1. |
- Mairinoja, L., et al.
(author)
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Deep Learning-Based Image Analysis of Liver Steatosis in Mouse Models
- 2023
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In: American Journal of Pathology. - 0002-9440. ; 193:8, s. 1072-1080
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The incidence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is a continuously growing health problem worldwide, along with obesity. Therefore, novel methods to both efficiently study the manifestation of nonalco-holic fatty liver disease and to analyze drug efficacy in preclinical models are needed. The present study developed a deep neural network-based model to quantify microvesicular and macrovesicular steatosis in the liver on hematoxylin-eosin-stained whole slide images, using the cloud-based platform, Aiforia Create. The training data included a total of 101 whole slide images from dietary interventions of wild-type mice and from two genetically modified mouse models with steatosis. The algorithm was trained for the following: to detect liver parenchyma, to exclude the blood vessels and any artefacts generated during tissue processing and image acquisition, to recognize and differentiate the areas of micro-vesicular and macrovesicular steatosis, and to quantify the recognized tissue area. The results of the image analysis replicated well the evaluation by expert pathologists and correlated well with the liver fat content measured by EchoMRI ex vivo, and the correlation with total liver triglycerides was notable. In conclusion, the developed deep learning-based model is a novel tool for studying liver steatosis in mouse models on paraffin sections and, thus, can facilitate reliable quantification of the amount of steatosis in large preclinical study cohorts. (Am J Pathol 2023, 193: 1072-1080; https://doi.org/ 10.1016/j.ajpath.2023.04.014)
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2. |
- Pilthammar, Johan, et al.
(author)
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An overview of Methods for Simulating Sheet Metal Forming with Elastic Dies
- 2023
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In: 42ND CONFERENCE OF THE INTERNATIONAL DEEP DRAWING RESEARCH GROUP. - : IOP PUBLISHING LTD.
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Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Sheet metal forming (SMF) simulations are traditionally carried out with rigid active forming surfaces. This means that the elasticity and dynamics of presses and die structures are ignored. The only geometries of the tools included in the simulations are the active forming surfaces. One reason for this simplification is the large amount of computational power that is required to solve finite element (FE) models that incorporates elastic stamping dies. Another reason is the lack of die CAD models before the later stages of stamping projects. Research during the last couple of decades indicated potential large benefits when including elastic dies in SMF simulations. For example, for simulating die try-out or for Digital Twins of presses and dies. Even though the need and potential benefits of elastic dies in simulations are well known it is not yet implemented on a wide scale. The main obstacles have been lacking data on presses and dies, long simulation times, and no standardized implementation in SMF software. This paper presents an overview of existing methods for SMF simulations with elastic dies and discuss their respective benefits and drawbacks. The survey of methods shows that simulation models with elastic tools will be needed for detailed analyses of forming operations and also for purposes like digital twins. On the other hand, simplified and robust models can be developed for non-FEA users to carry out simple one-step compensation of tool surfaces for virtual spotting purposes. The most promising and versatile method from the literature is selected, modified, and demonstrated for industrial sized dies.
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3. |
- Pilthammar, Johan, et al.
(author)
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Three Industrial Cases of Sheet Metal Forming Simulations with Elastic Dies
- 2023
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In: 42ND CONFERENCE OF THE INTERNATIONAL DEEP DRAWING RESEARCH GROUP. - : IOP PUBLISHING LTD.
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Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Previous research and experience points to many advantages if sheet metal forming is simulated with elastic dies. Some areas that are enabled by simulations with elastic dies are virtual spotting, improved digital twins, and improved production support. A promising method was selected from the literature, and after important modifications it is deemed to be fast and robust for simulating industrial sized dies. The method consists of meshing die solids with a coarse mesh to represent the structural behaviour of the die. The forming surfaces are then represented by a fine shell mesh connected to the solid mesh by tied contacts with an offset. With additional modifications to reduce solver time this yields a robust and flexible way of modelling sheet metal forming with elastic dies. There is an increase in preprocessing and simulation time compared to using rigid tools, but industrial dies can now be modeled within an hour and solved within a working day. It is also easy to update the model by replacing separate parts such as die solids or forming surfaces. One of the main criteria in favor of the selected approach is the realistic modeling of blankholder and cushion systems. In this paper simulations of three industrial cases are demonstrated: one case of virtual die spotting and two cases of production support. The three cases demonstrate the importance and potential of using elastic dies during virtual die tryout, production support, and for cases like digital twins and production control.
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4. |
- Herrera, M, et al.
(author)
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Prognostic Interactions between FAP+ Fibroblasts and CD8a+ T Cells in Colon Cancer
- 2020
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In: Cancers. - : MDPI AG. - 2072-6694. ; 12:11
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Inter-case variations in immune cell and fibroblast composition are associated with prognosis in solid tumors, including colon cancer. A series of experimental studies suggest immune-modulatory roles of marker-defined fibroblast populations, including FAP-positive fibroblasts. These studies imply that the fibroblast status of tumors might affect the prognostic significance of immune-related features. Analyses of a population-based colon cancer cohort demonstrated good prognosis associations of FAP intensity and CD8a density. Notably, a significant prognostic interaction was detected between these markers (p = 0.013 in nonadjusted analyses and p = 0.003 in analyses adjusted for cofounding factors) in a manner where the good prognosis association of CD8 density was restricted to the FAP intensity-high group. This prognostic interaction was also detected in an independent randomized trial-derived colon cancer cohort (p = 0.048 in nonadjusted analyses). In the CD8-high group, FAP intensity was significantly associated with a higher total tumor density of FoxP3-positive immune cells and a higher ratio of epithelial-to-stromal density of CD8a T cells. The study presents findings relevant for the ongoing efforts to improve the prognostic performance of CD8-related markers and should be followed by additional validation studies. Furthermore, findings support, in general, earlier model-derived studies implying fibroblast subsets as clinically relevant modulators of immune surveillance. Finally, the associations between FAP intensity and specific immune features suggest mechanisms of fibroblast-immune crosstalk with therapeutic potential.
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6. |
- Sjoblom, A, et al.
(author)
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The Role of Human Chorionic Gonadotropin Beta (hCGβ) in HPV-Positive and HPV-Negative Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
- 2022
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In: Cancers. - : MDPI AG. - 2072-6694. ; 14:12
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: This study was carried out to observe the upregulation of the free β-subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCGβ) and its prognostic significance in human papillomavirus (HPV)-positive and HPV-negative oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC). Materials and methods: A total of 90 patients with OPSCC treated with curative intent at the Helsinki University Hospital (HUS), Helsinki, Finland, during 2012–2016 were included. Serum samples were collected prospectively, and their hCGβ concentrations (S-hCGβ) were determined by an immunofluorometric assay. The expression of hCGβ in tumor tissues was defined by immunohistochemistry (IHC). HPV determination was performed by combining p16-INK4 IHC and HPV DNA PCR genotyping. Overall survival (OS) and disease-specific survival (DSS) were used as survival endpoints. Results: S-hCGβ positivity correlated with poor OS in the whole patient cohort (p < 0.001) and in patients with HPV-negative OPSCC (p < 0.001). A significant correlation was seen between S-hCGβ and poor DSS in the whole cohort (p < 0.001) and in patients with HPV-negative OPSCC (p = 0.007). In a multivariable analysis, S-hCGβ was associated with poor DSS. Of the clinical characteristics, higher cancer stage and grade were associated with S-hCGβ positivity. No statistically significant correlation with tissue positivity of hCGβ was seen in these analyses. Conclusion: S-hCGβ may be a potential independent factor indicating poor prognosis, notably in HPV-negative OPSCC.
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7. |
- Sjoblom, A, et al.
(author)
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Tumor-Associated Trypsin Inhibitor (TATI) as a Biomarker of Poor Prognosis in Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Irrespective of HPV Status
- 2021
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In: Cancers. - : MDPI AG. - 2072-6694. ; 13:11
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: We studied the role of tumor-associated trypsin inhibitor (TATI) in serum and in tumor tissues among human papillomavirus (HPV)-positive and HPV-negative OPSCC patients. Materials and methods: The study cohort included 90 OPSCC patients treated at the Helsinki University Hospital (HUS), Helsinki, Finland, in 2012–2016. TATI serum concentrations (S-TATIs) were determined by an immunofluorometric assay. Immunostaining was used to assess tissue expression. HPV status was determined with a combination of p16 immunohistochemistry and HPV DNA PCR genotyping. The survival endpoints were overall survival (OS) and disease-specific survival (DSS). Results: A significant correlation was found between S-TATI positivity and poor OS (p < 0.001) and DSS (p = 0.04) in all patients. In HPV-negative cases, S-TATI positivity was linked to poor OS (p = 0.01) and DSS (p = 0.05). In HPV-positive disease, S-TATI positivity correlated with poor DSS (p = 0.01). S-TATI positivity was strongly associated with HPV negativity. TATI serum was negatively linked to a lower cancer stage. TATI expression in peritumoral lymphocytes was associated with favorable OS (p < 0.025) and HPV positivity. TATI expression in tumor and in peritumoral lymphocytes correlated with lower cancer stages. Conclusion: Our results suggest that S-TATI positivity may be a biomarker of poor prognosis in both HPV-positive and HPV-negative OPSCC.
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8. |
- Svenningsson, A., et al.
(author)
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Safety and efficacy of rituximab versus dimethyl fumarate in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis or clinically isolated syndrome in Sweden: a rater-blinded, phase 3, randomised controlled trial
- 2022
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In: Lancet Neurology. - : Elsevier BV. - 1474-4422. ; 21:8, s. 693-703
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background B-cell depleting therapies are highly efficacious in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis but one such therapy, rituximab, is not approved for multiple sclerosis and no phase 3 trial data are available. We therefore examined the safety and efficacy of rituximab compared with dimethyl fumarate in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis to obtain data that might allow inclusion of rituximab in treatment guidelines. Methods RIFUND-MS was a multicentre, rater-blinded, active-comparator, phase 3, randomised controlled trial done at 17 Swedish university and community hospitals. Key inclusion criteria for participants were: age 18-50 years; relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis or clinically isolated syndrome according to prevailing McDonald criteria; 10 years or less since diagnosis; untreated or only exposed to interferons or glatiramer acetate; and with clinical or neuroradiological disease activity in the past year. Patients were automatically randomly assigned (1:1) by the treating physician using a randomisation module in the Swedish multiple sclerosis registry, without stratification, to oral dimethyl fumarate 240 mg twice daily or to intravenous rituximab 1000 mg followed by 500 mg every 6 months. Relapse evaluation, Expanded Disability Status Scale rating, and assessment of MRI scans were done by examining physicians and radiologists masked to treatment allocation. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients with at least one relapse (defined as subacute onset of new or worsening neurological symptoms compatible with multiple sclerosis with a duration of more than 24 h and preceded by at least 30 days of clinical stability), assessed in an intention-to-treat analysis using log-binomial regression with robust standard errors. This trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02746744. Findings Between July 1, 2016, and Dec 18, 2018, 322 patients were screened for eligibility, 200 of whom were randomly assigned to a treatment group (100 assigned to rituximab and 100 assigned to dimethyl fumarate). The last patient completed 24-month follow-up on April 21, 2021. 98 patients in the rituximab group and 97 patients in the dimethyl fumarate group were eligible for the primary outcome analysis. Three (3%) patients in the rituximab group and 16 (16%) patients in the dimethyl fumarate group had a protocol-defined relapse during the trial, corresponding to a risk ratio of 0.19 (95% CI 0.06-0.62; p=0.0060). Infusion reactions (105 events [40.9 per 100 patient-years]) in the rituximab group and gastrointestinal reactions (65 events [47.4 per 100 patient-years]) and flush (65 events [47.4 per 100 patient-years]) in the dimethyl fumarate group were the most prevalent adverse events. There were no safety concerns. Interpretation RIFUND-MS provides evidence that rituximab given as 1000 mg followed by 500 mg every 6 months is superior to dimethyl fumarate in preventing relapses over 24 months in patients with early relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. Health economic and long-term safety studies of rituximab in patients with multiple sclerosis are needed.
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