1.The application value of deep learning image reconstruction algorithm in ultra-low dose abdominal CT scanning
Xing TANG ; Yuncheng LI ; Hongmin SHU ; Weishu HOU ; Jun WANG ; Xiaohu LI
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(4):758-762
ObjectiveTo evaluate the feasibility of various strength levels of deep learning image reconstruction (DLIR) algorithms for improving non-contrast abdominal CT image quality at ultra-low radiation doses, by comparing ultra-low-dose DLIR images with low-dose filtered back projection (FBP) images. MethodsA prospective collection of 85 patients undergoing non-contrast abdominal CT scans was performed, and a self-controlled study method was employed to conduct low-dose (LD) group and ultra-low-dose (ULD) group scans. The LD group used a noise index of 10 and employed FBP for image reconstruction (LD-FBP group). The ULD group used a noise index of 30 and employed DLIR at different levels (low, medium, high), resulting in three subgroups of reconstructed images: ULD-DLIR-L, ULD-DLIR-M, and ULD-DLIR-H. For each group, CT values, standard devia-tion (SD), signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) were measured and calculated for the liver, spleen, kidneys, aorta, psoas major, and subcutaneous fat. Effective dose (ED) was also recorded. Two radiologists independently performed subjective evaluations of image quality using a 5-point scale. ResultsCompared with the LD-FBP group, the ULD-DLIR-L group showed significantly lower SNR and CNR values in the liver, spleen, kidneys, aorta, and psoas major (P<0.001), while the ULD-DLIR-H group exhibited significantly higher values (P<0.001). The difference of SNR and CNR values for the ULD-DLIR-M group showed no statistically significant difference. For subjective evaluation, the scores of the ULD-DLIR-L and ULD-DLIR-M groups were lower than those of the LD-FBP group, while there was no statistically significant difference in scores between the ULD-DLIR-H group and the LD-FBP group. The ED value of the ULD group was approximately 88% lower than that of the LD group. ConclusionCompared with the LD-FBP group, the ULD-DLIR-H group significantly reduces SD values while increasing SNR and CNR values, effectively improving the image quality of non-contrast abdominal CT scans.
2.The Impact of Pcdh15 Deficiency on Cellular Energy Metabolism and Oxidative Stress, and Its Role and Mechanism in Hearing Loss
Ying LAN ; Yang WU ; Shijie ZHAO ; Jun TANG ; Xingming LIANG ; Tao HOU ; Lu PENG ; Yongpeng LI ; Xinxing ZHAO ; Shihua YIN
Clinical and Experimental Otorhinolaryngology 2026;19(2):129-144
Objectives:
. This study aimed to explore the role of the Pcdh15 gene in hearing maintenance and to examine the effects of its deficiency on cochlear structure, cochlear function, and hearing loss in mice.
Methods:
. CRISPR/Cas9 technology was used to generate Pcdh15 knockout (KO) mice. Auditory function was evaluated using hearing tests, while histological approaches were employed to assess morphological changes in cochlear hair cells and spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs). RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) was performed on cochlear tissue from postnatal day 18 (P18) wild-type (WT) and Pcdh15 KO mice to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs). These DEGs were subjected to functional annotation and pathway analysis, with particular emphasis on oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS). Reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were quantified using flow cytometry and DCFH-DA assays.
Results:
. Pcdh15 KO mice exhibited progressive sensorineural hearing loss, which worsened to profound deafness by P18. Notably, cochlear hair cells and SGNs showed substantial loss and pronounced morphological abnormalities, particularly within the basal high-frequency region. RNA-seq analysis identified 1,359 DEGs, including 1,024 downregulated and 335 upregulated genes. Pathway analysis indicated that Pcdh15 deficiency was associated with inhibition of the OXPHOS pathway, potentially disrupting mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes I, III, IV, and V and thereby impairing energy production and ATP metabolism. In addition, early-stage cochleae from KO mice demonstrated elevated ROS levels and increased oxidative stress, suggesting that redox imbalance may contribute to hearing damage.
Conclusion
. Pcdh15 plays a critical role in hearing maintenance. Its deficiency is associated with severe hearing loss and marked cochlear abnormalities, which are linked to inhibition of OXPHOS, disruption of energy metabolism, and exacerbation of oxidative stress. Together, these findings provide new insights into the mechanisms underlying hearing loss and suggest potential targets for therapeutic intervention.
3.Prevalence and molecular characterization of Shiga toxin-producing Esch-erichia coli in domestic goats in the Chengkou District of Chongqing
Jing-jing PENG ; Bin HU ; Xi YANG ; Yi LI ; Hai HUANG ; Wen-shuang LIU ; Yu MENG ; Li-jun WANG ; Yan-wen XIONG ; Yi YUAN ; Pei-bin HOU
Chinese Journal of Zoonoses 2025;41(5):529-536
This study investigated the infection status,drug resistance,and molecular characteristics of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli(STEC)in domestic goats in Chengkou county,Chongqing.In August 2023,283 fecal samples were collected from households in Chengkou county.After enrichment with EC broth and inoculation onto selective media,samples that tested positive for stx1/stx2 were selected for further isolation.The positive strains were investigated with antimicrobial susceptibility testing and whole genome sequencing.According to the whole genomic sequences,the stx subtypes,serotypes,multi-locus sequence types,virulence genes,drug resistance genes,and phylogenetic relationships of the STEC strains were analyzed.Forty-six strains of STEC were isolated from 283 goat fecal samples,thus resulting in a detection rate of 16.25%.The 46 STEC strains were categorized into 12 O∶H serotypes,among which O76∶H19 and O8∶H7 predominated,each represented by 9 strains.Five STEC strains were identified as serotype O157∶H7.The 46 STEC strains were categorized into 11 sequence types(STs),among which ST675 and ST196 predominated,each represented by nine strains,accounting for a 19.57%proportion.The strains were categorized into 7 stx subtypes,among which stx1c(26/46,56.52%),followed by stx2k(9/46,19.57%)predominated.All nine Stx2k-STEC strains were identified as serotype O8∶H7 and sequence type ST196.In antimicrobial susceptibility testing,2 STEC strains were resistant to ampicillin,one strain was resistant to ampicillin/sulbactam,one strain was resistant to cefazolin,and one strain was resistant to cefoxitin.Nine Stx2k-STEC strains were found to carry the beta-lactam resistance gene blaEC-18.Antimicrobial sensitivity tests revealed that the nine Stx2k-STEC strains were sensitive to all 15 tested antibiotics.Moreover,phylogenetic analysis indicated that the 9 Stx2k-STEC strains were remarkably similar but showed high genetic diversity with respect to that of the Stx2k-STEC strains isolated from other regions in China.Goatsare an important animal reservoir for STEC in theChengkou district of Chongqing,and novel sequence type Stx2k-STEC strains distinct from those found in other regions of China were identified in this region.
4.Teaching model construction and practice of "health education" course in a medical school
Xiaojing HOU ; Weining LI ; Jun FENG
Chinese Journal of Medical Education Research 2025;24(4):506-511
Objective:To construct and implement the teaching model of "health education" course, evaluate the teaching effectiveness, and provide a reference for teaching "health education" to students in related majors at medical universities.Methods:Based on the bibliometric analysis, the training requirements of professional talents, and a survey of faculty and student needs, this article reported a teaching model for "health education" course guided by constructivism theory. The model included six aspects: theoretical basis, teaching objectives, activity framework/procedures, teacher-student communication, teaching resources, and teaching evaluation. The teaching model was used in the fourth semester of nursing undergraduates, and the effectiveness was evaluated from two aspects of learning performance and learning summary text analysis.Results:Students performed best in health education project design/proposal preparation and typical health education material design. The content analysis of the students' learning summary identified 12 themes in 5 areas: learning outcomes (attitudes and values, professional knowledge, professional ability), learning process (interest and challenge, teaching implementation), emotional experience (personal feelings, student-student relationship, teacher-student relationship), evaluation experience (rationality, satisfaction), suggestions for teaching (class hour arrangement, personal opportunities).Conclusions:The teaching mode of "health education" course guided by constructivism theory provides a learning scaffold. The value sense and challenge of knowledge, a warm classroom atmosphere, and student-teacher relationships promoted learning effectiveness. The complementary integration of group learning and individual learning is worthy of further exploration in the future.
5.Feasibility analysis of bilateral uterine artery embolization via distal radial artery access
Faliang DAI ; Chunhai LI ; Jun HOU ; Tianshu LIU ; Yongqi JI ; Fangfang ZHANG ; Yan JIAO ; Guoning TIAN ; Yixing LIU
Journal of Practical Radiology 2025;41(9):1549-1552
Objective To explore the feasibility and safety of bilateral uterine artery embolization(UAE)via distal radial artery access.Methods Thirty patients who underwent bilateral UAE were selected.They were divided into distal radial artery group(14 cases)and femoral artery group(16 cases).The clinical signs,puncture times,operation time,compression hemostasis time,discomfort scores,microcatheter non-use rates,and complication rates of the two groups were analyzed,the feasibility and safety of bilateral UAE via distal radial artery access were evaluated.Results The mean number of puncture times in the distal radial artery group was 1.6 times that of the femoral artery group,and the puncture pain score was 1.5 times that of the femoral artery group(P<0.05).The operation time and puncture point compression hemostasis time in the distal radial artery group were shorter than those in the femoral artery group,and the discomfort score of compression hemostasis in the distal radial artery group was lower than that in the femoral artery group(P<0.01).The proportions who did not use microcatheters in the two groups accounted for 28.6%and 6.3%,respectively,the difference was not statistically significant(P>0.05).Four patients with poor access vessels were found in the distal radial artery group(P<0.05).Conclusion Bilateral UAE via distal radial artery access is safe and feasible.
6.Clinicopathologic analysis of 19 cases of urachal adenocarcinoma
Xiang LI ; Ying HUANG ; Weiyu PAN ; Juan YU ; Xinxin GUO ; Xiaolei ZHANG ; Licheng SHEN ; Yingyong HOU ; Jun HOU
Chinese Journal of Clinical and Experimental Pathology 2025;41(5):571-576
Purpose To explore the clinical and pathological features,differential diagnosis,treatment methods and prognosis of urachal adenocarcinoma.Methods Nineteen cases of urachal adenocarcinoma were collected and an-alyzed by combining clinical symptoms,auxiliary examinations,histology,immunohistochemical,and genetic testing and 11 cases of bladder adenocarcinomas.Results Among the 19 patients(15 males,4 females;age range:33-75 years,mean:55 years),tumors were located at the dome or anterior wall of the bladder.Histological subtypes includ-ed mucinous adenocarcinoma(6 cases),adenocarcinoma not otherwise specified(4 cases),enteric-type adenocarci-noma(6 cases),adenocarcinoma with focal mucinous differentiation(1 case),adenocarcinoma with signet-ring cell carcinoma(1 case),and metastatic urachal adenocarcinoma(1 case).Immunophenotypic analysis revealed membra-nous positivity for β-catenin,diffuse positivity for CK34βE 12,MUC-2,and CK20,focal CK7 positivity in some cases,and rare GATA-3 positivity.Mutations in p53 were observed,while KRAS,NRAS,BRAF,and PIK3CA mutations were absent.In colorectal adenocarcinomas,CK34βE12 positivity was 40%,nuclear β-catenin positivity was 48%,and MUC-2 expression was approximately 50%.In bladder adenocarcinomas,GATA-3 and MUC-2 positivity rates were 45%and 63.6%,respectively.Conclusion Distinguishing urachal adenocarcinoma from colorectal and primary bladder adenocarcinomas remains challenging.Urachal adenocarcinoma should be suspected in patients with anterior bladder wall or dome lesions,gross hematuria,or mucinuria.No definitive diagnostic markers currently exist for ura-chal adenocarcinoma.Immunophenotypic features such as membranous β-catenin,MUC-2,and CK7 positivity may fa-vor urachal adenocarcinoma over colorectal adenocarcinoma.Additional markers(e.g.,GATA-3,CK20,CK34βE12)aid in differential diagnosis,though individual markers lack specificity.Comprehensive evaluation integrating clinical presentation,imaging,and clinicopathological features is essential for accurate diagnosis.
7.Prevalence and molecular characterization of Shiga toxin-producing Esch-erichia coli in domestic goats in the Chengkou District of Chongqing
Jing-jing PENG ; Bin HU ; Xi YANG ; Yi LI ; Hai HUANG ; Wen-shuang LIU ; Yu MENG ; Li-jun WANG ; Yan-wen XIONG ; Yi YUAN ; Pei-bin HOU
Chinese Journal of Zoonoses 2025;41(5):529-536
This study investigated the infection status,drug resistance,and molecular characteristics of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli(STEC)in domestic goats in Chengkou county,Chongqing.In August 2023,283 fecal samples were collected from households in Chengkou county.After enrichment with EC broth and inoculation onto selective media,samples that tested positive for stx1/stx2 were selected for further isolation.The positive strains were investigated with antimicrobial susceptibility testing and whole genome sequencing.According to the whole genomic sequences,the stx subtypes,serotypes,multi-locus sequence types,virulence genes,drug resistance genes,and phylogenetic relationships of the STEC strains were analyzed.Forty-six strains of STEC were isolated from 283 goat fecal samples,thus resulting in a detection rate of 16.25%.The 46 STEC strains were categorized into 12 O∶H serotypes,among which O76∶H19 and O8∶H7 predominated,each represented by 9 strains.Five STEC strains were identified as serotype O157∶H7.The 46 STEC strains were categorized into 11 sequence types(STs),among which ST675 and ST196 predominated,each represented by nine strains,accounting for a 19.57%proportion.The strains were categorized into 7 stx subtypes,among which stx1c(26/46,56.52%),followed by stx2k(9/46,19.57%)predominated.All nine Stx2k-STEC strains were identified as serotype O8∶H7 and sequence type ST196.In antimicrobial susceptibility testing,2 STEC strains were resistant to ampicillin,one strain was resistant to ampicillin/sulbactam,one strain was resistant to cefazolin,and one strain was resistant to cefoxitin.Nine Stx2k-STEC strains were found to carry the beta-lactam resistance gene blaEC-18.Antimicrobial sensitivity tests revealed that the nine Stx2k-STEC strains were sensitive to all 15 tested antibiotics.Moreover,phylogenetic analysis indicated that the 9 Stx2k-STEC strains were remarkably similar but showed high genetic diversity with respect to that of the Stx2k-STEC strains isolated from other regions in China.Goatsare an important animal reservoir for STEC in theChengkou district of Chongqing,and novel sequence type Stx2k-STEC strains distinct from those found in other regions of China were identified in this region.
8.Clinicopathologic analysis of 19 cases of urachal adenocarcinoma
Xiang LI ; Ying HUANG ; Weiyu PAN ; Juan YU ; Xinxin GUO ; Xiaolei ZHANG ; Licheng SHEN ; Yingyong HOU ; Jun HOU
Chinese Journal of Clinical and Experimental Pathology 2025;41(5):571-576
Purpose To explore the clinical and pathological features,differential diagnosis,treatment methods and prognosis of urachal adenocarcinoma.Methods Nineteen cases of urachal adenocarcinoma were collected and an-alyzed by combining clinical symptoms,auxiliary examinations,histology,immunohistochemical,and genetic testing and 11 cases of bladder adenocarcinomas.Results Among the 19 patients(15 males,4 females;age range:33-75 years,mean:55 years),tumors were located at the dome or anterior wall of the bladder.Histological subtypes includ-ed mucinous adenocarcinoma(6 cases),adenocarcinoma not otherwise specified(4 cases),enteric-type adenocarci-noma(6 cases),adenocarcinoma with focal mucinous differentiation(1 case),adenocarcinoma with signet-ring cell carcinoma(1 case),and metastatic urachal adenocarcinoma(1 case).Immunophenotypic analysis revealed membra-nous positivity for β-catenin,diffuse positivity for CK34βE 12,MUC-2,and CK20,focal CK7 positivity in some cases,and rare GATA-3 positivity.Mutations in p53 were observed,while KRAS,NRAS,BRAF,and PIK3CA mutations were absent.In colorectal adenocarcinomas,CK34βE12 positivity was 40%,nuclear β-catenin positivity was 48%,and MUC-2 expression was approximately 50%.In bladder adenocarcinomas,GATA-3 and MUC-2 positivity rates were 45%and 63.6%,respectively.Conclusion Distinguishing urachal adenocarcinoma from colorectal and primary bladder adenocarcinomas remains challenging.Urachal adenocarcinoma should be suspected in patients with anterior bladder wall or dome lesions,gross hematuria,or mucinuria.No definitive diagnostic markers currently exist for ura-chal adenocarcinoma.Immunophenotypic features such as membranous β-catenin,MUC-2,and CK7 positivity may fa-vor urachal adenocarcinoma over colorectal adenocarcinoma.Additional markers(e.g.,GATA-3,CK20,CK34βE12)aid in differential diagnosis,though individual markers lack specificity.Comprehensive evaluation integrating clinical presentation,imaging,and clinicopathological features is essential for accurate diagnosis.
9.Effect of remote motor imagery therapy on rehabilitation of patients with severe coronary heart disease after PCI
Jun-xia HAO ; Cong-cong LI ; Ya-nan TIAN ; Xiao-xin HOU
Chinese Journal of cardiovascular Rehabilitation Medicine 2025;34(4):565-570
Objective:To explore the effect of remote motor imagery therapy on rehabilitation of patients with severe coronary heart disease(CHD)after percutaneous coronary intervention(PCI).Methods:This randomized con-trolled study enrolled 164 patients with severe CHD undergoing PCI who admitted in the First Affiliated Hospital of Hebei North University between January 2022 and January 2024.Patients were divided into control group(n=82)and intervention group(n=82).Patients in the control group was given conventional home nursing intervention comparing to those in the intervention group receiving additional remote motor imagery therapy.Both groups were intervened for 8 weeks.Indexes of pain,psychological emotion,ability of daily living,motor function and fall were compared between two groups.Results:Compared to those in control group after intervention,patients in interven-tion group had significant lower scores of visual analogue scale(VAS)[(2.03±0.81)points vs.(5.14±0.84)points],the Hospital anxiety and depression scale(HADS)anxiety subscale(HADS-A)[(4.89±0.84)points vs.(9.05±0.78)points],HADS depression subscale(H ADS-D)[(5.31±1.10)points vs.(10.13±0.82)points],HADS total score[(10.20±1.39)points vs.(19.18±1.18)points](P<0.001 all),and significant higher 6-min walking distance(6MWD)[(439.31±16.51)m vs.(364.94±12.76)m],peak oxygen uptake(VO2 peak)[(20.28±2.40)ml·kg-1·min-1 vs.(17.26±1.35)ml·kg-1·min-1],anaerobic threshold oxygen consumption(VO2AT)[(17.04±1.18)ml·kg-1·min-1 vs.(13.62±1.16)ml·kg-1·min-1],scores of Chinese modified Fall Efficacy Scale(MFES)[(107.28±4.84)points vs.(87.41±4.73)points],ability of daily living(ADL)scale[(78.95±3.92)points vs.(68.00±4.10)points]and Barthel index[(85.83±2.50)points vs.(69.79±3.42)points](P<0.001 all).We detected significant lower incidence of falling(7.50%vs.21.25%)in the intervention group compared to control group(P=0.013).Conclusion:Remote motor imagery therapy may strengthen motor function and ability of daily living,and relieve pain and negative emotions in patients with severe CHD after PCI.
10.Scutellarin alleviates cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats through CX3CL1/CX3CR1-PI3K/AKT pathway
Jun LI ; Yi HOU ; Ronghui LIU ; Wenchao HU ; Song TAO ; Hong HUANG
Chinese Journal of Neuroanatomy 2025;41(4):469-476
Objective:To investigate the neuroprotective efficacy of scutellarin(Scu)against cerebral ischemia-reperfusion(CIRI)injury in rats,with a focus on its regulatory mechanisms involving the CX3CL1/CX3CR1-PI3K/AKT signaling axis.Methods:The rat CIRI model was established using Longa's intraluminal suture method.The experimental design comprised four groups(n=15 per group):Sham operation group,CIRI model group,Scu treat-ment(40 mg/kg/d Scu gavage)group,and Scu+LY294002(Scu combined with PI3K inhibitor LY294002)group.Following 4 weeks of intervention,neurological function,pathological changes,and pathway protein expression were evaluated using Longa scoring,TTC staining,HE staining,transmission electron microscopy,immunofluorescence,or Western blot analysis.Results:Compared to the CIRI model group,Scu treatment significantly improved neurological function,reduced cerebral infarct volume and attenuated neuronal damage(P<0.05).Furthermore,Scu downregulat-ed CX3CL1/CX3CR1 expression,increased p-PI3K/PI3K and p-AKT/AKT ratios,elevated Bcl-2/Bax ratio,and de-creased IL-17A expression(P<0.05).These protective effects were partially reversed by LY294002.Conclusion:Scu exerts neuroprotective effects in cerebral CIRI injury by downregulating CX3CL1/CX3CR1 expression and activating the PI3K/AKT pathway,thereby attenuating inflammation and apoptosis.

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