Excitation functions for fast neutron induced reactions on iron and lead

Cross sections of the 54Fe(n,p)54Mn, 54Fe(n,α)51Cr, 56Fe(n,p)56Mn and 204Pb (n,2n)203Pb reactions induced by D-T neutrons were obtained with activation method and γ-ray spectrometry technique. Experimental values measured in this work are consistent with most of the previous literature data. These reactions cross sections were theoretically calculated by using the TALYS-1.96 and EMPIRE-3.2.3 codes from threshold up to 20 MeV, and significant discrepancies were found between calculated results and experiment data. In addition, experimental values are compared with evaluated nuclear data of the CENDL-3.2, ENDF/B-VIII.0, JENDL-5, BROND-3.1 and JEFF-3.3 libraries, and significant difference was found for the 54Fe(n,α)51Cr reaction in ENDF/B-VIII.0 library but not for other reactions.

Diagnosis and treatment of recurrent patellar dislocation with knee extensor device combined with rearrangement

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate the clinical effects of combining knee extension mechanism (EM) with rearrangement in the treatment of recurrent patellar dislocation (RPD).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Eighty-four patients with RPD admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University were included. In this work, all patients received routine computed tomography (CT) examinations. In addition, the evaluation factors of EM combined with rearrangement therapy in RPD patients were analyzed using logistic regression.

RESULTS

Lysholm and Kujula scores, femoral canal width, patellar canal width, patellar tilt angle (PTA), and lateral patellar displacement (LPD) were significantly increased at 1 and 3 years after treatment (p < 0.05). LPA was significantly decreased, while the tibial tuberosity trochlear groove of the femur (TT-TG) demonstrated no considerable differences (p > 0.05). The good rate of the short-term Insall-Salvati index was 78.6%, and that of the long-term Insall-Salvati index was 76.1%. The combination of the knee extension device and rearrangement therapy has a higher rate of short-term and long-term Insall-Salvati index (ISI) excellence. In addition, the range of motion of the knee joint increased significantly, and the Q Angle decreased significantly (p < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that age and ISI were highly correlated with the evaluation of therapeutic effects in patients with RPD.

CONCLUSIONS

EM combined with rearrangement in the treatment of RPD had positive short-term and long-term efficacy, high application value, and age, which can be popularized in clinical applications and have positive diagnostic value.

Fast neutron induced reaction cross sections on natural manganese and tantalum

The cross sections for the 55Mn(n,2n)54Mn, 181Ta(n,2n)180gTa, and 181Ta(n,p)181Hf reactions were measured to be 705.1 ± 26.1 mb at 14.0 MeV, 1362.7 ± 87.2 mb at 13.6 MeV, and 2.31 ± 0.09 mb at 13.6 MeV, respectively, by using an off-line γ-ray spectroscopic technique. The neutrons were produced via the 3H(d,n)4He reaction. The monitor reactions 27Al(n,α)24Na and 93Nb(n,2n)92mNb were used for neutron flux determination. The results from the present work were compared with those of the literature and the evaluated data from ENDF/B-VIII.0, JEFF-3.3, JENDL-5, CENDL-3.2, and BROND-3.1 libraries. Besides, the cross sections were also estimated with the TALYS-1.96 nuclear model code using different level density models for a better description of the present work and literature data. The present experimental results were found to be in good agreement with most of the available literature data and with the evaluated data.

Measurement and analysis of leakage neutron spectra from Lead slab samples with D-T neutrons

The leakage neutron spectra from three different sizes of Lead samples were measured by a TOF technique at 60° and 120°. The essential characteristic properties of the experimental measurement spectra can be reproduced well by MCNP code simulations with the ENDF/B-VIII.0, CENDL-3.2, JENDL-5.0, JEFF-3.3 and TENDL-2021 evaluated nuclear data libraries. The calculated results of JENDL-5.0 and JEFF-3.3 libraries agree better with the experimental data in the whole energy range. The results from ENDF/B-VIII.0 and CENDL-3.2 are overestimated in the 4-9 MeV range at 60° and in the 4-12.5 MeV range at 120°. The differences of the leakage neutron spectra by MCNP simulations using five evaluated nuclear data libraries mainly originate from the differences of the spectrum distributions of neutron reaction channels in these libraries. And the secondary neutron energy distribution and angular distribution from the five libraries have been present to explain it.

The choroid vascular index and its association with visual acuity in children and young adults with high myopia

BACKGROUND

To explore the relationship between the choroid vascular index (CVI) and best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) in a young population with high myopia (HM).

SUBJECTS/METHODS

Three hundred twenty-six patients with HM were recruited. All subjects underwent a comprehensive ophthalmic examination and enhanced depth imaging optical coherence tomography (EDI-OCT). The horizontal and vertical subfoveal choroidal areas within a 3-mm diameter centred over the fovea were selected. Choroid thickness (ChT), horizontal and vertical total choroidal area (TCAH and TCAV), luminal area (LAH and LAV) and stromal area (SAH and SAV) within the 3-mm diameter were assessed. CVI values (CVIH and CVIV), defined as the ratio of LA to TCA, were also calculated. The correlations among choroid parameters and ocular characteristics were analysed.

RESULTS

The median age, spherical equivalent (SE) and BCVA were 22.4 years, -10.1 dioptres and 0.099 logMAR, respectively. The ChT was thickest on the temporal and superior sides of the macula and thinnest in the nasal region, with a significant difference. The value of CVIH was significantly greater than that of CVIV because SCAH was smaller than SCAV. Both CVIH and CVIV were closely correlated with BCVA in all patients.

CONCLUSIONS

The CVI is significantly related to BCVA but is not affected by age, axial length or SE, suggesting that the CVI could be used as an adjunct tool for assessing the visual acuity status in patients with HM.

The super elongation complex drives transcriptional addiction in MYCN-amplified neuroblastoma

MYCN amplification in neuroblastoma leads to aberrant expression of MYCN oncoprotein, which binds active genes promoting transcriptional amplification. Yet, how MYCN coordinates transcription elongation to meet productive transcriptional amplification and which elongation machinery represents MYCN-driven vulnerability remain to be identified. We conducted a targeted screen of transcription elongation factors and identified the super elongation complex (SEC) as a unique vulnerability in MYCN-amplified neuroblastomas. MYCN directly binds EAF1 and recruits SEC to enhance processive transcription elongation. Depletion of EAF1 or AFF1/AFF4, another core subunit of SEC, leads to a global reduction in transcription elongation and elicits selective apoptosis of MYCN-amplified neuroblastoma cells. A combination screen reveals SEC inhibition synergistically potentiates the therapeutic efficacies of FDA-approved BCL-2 antagonist ABT-199, in part due to suppression of MCL1 expression, both in MYCN-amplified neuroblastoma cells and in patient-derived xenografts. These findings identify disruption of the MYCN-SEC regulatory axis as a promising therapeutic strategy in neuroblastoma.

CDK13 phosphorylates the translation machinery and promotes tumorigenic protein synthesis

Cyclin-dependent kinase 13 (CDK13) has been suggested to phosphorylate RNA polymerase II and is involved in transcriptional activation. However, whether CDK13 catalyzes other protein substrates and how CDK13 contributes to tumorigenesis remain largely unclear. We here identify key translation machinery components, 4E-BP1 and eIF4B, as novel CDK13 substrates. CDK13 directly phosphorylates 4E-BP1 at Thr46 and eIF4B at Ser422; genetically or pharmacologically inhibiting CDK13 disrupts mRNA translation. Polysome profiling analysis shows that MYC oncoprotein synthesis strictly depends on CDK13-regulated translation in colorectal cancer (CRC), and CDK13 is required for CRC cell proliferation. As mTORC1 is implicated in 4E-BP1 and eIF4B phosphorylation, inactivation of CDK13 in combination with the mTORC1 inhibitor rapamycin further dephosphorylates 4E-BP1 and eIF4B and blocks protein synthesis. As a result, dual inhibition of CDK13 and mTORC1 induces more profound tumor cell death. These findings clarify the pro-tumorigenic role of CDK13 by direct phosphorylation of translation initiation factors and enhancing protein synthesis. Therefore, therapeutic targeting of CDK13 alone or in combination with rapamycin may pave a new way for cancer treatment.

Activation cross sections for reactions induced by 14 MeV neutrons on natural titanium

Cross sections for the neutrons around 14 MeV interaction with natural titanium were precisely measured by neutron activation and off-line measurement technique. The fast neutrons were produced by ³H(d,n)⁴He reaction and the neutron energy was obtained by using the cross section ratio method of ⁹⁰Zr(n,2n)⁸⁹Zr to ⁹³Nb(n,2n)^92mNb reactions. Experimental cross sections have been acquired for ^natTi(n,x)⁴⁶Sc, ^natTi(n,x)⁴⁷Sc, ⁵⁰Ti(n,x)⁴⁷Ca and ⁴⁸Ti(n,x)⁴⁸Sc reactions. The measured cross section data are compared with the experimental data available in the previous literature and evaluated nuclear data from the ENDF/B-VIII.0, JEFF-3.3, JENDL-5, BROND-3.1, CENDL-3.2 and FENDL-3.2b libraries. Furthermore, excitation functions for these reactions were calculated by using the theoretical model based on Talys-1.96 code with default and adjusted parameters. Within experimental error, evaluated nuclear data are mostly consistent with experimental data. The excitation function with adjusted parameters can roughly reproduce the experimental data.

Valgus-varus deformity induced abnormal tissue metabolism, inflammatory damage and apoptosis in broilers

1. This study explored the tissue metabolic status and the relationship with inflammation in valgus-valgus deformity (VVD) broilers with increasing age.2. Tissue and blood from VVD and healthy broilers were collected at two, four and five weeks old. A fully automated biochemical analyser, real-time PCR, HE staining and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay were used to detect tissue metabolic indexes, mRNA levels of inflammation and apoptosis cytokines in immune organs, histological changes and serum inflammation and immune-related protein contents in VVD broilers.3. The results showed that VVD increased the levels of total protein, albumin, alanine aminotransferase at five weeks of age, aspartate aminotransferase, urea and creatine kinase in blood at two weeks of age. It upregulated the gene expression of inflammatory factors IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α, NF-κB and TGF-β and apoptotic factors FAS, Bcl-2, caspase-3 and 9 in immune organs; increased levels of serum proteins TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 and decreased levels of serum immunoglobulins IgY and CD3⁺.4. In addition, with increasing age, IL-10 gene expression gradually increased in the BF and decreased in the spleen.5. In conclusion, VVD broilers have disorders of liver and kidney metabolism, inflammation and apoptosis of immune organs and increased levels of serum inflammatory factor proteins.

Comprehensive analysis of the prognosis and immune infiltrates for the BET protein family reveals the significance of BRD4 in glioblastoma multiforme

Background: Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common and invasive primary central nervous system tumor. The prognosis after surgery, radiation and chemotherapy is very poor. Bromodomain (BRD) proteins have been identified in oncogenic rearrangements, and play a key role in the development of multiple cancers. However, the relationship between BET proteins and prognosis of GBM are still worth exploring, and the distinct functions of BET proteins and tumor immunology in GBM have not been fully elucidated. Therefore, it is particularly important to develop effective biomarkers to predict the prognosis of GBM patients. Methods: Metascape, David, Kaplan-Meier Plotter, Oncomine, GEPIA, TCGA, TIMER, and LinkedOmics databases were used to assess the expression and prognosis for BET proteins in GBM. ROC analysis of risk model was established to identify the correlation between BET genes and overall survival in GBM patients. TIMER and GEPIA databases were used to comprehensively investigate the correlation between BET genes and tumor immune infiltration cells. Moreover, the image of immunohistochemistry staining of BET proteins in normal tissue and tumor tissue were retrived from the HPA database. In addition, differential analysis and pathway enrichment analysis of BRD4 gene expression profile were also carried out. Finally, immune-fluorescence and Western blot were used to clarify the expression of BRD4 in GBM cells. Results: Bioinformatics analysis showed that the expression levels of BET genes in GBM may play an important role in oncogenesis. Specifically, bioinformatic and immunohistochemistry analysis showed that BRD4 protein was more highly expressed in tumor tissues than that in normal tissues. The high expression of BRD4 was associated with poor prognosis in GBM. The expression of BET genes were closely related to the immune checkpoint in GBM. The correlation effect of BRD4 was significantly higher than other BET genes, which represented negative correlation with immune checkpoint. The expression of BRD4 was positively associated with tumor purity, and negatively associated with immune infiltration abundance of macrophage, neutrophil and CD8⁺ T-cell, respectively. Cox analysis showed that the model had good survival prediction and prognosis discrimination ability. In addition, the expression levels of BRD4 protein was significantly higher in U-251 MG cells than that in normal cells, which was consistent with the results of bioinformatics data. Conclusion: This study implied that BRD4 could be hopeful prognostic biomarker in GBM. The increased expression of BRD4 may act as a molecular marker to identify GBM patients with high-risk subgroups. BRD4 may be a valuable prognostic biomarker, and a potential target of precision therapy against GBM.

Comparison of As(III) Adsorption by Nanomagnetic Fe3O4, Activated Carbon and Modified Activated Carbon

As a kind of new material, nanomagnetic Fe3O4 (NMF) has many advantages in water and wastewater treatment. In this paper, the adsorption characteristic for arsenic(III) (As) by NMF was studied, and the adsorption was compared with the traditional adsorbent of activated carbon (AC) and modified activated carbon (MAC). The results showed that the NMF had high adsorption performance for As, and the adsorption performance of modified activated carbon and activated carbon were far lower than that of magnetic nanomagnetic Fe3O4. The adsorption capacity for As with NMF, MAC, and AC was 0.189 mg.g-1, 0.023 mg.g-1 and 0.013 mg.g-1 in 0.25 mg.L-1 As solution, respectively. The adsorption rate for As was different from the three adsorbents. For NMF, it needs only 10 minutes to reach an adsorption balance, while the time to balance was 20 minutes for MAC and more than 120 minutes for AC. The adsorption for As by the three adsorbents all conform to Langmuir adsorption isotherm, and the adsorption kinetics for As by the three adsorbents were in accordance with the pseudo-second-order kinetics model. The adsorption efficiency of MAC and AC was lower than nanomagnetic Fe3O4. The nanomagnetic Fe3O4 was an effective adsorbent for arsenic.

Optical coherence tomography angiography metrics in different stages of diabetic macular edema

Background

To investigate the optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) characteristics of diabetic macular edema (DME) at different stages.

Methods

This study was a cross-sectional study. Patients diagnosed with DME were recruited. DME was classified into early, advanced, and severe DME. The vessel density (VD) in the superficial vascular plexus (SVP), deep vascular plexus (DVP) and foveal avascular zone (FAZ) parameters, including FAZ area, FAZ perimeter, acircularity index and foveal VD in a 300-μm-wide region around the FAZ (FD-300), were calculated by the AngioVue software. A multivariate generalized estimating equation was used to evaluate the associations between visual acuity and OCTA metrics.

Results

Ninety-two eyes from 74 patients with DME were included in this study. Compared to early (P = 0.006) and advanced DME (P = 0.003), the acircularity index was higher in severe DME. Both whole and parafoveal VD in the DVP decreased in eyes with severe DME compared to early DME (P = 0.018, P = 0.005, respectively) and advanced DME (P = 0.035, P = 0.012, respectively). In the multivariate generalized estimating equation, DME severity, FAZ area and foveal thickness were positively associated with worse visual acuity (P = 0.001, P = 0.007 and P = 0.001, respectively).

Conclusion

Compared to early and advanced DME, severe DME showed increased irregularity in the FAZ and more extensive vessel damage in the DVP. Greater severity level of DME, larger FAZ area, and increased foveal thickness could be risk factors for poor visual acuity.

Trial registration The protocol was published in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2000033082).

COVID-19 Vaccine-Related Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada Disease Complicated by Central Serous Chorioretinopathy during Treatment Course: Case Report and Literature Review

With the promotion of mass COVID-19 vaccination in the elimination of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, new side effects, including ocular complications, are emerging. In this study, we report on a 62-year-old Chinese man who developed Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH) disease six days after his third dose of an inactivated COVID-19 vaccine, with a preceding severe headache and tinnitus. His medical history included tuberculosis 20 years prior and hypertension. Systemic prednisone was administered, resulting in completely relieved inflammation and improved visual acuity. Another three and a half months later, the visual acuity of his right eye slightly decreased due to complicated central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) disease. By gradually replacing prednisone with cyclosporine within 2 months, the subretinal fluid was completely absorbed at the last visit. Steroid-related CSC during the treatment course of VKH disease after COVID-19 vaccination has never been reported before. By reviewing relative literature, we discuss the mechanism of CSC onset in our case and the potential therapeutic strategies. Complicated CSC may develop in the eyes with vaccine-related VKH after steroid treatment. Ophthalmologists should be aware of this condition, carefully distinguish complicated CSC with inflammation relapse, and adjust the medication in a timely manner.

MiR-375 mitigates retinal angiogenesis by depressing the JAK2/STAT3 pathway

Aberrant neovascularization in the retina is an important threat to vision and closely related to several retinal diseases, such as wet form of age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and retinopathy of prematurity. However, the pathogenesis remains largely unknown. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been demonstrated to play critical regulatory roles in angiogenesis. Therefore, we aimed to identify the key miRNAs that regulate retinal neovascularization and elucidate the potential underlying mechanisms. In the present study, we performed RNA sequencing of microRNAs in the retina and found that miR-375 was significantly downregulated in the retina of oxygen-induced retinopathy mice. In retinal microvascular endothelial cells (RMECs), overexpression of miR-375 inhibited cell proliferation and angiogenesis. Conversely, inhibition of miR-375 had the opposite effects. Moreover, our results showed that miR-375 negatively regulated the protein expression of JAK2 by inhibiting its translation. The promoting effects of anti-miR-375 on cell proliferation and angiogenesis were attenuated by an inhibitor of STAT3. These results indicate that miR-375 mitigates cell proliferation and angiogenesis, at least in part, through the JAK2/STAT3 pathway in RMECs, which implies an important underlying mechanism of retinal angiogenesis and provides potential therapeutic targets for retinal microangiopathy.

[Establishment of a culture system for human nasal mucosa organoids with controllable differentiation]

OBJECTIVE

To establish a culture system for human nasal mucosal organoids with controllable differentiation to reproduce the structure and function of the source tissue through staged expansion-differentiation culture.

METHODS

Fresh samples of surgically resected middle turbinate and nasal polyp tissues were collected, from which the nasal mucosa epithelial cells were isolated by enzymatic digestion and filtration for continuous culture at the air-liquid interface for expansion (EO group) or staged culture for expansion and differentiation (DO group). Immunohistochemical staining was used to characterize the structure, cellular composition and ciliary function of nasal mucosal organoids in the two groups. The secretion function of the differentiated nasal mucosal organoids in DO group was evaluated using PAS staining.

RESULTS

Both of the two organoid culture systems yielded vacuolar or solid spherical 3D organoids, and their diameters increased progressively with time. On day 16 of culture, more vacuolar organoids occurred in DO group, while more solid spherical organoids were seen in EO group, and the proportion of vacuoles was significantly greater in DO group than in EO group [(54.67±13.26)% vs (21.67±8.57)%, P < 0.05]. Short tandem repeat (STR) test of the nasal mucosal organoids and the source tissue showed a 100% match between them. On day 21 of culture, scanning and transmission electron microscopy of the nasal mucosal organoids identified ultrastructure of cilia in DO group and short villi structure in most of the organoids in EO group. Immunohistochemical staining showed positivity for P63 (basal cells), β-tubulin (ciliated columnar cells), and MUC5AC (goblet cells) in the organoids. Compared with those in EO group, the organoids in DO group showed significantly greater percentages of ciliated cells [(7.95±1.81)% vs (27.04±5.91)%, P < 0.05] and goblet cells [(14.46±0.93)% vs (39.85±5.43)%, P < 0.05) with a similar percentage of basal cells [(56.91±14.12)% vs (53.42±15.77)%, P > 0.05]. The differentiated nasal mucosal organoids in DO group were positively stained for glycogen.

CONCLUSION

The staged expansion-differentiation culture method allows more stable and prolonged growth of the cultured cells in vitro to produce organoids with controllable differentiation closely resembling the morphological structure and functions (ciliary function and secretory function) of the source tissue.

Joint synthesis and registration network for deformable MR-CBCT image registration for neurosurgical guidance

Objective.The accuracy of navigation in minimally invasive neurosurgery is often challenged by deep brain deformations (up to 10 mm due to egress of cerebrospinal fluid during neuroendoscopic approach). We propose a deep learning-based deformable registration method to address such deformations between preoperative MR and intraoperative CBCT.Approach.The registration method uses a joint image synthesis and registration network (denoted JSR) to simultaneously synthesize MR and CBCT images to the CT domain and perform CT domain registration using a multi-resolution pyramid. JSR was first trained using a simulated dataset (simulated CBCT and simulated deformations) and then refined on real clinical images via transfer learning. The performance of the multi-resolution JSR was compared to a single-resolution architecture as well as a series of alternative registration methods (symmetric normalization (SyN), VoxelMorph, and image synthesis-based registration methods).Main results.JSR achieved median Dice coefficient (DSC) of 0.69 in deep brain structures and median target registration error (TRE) of 1.94 mm in the simulation dataset, with improvement from single-resolution architecture (median DSC = 0.68 and median TRE = 2.14 mm). Additionally, JSR achieved superior registration compared to alternative methods-e.g. SyN (median DSC = 0.54, median TRE = 2.77 mm), VoxelMorph (median DSC = 0.52, median TRE = 2.66 mm) and provided registration runtime of less than 3 s. Similarly in the clinical dataset, JSR achieved median DSC = 0.72 and median TRE = 2.05 mm.Significance.The multi-resolution JSR network resolved deep brain deformations between MR and CBCT images with performance superior to other state-of-the-art methods. The accuracy and runtime support translation of the method to further clinical studies in high-precision neurosurgery.

Proteome changes associated with the VEGFR pathway and immune system in diabetic macular edema patients at different diabetic retinopathy stages

PURPOSE

Diabetic macular edema (DME) is a major cause of vision loss in all stages of diabetic retinopathy (DR). However, there is limited recognition of aqueous humor (AH) proteome profiles of DME patients at different DR stages. In this study, we aimed to investigate the AH proteome changes between DME patients at the nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) stage and those at the proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) stage.

METHODS

A label-free data-independent acquisition based liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis was performed to profile the abundances of AH proteins in 73 eyes from DME patients at different DR stages. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to confirm the proteomics results with AH samples from non-diabetic patients and DME patients at the NPDR or PDR stage.

RESULTS

LC-MS/MS results showed significantly changed expression of 308 proteins between DME patients in the NPDR and PDR groups. Compared to the NPDR group, the proteins relatively up-regulated in the PDR group are involved in the immune system and/or negative regulation of the cell cycle, while proteins relatively down-regulated in the PDR group are associated with the vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) pathway and/or metabolism. ELISA results further verified the proteomic result of down-regulated expression of the immune-associated protein cystatin C (CST3) in the PDR group compared to that in the NPDR and non-diabetic groups.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, we reported for the first time the decreased abundances of AH proteins associated with the VEGFR pathway and both down- and up-regulated expression of AH proteins associated with the immune system in the PDR group compared to that in the NPDR group. Furthermore, we found negative correlations of immune-associated protein, CST3 concentration in AH with DR severity and central retinal thickness, suggesting CST3 as a promising target independent of the VEGFR pathway in DME-involved DR treatment.

The Disease Spectrum and Influencing Factors of NICU in Xiangxi, Underdeveloped Area of China: A 9-Year Retrospective Study

OBJECTIVE

Investigation of the basic conditions and disease spectrum in neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) from 2012 to 2020, in the underdeveloped area of Xiangxi, China.

METHODS

All newborns (N = 16,094) admitted to the NICU of a hospital in the Xiangxi area from 2012 to 2020 were selected for the retrospective study.

RESULTS

The average male/female ratio was 1.43:1, with 9,482 males and 6,612 females admitted to the NICU. The sample comprised 41.02% premature infants, and 56.52% had been delivered via cesarean delivery (CD). The most prevalent diseases diagnosed in the NICU were jaundice (22.01%), respiratory (18.45%) and neurological diseases (17.54%). Over the 9-year study window, the prevalence of jaundice and cardiovascular diseases increased, while respiratory and neurological diseases became less frequent. The prevalence of the remaining diseases remained unchanged. Prevalence of neonatal diseases is influenced by gender, patient sources, delivery methods, gestational age and birth weight (P < 0.05). The prevalence of neonatal diseases was significantly higher in males, infants born via CD, and in infants of lower gestational age and birth weight.

CONCLUSION

The study contributes in-depth information about infant characteristics in an NICU in an undeveloped region of China. In the past 9 years, the average proportion of premature infants in the NICU decreased to 37.38% in 2020, but this figure remains higher than the Chinese national average of 26.2%. Similarly, the CD rate is higher than the Chinese average. The spectrum of neonatal diseases in the NICU in Xiangxi area is drawn, included jaundice, respiratory and neurological diseases, primarily. Through statistical analysis, it is found that the types and prevalence of neonatal diseases are closely related to different gender, gestational age, patient sources, delivery methods, and birth weight (P < 0.05). Newborns of specific gestational age, birth weight and delivery method should be considered "at-risk" and targeted in the formulation of preventive measures. There is a great need to improve the diagnosis and treatment of neonatal diseases-and perinatal health care in general-to ensure improved outcomes for newborns admitted to NICUs in underdeveloped regions.

Deformable MR-CT image registration using an unsupervised, dual-channel network for neurosurgical guidance

PURPOSE

The accuracy of minimally invasive, intracranial neurosurgery can be challenged by deformation of brain tissue - e.g., up to 10 mm due to egress of cerebrospinal fluid during neuroendoscopic approach. We report an unsupervised, deep learning-based registration framework to resolve such deformations between preoperative MR and intraoperative CT with fast runtime for neurosurgical guidance.

METHOD

The framework incorporates subnetworks for MR and CT image synthesis with a dual-channel registration subnetwork (with synthesis uncertainty providing spatially varying weights on the dual-channel loss) to estimate a diffeomorphic deformation field from both the MR and CT channels. An end-to-end training is proposed that jointly optimizes both the synthesis and registration subnetworks. The proposed framework was investigated using three datasets: (1) paired MR/CT with simulated deformations; (2) paired MR/CT with real deformations; and (3) a neurosurgery dataset with real deformation. Two state-of-the-art methods (Symmetric Normalization and VoxelMorph) were implemented as a basis of comparison, and variations in the proposed dual-channel network were investigated, including single-channel registration, fusion without uncertainty weighting, and conventional sequential training of the synthesis and registration subnetworks.

RESULTS

The proposed method achieved: (1) Dice coefficient = 0.82±0.07 and TRE = 1.2 ± 0.6 mm on paired MR/CT with simulated deformations; (2) Dice coefficient = 0.83 ± 0.07 and TRE = 1.4 ± 0.7 mm on paired MR/CT with real deformations; and (3) Dice = 0.79 ± 0.13 and TRE = 1.6 ± 1.0 mm on the neurosurgery dataset with real deformations. The dual-channel registration with uncertainty weighting demonstrated superior performance (e.g., TRE = 1.2 ± 0.6 mm) compared to single-channel registration (TRE = 1.6 ± 1.0 mm, p < 0.05 for CT channel and TRE = 1.3 ± 0.7 mm for MR channel) and dual-channel registration without uncertainty weighting (TRE = 1.4 ± 0.8 mm, p < 0.05). End-to-end training of the synthesis and registration subnetworks also improved performance compared to the conventional sequential training strategy (TRE = 1.3 ± 0.6 mm). Registration runtime with the proposed network was ∼3 s.

CONCLUSION

The deformable registration framework based on dual-channel MR/CT registration with spatially varying weights and end-to-end training achieved geometric accuracy and runtime that was superior to state-of-the-art baseline methods and various ablations of the proposed network. The accuracy and runtime of the method may be compatible with the requirements of high-precision neurosurgery.

Deformable 3D-2D registration for high-precision guidance and verification of neuroelectrode placement

Purpose.Accurate neuroelectrode placement is essential to effective monitoring or stimulation of neurosurgery targets. This work presents and evaluates a method that combines deep learning and model-based deformable 3D-2D registration to guide and verify neuroelectrode placement using intraoperative imaging.Methods.The registration method consists of three stages: (1) detection of neuroelectrodes in a pair of fluoroscopy images using a deep learning approach; (2) determination of correspondence and initial 3D localization among neuroelectrode detections in the two projection images; and (3) deformable 3D-2D registration of neuroelectrodes according to a physical device model. The method was evaluated in phantom, cadaver, and clinical studies in terms of (a) the accuracy of neuroelectrode registration and (b) the quality of metal artifact reduction (MAR) in cone-beam CT (CBCT) in which the deformably registered neuroelectrode models are taken as input to the MAR.Results.The combined deep learning and model-based deformable 3D-2D registration approach achieved 0.2 ± 0.1 mm accuracy in cadaver studies and 0.6 ± 0.3 mm accuracy in clinical studies. The detection network and 3D correspondence provided initialization of 3D-2D registration within 2 mm, which facilitated end-to-end registration runtime within 10 s. Metal artifacts, quantified as the standard deviation in voxel values in tissue adjacent to neuroelectrodes, were reduced by 72% in phantom studies and by 60% in first clinical studies.Conclusions.The method combines the speed and generalizability of deep learning (for initialization) with the precision and reliability of physical model-based registration to achieve accurate deformable 3D-2D registration and MAR in functional neurosurgery. Accurate 3D-2D guidance from fluoroscopy could overcome limitations associated with deformation in conventional navigation, and improved MAR could improve CBCT verification of neuroelectrode placement.

[Prevalence and influencing factors of deciduous dental caries among preschool children in Qingdao city in 2019]

In 2019, the rate of primary tooth caries rate among 1 598 preschool children in Shinan District and Shibei District of Qingdao was 59.4%. The multivariate logistic regression model showed that compared with children ≤ 2 years old with history of iron deficiency anemia (IDA), suffering IDA, breastfeeding to 2 years old and no tooth melanin, children ≤ 2 years old without history of IDA, not suffering IDA, breastfeeding to less than 2 years old and heavy tooth melanin had a lower risk of primary tooth caries, with OR (95%CI) values about 0.328 (0.197-0.549), 0.354 (0.208-0.603), 0.636 (0.437-0.926) and 0.301 (0.143-0.635), respectively.

Quantitative evaluation of hard exudates in diabetic macular edema by multicolor imaging and their associations with serum lipid levels

AIMS

To quantify hard exudates (HEs) by multicolor imaging (MCI) and traditional color fundus photography (CFP) in diabetic macular edema (DME), and study their associations with serum lipid levels.

METHODS

Observational study. DME patients with HEs were recruited. The HE area and location both by MCI and CFP were measured by ImageJ software. Multivariate regression models were used to analyze the associations of serum lipid levels with the total HE area and HE location.

RESULTS

Sixty-two patients (74 eyes) were enrolled to quantify HEs in DME. The total HE area by MCI was larger than that by CFP (P = 0.004), and the distance between the fovea and the nearest HE by MCI was shorter than that by CFP (P = 0.003). The percentage of patients with HEs involving the central macula by MCI was significantly higher than that by CFP (P < 0.001). Furthermore, 62 eyes of 62 patients were included to analyze the associations of HE parameters with serum lipid levels. In both MCI and CFP, the HE areas were positively associated with triglyceride level (P = 0.016, P = 0.022, respectively). HEs involving the central macula were positively associated with triglyceride and low-density cholesterol levels in MCI (P = 0.028, P = 0.046, respectively), while no significant association was found between serum lipid levels and HE location in CFP.

CONCLUSIONS

MCI is superior to traditional CFP for the detection of HEs and the analysis of associations between HEs and serum lipid levels in DME.

Fast Estimation of Møller-Plesset Correlation Energies Based on Atomic Contributions

Dynamic correlation plays an important role in the accurate calculation of chemical compounds such as the description of equilibrium structures in chemical systems. A model for the fast estimation of dynamic correlation energy is introduced in this work. This model is based on the idea of decomposition of the contribution of dynamic correlation energy calculated by nth order Møller-Plesset perturbation (MPn) theory with respect to atomic regions. Multiple levels of theory, including MP2, MP2.5, and MP4, are used as the reference, and the corresponding correlation energy densities are calculated. The proposed model is concise, fast, and promising for practical use, such as the prediction of reaction energies. It can also work as a baseline model or pretrained model for follow-up studies of machine learning.

Excitation functions of proton induced reactions on titanium and copper

Excitation functions of the Tnati(p,x)S43,47c, V48 and Cnatu(p,x)⁶⁴Cu, Z62,65n reactions were measured in the energy range of 8.8-18.4 MeV by using the stacked-foil activation technique and off-line gamma spectroscopy. The irradiation was carried out at the superconducting linac of the Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences. Besides, the reliability and effectiveness of theoretical data from the TALYS code, recommended data of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and evaluated nuclear data of the ENDF/B-VIII.0, JENDL-4.0/HE and PADF-2007 libraries were evaluated and verified by comparing with experimental data. Our experimental results agree with most of the available literature data. TALYS-1.95 code could not reproduce, in most cases, the experimental data. Evaluated nuclear data from the ENDF/B-VIII.0, JENDL-4.0/HE and PADF-2007 libraries are able to reproduce, in most cases, the experimental data trend. Recommended data of the IAEA are in good consistent with our work and most of the available literature data.

[Application of superficial inferior epigastric artery flaps to repair oral and maxillofacial defects with the aid of digital three-dimensional reconstruction technique]

Objective: To explore the application value of digital three-dimensional(3D) reconstruction technology in the repair of oral and maxillofacial defects with superficial inferior epigastric artery (SIEA) flap. Methods: Twelve cases of oral cancer patients, including 8 males and 4 females; aged (57.4±12.6) years, were selected from the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College from January 2018 to October 2019 and were proposed to repair with SIEA flap. There were 10 cases of squamous cell carcinoma, one case of adenoid cystic carcinoma and 1 case of mucinous epidermal carcinoma. The data were imported into AW4.7 software for post-processing. The left or right dominant donor area was selected to clarify the origin, diameter, alignment, and location of penetration point of the flap blood supply, and digital 3D reconstruction technology was used to guide the flap preoperative design. Results: Eleven cases were repaired by SIEA flap in 12 patients, one case was repaired by superficial iliac artery flap because the source artery was undiscovered, one case had venous vascular crisis after surgery, and the rest of the flap survived. In 11 patients repaired with SIEA flap, there was no significant difference between the preoperative SIEA diameter measured by CTA [(1.0±0.3) mm] and the actual measured value [(1.1±0.3) mm] (P>0.05). The follow-up was 6 to 12 months, with an average of 10 months, and the donor-receiver areas were all healed in phase Ⅰ. No obvious complications occurred, and the abdominal scar was hidden. Conclusions: In the SIEA flap repair oral and maxillofacial defect reconstruction surgery, the use of digital 3D reconstruction technology can objectively reflect the diameter and the location of the superficial artery of the abdominal wall before surgery, effectively reduce the difficulty and risk of flap surgery.

Data-Driven Deformable 3D-2D Registration for Guiding Neuroelectrode Placement in Deep Brain Stimulation

PURPOSE

Deep brain stimulation is a neurosurgical procedure used in treatment of a growing spectrum of movement disorders. Inaccuracies in electrode placement, however, can result in poor symptom control or adverse effects and confound variability in clinical outcomes. A deformable 3D-2D registration method is presented for high-precision 3D guidance of neuroelectrodes.

METHODS

The approach employs a model-based, deformable algorithm for 3D-2D image registration. Variations in lead design are captured in a parametric 3D model based on a B-spline curve. The registration is solved through iterative optimization of 16 degrees-of-freedom that maximize image similarity between the 2 acquired radiographs and simulated forward projections of the neuroelectrode model. The approach was evaluated in phantom models with respect to pertinent imaging parameters, including view selection and imaging dose.

RESULTS

The results demonstrate an accuracy of (0.2 ± 0.2) mm in 3D localization of individual electrodes. The solution was observed to be robust to changes in pertinent imaging parameters, which demonstrate accurate localization with ≥20° view separation and at 1/10^th the dose of a standard fluoroscopy frame.

CONCLUSIONS

The presented approach provides the means for guiding neuroelectrode placement from 2 low-dose radiographic images in a manner that accommodates potential deformations at the target anatomical site. Future work will focus on improving runtime though learning-based initialization, application in reducing reconstruction metal artifacts for 3D verification of placement, and extensive evaluation in clinical data from an IRB study underway.

Fluoroscopic Guidance of a Surgical Robot: Pre-clinical Evaluation in Pelvic Guidewire Placement

PURPOSE

A method and prototype for a fluoroscopically-guided surgical robot is reported for assisting pelvic fracture fixation. The approach extends the compatibility of existing guidance methods with C-arms that are in mainstream use (without prior geometric calibration) using an online calibration of the C-arm geometry automated via registration to patient anatomy. We report the first preclinical studies of this method in cadaver for evaluation of geometric accuracy.

METHODS

The robot is placed over the patient within the imaging field-of-view and radiographs are acquired as the robot rotates an attached instrument. The radiographs are then used to perform an online geometric calibration via 3D-2D image registration, which solves for the intrinsic and extrinsic parameters of the C-arm imaging system with respect to the patient. The solved projective geometry is then be used to register the robot to the patient and drive the robot to planned trajectories. This method is applied to a robotic system consisting of a drill guide instrument for guidewire placement and evaluated in experiments using a cadaver specimen.

RESULTS

Robotic drill guide alignment to trajectories defined in the cadaver pelvis were accurate within 2 mm and 1° (on average) using the calibration-free approach. Conformance of trajectories within bone corridors was confirmed in cadaver by extrapolating the aligned drill guide trajectory into the cadaver pelvis.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates the accuracy of image-guided robotic positioning without prior calibration of the C-arm gantry, facilitating the use of surgical robots with simpler imaging devices that cannot establish or maintain an offline calibration. Future work includes testing of the system in a clinical setting with trained orthopaedic surgeons and residents.

Filament extrusion of bioresorbable PDLGA for additive manufacturing utilising diatom biosilica to inhibit process-induced thermal degradation

Bone scaffolds are often fabricated by initially producing custom-made filaments by twin-screw extruder and subsequently fabricating into 3D scaffolds using fused deposition modelling. This study aims to directly compare the effect of two alternative silica-rich filler materials on the thermo-mechanical properties of such scaffolds after extrusion and printing. Poly (DL-lactide-co-glycolide) (PDLGA) was blended with either 45S5 Bioglass (5 wt %) or Biosilica (1 and 5 wt%) isolated from Cyclotella meneghiniana a freshwater diatom were tested. Diatom-PDLGA was found to have similar mechanical strength and ductility to pure-PDLGA, whereas Bioglass-PDLGA was found induce a more brittle behaviour. Bioglass-PDLGA was also found to have the lowest toughness in terms of energy absorption to failure. The TGA results suggested that significant thermal degradation in both the Bioglass filaments and scaffolds had occurred as a result of processing. However, diatom biosilica was found to inhibit thermal degradation of the PDLGA. Furthermore, evidence suggested the agglomeration of Bioglass particles occurred during processing the Bioglass-PDLGA filaments. Overall, diatom biosilica was found to be a promising candidate as a bone filler additive in 3D printed PDLGA scaffolds, whereas Bioglass caused some potentially detrimental effects on performance.

Fracture reduction planning and guidance in orthopaedic trauma surgery via multi-body image registration

PURPOSES

Surgical reduction of pelvic fracture is a challenging procedure, and accurate restoration of natural morphology is essential to obtaining positive functional outcome. The procedure often requires extensive preoperative planning, long fluoroscopic exposure time, and trial-and-error to achieve accurate reduction. We report a multi-body registration framework for reduction planning using preoperative CT and intraoperative guidance using routine 2D fluoroscopy that could help address such challenges.

METHOD

The framework starts with semi-automatic segmentation of fractured bone fragments in preoperative CT using continuous max-flow. For reduction planning, a multi-to-one registration is performed to register bone fragments to an adaptive template that adjusts to patient-specific bone shapes and poses. The framework further registers bone fragments to intraoperative fluoroscopy to provide 2D fluoroscopy guidance and/or 3D navigation relative to the reduction plan. The framework was investigated in three studies: (1) a simulation study of 40 CT images simulating three fracture categories (unilateral two-body, unilateral three-body, and bilateral two-body); (2) a proof-of-concept cadaver study to mimic clinical scenario; and (3) a retrospective clinical study investigating feasibility in three cases of increasing severity and accuracy requirement.

RESULTS

Segmentation of simulated pelvic fracture demonstrated Dice coefficient of 0.92±0.06. Reduction planning using the adaptive template achieved 2-3 mm and 2-3° error for the three fracture categories, significantly better than planning based on mirroring of contralateral anatomy. 3D-2D registration yielded ~2 mm and 0.5° accuracy, providing accurate guidance with respect to the preoperative reduction plan. The cadaver study and retrospective clinical study demonstrated comparable accuracy: ~0.90 Dice coefficient in segmentation, ~3 mm accuracy in reduction planning, and ~2 mm accuracy in 3D-2D registration.

CONCLUSION

The registration framework demonstrated planning and guidance accuracy within clinical requirements in both simulation and clinical feasibility studies for a broad range of fracture-dislocation patterns. Using routinely acquired preoperative CT and intraoperative fluoroscopy, the framework could improve the accuracy of pelvic fracture reduction, reduce radiation dose, and could integrate well with common clinical workflow without the need for additional navigation systems.

Microtubule organization defects in Arabidopsis thaliana

Microtubules (MT) are critical cytoskeletal filaments that have several functions in cell morphogenesis, cell division, vesicle transport and cytoplasmic separation in the spatiotemporal regulation of eukaryotic cells. Formation of MT requires the co-interaction of MT nucleation and α-β-tubulins, as well as MT-associated proteins (MAP). Many key MAP contributing to MT nucleation and elongation are essential for MT nucleation and regulation of MT dynamics, and are conserved in the plant kingdom. Therefore, the deletion or decrease of γ-tubulin ring complex (γTuRC) components and related MAP, such as the augmin complex, NEDD1, MZT1, EB1, MAP65, etc., in Arabidopsis thaliana results in MT organizational defects in the spindle and phragmoplast MT, as well as in chromosome defects. In addition, similar defects in MT organization and chromosome structure have been observed in plants under abiotic stress conditions, such as under high UV-B radiation. The MT can sense the signal from UV-B radiation, resulting in abnormal MT arrangement. Further studies are required to determine whether the abnormal chromosomes induced by UV-B radiation can be attributed to the involvement of abnormal MT arrays in chromosome migration after DNA damage.

Actin filaments altered distribution in wheat (Triticum aestivum) "Bending Root" to respond to enhanced Ultraviolet-B radiation

Plants adjust their shoot growth to acclimate to changing environmental factors, such as to enhanced Ultraviolet-B (UV-B) radiation. However, people have ignored that plant roots can also respond to UV-B light. Here, we find the morphology curled wheat roots under UV-B radiation, that we call, "bending roots." The curly region is the transition zone of the root after observed at the cellular level. After exposed to enhanced UV-B radiation for 2 d (10.08 KJ/m2/d), cell size decreased and actin filaments gathered in wheat roots. We also find that H2O2 production increased and that content of the indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) increased remarkably. The pharmacological experiment revealed that actin filaments gathered and polymerized into bundles in the wheat root cells after irrigated H2O2 and IAA. These results indicated that actin filaments changed their distribution and formed the "bending root," which was related to H2O2 production and increase in IAA. Overall, actin filaments in wheat root cells could be a subcellular target of UV-B radiation, and its disruption determines root morphology.

C-arm orbits for metal artifact avoidance (MAA) in cone-beam CT

Metal artifacts present a challenge to cone-beam CT (CBCT) image-guided surgery, obscuring visualization of metal instruments and adjacent anatomy-often in the very region of interest pertinent to the imaging/surgical tasks. We present a method to reduce the influence of metal artifacts by prospectively defining an image acquisition protocol-viz., the C-arm source-detector orbit-that mitigates metal-induced biases in the projection data. The metal artifact avoidance (MAA) method is compatible with simple mobile C-arms, does not require exact prior information on the patient or metal implants, and is consistent with 3D filtered backprojection (FBP), more advanced (e.g. polyenergetic) model-based image reconstruction (MBIR), and metal artifact reduction (MAR) post-processing methods. The MAA method consists of: (i) coarse localization of metal objects in the field-of-view (FOV) via two or more low-dose scout projection views and segmentation (e.g. a simple U-Net) in coarse backprojection; (ii) model-based prediction of metal-induced x-ray spectral shift for all source-detector vertices accessible by the imaging system (e.g. gantry rotation and tilt angles); and (iii) identification of a circular or non-circular orbit that reduces the variation in spectral shift. The method was developed, tested, and evaluated in a series of studies presenting increasing levels of complexity and realism, including digital simulations, phantom experiment, and cadaver experiment in the context of image-guided spine surgery (pedicle screw implants). The MAA method accurately predicted tilted circular and non-circular orbits that reduced the magnitude of metal artifacts in CBCT reconstructions. Realistic distributions of metal instrumentation were successfully localized (0.71 median Dice coefficient) from 2-6 low-dose scout views even in complex anatomical scenes. The MAA-predicted tilted circular orbits reduced root-mean-square error (RMSE) in 3D image reconstructions by 46%-70% and 'blooming' artifacts (apparent width of the screw shaft) by 20-45%. Non-circular orbits defined by MAA achieved a further ∼46% reduction in RMSE compared to the best (tilted) circular orbit. The MAA method presents a practical means to predict C-arm orbits that minimize spectral bias from metal instrumentation. Resulting orbits-either simple tilted circular orbits or more complex non-circular orbits that can be executed with a motorized multi-axis C-arm-exhibited substantial reduction of metal artifacts in raw CBCT reconstructions by virtue of higher fidelity projection data, which are in turn compatible with subsequent MAR post-processing and/or polyenergetic MBIR to further reduce artifacts.

[Characteristic and clinical significance of microRNA expression between 144 Uygur and Han women with endometrial carcinoma]

OBJECTIVE

To compare the expression patterns of microRNA (miRNA) between 144 Uygur and Han women with endometrial carcinoma and to investigate their clinical significance.

METHODS

Taqman miRNA low-density array was used to compare miRNA profiles between Uygur and Han women with non-endometrioid endometrial carcinoma (NEEC). Five miRNAs were further analyzed in the 144 endometrial cancers including 62 Uygur and 82 Han samples via real-time PCR to determine their expression patterns.

RESULTS

MiRNA expression profiles revealed that many miRNAs overexpressed or downregula-ted in one ethnic group, but did not express or changed slightly in the other ethnic group. Further detection in the 144 endometrial cancers showed that miR-141, miR-200a, and miR-205 overexpressed in both ethnic groups. In Uygur endometrioid endometrial carcinoma (EEC), tumors with miR-141/200a overexpression tended to be more aggressive in behavior, whereas in the Han group, EEC with miR-200a overexpression was relative mild. However, the NEEC with miR-200a overexpression also had aggressive clinicopathologic features in the Han women. MiR-145 and miR-143 expressed differentially between Uygur and Han groups, they overexpressed in the former and decreased in the latter (P<0.05). In the Uygur women miR-145/143 increased significantly in NEEC and there was a trend that NEEC exhibiting favorable clinicopathologic factors had higher miR-145 expression, and was statistically significant in tumors with myometrial invasion less than 1/2 thickness (P=0.042). By contrary, miR-145/143 decreased in Han group and EEC with worse clinicopathologic variables had lower expression although without statistical significance. NEEC in Han group had no such tendency.

CONCLUSION

Uygur and Han women might have different miRNA expression profiles. MiR-141/200a/205 overexpressed in endometrial carcinomas and miR-141/200a might behave differently between these two ethnic groups as well as in EEC and in NEEC. Although miR-145/143 showed inverse expression patterns between Uygur and Han women with endometrial cancer, they all exerted tumor suppression effect on endometrial cancer.

Multi-body 3D-2D registration for image-guided reduction of pelvic dislocation in orthopaedic trauma surgery

Surgical reduction of pelvic dislocation is a challenging procedure with poor long-term prognosis if reduction does not accurately restore natural morphology. The procedure often requires long fluoroscopic exposure times and trial-and-error to achieve accurate reduction. We report a method to automatically compute the target pose of dislocated bones in preoperative CT and provide 3D guidance of reduction using routine 2D fluoroscopy. A pelvic statistical shape model (SSM) and a statistical pose model (SPM) were formed from an atlas of 40 pelvic CT images. Multi-body bone segmentation was achieved by mapping the SSM to a preoperative CT via an active shape model. The target reduction pose for the dislocated bone is estimated by fitting the poses of undislocated bones to the SPM. Intraoperatively, multiple bones are registered to fluoroscopy images via 3D-2D registration to obtain 3D pose estimates from 2D images. The method was examined in three studies: (1) a simulation study of 40 CT images simulating a range of dislocation patterns; (2) a pelvic phantom study with controlled dislocation of the left innominate bone; (3) a clinical case study investigating feasibility in images acquired during pelvic reduction surgery. Experiments investigated the accuracy of registration as a function of initialization error (capture range), image quality (radiation dose and image noise), and field of view (FOV) size. The simulation study achieved target pose estimation with translational error of median 2.3 mm (1.4 mm interquartile range, IQR) and rotational error of 2.1° (1.3° IQR). 3D-2D registration yielded 0.3 mm (0.2 mm IQR) in-plane and 0.3 mm (0.2 mm IQR) out-of-plane translational error, with in-plane capture range of ±50 mm and out-of-plane capture range of ±120 mm. The phantom study demonstrated 3D-2D target registration error of 2.5 mm (1.5 mm IQR), and the method was robust over a large dose range, down to 5 [Formula: see text]Gy/frame (an order of magnitude lower than the nominal fluoroscopic dose). The clinical feasibility study demonstrated accurate registration with both preoperative and intraoperative radiographs, yielding 3.1 mm (1.0 mm IQR) projection distance error with robust performance for FOV ranging from 340 × 340 mm2 to 170 × 170 mm2 (at the image plane). The method demonstrated accurate estimation of the target reduction pose in simulation, phantom, and a clinical feasibility study for a broad range of dislocation patterns, initialization error, dose levels, and FOV size. The system provides a novel means of guidance and assessment of pelvic reduction from routinely acquired preoperative CT and intraoperative fluoroscopy. The method has the potential to reduce radiation dose by minimizing trial-and-error and to improve outcomes by guiding more accurate reduction of joint dislocations.

[The prognostic value of cloned genetic mutations detected by second-generation sequencing in RUNX1-RUNX1T1 positive acute myeloid leukemia patients receiving intensive consolidation therapy]

Objective: To investigate the prognostic value of clonal gene mutations detected by second-generation sequencing in patients with positive RUNX1-RUNX1T1 acute myeloid leukemia (AML) who received high-dose chemotherapy or autologous transplantation (intensive consolidation therapy) in the first complete remission (CR(1)) state. Methods: 79 AML patients with positive RUNX1-RUNX1T1 who received intensive consolidation therapy in CR(1) state from July 2011 to August 2017 were analyzed retrospectively. Kaplan-Meier curve and Cox regression model were used to figure out the effect of leukocyte counts at onset and gene mutations for prognosis. Results: C-KIT, FLT3, CEBPA and DNMT3A gene mutations were found in 25 (31.6%) , 6 (7.6%) , 7 (8.9%) and 1 (1.3%) patient among the population. Mutations in C-KIT exon17 and C-KIT exon8 were detected in 19 (24.1%) and 5 (6.3%) cases, respectively, and mutations of FLT3-ITD were confirmed in 5 (6.3%) cases. The higher leukocyte counts presented at onset of leukemia, the shorter overall survival (OS) was seen in these patients (P=0.03) . Patients with C-KIT exon17 mutation had significantly shorter OS (P=0.01) and disease free survival (DFS) (P=0.006) compared with those without gene mutations, and patients with FLT3-ITD gene mutation got the inferior OS (P=0.048) and DFS (P=0.071) . Conclusion: In AML patients with positive RUNX1-RUNX1T1 receiving intensive consolidation therapy, the white blood cell counts at onset of leukemia, C-KIT mutations in exon 17, and FLT3-ITD gene mutations suggest poor prognosis, which would contribute to elaborate risk stratification, personalized treatment and predict prognosis for these patients.

Association of growth traits with a structural variation downstream of the KCNJ11 gene: a large population-based study in chickens

1. The potassium voltage-gated channel subfamily J member 11 gene (KCNJ11) is involved in the insulin secretion pathway. Studies have shown that mutation in this gene is associated with muscle weakness. The objective of the present study was to establish the association between KCNJ11 gene polymorphism and chicken growth performance and to analyse its expression pattern. 2. A novel 163-bp insertion/deletion (indel) polymorphism was identified in the region downstream of the KCNJ11 gene in 2330 individuals from ten populations by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). An F₂ resource population was used to investigate the genetic effects of the chicken KCNJ11 gene. Association analysis showed that the indel was significantly associated with chicken growth traits and that the phenotypic value of the ins-ins (II) genotype is higher than that of the ins-del (ID) and del-del (DD) genotypes. 3. Gene expression for different genotypes showed that birds carrying the II allele had a higher expression level than the DD genotypes. Analysis of tissue and spatiotemporal expression patterns indicated that the KCNJ11 gene was highly expressed in muscle tissues, with the highest levels in muscle tissue at one week of age, and that a 10% crude protein diet reduced the expression of this gene, average daily gain and muscle fibre diameter. 4. The results suggested that this novel 163-bp indel has the potential to become a new target for marker-assisted selection.