Computerized Image Analysis System Research Articles

A Prospective Observational Study on the Role of Immunohistochemical Expression of Orphanin in Laryngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Recurrence.

To date, histological biomarkers expressed by laryngeal cancer are poorly known. The identification of biomarkers associated with laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), would help explain the tumorogenesis and prevent the possible recurrence of the lesion after treatment. For this reason, the aim of this study is to investigate, for the first time, the Orphanin expression in 48 human specimens of laryngeal SCC and evaluate its possible correlation with patients prognosis. We analyzed pathological specimens from 48 patients with laryngeal SCC to detect the presence of Orphanin by using an immunohistochemistry test. We compared the findings with healthy tissue acquired from patients who underwent surgery for mesenchymal benign tumours of the larynx. The specimens were stained with anti-Orphanin monoclonal antibodies. Results were processed through a computerised image analysis system to determine a scale of staining intensity. All the tumoural specimens examined showed a significant immunoreaction for Orphanin when compared with healthy tissues (p < 0.05) but with a different immune reactivity related to clinical-pathological features. A high Orphanin expression was not significantly related to Histological Grading (HG), TNM, and stage (p > 0.05). In the multivariate analysis, the Orphanin expression was significantly related only to the malignant recurrence (p < 0.05). Our study suggests that Orphanin could have a role in tumorigenesis by increasing the recurrence of cancer; therefore, it should be further explored as a possible biomarker for laryngeal cancer.

Retracted: Augmented Reality Research of Measuring X-Ray Dental Film Alveolar Bone Based on Computer Image Analysis System.

[This retracts the article DOI: 10.1155/2021/5571862.].

Molecular characterization of Fasciola hepatica in endemic regions of Colombia.

Fasciola hepatica is a zoonotic trematode that affects a wide range of hosts, including cattle, sheep, and goats. The economic impact of the parasite on the cattle industry is significant, with high losses reported worldwide. While its impact on human health was previously underestimated, recent years have seen a rise in fascioliasis cases, leading to increased interest among researchers globally. To characterize the genetic diversity and intraspecific variation of this parasite in South America, specifically in Colombia, we collected 105 adult parasites from cattle bile ducts in seven Colombian departments (Antioquia, Boyacá, Santander, Cauca, Cundinamarca, Nariño, Norte de Santander, and Santander) to assess the parasite's phenotypic analyses, genetic diversity, and population structure. A computer image analysis system (CIAS) was applied based on standardized morphological measurements. Liver-fluke size was studied by principal component analysis (PCA). DNA sequences were obtained for nuclear markers such as the 28S, β-tubulin 3, ITS1, ITS2, and the mitochondrial marker Cytochrome Oxidase I (COI). Multiple statistical tests were performed, and the parasite's population structure was analyzed. Maximum Likelihood (ML) phylogenetic reconstructions were carried out using the sequences obtained herein and sequences available in GenBank. Morphological results revealed that all the obtained individuals matched F. hepatica's morphology. There was no evidence of high genetic diversity, and the absence of genetic structure at the country-level was notable, possibly caused by a demographic expansion of this trematode in Colombia or the low resolution of the molecular markers employed. Future studies are still needed to unveil the genetic population structure of F. hepatica across the country.

Geographical Influence on Morphometric Variability of Genetically "Pure" Schistosoma haematobium Eggs from Sub-Saharan Migrants in Spain.

Schistosome eggs play a key role in schistosomiasis diagnosis and research. The aim of this work is to morphogenetically study the eggs of Schistosoma haematobium found in sub-Saharan migrants present in Spain, analyzing their morphometric variation in relation to the geographical origin of the parasite (Mali, Mauritania and Senegal). Only eggs considered "pure" S. haematobium by genetic characterization (rDNA ITS-2 and mtDNA cox1) have been used. A total of 162 eggs obtained from 20 migrants from Mali, Mauritania and Senegal were included in the study. Analyses were made by the Computer Image Analysis System (CIAS). Following a previously standardized methodology, seventeen measurements were carried out on each egg. The morphometric analysis of the three morphotypes detected (round, elongated and spindle) and the biometric variations in relation to the country of origin of the parasite on the egg phenotype were carried out by canonical variate analysis. Mahalanobis distances, when all egg measurements were analyzed, showed differences between: (i) Mali-Mauritania, Mali-Senegal and Mauritania-Senegal in the round morphotype; (ii) Mali-Mauritania and Mauritania-Senegal in the elongated morphotype; and (iii) Mauritania-Senegal in the spindle morphotype. Mahalanobis distances, when spine variables were analyzed, showed differences between Mali-Senegal in the round morphotype. In conclusion, this is the first phenotypic study performed on individually genotyped "pure" S. haematobium eggs, allowing the assessment of the intraspecific morphological variations associated with the geographical origin of the schistosome eggs.

What is the contribution of tumor capsule thickness and tumor nucleus diameter to differential diagnosis in encapsulated variant thyroid papillary carcinomas?

Objective: Capsule thickness and papillary carcinoma nuclear features are common diagnostic criteria for invasive follicular variant papillary thyroid carcinoma (IEFVPTC), non-invasive follicular thyroid neoplasm with papillary nuclear features (NIFT-P), and encapsulated papillary thyroid carcinoma (E-PTC). Our goal in this study is to evaluate these two histomorphological criteria using computerized image analysis systems and to determine whether they can serve as auxiliary criteria for distinguishing these diagnostic groups. Materials and methods: 10 patients were selected from IEFVPTC, NIFT-P, and E-PTC diagnostic groups. Slides containing the largest tumor diameter were scanned and digitized. Using computerized image analysis systems, tumor capsule thickness was measured from 4 areas of 4 equal quadrants, and the average tumor capsule thickness (TCT) was determined. Furthermore, from these 4 equal quadrants, the nucleus diameter of 10 clearly distinguishable cells was measured to determine the average tumor cell nucleus diameter (ND). Results: TCT and ND histomorphological criteria were statistically significant among the diagnostic groups. For IFVPTC diagnosis, both TCT and ND were found to be significant diagnostic tools. We demonstrated that ND can easily be used as a diagnostic tool for NIFT-P, whereas more caution is required for TCT. Conclusion: Differentiating papillary nuclear feature-containing follicular variant thyroid papillary carcinomas is challenging. In this study with a limited number of patients, we demonstrated that the TCT and ND criteria can, to some extent, contribute to differential diagnosis between diagnostic groups. Future studies with larger patient groups and more advanced computerized image analysis programs will yield more promising results.

The influence of the rotational speed of the meat cutter knives and bowl on the microstructure of meat products

The aim of the study was to determine the structure of meat batter and processed meat products, depending on the chopping time and rotational speed of the cutter knives and bowl, by means of histochemical methods combined with the computer image analysis system. Finely comminuted meat batters and processed meat products were investigated. Four variants of the rotational speed of cutter knives and bowl were applied in the experiment: 1500/10 rpm, 1500/20 rpm , 3000/10 rpm and 3000/20 rpm. The chopping process lasted 10 min. After 5, 6, 8 and 10 min of chopping samples of meat batter and processed meat products were collected for histological analyses. The microstructure of structural elements (fat globules and collagen fibres) was measured using computer image analysis. The following parameters were included in a characteristic of the images: the area, circumference, length and width of fat fields; the number of fat fields analysed; the percentage of fat fields in the field under analysis; the area, circumference, length and width of collagen fibres. The computer image analysis showed that the optimal speed of the cutter knives and bowl was 3000/20 rpm. The chopping time was reduced from 10 to 8 min.

An Immune-metabolic signature (IMMETCOLS) identifies three clusters in mCRC with different immune-phenotype distribution and potential clinical implications.

e15534 Background: The overall response rate following immune check-point blockade (ICB) is &lt; 5% in microsatellite stable (MSS) advanced colorectal cancer (mCRC), and between 30-35% in MSI mCRC. We here evaluate the relationship between our immune-metabolic signature (IMMETCOLS) distribution (cluster (IMC) 1; mesenchymal glycolytic, IMC 2; epithelial-non glycolytic and IMC 3; epithelial mitochondrial oxidative) with immune phenotypes (inflamed (IF), immune-excluded (IE) and immune-desert (ID)) in MSS and MSI mCRC patients (pts). Methods: We have analyzed IMMETCOLS in a retrospective cohort of 128 mCRC pts enriched with MSI-H and BRAF genotype using the nCounter platform (Nanostring Technologies, US). Immune phenotypes were evaluated by immunohistochemistry using 7 immune markers (CD68, CD163, CD8, CD3, FOXP3, PD-L1 and PD1) in a subset of 47 mCRC pts (27 MSS and 20 MSI), in TMAs containing 4 cores from the center of the tumor (CT) and invasive front (IF). The number of stained immune cells was counted using a computerized image analysis system, and PD-L1 was evaluated using CPS score (&lt; 1 vs &gt; 1). Patients having a CD3 cell count below 572 cells/mm2 and a CD8 density below 175 cells/mm2 in IF or CT were considered as ID. (Halama Nils, 2011). CD3 density was also semi-quantitatively estimated in peritumoral stroma and intra-tumoral (range 1-4), defining as IE those cases with a difference &gt; 1 between the two regions in both IF and CT (Brooks JM, 2019). Results: Cluster distribution was similar between MSI (IMC1-40%, IMC2-20% and IMC-40%) and MSS (IMC1-34%, IMC2-24%, IMC3-43%) pts. Patients with high LDH levels (&gt; 1.5ULN) were enriched with IMC3 phenotype (p &lt; 0.0001). MSI have increased CD3 (p = 0.002), CD68 (p = 0.002) and CD163 (p = 0.001) in CT than MSS patients. IMC1 pts had increased CD163/CD68 ratio in CT (p = 0.004). 75% of MSI pts were IE and 25% IF. 55% of MSS pts were IE, 38% ID and 7% IF. IMMETCOLS/ immune-phenotype distribution was: IMC1 (16% ID/ 84% IE), IMC2 (12% ID/ 63% IE/ 25% IF) and IMC3 (35%ID/ 47% IE/ 18% IF). PD1 immuno-expression &gt; 1% (IF and CT) and PD-L1 positivity was observed in 38%, 30% and 28% of pts respectively. There were no differences in PD-L1 (CPS) and PD1 expression between MSS and MSI tumors. Inflamed tumors show higher PD-L1 expression compared with IE and ID immune-phenotypes (p = 0.014). PD1 &gt; 1% expression at IF was significatively lower in IMC1 vs IMC2 and IMC3 tumors (p = 0.032). Conclusions: IMC1 subtype is associated with low PD1 expression, high CD163/CD68 ratio and IE phenotype even in MSI-H mCRC patients. Therefore, IMMETCOLS testing would be of value to identify MSI mCRC pts that do not benefit to ICB therapy.

Roles of Proliferation and Angiogenesis in Locally Aggressive Biologic Behavior of Ameloblastoma versus Ameloblastic Fibroma.

(1) Background: The present study was carried out to evaluate the roles of proliferation and angiogenesis in locally aggressive biologic behavior of ameloblastoma versus ameloblastic fibroma; (2) Methods: 30 formalin-fixed paraffin embedded blocks (15 cases of ameloblastoma and 15 cases of ameloblastic fibroma) were used. To evaluate the proliferation, the tissue sections were stained with an AgNORs stain. CD105 was used as an immunohistochemical marker of angiogenesis. Quantitative evaluations of AgNORs were performed. The mean vascular density was evaluated as a measure for CD105 protein expression by using image analyzer computer system; (3) Results: The mean number of AgNORs dots per nucleus was significantly higher in ameloblastoma as compared to ameloblastic fibroma. Additionally, the protein level of CD105 showed positive expression and wide distribution that the mean vascular density was significantly higher in ameloblastoma as compared to ameloblastic fibroma; (4) Conclusion: Quantitative evaluation of the AgNORs stain and the mean vascular density utilizing CD105 protein expression may reflect a higher proliferative activity and a more locally aggressive biologic behavior of ameloblastoma when compared to ameloblastic fibroma, indicating that other factors may be involved in biologic behavior of ameloblastic fibroma.

Immunohistochemical expression ofPARP-1 in triple-negative endometrial cancer - acomparison ofdifferent score systems.

Endometrial cancer is themost common malignant neoplasm ofthefemale reproductive system. The number ofdiagnosed cases is increasing every year. In recent years, thetriple-negative phenomenon (TNP) has been identified as one ofthedeterminants ofshorter survival in endometrial cancer patients. The aim ofthestudy was to compare thePARP-1 protein expression in triple-negative (TNEC) and non-triple-negative (NTNEC) endometrial cancer patients and determine therelationship between thePARP-1 protein expression in endometrial cancer cells and patient's overall survival depending on theadopted scale (H-SCORE < 75, H-SCORE < 50, Allred scale). The study involved 265 patients with histopathologically confirmed endometrial cancer. The patients were divided into 2 groups: patients with TNEC and patients with NTNEC. The study was conducted using atissue microarray technique. Expression ofPARP-1 protein was determined by immunohistochemistry. Protein expression evaluation was performed using virtual microscopy and theImage Scope computer image analysis system. The following conclusions were reached: total and individual levels ofnuclear or cytoplasmic PARP-1 expression varied with thepresence or absence ofTNP, and PARP-1 nuclear expression at the2+ level had asignificant effect on theincreased risk ofdeath (according to H-SCORE < 75).

Variability of Calodium hepaticum eggs from sigmodontine host species through geometric morphometric analysis.

Calodium hepaticum is a zoonotic nematode with a worldwide distribution. Although the host range of C. hepaticum includes a wide spectrum of mammals (including humans), this parasite is predominantly associated with the families Muridae and Cricetidae. Several Sigmodontinae species from Argentina were found to be infected by C. hepaticum, with a high prevalence in Akodon azarae. The present study focuses on C. hepaticum eggs from natural infection of three species of sigmodontine rodents from Argentina. Eggs were genetically characterized (intergenic 18S rRNA region). The objectives of this work are: (i) to propose a new analytical methodology; and (ii) to morphologically characterize C. hepaticum eggs, from three Sigmodontinae species (A. azarae, Calomys callidus and Oligoryzomys flavescens). Analyses were made by the Computer Image Analysis System based on the new standardized measurements and geometric morphometric tools. The resulting factor maps clearly illustrate global size differences in the parasite eggs from the three Sigmodontinae species analysed. The degree of similarity between egg populations was assessed through pairwise Mahalanobis distances, showing that the largest distances were detected between parasite eggs from C. callidus and O. flavescens. Herein, the phenotypical plasticity of C. hepaticum eggs is shown. Significant positive correlations were obtained between each egg parasite principal component 1 and rodent corporal characteristics: weight; liver weight; rodent length; and rodent body condition. The usefulness of the geometric morphometric analysis in studies of the relationship between C. hepaticum and its host must be highlighted. The high prevalence observed in A. azarae, associated with the wide size range of the parasite eggs evidenced by principal component analysis, suggests A. azarae to be the Sigmodontinae host species that plays the most important role as reservoir host for C. hepaticum in the New World.

Reproducibility of effects of the homeopathic dilutions 14x - 30x of gibberellic acid on growth of Lemna gibba L.

Background: Reproducibility of investigations in homeopathy is still challenging. Duckweed (Lemna gibba L.), a monocotyledonous waterplant which mostly reproduces vegetatively and therefore builds genetically identical clones, may be a suitable test system for standardised trials. &#x0D; Aims: This study investigated if formerly observed effects of gibberellic acid 14x – 30x on growth of Lemna gibba were reproducible. &#x0D; Methododology: Duckweed was grown in dilutions of gibberellic acid (14x–30x) as well as once succussed (c1) and unsuccussed (c0) water control. Area-related growth rate for day 0–7 was determined by a computerised image analysis system. Three series including five independent blinded and randomised experiments each were carried out in the same way as in the original study. Only time and conductor of experiments were modified. System stability was controled by three series of systematic negative control (SNC) experiments with the same set-up, but distilled and autoclaved water was used as the only test substance. According to the series with gibberellic acid, each serie of SNC experiments included five experiments. Full two-way ANOVA (α = 5%) was used for statistical analysis. Independent variables were treatment and experiment number, dependent variable was r(area) for day 0–7. Data of each experiment was normalised to its mean value to allow a better comparison between experiments. Only if the global ANOVA F-test was significant (p &lt; 0.05) we compared the investigated groups with Fisher`s LSD test (protected Fisher`s LSD).&#x0D; Results: No specific effects of agitated dilutions of gibberellic acid were found in the first two replication series (p=0.263 and p=0.062). In the third serie with gibbous Lemna gibba L. we observed a significant effect (p=0.009) of the homeopathic treatment, however growth was increased in contrast to decreasing in the former study. Variability in experiments with gibberellic acid 14x – 30x was lower than in SNC experiments. The stability of the experimental system was verified by the SNC experiments. &#x0D; Conclusions: When designing new studies to investigate reproducibility, different physiological states of the test organism must be considered. Variability might be an interesting parameter to investigate effects of homeopathic remedies in basic research.

Reproducibility of effects of homeopathically potentised Argentum nitricum on the growth of Lemna gibba L. in a randomized and blinded bioassay

Background: Reproducibility of basic research investigations in homeopathy is still a challenging issue. A former study reported a significant interaction between date of experiment and treatment effect of Argentum nitricum 14x–30x on the growth rate of duckweed (Lemna gibba L.).&#x0D; In a reproduction trial with duckweed (Lemna gibba L.) and potencies of gibberellic acid duckweed appeared only then sensitive to treatment with homeopathic potencies of gibberellic acid potencies when the plants were in the growth state of gibbosity.&#x0D; Aims: This study investigated if formerly observed effects of Argentum nitricum 14x – 30x on growth of Lemna gibba were reproducible and if sensitivity to homeopathic treatment was influences by the growth state of duckweed.&#x0D; Methods: Duckweed was grown in potencies of Argentum nitricum (14x–30x) and one time succussed and unsuccussed water control (c0 and c1). Area-related growth rate for day 0–7 was determined by a computerised image analysis system. The original study including six independent blinded and randomised experiments each were repeated one time completely and a second time with 3 experiments. Every repetition experiment was carried out in the same way as in the original study, only time and conductor of experiments were modified. System stability was controled by systematic negative control (SNC) experiments with the same set-up, but water as the only test substance. All water used in potency and SNC experiments was distilled and autoclaved before.&#x0D; Statistical analysis was evaluated with full two-way ANOVA (α = 5%), using treatment and experiment number as independent variables and r(area) for day 0–7 as dependent variable. Data of each experiment was normalised to its mean value to allow a better comparison between experiments. Only if the global ANOVA F-test was significant (p &lt; 0.05) investigated groups were compared with Fisher`s LSD test (protected Fisher`s LSD).&#x0D; Results: The original study observed a significant interaction between treatment and experiment number compared to cpool (c0+c1).Caused to the fact that in the first repetition series a significant treatment difference between c0 and c1 was found, additionally a significant interaction between experiment number and c0 and c1, it was not possible to pool c0 and c1. All data (original study, as well as repetition series 1 and 2) was evaluated comparing potencies to one time succussed control c1. This new statistical evaluation confirmed the significant interaction between treatment and experiment number for data of the original study (p = 0.0055). In the first repetition series a significant treatment effect (p = 0.016) was observed, in the second series no effect.Variability in experiments with Argentum nitricum 14x – 30x was higher than in SNC experiments. The stability of the experimental system was verified by the SNC experiments. An a posteriori subgroup analysis suggests that using a specific growth state of Lemna gibba (gibbosity) seems to be crucial for successful reproduction of the significant interaction of the original study.&#x0D; Conclusions: With the original study design chosen (disregarding gibbosity of Lemna gibba), results of the original study could not be reproduced. Bioassays for use in homeopathic basic research must carefully consider different physiological states of the test organisms. Variability might be an interesting parameter to investigate effects of homeopathic remedies in basic research.

Two cases reports comparing histopathological features of canine transmissible venereal tumor after treatment with decimal potencies of Viscum Album and Vincristin

The aim of the study was to evaluate the histopathological features of two canine transmissible venereal tumor (TVT) cases: one treated with Viscum album (Q) protocol in serial decimal potencies and the other with Vincristin conventional protocol (treated control). Tumor infiltrating leukocytes pattern and apoptosis were analyzed quantitatively, using a computer image analysis system, twice: before the beginning of treatment and after six weeks. Both female dogs were sujected to weekly clinical evaluation for three months, focusing on tumor remission and eventual adverse effects manifestations (local or systemic). In both the cases, animals had a round cells tumor growth, with weak intercellular stroma connection, typical of a TVT mass. The lysozyme positivity in immunohistochemistry analysis, associated with typical morphology confirmed the diagnosis. Ten fields were randomly photographed by a digital photomicrography system NIKON Eclipse 2 – Coolpix. Each captured image was analyzed quantitatively by the Metamorph® software, considering the number of leukocyte infiltrated and mitosis per field. Caspase 3 positivity index was also evaluated. In Vincristin treated dog, the number of leukocytes infiltrating tumor was bigger than that found in Viscum album treated dog, even before the beginning of the treatment, indicating an initial conditions compatible to a more favorable prognosis, however, the number of leukocytes increased in the Viscum album treated dog during the observation period (Kruskal Wallis, p &lt; 0.05). The animal treated with Vincristine has no statistical significant variation in the number of infiltrating mononuclear cells during the treatment, but presented 10 times more mitotic figures (Kruskal Wallis, p &lt; 0.001) in the second biopsy, compared to the other stages of treatment. There was a statistical significant increase in the rate of positivity for Caspase 3 between biopsies taken before and after treatment with Viscum album (ANOVA, p=0.01), but not after Vincristin treatment. Even though, the tumor remission could be achieved only in Vincristin treated dog, with an abrupt reduction of mitosis number and tumor mass in the last 20 days of treatment. In contrast, a secondary infection of the tumor led to clinical worsening of TVT in Viscum album treated dog, which could explain the increase in the local leukocytes number. The increase in Caspase 3 positivity after treatment shows the Viscum album anti-neoplastic mechanism of action, but in this case it was not enough to reach a complete tumor remission.

First morphogenetic analysis of parasite eggs from Schistosomiasis haematobium infected sub-Saharan migrants in Spain and proposal for a new standardised study methodology

Schistosomiasis is a Neglected Tropical Disease caused by trematode species of the genus Schistosoma. Both, autochthonous and imported cases of urogenital schistosomiasis have been described in Europe. The present study focuses on eggs, considered pure S. haematobium by genetic characterisation (intergenic ITS region of the rDNA and cox1 mtDNA). A phenotypic characterisation of S. haematobium eggs was made by morphometric comparison with experimental populations of S. bovis and S. mansoni, to help in the diagnosis of S. haematobium populations infecting sub-Saharan migrants in Spain. Analyses were made by Computer Image Analysis System (CIAS) applied on the basis of new standardised measurements and geometric morphometric tools. The principal component analysis (PCA), including seventeen non-redundant measurements, showed three phenotypic patterns in eggs of S. haematobium, S. bovis and S. mansoni. PCA showed that the S. bovis population presented a large egg size range with a pronouncedly larger maximum size. Similarly, S. bovis shows bigger spine values than S. haematobium. Mahalanobis distances between each pair of groups were calculated for each discriminant analysis performed. In general, S. mansoni and S. bovis present larger distances between them than with S. haematobium, i.e. they present the greatest differences. Regarding the spine, S. haematobium and S. mansoni are the most distant species. Results show the usefulness of this methodology for the phenotypic differentiation between eggs from these Schistosoma species, capable of discerning morphologically close eggs, as is the case of the haematobium group. Schistosoma egg phenotyping approaches may be applied to assess not only hybrid forms but also potential influences of a variety of other factors.

Characithecium spp. (Monogenea: Dactylogyridae) from Astyanax bimaculatus (Characiformes: Characidae) in Northeast Brazil, with Description of a New Species.

To date, seven species of Characithecium Mendonza-Franco, Reina and Torchin, 2009 (Monogenea, Dactylogyridae) are valid, parasitizing mainly fishes of the family Characidae (Characiformes) in the Neotropical region. During a parasitological study of fishes in the Batateiras River and Carás stream, Ceará state, Brazil, two species of Characithecium were collected from the gills of Astyanax bimaculatus Linnaeus, 1758 (Characidae). The purpose of the present study is to describe a new species of monogenean of the genus Characithecium and report Characithecium costaricensis Mendoza-Franco, Reina and Torchin, 2009 in A. bimaculatus, in Brazil. Monogeneans were isolated from the gills and stored in 70% ethanol, mounted in Gray and Wess' medium or and in a mixture of glycerin ammonium picrate (GAP) to study sclerotized structures. Morphological analyses were performed with a computerized image analysis system with differential interference contrast (DIC). The drawings were obtained with the aid of a camera lucida mounted on a Leica DMLS microscope. Characithecium bifurcuprolatum n. sp. differs from its congenerics by the morphology of the accessory piece having a ventral unit articulated to cirrus base, a non-articulated dorsal and mid-ventral, and a sclerotized vaginal vestibule. Characithecium costaricensis was described from Astyanax aeneus (Günther, 1860) (Characidae) in Central America, and the present finding represents a new geographical and host records in Brazil. Furthermore, we observed the presence of a membrane at the base of the cirrus not mentioned in the original description. Our findings increase to eight the number of known species of the genus Characithecium parasitizing characids in neotropics. We verified some additional characteristics present in the two species studied, such as the presence of a membrane at the base of the cirrus, an accessory piece with two subunits (an articulated ventral and a dorsal non-articulated) and the presence of sclerotized vaginal vestibule.

Evaluating the effect of light exposure and seed coat on lentil cotyledon color by computer vision

AbstractA computer vision system and color analysis algorithms were employed to study the influence of UVA (ultraviolet‐A) and visible light on the color of lentils with red, green, and yellow cotyledons. Twenty samples of cotyledons from each of the three‐color classes were subjected to six light treatments (ultraviolet, full‐spectrum visible, red, green, blue, and dark control) for 7 days at room temperature. The International Commission on Illumination L*a*b* (CIE L*a*b*) color values of the individual seeds were obtained before and after each treatment using the computer vision and image analysis system. Results of the analysis showed that light exposure had a statistically significant effect on all three cotyledon color classes. The effect size was largest for green lentils, smaller in yellow, and least in red lentils. By having established that light exposure affects the color of lentil cotyledons, it was hypothesized that seed coats may protect cotyledons against the effects of light exposure and that the degree of protection would vary with seed coat color classification. This hypothesis was tested using green‐cotyledon lentil varieties with different seed coat classes. Results confirmed that light‐induced color loss in the cotyledons was significantly influenced by seed‐coat color class. The order of protective effect of lentil seed coat from least to highest was found to be as follows: gray‐zero tannin, green, normal gray, and black. Thus, breeding for seed coat protection may improve the overall quality of green lentils. The results from this study will be informative to breeding programs that focus on enhancing the cotyledon color of lentils, and in making decisions regarding the dehulling of lentils and the design of dehulled lentil materials handling.

Augmented Reality Research of Measuring X-Ray Dental Film Alveolar Bone Based on Computer Image Analysis System.

The important application of computer imaging technology in the medical field is a necessary auxiliary method for clinical diagnosis and treatment. At present, many people are affected by various factors and have various problems caused by the dental cellular bone. Traditional treatment methods are complex and long, which can cause damage to body tissues. Based on this problem, this paper takes the augmented reality measurement of X-ray dental film as the research object. Based on the in-depth measurement algorithm of the computer image analysis system, two three-dimensional reconstruction methods based on the center of gravity and the matching of the front and side positions are proposed. These two methods only need two X-rays of the front and side of the dental film, the three-dimensional parameters are obtained through calculation and analysis of each spine in the X-ray film, and these parameters are used to fit the dental alveolar bone model. The experimental results prove that the computer-based image analysis system has a great effect on the measurement of X-ray dental film alveolar bone. The positive correlation coefficient reaches 0.87. Compared with the cerebral infarction caused by other methods, the proportion of people with dental film alveolar bone injury is about 15%; after treatment, the functional recovery rate reaches more than 80%. Studies have found that there is a great difference in the age of the population that needs to be treated for dental slices and alveolar bone. The grade of patients is generally under 20 and over 60. This shows that the measurement of X-ray dental film alveolar bone based on computer image analysis system can play an important role in protecting people's oral health.

Research on Computer Multimedia Software Graphics and Image Processing and Analysis System in Colleges

With the development of computer software and hardware technology in colleges and universities, the application of multimedia computers has become increasingly widespread. Graphics and image processing occupy a major position in the application of multimedia computers in colleges and universities. Image display is the basis of image processing. The key of special effect display is to divide the image into different image area blocks. The usual image special effect display method is to divide the image into different image blocks according to certain rules. Based on the analysis of the principle of image special effects display, this paper proposes a template-based image special effects display method. Experimental results show that compared with traditional interpolation algorithms, such as bilinear interpolation and bicubic polynomial interpolation, this algorithm has better interpolation effects and overcomes the speckle interference in single wavelet interpolation.

Automated Skin Lesion Preprocessing Model of Dermoscopic Images Towards Melanoma Detection

Melanoma is lethal form of skin cancer. For unbiased diagnosis of melanoma skin cancer an automated and computerized image analysis system is prime requirement. Clinicians examine the digital photographs taken from dermoscopy lens to detect skin cancer. The images captured usually contains various noise artifacts like low contrast hair objects, ink markers, vignette effect, ebony frames. These artifacts often affect results of skin lesion segmentation and lesion classification analysis. In this paper, we propose an automated image pre-processing model to remove noise artifacts like thin & thick hair objects, surgical ink markers, dark vignette effect, ebony frames from the images. To segment required lesion region and detect lesion edges we applied Otsu thresholding and Canny edge technique. We also applied these techniques on preprocessed image and original image with noise artifacts to check the efficiency of our model. We discuss various methodologies and results acquired at each phase. Based on the experimental results, the proposed model can be used successfully in removal of noise artifacts from dermoscopic images. In future, it can be used to build a reliable and accurate computer aided diagnostic systems.

Precise Determination of Liquid Layer Thickness with Downward Annular Two-Phase Gas-Very Viscous Liquid Flow

The paper presents the characteristics of the original optoelectronic system for measuring the values of hydrodynamics of two-phase downward gas-very viscous liquid flow. The measurement methods and results of the research on selected values describing gas–oil two-phase flow are presented. The study was conducted in vertical pipes with diameters of 12.5, 16, 22, and 54 mm. The research was conducted with the superficial velocities of air jg = 0–29.9 m/s and oil jl = 0–0.254 m/s, which corresponded to the values of gas stream density gg = (0–37.31) kg/(m2s) and of liquid gl = (0.61–226.87) kg/(m2s), in order to determine the influence of air and oil streams on the character of liquid films. The variations in oil viscosity were applied in the range ηl = (0.055–1.517) Pas. The study results that were obtained with optical probes along with computer image analysis system revealed vast research opportunities in terms of the identification of gas–liquid two-phase downward flow structures that were generated as well as the determination of the thickness of liquid film with various level of interfacial surface area undulation. The designed and constructed proprietary measuring system is also useful for testing the liquid layer by determining the parameters of the resulting waves. It is considered that the apparatus system that is presented in the article is the most effective in examining the properties of liquid layers of oil and other liquids with low electrical conductivity and a significant degree of monochromatic light absorption. In view of noninvasive technique of measuring characteristic values of liquid films being formed, the above measuring system is believed to be very useful for industry in the diagnostics of the apparatus employing such flows.