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Mejer Forsyth posted an update 1 month, 3 weeks ago
RESULTS For classification/detection of pneumonia, area under the receiver-operator characteristic curve on frontal radiographs was 0.854 with a sensitivity of 82.8% and specificity of 72.6%. Using this strategy of neural network training, probability maps localized pneumonia to lung parenchyma for essentially all validation cases. For segmentation of pneumonia for positive cases, predicted probability maps had a mean Dice score (±SD) of 0.603±0.204, and 60.0% of these had a Dice score >0.5. CONCLUSIONS A “semantic segmentation” deep learning approach can provide a probabilistic map to assist in the diagnosis of pneumonia. In combination with the patient’s history, clinical findings and other imaging, this strategy may help expedite and improve diagnosis.In this review article, the current and future impact of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies on diagnostic imaging is discussed, with a focus on cardio-thoracic applications. The processing of imaging data is described at 4 levels of increasing complexity and wider implications. At the examination level, AI aims at improving, simplifying, and standardizing image acquisition and processing. Systems for AI-driven automatic patient iso-centering before a computed tomography (CT) scan, patient-specific adaptation of image acquisition parameters, and creation of optimized and standardized visualizations, for example, automatic rib-unfolding, are discussed. At the reading and reporting levels, AI focuses on automatic detection and characterization of features and on automatic measurements in the images. A recently introduced AI system for chest CT imaging is presented that reports specific findings such as nodules, low-attenuation parenchyma, and coronary calcifications, including automatic measurements of, for example, aortic diameters. At the prediction and prescription levels, AI focuses on risk prediction and stratification, as opposed to merely detecting, measuring, and quantifying images. An AI-based approach for individualizing radiation dose in lung stereotactic body radiotherapy is discussed. The digital twin is presented as a concept of individualized computational modeling of human physiology, with AI-based CT-fractional flow reserve modeling as a first example. Finally, at the cohort and population analysis levels, the focus of AI shifts from clinical decision-making to operational decisions.de Poli, RAB, Boullosa, DA, Malta, ES, Behm, D, Lopes, VHF, Barbieri, FA, and Zagatto, AM. Cycling performance enhancement after drop jumps may be attributed to postactivation potentiation and increased anaerobic capacity. J Strength Cond Res XX(X) 000-000, 2020-The study aimed to investigate the effects of drop jumps (DJs) on supramaximal cycling performance, anaerobic capacity (AC), electromyography, and fatigue. Thirty-eight recreational cyclists participated into 3 independent studies. In study 1 (n = 14), neuromuscular fatigue was assessed with the twitch interpolation technique. In study 2 (n = 16), the AC and metabolic contributions were measured with the maximal accumulated oxygen deficit method and the sum of the glycolytic and phosphagen pathways. In study 3 (n = 8), postactivation potentiation (PAP) induced by repeated DJs was evaluated. The DJ protocol was effective for significantly improving cycling performance by +9.8 and +7.4% in studies 1 and 2, respectively (p ≤ 0.05). No differences were observed in electromyography between conditions (p = 0.70); however, the force evoked by a doublet at low (10 Hz) and high frequencies (100 Hz) declined for control (-16.4 and -23.9%) and DJ protocols (-18.6 and -26.9%) (p less then 0.01). Force decline was greater in the DJ condition (p less then 0.03). Anaerobic capacity and glycolytic pathway contributions were +7.7 and +9.1% higher after DJ protocol (p = 0.01). Peak force during maximal voluntary contraction (+5.6%) and doublet evoked force at 100 Hz (+5.0%) were higher after DJs. The DJ protocol induced PAP, improved supramaximal cycling performance, and increased AC despite higher peripheral fatigue.PURPOSE OF REVIEW Genetic testing in male infertility is an essential part of the process of diagnosis. Genetic abnormalities, such as Y-chromosome microdeletion, chromosomal abnormalities and mutations for cystic fibrosis, can all negatively impact a male’s fertility and can be tested for during a fertility evaluation. Both Y-chromosome microdeletion and chromosomal abnormalities increase in prevalence as sperm concentrations decrease, and azoospermic men have the greatest frequency of genetic abnormalities. RECENT FINDINGS These genetic abnormalities can also be found in oligospermic men; however, on the basis of several recent studies, the prevalence of genetic abnormalities is lower in oligospermic men than previously thought. SUMMARY The current screening thresholds are devised from the previously determined prevalences and have not been revised based on the emerging data; thus, in this review of the literature, we will discuss this new evidence and whether screening thresholds should be changed.PURPOSE OF REVIEW Recently in October 2019 a Global Consensus Position on the use of Testosterone Therapy for Women was published. The use of testosterone and other agents for female sexual dysfunction (FSD) is an important topic for the urologist focusing on sexual health. This review describes the known causes for FSD, and discusses the role of androgens in this disorder, the evidence for using testosterone treatment, and other current and emerging therapies. RECENT FINDINGS A recent meta-analysis, published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology evaluated a total of 36 randomized control trials spanning 1990-2018 and includes a total of 8480 patients. selleck kinase inhibitor The primary findings were that testosterone therapy (TTh) increased sexual function including satisfactory sexual event frequency, sexual desire, pleasure, arousal, orgasm, responsiveness, and self-image when compared with either a placebo or drug-control (e.g., estrogen ± progestogen). In addition, TTh reduced sexual concerns and distress in postmenopausal women. Side effects included an increase in weight, acne, and hair growth, but there was no increase in serious adverse events. Importantly, TTh duration was greater than 12 weeks in all randomized control trials included in this meta-analysis. SUMMARY TTh is effective to treat FSD in postmenopausal women. More data is required to evaluate the long-term safety data on the effects of TTh on cardiovascular health, breast health, cognitive function, and the musculoskeletal system in women.