Objective To evaluate the value of quantized diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI)in diagnosis of focal liver lesions. Methods A retrospective analysis was performed in 120 patients with focal liver lesions and in 12 healthy controls who underwent DWI and routine non-enhanced MRI at 3.0T.In 120 patients,there were 1 79 focal liver lesions including 53 hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC),61 metastatic tumors,32 hemangiomas and 33 cysts.The DWI and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC)maps and ADC val-ues of the lesions and the normal liver were analyzed and measured with a b value of 800 s/mm2 ,and the statistical differences be-tween two groups were compared.Results DWI showed 33 hepatic cysts with low signal,and 5 1 hepatocellular carcinomas,61 he-patic metastases and 32 hepatic hemangiomas with high signal,thus the signal difference between hepatic cyst and other lesions was significant (P <0.05).The ADC images of HCC and metastatic tumors were cold colour,and those of hepatic cysts and hemangio-mas were hot colour.The ADC value between HCC,liver metastatic tumors,hepatic hemangioma and cysts were significant different (P <0.05).However,there were no significant differences in ADC value between HCC and metastatic tumors (P >0.05).In addit-on,the ratios of the ADC values of lesion to background liver between hepatocellular carcinoma and metastases were significantly dif-ferent (P <0.05).Conclusion DWI and ADC maps,and ADC value can provide importantly additional information for the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of focal liver lesions.

Objective To investigate the clinical value of GFR, microalbuminuria (mAlb), serum β2-microglobulin (MG) and cystatin C (CysC) for the evaluation of renal function in patients with DN.Methods A total of 150 patients with type 2 DM diagnosed by WHO standard (1999) from December 2012 to December 2015 were retrospectively analyzed.Thirty-three kidney transplantation donors during the same time were chosen as the control group.The urine mAlb, Cr, albumin/Cr ratio(ACR) and SCr, serum β2-MG, CysC, urea, uric acid(UA), fasting blood glucose (FBG), hemoglobin A lc (HbA1c) and C-reactive protein (CRP) were measured.99Tcm-DTPA renal dynamic imaging was performed.The Gates method was used to calculate GFR, and the modification of diet in renal disease (MDRD) method was used to calculate the estimated GFR (eGFR).The relative equation between GFR and eGFR was studied.The clinical stages of renal function in type 2 DM patients were evaluated by Mogenesen standard method.Two-sample t test was used for data analysis.ROC curve analysis was performed to study the diagnostic value of GFR in DN.Results The patients were divided into merely type 2 DM group, early stage DN (Ⅰ, Ⅱ, Ⅲ), and clinical DN(Ⅳ) groups by Mogenesen standard method.GFR and eGFR in the DNⅠstage were higher than those of the merely type 2 DM group (t values:-7.502,-3.629, both P<0.01), and GFR and eGFR decreased with the increased stage of DN.However, serum UA, CRP, FBG and HbA1c, SCr, urea, β2-MG, CysC, mAlb and ACR increased when the stage of DN was higher.GFR and eGFR showed a linear correlation, with the regression equation of y=0.957x+6.823.AUC of ROC in patients with DN Ⅰ was 0.989.With the cutoff value of 125.09 ml/min, the sensitivity and specificity was 96.2%(25/26) and 98.4%(122/124) respectively in diagnosis of DNⅠ.Between high UA and normal UA groups, FBG and HbA1c were not significantly different (t values:-1.010,-1.034, both P>0.05), but the renal function indicators were different (t values:-5.090-2.209, all P<0.01).Compared with the normal CRP group, the FBG, HbA1c and renal function indicators were statistically different in high CRP group (t values:-6.114-7.386, all P<0.01).Conclusions GFR and eGFR show a linear relationship in type 2 DM.GFR is a sensitive, specific diagnostic index in DN Ⅰ period.β2-MG, CysC, mAlb and ACR are conducive to the early diagnosis of DN.High UA is an independent risk factor for the onset of DN, and high CRP is an inflammatory damage factor in DN.

BACKGROUND:Inflamed dental pulp stem cells are a new kind of dental pulp stem cells, and there is no systematic review on the cells by now. OBJECTIVE:To systematical y review the research progress in inflamed dental pulp stem cells. METHODS:A computer-based online search in PubMed, Web of Science, CNKI, WanFang and VIP databases was performed for related articles published from the establishment of the databases to February 2014. The keywords were“(pulptis or inflam*dental pulp*or human dental pulp with irreversible pulpitis) and stem cel*”in English and Chinese, respectively. Hand searching was also done to obtain further information or papers about the studies. The results were qualitatively analyzed to comprehensively summarize the progress in the research of inflamed dental pulp stem cells. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Total y 11 papers were involved in result analysis that comprehensively review the research progress in inflamed dental pulp stem cells at the fol owing aspects:the research of history, material origin, cellculture, cel-surface markers, proliferation ability, multi-directional differentiation potential, animal models and clinical use. Researches of inflamed dental pulp stem cells are stil in the initial stage, and cultivating conditions and the establishment of animal models are stil in the exploratory phase. Controversies stil exist in the capacity of proliferation and multi-directional differentiation of the inflamed dental pulp stem cells. And fewer studies have been done in the characteristics of immunity, subpopulation and clinical use of the inflamed dental pulp stem cells.

Objective To determine the expression and distribution of Disabled-2(Dab2) in normal human adrenal glands, and further to study the expression of Dab2 in tissues of different adrenocortical adenomas, and to elucidate whether Dab2 can be a specific molecular marker in the pathology of primary aldosteronism. Methods Real-time PCR and immunohistochemical staining were used to detect Dab2 expression in 10 aldosterone-producing adenoma (APA) samples, 8 cortisol-producing adenoma ( CPA) samples, 8 non-functioning adenoma ( NFA) samples and 6 normal adrenal samples. Results Immunohistochemical staining showed that Dab2 was significantly highly expressed in zona glomerulosa of normal human adrenal glands. Sporadical cluster of ZG cells with moderate Dab2 staining were demonstrated in APAs. In all CPA and NFA tumors, weak dab2 staining was detected. According to the results of real-time PCR, Dab2 mRNA expression was increased significantly in APAs compared with normal adrenal glands. There was no significant difference between normal adrenal glands, CPAs, and NFAs in regard to Dab2 mRNA expression. Compared to nontumor portions, APAs also showed higher Dab2 mRNA expression in the tumor( P<0. 05). Conclusion Dab2 was predominantly localized in zona glomerulosa in normal adrenal gland. Increased Dab2 mRNA expression was detected in APAs compared with normal adrenal glands. Whereas, Dab2 protein expression was just moderate increased in APAs. Weather Dab2 can be a specific molecular marker in the pathology of primary aldosteronism has to be further studied.

Objective To investigate the clinical and pathological characteristics of normotensive pheochromocytomas ( NP) . Methods This retrospective study included 97 patients with a pathological diagnosis of pheochromocytoma at the Drum Tower Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University Medical School during January 2004 to December 2013. All available clinical, biochemical, and radiological records were reviewed in these patients who were then categorized into hypertensive pheochromocytomas (HP) (n=64) and NP (n=33) groups. 97 cases of Adrenal Gland Scale Score of pheochromocytoma were examined, including tissue microscopic pathology assessment, ki67 and phenylethanolamine-N-methyltransferase ( PNMT ) immunohistochemistry and catecholamine type. Biochemical examinations of 95 subjects with primary hypertension ( PH) were recorded for comparative study. Results The patients with NP showed lower proportion of clinical triad than HP, inapparent metabolic disorders, and lower urinary catecholamine levels than HP, but showed higher results than primary hypertension. The weight of tumor was positively correlated with 24 hour urinary norepinephrine level in patients with HP(Y=1. 376+0. 653X,R2=0. 118, P=0. 028), but not in patients with NP;and the size or diameter of the tumor was negatively correlated with PNMT immunohistochemistry in patients with NP(Y=0. 940-0. 356X, R2=0. 494, P=0. 005), but not in patients with HP, indicating that NP may be misdiagnosed clinically. Conclusion Patients with NP have distinct clinical, biochemical, and pathological phenotypes; the phenotypic changes are closely related with the expression levels of catecholamine pathway products during the occurrence and development of the tumors.

Objective To determine the status of glycemic control in type 2 diabetic patients in Jiangsu province. Methods Survey was conducted among outpatients with type 2 diabetes mellitus from 56 diabetes centers including 23 tertiary hospitals, 18 secondary hospitals and 15 primary hospitals, covering 13 cities in Jiangsu province. Data were obtained by patient interview and by reviewing medical records of the most recent laboratory assessment and clinical examinations. Blood samples were collected during patient′s visits for assessment of HbA1C. Results The mean HbA1Cof 2 966 patients was 7.18%±1.58%. Mean age of patients was(56.4±11.2) years, mean duration of diabetes was(6.3±5.7) years, and mean body mass index was(24.5±3.3) kg/m2. The proportion of good control was 40.2% defined as HbA1C＜6.5%. 42.2% of the patients in the tertiary hospitals, 36.5% of the cases in the secondary hospitals, and 36.2% of cases in the primary hospitals achieved that goal with HbA1C＜6.5%, while age, body mass index, and duration of diabetes revealed no difference among these 3 groups of patients. Conclusions The status of glycemic control in Jiangsu province has been improved as compared with the result from national survey performed 3 years ago. Patients from tertiary hospitals are better controlled than those from secondary and primary hospitals. Structural interventions to improve diabetes care in secondary and primary hospitals are needed.

A group of 19 referred hypertensive patients were diagnosed to have primary aldosteronism(PA) with inconclusive computed tomography scan results.Adrenal vein sarmpling (AVS) was performed in all patients.AVS was successful in 16 cases but failed in 3 cases.According to the results of AVS and postoperative pathology,8 cases were diagnosed as aldosterone-producing adenoma (APA) and unilateral adrenal hyperplasia (UAH),and the other 8 cases were diagnosed as idiopathic hyperaldosteronism (IHA).In conclusion,AVS is one of the most crucial methods in typing diagnosis of PA.

Objective:To investigate the association between polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and cardiovascular risk factors and evaluate 10-year risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in women with PCOS.Methods:239 PCOS patients (PCOS group) and 134 age-matched non-PCOS participants (control) were enrolled in this retrospective study.The general data was collected and biochemical test, glucose tolerance, sex hormones were detected.The Framingham score (FRS) for all women was evaluated according to age, systolic blood pressure (SBP), serum total cholesterol (TC), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and history of smoking.The clinical features, laboratory parameters and FRS of PCOS patients and non-PCOS controls were compared.The correlation between FRS and metabolic indicators and sex hormones was analyzed.Results:①Compared with those of the control group, SBP and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) significantly increased, the glucose and lipid metabolism was moredisordered, and the androgen level was higher in PCOS group (P＜0.05).② The FRS of the PCOS group was higher than that of the control women (P＜0.01).③ FRS were positively correlated with BP, FPG, PBG, FIns, PIns, HOMA-IR, TC, TG, LDL-C.FRS was negatively correlated with HDL-C and SHBG (P＜0.05).Conclusions:PCOS is correlated with major cardiovascular risk factors, such as hypertension, hyperglycemia, and hyperlipidemia.PCOS show a higher risk of 10-year CVD events than individuals without PCOS.The phenomenonis mainly related to blood pressure and glycolipid metabolism but not androgen.

Objective To analyze the characteristics and variation trend of respirable dust concentration in the working environment of a coal mine from 2013 to 2020. Methods A large coal mine in Shaanxi Province was selected as the research site. The inspection data regarding the respirable dust concentration across the years were collected. The characteristics and dynamic changes of respirable dust concentration were analyzed. Results The content of free silica in the main workplaces of the coal mine was less than 10% , and the dust was classified as the coal dust. The average annual concentrations of respirable dust varied in different workplaces, with the highest values in the fully mechanized winning and continuous mining face (0.32 mg/m³~18.68 mg/m³) and fully mechanized mining face (0.36 mg/m³~8.11 mg/m³). The average annual concentrations of respirable dust varied among different jobs, with the highest value among continuous miner drivers (1.30mg/m³~18.68 mg/m³), followed by shuttle truck drivers (0.32 mg/m³~14.77 mg/m³), crusher drivers (0.59 mg/m³~8.23 mg/m³), fully mechanized winning machine drivers (0.99 mg/m³~5.05 mg/m³), fully mechanized mining machine drivers (1.10 mg/m³~8.11 mg/m³), and timbermen (1.10mg/m³~6.09 mg/m³). The average concentration of respirable dust increased to the highest level during 2013-2014, then showed a downward trend during 2015-2018, and rebounded to a certain extent during2019-2020. Conclusion Respirable dust was widely distributed in the workplaces and across jobs. The concentrations of respirable dust were high, but the overall trend was downward.

Objective: To investigate the diagnostic value of whole liver CT perfusion imaging in the quantitative evaluation of hemodynamic changes before and after transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE). Methods: Twenty-six patients with hepatocellular carcinoma underwent TACE therapies were recruited. Whole -liver computed tomographic perfusion imaging (CTPI) was performed 2~3 days before TACE and 1 month after TACE. We measured the following perfusion parameters: hepatic arterial perfusion (HAP), portal venous perfusion (PVP), total liver perfusion (TLP), hepatic arterial perfusion index (HAPI), and time-to-peak (TTP).The F-test, t-test and Rank sum test were used for statistical analysis. Results: A total of 34 HCC lesions were detected. According to the deposition of lipiodol after TACE, they were divided into a lipiodol dense group (21) and a lipiodol light group (13). The length of hepatocellular carcinoma lesions after TACE showed a decreasing trend compared with preoperative TACE. The lesions in the lipiodol dense group had smaller lesions than those in the lipiodol light group. The preoperative and postoperative longitudinal diameters were (3.12 ± 0.58) cm vs. (1.93 ± 0.79) cm, (2.98 ± 2.01) cm vs. (2.58 ± 2.00) cm, the differences were statistically significant (t = 15.1, 8.65, P < 0.05). The preoperative HAP and HPI of the lipiodol dense group were the highest, and the peritumoral within 1cm was higher than that of the surrounding liver parenchyma. The PVP, TLP, and TTP were highest in the surrounding of liver parenchyma, and 1 cm higher than the tumor area in the background. The corresponding perfusion parameters were statistically significant (P < 0.05); HAP and HPI were 1 cm higher than the surrounding liver parenchyma. After the operation, PVP, TLP and TTP were lower than the background liver parenchyma, the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05); HAP and HPI decreased by 1 cm after the operation, and the PVP, TLP, and TTP increased. There was no significant difference after operation in the blood perfusion of background liver parenchyma (P ˃ 0.05). The HAP and HPI decreased, and the PVP and TTP increased in the lipiodol light group after operation (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference between the other two regions (P ˃ 0.05). Conclusion There was no blood perfusion in the lipiodol deposition area after TACE. The perfusion volume of hepatic artery in the peritumoral 1 cm and lipiodol light group decreased and the portal venous perfusion increased. CTPI can quantitatively evaluate blood perfusion state, which is of great significance for the determination of treatment plans before TACE treatment to assume the postoperative therapeutic effect in liver cancer.