Self-Configuring and Evolving Fuzzy Image Thresholding

Every segmentation algorithm has parameters that need to be adjusted in order to achieve good results. Evolving fuzzy systems for adjustment of segmentation parameters have been proposed recently (Evolving fuzzy image segmentation -- EFIS [1]. However, similar to any other algorithm, EFIS too suffers from a few limitations when used in practice. As a major drawback, EFIS depends on detection of the object of interest for feature calculation, a task that is highly application-dependent. In this paper, a new version of EFIS is proposed to overcome these limitations. The new EFIS, called self-configuring EFIS (SC-EFIS), uses available training data to auto-configure the parameters that are fixed in EFIS. As well, the proposed SC-EFIS relies on a feature selection process that does not require the detection of a region of interest (ROI).Comment: To appear in proceedings of The 14th International Conference on Machine Learning and Applications (IEEE ICMLA 2015), Miami, Florida, USA, 201

CT texture analysis: a potential tool for prediction of survival in patients with metastatic clear cell carcinoma treated with sunitinib

BACKGROUND: To assess CT texture based quantitative imaging biomarkers in the prediction of progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) in patients with clear cell renal cell carcinoma undergoing treatment with Sunitinib. METHODS: In this retrospective study, measurable lesions of 40 patients were selected based on RECIST criteria on standard contrast enhanced CT before and 2 months after treatment with Sunitinib. CT Texture analysis was performed using TexRAD research software (TexRAD Ltd, Cambridge, UK). Using a Cox regression model, correlation of texture parameters with measured time to progression and overall survival were assessed. Evaluation of combined International Metastatic Renal-Cell Carcinoma Database Consortium Model (IMDC) score with texture parameters was also performed. RESULTS: Size normalized standard deviation (nSD) alone at baseline and follow-up after treatment was a predictor of OS (Hazard ratio (HR) = 0.01 and 0.02; 95% confidence intervals (CI): 0.00 – 0.29 and 0.00 – 0.39; p = 0.01 and 0.01). Entropy following treatment and entropy change before and after treatment were both significant predictors of OS (HR = 2.68 and 87.77; 95% CI = 1.14 – 6.29 and 1.26 – 6115.69; p = 0.02 and p = 0.04). nSD was also a predictor of PFS at baseline and follow-up (HR = 0.01 and 0.01: 95% CI: 0.00 – 0.31 and 0.001 – 0.22; p = 0.01 and p = 0.003). When nSD at baseline or at follow-up was combined with IMDC, it improved the association with OS and PFS compared to IMDC alone. CONCLUSION: Size normalized standard deviation from CT at baseline and follow-up scans is correlated with OS and PFS in clear cell renal cell carcinoma treated with Sunitinib

Social Work and Non-Pharmacological Treatment on Iranian Children with Hemophilia: A Systematic Review

Background: With the establishment of new technologies in the search for a cure for hemophilia, non-pharmacological treatments have had a more important role in increasing life expectancy, quality of life of children suffering from hemophilia disorders. The aim of the systematic review was a comprehensive understanding of Non-pharmacological treatment on Iranian children with hemophilia. Materials and Methods: In this systematic review, articles published in national (Irandoc, Magiran, Medlib, and SID), and international databases (Medline via PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Scopus and Cochran Central Register of Controlled Trials) were searched without any time limitation till to June, 2019. The keywords of the search include (Child OR Children) AND (Hemophilia OR Hemophiliac) AND (Iranian or Iranian). To assess the quality of the articles intered into the search, we utilized the 5-item Jadad scale. Results: Six studies were included in the systematic review. The achieved results suggested psychological training can alleviate the test anxiety, life expectancy. Yoga has a significant role in lessening the rate of bleedings, referrals to the haemophilia clinic, and the school non-attendance. Body vibration training has some benefits such as quadriceps strength, bone mineral density, and the functional capacity. Program management by nurse or own children have significant improvement on quality of life of children suffering from hemophilia disorders. Conclusion: The achieved results suggested policymakers take heed of this novel treatment and non-pharmacological approaches such as psychological training, yoga, body vibration training and its effects on alleviating non-pharmacological treatment on children with hemophilia

Characterization and in vitro probiotic assessment of potential indigenous Bacillus strains isolated from soil rhizosphere

BACKGROUND: Probiotics mainly Bacillus species can be advantageous to the host by promoting its intestinal balance. Attempts were made to isolate and identify Bacillus strains from rhizosphere environment. METHODS: The in vitro probiotic criteria were used for screening and characterizing potential Bacillus probiotics. Morphological, physiological and biochemical characteristics as well as 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis were utilized for identification of the isolates. Seven isolates were chosen based on withstanding to acidic condition (pH 2.5) and various bile salt concentrations (1-4%(w/v)). RESULTS: Isolates found to have the least antimicrobial activity against Listeria monocytogenes PTCC 1163, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 1912 and Bacillus cereus PTCC 1015; however, no activity against Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 and Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 25922 was observed. The Bacillus Isolates showed different variation in auto-aggregation features and adhesion to hydrocarbons ranging from 60% to 90% and 10% to 60%, respectively. Excluding isolate 14 that exhibited resistance to penicillin and ampicillin, all the other Bacillus strains were sensitive to the tested antibiotics. All isolates showed relatively low cytotoxic effect on HepG2 cell line except strains 12 and 14. CONCLUSION: Taking together, among the investigated Bacillus isolates, strains 17 and S10 found to be the most promising candidates to fulfill in vitro probiotic specifications