Objective: The CT/MRI Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System (LI-RADS) demonstrates high specificity with relatively limited sensitivity for diagnosing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in high-risk patients. This study aimed to explore the possibility of improving sensitivity by combining CT/MRI LI-RADS v2018 with second-line contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) LI-RADS v2017 using sulfur hexafluoride (SHF) or perfluorobutane (PFB). Materials and Methods: This retrospective analysis of prospectively collected multicenter data included high-risk patients with treatment-naive hepatic observations. The reference standard was pathological confirmation or a composite reference standard (only for benign lesions). Each participant underwent concurrent CT/MRI, SHF-enhanced US, and PFB-enhanced US examinations. The diagnostic performances for HCC of CT/MRI LI-RADS alone and three combination strategies (combining CT/ MRI LI-RADS with either LI-RADS SHF, LI-RADS PFB, or a modified algorithm incorporating the Kupffer-phase findings for PFB [modified PFB]) were evaluated. For the three combination strategies, apart from the CT/MRI LR-5 criteria, HCC was diagnosed if CT/MRI LR-3 or LR-4 observations met the LR-5 criteria using LI-RADS SHF, LI-RADS PFB, or modified PFB. Results: In total, 281 participants (237 males; mean age, 55 ± 11 years) with 306 observations (227 HCCs, 40 non-HCC malignancies, and 39 benign lesions) were included. Using LI-RADS SHF, LI-RADS PFB, and modified PFB, 20, 23, and 31 CT/MRI LR-3/4 observations, respectively, were reclassified as LR-5, and all were pathologically confirmed as HCCs. Compared to CT/MRI LI-RADS alone (74%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 68%–79%), the three combination strategies combining CT/MRI LI-RADS with either LI-RADS SHF, LI-RADS PFB, or modified PFB increased sensitivity (83% [95% CI: 77%–87%], 84% [95% CI: 79%–89%], 88% [95% CI: 83%–92%], respectively; all P < 0.001), while maintaining the specificity at 92% (95% CI: 84%–97%). Conclusion The combination of CT/MRI LI-RADS with second-line CEUS using SHF or PFB improved the sensitivity of HCC diagnosis without compromising specificity.

Objective: The CT/MRI Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System (LI-RADS) demonstrates high specificity with relatively limited sensitivity for diagnosing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in high-risk patients. This study aimed to explore the possibility of improving sensitivity by combining CT/MRI LI-RADS v2018 with second-line contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) LI-RADS v2017 using sulfur hexafluoride (SHF) or perfluorobutane (PFB). Materials and Methods: This retrospective analysis of prospectively collected multicenter data included high-risk patients with treatment-naive hepatic observations. The reference standard was pathological confirmation or a composite reference standard (only for benign lesions). Each participant underwent concurrent CT/MRI, SHF-enhanced US, and PFB-enhanced US examinations. The diagnostic performances for HCC of CT/MRI LI-RADS alone and three combination strategies (combining CT/ MRI LI-RADS with either LI-RADS SHF, LI-RADS PFB, or a modified algorithm incorporating the Kupffer-phase findings for PFB [modified PFB]) were evaluated. For the three combination strategies, apart from the CT/MRI LR-5 criteria, HCC was diagnosed if CT/MRI LR-3 or LR-4 observations met the LR-5 criteria using LI-RADS SHF, LI-RADS PFB, or modified PFB. Results: In total, 281 participants (237 males; mean age, 55 ± 11 years) with 306 observations (227 HCCs, 40 non-HCC malignancies, and 39 benign lesions) were included. Using LI-RADS SHF, LI-RADS PFB, and modified PFB, 20, 23, and 31 CT/MRI LR-3/4 observations, respectively, were reclassified as LR-5, and all were pathologically confirmed as HCCs. Compared to CT/MRI LI-RADS alone (74%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 68%–79%), the three combination strategies combining CT/MRI LI-RADS with either LI-RADS SHF, LI-RADS PFB, or modified PFB increased sensitivity (83% [95% CI: 77%–87%], 84% [95% CI: 79%–89%], 88% [95% CI: 83%–92%], respectively; all P < 0.001), while maintaining the specificity at 92% (95% CI: 84%–97%). Conclusion The combination of CT/MRI LI-RADS with second-line CEUS using SHF or PFB improved the sensitivity of HCC diagnosis without compromising specificity.

Objective: The CT/MRI Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System (LI-RADS) demonstrates high specificity with relatively limited sensitivity for diagnosing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in high-risk patients. This study aimed to explore the possibility of improving sensitivity by combining CT/MRI LI-RADS v2018 with second-line contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) LI-RADS v2017 using sulfur hexafluoride (SHF) or perfluorobutane (PFB). Materials and Methods: This retrospective analysis of prospectively collected multicenter data included high-risk patients with treatment-naive hepatic observations. The reference standard was pathological confirmation or a composite reference standard (only for benign lesions). Each participant underwent concurrent CT/MRI, SHF-enhanced US, and PFB-enhanced US examinations. The diagnostic performances for HCC of CT/MRI LI-RADS alone and three combination strategies (combining CT/ MRI LI-RADS with either LI-RADS SHF, LI-RADS PFB, or a modified algorithm incorporating the Kupffer-phase findings for PFB [modified PFB]) were evaluated. For the three combination strategies, apart from the CT/MRI LR-5 criteria, HCC was diagnosed if CT/MRI LR-3 or LR-4 observations met the LR-5 criteria using LI-RADS SHF, LI-RADS PFB, or modified PFB. Results: In total, 281 participants (237 males; mean age, 55 ± 11 years) with 306 observations (227 HCCs, 40 non-HCC malignancies, and 39 benign lesions) were included. Using LI-RADS SHF, LI-RADS PFB, and modified PFB, 20, 23, and 31 CT/MRI LR-3/4 observations, respectively, were reclassified as LR-5, and all were pathologically confirmed as HCCs. Compared to CT/MRI LI-RADS alone (74%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 68%–79%), the three combination strategies combining CT/MRI LI-RADS with either LI-RADS SHF, LI-RADS PFB, or modified PFB increased sensitivity (83% [95% CI: 77%–87%], 84% [95% CI: 79%–89%], 88% [95% CI: 83%–92%], respectively; all P < 0.001), while maintaining the specificity at 92% (95% CI: 84%–97%). Conclusion The combination of CT/MRI LI-RADS with second-line CEUS using SHF or PFB improved the sensitivity of HCC diagnosis without compromising specificity.

Objective: The CT/MRI Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System (LI-RADS) demonstrates high specificity with relatively limited sensitivity for diagnosing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in high-risk patients. This study aimed to explore the possibility of improving sensitivity by combining CT/MRI LI-RADS v2018 with second-line contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) LI-RADS v2017 using sulfur hexafluoride (SHF) or perfluorobutane (PFB). Materials and Methods: This retrospective analysis of prospectively collected multicenter data included high-risk patients with treatment-naive hepatic observations. The reference standard was pathological confirmation or a composite reference standard (only for benign lesions). Each participant underwent concurrent CT/MRI, SHF-enhanced US, and PFB-enhanced US examinations. The diagnostic performances for HCC of CT/MRI LI-RADS alone and three combination strategies (combining CT/ MRI LI-RADS with either LI-RADS SHF, LI-RADS PFB, or a modified algorithm incorporating the Kupffer-phase findings for PFB [modified PFB]) were evaluated. For the three combination strategies, apart from the CT/MRI LR-5 criteria, HCC was diagnosed if CT/MRI LR-3 or LR-4 observations met the LR-5 criteria using LI-RADS SHF, LI-RADS PFB, or modified PFB. Results: In total, 281 participants (237 males; mean age, 55 ± 11 years) with 306 observations (227 HCCs, 40 non-HCC malignancies, and 39 benign lesions) were included. Using LI-RADS SHF, LI-RADS PFB, and modified PFB, 20, 23, and 31 CT/MRI LR-3/4 observations, respectively, were reclassified as LR-5, and all were pathologically confirmed as HCCs. Compared to CT/MRI LI-RADS alone (74%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 68%–79%), the three combination strategies combining CT/MRI LI-RADS with either LI-RADS SHF, LI-RADS PFB, or modified PFB increased sensitivity (83% [95% CI: 77%–87%], 84% [95% CI: 79%–89%], 88% [95% CI: 83%–92%], respectively; all P < 0.001), while maintaining the specificity at 92% (95% CI: 84%–97%). Conclusion The combination of CT/MRI LI-RADS with second-line CEUS using SHF or PFB improved the sensitivity of HCC diagnosis without compromising specificity.

Objective: The CT/MRI Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System (LI-RADS) demonstrates high specificity with relatively limited sensitivity for diagnosing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in high-risk patients. This study aimed to explore the possibility of improving sensitivity by combining CT/MRI LI-RADS v2018 with second-line contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) LI-RADS v2017 using sulfur hexafluoride (SHF) or perfluorobutane (PFB). Materials and Methods: This retrospective analysis of prospectively collected multicenter data included high-risk patients with treatment-naive hepatic observations. The reference standard was pathological confirmation or a composite reference standard (only for benign lesions). Each participant underwent concurrent CT/MRI, SHF-enhanced US, and PFB-enhanced US examinations. The diagnostic performances for HCC of CT/MRI LI-RADS alone and three combination strategies (combining CT/ MRI LI-RADS with either LI-RADS SHF, LI-RADS PFB, or a modified algorithm incorporating the Kupffer-phase findings for PFB [modified PFB]) were evaluated. For the three combination strategies, apart from the CT/MRI LR-5 criteria, HCC was diagnosed if CT/MRI LR-3 or LR-4 observations met the LR-5 criteria using LI-RADS SHF, LI-RADS PFB, or modified PFB. Results: In total, 281 participants (237 males; mean age, 55 ± 11 years) with 306 observations (227 HCCs, 40 non-HCC malignancies, and 39 benign lesions) were included. Using LI-RADS SHF, LI-RADS PFB, and modified PFB, 20, 23, and 31 CT/MRI LR-3/4 observations, respectively, were reclassified as LR-5, and all were pathologically confirmed as HCCs. Compared to CT/MRI LI-RADS alone (74%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 68%–79%), the three combination strategies combining CT/MRI LI-RADS with either LI-RADS SHF, LI-RADS PFB, or modified PFB increased sensitivity (83% [95% CI: 77%–87%], 84% [95% CI: 79%–89%], 88% [95% CI: 83%–92%], respectively; all P < 0.001), while maintaining the specificity at 92% (95% CI: 84%–97%). Conclusion The combination of CT/MRI LI-RADS with second-line CEUS using SHF or PFB improved the sensitivity of HCC diagnosis without compromising specificity.

Background The threshold limit values (TLVs) established and regularly updated by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) are widely adopted and referenced globally, serving as a crucial reference for China's occupational exposure limits (OELs). It is necessary to track it regularly and compare it with China's OELs. Objective To compare the OELs stipulated in Occupational exposure limits for hazardous agents in the workplace—Part 1: Chemical hazardous agents (GBZ 2.1—2019) and the ACGIH TLVs (2024) and to provide references for subsequent formulation and revision of OELs in China. Methods The OELs specified in GBZ 2.1—2019 and the TLVs issued by ACGIH were used to establish a database using Microsoft Excel 2019 software. Cross verification was conducted through matching Chemical Abstracts Service Registry Numbers (CAS Rn) and both Chinese and English names to ensure accuracy. Then, comparisons and analyses were carried out based on the type of limit values, which were matched as follows: permissible concentration-time weighted average (PC-TWA) with threshold limit value-time weighted average (TLV-TWA), permissible concentration-short term exposure limit (PC-STEL) with threshold limit value-short term exposure limit (TLV-STEL), and maximum allowable concentration (MAC) with threshold limit value-ceiling (TLV-C). Comparisons included types, quantities, and sizes of limits. Results The GBZ 2.1—2019 OELs and the ACGIH TLVs (2024) were generally consistent in terms of types and definitions, but there were differences in the number and size of the limits. In terms of the number of limits, GBZ 2.1—2019 specified 365 OELs for 358 chemical hazardous agents, while ACGIH TLVs (2024) included 316 corresponding limits. Among these, 148 (46.9%) limits were consistent, 38 (12.0%) were basically consistent, and 130 (41.1%) were inconsistent. In terms of the size of the limits, out of the 130 inconsistent limits, 51 OELs were lower than the corresponding TLVs, 67 OELs were higher than the corresponding TLVs, and 12 were under different limit types. For some chemical hazardous agents, their OELs were significantly lower or higher than their TLVs. Conclusion Some of the OELs for chemical hazardous agents specified in GBZ 2.1—2019 are significantly lower or higher than the TLVs. For these chemical hazardous factors, it is recommended to prioritize their inclusion in research projects and to complete the revisions as soon as possible based on the latest scientific evidence.

【Objective】 To investigate the prevalence and influencing factors of overweight and obesity among preschool children in Suzhou. 【Methods】 A stratified cluster random sampling method was used to select 24 452 children aged 3 - 6 years in different districts of Suzhou from December 2021 to June 2022. Then the prevalence rate of overweight and obesity was determined by physical measurements. A case-control study was conducted with a questionnaire survey of 3 786 children(1 893 in the obesity group and 1 893 in the control group) to analyze the factors influencing preschool obesity. 【Results】 1) The overall detection rates of overweight among preschool children in Suzhou was 14.8%(boys 14.6%, girls 15.0%). The overall detection rates of obesity was 7.9%(boys 8.7%, girls 7.1%), with a statistically significant difference between boys and girls(χ²=19.828, P<0.01). 2) There was statistically significant difference in the detection rates of obesity among different age groups(χ²=98.415, P<0.01), with the lowest rate in the 3 - 4 years old group(5.8%) and the highest rate in the 6 - 7 years old group(11.8%). 3) The overall detection rates of mild, moderate and severe obesity was 4.8%, 2.6% and 0.5%, respectively. The proportion of moderate and severe obesity significantly increased with age(χ²=57.275, P<0.01). 4) Risk factors for preschool obesity included birth weight >4 000g, cesarean section, parental overweight/obesity, strong appetite of children, eating speed <10min/meal, high frequency of fried food consumption(>1time/week), eating while watching television, sedentary behavior >2h/d, insufficient exercise endurance, screen time >1h/d, and late bedtime(after 21∶30)(P<0.05). Protective factors for preschool obesity included larger breakfast consumption, fruits and vegetables as regular snacks, and physical activity after meals(P<0.05). 5) Factors influencing the degree of preschool obesity included paternal overweight(OR=1.33, 95%CI:1.06 - 1.65), paternal obesity(OR=1.91, 95%CI:1.46 - 2.49), maternal overweight(OR=1.25, 95%CI:1.01 - 1.54), maternal obesity(OR=1.94, 95%CI:1.40 - 2.69), low education level of father(junior high school or below)(OR=1.57, 95%CI:1.25 - 1.96), strong appetite of children(OR=1.72, 95%CI:1.41 - 2.11), eating speed <10min/meal(OR=1.29, 95%CI:1.05 - 1.57), sedentary behavior >2h/d(OR=1.51, 95%CI:1.24 - 1.85), insufficient exercise endurance(OR=1.56, 95%CI:1.12 - 2.19), and screen time>1h/d(OR=1.42, 95%CI:1.16 - 1.75). 【Conclusions】 The detection rates of overweight and obesity among preschool children in Suzhou are relatively high, and the detection rate and severity of obesity increase with age. In addition to genetic factors, preschool obesity are also associated with pregnancy and birth history, as well as unhealthy lifestyle after birth.

Objective:To investigate the clinical characteristics and treatment strategies of patients with connective tissue disease (CTD) related lymphatic duct obstruction.Methods:The clinical data, laboratory tests results, imaging data, and treatment of CTD patients associated with lymphatic vessel obstruction were retrospectively collected from January 2008 to December 2020 at Beijing Shijitan Hospital. Lymphatic duct obstruction was confirmed by thoracic duct ultrasound or thoracic duct MRI or lymphoscintigraphy or direct lymphangiography. SLE and RA patients were matched with gender and age in a 1∶2 ratio, and SLE and RA patients without lymphatic reflux disorder admitted at the same time were randomly selected as the control group. When comparing the data between the two groups, t-test or rank sum test was used to test continuous variables, and chi-square test or Fisher′s exact probability method was used to test categorical variables. Results:Forty-four patients with CTD complicated with thoracic duct obstruction were included, with a male-to-female ratio of 7∶37, including 14 cases of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), 21 cases of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), 8 cases of primary Sjogren's syndrome (pSS), and 1 case of systemic sclerosis (SSc). The onset age of CTD ranged from 14 to 68 years, the mean age was (37±15) years and the median duration of CTD was 66 (range 1~480) months. The median age at the onset of lymphatic duct obstruction such as limb edema or thoracoabdominal effusion was (42±17) years, and the median duration of lymphatic duct obstruction symptoms was 12 (range 3~480) months. 59%(26/44) of patients were diagnosed with CTD followed by the diagnosis of thoracic duct obstruction, and 41%(18/44) of patients had lymphatic duct obstruction symptoms as the initial presentation of CTD. Thoracic duct-related imaging was performed in 44 patients and showed thoracic duct obstruction (64%, 28/44), thoracic duct malformation or variation (36%, 16/44), limb lymphatic reflux disorder (34%, 15/44), and small bowel lymphatic duct dilatation or intestinal protein loss (18%, 8/44), respectively. Compared with the control group, among these patients, patients with RA complicated with lymphatic involvement had a younger onset age [(34±14)years old vs. (44±13)years old, t=-2.15, P=0.037)] and longer RA course [(17±11)months vs. (7±7)months, t=3.38, P=0.002] and presented with limb swelling (12/14). While compared with the control group, SLE patients complicated with lymphatic duct obstruction presented with celiac multi-plasmatic effusion (20/21), more patients presented with multiple serous cavity effusion [95%(20/21) vs. 62%(25/42), χ2=7.63, P=0.006], but the prevalence of lupus nephritis [(60%(12/21) vs. 86%(36/42), χ2=4.87, P=0.027] and lupus encephalopathy [0%(0/21) vs. 16.7%(17/42), χ2=6.11, P=0.013] was lower. 27% (12/44) of patients improved with aggressive glucocorticoids combined with immunosuppressive therapy, 54%(24/44) of patients were performed with lymphatic duct reconstruction surgery on top of medical treatment, 5 patients were lost of follow-up, and 2 patients deceased. Conclusion:CTD patients may develop lymphatic duct obstruction during the disease course, while lymphatic duct obstruction can also be the initial presentation of CTD. Rheumatologists and surgeons should be alert to this rare situation. Young women with refractory polyserositis or lymphedema should be examined for the possibility of combined CTD. Lymphatic duct obstruction may be associated with long-term chronic inflammation in CTD. Glucocorticoids combined with immunosuppressive agents and surgery can be used to treat lymphatic duct obstruction in patients with CTD.

Objective:To explore the prognostic value of peripheral blood lymphocyte subsets in lymphoma patients with different infection status of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV).Methods:A retrospective cohort study. A total of 333 lymphoma patients newly diagnosed from November 2012 to August 2023 in the Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University were included in the study, including 185 patients with Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma (DLBCL), 100 patients with Natural Killer/T-cell Lymphoma (NKTCL), and 48 patients with Hodgkin Lymphoma (HL). Clinical data and laboratory indicators of patients were collected, including lymphocyte subset ratios detected by flow cytometry and EBV-DNA levels measured by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The survival status of patients was recorded through referring to medical records and telephone follow-up. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to plot survival curves and compare the survival rates among different groups. The Cox proportional hazards model was applied to analyze factors related to overall survival in lymphoma patients.Results:In the NKTCL group, 73.0% (73/100) were positive for EBV-DNA, which was higher than 43.8% (81/185) in the DLBCL group and 35.4% (17/48) in the HL group ( P<0.001). Kaplan-Meier survival curves showed that lower overall survival rates in the DLBCL group with abnormal levels of CD19 +B cells and CD16 +CD56 +NK cells (defined as either high or low referring to the reference intervals), with EBV-DNA negative and abnormal levels of CD19 +B cells, or with EBV-DNA positive and abnormal levels of CD16 +CD56 +NK cells, compared with the normal level group ( P<0.05). Multivariable analysis suggested that the abnormal level of CD19 +B cells was an independent adverse prognostic factor for DLBCL patients ( HR=2.098, 95% CI 1.181-3.727, P=0.011). EBV-DNA positivity ( HR=17.623, 95% CI 2.397-129.565, P=0.048) and Ann Arbor stage (Ⅲ/Ⅳ) ( HR=2.770, 95% CI 1.335-5.750, P=0.006) were adverse prognostic factors for NKTCL patients. Conclusion:There are differences in peripheral blood lymphocyte subsets among lymphoma patients with different EBV infection status, and CD19 +B cell levels may serve as an independent prognostic factor for DLBCL patients.

Objective To investigate the utility of dual-energy CT combined with musculoskeletal ultraso-nography in differentiating between calcium pyrophosphate deposition disease and gouty arthritis.Methods A retro-spective analysis was conducted on the medical records of 102 patients diagnosed with gouty arthritis and 102 patients diagnosed with calcium pyrophosphate deposition disease.These patients were categorized into the Gout group and Calcium Deposition group,respectively,based on their respective diagnoses.All patients underwent dual-energy CT and musculoskeletal ultrasonography examinations,while joint fluid aspiration results or intra-articular crystal material served as the gold standard for diagnosis.The diagnostic efficacy of dual-energy CT and musculoskeletal ultrasonography in discriminating between calcium pyrophosphate deposition disease and gouty arthritis was evalu-ated.Results In the gout group,the proportion of male patients and serum uric acid levels were significantly higher compared to those in the calcium deposition group(P<0.05).The prevalence rates of knee joint,first metatarsopha-langeal joint,and ankle joint involvement were higher in the gout group,while knee joint,wrist joint,and shoulder joint involvement rates were higher in the calcium deposition group.The proportions of irregular bone cortex,carti-lage injury,and degenerative meniscus changes were lower in the gout group compared to the calcium deposition group(P<0.05).The proportions of double contour sign,tophus formation,hyperechoic band within ligaments or tendons,and bone erosion were higher in the gout group compared to the calcium deposition group(P<0.05),whereas cartilage calcification was lower in the gout group(P<0.05).The sensitivities for diagnosing calcium pyrophosphate deposition disease and gouty arthritis using dual-energy CT scan alone,musculoskeletal ultrasound alone,and their combined use were 86.27%,83.33%,and 94.12%respectively.The specificities for diagnosing these conditions using dual-energy CT scan alone,musculoskeletal ultrasound alone,and their combined use were 89.22%,88.24%,and 86.27%respectively.The positive predictive values were 88.89%,87.63%,and 87.27%,respectively.The negative predictive values were 86.67%,84.11%,and 93.63%,respectively.The accuracies were 87.75%,85.78%,and 90.20%respectively.The agreement Kappa values were 0.755,0.716,and 0.804 respectively.Conclusions The integration of dual-energy CT and musculoskeletal ultrasonography exhibits promising diagnostic efficacy in discriminating between calcium pyrophosphate deposition disease and gouty arthritis.This combined approach serves as a valuable adjunctive tool for the diagnosis of both conditions.