both microscopic examination and PCR, patients with rosacea presented a greater prevalence of positive samples than controls at the scalp and at the face. Microscopy had sensitivity of 50% at the face and of 46.7% at the scalp. PCR had sensitivity of 93.75% at the face and of 86.7% at the scalp. The positivity of PCR was associated to a higher frequency of facial papules and pustules. Patients with positivity at the face had a more frequent positivity at the scalp. The scalp could represent a reservoir for the Demodex mites, and should be investigated by sensitive and painless methods. PCR performed on painlessly collected samples should be further investigated.
Squamous cell carcinoma of the nasal vestibule: a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge
Authors: Testa Gabriele , Mattavelli D. , Rampinelli V. , Conti C. , Piazza C.
Published: July 2024

Nasal vestibule squamous cell carcinoma (NVSCC) is an exceedingly rare malignancy, often misclassified due to its anatomical location and lack of a standardized definition. This review aims to consolidate current evidence on NVSCC, focusing on epidemiology, risk factors, classification, clinical presentation, treatment modalities, and prognostic factors. The NV anatomy is delineated, emphasizing the need for a clear definition to avoid misclassification. Risk factors include smoking, sunlight exposure, and debated associations with chalk exposure or viral factors. Clinical presentation includes symptoms like nasal obstruction, pain, burning, and bleeding, often misdiagnosed as inflammatory conditions. NVSCC exhibits distinct local spread patterns along cartilaginous surfaces, with the facial and submandibular lymph nodes at higher metastatic risk. Current classifications lack consensus, hindering comparison of outcomes. Treatment varies, with surgery or radiotherapy for early-stage tumors and multimodality approaches for advanced cases. The choice between surgery and radiotherapy is debated, with potential advantages and drawbacks for each. Radiotherapy, especially with Interventional RadioTherapy (IRT, previously known as brachytherapy), is gaining prominence, showing promising outcomes in terms of local control and cosmetic results. Prophylactic neck treatment remains controversial, with indications based on tumor characteristics. Prognostic factors include T classification, tumor size, surgical margins, nodal involvement, and histological features. Long-term survival rates range widely, emphasizing the need for further studies to refine management strategies for this rare malignancy. In conclusion, NVSCC poses diagnostic and therapeutic challenges, warranting multidisciplinary approaches and continued research efforts to optimize patient outcomes.
Exploring tonsillar cancer associations in patients with base of tongue cancer: insights from a single-center study
Authors: Udholm Sebastian , Sannino-Greve Nina B. , Klug Tejs Ehlers
Published: July 2024

Purpose

To explore the prevalence of synchronous and metachronous tonsillar cancer in patients with base of tongue cancer, as well as identifying potential risk factors linked to these secondary malignancies. We aim to answer the following question: Should bilateral tonsillectomy be recommended to patients diagnosed with base of tongue cancer?

Methods

A case-series study was conducted at Aarhus University Hospital, including all patients with histologically confirmed base of tongue squamous cell carcinoma treated between January 2012 and December 2021. Data from electronic patient records, including diagnosis of prior, synchronous or metachronous tonsillar cancer, demographics, and clinical features were analysed. Fisher’s exact test was performed to assess factors associated with synchronous and metachronous tonsillar cancer.

Results

Among 198 patients with base of tongue cancer, 5.6% had a history of tonsillar cancer, either prior to (4.5%), synchronous (0.5%), or metachronous (0.5%) to the base of tongue diagnosis. The prevalence of synchronous or metachronous tonsillar cancer among patients without previous bilateral tonsillectomy was 1.2%. Patients with tonsillar cancer were older, had heavier smoking histories, and exhibited less frequent P16-overexpression.

Conclusion

Our findings deepen understanding of tonsillar cancer in patients with base of tongue cancer. The prevalence of synchronous or metachronous tonsillar cancer was found to be relatively low, suggesting that routine tonsillectomy for all base of tongue cancer patients is not warranted.
The central oxytocinergic system of the prairie vole
Authors: Ramos E. N. , Jiron G. M. , Danoff J. S. , Anderson Z. , Carter C. S. , Perkeybile A. M. , Connelly J. J. , Erisir A.
Published: July 2024

Oxytocin (OXT) is a peptide hormone and a neuropeptide that regulates various peripheral physiological processes and modulates behavioral responses in the central nervous system. While the humoral release occurs from the axons arriving at the median eminence, the neuropeptide is also released from oxytocinergic cell axons in various brain structures that contain its receptor, and from their dendrites in hypothalamic nuclei and potentially into the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Understanding oxytocin’s complex functions requires the knowledge on patterns of oxytocinergic projections in relationship to its receptor (OXTR). This study provides the first comprehensive examination of the oxytocinergic system in the prairie vole (Microtus ochrogaster), an animal exhibiting social behaviors that mirror human social behaviors linked to oxytocinergic functioning. Using light and electron microscopy, we characterized the neuroanatomy of the oxytocinergic system in this species. OXT+ cell bodies were found primarily in the hypothalamus, and axons were densest in subcortical regions. Examination of the OXT+ fibers and their relationship to oxytocin receptor transcripts (Oxtr) revealed that except for some subcortical structures, the presence of axons was not correlated with the amount of Oxtr across the brain. Of particular interest, the cerebral cortex that had high expression of Oxtr transcripts contained little to no fibers. Electron microscopy is used to quantify dense cored vesicles (DCV) in OXT+ axons and to identify potential axonal release sites. The ependymal cells that line the ventricles were frequently permissive of DCV-containing OXT+ dendrites reaching the third ventricle. Our results highlight a mechanism in which oxytocin is released directly into the ventricles and circulates throughout the ventricular system, may serve as the primary source for oxytocin that binds to OXTR in the cerebral cortex.
Esophageal impedance planimetry during per-oral endoscopic myotomy guides myotomy extent
Authors: Kara Ali M. , Haas A. J. , Alkhatib Hemasat , DeCicco Jamie , Semanate Ramiro Cadena , Kim Hee Kyung , Prasad Rachna , Bardaro Sergio , Dorsey Amelia , El-Hayek Kevin
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is the standard treatment for achalasia. Functional luminal imaging probe (FLIP) technology enables objective measurement of lower esophageal sphincter (LES) geometry, with literature linking specific values to improved post-POEM outcomes. Our study assesses FLIP’s intraoperative use in evaluating myotomy extent in real-time.

Methods

Retrospective data from all patients undergoing POEM with intraoperative FLIP measurements were extracted from June 2020 to January 2023. The primary endpoint was intraoperative FLIP measurements, management changes, and symptom improvement (Eckardt score).

Results

Fourteen patients (age 56 ± 14 years, BMI 28 ± 7 kg/m2) were identified. Most patients were female (64%). Predominantly, patients presented with type II achalasia (50%). FLIP measurements were taken before and after myotomy, demonstrating increases in mean distensibility index (DI) 1.6 ± 1. 4 to 5.4 ± 2.1 mm2/mmHg (p < 0.05) and mean diameter (Dmin) 6 ± 1.8 to 10.9 ± 2.3 mm (p < 0.05) at 50 ml balloon fill. Additional myotomy was performed in one patient when an inadequate increase in FLIP values were noted. Mean operative time was 98 ± 28 min, and there were no intraoperative complications. At the 30-day follow-up, median Eckardt score decreased from mean a preoperative score of 7 ± 2 to a post-operative mean of 2 ± 3, with 10 patients (78%) having a score ≤ 2. In total, four patients experienced symptom recurrence, with repeat FLIP values revealing a significant decrease in DI from 7 ± 2.2 post-POEM to 2.5 ± 1.5 at recurrence. FLIP technology identified LES pathology in 3 out of 4 (75%) patients, facilitating referral to LES-directed therapy.

Conclusion

Our study adds to the literature supporting the use of FLIP technology during the POEM procedure, with most patients achieving ideal values after a standard-length myotomy. This suggests the potential benefits of shorter myotomies guided by FLIP to achieve comparable outcomes and reduce postoperative GERD risk. Collaborative standardization of study designs and outcome measures is crucial for facilitating prospective trials and cross-setting outcome comparisons.

Graphical abstract
A modified Runge–Kutta optimization for optimal photovoltaic and battery storage allocation under uncertainty and load variation
Authors: Selim Ali , Kamel Salah , Houssein Essam H. , Jurado Francisco , Hashim Fatma A.
Published: July 2024

The interest in incorporating environmentally friendly and renewable sources of energy, like photovoltaic (PV) technology, into electricity grids has grown significantly. These sources offer benefits, such as reduced power losses and improved voltage stability. To optimize these advantages, it is essential to determine optimal placement and management of these energy resources. This paper proposes an Improved RUNge–Kutta optimizer (IRUN) for allocating PV-based distributed generations (DGs) and Battery Energy Storage (BES) in distribution networks. IRUN utilizes three strategies to avoid local optima and enhance exploration and exploitation phases: a non-linear operator for smoother transitions, a Chaotic Local Search for thorough exploration, and diverse solution updates for refinement. The efficacy of IRUN is evaluated using 10 benchmark functions from the CEC’20 test suite, followed by statistical analysis. Next, IRUN is used to optimize the allocation of PVDG and BES to minimize energy losses in two standard IEEE distribution networks. The optimization problem is divided into two stages. In the first stage, the optimal size and the location of PV systems are calculated to meet peak load demand. In the second stage, considering time-varying load demand and intermittent PV generation, effective energy management of BES is employed. The effectiveness of IRUN is compared against the original RUN and other well-known optimization algorithms through simulation results. The comprehensive analysis demonstrates that IRUN outperforms the compared algorithms, making it a leading solution for optimizing PV distributed generation and BES allocation in distribution networks and the results show that the energy loss reduction reaches 63.54% and 68.19% when using PVand BES in IEEE 33-bus and IEEE 69 bus respectively.
Deep learning and feature fusion-based lung sound recognition model to diagnoses the respiratory diseases
Authors: Shehab Sara A. , Mohammed Kamel K. , Darwish Ashraf , Hassanien Aboul Ella
Published: July 2024

This paper proposed a novel approach for detecting lung sound disorders using deep learning feature fusion. The lung sound dataset are oversampled and converted into spectrogram images. Then, extracting deep features from CNN architectures, which are pre-trained on large-scale image datasets. These deep features capture rich representations of spectrogram images from the input signals, allowing for a comprehensive analysis of lung disorders. Next, a fusion technique is employed to combine the extracted features from multiple CNN architectures totlaly 8064 feature. This fusion process enhances the discriminative power of the features, facilitating more accurate and robust detection of lung disorders. To further improve the detection performance, an improved CNN Architecture is employed. To evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed approach, an experiments conducted on a large dataset of lung disorder signals. The results demonstrate that the deep feature fusion from different CNN architectures, combined with different CNN Layers, achieves superior performance in lung disorder detection. Compared to individual CNN architectures, the proposed approach achieves higher accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity, effectively reducing false negatives and false positives. The proposed model achieves 96.03% accuracy, 96.53% Sensitivity, 99.424% specificity, 96.52% precision, and 96.50% F1 Score when predicting lung diseases from sound files. This approach has the potential to assist healthcare professionals in the early detection and diagnosis of lung disorders, ultimately leading to improved patient outcomes and enhanced healthcare practices.
An efficient decoder for size optimization of trusses with automatic member grouping
Authors: Toklu Y. C. , Ozbasaran H.
Published: July 2024

This paper presents an efficient decoding method (namely SORTED decoding) for the de facto encoding in size optimization of trusses with automatic member grouping. The efficiency of the proposed method is evaluated through numerical experiments driven by two metaheuristic algorithms of different search mechanisms: Colliding Bodies Optimization and Jaya Algorithm. The first group of experiments show that the SORTED decoding method significantly outperforms the de facto and the two other decoding methods introduced in this study (ACCUMULATED and SORTED-ACCUMULATED) in terms of solution quality; moreover, the authors proved that the superiority of the SORTED decoding is not algorithm-dependent. Considerably better member-grouping configurations that provide up to 15% material economy are discovered for some of the well-known pre-grouped benchmark problems in the second group of experiments; surprisingly, the worst member-grouping configuration discovered by the SORTED decoding for one of the problems is better than that of the pre-grouped version.
Wirtschaftlichkeitsanalyse von Batteriespeichern im 110-kV-Netz
Authors: Stöckl Benjamin , Klatzer Thomas , Scheiber Gerhild , Froschauer Alexandra , Wogrin Sonja
Published: July 2024

Die Dekarbonisierung des Elektrizitätssektors in Österreich bis 2030 erfordert den verstärkten Ausbau Erneuerbarer Energien, während gleichzeitig die Netze angepasst werden müssen, um zusätzliche Erzeugungsleistung zu integrieren. Aufgrund der langen Projektlaufzeiten des Netzausbaus können Energiespeicher, insbesondere Batteriespeicher, kurzfristig zusätzliche Netzkapazitäten schaffen und den Bedarf an Leitungskapazität vorerst reduzieren. Diese Arbeit untersucht, ob der Einsatz von Batteriespeichern im Jahr 2030 im Sinne der Gesamtsystemkosten-Minimierung möglich ist. Dazu werden verschiedene Fallstudien in einem Abschnitt des 110-kV-Netzes in Oberösterreich im Low-carbon Expansion Generation Optimization Model untersucht, um den Einfluss von Flexibilitätsoptionen in Elektrizitätssystemen und der techno-ökonomischen Parameter der Speicher auf den Einsatz dieser zu ermitteln. Die daraus resultierenden Ergebnisse legen für das Jahr 2030 einen möglichen wirtschaftlichen Einsatz der Speicher nahe, jedoch wird das Potenzial zum Aufschub des Netzausbaus als gering eingeschätzt, da die Investition in Leitungen üblicherweise die kostenoptimale Option darstellt. Allerdings zeigt sich, dass Batteriespeicher eine Möglichkeit bieten, Flexibilität in Elektrizitätssystemen wirtschaftlich bereitzustellen, wenn andere Varianten (Im- und Exporte, Photovoltaik-Abregelung) nur eingeschränkt verfügbar sind.
Comparison of neural FEM and neural operator methods for applications in solid mechanics
Authors: Hildebrand Stefan , Klinge Sandra
Published: July 2024

Machine learning methods are progressively investigated for a large amount of applications. Recently, the solution of partial differential equations (PDE) describing problems in elastostatics came into focus. The current work investigates two neural network-based classes of methods for their solution, namely the neural finite element method (FEM) and neural operator methods. The analysis of these approaches is carried out by means of numerical experiments with linear and nonlinear material behavior where the conventional FEM serves as a benchmark. The formulation of neural FEM allows for elegant integration of finite deformation hyperelasticity at medium training effort. Here, training data are replaced by the evaluation of the equilibrium PDE at sample points. In contrast, most neural operator methods require expensive training with large data sets, but then allow for solving multiple boundary value problems with the same machine learning model. For the comparative analysis, the maximal relative error values over the whole domain and over all components of the strain tensor are evaluated as accuracy measure. The current state of research shows that none of the methods investigated reaches the accuracy and computational performance of the conventional FEM. In many standard applications, the FEM achieves an accuracy of $$10^{-6}$$

10

-
6

, whereas the numerical tests in the present work report a relative error of order of magnitude of $$10^{-4}$$

10

-
4

for the neural FEM and $$10^{-2}$$

10

-
2

to $$10^{-3}$$

10

-
3

for neural operator methods.
Analysis of rescue strategies for acute thrombosis during STA-MCA bypass surgery and the literature review
Authors: Xu Haitao , Ni Haojin , Zhou Chenhui , Wang Xinwen , Wei Jie , Qian Tiansheng , Dai Zifeng , Lan Wenting , Wu Xin , Yu Jiacheng , Li Xianru , Gao Xiang , Xu Bin , Lin Jinghui
Published: July 2024

Background and objectives

STA-MCA bypass surgery is mainly used for Moyamoya disease, giant intracranial aneurysms, and resection of intracranial tumors requiring sacrifice of blood vessels. The intraoperative patency of the reconstructive vessels is critical to the efficacy of the procedure. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of intra-arterially infused tirofiban for the treatment of acute thrombosis during STA-MCA bypass surgery and countermeasures for acute thrombosis.

Methods

This study involved 209 patients (272 hemispheres) who underwent STA-MCA surgery between November 2020 and December 2023. Intraoperative acute thrombosis occurred in eight patients (3.83%,8 hemispheres). We retrospectively reviewed the clinical and imaging data, surgical procedure, and follow-up outcomes of eight patients. We implemented the different thrombolytic methods to evaluate the optimal thrombosis management during the bypass surgery. After three months, we assessed neurological functions using the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) and conducted a literature review using PubMed.

Results

Eight patients (four male patients and four female patients) developed acute thrombosis during the bypass surgery. Of the eight patients, two underwent re-anastomosis after thrombus removal, three received local injections of tirofiban into the anastomosis or the branches of the superficial temporal artery, and three underwent superselective intra-arterial tirofiban infusion using a microcatheter. Thrombosis were resolved, and arteries were recanalized in all patients. The mRS score was 0 in all patients. No major ischemic or hemorrhagic complications occurred.

Conclusion

Our treatment methods were efficacious in the management of acute thrombosis. Intra-arterial tirofiban administration seems to be a simple and effective treatment option for acute thrombosis during STA-MCA bypass surgery.
Multidisciplinary care in Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Weise David , Claus Inga , Dresel Christian , Kalbe Elke , Liepelt-Scarfone Inga , Lorenzl Stefan , Redecker Christoph , Urban Peter P.
Published: July 2024

Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is a multifaceted and progressive disorder characterized by a diverse range of motor and non-motor symptoms. The complexity of PD necessitates a multidisciplinary approach to manage both motor symptoms, such as bradykinesia, gait disturbances and falls, and non-motor symptoms, including cognitive dysfunction, sleep disturbances, and mood disorders, which significantly affect patients’ quality of life. Pharmacotherapy, particularly dopaminergic replacement therapy, has advanced to alleviate many symptoms. However, these medications can also induce side effects or aggravate symptoms like hallucinations or orthostatic dysfunction, highlighting the need for comprehensive patient management. The optimal care for PD patients involves a team of specialists, including neurologists, physical and occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, psychologists, and other medical professionals, to address the complex and individualized needs of each patient. Here, we illustrate the necessity of such a multidisciplinary approach in four illustrative PD cases with different disease stages and motor and non-motor complications. The patients were treated in different treatment settings (specialized outpatient clinic, day clinic, inpatient care including neurorehabilitation). The biggest challenge lies in organizing and implementing such comprehensive care effectively across different clinical settings.
3D carbonaceous substrates synthesized from melamine sponges for energy storage: Influence of pyrolysis temperature in physicochemical and electrochemical properties
Authors: Páez-Sánchez Natalia Patricia , Córdoba-Tuta E. , Vazquez-Samperio J. , Acevedo-Peña P. , Reguera E.
Published: July 2024

High-energy global requirements have caused a renewed interest in studying and developing new and improved energy storage devices and, precisely, the electrode materials that compose them, which play a fundamental role in determining the device’s performance. Carbon materials are first-class candidates due to their high electrical conductivity, chemical stability, and surface area. Although several carbon materials and their precursors have been studied, melamine sponges stand out for their nitrogen content, allowing them to act as a template and precursor for N-doped, ultralight carbon materials with good mechanical properties and a controlled pore size distribution. This work reports a simple and quick methodology to form ultralight and flexible carbon foam, along with the influence of the pyrolysis temperature on the physicochemical and electrochemical properties of 3D carbonaceous substrates used for energy storage and synthesized from melamine sponges. The substrates exhibit higher 3D porous structure than previously reported materials, with an average pore diameter of 80–90 µm. This morphology, added to the N content, promotes the remarkable electrochemical behavior (MS–950 °C) and cycling stability (MS–1000 °C) of almost 100% of capacitance retention after 10,000 cycles (≈ 60 F/g @1 A/g).
The therapeutic efficacy of 5-ALA based photodynamic therapy and chemotherapy combination in triple negative breast cancer cells
Authors: Erk Beyzanur , Kamanli Ali Furkan , Guney Eskiler Gamze
Published: July 2024

Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is one of the subtypes of breast cancer characterized by a heterogeneous and aggressive nature. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has drawn significant attention in cancer treatment. However, solubility of photosensitizer, penetration problems into a target tissue and insufficient oxygen concentration limit the effectiveness of PDT. To overcome these limitations and to reduce the side effects of chemotherapy, combination treatment modalities play an essential role in cancer treatment. In this study, we aimed to investigate the combination efficacy of cisplatin-based chemotherapy and 5-Aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA)/PDT in TNBC cells and healthy breast cells in vitro. To determine the effect of the combination effects of cisplatin and 5-ALA/PDT on TNBC cells, two treatment protocols (simultaneous and sequential combination therapy) were evaluated compared with cisplatin and 5-ALA/PDT monotherapy and WST-1, Annexin V assay, acridine orange (AO) and mitochondrial staining were performed. Our findings showed that MDA-MB-231 TNBC cell viability was significantly decreased following simultaneous combination treatment compared to cisplatin and 5-ALA/PDT monotherapy. Additionally, simultaneous combination treatment was more effective than sequential combination treatment. The simultaneous combination treatment of 2.5 µM cisplatin and 5-ALA/PDT at 6 J/cm2 and 9 J/cm2 induced 46.78% and 53.6% total apoptotic death, respectively in TNBC cells compared with monotherapies (cisplatin (37.88%) and 5-ALA/PDT (6 J/cm2: 31.48% and 9 J/cm2: 37.78%). Additionally, cisplatin and 5-ALA/PDT combination treatment resulted in nuclear fragmentation and mitochondrial damage due to apoptosis. Our results suggest that cisplatin and 5-ALA/PDT simultaneous combination therapy could be a promising new alternative strategy for treating TNBC. However, further studies are required to assess the underlying molecular mechanisms of cisplatin and 5-ALA/PDT combination treatment at the molecular level.
A comprehensive analysis on software vulnerability detection datasets: trends, challenges, and road ahead
Authors: Guo Yuejun , Bettaieb Seifeddine , Casino Fran
Published: July 2024

As society’s dependence on information and communication systems (ICTs) grows, so does the necessity of guaranteeing the proper functioning and use of such systems. In this context, it is critical to enhance the security and robustness of the DevSecOps pipeline through timely vulnerability detection. Usually, AI-based models enable desirable features such as automation, performance, and efficacy. However, the quality of such models highly depends on the datasets used during the training stage. The latter encompasses a series of challenges yet to be solved, such as access to extensive labelled datasets with specific properties, such as well-represented and balanced samples. This article explores the current state of practice of software vulnerability datasets and provides a classification of the main challenges and issues. After an extensive analysis, it describes a set of guidelines and desirable features that datasets should guarantee. The latter is applied to create a new dataset, which fulfils these properties, along with a descriptive comparison with the state of the art. Finally, a discussion on how to foster good practices among researchers and practitioners sets the ground for further research and continued improvement within this critical domain.
Deep learning for accelerated and robust MRI reconstruction
Authors: Heckel Reinhard , Jacob Mathews , Chaudhari Akshay , Perlman Or , Shimron Efrat
Published: July 2024

Deep learning (DL) has recently emerged as a pivotal technology for enhancing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), a critical tool in diagnostic radiology. This review paper provides a comprehensive overview of recent advances in DL for MRI reconstruction, and focuses on various DL approaches and architectures designed to improve image quality, accelerate scans, and address data-related challenges. It explores end-to-end neural networks, pre-trained and generative models, and self-supervised methods, and highlights their contributions to overcoming traditional MRI limitations. It also discusses the role of DL in optimizing acquisition protocols, enhancing robustness against distribution shifts, and tackling biases. Drawing on the extensive literature and practical insights, it outlines current successes, limitations, and future directions for leveraging DL in MRI reconstruction, while emphasizing the potential of DL to significantly impact clinical imaging practices.
Clinical and epidemiologic characteristics of hospitalized oncological patients with hypercalcemia: a longitudinal, multicenter study
Authors: Ropero-Luis Guillermo , Sanz-Cánovas Jaime , López-Sampalo Almudena , Ruiz-Cantero Alberto , Gómez-Huelgas Ricardo
Published: July 2024

Background

There are few studies that have analyzed the characteristics of hypercalcemia in hospitalized oncological patients. Our objectives were to describe the clinical characteristics of hospitalized patients with paraneoplastic hypercalcemia and to identify prognostic variables for mortality.

Methods

This was an observational, longitudinal, retrospective, and bicentric study. It included adult patients admitted to two hospitals in Málaga, Spain (2014–2018). The minimum follow-up period was 2 years or until death.

Results

A total of 154 patients were included; the majority (71.4%) were admitted to the internal medicine department. The median follow-up was 3.5 weeks (interquartile range [IQR] 1.1–11.5). The mean (standard deviation) age was 67.6 (12.3) years, with a predominance of males (58.4%). The median (IQR) serum calcium at admission was 13.2 (11.8–14.6) mg/dl. The most common neoplasms were pulmonary (27.3%), hematologic (23.4%), urological (13%), and breast (12.3%). Furthermore, 56.5% of cases had a known history of neoplasia at the time of diagnosis. The parathyroid hormone (PTH) level was determined in 24%; of these, 10.8% had elevated levels. In all, 95.5% of patients died during follow-up. The median survival was 3.4 weeks (95% confidence interval 2.6–4.3). Factors associated with higher mortality were age, serum calcium at admission, previous history of neoplasia, etiology other than multiple myeloma, and noncorrection of hypercalcemia.

Conclusions

In hospitalized patients, paraneoplastic hypercalcemia was associated with high short-term mortality. Several factors associated with a worse prognosis were identified in these patients.
Life cycle, host specificity and potential impact of a gall-inducing thrips Acaciothrips ebneri, a biological control agent for prickly acacia (Vachellia nilotica subsp. indica) in Australia
Authors: Shi Boyang , Dhileepan Kunjithapatham
Published: July 2024

Prickly acacia (Vachellia nilotica subsp. indica (Benth.) Kyal. & Boatwr.; Fabales: Fabaceae) is a Weed of National Significance and a target for biological control in Australia. Currently there are no effective biological control agents for the weed in Australia. Based on genetic and climate matching, a gall thrips (Acaciothrips ebneri Karny; Thysanoptera: Phlaeothripidae) inducing rosette galls resulting in shoot tip dieback, was identified as a prospective biological control agent from Ethiopia. No-choice host-specificity tests were conducted on 59 test plant species in a high security quarantine in Brisbane, Australia. Acaciothrips ebneri is host-specific, inducing galls and reproducing only on prickly acacia. Acaciothrips ebneri, as predicted by the CLIMEX model, is suited to hot and arid western Queensland where major prickly acacia infestations occur. The Australian Government approved A. ebneri for field release in October 2022. This is the first time a true gall-inducing thrips has ever been approved as a weed biological control agent. Field releases commenced in January 2023 and are in progress. There are early signs of field establishment resulting in shoot tip die back in the field, and field release and monitoring will continue.