1.Analysis of Rheumatoid Arthritis and Periodontitis Multimorbidity from Perspective of Abnormal Collateral Theory
Xiaojing GUO ; Jiuli DING ; Hongyuan SUN ; Lei ZHANG ; Min LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):280-287
The multimorbidity of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and periodontitis (PD) has drawn increasing attention, as both conditions are characterized by chronic inflammation, immune dysregulation, and progressive bone destruction. Modern research confirms that PD is a significant risk factor for RA development, and their coexistence mutually exacerbates disease progression. However, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) currently lacks a systematic theoretical explanation for this complex multimorbid relationship. This study, based on the TCM theory of abnormal collateral, thoroughly examines the intrinsic connection between RA and PD multimorbidity, proposing "abnormal collateral as the pivot, with accumulated toxins eroding bone" as the core TCM pathogenesis. The research elucidates PD as the "origin of abnormal collateral", where its pathogens act as toxic factors that invade the joints through collaterals, triggering RA via mechanisms such as molecular mimicry. The dynamic pathological progression of RA-PD multimorbidity can be described as follows: the displacement of Ying and Wei at the microscopic level manifests as immune hyperactivation, leading to collateral malnutrition; heat-toxins traversing collaterals induce collateral hyperactivity, resulting in pathological angiogenesis; ultimately, toxin accumulation at the pivotal abnormal collateral site erodes bone, activating the receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL)-receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B (RANK) signaling pathway-driven osteoclast differentiation. This theoretical framework innovatively integrates modern findings in oral microbiology, immune-inflammation, and bone metabolism, offering a holistic and dynamic perspective to understand the complexity of multimorbidity. Given the limited efficacy of current periodontal treatments for RA and the scarcity of reported TCM compound interventions for multimorbidity, the abnormal collateral theory proposes a systematic intervention strategy centered on "governing diseases through collaterals and regulating collaterals with herbs", along with TCM therapeutic principles such as "unblocking, clearing, and nourishing collaterals". Potential herbal treatments for multimorbidity are also highlighted. Future research should focus on refining TCM syndrome patterns in multimorbid patients and leveraging omics technologies for deeper exploration, thereby providing a theoretical foundation and research direction for TCM in addressing complex multimorbid conditions.
2.Analysis of Rheumatoid Arthritis and Periodontitis Multimorbidity from Perspective of Abnormal Collateral Theory
Xiaojing GUO ; Jiuli DING ; Hongyuan SUN ; Lei ZHANG ; Min LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):280-287
The multimorbidity of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and periodontitis (PD) has drawn increasing attention, as both conditions are characterized by chronic inflammation, immune dysregulation, and progressive bone destruction. Modern research confirms that PD is a significant risk factor for RA development, and their coexistence mutually exacerbates disease progression. However, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) currently lacks a systematic theoretical explanation for this complex multimorbid relationship. This study, based on the TCM theory of abnormal collateral, thoroughly examines the intrinsic connection between RA and PD multimorbidity, proposing "abnormal collateral as the pivot, with accumulated toxins eroding bone" as the core TCM pathogenesis. The research elucidates PD as the "origin of abnormal collateral", where its pathogens act as toxic factors that invade the joints through collaterals, triggering RA via mechanisms such as molecular mimicry. The dynamic pathological progression of RA-PD multimorbidity can be described as follows: the displacement of Ying and Wei at the microscopic level manifests as immune hyperactivation, leading to collateral malnutrition; heat-toxins traversing collaterals induce collateral hyperactivity, resulting in pathological angiogenesis; ultimately, toxin accumulation at the pivotal abnormal collateral site erodes bone, activating the receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL)-receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B (RANK) signaling pathway-driven osteoclast differentiation. This theoretical framework innovatively integrates modern findings in oral microbiology, immune-inflammation, and bone metabolism, offering a holistic and dynamic perspective to understand the complexity of multimorbidity. Given the limited efficacy of current periodontal treatments for RA and the scarcity of reported TCM compound interventions for multimorbidity, the abnormal collateral theory proposes a systematic intervention strategy centered on "governing diseases through collaterals and regulating collaterals with herbs", along with TCM therapeutic principles such as "unblocking, clearing, and nourishing collaterals". Potential herbal treatments for multimorbidity are also highlighted. Future research should focus on refining TCM syndrome patterns in multimorbid patients and leveraging omics technologies for deeper exploration, thereby providing a theoretical foundation and research direction for TCM in addressing complex multimorbid conditions.
3.Investigating Effect of Xianglian Huazhuo Prescription on Cell Cycle and Proliferation in Rats with Chronic Atrophic Gastritis Through TGF-β1/Smads Signaling Pathway
Yican WANG ; Jie WANG ; Yirui CHENG ; Xiaojing LI ; Yibin MA ; Qiuhua LIU ; Ziwei LIU ; Yuxi GUO ; Pengli DU ; Yanru CAI ; Yao DU ; Zheng ZHI ; Bolin LI ; Qian YANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):128-136
ObjectiveTo explore the potential mechanism of Xianglian Huazhuo prescription (XLHZ) in treating chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG) by regulating cell cycle and inhibiting proliferation, using bioinformatics technology and animal experiments. MethodsDifferential expressed genes (DEGs) related to CAG were screened using GEO database and GEO2R tool. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was employed to search for hub genes of CAG. These hub genes were intersected with cell cycle proliferation based on GeneCards database. Eenrichment analysis of the intersecting genes was performed to obtain signaling pathways and biological processes related to CAG. Protein protein interaction (PPI) analysis of genes was conducted using the Protein Interaction Platform (STRING) database to search the super hub gene (hub 2.0), and animal experiments were conducted for further validation. Fourteen of 70 male Wistar rats were randomly selected as the normal group, and the remaining 56 rats were prepared by the combined modeling method of "starvation disorder+N-methyl-N-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG) + sodium salicylate". The successfully modeled rats were randomly divided into the model group, XLHZ-H, XLHZ-M, and XLHZ-L groups (36, 18, 9 g·kg-1, respectively), and Morodan group (1.4 g·kg-1). Each group was given corresponding intervention for 60 days. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe the histopathological changes of gastric mucosa in rats. The ultrastructure of gastric mucosal tissue cells was observed by transmission electron microscopy. The relative expression levels of TGF-β1, Smad2 and Smad3 proteins, S/G2/M phase marker geminin and proliferation marker MCM2 were detected by Western blot in gastric mucosal tissue, and Spearman correlation analysis was performed. ResultsA total of 15 hub 2.0 genes were identified, including TGF-β1, suggesting the involvement of the TGF-β1 signaling pathway in the CAG pathogenesis. Compared with the normal group, the expressions of TGF-β1, Smad2, geminin and MCM2 proteins in the gastric mucosa tissue of the model group were increased (P<0.05), and the expression of Smad3 protein was decreased (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the expressions of TGF-β1 and geminin in the gastric mucosa were decreased in the drug groups (P<0.05). The XLHZ-M group, XLHZ-H group and Morodan group had significantly decreased protein expression of Smad2 and MCM2 (P<0.05). The protein expression of Smad3 was significantly increased in XLHZ-M, XLHZ-H, and Morodan groups (P<0.05). Spearman correlation analysis showed that Smad3 was negatively correlated with other indicators, and positively correlated with other indicators (P<0.01). ConclusionXLHZ may inhibit TGF-β1/Smads signaling pathway, regulate cell cycle, and inhibit proliferation in the treatment of CAG.
4.Short-term efficacy of low-dose transscleral cyclophotocoagulation for persistent ocular hypertension in acute angle-closure glaucoma
Qiaoyun LI ; Yong JIA ; Baike ZHANG ; Xiaojing GUO ; Cong LU ; Xinli WEI ; Xuemin TIAN
International Eye Science 2026;26(4):706-710
AIM: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of low-dose transscleral cyclophotocoagulation(TSCP)in the management of persistent ocular hypertension after an acute attack of angle-closure glaucoma(AACG).METHODS:This retrospective study enrolled patients diagnosed with persistent ocular hypertension after an acute AACG attack at the No.988 Hospital of the Joint Logistics Support Force of the Chinese PLA between September 2023 and September 2024. All patients underwent low-dose TSCP using a semiconductor diode laser. Subsequent cataract surgery combined with goniosynechialysis was performed once intraocular pressure(IOP)was stabilized. Changes in anterior chamber depth(ACD), best-corrected visual acuity(VA), and IOP were compared before and after TSCP, as well as before and after phacoemulsification. Post-TSCP complications were also documented.RESULTS: A total of 21 patients(21 eyes)were enrolled, including 8 males and 13 females, with a mean age of 67.95±7.25 y. Compared with pre-cyclophotocoagulation values, ACD increased significantly at 3 d post-TSCP(1.49±0.18 vs 1.22±0.21 mm; P<0.001). BCVA and IOP decreased significantly at 1 d post-TSCP, pre-phacoemulsification, 1 wk post-phacoemulsification, and 1 mo post-phacoemulsification compared with pre-TSCP IOP(all P<0.01). Regarding postoperative complications, 2 eyes experienced pain on the day of the procedure, 5 eyes developed mild corneal endothelial folds, 2 eyes exhibited moderate anterior chamber inflammatory reaction, and 12 eyes showed shallow ciliary body detachment. No serious complications occurred during the 1-month follow-up period.CONCLUSION:Low-dose TSCP appears to be an effective bridging therapy for patients with persistent ocular hypertension following an AACG attack. It facilitates rapid IOP reduction, alleviates symptoms, and helps preserve visual function with a favorable safety profile, thereby reducing the risks associated with subsequent intraocular surgery.
5.Investigating Effect of Xianglian Huazhuo Prescription on Cell Cycle and Proliferation in Rats with Chronic Atrophic Gastritis Through TGF-β1/Smads Signaling Pathway
Yican WANG ; Jie WANG ; Yirui CHENG ; Xiaojing LI ; Yibin MA ; Qiuhua LIU ; Ziwei LIU ; Yuxi GUO ; Pengli DU ; Yanru CAI ; Yao DU ; Zheng ZHI ; Bolin LI ; Qian YANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):128-136
ObjectiveTo explore the potential mechanism of Xianglian Huazhuo prescription (XLHZ) in treating chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG) by regulating cell cycle and inhibiting proliferation, using bioinformatics technology and animal experiments. MethodsDifferential expressed genes (DEGs) related to CAG were screened using GEO database and GEO2R tool. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was employed to search for hub genes of CAG. These hub genes were intersected with cell cycle proliferation based on GeneCards database. Eenrichment analysis of the intersecting genes was performed to obtain signaling pathways and biological processes related to CAG. Protein protein interaction (PPI) analysis of genes was conducted using the Protein Interaction Platform (STRING) database to search the super hub gene (hub 2.0), and animal experiments were conducted for further validation. Fourteen of 70 male Wistar rats were randomly selected as the normal group, and the remaining 56 rats were prepared by the combined modeling method of "starvation disorder+N-methyl-N-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG) + sodium salicylate". The successfully modeled rats were randomly divided into the model group, XLHZ-H, XLHZ-M, and XLHZ-L groups (36, 18, 9 g·kg-1, respectively), and Morodan group (1.4 g·kg-1). Each group was given corresponding intervention for 60 days. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe the histopathological changes of gastric mucosa in rats. The ultrastructure of gastric mucosal tissue cells was observed by transmission electron microscopy. The relative expression levels of TGF-β1, Smad2 and Smad3 proteins, S/G2/M phase marker geminin and proliferation marker MCM2 were detected by Western blot in gastric mucosal tissue, and Spearman correlation analysis was performed. ResultsA total of 15 hub 2.0 genes were identified, including TGF-β1, suggesting the involvement of the TGF-β1 signaling pathway in the CAG pathogenesis. Compared with the normal group, the expressions of TGF-β1, Smad2, geminin and MCM2 proteins in the gastric mucosa tissue of the model group were increased (P<0.05), and the expression of Smad3 protein was decreased (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the expressions of TGF-β1 and geminin in the gastric mucosa were decreased in the drug groups (P<0.05). The XLHZ-M group, XLHZ-H group and Morodan group had significantly decreased protein expression of Smad2 and MCM2 (P<0.05). The protein expression of Smad3 was significantly increased in XLHZ-M, XLHZ-H, and Morodan groups (P<0.05). Spearman correlation analysis showed that Smad3 was negatively correlated with other indicators, and positively correlated with other indicators (P<0.01). ConclusionXLHZ may inhibit TGF-β1/Smads signaling pathway, regulate cell cycle, and inhibit proliferation in the treatment of CAG.
6.Relationship between childhood adversity and depression: cumulative effects, sensitive windows, and interactions with later environments
Juan WANG ; Xiaojing LI ; Wanjun GUO
Sichuan Mental Health 2026;39(2):106-111
Childhood adversity is a risk factor for developing depressive symptoms or suffering from depressive disorders across the life course. However, existing evidence has focused on the analysis of the association between childhood adversity and depression from a single theoretical perspective, and there is a lack of comprehensive understanding of its multiple action pathways. By systematically summarizing the cumulative risk model, sensitive-period model, recency model, risk chain model, and the stress sensitization, stress amplification, and stress inoculation hypotheses, as well as the emerging pubertal stress recalibration hypothesis, this article attempts to construct an integrated theoretical framework to elucidate the internal logical synergy among these models. Furthermore, by reviewing relevant empirical evidence, this article analyzes the applicability and limitations of different theoretical models in illustrating the underlying psychopathological mechanisms of depression. The current evidence suggests that the impact of childhood adversity on the risk of psychopathology may be driven by a complex dynamic process involving the interaction of exposure timing, cumulative load, response boundaries of biological systems, and modification by later environments. Future research should utilize longitudinal cohorts and multimodal data within a unified analytical framework to comprehensively examine the multiple pathways through which childhood adversity affects the risk of depression. This will provide a reference for precisely identifying high-risk populations, targeting "recalibration windows" represented by adolescence, developing focused intervention strategies, and ultimately blocking the cascading effects of early life adversity as early as possible. [Funded by the "Pioneer" and "Leading Goose" R&D program of Zhejiang Province (number, 2024C03006)]
7.Chemical Constituents,Pharmacological Effect and Clinical Applications of Da Chaihutang: A Review
Yunmengtong SU ; Danni WANG ; Huawei LI ; Xiaojing NIU ; Guangzong JIA ; Huijun GUO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(18):292-306
Da Chaihutang, first recorded in Shanghanlun by Zhang Zhongjing of the Eastern Han dynasty, is composed of eight medicinal herbs, namely Bupleuri Radix, Scutellariae Radix, Rhei Radix et Rhizoma, Aurantii Fructus Immaturus, Paeoniae Radix Alba, Pinelliae Rhizoma, Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens, and Jujubae Fructus. It features a well-defined hierarchy of sovereign, minister, assistant, and courier ingredients. The prescription is characterized by its balanced compatibility, mutually restrained cold and warm properties, and combined use of harmonizing and purging therapeutic strategies. As a renowned classical formula indicated for harmonizing Shaoyang and purging internal heat accumulation, it is the core prescription for the treatment of Shaoyang-Yangming combined disease. A comprehensive review of modern research literature on Da Chaihutang reveals that its chemical composition is notably diverse. The core pharmacologically active material bases of its constituent single herbs have been clearly identified, including saikosaponins from Bupleuri Radix, flavonoids from Scutellariae Radix, anthraquinones from Rhei Radix et Rhizoma, flavonoids and alkaloids from Aurantii Fructus Immaturus, monoterpene glycosides from Paeoniae Radix Alba, alkaloids and organic acids from Pinelliae Rhizoma, gingerols from Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens, and polysaccharides and triterpenoid acids from Jujubae Fructus. In the compound formula, a total of 163 chemical constituents have been comprehensively identified, among which flavonoids and their glycosides constitute the most abundant component category. Flavonoids and their glycosides, monoterpene glycosides, and pentacyclic triterpenoid saponins are regarded as the core pharmacologically active substances of the whole formula. In addition, 9 potential quality markers that can comprehensively characterize the overall quality and core therapeutic efficacy of the whole formula have been screened out. Modern pharmacological studies have shown that the pharmacological effects of Da Chaihutang exhibit synergistic characteristics involving multiple components, multiple targets, and multiple pathways. Its core pharmacological activities encompass the regulation of digestive system disorders, including pancreatic protection, intervention in biliary tract diseases, and protection of gastrointestinal mucosa; intervention in hepatobiliary diseases such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and cholestatic liver injury; and regulation of metabolic disorders such as hypoglycemic effect, improvement of insulin resistance, and regulation of lipid metabolism. Furthermore, it also possesses multiple pharmacological activities, including intervention in atherosclerosis, regulation of immune and inflammatory responses, multi-organ protection, and anti-hepatocellular carcinoma effect. In modern clinical practice, Da Chaihutang and its modified formulas are mostly used in combination with conventional Western medical regimens. They have demonstrated notable therapeutic advantages in the treatment of digestive system diseases such as cholecystitis, acute pancreatitis, cholelithiasis, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, but also have shown definite curative efficacy in the management of diseases affecting multiple other systems, including cardiovascular, endocrine, dermatological, reproductive, respiratory, neurological, urinary, pediatric, and immune systems. These combined applications can effectively improve the overall clinical response rate, shorten the time to symptom relief, and reduce both the disease recurrence rate and the incidence of adverse reactions. This review systematically summarized the formula compatibility, chemical constituents, pharmacological mechanisms, and modern clinical applications of Da Chaihutang and its modified formulas, to provide a theoretical basis and practical reference for the secondary development of classic formulas, the research and development of new drugs, and the precise and safe clinical application of this classical prescription.
8.Role of fecal calprotectin testing in predicting endoscopic remission in Crohn′s disease treated with infliximab
Qiong GUO ; Chen CHEN ; Xiaojing ZHAO ; Jingjing MA ; Chunhua JIAO ; Nana TANG ; Hongjie ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Digestion 2025;45(7):469-476
Objective:To explore the relationship between early fecal calprotectin (FC) level and the long-term efficacy of infliximab (IFX) in the treatment of Crohn′s disease (CD) and predictive the value.Methods:From January 2018 to December 2023, at the First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University, the clinical data of patients with moderate-to-severe CD who received IFX as first-line therapy were retrospectively collected. The main outcomes were clinical and endoscopic remission at week 52 after IFX treatment, and the secondary outcome was clinical response at week 14 after IFX treatment. The predictive value of FC levels at week 0 (at baseline when first administered) and week 14 of treatment was evaluated for the clinical and endoscopic remission at week 52 after IFX treatment. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to investigate the factors predicting endoscopic remission. The optimal cutoff value was calculated, model was established, the data was divided into training set and validation set at a ratio of 7∶3 using the random number table method and the corresponding column chart was drawn. Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) and calibration curve were used to evaluate the discrimination and calibration of the model, respectively. Mann-Whitney U test was used for statistical comparison. Results:A total of 165 patients with CD were enrolled, of whom 150 cases (90.9%) achieved clinical response after induction therapy, and 15 cases (9.1%) were primary non-response. Among the 150 patients with clinical response, 112 cases (74.7%) achieved clinical remission at week 52 after treatment, while 38 cases (25.3%) did not achieve clinical remission. Endoscopic evaluation was performed at week 52 after treatment in 139 patients, of whom 54 cases (38.8%) achieved endoscopic remission and 85 cases (61.2%) did not. At week 14 of treatment, there was no statistically significant difference in FC level between the patients achieved and did not achieve clinical response (263.24 (93.96, 675.28) μg/g vs. 556.35 (245.77, 953.56) μg/g, P>0.05). At week 52 after treatment, the FC level of patients who achieved clinical remission was lower than that of patients did not achieve(103.20(44.11, 456.57) μg/g vs. 531.26(222.06, 998.40) μg/g) and the decreased value of FC at week 52 and week 0 after treatment of patients achieved clinical remission was more than that of patients did not achieve clinical remission (443.34 (82.25, 788.95) μg/g vs. 269.91 (-79.20, 522.54) μg/g), and the differences were statistically significant ( U=1 078.00, 2 677.00; P<0.001, =0.018). At week 52 after treatment, the FC level of patients achieved endoscopic remission was lower than that of patients did not achieve endoscopic remission (52.80(31.93, 83.47) μg/g vs. 506.18(217.44, 778.02) μg/g), and the decreased value of FC at week 52 and week 0 after treatment of patients achieved endoscopic remission was more than that of patients did not achieve endoscopic remission (428.85(140.20, 863.60) μg/g vs. 309.61(-62.37, 683.82) μg/g), and the differences were statistically significant ( U=500.00, 2 812.00; P<0.001, =0.025). The FC level at week 14 of treatment could predict the clinical and endoscopic remission at week 52 after treatment (area under the curve (AUC) =0.663, 0.773; 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 0.566 to 0.760, 0.694 to 0.852; P=0.006, <0.001). The optimal cutoff value of FC at week 14 of treatment for predicting endoscopic remission at week 52 after treatment was 246.13 μg/g, with a sensitivity of 0.741 and a specificity of 0.671. The results of multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that FC ≤ 246.13 μg/g at week 14 of treatment ( OR=4.576, 95% CI: 2.021 to 10.363, P<0.001), baseline albumin ( OR=1.093, 95% CI: 1.006 to 1.188, P=0.035), and baseline platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) ( OR=0.995, 95% CI: 0.990 to 1.000, P=0.046) were independent influencing factors of endoscopic remission at week 52 after treatment. A predictive model for endoscopic remission at week 52 after IFX treatment was established based on FC ≤ 246.13 μg/g at week 14 of treatment, baseline albumin and PLR. The results of ROC analysis showed that this model had good discriminative ability, with an AUC of 0.780 (95% CI: 0.700 to 0.878) in the validation set, with a sensitivity of 0.812 and a specificity of 0.760. The results of calibration curve analysis demonstrated that the average absolute error of the prediction model in the validation set was 0.038, and the consistency between the predicted probability and the actual probability was good. Conclusion:FC ≤ 246.13 g/g at week 14 of IFX treatment has good predictive value for endoscopic remission at week 52 after treatment in CD patients.
9.Value of MRI ultra-short echo time sequence in the diagnosis of pulmonary nodules
Zhaoyan ZHOU ; Ying WANG ; Bin NAN ; Qing LIN ; Xiaojing KAN ; Yinghui GE ; Zhiping GUO
Chinese Journal of Radiology 2025;59(7):771-776
Objective:To explore the clinical application value of MRI ultra-short echo time sequence (MRI-UTE) in the diagnosis of pulmonary nodules.Methods:This study was a cross-sectional study. A total of 101 consecutive patients were recruited prospectively from January to August 2024 at Huazhong Fuwai Hospital of Zhengzhou University. All of the included patients were diagnosed with pulmonary nodules by chest CT examination and intended for treatment. All patients underwent low-dose CT examination and MRI-UTE examination. The number, classification, and lung imaging reporting and data system (lung-RADS) grading of the pulmonary nodules were analyzed. Nodules classification was determined as solid nodules or sub-solid nodules, and sub-solid nodules included part-solid nodules and pure ground-glass nodules. Taking the evaluation results of radiologists with 10 and 12 years of experience in chest imaging diagnosis as the reference standard, the Kappa test was used to analyze the agreement of CT and MRI-UTE in terms of the accurate diagnosis, classification, and lung-RADS grading of pulmonary nodules. Results:Among the 101 patients, a total of 216 pulmonary nodules were identified. MRI-UTE accurately diagnosed 180 pulmonary nodules, while 203 pulmonary nodules were detected by CT. The concordance was moderate ( Kappa=0.48, P<0.001). In terms of nodule classification, CT correctly classified 167 nodules as solid and 36 as sub-solid, whereas MRI-UTE correctly classified 153 as solid and 23 as sub-solid, with good agreement (weighted Kappa=0.73, P<0.001). For lung-RADS grading, CT correctly graded 186 nodules, with 85 graded as category 2, 46 as category 3, 33 as category 4A, 12 as category 4B, and 10 as category 4X; MRI-UTE correctly graded 155 nodules, with 74 graded as category 2, 30 as category 3, 30 as category 4A, 12 as category 4B, and 9 as category 4X. The agreement between the two modalities in determining lung-RADS grade was also good (weighted Kappa=0.74, P<0.001). Conclusion:MRI-UTE demonstrates good agreement with CT in the accurate diagnosis, classification, and lung-RADS grading of pulmonary nodules, indicating certain clinical application value.
10.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.

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