An Efficient Block-based Image Compression And Quality-Wise Decompression Algorithm

In this paper, we propose a block-based lossy image compression algorithm that makes use of spatial redundancies of neighboring pixels in image data. Compression is achieved by replacing a block of pixels with their statistical mean. The algorithm helps in decompressing the image at different quality levels. Quality matrices constructed from the quantization table of the JPEG baseline algorithm are used to achieve different qualities of the reconstructed data. Experimental results show that the proposed method outperforms existing polynomial-based algorithms both in computation time and complexity

Correlation of sonographic prostate volume with international prostate symptom score in South Indian men

Background: Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common disease in old age individuals, usually starts around the age of 40 years, the prevalence of benign prostatic hyperplasia rises to more than 50% at 50 years of age to as much as 90% at the age of 85 years. Proven BPH patients suffer from moderate to severe lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) that are symptoms related to storage and voiding of urine. This study was to determine relationship between sonologically measured prostate Volume and international prostate symptom score (IPSS).Methods: Clinically symptomatic 126 patients in the age group of 40-89 years were studied. All the patients underwent Transabdominal sonography for the estimation of prostate volume and clinical questionnaire for international prostate symptom score.  Statistical Analysis by descriptive and analytical statistics using SPSS version 16. Chi-Square test used and P values ≤ 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant.Results: Among 126 individuals, The maximum number of patients, that is 45 patients had the prostate volume measuring 31-50 cc (35.7%), followed by 25 patients (19.8%) had the volume measuring more than 50 cc. Maximum number of patients 52 (41.3%) were having severe symptoms, 47 (37.3%) patients were having moderate symptoms and 27 patients   symptoms and 27 patients (21.4%) were having mild symptoms. Prostate volume had statistically significant but weak correlation observed with IPSS (r=0.40, p=0.001), Weak Stream (r=0.31, p=0.001) and urgency (r=0.31, p=0.001).Conclusions: Prostate volume had statistically significant but weak correlation observed with IPSS.

Role of sonography in the assessment of dengue fever with serological correlation

Background: Dengue, caused by a flavivirus has emerged as a major public health problem in the Indian subcontinent. This study was to assess severity of disease by ultrasound findings and to correlate ultrasound findings with blood platelet count.Methods: A Cross sectional study carried out on 210 subjects who had serologically proven dengue fever were included in the study. Ultrasound of abdomen, pelvis and thorax was performed and imaging features were analysed by descriptive and analytical statistics using SPSS version 16. Chi-Square test used and P values ≤ 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant.Results: Mean age of patients 42± 19 years with 106(50.5%) males and 104(49.5%) females. The Gall bladder wall thickening was noted in majority (92.8%) of the study subjects followed by Right peri-renal collection in 112(53.3%), Splenomegaly in 105(50.0%) subjects and Hepatomegaly in 66(31.4%). The sonographic abnormalities including Gall bladder wall thickening, Right, Left and Bilateral perirenal collection, Splenomegaly, Hepatomegaly, Right and Left pleural effusion, were significantly higher in study subjects with decreased platelet count.Ascites was the commonest finding in 76 study subjects with platelet count between 60000-79000 (36.2%) and in 144 study subjects (68.5%) in the 20-59 years age group. As the   platelet count decreased the severity of ascites increased and was statistically significant (p≤0.05).Conclusions: A patient who presents with sonographically recognizable complications is more likely to have disease that requires immediate and aggressive management.