Automatic method for detection of characteristic areas in thermal face images

The use of thermal images of a selected area of the head in screening systems, which perform fast and accurate analysis of the temperature distribution of individual areas, requires the use of profiled image analysis methods. There exist methods for automated face analysis which are used at airports or train stations and are designed to detect people with fever. However, they do not enable automatic separation of specific areas of the face. This paper presents an algorithm for image analysis which enables localization of characteristic areas of the face in thermograms. The algorithm is resistant to subjects’ variability and also to changes in the position and orientation of the head. In addition, an attempt was made to eliminate the impact of background and interference caused by hair and hairline. The algorithm automatically adjusts its operation parameters to suit the prevailing room conditions. Compared to previous studies (Marzec et al., J Med Inform Tech 16:151–159, 2010), the set of thermal images was expanded by 34 images. As a result, the research material was a total of 125 patients’ thermograms performed in the Department of Pediatrics and Child and Adolescent Neurology in Katowice, Poland. The images were taken interchangeably with several thermal cameras: AGEMA 590 PAL (sensitivity of 0.1 °C), ThermaCam S65 (sensitivity of 0.08 °C), A310 (sensitivity of 0.05 °C), T335 (sensitivity of 0.05 °C) with a 320×240 pixel optical resolution of detectors, maintaining the principles related to taking thermal images for medical thermography. In comparison to (Marzec et al., J Med Inform Tech 16:151–159, 2010), the approach presented there has been extended and modified. Based on the comparison with other methods presented in the literature, it was demonstrated that this method is more complex as it enables to determine the approximate areas of selected parts of the face including anthropometry. As a result of this comparison, better results were obtained in terms of localization accuracy of the center of the eye sockets and nostrils, giving an accuracy of 87 % for the eyes and 93 % for the nostrils

Chromium distribution in shoots of macrophyte Callitriche cophocarpa Sendtn.

The aim of the study was the analysis of Cr distribution in shoots of the macrophyte Callitriche cophocarpa by means of two X-ray-based techniques: micro X-ray fluorescence (mu XRF) and electron probe X-ray microanalysis (EPXMA). Plants were treated with 100 mu M (5.2 mg l(-1)) chromium solutions for 7 days. Cr was introduced independently at two speciations as Cr(III) and Cr(VI), known for their diverse physicochemical properties and different influence on living organisms. A comparative analysis of Cr(III)-treated plants by EPXMA and mu XRF demonstrated high deposition of Cr in epidermal glands/hairs localized on leaves and stems of the plant shoots. Cr in Cr(III)-treated plants was recorded solely in glands/hairs, and the element was not present in any other structures. On the other hand, Cr in Cr(VI)-treated group of plants was rather found in vascular bundles. Moreover, the concentration of Cr in Cr(VI)-treated plants was significantly lower than in plants incubated in Cr(III) solution. The results obtained in this work suggest differences in chromium uptake, transport and accumulation dependent on the oxidative state of the element

From red to green luminescence via surface functionalization. Effect of 2-(5-mercaptothien-2-yl)-8-(thien-2-yl)-5-hexylthieno[3,4-c]pyrrole-4,6-dione ligands on the photoluminescence of alloyed Ag-In-Zn-S nanocrystals

A semiconducting molecule containing a thiol anchor group, namely 2-(5-mercaptothien-2-yl)-8-(thien-2-yl)-5-hexylthieno- [3,4-c]pyrrole-4,6-dione (abbreviated as D-A-D-SH), was designed, synthesized, and used as a ligand in nonstoichiometric quaternary nanocrystals of composition Ag1.0In3.1Zn1.0S4.0(S6.1) to give an inorganic/organic hybrid. Detailed NMR studies indicate that D-AD- SH ligands are present in two coordination spheres in the organic part of the hybrid: (i) inner in which the ligand molecules form direct bonds with the nanocrystal surface and (ii) outer in which the ligand molecules do not form direct bonds with the inorganic core. Exchange of the initial ligands (stearic acid and 1-aminooctadecane) for D-A-DSH induces a distinct change of the photoluminescence. Efficient red luminescence of nanocrystals capped with initial ligands (λmax = 720 nm, quantum yield = 67%) is totally quenched and green luminescence characteristic of the ligand appears (λmax = 508 nm, quantum yield = 10%). This change of the photoluminescence mechanism can be clarified by a combination of electrochemical and spectroscopic investigations. It can be demonstrated by cyclic voltammetry that new states appear in the hybrid as a consequence of D-A-D-SH binding to the nanocrystals surface. These states are located below the nanocrystal LUMO and above its HOMO, respectively. They are concurrent to deeper donor and acceptor states governing the red luminescence. As a result, energy transfer from the nanocrystal HOMO and LUMO levels to the ligand states takes place, leading to effective quenching of the red luminescence and appearance of the green one

NT-proBNP level in the diagnosis of isolated left ventricular diastolic dysfunction in patients with documented coronary artery disease

Background: The diagnostic value of NT-proBNP for left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction is well established. However, its role for diastolic dysfunction (DD) diagnosis in patients with preserved systolic function has not been clearly defined. Methods: A total of 83 patients with documented coronary arterial disease following anterior myocardial infarction and with a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) > 45% were enrolled. According to echocardiographic mitral inflow and right upper pulmonary vein flow, DD was excluded in 32 patients (group A). The patients with DD were divided into three subgroups: B1 - 38 patients with impaired relaxation, B2 - 8 patients with pseudonormalisation and B3 - 7 patients with restrictive inflow. In all patients E-wave propagation (Vp) and NT-proBNP were determined. Results: Mean LVEF was 56.2 &plusmn; 9% and did not differ between the subgroups. NT-proBNP levels were 107 &plusmn; 101 pg/ml in group A, 299 &plusmn; 281 pg/ml in B1, 734 &plusmn; 586 pg/ml in B2 (p < 0.05 vs. A) and 2322 &plusmn; 886 pg/ml in B3 (p < 0.01 vs. A and p < 0.01 vs. B2). Propagation Vp was 69 &plusmn; 21 cm/s, 56 &plusmn; 20 cm/s, 53 &plusmn; 17 cm/s (p < 0.05 vs. A) and 44 &plusmn; 11 cm/s (p < 0.01 vs. A) respectively. A positive correlation was found for DD degree with NT-proBNP level (r = 0.66; p < 0.001) and negative with Vp (r = &#8211;0.41; p < 0.001). ROC curves were constructed to determine the NT-proBNP level cut-off point for DD (> 131 pg/ml, area under the curve: 0.63) and advanced restrictive DD (> 1670 pg/ml, area under the curve: 0.83) diagnosis. Sensitivity, specificity, accuracy and positive and negative predictive values were 71%, 50%, 63%, 69%, 52% and 57%, 99%, 95%, 80%, 96% respectively. Conclusions: In patients with coronary artery disease and preserved LV systolic function a single NT-proBNP measurement helps to identify those with isolated DD, especially those with advanced restriction

The prognostic value of contrast echocardiography, electrocardiographic and angiographic perfusion indices for prediction of left ventricular function recovery in patients with acute myocardial infarction treated by percutaneous coronary intervention

Background: Fast and effective culprit artery patency restoration is important in acute myocardial infarction (MI) but does not ensure that tissue perfusion related to a better prognosis in the long-term follow-up is achieved. In this study we compared the prognostic value of myocardial perfusion contrast echocardiography with other well-known electrocardiographic and angiographic indices of preserved tissue perfusion. Material and methods: We studied 114 consecutive patients, of whom 85 were male, aged 57.9 &#177; 11 years, within 12 hours of the onset of symptoms of their first anterior myocardial infarction. These were treated with primary PCI, after which PCI myocardial blush grading was assessed (MBG 0-1 no perfusion, 2-3 normal perfusion). One hour after PCI a reduction of > 50% in the sum of ST-segment elevation (&#931;ST 50%) was assessed as an indicator of perfusion restoration. During the first 24 hours continuous ECG monitoring recorded reperfusion arrhythmias (RA) and the time required for ST-segment reduction to exceed 50% in the single lead with the highest ST elevation (&#916;t ST 50%). On the next day of MI, after LVEF evaluation, real-time myocardial contrast echocardiography (RT-MCE) was performed to assess perfusion in dysfunctional segments. The reperfusion index as an average of the dysfunctional segment perfusion score was determined. Regional and global LV function was assessed again one month after MI. An LVEF increase of over 5% divided the patients into two groups: group A with LVEF improvement (72 pts) and group B without LVEF improvement (42 pts). Results: In group A baseline LVEF was 41.9 &#177; 7.1% and in group B it was 38.9 &#177; 7.4% (p = NS). The reperfusion indices were 1.59 and 0.78 (p < 0.001) respectively. MBG 2-3 occurred more often in group A (64%) than in group B (34%) p < 0.001. &#931; ST50% and &#916;t ST 50%, after determination of the cut point on the ROC curve (61 min), occurred in 47 and 48 patients in group A and 17 and 16 patients in group B respectively. The accuracy of the tests under discussion for LVEF prognosis was 76.3%, 64%, 63.2% and 64.9% for RT-MCE, MBG, SST50% and &#916;t ST 50% respectively. Conclusions: Myocardial perfusion echocardiography had a high prognostic value for the prediction of LV global function improvement. It turned out to be the best predictor among the other angiographic, echocardiographic and electrocardiographic markers

Habitat - idea, sztuka, filozofia

Publikacja recenzowana / Peer-reviewed publicationZE WSTĘPU: Architektura a habitat. Wyzwaniem na dziś nie jest chyba tylko kształt architektonicznych ikon, ale to jak w najbliższej przyszłości projektanci, architekci i urbaniści mają sobie radzić z problemami demograficznymi, socjalnymi i ekonomicznymi. Zapewne habitat będzie się zmieniał i przybierał coraz to inne formy, które zharmonizowane zostaną jako proekologiczny organizm współgrający z wszystkimi samowystarczającymi systemami. Znaczącą jednak funkcję pełnić będzie zawsze sztuka budowania miejsc i nieodłączną w tym znaczeniu formą i funkcją. Łącząc piękno, piękno życia i przeżywania, piękno naturalne i stworzone przez człowieka, będziemy mieli zawsze moralny obowiązek ochrony i pomnażania tego piękna. Ta wielka kompozycja o nieograniczonej liczbie możliwości i wariantów będzie udziałem Nowego Człowieka solidarnie budującego i przeżywającego Nową Postać Świata

The bone microstructure from anterior cruciate ligament footprintsis similar after ligament reconstruction and does not affect long‑termoutcomes

Purpose The purpose of this study was to assess the quality of the bone tissue microstructure from the footprints of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and its impact on late follow-up outcomes in patients who undergo anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). Methods The records of 26 patients diagnosed with a completely torn ACL who underwent ACLR were collected. During the surgery performed using the Felmet method, bone blocks from the native ACL footprints were collected. The primary measurements of the bone microstructure were made using a microtomographic scanner. In late follow-up examinations, a GNRB arthrometer was used. Results There was no significant difference in the bone microstructure assessed using micro-CT histomorphometric data according to the blood test results, plain radiographs, age or anthropometric data. There was no difference in the bone volume/total volume ratio or trabecular thickness in the area of the native ACL footprints. Routine preoperative examinations werenot relevant to the quality of the bone microstructure. The elapsed time from an ACL injury to surgery had no relevance to the results of arthrometry. Conclusion The similarities in the microstructure of bone blocks from ACL footprints from the femur and tibia allow the variable use of these blocks to stabilize grafts in the Felmet method. The bone microstructure is not dependent on the time from injury to surgery. Histomorphometric values of the structure of the femoral and tibial ACL footprints have no impact on the long-term stability of the operated knee joint. Trial registration The approval of the Bioethics Committee of the Silesian Medical Chamber in Katowice, Poland (resolution 16/2014) was given for this research

Clinical course and treatment of patients with differentiated

Celem pracy była analiza obrazu klinicznego i sposobu leczenia chorych na zróżnicowane raki tarczycy (ZRT) rozpoznane w Polsce w 1995 roku. Materiał obejmował grupę 478 chorych na raka tarczycy. Byli oni konsultowani, diagnozowani lub leczeni w Centrum Onkologii - Instytucie im. M Skłodowskiej- Curie w Gliwicach. Grupa ta stanowi 57,7% wszystkich raków tarczycy rozpoznanych w Polsce w tym roku. Do dalszej szczegółowej analizy włączono jedynie 352 chorych na zróżnicowane raki tarczycy leczonych operacyjnie. 292 osoby (60%) było dodatkowo leczone jodem radioaktywnym. Wszyscy chorzy otrzymywali supresyjne leczenie tyroksyną. W czasie obserwacji wznowa miejscowa wystąpiła u 37 chorych (8,6%). Odsetek 10-letnich przeżyć całkowitych wynosił 96,4%, a bezobjawowych 68%. Korzystając z faktu opublikowania przez Holtzera i wsp. danych dotyczących obrazu raka tarczycy rozpoznanego w Niemczech w 1996 roku w pracy dokonano dodatkowo porównania obu populacji. Przedstawiona analiza pozwala wnioskować, że postępowanie lecznicze w zróżnicowanych rakach tarczycy pozwala na uzyskanie satysfakcjonujących, dobrych wyników leczenia, a obraz kliniczny choroby i metody terapeutyczne są w Polsce i w Niemczech podobne.The aim of the study was to analyze the clinical course and therapy in patients with differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) diagnosed in Poland within the year 1995. The group of 478 patients with thyroid cancer (57.7% of all thyroid cancer cases diagnosed this year in Poland) was analyzed. Patients were diagnosed or treated in Maria Skłodowska-Curie Memorial Cancer Center and Institute of Oncology, Gliwice Branch. Detailed analysis was performed in 352 patients with DTC who were treated by surgery. 292 patients (60%) received adjuvant radioiodine therapy. Hormonal (L-thyroxine) treatment was administered to all patients. In 37 patients (8.6%) local recurrence was observed. 10-year overall survival was 96.4% and disease-free survival was respectively 68%. The comparison of Polish data to analysis in German population published by Holtzer et al. (Cancer, 2000) was also performed in this study. We conclude that DTC therapy, currently recommended in our country, gives satisfactory results and that clinical outcome and therapeutic methods are similar both in Poland and Germany