Objective:To evaluate the efficacy of gadolinium ethoxybenzyl- diethy-lenetriamine pentaacetic acid (Gd-EOB-DTPA) enhanced MRI features in the preoperative prediction of tertiary lymphoid structures (TLS) within hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) lesions.Methods:This retrospective cross-sectional study included clinical and pathological data from 297 HCC patients treated at the Southwest Hospital, Army Medical University between June 2021 and November 2022. Based on postoperative pathology, patients were categorized into TLS-negative ( n=93) and TLS-positive ( n=204) groups. MRI features of HCC lesions using Gd-EOB-DTPA enhancement and relevant clinical data were analyzed. Intergroup comparisons of imaging features and laboratory findings were performed using independent sample t-test, Mann-Whitney U test, χ2 test, or Fisher exact test, as appropriate. The logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify independent predictors of TLS positivity. A predictive model was constructed and visualized using a nomogram. The model′s predictive performance and clinical utility were assessed using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, calibration curves, and decision curve analysis (DCA). The area under the ROC curve (AUC) was compared using the DeLong test. Results:Significant differences were observed between the TLS-negative and TLS-positive groups in alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels, intratumoral hemorrhage, and peritumoral satellite nodules in the hepatobiliary phase ( P<0.05). Multivariate logistic regression identified intratumoral hemorrhage ( OR=0.123, 95% CI 0.070-0.216, P<0.001) and peritumoral satellite nodules in the hepatobiliary phase ( OR=0.236, 95% CI 0.093-0.596, P=0.002) as independent predictive factors for TLS-positivity. The imaging model based on these two features yielded an AUC of 0.764 (95% CI 0.709-0.809) for predicting TLS-positivity. When combined with AFP levels, the resulting clinical-imaging model achieved a superior AUC of 0.784 (95% CI 0.732-0.829), which was significantly higher than that of the imaging model alone ( Z=2.20, P=0.028). A nomogram was constructed based on the clinical-imaging model. The calibration curve demonstrated good predictive performance of the nomogram, and the DCA showed that the curve remained above the default line across a range of reasonable threshold probabilities, indicating that patients could derive clinical benefit. Conclusion:A nomogram model based on Gd-EOB-DTPA enhanced MRI features combined with AFP levels can effectively predict the presence of TLS in HCC.

OBJECTIVE To systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of different induction regimens for AIDS complicated with cryptococcal meningitis.METHODS PubMed,Embase,Cochranre library,Web of science,CNKI,Wanfang,Weipu and other databases were systematically searched to collect randomized controlled trials related to the induction treatments of AIDS complicated with cryptococcal meningitis.The search was limited to Oct.2024.The Cochrane risk of bias evaluation system was used to evaluate the quality of the literature,and Stata 15.1 and Revman 5.3 software were used for network meta-analysis.RESULTS A total of 17 randomized controlled trials involving 3,281 patients were included.The result of network meta-analysis showed that the treatment regi-men with the lowest early mortality was the short-course of amphotericin B+fluconazole+flucytosine;the regi-men with the lowest late mortality was a single high-dose amphotericin B liposome;the regimen with the highest 14-day fungal clearance rate was amphotericin B+flucytosine;the regimen with the lowest incidence of grade 3+4 anemia was a single high-dose amphotericin B liposome;the regimen with the lowest incidence of grade 3+4 re-nal injury was amphotericin B liposome;the regimen with the lowest incidence of grade 3-4 hypokalemia was flu-conazole+flucytosine.CONCLUSION According to the comprehensive analysis of various indices,there is good efficacy and safety for the inclusion of short-course amphotericin B regimen and single high-dose amphotericin B li-posome as induction period therapy for AIDS complicated with cryptococcal meningitis.

Image 1.

Objective:To explore the clinical manifestations of IgG4-related diseases（IgG4-RD） complicated with moderately differentiated adenosquamous carcinoma of the parotid gland, the diagnostic criteria for IgG4-related diseases and parotid malignant tumors, treatment regimens, and the application of fine-needle aspiration in disease diagnosis, so as to reduce clinical misdiagnosis and missed diagnosis. Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on the case data of a patient with IgG4-related diseases（IgG4-RD） complicated with moderately differentiated adenosquamous carcinoma of the parotid gland admitted to our department in March 2024. The clinical characteristics, imaging findings, preoperative puncture results, and postoperative pathological features were analyzed, and relevant literatures on both diseases were reviewed and summarized. Results:The elderly male patient was admitted due to "a mass in the parotid area in front of the right ear for more than 3 months". Through clinical examination, imaging examination, laboratory examination, and preoperative needle biopsy, the diagnosis of "right parotid moderately differentiated adenosquamous carcinoma complicated with IgG4-related disease" was considered. It was also considered that IgG4-related disease did not involve other organs before surgery, so no systemic hormone therapy was given before or after surgery. After surgery combined with postoperative radiotherapy, follow-up showed that neither the parotid tumor nor IgG4-related disease recurred. Conclusion:"IgG4-related disease complicated with moderately differentiated adenosquamous carcinoma"is a rare clinical disease. Both lack typical clinical manifestations and specific imaging features, and the diagnosis is mostly unclear before surgery. Pathological examination is of great significance in the diagnosis of the disease, while fine-needle aspiration has limited value in the diagnosis, which should attract the attention of clinicians. In addition, for patients with both diseases, individualized treatment plans should be formulated.
Humans ; Parotid Neoplasms/pathology* ; Male ; Carcinoma, Adenosquamous/pathology* ; Immunoglobulin G4-Related Disease/complications* ; Parotid Gland/pathology* ; Retrospective Studies ; Aged ; Biopsy, Fine-Needle ; Immunoglobulin G

Objective:To evaluate the efficacy of gadolinium ethoxybenzyl- diethy-lenetriamine pentaacetic acid (Gd-EOB-DTPA) enhanced MRI features in the preoperative prediction of tertiary lymphoid structures (TLS) within hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) lesions.Methods:This retrospective cross-sectional study included clinical and pathological data from 297 HCC patients treated at the Southwest Hospital, Army Medical University between June 2021 and November 2022. Based on postoperative pathology, patients were categorized into TLS-negative ( n=93) and TLS-positive ( n=204) groups. MRI features of HCC lesions using Gd-EOB-DTPA enhancement and relevant clinical data were analyzed. Intergroup comparisons of imaging features and laboratory findings were performed using independent sample t-test, Mann-Whitney U test, χ2 test, or Fisher exact test, as appropriate. The logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify independent predictors of TLS positivity. A predictive model was constructed and visualized using a nomogram. The model′s predictive performance and clinical utility were assessed using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, calibration curves, and decision curve analysis (DCA). The area under the ROC curve (AUC) was compared using the DeLong test. Results:Significant differences were observed between the TLS-negative and TLS-positive groups in alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels, intratumoral hemorrhage, and peritumoral satellite nodules in the hepatobiliary phase ( P<0.05). Multivariate logistic regression identified intratumoral hemorrhage ( OR=0.123, 95% CI 0.070-0.216, P<0.001) and peritumoral satellite nodules in the hepatobiliary phase ( OR=0.236, 95% CI 0.093-0.596, P=0.002) as independent predictive factors for TLS-positivity. The imaging model based on these two features yielded an AUC of 0.764 (95% CI 0.709-0.809) for predicting TLS-positivity. When combined with AFP levels, the resulting clinical-imaging model achieved a superior AUC of 0.784 (95% CI 0.732-0.829), which was significantly higher than that of the imaging model alone ( Z=2.20, P=0.028). A nomogram was constructed based on the clinical-imaging model. The calibration curve demonstrated good predictive performance of the nomogram, and the DCA showed that the curve remained above the default line across a range of reasonable threshold probabilities, indicating that patients could derive clinical benefit. Conclusion:A nomogram model based on Gd-EOB-DTPA enhanced MRI features combined with AFP levels can effectively predict the presence of TLS in HCC.

Objective To observe the value of singular value decomposition(SVD)combined with block-matching and three-dimensional(BM3D)filtering for improving imaging quality of contrast-enhanced ultrasound(CEUS).Methods Three subject who would undergo liver,kidney and ovarian CEUS examination respectively were prospectively enrolled,and 250 images unaffected by respiratory movements were acquired in each one.SVD filtering was performed alone and combined with BM3D filtering,and contrast-to-tissue ratio(CTR),contrast-to-noise ratio(CNR)and signal-to-noise ratio(SNR)of the obtained CEUS images were calculated and compared.Results Compared with original CEUS images,CTR,CNR and SNR of SVD alone filtered CEUS images improved,which all further improved after combining with BM3D filtering.Conclusion SVD combined with BM3D filtering could significantly suppress the background tissue signals and remove noise,improving imaging quality of CEUS.

OBJECTIVE To systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of different induction regimens for AIDS complicated with cryptococcal meningitis.METHODS PubMed,Embase,Cochranre library,Web of science,CNKI,Wanfang,Weipu and other databases were systematically searched to collect randomized controlled trials related to the induction treatments of AIDS complicated with cryptococcal meningitis.The search was limited to Oct.2024.The Cochrane risk of bias evaluation system was used to evaluate the quality of the literature,and Stata 15.1 and Revman 5.3 software were used for network meta-analysis.RESULTS A total of 17 randomized controlled trials involving 3,281 patients were included.The result of network meta-analysis showed that the treatment regi-men with the lowest early mortality was the short-course of amphotericin B+fluconazole+flucytosine;the regi-men with the lowest late mortality was a single high-dose amphotericin B liposome;the regimen with the highest 14-day fungal clearance rate was amphotericin B+flucytosine;the regimen with the lowest incidence of grade 3+4 anemia was a single high-dose amphotericin B liposome;the regimen with the lowest incidence of grade 3+4 re-nal injury was amphotericin B liposome;the regimen with the lowest incidence of grade 3-4 hypokalemia was flu-conazole+flucytosine.CONCLUSION According to the comprehensive analysis of various indices,there is good efficacy and safety for the inclusion of short-course amphotericin B regimen and single high-dose amphotericin B li-posome as induction period therapy for AIDS complicated with cryptococcal meningitis.

Objective To observe the value of singular value decomposition(SVD)combined with block-matching and three-dimensional(BM3D)filtering for improving imaging quality of contrast-enhanced ultrasound(CEUS).Methods Three subject who would undergo liver,kidney and ovarian CEUS examination respectively were prospectively enrolled,and 250 images unaffected by respiratory movements were acquired in each one.SVD filtering was performed alone and combined with BM3D filtering,and contrast-to-tissue ratio(CTR),contrast-to-noise ratio(CNR)and signal-to-noise ratio(SNR)of the obtained CEUS images were calculated and compared.Results Compared with original CEUS images,CTR,CNR and SNR of SVD alone filtered CEUS images improved,which all further improved after combining with BM3D filtering.Conclusion SVD combined with BM3D filtering could significantly suppress the background tissue signals and remove noise,improving imaging quality of CEUS.

Objective:To investigate the clinical value of preoperative gadolinium ethoxy-benzyldiethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid (Gd-EOB-DTPA)-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in predicting microvascular invasion (MVI) and intratumoral tertiary lymphoid structures (TLSs) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).Methods:The retrospective cohort study was conducted. The clinicopathological data of 304 HCC patients who were admitted to The First Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University and 10 HCC patients who were admitted to The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University from June 2021 to June 2023 were collected. There were 272 males and 42 females, aged (56±11)years. Using a random number table method, patients were divided into a training set including 220 cases and a validation set including 94 cases in a 7:3 ratio. Among the 314 patients, 106 cases had MVI and TLSs-positive HCC (MT-HCC), and 208 cases had non-MT-HCC. All patients underwent preoperative Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI and radical resection. Observation indicators: (1) clinicopathological characteristics of MT-HCC and non-MT-HCC patients; (2) imaging characteristics of MT-HCC and non-MT-HCC patients; (3) imaging features associated with MT-HCC diagnosis; (4) nomogram predictive model construction and evaluation for MT-HCC. Comparison of measurement data with normal distribution between groups was analyzed using the t test. Comparison of measurement data with skewed distribution between groups was analyzed using the nonpara-meter rank sum test. Univariate analysis was conducted using the corresponding statistical methods based on data type. Multivariate analysis was conducted using the logistic regression model. A nomo-gram predictive model was constructed based on results of multivariate analysis, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were plotted to evaluate the model's performance with the area under curve (AUC). Calibration curve and decision curve analyses were used to assess the calibration and clinical validity of nomogram predictive model. Results:(1) Clinicopathological characteristics of MT-HCC and non-MT-HCC patients. In the training set, there were significant differences between MT-HCC and non-MT-HCC patients in terms of age, white blood cell count, and alpha fetoprotein level ( t=2.488, Z=-2.515, χ2=4.014, P<0.05). (2) Imaging characteristics of MT-HCC and non-MT-HCC patients. In the training set, there were significant differences in tumor morphology, intratumoral hemorrhage, peritumoral abnormal enhancement in arterial phase, capsule presence, intratumoral necrosis or ischemia >20%, intratumoral necrosis or ischemia >50%, peritumoral hypointensity in the hepatobiliary phase, intravascular tumor thrombus, arterial phase rim-like hyperenhancement, and mosaic architecture between MT-HCC and non-MT-HCC patients ( χ2=8.811, 5.586, 13.962, 31.616, 10.154, 4.835, 5.111, 14.425, 7.112, 5.526, P<0.05). (3) Imaging features associated with MT-HCC diagnosis. Results of multivariate analysis identified the absence of intratumoral hemorrhage, incom-plete capsule, and mosaic architecture as independent risk factors for diagnosing MT-HCC ( hazard ratio=3.846, 7.827, 2.345, P<0.05). (4) Nomogram predictive model construction and evaluation for MT-HCC. A nomogram predictive model for MT-HCC was constructed based on the independent risk factors (absence of intratumoral hemorrhage, incomplete capsule, and mosaic architecture) iden-tified in the multivariate analysis. The ROC curve analysis showed that AUC of nomogram predictive model was 0.778 (95% confidence interval as 0.714-0.843), with sensitivity and specificity of 0.857 and 0.573 in the training set. In the validation set, the area under the curve, sensitivity, and specifi-city were 0.825 (95% confidence interval as 0.745-0.926), 0.655, and 0.877, respectively. The calibra-tion curves for both the training set and the validation set closely aligned with the standard curve, indicating high calibration accuracy. The decision curve analysis demonstrated net clinical benefits at thresholds of 0.130-0.690 in the training set and 0.060-0.750 in the validation set. Conclusions:The absence of intratumoral hemorrhage, incomplete capsule, and mosaic architecture are independent risk factors for diagnosing MT-HCC. A nomogram model based on imaging features can predict MT-HCC in HCC patients.

Objective:To investigate the clinical value of preoperative gadolinium ethoxy-benzyldiethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid (Gd-EOB-DTPA)-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in predicting microvascular invasion (MVI) and intratumoral tertiary lymphoid structures (TLSs) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).Methods:The retrospective cohort study was conducted. The clinicopathological data of 304 HCC patients who were admitted to The First Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University and 10 HCC patients who were admitted to The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University from June 2021 to June 2023 were collected. There were 272 males and 42 females, aged (56±11)years. Using a random number table method, patients were divided into a training set including 220 cases and a validation set including 94 cases in a 7:3 ratio. Among the 314 patients, 106 cases had MVI and TLSs-positive HCC (MT-HCC), and 208 cases had non-MT-HCC. All patients underwent preoperative Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI and radical resection. Observation indicators: (1) clinicopathological characteristics of MT-HCC and non-MT-HCC patients; (2) imaging characteristics of MT-HCC and non-MT-HCC patients; (3) imaging features associated with MT-HCC diagnosis; (4) nomogram predictive model construction and evaluation for MT-HCC. Comparison of measurement data with normal distribution between groups was analyzed using the t test. Comparison of measurement data with skewed distribution between groups was analyzed using the nonpara-meter rank sum test. Univariate analysis was conducted using the corresponding statistical methods based on data type. Multivariate analysis was conducted using the logistic regression model. A nomo-gram predictive model was constructed based on results of multivariate analysis, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were plotted to evaluate the model's performance with the area under curve (AUC). Calibration curve and decision curve analyses were used to assess the calibration and clinical validity of nomogram predictive model. Results:(1) Clinicopathological characteristics of MT-HCC and non-MT-HCC patients. In the training set, there were significant differences between MT-HCC and non-MT-HCC patients in terms of age, white blood cell count, and alpha fetoprotein level ( t=2.488, Z=-2.515, χ2=4.014, P<0.05). (2) Imaging characteristics of MT-HCC and non-MT-HCC patients. In the training set, there were significant differences in tumor morphology, intratumoral hemorrhage, peritumoral abnormal enhancement in arterial phase, capsule presence, intratumoral necrosis or ischemia >20%, intratumoral necrosis or ischemia >50%, peritumoral hypointensity in the hepatobiliary phase, intravascular tumor thrombus, arterial phase rim-like hyperenhancement, and mosaic architecture between MT-HCC and non-MT-HCC patients ( χ2=8.811, 5.586, 13.962, 31.616, 10.154, 4.835, 5.111, 14.425, 7.112, 5.526, P<0.05). (3) Imaging features associated with MT-HCC diagnosis. Results of multivariate analysis identified the absence of intratumoral hemorrhage, incom-plete capsule, and mosaic architecture as independent risk factors for diagnosing MT-HCC ( hazard ratio=3.846, 7.827, 2.345, P<0.05). (4) Nomogram predictive model construction and evaluation for MT-HCC. A nomogram predictive model for MT-HCC was constructed based on the independent risk factors (absence of intratumoral hemorrhage, incomplete capsule, and mosaic architecture) iden-tified in the multivariate analysis. The ROC curve analysis showed that AUC of nomogram predictive model was 0.778 (95% confidence interval as 0.714-0.843), with sensitivity and specificity of 0.857 and 0.573 in the training set. In the validation set, the area under the curve, sensitivity, and specifi-city were 0.825 (95% confidence interval as 0.745-0.926), 0.655, and 0.877, respectively. The calibra-tion curves for both the training set and the validation set closely aligned with the standard curve, indicating high calibration accuracy. The decision curve analysis demonstrated net clinical benefits at thresholds of 0.130-0.690 in the training set and 0.060-0.750 in the validation set. Conclusions:The absence of intratumoral hemorrhage, incomplete capsule, and mosaic architecture are independent risk factors for diagnosing MT-HCC. A nomogram model based on imaging features can predict MT-HCC in HCC patients.