Development of Coral Investigation System Based on Semantic Segmentation of Single-Channel Images.

Among aquatic biota, corals provide shelter with sufficient nutrition to a wide variety of underwater life. However, a severe decline in the coral resources can be noted in the last decades due to global environmental changes causing marine pollution. Hence, it is of paramount importance to develop and deploy swift coral monitoring system to alleviate the destruction of corals. Performing semantic segmentation on underwater images is one of the most efficient methods for automatic investigation of corals. Firstly, to design a coral investigation system, RGB and spectral images of various types of corals in natural and artificial aquatic sites are collected. Based on single-channel images, a convolutional neural network (CNN) model, named DeeperLabC, is employed for the semantic segmentation of corals, which is a concise and modified deeperlab model with encoder-decoder architecture. Using ResNet34 as a skeleton network, the proposed model extracts coral features in the images and performs semantic segmentation. DeeperLabC achieved state-of-the-art coral segmentation with an overall mean intersection over union (IoU) value of 93.90%, and maximum F1-score of 97.10% which surpassed other existing benchmark neural networks for semantic segmentation. The class activation map (CAM) module also proved the excellent performance of the DeeperLabC model in binary classification among coral and non-coral bodies.

Idiopathic intracranial hypertension: lumboperitoneal shunts versus ventriculoperitoneal shunts--case series and literature review.

OBJECTIVES: Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is an uncommon but important cause of headache that can lead to visual loss. This study was undertaken to review our experience in the treatment of IIH by neuronavigation-assisted ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunts with programmable valves as compared to lumboperitoneal (LP) shunts. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was conducted on 25 patients treated for IIH between 2001 and 2009. Age, sex, clinical presentation, methods of treatment and failure rates were recorded. RESULTS: Seventy-two per cent were treated initially with LP shunts. Failure rate was 11% in this group. Neuronavigation-assisted VP shunts were used to treat 28%. In this group, the failure rate was 14%. CONCLUSION: Our experience indicates that both LP shunts and VP shuts are effective in controlling all the clinical manifestations of IIH in the immediate postoperative period. Failure rates are slightly higher for VP shunts (14%) than LP shunts (11%). However, revision rates are higher with LP shunts (60%) than with VP shunts (30%).

A systematic review and meta-analysis of memantine for the prevention or treatment of chronic pain.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors are involved in pain signalling and neuroplasticity. Memantine has been shown to have analgesic properties in pre-clinical and small clinical studies. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the efficacy of memantine to prevent or reduce chronic pain. DATABASES AND DATA TREATMENT: MEDLINE, EMBASE and CENTRAL databases were searched for comparative trials using memantine, either against placebo or active medications, for chronic pain in adults. Pain relief was considered our primary outcome. Meta-analyses were conducted if outcomes were reported in two or more studies. Outcomes were reported as mean differences (MD) or risk ratios (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Quality was assessed using the GRADE approach. RESULTS: Among 454 citations, 15 studies were included with populations predominantly consisting of neuropathic conditions and fibromyalgia. Overall, we observed unclear reporting of randomization and allocation methods, apart from potential for publication bias. Among the 11 studies looking at chronic pain treatment, the difference in end pain score with memantine was not significant: MD = -0.58 units (95% CI -1.31, 0.14); I2  = 82% (low quality). In two surgical studies using memantine for pain prevention, memantine decreased pain intensity: MD = -1.02 units (95% CI -1.38, -0.66); I2  = 0%. Dizziness was significantly more common with memantine: RR = 4.90 (95% CI 1.26, 18.99); I2  = 52% (moderate quality). CONCLUSION: The current evidence regarding the use of memantine for chronic pain is limited and uncertain. Despite its potential, pain relief achieved in clinical studies is small and is associated with an increase in dizziness. SIGNIFICANCE: Despite a sound rationale, the benefit of using memantine for chronic pain is unclear. Our systematic review and meta-analysis show that memantine may have the potential to decrease pain. However, it can also increase common adverse effects. Considering the small number of studies with potential for bias and inconclusive evidence, there was low to very low certainty. Hence, no clear recommendations can be made about its routine clinical use until larger and more definitive studies are conducted.

Solitary paraganglioma of the hypoglossal nerve: case report.

BACKGROUND AND IMPORTANCE: We report the case history of solitary hypoglossal paraganglioma in a 64-year-old woman. The surgical difficulties encountered in the removal of this challenging tumor are discussed and as a literature review provided. CLINICAL PRESENTATION: A 64-year-old woman presented with a short history of dysphonia, occasional dysphagia, tinnitus, altered taste, and unilateral left-sided tongue wasting. On examination, there was left lower motor hypoglossal paralysis. Imaging showed a discrete enhancing lobulated mass, measuring 2 × 2 cm, in the region of the hypoglossal nerve extending into the hypoglossal canal suggestive of hypoglossal paraganglioma. A left dorsolateral suboccipital craniotomy was performed with the patient in the sitting position. The hypoglossal nerve appeared to be enlarged, and the jugular foramen was normal. Complete surgical debulking of the tumor was not attempted because of its vascular nature. The nerve was decompressed, and neuropathology confirmed a low-grade paraganglioma arising from the hypoglossal nerve. The patient was scheduled to receive stereotactic radiation for further management. CONCLUSION: When a case of solitary hypoglossal paraganglioma is encountered in clinical practice, the aim of management should be mainly focused on achieving a diagnosis and preserving the hypoglossal nerve function. If there is evidence of vascularity in the lesion noted on magnetic resonance imaging, a preoperative angiogram should be obtained with a view for embolization. We decompressed the hypoglossal canal and achieved good improvement in the patient's symptoms. We recommend stereotactic radiosurgery for remnant and small hypoglossal tumors and regular follow-up with magnetic resonance imaging scans.

Wedding ring in the wrong place: an unusual presentation of penile incarceration in a child with a wedding ring.

An unusual case of penile incarceration in a 13-year-old boy is presented, with lessons to be learned for Accident and Emergency Department junior doctors in particular and for all in general. The presentation was misleading and the condition would have gone undiagnosed with fatal consequences without a team effort. The object used was a wedding ring in this case. Penile incarceration is not common in routine practice. The need for development of necessary paediatric history taking and examination techniques among Emergency Department doctors and staff is highlighted. Recalling the basics, this case report emphasises the importance of thorough physical examination. With early diagnosis and treatment, lifelong disabilities can be prevented.