Grayscale Values Research Articles

DENSITY ANALYSIS OF HARD TISSUES OF CERVICAL REGION OF PERMANENT TEETH OF DIFFERENT GROUPS

Abstract. In the practice of clinical and experimental dentistry, numerous studies are devoted to the study of the dynamics of jaw bone tissue density in the age-related aspect and in various pathological conditions. At the same time, the determination of the mineral density of the hard tissues of the teeth is of practical use only in isolated cases.The aim of the study: fi nding out the features of the ratio of indicators of hard tissue density of permanent teeth of diff erent groups in the cervical region.Material and methods. In order to determine the density of the hard tissues of cervical region, radiographs of 320 intact permanent teeth (n=10 for each permanent dentition tooth), made on a Siemens dental radiovisiography device with Trophy Radiology software, were processed. The images were processed in the VixWin Pro program. The unit of measurement of tissue density is the conventional grayscale value (GSV). Tissue density in the cervical region was determined separately for enamel, cementum, and dentin, the diff erence between the established indicators was presented as a percentage.Results of the study. A signifi cant diff erence in the density of enamel, dentin and cementum of permanent teeth was established. It was found that in the cervical region of incisors, dentin has the highest density, cement has the lowest density; in canines, dentin has the highest density, enamel has the lowest density; in premolars, dentin has the highest density, cementum has the lowest density; in molars, enamel has the highest density, cementum has the lowest density. The enamel and dentin density indicators are the lowest in incisors, then gradually increase in canines and premolars, and reach the maximum value in molars. Cement density indicators are also the lowest in incisors, slightly higher in premolars, still increase in canines and reach the maximum value in molars.Conclusions. When using radiological methods to research the condition of the hard tissues of the teeth, it is the radiological biomarkers that can become an eff ective tool for studying the susceptibility or resistance of teeth to pathological lesions, in the cervical region in particular.

Machine learning assisted discrimination and detection of antibiotics by using multicolor microfluidic chemiluminescence detection chip

The fabrication of multicolor chemiluminescence (CL) sensing chip for the discrimination and detection of multianalytes remains a great challenge. Herein, machine learning assisted multicolor microfluidic CL detection chip for the identification and concentration prediction of antibiotics was presented. Firstly, a three-channel microfluidic CL detection chip was fabricated. The three detection zones of the microfluidic detection chip were modified with CL catalyst Co(II) and different CL reagents including luminol, luminol mixed with fluorescein, and luminol mixed with phloxine B, respectively. Strong blue, green and pink-purple colored light emissions can be generated from the three detection zones in the presence of H2O2 solution. The three multicolor CL emissions show different degrees of reduce in intensity and change in color in the presence of different antibiotics, including diethylstilbestro (DES), metronidazole (MNZ), kanamycin (KAN), isoniazide (INH), and ceftiofur sodium (CS), resulting in distinct fingerprint-like response patterns. The red (R), green (G), blue (B) and gray scale values of the three multicolor light emissions were extracted and ten characteristic sensing parameters were chosen to obtain multicolor CL response database. Then, machine learning assisted data analysis were carried out. The five antibiotics can be facilely classified by using principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical clustering analysis (HCA), and further quantified by using deep neural networks (DNN) algorithm. Good results were obtained for identification of binary antibiotic mixtures, spiked antibiotics in water samples, and unknown antibiotic samples. Satisfied results were obtained for concentration prediction of antibiotics. This work provides a simple machine learning assisted and multicolor microfluidic CL detection chip based CL sensing strategy for discrimination and quantitative detection of multiple analytes.

Cushion performance of eco-friendly natural rubber latex foam composite with bamboo leaf fiber for impact protection of guava

This study investigated the performance of an eco-friendly cushion foam net comprised of natural rubber latex and bamboo leaf fiber. It compared this innovative BambooLatex foam net (thickness of 2.52 and 3.57 mm) with a commercial expanded polyethylene foam net (EPE) (thickness of 5.85 and 7.30 mm) as well as a control group with no cushioning. Key cushioning properties including thickness, mass, modulus, compressive strength, damping coefficient, and energy absorption were investigated. To assess cushion performance was conducted a simulated impact test involving guavas dropped from varying heights (200, 300 and 400 mm). The impacted fruits were subsequently stored at 20 ºC and 75% relative humidity for 4 days. During this period, we monitored bruising development using an image analysis technique, evaluating bruise area, fractal dimension, and grayscale as fruit quality parameters. Our findings indicated that thicker cushions offered superior protection, exemplified by the 7.30 mm EPE. However, the cushion material's damping coefficient and energy absorption capacity significantly influenced its ability to reduce impact energy. This resulted in the thinner BambooLatex foam net performing comparably to the EPE foam net. All cushion treatments significantly reduced impact bruising of guava fruit to less than 2% of the bruise area) as compared to the control (4–7% of the bruise area). There was no significant difference in fractal dimension and grayscale values among the four cushioning treatments. The bruise area parameter was recommended as it gave a better resolution for classifying impact fruit bruising severity in the cushion study. Ongoing developments are aimed at further reducing the weight of the eco-friendly natural rubber latex cushion and incorporating additional active functions.

Femoral cartilage ultrasound echo-intensity is a valid measure of cartilage composition.

This study aimed to create a conversion equation that accurately predicts cartilage magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) T2 relaxation times using ultrasound echo-intensity and common participant demographics. We recruited 15 participants with a primary anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction between the ages of 18 and 35 years at 1-5 years after surgery. A single investigator completed a transverse suprapatellar scan with the ACLR limb in max knee flexion to image the femoral trochlea cartilage. A single reader manually segmented the femoral cartilage cross-sectional area to assess the echo-intensity (i.e., mean gray-scale pixel value). At a separate visit, a T2 mapping sequence with the MRI beam set to an oblique angle was used to image the femoral trochlea cartilage. A single reader manually segmented the cartilage cross-sectional area on a single MRI slice to assess the T2 relaxation time. A stepwise, multiple linear regression was used to predict T2 relaxation time from cartilage echo-intensity and common demographic variables. We created a conversion equation using the regression betas and then used an ICC and Bland-Altman plot to assess agreement between the estimated and true T2 relaxation time. Cartilage ultrasound echo-intensity and age significantly predicted T2 relaxation time (F = 7.33, p = 0.008, R2 = 0.55). When using the new conversion equation to estimate T2 relaxation time from cartilage echo-intensity and age, there was strong agreement between the estimated and true T2 relaxation time (ICC2,k = 0.84). This study provides promising preliminary data that cartilage echo-intensity combined with age can be used as a clinically accessible tool for evaluating cartilage composition.

A 3D Petrofabric Examination of Martian Breccia NWA 11220 via X‐Ray Computed Microtomography: Evidence for an Impact Lithology

AbstractThe Martian regolith breccia Northwest Africa (NWA) 11220 and paired stones represent the only known meteorites that sample a clastic sub‐surface lithology from Mars. By applying X‐ray computed microtomography to monomineralic clasts, we identify three phases that can be automatically segmented by thresholding X‐ray attenuation greyscale values: (A) feldspars, (B) pyroxene and apatite, and (C) iron‐rich oxides and sulfides, confirmed via scanning electron microscopy and Raman spectroscopy. For these three phases, we demonstrate scale invariance in size and shape for sand‐sized clasts and smaller, a characteristic commonly observed for clast populations generated by fragmentation without further sorting from sedimentary transport (e.g., Aeolian or fluvial processes). Additionally, by assessing the preferred orientation of fitted ellipses and ellipsoids to manually segmented proto‐breccia clasts in two and three dimensions, we identified a weak planar fabric that likely resulted from compaction rather than impact transport. Combining clast size distribution with evidence for nested textures inside proto‐breccia clasts, we propose that NWA 11220 has experienced a minimum of two hypervelocity impact events and should be considered a lithified impact ejecta lithology with little to no reworking via surface regolith processes.

Prediction of prokinetic agents in critically ill patients with feeding intolerance: a prospective observational clinical study.

Prokinetic agents are currently considered the first-line therapy to improve gastric emptying when feeding intolerance occurred in critically ill adults. In this study, we developed a technique to assess the feasibility of predicting prokinetic agent efficacy in critically ill patients. The first images of each patient were obtained after EFI had occurred but before the first dose of prokinetic agents was administered and additional images were obtained every morning until the seventh day. The gastric antrum echodensity was recorded based on grayscale values (50th percentile, ED50; 85th percentile, ED85; mean, EDmean) and daily energy and protein intake was collected as the judgment for effective and ineffective group. A receiver operating characteristic curve was analyzed to distinguish the thresholds between the two groups and thus determine the ability of the gastric antrum echodensity to predict the efficacy of prokinetic agents. In total, 83 patients were analyzed. Patients in the ineffective group had a higher ED50 (58.13 ± 14.48 vs. 49.88 ± 13.78, p < 0.001, difference 95% CI: 5.68, 10.82), ED85 (74.81 ± 16.41 vs. 65.70 ± 16.05, p < 0.001, difference 95% CI:6.16, 12.05), and EDmean (60.18 ± 14.31 vs. 51.76 ± 14.08, p < 0.001, difference 95% CI: 5.85, 11.00) than those in the effective group. Patients in the effective group more easily reached the target energy 16.21 ± 7.98 kcal/kg vs. 9.17 ± 6.43 kcal/kg (p < 0.001), 0.72 ± 0.38 g/kg vs. 0.42 ± 0.31 g/kg (p < 0.001) than in the ineffective group intake by day. The gastric antrum echodensity might serve as a tool for judging the efficacy of prokinetic agents, helping clinicians to decide whether to use prokinetic agents or place a post-pyloric tube when feeding intolerance occurs in critically ill patients.Clinical trial registration:http://www.chictr.org.cn/addproject2.aspx, ChiCTR2200058373. Registered 7 April 2022.

Size measurement and filled/unfilled detection of rice grains using backlight image processing.

Measurements of rice physical traits, such as length, width, and percentage of filled/unfilled grains, are essential steps of rice breeding. A new approach for measuring the physical traits of rice grains for breeding purposes was presented in this study, utilizing image processing techniques. Backlight photography was used to capture a grayscale image of a group of rice grains, which was then analyzed using a clustering algorithm to differentiate between filled and unfilled grains based on their grayscale values. The impact of backlight intensity on the accuracy of the method was also investigated. The results show that the proposed method has excellent accuracy and high efficiency. The mean absolute percentage error of the method was 0.24% and 1.36% in calculating the total number of grain particles and distinguishing the number of filled grains, respectively. The grain size was also measured with a little margin of error. The mean absolute percentage error of grain length measurement was 1.11%, while the measurement error of grain width was 4.03%. The method was found to be highly accurate, non-destructive, and cost-effective when compared to conventional methods, making it a promising approach for characterizing physical traits for crop breeding.

Experimental Study for the Evaluation of Titanium Disc Decontamination and Osseointegration in the Rabbit Tibia Model

Peri-implantitis is an inflammatory lesion leading to bone destruction resulting from bacterial infection and biofilm formation. Treatments of peri-implantitis aim at bacterial controls and decontamination to promote re-osseointegration. The present study aimed to assess the decontamination of biofilm and the osseointegration of titanium discs in a rabbit tibia model. Discs were immersed in culture medium inoculated with Staphylococcus aureus and incubated at 37 °C for 24 h and allocated to different treatments (n = five per group). The decontamination methods were an air-polishing system, 0.12% chlorhexidine rinse, and Er:Yag laser treatments. Each disc from the experimental groups was observed using scanning electron micrography. The rest of the discs were then implanted in four male New Zealand rabbits. Histological and radiographic evaluations were performed. For the quantification of bone density in radiographic data, the fractal dimension (FD) and mean grayscale value (GV) were measured. The Kruskal–Wallis test was used to compare bone density (p &lt; 0.05). Statistically significant differences in FD were observed between the air-polishing treatment with chlorhexidine rinse and the air-polishing treatment with chlorhexidine rinse and Er:Yag laser treatment compared to the contaminated group (p &lt; 0.05). Also, there were statistically significant differences in the results obtained for the group undergoing air-polishing treatment with chlorhexidine rinse and Er:Yag laser treatment compared to the contaminated group (p &lt; 0.05). The decontamination method using air polishing treatment, chlorhexidine rinse, and Er:Yag treatment showed favorable osseointegration with good bone quality.

An Environmentally Friendly Dyeing Method for A Sustainable World: Investigation of Mechanical and Fastness Performance of Cotton/Wool Blend via Dyeing with Cinnamon

The world in which we live is changing at a much faster and more uncontrolled rate. This situation brings with it both negative and positive changes. The textile industry is also part of this rapid change. The growth of the world’s population and the alterations in consumer habits that this change has brought with it also affect the textile industry. In particular, polluting dyehouses and the synthetic dyes used in them are harming the world. This situation is unsustainable. For this reason, the use of natural dyes instead of synthetic dyes in the coloring of textile products is increasing rapidly. In this study, a blend of 80% cotton and 20% wool was dyed with cinnamon, and its fastness and mechanical performance were tested. In addition, the dyeing results were analyzed using a spectral method, FTIR, and SEM. In this study, natural fiber blends with two different chemical structures were dyed with cinnamon in one bath. The fastness values obtained as a result of the dyeing process were very good. The grey scale value of saliva fastness determined through evaluation was 5. The observed strength increase of approximately 24% in the yarn after dyeing was also remarkable. In conclusion, environmentally friendly dyeing was carried out in this study, and a contribution was made to a sustainable world.

Enhancement of Hip X-ray with Convolutional Autoencoder for Increasing Prediction Accuracy of Bone Mineral Density.

It is very important to keep track of decreases in the bone mineral density (BMD) of elderly people since it can be correlated with the risk of incidence of major osteoporotic fractures leading to fatal injuries. Even though dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) is the one of the most precise measuring techniques used to quantify BMD, most patients have restricted access to this machine due to high cost of DXA equipment, which is also rarely distributed to local clinics. Meanwhile, the conventional X-rays, which are commonly used for visualizing conditions and injuries due to their low cost, combine the absorption of both soft and bone tissues, consequently limiting its ability to measure BMD. Therefore, we have proposed a specialized automated smart system to quantitatively predict BMD based on a conventional X-ray image only by reducing the soft tissue effect supported by the implementation of a convolutional autoencoder, which is trained using proposed synthesized data to generate grayscale values of bone tissue alone. From the enhanced image, multiple features are calculated from the hip X-ray to predict the BMD values. The performance of the proposed method has been validated through comparison with the DXA value, which shows high consistency with correlation coefficient of 0.81 and mean absolute error of 0.069 g/cm2.

A Quantum Moving Target Segmentation Algorithm for Grayscale Video

AbstractThe moving target segmentation (MTS) aims to segment out moving targets in the video, however, the classical algorithm faces the huge challenge of real‐time processing in the current video era. Some scholars have successfully demonstrated the quantum advantages in some video processing tasks, but not concerning moving target segmentation. In this paper, a quantum moving target segmentation algorithm for grayscale video is proposed, which can use quantum mechanism to simultaneously calculate the difference of all pixels in all adjacent frames and then quickly segment out the moving target. In addition, a feasible quantum comparator is designed to distinguish the grayscale values with the threshold. Then several quantum circuit units are designed in detail to construct the complete quantum circuits for segmenting the moving target. For a quantum video with 2m frames (every frame is a image with q grayscale levels), the complexity of our algorithm can be reduced to O. Compared with the classic counterpart, it is an exponential speedup, while its complexity is also superior to the existing quantum algorithms. Finally, the experiment is conducted on IBM Quantum Experience (IBM Q) to show the feasibility of our algorithm in the noisy intermediate‐scale quantum era.

A new segment method for pulmonary artery and vein.

Accurate differentiation between pulmonary arteries and veins (A/V) holds pivotal importance in the realm of diagnosing and treating pulmonary ailments. This study presents a new approach that leverages grayscale differences between A/V. Distinctions are measured using median and mean grayscale values within the vessel area. Initially, adherent regions are removed based on vessel structure. The trunk regions are segmented using gray level information near the heart region of the lung boundary. Incorrectly segmented vessels are corrected based on connectivity. For distal lung vessels, a similar distance field is established using a graph-cut method. Experimental results show the algorithm's superior segmentation accuracy, achieving 97.26% compared to the CNN-based average accuracy of 91.67%. Error branches are more concentrated, aiding subsequent manual and automatic correction. This demonstrates the algorithm's effective segmentation of pulmonary A/V.

A-143 Imaging Flow Cytometry: A Novel Method Using ADVIA 2120i System Reagents and Microscopic Image Analysis

Abstract Background Flow cytometry based ADVIA 2120i Hematology System reagents are used to modify blood cells. Laser-scattering flow cytometry replaced with digital microscopic image analysis significantly simplifies the complex system to a compact, low-cost microscope. A novel method for imaging flow cytometry is proposed here that simultaneously generates complete blood count (CBC) and high-resolution images of blood cells. Methods Image processing algorithms are implemented to process the pixels containing blood cells. RBCs are made isovolumetrically spherical using the RBC reagent (Fig. 1A) and imaged. RBC volumes are easily determined from the diameter of the isovolumetrically spherical RBCs. By illuminating the spherical RBCs with approximately400 nm light, the increasing grayscale values of the pixels corresponds to increasing haemoglobin concentration due to absorption. WBC nuclei are stained using the Perox reagent (Fig. 1B). The grayscale values of the nuclei pixels can be used to determine the peroxidase stain component, thereby obtaining cell size-to-peroxidase activity scatter plots similar to those on the ADVIA 2120i system. Using the Baso reagent, the cytoplasm of all WBCs are stripped off except for basophils, as shown in Fig. 1C. All the microscopic images have good contrast and high resolution. Image processing techniques can thus provide a 5-part differential using the nuclei/lobular density of WBCs. Results Images were obtained under a 20×x Nikon microscope with a Thorlabs DCC1545M monochrome camera. ADVIA reagents were mixed with venous blood and &amp;lt;5 µL of reagent treated sample was spotted between a microscopic slide and coverslip. Image analysis was performed using ImageJ particle analysis tools. Conclusion Analysis of digital microscopic images of blood cells acted upon by ADVIA 2120i system reagents can offer a novel, simplified, cost-effective method of hematology analysis. Simultaneous CBC scatter plots and high-resolution images of the blood cells can be obtained using this new approach.Fig. 1.(a) Isovolumetricallly spherical RBCs, (b) peroxidase stain of WBC nuclei, and (c) cytoplasm of WBCs stripped off (except for basophils). Images taken under a 20× Nikon microscope. *Under development and not available for commercial sale.

An Efficient Approach for Quantifying the Mechanical Degradation of Ni‐Rich NMC‐based Cathodes for Lithium‐Ion Batteries using Nano‐XCT Analysis

AbstractLiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 has emerged as a promising electrode material for automotive lithium‐ion batteries due to its high specific discharge capacity, cost‐effectiveness, and reduced cobalt content. However, despite all mentioned beneficial attributes, the widespread adoption of this material class is impeded by active material degradation during cycling operation, which is linked to performance loss. This study compares scanning electron microscopy images and nano X‐ray computed tomography scans with a 3D reconstruction of pristine and cycle‐aged battery electrodes to determine structural changes over cycle life. Although a very moderate current rate was chosen for the cycle test, which suggests a homogeneous load across the entire electrode, particle fracture varied across electrode thickness and particle size. A quantitative analysis of the active material‘s gray scale value distribution reveals severe degradation near the separator interface with a reciprocal relationship to particle radius. Remarkably, particle shape and size remain relatively unchanged despite cracking, eliminating the need to adjust these parameters in aging simulations. Moreover, it underscores the practical significance of particle cracking, as it can significantly impact the electrode‘s performance. Thus, analyzing changes in particle shape and size alone is insufficient, and a comprehensive exploration of the particle interior using nano‐XCT is necessary.

Nonlinear phase error correction method based on multi-grayscale coding.

Fringe projection profilometry is a non-contact and highly efficient 3D measurement technique widely used in various applications. However, the nonlinear intensity response of digital projectors affects measurement accuracy. While increasing the number of fringe projections can reduce the errors caused by nonlinear problems, it significantly prolongs the measurement time. In order to improve both accuracy and speed simultaneously, a nonlinear phase error correction method based on multi-grayscale coding is proposed. The intensity response curve of the system is fitted by the grayscale images, and then the grayscale values of the phase-shifting fringe images are corrected to reduce the nonlinear error. In order to reduce the number of fringe projections and speed up the measurement, the multi-grayscale coding method is used to divide the phase interval by the order of the gray values of the same pixel in multiple grayscale images. The experimental results validate the efficacy of the proposed multi-grayscale coding method. An accurate phase calculation is achieved, and a single reconstruction can be achieved with only seven photos. After the nonlinear correction, the phase accuracy of the three-step phase-shifting algorithm is increased by 50.77%, and the reconstruction accuracy of the standard ball is increased by 46.38%.

CMOR motion planning and accuracy control for heavy-duty robots

Abstract Factors like rising work costs and the imminent transformation and upgrading of manufacturing industries are driving the rapid development of the industrial robotics market. In this study, by analyzing the structure of the transport arm and China Fusion Engineering Test Reactor and performing mathematical modeling, a feasible solution for the robot can be obtained using the dynamic ant colony optimization algorithm and grayscale values. However, for multiple degree of freedom robots, due to a large number of joints, the pure use of joint angle restrictions cannot avoid their own mutual interference. The design of the transport arm robot’s own collision algorithm is shown, which focuses on each linkage as a rod wrapped by a cylinder. The experiment shows that the relationship between the integrated center of mass and the whole machine center of mass can get the action area of the whole machine center of mass of the robot, according to which the relationship between the radius of the catch circle and time of the projection area of the whole machine center of mass of the robot in the horizontal plane can be obtained. The maximum outer circle radius r com = 267.977 mm {r}_{\text{com}}=267.977\hspace{.25em}\text{mm} , according to the stability criterion r ssa &gt; r con {r}_{\text{ssa}}\gt {r}_{\text{con}} , can be obtained, so the stability analysis of the gait switching process can be judged to be correct and effective.

Image feature based quality assessment of speckle patterns for digital image correlation measurement

A novel method is proposed to assess the quality of speckle patterns for deformation measurement using the digital image correlation (DIC) technique. Different from existing methods that focused on the characteristics of individual speckle or frequency of grayscale values, our approach explores the usage of the image features essential for image registration, which is the basis of DIC. An indicator called density and evenness of features (DEF) is defined, combining the distribution density and evenness of image features. Numerical and real experiments demonstrate that the DEF is sensitive to the quality of various speckle patterns. It can detect the subtle difference between good speckle images leading to small gap in measurement accuracy. The DEF can also provide reliable guidelines to design high-quality transferable speckle patterns, as it shows clear relation to the main controllable parameters in generation of speckle patterns, including speckle duty ratio, image contrast, speckle radius and its dispersion, as well as speckle edge sharpness.

Changes in echo intensity of the gastrocnemius muscle with passive ankle dorsiflexion: can echo intensity be used to assess muscle elongation?

Introduction: While shear modulus has been used as an index of muscle elongation, high costs prevent its general adoption. A more general indicator that can quantify muscle elongation non-invasively is needed to develop effective methods for stretching each muscle. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the echo intensity of the muscle changes with muscle elongation compared with the shear modulus. Methods: Sixteen healthy males (24.1 ± 2.8years) participated in the study. Shear modulus and echo intensity of the medial gastrocnemius were assessed at 20° and 10° of ankle plantar-flexion, and 0°, 10°, and 20° of ankle dorsiflexion (presented as -20°, -10°, and 0°, +10°, +20°, respectively). Shear modulus was measured using ultrasound shear wave elastography. The echo intensity was quantified using the average grayscale value of a given region of interest (RoI) in longitudinal and transverse B-mode images. Grayscale analysis was performed using two RoIs: one which included as much of the muscle as possible (maximum RoI), and a rectangular one whose size and depth was identical for all images (rectangular RoI). Pearson's correlation coefficients between either the shear modulus or echo intensity and the ankle angle and between the echo intensity and shear modulus were calculated separately for each participant. Results: Average Pearson's correlation coefficient between shear modulus and ankle angle of the participants was 0.904. The average Pearson's correlation coefficients between the echo intensity and ankle angle were estimated to be 0.797 and 0.222 for the maximum RoI and 0.698 and 0.323 for the rectangular RoI in the longitudinal and transverse images, respectively. The average Pearson's correlation coefficients between the echo intensity and shear modulus were 0.684 and 0.514 for the maximum RoI, and 0.611 and 0.409 for rectangular RoI in the longitudinal and transverse images, respectively. Discussion: The results indicate that the echo intensity in the longitudinal image of the gastrocnemius, especially when assessed using the maximum RoI, increased with muscle elongation by passive ankle dorsiflexion. Therefore, assessment of the echo intensity using the maximum RoI in the longitudinal image might be useful for quantifying the muscle elongation.

A pilot prospective cohort study using experimental quantification of early peripheral nerve regeneration with high-frequency three-dimensional tomographic ultrasound (HFtUS)

Quantification of peripheral nerve regeneration after injury relies upon subjective outcome measures or electrophysiology assessments requiring fully regenerated neurons. Nerve surgeons and researchers lack objective, quantifiable information on the site of surgical repair and regenerative front. To address this need, we developed a quantifiable, visual, clinically available measure of early peripheral nerve regeneration using high-frequency, three-dimensional, tomographic ultrasound (HFtUS). We conducted a prospective, longitudinal study of adult patients with ulnar and/or median nerve injury of the arm undergoing direct epineurial repair within 5 days of injury. Assessment of morphology, volumetric and 3D grey-scale quantification of cross-sectional views were made at baseline up to 15 months post-surgery. Sensory and motor clinical outcome measures and patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) were recorded. Five participants were recruited to the study. Our data demonstrated grey-scale values (an indication of axonal density) increased in distal stumps within 2–4 months after repair, returning to normal as regeneration completed (4–6 months) with concomitant reduction in intraneural volume as surgical oedema resolved. Two patients with abnormal regeneration were characterized by increased intraneural volume and minimal grey-scale change. HFtUS may quantify early peripheral nerve regeneration offering a window of opportunity for surgical intervention where early abnormal regeneration is detected.

Cu-C3N4 nanoenzyme-based freezing-dried bioactive capsule integrated with 3D-printed smartphone platform for visual detection of organophosphorus pesticides paraoxon in scallion

Rapid detection of pesticide residues in vegetables has recently attracted much attention. Herein, a Cu-modified graphitic carbon nitride nanomaterial (Cu-C3N4) with peroxidase (POD)-like property was synthesized to construct an enzyme-based colorimetric sensing platform for the detection of organophosphorus pesticides paraoxon. Cu-C3N4 could catalyze H2O2 produced by reaction of acetylcholine with acetylcholinesterase and choline oxidase, and then further oxidized 3,3,5,5-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) to produce a blue colored product. Presence of organophosphorus pesticide paraoxon (PA) restrained the activity of acetylcholinesterase AChE, triggering a remarkably decreased amount of H2O2 towards TMB oxidation, which led to the inhibition of oxidation reaction. After that, the reaction solutions were freeze-dried in a portable bioactive capsule with addition of trehalose as stabilizer for improved enzymes activities. On the basis of the variation in gray-scale values of blue colored TMB solutions using an application, a smartphone-based 3D printing platform was obtained with a linear range from 100 to 33,000 nM (R2 =0.994) and a detection limit of 13 nM (3σ/k). This smartphone-based 3D-printed colorimetric platform combined with a bioactive capsule offers a novel approach with the potential for rapid detection of PA in vegetables.