Linear intensity-based image registration by Markov random fields and discrete optimization

We propose a framework for intensity-based registration of images by linear transformations, based on a discrete Markov random field (MRF) formulation. Here, the challenge arises from the fact that optimizing the energy associated with this problem requires a high-order MRF model. Currently, methods for optimizing such high-order models are less general, easy to use, and efficient, than methods for the popular second-order models.Therefore, we propose an approximation to the original energy by an MRF with tractable second-order terms. The approximation at a certain point p in the parameter space is the normalized sum of evaluations of the original energy at projections of p to two-dimensional subspaces. We demonstrate the quality of the proposed approximation by computing the correlation with the original energy, and show that registration can be performed by discrete optimization of the approximated energy in an iteration loop. A search space refinement strategy is employed over iterations to achieve sub-pixel accuracy, while keeping the number of labels small for efficiency. The proposed framework can encode any similarity measure is robust to the settings of the internal parameters, and allows an intuitive control of the parameter ranges. We demonstrate the applicability of the framework by intensity-based registration, and 2D–3D registration of medical images. The evaluation is performed by random studies and real registration tasks. The tests indicate increased robustness and precision compared to corresponding standard optimization of the original energy, and demonstrate robustness to noise. Finally, the proposed framework allows the transfer of advances in MRF optimization to linear registration problems.     

Minimally Invasive Therapy of Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia for Fertility Preservation

The aim of this study was to determine the extension of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade III (CIN III) into endocervical canal and depth of endocervical crypts involvement by CIN with the regard to patients’ age and parity. Correlation between the area of CIN involvement and the extension into endocervical canal was estimated. A total of 218 cervical cone specimens with histologically proven CIN III were included in this study. Extension of CIN into the endocervical canal, depth of involved crypts and ectocervical area affected by CIN were histologically analyzed. The average endocervical crypt involvement was at 1.2 mm of depth. The excision of >4 mm (1.2 mm × 3S.D.) in depth removes >99% of CIN. With the cone length of 15 mm (nulliparous patients) and 18 mm (multiparous patients), no endocervical cone margins were affected with CIN. Since the cone length is the most important determining factor for fertility preservation, the measurement of cervical cone could be essential for future pregnancies.     

Oral antiseptics and nickel–titanium alloys: mechanical and chemical effects of interaction

Odontology - The effect of oral antiseptics on the corrosion of nickel–titanium (NiTi) alloys with various coating was investigated. Uncoated, titanium nitride-coated and rhodium-coated NiTi...     

Sleep electroencephalogram delta-frequency amplitude, night plasma levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha, and human immunodeficiency virus infection.

We tested the hypothesis that increases in tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) induced by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are associated with the increases in slow-wave sleep seen in early HIV infection and the decrease with sleep fragmentation seen in advanced HIV infection. Nocturnal sleep disturbances and associated fatigue contribute to the disability of HIV infection. TNF-alpha causes fatigue in clinical use and promotes slow-wave sleep in animal models. With slow progress toward a vaccine and weak effects from current therapies, efforts are directed toward extending productive life of HIV-infected individuals and shortening the duration of disability in terminal illness. We describe previously unrecognized nocturnal cyclic variations in plasma levels of TNF-alpha in all subjects. In 6 of 10 subjects (1 control subject, 3 HIV-seropositive patients with CD4+ cell number > 400 cells per microliters, and 2 HIV-positive patients with CD4+ cell number < 400 cells per microliters), these fluctuations in TNF-alpha were coupled to the known rhythm of electroencephalogram delta amplitude (square root of power) during sleep. This coupling was not present in 3 HIV-positive subjects with CD4+ cell number < 400 cells per microliters and 1 control subject. In 5 HIV subjects with abnormally low CD4+ cell counts ( < 400 cells per microliters), the number of days since seroconversion correlated significantly with low correlation between TNF-alpha and delta amplitude. We conclude that a previously unrecognized normal, physiological coupling exists between TNF-alpha and delta amplitude during sleep and that the lessened likelihood of this coupling in progressive HIV infection may be important in understanding fatigue-related symptoms and disabilities.     

Differential Effects of Etomidate, Propofol, and Midazolam on Calcium and Potassium Channel Currents in Canine Myocardial Cells

Background: Intravenous anesthetics etomidate, propofol, and midazolam produce negative inotropic effects of various degrees. The mechanism underlying these differences is largely unknown.

Methods: The effects of intravenous anesthetics on L-type Calcium sup 2+, transient outward and inward-rectifier Potassium sup + channel currents (ICa, IKto, and IK1) were compared in canine ventricular cells using the whole-cell voltage-clamp technique. ICa and IK were elicited by progressively depolarizing cells from -40 to +40 mV, and from -90 to +60 mV, respectively. The peak amplitude and time-dependent inactivation rate of ICa and IK were measured before, during, and after the administration of equimolar concentrations (5, 30, or 60 micro Meter) of etomidate, propofol, or midazolam.

Results: Exposure to etomidate, propofol, and midazolam produced a concentration-dependent inhibition of ICa. Midazolam was the most potent intravenous anesthetic; at 60 micro Meter, etomidate, propofol, and midazolam decreased peak ICa by 16 +/- 4% (mean +/- SEM), 33 +/- 5%, and 47 +/- 5%, respectively. Etomidate, propofol, and midazolam given in a 60-micro Meter concentration decreased IKto by 8 +/- 3%, 9 +/- 2%, and 23 +/- 3%, respectively. IK1 was decreased by 60 micro meter etomidate and midazolam by 20 +/- 6% and 14% +/- 5%, respectively. Propofol had no effect on IK1.     

The diagnostic dilemma of myxedema and madness, axis I and axis II: a longitudinal case report

A patient with presumed chronic paranoid schizophrenia had chronic thyroiditis and Grade I hypothyroidism. Psychosis cleared following treatment with thyroid replacement. The probable presence of two axis II disorders may have contributed to the missed medical diagnosis and the patient's eventual suicide. The personality disorders were a major problem in the patient's medical and psychiatric care. The differential diagnosis among hypothyroidism and primary axis I psychotic and depressive psychopathology has always been problematic. When axis II pathology is also present, the diagnostic dilemma is increased.     

Analysis of 585 burn patients hospitalized over a 6-year period. Part II: Aetiological data

In a population of 585 burn patients from a well-defined urban area, the contribution of a number of factors to the occurrence of the burn injury is examined. These are: place where burned; activity of the patient at the time; contribution of various appliances and materials; the influence of clothing on the extent of the injury. These findings should prove helpful in future efforts at burn prevention.