Adversarial robustness improvement for X-ray bone segmentation using synthetic data created from computed tomography scans.

Deep learning-based image analysis offers great potential in clinical practice. However, it faces mainly two challenges: scarcity of large-scale annotated clinical data for training and susceptibility to adversarial data in inference. As an example, an artificial intelligence (AI) system could check patient positioning, by segmenting and evaluating relative positions of anatomical structures in medical images.

Deep learning in computed tomography super resolution using multi-modality data training.

Background: One of the limitations in leveraging the potential of artificial intelligence in X-ray imaging is the limited availability of annotated training data. As X-ray and CT shares similar imaging physics, one could achieve cross-domain data sharing, so to generate labeled synthetic X-ray images from annotated CT volumes as digitally reconstructed radiographs (DRRs). To account for the lower resolution of CT and the CT-generated DRRs as compared to the real X-ray images, we propose the use of super-resolution (SR) techniques to enhance the CT resolution before DRR generation.

USB1 is a miRNA deadenylase that regulates hematopoietic development.

Mutations in the 3' to 5' RNA exonuclease USB1 cause hematopoietic failure in poikiloderma with neutropenia (PN). Although USB1 is known to regulate U6 small nuclear RNA maturation, the molecular mechanism underlying PN remains undetermined, as pre-mRNA splicing is unaffected in patients. We generated human embryonic stem cells harboring the PN-associated mutation c.

Prediction of multiple pH compartments by deep learning in magnetic resonance spectroscopy with hyperpolarized C-labelled zymonic acid.

Background: Hyperpolarization enhances the sensitivity of nuclear magnetic resonance experiments by between four and five orders of magnitude. Several hyperpolarized sensor molecules have been introduced that enable high sensitivity detection of metabolism and physiological parameters. However, hyperpolarized magnetic resonance spectroscopy imaging (MRSI) often suffers from poor signal-to-noise ratio and spectral analysis is complicated by peak overlap.

Enhanced bone formation in locally-optimised, low-stiffness additive manufactured titanium implants: An in silico and in vivo tibial advancement study.

A tibial tuberosity advancement (TTA), used to treat lameness in the canine stifle, provides a framework to investigate implant performance within an uneven loading environment due to the dominating patellar tendon. The purpose of this study was to reassess how we design orthopaedic implants in a load-bearing model to investigate potential for improved osseointegration capacity of fully-scaffolded mechanically-matched additive manufactured (AM) implants. While the mechanobiological nature of bone is well known, we have identified a lower limit in the literature where investigation into exceedingly soft scaffolds relative to trabecular bone ceases due to the trade-off in mechanical strength.

Oestrogen component of COCs: have we finally found a replacement for ethinyl estradiol?

Purpose Of Review: Combined oral contraceptive pills are among the most widely used contraceptive methods globally. Despite their popularity, the potential risks and side effects can lead to both high discontinuation rates and adverse outcomes including thromboembolic events. The quest for a safer alternative to the traditional ethinyl estradiol/progestin combination has led to the use of newer oestrogens.

Lanthanide-Based Peptide-Directed Visible/Near-Infrared Imaging and Inhibition of LMP1.

A lanthanide-based peptide-directed bioprobe (Ln = Eu or Yb) is designed as an impressive example of a small molecule-based dual-functional probe for the EBV oncoprotein LMP1. The peptide (Pra-KAhx-K-LDLALK-FWLY-K-IVMSDKW-K-RrRK) is designed to selectively bind to LMP1 by mimicking its TM1 region during oligomerization in lipid rafts while signal transduction is significantly suppressed. Immunofluorescence imaging and Western blotting results reveal that can effectively inactivate the oncogenic cellular pathway nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) and contribute to a selective cytotoxic effect on LMP1-positive cells.

A Comparison of Paracervical Block Volumes Before Osmotic Dilator Placement: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Objective: To evaluate whether a 12-mL paracervical block is noninferior to a 20-mL block in reducing pain with osmotic dilator insertion.

Methods: In this single-blinded noninferiority trial, we randomized individuals undergoing insertion of osmotic dilators before second-trimester abortion to receive either a 12-mL or 20-mL 1% lidocaine paracervical block. The primary outcome was pain immediately after insertion of osmotic dilators.

Accelerated free-breathing 3D whole-heart magnetic resonance angiography with a radial phyllotaxis trajectory, compressed sensing, and curvelet transform.

Purpose: To develop and validate an accelerated free-breathing 3D whole-heart magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) technique using a radial k-space trajectory with compressed sensing and curvelet transform.

Method: A 3D radial phyllotaxis trajectory was implemented to traverse the centerline of k-space immediately before the segmented whole-heart MRA data acquisition at each cardiac cycle. The k-space centerlines were used to correct the respiratory-induced heart motion in the acquired MRA data.

Comparison of two home pregnancy tests for self-confirmation of medication abortion status: A randomized trial.

Objectives: To evaluate individuals' ability to perform and comprehend low-sensitivity and multilevel urine pregnancy tests during medication abortion follow-up.

Study Design: We conducted a pilot study of individuals using mifepristone and misoprostol for medication abortion through 63-days gestation. We randomly assigned participants to use a 1000 mIU/mL low-sensitivity pregnancy test or a five-level multilevel pregnancy test.

Telomere Dysfunction Activates p53 and Represses HNF4α Expression Leading to Impaired Human Hepatocyte Development and Function.

Background And Aims: Telomere attrition is a major risk factor for end-stage liver disease. Due to a lack of adequate models and intrinsic difficulties in studying telomerase in physiologically relevant cells, the molecular mechanisms responsible for liver disease in patients with telomere syndromes remain elusive. To circumvent that, we used genome editing to generate isogenic human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) harboring clinically relevant mutations in telomerase and subjected them to an in vitro, stage-specific hepatocyte differentiation protocol that resembles hepatocyte development in vivo.

Effectiveness of WhatsApp online group discussion for smoking relapse prevention: protocol for a pragmatic randomized controlled trial.

Background And Aims: Sustained psychosocial support via online social groups may help former tobacco users maintain abstinence. This study aims to examine the effectiveness of participating in a WhatsApp social group for long-term smoking cessation.

Design: Two-arm, open-labelled, pragmatic, individually randomized controlled trial.

Mobile technology for family planning.

Purpose Of Review: To evaluate the recent literature on mobile health applications available to patients for contraception and abortion care.

Recent Findings: Women are increasingly interested in contraceptive tools utilizing mobile technology, and a majority of women expect them to be science-based. The largest number of available mobile apps supports natural family planning methods, which is recognized as the least effective contraceptive method.

Brief handgrip and isometric exercise intervention for smoking cessation: A pilot randomized trial.

Introduction: Isometric exercises reduce craving, negative affect, and withdrawal symptoms during smoking cessation. This randomized controlled trial (RCT) was the first to test if a brief intervention using a handgrip and isometric exercises including hand pushing/pulling was feasible and efficacious to increase tobacco abstinence at 6-month.

Methods: This was a single-blinded, 2-arm pilot RCT in 6 community-based smoking cessation clinics in Hong Kong.

Long-Term Results of Surgically Treated Radial Polydactyly - An Outcome Correlation Study.

Thumb polydactyly is one of the commonest congenital hand differences. Traditional surgeon-based outcome scores capture outcomes mainly on bodily structure and function. Outcomes on the long-term well-being of the patients in the domains of activity and participation are not fully studied.

Posttranscriptional modulation of TERC by PAPD5 inhibition rescues hematopoietic development in dyskeratosis congenita.

Reduced levels of , the telomerase RNA component, cause dyskeratosis congenita (DC) in patients harboring mutations in TERC, PARN, NOP10, NHP2, NAF1, or DKC1. Inhibition of the noncanonical poly(A) polymerase , or the exosome RNA degradation complex, partially restores levels in immortalized DKC1 mutant cells, but it remains unknown if modulation of posttranscriptional processing of could improve hematopoietic output in DC. We used human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) with a common dyskerin mutation (DKC1_A353V), which have defective telomere maintenance and reduced definitive hematopoietic potential, to understand the effects of reducing EXOSC3 activity, or silencing PAPD5-mediated oligoadenylation, on hematopoietic progenitor specification and function in DC.

Abortion through telemedicine.

Purpose Of Review: Medical abortion offers a well tolerated and effective method to terminate early pregnancy, but remains underutilized in the United States. Over the last decade, 'telemedicine' has been studied as an option for medical abortion to improve access when patients and providers are not together. A number of studies have explored various practice models and their feasibility as an alternative to in-person service provision.

Unusual Cause of Pediatric Vaginal Bleeding: Infantile Capillary Hemangioma of the Cervix.

Background: The differential diagnosis for pediatric prepubertal vaginal bleeding is wide. Rare etiologies include vascular malformations and tumors, such as infantile hemangiomas (IHs), which validate the usefulness of exam under anesthesia, vaginoscopy, and tissue diagnosis.

Case: We report a case of an IH in a 6-year-old girl causing vaginal bleeding requiring transfusion.

First case of neurofibromatosis with posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome showing spinal cord involvement.

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is a well-documented pathology of the brain in systemic upsets. Majority of PRES cases present with edema in the cerebrum, most commonly in the territory of posterior circulation. It has been reported to show spinal cord involvement in a rare subgroup known as PRES with spinal cord involvement (PRES-SCI), with very limited existing literature even in adult patients.

Lifelong reduction in complex IV induces tissue-specific metabolic effects but does not reduce lifespan or healthspan in mice.

Loss of SURF1, a Complex IV assembly protein, was reported to increase lifespan in mice despite dramatically lower cytochrome oxidase (COX) activity. Consistent with this, our previous studies found advantageous changes in metabolism (reduced adiposity, increased insulin sensitivity, and mitochondrial biogenesis) in Surf1 mice. The lack of deleterious phenotypes in Surf1 mice is contrary to the hypothesis that mitochondrial dysfunction contributes to aging.

HIV and contraception.

Purpose Of Review: Contraception is a vital component of medical care for women with HIV or at high risk of acquiring HIV. Over the last several years, there has been emerging evidence regarding the safety and effectiveness of various contraceptive methods, ultimately leading to a revision in the WHO Medical Eligibility Criteria for contraceptive use.

Recent Findings: Progestogen-only injectables may be associated with an increased risk of HIV acquisition and its use has been revised to category 2 from category 1.

p53 Mediates Failure of Human Definitive Hematopoiesis in Dyskeratosis Congenita.

Dyskeratosis congenita (DC) is a bone marrow failure syndrome associated with telomere dysfunction. The progression and molecular determinants of hematopoietic failure in DC remain poorly understood. Here, we use the directed differentiation of human embryonic stem cells harboring clinically relevant mutations in telomerase to understand the consequences of DC-associated mutations on the primitive and definitive hematopoietic programs.