Generative Adversarial Networks for Brain MRI Synthesis: Impact of Training Set Size on Clinical Application.

We evaluated the impact of training set size on generative adversarial networks (GANs) to synthesize brain MRI sequences. We compared three sets of GANs trained to generate pre-contrast T1 (gT1) from post-contrast T1 and FLAIR (gFLAIR) from T2. The baseline models were trained on 135 cases; for this study, we used the same model architecture but a larger cohort of 1251 cases and two stopping rules, an early checkpoint (early models) and one after 50 epochs (late models).

The reporting of adverse events in Johannesburg Academic Emergency Departments.

Introduction: Adverse events (AE) are a common occurrence in healthcare systems; however, the frequency of AEs occurring in South Africa and especially Emergency Departments (ED) is unknown. The aims of this study were to describe the frequency of AEs experienced by Healthcare providers (HCP) and the frequency of formal reporting thereafter over a 12-month period.

Methods: A cross sectional descriptive study was performed amongst HCPs at Helen Joseph Hospital and Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital EDs.

Case series and descriptive cohort studies in neurosurgery: the confusion and solution.

Background: Case series (CS) are well-known designs in contemporary use in neurosurgery but are sometimes used in contexts that are incompatible with their true meaning as defined by epidemiologists. This inconsistent, inappropriate and incorrect use, and mislabeling impairs the appropriate indexing and sorting of evidence.

Method: Using PubMed, we systematically identified published articles that had "case series" in the "title" in 15 top-ranked neurosurgical journals from January 2008 to December 2012.

Vitamin D: Lessons from the veterans population.

Vitamin D deficiency (25(OH)D < 20 ng/mL) is likely to be present in about 40% of veterans and is associated with much higher health care costs and service use. The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency is likely to be higher in certain subgroups such as ethnic minorities, those who are chronically ill, and nursing home residents. The lack of adequate sunlight exposure and poor dietary intake are common contributors to this deficient state.

Nitric oxide generation by peripheral blood cells in chronic renal failure.

Nitric oxide (NO), a labile free radical synthesised from L-arginine by the action of nitric oxide synthase (NOS), is said to be implicated in uraemic complications, such as infection and a tendency to bleed. In this study of NO production by peripheral blood cells, an increased level is seen in platelets from uraemic patients (both non-dialysed and haemodialysed) and a decreased level in leucocytes (neutrophils and monocytes). A negative correlation was noted between blood urea level and inducible NO in neutrophils and monocytes in uraemic patients not on dialysis.

Ultrastructural studies on the morphogenesis of psammoma bodies in ovarian serous neoplasia.

Transmission electron microscopic studies have been carried out on psammoma bodies in two benign and seven malignant papillary serous neoplasms of the ovary. Ultrastructurally, psammoma bodies are composed of microcrystals in all respects similar to calcium-phosphate apatite crystals of bone. The formation of psammoma bodies is initiated intracellularly, in both the neoplastic epithelial cells and stromal histiocytes.