Technology and Health Care - Volume 29, issue 2

Authors: Koshiba, Hiroya | Maeshima, Etsuko

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Endothelial cells play an important role in the prevention of cardiovascular disease. OBJECTIVE: In this study, we examined the effects of transient aerobic exercise on peripheral endothelial function. METHODS: Twenty-seven healthy male college students were selected as subjects and randomly divided into two groups: 13 in the control group and 14 in the exercise group. The subjects in the exercise group had a 15-minute supine rest, followed by 30 minutes of cycling exercise at moderate intensity, while measuring the reactive hyperemia index (RHI), an indicator of endothelial function, before and after exercise. …The subjects in the control group had a 40-minute rest, during which RHI was measured with the same timing as in the exercise group. RESULTS: Two-factor analysis of variance revealed a statistically significant interaction effect. In the exercise group, RHI increased significantly after exercise. However, no significant change was observed in the control group. When RHI before exercise was compared between the two groups, no significant difference was found. However, RHI after exercise was significantly higher in the exercise group. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest that 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise may have a favorable impact on peripheral endothelial function. Show more

Keywords: Endothelial function, exercise, reactive hyperemia

DOI: 10.3233/THC-202281

Citation: Technology and Health Care, vol. 29, no. 2, pp. 317-322, 2021

Authors: Floerkemeier, Thilo | Arokiasamy, Romy | Budde, Stefan | Hurschler, Christof | Windhagen, Henning | von Lewinski, Gabriela | Gronewold, Jens

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: A short stem hip arthroplasty can be revised in many cases using a conventional stem. Furthermore, in some cases the implantation of a short stem is intended, but intraoperatively reasons may lead to the decision to implant a conventional stem after previous preparation of a short stem. OBJECTIVE: In both cases it is questionable if the anchorage of a conventional stem is negatively affected by the previous preparation of a short stem. In clinical practice mid- or long-term follow up for these special cases hardly exist. METHODS: The strain patterns for the …conventional Bicontact stem in primary implantation and after preparation of the proximal femur for a METHA short stem were tested biomechanically in three pairs of cadaveric femora. RESULTS: The strain patterns for the conventional Bicontact after preparation of the METHA short stem were similar to conditions after testing the conventional stem in primary conditions. CONCLUSIONS: These data lead to the consequence that in clinical practise the implantation of a conventional stem after preparation of a short stem and even after revision of a short stem is possible without increased risk of loosening or long-term stress-shielding. Show more

Keywords: Short stem hip arthroplasty (METHA), standard stem hip arthroplasty (Bicontact), biomechanical testing, strain gauges, strain pattern

DOI: 10.3233/THC-191940

Citation: Technology and Health Care, vol. 29, no. 2, pp. 323-331, 2021

Authors: Liu, Junwei | Wu, Siyu | Xie, Xiaoyu | Wang, Ziming | Lei, Qianqian

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to identify potential key microRNAs (miRNAs) in osteosarcoma and construct miRNA-mRNA negative regulatory networks through analysis of the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. METHODS: The differentially expressed miRNAs (DE-miRNAs) in GSE28423 were screened, and their prognostic value was assessed with the prognostic data of GSE39058. The target genes of prognostic DE-miRNAs were predicted and underwent Gene Ontology (GO) classification and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis. In addition, the expression of all predicted target genes were assessed using the mRNA array data of GSE28424. Finally, the gene-drug interaction network …was constructed. RESULTS: We identified 205 DE-miRNAs between osteosarcoma cells and normal bone. Among them, high expression of miR-411-3p and miR-487b-5p were correlated with prolonged survival. Furthermore, 2659 genes predicted as targets of miR-411-3p or miR-487b-5p were clustered in 42 significant GO categories, including “regulation of neurotransmitter secretion” and “phosphoprotein binding”, as well as 23 significant KEGG pathways, such as “MAPK signaling pathway” and “Ras signaling pathway”. Five of the 75 overlapping target genes of miR-411-3p and miR-487b-5p were downregulated in osteosarcoma, including ZBTB20, ADAMTS4, GLIPR2, CLIC5 and CBX7. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings might help clarify molecular mechanisms underlying the oncogenesis and development, and offer potential targets for osteosarcoma. Show more

Keywords: Osteosarcoma, differentially expressed miRNAs, target gene, bioinformatic analysis

DOI: 10.3233/THC-202138

Citation: Technology and Health Care, vol. 29, no. 2, pp. 333-341, 2021

Authors: Greiner, Axel | Bongartz, Anne | Woiczinski, Matthias | Befrui, Nima | Pieske, Oliver | Suero, Eduardo M. | Bruder, Jan | Kammerlander, Christian | Böcker, Wolfgang | Becker, Christopher A.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty are now well-established methods for treating compression fractures of vertebral bodies (AO type A) as well as vertebral body metastases [1 , 2 , 3 ]. However, polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) augmented vertebrae show fractures of subsequent vertebral bodies due to the increased stability of the augmented vertebral body [4 ]. Resorbable cements are currently only used experimentally. Many commercially available resorbable calcium phosphate cements do not exhibit sufficient biomechanical stability to treat vertebral body fractures [5 ]. Resomer C212 © (Evonik Industries AG, Essen, Germany) is a slow resorbable poly-ε -caprolactone that has …low melting temperatures and good biomechanical properties. OBJECTIVE: This is a feasibility study on how the poly-ε -caprolactone Resomer C212 © can be used for kypho- or vertebroplasty, what temperatures are used in the argumentation and how differences in load capacity are measurable compared to conventional PMMA cement. METHODS: 23 Sawbones © blocks (7.5 Open Cell Foam, SKU: 1522-09, laminated on both sides, 4 × 4 × 2.9 cm, Sawbones, Vashon Island, USA) were divided into three groups: 7 without augmentation, 8 augmented with PMMA cement Traumacem V+ © (DePuy Synthes, West Chester, USA) and 8 augmented with Resomer C212 © . Temperature measurements were made in a 37 ∘ C water bath centrally in the block and on the top and bottom plates. This was followed by a maximum load of up to 2000 N using a universal testing machine (Instron E 10000, Instron Industrial Products, Grove City, USA). RESULTS: In the Resomer C212 © test group, the maximum average increase in temperature was 4.15 ± 4.72 ∘ C central, 0.3 ± 0.31 ∘ C at the top and 0.78 ± 1.27 ∘ C at the base. In the cement test group, the average increase in temperature was 9.80 ± 10.65 ∘ C centrally in the test block, 1.50 ± 0.73 ∘ C at the top plate and 1.42 ± 0.66 ∘ C and the base plate. In the axial compression test, the 7 non-kyphoplasted test blocks showed a first loading peak on average at 275.23 ± 80.98 N, a rigidity of 238.47 ± 71.01 N/mm 2 . In the Traumacem V+ © group, the mean peak load was 313.72 ± 46.26 N and rigidity was 353.45 ± 77.23 N/mm 2 . The Resomer C212 © group achieved a peak load of 311.74 ± 52.05 N and a stiffness of 311.30 ± 126.63 N/mm 2 . A compression to 50% could not be seen in any test block under the load of 2000 N. At 2000 N, Traumacem V+ © ’s average height reduction was 9.26 ± 2.16 mm and Resomer C212 © was 10.93 ± 0.81 mm. CONCLUSIONS: It has been shown that the application of Resomer C212 © in kyphoplasty or vertebroplasty is well feasible. Thermal analysis showed significantly lower temperatures and shorter temperature application in the Resomer C212 © group. In the biomechanical load up to 2000 N no significant differences could be observed between the individual groups. Show more

Keywords: Kyphoplasty, resomer, resorbable, vertebral fracture, biomechanics

DOI: 10.3233/THC-202159

Citation: Technology and Health Care, vol. 29, no. 2, pp. 343-350, 2021

Authors: Zhang, Qing | Wang, Linjun

Article Type: Case Report

Abstract: Due to the lack of typical clinical manifestations, the incomplete Kawasaki disease (KD) is easily misdiagnosed and missed. The sudden death risk in incomplete KD cases is similar to typical KD. In this study, we report a case of a 1-year-old boy who died suddenly without any warning after incomplete KD. The boy was admitted due to fever and a cough, with preliminary diagnosis of acute severe bronchial pneumonia, but no typical KD characteristics. After antibiotics and supportive treatment, the condition worsened. Finally, the boy died after the ineffective rescue. The pathology revealed that the boy suffered from incomplete KD. …From this case, we experience that, when infants or children have a long-lasting fever, the possibility of KD should not be ignored. In addition, when managing such patients, the frequency of heart ultrasound should be increased as appropriate. Show more

Keywords: Incomplete Kawasaki disease, sudden death, boy, experience

DOI: 10.3233/THC-192010

Citation: Technology and Health Care, vol. 29, no. 2, pp. 351-355, 2021

Authors: Yeo, In Hwan | Kim, Changho | Kim, Jong Kun

Article Type: Case Report

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Status epilepticus (SE) as the initial presentation of aortic dissection in the absence of chest pain is very rare. We report a case of aortic dissection (AD), which presented as SE with markedly elevated levels of D-dimer, a reliable and sensitive index of fibrin deposition and stabilization. CASE REPORT: A 74-year-old Asian woman presented to the emergency department (ED) with an altered mental state following three consecutive generalized tonic-clonic seizures at home. Her initial vital signs were normal, and the head CT scan was non-informative. Most of the laboratory results were normal, but the D-dimer …levels were markedly elevated. About 90 minutes after arriving at the ED, the patient developed another tonic-clonic seizure for about three-four minutes. Emergent chest CT revealed type A AD with hemopericardium. During preparation for the emergency operation, the patient suffered a cardiac arrest. Despite performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) for 35 minutes, the patient died. CONCLUSIONS: The goal of this case report is to make clinicians aware of the possibility that new-onset SE with elevated D-dimer levels can be an indication of acute AD type A in the absence of typical symptoms. Show more

Keywords: Status epilepticus, type A aortic dissection, D-dimer

DOI: 10.3233/THC-202309

Citation: Technology and Health Care, vol. 29, no. 2, pp. 357-360, 2021

Article Type: Editorial

DOI: 10.3233/THC-202658

Citation: Technology and Health Care, vol. 29, no. 2, pp. 361-, 2021

Authors: Zhi, Zhang | Qing, Meng

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Medical patients can be diagnosed early, however it is difficult to extract effective features in medical image segmentation based on semantic information. OBJECTIVE: A deep learning based image pixel block feature learning technology is studied in this paper. METHODS: The unlabeled image block sample training stack noise reduction automatic encoder is used to learn and extract the deep features of the image, and construct the initial depth neural network model. The labeled samples are used to fine-tune the initial depth neural network model, the deep features of the image correspond to the …category, and the depth neural network model with classification function is obtained. The model is used to classify the pixel block samples in the segmented image and detect the initial segmentation region of brain tumor tissue. Finally, threshold segmentation and morphological methods are used to optimize the initial results to obtain accurate segmentation results of brain tumor tissue. RESULTS: The results show that this method can effectively improve the accuracy and sensitivity of segmentation. The running speed is also greatly improved compared with the traditional machine learning method. Show more

Keywords: Deep learning, intelligent medical image, feature extraction method

DOI: 10.3233/THC-202638

Citation: Technology and Health Care, vol. 29, no. 2, pp. 363-379, 2021

Authors: Xu, Feng | Huang, Jia

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Grape seed proanthocyanidin extract (GSPE) has a certain resistance to contrast light, which makes the boundary of the imaging image unclear. OBJECTIVE: Because of this, an image processing algorithm is needed to process the contrast image to study the role of GSPE in the process of anti-ultraviolet. METHODS: In this paper, the fuzzy edges of contrast images were processed by deep learning algorithm, and the changes of VEGF and PEDF expression in HaCaT cells before and after UVA irradiation and after GSPE intervention were studied. RESULTS: The experiment results …show that after processing, the edge and boundary of the image become clear and separable, which can be used to compare and analyze the test process. The image comparison results show that GSPE can down regulate the expression of VEGF gene and protein, and up regulate the expression of PEDF gene and protein. The synergistic effect of GSPE and GSPE can inhibit angiogenesis. It is confirmed that GSPE has the effect of anti-ultraviolet ray induced early angiogenesis. Show more

Keywords: HaCaT cells, SURF, deep learning, binary image

DOI: 10.3233/THC-202655

Citation: Technology and Health Care, vol. 29, no. 2, pp. 381-391, 2021

Authors: Li, Xufang | Wu, Zhong | Zhang, Fang | Qu, Deqiang

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Many medical image processing problems can be translated into solving the optimization models. In reality, there are lots of nonconvex optimization problems in medical image processing. OBJECTIVE: In this paper, we focus on a special class of robust nonconvex optimization, namely, robust optimization where given the parameters, the objective function can be expressed as the difference of convex functions. METHODS: We present the necessary condition for optimality under general assumptions. To solve this problem, a sequential robust convex optimization algorithm is proposed. RESULTS: We show that the new algorithm …is globally convergent to a stationary point of the original problem under the general assumption about the uncertain set. The application of medical image enhancement is conducted and the numerical result shows its efficiency. Show more

Keywords: Medical image processing, robust nonconvex optimization, sequential robust convex optimization algorithm, medical image enhancement

DOI: 10.3233/THC-202656

Citation: Technology and Health Care, vol. 29, no. 2, pp. 393-405, 2021

Authors: Liu, Jie | Zhao, Hongbo

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Convolution neural network is often superior to other similar algorithms in image classification. Convolution layer and sub-sampling layer have the function of extracting sample features, and the feature of sharing weights greatly reduces the training parameters of the network. OBJECTIVE: This paper describes the improved convolution neural network structure, including convolution layer, sub-sampling layer and full connection layer. This paper also introduces five kinds of diseases and normal eye images reflected by the blood filament of the eyeball “yan.mat” data set, convenient to use MATLAB software for calculation. METHODSL: In this paper, …we improve the structure of the classical LeNet-5 convolutional neural network, and design a network structure with different convolution kernels, different sub-sampling methods and different classifiers, and use this structure to solve the problem of ocular bloodstream disease recognition. RESULTS: The experimental results show that the improved convolutional neural network structure is ideal for the recognition of eye blood silk data set, which shows that the convolution neural network has the characteristics of strong classification and strong robustness. The improved structure can classify the diseases reflected by eyeball bloodstain well. Show more

Keywords: Convolution neural network, image processing, self-learning, back-propagation algorithm

DOI: 10.3233/THC-202657

Citation: Technology and Health Care, vol. 29, no. 2, pp. 407-417, 2021