Objective Differentially expressed genes in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) were subjected to bioinformatic and Mendelian randomization analyses to elucidate their prognostic significance in OSCC. Methods The TCGA database and dataset GSE138206 were used to screen the common differential genes of OSCC, and their relationship was analyzed by using Mendelian randomization. The prognostic value of differential genes was further analyzed by Cox risk regression. The biological function of genes with high prognostic value was further evaluated by single gene differential analysis. Results A total of 147 common differential genes were screened from the two databases. Results of two-sample Mendelian randomization showed that GREM2 was associated with the increased risk of OSCC. In addition, SH3BGRL2 was associated with a decreased risk of OSCC, and DKK1, CCL11, and HOXC6 were considered as independent prognostic markers of OSCC. The predicted results of DKK1 were consistent with the actual results. KEGG enrichment analysis indicated the potential involvement of DKK1 in arachidonic acid and linoleic acid metabolism. Furthermore, DKK1 showed positive correlations with Tgd and Th2 cells, while displaying negative associations with PDC, Cytotoxic cells, Mast cells, CD8 T cells, TFH cells, B cells, T cells, and Th17 cells. Conclusion GREM2 is associated with an increased risk of OSCC. DKK1 is highly expressed in OSCC and associated with poor prognosis, which may be involved in regulating the metabolism of arachidonic acid and linoleic acid and immune cell invasion in OSCC.

Objective:To assess the predictive value for the risk of cardiogenic stroke (CS) in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) using quantification of left atrial appendage early blood stasis (LAA-BS) signs derived from left atrium-pulmonary vein CT examination.Methods:A retrospective analysis of 187 patients with PAF, who were confirmed to have LAA-BS by left atrium-pulmonary vein CT examinations, was conducted at Second Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University from January 2019 to December 2021. The ratio of LAA-BS CT values to ascending aorta (AA) CT values (HU BS/HU AA) and the ratio of LAA-BS volume to LAA volume (V BS/V LAA) were measured at the peak time of AA enhancement, which were used as characteristic quantitative indicators of LAA-BS. Using the median values of HU BS/HU AA and V BS/V LAA as cut-off points for grouping, the differences between the high-ratio and low-ratio groups were compared in terms of general information, clinical characteristics, and imaging characteristics. All enrolled patients were followed up with the primary outcome event of CS occurrence. The differences in the proportion of CS occurrence between the high-ratio and low-ratio groups were compared. The risk stratification analysis of the occurrence of CS in PAF patients was performed using Kaplan-Meier curves. Additionally, the predictive value of HU BS/HU AA, V BS/V LAA and other imaging indices for the risk of CS occurrence was assessed using Cox proportional risk regression models. Results:The incidence of hypertension and the proportion of patients with atrial fibrillation-stroke risk score (CHA 2DS 2-VASc)≥3 in the high V BS/V LAA group were higher than that in the low V BS/V LAA group, and the difference was statistically significant ( P=0.041, P=0.011). The left atrial volume (LAV) in patients in the low HU BS/HU AA group was greater than in the high HU BS/HU AA group, and the difference was statistically significant ( P=0.040). Kaplan-Meier analysis showed a higher incidence of CS in the low HU BS/HU AA group than in the high HU BS/HU AA group ( P=0.012). Similarly, the high V BS/V LAA group had a higher incidence of CS compared with the low V BS/V LAA group ( P=0.019). Subgroup analysis revealed a significantly higher incidence of CS in the subgroup with low HU BS/HU AA and high V BS/V LAA compared to other subgroups (all P<0.05). The Cox proportional hazards regression model, adjusting for confounding factors, identified low HU BS/HU AA and high V BS/V LAA as independent risk factors for CS occurrence in PAF patients ( P=0.005 and P=0.029). Conclusion:The HU BS/HU AA and V BS/V LAA quantified using left atrium-pulmonary vein CT imaging are predictive factors for CS occurrence in patients with PAF. These ratios synergistically contribute to the risk assessment of CS.

Objective To observe the value of dual-low dose protocol(low tube voltage and low contrast agents)combined with iterative model reconstruction(IMR)in CT angiography(CTA)of ophthalmic artery.Methods Totally 100 patients who underwent head and neck CTA were retrospectively enrolled and divided into observation group(n=50,dual-low dose protocol+IMR)and control group(n=50,conventional protocol+filtered back projection[FBP]).Subjective and objective evaluations on image quality were performed,radiation doses and dosage of contrast agents were calculated,and the outcomes were compared between groups.Results Signal-to-noise ratio(SNR)and contrast-to-noise ratio(CNR)of ophthalmic artery on CTA were both higher(both P＜0.001),while noise(SD)of optic nerve,volume CT dose index(CTDIvol),dose-length product(DLP)and effective dose(ED)in observation group were all lower than those in control group(all P＜0.001).No significant difference of subjective scoring of image quality,CT values of ophthalmic artery nor optic nerve was found between groups(all P＞0.05).Compared with control group,CTDIvol,DLP,ED,iodine dosage and iodine flow rate in observation group decreased by 69.85%,70.17%,70.28%,43.24%and 43.24%,respectively.Conclusion Dual-low dose protocol combined with IMR could reduce radiation dose and contrast agents dosage in CTA of ophthalmic artery under the condition of ensuring image quality.

Objectives:To investigate the incidence and related risk factors of mid-term postoperative cognitive impairment by a single cognitive function test among heart transplant recipients.Methods:The heart transplant recipients who visited our heart transplant outpatient department from May to October of 2019 were recruited and received cognitive function test.Their heart transplantation,anesthesia,cardiopulmonary bypass and immunosuppressive therapy were performed by the same heart transplant team.Mini-mental state examination(MMSE)and Montreal cognitive assessment(MoCA)were used to test the study population and diagnose cognitive impairment.The patients were divided into cognitive impairment group and non-cognitive impairment group,and the clinical characteristics,perioperative characteristics of heart transplantation,hospital outcomes and donor characteristics were compared between the two groups.After excluding those with missing data(n=34),48 patients in the cognitive impairment group and 50 patients in the non-cognitive impairment group were analyzed.Univariate and multivariate logistic regression were used to analyze the potential influencing factors of cognitive impairment diagnosed by a single assessment after heart transplantation.Results:The median time of cognitive test after surgery was 2(1,4)years.The incidence of mid-term postoperative cognitive impairment by a single test among heart transplant recipients was 50.0%(66/132).Compared with the non-cognitive impairment group,patients in the cognitive impairment group were older at heart transplant([40.2±13.4]years vs.[46.4±11.0]years)and at cognitive test([42.3±13.0]years vs.[49.2±11.2]years),with a higher proportion of males(68.0%vs.87.5%),a higher proportion of those with lower education(less than high school)(31.9%vs.63.8%),and a longer postoperative hospital stay(32.0[26.0,38.8]d vs.38.0[20.3,50.0]d),and the differences between groups were statistically significant(all P<0.05).Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that older age at cognitive test(OR=1.067,95%CI:1.019-1.117,P=0.005),longer postoperative in-hospital stay(OR=1.051,95%CI:1.006-1.097,P=0.025)were associated with higher risk of mid-term postoperative cognitive impairment by a single test,while the education level higher than high school was an independent protective factor(OR=0.132,95%CI:0.029-0.607,P=0.009)of mid-term postoperative cognitive impairment.Conclusions:The incidence of mid-term postoperative cognitive impairment by a single test among heart transplant recipients is high.Patients with an older age,low education level,long postoperative in-hospital stay face increased risk of mid-term postoperative cognitive impairment,these patients need to be monitored for cognitive function during follow up to achieve early recognition and treatment of cognitive decline.

Objectives:To investigate the incidence and related risk factors of mid-term postoperative cognitive impairment by a single cognitive function test among heart transplant recipients.Methods:The heart transplant recipients who visited our heart transplant outpatient department from May to October of 2019 were recruited and received cognitive function test.Their heart transplantation,anesthesia,cardiopulmonary bypass and immunosuppressive therapy were performed by the same heart transplant team.Mini-mental state examination(MMSE)and Montreal cognitive assessment(MoCA)were used to test the study population and diagnose cognitive impairment.The patients were divided into cognitive impairment group and non-cognitive impairment group,and the clinical characteristics,perioperative characteristics of heart transplantation,hospital outcomes and donor characteristics were compared between the two groups.After excluding those with missing data(n=34),48 patients in the cognitive impairment group and 50 patients in the non-cognitive impairment group were analyzed.Univariate and multivariate logistic regression were used to analyze the potential influencing factors of cognitive impairment diagnosed by a single assessment after heart transplantation.Results:The median time of cognitive test after surgery was 2(1,4)years.The incidence of mid-term postoperative cognitive impairment by a single test among heart transplant recipients was 50.0%(66/132).Compared with the non-cognitive impairment group,patients in the cognitive impairment group were older at heart transplant([40.2±13.4]years vs.[46.4±11.0]years)and at cognitive test([42.3±13.0]years vs.[49.2±11.2]years),with a higher proportion of males(68.0%vs.87.5%),a higher proportion of those with lower education(less than high school)(31.9%vs.63.8%),and a longer postoperative hospital stay(32.0[26.0,38.8]d vs.38.0[20.3,50.0]d),and the differences between groups were statistically significant(all P<0.05).Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that older age at cognitive test(OR=1.067,95%CI:1.019-1.117,P=0.005),longer postoperative in-hospital stay(OR=1.051,95%CI:1.006-1.097,P=0.025)were associated with higher risk of mid-term postoperative cognitive impairment by a single test,while the education level higher than high school was an independent protective factor(OR=0.132,95%CI:0.029-0.607,P=0.009)of mid-term postoperative cognitive impairment.Conclusions:The incidence of mid-term postoperative cognitive impairment by a single test among heart transplant recipients is high.Patients with an older age,low education level,long postoperative in-hospital stay face increased risk of mid-term postoperative cognitive impairment,these patients need to be monitored for cognitive function during follow up to achieve early recognition and treatment of cognitive decline.

Objective To observe the value of dual-low dose protocol(low tube voltage and low contrast agents)combined with iterative model reconstruction(IMR)in CT angiography(CTA)of ophthalmic artery.Methods Totally 100 patients who underwent head and neck CTA were retrospectively enrolled and divided into observation group(n=50,dual-low dose protocol+IMR)and control group(n=50,conventional protocol+filtered back projection[FBP]).Subjective and objective evaluations on image quality were performed,radiation doses and dosage of contrast agents were calculated,and the outcomes were compared between groups.Results Signal-to-noise ratio(SNR)and contrast-to-noise ratio(CNR)of ophthalmic artery on CTA were both higher(both P＜0.001),while noise(SD)of optic nerve,volume CT dose index(CTDIvol),dose-length product(DLP)and effective dose(ED)in observation group were all lower than those in control group(all P＜0.001).No significant difference of subjective scoring of image quality,CT values of ophthalmic artery nor optic nerve was found between groups(all P＞0.05).Compared with control group,CTDIvol,DLP,ED,iodine dosage and iodine flow rate in observation group decreased by 69.85%,70.17%,70.28%,43.24%and 43.24%,respectively.Conclusion Dual-low dose protocol combined with IMR could reduce radiation dose and contrast agents dosage in CTA of ophthalmic artery under the condition of ensuring image quality.

Objective:To assess the predictive value for the risk of cardiogenic stroke (CS) in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) using quantification of left atrial appendage early blood stasis (LAA-BS) signs derived from left atrium-pulmonary vein CT examination.Methods:A retrospective analysis of 187 patients with PAF, who were confirmed to have LAA-BS by left atrium-pulmonary vein CT examinations, was conducted at Second Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University from January 2019 to December 2021. The ratio of LAA-BS CT values to ascending aorta (AA) CT values (HU BS/HU AA) and the ratio of LAA-BS volume to LAA volume (V BS/V LAA) were measured at the peak time of AA enhancement, which were used as characteristic quantitative indicators of LAA-BS. Using the median values of HU BS/HU AA and V BS/V LAA as cut-off points for grouping, the differences between the high-ratio and low-ratio groups were compared in terms of general information, clinical characteristics, and imaging characteristics. All enrolled patients were followed up with the primary outcome event of CS occurrence. The differences in the proportion of CS occurrence between the high-ratio and low-ratio groups were compared. The risk stratification analysis of the occurrence of CS in PAF patients was performed using Kaplan-Meier curves. Additionally, the predictive value of HU BS/HU AA, V BS/V LAA and other imaging indices for the risk of CS occurrence was assessed using Cox proportional risk regression models. Results:The incidence of hypertension and the proportion of patients with atrial fibrillation-stroke risk score (CHA 2DS 2-VASc)≥3 in the high V BS/V LAA group were higher than that in the low V BS/V LAA group, and the difference was statistically significant ( P=0.041, P=0.011). The left atrial volume (LAV) in patients in the low HU BS/HU AA group was greater than in the high HU BS/HU AA group, and the difference was statistically significant ( P=0.040). Kaplan-Meier analysis showed a higher incidence of CS in the low HU BS/HU AA group than in the high HU BS/HU AA group ( P=0.012). Similarly, the high V BS/V LAA group had a higher incidence of CS compared with the low V BS/V LAA group ( P=0.019). Subgroup analysis revealed a significantly higher incidence of CS in the subgroup with low HU BS/HU AA and high V BS/V LAA compared to other subgroups (all P<0.05). The Cox proportional hazards regression model, adjusting for confounding factors, identified low HU BS/HU AA and high V BS/V LAA as independent risk factors for CS occurrence in PAF patients ( P=0.005 and P=0.029). Conclusion:The HU BS/HU AA and V BS/V LAA quantified using left atrium-pulmonary vein CT imaging are predictive factors for CS occurrence in patients with PAF. These ratios synergistically contribute to the risk assessment of CS.

Hand osteoarthritis(HOA)is a disease of hand joint disorders,mainly manifested by hand interphalangeal joint and thumb carpal metacarpal joint pain,swelling,morning stiffness,limited movement,and even deformity,belonging to the category of TCM"bone arthralgia".The authors believe that HOA is more common with Taiyang Shaoyang disease,suitable for simultaneous treatment for Taiyang and Shaoyang,to operate the cardinal,regulate qi,blood,nutritive and defensive levels,dispel wind and cold,remove dampness and arthralgia,using modified Chaihu Guizhi Decoction,with confirmed efficacy.

Lumbar disc herniation is mainly manifested as lower back pain,numbness,weakness,and radiating pain in the lower limbs,which seriously affects the patients'work and quality of life.In clinical practice,it has been found that this disease always belongs to the category of deficiency in healthy qi and excess in pathogenic factors,often accompanied by kidney deficiency and cold dampness.Kidney deficiency is the root cause,while cold dampness is the symptoms.The two factors interact with each other and cause back pain.The treatment is based on dispersing cold and dampness,tonifying the kidneys and strengthening the waist,and the classic ancient formula Shenzhuo Powder is safe and effective.

Objective:To investigate the predictive value of clinical factor model, deep learning model based on baseline plain CT images, and combination of both for predicting hematoma expansion in cerebral hemorrhage.Methods:The study was cross-sectional. Totally 471 cerebral hemorrhage patients who were firstly diagnosed in the Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University from January 2017 to December 2021 were collected retrospectively. These patients were randomly divided into a training dataset ( n=330) and a validation dataset ( n=141) at a ratio of 7∶3 by using the random function. All patients underwent two noncontrast CT examinations within 24 h and an increase in hematoma volume of >33% or an absolute increase in hematoma volume of >6 ml was considered hematoma enlargement. According to the presence or absence of hematoma enlargement, all patients were divided into hematoma enlargement group and hematoma non-enlargement group.Two-sample t test, Mann-Whitney U test or χ2 test were used for univariate analysis. The factors with statistically significant differences were included in multivariate logistic regression analysis, and independent influences related to hematoma enlargement were screened out to establish a clinical factor model. ITK-SNAP software was applied to manually label and segment the cerebral hemorrhage lesions on plain CT images to train and build a deep learning model based on ResNet50 architecture. A combination model for predicting hematoma expansion in cerebral hemorrhage was established by combining independent clinical influences with deep learning scores. The value of the clinical factor model, the deep learning model, and the combination model for predicting hematoma expansion in cerebral hemorrhage was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and decision curves in the training and validation datasets. Results:Among 471 cerebral hemorrhage patients, 136 cases were in the hematoma enlargement group and 335 cases were in the hematoma non-enlargement group. Regression analyses showed that male ( OR=1.790, 95% CI 1.136-2.819, P=0.012), time of occurrence ( OR=0.812, 95% CI 0.702-0.939, P=0.005), history of oral anticoagulants ( OR=2.157, 95% CI 1.100-4.229, P=0.025), admission Glasgow Coma Scale score ( OR=0.866, 95% CI 0.807-0.929, P<0.001) and red blood cell distribution width ( OR=1.045, 95% CI 1.010-1.081, P=0.011) were the independent factors for predicting hematoma expansion in cerebral hemorrhage. ROC curve analysis showed that in the training dataset, the area under the curve (AUC) of clinical factor model, deep learning model and combination model were 0.688 (95% CI 0.635-0.738), 0.695 (95% CI 0.642-0.744) and 0.747 (95% CI 0.697-0.793) respectively. The AUC of the combination model was better than that of the clinical model ( Z=0.54, P=0.011) and the deep learning model ( Z=2.44, P=0.015). In the validation dataset, the AUC of clinical factor model, deep learning model and combination model were 0.687 (95% CI 0.604-0.763), 0.683 (95% CI 0.599-0.759) and 0.736 (95% CI 0.655-0.806) respectively, with no statistical significance. Decision curves showed that the combination model had the highest net benefit rate and strong clinical practicability. Conclusions:Both the deep learning model and the clinical factor model established in this study have some predictive value for hematoma expansion in cerebral hemorrhage; the combination model established by the two together has the highest predictive value and can be applied to predict hematoma expansion.