Objective:To establish a nomogram model based on elastic imaging parameters and ultrasound image features, and evaluate its predictive value in central lymph node metastasis (CLNM) in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) .Methods:The clinical data of 168 patients (the research group) with papillary thyroid carcinoma who underwent thyroid surgery in our hospital from Jan. 2019 to Dec. 2021 were retrospectively collected, including gender, age, ultrasound elastography parameters (elasticity ratio, blue area ratio), and ultrasound examination indicators (nodule diameter, nodule number, internal echo, border, edge, aspect ratio, microcalcification, capsule invasion). Another 150 patients who underwent thyroid surgery in our hospital during the same period were selected as the validation group.According to the results of postoperative pathological examination, the the research group were divided into two groups: 64 cases (38.10%) of CLNM and 104 cases (61.90%) of non-CLNM. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to explore the influencing factors of CLNM in PTC patients, and a nomogram model based on elastic imaging parameters and ultrasound image features was established. The nomogram model was drawn to predict the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve of CLNM in PTC patients.Results:There were statistically significant differences in nodule diameter, edge, microcalcification, capsule invasion, blue area ratio, and elasticity ratio ( P<0.05). Most of the nodules in the CLNM group were ≥10 mm in diameter, with uneven margins, an aspect ratio of <1, microcalcifications and capsular invasion. Logistic regression analysis showed that nodule diameter, capsule invasion, blue area ratio and elastic ratio were risk factors for CLNM ( P<0.05). The AUC of the combined detection was 0.857 (0.777-0.937), and the sensitivity and specificity were 78.1% and 86.5%, respectively, and the AUC and sensitivity were significantly higher than the individual detection of each index ( P<0.05). In the research group, the sensitivity and specificity of the ultrasound parameter prediction model in predicting CLNM were 81.25% (52/64) and 84.62% (88/104), respectively. In the validation group, the sensitivity and specificity of the ultrasound parameter prediction model in predicting CLNM were 79.17% (38/48) and 85.29% (87/102), respectively. Conclusion:Elastography parameters (blue area ratio, elasticity ratio) and ultrasound image features (nodule diameter, capsular invasion) are the influencing factors of CLNM in PTC patients, and the combined prediction based on the above four indicators has good application value.

OBJECTIVETo observe the effect difference between drug-spreading moxibustion and the oral administration of meloxicam for primary dysmenorrheal with cold stagnation and to explore its mechanism.

METHODSA total of 101 patients with primary dysmenorrheal were randomly assigned into a drug-moxibustion group(52 cases) and a western medication group(49 cases). Drug-spreading moxibustion was used on the lumbosacral acupoints area and then around lower abdominal five days before menstruation until the 3rd day of menstruation,once three days,while western medicine meloxicam was prescribed one day before menstruation,7.5 mg at a time,once a day and continuously for three days. The clinical effects after one course,namely three menstrual cycles,were compared between the two groups. Meanwhile,the resistance index(RI) and the pulsatility index (PI) of uterine artery and arcus arteriarum were examined through color Doppler ultrasound before and after treatment.

RESULTSAfter one-course treatment,the effective rate was 92.3%(48/52) in the drug-spreading moxibustion group,which was better than 67.3%(33/49) in the western medication group(<0.05). Also,all the RI and PI in the drug-spreading moxibustion group were obviously decreased than those before treatment(all<0.05),and the ones were superior to those of the western medication group(all<0.05),which showed no apparent decrease after treatment(all>0.05).

CONCLUSIONSDrug-spreading moxibustion can improve the symptoms of primary dysmenorrheal with cold-damp stagnation,and the effect is better than that of meloxicam. The mechanism may be related to improve the blood supply to the uterus.

Objective: To investigate the correlation between c-kit mRNA expression and prognosis in patients with rectal carcinoma. Methods: The expression of c-kit mRNA in rectal carcinoma tissues(n=66) was detected by multiplex branched-DNA liquid chip method. According to the expression level, the patients were classified into the c-kit mRNA high expression group and the low group. We analyzed the relationship between the c-kit mRNA expression and the clinicopathological characteristics of patients, as well as the factors affecting patients′prognosis. Results: Of the 66 rectal carcinoma patients, 18(27.3%)cases were c-kit mRNA high expression. No significant correlation was found between the c-kit mRNA expression and gender, age, preoperative carcinoembryonic antigen, preoperative hemoglobin, distance to verge, lymph node metastasis, tumor thrombus, T stage, TNM stage and tumor differentiation (P>0.05). In follow-up, 34 patients died, 32 patients and 36 patients were recurrence or metastasis. The 1-, 3-, 5-year overall survival(OS) of c-kit mRNA high expression group were 100.0%, 77.8%, 77.8%, respectively, while those of the low one were 93.8%, 56.3%, 45.8%, respectively. The difference was statistically significant(P=0.025). Lymph node metastasis, T stage and TNM stage were also significant associated with OS(P<0.05). The 1-, 3-, 5-year disease free rate (DFS)of the c-kit mRNA high expression group were 100.0%, 77.8% and 77.8%, respectively, while those of the low one were 77.1%、43.8% and 41.7%, respectively, and the difference between the two groups was significant (P=0.044). As a reslut, c-kit mRNA expression (P=0.038) and TNM stage (P=0.039) were the independent prognostic factors affecting the OS in rectal cancer patients. Conclusions Low expression of c-kit was associated with poor prognosis of rectal carcinoma. And the mechanism underlying this phenomenon deserves further exploration.