Developing a Novel Ontology for Cybersecurity in Internet of Medical Things-Enabled Remote Patient Monitoring.

IoT has seen remarkable growth, particularly in healthcare, leading to the rise of IoMT. IoMT integrates medical devices for real-time data analysis and transmission but faces challenges in data security and interoperability. This research identifies a significant gap in the existing literature regarding a comprehensive ontology for vulnerabilities in medical IoT devices. This paper proposes a fundamental domain ontology named MIoT (Medical Internet of Things) ontology, focusing on cybersecurity in IoMT (Internet of Medical Things), particularly in remote patient monitoring settings. This research will refer to similar-looking acronyms, IoMT and MIoT ontology. It is important to distinguish between the two. IoMT is a collection of various medical devices and their applications within the research domain. On the other hand, MIoT ontology refers to the proposed ontology that defines various concepts, roles, and individuals. MIoT ontology utilizes the knowledge engineering methodology outlined in Ontology Development 101, along with the structured life cycle, and establishes semantic interoperability among medical devices to secure IoMT assets from vulnerabilities and cyberattacks. By defining key concepts and relationships, it becomes easier to understand and analyze the complex network of information within the IoMT. The MIoT ontology captures essential key terms and security-related entities for future extensions. A conceptual model is derived from the MIoT ontology and validated through a case study. Furthermore, this paper outlines a roadmap for future research, highlighting potential impacts on security automation in healthcare applications.

Polycythemia vera in patients of beta-thalassemia trait and stress erythropoiesis.

A 70-year-old male with a known case of beta-thalassemia trait and was on yearly follow-up was found to have a hemoglobin of 14.8 g/dL, hematocrit of 47.7%, and RBC count of 6.0 × 1012/L. Total leukocyte count (TLC) was 5 × 109/L and platelet count was 4 × 109/L. Secondary causes of polycythemia were ruled out (e.g., renal or cardiac disease and smoking). He did not have symptoms of hyperviscosity syndrome. The abdominal ultrasound showed no abnormalities. On further investigation, a JAK-2 (Exon 14) mutation was detected in this patient confirming the diagnosis of polycythemia vera (PV).

First-Principles Investigations of Thermoelectric Behavior of RuCrX (X = Si, Ge, Sn).

The half-Heusler alloys have not only been recognized for spintronic and memory devices but also for thermoelectric applications. In this research work, the detailed study for thermoelectric parameters of RuCrX (X = Si, Ge, Sn) half-Heusler alloys has been carried out by using the pseudopotential approach alongside the Boltzmann transport theory. The RuCrX (X= Si, Ge, Sn) was reported stable in C1 b -type structure by means of energy-volume optimization, elastic stability criteria, positive phonon frequencies in phonon dispersion curves, and formation energies. The all important thermoelectric properties of these alloys have not yet been explored. The thermoelectric properties such as Seebeck coefficient, electronic part of thermal conductivity, electrical conductivity, and power factor have been discussed within a specific temperature range (300-1200 K). The calculated value of the power factor was found to be 5.11 × 1011 W/(m K2 s) for RuCrSi, 3.42 × 1011 W/(m K2 s) for RuCrGe, and 1.85 × 1011 W/(m K2 s) for RuCrSn at 1200 K.

Proteome and secretome profiling of zinc availability in Cryptococcus neoformans identifies Wos2 as a subtle influencer of fungal virulence determinants.

BACKGROUND: Fungal infections impact over 25% of the global population. For the opportunistic fungal pathogen, Cryptococcus neoformans, infection leads to cryptococcosis. In the presence of the host, disease is enabled by elaboration of sophisticated virulence determinants, including polysaccharide capsule, melanin, thermotolerance, and extracellular enzymes. Conversely, the host protects itself from fungal invasion by regulating and sequestering transition metals (e.g., iron, zinc, copper) important for microbial growth and survival. RESULTS: Here, we explore the intricate relationship between zinc availability and fungal virulence via mass spectrometry-based quantitative proteomics. We observe a core proteome along with a distinct zinc-regulated protein-level signature demonstrating a shift away from transport and ion binding under zinc-replete conditions towards transcription and metal acquisition under zinc-limited conditions. In addition, we revealed a novel connection among zinc availability, thermotolerance, as well as capsule and melanin production through the detection of a Wos2 ortholog in the secretome under replete conditions. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, we provide new biological insight into cellular remodeling at the protein level of C. neoformans under regulated zinc conditions and uncover a novel connection between zinc homeostasis and fungal virulence determinants.

CT-based texture analysis potentially provides prognostic information complementary to interim fdg-pet for patients with hodgkin's and aggressive non-hodgkin's lymphomas.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to investigate the ability of computed tomography texture analysis (CTTA) to provide additional prognostic information in patients with Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL) and high-grade non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL). METHODS: This retrospective, pilot-study approved by the IRB comprised 45 lymphoma patients undergoing routine 18F-FDG-PET-CT. Progression-free survival (PFS) was determined from clinical follow-up (mean-duration: 40 months; range: 10-62 months). Non-contrast-enhanced low-dose CT images were submitted to CTTA comprising image filtration to highlight features of different sizes followed by histogram-analysis using kurtosis. Prognostic value of CTTA was compared to PET FDG-uptake value, tumour-stage, tumour-bulk, lymphoma-type, treatment-regime, and interim FDG-PET (iPET) status using Kaplan-Meier analysis. Cox regression analysis determined the independence of significantly prognostic imaging and clinical features. RESULTS: A total of 27 patients had aggressive NHL and 18 had HL. Mean PFS was 48.5 months. There was no significant difference in pre-treatment CTTA between the lymphoma sub-types. Kaplan-Meier analysis found pre-treatment CTTA (medium feature scale, p=0.010) and iPET status (p<0.001) to be significant predictors of PFS. Cox analysis revealed that an interaction between pre-treatment CTTA and iPET status was the only independent predictor of PFS (HR: 25.5, 95% CI: 5.4-120, p<0.001). Specifically, pre-treatment CTTA risk stratified patients with negative iPET. CONCLUSION: CTTA can potentially provide prognostic information complementary to iPET for patients with HL and aggressive NHL. KEY POINTS: • CT texture-analysis (CTTA) provides prognostic information complementary to interim FDG-PET in Lymphoma. • Pre-treatment CTTA and interim PET status were significant predictors of progression-free survival. • Patients with negative interim PET could be further stratified by pre-treatment CTTA. • Provide precision surveillance where additional imaging reserved for patients at greatest recurrence-risk. • Assists in risk-adapted treatment strategy based on interim PET and CTTA.

Magnetic resonance based texture parameters as potential imaging biomarkers for predicting long-term survival in locally advanced rectal cancer treated by chemoradiotherapy.

AIM: The study aimed to investigate whether textural features of rectal cancer on MRI can predict long-term survival in patients treated with long-course chemoradiotherapy. METHOD: Textural analysis (TA) using a filtration-histogram technique of T2-weighted pre- and 6-week post-chemoradiotherapy MRI was undertaken using TexRAD, a proprietary software algorithm. Regions of interest enclosing the largest cross-sectional area of the tumour were manually delineated on the axial images and the filtration step extracted features at different anatomical scales (fine, medium and coarse) followed by quantification of statistical features [mean intensity, standard deviation, entropy, skewness, kurtosis and mean of positive pixels (MPP)] using histogram analysis. Cox multiple regression analysis determined which univariate features including textural, radiological and histological independently predicted overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS). RESULTS: MPP [fine texture, hazard ratio (HR) 6.9, 95% CI: 2.43-19.55, P < 0.001], mean (medium texture, HR 5.6, 95% CI: 1.4-21.7, P = 0.007) and extramural venous invasion (EMVI) on MRI (HR 2.96, 95% CI: 1.04-8.37, P = 0.041) independently predicted OS while mean (medium texture, HR 4.53, 95% CI: 1.58-12.94, P = 0.003), MPP (fine texture, HR 3.36, 95% CI: 1.36-8.31, P = 0.008) and threatened circumferential resection margin (CRM) on MRI (HR 3.1, 95% CI: 1.01-9.46, P = 0.046) predicted DFS. For OS, EMVI on MRI (HR 4.23, 95% CI: 1.41-12.69, P = 0.01) and for DFS kurtosis (medium texture, HR 3.97, 95% CI: 1.44-10.94, P = 0.007) and CRM involvement on MRI (HR 3.36, 95% CI: 1.21-9.32, P = 0.02) were the independent post-treatment factors. Only TA independently predicted RFS on pre- or post-treatment analyses. CONCLUSION: MR based TA of rectal cancers can predict outcome before undergoing surgery and could potentially select patients for individualized therapy.

Hepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma with coexistent hepatitis B infection: a rare clinicopathologic entity.

BACKGROUND: Hepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma (HSTL) is a rare extranodal and systemic lymphoma derived from cytotoxic T cells usually of γδ T cell receptor type. It is characterized by primary extranodal disease with typical sinusoidal infiltration of liver, spleen, and bone marrow by medium-sized lymphoid cells. CASE REPORT: A 29-year-old man, with no significant prior medical history, presented with fever and massive splenomegaly. A diagnosis of HSTL was established by histologic examination and immunohistochemistry. Staging workup demonstrated bone marrow involvement by lymphoma. In addition, the patient was found to have hepatitis B infection. The association of these 2 entities has been described rarely. CONCLUSIONS: Hepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma is a distinct T cell lymphoma associated with an aggressive clinical course, a poor response to conventional treatment, and an exceedingly high mortality rate. An association of HSTL with hepatitis B as seen in the present case is exceedingly rare, with few cases reported in the literature.

After proper optimization of carvedilol dose, do different child classes of liver disease differ in terms of dose tolerance and response on a chronic basis?

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Literature regarding safe doses of carvedilol is limited, and safe doses across different Child classes of chronic liver disease are not clear. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 102 consecutive cirrhotic patients with significant portal hypertension were included in this study. Hepatic venous pressure gradient was measured at baseline and 3 months after dose optimization. RESULTS: A total of 102 patients (63 males, 39 females) with a mean age of 58.3 ± 6.6 years were included. Among these patients, 42.2% had Child Class A, 31.9% had Class B, and 26.6% had Child Class C liver disease. The mean baseline hepatic venous pressure gradient was 16.75 ± 2.12 mmHg, and after dose optimization and reassessment of hepatic venous pressure gradient at 3 months, the mean reduction in the hepatic venous pressure gradient was 5.5 ± 1.7 mmHg and 2.8 ± 1.6 mmHg among responders and nonresponders respectively. The mean dose of carvedilol was higher in nonresponders (19.2 ± 5.7 mg) than responders (18.75 ± 5.1 mg). However, this difference was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). The univariate analysis determined that the absence of adverse events, the absence of ascites, and low baseline cardiac output were significantly associated with chronic response, whereas, the etiology, Child class, variceal size (large vs small), and gender were not. On multivariate analysis, the absence of any adverse event was determined to be an independent predictor of chronic response (OR 11.3, 95% CI; 1.9-67.8). CONCLUSION: The proper optimization of the dose of carvedilol, when administered chronically, may enable carvedilol treatment to achieve a greater response with minimum side effects among different Child classes of liver disease.

Volume and landmark analysis: comparison of MRI measurements obtained with an endorectal coil and with a phased-array coil.

AIM: To compare prostate volumes and distances between anatomical landmarks on MRI images obtained with a phased-array coil (PAC) only and with a PAC and an endorectal coil (ERC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Informed consent was waived for this Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act-compliant study. Fifty-nine men underwent PAC-MRI and ERC-MRI at 1.5 (n = 3) or 3 T (n = 56). On MRI images, two radiologists independently measured prostate volume and distances between the anterior rectal wall (ARW) and symphysis pubis at the level of the verumontanum; ARW and symphysis pubis at the level of the mid-symphysis pubis; and bladder neck and mid-symphysis pubis. Differences between measurements from PAC-MRI and ERC-MRI were assessed with the Wilcoxon RANK SUM test. Inter-reader agreement was assessed using the concordance correlation coefficient (CCC). RESULTS: Differences in prostate volume between PAC-MRI and ERC-MRI [median: -0.75 mm(3) (p = 0.10) and median: -0.84 mm(3) (p = 0.06) for readers 1 and 2, respectively] were not significant. For readers 1 and 2, median differences between distances were as follows: -10.20 and -12.75 mm, respectively, ARW to symphysis pubis at the level of the verumontanum; -6.60 and -6.08 mm, respectively, ARW to symphysis pubis at the level of the mid-symphysis pubis; -3 and -3 mm respectively, bladder neck to mid-symphysis pubis. All differences in distance were significant for both readers (p ≤ 0.0005). Distances were larger on PAC-MRI (p ≤ 0.0005). Inter-reader agreement regarding prostate volume was almost perfect on PAC-MRI (CCC: 0.99; 95% CI: 0.98-1.00) and ERC-MRI (CCC: 0.99; 95% CI: 0.99-1.00); inter-reader agreement for distance measurements varied (CCCs: 0.54-0.86). CONCLUSION: Measurements of distances between anatomical landmarks differed significantly between ERC-MRI and PAC-MRI, although prostate volume measurements did not.

Ultrasound in the selective screening of developmental dysplasia of the hip.

INTRODUCTION: Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) can result in chronic pain, gait abnormalities and degenerative arthritis. Infants with a family history, Breech delivery or unstable/"clicking" of the hip on examination are at higher risk. The goal is to detect cases early enough for normal hip development and function by the end of adolescence, but clinical examination alone is ineffective. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All infants born at the West Middlesex University Hospital, Isle-worth, U.K., between 3/3/2005 and 21/10/2006 underwent prospective clinical screening to reveal risk factors of unstable hip on examination, family history of DDH and Breech delivery. Infants with risk factors underwent static and dynamic ultrasound of the hips (Harke's method with Terjesen measurements), performed by a consultant radiologist or sonographer. The infant was then examined by an Orthopaedic Surgeon who was blinded to the ultrasound findings until after creating a management plan. RESULTS: 5772 infants were born during the study period. 200 (3.5%) at-risk infants were identified, resulting in 400 hip ultrasounds. Following review of ultrasound findings, the majority of cases (163/200, 81.5%) lead to no change in management. Change in timing or type of clinical follow up occurred in 31 cases with normal ultrasounds and 20 cases with abnormal (immature hip) ultrasounds. Dysplasia was demonstrated in 6 infants (3%) on ultrasound, who were treated with Parvlik Harness. Of these, only 5 were detected on examination. Therefore, the ultrasound findings lead to 1 intervention with Parvlik Harness which would have otherwise gone undiagnosed from clinical examination. CONCLUSION: Whereas type and timing of follow up was adjusted in 18.5% of the at-risk infants, targeted screening of at-risk with ultrasound lead to only one intervention. This encourages discussion on the resource implication and viability of ultrasound screening, as only one from two hundred lead to an intervention.

Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging for tumour response assessment: why, when and how?

Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DWI) is increasingly being used to assess tumour response to a variety of anticancer treatments. The technique is quick to perform without the need for administration of exogenous contrast medium, and enables the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) of tissues to be quantified. Studies have shown that ADC increases in response to a variety of treatments including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, minimally invasive therapies and novel therapeutics. In this article, we review the rationale of applying DWI for tumour assessment, the evidence for ADC measurements in relation to specific treatments and some of the practical considerations for using ADC to evaluate treatment response.

Predictors of change in walking distance in patients with peripheral arterial disease undergoing endovascular intervention.

BACKGROUND: Endovascular treatment of peripheral artery disease is becoming frequent, yet the clinical factors which predict ambulatory outcomes are not known. HYPOTHESIS: To identify predictors of change in walking distance in patients who underwent endovascular intervention for their lower extremity peripheral arterial disease (PAD). METHODS: A total of 134 patients underwent lower extremity peripheral arterial intervention, 52 patients were contacted via phone between 1 and 36 months (a mean of 22 mo) after their initial procedure. The remaining 82 patients were excluded due to the following reasons: death (n = 13), contact information was not available (n = 50), and refusal to participate in the follow-up (n = 19). RESULTS: The patients were 63 +/- 12 years old (mean +/- standard deviation [SD]), 46% were male, 47% were diabetics, 49% had coronary artery disease, of whom 29% had prior revascularization, and 22% had coronary artery bypass grafts (CABG). The disease severity described by Fontaine classification were as follows: 44.2% were in stage II, 15.4% were in stage III, and 40.4% were in stage IV. Walking distance was improved in 21% of patients, worsened in 73% of patients, and unchanged in 6% of patients. Stepwise multiple regression demonstrated that patients who started to walk or exercise (R = 0.372, P < 0.012) and who had a prior history of CABG (R = 0.467, P < 0.006) were the only independent predictors of the change in walking distance at follow-up. Those who started to walk reported worse walking distance at follow-up, while those with a history of CABG reported better walking distance at follow-up. CONCLUSION: CABG prior to endovascular intervention is predictive of favorable change in walking distance in patients with PAD at follow-up. Therefore, post-CABG patients are good candidates for exercise rehabilitation and risk factor modification.

Port exteriorization appendectomy: is it the future?

The time honoured surgical procedure open appendectomy seems to be on the decline, it may be replaced in the modern era by laparoscopic appendectomy ("in appendectomy") performed with three trocars, or by the port exteriorization appendectomy ("out appendectomy") which can be done with two ports or even one. These techniques combine the benefits of decreased tissue trauma and operative time in addition to other advantages of minimal invasion. We conducted this study to know the effectiveness of Port Exteriorization Appendectomy, to analyze its complications and to assess the conversion rate. A one year prospective study consisted of fifty cases; a combination of emergency and elective group. They were operated under general anaesthesia and different variables were documented. Mean operative time, conversion rate, hospital stay, complications and patient satisfaction. There were 27 females with the (F: M) ratio of 1.17:1. The operative time of 23.3 mins, conversion in 4 (8.0%) patients and 2.4 days of hospital stay contributed to 86.0% operative success rate. Surgical site infection was seen in 5 (10.0%) patients and one (2.0%) developed pelvic abscess. On analysis of the satisfaction level, 44(93.6%) were completely satisfied and one (2.1%) patient seemed disappointed with the technique for cosmesis though, 42 (89.3%) remained completely satisfied and 5(10.7%) didn't like their scars. Port exteriorization appendectomy's efficacy can be verified by 86.0% success rate, operative time of 23.3 mins, indoor stay of 2.4 days, and minimal undesirable sequlae. However, more authentic results could be obtained if this technique is compared to open or laparoscopic appendectomy in a well designed randomized controlled clinical trial.

Factors influencing mortality in perforated duodenal ulcer following emergency surgical repair.

Duodenal perforation is a common abdominal catastrophe with excellent outcome if prompt resuscitation and surgical repair of perforation are done. The aim of this study was to identify factors associated with death after surgery in patients with duodenal perforation. One hundred and forty-five patients who underwent Graham's patch repair for perforated duodenal ulcer between 14 April 2002 and 31 December 2004 were studied. The mean age was 45.99 years and 61 patients (42.07 %) were referrals. There were 124 (85.52 %) males and 21 (14.48 %) females. There were 10 deaths (6.9 %). The mean time delay was 2.46 days. It was 2.37 days in survivors, 3.7 days in non-survivors. The time delay was 3.25 days for females and 3.13 days for patients referred from another hospital. The mortality was significantly associated with time delay between perforation and operation (p<0.01), presence of co-morbid conditions (P<0.04), respiratory rate (p<0.02), raised blood urea (p<0.01) and serum creatinine (p<0.001), size of perforation (p<0.005), amount of peritoneal fluid (p=0.003) and requirement of postoperative intensive care unit support (p=0.003). Time delay between perforation and operation, preoperative blood urea and serum creatinine, size of perforation and amount of peritoneal fluid, presence of co-morbid conditions and need for post operative ICU support are the important predictors of outcome after emergency surgery for duodenal perforation.