Automated segmentation of colorectal tumor in 3D MRI Using 3D multiscale densely connected convolutional neural network

The main goal of this work is to automatically segment colorectal tumors in 3D T2-weighted (T2w) MRI with reasonable accuracy. For such a purpose, a novel deep learning-based algorithm suited for volumetric colorectal tumor segmentation is proposed. The proposed CNN architecture, based on densely connected neural network, contains multiscale dense interconnectivity between layers of fine and coarse scales, thus leveraging multiscale contextual information in the network to get better flow of information throughout the network. Additionally, the 3D level-set algorithm was incorporated as a postprocessing task to refine contours of the network predicted segmentation. The method was assessed on T2-weighted 3D MRI of 43 patients diagnosed with locally advanced colorectal tumor (cT3/T4). Cross validation was performed in 100 rounds by partitioning the dataset into 30 volumes for training and 13 for testing. Three performance metrics were computed to assess the similarity between predicted segmentation and the ground truth (i.e., manual segmentation by an expert radiologist/oncologist), including Dice similarity coefficient (DSC), recall rate (RR), and average surface distance (ASD). The above performance metrics were computed in terms of mean and standard deviation (mean ± standard deviation). The DSC, RR, and ASD were 0.8406 ± 0.0191, 0.8513 ± 0.0201, and 2.6407 ± 2.7975 before postprocessing, and these performance metrics became 0.8585 ± 0.0184, 0.8719 ± 0.0195, and 2.5401 ± 2.402 after postprocessing, respectively. We compared our proposed method to other existing volumetric medical image segmentation baseline methods (particularly 3D U-net and DenseVoxNet) in our segmentation tasks. The experimental results reveal that the proposed method has achieved better performance in colorectal tumor segmentation in volumetric MRI than the other baseline techniques

Multi-messenger observations of a binary neutron star merger

On 2017 August 17 a binary neutron star coalescence candidate (later designated GW170817) with merger time 12:41:04 UTC was observed through gravitational waves by the Advanced LIGO and Advanced Virgo detectors. The Fermi Gamma-ray Burst Monitor independently detected a gamma-ray burst (GRB 170817A) with a time delay of ~1.7 s with respect to the merger time. From the gravitational-wave signal, the source was initially localized to a sky region of 31 deg2 at a luminosity distance of 40+8-8 Mpc and with component masses consistent with neutron stars. The component masses were later measured to be in the range 0.86 to 2.26 Mo. An extensive observing campaign was launched across the electromagnetic spectrum leading to the discovery of a bright optical transient (SSS17a, now with the IAU identification of AT 2017gfo) in NGC 4993 (at ~40 Mpc) less than 11 hours after the merger by the One- Meter, Two Hemisphere (1M2H) team using the 1 m Swope Telescope. The optical transient was independently detected by multiple teams within an hour. Subsequent observations targeted the object and its environment. Early ultraviolet observations revealed a blue transient that faded within 48 hours. Optical and infrared observations showed a redward evolution over ~10 days. Following early non-detections, X-ray and radio emission were discovered at the transient’s position ~9 and ~16 days, respectively, after the merger. Both the X-ray and radio emission likely arise from a physical process that is distinct from the one that generates the UV/optical/near-infrared emission. No ultra-high-energy gamma-rays and no neutrino candidates consistent with the source were found in follow-up searches. These observations support the hypothesis that GW170817 was produced by the merger of two neutron stars in NGC4993 followed by a short gamma-ray burst (GRB 170817A) and a kilonova/macronova powered by the radioactive decay of r-process nuclei synthesized in the ejecta

Multi-messenger Observations of a Binary Neutron Star Merger

On 2017 August 17 a binary neutron star coalescence candidate (later designated GW170817) with merger time 12:41:04 UTC was observed through gravitational waves by the Advanced LIGO and Advanced Virgo detectors. The Fermi Gamma-ray Burst Monitor independently detected a gamma-ray burst (GRB 170817A) with a time delay of ∼ 1.7 {{s}} with respect to the merger time. From the gravitational-wave signal, the source was initially localized to a sky region of 31 deg2 at a luminosity distance of {40}-8+8 Mpc and with component masses consistent with neutron stars. The component masses were later measured to be in the range 0.86 to 2.26 {M}ȯ . An extensive observing campaign was launched across the electromagnetic spectrum leading to the discovery of a bright optical transient (SSS17a, now with the IAU identification of AT 2017gfo) in NGC 4993 (at ∼ 40 {{Mpc}}) less than 11 hours after the merger by the One-Meter, Two Hemisphere (1M2H) team using the 1 m Swope Telescope. The optical transient was independently detected by multiple teams within an hour. Subsequent observations targeted the object and its environment. Early ultraviolet observations revealed a blue transient that faded within 48 hours. Optical and infrared observations showed a redward evolution over ∼10 days. Following early non-detections, X-ray and radio emission were discovered at the transient’s position ∼ 9 and ∼ 16 days, respectively, after the merger. Both the X-ray and radio emission likely arise from a physical process that is distinct from the one that generates the UV/optical/near-infrared emission. No ultra-high-energy gamma-rays and no neutrino candidates consistent with the source were found in follow-up searches. These observations support the hypothesis that GW170817 was produced by the merger of two neutron stars in NGC 4993 followed by a short gamma-ray burst (GRB 170817A) and a kilonova/macronova powered by the radioactive decay of r-process nuclei synthesized in the ejecta.</p

Radiomics Analysis of Rectal Cancer

The purpose of the thesis is to demonstrate that a significant correlation between texture features both before and after preoperative radiochemotherapy and Tumor Regression Grade exists in local advanced rectal cancer

Factors Affecting the Stabilization of Polyproline II Helices in a Hydrophobic Environment

Several parameters have a critical importance for the stabilization of either polyproline I (PPI) or polyproline II (PPII) helices in a hydrophobic environment. Among them, it was found out that the concentration is crucial as polyprolines at 3 mM concentration stably fold in PPII helices, that are organized in aggregates stable even after several days and are detectable by dynamic light scattering analysis. In more diluted concentration the same molecules stably fold in PPI helices, and no aggregates are found. In contrast, the introduction of a (4<i>S</i>,5<i>R</i>)-4-carboxy-5-methyloxazolidin-2-one (l-Oxd) moiety always inhibits the formation of the PPI helix, regardless of the l-Oxd position and the solution concentration

Form Matters: Stable Helical Foldamers Preferentially Target Human Monocytes and Granulocytes

Some hybrid foldamers of various length, all containing the (4R,5S)-4-carboxy-5-methyloxazolidin-2-one (d-Oxd) moiety alternating with an l-amino acid (l-Val, l-Lys, or l-Ala), were prepared in order to study their preferred conformations and to evaluate their biological activity. Surprisingly, only the longer oligomers containing l-Ala fold into well-established helices, whereas all the other oligomers give partially unfolded turn structures. Nevertheless, they all show good biocompatibility, with no detrimental effects up to 64 μm. After equipping some selected foldamers with the fluorescent tag rhodamine B, a quantitative analysis was performed by dose– and time–response fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) assays with human HeLa cells and primary blood lymphocytes, granulocytes, and monocytes. Among the cell types analyzed, the oligomers associated with monocytes and granulocytes with greatest efficacy, still visible after 24 h incubation. This effect is even more pronounced for foldamers that are able to form stable helices

Correlation of Pre- and Post-radio-chemotherapy MRI Texture Features With Tumor Response in Rectal Cancer

Background/aim: The present study aimed to investigate radiomics features derived from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer treated with neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (CRT). Patients and methods: We retrospectively evaluated data of 53 patients (32 males, 21 females) with T3/T4 or N+ rectal cancer who underwent MRI before and after CRT. Twenty-seven texture radiomics features were extracted from regions of interest, delimiting the tumor on T2-weighted images. Results: All 27 radiomics features extracted before CRT showed a statistically significant association with the tumor regression grade (TRG) (p&lt;0.05), whereas, after CRT, only the Cluster Prominence value was the only variable to predict TRG (p=0.037, r=0.291). Conclusion: All 27 features extracted before CRT were able to predict response to CRT and Cluster Prominence continued to be statistically significant even after CRT. The impact of radiomics features derived from MRI could be further investigated in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer

La terapia insulinica sottocutanea continua (CSII) in Italia. Terza indagine nazionale [Subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) in italy: The third national survey]

Continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) is increasingly being used worldwide, mostly thanks to technical improvements. This study examined the current status of CSII in Italy. Physicians in charge of 272 diabetes centers caring for patients using CSII were sent a questionnaire investigating clinical features, pump technology and management of these patients; a large proportion (217 centers, 79.8%) joined the study. By end-April 2013, data had been collected on 10152 patients treated with CSII; 98.2% had type 1 diabetes, 82.4% were adults, 57% female. Only just over half the centers (59%) managed more than 20 CSII patients each. The distribution of patients varied widely both among and within different regions. The main indication for CSII was the de- sire to improve glycemic control. Dropouts (8.65%) were mainly due to difficulties with pump wearability or non-optimal glycemic control. Among CSII patients 61% used a traditional pump, 39% a sensor augmented pump. Only 68% used the CSII advanced functions and glucose sensors were used twelve days per month on average. Round-the-clock assistance was guaranteed in 81% of centers; a full diabetes team followed patients in only 40% of adult-care centers and 50% of pediatric units. CSII is increasingly used in Italy, by adults and pediatric patients. However, further work is needed to unify treatment strategies throughout the country and to encourage optimal pump use and applications.La diffusione della terapia insulinica sottocutanea continua con microinfusore (CSII) è in continuo aumento nel mondo, grazie anche al miglioramento della tecnologia degli strumenti. Scopo di questo lavoro è stato quello di valutare lo stato attuale della CSII in Italia. A tal fine ai responsabili di 272 strutture diabetologiche che seguono pazienti in terapia con microinfusore è stato inviato un questionario che indagava aspetti clinici, tecnici e organizzativi della terapia con microinfusore. Duecentodiciassette strutture (79,8%) hanno partecipato all’indagine. Dai dati raccolti è emerso che a fine aprile 2013 in tali strutture vi erano 10.152 pazienti in terapia con microinfusore, quasi tutti (98,2%) affetti da diabete di tipo 1, prevalentemente adulti (82,4%) e di sesso femminile (57%). La diffusione della CSII risultava molto disomogenea tra le diverse Regioni e anche tra le diverse strutture diabetologiche di una stessa Regione: solo il 59% delle strutture seguiva più di 20 pazienti ciascuna. Motivo principale per iniziare la CSII era la ricerca del buon controllo glicemico. Il drop-out (8,65% dei casi), avveniva soprattutto per problemi legati alla portabilità della pompa o al mancato raggiungimento del target glicemico. La maggior parte dei pazienti (61%) utilizzava un microinfusore tradizionale, il 39% un microinfusore integrato (32%) o associato (7%) a un dispositivo per il monitoraggio in continuo della glicemia. Le funzioni avanzate del microinfusore venivano mediamente utilizzate solo dal 68% dei pazienti e il sensore era utilizzato mediamente solo per 12 giorni al mese. L’81% delle strutture garantiva una reperibilità 24 ore su 24. Solo nel 40% delle strutture per adulti e nel 50% di quelle pediatriche i pazienti venivano seguiti da un team completo. In conclusione, la CSII si sta sempre più diffondendo in Italia, sia tra i pazienti adulti sia tra quelli pediatrici. È auspicabile una maggiore uniformità tra le diverse Regioni e un uso più adeguato della tecnologia stessa.Continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) is increasingly being used worldwide, mostly thanks to technical improvements. This study examined the current status of CSII in Italy. Physicians in charge of 272 diabetes centers caring for patients using CSII were sent a questionnaire investigating clinical features, pump technology and management of these patients; a large proportion (217 centers, 79.8%) joined the study. By end-April 2013, data had been collected on 10152 patients treated with CSII; 98.2% had type 1 diabetes, 82.4% were adults, 57% female. Only just over half the centers (59%) managed more than 20 CSII patients each. The distribution of patients varied widely both among and within different regions. The main indication for CSII was the de- sire to improve glycemic control. Dropouts (8.65%) were mainly due to difficulties with pump wearability or non-optimal glycemic control. Among CSII patients 61% used a traditional pump, 39% a sensor augmented pump. Only 68% used the CSII advanced functions and glucose sensors were used twelve days per month on average. Round-the-clock assistance was guaranteed in 81% of centers; a full diabetes team followed patients in only 40% of adult-care centers and 50% of pediatric units. CSII is increasingly used in Italy, by adults and pediatric patients. However, further work is needed to unify treatment strategies throughout the country and to encourage optimal pump use and applications

Multi-messenger Observations of a Binary Neutron Star Merger

On 2017 August 17 a binary neutron star coalescence candidate (later designated GW170817) with merger time 12:41:04 UTC was observed through gravitational waves by the Advanced LIGO and Advanced Virgo detectors. The Fermi Gamma-ray Burst Monitor independently detected a gamma-ray burst (GRB 170817A) with a time delay of $\sim$1.7 s with respect to the merger time. From the gravitational-wave signal, the source was initially localized to a sky region of 31 deg$^2$ at a luminosity distance of $40^{+8}_{-8}$ Mpc and with component masses consistent with neutron stars. The component masses were later measured to be in the range 0.86 to 2.26 Msun. An extensive observing campaign was launched across the electromagnetic spectrum leading to the discovery of a bright optical transient (SSS17a, now with the IAU identification of AT 2017gfo) in NGC 4993 (at $\sim$40 Mpc) less than 11 hours after the merger by the One-Meter, Two Hemisphere (1M2H) team using the 1 m Swope Telescope. The optical transient was independently detected by multiple teams within an hour. Subsequent observations targeted the object and its environment. Early ultraviolet observations revealed a blue transient that faded within 48 hours. Optical and infrared observations showed a redward evolution over $\sim$10 days. Following early non-detections, X-ray and radio emission were discovered at the transient's position $\sim$9 and $\sim$16 days, respectively, after the merger. Both the X-ray and radio emission likely arise from a physical process that is distinct from the one that generates the UV/optical/near-infrared emission. No ultra-high-energy gamma-rays and no neutrino candidates consistent with the source were found in follow-up searches. (Abridged