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In this paper, we propose a method for semi-supervised image segmentation based on geometric active contours. The main novelty of the proposed method is the initialization of the segmentation process, which is performed with a polynomial approximation of a user defined initialization (for instance, a set of points or a curve to be interpolated). This work is related to many potential applications: the geometric conditions can be useful to improve the quality the segmentation process in medicine and geophysics when it is required (weak contrast of the image, missing parts in the image, non-continuous contour…). We compare our method to other segmentation algorithms, and we give experimental results related to several medical and geophysical applications.

An efficient surface-mediated synthetic method to facilitate access to a novel class of thiazolidines is described. The rationale behind the design of the targeted thiazolidines was to prepare stable thiazolidine analogues and evaluate their anti-proliferative activity against a breast cancer cell line (MCF7). Most of the synthesized analogues exhibited increased potency ranging from 2–15-fold higher compared to the standard reference, cisplatin. The most active thiazolidines contain a halogenated or electron withdrawing group attached to the N-phenyl ring of exocyclic 2-imino group. However, combination of the two substituents did not enhance the activity. The anti-proliferative activity was measured in terms of IC50 values using an MTT assay.

The integration of Electronic Medical Records (EMRs) revolutionized healthcare but often retained limitations from paper-based structures. This study proposes a framework for developing dynamic medical content specifically adapted to the clinical context including medical specialty and diseases. Tailoring content to this dynamic context offers several benefits, including improved access to relevant information, streamlined workflows, and potentially better patient outcomes. We applied our framework to develop neurosurgical content, focusing on brain tumors. The method involves defining the medical specialty, outlining user journeys, and iteratively developing artifacts like assessment forms, dashboards, and order sets. Standardized terminologies ensure consistency and interoperability. Our results demonstrate a successful development of content meeting user needs and clinical relevance. While initial implementation focused on neurosurgery, exploring scalability and AI integration offers promising avenues for further advancement. Future studies could quantitatively evaluate the impact of this method on user satisfaction and patient outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Extracellular vesicles (EVs) can participate in intercellular communication and pathogenesis. EVs contain many cargos, including proteins, and the composition of EVs differs between cell-types and activation levels. Thus, plasma EVs can be used as a biomarker of systemic response to infection and/or disease progression. In this study, we aimed at describing alterations in the protein content of plasma EVs upon infection with the human T-lymphotropic retrovirus type 1 (HTLV-1). HTLV-1 is the etiological agent of a lymphoproliferative disease (ATL) and a series of inflammatory diseases, including a neurodegenerative inflammatory disease (HAM/TSP). We found that plasma EVs are more abundant and smaller in HTLV-1 asymptomatic carriers or HAM/TSP patients when compared to uninfected healthy donors. Moreover, EVs from HTLV-1 infected donors contain markers of metabolic and mitochondrial stress.

Abstract Atopic asthma is a persistent disease characterized by intermittent wheeze and progressive loss of lung function. The disease is thought to be driven primarily by chronic aeroallergen-induced type 2-associated inflammation. However, the vast majority of atopics do not develop asthma despite ongoing aeroallergen exposure, suggesting additional mechanisms operate in conjunction with type 2 immunity to drive asthma pathogenesis. We employed RNA-Seq profiling of sputum-derived cells to identify gene networks operative at baseline in house dust mite-sensitized (HDMS) subjects with/without wheezing history that are characteristic of the ongoing asthmatic state. The expression of type 2 effectors (IL-5, IL-13) was equivalent in both cohorts of subjects. However, in HDMS-wheezers they were associated with upregulation of two coexpression modules comprising multiple type 2- and epithelial-associated genes. The first module was interlinked by the hubs EGFR, ERBB2, CDH1 and IL-13. The second module was associated with CDHR3 and mucociliary clearance genes. Our findings provide new insight into the molecular mechanisms operative at baseline in the airway mucosa in atopic asthmatics undergoing natural aeroallergen exposure, and suggest that susceptibility to asthma amongst these subjects involves complex interactions between type 2- and epithelial-associated gene networks, which are not operative in equivalently sensitized/exposed atopic non-asthmatics.

Fungi from the genera Fusarium, Alternaria, Botrytis and oomycete Phytophthora species cause massive dieback of seedlings in pine nurseries and orchards. The synthesis of antimicrobial compounds, including pathogenesis-related proteins, is one of the main strategies to protect juvenile plants against pathogen attack. Here, we report the data on the expression levels of lipid-transfer protein gene and four defensin genes in Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) seedlings, inoculated with Alternaria alternata, Fusarium solani and Phytophthora cinnamоmi during the pathological process,assessed bysemiquantitative multiplex RT-PCR.We found that the expression levels of each gene greatly vary between each other and depend on the nature of the pathogen. It was detected that all tested pathogens considerably affect the expression levels of the investigated genes. A significant accumulation of PsDef1 transcripts was observed in pine seedlings 48 hours after inoculation, while the expression of another PsDef4 was upregulated only during first 24 hours of contact with pathogens. ThelevelsofPsDef3 transcriptswereelevatedonly in seedlings, inoculated with F. solani, while the expression of PsLTP1 gene was differentially regulated by all three pathogens, which indicates the dependence of transcriptional response in the seedlings on the nature of pathogen and mechanisms, which are triggered by them on the changes in signal transduction pathways. Collectively, our results suggest the involvement of defensins and lipid-transfer protein in primary defense mechanisms of Scots pine seedlings against tested pathogens.

HTLV-1 predominantly spreads through direct cell-cell contacts, but mechanisms of target cell recruitment are unclear. Here, the authors show that HTLV-1 infected T-cells secrete leukotriene B4, which recruits T-cells, facilitates HTLV-1 transmissionin vitro, and increases the number of infected clones in mice.

IntroductionSeptoria nodorum blotch (SNB) is a complex fungal disease of wheat caused by the Dothideomycete fungal pathogen Parastagonospora nodorum. The fungus infects through the use of necrotrophic effectors (NEs) that cause necrosis on hosts carrying matching dominant susceptibility genes. The Western Australia (WA) wheatbelt is a SNB “hot spot” and experiences significant under favorable conditions. Consequently, SNB has been a major target for breeders in WA for many years.Materials and MethodsIn this study, we assembled a panel of 155 WA P. nodorum isolates collected over a 44-year period and compared them to 23 isolates from France and the USA using 28 SSR loci.ResultsThe WA P. nodorum population was clustered into five groups with contrasting properties. 80% of the studied isolates were assigned to two core groups found throughout the collection location and time. The other three non-core groups that encompassed transient and emergent populations were found in restricted locations and time. Changes in group genotypes occurred during periods that coincided with the mass adoption of a single or a small group of widely planted wheat cultivars. When introduced, these cultivars had high scores for SNB resistance. However, the field resistance of these new cultivars often declined over subsequent seasons prompting their replacement with new, more resistant varieties. Pathogenicity assays showed that newly emerged isolates non-core are more pathogenic than old isolates. It is likely that the non-core groups were repeatedly selected for increased virulence on the contemporary popular cultivars.DiscussionThe low level of genetic diversity within the non-core groups, difference in virulence, low abundance, and restriction to limited locations suggest that these populations more vulnerable to a population crash when the cultivar was replaced by one that was genetically different and more resistant. We characterize the observed pattern as a low-amplitude boom-and-bust cycle in contrast with the classical high amplitude boom-and-bust cycles seen for biotrophic pathogens where the contrast between resistance and susceptibility is typically much greater. Implications of the results are discussed relating to breeding strategies for more sustainable SNB resistance and more generally for pathogens with NEs.

Background. Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and end diastolic volume (EDV) are measured using Simpson’s biplane (SB), 3-dimensional method (3DE), and speckle tracking (STE). Comparisons between methods in routine practice are limited. Our purpose was to compare and to determine the correlations between these three methods in clinical setting. Methods. LVEF and EDV were measured by three methods in 474 consecutive patients and compared using multiple Bland–Altman (BA) plots. The correlations (R) between methods were calculated. Results. Median (IQR) LVEF_SB, LVEF_STE, and LVEF_3DE were 63.0% (60–69)%, 61% (57–65)%, and 62% (57–68)%. Median (IQR) EDV_SB, EDV_STE, and EDV_3DE were 85 ml (71–106) ml, 82 ml (69–100) ml, and 73 ml (59–89) ml. R between LVEF_SB and LVEF_3DE was 0.65 when echogenicity was good and 0.43 when poor. R for EDV_SB and EDV_3DE was 0.75 when echogenicity was good and 0.45 when poor. On BA analysis, biases were acceptable (

Background. COVID-19 interacts at multiple levels with the cardiovascular system. The prognosis of COVID-19 infection is known to be worse for patients with underlying cardiovascular diseases. Furthermore, the virus is responsible for many cardiovascular complications. Myocardial injury may affect up to 20% of the critically ill patients. However, echocardiography’s impact on the management of patients affected by COVID-19 remains unknown. Objectives. To explore echocardiography’s impact on the management of COVID-19 patients. Methods. This study was conducted from March 24th to April 14th, 2020, in a single center at Adolphe de Rothschild Foundation Hospital, Paris, France. All consecutive inpatients with laboratory and/or CT COVID-19 diagnosis were included in this study. Patients’ characteristics (clinical, biological, and imaging) and treatment change induced by echocardiography were collected and analyzed. Patients with and without treatment change induced by echocardiography were compared. Results. A total of 56 echocardiographies in 42 patients with highly suspected or confirmed COVID-19 were included in the final analyses. The median age was 66 (IQR 60.5–74). Echocardiography induced a treatment change in 9 cases (16%). The analyzed clinical data were not associated with any treatment change induced by echocardiography. D-dimer and Troponin levels were the only biological predictors of the induced treatment change. On echocardiography, higher systolic pulmonary arterial pressure and documented cardiac thrombi were associated with treatment changes in these patients. Conclusions. Echocardiography may be useful for the management of selected COVID-19 patients, especially those with elevated D-Dimer and Troponin levels, in up to 16% of patients.