An automatic 2D–3D image matching method for reproducing spatial knee joint positions using single or dual fluoroscopic images

Fluoroscopic image technique, using either a single image or dual images, has been widely applied to measure in vivo human knee joint kinematics. However, few studies have compared the advantages of using single and dual fluoroscopic images. Furthermore, due to the size limitation of the image intensifiers, it is possible that only a portion of the knee joint could be captured by the fluoroscopy during dynamic knee joint motion. In this paper, we presented a systematic evaluation of an automatic 2D–3D image matching method in reproducing spatial knee joint positions using either single or dual fluoroscopic image techniques. The data indicated that for the femur and tibia, their spatial positions could be determined with an accuracy and precision less than 0.2 mm in translation and less than 0.4° in orientation when dual fluoroscopic images were used. Using single fluoroscopic images, the method could produce satisfactory accuracy in joint positions in the imaging plane (in average up to 0.5 mm in translation and 1.3° in rotation), but large variations along the out-plane direction (in average up to 4.0 mm in translation and 2.2° in rotation). The precision of using single fluoroscopic images to determine the actual knee positions was worse than its accuracy obtained. The data also indicated that when using dual fluoroscopic image technique, if the knee joint outlines in one image were incomplete by 80%, the algorithm could still reproduce the joint positions with high precisions.     

An-1 Encodes a Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Protein That Regulates Awn Development,Grain Size,and Grain Number in Rice

Long awns are important for seed dispersal in wild rice (Oryza rufipogon), but are absent in cultivated rice (Oryza sativa). The genetic mechanism involved in loss-of-awn in cultivated rice remains unknown. We report here the molecular cloning of a major quantitative trait locus, An-1, which regulates long awn formation in O. rufipogon. An-1 encodes a basic helix-loop-helix protein, which regulates cell division. The nearly-isogenic line (NIL-An-1) carrying a wild allele An-1 in the genetic background of the awnless indica Guangluai4 produces long awns and longer grains, but significantly fewer grains per panicle compared with Guangluai4. Transgenic studies confirmed that An-1 positively regulates awn elongation, but negatively regulates grain number per panicle. Genetic variations in the An-1 locus were found to be associated with awn loss in cultivated rice. Population genetic analysis of wild and cultivated rice showed a significant reduction in nucleotide diversity of the An-1 locus in rice cultivars, suggesting that the An-1 locus was a major target for artificial selection. Thus, we propose that awn loss was favored and strongly selected by humans, as genetic variations at the An-1 locus that cause awn loss would increase grain numbers and subsequently improve grain yield in cultivated rice.     

Hydrogen-rich saline protects against intestinal ischemia/reperfusion injury in rats

Hydrogen gas was reported to reduce reactive oxygen species and alleviate cerebral, myocardial and hepatic ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injuries. This paper studied the effect of hydrogen-rich saline, which was easier for clinical application, on the intestinal I/R injury. Model of intestinal I/R injury was induced in male Sprague-Dawley rats. Physiological saline, hydrogen-rich saline or nitrogen-rich saline (5 ml/kg) was administered via intravenous infusion at 10 min before reperfusion, respectively. The intestine damage was detected microscopically and was assessed by Chiu score system after I/R injury. In addition, serum DAO activity, TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 levels, tissue MDA, protein carbonyl and MPO activity were all increased significantly by I/R injury. Hydrogen-rich saline reduced these markers and relieved morphological intestinal injury, while no significant reduction was observed in the nitrogen-rich saline-treated animals. In conclusion, hydrogen-rich saline protected the small intestine against I/R injury, possibly by reduction of inflammation and oxidative stress.     

Immunohistochemical Expression of RAGE and Its Ligand (S100A9) in Cervical Lesions

Altered expressions of receptor for advanced glycation end-products (RAGE) and its ligand (S100A9) are observed in many cancers and play a key role in inflammation-associated cancer. In our previous study, by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis followed by mass spectrometry, the expression of S100A9 protein was found to increase in squamous cervical cancer compared with adjacent normal cervical tissues. Therefore, in the present study we observed the expressions of S100A9 and RAGE in 30 chronic cervicitis, 50 cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN), and 40 squamous cervical cancer (SCC) using immunohistochemical analysis and analyzed the differential expression and possible role of S100A9 and RAGE in cancer development. Immunohistochemical findings were as follows: the expressions of S100A9 and RAGE were demonstrated in chronic cervicitis, CIN, and SCC. Moreover, their expressions were gradually increasing as the tumor progressed. In SCC, the staining scores of S100A9 and RAGE were significantly higher in well-differentiated tumors compared to moderately and poorly differentiated tumors. The expression of S100A9 in epithelial cells exhibited a positive correlation to RAGE expression in chronic cervicitis, CIN, and SCC. There were no significant difference of S100A9 immunoreactivity in stromal cells among chronic cervicitis, CIN, and SCC. Moreover, there was no correlation between S100A9 immunoreactivity in stromal cells of SCC and clinicopathological parameters. Finally, double immunohistochemistry illustrated that RAGE and S100A9 co-express in SCC. In conclusion, RAGE binds its ligand (S100A9), which plays an important role in the development of SCC. In addition, the expressions of S100A9 and RAGE in SCC tumor cells were closely associated with histological differentiation.     

Curative Effects of Two New Endometrial Ablation Procedures Using Radiofrequency Thermocoagulation for the Treatment of Severe Abnormal Uterine Bleeding

Severe Abnormal Uterine Bleeding (SAUB) is a common gynecological disorder. The clinical characteristics include disordered menstrual cycle and massive bleeding that can cause anemia or secondary infection. Current treatment mainly relies on drug therapy or surgical removal of the uterus, each having its significant disadvantages. How to preserve the uterus, reduce the pain from surgery, and achieve better treatment effects have been well known but remaining as unresolved issues. This study aims at evaluating two types of radiofrequency (RF) thermocoagulation procedures for the treatment of SAUB: the RF-A procedure group included 25 SAUB patients ≥45 years of age treated for amenorrhea; the RF-B procedure group included 51 patients at <45 years of age treated for the control of excessive bleeding. Post-treatment ratings of menstrual satisfaction and pre-/post-treatment menstrual scores—pictorial blood loss assessment chart (PBAC)—and hemoglobin levels were collected; and the mean length of follow-up was 72 months. Also, 38 SAUB patients treated with standard drug regimens served as a control group. The results of the study showed that following RF treatment, the average long-term patient menstrual satisfaction was greater than 92 %. In both the RF groups, PBAC scores and hemoglobin levels were significantly improved from baseline (p < .05). Compared with the control group, PBAC scores and hemoglobin levels were also significantly better for the RF groups at 6–24-month post-operation. Patients experienced no hysterectomy in association with the RF procedures. In conclusion, this pilot study suggests that the novel RF procedures are both safe and effective in treating patients with SAUB. Further investigation is necessary to evaluate their application in broader clinical indication.