ObjectivePrimary liver cancer, predominantly hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), is a significant global health issue, ranking as the sixth most diagnosed cancer and the third leading cause of cancer-related mortality. Accurate and early diagnosis of HCC is crucial for effective treatment, as HCC and non-HCC malignancies like intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) exhibit different prognoses and treatment responses. Traditional diagnostic methods, including liver biopsy and contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS), face limitations in applicability and objectivity. The primary objective of this study was to develop an advanced, light-weighted classification network capable of distinguishing HCC from other non-HCC malignancies by leveraging the automatic analysis of brightness changes in CEUS images. The ultimate goal was to create a user-friendly and cost-efficient computer-aided diagnostic tool that could assist radiologists in making more accurate and efficient clinical decisions. MethodsThis retrospective study encompassed a total of 161 patients, comprising 131 diagnosed with HCC and 30 with non-HCC malignancies. To achieve accurate tumor detection, the YOLOX network was employed to identify the region of interest (ROI) on both B-mode ultrasound and CEUS images. A custom-developed algorithm was then utilized to extract brightness change curves from the tumor and adjacent liver parenchyma regions within the CEUS images. These curves provided critical data for the subsequent analysis and classification process. To analyze the extracted brightness change curves and classify the malignancies, we developed and compared several models. These included one-dimensional convolutional neural networks (1D-ResNet, 1D-ConvNeXt, and 1D-CNN), as well as traditional machine-learning methods such as support vector machine (SVM), ensemble learning (EL), k-nearest neighbor (KNN), and decision tree (DT). The diagnostic performance of each method in distinguishing HCC from non-HCC malignancies was rigorously evaluated using four key metrics: area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUC), accuracy (ACC), sensitivity (SE), and specificity (SP). ResultsThe evaluation of the machine-learning methods revealed AUC values of 0.70 for SVM, 0.56 for ensemble learning, 0.63 for KNN, and 0.72 for the decision tree. These results indicated moderate to fair performance in classifying the malignancies based on the brightness change curves. In contrast, the deep learning models demonstrated significantly higher AUCs, with 1D-ResNet achieving an AUC of 0.72, 1D-ConvNeXt reaching 0.82, and 1D-CNN obtaining the highest AUC of 0.84. Moreover, under the five-fold cross-validation scheme, the 1D-CNN model outperformed other models in both accuracy and specificity. Specifically, it achieved accuracy improvements of 3.8% to 10.0% and specificity enhancements of 6.6% to 43.3% over competing approaches. The superior performance of the 1D-CNN model highlighted its potential as a powerful tool for accurate classification. ConclusionThe 1D-CNN model proved to be the most effective in differentiating HCC from non-HCC malignancies, surpassing both traditional machine-learning methods and other deep learning models. This study successfully developed a user-friendly and cost-efficient computer-aided diagnostic solution that would significantly enhances radiologists’ diagnostic capabilities. By improving the accuracy and efficiency of clinical decision-making, this tool has the potential to positively impact patient care and outcomes. Future work may focus on further refining the model and exploring its integration with multimodal ultrasound data to maximize its accuracy and applicability.

Objective To investigate changes in the urinary metabolite profiles of children exposed to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons(PAHs)during critical brain development and explore their potential link with the intestinal microbiota. Methods Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry was used to determine ten hydroxyl metabolites of PAHs(OH-PAHs)in 36-month-old children.Subsequently,37 children were categorized into low-and high-exposure groups based on the sum of the ten OH-PAHs.Ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry was used to identify non-targeted metabolites in the urine samples.Furthermore,fecal flora abundance was assessed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing using Illumina MiSeq. Results The concentrations of 21 metabolites were significantly higher in the high exposure group than in the low exposure group(variable importance for projection>1,P<0.05).Most of these metabolites were positively correlated with the hydroxyl metabolites of naphthalene,fluorine,and phenanthrene(r=0.336-0.531).The identified differential metabolites primarily belonged to pathways associated with inflammation or proinflammatory states,including amino acid,lipid,and nucleotide metabolism.Additionally,these distinct metabolites were significantly associated with specific intestinal flora abundances(r=0.34-0.55),which were mainly involved in neurodevelopment. Conclusion Higher PAH exposure in young children affected metabolic homeostasis,particularly that of certain gut microbiota-derived metabolites.Further investigation is needed to explore the potential influence of PAHs on the gut microbiota and their possible association with neurodevelopmental outcomes.

ObjectiveThe objective is to investigate the possibility of isocenter dual-guided resetting of surface guided radiation therapy （SGRT） combined with image guided radiation therapy （IGRT） in postoperative radiotherapy for breast cancer. To assess the setup error accuracy between the new resetting mode and the traditional resetting mode. MethodsRetrospective analysis was performed on breast cancer patients who underwent ELEKTA infinity accelerator radiotherapy in sun yat-sen university cancer center from July 13， 2021 to October 15， 2022. According to different reset methods， the patients were divided into a simulation group （41 cases） and a dual-guided group （40 cases）. The simulation group was reset using a simulator， CBCT scans were performed and setup errors were recorded during the first treatment； The dual-guided group was guided by AlignRT and combined with CBCT for isocenter dual-guided resetting， and the setup error obtained by CBCT registration was recorded. The global setup errors of chest region of interest （CROI） ， the local residual errors of supraclavicular region of interest （SROI） and the resetting time of the two reset methods were calculated and compared respectively. The advantages of the CBCT error distribution in the dual-guided resetting of SGRT combined with IGRT were analyzed. ResultsThe median of the global setup errors （X/cm， Y/cm， Z/cm， Rx°， Ry°， Rz°） of the simulation group and the median of the dual-guided group in the CROI were statistically significant （P<0.05） except the Rz and Ry directions. The local residual errors of the two groups of the SROI were calculated. The median of the errors of X/cm， Y/cm， Z/cm， Rx°， Ry°， Rz° were statistically significant （P<0.05） except the X and Y axis. The resetting time of the simulation group was significantly longer than that of the dual-guided group （238.64±28.56） s， t=-24.555， P=0.000， and the difference was statistically significant （P<0.05）. The CBCT error distribution of the dual-guide group was analyzed， and it was found that the absolute values of translation errors of X， Y and Z axis were all within 0.4 cm， while the proportions of ≤ 0.3 cm were 95%， 93% and 93%， respectively. The proportions of rotation errors of Rx， Ry and Rz ≤ 1.5 ° were 90%， 93% and 90%， respectively. ConclusionIn postoperative radiotherapy of breast cancer， SGRT combined with IGRT for isocenter dual-guided resetting can effectively correct the rotational setup errors and residual errors， and improve the accuracy of radiotherapy with less resetting time and high feasibility， which compared with the traditional simulator resetting mode. This precise， unmarked resetting method can be widely used in clinical practice.

Objective:To explore the value of pre-ablation stimulated thyroglobulin (psTg) before 131I treatment combined with lymph node ratio (LNR) in predicting 131I treatment response in patients with papillary thyroid cancer (PTC). Methods:From January 2016 to December 2018, 178 PTC patients (47 males, 131 females; age (43.2±12.6) years) treated with 131I in the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University were retrospectively analyzed. According to 131I treatment response, patients were divided into excellent response (ER) group and non-ER group. The clinical data of the two groups were compared by χ2 test, independent-sample t test and Mann-Whitney U test. The cut-off values and AUCs of psTg and LNR to predict treatment response were calculated according to the ROC curve. Factors affecting 131I treatment response were analyzed by logistic multivariate regression analysis. Results:There were 118 patients (66.3%, 118/178) in ER group and 60 patients (33.7%, 60/178) in non-ER group, and there were significant differences in N stage ( χ2=11.15, P=0.004), 131I treatment dose ( χ2=12.65, P<0.001), American Thyroid Association (ATA) initial risk stratification ( χ2=15.25, P<0.001), number of metastatic lymph nodes ( χ2=22.63, P<0.001), LNR ( U=1 506.00, P<0.001) and psTg ( U=919.00, P<0.001) between the two groups. The cut-off values of psTg and LNR predicting ER were 3.97 μg/L and 0.29, with the AUC of 0.870 and 0.787 respectively. PsTg (odds ratio ( OR)=10.88, 95% CI: 4.67-25.36, P<0.001) and LNR ( OR=5.30, 95% CI: 1.85-15.23, P=0.002) were independent factors to predict 131I treatment response in PTC patients. When psTg≥3.97 μg/L, LNR ( OR=9.40, 95% CI: 2.06-42.92, P=0.004) was an independent factor affecting 131I treatment response in PTC patients. Conclusions:PsTg and LNR are independent factors affecting 131I treatment response in PTC patients. When psTg≥3.97 μg/L, LNR can be used as a supplementary factor to predict 131I treatment response. The combination of psTg and LNR can better predict 131I treatment response in PTC patients.

Objective: This cross-sectional investigation aimed to determine the incidence, clinical characteristics, prognosis, and related risk factors of olfactory and gustatory dysfunctions related to infection with the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron strain in mainland China. Methods: Data of patients with SARS-CoV-2 from December 28, 2022, to February 21, 2023, were collected through online and offline questionnaires from 45 tertiary hospitals and one center for disease control and prevention in mainland China. The questionnaire included demographic information, previous health history, smoking and alcohol drinking, SARS-CoV-2 vaccination, olfactory and gustatory function before and after infection, other symptoms after infection, as well as the duration and improvement of olfactory and gustatory dysfunction. The self-reported olfactory and gustatory functions of patients were evaluated using the Olfactory VAS scale and Gustatory VAS scale. Results: A total of 35 566 valid questionnaires were obtained, revealing a high incidence of olfactory and taste dysfunctions related to infection with the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron strain (67.75%). Females(χ2=367.013, P<0.001) and young people(χ2=120.210, P<0.001) were more likely to develop these dysfunctions. Gender(OR=1.564, 95%CI: 1.487-1.645), SARS-CoV-2 vaccination status (OR=1.334, 95%CI: 1.164-1.530), oral health status (OR=0.881, 95%CI: 0.839-0.926), smoking history (OR=1.152, 95%CI=1.080-1.229), and drinking history (OR=0.854, 95%CI: 0.785-0.928) were correlated with the occurrence of olfactory and taste dysfunctions related to SARS-CoV-2(above P<0.001). 44.62% (4 391/9 840) of the patients who had not recovered their sense of smell and taste also suffered from nasal congestion, runny nose, and 32.62% (3 210/9 840) suffered from dry mouth and sore throat. The improvement of olfactory and taste functions was correlated with the persistence of accompanying symptoms(χ2=10.873, P=0.001). The average score of olfactory and taste VAS scale was 8.41 and 8.51 respectively before SARS-CoV-2 infection, but decreased to3.69 and 4.29 respectively after SARS-CoV-2 infection, and recovered to 5.83and 6.55 respectively at the time of the survey. The median duration of olfactory and gustatory dysfunctions was 15 days and 12 days, respectively, with 0.5% (121/24 096) of patients experiencing these dysfunctions for more than 28 days. The overall self-reported improvement rate of smell and taste dysfunctions was 59.16% (14 256/24 096). Gender(OR=0.893, 95%CI: 0.839-0.951), SARS-CoV-2 vaccination status (OR=1.334, 95%CI: 1.164-1.530), history of head and facial trauma(OR=1.180, 95%CI: 1.036-1.344, P=0.013), nose (OR=1.104, 95%CI: 1.042-1.171, P=0.001) and oral (OR=1.162, 95%CI: 1.096-1.233) health status, smoking history(OR=0.765, 95%CI: 0.709-0.825), and the persistence of accompanying symptoms (OR=0.359, 95%CI: 0.332-0.388) were correlated with the recovery of olfactory and taste dysfunctions related to SARS-CoV-2 (above P<0.001 except for the indicated values). Conclusion: The incidence of olfactory and taste dysfunctions related to infection with the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron strain is high in mainland China, with females and young people more likely to develop these dysfunctions. Active and effective intervention measures may be required for cases that persist for a long time. The recovery of olfactory and taste functions is influenced by several factors, including gender, SARS-CoV-2 vaccination status, history of head and facial trauma, nasal and oral health status, smoking history, and persistence of accompanying symptoms.
Female ; Humans ; Adolescent ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Smell ; COVID-19/complications* ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; COVID-19 Vaccines ; Incidence ; Olfaction Disorders/etiology* ; Taste Disorders/etiology* ; Prognosis

Objective: The relationship between serum uric acid (SUA) levels and glycemic indices, including plasma glucose (FPG), 2-hour postload glucose (2h-PG), and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), remains inconclusive. We aimed to explore the associations between glycemic indices and SUA levels in the general Chinese population. Methods: The current study was a cross-sectional analysis using the first follow-up survey data from The China Cardiometabolic Disease and Cancer Cohort Study. A total of 105,922 community-dwelling adults aged ≥ 40 years underwent the oral glucose tolerance test and uric acid assessment. The nonlinear relationships between glycemic indices and SUA levels were explored using generalized additive models. Results: A total of 30,941 men and 62,361 women were eligible for the current analysis. Generalized additive models verified the inverted U-shaped association between glycemic indices and SUA levels, but with different inflection points in men and women. The thresholds for FPG, 2h-PG, and HbA1c for men and women were 6.5/8.0 mmol/L, 11.0/14.0 mmol/L, and 6.1/6.5, respectively (SUA levels increased with increasing glycemic indices before the inflection points and then eventually decreased with further increases in the glycemic indices). Conclusion An inverted U-shaped association was observed between major glycemic indices and uric acid levels in both sexes, while the inflection points were reached earlier in men than in women.
Aged ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; Blood Glucose/analysis* ; China/epidemiology* ; Cohort Studies ; Diabetes Mellitus/blood* ; Female ; Glucose Tolerance Test ; Glycated Hemoglobin A/analysis* ; Glycemic Index ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Uric Acid/blood*

Gastrectomy ; Humans ; Lymph Node Excision ; Lymph Nodes ; Lymphatic Metastasis ; Retrospective Studies ; Stomach Neoplasms/surgery*

Objective To investigate the effects of microRNAs(miRNAs) on invasion, migration and apoptosis of lung cancer cell lines. Methods Target cells were infected with hsa-mir-933, hsa-mir-4700-3p, hsa-mir-3144-3p, hsamir-3972, and hsa-mir-548a-5p. Cell apoptosis was measured using flow cytomertry, Transwell invasion assay, cell migration were analyzed by lineation,miRNA was quantified using Real-time PCR. Results Compared with the vector and control, in hsa-mir-933, hsa-mir-4700-3p, hsa-mir-3144-3p, hsa-mir-397 and hsa-mir-548a-5p group the apoptosis significantly increased,cell invasion ability significantly decreased,cell migration ability significantly decreased, miRNAs expression significantly increased. Conclusion Five microRNAs can promote the apoptosis of lung cancer cell lines, change the high invasiveness of lung cancer cell lines, inhibit the migration of lung cancer cell lines, and increase the expression of corresponding miRNAs.

Objective: To explore the value of videofluoroscopy in assessing the capsule swallowing ability of stroke survivors. Methods: Twenty-seven stroke survivors with functional oral intake scale ratings of 4-7 with no aspiration were selected as a patient group, while 16 healthy subjects were chosen as a control group. All swallowed capsules filled with barium sulfate with water while being monitored videofluoroscopically. The success rate of capsule swallowing was recorded along with oral transit time, stage transition time (STT), pharyngeal transition time, the upper esophageal sphincter (UES) opening time, delay time (DT), superior hyoid bone movement, anterior hyoid bone movement and UES opening diameter for each swallowing. Results: The swallowing success ratio was 78.3% in the patient group, significantly lower than in the control group. Swallowing failures manifested as hindered transport and retention of the capsule in the oral or pharyngeal cavity. Significant differences were found in STT and DT between the two groups. Conclusion Even if eating and swallowing ability recover somewhat after a stroke, survivors still have difficulty swallowing oral medication. Clinical assessment for ability to take oral medication is crucial and videofluoroscopy can be one useful tool.

Objective: To investigate oxidative stress-mediated damage to the epididymal epithelial tight junction protein ZO-1 and its impact on epididymal function in varicocele rats. METHODS: We randomly divided 45 male adolescent SD rats into three groups of equal number: sham operation (left renal vein exposed and isolated), experimental (left renal vein constricted and collaterals of the left spermatic vein fully ligated), and treatment (60-day intragastric administration of vitamin E at 150 mg/kg/d after modeling). At 60 days after modeling, we observed the histological changes in the left epididymis, detected the expressions of ZO-1 and other tight junction-related proteins by real-time quantitative PCR, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence staining and Western blotting, determined sperm motility, and measured the levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), methylene dioxyamphetamine (MDA) and α-glucosidase (α-Glu) in the epididymal tissue of the rats. RESULTS: Compared with the rats of the sham operation group, those of the experimental group showed disorganized epithelial structure and decreased number of epithelial cells in the left epididymis, with some epithelial cells desquamated into the lumen. The expression of ZO-1 was significantly lower in the experimental than in the sham operation group (P < 0.05) but markedly upregulated after VE treatment (P < 0.05). In comparison with the sham operation group, the animals in the experimental group exhibited remarkably increased content of MDA in the epididymal tissue (［0.41 ± 0.05］ vs ［1.21 ± 0.18］ nmol/mg prot, P < 0.05) but decreased levels of SOD (［814.65 ± 73.64］ vs ［298.62 ± 67.84］ U/mg prot, P < 0.05), T-AOC (［0.84 ± 0.07］ vs ［0.24 ± 0.04］ nmol/mg prot, P < 0.05) and α-Glu (［11.72 ± 2.72］ vs ［5.82 ± 1.24］ U/mg prot, P < 0.05). VE treatment, however, remarkably reduced the content of MDA (［0.69 ± 0.12］ nmol/mg prot) and elevated the levels of SOD (［497.73 ± 48.03］ U/mg prot), T-AOC (［0.42 ± 0.06］ nmol/mg prot) and α-Glu (［9.11 ± 1.91］ U/mg prot) as compared with those in the experimental group (all P < 0.05). The percentage of progressively motile sperm was significantly lower in the experimental than in the sham operation group (［31.33 ± 6.32］% vs ［71.21 ± 5.21］%, P < 0.05), but markedly increased after VE treatment (［60.68 ± 5.31］%, P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Varicocele reduces the expression of the EETJ protein ZO-1 and impairs epididymal function via oxidative stress, while vitamin E can effectively upregulate the ZO-1 expression and improve epididymal function by decreasing oxidative stress in the epididymis of varicocele rats.