Evaluating the Window Size's Role in Automatic EEG Epilepsy Detection

Electroencephalography is one of the most commonly used methods for extracting information about the brain's condition and can be used for diagnosing epilepsy. The EEG signal's wave shape contains vital information about the brain's state, which can be challenging to analyse and interpret by a human observer. Moreover, the characteristic waveforms of epilepsy (sharp waves, spikes) can occur randomly through time. Considering all the above reasons, automatic EEG signal extraction and analysis using computers can significantly impact the successful diagnosis of epilepsy. This research explores the impact of different window sizes on EEG signals' classification accuracy using four machine learning classifiers. The machine learning methods included a neural network with ten hidden nodes trained using three different training algorithms and the k-nearest neighbours classifier. The neural network training methods included the Broyden-Fletcher-Goldfarb-Shanno algorithm, the multistart method for global optimization problems, and a genetic algorithm. The current research utilized the University of Bonn dataset containing EEG data, divided into epochs having 50% overlap and window lengths ranging from 1 to 24 s. Then, statistical and spectral features were extracted and used to train the above four classifiers. The outcome from the above experiments showed that large window sizes with a length of about 21 s could positively impact the classification accuracy between the compared methods.

Neutrophil anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibody proteins: bactericidal increasing protein, lactoferrin, cathepsin, and elastase as serological markers of inflammatory bowel and other diseases

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the gastrointestinal tract comprising Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Although the pathogenesis of the disease is not clearly defined yet, environmental, genetic and other factors contribute to the onset of the disease. Apart from the clinical and histopathological findings, several serological biomarkers are also employed to detect IBD. One of the most thoroughly studied biomarker is anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibody (ANCA). We herein provide an overview of the current knowledge on the use of ANCA and certain ANCA proteins, such as bactericidal increasing protein, lactoferrin, cathepsin G and elastase, as serological markers for IBD and other diseases.

Multiscale-patient-specific artery and atherogenesis models

In this work, we present a platform for the development of multiscale patient-specific artery and atherogenesis models. The platform, called ARTool, integrates technologies of 3-D image reconstruction from various image modalities, blood flow and biological models of mass transfer, plaque characterization, and plaque growth. Patient images are acquired for the development of the 3-D model of the patient specific arteries. Then, blood flow is modeled within the arterial models for the calculation of the wall shear stress distribution (WSS). WSS is combined with other patient-specific parameters for the development of the plaque progression models. Real-time simulation can be performed for same cases in grid environment. The platform is evaluated using both animal and human data.

Docetaxel and capecitabine as first-line chemotherapy in patients with advanced breast cancer

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Background: Capecitabine (C) and Docetaxel (D) have demonstrated synergy in both preclinical and clinical studies in metastatic breast cancer (MBC). The aim of the study was to evaluate the activity and tolerability of the combination of CD as a first -line therapy for patients with advanced breast cancer. Methods: Thirty- five patients have been enrolled in the study. Median age was 54 years (range 35–73). ECOG PS was of 0–2 (PS 0: 6 patients, PS 1: 5 patients, PS 2: 14 patients), All patients were Her-2 neu negative. Patients received Docetaxel 75 mg/m2 on day 1, with routine pre and post-medication with steroids, and Capecitabine 950 mg/m2 p.o. bid on days 1–14, every 3 weeks until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Results: A total of 233 cycles were given with a median of 7 (2–12). Of the 35 evaluable patients, 17 patients (48%) achieved partial response (PR) and 6 patients (17%) attained stable disease (SD). The median duration of response was 12 weeks and the median duration of SD was 20 weeks. The median time to progression (TTP) was 28 weeks. The median overall survival was 90 weeks. All patients were evaluable for toxicity. Toxicity was mainly hematological with G3 or 4 neutropenia in 7 patients (20%). Febrile neutropenia was not encountered. There was not significant GI toxicity. Conclusions: Combination chemotherapy with Capecitabine and Docetaxel shows promising efficacy as first- line therapy in advanced breast cancer with an acceptable toxicity profile.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Advantages of laparoscopic stented choledochorrhaphy over T-tube placement

Background

Postoperative complications after laparoscopic choledochotomy are mainly related to the T tube. Both laparoscopic endobiliary stent placement with primary closure of the common bile duct (CBD) and primary closure of the CBD without drainage have been proposed as safe and effective alternatives to T-tube placement.

Methods

This was a retrospective analysis of data collected prospectively on 53 consecutive patients suffering from proven choledocholithiasis who underwent laparoscopic CBD exploration through a choledochotomy between January 1999 and January 2003. In the early period a T-tube was placed at the end of the procedure (n = 32). Biliary stent placement and primary CBD closure was performed from June 2001 (n = 21).

Results

There were no significant differences in epidemiological characteristics, preoperative factors or intraoperative findings between the groups. Seven patients developed complications, six in the T-tube group and one in the stent group. Univariate analysis revealed a significantly lower morbidity rate and shorter postoperative hospital stay in the stent group.

Conclusion

Placement of a biliary endoprosthesis after laparoscopic choledochotomy achieves biliary decompression, and avoids the complications of a T tube, leading to a shorter postoperative hospital stay. The method is a safe and effective alternative method of CBD drainage after laparoscopic choledochotomy.

Bile duct varices in the absence of portal hypertension signs

Previous reports have shown that unrecognized or incidental bile duct varices have been reported as being related to hazardous complications and difficulties during surgery or other interventional procedures. A 32-year-old Indian female patient with no previous symptoms and signs suggestive of portal hypertension was admitted for an elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy for biliary colic. Bile duct varices were incidentally recognized during the operation. For the sake of safety, the surgery was converted to a conventional approach. Postoperatively, a detailed history revealed catheterization of the umbilical vein during the newborn period. Subsequently, contrast-enhanced computer tomography scanning showed extrahepatic portal vein thrombosis and cavernous transformation, while an upper gastrointestinal tract endoscopy did not reveal any evidence of esophageal varices. Bile duct varices should be excluded in patients with symptoms and signs suggestive for portal hypertension. Moreover, the present case addresses the fact that bile duct varices should also be suspected in asymptomatic patients with a history suggestive for extrahepatic portal vein thrombosis. Intraoperative recognition of bile duct varices requires a careful anatomical approach to the hepatoduodenal ligament to avoid hazardous complications.

Resection of renal metastases to the pancreas: a surgical challenge

BACKGROUND

Metastasis to the pancreas from renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is distinctly uncommon. Most cases are detected at an advanced stage of the disease and are thus unsuitable for resection. A solitary RCC metastasis to the head of pancreas is rarely encountered and, although it is potentially amenable to surgical resection, surgeons may be hesitant to perform pancreatoduodenectomy.

CASES OUTLINES

Two patients with a solitary RCC metastasis to the head of pancreas were treated by pancreatoduodenectomy, while a third with multiple RCC metastases declined any treatment. Two of the patients were asymptomatic, and one presented with anaemia and mild abdominal pain. Computed tomography (CT) and angiography were used to exclude other metastases and to assess resectability of the pancreatic tumour. All three patients are still alive, those with resectable disease at 2 years and 9 years and the one with irresectable disease at 4 years.

DISCUSSION

Isolated RCC metastasis to the pancreas is a rare event. Patients present either on follow-up imaging or with symptoms such as mild abdominal pain, weight loss, jaundice, anaemia or gastrointestinal bleeding (whether occult or overt). Dynamic spiral CT can visualise the tumour and exclude distant metastasis. Angiography often reveals a highly vascularised tumour and will help to assess resectability. In the absence of widespread disease, pancreatic resection can provide long-term survival in metastatic RCC, although few cases have been reported with lengthy follow-up. The prognosis is better than for pancreatic adenocarcinoma.