Open-source Image Processing Software Research Articles

Smartphone-Based Colourimetric Detection of Methyl Red, Co(II), Uric Acid, and Topotecan after Pre-concentration onto a Hectorite Clay-Hydroxyethylcellulose Hybrid

Objective:: This paper describes a new, digital image colourimetry-based format for the quantification of analytes in an aqueous solution. Method:: The proposed method is based on analyte pre-concentration by adsorption onto Bentone LT. Bentone LT pellet isolation comes after adsorption, followed by in-situ application of an analyteselective chromogenic reaction. The resulting pellet colouration is captured by the phone’s integrated camera and assessed using the free open-source image processing software, ImageJ. Responses are calibrated and quantified. Results:: We tested the applicability of the proposed methodology for the quantification of specific model analytes which are of concern in environmental matrices (methyl red, Co(II), uric acid, topotecan). The smartphone-based assay was proven reliable in quantifying the model analytes (standard recovery of 82-116%), alone or in mixture, from dilute aqueous solutions and was found to depict accurately the adsorption behaviour followed photometrically in solution. Lower limit of linearity was calculated at 0.05, 0.11, 0.85 and 0.20 μg/mL for methyl red, Co(II), uric acid, and topotecan, respectively. The proposed format was found superior when compared to alternative published photometric/ colourimetric assays in terms of the lower limit of linearity. In the presence of possible adsorption interferents, the lower limit of linear response was shifted to slightly higher concentrations for topotecan i.e. from 0.2 μg/mL to 0.5 μg/mL. Conclusion:: We here demonstrate the extended applicability of the proposed methodology for the smartphone-based quantification of the specific model analytes. The applicability of this analysis format likely extends to other analytes, where analyte-specific colour formation is feasible.

Evaluation of the correlation between trigeminal nerve atrophy and trigeminal neuralgia using multimodal image fusion: A single-center retrospective study

Background3D-Slicer is an open-source medical image processing and visualization software. In the surgical treatment of trigeminal neuralgia, it is commonly used to predict the responsible vessels. However, there are few reports on the use of 3D-Slicer software to quantitatively measure the bilateral trigeminal nerve volume in patients with primary trigeminal neuralgia (PTN) based on the three-dimensional images. Therefore, this study aims to explore the role of three-dimensional fused images processed by 3D-Slicer in the evaluation of trigeminal nerve atrophy, providing an objective basis for the diagnosis of PTN. Methods57 PTN patients who underwent microvascular decompression (MVD) or percutaneous balloon compression (PBC) surgery in Hebei general hospital between January 2020 and April 2023 were included. Additionally, 30 patients with facial spasms(HFS) were included as a control group. All patients underwent 3D-TOF-MRA and 3D-FIESTA sequence examinations. Comparisons of bilateral trigeminal nerve volumes within and between groups were conducted by performing image fusion using 3D-slicer. ResultsThe volume of the affected trigeminal nerve in the MVD group (33.96 mm³±12.61 mm³) and PBC group (23.05 mm³±7.71 mm³) was smaller than that of the unaffected trigeminal nerve in the MVD group (39.61 mm³±12.83 mm³) and PBC group (26.14 mm³±6.42 mm³), as well as the average volume of the trigeminal nerve in the control group (40.27 mm³±10.25 mm³) (P<0.05). The differences in bilateral trigeminal ganglion volume (∆V) was significant between the MVD group (∆V=23.59 %±14.32 %) and the control group (∆V=14.64 %±10.00 %) (P<0.05). There was no statistical difference in the trigeminal nerve volume difference between the MVD group (∆V=23.59 %±14.32 %) and the PBC group (∆V=26.52 %±15.00 %) (P>0.05). ConclusionTrigeminal nerve atrophy is correlated with primary trigeminal neuralgia. 3D-slicer software can quantitatively measure trigeminal nerve volume and assist in the diagnosis of primary trigeminal neuralgia based on the difference in bilateral trigeminal nerve volumes. However, trigeminal nerve atrophy is not associated with postoperative pain recurrence in patients.

Micromechanical and microstructure evolution of leaded (SnPb) and lead-free (SAC305 and SnCu) mixed solder joints during isothermal aging

This paper studies how isothermal aging affects the micromechanical and structural properties of mixed solder joints made of 60Sn-40Pb (SnPb) with Sn-3.0Ag-0.5Cu (SAC305) and SnPb with Sn-0.7Cu (SnCu). The nanoindentation test was done to measure the micromechanical properties of SnPb/SAC305 and SnPb/SnCu mixed solder joints. These properties are hardness, reduced modulus, and stress exponent. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to look at the microstructure of a cross-section of mixed solder joints. The micrographs that were taken were then examined with open-source image processing software called ImageJ. It was found that the rate and distribution of intermetallic compound (IMC) formation and the reduction of Sn-rich phase grain size affect how the hardness and stress exponent values of mixed solder joints change after 1000 h of high temperature storage (HTS). ImageJ analysis shows that the Pb-rich phase particle count and distribution can be used to figure out how mixed solder joints respond to indentation creep and how that relates to isothermal aging. Using ImageJ, it’s clear that the indentation creep behavior of the GBS mechanism of an as soldered SnPb/SnCu mixed solder joint is caused by the highest number and size of Pb-rich phase particles that are not well distributed across the dendritic area of Sn-rich phase grain boundaries.

Erosion Identification in Metacarpophalangeal Joints in Rheumatoid Arthritis using High-Resolution Peripheral Quantitative Computed Tomography.

Bone erosions are a pathological feature of several forms of inflammatory arthritis including rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The increased presence and size of erosions are associated with poor outcomes, joint function, and disease progression. High-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT) provides unparalleled in vivo visualization of bone erosions. However, at this resolution, discontinuities in the cortical shell (cortical breaks) that are associated with normal physiological processes and pathology are also visible. The Study grouP for xtrEme Computed Tomography in Rheumatoid Arthritis previously used a consensus process to develop a definition of pathological erosion in HR-pQCT: a cortical break detected in at least two consecutive slices, in at least two perpendicular planes, non-linear in shape, with underlying trabecular bone loss. However, despite the availability of a consensus definition, erosion identification is a demanding task with challenges in inter-rater variability. The purpose of this work is to introduce a training tool to provide users with guidance on identifying pathological cortical breaks on HR-pQCT images for erosion analysis. The protocol presented here uses a custom-built module (Bone Analysis Module (BAM) - Training), implemented as an extension to an open-source image processing software (3D Slicer). Using this module, users can practice identifying erosions and compare their results to erosions annotated by expert rheumatologists.

ComsystanJ: A collection of Fiji/ImageJ2 plugins for nonlinear and complexity analysis in 1D, 2D and 3D.

Complex systems such as the global climate, biological organisms, civilisation, technical or social networks exhibit diverse behaviours at various temporal and spatial scales, often characterized by nonlinearity, feedback loops, and emergence. These systems can be characterized by physical quantities such as entropy, information, chaoticity or fractality rather than classical quantities such as time, velocity, energy or temperature. The drawback of these complexity quantities is that their definitions are not always mathematically exact and computational algorithms provide estimates rather than exact values. Typically, evaluations can be cumbersome, necessitating specialized tools. We are therefore introducing ComsystanJ, a novel and user-friendly software suite, providing a comprehensive set of plugins for complex systems analysis, without the need for prior programming knowledge. It is platform independent, end-user friendly and extensible. ComsystanJ combines already known algorithms and newer methods for generalizable analysis of 1D signals, 2D images and 3D volume data including the generation of data sets such as signals and images for testing purposes. It is based on the framework of the open-source image processing software Fiji and ImageJ2. ComsystanJ plugins are macro recordable and are maintained as open-source software. ComsystanJ includes effective surrogate analysis in all dimensions to validate the features calculated by the different algorithms. Future enhancements of the project will include the implementation of parallel computing for image stacks and volumes and the integration of artificial intelligence methods to improve feature recognition and parameter calculation.

OpenDroneMap: Multi-Platform Performance Analysis

This paper analyzes the performance of the open-source OpenDroneMap image processing software (ODM) across multiple platforms. We tested desktop and laptop computers as well as high-performance cloud computing and supercomputers. Multiple machine configurations (CPU cores and memory) were used. We used eBee S.O.D.A. drone image datasets from Namibia and northern Finland. For testing, we used the OpenDroneMap command line tool with default settings and the fast orthophoto option, which produced a good quality orthomosaic. We also used the “rerun-all option” to ensure that all jobs started from the same point. Our results show that ODM processing time is dependent upon the number of images, a high number of which can lead to high memory demands, with low memory leading to an excessively long processing time. Adding additional CPU cores is beneficial to ODM up to a certain limit. A 20-core machine seems optimal for a dataset of about 1000 images, although 10 cores will result only in slightly longer processing times. We did not find any indication of improvement when processing larger datasets using 40-core machines. For 1000 images, 64 GB memory seems to be sufficient, but for larger datasets of about 8000 images, higher memory of up to 256 GB is required for efficient processing. ODM can use GPU acceleration, at least in some processing stages, reducing processing time. In comparison to commercial software, ODM seems to be slower, but the created orthomosaics are of equal quality.

Paper 20: The Relationship of Schottle’s Point to the Medial Distal Femoral Physis: A Digitally Reconstructed Radiograph and 3-Dimensional Computed Tomography Study

Objectives:There is significant controversy regarding ideal medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction (MPFLR) femoral tunnel position in the pediatric setting. The authors identified 3 main gaps in knowledge. First, the position of the radiographic MPFLR start point (Schottle’s point) relative to the medial distal femoral epiphysis is not well defined. Second, although anatomic studies have suggested tunnel trajectories that avoid physeal contact, these trajectories are not based upon the widely used Schottle’s point, providing limited intraoperative utility. Third, prior studies provide conflicting data regarding position of the MPFL origin relative to the distal femoral physis, particularly in younger patients. The purpose of this study was to determine the proximity of Schottle’s point to the medial distal femoral physis and the medial epicondyle using a digitally reconstructed radiographs (DRR) and three-dimensional computed tomography (CT) models.Methods:The institutional picture archiving and communication system (PACS) was queried for CT imaging studies of pediatric knees with open physes. CT data were imported to a Python based, open-source image processing software and were transformed to create true lateral digitally reconstructed radiographs (DRR) (Figure 1) and 3-dimensional (3D) renderings of the distal femur (Figure 2). Schottle’s point and the medial epicondyle were registered using fiducial markers and 3D distance measurements were then obtained from Schottle’s point on the medial cortex to 1) the medial epicondyle, 2) the physeal point directly superior to Schottle’s point, and 3) the shortest distance to the medial physis on the cortical surface. A 6-millimeter circle was used to simulate reaming diameter and physeal intersections were tabulated.Results:49 pediatric knee CT scans with open physes were included in the data. Average patient age was 13.0 ± 2.3 years (range: 6-17 years). Mean minimum distance from the medial physis to Schottle’s point was 9.9 mm ± 3.0mm (range: 3.4-16.1 mm) (Figure 3). In 49 of 49 cases (100%), Schottle’s point was distal to the physis. Schottle’s point was localized at a mean distance of 7.5mm ± 3.14mm posterior to the medial epicondyle and 6.1mm ± 2.9mm superior to the medial epicondyle. Using a 6mm reaming diameter, 3 (6%) femurs in our study would have violation of the medial distal femoral physis. Moving the start point 3mm distally would result in 0 of 49 (0%) having physeal injury.Conclusions:Historically, characterizing the position of the origin of the MPFL on the medial condyle relative to the medial distal femoral physis has been challenging. Prior cadaveric studies have suggested the MPFL originates proximal to the physis in younger patients (<7 years). However, more recent cadaveric studies have challenged this idea, finding the bony landmarks of the MPFL origin to be distal to the physis. Although these studies have sparked significant discussion regarding the pediatric MPFL origin, they have small numbers of specimens. Using a more surgically relevant approach, the present study demonstrates that Schottle’s point is consistently distal to the distal femoral physis.Prior studies have suggested anterior and distal drill trajectories that may minimize physeal injury. Although useful, these studies do not assess drilling path relative to the commonly used radiographically identified starting point, Schottle’s point. The present study complements this prior work by addressing the radiographic start point upon which the drill trajectory is based intraoperatively. Based on the present study, the use of Schottle’s point without distalization would lead to physeal injury in 6% of cases.Further, prior cadaveric anatomic studies are subject to limitations of the availability and expense of pediatric specimens and are therefore limited to small sample sizes. The methodology of the present study, by using readily available fine cut CT data, is not subject to such constraints. The present investigation offers a larger sample size than any previously published pediatric MPFL anatomic study and uses a highly accurate and repeatable methodology. This unique methodology may be more broadly applicable to the study of pediatric procedures near the physis.The radiographically defined surgical start point for MPFL femoral tunnel placement (Schottle’s point), is consistently distal to the medial distal femoral physis. Mean minimum distance from Schottle’s point to the physis on the medial cortex is 9.9mm. Using Schottle’s point for the start of tunnel drilling leads to physis violation in 6% of cases, when using a 6mm reamer. Distalization of the start point by 3mm leads to avoidance of physeal injury in all cases.Figure 1.Digitally Reconstructed Radiograph with Identification of Schottle’s PointFigure 2.3D Rendering with Physeal Distance MeasurementFigure 3.Saggital Plane Plot of Schottle’s Point and Closest Point on Medial Physis

3D driven hard tissue augmentation based on reverse planning Reconstruction of an advanced, horizonto-vertical alveolar ridge defect: A case report

This case report presents a novel, 3D-driven reverse planning for surgical rehabilitation of an advanced alveolar ridge defect. Utilizing a completely digital workflow, alveolar ridge augmentation could virtually be simulated thus simplifying the surgical procedure. In this case report the digitally planned treatment of a severe horizontovertical alveolar ridge defect is presented. Preoperative cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scan was segmented using a semi-automatic segmentation technique in an open-source medical image processing software (3D Slicer) to develop virtual 3D models of dental and alveolar structures. Intraoral scan, bite registration was also acquired to generate a digital wax-up. Consequently, prosthetically ideal implant positions could be planned in 3D. Based on future implant positions, adequate amount of hard tissue augmentation could be planned virtually. Individualized form of the barrier membrane could be determined, allowing the additive manufacturing of a membrane cutting template for shaping the barrier membrane during surgery. The combination of a non-resorbable barrier membrane, tenting screws, and composite graft (50% xenograft, 50% autogenous bone) was utilized. A follow-up CBCT scan was taken after 9 months to determine volumetric and 3D morphological changes. After 9 months, a hard tissue gain of 0.81 cm 3 could be observed. During the 6-9 month healing period membrane exposition did not occur. Virtual planning and subsequent surgical simulation on 3D models is a novel method in “prosthetically driven” augmentation potentially reducing the duration of surgery and postoperative complications. However, further studies are necessary to drive any more conclusions.

Virtual planning and volumetric evaluation of wound healing following regenerative surgical treatment of intrabony periodontal defects

Our aim was to present a virtual surgical planning process in the regenerative treatment of intrabony periodontal defects and to evaluate volumetric and 3D morphological changes by the superimposition of pre- and post-operative cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) datasets. Eight intrabony periodontal defects were enrolled in the present investigation. CBCT and intraoral scans (IOS) were taken prior to and 6 months after periodontal regenerative surgery. Utilizing a semi-automatic segmentation method 3D models were generated from CBCT scans using an open-source radiographic image processing software (3D Slicer). Hybrid models were acquired with the superimposition and subsequent free-form surface modeling of the segmented CBCT model and the IOS. Hybrid models visualizing all relevant anatomical structures separately (alveolar bone, teeth, soft tissues) were used to plan each step of the procedure virtually prior to surgery. Superimposition of the pre- and post-operative CBCT scans was performed to validate volumetric and 3D morphological alterations. Based on the hybrid models, periodontal defect morphology was visualized in 3D. Following healing, hard tissue fill averaged at 43.04 mm 3 ± 24.47 mm 3 . Hard tissue resorption could be detected in three cases. Hybrid models acquired with the technique allowed a better understanding of the 3D defect morphology and therefore more precise surgical planning could be performed. With the spatial registration of pre- and post-operative CBCT scans volumetric and 3D morphological alterations could be visualized that provided a better understanding of the healing dynamics.

Open-source low-cost cardiac optical mapping system.

Fluorescent imaging with voltage- or calcium-sensitive dyes, known as optical mapping, is one of the indispensable modern techniques to study cardiac or neural electrophysiology, unsurpassed by temporal and spatial resolution. High-speed CMOS cameras capable of optical registration of action potential propagation are in general very costly. We present a complete solution priced below US$1,000 (including camera and lens) at the moment of publication with an open-source image acquisition and processing software. We demonstrate that the iDS UI-3130CP rev.2 camera we used in this study is capable of 200x200 977 frames per second (FPS) action potential recordings from rodent hearts, with the signal-to-noise-ratio of a conditioned signal of 16 ± 10. A comparison with a specialized MiCAM Ultimate-L camera has shown that signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) while lower is sufficient for accurate measurements of AP waveform, conduction velocity (± 0.04 m/s) and action potential duration (± 7ms) in mouse and rat hearts. We used 4-aminopyridine to prolong the action potential duration in mouse heart, thus demonstrating that the proposed system is adequate for pharmacological studies.

Characterization of volumetric growth of intracranial meningiomas in Māori and Pasifika populations in New Zealand.

Māori and Pasifika populations in New Zealand have a higher incidence and prevalence of intracranial meningioma (IM). We sought to evaluate the volumetric growth rate of meningiomas under surveillance in these populations. From July 2002 to October 2020, 336 patients with a total of 408 IM underwent conservative management with serial radiological surveillance at Auckland City Hospital and met the criteria for the study. Inclusion criteria included: age >16 at diagnosis, ≥2 appropriate scans one or more years apart. Exclusion criteria included previous cranial irradiation, a diagnosis of Neurofibromatosis and prior treatment of meningioma. Demographic and clinical data were obtained from the electronic medical records. Imaging data were recorded from the first and last scans. We utilized open-source image processing software (3D Slicer) for semi-automated segmentation and volume calculation. Consistent with previous literature, we calculated the relative growth rate (RGR, %/year) and annual volume change (AVC, cm3 /year) over time. Four hundred and eight meningiomas were volumetrically characterized for a mean duration of 6.2 years. The Māori and Pasifika populations (n= 134/393) demonstrated a higher RGR (31.41 versus 14.33%/year) (P= 0.026) and AVC (2.05 versus 0.95 cm3 ) (P= 0.025) compared to the control population. They also presented at a younger age and had a higher rate of tumour multiplicity. Males represented only 17.6% of the cohort but exhibited a higher growth rate (AVC=2.52 cm3 /year) than females (AVC=0.99 cm3 /year) (P= 0034). Māori and Pasifika populations in New Zealand have a higher incidence and volumetric growth rate of IM compared to a control population. This warrants further clinical, histopathological and genomic analysis.

Studying the Role of P2X7 Receptor in Axonal Growth Using In Utero Electroporation Technique.

The nervous system is formed by a complex network of neuronal connections. During development, neurons elongate their axons through highly stereotyped anatomical pathways to form precise connections. Defects in these mechanisms are related with neurological disorders. Previous studies have reported that inhibition of the P2X7 receptor, an ionotropic purinergic receptor, promotes axonal growth and branching in cultured neurons. However, little is known about the in vivo mechanism of axonal elongation regulated by P2X7. Here, we detailed a step-by-step method to perform in utero cortical electroporation and quantified the electroporated axons employing accessible and open-source image processing software. This effective surgical procedure manipulates in vivo the gene expression in a discrete population of callosal projection neuron. Thus, a better understanding of the involvement of P2X7 in the in vivo establishment of neuronal circuits might help to clarify the basic biology of several neurodevelopmental disorders and axonal regenerative processes.

Evaluation of a low-cost approach to 2-D digital image correlation vs. a commercial stereo-DIC system in Brazilian testing of soil specimens

Due to their cost, high-end commercial 3D-DIC (digital image correlation) systems are still inaccessible for many laboratories or small factories interested in lab testing materials. These professional systems can provide reliable and rapid full-field measurements that are essential in some laboratory tests with high-strain rate events or high dynamic loading. However, in many stress-controlled experiments, such as the Brazilian tensile strength (BTS) test of compacted soils, samples are usually large and fail within a timeframe of several minutes. In those cases, alternative low-cost methods could be successfully used instead of commercial systems. This paper proposes a methodology to apply 2D-DIC techniques using consumer-grade cameras and the open-source image processing software DICe (Sandia National Lab) for monitoring the standardized BTS test. Unlike most previous studies that theoretically estimate systematic errors or use local measures from strain gauges for accuracy assessment, we propose a contrast methodology with independent full-field measures. The displacement fields obtained with the low-cost system are benchmarked with the professional stereo-DIC system Aramis-3D (GOM GmbH) in four BTS experiments using compacted soil specimens. Both approaches proved to be valid tools for obtaining full-field measurements and showing the sequence of crack initiation, propagation and termination in the BTS, constituting reliable alternatives to traditional strain gauges. Mean deviations obtained between the low-cost 2D-DIC approach and Aramis-3D in measuring in-plane components were 0.08 mm in the perpendicular direction of loading (ΔX) and 0.06 mm in the loading direction (ΔY). The proposed low-cost approach implies considerable savings compared to commercial systems.

Image Processing using Open Source Tools and their Implementation in the Analysis of Complex Microstructures

AbstractConsidering the dependance of materials’ properties on the microstructure, it is imperative to carry out a thorough microstructural characterization and analysis to bolster its development. This article is aimed to inform the users about the implementation of FIJI, an open source image processing software for image segmentation and quantitative microstructural analysis.The rapid advancement of computer technology in the past years has made it possible to swiftly segment and analyze hundreds of micrographs reducing hours’ worth of analysis time to a mere matter of minutes. This has led to the availability of several commercial image processing software programs primarily aimed at relatively inexperienced users. Despite the advantages like ‘one-click solutions’ offered by commercial software, the high licensing cost limits its widespread use in the metallographic community.Open-source platforms on the other hand, are free and easily available although rudimentary knowledge of the user-interface is a pre-requisite. In particular, the software FIJI has distinguished itself as a versatile tool, since it provides suitable extensions from image processing to segmentation to quantitative stereology and is continuously developed by a large user community. This article aims to introduce the FIJI program by familiarizing the user with its graphical user-interface and providing a sequential methodology to carry out image segmentation and quantitative microstructural analysis.

Pew2: Open-Source Imaging Software for Laser Ablation-Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry.

Open-sourced software is a key component of the mass spectrometry imaging field, where transparency in data processing is vital. Imaging of trace elements and immunohistochemically labeled biomolecules in tissue sections is typically performed using laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS). However, efficient and facile processing of images is hampered by a lack of verifiable and user-friendly software that supports multiple LA-ICP-MS platforms. In this technical note, we introduce Pew2, a LA-ICP-MS specific and feature-rich open-source image processing software that is compatible with common ICP-MS vendors. Pew2 is designed to be fast and easy to use and adheres to modern visualization philosophies to maximize productivity and to minimize data interpretation errors and image anomalies.

Competitive Real-Time Near Infrared (NIR) Vein Finder Imaging Device to Improve Peripheral Subcutaneous Vein Selection in Venipuncture for Clinical Laboratory Testing.

In this study, near-infrared (NIR) technology was utilized to develop a low-cost real-time near infrared (NIR) guiding device for cannulation. A portable device that can be used by medical practitioners and also by students for their skills development training in performing cannulation. Methods. First, is the development of a reflectance type optical vein finder using three (3) light emitting diode (LED) lights with 960 nm wavelength, complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor-infrared (CMOS-IR) sensor camera with 1920 × 1080 UXGA (1080P), IR filter set for the given wavelength, and an open-source image processing software. Second, is the actual in-vitro human testing in two sites: the arm and dorsal hand of 242 subjects. The following parameters were included, such as gender, age, mass index (BMI), and skin tone. In order to maximize the assessment process towards the device, the researchers included the arm circumference. This augmented subcutaneous vein imaging study using the develop vein finder device compared the difference in the captured vein images through visual and digital imaging approaches. The human testing was performed in accordance with the ethical standards of the Trinity University of Asia—Institutional Ethics Review Committee (TUA—IERC). Results. The NIR imaging system of the developed vein finder in this study showed its capability as an efficient guiding device through real-time vein pattern recognition, for both sites. Improved captured vein images were observed, having 100% visibility of vein patterns on the dorsal hand site. Fourteen (5.79%) out of 242 subjects reported non-visible peripheral subcutaneous veins in the arm sites. Conclusions. The developed vein finder device with the NIR technology and reflected light principle with low-energy consumption was efficient for real-time peripheral subcutaneous vein imaging without the application of a tourniquet. This might be utilized as a guiding device in locating the vein for the purpose of cannulation, at a very low cost as compared to the commercially available vein finders. Moreover, it may be used as an instructional device for student training in performing cannulation.

Effects of topical prostaglandin drops on angiogenesis in an in ovo chick chorioallantoic membrane model

Background To investigate the effects of bimatoprost, latanoprost and travoprost on angiogenesis in the chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) model in ovo Materials and methods Fifty fertilized specific-pathogen-free chick eggs were used in this preclinical, prospective, experimental embryo study. Eggs were randomly distributed into 5 groups of ten eggs. Eggs were placed in the incubator after disinfection of their shells with alcohol and monitored appropriate temperature and humidity. On the 3rd day of incubation, a small window was opened on the eggshell. Bimatoprost in group 1, latanoprost in group 2, travoprost in group 3, bevacizumab in group 4, phosphate-buffered-saline (PBS) used in group 5 was applied by injection to CAM. The sterile film was glued onto the broken part of the shell and the eggs were placed in the incubator again. On the 8th day of incubation, eggs were opened and vascular structures on CAMs were examined. Digital photographs were taken, analysed in the ImageJ open source image processing software and differences between groups were evaluated. Thereafter, VEGF (Vascular endothelial growth factor) levels were measured appropriately in the embryo samples. Results All embryos in the prostaglandin groups and the PBS control group were observed to have life signs confirmed by heart rate. In 8 embryos in the bevacizumab group, no life signs were confirmed, while 2 embryos with life signs showed severe hypoplasia. Vascular density, number of vessels and VEGF levels in the bimatoprost, latanoprost and travoprost groups, there were statistically significantly higher than the PBS control group. Conclusion This study demonstrates that topical prostaglandin drops increase angiogenesis in the chick CAM model in ovo.

The Use of Image Processing and Analysis in Automated Biological Dosimetry

Biological dosimetry based on cytogenetic markers such as dicentric chromosome (DC) and micronuclei (MN) is, until now, the most frequently used method to estimate the radiation dose in the radiological accident event. Another biomarker that recently gains popularity in biodosimetry is γH2AX. All these three assays are microscope-based biodosimetry techniques, and therefore need manual scoring to estimate the radiation dose. Unfortunately, the manual scoring of these assays is time-consuming and labor-intensive. In the case of a large-scale radiological accident when many people are exposed to radiation, it is very useful to use image processing and analysis in the scoring process to obtain a faster result. Several commercial systems or open-source image processing software packages already developed automated scoring of DC, MN, and γH2AX assays. This article describes how image processing and analysis were applied in automated biodosimetry based on the DC, MN, and γH2AX assays.

Digital three-dimensional visualization of intrabony periodontal defects for regenerative surgical treatment planning

BackgroundIn the regenerative treatment of intrabony periodontal defects, surgical strategies are primarily determined by defect morphologies. In certain cases, however, direct clinical measurements and intraoral radiographs do not provide sufficient information on defect morphologies. Therefore, the application of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) has been proposed in specific cases. 3D virtual models reconstructed with automatic thresholding algorithms have already been used for diagnostic purposes. The aim of this study was to utilize 3D virtual models, generated with a semi-automatic segmentation method, for the treatment planning of minimally invasive periodontal surgeries and to evaluate the accuracy of the virtual models, by comparing digital measurements to direct intrasurgical measurements.MethodsFour patients with a total of six intrabony periodontal defects were enrolled in the present study. Two months following initial periodontal treatment, a CBCT scan was taken. The novel semi-automatic segmentation method was performed in an open-source medical image processing software (3D Slicer) to acquire virtual 3D models of alveolar and dental structures. Intrasurgical and digital measurements were taken, and results were compared to validate the accuracy of the digital models. Defect characteristics were determined prior to surgery with conventional diagnostic methods and 3D virtual models. Diagnostic assessments were compared to the actual defect morphology during surgery.ResultsDifferences between intrasurgical and digital measurements in depth and width of intrabony components of periodontal defects averaged 0.31 ± 0.21 mm and 0.41 ± 0.44 mm, respectively. In five out of six cases, defect characteristics could not be assessed precisely with direct clinical measurements and intraoral radiographs. 3D models generated with the presented semi-automatic segmentation method depicted the defect characteristics correctly in all six cases.ConclusionIt can be concluded that 3D virtual models acquired with the described semi-automatic segmentation method provide accurate information on intrabony periodontal defect morphologies, thus influencing the treatment strategy. Within the limitations of this study, models were found to be accurate; however, further investigation with a standardized validation process on a large number of participants has to be conducted.

An intelligent assistive algorithm for bone tumor detection from human X-Ray images based on binary Blob analysis

Image segmentation is an essential phase of medical image processing. Orthopaedics practitioners suggest X-Ray imaging to detect bone related diseases of the patient. Due to increase in the number of bone cancers, bone tumor detection and its segmentation from X-Ray image has become thirst area of research in the medical image analysis. In this research paper, an intelligent assistive algorithm has been proposed, which is called BTDBB to identify bone tumor from human being’s X-Ray images. The proposed algorithm accepts human arm X-Ray images, converts into grayscale, do Gaussian filtering to remove noise and enhancement, Segmentation to divide image into different parts based on threshold, detection of ROI using binary blob pattern analysis, crop image to retain ROI only, measurement of tumor size and finally, detection of bone tumor. The algorithm is implemented in Scilab 5.5.2 open source image processing software using 109 X-Ray images as dataset, out of which 82 images were bone tumor infected. We have compared our proposed algorithm with existing algorithms/methods for performance evaluation using different types of accuracies as evaluation metrics. Further, we have found that proposed algorithm yields an average accuracy of 99.12% and hence, it is superior in performance over existing selected algorithms/methods based on selected parameters.