Computer-assisted Evaluation Research Articles

P08-03 Comprehensive digital documentation and computer-assisted evaluation of the skeleton of Alizarin Red and Alcian Bluestained rat foetuses

P08-03 Comprehensive digital documentation and computer-assisted evaluation of the skeleton of Alizarin Red and Alcian Bluestained rat foetuses

Analysis of gene and protein expression in the endometrium for validation of an ex vivo model of the equine uterus using PCR, digital and visual histopathology

In the past, most research in equine reproduction has been performed in vivo but the use of in vitro and ex vivo models has recently increased. This study aimed to evaluate the functional stability of an ex vivo hemoperfused model for equine uteri with molecular characterization of marker genes and their proteins. In addition, the study validated the respective protein expression and the aptness of the software QuPath for identifying and scoring immunohistochemically stained equine endometrium. After collection, uteri (n = 12) were flushed with preservation solution, transported to the laboratory on ice, and perfused with autologous blood for 6 h. Cycle stage was determined by examination of the ovaries for presence of Graafian follicles or corpora lutea and analysis of plasma progesterone concentration (estrus: n = 4; diestrus: n = 4; anestrus: n = 4). Samples were obtained directly after slaughter, after transportation, and during perfusion (240, 300, 360 min). mRNA expression levels of progesterone (PGR), estrogen (ESR1) and oxytocin (OXTR) receptor as well as of MKI67 (marker of cell growth) and CASP3 (marker of apoptosis) were analyzed by RT-qPCR, and correlation to protein abundance was validated by immunohistochemical staining. Endometrial samples were analyzed by visual and computer-assisted evaluation of stained antigens via QuPath. For PGR, effects of the perfusion and cycle stage on expression were found (P < 0.05), while ESR1 was affected only by cycle stage (P < 0.05) and OXTR was unaffected by perfusion and cycle stage. MKI67 was lower after 360 min of perfusion as compared to samples collected before perfusion (P < 0.05). For CASP3, differences in gene expression were found after transport and samples taken after 240 min (P < 0.05). Immunohistochemical staining revealed effects of perfusion on stromal and glandular cells for steroid hormone receptors, but not for Ki-67 and active Caspase 3. OXTR was visualized in all layers of the endometrium and was unaffected by perfusion. Comparison of QuPath and visual analysis resulted in similar results. For most cell types and stained antigens, the correlation coefficient was r > 0.5. In conclusion, the isolated hemoperfused model of the equine uterus was successfully validated at the molecular level, demonstrating stability of key marker gene expression. The utility of computer-assisted immunohistochemical analysis of equine endometrial samples was also confirmed.

Computer-Assisted Evaluation Confirms Spontaneous Healing of Donor Site One Year following Bone Block Harvesting from Mandibular Retromolar Region-A Cohort Study.

The study was conducted on patients who underwent an alveolar ridge augmentation using an intraoral retromolar bone graft. Three CBCT scans were performed-intraoperative, and at six months and one year after the surgical procedure. By using the Materialise Mimics Innovation Suite software 26.0 features segmentation by thresholding, Hounsfield unit averaging, and superimposition of the tomographies, we could precisely quantify the healing process utilizing spatial and characteristic measures. In all cases, the computer-aided quantification showed that six months following surgery, the donor site had recovered up to 64.5% ± 4.24 of its initial volume, and this recovery increased to 89.2% ± 2.6 after one year. Moreover, the Hounsfield unit averaging confirmed dynamic bone quality healing, starting at 690.3 ± 81 HU for the bone block, decreasing to 102 ± 27.8 HU at six months postoperatively, and improving to 453.9 ± 91.4 HU at the donor site after a year. This study demonstrates that there is no need for additional replanting at the donor site following retromolar bone block harvesting, whether autogenous or allograft, since spontaneous healing occurs 12 months following the surgery.

Computer-assisted evaluation of small airway disease in CT scans of Iran-Iraq war victims of chemical warfare by a locally developed software: comparison between different quantitative methods

ObjectiveDiagnosis of small airway disease on computed tomography (CT) scans is challenging in patients with a history of chemical warfare exposure. We developed a software package based on different methodologies to identify and quantify small airway disease in CT images. The primary aim was to identify the best automatic methodology for detecting small airway disease in CT scans of Iran-Iraq War victims of chemical warfare.MethodsThis retrospective case–control study enrolled 46 patients with a history of chemical warfare exposure and 27 controls with inspiratory/expiratory (I/E) CT scans and spirometry tests. Image data were automatically segmented, and inspiratory images were registered into the expiratory images' frame using the locally developed software. Parametric response mapping (PRM) and air trapping index (ATI) mapping were performed on the CT images. Conventional QCT methods, including expiratory/inspiratory mean lung attenuation (E/I MLA) ratio, normal density E/I (ND E/I) MLA ratio, attenuation volume Index (AVI), %low attenuation areas (LAA) < -856 in exhale scans, and %LAA < -950 in inhale scans were also computed. QCT measurements were correlated with spirometry results and compared across the two study groups.ResultsThe correlation analysis showed a significant negative relationship between three air trapping (AT) measurements (PRM, ATI, and %LAAExp < -856) and spirometry parameters (Fev1, Fvc, Fev1/Fvc, and MMEF). Moreover, %LAAExp < -856 had the highest significant negative correlation with Fev1/Fvc (r = -0.643, P-value < 0.001). Three AT measurements demonstrated a significant difference between the study groups. The E/I ratio was also significantly different between the two groups (P-value < 0.001). Binary logistic regression models showed PRMFsad, %LAAExp < -856, and ATI as significant and strong predictors of the study outcome. Optimal cut-points for PRMFsad = 19%, %LAAExp < -856 = 23%, and ATI = 27% were identified to classify the participants into two groups with high accuracy.ConclusionQCT methods, including PRM, ATI, and %LAAExp < -856 can greatly advance the identification and quantification of SAD in chemical warfare victims. The results should be verified in well-designed prospective studies involving a large population.

Computer-Assisted Evaluation of Patient Information Leaflets (PILs) for Chronic Kidney Disease Compared with Marketed PILs

Computer-Assisted Evaluation of Patient Information Leaflets (PILs) for Chronic Kidney Disease Compared with Marketed PILs

Computer-assisted evaluation enhances the quantification of interstitial fibrosis in renal implantation biopsies, measures differences between frozen and paraffin sections, and predicts delayed graft function

Background(Pre-)Implantation biopsies provide important data on the quality of donor kidneys. Interstitial fibrosis, as a known predictor for kidney disease progression, is an essential feature of this evaluation. However, the assessment of frozen sections of implantation biopsies is challenging and can result in the disposal of candidate organs. We sought to apply digital image analysis (DIA) to quantify the differences between frozen and paraffin sections when evaluating interstitial fibrosis, identify factors that influence these variations and test the predictive value of the computerised measures.MethodsWe quantified the differences between frozen and paraffin sections in the same biopsy samples by measuring Sirius red-stained interstitial areas (SRIA) in DIA. We compared them to the original reports, and retrospectively correlated our findings to clinical data, graft function and outcome in 73 patients.ResultsFrozen sections display a broader interstitial area than paraffin sections, in some cases up to one-third more (mean difference + 7.8%, range − 7 to 29%). No donor-related factors (age or gender, cold ischemia time, or non-heart-beating donor) influenced significantly this difference. Compared to the original assessment of frozen vs paraffin sections in optical microscopy, the DIA of interstitial fibrosis shows a higher consistency (ICC 0.69). Our approach further allows to distinguish SRIA in paraffin sections as an independent predictor for delayed graft function (OR = 1.1; p = 0.028).ConclusionsDIA is superior to and more consistent than routine optic microscopy for interstitial fibrosis evaluation. This method could improve implantation biopsy diagnostics and help to reduce disposal of organs.Graphical abstract

EVALUATION IN MATHEMATICS USING SOFTWARES. METHODOLOGICAL REFLECTIONS

Computer-assisted evaluation in mathematics has been and remains a rather difficult activity. The experience, gained by mathematics teachers in the Republic of Moldova over the last two years in this regard, highlights aspects specific of the local educational process. The article analyzes data from a survey conducted among mathematics teachers in the country, the experience of the teachers themselves and the author's experience in using computer-assisted assessment. At the end some conclusions and suggestions are formulated about methodological conclusions and recommendations for the use of software-based evaluations both in distance learning and in direct contact.

Computer-aided identification of stroke-associated motor impairments using a virtual reality augmented robotic system

ABSTRACT Neurological assessment of stroke is crucial to determine the effectiveness of the treatment routine for subsequent disabilities. Clinical assessment is commonly based on clinician's visual/physical evaluation of patient. Interactive robotic devices can provide objective measurements of movement. In this study, we propose a computer-assisted, robot-guided approach that utilises supervised and unsupervised deep learning to identify stroke-associated impairments not captured in traditional metrics. We employed spatiotemporal features of 1189 participants extracted during a robot-assisted reaching task along with an autoencoder-based classifier to distinguish stroke subjects from controls. Moreover, we utilised an unsupervised approach based on joint optimisation of an autoencoder and a self-organising map for representation learning and visualisation of stroke subjects. Our classifier achieved an average AUC of 0.93 outperforming the baselines. It could also identify stroke participants with clinically normal scores from controls with AUC . Our visualisation maps demonstrated the possibility of existence of sub-clusters in each of clinical scoring levels. Our analysis revealed that these sub-clusters differed mainly in the quantity of successful movements. To conclude, robotic technology paired with virtual/augmented reality is a tool for motion quantification. Computer-assisted evaluation of these measurements could identify impairments not captured in clinical measures.

Tooth Wear Evaluation System (TWES) 2.0-Reliability of diagnosis with and without computer-assisted evaluation.

Tooth wear is a multifactorial process, leading to the loss of dental hard tissues. Therefore, it is important to detect the level of tooth wear at an early stage, so monitoring can be initiated. The Tooth Wear Evaluation System (TWES) enables such a multistage diagnosis of tooth wear. The further developed TWES 2.0 contains a complete taxonomy of tooth wear, but its reliability has not yet been validated. The aim of the study was to examine in a randomised controlled trial (RCT) whether diagnoses made based on the TWES 2.0 are reproducible and whether this reproducibility is also achieved with computer-assisted diagnostics. 44 dental students received extensive training in TWES 2.0 assessment and taxonomy. The students each evaluated at least 10 (of the present 14) anonymised patient cases using gypsum models and high-resolution intra-oral photographs according to TWES 2.0. One half initially evaluated on paper; the other half used dedicated software (CMDfact / CMDbrux). After half of the patient cases (5), the evaluation methods were switched (AB/BA crossover design). The diagnoses were then evaluated for agreement with the predefined sample solution. Evaluation of agreement with the sample solution according to Cohen's kappa indicated a value of 0.46 for manual (traditional) evaluation; and 0.44 for computer-assisted evaluation. Evaluation of agreement between examiners was 0.38 for manual and 0.48 for computer-assisted evaluation (Fleiss' kappa). The results of this study proved that the taxonomy of the TWES 2.0has acceptable reliability and can thus be used by dentists. Accordingly, the system can be learned quickly even by untrained practitioners. Comparable results are achieved with computer-assisted evaluation.

Computer-Aided Evaluation of Ethanol Production from a Continuous Operating Mode using Simulink

Fossil fuels have become a great energy source worldwide. However, its prolonged use has caused severe environmental pollution problems. Biofuels generated from biomass as a product of microbial biotechnology emerge as an alternative to the use of compounds derived from oil. Therefore, their production results in complex experiments and source investment. That is why engineering studies implementation using mathematical models and simulation techniques should be specified in bioprocesses. The latter focused on optimizing the process parameters, maximizing productivity, generating greater profitability, and reducing cost. This research aimed at the computer-assisted evaluation of obtaining bioethanol from Saccharomyces cerevisiae to determine the most critical factors in the production process using a continuous mode. It was determined that the feed rate significantly influences the bioethanol volumetric productivity.

P–263 Life Whisperer™, an AI-based algorithm to select non invasively best quality blastocysts for transfer: A multicenter analysis

Abstract Study question Is the AI-based Life Whisperer™ (LW) tool, suitable to evaluate blastocysts quality and predict clinical pregnancy (CP) in couples undergoing ICSI cycles? Summary answer LW blastocyst score is comparable to the scores of other classification methods. This AI model showed high sensitivity and a comparable specificity for CP. What is known already The morphology grading is the most widely used method for the selection and classification of the embryos in clinical practice.However,this evaluation entails intervariability and intravariability decision among the embryologists.Recently, research has been focused on new embryo selection systems based on computer-assisted evaluation such as time-lapse with complex algorithms that allow the recognition of objective parameters of the embryo morphology.The implementation of these technologies requires substantial investments that are not available for all clinics.LW is a new embryo selection method based on AI,where specific hardware is not needed,as it is based on single blastocyst images taken with a routine microscope. Study design, size, duration Between 2017–2020, a total of 513 Day–5 blastocysts, after ICSI, comming from egg donation treatment were included in this retrospective-multicentre study.Day–5 embryos were evaluated with 3 classification methods:Gardner’s blastocyst grade (GB), the computer derived-output Eeva (EV) and LW AI-supported system. The good quality blastocysts were first evaluated using the GB and EV scores and subsequently compared with the LW scores.The sensitivity and specificity of LW was assessed to validate this system as a clinical pregnancy predictor. Participants/materials, setting, methods A total of 513 Day–5 blastocysts, from 134 oocyte donation cycles, were evaluated first by GB score: expansion (1–6), inner cell mass and throphoectoderm (A-C).EV analyses the cell division timing P2 (2cells stage duration) and P3 (3cells stage duration) differentiating three categories:High,Medium and Low(VerMilyea et al.,2014).LW scores ranked 1–10 from a single Day–5 blastocyst HR Image performed on inverted microscope,with a threshold &amp;gt;5 for defining a viable blastocyst.T-test and ROC-curves were used for statistical analysis. Main results and the role of chance The average of LW score obtained from GB higher blastocyst expansion score (≥4) was 7.48±0.09, while the average of LW score obtained from GB lower blastocyst expansion score (&amp;lt;4) was 4.69±0.3 (P &amp;lt; 0.001). The average of LW score yielded from GB good morphology of Inner Cell Mass and trophoectoderm (AA,AB,BA) was 7.98±0.1 while the average of LW score obtained from GB lower quality blastocyst score (BB,BC,CB,CA,AC) was 6.36±0.156 (P &amp;lt; 0.001).The average of LW score resulted from EV High blastocysts was 7.42±0.17, while the average of this obtained from EV low score was 6.43±0.3 (P = 0.009).A correlation between EV and LW score could be assesed, except for the blastocyst that are considered Medium score from EV. Therefore, a strong correlation between GB and LW system, as well GB+EV and LW, was found and an equivalent usability of the LW tool could be confirmed. The analyse of LW score for transferred embryos (N = 156), using ROC curve, showed a high sensitivity (0,928) but a low specificity (0,154) with a threshold of 5. Regarding our data, ROC curve shows that a threshold of 8,46 could enhance the prediction of CPR because in this point the specifity value is higher than 0.5. Limitations, reasons for caution The LW score validation compared to GB and EV methodology was carried out on a small number of embryos.Additionally,not all embryos had been transferred at the time of the analysis.Thus to enhance the accuracy of these data and the specificity of the clinical prediction, a higher sample size is needed. Wider implications of the findings: Blastocyst selection looks equivalent between all systems,but the LW tool is more objective and faster, saving time and costs significantly, without needing substantial hardware investments. Additionally,the LW-system shows almost the highest sensibility and may also improve the specificity by self-learning feeding the AI-system, thus tailoring predictions to each laboratory unique environment. Trial registration number NA

Towards a computer-assisted comprehensive evaluation of visual motor integration for children with autism spectrum disorder: a pilot study

ABSTRACT Visual motor integration (VMI) is considered a key predictor of adaptive functioning in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, information regarding the VMI characteristics of children with ASD is scarce because existing assessment methods have focused on outcome measures while neglecting process measures due to the high failure rates in children with ASD. Therefore, the current pilot study was conducted to explore the appropriate indicators for the construction of a comprehensive VMI evaluation. First, five computer games were designed to provide enjoyable and appropriate tasks for use in VMI assessment while ensuring a high completion rate among the participants. Then, 30 children with ASD and 30 age-matched typically developing (TD) children between 4 and 6 years old were recruited to play the games. In this process, several quantitative indicators were applied to infer the children’s visual perception, eye-hand coordination, and fine motor skills. Finally, the validity of the proposed method was verified using three classic machine-learning algorithms. The results revealed that the proposed method is effective in providing a comprehensive description of VMI deficits and can thus ultimately provide an objective basis for targeted interventions.

System for quantitative evaluation of DAB&H-stained breast cancer biopsy digital images (CHISEL)

This study presents CHISEL (Computer-assisted Histopathological Image Segmentation and EvaLuation), an end-to-end system capable of quantitative evaluation of benign and malignant (breast cancer) digitized tissue samples with immunohistochemical nuclear staining of various intensity and diverse compactness. It stands out with the proposed seamless segmentation based on regions of interest cropping as well as the explicit step of nuclei cluster splitting followed by a boundary refinement. The system utilizes machine learning and recursive local processing to eliminate distorted (inaccurate) outlines. The method was validated using two labeled datasets which proved the relevance of the achieved results. The evaluation was based on the IISPV dataset of tissue from biopsy of breast cancer patients, with markers of T cells, along with Warwick Beta Cell Dataset of DAB&H-stained tissue from postmortem diabetes patients. Based on the comparison of the ground truth with the results of the detected and classified objects, we conclude that the proposed method can achieve better or similar results as the state-of-the-art methods. This system deals with the complex problem of nuclei quantification in digitalized images of immunohistochemically stained tissue sections, achieving best results for DAB&H-stained breast cancer tissue samples. Our method has been prepared with user-friendly graphical interface and was optimized to fully utilize the available computing power, while being accessible to users with fewer resources than needed by deep learning techniques.

Computer-assisted evaluation of plant-derived \u03b2-secretase inhibitors in Alzheimer\u2019s disease

BackgroundAlzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative age-related dementia that results in memory loss of elderly people. Many hypotheses have been formally articulated till now to decipher the pathogenesis of this disease. According to the compelling amyloidogenic hypothesis, β-secretase is a key regulatory enzyme in AD development and is therefore considered as one of the major targets for the development of drugs to treat AD. In this study, 40 plant-derived phytocompounds, proven to have β-secretase inhibitory activity in different laboratory experiments, were evaluated using computational approaches in order to identify the best possible β-secretase inhibitor(s).ResultsAmentoflavone (IFD score: − 7.842 Kcal/mol), Bilobetin (IFD score: − 7.417 Kcal/mol), and Ellagic acid (IFD score: − 6.923 Kcal/mol) showed highest β-secretase inhibitory activities with high binding affinity among all the selected phytocompounds and interacted with key amino acids, i.e., Asp32, Tyr71, and Asp228 in the catalytic site of β-secretase. Moreover, these three molecules exhibited promising results in different drug potential assessment experiments and displayed signs of correlation with significant pharmacological and biological activities.ConclusionAmentoflavone, Biolbetin, and Ellagic acid could be investigated further in developing β-secretase-dependent drug for the effective treatment of AD. However, additional in vivo and in vitro experiments might be required to strengthen the findings of this experiment.

Initial assessment of treatment of talar posterior process fractures with open reduction and percutaneous fixation

The purpose of this study was to provide an initial assessment of treatment for talar posterior process fractures using open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) through posteromedial approach and percutaneous screw fixation. From January 2014 to December 2018, 12 cases with displaced fracture of talar posterior process were treated in our department. The clinical and radiological results were assessed after 4 and 12 months of operation with Visual Analog Scale (VAS) pain and American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scores. ORIF was performed in four of the cases and percutaneous screw fixation was performed in eight of the cases. The average follow-up period was 13 months. Complications such as wound infection, nerve injury, screw loosening, malunion or nonunion of fracture were absent. For clinical assessment, considerable mprovements were observed for the AOFAS and VAS scores at 4 and 12 months postoperatively for both techniques. There was no significant difference for AOFAS scores and VAS scores between the two techniques (p > 0.05). Both techniques showed good functional outcome and were performed for posterior talar process fracture following the fracture displacement guidelines. Percutaneous screw fixation treatment with computer-assisted three-dimensional evaluation shortened the operation time and reduced incidences of surgical complications.

Lung Cancer Screening by Low-Dose Computed Tomography: Part 2 - Key Elements for Programmatic Implementation of Lung Cancer Screening.

For screening with low-dose CT (LDCT) to be effective, the benefits must outweigh the potential risks. In large lung cancer screening studies, a mortality reduction of approx. 20 % has been reported, which requires several organizational elements to be achieved in practice. The elements to be set up are an effective invitation strategy, uniform and quality-assured assessment criteria, and computer-assisted evaluation tools resulting in a nodule management algorithm to assign each nodule the needed workup intensity. For patients with confirmed lung cancer, immediate counseling and guideline-compliant treatment in tightly integrated regional expert centers with expert skills are required. First, pulmonology contacts as well as CT facilities should be available in the participant's neighborhood. IT infrastructure, linkage to clinical cancer registries, quality management as well as epidemiologic surveillance are also required. An effective organization of screening will result in an articulated structure of both widely distributed pulmonology offices as the participants' primary contacts and CT facilities as well as central expert facilities for supervision of screening activities, individual clarification of suspicious findings, and treatment of proven cancer. In order to ensure that the benefits of screening more than outweigh the potential harms and that it will be accepted by the public, a tightly organized structure is needed to ensure wide availability of pulmonologists as first contacts and CT facilities with expert skills and high-level equipment concentrated in central facilities. · For lung cancer screening, elements must function optimally and be tightly organized.. · Lung cancer screening requires a network of expert centers and collaborating facilities.. · IT infrastructure, QM, epidemiological surveillance, and linkage to cancer registries are essential.. · Delorme S, Kaaks R: Lung Cancer Screening by Low-Dose Computed Tomography: Part 2 - Key Elements for Programmatic Implementation of Lung Cancer Screening. Fortschr Röntgenstr 2021; 193: 644 - 651.

Computer-assisted EFL writing and evaluations based on artificial intelligence: a case from a college reading and writing course

PurposeThe aim of this study is to explore students' expectations and perceived effectiveness of computer-assisted review tools, and the differences in reliability and validity between human evaluation and automatic evaluation, to find a way to improve students' English writing ability.Design/methodology/approachBased on the expectancy disconfirmation theory (EDT) and Intelligent Computer-Assisted Language Learning (ICALL) theory, an experiment is conducted through the observation method, semistructured interview method and questionnaire survey method. In the experiment, respondents were asked to write and submit four essays on three online automated essay evaluation (AEE) systems in total, one essay every two weeks. Also, two teacher raters were invited to score the first and last papers of each student. The respondents' feedbacks were investigated to confirm the effectiveness of the AEE system; the evaluation results of the AEE systems and teachers were compared; descriptive statistics was used to analyze the experimental data.FindingsThe experiment revealed that the respondents held high expectations for the computer-assisted evaluation tools, and the effectiveness of computer scoring feedback on students was higher than that of teacher scoring feedback. Moreover, at the end of the writing project, the students' independent learning ability and English writing ability were significantly improved. Besides, there was a positive correlation between students' initial expectations of computer-assisted learning tools and the final evaluation of learning results.Originality/valueThe innovation lies in the use of observation methods, questionnaire survey methods, data analysis, and other methods for the experiment, and the combination of deep learning theory, EDT and descriptive statistics, which has particular reference value for future works.

Computer-assisted retinal vessel diameter evaluation in Fabry disease.

Fabry disease retinal vascular involvement has been widely reported, with narrowing of the retinal arterioles, dilation and irregularity of the retinal veins, and exaggerated tortuosity of the retinal vessels. We evaluated retinal vessel diameter in Fabry disease, by means of a dedicated software, aiming to provide a quantitative marker of retinal vascular network abnormalities in Fabry disease patients. Observational case-control study evaluating different branches of vessels, peripapillary vessels (group A), temporal vascular arcades (group B), and second-order collaterals of the temporal arcades (group C). We obtained the vessel diameters values from eye fundus digital images of eight Fabry disease patients and eight age-sex matched controls, using a semiautomatic software. Mann-Whitney test was used to compare the Fabry disease group versus the control group. The difference between the average diameters of all the types of vessels considered were significantly smaller in Fabry disease patients compared to healthy controls, resulting in a decrease in size (mm) of 10.9% for group A, 7.8% for group B, and 7.4% for group C. The most evident difference between Fabry disease patients and controls was found in the largest vessels. A computer-assisted analysis of retinal vessel diameter in Fabry disease by means of dedicated software showed narrower retinal arteries in Fabry disease patients than in controls. Our data support the use of semiautomatic assessment of retinal vessel attenuation as an objective and reproducible method to evaluate retinal vascular alterations in Fabry disease, providing a clinical non-invasive tool for early diagnosis and disease monitoring.

Enhanced CAE system for detection of exudates and diagnosis of diabetic retinopathy stages in fundus retinal images using soft computing techniques

Abstract Diabetic Retinopathy (DR) is one of the leading causes of visual impairment. Diabetic Retinopathy is the most recent technique of identifying the intensity of acid secretion in the eye for diabetic patients. The identification of DR is performed by visual analysis of retinal images for exudates (fat deposits) and the main patterns are traced by ophthalmologists. This paper proposes a fully automated Computer Assisted Evaluation (CAE) system which comprises of a set of algorithms for exudates detection and to classify the different stages of Diabetics Retinopathy, which are identified as either normal or mild or moderate or severe. Experimental validation is performed on a real fundus retinal image database. The segmentation of exudates is achieved using fuzzy C-means clustering and entropy filtering. An optimal set obtained from the statistical textural features (GLCM and GLHM) is extracted from the segmented exudates for classifying the different stages of Diabetics Retinopathy. The different stages of Diabetic Retinopathy are classified using three classifiers such as Back Propagation Neural Network (BPN), Probabilistic Neural Network (PNN) and Support Vector Machine (SVM). The experimental results show that the SVM classifiers outperformed other classifiers for the examined fundus retinal image dataset. The results obtained confirm that with new a set of texture features, the proposed methodology provides better performance when compared to the other methods available in the literature. These results suggest that our proposed method in this paper can be useful as a diagnostic aid system for Diabetic Retinopathy.

TEM ExosomeAnalyzer: a computer-assisted software tool for quantitative evaluation of extracellular vesicles in transmission electron microscopy images

ABSTRACTExtracellular vesicles (EVs) function as important conveyers of information between cells and thus can be exploited as drug delivery systems or disease biomarkers. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) remains the gold standard method for visualisation of EVs, however the analysis of individual EVs in TEM images is time-consuming if performed manually. Therefore, we present here a software tool for computer-assisted evaluation of EVs in TEM images. TEM ExosomeAnalyzer detects EVs based on their shape and edge contrast criteria and subsequently analyses their size and roundness. The software tool is compatible with common negative staining protocols and isolation methods used in the field of EV research; even with challenging TEM images (EVs both lighter and darker than the background, images containing artefacts or precipitated stain, etc.). If the fully-automatic analysis fails to produce correct results, users can promptly adjust the detected seeds of EVs as well as their boundaries manually. The performance of our tool was evaluated for three different modes with variable levels of human interaction, using two datasets with various heterogeneity. The semi-automatic mode analyses EVs with high success rate in the homogenous dataset (F1 score 0.9094, Jaccard coefficient 0.8218) as well as in the highly heterogeneous dataset containing EVs isolated from cell culture medium and patient samples (F1 score 0.7619, Jaccard coefficient 0.7553). Moreover, the extracted size distribution profiles of EVs isolated from malignant ascites of ovarian cancer patients overlap with those derived by cryo-EM and are comparable to NTA- and TRPS-derived data. In summary, TEM ExosomeAnalyzer is an easy-to-use software tool for evaluation of many types of vesicular microparticles and is available at http://cbia.fi.muni.cz/exosome-analyzer free of charge for non-commercial and research purposes. The web page contains also detailed description how to use the software tool including a video tutorial.