Detection of the rotator cuff tears using a novel convolutional neural network from magnetic resonance image (MRI).

The rotator cuff tear is a common situation for basketballers, handballers, or other athletes that strongly use their shoulders. This injury can be diagnosed precisely from a magnetic resonance (MR) image. In this paper, a novel deep learning-based framework is proposed to diagnose rotator cuff tear from MRI images of patients suspected of the rotator cuff tear. First, we collected 150 shoulders MRI images from two classes of rotator cuff tear patients and healthy ones with the same numbers. These images were observed by an orthopedic specialist and then tagged and used as input in the various configurations of the Convolutional Neural Network (CNN). At this stage, five different configurations of convolutional networks have been examined. Then, in the next step, the selected network with the highest accuracy is used to extract the deep features and classify the two classes of rotator cuff tear and healthy. Also, MRI images are feed to two quick pre-trained CNNs (MobileNetv2 and SqueezeNet) to compare with the proposed CNN. Finally, the evaluation is performed using the 5-fold cross-validation method. Also, a specific Graphical User Interface (GUI) was designed in the MATLAB environment for simplicity, which allows for testing by detecting the image class. The proposed CNN achieved higher accuracy than the two mentioned pre-trained CNNs. The average accuracy, precision, sensitivity, and specificity achieved by the best selected CNN configuration are equal to 92.67%, 91.13%, 91.75%, and 92.22%, respectively. The deep learning algorithm could accurately rule out significant rotator cuff tear based on shoulder MRI.

Preparation of hydrogel embedded polymer-growth factor conjugated nanoparticles as a diabetic wound dressing.

CONTEXT: Growth factors act in an integrated manner to promote the wound-healing process. However, probably due to early inactivation of these molecules in the wound site, their topical administration scarcely leads to a significant improvement in chronic wound repair. OBJECTIVES: With the aim of identifying improved therapeutics, a sodium carboxymethyl chitosan-recombinant human epidermal growth factor conjugate (NaCMCh-rhEGF) was developed. It is believed that conjugation will protect rhEGF against proteolysis and will mediate rhEGF release by α-amylase. MATERIAL AND METHODS: As hydrogels possess most of the desirable characteristics of an ideal dressing, we used our previously described chitosan-based hydrogel as a carrier for NaCMCh-rhEGF nanoparticles to make a novel wound dressing system. To evaluate the biological activity of NaCMCh-rhEGF and free rhEGF, the proliferation of fibroblasts was measured using a colorimetric assay. Additionally the stability of conjugated and free rhEGF against proteases was estimated. RESULT AND DISCUSSION: In vitro results revealed that the conjugated form exhibited more stability against proteolysis and also preserved its biological activity. Furthermore, in vivo studies were performed using an excision wound model on diabetic rats. After 15 d, the wound area in NaCMCh-rhEGF-hydrogel dressing group was significantly smaller than other groups and showed histological parameters equal to positive wound control group. CONCLUSION: A polymer conjugated rhEGF was developed that was more stable against proteases and reserved the biological activity of the drug. This dressing appears to be a competent candidate for chronic wound healing.

Preparation of hydrogel embedded polymer-growth factor conjugated nanoparticles as a diabetic wound dressing.

CONTEXT: Growth factors act in an integrated manner to promote the wound-healing process. However, probably due to early inactivation of these molecules in the wound site, their topical administration scarcely leads to a significant improvement in chronic wound repair. OBJECTIVES: With the aim of identifying improved therapeutics, a sodium carboxymethyl chitosan-recombinant human epidermal growth factor conjugate (NaCMCh-rhEGF) was developed. It is believed that conjugation will protect rhEGF against proteolysis and will mediate rhEGF release by α-amylase. MATERIAL AND METHODS: As hydrogels possess most of the desirable characteristics of an ideal dressing, we used our previously described chitosan-based hydrogel as a carrier for NaCMCh-rhEGF nanoparticles to make a novel wound dressing system. To evaluate the biological activity of NaCMCh-rhEGF and free rhEGF, the proliferation of fibroblasts was measured using a colorimetric assay. Additionally the stability of conjugated and free rhEGF against proteases was estimated. RESULT AND DISCUSSION: In vitro results revealed that the conjugated form exhibited more stability against proteolysis and also preserved its biological activity. Furthermore, in vivo studies were performed using an excision wound model on diabetic rats. After 15 d, the wound area in NaCMCh-rhEGF-hydrogel dressing group was significantly smaller than other groups and showed histological parameters equal to positive wound control group. CONCLUSION: A polymer conjugated rhEGF was developed that was more stable against proteases and reserved the biological activity of the drug. This dressing appears to be a competent candidate for chronic wound healing.

Fabrication and structure analysis of poly(lactide-co-glycolic acid)/silk fibroin hybrid scaffold for wound dressing applications.

Silk fibroin (SF) and poly(lactide-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) have been proved to be invaluable polymers in the field wound healing. This study aims at optimizing the electrospinning process of those polymers to make a hybrid membrane as a chronic wounds dressing. After characterizing the scaffolds, PLGA/SF (2:1), and PLGA scaffolds were selected for further study according to their superior tensile mechanical properties. The attachment and proliferation of mouse fibroblasts (L929) on scaffolds were measured using colorimetric assay and scanning electron microscopy. Furthermore, to evaluate the wound healing effect of the scaffolds in comparison with gauze and Comfeel(®) dressings, an excision wound model was conducted on diabetic rats. On the postoperative days of 3, 6, 9, 12, and 15, residual wound area was calculated using macroscopic data. In vitro results showed that the attachment and proliferation of L929 were significantly increased on PLGA/SF (2:1) hybrid scaffold. Animal study and histopathological evaluation outcomes confirmed the in vitro results as well. On day 15, the residual wound area in PLGA/SF (2:1) hybrid membrane group was significantly smaller than PLGA and control groups. This promising scaffold has the potential to be used for the upcoming development of wound dressings with or without biological drugs.