Automatic Measuring of Finger Joint Space Width on Hand Radiograph using Deep Learning and Conventional Computer Vision Methods.

Hand osteoarthritis (OA) severity can be assessed visually through radiographs using semi-quantitative grading systems. However, these grading systems are subjective and cannot distinguish minor differences. Joint space width (JSW) compensates for these disadvantages, as it quantifies the severity of OA by accurately measuring the distances between joint bones.

Clinical and molecular epidemiology of erythropoietic protoporphyria in Italy.

Background: Erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP) is a rare inherited disease associated with heme metabolism, characterized by severe life-long photosensitivity and liver involvement.

Objective: To provide epidemiological data of EPP in Italy.

Materials & Methods: Prospective/retrospective data of EPP patients were collected by an Italian network of porphyria specialist centres (Gruppo Italiano Porfiria, GrIP) over a 20-year period (1996-2017).