Image Feature Extraction Acceleration

Image feature extraction is instrumental for most of the best-performing algorithms in computer vision. However, it is also expensive in terms of computational and memory resources for embedded systems due to the need of dealing with individual pixels at the earliest processing levels. In this regard, conventional system architectures do not take advantage of potential exploitation of parallelism and distributed memory from the very beginning of the processing chain. Raw pixel values provided by the front-end image sensor are squeezed into a high-speed interface with the rest of system components. Only then, after deserializing this massive dataflow, parallelism, if any, is exploited. This chapter introduces a rather different approach from an architectural point of view. We present two Application-Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs) where the 2-D array of photo-sensitive devices featured by regular imagers is combined with distributed memory supporting concurrent processing. Custom circuitry is added per pixel in order to accelerate image feature extraction right at the focal plane. Specifically, the proposed sensing-processing chips aim at the acceleration of two flagships algorithms within the computer vision community: the Viola-Jones face detection algorithm and the Scale Invariant Feature Transform (SIFT). Experimental results prove the feasibility and benefits of this architectural solution.Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad TEC2012-38921-C02, IPT-2011- 1625-430000, IPC-20111009Junta de Andalucía TIC 2338-2013Xunta de Galicia EM2013/038Office of NavalResearch (USA) N00014141035

Design Principles Governing the Development of Theranostic Anticancer Agents and Their Nanoformulations with Photoacoustic Properties

The unmet need to develop novel approaches for cancer diagnosis and treatment has led to the evolution of theranostic agents, which usually include, in addition to the anticancer drug, an imaging agent based mostly on fluorescent agents. Over the past few years, a non-invasive photoacoustic imaging modality has been effectively integrated into theranostic agents. Herein, we shed light on the design principles governing the development of theranostic agents with photoacoustic properties, which can be formulated into nanocarriers to enhance their potency. Specifically, we provide an extensive analysis of their individual constituents including the imaging dyes, drugs, linkers, targeting moieties, and their formulation into nanocarriers. Along these lines, we present numerous relevant paradigms. Finally, we discuss the clinical relevance of the specific strategy, as also the limitations and future perspectives, and through this review, we envisage paving the way for the development of theranostic agents endowed with photoacoustic properties as effective anticancer medicines

Immunohistochemical study of four histologic types of parotid gland pleomorphic adenoma

The immunohistochemical detection of lysozyme, lactoferrin, a1‐antiohytnotrypsin and a1‐antitrypsin was used to investigate the marker expression and histogenesis of each one of four histologic types of 20 parotid gland pleomorphic adenomas. Moreover, 10 adult and 20 neonate parotid glands were studied. The immunohistochemical analysis revealed that tumor types 1 and 2 are nearly identical immunohistochemically while types 3 and 4 differ from one another, as well as from types 1 and 2. The markers used failed to suggest that the tumor arises from epithelial cells of any specific anatomic part of the parotid gland. Copyright © 1991, Wiley Blackwell. All rights reserve

Improving the organ transplantation program in Greece: Institution of local transplant coordinators' network

The success of a transplantation program depends upon the quality and effectiveness of the donation process, whereby the key role is assigned to the local transplant coordinator (TxC). This important professional figure was only recently established in Greece. The local TxC duties were outlined alongside those of the Hellenic Transplant Organization (HTO) foundation in 1999, whereby three different transplant coordinator positions - central, local, and clinical-were specified. In 2002, the above-mentioned positions were legally consolidated. Local TxCs had to be doctors or nurses, in a 70%-30% ratio, already working in intensive care unit (ICU) and had to be appointed by the hospital and ICU directors in each hospital as requested by the HTO. By the end of 2004, this network consisted of 122 TxCs located in 74 ICUs, especially trained in donation procedures and ethics. Half of the doctors were ICU directors, especially appointed to influence ICU personel. Furthermore in 2005, the board of directors of HTO decided that there should be closer cooperation between the 45 most donor generating ICUs and their TxCs. It was decided that the local TxCs would work part-time and receive a monthly grant. The 45 ICU network started in 2005, resulting in an 154% increased rate of potential donor referrals and a 33% and almost 38% increase in actual donors and transplantations, respectively, compared to 2004. This substantial increase was achieved by the institution of TxC network

THE EVALUATION OF PCNA CYCLIN EXPRESSION IN CERVICAL INTRAEPITHELIAL LESIONS

This study aims at evaluating the expression of PCNA/cyclin in the cells of cervical intraepithelial lesions. The material constituted 121 colposcopic biopsies from patients with cytological and/or colposcopical evidence of condyloma (HPV) or CIN. The cases were classified as follows: 20 as koilocytosis, 31 as CIN I and HPV, 30 as CIN II and HPV, 1 as CIN III and HPV, and 7 as CIN III. Immunohistochemical detection of PCNA/cyclin was performed on paraffin sections by the avidin-extravidin method using the monoclonal antibody PC10 (DAKO). According to our results a statistically significant difference was observed between all groups of our material (P < 0.01). The expression of PC10 may thus offer useful information on the proliferation capacity of a CIN lesion with regard to the histological pattern. Moreover, this method is simple and reproducible, requiring no specialized equipment or medical staff. (C) 1994 Academic Press, Inc

Framework of Methodology to Assess the Link between A Posteriori Dietary Patterns and Nutritional Adequacy: Application to Pregnancy

This study aimed to explore the nutritional profile of 608 women during the second trimester of pregnancy, in terms of nutrient patterns, dietary quality and nutritional adequacy. Dietary data were collected using a validated Mediterranean-oriented, culture-specific FFQ. Principal component analysis was performed on 18 energy-adjusted nutrients. Two main nutrient patterns, “plant-origin” (PLO) and “animal-origin” (ANO), were extracted. Six homogenous clusters (C) relative to nutrient patterns were obtained and analyzed through a multidimensional methodological approach. C1, C5 and C6 scored positively on PLO, while C1, C2 and C3 scored positively on ANO. When dietary quality was mapped on food choices and dietary indexes, C6 unveiled a group with a distinct image resembling the Mediterranean-type diet (MedDiet Score = 33.8). Although C1–C5 shared common dietary characteristics, their diet quality differed as reflected in the HEI-2010 (C1:79.7; C2:73.3; C3:70.9; C4:63.2; C5:76.6). The appraisal of nutritional adequacy mirrored a “nutritional-quality gradient”. A total of 50% of participants in C6 had almost 100% adequate magnesium intake, while 50% of participants in C4 had a probability of adequacy of ≤10%. Our methodological framework is efficient for assessing the link between a posteriori dietary patterns and nutritional adequacy during pregnancy. Given that macro- and micronutrient distributions may induce metabolic modifications of potential relevance to offspring’s health, public health strategies should be implemented

Hyperandrogenemia in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: Prevalence, characteristics and association with body mass index

Hyperandrogenemia is one of the major diagnostic features for the diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence and the characteristics of hyperandrogenemia in women with PCOS and to investigate the association of clinical and biochemical characteristics with body mass index (BMI) according to the presence of hyperandrogenemia. We studied 266 women diagnosed with PCOS. Hyperandrogenemia was defined by testosterone (T) and/or free testosterone (FT) and/or Δ4 androstenedione (Δ4-A) higher than 75% of the upper limits of each hormone. Patients were stratified in two groups according to a BMI threshold of 25 kg/m2. Hyperandrogenemia was present in 78.2% of the patients. Elevated levels of T were found in 58.4%, while elevated levels of FT and Δ4-A were found in 42.5% and 34.1% of patients. In normal weight women (BMI≤25 kg/m2) with hyperandrogenemia lower values of hip circumference and HOMA-IR and increased levels of T, FT, Δ4-A, 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP), dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS), white blood cells (WBC) and neutrophils were observed compared to women without hyperandrogenemia. Also, in overweight women higher levels of T, FT, Δ4-A, 17-OHP, DHEAS and cortisol were measured, while lower thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels were comparable to women without hyperandrogenemia. This study showed high prevalence of hyperandrogenemia in PCOS women. Women with BMI≤25 kg/m2 have significant differences in androgens, WBC, neutrophils and HOMA-IR and women with BMI≥25 kg/m2 in androgens, TSH and cortisol according to the presence or not of hyperandrogenemia. © 2017 Walter de Gruyter GmbH, Berlin/Boston