Automatic Detection of Malignant Masses in Digital Mammograms Based on a MCET-HHO Approach

Digital image processing techniques have become an important process within medical images. These techniques allow the improvement of the images in order to facilitate their interpretation for specialists. Within these are the segmentation methods, which help to divide the images by regions based on different approaches, in order to identify details that may be complex to distinguish initially. In this work, it is proposed the implementation of a multilevel threshold segmentation technique applied to mammography images, based on the Harris Hawks Optimization (HHO) algorithm, in order to identify regions of interest (ROIs) that contain malignant masses. The method of minimum cross entropy thresholding (MCET) is used to select the optimal threshold values for the segmentation. For the development of this work, four mammography images were used (all with presence of a malignant tumor), in their two views, craniocaudal (CC) and mediolateral oblique (MLO), obtained from the Digital Database for Screening Mammography (DDSM). Finally, the ROIs calculated were compared with the original ROIs of the database through a series of metrics, to evaluate the behavior of the algorithm. According to the results obtained, where it is shown that the agreement between the original ROIs and the calculated ROIs is significantly high, it is possible to conclude that the proposal of the MCET-HHO algorithm allows the automatic identification of ROIs containing malignant tumors in mammography images with significant accuracy.Digital image processing techniques have become an important process within medical images. These techniques allow the improvement of the images in order to facilitate their interpretation for specialists. Within these are the segmentation methods, which help to divide the images by regions based on different approaches, in order to identify details that may be complex to distinguish initially. In this work, it is proposed the implementation of a multilevel threshold segmentation technique applied to mammography images, based on the Harris Hawks Optimization (HHO) algorithm, in order to identify regions of interest (ROIs) that contain malignant masses. The method of minimum cross entropy thresholding (MCET) is used to select the optimal threshold values for the segmentation. For the development of this work, four mammography images were used (all with presence of a malignant tumor), in their two views, craniocaudal (CC) and mediolateral oblique (MLO), obtained from the Digital Database for Screening Mammography (DDSM). Finally, the ROIs calculated were compared with the original ROIs of the database through a series of metrics, to evaluate the behavior of the algorithm. According to the results obtained, where it is shown that the agreement between the original ROIs and the calculated ROIs is significantly high, it is possible to conclude that the proposal of the MCET-HHO algorithm allows the automatic identification of ROIs containing malignant tumors in mammography images with significant accuracy

Acondicionamiento de garbanzo (Cicer arientium) por el proceso de nixtamalización para la obtención de harina utilizada en la elaboración de pan de caja

Objective: The aim was to establish the effect on quality characteristics of loaf bread added with chickpea flour obtained by nixtamalization and soaking processes. Design/methodology/approach: The nixtamalization process was realized using 2% Ca(OH)2 solution, 3:1 (w/v) with respect to the grain, and cooking for 80 min. After 14 h, the nixtamal was washing three times. Nixtamalized grains were dried, milled and sieved (U.S. 35 mesh). The flour obtained by the soaking method (12 h, T=21 °C), was cooked (95 °C, 45 min), drying (48 h, 48 °C) and milling. The characterization of colour and ashes was determined on the flour and bread, also physical, quality and sensorial characteristics were measured. Results: The results demonstrated that substitution with 35% of nixtamalized chickpea flour, showed the best quality on physical and nutritional characteristics according with the reference (hardness: 23.6 ± 3 and 20.8 ± 6.2 N, color (C): 28.4 ± 1.37 and 29.2 ± 0.927, ashes: 0.17 and 1.43%, respectively). Limitations on study/implications: Results of sensory analysis of bread obtained by the soaking method has shown that the colour and flavour characteristics were not desired. Findings/conclusions: The information obtained demonstrates that this process has a positive impact for the consumer, increasing the availability of some nutrients.Objetivo: Establecer el efecto en las características de calidad de pan de caja elaborado con harina de garbanzo (Cicer arientium L.) obtenida por nixtamalización y remojo. Diseño/metodología/aproximación: El proceso de nixtamalización se realizó utilizando una solución de Ca(OH)2 al 2% en una relación 3:1 (p/v) con respecto al grano, se coció durante 80 min. Después de 14 h, el nixtamal se lavó tres veces. Los granos nixtamalizados se secaron, molieron y tamizaron (U.S. 35 mesh). Para el método de remojo (12 h, T = 21 ° C), el garbanzo se coció (95 °C, 45 min), se secó (48 h, 48 ° C) y se molió. Se determinó el color y cenizas en la harina y el pan, también se midieron las características físicas, de calidad y señoriales de este último. Resultados: Los resultados mostraron que el pan sustituido con 35% de harina de garbanzo nixtamalizado, presentó las mejores características de calidad, físicas y nutrimentales con respecto al testigo (dureza: 23.6±3 y 20.8±6.2 N, color (C): 28.41±1.368 y 29.23±0.927, cenizas: 0.17 y 1.43% respectivamente). Limitaciones del estudio/implicaciones: La evaluación sensorial del pan elaborado con harina de garbanzo obtenida por remojo indicó que estos presentaban sabor más intenso así como color no característico, que desagrado a los jueces. Hallazgos/conclusiones: Los resultados tienen un impacto positivo para el consumidor, incrementando la disponibilidad de algunos nutrientes

Caracterización físico-química de maíz (Zea mays L.) criollo (azul y rojo) del Estado de México

Objective: To evaluate the physical and chemical characteristics of the creole corn (blue and red) from the Estado de México. Design / methodology / approach: Size (mm), hectoliter weight (kg/Hl-1), color and aw were evaluated on blue and red creole corn. Besides, moisture, ash, ethereal extract, and protein content were evaluated. Statistical analysis was performed to assess possible significant differences using the Tukey test (p <0.05). Results: Red creole corn had lower moisture and higher protein and ethereal extract contents also it was larger and had higher hectoliter weight therefore the flour yield of red corn could be higher than in blue corn. Study limitations / implications: Biological activity of the evaluated creole corn kernels is necessary for it use as a functional food. Findings / Conclusions: Red corn had better physicochemical characteristics than blue cornObjetivo: Evaluar las caracterísicas físicas y químicas de maíz criollo azul y rojo del Estado de México. Diseño/metodología/aproximación: Para la caracterización físicoquímica del maíz criollo azul y rojo, las variables que se evaluaron fueron tamaño (mm), peso hectolítrico (kg/Hl-1), color (escala LAB) así como la  actividad de agua (aw). Además se realizó un análisis químico proximal determinando humedad, cenizas, extracto etéreo y proteína. Se realizó un análisis estadístico para evaluar las posibles diferencias significativas utilizando la prueba de Tukey (p<0.05). Resultados: El maíz rojo tuvo menor valor de humedad, mayor contenido de extracto etéreo y proteína que el maíz azul, además tiene mayor tamaño y peso hectolítrico lo que lo hace buen candidato para la obtención de harina. Limitaciones del estudio/implicaciones: La determinación de la actividad biológica es necesaria para poder recomendar el uso de estos maíces criollos como alimentos funcionales. Hallazgos/conclusiones: El maíz rojo tiene mejores características físicoquímicas que el maíz azul

Effectiveness of an intervention for improving drug prescription in primary care patients with multimorbidity and polypharmacy:Study protocol of a cluster randomized clinical trial (Multi-PAP project)

This study was funded by the Fondo de Investigaciones Sanitarias ISCIII (Grant Numbers PI15/00276, PI15/00572, PI15/00996), REDISSEC (Project Numbers RD12/0001/0012, RD16/0001/0005), and the European Regional Development Fund ("A way to build Europe").Background: Multimorbidity is associated with negative effects both on people's health and on healthcare systems. A key problem linked to multimorbidity is polypharmacy, which in turn is associated with increased risk of partly preventable adverse effects, including mortality. The Ariadne principles describe a model of care based on a thorough assessment of diseases, treatments (and potential interactions), clinical status, context and preferences of patients with multimorbidity, with the aim of prioritizing and sharing realistic treatment goals that guide an individualized management. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of a complex intervention that implements the Ariadne principles in a population of young-old patients with multimorbidity and polypharmacy. The intervention seeks to improve the appropriateness of prescribing in primary care (PC), as measured by the medication appropriateness index (MAI) score at 6 and 12months, as compared with usual care. Methods/Design: Design:pragmatic cluster randomized clinical trial. Unit of randomization: family physician (FP). Unit of analysis: patient. Scope: PC health centres in three autonomous communities: Aragon, Madrid, and Andalusia (Spain). Population: patients aged 65-74years with multimorbidity (≥3 chronic diseases) and polypharmacy (≥5 drugs prescribed in ≥3months). Sample size: n=400 (200 per study arm). Intervention: complex intervention based on the implementation of the Ariadne principles with two components: (1) FP training and (2) FP-patient interview. Outcomes: MAI score, health services use, quality of life (Euroqol 5D-5L), pharmacotherapy and adherence to treatment (Morisky-Green, Haynes-Sackett), and clinical and socio-demographic variables. Statistical analysis: primary outcome is the difference in MAI score between T0 and T1 and corresponding 95% confidence interval. Adjustment for confounding factors will be performed by multilevel analysis. All analyses will be carried out in accordance with the intention-to-treat principle. Discussion: It is essential to provide evidence concerning interventions on PC patients with polypharmacy and multimorbidity, conducted in the context of routine clinical practice, and involving young-old patients with significant potential for preventing negative health outcomes. Trial registration: Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT02866799Publisher PDFPeer reviewe

Centrality dependence of charged particle production at large transverse momentum in Pb-Pb collisions at sNN=2.76\sqrt{s_{\rm{NN}}} = 2.76 TeV

The inclusive transverse momentum ($p_{\rm T}$) distributions of primary charged particles are measured in the pseudo-rapidity range $|\eta|<0.8$ as a function of event centrality in Pb-Pb collisions at $\sqrt{s_{\rm{NN}}}=2.76$ TeV with ALICE at the LHC. The data are presented in the $p_{\rm T}$ range $0.15<p_{\rm T}<50$ GeV/$c$ for nine centrality intervals from 70-80% to 0-5%. The Pb-Pb spectra are presented in terms of the nuclear modification factor $R_{\rm{AA}}$ using a pp reference spectrum measured at the same collision energy. We observe that the suppression of high-$p_{\rm T}$ particles strongly depends on event centrality. In central collisions (0-5%) the yield is most suppressed with $R_{\rm{AA}}\approx0.13$ at $p_{\rm T}=6$-7 GeV/$c$. Above $p_{\rm T}=7$ GeV/$c$, there is a significant rise in the nuclear modification factor, which reaches $R_{\rm{AA}} \approx0.4$ for $p_{\rm T}>30$ GeV/$c$. In peripheral collisions (70-80%), the suppression is weaker with $R_{\rm{AA}} \approx 0.7$ almost independently of $p_{\rm T}$. The measured nuclear modification factors are compared to other measurements and model calculations.Comment: 17 pages, 4 captioned figures, 2 tables, authors from page 12, published version, figures at http://aliceinfo.cern.ch/ArtSubmission/node/284

Charge separation relative to the reaction plane in Pb-Pb collisions at sNN=2.76\sqrt{s_{\rm NN}}= 2.76 TeV

Measurements of charge dependent azimuthal correlations with the ALICE detector at the LHC are reported for Pb-Pb collisions at $\sqrt{s_{\rm NN}} = 2.76$ TeV. Two- and three-particle charge-dependent azimuthal correlations in the pseudo-rapidity range $|\eta| < 0.8$ are presented as a function of the collision centrality, particle separation in pseudo-rapidity, and transverse momentum. A clear signal compatible with a charge-dependent separation relative to the reaction plane is observed, which shows little or no collision energy dependence when compared to measurements at RHIC energies. This provides a new insight for understanding the nature of the charge dependent azimuthal correlations observed at RHIC and LHC energies.Comment: 12 pages, 3 captioned figures, authors from page 2 to 6, published version, figures at http://aliceinfo.cern.ch/ArtSubmission/node/286

Anisotropic flow of charged hadrons, pions and (anti-)protons measured at high transverse momentum in Pb-Pb collisions at sNN=2.76\sqrt{s_{\rm NN}}=2.76 TeV

The elliptic, $v_2$, triangular, $v_3$, and quadrangular, $v_4$, azimuthal anisotropic flow coefficients are measured for unidentified charged particles, pions and (anti-)protons in Pb-Pb collisions at $\sqrt{s_{\rm NN}} = 2.76$ TeV with the ALICE detector at the Large Hadron Collider. Results obtained with the event plane and four-particle cumulant methods are reported for the pseudo-rapidity range $|\eta|<0.8$ at different collision centralities and as a function of transverse momentum, $p_{\rm T}$, out to $p_{\rm T}=20$ GeV/$c$. The observed non-zero elliptic and triangular flow depends only weakly on transverse momentum for $p_{\rm T}>8$ GeV/$c$. The small $p_{\rm T}$ dependence of the difference between elliptic flow results obtained from the event plane and four-particle cumulant methods suggests a common origin of flow fluctuations up to $p_{\rm T}=8$ GeV/$c$. The magnitude of the (anti-)proton elliptic and triangular flow is larger than that of pions out to at least $p_{\rm T}=8$ GeV/$c$ indicating that the particle type dependence persists out to high $p_{\rm T}$.Comment: 16 pages, 5 captioned figures, authors from page 11, published version, figures at http://aliceinfo.cern.ch/ArtSubmission/node/186

Measurement of charm production at central rapidity in proton-proton collisions at s=2.76\sqrt{s} = 2.76 TeV

The $p_{\rm T}$-differential production cross sections of the prompt (B feed-down subtracted) charmed mesons D$^0$, D$^+$, and D$^{*+}$ in the rapidity range $|y|<0.5$, and for transverse momentum $1< p_{\rm T} <12$ GeV/$c$, were measured in proton-proton collisions at $\sqrt{s} = 2.76$ TeV with the ALICE detector at the Large Hadron Collider. The analysis exploited the hadronic decays D$^0 \rightarrow$K$\pi$, D$^+ \rightarrow$K$\pi\pi$, D$^{*+} \rightarrow$D$^0\pi$, and their charge conjugates, and was performed on a $L_{\rm int} = 1.1$ nb$^{-1}$ event sample collected in 2011 with a minimum-bias trigger. The total charm production cross section at $\sqrt{s} = 2.76$ TeV and at 7 TeV was evaluated by extrapolating to the full phase space the $p_{\rm T}$-differential production cross sections at $\sqrt{s} = 2.76$ TeV and our previous measurements at $\sqrt{s} = 7$ TeV. The results were compared to existing measurements and to perturbative-QCD calculations. The fraction of cdbar D mesons produced in a vector state was also determined.Comment: 20 pages, 5 captioned figures, 4 tables, authors from page 15, published version, figures at http://aliceinfo.cern.ch/ArtSubmission/node/307

A note on comonotonicity and positivity of the control components of decoupled quadratic FBSDE

In this small note we are concerned with the solution of Forward-Backward Stochastic Differential Equations (FBSDE) with drivers that grow quadratically in the control component (quadratic growth FBSDE or qgFBSDE). The main theorem is a comparison result that allows comparing componentwise the signs of the control processes of two different qgFBSDE. As a byproduct one obtains conditions that allow establishing the positivity of the control process.Comment: accepted for publicatio