A review of deep learning methods for the detection and classification of pulmonary nodules / 生物医学工程学杂志

Lung cancer has the highest mortality rate among all malignant tumors. The key to reducing lung cancer mortality is the accurate diagnosis of pulmonary nodules in early-stage lung cancer. Computer-aided diagnostic techniques are considered to have potential beyond human experts for accurate diagnosis of early pulmonary nodules. The detection and classification of pulmonary nodules based on deep learning technology can continuously improve the accuracy of diagnosis through self-learning, and is an important means to achieve computer-aided diagnosis. First, we systematically introduced the application of two dimension convolutional neural network (2D-CNN), three dimension convolutional neural network (3D-CNN) and faster regions convolutional neural network (Faster R-CNN) techniques in the detection of pulmonary nodules. Then we introduced the application of 2D-CNN, 3D-CNN, multi-stream multi-scale convolutional neural network (MMCNN), deep convolutional generative adversarial networks (DCGAN) and transfer learning technology in classification of pulmonary nodules. Finally, we conducted a comprehensive comparative analysis of different deep learning methods in the detection and classification of pulmonary nodules.

Interrelations among vascular calcification, bone density, osteoprotegerin and soluble receptor activator of nuclear factor kB ligand in hemodialysis patients / 中华肾脏病杂志

Objective To examine the interrelations among vascular calcification, bone denaity,osteoprotegerin (OPG) and soluble receptor activator of NF-kB ligand (sRANKL) in maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients. Methods The levels of serum OPG and sRANKL from 39 MHD patients were measured by ELISA. The vascular calcification was detected by plain radiographs. Bone mineral density (BMD) was measured with dual-energy X-ray absorptionmeter.Interrelations among above parameters were examined statistically. Results (1) Among 39 MHD patients, 25 cases were identified as vascular calcification by radiographic film. The proportion of patients with mild vascular calcification was 41.0% (16 cases), moderate and severe vascular calcification was 23.1% (9 cases). Compared to patients with mild vascular calcification,serum OPG level [(342.50±171.53) ng/L vs (206.21±137.88) ng/L,t=-2.253, P=0.0251 and OPG/sRANKL ratio (454.65±455.63 vs 135.31±136.81, t=59, P=0.035)were significantly higher in patients with moderate and severe vascular calcification,while serum sRANKL level [(0.10±0.08) pmol/L vs (0.12±0.08) pmol/L, t=0.534, P>0.05] was not significantly different. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that OPG/sRANKL ratio was independent factor of vascular calcification score. (2)Compared to patients with normal bone volume, the patients with abnormal bone volume had higher serum OPG level [(249.05±137.66) ng/L vs (226.67±170.12) ng/L], lowerserum sRANKL level [(0.11±0.08) pmol/L vs (0.12±0.02) pmol/L], and higher OPG/sRANKL ratio(202.31±219.24 vs 148.08±210.10), but these parameters were not significantly different betweenthese two groups. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that OPG/sRANKL ratio was anindependent factor of T score of lumbar vertebra. (3)Muhiple linear regression analysis revealed that vascular calcification score was an independent factor of T score of lumbar vertebra and hip.Conclusions Vascular calcification score is an independent factor of BMD of lumbar vertebra and hip in MHD patients. Serum OPG/sRANKL ratio may play an important role in the association between vascular calcification and BMD in MHD patients.

Comparison of single dose of low molecular weight heparin in hemodiafiltration and hemodialysis / 中国实用内科杂志

Objectives To compare the efficiency and clearance of single dose low molecular weight heparin(LMWH) as anticoagulant in hemodiafiltration and hemodialysis.Methods Twenty-two patients were enrolled in the study.A single injection of LMWH(Nadroparin calcium 7500ICUAXa) was given before hemodiafiltration and hemodialysis respectively.The anti-factor-Xa activity and the activated partial thromboplastin time(APTT) in plasma were assayed during the treatment,and the dialyzer coagulation was observed.The changes of urea and serum creatinine were measured before and after the treatment.Results The anti-factor-Xa activity of LMWH during hemodiafiltration was lower than that during hemodialysis.However,there was no significant difference in APTT between the two groups.Conclusions A single bolus injection of Nadroparin provides a simple and effective anticoagulation regimen for hemodiafiltration lasting up to four hours.