Synthetic CT (sCT) generated from CBCT has proven effective in artifact reduction and CT number correction, facilitating precise radiation dose calculation. However, the quality of different regions in sCT images is severely imbalanced, with soft tissue region exhibiting notably inferior quality compared to others. To address this imbalance, we proposed a Multi-Task Attention Network (MuTA-Net) based on VGG-16, specifically focusing the enhancement of image quality in soft tissue region of sCT. First, we introduced a multi-task learning strategy that divides the sCT generation task into three sub-tasks: global image generation, soft tissue region generation and bone region segmentation. This approach ensured the quality of overall sCT image while enhancing the network's focus on feature extraction and generation for soft tissues region. The result of bone region segmentation task guided the fusion of sub-tasks results. Then, we designed an attention module to further optimize feature extraction capabilities of the network. Finally, by employing a results fusion module, the results of three sub-tasks were integrated, generating a high-quality sCT image. Experimental results on head and neck CBCT demonstrated that the sCT images generated by the proposed MuTA-Net exhibited a 12.52% reduction in mean absolute error in soft tissue region, compared to the best performance among the three comparative methods, including ResNet, U-Net, and U-Net++. It can be seen that MuTA-Net is suitable for high-quality sCT image generation and has potential application value in the field of CBCT guided adaptive radiation therapy.
Cone-Beam Computed Tomography/methods* ; Humans ; Image Processing, Computer-Assisted/methods* ; Artifacts ; Algorithms ; Bone and Bones/diagnostic imaging* ; Neural Networks, Computer

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the synergistic mechanism of the traditional Chinese medicine Rosa laevigata Michx. (RLM) for treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). METHODS: Network pharmacological analysis was carried out to screen the active ingredients of RLM and PAH disease targets and construct the "component-target-disease" interaction network, followed by gene enrichment analysis and molecular docking studies. In the cell experiments, primary cultures of rat pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells were exposed to hypoxia for 24 h and treated with solvent or 100, 200 and 300 mg/mL RLM, and the changes in cell proliferation were detected using Western blotting for PCNA and immunofluorescence staining. In the animal experiment, male SD rats were randomized into 5 control group, monocrotaline (MCT) solvent group, and MCT with RLM (100, 200 and 300 mg/mL) treatment groups. HE staining and immunofluorescence staining were used to observe histopathological changes in the pulmonary blood vessels of the rats. RESULTS: Seven core active ingredients (including β-sitosterol and kaempferol) in RLM and 39 key disease targets were identified, and molecular docking showed that SRC was a high-affinity target. KEGG enrichment analysis showed that the differential genes were significantly enriched in calcium signaling and PI3K-AKT pathways. In rat pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells, hypoxic exposure significantly up-regulated cellular expression of PCNA and phosphorylation levels of Src and AKT1, which were obviously lowered by RLM treatment. In RLM-treated rat models, the mean pulmonary artery pressure and right ventricular hypertrophy index (Fulton index) were significantly reduced, the tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) was improved, and pulmonary vascular wall thickening and fibrosis were obviously ameliorated. CONCLUSIONS RLM inhibits pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cell proliferation in rat models of hypertension possibly by regulating the Src-AKT1 axis, suggesting the potential of RLM as a new natural drug for treatment of pulmonary hypertension.
Animals ; Cell Proliferation/drug effects* ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt/metabolism* ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Pulmonary Artery/cytology* ; Male ; Rats ; Myocytes, Smooth Muscle/cytology* ; Hypertension, Pulmonary/pathology* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology* ; Signal Transduction/drug effects* ; Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/cytology* ; src-Family Kinases/metabolism* ; Cells, Cultured

Objective : To observe the effect of Celastrus orbiculatusextract(COE) on gastric precancerous lesions(GPL) and to explore its role in the Notch-1 signaling pathway. Methods : GPL rat models were established using a composite model replication method, and the rats were randomly divided into a control group, a model group, and COE low, medium and high dose groups [COE at 12.5, 25, and 50 mg/(kg·d)]. After 4 weeks of intervention, gastric tissue was collected, and immunohistochemistry(IHC) was performed to detect the expression of mucins(MUC2, MUC5AC, and MUC6), Leucine-rich repeat-containing G-protein coupled receptor 5(Lgr5), Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen(Ki67), and Notch-1. Polymerase chain reaction(PCR) was used to determine the mRNA levels of the aforementioned mucins. Human gastric epithelial cells(GES-1) were induced with N-Methyl-N′-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine(MNNG) to establish a GPL cell model. The cells were randomly divided into control, model, and COE low, medium, and high concentration groups(COE at 5, 10, and 20 μg/ml). After 24 hours of corresponding interventions, changes in cell morphology were observed under an inverted microscope. Western blot was used to measure the expression of Notch-1 and Lgr5, and immunofluorescence(IF) was employed to detect Notch-1 expression. Results : Compared to the control group, the expression of MUC2, Lgr5, Notch-1, and Ki67 in the gastric tissue of the model group rats significantly increased(P<0.000 1), while the expression of MUC5AC and MUC6 decreased(P<0.000 1). In comparison to the model group, the expressions of MUC2, Lgr5, Notch-1, and Ki67 were significantly reduced in the COE groups(P<0.01), while the expression of MUC5AC and MUC6 significantly increased(P<0.01). In the GES-1 model group, the cells exhibited irregular morphology, loose intercellular connections, and disorganized arrangement compared to the control group. In contrast, the cells in the COE groups displayed a more regular morphology and a more organized arrangement than those in the model group. Additionally, compared to the control group, the expression of Lgr5 and Notch-1 in the model group were significantly elevated(P<0.000 1), whereas after COE treatment, their expressions were markedly reduced(P<0.001). Conclusion COE can alleviate GPL, and its mechanism may be associated with the downregulation of the Notch-1 signaling pathway, which improves gastric mucosal mucin barrier function and inhibits the abnormal proliferation of gastric mucosal stem cells.

Objective:To analyze clinical characteristics of acromegaly patients who have discordant growth hormone(GH) or insulin-like growth factor-1(IGF-1) levels and evaluate impact of different GH cut-offs on discordance rate.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on data from 66 acromegaly patients treated at Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital from November 2017 to March 2023. Patients were categorized based on the nadir GH(GHn) and IGF-1 levels at the last follow-up into four groups: controlled, high GH, high IGF-1, and active. Clinical and metabolic parameters were compared across these groups, and impact of different GHn and fasting growth hormone(GHf) cut-offs on discordance rate was evaluated.Results:No statistically significant differences were observed among groups in age, duration of follow-up, imaging characteristics(all P>0.05). High IGF-1 group had higher fasting insulin and homeostasis model assessment for β cell function compared to controlled and high GH group(all P<0.05), while these parameters did not differ between high GH and controlled group. High IGF-1 group had higher carboxy-terminal cross-linked telopeptide of type 1 collagen, osteocalcin and procollagen type 1 N-terminal propeptide compared to controlled and high GH group, but differences were not statistically significant(all P>0.05). These parameters also did not differ between high GH and controlled group. Discordance rate was not significantly different when GHn cut-offs was 1.0 μg/L or 0.4 μg/L(30.3% vs 21.3%, P=0.146). Compared to 2.5 μg/L, discordance rate was lower when GHf cut-off was 1.0 μg/L(39.4% vs 24.3%, P=0.041). Conclusion:The discordance rate in treated acromegaly patients during follow-up is approximately 30%. Different GH measurement timings and cut-offs significantly impact discordance rate. Patients with normal GH and elevated IGF-1 levels are at potential risk of active disease, and require closer follow-up. This study provides a valuable reference for treatment of patients with discordant GH and IGF-1 levels.

The basic concept and related background of multivariate statistical process control(MSPC)were intro-duced.The basic process of MSPC implementation and the common statistics and control charts were described.The important role of MSPC in the pharmaceutical production process was emphasized,especially in the field of tra-ditional Chinese medicine,providing reference for the selection of quality control methods in drug production process.The advantages and disadvantages of MSPC were summarized,and the development trend of MSPC in drug production and quality control was prospected.

Objective To observe the correlation between apparent diffusion coefficient(ADC)of sacroiliac joint and spondyloarthritis research consortium of Canada(SPARCC)score in ankylosing spondylitis(AS)patients with different grade sacroiliac joint inflammation.Methods MR examinations of sacroiliac joint were prospectively performed in 35 AS patients(AS group)and 30 healthy controls(HC group).The grade of sacroiliac joint inflammation and SPARCC score in AS group were evaluated according to MRI findings,and the patients were then further divided into bone marrow oedema(BMO)subgroup(n=19)and non-BMO subgroup(n=16)according to whether BMO presented under articular surface or not,and ADC of sacroiliac joint(ADCsacroiliac)were measured.Receiver operating characteristic curve was drawn,the area under the curve(AUC)was calculated to evaluate the efficacy of ADCsacroiliac for assessing AS sacroiliac joint inflammation grade.Pearson correlation analysis was performed to analyze the correlation between ADCsacroiliac and SPARCC score in AS patients with different grade sacroiliac joint inflammation.Results ADCsacroiliac in BMO subgroup and non-BMO subgroup was(4.85±1.44)×10-4 and(4.30±0.64)×10-4 mm2/s,respectively,being not significantly different(P＞0.05)but both higher than that in HC group([3.32±1.36]×10-4 mm2/s,both P＜0.05).The sensitivity of ADCsacroiliac for assessing grade of sacroiliac joint inflammation in AS patients was 49.44％,51.94％,73.06％and 60.50％,with specificity of 75.00％,78.92％,83.33％and 66.67％,respectively,and AUC of 0.613,0.712,0.837 and 0.645,respectively.ADCsacroiliac was moderately-highly positively correlated with SPARCC score of AS patients with Ⅱ and Ⅲgrade sacroiliac joint inflammation(r=0.580,0.933,both P＜0.05),but no obvious correlation was detected between ADCsacroiliac and SPARCC score of AS patients with Ⅰ or Ⅳ grade sacroiliac joint inflammation(both P＞0.05).Conclusion ADCsacroiliac was positively correlated with SPARCC scores of AS patients with Ⅱ and Ⅲ grade sacroiliac joint inflammation,which could be regarded as a reliable quantitative parameter for monitoring sacroiliac joint BMO.

In this study,we aim to provide a comprehensive overview of the postoperative nursing care for patients undergoing radiofrequency catheter ablation in conjunction with minimally invasive left ventricular assist device implantation.The main nursing considerations include the following aspects.Regular assessment of the pulsation of bilateral lower limb arteries was conducted in order to maintain vigilance against the occurrence of deep vein thrombosis;the goal-oriented fluid management strategies were executed;it was crucial to focus on gastrointestinal responses and take steps to prevent gastrointestinal bleeding;the monitoring of chest indicators and respiratory function was enhanced to facilitate early detection of pneumothorax;the optimization of pain management was maximized.Following meticulous care and medical attention,the patient was transferred to the general ward on the 8th day post-surgery.On the 21st day after the procedure,the patient achieved full recovery and was subsequently discharged.

Objective:To systematically summarize and comparatively analyze the development, establishment and usage of oncology drugs speedy review approaches in China and in the United States between 2012 and 2021.Methods:Based on National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) websites, the development and current status of the speedy review approaches were consulted and summarized. Approved oncology drugs in China and in the United States (87 in China, 118 in the United States) over the past decade were analyzed using chi-square test for group comparison.Results:Five speedy approaches have been established in China and in the United States, three of which are the same, priority review, conditional approval or accelerated approval and breakthrough therapy. The rest two are special review and approval, special examination and approval in China, and fast track and real-time oncology review in the United States. Compared to the United States, speedy review approaches in China set up late (1992 vs. 2005). The overall utilization rates of the oncology drugs speedy review approaches were similar between the China and United States (90.8% vs. 92.4%, P=0.800) in the previous 10 years, and priority review have highest utilization rates in both China and the United States without significant group difference (77.0% vs. 82.2%, P=0.381); relatively low utilization rates of conditional approval (31.0% vs. 44.9%, P=0.041) and breakthrough therapy (2.3% vs. 50.0%, P＜0.001) were seen in China. 52.9% of new drugs applied for special examination and approval in China and 40.7% of new drugs applied for fast track in the United States. Overall, the priority review both in China and the United States are stable, with a similar average annual utilization rate (84.8% vs. 83.7%); accelerated approval and breakthrough therapies in the United States fluctuate wildly, but the situation is tending towards stability in the last 3 years. Conclusions:Both China and the United States have established a relatively complete accelerated review system, with an overall utilization rate over 90%; China's accelerated review started late, although the overall utilization rate is close to that of the United States. The utilization rates of conditional approval and breakthrough therapy are still relatively low. Flexible usage of speedy review approaches, gaining regulatory recognition to use alternative endpoints, achieving real-time review and guidance are keys to accelerate new drug development in China.

Aging, a process of functional decline with the increase of chronological age, is a major risk factor for chronic diseases. Aging shows significant individual differences, which is influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. Accurate measurement of physiological age helps identify individuals with accelerated aging and those at high risk for chronic diseases and mortality, which would promote individual health management and precision medicine for healthy aging. In this paper, we summarize the omics-based aging clocks and discuss their current and future applications.

Objective To explore the effect of 2-aminoethoxy-diphenyl borate(2-APB)on H2O2-induced chondro-cyte apoptosis and its mechanism.Methods The experiment was divided into control group,H2O2 group,2-APB group and H2O2+2-APB group.CCK-8 method was used to detect the cell viability of each group;The effect of 2-APB on the morphological changes of chondrocytes induced by H2O2 was observed under microscopy;TUNEL meth-od and flow cytometry were used to detect chondrocyte apoptosis;Flow cytometry was used to detect Lipid reactive oxygen species(ROS);Western blot was used to detect the protein expressions of Cleaved-PARP,p-PKCα and HIF-1α in H2O2-induced cells by 2-APB;Immunofluorescence was used to detect the fluorescent expression of HIF-1α in cells induced by H2O2 by PKCα inhibitor BIM-1.Results 2-APB inhibited H2O2-induced apoptosis in chon-drocytes,and the inhibitory effect was the most significant when the concentration of 2-APB was 100 pmol/L(F=235.80,P＜0.01);22-APB could inhibit the positive rate of H2O2-induced apoptosis of chondrocytes(F=114.80,P＜0.01)and the level of ROS(F=52.99,P＜0.01).and inhibited the expression of Cleaved-PARP(F=10.10,P＜0.05),p-PKCα(F=24.56,P＜0.05)and HIF-1α proteins(F=6.85,P＜0.05).The PKCα in-hibitor BIM-Ⅰ could inhibit the increase in HIF-1α fluorescence intensity caused by H2O2.Conclusion 2-APB can inhibit chondrocytes apoptosis induced by H2O2 through the PKCα/HIF-1α pathway and thus protect chondro-cytes.