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.Association between blood pressure traits, hypertension, antihypertensive drugs and calcific aortic valve stenosis: a mendelian randomization study.
Wen-Hua LEI ; Jia-Liang ZHANG ; Yan-Biao LIAO ; Yan WANG ; Fei XU ; Yao-Yu ZHANG ; Yanjiani XU ; Jing ZHOU ; Fang-Yang HUANG ; Mao CHEN
Journal of Geriatric Cardiology 2025;22(3):351-360
BACKGROUND:
Hypertension is associated with an increased risk of calcific aortic valve stenosis (CAVS). However, the directionality of causation between blood pressure traits and aortic stenosis is unclear, as is the benefit of antihypertensive drugs for CAVS.
METHODS:
Using genome-wide association studies (GWAS) summary statistics, we performed bidirectional two-sample univariable mendelian randomization (UVMR) to assess the causal associations of systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and pulse pressure (PP) with CAVS. Multivariable mendelian randomization (MVMR) was conducted to evaluate the direct effect of hypertension on CAVS, adjusting for confounders. Drug target mendelian randomization (MR) and summary-level MR (SMR) were used to estimate the effects of 12 classes of antihypertensive drugs and their target genes on CAVS risk. Inverse variance weighting was the primary MR method, with sensitivity analyses to validate results.
RESULTS:
UVMR showed SBP, DBP, and PP have causal effects on CAVS, with no significant reverse causality. MVMR confirmed the causality between hypertension and CAVS after adjusting for confounders. Drug-target MR analyses indicated that calcium channel blockers (CCBs), loop diuretics, and thiazide diuretics via SBP lowering exerted protective effects on CAVS risk. SMR analysis showed that the CCBs target gene CACNA2D2 and ARBs target gene AGTR1 were positively associated with CAVS risk, while diuretics target genes SLC12A5 and SLC12A1 were negatively associated with aortic stenosis risk.
CONCLUSIONS
Hypertension has a causal relationship with CAVS. Managing SBP in hypertensive patients with CCBs may prevent CAVS. ARBs might exert protective effects on CAVS independent of blood pressure reduction. The relationship between diuretics and CAVS is complex, with opposite effects through different mechanisms.
3.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.
4.Effects of Auricular Point Compression and Exercise Therapy on Glycolipid Metabolism,Oxidative Stress and Sleep Quality in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients with Poor Glycemic Control
Li-ping XU ; Chun-sheng LIU ; Wen-ming MAO ; Qin-qin QIU
Progress in Modern Biomedicine 2025;25(17):2776-2782,2767
Objective:To observe the effects of auricular point compression and exercise therapy on glycolipid metabolism,oxidative stress and sleep quality in type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)patients with poor glycemic control.Methods:This study was a single-center randomized controlled study,86 T2DM patients with poor glycemic control who were treated in our hospital from June 2022 to June 2024 were divided into control group(received conventional treatment,n=43)and observation group(received auricular point compression and exercise therapy,n=43)by using the random number table method.The clinical efficacy,blood lipid indexes,blood glucose indexes,oxidative stress indexes and sleep quality were compared between the two groups.Results:The total clinical effective rate,high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C),superoxide dismutase(SOD)and Glutathione peroxidase(GSH-Px)of the observation group after treatment were higher than those of the control group,and the fasting blood glucose(FBG),glycated hemoglobin(HbA1c),Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance(HOMA-IR),total cholesterol(TC),low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C),triglycerides(TG),reactive oxygen species(ROS),malondialdehyde(MDA)and Pittsburgh sleep Quality Index(PSQI)score were lower than those of the control group(P<0.05).Conclusion:Auricular point compression and exercise therapy can regulate glycolipid metabolism in T2DM patients with poor glycemic control,improve the degree of oxidative stress and sleep quality.
5.Effect and potential mechanism of clarithromycin in treatment of inflammatory enteritis
Jia-qi CHEN ; Xu-wen MAO ; Yong-xing HUANG ; Xiang-tian TAN ; GULIRUOYI·PAERHATI ; Lu-feng CHENG
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(6):1125-1134
Aim To explore the mechanism of clar-ithromycin in treating inflammatory bowel disease(IBD)by inhibiting Kv1.3 channel protein in colonic epithelial cells.Methods A chronic IBD rat model was induced using dextran sulfate sodium(DSS)in vi-vo experiments,with clarithromycin intervention.The physical signs of each group of rats were observed,and the disease activity index(DAI)score and colonic mu-cosal damage index(CMDI)score were calculated.RT-qPCR was used to detect the levels of relevant cyto-kines in colonic tissue of rats.Flow cytometry was em-ployed to detect the relative proportions of immune cells in the peripheral blood and colonic tissue of each group of rats.Lipopolysaccharide(LPS)was used to establish an inflammation model of colon epithelial cells(NCM460)to clarify the inhibitory effect of clar-ithromycin on Kv1.3 channel protein.Results In vi-vo experiments:compared to the model group,the clar-ithromycin intervention group exhibited a reduced de-gree of weight loss(P<0.01),and a significant de-crease in DAI scores(P<0.01).There was an in-crease in colon length,a reduction in weight,and a de-crease in CMDI scores(P<0.05).Levels of TNF-α,IL-1 β,and IL-6 in colon tissue were significantly re-duced(P<0.01).The numbers of peripheral blood and colonic regulatory T lymphocytes(Th),cytotoxic T lymphocytes(CTL),natural killer cells(NK),B lym-phocytes(B),and dendritic cells(DC)were signifi-cantly decreased(P<0.05).Clarithromycin reduced the expression of Kv1.3 channel protein in colon tissue(P<0.05).In vitro experiments:compared to the model group,the clarithromycin group significantly pro-moted the proliferation of NCM460 cells(P<0.01)and simultaneously significantly reduced the levels of TNF-α and IL-6 in cells(P<0.05).Clarithromycin also reduced the expression of Kv1.3 channel protein in NCM460 cells(P<0.05).Conclusions Clar-ithromycin may play an immunomodulatory role by in-hibiting the expression of Kv1.3 channel protein,re-ducing inflammation in the body,and playing a role in the treatment of IBD.
6.Effects of Auricular Point Compression and Exercise Therapy on Glycolipid Metabolism,Oxidative Stress and Sleep Quality in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients with Poor Glycemic Control
Li-ping XU ; Chun-sheng LIU ; Wen-ming MAO ; Qin-qin QIU
Progress in Modern Biomedicine 2025;25(17):2776-2782,2767
Objective:To observe the effects of auricular point compression and exercise therapy on glycolipid metabolism,oxidative stress and sleep quality in type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)patients with poor glycemic control.Methods:This study was a single-center randomized controlled study,86 T2DM patients with poor glycemic control who were treated in our hospital from June 2022 to June 2024 were divided into control group(received conventional treatment,n=43)and observation group(received auricular point compression and exercise therapy,n=43)by using the random number table method.The clinical efficacy,blood lipid indexes,blood glucose indexes,oxidative stress indexes and sleep quality were compared between the two groups.Results:The total clinical effective rate,high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C),superoxide dismutase(SOD)and Glutathione peroxidase(GSH-Px)of the observation group after treatment were higher than those of the control group,and the fasting blood glucose(FBG),glycated hemoglobin(HbA1c),Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance(HOMA-IR),total cholesterol(TC),low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C),triglycerides(TG),reactive oxygen species(ROS),malondialdehyde(MDA)and Pittsburgh sleep Quality Index(PSQI)score were lower than those of the control group(P<0.05).Conclusion:Auricular point compression and exercise therapy can regulate glycolipid metabolism in T2DM patients with poor glycemic control,improve the degree of oxidative stress and sleep quality.
7.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.
8.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.
9.Scoping review of research on nurses' self-efficacy in disaster contexts
Meiling DENG ; Xiaorong MAO ; Yehua XU ; Yiting WEN ; Hongying WU ; Huan WU
Chinese Journal of Nursing 2025;60(20):2542-2548
Objective To conduct a scoping review of studies on nurses' self-efficacy in disaster contexts,and to provide references for enhancing nurses' self-efficacy in disaster response.Methods Guided by the methodology of scoping review,we systematically searched PubMed,Web of Science,Cochrane Library,CINAHL,China National Knowledge Infrastructure(CNKI),Wanfang Data,VIP Database,and China Biology Medicine disc(CBM)from inception to July 3,2025.Totally 2 researchers independently screened the search results,summarized them,and extracted relevant data.Results A total of 21 studies were included.Nurses' self-efficacy in disaster contexts was generally at a moderate level,influenced by multiple factors including sociodemographic characteristics,occupational background,and physical and mental health status.The main assessment tools were the General Self-Efficacy Scale and the Disaster Response Self-Efficacy Scale.Interventions included psychological first aid training,scenario simulation training,and immersive movie escape room training.Conclusion Nurses' self-efficacy in disaster contexts is generally at a moderate level with multiple influencing factors.Relevant assessment tools need further optimization,and interventions require further refinement.
10.Epidemiological and clinical characteristics of infectious diseases of the central nervous system: a national multicenter cross-sectional study
Jiahua ZHAO ; Jun GUO ; Xiaoyan ZHANG ; Wei LI ; Wen HUANG ; Xiaofei ZHU ; Jianxin YE ; Xiaoling WANG ; Juan DU ; Min LI ; Juan DU ; Zegang YIN ; Jinli FENG ; Chaohui WANG ; Xiaowei MAO ; Jing CHEN ; Xiaowei XING ; Yuheng SHAN ; Yuying CEN ; Xiaojiao XU ; Ruishu TAN ; Jiatang ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Neurology 2025;58(5):485-493
Objective:To analyze the epidemiological and clinical features of infectious diseases of the central nervous system (CNS).Methods:A cross-sectional study and analysis were conducted to summarize the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of 9 918 patients with CNS infectious diseases, who were diagnosed and treated at 29 hospitals across China from January 1, 2001 to December 31, 2020. Data collected included demographic data, clinical manifestations, health economic indicators, and prognostic outcomes.Results:Among the 9 918 collected cases of CNS infectious diseases, 5 559 were male (56.0%) and 4 359 were female (44.0%), with an onset age of 38 (25, 53) years. Education level: slightly more junior high school education (2 651 cases, 26.7%), and less elementary school education and below (2 181 cases, 22.0%) were found. Occupational distribution: farmers were found predominant (3 215 cases, 32.4%), followed by workers (1 826 cases, 18.4%) and students (1 633 cases, 16.5%). Clinical manifestations: headache (6 074 cases, 61.2%), fever (5 869 cases, 59.2%) and positive meningeal irritation signs (2 273 cases, 22.9%) were the 3 most common clinical manifestations, followed by nausea and (or) vomiting (2 095 cases, 21.1%), impaired consciousness (2 077 cases, 20.9%), psychiatric symptom (1 866 cases, 18.8%) and epilepsy (1 627 cases, 16.4%), etc., and cranial nerve involvement was found in 669 cases (6.7%). Major pathogens included viruses in 6 814 cases (68.7%), Mycobacterium tuberculosis in 1 677 cases (16.9%), common bacteria in 864 cases (8.7%), fungi in 254 cases (2.6%), spirochetes of syphilis in 183 cases (1.8%), parasites in 121 cases (1.2%), and rickettsiae in 5 cases (0.1%). Urban-rural distribution: slightly more cases were found in the countryside (5 418 cases, 54.6%) than in the towns (4 500 cases, 45.4%). Distribution of onset by season: 2 412 cases (24.3%) fell ill in spring, 2 835 cases (28.6%) in summer, 2 187 cases (22.1%) in fall, and 2 484 cases (25.0%) in winter. Health economics: the duration of hospitalization was 15 (8, 27) days, and the cost of hospitalization was 1.53 (0.91, 3.02)×10 000 yuan. Prognosis: 9 531 cases (96.1%) were cured or improved, and 92 cases (0.9%) died. Conclusions:The pathogens responsible for CNS infectious diseases are predominantly viruses. Although the incidence is slightly higher during the summer months, the overall seasonal pattern is not particularly pronounced. These infections are more commonly observed in young and middle-aged males and present with a diverse range of clinical manifestations, contributing to a significant disease burden.

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