Machine vision-based Statistical texture analysis techniques for characterization of liver tissues using CT images.

OBJECTIVE: To characterize human liver tissues by demonstrating the ability of machine vision, and to propose a new auto-generated report based on texture analysis that may work with co-occurrence matrix statistics. METHODS: The retrospective study was conducted at Bahawal Victoria Hospital (BVH), Bahawalpur, Pakistan, and comprised clinically verified computed tomography imaging data between October 2018 and September 2020. The image samples and related data were used to segregate classes 1-4. Appropriate image classes belonging to the same disease were trained to confirm the abnormalities in liver tissues using supervised learning methods, principal component analysis, linear discriminant analysis, and non-linear discriminant analysis. Robust and reliable texture features were investigated by generating testing classes. Overall performance of the presented machine vision approach was analyzed using four parameters; precision, recall/sensitivity, F1-score, and accuracy. Statistical analysis was done using B11 software. RESULTS: There were 312 image samples from 71 patients; 51(71.8%) males and 20(28.2%) females. Among the patients, 19(26.7%) had abscess, 15(21.1%) had metastatic disease, 23(32.4%) had tumour necrosis, 6(8.5%) had vascular disorder, and 8(11.3%) were normal. Principal component analysis, linear discriminant analysis, and non-linear discriminant analysis showed high >97.86% values, but the discrimination rate was 100% for class 4. CONCLUSIONS: Abnormalities in the human liver could be discriminated and diagnosed by texture analysis techniques using second-order statistics that may assist the radiologist and medical physicists in predicting the severity and proliferation of abnormalities in liver diseases.

Comparison amongst pulse sequences for enhanced contrast to noise ratio in magnetic resonance imaging.

OBJECTIVE: To provide optimised pulse sequence and imaging protocols for contrast-to-noise ratio and for tissues that have different signal intensities in magnetic resonance imaging. METHODS: A tissue equivalent material, ferrous benzoic xylenol orange gel, was prepared using gelatine, ferrous ammonium sulfate, sulfuric acid, xylenol orange tetrasodium salt and benzoic acid. The gel was irradiated using 6MV photons from a Varian Clinac 600C linear accelerator, with a dose of 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 gray. Experimental variations in imaging parameters were performed in echo time and repetition time. The quantitative analysis consisted of contrast-to-noise ratio. RESULTS: Conventional spin echo and fast spin echo were equivalent for the tissues of comparable signal intensities and for entities moderate difference between signal intensities. Conventional spin echo provided remarkable contrast for tissues where signal intensity difference was extremely high in T1, T2-weighted study. An appropriate inversion time of fast fluid attenuated inversion recovery made it significant to measure contrast between tissues where signal intensity difference was the smallest and ordinary. CONCLUSIONS: Choice of pulse sequence and parameters played a vital role in developing fine image contrast.

Common clinical features of pediatric multiple sclerosis in Pakistan - A report of 15 cases.

The aim of this note is to assess the common clinical features of paediatric multiple sclerosis (PMS) in Pakistan. For this purpose, 150 MS patients with the age range of (1-72) years and mean age (34.2±11.09) years were studied during the period 2010 to 2015 from MRI centers of Pakistan. We found 15 paediatric MS cases which had clinical course relapsing-remitting MS (11), secondary-progressive MS (3) and primary-progressive MS (1). Revised McDonald criteria 2010 of MRI was used to disseminate lesions in space and time. Sensory symptoms were found 27% in PMS patients and contributed brain area of corpus callosum, brain stem, periventricle, basal ganglia, white matter and cerebellum. Optic neuritis was the second clinical feature and its prevalence was reported 20% in paediatric patients. In conclusion, Paediatric multiple sclerosis is predicted 10 % with mean age 11.2 years in Pakistan. Sensory and optic neuritis are suggested the common clinical features of paediatric multiple sclerosis in Pakistan.

Choice of the pulse sequence and parameters for improved signal-to-noise ratio in T1-weighted study of MRI.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the practical impact of alteration of imaging parameters on signal-to-noise ratio for the most commonly used T1-weighted magnetic resonance sequences. METHODS: The study was conducted in the Department of Medical Physics, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Dundee, UK, in 2007. Magnetic resonance images of a tissue-equivalent material were generated with a set of T1 and T2 values. Experimental variations in the imaging parameters were performed in echo time and repetition time. Quantitative analysis consisted of signal-to-noise ratio. RESULTS: Percentage inaccuracy in signal-to-noise ratio was the result of inappropriate choice of parameters. We have investigated conventional spin echo, fast spin echo and fast fluid attenuated inversion recovery with one of corresponding percentage errors 28.68%, -36.65% and -40.34%, respectively. Conventional spin echo presented moderately low percentage error with the choice of repetition time and echo time. Factual error in fast spin echo was slightly higher than conventional spin echo. Fast fluid attenuated inversion recovery could create outstanding signal-to-noise ratio of high T1/T2 value phantoms in T1-weighted images. CONCLUSIONS: The role of repetition time and echo time in T1-weighted images was crucial to sustain the image quality.

Distribution and developmental changes of IL-21 immunopositive cells in the bursa of Fabricius of Jinhu silky chicken.

Bursa of Fabricius (BOF) is a unique immune organ of birds. It is the place where lymphocytes develop, differentiate and mature. Young chicken BOF is susceptible to infection and damage, and even atrophy, causing immune suppression, and bringing huge economic losses to chicken production. Therefore, studying the regulatory mechanism of chicken bursa development is of great practical significance for disease prevention and diagnosis. Jinhu silky chicken (JSC) is a local excellent breed in the Fujian Province of China and with strong disease resistance. However, studies on the disease resistance of JSC are scarce. This study aimed to provide a theoretical basis for reproduction and disease control of JSC. Developmental features of the structure and the IL-21-positive cell (IL-21 PC) distribution on the BOF in JSC were measured from 7 to 300 days of age. Bursas of chicken (n = 36) were taken at 7, 35, 70, 150, 240, and 300 days of age for preparation of paraffin sections and stained with hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and immunohistochemistry. The microstructure of JSC's BOF was similar to that of other poultry. The cortical-medullary boundary of the bursa nodule was not obvious at 7 days of age, but it was evident after 35 days of age. Before 70 days of age, IL-21 positive cells (PC) were scattered on the BOF. At 150 days of age, the number of IL-21 PC in the bursa were the highest and the nuclei were clear. The level of IL-21 PC gradually decreased with age. The BOF degenerated and disappeared in 300-day-old JSC. The histological structure of the BOF was similar to that of other poultry. IL-21 PC were widespread in the BOF at different ages, but the numbers were different.

Cobalt Iron Oxide (CoFe2O4) Nanoparticles Induced Toxicity in Rabbits.

The market for nanoparticles has grown significantly over the past few decades due to a number of unique qualities, including antibacterial capabilities. It is still unclear how nanoparticle toxicity works. In order to ascertain the toxicity of synthetic cobalt iron oxide (CoFe2O4) nanoparticles (CIONPs) in rabbits, this study was carried out. Sixteen rabbits in total were purchased from the neighborhood market and divided into two groups (A and B), each of which contained eight rabbits. The CIONPs were synthesized by the co-precipitation method. Crystallinity and phase identification were confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD). The average size of the nanoparticles (13.2 nm) was calculated by Scherrer formula (Dhkl = 0.9 λ/ß cos θ) and confirmed by TEM images. The saturation magnetization, 50.1 emug-1, was measured by vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). CIONPs were investigated as contrast agents (CA) for magnetic resonance images (MRI). The relaxivity (r = 1/T) of the MRI was also investigated at a field strength of 0.35 T (Tesla), and the ratio r2/r1 for the CIONPs contrast agent was 6.63. The CIONPs were administrated intravenously into the rabbits through the ear vein. Blood was collected at days 5 and 10 post-exposure for hematological and serum biochemistry analyses. The intensities of the signal experienced by CA with CIONPs were 1427 for the liver and 1702 for the spleen. The treated group showed significantly lower hematological parameters, but significantly higher total white blood cell counts and neutrophils. The results of the serum biochemistry analyses showed significantly higher and lower quantities of different serum biochemical parameters in the treated rabbits at day 10 of the trial. At the microscopic level, different histological ailments were observed in the visceral organs of treated rabbits, including the liver, kidneys, spleen, heart, and brain. In conclusion, the results revealed that cobalt iron oxide (CoFe2O4) nanoparticles induced toxicity via alterations in multiple tissues of rabbits.

Extracellular vesicles and exosome: insight from physiological regulatory perspectives.

The current study highlights prospective mechanisms of biogenesis of extracellular vesicles (EVs) and potential involvement in cellular signaling and transport with great emphasis to illustrate their role as biomarkers in certain pathologies. The current review highlights EVs, the heterogeneous entities secreted by cells in highly conserved manner. A series of consensus terminologies for various types is yet to be organized. Exosomes, microvesicles and apoptotic bodies are major populations among EVs. EVs are key regulators in cellular physiological homeostasis, disease progression and evolve either from plasma membrane (microvesicles) or fusion of endosomes with exosomes. However, how vesicular inclusions elicit a plethora of biological responses is still not much clear. However, how these vesicular inclusions get packaged and delivered by these EVs shows great involvement in inter- and intracellular cellular signaling and channeling of multiple proteins, variety of RNAs and certain fat molecules. It's worth to mention that EVs carry small non-coding RNAs (snRNAs) which are involved in multiple cellular molecular events at targeted sites. Moreover, snRNA trafficking through exosomes and microvesicles depicts remarkable potential as non-invasive biomarkers in different clinical disorders especially immune system pathologies, cardiovascular issues, and metabolic syndromes.

Hematobiochemical, Oxidative Stress, and Histopathological Mediated Toxicity Induced by Nickel Ferrite (NiFe2O4) Nanoparticles in Rabbits.

From the past few decades, attention towards the biological evaluation of nanoparticles (NPs) has increased due to the persistent and extensive application of NPs in various fields, including biomedical science, modern industry, magnetic resonance imaging, and the construction of sensors. Therefore, in the current study, magnetic nickel ferrite (NiFe2O4) nanoparticles (NFNPs) were synthesized and evaluated for their possible adverse effects in rabbits. The crystallinity of the synthesized NFNPs was confirmed using X-ray diffraction (XRD) technique. The saturation magnetization (46.7 emug-1) was measured using vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) and 0.35-tesla magnetron by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The adverse effects of NFNPs on blood biochemistry and histoarchitecture of the liver, kidneys, spleen, brain, and heart of the rabbits were determined. A total of sixteen adult rabbits, healthy and free from any apparent infection, were blindly placed in two groups. The rabbits in group A served as control, while the rabbits in group B received a single dose (via ear vein) of NFNPs for ten days. The blood and visceral tissues were collected from each rabbit at days 5 and 10 of posttreatment. The results on blood and serum biochemistry profile indicated significant variation in hematological and serum biomarkers in NFNP-treated rabbits. The results showed an increased quantity of oxidative stress and depletion of antioxidant enzymes in treated rabbits. Various serum biochemical tests exhibited significantly higher concentrations of different liver function tests, kidney function tests, and cardiac biomarkers. Histopathologically, the liver showed congestion, edema, atrophy, and degeneration of hepatocytes. The kidneys exhibited hemorrhages, atrophy of renal tubule, degeneration, and necrosis of renal tubules, whereas coagulative necrosis, neutrophilic infiltration, and severe myocarditis were seen in different sections of the heart. The brain of the treated rabbits revealed necrosis of neurons, neuron atrophy, and microgliosis. In conclusion, the current study results indicated that the highest concentration of NPs induced adverse effects on multiple tissues of the rabbits.

Calcification in Globus Pallidus and Putamen of Multiple Sclerosis Patients Versus Healthy Subjects Using Quantitative Susceptibility Mapping.

BACKGROUND: Calcification has been well reported in basal ganglia and it grows rapidly in globus pallidus (GP) followed by putamen (PUT) and caudate nucleus because of their high metabolic rate and displays high susceptibility effects. Therefore, the current study focused on magnetic susceptibility effect of calcium content in normal and diseased tissue due to metabolic changes. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate calcium content in GP and PUT structures of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients versus healthy subjects using quantitative susceptibility mapping. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We compared 10 MS patients with mean age of 48.3 years (standard deviation [SD]=11.89) with 10 healthy subjects with mean age of 39.6 years (SD=11.52). Scanning of subjects was performed with high resolution (0.5×0.5×2 mm3) using susceptibility weighted imaging sequence on 3 Tesla (Trio-Siemens, Erlangen, Germany). Data was processed in homemade SPIN software to produce susceptibility mapping. Threshold was set in healthy subjects to detect calcium content in PUT and GP structures. RESULTS: Magnetic susceptibility(x) of calcium content was assessed by number of pixels induced by GP and PUT in MS patients as well as healthy subjects. Two sample t-test was used to assess the difference between susceptibilities of GP and PUT of MS patients (P = 0.06, P > 0.05). Susceptibilities of GP and PUT also showed P = 0.3 in healthy subjects. One way analysis of variance was used to assess the difference of susceptibilities in four variables of both populations. Insignificant results (P = 0.7, P > 0.05) were found among four variables. There was no statistically significant difference between magnetic susceptibilities of both populations. CONCLUSION: Statistical analysis of susceptibilities of MS patients versus healthy subjects found no excess deposition of calcium content in deep gray matter of MS patients. Calcification may not be considered as a biomarker of prognosis in MS.

Extracellular vesicles and exosome: insight from physiological regulatory perspectives

The current study highlights prospective mechanisms of biogenesis of extracellular vesicles (EVs) and potential involvement in cellular signaling and transport with great emphasis to illustrate their role as biomarkers in certain pathologies. The current review highlights EVs, the heterogeneous entities secreted by cells in highly conserved manner. A series of consensus terminologies for various types is yet to be organized. Exosomes, microvesicles and apoptotic bodies are major populations among EVs. EVs are key regulators in cellular physiological homeostasis, disease progression and evolve either from plasma membrane (microvesicles) or fusion of endosomes with exosomes. However, how vesicular inclusions elicit a plethora of biological responses is still not much clear. However, how these vesicular inclusions get packaged and delivered by these EVs shows great involvement in inter- and intracellular cellular signaling and channeling of multiple proteins, variety of RNAs and certain fat molecules. It’s worth to mention that EVs carry small non-coding RNAs (snRNAs) which are involved in multiple cellular molecular events at targeted sites. Moreover, snRNA trafficking through exosomes and microvesicles depicts remarkable potential as non-invasive biomarkers in different clinical disorders especially immune system pathologies, cardiovascular issues, and metabolic syndromes. (AU)