Search

Abstract Image restoration approaches are introduced to restore the latent clear images from the degraded images. However, the performance of the existing approaches remains an open problem, which may leads to the further development of advanced image restoration techniques. Therefore, an effective image restoration method is developed for restoring the input image from various noises, like impulse noise and random noise. The generation of pixel map, identification of noisy pixel, and the enhancement of pixel are the three major phases involved in the proposed method. Initially, the noisy pixel map generation is performed from the input image, and then the noisy pixels are identified based on deep convolutional neural network, which is trained by the proposed Jaya‐Bat algorithm. The Jaya‐Bat algorithm is developed by combing the Jaya optimization algorithm and Bat algorithm. Once the noisy pixels are identified, the pixel enhancement is done using the neuro fuzzy system. The experiment is carried out using Statlog (landsat satellite) dataset, and the developed method achieves the maximal peak signal to noise ratio of 51.03 dB, maximal structural similarity index of 0.848 for the image with random noise, and the maximal second derivative like measure of enhancement 62.96 dB with impulse noise, respectively.

Skin cancer is the irregular growth of skin cells, which is most often termed as cancer, developed by exposure of ultraviolet rays from sun. In this research paper, deep learning enabled hybrid optimization is followed for skin cancer detection and lesion segmentation. Two optimization algorithms are followed for skin lesion segmentation and cancer detection. Here, pre-processing is done by anisotropic diffusion followed by skin lesion segmentation. Here, Multi-Scale Residual Fusion Network (MSRFNet) is utilized for skin lesion segmentation, which is trained by proposed Average Subtraction Student Psychology Based Optimization (ASSPBO). After skin lesion segmentation, necessary features are extracted, followed by skin cancer detection. Skin cancer is detected by Deep Residual Network (DRN) trained by proposed Fractional ASSPBO (FrASSPBO). Moreover, performance of proposed FrASSPBO-DRN is analysed by three performance metrics like testing accuracy, True Positive Rate (TPR), and False Positive Rate (FPR) with values of 93.4%, 94%, and 8.2%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anisotropic characteristics of granular soil consolidated to various initial stress states were evaluated under generalized strain paths using hollow cylinder torsional shear tests. Fraser River sand samples prepared by water pluviation were subjected to isotropic and anisotropic consolidation stresses, and sheared undrained along strain paths with constant intermediate principal strain parameter and various principal strain directions. Anisotropic stress response and stress-strain trends were examined by controlling the orientation of principal strains (αε) with respect to the depositional axis. A decrease in strain hardening tendency is observed as the major principal strain rotates towards the bedding plane. Considering different levels of anisotropic consolidation stresses also allowed a detailed examination of how initial static shear affects the responses. In particular, generated principal stresses and their directions, as well as the pore pressure responses, were closely examined. Novel findings are presented on the range of intermediate principal stress parameters (bσ) associated with the undrained plane strain condition where a value of bσ in the range of 0.2–0.4 was found to correspond to plane strain conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this research work is to optimise the injection parameters for a diesel engine in the modified re-entrant chamber and the conventional chamber using jatropha methyl ester blends by incorporating the optimisation techniques through the statistical analysis methods. In this work, a re-entrant combustion chamber and the conventional combustion chamber, with fuel injection timings of 19, 23, and 27 degrees before top dead centre, and the fuel injection pressures of 200, 220 and 240 bars have been used for J20 and J30. At the different injection conditions, eighteen experiments were conducted for two different chambers for J20 well as J30. To find the best operating conditions (better performance and lower emissions) and reduce the time, it is decided to incorporate multiobjective optimisation techniques by implementing the grade analysis and the analysis of variance (ANOVA). The optimised working condition was found and the confirmation experiment was done for the tested fuels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Bone augmentation is a vital area of research because of its high clinical demand and the reported complications associated with the available biomaterials. Purpose: The study assess the role of decellurized skeletal muscle (DSM) when combined with synthesized porous bioactive silicon carbide (SiC) ceramic and evaluated its ability to augment bone calvaria in a rat model., Material and Methods: Eighteen rats were divided into 2 groups; group 1 (n=9), SiC discs (10 × 0.2 mm) pre-treated with 20% NaOH were placed as an onlay grafts on calvarial bone. Meanwhile, in group 2 (n=9), SiC discs pre-treated with 20% NaOH (10 × 0.2 mm) were covered with DSM. After 12 weeks, the grafted tissues were harvested and examined using cone-beam computed tomography, mechanical testing, and histologic analysis., Results: Cone-beam computed tomography for group 2 showed more radio-opacity for the remnant of SiC compared with native bone. The surface area and volume of radio-opacity were 2.48 mm 2 ± 1.6 and 14.9 ± 7.8 mm 3 , respectively. The estimated quantitative average surface area of the radio-opacity for group 1 and volume were 2.55 mm 2 ± (Sd=3.7) and 11.25 ± (Sd=8.9), respectively. Mechanically, comparable values of the flexural strength and statistically significant higher modulus of elasticity of calvaria in group 1 compared with group 2 and control ( P <0.001). Histologically, group 2 region of woven bone was seen close to the lamellar bone (native bone), and there was immature bone present near the implanted SiC., Conclusion: The tested construct made of SiC/DSM has potential to osteointegrate into native bone, making it a suitable material for bone augmentation., Competing Interests: The author report noconflicts of interests., (Copyright © 2023 by Mutaz B. Habal, MD.)

Background: The endovascular approach to treating ruptured or symptomatic abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) with difficult neck anatomy still poses a major challenge. This study proposes and evaluates the outcomes of a novel technique, Transrenal Endovascular Aneurysm Repair (Tr-EVAR) which utilizes the top ring 'valley' and 'peak' configuration of the Anaconda stent graft to achieve proximal seal in AAAs with an unfavourable neck., Methods: All patients treated with Tr-EVAR over a period of 10 years were identified retrospectively. Demographic, clinical and outcome data were collected, and survival analysis was performed. The time-to-event was analyzed using Kaplan-Meier curves for complication-free survival, reintervention-free survival, and overall survival., Results: During the study period, 36 patients ruptured, symptomatic or large AAAs having unfavorable necks and not fit for open repair underwent Tr-EVAR. Two patients died in the first 30 days postprocedure (5.6%). The overall survival at 1 year, 3 years and 5 years were 86%, 72% and 54% respectively with a mean overall survival of 74.0 months (SE 7.8, 95% confidence interval 58.7-89.3) which was comparable to chimney endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR). The complication-free survival and reintervention-free survival at 1 year, 3 years, and 5 years were 75%, 61%, 42%, 78%, 64%, and 45%, respectively., Conclusions: Tr-EVAR can be considered as an off-the-shelf solution for urgent cases not fit for open repair with unfavourable neck features for standard EVAR. Careful patient selection and planning have generated acceptable immediate, midterm and long-term results comparable to those presented by chimney EVAR in the literature., (Crown Copyright © 2023. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: Intraluminal prosthetic graft thrombus (IPT) following Endovascular Aneurysm Repair (EVAR) can have serious consequences. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of IPT and to identify the risk factors for its formation and progression., Methods: This was a retrospective study of 258 patients who had EVAR between 2015 and 2018. Demographic data, comorbidities, operative data, antithrombotic therapy, CT anatomical data, IPT characteristics (site, regression, and progression), and re-interventions were collected. Univariable analysis followed by multivariable logistic regression and Cox regression were used for data analysis., Results: The mean age of patients was 76 years (range 55-95) and 27 (10.5 %) were females. IPT was present in 26 patients (10.1%) with a median time to occurrence of six (range 1- - 24) months. Of the group that developed IPT, six (23.1 %) developed symptoms and two (7.7%) had re-interventions. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed peripheral arterial disease to be associated with the formation of IPT (OR 7.4, 95% CI 1.6-35.3, p = 0.02) and escalation of antithrombotic therapy was associated with regression or prevention of progression of IPT (OR 0.1, 95% CI 0.0-0.6, p = 0.01)., Conclusion: PAD is associated with the formation of IPT after EVAR and warrants consideration of escalation of antithrombotic therapy to prevent further progression and complications., (© 2022 The Author(s).)

Background: Due to the high prevalence of oral and maxillofacial (OMF) trauma in city of Riyadh, a special focus on pediatric trauma is needed. The purpose of this audit was to assess the protocol followed by the OMF unit at King Khalid University Hospital (KKUH) on pediatric trauma patients. The trauma incidence, mechanism of injury, volume, the type of pediatric trauma operated and dental management were analyzed., Materials and Methods: A quantitative retrospective review of 223 patients, at pediatric emergency unit of KKUH, Riyadh, KSA from January 2017 to July 2018, was done. The data retrieved included variables such as, age, gender, and cause of injury, site of injury, type of injury, and assessment of jaws, and teeth. Data regarding the type of investigations, treatment protocol, follow up visit, and dental management, were extracted from the medical records., Results: Of the 223 pediatric patients presenting to the emergency unit, 116 (52%) were under the age of 5 years. A total of 64.4% of patients reported "self-fall" as the cause of injury. Soft-tissue injuries were common in 63 (56.8%) of patients in the form of lacerations 87 (41.2%). Involvement of the teeth in the injury was observed in 57 patients, in which 33 (57.9%) patients were reported to have tooth/teeth avulsions, 15 (26.3%) patients had luxation and 9 (15.8%) patients had crown fractures. 27 (47%) patients were referred to the pedodontist for a follow-up visit., Conclusions: It can concluded that clinicians facing maxillofacial trauma in an emergency department need to have access to useful and practice guidelines. The study also showed the need for more manpower-oriented training such as a pedodontist and a general dentist to join the OMFS team to manage pediatric patients. The regional referral hospitals should be equipped to decentralize the management of these patients to the Dental University Hospital., Competing Interests: The authors declared that there is no conflict of interest., (© 2021 The Authors.)

Background: Mycotic abdominal aorta aneurysm (MAAA) is a rare and life-threatening condition. Because of its rarity, there is a lack of adequately powered studies and consensus on its treatment and follow up. This study aimed to review the outcomes following surgical intervention for MAAA in a single tertiary centre and to formulate a management protocol based on available evidence and expert opinion., Materials and Methods: Data were collected by retrospective review of case records of all patients who underwent repair of MAAA in a single tertiary referral centre from 2001 to 2018. Demographic, clinical and outcome data were analysed and compared with previously published series in the literature. A management protocol was formulated based on available literature which was then reviewed and modified as per expert opinion from multidisciplinary discussions., Results: Seventeen patients underwent repair of MAAA during the study period including 4 Open repairs, 4 surgeon modified fenestrated endovascular aortic aneurysm repairs (SM FEVAR) and 9 endovascular aortic aneurysm repairs (EVAR). One-year overall survival was 94.1%, 3-year survival was 81.8% and 5-year survival was 75.0%. The infection-free survival at 1, 3, and 5 years was 87.5%, 81.8% and 62.5%, respectively. The overall survival and infection-free survival curves for Open repair, EVAR and SM FEVAR when compared using Log Rank (Mantel-Cox) test and did not show any statistically significant difference., Conclusions: Management of MAAA with selective use of open or endovascular repair, in combination with appropriate long-term antibiotic therapy, can achieve acceptable outcomes. The proposed protocol can aid as a guiding document for the management of MAAA but needs taking into consideration individual patient variability and local expertise., (Copyright © 2021. Published by Elsevier Inc.)

Introduction In our clinical practice, we have encountered patients who reported the failure of local anesthesia due to excessive coffee consumption and required higher-than-normal doses of local anesthesia. Therefore, our study aimed to assess the awareness and knowledge of coffee consumption, its effect on local anesthesia, and the available scientific evidence among the public, patients, and clinicians in dental practice.  Material and Methods A cross-sectional survey with two sets of questionnaires was designed based on the Likert scale. A 5-point scale was used to assess agreement and frequency. Yes/no and open-ended questions were used for the assessment. Questionnaires were distributed among the clinicians, patients, and the public. Data were analyzed with descriptive linear statistics. Results Of the 430 responses provided by patients and the general public, more than 40% believed that the local anesthetic failure was caused by excessive coffee consumption. Among the 235 responses provided by the clinicians, 65% of the clinicians reported encountering patients with local anesthesia failure and believed it could be due to excessive coffee consumption. However, only 9% of the clinicians were aware of scientific evidence regarding the effect of coffee consumption on local anesthesia failure.  Conclusion Surprisingly, the majority of clinicians believed that caffeine had an effect on the reduction of local anesthesia; however, only a few of them had scientific knowledge. The available scientific evidence relates that caffeine can influence cognitive performance by increasing alertness, as well as sleep deprivation causing stress and anxiety, which partially explains the local anesthetic failure among coffee consumers. Therefore, a stress reduction protocol should be a routine daily practice for a dentist to reduce the failure rate of local anesthesia., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright © 2020, Premnath et al.)

Background: Bone augmentation is a challenging problem in the field of maxillofacial surgery., Objective: In this study, we prepared and evaluated muscle extracellular matrix (MEM) after adding silica calcium phosphate composite (SCPC) seeded with human bone marrow mesenchymal cells (hBMSCs). We then investigated bone augmentation in vivo using the prepared MEM-SCPC., Materials and Methods: hBMSCs were seeded on MEM-SCPC, and MEM was characterized. Calvarial bone grafts were prepared using nude mice (n = 12) and grafted separately in two experimental groups: grafts with MEM (control, n = 4) and grafts with MEM-SCPC-hBMSCs (experimental group, n = 8) for 8 weeks. Micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) and histological analysis were then performed., Results: Micro-CT analysis demonstrated a thinner trabeculae in grafted defects than normal native bone, with a high degree of anisotropy. Quantitative histomorphometric assessment showed a higher median bone percentage surface area of 80.2% ± 6.0% in the experimental group., Conclusion: The enhanced bone formation and maturation of bone grafted with MEM-SCPC-hBMSCs suggested the potential use of this material for bone augmentation.

The authors hypothesized that an audio-visual presentation providing information regarding the removal of an impacted mandibular third molar would reduce patient anxiety., Aim& Objectives: A clinical trial was performed to assess the level of patient anxiety during third molar surgery by using a new induction program and comparing the results amongst two groups that were the verbally informed and the audio-visual informed groups., Materials and Methods: the clinical trial included the patients who required surgical removal of an impacted third molar and fulfilled the predetermined criteria. The patients were divided into two groups - group 1 (no. = 20) the audio visual informed group and group 2(no. = 20) the verbally informed group. For both the groups the HR was recorded beat by beat using HR sensor (polar H1 UK) connected to an ActiGraph WGT3X- 3T USA. Also the modified dental analogue scale(MDAS) was used to subjectively record the anxiety during the surgery., Results: The HR reading were statistically significant for the following surgical stages; drilling, suturing and upon leaving the clinic. The audio-visual informed group had lower self-reported anxiety scores than did the verbally informed group., Conclusion: These results suggested that providing an audio-visual presentation about the surgical procedures in our routine clinical practice could aid in alleviating anxiety which would thereby reduce surgical complications., (© 2019 The Authors.)