Deep learning-enhanced, open-source eigenmode expansion.

We present an open-source eigenmode expansion (EME) software package entirely implemented in the Python programming language. Eigenmode expansion Python (EMEPy) utilizes artificial neural networks to reproduce electromagnetic eigenmode field profiles to accelerate the EME process by a factor of 3. EMEPy provides an intuitive scripting interface, is easily compatible with a number of other Python packages, and is useful for educators and new designers.

Vertebral Fractures: Which Radiological Criteria Are Better Associated With the Clinical Course of Osteoporosis?

STUDY PURPOSE: Morphometric methods categorize potential osteoporotic vertebral fractures (OVF) on the basis of loss of vertebral height. A particular example is the widely used semiquantitative morphometric tool proposed by Genant (GSQ). A newer morphologic algorithm-based qualitative (mABQ) tool focuses on vertebral end-plate damage in recognizing OVF. We used data from both sexes in the Canadian Multicentre Osteoporosis Study (CaMos) to compare the 2 methods in identifying OVF at baseline and during 10 years of follow-up. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We obtained lateral thoracic and lumbar spinal radiographs (T4-L4) 3 times, at 5-year intervals, in 828 participants of the population-based CaMos. Logistic regressions were used to study the association of 10-year changes in bone mineral density (BMD) with incident fractures. RESULTS: At baseline, 161 participants had grade 1 and 32 had grade 2 GSQ OVF; over the next 10 years, only 9 of these participants had sustained incident GSQ OVF. Contrastingly, 21 participants at baseline had grade 1 and 48 grade 2 mABQ events; over the next 10 years, 79 subjects experienced incident grade 1 or grade 2 mABQ events. Thus, incident grades 1 and 2 morphologic fractures were 8 times more common than morphometric deformities alone. Each 10-year decrease of 0.01 g/cm2 in total hip BMD was associated with a 4.1% (95% CI: 0.7-7.3) higher odds of having an incident vertebral fracture. CONCLUSIONS: This analysis further suggests that morphometric deformities and morphologic fractures constitute distinct entities; morphologic fractures conform more closely to the expected epidemiology of OVF.

Pathways to a cancer-free future: A protocol for modelled evaluations to maximize the future impact of interventions on cervical cancer in Australia.

OBJECTIVE: Australia's HPV vaccination and HPV-based cervical screening programs are changing the landscape in cervical cancer prevention. We aim to identify areas which can make the biggest further impact on cervical cancer burden. This protocol describes the first stage of a program of work called Pathways-Cervix that aims to generate evidence from modelled evaluations of interventions across the cervical cancer spectrum. METHODS: Based on evidence from literature reviews and guidance from a multi-disciplinary Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC), the most relevant evaluations for prevention, diagnosis and treatment were identified. RESULTS: Priority evaluations agreed by the SAC included: increasing/decreasing and retaining vaccination uptake at the current level; vaccinating older women; increasing screening participation; methods for triaging HPV-positive women; improving the diagnosis of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) and cancer; treating cervical abnormalities and cancer; and vaccinating women treated for CIN2/3 to prevent recurrence. Evaluations will be performed using a simulation model, Policy1-Cervix previously used to perform policy evaluations in Australia. Exploratory modelling of interventions using idealised scenarios will initially be conducted in single birth cohorts. If these have a significant impact on findings then evaluations with more realistic assumptions will be conducted. Promising strategies will be investigated further by multi-cohort simulations predicting health outcomes, resource use and cost outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Pathways-Cervix will assess the relative benefits of strategies and treatment options in a systematic and health economic framework, producing a list of 'best buys' for future decision-making in cervical cancer control.

Splenic Artery Embolization in Blunt Trauma: A Single-Center Retrospective Comparison of the Use of Gelatin Sponge Versus Coils.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy of gelatin sponge with that of coils for splenic artery embolization in the treatment of blunt splenic injury. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A single-center retrospective review was performed with the records of 63 patients (45 men, 18 women; mean age, 45.5 years; range, 16-84 years) with blunt splenic injury treated at a tertiary care trauma center by splenic artery embolization with gelatin sponge (n = 30 patients) or metallic coils (n = 33 patients) between 2005 and 2014. The two groups had comparable median American Association for the Surgery of Trauma grades of IV and comparable angiographic appearances regarding active extravasation and pseudoaneurysm formation at preembolization splenic arteriography (p = 0.32). Clinical outcomes and procedure-related outcomes were evaluated. RESULTS: The success rates were similar in the two groups: splenic artery embolization failed in 6.6% (2/30) of patients in the gelatin sponge group and 12.1% (4/33) in the coil embolization group (p = 0.45; 95% CI, -30.1% to 19.2%). Major complications occurred in six patients (20.0%) in the gelatin sponge group and in six patients (18.1%) in the coil group (p = 0.85; 95% CI, -23.0% to 26.6%). Minor complications occurred in three patients (10.0%) in the gelatin sponge group and seven patients (21.2%) in the coil group (p = 0.21; 95% CI, -35.4% to 14.0%). Procedure time was significantly shorter in the gelatin sponge group (median, 32 minutes; interquartile range, 18-48 minutes) than in the coil group (median, 53 minutes; interquartile range, 30-76 minutes) (p = 0.01). CONCLUSION: Splenic artery embolization with gelatin sponge appears to be as effective and as safe as coil embolization and can be completed in a shorter time.

Lower serum magnesium is associated with vascular calcification in peritoneal dialysis patients: a cross sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Coronary artery calcification (CAC) is highly prevalent among dialysis patients and is associated with increased cardiovascular and all cause mortality. Magnesium (Mg) inhibits vascular calcification in animal and in-vitro studies but whether the same effect occurs in humans is uncertain. METHODS: A single centre cross-sectional study of 80 prevalent peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients; on PD only for a minimum of 3 months. A radiologist blinded to patient status calculated their abdominal aortic calcification (AAC) scores on lateral lumbar spine radiographs, a validated surrogate for CAC. RESULTS: Eighty patients provided informed consent and underwent lumbar spine radiography. The mean serum Mg was 0.8 mmol/L (standard deviation 0.2) and mean AAC score 8.9 (minimum 0, maximum 24). A higher serum Mg level was associated with a lower AAC score (R 2 = 0.06, unstandardized coefficient [B] = -7.81, p = 0.03), and remained after adjustment for age, serum phosphate, serum parathyroid hormone, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, smoking history, and diabetes (model adjusted R 2 = 0.36, serum Mg and AAC score B = -11.44, p = 0.00). This translates to a 0.1 mmol/L increase in serum Mg being independently associated with a 1.1-point decrease in AAC score. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that Mg may inhibit vascular calcification. If this association is replicated across larger studies with serial Mg and vascular calcification measurements, interventions that increase serum Mg and their effect on vascular calcification warrant further investigation in the PD population.

Cervical cancer in women under 25 years of age in Queensland, Australia: To what extent is the diagnosis made by screening cytology?

INTRODUCTION: The current Australian National Cervical Screening Program (NCSP) involves biennial, cytology-based screening of women from the age of 18 years. From December, 2017 this will change to a five-yearly human papilloma virus-based screening commencing at age 25. There is some concern that the new program may delay the opportunistic detection of cervical cancers in women under 25 years. AIM: (1) To review all cases of invasive cervical cancer in Queensland women under the age of 25 over the last 28 years. (2) To determine symptoms and screening history prior to diagnosis. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was undertaken at the Queensland Centre for Gynaecological Cancer (QCGC) and the Queensland Cancer Registry (QCR) of all women aged between 13 and 25 years diagnosed with cervical cancer in Queensland between 1984 and 2012. Demographic data and symptoms prior to diagnosis were extracted from the QCGC and QCR databases. RESULTS: A total of 56 women aged 13-25, were diagnosed with cervical cancer and treated at the QCGC between 1984 and 2012. The commonest reason for the diagnosis of cancer was investigation of abnormal symptoms (n = 22, 39%) rather than routine Pap smear abnormalities (n = 15, 26%). CONCLUSIONS: Consistent with the world literature, there is a very low incidence of cervical cancer in women under 25 years of age, irrespective of the age of commencement of screening, or the screening interval. Our study lends some support to the proposed commencement age of 25 years in the new NCSP.

Effect of Total Laparoscopic Hysterectomy vs Total Abdominal Hysterectomy on Disease-Free Survival Among Women With Stage I Endometrial Cancer: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Importance: Standard treatment for endometrial cancer involves removal of the uterus, tubes, ovaries, and lymph nodes. Few randomized trials have compared disease-free survival outcomes for surgical approaches. Objective: To investigate whether total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH) is equivalent to total abdominal hysterectomy (TAH) in women with treatment-naive endometrial cancer. Design, Setting, and Participants: The Laparoscopic Approach to Cancer of the Endometrium (LACE) trial was a multinational, randomized equivalence trial conducted between October 7, 2005, and June 30, 2010, in which 27 surgeons from 20 tertiary gynecological cancer centers in Australia, New Zealand, and Hong Kong randomized 760 women with stage I endometrioid endometrial cancer to either TLH or TAH. Follow-up ended on March 3, 2016. Interventions: Patients were randomly assigned to undergo TAH (n = 353) or TLH (n = 407). Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary outcome was disease-free survival, which was measured as the interval between surgery and the date of first recurrence, including disease progression or the development of a new primary cancer or death assessed at 4.5 years after randomization. The prespecified equivalence margin was 7% or less. Secondary outcomes included recurrence of endometrial cancer and overall survival. Results: Patients were followed up for a median of 4.5 years. Of 760 patients who were randomized (mean age, 63 years), 679 (89%) completed the trial. At 4.5 years of follow-up, disease-free survival was 81.3% in the TAH group and 81.6% in the TLH group. The disease-free survival rate difference was 0.3% (favoring TLH; 95% CI, -5.5% to 6.1%; P = .007), meeting criteria for equivalence. There was no statistically significant between-group difference in recurrence of endometrial cancer (28/353 in TAH group [7.9%] vs 33/407 in TLH group [8.1%]; risk difference, 0.2% [95% CI, -3.7% to 4.0%]; P = .93) or in overall survival (24/353 in TAH group [6.8%] vs 30/407 in TLH group [7.4%]; risk difference, 0.6% [95% CI, -3.0% to 4.2%]; P = .76). Conclusions and Relevance: Among women with stage I endometrial cancer, the use of total abdominal hysterectomy compared with total laparoscopic hysterectomy resulted in equivalent disease-free survival at 4.5 years and no difference in overall survival. These findings support the use of laparoscopic hysterectomy for women with stage I endometrial cancer. Trial Registration: clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT00096408; Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry: CTRN12606000261516.

Computed Tomography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Differentiation of Osteoporotic Fractures From Neoplastic Metastatic Fractures.

Determining whether a low-intensity vertebral fracture in an older person, particularly one with a history of cancer, is due to osteoporosis (OP) or is the result of a metastasis, is a not infrequent clinical problem that has important prognostic and therapeutic implications. The 2 types of fracture are usually indistinguishable on plain radiographs and require higher order imaging for diagnosis. Magnetic resonance imaging is the modality of choice because of its unique ability to depict the bone marrow, which becomes transiently edematous in an acute OP fracture. Preservation of at least part of the normal marrow signal, the visualization of a fracture line parallel to the end plates, the presence of an intravertebral cleft, lack of pedicle involvement, and no extra-osseous mass all favor a benign OP fracture. Absence of the preceding signs, particularly if there is complete replacement of the normal bone marrow and a convex posterior contour of the vertebral body, favors a fracture of malignant origin. Non-routine magnetic resonance sequences using diffusion-weighted imaging and/or chemical shift imaging may be helpful in difficult cases.

A Qualitative Examination of the Ward Region of Interest as Imaged on Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry Examinations: The "Wandering Ward Sign".

While analyzing dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) examinations, we observed that, on occasion, the Ward region of interest (ROI) was positioned either unexpectedly or differently between successive examinations. When this occurred, it appeared to be either a marker of a compromised examination or of incident disease. This prompted a systematic inquiry. It became apparent that, while in general seeking the region of least areal density, the Ward ROI is positioned differently by the machines available to us from 2 particular manufacturers (General Electric Co. and Hologic Inc.). Three reviews were thus undertaken: (1) a prospective systematic examination of 200 unselected consecutive DXA examinations made with a General Electric Co. machine, 80 having had follow-up examinations and 245 made with a Hologic Inc. device; (2) a prospective systematic examination of 625 consecutive, unselected DXA examinations that were repeat examinations; and (3) a retrospective examination of a file of 86 cases collected for pedagogical purposes, predominantly made with a Hologic Inc. device. The commonest cause of an unusual position of the Ward area was compromised patient positioning or change in body habitus. Changes between examinations were, in addition if less often, apt to reflect physiological change or disease. Unusual positioning or a change in position of the Ward ROI is easily observed. It does not occur frequently, but, when it does, it may be useful in directing attention to either technical factors or incidental diseases. Observation of the position of the Ward ROI may thus be a quality assurance, and occasionally a diagnostic, tool.

Outpatient uterine artery embolization for symptomatic fibroids: short- and long-term single institution-based outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the short- and long-term efficacy and safety of uterine artery embolization (UAE) in the management of uterine fibroids, and to assess patient satisfaction with this procedure when performed on an outpatient basis. METHODS: One hundred one patients who had undergone UAE for symptomatic uterine fibroids in the past five years were interviewed over the telephone, using a standard uterine fibroid symptom and quality-of-life questionnaire. The severity of post-procedural pain, occurrence of adverse reactions, complications, need for subsequent hysterectomy or myomectomy, and overall patient satisfaction were also recorded. RESULTS: UAE resulted in a mean 39.1 point improvement in fibroid symptom scores and a mean rise of health-related quality of life score to 93.6, which is near normal. The mean pain score was highest (3.7/10) on the first night after the procedure. Ten patients returned to the hospital in the first 48 hours after UAE, but of these only one required admission because of sepsis. The only other major complication was spontaneous fibroid expulsion in one patient. Fourteen patients remained hypermenorrheic, 78 had regained normal or light menses, five reported spotting, and four became amenorrheic. Six patients underwent subsequent hysterectomy and one a subsequent myomectomy. Six patients found the procedure less than satisfactory. CONCLUSION: UAE is a safe, effective, and durable alternative to hysterectomy and myomectomy in women with symptomatic fibroids who wish to avoid surgery. It can be performed safely on an outpatient basis.

Sonographic patterns of benign thyroid nodules: verification at our institution.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of our study was to apply the sonographic criteria for the diagnosis of benign thyroid nodules described by Bonavita et al. to our patient referral population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of the sonographic features of 811 thyroid nodules that had undergone fine-needle aspiration biopsy in our radiology department from July 2005 to July 2009 and that had conclusive cytologic results. We determined the percentage of nodules that exhibited strictly the four benign sonographic patterns described by Bonavita et al. and the accuracy of those patterns in the prediction of benign cytologic findings. RESULTS: Sixty-six nodules (8.1%) showed a spongiform pattern and all were benign; 28 nodules (3.5%) showed the pattern described as "cyst with colloid clot" and all were benign; 14 nodules (1.7%) showed a "giraffe" pattern and all were proven to be Hashimoto thyroiditis; and eight nodules (1%) showed the "white knight" pattern and all were Hashimoto thyroiditis. Of the 121 nodules in our series with malignant cytologic features, none exhibited any of these four benign patterns. CONCLUSION: The four sonographic patterns described by Bonavita et al., when applied strictly, were 100% specific for benignity. However in our referral population, the application of these patterns would have eliminated the need for only 14% of biopsies, in contrast with 61% of biopsies in the population studied by Bonavita et al.

Metastatic lung cancer involving the vulva: two new cases and literature review.

Two new cases of metastatic lung cancer involving the vulva are presented. Metastasis from primary lung cancer is a rare cause of a vulval tumour and may require special immunohistochemical stains to determine whether the vulval tumour is primary or secondary. Awareness of the possibility of metastatic disease involving the vulva is of importance as the patient's prognosis is dependent on an accurate diagnosis and palliative treatment where appropriate.

Quality of life after total laparoscopic hysterectomy versus total abdominal hysterectomy for stage I endometrial cancer (LACE): a randomised trial.

BACKGROUND: This two-stage randomised controlled trial, comparing total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH) with total abdominal hysterectomy (TAH) for stage I endometrial cancer (LACE), began in 2005. The primary objective of stage 1 was to assess whether TLH results in equivalent or improved quality of life (QoL) up to 6 months after surgery compared with TAH. The primary objective of stage 2 was to test the hypothesis that disease-free survival at 4.5 years is equivalent for TLH and TAH. Here, we present the results of stage 1. METHODS: Between Oct 7, 2005, and April 16, 2008, 361 participants were enrolled in the QoL substudy at 19 centres across Australia, New Zealand, and Hong Kong; 332 completed the QoL analysis. Randomisation was done centrally and independently from other study procedures via a computer-generated, web-based system (providing concealment of the next assigned treatment), using stratified permuted blocks of three and six patients. Patients with histologically confirmed stage I endometrioid adenocarcinoma and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status less than 2 were randomly assigned to TLH (n=190) or TAH (n=142), stratified by histological grade and study centre. Patients and study personnel were not masked to treatment assignment. QoL was measured at baseline, 1 and 4 weeks (early), and 3 and 6 months (late) after surgery, using the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General (FACT-G) questionnaire. The primary endpoint was the difference between groups in QoL change from baseline at early and late timepoints (a 5% difference was considered clinically significant). Analysis was done according to the intention-to-treat principle. Patients for both stages of the trial have now been recruited and are being followed up for disease-specific outcomes. The LACE trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT00096408. FINDINGS: Eight of 332 patients (2.4%) had treatment conversion-seven from TLH to TAH and one from TAH to TLH (patient preference). In the early phase of recovery, patients who had TLH reported significantly greater improvement in QoL from baseline compared with those who had TAH, in all subscales apart from emotional and social wellbeing. Improvements in QoL up to 6 months after surgery continued to favour TLH, except in the emotional and social wellbeing measures of FACT and the visual analogue scale of the EuroQoL five dimensions (EuroQoL-VAS). Operating time was significantly longer in the TLH group (138 min [SD 43]) than in the TAH group (109 min [34]; p=0.001). Although the proportion of intraoperative adverse events was similar between groups (TAH eight of 142 [5.6%] vs TLH 14 of 190 [7.4%]; p=0.53); postoperatively, twice as many patients in the TAH group experienced adverse events of grade 3 or higher (33 of 142 [23.2%] vs 22 of 190 [11.6%] in the TLH group; p=0.004). Postoperative serious adverse events occurred more in the TAH group (27 of 142 [19.0%]) than in the TLH group (16 of 190 [7.9%]; p=0.002). INTERPRETATION: QoL improvements from baseline during early and later phases of recovery, and the adverse event profile, favour TLH compared with TAH for treatment of stage I endometrial cancer. FUNDING: Cancer Council Queensland, Cancer Council New South Wales, Cancer Council Victoria, Cancer Council Western Australia; NHMRC project grant 456110; Cancer Australia project grant 631523; The Women and Infants Research Foundation, Western Australia; Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital Foundation; Wesley Research Institute; Gallipoli Research Foundation; Gynetech; TYCO Healthcare, Australia; Johnson and Johnson Medical, Australia; Hunter New England Centre for Gynaecological Cancer; Genesis Oncology Trust; and Smart Health Research Grant QLD Health.