scholarly journals A colour-based image segmentation method for the measurement of masticatory performance in older adults

ACTA IMEKO ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 191
Author(s):  
Lorenzo Scalise ◽  
Rachele Napolitano ◽  
Lorenzo Verdenelli ◽  
Susanna Spinsante ◽  
Giorgio Rappelli
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Clustering Algorithm ◽  
Automatic Segmentation ◽  
Segmentation Method ◽  
Masticatory Performance ◽  
Robust Solution ◽  
Masticatory Efficiency ◽  
Time Period ◽  
Oral Conditions

Masticatory efficiency in older adults is an important parameter for the assessment of their oral health and quality of life. This study presents a measurement method based on the automatic segmentation of two-coloured chewing gum based on a <em>K</em>-means clustering algorithm. The solution proposed aims to quantify the mixed areas of colour in order to evaluate masticatory performance in different dental conditions. The samples were provided by ‘two-colour mixing’ tests, currently the most used technique for the evaluation of masticatory efficacy, because of its simplicity, low acquisition times and reduced cost. The image analysis results demonstrated a high discriminative power, providing results in an automatic manner and reducing errors caused by manual segmentation. This approach thus provides a feasible and robust solution for the segmentation of chewed samples. Validation was carried out by means of a reference software, demonstrating a good correlation (<em>R</em><sup>2 </sup>= 0.64) and the higher sensitivity of the proposed method (+75 %). Tests on patients with different oral conditions demonstrated that the <em>K</em>-means segmentation method enabled the automatic classification of patients with different masticatory conditions, providing results in a shorter time period (20 chewing cycles instead of 50).

scholarly journals The relationship between oral conditions, masticatory performance and oral health-related quality of life in children

2013 ◽  
Vol 58 (9) ◽  
pp. 1070-1077 ◽  
Author(s):  
Taís de Souza Barbosa ◽  
Maria Claudia de Morais Tureli ◽  
Marinês Nobre-dos-Santos ◽  
Regina Maria Puppin-Rontani ◽  
Maria Beatriz Duarte Gavião
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Oral Health ◽  
Health Related Quality ◽  
Masticatory Performance ◽  
Related Quality ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Oral Conditions ◽  
The Relationship

A Parallel Local Search Algorithm for Clustering Large Biological Networks

2017 ◽  
Vol 27 (03n04) ◽  
pp. 1750007
Author(s):  
Gaetano Coccimiglio ◽  
Salimur Choudhury
Keyword(s):  
Local Search ◽  
Biological Networks ◽  
Clustering Algorithm ◽  
Search Algorithm ◽  
Local Search Algorithm ◽  
Effective Technique ◽  
User Input ◽  
Time Period ◽  
Cluster Quality

Clustering is an effective technique that can be used to analyze and extract useful information from large biological networks. Popular clustering solutions often require user input for several algorithm options that can seem very arbitrary without experimentation. These algorithms can provide good results in a reasonable time period but they are not above improvements. We present a local search based clustering algorithm free of such required input that can be used to improve the cluster quality of a set of given clusters taken from any existing algorithm or clusters produced via any arbitrary assignment. We implement this local search using a modern GPU based approach to allow for efficient runtime. The proposed algorithm shows promising results for improving the quality of clusters. With already high quality input clusters we can achieve cluster rating improvements upto to 33%.

scholarly journals Dysphagia and Masticatory Performance as a Mediator of the Xerostomia to Quality of Life Relation in the Older Population

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ting-Yu Lu ◽  
Jen-Hao Chen ◽  
Je-Kan Du ◽  
Ying-Chun Lin ◽  
Pei-Shan Ho ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Oral Health ◽  
Physical Function ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Dental Status ◽  
Mediating Effects ◽  
Masticatory Performance ◽  
Oral Function

Abstract Background: The impact of poor oral health on older adults’ quality of life is a public health problem. In this study, the mediating effects of dental status, occlusal condition, dysphagia, and masticatory performance on the association between xerostomia and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) were assessed in the older adult population. Methods: Stratified cluster sampling was used to recruit 1076 community-dwelling adults aged 65 years and older from Kaohsiung, Taiwan. Community care centers were randomly selected according to their geographic classifications (urban, rural, or mountainous areas). Assessments of dental status and occlusal condition were performed by dentists. Information on demographics, physical function, xerostomia, dysphagia and depression was collected through face-to-face interviews. Masticatory performance was evaluated using color-changeable chewing gum. OHRQoL was measured using the Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index. Hierarchical regression models were used to assess the relationships between OHRQoL and physical function, dental status and oral function in older adults. Path analysis was used to estimate direct and indirect pathways between xerostomia and OHRQoL.Results: Participants with xerostomia exhibited a 0.20 OHRQoL reduction (p < .001) compared with patients with no xerostomia, and the direct effect accounted for 83.3% of the total effect. Dysphagia and masticatory performance were found to exert significant mediating effects on the association between xerostomia and OHRQoL (βs = 0.20 and −0.12, respectively; both p < .001; βs = 0.06 and −0.09, respectively; both p < .05). Moreover, potential mediating effects of the number of functional teeth (βs = −0.11 and −0.43, respectively; both p < .001) and occlusal condition (βs = 0.09 and 0.13, respectively; both p < .05) on the relationship between xerostomia and masticatory performance were noted.Conclusions: Dysphagia and masticatory performance may serve as pathways through which xerostomia affects quality of life. Early oral function intervention may be a valuable and actionable target for older adults to maintain quality of life. Our results further suggest that checkup and screening for oral dysfunction are essential to prevent or delay the onset of complications.

scholarly journals Classifyber, a robust streamline-based linear classifier for white matter bundle segmentation

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Giulia Bertò ◽  
Daniel Bullock ◽  
Pietro Astolfi ◽  
Soichi Hayashi ◽  
Luca Zigiotto ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
White Matter ◽  
Surgical Planning ◽  
Automatic Segmentation ◽  
Segmentation Method ◽  
Multiple Datasets ◽  
Segmentation Methods ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Segmentation Quality ◽  
Connectivity Patterns

AbstractVirtual delineation of white matter bundles in the human brain is of paramount importance for multiple applications, such as pre-surgical planning and connectomics. A substantial body of literature is related to methods that automatically segment bundles from diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging (dMRI) data indirectly, by exploiting either the idea of connectivity between regions or the geometry of fiber paths obtained with tractography techniques, or, directly, through the information in volumetric data. Despite the remarkable improvement in automatic segmentation methods over the years, their segmentation quality is not yet satisfactory, especially when dealing with datasets with very diverse characteristics, such as different tracking methods, bundle sizes or data quality. In this work, we propose a novel, supervised streamline-based segmentation method, called Classifyber, which combines information from atlases, connectivity patterns, and the geometry of fiber paths into a simple linear model. With a wide range of experiments on multiple datasets that span from research to clinical domains, we show that Classifyber substantially improves the quality of segmentation as compared to other state-of-the-art methods and, more importantly, that it is robust across very diverse settings. We provide an implementation of the proposed method as open source code, as well as web service.

scholarly journals Dysphagia and masticatory performance as a mediator of the xerostomia to quality of life relation in the older population

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ting-Yu Lu ◽  
Jen-Hao Chen ◽  
Je-Kang Du ◽  
Ying-Chun Lin ◽  
Pei-Shan Ho ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Oral Health ◽  
Physical Function ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Dental Status ◽  
Mediating Effects ◽  
Masticatory Performance ◽  
Oral Function

Abstract Background The impact of poor oral health on older adults’ quality of life is a public health problem. In this study, the mediating effects of dental status, occlusal condition, dysphagia, and masticatory performance on the association between xerostomia and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) were assessed in the older adult population. Methods Stratified cluster sampling was used to recruit 1076 community-dwelling adults aged 65 years and older from Kaohsiung, Taiwan. Community care centers were randomly selected according to their geographic classifications (urban, rural, or mountainous areas). Assessments of dental status and occlusal condition were performed by dentists. Information on demographics, physical function, xerostomia, dysphagia and depression was collected through face-to-face interviews. Masticatory performance was evaluated using color-changeable chewing gum. OHRQoL was measured using the Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index. Hierarchical regression models were used to assess the relationships between OHRQoL and physical function, dental status and oral function in older adults. Path analysis was used to estimate direct and indirect pathways between xerostomia and OHRQoL. Results Participants with xerostomia exhibited a 0.20 OHRQoL reduction (p < .001) compared with patients with no xerostomia, and the direct effect accounted for 83.3% of the total effect. Dysphagia and masticatory performance were found to exert significant mediating effects on the association between xerostomia and OHRQoL (βs = 0.20 and − 0.12, respectively; both p < .001; βs = 0.06 and − 0.09, respectively; both p < .05). Moreover, potential mediating effects of the number of functional teeth (βs = − 0.11 and − 0.43, respectively; both p < .001) and occlusal condition (βs = 0.09 and 0.13, respectively; both p < .05) on the relationship between xerostomia and masticatory performance were noted. Conclusions Dysphagia and masticatory performance may serve as pathways through which xerostomia affects quality of life. Early oral function intervention may be a valuable and actionable target for older adults to maintain quality of life. Our results further suggest that checkup and screening for oral dysfunction are essential to prevent or delay the onset of complications.

scholarly journals Dysphagia and Masticatory Performance as a Mediator of the Xerostomia to Quality of Life Relation in the Older Population

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ting-Yu Lu ◽  
Jen-Hao Chen ◽  
Je-Kan Du ◽  
Ying-Chun Lin ◽  
Pei-Shan Ho ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Oral Health ◽  
Physical Function ◽  
Dental Status ◽  
Masticatory Performance ◽  
Older Population ◽  
Oral Function ◽  
The Relationship

Abstract Background: The impact of poor oral health in older adults affecting their quality of life is a public health problem. This study assessed the mediating effects of dental status, occlusal condition, dysphagia and masticatory performance on the association between xerostomia and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) in the older population. Methods: Stratified cluster sampling method was used to recuit 1100 community-dwelling adults aged 65 years and older from Kaohsiung, Taiwan. Community care centers were randomly selected based on their geographic classifications (urban, rural, and mountainous areas). Assessments of dental status and occlusal condition were performed by dentists. Information on demographics, physical function, xerostomia dysphagia and depression was collected using face-to-face interview. Masticatory performance was evaluated using color-changeable chewing gum. OHRQoL was measured using Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index. Hierarchical regression models were utilized to assess the relationship between OHRQoL and physical function, dental status and oral function in older adults. Path analysis was used to estimate direct and indirect pathways between xerostomia and OHRQoL.Results: Participants with xerostomia had a 0.17 OHRQoL reduction (p< .001) comparing to the non-xerostomia, and the direct effect was accounted for 85.0% of the total effect. The dysphagia and the poor masticatory performance were found to have a significant mediating effect on the association between xerostomia and OHRQoL (βs = 0.17 and −0.09, respectively, both p< .001; βs = 0.05 and −0.08, respectively, both p< .001) moreover, potential mediating influences of the number of functional teeth (βs = −0.11 and −0.44, respectively, both p < .001) and poor occlusal condition (βs = 0.09 and 0.12, respectively, both p < .05) on the relationship between xerostomia and masticatory performance were obervered.Conclusions: Dysphagia and poor masticatory performance may serve as a pathway of which xerostomia affects quality of life. Providing early oral function intervention may be a valuable and actionable target for older adults to maintain their quality of life. Our results further suggest that checkup and screening for oral dysfunction is essential to prevent or delay the onset of complications.

scholarly journals Dysphagia and Masticatory Performance as a Mediator of the Xerostomia to Quality of Life Relation in the Older Population: A Structural Equation Model Approach

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ting-Yu Lu ◽  
Jen-Hao Chen ◽  
Je-Kan Du ◽  
Ying-Chun Lin ◽  
Pei-Shan Ho ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Oral Health ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Dental Status ◽  
Mediating Effect ◽  
Masticatory Performance ◽  
Older Population

Abstract Background: The adverse impact of poor oral conditions in older adults on their quality of life is a public health problem. This study assessed the mediating effects of dental status, occlusal condition, dysphagia and masticatory performance on the association between xerostomia and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) in the older population. Methods: A total of 1100 representative community-dwelling adults aged 65 years and older were recruited from a large-scale survey conducted in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. Dental status and occlusal condition were performed by dentists. Information on demographics, physical function, xerostomia, and dysphagia was collected using face-to-face interview. Masticatory performance was evaluated using color-changeable chewing gum. OHRQoL was measured using Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index. Results: Comparing with non-xerostomia, participants with xerostomia had a 0.20 decrease in the level of OHRQoL (p< .001), and the direct effect was accounted for 83.3% of the total effect. The dysphagia and the masticatory performance were found to have a significant mediating effect on the association between xerostomia and OHRQoL (βs = 0.20 and −0.13, respectively; βs = 0.05 and −0.08, respectively) and 10.8% of the effect was attributed to dysphagia mediation. Furthermore, the functional teeth and occlusal condition had a significant mediating effect on the association between xerostomia and masticatory performance , and the functional teeth was accounted for 43.6% of the effect. Conclusions: Xerostomia had the greatest effect on OHRQoL. The mediating role of dysphagia and masticatory performance on the association between xerostomia and OHRQoL was significant and deserves further attention. Older adults could improve their OHRQoL through a community-based oral function intervention. Our results further suggest that early screening for swallowing and masticatory function is essential to prevent or delay the onset of complications.

scholarly journals Dysphagia and Masticatory Performance as a Mediator of the Xerostomia to Quality of Life Relation in the Older Population

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ting-Yu Lu ◽  
Jen-Hao Chen ◽  
Je-Kan Du ◽  
Ying-Chun Lin ◽  
Pei-Shan Ho ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Oral Health ◽  
Physical Function ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Dental Status ◽  
Mediating Effects ◽  
Masticatory Performance ◽  
Oral Function

Abstract Background: The impact of poor oral health on older adults’ quality of life is a public health problem. In this study, the mediating effects of dental status, occlusal condition, dysphagia, and masticatory performance on the association between xerostomia and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) were assessed in the older adult population. Methods: Stratified cluster sampling was used to recuit 1076 community-dwelling adults aged 65 years and older from Kaohsiung, Taiwan. Community care centers were randomly selected according to their geographic classifications (urban, rural, or mountainous areas). Assessments of dental status and occlusal condition were performed by dentists. Information on demographics, physical function, xerostomia, dysphagia and depression was collected through face-to-face interviews. Masticatory performance was evaluated using color-changeable chewing gum. OHRQoL was measured using the Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index. Hierarchical regression models were used to assess the relationships between OHRQoL and physical function, dental status and oral function in older adults. Path analysis was used to estimate direct and indirect pathways between xerostomia and OHRQoL.Results: Participants with xerostomia exhibited a 0.20 OHRQoL reduction (p < .001) compared with patients with no xerostomia, and the direct effect accounted for 83.3% of the total effect. Dysphagia and masticatory performance were found to exert significant mediating effects on the association between xerostomia and OHRQoL (βs = 0.20 and −0.12, respectively; both p < .001; βs = 0.06 and −0.09, respectively; both p < .05). Moreover, potential mediating effects of the number of functional teeth (βs = −0.11 and −0.43, respectively; both p < .001) and occlusal condition (βs = 0.09 and 0.13, respectively; both p < .05) on the relationship between xerostomia and masticatory performance were noted.Conclusions: Dysphagia and masticatory performance may serve as pathways through which xerostomia affects quality of life. Early oral function intervention may be a valuable and actionable target for older adults to maintain quality of life. Our results further suggest that checkup and screening for oral dysfunction are essential to prevent or delay the onset of complications.

scholarly journals Intelligent Automatic Segmentation of Wrist Ganglion Cysts Using DBSCAN and Fuzzy C-Means

Diagnostics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (12) ◽  
pp. 2329
Author(s):  
Kwang Baek Kim ◽  
Doo Heon Song ◽  
Hyun Jun Park
Keyword(s):  
Clustering Algorithm ◽  
Learning Algorithm ◽  
Ganglion Cyst ◽  
High Reliability ◽  
False Positive Rate ◽  
Automatic Segmentation ◽  
Ground Truth ◽  
Segmentation Method ◽  
Fuzzy C Means ◽  
Ganglion Cysts

Ganglion cysts are common soft tissue masses of the hand and wrist, and small size cysts are often hypoechoic. Thus, identifying them from ultrasonography is not an easy problem. In this paper, we propose an automatic segmentation method using two artificial intelligence algorithms in sequence. A density based unsupervised learning algorithm called DBSCAN is performed as a front-end and its result determines the number of clusters used in the Fuzzy C-Means (FCM) clustering algorithm for quantification of ganglion cyst object. In an experiment using 120 images, the proposed method shows a higher extraction rate (89.2%) and lower false positive rate compared with FCM when the ground truth is set as the human expert’s decision. Such human-like behavior is more apparent when the size of the ganglion cyst is small that the quality of ultrasonography is often not very high. With this fully automatic segmentation method, the operator subjectivity that is highly dependent on the experience of the ultrasound examiner can be mitigated with high reliability.

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