P950 Impact of True Vue-Trans- Illumination rendering imaging for intraoperative echocardiography in a wide range of interventions

Abstract Background Volume rendering methods have been improved to further enhance the quality of imaging and make the communication between echocardiographers and interventionists more fast, reliable and simple. The last innovation in this field is the "3D Real Time True Vue-Transillumination (TI)" rendering method. This allows to freely move virtual light inside a sample volume to enhance image details and depth. No studies have addressed the advantage of this method in the context of procedural guidance for structural interventions. Purpose The aim of the present paper is to test the advantages of this method when applied to interventional TOE during cardiac structural interventions. Methods During different procedures we prospectively collected the apparent added value of TI compared to conventional rendering scored independently by two cardiologists in charge of procedural guidance, one being in training (observer 1) and one trained (observer 2). The score was performed in a Likert scale from 1 to 5 with refer to advantage of TI for different procedural concerns (from 1 that meant "strongly disagree" to 5 "strongly agree"). We tested the inter-rater reliability with the K coefficient of agreement between the two observers. In this analysis we included multiple procedural targets to be imaged during different procedures. Results We included 8 complex procedures performed in our institutions between November 2018 and March 2019 and collected the agreement of the two observers about the following procedural concerns: evaluation of MV area for MV repair procedures; evaluation of MV main target lesion at the beginning of repairing procedure for procedural planning; evaluation of calcifications of MV leaflet and annulus and cleft for patients selection; evaluation of device trajectory with 3D real time imaging before crossing the valve plane during orienting manoeuvre; assessment of residual lesion after first clip for procedural decision making; evaluation of para-valvular leak: site and amount;evaluation of inch point of leaflets for direct annuloplasty in mitral valve and tricuspid valve regurgitation; visualization of coronary sinus during the implant of anchors of Cardioband in posterior part of tricuspid annulus. We collected the scores for a total of 13 records. The 2 observers perceived an added value for TI for all the procedural concerns analysed (mean score of 4.0 ± 0,75); a good agreement was obtained about the superiority of TI rendering in these 13 concerns with a Kappa coefficient of inter-agreement of 0.71, p < 0.0001. Conclusions this is the first experience comparing the new 3D TI rendering with 3D conventional rendering in the context of intra-procedural guidance for structural valve interventions. We obtained good inter-agreement between two echocardiographist with different levels of experience suggesting that TI may have advantages even for education.

Download Full-text

Modelling and Control of Mechatronics Lines Served by Complex Autonomous Systems

Sensors ◽

10.3390/s19153266 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 19 (15) ◽

pp. 3266 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Dragomir ◽

Mincă ◽

Dragomir ◽

Filipescu

Keyword(s):

Petri Nets ◽

Real Time ◽

Autonomous Systems ◽

The Other ◽

Added Value ◽

Control Procedure ◽

Real Time Control ◽

Planning And Scheduling ◽

Time Control ◽

Wide Range

The aim of this paper is to reverse an assembly line, to be able to perform disassembly, using two complex autonomous systems (CASs). The disassembly is functioning only in case of quality default identified in the final product. The CASs are wheeled mobile robots (WMRs) equipped with robotic manipulators (RMs), working in parallel or collaboratively. The reversible assembly/disassembly mechatronics line (A/DML) assisted by CASs has a specific typology and is modelled by specialized hybrid instruments belonging to the Petri nets class, precisely synchronized hybrid Petri nets (SHPN). The need of this type of models is justified by the necessity of collaboration between the A/DML and CASs, both having characteristics and physical constraints that should be considered and to make all systems compatible. Firstly, the paper proposes the planning and scheduling of tasks necessary in modelling stage as well as in real time control. Secondly, two different approaches are proposed, related to CASs collaboration: a parallel approach with two CASs have simultaneous actions: one is equipped with robotic manipulator, used for manipulation, and the other is used for transporting. This approach is correlated with industrial A/D manufacturing lines where have to transport and handle weights in a wide range of variation. The other is a collaborative approach, A/DML is served by two CASs used for manipulation and transporting, both having simultaneous movements, following their own trajectories. One will assist the disassembly in even, while the other in odd workstations. The added value of this second approach consists in the optimization of a complete disassembly cycle. Thirdly, it is proposed in the paper the real time control of mechatronics line served by CASs working in parallel, based on the SHPN model. The novelty of the control procedure consists in the use of the synchronization signals, in absence of the visual servoing systems, for a precise positioning of the CASs serving the reversible mechatronics line.

Download Full-text

Universal Stokes’s nanomechanical viscometer

Scientific Reports ◽

10.1038/s41598-021-93729-0 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Komal Chaudhary ◽

Pooja Munjal ◽

Kamal P. Singh

Keyword(s):

Electric Field ◽

Real Time ◽

Sample Volume ◽

Capillary Waves ◽

Small Sample ◽

Medical Applications ◽

Rapid Measurement ◽

Single Lens ◽

Universal Applicability ◽

Small Sample Volume

AbstractAlthough, many conventional approaches have been used to measure viscosity of fluids, most methods do not allow non-contact, rapid measurements on small sample volume and have universal applicability to all fluids. Here, we demonstrate a simple yet universal viscometer, as proposed by Stokes more than a century ago, exploiting damping of capillary waves generated electrically and probed optically with sub-nanoscale precision. Using a low electric field local actuation of fluids we generate quasi-monochromatic propagating capillary waves and employ a pair of single-lens based compact interferometers to measure attenuation of capillary waves in real-time. Our setup allows rapid measurement of viscosity of a wide variety of polar, non-polar, transparent, opaque, thin or thick fluids having viscosity values varying over four orders of magnitude from $$10^{0}{-}10^{4}~\text{mPa} \, \text{s}$$ 10 0 - 10 4 mPa s . Furthermore, we discuss two additional damping mechanisms for nanomechanical capillary waves caused by bottom friction and top nano-layer appearing in micro-litre droplets. Such self-stabilized droplets when coupled with precision interferometers form interesting microscopic platform for picomechanical optofluidics for fundamental, industrial and medical applications.

Download Full-text

Validation of a Novel Diagnostic Approach Combining the VersaTREK™ System for Recovery and Real-Time PCR for the Identification of Mycobacterium chimaera in Water Samples

Microorganisms ◽

10.3390/microorganisms9051031 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (5) ◽

pp. 1031

Author(s):

Roberto Zoccola ◽

Alessia Di Blasio ◽

Tiziana Bossotto ◽

Angela Pontei ◽

Maria Angelillo ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Real Time ◽

Real Time Pcr ◽

Limit Of Detection ◽

Detection System ◽

Bacterial Load ◽

Microbial Control ◽

Hospital Setting ◽

Sample Volume ◽

Analytical Sensitivity ◽

Initial Water

Mycobacterium chimaera is an emerging pathogen associated with endocarditis and vasculitis following cardiac surgery. Although it can take up to 6–8 weeks to culture on selective solid media, culture-based detection remains the gold standard for diagnosis, so more rapid methods are urgently needed. For the present study, we processed environmental M. chimaera infected simulates at volumes defined in international guidelines. Each preparation underwent real-time PCR; inoculates were placed in a VersaTREK™ automated microbial detection system and onto selective Middlebrook 7H11 agar plates. The validation tests showed that real-time PCR detected DNA up to a concentration of 10 ng/µL. A comparison of the isolation tests showed that the PCR method detected DNA in a dilution of ×102 CFU/mL in the bacterial suspensions, whereas the limit of detection in the VersaTREK™ was <10 CFU/mL. Within less than 3 days, the VersaTREK™ detected an initial bacterial load of 100 CFU. The detection limit did not seem to be influenced by NaOH decontamination or the initial water sample volume; analytical sensitivity was 1.5 × 102 CFU/mL; positivity was determined in under 15 days. VersaTREK™ can expedite mycobacterial growth in a culture. When combined with PCR, it can increase the overall recovery of mycobacteria in environmental samples, making it potentially applicable for microbial control in the hospital setting and also in environments with low levels of contamination by viable mycobacteria.

Download Full-text

THU0447 HOME-MONITORING GOUT FLARES WITH A SMARTPHONE APP – RESULTS OF A FEASIBILITY STUDY

Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases ◽

10.1136/annrheumdis-2020-eular.3643 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 79 (Suppl 1) ◽

pp. 460.1-461

Author(s):

B. Pouls ◽

C. Bekker ◽

B. Van den Bemt ◽

A. Gaffo ◽

M. Flendrie

Keyword(s):

Technology Acceptance ◽

Real Time ◽

Technology Acceptance Model ◽

Home Monitoring ◽

Added Value ◽

Smartphone App ◽

Research Support ◽

Acceptance Model ◽

Gout Flare ◽

Gout Flares

Background:Gout flares are considered a key clinical and research outcome in gout. Early treatment of gout flares increases patient well-being and warrants timely notification of the treating clinician.Objectives:To test the feasibility of a smartphone app to home-monitor gout flares real-time for both patients with a suspicion of and established gout.Methods:Thirty patients were recruited during their visit at the outpatient rheumatology clinic. Inclusion criteria were age ≥ 18 years, smartphone possession, established gout (crystal proven) or a clinical suspicion of gout and at least one flare reported in the last three months.A straight-forward query app was used to incorporate an adapted version of the 2017 four-criteria gout flare definition.[1] For 90 consecutive days the app asked patients to report their current pain score on an 11-points scale as screening question. Scoring pain below 4 terminated the query, otherwise the app posed the remaining criteria: does the patient experience warm and/or swollen joints and are symptoms regarded as a gout flare. Responses were transmitted in real-time to the dashboard and the clinician was alerted via email if predefined conditions were met. End of study evaluation consisted of the number of generated alerts, duration of (possible) flares and actions taken. Patient feasibility was assessed by measuring app attrition and using a questionnaire based on the Technology Acceptance Model. [2] All constructs were analysed using descriptive statistics.Results:All 30 recruited patients finished the trial. Three minor, resolvable technical issues were reported. Seventeen participants never missed a question. In total 110 responses (4.1%) were missed with three participants responsible for 66 missings. 90% of the participants rated app usability good to excellent and 70% would recommend the app to other patients.Twelve out of thirty patients generated a total amount of 174 alerts where four patients with a suspicion of gout were responsible for 148 alerts (85%). These patients scored three out of four criteria as they had warm, swollen and painful joints but, after consultation with the clinician, their symptoms were not regarded as a gout flare.The 174 alerts belonged to 23 (possible) flares with a median duration of 5 days [IQR 3,5 – 7,5]. Twenty-one pro-active telephone calls were made which resulted in four visits to the clinic within 48 hours. Clinical guidance over the phone consisted of checking in on patient’s symptoms, giving advice and ten medication adjustments.Conclusion:This prospective study shows feasibility of a smartphone app for home-monitoring gout flares for patients because of high usability scores and low attrition rates. The app has added value for gout care because it enables clinicians to act on flares as they occur. The next step is to further implement the app whilst perpetuating investigation into the added value for patients and clinical practice alike.References:[1]Gaffo AL, Dalbeth N, Saag KG, et al. Brief Report: Validation of a Definition of Flare in Patients With Established Gout. Arthritis Rheumatol. 2018;70(3):462-467.[2]Davis Jr. FD. A Technology Acceptance Model for empirically testing new end-user information systems: theory and results. MIT PhD thesis. 1985[3]Stoyanov SR, Hides L, Kavanagh DJ, Wilson H. Development and Validation of the User Version of the Mobile Application Rating Scale (uMARS). JMIR Mhealth Uhealth. 2016;4(2):e72.Acknowledgements:This study was funded by AbbVie and Menarini.Disclosure of Interests: :Bart Pouls: None declared, Charlotte Bekker: None declared, Bart van den Bemt Grant/research support from: UCB, Pfizer and Abbvie, Consultant of: Delivered consultancy work for UCB, Novartis and Pfizer, Speakers bureau: Pfizer, AbbVie, UCB, Biogen and Sandoz., Angelo Gaffo Grant/research support from: Received a research grant from AMGEN, Marcel Flendrie Grant/research support from: M. Flendrie has received grants from Menarini and Grunenthal., Consultant of: M. Flendrie has received consultancy fees from Menarini and Grunenthal.

Download Full-text

Palladium and Copper: Advantageous Nanocatalysts for Multi-Step Transformations

Nanomaterials ◽

10.3390/nano11081891 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (8) ◽

pp. 1891

Author(s):

Antonio Reina ◽

Trung Dang-Bao ◽

Itzel Guerrero-Ríos ◽

Montserrat Gómez

Keyword(s):

Chemical Properties ◽

Added Value ◽

Solid Supports ◽

Nanosized Materials ◽

Nano Structures ◽

Liquid Phases ◽

Wide Range ◽

Synthetic Methodologies ◽

Physical And Chemical ◽

A Current

Metal nanoparticles have been deeply studied in the last few decades due to their attractive physical and chemical properties, finding a wide range of applications in several fields. Among them, well-defined nano-structures can combine the main advantages of heterogeneous and homogenous catalysts. Especially, catalyzed multi-step processes for the production of added-value chemicals represent straightforward synthetic methodologies, including tandem and sequential reactions that avoid the purification of intermediate compounds. In particular, palladium- and copper-based nanocatalysts are often applied, becoming a current strategy in the sustainable synthesis of fine chemicals. The rational tailoring of nanosized materials involving both those immobilized on solid supports and liquid phases and their applications in organic synthesis are herein reviewed.

Download Full-text

Examining the contribution of near real-time data for rapid seismic loss assessment of structures

Structural Health Monitoring ◽

10.1177/1475921721996218 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 147592172199621

Author(s):

Enrico Tubaldi ◽

Ekin Ozer ◽

John Douglas ◽

Pierre Gehl

Keyword(s):

Real Time ◽

Damage Assessment ◽

Free Field ◽

Seismic Source ◽

Seismic Damage ◽

Added Value ◽

Sensor Data ◽

Sources Of Information ◽

Bridge Model ◽

Seismic Damage Assessment

This study proposes a probabilistic framework for near real-time seismic damage assessment that exploits heterogeneous sources of information about the seismic input and the structural response to the earthquake. A Bayesian network is built to describe the relationship between the various random variables that play a role in the seismic damage assessment, ranging from those describing the seismic source (magnitude and location) to those describing the structural performance (drifts and accelerations) as well as relevant damage and loss measures. The a priori estimate of the damage, based on information about the seismic source, is updated by performing Bayesian inference using the information from multiple data sources such as free-field seismic stations, global positioning system receivers and structure-mounted accelerometers. A bridge model is considered to illustrate the application of the framework, and the uncertainty reduction stemming from sensor data is demonstrated by comparing prior and posterior statistical distributions. Two measures are used to quantify the added value of information from the observations, based on the concepts of pre-posterior variance and relative entropy reduction. The results shed light on the effectiveness of the various sources of information for the evaluation of the response, damage and losses of the considered bridge and on the benefit of data fusion from all considered sources.

Download Full-text

Multiparametric MRI Texture Analysis in Prediction of Glioma Biomarker Status: Added Value of MR Diffusion

Neuro-Oncology Advances ◽

10.1093/noajnl/vdab051 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Shingo Kihira ◽

Nadejda Tsankova ◽

Adam Bauer ◽

Yu Sakai ◽

Keon Mahmoudi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Texture Analysis ◽

Diffusion Mri ◽

Test Group ◽

Multiparametric Mri ◽

Added Value ◽

Conventional Mri ◽

Mri Features ◽

Wide Range ◽

Mr Diffusion ◽

And Diffusion

Abstract Background Early identification of glioma molecular phenotypes can lead to understanding of patient prognosis and treatment guidance. We aimed to develop a multiparametric MRI texture analysis model using a combination of conventional and diffusion MRI to predict a wide range of biomarkers in patients with glioma. Methods In this retrospective study, patients were included if they 1) had diagnosis of gliomas with known IDH1, EGFR, MGMT, ATRX, TP53 and PTEN status from surgical pathology and 2) had preoperative MRI including FLAIR, T1c+ and diffusion for radiomic texture analysis. Statistical analysis included logistic regression and receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis to determine the optimal model for predicting glioma biomarkers. A comparative analysis between ROCs (conventional only vs. conventional + diffusion) was performed. Results From a total of 111 patients included, 91 (82%) were categorized to training and 20 (18%) to test datasets. Constructed cross-validated model using a combination of texture features from conventional and diffusion MRI resulted in overall AUC/accuracy of 1/79% for IDH1, 0.99/80% for ATRX, 0.79/67% for MGMT, and 0.77/66% for EGFR. The addition of diffusion data to conventional MRI features significantly (p<0.05) increased predictive performance for IDH1, MGMT and ATRX. The overall accuracy of the final model in predicting biomarkers in the test group was 80% (IDH1), 70% (ATRX), 70% (MGMT) and 75% (EGFR). Conclusion Addition of MR diffusion to conventional MRI features provides added diagnostic value in preoperative determination of IDH1, MGMT, and ATRX in patients with glioma.

Download Full-text

A New Flexible Rapid Thermal Processing System

MRS Proceedings ◽

10.1557/proc-389-307 ◽

1995 ◽

Vol 389 ◽

Author(s):

K. C. Saraswat ◽

Y. Chen ◽

L. Degertekin ◽

B. T. Khuri-Yakub

Keyword(s):

Control System ◽

Real Time ◽

Processing System ◽

Process Conditions ◽

Temperature Uniformity ◽

Real Time Control ◽

Wafer Temperature ◽

Time Control ◽

Wide Range ◽

Optical Flux

ABSTRACTA highly flexible Rapid Thermal Multiprocessing (RTM) reactor is described. This flexibility is the result of several new innovations: a lamp system, an acoustic thermometer and a real-time control system. The new lamp has been optimally designed through the use of a “virtual reactor” methodology to obtain the best possible wafer temperature uniformity. It consists of multiple concentric rings composed of light bulbs with horizontal filaments. Each ring is independently and dynamically controlled providing better control over the spatial and temporal optical flux profile resulting in excellent temperature uniformity over a wide range of process conditions. An acoustic thermometer non-invasively allows complete wafer temperature tomography under all process conditions - a critically important measurement never obtained before. For real-time equipment and process control a model based multivariable control system has been developed. Extensive integration of computers and related technology for specification, communication, execution, monitoring, control, and diagnosis demonstrates the programmability of the RTM.

Download Full-text

Distributed X-ray photon correlation spectroscopy data reduction using Hadoop MapReduce

Journal of Synchrotron Radiation ◽

10.1107/s160057751800601x ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 25 (4) ◽

pp. 1135-1143 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Faisal Khan ◽

Suresh Narayanan ◽

Roger Sersted ◽

Nicholas Schwarz ◽

Alec Sandy

Keyword(s):

Real Time ◽

Photon Correlation Spectroscopy ◽

Correlation Spectroscopy ◽

Frame Rate ◽

Computational Techniques ◽

Complex Materials ◽

Photon Correlation ◽

X Ray ◽

Wide Range ◽

Recent Developments

Multi-speckle X-ray photon correlation spectroscopy (XPCS) is a powerful technique for characterizing the dynamic nature of complex materials over a range of time scales. XPCS has been successfully applied to study a wide range of systems. Recent developments in higher-frame-rate detectors, while aiding in the study of faster dynamical processes, creates large amounts of data that require parallel computational techniques to process in near real-time. Here, an implementation of the multi-tau and two-time autocorrelation algorithms using the Hadoop MapReduce framework for distributed computing is presented. The system scales well with regard to the increase in the data size, and has been serving the users of beamline 8-ID-I at the Advanced Photon Source for near real-time autocorrelations for the past five years.

Download Full-text

From Residues to Added-Value Bacterial Biopolymers as Nanomaterials for Biomedical Applications

Nanomaterials ◽

10.3390/nano11061492 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (6) ◽

pp. 1492

Author(s):

Francisco G. Blanco ◽

Natalia Hernández ◽

Virginia Rivero-Buceta ◽

Beatriz Maestro ◽

Jesús M. Sanz ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Biomedical Applications ◽

Carbon Sources ◽

Structural Diversity ◽

Added Value ◽

Nanoscale Systems ◽

Chemical Structures ◽

Wide Range ◽

Peptide Functionalization ◽

Metabolic Strategies ◽

Drug Nanocarriers

Bacterial biopolymers are naturally occurring materials comprising a wide range of molecules with diverse chemical structures that can be produced from renewable sources following the principles of the circular economy. Over the last decades, they have gained substantial interest in the biomedical field as drug nanocarriers, implantable material coatings, and tissue-regeneration scaffolds or membranes due to their inherent biocompatibility, biodegradability into nonhazardous disintegration products, and their mechanical properties, which are similar to those of human tissues. The present review focuses upon three technologically advanced bacterial biopolymers, namely, bacterial cellulose (BC), polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), and γ-polyglutamic acid (PGA), as models of different carbon-backbone structures (polysaccharides, polyesters, and polyamides) produced by bacteria that are suitable for biomedical applications in nanoscale systems. This selection models evidence of the wide versatility of microorganisms to generate biopolymers by diverse metabolic strategies. We highlight the suitability for applied sustainable bioprocesses for the production of BC, PHA, and PGA based on renewable carbon sources and the singularity of each process driven by bacterial machinery. The inherent properties of each polymer can be fine-tuned by means of chemical and biotechnological approaches, such as metabolic engineering and peptide functionalization, to further expand their structural diversity and their applicability as nanomaterials in biomedicine.

Download Full-text