Refined Anam-Net:Lightweight Deep Learning Model for Improved Segmentation Performance of Optic Cup and Disc for Glaucoma Diagnosis

In this work,we aim to introduce some modifications to the Anam-Net deep neural network(DNN)model for segmenting optic cup(OC)and optic disc(OD)in retinal fundus images to estimate the cup-to-disc ratio(CDR).The CDR is a reliable measure for the early diagnosis of Glaucoma.In this study,we developed a lightweight DNN model for OC and OD segmentation in retinal fundus images.Our DNN model is based on modifications to Anam-Net,incorporating an anamorphic depth embedding block.To reduce computational complexity,we employ a fixed filter size for all convolution layers in the encoder and decoder stages as the network deepens.This modification significantly reduces the number of trainable parameters,making the model lightweight and suitable for resource-constrained applications.We evaluate the performance of the developed model using two publicly available retinal image databases,namely RIM-ONE and Drishti-GS.The results demonstrate promising OC segmentation performance across most standard evaluation metrics while achieving analogous results for OD segmentation.We used two retinal fundus image databases named RIM-ONE and Drishti-GS that contained 159 images and 101 retinal images,respectively.For OD segmentation using the RIM-ONE we obtain an f1-score(F1),Jaccard coefficient(JC),and overlapping error(OE)of 0.950,0.9219,and 0.0781,respectively.Similarly,for OC segmentation using the same databases,we achieve scores of 0.8481(F1),0.7428(JC),and 0.2572(OE).Based on these experimental results and the significantly lower number of trainable parameters,we conclude that the developed model is highly suitable for the early diagnosis of glaucoma by accurately estimating the CDR.

Mid-term clinical outcomes of the uncemented Robert Mathys pressfit cup

BACKGROUND The use of uncemented cups during total hip arthroplasty(THA)has gained popularity in recent years.The Robert Mathys(RM)pressfit cup,an uncemented monoblock implant is expected to preserve bone density due to its composition and external surface,while reducing backside wear with its monoblock construction.These factors should lead to a high survival rate of the implant.AIM To evaluate the mid-term survival and functional outcome of the RM Pressfit cup in a large study population.METHODS Between 2011 and 2020,we included 1324 patients receiving a primary THA using the RM pressfit cup.Final clinical follow-up was performed at 2 years postoperatively with the Dutch arthroplasty register used to assess implant status thereafter.Revision for acetabular failure and reason for revision were reported to evaluate implant survival,while the hip disability and osteoarthritis outcome score(HOOS)scores were used to assess functional outcome.RESULTS The mean age at surgery was 64.9 years.The mean follow-up was 4.6 years.Of the 1324 THAs performed,13 needed cup revisions within 5 years after index THA:5 due to aseptic loosening,6 due to infection,2 due to dislocation and 2 due to other causes.This resulted in a 5-year cup survival of 98.8%(95%CI:98.1-99.5).Nine of the cup revisions occurred within the first year after index THA.HOOS scores increased significantly in all domains during the first year and levelled out during the second year.CONCLUSION In the present study,the RM pressfit cup demonstrated excellent clinical outcomes at mid-term follow-up;however,future studies are needed to assess the long-term outcomes of this acetabular implant.

Subconjunctival hemorrhage after wet cupping therapy: a case report

Introduction:Cupping therapy is an integrative and complementary medicine therapy that practiced worldwide by several civilizations for thousands of years.Cupping therapy is reported to be a relatively safe practice especially if performed by qualified therapists.Subconjunctival hemorrhage(SCH)is a common cause of eye redness and can be classified into traumatic and spontaneous.Case presentation:This case report discussed an adverse event related to wet cupping therapy.The patient developed SCH one day after performing cupping therapy.He was completely recovered after 2 weeks.This case report should increase the knowledge of cupping therapists regarding increasing safety of patient when performing wet cupping therapy on specific body parts especially,head,neck and cervical areas.Furthermore,it highlighted the importance of conducting research regarding the mechanical and physiological effects of cupping therapy.Conclusion:Adverse events related to cupping therapy should be reported with every patient.Cupping therapists should be aware of this possible mild adverse event.To the best of our knowledge,this is the first published adult case of SCH related to wet cupping therapy session.More studies are critically needed for evaluation of cupping therapy effects and adverse events especially when performed on head and neck.

Study of plasma parameters of coaxial plasma source using triple Langmuir probe and Faraday cup diagnostics

Coaxial plasma guns are a type of plasma source that produces plasma which propagates radially and axially controlled by the shape of the ground electrode, which has attracted much interest in several applications. In this work, a 120° opening angle of CPG nozzle is used as a plasma gun configuration that operates at the energy of 150 J. The ionization of polyethylene insulator between the electrodes of the gun produces a cloud of hydrogen and carbon plasma.The triple Langmuir probe and Faraday cup are used to measure plasma density and plasma temperature. These methods are used to measure the on-axis and off-axis plasma divergence of the coaxial plasma gun. The peak values of ion densities measured at a distance of 25 mm on-axis from the plasma gun are(1.6±0.5)×10^(19)m^(-3)and(2.8±0.6)×10^(19)m^(-3)for hydrogen and carbon plasma respectively and the peak temperature is 3.02±0.5 eV. The mean propagation velocity of plasma is calculated using the transit times of plasma at different distances from the plasma gun and is found to be 4.54±0.25 cm/μs and 1.81±0.18 cm/μs for hydrogen and carbon plasma respectively. The Debye radius is obtained from the measured experimental data that satisfies the thin sheath approximation. The shot-to-shot stability of plasma parameters facilitates the use of plasma guns in laboratory experiments. These types of plasma sources can be used in many applications like plasma opening switches, plasma devices, and as plasma sources.

Enhancing the Decomposition of Paper Cups Using Galleria Mellonella and Eisenia Fetida

The composition of paper cups creates a challenge for the recycling industry,as the paperboard–plastic film composite is hard to separate.Therefore,paper cups are sent to landfills or waste incinerators.This study explores the combined use of red worms(Eisenia fetida)and Greater wax moth(Galleria mellonella)in the biodegradation of paper cups.The study investigates the conditions and combinations that promote using Eisenia fetida and Galleria mellonella for degrading paper cups.The study considered the influence of environmental temperature,the presence of food waste,varying the number of Eisenia fetida worms,and the presence of a Galleria mellonella growth-slowing agent on the degradation process.To achieve the study objectives,the study followed a quantitative approach.The study monitored the degradation of paper cup cuts that were placed in jars containing different combinations of Eisenia fetida worms,Galleria mellonella larvae,food waste,bedding material,and Galleria mellonella growth-slowing agents.The study found that the best operating temperature is 30oC.The study found that using food waste improves the performance of Eisenia fetida worms and Galleria mellonella larvae significantly.The study found that adding a Galleria mellonella growth-slowing agent slightly enhances the degradation of the paper cup.Finally,a numerical model was obtained to simulate the paper cup degradation efficiency.

Acetabular cup size trends in total hip arthroplasty

BACKGROUND Total hip arthroplasty(THA)is a common procedure for end stage osteoarthritis.The learning curve for THA is complex and challenging.One of the most difficult skills to master is acetabular reaming.We wish to identify if experience in arthroplasty leads to preservation of more bone stock.AIM To investigate if increasing surgeon experience will predict an ever decreasing acetabular cup size.METHODS A retrospective case series of four attending orthopaedic surgeons was completed.All uncemented elective total hip arthroplasties since appointment were selected for inclusion.The size of acetabular cup used was noted and logistic regression was used to identify if a trend to smaller cups existed.RESULTS A total of 1614 subjects were included with a mean age of 64 years.Overall cups were on average 0.18mm smaller per year(95%confidence interval-0.25 to-0.11,P<0.001).Individual surgeon trends showed cup sizes to decrease 0.27 mm/year for surgeon A,0.02 mm/year for surgeon B,0.15 mm/year for surgeon C and 0.29 mm/year for surgeon D.Three of the four surgeons had a more pronounced trend to smaller cups for male subjects than their female counterparts.CONCLUSION We found increasing surgeon experience to be associated with an ever-decreasing acetabular cup size.Smaller acetabular cup size may act as a surrogate marker of surgical proficiency by virtue of decreased acetabular reaming.

Physical and Chemical Characterizations of Rubber Latex Cup Bottom Oil

Rubber latex is an important economic resource. However, the residues from its harvesting are thrown away, even though they contain lipids that can be recycled. This recovery of the residues from the bottom of the cup requires first and foremost their characterization. The aim of this study is therefore to determine the main physical and chemical characteristics of rubber latex cup bottom oil. Oil’s physical parameters determination shows that it has a density of 951 kg∙m−3, a kinematic viscosity of 48.57 cSt and a water content of 0.0845%. Chemical parameters, meanwhile, indicate that this cup bottom residue has a fat content of 95.96%, an acid number of 2.805 mg KOH/g and an iodine number of 92.42 g I2/100g. Therefore, rubber latex cup bottom oil can be used in the formulation of biofuels, biolubricants, paints, varnishes, alkyd resins, polishing oils, soaps, and insecticides.

基于CUPS的国产操作系统打印管控的应用研究

随着信息技术的快速发展和信息安全防护工作要求的不断提高,我国一些企事业单位正在逐步使用国产操作系统,在其上的打印管控已成为不可缺少的一部分,但目前适用于国产操作系统的打印系统尚未成熟.针对此问题,首先研究了通用Unix打印系统(common unix printing system,CUPS)原理,然后针对国产操作系统提出基于CUPS架构的打印系统,设计打印机驱动,并将设计的打印系统部署在国产操作系统中,实现了在国产中科方德操作系统上的打印管控.测试结果显示其效率高、体积小、方便快捷,具有较强的应用价值.

The European Cup Has Limited Effect to “Save” Europe

On June 15th,the one-month European Football Championship(hereinafter referred to as the European Cup)kicked off in Germany.In 2023,Germany’s GDP shrank by 0.3%,which was the worst performance among the world’s major economies.This year,Germany is pinning its hopes on the European Championship to stimulate consumption and boost the economy.

A meta-analysis on the clinical efficacy of fire dragon cupping in the treatment of lumbar disc herniation

Background:The incidence of lumbar disc herniation(LDH)is notably high.Consensus among experts highlights non-surgical treatments as the primary therapeutic approach for LDH.Contemporary medicine frequently employs pharmacotherapy and epidural injections in such treatments,which are associated with numerous adverse effects.Prolonged use can severely impair the liver and kidney functions of patients.Hence,the role of safe and effective traditional Chinese medicine techniques becomes pivotal.Among various traditional Chinese medicine approaches for treating LDH,fire dragon cupping,renowned for its remarkable efficacy,cost-effectiveness,and ease of application,is extensively utilised in clinical settings for managing LDH.Nonetheless,there is a scarcity of systematic and standardised evidence from evidence-based medicine studies.Therefore,conducting a meta-analysis is imperative.Methods:A comprehensive computerised search was conducted in databases including China National Knowledge Infrastructure,WanFang Data,VIP,China Biology Medicine disc,PubMed,EMbase,The Cochrane Library,Web of Science,and CINAHL.The search aimed to gather randomised controlled trials on fire dragon cupping therapy for LDH,spanning from the inception of these databases until December 2023.Two researchers independently screened the literature according to inclusion and exclusion criteria,extracted data,and assessed the methodological quality of the studies included,utilising RevMan 5.3 software for meta-analysis.Results:The results show that the fire dragon cupping therapy group had better clinical effectiveness(relative risk=1.23,95%confidence interval(CI)(1.14,1.33),P<0.00001),less pain(standardized mean difference=–1.33,95%CI(–1.49,–1.16),P<0.00001),and some improvement in lumbar function(Japanese Orthopaedic Association scores:mean difference=3.37,95%CI(2.31,4.43),P<0.00001.Conclusion:The fire dragon cupping therapy significantly alleviates LDH,warranting its extensive application.However,considering the limitations in the number and quality of studies included,the aforementioned conclusion necessitates further validation through more high-quality research.

Observation on Therapeutic Effect of Lotus Needle Cupping Therapy for Removing Blood Stasis in Zhuang Medicine on PHN and Its Influ-ence on Inflammatory Mediators

[Objectives]To observe the clinical effect of the lotus needle cupping therapy for removing blood stasis in Zhuang medicine in treating PHNand its influence on inflammatory factors.[Methods]96 patients with PHN were randomly divided into three groups:lotus nee-dle cupping therapy group,TCM surrounding acupuncture group and gabapentin group.Venous blood and acupoint blood were collected at 0,21 and 42 d of treatment,and the expression levels of 5-HT,SP and CGRPinflammatory mediators were detected before and after treatment.The changes of VAS scores before,during and after treatment and the clinical efficacy were observed.[Results]The total effective rate of the lotus needle cupping group was 87.50%,which was better than that of the TCM acupuncture group(81.25%)and the gabapentin group(62.50%);after treatment,the VAS scores and the expression of inflammatory mediators in the three groups of patients were lower than those before treatment,and the decrease was more significant in the treatment group(P<0.05).[Conclusions]The lotus needle cupping therapy for removing blood stasis in Zhuang medicine is effective in treating PHN,and its mechanism is to reduce the release of inflammatory media-tors,reduce hyperalgesia,relieve pain and improve the quality of life of patients.

Technical operation specification for pricking-cupping therapy

Pricking-cupping therapy is a Traditional Chinese Medicine(TCM)nursing technology that can adjust the viscera of the human body,make the meridians smooth,and Yin and Yang balanced mainly by means of relieving heat and detoxification,harmonizing Qi and blood,promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis,dredging meridians and activating collaterals,reducing swelling and pain,purging heat and calming shock,clearing heat,and opening orifices.Pricking-cupping therapy has a long history and wide application.After thousands of years of development,it has made great progress.They are widely used to treat lumbar disc herniation,herpes zoster,acute arthritis,migraine,and other diseases in China.Through the clinical practice and theoretical exploration of physicians of past dynasties,the therapeutic mechanism and application scope of pricking-cupping therapy have been greatly enriched.Modern TCM practitioners have conducted in-depth researches on the operation norms of the therapy on the basis of the ancients,hoping to grasp the essence of the disease more accurately and make the rational use of the operation technology of the therapy.

Genetic Theory:An Illustration of a Theoretical Mechanism of Acton of Cupping Therapy

Cupping therapy is an ancient natural therapeutic modality which is widely practiced throughout the world.Cupping therapy mechanisms of action are not illustrated by research until now.This article gives a brief illustration of the genetic theory as a possible mechanism of action of cupping therapy.Genetic modulation is also a suggested mechanism of action of acupuncture and massage.

基于低秩约束和全变分正则化的CUP-VISAR压缩图像重构算法

针对基于超快压缩成像(CUP)与二维任意反射面速度干涉仪(VISAR)获得的压缩图像重构冲击波二维条纹的问题,提出了一种基于低秩约束和全变分正则化的压缩图像重构算法。该算法利用条纹图像空间结构的相似性以及平滑性,将重构问题转化为核范数最小化和全变分正则化的优化问题,利用即插即用的交替方向乘子法将优化问题分裂为多个子问题求解,实现了CUP-VISAR压缩图像的精准重构。仿真结果表明,在大噪声的条件下,重构图像的峰值信噪比提高了8.45 dB,结构相似性提高了8.52%,重构效果优于主流重构算法。进一步设计实际实验,实验结果表明,冲击波条纹的最大速度相对误差从13.5%降低到3.46%,减少了近10%,验证了算法的有效性。

Direct ink writing to fabricate porous acetabular cups from titanium alloy

Acetabular cups,which are among themost important implants in total hip arthroplasty,are usually made from titanium alloys with high porosity and adequate mechanical properties.The current three-dimensional(3D)printing approaches to fabricate customized acetabular cups have some inherent disadvantages such as high cost and energy consumption,residual thermal stress,and relatively low efficiency.Thus,in this work,a direct ink writing method was developed to print a cup structure at room temperature,followed by multi-step heat treatment to form microscale porous structure within the acetabular cup.Our method is facilitated by the development of a self-supporting titanium-6 aluminum-4 vanadium(Ti64)ink that is composed of Ti64 particles,bentonite yield-stress additive,ultraviolet curable polymer,and photo-initiator.The effects of Ti64 and bentonite concentrations on the rheological properties and printability of inks were systematically investigated.Moreover,the printing conditions,geometrical limitations,and maximum curing depth were explored.Finally,some complex 3D structures,including lattices with different gap distances,honeycomb with a well-defined shape,and an acetabular cup with uniformly distributed micropores,were successfully printed/fabricated to validate the effectiveness of the proposed method.

运用电感耦合等离子体原子发射光谱法测定磷铜(CuP14)中磷含量

采用电感耦合等离子体原子发射光谱法测定磷铜(CuP14)中磷化学成分含量,进行了高频发生器功率试验、载气流量试验,确定了最佳的分析条件。试验结果表明:本方法的相对标准偏差小于5%;试验结果与标准值无显著性差异;试验方法的加标回收率在98.0%~105.0%之间。试验方法精密度好、准确度高,适用于磷铜(CuP14)中磷含量的准确测定。

Rheological and Morphological Characterization of Modified Bitumen with Cup Lump Rubber

Pure bitumen is not suitable for heavy traffic loads;hence modifiers are used to improve the bitumen performance.Recently,cup lump rubber(CLR)has become a preferred modifier due to its outstanding performance and less cost.However,little is known about the interactions between CLR and bitumen.Thus,this study investigates the behavior of bitumen with CLR.Four percentages of CLR(2.5%,5.0%,7.5%,and 10.0%by weight of bitumen)were used to modify conventional 60/70 penetration grade bitumen.The modified bitumen was evaluated through different laboratory testing such as dynamic shear rheometer,rotational viscosity,softening point,bending beam rheometer,ductility,and elastic recovery.The testing results show that the addition of CLR increased the bitumen’s rutting resistance by 3 PG grades at high temperatures.At low pavement temperatures,the cup lump rubber modified bitumen(CMB)can withstand up to−34℃.Fourier Transform Infrared(FTIR)analysis shows that the Aromaticity index at 1600 cm^(−1) rose as the CLR percentage increased,indicating the formation of a binder with a compact structure.This is expected to improve the elasticity of bitumen throughπ-πinteractions.Atomic Force Microscopy(AFM)results showed the Catana phase increased in size and quantity at 5.0%and 7.5%CLR content.While contact angle measurement revealed that the binders are hydrophobic and tend to repel the dropped water on the bitumen surface.

Technical operation specification for cupping therapy

Cupping,as one of the characteristic therapies of traditional Chinese medicine,has been applied for more than 2000 years and has a unique curative effect in clinic.With the evolution of the times,the types and operation techniques of cupping method are also iterating.In the process of its inheritance and development,cupping technology is also known by more and more people.Starting from the development and efficacy of cupping method,this paper introduces the clinical operation steps and precautions of cupping method in detail,and lists the representative diseases such as lumbar muscle strain,herpes zoster,and ankylosing spondylitis,to provide reference for clinical application.

Wet cupping(Al-hijamah)as a strange cause of ear trauma:A case report

BACKGROUND Cupping therapy is used across the globe since ancient Egypt.It is used as a complementary or alternative to daily clinical practice.Cupping therapy could be dry or wet(Al-hijamah)type.It is considered a relatively safe procedure for a variety of clinical problems like lower backache,shoulder pain,neck pain,headache,and migraine.Application of cupping therapy over body orifices is contraindicated.CASE SUMMARY A 27-year-old gentleman presented with sudden left-sided hearing loss and tinnitus for 7 d.He gave a history of upper respiratory tract infection 14 d before his complaints.He received Al-hijamah over his left ear 3 d before seeking advice from the Otolaryngology clinic,but without benefit.Physical examination showed a dull-looking left ear drum,hemotympanum in the posterior part of the tympanic cavity,two blood clots over the eardrum,and multiple bleeding points over the external ear canal and tympanic membrane.A pure tone audiogram and tympanogram confirmed the diagnosis of middle ear effusion.Conservative treatment(avoidance of water entry,antibiotics,and local and systemic decongestants)was given for 5 d.The presenting symptoms as well as ear injuries resolved completely two weeks after the follow-up.CONCLUSION We do not recommend using Al-hijamah directly over the ear as a treatment option for hearing loss to avoid unwanted ear trauma as well as there is no benefit from this kind of treatment.

ANALYSIS ON THERAPEUTIC EFFECT OF 233 CASES OF ARTHRALGIA-SYNDROME TREATED WITH ACUPUNCTURE AND MOXIBUSTION

233 cases of arthralgia-syndrome were randomly divided into five treatment groupswith double blind method:1)acupuncture pills cupping;2)acupoint medicinal injection;3)acupointmedicinal injection plus laser radiation;4)acupoint medicinal injection plus field effect,and 5)electroacupuncture(EA)plus cupping for observation of the therapeutic effect.The total effective ratewas 89.2％.No significant differences were found among the five groups in the total effective rate.But,the markedly effective rate was highest in the acupoint medicinal injection plus field effect group.And the therapeutic effect in patients with pain arthralgia and migratory arthralgia and shorter courseof disease was best.