Application value of a deep learning method based on a 3D V-Net convolutional neural network in the recognition and segmentation of the auditory ossicles.

Objective: To explore the feasibility of a deep learning three-dimensional (3D) V-Net convolutional neural network to construct high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT)-based auditory ossicle structure recognition and segmentation models. Methods: The temporal bone HRCT images of 158 patients were collected retrospectively, and the malleus, incus, and stapes were manually segmented. The 3D V-Net and U-Net convolutional neural networks were selected as the deep learning methods for segmenting the auditory ossicles. The temporal bone images were randomized into a training set (126 cases), a test set (16 cases), and a validation set (16 cases). Taking the results of manual segmentation as a control, the segmentation results of each model were compared. Results: The Dice similarity coefficients (DSCs) of the malleus, incus, and stapes, which were automatically segmented with a 3D V-Net convolutional neural network and manually segmented from the HRCT images, were 0.920 ± 0.014, 0.925 ± 0.014, and 0.835 ± 0.035, respectively. The average surface distance (ASD) was 0.257 ± 0.054, 0.236 ± 0.047, and 0.258 ± 0.077, respectively. The Hausdorff distance (HD) 95 was 1.016 ± 0.080, 1.000 ± 0.000, and 1.027 ± 0.102, respectively. The DSCs of the malleus, incus, and stapes, which were automatically segmented using the 3D U-Net convolutional neural network and manually segmented from the HRCT images, were 0.876 ± 0.025, 0.889 ± 0.023, and 0.758 ± 0.044, respectively. The ASD was 0.439 ± 0.208, 0.361 ± 0.077, and 0.433 ± 0.108, respectively. The HD 95 was 1.361 ± 0.872, 1.174 ± 0.350, and 1.455 ± 0.618, respectively. As these results demonstrated, there was a statistically significant difference between the two groups (P < 0.001). Conclusion: The 3D V-Net convolutional neural network yielded automatic recognition and segmentation of the auditory ossicles and produced similar accuracy to manual segmentation results.

Evaluation of the MiSeq FGx system for use in forensic casework.

Capillary electrophoresis (CE) is widely used in forensic genetics to study short tandem repeats (STRs). Recently, next-generation sequencing (NGS) platforms have facilitated the development of new strategies for forensic DNA typing. Several studies have shown that NGS successfully analyzes challenging samples. However, because NGS is complicated and time-consuming, it remains unclear whether NGS platforms offer significant advantages over CE for all forensic cases. Here, the MiSeq FGx system was used to test some cases that had previously been analyzed using CE. These cases included paternity test cases in which some samples exhibited locus inconsistencies; samples with off-ladder (OL) alleles; samples with triallelic patterns; and samples with amelogenin test abnormalities. The results generated by MiSeq FGx were compared to those previously generated by CE. The MiSeq FGx and CE results were consistent with the exception of three samples, where inconsistencies were observed at the Penta D locus. For all three incongruent samples, the MiSeq FGx results were correct. Sequence analysis indicated that, in two cases, mismatches were due to undetected alleles rather than mutations. In two additional cases, mutation sources were identified, and in a fifth case, mutation step size was reconsidered. MiSeq FGx was used to identify OL alleles and samples with amelogenin test abnormalities. For cases where verification was required via CE analysis, the simultaneous NGS amplification of several types of multiple genetic markers improved testing efficiency. In addition, we identified additional sequence variants at autosomal, Y chromosomal, and X chromosomal STR loci in the Han Chinese population from northern China. Our results will be useful for future forensic analyses of STR genotypes in Chinese populations. It is likely that NGS would be more widely used in forensic genetics if costs and procedure complexity were reduced.

Delineating hierarchy of selenotranscriptome expression and their response to selenium status in chicken central nervous system.

Selenium (Se) incorporated in selenoproteins as selenocysteine and supports various important cellular and organismal functions. We recently reported that chicken brain exhibited high priority for Se supply and retention under conditions of dietary Se deficiency and supernutrition Li et al. (2012) . However, the selenotranscriptome expressions and their response to Se status in chicken central nervous system (CNS) are unclear. To better understand the relationship of Se homeostasis and selenoproteins expression in chicken CNS, 1day-old HyLine White chickens were fed a low Se diet (Se-L, 0.028mg/g) supplemented with 4 levels of dietary Se (0 to 5.0mgSe/kg) as Na2SeO3 for 8weeks. Then chickens were dissected for getting the CNS, which included cerebral cortex, cerebellum, thalamus, bulbus cinereus and marrow. The expressions of selenoproteome which have 24 selenoproteins were detected by the quantitative real-time PCR array. The concept of a selenoprotein hierarchy was developed and the hierarchy of different regions in chicken CNS was existence, especially cerebral cortex and bulbus cinereus. The expression of selenoproteins has a hierarch while changing Se content, and Selenoprotein T (Selt), Selenoprotein K (Selk), Selenoprotein W (Selw), Selenoprotein U (Selu), Glutathione peroxidase 3 (Gpx3), Glutathione peroxidase 4 (Gpx4), Selenoprotein P (Sepp1), Selenoprotein O (Selo), Selenoprotein 15 (Sel15), Selenoprotein N (Seln), Glutathione peroxidase 2 (Gpx2) and Selenoprotein P 2 (Sepp2) take more necessary function in the chicken CNS. Therefore, we hypothesize that hierarchy of regulated the transcriptions of selenoproteome makes an important role of CNS Se metabolism and transport in birds.

Specialized core stability exercise: a neglected component of anterior cruciate ligament rehabilitation programs.

The incidence of anterior cruciate ligament injury has continued to increase over the last two decades. This injury is associated with abnormal gait patterns and osteoarthritis of the knee. In order to accelerate recovery, the introduction of core stability exercises into the rehabilitation program is proposed. The theory underlying the use of core stability exercise relates to the neuroplasticity that follows anterior cruciate ligament injury. Neuroplasticity in lumbar, thoracic, cervical and brain regions diminish activation in the contralateral thalamus, postparietal cortex, SM1, basal ganglia-external globus pallidus, SII, cingulated motor area, premotor cortex, and in the ipsilateral cerebellum and SM1 and increase activation in pre-SMA, SIIp, and pITG, indicating modifications of the CNS. In addition, the neuroplasticity can regulate the movement of trunk muscles, for example, sternocleidomastoid and lower trapezius muscles. Core stability also demonstrates a negative correlation with the incidence of anterior cruciate ligament injury. Therefore, we propose that core stability exercises may improve the rehabilitation of anterior cruciate ligament injuries by increasing core motor control. Specialized core stability exercises aimed at rectifying biomechanical problems associated with gait and core stability may play a key role in the management of anterior cruciate ligament injury.

[The relationship between contractile characteristics and fiber type conversion in hind-limb unloading mice soleus].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the relationship between contractile characteristics and fiber type conversion in hind-limb unloading mice soleus. METHODS: After 28-day hind-limb unloading and muscle atrophy, we used the method of isolated muscle perfusion with different stimulated protocols to determine the changes in contractile characteristics including the isometric twitch force and tetanus force and fatigue index of slow twitch muscle in mice. The muscle myofibrillar composition and fiber type conversion were detected by immunofluorescence staining and real-time PCR. RESULTS: The isometric twitch force and the tetanus force and fatigue index were decreased progressively in 28-day unloaded mice soleus, with the increase in fast twitch fiber subtype and the decrease in slow twitch fiber subtype. CONCLUSION: The alteration of contractile characteristics is relevant to the slow-to-fast fiber conversion in mice soleus after 28-day hind-limb unloading.

[Expression, purification and refolding of streptavidin-tagged human tumor necrosis factor-alpha fusion protein].

OBJECTIVE: To study the purification, refolding and bioactivity of streptavidin-tagged human tumor necrosis factor-alpha (SA-TNF-alpha) bi-functional fusion protein. METHODS: SA-TNF-alpha fusion protein was expressed in BL21(DE3) host bacteria, purified using Ni-NTA affinity chromatography and refolded by dilution and dialysis followed by identification using Western blotting. The effect of SA-TNF-alpha fusion protein against L929 cells was evaluated by MTT assay. Flow cytometry was used to analyze the surface modification of biotinylated MB49 tumor cells by SA-TNF-alpha fusion protein. RESULTS: Recombinant SA- TNF-alpha fusion protein was expressed in BL21(DE3) at about 30% of total bacterial protein, with a purity of about 95% after purification. The SA-TNF-alpha fusion protein existed as dimmers, tetramers and higher order structures after refolding. The fusion protein exhibited a bi-functionality by inhibiting L929 cells and SA-mediated high-affinity binding to biotinylated cell surfaces, with an anchor modification rate of above 90%. CONCLUSION: The dimmers, tetramers and higher order structures of the obtained SA-TNF-alpha fusion protein all exhibit a bi-functionality, and may serve as a potential candidate therapeutic agent for tumors.