Edge detection based on morphological amoebas

Detecting the edges of objects within images is critical for quality image processing. We present an edge-detecting technique that uses morphological amoebas that adjust their shape based on variation in image contours. We evaluate the method both quantitatively and qualitatively for edge detection of images, and compare it to classic morphological methods. Our amoeba-based edge-detection system performed better than the classic edge detectors.Comment: To appear in The Imaging Science Journa

A Novel Classification of Lung Cancer into Molecular Subtypes

The remarkably heterogeneous nature of lung cancer has become more apparent over the last decade. In general, advanced lung cancer is an aggressive malignancy with a poor prognosis. The discovery of multiple molecular mechanisms underlying the development, progression, and prognosis of lung cancer, however, has created new opportunities for targeted therapy and improved outcome. In this paper, we define “molecular subtypes” of lung cancer based on specific actionable genetic aberrations. Each subtype is associated with molecular tests that define the subtype and drugs that may potentially treat it. We hope this paper will be a useful guide to clinicians and researchers alike by assisting in therapy decision making and acting as a platform for further study. In this new era of cancer treatment, the ‘one-size-fits-all’ paradigm is being forcibly pushed aside—allowing for more effective, personalized oncologic care to emerge

Global impact of COVID-19 on stroke care and IV thrombolysis

Objective To measure the global impact of COVID-19 pandemic on volumes of IV thrombolysis (IVT), IVT transfers, and stroke hospitalizations over 4 months at the height of the pandemic (March 1 to June 30, 2020) compared with 2 control 4-month periods. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional, observational, retrospective study across 6 continents, 70 countries, and 457 stroke centers. Diagnoses were identified by their ICD-10 codes or classifications in stroke databases. Results There were 91,373 stroke admissions in the 4 months immediately before compared to 80,894 admissions during the pandemic months, representing an 11.5% (95% confidence interval [CI] -11.7 to -11.3, p < 0.0001) decline. There were 13,334 IVT therapies in the 4 months preceding compared to 11,570 procedures during the pandemic, representing a 13.2% (95% CI -13.8 to -12.7, p < 0.0001) drop. Interfacility IVT transfers decreased from 1,337 to 1,178, or an 11.9% decrease (95% CI -13.7 to -10.3, p = 0.001). Recovery of stroke hospitalization volume (9.5%, 95% CI 9.2-9.8, p < 0.0001) was noted over the 2 later (May, June) vs the 2 earlier (March, April) pandemic months. There was a 1.48% stroke rate across 119,967 COVID-19 hospitalizations. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection was noted in 3.3% (1,722/52,026) of all stroke admissions. Conclusions The COVID-19 pandemic was associated with a global decline in the volume of stroke hospitalizations, IVT, and interfacility IVT transfers. Primary stroke centers and centers with higher COVID-19 inpatient volumes experienced steeper declines. Recovery of stroke hospitalization was noted in the later pandemic months.Paroxysmal Cerebral Disorder

Nurses' perceptions of aids and obstacles to the provision of optimal end of life care in ICU

Contains fulltext : 172380.pdf (publisher's version ) (Open Access

DESIGN AND UTILIZATION OF A LOW-COST FLEXIBLE MANUFACTURING CELL

This paper describes how to establish and efficiently utilize a low-cost Flexible Manufacturing (FM) cell for education, light machining and assembly operations. The cell comprises a microcomputer, manufacturing workstations, material handling devices and in-house designed robots. The microcomputer controls the machining operations and supervises the automation procedure. The workstations contain modified or as-is off-the-shelf machining equipment. The design and modifications were done using modular components according to planned scheme. The paper describes efficient cell utilization techniques and discusses practical issues of decision support. Efficient utilization of the FM cell has been demonstrated via production of several parts

Relative fractional anisotropy value using DTI: Can it help as a prognostic tool in anticipating the recovery of stroke patients?

Objective: To evaluate the use of diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and fractional anisotropy (FA) as prognostic tools in anticipating the recovery of stroke patients. Patients and methods: 40 patients were included in our study after exclusion of 23 patients. All patients admitted in Neurology Department with stroke. The patients subjected to National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) followed by MRI with DTI and FA calculation. Follow up after three months was done based on the Modified Rankin Score (MRS). The results were compared and statistically analyzed. Results: There was a statistical significant between the NIHSS and DTI pattern at the time of admission (p value < 0.05) reflecting the severity of the stroke with 22 patients showed disrupted fibers (55%), of which 16 patients were categorized as moderate NIHSS and 19 patients showed poor outcome. Relative FA equal 0.8 was found to be the cut off value in predicting the poor or good prognosis using MRS as a reference with 94.4% sensitivity, 90.9% specificity and 0.833 area under curve. Conclusion: DTI is a prognostic tool in anticipating the recovery of the stroke patients. Moreover, the relative FA score works as more additive value in evaluation of the patient improvement

Whole exome sequencing in a sample of Egyptian patients with covert cerebral small vessel disease

Acknowledgements: This paper is based on work supported by Science. Technology & Innovation Funding Authority (STDF) under grant (38194).Abstract Background Covert cerebral small vessel disease (cCSVD) is associated with many age-related morbidities with little available data regarding the pathophysiology and role of genetics in it. This study aims to investigate the genetic load in a sample of Egyptian patients with cCSVD. Results Thirty patients with cCSVD were recruited and underwent cognitive, gait, sphincter assessment, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) brain, and blood sampling for whole exome sequencing. The mean age for the patients was 65.93 ± 8.8 with male patients representing 63.33% of the studied sample. The major risk factor was hypertension followed by diabetes mellitus, dyslipidaemia, and smoking. The main presenting symptom was cognitive impairment, found in 60% of the patients and the mean duration of symptoms was 2.1 ± 1.12 years. Two out of thirty patients were positive for a known pathogenic gene (NOTCH3 and COL4A1) despite the absence of family history in one representing 6.7% of the entire studied sample. Meanwhile, three patients had variant genes not previously linked to cCSVD. Conclusions Whole exome sequencing and genetic studying of patients with cCSVD is of utmost importance as the genetic load is underestimated in the Egyptian population. </jats:sec