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A 75-year-old nonsmoker and nonalcoholic female, known to have squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck metastasized to the lungs, was found to have a mass at the right hilar/infra-hilar region and an unusual pattern of increased mild diffuse 18-fluorodeoxyglucose (18-FDG) uptake at the right mid-lower lobe location without any lung parenchymal abnormalities (confirmed by low dose CT scan of PET-CT). It was suspected to be the lymphangitic spread of the neoplasm; however, spectral detector CT (SDCT) imaging performed later not only confirmed the presence of a mass invading the right inferior pulmonary vein but showed a large area of significantly decreased perfusion in the right middle and lower lung lobes, leading to a change in the diagnosis to right pulmonary venous occlusion.

Background: Data pertaining to dual malignancies in the geriatric population are not only sparse but also heterogeneous. The present study evaluated the pattern of care for geriatric dual malignancy patients at a tertiary care center. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively collected data from all dual malignancy patients of and above the age of 65 years registered in the radiation oncology department of a single tertiary care center. Results: 456 geriatric cancer patients were registered between January 2019 and July 2021,out of which 48 patients had dual malignancy (10.5%). The distribution of index malignancy was six (12.5%) patients each of carcinoma oropharynx and prostate. Thirty-two (66.7%) patients developed metachronous malignancies. The mean difference in the development of the second malignancy was 3.4 years. Eleven (22.9%) patients developed carcinoma lung as a second malignancy. The primary treatment received by 38 (79.2%) patients was radical. Conclusion: Geriatric patients with synchronous malignancies pose a therapeutic challenge and the decision is achieved by a multidisciplinary approach.

Purpose: To assess the visual and clinical outcomes after bilateral implantation of the novel extended depth of focus (EDOF) (AcrySof IQ Vivity) intraocular lens (IOL) using a micromonovision strategy. Methods: This was a prospective interventional study at a tertiary care center. Twenty patients (40 eyes) underwent bilateral implantation of AcrySof IQ Vivity IOL. Twelve weeks postoperatively, both uncorrected vision and corrected vision were assessed. Uniocular and binocular defocus curves with and without correction were noted subjectively as well as objectively on I-trace. Contrast sensitivity was assessed with a FACT (Functional Acuity Contrast Testing) machine, and objective parameters like modulation transfer function and Strehl ratio were also measured on I-Trace. Subjective quality of vision using a subjective questionnaire was also evaluated. Results: The mean binocular postoperative uncorrected distance visual acuity in LogMAR was -0.03 ± 0.09, the uncorrected intermediate visual acuity was 0.03 ± 0.09, and the uncorrected near visual acuity was 0.28 ± 0.18. All defocus curves were smooth and broad with the uncorrected defocus curve (with the micromonovision strategy) better than the corrected defocus curve. The subjective depth of focus (DOF = 3.73) was more than objective DOF (1.93) (P < 0.05). Photopic contrast was better than mesopic at all frequencies. All aberrations increased at 5 mm pupil size compared to 3 mm pupil size and were statistically significant, except for the total eye spherical aberration, which shows no significant difference at 3 mm and 5 mm pupil size (P = 0.27). Spectacle independence for distance, intermediate, and near was achieved in 100%, 94.7%, and 94.7% cases in this study, respectively. Conclusions: Using the micromonovision strategy, the visual performance of this novel EDOF IOL was outstanding both subjectively and objectively.

Introduction: Traumatic hemothorax is accounted for about 20% of traumatic chest injuries. Although majority can be managed with the timely placement of intercostal tube (ICT) drainage, the remaining pose a challenge owing to high complication rates associated with retained hemothorax. Although various treatment modalities including intrapleural instillation of fibrinolytics, radioimage guided drainage, VATS guided evacuation and thoractomy do exist to address the retained hemothorax, but indications along with timing to employ a specific treatment option is still unclear and ambiguous. Methods: Patient with residual hemothorax (>200 mL) on ultrasonography after 48 h of indwelling ICT was randomized into either early video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) or conventional approach cohort. Early VATS cohort was subjected to video-assisted thoracoscopic evacuation of undrained blood along with normal saline irrigation and ICT placement. The conventional cohort underwent intrapleural thrombolytic instillation for 3 consecutive days. The outcome measures were the duration of indwelling ICT, removal rate of tube thoracostomy, length of hospital stay, duration of intensive care unit (ICU) monitoring, need for mechanical ventilation, incidence of pulmonary and pleural complications, and requirement of additional intervention to address undrained hemothorax and mortality rate. Results: The early VATS cohort had shorter length of hospital stay (7.50 ± 0.85 vs. 9.50 ± 3.03, P = 0.060), reduced duration of indwelling ICT (6.70 ± 1.25 vs. 8.30 ± 2.91, P = 0.127) with higher rate of tube thoracostomy removal (70% vs. 30%, P = 0.003) and lesser need of additional interventions (0% vs. 30%, P = 0.105). Thoracotomy (3 patients) and image-guided drainage (4 patients) were additional interventions to address retained hemothorax in the conventional cohort. However, similar length of ventilator assistance (0.7 ± 0.48 vs. 0.60 ± 1.08, P = 0.791) and prolonged ICU monitoring (1.30 ± 1.06 vs. 0.90 ± 1.45, P = 0.490) was observed in early VATS cohort. Both the cohorts had no mortality. Conclusion: VATS-guided early evacuation of traumatic hemothorax is associated with shorter length of hospital stay along with abbreviated indwelling ICT duration, reduced incidence of complications, lesser readmissions, and improved rate of tube thoracostomy removal. However, the duration of ventilator requirement, ICU stay, and mortality remain unchanged.

Introduction: Colorectal Cancer (CRC) has been primarily considered a disease of the elderly, but recent data have shown an alarming rise among young people. It has also been suggested that young age is associated with aggressive histopathological characteristics and advanced stages of the disease at diagnosis. Aim: To assess and compare the clinical and pathological characteristics of patients with rectal cancer diagnosed at ages over and below 45 years. Materials and Method: This prospective cross-sectional study was conducted between January 2020 and August 2022 in the Departments of Surgical, Medical, Radiation Oncology, Surgical Gastroenterology, and General Surgery at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Rishikesh, Uttarakand, India. All patients underwent a biopsy from the representative site for histological documentation of the disease. They then underwent treatment (surgery/chemotherapy/radiotherapy) as required. All the data were categorised into two groups: an early-onset group (age

Introduction Evidence on the prevalence of foot problems among people with diabetes in India at a national level is lacking. Hence, this study was aimed to assess the burden of high-risk (HR) feet in people with diabetes across India.Research design and methods A cross-sectional national-level project ‘Save the Feet and Keep Walking’ campaign was conducted by the Research Society for the Study of Diabetes in India (RSSDI) from July 10, 2022 to August 10, 2022. A modified version of 3 min foot examination was used to assess the foot problems. Around 10 000 doctors with RSSDI membership were trained online to conduct foot screening and provided a standardised monofilament for detection of loss of protective sensation. People with diabetes aged >18 years who visited the clinics during the study period were examined for foot problems. Data were collected online using the semi-structured questionnaire. A total of 33 259 participants with complete information were included for the final analysis. The foot at risk was categorised based on International Working Group on the Diabetic Foot guidelines 2023.Results Nearly 75% of the participants were aged above 45 years. Around 49% had diabetes duration >5 years and uncontrolled diabetes (hemoglobin A1c >8%). Presence of history of foot ulcer (20%), lower limb amputation (15.3%), foot deformities (24.5%) and absence of diminished dorsal pedis and posterior tibial pulses (26.4%) was noted in the study participants. Around 25.2% of them had HR feet and highly prevalent among males. Diabetic kidney and retinal complications were present in 70% and 75.5% of people with HR feet. Presence of heel fissures (OR (95% CI) 4.6 (4.2 to 5.1)) and callus or corns (OR (95% CI) 3.6 (3.3 to 4.0)) were significantly associated with HR feet.Conclusions One-fourth of people with diabetes were found to have HR feet in India. The findings are suggestive of regular screening of people with diabetes for foot problems and strengthening of primary healthcare.

Chest wall reconstruction poses significant challenges. One of those challenges is choosing the correct material for reconstruction. There is debate on using prosthetic materials versus autologous tissues and rigid versus nonrigid materials. This article showcases the novel use of fascia lata for chest wall reconstruction in children.

Prostatic adenocarcinoma is the most common type of cancer in men, with subsequent lesions most commonly occurring in the lymph nodes, bones, and lungs.1,2 We discuss the clinical case of a 59-year-old man who presented after radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer with a unilateral metastasis in the right testis. Metastases to the testis are uncommon, occurring in less than 4% of cases.2,3 This kind of metastasis is usually unilateral, manifesting as a palpable testicular mass, and rarely involves both the testis and the epididymis.1,2 Secondary neoplasms of the testis are found in around 2.5% of autopsies, including nonneoplastic fatalities.2 Most secondary testicular metastases develop from distant primary locations, the most prevalent of which are the lung, prostate, and gastrointestinal tract.2 Testicular metastases can occur in up to 4% of all prostate cancer cases and are frequently discovered by chance following orchiectomy therapy for advanced disease.4 In general, advanced prostate cancer metastases to the pelvic lymph nodes, bones, lungs, and liver are common; however, few of these patients have clinically evident testicular metastasis.4,5 Secondary neoplasms of the testis are uncommon, with a reported rate of 0.02-2.5%, except leukemia and lymphoma infiltration.2,3 The prostate is the most common site of testicular metastases (15%), followed by the lung, melanomas, skin, colon, and kidney.1,2 However, most testicular metastases of prostate cancer were discovered after examining a significant number of testes from patients who had tumors removed during therapeutic orchiectomies.2,4 Lung cancer (43%), malignant melanoma (20%), pancreatic cancer (10%), and prostate cancer (10%) are among cancers that can spread to the testes.4,5 However, the great majority of metastases are lesions detected by chance following an autopsy or bilateral orchiectomy for Prostatic Cancer hormonal treatment.3 A testicular tumor revealing clinical recurrence is highly unusual. Bubendorf et al.1 discovered testicular metastases in just 0.5% of 1,589 prostate carcinoma autopsy reports. He also suggests a backward metastatic channel through prostate veins in addition to the typical hematogenous tumor spread via the vena cava. Overall, four routes have been hypothesized for the propagation of the lesions to the testis: retrograde venous extension, retrograde lymphatic extension, arterial embolism, and through the lumen of the vas deferens.1 Patients with symptomatic isolated post-prostatectomy testicular metastases can live for a surprisingly long time after orchidectomy without further development. This phenomenon may be linked to cytoreduction.1,2 The ability to manage the malignant process locally is an undeniable clinical benefit for patients undergoing orchiectomy. Given that this method of treatment is easy, safe, and associated with few problems, all patients with isolated prostatic cancer testicular metastases should be considered candidates for metastasectomy.4,5 The histological features of prostate cancer testicular metastases are similar to those of original prostate tumors; however, histology may show a more aggressive phenotype with a significant probability of future disease spreading and, thus, worse survival.3,4 Weitzner4 found that patients with newly diagnosed testicular metastases from prostate cancer had a median survival of roughly 12 months.1,2 Other studies, on the other hand, have documented survival of more than two years without biochemical relapses. As a result, the predictive impact of testicular metastases from prostate cancer is yet unknown, owing to the rarity of the incidence.2 Testicular metastasis from prostate carcinoma is an uncommon manifestation of advanced disease.2 It often presents with testicular pain, swelling, or a palpable mass and can mimic primary testicular neoplasms. Clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion, especially in patients with a history of prostate carcinoma. Prompt diagnosis through imaging studies and histopathological confirmation is essential for appropriate management and prognosis.3,4 This case underscores the importance of considering testicular metastasis in the differential diagnosis of testicular masses, particularly in patients with a history of prostate carcinoma. A multidisciplinary approach is crucial for optimal management and improving patient outcomes. Early recognition and timely intervention are paramount in managing metastatic disease and improving quality of life. Figure 1 refers to a 59-year-old male patient presented to our hospital with an elevated serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level of >100 ng/ml. He had been on regular follow-up with urology for surveillance of prostate cancer recurrence. He had undergone a radical prostatectomy two years ago with Gleason grade group 5. Scrotal ultrasound showed a hypoechoic mass involving the right testicle with increased vascularity, suggesting a neoplastic lesion. Hence, the patient was planned for a bilateral orchidectomy. The patient underwent bilateral inguinal orchiectomy without any complications. Macroscopic examination of the right resected testis revealed a solid yellowish-white tumor of 0.5 × 0.5 cm. Histopathological analysis showed that the right testis was infiltrated by metastatic adenocarcinoma. Immunohistochemical examination revealed that tumor cells were diffusely positive for PSA and Alpha (α)-methylacyl-CoA racemase (AMACR). The patient was diagnosed with right testicular metastasis of Prostatic Carcinoma. The patient had an uneventful postoperative recovery. The patient was scheduled for regular follow-up appointments to monitor disease progression. Serial PSA levels and imaging studies were planned to look for disease status. Figure 1 A – Gross view of the right orchidectomy showing a small nodular metastatic deposit in tunica albuginea from the prostate cancer; B, C and D are photomicrographs of the tumor and testicle parenchyma; B – shows normal testicular seminiferous tubules along with presence of metastatic tumor deposit in the wall of testis (Tunica albuginea) (H&E x100); C – These tumor cells are immunopositive for prostate specific antigen (PSA 40X); D – The tumor cells are also positive for Alpha-methylacyl-CoA racemase (AMACR 200X).:

Calvarial haemangiomas are benign, vascular tumours of the skull involving parietal and frontal bones. Mostly these lesions remain asymptomatic, and present with cosmetic deformity, headache, uncommon neurological symptoms and reported as case reports and case series. The radiological appearance can range from sessile growing intradiploically to globular and the lesions may extend outwards or inwards after eroding the outer and inner tables of the skull. “Sunburst appearance” and “Wagon-wheel sign” are classical radiological findings but the lesions may present simply as a lytic expansile or even sclerotic calvarial mass. Because of varied clinical presentation and atypical radiological characteristics, the final diagnosis can be clinched by histology only. In selected cases where these lesions are not cosmetically acceptable, en bloc resection with tumour free margins followed by cranioplasty is the treatment of choice. Most reports of calvarial haemangiomas in literature are in the form of case reports.

Due to their ability to wipe out pathogens, botanical medicines have been historically used to effectively combat severe ailments throughout time immemorial. Furthermore, owing to the limitations of current medical approaches, investigators have begun looking into generating fresh formulations that have enhanced antioxidant and antimicrobial capabilities. These activities of combination generated from the fruit and seed of medicinal plants were collected in this investigation from different geographical areas for determining antioxidant and antimicrobial activity. One of the medicinal plants, i.e., Zanthoxylum armatum, belongs to the family Rutaceae and has medicinal values as mentioned in the literature. The objective of our study is to analyse the antimicrobial and antioxidant potential of formulations (fruits and seeds with different proportions) from district Bageshwar (location Shama Dura) against specific pathogens. In order to achieve the objective, fruits and seeds of Zanthoxylum armatum were examined through Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and estimated in vitro for their synergistic antibacterial potential against three pathogenic microorganisms: Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus using disc-diffusion assays. In addition, antioxidant activity was also performed using 2,2-diphenylpicrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and estimating its phenolic and total flavonoid content. The results of these studies showed that the maximum zone of inhibition was observed in formulation (40:60; 9–11 mm), whereas the least was observed in formulation (20:80; 3–4 mm) against different bacterial strains. In addition, the formulated samples of fruit and seed combinations may have shown higher antioxidant activity (86.37%), total phenolic (416.2 mg GAE/g) and total flavonoid (166.4 mg rutin/g) content. In contrast, FTIR was used to detect the presence of functional groups in the formulated fruit and seed of Zanthoxylum armatum. According to the aforesaid finding, the formulation shows strong antibacterial and antioxidant action without compromising cell viability.

The performance of piezoelectric-based stick-slip actuators is intricately influenced by the interplay between key design and operating parameters such as the electrical driving signal, mechanical architecture, inertia, and frictional contact. Fostering an interdisciplinary approach towards a holistic understanding of their dynamic behavior is crucial to maximise an actuator's performance. Therefore, considering the significant role of friction, this research investigates its effect and interaction with the operating frequency on the actuator's performance, using dynamic finite element analysis as a proof of concept. The analysis is supported by experimental verification using various material couplings in an actuator prototype. The study reveals that at low operating frequencies, actuator with a low-friction interface achieve greater displacements compared to those with higher friction. Interestingly, at elevated frequencies, the displacements become comparable across interfaces with different friction coefficients. The findings suggest that both load capacity and displacement can be enhanced by selecting material pairs with higher friction coefficients at higher frequencies, while those with lower friction coefficients would be more promising for precise positioning, with low initiation frequencies. Therefore, this research introduces a novel approach for optimizing actuator performance by tuning contact dynamics across the operating frequency spectrum, offering insights into the design and development of piezoelectric-based stick-slip actuators.

Gallbladder cancers are the most common biliary tract malignancies in the world. Adenocarcinoma constitutes the most common histology in gallbladder cancer. Neuroendocrine neoplasms of the gallbladder account for about 0.5% of all neuroendocrine neoplasms and 2.1% of all gallbladder tumors. They are rare tumors and present with non-specific symptoms such as abdominal pain, weight loss, anorexia, and obstructive jaundice, and, therefore, are often challenging to diagnose and treat. Mixed neuroendocrine-non-neuroendocrine neoplasm is a subtype of neuroendocrine neoplasm. To add to the literature, we report a rare case of a patient who presented with pain in the abdomen and non-bilious vomiting and was diagnosed with mixed neuroendocrine-non-neuroendocrine gallbladder cancer, identified by immunohistochemistry, and treated with palliative chemotherapy. Due to non-specific symptoms, patients may present at an advanced stage. Further, immunohistochemistry may assist in clinching the diagnosis.

Background and Aims: Thoracic continuous spinal anaesthesia (TCSA) is emerging as the sole anaesthetic for major abdominal surgery due to its better perioperative outcomes. This study was designed to evaluate block characteristics and outcomes in 'opioid-free' and 'opioid-based' TCSA. Methods: After ethical approval, trial registration and written informed consent, 50 adult patients undergoing major abdominal surgery were randomised into 'opioid-free' (bupivacaine alone) and 'opioid-based' (bupivacaine with fentanyl) groups. After confirmation of T4-L1 dermatome level of spinal anaesthesia, sedation by intravenous (IV) midazolam (0.02–0.05 mg/kg), ketamine (0.25 mg/kg) and dexmedetomidine (bolus dose of 1 μg/kg IV over 10 min followed by 0.2–0.7 μg/kg/h infusion) were started. The primary outcome measured was postoperative pain scores for 72 h in both groups. The secondary objectives were rescue opioid requirement, and the dose of bupivacaine required to achieve T4 level. Data were compared using the two-sided Student t-test, Mann-Whitney and Fisher's exact tests. Results: The 'opioid-based' group performed significantly better compared with the 'opioid-free' group concerning pain scores at rest at 0 h (P = 0.023), 18 h (P = 0.023) and 24 h (P = 0.016) postoperatively, decreased intrathecal bupivacaine requirement [(induction (P = 0.012) and maintenance (P = 0.031)], postoperative rescue fentanyl requirement (P = 0.018) and patient satisfaction (P = 0.032) at the cost of increased postoperative nausea and vomiting (P = 0.049). Conclusion: The 'opioid-based' TCSA provided better postoperative analgesia with significantly lesser postoperative pain scores when compared to the 'opioid-free' group in patients undergoing major abdominal surgery.

Workflow Scheduling is a huge challenge in cloud paradigm as many number of workflows dynamically generated from various heterogeneous resources and task dependencies in each workflow varies from each other. Therefore, if a workflow with more number of dependencies is not scheduled onto an appropriate Virtual Machine i.e. with low processing capacity which leads to delay in executing workflows and it results in increase of makespan, cost, energy consumption. In order to effectively schedule complex workflows i.e. with more task dependencies, we propose a novel multi objective workflow scheduling algorithm using Deep reinforcement Learning. Initially, priorities of all workflows calculated based on their dependencies and then calculated priorities of VMs based on electricity cost at datacenters to map workflows onto precise VMs. These priorities are fed to scheduler which uses Deep Q-Network model to dynamically schedule tasks by considering both priorities of tasks and VMs. Extensive simulations carried out on workflowsim by considering realtime scientific workflows (Montage, cybershake, Epigenomics, LIGO). Our proposed MOPWSDRL compared against existing state of art approaches i.e. Heterogeneous Earliest First Deadline, Cat Swarm Optimization, Ant Colony Optimization. Results revealed that our proposed MOPDSWRL outperforms existing state of art algorithms by minimizing makespan, energy consumption.

Purpose: Swallow-related motion of the larynx is most significant in the cranio-caudal directions and of` short duration. Conventional target definition for radical radiation therapy includes coverage of the whole larynx. This study longitudinally examined respiration- and swallow-related laryngeal motions using cine-magnetic resonance imaging. We further analyzed the dosimetry to organs at risk by comparing 3D-conformal radiation therapy (3D-CRT), volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT), and intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) techniques. Methods: Fifteen patients with T1-2 N0 glottic squamous cell carcinomas were prospectively recruited for up to 3 cine-MRI scans on the Elekta Unity MR-Linear accelerator, at the beginning, middle, and end of a course of radical radiation therapy. Swallow frequency and motion of the hyoid bone, cricoid and thyroid cartilages, and vocal cords were recorded during swallow and rest. Adapted treatment volumes consisted of gross tumor volume + 0.5-1 cm to a clinical target volume with an additional internal target volume (ITV) for personalized resting-motion. Swallow-related motion was deemed infrequent and was not accounted for in the ITV. We compared radiation therapy plans for 3D-CRT (whole larynx), VMAT (whole larynx), and VMAT and IMRT (ITV for resting motion). Results: Resting- and swallow-related motions were most prominent in the cranio-caudal plane. There were no significant changes in the magnitude of motion over the course of radiation therapy. There was a trend of a progressive reduction in the frequency of swallow. Treatment of partial larynx volumes with intensity modulated methods significantly reduced the dose to carotid arteries, compared with treatment of whole larynx volumes. Robustness analysis demonstrated that when accounting for intrafraction swallow, the total dose delivered to the ITV/planning target volume was maintained at above 95%. Conclusions: Swallow-related motions are infrequent and accounting for resting motion in an ITV is sufficient. VMAT/IMRT techniques that treat more conformal targets can significantly spare critical organs at risk such as the carotid arteries and thyroid gland, potentially reducing the risk of carotid artery stenosis-related complications and other long-term complications.

We analyzed the risk factors and outcomes of antenatally diagnosed congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) from a tertiary-care children’s hospital following in-utero transfer. A total of 41 antenatally detected cases of CDH were included; 30 were live-born and 11 were still-born. The primary outcome was postnatal survival. The secondary outcome was the probable factor affecting survival. No medical termination of the pregnancy was done. The mean gestational age at diagnosis was 23 weeks. The diagnostic accuracy of antenatal ultrasonography was 40/41 (97.5%). Lung-to-head ratio (LHR) was 1 in 10 cases (survived 8), and LHR was not recorded in 11 cases (survived 4). Overall survival was 14/41 (34.1%). Survival in fetuses with polyhydramnios was 0% (n=3; survived 0), associated anomalies were 33.3% (n=3; survived 1), and liver herniation was 22.2% (n=9; survived 2). Postnatally, significant risk factors included a low Apgar score, the need for ventilation, and neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) management. Survival in live-born cases was 14/30 (46.6%) and in operated cases was 14/19 (73.6%). We concluded that antenatal ultrasound had a high accuracy rate for detecting CDH. Antenatal risk factors affecting outcomes were low LHR, maternal polyhydramnios, liver herniation, and associated malformations. Postnatal risk factors included a low Apgar score, NICU admission, and a need for ventilation. The overall survival rate, as well as the survival rates for live-borns and those undergoing surgery, were 34.1%, 46.6%, and 73.6%, respectively. This data will guide clinicians in counseling the families of antenatally diagnosed CDH.

BackgroundMR-Linac allows for daily online treatment adaptation to the observed geometry of tumor targets and organs at risk (OARs). Manual delineation for head and neck cancer (HNC) patients takes 45-75 minutes, making it unsuitable for online adaptive radiotherapy. This study aims to clinically and dosimetrically validate an in-house developed algorithm which automatically delineates the elective target volume and OARs for HNC patients in under a minute.MethodsAuto-contours were generated by an in-house model with 2D U-Net architecture trained and tested on 52 MRI scans via leave-one-out cross-validation. A randomized selection of 684 automated and manual contours (split half-and-half) was presented to an oncologist to perform a blind test and determine the clinical acceptability. The dosimetric impact was investigated for 13 patients evaluating the differences in dosage for all structures.ResultsAutomated contours were generated in 8 seconds per MRI scan. The blind test concluded that 114 (33%) of auto-contours required adjustments with 85 only minor and 15 (4.4%) of manual contours required adjustments with 12 only minor. Dosimetric analysis showed negligible dosimetric differences between clinically acceptable structures and structures requiring minor changes. The Dice Similarity coefficients for the auto-contours ranged from 0.66 ± 0.11 to 0.88 ± 0.06 across all structures.ConclusionMajority of auto-contours were clinically acceptable and could be used without any adjustments. Majority of structures requiring minor adjustments did not lead to significant dosimetric differences, hence manual adjustments were needed only for structures requiring major changes, which takes no longer than 10 minutes per patient.

Background: Pazopanib hydrochloride (PZB) is a protein kinase inhibitor approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration and European agencies for the treatment of renal cell carcinoma and other renal malignancies. However, it exhibits poor aqueous solubility and inconsistent oral drug absorption. In this regard, the current research work entails the development and evaluation of the extrudates of pazopanib hydrochloride by the hot-melt extrusion (HME) technique for solubility enhancement and augmenting oral bioavailability. Results: Solid dispersion of the drug was prepared using polymers such as Kollidon VA64, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC), Eudragit EPO, and Affinisol 15LV in a 1:2 ratio by the HME process through a lab-scale 18 mm extruder. Systematic optimization of the formulation variables was carried out with the help of custom screening design (JMP Software by SAS, Version 14.0) to study the impact of polymer type and plasticizer level on the quality of extrudate processability by measuring the torque value, appearance, and disintegration time as the responses. The polymer blends containing Kollidon VA64 and Affinisol 15LV resulted in respective clear transparent extrudates, while Eudragit EPO and HPMC extrudates were found to be opaque white and brownish, respectively. Furthermore, evaluation of the impact of process parameters such as screw rpm and barrel temperature was measured using a definitive screening design on the extrude appearance, torque, disintegration time, and dissolution profile. Based on the statistical outcomes, it can be concluded that barrel temperature has a significant impact on torque, disintegration time, and dissolution at 30 min, while screw speed has an insignificant impact on the response variables. Affinisol extrudates showed less moisture uptake and faster dissolution in comparison to Kollidon VA64 extrudates. Affinisol extrudates were evaluated for polymorphic stability up to a 3-month accelerated condition and found no recrystallization. PZB–Extrudates using the Affinisol polymer (Test formulation A) revealed significantly higher bioavailability (AUC) in comparison to the free Pazopanib drug and marketed formulation.

Presents corrections to the paper, (Corrections to “Multi Objective Prioritized Workflow Scheduling Using Deep Reinforcement Based Learning in Cloud Computing”).