We present here an artificial intelligence model based on deep learning for semantic segmentation of dermatoscopic images of skin neoplasms. The model was trained using an annotated image database. ...This paper discusses the challenge of increasing diagnostic accuracy using a two-level procedure based on artificial intelligence: 1) first, the object of medical interest is segmented; 2) the object is then classified. The present work is proposed as part of the first stage. Experimental studies (training set 583 images, test set 73 images) demonstrated high segmentation accuracy (Jaccard index 0.93) as compared with known methods. The approach proposed here can be used to recognize skin diseases using neural network technologies.
Involutional changes of the skin are associated with changes in its microcirculatory apparatus, among which spastic, atonic and mixed types are distinguished. The effect of low-intensity laser ...radiation in combination with autologous plasma with blood cells on the vascular component of the skin was studied. In the light of the restoration of the microcirculatory apparatus of the skin in different types, the clinical efficacy of the therapy was analyzed. The study of the effectiveness of low-intensity laser radiation in combination with autologous plasma with blood cells was conducted in 57 patients with clinical signs of involutive skin changes. Depending on the type of microcirculatory skin changes, all patients were divided into 3 comparable groups: the 1st - atonic type (n=24), the 2nd - spastic (n=12), the 3rd - mixed (n=21). The obtained data of a complex assessment of the dynamics of skin microcirculation, features of passive and active blood flow, indicate a significant pronounced positive effect of low-intensity laser radiation in combination with autologous plasma with blood cells in patients with spastic type of microcirculation.
After having announced the statistically significant observation (5.6σ) of the new exotic πK atom, the DIRAC experiment at the CERN proton synchrotron presents the measurement of the corresponding ...atom lifetime, based on the full πK data sample: τ=(5.5−2.8+5.0)×10−15 s. By means of a precise relation (≈1%) between atom lifetime and scattering length, the following value for the S-wave isospin-odd πK scattering length a0−=13(a1/2−a3/2) has been derived: |a0−|=(0.072−0.020+0.031)Mπ−1.
The observation of hydrogenlike πK atoms, consisting of π^{-}K^{+} or π^{+}K^{-} mesons, is presented. The atoms are produced by 24 GeV/c protons from the CERN PS accelerator, interacting with ...platinum or nickel foil targets. The breakup (ionization) of πK atoms in the same targets yields characteristic πK pairs, called "atomic pairs," with small relative momenta Q in the pair center-of-mass system. The upgraded DIRAC experiment observed 349±62 such atomic πK pairs, corresponding to a signal of 5.6 standard deviations. This is the first statistically significant observation of the strange dimesonic πK atom.
Introduction
. Post-acne post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation most often develops in patients with moderate to severe acne. Post-acne pigmentation can be persistent and last from months to several ...years, which has a negative impact on the patients’ quality of life. It occurs at any age with the same frequency in men and women.
Aim
. To evaluate the effect of dermatocosmetic products – a triple effect serum (containing thiamidol, salicylic acid and lycochalcone A) and SPF30 fluid for problematic skin on the skin condition in patients with moderate and severe post-acne post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Material and methods
. A total of 57 patients with post-acne post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation localized on the facial skin were under observation. The age of the patients was 22.4 ± 2.7 years. 32 patients were diagnosed with mild post-acne PIH, 25 patients – with moderate post-acne PIH. All patients used dermocosmetic products such as the triple effect serum (containing thiamidol, salicylic acid and lycochalcone A) and SPF30 fluid for problematic skin. Efficacy was evaluated with due account for mexametry findings, GSS, dermatology life quality index. Digital data were processed using standard medical statistical methods: calculation of the arithmetic mean value (X), square deviation (σ), Student’s t-test (t).
Results
. After 12 weeks the mexometric index decreased: 92.7 and 85.9% in mild and moderate post-acne PIH, respectively. The DLQ index reduced by 84.9 and 83.8% by the end of the treatment,
Conclusions
. The use of innovative dermocosmetic products containing salicylic acid and licochalcon A effectively reduces post-acne pigmentation. All patients noted good organoleptic properties: skin application comfort and excellent tolerability of the products.
The adapted DIRAC experiment at the CERN PS accelerator observed for the first time long-lived hydrogenlike π^{+}π^{-} atoms, produced by protons hitting a beryllium target. A part of these atoms ...crossed the gap of 96 mm between the target and a 2.1 μm thick platinum foil, in which most of them dissociated. Analyzing the observed number of atomic pairs, n_{A}^{L}=436_{-61}^{+157}|_{tot}, the lifetime of the 2p state is found to be τ_{2p}=(0.45_{-0.30}^{+1.08}|_{tot})×10^{-11} s, not contradicting the corresponding QED 2p state lifetime τ_{2p}^{QED}=1.17×10^{-11} s. This lifetime value is three orders of magnitude larger than our previously measured value of the π^{+}π^{-} atom ground state lifetime τ=(3.15_{-0.26}^{+0.28}|_{tot})×10^{-15} s. Further studies of long-lived π^{+}π^{-} atoms will allow us to measure energy differences between p and s atomic states and so to discriminate between the isoscalar and isotensor ππ scattering lengths with the aim to check QCD predictions.
The challenges of using computer diagnostics to seek structural elements of melanocytic neoplasms, including cutaneous melanomas at early stages of their development, are discussed. The ...characteristic features of the structural elements — dermatoscopic points — are also considered. A computer vision technique for recognizing these characteristic features is presented. The developed interdisciplinary approach can be used in the diagnosis of oncological diseases of the skin as a means of supporting decision making for the primary prevention of malignant neoplasms.
The results of a search for hydrogen-like atoms consisting of π∓K± mesons are presented. Evidence for πK atom production by 24 GeV/c protons from CERN PS interacting with a nickel target has been ...seen in terms of characteristic πK pairs from their breakup in the same target (178±49) as well as in terms of produced πK atoms (653±42). Using these results, the analysis yields a first value for the πK atom lifetime of τ=(2.5−1.8+3.0) fs and a first measurement of the S-wave isospin-odd πK scattering length |a0−|=13|a1/2−a3/2|=(0.11−0.04+0.09)Mπ−1 (aI for isospin I).
Introduction
. Isotretinoin is the first-choice drug in the treatment of severe forms of acne vulgaris. The combination of systemic retinoids with durant corticosteroids helps to reduce ...the likelihood of developing “retinoic” dermatitis and exacerbation of acne in the initial stages of isotretinoin therapy.
Purpose of the study
. Determination of the effectiveness of the combined use of isotretinoin and a durant corticosteroid in the treatment of severe forms of acne vulgaris.
Materials and methods
. Twenty six patients with “severe” or “very severe” grade on the IGA scale were included in this randomised, controlled comparative study. Thirteen patients (group A) were treated with isotretinoin 0.5 mg/kg/day (cumulative dose from 120 to 150 mg/kg) for 8 months and 2 injections of betamethasone dipropionate + betamethasone sodium phosphate at dose 1 ml (2 mg + 5 mg/1 ml) at first month (1 injection per two weeks) and thirteen patients (group B) were treated with combined therapy with isotretinoin at a dose of 0.5 mg/kg/day (cumulative dose from 120 to 150 mg/kg) for 8 months and assessment was based on the IGA scale, counting the number of inflammatory and non-inflammatory elements, indicators DIA (dermatological index of acne) and DLQI and was done at baseline, 1, 4 and 8 months of treatment.
Results
. At month 8, compared to group B, group A showed more significant decrease in IGA score and 76% patients achieved “clear” or “almost clear skin” degree (76% vs. 30%). The reduction in the number of inflammatory and non-inflammatory elements showed a marked clinical improvement in group A (89.2% vs 22.3 % for nodules). The decrease in DIA was 88.3% in group A and 71.3% in group B. Exacerbations of acne were recorded in 0% (group A) vs 38.0% (group B) of patients. We also found a relationship between the achievement of a 2-point reduction in the degree on the IGA scale after 8 months and the presence of exacerbations while taking isotretinoin (p = 0.012). Analyzing the DLQI between the two, we were unable to identify statistically significant differences.
Conclusions
. Combines use of long acting steroid with isotretinoin provides synergic effect while minimizing the side effect of isotretinoin (decreases the number of exacerbations), demonstrates a visible effect to patients within a month, thereby increasing compliance, improving the quality of life and reducing the risk of scarring.
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