A Review of Machine Learning Techniques for Keratoconus Detection and Refractive Surgery Screening

ABSTRACT

Various machine learning techniques have been developed for keratoconus detection and refractive surgery screening. These techniques utilize inputs from a range of corneal imaging devices and are built with automated decision trees, support vector machines, and various types of neural networks. In general, these techniques demonstrate very good differentiation of normal and keratoconic eyes, as well as good differentiation of normal and form fruste keratoconus. However, it is difficult to directly compare these studies, as keratoconus represents a wide spectrum of disease. More importantly, no public dataset exists for research purposes. Despite these challenges, machine learning in keratoconus detection and refractive surgery screening is a burgeoning field of study, with significant potential for continued advancement as imaging devices and techniques become more sophisticated.     

Patient preference for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) treatment inhalers: a discrete choice experiment in France

Objectives: Understanding inhaler preferences may contribute to improving adherence in COPD patients and improving long-term outcomes. This study aims to identify and quantify preferences for convenience-related inhaler attributes in French moderate-to-severe COPD patients, with discrete choice experiment (DCE) methodology.

Methods: Attributes were defined from a literature search, clinician and patient interviews: shape, dose insertion, dose preparation, dose release, dose confirmation, dose counter and reusability. An online DCE was conducted in respondents with self-reported COPD stage 2–4 recruited through a panel. The study questionnaire included twelve choice scenarios per respondent and questions on patient characteristics, treatment and disease severity. Statistical analyses used a mixed logit regression model with random effects. Utility scores were estimated for four types of inhalers: Inhaler A – soft mist inhaler; Inhaler B – reusable soft mist inhaler; Inhaler C – multi-dose dry powder inhaler; and Inhaler D – single dose dry powder inhaler.

Results: The study was completed by 153 patients (50 females); respondents were 50.4?years old on average; 13 different inhaler devices were reported. The most preferred inhaler is L-shaped, has dose preparation with capsule insertion and a dose counter, and is reusable. Inhaler profiles A and B had the highest utilities (mean of 1.2533 and 0.9578 respectively) compared to inhaler C (0.6315) and D (0.2200).

Conclusions: This study showed statistically significant results that the strongest drivers of preference in French users of inhalation devices for COPD are shape, dose counter and reusability. Convenience-related characteristics are important to patients and should be taken into account by clinicians prescribing these devices.     

Is the endovascular embolization of tributaries of the internal iliac veins essential in the treatment of isolated pelvic-perineal reflux?

Aim: The aim of study was to investigate the opportunities of local phlebectomy in the elimination of isolated pelvic-perineal reflux (PPR), as well as to determine the feasibility of endovascular embolization of the tributaries of internal iliac veins in PPR. Clinical trial no. NCT01598051.

Materials and methods: The work is based on the results of examination and treatment of 43 female patients with varicose veins of the pelvis, perineum, and lower extremities. Patients had no signs of pelvic congestion syndrome (PCS). All patients underwent duplex ultrasound scanning (DUS) and ovariography with pelvic phlebography (OPP). For the elimination of PPR, local phlebectomy was performed in the major labia and perineal area, with maximal possible mobilization of the vessel within the operative wound (33 patients). In 10 patients with isolated varicose transformation of the superficial veins on the posterior thigh, mini-phlebectomy was performed using the Varady phlebectomy extractors.

Results and discussion: The varicose syndrome of the external genitalia, perineum, and posterior thigh was successfully treated in 100% of patients. Findings suggest that thorough mobilization and excision of the veins of the pudendal labia, perineum, and subcutaneous veins of the thigh is a reliable method for eliminating the pathological reflux from the intrapelvic veins to the superficial veins of the perineum and lower extremities. No recurrences of vulvar, perineal varices or dilation of the veins of the lower extremities were observed in 100% of patients over the 3-year follow-up period.

Conclusion: Local phlebectomy is an effective technique for eliminating the isolated PPR in patients with varicose transformation of intrapelvic, vulvar, or perineal veins. Endovascular embolization of the tributaries of the internal iliac veins is not an essential component in the treatment of PPR. The present study has a limitation due to the absence of patients with PCS. The effectiveness of phlebectomy in the treatment of isolated PPR was studied.     

Differentiated Thyroid Cancer in Children: A UK Multicentre Review and Review of the Literature

Aims

To obtain an overview of the management and outcomes of children aged 18 years or younger diagnosed with differentiated thyroid carcinoma of follicular cell origin across the UK, by collecting and analysing data from the limited number of centres treating these patients. This multicentre data might provide a more realistic perspective than single-institution series.

Association of Multiple Plasma Biomarker Concentrations with Progression of Prevalent Diabetic Kidney Disease: Findings from the Chronic Renal Insufficiency Cohort (CRIC) Study

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《伤寒论》治疗头痛八法简析

头痛是内科临床常见病证,张仲景在<伤寒论>中对头痛病机、症状、治法、方药作了详尽的论述,对临床治疗头痛有较强的指导作用.现将其整理归纳为治疗八法.