Automatic detection of the nipple in screen-film and full-field digital mammograms using a novel Hessian-based method.

Automatic detection of the nipple in mammograms is an important step in computerized systems that combine multiview information for accurate detection and diagnosis of breast cancer. Locating the nipple is a difficult task owing to variations in image quality, presence of noise, and distortion and displacement of the breast tissue due to compression. In this work, we propose a novel Hessian-based method to locate automatically the nipple in screen-film and full-field digital mammograms (FFDMs).

Application of fractal analysis to mammography.

We report on a morphological study of 192 breast masses as seen in mammograms, with the aim of discrimination between benign masses and malignant tumors. From the contour of each mass, we computed the fractal dimension (FD) and a few shape factors, including compactness, fractional concavity, and spiculation index. We calculated FD using four different methods: the ruler and box-counting methods applied to each 2-dimensional (2D) contour and its 1-dimensional signature.

Allergic contact dermatitis with a fertilizer containing hydrogen cyanamide (Dormex).

Cyanamide is a chemical substance used in the treatment of chronic alcoholism as well in agriculture as a fertilizer. We report the case of a 28-year-old healthy non-atopic man that developed a severe skin eruption after the accidental penetration of a small amount of Dormex (a plant growth regulator containing cyanamide) through the patient's gloves. Patch tests revealed positive reactions to Dormex 1% pet.

Contact dermatitis with clostridiopeptidase A contained in Noruxol ointment.

Clostridiopeptidase A, also called collagenase 1, is a proteolytic enzyme capable of digesting collagen. Preparations containing clostridiopeptidase A are used topically for the debridement of dermal ulcers, burns and other necrotic lesions to facilitate the formation of granulation tissue and subsequent epithelization. We observed 4 patients with a periulcerative eczema after repeated applications of Noruxol ointment (Smith & Nephew Ltd, L Hull, UK).