Binary morphological shape-based interpolation applied to 3-D tooth reconstruction

In this paper we propose an interpolation algorithm using a mathematical morphology morphing approach. The aim of this algorithm is to reconstruct the $n$-dimensional object from a group of (n-1)-dimensional sets representing sections of that object. The morphing transformation modifies pairs of consecutive sets such that they approach in shape and size. The interpolated set is achieved when the two consecutive sets are made idempotent by the morphing transformation. We prove the convergence of the morphological morphing. The entire object is modeled by successively interpolating a certain number of intermediary sets between each two consecutive given sets. We apply the interpolation algorithm for 3-D tooth reconstruction

Anastomotic leak in ovarian cancer cytoreduction surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Introduction: Anastomotic leaks (AL) following ovarian cytoreduction surgery could be detrimental, leading to significant delays in commencing adjuvant chemotherapy, prolonged hospital stays and increased morbidity. The aim of this study was to investigate risk factors associated with anastomotic leaks after ovarian cytoreduction surgery. Material and methods: The MEDLINE (via PubMed), Cochrane Library, EMBASE and Scopus bibliographical databases were searched. Original clinical studies investigating risk factors for AL in ovarian cytoreduction surgery were included. Results: Eighteen studies with non-overlapping populations reporting on patients undergoing cytoreduction surgery for ovarian cancer (n = 4622, including 344 cases complicated by AL) were included in our analysis. Patients undergoing ovarian cytoreduction surgery complicated by AL had a significantly higher rate of 30-day mortality but no difference in 60-day mortality. Multiple bowel resections were associated with an increased risk of postoperative AL, while no association was observed with body mass index (BMI), American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score, age, smoking, operative approach (primary versus interval cytoreductive, stapled versus hand-sewn anastomoses and formation of diverting stoma), neoadjuvant chemotherapy and use of hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC). Discussion: Multiple bowel resections were the only clinical risk factor associated with increased risk for AL after bowel surgery in the ovarian cancer population. The increased 30-day mortality rate in patients undergoing ovarian cytoreduction complicated by AL highlights the need to minimize the number of bowel resections in this population. Further studies are required to clarify any association between neoadjuvant chemotherapy and decreased AL rates

Giant Intradural Mucocele in a Patient with Adult Onset Seizures

A rare case of mucopyocele in a patient who presented with epileptic seizures is reported. The computed tomography scan (CT) and the magnetic resonance (MR) imaging revealed an intradural extension of a giant fronto-ethmoidal mucopyocele, eroding the cribriform plate and compressing both frontal lobes. The lesion was removed by craniotomy with elimination of the mass effect and reconstruction of the anterior skull base. An intracranial-intradural mucopyocele is an extremely rare cause of generalized convulsion as a presenting symptom, with only 6 cases reported in the literature. The total removal of the lesion associated with anterior fossa reconstruction is the treatment of choice

Local feature based automatic target recognition for future 3D active homing seeker missiles

We propose an architecture appropriate for future Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) active homing seeker missiles with Automatic Target Recognition (ATR) capabilities. Our proposal enhances military targeting performance by extending ATR into the 3rd dimension. From a military and aerospace industry point of view, this is appealing as weapon effectiveness against camouflage, concealment and deception techniques can be substantially improved. Specifically, we present a missile seeker 3D ATR architecture that relies on the 3D local feature based SHOT descriptor and a dual-role pipeline with a number of pre and post-processing operations. We evaluate our architecture on a number of missile engagement scenarios in various environmental setups with the missile being under various altitudes, obliquities, distances to the target and scene resolutions. Under these demanding conditions, the recognition performance gained is highly promising. Even in the extreme case of reducing the database entries to a single template per target, our interchangeable ATR architecture still provides a highly acceptable performance. Although we focus on future intelligent missile systems, our approach can be implemented to a great range of time-critical complex systems for space, air and ground environments for military, law-enforcement, commercial and research purposes

Medium-chain triglycerides may improve memory in non-demented older adults: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials

Background: Ketosis has been exploited for its neuroprotective impact and treatment of neurological conditions via ketone production. Exogenous medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) supplementation may induce nutritional ketosis. The aim of this systematic review is to explore the effects of MCTs on memory function in older adults without cognitive impairment. Methods: A systematic literature search of PubMed, Cochrane Library, Scopus, and Web of Science was employed from inception until April 2022 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, investigating the impact of MCT oils on components of memory. Risk of bias (RoB2) tool was utilized for quality assessment. Results: Six trials were included for qualitative synthesis, in which two studies examined the effect of MCTs through a ketogenic meal. MCT supplementation compared to controls was associated with improved indices of memory function in 4 out of 6 studies, particularly working memory. A meta-analysis was not employed due to the low number of studies, therefore, a true effect measure of MCT supplementation was not explored. Conclusions: MCT supplementation may enhance working memory in non-demented older adults. These effects may be more prominent in individuals with lower baseline scores, from short and long-term supplementation. Further studies are warranted to confirm these findings in terms of optimal dose and MCTs composition, which may protect from memory decline during aging

Medium-chain triglycerides may improve memory in non-demented older adults: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials

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The impact of branched-chain amino acid supplementation on measures of glucose homeostasis in individuals with hepatic disorders: A systematic review of clinical studies.

BackgroundBranched chain amino acid (BCAA) supplementation may influence glucose metabolism in individuals with impaired glycemic profile. This systematic review investigated the effects of isolated BCAA supplementation on measures of glucose homeostasis in individuals with hepatic disorders.MethodsWe searched PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Scopus for published clinical trials that investigated the effects of isolated BCAA supplementation on measures of glucose homeostasis, including serum glucose and insulin, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels, and Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) scores.ResultsEleven trials met the inclusion criteria. Only one study revealed a decrease in serum glucose from BCAA supplementation compared to three studies that showed increases. Five studies demonstrated no significant changes in serum glucose, and two studies displayed no changes in HbA1c following BCAA supplementation. Serum levels of insulin were decreased in three studies, remained unchanged in one, whilst increased in the remaining three studies. BCAA supplementation reduced HOMA-IR scores in two studies, increased HOMA-IR scores in another two or resulted in no changes in two other studies.ConclusionsBCAA supplementation in isolation had no effect on overall glucose homeostasis in individuals with hepatic disorders, although some improvements on serum insulin levels and HOMA-IR scores were observed. Overall, there is little evidence to support the utilization of BCAA supplementation as a potential nutritional strategy for improving measures of glucose homeostasis in individuals with hepatic disorders. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved