Weighted logics for artificial intelligence : an introductory discussion

International audienceBefore presenting the contents of the special issue, we propose a structured introductory overview of a landscape of the weighted logics (in a general sense) that can be found in the Artificial Intelligence literature, highlighting their fundamental differences and their application areas

Assessment of inflammatory infiltration and angiogenesis in the thrombus and the wall of abdominal aortic aneurysms on the basis of histological parameters and computed tomography angiography study

The proliferation of vessels within the aneurysm’s wall and the intraluminal thrombus of abdominalaortic aneurysm (AAA) may be the main factor responsible for progression and rupture of AAA. The aim of thisstudy was to compare the parameters of the thrombus (size, density, contrast enhancement) measured by computedtomography (CT) with histological assessment of thrombi removed during surgery. 29 patients with AAAwere examined with angio-CT. Post-surgery histopathological evaluation of AAA was performed. Slides werestained with markers of B- (CD20) and T-lymphocytes (CD3), and markers of endothelial cells (CD34). Thrombiwere enhanced after contrast media administration in angio-CT (p = 0.002). There was a statistically significantcorrelation between contrast enhancement and the presence of B lymphocytes. Intensity of endothelial cellmarker expression significantly correlated with the presence of inflammatory T- and B-cells. No statistical significantcorrelation was found between contrast enhancement of the thrombus and markers of endothelial cells.The accumulation of inflammatory cells in the wall of AAA thrombus results in the formation of new vesselswhich participates to the instability of the thrombus and AAA wall. Assessment of the inflammation and neovascularizationin the wall and thrombus of the AAA might be an important factor in monitoring the progressionand the risk of aneurysm’s rupture

Highly Porous Fluorapatite/β-1,3-Glucan Composite for Bone Tissue Regeneration: Characterization and In-Vitro Assessment of Biomedical Potential

A novel fluorapatite/glucan composite (“FAP/glucan”) was developed for the treatment of bone defects. Due to the presence of polysaccharide polymer (β-1,3-glucan), the composite is highly flexible and thus very convenient for surgery. Its physicochemical and microstructural properties were evaluated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), mercury intrusion, mechanical testing and compared with the reference material, which was a hydroxyapatite/glucan composite (“HAP/glucan”) with hydroxyapatite granules (HAP) instead of FAP. It was found that FAP/glucan has a higher density and lower porosity than the reference material. The correlation between the Young’s modulus and the compressive strength between the materials is different in a dry and wet state. Bioactivity assessment showed a lower ability to form apatite and lower uptake of apatite-forming ions from the simulated body fluid by FAP/glucan material in comparison to the reference material. Moreover, FAP/glucan was determined to be of optimal fluoride release capacity for osteoblasts growth requirements. The results of cell culture experiments showed that fluoride-containing biomaterial was non-toxic, enhanced the synthesis of osteocalcin and stimulated the adhesion of osteogenic cells

Peroneal artery-vein index as a potential factor of thrombosis occurrence in free osteocutaneous fibula flap

Background: Despite high popularity and great success rates of free osteocutaneous fibula flaps, the flap failure caused by vascular thrombosis is still a challenging problem. The authors present their evaluation of a potential thrombosis risk factor a peroneal artery-vein index. Methods: The authors evaluated the diameters of peroneal vessels and peroneal artery-vein indexes based on the computed tomography angiographies in 10 patients who underwent a mandible reconstruction with a free fibula flap and compared the results with clinical outcome. Results: In one case the flap was lost, because of thrombosis in the donor vein. This patient presented superficial varicose veins of both lower extremities. Peroneal vein diameters in this patient ranged from 5,05 mm to 6,68 mm and were higher than in patients without complications. The peroneal artery-vein index in the patient with thrombosis ranged from 0,37 to 0,50 with median 0,40 and was lower than in patients without complications. Conclusions: High disproportion between peroneal artery and concomitant veins might be a potential risk factor of the occurrence of venal thrombosis. Detailed perioperative examination of peroneal veins in patients with varicosities should be considered. (C) 2016 European Association for Cranio-Maxillo-Facial Surgery. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved

Aligned Polyhydroxyalkanoate Blend Electrospun Fibers as Intraluminal Guidance Scaffolds for Peripheral Nerve Repair

The use of nerve guidance conduits (NGCs) to treat peripheral nerve injuries is a favorable approach to the current “gold standard” of autografting. However, as simple hollow tubes, they lack specific topographical and mechanical guidance cues present in nerve grafts and therefore are not suitable for treating large gap injuries (30–50 mm). The incorporation of intraluminal guidance scaffolds, such as aligned fibers, has been shown to increase neuronal cell neurite outgrowth and Schwann cell migration distances. A novel blend of PHAs, P(3HO)/P(3HB) (50:50), was investigated for its potential as an intraluminal aligned fiber guidance scaffold. Aligned fibers of 5 and 8 μm diameter were manufactured by electrospinning and characterized using SEM. Fibers were investigated for their effect on neuronal cell differentiation, Schwann cell phenotype, and cell viability in vitro. Overall, P(3HO)/P(3HB) (50:50) fibers supported higher neuronal and Schwann cell adhesion compared to PCL fibers. The 5 μm PHA blend fibers also supported significantly higher DRG neurite outgrowth and Schwann cell migration distance using a 3D ex vivo nerve injury model

The effect of a preoperative education class on the rate of manipulation under anesthesia after total knee arthroplasty in a veterans population

Background: Arthrofibrosis after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a common complication, potentially occurring in up to 25% of patients, and may be treated during the early recovery period by manipulation under anesthesia (MUA). The majority of preoperative factors that predispose patients to postoperative stiffness are patient specific and not modifiable. The United States Veteran Affairs is a particularly challenging group given a higher baseline rate of medical comorbidities and opioid dependence than the general population. Patient education about postoperative expectations and complications has been shown to improve outcomes in certain orthopedic procedures. This retrospective study aims to determine if preoperative counseling for veterans undergoing primary TKA reduces the rate of postoperative stiffness, and consequently MUA, in this subset of patients. Methods: We evaluated the medical records of 244 veterans at a single veteran affairs hospital who underwent 278 TKAs during a 6-year period under one surgeon. Patients were separated into groups based on attendance in the preoperative counseling session. Effects of various factors, including age, sex, body mass index, preoperative knee range of motion, and history of previous knee surgery, were compared between these 2 cohorts. Results: Attendance in the preoperative course did not have a statistically significant impact on the rate of manipulation (odds ratio [OR], 1.07). Female gender and prior manipulation had an increased OR of knee manipulation, whereas age > 65 years had a decreased OR that did not reach significance. Conclusions: Our results show that preoperative counseling did not have a benefit in terms of postoperative MUA rates in veterans. Preoperative education may be helpful for setting appropriate expectations of pain, recovery, and function after total joint arthroplasty and may be useful in an online or video format in small practices in which cost may be prohibitive. Further studies are needed to determine whether they provide any benefit in postoperative arthrofibrosis rates. Keywords: Knee, Arthroplasty, Manipulation, Arthrofibrosis, Education, Veteran

A study of the feasibility in relocalizing the food system at the University of British Columbia

We looked at the feasibility of a relocalized food system at UBC. The ultimate goal of this project is not to promote the adoption a solely local diet, but to find the right balance of locally-produced, seasonal and imported foods purchased that would most feasibly support a “sustainable diet” in terms of environmental, economic, and social impacts. Benefits of a localized food system include less carbon emissions from the shorter transportation distance of food products, boosting the local economy, and a personal re-connection with food and the farmer. According to our ecological, economic and social indicators, we have determined the level of feasibility to be high if 50% of products purchased by UBC food services are available locally, 10% of total expenditures is towards food procurement is for local food, and there is ≥50% awareness level of the UBC community towards the benefits of purchasing local foods and willingness to do so. We also describe the use of an educational poster to increase awareness of a local food system on campus and provide methods for research for next year’s AGSC 450 class. Disclaimer: “UBC SEEDS provides students with the opportunity to share the findings of their studies, as well as their opinions, conclusions and recommendations with the UBC community. The reader should bear in mind that this is a student project/report and is not an official document of UBC. Furthermore readers should bear in mind that these reports may not reflect the current status of activities at UBC. We urge you to contact the research persons mentioned in a report or the SEEDS Coordinator about the current status of the subject matter of a project/report.”Land and Food Systems, Faculty ofUnreviewedUndergraduat