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Comparative evaluation of the detection rate, workflow and associated costs of a multiplex PCR panel versus conventional methods in diagnosis of infectious gastroenteritis. J Med Microbiol 2024; 73. [PMID: 38362908 DOI: 10.1099/jmm.0.001795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction. Infectious gastroenteritis is a common reason for consulting a physician. Although most cases of gastrointestinal illness are self-limiting, the identification of the etiologic pathogen by stool specimen analysis is important in cases of more severe illness and for epidemiological reasons.Due to the broad range of causative pathogens, the conventional examination of a stool specimen is labour-intensive and usually requires different diagnostic methods. Multiplex PCR tests [e.g. BioFire Gastrointestinal (GI) Panel] allow the rapid detecting of up to 22 pathogens in one test.Hypothesis. Using a multiplex PCR panel to test stool specimens for infectious gastroenteritis pathogens can improve the detection rate, reduce the time-to-result and hands-on time and lower the costs of a microbiology laboratory.Aim. This study was aimed at evaluating the detection rate, the workflow and associated costs of stool specimen management using the BioFire GI Panel versus conventional methods.Methodology. Stool specimens were evaluated prospectively during the routine operation. Pathogen detection rate, hands-on time, time-to-result and material and personnel costs were determined for the BioFire GI Panel and conventional methods-the latter based on physician request and excluding viral testing.Results. Analysing 333 specimens collected between 2019 and 2020, the detection rate of enteropathogens was significantly higher with a positivity rate of 39.9 % using the multiplex PCR panel compared with 15.0 % using the conventional methods. The BioFire GI Panel presented results in a median time of 2.2 h compared with 77.5 h for culture and 22.1 h for antigen testing, noting that no tests were performed at weekends except for toxinogenic Clostridioides difficile. Based on list prices, the BioFire GI Panel was nine times more expensive compared with conventional methods, whereas hands-on-time was significantly lower using the BioFire GI Panel.Conclusion. Multiplex PCR panels are valuable tools for laboratory identification of infectious agents causing diarrhoea. The higher costs of such a multiplex PCR panel might be outweighed by the higher detection rate, ease of handling, rapid results and most likely improved patient management. However, these panels do not provide information on antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Therefore, if this is necessary for targeted therapy or if outbreak monitoring and control is required, specimens must still be cultured.
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Metamagnetic fluctuation characteristics near dynamic phase transitions. Phys Rev E 2023; 108:064121. [PMID: 38243458 DOI: 10.1103/physreve.108.064121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2024]
Abstract
We experimentally explore the magnetization dynamics of thin ferromagnetic Co films with uniaxial in-plane anisotropy near the dynamic phase transition (DPT) and, in particular, we study the temporal characteristics of anomalous metamagnetic fluctuations that occur in its vicinity, and for which no thermodynamic equivalent exists. For this purpose, we measure the real-time evolution of magnetization trajectories in the relevant dynamic phase space, conduct a Fourier analysis of these experimental results and compare it to a model, in which the fluctuating metamagnetic behavior occurs in a purely random manner, following individual state probability distributions. We find excellent quantitative agreement in between our experimental results and the random state model, clearly indicating that multiperiod time-correlations of magnetic states are not relevant in our DPT system, not even for the occurrence of the anomalous metamagnetic fluctuations that are nonetheless associated with nonperiodic magnetic state evolutions.
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Initial Clinical Experience Using Daily Artificial Intelligence-Assisted Adaptive Radiotherapy on Cone-Beam CT for Cancer of the Head and Neck. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2023; 117:e622. [PMID: 37785863 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2023.06.2007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S) Adaptive radiation therapy (ART) has emerged as a promising method to modify treatment plans in response to structural and spatial changes that occur during a treatment course. In particular, patients with locally advanced Head and Neck (HN) Cancers often experience changes in target volumes and organs-at risk requiring replanning throughout treatment. The implementation of daily ART using daily cone-beam Cone-Beam CT (CBCT) imaging is a solution that may improve the therapeutic ratio by accounting for intra-fractional changes throughout the patient's treatment course. MATERIALS/METHODS We evaluated the initial clinical experience of daily ART for patients with locally advanced HN cancer using a commercially available, online adaptive platform with AI-assisted workflows on daily CBCT. For treatment, AI-based auto-contour and structure deformation of OARs and Targets were reviewed and edited by the treating physician. Two plans were generated including, a CT sim-based plan with deformed structures (scheduled) and a re-optimized plan (adaptive) of which both plans evaluated and the best one approved and delivered. Clinical outcomes and dosimetric parameters were reviewed. RESULTS A total of 23 patients with locally advanced HN cancers (7 Nasopharynx, 6 Oropharynx, 2 oral cavity, 8 larynx) were treated with daily ART from December 2020 until November 2022. 655 adaptive and scheduled radiotherapy plans were generated of which 95.7% of the adaptive plans were chosen. Adaptive plans demonstrated superior V95 PTV70, PTV60, PTV56 mean coverage by 1.02%, 8.14%, and 7.2%, respectively. At a median follow up of 10.1 months, the local control was 91.3%. The 1-year actuarial PFS was 86.9% and 1 year actuarial OS was 82.6%. Two patients required prophylactic g-tube. 30% and 21% of patients had acute grade 3 dysphagia and odynophagia, respectively; 13% with chronic grade 2 xerostomia. There were no grade 4 or grade 5 toxicities. CONCLUSION These findings provide evidence for the feasibility and potential clinical benefit of incorporating daily adaptive AI radiotherapy on CBCT in the treatment of locally advanced HN cancer. Further prospective studies are needed to confirm these findings and determine the optimal clinical applications of this approach.
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Efficacy of National Comprehensive Cancer Network Guidelines in Identifying Pathogenic Germline Variants Among Unselected Patients with Prostate Cancer: The PROCLAIM Trial. Eur Urol Oncol 2023; 6:477-483. [PMID: 37574391 DOI: 10.1016/j.euo.2023.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prostate cancer (PCa) patients with pathogenic/likely pathogenic germline variants (PGVs) in cancer predisposition genes may be eligible for U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved targeted therapies, clinical trials, or enhanced screening. Studies suggest that eligible patients are missing genetics-informed care due to restrictive testing criteria. OBJECTIVE To establish the prevalence of actionable PGVs among prospectively accrued, unselected PCa patients, stratified by their guideline eligibility. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS Consecutive, unselected PCa patients were enrolled at 15 sites in the USA from October 2019 to August 2021, and had multigene cancer panel testing. OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS Correlates between the prevalence of PGVs and clinician-reported demographic and clinical characteristics were examined. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS Among 958 patients (median [quartiles] age at diagnosis 65 [60, 71] yr), 627 (65%) had low- or intermediate-risk disease (grade group 1, 2, or 3). A total of 77 PGVs in 17 genes were identified in 74 patients (7.7%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 6.2-9.6%). No significant difference was found in the prevalence of PGVs among patients who met the 2019 National Comprehensive Cancer Network Prostate criteria (8.8%, 43/486, 95% CI 6.6-12%) versus those who did not (6.6%, 31/472, 95% CI 4.6-9.2%; odds ratio 1.38, 95% CI 0.85-2.23), indicating that these criteria would miss 42% of patients (31/74, 95% CI 31-53%) with PGVs. The criteria were less effective at predicting PGVs in patients from under-represented populations. Most PGVs (81%, 60/74) were potentially clinically actionable. Limitations include the inability to stratify analyses based on individual ethnicity due to low numbers of non-White patients with PGVs. CONCLUSIONS Our results indicate that almost half of PCa patients with PGVs are missed by current testing guidelines. Comprehensive germline genetic testing should be offered to all patients with PCa. PATIENT SUMMARY One in 13 patients with prostate cancer carries an inherited variant that may be actionable for the patient's current care or prevention of future cancer, and could benefit from expanded testing criteria.
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Experimental Observation of Critical Scaling in Magnetic Dynamic Phase Transitions. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2023; 131:116701. [PMID: 37774283 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.131.116701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/01/2023]
Abstract
We explore the critical behavior of dynamic phase transitions in ultrathin uniaxial Co films. Our data demonstrate the occurrence of critical fluctuations, which define the critical regime, and in which we conduct a scaling analysis of the dynamic order parameter Q, utilizing a dynamic analog to the Arrott-Noakes equation of state. Our results show dynamic critical exponents that agree with the 2D Ising model as theoretically predicted. However, equilibrium critical exponents of our sample agree with the 3D Ising model. We argue that these differences between dynamic and thermodynamic behavior are due to fundamentally different length scales at which dimensional crossovers occur.
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Deep ulcers are associated with increased C-reactive protein in active ulcerative colitis. Dig Liver Dis 2023; 55:1194-1200. [PMID: 37244790 DOI: 10.1016/j.dld.2023.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Increased C-reactive protein (CRP) is used to diagnose and predict response to treatment in acute severe ulcerative colitis (UC). AIMS To investigate the connection between CRP elevation and deep ulcers in UC. METHODS Patients with active UC were enrolled in a multicenter prospective cohort and a retrospective cohort of consecutive patients undergoing colectomy from 2012 to 2019. RESULTS Forty-one (9 (22%) with deep ulcers) patients were included in the prospective cohort: 4/5 (80%) patients with CRP > 100 mg/L, 2/10 (20%) patients with CRP between 30 and 100 mg/L and 3/26 (12%) patients with CRP < 30 mg/L had deep ulcers (p = 0.006). In the retrospective cohort [46 patients (31 (67%) with deep ulcers)], 14/14 (100%) patients with CRP > 100 mg/L, 11/17 (65%) patients with CRP between 30 and 100 mg/l and 6/15 (40%) patients with CRP < 30 mg/L had deep ulcers (p = 0.001). Positive predictive value of CRP > 100 mg/l for presence of deep ulcers was 80% and 100% in both cohorts, respectively. CONCLUSIONS CRP elevation is a robust surrogate marker for presence of deep ulcers in UC. Elevated CRP or presence of deep ulcers could influence the choice of medical therapy in acute severe UC.
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Brachial Plexus Birth injuries. Semin Plast Surg 2023; 37:84. [PMID: 37503526 PMCID: PMC10371398 DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1768686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
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The Patients’ Point of View: Eye Tracking Based Human Factors Analysis of Simulated Everyday and Emergency Scenarios with HeartMate 3 LVAD Peripherals. J Heart Lung Transplant 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.healun.2023.02.803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
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Respiratory viruses in medicolegal autopsies during the winter season 2021/2022: observations after reduction of coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) pandemic restrictions. Int J Legal Med 2023; 137:897-902. [PMID: 36807752 PMCID: PMC9937855 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-023-02974-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/20/2023]
Abstract
In the context of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, measures were taken to protect the population from infection. These were almost completely lifted in several countries in the spring of 2022. To obtain an overview of the spectrum of respiratory viruses encountered in autoptical routine case work, and their infectivity, all autopsy cases at the Institute of Legal Medicine in Frankfurt/M. with flu-like symptoms (among others) were examined for at least 16 different viruses via multiplex PCR and cell culture. Out of 24 cases, 10 were virus-positive in PCR: specifically, 8 cases with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), 1 with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and 1 with SARS-CoV-2 and the human coronavirus OC43 (HCoV-OC43), as a double infection. The RSV infection and one of the SARS-CoV-2 infections were only detected due to the autopsy. Two SARS-CoV-2 cases (postmortem interval of 8 and 10 days, respectively) showed infectious virus in cell culture; the 6 other cases did not show infectious virus. In the RSV case, virus isolation by cell culture was unsuccessful (Ct value of 23.15 for PCR on cryoconserved lung tissue). HCoV-OC43 was measured as non-infectious in cell culture, with a Ct value of 29.57. The detection of RSV and HCoV-OC43 infections may shed light on the relevance of respiratory viruses other than SARS-CoV-2 in postmortem settings; however, further, more extensive studies are needed for a robust assessment of the hazard potential due to infectious postmortem fluids and tissues in medicolegal autopsy settings.
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Deep learning-based assessment of body composition and liver tumour burden for survival modelling in advanced colorectal cancer. J Cachexia Sarcopenia Muscle 2023; 14:545-552. [PMID: 36544260 PMCID: PMC9891942 DOI: 10.1002/jcsm.13158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Revised: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Personalized therapy planning remains a significant challenge in advanced colorectal cancer care, despite extensive research on prognostic and predictive markers. A strong correlation of sarcopenia or overall body composition and survival has been described. Here, we explore whether automated assessment of body composition and liver metastases from standard of care CT images can add to clinical parameters in personalized survival risk prognostication. METHODS We retrospectively analysed clinical imaging data from 85 patients (50.6% female, mean age 58.9 SD 12.2 years) with colorectal cancer and synchronous liver metastases. Pretrained deep learning models were used to assess body composition and liver metastasis geometry from abdominal CT images before the initiation of systemic treatment. Abdominal muscle-to-bone ratio (MBR) was calculated by dividing abdominal muscle volume by abdominal bone volume. MBR was compared with body mass index (BMI), abdominal muscle volume, and abdominal muscle volume divided by height squared. Differences in overall survival based on body composition and liver metastasis parameters were compared using Kaplan-Meier survival curves. Results were correlated with clinical and biomarker data to develop a machine learning model for survival risk prognostication. RESULTS The MBR, unlike abdominal muscle volume or BMI, was significantly associated with overall survival (HR 0.39, 95% CI: 0.19-0.80, P = 0.009). The MBR (P = 0.022), liver metastasis surface area (P = 0.01) and primary tumour sidedness (P = 0.007) were independently associated with overall survival in multivariate analysis. Body composition parameters did not correlate with KRAS mutational status or primary tumour sidedness. A prediction model based on MBR, liver metastasis surface area and primary tumour sidedness achieved a concordance index of 0.69. CONCLUSIONS Automated segmentation enables to extract prognostic parameters from routine imaging data for personalized survival modelling in advanced colorectal cancer patients.
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Longitudinal Doppler Assessments in Late Preterm Fetal Growth Restriction. ULTRASCHALL IN DER MEDIZIN (STUTTGART, GERMANY : 1980) 2023; 44:56-67. [PMID: 34768305 DOI: 10.1055/a-1511-8293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To assess the longitudinal variation of the ratio of umbilical and cerebral artery pulsatility index (UCR) in late preterm fetal growth restriction (FGR). MATERIALS AND METHODS A prospective European multicenter observational study included women with a singleton pregnancy, 32+ 0-36+ 6, at risk of FGR (estimated fetal weight [EFW] or abdominal circumference [AC] < 10th percentile, abnormal arterial Doppler or fall in AC from 20-week scan of > 40 percentile points). The primary outcome was a composite of abnormal condition at birth or major neonatal morbidity. UCR was categorized as normal (< 0.9) or abnormal (≥ 0.9). UCR was assessed by gestational age at measurement interval to delivery, and by individual linear regression coefficient in women with two or more measurements. RESULTS 856 women had 2770 measurements; 696 (81 %) had more than one measurement (median 3 (IQR 2-4). At inclusion, 63 (7 %) a UCR ≥ 0.9. These delivered earlier and had a lower birth weight and higher incidence of adverse outcome (30 % vs. 9 %, relative risk 3.2; 95 %CI 2.1-5.0) than women with a normal UCR at inclusion. Repeated measurements after an abnormal UCR at inclusion were abnormal again in 67 % (95 %CI 55-80), but after a normal UCR the chance of finding an abnormal UCR was 6 % (95 %CI 5-7 %). The risk of composite adverse outcome was similar using the first or subsequent UCR values. CONCLUSION An abnormal UCR is likely to be abnormal again at a later measurement, while after a normal UCR the chance of an abnormal UCR is 5-7 % when repeated weekly. Repeated measurements do not predict outcome better than the first measurement, most likely due to the most compromised fetuses being delivered after an abnormal UCR.
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Impact of Thermophysical Properties of High-Alloy Tool Steels on Their Performance in Re-Purposing Applications. MATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 15:8702. [PMID: 36500197 PMCID: PMC9741250 DOI: 10.3390/ma15238702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 12/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Resource efficiency and circularity in the context of sustainability are rapidly gaining importance in the steel industry. One concept regarding circular economy is "repurposing". In the context of this work, worn-out machine circular knives are used to produce new chisels for woodturning. The chisels can be extracted parallel or perpendicular to the rolling direction of the primary production process, resulting in an associated carbide orientation of the repurposed tool. The rolling direction, and therefore carbide alignment, will influence the wear resistance and the thermophysical properties, whereby the thermal conductivity will determine the temperatures at the tip of the chisel. Therefore, the thermal conductivity was investigated with the dynamic measurement method, where the specific heat capacity, density and thermal diffusivity of the extracted chisels and industrial reference chisels were measured separately. Moreover, the electrical resistivity was measured in order to calculate the electronic thermal conductivity according to the Wiedemann-Franz-Lorenz law. It was shown that all of these parameters exhibited different degrees of variability with rising temperature. In a detailed analysis, the thermal diffusivity could be identified as an essential parameter of thermal conductivity. By taking two conventional chisels with different chemical compositions and heat treatments into account, it can be seen that the microstructure determines the thermophysical properties. Considering the carbide direction, the chisels that were extracted parallel to the rolling direction showed differing thermophysical properties. Therefore, the carbide orientation is shown to play a significant role regarding the heat dissipation at the cutting edge, because differences, especially in the electronic thermal conductivity in the parallel and perpendicular extracted chisels, can be measured. In addition to the wear resistance factor, the thermal conductivity factor now also supports the removal of the repurposed chisels parallel to the rolling direction.
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Synthetic MR Imaging-Based WM Signal Suppression Identifies Neonatal Brainstem Pathways in Vivo. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 2022; 43:1817-1823. [PMID: 36396336 DOI: 10.3174/ajnr.a7710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Multidynamic multiecho sequence-based imaging enables investigators to reconstruct multiple MR imaging contrasts on the basis of a single scan. This study investigated the feasibility of synthetic MRI-based WM signal suppression (syWMSS), a synthetic inversion recovery approach in which a short TI suppresses myelin-related signals, for the identification of early myelinating brainstem pathways. MATERIALS AND METHODS Thirty-one cases of neonatal MR imaging, which included multidynamic multiecho data and conventionally acquired T1- and T2-weighted sequences, were analyzed. The multidynamic multiecho postprocessing software SyMRI was used to generate syWMSS data (TR/TE/TI = 3000/5/410 ms). Two raters discriminated early myelinating brainstem pathways (decussation of the superior cerebellar peduncle, medial lemniscus, central tegmental tract, and medial longitudinal fascicle [the latter 3 assessed at the level of the pons]) on syWMSS data and reference standard contrasts. RESULTS On the basis of syWMSS data, the decussation of the superior cerebellar peduncle (31/31); left/right medial lemniscus (31/31; 30/31); left/right central tegmental tract (19/31; 20/31); and left/right medial longitudinal fascicle (30/31) were reliably identified by both raters. On the basis of T1-weighted contrasts, the decussation of the superior cerebellar peduncle (14/31); left/right medial lemniscus (22/31; 16/31); left/right central tegmental tract (1/31); and left/right medial longitudinal fascicle (9/31; 8/31) were reliably identified by both raters. On the basis of T2-weighted contrasts, the decussation of the superior cerebellar peduncle (28/31); left/right medial lemniscus (16/31; 12/31); left/right central tegmental tract (23/31; 18/31); and left/right medial longitudinal fascicle (15/31; 14/31) were reliably identified by both raters. CONCLUSIONS syWMSS data provide a feasible imaging technique with which to study early myelinating brainstem pathways. MR imaging approaches that use myelin signal suppression contribute to a more sensitive assessment of myelination patterns at early stages of cerebral development.
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Initial Experience Using Daily Artificial Intelligence-Assisted Adaptive Radiotherapy on Cone-Beam CT for Bladder Cancer. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2022.07.1128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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A Phase 1 Study of TAK-676, a Novel STING Agonist, Plus Pembrolizumab Following Radiation Therapy in Patients with Advanced Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC), Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC), or Squamous-Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck (SCCHN). Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2022.07.762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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Subasumstat, a first-in-class inhibitor of SUMO-activating enzyme, demonstrates dose-dependent target engagement and SUMOylation inhibition, leading to rapid activation of innate and adaptive immune responses in the dose escalation portion of a phase 1/2 clinical study. Eur J Cancer 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/s0959-8049(22)01134-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
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315 Coagulopathies and Mortality in Patients With Traumatic Subarachnoid Hemorrhage. Ann Emerg Med 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.annemergmed.2022.08.343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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Quantification of 37Ar emanation fractions from irradiated natural rock samples and field applications. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2022; 251-252:106966. [PMID: 35939879 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2022.106966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Revised: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Underground-produced 37Ar can be used for underground nuclear explosions (UNE) detection and for groundwater dating. The quantification of the emanation, that is the fraction of activity produced in the rock that escapes to the pore space, is essential for predicting the background activity expected in natural environments. We propose an experiment in which artificial CaCO3 powder and natural rock particles are irradiated with neutrons in a routinely operated medical cyclotron, whose energy spectrum is experimentally measured. The produced activity was quantified and compared with the emanated activity to determine the emanating fraction. The results showed consistent and reproducible patterns with a dominance of the recoil process at small scales (<2 mm). We observed emanation values ≤1% with a dependency on the grain size and the inner geometry of particles. Soil weathering and the presence of water increased the recoil emanation. The atoms produced that were instantaneously recoiled in the intra- or inter-granular pore space left macroscopic samples by diffusion on timescales of days to weeks (Deff = 10-12 - 10-16 m2 s-1). This diffusive transport determines the activity that prevails in the fluid-filled pore space accessible for groundwater or soil gas sampling.
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External validation of a new tool to predict unplanned hospitalization among older adults receiving chemotherapy. J Geriatr Oncol 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/s1879-4068(22)00410-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on quality of life, health care use and mortality in older adults in the 5C study of geriatric assessment and management: secondary analysis. J Geriatr Oncol 2022. [PMCID: PMC9595410 DOI: 10.1016/s1879-4068(22)00376-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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Recommendations and adherence to recommendations made based on a comprehensive geriatric assessment for Canadian older adults with cancer: Results of the 5C trial. J Geriatr Oncol 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/s1879-4068(22)00374-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
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Multimodal survival prediction in advanced pancreatic cancer using machine learning. ESMO Open 2022; 7:100555. [PMID: 35988455 PMCID: PMC9588888 DOI: 10.1016/j.esmoop.2022.100555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Revised: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Existing risk scores appear insufficient to assess the individual survival risk of patients with advanced pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and do not take advantage of the variety of parameters that are collected during clinical care. Methods In this retrospective study, we built a random survival forest model from clinical data of 203 patients with advanced PDAC. The parameters were assessed before initiation of systemic treatment and included age, CA19-9, C-reactive protein, metastatic status, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and total serum protein level. Separate models including imaging and molecular parameters were built for subgroups. Results Over the entire cohort, a model based on clinical parameters achieved a c-index of 0.71. Our approach outperformed the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) staging system and the modified Glasgow Prognostic Score (mGPS) in the identification of high- and low-risk subgroups. Inclusion of the KRAS p.G12D mutational status could further improve the prediction, whereas radiomics data of the primary tumor only showed little benefit. In an external validation cohort of PDAC patients with liver metastases, our model achieved a c-index of 0.67 (mGPS: 0.59). Conclusions The combination of multimodal data and machine-learning algorithms holds potential for personalized prognostication in advanced PDAC already at diagnosis. We developed a machine-learning-based prediction model that outperforms the AJCC staging system and mGPS. Applying our model to an external validation cohort demonstrates generalizability. Explainable machine learning enables to understand the decision making of our model and identifies relevant parameters. Combining clinical, imaging and genetic data holds potential for personalized prognostication in advanced PDAC.
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Das Mikrobiom in der Schwangerschaft, bei Geburt und des Neugeborenen: Eine prospektive, longitudinale Pilotstudie. Geburtshilfe Frauenheilkd 2022. [DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-1750240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022] Open
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OC-0831 Results of ARTIX phase III study: adaptive radiotherapy versus standard IMRT in head and neck cancer. Radiother Oncol 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/s0167-8140(22)02695-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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A Novel Intratumoral Microdosing Approach for Simultaneously Evaluating Multiple Drugs and Combinations in Patients with Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSCC). Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2021.12.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Different from the Beginning: WM Maturity of Female and Male Extremely Preterm Neonates-A Quantitative MRI Study. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 2022; 43:611-619. [PMID: 35332014 PMCID: PMC8993206 DOI: 10.3174/ajnr.a7472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Former preterm born males are at higher risk for neurodevelopmental disabilities compared with female infants born at the same gestational age. This retrospective study investigated sex-related differences in the maturity of early myelinating brain regions in infants born <28 weeks' gestational age using diffusion tensor- and relaxometry-based MR imaging. MATERIALS AND METHODS Quantitative MR imaging sequence acquisitions were analyzed in a sample of 35 extremely preterm neonates imaged at term-equivalent ages. Quantitative MR imaging metrics (fractional anisotropy; ADC [10-3mm2/s]; and T1-/T2-relaxation times [ms]) of the medulla oblongata, pontine tegmentum, midbrain, and the right/left posterior limbs of the internal capsule were determined on diffusion tensor- and multidynamic, multiecho sequence-based imaging data. ANCOVA and a paired t test were used to compare female and male infants and to detect hemispheric developmental asymmetries. RESULTS Seventeen female (mean gestational age at birth: 26 + 0 [SD, 1 + 4] weeks+days) and 18 male (mean gestational age at birth: 26 + 1 [SD, 1 + 3] weeks+days) infants were enrolled in this study. Significant differences were observed in the T2-relaxation time (P = .014) of the pontine tegmentum, T1-relaxation time (P = .011)/T2-relaxation time (P = .024) of the midbrain, and T1-relaxation time (P = .032) of the left posterior limb of the internal capsule. In both sexes, fractional anisotropy (P [♀] < .001/P [♂] < .001) and ADC (P [♀] = .017/P [♂] = .028) differed significantly between the right and left posterior limbs of the internal capsule. CONCLUSIONS The combined use of various quantitative MR imaging metrics detects sex-related and interhemispheric differences of WM maturity. The brainstem and the left posterior limb of the internal capsule of male preterm neonates are more immature compared with those of female infants at term-equivalent ages. Sex differences in WM maturation need further attention for the personalization of neonatal brain imaging.
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[Argentine registry of office blood pressure monitoring. RAMPAC study]. HIPERTENSION Y RIESGO VASCULAR 2022; 39:62-68. [PMID: 35305932 DOI: 10.1016/j.hipert.2022.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Revised: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Hypertension (HTN) is the leading cause of mortality and disability in the world. In Argentina, almost 44% of hypertensives do not know about their condition and this may be due to the low rate of blood pressure (BP) measurements during the office visit. Our hypothesis is that the measurement and electronic recording of BP (BPMR) is not a routine practice in Argentina. OBJECTIVE To describe the rate of office BP measurement in Argentina. METHODS This is a retrospective, multicentre, point prevalence study. We analysed all office visits on 9/19/2019 at 9 medical institutions in 6 provinces of Argentina. RESULTS Two thousand and eighty-two office visits were analysed. The patients' mean age was 52.1 years (18-103), 1790 (59.7%) were female, and 702 (36.1%) were hypertensives. BP was measured in 420 visits (14.1%; 95% CI 12.8-15.4). In a multivariate logistic regression model, history of HTN (OR 1.91, P<.001) and previous cardiovascular event (OR 1.76, P<.001) were associated with more odds of BPMR. The presence of cancer was associated with fewer odds of BPMR (OR .51, P<.01). Cardiology measured BP up to 49.5% (144/291 visits), followed by internal medicine 30% (152/507 visits). CONCLUSION BPMR during office visits is deficient in Argentina and represents a missed healthcare opportunity. Different strategies are needed to detect hypertensive patients and reduce cardiovascular events.
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Relationship between psychological characteristics, personality traits, and training on performance in a neonatal resuscitation scenario: A machine learning based analysis. Front Pediatr 2022; 10:1000544. [PMID: 36467496 PMCID: PMC9715966 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2022.1000544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In life-threatening emergency events, prompt decision-making and accurate reactions are essential for saving a human's life. Some of these skills can be improved by regular simulation trainings. However, besides these factors, individual characteristics may play a significant role in the patients' outcome after a resuscitation event. This study aimed to differentiate personality characteristics of team members who take responsibility for their actions, contextualizing the effect of training on resuscitation performance. METHODS Six hundred and two third-year medical students were asked to answer psychological and personality questionnaires. Fifty-five of them performed in a neonatal simulation resuscitation scenario. To assess participants' performances in the NLS scenario, we used a scenario-based designed NLS checklist. A machine learning design was utilized to better understand the interaction of psychological characteristics and training. The first model aimed to understand how to differentiate between people who take responsibility for their actions vs. those who do not. In a second model, the goal was to understand the relevance of training by contextualizing the effect of training to other important psychological and personality characteristics like locus of control, anxiety, emotion regulation, openness to experience, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism. RESULTS No statistically significant differences were found for psychological characteristics between the training group and the no training group. However, as expected, differences were noted in favor of the training group for performance and within gender for psychological characteristics. When correcting for all these information in a model, anxiety and gender were the most important factors associated with taking responsibility for an action, while training was the only relevant factor in explaining performance during a neonatal resuscitation scenario. CONCLUSION Training had a significantly stronger effect on performance in medical students in a neonatal resuscitation scenario than individual characteristics such as demographics, personality, and trait anxiety.
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Impact of sex in assessments and treatment recommendations in an Older Adult Cancer Clinic. J Geriatr Oncol 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/s1879-4068(21)00442-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Comprehensive geriatric assessment and management for Canadian elders with Cancer: The 5C study. J Geriatr Oncol 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/s1879-4068(21)00402-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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The associations between physical performance and cognitive function in older adults with cancer: Preliminary results of a retrospective cohort study. J Geriatr Oncol 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/s1879-4068(21)00433-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Stress myocardial blood flow reduced after severe COVID-19, not related to symptoms. Eur Heart J 2021. [DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehab724.0213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Introduction
Persistent cardiopulmonary symptoms after COVID-19 are reported in a large number of patients and the underlying pathology is still poorly understood. (1) Histopathologic studies revealed myocardial macrophage infiltrates in deceased patients, likely an unspecific finding of severe illness, and increased prevalence of micro- and macrovascular thrombi. (2) We examined whether microvascular perfusion, measured by quantitative cardiac magnetic resonance under vasodilator stress, was altered post COVID-19.
Methods
Our population consisted of 12 patients from the Pa-COVID-19-Study of the Charité Berlin, which received a cardiac MRI as part of a systematic follow up post discharge, 10 patients that presented at the German Heart Center Berlin with persistent cardiac symptoms post COVID-19 and 12 patients from the Kings College London referred for stress MRI and previous COVID-19.
The scan protocol included standard functional, edema and scar imaging and quantitative stress and rest perfusion to assess both macro- and microvascular coronary artery disease. The pharmacological stress agent was regadenosone in 20 and adenosine in 13 of the patients. To control for the higher heart rate increase under regadenosone compared to adenosine, we calculated the myocardial blood flow per heartbeat (MBF_HRi) under stress.
Results
The median time between first positive PCR for COVID-19 and the CMR exam was 2 months (Range 0 to 12). None of the 33 patients exhibited signs of myocardial edema. One patient with a previous history of myocarditis had focal fibrosis. Three patients with known coronary artery disease showed ischemic Late Enhancement. Five patients had a small pericardial effusion; one of these four patients showed slight focal pericardial edema and LGE, consistent with mild focal pericarditis. Five Patients had a stress-induced focal perfusion deficit.
Mean Stress MBF_HRi was 32.5±6.5 μl/beat/g. Stress MBF_HRi was negatively correlated with COVID-19 severity (rho=−0.361, P=0.039) and age (r=−0.452, P=0.009). The correlation with COVID-19 severity remained significant after controlling for age (rho=−0.390, P=0.027). There was no apparent difference in stress MBF_HRi between patients with and without persistent chest pain (34.5 vs. 31.5 μl/beat/g, P=0.229)
Conclusion
While vasodilator-stress myocardial blood flow after COVID-19 was negatively correlated to COVID-19 severity, it was not correlated to the presence of chest pain. The etiology of persistent cardiac symptoms after COVID-19 remains unclear.
Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding sources: Private company. Main funding source(s): Philips Figure 1. A) Quantitative regadenosone stress myocardial blood flow (MBF) map, medial short axis slice, in a patient with persistent cardiac symptoms after COVID-19. B) Boxplot of stress MBF per heart beat by COVID-19 severity, showing decreasing MBF with increasing COVID-19 severity.
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General existence and determination of conjugate fields in dynamically ordered magnetic systems. Phys Rev E 2021; 104:044125. [PMID: 34781507 DOI: 10.1103/physreve.104.044125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
We investigate experimentally as well as theoretically the dynamic magnetic phase diagram and its associated order parameter Q upon the application of a non-antisymmetric magnetic field sequence composed of a fundamental harmonic component H_{0}, a constant bias field H_{b}, and a second-harmonic component H_{2}. The broken time antisymmetry introduced by the second-harmonic field component H_{2} leads to an effective bias effect that is superimposed onto the influence of the static bias H_{b}. Despite this interference, we can demonstrate the existence of a generalized conjugate field H^{*} for the dynamic order parameter Q, to which both the static bias field and the second-harmonic Fourier amplitude of the field sequence contribute. Hereby, we observed that especially the conventional paramagnetic dynamic phase is very susceptible to the impact of the second-harmonic field component H_{2}, whereas this additional field component leads to only very minor phase-space modifications in the ferromagnetic and anomalous paramagnetic regions. In contrast to prior studies, we also observe that the critical point of the phase transition is shifted upon introducing a second-harmonic field component H_{2}, illustrating that the overall dynamic behavior of such magnetic systems is being driven by the total effective amplitude of the field sequence.
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Insolation triggered abrupt weakening of Atlantic circulation at the end of interglacials. Science 2021; 373:1035-1040. [PMID: 34446606 DOI: 10.1126/science.abg1737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Abrupt cooling is observed at the end of interglacials in many paleoclimate records, but the mechanism responsible remains unclear. Using model simulations, we demonstrate that there exists a threshold in the level of astronomically induced insolation below which abrupt changes at the end of interglacials of the past 800,000 years occur. When decreasing insolation reaches the critical value, it triggers a strong, abrupt weakening of the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation and a cooler mean climate state accompanied by high-amplitude variations lasting for several thousand years. The mechanism involves sea ice feedbacks in the Nordic and Labrador Seas. The ubiquity of this threshold suggests its fundamental role in terminating the warm climate conditions at the end of interglacials.
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[Plastic surgery and fighting: Our experience during Nagorno-Karabakh war in 2020]. ANN CHIR PLAST ESTH 2021; 66:201-209. [PMID: 33966906 DOI: 10.1016/j.anplas.2021.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION This work relates the experience of three French surgical missions in the care of the war wounded during the armed conflict in Nagorno Karabakh which took place from September 27 to November 10, 2020. MATERIALS AND METHODS Three surgical missions were carried out in Armenia between October 2020 and January 2021. Surgeons intervened in different hospitals, at different times of the conflict and on various war wounds. RESULTS The presence of a plastic surgeon proved to be essential in the care of war wounded, especially in delayed emergency and secondary care. The ortho-plastic treatment offered during these missions has proven to be effective in the reconstruction of limbs. These missions made it possible to introduce the induced membrane technique of Masquelet AC in Armenia. During our visit to the Yerevan burn center, we mentioned the very probable use of white phosphorus as an etiology in several of the cases analyzed. CONCLUSION We relate the particular experience of civilian surgeons in the context of a modern armed conflict. The presence of a plastic surgeon proved to be indispensable in the care of war wounded and especially in their secondary reconstructions.
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Cervical Cordotomy for Intractable Pain: Do Postoperative Imaging Features Correlate with Pain Outcomes and Mirror Pain? AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 2021; 42:794-800. [PMID: 33632733 DOI: 10.3174/ajnr.a6999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Percutaneous cervical cordotomy offers relief of unilateral intractable oncologic pain. We aimed to find anatomic and postoperative imaging features that may correlate with clinical outcomes, including pain relief and postoperative contralateral pain. MATERIALS AND METHODS We prospectively followed 15 patients with cancer who underwent cervical cordotomy for intractable pain during 2018 and 2019 and underwent preoperative and up to 1-month postoperative cervical MR imaging. Lesion volume and diameter were measured on T2-weighted imaging and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). Lesion mean diffusivity and fractional anisotropy values were extracted. Pain improvement up to 1 month after surgery was assessed by the Numeric Rating Scale and Brief Pain Inventory. RESULTS All patients reported pain relief from 8 (7-10) to 0 (0-4) immediately after surgery (P = .001), and 5 patients (33%) developed contralateral pain. The minimal percentages of the cord lesion volume required for pain relief were 10.0% on T2-weighted imaging and 6.2% on DTI. Smaller lesions on DWI correlated with pain improvement on the Brief Pain Inventory scale (r = 0.705, P = .023). Mean diffusivity and fractional anisotropy were significantly lower in the ablated tissue than contralateral nonlesioned tissue (P = .003 and P = .001, respectively), compatible with acute-phase tissue changes after injury. Minimal postoperative mean diffusivity values correlated with an improvement of Brief Pain Inventory severity scores (r = -0.821, P = .004). The average lesion mean diffusivity was lower among patients with postoperative contralateral pain (P = .037). CONCLUSIONS Although a minimal ablation size is required during cordotomy, larger lesions do not indicate better outcomes. DWI metrics changes represent tissue damage after ablation and may correlate with pain outcomes.
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Abstract
The duration of infectivity of SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) in living patients has been demarcated. In contrast, a possible SARS-CoV-2 infectivity of corpses and subsequently its duration under post mortem circumstances remain to be elucidated. The aim of this study was to investigate the infectivity and its duration of deceased COVID-19 (coronavirus disease) patients. Four SARS-CoV-2 infected deceased patients were subjected to medicolegal autopsy. Post mortem intervals (PMI) of 1, 4, 9 and 17 days, respectively, were documented. During autopsy, swabs and organ samples were taken and examined by RT-qPCR (real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction) for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 ribonucleic acid (RNA). Determination of infectivity was performed by means of virus isolation in cell culture. In two cases, virus isolation was successful for swabs and tissue samples of the respiratory tract (PMI 4 and 17 days). The two infectious cases showed a shorter duration of COVID-19 until death than the two non-infectious cases (2 and 11 days, respectively, compared to > 19 days), which correlates with studies of living patients, in which infectivity could be narrowed to about 6 days before to 12 days after symptom onset. Most notably, infectivity was still present in one of the COVID-19 corpses after a post-mortem interval of 17 days and despite already visible signs of decomposition. To prevent SARS-CoV-2 infections in all professional groups involved in the handling and examination of COVID-19 corpses, adequate personal safety standards (reducing or avoiding aerosol formation and wearing FFP3 [filtering face piece class 3] masks) have to be enforced for routine procedures.
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FP12.12 Lung Cancer in Women Never-Smokers: A Genomics Perspective of the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) Cohort. J Thorac Oncol 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jtho.2021.01.138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Impact of Prematurity on the Tissue Properties of the Neonatal Brain Stem: A Quantitative MR Approach. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 2021; 42:581-589. [PMID: 33478940 DOI: 10.3174/ajnr.a6945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Preterm birth interferes with regular brain development. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of prematurity on the physical tissue properties of the neonatal brain stem using a quantitative MR imaging approach. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 55 neonates (extremely preterm [n = 30]: <28 + 0 weeks gestational age; preterm [n = 10]: 28 + 0-36 + 6 weeks gestational age; term [n = 15]: ≥37 + 0 weeks gestational age) were included in this retrospective study. In most cases, imaging was performed at approximately term-equivalent age using a standard MR protocol. MR data postprocessing software SyMRI was used to perform multidynamic multiecho sequence (acquisition time: 5 minutes, 24 seconds)-based MR postprocessing to determine T1 relaxation time, T2 relaxation time, and proton density. Mixed-model ANCOVA (covariate: gestational age at MR imaging) and the post hoc Bonferroni test were used to compare the groups. RESULTS There were significant differences between premature and term infants for T1 relaxation time (midbrain: P < .001; pons: P < .001; basis pontis: P = .005; tegmentum pontis: P < .001; medulla oblongata: P < .001), T2 relaxation time (midbrain: P < .001; tegmentum pontis: P < .001), and proton density (tegmentum pontis: P = .004). The post hoc Bonferroni test revealed that T1 relaxation time/T2 relaxation time in the midbrain differed significantly between extremely preterm and preterm (T1 relaxation time: P < .001/T2 relaxation time: P = .02), extremely preterm and term (T1 relaxation time/T2 relaxation time: P < .001), and preterm and term infants (T1 relaxation time: P < .001/T2 relaxation time: P = .006). CONCLUSIONS Quantitative MR parameters allow preterm and term neonates to be differentiated. T1 and T2 relaxation time metrics of the midbrain allow differentiation between the different stages of prematurity. SyMRI allows for a quantitative assessment of incomplete brain maturation by providing tissue-specific properties while not exceeding a clinically acceptable imaging time.
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The Role of International Traveling Fellowships in Training the Contemporary US Hand Surgeon. J Hand Surg Am 2021; 46:142-145. [PMID: 32873447 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhsa.2020.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2020] [Revised: 06/15/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Hand trauma has always been a common etiology treated by the hand surgeon. However, the amount of severe hand trauma in the United States has decreased as the safety of working environments have improved and the amount of heavy industry jobs has decreased. Largely because of this, the typical hand surgery trainee is now exposed relatively infrequently to pathologies such as brachial plexus injuries, replantation surgery, and upper-extremity reconstructive microsurgery. Our hand surgery colleagues in countries such as India and China have a different experience, though. This difference provides an opportunity for educational exchange through the form of well-structured international fellowships. The American Society for Surgery of the Hand International Traveling Fellowship is specifically designed to supplement the training of young US hand surgeons in brachial plexus surgery, replantation surgery, and reconstructive microsurgery by spending short but intensive periods at some of the premier institutions in China and India.
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Examining the Overlap Between ADHD and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Using Candidate Endophenotypes of ADHD. J Atten Disord 2021; 25:217-232. [PMID: 29896994 DOI: 10.1177/1087054718778114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Objective: Recent discussions of aetiological overlap between ADHD and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) require comparative studying of these disorders. METHOD We examined performance of ASD patients with (ASD+) and without (ASD-) comorbid ADHD, ADHD patients, and controls for selected putative endophenotypes of ADHD: Intrasubject Variability (ISV) of reaction times, working memory (WM), inhibition, and temporal processing. RESULTS We found that patients with ADHD or ASD+, but not ASD-, had elevated ISV across the entire task battery and temporal processing deficits, and that none of the groups were impaired in WM or inhibition. High levels of ISV and generally poor performance in ASD+ patients were only partially due to additive effects of the pure disorders. CONCLUSION Overall, we conclude that, within our limited but heterogeneous task battery, ISV and temporal processing deficits are most sensitive to ADHD symptomatology and that controlling for ADHD comorbidity is mandatory when assessing ISV in autism.
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Success of Preoperative Radiotherapy in Inflammatory Breast Cancer with Inadequate Response to Taxane-Based Chemotherapies. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2020.07.1143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Experimental exploration of dynamic phase transitions and associated metamagnetic fluctuations for materials with different Curie temperatures. Phys Rev E 2020; 102:022804. [PMID: 32942401 DOI: 10.1103/physreve.102.022804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
We study dynamic magnetic behavior in the vicinity of the dynamic phase transition (DPT) for a suitable series of samples that have different Curie temperatures T_{C}, which thus enables us to experimentally explore the role of the reduced temperature T/T_{C} in the DPT. For this purpose, we fabricate Co_{1-x}Ru_{x} epitaxial thin films with uniaxial in-plane anisotropy by means of sputter deposition in the concentration range 0.0≤x≤0.26. All samples are ferromagnetic at room temperature, exhibit an abrupt magnetization reversal along their easy axis, and represent a unique T_{C} and thus T/T_{C} ratio according to their Ru concentration. The dynamic magnetic behavior is measured by using an ultrasensitive transverse magneto-optical detection method and the resulting dynamic states are explored as a function of the applied magnetic field amplitude H_{0} and period P, as well as an additional bias field H_{b}, which is the conjugate field of the dynamic order parameter Q. Our experimental results demonstrate that the qualitative behavior of the dynamic phase diagram is independent of the T/T_{C} ratio and that for all T/T_{C} values we observe metamagnetic anomalies in the dynamic paramagnetic state, which do not exist in the corresponding thermodynamic phase diagram. However, quantitatively, these metamagnetic anomalies are very strongly dependent on the T/T_{C} ratio, leading to an about 20-fold increase of large metamagnetic fluctuations in the paramagnetic regime as the T/T_{C} ratio increases from 0.37 to 0.68. Also, the phase space range in which these anomalous metamagnetic fluctuations occur extends closer and closer to the critical point as T/T_{C} increases.
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Glycemic variability in patients with gastrointestinal cancer: An integrative review. Eur J Oncol Nurs 2020; 48:101797. [PMID: 32862096 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejon.2020.101797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2020] [Revised: 07/03/2020] [Accepted: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Glycemic variability is associated with risks for adverse events in patients with cancer. Several studies have evaluated the presence and impact of hyperglycemia and/or hypoglycemia in patients with cancer; however, few studies have evaluated glycemic variability. The purpose of this integrative review of studies in patients with gastrointestinal cancers was to investigate the presence and methods of reporting glycemic variability during and following treatments. METHODS A comprehensive review of the literature was conducted. PubMed, CINAHL, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases were searched for publications between 1/1/1969 and 7/24/2019. Studies of patients with gastrointestinal cancer following surgery, during treatment, and <5 years following treatment were included and evaluated by cancer type and method of glucose and glycemic variability measurement. RESULTS Among 1526 patients with gastrointestinal cancer across 19 studies, gastric and pancreatic cancers were most prevalent. Timing of glucose testing and methods of analyzing glycemic variability varied. Most analyses used the standard deviation or interquartile range. Glycemic variability was more prevalent among patients with Type 2 Diabetes and among those with pancreatic cancer. In some patients glycemic variability remained notable > one year following surgery despite improvements in glycemic control. CONCLUSION Patients with gastrointestinal cancer experience glycemic variability during and up to one year following treatment. There was heterogeneity in methods related to timing of testing and reporting glycemic variability among the 19 studies in this review. Future investigations need to identify the presence and define the methods of measuring glycemic variability in patients with gastrointestinal cancer.
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Fetal cerebral Doppler changes and outcome in late preterm fetal growth restriction: prospective cohort study. ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY 2020; 56:173-181. [PMID: 32557921 DOI: 10.1002/uog.22125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2019] [Revised: 05/14/2020] [Accepted: 05/29/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To explore the association between fetal umbilical and middle cerebral artery (MCA) Doppler abnormalities and outcome in late preterm pregnancies at risk of fetal growth restriction. METHODS This was a prospective cohort study of singleton pregnancies at risk of fetal growth restriction at 32 + 0 to 36 + 6 weeks of gestation, enrolled in 33 European centers between 2017 and 2018, in which umbilical and fetal MCA Doppler velocimetry was performed. Pregnancies were considered at risk of fetal growth restriction if they had estimated fetal weight and/or abdominal circumference (AC) < 10th percentile, abnormal arterial Doppler and/or a fall in AC growth velocity of more than 40 percentile points from the 20-week scan. Composite adverse outcome comprised both immediate adverse birth outcome and major neonatal morbidity. Using a range of cut-off values, the association of MCA pulsatility index and umbilicocerebral ratio (UCR) with composite adverse outcome was explored. RESULTS The study population comprised 856 women. There were two (0.2%) intrauterine deaths. Median gestational age at delivery was 38 (interquartile range (IQR), 37-39) weeks and birth weight was 2478 (IQR, 2140-2790) g. Compared with infants with normal outcome, those with composite adverse outcome (n = 93; 11%) were delivered at an earlier gestational age (36 vs 38 weeks) and had a lower birth weight (1900 vs 2540 g). The first Doppler observation of MCA pulsatility index < 5th percentile and UCR Z-score above gestational-age-specific thresholds (1.5 at 32-33 weeks and 1.0 at 34-36 weeks) had the highest relative risks (RR) for composite adverse outcome (RR 2.2 (95% CI, 1.5-3.2) and RR 2.0 (95% CI, 1.4-3.0), respectively). After adjustment for confounders, the association between UCR Z-score and composite adverse outcome remained significant, although gestational age at delivery and birth-weight Z-score had a stronger association. CONCLUSION In this prospective multicenter study, signs of cerebral blood flow redistribution were found to be associated with adverse outcome in late preterm singleton pregnancies at risk of fetal growth restriction. Whether cerebral redistribution is a marker describing the severity of fetal growth restriction or an independent risk factor for adverse outcome remains unclear, and whether it is useful for clinical management can be answered only in a randomized trial. © 2020 The Authors. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of the International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
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Neither Cathodal nor Anodal Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation on the Left Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex alone or Applied During Moderate Aerobic Exercise Modulates Executive Function. Neuroscience 2020; 443:71-83. [PMID: 32682826 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2020.07.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Revised: 07/09/2020] [Accepted: 07/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
There is converging evidence that both aerobic exercise (AE) and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) can acutely modulate executive functions (EF). In addition, recent studies have proposed the beneficial effects of applying tDCS during AE on physical performance. This study aimed to investigate whether tDCS applied during an AE session additionally or differently effects EF. Therefore, five experiments were conducted in a counterbalanced pre-post-retention crossover design to explore the acute effects of tDCS and AE on EF (inhibition and updating) once in isolation (i.e., either cathodal, anodal tDCS or AE alone as controls) and once in a combined application (i.e., anodal and cathodal tDCS during AE versus sham tDCS during AE). No differences were found in any experiment in the cognitive test parameters. However, in the case of anodal tDCS vs. sham during AE, heart rate was significantly affected. For cathodal tDCS vs. sham during AE, a significant Anova interaction indicated that cathodal tDCS during AE slightly reduced ratings of perceived exertion. The nonsignificant effects of tDCS on EFs are in contrast to previous studies, as no replication of existing observations could be achieved. Thus, the protocol applied in this study does not provide any strong evidence that a combination of AE and tDCS has any effects on EFs, but indicates effects on physiological parameters and subjective exhaustion ratings. Further research should consider changes in AE and tDCS parameters (e.g., intensity or exercise mode) and sequence of applications (online vs. offline).
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Technique, feasibility and perioperative outcomes of robotic parastomal hernia repair with biologic mesh after cystectomy and ileal conduit diversion. EUR UROL SUPPL 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/s2666-1683(20)34205-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
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Predictors of achieving pentafecta after robotic radical cystectomy with intracorporeal urinary diversions. A multicentric study. EUR UROL SUPPL 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/s2666-1683(20)34144-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
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Refining patient selection for salvage radical prostatectomy: Oncological outcomes compared between EAU guidelines-compliant and non-compliant patients. EUR UROL SUPPL 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/s2666-1683(20)33403-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
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P60 Cerebellar High-Definition transcranial direct current stimulation (HD-tDCS) does not affect precise movement timing and rhythm reproduction. Clin Neurophysiol 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clinph.2019.12.171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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