FEND: A Future Enhanced Distribution-Aware Contrastive Learning Framework for Long-tail Trajectory Prediction

Predicting the future trajectories of the traffic agents is a gordian technique in autonomous driving. However, trajectory prediction suffers from data imbalance in the prevalent datasets, and the tailed data is often more complicated and safety-critical. In this paper, we focus on dealing with the long-tail phenomenon in trajectory prediction. Previous methods dealing with long-tail data did not take into account the variety of motion patterns in the tailed data. In this paper, we put forward a future enhanced contrastive learning framework to recognize tail trajectory patterns and form a feature space with separate pattern clusters. Furthermore, a distribution aware hyper predictor is brought up to better utilize the shaped feature space. Our method is a model-agnostic framework and can be plugged into many well-known baselines. Experimental results show that our framework outperforms the state-of-the-art long-tail prediction method on tailed samples by 9.5% on ADE and 8.5% on FDE, while maintaining or slightly improving the averaged performance. Our method also surpasses many long-tail techniques on trajectory prediction task.Comment: Accepted for publication at the IEEE/CVF Conference on Computer Vision and Pattern Recognition 2023 (CVPR 2023

Robust residual-guided iterative reconstruction for sparse-view CT in small animal imaging

Objective. We introduce a robust image reconstruction algorithm named residual-guided Golub–Kahan iterative reconstruction technique (RGIRT) designed for sparse-view computed tomography (CT), which aims at high-fidelity image reconstruction from a limited number of projection views. Approach. RGIRT utilizes an inner-outer dual iteration framework, with a flexible least square QR (FLSQR) algorithm implemented in the inner iteration and a restarted iterative scheme applied in the outer iteration. The inner FLSQR employs a flexible Golub–Kahan bidiagonalization method to reduce the size of the inverse problem, and a weighted generalized cross-validation method to adaptively estimate the regularization hyper-parameter. The inner iteration efficiently yields the intermediate reconstruction result, while the outer iteration minimizes the residual and refines the solution by using the result obtained from the inner iteration. Main results. The reconstruction performance of RGIRT is evaluated and compared to other reference methods (FBPConvNet, SART-TV, and FLSQR) using projection data from both numerical phantoms and real experimental Micro-CT data. The experimental findings, from testing various numbers of projection views and different noise levels, underscore the robustness of RGIRT. Meanwhile, theoretical analysis confirms the convergence of residual for our approach. Significance. We propose a robust iterative reconstruction algorithm for x-ray CT scans with sparse views, thereby shortening scanning time and mitigating excessive ionizing radiation exposure to small animals

Management of the refractory vitiligo patient: current therapeutic strategies and future options

Vitiligo is an autoimmune disease that leads to disfiguring depigmented lesions of skin and mucosa. Although effective treatments are available for vitiligo, there are still some patients with poor responses to conventional treatment. Refractory vitiligo lesions are mostly located on exposed sites such as acral sites and lips, leading to significant life stress. Understanding the causes of refractory vitiligo and developing targeted treatments are essential to enhance vitiligo outcomes. In this review, we summarized recent treatment approaches and some potential methods for refractory vitiligo. Janus kinase inhibitors have shown efficacy in refractory vitiligo. A variety of surgical interventions and fractional carbon dioxide laser have been widely applied to combination therapies. Furthermore, melanocyte regeneration and activation therapies are potentially effective strategies. Patients with refractory vitiligo should be referred to psychological monitoring and interventions to reduce the potential pathogenic effects of chronic stress. Finally, methods for depigmentation and camouflage may be beneficial in achieving uniform skin color and improved quality of life. Our ultimate focus is to provide alternative options for refractory vitiligo and to bring inspiration to future research

Cytoprotective Effects of Cell-Permeable Bifunctional Antioxidant Enzyme, GST-TAT-SOD, against Cisplatin-Induced Cell Damage

GST-TAT-SOD, a cell-permeable bifunctional antioxidant enzyme, is a potential selective radioprotector. This study aimed to investigate the cytoprotective activity of GST-TAT-SOD against cisplatin-induced damage. The current study showed that cisplatin induced the formation of reactive oxygen species in normal L-02 cells. GST-TAT-SOD (2000 U/mL) executed its antioxidant role by directly scavenging excess intracellular free radicals and augmenting cellular antioxidant defense such as reducing MDA level, enhancing the SOD activity, GST activity, and T-AOC. Thus, it suppressed the growth inhibition and apoptosis of cisplatin-treated normal cells. Meanwhile, the growth inhibition of tumor cells (SMMC-7721) caused by cisplatin was unaffected by GST-TAT-SOD pretreatment. GST-SOD, as a comparison, seemed to be powerless for related indicators as it could not enter into cells without cell-permeating peptide. These results suggest that GST-TAT-SOD might be a potential cytoprotective agent for cisplatin-induced side effects

Risk Factors Associated with Pain Severity in Patients with Non-specific Low Back Pain in Southern China

Study Design A prospective cross-sectional study. Purpose To evaluate the risk factors associated with the severity of pain intensity in patients with non-specific low back pain (NSLBP) in Southern China. Overview of Literature Low back pain (LBP) is the leading cause of activity limitation and work absence throughout the world, so a firm understanding of the risk factor associated with NSLBP can provide early and prompt interventions that are aimed at attaining long-term results. Methods Participants were recruited from January 2014 to January 2016 and were surveyed using a self-designed questionnaire. Anonymous assessments included Short Form 36-Item Health Survey (SF-36) and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). The association between the severity of NSLBP and these potential risk factors were evaluated. Results A total of 1,046 NSLBP patients were enrolled. The patients with primary school education, high body mass index (BMI), those exposed to sustained durations of driving and sitting, smoking, recurrent LBP had increased VAS and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores with lower SF-36 scores (p 10 kg objects in a quarter of their work time for >10 years had higher VAS and ODI scores with lower SF-36 scores (p <0.01). Multiple logistic regression showed lower levels of education, LBP for 1–7 days, long-lasting LBP in last year, smoking, long duration driving, and higher BMI were associated with more severe VAS score. Conclusions The severity of NSLBP is associated with lower levels of education, poor standards of living, heavy physical labor, long duration driving, and sedentary lifestyle. Patients with recurrent NSLBP have more severe pain. Reducing rates of obesity, the duration of heavy physical work, driving or riding, and attenuating the prevalence of sedentary lifestyles and smoking may reduce the prevalence of NSLBP

Advanced Glycation End Products-Induced Activation of Keratinocytes: A Mechanism Underlying Cutaneous Immune Response in Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a common inflammatory skin disease, in which epidermal keratinocytes play a vital role in its pathogenesis by acting both as the responder and as the accelerator to the cutaneous psoriatic immune response. Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) are a class of proinflammatory metabolites that are commonly accumulating in cardiometabolic disorders. Recent studies have also observed the increased level of AGEs in the serum and skin of psoriasis patients, but the role of AGEs in psoriatic inflammation has not been well investigated. In the present study, we initially detected abnormal accumulation of AGEs in epidermal keratinocytes of psoriatic lesions collected from psoriasis patients. Furthermore, AGEs promoted the proliferation of keratinocytes via upregulated Keratin 17 (K17)-mediated p27KIP1 inhibition followed by accelerated cell cycle progression. More importantly, AGEs facilitated the production of interleukin-36 alpha (IL-36α) in keratinocytes, which could enhance T helper 17 (Th17) immune response. In addition, the induction of both K17 and IL-36α by AGEs in keratinocytes was dependent on the activation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 1/3 (STAT1/3) signaling pathways. At last, the effects of AGEs on keratinocytes were mediated by the receptor for AGEs (RAGE). Taken together, these findings support that AGEs potentiate the innate immune function of keratinocytes, which contributes to the formation of psoriatic inflammation. Our study implicates AGEs as a potential pathogenic link between psoriasis and cardiometabolic comorbidities

Robot and working tube-assisted invasion-controlled surgery for spinal metastases

ObjectiveThis study aims to highlight the use of robots in surgery and that of tube-assisted minimally invasive surgery for spinal metastases, as well as elaborate on the concept of invasion-controlled surgery (ICS).Summary of backgroundMany patients with spinal metastasis cancer cannot afford serious complications when undergoing traditional open surgery because of their poor physical condition. Robots and minimally invasive technology have been introduced into the field of spine surgery and they have shown significant advantages.MethodsSix patients who underwent robot and working tube-assisted ICS for spinal metastases. Relevant demographic, medical, surgical, and postoperative data were collected from medical records and analyzed.ResultsMean operative time was 3.8 h and the mean length of the surgical incision was 4.9 cm. The mean estimated blood loss was 400 ml. The mean bedtime and hospital length of stay were 3.2 days and 6.5 days, respectively. No obvious complications were reported during treatment. The mean accuracy of screw placement was 98%. The mean time for further system treatment after surgery was 5.8 days. All patients experienced significant pain relief. The mean preoperative visual analog scale (VAS) was 7.83 points. The mean VAS at 1 day, 1 week, and 1 month after surgery were 2.83, 1.83, and 1.17 points, respectively. Frankel grade was improved in five of six patients. One patient preoperatively with Frankel grade D was the same postoperatively.ConclusionThe concept of ICS is suitable for patients with spinal metastases. Robot and working tube-assisted ICS for spinal metastases is one of the safest and most effective treatment methods