1.Association of mixed exposure to lithium, vanadium, uranium, and bismuth in early pregnancy with gestational weight gain
Jiao LI ; Qi LI ; Shuang CHENG ; Jiayi SONG ; Xiaohui GUO ; Xiang WANG ; Di CHENG ; Kefeng FAN ; Ju WANG
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2026;43(4):475-484
Background Gestational weight gain is closely related to maternal and infant health outcomes. Pregnant women are simultaneously exposed to four metals—lithium (Li), vanadium (V), uranium (U), and bismuth (Bi)—through inhalation of fine particulate matter and consumption of contaminated food and water. Existing studies suggest that exposure to these metals may be associated with gestational weight gain. However, no study has yet explored the complex relationships between exposure to mixtures of these four metals and weight gain at different stages of pregnancy. Objective To investigate the associations between mixed exposure to Li, V, U, and Bi in early pregnancy and the average weekly gestational weight gain during both early pregnancy and mid-to-late pregnancy. Methods This prospective study recruited eligible women in early pregnancy from an obstetrics clinic of a tertiary hospital in Jinan, China, between September 2021 and July 2023. Pre-pregnancy weight, current weight (at 11+0 to 13+6 weeks of gestation), and spot urine samples (≥5.0 mL) were collected at enrollment. Urinary concentrations of Li, V, Bi, and U were determined using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Participants were followed up in late pregnancy (≥28 weeks of gestation) to collect information on physical activity via questionnaire; weight measurements at the last antenatal visit (35+0 to 37+6 weeks of gestation) were obtained from the hospital information system. After adjusting for covariates, multiple linear regression and generalized additive models were used to assess the associations of individual metals with weekly weight gain in early pregnancy and in mid-to-late pregnancy. Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) and quantile-based g-computation (Qgcomp) were applied to evaluate the joint effects of the metal mixture exposure on weekly weight gain at the two gestational stages. Results A total of 313 pregnant women were included. The geometric means of urinary Li, V, U, and Bi concentrations were 37.07, 0.20, 0.06, and 0.04 μg·L−1, respectively; after creatinine adjustment, the corresponding values were 46.82, 0.25, 0.07, and 0.05 μg·g−1 (Cr). The mean weekly gestational weight gain was (0.19±0.25) kg in early pregnancy and (0.53 ± 0.18) kg in mid-to-late pregnancy. Both multiple linear regression and generalized additive models showed that urinary V concentration was positively associated with average weekly gestational weight gain in early pregnancy, while no significant associations were found for other metals or for gestational weight gain in mid-to-late pregnancy. In the BKMR model with early-pregnancy weight gain as the outcome, V had the strongest association [posterior inclusion probability (PIP)=0.773]. When other metals were fixed at their medians, V showed a positive non-linear association with the outcome. A significant single-metal effect of V and its interaction with Li were observed. Compared with the 50th percentile of the metal mixture, the average weekly weight gain in early pregnancy increased by 0.016 (95%CI: 0.003, 0.029) and 0.018 (95%CI: 0.001, 0.036) at the 60th and 65th percentiles, respectively; conversely, at the 25th percentile, it decreased by 0.026 (95%CI: 0.002, 0.050). Overall, the joint effect of the metal mixture on early- pregnancy weight gain showed an upward trend. In the BKMR model for mid-to-late pregnancy gestational weight gain, all PIPs were<0.5, and no significant single-metal effects, interactions, or joint effects were identified. Qgcomp results confirmed a positive association between the metal mixture and early-pregnancy weight gain (b=0.031, 95%CI: 0.010, 0.051; P<0.01), with V contributing the highest positive weight (0.71). No significant association was found for weight gain in mid-to-late pregnancy (b=0.007, P=0.339). Conclusion Higher levels of co-exposure to the Li, V, Bi, and U metal mixture during early pregnancy may be associated with increased average weekly weight gain in early pregnancy. Among these metals, V exhibits a predominant role and appears to interact with Li. No association is observed between early-pregnancy metal mixture exposure and average weekly gestational weight gain in mid-to-late pregnancy. These findings suggest that monitoring and managing metal exposure during early pregnancy may be crucial for the rational regulation of gestational weight gain.
2.Characteristics and Prescription Analysis of Marketed Chinese Patent Medicines for Rheumatoid Arthritis
Siyu LI ; Shuangfei DENG ; Daiyue DING ; Changyue SONG ; Xiaohui SU ; Xiangying KONG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(11):269-276
ObjectiveTo study the marketed products and prescription characteristics of Chinese patent medicines for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in China, thus providing support for clinical application and innovative research and development of Chinese patent medicines for RA. MethodsInformation on marketed Chinese patent medicines for RA treatment was collected. Preliminary data organization and statistical analysis were performed in Microsoft Excel 2021. Subsequently, the standardized prescriptions were analyzed via the Ancient and Modern Medical Case Cloud Platform (V2.3.9) across dimensions including medicinal properties, flavors, channel tropisms, usage characteristics, and formulation patterns. ResultsThis study ultimately included 311 marketed Chinese patent medicines for RA in China. Their initial market launch dates were mostly concentrated from the 1990s to the early 21st century. The National Basic Medical Insurance, Work-Related Injury Insurance, and Maternity Insurance Drug Directory included 89 Chinese patent medicines for RA. The primary dosage forms were tablets, capsules, medicated wines, and pills. After screening, 237 prescriptions were obtained, and the research on their origins was lagging. Among them, the Chinese patent medicines for treating wind-cold-dampness obstruction syndrome accounted for the highest proportion. The top three most frequently used medicinals were Angelicae Sinensis Radix, Notopterygii Rhizoma et Radix, and Saposhnikoviae Radix. Medicinal properties were primarily warm and plain, and flavors were mostly pungent, sweet, and bitter. The medicinals predominantly exhibited the liver and spleen channel tropism. Association rule analysis revealed that the herb pairs with the highest confidence were Chuanxiong-Angelicae Sinensis Radix and Myrrha-Olibanum. Cluster analysis yielded three medicinal combinations. ConclusionAlthough Chinese patent medicines for RA have application advantages, issues such as narrow syndrome coverage and insufficient innovation in dosage forms exist. Future development should focus on constructing an evidence-based system, strengthening the textual research on prescription origins and the exploration of classical famous formulas, and promoting dosage form innovation and precise medication to enhance their clinical value.
3.Herbal Textual Research on Kochiae Fructus in Famous Classical Formulas
Huifang HU ; Liping YANG ; Fei CHEN ; Xiaohui MA ; Ling JIN ; Zhilai ZHAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(15):247-257
In this paper, by referring to ancient and modern literature, the textual research of Kochiae Fructus has been conducted to clarify the name, origin, distribution of production areas, quality specification, taste and efficacy, harvesting time, processing and compatibility taboo, so as to provide reference and basis for the development and utilization of related famous classical formulas. According to the investigation, it can be seen that Difuzi was first published in Sheng Nong's Herbal Classic, and has been used as the official name throughout history. It is also known by other names such as Dimai, Dikui, and Luozhou. The mainstream source of Difuzi in materia medica throughout history is the dried ripe fruit of Kochia scoparia, which is consistent throughout history. In the Han dynasty, it was recorded that Kochiae Fructus was produced in Jingzhou(Hubei province), while modern literature records its distribution throughout the country, so it does not have obvious geoherbalism. The harvesting period of Kochiae Fructus is mostly in the late autumn, and the quality is best when it is full, gray green in color, and no impurities. There are two processing methods for its origin:from the Southern and Northern dynasties to the Ming dynasty, it was dried in the shade, and after the founding of the People's Republic of China, it was dried in the sun. There are few records about the processing of Kochiae Fructus, and its clinical application is mostly based on raw products as medicine. The seedlings are harvested in February of the lunar calendar, and the leaves are taken in April and May, processing in the place of origin is shade drying, the processing methods include burning ash and frying frost, pounding juice and wine soaking. For internal use, it is mostly decocted or mashed, while for external use, it is mostly washed with decoction or taken in a soup bath. Throughout history, it has been recorded that Kochiae Fructus is bitter and cold, and is mainly used for treating bladder fever. After the founding of the People's Republic of China, most of the literature classified it as damp-clearing medicine. Since the 1985 edition of Chinese Pharmacopoeia, it has been recorded that Kochiae Fructus has a pungent and bitter taste, and a cold nature. Returning to the kidney and bladder meridians with functions of clearing heat and dampness, dispelling wind and relieving itching. The clinical contraindications are mainly prohibited for those with deficiency and no dampness and heat. Throughout history, it has been recorded that the taste of the seedlings and leaves is bitter and cold for treatment of dysentery. Since modern times, it has been used to regulate the liver, spleen and large intestine meridians, with functions such as clearing heat and detoxifying, and diuresis. Based on the textual research, it is recommended to use the dried ripe fruit of K. scoparia when developing the famous classical formulas containing Kochiae Fructus, and processing shall be carried out according to the original processing requirements. If the original formula does not specify the processing requirements, the raw products is taken into medicine.
4.Herbal Textual Research on Cnidii Fructus in Famous Classical Formulas
Huifang HU ; Liping YANG ; Fei CHEN ; Xiaohui MA ; Ling JIN ; Zhilai ZHAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(16):243-253
In this paper, by referring to ancient and modern literature, the textual research of Cnidii Fructus has been conducted to clarify the name, origin, distribution of production areas, quality specification, nature and flavour, efficacy, harvesting and processing, compatibility taboo and others, so as to provide reference and basis for the development and utilization of the relevant famous classical formulas. After textual research, it can be verified that Cnidii Fructus was first published in Sheng Nong's Herbal Classic, the materia medica of all dynasties was named Shechuangzi, and there are also aliases such as Shesu, Shemi, and Qiangmi. The main source for generations was the dried ripe fruit of Cnidium monnieri, and ancient and modern consistent. From the Eastern Han dynasty to Tang dynasty, the origin of Cnidii Fructus was Zibo, Shandong province. During the Five dynasties, it expanded to Yangzhou in Jiangsu province and Xiangyang in Hubei province, the Song dynasty added Shangqiu in Henan province, and it was considered that Yangzhou, Xiangyang and Shangqiu were its genuine producing areas. It was more widely distributed in Ming and Qing dynasties. After the founding of the People's Republic of China, the origin is clearly distributed throughout the country. For its quality evaluation, generally full grain, gray yellow color, strong aroma is the best. The harvesting period in the past dynasties was mostly the fifth lunar month, and the fruit was collected to remove impurities and dry. The mainstream processing in producing area of the past dynasties was net selection of raw products, mixing and steaming with the juice of Rehmanniae Radix and stir-frying were the mainstream processing methods in the past, there were also stir-frying with honey, stir-frying with salt and rice wine, immersing and steaming with rice wine and other methods. In recent times, it has been used in raw products as medicine. Sheng Nong's Herbal Classic recorded Cnidii Fructus was bitter, Supplementary Records of Famous Physicians recorded its acrid for the first time. It was recorded in the Ming dynasty that its nature was warm, acted on the kidney meridian, and had small toxicity. After the founding of the People's Republic of China, most of the literature classified it as a medicine to attack poison, kill insects and relieve itching with the functions of dispelling pathogenic wind and removing dampness, destroying parasites and elieving itching, warming kidney and activating Yang. Clinical contraindications are mainly contraindicated for people with damp-heat from the lower-jiao or kidney heat. Based on the textual research, it is suggested that when developing the famous classical formulas containing Cnidii Fructus, the source shall be the dried ripe fruit of C. monnieri, and then it shall be processed according to the original formulas. If there is no requirement for processing in the formulas, the raw products can be taken into medicine.
5.Establishment of radioresistant NCI-H460 cells and investigation of their sensitivity to RSL-3
Di ZHAO ; Ying LI ; Xinyu ZHANG ; Xiaohui SUN ; Chang XU ; Qiang LIU ; Yan WANG
Chinese Journal of Radiological Health 2025;34(5):758-763
Objective To establish radioresistant human non-small cell lung cancer NCI-H460R model cells and evaluate the sensitivity of these radioresistant cells to a ferroptosis inducer. Methods Radioresistant cell lines, designated as NCI-H460 R20Gy and NCI-H460 R116Gy, were generated by subjecting parental NCI-H460 cells to fractionated irradiation with varying cumulative doses. Both parental cells and the established radioresistant cell lines were each randomly divided into four groups and exposed to irradiation at 0, 2, 4, and 6 Gy, respectively. Successful establishment of the radioresistant cell lines was confirmed by colony formation assay. Subsequently, cells were treated with increasing concentrations of the ferroptosis inducer RSL-3 to assess differential sensitivity between parental and radioresistant cells to ferroptosis. Results In comparison to the parental NCI-H460 cells (D0WT=1.2), both NCI-H460 R116Gy and NCI-H460 R20Gy cells exhibited radioresistance, with NCI-H460 R116Gy demonstrating a stronger radioresistance (D0R116Gy=1.5) than NCI-H460 R20Gy (D0R20Gy=1.4). Furthermore, NCI-H460 R116Gy cells exhibited increased sensitivity to RSL-3 relative to the parental cells (P < 0.001), while NCI-H460 R20Gy cells did not display a significant difference in sensitivity to RSL-3. Conclusion Human non-small cell lung cancer cells with radioresistance induced by a high cumulative irradiation dose exhibit increased sensitivity to the glutathione peroxidase 4-specific ferroptosis inducer RSL-3. This finding provides an experimental basis for optimizing combined treatment regimens involving radiotherapy and RSL-3 for non-small cell lung cancer patients with radiotherapy resistance.
6.Dihydroartemisinin enhances doxorubicin-induced apoptosis of triple negative breast cancer cells by negatively regulating the STAT3/HIF-1α pathway.
Di CHEN ; Ying LÜ ; Yixin GUO ; Yirong ZHANG ; Ruixuan WANG ; Xiaoruo ZHOU ; Yuxin CHEN ; Xiaohui WU
Journal of Southern Medical University 2025;45(2):254-260
OBJECTIVES:
To investigate the effects of dihydroartemisinin (DHA) combined with doxorubicin (DOX) on proliferation and apoptosis of triple-negative breast cancer cells and explore the underlying molecular mechanism.
METHODS:
MDA-MB-231 cells were treated with 50, 100 or 150 μmol/L DHA, 0.5 μmol/L DOX, or with 50 μmol/L DHA combined with 0.5 μmol/L DOX. The changes in proliferation and survival of the treated cells were examined with MTT assay and colony-forming assay, and cell apoptosis was analyzed with flow cytometry. Western blotting was performed to detect the changes in protein expression levels of PCNA, cleaved PARP, Bcl-2, Bax, STAT3, p-STAT3, HIF-1α and survivin.
RESULTS:
The IC50 of DHA was 131.37±29.87 μmol/L in MDA-MB-231 cells. The cells with the combined treatment with DHA and DOX showed significant suppression of cell proliferation. Treatment with DHA alone induced apoptosis of MDA-MB-231 cells in a dose-dependent manner, but the combined treatment produced a much stronger apoptosis-inducing effect than both DHA and DOX alone. DHA at 150 μmol/L significantly inhibited clone formation of MDA-MB-231 cells, markedly reduced cellular expression levels of PCNA, p-STAT3, HIF-1α and survivin proteins, and obviously increased the expression level of cleaved PARP protein and the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, and the combined treatment further reduced the expression level of p-STAT3 protein and increased the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio.
CONCLUSIONS
DHA combined with DOX produces significantly enhanced effects for inhibiting cell proliferation and inducing apoptosis in MDA-MB-231 cells possibly as result of DHA-mediated negative regulation of the STAT3/HIF-1α pathway.
Humans
;
STAT3 Transcription Factor/metabolism*
;
Apoptosis/drug effects*
;
Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1, alpha Subunit/metabolism*
;
Doxorubicin/pharmacology*
;
Triple Negative Breast Neoplasms/metabolism*
;
Cell Line, Tumor
;
Artemisinins/pharmacology*
;
Female
;
Cell Proliferation/drug effects*
;
Signal Transduction/drug effects*
;
Survivin
7.Biparametric MRI-based peritumoral radiomics for preoperative prediction of extracapsular extension in prostate cancer
Honghao XU ; Qicong DU ; Yuanhao MA ; Xueyi NING ; Baichuan LIU ; Xu BAI ; Di CHEN ; Yun ZHANG ; Zhe DONG ; Chuang JIA ; Xiaojing ZHANG ; Xiaohui DING ; Baojun WANG ; Aitao GUO ; Jian XUE ; Xuetao MU ; Huiyi YE ; Haiyi WANG
Chinese Journal of Radiology 2025;59(9):1055-1062
Objective:To investigate the value of biparametric-MRI (bpMRI) based peritumoral radiomics for preoperative prediction of extraprostatic extension (EPE) in prostate cancer (PCa).Methods:In this cross-sectional study, consecutive bpMRI of patients undergoing prostatectomy for PCa were retrospectively collected from the First Medical Center (center 1) and the Third Medical Center (center 2) of Chinese PLA General Hospital. A total of 274 patients were finally enrolled. Patients at center 1 from January 2020 to December 2022 were randomly divided into a training set (149 cases) and an internal validation set (63 cases) by stratified random sampling. Patients at center 2 from January 2023 to March 2024 were assigned to the external test set (62 cases). Patients were categorized into EPE-positive group and EPE-negative group according to pathological assessment postoperatively. In the training set, there were 49 cases in EPE-positive group and 100 cases in EPE-negative group. In the internal validation set, there were 26 cases in EPE-positive group and 37 cases in EPE-negative group. In the external test set, there were 22 cases in EPE-positive group and 40 cases in EPE-negative group. Axial T 2WI and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) images were manually annotated to obtain index lesion regions of interest (ROIs), with the peritumoral ROIs subsequently delineated by semi-automatic segmentation technique. Radiomics features were extracted from intra-tumoral, peri-tumoral, and intra-tumoral plus peri-tumoral ROIs. The training set data was employed to select and optimize features to build the radiomics models. The logistic regression analysis was used to develop radiomics, clinical, and integrated models. The predictive performance was assessed by the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) in the external test set, and compared by the DeLong test. The sensitivity and specificity were compared by the exact McNemar test. Results:In the external test set, the peri-tumoral radiomics model based on bpMRI showed the highest performance in evaluating EPE, with an AUC of 0.739 (95% CI 0.611-0.842), which was identified as the optimal radiomics model. EPE grade ( OR=6.151, 95% CI 3.371-11.226, P<0.001) was incorporated into the clinical model, with an AUC of 0.780 (95% CI 0.657-0.875) in the external test set. The integrated model had an AUC of 0.817 (95% CI 0.698-0.904) in the external test set. There was no statistically significant difference in comparisons of AUCs among the three models (all P>0.05). The sensitivity of the integrated model (68.2%) showed no significant difference from those of the clinical model and the optimal radiomics model (77.3% and 86.4%, respectively; P=0.500 and P=0.289). However, the specificity of the integrated model (85.0%) was significantly higher than those of the clinical model (67.5%, P=0.016) and the optimal radiomics model (50.0%, P<0.001). Conclusion:A bpMRI-based peritumoral radiomics integrating clinical model demonstrates high performance for preoperative prediction of EPE in PCa.
8.Comparative study of cardiac morphology, size and function between fetuses with tetralogy of Fallot and fetuses with malalignment ventricular septal defect and pulmonary stenosis by multi-parameter quantitative echocardiography
Shuli YANG ; Bowen ZHAO ; Mei PAN ; Xiaohui PENG ; Ran CHEN ; Yuanshi TIAN ; Min DI ; Heqing GUO
Chinese Journal of Ultrasonography 2025;34(2):139-148
Objective:To analyze the differences in heart size,shape and function between fetuses with tetralogy of Fallot(TOF)and fetuses with malalignment ventricular septal defect(VSD)and pulmonary stenosis(PS)(named as,mild TOF)by fetal heart quantification(fetal HQ)and multi-parameter fetal echocardiography.Methods:From June 2021 to June 2023,50 fetuses with TOF(TOF group)diagnosed by fetal echocardiography at the Department of Diagnostic Ultrasound & Echocardiography Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital,Zhejiang University College of Medicine and 34 fetuses with VSD and PS matched to gestational age(mild TOF group)were retrospectively selected. Cardiovascular parameters were measured by 2D echocardiography,M-mode echocardiography and fetal HQ,including aortic dimension(AO)and its Z-score(AO Z-score),pulmonary artery diameter(PA)and its Z-score(PA Z-score),PA/AO ratio,main pulmonary artery diameter(MPA)and its Z-score(MPA Z-score),left pulmonary artery diameter(LPA)and its Z-score(LPA Z-score),right pulmonary artery diameter(RPA)and its Z-score(RPA Z-score),McGoon index(MGI),tricuspid annular diameter(TV)and its Z-score(TV Z-score),mitral annular diameter(MV)and its Z-score(MV Z-score),and MV/TV ratio. Measurements of global ventricular morphologic parameters included cardiac axis,left and right ventricular transverse diameters(LVW,RVW)and their ratio(LVW/RVW),left and right ventricular long diameters(LVL,RVL)and LVL/RVL ratio,left and right ventricular areas(LVA,RVA)and LVA/RVA ratio,global spherical index(GSI)and its Z-score,four chamber view transverse diameter(4CV-Width-ED),four chamber view end-diastolic longitudinal diameter(4CV-Length-ED),four chamber view end-diastolic area(4CV-Area-ED). Measurements of left and right global ventricular functional parameters included fractional left ventricular and right ventricular area changes(LVFAC,RVFAC),left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF),left ventricular and right ventricular global longitudinal strains(LVGLS,RVGLS);end diastolic width diameter(Width-ED),SI and fractional shortening rate(FS)of 24 segments of left and right ventricles. The differences of the above parameters between the two groups were analyzed and compared,and the relationships between absolute values of GLS in left and right ventricles of TOF fetus and PA Z-score,MPA Z-score and PA/AO were analyzed. Binary Logistic regression model was used to select the best variables,and ROC curve was adopted to analyze the predictive values of ultrasonic parameter variables on TOF.Results:There were statistically significant differences in MV,TV,RVW,RVL,LVL,LVA,RVA,4CV-Length-ED,LVGLS,RVGLS,RVFAC,PA/AO,MPA,RPA,LPA,MGI,PA and PA Z-score between TOF group and mild TOF group(all P<0.05). The Width-ED values of all segments of left ventricle were statistically different between TOF group and mild TOF group(all P<0.05). There were statistical differences in SI between LV segments 4~6 and 8~24,and RV segments 1~21(all P<0.05). The FS values between the 8th and 10th to 18th segments of RV revealed statistical differences(all P<0.05). There were no statistical differences in the other parameters(all P>0.05). The absolute value of LVGLS in TOF fetuses was positively correlated with PA Z-score,MPA Z-score and PA/AO( r = 0.313,0.344,0.304,all P<0.05),and the absolute value of RVGLS was positively correlated with PA Z-score,MPA Z-score,and PA/AO( r = 0.323,0.334,0.357,all P<0.05). Binary Logistic regression model analysis confirmed that LVGLS,RVFAC and PA/AO were predictive variables. ROC curve analysis showed that the areas under the curves of LVGLS,RVFAC and PA/AO for predicting TOF were 0.746,0.693 and 0.849 respectively. The combined prediction efficiency was higher,and the area under the curve was 0.906. Conclusions:Fetal HQ combined with multiple fetal echocardiographic quantification indices can evaluate the differences in fetal heart size,shape and function between TOF and mild TOF. It is expected to provide important reference information in prenatal diagnosis and consultation for fetuses with TOF and mild TOF.
9.Biparametric MRI-based peritumoral radiomics for preoperative prediction of extracapsular extension in prostate cancer
Honghao XU ; Qicong DU ; Yuanhao MA ; Xueyi NING ; Baichuan LIU ; Xu BAI ; Di CHEN ; Yun ZHANG ; Zhe DONG ; Chuang JIA ; Xiaojing ZHANG ; Xiaohui DING ; Baojun WANG ; Aitao GUO ; Jian XUE ; Xuetao MU ; Huiyi YE ; Haiyi WANG
Chinese Journal of Radiology 2025;59(9):1055-1062
Objective:To investigate the value of biparametric-MRI (bpMRI) based peritumoral radiomics for preoperative prediction of extraprostatic extension (EPE) in prostate cancer (PCa).Methods:In this cross-sectional study, consecutive bpMRI of patients undergoing prostatectomy for PCa were retrospectively collected from the First Medical Center (center 1) and the Third Medical Center (center 2) of Chinese PLA General Hospital. A total of 274 patients were finally enrolled. Patients at center 1 from January 2020 to December 2022 were randomly divided into a training set (149 cases) and an internal validation set (63 cases) by stratified random sampling. Patients at center 2 from January 2023 to March 2024 were assigned to the external test set (62 cases). Patients were categorized into EPE-positive group and EPE-negative group according to pathological assessment postoperatively. In the training set, there were 49 cases in EPE-positive group and 100 cases in EPE-negative group. In the internal validation set, there were 26 cases in EPE-positive group and 37 cases in EPE-negative group. In the external test set, there were 22 cases in EPE-positive group and 40 cases in EPE-negative group. Axial T 2WI and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) images were manually annotated to obtain index lesion regions of interest (ROIs), with the peritumoral ROIs subsequently delineated by semi-automatic segmentation technique. Radiomics features were extracted from intra-tumoral, peri-tumoral, and intra-tumoral plus peri-tumoral ROIs. The training set data was employed to select and optimize features to build the radiomics models. The logistic regression analysis was used to develop radiomics, clinical, and integrated models. The predictive performance was assessed by the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) in the external test set, and compared by the DeLong test. The sensitivity and specificity were compared by the exact McNemar test. Results:In the external test set, the peri-tumoral radiomics model based on bpMRI showed the highest performance in evaluating EPE, with an AUC of 0.739 (95% CI 0.611-0.842), which was identified as the optimal radiomics model. EPE grade ( OR=6.151, 95% CI 3.371-11.226, P<0.001) was incorporated into the clinical model, with an AUC of 0.780 (95% CI 0.657-0.875) in the external test set. The integrated model had an AUC of 0.817 (95% CI 0.698-0.904) in the external test set. There was no statistically significant difference in comparisons of AUCs among the three models (all P>0.05). The sensitivity of the integrated model (68.2%) showed no significant difference from those of the clinical model and the optimal radiomics model (77.3% and 86.4%, respectively; P=0.500 and P=0.289). However, the specificity of the integrated model (85.0%) was significantly higher than those of the clinical model (67.5%, P=0.016) and the optimal radiomics model (50.0%, P<0.001). Conclusion:A bpMRI-based peritumoral radiomics integrating clinical model demonstrates high performance for preoperative prediction of EPE in PCa.
10.Comparative study of cardiac morphology, size and function between fetuses with tetralogy of Fallot and fetuses with malalignment ventricular septal defect and pulmonary stenosis by multi-parameter quantitative echocardiography
Shuli YANG ; Bowen ZHAO ; Mei PAN ; Xiaohui PENG ; Ran CHEN ; Yuanshi TIAN ; Min DI ; Heqing GUO
Chinese Journal of Ultrasonography 2025;34(2):139-148
Objective:To analyze the differences in heart size,shape and function between fetuses with tetralogy of Fallot(TOF)and fetuses with malalignment ventricular septal defect(VSD)and pulmonary stenosis(PS)(named as,mild TOF)by fetal heart quantification(fetal HQ)and multi-parameter fetal echocardiography.Methods:From June 2021 to June 2023,50 fetuses with TOF(TOF group)diagnosed by fetal echocardiography at the Department of Diagnostic Ultrasound & Echocardiography Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital,Zhejiang University College of Medicine and 34 fetuses with VSD and PS matched to gestational age(mild TOF group)were retrospectively selected. Cardiovascular parameters were measured by 2D echocardiography,M-mode echocardiography and fetal HQ,including aortic dimension(AO)and its Z-score(AO Z-score),pulmonary artery diameter(PA)and its Z-score(PA Z-score),PA/AO ratio,main pulmonary artery diameter(MPA)and its Z-score(MPA Z-score),left pulmonary artery diameter(LPA)and its Z-score(LPA Z-score),right pulmonary artery diameter(RPA)and its Z-score(RPA Z-score),McGoon index(MGI),tricuspid annular diameter(TV)and its Z-score(TV Z-score),mitral annular diameter(MV)and its Z-score(MV Z-score),and MV/TV ratio. Measurements of global ventricular morphologic parameters included cardiac axis,left and right ventricular transverse diameters(LVW,RVW)and their ratio(LVW/RVW),left and right ventricular long diameters(LVL,RVL)and LVL/RVL ratio,left and right ventricular areas(LVA,RVA)and LVA/RVA ratio,global spherical index(GSI)and its Z-score,four chamber view transverse diameter(4CV-Width-ED),four chamber view end-diastolic longitudinal diameter(4CV-Length-ED),four chamber view end-diastolic area(4CV-Area-ED). Measurements of left and right global ventricular functional parameters included fractional left ventricular and right ventricular area changes(LVFAC,RVFAC),left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF),left ventricular and right ventricular global longitudinal strains(LVGLS,RVGLS);end diastolic width diameter(Width-ED),SI and fractional shortening rate(FS)of 24 segments of left and right ventricles. The differences of the above parameters between the two groups were analyzed and compared,and the relationships between absolute values of GLS in left and right ventricles of TOF fetus and PA Z-score,MPA Z-score and PA/AO were analyzed. Binary Logistic regression model was used to select the best variables,and ROC curve was adopted to analyze the predictive values of ultrasonic parameter variables on TOF.Results:There were statistically significant differences in MV,TV,RVW,RVL,LVL,LVA,RVA,4CV-Length-ED,LVGLS,RVGLS,RVFAC,PA/AO,MPA,RPA,LPA,MGI,PA and PA Z-score between TOF group and mild TOF group(all P<0.05). The Width-ED values of all segments of left ventricle were statistically different between TOF group and mild TOF group(all P<0.05). There were statistical differences in SI between LV segments 4~6 and 8~24,and RV segments 1~21(all P<0.05). The FS values between the 8th and 10th to 18th segments of RV revealed statistical differences(all P<0.05). There were no statistical differences in the other parameters(all P>0.05). The absolute value of LVGLS in TOF fetuses was positively correlated with PA Z-score,MPA Z-score and PA/AO( r = 0.313,0.344,0.304,all P<0.05),and the absolute value of RVGLS was positively correlated with PA Z-score,MPA Z-score,and PA/AO( r = 0.323,0.334,0.357,all P<0.05). Binary Logistic regression model analysis confirmed that LVGLS,RVFAC and PA/AO were predictive variables. ROC curve analysis showed that the areas under the curves of LVGLS,RVFAC and PA/AO for predicting TOF were 0.746,0.693 and 0.849 respectively. The combined prediction efficiency was higher,and the area under the curve was 0.906. Conclusions:Fetal HQ combined with multiple fetal echocardiographic quantification indices can evaluate the differences in fetal heart size,shape and function between TOF and mild TOF. It is expected to provide important reference information in prenatal diagnosis and consultation for fetuses with TOF and mild TOF.

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