PubMed · 11096948
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J Peters. Saving face.. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11096948/
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BACKGROUND: D-Squames, have gained wide acceptance for assessing skin desquamation. The amount of corneocytes adhering to D-Squames can be assessed visually by trained observers or by computerized image analysis. Different image analysis algorythms for the evaluation of D-Squames have been published but have not been compared with each other. It was our aim to develop an image analysis system that does not require an expensive image analysis programming tool but should be optimized for routine tasks of analysing large numbers of samples. A second objective of this study was to compare two published image analysis algorythms and visual grading. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The hardware components of the system are a CCD camera connected to a frame grabber card and a light box equipped with fluorescent tubes on two sides that provide a relatively cool, diffuse and even illumination of the sample. The following features were included into the software: generation and identification of bar codes for sample identification; semiautomatic recognition of ROI (region of interest), integration of study design into the analysing process, rapid calculation of desquamation index (DI: integration of the per cent area covered by scales and their thickness distribution) and/or scaling index (SI: distribution of grey values), data storage and export for further analysis. In a first step the system was validated by examining D-Squames covering a wide range of desquamation, by examining different ROI shapes (circle and square), by performing repeat measurements with different positions of the samples and by repeat measurements after re-callibrating the system. In a second step the effect of treatment with different moisturizers was evaluated by the two image analysis parameters DI and SI and compared with hydration measurements (Corneometer). RESULTS: The shape of the ROI showed no influence on the results (variability < 5%). Reproducibility of measurements was satisfactory (COV CDI): 1.7%, COV (SI): 2.6%). There was a good correlation between image analysis results and visual evaluation (means of 3 technicians) (r = 0.986) as well as between the two different image analysis parameters DI and SI (r = 0.971). In the clinical study moisturizer treatment resulted in variable reduction of desquamation that was closely correlated with increase in stratum corneum hydration (r = 0.97). CONCLUSION: Analysing D-Squames with the image analysis system proved to be reproducible, independent of the shape of ROI, cost effective and fast and easy to operate. It has shown to be a suitable and reliable method for the objective determination of desquamation levels.
OBJECTIVE: To determine if the nature of the coupling agent normally used between the lithotripter and the patient affects the stone fragmentation rate during extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A jig designed to hold 'phantom' 10-mm stones at the focal point was fixed against the shock wave delivery point of an electromagnetic lithotripter (Dornier Compact, Germany). A layer of either petroleum jelly (Vaseline, Cheeseborough-Ponds Ltd, London, UK) ultrasonography jelly, a eutectic mixture of local anaesthetic (EMLA) cream, Instillagel (Farco-Pharma, Cologne, Germany) or a commercial water-soluble lubricating jelly was placed between the jig and shockwave head, and the number of shock waves required to fragment the stones was recorded. RESULTS: Significantly more shock waves were required to fragment stones when petroleum jelly was used as the coupling agent than with all the other agents under test, whereas significantly fewer shock waves were required when using Instillagel or lubricating jelly than for all other agents. CONCLUSION: The coupling agent used in water-free lithotripsy can affect the stone fragmentation rate and should not be considered inert. Ultrasonography jelly is probably the optimum agent available for use as a lithotripsy coupling agent.
Some epidemiologic studies have reported associations between perineal talc exposure and epithelial ovarian cancer, which raises parallel questions about the consequences of perineal exposure to cornstarch. Cornstarch powder is an alternative to talc powder that by its nature is a completely different substance. In this review of the literature the epidemiologic data on ovarian cancer risk and perineal application of both powders are reviewed, and the chemical natures of the two powders are compared. All available data indicate that whereas associations between talc exposure and ovarian cancer have suggested but not proved a casual relationship, the application of perineal powder containing cornstarch exclusively is not predicted to be a risk factor for ovarian cancer.