Diagnostic Trends Research Articles

Stiff, Smooth, and Solid? Complex Fracture Hydraulics' Imprint on Oscillatory Hydraulic Testing

AbstractFractured bedrock aquifers, especially deep aquifers, represent increasingly common targets for waste storage and alternative energy development, necessitating detailed quantitative descriptions of fracture hydraulic properties, geometry, and connectivity. Yet, multi‐scale characterization of the physical properties that govern fluid flow through and storage in fractured bedrock remains a fundamental hydrogeologic challenge. Oscillatory hydraulic testing, a novel hydraulic characterization technique, has been showing promise in field experiments to characterize the effective hydraulic properties of bedrock fractures. To date, these characterization efforts utilize simplified diffusive analytical models that conceptualize a non‐deforming, parallel‐plate fracture embedded within impermeable host rock, and have found that the returned fracture hydraulic parameter estimates exhibit an apparent period‐dependence. We conduct synthetic experiments using three different numerical models to examine proposed mechanisms that might contribute to the observed period‐dependence including heterogeneous flow and storage within the fracture (i.e., aperture heterogeneity), fracture‐host rock fluid exchange, and fracture hydromechanics. This work represents the first systematic analysis that seeks to understand the process(es) occurring within a bedrock fracture that might be contributing to this apparent period‐dependence. Our analysis demonstrates that all investigated mechanisms generate period‐dependent effective hydraulic parameter estimates, each with their own potentially diagnostic trends; however, fracture hydromechanics is the only explored mechanism that consistently reproduces period‐dependent trends in parameter estimates that are consistent with existing field investigations. These results highlight the need to develop more complex numerical modeling approaches that account for this hydromechanical behavior when characterizing fractured bedrock aquifers.

Endoparasites in dogs diagnosed at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital (VTH)-University of Bologna, combined with clinicopathological results. A long-term retrospective secondary data study.

Humans and dogs commonly share the same domestic environment. Europe, and Italy specifically, have a substantial and growing dog population. Potentially zoonotic parasites may be harbored even by dogs receiving regular veterinary care. Thus, transmission of zoonotic or potentially zoonotic parasites to owners and their families should not be underestimated. Frequently, endoparasite infections occur as a subclinical infection and clinicopathological alterations have been documented including anemia, hypoalbuminemia, and eosinophilia. The aim of this large retrospective secondary data study was to analyze coprological endoparasite results and putative risk factors obtained from owned dogs, through a 9-year-period (2011-2019). Possible associations between diagnosed endoparasites and sex, age, seasonality, and year of examination were evaluated. Additionally, parasitological diagnoses were combined to complete blood count parameters and biochemical profiles, when available, to check for any possible hematological alteration from parasitism. A total of 1,972 dogs were evaluated for endoparasites using common fecal diagnostic tests over a 9-year period. The overall proportion of endoparasite-positive animals was 10%. The most common endoparasites detected were Cystoisospora spp. (3%), Toxocara canis (2.8%), Giardia duodenalis (1.6%), and Trichuris vulpis (1.2%). Of these parasites detected, Toxocara poses the greatest zoonotic risk, while Giardia species are considered to have a low potential to be zoonotic. There was no significant diagnostic trend across the years through the study period. Dogs were more frequently diagnosed endoparasite-positive when young and during cold seasons compared to the baselines of mature dogs and warm seasons. The clinicopathological profiles indicated that parasitized dogs had mild hematological alterations. The frequency of detected potentially zoonotic endoparasites in this study highlights that the risk should not be underestimated. Parasitic infection was found to be mostly dependent on age and season. Having this information may help clinicians to develop anthelmintic protocols to reduce the risk of transmission.

Diagnostic development using net analyte signal for pure component modeling approaches

The use of calibration-free or minimal calibration chemometric modeling approaches has garnered increased interest as the application of process analytical technologies (PAT) has expanded in the pharmaceutical industry. Pure component models such as iterative optimization technology (IOT) algorithms require only pure component spectra and no mixture samples as model inputs. However, the deployment of pure component models for PAT is limited by the lack of model diagnostics to establish confidence in model predictions and identify outliers. In the presented research, a novel diagnostic for use with IOT, called NAS-T, is proposed based on comparing the shape of net analyte signals (NAS) between the pure components and a sample mixture. Circular statistics were used in the analysis of NAS-T. The new diagnostic was applied in parallel with the partial least squares (PLS) Hotelling's T2 diagnostic to identify outlier near-infrared spectral samples from a set of pharmaceutical powder mixtures. The outliers detected by the NAS-T diagnostic included both chemical interferences (contamination) and physical interferences (process variations). Preprocessing the mixture sample spectra produced trends in the model diagnostics that were consistent between IOT and PLS. These results support the adoption of IOT and other pure component models for PAT applications in the pharmaceutical industry.

Modern Methods of Imaging of Breast Neoplasms (Literature Review)

High incidence of breast cancer is unchanged; therefore, it is relevant to study the possibilities of modern radiological methods for the diagnostics of breast cancer at an early stage. The purpose of the study was to analyze current trends of breast cancer diagnostics at early stages by modern imaging methods according to the literature. The systematic search was performed for reviews and meta-analyses in RSCI, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science databases, published from 2012 to 2022, on breast cancer diagnostics using the keywords: breast cancer, mammography, digital breast tomosynthesis, Contrast-Enhanced Spectral Mammography, positron emission computed tomography, computed tomography, single photon emission computed tomography, ultrasound, ultrasound tomosynthesis, magnetic resonance imaging. Out of 100 publications published over the past 10 years, 48 were included in the presented review. The existing methods of diagnosing breast cancer have certain advantages and disadvantages relative to each other, the consideration of which is necessary when drawing up a plan of clarifying diagnostic measures, including women with high breast density. Promising methods of diagnosing breast cancer at an early stage — digital tomosynthesis, ultrasound tomosynthesis, dual-energy spectral contrast mammography, short MRI protocol are new and could be optimize the approach to the diagnosis of breast lesions in women with high breast density. This poorly studied methods require further research to optimize the breast cancer-screening algorithm, improve the indicators of early detection of breast cancer and increase economic efficiency.

Current Status and Emerging Trends in Colorectal Cancer Screening and Diagnostics.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a prevalent and potentially fatal disease categorized based on its high incidences and mortality rates, which raised the need for effective diagnostic strategies for the early detection and management of CRC. While there are several conventional cancer diagnostics available, they have certain limitations that hinder their effectiveness. Significant research efforts are currently being dedicated to elucidating novel methodologies that aim at comprehending the intricate molecular mechanism that underlies CRC. Recently, microfluidic diagnostics have emerged as a pivotal solution, offering non-invasive approaches to real-time monitoring of disease progression and treatment response. Microfluidic devices enable the integration of multiple sample preparation steps into a single platform, which speeds up processing and improves sensitivity. Such advancements in diagnostic technologies hold immense promise for revolutionizing the field of CRC diagnosis and enabling efficient detection and monitoring strategies. This article elucidates several of the latest developments in microfluidic technology for CRC diagnostics. In addition to the advancements in microfluidic technology for CRC diagnostics, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) holds great promise for further enhancing diagnostic capabilities. Advancements in microfluidic systems and AI-driven approaches can revolutionize colorectal cancer diagnostics, offering accurate, efficient, and personalized strategies to improve patient outcomes and transform cancer management.

Machine learning and bioinformatics analysis to identify autophagy-related biomarkers in peripheral blood for rheumatoid arthritis.

Background: Although rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a common autoimmune disease, the precise pathogenesis of the disease remains unclear. Recent research has unraveled the role of autophagy in the development of RA. This research aims to explore autophagy-related diagnostic biomarkers in the peripheral blood of RA patients. Methods: The gene expression profiles of GSE17755 were retrieved from the gene expression ontology (GEO) database. Differentially expressed autophagy-related genes (DE-ARGs) were identified for the subsequent research by inserting autophagy-related genes and differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Three machine learning algorithms, including random forest, support vector machine recursive feature elimination (SVM-RFE), and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO), were employed to identify diagnostic biomarkers. A nomogram model was constructed to assess the diagnostic value of the biomarkers. The CIBERSORT algorithm was performed to investigate the correlation of the diagnostic biomarkers with immune cells and immune factors. Finally, the diagnostic efficacy and differential expression trend of diagnostic biomarkers were validated in multiple cohorts containing different tissues and diseases. Results: In this study, 25 DE-ARGs were identified between RA and healthy individuals. In addition to "macroautophagy" and "autophagy-animal," DE-ARGs were also associated with several types of programmed cell death and immune-related pathways according to GO and KEGG analysis. Three diagnostic biomarkers, EEF2, HSP90AB1 and TNFSF10, were identified by the random forest, SVM-RFE, and LASSO. The nomogram model demonstrated excellent diagnostic value in GSE17755 (AUC = 0.995, 95% CI: 0.988-0.999). Furthermore, immune infiltration analysis showed a remarkable association between EEF2, HSP90AB1, and TNFSF10 expression with various immune cells and immune factors. The three diagnostic biomarkers also exhibited good diagnostic efficacy and demonstrated the same trend of differential expression in multiple validation cohorts. Conclusion: This study identified autophagy-related diagnostic biomarkers based on three machine learning algorithms, providing promising targets for the diagnosis and treatment of RA.

Diagnostic trends of preoperative venous thromboembolism and its clinical implications in patients who underwent surgery for degenerative spinal diseases

BACKGROUND CONTEXTAlthough the risk of postoperative venous thromboembolism (VTE) in patients who undergo surgery for degenerative spinal disease has received attention, patients experiencing prolonged pain and disability while awaiting or considering surgery have not received adequate attention regarding the risk of VTE. PURPOSETo investigate the epidemiology of preoperative VTE in patients undergoing surgery for degenerative spinal disease. DESIGNRetrospective cohort study using a nationwide database. PATIENT SAMPLEPatients who underwent surgery for degenerative spinal disease. OUTCOME MEASURESPreoperative occurrence of VTE. METHODSData from 2014 to 2018 were obtained from the Korean National Health Insurance claims database. The occurrence of preoperative VTE within a 1-year period divided into 12 time intervals of 30 days each was investigated. The patients were categorized into two groups based on the presence of preoperative VTE. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify the factors associated with preoperative VTE. To validate the relationship between degenerative spinal disease and preoperative VTE, the diagnostic trends of preoperative VTE were analyzed in accordance with the identified risk factors. RESULTSThe overall incidence of preoperative VTE was 50 per 10,000 individuals. Multivariable analysis revealed that VTE occurred more frequently in older patients with specific medical comorbidities, particularly in those with a lumbar spinal lesion accompanied by arthritis of the hip, knee, or shoulder. We also found that the incidence rates of preoperative VTE, as well as the gradient of their increase, began to rise approximately 2 to 3 months prior to the index surgery, peaking just before the index surgery. This diagnostic trend was consistently observed in all patients irrespective of the presence of other risk factors. CONCLUSIONSThe incidence of preoperative VTE in patients with degenerative spinal disease exhibited a sharp increase immediately before surgery, with similar rates to those of postoperative VTE. Clinicians managing patients with degenerative spinal disease should be vigilant for preoperative as well as postoperative VTE.

Gastric squamous cell carcinoma: A rare malignancy, literature review and management recommendations (Review).

Gastric cancer serves a major role in the global cancer burden, being the fourth most frequent cause of mortality among all types of cancer. Gastric squamous cell carcinoma (GSCC) is a rare histological variant accounting for 0.04-0.5% of all gastric cancer cases. Diagnostic work-up of GSCC is essential and involves multiple criteria: i) Tumour not located in the cardia, ii) no oesophageal extension of the tumour, and iii) no evidence of SCC in any other part of the body. Little is known about this rare variant in terms of pathogenesis, risk factors or evolution. Consequently, neither the European Society of Medical Oncology nor the National Comprehensive Cancer Network societies have published recommendations for GSCC. The aim of the present review is to provide an in-depth analysis of the current literature on this pathology, from pathophysiological hypothesis and clinical presentation to diagnostic work-up and treatment trends, in order to establish a possible management algorithm.

Diagnostic capacities and treatment practices on implantation mycoses: Results from the 2022 WHO global online survey.

Between January and March 2022, WHO conducted a global online survey to collect data on diagnostic capacities and treatment practices in different settings for four implantation mycoses: eumycetoma, actinomycetoma, cutaneous sporotrichosis and chromoblastomycosis. The survey investigated the type of diagnostic methods available in countries at various health system levels (tertiary, secondary, primary level) and the medicines used to treat implantation mycoses, with a view to understanding the level of drug repurposing for treatment of these diseases. 142 respondents from 47 countries, including all continents, contributed data: 60% were from middle-income countries, with 59% working at the tertiary level of the health system and 30% at the secondary level. The results presented in this article provide information on the current diagnostic capacity and treatment trends for both pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions. In addition, the survey provides insight on refractory case rates, as well as other challenges, such as availability and affordability of medicines, especially in middle-income countries. Although the study has limitations, the survey-collected data confirms that drug repurposing is occurring for all four surveyed implantation mycoses. The implementation of an openly accessible global and/or a national treatment registry for implantation mycoses could contribute to address the gaps in epidemiological information and collect valuable observational data to inform treatment guidelines and clinical research.

A demographic study of acute megakaryoblastic leukemia using the national cancer database.

e19023 Background: Acute megakaryoblastic leukemia (AMKL) is a rare subtype of acute myeloid leukemia that, based on past studies, primarily affects children. Patients with Down syndrome (DS) have a higher risk of developing AMKL. While DS-associated AMKL has an overall survival rate of 80%, the prognosis of adult AMKL is much poorer (overall survival rate of < 40%). The prognostic heterogeneity of AMKL warrants an investigation of its diagnostic trends in order to gain epidemiological insights. In this study, demographic data of AMKL patients was obtained from the National Cancer Database (NCDB) and analyzed to determine factors that affect the outcome of AMKL patients. Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, data from the 2004-2020 NCDB was analyzed to identify cases of AMKL with ICD-O-3 code 9910. Demographic data attached to the identified cases assessed included age, sex, race, Hispanic status, insurance status, facility type, surgery status, palliative care status, and Charlson-Deyo score. Descriptive statistics were obtained, and the incidence trends of AMKL were interpreted using regression analysis. Results: A total of 765 patients diagnosed with AMKL were identified in the database between 2004 – 2020 with a decreasing incidence of patients diagnosed per year (64 cases in 2004 and 11 cases in 2020; R^2 = 0.86). The average age of diagnosis was 40.3 years (SD = 32.4, range = 0 – 90 years, median = 51 years). AMKL exhibits slight male prevalence (55.2% vs 44.8% for females). The majority of the patients were Non-Hispanic White (77.6%). Most individuals had Charlson-Deyo comorbidity scores of 0 (79.1%). The incidence rates were similar across household income quartiles. 72.8% of AMKL cases were diagnosed in urban areas with a population of > 250,000. Fewer cases were treated at community cancer programs as compared to either academic/research programs (45.1%) or integrated network cancer programs (20.6%). Private insurance (38.6%), Medicare (30.6%), and Medicaid (22.0%) were the most common insurance types. All patients received surgical intervention of the bone marrow and 3.2% of patients received palliative care. Conclusions: This NCDB-based demographic analysis on AMKL serves to improve the general understanding of AMKL. Surprisingly, the average and median ages of diagnosis are 40.3 and 51 years, respectively, which contradicts prior reports of AMKL being primarily a pediatric disease. Our analysis of the socioeconomic factors of AMKL patients showed that most AMKL patients were non-Hispanic Whites and diagnosed and treated in urban settings. In addition, the majority of AMKL patients had government insurance (54.6%; Medicare, Medicaid, and others). While this study provides initial insight into the role demographics play in the diagnosis and treatment of AMKL patients, further studies on how these factors contribute to their outcome would provide great value in understanding the social disparity in AMKL.

Demographic factors affecting patients with AML with myelodysplasia-related changes.

e19027 Background: Acute myeloid leukemia with myelodysplasia-related changes (AML-MRC) is a rare and aggressive form of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) that makes up about 25-34% of its annual cases. The subtype includes a varied group of tumors with clinical, genetic, and morphological characteristics that confer poor outcomes. AML-MRC is commonly treated with intensive chemotherapy, but the median survival is only 9-12 months. Given the poor outcomes, gaining a better understanding of epidemiologic factors could reveal opportunities for earlier diagnosis and improved treatment planning. Demographic characteristics of AML-MRC patients were identified and examined using the National Cancer Database (NCDB). Methods: Individuals with a confirmed diagnosis of AML-MRC (N = 14,536) were identified using the NCDB for a retrospective analysis from 2004 to 2020. Patient sex, age at diagnosis, race, household income, insurance status, urban/rural residence, and Charlson-Deyo score were examined by descriptive statistics, and diagnostic trends by year were identified and calculated with regression analysis. Results: A total of 14,536 patients diagnosed with AML-MRC between 2004 – 2020 were identified in the NCDB. Within this timeframe, there was an increasing incidence of diagnosis per year (R2 = 0.9). AML-MRC was more common in males (61.1%) than females (38.9%), and the average age at diagnosis was 68.9 years (SD = 13.0, range = 0 – 90 years). The majority of patients (87.3%) were White. Patients were most likely to be a part of the highest median household income quartile (33.6%) and least likely to be a part of the bottom quartile (13.2%). A higher percentage of patients were insured by Medicare (63.0%) compared to private insurance (25.3%). Most patients lived in counties in metro areas of 1 million population or more (51.4%). Most individuals had Charlson-Deyo comorbidity scores of zero (68.1%). The most common type of treatment facility was academic/research programs (55.1%) followed by comprehensive community cancer programs (23.3%). Conclusions: AML-MRC is a common subtype of AML with a poor prognosis. Previous studies have found that most individuals with AML-MRC are older-aged, White males. Our study corroborated this finding and examined additional demographic factors. We found that these patients were more likely to hold insurance through Medicare, likely reflecting the older average age at diagnosis. Additionally, patients were most commonly in the highest household income quartile and living in a metropolitan area with the highest population density. This could suggest that better access to healthcare improves rates of diagnosis of AML-MRC. Especially given that more people are being diagnosed each year, further research should work to understand the effects of these, and other, socioeconomic factors on the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of patients with AML-MRC.

Demographic analysis of diagnostic patterns in head and neck fibromyxosarcoma.

e23546 Background: Fibromyxosarcoma (MFS) is a rare form of cancer that originates in connective tissue, starting in the arms and legs, but spreads into healthy tissues elsewhere in the body. 42% of MFS patients succumb to the disease within 5 years of diagnosis, with most cases being fatal in less than 2 years post-diagnosis. Due to the scarcity of literature regarding MFS, with no prior otolaryngological study on MFS, the diagnostic trend of the disease can assist in understanding its epidemiology. To determine diagnostic patterns, demographic factors of head and neck MFS patients in the National Cancer Database (NCDB) were analyzed. Methods: Using the National Cancer Database (NCDB) data from 2004 – 2020, a retrospective analysis was performed that included patients with a histologically-confirmed MFS diagnosis in the head and neck (N = 67). Descriptive statistics were used to analyze demographic factors: age, sex, race, social status, number of surgical procedures, facility type, insurance status, Charleson-Deyo score, and type of palliative care received. Regression analysis was used to interpret incidence trends. Results: 67 total patients were identified in NCDB with head and neck MFS between 2004 – 2020 with a steady amount of diagnoses per year (R2 = 0.093). The top primary site was the maxillary sinuses (22.4%). The average age of diagnosis was 54.1 years (SD = 18.0, range = 10 – 90 years). MFS was more present in males (59.7%) than females (40.3%). The majority of the patients were non-Hispanic White (82.1%). More patients lived in counties of metropolitan areas of a population of 1 million or more (55.2%) than in other urban/rural areas (13.5%). 82.1% of patients underwent surgical procedures at the primary site, with 28.4% being through a primary incision in the nose. More patients were treated in an academic/research program (52.2%) than in a non-academic program (28.4%). Most of the patients were privately insured (59.7%). More patients had a median income in the top quartile (44.8%) compared to patients in the second, third, or fourth quartiles. Most individuals had a Charlson-Deyo score of 0 (82.1%). The majority of the patients did not receive palliative care (97.0%). Conclusions: This is the first analysis of otolaryngological MFS using the NCDB, which expands our knowledge on the sociodemographic factors associated with its diagnosis. From all the years analyzed, MFS remains a rare disease. The majority of patients diagnosed with MFS tend to be non-Hispanic, White males with the primary site in the maxillary sinus. MFS patients are mostly treated in academic/research programs and live in densely-populated areas. This analysis provides an initial overview of the impact of demographic factors in patients with MFS, but examination into the impact of these variables on the prognosis and outcome of MFS patients would be valuable in understanding the social inequity surrounding this malignancy.

Ceruminous adenocarcinoma: A National Cancer Database study of demographic characteristics.

e18084 Background: Ceruminous adenocarcinoma (CA) is a rare form of malignancy that originates from the ceruminous glands located in the external auditory canal. Despite its rarity, 25% of CA patients succumb to the disease within two years of diagnosis. Radiation treatment improves the 10-year survival rate to 60%, up from 30% without radiation treatment. Due to the rarity of CA, the diagnostic trend of the disease could offer valuable insight into its epidemiology. The National Cancer Database (NCDB) database was analyzed to determine the demographic factors in patients diagnosed with CA. Methods: A retrospective cohort analysis utilizing the 2004–2020 National Cancer Database (NCDB) included patients with a histologically-confirmed diagnosis of CA (N = 37). Demographic factors (age, sex, race, Hispanic status, educational attainment, insurance status, facility type, distance from facility, and Charles/Deyo score) were analyzed by descriptive statistics and incidence trends were interpreted in regression analysis. Results: A total of 37 patients were identified in the database with a confirmed diagnosis of CA between 2004 – 2020 with a steady incidence of patients diagnosed per year (R2 = 0.0). The average age of diagnosis was 59.7 years (SD = 16.5, range = 14 – 90 years). The top primary site was the external ear (89.2%), although primary sites on other areas of the skin did occur. Most individuals (89.2%) had Charlson/Deyo comorbidity scores of 0. The majority of the patients were Non-Hispanic White (89.1%). More patients were in the top quartile of income earners (35.5.%) compared to those in the second, third, or fourth quartiles. A higher percentage of patients were privately insured (51.4%) than those who were uninsured or insured by Medicare/Medicaid. More patients lived in metropolitan counties with a population greater than 1 million (43.2%) than in other metropolitan counties (35.1%). Fewer patients were treated in an academic/research program (40.5%) than in a non-academic program (46.0%). Patients lived an average of 43.3 miles (SD = 74.7, range = 1.8 – 370) from the treatment facility. No patients received palliative care. Conclusions: This is the first NCDB analysis on CA to the best of our knowledge and thus addresses a significant knowledge gap on the topic. The majority of CA patients tend to be non-Hispanic and White with a primary site diagnosis presenting at the external ear, similar to earlier descriptions in case reports. This is the first time the socioeconomic factors of CA patients have been described in the literature: CA patients are more likely to be in the top income quartile, live in densely-populated metropolitan areas, and be treated in a non-academic program. Further research is needed to better understand the impact of demographic and socioeconomic factors on the diagnosis of, treatments utilized against, and overall survival of patients with CA.

Abstract 4: A SEER Analysis of Demographic Factors Associated With Ceruminous Adenocarcinoma, 2000-2019

Abstract Purpose: Ceruminous adenocarcinoma (CA) is an uncommon malignancy that arises from the ceruminous glands located in the external auditory canal. Although rare, 25% of patients with CA die of the disease within 2 years of presentation. CA has a 10-year survival rate of 60% with radiation treatment and 30% without radiation treatment. The rarity of this tumor type, combined with a lack of published data, makes it difficult to fully understand its clinical characteristics and optimal management strategies. A study on its epidemiology could offer valuable insight into the diagnostic trend of the disease. The Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database was analyzed to determine the demographic factors in patients diagnosed with CA. Methods: A retrospective cohort analysis utilizing the SEER database from 2000 to 2019 included patients with a confirmed diagnosis of CA (N=45). Cross-tabulation of the demographic factors (age, sex, race, marital status, and Hispanic origin) was analyzed by Pearson’s chi-squared test (p=0.05) and incidence trends were interpreted in regression analysis. Results: There has been a downward trend in incidence rates of patients diagnosed with CA since 2007 (R2=0.139) with an average of 2.25 diagnoses per year. A total of 45 patients were identified in the database with a confirmed diagnosis of CA. The average age of diagnosis was 60.0 years (SD=15.4, range=26–88 years). The top primary site was the external ear (69%), followed by skin of the trunk (8.9%) and skin of the lower limb (6.7%). The majority of the patients were male (53%), non-Spanish-Hispanic-Latino (91%), and White (82%) followed by Black (8.9%), and Asian/Pacific Islanders (6.7%). More patients (40%) were married at the time of diagnosis than those who were widowed (13%), single (9%), or divorced (7%), with the rest having unknown marital status (31%). There were no statistically significant differences between the demographic factors and the primary site at which CA presents. Conclusion: The majority of CA patients tend to be non-Hispanic White males with a declining number of cases each year. Further research is needed to better understand the impact of demographic factors on the diagnosis and overall survival of patients with CA, as well as the reason for the decreased incidence and possible underdiagnosis of the disease. Citation Format: Beau Hsia, Darby Keirns, Peter Silberstein, Xinxin Wu. A SEER Analysis of Demographic Factors Associated With Ceruminous Adenocarcinoma, 2000-2019 [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 11th Annual Symposium on Global Cancer Research; Closing the Research-to-Implementation Gap; 2023 Apr 4-6. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2023;32(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 4.

Neural Network Applications in Electrical Drives—Trends in Control, Estimation, Diagnostics, and Construction

Currently, applications of the algorithms based on artificial intelligence (AI) principles can be observed in various fields. This can be also noticed in the wide area of electrical drives. Consideration has been limited to neural networks; however, the tasks for the models can be defined as follows: control, state variable estimation, and diagnostics. In the subsequent sections of this paper, electrical machines, as well as power electronic devices, are assumed as the main objects. This paper describes the basics, issues, and possibilities related to the used tools and explains the growing popularity of neural network applications in automatic systems with electrical drives. The paper begins with the overall considerations; following that, the content proceeds with the details, and two specific examples are shown. The first example deals with a neural network-based speed controller tested in a structure with a synchronous reluctance motor. Then, the implementation of recurrent neural networks as state variable estimators is analyzed. The achieved results present a precise estimation of the load speed and the shaft torque signals from a two-mass system. All descriptions in the article are considered in the context of the trends and perspectives in modern algorithm applications for electrical drives.

Epidemiology and diagnostic trends of congenital adrenal hyperplasia in Denmark: a retrospective, population-based study.

The prevalence of newborns with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) detected by neonatal screening is well-described, but data including patients diagnosed later in life are extremely limited. This study aimed to describe diagnostic trends for all patients with CAH in Denmark. A nationwide population-based registry study including medical record review. We identified 462 patients (290 females) with any form of CAH. The prevalence of CAH combined was 15.1 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 12.3-16.1) and 9.0 (CI: 7.6-10.4) per 100,000 newborn females and males. There was a prevalence of salt-wasting (SW), simple-virilizing (SV), and non-classic (NC) CAH due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency of: SW-CAH: 6.4 (CI: 5.3-7.6) and 5.6 (CI: 4.6-6.8); SV-CAH: 2.0 (CI: 1.4-2.8) and 1.6 (CI: 1.0-2.7); and NC-CAH: 5.5 (CI: 4.4-6.9) and 2.5 (CI: 1.7-3.7) per 100,000 newborn females and males, respectively. Diagnosis of NC-CAH increased significantly during the course of the study. There was a female preponderance for SV-CAH (ratio: 1.8) and NC-CAH (ratio: 3.2). Median age at diagnosis, females and males respectively: SW-CAH: 4 (interquartile range [IQR]: 0-11) and 14 (IQR: 8-24) days, SV-CAH: 3.1 (IQR: 1.2-6.6) and 4.8 (IQR: 3.2-6.9) years, and NC-CAH: 15.5 (IQR: 7.9-22.5) and 9.4 (IQR: 7.2-23.2) years. The combined prevalence of CAH was 15.1 and 9.0 per 100,000 newborn females and males, respectively. The female preponderance was primarily due to diagnosis of more females than males with NC-CAH. International Fund of Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia, Health Research Fund of Central Denmark Region, Aase and Einar Danielsen Fund, and "Fonden til Lægevidenskabens Fremme".

Pathogen Prevalence Estimates and Diagnostic Methodology Trends in Laboratory Mice and Rats from 2003 to 2020.

Rodents used in biomedical research are maintained as specific pathogen-free (SPF) by employing biosecurity measures that eliminate and exclude adventitious infectious agents known to confound research. The efficacy of these practices is assessed by routine laboratory testing referred to as health monitoring (HM). This study summarizes the results of HM performed at Charles River Research Animal Diagnostic Services (CR-RADS) on samples submitted by external (non-Charles River) clients between 2003 and 2020. Summarizing this vast amount of data has been made practicable by the recent introduction of end-user business intelligence tools to Excel. HM summaries include the number of samples tested and the percent positive by diagnostic methodology, including direct examination for parasites, cultural isolation and identification for bacteria, serology for antibodies to viruses and fastidious microorganisms, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays for pathogen-specific genomic sequences. Consistent with comparable studies, the percentages of pathogen-positive samples by diagnostic methodology and year interval are referred to as period prevalence estimates (%PE). These %PE substantiate the elimination of once common respiratory pathogens, such as Sendai virus, and reductions in the prevalence of other agents considered common, such as the rodent coronaviruses and parvoviruses. Conversely, the %PE of certain pathogens, for example, murine norovirus (MNV), Helicobacter, Rodentibacter, and parasites remain high, perhaps due to the increasing exchange of genetically engineered mutant (GEM) rodents among researchers and the challenges and high cost of eliminating these agents from rodent housing facilities. Study results also document the growing role of PCR in HM because of its applicability to all pathogen types and its high specificity and sensitivity; moreover, PCR can detect pathogens in samples collected antemortem directly from colony animals and from the environment, thereby improving the detection of host-adapted, environmentally unstable pathogens that are not efficiently transmitted to sentinels by soiled bedding.

Trends in molecular diagnostics: 12th European Meeting on Molecular Diagnostics, Noordwijk aan Zee, the Netherlands, 12-14 October 2022

ABSTRACT This report provides an overview of the highlights of the 12th European Meeting on Molecular Diagnostics held in Noordwijk aan Zee, The Netherlands, 12–14 October 2022. This 3-day conference covered many relevant topics in the field of molecular diagnostics in humans i.e. oncology, infectious diseases, laboratory medicine, pharmacogenetics, pathology, and preventive medicine. Other relevant topics included quality management, laboratory automation, diagnostic preparedness, and lessons learned from the COVID pandemic. More than 400 participants, the majority coming from European countries, attended the meeting. Besides high-quality scientific presentations, more than 40 diagnostic companies presented their latest innovations, altogether in an informal and inspiring ambiance.

Academic Burnout of Polish Students: A Latent Profile Analysis

According to Maslach and Leiter, burnout syndrome consists of three elements: exhaustion, cynicism, and a sense of ineffectiveness experienced by individuals in the work environment. However, burnout does not only apply to professional activity but can also be experienced by students pursuing higher education. This is important because the consequences of student burnout can be related to students' mental and physical health. Until recently, the dominant diagnostic trend in the studies of burnout syndrome was based on a variable-focused approach. This approach focuses primarily on identifying subgroups in the population and presents different configurations of the various dimensions of burnout. However, there is emerging research using a person-centered approach and including the analysis of latent profiles to study professional and student burnout. This approach allows us to isolate subgroups of individuals in the study sample who have a similar burnout pattern. It focuses on the differences between individuals, which helps us to look at the phenomenon of professional burnout from a different perspective and shows the individuality of its experience. Our research aimed at identifying latent profiles, was conducted on a sample of 1519 Polish students, and partly confirms reports from other countries. We identified four profiles: low burnout, moderate below-average burnout, moderate above-average burnout, and very high burnout groups.

Srpski arhiv za celokupno lekarstvo - prvih 150 godina

Journal Srpski arhiv za celokupno lekarstvo (Serbian Archives of Medicine) is the oldest professional medical journal in this region and one of the oldest professional journals in Europe and worldwide. The first issue of the journal was published in 1874. Since then, this journal has covered all contemporary topics in biomedicine and pharmacy but also the organization of the medical profession, sanitary control, dentistry, etc. All eminent doctors published their papers in it from the end of the 19th century until today. The editors and authors have greatly contributed to this journal maintaining its quality and topicality all these years. Important topics from the field of medicine are covered and great importance is attached to all recent trends in treatment, diagnostics, knowledge and recognition of diseases in Serbia and the world.