An automated malaria cells detection from thin blood smear images using deep learning

@#Timely and rapid diagnosis is crucial for faster and proper malaria treatment planning. Microscopic examination is the gold standard for malaria diagnosis, where hundreds of millions of blood films are examined annually. However, this method’s effectiveness depends on the trained microscopist’s skills. With the increasing interest in applying deep learning in malaria diagnosis, this study aims to determine the most suitable deep-learning object detection architecture and their applicability to detect and distinguish red blood cells as either malaria-infected or non-infected cells. The object detectors Yolov4, Faster R-CNN, and SSD 300 are trained with images infected by all five malaria parasites and from four stages of infection with 80/20 train and test data partition. The performance of object detectors is evaluated, and hyperparameters are optimized to select the best-performing model. The best-performing model was also assessed with an independent dataset to verify the models’ ability to generalize in different domains. The results show that upon training, the Yolov4 model achieves a precision of 83%, recall of 95%, F1-score of 89%, and mean average precision of 93.87% at a threshold of 0.5. Conclusively, Yolov4 can act as an alternative in detecting the infected cells from whole thin blood smear images. Object detectors can complement a deep learning classification model in detecting infected cells since they eliminate the need to train on single-cell images and have been demonstrated to be more feasible for a different target domain.

Effects of Saikosaponin d on differentially expressed genes CTLA-4, IL-10 and IL-17 in mice with autoimmune hepatitis / 上海交通大学学报（医学版）

Objective: To explore the effects of Saikosaponin d (SS-d) on autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) by observing the expression changes of some differentially expressed genes screened with the Agilent-085631 gene chip in the liver of AIH mice. Methods: Forty healthy male SPF C57BL/6 mice were divided into chip group (n=8) and SS-d treatment group (n=32). The mice in the chip group were divided into the normal group and the model group [concanavalin A (Con A) was administered to the tail vein at a dose of 15 mg/kg] (both n=4). The mice were sacrificed after 12 h. The differentially expressed genes of liver were screened, some of which were verified by qRT-PCR. The SS-d treatment group was further divided into the normal group, the model group (treatment was the same with the chip group), SS-d low-dose group and SS-d high-dose group [according to the literature and pre-experiment results, 2.5 and 5.0 mg/kg dose of intraperitoneal injection of SS-d were given respectively, and 15 mg/kg of Con A was administered to the tail vein 8 h later] (all n=8). After 12 h, total venous blood, liver total protein and total RNA of mice were collected. The levels of serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (GPT), glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT), interleukin (IL)-10 and IL-17 were detected by ELISA, and cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen-4 (CTLA-4) was detected by Western blotting. qRT-PCR technology was used to detect the mRNA levels of IL-10, IL-17 and CTLA-4. Results: A total of 11 512 differentially expressed genes were screened (up 5 189, down 6 323), which were related to 138 signal pathways. The qRT-PCR results of IL-10, IL-17 and CTLA-4 gene were consistent with the results of chip screening. Compared with the normal group, the serum levels of GPT and GOT in the model group increased, IL-17 mRNA level increased, IL-10 mRNA and CTLA-4 mRNA levels decreased, the content of serum IL-17 increased, the content of serum IL-10 decreased, and the level of CTLA-4 protein expression in the liver tissues decreased. Compared with the model group, the serum GPT and GOT levels of SS-d in the low-dose and high-dose groups decreased, IL-17 mRNA level decreased, the levels of IL-10 mRNA and CTLA-4 mRNA increased, the content of serum IL-17 decreased, the content of serum IL-10 increased, and the level of CTLA-4 protein expression in the liver tissue increased. Conclusion: Multiple signaling pathways are involved in the pathogenesis of AIH, and SS-d can alleviate the liver inflammation in AIH mice by regulating the expression of IL-10, CTLA-4, and IL-17.

New methods for optical distance indicator and gantry angle quality control tests in medical linear accelerators: image processing by using a 3D phantom

PURPOSE: In order to keep the acceptable level of the radiation oncology linear accelerators, it is necessary to apply a reliable quality assurance (QA) program. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The QA protocols, published by authoritative organizations, such as the American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM), determine the quality control (QC) tests which should be performed on the medical linear accelerators and the threshold levels for each test. The purpose of this study is to increase the accuracy and precision of the selected QC tests in order to increase the quality of treatment and also increase the speed of the tests to convince the crowded centers to start a reliable QA program. A new method has been developed for two of the QC tests; optical distance indicator (ODI) QC test as a daily test and gantry angle QC test as a monthly test. This method uses an image processing approach utilizing the snapshots taken by the CCD camera to measure the source to surface distance (SSD) and gantry angle. RESULTS: The new method of ODI QC test has an accuracy of 99.95% with a standard deviation of 0.061 cm and the new method for gantry angle QC has a precision of 0.43degrees. The automated proposed method which is used for both ODI and gantry angle QC tests, contains highly accurate and precise results which are objective and the human-caused errors have no effect on the results. CONCLUSION: The results show that they are in the acceptable range for both of the QC tests, according to AAPM task group 142.

Pleiotropic effects of the sdw1 locus in barley populations representing different rounds of recombination

Background In the present study populations, representing different rounds of recombination were used for the analysis of phenotypic effects associated with the sdw1/denso locus. Other studies have mostly focused only on one type of population. Many different QTLs mapped at the same position as the sdw1/denso locus may indicate a pleiotropy of this gene or a tight linkage between genes conditioning quantitative traits. To date, results of studies have not unequivocally proven either of these two phenomena. Results Both breeding and molecular mapping experiments were undertaken to examine 200 single seed descent (SSD) and 60 doubled haploid (DH) lines obtained from the Maresi (with a semi-dwarfing gene) and Pomo cross combination. They were evaluated for the type of juvenile growth habit and certain agronomic traits were measured after harvesting. The estimates of mean values, standard errors and significance of effects were analyzed. In terms of the analyzed characteristics, the greatest variability was obtained for genotypes with the prostrate growth habit. Microsatellite markers (SSR) were also used to identify co-segregation with the sdw1/denso locus and Bmag0013, Bmag0877, Bmag0306b markers were linked the closest. A partial linkage map of chromosome 3H with the sdw1/denso semi-dwarfing gene was constructed and QTLs were identified. Conclusions Our experiments confirmed the impact of the semi-dwarfing gene on plant height, heading and flowering date both in SSD and DH populations, which may indicate pleiotropy. Moreover, a partial linkage between sdw1/denso locus and grain weight per spike and 1000-grain weight was found in the SSD population.

Segregation distortion in homozygous lines obtained via anther culture and maize doubled haploid methods in comparison to single seed descent in wheat (Triticum aestivum L. )

Background The quality of wheat grain depends on several characteristics, among which the composition of high molecular weight glutenin subunits, encoded by Glu-1 loci, are the most important. Application of biotechnological tools to accelerate the attainment of homozygous lines may influence the proportion of segregated genotypes. The objective was to determine, whether the selection pressure generated by the methods based on in vitro cultures, may cause a loss of genotypes with desirable Glu-1 alleles. Results Homozygous lines were derived from six winter wheat crosses by pollination with maize (DH-MP), anther culture (DH-AC) and single seed descent (SSD) technique. Androgenetically-derived plants that originated from the same callus were examined before chromosome doubling using allele-specific and microsatellite markers. It was found that segregation distortion in SSD and DH-MP populations occurred only in one case, whereas in anther-derived lines they were observed in five out of six analyzed combinations. Conclusions Segregation distortion in DH-AC populations was caused by the development of more than one plant of the same genotype from one callus. This distortion was minimized if only one plant per callus was included in the population. Selection of haploid wheat plants before chromosome doubling based on allele-specific markers allows us to choose genotypes that possess desirable Glu-1 alleles and to reduce the number of plants in the next steps of DH production. The SSD technique appeared to be the most advantageous in terms of Mendelian segregation, thus the occurrence of residual heterozygosity can be minimized by continuous selfing beyond the F6 generation.

Study on Effects of Saikosaponin-d on TPA,PAI,MDA and NO in Rats with Liver Fibrosis / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effects of saikosaponin-d(SSd) on tissue plasminogen activator(TPA),plasminogen activator inhibitor(PAI),malonaldehyde(MDA) and NO in rats with liver fibrosis induced by dimethylnitrosamine(DMN).METHODS:Eighteen SD healthy rats were randomized to control group(NS ip qd for 4 weeks),model group(10mg? kg-1 DMN ip 3 times per week for 4 weeks) and SSd-treated group(10mg? kg-1 DMN ip 3 times per week + SSd 1.8 mg? kg-1 ip for 28 consecutive days).All rats were killed 1h after the last time of administration,blood samples were taken from abdominal aorta and liver samples were taken for the observation of pathology and detection of indices of TPA,PAI,MDA and NO etc.RESULTS:SSd could lessen the degree of liver fibrosis and improve the fibrinolytic activities of TPA and PAI,meanwhile,it showed clearance effect on MDA and marked protective effect on hepatic cells.There were significant differences between SSd-treated group and the model group.CONCLUSION:SSd exhibited protective function on experimental hepatic fibrosis in rats,which may be attributed to the improving of fibrinolytic activity,eliminating of lipid peroxidation and enhancing of NO level.

Correlation of Kyo-kyo-kuman and Somatization Symptoms: Clinical Study using Keio's Kyo-kyo-kuman scale (K-scale) and Screener for Somatoform Disorders (SSD) / 日本東洋医学雑誌

Kyo-kyo-kuman has not been analyzed with modern medicine methods. We hypothesize that Kyo-kyo-kuman reflects the severity of somatization symptoms. Thus we investigated the correlation of Kyo-kyo-kuman with somatization symptoms, using Keio's Kyo-kyo-kuman scale (K-scale) and the Screener for Somatoform Disorders (SSD). One hundred and fifty patients (38 males, 112 females, mean age 40.69±17.56 years) were evaluated for their Kyo-kyo-kuman levels, using the K-scale and the number of somatization symptoms according to the SSD. On the right, the K-scale scores correlated significantly with the number of present somatization symptoms (R=0.440, p<0.0001) and the number of somatization symptoms within one year (R=0.476, p<0.0001). On the left, the K-scale scores correlated significantly with the number of somatization symptoms lasting for more than three months (R=0.450, p<0.0001), the number of present somatization symptom (R=0.597, p<0.0001) and the number of somatization symptoms within one year (R=0.586, p<0.0001).<br>In conclusion, patients having Kyo-kyo-kuman tended to complain of many kinds of somatization symptoms. We suggest that Kyo-kyo-kuman correlates well with these symptoms.

Comparative Analysis of MIP & SSD Imaged in Diagnosis of intracranial Aneurysms

There is an increasing tendency to use three dimentional computed tomographic angiography(CTA) in diagnosis of intracranial aneurysm. The authors have planned to get a better CTA image through comparing of the maximum intensity projection(MIP) and shaded surface display(SSD) techniques. Eighteen patients were evaluated who had been studied with conventional cerebral angiography(CCA), CTA and received aneurysmal surgery, all together. Original spiral CT images were studied with helical CT scanner with 120ml of non-ionic contrast material, 3ml/sec injection rate, 1mm collimation and 1mm reconstruction interval. MIP and SSD images of CTA were reconstructed with diting by using a standard processing algorithm of volume rendering technique and three dimensional technique. There were 3 cases(12%) of false negatives in both MIP and SSD images among the ottal 25 cases of saccular aneurysms. There were 2 cases(8%) of false positives in SSD images that were actually negative for aneurysm in MIP and CCA. Our results have demonstrated that CTA is a quick, reliable and relatively simple diagnostic tool or screening of intracranial aneurysms, and superior to CCA in evaluating configuration, direction and its associated vascular anatomy. The MIP image was better to reveal vasospasm, calcification, neck shape and adjacent vascular anatomy. On the other hand, the SSD image showed higher false positive rate due to pseudo-saccular fusion and superior to glance over the external configuration and for planning of surgery.

Comparative Analysis of MIP & SSD Imaged in Diagnosis of intracranial Aneurysms

There is an increasing tendency to use three dimentional computed tomographic angiography(CTA) in diagnosis of intracranial aneurysm. The authors have planned to get a better CTA image through comparing of the maximum intensity projection(MIP) and shaded surface display(SSD) techniques. Eighteen patients were evaluated who had been studied with conventional cerebral angiography(CCA), CTA and received aneurysmal surgery, all together. Original spiral CT images were studied with helical CT scanner with 120ml of non-ionic contrast material, 3ml/sec injection rate, 1mm collimation and 1mm reconstruction interval. MIP and SSD images of CTA were reconstructed with diting by using a standard processing algorithm of volume rendering technique and three dimensional technique. There were 3 cases(12%) of false negatives in both MIP and SSD images among the ottal 25 cases of saccular aneurysms. There were 2 cases(8%) of false positives in SSD images that were actually negative for aneurysm in MIP and CCA. Our results have demonstrated that CTA is a quick, reliable and relatively simple diagnostic tool or screening of intracranial aneurysms, and superior to CCA in evaluating configuration, direction and its associated vascular anatomy. The MIP image was better to reveal vasospasm, calcification, neck shape and adjacent vascular anatomy. On the other hand, the SSD image showed higher false positive rate due to pseudo-saccular fusion and superior to glance over the external configuration and for planning of surgery.

Contamination of an Alcyon Co-60 gamma rays by Electrons / 대한치료방사선과학회지

The Alcyon Co-60 gamma rays was studied for electron contamination. The surface dose, attributable almost entirely to contamination electrons, has a linear dependence on field width for square fields and an inverse square dependence on distance from the bottom of the fixed head assembly. Build-up and surface dose measurements were taken with and without an acrylic blocking tray in place. Further measurements were made with a copper filter designed to reduce secondary electrons emitted by photon interactions with the acrylic tray. The results are discussed in relation to skin sparing effect for radiation therapy patients. And to achieve the maximum skin sparing effect, the selection of the optimum SSD and TSD is needed.

Variation of Effective SSD According to Electron Energies and Irradiated Field Sizes / 대한치료방사선과학회지

It is known that fixed source to skin distance (SSD) cannot be used when the treatment field is sloped or larger than the size of second collimator in electron beam irradiation and inverse square law using effective ssd should be adopted. Effective SSDs were measured in different field sizes in each 6, 9, 12, 15 and 18 MeV electron energy by suing NELAC 1018D linear accelerator of Kosin Medical Center. We found important parmeters of effective SSD. 1. Minimum effective SSD was 58.8 cm in small field size of 6x6 cm and maximum effective SSD was 94.9 cm in large field size of 25x25 cm, with 6 MeV energy. It's difference was 36.1 cm. The dose rate at measuring point was quite different even with a small difference of SSD in small field (6x6 cm) and low energy (6 MeV). 2. Effective SSD increased with field size in same electron energy. 3. Effective SSDs gradually increased with the electron energies and reached maximum at 12 or 15 MeV electron energy and decreased again at 18 MeV electron energy in each identical field size. And so the effective SSD should be measured in each energy and field size for practical radiotherapy.

Effect of compounds extracted from spatholobus suberectus dunn on the proliferation of hematopoietic progenitor cell / 中国药理学通报

Aim To study effects of nine compounds extracted from Spatholobus suberectus Dunn (SSD) on proliferation of hematopoietic progenitor cell (HPC) in marrow-depressed mice. Methods Serum pharmacology experiment was used to observe the influence of nine compounds on growth of CFU-E、BFU-E、CFU-GM、CFU-Meg in marrow-depressed mice. Results Compared with the control, all compounds except pyromucic acid and ononin could significantly stimulate the growth of CFU-GM (P