Visual Information Retrieval in Endoscopic Video Archives

In endoscopic procedures, surgeons work with live video streams from the inside of their subjects. A main source for documentation of procedures are still frames from the video, identified and taken during the surgery. However, with growing demands and technical means, the streams are saved to storage servers and the surgeons need to retrieve parts of the videos on demand. In this submission we present a demo application allowing for video retrieval based on visual features and late fusion, which allows surgeons to re-find shots taken during the procedure.Comment: Paper accepted at the IEEE/ACM 13th International Workshop on Content-Based Multimedia Indexing (CBMI) in Prague (Czech Republic) between 10 and 12 June 201

Initial validation of an intelligent video surveillance system for automatic detection of dairy cattle lameness

IntroductionLameness is a major welfare challenge facing the dairy industry worldwide. Monitoring herd lameness prevalence, and early detection and therapeutic intervention are important aspects of lameness control in dairy herds. The objective of this study was to evaluate the performance of a commercially available video surveillance system for automatic detection of dairy cattle lameness (CattleEye Ltd).MethodsThis was achieved by first measuring mobility score agreement between CattleEye and two veterinarians (Assessor 1 and Assessor 2), and second, by investigating the ability of the CattleEye system to detect cows with potentially painful foot lesions. We analysed 6,040 mobility scores collected from three dairy farms. Inter-rate agreement was estimated by calculating percentage agreement (PA), Cohen’s kappa (κ) and Gwet’s agreement coefficient (AC). Data regarding the presence of foot lesions were also available for a subset of this dataset. The ability of the system to predict the presence of potentially painful foot lesions was tested against that of Assessor 1 by calculating measures of accuracy, using lesion records during the foot trimming sessions as reference.ResultsIn general, inter-rater agreement between CattleEye and either human assessor was strong and similar to that between the human assessors, with PA and AC being consistently above 80% and 0.80, respectively. Kappa agreement between CattleEye and the human scorers was in line with previous studies (investigating agreement between human assessors) and within the fair to moderate agreement range. The system was more sensitive than Assessor 1 in identifying cows with potentially painful lesions, with 0.52 sensitivity and 0.81 specificity compared to the Assessor’s 0.29 and 0.89 respectively.DiscussionThis pilot study showed that the CattleEye system achieved scores comparable to that of two experienced veterinarians and was more sensitive than a trained veterinarian in detecting painful foot lesions

Ashtrays and Signage as Determinants of a Smoke-Free Legislation’s Success

Introduction: Successful smoke-free legislation is dependent on political will, enforcement and societal support. We report the success and pitfalls of a non-enforced nationwide smoke-free legislation in Greece, as well as ways in which compliance and enforcement-related factors, including ashtrays and signage, may impact indoor secondhand smoke (SHS) concentrations. Methods: A follow-up study of venues (n = 150, at baseline, n = 75 at 2-year follow-up) in Greece assessed indoor particulate matter with a diameter less than 2.5 micrometers (PM2.5) concentrations attributable to SHS smoke every six months for two years (n = 455 venue/measurements). Results: Following the implementation of the 2010 smoke-free legislation, mean PM2.5 concentrations attributable to SHS fell from 175.3 µg/m3 pre-ban to 84.52 µg/m3 immediately post-ban, increasing over subsequent waves (103.8 µg/m3 and 158.2 µg/m3 respectively). Controlling for potential influential factors such as ventilation, time of day, day of week, city and venue type, all post-ban measurements were still lower than during the pre-ban period (Wave 2 beta: −118.7, Wave 3 beta: −87.6, and Wave 4 beta: −69.9). Outdoor or indoor signage banning smoking was not found to affect SHS concentrations (beta: −10.9, p = 0.667 and beta: −18.1, p = 0.464 respectively). However, ashtray or ashtray equivalents were strong determinants of the existence of indoor SHS (beta: +67 µg/m3, p = 0.017). Conclusions: While the public may be supportive of smoke-free legislation, adherence may decline rapidly if enforcement is limited or nonexistent. Moreover, enforcement agencies should also focus on the comprehensive removal of ashtray equivalents that could act as cues for smoking within a venue

Αρνητική προγνωστική αξία του EBUS-TBNA στην αξιολόγηση λεμφαδένων μεσοθωρακίου σε συσχέτιση με τα χαρακτηριστικά του πρωτοπαθούς όγκου

Εισαγωγή: Οι τρέχουσες κατευθυντήριες οδηγίες προτείνουν τη σταδιοποίηση των μεσοθωρακικών λεμφαδένων σε ασθενείς με χειρουργήσιμο μη μικροκυτταρικό καρκίνο του πνεύμονα (NSCLC). Υπάρχει σημαντική συζήτηση κατά πόσο η χειρουργική σταδιοποίηση θα πρέπει να ακολουθεί τις ελάχιστα επεμβατικές τεχνικές όπως το ενδοβρογχικό και ενδοοισοφάγειο υπερηχογράφημα με αναρρόφηση βελόνας και βιοψία (EBUS / bEUS-TBNA / B) ως εναλλακτική λύση στην άμεση χειρουργική επέμβαση. Πολλές μελέτες εξετάζουν την αρνητική προγνωστική αξία (NPV) του EBUS-TBNA, αλλά εξ όσων γνωρίζουμε, δεν υπάρχει συσχέτιση του NPV με τα χαρακτηριστικά του πρωτεύοντος όγκου. Σκοπός: Η εξέταση πιθανών συσχετίσεων και ανεξάρτητων παραγόντων που προβλέπουν την NPV του EBUS-TBNA με τα κύρια χαρακτηριστικά του όγκου του πνεύμονα, όπως το μέγεθος, η θέση, η νέκρωση, η ιστολογία και η διεισδυτικότητα. Μέθοδοι: Μελετήσαμε αναδρομικά 20 περιπτώσεις σε διάστημα 12 μηνών που υποβλήθηκαν σε EBUS-TBNA πριν τη χειρουργική εκτομή του πρωτεύοντος όγκου και τη χειρουργική σταδιοποίηση των λεμφαδένων. Αξιολογήσαμε τα δεδομένα και από τις δύο διαδικασίες και προχωρήσαμε στη στατιστική ανάλυση. Αποτελέσματα: Συνολικά, η NPV του EBUS-TBNA στη μελέτη μας ήταν 87%, συγκρίσιμη με τη διεθνή βιβλιογραφία. Επί αρνητικού ΕΒUS TBNA αποτελέσματος, στατιστική σημαντικότητα για χαμηλή NPV (ψευδώς αρνητικό EBUS-TBNA) βρέθηκε μεταξύ του μεγέθους του όγκου με Τ3 στάδιο (> 7cm) της προ-βρογχοσκοπικής Ν2 νόσου καθώς και της παρουσίας νέκρωσης στον πρωτογενή όγκο και την μικροσκοπική διήθηση του αγγείου. Συμπεράσματα: Η αρνητική προγνωστική αξία του EBUS-TBNA εκτιμήθηκε εκ των υστέρων ως προς τα χαρακτηριστικά του πρωτεύοντος όγκου. Συγκεκριμένα ευρήματα φαίνεται να συνδέονται με χαμηλή NPV του EBUS TBNA και αυτά πρέπει να ληφθούν υπόψη πριν από τη χειρουργική σταδιοποίηση του μεσοθωρακίου.Background: Current guidelines recommend mediastinal nodal staging in patients with resectable non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Significant debate exists whether surgical staging should follow minimally invasive techniques such as endobronchial and endoesophageal ultrasound with transbronchial needle aspiration or/and biopsy (EBUS/ bEUS –TBNA/B) as an alternative to immediate surgical staging. Multiple studies examine the negative predictive value (NPV) of EBUS-TBNA but to our knowledge there is no correlation of NPV with the characteristics of the primary tumor. Aim: To examine possible correlations and independent factors predicting the NPV of EBUS-TBNA with the primary characteristics of the lung tumor such as size, location, necrosis, histology and invasiveness. Methods: We studied retrospectively 20 cases over a period of 12 months who underwent EBUS-TBNA nodal staging before surgical resection of the primary tumor and surgical lymph node staging. We evaluated the data from both procedures and performed statistical analysis. Results: Overall the NPV of EBUS-TBNA in our study was 87%, comparable to the international literature. Statistical significance was found between the size of the tumor with T3 disease (>7cm) and the NPV having the strongest OR (p<0.05). Significant trend was found between the pre-bronchoscopy clinical N2 disease and the OR for false negative EBUS-TBNA as well as the presence of necrosis in the primary tumor and microscopic vessel invasion. Conclusions: Negative predictive value of the EBUS-TBNA was assessed in retrospect with the characteristics of the primary tumor and these must be taken into consideration before surgical staging of the mediastinum

Study of mechanical equivalent (model) of quiet breathing with emphasis on the combinational analysis of volume, flow and acceleration

OBJECTIVE: Determining the respiratorysystem’s mechanical properties withminimal patient effort has been an importantfield of investigation addressing patients unableto perform pulmonary function testing andin light of the preventive measures due to the recentpandemic. The current study aimed to presentan alternative method for total respiratoryresistance measurement during tidal breathing,compare it with airway resistance (Raw), measuredby body plethysmography, and validatethe procedure in three groups of subjects withnormal, constrictive and obstructive respiratorypatterns in spirometry.PATIENTS AND METHODS: W e d evelopedan alternative method of assessing total respiratoryresistance during quiet breathing. Aftermanufacturing the appropriate hardware apparatus,we applied a steady extrinsic resistance(ΔR) for 100-200 m/s during tidal breathing. Αtheoretical mathematical model allowed measurementof total respiratory resistance (Rtot)during inspiration (Rin) and expiration (Rex).To validate the method, 15 individuals were enrolledand assigned to the normal, obstructiveand restrictive groups based on their spirometrypatterns. All groups participated in twosets of measurements, the plethysmographicand novel method. Finally, respiratory resistancemeasurements were compared betweengroups and methods.RESULTS: The method was successfully developed,and Rtot measurements were recordedin five normal subjects and in five obstuctiveand restrictive subjects. Mean Rin andmean Rex were 4.99 cm H2O/L/sec and 4.42 cmH2O/L/sec in the healthy, 4.87 cm H2O/L/sec,and 6.63 cm H2O/L/sec in the obstructive and5.97 cm H2O/L/sec and 4.12 cm H2O/L/sec in therestrictive group, respectively. Rex was notablyhigher than Rin in the obstructive group andwas positively correlated with Raw (p<0.005,r=0.47).CONCLUSIONS: This method provides thetheoretical background for a plausible alternativetool for accessing a mechanical parameterof the respiratory system, which is easy to performand requires only passive patient cooperationwhile enabling rough differentiation betweenobstructive and restrictive disorders. Themodel’s feasibility potential in a real-life settingwas studied in a small sample, and additionalimplementation and validation of the method ina larger population are guaranteed.Η παρούσα μελέτη είναι η πρώτη που παρουσιάζει μια νέα μέθοδο αξιολόγησης της αναπνευστικής μηχανικής κατά την αναπνοή ηρεμίας.Αναπτύξαμε ένα μαθηματικό μοντέλο που εφαρμόζεται σε πραγματικό περιβάλλον κατά την ήρεμη αναπνοή. Μετρήθηκε η συνολική αναπνευστική αντίσταση, απαιτώντας ελάχιστη συνεργασία με τον ασθενή, ενώ τα αποτελέσματά μας επικυρώθηκαν με αποδεκτή επαναληψιμότητα σε υγιή και άτομα με αναπνευστικές διαταραχές.Η νέα μέθοδος πέτυχε να συλλάβει διακριτές αλλοιώσεις της εισπνευστικής και εκπνευστικής συνιστώσας της αντίστασης που επιτρέπουν τη διαφοροποίηση μεταξύ ενός αποφρακτικού και περιοριστικού συνδρόμου. Επιπλέον, καθώς απαιτεί μόνο αναπνοή κατά την ηρεμία, προσφέρει μια εύκολη εναλλακτική για τη μέτρηση της συνολικής αντίστασης, ειδικά για ασθενείς που δεν μπορούν να υποβληθούν στις κλασσικές μεθόδους ελέγχου αναπνευστικής λειτουργίας.Παρατηρήθηκαν τρία διαφορετικά πρότυπα αντίστασης, που αντιστοιχούν στις υγιείς, αποφρακτικές και περιοριστικές ομάδες. Σε υγιή άτομα, η συνολική αναπνευστική αντίσταση, συμπεριλαμβανομένων των αεραγωγών, του πνευμονικού ιστού και του θωρακικού τοιχώματος,αυξήθηκε ελαφρώς κατά την εισπνοή. Το αντίθετο αποτέλεσμα παρατηρήθηκε σε ασθενείς με αποφρακτικές ασθένειες όπως το άσθμα ή η ΧΑΠ, όπου το Rtot της εκπνοής ήταν αυξημένο. Αυτό μπορεί λογικά να αποδοθεί στην αυξημένη αντίσταση των υπό στένωση αεραγωγών σε αυτούς τους ασθενείς (δηλαδή αυξημένη Raw). Αντίθετα, ασθενείς με περιοριστικές ασθένειες όπως διάμεση πνευμονοπάθεια ή σύνδρομο υποαερισμού παχυσαρκίας εμφάνισαν αυξημένο εισπνευστικό Rtot που μπορεί να αποδοθεί στις αυξημένες ιδιότητες αντίστασης του πνευμονικού ιστού (RL) ή του θωρακικού τοιχώματος (Rcw), αντίστοιχα.Τα αποτελέσματά μας συνάδουν με τα ευρήματα προηγούμενων μελετών που αντικατοπτρίζουν τις κύριες παθοφυσιολογικές αλλαγές στις αποφρακτικές και περιοριστικές διαταραχές. Όπως ήταν αναμενόμενο, οι αποφρακτικοί ασθενείς παρουσιάζουν αύξηση του Rex, αντανακλώνταςκυρίως την αύξηση της αντίστασης στην εκπνευστική ροή των αεραγωγών (Raw). Ο Rex και ο Raw της αποφρακτικής ομάδας συσχετίστηκαν θετικά στην ανάλυσή μας

Glucocorticoid Receptor Signaling in NSCLC: Mechanistic Aspects and Therapeutic Perspectives

Recent advances in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) biology and the discovery of novel therapeutic targets have led to the development of new pharmacological agents that may improve the clinical outcome of patients with NSCLC. The glucocorticoid receptor (GR) is an evolutionarily conserved protein belonging to the nuclear receptor superfamily of transcription factors and mediates the diverse actions of glucocorticoids in cells. Data suggest that the GR may play a relevant role in the molecular mechanisms of NSCLC tumorigenesis and malignant progression. Additionally, evidence indicates that glucocorticoids may affect the efficacy of standard treatment, including chemotherapy, immune checkpoint inhibitors, and targeted therapy. Furthermore, several findings show that GR expression may probably be associated with NSCLC patient survival. Finally, glucocorticoids may be used as therapeutic agents for the clinical management of NSCLC patients. Here, we briefly review the latest advances on the biological role of GR signaling in NSCLC and discuss the potential use of the GR as a prognostic and predictive biomarker. Importantly, we explore the therapeutic potential of glucocorticoids and the effect of adding such drugs to standard therapies for NSCLC

The effect of scale-free surface portions in pickling of steels in non-inhibited and inhibited acids

20.00; Translated from German (Arch. Eisen. 1983 v. 54(8) p. 311-316)SIGLEAvailable from British Library Document Supply Centre- DSC:9022.06(BISI--25351)T / BLDSC - British Library Document Supply CentreGBUnited Kingdo

Visual information retrieval in endoscopic video archives

In endoscopic procedures, surgeons work with live video streams from the inside of their subjects. A main source for documentation of procedures are still frames from the video, identified and taken during the surgery. However, with growing demands and technical means, the streams are saved to storage servers and the surgeons need to retrieve parts of the videos on demand. In this submission we present a demo application allowing for video retrieval based on visual features and late fusion, which allows surgeons to re-find shots taken during the procedure.Peer Reviewe

Event video retrieval using global and local descriptors in visual domain

With the advent of affordable multimedia smart phones, it has become common that people take videos when they are at events. The larger the event, the larger is the amount of videos taken there and also, the more videos get shared online. To search in this mass of videos is a challenging topic. In this paper we present and discuss a prototype software for searching in such videos. We focus only on visual information, and we report on experiments based on a research data set. With a small study we show that our prototype demonstrates promising results by identifying the same scene in different videos taken from different angles solely based on content based image retrieval.Peer Reviewe