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This CME series reviews updated Delphi consensus surface anatomy terminology through the lens of common medical and procedural dermatology scenarios, helping to underscore high-yield points that can be readily integrated into clinical practice to support patient care. Part I of the series reviewed the current state of standardized surface anatomy, provided an illustrative review of consensus terminology, highlighted prominent landmarks that can aid in critical diagnoses, and related the importance of precise terminology to principles of medical management. Part II will utilize consensus terminology to heighten recognition of key landmarks in procedural dermatology to support optimal functional and aesthetic outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This continuing medical education series reviews updated Delphi consensus surface anatomy terminology through the lens of common medical and procedural dermatology scenarios, helping to underscore high-yield points that can be readily integrated into clinical practice to support patient care. Part I of this series will discuss the current state of surface anatomy terminology in dermatology, outline implications of precise and consistent terminology, provide an illustrative overview of high-yield consensus terminology, highlight prominent landmarks that can aid in critical diagnoses, and relate the importance of precise terminology to medical management. Part II will draw upon consensus terminology to inform the management of cutaneous malignancies and support optimal outcomes in dermatologic procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since overdiagnosis and overtreatment pose significant risks in managing prostate cancer (PCa), active surveillance (AS) is the most common treatment in low-risk patients. However, there is no general agreement yet on the inclusion criteria and the required follow-up. Multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) of the prostate was born as a useful device in these patients both in diagnosis and follow-up, and it is widely used in daily clinical practice. We reflect on the most current evidence described in the literature on the topic, its results, and our experience.

This paper elaborates on how the scholars of the Hanafi School of Law theoretically considered mufesser and muḥkem. Mufesser and muḥkem represent two out of four categories (ẓāhir, naṣṣ, mufassar and muḥkem) in the categorization of the clear meaning of the legislative text (wāḍiḥ) in the Hanafi school. Naming examples, the paper analyses the use of mufesser and muḥkem in the Hanafi scholars’ ijtihād and shows the results and consequences of their understanding of the indications of these categories. At the beginning of the paper, the discipline of linguistics in Uṣūlu-l-fiqh is briefly explained, and then the linguistic and terminological definitions first of the concept of mufesser and then also of muḥkem in the Hanafi School of Law are presented. At the end, the legal value of mufesser and muḥkem and the value of their indications in legal reasoning in Shariat (ijtihad) are explained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Active surveillance (AS) is now included in all major guidelines for patients with low-risk PCa and selected patients with intermediate-risk PCa. Several studies have highlighted the potential benefit of multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) in AS and it has been adopted in some guidelines. However, uncertainty remains about whether serial mpMRI can help to safely reduce the number of required repeat biopsies under AS. In 2017, the European School of Oncology initiated the Prostate Cancer Radiological Estimation of Change in Sequential Evaluation (PRECISE) panel which proposed the PRECISE scoring system to assess the likelihood of radiological tumor progression on serial mpMRI. The PRECISE scoring system remains the only major system evaluated in multiple publications. In this review article, we discuss the current body of literature investigating the application of PRECISE as it is not as yet an established standard in mpMRI reporting. We delineate the strengths of PRECISE and its potential added value. Also, we underline potential weaknesses of the PRECISE scoring system, which might be tackled in future versions to further increase its value in AS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In atherosclerosis, chronic inflammatory processes in local diseased areas may lead to the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). In this study, we devised a highly sensitive H2O2-scavenging nano-bionic system loaded with probucol (RPP-PU), to treat atherosclerosis more effectively. The RPP material had high sensitivity to H2O2, and the response sensitivity could be reduced from 40 to 10 μmol/L which was close to the lowest concentration of H2O2 levels of the pathological environment. RPP-PU delayed the release and prolonged the duration of PU in vivo. In Apolipoprotein E deficient (ApoE‒/‒) mice, RPP-PU effectively eliminated pathological ROS, reduced the level of lipids and related metabolic enzymes, and significantly decreased the area of vascular plaques and fibers. Our study demonstrated that the H2O2-scavenging nano-bionic system could scavenge the abundant ROS in the atherosclerosis lesion, thereby reducing the oxidative stress for treating atherosclerosis and thus achieve the therapeutic goals with atherosclerosis more desirably.

Purpose To investigate the value of three-dimensional ultrasound fusion imaging (3DUS-FI) in real-time guiding needle placement by phantom models and in vivo simulations.Materials and methods Two radiologists (beginner and expert) performed needle placement using two-dimensional ultrasound (2DUS) and 3DUS-FI, respectively. In the phantom study, single-needle placement was performed by puncturing the center point of each ball and assessed based on the specimen length. Multiple-needles placement was performed by placing three needles in each ball, and their locations were confirmed by computed tomography, and assessed based on the distance deviation between needles. In the in vivo simulation study, simulated-needle placement was performed by placing a virtual ablation needle in each liver tumor and assessed by the simulated ablative cover rate and margin.Results Specimen length was significantly longer with 3DUS-FI in the beginner, whereas no significant difference was observed in the expert (2DUS vs. 3DUS-FI: beginner, 14.60 ± 2.60 mm vs. 16.25 ± 1.38 mm, p = .017; expert, 16.78 ± 1.40 mm vs. 16.95 ± 1.15 mm, p = .668). Distance deviation between needles was significantly smaller with 3DUS-FI (2DUS vs. 3DUS-FI: beginner, 25.06 ± 16.07 mm vs. 3.72 ± 1.99 mm, p

State-owned enterprises' (SOEs) performance is currently under increasing pressure. SOEs are businesses that the government controls, at least with a majority stake, in particular fields that typically concern public interests. The purpose of this study is to investigate how investment efficiency in Indonesian state-owned enterprises is affected by the implementation of precise and measurable risk management. The information utilized is board information from 25 non-monetary SOEs recorded on the Indonesia Stock Trade during the 2013-2018 period. The panel regression method is used for testing, and it was found that the joint implementation of risk management has a significant impact on investment efficiency. Linear regression is used in this study's quantitative research approach. Financial reports from non-financial SOEs that were listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange between 2013 and 2018 were used as the data. The processed data from this study indicate that the implementation of risk management in non-financial SOEs in Indonesia between 2013 and 2018 has a significant impact on investment efficiency. The commitment to execute SOE risk the executives requires the board to deal with having choices to channel business decisions put forth to stay away from unprofitable attempts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wearable temperature sensors with high accuracy are critical for human health monitoring. Ideally, they should show accuracy matching that of medical‐grade thermometers (i.e., ± ≈0.1–0.2 °C). Achieving this goal has proven challenging for sensors that must also meet key wearable requirements, such as flexibility, stretchability, and breathability. Herein, a new stretchable supercapacitive temperature sensor with a resolution of ±0.2 °C, is presented, which was achieved by. Two new strategies to increase temperature sensitivity and minimize the interferences of mechanical stretching and pressure: a) synthesizing an ion‐conductive NaCl‐organogel to serve as the redox‐active separator to increase sensitivity and suppress interference of compression; and b) using a kirigami design to decrease the interference of stretch and improve breathability. These two novel strategies endow the supercapacitive temperature sensors with a temperature accuracy of ±0.2 °C and exceptionally high sensitivity of 0.095 °C−1, which is more than 13 times higher than traditional dielectric‐capacitive sensors. The potential of the supercapacitive sensor in measuring body temperature is demonstrated by continuously monitoring skin temperatures under a medical compression garment that exerts pressure on the skin and the unsteady wrist flexion. The findings confirm that the organogel‐based supercapacitive sensors offer an extraordinary temperature accuracy significantly better than wearable sensors reported in the literature. The combined characteristics of high resolution, linearity, breathability, and stretchability make this sensor a promising candidate for skin‐interfaced health monitoring devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In atherosclerosis, chronic inflammatory processes in local diseased areas may lead to the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). In this study, we devised a highly sensitive H 2 O 2 -scavenging nano-bionic system loaded with probucol (RPP-PU), to treat atherosclerosis more effectively. The RPP material had high sensitivity to H 2 O 2 , and the response sensitivity could be reduced from 40 to 10 μmol/L which was close to the lowest concentration of H 2 O 2 levels of the pathological environment. RPP-PU delayed the release and prolonged the duration of PU in vivo. In Apolipoprotein E deficient (ApoE‒/‒) mice, RPP-PU effectively eliminated pathological ROS, reduced the level of lipids and related metabolic enzymes, and significantly decreased the area of vascular plaques and fibers. Our study demonstrated that the H 2 O 2 -scavenging nano-bionic system could scavenge the abundant ROS in the atherosclerosis lesion, thereby reducing the oxidative stress for treating atherosclerosis and thus achieve the therapeutic goals with atherosclerosis more desirably. H 2 O 2 -scavenging nano-bionic system RPP-PU treated atherosclerosis more effectively by reducing the oxidative state. The sensitivity was close to the lowest concentration of ROS of pathological environment of atherosclerosis. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Automatic grafting and cutting machines can be employed to satisfy the increasing demand for seedlings without soil-borne diseases in a short period. The main approach used to feed seedlings for automatic grafting and cutting machines is artificial, which limits the improvement of grafting and cutting machine productivity. The separation system with a subdivision air stream can stably feed seedlings for cutting and grafting machines; however, the separation efficiency is low when a few seedlings are in the separator. To solve this problem, a feedback monitoring device with a photosensitive sensor as the sensing element and feedback functions on the status of seedlings in the separator was developed. Through experiments using a photosensitive sensor to monitor the separation process of tomato seedlings, the results showed that the effect on the effective seedling blowing rate varied from large to small depending on the seedling size, light intensity, and sensor diameter. The results of separation experiment showed that the productivity of the entire system was 8784 plants/h, which satisfies the productivity needs of the grafting and cutting machine. Compared with the separation device without feedback monitoring, the productivity increased by 39%, the damage rate decreased by 4%, and the number of subdivided air stream operations was reduced by 47%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, it is required to acquire three-dimensional information at high speed in various fields. Previously, a structured light field (SLF) method for high-speed three dimensional measurement in 1 ms was proposed by our group. However, the SLF method has a drawback of worse depth estimation error by several tens millimeters. In this paper, a novel method to generate SLF with two projectors placed in parallel is proposed. This arrangement could produce bigger pattern change depending on the depth and made more precise estimation possible. The depth estimation experiments for precision evaluation and dynamic projection mapping experiment successfully demonstrated precise depth estimation with the error of several millimeters and high-speed estimation within 1 ms, though the measurement range was limited to approximately 100 mm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of West China Journal of Stomatology is the property of Sichuan University, West China College of Stomatology and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Neuron tracing from optical image is critical in understanding brain function in diseases. A key problem is to trace discontinuous filamentary structures from noisy background, which is commonly encountered in neuronal and some medical images. Broken traces lead to cumulative topological errors, and current methods were hard to assemble various fragmentary traces for correct connection. In this paper, we propose a graph connectivity theoretical method for precise filamentary structure tracing in neuron image. First, we build the initial subgraphs of signals via a region-to-region based tracing method on CNN predicted probability. CNN technique removes noise interference, whereas its prediction for some elongated fragments is still incomplete. Second, we reformulate the global connection problem of individual or fragmented subgraphs under heuristic graph restrictions as a dynamic linear programming function via minimizing graph connectivity cost, where the connected cost of breakpoints are calculated using their probability strength via minimum cost path. Experimental results on challenging neuronal images proved that the proposed method outperformed existing methods and achieved similar results of manual tracing, even in some complex discontinuous issues. Performances on vessel images indicate the potential of the method for some other tubular objects tracing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The 2 nd Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) of the United Nations attempt to eliminate the potential hunger and food insecurity issues by 2030, but in the plight of COVID19 pandemic it has become far more critical and persistent issue globally as well as in India. The nation-wide socio-economic surveys of National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) in India are designed to produce reliable and representative estimates of important food insecurity parameters at state and national level for both rural and urban sectors separately but these surveys cannot be used directly to generate reliable district level estimates. Whereas, efficient and representative disaggregated level estimates for the extent (or incidence) of food insecurity prevalence has direct impact on strategizing effective policy plans and monitoring progress towards eliminating food insecurity. In this backdrop, the paper outlines small area estimation approach to estimate the incidence of food insecurity across the districts of rural Uttar Pradesh in India by linking data from the 2011–12 Household Consumer Expenditure Survey of NSSO, and the 2011 Indian Population Census. A spatial map has been generated showing spatial disparity for the incidence of food insecurity in Uttar Pradesh. These disaggregated level estimates are relevant and purposeful for SDG indicator 2.1.2 – severity of food insecurity. The estimates and map of food insecurity incidences are expected to deliver invaluable information to the policy-analysts and decision-makers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study developed a rapid reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) method equipped with a UV-Vis detector. The aquaponics system›s tilapia and marine snoek fishes were extracted using an autoclaving process and enzymatic treatment. The technique enabled the separation and quantification of cobalamin present in these fishes extracts. Phenomenex Luna® 5 µm C18 (2) 100 A LC-column (150 × 4.6 mm) was used as a stationary phase, while the mobile phase consisted of methanol and phosphoric acid in a ratio of 35:65 (v/v), respectively. The developed method was revealed to be rapid (a retention time of less than 5.0 min), linear (R2 = 0.9988), sensitive (limits of detection and quantification showed to be 0.0004 and 0.0011 µg/mL, respectively), precise (percentage relative standard deviation of 0.14% to 0.76%), and accurate (percentage mean recovery of 87.44 ± 0.33% to 97.08 ± 0.74%). The quantified concentrations of this vitamin in extracts of tilapia and snoek fishes were found to be 08.95 ± 0.35 and 14.97 ± 0.04 µg/mL, respectively. Therefore, we suggested that the developed RP-HPLC technique could be applicable for quality control evaluation in the food and pharmaceutical industries. Besides, the method could be vital for diagnostic analysis in clinical laboratories. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To compare the performance of the PRECISE scoring system against several MRI-derived delta-radiomics models for predicting histopathological prostate cancer (PCa) progression in patients on active surveillance (AS). Methods: The study included AS patients with biopsy-proven PCa with a minimum follow-up of 2 years and at least one repeat targeted biopsy. Histopathological progression was defined as grade group progression from diagnostic biopsy. The control group included patients with both radiologically and histopathologically stable disease. PRECISE scores were applied prospectively by four uro-radiologists with 5–16 years' experience. T2WI- and ADC-derived delta-radiomics features were computed using baseline and latest available MRI scans, with the predictive modelling performed using the parenclitic networks (PN), least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) logistic regression, and random forests (RF) algorithms. Standard measures of discrimination and areas under the ROC curve (AUCs) were calculated, with AUCs compared using DeLong's test. Results: The study included 64 patients (27 progressors and 37 non-progressors) with a median follow-up of 46 months. PRECISE scores had the highest specificity (94.7%) and positive predictive value (90.9%), whilst RF had the highest sensitivity (92.6%) and negative predictive value (92.6%) for predicting disease progression. The AUC for PRECISE (84.4%) was non-significantly higher than AUCs of 81.5%, 78.0%, and 80.9% for PN, LASSO regression, and RF, respectively (p = 0.64, 0.43, and 0.57, respectively). No significant differences were observed between AUCs of the three delta-radiomics models (p-value range 0.34–0.77). Conclusions: PRECISE and delta-radiomics models achieved comparably good performance for predicting PCa progression in AS patients. Key Points: • The observed high specificity and PPV of PRECISE are complemented by the high sensitivity and NPV of delta-radiomics, suggesting a possible synergy between the two image assessment approaches. • The comparable performance of delta-radiomics to PRECISE scores applied by expert readers highlights the prospective use of the former as an objective and standardisable quantitative tool for MRI-guided AS follow-up. • The marginally superior performance of parenclitic networks compared to conventional machine learning algorithms warrants its further use in radiomics research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background and objective PRECISE is a population-based, prospective pregnancy cohort study designed for deep phenotyping of pregnancies in women with placenta-related disorders, and in healthy controls. The PRECISE Network is recruiting ~ 10,000 pregnant women in three countries (The Gambia, Kenya, and Mozambique) representing sub-Saharan Africa. The principal aim is to improve our understanding of pre-eclampsia, fetal growth restriction and stillbirth. This involves the creation of a highly curated biorepository for state of the art discovery science and a rich database of antenatal variables and maternal and neonatal outcomes. Our overarching aim is to provide large sample numbers with adequate power to address key scientific questions. Here we describe our experience of establishing a biorepository in the PRECISE Network and review the issues and challenges surrounding set-up, management and scientific use. Methods The feasibility of collecting and processing each sample type was assessed in each setting and plans made for establishing the necessary infrastructure. Quality control (QC) protocols were established to ensure that biological samples are ‘fit-for-purpose'. The management structures required for standardised sample collection and processing were developed. This included the need for transport of samples between participating countries and to external academic/commercial institutions. Results Numerous practical challenges were encountered in setting up the infrastructure including facilities, staffing, training, cultural barriers, procurement, shipping and sample storage. Whilst delaying the project, these were overcome by establishing good communication with the sites, training workshops and constant engagement with the necessary commercial suppliers. A Project Executive Committee and Biology Working Group together defined the biospecimens required to answer the research questions paying particular attention to harmonisation of protocols with other cohorts so as to enable cross-biorepository collaboration. Governance structures implemented include a Data and Sample Committee to ensure biospecimens and data will be used according to consent, and prioritisation by scientific excellence. A coordinated sample and data transfer agreement will prevent delay in sample sharing. Discussion With adequate training and infrastructure, it is possible to establish high quality sample collections to facilitate research programmes such as the PRECISE Network in sub-Saharan Africa. These preparations are pre-requisites for effective execution of a biomarker-based approach to better understand the complexities of placental disease in these settings, and others.

Automatic grafting and cutting machines can be employed to satisfy the increasing demand for seedlings without soil-borne diseases in a short period. The main approach used to feed seedlings for automatic grafting and cutting machines is artificial, which limits the improvement of grafting and cutting machine productivity. The separation system with a subdivision air stream can stably feed seedlings for cutting and grafting machines; however, the separation efficiency is low when a few seedlings are in the separator. To solve this problem, a feedback monitoring device with a photosensitive sensor as the sensing element and feedback functions on the status of seedlings in the separator was developed. Through experiments using a photosensitive sensor to monitor the separation process of tomato seedlings, the results showed that the effect on the effective seedling blowing rate varied from large to small depending on the seedling size, light intensity, and sensor diameter. The results of separation experiment showed that the productivity of the entire system was 8784 plants/h, which satisfies the productivity needs of the grafting and cutting machine. Compared with the separation device without feedback monitoring, the productivity increased by 39%, the damage rate decreased by 4%, and the number of subdivided air stream operations was reduced by 47%.

An X-bar control chart using the multiple dependent state (MDS) sampling under indeterminacy is presented in this paper. The MDS sampling utilizes the previous subgroup information if in-decision on the first sample. The use of MDS increases the power of the Shewhart control chart to detect a very small shift in the process. The advantages of the proposed chart over the past charts are given by simulation and real examples.

With the utilization of advanced microfluidic techniques, the microfluidic particle counter demonstrates significant potential due to its high efficiency, precise manipulation, and portability. This work focuses on a photodetection counter based on optical absorption. To achieve precise particle detection, a Christmas tree-like structure was implemented to separate a single particle from a cluster, which was then detected in independent multiple parallel channels. The system exhibits a high degree of reliability, as evidenced by a linear correlation coefficient over 0.99 obtained during testing with gradient-concentrated beads. Furthermore, when the calculated density of NIH 3T3 cells is compared with that of a traditional flow cytometer, the system achieves a substantial agreement percentage ranging from 87.5 to 99.9%. The system's ability to perform high-throughput analysis with a high acquisition rate positions it as a promising tool for real-time point-of-care testing.

Digital reconstruction or tracing of 3D tree-like neuronal structures from optical microscopy images is essential for understanding the functionality of neurons and reveal the connectivity of neuronal networks. Despite the existence of numerous tracing methods, reconstructing a neuron from highly noisy images remains challenging, particularly for neurites with low and inhomogeneous intensities. Conducting deep convolutional neural network (CNN)-based segmentation prior to neuron tracing facilitates an approach to solving this problem via separation of weak neurites from a noisy background. However, large manual annotations are needed in deep learning-based methods, which is labor-intensive and limits the algorithm’s generalization for different datasets. In this study, we present a weakly supervised learning method of a deep CNN for neuron reconstruction without manual annotations. Specifically, we apply a 3D residual CNN as the architecture for discriminative neuronal feature extraction. We construct the initial pseudo-labels (without manual segmentation) of the neuronal images on the basis of an existing automatic tracing method. A weakly supervised learning framework is proposed via iterative training of the CNN model for improved prediction and refining of the pseudo-labels to update training samples. The pseudo-label was iteratively modified via mining and addition of weak neurites from the CNN predicted probability map on the basis of their tubularity and continuity. The proposed method was evaluated on several challenging images from the public BigNeuron and Diadem datasets, to fMOST datasets. Owing to the adaption of 3D deep CNNs and weakly supervised learning, the presented method demonstrates effective detection of weak neurites from noisy images and achieves results similar to those of the CNN model with manual annotations. The tracing performance was significantly improved by the proposed method on both small and large datasets (>100 GB). Moreover, the proposed method proved to be superior to several novel tracing methods on original images. The results obtained on various large-scale datasets demonstrated the generalization and high precision achieved by the proposed method for neuron reconstruction.

According to WHO data, 2–8% of pregnant women are at risk of preeclampsia – pathology, which is one of the main causes of mortality in pregnant women. Among the main risk factors is high blood pressure. In particular, prolonged/chronic arterial hypertension increases the probability of preeclampsia by 7–8 times. Thus, the above studies have demonstrated the presence in pregnancy the relationship between increased blood pressure and sympathetic activation of the autonomic nervous system, which is calculated using components of the frequency domain of heart rate variability – LF/HF. Due to the fact that the only standardized source of information for heart rate variability analysis is an electrocardiogram, it is required use of wearable ECG devices and software for automated interpretation of rhythmograms for continuous monitoring of blood pressure risk. The sharp increase in LF/HF detected with it is a trigger for the use cardiological guidelines for the prevention and treatment of preeclampsia and eclampsia. To address this, among other things, this task was developed by the world’s first ECG sensor for continuous recording of single-handed RR intervals – SenceBand and cloud technology for automated ECG interpretation – PRECISE. The sensor removes an array of ECG RR-intervals duration of 160 or 330 seconds every 10, 30, or 60 minutes. The information is processed by a mobile phone with iOS or Android operating systems and sent to the server in accordance with the ISO/HL7 standard, where the physician can track daily trends throughout the range of heart rate variability. Sensors using for continuous monitoring of heart rate variability from one hand in pregnant women is much more comfortable than using Holter’s monitors, smart clothes and ECG patches.

Abstract Background Several candidate genes have been identified in relation to lipid metabolism, and among these, lipoprotein lipase (LPL) and apolipoprotein E (APOE) gene polymorphisms are major sources of genetically determined variation in lipid concentrations. This study investigated the association of two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) at LPL, seven tagging SNPs at the APOE gene, and a common APOE haplotype (two SNPs) with blood lipids, and examined the interaction of these SNPs with dietary factors. Methods The population studied for this investigation included 660 individuals from the Prevention of Cancer by Intervention with Selenium (PRECISE) study who supplied baseline data. The findings of the PRECISE study were further replicated using 1238 individuals from the Caerphilly Prospective cohort (CaPS). Dietary intake was assessed using a validated food-frequency questionnaire (FFQ) in PRECISE and a validated semi-quantitative FFQ in the CaPS. Interaction analyses were performed by including the interaction term in the linear regression model adjusted for age, body mass index, sex and country. Results There was no association between dietary factors and blood lipids after Bonferroni correction and adjustment for confounding factors in either cohort. In the PRECISE study, after correction for multiple testing, there was a statistically significant association of the APOE haplotype (rs7412 and rs429358; E2, E3, and E4) and APOE tagSNP rs445925 with total cholesterol (P = 4 × 10− 4 and P = 0.003, respectively). Carriers of the E2 allele had lower total cholesterol concentration (5.54 ± 0.97 mmol/L) than those with the E3 (5.98 ± 1.05 mmol/L) (P = 0.001) and E4 (6.09 ± 1.06 mmol/L) (P = 2 × 10− 4) alleles. The association of APOE haplotype (E2, E3, and E4) and APOE SNP rs445925 with total cholesterol (P = 2 × 10− 6 and P = 3 × 10− 4, respectively) was further replicated in the CaPS. Additionally, significant association was found between APOE haplotype and APOE SNP rs445925 with low density lipoprotein cholesterol in CaPS (P = 4 × 10− 4 and P = 0.001, respectively). After Bonferroni correction, none of the cohorts showed a statistically significant SNP-diet interaction on lipid outcomes. Conclusion In summary, our findings from the two cohorts confirm that genetic variations at the APOE locus influence plasma total cholesterol concentrations, however, the gene-diet interactions on lipids require further investigation in larger cohorts.

Ear piercing is a simple office procedure commonly done in India for traditional purposes and after repair of the split ear lobule and ear lobule reconstruction. Multiple methods have been described, but the main goals of any procedure are that it should be simple, easily reproducible, inexpensive, and accurate and should allow the formation of a neat straight tract without complications, most commonly infection. We have devised a simple and reproducible method for ear piercing using an easily available, sterile intravenous cannula. The cannula creates a precise hole, and the earring can be easily threaded through the sheath after removing the needle. This method of piercing mitigates the risk of infection normally associated with the procedure especially when done through cartilage. The same technique can also be used in children with a slight modification as described in the article. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this randomized, single blind and controlled study, the feasibility and precision of 3-dimensional printing templates for cervical lateral mass screw insertion was evaluated. A total of 6 patients (72 screws), who were diagnosed with cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) and developmental cervical spinal stenosis, were randomly divided into A and B two groups. All subjects underwent modified posterior surgery with using cervical lateral mass screws insertion (C4–C6). Group A underwent surgeries with screw insertion assisted by the guidance of 3-dimensional printing templates and Group B underwent surgeries with screw insertion by freehand. The criteria of the accuracy of screw placement were set as the main evaluation indicators. There was no significant difference between the 2 groups in age, improvement rate of JOA, operation time and blood loss. According to Bayard's criteria, 32 screws (88.9%) were described as "acceptable" in group A and 22 screws (61.1%) were described as "acceptable" in Group B (P < 0.05). Based on our criteria, the "excellent and good" rate of screws was 83.3% in group A and 47.2% in Group B, respectively (P < 0.05). The precision of screws' location in Group A was superior to that in Group B. 3-Dimensional printing screw insertion templates may achieve (1) comprehensive visualization of the cervical vertebrae and lateral mass and the individual surgical planning using the 3-dimensional model preoperatively. (2) increasing the accuracy of cervical lateral mass screw insertion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Digital reconstruction or tracing of 3D tree-like neuronal structures from optical microscopy images is essential for understanding the functionality of neurons and reveal the connectivity of neuronal networks. Despite the existence of numerous tracing methods, reconstructing a neuron from highly noisy images remains challenging, particularly for neurites with low and inhomogeneous intensities. Conducting deep convolutional neural network (CNN)-based segmentation prior to neuron tracing facilitates an approach to solving this problem via separation of weak neurites from a noisy background. However, large manual annotations are needed in deep learning-based methods, which is labor-intensive and limits the algorithm's generalization for different datasets. In this study, we present a weakly supervised learning method of a deep CNN for neuron reconstruction without manual annotations. Specifically, we apply a 3D residual CNN as the architecture for discriminative neuronal feature extraction. We construct the initial pseudo-labels (without manual segmentation) of the neuronal images on the basis of an existing automatic tracing method. A weakly supervised learning framework is proposed via iterative training of the CNN model for improved prediction and refining of the pseudo-labels to update training samples. The pseudo-label was iteratively modified via mining and addition of weak neurites from the CNN predicted probability map on the basis of their tubularity and continuity. The proposed method was evaluated on several challenging images from the public BigNeuron and Diadem datasets, to fMOST datasets. Owing to the adaption of 3D deep CNNs and weakly supervised learning, the presented method demonstrates effective detection of weak neurites from noisy images and achieves results similar to those of the CNN model with manual annotations. The tracing performance was significantly improved by the proposed method on both small and large datasets (>100 GB). Moreover, the proposed method proved to be superior to several novel tracing methods on original images. The results obtained on various large-scale datasets demonstrated the generalization and high precision achieved by the proposed method for neuron reconstruction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To investigate whether serial prostate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may guide the utility of repeat targeted (TBx) and systematic biopsy (SBx) when monitoring men with low‐risk prostate cancer (PCa) at 1‐year of active surveillance (AS). Patients and Methods: We retrospectively included 111 consecutive men with low‐risk (International Society of Urological Pathology [ISUP] Grade 1) PCa, who received protocolled repeat MRI with or without TBx and repeat SBx at 1‐year of AS. TBx was performed in Prostate Imaging‐Reporting and Data System (PI‐RADS) score ≥3 lesions (MRI‐positive men). Upgrading defined as ISUP Grade ≥2 PCa (I), Grade ≥2 with cribriform growth/intraductal carcinoma PCa (II), and Grade ≥3 PCa (III) was investigated. Upgrading detected by TBx only (not by SBx) and SBx only (not by TBx) was investigated in MRI‐positive and ‐negative men, and related to radiological progression on MRI (Prostate Cancer Radiological Estimation of Change in Sequential Evaluation [PRECISE] score). Results: Overall upgrading (I) was 32% (35/111). Upgrading in MRI‐positive and ‐negative men was 48% (30/63) and 10% (5/48) (P < 0.001), respectively. In MRI‐positive men, there was upgrading in 23% (seven of 30) by TBx only and in 33% (10/30) by SBx only. Radiological progression (PRECISE score 4–5) in MRI‐positive men was seen in 27% (17/63). Upgrading (I) occurred in 41% (seven of 17) of these MRI‐positive men, while this was 50% (23/46) in MRI‐positive men without radiological progression (PRECISE score 1–3) (P = 0.534). Overall upgrading (II) was 15% (17/111). Upgrading in MRI‐positive and ‐negative men was 22% (14/63) and 6% (three of 48) (P = 0.021), respectively. In MRI‐positive men, there was upgrading in three of 14 by TBx only and in seven of 14 by SBx only. Overall upgrading (III) occurred in 5% (five of 111). Upgrading in MRI‐positive and ‐negative men was 6% (four of 63) and 2% (one of 48) (P = 0.283), respectively. In MRI‐positive men, there was upgrading in one of four by TBx only and in two of four by SBx only. Conclusion: Upgrading is significantly lower in MRI‐negative compared to MRI‐positive men with low‐risk PCa at 1‐year of AS. In serial MRI‐negative men, the added value of repeat SBx at 1‐year surveillance is limited and should be balanced individually against the harms. In serial MRI‐positive men, the added value of repeat SBx is substantial. Based on this cohort, SBx is recommended to be performed in combination with TBx in all MRI‐positive men at 1‐year of AS, also when there is no radiological progression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Background and objective: PRECISE is a population-based, prospective pregnancy cohort study designed for deep phenotyping of pregnancies in women with placenta-related disorders, and in healthy controls. The PRECISE Network is recruiting ~ 10,000 pregnant women in three countries (The Gambia, Kenya, and Mozambique) representing sub-Saharan Africa. The principal aim is to improve our understanding of pre-eclampsia, fetal growth restriction and stillbirth. This involves the creation of a highly curated biorepository for state of the art discovery science and a rich database of antenatal variables and maternal and neonatal outcomes. Our overarching aim is to provide large sample numbers with adequate power to address key scientific questions. Here we describe our experience of establishing a biorepository in the PRECISE Network and review the issues and challenges surrounding set-up, management and scientific use. Methods: The feasibility of collecting and processing each sample type was assessed in each setting and plans made for establishing the necessary infrastructure. Quality control (QC) protocols were established to ensure that biological samples are 'fit-for-purpose'. The management structures required for standardised sample collection and processing were developed. This included the need for transport of samples between participating countries and to external academic/commercial institutions. Results: Numerous practical challenges were encountered in setting up the infrastructure including facilities, staffing, training, cultural barriers, procurement, shipping and sample storage. Whilst delaying the project, these were overcome by establishing good communication with the sites, training workshops and constant engagement with the necessary commercial suppliers. A Project Executive Committee and Biology Working Group together defined the biospecimens required to answer the research questions paying particular attention to harmonisation of protocols with other cohorts so as to enable cross-biorepository collaboration. Governance structures implemented include a Data and Sample Committee to ensure biospecimens and data will be used according to consent, and prioritisation by scientific excellence. A coordinated sample and data transfer agreement will prevent delay in sample sharing. Discussion: With adequate training and infrastructure, it is possible to establish high quality sample collections to facilitate research programmes such as the PRECISE Network in sub-Saharan Africa. These preparations are pre-requisites for effective execution of a biomarker-based approach to better understand the complexities of placental disease in these settings, and others. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multiparametric magnetic resonance (MR) imaging has had an expanding role in active surveillance (AS) for prostate cancer. It can improve the accuracy of prostate biopsies, assist in patient selection, and help monitor cancer progression. The PRECISE recommendations standardize reporting of serial MR imaging scans during AS. We summarize the evidence on MR imaging-led AS and provide a clinical primer to help report using the PRECISE criteria. Some limitations to both serial imaging and the PRECISE recommendations must be considered as we move toward a more individualized risk-stratified approach to AS., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

With the development of the automobile industry, because of their limitations the mechanical devices have been gradually replaced by the electronic ones. The throttle of a car, as a controlled valve to control the air into the engine, is called the throat of engine, and the precision of the throttle can be achieved by the use of an electronic device. In this study, the PID algorithm and sliding mode control algorithm were used on Simulink software to conduct precise tracking control experiments on electronic throttle. The final results demonstrated that the sliding mode control algorithm was superior to the PID algorithm in the control of electronic throttle. The response time and stability time of the sliding mode control algorithm were stable and were shorter than those of the PID algorithm no matter which opening it was. The response time and stability time of the sliding mode control algorithm in this study were 0.1 s and 0.4 s respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Message of Allah (Qura'n) is error free from all type of mistakes. Both wordily, literally because Allah has taken the responsibility of the protection of it. Allah has produced a chain of scholars (Mufaŝserïn) for the protection of meaning of the Holy Qura'n. These scholars have explained the meaning of every aspect and angle of the Holy Qura'n in different languages of the world in a dignified manner. By the grace of Allah and due to the hard work and sincere efforts of these scholars the Tafsīr of Holy Qura'n is present in its original condition . In this matter the efforts of this great Scholar is worth mentioning, especially his Tafsīr [Al-Badiĕ fĕ Mārifa Maānī Kalām Rabßanā Al-samī] is short but contain precise and precious points, is the master piece of literature and knowledge. In Pakistan and particular in the Punjab province he is the personality who follow the Hanafi school of thought setting aside the conflicts, with strong arguments served the Qura'n and Hadīth for his life time. Below article is critical appreciation of mention Tafsīr. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A method for the design, construction, and assembly of modular, polymer-based, microfluidic devices using simple micro-assembly technology was demonstrated to build an integrated fluidic system consisting of vertically stacked modules for carrying out multi-step molecular assays. As an example of the utility of the modular system, point mutation detection using the ligase detection reaction (LDR) following amplification by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was carried out. Fluid interconnects and standoffs ensured that temperatures in the vertically stacked reactors were within ±0.2 C° at the center of the temperature zones and ±1.1 C° overall. The vertical spacing between modules was confirmed using finite element models (ANSYS, Inc., Canonsburg, PA) to simulate the steady-state temperature distribution for the assembly. Passive alignment structures, including a hemispherical pin-in-hole, a hemispherical pin-in-slot, and a plate-plate lap joint, were developed using screw theory to enable accurate exactly constrained assembly of the microfluidic reactors, cover sheets, and fluid interconnects to facilitate the modular approach. The mean mismatch between the centers of adjacent through holes was 64 ± 7.7 μm, significantly reducing the dead volume necessary to accommodate manufacturing variation. The microfluidic components were easily assembled by hand and the assembly of several different configurations of microfluidic modules for executing the assay was evaluated. Temperatures were measured in the desired range in each reactor. The biochemical performance was comparable to that obtained with benchtop instruments, but took less than 45 min to execute, half the time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]