Nonrigid Medical Image Registration using Adaptive Gradient Optimizer

Medical image registration has a significant role in several applications. It has sequential processes, including transformation, similarity metric calculation, diffusion regularization, and optimization of the transformation parameters (i.e., rotation, translation, and shear). The optimization process for determining the optimal set of the transformation vectors is considered the main stage affecting the performance of the registration process. Hence, medical image registration can be deliberated as an optimization problem for computing the geometric transformations to realize maximum similarity between the moving image and the fixed one. In this work, a mono-modal nonrigid image registration using B-spline is designed for the alignment of Computed Tomography (CT) images of thorax using Adaptive Gradient algorithm (AdaGrad) optimizer. In addition, a comparative study with other first order optimizers, such as Stochastic Gradient Descent (SGD), Adaptive Moment Estimation (Adam) algorithm (AdaMaX), AdamP, and RangerQH were conducted. Also, a comparison with the limited memory Broyden-Fletcher-Goldfarb-Shannon (LBFGS) as a second order optimizer was also carried out. The results showed the superiority of the AdaGrad optimizer by 56.99% and 48.37% improvement in the compared to the target registration error (TRE) compared to the SGD, and the LBFGS optimizer, respectively

Bayesian and Non–Bayesian Estimation for Two Generalized Exponential Populations Under Joint Type II Censored Scheme

<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-EG;">In this paper, Bayesian and non-Bayesian estimators have been obtained for two generalized exponential populations under joint type II censored scheme,</span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: TeX-Times-Roman; mso-hansi-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-bidi-font-family: TeX-Times-Roman; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-fareast-font-family: TeX-Times-Roman; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;">which generalize results of</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;"> Balakrishnan and Rasouli (2008) and Shafay et al. (2013)</span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: TeX-Times-Roman; mso-hansi-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-bidi-font-family: TeX-Times-Roman; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;">. </span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-EG;">The maximum likelihood estimators (MLEs) of the parameters and Bayes estimators have been developed under squared error loss function as well as under LINEX loss function. </span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;">Moreover, approximate confidence region are also discussed and compared with two Bootstrap confidence regions. Also the </span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-EG;">MLE</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;"> and three confidence intervals for the stress&ndash;strength parameter <span style="position: relative; top: 5.0pt; mso-text-raise: -5.0pt;"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shapetype id="_x0000_t75" coordsize="21600,21600" o:spt="75" o:preferrelative="t" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" filled="f" stroked="f"> <v:stroke joinstyle="miter" /> <v:formulas> <v:f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0" /> <v:f eqn="sum @0 1 0" /> <v:f eqn="sum 0 0 @1" /> <v:f eqn="prod @2 1 2" /> <v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelWidth" /> <v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelHeight" /> <v:f eqn="sum @0 0 1" /> <v:f eqn="prod @6 1 2" /> <v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelWidth" /> <v:f eqn="sum @8 21600 0" /> <v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelHeight" /> <v:f eqn="sum @10 21600 0" /> </v:formulas> <v:path o:extrusionok="f" gradientshapeok="t" o:connecttype="rect" /> <o:lock v:ext="edit" aspectratio="t" /> </v:shapetype><v:shape id="_x0000_i1025" type="#_x0000_t75" style='width:76.8pt; height:16.2pt' o:ole=""> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:\Users\ELSWAFY\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtml1\01\clip_image001.wmz" mce_src="file:///C:\Users\ELSWAFY\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtml1\01\clip_image001.wmz" o:title="" /> </v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><img src="file:///C:/Users/ELSWAFY/AppData/Local/Temp/msohtml1/01/clip_image002.gif" alt="" width="102" height="22" /><!--[endif]--></span><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:OLEObject Type="Embed" ProgID="Equation.DSMT4" ShapeID="_x0000_i1025" DrawAspect="Content" ObjectID="_1456265864"> </o:OLEObject> </xml><![endif]-->&nbsp;are explored. </span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-EG;">A numerical illustration for these new results is given.&nbsp;</span

Fortification role of Curcumin against renal and testicular toxicity of synthetic food dye brilliant blue in rats

Increasing awareness has been lately paid to the toxicity of synthetic additives used in food. The main aim of this study was to survey the renal and testicular toxicity of synthetic food dye brilliant blue. Administration of the BB changed body and relative organs weights, serum creatinine, urea (BUN), uric acid and serum FSH, LH, testosterone levels. This study proved that BB induced oxidative damage as manifested by significant increase in Lipid peroxidation with disorganization in the activity of glutathione peroxidase, protein carbonyl and reactive oxygen species content. Histopathological changes include: infiltration and vacuolation in kidney. In addition; degeneration and necrosis of spermatogoneal cells lining seminiferous tubules in testis. Furthermore; BB induced appotosis via activation of casp-3. Administration of curcumin with BB attenuated the cytotoxic effects of brilliant blue on kidney and testis tissues and reducing apoptotic cell death as well as improved the redox status of kidney and testis. Keywords:&nbsp; Brilliant blue dye, Curcumin, Kidney, Testis, Histopathology, Rats

EVALUATION OF GROUNDWATER QUALITY OF SIWA OASIS

In discussing the water quality evaluation for use in different purposes, the author will briefly examine some of the major important water quality standards. These standards serve as a basis for appraisal of the results of chemical water analysis in terms of suitability of the water for various intended uses. According to total dissolved salts (TDS),  major  ions as cations ( Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+, K+), anions (CO₃2â», HCO₃â»Â  ,SOâ‚„2â», Clâ»), with some heavy metals such as Al3+, B3+ , Cd2+, Co2+, Cr3+, Cu2+, Fe3+, Mn2+,  Mo2+, Ni2+,  Pb2+, Sr2+, V2+   and Zn2+  The results  indicate  that  the samples of Nubian sandstone aquifer is suitable for drinking of human and livestock , suitable for laundry purposes and for irrigation. While the samples of Fractured dolomite limestone aquifer are unsuitable for drinking and irrigation.Â

Evaluation of the Native Killer Yeasts against the Postharvest Phytopathogenic mould of Balady Orange Fruits

Yeasts are some of the most important postharvest biocontrol agents (BCAs). Postharvest oranges frequently deteriorate due to green and blue moulds, leading to significant economic losses. The purposes of the present study were to isolate blue and green moulds from infected orange fruits, to assess the ability of killer yeasts isolated from healthy orange fruits and leaves from orange orchards to control blue and green moulds and to evaluate the additive effect of BCAs in combination with 2% sodium bicarbonate (SBC), 2%, sodium benzoate (SB), 2% calcium chloride, 0.2% salicylic acid (SA) or 0.5% chitosan. Among eight fungi isolated from orange fruits showing symptoms of green and blue mulds infection, two were identified as P. digitatum and P. italicum and selected for in vitro assays. Twenty eight yeast isolates were obtained from orange leaves and from the surface of fruits. All yeasts exhibited high killer activity. Twelve yeasts reduced 22.5 –70% of P. digitatum growth while seven isolates reduced 21.1- 68.5% of P. italicum growth. The most potent yeast isolates were identified as Candida pseudotropicalis, Candida salmanticensis, Candida membranifaciens and Pichia guilliermondii. Combination of the BCAs, C. pseudotropicalis, C. salmanticensis and P. guilliermondii with SBC, CaCl2 or chitosan increased their effectiveness against P. digitatum. While combination of C. pseudotropicalis, C. membranifaciens and P. guilliermondii with these natural compounds decreased their effectiveness against P. italicum. Combination of C. membranifaciens with SA increased its effectiveness against P. digitatum. Sodium benzoate has additive effect on C. pseudotropicalis against P. digitatum and C. pseudotropicalis and P. guilliermondii against P. italicum

Intraoperative endomanometric laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication improves postoperative outcomes in large sliding hiatus hernia with severe gastroesophageal reflux disease. A retrospective cohort study

Background: Laparoscopic Nissen Fundoplication (LNF) is the gold standard surgical intervention for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). LNF can be followed by recurrent symptoms or complications affecting patient satisfaction. The aim of this study is to assess the value of the intraoperative endomanometric evaluation of esophagogastric competence and pressure combined with LNF in patients with large sliding hiatus hernia (&gt; 5&nbsp;cm) with severe GERD (DeMeester score &gt;100). Materials and methods: This is a retrospective, multicenter cohort study. Baseline characteristics, postoperative dysphagia and gas bloat syndrome, recurrent symptoms, and satisfaction were collected from a prospectively maintained database. Outcomes analyzed included recurrent reflux symptoms, postoperative side effects, and satisfaction with surgery. Results: 360 patients were stratified into endomanometric LNF (180 patients, LNF+) and LNF alone (180 patients, LNF). Recurrent heartburn (3.9% vs. 8.3%) and recurrent regurgitation (2.2% vs. 5%) showed a lower incidence in the LNF+ group (P=0.012). Postoperative score III recurrent heartburn and score III regurgitations occurred in 0% vs. 3.3% and 0% vs. 2.8% cases in the LNF+ and LNF groups, respectively (P=0.005). Postoperative persistent dysphagia and gas bloat syndrome occurred in 1.75% vs. 5.6% and 0% vs. 3.9% of patients (P=0.001). Score III postoperative persistent dysphagia was 0% vs. 2.8% in the two groups (P=0.007). There was no redo surgery for dysphagia after LNF+. Patient satisfaction at the end of the study was 93.3% vs. 86.7% in both cohorts, respectively (P=0.05). Conclusions: Intraoperative high-resolution manometry (HRM) and endoscopic were feasible in all patients, and the outcomes were favorable from an effectiveness and safety standpoint

Antimicrobial resistance among migrants in Europe: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: Rates of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) are rising globally and there is concern that increased migration is contributing to the burden of antibiotic resistance in Europe. However, the effect of migration on the burden of AMR in Europe has not yet been comprehensively examined. Therefore, we did a systematic review and meta-analysis to identify and synthesise data for AMR carriage or infection in migrants to Europe to examine differences in patterns of AMR across migrant groups and in different settings. METHODS: For this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed, and Scopus with no language restrictions from Jan 1, 2000, to Jan 18, 2017, for primary data from observational studies reporting antibacterial resistance in common bacterial pathogens among migrants to 21 European Union-15 and European Economic Area countries. To be eligible for inclusion, studies had to report data on carriage or infection with laboratory-confirmed antibiotic-resistant organisms in migrant populations. We extracted data from eligible studies and assessed quality using piloted, standardised forms. We did not examine drug resistance in tuberculosis and excluded articles solely reporting on this parameter. We also excluded articles in which migrant status was determined by ethnicity, country of birth of participants' parents, or was not defined, and articles in which data were not disaggregated by migrant status. Outcomes were carriage of or infection with antibiotic-resistant organisms. We used random-effects models to calculate the pooled prevalence of each outcome. The study protocol is registered with PROSPERO, number CRD42016043681. FINDINGS: We identified 2274 articles, of which 23 observational studies reporting on antibiotic resistance in 2319 migrants were included. The pooled prevalence of any AMR carriage or AMR infection in migrants was 25·4% (95% CI 19·1-31·8; I2 =98%), including meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (7·8%, 4·8-10·7; I2 =92%) and antibiotic-resistant Gram-negative bacteria (27·2%, 17·6-36·8; I2 =94%). The pooled prevalence of any AMR carriage or infection was higher in refugees and asylum seekers (33·0%, 18·3-47·6; I2 =98%) than in other migrant groups (6·6%, 1·8-11·3; I2 =92%). The pooled prevalence of antibiotic-resistant organisms was slightly higher in high-migrant community settings (33·1%, 11·1-55·1; I2 =96%) than in migrants in hospitals (24·3%, 16·1-32·6; I2 =98%). We did not find evidence of high rates of transmission of AMR from migrant to host populations. INTERPRETATION: Migrants are exposed to conditions favouring the emergence of drug resistance during transit and in host countries in Europe. Increased antibiotic resistance among refugees and asylum seekers and in high-migrant community settings (such as refugee camps and detention facilities) highlights the need for improved living conditions, access to health care, and initiatives to facilitate detection of and appropriate high-quality treatment for antibiotic-resistant infections during transit and in host countries. Protocols for the prevention and control of infection and for antibiotic surveillance need to be integrated in all aspects of health care, which should be accessible for all migrant groups, and should target determinants of AMR before, during, and after migration. FUNDING: UK National Institute for Health Research Imperial Biomedical Research Centre, Imperial College Healthcare Charity, the Wellcome Trust, and UK National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare-associated Infections and Antimictobial Resistance at Imperial College London