Objective To evaluate the accuracy of multiparametric imaging on the dual-source CT through acceptance and commissioning testing, and to provide a reference for standardized clinical application. Methods Both the adult and pediatric dual-source CT scanning modes were used to scan the electron density phantom, and identical multiparametric image reconstruction tasks were performed, including the conventional CT images, the mixed CT images, the virtual monoenergetic images, the iodine images, the electron density images, and the effective atomic number images. Results In the adult scanning mode, the virtual monoenergetic CT numbers showed the greatest difference for the cortical bone (1722 HU at 40 keV vs. 30 HU at 80 keV), with smaller differences observed for other materials as their atomic numbers decreased. The pediatric scanning mode exhibited a similar trend, with the largest difference occurring at 40 keV (1393 HU). In the adult scanning mode, the deviations between the theoretical and measured iodine concentration values were all within 5%, whereas in the pediatric scanning mode, the largest deviation was 15% for an iodine concentration of 2.0 mg/mL. For the electron density, the largest deviation between the theoretical and measured values occurred in the LN450 lung (9.18% in the adult scanning mode and 8.96% in the pediatric scanning mode); the deviations for the LN300 lung were all below 7.2%, for aluminum below 6.3%, and for other tissues within 3%. For the effective atomic number, the deviations between the theoretical and measured values were all within 5% in both scanning modes. Conclusion To ensure the accuracy and reproducibility of the dual-source CT applications, a comprehensive acceptance testing protocol should be established to guarantee the safety and precision of the CT localization process.

Knee osteoarthritis(KOA)is a chronic degenerative joint disease,which poses a major challenge particularly among the elderly population due to its high incidence and high disability.Imaging examination has been used commonly to diagnose KOA.However,it faces imitations in predicting disease progression due to the lack of prior information and constraints in manpower and time.With the rapid evolution of big data and computational technologies,artificial intelligence(AI)is progressively integrating into various healthcare domains.Therefore,the integration of artificial intelligence(AI)into healthcare holds promise for revolutionizing KOA diagnosis and treatment.AI-assisted diagnostic models have demonstrated the potential to automate diagnosis,classify disease severity,and predict disease progression with improved efficiency and accuracy.In addition,these models provide personalized diagnosis and treatment options,as well as accurate disease progression risk assessment.Despite these promising outcomes,challenges such as high costs associated with data annotation and limitations in model generalization capabilities persist.This paper reviews recent advancements in AI applications and summarizes the potential value of utilizing AI applications for KOA.To further enhance the utilization of AI in KOA management to overcome current limitations,future efforts should focus on standardizing clinical sample databases,optimizing AI algorithms,and enhancing external verification sets.

The aim of this study was to investigate the contribution of lung zinc ions to pathogenesis of lung ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury in rats. Male Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into control group, lung I/R group (I/R group), lung I/R + low-dose zinc chloride group (LZnCl₂+I/R group), lung I/R + high-dose ZnCl₂ group (HZnCl₂+I/R group), lung I/R + medium-dose ZnCl₂ group (MZnCl₂+I/R group) and TPEN+MZnCl₂+I/R group (n = 8 in each group). Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was used to measure the concentration of zinc ions in lung tissue. The degree of lung tissue injury was analyzed by observing HE staining, alveolar damage index, lung wet/dry weight ratio and lung tissue gross changes. TUNEL staining was used to detect cellular apoptosis in lung tissue. Western blot and RT-qPCR were used to determine the protein expression levels of caspase-3 and ZIP8, as well as the mRNA expression levels of zinc transporters (ZIP, ZNT) in lung tissue. The mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) of lung tissue was detected by JC-1 MMP detection kit. The results showed that, compared with the control group, the lung tissue damage, lung wet/dry weight ratio and alveolar damage index were significantly increased in the I/R group. And in the lung tissue, the concentration of Zn²⁺ was markedly decreased, while the cleaved caspase-3/caspase-3 ratio and apoptotic levels were significantly increased. The expression levels of ZIP8 mRNA and protein were down-regulated significantly, while the mRNA expression of other zinc transporters remained unchanged. There was also a significant decrease in MMP. Compared with the I/R group, both MZnCl₂+I/R group and HZnCl₂+I/R group exhibited significantly reduced lung tissue injury, lung wet/dry weight ratio and alveolar damage index, increased Zn²⁺ concentration, decreased ratio of cleaved caspase-3/caspase-3 and apoptosis, and up-regulated expression levels of ZIP8 mRNA and protein. In addition, the MMP was significantly increased in the lung tissue. Zn²⁺ chelating agent TPEN reversed the above-mentioned protective effects of medium-dose ZnCl₂ on the lung tissue in the I/R group. The aforementioned results suggest that exogenous administration of ZnCl₂ can improve lung I/R injury in rats.
Animals ; Reperfusion Injury/pathology* ; Male ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Rats ; Chlorides/administration & dosage* ; Lung/pathology* ; Zinc Compounds/administration & dosage* ; Apoptosis/drug effects* ; Caspase 3/metabolism* ; Cation Transport Proteins/metabolism*

Allergen specific immunotherapy（AIT）, as an effective treatment for allergic rhinitis, asthma, and other allergic diseases, has received widespread attention in the field of health economic evaluation in recent years. This article reviews the current status and progress of economic research on AIT, mainly discussing the socioeconomic burden of allergic rhinitis, the results of health economic studies from different countries, and the primary methods used in health economic research on allergic rhinitis. Existing studies indicate that, although AIT involves high initial costs, it offers significant long-term economic benefits by reducing healthcare resource utilization, improving patient quality of life, and decreasing medication dependence. Moreover, reducing initial costs, applying standardized assessment tools, and conducting cross-national comparative analyses have become key directions for future research. Overall, AIT demonstrates strong potential in terms of long-term health benefits and cost savings, providing solid economic evidence for the management of allergic diseases.
Humans ; Desensitization, Immunologic/economics* ; Cost-Benefit Analysis ; Rhinitis, Allergic/economics* ; Economics, Medical

Although a single nucleotide polymorphism for N-acetyltransferase 10 (NAT10) has been identified in patients with early-onset stroke, the role of NAT10 in ischemic injury and the related underlying mechanisms remains elusive. Here, we provide evidence that NAT10, the only known RNA N4-acetylcytidine (ac4C) modification "writer", is increased in the damaged cortex of patients with acute ischemic stroke and the peri-infarct cortex of mice subjected to photothrombotic (PT) stroke. Pharmacological inhibition of NAT10 with remodelin on Days 3-7 post-stroke or astrocytic depletion of NAT10 via targeted virus attenuates ischemia-induced infarction and improves functional recovery in PT mice. Mechanistically, NAT10 enhances ac4C acetylation of the inflammatory cytokine tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 (Timp1) mRNA transcript, which increases TIMP1 expression and results in the accumulation of microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3) and progression of astrocyte autophagy. These findings demonstrate that NAT10 regulates astrocyte autophagy by targeting Timp1 ac4C after stroke. This study highlights the critical role of ac4C in the regulation of astrocyte autophagy and proposes a promising strategy to improve post-stroke outcomes via NAT10 inhibition.

The precise and rapid monitoring of multiple organ dysfunction is crucial in drug discovery. Traditional methods, such as pathological analysis, are often time-consuming and inefficient. Here, we developed a multiplexed near-infrared window two (NIR-II) fluorescent bioimaging method that allows for real-time, rapid, and quantitative assessment of multiple organ dysfunctions. Given that existing probes did not fully meet requirements, we synthesized a range of NIR-II hemicyanine dyes (HDs) with varying absorption and emission wavelengths. By modifying these dyes, we achieved high spatial and temporal resolution imaging of the liver, kidneys, stomach, and intestines. This method was further applied to investigate disorders induced by cisplatin, a drug known to cause gastric emptying issues along with liver and kidney injuries. By monitoring the metabolic rate of the dyes in these organs, we accurately quantified multi-organ dysfunction, which was also confirmed by gold-standard pathological analysis. Additionally, we evaluated the effects of five aristolochic acids (AAs) on multiple organ dysfunction. For the first time, we identified that AA-I and AA-II could cause gastric emptying disorders, which was further validated through transcriptomics analysis. Our study introduces a novel approach for the simultaneous monitoring of multi-organ dysfunction, which may significantly enhance the evaluation of drug side effects.

Objective To explore the correlation between coronary fat attenuation index of perivascular adipose tissue(FAIPVAT),as well as volumetric perivascular characterization index(VPCI),and coronary heart disease(CHD).Methods A total of 112 patients who underwent coronary computed tomography angiography(CCTA)and coronary angiography(CAG)examinations within 2 weeks were selected.The patients were divided into CHD group and control group according to the degree of coronary artery stenosis,and were divided into calcified plaque group,non-calcified plaque group and mixed plaque group according to the nature of plaque.The correlation between FAIPVAT,VPCI and CHD were evaluated.Results Of the 112 patients,71 patients in the CHD group and 41 patients in the control group.There were significant differences in gender,age,FAIPVAT and VPCI between the two groups.FAIPVAT and VPCI were positively correlated with CHD(r=0.445,P＜0.01;r=0.669,P＜0.01).FAIPVAT and VPCI were analyzed by receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve,the area under the curve(AUC)of FAIPVAT was 0.770,the cut-off value was-81.659 HU,the sensitiv-ity was 0.592,and the specificity was 0.878,while the AUC of VPCI was 0.892,the cut-off value was 8.056,the sensitivity was 0.887,and the specificity was 0.805.There were significant differences in FAIPVAT and VPCI between non-calcified plaque group and calci-fied plaque group.FAIPVAT and VPCI of mixed plaque group and calcified plaque group were significantly different.Conclusion FAIPVAT and VPCI have some certain correlation with CHD.FAIPVAT and VPCI can accurately evaluate the risk level of CHD and coronary artery inflammation,and the value of individualized VPCI is higher.

Objective To design a novel oxygenator to solve the existing problems of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation(ECMO)machine in high transmembrane pressure difference,low efficiency of blood oxygen exchange and susceptibility to thrombosis.Methods The main body of the oxygenator vascular access flow field was gifted with a flat cylindrical shape.The topology of the vascular access was modeled in three dimensions,and the whole flow field was cut into a blood inlet section,an inlet buffer,a heat exchange zone,a blood oxygen exchange zone,an outlet buffer and a blood outlet section.The oxygenator was compared with Quadrox oxygenator by means of ANSYS FLUENT-based simulation and prototype experiments.Results Simulation calculations showed the oxygenator designed was comparable to the clinically used ones in general,and gained advantages in transmembrane pressure difference,blood oxygen exchange and flow uniformity.Experimental results indicated that the oxygenator behaved better than Quadrox oxygenator in transmembrane pressure difference and blood oxygen exchange.Conclusion The oxygenator has advantages in transmem-brane pressure difference,temperature change,blood oxygen ex-change and low probability of thrombosis.[Chinese Medical Equipment Journal,2024,45(3):23-28]

Background: Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) is a highly desmoplastic tumor with poor prognosis even after curative resection. We investigated the associations between the composition of the ICC stroma and immune cell infiltration and aimed to develop a stromal-immune signature to predict prognosis in surgically treated ICC. Patients and methods: We recruited 359 ICC patients and performed immunohistochemistry to detect α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), CD3, CD4, CD8, Foxp3, CD68, and CD66b. Aniline was used to stain collagen deposition. Survival analyses were performed to detect prognostic values of these markers. Recursive partitioning for a discrete-time survival tree was applied to define a stromal-immune signature with distinct prognostic value. We delineated an integrated stromal-immune signature based on immune cell subpopulations and stromal composition to distinguish subgroups with different recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) time. Results: We defined four major patterns of ICC stroma composition according to the distributions of α-SMA and collagen: dormant (α-SMAlow/collagenhigh), fibrogenic (α-SMAhigh/collagenhigh), inert (α-SMAlow/collagenlow), and fibrolytic (α-SMAhigh/collagenlow). The stroma types were characterized by distinct patterns of infiltration by immune cells. We divided patients into six classes. Class I, characterized by high CD8 expression and dormant stroma, displayed the longest RFS and OS, whereas Class VI, characterized by low CD8 expression and high CD66b expression, displayed the shortest RFS and OS. The integrated stromal-immune signature was consolidated in a validation cohort. Conclusion We developed and validated a stromal-immune signature to predict prognosis in surgically treated ICC. These findings provide new insights into the stromal-immune response to ICC.