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Skin fibrosis is characterized by fibroblast activation and intradermal fat loss, resulting in excess deposition and remodeling of dermal extracellular matrix (ECM). The topography of the dominant ECM proteins, such as collagens, can indicate skin stiffness and remains understudied in evaluating fibrotic skin. Here, we adapted two different unbiased image analysis algorithms to define collagen topography and alignment in a genetically inducible and reversible Wnt activation fibrosis model. We demonstrated that Wnt‐activated fibrotic skin has altered collagen fiber characteristics and a loss of collagen alignment, which were restored in the reversible model. This study highlights how unbiased algorithms can be used to analyze ECM topography, providing novel avenues to evaluate fibrotic skin onset, recovery, and treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Handwritten signatures are unique behavioural attributes that serve as a distinct form of identification for individuals. This study focuses on the analysis of signature patterns using various parameters, including aspect ratio, angle of the first letter with respect to the baseline, and the ratio of the area of a circle to its radius within the signature. A dataset consisting of 1200 genuine and 1200 simulated (English) signature samples from 12 individuals were examined using an image analysis tool to record measurements for these parameters. The primary objectives were to investigate the consistency of signatures within the same person and to compare genuine signatures with simulated ones. This study contributes to the field of forensic investigations by offering insights into the authentication of signatures and the measurement of dissimilarities between signatures of the same and different individuals based on their patterns. The findings aid in identifying most influential parameter in distinguishing genuine signatures from counterfeits and enhance the evidential value of handwritten signature samples. Additionally, the simplified approach employed in this study allows for universal applicability across languages. Future research endeavours could expand the dataset and explore additional parameters to further improve the accuracy and reliability of signature verification methods in forensic analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Elucidating the dynamics of DNA repair proteins is essential to understanding the mechanisms that preserve genomic stability and prevent carcinogenesis. However, the measurement and modeling of protein dynamics at DNA lesions via currently available image analysis tools is cumbersome. Therefore, we developed CellTool—a stand-alone open-source software with a graphical user interface for the analysis of time-lapse microscopy images. It combines data management, image processing, mathematical modeling, and graphical presentation of data in a single package. Multiple image filters, segmentation, and particle tracking algorithms, combined with direct visualization of the obtained results, make CellTool an ideal application for the comprehensive analysis of DNA repair protein dynamics. This software enables the fitting of obtained kinetic data to predefined or custom mathematical models. Importantly, CellTool provides a platform for easy implementation of custom image analysis packages written in a variety of programing languages. Using CellTool, we demonstrate that the ALKB homolog 2 (ALKBH2) demethylase is excluded from DNA damage sites despite recruitment of its putative interaction partner proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA). Further, CellTool facilitates the straightforward fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) analysis of BRCA1 associated RING domain 1 (BARD1) exchange at complex DNA lesions. In summary, the software presented herein enables the time-efficient analysis of a wide range of time-lapse microscopy experiments through a user-friendly interface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aim: Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling inhibitors are potent therapeutic agents for EGFR-mutant non-small-cell lung cancer, but the effects of such inhibitors on the localization of EGFR mutations in tumor tissues remain to be elucidated. Thus, a simple and efficient technology for the detection of mutations in tumor tissue specimens needs to be developed. Materials and Methods: Using an EGFR mutation-specific peptide nucleic acid (PNA)-DNA probe, the EGFR mutation-positive part of whole NSCLC tissues was visualized by immunofluorescence. Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded sections obtained from A549, NCI-H1975, HCC827 and PC-9 tumors transplanted into nude mice were subjected to staining using PNA-DNA probes specific for the mRNA sequences producing the L858R, del E746-A750 and T790M mutations. Results: The probes for the L858R mutation showed intense positive staining in H1975 cells, and the probe for the del E746-A750 mutation exhibited positive staining specifically in HCC827 and PC-9 tumors. On the other hand, A549 tumors without EGFR mutation did not show any significant staining for any PNA-DNA probe. In combination staining, the addition of cytokeratin stain increased the positive staining rate of each PNA-DNA probe. In addition, the positive staining rate of the probes for the L858R mutation was comparable to that of the antibody to EGFR L858R mutated protein. Conclusion: PNA-DNA probes specific for EGFR mutations might be useful tools to detect heterogeneous mutant EGFR expression in cancer tissues and efficiently evaluate the effect of EGFR signaling inhibitors on tissues of EGFR-mutant cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The aim of this study was to compare the shaping ability of four multi-file systems and one single-file system in simulated S-shaped canals. Materials and methods: Fifty S-shaped canals in resin blocks (Endo Training Bloc S-shape, Dentsply Sirona, Salzburg, Austria) were prepared to an apical size of 25.06 using ProTaper Next (Dentsply Sirona, Ballaigues, Switzerland), HyFlex CM (Coltène/Whaledent, Langenau, Germany), F6 SkyTaper (Komet, Lemgo, Germany), BioRace (FKG Dentaire, La-Chaux-des-Fonds, Switzerland) and Mtwo (VDW, Munich, Germany) systems (n = 10 canals/group). Canal transportation was assessed by comparing the pre-instrumentation and post-instrumentation images under a stereomicroscope. Material removal was measured using a digital template and image analysis software. Deformation of instruments and preparation time were also recorded. The data were statistically analysed by considering the clinical relevance and the ability to maintain the S-shaped form. Results: Canals prepared with HyFlex CM, ProTaper Next and F6 SkyTaper remained better centred compared with those enlarged with the BioRace and Mtwo systems, which removed statistically significantly greater amounts of resin from the inner side of both curvatures (P < 0.05). F6 SkyTaper and BioRace were the two fastest systems (P < 0.001). No instrument fractures occurred during canal preparation. About 78% of all HyFlex CM files were suitable for reuse. Conclusion: Under the conditions of this study, all five nickel-titanium systems were safe to use. The heat-treated systems HyFlex CM and ProTaper Next maintained the original canal curvature better than instruments made of conventional nickel-titanium. Less tapered instruments at the sequence's beginning had a positive effect on the systems' centring ability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although rapid, the evaluation of bone marrow (BM) cellularity is semi-quantitative and largely dependent upon visual estimates. We aimed to construct an automatic quantification method using image analysis software. We used hematoxylin and eosin (HE)-stained specimens of BM biopsies and clots from patients who underwent BM examination at Tottori University Hospital from 2020 to 2022. We compared image analysis (Methods A, B, and C) with visual estimates in pathology reports of 91 HE specimens in 54 cases (29 males, 25 females), including 38 biopsy and 53 clot specimens. Cellularity was visually scored as hypocellular (n = 17), normocellular (n = 44), or hypercellular (n = 30). Compared with the visual estimates, intraclass correlation coefficients for Methods A, B, and C were 0.80, 0.85, and 0.88, respectively. The most appropriate values were obtained with Method C which detected both non-fatty and cell nuclear areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel method of extracting color information on a pixel-by-pixel basis or by the average of the regions of interest (ROIs) from digital images is proposed and demonstrated using newly developed and customized image-processing/analysis software (PicMan). For quantitative and statistical analyses of color, the newly developed software can be used for digital archive or digital forensic applications in various fields. The color differences between unrelated, similar, or identical scenes and or objects were quantified in various formats of desired color spaces such as RGB, HSV, XYZ, CIE L*a*b*, Munsell color, and hexadecimal color values. The color differences were visualized as images of pixel-by-pixel mapping of the ΔL*, Δa*, Δb*, ΔERGB, ΔEHSV, and ΔE*L*a*b* values and block comparison images of desired block sizes. Various color analyses and color-difference mapping examples using an aged and damaged oil painting before and after restoration were introduced. The effects of the image file format differences between PNG and JPG on color distortion are demonstrated by statistics and pixel-by-pixel color-difference mapping. A portrait of Chuk-ki Yoo (兪拓基, 1691–1767) on silk from the 18th century from Korea was used for further color analysis for whole and selected areas. A collector’s ownership stamp of Chuk-ki Yoo stamped in red ink on the text areas in one of his book collections was extracted using the image-processing software and superimposed on the original image as a visualization enhancement example. Image analysis, processing, modification, enhancement, and highlighting, as well as statistical color analysis of digital images in most formats, can conveniently and efficiently be performed using one piece of dedicated software (PicMan). The pixel-by-pixel color information extraction and color comparison technique can be very effective for a variety of applications in art and cultural heritage objects.

Elucidating the dynamics of DNA repair proteins is essential to understanding the mechanisms that preserve genomic stability and prevent carcinogenesis. However, the measurement and modeling of protein dynamics at DNA lesions via currently available image analysis tools is cumbersome. Therefore, we developed CellTool—a stand-alone open-source software with a graphical user interface for the analysis of time-lapse microscopy images. It combines data management, image processing, mathematical modeling, and graphical presentation of data in a single package. Multiple image filters, segmentation, and particle tracking algorithms, combined with direct visualization of the obtained results, make CellTool an ideal application for the comprehensive analysis of DNA repair protein dynamics. This software enables the fitting of obtained kinetic data to predefined or custom mathematical models. Importantly, CellTool provides a platform for easy implementation of custom image analysis packages written in a variety of programing languages. Using CellTool, we demonstrate that the ALKB homolog 2 (ALKBH2) demethylase is excluded from DNA damage sites despite recruitment of its putative interaction partner proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA). Further, CellTool facilitates the straightforward fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) analysis of BRCA1 associated RING domain 1 (BARD1) exchange at complex DNA lesions. In summary, the software presented herein enables the time-efficient analysis of a wide range of time-lapse microscopy experiments through a user-friendly interface.

A novel method of extracting color information on a pixel-by-pixel basis or by the average of the regions of interest (ROIs) from digital images is proposed and demonstrated using newly developed and customized image-processing/analysis software (PicMan). For quantitative and statistical analyses of color, the newly developed software can be used for digital archive or digital forensic applications in various fields. The color differences between unrelated, similar, or identical scenes and or objects were quantified in various formats of desired color spaces such as RGB, HSV, XYZ, CIE L*a*b*, Munsell color, and hexadecimal color values. The color differences were visualized as images of pixel-by-pixel mapping of the ΔL*, Δa*, Δb*, ΔERGB, ΔEHSV, and ΔE*L*a*b* values and block comparison images of desired block sizes. Various color analyses and color-difference mapping examples using an aged and damaged oil painting before and after restoration were introduced. The effects of the image file format differences between PNG and JPG on color distortion are demonstrated by statistics and pixel-by-pixel color-difference mapping. A portrait of Chuk-ki Yoo (兪拓基, 1691–1767) on silk from the 18th century from Korea was used for further color analysis for whole and selected areas. A collector's ownership stamp of Chuk-ki Yoo stamped in red ink on the text areas in one of his book collections was extracted using the image-processing software and superimposed on the original image as a visualization enhancement example. Image analysis, processing, modification, enhancement, and highlighting, as well as statistical color analysis of digital images in most formats, can conveniently and efficiently be performed using one piece of dedicated software (PicMan). The pixel-by-pixel color information extraction and color comparison technique can be very effective for a variety of applications in art and cultural heritage objects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(1) Background: angiogenesis plays an important role in the growth and metastasis of tumors. We established the CAM assay application, an image analysis software of the IKOSA platform by KML Vision, for the quantification of blood vessels with the in ovo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) model. We added this proprietary deep learning algorithm to the already established laser speckle contrast imaging (LSCI). (2) Methods: angiosarcoma cell line tumors were grafted onto the CAM. Angiogenesis was measured at the beginning and at the end of tumor growth with both measurement methods. The CAM assay application was trained to enable the recognition of in ovo CAM vessels. Histological stains of the tissue were performed and gluconate, an anti-angiogenic substance, was applied to the tumors. (3) Results: the angiosarcoma cells formed tumors on the CAM that appeared to stay vital and proliferated. An increase in perfusion was observed using both methods. The CAM assay application was successfully established in the in ovo CAM model and anti-angiogenic effects of gluconate were observed. (4) Conclusions: the CAM assay application appears to be a useful method for the quantification of angiogenesis in the CAM model and gluconate could be a potential treatment of angiosarcomas. Both aspects should be evaluated in further research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study attempted to assess the influence of mechanical forces on potato, tapioca, wheat, rice, and maize starch granules. For this purpose, we used digital analysis of microscopic images of starch granules before and after starch grinding using ImageJ software. Additionally, we studied the influence of temperature on the size and shape of starch granules by drying the starches for 30 min at 60 °C. Our results indicate that mechanical forces very rarely cause damage to starch granules, such as breaking or cracking. In most cases, the action of mechanical forces results only in smoother shape of starch granules and their shrinking, linked with rising temperature. Results of this study show that ImageJ software can be successfully used to assess starch granule size and shape. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Gold weight implantation in the upper eyelid is a frequently performed treatment for paralytic lagophthalmos to prevent corneal exposure. A margin reflex distance of -1 and -2 (MRD1, MRD2), the palpebral fissure height (PFH), and the vertical lagophthalmos (LV) are 1-dimensional (1D) measurements used in follow-up. Because the exposure area is 2-dimensional (2D), this study was designed to investigate the results using both 1D and 2D analysis. Methods: Ten patients who underwent pretarsal suborbicularis oculi gold weight implantation were included in the study. Photographs were taken with a digital camera and the images were analyzed using ImageJ software (US National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA). The lagophthalmos area (LA) and ocular surface area (OSA) were measured in 2D in addition to the MRD1, MRD2, PFH, LV. Preoperative and postoperative values were compared using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Associations between parameters were evaluated using Spearman's correlation analysis. Results: The mean age of the patients (7 male, 3 female) was 39.6±16.4 years (range: 14-60 years). The mean implant weight was 1.46 g (0.8-1.6 g). There were significant reductions in the MRD1, MRD2, PFH, OSA, LV, and LA values after surgery (p<0.05). The weight of the gold implant had a strong correlation with the PFH, OSA, MRD1, and MRD2, but not the LV or LA, preoperatively. The OSA was strongly correlated with the MRD1, PFH, and the implant weight, but not the MRD2. The LA was strongly correlated with the LV, preoperatively. In the postoperative period, the OSA was strongly correlated with the PFH and the MRD2 but not the MRD1, while the LA was strongly correlated with the LV, MRD1, and the PFH. Conclusion: It is easy to obtain 2D measurements using digital image analysis software, and they proved to be accurate and correlated strongly with 1D measurements. The OSA and LA measurements were significantly lower following upper eyelid gold weight implantation. The PFH and LV were compatible with the OSA and LA, preoperatively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(1) Background: angiogenesis plays an important role in the growth and metastasis of tumors. We established the CAM assay application, an image analysis software of the IKOSA platform by KML Vision, for the quantification of blood vessels with the in ovo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) model. We added this proprietary deep learning algorithm to the already established laser speckle contrast imaging (LSCI). (2) Methods: angiosarcoma cell line tumors were grafted onto the CAM. Angiogenesis was measured at the beginning and at the end of tumor growth with both measurement methods. The CAM assay application was trained to enable the recognition of in ovo CAM vessels. Histological stains of the tissue were performed and gluconate, an anti-angiogenic substance, was applied to the tumors. (3) Results: the angiosarcoma cells formed tumors on the CAM that appeared to stay vital and proliferated. An increase in perfusion was observed using both methods. The CAM assay application was successfully established in the in ovo CAM model and anti-angiogenic effects of gluconate were observed. (4) Conclusions: the CAM assay application appears to be a useful method for the quantification of angiogenesis in the CAM model and gluconate could be a potential treatment of angiosarcomas. Both aspects should be evaluated in further research.

Immunotherapy of vulvar high‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (vHSIL) is investigated as an alternative for surgery, because of high comorbidity and risk of recurrence. Limited evidence exists on the role and composition of the immune microenvironment in current immunotherapeutic approaches for vHSIL. The vHSIL of 29 patients biopsied before treatment with imiquimod were analyzed by two multiplex seven‐color immunofluorescence panels to investigate the pre‐existing T‐cell and myeloid cell composition in relation to treatment response. The samples were scanned with the Vectra multispectral imaging system. Cells were automatically phenotyped and counted with inForm advanced image analysis software. Cell counts and composition were compared to that of vHSIL patients before therapeutic vaccination (n = 29) and to healthy vulva (n = 27). Our data show that the immune microenvironment of complete responders (CR) to imiquimod resembled the coordinated infiltration with type 1 CD4+ and CD8+ T cells and CD14+ inflammatory myeloid cells also found in healthy vulva. However, more CD8+ T cells and FoxP3+ regulatory T cells were present in CR. The lesions of partial responders (PR) lacked such a coordinated response and displayed an impaired influx of CD14+ inflammatory myeloid cells. Importantly, complete responses after imiquimod or therapeutic vaccination showed the same dependency on a pre‐existing coordinated type 1 T‐cell and CD14+ myeloid cell infiltration. In conclusion, a good clinical outcome after two different forms of immunotherapy for vHSIL is associated with the presence of a primary inflammatory process resulting in the coordinated influx of several types of immune cells which is then amplified. What's new? Premalignant vulvar high‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (vHSIL) are predominantly induced by human papilloma virus infection. The immune microenvironment in vHSIL and its role in immunotherapeutic approaches remain largely unknown. This study is the first to show that a complete clinical response in patients is associated with a pre‐existent coordinated influx of type 1 T cells and CD14+ myeloid cells, irrespective of the type of successful immunotherapy given (topical imiquimod therapy or therapeutic vaccination). This coordinated immune microenvironment closely resembles that of healthy vulvar tissue, suggesting that an impaired primary inflammatory process acts as an immune resistance mechanism in non‐complete responders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lower leg oedema occurs physiologically in the evening after daytime activity. Various oedema‐related sonographic findings have recently been reported, but this physiological oedema has not been evaluated quantitatively using imaging examinations. The present study investigated whether sonography could detect physiological lower leg oedema, comparing measured values between the morning and late afternoon. Diameters of leg veins were also measured as a possible source of leg oedema. Subjects comprised 55 healthy young women (mean age, 21 ± 1 years). Oedema‐related findings such as papillary dermis thickness, subcutaneous adipose tissue thickness and echogenicity (as estimated in grey‐scale using image analysis software) increased in the late afternoon when compared with those in the morning (1.4 [1.1–1.7] mm vs. 1.4 [1.1–1.8] mm, p <.01; 7.3 [6.0–8.1] mm vs. 7.3 [6.1–8.3] mm, p <.05; and 37.3 [31.5–39.4] vs. 39.8 [35.7–44.1], p <.01, respectively). Diameters of leg veins such as the great saphenous vein, small saphenous vein and dorsal vein of the foot were all reduced towards late afternoon (p <.01 each). Sonography quantitatively and precisely detected physical changes associated with physiological lower leg oedema after daytime activity in healthy young women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Sealer remnants in the access cavity may negatively affect coronal seal and cause tooth discoloration. This study sought to evaluate the efficacy of different cleaning protocols for the sealer-contaminated access cavity. Materials and methods: Sixty extracted human molars were accessed, chemomechanically prepared and warm vertically obturated with gutta-percha and epoxy resin sealer. Teeth were randomly assigned to one control (air/water spray) and five test groups (n = 10): scrubbing with an ethanol-saturated cotton pellet (CP), scrubbing with an ethanol-saturated microbrush (MB), air polishing (ProphyFlex, KaVo), MB + air polishing and cleaning with a round bur. Each tooth was split sagittally, and the sealer-covered access cavity area (SCA) before and after cleaning was determined using image analysis software and compared pre- and post-operatively and across groups using paired samples t test and one-way ANOVA. Results: The SCA was significantly reduced in all test groups (P < 0.05), but not in the control group (P > 0.05). Highest epoxy resin sealer reductions were observed for MB (92%) and MB + air polishing (94%), yielding a significantly better SCA reduction than that of ethanol-saturated cotton pellet (58%), bur cleaning (69%) or air polishing alone (64%). Conclusions: All cleaning protocols except air/water spray reduced the amount of epoxy resin sealer in the access cavity, but none of them completely removed the sealer. Cleaning with the ethanol-saturated microbrush, with or without air polishing, performed better than the other methods. Clinical relevance: Scrubbing with an ethanol-saturated microbrush, with or without air polishing, was the most efficient method for cleaning the epoxy resin sealer-contaminated molar access cavity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents a combined implementation of three‐dimensional (3D) advanced imaging and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling and simulation techniques to interpret the effective transport properties of single and stacked samples of differential microcellular structures. 3D morphological analysis software (ScanIP) was used to create representative elemental volumes via high‐resolution tomography data for samples of tetrakaidekahedron‐shaped Inconel and bottleneck‐type aluminum foams. Pore‐structure‐related information for single and stacked differential samples were obtained with the aid of image analysis software, while their effective transport properties were attained by computationally resolving the pressure drop developed across these materials for superficial fluid velocities in the range from 0 to 6 m s−1. Model validation was demonstrated by tolerable agreement between resulting CFD predicted results and experimentally measured values of flow properties. With these techniques, contributory effects were identified for pore‐structure‐related properties, pore density, and flow entrance on the flow dynamics of microcellular structures. This approach could prove useful in the design of highly efficient porous metallic components for applications specific to fluid transport. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present experimental work, 28 reinforced concrete beams were manufactured and tested in bending under 2 concentrated loads. The beams, which were made in high strength concrete and in ordinary concrete for comparison purposes, had different quantities of fibres, with two aspect ratios. During the testing, a special attention was given to the monitoring of flexural cracking in terms of width, spacing and length, using a digital camera and Gom-Aramis software for the analysis of the recorded images. The measured crack widths were compared with theoretical values predicted by three major universal design codes for reinforced concrete, namely the American ACI 318, the British Standard 8110, the Eurocode 2, and by the technical document of Rilem TC 162-TDF. In the present experimental work, an amendment of the Rilem model, taking into consideration the three important parameters, namely the quantity of fibres, their orientation factor and their aspect ratio, is proposed. The predicted values of the crack width obtained by the modified Rilem model were compared with the test values and assessed against other experimental data on fibre-reinforced concrete beams taken from the literature. The results show that the modified Rilem model is fairly reliable in predicting the crack width of fibre-reinforced concrete. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A colorimetric assay was developed which has the capability of determining urea in biological samples. It is an origami paper-based sensor consisting of silver nanoparticles that were synthesized by using two different capping agents: thiomalic acid and maltol. The function of the assay relied on hydrolysis of urea to ammonia and carbon dioxide in the presence of urease. The products interacted with nanoparticles which caused aggregation. Interestingly, thiomalic acid capped with silver nanoparticles were selective to ammonia, and the other nanoparticles synthesized by maltol responded to carbon dioxide. These interactions turned the color of nanoparticles from yellow to brown and red, respectively. The resulting colorations were captured by a floatable scanner. A routine image analysis software was utilized to provide the response of the assays. The method was applied to individually determine ammonia, carbon dioxide, and urea. The linear range was 0.06 mg.dL−1-170.0 mg.dL−1 for ammonia, 0.08 mg.dL−1-220.0 mg.dL−1 for carbon dioxide, and 0.5 mg.dL−1-200.0 mg.dL−1 for urea. The respective limits of detection were 0.03 mg.dL−1, 0.06 mg.dL−1, and 0.18 mg.dL−1. No interferences were found in the detremination of urea. The method demonstrates a reliable performance for determination of urea in both saliva and blood samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quantification of fibrillar collagen organization has given new insight into the possible role of collagen topology in many diseases and has also identified candidate image-based bio-markers in breast cancer and pancreatic cancer. We have been developing collagen quantification tools based on the curvelet transform (CT) algorithm and have demonstrated this to be a powerful multiscale image representation method due to its unique features in collagen image denoising and fiber edge enhancement. In this paper, we present our CT-based collagen quantification software platform with a focus on new features and also giving a detailed description of curvelet-based fiber representation. These new features include C++-based code optimization for fast individual fiber tracking, Java-based synthetic fiber generator module for method validation, automatic tumor boundary generation for fiber relative quantification, parallel computing for large-scale batch mode processing, region-of-interest analysis for user-specified quantification, and pre- and post-processing modules for individual fiber visualization. We present a validation of the tracking of individual fibers and fiber orientations by using synthesized fibers generated by the synthetic fiber generator. In addition, we provide a comparison of the fiber orientation calculation on pancreatic tissue images between our tool and three other quantitative approaches. Lastly, we demonstrate the use of our software tool for the automatic tumor boundary creation and the relative alignment quantification of collagen fibers in human breast cancer pathology images, as well as the alignment quantification of in vivo mouse xenograft breast cancer images.

Featured Application: The algorithms described in the article can be used in any applications of image processing for recognition/segmentation of phases/morphologies, particularly in mineralogical image analysis. Their specific application field is ironmaking and corresponding optical image analysis of iron ore, sinter, and coke. Optical image analysis is commonly used to characterize different feedstock material for ironmaking, such as iron ore, iron ore sinter, coal and coke. Information is often needed for phases which have the same reflectivity and chemical composition, but different morphology. Such information is usually obtained by manual point counting, which is quite expensive and may not provide consistent results between different petrologists. To perform accurate segmentation of such phases using automated optical image analysis, the software must be able to identify specific textures. CSIRO's Carbon Steel Futures group has developed an optical image analysis software package called Mineral4/Recognition4, which incorporates a dedicated textural identification module allowing segmentation of such phases. The article discusses the problems associated with segmentation of similar phases in different ironmaking feedstock material using automated optical image analysis and demonstrates successful algorithms for textural identification. The examples cover segmentation of three different coke phases: two types of Inert Maceral Derived Components (IMDC), non-reacted and partially reacted, and Reacted Maceral Derived Components (RMDC); primary and secondary hematite in iron ore sinter; and minerals difficult to distinguish with traditional thresholding in iron ore. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microplastic research is a rapidly developing field, with urgent needs for high throughput and automated analysis techniques. We conducted a review covering image analysis from optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, fluorescence microscopy, and spectral analysis from Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, pyrolysis gas–chromatography mass–spectrometry, and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. These techniques were commonly used to collect, process, and interpret data from microplastic samples. This review outlined and critiques current approaches for analysis steps in image processing (color, thresholding, particle quantification), spectral processing (background and baseline subtraction, smoothing and noise reduction, data transformation), image classification (reference libraries, morphology, color, and fluorescence intensity), and spectral classification (reference libraries, matching procedures, and best practices for developing in-house reference tools). We highlighted opportunities to advance microplastic data analysis and interpretation by (i) quantifying colors, shapes, sizes, and surface topologies with image analysis software, (ii) identifying threshold values of particle characteristics in images that distinguish plastic particles from other particles, (iii) advancing spectral processing and classification routines, (iv) creating and sharing robust spectral libraries, (v) conducting double blind and negative controls, (vi) sharing raw data and analysis code, and (vii) leveraging readily available data to develop machine learning classification models. We identified analytical needs that we could fill and developed supplementary information for a reference library of plastic images and spectra, a tutorial for basic image analysis, and a code to download images from peer reviewed literature. Our major findings were that research on microplastics was progressing toward the use of multiple analytical methods and increasingly incorporating chemical classification. We suggest that new and repurposed methods need to be developed for high throughput screening using a diversity of approaches and highlight machine learning as one potential avenue toward this capability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many industries, which are producing sludge in large quantities, depend on sludge dewatering technology to reduce the corresponding water content. A key design parameter for dewatering equipment is the capillary suction time (CST) test, which has, however, several scientific flaws, despite that the test is practical and easy-to-perform. The standard CST test has a few considerable drawbacks: its lack of reliability and difficulties in obtaining results for heavy sludge types. Furthermore, it is not designed for long experiments (e.g. >30 min), and has only two measurement points (its two electrodes). In comparison, the novel dewaterability estimation test (DET) test is almost as simple as the CST, but considerably more reliable, faster, flexible and informative in terms of the wealth of visual measurement data collected with modern image analysis software. The standard deviations associated with repeated measurements for the same sludge is lower for the DET than for the CST test. In contrast to the CST device, capillary suction in the DET test is linear and not radial, allowing for a straightforward interpretation of findings. The new DET device may replace the CST test in the sludge-producing industries in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of bacterial exposure on the marginal integrity of dtin-resin interfaces for composites with and without bioactive glass (BAG). Methods: Cavity preparations of 5 mm width and 1.5 mm depth were machined into dentin disks by means of a computer controlled milling system. After applying the bonding agent, cavity preparations (n=3-5) were restored by incremental technique with experimental resin composites (50:50 BisGMA/TEGDMA: 72wt% filler) with different filler compositions: control - 67 wt% silanated strontium glass and 5wt% aerosol-silica filler and BAG - 57 wt% silanated strontium glass and 15 wt% BAG-65 wt% silica. Samples were then stored in sterile Todd-Hewitt media or co-incubated with Streptococcus mutans (UA 159), at 37°C, 5% CCB for 1-2 weeks. For samples co-incubated with a living biofilm, a luciferase assay was performed in order to assess its viability. Surfaces were impressed before and after each storage condition and replicas examined in a scanning electron microscope. Using image analysis software (Image J), the discontinuous margins percentage (%DM) was quantitatively assessed. Data were analyzed using two-way ANOVA followed by Tukey's test (a= 0.05). Results: Gap size ranged between 7-23 pm. The bacterial exposure significantly increased the %DM in both groups predominantly due to the formation of new gap regions. There was no difference between control and BAG composites regarding %DM and the biofilm viability. Bacterial exposure promoted degradation of composite restoration marginal integrity, with no difference between composites with and without BAG. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the relative position of the central hole (CH) of EVO Implantable Collamer Lens (EVO-ICL), the pupil center (CP), and the corneal center (CC) after implantation of EVO-ICLs for moderate to high myopia.Methods: Eighty-nine eyes of forty-seven patients with moderate to high myopia were evaluated. The mean preoperative spherical equivalent (SE) was - 12.58 ± 4.13D. A routine postoperative follow-up was performed within 1 ~ 12 months. Positions of the CH of EVO-ICLs, the CP and the CC were recorded using a slit lamp anterior segment photography system, and their relative distances were calculated with the Visio image analysis software.Results: All surgeries were performed safely, and no complications were observed in follow-ups 4.3 ± 4.82 months after surgery. At the last follow-up, the safety index (postoperative CDVA/preoperative CDVA) was 1.23 ± 0.48, and the efficacy index (postoperative UDVA/preoperative CDVA) was 1.08 ± 0.31. The CH in 85 eyes (95.51%) was superior to the CC, with 47.19% (42/89) on the temporal side and 48.31% (43/89) on the nasal side. The CH in 84 eyes (94.38%) was located on the temporal side of the CP, with 56.18% (50/89) superior and 38.2% (34/89) inferior to the CP. The CP of 85 eyes (95.51%) was superior on the nasal side of the CC. On the defined x-axis, the average distance from the CH to CC was significantly shorter than the average distance from the CP to CC (p < 0.001).Conclusions: An imperfect match between the central hole of EVO-ICLs and the pupil center does not necessarily indicate ICL dislocation. Compared to the pupil center, the position of the central hole of EVO-ICL is closer to the corneal center. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: To observe the effects of chalazion and its treatments on meibomian gland function and morphology in the chalazion area.Methods: This nonrandomized, prospective observational clinical study included 58 patients (67 eyelids) who were cured of chalazion, including 23 patients (23 eyelids) treated with a conservative method and 35 patients (44 eyelids) treated with surgery. Infrared meibomian gland photography combined with image analysis by ImageJ software was used to measure the chalazion area proportion. Slit-lamp microscopy was employed to evaluate meibomian gland function, and a confocal microscope was used to observe meibomian gland acinar morphology before treatment and 1 month after complete chalazion resolution.Results: At 1 month after chalazion resolution, the original chalazion area showed meibomian gland loss according to infrared meibomian gland photography in both groups. In patients who received conservative treatment, the meibomian gland function parameters before treatment were 0.74 ± 0.75, 0.48 ± 0.67, and 1.22 ± 0.60, respectively. One month after chalazion resolution, the parameters were 0.35 ± 0.49, 0.17 ± 0.49, and 0.91 ± 0.60, respectively; there was significant difference (P < 0.05). The proportion of the chalazion area before treatment was 14.90 (11.03, 25.3), and the proportion of meibomian gland loss at 1 month after chalazion resolution was 14.64 (10.33, 25.77); there was no significant difference (P > 0.05). In patients who underwent surgery, the meibomian gland function parameters before surgery were 0.93 ± 0.87, 1.07 ± 0.70, and 1.59 ± 0.76, respectively, and at 1 month after chalazion resolution, they were 0.93 ± 0.82, 0.95 ± 0.75, and 1.52 ± 0.70, respectively; there was no significant difference (P > 0.05). The proportion of the chalazion area before surgery was 14.90 (12.04, 21.6), and the proportion of meibomian gland loss at 1 month after chalazion resolution was 14.84 (11.31, 21.81); there was no significant difference (P > 0.05). The acinar structure could not be observed clearly in the meibomian gland loss area in most patients.Conclusions: Chalazion causes meibomian gland loss, and the range of meibomian gland loss is not related to the treatment method but to the range of chalazion itself. A hot compress as part of conservative treatment can improve meibomian gland function at the site of chalazion in the short term. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epoxides are widely used chemicals, the determination of which is of paramount importance. Herein, we present an enzyme‐based approach for noninstrumental detection of epoxides in standard solution and environmental samples. Halohydrin dehalogenase (HheC) as a biological recognition element and epichlorohydrin as a model analyte were evaluated for sensing. The detection is based on the color change of the pH indicator dye bromothymol blue caused by the HheC‐catalyzed ring‐opening of the epoxide substrate. The color change is then exploited for the determination of epoxide using a smartphone as an image acquisition and data processing device, eliminating the need for computer‐based image analysis software. The color parameters were systematically evaluated to determine the optimum quantitative analytical parameter. Under optimal conditions, the proposed enzyme‐based detection system showed a linear range of 0.13–2 mM with a detection limit of 0.07 mM and an assay time of 8 Min. In addition, the repeatability expressed as relative standard deviation was found to be below 5% (n = 6). Validation with gas chromatographic analyses showed that the proposed enzyme‐based epoxide detection could be an alternative way in the quantitative determination of epoxides, and particularly useful in resource‐limited settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prokaryotic cells display a striking subcellular organization. Studies of the underlying mechanisms in different species have greatly enhanced our understanding of the morphological and physiological adaptation of bacteria to different environmental niches. The image analysis software tool BacStalk is designed to extract comprehensive quantitative information from the images of morphologically complex bacteria with stalks, flagella, or other appendages. The resulting data can be visualized in interactive demographs, kymographs, cell lineage plots, and scatter plots to enable fast and thorough data analysis and representation. Notably, BacStalk can generate demographs and kymographs that display fluorescence signals within the two‐dimensional cellular outlines, to accurately represent their subcellular location. Beyond organisms with visible appendages, BacStalk is also suitable for established, non‐stalked model organisms with common or uncommon cell shapes. BacStalk, therefore, contributes to the advancement of prokaryotic cell biology and physiology, as it widens the spectrum of easily accessible model organisms and enables highly intuitive and interactive data analysis and visualization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Context: Ligamentum flavum (LF) induced lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) is conditioned not only by its "gathering" but especially by hypertrophy. Previous studies have examined the pathophysiology and biochemical changes that cause the hypertrophy. Some studies have described a link between chronic LF inflammation and neovascularization but others have reported highly hypovascular LF tissue in LSS patients. Currently, there is no practical application for our knowledge of the pathophysiology of the LF hypertrophy. Considerations for future treatment include influencing this hypertrophy at the level of tissue mediators, which may slow the development of LSS. To our knowledge, there is no study of micromechanical properties of native LF to date.Purpose: (1) To clarify the changes in vascularization, chondroid metaplasia, and the presence of inflammatory cell infiltration in LF associated with LSS. (2) To quantify changes in the micromechanical properties associated with LF degenerative processes.Study Design/setting: Vascular density analysis of degenerated and healthy human LF combined with measurement of micromechanical properties.Methods: The study involved 35 patients who underwent surgery between November 1, 2015 and October 1, 2016. The LSS group consisted of 20 patients and the control group consisted of 15 patients. LF samples were obtained during the operation and were used for histopathological and nanoindentation examinations. Sample vascularization was examined as microvascular density (Lv), which was morphometrically evaluated using semiautomatic detection in conjunction with NIS-Elements AR image analysis software. Samples were also histologically examined for the presence of chondroid metaplasia and inflammation. Mechanical properties of native LF samples were analyzed using the Hysitron TI 950 TriboIndenter nanomechanical testing system.Results: Vascular density was significantly lower in the LSS group. However, after excluding the effect of age, the difference was not significant. There was high association between Lv and age. With each increasing year of age, Lv decreased by 11.5 mm2. Vascular density decreased up to the age of 50. Over the age of 50, changes were no longer significant and Lv appeared to stabilize. No correlation was observed between Lv and the presence of inflammation or metaplasia; however, LSS patients had a significantly increased incidence of chondroid metaplasia and inflammatory signs. The mechanical properties of control group samples showed significantly higher stiffness than those samples obtained from the LSS group.Conclusion: This study showed that Lv changes were not dependent on LSS but were age-dependent. Vascular density was found to decrease up to the age of 50. A significantly higher incidence of chondroid metaplasia and inflammation was observed in LSS patients. The mechanical property values measured by nanoindentation showed high microstructural heterogeneity of the tested ligaments. Our results showed that healthy ligaments were significantly stiffer than LSS ligaments.Clinical Significance: Prevention of the loss of LF vascularization during aging may influence stiffness of LF which in turn may slow down the LF degenerative processes and delay onset of LSS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Rapid non-destructive measurements to predict cassava root yield over the full growing season through large numbers of germplasm and multiple environments is a huge challenge in Cassava breeding programs. As opposed to waiting until the harvest season, multispectral imagery using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) are capable of measuring the canopy metrics and vegetation indices (VIs) traits at different time points of the growth cycle. This resourceful time series aerial image processing with appropriate analytical framework is very important for the automatic extraction of phenotypic features from the image data. Many studies have demonstrated the usefulness of advanced remote sensing technologies coupled with machine learning (ML) approaches for accurate prediction of valuable crop traits. Until now, Cassava has received little to no attention in aerial image-based phenotyping and ML model testing. Results: To accelerate image processing, an automated image-analysis framework called CIAT Pheno-i was developed to extract plot level vegetation indices/canopy metrics. Multiple linear regression models were constructed at different key growth stages of cassava, using ground-truth data and vegetation indices obtained from a multispectral sensor. Henceforth, the spectral indices/features were combined to develop models and predict cassava root yield using different Machine learning techniques. Our results showed that (1) Developed CIAT pheno-i image analysis framework was found to be easier and more rapid than manual methods. (2) The correlation analysis of four phenological stages of cassava revealed that elongation (EL) and late bulking (LBK) were the most useful stages to estimate above-ground biomass (AGB), below-ground biomass (BGB) and canopy height (CH). (3) The multi-temporal analysis revealed that cumulative image feature information of EL + early bulky (EBK) stages showed a higher significant correlation (r = 0.77) for Green Normalized Difference Vegetation indices (GNDVI) with BGB than individual time points. Canopy height measured on the ground correlated well with UAV (CHuav)-based measurements (r = 0.92) at late bulking (LBK) stage. Among different image features, normalized difference red edge index (NDRE) data were found to be consistently highly correlated (r = 0.65 to 0.84) with AGB at LBK stage. (4) Among the four ML algorithms used in this study, k-Nearest Neighbours (kNN), Random Forest (RF) and Support Vector Machine (SVM) showed the best performance for root yield prediction with the highest accuracy of R2 = 0.67, 0.66 and 0.64, respectively. Conclusion: UAV platforms, time series image acquisition, automated image analytical framework (CIAT Pheno-i), and key vegetation indices (VIs) to estimate phenotyping traits and root yield described in this work have great potential for use as a selection tool in the modern cassava breeding programs around the world to accelerate germplasm and varietal selection. The image analysis software (CIAT Pheno-i) developed from this study can be widely applicable to any other crop to extract phenotypic information rapidly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Currently the combination of molecular tools, imaging techniques and analysis software offer the possibility of studying gene activity through the use of fluorescent reporters and infer its distribution within complex biological three-dimensional structures. For example, the use of Confocal Scanning Laser Microscopy (CSLM) is a regularly-used approach to visually inspect the spatial distribution of a fluorescent signal. Although a plethora of generalist imaging software is available to analyze experimental pictures, the development of tailor-made software for every specific problem is still the most straightforward approach to perform the best possible image analysis. In this manuscript, we focused on developing a simple methodology to satisfy one particular need: automated processing and analysis of CSLM image stacks to generate 3D fluorescence profiles showing the average distribution detected in bacterial colonies grown in different experimental conditions for comparison purposes. Results: The presented method processes batches of CSLM stacks containing three-dimensional images of an arbitrary number of colonies. Quasi-circular colonies are identified, filtered and projected onto a normalized orthogonal coordinate system, where a numerical interpolation is performed to obtain fluorescence values within a spatially fixed grid. A statistically representative three-dimensional fluorescent pattern is then generated from this data, allowing for standardized fluorescence analysis regardless of variability in colony size. The proposed methodology was evaluated by analyzing fluorescence from GFP expression subject to regulation by a stress-inducible promoter. Conclusions: This method provides a statistically reliable spatial distribution profile of fluorescence detected in analyzed samples, helping the researcher to establish general correlations between gene expression and spatial allocation under differential experimental regimes. The described methodology was coded into a MATLAB script and shared under an open source license to make it accessible to the whole community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Artificial intelligence (AI) describes the use of computational techniques to mimic human intelligence. In healthcare, this typically involves large medical datasets being used to predict a diagnosis, identify new disease genotypes or phenotypes, or guide treatment strategies. Noninvasive imaging remains a cornerstone for the diagnosis, risk stratification, and management of patients with cardiovascular disease. AI can facilitate every stage of the imaging process, from acquisition and reconstruction, to segmentation, measurement, interpretation, and subsequent clinical pathways. In this paper, we review state-of-the-art AI techniques and their current applications in cardiac imaging, and discuss the future role of AI as a precision medicine tool. Cardiovascular medicine is primed for scalable AI applications which can interpret vast amounts of clinical and imaging data in greater depth than ever before. AI-augmented medical systems have the potential to improve workflow and provide reproducible and objective quantitative results which can inform clinical decisions. In the foreseeable future, AI may work in the background of cardiac image analysis software and routine clinical reporting, automatically collecting data and enabling real-time diagnosis and risk stratification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Subtraction of ictal-interictal SPECT co-registered to MRI (SISCOM) is a quantification tool that can improve the sensitivity and specificity of the epileptogenic zone (EZ) localization. Commercially available image analysis software packages for SISCOM are costly, and Statistical Parametric Mapping (SPM) could be an alternative free software for the definition of the EZ. There are only a few studies that compare SISCOM using SPM (SISCOM-SPM) with visual analysis. Aim: To compare SISCOM-SPM vs. visual analysis for localization of the EZ in patients with pharmacoresistant focal epilepsies. Materials and methods: We evaluated all our patients with focal epilepsies that underwent ictal and interictal SPECT. We defined the reference standard to locate the EZ by pathology and follow-up (in patients submitted to surgery), or seizure semiology, serial EEG, long-term video-EEG, 18F-FDG PET/CT, and MRI (in patients who were not operated). We compared the location of the EZ by visual analysis of SPECT images and by SISCOM-SPM to the reference standard and classified as concordant, discordant , or partially concordant. Results: We included 23 patients. Visual analysis was concordant with the EZ reference standard in only 13 patients (56.5%), while SISCOM-SPM was concordant in 18 cases (78.3%), providing a 21.8% increase in the location of EZ. However, this difference was not significant due to the small sample size (p = 0.0856). Conclusion: Our preliminary results demonstrate that, in clinical practice, SISCOM-SPM has the potential to add information that might help localize the EZ compared to visual analysis. SISCOM-SPM has a lower cost than other commercially available SISCOM software packages, which is an advantage for developing countries. Studies with more patients are necessary to confirm our findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Perfusion-weighted imaging is only scarcely used in veterinary medicine. The exact reasons are unclear. One reason might be the typically high costs of the software packages for image analysis. In addition, a great variability concerning available programs makes it hard to compare results between different studies. Moreover, these algorithms are tuned for their usage in human medicine and often difficult to adapt to veterinary studies. In order to address these issues, our aim is to deliver a free open source package for calculating quantitative perfusion parameters. We develop an "R package" calculating mean transit time, cerebral blood flow and cerebral blood volume from data obtained with freely imaging software (OsiriX Light®). We hope that the free availability, in combination with the fact that the underlying algorithm is open and adaptable, makes it easier for scientists in veterinary medicine to use, compare and adapt perfusion-weighted imaging analysis. In order to demonstrate the usage of our software package, we reviewed previously acquired perfusion-weighted images from a group of eight purpose-breed healthy beagle dogs and twelve client-owned dogs with idiopathic epilepsy. In order to obtain the data needed for our algorithm, the following steps were performed: First, regions of interest (ROI) were drawn around different, previously reported, brain regions and the middle cerebral artery. Second, a ROI enhancement curve was generated for each ROI using a freely available PlugIn. Third, the signal intensity curves were exported as a comma-separated-value file. These files constitute the input to our software package, which then calculates the PWI parameters. Results: We used our software package to re-assess perfusion weighted images from two previous studies. The clinical results were similar, showing a significant increase in the mean transit time and a significant decrease in cerebral blood flow for diseased dogs. Conclusion: We provide an "R package" for computing the main perfusion parameters from measurements taken with standard imaging software and describe in detail how to obtain these measurements. We hope that our contribution enables users in veterinary medicine to easily obtain perfusion parameters using standard Open Source software in a standard, adaptable and comparable way. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The change in granularity of iron grains in copper slag during coal-based deep reduction was identified using optical microscopy and the Image J analysis software. The growth behavior of iron grains was investigated based on the Hillert dynamic model. The results indicate that the granularity and sphericity of iron grains are strongly affected by the reduction time and temperature during the deep reduction process. It is found that in isothermal condition, the growth rate of iron granularity increases with time exhibiting an S-shape characteristic. Meanwhile, in non-isothermal condition, the growth rate of iron granularity increases exponentially with temperature. When the reduction temperature is in the range of ~1423–1573 K and the reduction time was in the range of ~30–180 min, the grain growth kinetic parameters are calculated as follows: growth index n = 1.424 ± 0.07855, apparent activation energy Q = 116.17 kJ∙mol−1, and pre-exponential factor as 20,839.38. Unlabelled Image • Deep reduction of copper slag is studied using Hillert equation. • Determination of kinetic parameters is n = 1.424, Q = 116.17 kJ∙mol−1, K 0 = 20,839.38. • Grain growth kinetics is described by D 1.424 = 20839.38 exp − 116.17 × 10 3 RT t. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This cohort study utilized diffusion tensor imaging tractography to compare the uncinate fasciculus and inferior longitudinal fasciculus in children with Phelan-McDermid syndrome with age-matched controls and investigated trends between autism spectrum diagnosis and the integrity of the uncinate fasciculus and inferior longitudinal fasciculus white matter tracts.Methods: This research was conducted under a longitudinal study that aims to map the genotype, phenotype, and natural history of Phelan-McDermid syndrome and identify biomarkers using neuroimaging (ClinicalTrial NCT02461420). Patients were aged three to 21 years and underwent longitudinal neuropsychologic assessment over 24 months. MRI processing and analyses were completed using previously validated image analysis software distributed as the Computational Radiology Kit (http://crl.med.harvard.edu/). Whole-brain connectivity was generated for each subject using a stochastic streamline tractography algorithm, and automatically defined regions of interest were used to map the uncinate fasciculus and inferior longitudinal fasciculus.Results: There were 10 participants (50% male; mean age 11.17 years) with Phelan-McDermid syndrome (n = 8 with autism). Age-matched controls, enrolled in a separate longitudinal study (NIH R01 NS079788), underwent the same neuroimaging protocol. There was a statistically significant decrease in the uncinate fasciculus fractional anisotropy measure and a statistically significant increase in uncinate fasciculus mean diffusivity measure, in the patient group versus controls in both right and left tracts (P ≤ 0.024).Conclusion: Because the uncinate fasciculus plays a critical role in social and emotional interaction, this tract may underlie some deficits seen in the Phelan-McDermid syndrome population. These findings need to be replicated in a larger cohort. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the current article, an overview of recent applications and opportunities of image evaluation of high-performance thin-layer chromatograms (HPTLC) in food analysis and natural product research is presented. The article shortly covers the aspects of specialized software packages for image analysis, image post-correction, signal acquisition, and preprocessing. Contemporary aspects of image-based HPTLC fingerprinting, quantification of target compounds, and advanced chemometric modeling were reviewed. Special attention was dedicated to freely available software packages. Advantages and disadvantages of each one were discussed in terms of abilities to obtain chromatographic profiles and perform crucial steps in signal manipulation, such as background subtraction, denoising, and background detrending. The most frequently applied techniques for signal manipulation have been discussed and recommendation provided. In that sense, the article aims to provide a valuable guideline for readers dealing with the application of HPTLC image analysis in food and natural products research, especially in connection with the most frequently used chemometric techniques, in domains of pattern recognition, classification, and regression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To estimate airway tapering in control subjects and to assess the usability of tapering as a bronchiectasis biomarker in paediatric populations.Methods: Airway tapering values were semi-automatically quantified in 156 children with control CTs collected in the Normal Chest CT Study Group. Airway tapering as a biomarker for bronchiectasis was assessed on spirometer-guided inspiratory CTs from 12 patients with bronchiectasis and 12 age- and sex-matched controls. Semi-automatic image analysis software was used to quantify intra-branch tapering (reduction in airway diameter along the branch), inter-branch tapering (reduction in airway diameter before and after bifurcation) and airway-artery ratios on chest CTs. Biomarkers were further stratified in small, medium and large airways based on three equal groups of the accompanying vessel size.Results: Control subjects showed intra-branch tapering of 1% and inter-branch tapering of 24-39%. Subjects with bronchiectasis showed significantly reduced intra-branch of 0.8% and inter-branch tapering of 19-32% and increased airway-artery ratios compared with controls (p < 0.01). Tapering measurements were significantly different between diseased and controls across all airway sizes. Difference in airway-artery ratio was only significant in small airways.Conclusion: Paediatric normal values for airway tapering were established in control subjects. Tapering showed to be a promising biomarker for bronchiectasis as subjects with bronchiectasis show significantly less airway tapering across all airway sizes compared with controls. Detecting less tapering in larger airways could potentially lead to earlier diagnosis of bronchiectasis. Additionally, compared with the conventional airway-artery ratio, this novel biomarker has the advantage that it does not require pairing with pulmonary arteries.Key Points: • Tapering is a promising objective image biomarker for bronchiectasis that can be extracted semi-automatically and has good correlation with validated visual scoring methods. • Less airway tapering was observed in patients with bronchiectasis and can be observed sensitively throughout the bronchial tree, even in the more central airways. • Tapering values seemed to be less influenced by variety in scanning protocols and lung volume making it a more robust biomarker for bronchiectasis detection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bone grafting procedures have been widely utilized as the current state‐of‐the‐art for bone regeneration, with autogenous bone graft being the gold‐standard bone reconstructive option. However, the use of autografts may be limited by secondary donor‐site comorbidities, a finite amount of donor supply, increased operating time, and healthcare cost impact. Synthetic materials, or alloplasts, such as the polymeric material, poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) (PLGA) has previously been utilized as a transient scaffold to support healing of bone defects with the potential to locally delivery osteogenic additives. In this study a novel procedure was adopted to incorporate both the dissolved contents and mechanical components of leukocyte‐ and platelet‐rich fibrin (L‐PRF) into an PLGA scaffold through a two‐step method: (a) extraction of the L‐PRF membrane transudate with subsequent immersion of the PLGA scaffold in transudate followed by (b) delivering a fibrin gel as a low‐viscosity component that subsequently polymerizes into a highly viscous, gel‐like biological material within the pores of the PLGA scaffold. Two, ~0.40 cm3, submandibular defects (n = 24) were created per side using rotary instrumentation under continuous irrigation in six sheep. Each site received a PLGA scaffold (Intra‐Lock R&D, Boca Raton, FL), with one positive control (without L‐PRF exudate addition [nL‐PRF]), and one experimental (augmented with PLGA/L‐PRF Blocks [L‐PRF]). Animals were euthanized 6 weeks postoperatively and mandibles retrieved, en bloc, for histological analysis. Histomorphometric evaluation for bone regeneration was evaluated as bone area fraction occupancy (BAFO) within the region of interest of the cortical bone (with specific image analysis software) and data presented as mean values with the corresponding 95% confidence interval values. Qualitative evaluation of nondecalcified histologic sections revealed extensive bone formation for both groups, with substantially more bone regeneration for the L‐PRF induced group relative nL‐PRF group. Quantitative BAFO within the defect as function of the effect of L‐PRF exudate on bone regeneration, demonstrated significantly (p =.018) higher values for the L‐PRF group (38.26% ± 8.5%) relative to the nL‐PRF group (~28% ± 4.0%). This in vivo study indicated that L‐PRF exudate has an impact on the regeneration of bone when incorporated with the PLGA scaffold in a large translational model. Further studies are warranted in order to evaluate the L‐PRF exudate added, as well as exploring the preparation methods, in order to facilitate bone regeneration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Quantitative and qualitative assessment of visual and morphological traits of seed is slow and imprecise with potential for bias to be introduced when gathered with handheld tools. Colour, size and shape traits can be acquired from properly calibrated seed images. New automated tools were requested to improve data acquisition efficacy with an emphasis on developing research workflows. Results: A portable imaging system (BELT) supported by image acquisition and analysis software (phenoSEED) was created for small-seed optical analysis. Lentil (Lens culinaris L.) phenotyping was used as the primary test case. Seeds were loaded into the system and all seeds in a sample were automatically individually imaged to acquire top and side views as they passed through an imaging chamber. A Python analysis script applied a colour calibration and extracted quantifiable traits of seed colour, size and shape. Extraction of lentil seed coat patterning was implemented to further describe the seed coat. The use of this device was forecasted to eliminate operator biases, increase the rate of acquisition of traits, and capture qualitative information about traits that have been historically analyzed by eye. Conclusions: Increased precision and higher rates of data acquisition compared to traditional techniques will help to extract larger datasets and explore more research questions. The system presented is available as an open-source project for academic and non-commercial use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main objective of the study was to show the morphologic features of optic strut (OS) and prechiasmatic sulcus (PS) in the fetal skull base with a surgical anatomical perspective. Twenty-three fetal cadavers (9 female, 14 male) with an average age of 21.70 ± 3.12 (range: 16–28) weeks of gestation in the inventory of the Anatomy Department were included in the study. Measurements were made with a digital image analysis software and goniometer. The sulcal length, interoptic distance, planum length, and sulcal angle were detected as follows: 3.91 ± 0.74 mm, 6.88 ± 1.04 mm, 6.55 ± 1.51 mm, and 24.52 ± 9.51°, respectively. Considering the location of the posteromedial margin of OS according to PS, OS was identified as the sulcal in 56.5% (13 cases), postsulcal in 30.4% (7 cases), and asymmetric in 13% (3 cases). According to the sulcal length and angle, PS was identified as type 1 in 26.1% (6 cases), type 2 in 21.7% (5 cases), type 3 in 30.4% (7 cases), and type 4 in 21.7% (5 cases). Our findings suggest that the sulcal length and angle reach adult size in utero. Taking into account the fetal and the gathered adult measurements, the high percentage of steep angle compared to flat angle show that after birth, PS become more flat, probably depending on the variations of the sphenoid sinus pneumatization. Thus, more studies conducted on the alterations in PS and OS types relative to the pneumatization are needed in terms of patient positioning, selection of appropriate surgical approach, and intraoperative decision-making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Evaluation of the morphology of the lower urinary tract as well as the movements associated with urination are required for the symptomatic diagnosis of lower urinary tract obstruction as well as the assessment of postoperative adaptation. However, no tool currently exists for direct and easy patient evaluation. Purpose: To evaluate lower urinary tract obstruction and postoperative adaptation using a four-dimensional (4D) virtual reality urination image (urodynamic 4D-CT image). Material and Methods: We used a 320-row area detector CT scanner and PhyZiodynamics image analysis software to perform 197 urodynamic 4D-CT examinations on 175 first-time patients between January 2014 and March 2017. Results: A comparison of the obtained images before and after holmium laser enucleation of the prostate revealed the morphological changes due to prostate enucleation and enabled visualization of the ideal urination conditions, showing that the anatomical structural changes during urination and the opening of the urethra play a major role in improving voiding function. Conclusion: Using low-dosage radiation, the sharply defined moving image obtained via urodynamic 4D-CT examination can be utilized as a physiological diagnostic tool to evaluate a series of urinary movements from any angle between the prostate, urethra, and bladder in a unitary manner with the time axis added. There was negligible patient impact. This technique could provide new opportunities for the diagnosis of lower urinary tract symptoms and post-surgical adaptation assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Japan Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association (JPMA) has instituted a task force (TF) for the "development of image analysis technology for histopathological changes" as part of the collaboration for realizing cutting-edge drug development since 2016. In recent years, there has been progress in the digital pathology technology; however, few applications in nonclinical drug development studies have been observed. Therefore, TF performed a questionnaire survey to investigate the current status, needs, possibility, and development of image analysis. The subjects were 35 member companies of the JPMA. The questionnaire was set to assess the efficacy and/or safety of researchers engaged in pathological evaluations for each company. The questions focused on the experiences, implementation, and issues regarding histopathological examinations; the need for image analysis software; and future views. Valid responses were obtained from 26 companies. Most companies assumed that the beneficial aspect of image analysis is to gain objectivity and persuasiveness; however, challenges in the analysis conditions with regard to accuracy and without subjectivity persist. Additionally, there seems to be a need for image analysis software with advanced digital pathology technology, with most companies believing that, in the future, pathological evaluations will be partly performed by computers. In conclusion, in this questionnaire survey, TF extracted the current status of image analysis in nonclinical studies performed by pharmaceutical companies and collected opinions on future prospects regarding the development of image analysis software with advanced digital pathology technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]