Absolute Value Of Difference Research Articles

Comparison of ROTEM® Delta and ROTEM® Sigma transfusion algorithm performance in thoracic aortic surgery: a single-centre prospective observational cohort study

BackgroundThromboelastometry plays a key role in many transfusion algorithms. ROTEM® Sigma is the fully automated successor of ROTEM® Delta. Compatibility with current ROTEM® Delta-based algorithms remains uncertain. This study compares ROTEM® Delta with ROTEM® Sigma in patients undergoing thoracic aortic surgery. MethodsThree ROTEM® measurements in duplicate (one Delta and one Sigma) per patient were performed during aortic surgery. The primary outcome was the percentage of patients who would have received a different haemostatic intervention after protamine reversal based on the institutional ROTEM®-guided transfusion algorithm (‘deviation’). A 10% deviation was deemed acceptable. Secondary outcomes were differences in numerical values assessed by Passing–Bablok regressions, Bland–Altman plots, and correlations with conventional coagulation tests. ResultsOf 111 patients, 102 had matched post-protamine ROTEM® measurements. There were 43 algorithm deviations. Most deviations (29) were attributable to conflicting advice on CT EXTEM-based plasma or prothrombin complex concentrate (PCC) administration; in 25 patients, Delta results advised the administration of plasma or PCC, whereas Sigma did not, and vice versa in four patients. Deviations on additional protamine, fibrinogen concentrate, or platelet administration were acceptable. All numerical ROTEM® variables examined passed the criteria for equivalence, except for A10 FIBTEM at baseline and A10 EXTEM in heparinised and post-protamine samples, which would not have led to clinical consequences. Correlations with conventional coagulation tests were similar or better for Sigma compared with Delta. ConclusionsROTEM® Sigma can be used with existing ROTEM-guided transfusion algorithms in cardiothoracic surgery except for the advice for administration of plasma or PCC. Clinical Trial RegistrationNetherlands trial register NL8273.

Accuracy of adult height predictions in patients with axial leg deviations using the Modified and the Abbreviated Modified Fels Knee System.

The accurate estimation of residual growth is crucial for the appropriate timing of growth-guiding surgery in patients with axial leg deviations. Skeletal age methods such as the Modified and the Abbreviated Modified Fels Knee System were developed on historical patient cohorts and the applicability to the modern pediatric population with axial leg deviation has not yet been evaluated. Are both final adult height prediction methods (the Modified Fels Knee System (FKS) and the Abbreviated Modified Fels Knee System (aFKS)) accurate to determine SA and the final adult height on long leg radiographs in patients with axial leg deviations?Which multiplier table shows highest association between predicted and true final adult body height?Do FKS- and aFKS- skeletal age determination methods improve final adult body height prediction accuracy compared to the simple use of chronological age? A single center, retrospective study of 31 patients who underwent temporary hemiepiphysiodesis due to axial leg deviations in the frontal plane between 2018 and 2020 was conducted. Skeletal age at the time of surgery was determined on an anterior-posterior long leg X-ray using FKS and aFKS. Adult height predictions were calculated using three different multiplier tables (Paley et al., Sanders-Greulich and Pyle (SGP), Sanders-Peak Height Velocity (PHV)). The accuracy of adult height prediction was determined by comparing the mean differences and mean absolute differences between predicted and true adult height. All adult height predictions overestimated the true adult height. The final height prediction using aFKS and the SGP multiplier showed the lowest overestimation (mean 3.2 cm, SD 5.5 cm). The PHV multiplier table showed the highest correlation between predicted and true adult height (FHPRE_FKS_PHV: r = 0.913, p < 0.001 and FHPRE_aFKS_PHV: r = 0.862, p < 0.001). The simple use of chronological age at the time of surgical intervention (CASI) with the Paley multiplier table showed the highest median delta absolute values and lowest correlations with true adult height (median 7.4 cm, 25%-75% percentile: 3.5-10.0 cm, r = 0.838, p < 0.001). Nevertheless, no significant differences in delta absolute values between various adult height predictions methods could be shown. Overall, the results of the present retrospective cohort study show that there was no significant improvement in final height prediction accuracy when using the FKS or the aFKS method compared to the simple use of chronological age. One reason could be that patients with varus/valgus malalignment have specific growth characteristics that are not accounted for in multiplier tables or the FKS and aFKS method. Since there is no significant difference in prediction accuracy between the methods, the choice of method may depend on other factors, such as clinical preference or availability of resources. However, due to the small sample size, the study cannot definitively rule out potential differences between the prediction methods, and larger studies are required to validate these findings.

Cuff-less wearable biosensor in continuous noninvasive human radial artery pulse waveform and blood pressure measurement using self-mixing interferometry

In this paper, we propose a compact, wearable biosensor for the noninvasive measurement of human radial artery pulse waveform curve (PWC) and blood pressure (BP). In this system, self-mixing interferometry (SMI) technology is employed to measure the weak arterial vascular deformation, enabling accurate PWC retrieval. Based on the reconstructed PWC features, BP values are precisely estimated by means of deep learning method. Here continuous wavelet transform (CWT), enabling visualization of the relationship between the SMI signal temporal frequency components and the PWC characteristics, is highlighted for PWC flipping points seeking and convolutional neural network (CNN) input parameter acquisition. For the first time, a novel deep learning network preprocessing method is proposed that allows direct feature extraction from the CWT scalogram of SMI signal without the complicated PWC reconstruction algorithm. The robustness and accuracy of our device are validated by a series of clinical measurements, mean absolute error (MAE) and standard deviation (STD) values are calculated and compared with the existing models. We approach minimal BP estimation results (MAE ± STD) of 1.41 ± 1.89 mmHg for systolic blood pressure (SBP) and 1.78 ± 2.01 mmHg for diastolic blood pressure (DBP), respectively. The luxuriant novelties and remarkable performance clearly demonstrate our wearable sensor’s great potential in BP monitoring, and other clinical applications.

AUTOMATED GESTURE RECOGNITION USING APPLIED LINGUISTICS WITH DATA-DRIVEN DEEP LEARNING FOR ARABIC SPEECH TRANSLATION

Gesture recognition for Arabic speech translation includes developing advanced technologies that correctly translate body and hand movements corresponding to Arabic sign language (ArSL) into spoken Arabic. This leverages machine learning and computer vision techniques in complex systems simulation platforms to scrutinize the gestures utilized in ArSL, detecting mild differences in facial expressions, hand shapes, and movements. Sign Language Recognition (SLR) is paramount in assisting communication for the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing communities. It includes using vision-based methods and Surface Electromyography (sEMG) signals. The sEMG signal is crucial for recognizing hand gestures and capturing muscular activities in sign language. Researchers have comprehensively shown the capability of EMG signals to approach specific details, mainly in classifying hand gestures. This progression is a stimulating feature in extracting the interpretation and recognition of sign languages and investigating the phonology of signed language. Leveraging machine learning algorithms and signal processing techniques in complex systems simulation platforms, researchers aim to extract relevant traits from the sEMG signals that correspond to different ArSL gestures. This study introduces an Enhanced Dwarf Mongoose Algorithm with a Deep Learning-Driven Arabic Sign Language Detection (EDMODL-ASLD) technique on sEMG data. In the initial phase, the presented EDMODL-ASLD model is subjected to data preprocessing to change the input sEMG data into an attuned format. In the next stage, feature extraction with fractal theories is used to gather relevant and nonredundant data from the EMG window to construct a feature vector. In this study, the absolute envelope (AE), energy (E), root-mean square (RMS), standard deviation (STD), and mean absolute value (MAV) are the five time-domain extracted features for the EMG window observation. Meanwhile, the dilated convolutional long short-term memory (ConvLSTM) technique is used to identify distinct sign languages. To improve the results of the dilated ConvLSTM model, the hyperparameter selection process is executed using the EDMO model. To illustrate the significance of the EDMODL-ASLD technique, a brief experimental validation is made on the Arabic SLR database. The experimental validation of the EDMODL-ASLD technique portrayed a superior accuracy value of 96.47% over recent DL approaches.

PENGARUH PHILANTHROPY DISCLOSURE PADA NILAI PERUSAHAAN DENGAN UKURAN PERUSAHAAN SEBAGAI VARIABEL MODERASI

Firm value represents investors view of a enterprise's success as reflected through the stock price formed from economic, social, and environmental aspects. Most companies are only concerned with economic aspects without prioritizing social and environmental aspects. This study was lead to empirically investigate the impact of philanthropy disclosure on firm value, considering firm size as moderating variable. This research utilizies data from mining companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange between 2020 and 2022. A total of 59 enterprises, comprising 177 observations, were selected as samples through purposive sampling techniques. Data analysis was executed through the Absolute Difference Value Test using the Eviews application. This study found philanthropy disclosure positively and significantly affects firm value. Additionally, the impact of philanthropy disclosure on firm value can be amplified by firm size. The study’s implications demonstrate the application of signal theory and provide benefits to interested parties, especially companies and investors related to philanthropy disclosure and firm size that can increase firm value.

Multiple Factors Causing Variability of Alignment in Childhood Concomitant Strabismus

Purpose: To investigate the potential factors related to variability of alignment in childhood concomitant strabismus. Design: Prospective inter-examiner (test-retest) reliability analysis. Methods: In total, 197 children with concomitant strabismus (57 esotropia, 140 exotropia) underwent repeat prism and alternate cover test (PACT) by two orthoptists who were certified by the study, and sensory tests were all performed once. We defined the alignment measurement as stable if the absolute value of the measurement difference between two orthoptists was within 10 prism diopters (PD), and unstable if the difference was 10 PD or greater. We analyzed the relationship between the measurement variability and sensory results, patient age, and angle of deviations. Results: The mean age of the esotropia and exotropia patients was 68.5 ± 26.3 months (range, 36–164 months) and 96.0 ± 33.7 months (range, 22–200 months), respectively, and there was a significant difference in suppression related variability of alignment, both at distance (P = 0.004) and at near (P = 0.046). Anisometropia also showed a significant difference at distance (P = 0.035) for variability of alignment, and there was no significant statistical effect of age on measurement variability in our study. Variability of alignment is positively associated with the angle of deviation, especially at distance (P = 0.021 for exotropia, P = 0.002 for esotropia) with more variability between observers with larger angles of misalignment. Conclusion: Suppression is an important factor for variability of alignment in childhood concomitant strabismus. Other factors, such as anisometropia and a large angle of strabismus should be taken into account when evaluating binocular alignment.

Platelet-Rich Plasma Injections Do Not Improve the Recovery After Arthroscopic Partial Meniscectomy: A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: Arthroscopic meniscectomy is one of the most performed surgical procedures in orthopaedics. Different approaches have been proposed to improve patient recovery but with unsatisfactory results. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) augmentation has been proposed as a strategy to improve the recovery after meniscectomy. Purpose: To investigate the clinical benefits of an intra-articular PRP injection after meniscectomy, in terms of faster and better patient recovery. Study Design: Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1. Methods: Ninety patients were randomized into a treatment group, with arthroscopic partial meniscectomy immediately followed by a 5-mL injection of autologous conditioned plasma, and a control group with partial meniscectomy alone. Patients were evaluated at baseline and at 15, 30, 60, and 180 days of follow-up with the visual analog scale (VAS) score for pain (primary outcome), as well as with International Knee Documentation Committee subjective score, Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score subscales, Tegner score, and EuroQol-Visual Analog Scale score. Objective evaluation was performed analyzing knee range of motion and circumference and the International Knee Documentation Committee objective score. Complications, patient judgment, and satisfaction were documented as well. Results: No major complications and an overall significant improvement in the clinical scores were observed in both groups. Overall, the comparative analysis did not demonstrate significant between-group differences in absolute values or improvements of both subjective and objective scores, as well as activity level. The improvement in terms of VAS pain score for the treatment group was significant already at 15 days (from 4.3 ± 2.5 to 2.5 ± 2.5; P = .014), while in the control group it became significant at 30 days (from 3.7 ± 2.3 to 2.0 ± 2.4; P = .004). No significant differences were observed between the 2 groups in terms of judgment of treatment results and satisfaction. Conclusion: A single postoperative injection of PRP was not able to significantly improve patient recovery after arthroscopic partial meniscectomy. PRP augmentation did not provide overall benefits at a short-term follow-up (6 months) in terms of pain relief, function, objective parameters, and return-to-sport activities. Registration: NCT02872753 (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier).

Effect of tibial rotation on knee and ankle function in patients with extra-articular distal tibial fractures after minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis treatment

To investigate the effect of tibial rotation on knee and ankle function in the patients with extra-articular distal tibial fractures after minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) treatment. A retrospective analysis was conducted on 45 patients with extra-articular distal tibial fractures who underwent MIPO between January 2021 and December 2022. There were 20 males and 25 females, aged from 19 to 68 years (mean, 43.6 years). The causes of fractures included falling from heights in 11 cases, traffic accidents in 15 cases, bruising by a heavy object in 7 cases, and falling in 12 cases. The time from injury to hospitalization was 1-6 hours (mean, 3.7 hours). There were 28 cases of simple tibial fractures and 17 cases of tibial fractures combined with ipsilateral fibular fractures; 9 cases of open fractures and 36 cases of closed fractures. According to AO/Orthopaedic Trauma Association (AO/OTA) classification, the distal tibial fractures were classified as type 43A1 in 12 cases, type 43A2 in 17 cases, and type 43A3 in 16 cases. During follow-up, the Lower Limb Function Score (LEFS), American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, and Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Score (KOOS) were used to evaluate the lower limb, ankle, and knee joint functions, respectively. The range of motion (ROM) of the knee and ankle joints was measured. The Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) was used to assess the quality of life of the patients. The fracture healing was observed by anteroposterior and lateral X-ray films of the ankle joint. The bilateral tibial rotation angles were measured on CT and the differences between the affected and healthy sides were caculated. The difference ≥10° was judged as tibial malrotation. According to whether there was tibial malrotation, the patients were allocated into a normal group and a malrotation group for efficacy comparison. The incisions of all patients healed by first intention without any early complications. All patients were followed up 12-26 months (mean, 18.6 months). Imaging re-examination showed that all fractures healed, with a healing time of 9-14 weeks (mean, 11.2 weeks). At last follow-up, the LEFS score was 60-68 (mean, 62.3); the AOFAS score was 89-97 (mean, 92.6); the KOOS score was 158-164 (mean, 161.3). The ROM of ankle was 40.0°-45.0° (mean, 42.8°) in flexion and 10.5°-22.0° (mean, 17.7°) in extension; the ROM of knee was 130.0°-135.0° (mean, 132.6°) in flexion and -8.8°- -5.0° (mean, -7.1°) in extension. The SF-36 score was 89-93 (mean, 90.7). The absolute value of difference of tibial rotation angle was 2.6°-17.3° (mean, 8.9°) in 45 patients, and the malrotation was observed in 15 patients (33.3%), including 10 cases of internal rotation and 5 cases of external rotation. There was no significant difference ( P>0.05) in the proportion of patients with fibular fractures before operation between the malrotation group and the normal group, as well as in the AOFAS score, KOOS score, LEFS score, SF-36 score, and ROMs of knee and ankle joints at last follow-up. The incidence of tibial malrotation after MIPO treatment for extra-articular distal tibial fractures is relatively high, but it has no significant effect on knee and ankle functions. However, careful manipulation and precise evaluation should be performed during operation to avoid the occurrence of malrotation.

Dimethyl sulfide (DMS) climatologies, fluxes, and trends – Part 2: Sea–air fluxes

Abstract. Dimethyl sulfide (DMS) contributes to cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) formation in the marine environment. DMS is ventilated from the ocean to the atmosphere, and, in most models, this flux is calculated using seawater DMS concentrations and a sea–air flux parameterization. Here, climatological seawater DMS concentrations from interpolation and parameterization techniques are passed through seven flux parameterizations to estimate the DMS flux. The seasonal means of calculated fluxes are compared to identify differences in absolute values and spatial distributions, which show large differences depending on the flux parameterization used. In situ flux observations were used to validate the estimated fluxes from all seven parameterizations. Even though we see a correlation between the estimated and observation values, all methods underestimate the fluxes in the higher range (&gt;20 µmol m−2 d−1) and overestimate the fluxes in the lower range (&lt;20 µmol m−2 d−1). The estimated uncertainty in DMS fluxes is driven by the uncertainty in seawater DMS concentrations in some regions but by the choice of flux parameterization in others. We show that the resultant flux is, hence, highly sensitive to both and suggest that there needs to be an improvement in the estimation methods of global seawater DMS concentration and sea–air fluxes for accurately modeling the effect of DMS on the atmosphere.

Comparison of Bending Stiffness between String of Pearls Plate-Bone Substitute Constructs with and without Bending Tees in a Fracture Gap Model

Abstract Objective The aim of this study was to compare the bending properties of String of Pearls plate-bone substitute constructs with and without bending tees in the nodes over a simulated fracture gap. It is hypothesized that the constructs with tees will have higher bending stiffness. Study Design Acetal polymer tubes and 12-hole, 3.5-mm String of Pearls plates were used to create plate-bone substitute constructs simulating stabilization in a bridging fashion over a 45-mm gap. Twenty-four constructs were made with 12 containing tees in the nodes over the fracture gap. Single-cycle load-to-failure 4-point bending was performed in mediolateral and craniocaudal planes. Bending stiffness was compared with a t-test (p &lt; 0.05). Results All plate-bone substitute constructs had a permanent loss of structural integrity via plastic deformation of the plate. The bending stiffness (mean ± standard deviation) of the craniocaudal group was 59.11 ± 1.98 N/mm with tees and 59.25 ± 1.69 N/mm without tees (p = 0.88). In the mediolateral group, the bending stiffness was 43.17 ± 0.75 N/mm with tees and 41.09 ± 0.91 N/mm without tees (p = 0.0042). Conclusion In 4-point bending, the plate-bone substitute constructs with tees had equivalent bending stiffness in the craniocaudal plane and increased bending stiffness in the mediolateral plane. However, with a small absolute difference in values, the clinical significance is unclear. Future studies for cyclic bending, torsional, and axial compression tests should be performed to further investigate the value of tees in the nodes over a comminuted or gap fracture repaired in a bridging fashion.

Surface tension prediction of pure organic components: An artificial neural network approach

Surface tension is an important thermodynamic property of fluids that impact several processes in the engineering. Accurate estimations of this parameter are required to correctly apply and develop operations such as flow processes and oil recovery. The present study proposes the applying of artificial neural network (ANN)-based approach to accurately predict the surface tension for 75 groups of pure organic compounds, encompassing 1,666 different compounds and 21,444 data points. The performance of the model was evaluated using the mean squared error (MSE) and the coefficient of determination (R2), with K-Fold cross-validation ensuring robustness. The optimal model (ArcD) achieved an average MSE of 8.27x10−5 during cross-validation and 1.55x10−5 during training, with an R2 value of 0.9955. Although training time for this model was 8.89 times longer than the second-best model (ArcA), which had an R2 of 0.9928. Comparative analyses with existing literature models were also realized and revealed an absolute relative deviation (ARD) value of 2.49% to ArcD, 18.39% to Brock and Bird, 23.97% to Curl and Pitzer, and 18.62% to Zuo and Stenby equations, demonstrating the applicability and precision of the developed model. The results highlighted the reliability, accuracy and robustness of the developed ANN-based model, providing a significant advancement in the prediction of surface tension for a wide range of pure organic compounds.

Longitudinal refractive errors over 36 months in Hispanic and Black children.

This study brings awareness of racial/ethnic difference of refractive error characteristics in clinics. This study aimed to assess longitudinal change in refractive errors over a 36-month period in Hispanic and Black children. Children (2.4 to 15 years old) were studied. Cycloplegic refraction was measured annually. Spherical equivalent was calculated. Astigmatism was evaluated by magnitude of cylinder and power vector (J 0 and J 45 ). Absolute value of interocular spherical equivalent difference was used to calculate anisometropia. Mixed-linear model was used to analyze longitudinal annual change in spherical equivalent, cylinder, J 0 , and J 45 over 36 months. A total of 485 participants (310 Black, 175 Hispanic) met the criteria. At the baseline examination, prevalence of myopia, emmetropia, and hyperopia was 39% (n = 187), 31% (n = 150), and 30% (n = 148), respectively. Spherical equivalent of Black children was not significantly different from that in Hispanic children (0.10 ± 2.92 vs. -0.37 ± 2.05 D, p=0.06); however, the Hispanic children had a significantly higher cylinder compared with Black children (Hispanic: 1.46 ± 1.57 D vs. Black: 0.92 ± 1.07 D; p<0.001). Both J 0 (p<0.001) and J 45 (p=0.01) were significantly different between two groups; the Hispanic children had more with-the-rule astigmatism and oblique astigmatism than the Black children. Prevalence of anisometropia (≥1 D) was higher in Black children (14%) compared with Hispanic children (5%, p=0.006). Over 36 months, spherical equivalent significantly decreased an average of 0.69 D (0.23 D/y, p<0.001) for both groups; neither astigmatism nor anisometropia changed significantly (p>0.05). Astigmatism in the Hispanic children was significantly higher than in Black children. However, the Black children had a higher prevalence and degree of anisometropia than the Hispanic children.

Online Fast Assessment of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Proliferation Through Replication

Purpose. A virus, when it infects a host organism, multiplies its ribonucleic acid (RNA) to make it more harmful. We analyze if a view-based temporal template method, the motion history image (MHI) algorithm, may be of use to extract information on the progression of viral interactions over time. Methods. We employ an alternative online processing modality to comprehend and analyze the replication dynamics of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS CoV 2). The data are evaluated using the computation of a quantitative algorithm, the absolute value of differences (AVD), followed by the generation of temporal template map, the MHI of viral contact. Results. We show that the MHI identifies various stages to examine cultural characteristics and information on the progression of viral interactions over time. The results are more easily obtained compared to a visual inspection of the frames constituting the recordings. MHI also has the advantage of relying on a simple algorithm. The AVD index further provides deeper insights into the dynamics of the viral interaction over time, and its measurement suggests that SARS CoV-2 virus is becoming more widespread. This study shows that the replication process damages the host cell over time, in addition to causing SARS CoV-2 to proliferate. Conclusions. The MHI provides a framework for automated feature extraction from time series data. The combined approach results in decreased computational complexity and enables online assessment of the assay. Clinical and research studies can be conducted to evaluate MHI and AVD and their utility in aiding diagnostic analysis.

Interrater Variability of ML-Based CT-FFR in Patients without Obstructive CAD before TAVR: Influence of Image Quality, Coronary Artery Calcifications, and Location of Measurement.

Objectives: CT-derived fractional flow reserve (CT-FFR) can improve the specificity of coronary CT-angiography (cCTA) for ruling out relevant coronary artery disease (CAD) prior to transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). However, little is known about the reproducibility of CT-FFR and the influence of diffuse coronary artery calcifications or segment location. The objective was to assess the reliability of machine-learning (ML)-based CT-FFR prior to TAVR in patients without obstructive CAD and to assess the influence of image quality, coronary artery calcium score (CAC), and the location of measurement within the coronary tree. Methods: Patients assessed for TAVR, without obstructive CAD on cCTA were evaluated with ML-based CT-FFR by two observers with differing experience. Differences in absolute values and categorization into hemodynamically relevant CAD (CT-FFR ≤ 0.80) were compared. Results in regard to CAD were also compared against invasive coronary angiography. The influence of segment location, image quality, and CAC was evaluated. Results: Of the screened patients, 109/388 patients did not have obstructive CAD on cCTA and were included. The median (interquartile range) difference of CT-FFR values was -0.005 (-0.09 to 0.04) (p = 0.47). Differences were smaller with high values. Recategorizations were more frequent in distal segments. Diagnostic accuracy of CT-FFR between both observers was comparable (proximal: Δ0.2%; distal: Δ0.5%) but was lower in distal segments (proximal: 98.9%/99.1%; distal: 81.1%/81.6%). Image quality and CAC had no clinically relevant influence on CT-FFR. Conclusions: ML-based CT-FFR evaluation of proximal segments was more reliable. Distal segments with CT-FFR values close to the given threshold were prone to recategorization, even if absolute differences between observers were minimal and independent of image quality or CAC.

Grading facial aging: Comparing the clinical assessments made by three dermatologists with those obtained by an AI-based scoring system that analyses selfie pictures. Afocus on Chinese subjects of both genders.

The objective of this study is to assess the correspondence, in live conditions, between clinical gradings of facial aging signs by three dermatologists and those afforded by an automatic AI-based algorithm that analyses smartphones' selfie images of Chinese subjects. In total, 125 Chinese subjects of both genders, aged 18-62y, took a selfie using their own smartphones and were immediately viewed by three dermatologists. The latter graded the severity of 15 facial signs in women and 9 in men, using the standardized values afforded by a Skin Aging Atlas referential dedicated to Asian skin. The data issued by both methodologies were then statistically compared. The absolute gradings of the automatic system were found highly correlated with clinical assessments, with lower values in most cases. In women, large differences in absolute values were found on the gradings for size of isolated spot, cheek fold, spread macules, and texture of mouth contour women. Analysis of the Mean Absolute Errors (M.A.E) revealed that these rarely exceed 0.6 grading units in women and to a lesser extent in men. The present study confirmed the value of the automatic system towards an extended use towards large human cohorts as a surrogate of clinical evaluations and allowed to detect the points where improvements must be brought to the system.

Development of fetal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) phantom.

Anthropomorphic phantoms play an important role in routine clinical practice. They can be used to calibrate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners, control the diagnostic equipment quality, and reduce the acquisition time. The latter is especially critical for diagnosing fetal anomalies, which requires optimal image quality within the shortest possible time. This paper aims to develop an MRI fetal phantom and determine the materials that best mimic the magnetic resonance (MR) characteristics of its internal organs. Future phantom features will include simulations of fetal limb movements. A single MRI study of a pregnant woman at 20 weeks 3 days of gestation was used as a reference and for image segmentation. Anonymized Digital Imaging and Communication in Medicine (DICOM) files were imported into 3D Slicer v. 5.2.1 for segmentation of the uterus, fetus, and internal organs. Based on the performed segmentation, a three-dimensional model was obtained for printing on a 3D printer. The mold was 3D printed on an Anycubic Photon M3 Max printer. The paper showcases the selection and manufacturing of compositions to simulate the relaxation times of the fetal organs. Formulations for emulsions and carrageenan- and agar-based hydrogels are presented. The selected compositions were used to fill the 3D printed model. Statistical analysis showed no significant differences in absolute and relative signal values obtained from scans of a pregnant woman at 20 weeks and 3 days and a fetal phantom. During the study, an anthropomorphic fetal phantom was constructed, filled with compositions with relaxation times T1 and T2 similar to the control values of the corresponding tissues. The phantom can be used to set up and optimize fetal MRI protocols, train and educate medical students, residents, graduate students, and X-ray technicians, as well as to timely control image quality and equipment serviceability.

Comparison of the IOL Master and Pentacam in the measurement of anterior segment parameters in patients with high myopia and cataracts

This study aimed to compare the differences between the Zeiss IOL Master and Oculus Pentacam in keratometry and central anterior chamber depth (ACD) measurements in patients with high myopia and cataracts. Between January 2019 and December 2020, 89 patients (103 eyes) with cataracts and high myopia who underwent preoperative cataract evaluation at Nanchang First Hospital were selected for retrospective analysis. Keratometry (K1, K2) and ACD were measured with the IOL Master and Pentacam. Paired t-tests were performed to compare the differences, while the Bland-Altman method was used to evaluate the agreement. The K1 value was (43.15±2.44) D for the IOL Master and (42.98±2.47) D for the Pentacam, and the difference between the two instruments was statistically significant (P<0.01). The K2 value was (44.55±2.63) D for the IOL Master and (44.32±2.55) D for the Pentacam. The ACD was (3.44±0.33)mm for the IOL Master and (3.39±0.36)mm for the Pentacam. There were statistically significant differences between the two instruments in both keratometry and ACD (P<0.01). The absolute values of the maximum difference between the two instruments for K1 and K2 were 1.1 and 1.07; thus, the consistency of the two instruments with respect to this measurement was poor. However, the absolute value of the maximum difference between the two instruments for ACD was 0.34, so the consistency of the two instruments in relation to this measurement was good. Both the IOL Master and the Pentacam can be used in the measurement of keratometry and ACD in patients with high myopia and cataracts, but the keratometry measurements should be compared in clinical application.

HR-pQCT cross-calibration using standard vs. Laplace-Hamming binarization approach.

High-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT) has emerged as a powerful imaging technique for characterizing bone microarchitecture in the human peripheral skeleton. The second-generation HR-pQCT scanner provides improved spatial resolution and a shorter scan time. However, the transition from the first-generation (XCTI) to second-generation HR-pQCT scanners (XCTII) poses challenges for longitudinal studies, multi-center trials, and comparison to historical data. Cross-calibration, an established approach for determining relationships between measurements obtained from different devices, can bridge this gap and enable the utilization and comparison of legacy data. The goal of this study was to establish cross-calibration equations to estimate XCTII measurements from XCTI data, using both the standard and Laplace-Hamming (LH) binarization approaches. Thirty-six volunteers (26-85yr) were recruited and their radii and tibiae were scanned on both XCTI and XCTII scanners. XCTI images were analyzed using the manufacturer's standard protocol. XCTII images were analyzed twice: using the manufacturer's standard protocol and the LH segmentation approach previously developed and validated by our team. Linear regression analysis was used to establish cross-calibration equations. Results demonstrated strong correlations between XCTI and XCTII density and geometry outcomes. For most microstructural outcomes, although there were considerable differences in absolute values, correlations between measurements obtained from different scanners were strong, allowing for accurate cross-calibration estimations. For some microstructural outcomes with a higher sensitivity to spatial resolution (eg, trabecular thickness, cortical pore diameter), XCTII standard protocol resulted in poor correlations between the scanners, while our LH approach improved these correlations and decreased the difference in absolute values and the proportional bias for other measurements. For these reasons and due to the improved accuracy of our LH approach compared with the standard approach, as established in our previous study, we propose that investigators should use the LH approach for analyzing XCTII scans, particularly when comparing to XCTI data.

Determination of Gauss-Krüger Projection Parameters with Minimizing Maximum Projection Deformation for Large-Scale Engineering

Currently, engineering construction is placing increasing demands on the accuracy of engineering measurement. Projection deformation has a significant effect on engineering measurement accuracy, representing a significant challenge in the field of high-precision measurement. In the case of Gauss-Krüger projection of arbitrary zone, setting the projection reference position in the center of the survey area will not necessarily guarantee the minimum possible projection deformation. This article presents a method for determining the projection reference position of Gauss-Krüger projection based on the minimum standard of the maximum projection deformation, along with the maximum applicable range of the projection parameter. Results demonstrate lower absolute values of length differences, smaller standard deviations of side length differences, and superior overall results. In comparison to existing methods, the proposed method has a broader scope of application.

Difference in right and left cardio-ankle vascular index as a useful marker for evaluation of leg ischemia in patients with lower extremity arterial disease.

Cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI) is a blood pressure-independent measure of heart-ankle pulse wave velocity and is used as an indicator of arterial stiffness. However, there is a paradox that CAVI is inversely associated with leg ischemia in patients with lower extremity arterial disease (LEAD). The aim of this study was to clarify the significance of the absolute value of left and right difference in CAVI (diff-CAVI). The subjects were 165 patients with LEAD who had received medication therapy. Relationships between diff-CAVI and leg ischemia were investigated. Leg ischemia was evaluated by decrease in leg arterial flow using ankle-brachial index (ABI) and by symptoms using the Rutherford classification. There was a significant inverse correlation between diff-CAVI and ABI. The odds ratio for low ABI of the 3rd versus 1st tertile groups of diff-CAVI was 7.03 with a 95% confidence interval of 2.71 ∼ 18.22. In ROC analysis, the cutoff value of diff-CAVI for low ABI was 1.05 with a sensitivity of 61.1% and a specificity of 87.1%. The median of diff-CAVI was significantly higher in subjects with grade 2 of the Rutherford classification than in subjects with its grade 1. diff-CAVI showed an inverse association with ABI and a positive association with symptoms of leg ischemia. Thus, diff-CAVI is thought to be a useful indicator of leg ischemia in LEAD patients.