Objective:To investigate the feasibility of ultra-low dose (ULD) CT pulmonary angiography (CTPA) combined with deep learning reconstruction (DLR) in the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism (PE).Methods:This cross-sectional study prospectively enrolled 100 patients with suspected PE who underwent CTPA examination in Zhongshan Hospital Fudan University, and Shanghai Geriatric Medical Center from April to July 2024, and were randomly divided into the routine dose (RD) group and ULD group according to block randomization. Effective dose (ED) were calculated. The noise index of RD group and ULD group was set to 10 and 20, respectively. Other scanning parameters and contrast agent injection protocol were the same. The CT images of RD group were reconstructed using hybrid iterative reconstruction (HIR), while ULD images were reconstructed with HIR and DLR (ULD-HIR subgroup and ULD-DLR subgroup). The image quality of the three groups of images was subjectively evaluated (overall image noise, pulmonary artery display) and objectively evaluated [signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) of the images] respectively. Finally, the diagnostic results of PE by the expert committee composed of three chief physicians were taken as the gold standard, and one physician with lower qualifications independently evaluated the diagnostic rate of PE in the three groups of images. Objective image quality parameters across the three groups were compared using ANOVA, with LSD post hoc test was used for multiple comparisons. Subjective scores among the three groups were analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis H test, with Bonferroni corrected pairwise post hoc test was applied for multiple pairwise comparisons. Results:The ED in the RD group and ULD group were (2.7±0.5) mSv and (0.7±0.2) mSv, respectively, and the differences were statistically significant ( t=26.42, P<0.001). The overall differences in CT values of pulmonary arteries at all levels in the images of the RD group, the ULD-HIR subgroup, and the ULD-DLR subgroup were not statistically significant ( P>0.05).The RD group, ULD-HIR subgroup and ULD-DLR subgroup overall differences in SNR and CNR at all levels pulmonary arteries were statistically significant ( P<0.001), in which except for the differences in CNR and SNR values of the left pulmonary arterial trunk in the RD group and the ULD-HIR subgroup, and SNR values of basal segment pulmonary artery of the lower lobe of the left lung, which were not statistically significant ( P>0.05), the differences of the rest of the indexes in the pairwise comparisons between the groups were statistically significant ( P<0.05). The overall differences in the subjective scores of image pulmonary vascular display and image noise in the RD group, ULD-HIR subgroup and ULD-DLR subgroup were statistically significant ( P<0.001), except that the differences in the subjective scores of image pulmonary vascular display in the ULD-DLR subgroup were not statistically significant when compared with that of the RD group ( P>0.05) and that of the rest of the metrics in the between-groups two-by-two comparisons were all statistically significant ( P<0.05). The difference in diagnostic rates of PE in the pulmonary artery trunk, lobe and segmental levels in the images of the RD group, ULD-HIR subgroup and ULD-DLR subgroup was not statistically significant ( P>0.05). Conclusions:DLR can significantly reduce the radiation dose of CTPA examination. Even at ultra-low radiation dose, its image quality is still better than HIR reconstruction at conventional doses and preserve diagnostic accuracy of PE at the lobe level and segment level.

Objective:To investigate the feasibility of ultra-low dose (ULD) CT pulmonary angiography (CTPA) combined with deep learning reconstruction (DLR) in the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism (PE).Methods:This cross-sectional study prospectively enrolled 100 patients with suspected PE who underwent CTPA examination in Zhongshan Hospital Fudan University, and Shanghai Geriatric Medical Center from April to July 2024, and were randomly divided into the routine dose (RD) group and ULD group according to block randomization. Effective dose (ED) were calculated. The noise index of RD group and ULD group was set to 10 and 20, respectively. Other scanning parameters and contrast agent injection protocol were the same. The CT images of RD group were reconstructed using hybrid iterative reconstruction (HIR), while ULD images were reconstructed with HIR and DLR (ULD-HIR subgroup and ULD-DLR subgroup). The image quality of the three groups of images was subjectively evaluated (overall image noise, pulmonary artery display) and objectively evaluated [signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) of the images] respectively. Finally, the diagnostic results of PE by the expert committee composed of three chief physicians were taken as the gold standard, and one physician with lower qualifications independently evaluated the diagnostic rate of PE in the three groups of images. Objective image quality parameters across the three groups were compared using ANOVA, with LSD post hoc test was used for multiple comparisons. Subjective scores among the three groups were analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis H test, with Bonferroni corrected pairwise post hoc test was applied for multiple pairwise comparisons. Results:The ED in the RD group and ULD group were (2.7±0.5) mSv and (0.7±0.2) mSv, respectively, and the differences were statistically significant ( t=26.42, P<0.001). The overall differences in CT values of pulmonary arteries at all levels in the images of the RD group, the ULD-HIR subgroup, and the ULD-DLR subgroup were not statistically significant ( P>0.05).The RD group, ULD-HIR subgroup and ULD-DLR subgroup overall differences in SNR and CNR at all levels pulmonary arteries were statistically significant ( P<0.001), in which except for the differences in CNR and SNR values of the left pulmonary arterial trunk in the RD group and the ULD-HIR subgroup, and SNR values of basal segment pulmonary artery of the lower lobe of the left lung, which were not statistically significant ( P>0.05), the differences of the rest of the indexes in the pairwise comparisons between the groups were statistically significant ( P<0.05). The overall differences in the subjective scores of image pulmonary vascular display and image noise in the RD group, ULD-HIR subgroup and ULD-DLR subgroup were statistically significant ( P<0.001), except that the differences in the subjective scores of image pulmonary vascular display in the ULD-DLR subgroup were not statistically significant when compared with that of the RD group ( P>0.05) and that of the rest of the metrics in the between-groups two-by-two comparisons were all statistically significant ( P<0.05). The difference in diagnostic rates of PE in the pulmonary artery trunk, lobe and segmental levels in the images of the RD group, ULD-HIR subgroup and ULD-DLR subgroup was not statistically significant ( P>0.05). Conclusions:DLR can significantly reduce the radiation dose of CTPA examination. Even at ultra-low radiation dose, its image quality is still better than HIR reconstruction at conventional doses and preserve diagnostic accuracy of PE at the lobe level and segment level.

Long-term hypertension causes excessive vascular remodeling and leads to adverse cardiovascular events. Balance of ubiquitination and deubiquitination has been linked to several chronic conditions, including pathological vascular remodeling. In this study, we discovered that the expression of ubiquitin-specific protease 25 (USP25) is significantly up-regulated in angiotensin II (Ang II)-challenged mouse aorta. Knockout of Usp25 augments Ang II-induced vascular injury such as fibrosis and endothelial to mesenchymal transition (EndMT). Mechanistically, we found that USP25 interacts directly with Forkhead box O3 (FOXO3) and removes the K63-linked ubiquitin chain on the K258 site of FOXO3. We also showed that this USP25-mediated deubiquitination of FOXO3 increases its binding to light chain 3 beta isoform and autophagosomic-lysosomal degradation of FOXO3. In addition, we further validated the biological function of USP25 by overexpressing USP25 in the mouse aorta with AAV9 vectors. Our studies identified FOXO3 as a new substrate of USP25 and showed that USP25 may be a potential therapeutic target for excessive vascular remodeling-associated diseases.

Ginger mainly contains two main categories of volatile and non-volatile components,of which the non-volatile gingerol is a general term for pungent substances in ginger,mainly containing gingerols,shogaols and other components,with a wide range of pharmacological effects.By reviewing the 2020 edition of the Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China and related literature in Chinese databases such as CNKI and Wanfang,it was found that the use of the Chinese names of gingerols and shogaols was confusing,which caused certain troubles to readers and obstacles to academic exchanges.According to the naming principles of Chinese medicinal extracts,it is suggested that gingersols,6-gingerol,8-gingerol and 10-gingerol should be uniformly named as gingerols(姜酚类),6-gingerol(6-姜酚),8-gingerol(8-姜酚)and 10-gingerol(10-姜酚),respectively,and shogaols and 6-shogaol should be uniformly named as shogaols(姜烯酚类)and 6-shogaols(6-姜烯酚).The standardized use of the Chinese names of gingerols and shogaols will facilitate in-depth research and academic exchange on ginger,dried ginger,baked ginger and other ginger herbal medicines.

Objective:To fulfill the automatic radiolabeling of the norepinephrine transporter (NET) trancer 18F-meta-fluorobenzylguanidine (mFBG), and explore the 18F-mFBG PET/CT imaging effect of pheochromocytoma. Methods:On the basis of the chemical structure of mFBG, a spirocyclic iodonium ylide was used as the precursor to undergo a 3-step reaction sequence (radiofluorination, deprotection and neutralization) on AllinOne synthesis module. Purification by high performance liquid chromatography and formulation were conducted to generate 18F-mFBG. The corresponding quality control tests of 18F-mFBG product was performed. Afterwards, a postoperative patient with pheochromocytoma underwent 18F-mFBG PET/CT imaging. Results:The radiosynthesis was accomplished within 70 min, and 18F-mFBG was obtained in (17.8±2.4)% non-decay-corrected radiochemical yield ( n=5), with radiochemical purity >97% and molar activity >59.2 GBq/μmol. Sterility test, bacterial endotoxins test, abnormal toxicity test and the acetonitrile residue all met the requirements of Pharmacopoeia of the People′ s Republic of China (2020 Volume Ⅳ). The 18F-mFBG PET/CT imaging disclosed high uptake in pheochromocytoma and clear localization of lesions. Conclusions:The automatic radiolabeling of the NET targeted tracer 18F-mFBG is successfully realized by commercially available synthesis module, and the production quality meets all requirements for clinical translation. 18F-mFBG has a potential to image neuroendocrine lesions in clinical setting.

ObjectiveTo explore the imbalance of paravertebral muscle group for patients with unilateral lumbar disc herniation. MethodsFrom January, 2022 to January, 2023, 30 patients with unilateral lumbar disc herniation (observation group) and 30 healthy people matching in general data (control group) were measured the tension and stiffness of multifidus and erector spinae with MyotonPRO, while the observation group was assessed with Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain and Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score, and the time of disease was also recorded. ResultsThe mean of bilateral tension and hardness of multifidus and erector spinae was more in the observation group than in the control group (|t| > 5.407, P < 0.001), and the tension and hardness of multifidus and erector spinae of the affected side were more than those of the unaffected side in the observation group (|t| > 11.219, P < 0.001). The tension and hardness of multifidus and erector spinae of the affected side were positively correlated with VAS score (r > 0.942, P < 0.001), and negatively correlated with JOA score (|r| > 0.886, P < 0.001). ConclusionThe tension and hardness of multifidus and erector spinae of the affected side increase after unilateral lumbar disc herniation, resulting in asymmetry.

ObjectiveTo evaluate the inter-rater and test-retest reliability of echo intensity of ultrasound image for quality of quadriceps femoris in patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA). MethodsFrom March to December, 2021, 33 patients with unilateral KOA in Guangdong Provincial Second Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine were included. Ultrasound was used to observe the cross sections of rectus femoris (RF), vastus medialis (VM) and vastus lateralis (VL), and the images were saved. Two independent raters analyzed the average gray value of the picture with the Image J. One of the raters repeated the measurement. The intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC), standard error of measurement (SEM), minimum detectable change (MDC) and coefficient of variation (CV) were calculated and the Bland-Altman charts were drawn. ResultsThe gray value was higher in the RF, VM and VL in the affected side than in the healthy side (t > 2.262, P < 0.05). The inter-rater reliability was excellent, with ICC 0.982 to 0.995, SEM 1.60 to 3.82, CV 1.49% to 5.90%, and MDC value 4.43 to 10.59. The test-retest reliability of the rater was excellent, with ICC 0.969 to 0.990, SEM 2.37 to 5.41, CV 2.22% to 4.84%, and MDC value 6.57 to 15.00. Bland-Altman charts analysis showed that the consistency was good. ConclusionThe quadriceps femoris muscle quality is different between the affected and the healthy sides in patients with unilateral KOA. It is reliable to evaluate muscle echo intensity by Image J.

Objective:To analyze the clinical characteristics of adult-onset patients with familial neuronal intranuclear inclusion disease (NIID).Methods:The clinical data of 3 patients with familial NIID genetically diagnosed in Department of Neurology, Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University in August 2021, January 2022, and August 2022 were collected. Their clinical manifestations, imaging features, pathological features, Notch2 N-terminal-like C ( NOTCH2NLC) gene mutation characteristics, treatment methods and prognoses were summarized retrospectively. Results:The age of these 3 patients was 73, 67, and 65 years, and the onset age was 68, 64, and 56 years, respectively. The clinical manifestations are highly heterogeneous. In patient 1, the nervous centralis, peripheral nerves and autonomic nerves were involved, appearing dementia, epilepsy, Parkinson's syndrome, muscle weakness and uremia; in patient 2, only the nervous centralis were involved, presenting symptoms of Parkinson's syndrome; in patient 3, peripheral nerves and autonomic nerves were involved, prominently presenting with repeated vomiting. Skull diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) showed asymmetric high signal at the dermo-medullary junction in 3 patients. Acidophilic inclusion bodies in some sudoriferous duct epithelial cells, and vascular endothelial nucleus were found in the skin biopsy of 2 patients. All 3 patients completed NOTCH2NL gene test, and all had GGC repeat amplification mutations with mutation frequency>134. These 3 patients were mainly treated symptomatically, and the disease was still progressed gradually. Conclusion:The clinical manifestations of familial NIID are highly heterogeneous; skull MRI characteristic changes and skin biopsy can help to diagnose NIID and NOTCH2NL gene detection can diagnose NIID.

The 18 kDa translocator protein (TSPO), previously known as the peripheral benzodiazepine receptor, is predominately localized to the outer mitochondrial membrane in steroidogenic cells. Brain TSPO expression is relatively low under physiological conditions, but is upregulated in response to glial cell activation. As the primary index of neuroinflammation, TSPO is implicated in the pathogenesis and progression of numerous neuropsychiatric disorders and neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease (AD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Parkinson's disease (PD), multiple sclerosis (MS), major depressive disorder (MDD) and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). In this context, numerous TSPO-targeted positron emission tomography (PET) tracers have been developed. Among them, several radioligands have advanced to clinical research studies. In this review, we will overview the recent development of TSPO PET tracers, focusing on the radioligand design, radioisotope labeling, pharmacokinetics, and PET imaging evaluation. Additionally, we will consider current limitations, as well as translational potential for future application of TSPO radiopharmaceuticals. This review aims to not only present the challenges in current TSPO PET imaging, but to also provide a new perspective on TSPO targeted PET tracer discovery efforts. Addressing these challenges will facilitate the translation of TSPO in clinical studies of neuroinflammation associated with central nervous system diseases.

Objective    To analyze the factors affecting the prognosis of patients with primary tracheal malignancy, and establish a nomogram model for prediction its prognosis. Methods    A total of 557 patients diagnosed with primary tracheal malignancy from 1975 to 2016 in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Data were collected. The factors affecting the overall survival rate of primary tracheal malignancy were screened and modeled by univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis. The nomogram prediction model was performed by R 3.6.2 software. Using the C-index, calibration curves and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve to evaluate the consistency and predictive ability of the nomogram prediction model. Results    The median survival time of 557 patients with primary tracheal malignancy was 21 months, and overall survival rates of the 1-year, 3-year and 5-year were 59.1%±2.1%, 42.5%±2.1%, and 35.4%±2.2%. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that age, histology, surgery, radiotherapy, tumor size, tumor extension and the range of lymph node involvement were independent risk factors affecting the prognosis of patients with primary tracheal malignancy (P<0.05). Based on the above 7 risk factors to establish the nomogram prediction model, the C-index was 0.775 (95%CI 0.751-0.799). The calibration curve showed that the prediction model established in this study had a good agreement with the actual survival rate of the 1 year, 3 year and 5 years. The area under curve of 1-year, 3-year and 5-year predicting overall survival rates was 0.837, 0.827 and 0.836, which showed that the model had a high predictive power. Conclusion    The nomogram prediction model established in this study has a good predictive ability, high discrimination and accuracy, and high clinical value. It is useful for the screening of high-risk groups and the formulation of personalized diagnosis and treatment plans, and can be used as an evaluation tool for prognostic monitoring of patients with primary tracheal malignancy.