Purpose To explore the clinical application value of dual-layer detector spectral CT combined with half volume contrast agent in detecting the liver metastases in portal vein phase.Materials and Methods Ninety-six patients with liver metastases diagnosed by liver enhanced CT in the First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University from November 2021 to June 2022 were prospectively studied.They were randomly divided into two groups by using the contrast agent administration calculation method based on body surface area.The conventional polyenergetic image(CI)of patients in the conventional contrast agent group(48 cases with 18.6 gI/m2 body surface area iodine contrast agent)was constructed in the portal vein phase,and the 40-70 keV(5 kiloelectron voltage)virtual monoenergetic imaging(VMI)was reconstructed for patients in the semi contrast agent dose group(48 case with 9.3 gI/m2 body surface area iodine contrast agent).The image noise,CT value and contrast noise ratio in the two groups were measured and compared.Besides,the image quality was scored with a 5-point method,and the consistency of subjective scores between two radiologists were evaluated.Results The VMI noise at 40-70 keV was(10.26±1.38)Hu,(9.59±1.35)Hu,(9.15±1.31)Hu,(8.80±1.32)Hu,(8.58±1.31)Hu,(8.40±1.31)Hu and(8.27±1.33)Hu;while the CI noise was(10.86±1.13)Hu.It revealed that the VMI noise at 45-70 keV was lower than the CI noise(t=-3.885,-5.343,-6.449,-7.180,-7.756 and-8.132,P<0.001).There was no significant difference between VMI and CI noises at 40 keV(t=-1.800,P>0.05).With the decrease of energy level,CT value of normal liver parenchyma,and contrast noise ratio values of liver parenchyma and liver metastases gradually increased,at the 40 keV level,the values of which were(148.31±21.34)Hu,8.81±2.83 and 8.18±2.85;at the 45 keV level,the values were(130.10±16.95)Hu,7.66±2.46 and 7.48±2.55;at the 50 keV level,the values were(116.19±13.55)Hu,6.60±2.08 and 55.40±13.77,reaching the highest at 40 keV level,while the CI values were(118.02±7.02)Hu,5.69±1.11 and 5.77±1.41.Therefore,the value of 40 keV and 45 keV VMI was significantly higher than CI(t=3.804,4.883,4.462,all P<0.05;t=2.854,3.465,3.378,all P<0.05),respectively.There was no significant difference between 50 keV VMI and CI(t=-0.612,1.739,2.208,P>0.05).The subjective score in the overall quality of VMI images was higher than that of CI at 40-50 keV(t=9.628,7.508,3.514,P<0.05).The subjective scores of the two physicians were good consistent among image contrast,image noise and overall image quality(Kappa=0.766,0.749 and 0.661,P<0.05),respectively.Conclusion VMI at 40-50 keV can provide better image quality and display ability of liver metastases than CI images at portal vein phase with a 50%reduction in contrast agent dose.

Objective:This report presents the initial outcomes of endoscopic intermuscular dissection (EID), a novel technique introduced by our team for the diagnostic resection of early rectal cancer, focusing on the postoperative status of the vertical margins.Methods:On January 26, 2024, a patient with early rectal cancer (cT1-2N0M0) underwent Endoscopic Intermuscular Dissection. The EID procedure consists of six steps: (1) mucosal incision; (2) submucosal dissection; (3) superficial muscular layer incision; (4) intermuscular dissection; (5) complete tumor removal; (6) wound management.Results:The patient was a 70-year-old male with rectal cancer (cT1-2N0M0). The tumor was located on the left anterior wall of the rectum, approximately 9 cm from the anal margin, and measured 20mm in size. The dissection rate was 2.68 mm2/minute, and the total duration of the surgery was 109 minutes. The patient was successfully discharged on the fifth day after surgery. Pathological examination of the post-endoscopic surgery specimen revealed pT1b, with negative vertical margins. Follow-up after more than one month showed good recovery with no complications such as bleeding, perforation, infection, or stricture occurring. Colonoscopy indicated the presence of a granulation tissue suggestive of inflammation.Conclusion:Endoscopic Intermuscular Dissection for the diagnostic resection of early rectal cancer is potentially safe and may achieve negative vertical margins.

Objective:This report presents the initial outcomes of endoscopic intermuscular dissection (EID), a novel technique introduced by our team for the diagnostic resection of early rectal cancer, focusing on the postoperative status of the vertical margins.Methods:On January 26, 2024, a patient with early rectal cancer (cT1-2N0M0) underwent Endoscopic Intermuscular Dissection. The EID procedure consists of six steps: (1) mucosal incision; (2) submucosal dissection; (3) superficial muscular layer incision; (4) intermuscular dissection; (5) complete tumor removal; (6) wound management.Results:The patient was a 70-year-old male with rectal cancer (cT1-2N0M0). The tumor was located on the left anterior wall of the rectum, approximately 9 cm from the anal margin, and measured 20mm in size. The dissection rate was 2.68 mm2/minute, and the total duration of the surgery was 109 minutes. The patient was successfully discharged on the fifth day after surgery. Pathological examination of the post-endoscopic surgery specimen revealed pT1b, with negative vertical margins. Follow-up after more than one month showed good recovery with no complications such as bleeding, perforation, infection, or stricture occurring. Colonoscopy indicated the presence of a granulation tissue suggestive of inflammation.Conclusion:Endoscopic Intermuscular Dissection for the diagnostic resection of early rectal cancer is potentially safe and may achieve negative vertical margins.

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has been infected rapidly and is generally susceptible to population. Moreover, it has become the most serious public health problem in the world. In the process of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) treatment, the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) intervention has achieved positive efficacy and which is widely recognized. However, the COVID-19 epidemic is still very serious, especially due to the characteristics of asymptomatic infection such as concealment, limitations and subjective symptoms, which has increased the difficulty of prevention and control. In view of asymptomatic infection, isolation is the main management. There is little mention of specific treatment options in each version of COVID-19 treatment plan. Through systematic study of TCM theory, we explored the way of diagnosis and treatment of asymptomatic infections. Based on the theory of latent evil, clearing away latent pathogens to truncate the course of disease and reduce the incidence. Based on the theory of prevention of disease, strengthen the lung and stomach to protect the place from pathogen and prevent the transmission of disease evil. It is supplemented by accurate treatment according to individual, timing and local conditions, in order to provide reference for the treatment of asymptomatic infection.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the role of miR-26b in the invasion and metastasis of colorectal cancer.

METHODSData of public chip databases were extracted to analyze the relationship between miR-26b expression and lymph node metastasis. Two types of colorectal cancer cell lines, Caco2 and DLD1, were selected, and the miR-26b-high colorectal cancer cell line was constructed using the method of lentivirus infection. The effects of up-regulating miR-26b expression on the invasion and metastasis of colorectal cancer cells were analyzed by Transwell migration and invasion experiment and wound healing assay. The effect of up-regulating miR-26b expression on stem cell phenotype of colorectal cancer cells was analyzed by sphere-formation assay.

RESULTSThe microarray detection results showed that the expression of miR-26b in tumor tissues of patients with lymph node metastasis was significantly higher than those without lymph node metastasis[(12.04±0.20) vs. (11.31±0.19), t=2.646, P = 0.010]. In the in vitro experiment section, the Transwell experiment results showed that the number of invasive cells [(16.40±1.36) vs. (3.80±0.86), t=7.814, P=0.000] and migrating cells [(33.40±2.93) vs. (8.80±2.40), t=6.505, P=0.000] in miR-26b-high colorectal cancer cells was significantly higher as compared to miR-26b-low cells(all P<0.05). Would healing assay also confirmed that the migration speed of miR-26b-high colorectal cancer cells was significantly accelerated. Both the rate and the density of sphere formation were higher in miR-26b-high colorectal cancer cells than those in miR-26b-low colorectal cancer cells [Caco2:(168.3±11.7) vs. (54.2±10.8), t=7.185,P=0.002; DLD1:(4 076.0±409.8) vs.(1 613.0±210.1), t=5.349, P=0.006].

CONCLUSIONmiR-26b may promote the invasion and metastasis of colorectal cancer by accelerating the migration and invasion of colorectal cancer cells and enhancing the stem cell phenotype of tumor cells.

Caco-2 Cells ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cell Movement ; physiology ; Cell Proliferation ; Colorectal Neoplasms ; genetics ; pathology ; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic ; Humans ; MicroRNAs ; genetics ; metabolism ; Neoplasm Invasiveness ; Neoplasm Metastasis

Objective Comparing the efficacy of endoscopic balloon dilatation and endoscopic stricteroto-my for postoperative anastomotic stenosis of colorectal cancer. Methods Retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of patients with postoperative anastomotic stenosis of colorectal cancer that underwent anastomotic dilatation from 2013 to 2016,and analyzed the anastomotic stenosis before and after treatment,and compared the efficacy of the two groups of dilatation methods. Results There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in baseline characteristics. Balloon dilatation was effective in 3 cases(23.1%),ineffective in 10 cases(76.9%). 7 cases(63.6%)were effective in the stricterotomy group,4 cases(36.4%)were ineffective,the difference was statistically significant(P=0.045).Two groups of patients were not bleeding after surgery,infection and perfora-tion and other complications. Conclusion Endoscopic stricterotomy of postoperative anastomotic stenosis of colorectal cancer is more effective than conventional endoscopic balloon dilatation

OBJECTIVETo investigate the influence of CCL21 on the invasion and metastasis of colorectal cancer (CRC).

METHODSCCL21 over-expressing CRC cell line was constructed by lentivirus infection and CCL21 low-expressing CRC cell line was constructed by lipofection. The effects of CCL21 on the invasion and metastasis of CRC cells and the stem cell-like phenotype were investigated by Transwell migration, invasion assay, wound healing assay and sphere formation assay.

RESULTSReal-time quantitative PCR and western blot confirmed that the expression of CCL21 was up-regulated by lentiviral transfection and down-regulated by siRNA liposome transfection. In vitro, Transwell assays showed that the invasion and migration in CCL21 over-expressing CRC cells decreased significantly as compared to those of CCL21 low-expressing cells. In wound healing assay, the CCL21 over-expressing CRC cells showed a significantly lower rate of migration. In addition, the sphere formation rate and density of CCL21 over-expressing CRC cells were lower than those with low-expression of CCL21.

CONCLUSIONCCL21 can suppress the migration and invasion of CRC cells and weaken their stem cell-like phenotype.

Objective To explore the value of practicing PBL which was guided by MDT in teaching diagnoses and treatments of war wound and trauma caused by compound agents.Methods An emulational war wound case caused by compound factors was designed and a multi-disciplinary team been organized,then totally 45 interns who would graduate in 2017 were divide into two groups randomly,experimental group which had 23 cases received PBL model combined with MDT followed six step procedure which included case preparation by teachers,independent analysis and group discussion by interns,problem extraction by teachers and division of solution by interns before class,then answering and debating problems by interns in class,conclusion and reporting after class in the end,while the control group which had 22 cases received traditional teaching model in accordance with common case discussion in class including characteristics of patient,diagnosis and diagnostic basis,examinations needed to carry out,first aid measures and professional treatments.The effect of new teaching model was evaluated by assessment in class and questionnaire after class.The data was analyzed through Chi-square test by SPSS 22.0.Results Class assessment showed 18 (78.3％) interns in experimental group displayed good abilities of proposing,analyzing and resolving medical problem,as well as good presentation and speech skills.Questionnaire survey showed that not only clinical teaching of war wound and trauma could meet the demands of talent training in battle-field rescue,but also displayed new model,which could help interns to enhance abilities of first-aid and treatment of war wound on future war field,reinforce the consciousness of military medical support and service.In addition,it could clear confusion more professionally and strengthen teamwork and overall importance.Conclusion Applying PBL combined with MDT in teaching diagnoses and treatments of war wound and trauma can not only help interns to review and retain important knowledge of related subjects,but also improve the abilities of interns in clinical diagnoses and treatments,and moreover,it merges the medical knowledge and war wound cure together organically.In short,the new model is well worth applying in clinical teaching and military medical education because of its excellent effects.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the expression and clinical significance of G protein-coupled receptor 31 (GPR31) in colorectal cancer tissue.

METHODSCancer tissues and adjacent normal tissues of 321 cases with colorectal cancer confirmed by pathology and undergoing resection in the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University from January 1996 to December 2008 were collected. The expression of GPR31 was examined by immunohistochemical staining. According to the expression level of GPR31 (A value=0.051), all the patients were divided into low GPR31 expression group and high GPR31 expression group. Clinicopathology and prognosis between the two groups were compared. Risk factors affecting prognosis were investigated.

RESULTSGPR31 expression was significantly higher in colorectal cancer tissues compared to adjacent normal tissues (mean A, 0.063±0.014 vs. 0.045±0.020, P<0.001). A total of 197 cancer tissue samples were defined as low expression and 124 as high expression. Significant difference was observed in the number of patient in pM classification between the two groups (P=0.007). High expression group had obviously higher distant metastasis rate than low expression group [12.1% (15/124) vs. 4.1% (8/197), P=0.007]. The 5-year survival rate and tumor-free survival rate were 84.3% and 82.2% in the low expression group, and both 59.7% in high expression group (all P<0.05). Multivariate analysis revealed elderly, abnormal CEA, lymphatic metastasis, distant metastasis and up-regulated GPR31 expression were independent risk factors of overall survival and disease-free survival in colorectal cancer patients (all P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONSGPR31 expression is significantly up-regulated in colorectal cancer tissues. High GPR31expression indicates poor prognosis of colorectal cancer, and may be used as a predictive marker.

Aged ; Biomarkers, Tumor ; metabolism ; Colorectal Neoplasms ; diagnosis ; metabolism ; Disease-Free Survival ; Humans ; Lymphatic Metastasis ; Prognosis ; Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled ; metabolism ; Risk Factors ; Survival Rate ; Up-Regulation

Objective To investigate the expression and prognostic significance of Interleukin-36α (IL-36α) in colorectal cancer.Methods The expression of IL-36α was tested by immunohistochemical staining in 329 cases of colorectal cancer.According to the intensity and the proportion of positive tumor cells,all the patients were divided into IL-36α low and high expression groups.The clinicopathological factors and prognosis of patients between IL-36α low high expression groups were compared.Results Significant differences were observed in the number of patients in tumor differentiation and pM classification between patients in the IL-36α low and high expression groups (P ＜ 0.05).The 5-year overall and tumorfree survival rates of patients were 79.3％ and 77.2％ in IL-36α low expression group,and 66.3％ and 65.3％ in IL-36α high expression group (P ＜0.05).COX proportional hazard regression model revealed that high expression of IL-36α was associated with short overall survival time and tumor-free survival time of colorectal cancer patients (P ＜ 0.05).Multivariate analysis identified IL-36α expression in colorectal cancer as an independent prognosticator (P ＜ 0.05).Conclusions High expression of IL-36α was correlated with tumor differentiation and pM classification of colorectal cancers,and it is an independent predictor of poor survival for patients with colorectal cancer.