Automated Uterine Fibroids Detection in Ultrasound Images Using Deep Convolutional Neural Networks.

Fibroids of the uterus are a common benign tumor affecting women of childbearing age. Uterine fibroids (UF) can be effectively treated with earlier identification and diagnosis. Its automated diagnosis from medical images is an area where deep learning (DL)-based algorithms have demonstrated promising results. In this research, we evaluated state-of-the-art DL architectures VGG16, ResNet50, InceptionV3, and our proposed innovative dual-path deep convolutional neural network (DPCNN) architecture for UF detection tasks. Using preprocessing methods including scaling, normalization, and data augmentation, an ultrasound image dataset from Kaggle is prepared for use. After the images are used to train and validate the DL models, the model performance is evaluated using different measures. When compared to existing DL models, our suggested DPCNN architecture achieved the highest accuracy of 99.8 percent. Findings show that pre-trained deep-learning model performance for UF diagnosis from medical images may significantly improve with the application of fine-tuning strategies. In particular, the InceptionV3 model achieved 90% accuracy, with the ResNet50 model achieving 89% accuracy. It should be noted that the VGG16 model was found to have a lower accuracy level of 85%. Our findings show that DL-based methods can be effectively utilized to facilitate automated UF detection from medical images. Further research in this area holds great potential and could lead to the creation of cutting-edge computer-aided diagnosis systems. To further advance the state-of-the-art in medical imaging analysis, the DL community is invited to investigate these lines of research. Although our proposed innovative DPCNN architecture performed best, fine-tuned versions of pre-trained models like InceptionV3 and ResNet50 also delivered strong results. This work lays the foundation for future studies and has the potential to enhance the precision and suitability with which UF is detected.

SLC11A1 genetic variation and low expression may cause immune response impairment in TB patients.

Tuberculosis (TB) is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Host genetic factors are important for the detection of TB susceptibility. SLC11A1 is located in monocyte phagolysosomes that help to limit M. tuberculosis growth by transferring divalent cations across the membrane. Genetic variation in SLC11A1 may alter its expression and increase the susceptibility of individuals to TB. The current study aimed to provide insight into host genetic variations and gene expression in TB patients. A total of 164 TB patients and 85 healthy controls were enrolled in this study. SLC11A1 polymorphisms were detected by PCR-RFLP. Real-time qPCR was used for SLC11A1 gene expression, and ELISA was used for protein estimation. GTEx Portal was used for quantitative trait loci analysis, while the STRING (v.11) web platform was used for gene interactive network construction. Data were analyzed using SPSS, GraphPad Prism, Haploview, and SNPstats. SLC11A1 polymorphisms and combinatorial genotypes were strongly associated with TB susceptibility, which may explain the greater prevalence of tuberculosis in the local population. Polymorphisms in SLC11A1 have also been linked to gene expression variation. Furthermore, the expression of SLC11A1 was downregulated in TB patients, which may influence the function of other associated genes and may impair the immunological response to tuberculosis.

Distal Tibial Fracture Fixation with Locking Compression Plate (LCP) Using the Minimally Invasive Percutaneous Osteosynthesis (MIPO) Technique.

BACKGROUND: Treatment of distal tibial fractures has always been a challenge. Distal tibia is more superficial, with less soft tissue coverage and blood supply. Therefore, operative treatment can lead to complications. We aim to see the results of the distal tibial fracture fixation with LCP using MIPO. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twenty-one consecutive patients were prospectively reviewed. AO types 43A, 43B and 43C were included. Fourteen male and seven female patients with a mean age of 51 years were included. RESULTS: Mean time to union was 5.5 months (range 3-13 months). Seventeen fractures healed with good functional outcome. One patient had delayed union. One patient had nonunion and underwent revision; the fracture ultimately healed with good functional outcome. Two patients developed superficial wound infections but the fractures united completely. DISCUSSION: The MIPO technique for distal tibia has shown good results with many additional advantages over the conventional methods. Early mobilization without risk of secondary displacement helps to prevent stiffness and contracture.

Outcome of proximal humerus fractures treated by PHILOS plate internal fixation. Experience of a district general hospital.

Proximal humerus fractures have been a challenge to achieve stable fixation. PHILOS (Proximal Humerus internal locking system) is part of the latest generation of locking compression plates for proximal humeral fracture fixation. We aim to assess the clinical and functional outcome of proximal humeral fractures (2-part, 3-part and 4-part) treated with the PHILOS plate. We prospectively reviewed 50 patients who had a proximal humeral fracture treated with the PHILOS plate from September 2002 to September 2006 in our institution. Clinical outcome was measured using the patient-based Oxford shoulder and DASH scoring systems. Five patients died and four were lost to follow-up. Eleven patients had 2-part, eleven 3-part and eighteen 4-part fractures. Mean follow-up time was 21.7 months (range: 6-44 months). Radiological union was achieved within 8 weeks in 40/41 fractures; complications were noted in four cases. Better results were achieved in younger than in older patients, and in male than in female patients. The number of fracture fragments did not appear to affect the results, but associated dislocation of the humeral head was a pejorative factor. Our study has shown that the PHILOS plate is a reliable implant. A direct correlation was observed between Oxford shoulder and DASH scores.

Plate fixation of clavicle fractures: a comparative study between Reconstruction Plate and Dynamic Compression Plate.

This study aimed at comparing the results of clavicular fracture fixation with AO Reconstruction (Recon) plate and Dynamic Compression Plate (DCP). The case notes of 39 patients with 40 acute and chronic clavicular fractures were retrospectively reviewed. The indications for fixation for acute cases comprised open fractures, the presence of sufficient skin tenting to risk skin integrity, neurovascular compromise and severe lateral displacement or comminution. Cases of symptomatic atrophic non-union after at least 12 months conservative management or previous failed 1/3 tubular plate fixation were also included in the study. In total 24 fractures were fixed with Recon Plate and 16 with DCP. Mean time to union was 4.2 months for the Recon plate group and 5.4 months for the DCP group. Eight of the DCP group complained of plate prominence requiring plate removal. Recon plates should be used in preference to DCP whenever clavicular fracture fixation is indicated.

Clinical presentation of a missed primary aorto-enteric fistula.

Primary aortoenteric fistula is a rare but potentially fatal cause of gastrointestinal bleeding. The diagnosis of primary aortoeteric fistula is difficult to make and is usually accompanied by a very high level of clinical suspicion. In the context of a known abdominal aortic aneurysm it is reasonable to have a high index of clinical suspicion ofaortoenteric fistula. It should be included in the differential diagnosis with low back pain and a palpable midline abdominal mass in a haemodynamically stable patient. We present a case of a 59 year old man with no past history of abdominal aortic aneurysm presented with lower back and periumblical pain. Initial misdiagnosis led to a delay in treatment and the patient succumbed to the illness.