Genetic Algorithm Modeling with GPU Parallel Computing Technology

We present a multi-purpose genetic algorithm, designed and implemented with GPGPU / CUDA parallel computing technology. The model was derived from a multi-core CPU serial implementation, named GAME, already scientifically successfully tested and validated on astrophysical massive data classification problems, through a web application resource (DAMEWARE), specialized in data mining based on Machine Learning paradigms. Since genetic algorithms are inherently parallel, the GPGPU computing paradigm has provided an exploit of the internal training features of the model, permitting a strong optimization in terms of processing performances and scalability.Comment: 11 pages, 2 figures, refereed proceedings; Neural Nets and Surroundings, Proceedings of 22nd Italian Workshop on Neural Nets, WIRN 2012; Smart Innovation, Systems and Technologies, Vol. 19, Springe

An analysis of feature relevance in the classification of astronomical transients with machine learning methods

The exploitation of present and future synoptic (multi-band and multi-epoch) surveys requires an extensive use of automatic methods for data processing and data interpretation. In this work, using data extracted from the Catalina Real Time Transient Survey (CRTS), we investigate the classification performance of some well tested methods: Random Forest, MLPQNA (Multi Layer Perceptron with Quasi Newton Algorithm) and K-Nearest Neighbors, paying special attention to the feature selection phase. In order to do so, several classification experiments were performed. Namely: identification of cataclysmic variables, separation between galactic and extra-galactic objects and identification of supernovae.Comment: Accepted by MNRAS, 11 figures, 18 page

Comparison of Outlier Detection Methods on Astronomical Image Data

Among the many challenges posed by the huge data volumes produced by the new generation of astronomical instruments there is also the search for rare and peculiar objects. Unsupervised outlier detection algorithms may provide a viable solution. In this work we compare the performances of six methods: the Local Outlier Factor, Isolation Forest, k-means clustering, a measure of novelty, and both a normal and a convolutional autoencoder. These methods were applied to data extracted from SDSS stripe 82. After discussing the sensitivity of each method to its own set of hyperparameters, we combine the results from each method to rank the objects and produce a final list of outliers

Comparison of outlier detection methods on astronomical image data

Among the many challenges posed by the huge data volumes produced by the new generation of astronomical instruments there is also the search for rare and peculiar objects. Unsupervised outlier detection algorithms may provide a viable solution. In this work we compare the performances of six methods: the Local Outlier Factor, Isolation Forest, k-means clustering, a measure of novelty, and both a normal and a convolutional autoencoder. These methods were applied to data extracted from SDSS stripe 82. After discussing the sensitivity of each method to its own set of hyperparameters, we combine the results from each method to rank the objects and produce a final list of outliers.Comment: Preprint version of the accepted manuscript to appear in the Volume "Intelligent Astrophysics" of the series "Emergence, Complexity and Computation", Book eds. I. Zelinka, D. Baron, M. Brescia, Springer Nature Switzerland, ISSN: 2194-728

Correlation analysis between foveal avascular zone and near peripheral retinal hypoperfusion in multiple sclerosis: a wide field optical coherence tomography angiography study

The identification of non-invasive biomarkers to investigate and monitor retinal structural and vascular changes in multiple sclerosis (MS) represents an interesting source of debate. Until now optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) evaluated the foveal avascular zone (FAZ) and areas of retinal non-perfusion only in the macular region in MS patients. It could be interesting to identify possible biomarkers, useful in assessing the ischemic areas also in the near peripheral retina, since FAZ enlargement and the areas of peripheral retinal non-perfusions share common pathogenic processes. In this cross-sectional study, we investigated the correlation between the FAZ area and retinal vessel density (VD) in the near peripheral retina by new wide-field optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) in patients affected by relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RR-MS). Moreover, we compared the FAZ area and the VD of superficial and deep capillary plexuses in the fovea region and in the near peripheral retina (6.4 x 6.4 mm) between RR-MS patients and healthy controls by means of a Solix full-range OCTA. Last, we also detected the changes in structural OCT parameters (ganglion cell complex and retinal nerve fiber layer). Thirty-three eyes of 33 RR-MS patients and 35 eyes of 35 healthy controls were enrolled. RR-MS patients showed a lower VD in the superficial capillary plexus and a significant increase in the FAZ area compared with controls. The deep capillary plexus revealed a reduced VD although not statistically significant in patients with respect to controls. In the patients' group, the FAZ area showed significantly negative correlations with VD of superficial capillary plexuses in the foveal and whole region, while the FAZ area did not negatively correlate with the VD of the deep capillary plexus. The significant correlations among OCTA parameters could demonstrate the FAZ area as a possible biomarker for assessing the perfusion status in the near peripheral retina, useful in RR-MS management. These findings could confirm the role of vascular dysfunction in the pathogenetic mechanisms of MS

Clinical management of endoscopically resected pT1 colorectal cancer

Background Implementation of colorectal cancer (CRC) screening programs increases endoscopic resection of polyps with early invasive CRC (pT1). Risk of lymph node metastasis often leads to additional surgery, but despite guidelines, correct management remains unclear. Our aim that are diagnosed and treated endoscopically and this number is expected to increase [1,2].Methods We retrospectively reviewed patients undergoing endoscopic resection of pT1 CRC from 2006 to 2016. Clinical, endoscopic, surgical treatment, and follow-up data were collected and analyzed. Lesions were categorized according to endoscopic/histological risk-factors into low and high risk groups. Comorbidities were classified according to the Charlson comorbidity index (CCI). Surgical referral for each group was computed, and dissociation from current European CRC screening guidelines recorded. Multivariate analysis for factors affecting the post-endoscopic surgery referral was performed.Results Seventy-two patients with endoscopically resected pT1-CRC were included. Overall, 20 (27.7%) and 52 (72.3%) were classified as low and high risk, respectively. In the low risk group, 11 (55%) were referred to surgery, representing over-treatment compared with current guidelines. In the high risk group, nonsurgical endoscopic surveillance was performed in 20 (38.5%) cases, representing potential under-treatment. After a median follow-up of 30 (6-130) months, no patients developed tumor recurrence. At multivariate analysis, age (OR 1.21, 95 %CI 1.02 -1.42; P = 0.02) and CCI (OR 1.67, 95 %CI 1.12 -3.14; P= 0.04) were independent predictors for subsequent surgery.Conclusions A substantial rate of inappropriate post-endoscopic treatment of pT1-CRC was observed when compared with current guidelines. This was apparently related to an overestimation of patient-related factors rather than endoscopically or histologically related factors

Off-Adherence Keeping (OAK) observational study: intentional off-adherence immunomodulatory multiple sclerosis treatment

Aims: To evaluate how improved treatment adherence with a lower-frequency regimen/treatment of intramuscular (IM) IFN beta-1a impacts therapeutic effectiveness in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS) patients switching from a higher-frequency injectable regimen/treatment. Patients & methods: Italian patients with relapsing-remitting MS and prior poor adherence to high-frequency injectable treatments (n = 181) were followed for 24 months after starting IM IFN beta-1a. Results: During the study, 97.4% of patients were treatment adherent; 22.1% of patients reported a relapse. The estimated probability of remaining relapse-free after 2 years was 78%. A high dropout rate (52.5%) led to small sample size and reduced statistical power. Conclusion: Intramuscular IFN beta-1a treatment was associated with high adherence and a low relapse rate. Unfortunately, low patient retention limited the generalizability of these findings.Plain language summary: Prior research suggests that taking the drug IFN beta-1a through less frequent muscle injections enables more patients to adhere to their prescription than taking other medications. This study included 181 Italian patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS) who historically did not take medication as often as prescribed. Relapses of MS were counted among patients treated with muscle injections of IFN beta-1a for 2 years; 97.4% of patients followed their prescription and 22.1% experienced a relapse. From these data, 78% of patients were estimated not to experience a relapse during 2 years of IFN beta-1a muscle injections. However, an unusually high number of patients (52.5%) left the study within 2 years, which makes it difficult to draw firm conclusions

A Comprehensive Review on Copemyl(\uae)

Economic sustainability is of paramount importance in the rapidly evolving therapeutic scenario of multiple sclerosis (MS). Glatiramoids are a class of drugs whose forefather, glatiramer acetate, has been used as a disease modifying drug (DMD) in patients with MS for over 20 years. Its patent expired in 2015; new versions of such drug are nowadays available on the market, potentially contributing to lowering prices and enhancing a better allocation of economic resources. In this review, we analyze the recommendations underlying the approval of both generic drugs and biosimilars by regulatory authorities, and we provide methodological tools to contextualize the design of studies on these new classes of drugs. We examine in more detail the preclinical and clinical data of Copemyl(\uae), a new member of the glatiramoid class, focusing on its biological and immunological properties and illustrating randomized controlled trials that led to its authorization

Effectiveness of fingolimod in real-world relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis Italian patients: the GENIUS study

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