Objective To analyze the scanning parameters and radiation dose characteristics of pediatric CT examinations in Jiangxi Province, China, and to provide a basis for optimizing radiation protection in children. Methods The data of 1021 CT scans in children aged 0-15 years were collected from seven hospitals in Jiangxi Province, including one provincial hospital, four municipal hospitals, and two county-level hospitals. The data consisted of 405 head scans, 352 chest scans, and 264 abdominal scans. The scanning parameters kV, mAs, and scan length as well as the dose metrics weighted CT dose index and dose length product (DLP) were analyzed. Differences across age groups, anatomical regions, and hospitals were compared using one-way analysis of variance, and the results were compared with domestic and foreign studies. Results There were significant differences in scanning parameters and radiation doses among children of different age groups in CT examinations, and the differences between hospitals were also significant. The chest mAs and DLP in Hospital E were significantly higher than those in Hospital A, and the abdominal DLP in Hospital D was 4.3 times that of Hospital A. Compared with domestic and foreign studies, the DLP values of various anatomical regions in the < 1 year group were generally higher in the present study. The abdominal DLP in the < 1 year group (232.4 mGy·cm) was 3.3 times that in Tianjin. The head DLP in the 1-5 year group was higher than those in Germany and the United States. The chest DLP of the 11-15 year group was higher than that in Germany but lower than that in Henan Province. Conclusion There are significant differences in radiation doses received by children during CT examination in Jiangxi Province by age, anatomical region, and hospital, with some metrics exceeding domestic and international levels. Recommendations include optimizing scanning parameters (e.g., reducing mA/kV and adopting automatic exposure control technology), standardizing scan ranges, and establishing local diagnostic reference levels to mitigate radiation risks.

Objective:To observe the mechanism of electroacupuncture on nerve repair in mice with neuropathic pain based on the protein kinase C(PKC)-purinergic receptor P2X ligand-gated ion channel 3(P2X3)signal pathway.Methods:A total of 48 mice were randomly divided into sham group,model group,acupuncture group and electroacupuncture group,with 12 mice in each group.Except the sham group,the other mice were constructed with chronic constriction injury(CCI)model.On the 8th day after operation,acupuncture group and electroacupuncture group received acupuncture and electroacupuncture interventions for 7 days.Mechanical withdrawal threshold(MWT)and thermal withdrawal latency(TWL)were measured before operation and 3rd,5th,7th,10th,12th and 14th day after operation.All mice were killed 15 days after operation.The histomorphology of sciatic nerve was ob-served by HE staining.The levels of IL-1β and TNF-α in spinal cord were detected by ELISA.PKC and P2X3 levels in spinal cord tis-sue were detected by Western blot.PKC and P2X3 expressions in spinal cord neurons were detected by Immunofluorescence.Results:In the sham group,the neuronal cells were of different sizes,the cell membrane was intact,the cytoplasm was fine and granular,the nucleus was large and round,and the nucleolus was clearlyvisible in the middle.Atrophic neurons could be seen in the model group,myelinated nerve fibers were disordered,axons were swollen,and spaces were formed between neurons.Compared with the model group,the number of atrophic neurons decreased in the acupuncture group and the electroacupuncture group(P<0.05),the arrange-ment of myelinated nerve fibers improved and the improvement in the electroacupuncture group was more obvious than that in the acu-puncture group.Compared with the sham group at the same time point,on the 3rd,5th,7th,10th,12th and 14th day after opera-tion,the MWT and TWL values of the model group,acupuncture group and electroacupuncture group decreased significantly(P<0.05),while the expressions of IL-1β,TNF-α,PKC,P2X3,the numbers of PKC and P2X3 positive cells and the average optical den-sity increased(P<0.05).Compared with the model group,the values of MWT and TWL in the acupuncture group and electroacupunc-ture group increased significantly on the 10th,12th and 14th day after operation(P<0.05),while the expression of IL-1β,TNF-α,PKC,P2X3,the number of PKC and P2X3 positive cells and the average optical density decreased(P<0.05).Compared with the acu-puncture group,the values of MWT and TWL in the electroacupuncture group increased significantly on the 10th,12th and 14th day after operation(P<0.05),while the expressions of IL-1β,TNF-α,PKC,P2X3,the numbers of PKC and P2X3 positive cells and the average optical density decreased(P<0.05).Conclusion:Electroacupuncture can reduce the neuroinflammatory reaction of CCI model mice,reduce the expression levels of PKC and P2X3,improve the morphology of sciatic nerve cells and the arrangement of myelinated nerve fibers,reduce the gap between neurons,increase the values of MWT and TWL,and relieve the degree of neuropathic pain.

The structure and biological function of CXCL12/CXCR4 are the basis of physiological and pathological function.Combination of HIV-1 envelope protein and CXCR4 will promote the entry of virus into host cells.CXCL12 can reduce the number of CXCR4 through rapid endocytosis and inhibit the replication and transmission of HIV.The interaction of CXCL12/CXCR4 axis with in-flammation and autophagy plays an important role in HIV infection.Previous research has found that gene expression profiles of differ-ent TCM syndromes of acquired immunedeficiency syndrome(AIDS)are different.CXCR4 has different expression in AIDS,lung and spleen qi deficiency syndrome,Qi Yin deficiency syndrome and dampness heat syndrome,which is related to chemokine signaling pathway;the differential gene CXCR4 in peripheral blood of AIDS patients with lung and spleen qi deficiency syndrome is related to au-tophagy process.According to the intervention of Yiaikang Capsule,CXCR4 expression is increased,indicating that Yiaikang Capsule can regulate the expression of autophagy related genes.Research on the role of CXCL12/CXCR4 in TCM syndromes of AIDS is condu-cive to better play the therapeutic advantages of TCM and provide a new direction for gene targeted therapy.

Objective To explore the feasibility of minimally invasive autopsy by natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery.Methods Autopsy was performed on a deceased patient with COVID-19 via transesophageal,transtrachea,and transgastric natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery.The white light endoscopic manifestations of the corresponding organs were observed,and organ tissue specimens were obtained for routine pathological examination.Results All four pathways reached the corresponding organs successfully.Diffuse congestion and submucous bleeding were seen in the trachea,bronchus and bronchus of the pulmonary lobes.The bronchus of the left lower lobe was filled with dark red sputum;the surface of the left lung was congested obviously.Four thrombi and plaque rupture were seen on the aortic wall.The gastric mucosa was congested,eroded,and had active ulcers.The surface of heart and liver was smooth.Small lamellar panniculitis was seen in the omentum.Routine pathology showed chronic inflammation with acute inflammation of the bronchial mucosa and inflammatory exudation,and partial squamous metaplasia of the epithelium.In lung tissue,some alveolar epithelial hyperplasia,a little fibrin-like exudation,widened alveolar septa,and infiltration of acute and chronic inflammatory cells were seen.The columnar epithelial mucosa of the gastric mucosa showed chronic inflammation with acute inflammation and exudates and fungal masses.Conclusion Natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery is feasible for autopsy,and covid-19 virus can cause multi-system and multi-organ damage.

BACKGROUND: Rapid on-site evaluation (ROSE) is a technique used for simultaneous evaluation of biopsy specimens through rapid cytology staining. Diff-Quik (DQ) staining is the most commonly employed method for cytological rapid on-site evaluation (C-ROSE). However, the utilization of DQ staining for on-site cytological interpretation remains uncommon among pathologists in China, posing challenges to the implementation of C-ROSE. This study aims to assess the application of rapid hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and DQ staining for C-ROSE during percutaneous needle biopsy of peripheral lung cancer and evaluate the value of rapid HE staining in C-ROSE. METHODS: Computed tomography (CT)-guided lung biopsies were conducted on 300 patients diagnosed with peripheral lung cancer. The patients were randomly assigned to two groups for C-ROSE using either rapid HE staining or DQ staining, and subsequently the two methods were compared and evaluated. RESULTS: The concordance rate between C-ROSE and histopathological diagnosis was 96.7%. The median staining time for rapid HE staining was 160 s, while that for DQ staining was 120 s, representing a significant difference between the two groups (P<0.001). However, there were no significant differences observed in terms of total biopsy time, concordance rate with histopathology, cytology specimen peeling rate, and incidence of serious adverse reactions between the two groups (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS Both staining methods comply with C-ROSE criteria in the biopsy setting of peripheral lung cancer. Rapid HE staining is more aligned with domestic clinical requirements and holds potential for further promotion and adoption in C-ROSE.
Humans ; Lung Neoplasms/pathology* ; Eosine Yellowish-(YS) ; Rapid On-site Evaluation ; Biopsy, Needle/methods* ; Staining and Labeling

Objective:To analyze the mutation types and distribution characteristics of thalassemia gene among high-risk populations in Sanya City, and to evaluate the effectiveness of blood routine screening, in order to provide scientific basis for formulating measures for prevention and control of thalassemia in Sanya City.Methods:Retrospective analysis was used to collect detection results and clinical data from high-risk individuals who completed genetic screening for thalassemia at Sanya Materal and Child Health Hospital from January 2019 to August 2021. Mutation types and distribution characteristics of thalassemia gene were analyzed, and the missed detection rate and sensitivity of blood routine indicators [mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH)] were evaluated based on the results of genetic screening for thalassemia.Results:A total of 5 760 high-risk individuals were included in the screening results of thalassemia genes, and 3 868 samples of thalassemia gene mutations were detected, with a detection rate of 67.15%. Among them, there were 2 979 samples with α-thalassemia genetic mutations, with a detection rate of 51.72%; including 2 966 common genotype samples (99.56%), the main genotype was αα/-α 3.7 (20.14%, 600/2 979); 13 rare genotype samples (0.44%), 4 cases of αα/-- THAI, 3 cases of α CD40(AAG>AA-)α/αα, 2 cases of α PPα/αα, and 1 case of Fusion gene/αα, Fusion gene/α WSα, α WSα/α PPα, and α CD40(AAG>AA-)α/α WSα each. There were 340 samples with β-thalassemia gene mutations, with a detection rate of 5.90%; including 336 common genotype samples (98.82%). The β CD41/42/β N genotype was dominant (57.65%, 196/340); 4 rare genotype samples (1.18%), β CD5(-CT)/β N, β IVS-Ⅱ-2(-T)/β N, β IVS-Ⅱ-761(-T)/β N and β Initiation(ATG>AGG)/β N 1 case each. There were 549 samples of αβ-compound type thalassemia, with a detection rate of 9.53%. The α missing recombination β CD41/42 genotype was dominant (61.02%, 335/549). There were a total of 4 226 samples that could be traced back to MCV and MCH. Among them, 3 007 samples were found to have mutations in thalassemia genes through screening, 2 584 cases were found to have abnormalities in the combination of MCV and MCH indicators, and 423 samples were missed in blood routine screening, with a missed detection rate of 14.07% (423/3 007). The missed samples were mainly α static type, accounting for 89.13% (377/423) of the total missed samples. The screening sensitivity of MCV combined with MCH for α-, β- and αβ-compound type thalassemia was 82.65%, 98.07% and 98.15%, respectively. Conclusion:The types of genetic mutations in thalassemia in Sanya City are complex and diverse, and there are certain omissions in the blood routine screening of MCV combined with MCH.

Objective To study mechanical properties of polyethylene terephthalate (PET)-based textile valves woven with nickel-titanium (NiTi) wires by finite element method, and combined with in vitro hemodynamic testing, to analyze the effect of wire quantity and woven position on hemodynamic performance of PET textile valve. Methods The three-dimensional (3D) geometric models of PET valves without wires and models of PET valves with wires by different numbers and distributions in radial direction were constructed using modeling software. Material properties of PET valves and wires were given based on the literature and experimental data. The transvalvular pressure difference curves of PET valves obtained from in vitro pulsatile flow experiments were used as boundary conditions. Stress distributions of the valve during peak systole and diastole were studied by finite element analysis software. Hydrodynamic performance of the valve with wires was evaluated by in vitro pulsatile flow experiments. ResultsThe finite element analysis results showed that the radially woven NiTi wires could enhance support for the PET textile valve, and support force and area of the valve in belly region of the valve leaflet with evenly distributed metal wires increased with the number of metal wires. The situation of support force was similar for silk distributions on both sides of the belly. The weaving of wires reduced stress concentration on the PET textile valve to a certain extent. The pulsatile flow experiment results showed that the stability of opening and closing shapes, effective opening area (EOA), regurgitation fraction (RF) and transvalvular pressure differences for two kinds of the PET valves with woven wires were better than those of the PET valves without wires. Conclusions Weaving metal wires in radial direction of the PET textile valve can effectively reduce stress concentrations on the PET textile valve during the cardiac cycle, and reduce tearing possibility of the valve leaflet. The woven metal wires can improve opening and closing stability of PET textile valve in in vitro hydrodynamic test, increase EOA and reduce RF and transvalvular pressure difference of the PET valve.

Objective:To correlate bone mineral density with serum bone metabolism indexes in patients with hyperthyroidism.Methods:Thirty patients with hyperthyroidism who received treatment in the General Hospital of Taiyuan Iron and Steel (Group) Co., Ltd. from January 2018 to August 2019 were included in the hyperthyroidism group. Additional 30 healthy subjects who concurrently received routine physical examination were included in the control group. Bone mineral density in all subjects was measured by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. Bone metabolism indexes in all subjects were measured using a Roche chemiluminescence instrument: 25-hydroxyvitamin D level [25(OH)D], aminoterminal propeptide of type I procollagen (PINP) and beta-cardiotoxin (β-CTX). Correlation between bone mineral density and serum bone metabolism indexes was analyzed using Spearman method.Results:Bone mineral density in lumbar vertebrae 1-4 [(0.86 ± 0.14) g/cm 3], left femoral neck [(0.79 ± 0.07) g/cm 3] and left hip joint [(0.72 ± 0.10) g/cm 3] in the hyperthyroidism group was significantly lower than that in the control group [(1.28 ± 0.21) g/cm 3, (1.03 ± 0.18) g/cm 3, (0.86 ± 0.13) g/cm 3, t = 9.115, 6.806, 4.675, all P < 0.001]. There were 6 cases of osteoporosis, 12 cases of osteopenia and 12 cases of normal bone in the hyperthyroidism group. There was 1 case of osteoporosis, 6 cases of osteopenia and 23 cases of normal bone in the control group. There was significant difference in the number of cases developing osteoporosis between hyperthyroidism and control groups ( Z = 2.968, P < 0.05). Serum level of 25(OH)D in the hyperthyroidism group was significantly lower than that in the control group [(16.89 ± 4.31) μg/L vs. (24.13 ± 5.48) μg/L, t = 5.688, P < 0.001]. Serum levels of PINP and β-CTX in the hyperthyroidism group were significantly lower than those in the control group [PINP: (49.37 ± 10.23) μg/L vs. (47.68 ± 6.49) μg/L; β-CTX: (774.56 ± 159.67) ng/L vs. (534.32 ± 167.48) ng/L, t = 45.974 and 5.687, both P < 0.001]. In the hyperthyroidism group, bone mineral density at lumbar vertebrae 1-4, left femoral neck and left hip joint was positively correlated with serum level of 25(OH)D ( r = 0.417, 0.396, 0.401, all P < 0.05), and it was negatively correlated with serum levels of PINP and β-CTX ( r = -0.414, -0.399, -0.432, -0.404, -0.387, -0.412, all P < 0.05). Conclusion:Hyperthyroidism patients generally have low bone mineral density and accelerated bone metabolism. It is of great significance to regularly monitor bone mineral density and serum bone metabolism indexes in hyperthyroidism patients to prevent osteoporosis.

Objective:To evaluate the psychological pain of patients with head and neck cancer aged ≥60 years old before and after intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT).Methods:Distress Thermometer (DT)(Chinese version) was used to investigate the degree and problems of psychological pain before and after IMRT for 85 elderly patients with head and neck cancer. The results before and after IMRT were compared by paired t-test. Relevant factors were identified by Logistic regression analysis. Results:The median age in the cohort was 66 years old (60-85 years old). The incidence rates of psychological pain were 73% and 87% before and after IMRT ( P<0.001). The corresponding incidence rates of severe distress were 6% and 34%( P<0.001). The main distress problems before IMRT were memory loss/attention deficit, worry, oral pain, economic problems, stress, sleep problems, and dry nose. The significantly-increased distress problems after IMRT were oral pain, constipation, eating, nausea, and dry nose. Logistic regression analysis showed gender ( OR=5.520, 95% CI 1.437-21.212, P=0.013), pre-treatment PG-SGA score ( OR=1.220, 95% CI 1.048-1.421, P=0.010) and medical insurance ( OR=0.230, 95% CI 0.053-0.995, P=0.049) were the relevant factors of the severe psychological distress before IMRT. Occupation ( OR=2.286, 95% CI 1.291-4.050, P=0.005) and medical insurance ( OR=0.089, 95% CI 0.029-0.276, P<0.001) were the relevant factors of severe psychological distress after IMRT. Conclusion:The incidence rate of distress is high in elderly patients with head and neck cancer before IMRT, which can be aggravated after IMRT, primarily the treatment-related physical pain problems.

Objective:To identify the population who can obtain clinical benefit from concurrent chemoradiotherapy through the survival analysis during concurrent chemoradiotherapy in different subgroups.Methods:All data from a phase Ⅲ randomized controlled clinical trial were collected to compare the efficacy between preoperative concurrent chemoradiotherapy and preoperative radiotherapy from 2002 to 2012 in Cancer Hospital of the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences. A total of 222 patients received radiation therapy with a median dose of 69.96 Gy (27.56-76.00 Gy). The cisplatin chemotherapy regimen was adopted and the median dose was 250 mg (100-570 mg). In total, 98 patients received intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT). The survival analysis was conducted with Kaplan- Meier method and univariate analysis was performed with log-rank test. The multivariate prognostic analysis was conducted with Cox’s regression model. Results:The median follow-up time was 59 months (7-139 months). Among them, 104 patients were assigned in the chemoradiotherapy group and 118 patients in the radiotherapy alone group. The local and regional recurrence rates did not significantly differ between two groups (both P>0.05), while chemoradiotherapy tended to decrease the distant metastasis rate compared with the radiotherapy alone (14.4% vs. 24.6, P=0.058). Univariate analysis showed that concurrent chemoradiotherapy significantly increased the local recurrence-free survival in the early N stage subgroup ( P=0.009), and there was an increasing trend in patients aged≤55 years and female patients ( P=0.052, 0.066). The distant metastasis-free survival was significantly improved in T 4( P=0.048), N 3( P=0.005), non-IMRT treatment ( P=0.001) and hypopharyngeal carcinoma ( P=0.004) subgroups, there was an increasing trend in male ( P=0.064), high-and moderate-grade squamous cell carcinoma ( P=0.076) and non-surgical treatment subgroups ( P=0.063). Multivariate analyses showed that concurrent chemoradiotherapy significantly prolonged the progression-free survival and overall survival in patients aged≤55 years ( P=0.017 and 0.039), women ( P=0.041 and 0.039), high-and moderate-grade squamous cell carcinoma ( P=0.006 and 0.022), N 3 stage ( P=0.001 and 0.017), non-surgical treatment ( P=0.007 and 0.033) and non-IMRT treatment subgroups ( P=0.030 and 0.024), and it significantly increased the progression-free survival in patients with hypopharyngeal carcinoma ( P=0.022). Conclusion:Concurrent chemoradiotherapy can be actively delivered for young age, female, high-and moderate-grade squamous cell carcinoma, N 3 stage, non-surgical treatment and non-IMRT treatment patients.