Application of spectroscopic and multispectral imaging technologies on the assessment of ready-to-eat pineapple quality: A performance evaluation study of machine learning models generated from two commercial data analytics tools

Recently, rapid, non-invasive analytical methods relying on vibrational spectroscopy and hyper/multispectral imaging, are increasingly gaining popularity in food science. Although such instruments offer a promising alternative to the conventional methods, the analysis of generated data demands complex multidisciplinary approaches based on data analytics tools utilization. Therefore, the objective of this work was to (i) assess the predictive power of different analytical platforms (sensors) coupled with machine learning algorithms in evaluating quality of ready-to-eat (RTE) pineapple (Ananas comosus) and (ii) explore the potentials of The Unscrambler software and the online machine-learning ranking platform, SorfML, in developing the predictive models required by such instruments to assess quality indices. Pineapple samples were stored at 4, 8, 12 °C and dynamic temperatures and were subjected to microbiological (total mesophilic microbial populations, TVC) and sensory analysis (colour, odour, texture) with parallel acquisition of spectral data. Fourier-transform infrared, fluorescence (FLUO) and visible sensors, as well as Videometer instrument were used. For TVC, almost all the combinations of sensors and Partial-least squares regression (PLSR) algorithm from both analytics tools reached values of root mean square error of prediction (RMSE) up to 0.63 log CFU/g, as well as the highest coefficient of determination values (R2). Moreover, Linear Support Vector Machine (SVM Linear) combined with each one of the sensors reached similar performance. For odour, FLUO sensor achieved the highest overall performance, when combined with Partial-least squares discriminant analysis (PLSDA) in both platforms with accuracy close to 85%, but also with values of sensitivity and specificity above 85%. The SVM Linear and MSI combination also achieved similar performance. On the other hand, all models developed for colour and texture showed poor prediction performance. Overall, the use of both analytics tools, resulted in similar trends concerning the feasibility of the different analytical platforms and algorithms on quality evaluation of RTE pineapple

Primary choriocarcinoma of the renal pelvis presenting as intracerebral hemorrhage: a case report and review of the literature

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Introduction</p> <p>A choriocarcinoma is a malignant neoplasm normally arising in the gestational trophoblast, gonads and, less frequently, the retroperitoneum, mediastinum and pineal gland. Primary choriocarcinomas of the renal pelvis are extremely rare.</p> <p>Case presentation</p> <p>We report a case of primary choriocarcinoma of the renal pelvis in a 38-year-old Greek woman of reproductive age, presenting with a sudden development of intracerebral hemorrhage due to metastatic lesions. The diagnosis was established with a renal biopsy, along with an elevated serum level of beta-human chorionic gonadotropin. An extensive diagnostic work up confirmed the origin of the choriocarcinoma to be the renal pelvis.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Extragonadal choriocarcinomas are rare neoplasms that require extensive laboratory and imaging studies to exclude a gonadal origin. Moreover, this is the first case of severe intracerebral hemorrhage as the initial presentation of primary choriocarcinoma of the renal pelvis. Nonetheless, choriocarcinomas should be considered in the differential diagnosis of women of reproductive age.</p

Imaging features of a huge spermatic cord leiomyosarcoma: Review of the literature

Spermatic cord leiomyosarcomas (LMSs) are rare tumors which may cause significant morbidity and mortality if inadequately diagnosed or treated. We report a case of a paratesticular LMS in a 60-year-old man who presented with a right scrotal mass. The patient was evaluated by scrotal ultrasound and computed tomography of the abdomen and pelvis (including scans of the scrotum), which revealed a large extratesticular mass. The lesion proved to be malignant and the patient underwent radical orchiectomy with high cord ligation. To improve the assignment of this lesion, we further analyze the imaging features of LMS and correlate them with pathologic findings

Serum PCSK9 levels in infants with deviant birth weight: a biomarker of the lipoprotein metabolism

Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin-Type 9 (PCSK9), a modulator of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol metabolism, has been reported to be a promising biomarker for evaluating lipoprotein metabolism; however, evidence in infants is limited. In the current study, we sought to investigate potential differences in serum PCSK9 levels between infants with deviant birth weight and controls. We enrolled 82 infants, classified into 33 small (SGA), 32 appropriate (AGA), and 17 large for gestation (LGA) infants. Serum PCSK9 was measured on routine blood analysis within the first postnatal 48 h. PCSK9 was significantly higher in SGA as compared to AGA and LGA infants [322 (236–431) as compared to 263 (217–302) and 218 (194–291) ng/ml respectively, p = .011]. In comparison to term AGA infants, PCSK9 was significantly elevated in preterm AGA and SGA infants. We also found a significantly higher level of PCSK9 in term female SGA infants as compared to term male SGA infants [325 (293–377) as compared to 174 (163–216) ng/ml, p = .011]. PCSK9 was significantly correlated with gestational age (R = –0.404, p R = –0.419, p R = 0.248, p = .028) and LDL cholesterol (R = 0.370, p = .001). SGA status (OR 2.56, p = .004, 95% CI 1.83–4.28) and prematurity (OR 3.10, p = .001, 95% CI 1.39–4.82) were strongly related to serum PCSK9 levels. PCSK9 levels were significantly associated with total and LDL cholesterol. Moreover, PCSK9 levels were higher in preterm and SGA infants, suggesting that PCSK9 might be a promising biomarker for evaluating infants with increased later cardiovascular risk.HighlightsWhat’s already known? Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin-Type 9 (PCSK9) is a promising biomarker for evaluating lipoprotein metabolism; however, evidence in infants is limited. Infants that were born with a deviant birth weight have a unique lipoprotein metabolism profile.What this study adds? Serum PCSK9 levels were significantly associated with total and LDL cholesterol. PCSK9 levels were higher in preterm and small for gestation infants, suggesting that PCSK9 might be a promising biomarker for evaluating infants with increased later cardiovascular risk. What’s already known? Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin-Type 9 (PCSK9) is a promising biomarker for evaluating lipoprotein metabolism; however, evidence in infants is limited. Infants that were born with a deviant birth weight have a unique lipoprotein metabolism profile. What this study adds? Serum PCSK9 levels were significantly associated with total and LDL cholesterol. PCSK9 levels were higher in preterm and small for gestation infants, suggesting that PCSK9 might be a promising biomarker for evaluating infants with increased later cardiovascular risk.</p