Perceptually accurate display of two greyscale images as a single colour image

Believing is seeing - the deceptive influence of bias in quantitative microscopy

The visual allure of microscopy makes it an intuitively powerful research tool. Intuition, however, can easily obscure or distort the reality of the information contained in an image. Common cognitive biases, combined with institutional pressures that reward positive research results, can quickly skew a microscopy project towards upholding, rather than rigorously challenging, a hypothesis. The impact of these biases on a variety of research topics is well known. What might be less appreciated are the many forms in which bias can permeate a microscopy experiment. Even well-intentioned researchers are susceptible to bias, which must therefore be actively recognized to be mitigated. Importantly, although image quantification has increasingly become an expectation, ostensibly to confront subtle biases, it is not a guarantee against bias and cannot alone shield an experiment from cognitive distortions. Here, we provide illustrative examples of the insidiously pervasive nature of bias in microscopy experiments - from initial experimental design to image acquisition, analysis and data interpretation. We then provide suggestions that can serve as guard rails against bias.

Analysis of facial redness by comparing VISIA and YLGTD

BACKGROUND

Erythema, characterized by redness of the skin, is a common symptom in various facial skin conditions. Recent advancements in image processing and analysis techniques have led to the development of methods for analyzing and assessing skin texture. This study aimed to investigate the correlation between the parameters of "You Look Good Today" (YLGTD) and VISIA in the detection and assessment of facial redness.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty female subjects participated in this experiment, undergoing assessments using both YLGTD and VISIA. The subjects were evaluated for facial redness, and the feature count results within the red zone were measured by VISIA. YLGTD analyzed the number and percentage of red zone pixels. The assessments were conducted between [specific dates] in [location].

RESULTS

The results demonstrated a significant positive correlation between the feature count results within the red zone measured by VISIA and the number of red zone pixels. Similarly, YLGTD exhibited a significant positive correlation with the number and percentage of red zone pixels.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, our findings suggest a correlation between YLGTD and VISIA in the measurement of facial erythema. YLGTD can serve as a portable device for primary screening assessments, offering a convenient and reliable method to evaluate facial redness. This research contributes to the development of non-invasive techniques for assessing and monitoring facial skin conditions, providing valuable insights for dermatological diagnosis and cosmetic testing.

Essential oils microemulsions prepared with high-frequency ultrasound: physical properties and antimicrobial activity

Essential oils (EOs) have demonstrated antimicrobial activity against bacteria due to the effects of their major components. The direct application of EOs may present a rapid volatilization of its components and can decrease their effectiveness. Encapsulation by means of emulsification can provide protection to lipid compounds on a microscale. The aim of this study was to characterize microemulsions of cinnamon essential oil (CEO), oregano essential oil (OEO), and rosemary essential oil (REO) prepared by high-frequency ultrasound and evaluate their antimicrobial activities against Escherichia coli and Listeria monocytogenes. The microemulsions (oil-in-water, O/W) of EOs were prepared using high-frequency ultrasound, applying a wave amplitude of 84 µm for 15 min (REO and CEO) or 30 min (OEO). The antimicrobial activity was determined by inoculating 10⁸ CFU/mL of bacteria. Nonsurvival of the bacteria was confirmed by plate count in tryptic soy agar, determining the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC). The microemulsions exhibited droplet size diameters of 1.98 to 5.46 µm, showing high encapsulation efficiencies (79.91-81.97%) and low separation rates (2.50-6.67%). The MIC and MBC for the microemulsions for both bacteria were 20-75% less than values obtained for the non-encapsulated EOs. This study demonstrates that high-frequency ultrasound is a suitable technique for obtaining stable microemulsions to deliver natural antimicrobials that can be applied to control bacteria of high relevance in food safety.

Analysis of facial redness by comparing VISIA® from Canfield and CSKIN® from Yanyun Technology

BACKGROUND

Redness is the most common symptom among many facial dermatoses. With the rapid development of optical instruments, spectral imaging, and image processing technology, there appear varieties of skin color analysis methods and instruments. The aim of this study is to reveal the differences and correlations in measuring the facial redness between CSKIN^® and VISIA^® , as well as the relevance between the instrument parameters and clinical evaluation.

MATERIALS & METHODS

Forty-three Chinese patients were enrolled. Images were taken and analyzed by VISIA^® from Canfield and CSKIN^® from Yanyun Technology, and the facial erythema was graded by the dermatologists.

RESULTS

Feature counts within the red areas measured by VISIA^® were found to have significantly positive correlations with red pixels and percent which were measured by CSKIN^® on both sides of the face (r = .45 ~ .566, P < .01). The parameters analyzed by CSKIN^® and VISIA^® feature counts were correlated with visual scores graded by the dermatologists, VISIA^® presented with a weak correlation (r = .213, P < .05), while CSKIN^® had a moderate correlation with the visual scores (r = .472 ~ .492, P < .001).

CONCLUSION

CSKIN^® may be another alternative option when encountering with measurement and follow-up of facial erythema.