scholarly journals TI-RADS Diagnostic Performance: Which Algorithm Is Superior and How Elastography and 4D Vascularity Improve the Malignancy Risk Assessment

Diagnostics ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 180
Author(s):  
Andreea Borlea ◽  
Florin Borcan ◽  
Ioan Sporea ◽  
Cristina Dehelean ◽  
Romeo Negrea ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Assessment ◽  
Histopathological Examination ◽  
Risk Estimation ◽  
Color Doppler ◽  
Strain Ratio ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Data Systems ◽  
Statistical Point ◽  
Malignancy Risk ◽  
The Mean

Given the increased prevalence of thyroid nodules in the general population (~50%), the real challenge resides in correctly recognizing the suspicious ones. This study proposes to compare four important Thyroid Imaging and Reporting Data Systems (TI-RADS) and evaluate the contribution of elastography and 4D Color Doppler assessment of vascularity in estimating the risk of malignancy. In the study, 133 nodules with histopathological examination were included. Of these, 35 (26.31%) proved to be malignant. All nodules were classified using the four selected systems and our proposed improved score. The American College of Radiology (ACR) and EU TI-RADS had good sensitivity (94.28%, 97.14%) and NPV (93.33%, 95.83%), but fairly poor specificity (31.81%, 23.46%) and PPV (35.48%, 31.19%), with an accuracy of 42.8% and 45.8%, respectively. Horvath TI-RADS had better accuracy of 66.9% and somewhat improved specificity (62.24%), but poorer sensitivity (80%). Russ’ French TI-RADS includes elastography in the risk assessment strategy. This classification proved superior in all aspects (Se: 91.42%, Sp:82.65%, NPV:96.42%, PPV:65.30%, and Acc of 84.96%). The mean strain ratio (SR) value for malignant lesions was 5.56, while the mean SR value for benign ones was significantly lower, 2.54 (p < 0.05). It also correlated well with the response variable: histopathological result (p < 0.001). Although, adding 4D vascularity to the French score generated a similar calculated accuracy and from a statistical point of view, the parameter itself proved beneficial for predicting the malignancy risk (p < 0.001) and may add important knowledge in uncertain situations. Advanced ultrasound techniques definitely improved the risk estimation and should be used more extensively.

scholarly journals Absolute mortality risk assessment of COVID-19 patients: the Khorshid COVID Cohort (KCC) study

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hamid Reza Marateb ◽  
Maja von Cube ◽  
Ramin Sami ◽  
Shaghayegh Haghjooy Javanmard ◽  
Marjan Mansourian ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Assessment ◽  
Hospital Admission ◽  
Mortality Risk ◽  
Regression Models ◽  
Assessment Method ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Statistical Point ◽  
Hazard Regression ◽  
Risk Assessment Method ◽  
Discharge From Hospital

Abstract Background Already at hospital admission, clinicians require simple tools to identify hospitalized COVID-19 patients at high risk of mortality. Such tools can significantly improve resource allocation and patient management within hospitals. From the statistical point of view, extended time-to-event models are required to account for competing risks (discharge from hospital) and censoring so that active cases can also contribute to the analysis. Methods We used the hospital-based open Khorshid COVID Cohort (KCC) study with 630 COVID-19 patients from Isfahan, Iran. Competing risk methods are used to develop a death risk chart based on the following variables, which can simply be measured at hospital admission: sex, age, hypertension, oxygen saturation, and Charlson Comorbidity Index. The area under the receiver operator curve was used to assess accuracy concerning discrimination between patients discharged alive and dead. Results Cause-specific hazard regression models show that these baseline variables are associated with both death, and discharge hazards. The risk chart reflects the combined results of the two cause-specific hazard regression models. The proposed risk assessment method had a very good accuracy (AUC = 0.872 [CI 95%: 0.835–0.910]). Conclusions This study aims to improve and validate a personalized mortality risk calculator based on hospitalized COVID-19 patients. The risk assessment of patient mortality provides physicians with additional guidance for making tough decisions.

scholarly journals Serum Interleukin 4 and 6 Levels Measured Using the ELISA Method in Patients with Acquired Bronchiectasis Compared to Healthy Subjects. An anti-inflammatory and pro-inflammatory relation

2019 ◽  
Vol 70 (7) ◽  
pp. 2410-2414 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrei Lesan ◽  
Milena Adina Man ◽  
Roxana Maria Nemes ◽  
Tudor Harsovescu ◽  
Ioan Sorin Tudorache ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Serum Levels ◽  
Mean Value ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Interleukin 4 ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Healthy Individuals ◽  
Elisa Method ◽  
Statistical Point ◽  
Immunodeficiency Disorder ◽  
The Mean

Evaluation of the inflammatory response based on the Interleukin 4 and Interleukin 6 levels in patients with acquired bronchiectasis (non-cystic fibrosis) and healthy controls. The study was conducted on a group of 77 subjects, divided into 2 lots: the first lot consisting of 57 patients with acquired bronchiectasis objectified by Computed Tomography and 20 healthy individuals. The serum Interleukins 4 and 6 levels were measured using the ELISA biochemical spectrophotometry test. The results are significant from a statistical point of view, especially when it comes to the mean value of Interleukin 4 that was much higher in the control lot. Interleukin 4 is a proinflammatory cytokine and therefore we can draw the conclusion that to some extent bronchiectasis can be associated with an immunodeficiency disorder prior to the pathology itself or it can be caused by the pathology. Future research is open in this field for the analysis of interleukin levels in bronchioloalveolar lavage compared to serum levels.

Der Sommer und Herbst 2003 aus phänologischer Sicht | Summer and autumn 2003 from a phenological point of view

2004 ◽  
Vol 155 (5) ◽  
pp. 142-145 ◽  
Author(s):  
Claudio Defila
Keyword(s):  
Time Series ◽  
New Record ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Late Spring ◽  
Mean Deviation ◽  
Leaf Shedding ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Very High ◽  
Selection Of

The record-breaking heatwave of 2003 also had an impact on the vegetation in Switzerland. To examine its influences seven phenological late spring and summer phases were evaluated together with six phases in the autumn from a selection of stations. 30% of the 122 chosen phenological time series in late spring and summer phases set a new record (earliest arrival). The proportion of very early arrivals is very high and the mean deviation from the norm is between 10 and 20 days. The situation was less extreme in autumn, where 20% of the 103 time series chosen set a new record. The majority of the phenological arrivals were found in the class «normal» but the class«very early» is still well represented. The mean precocity lies between five and twenty days. As far as the leaf shedding of the beech is concerned, there was even a slight delay of around six days. The evaluation serves to show that the heatwave of 2003 strongly influenced the phenological events of summer and spring.

A Comparative Evaluation of Serum and Salivary Total Proteins and Immunoglobulins in Patients with Hepatitis A and Healthy Subjects

2018 ◽  
Vol 69 (5) ◽  
pp. 1125-1128
Author(s):  
Daniela G. Balan ◽  
Dan Piperea Sianu ◽  
Iulia I. Stanescu ◽  
Dorin Ionescu ◽  
Andra Elena Stroescu Balcangiu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Healthy Subjects ◽  
Comparative Evaluation ◽  
Hepatitis A ◽  
Hepatitis A Virus ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Healthy Individuals ◽  
Total Proteins ◽  
Statistical Point ◽  
Immunological Tests ◽  
Acute Hepatitis A

Assessment of changes in total proteins level, serum and saliva IgG and IgA levels, serum IgM level, serum and saliva IgA/IgG ratio. The study was conducted on a group of 40 subjects, divided into 2 lots: the first lot consisting of 20 healthy individuals and the second consisting of 20 patients with hepatitis with hepatitis A virus (HAV). The levels of total proteins, serum and saliva IgG and IgA, serum IgM and serum and saliva IgA/IgG ratio have higher values in patients with hepatitis A, in comparison to healthy subjects, without necessarily exceeding the maximum admitted value. The results are significant from a statistical point of view. Due to the sensitivity and specificity of salivary anti-HAV IgM and IgG in patients with acute hepatitis A, compared with healthy subjects, there is a possibility of using salivary immunological tests instead of serum tests for the diagnosis and epidemiological study of HAV infection.

The Importance of Rainfall Distribution in Urban Drainage Operation

1992 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
pp. 121-136 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fons Nelen ◽  
Annemarieke Mooijman ◽  
Per Jacobsen
Keyword(s):  
Real Time ◽  
Treatment Plant ◽  
Rain Gauge ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Rain Event ◽  
Real Time Control ◽  
Rainfall Distribution ◽  
Statistical Point ◽  
Time Control ◽  
Spatially Distributed

A control simulation model, called LOCUS, is used to investigate the effects of spatially distributed rain and the possibilities to benefit from this phenomenon by means of real time control. The study is undertaken for a catchment in Copenhagen, where rainfall is measured with a network of 8 rain gauges. Simulation of a single rain event, which is assumed to be homogeneous, i.e. using one rain gauge for the whole catchment, leads to large over- and underestimates of the systems output variables. Therefore, when analyzing a single event the highest possible degree of rainfall information may be desired. Time-series simulations are performed for both an uncontrolled and a controlled system. It is shown that from a statistical point of view, rainfall distribution is NOT significant concerning the probability of occurrence of an overflow. The main contributing factor to the potential of real time control, concerning minimizing overflows, is to be found in the system itself, i.e. the distribution of available storage and discharge capacity. When other operational objectives are involved, e.g., to minimize peak flows to the treatment plant, rainfall distribution may be an important factor.

scholarly journals Biological Risk Assessment of Heavy Metals in Sediments and Health Risk Assessment in Marine Organisms from Daya Bay, China

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 17
Author(s):  
Zexing Kuang ◽  
Yangguang Gu ◽  
Yiyong Rao ◽  
Honghui Huang
Keyword(s):  
Heavy Metals ◽  
Risk Assessment ◽  
Marine Organisms ◽  
Daya Bay ◽  
Ecological Risks ◽  
The Monte Carlo Method ◽  
Accumulation Index ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Primary Pollutant ◽  
Geo Accumulation

The concentrations of heavy metals in sediments and marine organisms in Daya Bay were investigated, and the Monte Carlo method was used to analyze the uncertainty of the results of geo-accumulation characteristics and ecological and health risks. The mean concentrations of metal elements in sediments were in the following order: Zn > Cr > Cu > As > Cd > Hg, while those in marine organisms were Zn > Cu > As > Cr ≈ Cd > Hg. The geo-accumulation index (Igeo) indicated that the primary pollutant was Hg, with 5.46% moderately polluted, and 39.52% for unpolluted to moderately polluted. Potential ecological risks (RI) were between low and high risks, and the contributions of Hg, Cd, and As to ecological risks were 50.85%, 33.92%, and 11.47%, respectively. The total hazard coefficients (THQ) were less than 1, but on the basis of total carcinogenic risks (TCR), the probability of children and adults exceeded the unacceptable risk threshold of 22.27% and 11.19%, respectively. Sensitivity analysis results showed that the concentrations of carcinogenic elements contributed to risk in the order of As > Cd > Cr. Therefore, in order to effectively control heavy metals contamination in Daya Bay, it is necessary to strengthen the management of Hg, Cd, and As emissions.

scholarly journals A Mathematical Study of Barcelona Metro Network

Electronics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (5) ◽  
pp. 557
Author(s):  
Irene Mariñas-Collado ◽  
Elisa Frutos Bernal ◽  
Maria Teresa Santos Martin ◽  
Angel Martín del Rey ◽  
Roberto Casado Vara ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clustering Analysis ◽  
Transportation Network ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Statistical Point ◽  
Transport Services ◽  
Urban Public Transport ◽  
The Common ◽  
Subway Stations ◽  
Metro Network

The knowledge of the topological structure and the automatic fare collection systems in urban public transport produce many data that need to be adequately analyzed, processed and presented. These data provide a powerful tool to improve the quality of transport services and plan ahead. This paper aims at studying, from a mathematical and statistical point of view, the Barcelona metro network; specifically: (1) the structural and robustness characteristics of the transportation network are computed and analyzed considering the complex network analysis; and (2) the common characteristics of the different subway stations of Barcelona, based on the passenger hourly entries, are identified through hierarchical clustering analysis. These results will be of great help in planning and restructuring transport to cope with the new social conditions, after the pandemic.

Stability Criteria for Distributed Nonlinear Sampled-Data Systems Defined by Green’s Functions

1974 ◽  
Vol 96 (3) ◽  
pp. 315-321 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. Jumarie
Keyword(s):  
Stability Criterion ◽  
Feedback Gain ◽  
Continuous Systems ◽  
Mean Square ◽  
Data Systems ◽  
Sampled Data ◽  
Input Output ◽  
Output Stability ◽  
Lumped Parameter ◽  
The Mean

Sampled-data, nonlinear, distributed systems, which exhibit a structure similar to that of the standard closed loop with lumped parameter, are investigated from the viewpoint of their input-output stability. These systems are governed by operational equations involving discrete Laplace-Green kernels. Their feedback gains are bounded by upper and lower values which depend explicitly on the time and the distributed parameter. The main result is: an input-output stability theorem is given which applies both in L∞ (O, ∞) and L2 (O, ∞). This criterion, which may be considered as being an extension of the ≪circle criterion≫, involves the mean square value on the bounds of the feedback gain. Stability conditions for continuous systems are derived from this result. In the special case of systems with distributed periodical time-varying feedback gains, a stability criterion is given which applies in Marcinkiewicz space M2 (O, ∞). This result which involves the mean square value of the feedback gain is generally less restrictive than the L2 (O, ∞) stability criterion mentioned above.

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