Automatic segmentation of cortical bone microstructure: Application and analysis of three proximal femur sites.

Osteoporosis is the most common bone metabolic unbalance, leading to fragility fractures, which are known to be associated with structural changes in the bone. Cortical bone accounts for 80 % of the skeleton mass and undergoes remodeling throughout life, leading to changes in its thickness and microstructure. Although many studies quantified the different cortical bone structures using CT techniques (3D), they are often realised on a small number of samples.

General Movements as Predictive Tool of Neurological Outcomes in Term-Born Infants With Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy at Ages Six and 12 Months.

Background: To explore the utility of general movements assessment as a predictive tool of the neurological outcome in term-born infants with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) at ages six and 12 months.

Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted for 18 months (August 2018 to December 2019). Term-born newborns with HIE were included.

Prototype of AI-powered assistance system for digitalisation of manual waste sorting.

Global waste generation is projected to reach 3.40 billion tons by 2050, necessitating improved waste sorting for effective recycling and progress toward a circular economy. Achieving this transformation requires higher sorting intensity through intensified processes, increased efficiency, and enhanced yield.

Protocol for the fabrication of self-standing (nano)cellulose-based 3D scaffolds for tissue engineering.

Three-dimensional (3D) and porous scaffolds made from nanocellulosic materials hold significant potential in tissue engineering (TE). Here, we present a protocol for fabricating self-standing (nano)cellulose-based 3D scaffolds designed for in vitro testing of cells from skin and cartilage tissues. We describe steps for preparation of nanocellulose ink, scaffold formation using 3D printing, and freeze-drying.

Impact of mechanical ventilation on severe acute kidney injury in critically ill patients with and without COVID-19 - a multicentre propensity matched analysis.

Background: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is common in critically ill patients and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Its complications often require renal replacement therapy (RRT). Invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) and infections are considered risk factors for the occurrence of AKI.

High-dose glucocorticoid treatment vs. glucocorticoid replacement in immune checkpoint inhibitor associated hypophysitis (CORTICI): an open, randomised controlled trial.

Objective: One of the most severe endocrine side effects of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) is hypophysitis leading to adrenal insufficiency. Recovery is rare, although it has been reported after high-dose glucocorticoid treatment. This is the first randomised study to evaluate whether hormonal recovery differs in patients treated with high-dose glucocorticoids versus glucocorticoid replacement therapy.

The Performance of Topical Insulin in Persistent Corneal Epithelial Defects and Persistent Corneal Ulcers - A Case Series.

Purpose: To retrospectively describe the performance of topical insulin in persistent corneal epithelial defects (CED) and persistent corneal ulcers.

Methods: We reviewed cases of patients treated for persistent CED and persistent corneal ulcers using topical insulin in a concentration of 25 IU per milliliter three times per day. The closure rate of CED and corneal ulcers was the main outcome measure.

Combining Brillouin Light Scattering Spectroscopy and Machine-Learned Interatomic Potentials to Probe Mechanical Properties of Metal-Organic Frameworks.

The mechanical properties of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are of high fundamental and practical relevance. A particularly intriguing technique for determining anisotropic elastic tensors is Brillouin scattering, which so far has rarely been used for highly complex materials like MOFs. In the present contribution, we apply this technique to study a newly synthesized MOF-type material, referred to as GUT2.

Is the EnodePro a Valid Tool to Determine the Bar Velocity in the Bench Press and Barbell Back Squat? A Comparative Analysis.

Unlabelled: In recent years, the EnodePro device has been one of the most frequently used velocity sensors to track the bar velocity in resistance training, with the aim of providing load-velocity profiles. However, recent articles highlight a lack of reliability and validity in the estimated maximal strength, which can cause a serious health risk due to the overestimation of the bar velocity. With this study, we aimed to investigate whether imprecision in the measurement could explain the variance in this measurement error.

Restoration of Genuine Sensation and Proprioception of Individual Fingers Following Transradial Amputation with Targeted Sensory Reinnervation as a Mechanoneural Interface.

: Tactile gnosis derives from the interplay between the hand's tactile input and the memory systems of the brain. It is the prerequisite for complex hand functions. Impaired sensation leads to profound disability.

The Cell Polarity Protein MPP5/PALS1 Controls the Subcellular Localization of the Oncogenes and in Liver Cancer.

The oncogenes yes-associated protein () and transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif () are potent liver oncogenes. Because gene mutations cannot fully explain their nuclear enrichment, we aim to understand which mechanisms cause activation in liver cancer cells. The combination of proteomics and functional screening identified numerous apical cell polarity complex proteins interacting with YAP and TAZ.

Ribosomal Proteins in Ribosome Assembly.

Ribosomes are the cellular machinery responsible for translating mRNA into proteins, a process fundamental to all domains of life from bacteria to eukaryotes [...

Information Behaviour and Knowledge of Patients Before Radical Prostatectomy.

Background/objectives: Robot-assisted and open radical prostatectomy (RARP and ORP) are established procedures for localized prostate cancer, with comparable oncological and functional outcomes. Little is known about patients' knowledge of both procedures. This study aimed to examine comparatively the informational behaviour and knowledge of patients undergoing ORP vs.

Does Total Neoadjuvant Therapy Impact Surgical Precision in Total Mesorectal Excision? A Nationwide Survey of the Experiences of Expert Surgeons.

Background: The treatment of locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) has steadily progressed over the past four decades, with recent focus shifting towards total neoadjuvant therapy (TNT). This survey aims to elucidate the perceived surgical challenges faced by Austrian colorectal surgeons performing total mesorectal excision (TME), focusing on the increased complexity and surgical difficulty introduced by intensified treatment regimens.

Methods: A comprehensive survey was conducted among Austrian colorectal surgeons to explore various aspects of managing and performing TME following TNT.

Prevention and Treatment of Venous Thromboembolism Associated with Amivantamab-Based Therapies in Patients with Lung Cancer-Provisional Clinical Opinion Based on Existing Clinical Practice Guidelines.

Improved efficacy has been shown for amivantamab and amivantamab-based combination therapies in patients with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-mutated non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) compared to established treatment options in clinical trials. However, a high risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) was observed in patients treated with amivantamab-based therapies, with considerable differences in VTE risk according to the line of systemic treatment, concomitant treatment with lazertinib, and intravenous vs. subcutaneous amivantamab administration.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) Competency and Educational Needs: Results of an AI Survey of Members of the European Society of Pediatric Endoscopic Surgeons (ESPES).

: Advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) are set to revolutionize healthcare, particularly in fields like endoscopic surgery that heavily rely on digital imaging. However, to effectively integrate these technologies and drive future innovations, pediatric surgeons need specialized AI/ML skills. This survey evaluated the current level of readiness and educational needs regarding AI/ML among members of the European Society of Pediatric Endoscopic Surgeons (ESPES).

Normothermic Crystalloid Polarizing Cardioplegia Improves Systolic and Diastolic Function in a Porcine Model of Cardiopulmonary Bypass.

Previously, we showed that blood-based polarizing cardioplegia exerted beneficial cardioprotection during hypothermic ischemia; however, these positive effects of blood-based polarizing cardioplegia were reduced during normothermic ischemia compared to blood-based hyperkalemic (depolarizing) cardioplegia. This study compares crystalloid polarizing cardioplegia to crystalloid depolarizing cardioplegia in a normothermic porcine model of cardiopulmonary bypass; Methods: Twelve pigs were randomized to receive either normothermic polarizing ( = 7) or depolarizing ( = 5) crystalloid cardioplegia. After the initiation of cardiopulmonary bypass, normothermic arrest (34 °C, 60 min) was followed by 60 min of on-pump and 90 min of off-pump reperfusion.

Association of Circulating Neprilysin with BMI, Cardiovascular Health, and Kidney Function in High-Risk Pregnancies: A Pilot Study.

Background/objectives: Inadequate cardiovascular adaptation during pregnancy impairs endothelial function and vascular resistance, contributing to complications such as pre-eclampsia (PE) and gestational hypertension (GH). Neprilysin (NEP), a protease involved in vascular regulation, has been linked to PE, but its role in endothelial function and vascular adaptation remains unclear. This pilot study investigates the associations between soluble neprilysin (sNEP) and markers of vascular and renal function in high-risk pregnancies without PE.

Reliability, Objectivity, Validity and Reference Levels of the Austrian Balance Check (ABC)-A Novel Balance Field Test for Children, Adolescents and Young Adults to Assess Static Balance.

Balance is a relevant indicator of physical fitness and correlates with intellectual abilities. Due to limited resources, however, balance tests are underrepresented in fitness checks. To develop an effective field test to assess static balance with minimal cost, little spatial requirement and short testing time, a cross-sectional pilot study was conducted in three different school types (primary school, secondary school, and high school) and the reliability, objectivity and validity of the novel Austrian Balance Check (ABC) were assessed, with the generation of age- and gender-specific reference values.

Towards high atom economy in whole-cell redox biocatalysis: up-scaling light-driven cyanobacterial ene-reductions in a flat panel photobioreactor.

Light-driven biotransformations in recombinant cyanobacteria benefit from the atom-efficient regeneration of reaction equivalents like NADPH from water and light by oxygenic photosynthesis. The self-shading of photosynthetic cells throughout the reaction volume, along with the need for extended light paths, limits adequate light supply and significantly restricts the potential for upscaling. Here, we present a flat panel photobioreactor (1 cm optical path length) as a scalable system to provide efficient illumination at high cell densities.

Outcomes in stage IIA versus stage IIB/III in the PALLAS trial [ABCSG-42/AFT-05/PrE0109/BIG-14-13]).

Background: The PALLAS trial investigated the addition of palbociclib to standard adjuvant endocrine therapy to reduce breast cancer recurrence. This pre-specified analysis was conducted to determine whether adjuvant palbociclib benefited patients diagnosed with lower risk stage IIA disease compared to those with higher stage disease.

Methods: PALLAS was an international, multicenter, randomized, open-label, phase III trial, representing a public-private partnership between Pfizer, the Austrian Breast Cancer Study Group, and the U.

Exploration of transfer learning techniques for the prediction of PM.

Modelling of pollutants provides valuable insights into air quality dynamics, aiding exposure assessment where direct measurements are not viable. Machine learning (ML) models can be employed to explore such dynamics, including the prediction of air pollution concentrations, yet demanding extensive training data. To address this, techniques like transfer learning (TL) leverage knowledge from a model trained on a rich dataset to enhance one trained on a sparse dataset, provided there are similarities in data distribution.