Objective This study aims to explore the application value of spectral CT and perfusion CT parameters in the pathological classification and prognostic assessment of lung cancer.Methods A total of 94 lung cancer patients confirmed by pathology at Shanghai Chest Hospital from January 2023 to November 2024 were included in the study,including 49 cases of lung adenocarcinoma(LUAD),30 cases of lung squamous cell carci-noma(LUSC),and 15 cases of small cell lung cancer(SCLC).All patients underwent spectral CT combined with perfusion scanning using a 256-slice Revolution Apex from GE.Two radiologists independently measured the spectral and perfusion parameters of the three groups of images,including spectral curve slope(K),iodine concentration in the lesion area(ICL),effective atomic number(Zeff),surface permeability(PS),and perfusion index(PI),and established a lung cancer pathological subtype discrimination prediction model based on spectral CT radiomics features.All subjects were randomly divided into a training group and a validation group at a ratio of 3∶1.The discrimination efficacy of the spectral discrimination model between different pathological subtypes and the discrimination efficacy of arterial and venous phase images were compared in multiple dimensions.The performance of the model was evaluated using the receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve.Results Statistical analysis showed that the spectral curve slope,ICL,NIC,and Zeff of LUAD patients were significantly higher than those of LUSC and SCLC patients(P<0.05),while there were no significant differences in these parameters between LUSC and SCLC patients(P>0.05).Among the perfusion CT parameters,surface permeability(PS)showed significant differences among the three groups(P<0.05),while blood volume(BV),blood flow(BF),perfusion index(PI),time to peak(TTP),and mean transit time(MTT)did not show statistical differences.The multi-factor logistic regression model based on spectral parameters showed strong discriminatory performance:the area under the curve(AUC)of the LUAD and LUSC discrimination model was 0.806/0.77(training group/test group)in the arterial phase and 0.867/0.9(training group/test group)in the venous phase;the AUC of the LUAD and SCLC discrimination model was 0.885/0.883(training group/test group)in the arterial phase and 0.851/0.776(training group/test group)in the venous phase.Conclusion This study indicates that the multi-dimensional functional metabolic analysis indicators of spectral and perfusion CT imaging have significant value in the differential diagnosis of lung cancer pathological subtypes.The diagnostic model constructed by combining multiple spectral parameters can significantly improve the discrimination efficacy of lung adenocarcinoma,squamous cell carcinoma,and small cell lung cancer,providing precise imaging evidence for the formulation of individualized treatment plans.

Objective This study aims to explore the application value of spectral CT and perfusion CT parameters in the pathological classification and prognostic assessment of lung cancer.Methods A total of 94 lung cancer patients confirmed by pathology at Shanghai Chest Hospital from January 2023 to November 2024 were included in the study,including 49 cases of lung adenocarcinoma(LUAD),30 cases of lung squamous cell carci-noma(LUSC),and 15 cases of small cell lung cancer(SCLC).All patients underwent spectral CT combined with perfusion scanning using a 256-slice Revolution Apex from GE.Two radiologists independently measured the spectral and perfusion parameters of the three groups of images,including spectral curve slope(K),iodine concentration in the lesion area(ICL),effective atomic number(Zeff),surface permeability(PS),and perfusion index(PI),and established a lung cancer pathological subtype discrimination prediction model based on spectral CT radiomics features.All subjects were randomly divided into a training group and a validation group at a ratio of 3∶1.The discrimination efficacy of the spectral discrimination model between different pathological subtypes and the discrimination efficacy of arterial and venous phase images were compared in multiple dimensions.The performance of the model was evaluated using the receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve.Results Statistical analysis showed that the spectral curve slope,ICL,NIC,and Zeff of LUAD patients were significantly higher than those of LUSC and SCLC patients(P<0.05),while there were no significant differences in these parameters between LUSC and SCLC patients(P>0.05).Among the perfusion CT parameters,surface permeability(PS)showed significant differences among the three groups(P<0.05),while blood volume(BV),blood flow(BF),perfusion index(PI),time to peak(TTP),and mean transit time(MTT)did not show statistical differences.The multi-factor logistic regression model based on spectral parameters showed strong discriminatory performance:the area under the curve(AUC)of the LUAD and LUSC discrimination model was 0.806/0.77(training group/test group)in the arterial phase and 0.867/0.9(training group/test group)in the venous phase;the AUC of the LUAD and SCLC discrimination model was 0.885/0.883(training group/test group)in the arterial phase and 0.851/0.776(training group/test group)in the venous phase.Conclusion This study indicates that the multi-dimensional functional metabolic analysis indicators of spectral and perfusion CT imaging have significant value in the differential diagnosis of lung cancer pathological subtypes.The diagnostic model constructed by combining multiple spectral parameters can significantly improve the discrimination efficacy of lung adenocarcinoma,squamous cell carcinoma,and small cell lung cancer,providing precise imaging evidence for the formulation of individualized treatment plans.

Objective To explore the application value of Three-Dimensional rectal cavity ultrasound combined with contrast agent imaging in necrotizing fasciitis of the anal region.Methods Before surgery,standard three-dimensional rectal cavity ultrasound examinations(referred to as the conventional group)and contrast agent imaging examinations(referred to as the imaging group)were conducted for 40 patients clinically diagnosed with anal region necrotizing fasciitis.Separate observations were made for the primary lesion,as well as for the depth and superficial necrosis of the fascia,and injuries to the anal sphincter muscle.Comparative analysis with surgical results was undertaken to assess the diagnostic sensitivity of both the conventional and imaging groups.Results In comparing the conventional group with the imaging group,the rates of primary lesion visibility rose significantly from 70%to 97.5%,deep fascial necrosis visibility increased from 50%to 88.8%,superficial fascia visibility improved from 70%to 100%,and the visibility of anal sphincter muscle injury escalated from 62.5%to 97.2%,all demonstrating statistical significance at P<0.05.Conclusions Three-dimensional rectal cavity ultrasound combined with contrast agent imaging exhibits significantly enhanced accuracy in identifying primary lesions associated with perianal necrotizing fasciitis,as well as the necrosis affecting deep and superficial fascia,in contrast to conventional three-dimensional rectal cavity ultrasound.This advancement offers more precise guidance for clinicians in devising surgical plans,thereby augmenting the success rate of surgical interventions.

Objective Clinical research is a critical procedure for the development of medicine.Reliability of the clinical research finding is determined by the quality of study design and analysis courses.It will also further impact the guideline development and clinical practice.This study was focus on the evaluation of clinical research quality during its whole process.Methods Subjects of this study were the clinical summary reports from a government funded project which were submitted in 2016.Standardized data collecting form had been used to capture the key features regarding to the quality of study design and data analysis.After the review of data accuracy,descriptive analysis had been carried to interpret the observed findings both for design and analysis aspects.Results There were 67 project summary reports included in our analysis.The top three investigated therapeutic areas were oncology,cardiovascular/cerebrovascular diseases and orthopedics (19.4 ％,11.9 ％ and 11.9 ％).Most of studies fulfilled the evaluation criteria according to their original plan.94 ％ studies were strictly compliance with the original protocol with no interim amendment.Meanwhile,the report on sample size determination and appropriate use of multi-variable analysis should be improved.Conclusions Usually,clinical research program can fulfill the evaluate goal according to funding requirements.But the methodology quality should be paid more attention.It is highly suggested to cooperate with the professional statistical team and do continuous improvement effort to enhance the validity of study findings.

BACKGROUND: Diabetic wounds are a major clinical challenge, because minor skin wounds can lead to chronic, unhealed ulcers and ultimately result in infection, gangrene, or even amputation. Studies on bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) and a series of growth factors have revealed their many benefits for wound healing and regeneration. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) may improve the environment for BMSC development and differentiation. However, whether combined use of BMSCs and PRP may be more effective for accelerating diabetic ulcer healing remains unclear. OBJECTIVE: We investigated the efficacy of BMSCs and PRP for the repair of refractory wound healing in a diabetic rat model. METHODS: Forty-eight rats with diabetes mellitus induced by streptozotocin were divided into four groups: treatment with BMSCs plus PRP, BMSCs alone, PRP alone, phosphate buffered saline. The rate of wound closure was quantified. A histopathological study was conducted regarding wound depth and the skin edge at 7, 14, and 28 days after surgery. RESULTS: Wound healing rates were significantly higher in the BMSC plus PRP group than in the other groups. The immunohistochemistry results showed that the expression of platelet/endothelial cell adhesion molecule 1, proliferating cell nuclear antigen, and transforming growth factor-beta1 increased significantly in the BMSC plus PRP group compared to the other treatment groups. On day 7, CD68 expression increased significantly in the wounds of the BMSC plus PRP group, but decreased markedly at day 14 compared to the controls. CONCLUSION: The combination of BMSCs and PRP aids diabetic wound repair and regeneration.
Amputation ; Animals ; Bone Marrow ; Cell Adhesion ; Diabetes Mellitus ; Gangrene ; Immunohistochemistry ; Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins ; Mesenchymal Stromal Cells* ; Models, Animal ; Platelet-Rich Plasma* ; Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen ; Rats* ; Regeneration ; Skin ; Streptozocin ; Ulcer ; Wound Healing ; Wounds and Injuries

Objective To compare the features of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and electroencephalogram (EEG) to differentiate Alzheimer's disease (AD) and vascular dementia (VD). Methods It was analyzed of the MRI and EEG from 39 patients with AD and 56 patients with VD, to compare the proportion of cerebral atrophy, hippocampal atrophy and leukoaraiosis in MRI, and the proportion of the moderate to severe disorder of EEG and the power spectrum. Results The proportion of cerebral atrophy and hippocampal atrophy was more and leukoaraiosis was less in the AD group than those in the VD group. The proportion of the moderate to severe disorder of EEG increased in AD group, and the ratio of (θ+δ)/(α+β) of whole brain was more in the AD group than in the VD group (P<0.05). Conclusion It is more likely to be AD in dementia patients with atrophy without leukoaraiosis and cerebral ischemic lesions, especially for those with severe abnormal EEG.

AIM:To study the mechanism of the unique export of one of human basic fibroblast growth factor (hbFGF) forms lacking the N-terminal nuclear localization signal (NLS),we high expressed and purified this hbFGF form in E.coli strain BL21(DE3).METHODS:The cDNA fragment of the hbFGF amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was cloned into the expression vector pET3c and expressed in BL21(DE3) by IPTG induction.The expressed hbFGF was purified by ionic exchange and heparin affinity chromatography from the supernatant of bacteria lysate.The mitogenic activity was measured by MTT.RESULTS:The expression level of hbFGF in E.coli was about 20% of the total cellular protein.The appreciable mitogenic activity of the purified hbFGF was comparable to that of hbFGF standard.CONCLUSION:The BL21(DE3)/ pET3c expression system could be used to high express hbFGF lacking NLS.The purified recombinant hbFGF was prepared and sufficient for further study.

AIM:To synthesize the human platelet factor-4(hPF4) gene with a convenient and effective approach, and high express the hPF4 gene in E. coli BL21 (DE3). METHODS: According to the primary structure of hPF4, the nucleotide sequence was synthesized using touch-down PCR method. The resultant gene fragment containing EcoR Ⅰ and Xho Ⅰ overhangs at 5' and 3' ends was cloned into the expression vector pGEX-4T-1 to construct the recombinant plasmid pGEX-4T-1-hPF4,which was then transformed into the E. coli strain BL21 (DE3). RESULTS: hPF4 gene was successfully synthesized by touchdown PCR method. A fusion protein composed of glutathione S-transferase (GST) and the recombinant hPF4 was expressed in BL21(DE3) by IPTG induction. The expression level of the fusion protein in E. coli was about 30% of the total cellular protein. CONCLUSION: Touch-down PCR may provide a convenient and effective approach to obtain other target genes. The expressed fusion protein forms the inclusion bodies, providing sufficient material for further purification and biological activities process.

In order to decrease the potential side-effects of human basic fibroblast growth factor (hbFGF) caused by its broadspectrum mitogenic activity, a single residue of hbFGF, the residue serine 108, was replaced with neutral alanine residue to construct a mutant of hbFGF (mhbFGF) with reduced mitogenic activity. The mutant was overexpressed in Escherichia coli BL21(DE3) by IPTG induction. The expression level of mhbFGF was about 30% of the total cellular protein. The expressed mhbFGF was purified by ionic exchange and heparin affinity chromatography from the supernatant of bacteria lysate. Measured by MTT method, the effect of mhbFGF on Balb/c 3T3 cell proliferation was much lower than that of wild-type hbFGF. The purified recombinant mhbFGF was prepared and sufficient for the following pharmacological and safety studies.

OBJECTIVESTo investigate the expression of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) mRNA in Schwann cells after peripheral nerve injury and roles of Schwann cells and MIF in macrophages activation and nerve regeneration.

METHODSFifty SD rats were divided into 10 groups. One group served as normal control. The rest were anesthetized with 3% sodium pentobarbital (30 - 60 mg/kg, i.p) and sciatic nerves were transected distal to the obturator tendon respectively 1 h, 12 h, 1 d, 3 d, 7 d, 10 d, 14 d, 17 d and 21 d before being killed. Sciatic nerves were resected and connective tissues excised. Schwann cells were obtained by digesting the nerve tissues with trypsin and collagenase. RNA was isolated and reverse-transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was carried out. cDNA was analyzed by automatic system and the parameters were assessed to define the status of MIF mRNA expression in different groups.

RESULTSThe level of MIF mRNA started to increase 12 h after the nerve transection. The level remained high from day 7 up to 10 after the injury. During the period from days 10 to 21, MIF mRNA decreased slowly to the pre-transection level.

CONCLUSIONAfter peripheral nerve injury, Schwann cells can secrete MIF which may play a pivotal role as an immunomodulatory cytokine in macrophage activation and inflammatory reaction.

Animals ; Female ; Macrophage Migration-Inhibitory Factors ; genetics ; Male ; Peripheral Nerve Injuries ; RNA, Messenger ; analysis ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Schwann Cells ; metabolism