Objective To evaluate the clinical value of dual-energy CT in the detection of monosodium urate crystals in patients with gout.Methods One hundred and eight patients who experienced unilateral arthrocele and (or) joint pain in the past two weeks were enrolled into our study.DECT were performed for the upper or lower extremity.Ninety-five patients were enrolled into the gout study group based on the American rheumatism association (ACR) classification standard;The 0.3 linear blended images group were regarded as conventional CT group,DE (80 kV and 140 kV) datasets were reconstructed via gout-recognition software,the pseudo-color images group as the postprocessed group.Imagings were reviewed independently by two senior radiologists.Chi-square test were used for statistical analysis with the SPSS 13.0software.Results In the conventional CT group,DECT scans revealed a total of 298 areas of urate deposition in 51 patients;The sensitivity,specificity,and accuracy were 53.7％,84.6％,and 57.4％.In the postprocessed group,401 areas of green urate deposition were detected in 69 patients,the sensitivity,specificity,and accuracy were 72.6％,100.0％,75.9％ respectively,the differences had statistical significance (x2 =7.329 and 8.333,P ＜ 0.05).Conclusions DECT gout recognition technology can detect smaller amount of monosodium urate in the other parts of the body,with a great potential in early diagnosis and treatment monitoring of patients with gout.

AIM: To investigate the differentiation of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) into chondrocytes in vitro and determine factors involving in the differentiation process. METHODS: MSC were separated from iliac bone marrow with lymphocyte separating medium using density centrifugation. Cells were cultured and expanded in medium until reaching required number. MSC was induced to differentiate into chondrocytes by adopting high cell density, supplying growth factor and using micromass culture. Cells were observed by HE staining. Matrix of cartilage was detected by alcian blue and toludine blue and cartilage specific collagen II was detected by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: The structure of the micromass assumed that of cellular cartilage, alcian blue staining were uniformly positive and toludine blue detected diffuse metachromasia substance, cells uniformly expressed collagen Ⅱ. CONCLUSION: High cell density, growth factor and appropriate culture conditions are critical to induce differentiation of MSC into chondrocytes. [

Objective To explore the time course of response inhibition function in juvenile delin-quents with antisocial personality characteristics.Methods The healthy control group ( n=21),juvenile delinquents with antisocial personality characteristics ( CD +AP ) ( n=18) and juvenile delinquents ( CD) ( n=18) were selected in current study by recording the event-related potentials in a Go/Nogo task.N2 and P3 components of event-related potentials were analyzed.Results Behavioral results showed that Nogo cor-rection rate of control group ((93.13±2.71)%) were significantly higher than CD group ((87.51±2.82)%, P<0.01) and CD +AP group((85.63±2.45)%, P<0.01).In CD+AP group,the amplitude of the N2nogo ( (-1.82±1.64)μV) was significantly lower than control group ( (-6.36±2.93)μV, P<0.01) ,and the am-plitude of the P3nogo ((5.52±2.79)μV) was significantly decreased than healthy control ((11.26±4.92)μV, P<0.01).In CD group,the amplitude of P3nogo ((5.20±3.17)μV) was significantly reduced than healthy control ((11.26±4.92)μV, P<0.01).Conclusion N2nogo and N2d are associated with the early phases of response inhibition and reflected response conflict.P3nogo and P3d are associated with the late phases of response inhibition and monitored inhibitory control.These data suggest that CD+AP participants exhibited im-paired response conflict and inhibitory control.This may be associated with persistent antisocial behavior.

Objective To investigate the effect of the high mobility group protein 1 (HMGB1), cancer embryonic antigen (CEA) and squamous cell carcinoma antigen ( SCC-Ag) by paclitaxel combined with cisplatin chemotherapy in the treatment of advanced esophageal cancer patients .Methods 43 cases advanced esophageal cancer patients from our hospital were selected and randomly divided into the control group and the experiment group.19 cases in the control group were treated by surgery combined with postoperative chemotherapy , 24 cases in the experimental group were treated with surgery and chemotherapy.The clinical efficacy and high mobility group protein 1 ( HMGB1 ) , cancer embryonic antigen ( CEA ) and squamous cell carcinoma antigen ( SCC-Ag ) levels were compared between the two groups before and after treatment.Results The total effective rate of the experimental group was (91.7%) higher than that of the control group (57.9%), the difference was statistically significant (P <0.05).After treatment, the serum levels of SCC-Ag, CEA and HMGB1 were decreased in the two groups, compared with the control group, the experimental group SCC-Ag, CEA and HMGB1 levels were lower, the difference was statistically significant ( P <0.05 ) .There was no significant difference in adverse reactions between the two groups.Conclusion Paclitaxel combined with cisplatin in the treatment of advanced esophageal cancer patients with good results, presumably with the decrease of serum SCC-Ag, CEA and HMGB1 levels in patients with.

Objective To explore the effect of dihydromyricetin (DMY) on the cholesterol efflux in macrophage derived foam cells and analyze the possible mechanisms. Methods RAW 264.7 macrophages were incubated by oxidized low densi?ty lipoprotein (ox-LDL, 50 mg/L) for 48 h to induce foam cells. Subsequently, the foam cells were subdivided into control group (RPMI1640 media) and DMY 1-4 groups (10, 20, 40 and 80μmol/L) and cultured for 24 h. Cholesterol efflux from foam cells was examined by [3H] labed cholesterol. The high performance liquid chromatography assay was used to test the cellular contents of free cholesterol (FC), cholesteryl ester (CE) and total cholesterol (TC). The expression of ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) was measured by Western blot assay. Results Compared with control group, cholesterol efflux was significantly increased, the content of FC, TC CE and CE/TC ratio were significantly decreased and expression of ABCA1 was significantly up-regulated in dose dependent manner in DMY (20, 40 and 80μmol/L) groups (P<0.05). There were no significant differences in cholesterol efflux, the content of FC, TC and CE, and expression of ABCA 1 between control group and DMY (10μmol/L) group of foam cells (P>0.05). Conclusion DMY promotes the cholesterol efflux in the macro?phage derived foam cells, which may be related with the increase of ABCA1 induced by DMY.

Objective To evaluate the dose reduction technology using in CT-guided percutaneous lung biopsy of pulmonary lesions using automated core needle biopsies (ACNB).Methods 412 ACNB cases included 146 consecutive conventional patients (group A,120 kV/100 mA) and 266 consecutive patients (group B,120 kV/20 mA,low-dose scanning,reduce scanning width and scanning frequency).The quality of images was compared by grain homogeneity,fine structure,clearness of tissue interface and artifacts.The total diagnostic accuracy rate,the examination time and radiation dose between group A and group B were compared.Results The fine structure of group B was significantly lower (X~2 ＝7.0508,P ＜ 0.05).The total diagnostic accuracy rate was 95.9% vs 95.1% (X~2 ＝0.1296,P ＜ 0.05).The examination time for biopsy procedure was (16 ±2.2)min vs (15.9 ±2.0)min (t ＝ 1.3579,P ＜ 0.05) ,and the mean effective dose (E) was (1.74 ± 0.7) mSv vs (0.59 ± 0.14) mSv (t ＝ 19.3415 ,P ＜ 0.05) .The E of group B decreased by 66%.Conclusions ACNB is a feasible and accurate method for diagnosing pulmonary lesions,and the E can significantly reduce the dose received in low-dose scanning.

Objective To evaluate the value of dual energy computed tomography (DECT) for the diagnosis of gout.Methods Twenty-fivc consccutive patients with gout were selected as the experimental group and 20 patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) were selected as the control group.DECT scans were performed for every patient (all peripheral joints for the experimental group and affected joints for the control group).And every patient with gout had X-ray examination of the involved joints.x2 test and t-test were used for statistical analysis.Results All 25 patients with gout showed urate deposits on their DECT scans,whereas none of 20 controls showed urate deposits (P＜0.01).DECT scans revealed a total of 184 areas of urate deposition in 25 patients,in which 107 (58.2％) were at feet and ankle,72 (39.1％) were at knees,4 (2.2％) were at hands and wrists,1 (0.5％) was at elbows,whereas physical examination only showed 64 areas of urate deposition,in which 38(59.4％) were at feet and ankle,24(37.5％) were at knees,2(3.1％) at hands and wrists,0 was at elbows(P＜0.01 ).Only 6 patients with gout showed nonspecific manifestations on X-ray.Conclusion DECT scans may have potential value for the diagnosis of gout since it could produce evident colour displays for urate deposits and help to identify subclinical tophus deposits.

OBJECTIVETo study the treatment effects of cultured Cordyceps sinensis combined with glucocorticosteroid on experimental pulmonary fibrosis in rats induced by bleomycin.

METHODFifty rats were randomly divided into five groups, including control group, model group, cultured C. sinensis groups, prednisone group, cultured C. sinensis combined with prednisone group. On experimental day 0, the rats were respectively intratracheally instilled with bleomycin, and rats in the control group and model group with the same volume of normal saline. One day after the injection, cultured C. sinensis and glucocorticosteroid was respectively given to rats daily by gastric gavage, while the same volume of normal saline was given to those in the control group and model group. On 28th d, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and lung tissue were collected. Histological changes of the lungs were evaluated by HE stain, Masson's trichrome stain. Collagen content of the lung tissue was assessed by hydroxyprolin concentration. Lung expression of CTGF protein was assessed by immunohistochemistry. The level of TGF-beta1 protein was measured by ELISA.

RESULTCompared to model group, pulmonary fibrosis were alleviated in cultured C. sinensis and prednisone group, and CTGF expression, Hydroxyproline concentrations and protein TGF-beta1 were decreased. The combination effect of C. sinensis and prednisone group is augmented compared with using C. sinensis or prednisone group alone.

CONCLUSIONThe cultured C. sinensis and prednisone alleviates pulmonary fibrosis, and the combination use of both drugs has synergia effects in anti-fibrous degeneration.

Animals ; Bleomycin ; toxicity ; Connective Tissue Growth Factor ; analysis ; Cordyceps ; Drug Therapy, Combination ; Lung ; chemistry ; pathology ; Male ; Phytotherapy ; Prednisone ; administration & dosage ; Pulmonary Fibrosis ; chemically induced ; drug therapy ; pathology ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley

OBJECTIVETo validate the discharge, inflammation, polyps/edema (DIP) scoring system for the assessment of endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) outcomes in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS).

METHODSThirty patients with CRS were included in this prospective study. All patients were evaluated before and 2 months after surgery. Baseline measures and postoperative outcomes were evaluated using sino-nasal outcome test-20 (SNOT-20), visual analogue scale (VAS) symptom score and Lund-Mackay CT score (in baseline only). All endoscopic videos were recorded before surgery and in the end of follow-up. All videos were scored blindly by two rhinologistis using the DIP and Lund-Kennedy system for investigating the inter-rater and test-retest reliability, as well as the correlations with the existing subjective and objective scoring systems.SPSS17.0 software was used to analyze the data.

RESULTSThe average scores of VAS, SNOT-20, Lund-Kennedy, and DIP before and after surgery were listed below. Baseline, 29.73 ± 13.05, 24.43 ± 13.76, 7.70 ± 3.25 and 32.67 ± 13.48. Post-surgical, 13.60 ± 8.67, 10.40 ± 7.45, 5.03 ± 2.04 and 16.97 ± 8.37. All scores were declined significantly from baseline (t value were 7.43, 6.49, 6.88 and 10.93, all P < 0.001). The DIP system showed a higher inter-rater and rest-rest reliability than Lund-Kennedy system (interclass coefficient,ICC > 0.75). The Pearson analysis revealed that VAS scores were significantly correlated with SNOT-20 scores both in baseline and post-surgical assessments (r = 0.518 6, P = 0.003, and r = 0.546 7, P = 0.000). Before surgery, Lund-Kennedy scores were significantly correlated with DIP and Lund-Mackay CT scores (r = 0.937 5, P = 0.000 and r = 0.748 0, P = 0.000). DIP scores were significantly correlated with Lund-Mackay CT scores (r = 0.712 2, P = 0.000). After surgery,DIP scores were significantly correlated with Lund-Kennedy scores (r = 0.869 6, P = 0.000). But there were no significant correlations between subjective scores (VAS and SNOT-20) and objective scores (Lund-Kennedy, DIP and Lund-Mackay CT), (all P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSThe DIP scoring system shows substantial inter-rater and test-retest reliability.It is also significantly correlated with existing objective scoring parameters. It is suitable and reliable to use.

Chronic Disease ; Edema ; Endoscopy ; Female ; Humans ; Inflammation ; Male ; Nasal Polyps ; diagnosis ; Paranasal Sinuses ; Polyps ; Postoperative Period ; Prospective Studies ; Reproducibility of Results ; Rhinitis ; diagnosis ; Sinusitis ; diagnosis

Objectives:To investigate the clinical value of endoscopy and mucosal histology for digestive tract diseases in infants.Methods:Clinical data of 357 infants who underwent 422 gastrointestinal endoscopies from January 2010 to December 2021 were collected. The indications, endoscopic manifestations, histological features of mucosa and diagnosis were analyzed.Results:A total of 159 gastroscopies and 263 colonoscopies were performed. Diarrhea (185 cases), bloody stool (178 cases) and vomiting (46 cases) were common symptoms. Endoscopy showed manifestations including non-specific inflammatory changes (265 cases), ulcer-like changes (72 cases), and normal mucusa (48 cases). A total of 373 biopsies were performed, including 260 cases of abnormal mucosal histology, 109 cases of normal mucosal histology, and 4 cases of too small biopsy specimens for analysis. Diagnoses were 208 cases of anaphylactic disease, 45 cases of inflammatory bowel disease, 15 cases of variation of structure, 10 cases of intestinal lymphangiectasis, 2 cases of autoimmune enteropathy, and 1 case of celiac disease. There was only 1 colonic perforation complicating endoscopy in terms of endoscopic complication.Conclusions:It is safe and effective to perform endoscopy standardly for digestive tract diseases in infants. Endoscopy with biopsies is a greatly informative test for diagnosis in infants.