6 research outputs found
Tensor based multichannel reconstruction for breast tumours identification from DCE-MRIs
A new methodology based on tensor algebra that uses a higher order singular value decomposition
to perform three-dimensional voxel reconstruction from a series of temporal images
obtained using dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) is proposed.
Principal component analysis (PCA) is used to robustly extract the spatial and temporal
image features and simultaneously de-noise the datasets. Tumour segmentation on
enhanced scaled (ES) images performed using a fuzzy C-means (FCM) cluster algorithm is
compared with that achieved using the proposed tensorial framework. The proposed algorithm
explores the correlations between spatial and temporal features in the tumours. The
multi-channel reconstruction enables improved breast tumour identification through
enhanced de-noising and improved intensity consistency. The reconstructed tumours have
clear and continuous boundaries; furthermore the reconstruction shows better voxel clustering
in tumour regions of interest. A more homogenous intensity distribution is also observed,
enabling improved image contrast between tumours and background, especially in places
where fatty tissue is imaged. The fidelity of reconstruction is further evaluated on the basis
of five new qualitative metrics. Results confirm the superiority of the tensorial approach. The
proposed reconstruction metrics should also find future applications in the assessment of
other reconstruction algorithms
Metabolic effects of low glycaemic index diets
The persistence of an epidemic of obesity and type 2 diabetes suggests that new nutritional strategies are needed if the epidemic is to be overcome. A promising nutritional approach suggested by this thematic review is metabolic effect of low glycaemic-index diet
Consensus Paper: Towards a Systems-Level View of Cerebellar Function: the Interplay Between Cerebellum, Basal Ganglia, and Cortex
Impact of Udenafil on Echocardiographic Indices of Single Ventricle Size and Function in FUEL Study Participants
BACKGROUND: The FUEL trial (Fontan Udenafil Exercise Longitudinal) demonstrated statistical improvements in exercise capacity following 6 months of treatment with udenafil (87.5 mg po BID). The effect of udenafil on echocardiographic measures of single ventricle function in this cohort has not been studied. METHODS: The 400 enrolled participants were randomized 1:1 to udenafil or placebo. Protocol echocardiograms were obtained at baseline and 26 weeks after initiation of udenafil/placebo. Linear regression compared change from baseline indices of single ventricle systolic, diastolic and global function, atrioventricular valve regurgitation, and mean Fontan fenestration gradient in the udenafil cohort versus placebo, controlling for ventricular morphology (left ventricle versus right ventricle/ other) and baseline value. RESULTS: The udenafil participants (n=191) had significantly improved between baseline and 26 weeks visits compared to placebo participants (n=195) in myocardial performance index (P=0.03, adjusted mean difference [SE] of changes between groups -0.03[0.01]), atrioventricular valve inflow peak E (P=0.00 9, 3.95 [1.50]), and A velocities (P=0.034, 3.46 [1.62]), and annular Doppler tissue imaging-derived peak e ' velocity (P=0.00 8, 0.60[0.23]). There were no significant differences in change in single ventricle size, systolic function, atrioventricular valve regurgitation severity, or mean fenestration gradient. Participants with a dominant left ventricle had significantly more favorable baseline values of indices of single ventricle size and function (lower volumes and areas, E/e ' ratio, systolic:diastolic time and atrioventricular valve regurgitation, and higher annular s ' and e ' velocity). CONCLUSIONS: FUEL participants who received udenafil demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in some global and diastolic echo indices. Although small, the changes in diastolic function suggest improvement in pulmonary venous return and/or augmented ventricular compliance, which may help explain improved exercise performance in that cohort.N