Lung burden of green nickel oxide aerosol and histopathological findings in rats after continuous inhalation

There are few inhalation studies of nickel carcinogenesis. In this study, Wistar male rats were exposed to green nickel oxide (NiO(G)) aerosols (mass median aerodynamic diameter, 0.6 μm) for 7 h/d, 5 d/wk for up to 12 mo. The average exposure concentration was controlled at 0.3 and 1.2 mg/m³ during the exposure. For histopathological examination and measurement of the nickel concentration in rat organs, the rats were sacrificed at 3, 6, and 12 mo of exposure and 8 mo clearance period following 12 mo of exposure. The nickel content in rat lungs that was observed up to 2.6 mg after 12 mo exposure, was proportional to the exposure concentration during the exposure. The clearance of the nickel from the lungs was very slow and the biological half time was determined 7.7 mo. Although the rats were exposed continuously to NiO(G), for 12 mo and kept for 8 mo clearance period, there were no malignant tumors in any of the exposed animals.     

Differential effect of UV irradiation on induction of intragenic and intergenic recombination during commitment to meiosis in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

A comparison was made between the induction of intragenic and intergenic recombinations during meiosis in a wild-type diploid of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Under non-irradiated normal conditions, production of both intragenic and intergenic recombinants greatly increased in the cells with commitment to meiosis. The susceptibility of cells to the induction of both the spontaneous intra- and intergenic recombinations in meiotic cells was similar. However, under condition of UV irradiation, there were striking differences between intra- and intergenic recombinations. Susceptibility to induction of intragenic recombination by UV irradiation was not enhanced at meiosis compared with mitosis, and was not altered through commitment to meiotic processes. In contrast, however, susceptibility to the induction of intergenic recombination by UV irradiation was enhanced markedly during commitment to meiosis compared with mitosis. Genetic analysis suggested that the enhanced susceptibility to recombination during meiosis is specifically concerned with reciprocal-type recombination (crossing-over) but not non-reciprocal-type recombination (gene conversion). Hence it is concluded that the meiotic process appears to be intimately concerned with the mechanism(s) of induction of recombination, especially reciprocal-type recombination.     

隐匿性胫骨平台骨折MRI、CT检查的影像学表现及其诊断价值对比的回顾性研究

目的:研究对比隐匿性胫骨平台骨折(TPOF)磁共振成像(MRI)、电子计算机断层扫描(CT)检查的影像学表现及其诊断价值。方法:回顾性分析我院自2016年1月至2019年12月拟诊断为TPOF且X线检查表现为阴性的89例患者的临床资料,分别对所有受试者进行MRI、CT检查,且以手术检查为金标准,比较上述两种影像学检查手段诊断TPOF的效能。此外,比较MRI、CT检查诊断TPOF的表观扩散系数以及节段各向异性值以及对TPOF类型的检出率。结果:MRI检查诊断TPOF的灵敏度、特异度及准确度分别为98.61%、94.12%、97.75%,均高于CT检查的79.17%、64.71%、76.40%(均P<0.05)。MRI检查诊断TPOF的表观扩散系数高于CT检查,而节段各向异性值低于CT检查(均P<0.05)。MRI检查对骨皮质骨折的检出率低于CT检查,而对骨小梁骨折的检出率高于CT检查(均P<0.05)。结论:MRI检查诊断TPOF的价值高于CT检查,且在骨小梁骨折的检出率方面优于CT检查,但CT检查应用于骨皮质骨折的诊断价值更高。临床工作中可能通过联合MRI以及CT检查,继而达到提高TPOF检出率的目的。     

Modeling the impact of early therapy for latent tuberculosis patients and its optimal control analysis

Effective tuberculosis (TB) control depends on case findings to discover infectious cases, investigation of contacts of those with TB, as well as appropriate treatment. Adherence and successful completion of the treatment are equally important. Unfortunately, due to a number of personal, psychosocial, economic, medical, and health service factors, a significant number of TB patients become irregular and default from treatment. In this paper, a mathematical model is developed to assess the impact of early therapy for latent TB and non-adherence on controlling TB transmission dynamics. Equilibrium states of the model are determined and their local stability is examined. With the aid of the center manifold theory, it is established that the model undergoes a backward bifurcation. Qualitative mathematical analysis of the model suggests that a high level of latent tuberculosis case findings, coupled with a decrease of defaulting rate, may be effective in controlling TB transmission dynamics in the community. Population-level effects of organized campaigns to improve early therapy and to guarantee successful completion of each treatment are evaluated through numerical simulations and presented in support of the analytical results.     

Physical Changes of Amniotic Membranes Through Glycerolization for The Use as an Epidermal Substitute. Light and Electron Microscopic Studies

Our Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery has routinely been using amnion preserved in glycerol for the treatment of debrided II° burns. This treatment is almost pain free and requires fewer changes of dressings and fewer anaesthetics. It also prevents overgrowing granulation tissue and lessens scarring. Since 1910 amnion has been used as biological wound dressing. Its advantages such as reduced loss of protein and electrolytes, fluids and energy as well as reducing the risk of infection and accelerated regeneration of the epithelium have been well documented in medical literature. In order to more closely examine the question of possible changes to the micro structure of the amnion through preservation and rehydration as well as the interaction between transplanted tissue and recipient, we have carried out several light and electron microscopic studies. Results showed that neither the treatment with glycerol, nor the pretransplantation rehydration eliminates the monolayer of surface epithelium of the amnion. Its complex architecture remains intact during the preservation process and is therefore suitable as a matrix for the growth of keratinocytes and thereby the healing process. In clinical use we found amnion to be an excellent wound dressing as it allows proper control of fluid, has sufficient permeability for gases, has good thermal properties, is impervious to micro-organisms and is free from toxic material. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Genetic skeletal disorders of the fetus and infant: Pathologic and molecular findings in a series of 41 cases

BACKGROUND: Genetic skeletal disorders of the fetus and infant are a large group of genetic disorders, comprising the groups formerly assigned as skeletal dysplasias (osteochondrodysplasias), dysostoses, and malformation syndromes with a skeletal component. Genetic skeletal disorders may be prenatally detected by ultrasonography or result in intrauterine or early postnatal death, constituting one difficult diagnostic field met by the pathologist who performs the perinatal autopsy. METHODS: In this retrospective study, we have gathered radiologic, physical, histopathologic, and molecular data regarding 41 cases of genetic skeletal disorders diagnosed among 1980 fetal and perinatal autopsies over a 10‐year period. RESULTS: Our series of cases were classified according to the 2006 Nosology and Classification of Genetic Skeletal Disorders. The overall frequency of genetic skeletal disorders was 1:48 autopsies. The FGFR3 group and osteogenesis imperfecta type 2 were the more frequently encountered disorders. The mean gestational age at autopsy was 21.9 weeks (range, 12–37 weeks). A final diagnosis was obtained in 95% of cases. Genetic skeletal disorders were detected by prenatal ultrasound in 90% of cases, with a correct typing of the disorder achieved in only 34%. Molecular analysis was confirmative in 5 cases. CONCLUSIONS: The central role of the perinatal pathologist in collaboration with specialized services is essential for the correct interpretation of the radiologic, physical, and histopathologic findings, to accurately classify specific types of genetic skeletal disorders and enable genetic counseling. Birth Defects Research (Part A), 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Management of Incidental Findings in the Era of Next-generation Sequencing

Next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies allow for the generation of whole exome or whole genome sequencing data, which can be used to identify novel genetic alterations associated with defined phenotypes or to expedite discovery of functional variants for improved patient care. Because this robust technology has the ability to identify all mutations within a genome, incidental findings (IF)- genetic alterations associated with conditions or diseases unrelated to the patient’s present condition for which current tests are being performed- may have important clinical ramifications. The current debate among genetic scientists and clinicians focuses on the following questions: 1) should any IF be disclosed to patients, and 2) which IF should be disclosed – actionable mutations, variants of unknown significance, or all IF? Policies for disclosure of IF are being developed for when and how to convey these findings and whether adults, minors, or individuals unable to provide consent have the right to refuse receipt of IF. In this review, we detail current NGS technology platforms, discuss pressing issues regarding disclosure of IF, and how IF are currently being handled in prenatal, pediatric, and adult patients.     

颅底脊索瘤的影像学诊断及治疗研究（附26例报告）

目的：探讨颅底脊索瘤的CT、MRI表现及治疗措施。方法：回顾性分析经病理证实的26例脊索瘤患者的临床资料。肿瘤位于鞍区及鼻咽部者9例,位于中颅窝者5例,位于后颅窝者8例,混合型4例。手术入路：额颞入路一翼点开颅9例,鼻内镜下经蝶入路5例,颞下、颞枕及扩大中颅窝入路8例,4例未手术行放射治疗。结果：肿瘤全切8例,大部及次全切14例,围手术期未见死亡病例。25例患者获得随访;3例于术后1年内复发,其中2例死亡,余者颅神经损伤及肢体症状均有改善。结论：脊索瘤无典型临床表现,现多可通过术前影像学检查得以诊断,少数位于特殊位置者需与垂体瘤,颅咽管瘤,三叉神经鞘瘤等鉴别;肿瘤全切较为困难,根据需要选择相应的手术入路可明显提高手术效果;放疗可作为术后辅助治疗。     

成人不典型肺结核的CT 表现及鉴别诊断分析( 附30 例报告)

目的：回顾性分析成人不典型肺结核的CT表现,探讨与其他同影性疾病的鉴别方法,做到早诊断早治疗,减低病人的治疗成本和思想负担。方法：选择性收集病变不典型。CT影像检壹曾误诊或诊断困难的病例30例做回顾性分析。所有病例均有最后治疗结果或术后病理结果证实。结果：节段性阴影12例,局灶性斑片及斑点状影8例,散在少数小结节样影4例,多发结节并空洞影3例,肺内弥漫分布的粟粒结节影3例,肺内阴影伴有肺门淋巴结及纵隔淋巴结肿大者9例以青壮年病人吸收较快,病程较短,以粟粒影和大片影表现者吸收最快。讨论：对于不典型的成人肺结核,不能片面的强调或突出某一方面征象,年龄因素、临床症状、实验室检查如结核茵素试验（PPD）、痰结核茵培养、抗结核抗体阳性在鉴别诊断中有着重要意义。进一步正确认识及探究病变的影像特点,对于正确的诊断提供了强有力的理论根据。