Listening for rain: Principal component analysis and linear discriminant analysis for broadband acoustic rainfall detection.

Rain falling on the ocean creates acoustic signals. Ma and Nystuen [(2005). J. Atmos. Oceanic Technol. 22, 1225-1248] described an algorithm that compares three narrowband "discriminant" frequencies to detect rain. In 2022, Trucco, Bozzano, Fava, Pensieri, Verri, and Barla [(2022). IEEE J. Oceanic Eng. 47(1), 213-225] investigated rain detection algorithms that use broadband spectral data averaged over 1 h. This paper implements a rainfall detector that uses broadband acoustic data at 3-min time resolution. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) reduces the dimensionality of the broadband data. Rainfall is then detected via a Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA) on the data's principal component projections. This PCA/LDA algorithm was trained and tested on 5 months of data recorded by hydrophones in a shallow noisy cove, where it was not feasible to average spectral data over 1 h. The PCA/LDA algorithm successfully detected 78 ± 5% of all rain events over 1 mm/h, and 73 ± 5% of all rain events over 0.1 mm/h, for a false alarm rate of ≈ 1% in both cases. By contrast, the Ma and Nystuen algorithm detected 32 ± 5% of the rain events over 1.0 mm/h when run on the same data, for a comparable false alarm rate.

Heller myotomy versus Heller myotomy with fundoplication in patients with achalasia: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Heller myotomy (HM) remains the gold standard procedure for achalasia. The addition of different types of fundoplication to HM has been debated in several studies. Given the contradictory reports, this meta-analysis was undertaken to compare different outcomes after HM and HM with fundoplication (HMF). METHODS: An electronic search was performed among five major databases (PubMed, Ovid, Scopus, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar) from inception to October 2019, identifying all randomised and non-randomised studies comparing HM with HMF. Two authors searched electronic databases using the keywords 'achalasia' AND 'dysphagia' AND 'gastroesophageal reflux' and all data were pooled for random-effects meta-analysis. The primary and secondary outcomes were gastroesophageal reflux and dysphagia, respectively. RESULTS: A total of six studies were included and involved 576 patients comparing HM and HMF. There was no statistically significant difference between gastroesophageal reflux in the HM vs HMF group (21.3% vs 22.9%, RR 1.32, 95% CI 0.60-2.88, p = 0.49). There was a slightly higher incidence of dysphagia observed in HM vs HMF (14.8% vs 10.8%, RR 1.54, 95% CI 0.98-2.41, p = 0.06). CONCLUSIONS: There was no statistically significant difference in long-term outcomes between a group of patients undergoing HM and a group who underwent HM with fundoplication.

Tagraxofusp, a novel CD123-directed cytotoxin to treat blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm.

Tagraxofusp is a toxin-cytokine fusion protein consisting of engineered diphtheria toxin (DT) and interleukin-3 (IL-3). The IL-3 domain binds to the cluster of differentiation 123 (CD123) and translocates DT into the cytosol, which leads to cell death. Blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm (BPDCN) is a rare and aggressive hematologic malignancy with a strong expression of CD123. Historical data show that the prognosis of BPDCN is poor, with a median overall survival of 9 to 13 months. On December 21, 2018, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved tagraxofusp for the treatment of adults and children with newly diagnosed or relapsed/refractory BPDCN, becoming the first FDA-approved drug for this disease. In this review, we examine the preclinical studies and phase I/II clinical studies that led to FDA approval of tagraxofusp, focusing on its molecular pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, efficacy and safety profile. We also discuss future directions regarding BPDCN management.

Correlation of Foot Bimalleolar Angle and Ultrasonography in Assessing the Severity of Club Foot in Neonates Treated by the Ponseti Method.

Introduction: Correlation of Pirani score and foot bimalleolar (FBM) angle has been used in few studies but correlation of FBM angle with ultrasonography has never been evaluated so they are being correlated in assessing the severity of clubfoot in neonates treated by Ponseti method. Material and Methods: Thirty-two feet with congenital talipes equinovarus (CTEV) deformity in neonates were prospectively treated by the Ponseti method. FBM angle and ultrasound parameters were measured three times i.e. at the time of initial presentation, at four weeks of treatment and at completion of treatment. The feet were divided according to the Pirani score in groups: one (0-2.0), two (2.5-4) and three (4.5-6). Correlation between FBM angle and ultrasound parameters were evaluated using Pearson correlation/regression. Results: Correlation between FBM angle and ultrasound parameters were statistically significant (p-value < 0.05). Conclusion: Ultrasound has the potential to accurately depict the pathoanatomy in clubfoot. FBM angle and ultrasound are objective methods to assess the severity of clubfoot. FBM angle and ultrasonography correlated in severity of deformity and correction achieved along the course of treatment.

Large cystic lympangioma of the pancreas: a case reportum.

Lymphangioma of the pancreas is rare and presents as a large cystic mass in the retroperitoneum. The pancreatic origin can be confirmed by careful evaluation of cross sectional imaging. Preoperative differentiation from other pancreatic cystic neoplasms is difficult but possible. Large symptomatic lesions warrant surgery. The diagnosis is confirmed by typical features on histopathology and immunohistochemistry. Presented here is a case report of a pancreatic lymphangioma, discussed in the context of available literature.

Correlation of Foot Bimalleolar Angle and Ultrasonography in Assessing the Severity of Club Foot in Neonates Treated by the Ponseti Method

@#Introduction: Correlation of Pirani score and foot bimalleolar (FBM) angle has been used in few studies but correlation of FBM angle with ultrasonography has never been evaluated so they are being correlated in assessing the severity of clubfoot in neonates treated by Ponseti method. Material and Methods: Thirty-two feet with congenital talipes equinovarus (CTEV) deformity in neonates were prospectively treated by the Ponseti method. FBM angle and ultrasound parameters were measured three times i.e. at the time of initial presentation, at four weeks of treatment and at completion of treatment. The feet were divided according to the Pirani score in groups: one (0-2.0), two (2.5-4) and three (4.5-6). Correlation between FBM angle and ultrasound parameters were evaluated using Pearson correlation/regression. Results: Correlation between FBM angle and ultrasound parameters were statistically significant (p-value < 0.05). Conclusion: Ultrasound has the potential to accurately depict the pathoanatomy in clubfoot. FBM angle and ultrasound are objective methods to assess the severity of clubfoot. FBM angle and ultrasonography correlated in severity of deformity and correction achieved along the course of treatment.

Safety and effectiveness of antireflux surgery in obese patients.

Introduction The incidence of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease and obesity has increased significantly in recent years. The number of antireflux procedures being carried out on people with a higher body mass index (BMI) has been rising. Evidence is conflicting for outcomes of antireflux surgery in obese patients in terms of its safety and efficacy. Given the contradictory reports, this meta-analysis was undertaken to establish the outcomes of antireflux surgery (ARS) in obese patients and its associated safety. Methods A systematic electronic search was conducted using the PubMed, MEDLINE®, Ovid®, Cochrane Library and Google Scholar™ databases to identify studies that analysed the effect of BMI on the outcomes of ARS. A meta-analysis was performed using the random effects model. The intraoperative and postoperative outcomes that were examined included operative time, conversion to an open procedure, mean length of hospital stay, recurrence of acid reflux requiring reoperation and wrap migration. Results A total of 3,772 patients were included in 13 studies. There was no significant difference in procedure conversion rate, recurrence of reflux requiring reoperation or wrap migration between obese and non-obese patients. However, both the mean operative time and mean length of stay were longer for obese patients. Conclusions ARS in obese patients with gastro-oesophageal reflux disease is safe and outcomes are comparable with those in patients with a BMI in the normal range. A high BMI should therefore not be a deterrent to considering ARS for appropriate patients.

Laparoscopy-assisted gastrectomy in the elderly: experience from a UK centre.

BACKGROUND Gastric cancer has a high incidence in the elderly in the UK, with a significant number of patients aged 75 years or more. While surgery forms the mainstay of treatment, evidence pertaining to the management of gastric cancer in the Western population in this age group is scarce. METHODS We retrospectively reviewed the outcomes of laparoscopy-assisted total and distal gastrectomies at our centre from 2005 to 2015. Patients aged 70 years or above were included in the elderly group. RESULTS A total of 60 patients underwent laparoscopy-assisted gastrectomy over a 10-year period, with a predominance of male patients. There was no significant difference in the rate of overall surgical and non-surgical complications, in-hospital mortality, operation time and length of hospital stay, between the elderly and non-elderly groups. Univariate analysis, performed for risk factors relating to anastomotic leak and surgical complications, showed that age over 70 years and higher American Association of Anesthesiologists grades are associated with a higher, though not statistically significant, number of anastomotic leaks (P = 1.000 and P = 0.442, respectively) and surgical complications (P = 0.469 and P = 0.162, respectively). The recurrence rate within the first 3 years of surgery was significantly higher in the non-elderly group compared with the elderly group (Log Rank test, P = 0.002). There was no significant difference in survival between the two groups (Log Rank test, P = 0.619). CONCLUSIONS Laparoscopy-assisted gastrectomy is safe and feasible in an elderly population. There is a need for well-designed, prospective, randomised studies with quality of life data to inform our practice in future.

Parietex™ Composite mesh versus DynaMesh®-IPOM for laparoscopic incisional and ventral hernia repair: a retrospective cohort study.

INTRODUCTION Laparoscopic incisional and ventral hernia repair (LIVHR) is widely accepted and safe but the type of mesh used is still debated. We retrospectively compared postoperative outcomes with two different meshes commonly used in LIVHR. METHODS This is a retrospective study of patients who underwent incisional hernia repair between January 2008 and December 2010. Two meshes were used: Parietex™ Composite (Covidien, New Haven, CT, USA) and the DynaMesh®-IPOM (FEG Textiltechnik mbH, Aachen, Germany). The two groups were compared with respect to recurrence rates, incidence of seroma and intestinal obstruction. RESULTS Among the 88 patients who underwent LIVHR, 75 patients (85.2%) presented with primary incisional hernia, 10 (11.4%) presented with a first recurrence and 3 (3.4%) presented with a second recurrence. Median follow-up was 53.6 months (range 40-61 months). 12.9% of patients had recurrence in the Parietex™ Composite mesh group (n=62) in comparison to 3.8% in the DynaMesh®-IPOM mesh group (n=26; P=0.20). DynaMesh®-IPOM was associated with a significantly higher incidence of intestinal obstruction secondary to adhesions (11.5% vs. 0%, P=0.006) and lower incidence of seroma and haematoma formation compared to Parietex™ composite mesh group (0% vs. 6.4% of patients; P=0.185). CONCLUSIONS LIVHR is a safe and feasible technique. Dynamesh®-IPOM is associated with a significantly higher incidence of adhesion related bowel obstruction, albeit with a lower incidence of recurrence, seroma and haematoma formation compared with Parietex™ Composite mesh. However, there is a need for further well-designed, multicentre randomised controlled studies to investigate the use of these meshes.

Meta-analysis of closure of the fascial defect during laparoscopic incisional and ventral hernia repair.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic incisional and ventral hernia repair (LIVHR) is being used increasingly, with reported outcomes equivalent to those of open hernia repair. Closure of the fascial defect (CFD) is a technique that may reduce seroma formation and bulging after LIVHR. Non-closure of the fascial defect makes the repair of larger defects easier and reduces postoperative pain. The aim of this systematic review was to determine whether CFD affects the rate of adverse outcomes, such as recurrence, pseudo-recurrence, mesh eventration or bulging, and the rate of seroma formation. METHODS: A systematic search was performed of PubMed, Ovid, the Cochrane Library, Google Scholar and Scopus to identify RCTs that analysed CFD with regard to rates of adverse outcomes. A meta-analysis was done using fixed-effect methods. The primary outcome of interest was adverse events. Secondary outcomes were seroma, postoperative pain, mean hospital stay, mean duration of operation and surgical techniques employed. RESULTS: A total of 16 studies were identified involving 3638 patients, 2963 in the CFD group and 675 in the non-closure of facial defect group. Significantly fewer adverse events were noted following CFD than non-closure (4·9 per cent (79 of 1613) versus 22·3 per cent (114 of 511)), with a combined risk ratio (RR) of 0·25 (95 per cent c.i. 0·18 to 0·33; P < 0·001). CFD resulted in a significantly lower rate of seroma (2·5 per cent (39 of 1546) versus 12·2 per cent (47 of 385)), with a combined RR of 0·37 (0·23 to 0·57; P < 0·001), and shorter duration of hospital stay. No significant difference was noted in postoperative pain. CONCLUSION: CFD during LIVHR reduces the rate of seroma formation and adverse hernia-site events.

A systematic review of image segmentation methodology, used in the additive manufacture of patient-specific 3D printed models of the cardiovascular system.

BACKGROUND: Shortcomings in existing methods of image segmentation preclude the widespread adoption of patient-specific 3D printing as a routine decision-making tool in the care of those with congenital heart disease. We sought to determine the range of cardiovascular segmentation methods and how long each of these methods takes. METHODS: A systematic review of literature was undertaken. Medical imaging modality, segmentation methods, segmentation time, segmentation descriptive quality (SDQ) and segmentation software were recorded. RESULTS: Totally 136 studies met the inclusion criteria (1 clinical trial; 80 journal articles; 55 conference, technical and case reports). The most frequently used image segmentation methods were brightness thresholding, region growing and manual editing, as supported by the most popular piece of proprietary software: Mimics (Materialise NV, Leuven, Belgium, 1992-2015). The use of bespoke software developed by individual authors was not uncommon. SDQ indicated that reporting of image segmentation methods was generally poor with only one in three accounts providing sufficient detail for their procedure to be reproduced. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATION OF KEY FINDINGS: Predominantly anecdotal and case reporting precluded rigorous assessment of risk of bias and strength of evidence. This review finds a reliance on manual and semi-automated segmentation methods which demand a high level of expertise and a significant time commitment on the part of the operator. In light of the findings, we have made recommendations regarding reporting of 3D printing studies. We anticipate that these findings will encourage the development of advanced image segmentation methods.

Day case laparoscopic cholecystectomy in patients with high BMI: Experience from a UK centre.

INTRODUCTION: Symptomatic gall stones may require laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC), which is one of the most commonly performed general surgical operations in the western world. Patients with a high body mass index (BMI) are at increased risk of having gall stones, and are often considered at high risk of surgical complications due to their increased BMI. We believe that day case surgery could nevertheless have significant benefits in terms of potential cost savings and patient satisfaction in this population. We therefore compared the outcomes of day case patients undergoing LC stratified by BMI, with a specific focus on the safety and success of the procedure in obese and morbidly obese groups. METHODS: We reviewed a database of day case procedures performed between January 2004 and December 2012, including all patients with symptomatic gall stone disease who underwent LC. The patients were divided in four BMI groups: less than 25 kg/m(2), 25-29 kg/m(2), 30-39 kg/m(2) and 40 kg/m(2) or above. RESULTS: The overall success rate for day case surgery was 78%. There were no significant differences in rates of intra-abdominal collection or readmission with increasing BMI. However, increasing BMI was associated with a significant increase in the rate of wound infection. CONCLUSIONS: LC in patients with a high BMI is safe and can be performed effectively as a day case procedure.

Characterising benign fibrous soft-tissue tumours in adults: why is it so difficult and what do we need to know?

Fibrous, myofibroblastic, and fibrohistiocytic soft-tissue tumours are amongst the most common benign soft-tissue lesions encountered in clinical practice. They demonstrate varied biological behaviour and imaging characteristics. Benign fibroblastic lesions, such as nodular fasciitis, are small, have a self-limited course, and rarely recur after excision, whereas deep fibromatosis and plexiform fibrohistiocytic tumours tend to exhibit more aggressive features and often have high recurrence rates. MRI with its superior tissue contrast, multiplanar imaging capability, and lack of ionising radiation is regarded as the preferred method of tumour evaluation, tissue characterisation, and assessment of treatment response. Histopathological features are depicted at MRI, reflecting the amount and distribution of the cellular and fibrous matrix. Cellular tumours tend to show higher T2 signal intensity and post-contrast enhancement as compared to tumours with greater collagenous content, which appear dark and show less enhancement. Awareness of MR characteristics, pathological behaviour, and common sites of occurrence of fibrous soft-tissue tumours will help radiologists to determine the appropriate differential diagnosis and guide patient management.

Phenoxetol as a formaldehyde-removing agent for long-term preservation: our experience

On 10 June 2011, the US National Toxicology Program described formaldehyde as "known to be a human carcinogen". However, formaldehyde is not just a human carcinogen but the cause of other many hazards; respiratory distress, red eyes, etc. Occupational health authorities throughout the world are therefore likely to increase the strictness of regulations for the use of formaldehyde within anatomical disciplines. This study evaluates an alternative for formaldehyde as a preservative for cadavers and human tissues. Tissue samples preserved in 4% formaldehyde were compared with those in 1% Phenoxetol (prefixed in formaldehyde) over a year. Histology slides prepared using Phenoxetol as a preservative were also compared with the conventional ones. The soft consistency, color and flexibility, especially at joints of specimens preserved in Phenoxetol, were found to be suitable for dissection, demonstration and display purposes. Culture of the eleven tissue samples showed no growth after seventy-two h. Microscopic structure of the tissues remained satisfactory when processed with 1% Phenoxetol. Students also found experience with cadavers preserved in phenoxetol very pleasant as it has a fruity smell as compared to the offensive odor of formaldehyde. Phenoxetol is a suitable alternative for the preservation of specimens. However efforts have to be made to reduce or replace the use of formaldehyde as a primary fixative

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MRI features of soft-tissue lumps and bumps.

Superficial soft-tissue lesions are frequently encountered by radiologists in everyday practice. Characterization of these soft-tissue lesions remains problematic, despite advances in imaging. By systematically using clinical history, anatomical location, and signal intensity characteristics on MRI images, one can determine the diagnosis for the subset of determinate lesions that have characteristic clinical and imaging features as well as narrow the differential diagnoses for lesions with non-specific or indeterminate characteristics. In this review, a spectrum of histologically proven benign and malignant superficial soft-tissue lesions from a single institution will be presented. In addition, a few tumour-like conditions will be included as they can be encountered during imaging of soft-tissue masses.

Proliferation, differentiation and amyloid-ß production in neural progenitor cells isolated from TgCRND8 mice.

The amyloid precursor protein (APP) and amyloid-ß (Aß) peptide play central roles in the pathology and etiology of Alzheimer's disease. Amyloid-induced impairments in neurogenesis have been investigated in several transgenic mouse models but the mechanism of action remains to be conclusively demonstrated. The changes in neurogenesis during this transition of increasing Aß levels and plaque formation were investigated in the present study. We found that the proliferation of newborn cell in the dentate gyrus was enhanced prior to elevations in soluble Aß production as well as amyloid deposition in 5-week-old TgCRND8 mice, which are well-established Alzheimer's disease models, compared to non-transgenic (Non-Tg) mice. The number of BrdU-positive cells remained higher in TgCRND8 vs Non-Tg mice for a period of 8weeks. The numbers of BrdU/NeuN-positive cells were not significantly different in TgCRND8 compared to Non-Tg mice. A significant decrease in BrdU/GFAP but not in BrdU/S100ß was found in Tg vs Non-Tg at 6-weeks of age. In addition, a unique observation was made using isolated neuroprogenitor cells from TgCRND8 mice which were found to be less viable in culture and produced substantial amounts of secreted Aß peptides. This suggests that the proliferation of neural progenitors in vivo may be modulated by high levels of APP expression and the resulting Aß generated directly by the progenitor cells. These findings indicate that cell proliferation is increased prior to Aß deposition and that cell viability is decreased in TgCRND8 mice over time.

Cardiogenic shock as the initial presentation of neonatal systemic hypertension.

Neonatal systemic hypertension is an underappreciated etiology of cardiac failure. We present a series of three neonates who presented in cardiogenic shock secondary to severe hypertension, recognized after initial resuscitation efforts. Although the underlying etiology of the hypertension varied, all three patients had improved hemodynamics after their blood pressure was controlled. These cases suggest that neonates presenting in cardiogenic shock with hypertension, and without structural heart disease, may benefit from a thorough renal evaluation and institution of anti-hypertensive therapy.

A Pictorial Review of Diabetic foot Manifestations.

The diabetic foot with its many associated complications and presentations can provide a challenge in diagnosis and subsequent treatment. MRI, being increasingly available commonly, is now the main investigative modality. In particular, it is helpful in differentiating between neuroarthropathy and osteomyelitis and in cases where the latter is superimposed on the former. By being well versed in the interpretation of the images, the radiologist can make crucial contribution to the care and management of these patients.

Imaging in index finger radial collateral ligament injury: attention to detail really pays....

Radial collateral ligament of the index finger is a rare ligament to rupture. X-ray is generally normal, except for subtle findings of soft tissue swelling and occasionally a small fracture. With continuous advances in imaging, ultrasound and high quality MRI allow clear depiction of small structures including joint capsule and collateral ligaments of even the small joints. This helps in definitive diagnosis and determines the extent of injury, which may affect the treatment options and final outcome. We report a rare case of index finger metacarpo-phalangeal joint radial collateral ligament tear. The subtle X-ray abnormality was chased on ultrasound and the diagnosis was proposed on ultrasound and later confirmed on MRI. We also discuss the imaging findings of this rare entity.

Decorin biology, expression, function and therapy in the cornea.

Decorin is a small leucine-rich proteoglycan (SLRP) that plays a vital role in many important cellular processes in several tissues including the cornea. A normal constituent of the corneal stroma, decorin is also found in the majority of connective tissues and is related structurally to other small proteoglycans. It interacts with various growth factors such as epidermal growth factor (EGF) and transforming growth factor beta (TGFß) to regulate processes like collagen fibrillogenesis, extracellular matrix (ECM) compilation, and cell-cycle progression. Studies have linked decorin dysregulation to delayed tissue healing in patients with various diseases including cancer. In the cornea, decorin is involved in the regulation of transparency, a key function for normal vision. It has been reported that mutations in the decorin gene are associated with congenital stromal dystrophy, a disease that leads to corneal opacity and visual abnormalities. Decorin also antagonizes TGFß in the cornea, a central regulatory cytokine in corneal wound healing. Following corneal injury, increased TGFß levels induce keratocyte transdifferentiation to myofibroblasts and, subsequently, fibrosis (scarring) in the cornea. We recently reported that decorin overexpression in corneal fibroblasts blocks TGFß-driven myofibroblast transformation and fibrosis development in the cornea in vitro suggesting that decorin gene therapy can be used for the treatment of corneal scarring in vivo.