Improving the Concrete Crack Detection Process via a Hybrid Visual Transformer Algorithm.

Inspections of concrete bridges across the United States represent a significant commitment of resources, given their biannual mandate for many structures. With a notable number of aging bridges, there is an imperative need to enhance the efficiency of these inspections. This study harnessed the power of computer vision to streamline the inspection process. Our experiment examined the efficacy of a state-of-the-art Visual Transformer (ViT) model combined with distinct image enhancement detector algorithms. We benchmarked against a deep learning Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) model. These models were applied to over 20,000 high-quality images from the Concrete Images for Classification dataset. Traditional crack detection methods often fall short due to their heavy reliance on time and resources. This research pioneers bridge inspection by integrating ViT with diverse image enhancement detectors, significantly improving concrete crack detection accuracy. Notably, a custom-built CNN achieves over 99% accuracy with substantially lower training time than ViT, making it an efficient solution for enhancing safety and resource conservation in infrastructure management. These advancements enhance safety by enabling reliable detection and timely maintenance, but they also align with Industry 4.0 objectives, automating manual inspections, reducing costs, and advancing technological integration in public infrastructure management.

Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy in a Patient with Situs Inversus Totalis and a Double Superior Vena Cava.

BACKGROUND Situs inversus totalis (SIT) is an uncommon condition characterized as a congenital disorder in which the visceral organs are inverted relative to their typical anatomical position. SIT with double superior vena cava (SVC) is an even rarer presentation. Due to the underlying anatomical difference, the diagnosis and treatment of gallbladder stones in patients with SIT are challenging. CASE REPORT We report the case of a 24-year-old male patient who presented with an intermittent history of epigastric pain for 2 weeks. Clinical assessment and radiological investigations confirmed gall bladder stones with evidence of SIT and double superior vena cava (SVC). The patient underwent elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) with an inverted laparoscopic approach. The recovery from the operation went smoothly, the patient was discharged from the hospital the following day, and the drain was removed on the third postoperative day. CONCLUSIONS Because anatomical variations in the SIT can affect localization of symptoms in patients with complicated gallbladder stones, the diagnosis of patients who have abdominal pain and SIT necessitates both a high index of suspicion and a thorough assessment. Although LC is considered to be a technically challenging surgery and calls for modification of the standard protocol, it is nevertheless feasible to perform the procedure effectively. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that LC has been documented in a patient who has SIT and double SVC.

Comment on "prevalence and risk factors of dysphagia in patients with multiple sclerosis".

We read the recent interesting article entitled "Prevalence and Risk Factors of Dysphagia in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis," published in Dysphagia on February 2021. We believe the discussion part of this study could have provided further and more precise interpretations regarding its results. Thus, we would also like to comment our inferences in accordance with its results to highlight some essential points.

TBX5 variant with the novel phenotype of mixed­type total anomalous pulmonary venous return in Holt­Oram Syndrome and variable intrafamilial heart defects.

Variants in T­box transcription factor 5 (TBX5) can result in a wide phenotypic spectrum, specifically in the heart and the limbs. TBX5 has been implicated in causing non­syndromic cardiac defects and Holt­Oram syndrome (HOS). The present study investigated the underlying molecular etiology of a family with heterogeneous heart defects. The proband had mixed­type total anomalous pulmonary venous return (mixed­type TAPVR), whereas her mother had an atrial septal defect. Genetic testing through trio­based whole­exome sequencing was used to reveal the molecular etiology. A nonsense variant was identified in TBX5 (c.577G>T; p.Gly193*) initially showing co­segregation with a presumably non­syndromic presentation of congenital heart disease. Subsequent genetic investigations and more complete phenotyping led to the correct diagnosis of HOS, documenting the novel association of mixed­type TAPVR with HOS. Finally, protein modeling of the mutant TBX5 protein that harbored this pathogenic nonsense variant (p.Gly193*) revealed a substantial drop in the quantity of non­covalent bonds. The decrease in the number of non­covalent bonds suggested that the resultant mutant dimer was less stable compared with the wild­type protein, consequently affecting the protein's ability to bind DNA. The present findings extended the phenotypic cardiac defects associated with HOS; to the best of our knowledge, this is the first association of mixed­type TAPVR with TBX5. Prior to the current analysis, the molecular association of TAPVR with HOS had never been documented; hence, this is the first genetic investigation to report the association between TAPVR and HOS. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that the null­variants reported in the T­box domain of TBX5 were associated with a wide range of cardiac and/or skeletal anomalies on both the inter­and intrafamilial levels. In conclusion, genetic testing was highlighted as a potentially powerful approach in the prognostication of the proper diagnosis.

Effects of Self-Lubricant Coating and Motion on Reduction of Friction and Wear of Mild Steel and Data Analysis from Machine Learning Approach.

The applications of coated mild steels are gaining significant attention in versatile industrial areas because of their better mechanical properties, anticorrosive behavior, and reproducibility. The life period of this steel reduces significantly under relative motion in the presence of friction, which is associated with the loss of billion-dollar every year in industry. Productivity is hampered, and economic growth is declined. Several pieces of research have been conducted throughout the industries to seeking the processes of frictional reduction. This study is attributed to the tribological behavior of electroplated mild steel under various operating parameters. The efficiency of commercial lubricant and self-lubrication characteristics of coated layer plays a significant role in the reduction of friction. The reciprocating and simultaneous motion in relation to pin as well as disc are considered during experimentation. The lubricating effects in conjunction with motions are responsible for compensating the friction and wear at the desired level. During frictional tests, the sliding velocity and loads are changed differently. The changes in roughness after frictional tests are observed. The coated and rubbing surfaces are characterized using SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy) analysis. The coating characteristics are analyzed by EDS (Energy Disperse Spectroscopy), FTIR (Fourier-transform Infrared Spectroscopy), and XRD (X-ray diffraction analysis) methods. The lubrication, reciprocating motion, and low velocity result in low friction and wear. The larger the imposed loads, the smaller the frictional force, and the larger the wear rate. The machine learning (ML) concept is incorporated in this study to identify the patterns of datasets spontaneously and generate a prediction model for forecasting the data, which are out of the experimental range. It can be desired that the outcomes of this research will contribute to the improvement in versatile engineering fields, such as automotive, robotics, and complex motion-based mechanisms where multidimensional motion cannot be ignored.

Mast Cell Numbers in Primary Eosinophilic Colitis are Significantly Higher than in Secondary Tissue Eosinophilia and Normal Control: a Possible Link to Pathogenesis.

BACKGROUND: Primary Eosinophilic Colitis (PEC) is one of the rare eosinophilic gastrointestinal diseases with a poorly understood pathogenesis. Eosinophilic esophagitis (EE) is the most common and best-understood disease in this category. Activated mast cells (MCs) have a role to play in the tissue damage in EE. It is not known if PEC shares this mechanism. OBJECTIVE: This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the number of MCs in PEC and to compare them with cases of secondary colonic tissue eosinophilia (TE) and normal colon. METHODS: The study included 19 PEC cases, 47 cases of secondary tissue eosinophilia and 50 normal colon tissues. Histopathological slides of all cases were reviewed to confirm the diagnosis and count the number of eosinophils. Glass slides for all cases were stained for C-kit (CD117) to highlight and count the MCs. RESULTS: The mean number of the MCs in normal controls was 9.7 MCs per HPF (SD= 4.6). The mean number of MCs in the PEC cases was 26.5 (SD=7.1) which was significantly higher than the normal counts (p-value <0.000). The mean number of MCs in the secondary TE group was 18.0 (SD=7.1), which was significantly higher than normal controls; p-value <0.000. Comparing MC counts in PEC and secondary TE also revealed a significant difference with a p-value of < 0.000. CONCLUSION: MCs in PEC are significantly higher than those in secondary TE and normal controls. This suggests the role of the MCs in the pathogenesis of Primary Eosinophilic Colitis.

Wastewater aerosols produced during flushing toilets, WWTPs, and irrigation with reclaimed municipal wastewater as indirect exposure to SARS-CoV-2.

The detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in raw and treated wastewater can open up a fresh perspective to waterborne and aerosolized wastewater as a new transmission route of SARS-CoV-2 RNA during the current pandemic. The aim of this paper is to discuss the potential transmission of SARS-CoV-2 RNA from wastewater aerosols formed during toilet flushing, plumbing failure, wastewater treatment plants, and municipal wastewater reuse for irrigation. Moreover, how these aerosols might increase the risk of exposure to this novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2 RNA). This article supplies a review of the literature on the presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in untreated wastewater, as well as the fate and stability of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in wastewater. We also reviewed the existing literatures on generation and transmission of aerosolized wastewater through flush a toilet, house's plumbing networks, WWTPs, wastewater reuse for irrigation of agricultural areas. Finally, the article briefly studies the potential risk of infection with exposure to the fecal bioaerosols of SARS-CoV-2 RNA for the people who might be exposed through flushing toilets or faulty building plumbing systems, operators/workers in wastewater treatment plants, and workers of fields irrigated with treated wastewater - based on current knowledge. Although this review highlights the indirect transmission of SARS-CoV-2 RNA through wastewater aerosols, no research has yet clearly demonstrated the role of aerosolized wastewater in disease transmission regarding the continuation of this pandemic. Therefore, there is a need for additional studies on wastewater aerosols in transmission of COVID-19.

Persian Translation, Validation and Reliability of the Voice Handicap Index-Throat (VHI-T).

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study is to validate, and assess the reliability of the Persian version of Voice Handicap Index-Throat (VHI-Tp) as a self-reported questionnaire for patients with throat problems that could make the patients' estimation of the throat discomforts possible. It is a subscale to be used independently. STUDY DESIGN: This is a cross-sectional study. MATERIALS AND METHOD: During this study, the VHI-Tp was administered to120 patients with throat problems related to laryngeal discomfort (51 male and 69 female, age range: 30-60 years).The diagnosis of Voice disorder was performed by an ENT physician based on video-laryngoscopy evidences and medical examination. To assess the content validity, the questions were first given to 15 experts to comment on content applicability and relevance through a Likert scale. Eighty patients rated its importance to detect face validity. To evaluate the concurrent validity, the same 80 patients completed both the VHI-Tp as well as the Persian version of Voice Symptom Scale. The VHI-Tp total scores of the patients with diagnosed throat problem related to laryngeal discomfort and of the 40 healthy participants were compared to test the clinical validity (discriminant validity). Also, internal consistency reliability was assessed using Cronbach α coefficient. The relative reliability was calculated by asking 40 of all patients out of the 80 participants, to complete the VHI-Tp twice, with a week of interval between the first and the second times. To detect the absolute reliability, Standard Error of Measurement and Smallest Detected Change were calculated. RESULTS: Discriminative validity differed significantly between patients and healthy participants. There was a significant correlation between the VHI-Tp and Voice Symptom Scale total scores (r = 0.6, P < 0.05). The internal consistency was confirmed (Cronbach α = 0.78). The test-retest reliability was excellent (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.95).The Standard Error of Measurement and Smallest Detected Changes were acceptable (0.39 and 1.08), respectively. CONCLUSION: The Persian version of the VHI-T was demonstrated to be a valid and reliable self-rated questionnaire for use in Persian patients with throat problem related to laryngeal discomfort.

Magnesium matrix nanocomposites for orthopedic applications: A review from mechanical, corrosion, and biological perspectives.

Magnesium (Mg) and some of its alloys have attracted extensive interests for biomedical applications as they exhibit biodegradability and low elastic modulus that is closer to natural bones than the currently used metallic implant materials such as titanium (Ti) and its alloys, stainless steels, and cobalt-chromium (Co-Cr) alloys. However, the rapid degradation of Mg alloys and loss of their mechanical integrity before sufficient bone healing impede their clinical application. Our literature review shows that magnesium matrix nanocomposites (MMNCs) reinforced with nanoparticles possess enhanced strength, high corrosion resistance, and good biocompatibility. This article provides a detailed analysis of the effects of nanoparticle reinforcements on the mechanical properties, corrosion behavior, and biocompatibility of MMNCs as promising biodegradable implant materials. The governing equations to quantitatively predict the mechanical properties and underlying synergistic strengthening mechanisms in MMNCs are elucidated. The potential, recent advances, challenges and future research directions in relation to nanoparticles reinforced MMNCs are highlighted. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Critically reviewing magnesium metal matrix nanocomposites (MMNCs) for the biomedical application. Clear definitions of strengthening mechanisms using reinforcement particle in the magnesium matrix, as there were controversial in governing equations of strengthening parameters. Providing better understanding of the effect of particle size, volume fraction, interfacial bonding, and uniform dispersion of reinforcement particles on MMNCs.

The Modulatory Effect of Metabotropic Glutamate Receptor Type-1α on Spike-Wave Discharges in WAG/Rij Rats.

Modulatory function of metabotropic glutamate type 1 (mGlu1) receptors plays a crucial role in the pathophysiology of some neurological disorders, including schizophrenia and epilepsy. In this study, the expression of mGlu1α receptors in the thalamic nuclei was assessed during development of absence seizures in the WAG/Rij rats, a valid genetic animal model of absence epilepsy. In addition, the effect of pharmacological modulation of mGlu1α receptors in the laterodorsal (LD) nucleus of the thalamus on the characteristic features of bioelectrical brain activities in the WAG/Rij rats was assessed. The expression of mGlu1α receptors in the LD was assessed in four experimental groups of both WAG/Rij and Wistar rats with 2 and 6 months of age. Agonist and antagonist of mGlu1α receptors were infused in LD in the six months old WAG/Rij (epileptic) rats. The protein level of mGlu1α receptors in the thalamus of the 6-month-old WAG/Rij rats was lower than non-epileptic animals. In addition, the distribution of mGlu1α receptors in different thalamic nuclei was lower in the 6-month-old WAG/Rij compared to age-matched Wistar rats. The gene expression of mGlu1α receptor was also significantly lower in 6-month-old WAG/Rij rats in the LD compared to other animal groups. The microinjection of mGlu1α receptors agonist and antagonist in the LD reduced the duration of spike-wave discharges (SWDs) and increased the amplitude and duration of SWDs, respectively, in 6-month-old WAG/Rij rats. The alterations of mGlu1α receptors expression in the thalamus of epileptic WAG/Rij rats as well as its modulatory effects in the generation of SWDs suggest the potential of mGlu1 receptors as a therapeutic target in absence epilepsy.

Phase II Trial of Abiraterone Acetate Plus Prednisone in Black Men With Metastatic Prostate Cancer.

LESSONS LEARNED: The safety and activity findings of abiraterone acetate plus prednisone treatment in black men with mCRPC were similar to results from previously conducted studies with largely white populations.Poor trial accrual continues to be a challenge in black men with mCRPC and further efforts are needed to address such underrepresentation. BACKGROUND: Self-identified black men have higher incidence and mortality from prostate cancer in the United States compared with white men but are dramatically underrepresented in clinical trials exploring novel therapies for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). METHODS: Black men with mCRPC were treated with abiraterone acetate (AA), 1,000 mg daily, and prednisone (P), 5 mg twice daily. The primary objective was to determine antitumor activity (defined by a ≥30% decline in prostate-specific antigen [PSA] level) and to correlate germline polymorphisms in androgen metabolism genes with antitumor activity. Secondary objectives included determining safety, post-treatment changes in measurable disease, and time to disease progression. RESULTS: From April 2013 to March 2016, a total of 11 black men were enrolled and received AA plus P (AA+P); 7 of 10 evaluable patients were docetaxel naive. Post-treatment declines in PSA level of ≥30% were achieved in 90% of patients. The side effect profile was consistent with prior clinical trials exploring AA+P in mCRPC. Due to poor accrual, the study was closed prematurely with insufficient sample size for the planned pharmacogenetic analyses. CONCLUSION: In this small prospective study terminated for poor accrual, the safety and activity of AA+P in black men with mCRPC was similar to that reported in prior studies exploring AA in largely white populations. Further efforts are needed to address underrepresentation of black men in mCRPC trials.

Comparison of the Application of Allogeneic Fibroblast and Autologous Mesh Grafting With the Conventional Method in the Treatment of Third-Degree Burns.

Wound healing is a multipart process involving different cell types and growth factors. Third-degree burns are usually treated by early excision and skin grafting. Tissue engineering has been developed in this field in response to limitations associated with autografts. Allogeneic fibroblasts on meshed split thickness skin grafts (STSGs) are known to have useful properties in wound healing and can be used to construct a new model of living skin substitute. Fourteen patients were chosen from June 2009 until December 2010 as the sample for this study. After debridement and wound excision, meshed STSG was used to cover the entire wound. Alloskin (allofibroblasts cultured on a combination of silicone and glycosaminoglycan) was applied on one side and petroleum jelly-impregnated gauze (Iran Polymer and Petrochemical Institute) was applied on the other. The healing time, scar formation, and pigmentation score were assessed for the patients. All analyses were undertaken with SPSS 17 software. Alloskin demonstrated good properties compared to petroleum jelly-impregnated gauze. The average healing time and hypertrophic scar formation were significantly different between the two groups. In addition, the skin pigmentation score in the alloskin group was closer to normal. Alloskin grafting, including fibroblasts on meshed STSG, may be a useful method to reduce healing time and scar size and may require less autologous STSG in extensive burns where a high percentage of skin is burned and there is a lack of available donor sites.

Spontaneous conversion of fibrous dysplasia into osteosarcoma.

Spontaneous degeneration of sarcomatosis of fibrous dysplasia is a rare phenomenon in adolescence. Fibrous dysplasia is often a deforming and devastating condition that begins in childhood and accounts for approximately 7.5% of the benign bone neoplasms. Approximately 50% to 100% of patients with polyostotic disease and 10% with monostotic disease have craniofacial involvement. This report is about a 16-year-old adolescent boy who had rapid facial mass growth and diplopia at the time of his referral to our center. The patient had been diagnosed with fibrous dysplasia a year earlier, and since the first diagnosis, he was submitted to only 1 surgical intervention, which had been followed by recurrence. The main clinical findings were a bilateral zygomatic mass, saddling of the nasal dorsum, diplopia, superior and inferior gaze, and numbness in the right inferior orbital nerve. The patient had a high level of serum alkaline phosphatase. The diagnosis of osteosarcoma was established by biopsy, and the patient underwent surgical treatment. His postsurgery results were good, and he did not experience a relapse until 1 year after surgery. Unfortunately, 6 months after the recurrence of his condition, he died of uncontrollable local spread.

Stereologic study of the effects of prostaglandin E2 on the induction of angiogenesis in full-thickness skin autografts.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether prostaglandin E2 improves angiogenesis in full-thickness skin grafts. DESIGN: Randomized study SUBJECTS: 20 male rabbits, divided into 2 experimental and 2 control groups. METHODOLOGY: Prostaglandin E2 (experimental groups) or prostaglandin E2 vehicle (control groups) was injected locally into experimental skin autografts once a day for up to 5 days. Five and 10 days after the surgery, the grafts were harvested and after processing, fractional and absolute volumes of the vessels were estimated in the grafted skin using stereologic methods. MAIN RESULTS: Gross appearance of the control and experimental grafts were the same. Qualitative histologic examination of successful grafts in experimental and control groups showed areas of viable epidermis with a negligible inflammatory infiltrate and moderate fibrosis. Blood cells were frequently seen in the vessels under investigation. Histologic slides showed significantly higher mean fractional volume (percent) and absolute volume of the vessels (mm3) per unit volume (mm3) of the grafted skin in the experimental groups than in the control groups. CONCLUSION: Fractional and absolute volume of the vessels were greater in prostaglandin E2-treated grafts than in the control grafts. Prostaglandin E2 appears to increase the volume of vessels in full-thickness skin grafts and can be explored as an agent to improve angiogenesis of the grafts.