OBJECTIVES: We propose a multi-feature fusion model based on manually extracted features and deep learning features from endoscopic images for grading rebleeding risk of peptic ulcers. METHODS: Based on the endoscopic appearance of peptic ulcers, color features were extracted to distinguish active bleeding (Forrest I) from non-bleeding ulcers (Forrest II and III). The edge and texture features were used to describe the morphology and appearance of the ulcers in different grades. By integrating deep features extracted from a deep learning network with manually extracted visual features, a multi-feature representation of endoscopic images was created to predict the risk of rebleeding of peptic ulcers. RESULTS: In a dataset consisting of 3573 images from 708 patients with Forrest classification, the proposed multi-feature fusion model achieved an accuracy of 74.94% in the 6-level rebleeding risk classification task, outperforming the experienced physicians who had a classification accuracy of 59.9% (P<0.05). The F1 scores of the model for identifying Forrest Ib, IIa, and III ulcers were 90.16%, 75.44%, and 77.13%, respectively, demonstrating particularly good performance of the model for Forrest Ib ulcers. Compared with the first model for peptic ulcer rebleeding classification, the proposed model had improved F1 scores by 5.8%. In the simplified 3-level risk (high-risk, low-risk, and non-endoscopic treatment) classification task, the model achieved F1 scores of 93.74%, 81.30%, and 73.59%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS The proposed multi-feature fusion model integrating deep features from CNNs with manually extracted visual features effectively improves the accuracy of rebleeding risk classification for peptic ulcers, thus providing an efficient diagnostic tool for clinical assessment of rebleeding risks of peptic ulcers.
Humans ; Deep Learning ; Peptic Ulcer ; Risk Assessment ; Peptic Ulcer Hemorrhage ; Recurrence

Objective:To analyze the diagnostic value of bedside capsule endoscopy in patients with acute or severe gastrointestinal bleeding.Methods:Clinical data from patients who underwent bedside capsule endoscopy due to acute or severe suspected gastrointestinal bleeding in Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University from June 2018 to September 2021 were analyzed retrospectively. The efficacy of capsule endoscopy in detecting upper gastrointestinal tract and small intestinal bleeding was evaluated.Results:A total of 74 patients underwent bedside capsule endoscopy for suspected acute or severe gastrointestinal bleeding. Five patients were excluded due to failure of examination due to retention of capsule endoscope in the gastric lumen, and 69 were included in the study, of whom 54 patients with a definitive diagnosis of gastrointestinal hemorrhage. The positive detection rate of the capsule endoscopy was 83.33% (45/54), including 17 cases of ulcer, 5 cases of erosion, 5 cases of vascular malformation, 4 protrusion mass, 4 diverticulum, 5 obscure gastrointestinal bleeding, 1 stenosis , 1 active mucosal blood exudation, 1 gastric retention, 1 mucosal swelling, and 1 mucosal wrinkle change. The sensitivity and specificity of capsule endoscopy in the diagnosis of upper gastrointestinal bleeding were 92.31% (12/13) and 75.00% (3/4) respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of capsule endoscopy for diagnosing small intestinal bleeding were 80.49% (33/41) and 90.91% (10/11) respectively.Conclusion:Bedside capsule endoscopy demonstrates high sensitivity and specificity in the diagnosis of gastrointestinal bleeding, showing potential advantages in bedside applications for acute and severe gastrointestinal bleeding.

Objective To investigate the role and mechanism of metastasis-associated protein in colorectal cancer 1(MACC1)in the proliferation and migration of colorectal cancer.Methods The expression of MACC1 in colorectal cancer samples and para-cancerous samples from TCGA database was analyzed.The survival difference between the groups with high and low expression of MACC1 was studied.HCT116 cells were divided into Vector group(no treatment group)and MACC1 OE group(transfected with pcDNA3.1-MACC1 plasmid),si-NC group(negative control group),and si-MACC1 group(transfected with MACC1 siRNA).MTT assay was used to detect cell viability;EDU and cell clonal formation assay were used to detect cell proliferation.The migration and invasion of cells were detected by scratch and invasion assays,respectively.The mRNA expression level of cellular-mesenchymal epithelial transition factor(c-MET)was detected by RT-qPCR,and the protein expression of MACC1 and c-MET was detected by Western blotting.Colon cancer cell HCT116 transfected with MACC1 OE was inoculated subcutaneously into nude mice to establish tumor model,and the volume and weight of tumor tissue were measured.Results The expression level of MACC1 was upregulated in colorectal cancer tissue and cells(P＜0.05).Patients with high MACC1 expression had shorter overall survival than those with low MACC1 expression(P=0.003).Overexpression of MACC1 significantly increased cell viability(F=86.070,P＜0.001).Compared with those in si-NC group,the proliferation rate,migration,invasion and number of clone formation of HCT116 in si-MACC1 group were significantly decreased(P＜0.01).The expression of MACC1 protein was positively correlated with the expression of c-MET protein in colorectal cancer(r=0.802,P=0.002).Overexpression of MACC1 promoted the c-MET expression(t=13.532,P＜0.001),while knockdown of MACC1 inhibited the c-MET expression(t=14.626,P＜0.001).Luciferase reports assay demonstrated that c-MET was a transcriptional target of MACC1.MACC1 overexpression increased the tumor volume and weight of nude mice(P＜0.01).Conclusion MACC1 can promote the invasion and migration of colorectal cancer through hepatocyte growth factor/c-MET pathway.

Objective To investigate the role and mechanism of metastasis-associated protein in colorectal cancer 1(MACC1)in the proliferation and migration of colorectal cancer.Methods The expression of MACC1 in colorectal cancer samples and para-cancerous samples from TCGA database was analyzed.The survival difference between the groups with high and low expression of MACC1 was studied.HCT116 cells were divided into Vector group(no treatment group)and MACC1 OE group(transfected with pcDNA3.1-MACC1 plasmid),si-NC group(negative control group),and si-MACC1 group(transfected with MACC1 siRNA).MTT assay was used to detect cell viability;EDU and cell clonal formation assay were used to detect cell proliferation.The migration and invasion of cells were detected by scratch and invasion assays,respectively.The mRNA expression level of cellular-mesenchymal epithelial transition factor(c-MET)was detected by RT-qPCR,and the protein expression of MACC1 and c-MET was detected by Western blotting.Colon cancer cell HCT116 transfected with MACC1 OE was inoculated subcutaneously into nude mice to establish tumor model,and the volume and weight of tumor tissue were measured.Results The expression level of MACC1 was upregulated in colorectal cancer tissue and cells(P＜0.05).Patients with high MACC1 expression had shorter overall survival than those with low MACC1 expression(P=0.003).Overexpression of MACC1 significantly increased cell viability(F=86.070,P＜0.001).Compared with those in si-NC group,the proliferation rate,migration,invasion and number of clone formation of HCT116 in si-MACC1 group were significantly decreased(P＜0.01).The expression of MACC1 protein was positively correlated with the expression of c-MET protein in colorectal cancer(r=0.802,P=0.002).Overexpression of MACC1 promoted the c-MET expression(t=13.532,P＜0.001),while knockdown of MACC1 inhibited the c-MET expression(t=14.626,P＜0.001).Luciferase reports assay demonstrated that c-MET was a transcriptional target of MACC1.MACC1 overexpression increased the tumor volume and weight of nude mice(P＜0.01).Conclusion MACC1 can promote the invasion and migration of colorectal cancer through hepatocyte growth factor/c-MET pathway.

Objective:To analyze the diagnostic value of bedside capsule endoscopy in patients with acute or severe gastrointestinal bleeding.Methods:Clinical data from patients who underwent bedside capsule endoscopy due to acute or severe suspected gastrointestinal bleeding in Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University from June 2018 to September 2021 were analyzed retrospectively. The efficacy of capsule endoscopy in detecting upper gastrointestinal tract and small intestinal bleeding was evaluated.Results:A total of 74 patients underwent bedside capsule endoscopy for suspected acute or severe gastrointestinal bleeding. Five patients were excluded due to failure of examination due to retention of capsule endoscope in the gastric lumen, and 69 were included in the study, of whom 54 patients with a definitive diagnosis of gastrointestinal hemorrhage. The positive detection rate of the capsule endoscopy was 83.33% (45/54), including 17 cases of ulcer, 5 cases of erosion, 5 cases of vascular malformation, 4 protrusion mass, 4 diverticulum, 5 obscure gastrointestinal bleeding, 1 stenosis , 1 active mucosal blood exudation, 1 gastric retention, 1 mucosal swelling, and 1 mucosal wrinkle change. The sensitivity and specificity of capsule endoscopy in the diagnosis of upper gastrointestinal bleeding were 92.31% (12/13) and 75.00% (3/4) respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of capsule endoscopy for diagnosing small intestinal bleeding were 80.49% (33/41) and 90.91% (10/11) respectively.Conclusion:Bedside capsule endoscopy demonstrates high sensitivity and specificity in the diagnosis of gastrointestinal bleeding, showing potential advantages in bedside applications for acute and severe gastrointestinal bleeding.

Objective The objective of this study is to examine the expression level of the S100A7A protein in both gastric cancer tissues and cells,as well as to evaluate its impact on the malignant phenotype of gastric cancer(GC)cells.Methods Immunohistochemical assay was used to detect the expression characteristics of S100A7A in 21 gastric cancer tissues and their corresponding paracancerous tissues,as well as to investigate its correlation with gastric cancer clinicopathological factors.Gastric cancer cells were genetically modified to overex-press S100A7A through plasmid transfection.Subsequently,the impact of S100A7A on the proliferation,migra-tion,and invasion capacities of gastric cancer cells was assessed using cell proliferation assays(EdU assay and plate cloning assay)as well as cell migration and invasion assays(Transwell assay and scratch assay).Results The expression of S100A7A protein was higher in GC tissues than in paracancerous tissues;Overexpression of S100A7A may increase gastric cancer cell proliferation,migration,and invasion.Conclusion S100A7A is a possible oncogene in GC and is predicted to serve as a new diagnostic and therapeutic target for the disease.

Background::Hyperglycemia frequently induces apoptosis in endothelial cells and ultimately contributes to microvascular dysfunction in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM). Previous research reported that the expression of integrins as well as their ligands was elevated in the diseased vessels of DM patients. However, the association between integrins and hyperglycemia-induced cell death is still unclear. This research was designed to investigate the role played by integrin subunit β5 (ITGB5) in hyperglycemia-induced endothelial cell apoptosis.Methods::We used leptin receptor knockout (Lepr-KO) ( db/ db) mice as spontaneous diabetes animal model. Selective deletion of ITGB5 in endothelial cell was achieved by injecting vascular targeted adeno-associated virus via tail vein. Besides, we also applied small interfering RNA in vitro to study the mechanism of ITGB5 in regulating high glucose-induced cell apoptosis. Results::ITGB5 and its ligand, fibronectin, were both upregulated after exposure to high glucose in vivo and in vitro. ITGB5 knockdown alleviated hyperglycemia-induced vascular endothelial cell apoptosis and microvascular rarefaction in vivo. In vitro analysis revealed that knockdown of either ITGB5 or fibronectin ameliorated high glucose-induced apoptosis in human umbilical vascular endothelial cells (HUVECs). In addition, knockdown of ITGB5 inhibited fibronectin-induced HUVEC apoptosis, which indicated that the fibronectin-ITGB5 interaction participated in high glucose-induced endothelial cell apoptosis. By using RNA-sequencing technology and bioinformatic analysis, we identified Forkhead Box Protein O1 (FoxO1) as an important downstream target regulated by ITGB5. Moreover, we demonstrated that the excessive macroautophagy induced by high glucose can contribute to HUVEC apoptosis, which was regulated by the ITGB5-FoxO1 axis. Conclusion::The study revealed that high glucose-induced endothelial cell apoptosis was positively regulated by ITGB5, which suggested that ITGB5 could potentially be used to predict and treat DM-related vascular complications.

Objective To evaluate the safety and efficacy of endoscopic submucosal tunnel dissection (ESTD) for esophageal submucosal tumors (SMTs). Methods A meta-analysis was performed on 18 related studies of ESTD on the treatment of esophageal SMTs retrieving from Chinese and English databases. Complete resection rate and en bloc resection rate were extracted for efficacy, and the complication rate, recurrence rate and death were used to evaluate safety. Results Complete resection rate was reported in all studies, and the pooled complete resection rate was 97. 5%(95%CI: 95. 4%-98. 6%). There were 9 studies that reported en bloc resection rate, and the pooled en bloc resection rate was 95. 9%(95%CI:90. 1%-98. 3%). Subcutaneous emphysema, mediastinal emphysema, pneumothorax, pneumoper-itoneum and perforation were reported in all 18 studies. The pooled prevalence of air leakage symptoms was 11. 3%(95%CI: 7. 0%-17. 6%) for subcutaneous emphysema and pneumomediastinum, 3. 6%( 95%CI:2. 1%-6. 2%) for pneumothorax and 3. 2%( 95%CI: 1. 9%-5. 4%) for pneumoperitoneum. Additionally, the pooled prevalence of perforation was 4. 9%(95%CI: 3. 1%-7. 8%).Intraoperative bleeding was reported in 2 studies, and the pooled incidence of bleeding was 3. 7%(95%CI: 2. 1%-6. 4%). During the follow-up of the 18 studies, no death was reported, and only 2 cases of recurrence were reported in one study. Conclusion ESTD is safe and effective for esophageal SMTs.

Objective To explore clinical pathological characteristics and treatment changed with time in patients with colorectal laterally spreading tumors (LST) from 2001 to 2015.Methods The clinical data of 549 patients with colorectal LST who received endoscopic resection or surgical operation between 2001 and 2015 were retrospectively collected.According to the time of diagnosis,patients were divided into 2001 to 2005,2006 to 2010 and 2011 to 2015 groups.The gender,age,lesion size and lesion subtypes,clinical pathologic features and their therapeutic methods were analyzed.Chi-square test was used for statistical analysis.Results The detective rates of colorectal LST in 2001 to 2005 period,2006 to 2010 period and 2011 to 2015 period were 0.38％ (50/13 319),(0.60％ (144/23 912) and 0.79％ (355/ 44 715),respectively,and the differences were statistically significant (x2 =29.34,P ＜ 0.01).During these three period,the male to female ratio was about 1:1,mean age about 59 years old,and the mean maximum diameter of the LST lesions remained about 30 mm.The percentages of granular type laterally spreading tumor (LST-G) in 2001 to 2005 period,2006 to 2010 period and 2011 to 2015 period were 82.4％(42/51),67.7％ (105/155) and 78.2％(283/262),respectively;while those of non-granular type laterally spreading tumor (LST-NG) were 17.6 ％ (9/51),32.3 ％ (50/155) and 21.8 ％ (79/362),respectively;and the differences were statistically significant (x2 =7.77,P =0.02).The proportions of LST located at the proximal colon in the three periods were 21.6 ％ (11/51),34.2 ％ (53/155) and 41.4 ％ (150/362),respectively;while the percentages of LST at distal colon were 78.4％ (40/51),65.8％ (102/ 155) and 58.6 ％ (212/362),respectively;and the differnces were statistically significant (x2 =8.61,P=0.01).The percentages of high grade neoplasia (HGN) in the three periods were 13.7 ％ (7/51),21.9 ％(34/155) and 48.6％(176/362),respectively;while the percentages of invasive carcinoma were 2.0％(1/51),5.2％ (8/155) and 8.3％ (30/362),respectively;and the differnces were statistically significantly (x2 =58.89,P＜0.01).The percentages of endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) in the three periods were 56.9％(29/51),58.7％ (91/155) and 32.0％ (116/362),respectively;the percentages of endoscopic piecemeal mucosal resection (EPMR) were 41.2 ％ (21/51),23.9 ％ (37/155) and 14.1％ (51/362),respectively;the percentages of endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) were 0,12.3％ (19/155) and 46.1 ％ (167/362),respectively;the percentages of surgical operation were 0,5.2 ％ (8/155) and 7.7 ％ (28/362),respectively;and the differences were statistically significant (x2 =112.46,P＜ 0.01).Conclusions From 2001 to 2015,the clinical pathological features and therapeutic methods of colorectal LST changed along with time.The proportion of colorectal LST located at proximal colon increased,and the percentage of LST-G decreased.ESD became the primary treatment,and the proportion of pathological diagnosis of HGN and invasive carcinomas increased after operation.

Objective To study the diagnostic value and clinical efficacy of endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration ( EUS-FNA ) for mediastinal and abdominal lymphadenopathy. Methods Thirty patients who underwent EUS-FNA for mediastinal or abdominal lymphadenopathy between May 2009 and December 2015 were reviewed. The clinical efficacy of EUS-FNA was evaluated by pathological results and the follow-up. The EUS-FNA effect on clinical decision was also analyzed. Results Lesions were located in the mediastinum in 10 cases and in the abdomen in 20 cases. The total diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value ( PPV) and negative predictive value ( NPV) of EUS-FNA were 96. 7%, 94. 7%, 100. 0%, 100. 0% and 91. 7%, respectively. Of all the 30 cases, 20 lymph glands were of unknown origin. The diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV of EUS-FNA in these lesions were 95. 0%, 88. 9%, 100. 0%, 100. 0% and 91. 7%, respectively. The combination of cytological and histological examination had higher accuracy ( 96. 7% VS 73. 3%, P=0. 026) and sensitivity ( 94. 7%VS 57. 8%, P= 0. 019 ) than cytological examination only. Immunohistochemistry stains were performed in 12 neoplastic cases, and 11 ( 91. 7%) were confirmed. The diagnosis by EUS-FNA had positive impact on clinical decisions in 27 patients ( 90. 0%) . Conclusion EUS-FNA is an effective approach for mediastinal and abdominal lymphadenopathy, and the result has a positive impact on clinical decisions. The combination of cytological and histological examination and application of ancillary techniques, such as immunohistochemistry stains, can improve the diagnostic efficacy of EUS-FNA.