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- Pisu, Francesco, et al.
(author)
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Machine learning detects symptomatic patients with carotid plaques based on 6-type calcium configuration classification on CT angiography
- 2024
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In: European Radiology. - : Springer. - 0938-7994 .- 1432-1084. ; 34:6, s. 3612-3623
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objectives: While the link between carotid plaque composition and cerebrovascular vascular (CVE) events is recognized, the role of calcium configuration remains unclear. This study aimed to develop and validate a CT angiography (CTA)–based machine learning (ML) model that uses carotid plaques 6-type calcium grading, and clinical parameters to identify CVE patients with bilateral plaques.Material and methods: We conducted a multicenter, retrospective diagnostic study (March 2013–May 2020) approved by the institutional review board. We included adults (18 +) with bilateral carotid artery plaques, symptomatic patients having recently experienced a carotid territory ischemic event, and asymptomatic patients either after 3 months from symptom onset or with no such event. Four ML models (clinical factors, calcium configurations, and both with and without plaque grading [ML-All-G and ML-All-NG]) and logistic regression on all variables identified symptomatic patients. Internal validation assessed discrimination and calibration. External validation was also performed, and identified important variables and causes of misclassifications.Results: We included 790 patients (median age 72, IQR [61–80], 42% male, 64% symptomatic) for training and internal validation, and 159 patients (age 68 [63–76], 36% male, 39% symptomatic) for external testing. The ML-All-G model achieved an area-under-ROC curve of 0.71 (95% CI 0.58–0.78; p <.001) and sensitivity 80% (79–81). Performance was comparable on external testing. Calcified plaque, especially the positive rim sign on the right artery in older and hyperlipidemic patients, had a major impact on identifying symptomatic patients.Conclusion: The developed model can identify symptomatic patients using plaques calcium configuration data and clinical information with reasonable diagnostic accuracy.Clinical relevance: The analysis of the type of calcium configuration in carotid plaques into 6 classes, combined with clinical variables, allows for an effective identification of symptomatic patients.Key Points: • While the association between carotid plaques composition and cerebrovascular events is recognized, the role of calcium configuration remains unclear. • Machine learning of 6-type plaque grading can identify symptomatic patients. Calcified plaques on the right artery, advanced age, and hyperlipidemia were the most important predictors. • Fast acquisition of CTA enables rapid grading of plaques upon the patient’s arrival at the hospital, which streamlines the diagnosis of symptoms using ML. Graphical Abstract: [Figure not available: see fulltext.].
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- Zhang, Wensheng, et al.
(author)
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The BAF and PRC2 Complex Subunits Dpf2 and Eed Antagonistically Converge on Tbx3 to Control ESC Differentiation
- 2019
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In: Cell Stem Cell. - : CELL PRESS. - 1934-5909 .- 1875-9777. ; 24:1, s. 138-
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BAF complexes are composed of different subunits with varying functional and developmental roles, although many subunits have not been examined in depth. Here we show that the Baf45 subunit Dpf2 maintains pluripotency and ESC differentiation potential. Dpf2 co-occupies enhancers with Oct4, Sox2, p300, and the BAF subunit Brg1, and deleting Dpf2 perturbs ESC self-renewal, induces repression of Tbx3, and impairs mesendodermal differentiation without dramatically altering Brg1 localization. Mesendodermal differentiation can be rescued by restoring Tbx3 expression, whose distal enhancer is positively regulated by Dpf2-dependent H3K27ac maintenance and recruitment of pluripotency TFs and Brg1. In contrast, the PRC2 subunit Eed binds an intragenic Tbx3 enhancer to oppose Dpf2-dependent Tbx3 expression and mesendodermal differentiation. The PRC2 subunit Ezh2 likewise opposes Dpf2-dependent differentiation through a distinct mechanism involving Nanog repression. Together, these findings delineate distinct mechanistic roles for specific BAF and PRC2 subunits during ESC differentiation.
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