bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Circular semi-quantum secret sharing based on hybrid single particle and GHZ-type states
Authors: Hou Yan-Yan , Xu Tao , Li Jian , Ye Chong-Qiang , Wang Zhuo , Liu Xin-Yu
Published: January 2024

Semi-quantum secret sharing (SQSS) is a branch of quantum cryptography, with the advantage of fewer quantum resources. In this paper, we present a SQSS protocol based on hybrid single particle and GHZ-type states. Our protocol adopts circular transport structure to share secret information between classical and quantum parties, employing the entanglement correlation and uncertainty of GHZ-type states to guarantee the security of the transmission. Security analysis indicates that the proposed SQSS protocol enables resilience against various potential attacks such as measure-resend, entangle-measure, internal, and Trojan attacks. Furthermore, our protocol is easy to generalize to multi-party scenarios without increasing the complexity of state preparation. Compared with some typical SQSS protocols, our protocol has higher qubit efficiency without the need for entanglement swapping operations. The proposed SQSS protocol has the potential for broader applications in practical scenarios.
The role of operators in activating scheme of patterns by students with low mathematical ability
Authors: Mampouw Helti Lygia
Published: January 2024

This paper aims to describe the role of metasubjective operators in activating the pattern introduction schemes by junior high school students with low mathematical ability. This research uses descriptive-qualitative method with data obtained from 7 junior high school students with low mathematical ability. The researcher acts as the main instrument of this research, supported with tests and interview guidance on repeating and growing pattern to explore activated scheme. Next, the roles of M, C, I, and F operators are being explored in activating pattern schemes found in subjects. This exploration shows distinction in subjects’ M-operator capacity that can be observed when subjects are given complicated tasks. C-operator has the role of encouraging subjects to create solutions that linearly fit the principles of repeating pattern and growing pattern; however, it may not appear in the quadratically growing pattern. I-operator has the role of diverting subjects’ attentions, either in-line with or deviated from the general principles of the patterns. The scheme of even and odd numbers is highly predominant in diverting some subjects’ attention from the regularity of number sequence. The role of F-operation is observed when subjects try to simplify pattern regularity, specifically in quadratically growing pattern. The limitation of subjects in identifying the growing pattern is the result of I-operator and F-operator’s roles, supported then by M-operator’s limitation.
2D and 3D robot arms simulation using GeoGebra
Authors: Suwarno D U , Putri R C E
Published: January 2024

Student studying robot arms requires mathematical knowledge and programming skills to simulate robot arm movements. Students often have difficulty understanding the mathematical equations of robotic arms and how to simulate them. The author tries to solve this problem using GeoGebra by constructing a 2D robot arm and a 3D robot arm and performing rotation operations on the robot arm. The robot arm consists of an upper arm and a lower arm and can be rotated independently. The simulations that have been carried out are in the form of a 2D robot arm and a 3D robot arm with an R, R, R configuration. With the help of GeoGebra, students are helped to simulate a robot arm with an RR (revolute revolute) joint configuration.
Programming for exposure chart modelling in conventional X-ray radiography
Authors: Adhiwangsa F Z , Mulyono T , Wijaya R N , Ismail
Published: January 2024

In radiography, an exposure chart is needed to determine the correct exposure. The creation of exposure chart so far requires a lot of film. To reduce the use of film, a program was created that utilizes the principles of radiographic exposure in the form of the relationship between tube current, tube voltage, exposure time, and geometry principles. The program was validated through curve fitting and Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE) by comparing the density of the specimen radiograph image with the exposure chart generated by the program. The generated exposure chart is the exposure chart for steel with voltages of 120 kV, 130 kV, 140 kV, 150 kV, and 160 kV. The resulting exposure chart has a coefficient of determination of 0.97 and has high accuracy.
Strengthening students’ physics literacy through the WHK flow
Authors: Kristiyanto W H , Mampouw H L , Rondonuwu F S
Published: January 2024

Strengthening students’ physics literacy is urgent to do. The purpose of this study is to apply the Wacana-Holistik-Kunci (WHK) flow in strengthening physics literacy for students. This research method was descriptive research applied to 9 elementary schools in Kupang Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia. The results of the study show that the WHK flow can be implemented through teacher training to teaching teacher assistance in class. A total of 25 teachers have succeeded in implementing the WHK flow smoothly through peer learning, where in the WHK flow in the Wacana (W) stage students listen to the discourse text and find difficult words to discuss, in the Holistik (H) stage students find the context of physical science and retell it. with their own sentences, as well as the Kunci (K) stage students find answers to questions based on the discourse text. The conclusion of this research shows that the WHK flow helps strengthen students’ scientific literacy, especially at the Holistik (H) stage, and can equip students to discover the context, concepts and applications of physical discourse. The implication of this research is the need to disseminate this pathway to facilitate and accelerate the achievement of increasing students’ physics literacy.
Assessing the advantages of 3D bioprinting and 3D spheroids in deciphering the osteoarthritis healing mechanism using human chondrocytes and polarized macrophages
Authors: Majumder Nilotpal , Roy Subhadeep , Sharma Aarushi , Arora Shuchi , Vaishya Raju , Bandyopadhyay Amitabha , Ghosh Sourabh
Published: January 2024

The molecular niche of an osteoarthritic microenvironment comprises the native chondrocytes, the circulatory immune cells, and their respective inflammatory mediators. Although M2 macrophages infiltrate the joint tissue during osteoarthritis (OA) to initiate cartilage repair, the mechanistic crosstalk that dwells underneath is still unknown. Our study established a co-culture system of human OA chondrocytes and M2 macrophages in 3D spheroids and 3D bioprinted silk-gelatin constructs. It is already well established that Silk fibroin-gelatin bioink supports chondrogenic differentiation due to upregulation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Additionally, the presence of anti-inflammatory M2 macrophages significantly upregulated the expression of chondrogenic biomarkers (COL-II, ACAN) with an attenuated expression of the chondrocyte hypertrophy (COL-X), chondrocyte dedifferentiation (COL-I) and matrix catabolism (MMP-1 and MMP-13) genes even in the absence of the interleukins. Furthermore, the 3D bioprinted co-culture model displayed an upper hand in stimulating cartilage regeneration and OA inhibition than the spheroid model, underlining the role of silk fibroin-gelatin in encouraging chondrogenesis. Additionally, the 3D bioprinted silk-gelatin constructs further supported the maintenance of stable anti-inflammatory phenotype of M2 macrophage. Thus, the direct interaction between the primary OAC and M2 macrophages in the 3D context, along with the release of the soluble anti-inflammatory factors by the M2 cells, significantly contributed to a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms responsible for immune cell-mediated OA healing.
Observed northward shift of large hailstorms in the eastern United States since 2000
Authors: Liu Jimin , Leung Jeremy Cheuk-Hin , Huang Hong , Xu Daosheng , Li Weijing , Qian Weihong , Zhang Banglin
Published: January 2024

Given its high population density and degree of urbanization, the eastern United States (US) is a region vulnerable to the impacts from hailstorms. Small changes in hail activity may indicate large impacts on the potential hail risks faced by the region. While contrasting hailstorm-favorable environmental changes between the northeastern and southeastern US have been documented, the meridional shift of hail activity in the eastern US has not been directly revealed based on observed hailstorm records. In this letter, using the official hailstorm database, we find a significant northward migration of hail activity (+0.33° N decade−1) in the eastern US since 2000, which is mainly contributed by the increasing proportion of large hailstorm events (hail size 0.75–2.0 inch) hitting the northeast in July and August (+0.93° N decade−1). The spatially inhomogeneous climatic mean state changes over the past two decades contribute a leading role: the intensified Bermuda High and the eastward shift of upper-level jet stream over the central US tended to moisten (dry) the atmosphere over the northeastern (southeastern) US by enhancing the low-level poleward moisture transport. This not only provides more moisture for hailstorm formation in the northeast but also destabilizes (stabilizes) the atmosphere in the northeast (southeast) under an overall increase in dry instability over the eastern US. These factors together lead to a northward shift of large hailstorms toward the northeastern US, where hailstorms were relatively seldom reported. Incorporating this shift in knowledge may improve contingency and risk management strategies of both the public and private sectors in the future.
Observations reveal onshore acceleration and offshore deceleration of the Kuroshio Current in the East China Sea over the past three decades
Authors: Guo Haihong , Cai Jinzhuo , Yang Haiyuan , Chen Zhaohui
Published: January 2024

The Kuroshio Current (KC) in the East China Sea is one of the most prominent components of the ocean circulation system in the North Pacific. The onshore intensification of the KC is found to drive nutrient-rich upwelling in the shelf regions, induce anomalous warming that leads to coastal marine heatwaves, and reduce the ability of the oceans to absorb anthropogenic carbon dioxide. Based on altimeter and in situ observations, we find an onshore acceleration and offshore deceleration of the KC over the past three decades. This intensification is characterized by a spatial mean onshore acceleration (offshore deceleration) of 0.39 (−0.63) cm s−1 per decade. This phenomenon can be attributed to changes in wind stress curl (WSC) and oceanic stratification over the subtropical North Pacific. The weakened WSC decreases the vertical extent of the KC by reducing its transport and contributes to the offshore deceleration, whereas the enhanced stratification drives the uplift of the KC and contributes to the onshore acceleration. Our findings underscore the importance of establishing and maintaining a long-term monitoring network for the zonal variations of the KC in the future to obtain a comprehensive understanding of the associated impacts.
Row–column duality and combinatorial topological strings
Authors: Padellaro Adrian , Radhakrishnan Rajath , Ramgoolam Sanjaye
Published: January 2024

Integrality properties of partial sums over irreducible representations, along columns of character tables of finite groups, were recently derived using combinatorial topological string theories (CTST). These CTST were based on Dijkgraaf-Witten theories of flat G-bundles for finite groups G in two dimensions, denoted G-TQFTs. We define analogous combinatorial topological strings related to two dimensional topological field theories (TQFTs) based on fusion coefficients of finite groups. These TQFTs are denoted as R(G)-TQFTs and allow analogous integrality results to be derived for partial row sums of characters over conjugacy classes along fixed rows. This relation between the G-TQFTs and R(G)-TQFTs defines a row-column duality for character tables, which provides a physical framework for exploring the mathematical analogies between rows and columns of character tables. These constructive proofs of integrality are complemented with the proof of similar and complementary results using the more traditional Galois theoretic framework for integrality properties of character tables. The partial row and column sums are used to define generalised partitions of the integer row and column sums, which are of interest in combinatorial representation theory.
Faster truncated integer multiplication
Authors: Harvey David
Published: January 2024

We present new algorithms for computing the low

n
n

bits or the high 

n
n

bits of the product of two

n
n

-bit integers. We show that these problems may be solved in asymptotically

75
75%

of the time required to compute the full

2
n

2n

-bit product, assuming that the underlying integer multiplication algorithm relies on computing cyclic convolutions of sequences of real numbers.
Coherence for elementary amenable groups
Authors: Hughes Sam , Kielak Dawid , Kropholler Peter , Leary Ian
Published: January 2024

We prove that for an elementary amenable group, coherence of the group, homological coherence of the group, and coherence of the integral group ring are all equivalent. This generalises a result of Bieri and Strebel for finitely generated soluble groups.
The Medial Canthus Fibrous Band's Impact on Epicanthal Fold Severity and Classification in Asians: Implications for Epicanthoplasty
Authors: Wang Shimeng , Li Tian , Liu Haipeng , Zhang Duo
Published: January 2024

Background

The epicanthal fold (EF) is a semilunar skin fold located in the medial canthus in most Asians. The medial canthus fibrous band (MCFB) reportedly plays a critical role in EF formation. Variations in MCFB shape and size affect the severity and type of EF.

Objectives

We aimed to analyze MCFB variations in different types and severities of EF and explore the effect of the MCFB resection epicanthoplasty technique (MCFB epicanthoplasty).

Methods

Surgical videos of 40 patients undergoing MCFB epicanthoplasty in our department were reviewed. The MCFB (area), transverse dimension, vertical dimension, upper eyelid direction length (UEDL), and lower eyelid direction length (LEDL) were measured. For aesthetic assessment, 37 patients were followed up for 6 months; intercanthal distance (ICD) and horizontal lid fissure length (HLFL) were measured. Preoperative and postoperative ICD/HLFL ratios were compared. Postoperative scar recovery was evaluated with the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale. Statistical significance was set at P < .05.

Results

The MCFB diameter and area were larger for severe EF than for moderate EF (P < .01). Patients with severe EF had larger LEDL than UEDL (P < .01). The tarsalis type had a larger LEDL than the palpebralis type with the same severity (P < .01). MCFB epicanthoplasty yielded favorable postoperative cosmetic effects and scar recovery. Postoperative ICD decreased, while HLFL increased compared to preoperative values (P < .001). The ICD/HLFL ratio was significantly lower postoperatively than preoperatively (P < .001). Postoperative ICD/HLFL ratio was 1.2:1.

Conclusions

The MCFB affects the severity and type of EF. MCFB epicanthoplasty effectively corrected moderate to severe EF.

Level of Evidence: 3
Network pharmacology: towards the artificial intelligence-based precision traditional Chinese medicine
Authors: Zhang Peng , Zhang Dingfan , Zhou Wuai , Wang Lan , Wang Boyang , Zhang Tingyu , Li Shao
Published: January 2024

Network pharmacology (NP) provides a new methodological perspective for understanding traditional medicine from a holistic perspective, giving rise to frontiers such as traditional Chinese medicine network pharmacology (TCM-NP). With the development of artificial intelligence (AI) technology, it is key for NP to develop network-based AI methods to reveal the treatment mechanism of complex diseases from massive omics data. In this review, focusing on the TCM-NP, we summarize involved AI methods into three categories: network relationship mining, network target positioning and network target navigating, and present the typical application of TCM-NP in uncovering biological basis and clinical value of Cold/Hot syndromes. Collectively, our review provides researchers with an innovative overview of the methodological progress of NP and its application in TCM from the AI perspective.
Computed tomography perfusion or fractional flow reserve–computed tomography to assess the significance of stenosis: Literature review
Authors: Pershina E , Kopylov Ph , Chomahije P Sh , Gappoeva M K , Sinitsyn V
Published: January 2024

Detection of myocardial ischemia based on detection and grading of myocardial perfusion is a cornerstone of coronary artery disease (CAD) diagnosis. Coronary CT angiography (CCTA) is a recognized imaging test for exclusion of anatomically significant coronary stenosis in patients with low or moderate probability of CAD, but gives no information on its physiological significance. The two major approaches to evaluate the presence of induced myocardial ischemia using CT, static or dynamic perfusion CT (CTP) or non-invasive fractional flow reserve analysis (FFRCT), have been validated in multiple single- and multi-center studies with comparable results of high sensitivity, specificity and accuracy. Several studies with head-to-head comparison of CTP and FFRCT using invasive FFR measurement as a reference standard showed a slight superiority of CTP, especially in groups of patients with the borderline values of FFR-CT. The principle of myocardial perfusion assessment with CTP looks more physiological than computation models used in FFR-CT. However, the best results were shown by combined use of CCTA, CTP and FFRCT, providing the integrated anatomical and physiological information. Technical advances in CT technique, artificial intelligence and machine learning, together with accumulation of new clinical evidence, will result in development of the best strategy for comprehensive assessment of both coronary anatomy and myocardial perfusion with help of cardiac CT.
Dosiomics for intensity-modulated radiotherapy in patients with prostate cancer: survival analysis stratified by baseline prostate-specific antigen and Gleason grade group in a 2-institutional retrospective study
Authors: Murakami Yu , Kawahara Daisuke , Soyano Takashi , Kozuka Takuyo , Takahashi Yuka , Miyake Konatsu , Kashihara Kenichi , Kashihara Tairo , Kamima Tatsuya , Oguchi Masahiko , Murakami Yuji , Yoshioka Yasuo , Nagata Yasushi
Published: January 2024

Objective

This study evaluated the prognostic impact of the quality of dose distribution using dosiomics in patients with prostate cancer, stratified by pretreatment prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels and Gleason grade (GG) group.

Methods

A total of 721 patients (Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research [JFCR] cohort: N = 489 and Tokyo Radiation Oncology Clinic [TROC] cohort: N = 232) with localized prostate cancer treated by intensity-modulated radiation therapy were enrolled. Two predictive dosiomic features for biochemical recurrence (BCR) were selected and patients were divided into certain groups stratified by pretreatment PSA levels and GG. Freedom from biochemical failure (FFBF) was estimated using the Kaplan–Meier method based on each dosiomic feature and univariate discrimination was evaluated using the log-rank test. As an exploratory analysis, a dosiomics hazard (DH) score was developed and its prognostic power for BCR was examined.

Results

The dosiomic feature extracted from planning target volume (PTV) significantly distinguished the high- and low-risk groups in patients with PSA levels >10 ng/mL (7-year FFBF: 86.7% vs 76.1%, P < .01), GG 4 (92.2% vs 76.9%, P < .01), and GG 5 (83.1% vs 77.8%, P = .04). The DH score showed significant association with BCR (hazard score: 2.04; 95% confidence interval: 1.38-3.01; P < .001).

Conclusion

The quality of planned dose distribution on PTV may affect the prognosis of patients with poor prognostic factors, such as PSA levels >10 ng/mL and higher GGs.

Advances in knowledge

The effects of planned dose distribution on prognosis differ depending on the patient’s clinical background.
Radiomics nomogram for predicting disease-free survival after partial resection or radical cystectomy in patients with bladder cancer
Authors: Cai Qian , Huang Yiping , Ling Jian , Kong Lingmin , Lin Yingyu , Chen Yanling , Cao Wenxin , Liao Yuting , Guo Yan , Guan Jian , Wang Huanjun
Published: January 2024

Objectives

To create a MRI-derived radiomics nomogram that combined clinicopathological factors and radiomics signature (Rad-score) for predicting disease-free survival (DFS) in patients with bladder cancer (BCa) following partial resection (PR) or radical cystectomy (RC), including lymphadenectomy (LAE).

Methods

Finally, 80 patients with BCa after PR or RC with LAE were enrolled. Patients were randomly split into training (n = 56) and internal validation (n = 24) cohorts. Radiomic features were extracted from T2-weighted, dynamic contrast-enhanced, diffusion-weighted imaging, and apparent diffusion coefficient sequence. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) Cox regression algorithm was applied to choose the valuable features and construct the Rad-score. The DFS prediction model was built using the Cox proportional hazards model. The relationship between the Rad-score and DFS was assessed using Kaplan-Meier analysis. A radiomics nomogram that combined the Rad-score and clinicopathological factors was created for individualized DFS estimation.

Results

In both the training and validation cohorts, the Rad-score was positively correlated with DFS (P < .001). In the validation cohort, the radiomics nomogram combining the Rad-score, tumour pathologic stage (pT stage), and lymphovascular invasion (LVI) achieved better performance in DFS prediction (C-index, 0.807; 95% CI, 0.713-0.901) than either the clinicopathological (C-index, 0.654; 95% CI, 0.467-0.841) or Rad-score–only model (C-index, 0.770; 95% CI, 0.702-0.837).

Conclusion

The Rad-score was an independent predictor of DFS for patients with BCa after PR or RC with LAE, and the radiomics nomogram that combined the Rad-score, pT stage, and LVI achieved better performance in individual DFS prediction.

Advances in knowledge

This study provided a non-invasive and simple method for personalized and accurate prediction of DFS in BCa patients after PR or RC.
Prediction of pathological complete response of breast cancer patients who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy with a nomogram based on clinicopathologic variables, ultrasound, and MRI
Authors: Zhang Man-Qi , Liu Xin-Pei , Du Yu , Zha Hai-Ling , Zha Xiao-Ming , Wang Jue , Liu Xiao-An , Wang Shou-Ju , Zou Qi-Gui , Zhang Jiu-Lou , Li Cui-Ying
Published: January 2024

Objective

To establish a nomogram for predicting the pathologic complete response (pCR) in breast cancer (BC) patients after NAC by applying magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasound (US).

Methods

A total of 607 LABC women who underwent NAC before surgery between January 2016 and June 2022 were retrospectively enrolled, and then were randomly divided into the training (n = 425) and test set (n = 182) with the ratio of 7:3. MRI and US variables were collected before and after NAC, as well as the clinicopathologic features. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were applied to confirm the potentially associated predictors of pCR. Finally, a nomogram was developed in the training set with its performance evaluated by the area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (ROC) and validated in the test set.

Results

Of the 607 patients, 108 (25.4%) achieved pCR. Hormone receptor negativity (odds ratio [OR], 0.3; P < .001), human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 positivity (OR, 2.7; P = .001), small tumour size at post-NAC US (OR, 1.0; P = .031), tumour size reduction ≥50% at MRI (OR, 9.8; P < .001), absence of enhancement in the tumour bed at post-NAC MRI (OR, 8.1; P = .003), and the increase of ADC value after NAC (OR, 0.3; P = .035) were all significantly associated with pCR. Incorporating the above variables, the nomogram showed a satisfactory performance with an AUC of 0.884.

Conclusion

A nomogram including clinicopathologic variables and MRI and US characteristics shows preferable performance in predicting pCR.

Advances in knowledge

A nomogram incorporating MRI and US with clinicopathologic variables was developed to provide a brief and concise approach in predicting pCR to assist clinicians in making treatment decisions early.
Non–traumatic head and neck emergencies
Authors: Loney Elizabeth L
Published: January 2024

This review aims to provide pictorial examples of non–traumatic head and neck emergencies one may commonly encounter in the Emergency Department, with a few important, rarer cases for educational purposes. It begins with a brief introduction to compartmental neck space anatomy and how one might approach choosing an imaging modality, moving on to consider a variety of predominantly infective pathologies that may present acutely. It is not a comprehensive overview of all non–traumatic emergencies but will hopefully stimulate interest in the subject and encourage further reading.
Development and quality appraisal of a new English breast screening linked data set as part of the age, test threshold, and frequency of mammography screening (ATHENA-M) study
Authors: Brettschneider Julia , Morrison Breanna , Jenkinson David , Freeman Karoline , Walton Jackie , Sitch Alice , Hudson Sue , Kearins Olive , Mansbridge Alice , Pinder Sarah E , Given-Wilson Rosalind , Wilkinson Louise , Wallis Matthew G , Cheung Shan , Taylor-Phillips Sian
Published: January 2024

Objectives

To build a data set capturing the whole breast cancer screening journey from individual breast cancer screening records to outcomes and assess data quality.

Methods

Routine screening records (invitation, attendance, test results) from all 79 English NHS breast screening centres between January 1, 1988 and March 31, 2018 were linked to cancer registry (cancer characteristics and treatment) and national mortality data. Data quality was assessed using comparability, validity, timeliness, and completeness.

Results

Screening records were extracted from 76/79 English breast screening centres, 3/79 were not possible due to software issues. Data linkage was successful from 1997 after introduction of a universal identifier for women (NHS number). Prior to 1997 outcome data are incomplete due to linkage issues, reducing validity. Between January 1, 1997 and March 31, 2018, a total of 11 262 730 women were offered screening of whom 9 371 973 attended at least one appointment, with 139 million person-years of follow-up (a median of 12.4 person years for each woman included) with 73 810 breast cancer deaths and 1 111 139 any-cause deaths. Comparability to reference data sets and internal validity were demonstrated. Data completeness was high for core screening variables (>99%) and main cancer outcomes (>95%).

Conclusions

The ATHENA-M project has created a large high-quality and representative data set of individual women’s screening trajectories and outcomes in England from 1997 to 2018, data before 1997 are lower quality.

Advances in knowledge

This is the most complete data set of English breast screening records and outcomes constructed to date, which can be used to evaluate and optimize screening.
Computer-extracted global radiomic features can predict the radiologists’ first impression about the abnormality of a screening mammogram
Authors: Siviengphanom Somphone , Lewis Sarah J , Brennan Patrick C , Gandomkar Ziba
Published: January 2024

Objective

Radiologists can detect the gist of abnormal based on their rapid initial impression on a mammogram (ie, global gist signal [GGS]). This study explores (1) whether global radiomic (ie, computer-extracted) features can predict the GGS; and if so, (ii) what features are the most important drivers of the signals.

Methods

The GGS of cases in two extreme conditions was considered: when observers detect a very strong gist (high-gist) and when the gist of abnormal was not/poorly perceived (low-gist). Gist signals/scores from 13 observers reading 4191 craniocaudal mammograms were collected. As gist is a noisy signal, the gist scores from all observers were averaged and assigned to each image. The high-gist and low-gist categories contained all images in the fourth and first quartiles, respectively. One hundred thirty handcrafted global radiomic features (GRFs) per mammogram were extracted and utilized to construct eight separate machine learning random forest classifiers (All, Normal, Cancer, Prior-1, Prior-2, Missed, Prior-Visible, and Prior-Invisible) for characterizing high-gist from low-gist images. The models were trained and validated using the 10-fold cross-validation approach. The models’ performances were evaluated by the area under receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). Important features for each model were identified through a scree test.

Results

The Prior-Visible model achieved the highest AUC of 0.84 followed by the Prior-Invisible (0.83), Normal (0.82), Prior-1 (0.81), All (0.79), Prior-2 (0.77), Missed (0.75), and Cancer model (0.69). Cluster shade, standard deviation, skewness, kurtosis, and range were identified to be the most important features.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that GRFs can accurately classify high- from low-gist images.

Advances in knowledge

Global mammographic radiomic features can accurately predict high- from low-gist images with five features identified to be valuable in describing high-gist images. These are critical in providing better understanding of the mammographic image characteristics that drive the strength of the GGSs which could be exploited to advance breast cancer (BC) screening and risk prediction, enabling early detection and treatment of BC thereby further reducing BC-related deaths.
Paediatric radiotherapy in the United Kingdom: an evolving subspecialty and a paradigm for integrated teamworking in oncology
Authors: Colori Amy , Ackwerh Raymond , Chang Yen-Ch’ing , Cody Kristy , Dunlea Cathy , Gains Jennifer E , Gaunt Trevor , Gillies Callum M S , Hardy Claire , Lalli Narinder , Lim Pei S , Soto Carmen , Gaze Mark N
Published: January 2024

Many different malignancies occur in children, but overall, cancer in childhood is rare. Survival rates have improved appreciably and are higher compared with most adult tumour types. Treatment schedules evolve as a result of clinical trials and are typically complex and multi-modality, with radiotherapy an integral component of many. Risk stratification in paediatric oncology is increasingly refined, resulting in a more personalized use of radiation. Every available modality of radiation delivery: simple and advanced photon techniques, proton beam therapy, molecular radiotherapy, and brachytherapy, have their place in the treatment of children’s cancers. Radiotherapy is rarely the sole treatment. As local therapy, it is often given before or after surgery, so the involvement of the surgeon is critically important, particularly when brachytherapy is used. Systemic treatment is the standard of care for most paediatric tumour types, concomitant administration of chemotherapy is typical, and immunotherapy has an increasing role. Delivery of radiotherapy is not done by clinical or radiation oncologists alone; play specialists and anaesthetists are required, together with mould room staff, to ensure compliance and immobilization. The support of clinical radiologists is needed to ensure the correct interpretation of imaging for target volume delineation. Physicists and dosimetrists ensure the optimal dose distribution, minimizing exposure of organs at risk. Paediatric oncology doctors, nurses, and a range of allied health professionals are needed for the holistic wrap-around care of the child and family. Radiographers are essential at every step of the way. With increasing complexity comes a need for greater centralization of services.
Low-dose versus conventional CT urography using dual-source CT with different time-current product values and the same tube voltage: image quality and diagnostic performance in various diagnoses
Authors: Choi Moon Hyung , Lee Sheen-Woo , Pak Seongyong
Published: January 2024

Objectives

To compare the image quality and diagnostic performance of low-dose CT urography to that of concurrently acquired conventional CT using dual-source CT.

Methods

This retrospective study included 357 consecutive CT urograms performed by third-generation dual-source CT in a single institution between April 2020 and August 2021. Two-phase CT images (unenhanced phase, excretory phase with split bolus) were obtained with two different tube current-time products (280 mAs for the conventional-dose protocol and 70 mAs for the low-dose protocol) and the same tube voltage (90 kVp) for the two X-ray tubes. Iterative reconstruction was applied for both protocols. Two radiologists independently performed quantitative and qualitative image quality analysis and made diagnoses. The correlation between the noise level or the effective radiation dose and the patients’ body weight was evaluated.

Results

Significantly higher noise levels resulting in a significantly lower liver signal-to-noise ratio and contrast-to-noise ratio were noted in low-dose images compared to conventional images (P < .001). Qualitative analysis by both radiologists showed significantly lower image quality in low-dose CT than in conventional CT images (P < .001). Patient’s body weight was positively correlated with noise and effective radiation dose (P < .001). Diagnostic performance for various diseases, including urolithiasis, inflammation, and mass, was not different between the two protocols.

Conclusions

Despite inferior image quality, low-dose CT urography with 70 mAs and 90 kVp and iterative reconstruction demonstrated diagnostic performance equivalent to that of conventional CT for identifying various diseases of the urinary tract.

Advances in knowledge

Low-dose CT (25% radiation dose) with low tube current demonstrated diagnostic performance comparable to that of conventional CT for a variety of urinary tract diseases.
Association of renal elasticity evaluated by real-time shear wave elastography with renal fibrosis in patients with chronic kidney disease
Authors: Chen Ziman , Wang Yingli , Ying Michael Tin Cheung , Su Zhongzhen , Han Xinyang , Gunda Simon Takadiyi
Published: January 2024

Objective

Renal fibrosis is a final common pathological hallmark in the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Non-invasive evaluation of renal fibrosis by mapping renal stiffness obtained by shear wave elastography (SWE) may facilitate the clinical therapeutic regimen for CKD patients.

Methods

A cohort of 162 patients diagnosed with CKD, who underwent renal biopsy, was prospectively and consecutively recruited between April 2019 and December 2021. The assessment of renal cortex stiffness was performed using SWE imaging. The patients were classified into different groups based on pathological renal fibrosis (mild group: n = 74; moderate-to-severe group: n = 88). Binary logistic regression model and generalized additive model were conducted to investigate the association of renal elasticity with renal fibrosis.

Results

Compared with the mildly impaired group, the moderate-to-severe group showed a significant decline in renal elasticity (P < .001). In the fully adjusted model, each 10 kPa drop in renal elasticity was associated with a 3.5-fold increment in the risk of moderate-to-severe renal fibrosis (fully adjusted odds ratio, 4.54; 95% CI, 2.41-8.57). Particularly, participants in the lowest elasticity group (≤29.92 kPa) had a 20-fold increased chance of moderate-to-severe renal fibrosis than those in the group with highest elasticity (≥37.93 kPa). An inverse linear association was observed between renal elasticity increment and moderate-to-severe renal fibrosis risk.

Conclusion

There is a negative linear association between increased renal elasticity and moderate-to-severe renal fibrosis risk among CKD patients. Patients with diminished renal stiffness have a higher risk of moderate-to-severe renal fibrosis.

Advances in knowledge

CKD patients with reduced renal stiffness have a higher likelihood of moderate-to-severe renal fibrosis.
Non-invasive prediction model of axillary lymph node status in patients with early-stage breast cancer: a feasibility study based on dynamic contrast-enhanced-MRI radiomics
Authors: Chen Weiyue , Lin Guihan , Kong Chunli , Wu Xulu , Hu Yumin , Chen Minjiang , Xia Shuiwei , Lu Chenying , Xu Min , Ji Jiansong
Published: January 2024

Objectives

Accurate axillary evaluation plays an important role in prognosis and treatment planning for breast cancer. This study aimed to develop and validate a dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE)-MRI-based radiomics model for preoperative evaluation of axillary lymph node (ALN) status in early-stage breast cancer.

Methods

A total of 410 patients with pathologically confirmed early-stage invasive breast cancer (training cohort, N = 286; validation cohort, N = 124) from June 2018 to August 2022 were retrospectively recruited. Radiomics features were derived from the second phase of DCE-MRI images for each patient. ALN status-related features were obtained, and a radiomics signature was constructed using SelectKBest and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression. Logistic regression was applied to build a combined model and corresponding nomogram incorporating the radiomics score (Rad-score) with clinical predictors. The predictive performance of the nomogram was evaluated using receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve analysis and calibration curves.

Results

Fourteen radiomic features were selected to construct the radiomics signature. The Rad-score, MRI-reported ALN status, BI-RADS category, and tumour size were independent predictors of ALN status and were incorporated into the combined model. The nomogram showed good calibration and favourable performance for discriminating metastatic ALNs (N + (≥1)) from non-metastatic ALNs (N0) and metastatic ALNs with heavy burden (N + (≥3)) from low burden (N + (1-2)), with the area under the ROC curve values of 0.877 and 0.879 in the training cohort and 0.859 and 0.881 in the validation cohort, respectively.

Conclusions

The DCE-MRI-based radiomics nomogram could serve as a potential non-invasive technique for accurate preoperative evaluation of ALN burden, thereby assisting physicians in the personalized axillary treatment for early-stage breast cancer patients.

Advances in knowledge

This study developed a potential surrogate of preoperative accurate evaluation of ALN status, which is non-invasive and easy-to-use.
Prediction of Gleason score in prostate cancer patients based on radiomic features of transrectal ultrasound images
Authors: Cheng Tao , Li Huiming
Published: January 2024

Objectives

The aim of this study was to develop a model for predicting the Gleason score of patients with prostate cancer based on ultrasound images.

Methods

Transrectal ultrasound images of 838 prostate cancer patients from The Cancer Imaging Archive database were included in this cross-section study. Data were randomly divided into the training set and testing set (ratio 7:3). A total of 103 radiomic features were extracted from the ultrasound image. Lasso regression was used to select radiomic features. Random forest and broad learning system (BLS) methods were utilized to develop the model. The area under the curve (AUC) was calculated to evaluate the model performance.

Results

After the screening, 10 radiomic features were selected. The AUC and accuracy of the radiomic feature variables random forest model in the testing set were 0.727 (95% CI, 0.694-0.760) and 0.646 (95% CI, 0.620-0.673), respectively. When PSA and radiomic feature variables were included in the random forest model, the AUC and accuracy of the model were 0.770 (95% CI, 0.740-0.800) and 0.713 (95% CI, 0.688-0.738), respectively. While the BLS method was utilized to construct the model, the AUC and accuracy of the model were 0.726 (95% CI, 0.693-0.759) and 0.698 (95% CI, 0.673-0.723), respectively. In predictions for different Gleason grades, the highest AUC of 0.847 (95% CI, 0.749-0.945) was found to predict Gleason grade 5 (Gleason score ≥9).

Conclusions

A model based on transrectal ultrasound image features showed a good ability to predict Gleason scores in prostate cancer patients.

Advances in knowledge

This study used ultrasound-based radiomics to predict the Gleason score of patients with prostate cancer.
Using intravoxel incoherent motion imaging to evaluate uric acid-induced renal injury and efficacy after treatment
Authors: Cheng Zhong-Yuan , Gong Shang-Ao , Chen Ping-Kang , Yu Zong-Chao , Qiu Chen , Lin Ji-Xin , Mo Jia-Bin , Qian Long , Feng You-Zhen , Cai Xiang-Ran
Published: January 2024

Objectives

To validate the feasibility of intravoxel incoherent motion imaging (IVIM) for monitoring renal injury and uric acid-lowering efficacy in a rat model of hyperuricaemia.

Methods

A total of 92 rats were analysed and categorized into 4 groups: control (CON), hyperuricaemia (HUA), allopurinol intervention (ALL), and combined intervention (COM). Eight rats were randomly selected from each group and underwent IVIM scanning on days 0, 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9. Quantitative magnetic resonance values (D, D*, and f values) measured from the different renal anatomical regions. Quantitative histopathological analysis was performed to assess renal tubular injury using neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), and renal fibrosis using alpha-smooth-muscle-actin (α-SMA). Pearson’s correlation analysis was used to determine the correlation between IVIM-derived parameters and the expression of NGAL and α-SMA.

Results

The D values of the HUA, ALL, and COM groups generally showed a downward trend over time, and this fluctuation was most significant in the HUA group. The D values showed significant intergroup differences at each point, whereas only a few discrepancies were found in the D* and f values. In addition, the renal D value was negatively correlated with the positive staining rates for NGAL and α-SMA (P < .05), except for the lack of correlation between Dos and α-SMA (P > .05).

Conclusion

IVIM could be a noninvasive and potential assessment modality for the evaluation of renal injury induced by hyperuricaemia and its prognostic efficacy.

Advances in knowledge

IVIM could be a surrogate manner in monitoring renal damage induced by hyperuricaemia and its treatment evaluation.
Multimodal radiomics based on 18F-Prostate-specific membrane antigen-1007 PET/CT and multiparametric MRI for prostate cancer extracapsular extension prediction
Authors: Pan Kehua , Yao Fei , Hong Weifeng , Xiao Juan , Bian Shuying , Zhu Dongqin , Yuan Yaping , Zhang Yayun , Zhuang Yuandi , Yang Yunjun
Published: January 2024

Objectives

To compare the performance of the multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) radiomics and 18F-Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA)-1007 PET/CT radiomics model in diagnosing extracapsular extension (EPE) in prostate cancer (PCa), and to evaluate the performance of a multimodal radiomics model combining mpMRI and PET/CT in predicting EPE.

Methods

We included 197 patients with PCa who underwent preoperative mpMRI and PET/CT before surgery. mpMRI and PET/CT images were segmented to delineate the regions of interest and extract radiomics features. PET/CT, mpMRI, and multimodal radiomics models were constructed based on maximum correlation, minimum redundancy, and logistic regression analyses. Model performance was evaluated using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) and indices derived from the confusion matrix.

Results

AUC values for the mpMRI, PET/CT, and multimodal radiomics models were 0.85 (95% CI, 0.78-0.90), 0.73 (0.64-0.80), and 0.83 (0.75-0.89), respectively, in the training cohort and 0.74 (0.61-0.85), 0.62 (0.48-0.74), and 0.77 (0.64-0.87), respectively, in the testing cohort. The net reclassification improvement demonstrated that the mpMRI radiomics model outperformed the PET/CT one in predicting EPE, with better clinical benefits. The multimodal radiomics model performed better than the single PET/CT radiomics model (P < .05).

Conclusion

The mpMRI and 18F-PSMA-PET/CT combination enhanced the predictive power of EPE in patients with PCa. The multimodal radiomics model will become a reliable and robust tool to assist urologists and radiologists in making preoperative decisions.

Advances in knowledge

This study presents the first application of multimodal radiomics based on PET/CT and MRI for predicting EPE.
Impact of technological advances in treatment planning, image guidance, and treatment delivery on target margin design for prostate cancer radiotherapy: an updated review
Authors: Winter Jeff D , Reddy Varun , Li Winnie , Craig Tim , Raman Srinivas
Published: January 2024

Recent innovations in image guidance, treatment delivery, and adaptive radiotherapy (RT) have created a new paradigm for planning target volume (PTV) margin design for patients with prostate cancer. We performed a review of the recent literature on PTV margin selection and design for intact prostate RT, excluding post-operative RT, brachytherapy, and proton therapy. Our review describes the increased focus on prostate and seminal vesicles as heterogenous deforming structures with further emergence of intra-prostatic GTV boost and concurrent pelvic lymph node treatment. To capture recent innovations, we highlight the evolution in cone beam CT guidance, and increasing use of MRI for improved target delineation and image registration and supporting online adaptive RT. Moreover, we summarize new and evolving image-guidance treatment platforms as well as recent reports of novel immobilization strategies and motion tracking. Our report also captures recent implementations of artificial intelligence to support image guidance and adaptive RT. To characterize the clinical impact of PTV margin changes via model-based risk estimates and clinical trials, we highlight recent high impact reports. Our report focusses on topics in the context of PTV margins but also showcase studies attempting to move beyond the PTV margin recipes with robust optimization and probabilistic planning approaches. Although guidelines exist for target margins conventional using CT-based image guidance, further validation is required to understand the optimal margins for online adaptation either alone or combined with real-time motion compensation to minimize systematic and random uncertainties in the treatment of patients with prostate cancer.
Metabolic syndrome: imaging features and clinical outcomes
Authors: Badawy Mohamed , Elsayes Khaled M , Lubner Meghan G , Shehata Mostafa A , Fowler Kathryn , Kaoud Arwa , Pickhardt Perry J
Published: January 2024

Metabolic syndrome, which affects around a quarter of adults worldwide, is a group of metabolic abnormalities characterized mainly by insulin resistance and central adiposity. It is strongly correlated with cardiovascular and all-cause mortality. Early identification of the changes induced by metabolic syndrome in target organs and timely intervention (eg, weight reduction) can decrease morbidity and mortality. Imaging can monitor the main components of metabolic syndrome and identify early the development and progression of its sequelae in various organs. In this review, we discuss the imaging features across different modalities that can be used to evaluate changes due to metabolic syndrome, including fatty deposition in different organs, arterial stiffening, liver fibrosis, and cardiac dysfunction. Radiologists can play a vital role in recognizing and following these target organ injuries, which in turn can motivate lifestyle modification and therapeutic intervention.