Objective To observe the value of contrast-enhanced CT radiomics combined with clinical and hematology indicators for predicting lymph node(LN)metastasis(LNM)of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma(ESCC).Methods Totally 218 ESCC patients were retrospectively enrolled.Stage pN1 and pN2 were clustering as LNM(n=90),while stage pN0 were taken as non-LNM(n=128).The patients were divided into training set(n=174)and test set(n=44)at the ratio of 8∶2.In training set,clinical and LN imaging features which could be used to independently judge LNM were screened and a clinical-imaging model was constructed.The hematological indicators that might be associated with ESCC LNM were screened,and a hematological model was constructed.Radiomics features in LN ROI and ESCC volume of interest(VOI)were extracted based on venous-phase contrast-enhanced CT images,and those might be associated with LNM were screened,and a radiomics model was constructed.Finally a combined model was constructed based on all the above features.The efficacy of each model for diagnosing LNM was evaluated with the area under the curve(AUC)of receiver operating characteristic curves,and the clinical net benefit was evaluated using decision curve analysis(DCA).Results Body mass index(BMI)and internal necrosis of target LN were both independent judging factors for ESCC LNM(both P＜0.05),and AUC of clinical-imaging model for diagnosing LNM in training and test sets was 0.747 and 0.687,respectively.Seven hematological indicators were included in hematological model,and AUC in training and test sets was 0.623 and 0.583,respectively.Ten LN radiomics features and 15 ESCC radiomics features were included in radiomics model,and AUC in training and test sets was 0.769 and 0.745,respectively.AUC of the combined model for diagnosing LNM in training and test sets was 0.822 and 0.739,respectively,better than other models in training set(all P＜0.05),but no significantly different in test set(all P＞0.05).DCA showed that combined model had higher net gain than the other models in 0.55-0.80 threshold probability interval.Conclusion Combined model based on venous-phase contrast-enhanced CT radiomics and clinical and hematology indicators could relatively effectively evaluate ESCC LNM,which might bring some promotions in clinical benefit.

Objective To observe the value of intratumoral and peritumoral CT radiomics for evaluating KRAS gene status in patients with colorectal adenocarcinoma.Methods Totally 245 patients with colorectal adenocarcinoma were retrospectively enrolled and divided into mutant group(n=139)and wild group(n=106)according to KRAS gene status,also divided into training set(n=171)and test set(n=74)at a ratio of 7∶3.Clinical data were compared between groups,and clinical factors were screened with logistic regression analysis to establish a clinical model.Based on enhanced venous phase CT images,intratumoral volume of interest(VOI),peritumoral VOI,and intratumoral+peritumoral VOI were delineated,radiomics features were extracted,and radiomics models were constructed.The combination model was constructed based on the best radiomics model combined with clinical factors.The value of each model for evaluating KRAS gene status in patients with colorectal adenocarcinoma was analyzed.Results Significant differences of patients’gender and carcinoembryonic antigen(CEA)were found between mutant group and wild group(both P＜0.05),which were independent impact factors of KRAS gene status in patients with colorectal adenocarcinoma(both P＜0.05).The area under the curve(AUC)of clinical model for evaluating KRAS gene status in patients with colorectal adenocarcinoma in training set and test set was 0.633 and 0.658,respectively.Intratumoral+peritumoral 3 mm model was the best radiomics model,with AUC of 0.921 and 0.894 in training set and test set,respectively.AUC of the combination model in training set and test set was 0.949 and 0.956,respectively.In training set,significant differences of AUC were found between clinical model and intratumoral+peritumoral 3 mm model,also between clinical model and combination model(both P＜0.001),while in test set,significant differences of AUC were found between each two models(all P＜0.05).Conclusion Intratumoral+peritumoral 3 mm radiomics based on enhanced venous phase CT could help to evaluate KRAS gene status in patients with colorectal adenocarcinoma.Combining with patients’gender and CEA could further improve efficacy of this model.

Humans ; Aortic Valve/surgery* ; Heart Valve Prosthesis/adverse effects* ; Heart Valve Prosthesis Implantation ; Treatment Outcome ; Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement/adverse effects* ; Aortic Valve Stenosis/surgery* ; Aortic Valve Insufficiency/surgery*

Objective: To explore the long-term clinical efficacy of transcatheter repair of mitral paravalvular leak (PVL) post surgical mitral valve replacement. Methods: This study is a retrospective study. Patients who completed transcatheter repair of paravalvular leak after surgical mitral valve replacement at Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine from March 2010 to December 2018 were included. Technical success was defined as the occluder being stably implanted in the paravalvular leak site without affecting the function of the mitral valve and surrounding tissues; and there were no intervention-related complications, such as new hemolysis or aggravated hemolysis, and echocardiography confirmed mitral paravalvular regurgitation reduced by more than 1 grade. Patients were followed up at 30 days, 1, and 3 years after the intervention. The main endpoints were all-cause death and re-surgery due to interventional failure or serious complications. The occurrence of occluder-mediated hemolysis and chronic renal insufficiency was recorded, and patients were monitored with echocardiography during follow up. Results: A total of 75 patients were included, aged (54.3±22.9) years old, and 38 patients were males. All patients had decreased cardiac function and/or hemolysis before intervention. Procedural success was achieved in 54 patients (72.0%). Incidence of device-mediated hemolysis was 18.7% (14/75). During the follow-up period, all-cause death occurred in 7 patients (9.3%), and 3 were cardiac deaths.The 3-year event-free survival rate was 81.3% (61/75). The need for cardiac surgery was 9.3% (7/75): 3 cases due to severe device-mediated hemolysis, 2 cases due to prosthetic valve failure and 2 cases due to moderate to severe residual regurgitation. The echocardiography follow-up results showed that the position of the occluder was stable, there was no impact on the artificial valve function and surrounding structures, and the residual regurgitation was stable without progressive increase in event-free patients. Compared with pre-intervention, the left ventricular end systolic diameter ((33.9±7.4)mm vs. (38.3±8.9) mm, P=0.036), end diastolic diameter ((53.7±8.3) mm vs. (58.4±9.1) mm, P=0.045) and left atrial diameter (59.3 (44.5, 90.7) mm vs. 64.3 (44.8, 96.6) mm, P=0.049) were significantly reduced, pulmonary artery systolic pressure was also significantly decreased ((36.5±15.8) mmHg vs. (46.3±14.9) mmHg, P=0.022, 1 mmHg=0.133 kPa). There was no significant difference between 3 years and 1 year after transcatheter repair of mitral paravalvular leak post surgical mitral valve replacement (all P>0.05). Conclusion: Transcatheter repair of mitral paravalvular leak post surgical mitral valve replacement is an effective treatment option in selective patients.
Male ; Humans ; Adult ; Middle Aged ; Aged ; Female ; Mitral Valve/surgery* ; Heart Valve Prosthesis Implantation ; Heart Valve Prosthesis ; Retrospective Studies ; Hemolysis ; China ; Mitral Valve Insufficiency/surgery* ; Treatment Outcome ; Cardiac Catheterization ; Prosthesis Failure

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of acupotomy on the fat infiltration degree of lumbar multifidus muscle (LMM) in patients with lumbar disc herniation after percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic discectomy (PTED). METHODS: A total of 104 patients with lumbar disc herniation treated with PTED were randomly divided into an observation group (52 cases, 3 cases dropped off) and a control group (52 cases, 4 cases dropped off). Patients of both groups received rehabilitation training of two weeks 48 h after PTED treatment. The observation group was treated with acupotomy (L₃-L₅ Jiaji [EX-B 2]) once within 24 h after PTED. In the two groups, the fat infiltration cross sectional area (CSA) of LMM was compared before and 6 months after PTED, the visual analogue scale (VAS) score and Oswestry disability index (ODI) score were observed before and 1, 6 months after PTED. The correlation between fat infiltration CSA of LMM in each segment and VAS score was analyzed. RESULTS: Six months after PTED, the fat infiltration CSA of LMM in L₄/L₅ and the total L₃-S₁ segments of the observation group was lower than that before PTED (P<0.05), and the fat infiltration CSA of LMM in L₄/L₅ of the observation group was lower than the control group (P<0.01). One month after PTED, the ODI and VAS scores of the two groups were lower than those before PTED (P<0.01), and those in the observation group were lower than the control group (P<0.05). Six months after PTED, the ODI and VAS scores of the two groups were lower than those before PTED and 1 month after PTED (P<0.01), and those in the observation group were lower than the control group (P<0.01). There was a positive correlation between the fat infiltration CSA of LMM in the total L₃-S₁ segments and VAS scores in the two groups before PTED (r = 0.64, P<0.01). Six months after PTED, there was no correlation between the fat infiltration CSA of LMM in each segment and VAS scores in the two groups (P>0.05). CONCLUSION Acupotomy can improve the fat infiltration degree of LMM, pain symptoms and activities of daily living in patients with lumbar disc herniation after PTED.
Humans ; Intervertebral Disc Displacement ; Activities of Daily Living ; Paraspinal Muscles ; Treatment Outcome ; Lumbar Vertebrae ; Retrospective Studies ; Endoscopy ; Diskectomy ; Acupuncture Therapy

OBJECTIVE: Arsenic (As) and fluoride (F) are two of the most common elements contaminating groundwater resources. A growing number of studies have found that As and F can cause neurotoxicity in infants and children, leading to cognitive, learning, and memory impairments. However, early biomarkers of learning and memory impairment induced by As and/or F remain unclear. In the present study, the mechanisms by which As and/or F cause learning memory impairment are explored at the multi-omics level (microbiome and metabolome). METHODS: We stablished an SD rats model exposed to arsenic and/or fluoride from intrauterine to adult period. RESULTS: Arsenic and/fluoride exposed groups showed reduced neurobehavioral performance and lesions in the hippocampal CA1 region. 16S rRNA gene sequencing revealed that As and/or F exposure significantly altered the composition and diversity of the gut microbiome，featuring the Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group, Ruminococcus_1, Prevotellaceae_NK3B31_group, [Eubacterium]_xylanophilum_group. Metabolome analysis showed that As and/or F-induced learning and memory impairment may be related to tryptophan, lipoic acid, glutamate, gamma-aminobutyric acidergic (GABAergic) synapse, and arachidonic acid (AA) metabolism. The gut microbiota, metabolites, and learning memory indicators were significantly correlated. CONCLUSION Learning memory impairment triggered by As and/or F exposure may be mediated by different gut microbes and their associated metabolites.
Rats ; Animals ; Arsenic/toxicity* ; Fluorides ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics* ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Metabolome ; Microbiota

Humans ; Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement/adverse effects* ; Heart Septal Defects, Ventricular/surgery* ; Heart Valve Prosthesis Implantation ; Iatrogenic Disease ; Ventricular Outflow Obstruction/surgery* ; Treatment Outcome ; Aortic Valve/surgery*

Humans ; Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement/adverse effects* ; Heart Septal Defects, Ventricular/surgery* ; Heart Valve Prosthesis Implantation ; Iatrogenic Disease ; Ventricular Outflow Obstruction/surgery* ; Treatment Outcome ; Aortic Valve/surgery*

OBJECTIVE: To study the molecular mechanism of PI3K-Ⅲ like functional domain inducing programmed cell death of leukemia cell line K562. METHODS: The purified PI3K-Ⅲ like functional domain protein was obtained by Pichia pastoris expression system. MTT assay and colony-forming assay were used to detect the effects of PI3K-Ⅲ like functional domain protein on K562 cell proliferation. The effects of PI3K-Ⅲ like functional domain protein on apoptosis and cell cycle of on K562 cells were detected by flow cytometry. The ultrastructural changes were detected by transmission electron microscopy. The expression of caspase-3 was detected by ELISA. The protein expressions of ATG4B, Beclin-1, Bcl-2 and LC3-II were evaluated by Western blot. RESULTS: PI3K-Ⅲ like functional domain protein could inhibit the proliferation and clony formation of K562 cells, which was significantly higher than the control group (P<0.05). In the experimental group, apoptosis and autophagosome were shown in K562 cells. The proportion of cells in G₀/G₁ phase increased significantly, while in S phase decreased significantly. Cell growth mostly stagnated in G₀/G₁ phase, which was significantly different from the control group (P<0.05). With the increase of concentration, the expression of caspase-3 protein increased significantly compared with the control group (r=0.966, P<0.05). The expression of ATG4B and beclin-1 appeared from increase to decrease, LC3-II increased while Bcl-2 decreased at different time points. CONCLUSION PI3K-Ⅲ like functional polypeptide could induce programmed cell death of leukemia cell K562. Beclin-1/Bcl-2 and caspase pathway may be involved in this way, which suggesting meant autophagy and apoptosis may work together at the same time.
Apoptosis ; Beclin-1/pharmacology* ; Caspase 3/metabolism* ; Cell Proliferation ; Humans ; K562 Cells ; Leukemia ; Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases/metabolism* ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2/metabolism*

【Objective】 To investigate the relationship between differential expressions of lncRNAs and mRNAs and Hespintor’s possible anti-tumor mechanism using transcriptome sequencing technology. 【Methods】 First， a nude mouse model of human hepatoma tumors was established. The tumor tissue mass was collected after 4 weeks of group treatment. The cDNA libraries of tumor tissues were established in the Hespintor treatment group and the solvent control group， and transcriptome sequencing was performed. Based on RNA-seq data， the differentially expressed lncRNA and mRNA genes were screened， and the functional enrichment and interaction analysis were performed. The network module division approach was utilized to identify the target genes of Hespintor and build its regulatory network. 【Results】 The Hespintor treatment group yielded a high-confidence differentially expressed gene collection of 2 003 lncRNAs （DEGs lncRNA） and 1 038 mRNAs （DEGs mRNA）. Target mRNAs regulated by DEGs lncRNA were mainly enriched in PIP3 to activate the Akt signal， p53 signal pathway， FOXO-mediated transcription， and cell cycle， among other things. DEGs mRNA were primarily enriched in chemokine signaling pathways， extracellular matrix receptor interactions， complement， and coagulation cascades. Both of them were related in three ways： cell behavior， transcriptional regulation， and cell cycle. 【Conclusion】 The PI3K/Akt signaling pathway may play a key role in the inhibitory effect of Hespintor on tumor， inducing G1/S phase cell cycle arrest and apoptosis.