12 research outputs found
CLINICAL IMPACT OF 18F FDG PET-CT ON MANAGEMENT OF GERM CELL TUMORS
No full textPurpose: The purpose of this study was to review the impact of 18F- fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography-computed tomography (FDG-PET-CT) scans on the management of patients with germ cell tumours (GCT) at our centre. Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional, retrospective review of a total of 29 FDG PET-CT scans acquired in 20 patients with GCT between December 2009 and May 2013. Results: Sixteen males and four females with the average age of 34.4 years (+18SD) were identi ed who underwent FDG PET-CT scans for treatment response/outcome evaluation on an average period of 3 months after completion of therapy. Hypermetabolic residual disease (PET-CT positive) was identi ed in 8 (40%). 6 (30%) had non-FDG-avid residual morphologic disease (PET negative and CT positive) and 6 (30%) were disease free (PET-CT negative). FDG PET-CT led to change in the management plan of 12 (60%) of cases as compared to the CT alone ndings. Follow-up was available for a median of 2.9 years (±1.5 SD). The overall 5-year disease-free survival was found to be PET-CT positive patients = 62%, PET-negative and CT-positive patients = 80% and PET-CT-negative patients = 100%. Conclusion: FDG PET-CT scanning has a potential role in the evaluation of response to treatment and can predict the survival outcome. Key words: 18F- uorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography computed tomography, disease-free survival, germ cell tumour, standardised uptake value
Merge Assist System Using GPS and DSRC Based Vehicle-to-Vehicle Communication
No full textUniversity of Minnesota M.S.E.E. thesis. January 2019. Major: Electrical Engineering. Advisor: Imran Hayee. 1 computer file (PDF); viii, 33pages.One potential area to improve driver safety and traffic mobility is around merge points of two roadways e.g., at a typical freeway entrance ramp. Due to poor visibility because of weather or complex road infrastructure, on many such entrance ramps, it may become difficult for the driver on the merging/entrance ramp to clearly see the vehicles travelling on the main freeway, making it difficult to merge. A fundamental requirement to facilitate many ADAS functions including a merge assist system is to accurately acquire vehicle positioning information. Accurate position information can be obtained using either sensor-based systems (camera-based, RADAR, LiDAR) or Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GPS, DGPS, RTK). For these systems to work well for practical road and weather conditions, advanced techniques and algorithms are needed which make the system complex and expensive to implement. In this report, the author proposes a merge assist system by acquiring the relative positioning of vehicles using standard GPS receivers and DSRC based V2V communication. The DSRC equipped vehicles travelling on the main freeway and on the entrance-ramp will periodically communicate their positioning information with each other. Using that information, the relative trajectories, relative lane and position of all DSRC equipped vehicles travelling on the main freeway, will be calculated and recorded in real time in the vehicle travelling on the entrance ramp. Finally, a merge time cushion will also be calculated which could potentially be used to assist the driver of the ramp vehicle to safely merge into the freeway.Hussain, Shah. (2019). Merge Assist System Using GPS and DSRC Based Vehicle-to-Vehicle Communication. Retrieved from the University Digital Conservancy, https://hdl.handle.net/11299/202088
Correction to: The LUCID study: living with ulcerative colitis; identifying the socioeconomic burden in Europe
No full textAfter publication of this article [1], the authors reported that the author name “Avedano” was incorrectly written as “Avendano”. The original article [1] has been updated.This work was supported by Eli Lilly and Pfizer internationally, and by Celgene in the UK
Real estate investment as a panacea for economic instability in Nigeria: evidence from northeastern states of Nigeria
No full textReal estate investment is an emerging business in many countries of the world. Real estate investment was thoroughly investigated to come up with solution faced by the transaction of land and building. Real estate investment is strictly related to the housing price. It has been pointed out by many researchers that the housing price is affected by many factors, such as interest rate, land supply, government policies and inflation rate. The research highlighted most important aspects of the outcomes. An increase in international real estate capital flows could foster increasing demand for stronger institutions across a global real estate market. The method adopted in this research was quantitative through which 100 questionnaires were developed and distributed within the study area (Bauchi, Gombe, Adamawa and Yobe States). The simple percentage was used to analyzed the data collected. The research is exploratory in nature; hence, a non-probability purposive sampling technique was used for the study. The finding of the research vindicated that real estate investment has a significant role in sharpening the economy of the region, and also the findings revealed that real estate investment opportunity is huge. And again for suggested that housing provision cannot be realized only by private individual excerpts through government intervention. The study concludes that real estate investment, if explore it will create a reliable return to the investment owners, the benefits that can be derived from real estate investment, has been revealed by this study. The study also highlighted that private developers are key important for real estate investment in Nigeria. The conclusion drawn by this research shows that real estate investment has a capacity of transforming economic hardship in the country
In-situ visualization of solute-driven phase coexistence within individual nanorods
No full textNanorods are promising components of energy and information storage devices that rely on solute-driven phase transformations, due to their large surface-To-volume ratio and ability to accommodate strain. Here we investigate the hydrogen-induced phase transition in individual penta-Twinned palladium nanorods of varying aspect ratios with 3 nm spatial resolution to understand the correlation between nanorod structure and thermodynamics. We find that the hydrogenated phase preferentially nucleates at the rod tips, progressing along the length of the nanorods with increasing hydrogen pressure. While nucleation pressure is nearly constant for all lengths, the number of phase boundaries is length-dependent, with stable phase coexistence always occurring for rods longer than 55 nm. Moreover, such coexistence occurs within individual crystallites of the nanorods and is accompanied by defect formation, as supported by in situ electron microscopy and elastic energy calculations. These results highlight the effect of particle shape and dimension on thermodynamics, informing nanorod design for improved device cyclability. © 2018 The Author(s).</p
Leachate treatment using up-flow anaerobic sludge blanket system
No full textLeachate is one of the major problems to overcome in managing the landfill. Low cost treatment, less maintenance and environmental friendly are the target on how to treat the leachate. This research focused on the effectiveness of Up-flow Anaerobic Sludge Blanket on leachate treatment. This study was carried out upon treatment of leachate by using Up-flow Anaerobic Sludge Blanket through reactor tank in lab-scale. Without a proper treatment, leachate will give a negative effect to the environment and become pollutant. This research is determining percentage nutrient removal on leachate. The leachate characteristic also been investigated. The main parameters evaluations are Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), Total Suspended Solid (TSS), Total Nitrogen (TN) and Total Phosphorus (TP). Experiments were run in duration of 30 days were sample for test had been taken each 3 days. Results show that the capability of UASB in the removal several parameters. This UASB had a greater ability in removal of Total Phosphorus and TSS with 89% and 81% respectively. For COD, BOD and TN, the values are 74%, 64% and 50%. Based on these results, it clearly shows that UASB capable to remove physical and chemical properties of leachate
Recommended from our members
Anterior or Posterior Prostate Cancer Tumor Nodule Location Predicts Likelihood of Certain Adverse Outcomes at Radical Prostatectomy
No full textContext.—
Effect of tumor nodule (TN) location in the prostate on adverse radical prostatectomy (RP) outcomes is not well studied in contemporary cohort.
Objective.—
To investigate the significance of TN location with respect to extraprostatic extension (EPE), seminal vesicle invasion (SV+), and positive margin status (SM+) in 1388 RPs.
Design.—
Each TN at RP was independently graded, staged, and volumetrically assessed. TNs with at least 80% of their volume occupying either the anterior or posterior part of the prostate were categorized accordingly and included in our study, while all other TNs were excluded.
Results.—
A total of 3570 separate TNs (median = 3 per RP; range = 1–7 per RP) were scored. There were 1320 of 3570 (37%) anterior TNs and 2250 of 3570 (63%) posterior TNs. Posterior TNs were more likely to be higher grade, and exhibit EPE (18% versus 9.4%) and SV+ (4% versus 0.15%), all P < .001. Anterior TNs with EPE were more likely to exhibit SM+ than posterior TNs with EPE (62% versus 30.8%, P < .001). TN location, grade, and volume were significant factors associated with adverse RP outcomes in our univariable analysis. When we controlled for grade and tumor volume in a multivariable analysis using anterior TN location as a reference, posterior TN location was an independent predictor of EPE and SV+ and was less likely to be associated with SM+ (odds ratio = 3.1, 81.5, and 0.7, respectively).
Conclusions.—
These associations may be useful in preoperative surgical planning, particularly with respect to improving radiographic analysis of prostate cancer
Recommended from our members
Prostatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma Controlled for Cancer Grade and Tumor Volume Does Not Have an Independent Effect on Adverse Radical Prostatectomy Outcomes Compared to Usual Acinar Prostatic Adenocarcinoma
No full textTo study if prostatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) controlled by Grade Group (GG), PSA, and tumor volume (TV) is an independent predictor of adverse radical prostatectomy (RP) outcomes.One-hundred and twenty-eight PDA and 1141 acinar continuous RPs were studied. Each tumor nodule (TN) was individually graded, staged, and its TV measured. Univariate analysis (UVA) identified features associated with lymph node metastasis (LN+), extraprostatic extension (EPE), positive surgical margins (SM+), and seminal vesicle invasion (SV+). We then assessed PDA effect on RP outcomes in a multivariate analysis (MVA).In 127 cases PDA was present in 1 TN and no TN was pure PDA. One-hundred and twenty-three cases had PDA in TNs with highest grade, stage, and TV. Patients with PDA were older (65 vs 63 years, P < 0.001), had higher GG (P < 0.001), and LN+ (6.3% vs 2.7%, P = 0.049). Controlling these variables by GG eliminated statistical significance. Overall, there were 3249 separate TNs (129 PDA and 3120 acinar). In UVA, PDA predicted EPE (92/124 vs 517/3045), SV+ (28/1129 vs 116/3,120), and SM+ (51/129 vs 296/3120), all P < 0.001. In MVA, PDA lost its effect on EPE (OR = 0.88, P = 0.64), SM+ (OR = 0.86, P = 0.5), and SV+ (OR = 0.99, P = 0.98).Controlled for grade and TV, PDA was not an independent predictor of adverse RP outcomes, but former 2 were. Hence, higher GG and TV associated with PDA TNs may be predictive of adverse RP outcomes rather than PDA by itself. These conclusions may be used in preoperative risk stratification and definitive therapy planning when PDA is identified on needle biopsy
British Society of Gastroenterology guidelines on colorectal surveillance in inflammatory bowel disease
No full text\ua9 Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2025. Re-use permitted under CC BY-NC. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ Group.Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) remain at increased risk for colorectal cancer and death from colorectal cancer compared with the general population despite improvements in inflammation control with advanced therapies, colonoscopic surveillance and reductions in environmental risk factors. This guideline update from 2010 for colorectal surveillance of patients over 16 years with colonic inflammatory bowel disease was developed by stakeholders representing UK physicians, endoscopists, surgeons, specialist nurses and patients with GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation) methodological support. An a priori protocol was published describing the approach to three levels of statement: GRADE recommendations, good practice statements or expert opinion statements. A systematic review of 7599 publications, with appraisal and GRADE analysis of trials and network meta-analysis, where appropriate, was performed. Risk thresholding guided GRADE judgements. We made 73 statements for the delivery of an IBD colorectal surveillance service, including outcome standards for service and endoscopist audit, and the importance of shared decision-making with patients. Core areas include: risk of colorectal cancer, IBD-related post-colonoscopy colorectal cancer; service organisation and supporting patient concordance; starting and stopping surveillance, who should or should not receive surveillance; risk stratification, including web-based multivariate risk calculation of surveillance intervals; colonoscopic modalities, bowel preparation, biomarkers and artificial intelligence aided detection; chemoprevention; the role of non-conventional dysplasia, serrated lesions and non-targeted biopsies; management of dysplasia, both endoscopic and surgical, and the structure and role of the multidisciplinary team in IBD dysplasia management; training in IBD colonoscopic surveillance, sustainability (green endoscopy), cost-effectiveness and patient experience. Sixteen research priorities are suggested
The SOS-framework (Systems of Sedentary behaviours): An international transdisciplinary consensus framework for the study of determinants, research priorities and policy on sedentary behaviour across the life course: A DEDIPAC-study
No full text© 2016 The Author(s).Background: Ecological models are currently the most used approaches to classify and conceptualise determinants of sedentary behaviour, but these approaches are limited in their ability to capture the complexity of and interplay between determinants. The aim of the project described here was to develop a transdisciplinary dynamic framework, grounded in a system-based approach, for research on determinants of sedentary behaviour across the life span and intervention and policy planning and evaluation. Methods: A comprehensive concept mapping approach was used to develop the Systems Of Sedentary behaviours (SOS) framework, involving four main phases: (1) preparation, (2) generation of statements, (3) structuring (sorting and ranking), and (4) analysis and interpretation. The first two phases were undertaken between December 2013 and February 2015 by the DEDIPAC KH team (DEterminants of DIet and Physical Activity Knowledge Hub). The last two phases were completed during a two-day consensus meeting in June 2015. Results: During the first phase, 550 factors regarding sedentary behaviour were listed across three age groups (i.e., youths, adults and older adults), which were reduced to a final list of 190 life course factors in phase 2 used during the consensus meeting. In total, 69 international delegates, seven invited experts and one concept mapping consultant attended the consensus meeting. The final framework obtained during that meeting consisted of six clusters of determinants: Physical Health and Wellbeing (71 % consensus), Social and Cultural Context (59 % consensus), Built and Natural Environment (65 % consensus), Psychology and Behaviour (80 % consensus), Politics and Economics (78 % consensus), and Institutional and Home Settings (78 % consensus). Conducting studies on Institutional Settings was ranked as the first research priority. The view that this framework captures a system-based map of determinants of sedentary behaviour was expressed by 89 % of the participants. Conclusion: Through an international transdisciplinary consensus process, the SOS framework was developed for the determinants of sedentary behaviour through the life course. Investigating the influence of Institutional and Home Settings was deemed to be the most important area of research to focus on at present and potentially the most modifiable. The SOS framework can be used as an important tool to prioritise future research and to develop policies to reduce sedentary time
