1.Comparison of clinical outcomes between latissimus dorsi flap with implant and mesh with implant for immediate breast reconstruction: a BREAST-Q assessment
Tinghong XIANG ; Lu YIN ; Tianyi NI ; Yiwen GAO ; Yingying WANG ; Xianglong ZU ; Shujie RUAN ; Wei YAN ; Zhechen ZHU ; Jingping SHI
Chinese Journal of Plastic Surgery 2025;41(7):710-718
Objective:To compare the clinical outcomes of immediate breast reconstruction using latissimus dorsi flap with implant versus mesh with implant based on BREAST-Q evaluation.Methods:From the clinical database of the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, the patients who underwent immediate breast reconstruction after total mastectomy from January 2020 to December 2023 were selected as the research subjects. All breast reconstruction surgeries were performed by the same surgeon. Patients were divided into two groups according to surgical methods: the latissimus dorsi muscle flap combined with implant immediate breast reconstruction group (LD group) and the mesh combined with implant immediate breast reconstruction group (mesh group). Patients were followed up in outpatient clinics or by telephone one year after surgery. The BREAST-Q was used to evaluate the surgical outcomes of both groups from four dimensions: psychosocial well-being, sexual well-being, chest-physical well-being, and breast satisfaction. The score range for each dimension was 0-100, with higher scores indicating greater patient satisfaction with quality of life and surgical outcomes. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 22.0 software. Normally distributed measurement data were expressed as Mean ± SD, and comparisons between the two groups were performed using independent sample t-test. Count data were expressed as number of cases and percentages, and comparisons between groups were performed using chi-square test or Fisher’s exact test. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results:A total of 123 patients were included, with 59 patients in the LD group and 64 patients in the mesh group. In the LD group, the mean age was (37.7±7.0) years, body mass index (BMI) was (22.6±2.6) kg/m 2, and clinical tumor staging showed 2, 22, 30, and 5 cases for stages 0, Ⅰ, Ⅱ, and Ⅲ, respectively. In the mesh group, the mean age was (39.1±7.0) years, BMI was (22.6±2.8) kg/m 2, and clinical tumor staging showed 1, 25, 38, and 0 cases for stages 0, Ⅰ, Ⅱ, and Ⅲ, respectively. There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in baseline characteristics including age, BMI, and clinical tumor staging (all P>0.05). One year after surgery, the BREAST-Q result showed no statistically significant differences between the LD group and mesh group in psychosocial well-being [(83.0±19.8) points vs. (80.8±19.3) points] and sexual well-being [(62.1±30.4) points vs. (65.8±25.6) points] (all P>0.05). However, the LD group had lower chest-physical well-being scores than the mesh group [(40.6±9.7) points vs. (45.1±9.6) points, P<0.05], while breast satisfaction scores were higher in the LD group than in the mesh group [(68.0±17.8) points vs. (59.8±12.6) points, P<0.01]. Conclusion:Immediate breast reconstruction by both latissimus dorsi flap with implant and mesh with implant can improve patients’ psychosocial and sexual well-being by enhancing breast appearance. However, LD technique provides better breast satisfaction, while the mesh technique offers advantages in physical well-being of the chest wall and upper body. Surgeons should select the most appropriate breast reconstruction technique based on patients’ anatomical conditions, treatment history, and individual needs to optimize postoperative quality of life and satisfaction.
2.Habitat radiomics model in predicting the early therapeutic efficacy of hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy combined with targeted therapy or immunotherapy for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma: a multi-center retrospective study
Mingsong WU ; Zenglong QUE ; Guanhui LI ; Jie LONG ; Yuxin TANG ; Hao ZHONG ; Shujie LAI ; Qixian YAN ; Jun WANG ; Xiang LAN ; Liangzhi WEN
Chinese Journal of Digestion 2025;45(2):89-99
Objective:To develop habitat radiomics models to predict early treatment responses to the hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy (HAIC) combined with targeted therapy or immunotherapy in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients, and to guide clinical diagnosis and treatment.Methods:From October 2021 to Decemeber 2023, at Army Characteristic Medical Center of PLA (Chongqing Daping Hospital) and the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, 94 patients with advanced HCC who received HAIC combined with targeted therapy or immunotherapy were retrospectively enrolled. According to the treatment results, the patients were divided into response group and non-response group. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression were performed to analyze the clinical data of the patients. Based on contrast-enhanced CT images, tumor habitats were delineated and habitat features were extracted with k-means clustering, and the imaging features of arterial and venous phases were also extracted. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) was used for dimensionality reduction. Feature selection was performed using LASSO to reduce dimensions, and then the selected features were further refined through stepwise logistic regression analysis.Binary logistic regression models were conducted to develop the habitat radiomics model, arterial phase radiomics model (APRM), venous phase radiomics model (VPRM), clinical data model, as well as the combination of radiomics model and clinical data model to predict early treatment (after 2 treatment cycles) response. Receiver operating characteristic curves (ROC) were plotted, and model performance was evaluated by the area under the curve (AUC), calibration curves, and decision curve. The models were validated through Bootstrap methods (1 000 times). DeLong test was used to compare AUC values.Results:The results of cluster analysis identified 3 characteristic habitats in HCC imaging: low-, medium-, and high-enhancement tumor habitats. The proportion of high-enhancement habitats was higher than that in the non-response group. A predictive model was established based on the proportions of these 3 habitats. Based on the proportion of low-, medium-, and high-enhancement habitats within the tumor, a habitat radiomics model was constructed. After LASSO selection and logistic regression analysis, 3 arterial phase and 3 venous phase radiomic features were selected to build the APRM and VPRM, respectively. Logistic regression analysis identified the following factors for the clinical data model: comorbidities ( OR=0.275, P=0.031), maximum tumor diameter ( OR=1.149, P=0.019), red blood cell count ( OR=0.463, P=0.022), alpha fetoprotein >400 μg/L ( OR=3.452, P=0.017), and tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy ( OR=3.072, P=0.048). Among the single predictive model′s comparison, the AUC of habitat radiomics model was 0.860 (95% confidence interval(95% CI): 0.789 to 0.932), while those of the APRM、VPRM and clinical data model were 0.850 (95% CI: 0.773 to 0.926), 0.855 (95% CI: 0.782 to 0.928), and 0.774 (95% CI: 0.681 to 0.867), respectively, and there were no statistically significant among these models (all P>0.05). Among the combination models, the AUC of the habitat rediomic-clinical data combination model was 0.881 (95% CI: 0.814 to 0.947); the AUC of arterial phase rediomic-clinical data combination model was 0.897 (95% CI: 0.833 to 0.961); and the AUC of venous phase rediomic-clinical data combination model was 0.888 (95% CI: 0.826 to 0.951), but there were no statistically significant among the 3 models (all P>0.05). The calibration curve showed that the habitat rediomic-clinical data combination model had the most accurate predictive probability. Internal validation showed that the AUC of habitat rediomic-clinical data combination model was 0.848 (95% CI: 0.772 to 0.922), and the predictive performance was better than that of the clinical-data model (0.733 (95% CI: 0.670 to 0.863)). Conclusion:The habitat radiomics model based on enhanced CT can effectively predict early treatment responses to the HAIC combined with targeted therapy or immunotherapy in advanced HCC patients, which provides theoretical basis for individualized treatment in advanced HCC.
3.Neuroprotective effect of α7nAChR on PD rat models and its underlying mechanism
Yan PAN ; Xin HU ; Jing PEI ; Shujie TONG
Chinese Journal of Neuromedicine 2025;24(6):561-571
Objective:To explore the neuroprotective effect of α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7nAChR) on rat models of Parkinson's disease (PD) and its underlying mechanism.Methods:Forty-eight 8-week-old SPF-grade SD rats were randomly divided into a normal control group, a PD model group, an α7nAChR empty vector group and an α7nAChR overexpression group, with 12 rats in each group. PD models in the latter 3 groups of rats were established by 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA). Four weeks after modeling, rats in the latter 2 groups were injected with 2 μL α7nAChR overexpression lentivirus or empty vector lentivirus through stereotactic intracerebral injection, while rats in the normal control group did not receive any treatment. Two weeks after injection, the behavioral changes of these rats were detected by apomorphine-induced rotation test; the right substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc) was prepared and performed the following experiments: hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and Nissl staining were used to detect the neuron morphological changes, TUNEL was used to detect the neuron apoptosis, fluorescent double labeling was used to detect the expressions of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and α-synuclein (α-Syn), ELISA was used to detect the expressions of 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE) and malondialdehyde (MDA), and Western blotting was used to detect the expressions of ferroptosis-related proteins (ferritin heavy chain 1 [FTH1], Sigma receptor 1 [S1R], glutathione peroxidase 4 [GPX4], long chain acyl-coa synthetase 4 [ACSL4], solute carrier family 7 member11 [SLC7A11]), and the expressions of proteins related to CAMKII/ERK pathway (phosphorylated calmodulin kinase Ⅱ [p-CAMK Ⅱ], phosphorylated extracellular signal regulated kinase [p-ERK], and phosphorylated Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog [p-KRAS]).Results:(1) Compared with the normal control group, the PD model group, α7nAChR empty vector group and α7nAChR overexpression group had significantly larger number of rotations ( P<0.05); compared with the PD model group, the α7nAChR overexpression group had significantly smaller number of rotations ( P<0.05). (2) HE staining and Nissl staining showed that the PD model group had decreased number of dopaminergic neurons and Nissl bodies, accompanied by neuronal distribution disorder, nuclear condensation or swelling; the α7nAChR-overexpression group had obviously improved appearance of dopaminergic neurons, with normal morphology and less cell degeneration. (3) TUNEL results showed that compared with the normal control group, the PD model group, α7nAChR empty vector group, and α7nAChR overexpression group had significantly higher apoptosis rate ( P<0.05); compared with the PD model group, the α7nAChR overexpression group had statistically lower apoptosis rate ( P<0.05). (4) Double immunofluorescent staining results showed that compared with the normal control group (303.61±48.40, 13 985.80±1 956.06), the PD model group, α7nAChR empty vector group and α7nAChR overexpression group had significantly increased α-Syn expression (4 310.40±518.43, 3 846.60±524.47 and 1 033.55±59.98) and statistically decreased TH expression (760.97±57.26, 842.55±113.41 and 8 101.82±1 171.85) in the right SNc ( P<0.05); compared with the PD model group, the α7nAChR overexpression group had significantly decreased α-Syn expression and increased TH expression in the right SNc ( P<0.05). (5) ELISA results showed that the 4-HNE and MDA expressions in the right SNc of the PD model group, α7nAChR empty vector group and α7nAChR overexpression group were significantly higher than those in the normal control group ( P<0.05); the 4-HNE and MDA expressions in the α7nAChR overexpression group were significantly lower than those in the PD model group ( P<0.05). (6) Western blotting results showed that compared with the normal control group, the PD model group, α7nAChR empty vector group and α7nAChR overexpression group had significantly decreased FTH1, S1R, GPX4, and SLC7A11 protein expressions, and statistically increased ACSL4 protein expression in the right SNc ( P<0.05); compared with the PD model group, the α7nAChR overexpression group had significantly increased FTH1, S1R, GPX4, and SLC7A11 protein expressions and decreased ACSL4 protein expression in the right SNc ( P<0.05). Compared with the normal control group, the PD model group, α7nAChR empty vector group and α7nAChR overexpression group had significantly increased p-KRAS, p-CAMKII, and p-ERK protein expressions in the right SNc ( P<0.05); compared with the PD model group, the α7nAChR overexpression group had significantly decreased p-KRAS, p-CAMKII, and p-ERK protein expressions in the right SNc ( P<0.05). Conclusion:The α7nAChR may exert neuroprotective effect on PD rat models by regulating the CAMKII/ERK pathway and ferroptosis-related proteins.
4.Risk-stratified outcomes of red blood cell transfusion in on-pump cardiac surgery.
Tianlong WANG ; Jing WANG ; Han ZHANG ; Qiaoni ZHANG ; Mingru ZHANG ; Gang LIU ; Shujie YAN ; Jian WANG ; Yuan TENG ; Bingyang JI
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(20):2678-2680
5.Quantitative research on general practitioner policies in China from 1997 to 2023
Xinru MA ; Yanxin ZHOU ; Mengyu YAN ; Jing LI ; Shujie SONG ; Mei SUN
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(1):4-10
ObjectiveTo understand the development stages and use of policy tools of general practitioner policies in China since it was first proposed, to summarize the experience and explore the shortcomings, so as to provide references for the adjustment and optimization of China’s general practitioner policies. MethodsContent analysis and mathematical statistics analysis were used to conduct a quantitative research on 111 policy documents with 422 policy items involving general practitioners at the national level from 1997 to 2023, through a three-dimensional analysis framework integrating policy tools, human capital process and policy development stages. ResultsCapacity‑building policy tools were most frequently used in general practitioner policies, and the policy tools gradually shifted from mandate to inducement. The general practitioner policies paid less attention to the career selection link, but paid full attention to every segment of human capital links, with a comprehensive application of policy tools observed in the integrated development stage, despite the existence of unbalanced internal distribution. ConclusionIt is suggested to promote the use of incentive policy tools and to explore multiple approaches based on incentive theory; pay attention to the career selection link for guiding the employment of general practitioners; take the appropriateness between the policy tools and human capital process into comprehensive consideration, striking a dynamic balance of the internal structure of general practitioner policies.
6.Policy texts analysis of the physician periodic assessment system in China
Yingqi CHEN ; Shujie SONG ; Yanxin ZHOU ; Mengyu YAN ; Jing LI ; Mei SUN
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(1):11-17
ObjectiveTo analyze the characteristics of policy texts related to the physician periodic assessment system in China, providing references for the improvement of the system. MethodsContent analysis was employed, examining 116 policy documents from three dimensions: policy process, policy themes, and policy tools. ResultsA total of 298 codes were obtained. The number of policies related to the periodic assessment of physicians showed an overall trend of increasing first and then decreasing, with the peak annual issuance period between 2011 and 2021, and the average number of policy texts showing a downward trend. Policy documents were summarized into 3 levels: physician periodic assessment work, individual behavior, and institutional systems, encompassing a total of 8 categories of themes. The proportion of supply-oriented, environmental-oriented, and demand-oriented policy tools were 4.03%, 60.40%, and 35.57%, respectively. Moreover, environmental-oriented tools continued to dominate over time, followed by demand-oriented tools, with supply-oriented tools being the least. ConclusionThe policy themes are relatively broad and difficult to implement, focusing on establishing regulations while neglecting resource provision, and failing to continuously improve the construction of the system. It is recommended to clearly define the scope of the periodic assessment management, improve supporting systems, increase resource supply, and continuously promote the execution of assessments and policy revisions.
7.Comparison of clinical outcomes between latissimus dorsi flap with implant and mesh with implant for immediate breast reconstruction: a BREAST-Q assessment
Tinghong XIANG ; Lu YIN ; Tianyi NI ; Yiwen GAO ; Yingying WANG ; Xianglong ZU ; Shujie RUAN ; Wei YAN ; Zhechen ZHU ; Jingping SHI
Chinese Journal of Plastic Surgery 2025;41(7):710-718
Objective:To compare the clinical outcomes of immediate breast reconstruction using latissimus dorsi flap with implant versus mesh with implant based on BREAST-Q evaluation.Methods:From the clinical database of the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, the patients who underwent immediate breast reconstruction after total mastectomy from January 2020 to December 2023 were selected as the research subjects. All breast reconstruction surgeries were performed by the same surgeon. Patients were divided into two groups according to surgical methods: the latissimus dorsi muscle flap combined with implant immediate breast reconstruction group (LD group) and the mesh combined with implant immediate breast reconstruction group (mesh group). Patients were followed up in outpatient clinics or by telephone one year after surgery. The BREAST-Q was used to evaluate the surgical outcomes of both groups from four dimensions: psychosocial well-being, sexual well-being, chest-physical well-being, and breast satisfaction. The score range for each dimension was 0-100, with higher scores indicating greater patient satisfaction with quality of life and surgical outcomes. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 22.0 software. Normally distributed measurement data were expressed as Mean ± SD, and comparisons between the two groups were performed using independent sample t-test. Count data were expressed as number of cases and percentages, and comparisons between groups were performed using chi-square test or Fisher’s exact test. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results:A total of 123 patients were included, with 59 patients in the LD group and 64 patients in the mesh group. In the LD group, the mean age was (37.7±7.0) years, body mass index (BMI) was (22.6±2.6) kg/m 2, and clinical tumor staging showed 2, 22, 30, and 5 cases for stages 0, Ⅰ, Ⅱ, and Ⅲ, respectively. In the mesh group, the mean age was (39.1±7.0) years, BMI was (22.6±2.8) kg/m 2, and clinical tumor staging showed 1, 25, 38, and 0 cases for stages 0, Ⅰ, Ⅱ, and Ⅲ, respectively. There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in baseline characteristics including age, BMI, and clinical tumor staging (all P>0.05). One year after surgery, the BREAST-Q result showed no statistically significant differences between the LD group and mesh group in psychosocial well-being [(83.0±19.8) points vs. (80.8±19.3) points] and sexual well-being [(62.1±30.4) points vs. (65.8±25.6) points] (all P>0.05). However, the LD group had lower chest-physical well-being scores than the mesh group [(40.6±9.7) points vs. (45.1±9.6) points, P<0.05], while breast satisfaction scores were higher in the LD group than in the mesh group [(68.0±17.8) points vs. (59.8±12.6) points, P<0.01]. Conclusion:Immediate breast reconstruction by both latissimus dorsi flap with implant and mesh with implant can improve patients’ psychosocial and sexual well-being by enhancing breast appearance. However, LD technique provides better breast satisfaction, while the mesh technique offers advantages in physical well-being of the chest wall and upper body. Surgeons should select the most appropriate breast reconstruction technique based on patients’ anatomical conditions, treatment history, and individual needs to optimize postoperative quality of life and satisfaction.
8.Neuroprotective effect of α7nAChR on PD rat models and its underlying mechanism
Yan PAN ; Xin HU ; Jing PEI ; Shujie TONG
Chinese Journal of Neuromedicine 2025;24(6):561-571
Objective:To explore the neuroprotective effect of α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7nAChR) on rat models of Parkinson's disease (PD) and its underlying mechanism.Methods:Forty-eight 8-week-old SPF-grade SD rats were randomly divided into a normal control group, a PD model group, an α7nAChR empty vector group and an α7nAChR overexpression group, with 12 rats in each group. PD models in the latter 3 groups of rats were established by 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA). Four weeks after modeling, rats in the latter 2 groups were injected with 2 μL α7nAChR overexpression lentivirus or empty vector lentivirus through stereotactic intracerebral injection, while rats in the normal control group did not receive any treatment. Two weeks after injection, the behavioral changes of these rats were detected by apomorphine-induced rotation test; the right substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc) was prepared and performed the following experiments: hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and Nissl staining were used to detect the neuron morphological changes, TUNEL was used to detect the neuron apoptosis, fluorescent double labeling was used to detect the expressions of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and α-synuclein (α-Syn), ELISA was used to detect the expressions of 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE) and malondialdehyde (MDA), and Western blotting was used to detect the expressions of ferroptosis-related proteins (ferritin heavy chain 1 [FTH1], Sigma receptor 1 [S1R], glutathione peroxidase 4 [GPX4], long chain acyl-coa synthetase 4 [ACSL4], solute carrier family 7 member11 [SLC7A11]), and the expressions of proteins related to CAMKII/ERK pathway (phosphorylated calmodulin kinase Ⅱ [p-CAMK Ⅱ], phosphorylated extracellular signal regulated kinase [p-ERK], and phosphorylated Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog [p-KRAS]).Results:(1) Compared with the normal control group, the PD model group, α7nAChR empty vector group and α7nAChR overexpression group had significantly larger number of rotations ( P<0.05); compared with the PD model group, the α7nAChR overexpression group had significantly smaller number of rotations ( P<0.05). (2) HE staining and Nissl staining showed that the PD model group had decreased number of dopaminergic neurons and Nissl bodies, accompanied by neuronal distribution disorder, nuclear condensation or swelling; the α7nAChR-overexpression group had obviously improved appearance of dopaminergic neurons, with normal morphology and less cell degeneration. (3) TUNEL results showed that compared with the normal control group, the PD model group, α7nAChR empty vector group, and α7nAChR overexpression group had significantly higher apoptosis rate ( P<0.05); compared with the PD model group, the α7nAChR overexpression group had statistically lower apoptosis rate ( P<0.05). (4) Double immunofluorescent staining results showed that compared with the normal control group (303.61±48.40, 13 985.80±1 956.06), the PD model group, α7nAChR empty vector group and α7nAChR overexpression group had significantly increased α-Syn expression (4 310.40±518.43, 3 846.60±524.47 and 1 033.55±59.98) and statistically decreased TH expression (760.97±57.26, 842.55±113.41 and 8 101.82±1 171.85) in the right SNc ( P<0.05); compared with the PD model group, the α7nAChR overexpression group had significantly decreased α-Syn expression and increased TH expression in the right SNc ( P<0.05). (5) ELISA results showed that the 4-HNE and MDA expressions in the right SNc of the PD model group, α7nAChR empty vector group and α7nAChR overexpression group were significantly higher than those in the normal control group ( P<0.05); the 4-HNE and MDA expressions in the α7nAChR overexpression group were significantly lower than those in the PD model group ( P<0.05). (6) Western blotting results showed that compared with the normal control group, the PD model group, α7nAChR empty vector group and α7nAChR overexpression group had significantly decreased FTH1, S1R, GPX4, and SLC7A11 protein expressions, and statistically increased ACSL4 protein expression in the right SNc ( P<0.05); compared with the PD model group, the α7nAChR overexpression group had significantly increased FTH1, S1R, GPX4, and SLC7A11 protein expressions and decreased ACSL4 protein expression in the right SNc ( P<0.05). Compared with the normal control group, the PD model group, α7nAChR empty vector group and α7nAChR overexpression group had significantly increased p-KRAS, p-CAMKII, and p-ERK protein expressions in the right SNc ( P<0.05); compared with the PD model group, the α7nAChR overexpression group had significantly decreased p-KRAS, p-CAMKII, and p-ERK protein expressions in the right SNc ( P<0.05). Conclusion:The α7nAChR may exert neuroprotective effect on PD rat models by regulating the CAMKII/ERK pathway and ferroptosis-related proteins.
9.Habitat radiomics model in predicting the early therapeutic efficacy of hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy combined with targeted therapy or immunotherapy for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma: a multi-center retrospective study
Mingsong WU ; Zenglong QUE ; Guanhui LI ; Jie LONG ; Yuxin TANG ; Hao ZHONG ; Shujie LAI ; Qixian YAN ; Jun WANG ; Xiang LAN ; Liangzhi WEN
Chinese Journal of Digestion 2025;45(2):89-99
Objective:To develop habitat radiomics models to predict early treatment responses to the hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy (HAIC) combined with targeted therapy or immunotherapy in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients, and to guide clinical diagnosis and treatment.Methods:From October 2021 to Decemeber 2023, at Army Characteristic Medical Center of PLA (Chongqing Daping Hospital) and the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, 94 patients with advanced HCC who received HAIC combined with targeted therapy or immunotherapy were retrospectively enrolled. According to the treatment results, the patients were divided into response group and non-response group. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression were performed to analyze the clinical data of the patients. Based on contrast-enhanced CT images, tumor habitats were delineated and habitat features were extracted with k-means clustering, and the imaging features of arterial and venous phases were also extracted. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) was used for dimensionality reduction. Feature selection was performed using LASSO to reduce dimensions, and then the selected features were further refined through stepwise logistic regression analysis.Binary logistic regression models were conducted to develop the habitat radiomics model, arterial phase radiomics model (APRM), venous phase radiomics model (VPRM), clinical data model, as well as the combination of radiomics model and clinical data model to predict early treatment (after 2 treatment cycles) response. Receiver operating characteristic curves (ROC) were plotted, and model performance was evaluated by the area under the curve (AUC), calibration curves, and decision curve. The models were validated through Bootstrap methods (1 000 times). DeLong test was used to compare AUC values.Results:The results of cluster analysis identified 3 characteristic habitats in HCC imaging: low-, medium-, and high-enhancement tumor habitats. The proportion of high-enhancement habitats was higher than that in the non-response group. A predictive model was established based on the proportions of these 3 habitats. Based on the proportion of low-, medium-, and high-enhancement habitats within the tumor, a habitat radiomics model was constructed. After LASSO selection and logistic regression analysis, 3 arterial phase and 3 venous phase radiomic features were selected to build the APRM and VPRM, respectively. Logistic regression analysis identified the following factors for the clinical data model: comorbidities ( OR=0.275, P=0.031), maximum tumor diameter ( OR=1.149, P=0.019), red blood cell count ( OR=0.463, P=0.022), alpha fetoprotein >400 μg/L ( OR=3.452, P=0.017), and tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy ( OR=3.072, P=0.048). Among the single predictive model′s comparison, the AUC of habitat radiomics model was 0.860 (95% confidence interval(95% CI): 0.789 to 0.932), while those of the APRM、VPRM and clinical data model were 0.850 (95% CI: 0.773 to 0.926), 0.855 (95% CI: 0.782 to 0.928), and 0.774 (95% CI: 0.681 to 0.867), respectively, and there were no statistically significant among these models (all P>0.05). Among the combination models, the AUC of the habitat rediomic-clinical data combination model was 0.881 (95% CI: 0.814 to 0.947); the AUC of arterial phase rediomic-clinical data combination model was 0.897 (95% CI: 0.833 to 0.961); and the AUC of venous phase rediomic-clinical data combination model was 0.888 (95% CI: 0.826 to 0.951), but there were no statistically significant among the 3 models (all P>0.05). The calibration curve showed that the habitat rediomic-clinical data combination model had the most accurate predictive probability. Internal validation showed that the AUC of habitat rediomic-clinical data combination model was 0.848 (95% CI: 0.772 to 0.922), and the predictive performance was better than that of the clinical-data model (0.733 (95% CI: 0.670 to 0.863)). Conclusion:The habitat radiomics model based on enhanced CT can effectively predict early treatment responses to the HAIC combined with targeted therapy or immunotherapy in advanced HCC patients, which provides theoretical basis for individualized treatment in advanced HCC.
10.Effect of Early Intervention of Yishen Huazhuo Prescription on Learning and Memory of Accelerated Aging SAMP8 Mice and Its Mechanism
Shujie ZAN ; Kai WANG ; Jiachun XU ; Weiming SUN ; Daoyan NI ; Linlin ZHANG ; Shuang LIU ; Yan MA ; Pengjuan XU ; Lin LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(8):91-99
ObjectiveTo investigate the impact of early intervention with Yishen Huazhuo prescription (YHP) on the learning and memory of accelerated aging model mice, as well as its underlying mechanism. MethodForty-eight 3-month-old male SAMP8 mice were randomly assigned into four groups, including the model group, low-dose YHP group, high-dose YHP group, and donepezil group. Additionally, 24 SAMR1 mice of the same age were divided into a control group and a YHP treatment control group, each consisting of 12 mice. The YHP groups received YHP at doses of 6.24 g·kg-1 and 12.48 g·kg-1, while the donepezil group was treated with donepezil at a dose of 0.65 mg·kg-1. The model group and control groups were given physiological saline. The mice were gavaged once daily for a duration of four weeks. Spatial learning and memory abilities of mice were assessed using the Morris water maze test. Immunofluorescence staining was employed to evaluate neuronal density as well as expression levels of M1 microglial (MG) polarization marker inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and M2 MG polarization marker arginase-1 (Arg-1) in the hippocampus region. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure serum levels of pro-inflammatory factor interleukin 1β (IL-1β) and anti-inflammatory factor transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1). Furthermore, Western blot analysis was conducted to determine expressions of amyloid β peptide1-42 (Aβ1-42) along with triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (TREM2)/nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway-related proteins TREM2, phospho (p)-NF-κB p65, and phospho-inhibitory kappa B kinase β (IKKβ) in the hippocampus. ResultCompared with the control group, the model group exhibited a significantly prolonged escape latency (P<0.01), a significant reduction in neuron-specific nuclear protein (NeuN) expression in the hippocampus, a significant increase in iNOS expression in MG, and a significant decrease in Arg-1 expression. The serum IL-1β content was significantly increased, while the TGF-β1 content was significantly decreased. Additionally, there was a significant decrease in TREM2 expression in the hippocampus and significant increases in p-NF-κB p65, p-IKKβ, and Aβ1-42 expressions (P<0.05, P<0.01). However, no significant changes were observed in escape latency, times of crossing the platform, and hippocampal NeuN expression in the YHP treatment control group. Conversely, iNOS expression in MG as well as the hippocampal p-NF-κB p65, p-IKKβ, and Aβ1-42 expressions were significantly decreased. Furthermore, TREM2 expression was significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). In comparison to the model group, the low-dose YHP group showed a significantly shortened escape latency and an increased number of crossing the platform (P<0.05, P<0.01). In the high-dose YHP group, the escape latency was significantly shortened (P<0.05). In the low-dose YHP group, high-dose YHP group, the expression of NeuN in the hippocampus was significantly increased, the expression of iNOS in MG was significantly decreased, and the expression of Arg-l was significantly increased. The serum IL-1β content was significantly decreased, while the TGF-β1 content was significantly increased. Furthermore, the expression of TREM2 in the hippocampus was significantly increased, and the expressions of p-NF-κB p65, p-IKKβ, and Aβ1-42 were significantly decreased (P<0.01). ConclusionEarly YHP intervention may promote the transformation of hippocampal MG from M1 to M2 by regulating the TREM2/NF-κB signaling pathway, reduce the release of neuroinflammatory factors, protect hippocampal neurons, and reduce the deposition of Aβ1-42, and finally delay the occurrence of learning and memory decline in SAMP8 mice.

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail