Detection Of Structural Changes Research Articles

Instantaneous Spectral Entropy: An Application for the Online Monitoring of Multi-Storey Frame Structures

Damage assessment techniques based on entropy measurements have been recently proposed for the structural health monitoring of civil structures and infrastructures. A quasi-real-time approach, based on the use of instantaneous spectral entropy (ISE) over an uninterrupted stream of data, is discussed here. The methodology is proposed for the detection of sudden damage-related structural changes (more specifically, linear stiffness reductions and nonlinear breathing cracks). The method operates by framing the continuous stream of vibration signals and comparing the single frames to a known baseline. The approach is also suitable for nonstationary signals originating from nonlinearly behaving structures. The procedure is validated on an experimental benchmark: a laboratory-scaled model of a three-storey single-span frame metallic structure. Three different definitions of entropy and six candidate time–frequency/time-scale transforms have been tested to find the optimal settings.

Early Detection of Iron Overload Cardiomyopathy in Transfusion Dependent Thalassemia Patients in Sulaimaniyah City, Iraq.

BackgroundLifelong blood transfusion is recommended for patients with transfusion-dependent thalassemia (TDT) that lead to iron overload and results in cardiomyopathy (CM).AimTo assess the accuracy of several electrocardiographic (ECG) data in patients at high risk of arrhythmia, early detection of structural and functional changes in left atrium and ventricle using ECG and echocardiography (two dimensional, M-mode echocardiography along with Doppler studies), and to observe the correlations between plasma B-type atrial natriuretic peptide (BNP)/serum ferritin and ECG with Doppler as well as echocardiographic changes in patients with TDT.MethodsThe current prospective case-control study included 75 TDT patients and 74 control subjects with the mean age of 9.55 and 9.93 years, respectively. Participants were assessed for the socio-demographic, physical examinations, serum ferritin, plasma BNP, ECG, 2D echocardiography, and tissue/pulse wave Doppler.ResultsThe mean of serum ferritin and plasma BNP were significantly (p<0.001) higher in the cases (1475.19 ng/mL and 47.63 pg/mL, respectively) than controls (41.3 ng/mL and BNP 23.37 pg/mL, respectively). ECG findings showed significant higher P-wave dispersion, QRS duration, QT duration and dispersion, and JTc dispersion in cases than controls. Echocardiography findings revealed diastolic dysfunction with preserved ejection fraction (EF) in thalassemia cases, as well as significant higher left ventricular (LV) mass, LV internal diameters during systole and diastole (LVIDs and d) and LV posterior wall thickness during diastole (LVPWd) in cases than controls (p<0.05). Also, a significant (p<0.05) correlation between BNP and QT dispersion was found in patients.ConclusionThese findings suggest the usefulness of ECG, 2D echocardiographic, Doppler studies and plasma BNP, with no significant beneficial effect of serum ferritin level in detecting early cardiac changes in patients with TDT.

Application of silver solid amalgam electrodes in electrochemical detection of DNA damage.

In this study, a mercury meniscus-modified silver solid amalgam electrode was used for the first time for the detection of UV-induced DNA damage. The integrity of the double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) layer was detected indirectly using the evaluation of the methylene blue reduction within its accumulation into dsDNA after the UV irradiation of the biosensor surface with two different wavelengths (254nm and 365nm), monitored by differential pulse voltammetry. Moreover, a simple electrochemical characterization of the biosensor surface was performed using cyclic voltammetry of the redox indicator hexaammineruthenium chloride (RuHex) present in the solution. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) was used in both cases for the verification of results. Individual electrochemical signals depend on the time of biosensor exposure to UV irradiation as well as on the selected wavelengths and are different for both used types of dsDNA (salmon sperm and calf thymus). The highest degradation degree up to 60% was observed using sensitive EIS of methylene blue after 10min irradiation of the biosensor at 254nm. The use of RuHex seems to be less sensitive for the detection of dsDNA structural changes, when the degradation degree up to 40% was observed, using EIS at the same conditions.

Detecting perturbations of a radiation field inside a head-sized phantom exposed to therapeutic carbon-ion beams through charged-fragment tracking.

Noninvasive methods to monitor carbon-ion beams in patients are desired to fully exploit the advantages of carbon-ion radiotherapy. Prompt secondary ions produced in nuclear fragmentations of carbon ions are of particular interest for monitoring purposes as they can escape the patient and thus be detected and tracked to measure the radiation field in the irradiated object. This study aims to evaluate the performance of secondary-ion tracking to detect, visualize, and localize an internal air cavity used to mimic inter-fractional changes in the patient anatomy at different depths along the beam axis. In this work, a homogeneous head phantom was irradiated with a realistic carbon-ion treatment plan with a typical prescribed fraction dose of 3Gy(RBE). Secondary ions were detected by a mini-tracker with an active area of 2 cm2 , based on the Timepix3 semiconductor pixel detector technology. The mini-tracker was placed 120mm behind the center of the target at an angle of 30 degrees with respect to the beam axis. To assess the performance of the developed method, a 2-mm thick air cavity was inserted in the head phantom at several depths: in front of as well as at the entrance, in the middle, and at the distal end of the target volume. Different reconstruction methods of secondary-ion emission profile were studied using the FLUKA Monte Carlo simulation package. The perturbations in the emission profiles caused by the air cavity were analyzed to detect the presence of the air cavity and localize its position. The perturbations in the radiation field mimicked by the 2-mm thick cavity were found to be significant. A detection significance of at least three standard deviations in terms of spatial distribution of the measured tracks was found for all investigated cavity depths, while the highest significance (six standard deviations) was obtained when the cavity was located upstream of the tumor. For a tracker with an eight-fold sensitive area, the detection significance rose to at least nine standard deviations and up to 17 standard deviations, respectively. The cavity could be detected at all depths and its position measured within 6.5 ± 1.4mm, which is sufficient for the targeted clinical performance of 10mm. The presented systematic study concerning the detection and localization of small inter-fractional structure changes in a realistic clinical setting demonstrates that secondary ions carry a large amount of information on the internal structure of the irradiated object and are thus attractive to be further studied for noninvasive monitoring of carbon-ion treatments.

Using Cryo-ET to distinguish platelets during pre-acute myeloid leukemia from steady state hematopoiesis

Early diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in the pre-leukemic stage remains a clinical challenge, as pre-leukemic patients show no symptoms, lacking any known morphological or numerical abnormalities in blood cells. Here, we demonstrate that platelets with structurally abnormal mitochondria emerge at the pre-leukemic phase of AML, preceding detectable changes in blood cell counts or detection of leukemic blasts in blood. We visualized frozen-hydrated platelets from mice at different time points during AML development in situ using electron cryo-tomography (cryo-ET) and identified intracellular organelles through an unbiased semi-automatic process followed by quantitative measurement. A large proportion of platelets exhibited changes in the overall shape and depletion of organelles in AML. Notably, 23% of platelets in pre-leukemic cells exhibit abnormal, round mitochondria with unfolded cristae, accompanied by a significant drop in ATP levels and altered expression of metabolism-related gene signatures. Our study demonstrates that detectable structural changes in pre-leukemic platelets may serve as a biomarker for the early diagnosis of AML.

Аналіз теоретичних підходів до ефективності діяльності регіональних кластерів: національні особливості

The innovative economy as the basis of post-industrial global development initiates qualitative changes in the system of organization and business management, which must adapt to the constantly changing conditions of competition at both the State and the international levels. Accordingly, economic entities are looking for new forms of interaction and are actively involved in the integrated structures of the present day. Thus, at the international level there are various strategic alliances, consortia, conglomerates and financial-industrial groups. At the national level, integrated cluster structures are being formed that contribute to increasing the competitiveness of both certain sectors of the national economy and the country as a whole. Each formation must function effectively. A number of studies be needed to measure and evaluate the efficiency of regional cluster formations. The article is aimed at systematizing and improving approaches to assessing the efficiency of regional cluster formations, which will allow to develop new approaches to efficiency assessment, identify new types of efficiency, consider indicators and form new groups of them to assess the efficiency of the cluster. The scientific article reflects the analysis of theoretical approaches to assessing the efficiency of regional clusters; discloses the methodology and stages of their formation; provides different approaches to the definition of the concept of «efficiency» in the context of the essential significance of this concept; provides systematization of approaches to assessing the efficiency of cluster formations based on methods for assessing competitiveness, evaluating innovative projects, calculating key indicators and quality methods. A system of qualitative criteria for assessing the efficiency of the regional cluster is allocated, which is based on economic, scientific, technical, social and environmental groups of indicators. The approaches to determining the types of efficiency of cluster formations and groups of indicators that can be used to compute this efficiency are systematized. Thus, the research is completed and rounded. However, it should be borne in mind that not all cluster enterprises can have a positive dynamics of financial-economic activities in different periods of time. In this regard, it is necessary to assess the efficiency of the structural components of the regional cluster in the context of the influence of external factors and develop a strategy for their development, which will allow timely detection of structural changes in indicators, develop new methods of assessment and learn from the experience of developed countries.

Prospects for early detection of keratoconus based on systems built for computer-assisted diagnostics of structural changes in the cornea

The article is devoted to the problem of diagnosing subclinical keratoconus (KK). The need to identify early signs of KK is primarily associated with the potential for the development of iatrogenic keratoectasia in cases of underdiagnosis of the disease when determining the conditions for laser keratorefractive surgery involving a decrease in the thickness of the cornea. Today generally accepted algorithms for early computer-assisted diagnosis of KK are mainly based on the analysis of various morphometric parameters of the cornea, reflecting changes in its shape and thickness induced by structural abnormalities. Direct detection of structural changes in the cornea characteristic of early KK requires the use of high-tech imaging methods that are not always applicable in everyday clinical practice. The promising approach proposed in this study is based on the fact that a digital image of a corneal «slice» obtained using serial analyzers such as the Scheimpflug camera widely used in clinical practice provides indirect information about the structure of the epithelial layer, the local thickening of which takes place in the initial stages KK. It is this criterion that underlies the proposed system of computer-assisted diagnosis of KK. The carried out studies have shown the high sensitivity of this algorithm, and its specificity can be increased by involving the known diagnostic indicators of KK.

Use of ultrasonic diagnostics for investigation and detection of structural changes in the lungs in COVID-19

Rapid and accurate diagnosis of various lung changes caused by SARS-Co V-2 is extremely important and relevant, as it will allow timely action to take the necessary measures to treat and stop the spread of lesions. Ultrasound diagnosis allows you to quickly, non-invasively, and cheaply conduct research that is accurate and effective enough to make or confirm a diagnosis. The article highlights the main structural changes in the lungs found in 86 patients with a positive PCR test for coronavirus virus. The following sonographic signs were observed during the study: B-line (in 54% of patients), white lung effect (in 20.6% of patients), consolidation (11 people – 17.5%), of which 6 patients with consolidation less than 1 cm and 5 patients had consolidations greater than 1 cm, pleural effusion was observed in 7 patients.&#x0D; Our research is important both in terms of increasing the informativeness of the diagnosis for physicians and patients, for whom it is important to quickly, non-invasively, and economically compare, detect disease and begin treatment promptly.

Ganglion Cell Complex: The Optimal Measure for Detection of Structural Progression in the Macula

To test the hypothesis that macular ganglion cell complex (GCC) thickness from optical coherence tomography (OCT) provides a stronger change signal regardless of glaucoma severity compared with other macular measures. Prospective cohort study. Eyes were from 112 patients with moderate to severe glaucoma at baseline from a tertiary glaucoma center. In each 3°×3° macular superpixel, a hierarchical Bayesian random intercept and slope model with random residual variance was fit to longitudinal full macular thickness (FMT), outer retina layers, GCC, ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer (GCIPL), and ganglion cell layer (GCL) measurements. We estimated population- and individual-level slopes and intercepts. Proportions of substantial worsening and improving superpixel slopes were compared between layers and in superpixels with mild to moderate vs severe damage (total deviation of corresponding visual field location ≥ -8 vs < -8 dB). Mean (SD) follow-up time and baseline 10-2 visual field mean deviation were 3.6 (0.4) years and -8.9 (5.9) dB, respectively. FMT displayed the highest proportion of significant negative slopes (1932/3519 [54.9%]), followed by GCC (1286/3519 [36.5%]), outer retina layers (1254/3519 [35.6%]), (GCIPL) (1075/3518 [30.6%]), and (GCL) (698/3518 [19.8%]). Inner macular measures detected less worsening in the severe glaucoma group; yet GCC (223/985 [22.6%]) identified the highest proportion (GCIPL: 183/985 [18.6%]; GCL: 106/985 [10.8%]). Proportions of positive rates were small and comparable among all measures. GCC is the optimal macular measure for detection of structural change in eyes with moderate to severe glaucoma. Although a higher proportion of worsening superpixels was observed for FMT, a large portion of FMT change could be attributed to changes in outer retina layers.

Application of magneto-optical method for detection of material structure changes

The possibilities of magneto-optical sensors to control the damage of ferromagnetic and para-magnetic materials and products are considered. In the introduction it is shown that modern magneto-optical materials used in creating sensors have a high sensitivity and spatial resolution. So, on their basis it is possible to develop sensitive and informative means of non-destructive testing for a wide range of applications. For example, it is used to detect microcracks, corrosion damage, degradation changes in the material structure, surface deformations, and subsurface defects. The method ability to detect appearance of magnetic phases in paramagnetic materials, that are precursors of fracture, is of a special importance. The advantage of magneto-optic sensors is a large observation area and high spatial resolution. Resolution of the sensor is determined by the period and size of the domain structure, which averages 13...50 micrometres. High sensitivity of the sensor is due to a small saturation field of the magneto-optic material from 0.1 mT to 0.7 mT. In addition, these parameters are controlled by changing the temperature of the sensor, direction and intensity of the magnetic field. In this paper an optical scheme based on magneto-optical garnet film for visualization of fatigue cracks, which are formed in compact samples during their experimental investigation on fatigue failure is described. The developed scheme allowed us to visualize and fix position of the crack and determine its actual length, considering the closed part of the crack. A further direction of research will be to increase the sensitivity of the developed scheme and reduce the noise of magneto-optical images to identify the initial stages of the degradation process of ferromagnetic and paramagnetic materials and products.

RNA-seq library preparation for comprehensive transcriptome analysis in cancer cells: The impact of insert size

With long reads and high coverage, RNA-seq enables comprehensive transcriptome analysis of cancer cells, provided that optimal length of libraries (and their inserts) is assured, to avoid overlap of paired reads and consequent loss of sequencing data. We assessed TruSeq Stranded library preparation protocols (poly(A) enrichment-PA and rRNA depletion-RD) for the thoroughness of transcriptome analysis of a heterogeneous cancer, acute lymphoblastic leukemia. We applied 2x150PE sequencing, >150 M reads/sample on Illumina NovaSeq6000. We show that PA outperforms RD for the analysis of gene expression and structural aberrations. RD is more suitable for detection of various classes of RNAs, mutations or polymorphisms. We demonstrate that reduced RNA fragmentation time (generating longer inserts) positively affects detection of structural RNA changes, without introducing bias into gene expression analysis. We recommend this modification for all RNA-seq studies utilizing reads longer than 75 nt, aimed to go beyond gene expression analysis and to detect also structural changes.

Trabecular bone porosity and pore size distribution in osteoporotic patients – A low field nuclear magnetic resonance and microcomputed tomography investigation

The study of bone morphology is of great importance as bone morphology is influenced by factors such as age and underlying comorbidities and is associated with bone mechanical properties and fracture risk. Standard diagnostic techniques used in bone disease, such as Dual-Energy X-ray absorptiometry and ultrasonography do not provide qualitative and quantitative morphological information. In recent years, techniques such as High Resolution Computed Tomography (HR-CT), micro- CT, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), and Low Field Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (LF-NMR) have been developed for the study of bone structure and porosity. Data obtained from these techniques have been used to construct models to predict bone mechanical properties thanks to finite element analysis. Cortical porosity has been extensively studied and successfully correlated with disease progression and mechanical properties. Trabecular porosity and pore size distribution, however, have increasingly been taken into consideration to obtain a comprehensive analysis of bone pathology and mechanic. Therefore, we have decided to evaluate the ability of micro- CT (chosen for its high spatial resolving power) and LF-NMR (chosen to analyze the behavior of water molecules within trabecular bone pores) to characterize the morphology of trabecular bone in osteoporosis. Trabecular bone samples from human femoral heads collected during hip replacement surgery were from osteoporosis (test group) and osteoarthritis (control group) patients. Our data show that both micro- CT and LF-NMR can detect qualitative changes in trabecular bone (i.e., transition from plate-like to rod-like morphology). Micro- CT failed to detect significant differences in trabecular bone morphology parameters between osteoporotic and osteoarthritic specimens, with the exception of Trabecular Number and Connectivity Density, which are markers of osteoporosis progression. In contrast, LF-NMR was able to detect significant differences in porosity and pore size of trabecular bone from osteoporotic versus osteoarthritic (control) samples. However, only the combination of these two techniques allowed the detection of structural morphometric changes (increase in the larger pore fraction and enlargement of the larger pores) in the trabecular bone of osteoporotic specimens compared to osteoarthritic ones. In conclusion, the combined use of LF-NMR and micro- CT provides a valuable tool for characterizing the morphology of trabecular bone and may offer the possibility for a new approach to the study and modeling of bone mechanics in the context of aging and disease.

Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering Stimulated by Strong Metal-Molecule Interactions in a C60 Single-Molecule Junction.

Specifying the geometric and electronic structures of a metal-molecule interface at the single-molecule level is crucial for the improvement of organic electronics. A single-molecule junction (SMJ) can be used to investigate interfaces because it can be regarded as an elementary unit of the interface structure. Although considerable efforts have been made to this end, the detection of structural changes in SMJs associated with metal-molecule interactions remains challenging. In this study, we detected the surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) signal originating from the metal-molecule interaction change induced by a local structural change in a C60 SMJ. This junction has attracted wide attention owing to its unique electronic and vibronic properties. We fabricated a C60 SMJ using a lithographically fabricated Au electrode and measured the SERS spectra along with the current-voltage (I-V) response. By continuous measurement of SERS for the C60 SMJ, we obtained SERS spectra dependent on the local structural change. The analysis of the I-V response revealed that the vibration energy shift originates from the change in the local structure for different Au-C60 interactions. Based on the discrimination of the states in accordance with the Au-C60 interaction, we found that the probability of SERS for geometry with a large Au-C60 interaction was enhanced.

Relationship Between Flicker Modulation Sensitivity and Retinal Ganglion Cell Related Layer Thicknesses.

PurposeEarly detection of structural changes in retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and corresponding changes in visual function is important in early degenerative diseases of the retina, but the sensitivity of both measurements is limited by the inherent variability in healthy subjects. This study investigates the relationships between RGC-related layer thicknesses and foveal and parafoveal flicker modulation sensitivity (FMS) across photopic and mesopic light levels in healthy subjects.MethodsPhotopic and mesopic FMS was measured in 56 young adults, at the point of fixation and at an eccentricity of 5 degrees, in each of the four quadrants. Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) was used to measure retinal thicknesses. Relationships between foveal and parafoveal FMS and the retinal thickness in the corresponding region were examined after adjusting for confounding variables.ResultsTotal macular and inner retinal layer (IRL) thicknesses in the parafoveal ring were significant predictors of photopic (P = 0.034) and mesopic (P = 0.034) parafoveal FMS, respectively. The superior peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (pRNFL) thickness was a contributing factor to the inferior parafoveal FMS (photopic: P = 0.006 and mesopic: P = 0.021) and the inferior pRNFL thickness was also a contributing factor to the superior parafoveal FMS (photopic: P < 0.001 and mesopic: P = 0.015).ConclusionsThe pRNFL thicknesses predict parafoveal FMS for both mesopic and photopic conditions in healthy eyes.Translational RelevanceThe measurement of rapid flicker sensitivity in the parafoveal retina together with the pRNFL thickness profiles measured before the onset of disease, may provide a more sensitive biomarker for detecting loss of sensitivity caused by the earliest neurodegenerative changes in the eyes.

Advances in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Imaging.

Chest computed tomography (CT) imaging is a useful tool that provides in vivo information regarding lung structure. Imaging has contributed to a better understanding of COPD, allowing for the detection of early structural changes and the quantification of extra-pulmonary structures. Novel CT imaging techniques have provided insight into the progression of the main COPD subtypes, such as emphysema and small airway disease. This article serves as a review of new information relevant to COPD imaging. CT abnormalities, such as emphysema and loss of airways, are present even in smokers who do not meet the criteria for COPD and in those with mild-to-moderate disease. Subjects with mild-to-moderate COPD, with the highest loss of airways, also experience the highest decline in lung function. Extra-pulmonary manifestations of COPD, such as right ventricle enlargement and low muscle mass measured on CT, are associated with increased risk for all-cause mortality. CT longitudinal data has also given insight into the progression of COPD. Mechanically affected areas of lung parenchyma adjacent to emphysematous areas are associated with a greater decline in FEV1. Subjects with the greatest percentage of small airway disease, as measured on matched inspiratory-expiratory CT scan, also present with the greatest decline in lung function.

Sonographic and Duplex Evaluation of Synovial activity in Wrist and Hand Joints in Rheumatoid Arthritis

Abstract Background Rheumatoid arthritis is a long-term autoimmune disease and inflammatory disorder. The damaging effect on cartilage, bone, ligaments, and tendons has raised the importance of the accurate diagnosis of structural damage, disease activity and severity assessment to enable therapeutic decisions and to evaluate disease outcome. US is non invasive, relatively cheap and widely accessible imaging tool that facilitates the detection of synovitis joint effusin and erosions more better than clinical, laboratory investigations alone and x-ray. Aim of the Work assess the role of of gray-scale and Doppler ultrasound early detection and characterization of synovitis and structural bone changes in wrist and hand joints in patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis by comparing qualitative and quantitative US parameters with clinical and laboratory indicators of disease activity. Patients and Methods A cross sectional study conducted onthirty five adult patients with RA . All the patients were diagnosed according to the 2010 ACR/European League . The patients were recruited from the Rheumatology and Rehabilitation Outpatient Clinic, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams Hospitals .The study was approved by the ethical committee, and consents were taken from all patients enrolled in the study. Patients assessed by history taking, Clinical examination, Laboratory investigations and US gray scale and US power Doppler was done for each patient. Results This study included 35 patients with established RA, 27 females (77.1%) and 8 males (22.9%). Ranged in age between 20-70 years with mean age [45.66±12.76],the mean CDAS28 was [4.62±1.37], ESR [44.93±20.79], CRP [15.92±9.03], 33 patients (94.3%) were found to have synovial thickening, 14 patient (40%) were found to have increased vascularity by PD, joint effusion was detected in 12 patient (34.3%) particularly in MCP joints, 13 (37.1%) had bone erosion and only 9 patients (25.7%) had Tenosynovitis, most of them were detected at the extensor compartment of the wrist joint.positive correlations found between the clinical disease activity indices, laboratory investigations, duration of illness and components of the US findings. Conclusion Ultrasound is non invasive, relatively cheap and widely accessible imaging tool that facilitates the detection of synovitis and erosions,, high resolution gray scale images combined with Doppler technique have made it possible to detect slow low volume blood flow, thus improving the outcome of the standard clinical assessment in Rheumatoid synovial inflammation.

Inorganic perovskites improved film and crystal quality of CsPbIBr2 when doped with rubidium

In this work CsPbIBr2 is doped with rubidium, where up to 12% of caesium atoms are replaced with those of rubidium. The obtained Cs1 − xRbxPbIBr2, x= (0, 0.02, 0.04, 0.06, 0.08, 0.10, 0.12), films were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), the scanning electron microscope (SEM), photoluminescence (PL) and UV–visible spectroscopy. The integration of Rb+ ions into the lattice leads to a detectable change in optoelectronic and morphological structure. Substituting 6% of caesium atoms yields the best results, eliminating pinholes and elevating crystallite size and absorption coefficient by 116 and 125%, respectively. Other novel observations, of particular interest, include a slight increase in band-gap energy from 2.1 eV to 2.14 eV and a decrease in stability. Over a period of 15 days, where temperature and relative humidity kept at 23 °C and 20%, respectively, a larger amount of degradation was seen to take place as rubidium content was increased. Therefore, the doping of CsPbIBr2 with rubidium is most useful in the case where specifically film and crystal quality are desired to be targeted.

Взаємозв’язок структурних змін щитоподібної залози з клініко-лабораторними показниками у хворих на цукровий діабет 2-го типу

У статті наведені результати вивчення впливу клініко-лабораторних показників хворих на цукровий діабет (ЦД) 2-го типу на структурні зміни щитоподібної залози (ЩЗ). Мета роботи — оцінка частоти та характеру структурних змін ЩЗ при ЦД 2-го типу. Матеріали і методи. Під спостереженням перебували 122 хворі, із них 92 — із ЦД 2-го типу і 30 — з ожирінням без ЦД 2-го типу (47 чоловіків і 75 жінок). Контролем слугувала група осіб без симптомів ЦД і ожиріння (n = 35). Групи обстежених не відрізнялися за віком і статтю. Результати. У хворих на ЦД 2-го типу патологія ЩЗ виявлена в 93,5 % випадків, при ожирінні без ЦД — у 86,7 %. Ці показники вірогідно перевищують популяційний рівень (65,7 %). Структурні зміни у вигляді вузлових утворень виявляються вірогідно частіше при ЦД 2-го типу (55,4 %). Загалом при ЦД 2-го типу вузлові утворення відмічалися в 3,2 раза частіше, ніж при ожирінні, і в 4,9 раза частіше, ніж у контрольній групі. При зіставленні характеру змін ЩЗ із клініко-лабораторними показниками ЦД 2-го типу встановлено, що зі збільшенням тривалості ЦД 2-го типу вірогідно збільшується число вузлових утворень. При лікуванні інсуліном у хворих на ЦД відсоток вузлових утворень ЩЖ вірогідно нижчий. Вузлові утворення ЩЗ вірогідно частіше виявляються за наявності мікросудинних ускладнень і артеріальної гіпертензії. Вузлові утворення у хворих на ЦД 2-го типу вірогідно частіше виявлені в пацієнтів з ожирінням I ступеня, ніж у хворих із нормальною масою тіла (64,2 і 21,8 % відповідно) (p &lt; 0,01). Вузлові утворення ЩЗ вірогідно частіше відзначаються в пацієнтів із ЦД, у яких при ехографії печінки були виявлені критерії жирової дистрофії печінки (p &lt; 0,05). Висновки. Динамічне ультразвукове спостереження за станом ЩЗ при тривалості ЦД 2-го типу більше ніж п’ять років, наявності мікроангіопатій, ожиріння I–III ступенів, ехографічних критеріїв жирової дистрофії печінки, синдрому артеріальної гіпертензії, а також при прийомі пероральних протидіабетичних засобів дозволить своєчасно виявляти структурні зміни в ЩЗ.

Structural change detection in ordinal time series.

Change-point detection in health care data has recently obtained considerable attention due to the increased availability of complex data in real-time. In many applications, the observed data is an ordinal time series. Two kinds of test statistics are proposed to detect the structural change of cumulative logistic regression model, which is often used in applications for the analysis of ordinal time series. One is the standardized efficient score vector, the other one is the quadratic form of the efficient score vector with a weight function. Under the null hypothesis, we derive the asymptotic distribution of the two test statistics, and prove the consistency under the alternative hypothesis. We also study the consistency of the change-point estimator, and a binary segmentation procedure is suggested for estimating the locations of possible multiple change-points. Simulation results show that the former statistic performs better when the change-point occurs at the centre of the data, but the latter is preferable when the change-point occurs at the beginning or end of the data. Furthermore, the former statistic could find the reason for rejecting the null hypothesis. Finally, we apply the two test statistics to a group of sleep data, the results show that there exists a structural change in the data.

Structural characterization of a monomethylauristatin-E based ADC that contains 8 drugs conjugated at interchain cysteine residues

Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) with a drug-to-antibody ratio (DAR) of 8 are attractive as therapeutic anti-cancer agents due to the higher levels of cytotoxic payload delivered to tumors. Biophysical characterization of a DAR 8 ADC fully conjugated at all interchain cysteine residues was carried out to determine if IgG1 interchain disulfide reduction and conjugation led to structural perturbations that impacted product stability. Comparisons between the DAR 8 ADC and the unconjugated parent antibody identified minor tertiary and quaternary structural changes localized to the CL, CH1, and CH2 domains and CH2-CH3 domain interface. Stability studies of the DAR 8 ADC indicated that the structural changes had minimal impacts to product stability as demonstrated by low levels of fragmentation and aggregation under nominal storage and temperature stress stability conditions. Additionally, no detectable higher order structural changes were observed by CD or DSC in the DAR 8 ADC after 3 months at (25 °C) stability conditions. The structural and stability results support the developability of DAR 8 ADCs fully conjugated to interchain cysteines residues with an optimized and clinically relevant second generation monomethylauristatin-E (MMAE) drug-linker.