PURPOSE: Subpectoral biceps tenodesis is a widely used surgical technique to relieve pain and restore function in the shoulder by securing the long head of the biceps tendon. This study aimed to evaluate the mechanical performance of three fixation techniques using cortical button, interference screw and keyhole methods by assessing their strength, durability and strain distribution, incorporating the novel application of digital image correlation (DIC). METHODS: Thirty fresh porcine bone-tendon specimens were allocated evenly among the fixation techniques. Biomechanical testing involved cyclic axial loading (10-100 N) for 500 cycles, followed by load-to-failure testing using a universal testing machine. DIC analysis assessed strain distribution around the bone drill site. Statistical comparisons of displacement, load-to-failure and strain patterns were performed. RESULTS: Cortical button fixation demonstrated the highest average load-to-failure at 353 ± 45 N, with all specimens completing 500 cycles and showing the least variability. In comparison, interference screw fixation had the lowest average load-to-failure (271 ± 71 N) with two failures occurring before 500 cycles, and the keyhole technique showed intermediate performance at 319 ± 45 N, also with two early failures. Cyclic displacement after 500 cycles was lowest for the interference screw (3.16 ± 0.52 mm), followed by the keyhole (11.51 ± 2.08 mm), and highest for the cortical button (13.84 ± 1.90 mm). Displacement range after 500 cycles was also lowest in the interference screw group (0.62 ± 0.05 mm), compared to the cortical button (0.88 ± 0.07 mm) and keyhole (0.91 ± 0.23 mm). DIC revealed the highest maximum first principal strain around cortical button fixation (0.21%), followed by interference screw (0.16%) and keyhole (0.13%). CONCLUSION: Cortical button fixation demonstrated the highest load-to-failure and the lowest variability, indicating mechanical reliability. The interference screw and keyhole techniques showed comparable load-to-failure values and cyclic displacement but exhibited greater variability. DIC analysis revealed higher localized strain around the cortical button fixation, whereas the interference screw and keyhole techniques displayed more evenly distributed strain. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level V.

• Keywords
• biceps tenodesis, cortical button, digital image correlation, interference screw, keyhole technique, subpectoral tenodesis,
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Increased echogenicity of the substantia nigra is a typical transcranial sonography finding in Parkinson disease. Experimental software for digital analysis of the echogenic substantia nigra area has been developed. The aim of this study was to compare the evaluation of substantia nigra echogenicity by using digital analysis with a manual measurement in patients with Parkinson disease and healthy volunteers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred thirteen healthy volunteers were enrolled in the derivation cohort, and 50 healthy volunteers and 30 patients with Parkinson disease, in the validation cohort. The substantia nigra was imaged from the right and left temporal bone window by using transcranial sonography. All subjects were examined twice by using different sonographic machines by an experienced sonographer. DICOM images of the substantia nigra were encoded; then, digital analysis and manual measurement of the substantia nigra were performed. The 90th percentile of the derivation cohort values was used as a cut-point for the evaluation of the hyperechogenic substantia nigra in the validation cohort. The Spearman coefficient was used for assessment of the correlation between both measurements. The Cohen κ coefficient was used for the assessment of the correlation between both measurements and Parkinson disease diagnosis. RESULTS: The Spearman coefficient between measurements by using different machines was 0.686 for digital analysis and 0.721 for manual measurement (P < .0001). Hyperechogenic substantia nigra was detected in the same 26 (86.7%) patients with Parkinson disease by using both measurements. Cohen κ coefficients for digital analysis and manual measurement were 0.787 and 0.762, respectively (P < .0001). CONCLUSIONS: The present study showed comparable results when measuring the substantia nigra features conventionally and by using the developed software.

• MeSH
• Adult MeSH
• Middle Aged MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Brain Stem diagnostic imaging   MeSH
• Parkinson Disease diagnostic imaging   MeSH
• Image Processing, Computer-Assisted * MeSH
• Aged MeSH
• Temporal Bone diagnostic imaging   MeSH
• Substantia Nigra diagnostic imaging   MeSH
• Ultrasonography, Doppler, Transcranial * MeSH
• Healthy Volunteers MeSH
• Check Tag
• Adult MeSH
• Middle Aged MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Male MeSH
• Aged MeSH
• Female MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH

A number of fluorescence microscopy techniques are described to study dynamics of fluorescently labeled proteins, lipids, nucleic acids, and whole organelles. However, for studies of plant plasma membrane (PM) proteins, the number of these techniques is still limited because of the high complexity of processes that determine the dynamics of PM proteins and the existence of cell wall. Here, we report on the usage of raster image correlation spectroscopy (RICS) for studies of integral PM proteins in suspension-cultured tobacco cells and show its potential in comparison with the more widely used fluorescence recovery after photobleaching method. For RICS, a set of microscopy images is obtained by single-photon confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). Fluorescence fluctuations are subsequently correlated between individual pixels and the information on protein mobility are extracted using a model that considers processes generating the fluctuations such as diffusion and chemical binding reactions. As we show here using an example of two integral PM transporters of the plant hormone auxin, RICS uncovered their distinct short-distance lateral mobility within the PM that is dependent on cytoskeleton and sterol composition of the PM. RICS, which is routinely accessible on modern CLSM instruments, thus represents a valuable approach for studies of dynamics of PM proteins in plants.

• Keywords
• auxin efflux, auxin influx, fluorescence recovery after photobleaching, plasma membrane, raster image correlation spectroscopy,
• MeSH
• Cell Membrane chemistry   MeSH
• Microscopy, Confocal methods   MeSH
• Membrane Proteins analysis   MeSH
• Image Processing, Computer-Assisted methods   MeSH
• Plant Cells chemistry   MeSH
• Spectrum Analysis methods   MeSH
• Nicotiana chemistry   MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH
• Names of Substances
• Membrane Proteins MeSH

We present a measurement of an object's in-plane velocity in one direction by the use of the speckle correlation method. Numerical correlations of speckle patterns recorded periodically during motion of the object under investigation give information used to evaluate the object's in-plane velocity. The proposed optical setup uses a detection plane in the image field and enables one to detect the object's velocity within the interval (10-150) microm x s(-1). Simulation analysis shows a way of controlling the measuring range. The presented theory, simulation analysis, and setup are verified through an experiment of measurement of the velocity profile of an object.

• MeSH
• Time Factors MeSH
• Equipment Design MeSH
• Physics methods   MeSH
• Metals MeSH
• Lasers MeSH
• Microscopy instrumentation   methods   MeSH
• Optics and Photonics * MeSH
• Image Processing, Computer-Assisted MeSH
• Motion MeSH
• Models, Statistical MeSH
• Models, Theoretical MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH
• Names of Substances
• Metals MeSH

Purpose: Transcranial B-mode sonography (TCS) of brain parenchyma is increasingly used as a diagnostic tool for movement disorders. Accordingly, experimental B-Mode Assist software was developed to enable digitized analysis of the echogenicity of predefined brain regions. The aim of the study was to assess the reproducibility of digitized TCS image analysis of the insula. Materials and Methods: A total of 130 patients with an indication for neurosonological examination were screened for participation in the study. The insula was imaged from the right temporal bone window using Virtual Navigator and TCS-MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) fusion imaging. All subjects were examined three times by two experienced sonographers. Corresponding images of the insula in the axial thalamic plane were encoded and digitally analyzed. Interclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and Spearman's rank correlation coefficient were used for the assessment of intra- and inter-reader as well as intra- and inter-investigator reliabilities. Results: TCS images of 114 patients were evaluated (21 patients with TIA, 53 patients with headache, 18 patients with essential tremor, 22 patients with neurodegerative disease). 16 patients were excluded from analysis due to insufficient bone window. The intra-reader, inter-reader, intra-investigator and inter-investigator ICCs/Spearman's rank correlation coefficients were 0.995/0.993, 0.937/0.921, 0.969/0.961 and 0.875/0.858, resp. Conclusion: The present study demonstrates a high reliability to reproduce echogenicity values of the insula using digitized image analysis and TCS-MRI fusion images with almost perfect intra-reader, inter-reader, intra-investigator and inter-investigator agreement.

• MeSH
• Headache diagnostic imaging   MeSH
• Essential Tremor diagnostic imaging   MeSH
• Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted methods   MeSH
• Contrast Media * MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging methods   MeSH
• Cerebral Cortex diagnostic imaging   MeSH
• Multimodal Imaging methods   MeSH
• Neurodegenerative Diseases diagnostic imaging   MeSH
• Infant, Newborn MeSH
• Observer Variation MeSH
• Reproducibility of Results MeSH
• Statistics as Topic MeSH
• Pregnancy MeSH
• Thalamus diagnostic imaging   MeSH
• Ischemic Attack, Transient diagnostic imaging   MeSH
• Ultrasonography, Doppler, Transcranial methods   MeSH
• User-Computer Interface MeSH
• Image Enhancement methods   MeSH
• Check Tag
• Humans MeSH
• Infant, Newborn MeSH
• Pregnancy MeSH
• Female MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Names of Substances
• Contrast Media * MeSH

In today's digital age, sensitive multimedia informations are transmitted over public networks that are vulnerable to unauthorized access and data tampering. This motivates more robust encryption methods to combat such security threats. In this paper, a chaotic map-based encryption technique is presented as a solution to these issues. The proposed algorithm termed as OptiSecure-3D presents optimized parameter-based 3D chaotic maps for image encryption. The method integrates three primary components: stacked autoencoder (SAE), optimized parameter-based chaotic mapping, and encryption/decryption module, to ensure robust and secure encryption of images. The result evaluated the proposed OptiSecure-3D image encryption algorithm with a randomness test, pixel adjacency correlation test, and differential analysis. The mean entropy was approx. 7.9 and the mean number of pixels changing rate (NPCR) was approx. 99.8, unified average changing intensity (UACI) was approx. 33.46. Moreover, the OptiSecure-3D algorithm also investigated the result under noise attacks and shows better cryptanalysis results as compared to comparative state-of-art models. The findings suggest that our chaotic map-based encryption technique not only provides an effective solution to the security vulnerabilities of digital image transmission but also enhances the overall reliability of multimedia communication systems. This paper presents a significant advancement in the field of secure image encryption to meets the increasing demands for data security in modern digital communication networks.

• Keywords
• Chaotic maps, Compressed encryption, Image encryption, Optimization, Secure communication,
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH

In this work, we propose a new approach for three-dimensional registration of MR fractional anisotropy images with T1-weighted anatomy images of human brain. From the clinical point of view, this accurate coregistration allows precise detection of nerve fibers that is essential in neuroscience. A template matching algorithm combined with normalized cross-correlation was used for this registration task. To show the suitability of the proposed method, it was compared with the normalized mutual information-based B-spline registration provided by the Elastix software library, considered a reference method. We also propose a general framework for the evaluation of robustness and reliability of both registration methods. Both registration methods were tested by four evaluation criteria on a dataset consisting of 74 healthy subjects. The template matching algorithm has shown more reliable results than the reference method in registration of the MR fractional anisotropy and T1 anatomy image data. Significant differences were observed in the regions splenium of corpus callosum and genu of corpus callosum, considered very important areas of brain connectivity. We demonstrate that, in this registration task, the currently used mutual information-based parametric registration can be replaced by more accurate local template matching utilizing the normalized cross-correlation similarity measure.

• MeSH
• Algorithms MeSH
• Anisotropy MeSH
• Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted methods   MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Longitudinal Studies MeSH
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging methods   MeSH
• Brain Mapping methods   MeSH
• Brain anatomy & histology   MeSH
• Image Processing, Computer-Assisted methods   MeSH
• Reference Values MeSH
• Reproducibility of Results MeSH
• Aged MeSH
• Software MeSH
• Imaging, Three-Dimensional methods   MeSH
• Check Tag
• Humans MeSH
• Aged MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to determine the reproducibility and accuracy of linear measurements on 2 types of dental models derived from cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans: CBCT images, and Anatomodels (InVivoDental, San Jose, Calif); these were compared with digital models generated from dental impressions (Digimodels; Orthoproof, Nieuwegein, The Netherlands). The Digimodels were used as the reference standard. METHODS: The 3 types of digital models were made from 10 subjects. Four examiners repeated 37 linear tooth and arch measurements 10 times. Paired t tests and the intraclass correlation coefficient were performed to determine the reproducibility and accuracy of the measurements. RESULTS: The CBCT images showed significantly smaller intraclass correlation coefficient values and larger duplicate measurement errors compared with the corresponding values for Digimodels and Anatomodels. The average difference between measurements on CBCT images and Digimodels ranged from -0.4 to 1.65 mm, with limits of agreement values up to 1.3 mm for crown-width measurements. The average difference between Anatomodels and Digimodels ranged from -0.42 to 0.84 mm with limits of agreement values up to 1.65 mm. CONCLUSIONS: Statistically significant differences between measurements on Digimodels and Anatomodels, and between Digimodels and CBCT images, were found. Although the mean differences might be clinically acceptable, the random errors were relatively large compared with corresponding measurements reported in the literature for both Anatomodels and CBCT images, and might be clinically important. Therefore, with the CBCT settings used in this study, measurements made directly on CBCT images and Anatomodels are not as accurate as measurements on Digimodels.

• MeSH
• Cephalometry statistics & numerical data   MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Cone-Beam Computed Tomography statistics & numerical data   MeSH
• Image Processing, Computer-Assisted statistics & numerical data   MeSH
• Surface Properties MeSH
• Reproducibility of Results MeSH
• Software MeSH
• Imaging, Three-Dimensional statistics & numerical data   MeSH
• Tooth Crown anatomy & histology   MeSH
• Models, Dental * MeSH
• Dental Arch anatomy & histology   MeSH
• Dental Impression Technique statistics & numerical data   MeSH
• Tooth anatomy & histology   MeSH
• Check Tag
• Humans MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Comparative Study MeSH

OBJECTIVE: Relations between measurable properties of B-mode ultrasound images of thyroid gland and clinical and laboratory findings in patients with chronic inflammation of thyroid gland were studied. METHODS: Data from 65 patients with lymphocytic thyroiditis (LT) and 38 control subjects were analysed. Raw values of individual B-mode image pixels and standard co-occurrence second-order texture features were selected as quantitative image features. Thyroid antibodies, thyrotropin level, thyroxine replacement therapy, and body mass index were used as clinical variables. RESULTS: In the LT group, significant differences (t-tests, p<0.05) in image features were found for body mass indices (BMI) under and over 25 kg.m(-2), for thyroxine replacement therapy, and for the presence and absence of thyroid antibodies. Forward stepwise multiple regression was performed for the clinical or laboratory values as dependent variables and image features as independent variables. The following correlations were found: 1. between BMI and four image features in the normal group; 2. between the dose of thyroxine replacement therapy and two of image features in the LT group; and 3. for the level of thyroid antibodies in the LT group: five image features have correlated with the level of anti-thyroglobulin and three image features with level of anti-thyroperoxidase. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest the possibility of using quantitative indicators of ultrasound image of thyroid gland as predictors of the presence or absence of thyroid antibodies in patient's blood or as an auxiliary tool for dose recommendation of thyroxine replacement therapy.

• MeSH
• Thyroiditis, Autoimmune blood   diagnostic imaging   drug therapy   immunology   MeSH
• Autoantibodies blood   MeSH
• Adult MeSH
• Body Mass Index MeSH
• Middle Aged MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Adolescent MeSH
• Image Processing, Computer-Assisted MeSH
• Regression Analysis MeSH
• Aged MeSH
• Thyrotropin blood   MeSH
• Thyroxine therapeutic use   MeSH
• Ultrasonography MeSH
• Check Tag
• Adult MeSH
• Middle Aged MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Adolescent MeSH
• Male MeSH
• Aged MeSH
• Female MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH
• Names of Substances
• Autoantibodies MeSH
• Thyrotropin MeSH
• Thyroxine MeSH

Video rate confocal laser scanning microscopy at the highest spatial and temporal resolution of backscattered light (BSL) imaging allowed for regular observation of fast intracellular motion (FIM) first revealed in living neoplastic cells. However, the absence of an objective evaluation has hampered further study of the mechanisms and biological significance of FIM. Particularly, a quantification of apparent differences in velocities that would complement and improve the current demonstration of FIM by color coding using the combination of red-green-blue (RGB) images had been missing. Standard methods of tracking or pattern recognition could not be applied because of the fuzzy nature of images of FIM. A search for a suitable method led to correlation analysis. It was calibrated on Brownian motion and a known type of motion, such as cell marginal ruffling, compared with FIM. Results approved its explanatory potential. Therefore, several crucial incidences of FIM could be analyzed. Apart from an argument against viewing FIM as a manifestation of simple Brownian motion, the correlation analysis of FIM in the adjacent peripheries of a rat fibroblast and a K4 rat sarcoma cell confirmed the notion of higher and uneven distribution of velocity of FIM in a tumor cell so far shown in color-coded images only. This result and other yet unpublished observations indicate that the velocity and topology of FIM can also contribute to a biological distinction between neoplastic and normal cells. Regular application of the correlation analysis should further expand the study of FIM for its mechanisms and predictive value. Such an approach should be thoroughly examined for a contribution to the knowledge of cancer cells.

• MeSH
• Video Recording MeSH
• Sarcoma, Experimental MeSH
• Fibroblasts cytology   physiology   MeSH
• Calibration MeSH
• Microscopy, Confocal methods   MeSH
• Rats MeSH
• Cells, Cultured physiology   MeSH
• Plant Leaves cytology   physiology   MeSH
• Tumor Cells, Cultured physiology   MeSH
• Image Processing, Computer-Assisted MeSH
• Cell Movement physiology   MeSH
• Imaging, Three-Dimensional MeSH
• Animals MeSH
• Check Tag
• Rats MeSH
• Animals MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH