A semi-automated microscopic image analysis method for scoring Ki-67 nuclear immunostaining

Nuclear proliferation marker MIB-1 (Ki-67) immunohistochemistry (IHC) is used to examine tumor cell proliferation. However, the diagnostic or prognostic value of the Ki-67 nuclear staining intensity and location, defined as nuclear gradient (NG), has not been assessed. This study examined the potential association between Ki-67 NG and cell cycle phases and its effect on the prognosis of pulmonary typical carcinoid (PTC) tumors. We propose a method for classifying the NG of Ki-67 during the cell cycle and compare the results between PTC, pulmonary adenocarcinoma (PAD), and breast ductal carcinoma (BDC). A literature review and objective analysis of IHC-stained paraffin sections were used to determine the Ki-67 labeling index and composed a stratification of the NG into NG1, NG2, and NG3/4 categories. A semi-automated image analysis protocol was established to determine the Ki-67 NG in PTC, PAD, and BDC. High intraobserver consistency and moderate interobserver agreement were achieved in the determination of Ki-67 NG in tumor specimens. NG1 and NG2 were lower in PTC than in PAD and BDC. Cox multivariate analysis of PTC after adjusting for age and number of metastatic lymph nodes showed that Ki-67 NG1 and NG2 significantly predicted clinical outcomes. The semi-automated method for quantification of Ki-67 nuclear immunostaining proposed in this study could become a valuable diagnostic and prognostic tool in PTC.

Representações sócio-históricas de uma doença: um estudo sobre cartazes de campanhas para o combate à hanseníase na segunda metade do século XX / Socio-historical representations of a disease: a study of posters from campaigns against Hansen's disease during the second half of the twentieth century

Resumo Este artigo analisa o uso de fontes iconográficas no contexto das campanhas educativas para o combate à hanseníase numa perspectiva sócio-histórica em quatro momentos: décadas de 1950, 1960, 1980 e 1990. São analisados quatro cartazes para identificar os elementos (textuais, visuais ou gráficos) utilizados para elaborar um discurso sobre a doença e os doentes; suas transformações discursivas e permanências, além de verificar como se tornaram parte de uma narrativa de memória institucional ligada à saúde pública paulista. As fontes estudadas fazem parte da coleção Cartazes de Campanhas de Saúde, cujos itens foram produzidos por diversas instituições ligadas à saúde pública e integram o acervo do Museu de Saúde Pública Emílio Ribas.

Abstract This article analyzes the use of iconographic sources in the context of educational campaigns to combat Hansen's disease from a socio-historical perspective at four points in time: the 1950s, 1960s, 1980s, and 1990s. Four posters are analyzed to identify the elements (textual, visual or graphic) used to develop discourse on this disease and those it affected and transformations and permanences in this discourse, as well as to verify how they became part of a narrative of institutional memory linked to public health in the state of São Paulo. These were produced by various public health institutions and are part of the Health Campaign Poster Collection held by the Emílio Ribas Public Health Museum.

Metodología para la evaluación automatizada de la expresión del receptor de vitamina D mediante técnica inmunocitoquímica / Methodology of automated Vitamin D receptor immunocytochemical expression análisis

Introducción: la citología permite examinar células de un tejido de manera mínimamente invasiva, sin embargo, la capacidad de realizar técnicas complementarias como la inmunocitoquímica (ICQ) no está exenta de dificultades. Es el objetivo de nuestro trabajo presentar una metodología que permita la utilización de ICQ automatizada asociada a un análisis automatizado mediante técnica de patología digital. Métodos: se incluyeron 5 sujetos sanos y se obtuvieron muestras de superficie ocular utilizando un citocepillo. La muestra fue procesada de manera automatizada mediante citología en fase líquida. Posteriormente se realizó ICQ automatizada para detectar la positividad nuclear del receptor de vitamina D. Para la evaluación, se utilizaron dos métodos: cuantificación directa bajo microscopio de luz y análisis automatizado usando analizador de imágenes en las diapositivas digitales obtenidas con un Scanner. El porcentaje de positividad encontrado con ambos métodos fueron comparados utilizando la prueba de Kappa. Resultados: todas las muestras presentaron una celularidad adecuada. En todos los casos fue posible realizar ICQ automatizada, más aún, todas las muestras presentaron una calidad óptima. Al comparar ambos métodos (manual versus automatizado) se observó un nivel de acuerdo sustancial (Kappa=0,69). Conclusiones: la metodología presentada en este manuscrito permite la evaluación automatizada de marcadores inmunohistoquímicos de la superficie ocular de manera mínimamente invasiva, siendo similar al conteo manual, pero más objetivo y reproducible. Esta técnica podría ser útil para el estudio proteómico en patologías como la enfermedad por ojo seco.

Introduction: Cytology tests use small amounts of tissue samples for diagnosis as a minimally invasive technique; however, the ability to perform complementary methods such as immunocytochemistry (ICC) is not without difficulties. The aim of our work is to present a method that allows the use of automated ICC associated with an automated image analysis using digital pathology. Methods: Five healthy subjects were included, and ocular surface samples were obtained using a cytobrush. The sample was processed as liquid-based cytology. Automated ICC was subsequently performed to detect vitamin D receptor nuclear positivity. Two methods were used for evaluation: manual counting under a light microscope and automated analysis using an image analyzer on digitized slides. The percentage of positivity found in both methods was compared using the Kappa test. Results: All samples presented adequate cellularity. In all cases, it was possible to perform automated ICC; moreover, all samples presented optimal quality. When comparing both methods (manual versus automated), a substantial level of agreement was seen (Kappa=0.69). Conclusions. The method presented in this manuscript allows the minimally invasive automated evaluation of ocular surface ICC markers, being like manual counting but more objective and reproducible. This technique could be useful for proteomic study in pathologies such as dry eye disease.

Evaluation of the physiological potential of Panicum maximum seeds by multivariate analysis

The aim of this work was to identify efficient vigor tests for differentiating the seed lots, forecasting seedling emergence in the field and assessing the physiological quality of Panicum maximum seeds. 12 seed lots from the cultivar Tanzania and 11 seed lots from the cultivar Massai were evaluated for water content, germination, first count and germination speed index, emergence and first emergence count of seedlings in sand, root length and shoot length, analysis of SVIS® images (seedling length, vigor and uniformity index) and seedling emergence in the field. The work was conducted in a completely randomized design for tests performed in the laboratory and in randomized blocks for tests in the field. The data were subjected to analysis of variance and the means compared by Scott Knott's test at 5% probability and statistical multivariate clustering analysis and principal components analysis. The shoot and root length tests are efficient for the evaluation of the physiological potential of P. maximum cv. Massai, while the seedling length, vigor index and growth uniformity index tests using image analysis, seedling emergence in sand and first seedling emergence count in sand are efficient in assessing the physiological potential of seeds of P. maximum cv. Tanzania, and providing information similar to that of seedling emergence in the field.

Comparison results of image analysis software for quality control of SPECT equipment / 中国辐射卫生

@#<b>Objective</b> To investigate the differences in output results between difference analysis software, and to provide a reference for the improvement of quality control and the standard revision of SPECT equipment. <b>Methods</b> The image analysis software for quality control held by 14 radiological health technical service institutions was selected as the research subjects using the cluster sampling method. The results of the comparison were analyzed and evaluated according to the Z-score method with certified reference values. <b>Results</b> In the comparison items of “intrinsic uniformity” and “intrinsic spatial linearity”, the number of software with suspicious, deviated and incorrect results accounted for a relatively high proportion, while the results of other comparison items were satisfactory. <b>Conclusion</b> The applicability of SPECT image analysis software lacks effective supervision measures. Relevant departments should introduce feasible measures to standardize the software production and update process, accelerate the construction of radiological health information reporting platform, and promote the healthy development of the radiation health testing industry.

Research Progress of DNA-Based Technologies for Postmortem Interval Estimation / 法医学杂志

In criminal investigations, postmortem interval (PMI) is important information to be inferred in homicide investigations, as well as the focus and the difficulty in forensic pathology research. Because the DNA content in different tissues is relatively constant and shows changes regularly with the extension of PMI, it has become a research hotspot of PMI estimation. This paper reviews the recent progress of PMI estimation technologies including DNA-based single cell gel electrophoresis, image analysis, flow cytometry, real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR and high-throughput sequencing, hoping to provide references for forensic medicine practice and scientific research.

Research Progress and Application of Digital Pathology Technology in Bone Marrow Morphology / 中国医疗器械杂志

Advances in digital pathology technology have enabled pathologists and laboratory physicians to perform quick, easy, accurate and reproducible analysis of digital images of tissues and cells with the aid of electronic screens and software tools, rather than relying solely on traditional optical microscopy observations. The conventional clinical cytology testing practice is to be replaced by a digital workflow, which includes both digital imaging and image analysis. This article provides an overview of the basic principles of digital pathology techniques, the advances of development of device in cytology digital pathology, and their clinical applications in bone marrow morphology, and existing problems and prospects of digital pathology application in hematology.

Expanding the analysis of optical coherence tomography images / 中华眼底病杂志

Optical coherence tomography (OCT), as a high-resolution, non-invasive, in-vivo image method has been widely used in retinal field, especially in the examination of fundus diseases. Nowadays, the modality has been gradually popularized in most of the national basic-level hospitals. However, OCT is only employed as a diagnostic tool in most cases, ophthalmologists lack of awareness of further exploring the information behind the raw data. In the era of fast-developing artificial intelligence, on the basis of standardized information management, a more comprehensive OCT database should be established. Further original image processing, lesion analysis, and artificial intelligence development of OCT images will help improve the understanding level of vitreoretinal diseases among clinicians and assist ophthalmologists to make more appropriate clinical decisions.

Yttrium-90 radiosynovectomy in knees and ankles (25 joints in 22 hemophilic patients). Short-term results

ABSTRACT Introduction: The radiosynovectomy (RS) is one treatment option for recurrent hemarthrosis in patients with hemophilia (PWH). A prospective cohort study was designed to evaluate the effects of the RS on the synovial membrane volume in the ankles and knees of PWH and patient characteristics related to the RS outcome. Methods: In a one-year follow-up, 25 joints of 22 PWH who presented 3 bleeds or more in the same joint over the last 6 months (target joints) were subjected to the RS. Two groups were compared: those who retained target joints following the RS and those who did not (less than 3 bleeds/6 months after the RS). The groups were analyzed according to age, hemophilia type/severity, joint, body mass index (BMI), inhibitor and Hemophilia Joint Health Score 2.1 (HJHS). The magnetic resonance images (MRI) of six ankles and six knees were acquired prior to, and 6 months after, the RS. The synovial membrane volume and arthropathy MRI scale were accessed and volumes were compared and correlated with the Yttrium-90 dose injected. Results: Patients with a mean age of 12 years and a mean HJHS of 6.7 (p < 0.05) retained target joints after the RS. The inhibitor, joint, type/severity of disease and BMI showed no significant differences between groups. The synovial membrane volume had a significant reduction after the RS (p = 0.03), but no correlation with the Yttrium-90 dose. In proportion to the synovial membrane volume, doses injected to the ankles were larger than those injected to the knees. Conclusion: The synovial membrane volume is reduced after the RS, regardless of the effective 90Y dose.

Classification of the sperm chromatin compaction alterations in bulls (Bos taurus) and its correlation with the efficiency of the in vitro production of embryos

This paper proposes to classify the sperm chromatin compaction alterations in bulls, according to the affected area location and its objective is evaluating the correlation of the intensity, the heterogeneity and these kinds of chromatin decompaction with the rates of cleavage and the formation of blastocysts of in vitro production of embryos (IVPE). It was used several subfertile animals sperm samples, which were evaluated using the toluidine blue staining and computer image analysis, making possible the categorization of the chromatin decompaction according to their location. The percentages of chromatin decompaction and heterogeneity were also evaluated. IVPEs were done and the rates of cleavage and of blastocysts were correlated with the chromatin characteristics. It made possible the classification of the chromatin decompaction according to the head affected part in at least four types: base decompaction, basal half decompaction, central axis decompaction, total decompaction. Based on the correlation, it can be implicated that each type of classification has different influences on the bull fertility. It made possible understanding that sperms amount with 5% or more of chromatin decompaction intensity interferes in the bull fertility and this condition can be featured as an uncompensable defect, while the heterogeneity of chromatin is not an important factor in the IVPE results.

Esthetic evaluation of resin infiltration for the treatment of molar-incisor hypomineralization / 口腔疾病防治

Objective @#To evaluate the clinical effects of resin infiltration in treating molar-incisor hypomineralization. @*Methods @#Twelve patients (36 teeth) with mild molar-incisor mineralization imperfecta who met the inclusion criteria were selected and treated with penetrating resin. Before treatment (T0), at the one-week follow-up (T1) and at the six-month follow-up (T2), a Crystaleye spectrophotometer was used to take photos, and the color differences (ΔE) between the lesion area and the surrounding normal enamel area at different times were calculated and analyzed. The area of the lesion and the total area of the labial surface of affected teeth were calculated using Adobe Photoshop CS3 software. The corresponding area ratio (R) and treatment efficiency (SR) were obtained. The R value was used to judge the effectiveness of resin penetration in the treatment of molar and incisor mineralization imperfecta and to evaluate its aesthetic effect. The results were analyzed by repeated measures one-way ANOVA. @*Results@#The color difference of the lesion area vs sound adjacent enamel (ΔE) decreased significantly, and that of the lesion area decreased significantly after resin infiltration (P < 0.001). The success rate was approximately 86.02%, which means that the esthetic effect of resin infiltration in treating molar-incisor hypomineralization was remarkable. No important adverse events or side effects were observed. @*Conclusion@# The aesthetic effect of resin infiltration in the treatment of mild molar and incisor hypomineralization is good. This method is recommended for clinical use.

Research progress on artificial intelligence in precise pathological diagnosis of lung cancer / 中国胸心血管外科临床杂志

@#The incidence of lung cancer has increased significantly during the past decades. Pathology is the gold standard for diagnosis and the corresponding treatment measures selection of lung cancer. In recent years, with the development of artificial intelligence and digital pathology, the researches of pathological image analysis have achieved remarkable progresses in lung cancer. In this review, we will introduce the research progress on artificial intelligence in pathological classification, mutation genes and prognosis of lung cancer. Artificial intelligence is expected to further accelerate the pace of precision pathology.

Sex and stature estimation from adult lumbar vertebrae in a Thai population based on image analysis / Estimación de sexo y estatura de vértebras lumbares adultas en una población Tailandesa basada en análisis de imagen

SUMMARY: Although molecular techniques evolved considerably in last years, anthropological methods of assessing skeletal remains, continues to be an important tool in the identification process in medico legal investigations. The objective of this study was to develop a discriminant function equation for estimating sex and stature using several measurements of lumbar vertebrae in a Thai population. We studied 150 lumbar columns (75 male and 75 female) age range of 22 to 89 years from the Forensic Osteology Research Center, Chiang Mai University, Thailand. The quantitative variables with sex were analyzed by the discriminant function analysis and that with stature were calculated using linear regression. The pixel density of the major axis of the trabecular surface of superior endplate of the first lumbar vertebra had the most accuracy in sex determination. The regression equation with quantitative variables in stature estimation described 32.3 % of the total variance with standard error of estimate of 7.736 cm. Lumbar vertebrae can be used as part of the stature and sex quantitatively and qualitatively estimating in Thais incomplete skeletal remains.

RESUMEN: Los métodos antropológicos de evaluación del esqueleto siguen siendo una herramienta importante en el proceso de identificación en las investigaciones médico-legales. El objetivo de este estudio fue desarrollar una ecuación de función discriminante para estimar el sexo y la estatura utilizando varias medidas de las vértebras lumbares en una población tailandesa. Se estudiaron 150 columnas lumbares (75 hombres y 75 mujeres) con un rango etario de 22 a 89 años del Centro de Investigación de Osteología Forense, Universidad de Chiang Mai, Tailandia. Las variables cuantitativas de sexo se analizaron mediante el análisis de función discriminante y la estatura fue calculada mediante regresión lineal. En cuanto a la determinación de sexo, la densidad de píxeles del eje mayor de superficie trabecular de la placa terminal superior de la primera vértebra lumbar fue de mayor precisión. La ecuación de regresión con variables cuantitativas en la estimación de la estatura describió el 32,3 % de la varianza total con el error estándar de estimación de 7,736 cm. Las vértebras lumbares se pueden utilizar como parte de la estatura y el sexo, estimando cuantitativa y cualitativamente los restos esqueléticos incompletos en sujetos tailandeses.

Image analysis of morphometric evaluation from the heart valves for age estimation in Thai population / Análisis de la evaluación morfométrica de las valvas cardíacas para la estimación de la edad en la población tailandesa

Determination of age represents one of the most important aspects in forensic identification. Through aging, changes can occur in morphological structures of the heart valves. The objective is to examine the relationship between the dimensions of the rigth atrioventricular (tricuspid), pulmonary, left atrioventricular (mitral), and aortic valves and age at death. Sixty fresh human hearts were obtained from Department of Anatomy and Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of medicine, Chiang Mai University, Thailand. The age of individuals was between 20-90 years. We investigated the morphometric parameters of the valves were taken including: valve circumference, length, the height and area of each leaflet. All parameters were measured by using specific image analysis software. The correlation test and predictive equation were established. The positive correlation between the circumference, area of posterior leaflet, height of anterior leaflet, and area of anterior leaflet of the rigth atrioventricular valve were found. The left atrioventricular valve showed correlation with age in circumference, length and area of posterior leaflet. For the pulmonary and aortic valves, there were correlated between circumference at sinotubular junction and leaflet sizes in almost leaflets. The circumference at sinotubular junction of the pulmonary valve was highest significantly correlation with age (r=0.693). The predictive equation was age = -3.659+0.652(Circumference at sinotubular junction of the pulmonary valve) with standard error of ± 14.7 years. Additional knowledge of morphometric features in human heart valves and its relationship with age could be used as age indicator in forensic field.

La determinación de la edad representa uno de los aspectos más importantes en la identificación forense. Pueden ocurrir cambios a través del envejecimiento, en las estructuras morfológicas de las válvulas cardíacas. El objetivo de este estudio fue examinar la relación entre las dimensiones de las valvas atrioventricular derecha (tricúspide), pulmonar, atrioventricular izquierda (mitral) y aórtica, y la edad en relación a la muerte. Se obtuvieron sesenta corazones humanos frescos del Departamento de Anatomía y el Departamento de Medicina Forense de la Facultad de Medicina de la Universidad de Chiang Mai, Tailandia. La edad de las personas fluctuaba entre los 20 y 90 años. Investigamos los parámetros morfométricos de las valvas analizadas, incluyendo: circunferencia de la valva, longitud, altura y área de cada valva. Todos los parámetros se midieron utilizando un software de análisis de imagen específico. Se estableció la prueba de correlación y la ecuación predictiva. Se encontró la correlación positiva entre la circunferencia, el área de la valvula posterior, la altura de la valvula anterior y el área de la valvula anterior de la valva atrioventricular derecha. La valva atrioventricular izquierda mostró correlación con la edad en la circunferencia, longitud y área de la valvula posterior. Para las valvas pulmonar y aórtica, se correlacionó entre la circunferencia en la unión sinotubular y el tamaño de las válvulas. La circunferencia en la unión sinotubular de la valva pulmonar fue la mayor correlación significativa con la edad (r = 0,693). La ecuación predictiva fue edad = -3,659 + 0,652 (circunferencia en la unión sinotubular de la valva pulmonar) con error estándar de ± 14,7 años. El conocimiento adicional de las características morfométricas en las valvas cardíacas humanas y su relación con la edad podría usarse como indicador de edad en el campo forense.

Opuntia humifusa aqueous extract alleviates ethanol-induced gastric ulcer in a mouse model

Objective: To investigate the effect of Opuntia humifusa aqueous extract on gastric ulcers. Methods: An ethanol-induced model was used to examine the protective effect of Opuntia humifusa against gastric ulcers. The gastric ulcer index was evaluated via clinical observation and image analysis. Various inflammatory indicators were determined by RT-PCR and Western blotting assays. Results: The gastric ulcer index was reduced to 8% in the group treated with Opuntia humifusa aqueous extract compared with that in the control group. RT-PCR analysis revealed that MUC5AC expression was reduced to 39% in the control group compared with the non-treated group, whereas the omeprazole and Opuntia humifusa aqueous extract-treated groups increased the expression to 95% and 79%, respectively. Moreover, the expressions of various cytokines including TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 were increased in the control group, while decreasing in Opuntia humifusa aqueous extract-treated group. Opuntia humifusa aqueous extract also suppressed the expressions of iNOS, COX-2, and its transcription factor NF-κB and increased mucus content considerably as compared to the control group. Conclusions: These results suggest that Opuntia humifusa aqueous extract is suitable as an alternative remedy for gastric ulcer treatment.

Opuntia humifusa aqueous extract alleviates ethanol-induced gastric ulcer in a mouse model

Objective: To investigate the effect of Opuntia humifusa aqueous extract on gastric ulcers. Methods: An ethanol-induced model was used to examine the protective effect of Opuntia humifusa against gastric ulcers. The gastric ulcer index was evaluated via clinical observation and image analysis. Various inflammatory indicators were determined by RT-PCR and Western blotting assays. Results: The gastric ulcer index was reduced to 8％ in the group treated with Opuntia humifusa aqueous extract compared with that in the control group. RT-PCR analysis revealed that MUC5AC expression was reduced to 39％ in the control group compared with the non-treated group, whereas the omeprazole and Opuntia humifusa aqueous extract-treated groups increased the expression to 95％ and 79％, respectively. Moreover, the expressions of various cytokines including TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 were increased in the control group, while decreasing in Opuntia humifusa aqueous extract-treated group. Opuntia humifusa aqueous extract also suppressed the expressions of iNOS, COX-2, and its transcription factor NF-κB and increased mucus content considerably as compared to the control group. Conclusions: These results suggest that Opuntia humifusa aqueous extract is suitable as an alternative remedy for gastric ulcer treatment.

Comparative Study on the Contents of 4 Components in the Volatile Oil of Cyperus rotundus from Different Origins Based on HPLC Method and Multivariate Statistical Analysis / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE： To estab lish the method for simultaneous determination of the contents of cyperotundone ， nootkatone，α-cyperone and aristolone in the volatile oil of Cyperus rotundus ，compare the content differences of 4 components in C. rotundus samples from different origins ，and to provide reference for germplasm screening ，development and utilization of the medicinal material. METHODS ：The volatile oil was extracted from 46 batches of C. rotundus from 12 origins. The contents of cypermenone，nootkatone，α-cyperone and aristolone in volatile oil were determined by HPLC. The determination was performed on Kromasil C 18 column with mobile phase consisted of methanol-water （68∶32，V/V）at the flow rate of 1.0 mL/min；the column temperature was 30 ℃；the detection wavelength was set at 242 nm；the sample size was 20 μL. Using the contents of above 4 components as evaluation indexes ，radar image analysis ，cluster thermal map analysis and principal component analysis were performed for comparing the quality of C. rotundus from different origins. RESULTS ：The results of content determination methodology investigation met relevant requirements ；the total contents of 4 components in volatile oil from C. rotundus from different origins ranged from 136.986 4 to 538.832 1 mg/g，of which the total content of samples from Yunnan was the highest （the average value was 476.059 2 mg/g）. Radar image analysis results showed that the whole contour in the 4 origins of Guangdong ， Jiangxi，Guangxi and Yunnan was large relatively and better balanced ，among which the samples from Yunnan had the largest overall contour and the best balance. The cluster thermal map analysis results showed that the samples from 12 origins could be grouped into 2 categories，the first category was from Hubei ，Jiangxi，Yunnan，Sichuan，Guangdong，Shandong，Henan and Shaanxi；the second category was from Guangxi ，Shanxi，Anhui and Hainan ；the quality of samples from the first category were better than that of samples from the second category. The principal component analysis results showed that the cumulative contribution rate of the first three principal components was 96.1％，and the samples from 12 origins were mainly clustered into two categories ，which was consistent with the results of cluster thermal map analysis. CONCLUSIONS ：Established HPLC method can be used for simultaneous determination of cypermenone ，nootkatone，α-cyperone and aristolone in volatile oil of C. rotundus from different origins. Among the samples from 12 origins，the quality of medicinal material from Yunnan is better.

Adobe Photoshop combined with Digimizer software for endoscopic submucosal dissection specimen measurement and restoration / 西安交通大学学报(医学版)

Objective: To explore the accurate measurement of endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) resected specimens of the digestive tract and the method of drawing the restoration map. Methods:From February to September 2018, 54 cases of digestive tract mucosa specimens were removed by ESD in the Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University. After standardized fixing, cutting, slide making and reading, Adobe Photoshop (PS) software was used to synthesize the slides and gross images. Synthesis data were measured using Digitimizer software, and the restoration map was drawn. Results: There were two types of restoration map drawing results. One was the surface plane distribution map of the lesion (that is, the ordinary restoration map) and 54 cases of this group were drawn with standard progress. The other was the section map of the lesion, and one case of colorectal adenoma with high-grade lesions was used to map and measure the distribution of the lesion. The size of 54 ESD specimens was measured, the minimum was 11.0 mm, the maximum was 93.5 mm, the median size was 33.2 mm, the lesion size was 0.9-45.7 mm, and the median size was 23.3 mm. The horizontal margin (PHM) showed positive in 9 cases, of which 4 cases were positive in early-stage cancer, and the negative margin showed a distance of 0.2-11.5 mm and a median position of 5.9 mm. Conclusion: This study combines PS's powerful image synthesis technology and Digimizer's professional image measurement technology to solve the computational ratio problem in ESD restoration map production process, and provides a practical reference method for drawing various complex restoration maps.

Quantification of Metal Artefacts from Orthodontic Brackets in CT Images: A Modified Method

@#Any metallic object within the CT scanning field can produce metal artefacts, which will degrade the diagnostic image quality. Previous methods described for quantifying this kind of artefacts were complicated and difficult to reproduce. The purpose of this study was to introduce a new rapid method for quantifying the artefacts produced in craniofacial CT images. This is an in-vitro experimental study. Four different compositions of orthodontic brackets were bonded consecutively in the tooth surfaces of a cadaveric skull head. All scans were performed by a single operator using the same CT machine followed by a standard scanning protocol. Artefact intensity for all data sets was quantified by following a modified method with a freely available open-source software ImageJ. All datasets were duplicated where metal artefacts were quantified according to the previous conventional method. Statistical analysis included independent samples t-test for validation and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) with a 95% confidence interval for both intra- and inter-examiner reliability. The modified method of measuring artefact score exhibited excellent intra (0.997–0.941) and inter-rater (0.996–0.905) reliability. In addition, no significant difference (p = 0.072) of mean artefact score was noted between the groups measured by the modified method and the conventional method. This modified method for measuring the artefact intensity is valid and reliable.

Relationship of sperm plasma membrane and acrosomal integrities with sperm morphometry in / 亚洲男科学杂志(英文版)

To date, sperm morphometric studies have assessed whole sperm populations without considering sperm function. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship of sperm membrane and acrosomal integrity with sperm morphometry in liquid semen samples collected from bulls. To this end, sperm morphometry was performed on cryopreserved semen samples from 16 bulls by a combination of fluorescent dyes, including Hoechst 33343, carboxyfluorescein diacetate, and propidium iodide. This allowed discrimination of different subpopulations on the basis of sperm membrane and acrosomal integrity and analysis of the morphometrics of the sperm head, nucleus, and acrosome using a specific plug-in module created on ImageJ. Acrosomal integrity was related to sperm morphometry as the heads of spermatozoa with a damaged acrosome were significantly smaller than those with a normal acrosome (P < 0.001). In the case of spermatozoa with an intact acrosome, those with a damaged plasma membrane had a larger sperm head and acrosome than spermatozoa with an intact plasma membrane (P < 0.001). No significant differences in the sperm head size were observed between sperm subpopulations without an acrosome or in the nuclear sperm morphometry of the different subpopulations. There was a positive correlation between the sperm motility values of the samples and the morphometric parameters for intact spermatozoa. These correlations were particularly strong for the morphometric parameters of the sperm acrosome. We conclude that there are clear differences in the sperm morphometry depending on the status of the sperm membrane and acrosome and this should be considered when performing this kind of analysis.