[Establishment of a CT image radiomics-based prediction model for the differential diagnosis of silicosis and tuberculosis nodules].

Objective: To establish a CT image radiomics-based prediction model for the differential diagnosis of silicosis and tuberculosis nodules. Methods: A total of 53 patients with silicosis and 89 patients with tuberculosis who underwent routine CT scans in Suzhou Fifth People's Hospital from January to August, 2018 were enrolled in this study. AK/ITK software was used to segment the images to obtain 139 silicosis lesions and 119 tuberculosis lesions. For each lesion image, 396 features were extracted, and feature dimension reduction was applied to select the most characteristic feature subset. Support vector machine (SVM) , feedforward back propagation neural network (FNN-BP) , and random forest (RF) were implemented using R software (Rstudio V1.1.463) , and the algorithm that achieved the largest area under of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) was selected as the final prediction model. Results: RF was the best prediction model for the differential diagnosis of silicosis and tuberculosis nodules, with an accuracy of 83.1%, a sensitivity of 0.76, a specificity of 0.9, and an AUC of 0.917 (95% confidence interval: 0.8431-0.9758) . RF had a significantly larger AUC than SVM and FNN-BP (P<0.05) . Conclusion: CT image-based RF prediction model can be used to differentially diagnose silicosis and tuberculosis nodules.

[Inhibition of CD4(+)T cell infiltration by interleukin-10 competent B cells in periodontitis tissues].

Objective: To study the immune regulation function of high expressing interleukin-10 (IL-10) in B cells on CD4(+)T-cells in periodontitis mouse model. Methods: Twenty-four 7-weeks-old female C57BL/6 mice were randomly and equally assigned into 4 groups: the healthy control group (HC group, n=6), the ligation combined Porphyromonasgingivalis (Pg) infection group (P group, n=6), the ligation combined Pg infection with non-stimulated B cell transfer group (P+NSB group, n=6) and the ligation combined Pg infection with stimulated B cell transfer group (P+SB group, n=6). Ligation combined Pg infection of the maxillary second molar was used to induce periodontitis of mice. The exogenous non-stimulated B cells or stimulated B cells were injected into the palate gingivalat the 5th day after ligation, and all mice were sacrificed at the 14th day. HE stain was used to detect the histological of periodontal tissues, toluidine blue stain was used to analysis the alveolar bone loss, immunofluorescence stain was used to detect the expression of CD4(+)T-cell and IL-10, immunohistochemical was used to detect the expression of receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL) and IL-1ß. Results: Results of HE staining showed that more hyperplasia of gingival epithelium and the alveolar bone resorption in P group, P+NSB group and P+SB group compared with HC group. Results of toluidine blue staining showed that the alveolar bone losses in P group [(0.668±0.041) mm(2)], P+NSB group [(0.750±0.039) mm(2)] and P+SB group [(0.517±0.038) mm(2)] were significantly increased compared with that in HC group [(0.336±0.029) mm(2)](F=146.051, P<0.01), and the alveolar bone resorption was significantly increased in P+NSB group compared with that in P group (F=146.051, P<0.01). However, compared with P+NSB group and P group, the alveolar bone loss in P+SB groupwas significantly decreased (F=146.051, P<0.01). Results of immunofluorescence staining showed that CD4(+)T-cells expressed in P group [(287.5±37.9) cell/mm(2)], P+NSB group [(314.6±53.3) cell/mm(2)] and P+SB group [(185.4±42.9) cell/mm(2)] were higher than that in HC group [(12.5±13.7) cell/mm(2))(F=71.284, P<0.01). Compared with P group and P+NSB group, CD4(+)T-cells expression in group P+SB was decreased (F=71.284, P<0.01). IL-10 levels were increased in P group [(111.7±20.4) cell/mm(2)], P+NSB group [(126.7±15.1) cell/mm(2)] and P+SB group [(191.0±22.6) cell/mm(2)] compared with that in HC group [(22.7±4.3) cell/mm(2)] (F=98.516, P<0.01), and the IL-10 expressed in P+SB group was significantly higher than those in P+NSB group and P group. Results of immunohistochemical tests showed that RANKL expressions in gingival tissues among P group [(674.0±71.5) cell/mm(2)], P+NSB group [(831.0±97.5) cell/mm(2)] and P+SB group [(420.1±40.8) cell/mm(2)] were significantly higher than that in HC group [(69.3±29.1) cell/mm(2)] (F=154.886, P<0.01). However, it dramatically decreased in P+SB group compared with those in P group and P+NSB group.The IL-1ßexpression in P group [(447.8±40.8) cell/mm(2)], P+NSB group [(512.5±38.2) cell/mm(2)] and P+SB group [(281.6±32.4) cell/mm(2)] were significantly higher than that in HC group [(50.8±20.9) cell/mm(2)], and it also higher in P+NSB group compared with in P group. However, it decreased in P+SB group compared with those in P group and P+NSB group (F=221.185, P<0.01). Conclusions: High expression IL-10 in B cell smight inhibit alveolar bone loss, RANKL and IL-1ß expressions and CD4(+)T-cell infiltration through IL-10.

Molecular characterization and expression analysis of the Lrh-1 gene in Chinese Hu sheep.

Liver receptor homologue 1 (Lrh-1) is a member of the nuclear receptor belonging to the second subfamily of the nuclear receptor family 5A (NR5A), also named NR5A2, which is important for lipid homeostasis, embryogenesis, and regulation of aromatics. The present study aimed to understand the sequence of ovine Lrh-1 and the expression traits in reproductive organ tissues. Initially, we cloned Lrh-1 from the liver of Hu sheep through degenerate primer of reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and rapid amplification of cDNA ends. Characteristic functional domains of DNA binding and ligand binding, conserved among transcription factors of the nuclear receptor superfamily, were identified in Lrh-1 of Hu sheep. The Lrh-1 protein levels in the tissues detected by Western blotting correlated significantly with the transcript levels measured by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). To understand the Lrh-1 expression change in the hypothalamus and hypophysis during the estrous cycle, we analyzed the expression pattern of Lrh-1 mRNA and protein by qRT-PCR and Western blotting, respectively. This analysis revealed that Lrh-1 expression in the hypothalamus was highest during the metestrus phase, while the Lrh-1 level was similar during other phases. In the hypophysis, the expression was significantly different during the 4 phases of the estrous cycle but highest during the estrus phase, significantly correlating with FSH concentration. These results indicate that Lrh-1 expression is correlated with gonadotropic hormone secretion, influencing follicular formation in the ovary.

Expression of the luteinizing hormone receptor (LHR) gene in ovine non-gonadal tissues during estrous cycle.

Luteinizing hormone (LH) is an important glycoprotein hormone that regulates gonadal function in mammals and in turn regulates physiological status changes during the estrous cycle. The function of LH is mediated by luteinizing hormone receptor (LHR). In order to examine the expression patterns of the LHR gene in non-gonadal tissues during the 4 phases of the ovine estrous cycle, tissues from healthy non-pregnant adult Hu sheep were examined according to the estrous cycle for normal ovaries using real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR and ELISA methods with GAPDH as the reference gene. LHR mRNA expression levels were significantly correlated with protein concentrations and the LHR gene was abundantly expressed in olfactory bulb, hypothalamus, rumen, small intestine, kidney, and uterine tissues. When comparing the expression levels of LHR during the 4 estrous phases in particular tissues, the results showed that LHR expression levels were significantly different and relatively lower at the estrous stage in a number of non-gonadal tissues. The trends of change in LHR expression levels were highly significantly correlated between hypothalamus and rectum, hypophysis and oviduct, ileum and uterus, and among jejunum, olfactory bulb, and kidney (P < 0.01), and there was also significant correlation between duodenum and oviduct, hypothalamus and medulla oblongata, jejunum and uterus, omasum and abomasum, and reticulum and colon (P < 0.05). These results indicate that the ovine LHR gene (or LH) might control important mechanisms in non-gonadal tissues and that the level of LH activity in some tissues may be influenced by hormonal status during the estrous cycle.

Prematurely condensed chromosome fragments in human lymphocytes induced by high doses of high-linear-energy-transfer irradiation.

This study provides a useful biodosimetry protocol for radiation accidents that involve high doses of heavy particle radiation. Human peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs) were irradiated in vitro with high doses (5-50 Gy) of charged heavy-ion particles (carbon ions, at an effective linear-energy-transfer (LET) of 34.6 keV/microm), and were then stimulated to obtain dividing cells. PBLs were treated with 100 nM calyculin A to force chromosomes to condense prematurely, and chromosome spreads were obtained and stained with Giemsa. The G2 prematurely condensed chromosome (G2-PCC) index and the number of G2-PCC including fragments (G2-PCC-Fs) per cell for each radiation dose point were scored. Dose-effect relationships were obtained by plotting the G2-PCC indices or G2-PCC-Fs numbers against radiation doses. The G2-PCC index was greater than 5% up to doses of 15 Gy; even after a 30 Gy radiation dose, the index was 1 to 2%. At doses higher than 30 Gy, however, the G2-PCC indices were close to zero. The number of G2-PCC-Fs increased steeply for radiation doses up to 30 Gy at a rate of 1.07 Gy(-1). At doses higher than 30 Gy, the numbers of G2-PCC-Fs could not be accurately indexed because of the limited numbers of cells for analysis. Therefore, the number of G2-PCC-Fs could be used to estimate radiation doses up to 30 Gy. In addition, a G2-PCC index close to zero could be used as an indicator for radiation doses greater than 40 Gy.

Chronic rhinosinusitis with and without nasal polyps is associated with decreased expression of glucocorticoid-induced leucine zipper.

BACKGROUND: Chronic rhinosinusitis without nasal polyps (CRSsNP) and with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) is characterized by persistent inflammation of sinonasal mucosa. Glucocorticoid-induced leucine zipper (GILZ) is a recently described anti-inflammatory mediator. OBJECTIVE: Here we analysed the expression of GILZ in CRSsNP and CRSwNP, its association with response to surgery, and its cytokine-driven expression regulation in the upper airways. Methods The messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein expression of GILZ in 33 CRSsNP, 32 CRSwNP, and 11 control samples was assessed by means of a quantitative RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry, respectively. Nasal explant culture was used to investigate the effect of IFN-gamma, IL-4, IL-13, IL-1beta, and TNF-alpha on GILZ mRNA expression in normal sinonasal mucosa. RESULTS: The GILZ mRNA and protein expression was significantly suppressed in both CRSsNP and CRSwNP patients compared with controls. No significant difference in GILZ expression was found between CRSsNP and CRSwNP patients. Comparing patients responsive and patients recalcitrant to surgery, a significant further decrease of GILZ expression was found in recalcitrant patients both in the CRSsNP and in the CRSwNP group. IL-1beta, TNF-alpha, IL-4, and IL-13 reduced, whereas IFN-gamma enhanced GILZ mRNA levels in the sinonasal mucosa. CONCLUSION: Down-regulated expression of GILZ may contribute to the pathogenesis of CRSsNP and CRSwNP and associate with response to surgery. GILZ expression in the upper airways can be regulated differentially by different cytokines.

Expression of osteopontin in chronic rhinosinusitis with and without nasal polyps.

BACKGROUND: Osteopontin (OPN) is a multifunctional 34-kDa extracellular matrix protein that can influence the inflammatory process. However, the presence of OPN in human sinonasal mucosa and its roles in the inflammatory process of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) are not clear. This study investigated the expression of OPN in human sinonasal mucosa, its cytokine-driven expression regulation, and its effect on cytokine production in sinonasal mucosa. METHODS: Surgical samples were investigated by means of quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction for evaluation of OPN messenger RNA (mRNA) expression, and the presence and location of OPN protein expression were analyzed using immunohistochemistry. Furthermore, nasal explant culture was used to investigate the mutual regulatory interactions between interferon (IFN)-gamma, interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, IL-13, IL-1beta, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha and OPN in sinonasal mucosa. RESULTS: Osteopontin expression was significantly upregulated in CRS tissues compared with control tissues. There was a further significant increase of OPN expression in patients with nasal polyps (NPs) and asthma. Immunohistochemistry revealed positive staining of OPN in epithelial cells, submucosal glands, infiltrating cells, and extracellular matrix. Osteopontin mRNA was induced by IFN-gamma, IL-1beta, and TNF-alpha, but inhibited by IL-4 and IL-13. On the contrary, OPN induced IFN-gamma, IL-4, IL-5, IL-13, IL-1beta, and TNF-alpha production in sinonasal mucosa. CONCLUSIONS: The expression of OPN is upregulated in CRS. The mutual regulatory interactions between OPN and inflammatory cytokines suggest that OPN may play an important role in the pathogenesis of CRS.

Group II subfamily secretory phospholipase A2 enzymes: expression in chronic rhinosinusitis with and without nasal polyps.

BACKGROUND: Group II subfamily secretory phospholipases A(2) (sPLA(2)s) are the enzymes that can play a major role in inflammation. However, the presence of group II subfamily sPLA(2)s in human sinonasal mucosa and their roles in chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) are not well known. The purpose of this study was to investigate the expression of group II subfamily sPLA(2)s in human sinonasal mucosa from controls and CRS patients with and without nasal polyps (NPs) and the regulation of expression by proinflammatory cytokines. METHODS: Surgical samples were investigated by means of reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for evaluation of group II subfamily sPLA(2)s mRNA expression, and the presence and location of group II subfamily sPLA(2)s-positive cells were analyzed by means of immunohistochemistry. Furthermore, nasal explant culture and quantitative RT-PCR techniques were used to investigate the effect of interleukin (IL)-1beta and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha on group II subfamily sPLA(2)s mRNA production in sinonasal mucosa. RESULTS: Messenger RNA expression of sPLA(2)-IIA, -IID, and -IIE was significantly upregulated in tissues from CRS patients compared with control tissues. Among CRS patients, patients without NPs showed significantly stronger expression in sinonasal mucosa than patients with NPs of sPLA(2)-IIA mRNA, and weaker expression of sPLA(2)-IIE mRNA. Immunohistochemistry revealed enhanced protein expression of type II sPLA(2)s and specific type IIA sPLA(2) in epithelial cells and submucosal glands in samples from CRS patients. Stronger type IIA sPLA(2) protein expression was found in samples from CRS patients without NPs when compared with NPs. Nasal explant culture experiments demonstrated that mRNA expression of sPLA(2)-IIA, -IID, and -IIE was dramatically induced by IL-1beta and TNF-alpha. CONCLUSIONS: The expression of some members of group II subfamily of sPLA(2)s is upregulated in CRS and it may result from IL-1beta and TNF-alpha overexpression. Different individual group II subfamily sPLA(2)s may play different roles in the pathogenesis of CRS with and without NPs.

Biodosimetry estimate for high-LET irradiation.

The purpose of this paper is to prepare for an easy and reliable biodosimeter protocol for radiation accidents involving high-linear energy transfer (LET) exposure. Human peripheral blood lymphocytes were irradiated using carbon ions (LET: 34.6 keV microm(-1)), and the chromosome aberrations induced were analyzed using both a conventional colcemid block method and a calyculin A induced premature chromosome condensation (PCC) method. At a lower dose range (0-4 Gy), the measured dicentric (dics) and centric ring chromosomes (cRings) provided reasonable dose information. At higher doses (8 Gy), however, the frequency of dics and cRings was not suitable for dose estimation. Instead, we found that the number of Giemsa-stained drug-induced G2 prematurely condensed chromosomes (G2-PCC) can be used for dose estimation, since the total chromosome number (including fragments) was linearly correlated with radiation dose (r = 0.99). The ratio of the longest and the shortest chromosome length of the drug-induced G2-PCCs increased with radiation dose in a linear-quadratic manner (r = 0.96), which indicates that this ratio can also be used to estimate radiation doses. Obviously, it is easier to establish the dose response curve using the PCC technique than using the conventional metaphase chromosome method. It is assumed that combining the ratio of the longest and the shortest chromosome length with analysis of the total chromosome number might be a valuable tool for rapid and precise dose estimation for victims of radiation accidents.

[Influence of smoking on nasal airway resistance].

OBJECTIVE: To discuss the influence of smoking on nasal airway resistance (NAR). METHOD: The unilateral and total NAR of 40 normal controls, 41 slight smokers and 42 heavy smokers were evaluated by anterior rhinomanometry before and after nasal decongestion. RESULT: Before nasal decongestion, the unilateral and total NAR of heavy smokers increased significantly (P < 0.05) compared with that of normal controls. After decongestion, there was no significant difference (P > 0.05). Whenever before or after decongestion, there was no significant difference between slight smokers and normal controls (P > 0.1). CONCLUSION: Long-time and heavy smoking can enhance the NAR, which may be due to the chang of blood vessels in nasal mucosa.

[A new method to evaluate the eustachian tube function].

OBJECTIVE: To study the practicality of a new method to evaluate eustachian tube function. METHOD: We acquired the tympanogram of 30 normal persons (60 cases) by means of classical tympanometry, Toynbee test and valsalva maneuvre respectively, the peak point of each tympanogram was P1, P2 and P3 corresponding P1 -P2 > 10 daPa or Pmax-Pmin > 15 daPa was accepted as normal. RESULT: 70% cases were accepted normal, whose peak point shifted obviously. CONCLUSION: The method is a simple, objective and practical one; If the peak point shifts obviously, the function of ET is normal; On the contrary, if the function of ET may be abnormal, other tests should be performed.

[The evaluation of eustachian tube function in patients suffered from SOM with C type curve].

OBJECTIVE: To explore eustachian tube (ET) function in patients suffered from SOM with C type curve. METHOD: To test the tympanogram following toynbee test and valsalva manoeuvre respectively. The shift of peak point was quantified and the results were compared with normal subjects. RESULT: ET dysfunction was found in 52.38% of the patients, it was observed in 30% of the normal subjects (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: ET dysfunction is one of the causes of SOM with C type curve, but not the only cause.

Alleviation of pre-exposure to low-dose 16O8+ ion on mouse testicular histological damage induced by subsequent high-dose irradiation.

The testes of the B6C3F1 hybrid strain mice were irradiated with 0.05 Gy of 16O8+ ion as the pre-exposure dose (D1), and were then irradiated with 2 Gy of 16O8+ ion as challenging radiation dose (D2) at 4 h after per-exposure. Testicular morphology was observed by light microscope at 35th day after radiation. The results showed that irradiation of mouse testes with 2 Gy of 16O8+ ion significantly impaired, mainly reduction of tubule diameter and decrease or loss of germ cells in various developing stages, especially spermatogenic elements. Pre-exposure to a low-dose (0.05 Gy) of 16O8+ ion significantly alleviated above mentioned damage on testicular morphology induced by subsequent a high-dose (2 Gy) radiation.

[The study of the distortion product emission in the people with hypertriglyceride].

OBJECTIVE: To study the change of the amplitude and latency of the distortion product emission (DPOAE) in the people with hypertriglyceride. METHOD: The DPOAE amplitude and latency of 30 people with hypertriglyceride and 18 normal was acquired with ILO-V5. RESULT: Although the hearing threshold of pure tone was not affected, but DPOAE amplitude of the people with hypertriglyceride was significantly decreased with the normal people, the changes of latency was not significantly affected. CONCLUSION: The cochlea of patient with hyperlipidemia may be damage in its early-stage. The generating mechanism of DPOAE latency and amplitude may be different.

[The role of tracheotomy in saving the patients suffered from lung blast injury].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the role of tracheotomy in saving the patients suffered from lung blast injury. METHOD: To analyse the pathological change of lung blast injury and to make a retrospective analysis for clinical data of 8 cases. RESULT: Three severe injuries accompanying asphyxia, SaO2 < 75%, were tracheotomized and sucked hemorrhagic frothy sputum in trachea at once, and they were saved successfully. The other 5 cases, SaO2 > or = 90%, were not tracheotomized. CONCLUSION: During saving the lung blast injury, tracheotomy has an important role in sucking hemorrhagic frothy sputum in trachea and keeping the respiratory tract unobstructed.

Chromosomal aberrations induced by 12C6+ heavy ion irradiation in spermatogonia and spermatocytes of mice.

The testes of Kun-Ming strain mice were radiated with different doses of 12C6+ ion or 60Co gamma-ray. Chromosomal aberrations induced in spermatogonia and spermatocytes were analyzed by the air-drying method. The relative biological effectiveness (RBE) of 12C6+ ion was calculated with respect to 60Co gamma-ray for the induction of chromosomal aberrations. The 12C6+ ion and 60Co gamma-ray dose-response relationships for chromosomal aberrations were plotted by linear quadratic models. The results showed that there was an increase in frequency of chromosomal aberrations in all the treated groups compared to controls. The RBE values were 1.67 for aberrations of spermatogonia and 1.66 for aberrations of spermatocytes for a dose of 2.0 Gy. Moreover, a different distribution of the various types of aberrations has been found for 12C6+ ion and 60Co gamma-ray irradiations. The dose-response relationships for 12C6+ ion and 60Co gamma-ray exhibited negative curvature in both spermatogonia and spermatocytes groups: the frequencies of aberrations increased sharply at low doses and exhibited less sharp increases for higher doses, which may be related to an interaction between the chromosomal damage and a block in cell cycle. Our results may provide useful information for the assessment of genetic risks of humans exposed to heavy ions.

Effects of pre-exposure of mouse testis with low-dose (16)O8+ ions or 60Co gamma-rays on sperm shape abnormalities, lipid peroxidation and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity induced by subsequent high-dose irradiation.

PURPOSE: To investigate the effects of pre-exposure of mouse testis with low-doses of (16)O8+ ions or 60Co gamma-rays on sperm shape abnormalities, lipid peroxidation and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity induced by subsequent high-dose irradiation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Testes of the B6C3F1 hybrid strain mice were pre-irradiated with 0.05 Gy of (16)O8+ ions or 60Co gamma-rays and then after 4 h given a test irradiation with 2 Gy of the same radiation type. SOD activity and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) in the testes were determined by spectrophotometric and TBA methods respectively at 4 h after irradiation. Testis weight, sperm count and sperm morphology were analysed at day 35 after irradiation. RESULTS: Compared with controls, there was a significant increase in SOD activity and a significant decrease in TBARS level of pretreated testes. Testis weight loss, sperm count reduction and sperm abnormalities were significantly lower in the pretreated testes. The bioeffects of a 2 Gy dose of (16)O8+ ions relative to 60Co gamma-rays were 1.84 +/- 0.28 for testis weight, 1.22 +/- 0.25 for sperm count and 1.29 +/- 0.10 for sperm abnormalities. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that pre-exposure of testes with a low dose of heavy ions or gamma-rays renders the organ more resistant to subsequent high-dose irradiation. The increase of SOD activity and the decrease of lipid peroxidation levels induced by low-dose ionizing irradiation may be involved in this resistance. The effects with heavy ion irradiation were greater than with gamma-rays.