A Review on Medical Image Registration as an Optimization Problem

Objective:

In the course of clinical treatment, several medical media are required by a phy-sician in order to provide accurate and complete information about a patient. Medical image registra-tion techniques can provide a richer diagnosis and treatment information to doctors and to provide a comprehensive reference source for the researchers involved in image registration as an optimization problem.

Methods:

The essence of image registration is associating two or more different images spatial asso-ciation, and getting the translation of their spatial relationship. For medical image registration, its pro-cess is not absolute. Its core purpose is finding the conversion relationship between different images.

Result:

The major step of image registration includes the change of geometrical dimensions, and change of the image of the combination, image similarity measure, iterative optimization and interpo-lation process.

Conclusion:

The contribution of this review is sort of related image registration research methods, can provide a brief reference for researchers about image registration.

Insulin resistance in Alzheimer's disease (AD) mouse intestinal macrophages is mediated by activation of JNK

OBJECTIVE

Alzheimer's disease (AD) has been considered as a metabolic disorder disease, which closely related to insulin signaling impairment. Therefore, identifying the potential mechanism of insulin resistance is important for AD treatment.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

An APP/PS1 double transgenic AD mouse model was introduced to study insulin resistance in gut. The expressions of AD markers and key elements of insulin signaling were detected in ileum and intestinal macrophages of AD mice by immunohistochemistry. Furthermore, mouse intestinal macrophage cell line RAW264.7 was treated by Aβ25-35 or Aβ25-35 + insulin to explore the mechanism of insulin resistance in vitro. The expression of IR-β and the activation of cell signaling related proteins (Insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS1), protein kinase B (AKT) and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK)) in Aβ25-35-stimulated macrophages were performed via Western blotting.

RESULTS

The expressions of IRS1, Aβ and Tuj in AD mice ileum were significantly different from WT mice (p<0.05). Also, there were significant discrepancies in the expressions of β2AR and eNOS in intestinal macrophages of two groups (p<0.05). After exposure to Aβ25-35, cell proliferation rate (p<0.01) of macrophage and the levels of TNF-α (p<0.01) and Il-6 (p<0.01) was significant elevated and treatment with insulin could reverse these changes (p<0.05). The amount of IR-β and the p-AKT/AKT ratio significantly decreased in Aβ25-35-treated macrophages (p<0.01), while the ratios of p-IRS1/IRS1 and p-JNK/JNK significantly enlarged (p<0.01). Furthermore, all the changes caused by Aβ25-35 treatment were attenuated by insulin addition.

CONCLUSIONS

Activation of JNK pathway played an important role in insulin resistance of AD mice, suggesting that inhibition of JNK pathway might be a new strategy toward resolving insulin resistance related diseases, such as AD.

[Sample size for the estimation of F-wave parameters in healthy volunteers and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients]

Objective: The study aimed to investigate whether sample sizes of F-wave study differed according to different nerves, different F-wave parameters, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis(ALS) patients or healthy subjects. Methods: The F-waves in the median, ulnar, tibial, and deep peroneal nerves of 55 amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients and 52 healthy subjects were studied to assess the effect of sample size on the accuracy of measurements of the following F-wave parameters: F-wave minimum latency, maximum latency, mean latency, F-wave persistence, F-wave chronodispersion, mean and maximum F-wave amplitude. A hundred stimuli were used in F-wave study. The values obtained from 100 stimuli were considered "true" values and were compared with the corresponding values from smaller samples of 20, 40, 60 and 80 stimuli. F-wave parameters obtained from different sample sizes were compared between the ALS patients and the normal controls. Results: Significant differences were not detected with samples above 60 stimuli for chronodispersion in all four nerves in normal participants. Significant differences were not detected with samples above 40 stimuli for maximum F-wave amplitude in median, ulnar and tibial nerves in normal participants. When comparing ALS patients and normal controls, significant differences were detected in the maximum (median nerve, Z=-3.560, P<0.01; ulnar nerve, t=5.019, P<0.01; tibial nerve, Z=-2.475, P<0.05; peroneal nerve, Z=-2.088, P<0.05)and mean F-wave latency (median nerve, Z=-3.243, P<0.01; ulnar nerve, t=3.876, P<0.01; tibial nerve, Z=-2.206, P<0.05; peroneal nerve, Z=-2.205, P<0.05)in all four nerves, F-wave chronodispersion (Z=-3.152, P<0.01)in the ulnar nerve, F-wave persistence in the median (Z=6.139, P<0.01)and ulnar nerves(Z=5.350, P<0.01), mean F-wave amplitude in the tibial nerve(t=2.981, P<0.01), maximum F-wave amplitude in the ulnar (Z=-2.134, P<0.05)and tibial nerves (t=2.746, P<0.01)with 20 stimuli; for chronodispersion in tibial nerve (t=2.551, P<0.05)100 stimuli, for chronodispersion in peroneal nerve (Z=-2.086, P<0.05)80 stimuli, for F-wave persistence in tibial nerve (Z=2.119, P<0.05) 60 stimuli, for mean F-wave amplitude in ulnar (Z=-2.552, P<0.05)and peroneal nerve (Z=-2.228, P<0.05)40 stimuli, for maximum F-wave amplitude in peroneal nerve (t=2.693, P<0.01)60 stimuli were necessary to detect differences. Conclusions: Sample sizes of F-wave study differed according to different nerves, different F-wave parameters , and ALS patients or healthy subjects.

Expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase in mast cells contributes to the regulation of inflammatory cytokines in irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea

BACKGROUND

Nitric oxide (NO) and mast cells (MCs) are possibly involved in the development of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), but details on their role and interactions still remain undetermined. We aimed to investigate the expression of inducible NO synthase (iNOS) in MCs of the colon of IBS with diarrhea (IBS-D), and elucidated a potential role of NO in the differential regulation of cytokines in MCs.

METHODS

Colonic mucosal biopsies of 19 IBS-D patients and 16 healthy controls were collected. The expression of tryptase and iNOS was investigated by immunohistochemistry, Western blotting, and real-time PCR. Effects of NO on the expression of cytokines in rat bone marrow MCs (BMMCs) were examined using a cytokine array by NG-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) treatment.

KEY RESULTS

Immunohistochemistry for tryptase revealed an increase in number of MCs with extensive iNOS expression in the colonic mucosa of IBS-D. Tryptase, iNOS and interleukin (IL)-1β mRNA and protein levels were upregulated in IBS-D compared with healthy controls. Specifically, a positive correlation between tryptase and iNOS protein expression was observed in the colon of IBS-D (r = 0.667, p < 0.05). Supernatant from IBS-D increased iNOS expression in BMMCs. Antibody array showed that agrin, beta-nerve growth factor, fractalkine, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor, IL-1β, IL-1R6, IL-13, leptin, tumor necrosis factor alpha were suppressed, and cytokine-induced neutrophil chemoattractant (CINC)-1, CINC-2α, CINC-3, monocyte chemotactic protein-1, matrix metalloproteinase-8 were strongly produced in L-NAME treated BMMCs, comparable to levels in the control group.

CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES

Our findings provide new evidence that NO is able to regulate many cytokines in MCs that may be involved in the development of IBS.

Evaluation of novel assays for the detection of human papilloma virus in self-collected samples for cervical cancer screening

The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of three new high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) assays for primary cervical cancer screening, by using self-collected samples, and to identify an HPV assay that could overcome the major obstacles faced during large-scale population-based screening. Two hundred and ten women showing abnormal cervical cytology (and referred for a colposcopy) were recruited in this study. Self-collected samples obtained from all women were tested with the Cobas, Seq, and BioPerfectus Multiplex Real Time HPV assays; simultaneously, clinician-collected samples (from the same women) were tested with the gold-standard Cobas HPV assay. The results of all the assays were consistent. The sensitivity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia 2+ (CIN2+) and CIN3+ were comparable between the self-collected samples tested with the three new assays and the clinician-collected samples tested with the Cobas HPV assay (P > 0.05). The single-genotype HPV load per sample did not differ significantly between the self- and clinician-collected samples (P = 0.195). In conclusion, the results of this study demonstrated the applicability of the three new HPV assays for primary cervical cancer screening based on self-collection.

Microsatellite markers reveal genetic divergence among wild and cultured populations of Chinese sucker Myxocyprinus asiaticus

Studies of genetic diversity and genetic population structure are critical for the conservation and management of endangered species. The Chinese sucker Myxocyprinus asiaticus is a vulnerable monotypic species in China, which is at a risk of decline owing to fluctuations in effective population size and other demographic and environmental factors. We screened 11 microsatellite loci in 214 individuals to assess genetic differentiation in both wild and cultured populations. The single extant wild population had a higher number of alleles (13) than the cultured populations (average 7.3). High levels of genetic diversity, expressed as observed and expected heterozygosity (HO = 0.771, HE = 0.748, respectively), were found in both wild and cultured populations. We also report significant differentiation among wild and cultured populations (global FST = 0.023, P < 0.001). Both STRUCTURE analysis and neighbor-joining tree revealed three moderately divergent primary genetic clusters: the wild Yangtze population and the Sichuan population were each identified as an individual cluster, with the remaining populations clustered together. Twenty-two samples collected from the Yangtze River were assigned to the cultured population, demonstrating the efficacy of artificial propagation to avoid drastic reduction in the population size of M. asiaticus. These genetic data support the endangered status of the M. asiaticus and have implications for conservation management planning.

Study on application of GRACE scoring system on nursing of ACS patients

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to analyze application effects of specialized emergency nursing mode based on Global Registry Acute Coronary Events (GRACE) scoring system on Acute Coronary System (ACS) patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

135 ACS cases in this hospital of the same period were selected and they were divided into control group (65 cases) and observation group (70 cases) according to random number method and their order of hospitalization. The standard specialized nursing mode was applied in the control group while specialized nursing mode based on GRACE scoring system was applied in observation group to compare treatment effects.

RESULTS

We found that average time of Door-to-Balloon, surgery time and length of stay in observation group were shortened and the occurrence rate of complications during and after surgery was significantly lowered. The remedy achievement ratio and satisfaction scores on nursing are increased and differences were of statistical significance (p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The stratified nursing was used to ACS patients based on GRACE scoring system, which was able to significantly increase remedy achievement ratio and decrease complications and, therefore, nursing quality is improved.

An Expanding and Shifting Focus in Recent Environmental Health Literature: A Quantitative Bibliometric Study

This special report characterizes the patterns of environmental health literature from 1993 to 2012 by using bibliometric techniques based on databases of the Science Citation Index and the Social Science Citation Index. "Research article" was the most widely used document type, accounting for 71.7% of the total records (5,053), and 94.9% of these articles were published in English. The number of environmental health publications is growing along with an increasing level of communication. The U.S. was the largest contributing country with the highest h-index (85) and the most publications (1,854), followed by the UK and Canada. Environmental Health Perspectives and the Journal of Environmental Health were the top two most productive journals. The most cited article in each main research area is also listed. The authors' study not only identifies global characteristics in environmental health research, but also influences researchers' selection of future studies and publications.

Consumption of Chilies, but not Sweet Peppers, Is Positively Related to Handgrip Strength in an Adult Population

BACKGROUND

Chili consumption may have a beneficial effect on muscle strength in the general population. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between frequency of chili consumption and handgrip strength in adults.

DESIGN

Population-based cross-sectional study.

SETTING

This study used baseline data from the Tianjin Chronic Low-grade Systemic Inflammation and Health Cohort Study.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 3 717 subjects were recruited to the study. Frequency of chili consumption during the previous month was assessed using a valid self-administered food frequency questionnaire. Analysis of covariance was used to examine the relationship between muscle strength and frequency of chili consumption. Handgrip strength was measured using a handheld digital dynamometer.

RESULTS

After adjustment for potential confounding factors, significant relationships were observed between different categories of chili consumption and handgrip strength in males, the means (95% confidence interval) for handgrip strength across chili consumption categories were 44.7 (42.1, 47.2) for < one time/week; 45.5 (42.9, 48.1) for one time/week; and 45.8 (43.3, 48.4) for ≥ 2-3 times/week (P for trend < 0.01). Similar results were not observed with sweet pepper consumption.

CONCLUSIONS

This study reveals a positive correlation between frequency of chili consumption and muscle strength in adult males. Further studies are necessary in order to determine whether there is a causal relationship between chili consumption frequency and muscle strength.

Effects of atorvastatin combined with trimetazidine on myocardial injury and inflammatory mediator in unstable angina patients during perioperative of percutaneous coronary intervention

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effects of atorvastatin combined with trimetazidine on periprocedural myocardial injury and serum inflammatory mediators in unstable angina pectoris (UAP) patients following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) treatment.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

90 patients with UAP treated with conventional medications and PCI were recruited and were randomly divided into the control group and the experimental group. The control group had 42 patients were treated with atorvastatin alone, while the experimental group had 48 cases treated with atorvastatin combined with trimetazidine. All the patients were checked the preoperative 24h and postoperative 24h PCI concentrations of cardiac troponin I (cTnI), hypersensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), serum interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and interlukin-10 (IL-10).

RESULTS

At the pre-PCI stage, every serum factors was no significant difference. 24 hours after the PCI intervention, the occurence of abnormal cTnI level in the experimental group was remarkable reduced than the control group. In the experimental group, the serum levels of TNF-α and IFN-γ significantly decreased (p < 0.05); while IL-10 was increased. In the control group, all the mediators were increased significantly except the hs-CRP (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

No unexpected symptom was found in patients with large dose atorvastatin combined with large dose trimetazidine. The administration of conventional medications together with the atorvastatin plus trimetazidine were able to reduce the prevalence of postoperative myocardial injury.

Investigation on Behavior of Macro-Particles in TiN Film by Arc Ion Plating

Macroparticle contamination deteriorates the qualities and performances of protective coatings by arc ion plating, resulting in a limitation in their applications. In this work, the effects of transverse magnetic field (TMF), pulsed bias, gas pressure, and substrate position on behavior of the macro-particles (MPs) in TiN films are quantitatively investigated. It is demonstrated that the key factor of the deposition process on the MPs behavior is magnetic field, which controls the movement of arc spot significantly. At relatively low magnetic field intensity, the MPs behavior is greatly influenced by the other three process parameters. The sensibilities of the three parameters on MPs behavior are decreased with the increasing magnetic field intensity. At high magnetic field intensity, the MPs distribution keeps almost the same even when the other parameters are varied.

Telomere-associated factor expression in replicative senescence of human embryonic lung fibroblasts

The objective of this study was to find the key regulatory molecules in the cell senescence process through observing the expression of telomere-associated factor during the normal cell replicative senescence process. Based on the established cell replicative senescence model, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and western blot analyses were used to detect telomere-associated factor expression at the mRNA and protein levels, including that of human telomere binding protein 1, tankyrase 1, telomerase RNA, telomere protection protein 1 (POT1), and p53 during the process of human embryonic lung fibroblast replicative senescence. The results showed that transcription of human telomere binding protein 1 did not change with cell senescence, whereas the protein expression of human telomere binding protein 1 increased gradually and then decreased rapidly; there was no change in the mRNA and protein expression of POT1; with the replicative senescence of human embryonic lung fibroblasts, expression of POT1 decreased gradually; TRF1 showed an increasing trend with cell senescence; and p53 protein expression did not change. Together, the results from this study suggest that human telomere binding protein 1, POT1, and TRF1 played important roles in cell senescence.

Immunomodulatory effects of hyperthermia on resisting WSSV infection in Procambarus clarkii

White spot disease remains a constant threat to aquaculture worldwide. Hyperthermia has been shown to reduce mortality in white spot syndrome virus (WSSV)-infected shrimps, but the mechanism still remains unclear. In this study, we sought to identify host immune factors that contribute to inhibition of WSSV infection during hyperthermia. In WSSV-infected red swamp crayfish Procambarus clarkii (Girard) cultured at 24 ± 1 °C, transcriptional levels of the heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) gene showed a modest, 2.2-fold increase in haemocytes following 48 h post-infection (hpi). In contrast, in WSSV-infected crayfish cultured at 32 ± 1 °C, Hsp70 gene expression showed a rapid, 19.5-fold induction by 4 hpi. This suggests that Hsp70 plays a positive regulatory role in resistance to WSSV infection during hyperthermia. Furthermore, total haemocyte counts (THC) and phenoloxidase (PO) activity were both significantly increased in WSSV-infected crayfish cultured at 32 ± 1 °C by 48 hpi. Both may be critical for crayfish survival in the late stages of WSSV infection. Collectively, the up-regulation of host protein Hsp70 expression and increase in THC and PO activity suggest that hyperthermia has immunomodulatory effect that enhanced the resistance of P. clarkii to WSSV infection.

Recurrence of group B streptococcus colonization in successive pregnancies

OBJECTIVE

To identify risk factors for group B streptococcus (GBS) colonization in a subsequent pregnancy using microbiological and clinical data from a prior pregnancy.

STUDY DESIGN

A retrospective cohort study of women over a 10-year period, using laboratory records to identify women with GBS culture results available in two successive pregnancies.

RESULT

One thousand eight hundred and ninety-four women met eligibility criteria. Of these, 1293 were not GBS-colonized in either pregnancy, 198 were colonized in both pregnancies and 403 had discordant colonization status. GBS colonization in the index pregnancy was positively associated with multiparity, premature delivery and lower maternal age and negatively associated with chorioamnionitis. The strongest predictor of colonization in a subsequent pregnancy was colonization in the index pregnancy (50% likelihood if colonized compared with 14% if not in the index pregnancy, relative risk 3.6, confidence interval (CI)=3.1 to 4.3). GBS colonization in the subsequent pregnancy was independently associated with: GBS colonization in the index pregnancy (odds ratio (OR)=6.28; CI=4.91 to 8.05), preterm delivery in the index pregnancy (OR=1.80; CI=1.05 to 3.09) and prior early pregnancy loss (OR=1.15; CI=1.04 to 1.27).

CONCLUSION

GBS colonization in a prior pregnancy is informative of colonization in a subsequent pregnancy. These data support providing antimicrobial prophylaxis in unscreened parous women with known prior GBS colonization.