ObjectiveTo evaluate the effect of Ningying Formula （宁瘿方） combined with low-dose antithyroid drugs （ATDs） on the relapse risk for patients with Graves' hyperthyroidism （GH） during the remission phase， and to analyze the related factors between GH relapse and thyrotropin receptor antibody （TRAb） negativity， so as to provide evidence for the standardized management of GH in remission stage. MethodsA single-center retrospective cohort study was conducted， including 269 GH patients in the remission stage. After propensity score matching （PSM）， 102 matched pairs （204 patients） were established. The control group received low-dose ATDs as maintenance therapy， while the exposure group received the core Ningying Formula in addition to low-dose ATDs. The primary outcome was the GH recurrence rate； the secondary outcome was the thyrotropin receptor antibody （TRAb） negativity rate （TRAb＜1.75 IU/L）. Safety outcomes included treatment-related adverse events. Differences between groups were assessed using Cox regression models and Kaplan-Meier curves， with sensitivity analysis performed using inverse probability of treatment weighting （IPTW）. ResultsThe median follow-up in the matched cohort was 28.07 months. Regarding the GH recurrence outcome， the recurrence rate in the exposure group （18/102， 17.6%） was significantly lower than that in the control group （31/102， 30.4%； χ²=4.539， P=0.033）； regarding the TRAb negativity outcome， the TRAb negativity rate in the exposure group （50/102， 49.0%） was significantly higher than that in the control group （23/102， 22.5%； χ²=15.551， P＜0.001）. Multivariate Cox regression analysis for recurrence showed that Ningying Formula treatment reduced the risk of recurrence ［HR=0.324， 95%CI（0.170， 0.617）， P＜0.001］. Male ［HR=2.209， 95%CI（1.079， 4.520）， P=0.030］， higher initial TRAb level ［per 1 IU/L increase： HR=1.033， 95%CI（1.003， 1.064）， P=0.032］， and larger thyroid volume ［per 1 ml increase： HR=1.045， 95%CI（1.003， 1.088）， P=0.035］ were identified as independent risk factors for recurrence； multivariate Cox regression analysis for TRAb negativity indicated that Ningying Formula treatment promoted TRAb negativity ［HR=1.826， 95%CI（1.091， 3.056）， P=0.022］， while a higher initial TRAb level was associated with a lower probability of negativity ［HR=0.974， 95%CI（0.950， 0.998）， P=0.032］. Survival analysis showed significant differences in relapse rate between groups （Log-Rank P=0.003） and in TRAb outcomes （Log-Rank P=0.034）. The incidence of treatment-related adverse events was similar between groups （P=0.757）. The IPTW sensitivity analysis was consistent with the primary analysis， indicating robust results. ConclusionThe Ningying Formula combined with low-dose ATDs can significantly reduce the risk of recurrence and can improve the TRAb negativity rate in GH patients during the remission stage， without increasing common adverse events， making it an optional strategy for reducing relapse risk during remission. Male gender， higher baseline TRAb level， and larger thyroid volume indicate a higher risk of recurrence， warranting focused follow-up and stratified management.

Objective To analyze the clinical and imaging features of primary anorectal malignant melanoma (ARMM) and to improve the level of its early diagnosis and clinical management. Methods A retrospective analysis was performed on the clinical data, multimodal imaging features, treatment methods, pathological results, and follow-up information of 31 patients with pathologically diagnosed ARMM at Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University from December 2016 to October 2025. Results Among the 31 patients, there were 11 males and 20 females, with age of 65 (55, 71) years. Twenty-one patients presented with hematochezia as the initial symptom (67.7%), and four asymptomatic patients were detected incidentally by physical examination. All the patients showed negative alpha-fetoprotein, carcinoembryonic antigen, and carbohydrate antigen 19-9. All 31 cases were solitary ARMM, of which 14 (45.2%) were located in the anorectal region. CT was characterized by polypoid or fungating masses, absence of intestinal obstruction, moderate to marked enhancement; MRI was characterized by specific T₁WI hyperintensity and restricted diffusion; PET/CT is characterized by high metabolism. According to Ballantyne staging, 10 cases of stage Ⅰ, 11 cases of stage Ⅱ and 10 cases of stage Ⅲ were found. Endoscopic resection was performed in 1 patient, transanal resection in 2 patients, and abdominoperineal resection (Miles operation) with routine lymph node dissection in 17 patients. The positive rates of S-100, HMB-45 and Melan-A in 20 surgical patients were 100%, 95% and 100%, respectively, with a median Ki-67 proliferation index of 65%. Median postoperative follow-up duration of surgical patients was 34.5 (2−90) months. During follow-up, 8 patients (40%) developed recurrence and/or metastasis (median time was 11 months after surgery), with the liver and lungs being the most common metastatic sites. Conclusions Primary ARMM predominantly occurs in middle-aged and elderly women, hematochezia is the most common initial symptom. Diagnostic efficacy can be improved by combining characteristic imaging manifestations and immunohistochemical findings. ARMM is a highly malignant tumor with an overall poor prognosis, surgery remains the main therapeutic approach.

In 2024, a total of 27 309 cases of medication error (ME) from 484 hospitals in 27 provincial administrative regions were collected in the National Monitoring Network for Clinical Safe Medication. Among them, 279 (1.02%) were classified as grade A, 22 081 (80.86%) as grade B, 4 268 (15.63%) as grade C, 472 (1.73%) as grade D, 96 (0.35%) as grade E, 105 (0.38%) as grade F, 6 (0.02%) as grade H, and 2 (<0.01%) as grade I; no MEs of grade G occurred. Among the 27 030 patients involved in MEs of grade B to I, 15 124 (55.95%) were male and 11 906 (44.05%) were female; their ages were from 1 day to 104 years; 3 369 (12.46%) were children (<18 years old), 12 113 (44.81%) were young and middle-aged adults (≥18 to <60 years old), and 11 548 (42.72%) were elderly (≥60 years old). The top 3 contents of ME were wrong drug class (5 347 cases, 19.13%), wrong dosage (4 913 cases, 17.58%), and wrong administration frequency (3 429 cases, 12.27%). Among the 27 030 grade B-I MEs, the main person who triggered the event were physicians (18 703 cases, 69.19%) and pharmacists (6 343 cases, 23.47%). These MEs mainly occurred in clinics (11 009 cases, 40.73%), in hospital wards (7 393 cases, 27.35%), and in pharmacies (6 219 cases, 23.27%). The main persons who discovered the MEs were pharmacists (21 021 cases, 74.14%). The top 3 factors causing ME were lack of related pharmacologic knowledge (8 716 cases, 26.49%), tiredness (5 755 cases, 17.49%), and inexperienced skills (4 505 cases, 13.69%). A total of 209 patients were involved in severe MEs (grade E-I), including 133 (63.64%) males and 76 (36.36%) females, aged from 21 months to 94 years, of which 42 (20.10%) were children, 75 (35.88%) were young and middle-aged adults, and 92 (44.02%) were elderly. The top 3 diseases diagnosed in severe MEs were drug poisoning (41 cases, 19.62%), diabetes (34 cases, 16.27%), and hypertension (14 cases, 6.70%); the main person who triggered the MEs were patients and their families (135 cases, 64.59%); the MEs occurred mainly in patients′ houses (116 cases, 55.50%). Drug poisoning was mainly related to accidental ingestion by children, and MEs in patients with diabetes and hypertension were often related to issues on patient compliance. Based on the data of MEs in 2024, it was proposed to establish a better medication safety culture and improve the ME reporting situation in China, pay attention to the risks of misusing external drugs for internal use, children′s accidental ingestion and insulin-related MEs, strengthen the prevention of MEs related to look-alike sound-alike drugs, pay attention to the post administration management and the compliance education of home care for patients with chronic diseases, so as to improve the medication safety of patients in China.

Objective·To investigate the molecular mechanisms and biological functions of the E3 ubiquitin ligase membrane-associated RING-CH 9(MARCH9)in regulating the ubiquitination of receptor protein tyrosine phosphatase alpha(RPTPα).Methods·Western blotting was employed to identify the ubiquitination type of RPTPα and to evaluate the regulatory effect of MARCH9 on its ubiquitination level;Comparative analysis of RPTPα protein stability was performed among wild-type MARCH9,catalytically inactive MARCH9 mutants(MARCH9 S198A or MARCH9-HC/CC),and endogenous MARCH9 knockdown via shRNA.Proteasome inhibitor MG132,autophagy inhibitor 3-MA,and lysosomal inhibitor chloroquine(CQ)were used to determine the degradation pathway of MARCH9-mediated RPTPα ubiquitination.The mechanism underlying 43℃heat shock-induced RPTPα degradation was explored.Stable lung cancer cell lines with MARCH9 single-knockdown(H1299-sh MARCH9)and MARCH9/RPTPα double-knockdown(H1299-sh MARCH9-sh RPTPα)were established using lentiviral vectors.CCK-8 proliferation assay,colony formation assay,and soft agar assay were conducted to evaluate the effects of MARCH9 or RPTPα on lung cancer cell proliferation and clonogenicity.Vasculogenic mimicry formation assay and scratch wound healing assay were performed to assess the impacts on tumor cell invasion and migration.Subcutaneous xenograft models in nude mice were established to examine in vivo tumorigenicity.Bioinformatics analysis was used to compare the expression differences and prognostic correlations of MARCH9 and RPTPα in lung cancer patients.Results·RPTPα predominantly underwent K63-linked poly-ubiquitination,which was significantly enhanced by MARCH9 overexpression.Wild-type MARCH9,but not its catalytic mutants,markedly reduced RPTPα protein stability,while endogenous MARCH9 knockdown increased RPTPα levels.CQ,not MG132 or 3-MA,restored RPTPα stability,indicating that MARCH9 mediated lysosomal degradation of RPTPα through ubiquitination.Heat shock at 43℃specifically enhanced MARCH9-RPTPα interaction,promoting RPTPα degradation.Functional assays revealed that,compared to control H1299 cells,MARCH9-knockdown cells exhibited elevated RPTPα levels,accelerated proliferation,enhanced clonogenicity and invasive capacity,and increased tumorigenicity in nude mice.These phenotypes could be reversed by double knockdown of MARCH9/RPTPα.Bioinformatics analysis demonstrated that high RPTPα expression correlated with poor prognosis and tumor metastasis in lung cancer patients,while MARCH9 showed inverse correlations.Conclusion·MARCH9 mediates K63-linked ubiquitination-dependent lysosomal degradation of phosphatase RPTPα,providing new insights into developing RPTPα-targeted cancer therapeutic strategies.

Objective:To investigate the anemia conditions and characteristics of iron metabolism during different stages of pregnancy in women with different genotypes of thalassemia.Methods:This cohort study selected 3 303 singleton pregnant women who underwent regular prenatal examinations and genetic tests of thalassemia and were delivered at Maternal & Child Health Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region from January 2019 to December 2023. According to the results of thalassemia gene testing, the women were divided into groups: those without thalassemia genes served as the control group (1 539 cases), and those with thalassemia genes (1 764 cases) were further divided based on genotype into the -α/αα group (326 cases), --/αα or -α/-α group (649 cases), point mutation α-thalassemia group (201 cases), β 0-thalassemia group (368 cases), β +-thalassemia group (91 cases), and α combined with β-thalassemia group (129 cases). Hemoglobin (Hb) and serum ferritin (SF) levels were measured in the first, second, and third trimester of pregnancy. Differences in anemia and iron reserves among the groups at different pregnancy stages were compared using repeated measures analysis of variance, LSD test, Kruskal-Wallis rank-sum test, and Bonferroni correction. Results:Compared to the first trimester, Hb levels decreased in the second and third trimester across all groups (LSD test, all P<0.05), and the severity of anemia increased (Bonferroni correction, all P<0.017). The severity of anemia varied among the groups at the same pregnancy stage ( Hfirst trimester=918.20, Hsecond trimester=1 224.50, Hthird trimester=980.19; all P<0.001), and Hb levels also differed ( Ffirst trimester=282.54, Fsecond trimester=352.31, Fthird trimester=239.02; all P<0.001). The β 0-thalassemia group had higher rates of moderate anemia in the first, second, and third trimester of pregnancy [38.6% (142/368), 85.3% (314/368), and 73.6% (271/368)] compared to other groups (Bonferroni correction, all P<0.002), and lower Hb levels [(102.1±8.9), (92.0±7.3), and (94.6±7.7) g/L] than other groups (LSD test, all P<0.05). As pregnancy progresses, SF levels in each group of pregnant women gradually decreased (LSD test, all P<0.05), and the degree of iron deficiency worsened (Bonferroni correction, all P<0.05). The iron deficiency rate in thalassemia pregnant women during the third trimester ranges from 21.5% (79/368) to 46.0% (150/326). The degree of iron deficiency varies among groups within the same gestational period ( Hfirst trimester=79.13, Hsecond trimester=203.98, Hthird trimester=130.55; all P<0.001), and SF levels also differ ( Ffirst trimester=17.28, Fsecond trimester=44.60, Fthird trimester=31.87; all P<0.001). Among them, the β 0-thalassemia group had the lowest iron deficiency rates in the second, and third trimesters [9.8% (36/368), and 21.5% (79/368)] (Bonferroni correction, all P<0.002). SF levels in the β 0-thalassemia and β +-thalassemia groups were higher than those in other groups during each gestational period (LSD test, all P<0.05). Conclusions:Pregnant women with thalassemia may experience varying degrees of iron deficiency during pregnancy, with the severity of iron deficiency and anemia increasing with gestational age. The degree of iron deficiency and anemia during pregnancy varies among pregnant women with different genotypes of thalassemia. Clinically, individualized management should be provided for pregnant women with thalassemia based on their genotypes, with dynamic monitoring of anemia and iron metabolism changes.

Objective:To evaluate the clinical value of high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) viral load for the cervical cancer screening and triage of high-risk HPV positive populations without additional tests.Methods:(1) This study conducted a retrospective analysis of 29 720 women aged 35-64 years who received cervical cancer screening in Quanzhou, China, in 2021. Fourteen high-risk HPV types (including HPV 16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 56, 58, 59, 66, and 68) were detected for cervical cancer primary screening using hybrid capture-chemiluminescence method. High-risk HPV positive samples were further subjected to HPV 16/18 genotyping using hybrid capture-chemiluminescence method. Among them, HPV 16/18 positive women were directly referred to colposcopy, while the other 12 high-risk HPV positive samples were further subjected to liquid based cytology test. Those with abnormal or suspicious cytology were referred to colposcopy. Biopsies were taken for histopathological examination of suspicious or abnormal individuals under colposcopy. (2) Ten cases of colposcopy loss or refusal to undergo examination were excluded, and the data from the 29 710 cases were analyzed. The HPV viral loads of the other 12 high-risk HPV positive populations were focused and evaluated their HPV viral loads for further cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) Ⅱ and above lesions (CINⅡ +) triage in cervical cancer screening. Results:(1) Among 29 720 women, 2 487 women (8.37%, 2 487/29 720) were positive for high-risk HPV, including 807 women (2.72%, 807/29 720) were positive for HPV 16/18 and 1 680 patients (5.65%, 1 680/29 720) were positive for the other 12 high-risk HPV types. Among 1 680 women who tested positive for the other 12 high-risk HPV types, 573 patients were atypical squamous cell carcinoma of unclear significance or above, 346 patients were CIN Ⅰ, 122 patients were CIN Ⅱ-Ⅲ, 9 patients were squamous cell carcinoma patients, and 4 patients were adenocarcinoma in situ. The immediate risk of CIN Ⅱ + in HPV 16/18 positive women (11.13%) was approximately four times higher than that of other 12 high-risk HPV positive women (2.74%). (2) Through the viral load analysis of the other 12 high-risk HPV types, we found that the viral load of the other 12 high-risk HPV provide a good value for the pathological results, with a clinical cutoff (CO) value of 11.21 relative light unit/CO (RLU/CO) for the CINⅡ + detection. Except for HPV 16/18 positive patients, when the viral load values of the other 12 high-risk HPV types were greater than 10 RLU/CO, these patients had a higher risk of CINⅡ +, with a positive predictive value of 31.29%. CINⅡ + was not found in any of the other 12 high-risk HPV positive with viral load values less than or equal to 10 RLU/CO. Conclusions:Using hybrid capture-chemiluminescence HPV tests for HPV 16/18 genotyping, combined with the viral loads (>10 RLU/CO) of the other 12 high-risk HPV analysis, one could triage HPV positive population without additional tests. Such triage strategy could promote the coverage of cervical cancer screening, particularly where cytology pathologists or economic resources are limited.

Objective:To investigate the anemia conditions and characteristics of iron metabolism during different stages of pregnancy in women with different genotypes of thalassemia.Methods:This cohort study selected 3 303 singleton pregnant women who underwent regular prenatal examinations and genetic tests of thalassemia and were delivered at Maternal & Child Health Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region from January 2019 to December 2023. According to the results of thalassemia gene testing, the women were divided into groups: those without thalassemia genes served as the control group (1 539 cases), and those with thalassemia genes (1 764 cases) were further divided based on genotype into the -α/αα group (326 cases), --/αα or -α/-α group (649 cases), point mutation α-thalassemia group (201 cases), β 0-thalassemia group (368 cases), β +-thalassemia group (91 cases), and α combined with β-thalassemia group (129 cases). Hemoglobin (Hb) and serum ferritin (SF) levels were measured in the first, second, and third trimester of pregnancy. Differences in anemia and iron reserves among the groups at different pregnancy stages were compared using repeated measures analysis of variance, LSD test, Kruskal-Wallis rank-sum test, and Bonferroni correction. Results:Compared to the first trimester, Hb levels decreased in the second and third trimester across all groups (LSD test, all P<0.05), and the severity of anemia increased (Bonferroni correction, all P<0.017). The severity of anemia varied among the groups at the same pregnancy stage ( Hfirst trimester=918.20, Hsecond trimester=1 224.50, Hthird trimester=980.19; all P<0.001), and Hb levels also differed ( Ffirst trimester=282.54, Fsecond trimester=352.31, Fthird trimester=239.02; all P<0.001). The β 0-thalassemia group had higher rates of moderate anemia in the first, second, and third trimester of pregnancy [38.6% (142/368), 85.3% (314/368), and 73.6% (271/368)] compared to other groups (Bonferroni correction, all P<0.002), and lower Hb levels [(102.1±8.9), (92.0±7.3), and (94.6±7.7) g/L] than other groups (LSD test, all P<0.05). As pregnancy progresses, SF levels in each group of pregnant women gradually decreased (LSD test, all P<0.05), and the degree of iron deficiency worsened (Bonferroni correction, all P<0.05). The iron deficiency rate in thalassemia pregnant women during the third trimester ranges from 21.5% (79/368) to 46.0% (150/326). The degree of iron deficiency varies among groups within the same gestational period ( Hfirst trimester=79.13, Hsecond trimester=203.98, Hthird trimester=130.55; all P<0.001), and SF levels also differ ( Ffirst trimester=17.28, Fsecond trimester=44.60, Fthird trimester=31.87; all P<0.001). Among them, the β 0-thalassemia group had the lowest iron deficiency rates in the second, and third trimesters [9.8% (36/368), and 21.5% (79/368)] (Bonferroni correction, all P<0.002). SF levels in the β 0-thalassemia and β +-thalassemia groups were higher than those in other groups during each gestational period (LSD test, all P<0.05). Conclusions:Pregnant women with thalassemia may experience varying degrees of iron deficiency during pregnancy, with the severity of iron deficiency and anemia increasing with gestational age. The degree of iron deficiency and anemia during pregnancy varies among pregnant women with different genotypes of thalassemia. Clinically, individualized management should be provided for pregnant women with thalassemia based on their genotypes, with dynamic monitoring of anemia and iron metabolism changes.

Objective:To evaluate the clinical value of high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) viral load for the cervical cancer screening and triage of high-risk HPV positive populations without additional tests.Methods:(1) This study conducted a retrospective analysis of 29 720 women aged 35-64 years who received cervical cancer screening in Quanzhou, China, in 2021. Fourteen high-risk HPV types (including HPV 16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 56, 58, 59, 66, and 68) were detected for cervical cancer primary screening using hybrid capture-chemiluminescence method. High-risk HPV positive samples were further subjected to HPV 16/18 genotyping using hybrid capture-chemiluminescence method. Among them, HPV 16/18 positive women were directly referred to colposcopy, while the other 12 high-risk HPV positive samples were further subjected to liquid based cytology test. Those with abnormal or suspicious cytology were referred to colposcopy. Biopsies were taken for histopathological examination of suspicious or abnormal individuals under colposcopy. (2) Ten cases of colposcopy loss or refusal to undergo examination were excluded, and the data from the 29 710 cases were analyzed. The HPV viral loads of the other 12 high-risk HPV positive populations were focused and evaluated their HPV viral loads for further cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) Ⅱ and above lesions (CINⅡ +) triage in cervical cancer screening. Results:(1) Among 29 720 women, 2 487 women (8.37%, 2 487/29 720) were positive for high-risk HPV, including 807 women (2.72%, 807/29 720) were positive for HPV 16/18 and 1 680 patients (5.65%, 1 680/29 720) were positive for the other 12 high-risk HPV types. Among 1 680 women who tested positive for the other 12 high-risk HPV types, 573 patients were atypical squamous cell carcinoma of unclear significance or above, 346 patients were CIN Ⅰ, 122 patients were CIN Ⅱ-Ⅲ, 9 patients were squamous cell carcinoma patients, and 4 patients were adenocarcinoma in situ. The immediate risk of CIN Ⅱ + in HPV 16/18 positive women (11.13%) was approximately four times higher than that of other 12 high-risk HPV positive women (2.74%). (2) Through the viral load analysis of the other 12 high-risk HPV types, we found that the viral load of the other 12 high-risk HPV provide a good value for the pathological results, with a clinical cutoff (CO) value of 11.21 relative light unit/CO (RLU/CO) for the CINⅡ + detection. Except for HPV 16/18 positive patients, when the viral load values of the other 12 high-risk HPV types were greater than 10 RLU/CO, these patients had a higher risk of CINⅡ +, with a positive predictive value of 31.29%. CINⅡ + was not found in any of the other 12 high-risk HPV positive with viral load values less than or equal to 10 RLU/CO. Conclusions:Using hybrid capture-chemiluminescence HPV tests for HPV 16/18 genotyping, combined with the viral loads (>10 RLU/CO) of the other 12 high-risk HPV analysis, one could triage HPV positive population without additional tests. Such triage strategy could promote the coverage of cervical cancer screening, particularly where cytology pathologists or economic resources are limited.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2021.10.012.].

Objective:To explore the value of dual-layer spectral CT virtual monoenergetic images (VMI) in contrast-enhanced abdominal CT scans with reduced contrast medium volume in pediatric tumor patients.Methods:The study is a self-matched case-control study. From January to October 2024, pediatric patients admitted to Shandong Cancer Hospital with abdominal tumors who underwent low contrast dose spectral CT contrast-enhanced scans during follow-up were prospectively included. A total of 47 patients aged (6.2±2.2) years (4-14 years) were enrolled. Usual contrast dose enhanced CT served as the conventional-dose group, while the follow-up low-dose spectral CT scans employed a protocol with half the contrast agent dose (low-dose group). Images were reconstructed as conventional CT images and VMI at 45, 55, and 65 keV. Using muscle as the reference background, differences in CT values and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) in the aorta, kidneys, liver, and spleen were compared between the low-dose group and conventional-dose group. Multi-group comparisons were performed using the Friedman test. Post-hoc pairwise comparisons were conducted with Bonferroni correction for P-values. Results:CT values and CNRs for all measured regions progressively increased with decreasing keV levels in spectral CT VMI. Significant overall differences were found in CT values and CNRs for the aorta, kidneys, liver, and spleen among the low-dose group (all VMIs) and the conventional-dose group (all P<0.001). At 65 keV VMI in the low-dose group, both CT values and CNRs (except for the liver CNR) were significantly lower than those in the conventional-dose group (all adjusted P<0.05). At 55 keV VMI in the low-dose group, CT values and CNRs for all regions did not show statistically significant differences compared to the conventional-dose group (all adjusted P>0.05). At 45 keV VMI in the low-dose group, CT values for all structures and CNR for the spleen were significantly higher than those in the conventional-dose group (all adjusted P<0.05). However, no statistically significant difference was found in CNRs for the aorta, kidneys, and liver (adjusted P=1.000, 0.313, and 0.503, respectively). Conclusion:When the contrast dose is halved, spectral CT 45 keV VMI enhances CT attenuation values and CNR in the abdomen of pediatric tumor patients, while 55 keV VMI provides image quality comparable to that of conventional-dose CT.