Standard MSI Research Articles

Upper limb SMI for sarcopenia diagnosis in liver cirrhosis

Introduction. The muscle mass in sarcopenia is assessed in patients with liver cirrhosis (LC) using skeletal muscle indices (SMI) measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), the results of which are distorted due to lower limb edema. This requires the development of upper limb SMI (UL SMI) to ensure more accurate assessment of muscle mass in patients with LC and ascitice-dematous syndrome.Aim. To compare the diagnostic accuracy of standard MSI and UL SMI, and develop criteria for the reference range of UL SMI in patients with decompensated LC of various origin and sarcopenia, taking into account the lower limb edema in comparable age groups.Materials and methods. A prospective cohort study was conducted. The treatment group included patients with decompensated LC and lower limb edema of various origin; the control group included healthy volunteers matched to patients by gender and age to determine the diagnostic accuracy of the technique and calculate the criteria for the reference ranges in UP SMI. All patients underwent measurements of muscle mass by DXA.Results. A total of 59 patients were examined: 39 patients with LC and 20 healthy volunteers. Based on the results of the ROC analysis, it was determined that the cut-off values for UL SMI are 1.91 kg/m2 for men (sensitivity = 62.5%, specificity = 85.71%) and 1.47 kg/m2 for women (sensitivity = 86.96%, specificity = 69.23%) as compared to the cut-off values for the standard SMI of 7.78 kg/m2 for men (sensitivity = 75% and specificity = 57.14%), and SMI of 6.05 kg/m2 for women (sensitivity = 56.52% and specificity = 69.23%). UL SMI is a more accurate marker of sarcopenia in patients with LC and lower limb edema than the standard SMI.Conclusion. The advantages of UL SMI over classical SMI for sarcopenia diagnosis in patients with cirrhosis and lower extremity edema were demonstrated. The UL SMI criteria for the reference range in patients with decompensated LC and sarcopenia were developed.

Filter bank temporally local multivariate synchronization index for SSVEP-based BCI

BackgroundMultivariate synchronization index (MSI) has been successfully applied for frequency detection in steady state visual evoked potential (SSVEP) based brain–computer interface (BCI) systems. However, the standard MSI algorithm and its variants cannot simultaneously take full advantage of the time-local structure and the harmonic components in SSVEP signals, which are both crucial for frequency detection performance. To overcome the limitation, we propose a novel filter bank temporally local MSI (FBTMSI) algorithm to further improve SSVEP frequency detection accuracy. The method explicitly utilizes the temporal information of signal for covariance matrix estimation and employs filter bank decomposition to exploits SSVEP-related harmonic components.ResultsWe employed the cross-validation strategy on the public Benchmark dataset to optimize the parameters and evaluate the performance of the FBTMSI algorithm. Experimental results show that FBTMSI outperforms the standard MSI, temporally local MSI (TMSI) and filter bank driven MSI (FBMSI) algorithms across multiple experimental settings. In the case of data length of one second, the average accuracy of FBTMSI is 9.85% and 3.15% higher than that of the FBMSI and the TMSI, respectively.ConclusionsThe promising results demonstrate the effectiveness of the FBTMSI algorithm for frequency recognition and show its potential in SSVEP-based BCI applications.

Effects of Fermentation and Germination on Raw Whole-wheat Grain of Triticum durum in the Evaluation of Its Proximate, Minerals and Antinutrients Composition

Background: This work reports on the effects of processing on food composition of Triticum durum grown in Nigeria. Methods: Standard methods were used to determine proximate, minerals and antinutrients levels in raw (RS), fermented (FS) and germinated (GS) samples of T. durum. Results: Protein was enhanced in GS, crude fat in FS and GS whereas fibre was reduced in FS and GS and ash in FS. Water balance for protein metabolism were (ml): RS (579) > FS (576) < GS (630). Mineral reduction due to treatment can be seen as follows (mg/100g): RS (266.6) > GS (242.21) > FS (241.59). Major enhanced minerals during processing: Zn, Mn, and Na. Among the mineral ratios, [K/(Ca+Mg)] had values between 2.96-3.00 which were higher than the reference ideal balance of 2.20. In MSI for Na, Ca, Mg, Zn, Fe and P, only Zn had values greater than standard MSI indicating no deleterious effects in all the samples (except Zn). Processing highly reduced the antinutrients. Enhancement occurred in tannic acid, RS/FS (30.6), RS/GS (14.5), FS/GS (12.3). Significant differences (rc=0.01) existed; pairs RS/FS, RS/GS, FS/GS for proximate, mineral, antinutrient and molar ratios. Conclusion: In the areas of food functionality, importance would be GS > FS > RS.

24P Somatic tumor testing informs on mismatch repair deficiency (MMR-D) phenotype in patients with endometrial cancer

24P Somatic tumor testing informs on mismatch repair deficiency (MMR-D) phenotype in patients with endometrial cancer

Optimization of proximate composition, physico-chemical properties and mineral profiles of ‘Garri’, soy-cake and millet flour blends for potential functional dough meal

This study investigated effects of varying proportions of “Garri”, soy cake and whole millet flours on proximate composition, physico-chemical properties and mineral profiles of their blends as potential material for preparation of functional dough meal. Blends were optimized for protein (10-20%) and fibre (3-5%), using Design Expert Version 6.0.8. and variables “garri” (56-65%), soy cake (13-24%) and whole millet (11-22%) flours, which generated 14 blends. 100% ‘garri’ flour and three blends with highest protein and fibre contents were evaluated for proximate composition, physico-chemical properties and mineral profiles including mineral safety index of selected minerals. Protein and fibre contents of blends increased with increased proportions of soy cake and millet flours. Protein contents of blends increased (15.55–15.83%), while carbohydrate reduced (73.73–74.06% significantly (p < 0.05), compared to 100% “garri” flour (2.11% and 92%), respectively. 100% “garri” flour had significantly (p < 0.05) higher values for most functional and pasting parameters, compared to the blends, but no significant (p > 0.05) difference among the blends for most pasting properties. Swelling index correlated positively with both carbohydrate content and water absorption (r = 0.60). There was significant (p < 0.05) difference between mean calculated and standard MSI values for all minerals, while sample GSM-1 had highest calculated MSI values for all minerals except Ca and Na. Varying proportions of “garri”, soy cake and millet flours significantly (p < 0.05) altered the proximate composition, functional properties and mineral profiles of the blends but did not significantly (p > 0.05) affect most pasting parameters.

Detection of Microsatellite Instability: State of the Art and Future Applications in Circulating Tumour DNA (ctDNA).

Simple SummaryMicrosatellite instability (MSI) is a molecular fingerprint for defects in the mismatch repair system (dMMR) and is associated with higher risks of cancers. MSI/dMMR tumours are characterized by the accumulation of mutations throughout the genome, and particularly in microsatellite (MS) DNA repeat sequences. MSI stands as a major biomarker for familial cancer risk assessment, cancer prognosis, and therapeutic choices. Standard-of-care classification of MSI/dMMR tumours is most frequently achieved using immunohistochemistry or PCR-based assay directed against a set of five MS regions. However, novel molecular methods based on tumour tissue or plasma samples have been developed and could enter in the future trends of MSI testing. Here, we provide insights into these emerging approaches and discuss their advantages and limitations.Microsatellite instability (MSI) is a molecular scar resulting from a defective mismatch repair system (dMMR) and associated with various malignancies. MSI tumours are characterized by the accumulation of mutations throughout the genome and particularly clustered in highly repetitive microsatellite (MS) regions. MSI/dMMR status is routinely assessed in solid tumours for the initial screening of Lynch syndrome, the evaluation of cancer prognosis, and treatment decision-making. Currently, pentaplex PCR-based methods and MMR immunohistochemistry on tumour tissue samples are the standard diagnostic methods for MSI/dMMR. Other tissue methods such as next-generation sequencing or real-time PCR-based systems have emerged and represent viable alternatives to standard MSI testing in specific settings. The evolution of the standard molecular techniques has offered the opportunity to extend MSI determination to liquid biopsy based on the analysis of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) in plasma. This review aims at synthetizing the standard and emerging techniques used on tumour tissue samples for MSI/dMMR determination. We also provide insights into the MSI molecular techniques compatible with liquid biopsy and the potential clinical consequences for patients with solid cancers.

SSVEP signal classification and recognition based on individual signal mixing template multivariate synchronization index algorithm

With the development of automation technology, Brain Computer Interface (BCI) has been increasingly integrated into people's daily life, among which Steady State Visual Evoked Potential (SSVEP) has attracted much attention due to its high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and wide application scenarios. To improve the classification accuracy of SSVEP signals, a novel individual signal mixing template multivariate synchronization index algorithm (IST-MSI) was proposed in this paper, which incorporated individual training template and individual harmonic sensitivity coefficient into the standard MSI algorithm. Specifically, the proposed method first enlarged the frequency-domain power spectrum of the fundamental frequency and its harmonics to reduce the redundant information in the individual training template. The synchronization index values at non-target frequency identified by MSI algorithm are significantly reduced through unequal ratio scaling of harmonic sensitivity coefficient, thereby improving the SSVEP recognition. The experimental results showed that under the signal length of 1.2 s, the average classification accuracy of IST-MSI algorithm reached 84.3 % in six target frequencies, which was 5.8 % higher than that of standard MSI algorithm. This study confirmed the efficacy of the proposed IST-MSI algorithm for SSVEP recognition, demonstrating its promise in developing an improved BCI system.

Lease/release

High memory contention is generally agreed to be a worst-case scenario for concurrent data structures. There has been a significant amount of research effort spent investigating designs which minimize contention, and several programming techniques have been proposed to mitigate its effects. However, there are currently few architectural mechanisms to allow scaling contended data structures at high thread counts. In this paper, we investigate hardware support for scalable contended data structures. We propose Lease/Release, a simple addition to standard directory-based MSI cache coherence protocols, allowing participants to lease memory, at the granularity of cache lines, by delaying coherence messages for a short, bounded period of time. Our analysis shows that Lease/Release can significantly reduce the overheads of contention for both non-blocking (lock-free) and lock-based data structure implementations, while ensuring that no deadlocks are introduced. We validate Lease/Release empirically on the Graphite multiprocessor simulator, on a range of data structures, including queue, stack, and priority queue implementations, as well as on transactional applications. Results show that Lease/Release consistently improves both throughput and energy usage, by up to 5x, both for lock-free and lock-based data structure designs.

Right vertical infra-axillary mini-incision for repair of simple congenital heart defects: a matched-pair analysis

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of the right vertical infra-axillary mini-incision (RVAI) used for the repair of simple congenital heart defects. We performed a retrospective 1:1 matched-pair analysis on the patients with simple congenital heart defects who were operated on from February 2003 to October 2010. All the recruited patients were treated through either RVAI (RVAI group) or median sternotomy incision (MSI group). In order to balance the major prognostic factors between the two groups, the MSI group was selected by a pair-matched case-control methodology and matched for heart defects, the year of surgery, body weight and patching. A total of 104 patients were included. The demographics and preoperative clinical characteristics of the patients in the RVAI group (n = 52) and in the MSI one (n = 52) were similar. There were no operative or late mortalities and no special care in the intensive care unit (ICU) or rehospitalization. The mean duration time of surgical operation (skin-to-skin) was 147 ± 21 min (range from 100 to 190 min) in the RVAI group and 174 ± 35 min (range from 120 to 270 min) in the MSI one (P < 0.001), respectively. No significant difference was found between the two groups in the consuming time for cardiopulmonary bypass, aortic cross-clamp, postoperative ventilation, ICU stay, postoperative hospital stay and drainage. No significant residual defects were found in patients of both groups. No asymmetrical development of the breast, thoracic deformity or scoliosis has been found during the follow-up. All the patients or the parents of young children (100%) in the RVAI group and 34 patients or the parents of young children (65.4%) in the MSI one were satisfied with the cosmetic results (P < 0.001). The RVAI surgical approach to simple congenital heart defects was a safe procedure and could be performed with excellent cosmetic and clinical outcomes. It provided a good alternative to the standard MSI for simple congenital heart defects.

Evaluation of Microsatellite Instability, hMLH1 Expression and hMLH1 Promoter Hypermethylation in Defining the MSI Phenotype of Colorectal Cancer

About 10-15% of all colorectal cancers (CRCs) demonstrate high levels of microsatellite instability (MSI-H) and are currently best identified by molecular analysis of microsatellite markers. Most sporadic CRCs with MSI-H are known to be associated with the methylation of the hMLH1 promoter. Promoter methylation coincides with lack of the hMLH1 expression. We aimed to investigate the association between MSI status, hMLH1 protein expression and methylation status of the hMLH1 promoter, and to determine the usefulness of each method in defining the MSI phenotype in sporadic CRCs. Methods: CRCs from 173 patients from the Cancer and Leukemia Group B (CALGB) were assessed for their MSI status. An additional cohort of 18 MSI-H tumors from the University of California San Diego (UCSD) was included in the analysis of the MSI-H subgroup. MSI testing was performed by PCR using five standard MSI markers. hMLH1 promoter analysis was investigated by methylation specific PCR (MSP), and expression of the MMR genes hMLH1 and hMSH2 was examined by immunohistochemistry (IHC). Results: Of the 173 CALGB tumors, 111 (64%) were MSS, 35 (20%) were MSI-L and 27 (16%) MSI-H, respectively. Data on hMLH1 protein expression, MSH2 protein expression and hMLH1 methylation are available on 128, 173 and 81 of these tumors, respectively. Presence of hMLH1 and hMSH2 protein expression was significantly associated with MSI status. Four of 45 (8.9%) MSI-H tumors and 0 of 146 (0%) MSS/MSI-L tumors did not express hMSH2 (p=0.0028). hMLH1 protein expression was present in 107 of 108 (99%) MSS and MSI-L tumors versus 11 of 20 (55%) MSI-H tumors (p

Implementation of a pseudo 2-D median filter for image enhancement

The authors discuss the design of a pseudo-two-dimensional median filter based on a novel compare-and-decode technique. The filter can be easily implemented using standard MSI devices. When running at 1.5 MHz, it takes only 0.35 s to filter a 512*512*8-b picture frame. >

A digital sonar-signal processor

A development programme to enhance a digital sonar-signal processor and details of particular design techniques are described. The original processor was made from standard MSI and LSI devices, and was capable of 29 Mops. All of the enhancements discussed require the development of custom and semi-custom devices. The design techniques discussed are, however, generally applicable. The enhanced processor considered can offer 69 Mops whilst increasing flexibility.

A Dedicated Processor for Low-Level Vision

Abstract A microprogrammable processor for low-level vision has been developed. It can be used as a slave processor in Multibus-based vision systems. The architecture of the processor is designed to be efficient in binary image analysis and in many common gray scale operations. The implemented operations include connectivity analysis and logical neighborhood operations for binary images, pixel operations, convolutions and geometric transformations for gray scale images and arithmetic and logical operations between two images. Typical execution times of operations vary from 50 ms to 500 ms for a 256 by 256 pixel image depending on the complexity of the operation. The processor is implemented in three boards with standard MSI and LSI technology. Potential applications for the processor are in industrial automation, graphics arts industry and medicine.

Digital Design with Standard MSI and LSI

Digital Design with Standard MSI and LSI

The binary decision machine as programmable controller

Programmable controllers are used as a replacement for random relay logic in industrial control applications. They consist of a standard control circuit and a program memory. Most operate by stepwise evaluation of the encoded Boolean sum of products expressions describing the switching functions (stored in memory). Thus, the number of program steps required for evaluating each expression is a rapidly increasing function of the number of input variables. The concept of binary decision programs makes it possible to evaluate each switching function in a number of steps that does not exceed the number of input variables. The corresponding processor, henceforth called the Binary Decision Machine (BDM), can therefore be used in cases where speed requirements render the usual programmable controllers unsuitable. Moreover, the architecture of a BDM is considerably simpler than that of a programmable controller, resulting in a lower cost. Outside of the program memory, a BDM consists of less than half a dozen standard MSI and SSI chips. In addition to the realization and the programming of BDMs, this paper discusses several particular aspects of combinational and sequential logic using BDMs.