Photoshop CS3 Software Research Articles

Morphometric Anatomical Points of Fruit Fly (Bactrocera dorsalis Complex) using Generalized Procrustes Analysis Model

This study aims to analyze the morphometric anatomical wings of the fruit fly Bactrocera dorsalis Complex. The species used in this study consisted of 11 (eleven) species. The analysis technique of the wings of Bactrocera dorsalis Complex, i.e. the right wing of each individual was analyzed using Morphometric landmarks with 15 anatomical points. Digital images of wings are scaled in size and scale using Adobe Photoshop CS3 software. The results of anatomical point digitization are processed into MorphoJ software v. 1.06b. Digitization data of anatomical points of wing shape was collected using Generalized Procrustes Analysis (GPA). The results of the Canonical Variate Analysis (CVA) showed that there was a grouping of each species. The grouping of Bactrocera dorsalis complex wing types is based on the similarity of the percentage of cumulative values of CVA1 and CVA2 tests. Groups B. carambolae, B. minuscula, B. occipitalis, B. papayae, B. floresiae, B. philippinennsis, Bactrocera sp. 23, Bactrocera sp. 25, and Bactrocera sp. 26 grouped because they have similarities in wing venation. The difference in wing venation is found in Bactrocera sp. 27 and B. sumbawaensis because they are far from the group B. carambolae, B. minuscula, B. occipitalis, B. papayae, B. floresiae, B. philippinennsis, Bactrocera sp. 23, Bactrocera sp. 25, and Bactrocera sp. 26.

Application of Android-based Learning Media Applications for Primary Education

Today's learning media has improved considerably than ever before and English at this time is a very important need because English has become an International language. As a means of supporting these activities, cellular phones (cellphones) can be used where currently there are many people from various circles who own and use them. For this reason, researchers created an English learning media application for children based on multimedia and smartphones that is expected to support learning activities and be easy for children to understand. This application contains basic English materials, such as introduction to alphabets, families, numbers and others. This application is equipped with animated images and how to pronounce them in English as well as practice questions for learning the material. By using the Android platform, with this application, it is hoped that children can better understand material about English. The creation of this android-based English learning application uses Adobe Flash CS5 and Adobe Photoshop CS5 software to design application designs. The software used in the creation of this application is Android-SDK (Software Development Kit), JDK (Java Development Kit) installation package, Eclipse Indigo and this application is tested on Android emulators and some android smartphones.

Application of Android-based Learning Media Applications for Primary Education

Today's learning media has improved considerably than ever before and English at this time is a very important need because English has become an International language. As a means of supporting these activities, cellular phones (cellphones) can be used where currently there are many people from various circles who own and use them. For this reason, researchers created an English learning media application for children based on multimedia and smartphones that is expected to support learning activities and be easy for children to understand. This application contains basic English materials, such as introduction to alphabets, families, numbers and others. This application is equipped with animated images and how to pronounce them in English as well as practice questions for learning the material. By using the Android platform, with this application, it is hoped that children can better understand material about English. The creation of this android-based English learning application uses Adobe Flash CS5 and Adobe Photoshop CS5 software to design application designs. The software used in the creation of this application is Android-SDK (Software Development Kit), JDK (Java Development Kit) installation package, Eclipse Indigo and this application is tested on Android emulators and some android smartphones.

A preliminary study of the hemodynamics of concealed perforator flap in animal model with ultrasonic Doppler technique

To study the hemodynamic characteristics of concealed perforator flap in mini-pigs by ultrasonic Doppler technique. Seven 7-month-old mini-pigs, weighing 20-25 kg, were included in the study. The saphenous artery perforator flap (group A, n=4), saphenous artery concealed perforator flap (group B, n=5), and saphenous artery concealed perforator flap combined with sarcolemma (group C, n=5) models were established randomly on both hind limbs of pigs. The pigs and flap survival conditions were observed after operation. The percentage of flap survival area was calculated by Photoshop CS5 software at 5 days after operation. Ultrasonic Doppler technique was performed on the flaps before operation and at immediate, 3 days, and 5 days after operation to record the hemodynamic changes of the flaps. The hemodynamic indicators of saphenous artery (inner diameter, peak systoli velocity, resistance index, and blood flow) and saphenous vein (inner diameter, maximum velocity, and blood flow) were recorded. At 1 day after operation, 1 pig died of infection, and the rest survived until the experiment was completed. Finally, the 3 flaps of group A, 4 of group B, and 5 of group C were included in the study. The flaps of the 3 groups all showed swelling after operation, which was most significant at 3 days. At 3 days after operation, the flaps in group B showed partial bruising and necrosis. At 5 days after operation, the flaps in groups A and C were basically alive, and the necrosis area of flap in group B increased further. The percentage of flap survival area in groups A, B, and C were 99.7%±0.5%, 74.8%±26.4%, and 100%, respectively. The percentage of flap was significantly lower in group B than in groups A and C (P<0.05). There was no significant difference between groups A and C (P>0.05). There were significant differences in the hemodynamic indicators of saphenous artery and vein between different time points in 3 groups (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in each indicator between groups at each time point (P>0.05). Both the saphenous artery concealed perforator flap and the flap combined with sarcolemma have stable blood flow, but the survival area of the latter was better than the former.

Shaping ability of rotary and reciprocating single-file systems in combination with and without different glide path techniques in simulated curved canals

Background/purposeGlide path management (GPM) is a consequential clinical step that serves to influence predictably successful root canal therapy. However, the effect of GPM on the shaping ability of single-file system remains controversial. This study compared the performance of rotary single-file One Curve (OC) and reciprocating single-file Reciproc Blue (RCB) in combination with/without different glide path techniques: no glide path preparation (NG), PathFile (PF), ProGlider (PG) and WaveOne Gold Glider (WOGG), respectively. Materials and methods80 simulated curved canals (n = 10 canals/per group) were instrumented to an apical size of 0.25 mm using OC and RCB in combination with/without different glide path techniques, respectively. The amount of resin removal, canal transportation, and the degree of canal straightening were measured in Photoshop CS6 software. Statistical analysis of the data was performed by using Kruskal–Wallis test, followed by Dunn's post hoc test with Bonferroni correction (α = 0.05). ResultsPost–glide path analysis found that WOGG and PG produced less canal transportation and curvature straightening than PF (P < 0.05). Post-shaping analysis showed that OC groups removed significantly less resin than RCB groups (P < 0.05). The PG and WOGG subgroups in both OC groups and RCB groups produced less transportation and curvature straightening than NG and PF subgroups (P < 0.05). OC + PG subgroup and OC + WOGG subgroup yielded the least canal transportation and curvature straightening (P < 0.05). ConclusionPG and WOGG can improve the shaping ability of OC and RCB instrument. OC, especially when combined with PG and WOGG, has a less aggressive dentin cutting and more centered preparation than the RCB instrument.

The effect of glide path preparation on the shaping ability of XP-endo® Shaper in simulated canals

Aims: To compare the shaping efficiency of the XP-endo Shaper with or without glide path preparation with sequenced Scout Race files in J-shaped resin blocksMaterial and Methods: Forty simulated J-shaped root canals were classified into two groups (n=20). While the root canals were shaped with XPS after a glide path was created with Scout Race files in Group 1, the same procedures were done without the glide path preparation in Group 2. The pre-and post-instrumentation images were taken and superimposed. Transportation value (TV), centering ability (CA) and the total amount of resin removed (TRR) was calculated by using the obtained images with Adobe Photoshop CS5 software. These parameters were calculated based on 18 reference points (9 inner/9 outer walls) with 1-mm intervals according to 3 sections (coronal, middle, and apical of the canals). The data were analyzed with Kruskal-Wallis and then Dunn's multiple comparison tests (p ≤ 0.05).Results: More resin was removed in Group 2 apical and coronal sections than in Group 1 (p=0.036). In Group 2, a higher transportation value was obtained in apical and middle sections compared to Group 1 (p&lt;0.001). Group 1 showed a higher centering ratio in apical and middle sections than in Group 2 (p&lt;0.001). The centering ability of the instruments was decreased in the curvature part (middle section) of the canals.Conclusions: Within the limits of this study, glide path preparation using Scout Race instruments improved the shaping ability of XPS instrument by leading to less transportation and maintaining centering ability.

Fractal analysis as a method of morphometric study of linear anatomical objects: modified Caliper method

The purpose of the study was to develop an original modification of the Caliper method of image fractal analysis to determine the fractal dimension of linear anatomical objects. To develop the method, the linear contour of the outer surface of the cerebral cortex was chosen as the object of study. Magnetic resonance brain images in coronal projection were used. The original modification of the Caliper method includes image analysis using Adobe Photoshop CS5 software or its analogues. The linear contour of the studied object is selected, followed by stepwise smoothing of the contour with different smoothing radius. At the 1st stage of fractal analysis smoothing is not applied, at the 2nd stage the smoothing radius is 2 pixels, the 3rd – 4 pixels, the 4th – 8 pixels, the 5th – 16 pixels. At each stage, the contour length in pixels is measured (P). The size of the fractal measurement unit (G) at the 1st stage of fractal analysis is 1 pixel, the 2nd stage – 2 pixels, the 3rd stage – 4 pixels, the 4th stage – 8 pixels, the 5th stage – 16 pixels. The contour smoothing radius, the size of the fractal measurement units and the number of stages of fractal analysis can be changed depending on the characteristics of the studied structure, size, scale and image resolution. Based on the values of the perimeter and the size of the fractal measurement units, the number of fractal measurement units covering the studied object (N) is calculated: N=P/G. The fractal dimension value is calculated based on the N and G values. The modification of the Caliper method described in this paper is automatized and does not require much time required for manual calculation. In addition, compared to the classic Caliper method, this modification is more accurate because the measurement is performed automatically. The main limitation of the developed modification is the ability to determine the fractal dimension of only closed contours of studied structures or closed linear structures, because this method involves determining the length of the closed perimeter of the selected image area. The modified Caliper method of image fractal analysis described in this paper can be used in morphology and other fields of medicine for fractal analysis of linear objects: external and internal linear contours of different anatomical structures (cerebellum, cerebral hemispheres) and pathological foci (tumors, foci of necrosis, fibrosis, etc.).

Dimensional stability of stored extended-pour irreversible hydrocolloids materials

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the linear dimensional stability of four extended-pour irreversible hydrocolloids (EPIHs). Material and Methods: Five samples per material (Cavex ColorChange, Cavex Orthotrace, Jeltrate Plus, and Orthoprint) were prepared following the manufacturers’ instructions. The samples were prepared using a cylindrical matrix coupled with a nylon-polyamide ring. Two parallel, 25-mm equidistant lines were made on its surface following ANSI/American Dental Association (ADA) Specification 18 for plaster reproducibility and compatibility and Specification 19 for linear dimensional change. The samples were stored in an environment with a relative humidity of 70% (± 3) and temperature of 28°C (± 2). Photo images were obtained using a digital camera to record images for 120 hours, with a standardized distance of 80cm between the lens and the specimen. Adobe Photoshop CS3 software was used for the measurement of the recorded images. The measurements refer to the equivalent distance between the two parallel lines printed on the samples. Data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey’s test for multiple comparisons between the means of the groups. Results: There was no statistically significant difference (p &gt; 0.05) when EPIHs were compared at the same time of evaluation. Orthoprint, Cavex Orthotrace, and Cavex Colorchange presented with least dimensional stability up to 24 hours (p &gt; 0.05) of storage, followed by Jeltrate Plus (48 hours). Conclusions: Storage of EPIHs for more than 24 hours for Cavex ColorChange and 48 hours for others EPIHs studied produces significant dimensional changes in the impressions stored at a humidity of 70% (± 3) and temperature of 28°C (± 2). Extended storage times produce large dimensional changes.

The Effect of Linear and Angular Midline Deviation on Smile Attractiveness Regarding Facial Height

Introduction: The aim of the present study was to evaluate ordinary people`s perception about smile attractiveness in long face and short face subjects with linear and angular midline deviations. Methods: Frontal facial smiling images of two young Iranian females (one short face and one long face) were manipulated by Adobe Photoshop CS3 software. Four photos with different linear midline deviations to right (1mm, 2mm, 3mm and 4mm) and four photos with counter clockwise angular midline deviation (2˚, 6˚, 10˚, 14˚) were produced. Sixty Iranian individuals (30 males and 30 females) were asked to determine from which photo on, they found that the smile is unattractive. Results: Unlike angular midline deviation, there was no statistically significant difference in the acceptability limitation for linear midline deviation between long face and short face subjects. The mean of unattractive limitation for angular midline deviation was 8.44˚ and 6.56˚ in long face and short face subjects, respectively. No statistically significant differences were found in ratings between male and female examiners. Conclusion: Angular midline deviation is more acceptable in long face people. On the other hand, the attractiveness of the two facial types is similarly affected by linear midline deviation

Shaping ability of ProTaper Gold and WaveOne Gold nickel-titanium rotary instruments in simulated S-shaped root canals

Background/purposeGold metal technology improves flexibility and the resistance to cyclic fatigue of the endodontic mechanical files. This study compared the performance of ProTaper Gold (PTG) multiple file system and WaveOne Gold (WOG) single file system in simulated S-shaped root canals, which represents one of the most challenging root canal morphology. Materials and methodsForty S-shaped canals (n = 20 canals/per group) in resin blocks were instrumented to an apical size of 0.25 mm using PTG and WOG Primary, respectively. The total amount of resin removal, canal transportation, centering ratio, and the degree of canal straightening were measured in Photoshop CS6 software. Statistical analysis was performed by using Mann–Whitney U-test (α = .05). ResultsNone of the files fractured during the instrumentation. The WOG group removed significantly less amount of resin at 0, 3, 6, 7 and 9 mm from the apex (P < .05). The WOG group remained more centered in canals at 0 mm from the apex (P < .05). The PTG group showed a better centering ability and less canal transportation at 4, 5 and 6 mm from the apex (P < .05). In the coronal curvature portion, the use of WOG Primary significantly decreased curvature angle and increased radius compared with PTG instruments (P < .05). There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of the apical curvature angle and radius change (P > .05). ConclusionThe WOG Primary file has a less aggressive dentin cutting and more centered apical preparation. The PTG system is more advantageous in shaping the coronal curvature of S-shaped canal.

Measurement Method to Determine the Difference in Tear Trough and Palpebromalar Groove Distribution After Transconjunctival Fat Reposition.

This study designed an efficient measurement method to evaluate the outcome of transconjunctival fat reposition in the tear trough and palpebromalar groove. A total of 41 patients (82 eyes) who underwent transconjunctival fat reposition surgery between January 2016 and March 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. Preoperative and postoperative (at least six months) standardized digital images were taken from the patients. A satisfaction survey was conducted on all patients. Their images were analyzed by using the Adobe Photoshop CS5 software. Ratios of the tear trough and palpebromalar groove were calculated. These data were analyzed by SPSS 20.0. The overall satisfaction rate was 90.2%. With a partition in the infraorbital region, a line graph showed that the location of the tear trough and palpebromalar groove moved to the upper squares postoperatively. The number of patients whose end points of the tear trough and palpebromalar groove located outside the midline of the pupil decreased by 30.5%. When we processed all the parameters of the preoperative and postoperative groups by profile analysis, a significant difference in the tear trough and palpebromalar groove before and after surgery was observed (right: F = 79.844, P = 0.000 < 0.01; left: F = 161.799, P = 0.000 < 0.01). Digital image analysis is feasible and useful in investigating the improvement of the tear trough and palpebromalar groove. The tear trough and palpebromalar groove shifted up and became shortened, which provided a more reliable evidence for lower eyelid rejuvenation.

Visual facial perception of postsurgical cleft lip scarring assessed by laypeople via eye-tracking.

OBJECTIVES:This study aimed to evaluate the visual facial perception in response to scars associated with repaired cleft lip (CL) on a male adolescent model, as assessed by eye-tracking technology.MATERIAL AND METHODS:Unilateral and bilateral facial images of repaired CL on the upper lip and nasal asymmetry were added to an image of a male adolescent model, using Photoshop CS5 software. 40 laypeople eye movements were tracked by an infrared sensor of the Eye Tribe hardware in conjunction with OGAMA software. An analysis of variance was used to identify differences in total fixation time for the added areas of interest. A visual analog scale of attractiveness with a questionnaire were also incorporated into the study. Statistical analysis was performed using a significance level of P < 0.05.RESULTS:Significant differences were noted between the image with no scar and the image featuring a unilateral scar for total fixation time associated with the right eye (p = 0.002) and right nose area (p = 0.003), in addition to the numbers of fixations for the right eye (p = 0.005) and right nose area (p = 0.007). Comparing the image with no scar with the image featuring a bilateral scar showed a significant difference only for the number of fixations on the right eye (p = 0.005). The heatmaps and fixation point maps for both the unilateral and bilateral scar images indicated increased fixation for the scar areas. For the image with no scar, increased fixation was captured for the right eye area. Pearson's correlation coefficient test showed a moderate positive (p = 0.692) relationship when comparing to unilateral and bilateral cleft scars.CONCLUSIONS:The participating laypeople perceived the cleft-repaired faces and did not perceive any difference in attractiveness between the images featuring the unilateral and bilateral postsurgical clefts and lip scarring.

A comparison between visual, digital photography and polarizing filter photography for shade selection.

There is an increased awareness for aesthetically pleasing restorations among patients in current practice. Due to variability in the natural tooth colour, shade selection becomes an intricate procedure. The aim of this study is to determine which of the three named methods is more accurate for shade selection in aesthetic dentistry. Two VITAPAN classical shade guides were used for this study. Nine shades were selected from the first shade guide (A1, A2, A3.5, B1, B2, B3, C1, C2, C3) and the number was concealed. Ten selected participants were asked to identify each concealed shade with the second shade guide. Canon 5D camera with ISO 200, shutter speed 1/100 sec, F22 was used for capturing images of the second shade guide. Photoshop CS3 Software was used for developing the digital shade guide. The participants were asked to match the shades from the first shade guide with the prepared digital shade guide. The third photographic shade guide was prepared using a polarised filter on the Canon 5D camera with the same settings. The participants were asked to match shades with the prepared photographic shade guide. Total observations made during the study were 270. Cross table statistical analysis (Chi-square test) done using SPSS 20.0 showed statistically significant difference between conventional and digital photography (P = 0.049). Analysis between digital photography and polarizing filter photography did not reveal a significant association (P = 0.181). Digital photographic method was most accurate among the three shade selection methods. It can be used to obtain aesthetic results.

Lentiviral Vector-Mediated Expression of Exoenzyme C3 Transferase Lowers Intraocular Pressure in Monkeys.

Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) is considered a lifelong disease characterized by optic nerve deterioration and visual field damage. Although the disease progression can usually be controlled by lowering the intraocular pressure (IOP), therapeutic effects of current approaches do not last long. Gene therapy could be a promising method for persistent treatment of the disease. Our previous study demonstrated that gene transfer of exoenzyme C3 transferase (C3) to the trabecular meshwork (TM) to inhibit Rho GTPase (Rho), the upstream signal molecule of Rho-associated kinase (ROCK), resulted in lowered IOP in normal rodent eyes. In the present study, we show that the lentiviral vector (LV)-mediated C3 expression inactivates RhoA in human TM cells by ADP ribosylation, resulting indisruption of the actin cytoskeleton and altered cell morphology. In addition, intracameral delivery of the C3 vector to monkey eyes leads to persistently lowered IOP without obvious signs of inflammation. This is the first report of using a vector to transduce the TM of an alive non-human primate with a gene that alters cellular machinery and physiology. Our results in non-human primates support that LV-mediated C3 expression in the TM may have therapeutic potential forglaucoma, the leading cause of irreversible blindness in humans.

Preliminary Research: Description of Lip Print Patterns in Children and Their Parents among Deutero-Malay Population in Indonesia.

Introduction Human identification is vital not only in legal medicine but also in criminal inquiries and identification. Cheiloscopy is the study of lip prints which are unique, individual, and heritable that is used for personal identification purposes in forensic odontology. Objective The aim of this study is to identify the possibility of the child to inherit the lip print patterns from their parents and also to describe the lip print patterns in children and their parents among the Deutero-Malay population. Method The descriptive research used lip samples of 90 individuals including father, mother, and a child who are biologically related and their age ranges from 12 to 60 years old. The samples chosen are from the Deutero-Malay ethnic in Indonesia at least for the past two generation who obeys all the exclusion criteria of this research. Purposive nonrandom sampling method was used to collect samples by photography technique using a digital camera, and the data obtained were then analysed using Adobe Photoshop CS3 software. Grooves and wrinkles of primary quadrants one, three, six, and seven of lips were studied according to Suzuki and Tsuchihashi's classification in 1971. Result In the present study, it is found that Type I′ (30.28%) is the most dominant lip print pattern and Type I (1.39%) is the least dominant among the Deutero-Malay population. Besides, this study has shown that the similarity of lip print pattern between mother and the child (57.89%) is greater compared to the father and the child (42.22%). Conclusion Based on this, we can conclude that lip print can be inherited and dissimilar for every population of race; likewise, the Deutero-Malay population has the Type I′ as the most dominant lip print pattern.

Influence of geometric design characteristics on primary stability of orthodontic miniscrews.

Aim of the present study was to investigate the influence of geometric design characteristics on primary stability of orthodontic miniscrews. Forty self-drilling miniscrews with different geometric design characteristics were divided into the following groups (n = 10): groupI-Tomas® (Dentaurum, Germany), groupII-AbsoAnchor® (Dentos, Korea), groupIII-HUBIT® miniscrew (HUBIT, Korea), groupIV-Creative® (China). The four types were conical miniscrews with 1.6 mm diameter and 6.0 mm length. The miniscrews were manually inserted perpendicular to cow ribs until the full thread length was reached with the help of a1.3 mm predrilled pilot hole. Each miniscrew was evaluated usingscanning electron microscope. Linear and angular measurements were taken using Photoshop CS3 software. Miniscrew stability was measured by the Periotest® and pullout test. All linear and angular measurements of the geometric characteristics showed significant differences between the four groups (p ≤ 0.001). Results of the pullout test showed significant differences between the four groups (p ≤ 0.001), while the Periotest® values showed no significant differences (p = 0.122). Amultiple linear regression analysis revealed the significant predictors for higher pullout: alarger flank, ahigher value for the thread angle, lead angle, and apical face angle (p ≤ 0.001). Orthodontic miniscrews' geometric design characteristics significantly affected the primary stability. Larger pitch width, flank, thread angle, apical face angle, and/or lead angle led to higher primary stability. Smaller athread shape factor (TSF) also improved primary stability. Varying these characteristics may enhance miniscrew design.

Assessment of reliability of cheiloscopy and dactyloscopy in human identification by digital method: A cross-sectional study

Background and Objectives: Identification is of paramount importance in medicolegal investigations. Identification means the determination of the individuality of a person. This study involved the recording of lip and fingerprints of 50 males and 50 females in the age group of 18–24 years to assess their distribution in the gender groups and to evaluate the reliability of lip and fingerprint patterns in gender determination.Materials and Methods: The individuals were selected based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The procured prints were scanned and analyzed for uniqueness and gender determination using Adobe Photoshop CS5 software (Adobe Systems Incorporated, San Jose, California, USA). Statistical analysis was done using statistical mean, standard deviation, Chi-square test, Student's unpaired t-test (P < 0.05), and Cohen's Kappa test.Results: The most frequent lip print pattern was Type IV in males and Type I' in females. The most frequent fingerprint pattern was ulnar loop in the total population, as well as in the sex-wise distribution. Individuals with mean fingerprint ridge densities in the range of 10–12/25 mm2 were predominantly males whereas those >14/25 mm2 were predominantly females. Conclusion: Fingerprint ridge density was found to be a more reliable tool in estimating the gender of an unknown individual than lip print.

An Inexpensive Digital Image Analysis Technique for Liver Fibrosis Quantification in Chronic Hepatitis B Patients

Background and aimQuantitative digital imaging analysis to evaluate liver fibrosis is accurate, but its clinical use is limited by its high cost and lack of standardization. We aimed to validate an inexpensive digital imaging analysis technique for fibrosis quantification in chronic hepatitis B patients. Material and methodsIn total, 142 chronic hepatitis B patients who underwent liver biopsy and analysis of serum fibrosis markers were included. Images of Sirius red stain sections were captured and processed using Adobe Photoshop CS3 software. The percentage of fibrosis (fibrosis index) was determined by the ratio of the fibrosis area to the total sample area, expressed in pixels, and calculated automatically. ResultsA strong correlation between the fibrosis index and the Ishak, Metavir, and Laennec histological staging systems were observed (r = 0.83, 0.86, and 0.84, respectively; p < 0.001). The cutoff value associated with cirrhosis was 7.7% with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) of 0.95 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.92-0.99, p < 0.001). Furthermore, the fibrosis index yielded a cutoff value of 8.9% (AUROC, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.66-0.86), 12% (AUROC, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.75-0.93), and 14% (AUROC, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.92-1.0) for the diagnosis of cirrhosis 4a, 4b, and 4c, respectively. No serum markers or fibrosis models were correlated with the fibrosis index in Metavir F2-F4. ConclusionsThe present digital imaging analysis technique is reproducible and available worldwide, allowing its use in clinical practice, and can be considered as a complementary tool to traditional histological methods.

Preliminary study on digital image analysis of endoscopic ultrasonography in the differential diagnosis of benign and malignant pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasm

Objective To investigate the value of digital image analysis (DIA) of endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) in the differential diagnosis of benign and malignant pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasm (PNEN). Methods The relation between various parameters of EUS-imaging and benign and malignant lesions in 47 patients clinically diagnosed PNEN were retrospectively analyzed. Photoshop CS5 software was performed for digital image processing, and lesions related parameters were collected, including area, perimeter, length, circularity, gray, gray ratio, and gray standard deviation. The statistical method of t test was performed for comparison between two groups. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was analyzed in length, circularity, average gray scale ratio and gray standard deviation. Results Among the 47 patients, 35 cases and 12 cases were in benign group and malignant group, respectively. The mean gray scale ratio and the circularity of benign group were significantly higher than those of malignant group (0.80±0.05 vs 0.74±0.07, 0.63±0.17 vs 0.40±0.09), and the differences were statistically significant (t= 2.659 and 5.787, both P<0.05). The gray standard deviation of benign group were lower than that of malignant group (9.90±1.24 vs 12.55±3.27), and the difference was statistically significant (t=-2.733, P=0.018). The area under the curve (AUC) of circularity was 0.724 (95% confidence interval(CI): 0.546 to 0.901), the cut-off value was 0.767, the sensitivity and specificity were 71.43% and 66.67%, respectively. The AUC of average gray ratio was 0.888 (95%CI: 0.785 to 0.991), the cut-off value was 0.412, the sensitivity and specificity were 94.29% and 75.00%, respectively. The AUC of gray standard deviation was 0.811 (95%CI: 0.647 to 0.974), the cut-off value was 11.02, the sensitivity and specificity were 66.67% and 85.71%, respectively. When combined with the three parameters of circularity, average gray scale ratio and gray standard deviation, the sensitivity and specificity were 97.14% and 83.33%, and the accuracy was 93.61%. Conclusions EUS with DIA technology can improve the detection of EUS images to PNEN, and which may be complementary to EUS guided fine needle aspiration. It also privided a noninvasive, objective, convenient, and effective option for the differential diagnosis of benign and malignant PNEN. Key words: Digital image analysis; Endosonography; Pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasm; Diagnosis

Comparison of Apical Transportation with the Use of Rotary System and Reciprocating Handpiece with Precurved Hand Files: An In Vitro Study.

Introduction:Success of root canal treatment depends on several factors; among which, maintaining the original canal path during mechanical preparation is extremely important. This in vitro study aimed to compare apical transportation using RaCe NiTi rotary system and precurved stainless steel (SS) hand files in a reciprocating handpiece. Methods and Materials:Mesiobuccal canals of 40 extracted human mandibular first and second molars with 20 to 45° curvatures and 3 to 7 mm curve radius were chosen for this study. After working length determination, the teeth were divided into two groups (n=20). Root canals were prepared with RaCe in group 1 and NSK handpiece and precurved SS hand files in group 2 up to #30 with 2% taper in both groups. Radiographs were taken of teeth before and after instrumentation from buccolingual and mesiodistal directions. The images were superimposed using Adobe Photoshop CS3 software. Degree of straightening and amount of apical transportation at 0, 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 mm levels short of the working length were determined using digital subtraction radiography. The student’s t test was used to compare the degree of straightening and Mann Whitney test was applied to compare apical transportation (millimeters) between the two groups. Results:No significant difference was noted between the two groups on buccolingual or mesiodistal views in degree of straightening and apical transportation on buccolingual view (P>0.05). However, on mesiodistal view, NSK reciprocating handpiece caused greater apical transportation at 0. 0.5 and 1 mm levels (P<0.05). Conclusion:The RaCe system and precurved SS files in reciprocating handpiece were highly similar in terms of degree of straightening and apical transportation. Thus, engine-driven NSK reciprocating handpiece can be used as an efficient adjunct for root canal preparation.