Camera optimal projection model identification and calibration method based on the NGO-BA architecture.

In order to bridge the fundamental commonalities between imaging models of camera lenses with different principles and structures, allowing for an accurate description of imaging characteristics across a wide range of field-of-view (FOV), we have proposed a generic camera calibration method on the basis of the projection model optimization strategy. First, in order to cover the current mainstream projection models, piecewise functions for geometric projection models and a polynomial function for the fitting projection model are designed. Then, the corresponding camera multistation self-calibration bundle adjustment (BA) module is developed for various projection models. Further, by integrating the self-calibration BA algorithm into the northern goshawk optimization architecture, iterative optimization is performed on the projection model adjustment parameters, camera interior parameters, camera exterior parameters, and lens distortion parameters until the target reprojection (RP) error reaches the global minimum. The experimental results indicate that the calibration RP root mean square error in this method is 1/20 pixel for a 68° FOV camera, 1/13 pixel for an 84° FOV camera, 1/9 pixel for a 115° FOV camera, 1/9 pixel for a 135° FOV camera, and 1/6 pixel for a 180° FOV camera. This calibration method offers fast and versatile optimization for various projection model types, encompassing a wide range of projection functions. It can efficiently determine the optimal projection model and all imaging parameters for multiple cameras during the calibration process.

Robust and adaptive star identification algorithm based on linear assignment for multiple large field of view visual imaging systems.

The integration of the visual imaging system and the self-attitude determination system in on-orbit space projects necessitates robust star identification algorithms. However, disturbances in the on-orbit environment pose a challenge to the accuracy and efficiency of star identification algorithms. This paper introduces a novel star identification algorithm, to the best of our knowledge, designed for multiple large field of view (FOV) visual imaging systems, providing stability in the presence of the noise types, including position noise, lost-star noise, and fake-star noise. We employ the dynamic simulated star images generation method to construct simulated star image libraries suitable for various cameras with different FOV angles. Our algorithm comprises two parts: the star edge matching for coarse matching of interstellar angular distances based on linear assignment, and the star point registration for precise matching of star vectors. This innovative combination of local edge generation and global matching approach achieves an impressive 97.83% identification accuracy, maintaining this performance even with a standard deviation of one pixel in image plane errors and up to five missing stars. A comprehensive approach involving both simulated and empirical experiments was employed to validate the algorithm's effectiveness. This integration of the visual imaging system and the self-attitude determination system offers potential benefits such as reduced space equipment weight, simplified satellite launch processes, and decreased maintenance costs.

Submental Artery Perforator Flap Drained Solely With the Vena Comitans of Facial Artery.

BACKGROUND: The submental artery perforator flap (SMAPF) is an alternative to reconstruct oral and maxillofacial defects secondary to oral cancers. However, vascular anomalies or surgical damage often lead to vascular crises or harvest failure. Our clinical findings suggest that the vena comitans of the facial artery (cFA) very commonly exist. This study aimed to investigate the reliability of the cFA as a sole venous reflux route for the SMAPF. METHOD: The patients were from the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Hospital of Stomatology, Jilin University. All patients were treated for oral cancer between January 2016 and September 2022. Seventeen SMAPFs were successfully raised to reconstruct the postoperative defects, of which 7 had cFA as the sole reflux route. RESULTS: The size of the flaps varied from 4.0×3.0 cm to 12.0×3.0 cm. All flaps survived. Patients were followed from 1 month to 5 years. Satisfactory restoration of contour and functional outcomes were achieved at the recipient sites. The scars were well camouflaged in the submental region. No local or regional recurrence was detected during follow-up. Patients had an overall 2-year survival rate of 100% with no suspected flaps-related recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: The cFA as the sole venous reflux route for SMAPF is reliable for flap harvesting and is applicable for immediate defect reconstruction secondary to cancer resection.

Long-term haplodeficency of DSPP causes temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis in mice.

BACKGROUND: Extracellular matrix (ECM) protein malfunction or defect may lead to temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis (TMJ OA). Dentin sialophophoprotein (DSPP) is a mandibular condylar cartilage ECM protein, and its deletion impacted cell proliferation and other extracellular matrix alterations of postnatal condylar cartilage. However, it remains unclear if long-term loss of function of DSPP leads to TMJ OA. The study aimed to test the hypothesis that long-term haploinsufficiency of DSPP causes TMJ OA. MATERIALS AND METHODS: To determine whether Dspp+/- mice exhibit TMJ OA but no severe tooth defects, mandibles of wild-type (WT), Dspp+/-, and Dspp homozygous (Dspp-/-) mice were analyzed by Micro-computed tomography (micro-CT). To characterize the progression and possible mechanisms of osteoarthritic degeneration over time in Dspp+/- mice over time, condyles of Dspp+/- and WT mice were analyzed radiologically, histologically, and immunohistochemically. RESULTS: Micro-CT and histomorphometric analyses revealed that Dspp+/- and Dspp-/- mice had significantly lower subchondral bone mass, bone volume fraction, bone mineral density, and trabecular thickness compared to WT mice at 12 months. Interestingly, in contrast to Dspp-/- mice which exhibited tooth loss, Dspp+/- mice had minor tooth defects. RNA sequencing data showed that haplodeficency of DSPP affects the biological process of ossification and osteoclast differentiation. Additionally, histological analysis showed that Dspp+/- mice had condylar cartilage fissures, reduced cartilage thickness, decreased articular cell numbers and severe subchondral bone cavities, and with signs that were exaggerated with age. Radiographic data showed an increase in subchondral osteoporosis up to 18 months and osteophyte formation at 21 months. Moreover, Dspp+/- mice showed increased distribution of osteoclasts in the subchondral bone and increased expression of MMP2, IL-6, FN-1, and TLR4 in the mandibular condylar cartilage. CONCLUSIONS: Dspp+/- mice exhibit TMJ OA in a time-dependent manner, with lesions in the mandibular condyle attributed to hypomineralization of subchondral bone and breakdown of the mandibular condylar cartilage, accompanied by upregulation of inflammatory markers.

All-parameter calibration method of the on-orbit multi-view dynamic photogrammetry system.

Photogrammetry (PG) can present accurate data to evaluate the functional performance of large space structures. For camera calibration and orientation, the On-orbit Multi-view Dynamic Photogrammetry System (OMDPS) lacks appropriate spatial reference data. A multi-data fusion calibration method for all parameters for this kind of system is proposed in this paper as a solution to this issue. Firstly, a multi-camera relative position model is developed to solve the reference camera position unconstrained problem in the full-parameter calibration model of the OMDPS in accordance with the imaging model of stars and scale bar targets. Subsequently, the problem of adjustment failure and inaccurate adjustment in the multi-data fusion bundle adjustment is solved using the two-norm matrix and the weight matrix to adjust the Jacobian matrix with respect to all system parameters (e.g., camera interior parameters (CIP), camera exterior parameters (CEP), and lens distortion parameters (LDP)). Finally, all system parameters can be optimized simultaneously using this algorithm. In the actual data ground-based experiment, 333 spatial targets are measured using the V-star System (VS) and OMDPS. Taking the measurement of VS as the true value, the measurement results of OMDPS indicated that the in-plane Z-direction target coordinates root-mean-square error (RMSE) is less than 0.0538 mm and the Z-direction RMSE is less than 0.0428 mm. Out-of-plane Y-direction RMSE is less than 0.1514 mm. The application potential of the PG system for on-orbit measurement tasks is demonstrated through the actual data ground-based experiment.

Linear Regression Analysis of Sleep Quality in People with Insomnia in Wuhan City during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Objective: COVID-19 has evolved into a major global public health event. The number of people reporting insomnia is growing exponentially during the pandemic. This study aimed to explore the relationship between aggravated insomnia and COVID-19-induced psychological impact on the public, lifestyle changes, and anxiety about the future. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, we used the questionnaires from 400 subjects who were obtained from the Department of Encephalopathy of the Wuhan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine between July 2020 and July 2021. The data collected for the study included demographic characteristics of the participants and psychological scales consisting of the Spiegel Sleep Questionnaire, the Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S), the Zung Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), and the Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS). The independent sample t-test and one-way ANOVA were used to compare the results. Correlation analysis of variables affecting insomnia was performed using Pearson correlation analysis. The degree of influence of the variables on insomnia was determined using linear regression, and a regression equation was derived. Results: A total of 400 insomnia patients participated in the survey. The median age was 45.75 ± 15.04 years. The average score of the Spiegel Sleep Questionnaire was 17.29 ± 6.36, that of SAS was 52.47 ± 10.39, that of SDS was 65.89 ± 8.72, and that of FCV-19S was 16.09 ± 6.81. The scores of FCV-19S, SAS, and SDS were closely related to insomnia, and the influencing degree was in the following order: fear, depression, and anxiety (OR = 1.30, 0.709, and 0.63, respectively). Conclusion: Fear of COVID-19 can be one of the primary contributors to worsening insomnia.

Anomaly prediction of CT equipment based on IoMT data.

BACKGROUND: Large-scale medical equipment, which is extensively implemented in medical services, is of vital importance for diagnosis but vulnerable to various anomalies and failures. Most hospitals that conduct regular maintenance have been suffering from medical equipment-related incidents for years. Currently, the Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) has emerged as a crucial tool in monitoring the real-time status of the medical equipment. In this paper, we develop an IoMT system of Computed Tomography (CT) equipment in the West China Hospital, Sichuan University and collected the system status time-series data. Novel multivariate time-series classification models and frameworks are proposed to predict the anomalies of CT equipment. The important features that are closely related to the equipment anomalies are identified with the model. METHODS: We extracted the real-time CT equipment status time-series data of 11 equipment between May 19, 2020 and May 19, 2021 from the IoMT, which includes the equipment oil temperature, anode voltage, etc. The arcs are identified as labels of anomalies due to their relationship with decreased imaging quality and CT equipment failures. To improve prediction accuracy, the statistics and transformations of the raw historical time-series data segment in the sliding time window are used to construct new features. Due to the particularity of time-series data, two frameworks are proposed for splitting the training and test sets. Then the Decision Tree, Support Vector Machine, Logistic Regression, Naive Bayesian, and K-Nearest Neighbor classification models are used to classify the system status. We also compare our model to state-of-the-art models. RESULTS: The results show that the anomaly prediction accuracy and recall of our method are 79% and 77%, respectively. The oil temperature and anode voltage are identified as the decisive features that may lead to anomalies. The proposed model outperforms the others when predicting the anomalies of the CT equipment based on our dataset. CONCLUSIONS: The proposed method could predict the state of CT equipment and be used as a reference for practical maintenance, where unexpected anomalies of medical equipment could be reduced. It also brings new insights into how to handle non-uniform and imbalanced time series data in practical cases.

Film-Thickness Identification Method and Lubrication Characteristic Experiment of Full-Size Water-Lubricated Stern Bearing under Offset Load.

Water-lubricated stern bearing (WSB) is a vital part of the ship propulsion-shaft system, and it is of great significance to monitor and analyze its lubrication status through film thickness data to improve the equipment operational reliability. In this paper, a full-size, large length-to-diameter ratio WSB experiment is carried out, and multi-sectional journal displacement data are collected under offset load. Accordingly, a bearing film-thickness identification model is established, which can identify the dynamic film thickness data in the circumferential direction of bearing section by limited measurement points. On this basis, the film thickness distribution of the full bearing is obtained by combining finite element (FE) simulation and particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm. The effect of different speeds on the distributed lubrication characteristics of WSB under offset load was systematically analyzed based on film thickness data. Results show that the maximum identification error of the bearing film-thickness identification model is less than 7%. The bearing lubrication state changes dynamically as the speed increases, and the hydrodynamic lubrication effect in the middle of the bearing is enhanced. The area of each lubrication sub-region varies nonlinearly. Research results are instructive for further determine the service life of the shaft system.

Simultaneous Electrochemical Sensing of Indole-3-Acetic Acid and Salicylic Acid on Poly(L-Proline) Nanoparticles-Carbon Dots-Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes Composite-Modified Electrode.

Sensitive simultaneous electrochemical sensing of phytohormones indole-3-acetic acid and salicylic acid based on a novel poly(L-Proline) nanoparticles-carbon dots composite consisting of multiwalled carbon nanotubes was reported in this study. The poly(L-Proline) nanoparticles-carbon dots composite was facilely prepared by the hydrothermal method, and L-Proline was used as a monomer and carbon source for the preparation of poly(L-Proline) nanoparticles and carbon dots, respectively. Then, the poly(L-Proline) nanoparticles-carbon dots-multiwalled carbon nanotubes composite was prepared by ultrasonic mixing of poly(L-Proline) nanoparticles-carbon dots composite dispersion and multiwalled carbon nanotubes. Scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscope, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, ultraviolet visible spectroscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and linear sweep voltammetry were used to characterize the properties of the composite. poly(L-Proline) nanoparticles were found to significantly enhance the conductivity and sensing performance of the composite. Under optimal conditions, the composite-modified electrode exhibited a wide linear range from 0.05 to 25 µM for indole-3-acetic acid and from 0.2 to 60 µM for salicylic acid with detection limits of 0.007 µM and 0.1 µM (S/N = 3), respectively. In addition, the proposed sensor was also applied to simultaneously test indole-3-acetic acid and salicylic acid in real leaf samples with satisfactory recovery.

Analgesic efficacy of postoperative bilateral, ultrasound-guided, posterior transversus abdominis plane block for laparoscopic colorectal cancer surgery: a randomized, prospective, controlled study.

BACKGROUND: We assessed whether a postoperative bilateral, ultrasound-guided, posterior transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block could reduce 24 h rescue tramadol requirement compared with placebo in patients undergoing elective laparoscopic colorectal cancer surgery. METHODS: Patients scheduled to undergo elective laparoscopic surgery following the diagnosis of colorectal cancer were included in this study and randomized into Group and Group Control. The patients received a postoperative bilateral, ultrasound-guided, posterior TAP block in either 20 mL of 0.5% ropivacaine (Group TAP) per side or an equivalent volume of normal saline (Group Control). The primary outcome was the cumulative consumption of rescue tramadol within 24 h after the surgery. Secondary endpoints included (1) resting and movement numerical rating scale (NRS) pain scores at 2, 4, 6, 12, 24, 48, and 72 h; (2) incidences of related side effects; (3) time to the first request for rescue tramadol; (4) patient satisfaction regarding postoperative analgesia; (5) time to restoration of intestinal function; (6) time to mobilization; and (7) the length of hospital stay. RESULTS: In total, 92 patients were randomized, and 82 patients completed the analysis. The total rescue tramadol requirement (median [interquartile range]) within the first 24 h was lower in Group TAP (0 [0, 87.5] mg) than in Group Control (100 [100, 200] mg), P < 0.001. The posterior TAP block reduced resting and movement NRS pain scores at 2, 4, 6, 12, and 24 h after surgery (all P < 0.001) but showed similar scores at 48 h or 72 h. A higher level of satisfaction with postoperative analgesia was observed in Group TAP on day 1 (P = 0.002), which was similar on days 2 (P = 0.702) and 3 (P = 0.551), compared with the Group Control. A few incidences of opioid-related side effects (P < 0.001) and a lower percentage of patients requiring rescue tramadol analgesia within 24 h (P < 0.001) were observed in Group TAP. The time to the first request for rescue analgesia was prolonged, and the time to mobilization and flatus was reduced with a shorter hospital stay in Group TAP as compared with Group Control. CONCLUSIONS: A postoperative bilateral, ultrasound-guided, posterior TAP block resulted in better pain management and a faster recovery in patients undergoing laparoscopic colorectal cancer surgery, without adverse effects. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study was registered at http://www.chictr.org.cn ( ChiCTR-IPR-17012650 ; Sep 12, 2017).

Erythropoietin Plays a Protective Role in Submandibular Gland Hypofunction Induced by Irradiation.

PURPOSE: This study aims to explore the radioprotective effects of recombinant human erythropoietin (rhEPO) on rats' submandibular gland hypofunction induced by irradiation (IR). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty rats were divided into 3 groups: 1) control group, 2) IR group, and 3) IR + rhEPO group. The IR group and IR + rhEPO group received a single dose of 15 Grays (Gy) (0.98 Gy/min), plus, the IR + rhEPO group also received subcutaneous administration of rhEPO at a dose of 3,000 IU/kg body weight 3 days before irradiation and then repeated every 24 hours for the first 2 weeks after irradiation. Immunohistochemistry analysis to erythropoietin receptor was performed to detect the levels of erythropoietin receptor in submandibular glands with or without radiation. Ninety days after irradiation, the salivary flow rates were assessed, and the submandibular gland of every rat was subjected to hematoxylin and eosin staining and immunohistochemical staining with antiaquaporin 5 and anti-proliferating cell nuclear antigen antibodies. Apoptosis was examined by the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase biotin-dUDP nick end-labeling assay. In addition, to examine the protective role of rhEPO on human submandibular gland cells, the apoptotic and proliferation rate of cells under a radiation dose of 8 Gy was detected. One-way analysis of variance was carried out to analyze the results of each group, and the P value was set at 0.05. RESULTS: Erythropoietin receptor was expressed in the submandibular glands at a low level under normal conditions but upregulated after irradiation. rhEPO administration remarkably alleviated gland atrophy, increased salivary flow rates with upregulation of aquaporin-5 compared with the IR group. In addition, fewer apoptotic cells and more proliferative cells were observed in the IR + rhEPO group compared with the IR group, both in vivo and in vitro. CONCLUSIONS: rhEPO administration may be a useful countermeasure to mitigate submandibular gland hypofunction after therapeutic radiation exposure.

MicroRNA-378-3p/5p suppresses the migration and invasiveness of oral squamous carcinoma cells by inhibiting KLK4 expression.

Distant metastasis frequently occurs in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and contributes to the adverse prognosis for patients with OSCC. However, the potential mechanisms behind the metastasis have not yet been clarified. This study investigated the role of miR-378 in the migration and invasiveness of OSCC in vitro and in vivo. According to our results, the migration and invasiveness of OSCC cells were increased in cells overexpressing miR-378, and reduced in cells where miR-378-3p/5p was silenced. In addition, overexpression of miR-378 suppressed the expressions and activities of matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) and MMP-2. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) was restrained by overexpression of miR-378, as evidenced by an increase in E-cadherin expression and decrease in N-cadherin and uPA expression. However, knockdown of miR-378-3p/5p produced the opposite results. Moreover, kallikrein-related peptidase 4 (KLK4) was confirmed to be a target gene of miR-378. Overexpression of KLK4 reversed the induced decrease in migration and invasiveness of cells overexpressing miR-378 by upregulating the levels of MMP-9, MMP-2, and N-cadherin, and downregulating the level of E-cadhrin. Finally, the number of metastasis nodules in the lung tissues of nude mice was reduced by overexpression of miR-378, whereas the number of metastases increased with knockdown of miR-378. Taken together, our results suggest that the miR-378-KLK4 axis is involved in the mechanisms behind the migration and invasiveness of OSCC cells. Targeting the miR-378-KLK4 axis may be an effective measure for treating OSCC.

MicroRNA-378-3p/5p represses proliferation and induces apoptosis of oral squamous carcinoma cells via targeting KLK4.

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is one of the most common types of head and neck neoplasm. Down-regulation of hsa-microRNA-378 (miR-378) has been proved in OSCC tissues, suggesting that miR-378 might play crucial roles in the progression of OSCC. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of miR-378-3p/5p on the proliferation and apoptosis of OSCC in vitro and in vivo. According to the results, lentivirus-mediated overexpression of miR-378 lowered the colony formation efficiency, blocked cell cycle progression, and decreased the percentage of Ki-67 positive cells, whereas knockdown of miR-378-3p/5p led to the opposite results. Furthermore, the apoptosis of OSCC cells was induced by the overexpression of miR-378 as evidenced by decreasing Bcl-2/Bax ratio, increasing cleaved caspase-9, cleaved caspase-3, and cleaved PARP levels, and promoting the release of cytochrome c into the cytoplasm. However, the above results were reversed by miR-378-3p/5p silencing. In addition, the overexpression of miR-378 inhibited the activation of PI3K/AKT signalling pathway. Conversely, miR-378-3p/5p knockdown resulted in the inactivation of PI3K/AKT signalling pathway. Mechanically, we validated that miR-378-3p/5p could target kallikrein-related peptidase 4 (KLK4), and enforced overexpression of KLK4 counteracted miR-378 overexpression-induced apoptosis. Finally, tumourigenesis in nude mice was suppressed by the overexpression of miR-378, which was promoted by miR-378-3p/5p silencing. Taken together, these results suggest that miR-378 may be a potential target in the diagnoses and treatment of OSCC.

Synthesis of P-Doped and NiCo-Hybridized Graphene-Based Fibers for Flexible Asymmetrical Solid-State Micro-Energy Storage Device.

Fiber supercapacitors (FSCs) are promising energy storage devices in portable and wearable smart electronics. Currently, a major challenge for FSCs is simultaneously achieving high volumetric energy and power densities. Herein, the microscale fiber electrode is designed by using carbon fibers as substrates and capillary channels as microreactors to space-confined hydrothermal assembling. As P-doped graphene oxide/carbon fiber (PGO/CF) and NiCo2 O4 -based graphene oxide/carbon fiber (NCGO/CF) electrodes are successfully prepared, their unique hybrid structures exhibit a satisfactory electrochemical performance. An all-solid-state PGO/CF//NCGO/CF flexible asymmetric fiber supercapacitor (AFSC) based on the PGO/CF as the negative electrode, NCGO/CF hybrid electrode as the positive electrode, and poly(vinyl alcohol)/potassium hydroxide as the electrolyte is successfully assembled. The AFSC device delivers a higher volumetric energy density of 36.77 mW h cm-3 at a power density of 142.5 mW cm-3 . In addition, a double reference electrode system is adopted to analyze and reduce the IR drop, as well as effectively matching negative and positive electrodes, which is conducive for the optimization and improvement of energy density. For the AFSC device, its better flexibility and electrochemical properties create a promising potential for high-performance micro-supercapacitors. Furthermore, the introduction of the double reference electrode system provides an interesting method for the study on the electrochemical performances of two-electrode systems.

Hypercortisolism and primary aldosteronism caused by bilateral adrenocortical adenomas: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Co-existing Cushing's syndrome and primary aldosteronism caused by bilateral adrenocortical adenomas, secreting cortisol and aldosterone, respectively, have rarely been reported. Precise diagnosis and management of this disorder constitute a challenge to clinicians due to its atypical clinical manifestations and laboratory findings. CASE PRESENTATION: We here report a Chinese male patient with co-existing Cushing's syndrome and primary aldosteronism caused by bilateral adrenocortical adenomas, who complained of intermittent muscle weakness for over 3 years. Computed tomography scans revealed bilateral adrenal masses. Undetectable ACTH and unsuppressed cortisol levels by dexamethasone suggested ACTH-independent Cushing's syndrome. Elevated aldosterone to renin ratio and unsuppressed plasma aldosterone concentration after saline infusion test suggested primary aldosteronism. Adrenal venous sampling adjusted by plasma epinephrine revealed hypersecretion of cortisol from the left adrenal mass and of aldosterone from the right one. A sequential bilateral laparoscopic adrenalectomy was performed. The cortisol level was normalized after partial left adrenalectomy and the aldosterone level was normalized after subsequent partial right adrenalectomy. Histopathological evaluation of the resected surgical specimens, including immunohistochemical staining for steroidogenic enzymes, revealed a left cortisol-producing adenoma and a right aldosterone-producing adenoma. The patient's symptoms and laboratory findings resolved after sequential adrenalectomy without any pharmacological treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Adrenal venous sampling is essential in diagnosing bilateral functional adrenocortical adenomas prior to surgery. Proper interpretation of the laboratory findings is particularly important in these patients. Immunohistochemistry may be a valuable tool to identify aldosterone/cortisol-producing lesions and to validate the clinical diagnosis.

ACTH-independent Cushing's syndrome with bilateral cortisol-secreting adrenal adenomas: a case report and review of literatures.

BACKGROUND: Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)-independent Cushing's syndrome (CS) with bilateral cortisol-secreting adenomas has been rarely reported in the literatures. Precise recognition and management of this disorder constitute a challenge to clinicians due to the difficulty of exact location of the functional lesions. CASE PRESENTATION: We herein report a new case of a Chinese female patient with a complaint of exertional dyspnea for over 10 years. ACTH-independent CS was diagnosed based on undetectable ACTH and unsuppressed cortisol levels by dexamethasone. Computed tomography (CT) scan indicated bilateral adrenal masses, and adrenal venous sampling (AVS) adjusted by plasma aldosterone revealed hypersecretion of cortisol from both adrenal glands. Bilateral cortisol-secreting adrenal adenomas were suspected and confirmed by the postoperative pathology in subsequent two-step bilateral laparoscopic adrenalectomy. The symptoms and signs of CS relieved after surgery with continuous glucocorticoid replacement. CONCLUSIONS: AVS adjusted by plasma aldosterone could be a useful technique in diagnosing ACTH-independent CS with bilateral adrenal adenomas prior to surgery. And the aldosterone ratio could be used to confirm the success of adrenal vein cannulation in this situation.

Cell-Derived Microparticles in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The aim of this study was to assess the association between circulating cell-derived microparticles (MPs) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). METHODS: A literature search was performed systematically in PubMed and Embase to identify available case-control or cross-sectional studies that compared different types of cell-derived MPs in patients with T2DM and non-diabetic controls. Pooled standardized mean differences (SMDs) of each MP type were pooled using meta-analysis. RESULTS: Forty-eight studies involving 2,460 patients with T2DM and 1,880 non-diabetic controls were included for systematic review and 34 of which were included for quantitative study by meta-analysis. In the overall analysis, the levels of circulating total MPs (TMPs), platelet-derived MPs (PMPs), monocyte-derived MPs (MMPs) and endothelium-derived MPs (EMPs) were significantly higher in T2DM patients than those in controls (TMPs: SMD, 0.64; 95%CI, 0.12∼1.15; P=0.02; PMPs: SMD, 1.19; 95%CI, 0.88∼1.50; P <0.00001; MMPs: SMD, 0.92; 95%CI, 0.66∼1.17; P <0.00001; EMPs: SMD, 0.73; 95%CI, 0.50∼0.96; P <0.00001). Meanwhile, no significant difference was shown in leukocyte-derived MPs (LMPs) level between diabetic and non-diabetic groups (SMD, 0.37; 95%CI, -0.15∼0.89; P=0.17). CONCLUSIONS: The counts of TMPs, PMPs, MMPs and EMPs elevated in patients with T2DM. And cell-derived MPs may play a role in the pathogenesis of T2DM.

The rescue of dentin matrix protein 1 (DMP1)-deficient tooth defects by the transgenic expression of dentin sialophosphoprotein (DSPP) indicates that DSPP is a downstream effector molecule of DMP1 in dentinogenesis.

Dentin matrix protein 1 (DMP1) and dentin sialophosphoprotein (DSPP) are essential for the formation of dentin. Previous in vitro studies have indicated that DMP1 might regulate the expression of DSPP during dentinogenesis. To examine whether DMP1 controls dentinogenesis through the regulation of DSPP in vivo, we cross-bred transgenic mice expressing normal DSPP driven by a 3.6-kb rat Col1a1 promoter with Dmp1 KO mice to generate mice expressing the DSPP transgene in the Dmp1 KO genetic background (referred to as "Dmp1 KO/DSPP Tg mice"). We used morphological, histological, and biochemical techniques to characterize the dentin and alveolar bone of Dmp1 KO/DSPP Tg mice compared with Dmp1 KO and wild-type mice. Our analyses showed that the expression of endogenous DSPP was remarkably reduced in the Dmp1 KO mice. Furthermore, the transgenic expression of DSPP rescued the tooth and alveolar bone defects of the Dmp1 KO mice. In addition, our in vitro analyses showed that DMP1 and its 57-kDa C-terminal fragment significantly up-regulated the Dspp promoter activities in a mesenchymal cell line. In contrast, the expression of DMP1 was not altered in the Dspp KO mice. These results provide strong evidence that DSPP is a downstream effector molecule that mediates the roles of DMP1 in dentinogenesis.

[NLRP3 inflammasome and diabetes].

Diabetes has become a global epidemic disease now. Its chronic progressive deterioration and the acuteand chronic complications affect the quality of the patients' lives seriously. The prevention and treatment of diabetes has become one of the research focuses in recent years. NLRP3 (NOD-like receptor family, pyrin domain containing 3) inflammasome can recognize the metabolic stress signals, and cause caspase-1 activation and interleukin-lp (IL-1p) production, and is closely related to diabetes development. The latest studies have shown that NLRP3 inflammasome will be a new potential target for the treatment of diabetes. This article reviews the activation and regulation of NL-RP3 inflammasome, and the effect of NLRP3 inflammasome on glucose metabolism and its targeted therapy in diabetes.

Case reports of oral choristomas and a review of the literature.

Choristomas are proliferative growths that occur when normal tissue develops in abnormal locations and may resemble tumors. Oral choristomas commonly present as slow-growing, indolent, and firm masses. The diagnosis primarily relies on histopathologic examination. Given their tumor-like growth and developmental pathogenesis, it is critical to differentiate them from neoplasms. In this article, we present two clinical cases of oral choristomas, a cartilaginous choristoma, and an osseous choristoma of the tongue. We also offer a brief review of the literature discussing clinical presentation, microscopic features, and therapeutic options.