Objective To detect specific polymorphisms in Toll-interleukin 1 receptor domain containing adaptor protein(TIRAP) coding region for Chinese Han population, and verify whether they are associated with susceptibility to tuberculosis. Methods Search TIRAP polymorphisms by sequencing in small sample; detect single nucleotide polymorphism(SNP) by ligase detection reaction technique in large sample; analyze whether polymorphisms are related to tuberculosis by statistic methods. Results Four polymorphisms were present in the TIRAP coding region. 394A had higher frequencies in the tuberculosis(TB)group than the control. But allelic and genotypic analysis showed that there were no significant difference in statistic between TB patients and controls(P>0.05). The SNP G164A mutation related with TB patient's condition. Comparing to controls, retreatment patients' allelic frequencies had significant difference in statistic(P<0.05), sputum positive patients and lung cavitation patients had lower 164A frequencies. Conclusion TIRAP coding region polymorphisms may be risk factors for TB occurrence and development in Chinese Han population.

Objective: To determine the clinical application value of percutaneous lung biopsy guided by ultrasound in the diagnosis of peripheral lung lesions of silicosis. Methods: Experimental silicosis was produced in rabbits by the intratracheal administration of silica with non-exposure method. Imaging changes were observed in 36 rabbits on 60 days after intratracheal instillation of silica. To contrast with CT results, percutaneous lung biopsy of peripheral lesions was guided by ultrasound. The success rate of sufficient material, the diagnosis rate of coincidence between biopsy and pathology, and the incidence of complications were calculated. The biopsy with sufficient material, biopsy findings coincided with pathological results and no complications were defined as strictly success of the puncture. The baseline data and monitoring index were compared between successful biopsy group and unsuccessful biopsy group. Each rabbit was intravenously administrated by 10 000 U of heparin for the antiocoagulation and sacrificed by fast injection of 10% KCl through jugular vein catheterization. Specimens from lung tissue were collected and stained with hematoxylin-eosin. Pathological changes of lung tissue were observed through an optical microscope. Results: Of 36 silicosis rabbits, peripheral lung lesions of silicosis were observed in 30 rabbits. Biopsy procedures were performed with ultrasound guidance in 30 rabbits. The total success rate of biopsy was 70% (21/30). The success rate of sufficient material was 93% (28/30), the diagnosis rate of coincidence between biopsy and pathology 86%(24/28), and the incidence of complications was 10% (3/30) respectively. Compared with failure group, peripheral lesions in successful biopsy group were bigger in size, closer to the chest wall, and lower respiratory rate, the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in weight, heart rate, temperature and stages of silicosis (P>0.05). The pathological results showed typical silicosis nodules. Silica-exposed rabbit also showed signs of vascular remodeling with pulmonary artery muscularization, vascular occlusion, and medial thickening. Conclusions Ultrasound-guided percutaneous lung biopsy is an effective and safe method in peripheral lung lesions of silicosis. It can serve as an important technical means to monitor the evolution of silicosis lesions and provide reference for the diagnosis of silicosis. Observation of small vascular changes in silicosis nodules by lung biopsy is helpful for clinical intervention treatment.