Software Evaluation Research Articles

P-215 Prospective validation of the EMBRYOAID software for AI-based evaluation of embryos on the 5th day after fertilization during the in vitro procedure - multi-centre study

Abstract Study question Is AI-based evaluation of embryos as effective in achieving pregnancy as the standard assessment performed by an experienced embryologist? Summary answer AI-based assessment of blastocysts may result in comparable pregnancy rates as the standard assessment performed by an experienced embryologist. What is known already Standard clinical practice in the IVF procedure includes morphological assessment of blastocysts based on visual evaluation following Gardner scale. However, this subjective grading process is susceptible to variability dependent on the professionals’ experience and knowledge, leading to potential inconsistencies in selecting embryos for transfer. Recently, there has been a suggestion that artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms could enhance the predictability of treatment outcomes and many AI-based software applications have been introduced to the procedure in many IVF centers. Nevertheless, there are very few prospective evaluations of the real-life implementation of the novel technologies. Study design, size, duration It is an ongoing, randomized, prospective, multicenter, international study performed in four investigation centers since November 2023. The duration of the study is scheduled for one year. Participants/materials, setting, methods The first stage of the evaluation comprises a randomized selection of a patient meeting the inclusion criteria to one of the groups: test or control group. The next step includes a selection of the embryo for implantation. For the control group, the experienced embryologist performs the standard selection of embryos as per normal clinical practice following the Gardner scale. For the study group, the embryologist selects the embryo for transfer indicated by the EMBRYOAID application. Main results and the role of chance Currently, there have been 149 patients recruited in the study and 160 cycles with 638 embryos have been entered in the EMBRYOAID software for AI-based evaluation. Test group of 80 patients comprises 87 cycles with 346 embryos. Preliminary results of the prospective study conducted in real-life settings show encouraging outcomes in relation to the idea that AI-supported embryo evaluation may be as effective in regards to obtaining pregnancy as a standard clinical assessment performed by experienced professionals. Nevertheless, the sample size is not yet sufficient to achieve statistical significance. Therefore, further data gathering will be conducted and the study hypothesis will be furthermore examined. Limitations, reasons for caution The sample size is still insufficient to reach statistical significance and the study shows the preliminary results which will be further verified on a larger patient group. Wider implications of the findings Results of a prospective, randomized trial conducted in several international clinics may enhance the trend to introduce more objective, bias-free AI-based tools into the embryology labs. Trial registration number EMBRYO National Center for Research and Development nr POIR.01.01.01-00-1631/20-00; ERC Consolidator Grant TUgbOAT no 772346

QuPath for automated analysis of digital images of oral epithelial dysplasia

Abstract Objectives: Grading of oral epithelial dysplasia (OED) has been plagued with intra-observer and inter-observer variations. To overcome this subjectivity, a more objective digital image analysis is obligatory using computer-aided software. The use of open-source software like QuPath, which is a new bio-image evaluation software program, may fulfil this growing need in virtual pathology. This study used the QuPath software for automatic analysis of morphometric parameters in hematoxylin and eosin (H and E)-stained digital images of oral epithelial dysplasia. Methodology: 150 H and E digital images of varying grades of OED captured under 40x magnification were processed using QuPath software for automatic analysis of cellular and nuclear parameters. Results: The parameters that showed statistical significance included nuclear hematoxylin OD, nuclear eosin OD, cellular hematoxylin OD, cellular eosin OD, cytoplasm hematoxylin OD, and cytoplasmic eosin OD (P < 0.05), while none of the other parameters showed statistically significant differences. A prediction accuracy of 76%, 74%, and 70% for mild, moderate, and severe dysplasia was obtained, respectively. Conclusion: The quantitative results outlined in this paper are encouraging to indicate that the use of this technique may improve the diagnostic reliability of OED. Morphometric analysis of OED using Qupath software can be fast and reproducible and can be quantitated automatically.

Biomonitoring of urban industrial pollution using total reflection X‐ray fluorescence

AbstractEnvironmental pollution as a result of industrial activity is widespread in many urban areas including Chicago. In an effort to evaluate the heavy metal fraction originating from industrial activities, plant samples of Daucus Carota or wild carrot were collected at or adjacent to six sites located in two of Chicago's designated industrial corridors. Plants, especially herbaceous species, have been deemed suitable as environmental pollution monitors as they are able to provide information about the heavy metal fraction accessible to biota. The leaves of Daucus Carota were acid digested and analyzed with total reflection X‐ray fluorescence spectrometry TXRF. The results showed elevated heavy metal mass fractions for at least one collection site which is close to an operational railyard. Other studies investigating heavy metals in proximity to railroad operations found elevated mass fractions for several elements, but specifically manganese as well. This suggests that abrasion from shunting and breaking releases certain pollutants into the local environment. The data were compared with studies executed in Rome, Italy, and Pakistan, which used Daucus Carota to evaluate heavy metal pollution. It was found that the heavy metal mass fractions obtained for Chicago were higher for some elements indicating an increased pollutant burden for these elements. The same samples were also analyzed by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry GFAAS for the elements copper and lead and the data compared. Those two elements were chosen as they were present at each location and GFAAS has proven to be highly sensitive for them. It was found that the two methods provided comparable results for copper, whereas for lead, TXRF overestimated the mass fractions most likely due to limitations of the spectra evaluation software. The analysis of a certified reference material ‘BCR 679 white cabbage’ showed that most data obtained by TXRF were in good agreement with the certified values, with the exception of lead, which was not certified. However, since GFAAS has high sensitivity toward lead and is considered reference method for that element by regulatory agencies, a comparison between GFAAS and TXRF data for lead in the same sample can serve as good indicator for TXRF performance.

Impact of implant positions in total knee arthroplasty on the postoperative knee kinematics of tibial rotation

IntroductionIn total knee arthroplasty (TKA), the implant positions and knee kinematics, as well as the manifestation of medial pivot motion, play pivotal roles in determining postoperative clinical outcomes. The purpose of the current study was to analyze the correlation between knee kinematics, which was measured during TKA and implant positions derived using computed tomography (CT) examination after TKA. MethodsThis study comprised 64 patients (76 knees) who underwent primary TKA between 2015 and 2022. A navigation system was used in TKA procedures, and intraoperative knee kinematics were automatically calculated with it. Utilizing three-dimensional evaluation software, positioning of implants was quantified with CT images taken pre- and post-operatively. Multiple regression analyses were employed to explore the impact of femoral component position (FP) and tibial component position (TP) on knee kinematics, focusing on the extent of tibial rotational motion (TRM) during passive knee motion. ResultsFP affected TRM between knee extension and 90° flexion (p = 0.003, 95 % confidence interval [CI]: 0.315–1.384) and between knee extension and full flexion (p = 0.0002, 95 % CI: 0.654–1.844) after TKA. FP in internal rotation positively affected internal TRM after TKA. TP was not associated with TRM. ConclusionsFindings of the current study suggest that FP in internal rotation positively impacts knee kinematics after TKA.

TSAT: Efficient evaluation software for NGS data of phage/mirror-image phage display selections

Phage display and mirror-image phage display are commonly used techniques for the identification of binders that are specific to predefined targets. Recent studies demonstrated the effectiveness of next-generation sequencing (NGS) by increasing the amount of information extracted from selections. This allows for a better analysis and increases the possibility to select effective binders. A potential downside to NGS analysis of phage display selections is the increased workload that is needed to analyze the obtained information. Here, we report on the development of TSAT (target-specific analysis tool), software for user-friendly and efficient analysis of peptide sequence data from NGS of phage display selections.

Integrated Optimization Study of Electric Bus Fleet Transformation

With the increasing social demand for sustainable and environmentally friendly transportation, the transformation of public transportation systems has become an important issue. In this paper, three mathematical models are developed to synthesize the ecological consequences, financial models and transition scenarios in the transition from diesel to electric bus fleet. In Problem 1, this paper adopts the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) method to examine the full life cycle energy consumption of the product. The model comprehensively considers the main raw material production stage, vehicle assembly and distribution stage, vehicle driving stage and vehicle scrapping and dismantling stage, as well as the production stage of all types of energy added to the vehicle driving stage, i.e., the production stage of fuels and electricity, and finally applies Gabi, the life cycle evaluation software developed by PE Germany, to carry out the evaluation of the life cycle energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Finally, the energy-saving potential of pure electric buses reaches 12.69%, and the GHG emission reduction potential reaches 6.05%. The results are applied to the bus fleet in Beijing, and it is calculated that the replacement of the bus fleet with pure electric buses can save 21.87% of energy and bring about a total GHG emission reduction of 60,700 tons. In Problem 2, this paper adopts the research method of life cycle cost (LCC). The model quantifies all the technical, material, human and organizational measures involved in the whole bus system process into cost indicators, and then builds a financial model for the transition of the fleet to a pure electric bus fleet based on the model, which provides a reliable basis for the bus company's decision-making. From a long-term perspective, the public transport company to choose a pure electric bus fleet will be more economically efficient, but need to bear the costly transition to the acquisition of costs. Overall, this paper comprehensively explores the smart bus fleet transformation problem through three complementary models. It provides strong support for decision makers from the perspectives of life cycle cost, financial planning and environmental friendliness. The combined use of these models makes the article more comprehensive and provides useful lessons for future bus fleet transformation.

Projecting hydrological response to climate change and urbanization using WEAP model: A case study for the main watersheds of Bicol River Basin, Philippines

Study regionBicol River Basin, Philippines Study focusThe study investigated the impact of climate change and urbanization on water resources in the Philippines. It used Water Evaluation and Planning (WEAP) software and climate forecasts from eight Global Circulation Models (GCMs) to assess the nation's water balance, focusing on two sensitive watersheds: Libmanan-Pulantuna (LPW) and Quinali (QW). The study projects water availability in these areas by creating climate-urbanization scenarios. Furthermore, our endeavor aims to provide insight into the complexities of hydrological processes within traditionally under-observed regions, serving as a blueprint for future environmental planning and sustainable water management in the Philippines and beyond. New hydrological insightsThe study's simulated streamflow matches observed data (R2: 0.70–0.85, NSE: 0.57–0.67) and indicates warming trends and variable precipitation in both watersheds. Rising water demand in domestic and industrial sectors contrasts with a decline in agriculture due to land conversion. QW faces increased water demands from urbanization, while LPW has lower unmet water demand. Low Land Decline scenarios indicate consistent water scarcity in agriculture, while High Land Decline scenarios predict a decrease by 2100. Urbanization significantly impacts future water stress more than climate change, with reduced agricultural land generally associated with lower water stress. Conversely, climate change exacerbates unmet demand issues in domestic and industrial development cases. Due to diminishing agricultural land, both watersheds are expected to transition from water-deficient to water-surplus regions by the end of the century. However, immediate action is crucial to address current water demands, particularly in the severely water-deficient Quinali Watershed.

Multi-model approach for wind resource assessment

This study presents a multi-model approach for wind resource assessment of a wind farm affected by external wakes. The Weather Research and Forecasting model (WRF), a mesoscale model, is employed to simulate external wind farm wakes, while the Farm Optimization and eXtended yield Evaluation Software (FOXES), an engineering model, is used to simulate the wind farm of interest. This hybrid approach addresses the limitation of both models, mainly the lack of layout effects in mesoscale models and the poor representation of cluster wakes in engineering models. A case study, focusing on the Kaskasi wind farm in the Heligoland cluster, shows that the WRF model predicts larger wake losses compared to FOXES, with the multi-model approach yielding intermediate results. Systematic differences are found as a function of wind speed and seasonality, while the models behave differently as a function of turbulence intensity. The external wake effect was clearly identified for one wind direction sector in WRF and the multi-model approach, while FOXES failed to represent this. The proposed methodology does not only enhance classic resource assessment, but also facilitates efficient layout optimization using cluster waked inflow and allows for wind farm control studies, contributing to both planning and operational phases of wind farm management.

Patient-oriented optimization of the quality of care in aspecialized outpatient clinic in atertiary rheumatology center : Aqualitative study

The adaptation of structures and processes in treatment procedures can contribute to increasing patient satisfaction and is the focus of patient-oriented quality assurance. To identify patient satisfaction as well as needs, expectations and preferences with respect to care and, based on this, to formulate recommendations for action to optimize the quality of care at alarge tertiary rheumatology center. As part of aqualitative research approach, semi-structured patient interviews and afocus group interview consisting of physicians in rheumatology training in outpatient specialist care were conducted. The quality dimensions of Donabedian were recorded. The data material was evaluated and analyzed using the content-structuring qualitative content analysis according to Kuckartz with the MAXQDA evaluation software. Using 12patient interviews and afocus group of 3future rheumatologists, recommendations for action to optimize the quality of care were derived on the basis of the structural, process and outcome quality. There was aneed for optimization in the areas of personnel management, internal practice processes, practice equipment and treatment processes in the outpatient clinic. The results from the patient interviews and the focus group revealed the aspects in need of optimization. The methodology and results of this study can serve as areference point for analyses of other rheumatology clinics in order to improve the quality of care within the framework of patient-oriented quality management and continuous further development.

Applicability of the Madymo Pedestrian Model for forensic fall analysis

Forensic reconstruction and scenario evaluation are crucial in investigations of suspicious deaths related to falls from a height. In such cases, distinguishing between accidental falls, being pushed or jumping is an important but difficult task, since objective methods to do so are currently lacking. This paper explores the possibility of repurposing a passive rigid body model of a human from commercially available crash simulation software for forensic reconstruction and scenario evaluation of humans dropping from heights. To use this approach, a prerequisite is that the human body model can produce realistic movements compared to those of a real human, given similar environmental conditions. Therefore, this study assessed the validity of the commercially available Simcenter Madymo Pedestrian Model (MPM) for simulating human fall movements. Experimental kinematic and kinetic data was collected from nine participants, who dropped from a height in three different ways: passively tilting over, getting pushed, and jumping. Next, the performance of the MPM in reproducing the kinematics of the experimental falls was assessed by comparing the orientation of the body 0.3 s after platform release. The results show that the MPM currently does not consistently reproduce the experimentally recorded falling movements across multiple falling conditions and outcome measures. The MPM must therefore be adapted if to be used for forensic reconstruction and scenario evaluation, for example by implementing active movement.

The safety of maxillary sinus floor elevation and the accuracy of implant placement using dynamic navigation.

To date, it remains a challenge to conduct maxillary sinus floor elevation (MSFE) owing to heterogeneity of anatomical structures and limited operative visibility of the maxillary sinus. The aim of this study is to investigate the safety of MSFE and the accuracy of implant placement using dynamic navigation. Forty-two implants were placed in thirty-five patients requiring implantation in posterior maxilla with dynamic navigation. They were assigned to either lateral window sinus floor elevation (LWSFE) group (n = 22) or transcrestal sinus floor elevation (TSFE) group (n = 20) according to the residual alveolar bone height (RBH). Platform deviation, apex deviation and angular deviation between actual and planned implant placement were measured in precision evaluation software. Three deviations of two groups were compared via SPSS 22.0 software. Neither accidental bleeding nor perforation of Schneiderian membrane occurred in any patients. The actual window position of LWSFE was consistent with the preoperative design. There were no significant differences in platform, apex and angular deviations between the two groups (P > 0.05). In this study the dynamic navigation harvested clinically acceptable safety of MSFE and accuracy for implant placement in posterior maxillary region. The dynamic navigation would provide the clinician with assistance in achieving precise preoperative planning and reducing complications in surgical procedures. The granular bone grafts used in the LWSFE did not significantly affection on the accuracy of the simultaneous implant placement under the guidance of dynamic navigation.

Computing subgradients of convex relaxations for solutions of parametric ordinary differential equations

A novel subgradient evaluation method is proposed for nonsmooth convex relaxations of parametric solutions of ordinary differential equations (ODEs) arising in global dynamic optimization, assuming that the relaxations always lie strictly within interval bounds during integration. We argue that this assumption is reasonable in practice. These subgradients are computed as the unique solution of an auxiliary parametric affine ODE, analogous to classical forward/tangent sensitivity evaluation methods for smooth dynamic systems. Unlike established subgradient evaluation approaches for nonsmooth dynamic systems, this new method does not require smoothness or transversality assumptions, and is compatible with existing subgradient evaluation methods for closed-form convex functions, as implemented in subgradient evaluation software such as EAGO.jl and MC ++. Moreover, we show that a subgradient for a lower-bounding problem in global dynamic optimization can be directly evaluated using reverse/adjoint sensitivity analysis, which may reduce the overall computational effort for an overarching global optimization method. Numerical examples are presented, based on a proof-of-concept implementation in Julia.

UV/H2O2 produced degradation of 2,4-D and 4-CPA

2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic (2,4-D) acid and 4-chlorophenoxyacetic acid (4-CPA), as widely utilized organochlorine pesticides, are normally detected in wastewater and atmosphere. Their harmfulness to the ecosystem cannot be ignored. UV/H2O2 is one of the most conventional advanced oxidation processes, which has remarkable advantages for the removal of refractory organic pollutants in wastewater. However, the reaction mechanisms and pathways of pollutants with reactive radicals are still unclear. In this study, the degradation efficacy and mechanisms during the photodegradation of 2,4-D and 4-CPA in UV/H2O2 processes were investigated by experiments and density functional theory calculations. The results showed that 2,4-D was more likely to be degraded by UV/H2O2 treatment than UV photolysis alone. In contrast, 4-CPA can be degraded effectively and rapidly under UV irradiation alone. By LC-MS analysis, the degradation products of 2,4-D and 4-CPA in the UV/H2O2 processes were identified and they were produced by hydroxylation and photolysis. Therefore, we speculated a competition mechanism presented between direct photolysis and indirect photolysis in the UV/H2O2 degradation of 2,4-D and 4-CPA. The OH-initiated reaction mechanisms of 2,4-D and 4-CPA in aqueous environments were investigated using quantum chemical methods SMD/M06–2X/6–311++G (3df, 2p)//SMD/M06–2X/6-311 + G (d,p). The pH dependence of the reaction mechanisms and rate constants in their degradation process induced by ·OH was also investigated. The calculation results showed that the ionic forms (2,4-D- and 4-CPA-) were more prone to react with ·OH in comparison to the corresponding molecular forms (2,4-D and 4-CPA). The total rate constants of 2,4-D and 4-CPA with OH increased with the pH from 1 to 10, and decreased with continued pH increase. The toxicities of 2,4-D, 4-CPA and their products were assessed by the QSAR-based toxicity evaluation software. The results showed that several products were more toxic than their parent compounds, such as 2,4-dichlorophenol, 3,5-dichlorocatechol, 4-chlorophenol and hydroquinone. This work can contribute to clarifying the environmental risks of 2,4-D and 4-CPA and offer a complete understanding for the photodegradation behavior of 2,4-D and 4-CPA in aqueous ecosystems.

Evaluation of the trueness and precision of ceramic laminate veneers fabricated with four computer-aided manufacturing methods

The accuracy of computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) methods plays an important role in the clinical success of ceramic veneers. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of different CAD/CAM methods, including subtractive, hybrid, and additive manufacturing, on the trueness and precision of ceramic veneers. A typodont central incisor was prepared for a laminate veneer, followed by the design of a veneer with CAD software. Ceramic veneers were fabricated with four different CAD/CAM methods, including milled lithium disilicate, pressed lithium disilicate with three-dimensional (3D) printed wax patterns, milled zirconia, and 3D-printed zirconia. All veneers were scanned and imported to 3D inspection software for trueness and precision evaluation. Laminate veneers fabricated with all investigated methods exhibited clinically acceptable trueness and precision. Pressed lithium disilicate veneers from 3D-printed wax patterns and 3D-printed zirconia veneers showed lower precision of the fitting surfaces compared to their milled counterparts.

Integrating Large Language Models (LLMs) and Deep Representations of Emotional Features for the Recognition and Evaluation of Emotions in Spoken English

This study is dedicated to developing an innovative method for evaluating spoken English by integrating large language models (LLMs) with effective space learning, focusing on the analysis and evaluation of emotional features in spoken language. Addressing the limitation of current spoken English evaluation software that primarily focuses on acoustic features of speech (such as pronunciation, frequency, and prosody) while neglecting emotional expression, this paper proposes a method capable of deeply recognizing and evaluating emotional features in speech. The core of the method comprises three main parts: (1) the creation of a comprehensive spoken English emotion evaluation dataset combining emotionally rich speech data synthesized using LLMs with the IEMOCAP dataset and student spoken audio; (2) an emotion feature encoding network based on transformer architecture, dedicated to extracting effective spatial features from audio; (3) an emotion evaluation network for the spoken English language that accurately identifies emotions expressed by Chinese students by analyzing different audio characteristics. By decoupling emotional features from other sound characteristics in spoken English, this study achieves automated emotional evaluation. This method not only provides Chinese students with the opportunity to improve their ability to express emotions in spoken English but also opens new research directions in the fields of spoken English teaching and emotional expression evaluation.

QbD Assisted Optimization of Microwave-assisted Synthesis of Polyacrylamide Grafted Tragacanth: Characterization and Instrumental Analysis

Background: Polysaccharides have recently attracted a lot of attention in the designing of drug delivery systems due to their wide availability, lack of toxicity, and numerous ways that their nature, structure, and functionality can be altered. Methods: Microwave-assisted synthesis of graft copolymer of tragacanth (TRA) is done with poly-acrylamide (PAM) by free radical polymerization using ceric ammonium nitrate (CAN) as initiator. Grafting polymer concentration, CAN concentration, and exposure time were selected as independent variables, and their effect is studied for Grafting Efficiency (GE) and Intrinsic viscosity (IV) using Box-Behnken optimization design. Results: A quadratic model was suggested by the software for further statistical evaluation. On the basis of the desirability approach, optimized parameters for microwave-assisted synthesis were demon-strated, and further grafted TRA (Gr-TRA) was synthesized. Gr-TRA was studied for various charac-terization and elemental analysis. Gr-TRA showed the highest swelling index and least weight loss during the chemical resistance test. Further instrumental analyses like FTIR, XRD, and elemental anal-ysis confirmed the formation of Gr-TRA. Conclusion: Based on all of the above findings, the synthesis of PAM-grafted TRA has been optimized and could be used as a new pharmaceutical excipient in designing different dosage forms.

Quality Evaluation and Identification of Phyllanthi fructus (Yuganzi) Based on the Spectrum-Effect Relationship

To establish a quality evaluation and identification method for Phyllanthi fructus (Yuganzi), the spectrum-effect relationship was explored. A high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) fingerprint was established using ultraviolet spectrophotometry, and the in vitro antioxidant activity was determined using a total antioxidant capacity assay kit. Similarity analysis, hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA), and partial least squares regression (PLSR) were performed to establish the spectrum-effect relationships. Thirteen batches of Yuganzi were collected for testing. The results revealed that the optimal chromatographic conditions for the HPLC fingerprint were as follows: the mobile phase consisted of 0.1% phosphoric acid solution (A) and acetonitrile (B), the detection wavelength was 214 nm, the column temperature was 30 °C, and the flow rate was 0.8 mL/min. Among the batches of samples, the similarity values of 10 samples (S1–S10) from Yunnan were larger than 0.995; the similarity values of 3 samples (S11–S13) from India, Gaoligong Mountain, and Fujian were less than or equal to 0.986. Furthermore, nineteen characteristic peaks of Yuganzi were calibrated using fingerprint evaluation software. The study on the spectrum-effect relationship further revealed that compounds corresponding to peaks 5 and 8 were potentially key ingredients for the quality evaluation and identification of Yuganzi, closely related to the stable antioxidant activities of Yuganzi. The spectrum-effect relationship is an agile and efficient approach that can ensure the intra-assay stability of Yuganzi from same region and identify Yuganzi from different regions. Compounds with antioxidant activity can be identified as quality markers for Yuganzi.

Whole-body tumour burden on [18F]DCFPyL PET/CT in biochemical recurrence of prostate cancer: association with tumour biology and PSA kinetics.

The objective was to assess the association between molecular imaging (mi) variables on [18F]DCFPyL-PET/CT with clinical and disease characteristics and prostate specific antigen (PSA) related variables in patients with biochemical recurrence of prostate cancer (BRPC). We analysed patients with BRPC after radical treatment. We obtained clinical and PSA variables: International Society of Urology Pathology (ISUP) grade group, European Association of Urology (EAU) risk classification, PSA (PSA≤1ng/ml, 1<PSA≤2, PSA>2), PSA doubling time (PSAdt) and PSA velocity (PSAvel). All PET/CT scans were reviewed with the assistance of automated Prostate Molecular Imaging Standardized Evaluation (aPROMISE) software and lesions' segmentation in positive scans was performed using this platform. Standardized uptake value (SUV) derived variables; tumour burden variables [whole-body tumour volume (wbTV), whole-body tumour lesion activity (wbTLA) and whole-body mi PSMA (wbPSMA)] and miTNM staging were obtained. Cut-off of PSA and kinetics able to predict PET/CT results were obtained. Associations between disease and mi variables were analysed using ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis and Spearman's correlation tests. Multivariate analysis was also performed. Two hundred and seventy-five patients were studied. [18F]DCFPyL-PET/CT were positive in 165/275 patients. In multivariate analysis, moment of biochemical recurrence, ISUP group, PSA level and PSAvel showed significant association with the detection rate. miTNM showed significant association with PSA level (p<0.001) and kinetics (p<0.001), being higher in patients with metastatic disease. Both PSA and PSAvel showed moderate correlation with wbTV, wbTLA and wbPSMA (p<0.001). A weak correlation with SUVs was found. Mean wbTV, wbTLA and wbPSMA values were significantly higher in PSA > 2ng/ml, PSAdt ≤ 6 months and PSAvel ≥ 0.2ng/ml/month groups. Also, wbTV (p=0.039) and wbPSMA (p=0.020) were significantly higher in patients with ISUP grade group 5. PSA and PSAvel cut-offs (1.15 ng/ml and 0.065 ng/ml/month) were significantly associated with a positive PET/CT. Higher PSA values, unfavourable PSA kinetics and ISUP grade group 5 were robust predictive variables of larger tumour burden variables on [18F]DCFPyL PET/CT assessed by aPROMISE platform.

Evaluation of Various Free Software Options for Catphan 504 Phantom Analysis

In computed tomography, image quality tests are important to guarantee a correct medical diagnosis and a better cost and benefit for the patient. Purpose: the purpose of this study is to analyse the images reconstructed with different thorax and bone convolution filters using popular free-use software in the field of medical physics, for the Catphan 504 phantom. Methods: a total of 14 scans were performed using the chest protocol, with convolution filters (FC) FC30, FC35, FC50, FC51, FC52, FC53, FC55, FC56, FC80, FC81, FC83, FC84, FC85, FC86, on the 16-channel Canon Aquilion Lightning CT scanner using the Catphan 504 phantom. Image quality parameters evaluated were: noise, uniformity, linearity of CT numbers, and high spatial resolution with MTF 50% and MTF 10%. The images were evaluated using software such as ImageJ, Script Python, and free software for automatic evaluation of the Catphan 504 phantom, CTQA-cp, SPICE-CT, and Pylinac. Results: the tests carried out with the Catphan 504 phantom were analysed by the software and agreed with each other (with p&gt;0.05), except for Pylinac. The results obtained with Pylinac had a significant difference for the uniformity, slice thickness, and MTF10% tests, this being the code that was the furthest away from the results obtained by the other codes. Conclusions: the ImageJ, Spice-CT, and CTQA-cp software showed consistent results for the tests performed, while Pylinac had limitations in calculating the standard deviation for the noise test and showed significant differences in some tests when compared to the other software.

Fluoro HIP, a new software for intraoperative evaluation of the cup angles based on fluoroscopic images

PurposeDespite its clinical benefits, intraoperative navigation is currently used only in approximately 20% of total hip arthroplasties (THA) partly due to the high cost of the systems and time-consuming preoperative preparation. By providing a simpler and less expensive alternative, the use of intraoperative navigation is likely to increase among surgeons. In this study, we sought to validate the accuracy and utility of Fluoro HIP, a newly developed cup angle measurement software that runs on iOS devices. MethodsTwenty-seven patients who underwent primary total hip arthroplasty between June and September 2022 were included in the study. All patients underwent surgery in the supine position. Inclination and anteversion angles were determined using Fluoro HIP software based on the fluoroscopic images captured during surgery. Navigation errors were calculated by comparing with the values obtained from postoperative CT images. ResultsThe inclination and anteversion angles measured were 38.7 ​± ​3.9 and 15.0 ​± ​3.1°, respectively. The absolute value errors were 2.7 ​± ​1.9 and 3.0 ​± ​2.1° for the inclination and anteversion, respectively. Although Fluoro HIP software-based system may not be as precise as the conventional CT-based or portable navigation systems, the intraoperative evaluation of the cup angles by this system was considered to have acceptable accuracy and reproducibility for most THA cases performed in the supine position. Most importantly, our system requires no preoperative preparation and is significantly less expensive than other types of navigation systems currently in use. ConclusionThe Fluoro HIP software-based system is a highly cost-effective and affordable alternative to the conventional navigation systems.