Quantitative Morphological Parameters Research Articles

Investigation of the anatomic risk factors in acute anterior cruciate ligament ruptures to develop ramp lesions of the medial meniscus by quantitative MRI

ObjectiveTo investigate the anatomic risk factors of knee in patients with acute non-contact anterior cruciate ligament (aACL) ruptures to develop ramp lesions.MethodsA total of 202 subjects were retrospectively divided into three groups: (1) aACL ruptures combined with ramp lesions group (n = 76); (2) isolated ACL ruptures group (n = 56) and (3) normal controls group (n = 70). Quantitative morphological parameters on MRI were measured including: diameter of medial femoral condyle (MFC), anterior-posterior length and depth of medial tibial plateau (MTP AP length and depth), lateral posterior tibial slope (LPTS) and medial posterior tibial slope (MTPS), asymmetry of LPTS and MPTS (LMPTS), lateral meniscal slope (LMS), and medial meniscal slope (MMS).ResultsThe MTP AP length, MTP AP length/MFC diameter ratio, MTP depth, LPTS and the asymmetry of LMPTS showed significant differences among the three groups (p < 0.001). The risk factors associated with the ramp lesions including a longer MTP AP length (OR 1.17, 95% CI 1.00–1.44, p = 0.044), increased MTP depth (OR 1.91, 95% CI 1.22–3.00, p = 0.005) and lager ratio (OR 1.11, 95% CI 1.01–1.22, p = 0.036). The highest AUC was the MTP AP length/MFC diameter ratio (0.74; 95% CI, 0.66–0.82). The combination model increased higher accuracy (0.80; 95% CI, 0.72–0.88).ConclusionSeveral bony anatomic characteristics of the knee, especially the morphology of medial tibia plateau, are additional risk factors for aACL ruptures to develop ramp lesions.Critical relevance statementPredictive anatomic risk factors of the knee for patients with acute non-contact anterior cruciate ligament (aACL) ruptures to develop ramp lesions, especially the morphology of medial tibia plateau, are detectable by MRI.Key PointsRamp lesion development can complicate aACL ruptures and requires specific treatment.Longer AP length and increased MTP depth are risk factors for concurrent ramp lesions.Identification of ramp lesions allows for the most appropriate treatment.Graphical

Micro-morphological adaptations and tolerance assessment of selected vascular plant species exposed to vehicular exhausts

The vehicular exhausts on roadsides negatively affect living organisms and disturb their environment. These negative impacts of vehicular exhausts on plants demand a scientific investigation of roadside plants in Abbottabad, Pakistan. So, this observational and experimental study was conducted to evaluate the effect of vehicular exhausts on morphology, epidermal structure and biochemical characteristics of leaves of plants near roadsides and compared with the non-polluted site. The quantitative morphological parameters: leaf area, length of petiole and vein-to-vein difference along with anatomical attributes such as stomata and epidermal cells were recorded. Compared to non-polluted areas, the chlorophyll content of plant leaves from polluted areas was higher. The results indicate that vehicular exhaust negatively affects leaf morphology and increases the Stomatal number at adaxial (front surface) of leaves. The air pollution tolerance index evaluated Melia azedarach and Salix angustifolia as tolerant tree species and Rumex dentatus, Amaranthus viridis and Sonchus hydrophilus as tolerant herbaceous species. In order to survive in polluted environments, this study demonstrated that plants go through adaptive processes.

Quantitative 3D Investigation of Nanoparticle Assemblies by Volumetric Segmentation of Electron Tomography Data Sets

Morphological characterization of nanoparticle assemblies and hybrid nanomaterials is critical in determining their structure-property relationships as well as in the development of structures with desired properties. Electron tomography has become a widely utilized technique for the three-dimensional characterization of nanoparticle assemblies. However, the extraction of quantitative morphological parameters from the reconstructed volume can be a complex and labor-intensive task. In this study, we aim to overcome this challenge by automating the volumetric segmentation process applied to three-dimensional reconstructions of nanoparticle assemblies. The key to enabling automated characterization is to assess the performance of different volumetric segmentation methods in accurately extracting predefined quantitative descriptors for morphological characterization. In our methodology, we compare the quantitative descriptors obtained through manual segmentation with those obtained through automated segmentation methods, to evaluate their accuracy and effectiveness. To show generality, our study focuses on the characterization of assemblies of CdSe/CdS quantum dots, gold nanospheres and CdSe/CdS encapsulated in polymeric micelles, and silica-coated gold nanorods decorated with both CdSe/CdS or PbS quantum dots. We use two unsupervised segmentation algorithms: the watershed transform and the spherical Hough transform. Our results demonstrate that the choice of automated segmentation method is crucial for accurately extracting the predefined quantitative descriptors. Specifically, the spherical Hough transform exhibits superior performance in accurately extracting quantitative descriptors, such as particle size and interparticle distance, thereby allowing for an objective, efficient, and reliable volumetric segmentation of complex nanoparticle assemblies.

Predictive value of pigment epithelial detachment markers for visual acuity outcomes in neovascular age-related macular degeneration

BackgroundTo determine the predictive value of quantitative morphological parameters for pigment epithelial detachment (PED) of neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) patients.MethodsOne eye from each of 159 patients with nAMD were studied. Polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) group included 77 eyes, and non-PCV group 82. Patients received conbercept 0.05 ml (0.5 mg) in a 3 + ProReNata (PRN) treatment regimen. Correlations between retinal morphologic parameters at baseline and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) gain at 3 or 12 months after treatment (structure–function correlations) were assessed. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) scans were used to assess retinal morphologic features including intraretinal cystoid fluid (IRC), subretinal fluid (SRF), PED or PED type (PEDT), and vitreomacular adhesion (VMA). Greatest height (PEDH) and width of PED (PEDW), and volume of PED (PEDV) at baseline were also measured.ResultsFor non-PCV group, BCVA gain from 3 or 12 months after treatment was negatively correlated with PEDV at baseline (r = -0.329, -0.312, P = 0.027, 0.037). BCVA gain at 12 months after treatment was negatively correlated with PEDW at baseline (r = -0.305, P = 0.044). For PCV group, there were no correlations with PEDV, PEDH, PEDW, and PEDT in BCVA gain between baseline and 3 or 12 months after treatment (P > 0.05). SRF, IRC, VMA at baseline did not correlate with short-term and long-term BCVA gain in patients with nAMD (P > 0.05).ConclusionFor patients with non-PCV, PEDV at baseline was negatively correlated with short-term and long-term BCVA gain, and PEDW was negatively correlated with long-term BCVA gain. On the contrary, quantitative morphological parameters for PED at baseline had no correlation with BCVA gain in patients with PCV.

Nanoparticle Coatings on Glass Surfaces to Prevent Pseudomonas fluorescens AR 11 Biofilm Formation.

Microbial colonization of surfaces is a sanitary and industrial issue for many applications, leading to product contamination and human infections. When microorganisms closely interact with a surface, they start to produce an exo-polysaccaridic matrix to adhere to and protect themselves from adverse environmental conditions. This type of structure is called a biofilm. The aim of our work is to investigate novel technologies able to prevent biofilm formation by surface coatings. We coated glass surfaces with melanin-ZnO2, melanin-TiO2, and TiO2 hybrid nanoparticles. The functionalization was performed using cold plasma to activate glass-substrate-coated surfaces, that were characterized by performing water and soybean oil wetting tests. A quantitative characterization of the antibiofilm properties was done using Pseudomonas fluorescens AR 11 as a model organism. Biofilm morphologies were observed using confocal laser scanning microscopy and image analysis techniques were used to obtain quantitative morphological parameters. The results highlight the efficacy of the proposed surface coating to prevent biofilm formation. Melanin-TiO2 proved to be the most efficient among the particles investigated. Our results can be a valuable support for future implementation of the technique proposed here in an extended range of applications that may include further testing on other strains and other support materials.

Morphological parameters of hepatocytes in the European mole (Talpa europaea) and herb field mouse (Sylvaemus uralensis) under industrial pollution: Qualitative and quantitative assessment.

Morphological alterations of cells and tissues usually occur in biological organisms exposed to environmental contaminants, thereby acting as a biomarker of environmental pollution, thus, making this study highly pertinent. The effect of industrial pollution on the qualitativeand quantitative morphological parameters of hepatocytes (through histological analysis andcytomorphometry) was studied in two contrasting species of small mammals (Talpa europaea and Sylvaemus uralensis), taking into account the animal age (young and adult groups) and liver concentrations of heavy metals (Cu, Zn, Cd, Pb). Studies were performed in the regions exposed to emissions from two currently operating copper smelters: Middle Ural Copper Smelter (Middle Urals, T. europaea catching area) and Karabash Copper Smelter (Southern Urals, S. uralensis catching area). Seven morphometric parameters of hepatocytes were measured, of which two key parameters were selected by the method of principal components-the cell packing density and nuclear-cytoplasmic ratio (N/C). It was found that cell packing density in T. europaea from the impact zone decreased relative to the background area in young animals. At the same time, the differences in this parameter between the age groups from the background zone were leveled in the impact area of catching. The N/C ratio in T. europaea hepatocytes showed no correlation with either animal age or site of capture (background or impact area). In S. uralensis, both parameters, even taking into account the age, were found to be insensitive to indicate an effect of industrial pollution. Dystrophic changes (tested through histological analysis) in the liver tissue were revealed in all animal groups, but their frequency did not depend on any of the factors (age, zone) as well as the level of accumulation of toxicheavy metals (Cd, Pb). Morphometric parameters of hepatocytes have proved to be more reliable indicators of pollution, compared to the frequency of liver histopathology, due to lower subjectivity in their evaluation.

Avaliação da diversidade fenotípica de alguns genótipos masculinos de tamareiras cultivadas sob condições egípcias

Abstract Artificial pollination is a prerequisite to achieve a sufficient yield of palm trees; hence the identification of superior male palm trees as a standard pollen source for date palm growers has a high priority. The current study was carried out to assess phenotypic diversity among four date palm males namely Hayani, Meghal, Fardh, and Ghannami Ahmer. The genetic diversity and phylogenetic relationships between palm genotypes were performed using eighteen quantitative morphological parameters of both vegetative and reproductive parts (leaf, leaflets, spines, and spathe). Principal components analysis and hierarchical clustering was performed to identify the differences and similarities between the studied genotypes. Results showed significant differences in morphological parameters between the four male palm trees. Most of the selected morphological parameters could be used as quantitative markers for the identification of date palm male genotypes. Principal component analysis showed that, the studied parameters formed two major homogeneous groups of variables, which possessed a high proportion of the observed phenotypic diversity among the studied date palm males. Cluster analysis showed that Fardh, Ghannami Ahmer, and Meghal, are closer related than Hayani; Ghannami and Fardh males showed the highest genetic similarity while the lowest similarity index was detected between Hayani and Ghannami Ahmer males.

Three-dimensional visualization of human brain tumors using the CUBIC technique.

Application of tissue clearing techniques on human brain tumors is still limited. This study was to investigate the application of CUBIC on 3D pathological studies of human brain tumors. Brain tumor specimens derived from 21 patients were cleared with CUBIC. Immunostaining was conducted on cleared specimens to label astrocytes, microglia and microvessels, respectively. All tumor specimens achieved transparency after clearing. Immunostaining and CUBIC are well compatible in a variety of human brain tumors. Spatial morphologies of microvessels, astrocytes and microglia of tumors were clearly visualized in 3D, and their 3D morphological parameters were easily quantified. By comparing the quantitative morphological parameters of microvessels among brain tumors of different malignancy, we found that mean vascular diameter was positively correlated with tumor malignancy. Our study demonstrates that CUBIC can be successfully applied to 3D pathological studies of various human brain tumors, and 3D studies of human brain tumors hold great promise in helping us better understand brain tumor pathology in the future.

Morphometric parameters of sulphide ores as a basis for selective ore dressing

To assess the possibility of selective disintegration and reduction of overgrinding of hard-to-reproduce ores, optical microscopic and X-ray microtomographic studies were carried out and quantitative characteristics of morphological parameters of disseminated and rich cuprous ore samples from Norilsk-type Oktyabrsky deposit were identified. Among quantitative morphological parameters the most informative are area, perimeter, edge roughness, sphericity, elongation and average grain spacing for disseminated copper-nickel ores; area, perimeter, edge roughness and elongation for rich cuprous ores. The studied parameters are characterized by increased values and dispersion in ore zones, which is especially important for fine-grained ores, which are difficult to diagnose by optical methods. Three-dimensional modelling of the internal structure of sulphide mineralisation samples was carried out using computed X-ray microtomography, which allows observation of quantitative parameters of grains, aggregates and their distribution in the total rock volume and interrelationship with each other. The evaluation of rock pore space by computer microtomography made it possible to compare the results obtained with the strength characteristics of rocks and ores, including those on different types of crushers. The obtained quantitative characteristics of structural-textural parameters and analysis of grain size distribution of ore minerals allow us to evaluate the possibility of applying selective crushing at various stages of ore preparation

Design of nanostructured coating to prevent biofilm formation on surfaces

Biofilms are surface-attached microbial organizations, where microbial species are enclosed in an exo-polysaccharides matrix. Its removal/prevention from surfaces represents an important challenge and a relevant issue in many fields. In this light, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) represent good candidates to conventional antibiotics due to their selectivity towards targets (cell membranes), rapid action and low tendency to induce bacterial resistance. In our project we are investigating novel techniques to realise nanostructured coatings on surfaces, in order to prevent bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation. We are focusing our attention on a well-known antimicrobial peptide (Magainin-2). Two bacteria models have been considered: E.coli and P. fluorescens. Our goal is to optimize AMPs grafting on surfaces by means of treatment methodologies based on Oxygen plasma technologies. In this work we present a methodology to investigate anti-biofilm efficiency of the nano-functionalized surfaces, compared with the case of the raw surfaces. Biofilm morphologies can be measured using Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy and image analysis techniques to quantify its structure by measuring quantitative morphological parameters.

Development of Stevia rebaudiana Hybrids Through Trigona-Assisted Pollination

Hybridization is an important method to widen variations and to develop novel varieties in plants. The increasing interest in Stevia rebaudiana over the last decade soared by its potential as an alternative source of sugar. In this study, improvement in stevia has been conducted through hybridization using Trigona for the development of stevia hybrids. Trigona, which consists of small to medium-sized bees, is usually found in tropical and subtropical parts of the world. They are common visitors to flowering plants and pose an important function as crop pollinators. A field experiment was conducted using 17 stevia accessions (From Malaysia and Paraguay), and F1 hybrids were morphologically and chemically evaluated. Among the F1 individuals, a wide range of variability with regards to qualitative and quantitative morphological parameters was observed. A selection of F1 hybrids namely MS007HYB1, MS007HYB2, LangatHYB, EireteIIHYB, NilaiHYB1, NilaiHYB2, and NilaiHYB3 was made based on their promising features. Improvements were observed in total stevioside content for MS007HYB1 (45%) and MS007HYB2 (30%), rebaudioside content for MS007HYB2 (4.2%), NilaiHYB2 (3.8%), NilaiHYB3 (3.6%) and LangatHYB (14.4%), and delay in flowering for MS007HYB1 (46 days), MS007HYB2 (46 days), LangatHYB (51 days), EireteHYB (47 days), NilaiHYB1 (49 days), NIlaiHYB2 (46 days) and NilaiHYB3 (46 days) when compared to their respective mother plants.

Correlating Quantitative Para-Aortic Lymph Node Computed Tomography Parameters With Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography for Cervical Cancer Staging: Possible Solution for Resource Constrained Countries.

The aim of the study was to determine the most accurate quantitative morphological parameters on computed tomography (CT) that correlate with fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG)-avid para-aortic nodes (PANs) in patients with cervical cancer. A single-institution retrospective evaluation was performed of women with cervical cancer who underwent pretreatment positron emission tomography (PET)/CT and radiotherapy therapy planning CT between 2009 and 2020. A node-by-node correlation between pretreatment CT and PET/CT was performed for the reference standard of FDG avidity for short- and long-axis diameters, volume, and long-/short-axis ratio (L/S). The FDG-avid PANs were defined as PET-positive and non-FDG-avid PANs from patients without PET-determined PAN metastasis were defined as PET negative. Area under the receiver operator curve was calculated to access diagnostic accuracy of the different quantitative parameters. A total of 94 women (mean age ± standard deviation, 52 ± 13 years) with cervical cancer were included. Forty-seven patients had PET-positive PANs (181 PET-positive PANs) and 47 patients had no PET-positive PANs (141 PET-negative PANs). The area under the receiver operator curve for volume (0.945) was greater ( P < 0.001) than that of short axis (0.895), long axis (0.885), and L/S (0.583). At a specificity set point of 0.90 (127/141 PANs), the cutoff for volume was 0.443 cm 3 or greater (0.85 sensitivity [154/181 PANs]; 95% confidence interval, 0.83-0.93) and for short-axis diameter was 5.9 mm or greater (0.75 sensitivity [135/181 PANs]; 95% confidence interval, 0.68-0.81). Para-aortic lymph node volume demonstrated that improved node-by-node correlation between CT and PET/CT compared with short-axis diameter, long-axis diameter, and L/S and is an alternative to improve detection of PAN suspicious of metastatic diseases in locations without access to PET/CT.

Morphometric aspects of studying the features of age structural reconstruction of the walls of the prostate arteries

Summary. Age structural changes in the organ artery to date are the subject of study for morphologists and clinicians. At the same time, the age features of remodeling of the prostate arteries remain poorly understood. The aim of the study – morphometric study of the features of age structural reconstruction of the prostate artery wall. Materials and Methods. Morphometrically studied the structural age reconstruction of the prostate artery wall of 45 white rats, which were divided into 2 groups. Group 1 consisted of 15 animals aged 6 months, group 2 – 30 rats aged 24 months. Euthanasia of animals was performed by bloodletting under conditions of thiopental anesthesia. Histological micropreparations were made from the prostate gland, which morphometrically determined the outer and inner diameters, intima thicknesses, media, adventitia, intimo-medial, intimo-adventitia, adventitial-medial indices of arteries of small and medium calibers, relative volumes of damage endotheliocytes. Quantitative morphological parameters were processed statistically. Results. The age structural reorganization of the arterial walls of the prostate gland, which was characterized by an increase in the thickness of the media, adventitia, atrophy of the intima, violation of the relationship between their morphometric parameters, increasing the number of damaged endothelial cells. The detected structural changes dominated in the arteries of small caliber of the studied organ, which play a major role in ensuring blood supply to the studied organ. The increase in the relative volume of damaged endothelial cells in the arterial bed of the prostate in laboratory white male rats was mainly due to apoptotically altered endotheliocytes, the number of which increases with age. Conclusions. With age, morphological changes in the walls of the prostate arteries of laboratory adult white male rats are characterized by their thickening, narrowing of the lumen, atrophic processes in the intima, increasing thickness of the media and adventitia, disruption of relations between them, increasing the relative volume of damaged endoteliocytes. The severity of age-related structural changes in the walls of the arterial bed of the prostate dominates in the arteries of small caliber

Morphological variability of the fruits of seven pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) cultivars grown in Messaad region in central Algeria

Description of the subject. In the Messaad region, in central Algeria, pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) is one of the main fruit crops in agricultural systems after apricot. Objectives. To explore cultivar diversity, a study of the morphological variability of pomegranate fruits and seeds was carried out on the fruits of seven pomegranate cultivars; Khadraye KH1, Hamraye HM1, Senin Alouj SL1 from Messaad orchards, AM2 (Amourah) from Amourah orchards, Khadraye KH3, Mezabi MZ3, Senin Alouj SL3 from Zaccar orchards. Method. Analysis of variance (ANOVA), a principal Component Analysis (PCA) followed by an Ascending Hierarchical Classification (AHC) based on quantitative morphological parameters are used. Results. The results show similarities between classes according to which four main classes were grouped. The first class C1 consists of two cultivars (KH1 and SL1 of Messaad), while the second class C2 consists of one cultivar, HM1of Messaad. The third class C3 consists of the very characteristic Romane Amourah (AM2) and the fourth and last class C4 includes all cultivars of the third station of Zaccar. The evaluation of the qualitative characteristics of color and taste of the fruit by a panel of amateur tasters reveals significant dissimilarities and similarities. Conclusions. The results presented in this work clearly justify the variability and its interest in the preservation, exploitation and valorization of this genetic material, and for improving cultivated varieties of pomegranate that show appreciable economic performances.

Interspecific variability in morphological characters of species of the genus Dasiphora in Northeast Asia

The results of the study of the interspecific morphological variability of five species of the genus Dasiphora Raf. are presented. We found that some qualitative and quantitative characters of leaf and calyx of Dasiphora are species-specific and suitable for species identification. The level of variability of quantitative morphological parameters was estimated using the coefficient of variation. Similarities and differences between species of the genus Dasiphora established by morphological characters confirm the taxonomic diversity in this genus.

Quantitative Biomarkers for Cancer Detection Using Contrast-Free Ultrasound High-Definition Microvessel Imaging: Fractal Dimension, Murray's Deviation, Bifurcation Angle & Spatial Vascularity Pattern.

A growing body of evidence indicates that there is a strong correlation between microvascular morphological features and malignant tumors. Therefore, quantification of these features might allow more accurate differentiation of benign and malignant tumors. The main objective of this research project is to improve the quantification of microvascular networks depicted in contrast-free ultrasound microvessel images. To achieve this goal, a new series of quantitative microvessel morphological parameters are introduced for differentiation of breast masses using contrast-free ultrasound-based high-definition microvessel imaging (HDMI). Using HDMI, we quantified and analyzed four new parameters: 1) microvessel fractal dimension (mvFD), a marker of tumor microvascularcomplexity; 2) Murray’sdeviation(MD), the diameter mismatch, defined as the deviation from Murray’s law; 3) bifurcation angle (BA), abnormally decreased angle; and 4) spatial vascular pattern (SVP), indicating tumor vascular distribution pattern, either intratumoral or peritumoral. The new biomarkers have been tested on 60 patients with breast masses. Validation of the feature’s extraction algorithm was performed using a synthetic data set. All the proposed parameters had the power to discriminate the breast lesion malignancy (p < 0.05), displaying BA as the most sensitive test, with a sensitivity of 90.6%, and mvFD as the most specifictest, with a specificityof 92%. The results of all four new biomarkers showed an AUC = 0.889, sensitivity of 80% and specificity of 91.4% In conclusion, the added value of the proposed quantitative morphological parameters, as new biomarkers of angiogenesis within breast masses, paves the way for more accurate breast cancer detection with higher specificity.

Silk Fibroin Scaffolds as Biomaterials for 3D Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Cultures

Silk fibroin (SF), a protein-based fiber extracted from Bombyx mori cocoons, has recently emerged with great potential for the biomedical field to be used as a biomaterial processable in a variety of formats and applications, due to its natural characteristics. The aims of the present study were to characterize the structural properties of the SF scaffolds, in the format of porous sponges, and to investigate their feasibility to support the adhesion of mesenchymal stromal/stem cells isolated from human Wharton’s jelly of the umbilical cord (WJ-MSC). Adhesion is a prerequisite for using the SF scaffold as biomaterial for supporting three-dimensional (3D) WJ-MSC cultures for several applications. The integration among micro-computed tomography, confocal analysis, and field emission scanning electron microscopy allowed carrying out a deep investigation based on quantitative morphological parameters and qualitative observations at high resolution. High levels of porosity, interconnection, and contact surface–volume ratio confirmed the appropriateness of the designed SF porous scaffolds as supports for cell cultures. WJ-MSC was demonstrated to be capable of adhering to and colonizing the SF scaffold applicable as a 3D cell culture system, of conducting in vitro experiments in a more controlled environment, and possibly of being used in tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, and applications in oncology.

Canine mast cell tumors: utility of stereologic tools in cytology

Quantitative morphologic parameters assessed in cytologic samples of canine cutaneous mast cell tumors (ccMCTs) may assist with surgical planning and prognostication. Robust cutoffs can be defined, with high reproducibility, for parameters such as the nuclear area (NA). The NA may be determined by morphometry (image analysis, NAI) or by stereology, such as the 2D-nucleator method (NAN); stereologic techniques have not been applied to cytologic specimens of ccMCT, to our knowledge. We retrospectively selected routine cytology smears from 51 ccMCT cases and screened them to determine the percentage of neoplastic mast cells with indistinct nuclear borders; this was repeated after the slides were restained with H&E. The NAI and the NAN were estimated in 100 mast cells per animal in H&E-stained slides. All nuclei were visible in H&E smears, and unbiased quantification was feasible. The NAN was similar to NAI, but less time-consuming. Both the NAN and NAI determined by cytology differed in histologic low- and high-grade ccMCTs, and in histologic grade I plus II versus grade III ccMCTs. Stereologic parameters such as the NAN could be considered as complementary techniques for the cytologic evaluation of ccMCTs.

Morphometric evaluation of features of remodeling of chondrocites of joint surfaces of temporomandibular joint of experimental animals in hyperglycemia

Aim: to study morphometrically the peculiarities of remodeling of chondrocytes of the articular surfaces of the temporomandibular joint in hyperglycemia.Materials and methods: Quantitative morphological methods were used to study diameters of chondrocytes and their nuclei, nuclear-cytoplasmic relationship in these cells, relative volume of damaged chondrocytes, intercellular-chondrocytic relationship in mature chondrocytes of the articular surfaces of the temporomandibular joint of 45 laboratory mature white male rats with simulated diabetes.Results: A comprehensive analysis of the morphometric parameters presented in the article showed that they did not differ in the articular surfaces of the temporal fossa and mandibular head of the intact temporomandibular joint. The expressed structural changes of chondrocytes were revealed at a monthly and a two-month diabetic arthropathy of this joint.Conclusions: Proceeded studies and obtained results suggest that prolonged hyperglycemia leads to diabetic arthropathy of the TMJ, which is characterized by atrophy of chondrocytes, violation of nuclear-cytoplasmic relationships, an increase in the relative volume of damaged chondrocytes and volume of intercellular substance. The detected changes in quantitative morphological parameters depended on the duration of hyperglycemia and dominated in the cartilaginous tissue of the articular surface of the mandibular head.

Prediction of the treatment outcome using machine learning with FDG-PET image-based multiparametric approach in patients with oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma

To investigate the value of machine learning-based multiparametric analysis using 2-[18F]-fluoro-2-deoxy-d-glucose positron-emission tomography (FDG-PET) images to predict treatment outcome in patients with oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OCSCC). Ninety-nine patients with OCSCC who received pretreatment integrated FDG-PET/computed tomography (CT) were included. They were divided into the training (66 patients) and validation (33 patients) cohorts. The diagnosis of local control or local failure was obtained from patient's medical records. Conventional FDG-PET parameters, including the maximum and mean standardised uptake values (SUVmax and SUVmean), metabolic tumour volume (MTV), and total lesion glycolysis (TLG), quantitative tumour morphological parameters, intratumoural histogram, and texture parameters, as well as T-stage and clinical stage, were evaluated by a machine learning analysis. The diagnostic ability of T-stage, clinical stage, and conventional FDG-PET parameters (SUVmax, SUVmean, MTV, and TLG) was also assessed separately. In support-vector machine analysis of the training dataset, the final selected parameters were T-stage, SUVmax, TLG, morphological irregularity, entropy, and run-length non-uniformity. In the validation dataset, the diagnostic performance of the created algorithm was as follows: sensitivity 0.82, specificity 0.7, positive predictive value 0.86, negative predictive value 0.64, and accuracy 0.79. In a univariate analysis using conventional FDG-PET parameters, T-stage and clinical stage, diagnostic accuracy of each variable was revealed as follows: 0.61 in T-stage, 0.61 in clinical stage, 0.64 in SUVmax, 0.61 in SUVmean, 0.64 in MTV, and 0.7 in TLG. A machine-learning-based approach to analysing FDG-PET images by multiparametric analysis might help predict local control or failure in patients with OCSCC.