Complex data labeling with deep learning methods: Lessons from fisheries acoustics.

Quantitative and qualitative analysis of acoustic backscattered signals from the seabed bottom to the sea surface is used worldwide for fish stocks assessment and marine ecosystem monitoring. Huge amounts of raw data are collected yet require tedious expert labeling. This paper focuses on a case study where the ground truth labels are non-obvious: echograms labeling, which is time-consuming and critical for the quality of fisheries and ecological analysis. We investigate how these tasks can benefit from supervised learning algorithms and demonstrate that convolutional neural networks trained with non-stationary datasets can be used to stress parts of a new dataset needing human expert correction. Further development of this approach paves the way toward a standardization of the labeling process in fisheries acoustics and is a good case study for non-obvious data labeling processes.

Comparing Perceived Social Support and Perceived Stress in Healthy Pregnant Women and Pregnant Women with Preeclampsia.

BACKGROUND: Preeclampsia is a prevalent side effect of pregnancy. Different studies have reported different results about the relationship between mental stress and blood pressure disorders. In addition, social support is highly important to help women who experience risky pregnancy in adapting to the stressors they experience. This study aimed to compare perceived social support and perceived stress in women with and without preeclampsia. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Fifty pregnant women definitely diagnosed with preeclampsia and 50 healthy pregnant women visiting public hospitals including Hazrat Masoumeh, Motazedi, and Imam Reza in Kermanshah-Iran took part in a descriptiveanalytical study from June 2017 to January 2018. Data gathering tools included demographics questionnaire, social support appraisals scale and perceived stress scale. The collected data was analyzed with SPSS (v.20) using independent t-test. RESULTS: The mean score of perceived social support in the preeclampsia and non-preeclampsia groups were 69.88±7.3 and 76.80±7.6 respectively (P<0.01). The mean score of perceived stress in the preeclampsia and non-preeclampsia groups were 35.6±8.7 and 26.01±5.56 respectively (P<0.01). This means that compared with healthy women, women with preeclampsia perceived more stress and less social support. CONCLUSION: In comparison with healthy pregnant women, women with preeclampsia perceived more stress and less social support. Healthcare providers should recommended to pay more attention to improving social support and attenuating stress in pregnant women.

Comparing perceived social support and perceived stress in healthy pregnant women and pregnant women with preeclampsia

BACKGROUND: Preeclampsia is a prevalent side effect of pregnancy. Different studies have reported different results about the relationship between mental stress and blood pressure disorders. In addition, social support is highly important to help women who experience risky pregnancy in adapting to the stressors they experience. This study aimed to compare perceived social support and perceived stress in women with and without preeclampsia. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Fifty pregnant women definitely diagnosed with preeclampsia and 50 healthy pregnant women visiting public hospitals including Hazrat Masoumeh, Motazedi,and Imam Reza in Kermanshah-Iran took part in a descriptiveanalytical study from June 2017 to January 2018. Data gathering tools included demographics questionnaire, social support appraisals scale and perceived stress scale. The collected data was analyzed with SPSS (v.20) using independent t-test. RESULTS: The mean score of perceived social support in the preeclampsia and non-preeclampsia groups were 69.88±7.3 and 76.80±7.6 respectively (P<0.01). The mean score of perceived stress in the preeclampsia and non-preeclampsia groups were 35.6±8.7 and 26.01±5.56 respectively (P<0.01). This means that compared with healthy women, women with preeclampsia perceived more stress and less social support. CONCLUSION: In comparison with healthy pregnant women, women with preeclampsia perceived more stress and less social support. Healthcare providers should recommended to pay more attention to improving social support and attenuating stress in pregnant women

Influence of cosolvents, self-crowding, temperature and pressure on the sub-nanosecond dynamics and folding stability of lysozyme.

We studied the effects of temperature and hydrostatic pressure on the dynamical properties and folding stability of highly concentrated lysozyme solutions in the absence and presence of the osmolytes trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO) and urea. Elastic incoherent neutron scattering (EINS) was applied to determine the mean-squared displacement (MSD) of the protein's hydrogen atoms to yield insights into the effects of these cosolvents on the averaged sub-nanosecond dynamics in the pressure range from ambient up to 4000 bar. To evaluate the additional effect of self-crowding, two protein concentrations (80 and 160 mg mL-1) were used. We observed a distinct effect of TMAO on the internal hydrogen dynamics, namely a reduced mobility. Urea, on the other hand, revealed no marked effect and consequently, no counteracting effect in an urea-TMAO mixture was observed. Different from the less concentrated protein solution, no significant effect of pressure on the MSD was observed for 160 mg mL-1 lysozyme. The EINS experiments were complemented by Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy measurements, which led to additional insights into the folding stability of lysozyme under the various environmental conditions. We observed a stabilization of the protein in the presence of the compatible osmolyte TMAO and a destabilization in the presence of urea against temperature and pressure for both protein concentrations. Additionally, we noticed a slight destabilizing effect upon self-crowding at very high protein concentration (160 mg mL-1), which is attributable to transient destabilizing intermolecular interactions. Furthermore, a pressure-temperature diagram could be obtained for lysozyme at these high protein concentrations that mimics densely packed intracellular conditions.

Biological efficiency of AMP deaminase inhibitor: 3-[2-(3-carboxy-4-bromo-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthyl)ethyl]-3,6,7,8-tetrahydroimidazo[4,5]-[1,3]diazepin-8-OL.

AMP deaminase could be a potential target for treatment of heart disease but experimental evaluation of this concept is difficult due to limited availability of inhibitors with proven efficiency in biological systems. This study evaluated the effect of 3-[2-(3-carboxy-4-bromo-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthyl)ethyl]-3,6,7,8-tetrahydroimidazo [4,5-d][1,3]diazepin-8-ol, an AMP deaminase inhibitor (AMPDI) on the pathways of nucleotide metabolism in perfused rat heart. We show that AMPDI at 0.3 mM concentration effectively inhibits AMP deaminase in this experimental model.

[Prevalence of thyroid cancer in hot nodules]. / Prévalence du cancer thyroïdien dans les nodules chauds.

The prevalence of thyroid cancer is not nodules is low, as it is estimated to be between 0 and 4% in adults. In order to more accurately estimate this prevalence and to recommend optimal treatment, 93 hot nodules operated between 1976 and 1995 were reviewed. 52 of these subjects (56%) were euthyroid, 11 (12%) suffered from clinical hyperthyroidism and 30 (32%) a presented subclinical hyperthyroidism. All patients were operated for a hot nodule, 1.5 to 6 cm in diameter. Two groups of patients were considered on the basis on the histological examination. Group I consisted of 47 patients (39 F, 8 M, mean age: 44 years +/- 15) with multinodular goitre; 16 (34%) of them underwent total thyroidectomy. Group II was composed of 46 patients (38 F, 8 M, mean age: 44 years +/- 15) with a solitary hot nodule; 39 (85%) patients underwent unilateral lobectomy. Microscopic carcinoma (diameter less tha 1 cm) ws discovered in 2(4%) patients of group 1 and 5 (11%) patients of group 11, corresponding to a total prevalence of 7/93 (7.5%). The microscopic carcinoma was located in the nodule or in the capsule in four cases, and away from the nodule but in the ipsilateral lobe in three cases. In every case, this was an incidental finding and no clinical features distinguished patients with or without microscopic carcinoma. This study suggests that the probability of discovering a microscopic carcinoma associated with a hot nodule is considerable. However, microscopic carcinoma is an incidental discovery in a number of subjects undergoing thyroidectomy and is present in 10 to 20% of autopsied thyroids. As surgical treatment is devoid of risks, it appears indicated, particularly when the nodule exceeds 3 cm in diameter.

Inhibition of WY-14,643 induced hepatic lesion growth in mice by rotenone.

The effect of rotenone treatment on [4-chloro-6-(2,3-xylidino)-2-pyrimidinylthio] acetic acid (WY-14,643) hepatic lesion growth in male B6C3F1 mice was investigated. Following induction of hepatic focal lesions by diethylnitrosamine (DEN) 35 mg/kg twice a week for 8 weeks, mice were placed into one of the four treatment groups: group I, control NIH-07 diet (control diet), group II, rotenone (600 mg/kg diet), group III NIH-07 diet containing WY-14,643 (1000 mg/kg diet), and group IV, NIH-07 diet containing WY-14,643 (1000 mg/kg diet) and rotenone (600 mg/ kg diet). Mice were killed after 30 and 60 days of dietary treatment. The effect of treatment with WY-14,643 and rotenone on hepatic lesion growth was examined by estimating the number of focal lesions per liver and the relative volume of focal lesions. WY-14,643 (group III) increased both the number and the volume of focal lesions. In particular, an increase in number and volume of basophilic lesions was seen. Co-treatment with WY-14,643 and rotenone (group IV) decreased both the number and the volume of the total number of focal lesions and basophilic foci compared with WY-14,643 treatment alone (group II). Alterations in the growth of hepatic focal lesions was further investigated by examining DNA synthesis and apoptosis within individual lesions. WY-14,643 (group III) treatment increased the DNA synthetic labeling index in all foci. Co-treatment of rotenone and WY-14,643 (group IV) decreased focal DNA synthesis and mitosis and increased the incidence of apoptotic hepatocytes. These data suggest that rotenone's ability to inhibit WY-14,643-induced hepatic focal lesion growth was mediated through a decrease in hepatic focal proliferation and an increase in focal apoptosis.

Neuroarthropathy of the shoulder of unexpected origin.

The authors describe the case of a 65-year-old woman who developed a sudden and painless palsy of right shoulder one month after a benign fall. Radiographs showed severe articular destruction. Neurologic examination revealed only a mild sensory loss of the right upper extremity. A diagnosis of syringomyelia was evoked and confirmed by spinal MRI. An upper extremity neuroarthropathy is usually caused by syringomyelia and is sometimes the first and leading symptom of this disease. Sensory neuropathy explains the incidence of this often painless osteoarthropathy. Treatment with bisphosphonate is discussed.

[Radiotherapy of spinal metastases in breast cancer. Apropos of a series of 108 patients]. / Radiothérapie des métastases vertébrales du cancer du sein. A propos d'une série de 108 patientes.

PURPOSE: Retrospective analysis of analgesic, decompressive and remineralization effects of radiation therapy for spinal metastases in breast cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From January 1990 to December 1992, 108 patients with breast cancer were treated by irradiation at the Bergonié Institute for a first spinal metastasis. Three patients had undergone previous surgery (laminectomy and Doves' frame). The indication of radiation therapy was analgesic (102 patients) or decompressive (six patients). The usual irradiation scheme was 30 Gy/10 fractions/2 weeks. RESULTS: The analgesic effect was considered as 'complete' or 'almost complete' (83%), 'moderate' (13%) or absent (4%). The mean time to the maximum analgesic response was 35 days. The duration of both the analgesic response and remineralization effects could not be retrospectively assessed due to lack of data. Decompressive effects were complete in five cases and absent in one case. A second spinal radiation therapy was necessary 78 times (eight times in junction field within 6 months following the first treatment). Spinal cord compression occurred either out of (three cases) or within (one case) the irradiated field. CONCLUSION: Radiation therapy for spinal metastases in breast cancer remains a palliative analgesic treatment. Indication for decompression is rare. However, assessment of compressive 'risk' leads to discussion of radiological staging (contribution of magnetic resonance imaging) and possible previous treatment (vertebroplasty or osteosynthesis).

Audit in the management of gliomas.

A retrospective study of 139 glioma patients was conducted in an effort to audit management. Factors affecting survival were studied using a Cox Proportional Hazard Model. These factors included age, sex, location, grade, type of surgery, use of radiotherapy, presenting symptoms, Karnofsky score on admission and Karnofsky score 3 months following surgery. Lower grade, high Karnofsky score on admission, radiotherapy and frontal location were associated with better survival. There was statistically insignificant evidence that the other factors had an influence on survival. Patients presenting with a poor neurological score were treated with burrhole biopsy alone. Only 10% of these patients survived more than 6 months. On the other hand, 26% of patients who had craniotomy on the basis of reasonable clinical status lived less than 6 months. Sixty-six per cent of patients in this craniotomy group were aged 60 years or over, and 66% of those aged over 60 had a Karnofsky score of less than 70. We conclude that careful judgement is required before subjecting patients aged over 60, especially those with a low Karnofsky score, to radical therapy.

The use of placenta in a microvascular exercise.

Twenty-five human placentas were studied for suitability in a microvascular exercise. The size and useful length of vessels were measured, and different microvascular anastomoses were performed. The size of the placenta vessels compared well with reported sizes of intracranial arteries. We suggest the use of placenta by neurosurgeons as complementary to experimental animals in microvascular training.

Direct surgery of the cavernous sinus: patient selection.

The cavernous sinus is involved either in lesions arising primarily in the sinus or in lesions invading the sinus from surrounding structures. Experience with direct surgery of the cavernous sinus is encouraging, but no conclusive evidence exists concerning the roles of conservative, surgical, and radiological treatments in terms of effectiveness, morbidity, and long-term results. Consequently, management is individualized according to the patient and the lesions. We discuss these factors in patient selection for cavernous sinus surgery.

The petrosal approach: indications, technique, and results.

Surgical access to the clivus and petrous apex remains a formidable challenge. Intradural tumours at the clivus and petroclival area are superbly exposed via the petrosal approach described here. To date, we have operated on 33 patients having benign tumours using this approach. Total removal was achieved in all patients except 3 with meningiomas. There was no mortality, morbidity included 1 patient with hemiparesis and several with cranial nerve deficits.

Clinoidal meningiomas.

Clinoidal meningiomas have distinguishing clinical, radiological, and surgical considerations. They present a surgical challenge and have a notorious rate of recurrence. The best chance of their cure comes through total removal, but the fear of injury to cerebral vessels has led most surgeons to accept subtotal removal. We classify these tumours into three groups according to the presence or absence of an interfacing arachnoid membrane between the tumour and cerebral vessels. The presence or absence of this membrane depends on the origin of the tumour and its relation to the naked carotid segment lying outside the carotid cistern. In Group I, total removal is impossible and results are disappointing. In Groups II and III, total removal is possible and results are good despite arterial encasement by the tumour.

Efficacy of tissue plasminogen activator in the lysis of thrombosis of the cerebral venous sinus.

Therapy for thrombo-occlusive disease of the cerebral venous sinuses remains controversial. Although several thrombolytic agents, such as urokinase and anticoagulants, are recommended for treatment, major significant risks include cerebral hemorrhage, especially in patients with venous infarction. Tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) has shown a high affinity for fibrin-bound plasminogen, while exhibiting a low affinity for circulating plasminogen. The purpose of this study was to evaluate this drug for use in cerebral sinus thrombo-occlusive disease. Eleven adult male rabbits were chosen as experimental animals. All animals underwent microsurgical dissection of their major dural venous sinuses. Direct compression was used to form a thrombus within the sinus. The presence of significant venous thrombosis was confirmed radiographically by iohexol sinography. Subsequently, tPA was delivered systemically via the marginal ear vein at a dose of 3000 units/h; the result was total lysis of the clot documented by a sinogram 1 hour after the drug was administered. Postmortem pathological examination confirmed total lysis in seven of eight animals. One animal showed partial retained clot fragments. No significant coagulopathic state was observed. In three control animals, saline was infused without clot lysis. We conclude that tPA is a highly effective agent for the lysis of acute induced venous sinus thrombosis in an experimental model.