Charting the potential of brain computed tomography deep learning systems.

Brain computed tomography (CTB) scans are widely used to evaluate intracranial pathology. The implementation and adoption of CTB has led to clinical improvements. However, interpretation errors occur and may have substantial morbidity and mortality implications for patients. Deep learning has shown promise for facilitating improved diagnostic accuracy and triage. This research charts the potential of deep learning applied to the analysis of CTB scans. It draws on the experience of practicing clinicians and technologists involved in development and implementation of deep learning-based clinical decision support systems. We consider the past, present and future of the CTB, along with limitations of existing systems as well as untapped beneficial use cases. Implementing deep learning CTB interpretation systems and effectively navigating development and implementation risks can deliver many benefits to clinicians and patients, ultimately improving efficiency and safety in healthcare.

The effect of interval sprinting exercise on vascular function and aerobic fitness of post-menopausal women.

Menopausal transition accelerates an age-associated decrease in vascular function and a decline in aerobic fitness. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of 8 weeks of interval sprinting cycle ergometer exercise on arterial stiffness, basal forearm blood flow, and aerobic fitness of post-menopausal women. Sixty overweight post-menopausal women were randomized into either exercise (Ex, n = 30) or control (C, n = 30) groups. Ex participants completed 24 interval sprinting exercise (ISE) sessions over 8 weeks. Each 20-minute ISE session comprised of alternating 8 seconds sprints and 12 seconds of light pedaling. Arterial stiffness assessed through ankle-brachial pulse wave velocity (baPWV) and augmentation index (AIx), basal forearm blood flow (FBF) assessed using venous occlusion, and aerobic fitness were assessed before and after the intervention. baPWV was significantly decreased in the Ex group by 7.2%, P = .03, whereas AIx demonstrated a 10% decrease, P = .002. No changes were found in basal FBF. Aerobic fitness was significantly increased, P = .002, in the Ex group (14%) with no change occurring in the control group.ISE training, despite minimal exercise commitment time (8 hours over 8 weeks), significantly lowered the arterial stiffness and increased the aerobic fitness of post-menopausal women. These results suggest that ISE positively influences the negative change in arterial stiffness and aerobic fitness that typically accompanies menopause.