Objective: To evaluate the feasibility of dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI) in differentiating tumor deposits (TDs) from metastatic lymph nodes (MLNs) in rectal cancer. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 70 patients with rectal cancer, including 168 lesions (70 TDs and 98 MLNs confirmed by histopathology), who underwent pretreatment MRI and subsequent surgery between March 2019 and December 2022. The morphological characteristics of TDs and MLNs, along with quantitative parameters derived from DCE-MRI (K trans , kep, and v e) and DWI (ADCmin, ADCmax, and ADCmean), were analyzed and compared between the two groups.Multivariable binary logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses were performed to assess the diagnostic performance of significant individual quantitative parameters and combined parameters in distinguishing TDs from MLNs. Results: All morphological features, including size, shape, border, and signal intensity, as well as all DCE-MRI parameters showed significant differences between TDs and MLNs (all P < 0.05). However, ADC values did not demonstrate significant differences (all P > 0.05). Among the single quantitative parameters, v e had the highest diagnostic accuracy, with an area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.772 for distinguishing TDs from MLNs. A multivariable logistic regression model incorporating short axis, border, v e, and ADC mean improved diagnostic performance, achieving an AUC of 0.833 (P = 0.027). Conclusion The combination of morphological features, DCE-MRI parameters, and ADC values can effectively aid in the preoperative differentiation of TDs from MLNs in rectal cancer.

Objective: To evaluate the feasibility of dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI) in differentiating tumor deposits (TDs) from metastatic lymph nodes (MLNs) in rectal cancer. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 70 patients with rectal cancer, including 168 lesions (70 TDs and 98 MLNs confirmed by histopathology), who underwent pretreatment MRI and subsequent surgery between March 2019 and December 2022. The morphological characteristics of TDs and MLNs, along with quantitative parameters derived from DCE-MRI (K trans , kep, and v e) and DWI (ADCmin, ADCmax, and ADCmean), were analyzed and compared between the two groups.Multivariable binary logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses were performed to assess the diagnostic performance of significant individual quantitative parameters and combined parameters in distinguishing TDs from MLNs. Results: All morphological features, including size, shape, border, and signal intensity, as well as all DCE-MRI parameters showed significant differences between TDs and MLNs (all P < 0.05). However, ADC values did not demonstrate significant differences (all P > 0.05). Among the single quantitative parameters, v e had the highest diagnostic accuracy, with an area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.772 for distinguishing TDs from MLNs. A multivariable logistic regression model incorporating short axis, border, v e, and ADC mean improved diagnostic performance, achieving an AUC of 0.833 (P = 0.027). Conclusion The combination of morphological features, DCE-MRI parameters, and ADC values can effectively aid in the preoperative differentiation of TDs from MLNs in rectal cancer.

Objective: To evaluate the feasibility of dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI) in differentiating tumor deposits (TDs) from metastatic lymph nodes (MLNs) in rectal cancer. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 70 patients with rectal cancer, including 168 lesions (70 TDs and 98 MLNs confirmed by histopathology), who underwent pretreatment MRI and subsequent surgery between March 2019 and December 2022. The morphological characteristics of TDs and MLNs, along with quantitative parameters derived from DCE-MRI (K trans , kep, and v e) and DWI (ADCmin, ADCmax, and ADCmean), were analyzed and compared between the two groups.Multivariable binary logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses were performed to assess the diagnostic performance of significant individual quantitative parameters and combined parameters in distinguishing TDs from MLNs. Results: All morphological features, including size, shape, border, and signal intensity, as well as all DCE-MRI parameters showed significant differences between TDs and MLNs (all P < 0.05). However, ADC values did not demonstrate significant differences (all P > 0.05). Among the single quantitative parameters, v e had the highest diagnostic accuracy, with an area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.772 for distinguishing TDs from MLNs. A multivariable logistic regression model incorporating short axis, border, v e, and ADC mean improved diagnostic performance, achieving an AUC of 0.833 (P = 0.027). Conclusion The combination of morphological features, DCE-MRI parameters, and ADC values can effectively aid in the preoperative differentiation of TDs from MLNs in rectal cancer.

Objective: To evaluate the feasibility of dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI) in differentiating tumor deposits (TDs) from metastatic lymph nodes (MLNs) in rectal cancer. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 70 patients with rectal cancer, including 168 lesions (70 TDs and 98 MLNs confirmed by histopathology), who underwent pretreatment MRI and subsequent surgery between March 2019 and December 2022. The morphological characteristics of TDs and MLNs, along with quantitative parameters derived from DCE-MRI (K trans , kep, and v e) and DWI (ADCmin, ADCmax, and ADCmean), were analyzed and compared between the two groups.Multivariable binary logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses were performed to assess the diagnostic performance of significant individual quantitative parameters and combined parameters in distinguishing TDs from MLNs. Results: All morphological features, including size, shape, border, and signal intensity, as well as all DCE-MRI parameters showed significant differences between TDs and MLNs (all P < 0.05). However, ADC values did not demonstrate significant differences (all P > 0.05). Among the single quantitative parameters, v e had the highest diagnostic accuracy, with an area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.772 for distinguishing TDs from MLNs. A multivariable logistic regression model incorporating short axis, border, v e, and ADC mean improved diagnostic performance, achieving an AUC of 0.833 (P = 0.027). Conclusion The combination of morphological features, DCE-MRI parameters, and ADC values can effectively aid in the preoperative differentiation of TDs from MLNs in rectal cancer.

Objective: To evaluate the feasibility of dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI) in differentiating tumor deposits (TDs) from metastatic lymph nodes (MLNs) in rectal cancer. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 70 patients with rectal cancer, including 168 lesions (70 TDs and 98 MLNs confirmed by histopathology), who underwent pretreatment MRI and subsequent surgery between March 2019 and December 2022. The morphological characteristics of TDs and MLNs, along with quantitative parameters derived from DCE-MRI (K trans , kep, and v e) and DWI (ADCmin, ADCmax, and ADCmean), were analyzed and compared between the two groups.Multivariable binary logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses were performed to assess the diagnostic performance of significant individual quantitative parameters and combined parameters in distinguishing TDs from MLNs. Results: All morphological features, including size, shape, border, and signal intensity, as well as all DCE-MRI parameters showed significant differences between TDs and MLNs (all P < 0.05). However, ADC values did not demonstrate significant differences (all P > 0.05). Among the single quantitative parameters, v e had the highest diagnostic accuracy, with an area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.772 for distinguishing TDs from MLNs. A multivariable logistic regression model incorporating short axis, border, v e, and ADC mean improved diagnostic performance, achieving an AUC of 0.833 (P = 0.027). Conclusion The combination of morphological features, DCE-MRI parameters, and ADC values can effectively aid in the preoperative differentiation of TDs from MLNs in rectal cancer.

This study investigated the mechanism by which Jianpi Bushen Yiqi Decoction promotes acetylcholine receptor(AChR) clustering in myasthenia gravis through the Agrin/low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 4(LRP4)/muscle-specific receptor tyrosine kinases(MuSK) signaling pathway. A total of 114 female C57BL/6J mice were divided into the normal group, modeling group, and solvent control group. The normal group and the solvent control group were immunized with phosphate-buffered saline(PBS), while the modeling group was established as an experimental autoimmune myasthenia gravis(EAMG) model using the murine-derived AChR-α subunit R97-116 peptide fragment. After successful modeling, the mice were randomly assigned to the model group, the low-, medium-, and high-dose Jianpi Bushen Yiqi Decoction groups, and the prednisone group. After four weeks of continuous treatment, muscle strength was assessed using Lennon scores and grip strength tests. Immunofluorescence staining was conducted on differentiated C2C12 myotubes incubated with a drug-containing serum to observe the number of AChR clusters. The integrity of AChR on myofilaments in mouse gastrocnemius muscles was further assessed by immunofluorescence staining. Hematoxylin-Eosin(HE)staining was applied to examine pathological changes in the gastrocnemius muscles of EAMG mice treated with Jianpi Bushen Yiqi Decoction. Western blot was utilized to detect the expression of key proteins in the Agrin/LRP4/MuSK signaling pathway in both C2C12 myotubes and mouse gastrocnemius muscles. The results demonstrated that compared to the model group, the prednisone group exhibited a significant decrease in the body weights of mice, whereas no significant differences in the body weights of mice were observed among the low-, medium-, and high-dose Jianpi Bushen Yiqi Decoction groups. All treatment groups showed significantly improved grip strength and Lennon scores. Additionally, the formula promoted AChR clustering on myotubes and enhanced AChR integrity in gastrocnemius myofilaments and reduced inflammatory infiltration between muscle tissue and fibrous hyperplasia. Furthermore, Jianpi Bushen Yiqi Decoction upregulated the protein expression of AChRα1, Agrin, and p-MuSK in C2C12 myotubes and increased the protein expression of AChRα1, Agrin, MuSK, p-MuSK, LRP4, and docking protein 7(Dok-7)in gastrocnemius tissue. In conclusion, Jianpi Bushen Yiqi Decoction may promote AChR clustering by targeting key proteins in the Agrin/LRP4/MuSK signaling pathway, thereby improving neuromuscular junction function and enhancing muscle strength.
Animals ; Agrin/genetics* ; Mice ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage* ; Signal Transduction/drug effects* ; Receptors, Cholinergic/genetics* ; Female ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases/genetics* ; Neuromuscular Junction/metabolism* ; Myasthenia Gravis, Autoimmune, Experimental/physiopathology* ; Humans ; LDL-Receptor Related Proteins

Objective To explore whether ferulic acid can inhibit the progression of T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia in vivo and in vitro by regulating PTEN/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.Methods The T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia Jurkat cells were divided into the control group,the ferulic acid treatment group and the LY294002 treatment group for in vitro experiment.The cells in the control group were given normal culture;cells in the ferulic acid treatment group were given different concentrations(1.25,2.5,5,10,20,40,80,160 μmol/L)of ferulic acid,respectively,and the cell proliferation was detected by CCK-8 method,to screen the experimental concentration;cells in the LY294002 treatment group were given 50 μmol/L PI3K/AKT inhibitor LY294002.The cells proliferation,apoptosis and invasion were detected by clone formation assay,flow cytometry and Transwell assay.The relative expression levels of nuclear protein Ki67,proliferating cell nuclear antigen(PCNA),cleaved caspase-3,cleaved caspase-9,E-cadherin,N-cadherin,Vimentin,PTEN,p-PI3K,PI3K,p-AKT and AKT proteins were detected by Western blot.The nude mice models of transplanted tumors were constructed by 30 male BALB/c nude mice,and they were averagely divided into the normal group and the ferulic acid treatment group for in vivo experiment.The normal group was given normal saline by gavage,while the ferulic acid treatment group was given 75 mg/kg ferulic acid by gavage after inoculating Jurkat cells.The weight and volume changes of transplanted tumors were compared,and the levels of Ki67,cleaved caspase-3/caspase-3,E-cadherin,N-cadherin,PTEN,p-PI3K,PI3K,p-AKT and AKT in tumor tissues were detected.Results In vitro experiment,compared with the control group,the clone formation rate of cells,number of invasion cells,Ki67,PCNA,N-cadherin,Vimentin,p-PI3K/PI3K and p-AKT/AKT in the 5,10,20 μmol/L ferulic acid treatment group and the LY294002 treatment group were significantly decreased(P<0.05),while the apoptosis rate,cleaved caspase-3/caspase-3,cleaved caspase-9/caspase-9,E-cadherin and PTEN were significantly increased(P<0.05).In vivo experiment,compared with the normal group,the weight and volume of tumors were reduced in the ferulic acid treatment group,Ki67,N-cadherin,p-PI3K/PI3K and p-AKT/AKT in tumor tissues were significantly decreased,cleaved caspase-3/caspase-3,E-cadherin and PTEN were significantly increased,with statistically significant differences(P<0.05).Conclusion Ferulic acid can inhibit the proliferation and invasion of T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia Jurkat cells in vivo and in vitro,and induce apoptosis,its mechanism may be related to the regulation of PTEN/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.

Human brain banks use a standardized protocol to collect,process and store post-mortem human brains and related tissues,along with relevant clinical information,and to provide the tissue samples and data as a resource to foster neuroscience research according to a standardized operating protocols(SOP).Human brain bank serves as the foundation for neuroscience research and the diagnosis of neurological disorders,highlighting the crucial rule of ensuring the consistency of standardized quality for brain tissue samples.The first version of SOP in 2017 was published by the China Human Brain Bank Consortium.As members increases from different regions in China,a revised SOP was drafted by experts from the China Human Brain Bank Consortium to meet the growing demands for neuroscience research.The revised SOP places a strong emphasis on ethical standards,incorporates neuropathological evaluation of brain regions,and provides clarity on spinal cord sampling and pathological assessment.Notable enhancements in this updated version of the SOP include reinforced ethical guidelines,inclusion of matching controls in recruitment,and expansion of brain regions to be sampled for neuropathological evaluation.

AIM: To observe the expression levels of pigment epithelium-derived factor(PEDF)and vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)in lens epithelial cells(LECs)of diabetic patients with age-related cataract, and explore the pathogenesis of diabetic with age-related cataract.METHODS: Retrospectively study. A total of 30 patients with age-related cataract(ARC group)and 30 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus combined with age-related cataract(DC group)who treated at the Department of Ophthalmology of the First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College from August 2020 to April 2021 were collected. Anterior capsule specimens with a diameter of 5.5-6.0mm in the central region of the intraoperative eye were collected during phacoemulsification. The protein expression levels of PEDF and VEGF in LECs were detected by Western-blot. Quantitative real-time PCR(qRT-PCR)was used to detect the relative mRNA expression levels of PEDF and VEGF.RESULTS:PEDF and VEGF were expressed in LECs of both groups, and the relative expression of VEGF mRNA in DC group was 1.364±0.062, which was higher than that of ARC group(1.000±0.0; P<0.01). The relative mRNA expression level of PEDF was 0.398±0.053, which was significantly lower than 1.000±0.0 in the ARC group(P<0.001). The expression of VEGF protein in LECs was 2.053±0.026 in DC group and 1.680±0.064 in ARC group, respectively. Meanwhile, the expression of PEDF protein was 0.579±0.045 in DC group and 1.058±0.007 in ARC group(all P<0.01).CONCLUSION:The changes of PEDF and VEGF expression levels in LECs may be related to the occurrence and development of cataract in diabetic patients.

Objective: To evaluate different methods' efficacy of controlling acute bleeding and managing long-term menstruation in patients with heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) associated with antithrombotic therapy. Methods: The clinical data of 22 cases with HMB associated with antithrombotic therapy admitted to Peking University People's Hospital from January 2010 to August 2022 were analyzed, aged 39 years old (26-46 years). Changes in menstrual volume, hemoglobin (Hb), and quality of life were collected after control of acute bleeding and long-term menstrual management. Menstrual volume was assessed by pictorial blood assessment chart (PBAC), and quality of life was assessed by menorrhagia multi-attribute scale (MMAS). Results: (1) Treatment of acute bleeding: of the 22 cases with HMB associated with antithrombotic therapy, 16 cases were treated in our hospital and 6 in other hospital for emergency bleeding; of the 16 cases treated in our hospital, 3 underwent emergency intrauterine Foley catheter balloon compression due to severe bleeding (Hb decreased by 20 to 40 g/L within 12 hours). Of the 22 cases with antithrombotic therapy-related HMB, 15 (including 2 cases with severe bleeding) underwent emergency aspiration or endometrial resection, and intraoperative placement of levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) followed by a significant reduction in bleeding volume; 3 cases had controlled acute bleeding after rivaroxaban dose reduction and continued observation; 2 cases were given gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists to control acute bleeding in other hospital, of which 1 case was temporarily treated with periodic blood transfusion, and the other one patient underwent total hysterectomy; and 2 cases had temporary amenorrhea with oral mifepristone after intrauterine balloon compression or oral norethindrone. (2) Long-term menstrual management: of the 22 cases with antithrombotic therapy-related HMB, 15 had LNG-IUS placement and 12 had LNG-IUS placement for 6 months, and menstrual volume was significantly reduced [PBAC scores were 365.0 (272.5-460.0) vs 25.0 (12.5-37.5), respectively; Z=4.593, P<0.001], Hb was significantly increased [91.5 g/L (71.8-108.2 g/L) vs 128.5 g/L (121.2-142.5 g/L); Z=4.695, P<0.001], and quality of life was significantly improved [MMAS scores were 415.0 (327.5-472.5) vs 580.0 (570.0-580.0), respectively; Z=-3.062, P=0.002] before placement compared with 6 months after placement. Three rivaroxaban dose reduction patients' PBAC scores decreased by 20 to 35 but remained >100, and perceived quality of life did not change significantly. Two cases with temporary amenorrhea treated with oral mifepristone felt significantly improved quality of life, and the MMAS scores increased by 220 and 180, respectively. Conclusion: Intrauterine Foley catheter balloon compression, aspiration or endometrial ablation could be used to control acute bleeding in patients with antithrombotic therapy-related HMB, and LNG-IUS for long-term management could reduce menstrual volume, increase hemoglobin, and improve the quality of life of patients.
Female ; Humans ; Adult ; Menorrhagia/etiology* ; Fibrinolytic Agents/adverse effects* ; Levonorgestrel/adverse effects* ; Amenorrhea/drug therapy* ; Mifepristone/therapeutic use* ; Quality of Life ; Rivaroxaban/therapeutic use* ; Hemoglobins ; Intrauterine Devices, Medicated/adverse effects* ; Contraceptive Agents, Female