Automatic Recognition of Laryngoscopic Images Using a Deep-Learning Technique

Objectives/Hypothesis: To develop a deep-learning–based computer-aided diagnosis system for distinguishing laryngeal neoplasms (benign, precancerous lesions, and cancer) and improve the clinician-based accuracy of diagnostic assessments of laryngoscopy findings. Study Design: Retrospective study. Methods: A total of 24,667 laryngoscopy images (normal, vocal nodule, polyps, leukoplakia and malignancy) were collected to develop and test a convolutional neural network (CNN)-based classifier. A comparison between the proposed CNN-based classifier and the clinical visual assessments (CVAs) by 12 otolaryngologists was conducted. Results: In the independent testing dataset, an overall accuracy of 96.24% was achieved; for leukoplakia, benign, malignancy, normal, and vocal nodule, the sensitivity and specificity were 92.8% vs. 98.9%, 97% vs. 99.7%, 89% vs. 99.3%, 99.0% vs. 99.4%, and 97.2% vs. 99.1%, respectively. Furthermore, when compared with CVAs on the randomly selected test dataset, the CNN-based classifier outperformed physicians for most laryngeal conditions, with striking improvements in the ability to distinguish nodules (98% vs. 45%, P <.001), polyps (91% vs. 86%, P <.001), leukoplakia (91% vs. 65%, P <.001), and malignancy (90% vs. 54%, P <.001). Conclusions: The CNN-based classifier can provide a valuable reference for the diagnosis of laryngeal neoplasms during laryngoscopy, especially for distinguishing benign, precancerous, and cancer lesions. Level of Evidence: NA Laryngoscope, 130:E686–E693, 2020

A Registration Method for Dual-Frequency, High-Spatial-Resolution SAR Images

With the continuous development of synthetic-aperture-radar (SAR) technology, SAR-image data are becoming increasingly abundant. For the same scene, dual-frequency (high-frequency and low-frequency) SAR images can present different details and feature information. Image fusion of the two frequencies can combine the advantages of both, thus describing targets more comprehensively. Image registration is the key step of image fusion and determines the quality of fusion. Due to the complex geometric distortion and gray variance between dual-frequency SAR images with high resolution, it is difficult to realize accurate registration between the two. In order to solve this problem, this paper proposes a method to achieve accurate registration by combining edge features and gray information. Firstly, this paper applies the edge features of images and a registration algorithm based on fast Fourier transform (FFT) to realize rapid coarse registration. Then, combining a registration algorithm based on the enhanced correlation coefficient (ECC) with the concept of segmentation, the coarse-registration result is registered to achieve accurate registration. Finally, by processing the airborne L-band and Ku-band SAR data, the correctness, effectiveness, and practicability of the proposed method are verified, with a root mean square error (RMSE) of less than 2

Effects of Rhizome Extract of Dioscorea batatas and Its Active Compound, Allantoin, on the Regulation of Myoblast Differentiation and Mitochondrial Biogenesis in C2C12 Myotubes

With the aging process, a loss of skeletal muscle mass and dysfunction related to metabolic syndrome is observed in older people. Yams are commonly use in functional foods and medications with various effects. The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of rhizome extract of Dioscorea batatas (Dioscoreae Rhizoma, Chinese yam) and its bioactive compound, allantoin, on myoblast differentiation and mitochondrial biogenesis in skeletal muscle cells. Yams were extracted in water and allantoin was analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The expression of myosin heavy chain (MyHC) and mitochondrial biogenesis-regulating factors, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha (PGC-1&alpha;), sirtuin-1 (Sirt-1), nuclear respiratory factor-1 (NRF-1) and transcription factor A, mitochondrial (TFAM), and the phosphorylation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) were determined in C2C12 myotubes by reverse transcriptase (RT)-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) or western blot. The glucose levels and total ATP contents were measured by glucose consumption, glucose uptake and ATP assays, respectively. Treatment with yam extract (1 mg/mL) and allantoin (0.2 and 0.5 mM) significantly increased MyHC expression compared with non-treated myotubes. Yam extract and allantoin significantly increased the expression of PGC-1&alpha;, Sirt-1, NRF-1 and TFAM, as well as the phosphorylation of AMPK and ACC in C2C12 myotubes. Furthermore, yam extract and allantoin significantly increased glucose uptake levels and ATP contents. Finally, HPLC analysis revealed that the yam water extract contained 1.53% of allantoin. Yam extract and allantoin stimulated myoblast differentiation into myotubes and increased energy production through the upregulation of mitochondrial biogenesis regulators. These findings indicate that yam extract and allantoin can help to prevent skeletal muscle dysfunction through the stimulation of the energy metabolism

Phthalate Levels in Cord Blood Are Associated with Preterm Delivery and Fetal Growth Parameters in Chinese Women

<div><p>Data concerning the effects of phthalate exposure on preterm delivery and fetal growth are limited in humans. In this paper, we assessed the relationship between 15 phthalate levels in cord blood and preterm delivery and fetal growth parameters in 207 Chinese women going into labor. Exposure to phthalates except DCHP was associated with gestational age reduction and preterm delivery (p<0.05). There were associations between phthalates and fetal growth parameters, many of which disappeared when analyses were adjusted for gestational age, especially in male infants (Only DEEP was associated with birth weight; DEP, DNHP, BBP, DNP with abdominal circumference; DEP, DBP, DCHP, DEHP with femur length in female infants. And DPP, DBEP was associated with birth length in male infants. p<0.05). This study indicates that prenatal exposure to phthalates is associated with younger gestational age and preterm delivery. Also, phthalate exposure may adversely affect fetal growth parameters via gestational age reduction and preterm delivery with a significant gender effect.</p></div

Cord blood concentrations of 15 PAEs.

<p>N.D. (not detected) indicates analyte below the level of detection.</p

Characteristics of pregnant women and their offspring.

a<p>estimated using independent samples T – test.</p>b<p>estimate using chi - square test. PROM: premature rupture of membranes. ICP: intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy. PIH: pregnancy induced hypertension syndrome (including preeclampsia). GDM: gestational diabetes mellitus. HC: head circumference. BPD: biparietal diameter. AC: abdominal circumference. FL: femur length. BMI: body mass index. IV: Intravenous.</p

Association between cord blood PAEs levels and fetal birth weight, birth length and Abdominal Circumference in all male infants.

a<p>Concentrations were converted into categorical variables as detectable and non-detectable.</p>b<p>Concentrations below the LOD were replaced by LOD/√2 and transformed into Ln- transformation.</p>c<p>Unadjusted regression coefficients from linear regression analyses.</p>d<p>Regression coefficients from linear regression analyses adjusted for gestational age.</p>**<p><i>p</i><0.01.</p>*<p><i>p</i><0.05.</p

Association between cord blood PAEs levels and fetal Femur Length, Biparietal Diameter and Head Circumference in all female infants.

a<p>Concentrations were converted into categorical variables as detectable and non-detectable.</p>b<p>Concentrations below the LOD were replaced by LOD/√2 and transformed into Ln- transformation.</p>c<p>Unadjusted regression coefficients from linear regression analyses.</p>d<p>Regression coefficients from linear regression analyses adjusted for gestational age.</p>**<p><i>p</i><0.01.</p>*<p><i>p</i><0.05.</p

Association between cord blood PAEs levels and fetal birth weight, birth length and Abdominal Circumference in all female infants.

a<p>Concentrations were converted into categorical variables as detectable and non-detectable.</p>b<p>Concentrations below the LOD were replaced by LOD/√2 and transformed into Ln- transformation.</p>c<p>Unadjusted regression coefficients from linear regression analyses.</p>d<p>Regression coefficients from linear regression analyses adjusted for gestational age.</p>**<p><i>p</i><0.01.</p>*<p><i>p</i><0.05.</p