1.Combination of CT/MRI LI-RADS With Second-Line Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound Using Sulfur Hexafluoride or Perfluorobutane for Diagnosing Hepatocellular Carcinoma in High-Risk Patients
Yu LI ; Sheng LI ; Qing LI ; Kai LI ; Jing HAN ; Siyue MAO ; Xiaohong XU ; Zhongzhen SU ; Yanling ZUO ; Shousong XIE ; Hong WEN ; Xuebin ZOU ; Jingxian SHEN ; Lingling LI ; Jianhua ZHOU
Korean Journal of Radiology 2025;26(4):346-359
Objective:
The CT/MRI Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System (LI-RADS) demonstrates high specificity with relatively limited sensitivity for diagnosing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in high-risk patients. This study aimed to explore the possibility of improving sensitivity by combining CT/MRI LI-RADS v2018 with second-line contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) LI-RADS v2017 using sulfur hexafluoride (SHF) or perfluorobutane (PFB).
Materials and Methods:
This retrospective analysis of prospectively collected multicenter data included high-risk patients with treatment-naive hepatic observations. The reference standard was pathological confirmation or a composite reference standard (only for benign lesions). Each participant underwent concurrent CT/MRI, SHF-enhanced US, and PFB-enhanced US examinations. The diagnostic performances for HCC of CT/MRI LI-RADS alone and three combination strategies (combining CT/ MRI LI-RADS with either LI-RADS SHF, LI-RADS PFB, or a modified algorithm incorporating the Kupffer-phase findings for PFB [modified PFB]) were evaluated. For the three combination strategies, apart from the CT/MRI LR-5 criteria, HCC was diagnosed if CT/MRI LR-3 or LR-4 observations met the LR-5 criteria using LI-RADS SHF, LI-RADS PFB, or modified PFB.
Results:
In total, 281 participants (237 males; mean age, 55 ± 11 years) with 306 observations (227 HCCs, 40 non-HCC malignancies, and 39 benign lesions) were included. Using LI-RADS SHF, LI-RADS PFB, and modified PFB, 20, 23, and 31 CT/MRI LR-3/4 observations, respectively, were reclassified as LR-5, and all were pathologically confirmed as HCCs. Compared to CT/MRI LI-RADS alone (74%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 68%–79%), the three combination strategies combining CT/MRI LI-RADS with either LI-RADS SHF, LI-RADS PFB, or modified PFB increased sensitivity (83% [95% CI: 77%–87%], 84% [95% CI: 79%–89%], 88% [95% CI: 83%–92%], respectively; all P < 0.001), while maintaining the specificity at 92% (95% CI: 84%–97%).
Conclusion
The combination of CT/MRI LI-RADS with second-line CEUS using SHF or PFB improved the sensitivity of HCC diagnosis without compromising specificity.
2.Mechanism of LCN2-regulated Microglial Polarization in Intracerebral Hemorrhage Based on Ferroptosis
Tingting LIN ; Hongmiao XU ; Fujun ZUO
Acta Medicinae Universitatis Scientiae et Technologiae Huazhong 2025;54(5):645-649
Objective To investigate the possible mechanism of ferroptosis induced by lipocalin2(LCN2)and microglial po-larization in intracerebral hemorrhage(ICH).Methods Forty SD rats were divided into sham operation group,ICH group,LCN2 low expression group and Liproxstatin-1 group,with 10 rats in each group.The morphological structure of the brain was observed and recorded,and the cranial nerve function(NIHSS)score was performed.Immunofluorescence staining was used to detect the expression of microglia marker protein(Iba1),and M1 and M2 microglia marker proteins(CD68 and CD206)in brain tissue.Western blot was used to detect the protein levels of LCN2,ferroptosis marker proteins[solute carrier family 7 member 11(SLC7A11)and glutathione peroxidase 4(GPX4)]in brain tissue.The contents of ferrous ion(Fe2+)and malondialdehyde(MDA)in brain tissue were detected by ELISA kits.Results Compared with the sham operation group,the expression of LCN2 protein,the intracerebral hemorrhage,the NIHSS score increased(all P<0.05),and the expression of CD68 and CD206 in the microglia increased,the expression of ferroptosis-related proteins(SLC7A11 and GPX4)decreased,and the content of Fe2+and MDA increased in the brain tissue of the ICH group(all P<0.05).Compared with the ICH group,the expression of LCN2 pro-tein,the intracerebral hemorrhage,the NIHSS score and the expression of CD68 in microglia significantly decreased,and the ex-pression of CD206 significantly increased,the expression of SLC7A11 and GPX4 increased,the contents of Fe2+and MDA de-creased in the brain tissue of the LCN2 low expression group(all P<0.05).The expression of CD68 in brain tissue of Liprox-statin-1 group was significantly decreased,and the expression of CD206 was significantly increased as compared with ICH group(P<0.05).Conclusion Down-regulation of LCN2 can promote microglial cell polarization by inhibiting ferroptosis,and im-prove nerve function injury in ICH rats.
3.Aromatase-positive astrocytes alleviate cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury in mice
Tiantian XU ; Yumeng LI ; Yongheng YANG ; Wenqiang ZUO ; Jin WANG ; Shiquan WANG ; Haiyun GUO ; Wugang HOU
Chinese Journal of Neuroanatomy 2025;41(2):150-156
Objective:To investigate the role of reactive astrocytes expressing aromatase(ARO)in the penumbra during ischemic stroke.Methods:A mouse model of middle cerebral artery occlusion(MCAO/R)was prepared using the suture method.Western blot and immunofluorescence staining were used to observe the expression of ARO in the penumbra after ischemia reperfusion.We generated a glial fibrillary acidic protein promoter-driven aromatase knock-out(GFAP-ARO-KO)mouse model in vivo.Neurologic impairment scores,rotarod test,grip strength test and adhesive removal test on the plantar surface of the paw were performed after MCAO/R modeling.Results:In wild type mice,the expression of ARO was significantly increased in astrocytes in the penumbra after MCAO/R(P<0.01).Compared to the control group,the expression of ARO in the GFAP-ARO-KO group was significantly reduced in astrocytes in the penumbra after MCAO/R.And loss of ARO increased cerebral infarction volume and aggravated sensorimotor impair-ment.Conclusion:After ischemic stroke,reactive astrocytes in the penumbra highly express ARO and play a protective role in post-ischemia reperfusion injury.
4.A cohort study on the impact of stressful life events on social activity participation among middle-aged and elderly adults
Yujing ZHANG ; Shanshan LI ; Yuming ZHANG ; Xuchao REN ; Siyi ZUO ; Ziqi ZHANG ; Linyuan CHENG ; Zijie ZHAI ; Pan XU ; Dong LI
Chinese Journal of Behavioral Medicine and Brain Science 2025;34(1):60-65
Objective:To analyze the impact of stressful life events on the social activity participation of middle-aged and elderly adults in China, providing a scientific basis for improving their quality of life.Methods:This study was conducted in January 2024.Data were derived from the China health and retirement longitudinal study (CHARLS) conducted from 2011 to 2020. SPSS 25.0 software was used for statistical analysis.Ordered Logistic regression analysis was employed to explore the association between stressful life events experienced over the past decade and the level of social activity participation, with stratified analysis by age, gender, and place of residence.Results:A total of 10 838 middle-aged and elderly adults were included in this study. The proportions of individuals with no social activity participation, low social activity participation, and high social activity participation were 52.07%(5 643/10 838), 24.21%(2 624/10 838), and 23.72%(2 571/10 838), respectively. After adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics and health-related behaviors, individuals who experienced stressful life events were 15.2% less likely to participate in social activities compared to those who did not ( RR=0.848, 95% CI=0.786-0.915).Stratified analysis revealed that the decrease in the likelihood of social activity participation following stressful life events was significantly greater in urban residents than that in rural residents ( Pinteraction=0.004). Conclusion:Experiencing stressful life events over the past decade may reduce the level of social activity participation among middle-aged and elderly adults. It is recommended to strengthen psychological counseling for this population and encourage active social engagement.
5.Aromatase-positive astrocytes alleviate cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury in mice
Tiantian XU ; Yumeng LI ; Yongheng YANG ; Wenqiang ZUO ; Jin WANG ; Shiquan WANG ; Haiyun GUO ; Wugang HOU
Chinese Journal of Neuroanatomy 2025;41(2):150-156
Objective:To investigate the role of reactive astrocytes expressing aromatase(ARO)in the penumbra during ischemic stroke.Methods:A mouse model of middle cerebral artery occlusion(MCAO/R)was prepared using the suture method.Western blot and immunofluorescence staining were used to observe the expression of ARO in the penumbra after ischemia reperfusion.We generated a glial fibrillary acidic protein promoter-driven aromatase knock-out(GFAP-ARO-KO)mouse model in vivo.Neurologic impairment scores,rotarod test,grip strength test and adhesive removal test on the plantar surface of the paw were performed after MCAO/R modeling.Results:In wild type mice,the expression of ARO was significantly increased in astrocytes in the penumbra after MCAO/R(P<0.01).Compared to the control group,the expression of ARO in the GFAP-ARO-KO group was significantly reduced in astrocytes in the penumbra after MCAO/R.And loss of ARO increased cerebral infarction volume and aggravated sensorimotor impair-ment.Conclusion:After ischemic stroke,reactive astrocytes in the penumbra highly express ARO and play a protective role in post-ischemia reperfusion injury.
6.Evaluation of clinical effectiveness of retrograde recanalization of occluded radial artery via distal transradial approach
Xiao-fei XIE ; Sheng-xin ZUO ; Jin-peng XU ; Xiao-liang HAN ; Gang-cheng SUN ; Liang LI
Chinese Journal of Interventional Cardiology 2025;33(3):135-140
Objective Radial artery occlusion(RAO)is one of the common complications following coronary intervention via the traditional radial artery approach.This study aims to evaluate the clinical effectiveness of retrograde recanalization of occluded radial arteries through the distal transradial approach(dTRA)approach.Methods A total of 35 patients with RAO admitted to the cardiovascular department of the Anhui Chest hospital between December 2022 and April 2024,who were scheduled to undergo coronary intervention and had attempted recanalization of RAO via dTRA approach were selected.The primary result was the success rate of recanalizing RAO via dTRA.The secondary results included factors influencing the failure of recanalization via dTRA,postoperative puncture complications,and the patency rate at the 3-month follow-up.Results This study divided the patients into a successful group(29 cases,82.9%)and a failed group(6 cases,17.1%)based on whether the distal radial artery was successfully opened and occluded.The proportion of smoking(100.00%vs.17.24%,P=0.040),history of diabetes(100.00%vs.10.34%,P=0.025),and chronic total occlusion of coronary artery(83.33%vs.17.24%,P=0.030)in the failure group were higher than those in the success group,and the difference was statistically significant.The application rate of balloon tracking assisted technology in the failed group(16.67%vs.58.62%,P=0.045),and the diameter of the radial artery at 3 days after surgery[(1.63±0.13)mm vs.(2.13±0.32)mm,P=0.021]and the peak radial artery blood flow velocity at 3 days postoperatively[(0.10±0.78)m/s vs.(0.50±0.13)m/s,P<0.001]were all lower in the successful group,and the differences were statistically significant.Logistic regression analysis 3 days after surgery showed that chronic complete occlusion of the coronary artery was an independent risk factor for surgical opening failure(OR 0.042,95%CI 0.004-0.438,P=0.008).After 3 months of follow-up,the patency rate of the successful group was 55.2%.Conclusions Retrograde recanalization of RAO via dTRA is safe and feasible,but its long-term patency rate is not high.
7.Progress on immune mechanism of avian infectious bronchitis
Yang LI ; Aili FAN ; Jilin CHEN ; Lina DONG ; Zonghui ZUO ; Shuhui MA ; Gang XU
Chinese Journal of Veterinary Science 2025;45(3):619-626
Avian infectious bronchitis(IB),a rapidly spreading and acute disease in chickens,is caused by the infectious bronchitis virus(IBV).IB is characterized by its remarkable genetic varia-bility.IBV has a high degree of mutation,and the existing means of immunization often fail to a-chieve good results,seriously affecting the development of the domestic poultry industry.This ar-ticle offers a comprehensive review of the current understanding of the immune response to IBV,focusing on three key areas:non-specific immunity,mucosal immunity,and specific immunity.By dissecting these aspects,the aim is to provide a theoretical reference for the study of the immune mechanism of IBV.
8.Mechanism of cordycepin improving myocardial tissue and oxidative stress in diabetic cardiomyopathy rats
Dan LI ; Shuping ZUO ; Shoujun ZHANG ; Baoqing XU ; Haigang WU ; Chunmiao LI
Chinese Journal of Geriatric Heart Brain and Vessel Diseases 2025;27(4):504-509
Objective To investigate the intervention effect of cordycepin on DCM rats and its reg-ulative effect on of AKT/GSK3β signaling pathway.Methods A total of 80 male SD rats were randomly divided into model group,cordycepin group,AKT inhibitor group and cordycepin+AKT inhibitor group,with 20 rats in each group.After the establishment of DCM model,corre-sponding intervention was given to each group.Another 20 healthy rats served as control group.Cardiac function indicators(LVEF,LVFS,LVESD,LVEDD),levels of IL-6,IL-1β,TNF-α,SOD,GSH-Px and MAD,and expression of AKT/GSK3β signaling pathway related proteins were de-termined and compared among the groups blotting.Results The model group had significantly lower LVEF and LVFS,decreased myocardial SOD and GSH-Px contents,and declined p-AKT/AKT and p-GSK3β/GSK3β,but increased LVESD and LVEDD and myocardial IL-6,IL-1β,TNF-αand MAD expression levels when compared with the control group(P<0.05).Cordycepin treat-ment obtained increased LVEF and LVFS and myocardial tissue SOD,GSH-Px,Bcl-2,p-AKT/AKT and p-GSK3β/GSK3β protein expressions,and decreased LVESD and LVEDD and myocar-dial expression of IL-6,IL-1β,TNF-α,MAD and Bax than the model group(P<0.05),while AKT inhibitor reversed all the changes induced by modelling(P<0.05).Combination of cordycepin+AKT inhibitor resulted in lower LVEF,LVFS and myocardial SOD,GSH-Px,Bcl-2,p-AKT/AKT,p-GSK3β/GSK3β protein levels,and increased LVESD,LVEDD and expressions of IL-6,IL-1β,TNF-α,MAD and Bax protein in myocardial tissue when compared with cordycepin group(P<0.05).And the combination also resulted in increases in LVEF and LVFS[(61.29±5.61)%vs(39.28±4.12)%,(39.05±3.43)%vs(24.47±2.73)%,P<0.05]and decreases in LVESD and LVEDD(4.36±0.48 mm vs 6.97±0.69 mm,6.07±0.61 mm vs 9.02±0.85mm,P<0.05)when compared with AKT inhibitor group.Conclusion Cordycepin improves cardiac function,myocar-dial injury,inflammation and oxidative stress in DCM rats probably by activating AKT/GSK3βsignaling pathway,and inhibits the apoptosis of cardiomyocyte.
9.Construction and validation of a risk prediction model for early post-injury respiratory failure in patients with traumatic cervical spinal cord injury
Xuanxuan DAI ; Zhongqi ZUO ; Zibei DONG ; Shuang GE ; Fang WANG ; Guanyong GU ; Hangbo LI ; Liqing LI ; Tingting AN ; Lanjuan XU
Chinese Journal of Trauma 2025;41(6):549-556
Objective:To construct a risk prediction model for early post-injury respiratory failure in patients with traumatic cervical spinal cord injury (TCSCI) and validate its efficacy.Methods:A retrospective cohort study was conducted to analyze the clinical data of 393 TCSCI patients admitted to Zhengzhou Central Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University from January 2020 to October 2024, including 294 males and 99 females, aged 18-82 years [59(45, 72)years]. Among them, 76 patients had respiratory failure (19.3%). The patients were randomly divided into the training set ( n=275) and validation set ( n=118) at a ratio of 7∶3. According to the presence of respiratory failure within one week after admission, 275 patients in the training set were divided into respiratory failure group ( n=53) and non-respiratory failure group ( n=222). The demographic data, injury characteristics, laboratory test results, and imaging findings of the patients were collected. Risk factors were determined through univariate analysis and multivariate Logistic regression analysis and a nomogram prediction model was constructed. The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) and Hosmer-Lemeshow test were used to evaluate the discrimination and calibration of the model. Decision curve analysis (DCA) was plotted to evaluate the clinical effectiveness of the prediction model. Results:The results of the univariate analysis showed that there were significant differences in history of respiratory diseases, causes of injury, Glasgow coma scale (GCS), American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) classification, ASIA-motor score (AMS), injury severity score (ISS), clinical pulmonary infection score (CPIS), hypoproteinemia and cervical vertebra fracture and dislocation between the respiratory failure group and non-respiratory failure group in the training set ( P<0.05). The results of multivariate Logistic regression analysis indicated that GCS, ASIA classification, CPIS, and hypoproteinemia were independent risk factors for early post-injury respiratory failure in TCSCI patients ( P<0.05). Based on the above four variables, a Logistic regression equation was constructed: Logit( P)=2.361-0.675×ASIA classification+0.419×CPIS-0.358×GCS+0.854×hypoproteinemia. In the prediction model established based on this equation, the AUC was 0.96 (95% CI 0.94, 0.99) in the training set and 0.89 (95% CI 0.82, 0.96) in the validation set. In the calibration curves of the training set and validation set, the prediction curve and reference curve were approximately overlapping, with the average absolute errors of 0.04 and 0.03. DCA results demonstrated that both the training and validation sets exhibited positive net benefits when threshold probabilities fell within ranges of 0%-78% and 0%-87%, respectively. Conclusion:The risk prediction model for early post-injury respiratory failure in TCSCI patients based on GCS, ASIA classification, CPIS and hypoproteinemia has good predictive efficacy and clinical practicability.
10.Evaluation of plasma PPARγ as a potential diagnostic marker for female interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome and its predictive model
Zhao WANG ; Jiepeng ZUO ; Hang CHE ; Lingyun REN ; Zhe XU ; Lei WANG
The Journal of Practical Medicine 2025;41(2):258-263
Objective To investigate the correlation between PPARγ and female interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) and to establish a predictive model. Methods Clinical data were collected from 89 female IC/BPS patients (observational group) admitted to the hospital from June 2022 to December 2023,and 90 healthy female volunteers undergoing physical examinations during the same period (control group). Plasma levels of inflammatory factors,total antioxidant capacity (TAC),total glutathione (GSH),malondialdehyde (MDA),and PPARγ levels were measured. Significant clinical features were identified using LASSO regression and fitted into a multivariate logistic regression model. The diagnostic efficacy was assessed through receiver operat-ing characteristic (ROC) curves. Results Compared to the control group,the observation group exhibited signifi-cantly elevated age,BMI,NLR,absolute neutrophil count,IFN-α,IL-1β,IL-6,IL-8,TNF-α and CD3+CD4+T expression levels,while absolute lymphocyte count,IL-10,TAC,GSH and plasma PPARγ expression levels were significantly decreased (all P<0.05). LASSO regression identified 8 variables,including NLR,IFN-α,absolute neutrophil count,IL-1β,IL-6,TNF-α,CD3+CD4+T and PPARγ,which were incorporated into the predictive model. Multivariate binary logistic regression analysis revealed that elevated levels of IL-1β,TNF-α and CD3+CD4+T cells,along with reduced PPARγ levels,were independent risk factors for IC/BPS. ROC curve analy-sis indicated that the diagnostic efficacy of the combined PPARγ and clinical parameters (age,IL-1β,TNF-α and CD3+CD4+T) (AUC=0.901) was superior to PPARγ alone (AUC=0.839). Conclusion Plasma PPARγ levels are significantly reduced in female IC/BPS patients and serve as a potential diagnostic marker,with combined clinical parameters enhancing diagnostic accuracy.

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