Systematic Analysis of Artificial Intelligence in Pathology

Introduction: Artificial intelligence (AI) is an emerging modern technology within the health care sectors in the current era and it is the ability of computer software to mimic human judgment. Artificial intelligence (AI)-based modern image analysis methods have significant promise for enhancing the accuracy and efficacy of pathology diagnostic processes as well as for the discovery of new biomarkers. Objectives: In this article, we will discuss Artificial Intelligence, its usage in pathology in various ways such as for screening of various diseases, detection of prognostic markers or biomarkers, and various treatment modalities. Materials and Methods: Data were collected and analyzed from the recently published literature and electronic database searches of Cochrane and included the articles the year 2017 to 2021 by reading the title and the abstract. Artificial intelligence (AI), has a lot of potential for aiding in diagnosis with the advancement of information technology. For this purpose, few machine learning algorithms have been created to date. Given their capacity to evaluate complicated data in a quantitative and standardised manner to further improve the precision and scope of diagnoses, artificial intelligence (AI) or machine learning technologies hold great promise for the field of pathology. Conclusion: The application of Artificial Intelligence tools in pathology has sharply increased in this era and it is anticipated to revolutionize the pathology field in the years ahead and can change the way the field of pathology is managed and make them not only more systematic but also effective in meeting the needs of the current age of precision medicine.

Determining the accuracy of lumbar 4/5 pedicle screw entry point based on digital three-dimensional technology / 西安交通大学学报(医学版)

【Objective】 To establish a digital model of lumbar 4 and lumbar 5 vertebral bodies through three-dimensional imaging technology so as to explore the precise placement of pedicle screws during the lumbar posterior internal fixation operation. 【Methods】 CT scan image data set of lumbar spine included six specimens. Then lumbar modeling was produced using Mimics software， implanting pedicle screws was simulated with the computer to determine the reliability of pedicle screw for herringbone crest method， Weinstein method， and Magerl method. 【Results】 This study included six specimens （4 males and 2 females）， with an average age of 42.83 years. The distance from the right Magerl entry point to the actual entry point of the lumbar 4 vertebrae was significantly greater than that of the left side. The distance from the left herringbone crest entry point of lumbar 4 vertebrae to the actual entry point was significantly greater than Weinstein method and Magerl method （PMagerl abduction angle > Weinstein abduction angle > herringbone abduction angle. The distances of true-Weinstein and true-herringbone ridges on the left side of lumbar 5 vertebrae were significantly greater than those on the right side （P=0.002 and P=0.004）， and the Weinstein abduction angle on the right side of lumbar 5 vertebrae was greater than that on the left side （P=0.003）. For the left and right sides of lumbar 5 vertebrae， the distance from herringbone crest entry point to the actual entry point was significantly greater than that of Weinstein method and Magerl method （P Magerl abduction angle > Weinstein abduction angle > herringbone abduction angle. 【Conclusion】 Both Weinstein entry point and Magerl entry point for lumbar 4 and lumbar 5 vertebra are close to the real entry point. The Weinstein abduction angle and Magerl abduction angle of lumbar 4 and lumbar 5 vertebrae have minor differences compared with real abduction angle. Therefore， it is recommended that Weinstein method is the preferred choice for lumbar 4 pedicle screw placement， while Weinstein method or Magerl method is the preferred choice for lumbar 5 pedicle screw placement.

Comparative study on radio-opacity of dental composite resin materials'determination using film imaging and digital imaging / 北京大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVE@#To compare the effects of different imaging methods on radio-opacity. Digital imaging and traditional film imaging were used to determine the radio-opacity of dental composite resin materials.@*METHODS@#Fourteen dental composite resins commonly used in clinic were prepared for disc samples with thickness of 1 mm and diameter of 15 mm respectively. The aluminum step wedge was used as the reference and the disc samples were irradiated with X-rays by the traditional film imaging, phosphor imaging plate and charge-coupled device(CCD) intra-oral X-ray sensor respectively. Exposure was set at 65 kV and 7 mA, with 300 mm focus to film distance and the exposure time was 0.25 s. After developing and fixing the film, the optical density of the image of the sample and that of each step of the aluminum step wedge were measured using the densitometer. The digital image file was exported to grey scale analysis software of Adobe Photoshop® to measure the average grey value in the sample image and aluminum step wedge image. The curves were drawn corresponding to the optical density/gray value of each step of the aluminum step wedge and its thickness, and the equivalent thickness of the aluminum plate was calculated according to the optical density/gray value of the actual measured thickness of the sample, so as to evaluate the radio-opacity of dental composite resin material.@*RESULTS@#For the same sample, the aluminum equivalent measured by traditional film imaging and two other digital imagings had significant differences among the 14 composite resins (P < 0.05), and the aluminum equivalent measured by the two digital imagings were greater than that of the traditional film. Moreover the aluminum equivalent measured by the two digital imagings was also different, and the aluminum equivalent measured by the CCD intra-oral X-ray sensor in most composite resins was larger than that measured by phosphor imaging plate. The same sample was photographed with the same imaging method, and the aluminum equivalent was different after three exposures. The standard deviation of aluminum equivalent measured by phosphor imaging plate was the largest, while that measured by CCD intra-oral X-ray sensor was the smallest. Among the 14 dental composite resin materials, the aluminum equivalent of Tetric N-Ceram and Te-Econom Plus measured by traditional film imaging and phosphor imaging plate was significantly higher than other composite resins.@*CONCLUSION@#Based on clinical significance, three kinds of sensors designed to measure the radio-opacity of dental composite resin, the value of aluminum equivalent will change according to different types of sensors. The aluminum equivalent measured by CCD intra-oral X-ray sensor was higher than that measured by phosphor imaging plate, and the aluminum equivalent measured by phosphor imaging plate was higher than that measured by traditional film imaging. Moreover, even though the same sensor was used, the aluminum equivalent measured by multiple exposures was different. The standard deviation of the aluminum equivalent measured by phosphor imaging plate was greater than that measured by traditional film imaging and CCD intra-oral X-ray sensor. The three sensors in this study could be used for evaluating the radio-opacity of dental composite resin materials. But no matter what kind of sensor was used to measure the radio-opacity of dental composite resin, it complied to ISO 4049: 2019 standard, the materials were suitable for clinical use.

Comparison of digital image analysis and conventional microscopy In evaluating Erythrocyte Morphology in peripheral blood smears

Background and Objectives@#The use of conventional microscopy still forms the basis for the morphologic evaluation of erythrocytes despite widespread use of automated tests in the hematology laboratory. This requires a considerable length of time and expertise, and have the potential of becoming a source of errors and delay in reporting. Advances in image processing and machine learning in recent years have shown acceptable performance characteristics and have promising applications in the diagnostic laboratory. Use of these newly-developed technologies can address the stated problems and provide an alternative approach in the microscopic analysis of erythrocytes.@*Methodology@#This prospective validation study compared digital image analysis using a machine-learning based image recognition algorithm with conventional microscopy performed by a trained microscopist, which served as the reference standard. Random deidentified anticoagulated peripheral blood samples submitted to the hematology laboratory were assessed.@*Results@#A total of 956 erythrocytes were evaluated after image processing using support vector machine and routine microscopy as classifiers of erythrocytes into three categories: size, central pallor, and shape. The tested software was able to achieve a strong level of agreement compared to conventional microscopy, having kappa values ranging from 0.81 to 0.86. Accuracy for size, central pallor and shape were 89.88%, 93.72% and 87.89%, respectively.@*Conclusion@#The validated image recognition software is an acceptable diagnostic test in determining erythrocyte morphology in peripheral blood smears. Its integration can potentially minimize hands-on time and improve the diagnostic laboratory workflow.@*Registration@#Philippine Health Research Registry (PHRR) ID: PHRR191211-002348; University of the Philippines Manila Research Ethics Board (UPMREB): 2019-356-01.

Effect of different exposure times on caries detection and pixel value in a wireless digital system

Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess, using the CDR Wireless®, the effect of different exposure times on caries detection and pixel intensity values. Materials and Methods: Forty teeth were x-rayed using a Schick CDR Wireless sensor at eight different exposure times – 0.06, 0.10, 0.13, 0.16, 0.20, 0.25, 0.30, and 0.32 s. Four observers evaluated the images for presence of carious lesions scoring proximal surfaces of each tooth on a 5-point scale. Scores were compared to histological sections of the teeth. Accuracy was evaluated by means of ROC curve analysis. Radiographs of an aluminum step wedge were obtained using the same eight exposure times. Pixel intensity measurements were obtained, and mean pixel values were statistically analyzed using linear regression. Results: The Az for each exposure time varied from 0.53 to 0.62. Two-way analysis of variance and Tukey test demonstrated that the exposure time of 0.25 s presented the best result and was significantly higher than 0.30 s and 0.35 s. In regard to mean pixel values, two different behaviors were observed, and the exposure time of 0.20 s presented mean pixel values in both phases. Conclusion: The performance of the exposure times from 0.06 s to 0.25 s was satisfactory for proximal caries detection, and 0.25 s is the best as indicated for this finality. Clinical Relevance: Considering that a reduction of exposure time represents a reduction of patient exposure dose, and this reduction cannot neglect image quality, the behavior of any digital system must be carefully evaluated.

Frecuencia y severidad de retinopatía diabética en pacientes con diabetes mellitus tipo 2 en el Instituto Regional de Oftalmología / Frequency and severity of diabetic retinopathy in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus at the Regional Institute of Ophthalmology

RESUMEN Para determinar la frecuencia y el grado de severidad de retinopatía diabética (RD) en pacientes con diabetes mellitus (DM) tipo 2 se realizó un estudio descriptivo transversal en 3239 pacientes del Instituto Regional de Oftalmología de la ciudad de Trujillo, región La Libertad, Perú. Previa dilatación pupilar, personal entrenado tomó dos fotografías de cada ojo, centrado en mácula y nervio óptico. La frecuencia de RD fue de 25,9 % con mayor proporción en varones con RD (28,2%) y en aquellos con más de 10 años de enfermedad por DM (49,0%). La mayoría de pacientes tuvieron retinopatía diabética no proliferativa (RDNP) leve a moderada (79,3%), el 10,1% tuvo RDNP severa y el 10,6 % RD proliferativa. Concluimos que la RD se presenta en uno de cada cuatro pacientes y alrededor del 20% en grados avanzados. Es preciso ampliar la cobertura de tamizaje desde el momento del diagnóstico de DM e implementar medidas preventivas como el control metabólico y el examen periódico del fondo de ojo.

ABSTRACT In order to determine the frequency and severity of diabetic retinopathy (DR) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (MD), a cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in 3,239 patients of the Regional Institute of Ophthalmology in the city of Trujillo, La Libertad region, Peru. After pupil dilation, trained personnel took two photographs of each eye, centered on macula and optic nerve. The frequency of DR was 25.9%, with a higher proportion in men with DR (28.2%) and in those with more than 10 years of MD disease (49.0%). Most patients had mild to moderate non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) (79.3%); 10.1% had severe NPDR, and 9.7% had proliferative DR. We conclude that DR occurs in one in four patients and about 20% in advanced degrees. There is a need to expand screening coverage from the time of diagnosis of DM and to implement preventive measures such as metabolic control and periodic ocular fundus exam.

Improvement in radiographic quality workflow due to use of digital imaging and picture archiving and communication system

Background: PACS (Picture archiving and communication systems) and digital imaging (DI) has revolutionized radiology bringing about a paradigm shift in the way radiodiagnosis is perceived and practiced with a slew of benefits like elimination of the need for manual handling of films, helping in long term storage of digital images, easy transfer and retrieval of radiographic images. The objective of this study was to analyse the influence of PACS and digital imaging on the workflow in the radiology, performance of the radiographer and image storage and retrieval capabilities.Methods: It was a questionnaire-based study in which questions were asked to the radiographers working in our hospital at five different working sites. Each questionnaire was aimed to evaluate the effect of digital imaging on radiology workflow, improvement in the performance of radiographers, reduction in the work-related frustration levels due to use of digital imaging and finally the utility of digital imaging in image storage, query and retrieval.Results: Among the 50 questionnaires 41 were completed and retrieved. Among the respondents, 90.24% indicated that digital imaging has obviated the need for repeat examinations, 95.12% agreed with the fact that it resulted in the reduction of the number of reject images, 95.1% said it helped them in improving their performances, 92.6% of the respondents said they did not face any issue with its use and 95.1% of the participants agreed that the image query and retrieval could be accomplished in a hassle-free manner.Conclusions: The digital imaging technique not only improves the performance of the radiographers but also increases the workflow of the health care hospitals or clinics. The digital imaging reduces the number of rejected images thus reducing radiation exposure to the patients. Further, it is highly cost-effective and time-saving.

Comparative Evaluation of Nemoceph and Foxit PDF Reader for Steiner’s Cephalometric Analysis

Cephalometry is used to quantify and qualify the type of malocclusion. The digital technology has overcome the limitations of manual method. A high cost of the commercially available software is unaffordable for its wide spread use. Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the values of Steiner’s cephalometric analysis using Nemoceph and Foxit PDF reader. No significant difference between the two methods will result in that Foxit PDF reader can be used as an cost effective alternative. Methods: This study was conducted on 100 digital lateral cephalogram taken from the same machine. The samples were collected by non-probability convenience sampling procedures. These images were analyzed for Steiner’s Cephalometric Analysis using the two software. Results: The skeletal and dental values showed no statistical significant difference in the majority, except for the L1-NA (Linear) and L1-NB (Linear). Conclusion: Results showed that there is a high agreement between the two methods.

Soporte facilitador para la toma de imágenes microscópicas con dispositivos digitales / Support Facilitator for Taking Microscopic Images with Digital Devices

Introducción: La rápida evolución de la tecnología provoca la rápida obsolescencia de los equipos, esto constituye una desventaja dados los equipos tradicionales con que contamos en nuestro laboratorio. Técnicas como el procesamiento digital de imágenes han ampliado su propósito hacia el mejoramiento de las imágenes adquiridas y la búsqueda de información en ellas. Objetivo: Evaluar un soporte facilitador para la toma de imágenes microscópicas con dispositivos móviles digitales. Métodos: Se desarrolló una investigación de innovación tecnológica realizada en el período octubre-diciembre del 2017, en los laboratorios de Ciencias Básicas Biomédicas de la Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de Santiago de Cuba. Resultados: Se propone la generación de una herramienta o soporte que admita el acople de un dispositivo digital para la toma de imágenes, que permita el procesamiento, almacenamiento y análisis de imágenes microscópicas, para la creación de una base de datos digitales para uso académico por parte del personal del área de ciencias básicas biomédicas y como un medio que facilite el estudio de tejidos a los estudiantes de medicina. Desde el punto de vista económico, la integración de imágenes en los sistemas de información supondría una reducción significativa de costos. Conclusiones: Se aprovechan las ventajas de los dispositivos móviles para la digitalización de imágenes. Estos dispositivos pueden adaptarse a los microscopios y generar productos que permitan el fácil proceso de visualización y almacenamiento, siendo accesibles y de fácil uso. Facilitará el desarrollo de investigaciones en el campo de la histología(AU)

Introduction: The rapid evolution of technology causes rapid obsolescence of equipment, which is a disadvantage given the traditional equipment that we have in our laboratory. Techniques such as digital image processing have expanded their purpose towards the improvement of acquired images and the search for information in them. Objective: To evaluate a facilitating support for the taking of microscopic images with digital mobile devices. Methods: A technological innovation research conducted in the period October-December 2017, in the laboratories of Basic Biomedical Sciences at the University of Medical Sciences of Santiago de Cuba was developed. Results: We propose the generation of a tool that supports the coupling of a digital device for taking images. The tool allows the processing, storage and analysis of microscopic images, for the creation of a digital database for academic use by the personnel of the area of biomedical basic sciences, which will also serve as a means to facilitate the study of tissues to the Medicine students. From the economic point of view, the integration of images in the information systems would imply a significant reduction of costs. Conclusions: The advantages of mobile devices for the digitalization of images are exploited. These devices can be adapted to microscopes and generate products that allow easy viewing and storage process, being accessible and easy to use. It will facilitate the development of investigations in the field of histology(AU)

Application of Microflow Digital Imaging in Sub-visible Particle Detection of Monoclonal Antibodies / 中国药学杂志

OBJECTIVE: To explore the application value of microflow digital imaging (MDI) in sub-visible particle detection of monoclonal antibodies(mAbs). METHODS: Polystyrene latex particles were adopted as standard particles to evaluate the stability and accuracy of MDI, then MDI was used to detect the quantities and compositions of sub-visible particles with diameters of ≥10 μm and ≥25 μm in two groups of mAbs. One group containing three mAbs from different companies against EGFR was selected to show the compositional difference of sub-visible particles. Another group was set to evaluate the impact of storage conditions on stability of sub-visible particles in mAb against TNF-α. The storage conditions included 4℃, 37℃ and exposure under light of 6 000 lx. RESULTS: Using polystyrene latex particles, MDI method showed acceptable stability and accuracy. The analysis showed that the numbers of sub-visible particles in mAbs from Company 1 and Company 2 were comparable, but their main compositions were non-protein and protein particles separately. The number of sub-visible particles in mAb from Company 3 was much higher than that of Company 1 and Company 2 and the sub-visible particles included both non-protein and protein particles, indicating differed strategies should be adopted to control sub-visible particles. It was also found that the selected antibody against TNF-α was much more unstable when stored at 37℃ or exposed under light of 6 000 lx as the quantities of protein particles were increased dramatically, which suggested the obvious impact of storage conditions on stability of protein in mAbs. CONCLUSION: MDI can provide not only diameters and the quantities of sub-visible particles, but also morphological information and tell the nature of the particles. These functions are powerful tools for sub-visible particle control and quality evaluation of mAbs.

Exploration of an integrated system of digital imaging medical records of a hospital / 中华医院管理杂志

Objective To explore the integration of the digital imaging medical records system and the hospital information system ( HIS), for a hospital-wide information platform for digital medical records management. Methods All the medical records were classified as " to copy and not to copy" by sampling, and an item corresponding table was developed for both HIS medical record files and imaging records copying types. The imaging copying system for paper-based medical records only covers those must-copy ones, while those medical record files without need to be copied were directly transcoded via the interface to the imaging medical records system from the HIS system. This makes digital imaging medical records complete. Results The digital imaging medical record system is thus integrated, and the cost of making imaging medical records was sizably reduced without compromising the quality and integrity of medical records. Conclusions Imaging medical records produced by copying paper-based ones are integrated with those directly sent via the interface to the imaging medical records system, forming complete digital imaging records, at a much lower cost.

Dental Imaging Array Technologies: A Review and Update

Digital radiography has evolved and co-existed with the dental imaging since four decades. The complete replacement of digital imaging in place of conventional screen-film combination has proved to be beneficial to the new era of dentistry. Because of low cost, higher patient comfort, increased dose efficiency, and greater dynamic range of digital detectors with possible reduction of radiation exposure to the patient, the digital imaging has created a new place for itself not only in medical radiology but in dentistry as well. The future will be digital, irrespective of CCDs, CMOS, or phosphor plates the advancement in the field of imaging is rapid and progressive with constantly replacing the older ones. The present paper discusses thoroughly about the various advancements in digital imaging starting from CCDs to flexible phosphor plates. Digital imaging, a substitute for conventional film radiography, has ventured into the arena of dentistry as well and revolutionised the imaging concepts of Oral Health Care Professionals.

Calibration and quality control of medical image monitor / 医疗卫生装备

Objective To explore the standard and methods for the calibration of the medical image monitor,and to execute its quality detection.Methods The related standards and concepts of medical image monitor were analyzed,and the grayscale standard display function (GSDF) defined by DICOM was discussed.Calibration of medical image monitor was implemented with the 14th part of DICOM standard on medical image display and DICOM GSDF standard function.Results It's pointed out that lookup table and brillmeter were indispensible for DICOM GSDF calibration of medical image monitor.The calibration modes included the ones of manual,automatic and network.Conclusion Medical image monitor has to undergo calibration and quality control conventionally,and DICOM GSDF calibration should be executed before its clinical application.

Nitrogen dose and type of herbicide used for growth regulation on the green coloration intensity of Emerald grass / Intensidade da coloração verde das folhas da grama esmeralda submetida a doses de nitrogênio e ao uso de herbicidas como reguladores de crescimento

ABSTRACT: Nitrogen (N) is the main nutrient responsible for the green coloration of lawns but also stimulates the growth of the aerial portion of grass, thus increasing mowing expenses. Therefore, herbicides may be used as a growth regulator. The ideal herbicide will reduce lawn height without affecting esthetics. Toward this end, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the green coloration of Emerald grass ( Zoysia japonica Steud.) under the effect of different N doses or herbicides used as growth regulators. The study site consisted of randomized blocks containing 20 treatments arranged in a 5×4 factorial design with four treatment groups: four herbicides (glyphosate, imazaquin, imazethapyr, and metsulfuron-methyl, accounting for 200, 420, 80, and 140g ha-1 of the active ingredient, respectively) and the control sample (no herbicide); and three doses of N in the form of urea (5, 10, and 20g m-2), divided into five applications per year, in addition to a treatment without N. Leaf chlorophyll content (LCC) was assessed and the aerial portion of the lawn was measured with digital image analysis. Doses of N ranging from 10 to 20g m-2, divided into five applications a year, provided the lawn with intense green coloration, and the herbicides glyphosate (200g ha-1), imazaquin (420g ha-1), and imazethapyr (80g ha-1) were reported to be suitable for use as growth regulators of the study species, considering maintenance of esthetic quality (green coloration). The digital image analysis of the aerial portion provided more accurate results than use of a chlorophyll meter with regard to the recommendation of both N dose and herbicides to be used as growth regulators of Emerald grass.

RESUMO: Embora o nitrogênio (N) seja o principal nutriente responsável pela coloração verde dos gramados, o mesmo estimula o crescimento da parte aérea, resultando em maior dispêndio com cortes. Assim, a utilização de herbicidas como reguladores de crescimento seria alternativa, sendo ideal aquele que reduzisse a altura sem afetar a estética do gramado. Diante do exposto, objetivou-se avaliar a coloração verde da grama esmeralda ( Zoysia japonica Steud.) sob o efeito de doses de N e do uso de herbicidas como reguladores de crescimento. Utilizou-se o delineamento em blocos casualizados com 20 tratamentos dispostos num fatorial 5x4 com quatro repetições, sendo quatro herbicidas: glyphosate, imazaquin, imazethapyr e metsulfuron-methyl (200, 420, 80 e 140g ha-1 do ingrediente ativo (i.a.), respectivamente) e a testemunha (sem herbicida); e três doses de N na forma de ureia: 5, 10 e 20g m-2, parceladas em cinco aplicações ao ano, além do tratamento sem N. Avaliaram-se o índice de clorofila foliar (ICF) e a análise por imagem digital da parte aérea do gramado. Doses de 10 a 20g m-2 de N, parceladas em cinco vezes ao ano, propiciaram coloração verde intensa do gramado e os herbicidas glyphosate (200g ha-1), imazaquin (420g ha-1) e imazethapyr (80g ha-1) foram adequados para utilização como reguladores do crescimento da espécie estudada, considerando a qualidade estética (cor verde). A análise por imagem digital da parte aérea forneceu resultados mais precisos que o uso do clorofilômetro, quanto à recomendação da dose de N, bem como dos herbicidas a serem utilizados como reguladores de crescimento da grama esmeralda.

Reading and displaying DICOM RT structure based on Matlab / 中国医学装备

Objective:To design a software to read and display CT and RT structure and draw a new contour without treatment planning system (TPS).Methods: In order to display the contour information drawn by doctors, the first step was to match CT images and RT structure then the same screen rendering of CT and RT structures could be applied. In order to add contour in RT structure obtaining the coordinates interactively, connecting coordinate points were the essential steps. Then a unique identity was given in the area of that contour to ensure its unique results. Results: The software successfully read and displayed CT and RT structures and drew a new contour without TPS.Conclusion: In this study, the software establishes a basis to improve the precision of the radiotherapy dose.

Look what else we found - clinically significant abnormalities detected during routine ROP screening.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to report the spectrum of anterior and posterior segment diagnoses in Asian Indian premature infants detected serendipitously during routine retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) screening during a 1 year period. Methods: A retrospective review of all Retcam (Clarity MSI, USA) imaging sessions during the year 2011 performed on infants born either <2001 g at birth and/ or <34.1 weeks of gestation recruited for ROP screening was performed. All infants had a minimum of seven images at each session, which included the dilated anterior segment, disc, and macula center and the four quadrants using the 130° lens. Results: Of the 8954 imaging sessions of 1450 new infants recruited in 2011, there were 111 (7.66%) with a diagnosis other than ROP. Anterior segment diagnoses seen in 31 (27.9%) cases included clinically significant cataract, lid abnormalities, anophthalmos, microphthalmos, and corneal diseases. Posterior segment diagnoses in 80 (72.1%) cases included retinal hemorrhages, cherry red spots, and neonatal uveitis of infective etiologies. Of the 111 cases, 15 (13.5%) underwent surgical procedures and 24 (21.6%) underwent medical procedures; importantly, two eyes with retinoblastoma were detected which were managed timely. Conclusions: This study emphasizes the importance of ocular digital imaging in premature infants. Visually significant, potentially life‑threatening, and even treatable conditions were detected serendipitously during routine ROP screening that may be missed or detected late otherwise. This pilot data may be used to advocate for a possible universal infant eye screening program using digital imaging.

Digital imaging processing of EUS image in differentiating autoimmune pancreatitis from chronic pancreatitis / 中华消化内镜杂志

Objective To explore the feasibility of using digital imaging processing (DIP)to extract EUS image parameters for the differential diagnosis of autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP)and chronic pancreati-tis (CP).Methods A total of 81 patients with AIP and 100 patients with CP diagnosed from May 2005 to January 2013 were recruited to this study.A total of 105 parameters of 9 categories were extracted from the region of interest by using computer-based techniques.Then the distance between class algorithm and se-quential forward selection (SFS)algorithm were used for a better combination of features.A support vector machine (SVM)predictive model was built,trained,and validated.Results Overall,25 parameters of 5 categories were selected as a better combination of features when the incidence of accurate category was max (90.08%).A total of 181 sample sets were randomly divided into a training set and a testing set by using two different algorithms and 200 random tests were performed.The average accuracy,sensitivity,specificity, the positive and negative predictive values of AIP based on the half-and-half method were (86.04 ± 3.15)%,(83.66 ±6.57)%,(88.54 ±4.37)%,(85.96 ±4.44)% and (87.12 ±4.39)%,respective-ly.Conclusion Computer-aided diagnosis of EUS images is objective and non-invasive,which can improve the accuracy in differentiating AIP from CP.This technology provides a new valuable diagnostic tool for the clinical determination of AIP.

Digital imaging in Dentistry: An overview.

Digital radiography has been available in dentistry for more than 25 years, but it has not replaced conventional film-based radiography completely. This could be because of the costs involved in replacing conventional radiographic equipment with a digital imaging system, or because implementing new technology in the dental practice requires a bit of courage. As use of digital radiography becomes more common, many dentists are wondering if and how they can replace conventional film-based imaging with a digital system. This article presents an overview of the different technologies used for digital imaging in dentistry with a broad overview of the benefits and limitations of digital imaging. The principles of direct and indirect digital imaging modalities, image processing and image analysis will be discussed.

The KIDROP model of combining strategies for providing retinopathy of prematurity screening in underserved areas in India using wide-field imaging, tele-medicine, non-physician graders and smart phone reporting.

Aim: To report the Karnataka Internet Assisted Diagnosis of Retinopathy of Prematurity (KIDROP) program for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) screening in underserved rural areas using an indigenously developed tele-ROP model. Materials and Methods: KIDROP currently provides ROP screening and treatment services in three zones and 81 neonatal units in Karnataka, India. Technicians were trained to use a portable Retcam Shutt le (Clarity, USA) and validated against ROP experts performing indirect ophthalmoscopy. An indigenously developed 20-point score (STAT score) graded their ability (Level I to III) to image and decide follow-up based on a three-way algorithm. Images were also uploaded on a secure tele-ROP platform and accessed and reported by remote experts on their smart phones (iPhone, Apple). Results: 6339 imaging sessions of 1601 infants were analyzed. A level III technician agreed with 94.3% of all expert decisions. The sensitivity, specifi city, positive predictive value and negative predictive value for treatment grade disease were 95.7, 93.2, 81.5 and 98.6 respectively. The kappa for technicians to decide discharge of babies was 0.94 (P < 0.001). Only 0.4% of infants needing treatment were missed.The kappa agreement of experts reporting on the iPhone vs Retcam for treatment requiring and mild ROP were 0.96 and 0.94 (P < 0.001) respectively. Conclusions: This is the fi rst and largest real-world program to employ accredited non-physicians to grade and report ROP. The KIDROP tele-ROP model demonstrates that ROP services can be delivered to the outreach despite lack of specialists and may be useful in other middle-income countries with similar demographics.

Reliability of digital panoramic radiographs in detecting calcified carotid artery atheromatous plaques: A clinical study.

Objectives: The objective of this study was to determine whether digital panoramic radiography is a reliable method to detect calcified carotid artery atheromatous plaques (CCAAP) as compared with ultrasonography. Study Design: Digital panoramic radiographs were obtained from 50 patients who also underwent carotid ultrasound examination. The images were interpreted by trained maxillofacial radiologist for the presence or absence of calcified atheromatous plaques. The extent of carotid calcification on carotid ultrasonography was determined by a trained Sonologist, which was considered as the gold standard assessment. Results: Digital panoramic radiographs had a sensitivity of 76% and specificity of 98.66% in determining CCAAP. There was a high level of agreement between diagnoses, with a kappa value of 0.8. Conclusion: To conclude, digital panoramic radiographs had good sensitivity and high specificity in detecting CCAAP. If properly trained, dentists can detect such plaques and can refer patients to physician for timely medical treatment.