Molecular subtype classification of low-grade gliomas using magnetic resonance imaging-based radiomics and machine learning.

In 2016, the World Health Organization (WHO) updated the glioma classification by incorporating molecular biology parameters, including low-grade glioma (LGG). In the new scheme, LGGs have three molecular subtypes: isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH)-mutated 1p/19q-codeleted, IDH-mutated 1p/19q-noncodeleted, and IDH-wild type 1p/19q-noncodeleted entities. This work proposes a model prediction of LGG molecular subtypes using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). MR images were segmented and converted into radiomics features, thereby providing predictive information about the brain tumor classification. With 726 raw features obtained from the feature extraction procedure, we developed a hybrid machine learning-based radiomics by incorporating a genetic algorithm and eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) classifier, to ascertain 12 optimal features for tumor classification. To resolve imbalanced data, the synthetic minority oversampling technique (SMOTE) was applied in our study. The XGBoost algorithm outperformed the other algorithms on the training dataset by an accuracy value of 0.885. We continued evaluating the XGBoost model, then achieved an overall accuracy of 0.6905 for the three-subtype classification of LGGs on an external validation dataset. Our model is among just a few to have resolved the three-subtype LGG classification challenge with high accuracy compared with previous studies performing similar work.

Topical application of povidone-iodine solution (Betadine) in the management of giant omphaloceles.

Giant omphaloceles, especially if they contain liver tissue, remain the greatest challenge to pediatric surgeons for the coverage of the huge defect. Various reconstructive techniques have been described in the literature, each with advantages and disadvantages. Standard treatment has been placement of a Silastic silo to allow gradual return of abdominal organs to the abdomen with its limited space. The worst complication of silo placement is infection of the fascia with disruption of the suture line. When fascial infection occurs, closure of the abdominal wall is very difficult or impossible. In this report, the authors describe their experience in treating 5 patients with giant omphaloceles, between 1999 and 2003, utilizing an abs orbable synthetic mesh (polyglactin 910-Vicryl) for abdominal closure and topical application of povidone-iodine 10/100 solution (Betadine) to prevent infection. All patients had perfect results with the simple postoperative care, early oral feeding and were discharged after 2 months of hospitalization with complete skin coverage.

Stepwise minimization of the immunosuppressive therapy in pediatric liver transplantation. A conceptual approach towards operational tolerance.

The evolution of immunosuppression in pediatric liver transplantation has been characterized by a steady reduction of the immunosuppressive load, including removal of anti-lymphocyte antibodies, with the aim to reduce the incidence of EBV-related post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorders. Acute rejection rates were studied retrospectively over two decades of pediatric liver transplantation, according to the successive immunoprophylactic regimens. 318 primary pediatric liver transplant recipients, included between 1984 and 2004 in successive prospective trials, were analyzed, with respect to the impact of the immunosuppressive protocol on acute rejection occurrence. A progressive decrease of rejection incidences was observed, which corresponded to reduced immunosuppressive load and to transplant eras. Such trend might be related to changing approaches towards acute rejection histology and therapy by transplant clinicians, but also to the stepwise minimization of immunosuppressive protocols, putatively enhancing graft acceptance. We hypothesize that the recent population of liver transplant recipients with low immunosuppression might be more suitable for progressive immunosuppression withdrawal trial, with the aim to reach ultimately operational tolerance.