Tag: nevin manimala

Sci Rep. 2023 Sep 23;13(1):15909. doi: 10.1038/s41598-023-42969-3.

ABSTRACT

The primary objective of this study is to delve into the application and validation of the Resistance Capacitance Optimization Algorithm (RCOA)-a new, physics-inspired metaheuristic optimization algorithm. The RCOA, intriguingly inspired by the time response of a resistance-capacitance circuit to a sudden voltage fluctuation, has been earmarked for solving complex numerical and engineering design optimization problems. Uniquely, the RCOA operates without any control/tunable parameters. In the first phase of this study, we evaluated the RCOA’s credibility and functionality by deploying it on a set of 23 benchmark test functions. This was followed by thoroughly examining its application in eight distinct constrained engineering design optimization scenarios. This methodical approach was undertaken to dissect and understand the algorithm’s exploration and exploitation phases, leveraging standard benchmark functions as the yardstick. The principal findings underline the significant effectiveness of the RCOA, especially when contrasted against various state-of-the-art algorithms in the field. Beyond its apparent superiority, the RCOA was put through rigorous statistical non-parametric testing, further endorsing its reliability as an innovative tool for handling complex engineering design problems. The conclusion of this research underscores the RCOA’s strong performance in terms of reliability and precision, particularly in tackling constrained engineering design optimization challenges. This statement, derived from the systematic study, strengthens RCOA’s position as a potentially transformative tool in the mathematical optimization landscape. It also paves the way for further exploration and adaptation of physics-inspired algorithms in the broader realm of optimization problems.

PMID:37741875 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-023-42969-3

Sci Rep. 2023 Sep 23;13(1):15894. doi: 10.1038/s41598-023-42780-0.

ABSTRACT

Understanding cancer staging in order to predict its progression is vital to determine its severity and to plan the most appropriate therapies. This task has attracted interest from different fields of science and engineering. We propose a computational model that predicts the evolution of cancer in terms of the intimate structure of the tissue, considering that this is a self-organised structure that undergoes transformations governed by non-equilibrium thermodynamics laws. Based on experimental data on the dependence of tissue configurations on their elasticity and porosity, we relate the cancerous tissue stages with the energy dissipated, showing quantitatively that tissues in more advanced stages dissipate more energy. The knowledge of this energy allows us to know the probability of observing the tissue in its different stages and the probability of transition from one stage to another. We validate our results with experimental data and statistics from the World Health Organisation. Our quantitative approach provides insights into the evolution of cancer through its different stages, important as a starting point for new and integrative research to defeat cancer.

PMID:37741864 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-023-42780-0

Sci Rep. 2023 Sep 23;13(1):15878. doi: 10.1038/s41598-023-39616-2.

ABSTRACT

The majority of soccer analysis studies investigates specific scenarios through the implementation of computational techniques, which involve the examination of either spatiotemporal position data (movement of players and the ball on the pitch) or event data (relating to significant situations during a match). Yet, only a few applications perform a joint analysis of both data sources despite the various involved advantages emerging from such an approach. One possible reason for this is a non-systematic error in the event data, causing a temporal misalignment of the two data sources. To address this problem, we propose a solution that combines the SwiftEvent online algorithm (Gensler and Sick in Pattern Anal Appl 21:543-562, 2018) with a subsequent refinement step that corrects pass timestamps by exploiting the statistical properties of passes in the position data. We evaluate our proposed algorithm on ground-truth pass labels of four top-flight soccer matches from the 2014/15 season. Results show that the percentage of passes within half a second to ground truth increases from 14 to 70%, while our algorithm also detects localization errors (noise) in the position data. A comparison with other models shows that our algorithm is superior to baseline models and comparable to a deep learning pass detection method (while requiring significantly less data). Hence, our proposed lightweight framework offers a viable solution that enables groups facing limited access to (recent) data sources to effectively synchronize passes in the event and position data.

PMID:37741829 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-023-39616-2

Nat Commun. 2023 Sep 23;14(1):5935. doi: 10.1038/s41467-023-41649-0.

ABSTRACT

Single-molecule Real-time Isoform Sequencing (Iso-seq) of transcriptomes by PacBio can generate very long and accurate reads, thus providing an ideal platform for full-length transcriptome analysis. We present an integrated computational toolkit named TAGET for Iso-seq full-length transcript data analyses, including transcript alignment, annotation, gene fusion detection, and quantification analyses such as differential expression gene analysis and differential isoform usage analysis. We evaluate the performance of TAGET using a public Iso-seq dataset and newly sequenced Iso-seq datasets from tumor patients. TAGET gives significantly more precise novel splice site prediction and enables more accurate novel isoform and gene fusion discoveries, as validated by experimental validations and comparisons with RNA-seq data. We identify and experimentally validate a differential isoform usage gene ECM1, and further show that its isoform ECM1b may be a tumor-suppressor in laryngocarcinoma. Our results demonstrate that TAGET provides a valuable computational toolkit and can be applied to many full-length transcriptome studies.

PMID:37741817 | DOI:10.1038/s41467-023-41649-0

Insights Imaging. 2023 Sep 23;14(1):155. doi: 10.1186/s13244-023-01515-5.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Colon cancer is a particularly prevalent malignancy that produces postoperative complications (POCs). However, limited imaging modality exists on the accurate diagnosis of POCs. The purpose of this study was therefore to construct a model combining tumor spectral CT parameters and clinical features to predict POCs before surgery in colon cancer.

METHODS: This retrospective study included 85 patients who had preoperative abdominal spectral CT scans and underwent radical colon cancer resection at our institution. The patients were divided into two groups based on the absence (no complication/grade I) or presence (grades II-V) of POCs according to the Clavien-Dindo grading system. The visceral fat areas (VFA) of patients were semi-automatically outlined and calculated on L3-level CT images using ImageJ software. Clinical features and tumor spectral CT parameters were statistically compared between the two groups. A combined model of spectral CT parameters and clinical features was established by stepwise regression to predict POCs in colon cancer. The diagnostic performance of the model was evaluated using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, including area under the curve (AUC), sensitivity, and specificity.

RESULTS: Twenty-seven patients with POCs and 58 patients without POCs were included in this study. MonoE_40keV-VP and VFA were independent predictors of POCs. The combined model based on predictors yielded an AUC of 0.84 (95% CI: 0.74-0.91), with a sensitivity of 77.8% and specificity of 87.9%.

CONCLUSIONS: The model combining MonoE_40keV-VP and VFA can predict POCs before surgery in colon cancer and provide a basis for individualized management plans.

CRITICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT: The model combining MonoE40keV-VP and visceral fat area can predict postoperative complications before surgery in colon cancer and provide a basis for individualized management plans.

KEY POINTS: • Visceral fat area and MonoE40keV-VP were independent predictors of postoperative complications in colon cancer. • The combined model yielded a high AUC, sensitivity, and specificity in predicting postoperative complications. • The combined model was superior to the single visceral fat area or MonoE40keV-VP in predicting postoperative complications.

PMID:37741813 | DOI:10.1186/s13244-023-01515-5

Cancer Med. 2023 Sep 23. doi: 10.1002/cam4.6590. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Pancreatic cancer is often diagnosed at a late stage with a poor prognosis due to insidious symptoms and lack of evidence-based screening in general population. Palliative care’s acceptance in Asian cultures is hindered by misconceptions and ineffective communication about management that improve quality of life other than cancer directed treatment. Our study aimed to determine the effect of the Shared decision-making with Oncologists and Palliative care specialists (SOP) model developed from the traditional shared decision-making (SDM) model on the palliative care acceptance rate and medical resource utilization.

METHODS: This is a prospective cohort study implementing the SOP model at the National Taiwan University Hospital from January 2018 to December 2019 for patients with advanced pancreatic cancer. Medical resource utilization was defined and recorded as the rate of hospitalization, emergency room (ER), and intensive care unit admissions. We compared the results between two groups: patients who received the SOP model in 2019 and patients who did not receive it in 2018.

RESULTS: 137 patients with advanced pancreatic cancer were included in our study. The result showed that the acceptance rate of palliative care significantly increased from 50% to 78.69% after the SOP model (p = 0.01). The hospitalization rate did not show a significant difference between 2018 (93.42%, 95% CI: 0.88-0.99) and 2019 (93.44%, 95% CI: 0.87-1.00). 83.61% (95% CI: 0.74-0.93) of our patients in 2019 had at least one ER visit; the rate was 81.5% (95% CI: 0.73-0.91) in 2018 (p = 0.28). The percentage of patients admitted to the ICU increased from 3.95% in 2018 to 8.2% (95% CI: -0.05-0.08) in 2019 (95% CI: 0.11-0.15) (p = 0.00). The hospitalization and ER visit showed no statistically difference between 2 years.

CONCLUSIONS: The modified SOP model markedly augmented palliative care’s acceptance of patients with advanced pancreatic cancer. Adoption of the SOP model would provide these patients a more proactive and systematic approach to deliver needed healthcare.

PMID:37740620 | DOI:10.1002/cam4.6590

J Viral Hepat. 2023 Sep 23. doi: 10.1111/jvh.13878. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

To investigate the effects of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection on the outcomes of Chinese couples undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) and the clinical data of their neonates. A total of 21,999 first embryo transfer cycles were included. They were categorized into four groups based on the couple’s hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) result (Group A = female HBsAg^– and male HBsAg^– ; Group B = female HBsAg⁺ and male HBsAg^– ; Group C = female HBsAg^– and male HBsAg⁺ ; Group D = female HBsAg⁺ and male HBsAg⁺ ). The fertilization rate (FR), cleavage rate (CR), implantation rate (IPR), clinical pregnancy rate (CPR), live birth rate (LBR) and miscarriage rate (MCR) were analysed. Multilevel logistic regression was applied to evaluate the association. The total prevalence of HBV infection was 5.74% (2526/43998). There were no statistically significant differences in CRs (98.69%, 98.76%, 98.66%, 98.72%, p > .05), IPRs (45.86%, 47.33%, 45.19%, 39.61%, p > .05), CPRs (62.84%, 65.05%, 61.80%, 56.81%, p > .05), MCRs (12.70%, 11.99%, 12.58%, 4%, p > .05) and LBRs (53.43%, 55.38%, 52.70%, 54.54%, p > .05) among the four groups. However, there were significant differences in FRs (66.25%, 66.55%, 66.32%, 61.92%, p < .05). Group D had the lowest FR. After adjusting for confounders, the multilevel logistic regression showed that HBsAg⁺ had no impact on the LBR, CPR or MCR. We also analysed the data of 14,465 newborns, including 8593 singletons and 2936 twins. Among the four groups, no variables reached statistical significance, including neonatal birth weight (NBW), twin ratio, gestational age, premature birth, delivery type, fetal macrosomia or low birth weight (p > .05). Our study demonstrates that, although biparental HBV infection may affect the FR, neither single-parent infection nor biparental HBV infection affects IVF/ICSI outcomes or neonatal outcomes.

PMID:37740608 | DOI:10.1111/jvh.13878

Clin Pharmacol Drug Dev. 2023 Sep 23. doi: 10.1002/cpdd.1330. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The effects of food on the pharmacokinetics (PKs) and safety of 10-mg rivaroxaban tablets in healthy Chinese subjects were investigated from 1 bioequivalence trial. The bioequivalence trial was designed as randomized, open-label, 2-sequence, 4-period crossover under both fasted and fed conditions. A total of 56 healthy subjects were enrolled, 62.5% were male. These subjects received a single oral 10-mg dose of rivaroxaban with a 7-day washout between 4 periods. Serial PK samples were collected and plasma concentrations were analyzed using validated high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated by noncompartmental methods. The BE module of WinNonLin was used for statistical analysis of the maximum concentration (C_max ), the area under the concentration-time curve from zero to the final measurable concentration (AUC_0-t ), and the area under the concentration-time curve from time zero to infinity (AUC_0-∞ ) of rivaroxaban in plasma. Compared with the fasted state, the C_max , AUC_0-t , and AUC_0-∞ of rivaroxaban significantly increased by 47%, 28%, and 26%, respectively, with oral administration of rivaroxaban 10 mg in the fed state. The incidence of adverse events (AEs) was similar between the fasted and fed states, and no serious AEs were observed. Food significantly increased the exposure to rivaroxaban 10 mg in Chinese subjects.

PMID:37740607 | DOI:10.1002/cpdd.1330

NMR Biomed. 2023 Sep 23:e5040. doi: 10.1002/nbm.5040. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study is to investigate the use of ultrashort echo time (UTE) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques (T1 and magnetization transfer [MT] modeling) for imaging of the Achilles tendons and entheses in patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) compared with asymptomatic volunteers. The heels of twenty-six PsA patients (age 59 ± 15 years, 41% female) and twenty-seven asymptomatic volunteers (age 33 ± 11 years, 47% female) were scanned in the sagittal plane with UTE-T1 and UTE-MT modeling sequences on a 3-T clinical scanner. UTE-T1 and macromolecular proton fraction (MMF; the main outcome of MT modeling) were calculated in the tensile portions of the Achilles tendon and at the enthesis (close to the calcaneus bone). Mann-Whitney-U tests were used to examine statistically significant differences between the two cohorts. UTE-T1 in the entheses was significantly higher for the PsA group compared with the asymptomatic group (967 ± 145 vs. 872 ± 133 ms, p < 0.01). UTE-T1 in the tendons was also significantly higher for the PsA group (950 ± 145 vs. 850 ± 138 ms, p < 0.01). MMF in the entheses was significantly lower in the PsA group compared with the asymptomatic group (15% ± 3% vs. 18% ± 3%, p < 0.01). MMF in the tendons was also significantly lower in the PsA group compared with the asymptomatic group (17% ± 4% vs. 20% ± 5%, p < 0.01). Percentage differences in MMF between the asymptomatic and PsA groups (-16.6% and -15.0% for the enthesis and tendon, respectively) were higher than the T1 differences (10.8% and 11.7% for the enthesis and tendon, respectively). The results suggest higher T1 and lower MMF in the Achilles tendons and entheses in PsA patients compared with the asymptomatic group. This study highlights the potential of UTE-T1 and UTE-MT modeling for quantitative evaluation of entheses and tendons in PsA patients.

PMID:37740595 | DOI:10.1002/nbm.5040

J Radiat Res. 2023 Sep 22:rrad069. doi: 10.1093/jrr/rrad069. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

To investigate radiation-induced cytopenia and establish predictive nomograms for hematological toxicity, we reviewed 3786 patients aged 18 or older who received radiation monotherapy between 2010 and 2021 for non-hematologic malignancies. We collected data on patient background, treatment content and hematologic toxicities for 12 weeks after the start of radiotherapy. The patients were randomly divided into training and test groups in 7:3 ratio. In the training group, we conducted ordered logistic regression analysis to identify predictive factors for neutropenia, lymphocytopenia, anemia and thrombocytopenia. Nomograms to predict Grade 2-4 cytopenia were generated and validated in the test group. Grade 3 or higher hematologic toxicities were observed in 9.7, 44.6, 8.3 and 3.1% of patients with neutropenia, lymphocytopenia, anemia and thrombocytopenia, respectively. We identified six factors for neutropenia grade, nine for lymphocytopenia grade and six for anemia grade with statistical significance. In the analysis of thrombocytopenia, the statistical model did not converge because of a small number of events. Nomograms were generated using factors with high predictive power. In evaluating the nomograms, we found high area under the receiver operating characteristic curve values (neutropenia; 0.75-0.85, lymphopenia; 0.89-0.91 and anemia; 0.85-0.86) in predicting Grade 2-4 cytopenia in the test group. We established predictive nomograms for neutropenia, leukocytopenia and anemia and demonstrated high reproducibility when validated in an independent cohort of patients.

PMID:37740569 | DOI:10.1093/jrr/rrad069