Feature Papers on Methods in Biomedical Informatics

Mammogram exam images are useful in identifying diseases, such as breast cancer, which is one of the deadliest cancers, affecting adult women around the world. Computational image analysis and machine learning techniques can help experts identify abnormalities in these images. In this work we present a new system to help diagnose and analyze breast mammogram images. To do this, the system a method the Selection of the Most Discriminant Attributes of the images preprocessed by BEMD “SMDA-BEMD”, this entails picking the most pertinent traits from the collection of variables that characterize the state under study. A reduction of attribute based on a transformation of the data also called an extraction of characteristics by extracting the Haralick attributes from the Co-occurrence Matrices Methods “GLCM” this reduction which consists of replacing the initial set of data by a new reduced set, constructed at from the initial set of features extracted by images decomposed using Bidimensional Empirical Multimodal Decomposition “BEMD”, for discrimination of breast mammogram images (healthy and pathology) using BEMD. This decomposition makes it possible to decompose an image into several Bidimensional Intrinsic Mode Functions “BIMFs” modes and a residue. The results obtained show that mammographic images can be represented in a relatively short space by selecting the most discriminating features based on a supervised method where they can be differentiated with high reliability between healthy mammographic images and pathologies, However, certain aspects and findings demonstrate how successful the suggested strategy is to detect the tumor. A BEMD technique is used as preprocessing on mammographic images. This suggested methodology makes it possible to obtain consistent results and establishes the discrimination threshold for mammography images (healthy and pathological), the classification rate is improved (98.6%) compared to existing cutting-edge techniques in the field. This approach is tested and validated on mammographic medical images from the Kenitra-Morocco reproductive health reference center (CRSRKM) which contains breast mammographic images of normal and pathological cases. Full article

Lip reading, the art of deciphering spoken words from the visual cues of lip movements, has garnered significant interest for its potential applications in diverse fields, including assistive technologies, human–computer interaction, and security systems. With the rapid advancements in technology and the increasing emphasis on non-verbal communication methods, the significance of lip reading has expanded beyond its traditional boundaries. These technological advancements have led to the generation of large-scale and complex datasets, necessitating the use of cutting-edge deep learning tools that are adept at handling such intricacies. In this study, we propose an innovative approach combining 3D Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) and Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) networks to tackle the challenging task of word recognition from lip movements. Our research leverages a meticulously curated dataset, named MobLip, encompassing various speech patterns, speakers, and environmental conditions. The synergy between the spatial information extracted by 3D CNNs and the temporal dynamics captured by LSTMs yields impressive results, achieving an accuracy rate of up to 87.5%, showcasing robustness to lighting variations and speaker diversity. Comparative experiments demonstrate our model’s superiority over existing lip-reading approaches, underlining its potential for real-world deployment. Furthermore, we discuss ethical considerations and propose avenues for future research, such as multimodal integration with audio data and expanded language support. In conclusion, our 3D CNN-LSTM architecture presents a promising solution to the complex problem of word recognition from lip movements, contributing to the advancement of communication technology and opening doors to innovative applications in an increasingly visual world. Full article

Tacrolimus, characterized by a narrow therapeutic index, significant toxicity, adverse effects, and interindividual variability, necessitates frequent therapeutic drug monitoring and dose adjustments in renal transplant recipients. This study aimed to compare machine learning (ML) models utilizing pharmacokinetic data to predict tacrolimus blood concentration. This prediction underpins crucial dose adjustments, emphasizing patient safety. The investigation focuses on a pediatric cohort. A subset served as the derivation cohort, creating the dose-prediction algorithm, while the remaining data formed the validation cohort. The study employed various ML models, including artificial neural network, RandomForestRegressor, LGBMRegressor, XGBRegressor, AdaBoostRegressor, BaggingRegressor, ExtraTreesRegressor, KNeighborsRegressor, and support vector regression, and their performances were compared. Although all models yielded favorable fit outcomes, the ExtraTreesRegressor (ETR) exhibited superior performance. It achieved measures of $-0.161$ for MPE, $0.995$ for AFE, $1.063$ for AAFE, and $0.8$ for R², indicating accurate predictions and meeting regulatory standards. The findings underscore ML’s predictive potential, despite the limited number of samples available. To address this issue, resampling was utilized, offering a viable solution within medical datasets for developing this pioneering study to predict tacrolimus trough concentration in pediatric transplant recipients. Full article

Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) is like a device that monitors the internal environment of the body. T lymphocytes immediately recognize the HLA molecules that are expressed on the surface of the cells of the different individual, attacking it defeats microorganisms that is one of the causes of rejection in organ transplants performed between people with unmatched HLA types. Over 2850 and 3580 different polymorphisms have been reported for HLA-A and HLA-B respectively, around the world. HLA genes are associated with the risk of developing a variety of diseases, including autoimmune diseases, and play an important role in pathological conditions. By using a deep learning method called multi-task learning to simultaneously predict the gene sequences of multiple HLA genes, it is possible to improve accuracy and shorten execution time. Some new systems use a model called convolutional neural network (CNNs) in deep learning, which uses neural networks consisting of many layers and can learn complex correlations between SNP information and HLA gene sequences based on reference data for HLA imputation, which serves as training data. The learned model can output predicted values of HLA gene sequences with high accuracy using SNP information as input. To investigate which part of the input information surrounding the HLA gene is used to make learning predictions, predictions were made using not only a small number of nearby SNP information but also many SNP information distributed over a wider area by visualizing the learning information of the model. While conventional methods are strong at learning using nearly SNP information and not good at learning using SNP information located at distant locations, some new systems are thought that prediction accuracy may have improved because this problem was overcome. HLA genes are involved in the onset of a variety of diseases and are attracting attention. As an important area from the perspective of elucidating pathological conditions and realizing personalized medicine. The applied multi-task learning to two different HLA imputation reference panels—a Japanese panel (n = 1118) and type I diabetes genetics consortium panel (n = 5122). Through 10-fold cross-validation on these panels, the multi-task learning achieved higher imputation accuracy than conventional methods, especially for imputing low-frequency and rare HLA alleles. The increased prediction accuracy of HLA gene sequences is expected to increase the reliability of HLA analysis, including integrated analysis between different racial populations, and is expected to greatly contribute to the identification of HLA gene sequences associated with diseases and further elucidation of pathological conditions. Full article