A comprehensive investigation of morphological features responsible for cerebral aneurysm rupture using machine learning.

Cerebral aneurysms are a silent yet prevalent condition that affects a significant global population. Their development can be attributed to various factors, presentations, and treatment approaches. The importance of selecting the appropriate treatment becomes evident upon diagnosis, as the severity of the disease guides the course of action. Cerebral aneurysms are particularly vulnerable in the circle of Willis and pose a significant concern due to the potential for rupture, which can lead to irreversible consequences, including fatality. The primary objective of this study is to predict the rupture status of cerebral aneurysms. To achieve this, we leverage a comprehensive dataset that incorporates clinical and morphological data extracted from 3D real geometries of previous patients. The aim of this research is to provide valuable insights that can help make informed decisions during the treatment process and potentially save the lives of future patients. Diagnosing and predicting aneurysm rupture based solely on brain scans is a significant challenge with limited reliability, even for experienced physicians. However, by employing statistical methods and machine learning techniques, we can assist physicians in making more confident predictions regarding rupture likelihood and selecting appropriate treatment strategies. To achieve this, we used 5 classification machine learning algorithms and trained them on a substantial database comprising 708 cerebral aneurysms. The dataset comprised 3 clinical features and 35 morphological parameters, including 8 novel morphological features introduced for the first time in this study. Our models demonstrated exceptional performance in predicting cerebral aneurysm rupture, with accuracy ranging from 0.76 to 0.82 and precision score from 0.79 to 0.83 for the test dataset. As the data are sensitive and the condition is critical, recall is prioritized as the more crucial parameter over accuracy and precision, and our models achieved outstanding recall score ranging from 0.85 to 0.92. Overall, the best model was Support Vector Machin with an accuracy and precision of 0.82, recall of 0.92 for the testing dataset and the area under curve of 0.84. The ellipticity index, size ratio, and shape irregularity are pivotal features in predicting aneurysm rupture, respectively, contributing significantly to our understanding of this complex condition. Among the multitude of parameters under investigation, these are particularly important. In this study, the ideal roundness parameter was introduced as a novel consideration and ranked fifth among all 38 parameters. Neck circumference and outlet numbers from the new parameters were also deemed significant contributors.

Advancements in self-assembling peptides: Bridging gaps in 3D cell culture and electronic device fabrication.

Self-assembling peptides (SAPs) show promise in creating synthetic microenvironments that regulate cellular function and tissue repair. Also, the precise π-π interactions and hydrogen bonding within self-assembled peptide structures enable the creation of quantum confined structures, leading to reduced band gaps and the emergence of semiconductor properties within the superstructures. This review emphasizes the need for standardized 3D cell culture methods and electronic devices based on SAPs for monitoring cell communication and controlling cell surface morphology. Additionally, the gap in understanding the relationship between SAP peptide sequences and nanostructures is highlighted, underscoring the importance of optimizing peptide deposition parameters, which affect charge transport and bioactivity due to varying morphologies. The potential of peptide nanofibers as extracellular matrix mimics and the introduction of the zone casting method for improved film deposition are discussed within this review, aiming to bridge knowledge gaps and offer insights into fields like tissue engineering and materials science, with the potential for groundbreaking applications at the interface of biology and materials engineering.

Ti-Doped AgNbO3 as Novel Dense Diffusion Barriers of Limiting Current Oxygen Sensors.

The oxygen sensors with limiting current derived from a dense diffusion barrier have an excellent advantage of detecting oxygen partial pressure by controlling the ratio of air and fuel in combustion environments. Therefore, AgNb1-xTixO3-δ (wherein x varies from 0.1 to 0.3) was prepared as such a dense diffusion barrier layer for sensor application. Among the investigated compositions as a new condensed barrier for the diffusion of sensors, AgNb1-xTixO3-δ (x = 0.1, 0.2, 0.3) exhibits oxygen ionic conductivities from 1.37 × 10-4 to 5.78 × 10-3 S·cm-1 in the temperature range of 600-900 °C and outstanding stable electrochemical properties. Herein, we employ these novel materials as dense diffusion barriers and 8 mol % zirconia stabilized by yttria (8YSZ) as a solid-state electrolyte for the fabrication of the oxygen sensors with limiting current. We observed a direct connection between the limiting current and oxygen content within the interval of 0.5-5.0 mol % at 800 °C and a low working voltage. The increase of Ti-doping amount in AgNbO3 accelerates the sensing response to oxygen gas and promotes the service life of the sensor.

Enhancing particle focusing: a comparative experimental study of modified square wave and square wave microchannels in lift and Dean vortex regimes.

Serpentine microchannels are known for their effective particle focusing through Dean flow-induced rotational effects, which are used in compact designs for size-dependent focusing in medical diagnostics. This study explores square serpentine microchannels, a geometry that has recently gained prominence in inertial microfluidics, and presents a modification of square wave microchannels for improved particle separation and focusing. The proposed modification incorporates an additional U-shaped unit to convert the square wave microchannel into a non-axisymmetric structure, which enhances the Dean flow and consequently increases the Dean drag force. Extensive experiments were conducted covering a wide range of Reynolds numbers and particle sizes (2.45 µm to 12 µm). The particle concentration capability and streak position dynamics of the two structures were compared in detail. The results indicate that the modified square-wave microchannel exhibits efficient particle separation in the lower part of the Dean vortex-dominated regime. With increasing Reynolds number, the particles are successively focused into two streaks in the lift force-dominated regime and into a single streak in the Dean vortex-dominated regime, in this modified square wave geometry. These streaks have a low standard deviation around a mean value. In the Dean vortex-dominated regime, the location of the particle stream is highly dependent on the particle size, which allows good particle separation. Particle focusing occurs at lower Reynolds numbers in both the lift-dominated and lift/Dean drag-dominated regions than in the square wave microchannel. The innovative serpentine channel is particularly useful for the Dean drag-dominated regime and introduces a unique asymmetry that affects the particle focusing dynamics. The proposed device offers significant advantages in terms of efficiency, parallelization, footprint, and throughput over existing geometries.

Viscoelastic Effects on Spontaneous Imbibition in Unsaturated Porous Membranes of Complex Shapes.

Richards equation is a robust mathematical model for predicting spontaneous imbibition in unsaturated porous materials, whether granular or fibrous. The main restriction of this imbibition model is that it is valid only for Newtonian fluids. In the present work, we extend the classic Richards equation to viscoelastic fluids using a modified version of the single-phase Darcy's law reported in the literature for several polymer solutions. In two-dimensional flows, the viscoelastic Richards model obtained this way turns out to be in the form of a system of three highly nonlinear coupled partial differential equations for the moisture content and the velocity field. The model is numerically validated against published experimental data for a shear-thinning polymer solution imbibed in a tight sandstone core sample extracted from a typical oil reservoir. The viscoelastic Richards model is then used to investigate the effect of a fluid's elasticity on the quasi-stationary regime in a two-dimensional porous membrane of complex shape typically used in diagnostic kits. The obtained numerical results suggest that elasticity has a retarding effect on spontaneous imbibition in capillary-driven, paper-based kits. Based on this new imbibition model, it is predicted that viscoelasticity of the displacing liquid can extend the duration of the quasi-stationary regime on the test line of diagnostic kits. The conclusion is that, for extending the quasi-steady regime in capillary-driven kits, it might prove useful to enhance the degree of elasticity of the test fluids using appropriate rheology modifiers.

In vivo functional brain mapping using ultra-high-field fMRI in awake common marmosets.

The common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) is gaining attention in the field of cognitive neuroscience. The development of an effective protocol for fMRI data acquisition in awake marmosets is a key factor in developing reliable comparative studies. Here, we describe a protocol to obtain fMRI data in awake marmosets using auditory and visual stimulation. We describe steps for surgical and anesthesia procedures, MRI training, and positioning the marmosets within an MRI-compatible body restraint. We then detail fMRI scanning and preprocessing of functional images. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Jafari et al. (2023).1.

Solid variant of odontogenic keratocyst in a 22-year-old man: Report of a case.

Key Clinical Message: In conclusion, we can focus on histologic features such as stellate reticulum, reverse polarization of basal cell layer nuclei, and luminal lamellated keratinization as distinguishing factors of ameloblastoma and SKCO. If there is any clinically doubt, molecular testing could be helpful. Abstract: "Solid odontogenic keratocyst" is a rare variant of odontogenic keratocyst, which usually involves mandible. This case was presented as a unique variant of odontogenic keratocyst in an unusual site of left maxilla with extension to the maxillary sinus.

A vocalization-processing network in marmosets.

Vocalizations play an important role in the daily life of primates and likely form the basis of human language. Functional imaging studies have demonstrated that listening to voices activates a fronto-temporal voice perception network in human participants. Here, we acquired whole-brain ultrahigh-field (9.4 T) fMRI in awake marmosets (Callithrix jacchus) and demonstrate that these small, highly vocal New World primates possess a similar fronto-temporal network, including subcortical regions, that is activated by the presentation of conspecific vocalizations. The findings suggest that the human voice perception network has evolved from an ancestral vocalization-processing network that predates the separation of New and Old World primates.

A radiofrequency coil to facilitate task-based fMRI of awake marmosets.

BACKGROUND: The small common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) is an ideal nonhuman primate for awake fMRI in ultra-high field small animal MRI scanners. However, it can often be challenging in task-based fMRI experiments to provide a robust stimulus within the MRI environment while using hardware (an RF coil and restraint system) that is compatible with awake imaging. NEW METHOD: Here we present an RF coil and restraint system that permits unimpeded access to an awake marmoset's head subsequent to immobilization, thereby permitting the setup of peripheral devices and stimuli proximal to the head. RESULTS: As an example application, an fMRI experiment probing whole-brain activation in response to marmoset vocalizations was conducted-this paradigm showed significant bilateral activation in the inferior colliculus, medial lateral geniculate nucleus, and auditory cortex. COMPARISON WITH EXISTING METHOD(S): The coil performance was evaluated and compared to a previously published restraint system with integrated RF coil. The image and temporal SNR were improved by up to 58 % and 27 %, respectively, in the peripheral cortex and by 30 % and 3 % in the centre of the brain. The restraint-system topology limited head motion to less than 100 µm of translation and 0.30° of rotation when measured over a 15-minute acquisition. CONCLUSIONS: The proposed hardware solution provides a versatile approach to awake-marmoset imaging and, as demonstrated, can facilitate task-based fMRI.

Biochar obtained from cinnamon and cannabis as effective adsorbents for removal of lead ions from water.

The feedstock from cinnamon (CI) and cannabis (CA) were used for providing biochar at different temperatures using the pyrolysis method (300, 400, and 600 °C) as appropriate adsorbents for removing Pb(II) ions. The properties of materials were examined with varied techniques. The BET surface area of CI600 and CA600 was higher compared with others. The adsorption efficiency of Pb(II) ions relies on initial Pb(II) concentration, pH, adsorbent dose, equilibrium time, and temperature. The adsorption isotherms of Pb(II) ions were assessed via Langmuir adsorption isotherm and the pseudo-second-order model and electrostatic interaction became visible to play the main role in the adsorption process.

The efficacy of low and moderate dosage of diazepam on sleep bruxism in children: A randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Sleep bruxism (SB) in children is commonly a self-limited problem; however, therapy of the condition may be needed to improve sleep quality of parents and children. Benzodiazepines have some success in controlling adult bruxism. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect and the safety of a short course of diazepam on controlling SB in healthy children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this double-blind, randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial, 109 children with SB were randomly assigned to three groups, receiving low or moderate dose of diazepam or placebo for 2 weeks. For children aged 2-8 years, the dose of 2.5 and 5 mg was considered as low and moderate dose consequently. In children >8 years, the doses were doubled. The severity of SB was evaluated at the beginning and also 2, 8, and 12 weeks thereafter. Data were collected by a questionnaire completed by parents including frequency of SB per week and per night and duration of each SB, as bruxism severity score (BSS). A mixed-model ANOVA was used to assess the differences of mean BSS between different groups and measurement times. RESULTS: From 109 children recruited, 90 completed the study. After 2 weeks of intervention, the mean BSS decreased significantly in all groups (P = 0.0001), but it was not significantly different between groups in any of follow-ups (P = 0.554). Next-day sleepiness was assessed at week 2 of the study and was significantly higher in the groups using diazepam (P = 0.026). CONCLUSION: Short course of diazepam was not more effective than placebo for long-term control of SB in children.

The Core Needle and Surgical Biopsy Concordance to Detect Estrogen, Progesterone, and Her-2 Receptors in Breast Cancer: A Comparative Study.

BACKGROUND &OBJECTIVES: Evaluation of estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and (human epidermal growth factor receptor-2) Her-2 on core needle biopsies (CNBs) is increasingly in use to diagnosis early breast cancer, but its concordance with surgical excision (SE) is not well documented. METHODS: The study included 100 formalin fixed, paraffin-embedded specimens of invasive breast carcinoma archived in Pathology Department of Cancer Institute, Tehran, Iran, from 2011 to 2014. Immunohistochemistry was applied to detect ER, PR, and Her-2. RESULTS: The current study findings indicated a significant correlation of 90% between CNB and SE specimens for ER expression. The correlation between CNB and SE specimens was estimated as 81% and 97.3% for PR and Her-2, respectively. DISCUSSION: CNB can be performed confidently to determine ER and Her-2. For PR, results obtained from CNB should be considered.

Open surgery, laparoscopic surgery, or transureteral lithotripsy--which method? Comparison of ureteral stone management outcomes.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The optimal treatment option for ureteral calculi is a controversial issue. In this study, we present our experience of 60 patients, divided into three groups, who were treated using open surgery, laparoscopic surgery, or transureteral lithotripsy (TUL). PATIENTS AND METHODS: We enrolled 60 patients who had upper ureteral calculi >l0 mm in diameter from June 2008 to August 2009 in our center. In a prospective study, preoperative and postoperative data were evaluated, and for statistical analyses, the chi-square test, one-way analysis of variance, and post hoc test were used. RESULTS: The mean operative time was 70, 191, and 162.5 minutes in the TUL, laparoscopic, and open groups, respectively. The mean hospital stay was 1.65, 4.2, and 4.35 days in the three groups, respectively. The stone-free rate was 90%, 95%, and 100% in the three groups, respectively. Flank pain was reported as 15%, 5%, and 15%, in the three groups, respectively. Hemoglobin decrease necessitating blood transfusion was not reported in the TUL and laparoscopic groups, but blood transfusion was reported in 15% in the open group. The lowest dose of analgesic was used in the TUL group. There was no damage to the ureter and adjacent organs and wound infection in the three groups. CONCLUSION: Our study showed that the complications after laparoscopic surgery were lower than in open surgery. We recommend laparoscopic surgery for upper ureteral stones >1 cm because of lower postoperative complications, shorter hospital stay, and shorter time to convalescence, and better cosmetic results.