Objective: This prospective study evaluated the feasibility of chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) MRI for assessing disease activity in thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy (TAO). Materials and Methods: A total of 88 patients with active TAO, 76 with inactive TAO, and 30 healthy controls were enrolled. CEST MRI-derived magnetization transfer ratio (MTR) and MTR asymmetry (MTRasym) at 1 ppm, 2 ppm, and 3.5 ppm were calculated. Clinical data, MTR, and MTRasym values for the extraocular muscles (one representative muscle per eye, yielding two measurements per participant) were compared among the groups. Spearman’s correlation was used to examine associations between imaging parameters and the clinical activity score (CAS) in patients with TAO. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent associations between imaging parameters and disease activity in patients with TAO (active vs. inactive). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was conducted to evaluate the diagnostic performance for discriminating active from inactive TAO. Results: Patients with active TAO showed lower MTR values (P < 0.001) and higher MTRasym (1 ppm), MTRasym (2 ppm), and MTRasym (3.5 ppm) (all P < 0.001) compared with those with inactive TAO. MTR was negatively correlated with CAS (r = -0.402; P < 0.001), while MTRasym (1 ppm), MTRasym (2 ppm), and MTRasym (3.5 ppm) were positively correlated with CAS (r = 0.369, 0.350, and 0.349, respectively;all P < 0.001). MTR and MTRasym (1 ppm) were independently associated with TAO activity. The areas under the ROC curve (AUCs) for MTR and MTRasym (1 ppm) in discriminating active from inactive TAO were 0.772 and 0.730, respectively. Combining MTR with MTRasym (1 ppm) significantly improved diagnostic performance compared with either parameter alone, achieving an AUC of 0.805 (P = 0.029 and 0.001). Conclusion MTR and MTRasym (1 ppm) were independently associated with TAO activity. Their combination further enhanced diagnostic performance in distinguishing active from inactive TAO, suggesting their potential as quantitative imaging biomarkers to guide treatment in patients with TAO.

Objective To investigate predictive value of soluble growth stimulation-expressed gene 2 protein (sST2), cardiac troponin T (cTnT), and creatine kinase-myocardial band (CK-MB) for steroid resistance and prognosis in patients with immune checkpoint inhibitor-associated myocarditis (ICIAM). Methods A total of 28 patients with ICIAM were prospectively enrolled from March 2023 to February 2024 at Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University. All participants were divided into the steroid-resistant ICIAM (srICIAM) group and the non-srICIAM group. Baseline serum levels of sST2, cTnT and CK-MB were detected prior to treatment initiation. ROC curve analysis was applied to evaluate the predictive value of these biomarkers, and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was performed to explore the relationship between sST2 and all-cause mortality. Results Baseline sST2, cTnT, and CK-MB levels were significantly higher in the srICIAM group (n＝15) than in the non-srICIAM group (n＝13, P＜0.05). Combination of cTnT and sST2 improved predictive performance for srICIAM (AUC＝0.857, sensitivity 0.714, specificity 1.000). After 6 months of follow-up, the high sST2 group had a significantly higher all-cause mortality than the low sST2 group (P＝0.016). Conclusions The combination of sST2 and cTnT could effectively predict srICIAM, and elevated sST2 is associated with increased higher all-cause mortality in ICIAM patients, providing a basis for early risk stratification and treatment optimization.

Background: The genetic basis for hyperglycaemia in pregnancy remain unclear. This study aimed to uncover the genetic determinants of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and investigate their applications. Methods: We performed a meta-analysis of genome-wide association studies (GWAS) for GDM in Chinese women (464 cases and 1,217 controls), followed by de novo replications in an independent Chinese cohort (564 cases and 572 controls) and in silico replication in European (12,332 cases and 131,109 controls) and multi-ethnic populations (5,485 cases and 347,856 controls). A polygenic risk score (PRS) was derived based on the identified variants. Results: Using the genome-wide scan and candidate gene approaches, we identified four susceptibility loci for GDM. These included three previously reported loci for GDM and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) at MTNR1B (rs7945617, odds ratio [OR], 1.64; 95% confidence interval [CI],1.38 to 1.96]), CDKAL1 (rs7754840, OR, 1.33; 95% CI, 1.13 to 1.58), and INS-IGF2-KCNQ1 (rs2237897, OR, 1.48; 95% CI, 1.23 to 1.79), as well as a novel genome-wide significant locus near TBR1-SLC4A10 (rs117781972, OR, 2.05; 95% CI, 1.61 to 2.62; Pmeta=7.6×10-9), which has not been previously reported in GWAS for T2DM or glycaemic traits. Moreover, we found that women with a high PRS (top quintile) had over threefold (95% CI, 2.30 to 4.09; Pmeta=3.1×10-14) and 71% (95% CI, 1.08 to 2.71; P=0.0220) higher risk for GDM and abnormal glucose tolerance post-pregnancy, respectively, compared to other individuals. Conclusion Our results indicate that the genetic architecture of glucose metabolism exhibits both similarities and differences between the pregnant and non-pregnant states. Integrating genetic information can facilitate identification of pregnant women at a higher risk of developing GDM or later diabetes.

Background: and Purpose Guillain–Barré syndrome (GBS) is an autoimmune-mediated disorder characterized by demyelinating or axonal injury of the peripheral nerve. Our aim is to determine whether serum amyloid A (SAA) is a biomarker of demyelinating injury and disease severity in patients with GBS. Methods: This study retrospectively enrolled 40 patients with either the demyelinating or axonal GBS and sex- and age-matched controls with other neurological diseases as well as healthy subjects. The demographic and clinical features at entry were collected. The serum levels of the SAA isoforms SAA1, SAA2, and SAA4 were determined in the patients with GBS and the controls using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and analyzed for the associations between levels of different SAA isoforms and the clinical features of the patients. Results: The levels of SAA2 and SAA4 were significantly higher in patients with GBS than in both the other neurological disease controls and the healthy subjects (p<0.05 for all). The level of SAA1 did not differ between patients with GBS and the controls. The level of SAA2 was considerably higher in GBS patients with antecedent infection than in those without infection (p=0.020). The levels of different SAA isoforms were not associated with the disease severity or other clinical features of patients with GBS (p>0.05 for all). Conclusions Increased levels of SAA2 and SAA4 may only represent the acute inflammatory status and so cannot be utilized as biomarkers of the disease severity or demyelinating injury in patients with GBS.

Background: The genetic basis for hyperglycaemia in pregnancy remain unclear. This study aimed to uncover the genetic determinants of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and investigate their applications. Methods: We performed a meta-analysis of genome-wide association studies (GWAS) for GDM in Chinese women (464 cases and 1,217 controls), followed by de novo replications in an independent Chinese cohort (564 cases and 572 controls) and in silico replication in European (12,332 cases and 131,109 controls) and multi-ethnic populations (5,485 cases and 347,856 controls). A polygenic risk score (PRS) was derived based on the identified variants. Results: Using the genome-wide scan and candidate gene approaches, we identified four susceptibility loci for GDM. These included three previously reported loci for GDM and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) at MTNR1B (rs7945617, odds ratio [OR], 1.64; 95% confidence interval [CI],1.38 to 1.96]), CDKAL1 (rs7754840, OR, 1.33; 95% CI, 1.13 to 1.58), and INS-IGF2-KCNQ1 (rs2237897, OR, 1.48; 95% CI, 1.23 to 1.79), as well as a novel genome-wide significant locus near TBR1-SLC4A10 (rs117781972, OR, 2.05; 95% CI, 1.61 to 2.62; Pmeta=7.6×10-9), which has not been previously reported in GWAS for T2DM or glycaemic traits. Moreover, we found that women with a high PRS (top quintile) had over threefold (95% CI, 2.30 to 4.09; Pmeta=3.1×10-14) and 71% (95% CI, 1.08 to 2.71; P=0.0220) higher risk for GDM and abnormal glucose tolerance post-pregnancy, respectively, compared to other individuals. Conclusion Our results indicate that the genetic architecture of glucose metabolism exhibits both similarities and differences between the pregnant and non-pregnant states. Integrating genetic information can facilitate identification of pregnant women at a higher risk of developing GDM or later diabetes.

Objective:To observe the effect of different degrees of decentration and tilt on the optical quality of the intraocular lenses (IOLs) with different focus designs.Methods:The UV 3300 PC UV-visible spectrophotometer was employed to measure the spectral transmittance of the monofocal IOL CT ASPHINA 509M (509M), bifocal IOL AT LISA 809M (809M), and trifocal IOL AT LISA Tri 839MP (839MP) within Zeiss MICS platform with a refractive power of + 20 D. The modulation transfer function (MTF) values at a spatial frequency of 50 lp/mm along with MTF curves and United States Air Force (USAF) resolution test charts for each IOL at the focal point were measured at apertures of 3.0 mm and 4.5 mm using the in vitro optical quality testing system OptiSpheric IOL R&D under centered, decentered (0.3, 0.5, 0.7, 0.9 and 1.1 mm) and tilted (3°, 5°, 7°, 9° and 11°) conditions. Results:All three IOLs filtrated the ultraviolet (UV) spectrum below 400 nm.When each IOL was in the centered position, at the 3.0 mm aperture, the MTF values were 0.772 at the far focus of the monofocal IOL 509M, 0.467 and 0.282 at the far and near focus of the bifocal IOL 809M, and 0.416, 0.147, and 0.229 at the far, intermediate, and near focus of the trifocal IOL 839MP, respectively.Whereas at the 4.5 mm aperture, the monofocal IOL 509M MTF value at the far focus was 0.664, the bifocal IOL 809M MTF values at the far and near focus were 0.506 and 0.264, and the trifocal IOL 839MP MTF values at the far, intermediate, and near focus were 0.392, 0.107, and 0.210, respectively.Among the three centered IOLs, the 509M demonstrated the highest MTF value at the far focus, followed by the 809M and then the 839MP; at the near focus, the MTF value of the 809M surpassed that of the 839MP.For decentration and tilt, the difference in MTF values of the three IOLs at the far and near focus was consistent with the differences observed when they were centered.At the same degree of decentration and tilt, all three IOLs exhibited superior optical quality at the 3.0 mm aperture compared to the 4.5 mm aperture.The optical quality of all three IOLs exhibited an overall decline as decentration and tilt increased.All three IOLs demonstrated a decrease in optical quality at the decentration of 0.3 mm or the tilt of 5°.Conclusions:The IOLs within the Zeiss MICS platform design exhibits identical spectral transmittance and UV filtering properties.Among the three IOLs, when centered, the 509M, the 839MP, and the 809M exhibit superior optical quality at the far, intermediate, and near focal points, respectively.Under decentered and tilted conditions, the 509M and the 809M demonstrate better resistance against decentration and tilt, respectively, at both far and near focuses.Additionally, all three IOLs demonstrate better optical quality at smaller apertures, given equivalent degrees of decentration or tilt.However, the optical quality at each focal point of the three IOLs decreases compared to the centered position when subjected to a decentration of 0.3 mm or a tilt of 5°.

Objective:To investigate the feasibility and effectiveness of three-dimensional visualization technology in the precise diagnosis and treatment of locally advanced differentiated thyroid cancer(DTC).Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 196 patients with locally advanced DTC treated at the 960th Hospital of the PLA from December 2021 to August 2023. The cohort included 71 male and 125 female patients, with a mean age of 43.7 years (rangd from 18 to 77 years). All patients underwent neck-enhanced CT scans and were divided into two groups: the study group( n=102), which underwent preoperative three-dimensional visualization of CT data, and the control group( n=94), which did not. Baseline data for both groups were matched using SPSS27.0 with 1∶1 propensity score matching (PSM) and the caliper value was 0.02. A total of 49 patients were included in each group, including 35 first-time surgeries and 14 reoperation. Among the 70 first-time surgeries, 29 patients underwent robotic surgery and 41 underwent open surgery. Among the 28 reoperations, 4 underwent robotic surgery and 24 underwent open surgery. In the study group, three-dimensional visual models were used to comprehensively evaluate the tumor and metastatic lesion size, spatial location, and adjacent relationship with surrounding organs, surgical treatments were guided by these models, whereas the control group relied on two-dimensional imaging for guidance. The clinical data were statistically analyzed using SPSS27.0. Results:All operations were successfully completed. There were no statistical differences in baseline data between the two groups( P>0.05). Among first-time surgeries, the study group showed shorter operation times [175(145, 200) min vs 205(182, 249) min, P<0.001], a lower incidence of postoperative chyle leak (0 vs 8.57%, P=0.027), a higher rate of robotic surgery (48.57% vs 34.28%, P=0.225), a greater number of harvested lymph nodes [46(40, 62) vs 37(28, 56), P=0.032], a greater number of cervical lymph node metastasis[15(7, 22) vs 5(1, 14), P=0.004] and a larger diameter of metastasis lymph nodes[12(10, 16) mm vs 4(1, 10) mm, P<0.001]. There were no significant differences in intraoperative blood loss, postoperative drainage days and incidence of hypoparathyroidism( P>0.05). During the reoperation, the study group had shorter operation times[103.5(95.0, 122.5) min vs 146.50(133.25, 172.25) min, P<0.001], less intraoperative blood loss[12.50(8.75, 22.50) mL vs 30.00(17.50, 35.00) mL, P=0.021], fewer postoperative drainage days[5.00(4.00, 6.00) d vs 6.00(5.00, 7.25) d, P=0.016] and a lower incidence of hypoparathyroidism(7.14% vs 42.86%, P=0.038).The robotic surgery rate was higher in the study group (21.42% vs 7.14%, P=0.596). There were no significant differences in lymph node dissection numbers, metastatic lymph node counts, or chyle leak incidences between the two groups ( P>0.05). No acute bleeding or incision infection occurred in any patient postoperatively. Conclusion:Three-dimensional visualization technology is an effective preoperative assessment method for evaluating the resectability of tumors and metastases lesions in locally advanced DTC. It enhances the accuracy and safety of surgery for locally advanced DTC.

Objective To explore the risk factors for portal vein thrombosis(PVT)in patients with cirrhosis in the decompensated stage and construct a risk prediction model for PVT so as to improve the early diagnosis rate of decompensated liver cirrhosis PVT.Methods The clinical data of patients with cirrhosis in the decompensated stage admitted to Department of Gastroenterology,The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University between June 2018 and June 2023 were collected and divided into cirrhosis PVT group(n=135)and cirrhosis non-PVT group(n=225)according to whether or not portal vein thrombosis was formed.We made a univariate analysis of the general data,laboratory indexes,liver function scores and imaging findings of the patients in the two groups,and indexes with statistically significant differences were included in binary Logistic regression for multifactorial analysis to screen out independent risk factors.A predictive model of binary Logistic regression was established based on the independent risk factors.The clinical data of the validation set were incorporated into the model,the accuracy of the prediction model was evaluated by receiver operating curve(ROC),and the practicability of the model was evaluated by consistency curve to complete the validation and evaluation of the constructed prediction model.Internal stability of the model was verified with Bootstrap method.Finally,R software(4.3.1)was used to draw a nomogram of the prediction model to visualize the model.Results Univariate analysis revealed statistically significant differences between patients in the PVT and non-PVT groups in the following five aspects:history of splenectomy,history of endoscopic varicose vein treatment,portal vein diameter,and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio(P＜0.05).Binary Logistics regression analysis showed that a history of splenectomy(P=0.002,OR=3.012,95％CI:1.500-6.047),a history of endoscopic varicose vein treatment(P=0.001,OR=2.276,95％CI:1.400-3.698),widening of portal vein diameter(P=0.007,OR=1.942,95％CI:1.202-3.136),increased neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio(P=0.009,OR=1.886,95％CI:1.170-3.041),and elevated D-dimer(P＜0.001,OR=3.725,95％CI:2.149-6.485)were independent risk factors for the formation of portal vein thrombosis in patients with cirrhosis in the decompensated stage of cirrhosis chemically presented(P＜0.05).The area under the ROC curve of the predictive model and the model after internal validation was 0.760 and 0.7494,respectively.The model still had good prediction ability and accuracy in the verification set.Conclusion A history of splenectomy,history of endoscopic varicose vein treatment,widening of portal vein diameter,increased neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio,and elevated D-dimer concentration are independent risk factors for the formation of portal vein thrombosis in patients with decompensated cirrhosis.The Logistic prediction model and visual nomogram constructed based on the above independent risk factors have a good ability to predict the occurrence of PVT in patients with decompensated cirrhosis and have important clinical guiding significance for early screening patients with PVT in decompensated cirrhosis.