Detection of skin wrinkles and quantification of roughness using a novel image processing technique from a dermatoscope device.

OBJECTIVE: Cutaneous relief analysis is crucial in the development of new skincare products, as well as in the evaluation of dermatological treatments. The analysis can be performed by qualitative or quantitative methods. We propose a new algorithm to detect wrinkles and quantify skin roughness by image processing from a dermatoscope. METHODS: A clinical study was carried out with 33 research participants, and images were collected with the dermatoscope and PRIMOS equipment for wrinkle evaluation at two different times: Day 0 (D0) and 45 days (D45) after the use of a dermocosmetic product. Later, a new algorithm was developed to detect wrinkles in the acquired images by applying filters and image transformations that generate a segmented image highlighting the wrinkles. A roughness calculation method is proposed from the pixels belonging to wrinkles. RESULTS: Correlation between the values obtained by the PRIMOS equipment and the proposed system was verified. No correlation was found for data obtained at D0; however, there was correlation at time D45 by Spearman's similarity coefficient. By comparing roughness between times D0 and D45, the treatment was statistically significant for both PRIMOS and the proposed methodology data. CONCLUSION: The wrinkle detection algorithm, in addition to the roughness calculation, demonstrated a sensitivity comparable to the PRIMOS system in evaluating the effectiveness of the dermocosmetic treatment. SIGNIFICANCE: Considering the simplicity of the dermatoscope design compared to other established devices such as PRIMOS, the proposed system is promising as an alternative for dermatological evaluations.

Control of invasive marine invertebrates: an experimental evaluation of the use of low salinity for managing pest corals (Tubastraea spp.).

This study investigated the use of low salinity as a killing agent for the invasive pest corals Tubastraea coccinea and Tubastraea tagusensis (Dendrophylliidae). Experiments investigated the efficacy of different salinities, the effect of colony size on susceptibility and the influence of length of exposure. Experimental treatments of colonies were carried out in aquaria. Colonies were then fixed onto experimental plates and monitored in the field periodically over a period of four weeks. The killing effectiveness of low salinity depended on the test salinity and the target species, but was independent of colony size. Low salinity was fast acting and prejudicial to survival: discoloration, necrosis, fragmenting and sloughing, exposure of the skeleton and cover by biofoulers occurred post treatment. For T. tagusensis, 50% mortality (LC50) after three days occurred at eight practical salinity units (PSU); for T. coccinea the LC50 was 2 PSU. Exposure to freshwater for 45-120 min resulted in 100% mortality for T. tagusensis, but only the 120 min period was 100% effective in killing T. coccinea. Freshwater is now routinely used for the post-border management of Tubastraea spp. This study also provides insights as to how freshwater may be used as a routine biosecurity management tool when applied pre-border to shipping vectors potentially transporting non-indigenous marine biofouling species.

Arterial embolization using poly-N-acetyl glucosamine gel in a rat kidney model.

Aqueous solutions of poly-N-acetyl glucosamine (p-GlcNAc) exhibit a liquid-gel transition at physiological pH and temperature. This feature inspired the authors to conduct a study to evaluate the macro- and histological changes of rat kidneys after embolization using either p-GlcNAc gel injection into the renal artery or ligation of the renal artery. The procedures were performed in 46 rats through open abdominal surgeries. Animals were sacrificed at 3 days and at 1, 3, 5, and 8 weeks postoperatively. The results of both macro-observation and histological study showed that p-GlcNAc gels were effective in causing necrosis and subsequent fibrosis in all embolized kidneys. The data indicate that p-GlcNAc gel may have promise as an effective agent for therapeutic embolization.

In vitro analysis of anionic collagen scaffolds for bone repair.

Collagen has been extensively described as a beneficial material in bone tissue engineering due to its biocompatibility, biodegradability, low antigenicity, and high tensile strength. However, collagen scaffolds in their pure form have some drawbacks and improvements in the physical, chemical, and biologic properties of collagen are necessary to overcome those inadequacies. Recently, the selective hydrolysis of carboxyamides of asparagine and glutamine residues of collagen has been employed to increase the number of negative sites and enhance the piezoelectric properties of collagen. Anionic collagen scaffolds were prepared by use of a hydrolysis treatment for either 24 h [bovine pericardium (BP 24)] or 48 h (BP 48). Bovine osteoblasts were cultured on them and on native matrices to understand the cellular interactions responsible for the good osteoconductivity and biocompatibility reported with in vivo tests. Based on the data obtained on cell adhesion, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and extracellular matrix macromolecule production, and cellular proliferation through histological analysis, we may conclude that the materials tested reveal sufficient biocompatibility level for bone repair. Further, the evidence of some connection between ALP activity and the mineralization process should be emphasized. BP 48 presented the most promising results stimulating in vitro mineralization, ALP production, and possible osteoblast differentiation.

Animal models for therapeutic embolization.

Embolization techniques have been performed in different animals to accumulate basic data before a clinical trial. Choosing the right embolization model for a specific project is critical. However, there are several variables when defining the best model for embolization research such as the size of the animal to be used, the target organs, the route of introducing the embolization agent, and the feasible methods of evaluation. Commonly used research animals for endovascular embolization include rabbits, dogs, and rats. Frequently used target organs are the kidney and the liver. Most models use a transcatheter for introducing the embolus and occasionally open surgery and direct arterial injection are used. Basic methods of evaluation are straightforward, and commonly include macro observation of the embolized organs, angiogram, and histology. This article concisely reviews the available animal models and their evaluation for embolization research to help researchers to choose the appropriate model.