OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to explore the impact of cell spreading area on odontoblast polarization and differentiation using micropatterned surfaces ge-nerated by photolithography. METHODS: Micropatterned surfaces with differential adhesive properties were prepared using polyethylene glycol diacrylate (PEGDA)-ba-sed photolithography. Human dental pulp stem cells (hD-PSCs) were isolated into single cells and cultured on micropatterned surfaces with areas of 1 800, 2 700, and 3 600 μm². Immunofluorescence staining was used to observe cell morphology and analyze the relocating of the golgi apparatus and nucleus. Alkaline phosphatase staining was preformed to examine odontogenic differentiation. RESULTS: The hDPSCs were successfully isolated and cultured on micropatterned surfaces mimicking the morphology of polarized odontoblasts. Phalloidin staining confirmed that the isolated hDPSCs successfully recapitulated the morphology of predesigned micropatterns. Immunofluorescence staining showed that the polarization and differentiation levels of the hDPSCs with a 3600 μm² area were significantly higher than those with 1 800 and 2 700 μm² areas (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS The polarization and differentiation of single hDPSCs increased with the cell areas on micropatterned surfaces.
Cell Differentiation ; Humans ; Dental Pulp/cytology* ; Odontoblasts/cytology* ; Stem Cells/cytology* ; Cells, Cultured ; Cell Polarity ; Surface Properties

Objective:To investigate the application of the 7E teaching model (i.e., Elicit, Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate, Evaluate, and Extend) combined with standardized patients (SP) in nursing practice teaching for general surgery.Methods:A total of 80 nursing students who were assigned to Department of General Surgery in our hospital were selected and divided into control group and observation group according to the order of admission, with 40 students in each group. The students in the control group received traditional teaching, while those in the observation group received the 7E teaching model combined with SP. Theoretical and practical operation scores were assessed for both groups, and the scores of non-technical skills were compared between the two groups. SPSS 22.0 was used to perform the t-test. Results:Compared with the control group, the observation group had significantly better scores of theoretical assessment (89.36±2.13 vs. 87.64±2.07, P<0.05) and practical operation (92.07±4.33 vs. 85.19±3.46, P<0.05). The observation group had significantly higher scores of non-technical skills (humanistic care ability, ability to stimulate learning interest, communication ability with patients, depth of the understanding of diseases and nursing ability, knowledge extension ability, team collaboration ability, clinical thinking ability, and clinical decision-making ability) than the control group ( P<0.05). Conclusion:The 7E teaching model combined with SP in nursing practice teaching for general surgery can better enhance the theoretical and practical abilities of nursing interns and help to improve the level of non-technical skills.

Objective: To evaluate the diagnostic value of thin-slice CT navigation combined with cytology in routine preoperative bronchoscopy of peripheral pulmonary lesions and compare the diagnostic effects of different cytological sampling methods. Methods: The clinical data of peripheral lung cancer patients with preoperative bronchoscopy and cytology sampling guided by thin-slice CT from May 2015 to July 2016 in Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences were retrospectively analyzed. The diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity and specificity of different cytological sampling methods for peripheral pulmonary lesions guided by thin-slice CT were compared, the factors affected the diagnostic sensitivity were analyzed, and the complications induced by these methods were observed. Results: The diagnostic sensitivity of thin-slice CT navigation combined with bronchoalveolar lavage for peripheral pulmonary lesions was 39.1%, and the positive diagnosis rate was 35.1%. The diagnostic sensitivity of thin-slice CT navigation combined with cell brush for peripheral pulmonary lesions was 51.7%, and the positive diagnosis rate was 46.4%. The diagnostic sensitivity of bronchoalveolar lavage combined with cell brush for peripheral pulmonary lesions was 57.5%, and the positive diagnosis rate was 51.5%. The positive diagnosis rate between brush sampling and bronchoalveolar lavage was statistically different (P=0.01). No significant difference was observed in the diagnostic rate between cell brush and cell brush combined with bronchoalveolar lavage (P=0.06). The factors affected diagnostic sensitivity of brush included the lesion location, size, and the relationship between the lesion and bronchial (all P<0.05). When the size of the peripheral lung lesion >2 cm, the diagnostic sensitivity of thin-slice CT navigation combined with cell brush for peripheral pulmonary lesions was 73.6%. Its positive diagnosis rate was 68% and the specificity was 100%, respectively. Two cases of mild bleeding were observed, and hemorrhage was terminated by conservative treatment. Conclusion Preoperative thin-slice CT navigation combined with cytological examination is an effective method for the diagnosis of peripheral pulmonary lesions, and the diagnostic efficiency of cell brush is higher than that of bronchoalveolar lavage, especially for the lesion size >2 cm.

Objective: To investigate the imaging appearance of CT and MRI in retroperitoneal dedifferentiated liposarcoma (DDL) based on pathological findings. Methods: Twelve patients with retroperitoneal DDL (13 lesions) who were surgically and pathologically confirmed were retrospectively collected in the Cancer Hospital of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences. The correlation of CT and MRI features with histopathologic findings was analyzed. Results: The CT and MRI images of retroperitoneal DDLs were large, heterogeneous soft-tissue masses, mostly lobulated (30.8%, 4/13) or multinodular (46.2%, 6/13), invading adjacent anatomic structures (46.2%, 6/13). The lesions contained different proportions of fatty and non-fatty components, and usually with clear boundaries. The CT images of dedifferentiated components showed non-fatty masses of soft tissue density or mixed density, among which ground-glass nodules may be related to mucinous components. Occasionally calcification or ossification was seen (45.5%, 5/11). The contrast-enhanced CT and MRI images of non-fatty components commonly showed intense heterogeneous enhancement (84.6%, 11/13), central cystic changes and necrosis (61.5%, 8/13), pathologically corresponding to multiple types of soft tissue sarcomas without significant specificity. The well-differentiated components were fatty masses with irregular fibrous septa or soft tissue nodules, which is pathologically corresponding to well differentiated liposarcoma. Lymph node or distant metastasis was rare. Conclusions The imaging manifestations of retroperitoneal DDLs are diverse and closely related to the proportion and distribution of different components. CT, MRI and contrast-enhanced imaging has a certain diagnostic value for retroperitoneal DDLs.

Objective To investigate the imaging appearance of CT and MRI in retroperitoneal dedifferentiated liposarcoma ( DDL ) based on pathological findings. Methods Twelve patients with retroperitoneal DDL ( 13 lesions) who were surgically and pathologically confirmed were retrospectively collected in the Cancer Hospital of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences. The correlation of CT and MRI features with histopathologic findings was analyzed. Results The CT and MRI images of retroperitoneal DDLs were large, heterogeneous soft?tissue masses, mostly lobulated (30.8%, 4／13) or multinodular (46.2%, 6／13), invading adjacent anatomic structures (46.2%, 6／13).The lesions contained different proportions of fatty and non?fatty components, and usually with clear boundaries. The CT images of dedifferentiated components showed non?fatty masses of soft tissue density or mixed density, among which ground?glass nodules may be related to mucinous components. Occasionally calcification or ossification was seen (45.5%, 5／11). The contrast?enhanced CT and MRI images of non?fatty components commonly showed intense heterogeneous enhancement ( 84.6%, 11／13), central cystic changes and necrosis ( 61.5%, 8／13 ), pathologically corresponding to multiple types of soft tissue sarcomas without significant specificity. The well?differentiated components were fatty masses with irregular fibrous septa or soft tissue nodules, which is pathologically corresponding to well differentiated liposarcoma. Lymph node or distant metastasis was rare. Conclusions The imaging manifestations of retroperitoneal DDLs are diverse and closely related to the proportion and distribution of different components. CT, MRI and contrast?enhanced imaging has a certain diagnostic value for retroperitoneal DDLs.

Objective To investigate the imaging appearance of CT and MRI in retroperitoneal dedifferentiated liposarcoma ( DDL ) based on pathological findings. Methods Twelve patients with retroperitoneal DDL ( 13 lesions) who were surgically and pathologically confirmed were retrospectively collected in the Cancer Hospital of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences. The correlation of CT and MRI features with histopathologic findings was analyzed. Results The CT and MRI images of retroperitoneal DDLs were large, heterogeneous soft?tissue masses, mostly lobulated (30.8%, 4／13) or multinodular (46.2%, 6／13), invading adjacent anatomic structures (46.2%, 6／13).The lesions contained different proportions of fatty and non?fatty components, and usually with clear boundaries. The CT images of dedifferentiated components showed non?fatty masses of soft tissue density or mixed density, among which ground?glass nodules may be related to mucinous components. Occasionally calcification or ossification was seen (45.5%, 5／11). The contrast?enhanced CT and MRI images of non?fatty components commonly showed intense heterogeneous enhancement ( 84.6%, 11／13), central cystic changes and necrosis ( 61.5%, 8／13 ), pathologically corresponding to multiple types of soft tissue sarcomas without significant specificity. The well?differentiated components were fatty masses with irregular fibrous septa or soft tissue nodules, which is pathologically corresponding to well differentiated liposarcoma. Lymph node or distant metastasis was rare. Conclusions The imaging manifestations of retroperitoneal DDLs are diverse and closely related to the proportion and distribution of different components. CT, MRI and contrast?enhanced imaging has a certain diagnostic value for retroperitoneal DDLs.

Objective: To evaluate Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) at 3.0T in differential diagnosis of the origin of adenocarcinoma at the junction of the lower uterine segment and endocervix. Methods: 71 patients with adenocarcinoma at the junction of the lower uterine segment and endocervix were retrospectively collected. Pelvic MR examinations, including diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) sequences, were performed within 2 weeks before surgery. MR images were analyzed and measured by two radiologists, including the location of the tumor center, the enhancement pattern, the anterior and posterior diameters, the left and right diameters, the upper and lower diameters, and the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) of the tumor. Immunohistochemical method was used as gold standard in distinguishing cervical adenocarcinoma and uterine adenocarcinoma. Results: The upper and lower diameters of uterine adenocarcinoma were [(5.80±2.31) cm], significantly larger than those of cervical adenocarcinoma [(4.16±2.17) cm, P=0.009]. Using 4.5cm as the best cutoff point value, the sensitivity and specificity in distinguishing uterine adenocarcinoma and cervical adenocarcinoma were 68.4% and 65.4%, respectively. According to the location of tumor center, the sensitivity and specificity were 84.2% and 73.1%, respectively. Using tumor enhancement pattern as the criterion, the sensitivity and specificity of diagnosing uterine adenocarcinoma and cervical adenocarcinoma were 68.4% and 80.8% respectively. Conclusions MRI has certain clinical value in evaluating the origin of adenocarcinoma at the junction of the lower uterine segment and endocervix. The lesions can be diagnosed according to the main location, the characteristics of dynamic enhancement and the growth pattern of the tumor.

Objective To evaluate the value of parameters derived from intravoxel incoherent motion diffusion?weighted magnetic resonance imaging in differentiating histopathological subtypes of renal cell carcinoma ( RCC) . Methods Between May 2014 and December 2015, a total of 69 patients who were surgically and pathologically diagnosed as renal cell carcinoma were recruited for the study. We examined 61 clear cell RCC ( ccRCC) , and 8 non?clear cell carcinoma ( non?ccRCC, including 7 chromophobe RCC and 1 papillary RCC ) . All the ccRCC were divided into well differentiated group ( n = 46 ) , moderately differentiated group (n=8), and poorly differentiated group (n=7). In addition to routine renal magnetic resonance imaging examination performed on a 3. 0?Tesla MR system, all patients were imaged with axial intravoxel incoherent motion diffusion?weighted imaging. Using biexponential model, we calculated the diffusion coefficient ( D) , pseudodiffusion coefficient ( D?) , and perfusion fraction ( f) . Results The D and f values of the ccRCC were higher (each P<0.05) than that for non?ccRCC [D (1.29±0.30)×10-3mm2/s, D?(42.92±20.21)×10-3mm2/s, and f (35.71±6.61)% versus D (0.78±0.23)×10-3mm2/s, D?(32.60±11.33)×10-3mm2/s, and f (21.52±8.44)% ]. In the well differentiated group of ccRCC, we found D of (1.36±0.29)×10-3mm2/s, D?(38.39±18.51)×10-3mm2/s, and f (36.40±6.96)%. The D, D?, f values of moderately differentiated lesions were (1.10±0.24)×10-3mm2/s, (59.90±20.23)×10-3 mm2/s, and (32.88±4.02)%, respectively, those of the poorly differentiated group were (1.03±0.16)×10-3mm2/s, (53.28±18.74)×10-3mm2/s, and (34.42±6.21)%. The well differentiated group of ccRCC showed a higher D value than the moderately differentiated and poorly differentiated groups ( each P<0.05) . D? values were significantly lower for the well differentiated group than for the moderately differentiated group (P<0.05). The sensitivity and specificity of D values were 90. 2% and 87. 5% when focusing on the differentiation of ccRCC. For the diagnosis of ccRCC, the sensitivity and specificity of f values were 98. 4% and 75. 0%, respectively. Conclusions IVIM?DWI can provide certain reliable value in evaluating pathological subtype and differentiation degree of renal cell carcinomas. D and f values are useful to distinguish ccRCC from non?ccRCC. D value is also promising for estimating the differentiation degree of ccRCC, and to indicate the biological behavior of RCC.

Objective To evaluate the value of parameters derived from intravoxel incoherent motion diffusion?weighted magnetic resonance imaging in differentiating histopathological subtypes of renal cell carcinoma ( RCC) . Methods Between May 2014 and December 2015, a total of 69 patients who were surgically and pathologically diagnosed as renal cell carcinoma were recruited for the study. We examined 61 clear cell RCC ( ccRCC) , and 8 non?clear cell carcinoma ( non?ccRCC, including 7 chromophobe RCC and 1 papillary RCC ) . All the ccRCC were divided into well differentiated group ( n = 46 ) , moderately differentiated group (n=8), and poorly differentiated group (n=7). In addition to routine renal magnetic resonance imaging examination performed on a 3. 0?Tesla MR system, all patients were imaged with axial intravoxel incoherent motion diffusion?weighted imaging. Using biexponential model, we calculated the diffusion coefficient ( D) , pseudodiffusion coefficient ( D?) , and perfusion fraction ( f) . Results The D and f values of the ccRCC were higher (each P<0.05) than that for non?ccRCC [D (1.29±0.30)×10-3mm2/s, D?(42.92±20.21)×10-3mm2/s, and f (35.71±6.61)% versus D (0.78±0.23)×10-3mm2/s, D?(32.60±11.33)×10-3mm2/s, and f (21.52±8.44)% ]. In the well differentiated group of ccRCC, we found D of (1.36±0.29)×10-3mm2/s, D?(38.39±18.51)×10-3mm2/s, and f (36.40±6.96)%. The D, D?, f values of moderately differentiated lesions were (1.10±0.24)×10-3mm2/s, (59.90±20.23)×10-3 mm2/s, and (32.88±4.02)%, respectively, those of the poorly differentiated group were (1.03±0.16)×10-3mm2/s, (53.28±18.74)×10-3mm2/s, and (34.42±6.21)%. The well differentiated group of ccRCC showed a higher D value than the moderately differentiated and poorly differentiated groups ( each P<0.05) . D? values were significantly lower for the well differentiated group than for the moderately differentiated group (P<0.05). The sensitivity and specificity of D values were 90. 2% and 87. 5% when focusing on the differentiation of ccRCC. For the diagnosis of ccRCC, the sensitivity and specificity of f values were 98. 4% and 75. 0%, respectively. Conclusions IVIM?DWI can provide certain reliable value in evaluating pathological subtype and differentiation degree of renal cell carcinomas. D and f values are useful to distinguish ccRCC from non?ccRCC. D value is also promising for estimating the differentiation degree of ccRCC, and to indicate the biological behavior of RCC.

BACKGROUNDThe incidence of thyroid cancer has been increasing. Our aim was to evaluate the efficacy of low-dose dual-phase helical computed tomography (CT) in the characterization of thyroid lesions, and to discuss the relationship between image characteristics and their pathology.

METHODSOne hundred and six patients with thyroid lesions underwent low-dose dual-phase helical CT after the injection of contrast material. CT scans were obtained at arterial and venous phase with delays of 25 and 65 seconds, and tube current of 60 and 120 mA, respectively. The attenuation change in the lesion between the arterial and venous phase was analyzed and categorized as "increased," "decreased," "mixed" or "no change."

RESULTSHistopathologic diagnosis was obtained by surgery in 106 patients (115 lesions). Of the 106 patients, 45 had nodular goiter, 5 thyroid adenoma, 6 thyroiditis, and 50 papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) (59 lesions). The attenuation value showed a significant difference (P < 0.05) between the arterial and venous phase for the high attenuation area. There was statistical significant difference in terms of attenuation value in high attenuation areas at both phases and in low attenuation areas on arterial phase between nodular goiter and PTC (P < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference in attenuation value between adenoma and PTC. Twenty-nine cases (76.3%) of goiter manifested mixed type, 3 cases (3/5) of adenoma showed decreased type, 6 cases (6/6) of thyroiditis showed increased type, and 55 cases (93.2%) of PTC showed decreased type attenuation. The sensitivity, specificity for thyroid carcinoma by dual-phase CT were 94.9% and 80.4% respectively. The overall diagnostic accuracy for thyroid lesions by dual-phase CT was 87.8%.

CONCLUSIONSThe performance of dual-phase helical CT is related to the pathological structure of the lesions. The analysis of enhancement patterns by using dual-phase helical CT will be helpful in the differential diagnosis of thyroid lesions.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Carcinoma ; diagnostic imaging ; pathology ; Carcinoma, Papillary ; Female ; Goiter, Nodular ; diagnostic imaging ; pathology ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Thyroid Gland ; diagnostic imaging ; pathology ; Thyroid Neoplasms ; diagnostic imaging ; pathology ; Thyroiditis ; diagnostic imaging ; pathology ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed ; Young Adult