Infer Thermal Information from Visual Information: A Cross Imaging Modality Edge Learning (CIMEL) Framework.

The measurement accuracy and reliability of thermography is largely limited by a relatively low spatial-resolution of infrared (IR) cameras in comparison to digital cameras. Using a high-end IR camera to achieve high spatial-resolution can be costly or sometimes infeasible due to the high sample rate required. Therefore, there is a strong demand to improve the quality of IR images, particularly on edges, without upgrading the hardware in the context of surveillance and industrial inspection systems. This paper proposes a novel Conditional Generative Adversarial Networks (CGAN)-based framework to enhance IR edges by learning high-frequency features from corresponding visual images. A dual-discriminator, focusing on edge and content/background, is introduced to guide the cross imaging modality learning procedure of the U-Net generator in high and low frequencies respectively. Results demonstrate that the proposed framework can effectively enhance barely visible edges in IR images without introducing artefacts, meanwhile the content information is well preserved. Different from most similar studies, this method only requires IR images for testing, which will increase the applicability of some scenarios where only one imaging modality is available, such as active thermography.

Case study of the relationship between fungi and bacteria associated with high-molecular-weight polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon degradation.

Although bacteria play dominant roles in microbial bioremediation, few of them have been reported that were capable of utilizing high-molecular-weight (HMW) organic pollutants as their sole sources of carbon and energy. However, many soil fungi can metabolize those of pollutants, although they rarely complete mineralization. In this paper, we investigated the dynamic relationship between fungi and bacteria associated with degradation of HMW-polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Artificial fungal-bacterial mixed cultures were constructed to simulate the environment of actual polluted sites. Four bacterial strains and seven fungal strains were isolated that related to the removal of phenanthrene, fluoranthene and pyrene in the soil. Furthermore, these strains were used to create mixed culture of bacteria (Bact-mix), mixed culture of fungi (Fung-mix), fungal-bacterial co-cultures (Fung-Bact), respectively. The maximal pyrene removal rate (67%, 28days) was observed in the Fung-Bact, compared with cultures of Fung-mix (39%) and Bact-mix (56%). The same tendency was also indicated in the degradation of phenanthrene and fluoranthene. In addition, a dynamic relationship during the degradation process between fungi and bacteria was monitored through using polymerase chain reaction-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (PCR-DGGE) method.

Glandular odontogenic cyst in China: report of 12 cases and immunohistochemical study.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to present 12 additional cases of glandular odontogenic cyst (GOC) in the Department of Oral Pathology, School of Stomatology, Wuhan University, People's Republic of China, and to investigate their immunohistochemical cytokeratins (CKs) expression in the epithelial components. METHODS: A total of 12 GOCs were reviewed clinically and radiographically, and immunohistologic CKs AE1, 7, 8/18, 10/13, 14, 16, 19 and 20 were performed by using a standard biotin-streptavidin immunoperoxidase technique on paraffin sections. RESULTS: The present series showed that eight occurred in males and four in females. The mean age was 37.6 years with a peak incidence occurring in the third decades (six of 12). Mandibles were more affected than maxillas (7:5), especially anterior mandible (four of seven). Radiographically, ratio multilocular to unilocular radiolucencies was 5:7 usually with well-defined borders. Histologically, cystic spaces were lined by non-keratinized stratified epithelia containing focal plaque-like or whirlpool-like thickenings; surface epithelial layer-containing eosinophilic cuboidal cells; mucous cells; and mucin pools of microcystic areas in the epithelium. Immunohistochemistry showed that epithelium of GOCs stained for CKs AE1, 7, 8/18, 10/13, 14 and 19 with slight changes in their patterns, and no reaction to CKs 16 and 20. CONCLUSIONS: Most clinical and histologic features in this study were analogous to those reported west population, although with slight difference between them. Histologically, the morphology of the epithelium strongly suggested an odontogenic origin, and CKs expression of GOC was similar to that of odontogenic epithelium, suggesting histochemically that GOC might be derived from odontogenic epithelium.

Intratumor genomic heterogeneity correlates with histological grade of advanced oral squamous cell carcinoma.

To assess the difference in genetic aberration patterns among the invasive tumor front (ITF), center/superficiality and the stroma adjacent to oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), we studied loss of heterozygosity (LOH) and microsatellite instability (MI) at chromosome 9p21 and 17p13 on the three regions by combining laser capture microdissection (LCM) and PCR. We studied 20 OSCC patients with TP53 on chromosome 17p13 and RPS6 on chromosome 9p21. Genomic DNA samples from the ITF, center/superficial and stromal cells adjacent to the tumor were prepared from cryosections using laser-assistant microdissection, then LOH and MI were determined. Cells at the ITF, center/superficiality and stroma showed a high frequency of LOH and MI on chromosomes 17p13 (TP53) and 9p21 (RPS6). Comparison of the patterns of allelic loss and MI encountered at the ITF, center/superficial and stromal cells revealed no concordance. The frequency of RPS6 and TP53 aberration at the epithelial compartment (both ITF and center, 64.7%, 11/17; 70.6%, 12/17) was statistically higher than the stroma (23.5%, 4/17; 43.8%, 7/16) (p<0.05). Furthermore, for the epithelial compartment, the aberrations proportions of TP53 rose from 60.0% (9/15) to 64.7% (11/17) between the center/superficial part and ITF. Also the rate of RPS6 increased from 29.4% (5/17) to 58.8% (10/17) between the center/superficial parts and ITF. The overall frequency of the two markers was statistically higher at the ITF (20/32) than the center/superficial part (15/34) (p<0.05). The current study revealed that intratumor genetic heterogeneity exists in the different histological areas of OSCCs and some particular tumor cell genotypes have correlation with histological patterns.

[Ultrastructure of the taste pores and taste pits of human taste buds].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the ultrastructural features of taste pores and taste pits of human taste buds. METHODS: Three samplers obtained randomly from adults were divided into two perts, and transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy were used to observe the fine structure of taste buds in human circumvallate papillae. RESULTS: The longer diameter of the taste pores was 1.02 - 7.36 microm, and most of taste pores contained no taste hair and dense material, and the profile of taste pit was triangular. CONCLUSIONS: Taste hair and dense material were seldom observed in most of taste pores.

[A clinicopathological study of 14 cases of oral granular cell tumor].

OBJECTIVE: To describe clinical and histological features of oral granular cell tumor (OGCT)and discuss their proliferative activity. METHODS: Clinical and microscopic features were assessed in 14 cases of OGCT collected from the department of oral pathology, college of stomatology of Wuhan University between 1970 and 2003. Immunohistochemical analysis was carried out using antibodies to S-100, NSE and Ki-67 and follow-up was obtained in all cases. RESULTS: Tongue was the most commonly affected location (13/14). The average age was 32.6 years (range 11 to 50). OGCT occurred more commonly in females (2.5:1). Histologically, the lesions consisted of polygonal cells with abundant, granular cytoplasm. Eleven cases had typical histological features, while 3 specimens were atypical. Growth patterns were expansive in 3/14 and invasive in 11/14, including 3 atypical cases. Immunohistochemical analysis disclosed that 100% of granular cells demonstrated moderated/strong staining for S-100 protein, neuron specific enolase (NSE). Nuclear immunostaining for Ki-67 was observed only in isolated granular cells. Seven patients with benign and two patients with atypical granular cell tumor had no recurrence and metastases. One patient with atypical granular cell tumor had local recurrence after 9 years and died of the disease 10 months later. CONCLUSIONS: OGCT cells display low proliferation activity. Most OGCTs are benign but few have malignant potential and periodic follow-up is mandatory to detect malignant transformation.

A clinical study of 674 patients with oral lichen planus in China.

BACKGROUND: Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a chronic inflammatory disease with different clinical presentations that can be classified as reticular, atrophic or erosive. Although OLP is a relatively common disorder, the reports comprising large numbers of OLP patients with specific character are lacking in the literature. The purpose of this paper was to describe the clinical characteristics of OLP in 674 Chinese patients. METHODS: A total of 674 charts of patients with histologically confirmed OLP were collected from Stomatological Hospital of Wuhan University between 1963 and 2003. RESULTS: Of the 674 patients, 65.9% were women and 34.1% were men. The most common clinical presentation was the reticular type (51.3%), and symptomatic OLP was noted in 67.5% of the patients, mainly in those with the erosive form. The erosive presentations showed significantly longer duration, more sites affected and a much greater old patients predominance than reticular or atrophic ones. About 90.9% of the patients had multiple oral sites of involvement and isolated lower lip lichen planus were observed in 60 cases (8.9%) and isolated gingiva lichen in only one case (0.2%). Skin involvement of lichen planus was found in 11.4% of patients. No statistically significant differences could be identified between OLP and diabetes, cardiovascular disease, smoking or alcohol use. Precipitating factors that resulted in an exacerbation of the disease were frequently noted and included foods, stress, dental cusp and poor oral hygiene. The transformation of OLP into malignancy was observed in four patients at sites previously diagnosed by clinical examination as erosive or atrophic lichen planus. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with OLP in China usually present with distinctive clinical morphology and characteristic distribution and few may display lesions with a confusing array of forms mimicking other diseases. A long time follow up is of utmost importance to detect its malignant transformation.

[Clinicopathological and immunohistochemical study of oral teratoid cyst].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate clinicopathological and immunohistochemical features of 31 cases of oral teratoid cyst. METHODS: Thirty-one cases of oral teratoid cyst according with Meyer's diagnosis criteria were retrospectively studied and their histochemistry and immunohistochemistry were performed from the files of Department of Pathology, School of Stomatology, Wuhan University between 1963 and 2003. RESULTS: Twenty-seven cases (87.10%) were children, and twenty-four cases were congenital. The ratio of male-to-female was 1:0.55, and the affected sites were floor of mouth (22 cases) and tongue (8 cases). Clinical findings were nonspecific, and prognosis was good following complete excision. Histology indicated that squamous, respiratory and/or gastrointestinal epithelium consistiuted basic structure of teratoid cyst in addition to simple cuboidal epithelium in 8 cases. Antibody against AE1/AE3 was strongly expressed and CK16 was weak in four types of epithelial lining of oral teratoid cyst. Expression of AE1, CK7, 8/18, 19 varied in superficial, suprabasal and basal cells of squamous epithelium but were strong in respiratory, gastrointestinal and simple columnar epithelium; only gastrointestinal epithelium expressed CK20 heterogeneously. CONCLUSIONS: Oral teratoid cyst showed the highest incidence in children, and floor of mouth and tongue were mostly affected sites. Features of histology were complex, and immunohistochemistry indicated that epithelium of oral teratoid cyst shared similar patterns of cytokeratin with counterpart of normal tissues, showing different origin and differentiation of epithelial lining of the present cyst.

[The biological effect of retinoic acid on cultured human periodontal ligament cells].

PURPOSE: To evaluate the biological effect of retinoic acid on cultured human periodontal ligament cells. METHODS: Human periodontal ligament cells were cultured and challenged by retinoic acid with different concentrations. The cell morphology was observed under phase-contrast microscope; the cell proliferation activity was examined using MTT; the alkaline phosphatase activity was measured by enzyme kinetics method; the total amount of protein was assayed at different times. RESULTS: Retinoic acid enhanced alkaline phosphatase activity and had no effect on morphology, proliferation and total protein synthesis of periodontal ligament cells. CONCLUSION: Retinoic acid improves periodontal ligament cells to differentiate into osteoblast like cells.

[Expression of cathepsin K and IL-6 mRNA in root-resorbing tissue during tooth movement in rats].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the expression and the localization of Cathepsin K and IL-6 mRNA in root-resorbing tissue and to elucidate the molecular changes and mechanism of root resorption induced by tooth movement. METHODS: Rats were subject to experimental tooth movement to induce root resorption. In situ hybridization was performed to identify the cells in root-resorbing tissue that produced Cathepsin K or IL-6 the difference of CK mRNA or IL-6 mRNA expression between root resorption group and control group was calculated by t-test. RESULTS: Cathepsin K mRNA was highly and selectively expressed in multinuclear odontoclast and IL-6 mRNA expressed in fibroblast, osteoblast, osteocyte and cementoblast. The expression of Cathepsin K mRNA and IL-6 mRNA in root-resorbing tissue increased evidently compared with the normal periodontium. CONCLUSIONS: Odontoclast in the root-resorbing tissue expresses Cathepsin K mRNA that participates in proteolysis during root resorption. IL-6 plays a very important role in the root resorption as a multifunctional cytokine.

[The study of proliferation of cells at the invasive tumor front of squamous cell carcinoma of tongue].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the value of the invasive front grading (IFG), the proliferative activity of cells at the invasive tumor front (ITF) of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of tongue. METHODS: All the tumors were graded using IFG grading. The expression of PCNA, Ki67 and staining and measurement of AgNOR number were evaluated at the ITF and the other parts of the same tumor. RESULTS: The expression of PCNA (P < 0.001), Ki67 (P < 0.001), AgNOR number (P < 0.001) at the ITF were higher than those of other parts. The IFG score was significantly correlated with the expression of PCNA (P < 0.05), AgNOR number (P < 0.01) at the ITF. The complete IFG score (P < 0.01) was significant in both univariate and multivariate cox analysis; the AgNOR number at the ITF (P < 0.05) was only significant in univariate analysis (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The ITF of SCCs of tongue differentiate poorer than the other parts and is active in proliferation. The complete IFG score and the AgNOR number at the ITF could be a valuable indication to predict the prognosis of SCCs of tongue.

[Comparison of synthesizing Collagen I and III in periodontal ligament cells and gingival fibroblasts].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the different characteristics of periodontal ligament cells and gingival fibroblasts in synthesizing Collagen I and III. METHODS: Periodontal ligament cells and gingival fibroblasts were cultured from the same patient and detected for expression of Collagen I and III by immunocytochemical methods. RESULTS: The immunocytochemical staining showed Collagen I and III were positive in periodontal ligament cells, and mild positive in gingival fibroblasts. Statistical analysis suggested the difference between gingival fibroblasts and periodontal ligament cells. CONCLUSION: There were differences between the periodontal ligament cells and gingival fibroblasts in synthesizing or secreting of Collagen matrix.

[High-resolution electron microscopy of carious dissolution of enamel nano-crystals].

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the carious dissolution mechanism of enamel apatite nano-crystals at lattice fringe level and the possible correlation between the carious dissolution and the appearance of central dark line (CDL) in enamel crystals. METHODS: The body of the lesion in incipient enamel caries was observed by high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM, JOEL-2010 operating at 200 kv), combined with selected-area argon-ion-beam thinning technique. RESULTS: In the body of the lesion, the preferential core dissolution was found in most of enamel nano-crystals, whereas the peripheral dissolution of individual crystal could be occasionally observed. The initial carious dissolution of individual enamel apatite crystal occurred as a number of small electron-lucent spots along the central dark line with blurry, bent or disconnected lattice fringes. These small electron-lucent spots fused with each other to form large electron-lucent areas. Finally the central perforation was frequently seen in the crystals. The CDL always appeared in the same place with central perforation in carious crystals, which could be seen to extend along the CDL. CONCLUSIONS: The initial carious dissolution is directly related to the lattice defects in the enamel nano-crystals. The preferential core dissolution can be partly ascribed to the CDL, which is presumed to be particularly susceptible area to caries.

The crystallographic properties of the mineral phases of enamel and dentin in normal deciduous and permanent teeth.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the crystallographic properties of the mineral phases of normal enamel and dentin (dental apatite) in deciduous and permanent teeth. METHODS: Three kinds of physical methods including X-ray diffraction (XRD), infrared absorption spectroscope (IR) and electron probe micro-analysis (EPMA) were utilized in this study. RESULTS: Dental apatite was not uniphase, but multiphase, which could be described as carbonate-substituted hydroxyapatite. Compared to dentin apatite, the higher crystallinity and expanded a-axis lattice parameters were found in enamel. Chemical analyses demonstrated that higher concentrations of Mg and CO(3)(2-) were found in dentin than those of enamel. But enamel had higher Cl content. CONCLUSIONS: The differences among enamel and dentin, in terms of lattice parameter and crystallinity may be partially attributed to the incorporation of Mg, CO(3)(2-) and Cl minor elements.

[Proliferating activity and differentiation between peripheral cells and central cells in ameloblastoma].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the proliferating activities and differentiation between peripheral cells and central cells in ameloblastoma. METHODS: Expressions of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), Ki-67, CK10&13 and CK19 were detected in 43 ameloblastoma (15 follicular, 20 plexiform and 8 acanthomatous) by SP immunohistochemical methods. RESULTS: The PCNA labelling indices were significantly higher in peripheral cells (5.12% +/- 2.76%) of tumour nests or strands than in central cells (1.36% +/- 1.02%, P < 0.001). The peripheral cells of tumour nests or strands exhibited a significantly higher Ki-67 labelling index (3.63% +/- 1.80%) than central cells (1.26% +/- 0.96%, P < 0.001). The labelling indices between PCNA and Ki-67 showed a significant correlation (P < 0.01). The positive expressions of CK10&13 and CK19 were significantly higher in central cells than in peripheral cells (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The peripheral zones of tumour nests or strands are regarded as proliferating areas; there exists a significantly different differentiation between central cells and peripheral cells.

[A quantitatively pathological study on malignant ameloblastomas].

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of nuclear morphometric parameters, DNA content and Ag-NOR count in the differentiating malignant and benign ameloblastomas. METHODS: Totally 17 cases of malignant ameloblastomas were examined by using HE, AgNOR and DNA stain methods. Morphometric parameters of cell nuclei, DNA content and AgNOR count were quantitatively studied by using an image analysis system. RESULTS: Seven parameters (area, perimeter, equal diameter, minor diameter, mean diameter, round index, axis ratio) out of ten shape factors were significantly different between malignant and benign ameloblastoma (P < 0.01). AgNOR count and DNA index in malignant ameloblastoma were significantly higher than those in benign ameloblastoma (P < 0.01). Logistic regression equation was established, according to nuclear morphormetric parameters and DNA index. CONCLUSION: Quantitative analysis of DAN content, nuclear morphmetric parameters and AgNOR count may be helpful in differentiating malignant and benign ameloblastomas.

[A histological and ultrastructural study of the tidemark in human condylar cartilage].

OBJECTIVE: To study the histology and ultrastructure of the tidemark in the adult condylar cartilage and their significance. METHODS: After embedded in paraffin, 50 adult condyles were stained with HE, partly with Van-Gieson and histochemical methods, then observed by light microscope. 3 cases of the tidemark region were observed by transmission electron microscope, another 5 cases were studied by scanning electron microscope. RESULTS: In the tidemark region, there had shown the presence of the AKP and calcium, absence of the proteoglycan, abundance of the membrane-bound matrix vesicles, crystals of hydroxyapatite and lipid nodule-like substances, which were often observed in the load-bearing areas. The collagen fibrils of the noncalcified cartilage crossed the tidemark gradiently and were continuous with those of the calcified cartilage; a band of horizontal fibrils surrounded the whole tidemark region, which was wider in the load-bearing areas than that in the nonload-bearing areas and which interweaved with the gradient fibrils so as to form a net. Digested with papain, the surface of the tidemark was highly undulating, and a lot of chondrocyte lacunae were seen on the surface, which were surrounded by calcified tissues. CONCLUSIONS: In the region of the tidemark, physiological calcification takes place and is more active in the load-bearing areas; gradient and horizontal fibrils interweave with each other, which is correlated with the force on the articulation.