Fringe Pattern Analysis in Wavelet Domain

We present a full-field technique for single fringe pattern analysis based on wavelet transform. Wavelets technique is a powerful method that quantifies at different scales how spatial energy is distributed. In the wavelets domain, fringe pattern analysis requires spatial modulation by a high-frequency carrier. We realize the modulation process numerically by combining the fringe pattern and its quadrature generated analytically by spiral phase transform. The first application concerns the speckle denoising by thresholding the two-dimensional stationary wavelet transform (2D-swt) coefficients of the detail sub-bands. In the second application, the phase derivatives are estimated from the 1D-continuous wavelet transform (1D-cwt) and 2D-cwt analysis of the modulated fringe pattern by extracting the extremum scales from the localized spatial frequencies. In the third application, the phase derivatives distribution is evaluated from the modulated fringe pattern by the maximum ridge of the 2D-cwt coefficients. The final application concerns the evaluation of the optical phase map using two-dimensional discrete wavelet transform (2D-dwt) decomposition of the modulated fringe pattern. The optical phase is computed as the arctangent function of the ratio between the detail components (high-frequency sub-bands) and the approximation components (low-frequency sub-bands). The performance of these methods is tested on numerical simulations and experimental fringes

[72] Phaeochromocytoma of the bladder: Report of a case and review of the literature

Objective: To report on a case of phaeochromocytoma of the bladder and discuss general management principles of bladder phaeochromocytoma and the importance of long-term follow-up. Phaeochromocytomas are chromaffin cell tumours that are derived from neuroectodermal tissue of the adrenal gland and sympathetic paraganglia. These tumours can arise anywhere in the body from the skull (glomus and carotid bodies) to the bladder and prostatic glands. Phaeochromocytomas of the urinary bladder are rare tumours, accounting for ∼1% of extra-adrenal phaeochromocytomas and 0.06% of bladder tumours. Methods: A 13-year-old patient presented with paroxysmal symptoms consisting of headaches, palpitations, tinnitus and excessive sweating after each micturition and haematuria. Complementary investigations: ultrasonography, intravenous urography, and magnetic resonance imaging, suggested a circumscribed tumour with a 3-cm long axis in the bladder dome, and the diagnosis of bladder phaeochromocytoma was fixed after an endoscopic biopsy. Partial cystectomy was performed. Results: The postoperative course was uneventful, and the subsequent outcome was favourable with resolution of all symptoms with a follow-up of 10 years. Histological examination of the operative specimen confirmed the diagnosis of bladder phaeochromocytoma. Conclusion: Bladder phaeochromocytoma is a rare tumour. Treatment of this lesion requires the same preparation as for any other site of phaeochromocytoma. Partial cystectomy ensures radical and effective treatment. Long-term surveillance is necessary, as recurrences or metastases have been described 20 and 40 years after treatment

The Growing Understanding of the Pituitary Implication in the Pathogenesis of Long COVID-19 Syndrome: A Narrative Review

Long COVID-19, also known as post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection, is a condition where individuals who have recovered from the acute phase of COVID-19 continue to experience a range of symptoms for weeks or even months afterward. While it was initially thought to primarily affect the respiratory system, it has become clear that Long COVID-19 can involve various organs and systems, including the endocrine system, which includes the pituitary gland. In the context of Long COVID-19, there is a growing understanding of the potential implications for the pituitary gland. The virus can directly affect the pituitary gland, leading to abnormalities in hormone production and regulation. This can result in symptoms such as fatigue, changes in appetite, and mood disturbances. Long COVID-19, the persistent and often debilitating condition following acute COVID-19 infection, may be explained by deficiencies in ACTH and Growth hormone production from the pituitary gland. Corticotropin insufficiency can result in the dysregulation of the body’s stress response and can lead to prolonged feelings of stress, fatigue, and mood disturbances in Long COVID-19 patients. Simultaneously, somatotropin insufficiency can affect growth, muscle function, and energy metabolism, potentially causing symptoms such as muscle weakness, exercise intolerance, and changes in body composition. Recently, some authors have suggested the involvement of the pituitary gland in Post COVID-19 Syndrome. The exact mechanisms of viral action on infected cells remain under discussion, but inflammatory and autoimmune mechanisms are primarily implicated. The aim of our study will be to review the main pituitary complications following COVID-19 infection. Moreover, we will explain the possible involvement of the pituitary gland in the persistence of Post COVID-19 Syndrome

[45] Role of nephrometry scoring systems (R.E.N.A.L.-PADUA) in planning nephron-sparing surgery in patients with renal masses: Retrospective study of 88 cases

Objective: To assess the utility of nephrometry scoring systems (R.E.N.A.L.-PADUA) in planning nephron-sparing surgery (NSS) in patients with renal masses. NSS has become the standard for the management of localised renal masses; however, an objective preoperative evaluation is needed. The nephrometry scores role is preoperative evaluation of the complexity of partial nephrectomy (PN) and evaluation of possible postoperative complications, and these scores are not yet standardly used in many countries including Algeria. Methods: We retrospectively evaluated the clinical records of patients who underwent surgical treatment of renal masses between 2013 and 2016 for clinical renal tumours in the Urology Department of Annaba University Hospital, Algeria. All patients underwent preoperative computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging to define the clinical stage and anatomical characteristics of the tumours. PADUA and R.E.N.A.L. scores were retrospectively assessed for each of the 88 patients. Uni- and multivariate analyses were used to evaluate the correlations between age, gender, Charlson Comorbidity Index, clinical tumour size, PADUA and R.E.N.A.L. complexity group categories, and grade of postoperative complications. Results: We noticed that only nine patients had NSS and all the others a total nephrectomy; however, 20 of them had a moderate complexity score for PN and seven a low complexity score. Then we compared with the results with the management in 2017 and 2018, the attitude was more liberal with the number of PNs greater than that of the 6 years previously. Conclusion: A precise stratification of patients with both PADUA and R.E.N.A.L before nephrectomy is recommended to consider the potential threats and benefits of NSS. They are valuable tools to categorise renal tumours based on anatomical features and to prevent patients from abusive total nephrectomies conserving significant nephronic capital

Severity of COVID-19 and survival in patients with rheumatic and inflammatory diseases: data from the French RMD COVID-19 cohort of 694 patients

International audienceObjectives: There is little known about the impact of SARS-CoV-2 on patients with inflammatory rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (iRMD). We examined epidemiological characteristics associated with severe disease, then with death. We also compared mortality between patients hospitalised for COVID-19 with and without iRMD.Methods: Individuals with suspected iRMD-COVID-19 were included in this French cohort. Logistic regression models adjusted for age and sex were used to estimate adjusted ORs and 95% CIs of severe COVID-19. The most significant clinically relevant factors were analysed by multivariable penalised logistic regression models, using a forward selection method. The death rate of hospitalised patients with iRMD-COVID-19 (moderate-severe) was compared with a subset of patients with non-iRMD-COVID-19 from a French hospital matched for age, sex, and comorbidities.Results: Of 694 adults, 438 (63%) developed mild (not hospitalised), 169 (24%) moderate (hospitalised out of the intensive care unit (ICU) and 87 (13%) severe (patients in ICU/deceased) disease. In multivariable imputed analyses, the variables associated with severe infection were age (OR=1.08, 95% CI: 1.05-1.10), female gender (OR=0.45, 95% CI: 0.25-0.80), body mass index (OR=1.07, 95% CI: 1.02-1.12), hypertension (OR=1.86, 95% CI: 1.01-3.42), and use of corticosteroids (OR=1.97, 95% CI: 1.09-3.54), mycophenolate mofetil (OR=6.6, 95% CI: 1.47-29.62) and rituximab (OR=4.21, 95% CI: 1.61-10.98). Fifty-eight patients died (8% (total) and 23% (hospitalised)). Compared with 175 matched hospitalised patients with non-iRMD-COVID-19, the OR of mortality associated with hospitalised patients with iRMD-COVID-19 was 1.45 (95% CI: 0.87-2.42) (n=175 each group).Conclusions: In the French RMD COVID-19 cohort, as already identified in the general population, older age, male gender, obesity, and hypertension were found to be associated with severe COVID-19. Patients with iRMD on corticosteroids, but not methotrexate, or tumour necrosis factor alpha and interleukin-6 inhibitors, should be considered as more likely to develop severe COVID-19. Unlike common comorbidities such as obesity, and cardiovascular or lung diseases, the risk of death is not significantly increased in patients with iRMD

Severity of COVID-19 and survival in patients with rheumatic and inflammatory diseases: data from the French RMD COVID-19 cohort of 694 patients

International audienceObjectives: There is little known about the impact of SARS-CoV-2 on patients with inflammatory rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (iRMD). We examined epidemiological characteristics associated with severe disease, then with death. We also compared mortality between patients hospitalised for COVID-19 with and without iRMD.Methods: Individuals with suspected iRMD-COVID-19 were included in this French cohort. Logistic regression models adjusted for age and sex were used to estimate adjusted ORs and 95% CIs of severe COVID-19. The most significant clinically relevant factors were analysed by multivariable penalised logistic regression models, using a forward selection method. The death rate of hospitalised patients with iRMD-COVID-19 (moderate-severe) was compared with a subset of patients with non-iRMD-COVID-19 from a French hospital matched for age, sex, and comorbidities.Results: Of 694 adults, 438 (63%) developed mild (not hospitalised), 169 (24%) moderate (hospitalised out of the intensive care unit (ICU) and 87 (13%) severe (patients in ICU/deceased) disease. In multivariable imputed analyses, the variables associated with severe infection were age (OR=1.08, 95% CI: 1.05-1.10), female gender (OR=0.45, 95% CI: 0.25-0.80), body mass index (OR=1.07, 95% CI: 1.02-1.12), hypertension (OR=1.86, 95% CI: 1.01-3.42), and use of corticosteroids (OR=1.97, 95% CI: 1.09-3.54), mycophenolate mofetil (OR=6.6, 95% CI: 1.47-29.62) and rituximab (OR=4.21, 95% CI: 1.61-10.98). Fifty-eight patients died (8% (total) and 23% (hospitalised)). Compared with 175 matched hospitalised patients with non-iRMD-COVID-19, the OR of mortality associated with hospitalised patients with iRMD-COVID-19 was 1.45 (95% CI: 0.87-2.42) (n=175 each group).Conclusions: In the French RMD COVID-19 cohort, as already identified in the general population, older age, male gender, obesity, and hypertension were found to be associated with severe COVID-19. Patients with iRMD on corticosteroids, but not methotrexate, or tumour necrosis factor alpha and interleukin-6 inhibitors, should be considered as more likely to develop severe COVID-19. Unlike common comorbidities such as obesity, and cardiovascular or lung diseases, the risk of death is not significantly increased in patients with iRMD

COVID-19 outcomes in patients with inflammatory rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases treated with rituximab: a cohort study

International audienceBackground: Various observations have suggested that the course of COVID-19 might be less favourable in patients with inflammatory rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases receiving rituximab compared with those not receiving rituximab. We aimed to investigate whether treatment with rituximab is associated with severe COVID-19 outcomes in patients with inflammatory rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases.Methods: In this cohort study, we analysed data from the French RMD COVID-19 cohort, which included patients aged 18 years or older with inflammatory rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases and highly suspected or confirmed COVID-19. The primary endpoint was the severity of COVID-19 in patients treated with rituximab (rituximab group) compared with patients who did not receive rituximab (no rituximab group). Severe disease was defined as that requiring admission to an intensive care unit or leading to death. Secondary objectives were to analyse deaths and duration of hospital stay. The inverse probability of treatment weighting propensity score method was used to adjust for potential confounding factors (age, sex, arterial hypertension, diabetes, smoking status, body-mass index, interstitial lung disease, cardiovascular diseases, cancer, corticosteroid use, chronic renal failure, and the underlying disease [rheumatoid arthritis vs others]). Odds ratios and hazard ratios and their 95% CIs were calculated as effect size, by dividing the two population mean differences by their SD. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04353609.Findings: Between April 15, 2020, and Nov 20, 2020, data were collected for 1090 patients (mean age 55·2 years [SD 16·4]); 734 (67%) were female and 356 (33%) were male. Of the 1090 patients, 137 (13%) developed severe COVID-19 and 89 (8%) died. After adjusting for potential confounding factors, severe disease was observed more frequently (effect size 3·26, 95% CI 1·66-6·40, p=0·0006) and the duration of hospital stay was markedly longer (0·62, 0·46-0·85, p=0·0024) in the 63 patients in the rituximab group than in the 1027 patients in the no rituximab group. 13 (21%) of 63 patients in the rituximab group died compared with 76 (7%) of 1027 patients in the no rituximab group, but the adjusted risk of death was not significantly increased in the rituximab group (effect size 1·32, 95% CI 0·55-3·19, p=0·53).Interpretation: Rituximab therapy is associated with more severe COVID-19. Rituximab will have to be prescribed with particular caution in patients with inflammatory rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases