Median Absolute Value Research Articles

Supraglacial Lake Depth Retrieval from ICESat-2 and Multispectral Imagery Datasets

Supraglacial lakes play an important role in the surface mass balance of ice sheets. With global warming, supraglacial lakes may become more extensive on ice sheet surfaces than they currently are. Therefore, accurate estimation of the volume of supraglacial lakes is important for characterizing their impact on ice sheets. In this study, we present a machine learning-based method for estimating the depth of supraglacial lakes through the combination of ICESat-2 ATL03 data with multispectral imagery. We tested this method via Landsat-8 and Sentinel-2 imagery and evaluated the accuracy of the algorithm on 7 test lakes on the Greenland Ice Sheet. Our results show that machine learning-based algorithms achieve better accuracy than traditional regression or physics-based methods do, especially for deeper lakes. The best accuracy was achieved when extreme gradient boosting was applied to a Sentinel-2 L1C image, with root mean square error, mean absolute error, and median absolute error values of 0.54 m, 0.43 m, and 0.36 m, respectively. Furthermore, we evaluated the effects of atmospheric corrections of multispectral imagery in the retrieval of supraglacial lake depth. On the basis of our results, we recommend the direct use of top-of-atmosphere reflectance products in mapping supraglacial lake bathymetry because of the low performance of atmospheric corrections for water and snow/ice in both the Landsat-8 and Sentinel-2 datasets. This study is expected to provide a more efficient method for estimating the depth of supraglacial lakes and laying the foundation for accurately quantifying meltwater volumes over large surface areas in subsequent studies.

A bootstrapping residuals approach to determine the error in quantitative functional lung imaging.

To implement and validate an algorithm to determine the statistical errors in self-gated non-contrast-enhanced functional lung imaging. A bootstrapping residuals approach to determine the error in quantitative functional lung imaging is proposed. Precision and accuracy of the median error over the lungs, as well as reproducibility of the approach were investigated in 7 volunteers. The algorithm was additionally applied to data acquired in a patient with cystic fibrosis. The obtained bootstrapping error maps appear comparable to the error maps determined from repeated measurements, and median absolute error values for both methods show comparable median errors when reducing the number of averages. In a volunteer in whom 10 consecutive measurements were carried out, the median functional parameters were ventilation = 0.22 mL gas/mL lung tissue, perfusion amplitude = 0.028, perfusion timing = -82 ms, whereas precision and accuracy of the median error were below 3.2 × 10-3 mL gas/mL lung for ventilation tissue, 4.4 × 10-4 for perfusion amplitude, and 11 ms for perfusion timing. In the measurement of the patient, low errors in areas with reduced ventilation support the assessment as real defects. Using a bootstrapping residuals method, the error of functional lung MRI could be determined without the need for repeated measurements. The error values can be determined reproducibly and can be used as a future means of quality control for functional lung MRI.

Cardiac troponin T associates with left ventricular function and synchrony assessed by CMR in the general population: results from the Akershus Cardiac Examination 1950 Study.

Cardiac troponin T (cTnT) is a blood biomarker of myocardial injury that is associated with future adverse cardiovascular events in the general population. Left ventricular (LV) global longitudinal strain (GLS) and mechanical dispersion (MD) are metrics of systolic function and synchrony that can be obtained from cardiac imaging. Studies suggest an association between cTnT and echocardiographically assessed GLS and MD, but it is unknown whether cTnT relates to these metrics when assessed by cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR). We hypothesized that cTnT associates with GLS and with MD assessed by CMR feature tracking (CMR-FT) in the general population. cTnT and CMR-FT measurements were performed in 186 community dwellers from the Akershus Cardiac Examination 1950 Study. The participants' age ranged from 68 to 70 years. Median cTnT concentration was 7.0 ng/L (interquartile interval 5.0-12.6 ng/L), median absolute value of GLS was 17.3% (interquartile interval 15.7-18.8%), and median MD was 80.7 milliseconds (interquartile interval 61.8-105.0 milliseconds). In multivariable linear regression models adjusted for common clinical risk factors of cardiovascular disease, with GLS and MD as outcome and cTnT as the predictor variable of interest, log10 transformed cTnT was significantly associated with both absolute GLS [β-coefficient -1.65, confidence interval (-2.84, -0.46)] and MD [β-coefficient 28.56, confidence interval (12.14, 44.92)]. In older adults from the general population, higher cTnT concentrations are associated with worse systolic function and synchrony assessed by CMR-FT LV GLS and MD, adding information about myocardial function to traditional risk factors.

Accuracy of Automatic Processing of Speech-Language Pathologist and Child Talk During School-Based Therapy Sessions.

This study examines the accuracy of Interaction Detection in Early Childhood Settings (IDEAS), a program that automatically transcribes audio files and estimates linguistic units relevant to speech-language therapy, including part-of-speech units that represent features of language complexity, such as adjectives and coordinating conjunctions. Forty-five video-recorded speech-language therapy sessions involving 27 speech-language pathologists (SLPs) and 56 children were used. The F measure determines the accuracy of IDEAS diarization (i.e., speech segmentation and speaker classification). Two additional evaluation metrics, namely, median absolute relative error and correlation, indicate the accuracy of IDEAS for the estimation of linguistic units as compared with two conditions, namely, Oracle (manual diarization) and Voice Type Classifier (existing diarizer with acceptable accuracy). The high F measure for SLP talk data suggests high accuracy of IDEAS diarization for SLP talk but less so for child talk. These differences are reflected in the accuracy of IDEAS linguistic unit estimates. IDEAS median absolute relative error and correlation values for nine of the 10 SLP linguistic unit estimates meet the accuracy criteria, but none of the child linguistic unit estimates meet these criteria. The type of linguistic units also affects IDEAS accuracy. IDEAS was tailored to educational settings to automatically convert audio recordings into text and to provide linguistic unit estimates in speech-language therapy sessions and classroom settings. Although not perfect, IDEAS is reliable in automatically capturing and returning linguistic units, especially in SLP talk, that are relevant in research and practice. The tool offers a way to automatically measure SLP talk in clinical settings, which will support research seeking to understand how SLP talk influences children's language growth.

NOIRE-Net–a convolutional neural network for automatic classification and scaling of high-latitude ionograms

Millions of ionograms are acquired annually to monitor the ionosphere. The accumulated data contain untapped information from a range of locations, multiple solar cycles, and various geomagnetic conditions. In this study, we propose the application of deep convolutional neural networks to automatically classify and scale high-latitude ionograms. A supervised approach is implemented and the networks are trained and tested using manually analyzed oblique ionograms acquired at a receiver station located in Skibotn, Norway. The classification routine categorizes the observations based on the presence or absence of E− and F-region traces, while the scaling procedure automatically defines the E− and F-region virtual distances and maximum plasma frequencies. Overall, we conclude that deep convolutional neural networks are suitable for automatic processing of ionograms, even under auroral conditions. The networks achieve an average classification accuracy of 93% ± 4% for the E-region and 86% ± 7% for the F-region. In addition, the networks obtain scientifically useful scaling parameters with median absolute deviation values of 118 kHz ±27 kHz for the E-region maximum frequency and 105 kHz ±37 kHz for the F-region maximum O-mode frequency. Predictions of the virtual distance for the E− and F-region yield median distance deviation values of 6.1 km ± 1.7 km and 8.3 km ± 2.3 km, respectively. The developed networks may facilitate EISCAT 3D and other instruments in Fennoscandia by automatic cataloging and scaling of salient ionospheric features. This data can be used to study both long-term ionospheric trends and more transient ionospheric features, such as traveling ionospheric disturbances.

Boltless nylon-suture technique for stereotactic electroencephalography as a safe, effective alternative when the anchor bolt is inappropriate.

The use of anchor bolts to secure electrodes to the skull can be difficult in some clinical situations. Herein, we present the boltless technique to secure electrodes to the scalp using nylon sutures to overcome the problems associated with anchor bolts. We investigated the safety, accuracy errors, and patient-related and operative factors affecting errors in the boltless technique. This single-institution retrospective series analyzed 103 electrodes placed in 12 patients. The target-point localization error (TPLE), entry-point localization error (EPLE), radial error (RE), and depth error (DE) of the electrodes were calculated. The median of the mean operative time per electrode was 9.3min. The median TPLE, EPLE, RE, and absolute DE value were 4.1mm, 1.6mm, 2.7mm, and 1.9mm, respectively. Positive correlations were observed between the preoperative scalp thickness, mean operative time per electrode, EPLE, RE, and the absolute value of DE versus TPLE (r = .228, p = .02; r = .678, p = .015; r = .228, p = .02; r = .445, p < .01; r = .630, p < .01, respectively), and electrode approach angle versus EPLE (r = .213, p = .031). Multivariate analysis revealed that the absolute value of DE had the strongest influence on the TPLE, followed by RE and preoperative scalp thickness, respectively (β = .938, .544, .060, respectively, p < .001). No complications related to SEEG insertion and monitoring were encountered. The boltless technique using our unique planning and technical method is a safe, effective, and low-cost alternative in cases where anchor bolts are contraindicated.

A Comprehensive Evaluation of 16 Old and New Intraocular Lens Power Calculation Formulas in Pediatric Eyes.

To compare the accuracy of 16 intraocular lens (IOL) power calculation formulas in pediatric cataract eyes. The data records of pediatric patients who had been implanted with three IOL models (SA60AT, MA60AC, and enVista-MX60) between 2012 and 2018 were analyzed. The accuracy of 16 IOL power calculation methods was evaluated: Barrett Universal II (BUII), Castrop, EVO 2.0, Haigis, Hill-RBF 3.0, Hoffer Q, Hoffer QST, Holladay 1, Kane, LSF AI, Naeser 2, Pearl-DGS, SRK/T, T2, VRF, and VRF-G. The non-optimized (ULIB/IOLcon) and optimized constants were used for IOL power calculation. The mean prediction error (PE), Performance Index (FPI), and all descriptive statistics were calculated. Ninety-seven eyes of 97 pediatric patients aged 13.2 (IQR 11.2-17.1) were included. No statistically significant difference (HS-test) was observed (p > 0.818) except for the Hoffer Q, and Naeser 2 (P = 0.014). With optimized lens constants, the best FPI indices were obtained by Hoffer Q (0.256) and VRF-G (0.251) formulas, followed by Hill-RBF 3.0 and BUII, with an index of 0.248. The highest FPI indices with non-optimized constants showed SRK/T and T2 formulas (0.246 and 0.245, respectively), followed by VRF-G and Holladay 1, with an index of 0.244. The best median absolute error values (MedAE) were achieved by Hoffer Q (0.50 D), VRF-G (0.53 D), and Hill-RBF 3.0 (0.54 D), all P ≥ 0.074. Our results place the Hoffer Q, VRF-G, Hill-RBF 3.0, and BUII formulas as more accurate predictors of postoperative refraction in pediatric cataract surgery.

Determination of Reference Values of Hematopoetic CELLS in Normal BONE Marrow By 10 Colors FLOW Cytometry in Brazilian Population

Purpose: To determine relative and absolute reference values of normality in individuals with no hematologic disease bone marrow, as well as normal patterns of maturation for the different hematopoietic lineages. Methods: Bone marrow samples were collected from 46 healthy patients (16 women and 30 men) undergoing orthopedic surgery and were aged between 18 and 87 years (median 36 years). The analysis of 8 tubes performed in an equipment with 10 colors configuration enabled to evaluate and quantify (% and mm³) B lymphocytes (immature and mature), T lymphocytes (helper, cytotoxic, double negative, double positive), natural killer cells, granulocytes (myeloblasts, promyelocytes, myelocytes, metamyelocytes, rods and neutrophils), monocytes (monoblasts, promonocytes, mature monocytes, classical, intermediate and non-classical), erythroblasts (immature and mature), plasma cells, basophils, mast cells, myeloid dendritic cells and plasmacytoid dendritic cells. The results were evaluated according to sex (female and male), age group (&amp;lt;40, 40 to 60, &amp;gt;60 years), and described as median percentage and absolute values. Results: In evaluating the results according to age group, we identified that older individuals presented an increase in plasma cells that expressed CD56 (p=0.031 in absolute values). In addition, they also had increase relation of CD4/CD8 ratio (p=0.002), mast cells (p=0.004 in percentages), non-classical monocytes (p=0.016 in percentages), as well as a decrease in cytotoxic T lymphocytes (p=0.031 in absolute values), double negative T lymphocytes (p=0.018 in absolute values), and natural killer cells that express CD56 (p =0.002 in absolute values and p=0.012 in percentages). Moreover, these individuals also presented higher natural killer cells that expressed CD56 and CD16 (p=0.024 in absolute values), myeloblasts (p=0.048 in absolute values), metamyelocytes/Rods (p=0.038 in absolute values), neutrophils (p=0.006 in absolute values), monoblasts (p=0.030 in absolute values), mature monocytes (p=0.024 in absolute values), classical monocytes (p=0.017), plasmacytoid dendritic cells (p=0.027 in absolute values), and mature erythroblasts (p=0.004 in absolute values). In the evaluation of the results according to sex, we identified that the population of mature B lymphocytes (p=0.013) and B lymphocytes that expressed CD5 (p=0.014) was higher in women, while the percentage of natural killer cells was relatively higher than in men (p=0.007), particularly in the population of cells that expressed CD56 and CD16 (p=0.013). Conclusion: This study established reference values (absolute and relative) of B lymphocytes (immature and mature), T lymphocytes (helper, cytotoxic, double negative, double positive), natural killer cells, granulocytes (myeloblasts, promyelocytes, myelocytes, metamyelocytes, rods and neutrophils), monocytes (monoblasts, promonocytes, mature monocytes, classical, intermediate and non-classical), erythroblasts (immature and mature), plasma cells, basophils, mast cells, myeloid dendritic cells and plasmacytoid dendritic cells according sex and age group in bone marrow samples from individuals with no hematologic disease Maturational stages of B lymphocytes, granulocytes, monocytes and erythroblasts was shown to be stable regardless of sex and age.

Effect of Luspatercept on Erythropoiesis and Fetal Hemoglobin in β-Transfusion-Dependent Thalassemia Patients: A Real-Life Experience

Background: Luspatercept is the first erythropoiesis-stimulating agent approved for transfusion-dependent β-thalassemia (TDT). In the BELIEVE trial, more than 70% of the patients had a hematological response defined as a reduction of ≥33% of transfusion burden in any 12-week interval. In our experience, some patients have a clinical benefit even if a response as defined by the clinical trial is not reached. Indeed, several aspects remain to be addressed, including its specific effects on erythropoiesis. Fetal hemoglobin (HbF) has been hypothesized as a potential marker in response evaluation. However, no results have been published, excluding an abstract presentation by Cappellini MD et al. at the European Hematology Association meeting in 2019, showing a greater HbF increase in responders vs. non-responders. Aim: This study aims to evaluate the effect of luspatercept on erythropoiesis and the hemoglobin (Hb) fractions in patients with β-TDT treated with luspatercept in a real-life setting at our Center in Milan, Italy. Methods: Inclusion criteria: age ≥18 years, β-TDT eligible for treatment with luspatercept, and signed informed consent. Exclusion criteria: unwilling to participate in the study. We assessed hematological parameters, Hb fractions, and erythropoiesis markers at baseline and over the treatment period of up to 48 weeks (Dose16). We also extracted mRNA from reticulocytes (RET) from peripheral blood at fixed doses and analyzed the expression of a panel of genes involved in erythropoiesis. We evaluated hematological variables dividing the patients into three groups of responses defined: Full responder (FR): reduction of transfusion burden ≥33% and ≥2 units of blood in any 12-week intervalIntermediate responder (IR): patients with a reduction in transfusion burden ≥25% and &amp;lt;33% in any 12-week intervalNon-responder (NR): reduction of the transfusion burden &amp;lt;25%. Statistical analysis at baseline was performed using Kruskal-Wallis test. We fitted linear random intercept regression models to evaluate time trends of hematological variables. Results: Thirty-seven patients have been enrolled in the study. 3/37 have been excluded from the analysis because they developed adverse events leading to drug interruption before completing 12 weeks of treatment. We herein present the data of the 29/34 subjects who reached at least 12 weeks of treatment as of July 20, 2023. The median age was 41 yrs (range 19-63 yrs), 15 were females (52%). 8/29 (28%) had a β0/β0 genotype; 12/29 (41%) patients underwent splenectomy. Twelve patients had a FR, 6 an IR, and 11 were NR. We found that the baseline median absolute value of HbF (g/dL) was different in the three groups (NR: 0.21, range 0.09-0.34; IR: 0.37, range 0.14-1.52; FR: 0.95, range 0.31-1.65, p=0.009) (Figure 1). In all subjects, HbF increased over time. However, the increase was different in the three groups (p-interaction: 0.0001). In the linear regression model (Figure 2), the HbF absolute increase per week was 0.004 g/dL (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.002-0.006) among NR, 0.015 (CI: 0.008-0.022) in the IR group and 0.03 g/dL (CI: 0.02-0.04) in the FR group. EPO baseline value was similar in the three groups, but unexpectedly we observed different increases over time (p-interaction: 0.0001). In the IR and FR groups, the regression slopes were 6.66 U/L (CI: 3.11-10-21) and 9.42 U/L (CI: 5.53-13.31) per week, respectively. In the NR group, there was no EPO increase. Interestingly, the baseline value of erythroblasts (EB) was different between the three groups, with FR having the highest value. EB increased in both IR and FR, with the IR group displaying a steeper increase and finally reaching the FR group. Preliminary results on gene expression in RET showed an upregulation of GATA-1 and its target genes involved in erythroid differentiation and heme biosynthesis, as shown in the murine model (Martinez PA et al. 2019), irrespective of the response group. Conclusions: Our findings identify baseline HbF as a possible predictor of response. Also, the HbF trend could represent a marker of response to luspatercept in β-TDT patients. Furthermore, HbF can be useful in identifying patients in the IR group with the best chance of becoming responders in long-term treatment. Our preliminary results also suggest that luspatercept acts by enhancing erythropoiesis and leads to an increase in EPO levels and EB. Studies on more patients are needed to confirm these findings.

Analysis of Methylation Level and Clinical Characteristics of Juvenile Myelomonocytic Leukemia

Objective: juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia (Juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia JMML) is a rare clonal disease of hematopoietic stem cells in young children. The response to chemotherapy is poor, the prognosis is poor, and a few patients can be relieved spontaneously. The level of methylation is closely related to the prognosis of JMML. In this study, the distribution characteristics and clinical indexes of JMML methylation were analyzed retrospectively. Methods: the newly diagnosed JMML from 2008.1 to 2022.11 in our center was selected as the research object. The samples were detected for DNA methylation and the clinical characteristics were analyzed. Results: methylation level was detected in 35 of 96 children with newly diagnosed JMML. The median age of onset was 27 months (3-82 months). There were 27 males and 8 females. The median platelet count was 70.6 × 109 × 10 ~ 9 × 10 ~ 9 × 10 ~ 9 / L, and the median absolute value of monocytes was 5.0 × 10 ~ 9 × 10 ~ 9 × 10 ~ 9 × 10 ~ 9 ml. All patients underwent JMML mutation and oral mucosal verification, including PTPN11 somatic mutation in 18 cases (51.4%), NRAS mutation in 10 cases (28.6%), KRAS mutation in 4 cases (11.4%), NF1 mutation in 7 cases (20%) and CBL mutation in 1 case (2.9%). Among them, 9 cases (25.7%) were compound mutations and 5 cases were recurrent mutations of PTPN11 and NF1. The DNA methylation level was divided into three subgroups: 4 cases (11.4%) hypomethylation (LM) group and 14 cases (40%) methylation group (IM) 17 cases (48.6%) hypermethylation (HM) group. Among the 17 patients in HM group, there were 7 cases of PTPN11 single mutation (41.2%) and 9 cases of compound mutation (52.9%), which were significantly higher than 3 cases of PTPN11 in IM group (21.4%). In IM group, simple NRAS or KRAS mutations accounted for 50%. The mutation distribution in LM group was 1 case of KRAS mutation, 2 cases of RANSBP2-ALK fusion gene and 1 case of no mutation. There were significant differences in age, platelet, fetal hemoglobin (HbF), PTPN11 mutation and ≥ 2 somatic mutation among different methylation subgroups (P &amp;lt; 0.05). The correlation analysis showed that methylation was positively correlated with 24 months of age, ≥ 33 × 10 9 mmol L, HbF, PTPN11 mutation and ≥ 2 somatic mutation (P &amp;lt; 0.05). Conclusion: high risk factors such as age at first diagnosis, PTPN11 mutation and compound mutation are significantly correlated with methylation in patients.

The flow behavior and sealing ability of calcium silicate root canal cement containing dimethyl sulfoxide: An in vitro study

IntroductionTo develop a calcium silicate (CaSi)-based cement containing dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and cement deliver device for new root canal filling technique, and to assess the flow behavior, leakage, and root canal filling quality of CaSi containing DMSO. MethodsCaSi containing DMSO (CSC-DMSO) and CaSi containing PEG (CSC-PEG) were prepared, and the flow characteristics of both cements were compared in gypsum and resin channels using a high-speed camera. Eight root canals were obturated by CSC-DMSO or CSC-PEG using a cement delivery device, and root canal filling quality was assessed in terms of filling length using periapical radiographs. The filling length was evaluated by ‘apico-coronal extension,’ measuring length in reference to apical constriction. Microleakage was measured for thirty human molars that were randomly filled with CSC-DMSO, CSC-PEG, or gutta-percha and AH plus. Preliminary obturation of CSC-DMSO with cement delivery device in human teeth was analyzed in terms of filling length and void, using periapical radiographs. Statistical analysis was performed with the Kruskal Wallis test for simulated root canal fillings and one-way ANOVA for leakage test. ResultsThe flow speed of CSC-DMSO reduced in gypsum channels compared to resin channels, but CSC-PEG did not exhibit significant differences in the channels. The median absolute value of apico-coronal extension was significantly lower in CSC-DMSO compared to CSC-PEG (p < 0.05). Microleakage did not statistically differ between the groups (p > 0.05). In the preliminary obturation, the mean apico-coronal extension of CSC-DMSO was −0.297 ± 0.724 mm, while CSC-PEG was not feasible due to excess apical extrusions. ConclusionsCSC-DMSO could be considered as an alternative filling material for root canal obturation.

Three-dimensional microanalysis of tooth movement during the first 6 months of orthodontic double retention

This study performed a 3-dimensional analysis of tooth movement during orthodontic retention to assess the effectiveness of double retention (fixed and removable) in preventing undesired tooth movement. One hundred randomly selected patients were included at the initiation of double orthodontic retention with fixed retainers and vacuum-formed splints (recommended to be worn 22 h/d) in both arches. Intraoral scans were performed directly (T0), 1 month (n= 88), 3 months (T2) (n= 78), and 6 months (T3) (n= 66) after retainer bonding. Nine reference points were marked on each tooth in every patient. Subsequent scans were superimposed, and point displacement was calculated. Statistical analysis was performed using the R statistical software (version 4.2.2; R Core Team, Vienna, Austria). Sample size calculation determined at least 55 patients were needed. The total dropout between T0 and T3 was 34 patients (did not show up for appointment). The median absolute displacement value of a single point between T0 and T3 was 0.015 mm. The most stable teeth were mandibular central incisors, whereas the least stable were mandibular molars. Most tooth displacements occurred between T0 and T2, then slowed down significantly. Double orthodontic retention prevents major tooth displacements in most patients during the first 6 months of retention; however, larger, unpredictable single-tooth displacement may occur in individual patients.

Outcomes of patients after mobilization failure of hematopoietic stem cells for autologous stem cell transplantation

IntroductionAutologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (ASCT) is the long-term consolidation treatment for various hematological malignancies. The collection of hematopoietic stem cell yield is critical to successful ASCTs, but not always achieved due to hematopoietic stem cell mobilization failure (HSCMF). Details regarding the cell collection and outcomes of those who fail mobilization are still lacking. Therefore, this study aimed to yield data on clinical outcomes and cellular products after HSCMF. MethodsRetrospective, unicentric study assessing clinical outcomes and characteristics of collected progenitor cells. The data were collected from patient databases. The results were reported in median, rates and percentages and absolute values. Patients older than 18 years of age at the time of mobilization and HSCMF were included. ResultsFive hundred ninety-nine patients underwent mobilization protocols. Thirty-five (5.8%) of them failed in the mobilization and fourteen (40%) died. Median time to death was eight months. Disease progression and infection were responsible for all deaths. Median relapse-free survival was 6.5 months (20 patients, 57%). Seven (20%) survivors were receiving salvage therapy and five (14%) were being followed clinically. Six (20.6%) participants underwent collection by apheresis, with insufficient cell collection. The median quantity of peripheral CD34+ cells in those patients was 10.5/mm3. The median CD34+ quantity collected was 0.86 × 106 CD34+ cells/kg. ConclusionsThe mobilization failure was associated with limited survival. Nonetheless, collected products offered perspectives for ex vivo expansion. Further studies should investigate the feasibility of expanding collected CD34+ cells to use as grafts for ASCT.

Silent peripheral neuropathy determined by high-resolution ultrasound among contacts of patients with Hansen's disease.

Hansen's disease (HD) primarily infects peripheral nerves, with patients without HD being free of peripheral nerve damage. Household contacts (HHCs) of patients with HD are at a 5-10 times higher risk of HD than the general population. Neural thickening is one of the three cardinal signs that define a case of HD according to WHO guidelines, exclusively considering palpation examination that is subjective and may not detect the condition in the earliest cases even when performed by well-trained professionals. High-resolution ultrasound (HRUS) can evaluate most peripheral nerves, a validated technique with good reproducibility allowing detailed and accurate examination. This study aimed to use the peripheral nerve HRUS test according to the HD protocol as a diagnostic method for neuropathy comparing HHCs with healthy volunteers (HVs) and patients with HD. In municipalities from 14 different areas of Brazil we selected at random 83 HHC of MB-patients to be submitted to peripheral nerve ultrasound and compared to 49 HVs and 176 HD-patients. Household contacts assessed by HRUS showed higher median and mean absolute peripheral nerve cross-sectional area (CSA) values and greater asymmetries (ΔCSA) compared to HVs at the same points. Median and mean absolute peripheral nerve CSA values were higher in patients with HD compared to HCCs at almost all points, while ΔCSA values were equal at all points. Mean ± SD focality (ΔTpT) values for HHCs and patients with HD, respectively, were 2.7 ± 2.2/2.6 ± 2.2 for the median nerve, 2.9 ± 2.7/3.3 ± 2.9 for the common fibular nerve (p > 0.05), and 1.3 ± 1.3/2.2 ± 3.9 for the ulnar nerve (p < 0.0001). Considering HRUS findings for HHCs, asymmetric multiple mononeuropathy signs (thickening or asymmetry) in at least 20% of the nerves evaluated could already indicates evidence of HD neuropathy. Thus, if more nerve points are assessed in HHCs (14 instead of 10), the contacts become more like patients with HD according to nerve thickening determined by HRUS, which should be a cutting-edge tool for an early diagnosis of leprosy cases.

Investigation of microseismic signal denoising using an improved wavelet adaptive thresholding method

There are high- and low-frequency noise signals in a microseismic signal that can lead to the distortion and submersion of an effective waveform. At present, effectively removing high- and low-frequency noise without losing the effective signal of local waveform spikes remains a challenge. This work addresses this issue with an improved wavelet adaptive thresholding method. Because a denoised signal conceptually approximates the minimum error, a dynamic selection model is established for the optimal threshold. On this basis, an adaptive correction factor aj is proposed to reflect the noise intensity, which uses the 1/2 power of the ratio of the median absolute value to the amplitude of the monitoring data to reflect the noise intensity of the wavelet detail signal and corrects the size of the denoising scale. Finally, the performance of the improved method is quantitatively evaluated in terms of the denoising quality and efficiency using the signal-to-noise ratio, root-mean-square error, sample entropy and running time.

Cytopenia in T Cell Subsets: A Predictor of Severe COVID-19

Introduction: The outbreak of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has posed great threat to human health. T cells play a critical role in antiviral immunity but their numbers and functional state in COVID-19 patients remain largely unclear. The present study was carried out at Armed Forces Institute of Pathology (AFIP), Dhaka to assess the degree of cytopenia of T cell subsets in COVID 19 and its association with severity of the disease. The aim of this study is to assess the degree of reduction of T cell subsets in both non severe and severe COVID 19 patients. Methods: Total 100 patients having positive result of RTPCR for SARS-CoV-2 and lymphopenia were recruited for this study. Patients were grouped as ICU and non- ICU according to the severity of clinical conditions, consisting of 50 patients in each group. Data of T cell subsets were obtained by flow cytometric analysis of peripheral blood using monoclonal antibodies. Results: In this study, the absolute value of CD3+ T cells was below the normal range in 47 (94%) ICU patients. Compared to the non-ICU group, the median absolute value of CD3+ T cells was significantly lowered (P=0.019) in the ICU group. The absolute value of CD4+ T cells was also below the normal range in 91patients (91%). All the patients in the ICU group showed low CD4+ T cell counts. Moreover, a significantly lower median absolute value of CD4+ T cells was observed in the ICU group compared to the non-ICU group (P = 0.004). The absolute value of CD8+ T cells was below the normal range in 64 patients (64%). Similar to CD4+ T cells, compared to the non-ICU group, the median absolute value of CD8+ T cells was significantly lower in the ICU group (P = 0.028). Conclusion: Significant reduction of T cell subsets occurs in severe COVID-19. Flow cytometric analysis of T cell subsets in COVID 19 patients with absolute lymphopenia can guide the physician to predict the severe outcome of the disease. J Bangladesh Coll Phys Surg 2022; 40: 217-222

Indoor Localization Method of Personnel Movement Based on Non-Contact Electrostatic Potential Measurements.

The indoor localization of people is the key to realizing “smart city” applications, such as smart homes, elderly care, and an energy-saving grid. The localization method based on electrostatic information is a passive label-free localization technique with a better balance of localization accuracy, system power consumption, privacy protection, and environmental friendliness. However, the physical information of each actual application scenario is different, resulting in the transfer function from the human electrostatic potential to the sensor signal not being unique, thus limiting the generality of this method. Therefore, this study proposed an indoor localization method based on on-site measured electrostatic signals and symbolic regression machine learning algorithms. A remote, non-contact human electrostatic potential sensor was designed and implemented, and a prototype test system was built. Indoor localization of moving people was achieved in a 5 m × 5 m space with an 80% positioning accuracy and a median error absolute value range of 0.4–0.6 m. This method achieved on-site calibration without requiring physical information about the actual scene. It has the advantages of low computational complexity and only a small amount of training data is required.

A Risk-Stratification Machine Learning Framework for the Prediction of Coronary Artery Disease Severity: Insights From the GESS Trial.

Our study aims to develop a data-driven framework utilizing heterogenous electronic medical and clinical records and advanced Machine Learning (ML) approaches for: (i) the identification of critical risk factors affecting the complexity of Coronary Artery Disease (CAD), as assessed via the SYNTAX score; and (ii) the development of ML prediction models for accurate estimation of the expected SYNTAX score. We propose a two-part modeling technique separating the process into two distinct phases: (a) a binary classification task for predicting, whether a patient is more likely to present with a non-zero SYNTAX score; and (b) a regression task to predict the expected SYNTAX score accountable to individual patients with a non-zero SYNTAX score. The framework is based on data collected from the GESS trial (NCT03150680) comprising electronic medical and clinical records for 303 adult patients with suspected CAD, having undergone invasive coronary angiography in AHEPA University Hospital of Thessaloniki, Greece. The deployment of the proposed approach demonstrated that atherogenic index of plasma levels, diabetes mellitus and hypertension can be considered as important risk factors for discriminating patients into zero- and non-zero SYNTAX score groups, whereas diastolic and systolic arterial blood pressure, peripheral vascular disease and body mass index can be considered as significant risk factors for providing an accurate estimation of the expected SYNTAX score, given that a patient belongs to the non-zero SYNTAX score group. The experimental findings utilizing the identified set of important risk factors indicate a sufficient prediction performance for the Support Vector Machine model (classification task) with an F-measure score of ~0.71 and the Support Vector Regression model (regression task) with a median absolute error value of ~6.5. The proposed data-driven framework described herein present evidence of the prediction capacity and the potential clinical usefulness of the developed risk-stratification models. However, further experimentation in a larger clinical setting is needed to ensure the practical utility of the presented models in a way to contribute to a more personalized management and counseling of CAD patients.

Prognostic Value of Global Longitudinal Strain in Patients With Heart Failure With Improved Ejection Fraction

ObjectivesThe authors sought to determine whether global longitudinal strain (GLS) is independently associated with the natural history of patients with heart failure (HF) with improved ejection fraction (HFimpEF). BackgroundLeft ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (EF) often improves in patients with reduced EF. The clinical course of patients with HFimpEF, however, is quite variable. GLS, a sensitive indicator of LV systolic function, could help predict risk of future events in this population. MethodsRetrospective analysis of HF patients with LVEF >40% on index echocardiogram who had LVEF <40% on initial study and improvement of ≥10%. GLS was assessed by 2-dimensional speckle-tracking software on index echocardiography. Primary outcome was time to first occurrence of cardiovascular mortality or HF hospitalization/emergency treatment. ResultsOf the 289 patients with HFimpEF, median absolute values of GLS (aGLS) and LVEF from index echocardiography were 12.7% (IQR: 10.8%-14.7%) and 52% (IQR: 46%-58%), respectively. Over 53 months following index echocardiography, the primary endpoint occurred less frequently in patients with aGLS above the median than below it (21% vs 34%; P = 0.014); HR of 0.51; 95% CI: 0.33-0.81; P = 0.004. When assessed as a continuous variable, each 1% increase in aGLS on index echocardiogram was associated with a lower likelihood of the composite endpoint; HR of 0.86; 95% CI: 0.79-0.93; P < 0.001, an association that persisted after multivariable adjustment; HR 0.90; 95% CI: 0.82-0.97; P = 0.01. Lower aGLS was associated with increased likelihood of deterioration in LVEF. ConclusionsIn patients with HFimpEF, GLS is a strong predictor for future HF events and deterioration in cardiac function.

Accuracy of IOL power calculation formulas in Marfan lens subluxation patients with in-the-bag IOLs and implantation of scleral-sutured single-eyelet modified capsular tension rings.

To investigate the accuracy of intraocular lens (IOL) formulas for the prediction of postoperative refraction in lens subluxation in Marfan syndrome. Eye and ENT Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China. Consecutive retrospective clinical observational case series. 60 eligible eyes with lens subluxation from 39 young patients with Marfan syndrome (8.53 ± 4.38 years) underwent phacoemulsification combined with single-eyelet modified capsular tension ring (MCTR) and IOL implantation. The prediction error values with mean zero out (relative prediction error) and their absolute values (AE) were calculated. Generally, the SRK/T formula with Wang-Koch (WK) adjustment had the lowest median AE at 0.418 diopters (D), and the Holladay 1 with WK adjustment had the lowest mean AE at 0.499 D. The median AE of the other 10 formulas, in order from lowest to highest, were Haigis with WK (0.494 D), Holladay 1 with WK (0.495 D), Hoffer Q with WK (0.508 D), Haigis (0.525 D), T2 (0.542 D), Hoffer Q (0.624 D), SRK/T and Holladay 1 (0.660 D), Super (0.680 D), and Barrett Universal II (0.714 D) formulas. Haigis formula was found to be statistically significantly different from SRK/T, Holladay 1, and Barrett Universal II (all 3 P < .001) but not Hoffer Q (P = .236) formula. The Haigis formula was recommended for young Marfan lens subluxation patients with in-the-bag IOLs and scleral-sutured single-eyelet MCTR implantation. WK adjustments were successful in those cases where the axial length was longer than 25.0 mm.