Objective : To establish the liver conditional knockout mouse model ofNod2gene infected byKlebsiella pneumoniae(K.pneumoniae),and to explore the role and mechanism ofNod2gene in the process of liver abscess caused byK.pneumoniaeinfections. Methods : Nod2flox/floxmice were obtained by self-crossing ofNod2flox/+mice, andAlb-Cre+mice were hybridized withNod2flox/+to obtainNod2flox/+;Alb-Cre+mice, then the above two genotypes mice were crossed to obtain liver conditional knockout mice ofNod2gene(Nod2flox/flox;Alb-Cre+) and negative control mice in the same litter(Nod2flox/flox).The genomic DNA of mice toe was extracted and amplified by polymerase chain reaction(PCR).The genotypes of offspring were identified by agar-gel electrophoresis and the livers of mice were extracted.Real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR(RT-qPCR) and Western blot were used to verify the knockout efficiency ofNod2gene in the liver.Both experimental group and control group mice were infected withK.pneumoniae,and the survival rate and pathological changes of livers were observed at different time points, and mRNA expression levels of Tumor necrosis factor α(TNF-α),interleukin 1β(IL-1β) and C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 1(CXCL1) in the livers of experimental group and control group were detected by RT-qPCR 24 h postK.pneumoniaeinfections. Results : The expression of NOD2 mRNA in the liver ofNod2flox/flox;Alb-Cre+mice decreased, and the Western blot results showed that the expression of NOD2 protein decreased.Compared with the control group, the survival rate of mice infected withK.pneumoniaein the experimental group decreased(median survival time=60.5 h,P=0.046 9) and the liver tissue showed more serious pathological damage, furthermore the mRNA expression levels of TNF-α,IL-1β and CXCL1 in the livers of experimental group were lower than those of the control group, and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05). Conclusion NOD2 plays a protective role in the process of liver abscess induced byK.pneumoniaeinfections.

Antibodies, Neutralizing/immunology* ; Antibodies, Viral/immunology* ; COVID-19/virology* ; COVID-19 Vaccines/immunology* ; Humans ; SARS-CoV-2/pathogenicity* ; Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus/immunology* ; Vaccines, Inactivated/immunology*

Objective: To investigate the feasibility of one-step coronary and carotid-cerebrovascular computed tomography angiography (CTA) using high-pitch Double Turbo Flash mode and to analyze the image quality and radiation dose in patients with heart rate variability using multi-slice detector dual-source CT. Methods: A total of 79 patients with heart rate variability higher than 3 beat/min (bpm) were retrospectively analyzed. They were grouped by the scanning methods. Group A (n=40) were performed double turbo flash mode for one-step coronary and carotid-cerebrovascular arteriesinjected with one injection of contrast agent.further divided into Single A (only the phase 1 image)and Double A(combined images of phases 1 and 2). Group B (n=39) were performed separately with twice injection of contrast agent. Subjective scoring was performed on the image quality of the group Single A, Double A and B using a 4-point. Then the objective parameters of image quality, CT attenuations, image noise, signal-to-noise (SNR), and contrast-to-noise (CNR), were evaluated. Then subjective scores, objective evaluation indicators, and radiation dose were compared with one-way ANOVA analysis among the three groups.Contrast agent were compared by using t test in group A and B. Results: No significant difference was found (F=2.093, P=0.128) for the subjective scores of the head and neck CTA among the three groups with (3.47±0.51), (3.53±0.51), (3.69±0.47). Significant difference was found (F=50.955, P<0.01) for the subjective scores of coronary CTA among the three groups with (2.70±0.76), (3.35±0.66), (3.58±0.50), and there was no statistically significant difference between Double A and B groups (P=0.104), met the requirements for diagnosis. The objective evaluation of the three groups compared the head and neck CTA images were statistically significant (P<0.05), of which the difference between the Single A and the Double A was not statistically significant (P>0.05), met the requirements for diagnosis; the differences in SNR and CNR of coronary CTA images are statistically significant (F=12.991, 12.236, P<0.01), and there was no statistically significant difference between Double A and B (P>0.05), met the requirements for diagnosis. Radiation dose in the group Double A was lower than group B (decreased by 46.15%,P<0.01).The amount of the contrast agent in the group Double A was lower than group B (decreased by 44.13%, t=-45.455;P<0.01). Conclusion The double turbo flash mode is feasibility for one-step coronary and carotid-cerebrovascular CTA in patients with the heart rate variability using multi-slice dual-source CT.This scan mode can maintain the diagnostic image quality with low contrast agent and radiation dose.

Objective To explore prenatal MRI findings of fetal midline dural sinus malformation(DSM).Methods Eleven fetuses of midline DSM were collected.Abnormalities in the fetal occipital or cerebellar area were found from 21 to 27 weeks of gestation.Then MR scanning in the following week was performed.Of all 11 fetuses,9 were pathologically proved to be midline DSM,and the other 2 were followed up and proved after birth.The imaging findings and pathological features were analyzed.Results MRI of 11 fetuses showed cystic dilation of the occipital cranium of torcular herophili area,with the size of 10 mm× 15 mm to 35 mm× 55 mm,and the adjacent sinuses were also dilated.On axial or coronal images,the lesions were cuneiform,while on sagittal images,the lesions were spindle-or crescent-shaped.The lesions displayed isointensity or slightly hyperintensity on T1WI,while slightly hypointensity,isointensity or slightly hyperintensity on T2WI.In 9 of the 11 fetuses,class round or bar thrombosis on the side wall of the cystic mass were observed,which were hyperintensity on T1WI and isointensity and hypointensity,isointensity or hyperintensity on T2WI.Hemosiderin deposition was observed around the thrombi in 6 fetuses.Lesion diameters in 2 fetuses were more than 30 mm,and the adjacent brain tissue was significantly dislocated.Nine fetuses of postmortem pathology after induced labor showed deformed and dilated venous sinuses,in which eccentric thrombi were seen in 7 fetuses with side branches around them.Normal brain development was observed in 2 live birth newborns.Conclusion Prenatal MRI can accurately diagnose fetal midline dural sinus malformation,and estimate the development of fetal brain,which may be helpful to prognosis prediction.

Objective To observe imaging features of uterus duplication combined with mesonephric duct dysplasia related abnormalities.Methods Imaging data of 17 female with uterus duplication and renal dysplasia were retrospectively analyzed.Seven patients underwent CT and 10 patients underwent MR scanning.Results The basic abnormalities in 17 patients were uterus duplication combined with unilateral renal-ureter dysplasia with/without other associated malformation which were further classified as follows:①7 patients presented as basic abnormalities without other associated malformations,include 5 (CT diagnosed 1,MR diagnosed 4) with uterus duplex and unilateral renal-ureter agenesis,2 (CT 1,MR 1) with uterus bifidus and unilateral renal-ureter dysplasia;②2 patients (CT 1,MR 1) presented as basic abnormalities accompanied with ectopic ureter orifice,uterus duplex and unilateral renal dysplasia with ectopic ureter orifice opening in vagina;③5 patients (CT 3,MR 2) of Herlyn-Werner-Wunderlich syndrome presented as uterus duplication,oblique vagina septum as well as unilateral renal-ureter dysplasia,which shown as uterus duplex,oblique vaginal septum with hematocolpos,also unilateral renal-ureter agenesis;④2 patients presented as basic abnormalities accompanied with mesonephric residual cyst,CT showed one with uterus duplex and unilateral renal-ureter agenesis with ipsilateral mesonephric residual cyst,MRI showed as the other one with Herlyn-Werner-Wunderlich syndrome combined with mesonephric residual cyst opening in vagina;⑤MRI showed 1 patient with basic abnormalities and a nephrogenic adenoma,which demonstrated as uterus duplex combined with left renal-ureter agenesis,and a tumor on the left wall of bladder accompanied with endometriosis.Conclusion Further classification into 5 types from simple to complex based on uterus duplication combined with unilateral renal-ureter dysplasia with/without other associated malformations is helpful to the diagnosis and treatment of these abnormalities.

Objective To investigate the imaging characteristics of female Skene-gland (periurethral glands) disease. Methods A retrospective analysis of preoperative imaging findings was performed in 15 female patients with surgical-pathological proven Skene gland disease. MRI scans were performed in 8 cases, CT scans were performed in 5 cases, both CT and MRI were performed in 2 cases. Imaging characteristics were observed and summarized.Results There were 3 types of diseases,including:(1) Skene gland cyst (n=3), located in the distal and posterolateral urethra or close to the proximity of urethra, presenting as cystic lesions with teardrop shape on sagittal images, which appeared as hypo-attenuation on non-enhanced CT, and hypo-intensity on T1WI, hyper-intensity on T2WI, and without enhancement. One case complicated with infection presented as hyper-intensity on T1WI and gaseous intensity inside,with thickened cystic wall and enhancement.(2)Urethral diverticulum communicating with Skene gland (n=10), located in the middle or distal and posterolateral urethra, presented as a horseshoe shaped cystic lesion partially surrounding the urethral(n=3)or spoke wheel-like cystic lesion with multiple septum completely surrounding the urethra (n=7). They appeared as fluid attenuation on unenhanced CT, and hypo-intensity on T1WI, hyper-intensity on T2WI and without enhancement. Heterogenous signal or attenuation and enhanced septum or cystic wall were found in 6 cases complicated with infection. (3) Malignant tumor (n=2, one adenocarcinoma and one neuroendocrine carcinoma), presented as cystic-solid mass surrounding the urethral, showing heterogenous low attenuation on nonenhanced CT and iso-to hyper-intensity on T2WI and hypo-to iso-intensity on T1WI with significant enhancement.Conclusions Female Skene-gland disease has specific occurrence location and imaging characteristics.

OBJECTIVETo identify potential mutation of COL1A1 gene in an ethnic Han Chinese family from Henan affected with osteogenesis imperfecta (OI).

METHODSPeripheral blood samples were collected from all 11 members of the family and 50 healthy adults for the extraction of genomic DNA. All exons and introns of the COL1A1 gene were amplified by polymerase chain reaction and subjected to direct sequencing. Mutations found in the proband were analyzed through comparison with other members of the family, 50 healthy individuals and sequence from the GenBank.

RESULTSFifteen sequence variants were discovered, which included 1 missense mutation, 1 synonymous mutation and 13 intronic mutations. All of the 4 patients from the family were detected as having carried a novel heterozygous missense mutation (c.4193T>G, p.I1398S) in exon 50 of the COL1A1 gene. The father of the proband has carried the same mutation but had a normal phenotype. The same mutation was not found in other healthy members of the family.

CONCLUSIONThe OI type of this family may have been autosomal dominant with incomplete penetrance or autosomal recessive associated with COL1A1 gene mutations.

Adolescent ; Amino Acid Sequence ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; genetics ; Base Sequence ; China ; Collagen Type I ; genetics ; DNA Mutational Analysis ; Family Health ; Female ; Genetic Predisposition to Disease ; ethnology ; genetics ; Heterozygote ; Humans ; Male ; Mutation ; Osteogenesis Imperfecta ; ethnology ; genetics ; Pedigree ; Penetrance ; Sequence Homology, Amino Acid ; Young Adult

Objective To explore imaging findings and pathological features of ovarian collision tumors. Methods A retrospective analysis of preoperative imaging findings was performed in 8 female patients with surgical-pathological proven ovarian collision tumors. CT scans were performed in 5 cases, both CT and MRI were performed in 2 cases, and non-enhanced MR scans were performed in 1 pregnancy woman. Imaging results were compared with pathologic findings. Results Ovarian collision tumors in the eight patients consisted of 2 types tumors, originated from different ovarian tissues including surface epithelial cells, germ cell, or sex cord-stromal cell. Of the 8 ovarian collision tumors, 5 were located in the left ovary, and 3 in the right ovary. Ovarian collision tumors consisted of surface epithelial tumor and germ cell tumor (n=6) including mucinous cystadenoma and teratoma (n=4), mixed cystadenoma and teratoma (n=1), and serous cystadenoma and struma-ovarii (n=1). Ovarian collision tumors in two cases consisted of surface epithelial tumor and sex cord-stromal tumor, and were mucinous cystadenoma and fibroma, respectively. Imaging findings included:all tumors in the 8 cases presented big or huge multiple complicated cystic mass with 9 to 26 cm in diameter. Germ cell tumor or sex cord-stromal tumor in collision tumor was smaller and located inside the tumor (n=3) and on the tumor wall (n=5). The boundary between two types of tumors in ovarian collision tumor was distinct and clear. Typical imaging features and densities (signals) of different tumors in ovarian collision tumors can be found on CT or MRI. Conclusions Ovarian collision tumors has some specific imaging and pathological characteristics. Imaging examination is helpful for most accurate diagnosis of ovarian collision tumors.

To identify novel transcripts and sRNA in genome of B .melitensis by transcriptome sequencing ,total RNA were extracted from B .melitensis culture and rRNA were removed .After the addition of adaptor ,RNA was reversely transcribed into cDNA ,which were then subjected to PCR amplification and sequencing .The generated reads were mapped to genome se‐quence of B .melitensis strain 16M .With the mapping results ,novel transcripts and sRNA were identified by bioinformatics methods .Sequencing results analysis showed that genome sequence was covered with the reads with good quality .A total of 773 genes were extended in their 5′and/or 3′ends of their original locations .Sixteen novel transcripts and 241 sRNAs candi‐dates were identified .RT‐PCR showed that some of the sRNAs were differentially expressed under stress conditions .In B . melitensis genome ,there is novel transcript which is not predicted .The sRNA does exist in B .melitensis and were expressed under different conditions .

Objective To explore imaging features of Zinner syndrome.Methods Eight male patients with clinically diagnosed Zinner syndrome performed abdominal and pelvic CT and /or MRI scan.The radiological data was studied retrospectively.Results Eight cases showed seminal vesicle cyst with ipsilateral renal agenesis on CT and/or MR imaging ( left side, n =5; right side, n =3).The maximal diameter of seminal vesicle cysts varied from 4.2 to 7.0 cm, and appeared as oval cystic lesion with irregular contour or tube-like dilatation , which appeared low density on CT image and hypo-or hyperintensity on T 1 WI and hyperintensity on T 2 WI.Bladder compression was found in 6 cases.Fuild-fuild level in the cysts was seen in 2 cases.Remnants of ureter structure were seen in only 1 case.There was no other accompanying abnormality of urinary system.Conclusions Zinner syndrome presents with characteristic imaging features , and the key issue is differential diagnosis of seminal vesicle cysts.