Objective:To explore the correlation between quantitative parameters based on SUV acquired by dynamic SPECT/CT imaging of parotid glands and pathological grading of labial gland in patients with primary Sj?gren syndrome (pSS).Methods:Seventy-two patients (6 males, 66 females, age (51.5±13.8) years) with confirmed pSS diagnosed at Hebei General Hospital between August 2022 and March 2024 were prospectively included. The clinical data and pathological grading information from labial gland biopsies were analyzed. Dynamic SPECT/CT imaging of the parotid glands was performed, and quantitative parameters based on SUV were obtained using Q-metrix software: SUV max, SUV mean, uptake volume of parotid glands (UVP) and total parotid uptake (TPU) pre/post-acid stimulation, as well as the differences in quantitative parameters before and after acid stimulation (ΔSUV max, ΔSUV mean, ΔUVP, and ΔTPU). The independent-sample t test or Mann-Whitney U test was performed to evaluate the differences in parameters between patients with pathological grade 1-2 and those with pathological grade 3-4. Spearman rank correlation was used to analyze the correlation between quantitative parameters and pathological grading. The performance of quantitative parameters in distinguishing pathological grade 1-2 from grade 3-4 was assessed using ROC curve analysis with Delong test. Results:The SUV max pre/post-acid stimulation in patients with pathological grade 1-2 ( n=30) were higher than those in patients with grade 3-4 ( n=42) (36.38(27.81, 44.17) vs 15.45(10.77, 24.51), Z=-5.51, P<0.001(pre-acid stimulation); 21.53(16.93, 26.21) vs 11.33(7.32, 15.89), Z=-5.27, P<0.001 (post-acid stimulation)). SUV mean, UVP and TPU pre/post-acid stimulation in patients with pathological grade 1-2, as well as ΔSUV max, ΔSUV mean and ΔTPU, were all significantly higher ( Z values: from -4.73 to -3.04, t values: 6.39, 4.50, all P<0.01). Moreover, these parameters were negatively correlated with the pathological grading ( rs values: from -0.66 to -0.36, all P<0.05). No significant difference in ΔUVP was observed between patients with pathological grade 1-2 and those with grade 3-4 ( Z=-1.05, P=0.293), and ΔUVP showed no correlation with pathological grading ( rs=-0.13, P=0.297). Among all parameters, SUV max pre/post-acid stimulation and TPU pre-acid stimulation exhibited better diagnostic performance in differentiating pathological grade 1-2 from grade 3-4, with AUC values of 0.883, 0.866, and 0.888, respectively. Delong test showed that those 3 AUC values were all higher than AUC values of SUV mean, UVP post-acid stimulation and ΔUVP (all AUC<0.800; Z values: 2.09-4.65, all P<0.05). Conclusion:The quantitative parameters of parotid glands based on SUV acquired by dynamic SPECT/CT can reflect the damage degree of parotid glands in patients with pSS, providing novel quantitative analytical tools for the functional diagnosis and assessment of pSS.

Objective:To explore the correlation between quantitative parameters based on SUV acquired by dynamic SPECT/CT imaging of parotid glands and pathological grading of labial gland in patients with primary Sj?gren syndrome (pSS).Methods:Seventy-two patients (6 males, 66 females, age (51.5±13.8) years) with confirmed pSS diagnosed at Hebei General Hospital between August 2022 and March 2024 were prospectively included. The clinical data and pathological grading information from labial gland biopsies were analyzed. Dynamic SPECT/CT imaging of the parotid glands was performed, and quantitative parameters based on SUV were obtained using Q-metrix software: SUV max, SUV mean, uptake volume of parotid glands (UVP) and total parotid uptake (TPU) pre/post-acid stimulation, as well as the differences in quantitative parameters before and after acid stimulation (ΔSUV max, ΔSUV mean, ΔUVP, and ΔTPU). The independent-sample t test or Mann-Whitney U test was performed to evaluate the differences in parameters between patients with pathological grade 1-2 and those with pathological grade 3-4. Spearman rank correlation was used to analyze the correlation between quantitative parameters and pathological grading. The performance of quantitative parameters in distinguishing pathological grade 1-2 from grade 3-4 was assessed using ROC curve analysis with Delong test. Results:The SUV max pre/post-acid stimulation in patients with pathological grade 1-2 ( n=30) were higher than those in patients with grade 3-4 ( n=42) (36.38(27.81, 44.17) vs 15.45(10.77, 24.51), Z=-5.51, P<0.001(pre-acid stimulation); 21.53(16.93, 26.21) vs 11.33(7.32, 15.89), Z=-5.27, P<0.001 (post-acid stimulation)). SUV mean, UVP and TPU pre/post-acid stimulation in patients with pathological grade 1-2, as well as ΔSUV max, ΔSUV mean and ΔTPU, were all significantly higher ( Z values: from -4.73 to -3.04, t values: 6.39, 4.50, all P<0.01). Moreover, these parameters were negatively correlated with the pathological grading ( rs values: from -0.66 to -0.36, all P<0.05). No significant difference in ΔUVP was observed between patients with pathological grade 1-2 and those with grade 3-4 ( Z=-1.05, P=0.293), and ΔUVP showed no correlation with pathological grading ( rs=-0.13, P=0.297). Among all parameters, SUV max pre/post-acid stimulation and TPU pre-acid stimulation exhibited better diagnostic performance in differentiating pathological grade 1-2 from grade 3-4, with AUC values of 0.883, 0.866, and 0.888, respectively. Delong test showed that those 3 AUC values were all higher than AUC values of SUV mean, UVP post-acid stimulation and ΔUVP (all AUC<0.800; Z values: 2.09-4.65, all P<0.05). Conclusion:The quantitative parameters of parotid glands based on SUV acquired by dynamic SPECT/CT can reflect the damage degree of parotid glands in patients with pSS, providing novel quantitative analytical tools for the functional diagnosis and assessment of pSS.

Based on the theory of "milk-blood homology", the evidence of Shaoze (SI 1) in treatment of postpartum hypogalactia was explored and the clinical application introduced. In traditional Chinese medicine, small intestine meridian and the functions of small intestine are extensively involved in the procedure of milk formation, i.e. transformation, transportation and connection. Shaoze (SI 1) communicates the meridians of hand-taiyang and hand-shaoyin. It enhances the connection of the small intestine with the heart, spleen and stomach. It is the jing-well point for unblocking and moistening to promote the transformation and transportation of qi and blood and improve lactation. This acupoint is specifically characterized as promoting lactation in the small intestine meridian and is valuable considerably in clinical practice of hypogalactia of deficiency pattern/syndrome.
Female ; Humans ; Pregnancy ; Acupuncture Points ; Acupuncture Therapy ; Lactation ; Lactation Disorders/therapy* ; Meridians ; Postpartum Period

Objective:To explore the timing for removal of the external fixator without retraction of elongation zone during the mineralization stage in SD rat models of distraction osteogenesis (DO).Methods:Forty-two 12-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 6 groups (groups A to F, n=7). The external fixator was removed at 1 to 6 weeks during the mineralization stage in groups A to F, respectively. To establish SD rat models of DO, after 4 threaded needles were inserted into the left femur horizontally and vertically, an external fixator was installed after osteotomy. A Kirschner wire was next inserted into the medullary cavity. After the incubation period (5 days), bone elongation lasted for 14 days until 7.0 mm was extended. Three rats were randomly selected from each group and sacrificed. After decalcification of the elongation zone, histological hematoxylin-eosin staining was performed. Radiographs were taken before removal of the external fixator and 5 weeks after removal of the external fixator for the remaining 4 rats in each group. The HE staining results, length of initial elongation zone, and retraction length of elongation zone were compared between groups. Results:HE staining showed large patches of fibrous tissue and a few immature small blood vessels in the elongation zone in group A, a small number of hypertrophic chondrocytes and fibrous junctions in the elongation zone in group B, some chondrocytes, osteocytes and fibrous tissue in the elongation zone in group C, a large number of chondrocytes on both sides of the elongation zone and fibrous connection in the center of the elongation zone in group D, a decreased number of mature hypertrophic chondrocytes and partial bone marrow in the elongation zone in group E, and a small number of chondrocytes and a partially recanalized medullary cavity with bone marrow in the elongation zone in group F. The lengths of initial elongation zone in groups A, B, C, D, E and F were, respectively, (6.98±0.14) mm, (7.02±0.18) mm, (7.02±0.08) mm, (7.02±0.11) mm, (7.01±0.18) mm and (7.00±0.12) mm, showing no statistically significant differences ( P>0.05). The lengths of retraction of elongation zone in groups A and B [(4.34±0.78) mm and (3.45±0.57) mm] were significantly longer than those in groups D, E and F [(0.16±0.17) mm, (-0.02±0.14) mm, and (0.03±0.82) mm] ( P<0.05). The timing for removal of the external fixator without retraction of elongation zone was the 4th week during the mineralization stage (group D); the healing index was 87 d/cm and the non-retraction index 67 d/cm in group D. Conclusion:In the SD rat models of DO, removal of the external fixator at 4 weeks and later during the mineralization stage may not lead to retraction of the elongation zone.

Objective:To explore the timing for removal of the external fixator without retraction of elongation zone during the mineralization stage in SD rat models of distraction osteogenesis (DO).Methods:Forty-two 12-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 6 groups (groups A to F, n=7). The external fixator was removed at 1 to 6 weeks during the mineralization stage in groups A to F, respectively. To establish SD rat models of DO, after 4 threaded needles were inserted into the left femur horizontally and vertically, an external fixator was installed after osteotomy. A Kirschner wire was next inserted into the medullary cavity. After the incubation period (5 days), bone elongation lasted for 14 days until 7.0 mm was extended. Three rats were randomly selected from each group and sacrificed. After decalcification of the elongation zone, histological hematoxylin-eosin staining was performed. Radiographs were taken before removal of the external fixator and 5 weeks after removal of the external fixator for the remaining 4 rats in each group. The HE staining results, length of initial elongation zone, and retraction length of elongation zone were compared between groups. Results:HE staining showed large patches of fibrous tissue and a few immature small blood vessels in the elongation zone in group A, a small number of hypertrophic chondrocytes and fibrous junctions in the elongation zone in group B, some chondrocytes, osteocytes and fibrous tissue in the elongation zone in group C, a large number of chondrocytes on both sides of the elongation zone and fibrous connection in the center of the elongation zone in group D, a decreased number of mature hypertrophic chondrocytes and partial bone marrow in the elongation zone in group E, and a small number of chondrocytes and a partially recanalized medullary cavity with bone marrow in the elongation zone in group F. The lengths of initial elongation zone in groups A, B, C, D, E and F were, respectively, (6.98±0.14) mm, (7.02±0.18) mm, (7.02±0.08) mm, (7.02±0.11) mm, (7.01±0.18) mm and (7.00±0.12) mm, showing no statistically significant differences ( P>0.05). The lengths of retraction of elongation zone in groups A and B [(4.34±0.78) mm and (3.45±0.57) mm] were significantly longer than those in groups D, E and F [(0.16±0.17) mm, (-0.02±0.14) mm, and (0.03±0.82) mm] ( P<0.05). The timing for removal of the external fixator without retraction of elongation zone was the 4th week during the mineralization stage (group D); the healing index was 87 d/cm and the non-retraction index 67 d/cm in group D. Conclusion:In the SD rat models of DO, removal of the external fixator at 4 weeks and later during the mineralization stage may not lead to retraction of the elongation zone.

Objective To observe the 18F-FDG PET/CT manifestations of primary systemic anaplastic large cell lymphoma(ALCL).Methods A total of 21 patients with primary systemic ALCL were enrolled,and PET/CT manifestations were observed.Results Among 21 cases of ALCL,there were 15 cases of ALK+and 6 cases of ALK-.Affected lymph nodes in multiple site were observed in 19 cases,mainly located in the neck(n=13),mediastinum(n=12 cases)or retroperitoneum(n=12),while single site affected lymph node was notice in 2 cases.Extranodal organs/site involvements were found in 12 cases,including 6 cases of soft tissue(such as skin,muscles,etc.),4 cases of bone,14 cases of organs,including 4 cases of lung,3 cases of liver,2 cases of pancreas,2 cases of kidney,2 cases of gastrointestinal tract and 1 case of thyroid.Among 21 cases of ALCL,19 with irregular lymph node morphology and fused into clusters,17 with uniform density,3 with necrosis and 1 with calcification.All ALCL lesions in 21 cases showed hypermetabolism,the maximum standard uptake value(SUVmax)and the mean standard uptake value(SUVmean)of the affected lymph node was 17.04±9.94 and 9.96±6.15,respectively,while the metabolic tumor volume(MTV)and total lesion glycolysis(TLG)of all lesions was 92.54(67.61,249.21)cm3 and 723.46(419.78,1 461.17)g,respectively.The maximum diameter of the affected lymph node was not significantly correlated with SUVmax nor SUVmean(both P＞0.05),but positively correlated with MTV and TLG of all lesions(r=0.696,0.767,both P＜0.001).Ann Arbor staging was positively correlated with the maximum diameter,SUVmax and SUVmean of the affected lymph node,also MTV and TLG of all lesions(r=0.467,0.458,0.702,0.780,0.664,all P＜0.05).Conclusion 18F-FDG PET/CT manifestations of primary systemic ALCL were characteristic,with significant changed metabolic parameters,including SUVmax,SUVmean,MTV and TLG.

Objective : To investigate the cross⁃sectional associations of serum interleukin( IL) Ⅳ18 with cartilage volume , cartilage defects , bone marrow lesions ( BML) and biomarkers of cartilage degradation in patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA) , and to provide new ideas and new methods for clinical diagnosis and treatment. Methods: The study included 151 patients with knee OA , a general questionnaire survey was conducted , and the knee strucral was photographed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) . The cartilage volume was measured by OsiriX software in 3D⁃FLASH sequence , and cartilage defect and BML were determined in T2⁃weighted sequence. Serum IL-18 and matrix metalloproteinase ( MMP) Ⅳ3 , 13 levels were measured by enzyme⁃linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) . SPSS software was used for statistical analysis. Results : In multivariable analyses , serum IL⁃18 level was consistent at divided part of joint (femorotibial joint and the patella femoral joint , all P < 0. 05) . Serum IL⁃18 level was positively associated with cartilage defect and BML at media femorotibial area (all P < 0. 01) . Serum IL⁃18 level was positively associated with MMP⁃3 (β = 0. 31 , 95% CI:0. 001 - 0. 010) and MMP⁃13 (β = 0. 86 , 95% CI:0. 08 - 0. 10 , all P < 0. 01) . CI:0. 08 - 0. 10 , all P < 0. 01) . Conclusion Serum IL⁃18 level is negatively associated with cartilage volume and Serum IL⁃18 level is negatively associated with cartilage volume and positively associated with cartilage defect , BML , MMP⁃3 and MMP⁃13 , suggesting IL⁃18 may play a significant role duce the injury of article cartilage in patients with knee OA and delay the progression of disease.

Objective : To investigate the role of iron uptake⁃related gene iucA in the pathogenesis of Uropathogenic E. coli(UPEC) , UPEC CFT073 strain was used to construct the iucA gene deletion strain ΔiucA by λ Red homologous recombination technology , and the complemented strain C ⁃iucA was also constructed. Methods : The proliferation rates of CFT073 , ΔiucA and C ⁃iucA in Luria⁃Bertani liquid medium and sterile urine were determined by measuring the absorbance at 600 nm. Cultured 5637 human bladder cancer epithelial cells confluent monolayers were incubated with CFT073 , ΔiucA and C ⁃iucA for adhesion and invasion ability assay. C57BL/6 mouse urinary tract infection model was constructed to assess colonization ability of CFT073 , ΔiucA and C ⁃iucA in murine bladder tissues. Results : Data showed that CFT073 , ΔiucA and C ⁃iucA displayed the similar proliferation curves in LuriaBertani liquid medium(P = 0. 153) . The proliferation rate of △iucA in sterile urine was lower than that of CFT073 ( P = 0. 001) , while the proliferation rate of C ⁃iucA in sterile urine was significantly higher than that of ΔiucA (P = 0. 005) . △iucA demonstrated much lower adhesion and invasion ability compared with CFT073 ( P = 0. 007 , 0. 002) , and C ⁃iucA showed significantly higher adhesion and invasion ability than △iucA( P = 0. 046 , 0. 037) . The colonization ability of △iucA in murine bladder tissues was much lower than that of CFT073 and C ⁃iucA(P = 0. 002 , 0. 017) . Conclusion The results indicate iucA gene may contribute to the proliferation , adhesion , invasion and colonization ability of UPEC.

This paper presents a novel algorithm of fault location for transmission line. Solving the network spectrum equations for different frequencies the fault can be located accurately by this algorithm with one terminal data of voltage and current, and the identified parameters, such as fault distance, fault resistance, and opposite terminal system resistance and inductance. The algorithm eliminates the influence of the opposite system impedance on the fault location accuracy, which causes the main error in traditional fault location methods using one terminal data. A method of calculating spectrum from sampled data is also proposed. EMTP simulations show the validity and higher accuracy of the fault location algorithm compared to the existing ones based on one terminal data.