Robust motion tracking based on adaptive speckle decorrelation analysis of OCT signal

Speckle decorrelation analysis of optical coherence tomography (OCT) signal has been used in motion tracking. In our previous study, we demonstrated that cross-correlation coefficient (XCC) between Ascans had an explicit functional dependency on the magnitude of lateral displacement (δx). In this study, we evaluated the sensitivity of speckle motion tracking using the derivative of function XCC(δx) on variable δx. We demonstrated the magnitude of the derivative can be maximized. In other words, the sensitivity of OCT speckle tracking can be optimized by using signals with appropriate amount of decorrelation for XCC calculation. Based on this finding, we developed an adaptive speckle decorrelation analysis strategy to achieve motion tracking with optimized sensitivity. Briefly, we used subsequently acquired Ascans and Ascans obtained with larger time intervals to obtain multiple values of XCC and chose the XCC value that maximized motion tracking sensitivity for displacement calculation. Instantaneous motion speed can be calculated by dividing the obtained displacement with time interval between Ascans involved in XCC calculation. We implemented the above-described algorithm in real-time using graphic processing unit (GPU) and demonstrated its effectiveness in reconstructing distortion-free OCT images using data obtained from a manually scanned OCT probe. The adaptive speckle tracking method was validated in manually scanned OCT imaging, on phantom as well as in vivo skin tissue.OCIS codes: (170.4500) Optical coherence tomography, (120.5800) Scanners, (030.6140) Speckle, (330.4150) Motion detection     

Subdiuretic dose of furosemide enhances albuterol effects in asthmatic mice rather than bumetanide

Background

One of the loop diuretics, furosemide, was found useful in bronchial asthma. It enhanced anti-asthmatic effects of albuterol. The underlying mechanism is still unclear.

Increased Antifungal Drug Resistance in Clinical Isolates of Cryptococcus neoformans in Uganda

Cryptococcal antigen screening is recommended among people living with AIDS when entering HIV care with a CD4 count of <100 cells/μl, and preemptive fluconazole monotherapy treatment is recommended for those with subclinical cryptococcal antigenemia. Yet, knowledge is limited of current antimicrobial resistance in Africa. We examined antifungal drug susceptibility in 198 clinical isolates collected from Kampala, Uganda, between 2010 and 2014 using the CLSI broth microdilution assay. In comparison with two previous studies from 1998 to 1999 that reported an MIC₅₀ of 4 μg/ml and an MIC₉₀ of 8 μg/ml prior to widespread human fluconazole and agricultural azole fungicide usage, we report an upward shift in the fluconazole MIC₅₀ to 8 μg/ml and an MIC₉₀ value of 32 μg/ml, with 31% of isolates with a fluconazole MIC of ≥16 μg/ml. We observed an amphotericin B MIC₅₀ of 0.5 μg/ml and an MIC₉₀ of 1 μg/ml, of which 99.5% of isolates (197 of 198 isolates) were still susceptible. No correlation between MIC and clinical outcome was observed in the context of amphotericin B and fluconazole combination induction therapy. We also analyzed Cryptococcus susceptibility to sertraline, with an MIC₅₀ of 4 μg/ml, suggesting that sertraline is a promising oral, low-cost, available, novel medication and a possible alternative to fluconazole. Although the CLSI broth microdilution assay is ideal to standardize results, limit human bias, and increase assay capacity, such assays are often inaccessible in low-income countries. Thus, we also developed and validated an assay that could easily be implemented in a resource-limited setting, with similar susceptibility results (P = 0.52).     

The effect of light-emitting diode and laser on mandibular growth in rats

Objective:To evaluate the effect of a light-emitting diode (LED) and/or low-level laser (LLL) with or without the use of anterior bite jumping appliances (also known as functional appliances [FAs]) on mandibular growth in rats.Materials and Methods:Thirty-six 8-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 200 g were obtained from Charles River Canada (St. Constant, QC, Canada) and were divided into six groups of six animals each. Groups were as follows: group 1: LLL; group 2: LLL + FA; group 3: LED; group 4: LED + FA; group 5: FA; and group 6: control (no treatment). Mandibular growth was evaluated by histomorphometric and micro computed tomographic (microCT) analyses.Results:The LED and LED + FA groups showed an increase in all condylar tissue parameters compared with other groups.Conclusion:The LED-treated groups showed more mandibular growth stimulation compared with the laser groups.     

Bone mineral density evaluation of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

[Purpose] Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder resulting from a defect in insulin secretion, insulin action, or both. A consequence of this is chronic hyperglycemia with disturbances in carbohydrate, fat and protein metabolism. We investigated whether there is any difference among DM patients and a control group in terms of lumbar and femur BMD (bone mineral density), and standard deviation scores (Z score and T score). [Subjects and Methods] This randomized, prospective, controlled, single-blind study was conducted in the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Department Faculty of Medicine, Bezm-i Alem Vakıf University. Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus were included in the patient groups. Healthy individuals were included in the control group. [Results] A total of 126 patients completed the study (63 in the study group, 63 in the control group). There was no significant difference in the results of the laboratory examinations of the cases. The bone mineral densities of the cases were found to be significantly low in terms of the lumbar (L1–4) T scores in the type 2 diabetes group. [Conclusion] Although osteoporosis is one of the potential complications of type 1 diabetes, its effect on bone mineral density in type 2 DM is controversial. In different studies, the bone mineral density values have increased, decreased or remained normal. With the exception of the lumbar (L1–4) T score, similar results were obtained in this study.Key words: Type 2 diabetes mellitus, Osteoporosis, Bone mineral density