Objective To compare the clinical characteristics of pneumococcal meningitis in different age groups, and to provide a basis for early diagnosis of pneumococcal meningitis. Methods Cerebrospinal fluid and/or serum samples were collected from 1742 suspected cases of meningitis in Baoji, Shaanxi Province from August 2013 to July 2019. Streptococcus pneumoniae was detected by isolation culture and real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Retrospective analysis of clinical manifestations, biochemical indicators and other information of laboratory confirmed cases was conducted by χ² test or Fisher's exact test. Results A total of 1742 samples of encephalitis or meningitis cases were detected, and 41 cases were confirmed as laboratory-confirmed Streptococcus pneumoniae infection. Among them, there were 12 cases (29.27%) in the infant group, 14 cases (34.15%) in the child group, and 15 cases (36.59%) in the adult group. The proportion of the adults with headache was significantly higher than that of the infants (χ²=11.408，P＜0.017). The proportion of the adults with consciousness disorder, elevated white blood cells and elevated neutrophils were significantly higher than those in the infant and the child groups（Fisher's exact test, P＜0.017；χ² =6.428，P＜0.017；χ² =10.898，P＜0.017；χ² =6.421，P＜0.017；χ² =9.758，P＜0.017；χ² =7.744，P＜0.017). The proportion of the infants with cerebrospinal fluid turbidity was significantly higher than that of the children (Fisher's exact test，P＜0.017). The proportion of the infants with decreased white blood cells and reduced glucose in cerebrospinal fluid was significantly higher than that of the children group and the adult group（Fisher's exact test, P＜0.001；Fisher's exact test, P＜0.001；Fisher's exact test, P＜0.017; Fisher's exact test, P＜0.017). Conclusion Most adult patients with pneumococcal meningitis have headache and consciousness disorders, with significantly increased proportion of white blood cells and neutrophils. Infant patients tend to have cloudy appearance of cerebrospinal fluid, leukopenia in blood, and decreased glucose in cerebrospinal fluid.

Objective To construct a radiomics model to improve the discriminatory ability of 18 F-PSMA-1007 PET/CT for focal prostate cancer.Methods We retrospectively collected data from 74 patients diagnosed with prostate cancer by biopsy at The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University between July 2020 and April 2024.These patients had focal radionuclide accumulation observed on 18F-PSMA-1007 PET/CT,with the median age of 71 years.Among them,42 patients had a Gleason score＜8 and 32 patients had a Gleason score ≥8.An external validation set was randomly selected based on the timing of examination,while the remaining patients were randomly divided into training and test sets at a 7∶3 ratio.Region of interest(ROI)were semi-automatically drawn on registered images,manually adjusted,and symmetrically shifted to contralateral non-tumor tissue.We made variance and correlation analyses to choose features,and built models with Logistic regression and compared the results with those of visual evaluation.Receiver operating characteristics(ROC)curves were drawn to compare model performance,and subgroup analysis was performed to identify optimal features for distinguishing tumor tissue,based on Gleason score,serum total prostate specific antigen(tPSA)levels,and lesion location.Results A total of eight features were selected.The area under the curve(AUC)for visual evaluation,testing set,and external validation set were 0.858,0.933,and 0.891,respectively.The sensitivity was 0.757,0.800 and 0.917;the specificity was 0.960,0.800 and 0.792,respectively.Subgroup analysis showed that the radiomic features 10percentile and skewness had a high value in tumor differentiation.In tumor tissues,the 10percentile values were higher than in non-tumor tissues across all groups(P-values were 0.012,0.002,＜0.001,＜0.001,＜0.001,and＜0.001).When tPSA≤10 ng/mL and Gleason score ≥8,there was no statistically significant difference in skewness between tumor and non-tumor tissues(P=0.08).When tPSA ≥20 ng/mL,the skewness of non-tumor tissue was slightly higher than that of tumor tissue,but the difference was not statistically significant(P-values were 0.285 and 0.791).When the tumor was located in the posterior part of the prostate(left posterior and right posterior),the skewness was significantly higher in tumor tissue than in non-tumor tissue(P-values＜0.001 for both).Conclusion The radiomics model had better sensitivity and accuracy than visual evaluation in distinguishing focal prostate cancer tumors from non-tumor tissues,but visual evaluation had higher specificity.Skewness and 10percentile had a high value in differential diagnosis.

Objective To construct a radiomics model to improve the discriminatory ability of 18 F-PSMA-1007 PET/CT for focal prostate cancer.Methods We retrospectively collected data from 74 patients diagnosed with prostate cancer by biopsy at The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University between July 2020 and April 2024.These patients had focal radionuclide accumulation observed on 18F-PSMA-1007 PET/CT,with the median age of 71 years.Among them,42 patients had a Gleason score＜8 and 32 patients had a Gleason score ≥8.An external validation set was randomly selected based on the timing of examination,while the remaining patients were randomly divided into training and test sets at a 7∶3 ratio.Region of interest(ROI)were semi-automatically drawn on registered images,manually adjusted,and symmetrically shifted to contralateral non-tumor tissue.We made variance and correlation analyses to choose features,and built models with Logistic regression and compared the results with those of visual evaluation.Receiver operating characteristics(ROC)curves were drawn to compare model performance,and subgroup analysis was performed to identify optimal features for distinguishing tumor tissue,based on Gleason score,serum total prostate specific antigen(tPSA)levels,and lesion location.Results A total of eight features were selected.The area under the curve(AUC)for visual evaluation,testing set,and external validation set were 0.858,0.933,and 0.891,respectively.The sensitivity was 0.757,0.800 and 0.917;the specificity was 0.960,0.800 and 0.792,respectively.Subgroup analysis showed that the radiomic features 10percentile and skewness had a high value in tumor differentiation.In tumor tissues,the 10percentile values were higher than in non-tumor tissues across all groups(P-values were 0.012,0.002,＜0.001,＜0.001,＜0.001,and＜0.001).When tPSA≤10 ng/mL and Gleason score ≥8,there was no statistically significant difference in skewness between tumor and non-tumor tissues(P=0.08).When tPSA ≥20 ng/mL,the skewness of non-tumor tissue was slightly higher than that of tumor tissue,but the difference was not statistically significant(P-values were 0.285 and 0.791).When the tumor was located in the posterior part of the prostate(left posterior and right posterior),the skewness was significantly higher in tumor tissue than in non-tumor tissue(P-values＜0.001 for both).Conclusion The radiomics model had better sensitivity and accuracy than visual evaluation in distinguishing focal prostate cancer tumors from non-tumor tissues,but visual evaluation had higher specificity.Skewness and 10percentile had a high value in differential diagnosis.

[Objective] In view of the crucial role of indole propionic acid in the treatment of tumor immune checkpoint blockade and further revealing its mechanism, our study intended to design and synthesize 1-[¹⁸F]-fluoroethyl-indole propionic acid (1-[¹⁸F]-IPA), and evaluate it as a tumor PET imaging agent. [Methods] The precursor 1-(2-p-toluenesulfonic acid oxygen ethyl)-methyl indole propionate underwent nucleophilic substitution reaction with ¹⁸F^-. The crude product was separated and purified by high-performance liquid chromatography and the intermediates were collected. Finally, 1-[¹⁸F]-IPA was obtained by hydrolysis. The clarity of the product was measured by visual inspection, the pH value was determined by precision test paper, and the radiochemical purity and stability were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography. In order to determine the biodistribution of 1-[¹⁸F]-IPA in normal mice, ICR mice were intravenously injected with 1-[¹⁸F]-IPA (0.2 mL, 7 MBq), and sacrificed at 5, 15, 25, 45, 75 and 120 min and dissected. Micro-PET imaging was performed and analyzed in BxPC-3 tumor-bearing nude mice. Student t test was used to compare the biodistribution of tissues and organs at different time points. [Results] The total preparation time of 1-[¹⁸F]-IPA was 35-40 min, the radiochemical yield was (45±5)%, and the radiochemical purity was more than 95%. The product solution was clear without particles, and the pH value was 6.5, which had good stability in vitro and in vivo. The results of biodistribution in healthy ICR mice showed that except for the brain, 1-[¹⁸F]-IPA had a certain uptake in all major organs, with the most obvious uptake in the liver, gallbladder and kidneys. The radioactivity in the gallbladder gradually increased with time and reached (39.86±6.56)%ID/g at 120 min, but bone uptake did not change significantly with time. Micro-PET/CT showed that there was radioactive uptake at the tumor 30 min after injection of 1-[¹⁸F]-IPA in Dutch BxPC-3 nude mice, but it was not obvious. At this time, SUVmax was about 55.18±14.62. Consistent with the results of biodistribution, the brain uptake was low at each time point. [Conclusion] In summary, 1-[¹⁸F]-IPA with short preparation time and high yield is expected to be a tool to probe tryptophan indole metabolism pathway and further reveal tumor immune resistance.

【Objective】 To explore the application value of ¹⁸F-PSMA PET/CT on the detection of metastatic lesions of prostate cancer with serum total prostate specific antigen (tPSA) ≤20 ng/mL and the predictive variables affecting the imaging results, and to establish a predictive nomogram for the metastasis of prostate cancer. 【Methods】 The imaging, pathological, serum and clinical data of 175 pathologically confirmed prostate cancer patients who underwent ¹⁸F-PSMA PET/CT examination during Jan.2020 and Oct.2021 were retrospectively collected.The patients were divided into metastatic group and non-metastatic group according to PET/CT imaging results, and the positive detection rate of metastatic lesions was calculated.The independent influencing factors of ¹⁸F-PSMA PET/CT in the positive detection of metastatic lesions were determined with univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses.The predictive nomogram was established. 【Results】 Of the 175 patients, metastatic lesions were detected in 78 cases and not detected in 97 cases, with a detection rate of 44.6% (78/175).There were statistically significant differences between the metastatic group and the non-metastatic group in urinary tract symptoms, androgen deprivation treatment (ADT) at the time of PET/CT examination and the risk level of Gleason score (GS) (P<0.05).Univariate logistic regression showed that urinary tract symptoms(OR=3.64, P<0.001), GS risk (OR=3.96, P<0.001) and concurrent ADT treatment (OR=3.71, P<0.001) were associated with the positive detection rate of metastatic lesions.Multivariate Logistic regression showed that urinary tract symptoms (OR=3.19, P=0.002), GS high-risk group (OR=2.95, P=0.005) and concurrent ADT treatment (OR=3.27, P=0.001) were independent predictors of positive detection rate. 【Conclusion】 The probability of metastasis in newly diagnosed prostate cancer patients with tPSA≤20 ng/mL is high.¹⁸F-PSMA PET/CT is of high value for the early detection of metastasis.Urinary tract symptoms, GS high-risk group and concurrent ADT treatment are independent predictors of metastatic lesions.The predictive nomogram can help assist clinical optimization of imaging examination path.

Objective:To evaluate the diagnostic value of the 18F-prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA)-1007 PET/CT in seminal vesicle invasion (SVI) of prostate cancer. Methods:Clinical and pathological materials of 88 patients (age: 51-84 years) who underwent radical prostatectomy (RP) between May 2019 and December 2021 in the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi′an Jiaotong University were analyzed retrospectively. All patients underwent 18F-PSMA-1007 PET/CT examination for primary staging before surgery. The diagnostic efficiency of 18F-PSMA-1007 PET/CT in SVI was obtained using postoperative pathological results as the " gold standard" and ROC curve was drawn. Furthermore, univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to screen the influencing factors for 18F-PSMA-1007 PET/CT prediction of SVI. Results:The accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of 18F-PSMA-1007 PET/CT in diagnosing SVI were 79.55%(70/88), 72.73%(16/22), 81.82%(54/66), 57.14%(16/28) and 90.00%(54/60), respectively. The ROC AUC was 0.77. Results of univariate logistic regression showed that total prostate specific antigen (tPSA), primary SUV max, Gleason score, International Society of Urological Pathology (ISUP) grade group were associated with 18F-PSMA-1007 PET/CT prediction of SVI. Results of multivariate logistic regression showed that Gleason score (odds ratio ( OR)=2.04, 95% CI: 1.19-3.50, P=0.009) was a predictor of SVI in prostate cancer. Conclusion:18F-PSMA-1007 PET/CT has certain diagnostic value in SVI of prostate cancer, and combining with Gleason score can improve the diagnostic efficiency.

【Objective】 To analyze the epidemiological characteristics of pertussis in Shaanxi Province from 2012 to 2021. 【Methods】 We collected the information of pertussis cases in Shaanxi Province from 2012 to 2021 by the China Disease Control and Prevention Information System for analyzing the incidence and distribution characteristics. 【Results】 From 2012 to 2021, a total of 8270 cases of pertussis were reported in Shaanxi Province, with the incidence ranging from 0.21 to 6.20 per 100 000 persons, and for an annual average incidence of 2.17 per 100 000 persons. 44.81% (3 706/8 270) occurred from June to September. The annual average incidence in southern Shaanxi, Guanzhong, and northern Shaanxi was 1.78, 2.47, and 1.46 per 100 000 persons (χ²=289.638, P<0.001). The number of patients (proportions) with pertussis aged 0-1, 1-5, 5-10, and ≥10 years was 3 884 (46.96%), 2 869 (34.69%), 1 408 (17.03%), and 109 (1.32%), respectively. The number of patients (proportion) ≤ 2 months old, 3-5 months old, and ≥ 6 months old was 884 (22.76%),1 608 (41.40%), and 1 392 (35.84%) among pertussis patients under 1 year old. 【Conclusion】 The incidence of pertussis in Shaanxi Province basically showed an increasing trend with higher rates between June and September, higher rates in Guanzhong region of the province, and more patients over 5 years old.

【Objective】 To explore the value of 18F-PSMA-1007 PET/CT in evaluating the primary tumor and infiltration range of prostate cancer. 【Methods】 We retrospectively collected 18F-PSMA-1007 PET/CT whole body imaging data of the patients who came to the Department of Urology， The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University， from March 2019 to June 2021 due to suspected or diagnosed prostate cancer. No treatment was give before the examination. In addition， 51 patients underwent radical surgery after examination and obtained complete pathological results. We used a semi-automatic method to delineate the region of interest （ROI） of 40% SUVmax of prostate cancer foci， and obtained the metabolic parameters， namely， SUVmax， SUVmean， tumor metabolic volume （MTV） and total lesion metabolic （TLM）. We also observed for infiltration of bilateral seminal vesicle glands and bladder. Correlation analysis was used to analyze the correlation of metabolic parameters with Gleason score and tumor grade grouping； McNemar test was used to analyze the accuracy of PSMA in evaluating the extent of prostate invasion. 【Results】 The PET/CT parameters SUVmax， SUVmean， TLM and Gleason score were not significantly correlated， but SUVmean was positively correlated with tumor grade （r=0.306， P=0.041）. The pathological results showed a moderate correlation between the maximum diameter of the tumor and MTV （r=0.479， P=0.003）. The sensitivity evaluated by PSMA-PET/CT to primary prostate tumor， capsule invasion， seminal vesicle gland invasion， and bladder invasion was 72.00%， 64.71%， 83.33%， and 25.00%， respectively； the specificity was 88.46%， 33.33%， 84.61%， and 95.74%， respectively； the accuracy was 80.39%， 52.94%， 86.27%， and 90.19%， respectively. 【Conclusion】 ¹⁸F-PSMA-1007 PET/CT imaging has high accuracy in assessing primary tumor and the extent of invasion of prostate cancer， which indicates its value in clinical application.

【Objective】 To investigate the value of prostate cancer prevention trial risk calculator （PCPT-RC） combined with biopsy Gleason score for predicting the risk of metastasis in newly diagnosed prostate cancer patients. 【Methods】 We retrospectively collected the data of 74 patients with newly diagnosed prostate cancer confirmed by biopsy from April 2019 to August 2021， concurrent with ¹⁸F-PSMA-1007 PET/CT whole body imaging in the same period. Based on this， a binary logistic regression model was established to obtain the high risk probability of PCPT. We calculated the receiver operating characteristic curve （ROC） was drawn and the area under the curve， Yuden index， sensitivity， specificity， positive predictive value and negative predictive value. We compared the predictive value of the prostate cancer prevention trial risk calculator and Gleason score alone or in combination in predicting the risk of prostate cancer metastasis. 【Results】 Based on the PSMA PET/CT results， 74 patients were divided into non-metastatic group （46/74） and metastatic group （28/74）. PCPT high risk probability ［41.14% （16%-67%）］ vs. ［30.89% （5%-65%）］， Gleason score ［8.5（6-10） score］ vs. ［7.7（6-9） score］， tPSA ［26.24（5.70-42.32） ng/mL］ vs. ［19.58（2.47-49.35） ng/mL］， and fPSA ［3.94（0.82-12.00） ng/mL］ vs. ［2.33（0.35-10.20） ng/mL］ were significantly higher in metastatic group than in non-metastatic group. Binary Logistic regression analysis showed that Gleason score and PCPT low risk probability may be independent predictors of prostate cancer metastasis. PCPT low risk probability alone did not predict the risk of prostate cancer metastasis （P=0.172）. The predictive accuracy of Gleason score and high probability of PCPT in predicting prostate cancer metastasis were 0.715 and 0.679， respectively， and the accuracy of the combined prediction was 0.809. 【Conclusion】 PCPT-RC combined with Gleason score is valuable for predicting the metastasis risk of newly diagnosed prostate cancer patients， which has certain guiding significance for clinical individualized treatment.

Based on Moens-Korteweg model & hydrostatic principle, a simple calibration method by changing vertical distance between heart and radial artery is proposed in this paper. Using hydrostatic pressure to change arterial pressure and pulse wave transmit time, consequently obtain several sets of cardiovascular parameters and finally build up relationship between blood pressure and pulse wave transmit time. Clinical tests have been carried with different age and gender for long and short time monitoring. The comparison results with Sphygmomanometer OMRON EW3152 show its promising accuracy and coincidence feature in blood pressure measurement.
Blood Pressure Determination ; instrumentation ; methods ; Blood Pressure Monitors ; Calibration ; Equipment Design