Objective To investigate the effect of 100 kVp low tube voltage combined with adaptive statistical iterative reconstruc-tion-Veo(ASIR-V)on the imaging display,image quality and radiation dose of Adamkiewicz artery(AKA).Methods Ninety patients with computed tomography angiography(CTA)of aorta were randomly divided into two groups.In group A,the tube voltage was 100 kVp,and ASIR-V was 80%reconstructed.The tube voltage in group B was 120 kVp,and adaptive statistical iterative recon-struction(ASIR)was 40%reconstructed.The CT value and the standard deviation(SD)value of descending aorta were measured at the 12th thoracic vertebra level,and the CT value and the SD value of the spinal cord were measured at the same level to calculate the signal-to-noise ratio(SNR)and contrast-to-noise ratio(CNR)of AKA.According to the continuity between AKA and intercostal artery or lumbar artery,the visualization of AKA was evaluated by two doctors with a double-blinded method and a five-point method,and the radiation doses of group A and group B were compared.Results Compared with group B,the CT value of aorta in group A was sig-nificantly increased by about 22.83%(P<0.001).The background noise of AKA in group A was significantly lower than that in group B(P<0.001),and the SNR and CNR were significantly higher than those in group B(P<0.001).The visualization score of AKA in group A was higher than that in group B(P<0.05).The effective dose(ED)in group A was significantly lower than that in group B by about 41.28%(P<0.001).Conclusion 100 kVp combined with ASIR-V technique for spinal cord AKA imaging can obtain better image quality,improve the sensitivity of AKA display and reduce the radiation dose.

Objective To compare the discrepancies among results of three commonly used laboratory direct test methods for maximal oxygen uptake(VO2max),explore their linear regression relationships,mutual predictability and comparability.Methods Using a quasi-experimental design of cluster sampling and within-group interaction design,20 male cross-country skiers were tested for VO2max using the Bruce protocol(Method 1),90-second incremental load exercise on power bicycle(Method 2),and 1-minute incremental load exercise on treadmill(Method 3),with an interval of one week.The indepen-dent and dependent variable were the three VO2max test methods and the VO2max,respectively.Results Significant differences were found in the average VO2max of the three test results,with the value mea-sured by Method 1 ranking the first,followed by that assessed by Method 3 and Method 2(P<0.05).Moreover,the frequency of individual differences in the results of the three methods showed that the VO2max of Method 1 was about 6 and 3 ml/min·kg higher than that measured by Method 2 and 3.However,at the same treadmill speed,the average blood lactate evaluated using Method 3 was higher than Method 1,and the speed reached aerobic and anaerobic thresholds about one speed unit(1 km/h)lower than Method 1.Meanwhile,linear regression analyses of the test results between Method 1 and 2,as well as Method 1 and 3 showed that both the regression models and coefficients were statis-tically significant(P<0.001),with the R-squared values of 9.25 and 9.05,respectively.Conclusion The Bruce protocol performs best in assessing the maximum value of the athlete's VO2max phase,whose results have linear regression relationships with the other two methods,and can be used for pre-dicting their results.Moreover,athletes of different events and levels can choose different VO2max test methods accordingly.Lastly,the speed and heart rate ranges corresponding to the aerobic and anaero-bic thresholds can serve as an effective and convenient method to control the training intensity.

Objective To analyze the clinical efficacy of transcatheter tricuspid valve replacement (TTVR) in cardiac implantable electronic lead-related tricuspid regurgitation (TR). Methods The patients with severe TR who underwent LuX-Valve TTVR in 9 Chinese medical centers from June 2020 to August 2021 were retrospectively enrolled. They were divided into a cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) group and a non-CIED group based on whether they had pre-existing CIED implantation. Success of the procedure was defined as safe implantation of the LuX-Valve and complete withdrawal of the delivery system. Prognostic improvement was defined as a decrease of TR grade to≤2+ and an improvement of cardiac function by≥2 grades. Surgical success and postoperative prognosis were compared between the two groups. Results A total of 190 patients were collected, including 50 males and 140 females with a mean age of 66.2±7.8 years. There were 29 patients in the CIED group, and 161 patients in the non-CIED group. In the CIED group, 28 patients were implanted with a permanent pacemaker and 1 patient with a cardioverter-defibrillator. Preoperative New York Heart Association (NYHA) cardiac function class, TR degree, left ventricular ejection fraction, tricuspid annular plane systolic excusion, and cardiac risk scores were comparable between the two groups (P>0.05). Postoperative TR was reduced to≤2+ in all patients, and there was no statistical difference in the incidence of perivalvular leakage between the two groups (P=0.270). Postoperative CT of CIED patients showed the valve was in place, and the lead was not extruded, twisted, or deflected. The in-hospital mortality of the two groups were 10.3% and 1.9%, respectively, and the difference was statistically significant (P=0.047). In addition, there was no statistical difference between the two groups in terms of postoperative improvement of cardiac function and mortality in the 1- and 2-year follow-up. Conclusion TTVR is feasible, safe, and effective in patients with CIED implantation, and the pre-existing lead has no significant effect on the clinical efficacy.

Objective To propose a method for correcting the attenuation of positron emission tomography (PET) data in PET/magnetic resonance (MR) based on transmission scan, and to improve image quality, diagnostic accuracy, and lesion location accuracy. Methods In this study, the head phantom in the national standard GB/T 18988.1—2013 was used as the experimental model. The head phantom contained three 50 mm diameter cylindrical inserts filled with air, water, and solid teflon. The attenuation correction coefficients were calculated and analyzed based on transmission scan. Results With slice = 33 and theta = 0, the attenuation correction coefficient was the largest (about 7.5) when the coincidence line passed through the axis of the phantom. The spatial distribution of the attenuation correction coefficients clearly showed the positions of air insert and teflon insert, indicating that the attenuation correction coefficients calculated from transmission scan data were accurate. In the clinical verification experiment, the attenuation correction method based on transmission scan significantly improved the image quality and showed efficient attenuation correction. Conclusion This paper studied the attenuation correction method for PET data in PET/MR based on transmission scan. This method can improve the image quality. In the future work, the attenuation correction method of PET/MR will be further studied and optimized to facilitate clinical applications.

Objective To propose a method for correcting the attenuation of positron emission tomography (PET) data in PET/magnetic resonance (MR) based on transmission scan, and to improve image quality, diagnostic accuracy, and lesion location accuracy. Methods In this study, the head phantom in the national standard GB/T 18988.1—2013 was used as the experimental model. The head phantom contained three 50 mm diameter cylindrical inserts filled with air, water, and solid teflon. The attenuation correction coefficients were calculated and analyzed based on transmission scan. Results With slice = 33 and theta = 0, the attenuation correction coefficient was the largest (about 7.5) when the coincidence line passed through the axis of the phantom. The spatial distribution of the attenuation correction coefficients clearly showed the positions of air insert and teflon insert, indicating that the attenuation correction coefficients calculated from transmission scan data were accurate. In the clinical verification experiment, the attenuation correction method based on transmission scan significantly improved the image quality and showed efficient attenuation correction. Conclusion This paper studied the attenuation correction method for PET data in PET/MR based on transmission scan. This method can improve the image quality. In the future work, the attenuation correction method of PET/MR will be further studied and optimized to facilitate clinical applications.

Objective To identify early Klebsiella pneumoniae(KP)infection after liver transplantation and its impact on prognosis.Methods Clinical data of 171 liver transplant recipients were retrospectively analyzed,and they were divided into the non-infection(n=52)and infection groups(n=119)according to the bacterial culture results at postoperative 2 weeks.In the infection group,KP was not detected in 86 cases(non-KP infection group),and KP was cultured in 33 cases(KP infection group).Preoperative,intraoperative and postoperative data were statistically compared between the non-infection and infection groups,and between the non-KP infection and KP infection groups.The risk factors of early KP infection after liver transplantation and the influencing factors of long-term survival of the recipients were analyzed.Results Compared with the non-infection group,model for end-stage liver disease(MELD)score and total bilirubin level were higher,the operation time was longer,the length of postoperative intensive care unit(ICU)stay and the length of hospital stay were longer,the amount of intraoperative red blood cell transfusion was higher,the hospitalization expense was higher,the incidence of severe complications was higher,white blood cell count,absolute neutrophil cell count and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio at postoperative 14 and 30 d were higher,absolute lymphocyte count at postoperative 14 d was lower and hemoglobin level at postoperative 30 d was lower in the infection group.The differences were statistically significant(all P＜0.05).Compared with the non-KP infection group,MELD score,total bilirubin level and aspartate aminotransferase(AST)level were higher,the operation time and the length of postoperative ICU stay were longer,the hospitalization expense was higher,the 90-d fatality was higher,the albumin level at postoperative 14 d was lower,and total bilirubin level at postoperative 30 d was higher in the KP infection group.The differences were statistically significant(all P＜0.05).Among 33 recipients with KP infection,16 cases were resistant to carbapenem antibiotics,and 7 of them died within postoperative 90 d.Seventeen cases were intermediate or sensitive to carbapenem antibiotics,and 4 of them died within postoperative 90 d.Preoperative MELD score ≥17 and operation time≥415 min were the independent risk factors for KP infection after liver transplantation(both P＜0.05).The length of postoperative ICU stay ≥44 h and KP infection were the independent risk factors for long-term prognosis of liver transplantation(both P＜0.05).Conclusions KP infection is an independent risk factor for death after liver transplantation.High preoperative MELD score and long operation time are the independent risk factors for early KP infection after liver transplantation.

Objective:A genome-wide molecular characterization of FJ21351116, a strain of G3P[8]-E2 2021 collected in Fujian, China, was performed.Methods:Whole genome sequencing of FJ21351116 was performed using a high-sensitivity group A rotavirus whole genome sequencing method. Genomic characteriza-tion of the virus was assessed by nucleic acid sequence analysis using MEGA 11.0, Geneious 9.0.2 and DNASTAR software. Neutralization epitopes of VP7 and VP4 (VP8*) were analyzed using BioEdit v. 7.0.9.0 and PyMOL v. 2.5.2.Results:In this study, FJ21351116 was shown to be a G3-P[8]-I2-R2-C2-M2-A2-N2-T2-E2-H2 genotype, and the result of phylogenetic tree showed that the VP7, VP4, VP3, and NSP2-NSP5 genes of the FJ21351116 strain were related to the equine-like DS-1-like G3P[8] genes that have been detected in Japan in recent years. VP6, VP1, VP2, and NSP1 genes are closely related to G2P[4] in most countries, especially in Singapore, suggesting that this strain was formed by genetic reassortment during the evolution of equine-like G3P[8] and G2P[4]. Evolutionary relationships between the VP7/VP4 genes of FJ21351116 and Rotarix and RotaTeq vaccines suggest that the multiple mutations in both VP7 and VP4 (VP8*) neutralizing antigenic epitopes and vaccine amino acid sites. It is hypothesized that the Rotarix and RotaTeq vaccines may be less effective against equine DS-1-like G3P[8] RVA, and the sequence differences with Rotarix are higher than those with RotaTeq.Conclusions:In this study, we found a rare case of DS-1-like G3P [8] RVA strain in China. Currently, horse-like DS-1-like G3P [8] RVA is relatively rare in China and may be poorly protected by vaccine strains, emphasizing the importance of continuous monitoring of RVA strains and the development of efficient and full-coverage RVA vaccines.

Objective:To explore the symptom management experience in young and middle-aged patients with home peritoneal dialysis.Methods:Using the descriptive phenomenological research method and purposive sampling method, 13 young and middle-aged peritoneal dialysis patients were selected for semi-structured interviews, and the interview data was analyzed and sorted out to extract themes.Results:A total of four themes were summarized, including difficulties in symptom management (lack of symptom management knowledge, insufficient symptom perception ability), effect of poor symptom management effectiveness (limited daily life behavior, weakened family roles, obstacles in returning to the workplace, withdrawal of social activities and increased economic burden), polarized symptom management coping strategies (positive and negative responses) and multifaceted symptom management needs (longing for new treatment methods, hoping for disease knowledge popularization and craving for social support in various aspects) .Conclusions:There are many obstacles and needs in the process of symptom self-management of young and middle-aged home peritoneal dialysis patients. It is suggested that medical staff should combine the characteristics and psychology of middle-aged and young peritoneal dialysis patients, implement targeted intervention measures, and improve their symptom management ability.

Background and purpose:Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2(HER2)is closely associated with drug efficacy and prognosis in urothelial carcinoma(UC).HER2 is a significant biomarker and therapeutic target in various tumors.In recent years,anti-HER2 antibody-drug conjugates have shown significant clinical efficacy in UC patients with HER2 overexpression.Therefore,an in-depth understanding of HER2 expression and its characteristics in Chinese UC patients is crucial to guide treatment decision-making,optimize treatment strategies and achieve personalized therapy.This study aimed to thoroughly investigate correlation of HER2 expression and clinicopathological characteristics in Chinese patients with UC.Methods:This study was a multicenter study that retrospectively included UC patients from urology departments of 8 tertiary hospitals in 5 geographical regions of China(North China,East China,South China,Central China and Northwest)whose tissue samples were collected from January 2023 to March 2024.Inclusion criteria:① age above 18 years;② UC diagnosed by histopathological or cytological examination;③ complete results of HER2 expression detection using immunohistochemistry(IHC)in the primary tumor site were required.Exclusion criteria:① diagnosed patients with tumors in other parts of the body;② physicians evaluated other situations that were not suitable for inclusion in this study.IHC results for HER2 expression and clinicopathological data were collected.HER2 expression was determined according to the criteria outlined in"Clinical pathological expert consensus on HER2 testing in urothelial carcinoma in China",with HER2 2+and 3+defined as HER2 overexpression.The HER2 expression and clinicopathological features were analyzed.This study was approved by the medical ethics committee of Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center(ethical number:2301268-12)and was registered at China Clinical Trial Registry(registration number:ChiCTR2300069746).Results:A total of 1054 patients with UC were included.Most of the tumors were bladder UC(n=807,76.6%).The mean age of patients was(66.8±10.5)years,and the majority were male(78.5%).The HER2 overexpression rate was 58.4%(n=616),with an additional 23%of patients having HER2 1+expression(n=242),and a small proportion exhibiting negative HER2 expression(n=196,18.6%).HER2 expression was significantly associated with various clinical and pathological characteristics such as Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group(ECOG)performance status,history of cardiovascular disease,history of metabolic disorders,smoking,UC disease location,differentiation grade,pathological type,and tumor stage.Conclusion:Retrospective analysis of multi-center data shows that HER2 expression is frequently observed in Chinese UC patients,with an overexpression rate of up to 58.4%.Furthermore,HER2 expression is closely associated with various clinical and pathological features of UC patients.This study underscores the critical importance of accurately assessing HER2 expression in UC patient to guide personalized therapies.

Objective To investigate the correlation between the expression of serum 25hydroxyvitamin D[25(OH)D]and growth differentiation factor 15(GDF-15)levels and the risk of malignancy in patients with metabolic syndrome(MS)and the development of combined thyroid nodules(TN).Methods From August 2019 to August 2023,185 MS patients who visited the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University were regarded as the study subjects,according to the results of thyroid ultrasound examination,they were separated into MS group(n=73)and MS+TN group(n=112).According to the malignant grading of thyroid nodules,MS+TN patients were separated into benign group(n=89)and malignant group(n=23).Another 68 healthy individuals who underwent physical examinations were regarded as control group.Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)was applied to determine the levels of serum 25(OH)D and GDF-15 in each group.Pearson was applied to analyze the correlation between serum 25(OH)D and GDF-15 levels and clinical indicators in MS in TN patients.Multivariate Logistic regression was applied to analyze the influencing factors of malignant TN in patients with MS combined with TN.Receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve was plotted to evaluate the diagnostic value of serum 25(OH)D and GDF-15 levels in MS with malignant TN.Results Comparison of serum 25(OH)D(30.41±6.73 ng/ml,27.23±6.15 ng/ml,24.67±4.38 ng/ml)and GDF-15(167.99±22.56 ng/L,239.75±25.92 ng/L,286.63±26.04 ng/L)levels in control,MS and MS+TN groups,the differences were statistically significant(F=22.219,472.113,all P<0.05).Compared with the benign group,the serum 25(OH)D(26.28±4.53 ng/ml vs 18.44±3.79 ng/ml)level in the malignant group was obviously reduced,while the GDF-15(276.93±24.53 ng/L vs 324.17±31.89 ng/L)level was obviously increased,the differences were statistically significant(t=7.631,7.718,all P＜0.05).The BMI,age,FPG,TG,TSH and TGAb levels of patients in the malignant group were obviously higher than those in the benign group,the difference were statistically significant(t=2.868,3.523,3.542,3.603,4.581,5.516,all P＜0.05).Pearson correlation analysis,and the serum 25(OH)D level in MS patients with TN was negatively correlated with FPG,TSH,TG and TGAb levels(r=-0.302,-0.482,-0.524,-0.546,all P<0.001),while GDF-15 level was positively correlated with TG,TSH,TGAb and FPG levels(r=0.467,0.541,0.578,0.623,all P<0.05).Multivariate logistic regression analysis,GDF-15(OR=1.673,95%CI:1.146～2.442)was a risk factor for the occurrence of malignant TN in MS patients(P<0.05),and 25(OH)D(OR=0.744,95%CI:0.604～0.916)was a protective factor for the occurrence of malignant TN,the AUC values of serum 25(OH)D and GDF-15 levels in the diagnosis of MS combined with malignant TN were 0.813,0.799 and 0.930,respectively,and the combination was superior to the single diagnosis(Z=2.088,2.021,P=0.037,0.043).Conclusion The levels of serum 25(OH)D and GDF-15 in patients with MS combined with TN are obviously correlated with nodular nature.The decrease in serum 25(OH)D level and the increase in GDF-15 level are risk factors for malignant TN in MS patients.