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Graphical abstract Highlights • Segmentation of the spinal cord from MR images. • The segmentation method uses a morphological region based active contours model. • The local information is obtained using local morphology fitting. • Robust to intensity inhomogeneity by using local and global information. • Robust towards active contour initialization in different vertebral levels. Abstract Background Spinal cord (SC) segmentation from magnetic resonance (MR) images can be used to study neurological disorders and facilitates group analysis. Variation of intensity inhomogeneity and small cross section of SC are difficulties that restrict automizing SC segmentation. New methods In this paper we present a method for accurate SC segmentation from MR images. The proposed morphological local global intensity fitting model (MLGIF) is based on region based morphological active contour model that utilizes local and global information. The local information is obtained using local morphology fitting and has been embedded into region based active contour to deal with images intensity inhomogeneity and variable contrast levels between SC and the cerebrospinal fluid. The contour evolution has been performed using successive application of a set of morphological operators. Results The proposed method has been validated on 28 T1-weighted and 29 T2-weighted MR images and simulated MR images with different noise levels. Assessment of the results shows the accuracy of the proposed method for SC segmentation. Comparison to existing method(s) The proposed MLGIF method was comparable with existing SC segmentation methods. Between segmented images and corresponding ground truth images, the mean DICE similarity coefficient, mean conformity coefficient and mean Hausdorff distance were 0.90 (092), 0.8 (0.83) and 0.85 mm (0.70 mm), respectively, for T1(T2)-weighted images. Conclusion The MLGIF model was proposed to achieve a robust method to deal with intensity inhomogeneity and lack of contrast between SC and surrounding tissues. Moreover, accuracy and less sensitivity to initial curve were seen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective This study investigated effects of oral glibenclamide on brain contusion volume and functional outcome of patients with moderate and severe traumatic brain injuries. Methods A randomized clinical trial including 66 patients with moderate (Glasgow Coma Scale score 9–12) to severe (Glasgow Coma Scale score 5–8) traumatic brain injury and brain contusions of <30 mL volume was conducted from May 2015 to August 2016 in a Level I trauma center in southern Iran. Patients who required surgical intervention were excluded. Patients were randomly assigned to receive 10 mg oral glibenclamide daily for 10 days ( n = 29) or placebo in the same dosage ( n = 23). Brain contusion volumetry was performed on days 0, 3, and 7 using spiral thin-cut brain computed tomography scan (1-mm thickness). Outcome measures including modified Rankin Scale, Glasgow Outcome Scale, and Disability Rating Scale were evaluated 3 months after injury. Results There was no significant difference between the 2 study groups in baseline, day 3, and day 7 contusion volumes. Patients receiving glibenclamide had a significantly lower expansion ratio from first to second volumetry ( P < 0.001). Similarly, the first to third expansion ratio was significantly lower in the glibenclamide group compared with placebo ( P = 0.003). There was no significant difference between the 2 groups regarding functional outcome measured by Glasgow Outcome Scale, modified Rankin Scale, and Disability Rating Scale. Conclusions Oral glibenclamide is associated with decreased contusion expansion rate in patients with moderate and severe traumatic brain injuries sustaining cerebral contusions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A computational model was developed for studying the flow field and particle deposition in a human upper airway system, including: nasal cavity, nasopharynx, oropharynx, larynx and trachea. A series of coronal CT scan images of a 24 year old woman was used to construct the 3D model. The Lagrangian and Eulerian approaches were used, respectively, to find the trajectories of micro-particles and concentration of nano-particles. The total and regional deposition fractions of micro/nanoparticles were evaluated and the major hot spots for the deposition of inhaled particles were found. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Introduction: Thalassemia is the most common hereditary blood disorder in the world. Iran is located on the thalassemic belt and there is a high prevalence of the hepatosplenomegaly in beta thalassemia minor patients which is reported to be very variable. The goal of this research was to study the frequency of these signs in the cases with beta thalassemia minor patients in Iran. Materials and methods: Two hundred and fifty-nine cases that referred to center for pre-marriage tests were divided into two groups according to their MCV, MCH, and HbA2 (beta thalassemia minor cases and control groups). Liver and spleen sizes were determined by ultrasonographic method and the two groups were compared with each other. Results: Average spleen volumes in case and control groups were 163.48±133.97 and 126.29±53.98mm3, respectively. Average spleen lengths in case and control groups were 10.71±1.52 and 10.60±5.4cm, respectively. Conclusion: In the regions with high frequency of beta thalassemia, in case of finding large spleen size in the ultrasonography, a probable harmless differential diagnosis will be beta thalassemia minor that is not indicative of any serious disease. Volumetric measurement of spleen is more reliable for detection of splenomegaly in these patients. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]