Category: Nevin Manimala

IEEE J Biomed Health Inform. 2022 Apr 13;PP. doi: 10.1109/JBHI.2022.3167252. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Ultrasonic B-mode imaging offers non-invasive and real-time monitoring of thermal ablation treatment in clinical use, however it faces challenges of moderate lesion-normal contrast and detection accuracy. Quantitative ultrasound imaging techniques have been proposed as promising tools to evaluate the microstructure of ablated tissue. In this study, we introduced Shannon entropy, a non-model based statistical measurement of disorder, to quantitatively detect and monitor microwave-induced ablation in porcine livers. Performance of typical Shannon entropy (TSE), weighted Shannon entropy (WSE), and horizontally normalized Shannon entropy (hNSE) were explored and compared with conventional B-mode imaging. TSE estimated from non-normalized probability distribution histograms was found to have insufficient discernibility of different disorder of data. WSE that improves from TSE by adding signal amplitudes as weights obtained area under receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) curve of 0.895, whereas it underestimated the periphery of lesion region. hNSE provided superior ablated area prediction with the correlation coefficient of 0.90 against ground truth, AUROC of 0.868, and remarkable lesion-normal contrast with contrast-to-noise ratio of 5.86 which was significantly higher than other imaging methods. Data distributions shown in horizontally normalized probability distribution histograms indicated that the disorder of backscattered envelope signal from ablated region increased as treatment went on. These findings suggest that hNSE imaging could be a promising technique to assist ultrasound guided percutaneous thermal ablation.

PMID:35417359 | DOI:10.1109/JBHI.2022.3167252

IEEE Trans Vis Comput Graph. 2022 Apr 13;PP. doi: 10.1109/TVCG.2022.3167151. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

3D point clouds have found a wide variety of applications in multimedia processing, remote sensing, and scientific computing. Although most point cloud processing systems are developed to improve viewer experiences, little work has been dedicated to perceptual quality assessment of 3D point clouds. In this work, we build a new 3D point cloud database, namely the Waterloo Point Cloud (WPC) database. In contrast to existing datasets consisting of small-scale and low-quality source content of constrained viewing angles, the WPC database contains 20 high quality, realistic, and omni-directional source point clouds and 740 diversely distorted point clouds. We carry out a subjective quality assessment experiment over the database in a controlled lab environment. Our statistical analysis suggests that existing objective point cloud quality assessment (PCQA) models only achieve limited success in predicting subjective quality ratings. We propose a novel objective PCQA model based on an attention mechanism and a variant of information content-weighted structural similarity, which significantly outperforms existing PCQA models. The database has been made publicly available at https://github.com/qdushl/Waterloo-Point-Cloud-Database.

PMID:35417349 | DOI:10.1109/TVCG.2022.3167151

Int Orthop. 2022 Apr 13. doi: 10.1007/s00264-022-05370-9. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: A varus deformity (VD) of the lower limbs results in greater loading of the medial compartment of the knee joint (KJ), leading to its degenerative changes and, eventually, to progressive osteoarthritis (OA) of the joint. The aim of the study was to investigate the mid-term changes in gait biomechanics and clinical symptoms in patients with VD of KJ and OA before and six months after surgical correction.

METHODS: The study enrolled 25 patients with medial OA of grade 2-3 according to Kellgren-Lawrence and a VD of > 3°, who underwent arthroscopic lavage and debridement of the knee joint followed by corrective osteotomy. The control group included 20 healthy adults. Clinical and biomechanical assessments were done twice: immediately prior to and six months after the surgical treatment. Biomechanical parameters of gait were recorded using an inertial sensor system.

RESULTS: According to our findings, there was a statistically significant post-operative increase in the knee extension amplitude by 1.4° in female patients and an insignificant extension increase in male patients. The mean postoperative KOOS score was 66.7 points (46 to 91) in the patient group, 67.1 points (54 to 91) in males, and 59.5 points (46 to 64) in females. As early as six months after a valgus osteotomy, we already observed improved biomechanics of the KJ motions compared to pre-operative data. By that time, the swing flexion amplitude of the affected KJ had increased and became symmetrical, which had not been the case before surgery. We observed a total of three changes in the KJ kinematics after surgery: increased swing flexion amplitudes in both KJs, a decreased extension amplitude in the affected KJ, and increased first flexion amplitudes in both KJs.

CONCLUSION: According to our study, the midterm outcomes after a valgus osteotomy showed clinical improvements based on the VAS and KOOS scores, which were however less pronounced than in similar studies with a longer assessment term after surgery. We also found a significant increase in the amplitude of joint extension, but only in females. As the function of the operated joint is concerned, valgus osteotomy restored the kinematics of walking movements to a nearly normal gait with increased first and second flexion amplitudes. The function of KJ becomes symmetric though the non-operative side. Thus, the healthy and functionally more capable side is copying the movement pattern of the affected side. Hence, the non-operative leg is functioning less efficiently than it is required by the walking pace.

PMID:35416482 | DOI:10.1007/s00264-022-05370-9

Arch Dermatol Res. 2022 Apr 13. doi: 10.1007/s00403-022-02353-z. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Government-backed medical insurance plans have undergone significant changes in the last decade, but more information is needed to understand reimbursement trends, particularly for specialist medical services. The objective of this study was to identify the ratios of submitted dermatology service charges to allowed Medicare payments over the years. Further variables studied include regional or state variations, gender of provider, hierarchical condition category (HCC) risk scores of patient complexity, and number of services. Data were collected from publicly available Medicare Part B Provider Utilization and Payment Data: Physician and Other Supplier 2012-2017 datasets. All data analysis was performed on SAS 9.4 Statistical Software.Total dermatology related medicare charges-to-payment ratios steadily increased over the years (1.77 [in 2012], 1.82 [2013], 1.87 [2014], 1.95 [2015], 2.02 [2016], and 2.06 [2017]). This suggests that for every $2.06 charged in 2017, dermatology providers could expect $1 of actual payment. When further stratified into medical services vs. drug services, this upward trend remained for medical charges but drug service ratios have remained constant. There was also significant geographic variation in total medicare charges-to-payment ratios as states in the Midwest (mean total ratio: 2.48) had higher charges to payment gaps than states in the Northeast (2.26), West (2.16), and South (1.99; p = 0.01).This study identifies trends and variables associated with dermatology medicare payments. Providers may use this information to better understand changing payment structures in their own practices and hopefully these results can be valuable in future policy discussions.

PMID:35416474 | DOI:10.1007/s00403-022-02353-z

Ir Med J. 2022 Feb 17;115(2):539.

ABSTRACT

Aims The aims of this study are to identify the proportion of ACS patients using an ambulance to transport to hospital and to explore the factors influencing mode of transport. Methods A retrospective, observational cohort design was utilised in this study. Data concerning cases of ACS in a university hospital over a 9-year period was obtained from the Coronary Heart Attack Ireland Register. Descriptive statistics were used to detail demographic and clinical data, as well as to establish the proportion of ambulance usage among ACS patients. Chi-square and t-tests were used to differentiate between groups at baseline. Factors influencing mode of transport were analysed by binary logistic regression. Results 4,229 cases were obtained. Exclusion and inclusion criteria were applied, leaving 1,964 cases for overall analysis. 533 (27%) patients directly used an ambulance, 1,098 (56%) patients presented initially to their GP while 333 (17%) went directly to A&E. Logistic regression showed that age, clinical factors, smoking status and diagnosis each had a statistically significant effect on ambulance usage. Conclusions Ambulance services are underutilised by ACS patients, despite clear benefits of their use. Several factors impacted patients’ mode of transport. Knowledge of these is essential in guiding future awareness campaigns to promote ambulance usage in ACS.

PMID:35416473

J Neurosurg Sci. 2022 Apr 13. doi: 10.23736/S0390-5616.22.05599-0. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Unruptured intracranial vertebral artery dissecting aneurysms (IVADAs) with mass effect have an extremely poor natural course, and treatment of these aneurysms remains a challenge for endovascular and surgical strategies. The aim of this study was to analyze the role of double-stent-assisted coil embolization in preventing rupture and bleeding of intracranial vertebral artery dissecting aneurysm with brainstem compression by reducing mass effect and preventing the recurrence of the aneurysm.

METHODS: A total of 25 patients (mean age, 56.04±13.0 years) with unruptured IVADAs with mass effect received dual-stent-assisted coil embolization. The baseline characteristics, the change of aneurysm size on MR, the rate of retreatment, and the improvement rate of clinical symptoms and signs were analyzed retrospectively.

RESULTS: All patients completed the surgical procedures successfully. No aneurysm bleeding or perforating artery occlusion occurred during the perioperative and follow-up periods. The initial maximum diameter of the aneurysm on MR was 17.5 ± 3.6 mm. One year after treatment, the maximum diameter of the aneurysm on MR was 15.8 ± 4.9 mm. The reduction rate of the maximum diameter of the aneurysm was 10.7 ± 12.7%. The change of the maximum diameter before and after treatment of aneurysm was statistically significant (P＜0.001). In terms of the improvement rate of clinical symptoms, 15 cases were completely improved (60.0%), 6 cases were partially improved (24.0%), and the total clinical improvement rate was 84%. Four cases (16.0%) showed no improvement or even had aggravation of clinical symptoms. In 5 cases (20.0%), aneurysms recurred. Among 4 cases involving posterior inferior cerebellar artery origin, 3 cases had the recurrence (75%). 5 recurred cases were treated with single-stent-assisted coil embolization. No residual aneurysm and recurrence were found on the follow-up angiography.

CONCLUSIONS: The double-stent-assisted coil embolization procedure is very safe and reliable. It can effectively prevent the aneurysm from continuing to grow and rupture and thereby reduce the clinical symptoms caused by the mass effect.

PMID:35416452 | DOI:10.23736/S0390-5616.22.05599-0

Ir Med J. 2022 Feb 17;115(2):537.

ABSTRACT

Aim Ladies Gaelic football and Camogie are leading female sports in Ireland. Referees are essential to the game, however, no research has examined injury in referees that officiate over female Gaelic games to date. Therefore, this study aims to retrospectively examine the musculoskeletal injury profile and injury prevention practices of referees that officiate over female Gaelic games. Methods A retrospective anonymous questionnaire examined injuries that occurred in the previous 12 months in currently active Ladies Gaelic football and Camogie referees (n=170). Incidence and repeat incidence proportions were calculated along with descriptive statistics. Results In 2019, 42.9% (n=73) of referees sampled sustained an injury with 27.4% (n=20) sustaining two or more. Injuries primarily occurred to the lower extremity (79.6%,n=78), particularly the lower leg (20.4%,n=20) and knee (18.4%,18). Muscle strains and cramps (55.1%,n=54) were most frequent and injuries predominantly occurred during games (71.4%,n=70). Referees largely completed a warm-up but just 30.6% (n=52) conducted a cool-down. Over half had undertaken injury prevention education but only 37.6% (n=64) incorporated injury prevention elements into their training. Conclusion Just over two in five referees that officiate female Gaelic games became injured in the previous year, however their utilisation of injury prevention strategies, beyond completing a warm-up, is lacking. Thus, a referee specific injury prevention programme should be developed and if found to be effective, incorporated into a comprehensive injury prevention strategy by the governing bodies.

PMID:35416471

J Adhes Dent. 2022 Apr 13;24(1):195-202. doi: 10.3290/j.jad.b2916451.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: This study evaluated the effect of incorporating different concentrations of biosilicate in an experimental self-etch adhesive (SE).

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Biosilicate microparticles (0, 2, 5, and 10 wt%) were incorporated into the primer, and degree of conversion (DC) and wettability were tested (one-way ANOVA, Tukey’s test, p < 0.05). The two best concentrations were selected (2% and 5%) for µTBS evaluation. Sound human molars (n=20) were sectioned into quarters and randomly assigned to 4 experimental groups: 1. experimental SE + 0% biosilicate (Exp0%; negative control); 2. experimental SE + 2% biosilicate (Exp2%); 3. experimental SE + 5% biosilicate (Exp5%); 4. AdheSE (Ivoclar Vivadent, positive control). After adhesive application, Filtek Z350 (3M Oral Care) composite was built up incrementally to 5 mm. Each quarter tooth was sectioned into sticks (0.9 mm2) and stored in distilled water (37°C) for 24 h, 6 months, or 1 year. After storage, sticks were submitted to µTBS (0.75 mm/min). The Ca:P ratio was analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS). Data were analyzed using two-way ANOVA with Bonferroni’s correction, with statistical siginificance set at p < 0.05. Fracture patterns were observed under a digital microscope and adhesive interfaces with transmission electron microscopy (TEM).

RESULTS: Exp2% presented the highest DC (p < 0.05), Exp5% exhibited the lowest µTBS (p < 0.05), and adhesive failures were predominant in all groups. TEM suggested remineralized areas in Exp2% and to a lesser degree in Exp5%. Exp2% and Exp5% showed a higher Ca:P ratio after aging (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION: The incorporation of biosilicate microparticles can improve the properties of self-etch adhesives. It increased the DC of the experimental adhesive as well as mineral deposition. However, the adhesive properties are concentration dependent, as a higher concentration of microparticles can adversely affect the mechanical properties of an adhesive.

PMID:35416447 | DOI:10.3290/j.jad.b2916451

J Adhes Dent. 2022 Apr 13;24(1):165-174. doi: 10.3290/j.jad.b2916433.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To compare a self-etch and a two-step etch-and-rinse adhesive in terms of internal and marginal composite-tooth bond failure separately on enamel and dentin/cement at 36-48 months after restoration placement using optical coherence tomography (OCT).

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-seven patients with two or three class V composite restorations of noncarious cervical lesions 36-48 months after placement were included. The one-step self-etch adhesive Futurabond M ([Voco] group SE, n = 25) and the two-step etch-and-rinse adhesive Solobond M ([Voco] group ER, n = 20) combined with the nanohybrid composite Amaris (Voco) were evaluated. The four-step etch-and-rinse adhesive Syntac classic combined with Tetric EvoCeram (Ivoclar Vivadent) served as the control (n = 18). Spectral-domain OCT (SD-OCT, 1310-nm center wavelength) was applied. Marginal gaps and internal interfacial adhesive defects were quantified in cross-sectional OCT images. Groups were statistically compared using the Friedman/Wilcoxon test (α = 0.05).

RESULTS: In enamel, nonsignificantly different percentages of marginal gap formation and internal interfacial adhesive defects were found between the groups (pi ≥ 0.258). In dentin/cement, SE showed significantly less marginal gap formation compared to ER (p < 0.001) and control (p = 0.001), and at the internal dentin-composite interface less adhesive defects were found compared to ER (p < 0.001) and control (p = 0.003).

CONCLUSION: The self-etch adhesive used in the current study appears recommendable for restoration of noncarious cervical lesions with composite.

PMID:35416444 | DOI:10.3290/j.jad.b2916433

J Adhes Dent. 2022 Apr 13;24(1):175-186. doi: 10.3290/j.jad.b2916437.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To identify the most effective cleaning method for saliva-contaminated zirconia surface before adhesive cementation through a systematic review and meta-analysis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were searched to select in vitro studies published through October 2021. Studies that did not perform aging methods, had a sample size less than 5 per group, or did not present a group with zirconia contaminated only with saliva were excluded. Data were extracted and risk of bias was assessed. Statistical analysis comparing the cleaning methods was conducted, and the standardized mean difference was assessed using the R software program.

RESULTS: Among 804 potentially eligible studies, 36 were selected for full-text reading, of which 13 were included in qualitative analysis, and 11 of these were subsequently included in the quantitative analysis. A meta-analysis revealed a significant difference in the bond strength between the cleaning methods. Sandblasting with Al2O3  showed a higher bond strength than cleaning solution (Ivoclean, Ivoclar Vivadent) (p < 0.01, I2 = 65%), and both methods promoted higher resin-bond strength to zirconia than water cleaning. In addition, there was no significant difference in the bond strength between alcohol (p = 0.35, I2 = 79%), phosphoric acid (p < 0.23, I2 = 90%), and water cleaning.

CONCLUSION: Sandblasting with Al2O3 seems to be the best method for zirconia surface cleaning before adhesive luting, promoting better resin-bond strength to zirconia.

PMID:35416445 | DOI:10.3290/j.jad.b2916437