Brain tumor boundary detection in MR image with generalized fuzzy operator

Boundary detection in MR image with brain tumor is an important image processing technique applied in radiology for 3D reconstruction. The nonhomogeneities density tissue of the brain with tumor can result in achieving the inaccurate location in any boundary detection algorithms. Recently, some studies using the contour deformable model with regional base technique, the performance is insufficient to obtain the fine edge in the tumor, and the considerable error in accuracy is existed. Moreover, even in some of the normal tissue region, edge created by this method has also been encompassed. In this paper, we propose a new approach to detect the boundary of brain tumor based on the generalized fuzzy operator (GFO). One typical example is used for evaluating this method with the contour deformable model.published_or_final_versio

Estimation of the gray level variations in soft and hard peri-implant tissue from X-ray images

In the treatment and assessment of periodontal disease periapical films are taken at regular intervals. The films are compared around the region of the implant to monitor the changes that have taken place. A computer-assisted method to automate this process is presented here. To compare two images, a pair of X-ray images are superimposed on top of each other. The images are normalized and transformed to obtain the best fit. These images are subtracted and the difference in pixel values are used as a basis for analysis. A method for improving the alignment accuracy and contrast compensation is highlighted.published_or_final_versio

Thyroid cancer cells boundary location by a fuzzy edge detection method

Morphometric assessment of tumor cells is important in the prediction of biological behavior of thyroid cancer. In order to automate the process, the computer-based system has to recognize the boundary of the cells. Many methods for the boundary detection have appeared in the literature and some of them applied to microscopic slice analysis. However, there is no reliable method since the gray-levels in the nuclei are uneven and are similar to the background. In the paper, a fuzzy edge detection method is used and is based on an improved generalized fuzzy operator. The method enhances the nuclei and effectively separates the cells from the background.published_or_final_versio

ERK1/2, PI3K and p70S6K are important mediators for HGF-induced migration and invasion in human ovarian cancer cells

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Normalization of contrast in document images using generalized fuzzy operator with least square method

The visual effect of non-uniform contrast and brightness surrounds in the image is a very common problem in the applications of photocopying, IC manufacture and medicine. In using the digital/CCD camera to capture documents and photos based on non-uniform illumination condition, the poor image will be seen. The poor image can result in achieving the inaccurate reading from the optical character recognition (OCR) system. This paper present a new approach to normalize the local contrast in documentation based on the least square method and also enhance the object of interest using generalized fuzzy operator (GFO). Two typical examples are used for evaluating the method. © 2002 IEEE.published_or_final_versio

Motor neuron disease in Hong Kong Chinese: Epidemiology and clinical picture

This study documents the clinical features, incidence and prevalence of motor neuron disease (MND) in Hong Kong Chinese. Patients with MND who were alive between 1989 and 1992 were recruited by retrieval of medical records from the four major hospitals in Hong Kong, and by referral of neurologists, neurosurgeons and medical consultants. Mortality statistics was provided by the Census and Statistics Department. A total of 84 cases were identified with a male preponderance of 1.98:1. The average annual period incidence was 0.31/100,000 and the point prevalence on December 31, 1992, was 0.95/100,000. The mean age at onset was 55.5 years (range 19-81) with a peak observed from 55 to 65 years. The clinical features are similar to other reported series of MND. The incidence and mortality of MND in Hong Kong are therefore lower than the worldwide figures of 2.0/100,000 and 1.5/100,000, respectively.published_or_final_versio

Role of endocrine and growth factors on the ovarian surface epithelium

Epithelial ovarian cancer is a highly fatal disease for which prevention strategies have been limited; in part because of our poor understanding of the underlying biology of its precursor, the ovarian surface epithelium (OSE). The OSE is a single layer of flat-to-cuboidal mesothelial cells that covers the surface of the ovary. Despite its inconspicuous appearance in vivo, it is believed that OSE cells actively participate in the cyclical ovulatory rupture and repair process. The continuous rupture of the OSE at ovulation and the subsequent proliferation to repair the wound renders the cells susceptible to genetic damage and malignant transformation. As the ovary is a rich source of multiple hormones, and normal OSE and ovarian carcinomas secrete and have receptors for hormones, growth factors and cytokines, these factors are strong candidates to regulate normal OSE physiology and the transformation and progression of ovarian cancers. In particular, alterations of hormone/growth factor production and receptor expression are common in ovarian tumors. This review summarizes the current knowledge in the field of endocrinology and its relationship to the biology and pathology of the OSE. © 2007 The Authors.link_to_subscribed_fulltex

GnRH enhances matrix metalloproteinases-dependent invasion of human ovarian cancer cells

Objectives: To investigate the contribution of GnRH in the invasive behavior of human ovarian cancer cells and to unveil the mechanism underlying this process. Methods: In vitro migration and cell invasion assays were performed with two human ovarian cancer cell lines CaOV-3 and OVCAR-3 in the presence of GnRH agonist. RT-PCR, Western blot, and gelatin zymography were used to investigate the effect of GnRH on metastasis-related proteinases, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9. The signaling pathway involved was identified by using specific small molecule inhibitors and dominant negative mutants. Results: The in vitro assays revealed a biphasic nature of GnRH; low concentrations of GnRH agonist increased cell motility and invasiveness of CaOV-3 and OVCAR-3, but the stimulatory effect was insignificant at higher concentrations. Moreover, we demonstrated that expression and activation of MMP-2 and MMP-9 were functionally related to GnRH-mediated invasion, and this was through the c-Jun N-terminal kinase signaling pathway. Conclusion: These results suggest a novel role of GnRH signaling cascade in the invasive phenotype and motility of human ovarian cancer cells