Hyperparameter Recommendation Integrated With Convolutional Neural Network.

Hyperparameter recommendation via meta-learning has shown great promise in various studies. The main challenge for meta-learning is how to develop an effective meta-learner (learning algorithm) that can capture the intrinsic relationship between dataset characteristics and the empirical performance of hyperparameters. Existing meta-learners are mostly based on traditional machine-learning models that only learn data representations with a single layer, which are incapable of learning complex features from the data and often cannot capture those properties deeply embedded in data.

The safety and efficacy of third- and fourth-generation cryoballoons for atrial fibrillation: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objectives: An increasing number of studies have shown that third (CB3)- and fourth-generation cryoballoons (CB4) have been used to treat various types of atrial fibrillation (AF), but previous research regarding the safety and efficacy of CB3 or CB4 ablation remains controversial. Therefore, a meta-analysis was performed to further evaluate the safety and efficacy of pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) using the CB3 and CB4 in the treatment of AF.

Methods: We searched PubMed, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang, China Science and Technology Journal Database, and Clinicaltrials.

Lipid Profiles Impact on the Oncologic Outcome of Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma.

Background: The prognosis of upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) varies, with T3/T4 UTUC having less than 50% 5-year survival post-radical nephroureterectomy (RNU). Lipid profiles including cholesterol (CHOL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and triglycerides (TGs), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) have shown correlations with oncologic outcomes in various cancers. We aimed to investigate the prognostic significance of the lipid profiles in UTUC patients who had received RNU.

Metafeature Selection via Multivariate Sparse-Group Lasso Learning for Automatic Hyperparameter Configuration Recommendation.

The performance of classification algorithms is mainly governed by the hyperparameter settings deployed in applications, and the search for desirable hyperparameter configurations usually is quite challenging due to the complexity of datasets. Metafeatures are a group of measures that characterize the underlying dataset from various aspects, and the corresponding recommendation algorithm fully relies on the appropriate selection of metafeatures. Metalearning (MtL), aiming to improve the learning algorithm itself, requires development in integrating features, models, and algorithm learning to accomplish its goal.

Cumulative sum analysis of the learning curve of laparoendoscopic single-site robot-assisted radical prostatectomy.

Background: Radical prostatectomy has become the gold standard for treating localized prostate cancer. Improvement in the single-site technique and surgeon's skill reduces not only the hospital duration but also the number of wounds. Realizing the learning curve for a new procedure can prevent unnecessary mistakes.

TRPC channels blockade abolishes endotoxemic cardiac dysfunction by hampering intracellular inflammation and Ca leakage.

Intracellular Ca dysregulation is a key marker in septic cardiac dysfunction; however, regulation of the classic Ca regulatory modules cannot successfully abolish this symptom. Here we show that the knockout of transient receptor potential canonical (TRPC) channel isoforms TRPC1 and TRPC6 can ameliorate LPS-challenged heart failure and prolong survival in mice. The LPS-triggered Ca release from the endoplasmic reticulum both in cardiomyocytes and macrophages is significantly inhibited by Trpc1 or Trpc6 knockout.

Piezoelectric Micromachined Ultrasonic Transducer-Integrated Helmholtz Resonator with Microliter-Sized Volume-Tunable Cavity.

In this study, a piezoelectric micromachined ultrasonic transducer (PMUT) is integrated with a microliter-sized volume-tunable Helmholtz resonator. The passive Helmholtz resonator is constructed using an SU8 photolithography-defined square opening plate as the neck portion, a 3D-printed hollow structure with a threaded insert nut, and a precision set screw to form the volume-controllable cavity of the Helmholtz resonator. The fabricated piezoelectric films acted as ultrasonic actuators attached to the surface of the neck SU8 plate.

Comparison of different en bloc holmium laser enucleation of the prostate techniques to reduce the rate of postoperative transient urinary incontinence.

Objective: To investigate postoperative risk factors for transient urinary incontinence (TUI) after different en bloc holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) techniques.

Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 169 consecutive patients who underwent HoLEP using the original en bloc technique (n = 41), en bloc with early mucosal strip detachment technique (n = 72), and three horseshoe-shaped incisions technique (n = 56) to treat bladder outlet obstruction from January 2017 to October 2019. Preoperative variables and surgical quality indexes were compared between the groups.

Low Hemoglobin-to-Red Cell Distribution Width Ratio Is Associated with Disease Progression and Poor Prognosis in Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma.

The importance of blood cell markers in patients with malignant tumors has been studied, but there are few studies on the prognostic value of hemoglobin-to-red cell distribution width ratio (HRR) in cancer. This is the first study to investigate the effect of preoperative HRR on patients with upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC). Our retrospective cohort study included 730 UTUC patients who underwent nephroureterectomy from 2000 to 2019.

Extraperitoneal Robotic Laparo-Endoscopic Single-Site Plus1-Port Radical Prostatectomy Using the da Vinci Single-Site Platform.

Currently, over 80% of radical prostatectomies have been performed with the da Vinci Surgical System. In order to improve the aesthetic outlook and decrease the morbidity of the operation, the new da Vinci Single Port (SP) system was developed in 2018. However, one major problem is the SP system is still not available in most countries.

Single-Site Sutureless Partial Nephrectomy for Small Exophytic Renal Tumors.

Partial nephrectomy (PN) is the standard procedure for most patients with localized renal cancer. Laparoscopy has become the preferred surgical approach to target this cancer, but the steep learning curve with laparoscopic PN (LPN) remains a concern. In LPN intracorporeal suturing, the operation time is further extended even under robot assistance, a step which prolongs warm ischemic time.

Preoperative predictors of enucleation time during en bloc 'no-touch' holmium laser enucleation of the prostate.

Background: To evaluate preoperative predictors of enucleation time during en bloc 'no-touch' holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) METHODS: We enrolled 135 patients with symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) treated with en bloc 'no-touch' HoLEP from July 2017 to March 2019 by a single surgeon. Preoperative, perioperative, and postoperative clinical variables were examined. Stepwise linear regression was performed to determine clinical variables associated with enucleation times.

Activation of Paraventricular Melatonin Receptor 2 Mediates Melatonin-Conferred Cardioprotection Against Myocardial Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury.

Previous studies have shown that melatonin (Mel) can effectively ameliorate myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (MI/R) injury, but the mechanism is yet to be fully elucidated. Mel receptors are expressed in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN), which is also involved in regulating cardiac sympathetic nerve activity. The aim of this study was to examine whether Mel receptors in the PVN are involved in the protective effects of Mel against MI/R injury.

Interrelationship of environmental melamine exposure, biomarkers of oxidative stress and early kidney injury.

Melamine contamination has remained pervasive in the environment even after the 2008 toxic milk scandal. Exposure to chronic low dosages of melamine is known to induce renal tubular damage, increasing the risk of stone formation and early kidney injury. This damage may come about via increased oxidative stress, but no studies of this possibility have been performed in humans.

Validation of Hyponatremia as a Prognostic Predictor in Multiregional Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma.

Hyponatremia has been shown to be associated with prognosis in various cancers, but its role in upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) is largely unidentified. We created an international multiregional cohort of UTUC, consisting of 524 and 213 patients from Taiwan and the U.S.

Protective Effects of Hydrogen-Rich Water Against Cartilage Damage in a Rat Model of Osteoarthritis by Inhibiting Oxidative Stress, Matrix Catabolism, and Apoptosis.

BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanisms underlying the potential effects of hydrogen-rich water (HW) on articular cartilage in a rat osteoarthritis (OA) model. MATERIAL AND METHODS A rat model of OA was established using the modified Hulth method, and rats were forced to exercise for 30 min every day 1 week after surgery for 7 weeks. Mankin's method was used to score the severity of OA.

Catalpol Attenuates IL-1β Induced Matrix Catabolism, Apoptosis and Inflammation in Rat Chondrocytes and Inhibits Cartilage Degeneration.

BACKGROUND Chondrocyte dysfunction and apoptosis are 2 major features during the progression of osteoarthritis. Catalpol, an iridoid glycoside isolated from the root of Rehmannia, is a valuable medication with anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, and anti-apoptotic effects in various diseases. However, whether catalpol protects against osteoarthritis has not been investigated.

Infusion of Melatonin Into the Paraventricular Nucleus Ameliorates Myocardial Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury by Regulating Oxidative Stress and Inflammatory Cytokines.

Melatonin, the receptors for which are abundant in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN), can protect the heart from myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (MI/R) injury. The aim of this study was to determine whether the infusion of melatonin into the PVN protects the heart from MI/R injury by suppressing oxidative stress or regulating the balance between proinflammatory cytokines and anti-inflammatory cytokines in MI/R rats. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were treated with a bilateral PVN infusion of melatonin.

Rifampicin induces clathrin-dependent endocytosis and ubiquitin-proteasome degradation of MRP2 via oxidative stress-activated PKC-ERK/JNK/p38 and PI3K signaling pathways in HepG2 cells.

It was reported that antituberculosis medicines could induce liver damage via oxidative stress. In this study, we investigated the effects of rifampicin (RFP) on the membrane expression of multidrug resistance-associated protein 2 (MRP2) and the relationship between oxidative stress and RFP-induced endocytosis of MRP2 in HepG2 cells. We found that RFP (12.

Semiparametric Clustering: A Robust Alternative to Parametric Clustering.

Clustering aims at naturally grouping the data according to the underlying data distribution. The data distribution is often estimated using a parametric or nonparametric model, e.g.

Blockade of Endogenous Angiotensin-(1-7) in Hypothalamic Paraventricular Nucleus Attenuates High Salt-Induced Sympathoexcitation and Hypertension.

Angiotensin (Ang)-(1-7) is an important biologically-active peptide of the renin-angiotensin system. This study was designed to determine whether inhibition of Ang-(1-7) in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) attenuates sympathetic activity and elevates blood pressure by modulating pro-inflammatory cytokines (PICs) and oxidative stress in the PVN in salt-induced hypertension. Rats were fed either a high-salt (8% NaCl) or a normal salt diet (0.