Objective: To develop a modified calculation formula for renal tumor volume and tumor contact surface area (CSA) based on the modeling results of 3D Slicer software, and to create a webpage of the calculation formula for use. Methods: The general information and tumor anatomical data of 98 patients who underwent partial nephrectomy during Jan.2021 and Jul.2023 in the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University were retrospectively analyzed.The imaging data were input into 3D Slicer software in the form of Dicom files for tumor and ipsilateral kidney modeling to obtain tumor anatomical data.The relationship between tumor anatomical parameters and tumor volume and CSA was analyzed using multifactorial linear regression.The initial modified formulas (V2, C2) and the optimized modified formulas (V3, C3) for tumor volume over CSA were established, respectively, after insignificant variables were eliminated.The mean square error (MSE) and Akaike information criterion (AIC) of the modified and traditional formulas (V1, C1) were compared, and the formula with the smallest MSE and AIC was selected as the optimal tumor volume and CSA calculation formula.The median tumor volume and CSA obtained from 3D modeling were used as the cutoff values.The optimal formula and conventional formula were applied to calculate tumor volume and CSA for all patients, and risk stratification was performed for all patients based on these cutoff values, and the perioperative indicators of patients in the upper and lower groups were compared.Finally, an online calculation tool was developed based on HTML. Results: Based on multifactorial linear regression analysis, we obtained the modified tumor volume calculation formula: V=0.382abc+2.488a+2.372b－4.146c+1.948（V2）, V=0.469abc－4.586c+13.816（V3）; the modified tumor CSA calculation formula CSA=2.469a －2.262L －19.23a+6.206b+1.212c+18.017L+1.616h－3.97h －2.185h/h －0.388（C2）, CSA=2.376a －2.144L －20.157a+5.024b+1.128c+17.578L+2.525h－2.634（C3）.Both of the modified volume formula (MSE=151.298 vs. 127.807 vs. 104.106) and modified CSA formula (MSE=309.878 vs.23.556 vs.30.388) had smaller errors compared to the conventional formula.The modified volume calculation formula showed that bleeding was more and thermal ischemia time was longer in patients with larger tumor volumes than in patients with smaller tumor volumes (P<0.05); and the modified CSA calculation formula showed that bleeding was more, surgery and thermal ischemia time were longer in patients with high CSA than in patients with low CSA (P＜0.05).Finally, V3 and C3 are selected as the best calculation formula, and a web page (https://lizihao-bot.github.io/RCC-Calculate/) was established for easy use. Conclusion: This study combined data from a medical information technology platform with numerical modeling methods to provide a faster and more accurate method to calculate the renal tumor volume and CSA.Meanwhile, a webpage version of the tool was developed to enhance its practicability.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of manual acupuncture manipulations (MAMs) on subcutaneous muscle tissue, by developing quantitative models of "lifting and thrusting" and "twisting and rotating", based on machine learning techniques. METHODS: A depth camera was used to capture the acupuncture operator's hand movements during "lifting and thrusting" and "twisting and rotating" of needle. Simultaneously, the ultrasound imaging was employed to record the muscle tissue responses of the participants. Amplitude and angular features were extracted from the movement data of operators, and muscle fascicle slope features were derived from the data of ultrasound images. The dynamic time warping barycenter averaging algorithm was adopted to align the dual-source data. Various machine learning techniques were applied to build quantitative models, and the performance of each model was compared. The most optimal model was further analyzed for its interpretability. RESULTS: Among the quantitative models built for the two types of MAMs, the random forest model demonstrated the best performance. For the quantitative model of the "lifting and thrusting" technique, the coefficient of determination (R²) was 0.825. For the "twisting and rotating" technique, R² reached 0.872. CONCLUSION Machine learning can be used to effectively develop the models and quantify the effects of MAMs on subcutaneous muscle tissue. It provides a new perspective to understand the mechanism of acupuncture therapy and lays a foundation for optimizing acupuncture technology and designing personalized treatment regimen in the future.
Humans ; Acupuncture Therapy/methods* ; Machine Learning ; Male ; Adult ; Female ; Subcutaneous Tissue/diagnostic imaging* ; Young Adult

This study aims to explore the protective effect of Chaihu Jia Longgu Muli Decoction on rats with heart failure after myocardial infarction, and to clarify its possible mechanisms, providing a new basis for basic research on the mechanism of classic Chinese medicinal formula-mediated inflammatory response in preventing and treating heart failure induced by apoptosis after myocardial infarction. A heart failure model after myocardial infarction was established in rats by coronary artery ligation. The rats were divided into sham group, model group, and low, medium, and high-dose groups of Chaihu Jia Longgu Muli Decoction, with 10 rats in each group. The low-dose, medium-dose, and high-dose groups of Chaihu Jia Longgu Muli Decoction were given 6.3, 12.6, and 25.2 g·kg~(-1) doses by gavage, respectively. The sham group and model group were given an equal volume of distilled water by gavage once daily for four consecutive weeks. Cardiac function was assessed using color Doppler echocardiography. Myocardial pathology was detected by hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining, apoptosis was measured by TUNEL assay, and mitophagy was observed by transmission electron microscopy. The levels of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), interleukin(IL)-1β, and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide(NT-proBNP) in serum were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA). The expression of apoptosis-related proteins B-cell lymphoma 2(Bcl-2), Bcl-2-associated X protein(Bax), and cleaved caspase-3 was detected by Western blot. Additionally, the expression of phosphorylated nuclear transcription factor-κB(NF-κB) p65(p-NF-κB p65)(upstream) and nuclear factor kappa B inhibitor alpha(IκBα)(downstream) in the NF-κB signaling pathway was assessed by Western blot. The results showed that compared with the sham group, left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF) and left ventricular short axis shortening(LVFS) in the model group were significantly reduced, while left ventricular end diastolic diameter(LVEDD) and left ventricular end systolic diameter(LVESD) increased significantly. Myocardial tissue damage was severe, with widened intercellular spaces and disorganized cell arrangement. The apoptosis rate was increased, and mitochondria were enlarged with increased vacuoles. Levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, and NT-proBNP were elevated, indicating an obvious inflammatory response. The expression of pro-apoptotic factors Bax and cleaved caspase-3 increased, while the anti-apoptotic factor Bcl-2 decreased. The expression of p-NF-κB p65 was upregulated, and the expression of IκBα was downregulated. In contrast, the Chaihu Jia Longgu Muli Decoction groups showed significantly improved of LVEF, LVFS and decreased LVEDD, LVESD compared to the model group. Myocardial tissue damage was alleviated, and intercellular spaces were reduced. The apoptosis rate decreased, mitochondrial volume decreased, and the levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, and NT-proBNP were lower. The expression of pro-apoptotic factors Bax and cleaved caspase-3 decreased, while the expression of the anti-apoptotic factor Bcl-2 increased. Additionally, the expression of p-NF-κB p65 decreased, while IκBα expression increased. In summary, this experimental study shows that Chaihu Jia Longgu Muli Decoction can reduce the inflammatory response and apoptosis rate in rats with heart failure after myocardial infarction, which may be related to the regulation of the IκBα/NF-κB signaling pathway.
Animals ; Apoptosis/drug effects* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage* ; Rats ; Myocardial Infarction/physiopathology* ; Male ; NF-kappa B/genetics* ; Heart Failure/etiology* ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Signal Transduction/drug effects* ; NF-KappaB Inhibitor alpha/genetics* ; Humans ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/genetics*

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the protective effects and underlying mechanisms of Gynostemma pentaphyllum (GP)ethanol extract on motor dysfunction in a mouse model of Parkinson's disease (PD). METHODS: Eighty C57BL/6 male mice were randomly divided into five groups: control group, model group, levodopa group (positive control group), low-dose GP group, and high-dose GP group, with 16 mice per group. The PD model was induced by injection of 6-hydroxydopamine into the substantia nigra pars reticulata of the mice. Two weeks after 6-hydroxydopamine, positive control group received intraperitoneal injection of levodopa 10 mg·kg^－1·d^－1, while low-dose GP and high-dose GP groups received GP extract 100 or 200 mg·kg^－1·d^－1 orally for three weeks. After a 3-week-treatment, the effects of GP on motor dysfunction in 6-hydroxydopamine-induced PD were assessed using open field and CatWalk gait tests, while the effects on muscle strength were evaluated by forelimb grip strength. Immunofluorescence staining was used to detect the number of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) positive neurons. The levels of dopamine and serotonin in the midbrain were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. In addition, Western blotting was performed to detect the expression of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) family proteins such as p-extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1/2, p-p38 and p-c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK)1/2, and mitochondrial apoptosis pathway proteins such as B-cell lymphoma (Bcl)-2, Bcl-2 associated X protein (Bax), and cleaved-cysteine aspartic acid specific protease (caspase)-3. RESULTS: Behavioral experiments showed that GP significantly improved the spontaneous activity and motor coordination of PD mice (P<0.05). The forelimb grip strength was also increased by GP treatment (P<0.05), compared to the PD model group. In addition, compared with the model group, the number of TH-positive neurons in substantia nigra pars reticulata region, the levels of dopamine and serotonin in midbrain and the expression of p-ERK1/2 were significantly increased by GP treatment (all P<0.05), whereas the expression of p-p38 and p-JNK1/2, the ratio of Bax/Bcl-2 and cleaved-caspase-3/caspase-3 were significantly decreased (all P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS The results indicate that GP might increase dopamine and serotonin levels in the midbrain and promote the survival of dopaminergic neurons in substantia nigra pars reticulata by regulating the expression of phosphorylation of MAPK family proteins and the expression of mitochondrial apoptosis-related proteins, thereby ameliorating motor deficits in PD mice.
Animals ; Mice ; Male ; Gynostemma/chemistry* ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Apoptosis/drug effects* ; Plant Extracts/therapeutic use* ; Parkinson Disease/metabolism* ; Disease Models, Animal ; Neurons/pathology*

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to reexplore minimum iodine excretion and to build a dietary iodine recommendation for Chinese adults using the obligatory iodine loss hypothesis. METHODS: Data from 171 Chinese adults (19-21 years old) were collected and analyzed based on three balance studies in Shenzhen, Yinchuan, and Changzhi. The single exponential equation was accordingly used to simulate the trajectory of 24 h urinary iodine excretion as the low iodine experimental diets offered (iodine intake: 11-26 μg/day) and to further deduce the dietary reference intakes (DRIs) for iodine, including estimated average requirement (EAR) and recommended nutrient intake (RNI). RESULTS: The minimum iodine excretion was estimated as 57, 58, and 51 μg/day in three balance studies, respectively. Moreover, it was further suggested as 57, 58, and 51 μg/day for iodine EAR, and 80, 81, and 71 μg/day for iodine RNI or expressed as 1.42, 1.41, and 1.20 μg/(day·kg) of body weight. CONCLUSION The iodine DRIs for Chinese adults were established based on the obligatory iodine loss hypothesis, which provides scientific support for the amendment of nutrient requirements.
Humans ; Iodine/administration & dosage* ; Male ; Female ; China ; Young Adult ; Diet ; Adult ; Nutritional Requirements ; East Asian People

Mitochondrial neurogastrointestinal encephalomyopathy(MNGIE),a rare mitochondrial disorder caused by TYMP gene mutations,is characterized by severe gastrointestinal dysmotility,peripheral neuropathy,and leukodystrophy.This article summarizes the clinical data and intestinal ultrasound findings of a MNGIE case,aiming to provide insights for clinical diagnosis and treatment.
Humans ; Mitochondrial Encephalomyopathies/diagnostic imaging* ; Ultrasonography ; Intestines/diagnostic imaging* ; Male ; Female ; Intestinal Pseudo-Obstruction/diagnostic imaging* ; Ophthalmoplegia/congenital* ; Muscular Dystrophy, Oculopharyngeal

Objective To explore the clinical characteristics and treatment scheme of patients with spinal infection caused by Prevotella intermedia(P.intermedia).Methods Clinical diagnosis and treatment processes of a patient with spinal infection caused by P.intermedia admitted to the spinal surgery department of a hospital were summa-rized,and relevant literature was retrieved from database for reviewing.Results The patient,a 50 year old male,was admitted to the hospital due to"lumbago pain complicated with pain in double lower extremities for 2 months".The lesion tissue was taken for metagenomic next-generation sequencing(mNGS)detection,which detected P.in-termedia,and the patient was diagnosed with P.intermedia spondylitis.After treatments with open lesion clea-rance,tube rinsing+autologous bone transplantation fusion internal fixation,intravenous drip of ceftriaxone sodium and metronidazole,as well as metronidazole rinsing,infection was under control.A total of 16 available papers were retrieved,together with this case,a total of 17 patients were included,with 7 males and 10 females.The main risk factors were diabetes and history of corticosteroid use(35.3％).The most common invasion sites were lumbar ver-tebra(n=12)and thoracic vertebra(n=6).13 cases were positive for pathogen culture,3 cases were positive for molecular detection,and 1 case was positive for staining microscopy.17 patients received anti-anaerobic bacteria treatment,with 14 cases receiving combined surgical treatment.One case died,with a mortality of 5.9％;5 cases had partial neurological impairment,with a disability rate of 29.4％.The survival rate of patients who received treatment of anti-anaerobic bacteria combined with surgery was 92.8％,3 patients only with anti-anaerobic bacteria treatment but without surgery were all cured.Conclusion P.intermedia is an opportunistic pathogeanic bacteria which often causes infection in immunocomprised individuals and is prone to be misdiagnosed.It is recommended to perform mNGS detection to identify the pathogen as early as possible and seize the opportunity for treatment to reduce mortality.

A 65-year-old male patient was admitted for recurrent lymph node enlargement for 5 years and elevated creatinine for 6 months. This patient was diagnosed with angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma 5 years ago and underwent multiple lines of anti-tumor therapy, including cytotoxic chemotherapy; epigenetic modifying drugs such as chidamide and azacitidine; the immunomodulator lenalidomide; and targeted therapy such as rituximab, a CD20-targeting antibody, and brentuximab vedotin, which targets CD30. Although the tumor was considered stable, multiple virus activation (including BK virus, JC virus, and cytomegalovirus) accompanied by the corresponding organ damage (polyomavirus nephropathy, cytomegalovirus retinitis, and progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy) occurred during anti-tumor treatment. Anti-tumor therapy was suspended and ganciclovir was used. The serum viral load decreased and organ functions were stabilized. The purpose of this report was to raise clinicians′ awareness of opportunistic virus reactivation during anti-tumor treatment.

In this study, we have firstly investigated the feasibility of rhamnolipids as targeting ligands to develop drug delivery systems for active targeting of pancreatic cancer. Rhamnolipid-modified liposomes (RhaL-Lip) were prepared by a thin film hydration method, and were evaluated preliminarily for RhaL-Lip physicochemical properties, in vitro release characteristics, ex/in vivo targeting, and in vitro pharmacodynamics. RhaL-Lip exhibited excellent targeting ability of human pancreatic cancer (BxPC-3) cells and enhanced anti-tumor effects. On this basis, the natural structural analogue of rhamnolipid, Polyphyllin VII (PPVII), as the targeting material and active ingredient, we explored the targeting and anti-tumor activity of Polyphyllin VII modified liposomes (PPVII-Lip). The results showed that PPVII-Lip has a homogeneous particle size and has a more robust targeting ability for solid tumor in vivo, which can achieve more enrichment at the tumor site. Compared with gemcitabine, the first-line chemotherapy drug for pancreatic cancer, PPVII-Lip showed a stronger inhibitory effect. In conclusion, this targeted drug delivery strategy is expected to provide beneficial ideas for drug delivery studies in targeted therapy for pancreatic cancer. Animal experiments were conducted with approval from the Animal Ethics Committee of southwest university (approval number: IACUC-20210130-2).