Objective : To establish an interleukin-1β (Il-1β) induced inflammatory model of rat articular chondro- cytes (ACs) , and to investigate the relationship between the expression of lysine acetyltransferase 7 (KAT7) under inflammatory stimulation and the senescence of ACs. Methods: Primary ACs were obtained by digestion of rat knee cartilage with collagenase type Ⅱ and identified. The inflammatory model of ACs was induced by IL-1β . KAT7 was over-expressed or knocked down in ACs by adeno-associated virus infection or small interfering RNA transfection , respectively. A negative control group was set up. Transwell assay was used to detect cell migration ability. Senes- cent cells were stained with senescence-associated β-galactosidase (SA-β-Gal) . Western blot ( WB) was used to detect the protein expression levels of KAT7 , collagen type II (Col Ⅱ ) , matrix metalloproteinase 13 (MMP13) , tumor protein p53 (p53) and cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1A (p21) . The cells of negative control group and KAT7 over-expression group were performed for RNA sequencing , and WB was used to verify the related signaling pathways obtained by Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis. Results: Compared with the control group , the SA-β-Gal staining was enhanced , the protein expression of Col Ⅱ decreased , the pro- tein expression of MMP13 and p53 increased , the cell migration ability decreased , and the expression of KAT7 also increased in the ACs of rats after IL-1β stimulation. Compared with the negative control group , the SA-β-Gal stai- ning was enhanced , the protein expression of Col Ⅱ decreased , the protein expression of MMP13 , p53 and p21 in- creased , and the cell migration ability decreased in the KAT7 over-expression group. Compared with the negative control group , the SA-β-Gal staining was weakened , the protein expression of Col Ⅱ increased , the protein expres- sion of MMP13 , p53 and p21 decreased , and the cell migration ability was enhanced in the KAT7 knockdown inflammatory model of ACs. KEGG enrichment analysis showed that phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/AKT) signaling pathway was activated. Compared with the negative control group , the relative protein ex⁃pression levels of phosphorylated protein kinase B (p⁃AKT)/AKT and phosphorylated mammalian target of rapamy⁃cin (p⁃mTOR)/mTOR in KAT7 over⁃expression group increased. The relative protein expression levels of p ⁃AKT/AKT and p ⁃mTOR/mTOR in KAT7 knockdown cells decreased. Conclusion Rat ACs with high expression of KAT7 exhibit senescence and osteoarthritis phenotype , and the mechanism may be related to the activation of PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway by KAT7.

Objective:To investigate the impact of imaging anatomical features on the prognosis of middle-aged and elderly patients with anomalous coronary artery originating from the opposite sinus (ACAOS).Methods:This retrospective cohort study enrolled patients aged ≥45 years who were diagnosed with ACAOS by coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA) at the Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University between January 1, 2011, and December 31, 2018. Baseline clinical data and coronary CTA images were collected. Anatomic imaging features were extracted, including ACAOS subtype, course of the anomalous vessel, and ostial angle. The primary endpoint was major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), defined as a composite of acute myocardial infarction, cardiac death, and coronary revascularization. The Maxstat method was used to determine the cut-off values of specific anatomical features for predicting MACE risk. Cox proportional hazards models were employed to analyze the impact of these imaging features on MACE in middle-aged and elderly ACAOS patients.Results:A total of 203 patients were enrolled, aged (60.0(51.0, 66.0)) years, including 119 (58.6%) males. Over a follow-up of (98.2±30.9) months, 39 patients experienced MACE. Maxstat identified an optimal cut-off value of 34.3° for the ostial angle of the anomalous vessel. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression analysis revealed that the following factors were independent risk factors for MACE: left-sided ACAOS subtype ( HR=4.35, 95% CI 2.17-8.73, P<0.001), an interarterial course between the aorta and pulmonary artery ( HR=3.21, 95% CI 1.23-8.37, P=0.017), an anomalous vessel ostial angle <34.3° ( HR=2.62, 95% CI 1.18-5.77, P=0.017), and concomitant coronary artery disease ( HR=2.92, 95% CI 1.49-5.73, P=0.002). Conclusion:In middle-aged and elderly patients with ACAOS, the imaging anatomical features of a left-sided ACAOS subtype, an interarterial course, and an ostial angle <34.3° are independent risk factors for MACE.

Objectives:We evaluated the clinical significance of unipolar electrogram and bipolar electrogram in guiding radiofrequency ablation for outflow tract ventricular premature contractions(PVC).Methods:Data were collected from 78 patients who underwent successful radiofrequency ablation of PVC.Pre-procedure electrocardiogram showed a LBBB morphology on inferior leads.In the included patients,the right-side ablation was performed at first,and if the ablation failed,the left-side ablation was then performed.According to the location of the successful ablation target,they were divided into unilateral ablation successful group and bilateral ablation successful group.The differences in the earliest bipolar local activation to QRS(LATBi),unipolar-dV/dTmax to QRS(LATUni),and local activation time were compared between the two groups.Furthermore,the electrogram characteristics predicting bilateral ablation were explored.Results:Patients were divided into unilateral ablation group(n=57)and bilateral ablation group(n=21)according to the ablation site.There were statistically significant differences in LATBi(25[21,30]ms vs.14[10,24]ms),LATUni(7[0,17]ms vs.-23[-41,-11]ms),and ΔLATBi-Uni(15[11,25]ms vs.44[25,56]ms)between the unilateral ablation group and the bilateral ablation group(all P<0.05).Multivariate regression analysis suggested that LATBi,LATUni,and ΔLATBi-Uni were independent predictors of the need for bilateral ablation.There was no significant difference between left and right LATBi,LATUni and ΔLATBi-Uni in the bilateral ablation group.LATUni≤-1 was the most accurate parameter for predicting the need for bilateral ablation(AUC=0.941;specificity 80.7%;sensitivity 100%).Conclusions:LATUni≤-1ms is a useful indicator for predicting the need for bilateral PVC ablation in this patient cohort.

Objective:To explore the capability of deep learning image reconstruction (DLIR) compared to adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction (ASiR-V) in improving the image quality and myocardial edge sharpness of dynamic stress myocardial CT perfusion imaging (CTP).Methods:Thirty subjects who underwent dynamic stress myocardial CTP at Guangdong Provincial People′s Hospital from September 2023 to February 2024 were recruited. Image data of all enrolled patients were reconstructed using ASiR-V 50%, ASiR-V 80%, medium-intensity DLIR(DLIR-M), and high-intensity DLIR(DLIR-H), respectively. Regions of interest were selected in the left ventricular cavity, interventricular septum, and left ventricular lateral wall for measurement of CT values and standard deviations (SD), and calculation of signal to noise ratio (SNR) and contrast to noise ratio (CNR). Matlab was utilized to obtain the differences (d) and slopes (s) of CT value changes at four left ventricular myocardial edges for objective edge sharpness evaluation. Two radiologists subjectively scored the images for noise, natural appearance, and edge sharpness. In case of disagreement between the two radiologists, a third senior radiologist′s score was decisive. Left ventricular myocardial blood flow (MBF) of ASiR-V and DLIR images with lower SD, higher SNR and CNR were calculated, respectively. When the normal distribution was satisfied, the independent sample t test was used for comparison between two groups, and the random block design ANOVA was used for comparison between multiple groups. And analysis was conducted using Friedman test for non-normally distributed data, and Bonferroni correction for pairwise comparisons. Results:There were statistically significant differences in SD, SNR, and CNR among the four images in the interventricular septum and left ventricular lateral wall (all P<0.05), with ASiR-V 80% and DLIR-H demonstrating the lowest SD, highest SNR and CNR, and the subjective image noise score. Statistically significant differences were observed in d and s for the four left ventricular myocardial edges (all P<0.05), with DLIR-M and DLIR-H exhibiting the best objective edge sharpness [5 (5, 5)], and ASiR-V 80% the worst [3.5 (3, 4)]. In the subjective scores for natural appearance, DLIR-M and DLIR-H received the highest scores [5 (5, 5)], while ASiR-V 80% received the lowest scores [3 (3, 4)], with statistically significant differences (all P<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in MBF values calculated from ASiR-V 80% and DLIR-H images (all P>0.05). Conclusions:The SD value, SNR and CNR of dynamic stress myocardial CTP images reconstructed by DLIR-H are equivalent to ASiR-V 80%, and using DLIR-H can improve the edge sharpness of left ventricular myocardium without affecting the calculation of MBF.

Objective To explore the risk factors for the recurrence of autoimmune pancreatitis(AIP),so as to provide a new reference for its clinical treatment.Methods The clinical data of 198 AIP patients admitted to The First Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University from 2014 to 2021 were collected,including 164 patients with type 1 AIP and 34 patients with type 2 AIP.Based on the recurrence status of AIP,the patients were categorized into recurrence group(38 cases)and non-recurrence group(160 cases),and differences between the 2 groups were analyzed.Patients with definite duration of glucocorticoid maintenance therapy were further screened,and logistic regression model and Spearman rank correlation analysis were used to analyze the risk factors of AIP recurrence.Results During the follow-up period,19.19％(38/198)of AIP patients experienced a relapse.The 1-,3-,and 5-year cumulative recurrence rates were 6.57％,9.09％,and 12.63％,respectively,with type 1 AIP demonstrating a significantly higher recurrence rate than type 2 AIP(21.95％[36/164]vs 5.88％[2/34],P=0.030).Univariate logistic regression analysis showed that serum low density lipoprotein-cholesterol level(odds ratio[OR]=0.544,95％confidence interval[CI]0.321-0.924,P=0.024)and the duration of glucocorticoid maintenance therapy(OR=0.797,95％CI 0.704-0.902,P＜0.001)were the potential factors of AIP recurrence in 112 patients with definite data on the duration of glucocorticoid maintenance therapy.Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the duration of glucocorticoid maintenance therapy was independently associated with AIP recurrence(OR=0.813,95％CI 0.713-0.926,P=0.002).Spearman rank correlation analysis further demonstrated a negative correlation between the duration of glucocorticoid maintenance therapy and AIP recurrence(r=-0.545,P＜0.001).Additionally,receiver operating characteristic curve analysis indicated that the duration of glucocorticoid maintenance therapy had good predictive effect on AIP recurrence,with an area under curve value of 0.873(95％CI 0.800-0.945,P＜0.001).Conclusion Long-term regular glucocorticoid therapy is an independent protective factor against AIP recurrence,and it can significantly reduce the recurrence of AIP.

Objectives:We evaluated the clinical significance of unipolar electrogram and bipolar electrogram in guiding radiofrequency ablation for outflow tract ventricular premature contractions(PVC).Methods:Data were collected from 78 patients who underwent successful radiofrequency ablation of PVC.Pre-procedure electrocardiogram showed a LBBB morphology on inferior leads.In the included patients,the right-side ablation was performed at first,and if the ablation failed,the left-side ablation was then performed.According to the location of the successful ablation target,they were divided into unilateral ablation successful group and bilateral ablation successful group.The differences in the earliest bipolar local activation to QRS(LATBi),unipolar-dV/dTmax to QRS(LATUni),and local activation time were compared between the two groups.Furthermore,the electrogram characteristics predicting bilateral ablation were explored.Results:Patients were divided into unilateral ablation group(n=57)and bilateral ablation group(n=21)according to the ablation site.There were statistically significant differences in LATBi(25[21,30]ms vs.14[10,24]ms),LATUni(7[0,17]ms vs.-23[-41,-11]ms),and ΔLATBi-Uni(15[11,25]ms vs.44[25,56]ms)between the unilateral ablation group and the bilateral ablation group(all P<0.05).Multivariate regression analysis suggested that LATBi,LATUni,and ΔLATBi-Uni were independent predictors of the need for bilateral ablation.There was no significant difference between left and right LATBi,LATUni and ΔLATBi-Uni in the bilateral ablation group.LATUni≤-1 was the most accurate parameter for predicting the need for bilateral ablation(AUC=0.941;specificity 80.7%;sensitivity 100%).Conclusions:LATUni≤-1ms is a useful indicator for predicting the need for bilateral PVC ablation in this patient cohort.

Objective:To explore the capability of deep learning image reconstruction (DLIR) compared to adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction (ASiR-V) in improving the image quality and myocardial edge sharpness of dynamic stress myocardial CT perfusion imaging (CTP).Methods:Thirty subjects who underwent dynamic stress myocardial CTP at Guangdong Provincial People′s Hospital from September 2023 to February 2024 were recruited. Image data of all enrolled patients were reconstructed using ASiR-V 50%, ASiR-V 80%, medium-intensity DLIR(DLIR-M), and high-intensity DLIR(DLIR-H), respectively. Regions of interest were selected in the left ventricular cavity, interventricular septum, and left ventricular lateral wall for measurement of CT values and standard deviations (SD), and calculation of signal to noise ratio (SNR) and contrast to noise ratio (CNR). Matlab was utilized to obtain the differences (d) and slopes (s) of CT value changes at four left ventricular myocardial edges for objective edge sharpness evaluation. Two radiologists subjectively scored the images for noise, natural appearance, and edge sharpness. In case of disagreement between the two radiologists, a third senior radiologist′s score was decisive. Left ventricular myocardial blood flow (MBF) of ASiR-V and DLIR images with lower SD, higher SNR and CNR were calculated, respectively. When the normal distribution was satisfied, the independent sample t test was used for comparison between two groups, and the random block design ANOVA was used for comparison between multiple groups. And analysis was conducted using Friedman test for non-normally distributed data, and Bonferroni correction for pairwise comparisons. Results:There were statistically significant differences in SD, SNR, and CNR among the four images in the interventricular septum and left ventricular lateral wall (all P<0.05), with ASiR-V 80% and DLIR-H demonstrating the lowest SD, highest SNR and CNR, and the subjective image noise score. Statistically significant differences were observed in d and s for the four left ventricular myocardial edges (all P<0.05), with DLIR-M and DLIR-H exhibiting the best objective edge sharpness [5 (5, 5)], and ASiR-V 80% the worst [3.5 (3, 4)]. In the subjective scores for natural appearance, DLIR-M and DLIR-H received the highest scores [5 (5, 5)], while ASiR-V 80% received the lowest scores [3 (3, 4)], with statistically significant differences (all P<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in MBF values calculated from ASiR-V 80% and DLIR-H images (all P>0.05). Conclusions:The SD value, SNR and CNR of dynamic stress myocardial CTP images reconstructed by DLIR-H are equivalent to ASiR-V 80%, and using DLIR-H can improve the edge sharpness of left ventricular myocardium without affecting the calculation of MBF.

Objective:To investigate the impact of imaging anatomical features on the prognosis of middle-aged and elderly patients with anomalous coronary artery originating from the opposite sinus (ACAOS).Methods:This retrospective cohort study enrolled patients aged ≥45 years who were diagnosed with ACAOS by coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA) at the Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University between January 1, 2011, and December 31, 2018. Baseline clinical data and coronary CTA images were collected. Anatomic imaging features were extracted, including ACAOS subtype, course of the anomalous vessel, and ostial angle. The primary endpoint was major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), defined as a composite of acute myocardial infarction, cardiac death, and coronary revascularization. The Maxstat method was used to determine the cut-off values of specific anatomical features for predicting MACE risk. Cox proportional hazards models were employed to analyze the impact of these imaging features on MACE in middle-aged and elderly ACAOS patients.Results:A total of 203 patients were enrolled, aged (60.0(51.0, 66.0)) years, including 119 (58.6%) males. Over a follow-up of (98.2±30.9) months, 39 patients experienced MACE. Maxstat identified an optimal cut-off value of 34.3° for the ostial angle of the anomalous vessel. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression analysis revealed that the following factors were independent risk factors for MACE: left-sided ACAOS subtype ( HR=4.35, 95% CI 2.17-8.73, P<0.001), an interarterial course between the aorta and pulmonary artery ( HR=3.21, 95% CI 1.23-8.37, P=0.017), an anomalous vessel ostial angle <34.3° ( HR=2.62, 95% CI 1.18-5.77, P=0.017), and concomitant coronary artery disease ( HR=2.92, 95% CI 1.49-5.73, P=0.002). Conclusion:In middle-aged and elderly patients with ACAOS, the imaging anatomical features of a left-sided ACAOS subtype, an interarterial course, and an ostial angle <34.3° are independent risk factors for MACE.

Objective:To prepare a novel 68Ga-labeled bicyclic peptide targeting poliovirus receptor related protein 4 (PVRL4, Nectin-4), and evaluate its feasibility for breast cancer imaging via in vitro and in vivo experiments. Methods:A Biotin-modified bicyclic peptide targeting Nectin-4, Biotin-BMIC, was synthesized, and its targeting properties were preliminarily evaluated by in vitro cell staining experiments. BMIC was modified by 1, 4, 7-triazonane-1, 4-diacetic acid (NODA) and the labeling precursor NODA-BMIC was prepared. A potential PET probe targeting Nectin-4, 68Ga-NODA-BMIC was prepared by one-step labeling strategy. The imaging properties of the probe were investigated by in vivo microPET imaging and in vitro experiments in mice bearing breast tumors. Data were analyzed by independent-sample t test and repeated measures analysis of variance. Results:Fluorescence staining of the cells showed that the fluorescently labeled bicyclic peptide, Biotin-BMIC, was highly aggregated in Nectin-4 positive BT474 breast cancer cells compared to those in Nectin-4 negative MDA-MB-231 cells. The uncorrected yield of 68Ga-NODA-BMIC was (71.5±2.2)% and the radiochemical purity was greater than 95%. The specific activity was greater than 3 GBq/μmol. After incubation 10, 30, 60 and 120 min, higher radioactivity uptakes were found in BT474 breast cancer cells compared to those in MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells respectively ( F=1 302.00, P<0.001). MicroPET imaging showed that the BT474 xenograft tumors were clearly visible with favorable contrast. A significant statistical difference in uptakes between BT474 and MDA-MB-231 xenograft tumor uptake at 10, 30, 60, and 120 min after probe injection respectively was existed ( F=1 826.00, P<0.001). At 60 min postinjection, the uptake value of BT474 tumors was (5.03±0.14) percentage activity of injection dose per gram of tissue (%ID/g), which was significantly higher than that of MDA-MB-231 tumors ((0.19±0.04) %ID/g; t=79.40, P<0.001). Meanwhile, the tumor-to-muscle ratios in the former were also greater than those in the latter ( F=222.00, P<0.001). At 60 min postinjection, the tumor-to-muscle ratio in the former was significantly higher than that in the latter (24.75±3.10 vs 1.30±0.15; t=14.31, P=0.002). The results were consistent with the immunohistochemistry staining. Conclusions:A novel bicyclic peptide PET probe targeting Nectin-4, 68Ga-NODA-BMIC, is easy to be synthesized and owns satisfactory labeling yield and radiological purity. The imaging performance is good and the target tissues could be visualized. It may play a unique role in the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer.