Drone-based electromagnetic survey system for geophysical applications

Geophysical electromagnetic (EM) methods are used in geological mapping, mineral exploration, groundwater studies and geotechnical investigations. Airborne EM methods have the benefit of avoiding terrain obstacles such as lakes, rivers, swamps, and ravines. Compared to manned aircrafts, drones or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have benefits of their own. Drone-based surveys are versatile, fast to deploy, economical and ecologically more friendly. Presently, magnetic surveying is the only geophysical method that is routinely conducted with drones. The modest maximum payload limit of drones imposes severe restrictions on the applicability of other methods including EM and radiometric methods, for example. Finnish company, Radai Ltd has been developing Louhi, a novel drone-based frequency-domain EM survey system, in an EU funded Horizon 2020 project NEXT – New Exploration Technologies. The EM system has two operation options – the first uses a large loop on the ground as an EM source and the other uses a small portable EM transmitter loop. Both systems utilize a stand-alone and light-weight three-component EM receiver that can be towed by a drone. This article presents the theoretical background of the EM methods, the solution developed by Radai Ltd, the current version of the EM device, and results from field and flight tests that demonstrate the applicability of the drone-based EM system under development.

Successfully Pregnancy Outcome After LLETZ in Women with Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia: A Case Series

BACKGROUND: Human papillomavirus (HPV) has an important role in cervical cancer development and the incidence of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) was 1.3–2.7/1000 pregnancies. The HPV and its treatments such as loop electrosurgical excisional procedure (LEEP) or large loop electrosurgical excisional procedure (LLETZ) have an association with poor obstetric outcomes. CASE REPORT: Here, we present four case studies of successful live birth after treatment of CIN. We reported that four patients had been performed LLETZ, with abnormal colposcopy results and liquidbased cytology results were one ASCUS, one ASCH, and two HSIL. The histopathology results were one CIN 1, one CIN 2, and two CIN 3. There was a higher rate of pregnancy for treated women than untreated women. The higher the CIN grades, the more prevalence of cesarean section rate. CONCLUSION: The HPV testing or cotesting at 3-year intervals is recommended after treatment due to the sensitivity of HPV testing. Although pregnancy could delay the progression of precancerous lesions, it is recommended to follow the individualized algorithm in the ASCCP guideline to reduce the risk of cervical cancer progression.

Video colposcopy versus headlight for large loop excision of the transformation zone (LLETZ): a randomised trial

Purpose To compare resected cone mass and resection margin status when performing Large Loop Excision of the Transformation Zone (LLETZ) using video colposcopy (LLETZ-VC) versus a headlight (LLETZ-HL) in women with cervical dysplasia. Methods Prospective, randomised trial (monocentric) at a specialised cervical dysplasia unit in a University Hospital. Women with a biopsy-proven CIN2 + or persisting CIN1 or diagnostic LLETZ were recruited and randomised. LLETZ was performed either under video colposcopic vision or using a standard surgical headlight. The primary endpoint was resected cone mass. Secondary endpoints were the rate of involved margins, fragmentation of the specimen, procedure time, time to complete haemostasis (TCH), blood loss, pain, intra- and postoperative complications, and surgeon preference. Results LLETZ-VC and LLETZ-HL (109 women each) had comparable cone masses (1.57 [0.98–2.37] vs. 1.67 [1.15–2.46] grams; P = 0.454). TCH was significantly shorter in the LLETZ-VC arm (60 [41–95.2] vs. 90 [47.2–130.2] seconds; P = 0.008). There was no statistically significant difference in involved resection margins (6/87 [6.5%] vs. 16/101 [13.7%], P = 0.068) and postoperative complications (13/82 [13.7%] vs. 22/72 [23.4%], P = 0.085). Patient-reported outcomes favoured LLETZ-VC with a lower use of analgesics (6/80 [7.0%] vs. 17/87 [16.3%]; P = 0.049). However, LLETZ-VC was more difficult to perform with significantly lower ratings for handling (7 [5–9] vs. 9 [8–10]; P < 0.001) and general satisfaction (7.5 [5–9] vs. 10 [8–10]; P < 0.001). Conclusion Intraoperative video colposcopy for LLETZ has minimal benefits at the cost of surgeons’ satisfaction. Clinical trial registration NCT04326049 (ClinicalTrials.gov).

Introducing a novel model for simulating large loop excision of the transformation zone (LLETZ) using 3D printing technique

Purpose Electrosurgery is the gold-standard procedure for the treatment of cervical dysplasia. The quality of the outcome depends on the accuracy of performance, which underlines the role of adequate training of surgeons, especially, as this procedure is often performed by novice surgeons. According to our knowledge, medical simulation has up until now lacked a model, which focuses on realistically simulating the treatment of cervical dysplasia with the concerning anatomy. Methods and result In our work, we present a model created using 3D printing for holistically simulating diagnostic, as well as surgical interventions of the cervix, as realistically as possible. Conclusion This novel simulator is compared to an existing model and both are evaluated. By doing so, we aim to provide novice gynecologists with standardized and high-quality simulation models for practicing to improve their proficiency.

Structure of a C1/C4-oxidizing AA9 lytic polysaccharide monooxygenase from the thermophilic fungus Malbranchea cinnamomea

The thermophilic fungus Malbranchea cinnamomea contains a host of enzymes that enable its ability as an efficient degrader of plant biomass and that could be mined for industrial applications. This thermophilic fungus has been studied and found to encode eight lytic polysaccharide monooxygenases (LPMOs) from auxiliary activity family 9 (AA9), which collectively possess different substrate specificities for a range of plant cell-wall-related polysaccharides and oligosaccharides. To gain greater insight into the molecular determinants defining the different specificities, structural studies were pursued and the structure of McAA9F was determined. The enzyme contains the immunoglobulin-like fold typical of previously solved AA9 LPMO structures, but contains prominent differences in the loop regions found on the surface of the substrate-binding site. Most significantly, McAA9F has a broad substrate specificity, with activity on both crystalline and soluble polysaccharides. Moreover, it contains a small loop in a region where a large loop has been proposed to govern specificity towards oligosaccharides. The presence of the small loop leads to a considerably flatter and more open surface that is likely to enable the broad specificity of the enzyme. The enzyme contains a succinimide residue substitution, arising from intramolecular cyclization of Asp10, at a position where several homologous members contain an equivalent residue but cyclization has not previously been observed. This first structure of an AA9 LPMO from M. cinnamomea aids both the understanding of this family of enzymes and the exploration of the repertoire of industrially relevant lignocellulolytic enzymes from this fungus.

Seborrheic Keratosis-Like Lesion of the Cervix: First Report of the Cytological Features of a Low-Risk HPV 42-Associated Lesion

<b><i>Introduction:</i></b> Seborrheic keratosis-like lesion of the cervix and vagina is a rare lesion and shows similar morphology to vulvar seborrheic keratosis; 3 of the 7 previously reported cases were associated with low-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) type 42. We report a case of seborrheic keratosis-like lesion of the cervix and provide the first description of the cytological features of this lesion. <b><i>Case Presentation:</i></b> A woman in her late forties presented with postcoital bleeding. She had a cervical screening test following which she underwent cervical biopsy, endocervical and endometrial curettage, large loop excision of the transformation zone of the cervix, and hysterectomy. <b><i>Results:</i></b> The liquid-based cytology preparation showed cohesive groups of mildly atypical squamoid cells with a spindle cell morphology, mildly increased nuclear to cytoplasmic ratio, prominent nucleoli, and occasional nuclear grooves. No koilocytes were identified. Molecular genotyping revealed positivity for HPV type 42. <b><i>Discussion/Conclusion:</i></b> This represents the first description of the cytological features of a seborrheic keratosis-like lesion of the cervix, which are distinctive and unusual. Whilst the mild squamous atypia raised the possibility of a low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion, no koilocytes were identified. The association in our case with a low-risk HPV type, HPV 42, provides further evidence for a role of this HPV type in the pathogenesis of these lesions.

Non-Free Surgical Margins After LLETZ-LEEP

Large Loop Excision of the Transformation Zone (LLETZ) is thought to be the treatment of choice for the high-grade precancerous lesions. The cone is also the “gold standard” specimen for the diagnosis of the underlying cervical disease once it includes the entire area of carcinogenesis for the squamous epithelium (transformation zone). In most research studies, therapeutic success after conization is a term generally assigned for disease clearance, that is, absence of residual high grade/CIN2+ histology by the end of a reasonable follow-up period, aiming at risk reduction for future recurrence and development of invasion. Conversely, positive cone margins as a reflection of an incomplete excision may, to some extent, represent a negative prognostic factor. Therefore, margin status may also be regarded as an indicator for the quality of a clinical service. The chapter summarizes all current evidence regarding optimal treatment of positive margins after LEEP.