Search Results (47)

Rangelands form the ecological and economic backbone of Namibia, yet the woody plant dynamics that sustain these landscapes remain sporadically quantified across the semi-arid interior. We investigated the characteristics (stand structure, regeneration, richness, diversity, composition, ecological importance, and indicator species) of woody communities along a pronounced south-to-north rainfall gradient (85–346 mm yr⁻¹) at five representative sites: Warmbad, Gibeon, Otjimbingwe, Ovitoto, and Sesfontein. Field sampling combined point-centered quarter surveys (10 points site⁻¹) and belt transects (15 plots site⁻¹). The basal area increased almost ten-fold along the gradient (0.4–3.4 m² ha⁻¹). Principal Coordinates Analysis (PCoA) arranged plots in near-perfect rainfall order, and Permutational Multivariate Analysis of Variance (PERMANOVA) confirmed significant site differences (F_3,56 = 9.1, p < 0.001). Nanophanerophytes dominated hyper-arid zones, while microphanerophytes appeared progressively with increasing rainfall. Mean annual precipitation explained 45% of the variance in mean height and 34% of Shannon diversity but only 5% of stem density. Indicator value analysis highlighted Montinia caryophyllacea for Warmbad (IndVal = 100), Rhigozum trichotomum (75.8) for Gibeon, Senegalia senegal (72.6) for Otjimbingwe, and Senegalia mellifera (97.3) for Ovitoto. Rainfall significantly influences woody structure and diversity; however, other factors also modulate density and regeneration dynamics. This quantitative baseline can serve as a practical toolkit for designing site-specific management strategies across Namibia’s aridity gradient. Full article

Background: While timely blood transfusion is critical for restoring oxygen-carrying capacity after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), allogeneic blood product transfusions are independently associated with increased long-term mortality, necessitating a risk-stratified approach to balance oxygen delivery against immunological complications and infection risks. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 3376 patients undergoing isolated CABG between 2005 and 2023 at a single tertiary center. Patients who died during their perioperative hospital stay within 30 days were excluded. Transfusion burden was assessed both as the absolute number of blood product units (packed red blood cells, platelet transfusion, fresh frozen plasma) and as a percentage of calculated patient blood volume. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality at 5 years. Flexible Cox regression with penalized smoothing splines, adjusted for EuroSCORE II, was used to model dose–response relationships. Results: From our cohort of 3376 patients, a total of 137 patients (4.05%) received >10 units of packed red blood cells (PRBC) perioperatively. These patients were older (median 71 vs. 68 years, p < 0.001), more often female (29% vs. 15%, p < 0.001), and had higher preoperative risk (EuroSCORE II: 2.53 vs. 1.41, p < 0.001). After 5 years, mortality was 42% in the massive transfusion group versus 10% in controls. Spline regression revealed an exponential increase in mortality with transfused units: 14 units yielded a 1.5-fold higher hazard of death (HR 1.46, 95% CI 1.31–1.64), rising to HR 2.71 (95% CI 2.12–3.47) at 30 units. When transfusion was indexed to blood volume, this relationship became linear and more tightly correlated with mortality, with lower maximum hazard ratios and narrower confidence intervals. Conclusions: Indexing transfusion burden to the percentage of patient blood volume replaced provides a more accurate and clinically actionable predictor of 5-year mortality after CABG than absolute unit counts. Our findings support a shift toward individualized, volume-based transfusion strategies to optimize patient outcomes and resource stewardship in a time of limited availability of blood products. Full article

Background: Periprosthetic joint infections (PJIs) are considered as one of the most serious complications after total joint arthroplasty. Aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of PJI caused by difficult-to-treat (DTT) pathogens as well as PJIs with a superinfection with a DTT pathogen in the course of the infection and assess the risk factors leading to this emergence. Methods: Data of 169 consecutive patients with a PJI was analyzed in this retrospective observational single-center study, and cases were categorized into PJIs with initial DTT pathogens, PJIs with DTT pathogen superinfection, non-DTT PJIs, and PJIs with superinfection. Recorded parameters comprised age, gender, side, body mass index (BMI), preoperative anticoagulation, and serum level of C-reactive protein (CRP) at admission, as well as preoperative patient status using the ASA (American Society of Anesthesiologists) score and the age-adjusted form of the Charlson comorbidity index (CCI). Furthermore, the infecting microorganism and the type of infection as well as the chosen operative treatment regime, duration of the antibiotics interval, and the outcome were recorded. Results: In total, 46.2% of cases were DTT PJIs, and 30.8% of them were superinfections. Elevated serum CRP levels at admission (≥92.1 mg/L) were linked to a nearly 7-fold increased likelihood of a DTT PJI (OR 6.981, CI [1.367–35.63], p = 0.001), compared to patients with a non-DTT PJI. Hip joint involvement was also associated with a 3.5-fold higher risk compared to knee joints (OR 3.478, CI [0.361–33.538], p = 0.0225). Furthermore, patients undergoing ≥3 revision surgeries demonstrated a significantly 1.3-fold increased risk of developing a DTT superinfection (OR 1.288, CI [1.100–1.508], p < 0.0001). Chronic PJIs were similarly associated with a markedly 3.5-fold higher likelihood of superinfection by DTT pathogens (OR 3.449, CI [1.159–10.262], p = 0.0387). Remaining parameters did not significantly affect the rate of a DTT PJI or a PJI with DTT superinfection. Conclusions: These findings underscore the importance of early identification of high-risk patients and highlight the need for tailored preventive and therapeutic strategies in managing DTT PJIs. Full article

We explore chaos, local dynamics, codimension-one, and codimension-two bifurcations of an asymmetric discrete predator–prey model. More precisely, for all the model’s parameters, it is proved that the model has two boundary fixed points and a trivial fixed point, and also under parametric conditions, it has an interior fixed point. We then constructed the linearized system at these fixed points. We explored the local behavior at equilibria by the linear stability theory. By the series of affine transformations, the center manifold theorem, and bifurcation theory, we investigated the detailed codimensions-one and two bifurcations at equilibria and examined that at boundary fixed points, no flip bifurcation exists. Furthermore, at the interior fixed point, it is proved that the discrete model exhibits codimension-one bifurcations like Neimark–Sacker and flip bifurcations, but fold bifurcation does not exist at this point. Next, for deeper understanding of the complex dynamics of the model, we also studied the codimension-two bifurcation at an interior fixed point and proved that the model exhibits the codimension-two 1:2, 1:3, and 1:4 strong resonances bifurcations. We then investigated the existence of chaos due to the appearance of codimension-one bifurcations like Neimark–Sacker and flip bifurcations by OGY and hybrid control strategies, respectively. The theoretical results are also interpreted biologically. Finally, theoretical findings are confirmed numerically. Full article

Background: Penile cancer is an uncommon malignancy in European and North America countries, accounting for less than 1% of malignant neoplasms. The etiology of penile cancer involves a complex interplay of clinical and behavioral factors, including phimosis, smoking, excess body weight, and HPV infection. The significance of these factors varies according to geographical and socioeconomic contexts. A comprehensive understanding of these interactions is essential for developing targeted prevention strategies and improving outcomes across diverse populations. However, the majority of existing studies originate from South America or Africa; there is a lack of data regarding these associations and prognoses in European populations, particularly in Central Europe, including Poland. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of well-established clinical and behavioral characteristics associated with penile cancer and their influence on penile cancer prognosis in a cohort of 153 patients who underwent surgical intervention at a single tertiary medical center in Central Europe. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study was conducted from October 2011 to October 2024 at a single tertiary medical center and included 153 patients who underwent surgical treatment for penile cancer during this period. Demographic and histopathological data were collected. A comprehensive, self-administered patient survey was conducted to identify the presence of potentially relevant clinical and lifestyle characteristics. Moreover, the prevalence of human papillomavirus (HPV) in penile cancer specimens was determined using p16 immunohistochemistry. Results: The median age of the participants in the study was 64 years (range: 30–87). The predominant identified features were phimosis (47.06%), residence in small agglomerations (43.14%), obesity (43.14%), overweight (40.52%), and smoking (38.56%). HPV infection was detected in only 14.38% of the patients. Phimosis was associated with a more locally advanced penile cancer stage (T-stage). The stage of the primary tumor, lymph node involvement, and histopathological grading significantly affected patient survival, with a poorer prognosis observed in more advanced stages and associated with poorly differentiated histopathological features. Among all the examined clinical and lifestyle characteristics, only smoking demonstrated a significant two-fold higher risk of mortality and was associated with a significantly lower overall survival compared to the absence of smoking (p = 0.047). Conversely, human papillomavirus (HPV) infection was associated with a six-fold reduction in the risk of death (p = 0.063). Conclusions: Phimosis was the most frequently observed clinical characteristic in our cohort study and was correlated with a more advanced penile cancer tumor stage. Smoking was associated with lower rates of patient survival, while HPV-positive patients demonstrated a trend toward lower mortality compared to HPV-negative patients. Full article

Background: Air pollution is a persistent and critical challenge for Almaty, Kazakhstan’s largest city. The city’s unique topographical and meteorological conditions—being located in a mountain basin with dense urban development—restrict natural ventilation and contribute to frequent exceedances of air quality standards. These factors make accurate assessment and management of atmospheric pollution particularly urgent for the region. Aim: This study aims to develop and apply a novel, high-resolution three-dimensional numerical model to analyze the spatial distribution of key atmospheric indicators—air velocity, temperature, and pollutant concentrations in Almaty. The goal is to provide a comprehensive understanding of how meteorological and urban factors influence air quality, with a focus on both horizontal and vertical stratification. Methods: A three-dimensional computational model was constructed, integrating real meteorological data and detailed urban topography. The model solves the compressible Navier–Stokes, energy, and pollutant transport equations using the finite volume method over a 1000 × 1000 × 500 m domain. Meteorological fields are synthesized along all spatial axes to account for vortex structures, urban heat islands, and stratification effects. This approach enables the simulation of atmospheric parameters with unprecedented spatial resolution for Almaty. Results: The simulation reveals significant spatial heterogeneity in atmospheric parameters. Wind velocity ranges from 0.31 to 5.76 m/s (mean: 2.14 m/s), temperature varies between 12.03 °C and 19.47 °C (mean: 16.12 °C), and pollutant concentrations fluctuate from 5.02 to 102.35 μg/m³ (mean: 44.87 μg/m³). Notably, pollutant levels in the city center exceed those at the periphery by more than two-fold (68.23 μg/m³, 29.14 μg/m³), and vertical stratification leads to a marked decrease in concentrations with altitude. These findings provide, for the first time, a comprehensive and quantitative picture of air quality dynamics in Almaty. Conclusion: The developed model advances the scientific understanding of urban air pollution in complex terrains and offers practical tools for city planners and policymakers. By identifying pollution hotspots and elucidating the influence of meteorological factors, the model supports the optimization of urban infrastructure, zoning, and environmental monitoring systems. This research lays the groundwork for evidence-based strategies to mitigate air pollution and improve public health in Almaty and similar urban environments. Full article

In aging residential neighborhoods, insufficient public spaces and a weakened sense of belonging have led to declining community vitality. Addressing the widespread idleness of boiler room facilities in cold-region contexts, this study integrates GPS tracking, Wi-Fi probe detection, questionnaire surveys, and field observations to develop a three-dimensional “space–time–behavior” evaluation model comprising five core indicators: activity type, spatial range, duration, frequency, and volatility. Unlike prior studies that rely on single data sources or unidimensional metrics, our multi-source approach enhances spatiotemporal resolution, improves the accuracy of subjective perceptions, and enables cross-validation between objective behavioral trajectories and residents’ self-reports, thereby significantly strengthening the comprehensiveness and reliability of community vitality measurement. The results show that the community service center conversion model maximizes spatial efficiency through functional integration, achieving a vitality score of 3.64—substantially higher than those for recreational renovations (3.16) and non-renovated sites (2.67). This model increases space utilization by 2.2-fold, sustains 12 h daily vitality, reduces residents’ activity radii by 38%, and boosts intergenerational interaction frequency by 43%, effectively bridging age group divides. We identify a “functional hybridization–spatial permeability–usage sustainability” mechanism underlying renovation efficacy and recommend the community service center paradigm as a priority strategy. The quantitative decision support framework established here offers empirical guidance for renewing existing spaces in severe climatic environments. Full article

The Qidong Liver Cancer Institute (QDLCI) and the Qidong Cancer Registry were established in 1972 with input from doctors, other medical practitioners, and non-medical investigators arriving from urban centers such as Shanghai and Nanjing. Medical teams were established to quantify the extent of primary liver cancer in Qidong, a corn-growing peninsula on the north side of the Yangtze River. High rates of liver cancer were documented and linked to several etiologic agents, including aflatoxins. Local corn, the primary dietary staple, was found to be consistently contaminated with high levels of aflatoxins, and bioassays using this corn established its carcinogenicity in ducks and rats. Observational studies noted a positive association between levels of aflatoxin in corn and incidence of liver cancer across townships. Biomarker studies measuring aflatoxin B₁ and its metabolite aflatoxin M₁ in biofluids reflected the exposures. Approaches to decontamination of corn from aflatoxins were also studied. In 1993, investigators from Johns Hopkins University were invited to visit the QDLCI to discuss chemoprevention studies in some townships. A series of placebo-controlled clinical trials were conducted using oltipraz (a repurposed drug), chlorophyllin (an over-the-counter drug), and beverages prepared from 3-day-old broccoli sprouts (rich in the precursor phytochemical for sulforaphane). Modulation of biomarkers of aflatoxin DNA and albumin adducts established proof of principle for the efficacy of these agents in enhancing aflatoxin detoxication. Serendipitously, by 2012, aflatoxin exposures quantified using biomarker measurements documented a many hundred-fold reduction. In turn, the Cancer Registry documents that the age-standardized incidence rate of liver cancer is now 75% lower than that seen in the 1970s. This reduction is seen in Qidongese who have never received the hepatitis B vaccination. Aflatoxin mitigation driven by economic changes switched the dietary staple of contaminated corn to rice coupled with subsequent dietary diversity leading to lower aflatoxin exposures. This 50-year effort to understand the etiology of liver cancer in Qidong provides the strongest evidence for aflatoxin mitigation as a public health strategy for reducing liver cancer burden in exposed, high-risk populations. Also highlighted are the challenges and successes of international team science to solve pressing public health issues. Full article

Background/Objectives: Treatment options for advanced HCC are limited. Immunotherapy, a promising new therapeutic, has recently been incorporated as a first-line systemic treatment. This study evaluates immunotherapy uptake and disparities in its adoption prior to first-line approval, which are currently unknown. Methods: Patients diagnosed with stage IV HCC between 2014 and 2019 were identified in the National Cancer Database (NCDB). Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed for demographic and clinical variables to determine their association with the receipt of immunotherapy. Results: A total of 18,248 patients were diagnosed with stage IV HCC, of which 977 (5.35%) received immunotherapy. From 2014 to 2019, the rate of immunotherapy uptake increased each year, with an approximate 25-fold increase overall. On multivariable analysis, patients with a more recent period of diagnosis (OR: 30.19, 95% CI: 16.47–55.33), with private insurance (OR: 2.56, 95% CI: 1.62–4.04), with treatment at an academic or research center (OR: 1.97, 95% CI: 1.37–2.82), or with an income ≥ USD 63,333 (OR: 1.27, 95% CI: 1.01–1.59) were more likely to receive immunotherapy. Conclusions: Various demographic factors impact the receipt of immunotherapy in the pre-approval setting, such as income, insurance status, and treatment center. As immunotherapy use will likely further expand and these disparities may potentially persist following first-line approval, strategies to mitigate them are especially important. Full article

In the 1980s, Poland was a medium-endemic country, with one of the highest incidences of hepatitis B in Europe (45/10⁵ inhabitants). Pursuant to the WHO guidelines, obligatory vaccination was introduced in 1994–1996 (as a part of hepatitis B prophylaxis for newborns), and in 2000–2011, all 14-year-olds were vaccinated. To prevent transfusion-transmitted HBV infection (TT-HBV), since the 1970s, each donation has been tested for HBsAg and, since 2005, additionally for the presence of HBV DNA. Based on the data from the Blood Transfusion Centers, changes in HBV detection in Polish blood donors were analyzed, starting from the introduction of mandatory NAT screening until 2019. During the period under analysis, a total of 11,625 HBV-infected donors were identified: 97.95% were seropositive (confirmed HBsAg) and 2.05% were seronegative (NAT yields). The detection frequency for both categories of infections was significantly (p = 0.05) higher for men than for women (Residual Risk RR = 1.4 and RR = 2.63, respectively). Seropositive infections were detected more frequently (p < 0.05) in first-time donors than in repeat donors (RR = 360), while no significant differences were observed in the category of seronegative infections. A downward trend in HBsAg detection was observed in both first-time and repeat donors (Spearman’s coefficient R = −0.98 and R = −0.90, respectively). The frequency of HBsAg in first-time donors decreased 5-fold, and, in repeat donors, 30-fold. In both subpopulations, the largest decrease occurred in the age group ≤ 20 years (i.e., donors born between 1985 and 2001). The incidence of window period (WP) infections in the repeat donor group demonstrated a downward trend (R = −0.54, p < 0.05), and in the first-time donor group, no significant trend was recorded. For occult hepatitis B infection (OBI), no significant trend was observed in either donor subpopulation. WP infections were detected significantly more often in donors aged 21–50 years than in donors ≤20 years, most often in the 41–50 age group. The frequency of OBI increased with donor age and was the highest in the 51–60 age group. A spectacular decrease in the frequency of HBsAg(+) infections was observed in current study, indicating the effectiveness of the hepatitis prevention strategy applied in Poland. We expect that the improvement in the epidemiological situation among blood donors causes a reduction in the risk of TT-HBV. Confirmation of this hypothesis by the analysis of residual risk should be a subject of further studies. Full article

Bone defects caused by surgical interventions and the challenges of tumor recurrence and metastasis due to residual cancer cells significantly complicate the treatment of osteosarcoma (OS). To address these complex clinical challenges, we propose an innovative therapeutic strategy that centers on an ultrasound-activated multifunctional bioactive calcium phosphate (BioCaP) composite. A modified curcumin (mcur)-mediated wet biomimetic mineralization process was used to develop an anticancer-drug-integrated multifunctional BioCaP (mcur@BioCaP), exploring its potential biological effects for OS treatment activated by ultrasound (US). The mcur@BioCaP demonstrates a drug dose-dependent, tailorable alteration in its micro/nanostructure. The US stimulus significantly enhanced this composite to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) in cancer cells. The results show that the OS cell viability of the mcur@BioCaP with US is 62.2% ± 6.3%, the migration distance is 63.9% ± 6.6%, and the invaded OS cell number is only 57.0 ± 3.7 OS cells per version, which were all significantly lower than US or mcur@BioCaP alone, suggesting that the anticancer, anti-migratory and anti-invasive effects of mcur@BioCaP on OS 143B cells were amplified by ultrasonic stimulation. This amplification can be attributed to the US-activated ROS production from the drug molecules, which regulates the wet biomimetic mineralization of the multifunctional composite. Furthermore, mcur@BioCaP with US increased calcium nodule formation by 1.8-fold, which was significantly higher than mcur@BioCaP or US group, indicating its potential in promoting bone regeneration. The anticancer and osteogenic potentials of mcur@BioCaP were found to be consistent with the mcur concentration in the multifunctional composite. Our research provides a novel therapeutic approach that leverages a multifunctional biomimetic mineral and ultrasonic activation, highlighting its potential applications in OS therapy. Full article

Background and Objectives: Acute heart failure (AHF) is a life-threatening condition frequently encountered in the emergency department (ED). Identifying reliable prognostic indicators for in-hospital mortality is crucial for risk stratification and the appropriate management of AHF patients. This study aimed to assess the most effective method for predicting in-hospital mortality among various physiological parameters in patients with AHF presenting to the ED. Additionally, the study evaluated the effectiveness of the RAM index—respiratory rate (RR), age, and mean arterial pressure (MAP)—derived from the shock index (SI) by replacing heart rate with RR, as a novel prognostic tool. This was compared with the SI and its other derivatives to predict in-hospital mortality in adult patients with AHF presenting to the ED. Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective study conducted in the ED of an urban medical center, enrolling adult patients with signs and symptoms of AHF, who met the epidemiological diagnosis criteria, between January 2017 and December 2021. Baseline physiological parameters, including the RR, heart rate, systolic blood pressure, and diastolic blood pressure, were recorded upon ED admission. The RAM index was calculated as the RR multiplied by the age divided by the MAP. Statistical analysis was performed, including univariate analysis, logistic regression, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Results: A total of 2333 patients were included in the study. A RAM index > 18.6 (area under ROC curve (AUROC): 0.81; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.79–0.83) had a superior mortality discrimination ability compared to an SI > 0.77 (AUROC: 0.75; 95% CI: 0.72–0.77), modified shock index > 1.11 (AUROC: 0.75; 95% CI: 0.73–0.77), age shock index > 62.7 (AUROC: 0.74; 95% CI: 0.72–0.76), and age-modified shock index > 79.9 (AUROC: 0.75; 95% CI: 0.73–0.77). A RAM index > 18.6 demonstrated a 7.36-fold higher risk of in-hospital mortality with a sensitivity of 0.80, specificity of 0.68, and negative predictive value of 0.97. Conclusions: The RAM index is an effective tool to predict mortality in AHF patients presenting to the ED. Its superior performance compared to traditional SI-based parameters suggests that the RAM index can aid in risk stratification and the early identification of high-risk patients, facilitating timely and aggressive treatment strategies. Full article

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common respiratory pathogen that infects the human lungs and respiratory tract, often causing symptoms similar to the common cold. Vaccination is the most effective strategy for managing viral outbreaks. Currently, extensive efforts are focused on developing a vaccine for RSV. Traditional vaccine design typically involves using an attenuated form of the pathogen to elicit an immune response. In contrast, peptide-based vaccines (PBVs) aim to identify and chemically synthesize specific immunodominant peptides (IPs), known as T-cell epitopes (TCEs), to induce a targeted immune response. Despite their potential for enhancing vaccine safety and immunogenicity, PBVs have received comparatively less attention. Identifying IPs for PBV design through conventional wet-lab experiments is challenging, costly, and time-consuming. Machine learning (ML) techniques offer a promising alternative, accurately predicting TCEs and significantly reducing the time and cost of vaccine development. This study proposes the development and evaluation of eight hybrid ML predictive models created through the permutations and combinations of two classification methods, two feature weighting techniques, and two feature selection algorithms, all aimed at predicting the TCEs of RSV. The models were trained using the experimentally determined TCEs and non-TCE sequences acquired from the Bacterial and Viral Bioinformatics Resource Center (BV-BRC) repository. The hybrid model composed of the XGBoost (XGB) classifier, chi-squared (ChST) weighting technique, and backward search (BST) as the optimal feature selection algorithm (ChST−BST–XGB) was identified as the best model, achieving an accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, F1 score, AUC, precision, and MCC of 97.10%, 0.98, 0.97, 0.98, 0.99, 0.99, and 0.96, respectively. Additionally, K-fold cross-validation (KFCV) was performed to ensure the model’s reliability and an average accuracy of 97.21% was recorded for the ChST−BST–XGB model. The results indicate that the hybrid XGBoost model consistently outperforms other hybrid approaches. The epitopes predicted by the proposed model may serve as promising vaccine candidates for RSV, subject to in vitro and in vivo scientific assessments. This model can assist the scientific community in expediting the screening of active TCE candidates for RSV, ultimately saving time and resources in vaccine development. Full article

Climate change is currently the greatest threat to the environment as we know it today. The present study aimed to highlight the changes in the main climatic elements during the last five decades (1971–2020) in northeastern Romania (Copou-Iaşi wine-growing center) and their impact on grape quality, as part of precision viticulture strategies and efficient management of grapevine plantations. Data analysis revealed a constant and significant increase in the average air temperature in the last 50 years (+1.70 °C), more pronounced in the last 10 years (+0.61 °C), with a number of days with extreme temperatures (>30 °C) of over 3.5-fold higher, in parallel with a fluctuating precipitation regime. The increase in average temperatures in the last 40 years was highly correlated with the advancement of the grape harvest date (up to 12 days), a significant increase in Vitis vinifera L. white grape sugar concentration (+15–25 g/L), and a drastic decrease in total acidity (−2.0–3.5 g/L tartaric acid). The significant increase in the values of the bioclimatic indices require the reclassification of the wine-growing area in higher classes of favorability, raising the opportunity to grow cultivars that are more suited to warmer climates, ensuring the efficiency of the plantation, and meeting current consumer expectations. Full article

Cancer diagnosis and classification are pivotal for effective patient management and treatment planning. In this study, a comprehensive approach is presented utilizing ensemble deep learning techniques to analyze breast cancer histopathology images. Our datasets were based on two widely employed datasets from different centers for two different tasks: BACH and BreakHis. Within the BACH dataset, a proposed ensemble strategy was employed, incorporating VGG16 and ResNet50 architectures to achieve precise classification of breast cancer histopathology images. Introducing a novel image patching technique to preprocess a high-resolution image facilitated a focused analysis of localized regions of interest. The annotated BACH dataset encompassed 400 WSIs across four distinct classes: Normal, Benign, In Situ Carcinoma, and Invasive Carcinoma. In addition, the proposed ensemble was used on the BreakHis dataset, utilizing VGG16, ResNet34, and ResNet50 models to classify microscopic images into eight distinct categories (four benign and four malignant). For both datasets, a five-fold cross-validation approach was employed for rigorous training and testing. Preliminary experimental results indicated a patch classification accuracy of 95.31% (for the BACH dataset) and WSI image classification accuracy of 98.43% (BreakHis). This research significantly contributes to ongoing endeavors in harnessing artificial intelligence to advance breast cancer diagnosis, potentially fostering improved patient outcomes and alleviating healthcare burdens. Full article