1.An Attention-weighted Tri-modal Ultrasound Network (TUS-Net) for Screening of Atypical Hepatocellular Carcinoma From LR-M Liver Nodules
He-Chong ZHANG ; Liang-Hui HUANG ; Xue-Hua WANG ; Shang-Lin JIANG ; Ying-Ying CHEN ; Ya-Guang ZENG ; Wei ZHENG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(5):1485-1498
ObjectiveDiscriminating atypical hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) from other malignancies in liver nodules classified as Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System category M (LR-M) remains a significant diagnostic challenge on conventional ultrasound examination. The LR-M category, originally intended to capture non-HCC malignancies, paradoxically contains up to 63% of atypical HCCs that deviate from classic enhancement patterns, leading to potential misdiagnosis and suboptimal treatment planning. While deep learning has shown promise in HCC diagnosis, most existing models rely exclusively on single-modality ultrasound, overlooking the diagnostic benefits of integrating complementary information from multiple imaging sources. To address this gap, we propose a novel attention-weighted tri-modal ultrasound network (TUS-Net) that integrates contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS), B-mode ultrasound (BUS), and time-intensity curves (TICs) to improve diagnostic accuracy for these clinically challenging lesions. MethodsOur framework incorporates a three-dimensional convolutional neural network (C3D) backbone to extract spatiotemporal features from CEUS videos, capturing dynamic vascular patterns critical for lesion characterization. To effectively fuse complementary modalities, we introduce a dual-channel feature fusion module (DCFFM) that adaptively combines features from CEUS and BUS through channel-wise attention mechanisms, allowing the model to dynamically weigh the contribution of each modality based on diagnostic relevance. Additionally, we propose a temporal intensity feature fusion module (TIFFM) that leverages quantitative hemodynamic information from TICs to guide the model’s attention toward diagnostically critical temporal phases, such as arterial wash-in and portal venous washout. The model is further enhanced by automated lesion localization using YOLOX and class activation mapping for interpretability, ensuring that predictions align with clinically meaningful imaging features. ResultsEvaluated on a tri-modal ultrasound dataset comprising 161 patients with pathologically confirmed LR-M nodules (131 atypical HCC and 30 non-HCC malignancies), our model achieved an accuracy of 86.83%, a sensitivity of 92.50%, a specificity of 75.50%, and an AUC of 89.32% in screening atypical HCC. Compared to single-modality baselines, TUS-Net demonstrated superior specificity, a clinically critical metric given the higher risk associated with misclassifying non-HCC malignancies. Ablation studies confirmed the contribution of each module, with the full model outperforming both standard C3D and 3D ResNet backbones integrated with attention mechanisms. A reader study involving junior and senior radiologists further validated the clinical utility of AI assistance, showing consistent improvements in specificity and inter-reader consistency, particularly for less experienced clinicians. ConclusionThese results surpass existing benchmark models and demonstrate the potential of our approach to enhance diagnostic precision in clinically specific cases. By intelligently fusing multi-modal ultrasound data with attention-guided mechanisms, TUS-Net offers a reliable and interpretable tool that holds promise for improving the non-invasive diagnosis of atypical HCC in challenging LR-M liver nodules.
2.An Attention-weighted Tri-modal Ultrasound Network (TUS-Net) for Screening of Atypical Hepatocellular Carcinoma From LR-M Liver Nodules
He-Chong ZHANG ; Liang-Hui HUANG ; Xue-Hua WANG ; Shang-Lin JIANG ; Ying-Ying CHEN ; Ya-Guang ZENG ; Wei ZHENG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(5):1485-1498
ObjectiveDiscriminating atypical hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) from other malignancies in liver nodules classified as Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System category M (LR-M) remains a significant diagnostic challenge on conventional ultrasound examination. The LR-M category, originally intended to capture non-HCC malignancies, paradoxically contains up to 63% of atypical HCCs that deviate from classic enhancement patterns, leading to potential misdiagnosis and suboptimal treatment planning. While deep learning has shown promise in HCC diagnosis, most existing models rely exclusively on single-modality ultrasound, overlooking the diagnostic benefits of integrating complementary information from multiple imaging sources. To address this gap, we propose a novel attention-weighted tri-modal ultrasound network (TUS-Net) that integrates contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS), B-mode ultrasound (BUS), and time-intensity curves (TICs) to improve diagnostic accuracy for these clinically challenging lesions. MethodsOur framework incorporates a three-dimensional convolutional neural network (C3D) backbone to extract spatiotemporal features from CEUS videos, capturing dynamic vascular patterns critical for lesion characterization. To effectively fuse complementary modalities, we introduce a dual-channel feature fusion module (DCFFM) that adaptively combines features from CEUS and BUS through channel-wise attention mechanisms, allowing the model to dynamically weigh the contribution of each modality based on diagnostic relevance. Additionally, we propose a temporal intensity feature fusion module (TIFFM) that leverages quantitative hemodynamic information from TICs to guide the model’s attention toward diagnostically critical temporal phases, such as arterial wash-in and portal venous washout. The model is further enhanced by automated lesion localization using YOLOX and class activation mapping for interpretability, ensuring that predictions align with clinically meaningful imaging features. ResultsEvaluated on a tri-modal ultrasound dataset comprising 161 patients with pathologically confirmed LR-M nodules (131 atypical HCC and 30 non-HCC malignancies), our model achieved an accuracy of 86.83%, a sensitivity of 92.50%, a specificity of 75.50%, and an AUC of 89.32% in screening atypical HCC. Compared to single-modality baselines, TUS-Net demonstrated superior specificity, a clinically critical metric given the higher risk associated with misclassifying non-HCC malignancies. Ablation studies confirmed the contribution of each module, with the full model outperforming both standard C3D and 3D ResNet backbones integrated with attention mechanisms. A reader study involving junior and senior radiologists further validated the clinical utility of AI assistance, showing consistent improvements in specificity and inter-reader consistency, particularly for less experienced clinicians. ConclusionThese results surpass existing benchmark models and demonstrate the potential of our approach to enhance diagnostic precision in clinically specific cases. By intelligently fusing multi-modal ultrasound data with attention-guided mechanisms, TUS-Net offers a reliable and interpretable tool that holds promise for improving the non-invasive diagnosis of atypical HCC in challenging LR-M liver nodules.
3.The effect of body mass index and inferior pulmonary ligament division on the residual lung expansion after right upper lobectomy: A retrospective cohort study in a single center
Guang MU ; Wenhao ZHANG ; Hongchang WANG ; Yan GU ; Chenghao FU ; Wentao XUE ; Shiyuan XIE ; Tong WANG ; Ke WEI ; Yang XIA ; Liang CHEN ; Jun WANG
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(02):261-266
Objective To analyze the effect of releasing the lower pulmonary ligament on right residual lung expansion after right upper lobe resection under different body mass index (BMI) levels. Methods The clinical data of patients who underwent thoracoscopic right upper lobe resection in the First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University from 2021 to 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into a group A (17 kg/m2<BMI≤23 kg/m2), a group B (23 kg/m2<BMI≤29 kg/m2) and a group C (BMI>29 kg/m2) according to BMI. The presence of residual cavity was judged by chest X-ray at 7-10 days after operation, the degree of compensation change of the right main bronchus angle was measured, and the changes in lung volume were determined by CT three-dimensional reconstruction. Results A total of 157 patients who underwent thoracoscopic right upper lobe resection were included, including 71 males and 86 females, with an average age of (59.7±11.2) years. There were 50 patients in the group A, 75 patients in the group B, and 32 patients in the group C. In the group A, compared with those without releasing the lower pulmonary ligament, patients with releasing had a lower incidence of postoperative residual cavity (P=0.016), greater changes in bronchus angle (P<0.001), and smaller changes in lung volume (P<0.001). In the group B and C, there was no significant effect of releasing the lower pulmonary ligament on postoperative residual cavity, bronchus angle, and lung volume changes (P>0.05). Conclusion For patients with thin and long body shape and low BMI, releasing the lower pulmonary ligament is helpful to promote the expansion of the residual lung after right upper lobe resection and reduce the occurrence of postoperative residual cavity in patients.
4.A Systematic Strategy for Discovering First-in-class Anti-fibrotic Drugs from Traditional Chinese Medicine
Wen HUANG ; Guang XIN ; Sanyin ZHANG ; Tao WANG ; Wei CHEN ; Zeliang WEI ; Qilong ZHOU ; Ke LI ; Dan SUN ; Kui YU ; Shilin CHEN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):296-307
Pulmonary fibrosis(PF) is a progressive and life-threatening disease with limited therapeutic options, highlighting the urgent need for innovative drug discovery strategies. To address this challenge, the authors propose the formula-originated rational intelligent screening&translation(FIRST), a systematic framework for developing anti-fibrotic monomers derived from classical traditional Chinese medicine(TCM). The strategy integrates three key dimensions, including tissue-oriented intelligent screening of active compounds, structural optimization based on drug-target spatial interactions and plant biosynthetic pathways, and cross-scale validation of drug. We further highlight its applications in discovering tissue-oriented novel drugs from clinically validated TCM, the development and mechanistic elucidation of anti-fibrotic therapeutics, as well as the clinical translation and secondary development of candidate drugs. This strategy paves the way for first-in-class, formula-derived monomeric drugs with defined structures, clarified mechanisms, and proven safety, offering a transformative avenue to meet the urgent therapeutic needs of PF and setting a new paradigm for TCM-based drug innovation.
5.A Systematic Strategy for Discovering First-in-class Anti-fibrotic Drugs from Traditional Chinese Medicine
Wen HUANG ; Guang XIN ; Sanyin ZHANG ; Tao WANG ; Wei CHEN ; Zeliang WEI ; Qilong ZHOU ; Ke LI ; Dan SUN ; Kui YU ; Shilin CHEN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):296-307
Pulmonary fibrosis(PF) is a progressive and life-threatening disease with limited therapeutic options, highlighting the urgent need for innovative drug discovery strategies. To address this challenge, the authors propose the formula-originated rational intelligent screening&translation(FIRST), a systematic framework for developing anti-fibrotic monomers derived from classical traditional Chinese medicine(TCM). The strategy integrates three key dimensions, including tissue-oriented intelligent screening of active compounds, structural optimization based on drug-target spatial interactions and plant biosynthetic pathways, and cross-scale validation of drug. We further highlight its applications in discovering tissue-oriented novel drugs from clinically validated TCM, the development and mechanistic elucidation of anti-fibrotic therapeutics, as well as the clinical translation and secondary development of candidate drugs. This strategy paves the way for first-in-class, formula-derived monomeric drugs with defined structures, clarified mechanisms, and proven safety, offering a transformative avenue to meet the urgent therapeutic needs of PF and setting a new paradigm for TCM-based drug innovation.
6.The Distribution Characteristics of Multiple Antigens of Rh Blood Group System and Precise Transfusion Strategy in Shunde Area,Guangdong Province
Wei-Biao LYU ; Guang-Bo CHEN ; Wan-Li LIANG ; Jun YU
Journal of Experimental Hematology 2025;33(6):1751-1757
Objective:To analyze the multi antigen distribution characteristics of Rh blood group system in Shunde area of Guangdong Province,explore the feasibility of Rh phenotype compatible blood transfusion for blood recipients in this area,and formulate the precise blood transfusion strategies.Methods:From June 2022 to December 2024,113 226 hospitalized patients scheduled for blood transfusion in Shunde Hospital of Southern Medical University and 30 832 blood donors'blood samples provided by Shunde central blood station in the same period were detected for ABO blood group and Rh phenotype by microcolumn gel method,and the Rh phenotype data of the recipients and blood donors were compared and analyzed.Results:Among 113 226 blood samples,112 963 cases(99.77%)were RhD positive,with CCDee(54.96%)and CcDEe(28.21%)phenotypes being the main phenotypes;263 cases(0.23%)were RhD negative,with ccDee(50.19%)and CcDee(36.88%)as the main phenotype.Among 30 832 blood donor samples,CCDee(54.65%)and CcDEe(27.93%)were the main phenotypes of Rh phenotype with RhD positive.The positive rates of D,C,c,E and e antigens of blood recipients and blood donors were in the same order from high to low D>e>C>c>E.The frequency of e antigen in RhD positive recipients with different ABO blood groups was statistically different from that of blood donors(P<0.05),while there was no statistical difference in the other four antigens(P>0.05),the distribution of ccDEe phenotypes was statistically different(P<0.05),but there was no statistical difference in the distribution of other eight phenotypes(P>0.05).In RhD positive recipients,the probability of finding compatible blood for phenotype CcDEe was 100%,the probability of finding compatible blood for phenotype CCDee,CCDEe and DcDee was 54%-65%,and the probability of finding compatible blood for other phenotypes was less than 10%.Providing blood with CCDee and ccDEE phenotypes according to Rh blood matching scheme can meet the needs of more than 99%of patients with 9 Rh phenotype compatible blood transfusion in this region.Conclusion:Rh phenotype detection should be carried out for hospitalized patients to be transfused,and the precise transfusion strategy of Rh phenotype isotype or compatibility should be implemented to make the transfusion treatment of patients more safe and reliable.
7.Action mechanism of Epimedii folium-Astmgali radix membranaceus regulates SCF/c-kit and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways to control oligoasthenospermia
Yan-rong LI ; Zhen-dong CHEN ; Qiu-ju ZHANG ; Yi-wei JIANG ; Guang-wei LIU ; Fu-de YANG
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(9):1693-1699
Aim To explore the mechanism of Epimedii folium-Astmgali radix activating the SCF/c-kit signa-ling pathway to activate the PI3K/Akt signaling path-way and its effect on sperm production and vitality in oligoasthenospermia.Methods Sixty male SD rats were used to establish a model of oligoasthenospermia with cyclophosphamide.They were randomly divided into six groups:experimental group(further divided into high,medium,and low dose group),model group,control group and blank group.The oligoasthenosper-mia model was established by using cyclophosphamide in experimental group,levocarnitine group and model group.The rats in the high,medium,and low dose group of the experimental group were orally adminis-tered Epimedii folium-Astmgali radix extract at doses of 800,400,and 200 mg·kg-1,respectively,Once daily for 35 days.Rats of the control group were orally ad-ministered 250 mg·kg-1·d-1 of levocarnitine,Once daily for 35 days.ELISA was used to detect serum of T,E2,FSH,and LH.Western blot and IHC staining were used to detect the expression of SCF,c-kit,Bcl-2,Bax,PI3K,and Akt proteins in rat testicular tissues.Sperm activity is examined by microscopy.The testicu-lar tissue structure and cell morphology of rats in each group were observed.Results Compared with the model group,Epimedii folium-Astmgali radix increased the sperm density,total viability rate,and vitality(P<0.05,P<0.01),decreased sperm apoptosis rate and LH,T,and E2 levels(P<0.05,P<0.01),decreased Bax protein expression in testicular tissue(P<0.01),and increased Bcl-2,SCF,c-Kit,PI3K,and Akt protein expression(P<0.05,P<0.01);it increased the number of germ cells,thickened basement membrane,and significantly improved seminiferous tubule mor-phology,even showing germ cells at different develop-mental stages and mature sperm.Conclusions Epi-medii folium-Astmgali radix has a significant therapeu-tic effect on oligoasthenospermia in rats.Its mechanism may be related to the activation of the SCF/c-kit signa-ling pathway to activate the PI3K/Akt signaling path-way promoting the proliferation and differentiation of germ cells,and promoting sperm production,maturation and motility.
8.Effect of preoperative oral carbohydrate on overweight or obese patients undergoing laparoscopic hysterectomy in Trendelenburg position
Guang-le WEI ; Rong-xiang LU ; Jing-hui QIU ; Chang CHEN ; Ti-jun DAI
Journal of Regional Anatomy and Operative Surgery 2025;34(11):1004-1007
Objective To clarify the effect of preoperative oral carbohydrate on overweight or obese patients undergoing laparoscopic hysterectomy in Trendelenburg position.Methods A total of 72 overweight or obese patients who underwent laparoscopic hysterectomy in Trendelenburg position at Yancheng Third People's Hospital from September 2022 to August 2024 were selected,and randomly divided into the control group and the observation group,with 36 cases in each group.The control group received routine restriction of fasting and fluid starting from 22:00 on the day before surgery,while the observation group was given an additional 300 mL of carbohydrate orally 2 hours before anesthesia on the basis of the control group.The preoperative ultrasound results of gastric antrum,Perlas classification,full stomach status,visual analogue scale(VAS)scores for thirst and hunger,awakening time,tracheal extubation time,intraoperative hypothermia,gastro-intestinal function recovery time,and adverse reactions were compared between the two groups.Results Before anesthesia,there was no statistically significant difference in the cross-sectional area of the gastric antrum(CSA)in the right lateral position,gastric volume(GV),or the ratio of gastric volume to body weight(GV/W)between the two groups(P>0.05).There was also no statistically significant difference in the Perlas classification of gastric antrum ultrasound or the incidence of full stomach between the two groups(P>0.05).Immediately before anesthesia,the VAS scores for thirst and hunger in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group(P<0.05).The awakening time,tracheal extubation time,and incidence of intraoperative hypothermia in the observation group were significantly shorter/lower than those in the control group(P<0.05).The observation group had significantly shorter time of first exhaust and defecation after surgery,as well as lower incidence of postoperative bloating,compared with the control group(P<0.05).Conclusion For overweight or obese patients undergoing laparoscopic hysterectomy in the Trendelenburg position,oral intake of 300 mL carbohydrate 2 hours before anesthesia does not increase the risk of regurgitation or aspiration,with safety and reliability.It not only can improve comfort of patients and promote post-anesthesia awakening,but also can reduce the incidences of intraoperative hypothermia and gastrointestinal adverse reactions,which is conducive to accelerating postoperative recovery.
9.Study of modified anteromedial approach and preserves the superior extensor retinaculum for clinical effect of Pilon fracture
Youqiang ZHANG ; Ling YAN ; Wei LIAO ; Guang WANG ; Xiaoheng CHEN ; Rui FAN ; Zuwei LIU
The Journal of Practical Medicine 2025;41(3):358-364
Objective To explore the clinical efficacy of modified anteromedia approach with superior extensor retinaculars and traditional anteromedia combined with posterolateral approach in the treatment of Rüedi-Allg?wer type Ⅲ Pilon fractures.Methods In this study selected 56 patients with Rüedi-Allg?wer type Ⅲ Pilon fractures treated in our hospital from January 2020 to January 2022,all of whom met the inclusion and exclusion criteria,27 in the experimental group and 29 in the control group.Both groups underwent open reduction and internal fixation of Pilon fractures.The experimental group used a modified anteromedial approach to preserve the supraspinatus,while the control group used a traditional anteromedial combined with posterolateral approach to cut off the supraspinatus.The general clinical data,operation time,intraoperative blood loss,postoperative drainage volume,fracture reduction quality,early pain VAS score,complications and ankle function evaluation of the experimental group and the control group were compared in detail,and the early clinical efficacy of the two surgical methods was analyzed and compared.Results There were no significant differences in age,gender,body mass index(BMI),complications,injury mechanism and the time from admission to operation between the experimental group and the control group(P>0.05).Experimental group:operation time(115.92±12.23)min,intraoperative blood loss(129.25±16.15)mL,postoperative drainage volume(82.44±25.57)mL,fracture healing time(17.89±2.39)w;Control group:operation time(172.75±15.09)min,intraoperative blood loss(177.24±14.36)mL,postoperative drainage volume(115.06±21.95)mL,fracture healing time(19.93±3.75)w.The operative time and fracture healing time of the experimental group were less than those of the control group(P<0.05),and the intraoperative blood loss and postoperative drainage volume of the experimental group were less than those of the control group,the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).The Buewell-Charnley fracture reduction radio-logical evaluation criteria were used to evaluate the fracture reduction,and the rate of good reduction was 96.29%in the experimental group and 93.10%in the control group.There was no statistical significance in the anatomical reduction between the two groups(P>0.05).Visual analog scale(VAS)was used to evaluate postoperative pain,and pain VAS scores of the experimental group were lower than those of the control group at 3 days,1 week and 4 weeks after surgery(P<0.05).Both groups were followed up for at least 12 months after surgery,and the incidence of postoperative complications in the experimental group was lower than that in the control group(P<0.05).The AOFAS score of the experimental group was higher than that of the control group at 3 months,6 months and 12 months after surgery(P<0.05).Conclusion Improvement on the medial approach retains the superior extensor retinaculum,relative to the combined surgical approach to cut off the superior extensor retinacu-lum treatment Rüedi-Allg?wer Ⅲ Pilon fractures,with shorter operation time,less intraoperative blood loss,less postoperative complications and other advantages.The functional recovery of the ankle joint in the modified antero-medial approach preserving the superior extensor retinaculum was better than that in the combined approach cutting the superior extensor retinaculum.
10.Action mechanism of Epimedii folium-Astmgali radix membranaceus regulates SCF/c-kit and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways to control oligoasthenospermia
Yan-rong LI ; Zhen-dong CHEN ; Qiu-ju ZHANG ; Yi-wei JIANG ; Guang-wei LIU ; Fu-de YANG
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(9):1693-1699
Aim To explore the mechanism of Epimedii folium-Astmgali radix activating the SCF/c-kit signa-ling pathway to activate the PI3K/Akt signaling path-way and its effect on sperm production and vitality in oligoasthenospermia.Methods Sixty male SD rats were used to establish a model of oligoasthenospermia with cyclophosphamide.They were randomly divided into six groups:experimental group(further divided into high,medium,and low dose group),model group,control group and blank group.The oligoasthenosper-mia model was established by using cyclophosphamide in experimental group,levocarnitine group and model group.The rats in the high,medium,and low dose group of the experimental group were orally adminis-tered Epimedii folium-Astmgali radix extract at doses of 800,400,and 200 mg·kg-1,respectively,Once daily for 35 days.Rats of the control group were orally ad-ministered 250 mg·kg-1·d-1 of levocarnitine,Once daily for 35 days.ELISA was used to detect serum of T,E2,FSH,and LH.Western blot and IHC staining were used to detect the expression of SCF,c-kit,Bcl-2,Bax,PI3K,and Akt proteins in rat testicular tissues.Sperm activity is examined by microscopy.The testicu-lar tissue structure and cell morphology of rats in each group were observed.Results Compared with the model group,Epimedii folium-Astmgali radix increased the sperm density,total viability rate,and vitality(P<0.05,P<0.01),decreased sperm apoptosis rate and LH,T,and E2 levels(P<0.05,P<0.01),decreased Bax protein expression in testicular tissue(P<0.01),and increased Bcl-2,SCF,c-Kit,PI3K,and Akt protein expression(P<0.05,P<0.01);it increased the number of germ cells,thickened basement membrane,and significantly improved seminiferous tubule mor-phology,even showing germ cells at different develop-mental stages and mature sperm.Conclusions Epi-medii folium-Astmgali radix has a significant therapeu-tic effect on oligoasthenospermia in rats.Its mechanism may be related to the activation of the SCF/c-kit signa-ling pathway to activate the PI3K/Akt signaling path-way promoting the proliferation and differentiation of germ cells,and promoting sperm production,maturation and motility.

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