Galería de imágenes de tumores malignos como herramienta didáctica en oncología / Gallery of malignancies images as didactic tool in oncology i: en

Introducción: Los tumores malignos son afecciones prevalentes que exigen un diagnóstico temprano para un tratamiento oportuno. La confección de una galería de imágenes como medio de enseñanza con la tecnología digital constituye una herramienta de aprendizaje de incuestionable valor en la especialidad de oncología. Objetivo: Confeccionar una galería de imágenes digitales de tumores malignos como medio de enseñanza alternativo para la docencia de residentes y profesionales de enfermería. Métodos: Se realizó una innovación tecnológica en el Hospital Oncológico Docente Provincial Conrado Benítez García de Santiago de Cuba, durante el bimestre enero-febrero del 2023. El objeto de estudio y el campo de acción fueron los recursos del aprendizaje y las imágenes digitalizadas sobre tumores malignos, respectivamente. Se combinaron los métodos de investigación teóricos (sistematización, vivencial y analítico sintético) y empíricos (análisis documental y encuesta en forma de cuestionario a informantes clave). Resultados: Como medio de enseñanza alternativo para la docencia médica y de enfermería, manualmente se confeccionó una galería digital con 164 imágenes de tumores malignos que incluían casi todas las localizaciones. Los expertos en informática, especialistas, residentes y enfermeras valoraron de muy adecuado el producto informático, basado en la cientificidad y la didáctica tecnológica para la formación académica integral. Conclusiones: La galería de imágenes digitales constituye una herramienta didáctica, motivacional, atractiva e interesante para el aprendizaje de las neoplasias malignas; es un recurso ilustrativo y utilitario para la docencia médica y del profesional de enfermería.

Introduction: Malignancies are prevalent affections that demand an early diagnosis for an opportune treatment. The making of an images gallery as teaching means with digital technology constitutes a learning tool of unquestionable value in the oncology specialty. Objective: To make a gallery of malignancies digital images as alternative teaching means for the residents and nursing professionals. Methods: A technological innovation was carried out in Conrado Benítez García Provincial Teaching Oncological Hospital in Santiago de Cuba, during the January-February two-month period, 2023. The study object and action field were the learning resources and the digital images on malignancies, respectively. The theoretical investigation methods (systematizing, experiential and analytic synthetic) and empiric (documental analysis and interviews in questionnaire form to key informants) were combined. Results: As alternative teaching means for medical and nursing teaching, a digital gallery was manually made with 164 malignancies images that included almost all the localizations. Computer science experts, specialists, residents and nurses valued as very appropriate the computer product, based on the scientificity and the technological didactics for the integral academic training. Conclusions: The gallery of digital images constitutes a didactic, motivational, attractive and interesting tool for learning of malignancies; it is an illustrative and utilitarian resource for medical and nursing professional teaching.

Assessing the reliability of ChatGPT: a content analysis of self-generated and self-answered questions on clear aligners, TADs and digital imaging

ABSTRACT Introduction: Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a tool that is already part of our reality, and this is an opportunity to understand how it can be useful in interacting with patients and providing valuable information about orthodontics. Objective: This study evaluated the accuracy of ChatGPT in providing accurate and quality information to answer questions on Clear aligners, Temporary anchorage devices and Digital imaging in orthodontics. Methods: forty-five questions and answers were generated by the ChatGPT 4.0, and analyzed separately by five orthodontists. The evaluators independently rated the quality of information provided on a Likert scale, in which higher scores indicated greater quality of information (1 = very poor; 2 = poor; 3 = acceptable; 4 = good; 5 = very good). The Kruskal-Wallis H test (p< 0.05) and post-hoc pairwise comparisons with the Bonferroni correction were performed. Results: From the 225 evaluations of the five different evaluators, 11 (4.9%) were considered as very poor, 4 (1.8%) as poor, and 15 (6.7%) as acceptable. The majority were considered as good [34 (15,1%)] and very good [161 (71.6%)]. Regarding evaluators' scores, a slight agreement was perceived, with Fleiss's Kappa equal to 0.004. Conclusions: ChatGPT has proven effective in providing quality answers related to clear aligners, temporary anchorage devices, and digital imaging within the context of interest of orthodontics.

RESUMO Introdução: A Inteligência Artificial (IA) é uma ferramenta que já faz parte de nossa realidade, e esta é uma oportunidade de entendermos como ela pode ser útil na interação com os pacientes e no fornecimento de informações valiosas sobre Ortodontia. Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a precisão do ChatGPT em responder a perguntas sobre Alinhadores transparentes, Dispositivos de ancoragem temporária, e Imagens digitais em Ortodontia. Métodos: 45 perguntas e respostas foram geradas pelo ChatGPT 4.0 e analisadas separadamente por cinco ortodontistas que, de forma independente, avaliaram a qualidade das informações fornecidas, usando uma escala de Likert, na qual pontuações mais altas indicavam uma maior qualidade das informações (1 = muito ruim; 2 = ruim; 3 = aceitável; 4 = bom; 5 = muito bom). Aplicou-se o teste H de Kruskal-Wallis (p < 0,05) e comparações pareadas post-hoc com correção de Bonferroni. Resultados: Das 225 avaliações dos cinco avaliadores diferentes, 11 (4,9%) foram consideradas como muito ruins, 4 (1,8%) como ruins, e 15 (6,7%) como aceitáveis. A maioria foi considerada boa [34 (15,1%)] ou muito boa [161 (71,6%)]. Com relação às pontuações dos avaliadores, percebeu-se uma leve concordância, com o Kappa de Fleiss igual a 0,004. Conclusões: O ChatGPT mostrou eficácia em fornecer respostas de qualidade para questões relacionadas a Alinhadores transparentes, Dispositivos de ancoragem temporária e Imagens digitais.

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.

Influencia de la interpolación sobre la calidad de imágenes de microscopía celular / Influence of Interpolation on the Quality of Cell Microscopy Images

El presente trabajo tiene el propósito de analizar, para el caso particular de imágenes de microscopía celular de eritrocitos de sangre humana, en qué medida puede influir en la calidad de la imagen la aplicación de métodos de interpolación para mejorar la resolución de esta y con qué métodos se podrían obtener resultados satisfactorios. Se aplicaron para su comparación tres métodos de interpolación a las imágenes a color seleccionadas: splines cúbicos, bicúbico y bilineal y se evaluó la eficiencia computacional de estos. Se utilizaron dos factores de reducción de la resolución (2 y 4) por filas y columnas de la imagen digital. Las medidas utilizadas para valorar la calidad de las imágenes interpoladas fueron la relación señal-ruido y el error medio cuadrático, cuyos valores fueron procesados estadísticamente mediante las pruebas de Friedman y de Wilcoxon, esta última como test post-hoc. Los resultados permiten recomendar el método bicúbico de interpolación como el más favorable para este tipo de imágenes ya que fue el de mejor comportamiento entre los utilizados(AU)

The present work has the purpose of analyzing, for the particular case of cell microscopy images of erythrocytes from human blood, to what extent the application of interpolation methods to improve the image resolution can influence the image quality and with which methods satisfactory results might be obtained. Three interpolation methods were applied for their comparison to the selected color images: cubic splines, bicubic and bilinear and their computational efficiency was also evaluated. Two resolution reduction factors (2 and 4) were used for rows and columns of the digital image. The measures used to assess the quality of the interpolated images were the signal-to-noise ratio and the mean square error, whose values were statistically processed using the Friedman and Wilcoxon tests, the latter as a post-hoc test. The results make it possible to recommend the bicubic interpolation method as the most favorable for this type of images since it was the one with the best performance among those used(AU)

Determination of early bone metastasis on Bone Scans Using the Gray Levels Histogram / Búsqueda de metástasis ósea temprana en gammagramas óseos usando el histograma de tonos de gris

ABSTRACT The aim of this paper is to show a technique to speed up the interpretation of bone scans in order to determine the presence of early bone metastasis. This is done using the gray levels histogram of the region of interest. The technique is intended to assist in the bone scans interpretation in order to provide a successful diagnosis. During the analysis, three types of histograms were observed on the regions of interest. If the histogram is narrow and shifted toward the origin, the bone scan is free of metastasis. If it is shifted to the right and slightly broadened, indicates the presence of a bone anomaly different from a metastasis. On the other hand, if the histogram is more broadened and shifted to the right, is suggests the presence of metastasis. This histogram is characterized by displaying small curls on the right side providing information about the metastatic disease stage, which could be low-amplitude peaks and have a short length, if the metastasis is in early stage, or high-amplitude peaks and a long length, if is advanced. Finally, the analyzed region is displayed in false color considering the minimum gray levels observed in the histogram.

Species Identification of Sarcosaprophagous Flies Based on Vein Digital Image Analysis / 法医学杂志

Objective To identify species of common sarcosaprophagous flies based on digital image analysis of veins, in order to provide new idea for fast and accurate species identification of sarcosaprophagous flies in forensic entomology. Methods Random trapping of 226 male and female sarcosaprophagous flies that comprised of 7 common species, including Sarcophaga peregrina, Parasarcophaga ruficornis, Sarcophaga dux, Seniorwhitea reciproca, Bercaea cruentata, Aldrichina grahami, and Synthesiomysia nudiseta with carrion in the field was conducted. The 17 landmarks on the right wing of each fly were digitally processed and the images were analyzed. The effects of allometry were evaluated using a permutation test. Wing shape variations among 7 sarcosaprophagous fly species and female species was analyzed using canonical variate analysis （CVA）. Additionally, cross-validation test was used to evaluate the reliability of classification. Results Among 7 sarcosaprophagous fly species and female species, the effect of allometry had statistical significance （P<0.05）. The CVA results showed that among 7 sarcosaprophagous fly species and female species, differences in the wing shape were significant, and the first two canonical variates accounted for 82.9% and 84.1% of the total variation of vein shape. Vein digital image analysis can be used to separate the 7 common sarcosaprophagous flies, with an overall species identification accuracy of 81.2%-100.0%, and with a species identification accuracy of 75.0%-100.0% to distinguish the female flies of the 7 sarcosaprophagous flies species. Conclusion Vein digital image analysis is a relatively convenient and reliable method for identification of insect species, which can be used for species identification of common sarcosaprophagous flies.

3D digital image microscope system-assisted vasovasostomy and vasoepididymostomy in rats / 亚洲男科学杂志(英文版)

Optimal vision and ergonomics are essential factors contributing to the achievement of good results during microsurgery. The three-dimensional (3D) digital image microscope system with a better 3D depth of field can release strain on the surgeon's neck and back, which can improve outcomes in microsurgery. We report a randomized prospective study of vasoepididymostomy and vasovasostomy using a 3D digital image microscope system (3D-DIM) in rats. A total of 16 adult male rats were randomly divided into two groups of 8 each: the standard operating microscope (SOM) group and the 3D-DIM group. The outcomes measured included the operative time, real-time postoperative mechanical patency, and anastomosis leakage. Furthermore, a user-friendly microscope score was designed to evaluate the ergonomic design and equipment characteristics of the microscope. There were no differences in operative time between the two groups. The real-time postoperative mechanical patency rates were 100.0% for both groups. The percentage of vasoepididymostomy anastomosis leakage was 16.7% in the SOM group and 25.0% in the 3D-DIM group; however, no vasovasostomy anastomosis leakage was found in either group. In terms of the ergonomic design, the 3D-DIM group obtained better scores based on the surgeon's feelings; in terms of the equipment characteristics, the 3D-DIM group had lower scores for clarity and higher scores for flexibility and adaptivity. Based on our randomized prospective study in a rat model, we believe that the 3D-DIM can improve surgeon comfort without compromising outcomes in male infertility reconstructive microsurgery, so the 3D-DIM might be widely used in the future.

Deformation Characteristics of Hand Movement During Grasping / 医用生物力学

Objective Based on the multi-camera digital image correlation (DIC) method, the dynamic deformation characteristics of human hand during grasping were studied. Methods A continuous four-camera DIC system was established to measure surface strain of the skin on the back of the hand during grasping process, and then through the connection between skin, joints, bones and muscles, the regular pattern of muscle deformation could be known indirectly. Results Four grasping postures (medium cylinder, lateral pinch, index finger extension, power sphere) were measured. It was found that the increases of strain magnitude were different at different positions on back surface of the hand under different grasping postures, and the maximum principal strains were between 0.1 and 0.3. The movement characteristics for each muscle group of the hand under different grasping postures were obtained through analysis. Conclusions This method has the characteristics of non-contact, full field, intuitive results, which provides a new way for in vivo measurement of dynamic deformation during grasping.

Intra- and interobserver reliability of a modified distraction test based on digital images to assess lower eyelid horizontal tension / Confiabilidade intra e interobservador do teste de tração modificado para avaliar a tensão da pálpebra inferior baseado em imagens digitais

ABSTRACT Purpose: Inferior eyelid laxity is classically evaluated using "snap-back" and "distraction" tests. This study aimed to assess the reproducibility of the technique used to indirectly quantify the horizontal tension in the lower eyelids using digital image processing. Methods: This longitudinal study was conducted to assess the reproducibility of a new technique that quantifies the horizontal tension in the lower eyelid. The study was conducted at the Hospital das Clínicas of Porto Alegre. The protocol was established by two trained ophthalmologist examiners, allowing intra- and interobserver agreement analyses. Image acquisition was done in two stages: the first image was captured with the eyelid in primary gaze position and the second with the eyelid in traction position. All images and measurements were processed using Image J 1.33m software from the National Institute of Health. The Bland-Altman method, intraclass correlation coefficients, concordance correlation coefficients, and technical measurement error were used to evaluate reproducibility. Results: The study participants comprised healthy individuals with no ophthalmologic pathologies. The measurements obtained in the neutral position showed a slightly higher agreement than those obtained in the traction position. The mean difference between the measurements performed in the traction position was 0.028 ± 0.7 mm and 0.014 ± 0.9 mm in the intra- and interobserver analyses, respectively. The Bland-Altman method demonstrated adequate confidence limits for both measurements. Correlation coefficients for measurements varied between 0.87 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.68-0.95] and 0.91 (95% CI 0.77-0.97) in the neutral position and between 0.72 (95% CI 0.37-0.89) and 0.76 (95% CI 0.4-0.91) in the traction position. Conclusion: A high intra- and interobserver concordance was observed in the studied method to quantify lower eyelid tension. The proposed method is simple and easily reproducible, and to the best our knowledge, this is the first method that quantifies lower eyelid horizontal tension on the basis of digital image processing. This modified distraction test might be useful in studies quantifying lower eyelid horizontal tension.

RESUMO Objetivo: A frouxidão palpebral inferior é avaliada classicamente por meio de testes de "snap-back" e "distraction test". O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a reprodutibilidade da técnica utilizada para quantificar indiretamente a tensão horizontal nas pálpebras inferiores através do processamento digital de imagens. Métodos: Este estudo longitudinal foi realizado para avaliar a reprodutibilidade de uma nova técnica que quantifica a tensão horizontal na pálpebra inferior. O estudo foi realizado no Hospital das Clínicas de Porto Alegre. O protocolo foi estabelecido por dois examinadores oftalmologistas treinados, permitindo análises de concordância intra e interavaliador. A aquisição de imagens foi feita em duas etapas: a primeira imagem foi capturada com a pálpebra na posição primária do olhar e a segunda com pálpebra tracionada. Todas as imagens e medições foram processadas usando o software Image J 1.33m do National Institute of Health. O método de Bland-Altman, os coeficientes de correlação intraclasses, os coeficientes de correlação de concordância e o erro técnico da medida foram utilizados para avaliar a reprodutibilidade. Resultados: Os participantes do estudo foram indivíduos saudáveis e sem patologias oftalmológicas. As medidas obtidas na posição neutra mostraram concordância levemente maior do que as obtidas na posição tracionada. A diferença média entre as medidas realizadas na posição tracionada foi de 0,028 ± 0,7mm e 0,014 ± 0,9mm nas análises intra e interobservadores, respectivamente. O método de Bland-Altman demonstrou limites de confiança adequados para ambas as medidas. Os coeficientes de correlação para as medidas variaram entre 0,87 [intervalo de confiança de 95% (IC) 0,68-0,95) e 0,91 (IC 95% 0,77-0,97) na posição neutra e entre 0,72 (IC 95% 0,37-0,89) e 0,76 (IC 95% 0,46-0,91) na posição tracionada. Conclusão: Observou-se elevada concordância intra e interobservador no método estudado para quantificar a tensão palpebral inferior. O método proposto é simples e facilmente reproduzível, e, do melhor modo possível, este é o primeiro método que quantifica a tensão horizontal da pálpebra inferior com base no processamento digital de imagens. Este teste de distração modificado pode ser útil em estudos que quantifiquem a tensão horizontal da pálpebra inferior.

Effectiveness and Comfort Assessment of the Novel Intra-oral Bisecting Angle Bisector© and Paralleling RINN® Digital Imaging Receptor Holders in Low Palatal Height Patients

@#This study was performed to assess the effectiveness and comfort of two intraoral imaging techniques using respective digital radiograph receptor devices/holder in obtaining digital intraoral images. A total of 60 patients undergoing anterior intraoral periapical radiographs were single-blindly recruited. The imaging procedure was performed by two calibrated researchers where the novel holder group (Bisector©) was prospectively compared to the conventional paralleling technique group, RINN® by performing thirty radiographic examinations, respectively. All patients were randomly segregated into different groups using block randomisation method. The effectiveness of both holders was quantified based on the repeat rate percentage and quality of the images. The comfort study was enumerated using the Horizontal Visual Analogue Scale 100mm (HVAS). The Mann Whitney test (alpha = 0.05) was applied to compare the repeat rate of different types of imaging receptor device. The repeat rate percentage for Bisector© and RINN® holder devices were 8.9% and 18.6%, respectively (p < 0.05). The median range of the "comfort data" according to RINN® and Bisector© was 16 mm to 56 mm and 14 mm to 57 mm, respectively. No patients scored more than 74 mm. The Bisector© holder exhibited lower percentage of repeat as compared to the RINN® holder. Both groups did not cause major discomfort (mild-moderate pain). The use of novel intraoral bisecting angle radiographic receptor holder is however recommended to optimise the repeat rate in low palatal height patients.

Biomechanical characteristics of the lumbar disc after fatigue injury / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND: Lumbar disc herniation is a common clinical disease, and its pathological basis is disc degeneration. Long-term mechanical load is considered to be an important cause of lumbar disc degeneration. Because the occurrence of lumbar disc herniation is strongly associated with its mechanical state, it is necessary to further study the stress/strain behavior in the lumbar disc to provide inspiration for preventing lumbar disc herniation. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the effect of fatigue loading on mechanical properties of the whole and different regions of the intervertebral disc. METHODS: The freshly slaughtered sheep lumbar intervertebral discs L1-L2, L3-L4, and L5-L6 were obtained and made into experimental samples. The experimental samples were fixed on the experimental platform through the upper and lower vertebrae, and a quasi-static compression-cyclic loading compression-quasi-static compression experiment was performed. The L3-L4 motion segment was cut parallel to the sagittal plane, and the non-contact digital image correlation technique was used to record the internal deformation of the lumbar disc during compression. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) The results showed that all lumbar intervertebral discs exhibited non-linear load-displacement and stress-strain characteristics. (2) Effect of fatigue loading: The Young’s modulus of the lumbar intervertebral disc increased significantly after fatigue loading. (3) Impact of segment changes: The Young’s modulus changed with segment changes as follows: L5-L6 segments < L3-L4 segments < L1-L2 segments. (3) Effect of loading rate: Comparing the mechanical properties under the compression rate of 0.01 mm/s and 0.1 mm/s, it could be seen that with the increase of the compression rate, the Young’s modulus of the intervertebral disc increased significantly. (5) Internal displacement distribution: Fatigue loading had a significant effect on the internal displacement distribution of the lumbar disc under compression. Before fatigue loading, the axial displacement in upper afferent fiber was largest, and the radial displacement in inner afferent fiber was slightly smaller than that in outer afferent fiber. After fatigue loading, the axial displacement in upper afferent fiber was smallest, and the radial displacement in inner afferent fiber was significantly smaller than in outer afferent fiber. (6) The research work in this article has important theoretical guiding significance for preventing lumbar disc herniation in daily life.

Quantitative Cellular Evaluation and Anatomical Organization of the External Region of Different Genetic Materials and Maturation Stages of Tomato Processing

Abstract The effect of the anatomical structure of tomato skin may be significant for quality determination at the harvest point, but the definitions of cells that constitute the skin of fleshy fruits, such as tomato, are still unclear, providing contradictory descriptions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the epidermal tissue of different genetic materials of tomato processing (IT761, U2006, TC2736, CVR2909 and F3060) and maturation stage, in order to compare and choose genetic materials with morphological characteristics of the epidermis region more appropriate for the bulk transport. Micrographs were used for cell measurements using the Image J software. Cuticle undergoes thickening during fruit growth, and reduction in full maturation. Genetic materials presenting fruits with thicker cuticle at the harvest stage (CVR2909, F3060 and IT761) were more advantageous due to their mechanical resistance. Cuticle deposition ends before full fruit maturation, resulting in a decrease in the amount of cutin per surface unit, consequently decreasing cuticle thickness in the ripe fruit. The characteristics observed in the tomato fruit mesocarp clearly showed the disruption of the cell wall during the fourth maturation stage related to loss of fruit firmness. Among the new genetic materials, F3060 has a greater potential to become cultivated for industrialization due to its morphological characteristics, such as elevated cuticle thickness and high values for width, height, perimeter and area of epidermal cells in full maturation stage, which make it suitable for bulk transport.

Clinimetric analysis of recently applied quantitative tools in evaluation of vitiligo treatment

Background: Vitiligo affects about 1% of the world's population, however, there is currently no universally used standardized measure to assess its response to treatment. Objective: To find the most effective technique for the quantitative assessment of therapeutic results in vitiligo patients. Materials and Methods: The study was performed in three stages: (1) Conducting an adapted Delphi survey to check current dermatologists' attitudes regarding the topic of study. (2) Conducting a pilot study that involves testing the selected digital image analysis software in the laboratory to validate future tasks. (3) The chief clinimetric study that implicates selecting actual vitiligo lesion models and evaluating them. Results: Regarding the surface area measuring techniques, the most accurate results were gained through the digital image analysis for surface area, followed by point-counting technique. The digital image analysis for color measurement was accurate and reliable in getting a percentage representation of color improvement within the vitiligo lesions, in response to therapy. Limitations: Many dermatologists lack understanding of basic concepts about imaging techniques. The study does not include a traditional assessment method such as vitiligo area scoring index. Conclusion: Our designated digital image analysis technique was able to efficiently assess the changes that occur both on surface area and the color of vitiligo lesions in response to therapy.

Application of three-dimensional simulation technique in the thoracoscopic lobectomy / 中国胸心血管外科临床杂志

@#Objective    To analyze the effect of 3D simulation technique in thoracoscopic lobectomy. Methods    From June 2015 to January 2018, 124 patients with left lower lobe resection underwent thoracoscopy with single-port thoracoscopic surgery, including 64 males and 60 females, aged 42–83 years. They were randomly divided into two groups including an experimental group (preoperatively given 3D simulation surgery in 59 patients) and a control group (preoperatively not given 3D simulation surgery in 65 patients). The clinical effect between the two groups was compared. Results    All patients recovered without any death during hospitalization. In the experimental group, the operation time, intraoperative blood loss and postoperative hospital stay were significantly less than those in the control group (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in postoperative drainage volume, and duration of drainage tube retention and analgesic drug usage between the two groups (P>0.05). Conclusion    3D simulation technique for thoracoscopic lobectomy has advantage in short operation time, minor trauma and quick recovery. It has a guiding role in the preoperative planning of lung cancer surgery and is worthy of popularization and application.

Development Review of Novel Laparoscope Technology / 中国医疗器械杂志

The proportion of laparoscopic surgeries is continuously increasing in general surgeries. Along with the development and application, new image sensor and digital image processing technology accelerated the emergence of novel laparoscope in recent years. Stereoscopic laparoscope (3D) appearing make the space orientation more accurate. new imaging methods and new structure design satisfy more clinical requirements; combination with optical technology (NBI technique, PDD technique, ICG technique) make intraoperative diagnosis possible.

Visualizando Gammagramas Óseos en Colores / Displaying Bone Scans in Color

Resumen En este trabajo se describe el uso de un software para detectar metástasis óseas en gammagramas cuyo funcionamiento está basado en un método cuantitativo. En la investigación se incluyeron cuarenta y tres gammagramas óseos de pacientes con cáncer de próstata, los cuales fueron previamente analizados visualmente por tres especialistas y su diagnóstico se tomó como referencia. Debido a que no todos los huesos de un paciente muestran los mismos tonos de gris, cada uno de los gammagramas se segmentó para su análisis en cuatro regiones: cráneo, hombros, tórax y pelvis. La segmentación se hizo con el fin de obtener intervalos de tonos de gris en cada una de las regiones empleando un proceso estadístico. Para ello se calcularon la media y la desviación estándar de cuatro muestras que contenían cada una cuarenta y tres regiones. Tomando en consideración los intervalos, siete colores fueron asignados a cada región. Mediante los colores fue posible diferenciar los casos sanos e infiltrados en cada región, lo que facilita el diagnóstico. Se muestran ejemplos de los resultados en cada una de las regiones.

Abstract The use of software based on a quantitative method for detecting skeletal metastasis in bone scans is presented. Forty-three bone scans of patients with prostate cancer were previously analyzed visually by three specialists and their diagnosis were taken as a reference. Later, these scans were analyzed by segmenting them into four regions: skull, shoulders, chest, and pelvis. The segmentation was made to obtain intervals of gray levels for each of the regions using a statistical process. Tríese values were found by calculating the mean and standard deviation of four samples containing each forty-three regions. Using these intervals, seven colors were assigned to each region. By means of the colors it is possible to differentiate healthy and infiltrated cases in each region, which may facilitate the diagnosis. Examples of results in each region are shown.

Nuevas modalidades de imagen en el diagnóstico odontológico / New image modalities in dental diagnosis

La radiología odontológica ha jugado un rol fundamental en el diagnóstico odontológico. El avance en la adquisición y procesado de la imagen digital produjo el desarrollo de nuevas tecnologías que han revolucionado el manejo del intercambio de la información en odontología. Las radiografías intraorales y extraorales se han adaptado a esa revolución digital. La búsqueda automatizada, el acceso a la literatura en formato electrónico y el intercambio de texto, imágenes y sonido en tiempo real son algunas de las características que lo hacen un elemento imprescindible dentro de la práctica en salud y los actuales estándares de la atención odontológica. El reciente desarrollo de la tomografía computada de haz cónico ha reemplazado el uso de la tomografía computada médica en odontología. En este artículo se hace una introducción en los métodos actuales y en cómo han cambiado el diagnóstico radiológico en odontología.

Dental radiology has played a fundamental role in the dental diagnosis. The advance of the acquisition and processing of the digital image produced the development of new technologies that have revolutionized the management of the information exchange in dentistry. Intraoral and extraoral radiographies have adapted to this digital revolution. The automated search, access to literature in electronic format and the interchange of text, images and sound in real time, are some of the features that make an essential element within the practice in health and the standard of dental care. The recent development of cone beam computerized tomography has replaced the use of computed tomography in dentistry. This article is an introduction to the current methods employed and how they have changed the radiological diagnosis in dentistry.

Preliminary study on digital image analysis of endoscopic ultrasonography in the differential diagnosis of benign and malignant pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasm / 中华消化杂志

Objective To investigate the value of digital image analysis (DIA) of endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) in the differential diagnosis of benign and malignant pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasm (PNEN).Methods The relation between various parameters of EUS-imaging and benign and malignant lesions in 47 patients clinically diagnosed PNEN were retrospectively analyzed.Photoshop CS5 software was performed for digital image processing,and lesions related parameters were collected,including area,perimeter,length,circularity,gray,gray ratio,and gray standard deviation.The statistical method of t test was performed for comparison between two groups.Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was analyzed in length,circularity,average gray scale ratio and gray standard deviation.Results Among the 47 patients,35 cases and 12 cases were in benign group and malignant group,respectively.The mean gray scale ratio and the circularity of benign group were significantly higher than those of malignant group (0.80±0,05 vs 0.74±0.07,0.63±0.17 vs 0.40±0.09),and the differences were statistically significant (t=2.659 and 5.787,both P＜0.05).The gray standard deviation of benign group were lower than that of malignant group (9.90 ± 1.24 vs 12.55± 3.27),and the difference was statistically significant (t=-2.733,P=0.018).The area under the curve (AUC) of circularity was 0.724 (95％ confidence interval(CI):0.546 to 0.901),the cut-off value was 0.767,the sensitivity and specificity were 71.43 ％ and 66.67％,respectively.The AUC of average gray ratio was 0.888 (95％CI:0.785 to 0.991),the cut-off value was 0.412,the sensitivity and specificity were 94.29％ and 75.00％,respectively.The AUC of gray standard deviation was 0.811 (95％CI:0.647 to 0.974),the cut-off value was 11.02,the sensitivity and specificity were 66.67％ and 85.71％,respectively.When combined with the three parameters of circularity,average gray scale ratio and gray standard deviation,the sensitivity and specificity were 97.14％ and 83.33％,and the accuracy was 93.61％.Conclusions EUS with DIA technology can improve the detection of EUS images to PNEN,and which may be complementary to EUS guided fine needle aspiration.It also privided a noninvasive,objective,convenient,and effective option for the differential diagnosis of benign and malignant PNEN.

From Exoscope into the Next Generation

An exoscope, high-definition video telescope operating monitor system to perform microsurgery has recently been proposed an alternative to the operating microscope. It enables surgeons to complete the operation assistance by visualizing magnified images on a display. The strong points of exoscope are the wide field of view and deep focus. It minimized the need for repositioning and refocusing during the procedure. On the other hand, limitation of magnifying object was an emphasizing weak point. The procedures are performed under 2D motion images with a visual perception through dynamic cue and stereoscopically viewing corresponding to the motion parallax. Nevertheless, stereopsis is required to improve hand and eye coordination for high precision works. Consequently novel 3D high-definition operating scopes with various mechanical designs have been developed according to recent high-tech innovations in a digital surgical technology. It will set the stage for the next generation in digital image based neurosurgery.

Multicenter Evaluation of an Image Analysis Device (APAS): Comparison Between Digital Image and Traditional Plate Reading Using Urine Cultures

BACKGROUND: The application of image analysis technologies for the interpretation of microbiological cultures is evolving rapidly. The primary aim of this study was to establish whether the image analysis system named Automated Plate Assessment System (APAS; LBT Innovations Ltd., Australia) could be applied to screen urine cultures. A secondary aim was to evaluate differences between traditional plate reading (TPR) and the reading of cultures from images, or digital plate reading (DPR). METHODS: A total of 9,224 urine samples submitted for culture to three clinical laboratories, two in Australia and one in the USA, were included in the study. Cultures were prepared on sheep blood and MacConkey agar plates and read by panels of three microbiologists. The plates were then presented to APAS for image capture and analysis, and the images and results were stored for later review. RESULTS: Image analysis of cultures using APAS produced a diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of 99.0% and 84.5%, respectively. Colonies were detected by APAS on 99.0% of blood agar plates with growth and on 99.5% of MacConkey agar plates. DPR agreed with TPR for colony enumeration on 92.1% of the plates, with a sensitivity of 90.8% and specificity of 92.8% for case designation. However, several differences in the classification of colony morphologies using DPR were identified. CONCLUSIONS: APAS was shown to be a reliable screening system for urine cultures. The study also showed acceptable concordance between DPR and TPR for colony detection, enumeration, and case designation.