Brain Stroke Classification via Machine Learning Algorithms Trained with a Linearized Scattering Operator.

This paper proposes an efficient and fast method to create large datasets for machine learning algorithms applied to brain stroke classification via microwave imaging systems. The proposed method is based on the distorted Born approximation and linearization of the scattering operator, in order to minimize the time to generate the large datasets needed to train the machine learning algorithms. The method is then applied to a microwave imaging system, which consists of twenty-four antennas conformal to the upper part of the head, realized with a 3D anthropomorphic multi-tissue model. Each antenna acts as a transmitter and receiver, and the working frequency is 1 GHz. The data are elaborated with three machine learning algorithms: support vector machine, multilayer perceptron, and k-nearest neighbours, comparing their performance. All classifiers can identify the presence or absence of the stroke, the kind of stroke (haemorrhagic or ischemic), and its position within the brain. The trained algorithms were tested with datasets generated via full-wave simulations of the overall system, considering also slightly modified antennas and limiting the data acquisition to amplitude only. The obtained results are promising for a possible real-time brain stroke classification.

A Novel Discretization Procedure in the CSI-FEM Algorithm for Brain Stroke Microwave Imaging.

In this work, the contrast source inversion method is combined with a finite element method to solve microwave imaging problems. The paper's major contribution is the development of a novel contrast source variable discretization that leads to simplify the algorithm implementation and, at the same time, to improve the accuracy of the discretized quantities. Moreover, the imaging problem is recreated in a synthetic environment, where the antennas, and their corresponding coaxial port, are modeled. The implemented algorithm is applied to reconstruct the tissues' dielectric properties inside the head for brain stroke microwave imaging. The proposed implementation is compared with the standard one to evaluate the impact of the variables' discretization on the algorithm's accuracy. Furthermore, the paper shows the obtained performances with the proposed and the standard implementations of the contrast source inversion method in the same realistic 3D scenario. The exploited numerical example shows that the proposed discretization can reach a better focus on the stroke region in comparison with the standard one. However, the variation is within a limited range of permittivity values, which is reflected in similar averages.

A severe outbreak of botulism in cattle in Central Italy.

Botulism in cattle is rarely reported in Italy. This study describes an outbreak of botulism in a dairy herd in Central Italy in September 2012, and the notably high mortality rate it caused. Differential diagnoses involving toxicology and bacteriology, and electrolyte imbalances, all proved negative. A multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for detecting the BoNT gene led to the identification of the causative agent as Clostridium botulinum type DC. The presence of the toxin was confirmed subsequently via mouse bioassay. Initially, the peracute deaths and ambiguous clinical signs delayed the diagnosis and, as a result, impeded identification of the source of the infection on the farm. The severity of the outbreak demonstrates that screening for animal botulism should always form part of the diagnostic protocols used to investigate sudden peracute deaths without apparent cause in livestock.

FORE-Med - the development of a foresight methodology for the prioritisation of animal health research in the Mediterranean area up to 2030.

Diseases evolve constantly and research is needed to face emerging new threats. Evidences suggest that the impact of such threats will have its peak in the Mediterranean area. The FORE­Med, Foresight project for the Mediterranean, aims at identifying the future challenges on livestock health and aquaculture in this area, to ensure an effective coordination of research activities and the delivery of timely solution to emerging issues. One hundred experts with multidisciplinary background and coming from countries all around the Mediterranean basin were gathered to participate in a think­tank to develop a Strategic Research Agenda on animal health for Mediterranean up to 2030. A tailored foresight methodology was implemented, merging the best fit for purpose techniques (e.g. '7 questions', Social, Technological, Economical, Environmental, and Political (STEEP), analysis, scenario building, and backcasting). Both remote and face­to­face debates were held, to ensure a fruitful exchanges and participation among experts. Research needs were identified and prioritised, both on relevance and on temporal scale. The implemented participative approach allowed for the definition of a research priority list for animal health and aquaculture in the Mediterranean, which served as a basis to build a strategic research agenda. The latter is expected to satisfy the sectors' needs and guarantee a much­needed coordination for research activities in the Mediterranean area.

Encephalomyocarditis virus infection in Macaca sylvanus and Hystrix cristata from an Italian rescue centre for wild and exotic animals.

BACKGROUND: The Encephalomyocarditis virus (EMCV) is a small, non enveloped, positive sense single-stranded RNA virus in the genus Cardiovirus, family Picornaviridae, with two known serotypes. It is spread worldwide and infects a huge range of vertebrate hosts with zoonotic potential for humans. The pig is the mammal most likely to be impacted on with the disease, but EMCV occurrence has also been reported in non-human primates and in a variety of domestic, captive and wild animals. Until now, human cases have been very rare and the risk appears to be almost negligible in spite of human susceptibility to the infection. CASE PRESENTATION: Between September and November 2012 a fatal Encephalomyocarditis virus outbreak involving four Barbary macaques and 24 crested porcupines occurred at a rescue centre for wild and exotic animals in Central Italy. In this open-field zoo park located near Grosseto, Tuscany about 1000 animals belonging to different species, including various non-human primates were hosted at that time. Sudden deaths were generally observed without any evident symptoms or only with mild nonspecific clinical signs. The major gross change was characterised by grey-white necrotic foci in the myocardium and the same EMCV strain was isolated both in macaques and crested porcupines. Phylogenetic analysis has confirmed that only one EMCV strain is circulating in Italy, capable of infecting different animal species. CONCLUSIONS: This report confirms the susceptibility of non-human primates to the EMCV infection and describes the disease in porcupine, a common wild Italian and African species. No human cases were observed, but given the zoonotic potential of EMCV these findings are of importance in the context of animal-human interface.

A rare Cryptosporidium parvum genotype associated with infection of lambs and zoonotic transmission in Italy.

An outbreak of cryptosporidiosis occurred in a mixed sheep/cattle farm of Central Italy in October 2011. A total of 450 ovines (250 sheep and 200 lambs) and 140 bovines (130 cows and 10 calves) were housed in two separated units, at the time of the outbreak. About half of the lambs had diarrhea due to Cryptosporidium sp. with a mortality rate of 80%; calves were not infected. Genomic DNA was extracted from an archived slide and from fecal specimens, and the parasite was identified as Cryptosporidium parvum by PCR and sequence analysis at the CpA135 gene. Genotyping at the GP60 gene showed the presence of a very rare genotype, IIaA20G2R1. Shortly after the outbreak was identified, the son of the farm's owner, aged 18 months, experienced an acute gastroenteritis and was hospitalized due to recurrent episodes of diarrhea, fever, vomiting and lack of appetite. The feces tested negative for bacteria and viruses, whereas cryptosporidiosis was diagnosed by microscopy and an immunochromatographic test. Molecular typing identified the C. parvum genotype IIaA20G2R1 in the feces of the child. This is the first case of transmission of cryptosporidiosis in Italy involving lambs as source of oocysts infectious to humans.

Avaliação da saúde bucal dos pacientes com doenças hematológicas do Hospital Universitário de Londrina / Evaluation of the oral health of patients with hematological diseases at the University Hospital of Londrina

Pacientes com doenças hematológicas constituem um desafio na prática odontológica e poucos são os estudos encontrados que associam a condição de saúde bucal com o estado clínico dos pacientes. Segundo dados do Ministério da Saúde há no Brasil atualmente mais de 15.000 pessoas com distúrbios hemorrágicos. Esta população é mais susceptível a algumas doenças, entre elas a cárie e a doença periodontal. O objetivo da pesquisa foi avaliar a condição de saúde bucal de pacientes com desordens hematológicas aatendidos no ambulatório de hematologia do HU-UEL e detectar a presença de cárie, a necessidade de tratamento endodôntico e a prevalência e severidade da doença periodontal. METODOLOGIA: A amostra estudada foi composta por pacientes com doenças hematológicas com idade a partir de 7 anos e que frequentavam o ambulatório de hematologia, sendo dividida em dois grupos: O grupo que realizava terapia com anticoagulante oral (GA) e o que não utilizava anticoaguloante oral (GSA). Foram avaliadas presença de cárie, necessidade de tratamento endodôntico e prevalência e severidade da doença periodontal. RESULTADOS: Constatou-se que a média de CPO-D do grupo GA foi superior a do grupo GSA, assim como a média de dentes perdidos. Ambos os grupos apresentaram necessidade de tratamento endodôntico e destes a maioria dos pacientes, possuía apenas um dente com indicação para endododontia. Os pacientes do grupo GSA foram menos acometidos pela doença periodontal quando comparados ao grupo GA (P=0,036). Em ambos os grupos houve predomínio de recessão gengival e cálculo dentário; a maioria dos pacientes não apresentou necessidade de exodontias, presença de mobilidade dentária, sangramento gengival e lesões bucais. Houve um alto número de pacientes com uma higiene oral ruim e os pacientes adultos apresentaram um alto índice de doença periodontal. CONCLUSÃO: Conclui-se que o uso de anticoagulante está associado a uma pior condição de saúde bucal. A falta de um acompanhamento e ...