Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) can exhibit lateral neck lymph node metastasis at an early stage. Lateral neck lymph node metastasis is a crucial factor affecting the prognosis of PTC and is an absolute indication for neck lymph node dissection surgery. Additionally, it is a relative contraindication of endoscopic surgery for most medical centers. Therefore, the preoperative identification of lateral neck lymph node metastasis is vital for surgical decision-making and prognosis assessment. Ultrasound, CT, cytology, and clinical features can provide some information on lateral neck lymph node metastasis, but their accuracy does not fully meet clinical needs. Deep learning is a primary method for medical image recognition or feature extraction. In recent years, deep learning-based ultrasound, CT, cytology, conventional clinical parameters, or multimodal models combining these data have been developed and are expected to achieve routine clinical application. With the establishment and sharing of large datasets, automated annotation, algorithm optimization, and resolution of data security issues, deep learning is expected to accurately predict lateral neck lymph node metastasis in PTC. Furthermore, it can be integrated into electronic medical record systems for automated real-time analysis and assist clinical decision-making.

Acute large-vessel occlusive ischemic stroke has high disability and mortality rates，causing a great burden to social economy and health care system. Mechanical thrombectomy has become the standard treatment method for this disease，but some patients still have poor prognosis after successful recanalization of blood vessels，and therefore，it is important to explore the factors that can be used to judge the poor prognosis of patients. Quantitative electroencephalography can quantify and objectively assess the changing process of brain function in patients，and RAPID perfusion parameters based on brain CTP can rapidly quantify the local blood perfusion of brain tissue. This combination of perfusion neuroimaging and electrophysiological activity can quantify the severity of ischemia associated with cerebral infarction and functional damage to neurons. This article reviews the application value of these two methods in the prognostic evaluation of stroke.

BACKGROUND: The effect of the interval between previous Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) eradication and rescue treatment on therapeutic outcomes remains unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between eradication rates and treatment interval durations in H. pylori infections. METHODS: This prospective observational study was conducted from December 2021 to February 2023 at six tertiary hospitals in Shandong, China. We recruited patients who were positive for H. pylori infection and required rescue treatment. Demographic information, previous times of eradication therapy, last eradication therapy date, and history of antibiotic use data were collected. The patients were divided into four groups based on the rescue treatment interval length: Group A, ≥4 weeks and ≤3 months; Group B, >3 and ≤6 months; Group C, >6 and ≤12 months; and Group D, >12 months. The primary outcome was the eradication rate of H. pylori . Drug compliance and adverse events (AEs) were also assessed. Pearson's χ2 test or Fisher's exact test was used to compare eradication rates between groups. RESULTS: A total of 670 patients were enrolled in this study. The intention-to-treat (ITT) eradication rates were 88.3% (158/179) in Group A, 89.6% (120/134) in Group B, 89.1% (123/138) in Group C, and 87.7% (192/219) in Group D. The per-protocol (PP) eradication rates were 92.9% (156/168) in Group A, 94.5% (120/127) in Group B, 94.5% (121/128) in Group C, and 93.6% (190/203) in Group D. There was no statistically significant difference in the eradication rates between groups in either the ITT ( P = 0.949) or PP analysis ( P = 0.921). No significant differences were observed in the incidence of AEs ( P = 0.934) or drug compliance ( P = 0.849) between groups. CONCLUSION: The interval duration of rescue treatment had no significant effect on H. pylori eradication rates or the incidence of AEs. REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov , NCT05173493.
Humans ; Helicobacter Infections/drug therapy* ; Helicobacter pylori/pathogenicity* ; Male ; Female ; Prospective Studies ; Middle Aged ; Anti-Bacterial Agents/adverse effects* ; Adult ; Aged ; Treatment Outcome ; Proton Pump Inhibitors/therapeutic use*

This study aimed to comprehensively examine the association of gallstones, cholecystectomy, and cancer risk. Multivariable logistic regressions were performed to estimate the observational associations of gallstones and cholecystectomy with cancer risk, using data from a nationwide cohort involving 239 799 participants. General and gender-specific two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was further conducted to assess the causalities of the observed associations. Observationally, a history of gallstones without cholecystectomy was associated with a high risk of stomach cancer (adjusted odds ratio (aOR)=2.54, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.50-4.28), liver and bile duct cancer (aOR=2.46, 95% CI 1.17-5.16), kidney cancer (aOR=2.04, 95% CI 1.05-3.94), and bladder cancer (aOR=2.23, 95% CI 1.01-5.13) in the general population, as well as cervical cancer (aOR=1.69, 95% CI 1.12-2.56) in women. Moreover, cholecystectomy was associated with high odds of stomach cancer (aOR=2.41, 95% CI 1.29-4.49), colorectal cancer (aOR=1.83, 95% CI 1.18-2.85), and cancer of liver and bile duct (aOR=2.58, 95% CI 1.11-6.02). MR analysis only supported the causal effect of gallstones on stomach, liver and bile duct, kidney, and bladder cancer. This study added evidence to the causal effect of gallstones on stomach, liver and bile duct, kidney, and bladder cancer, highlighting the importance of cancer screening in individuals with gallstones.
Humans ; Mendelian Randomization Analysis ; Gallstones/complications* ; Female ; Male ; Cholecystectomy/statistics & numerical data* ; Middle Aged ; Risk Factors ; Aged ; Adult ; Neoplasms/etiology* ; Stomach Neoplasms/epidemiology*

Objective To observe the correlations of pontine biological indicators on fetal brain median sagittal MRI with gestational week.Methods Data of head MRI of 226 normal fetuses without obvious abnormalities of central nervous system(normal group)and 17 fetuses with abnormalities(abnormal group)at gestational age of 23 to 38 weeks were retrospectively analyzed.Pontine biological indicators based on median sagittal MRI were obtained,including pons anteroposterior diameter(PAD),total pons area(TPA),pontine basal anteroposterior length(AP),pontine basal cranio-caudal length(CC),basis pontis area(BPA)and pontine angle of midbrain(MAP).According to the gestational week,the fetuses of normal group were divided into 8 subgroups.The distributing ranges of pontine biological indicators at different gestational weeks were analyzed,and the correlations of pontine biological indicators with gestational week in normal group were explored,and the developmental status of fetal pons in abnormal group were assessed.Results In normal group,PAD,TPA,AP,CC and BPA all showed linear positive correlation(r=0.887,0.914,0.787,0.866,0.865,all P＜0.001),while MAP was not significantly correlated with gestational week(P＞0.05).Among 17 fetuses in abnormal group,abnormal PAD or TPA was found each in 8 fetuses,abnormal AP was observed in 14,abnormal CC was noticed in 3 and abnormal BPA was found in 11 fetuses.Conclusion Fetal pontine biological indicators such as PAD,TPA,AP,CC and BPA on median sagittal MRI were positively correlated with gestational week,hence being able to be used for evaluating fetal pontine development.

ObjectiveTo investigate the possible mechanism of electroacupuncture at Fengchi （GB 20）， Yanglingquan （GB 34） and Waiguan （TE 5） for acute migraine attacks by peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ/ nuclear transcription factor-κB pathway in the trigeminal neurovascular system. MethodsForty SD rats were randomly divided into blank group， model group， electroacupuncture group， electroacupuncture plus inhibitor group， and agonist group， 8 rats in each group. Except for the blank group， rats were injected with inflammation decoction intracranial catheter to establish rat models of acute migraine. Thirty minutes after modelling， the electroacupuncture group was given 0.9% NaCl solution by intraperitoneal injection and then electroacupuncture at "Fengchi" （GB 20）， "Yanglingquan" （GB 34）， and "Waiguan" （TE 5） for 30 mins； the electroacupuncture plus inhibitor group was given PPARγ inhibitor T0070907 （1.5 mg/kg） and eclectroacupuncture as the above for 30 mins； the agonist group was given PPARγ inhibitor pioglitazone hydrochloride （10 mg/kg） for 30 mins. Rats in the blank group and the model group were injected intraperitoneally with 0.9% NaCl solution and then bound and restrained for 30 mins. Behavioural scores were evaluated before modelling， 30 mins after modelling （pre-intervention） and post-intervention； after the last behavioural test， PPARγ， NF-κB p65 mRNA content in rat dura mater was detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR； protein expression of PPARγ， NF-κB p65， interleukin 6 （IL-6）， tumour necrosis factor α （TNF-α） in spinal trigeminal nucleus of rats was detected by protein blotting； immunofluorescence double-labelling method was used to detect the fluorescence intensity of PPARγ， NF-κB p65 in spinal trigeminal nucleus of rats. ResultsCompared with the blank group at the same time， the behavioural scores of rats in the remaining groups increased after modelling and after intervention （P＜0.01）. Compared with the model group at the same time， the beha-vioural scores of rats in the electroacupuncture group， electroacupuncture plus inhibitor group， and agonist group decreased after the intervention （P＜0.01）. Compared with the electroacupuncture group at the same time， beha-vioural scores reduced in the agonist group and elevated in the electroacupuncture plus inhibitor group after intervention （P＜0.01）. Compared with the blank group， expression of PPARγ and NF-κB p65 mRNA elevated in the dura mater of rats in the model group， and expression of PPARγ， NF-κB p65， IL-6， and TNF-α protein enhanced in spinal trigeminal nucleus， and the fluorescence intensity of PPARγ and NF-κB p65 enhanced （P＜0.01）. Compared with the model group， PPARγ mRNA expression in dura mater elevated and NF-κB p65 mRNA expression reduced in each intervention group， PPARγ protein expression in spinal trigeminal nucleus enhanced， and NF-κB p65， IL-6， and TNF-α protein expression weakened； in the electroacupuncture group and the agonist group， PPARγ fluorescence intensity enhanced， and the fluorescence intensity of NF-κB p65 weakened in each intervention group （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. Compared with the electroacupuncture group， in the electroacupuncture plus inhibitor group， PPARγ mRNA， protein expression and fluorescence intensity reduced， NF-κB p65 mRNA， protein expression and fluorescence intensity elevated， and IL-6 and TNF-α protein expression enhanced； in the agonist group， PPARγ mRNA and protein expression elevated， NF-κB p65 mRNA and protein expression reduced， and IL-6 and TNF-α protein expression decreased （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. ConclusionElectroacupuncture at "Fengchi" （GB 20）， "Yanglingquan" （GB 34） and "Waiguan" （TE 5） can can reduce the symptoms of acute migraine attacks in rats， and its mechanism may be related to the up-regulation of PPARγ expression and the reduction of NF-κB expression， thus inhibiting the neurogenic inflammatory response.

Objective To investigate the application value of multi slice spiral computed tomography(MSCT)in the diagnosis of bilateral Wilms tumor(BWT)in children.Methods The clinical and CT data of 7 children with BWT confirmed by clinical,imaging and pathology were analyzed retrospectively,and all cases underwent CT plain scanning and enhancement CT.Results Two cases were complicated with hypospadias,1 case with cryptorchidism,and 1 case with WAGR syndrome.There were 19 lesions in 14 kid-neys in 7 cases.The lesions were single in 10 kidneys and multiple in 4 kidneys on CT.CT flat scan showed that there were 3 solid lesions,16 cystic lesions,and there were different degrees of necrotic cystic changes inside,2 combined with bleeding,10 calcification,15 clear boundaries,and 4 exudation around.CT enhancement showed that the tumor body was unevenly strengthened,the necrotic cystic area was not strengthened,and the residual renal parenchyma was significantly strengthened.The typical signs were crescent signs and cuddle-ball signs,with 1 case of left renal venous thrombosis and 1 case of the invasion of renal pelvis.Conclusion MSCT can be used in the preoperative diagnosis of BWT in children,to evaluate the effect of chemotherapy and the postoperative evaluation,and to follow-up with and without recurrence and metastasis,so as to provide an important value for clinical diagnosis and treatment.

Objective To investigate the characteristics of CT findings in pediatric ovarian torsion and improve the understanding of pediatric ovarian torsion.Methods The clinical and CT data of 20 cases of ovarian torsion confirmed by pathology and/or surgery were analyzed retrospectively,based on the timing of ovarian torsion,they were divided into fetal and non-fetal groups.All 20 cases underwent plain CT scan and 11 cases underwent CT enhancement.Results All of the 20 cases were unilateral duplication,including 12 cases right and 8 cases left.There were 8 cases of ovarian torsion in the fetal group,all of them were visited with the finding of abdominal mass.The eggshell calcification on CT manifestations was found in 8 cases,and 2 cases of pelvic effusion.There were 12 cases of ovarian torsion in the non-fetal group,all of them presented with abdominal pain,CT showed the disc sign in 7 cases,peduncular protrusion sign in 6 cases,adnexal bleeding sign in 2 cases,subcapsular effusion sign in 2 cases,the uterus displaced to the ipsilateral ovary in 6 cases and pelvic effusion in 10 cases.The disc sign and peduncular protrusion sign were direct signs for the diagnosis of ovarian torsion,and the adnexal bleeding sign and subcapsular effusion sign suggested the possibility of necrosis.Conclusion Pediatric ovarian torsion CT findings with typical signs such as disc sign,peduncular protrusion sign,adnexal bleeding sign and subcapsular effusion sign,combined with clinical history,a more accurate diagnosis can be given,providing assistance in clinical treatment.

Objective:This study aims to explore the temporal trend of Low Anterior Resection Syndrome (LARS) and its symptoms after laparoscopic anterior resection for rectal cancer.Methods:A retrospective cohort study design was employed. The study included primary rectal (adenocarcinoma) cancer patients who underwent laparoscopic anterior resection at Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, between January 1, 2010, and December 31, 2020. Complete medical records and follow-up data at 3, 6, 9, 12, and 18 months postoperatively were available for all patients. A total of 1454 patients were included, of whom 1094 (75.2%) were aged ≤65 years, and 597 (41.1%) were females. Among them, 1040 cases (71.5%) had an anastomosis-to-anus distance of 0-5cm, and 86 cases (5.9%) received neoadjuvant treatment. All patients completed the Chinese version of the LARS questionnaire and their LARS occurrence and specific symptom information were recorded at 3, 6, 9, 12, and 18 months postoperatively. Considering past literature and clinical experience, further subgroup analyses were performed to explore the potential impact factors on severe LARS, including anastomosis level, preoperative neoadjuvant therapy, postoperative adjuvant therapy, and the presence of preventive stoma.Results:The occurrence rates of LARS at 3, 6, 9, 12, and 18 months postoperatively were 78.5% (1142/1454), 71.4% (1038/1454), 55.0% (799/1454), 45.7% (664/1454), and 45.7% (664/1454), respectively (χ 2=546.180 , P<0.001). No statistically significant difference was observed between the 12-month and 18-month time points ( P>0.05). When compared with the symptoms at 3 months, the occurrence rates of gas incontinence [1.7% (24/1454) vs. 33.9% (493/1454)], liquid stool incontinence [3.9% (56/1454) vs. 41.9% (609/1454)], increased stool frequency [79.6% (1158/1454) vs. 95.9% (1395/1454)], stool clustering [74.3% (1081/1454) vs. 92.9% (1351/1454)], and stool urgency [46.5% (676/1454) vs. 78.7% (1144/1454)] in the LARS symptom spectrum were significantly alleviated at 12 months (all P<0.05) and remained stable beyond 12 months (all P>0.05). With the extension of postoperative time, the incidence rates of severe LARS exhibited a decreasing trend in different subgroups, of anastomosis level, preoperative neoadjuvant therapy, postoperative adjuvant therapy, and the presence of preventive stoma, and reached stability at 12 months postoperatively (all P>0.05). Conclusion:LARS and its specific symptom profile showed a trend of gradual improvement over time up to 1 year postoperatively, and stabilized after more than 1 year. Increased stool frequency and stool clustering are the most common features of abnormal bowel dys function, which improve slowly after surgery.