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.

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.

The armadillo repeat containing 5 (ARMC5) gene is part of a family of protein-coding genes that are rich in armadillo repeat sequences, are ubiquitously present in eukaryotes, and mediate interactions between proteins, playing roles in various cellular processes. Current research has demonstrated that reduced expression or absence of the ARMC5 gene in various tumor tissues can lead to uncontrolled cell proliferation, thereby inducing a range of diseases. The ARMC5 gene was initially extensively studied in the context of bilateral macronodular adrenocortical disease (BMAD), with harmful pathogenic variants in ARMC5 identified in approximately 50% of BMAD patients. With advancing research, scientists have discovered that ARMC5 pathogenic variants may also have potential effects on other diseases and could be associated with increased susceptibility to certain cancers. This review aims to present the latest research progress on how the ARMC5 gene plays its role in tumors. It outlines the basic structure of ARMC5 and the regions where it functions, as well as the diseases currently proven to be associated with ARMC5. Moreover, some evidence suggests its relation to embryonic development and the regulation of immune system activity. In conclusion, the ARMC5 gene is a crucial focal point in genetic and medical research. Understanding its function and regulation is of great importance for the development of new therapeutic strategies related to diseases associated with its pathogenic variants.
Humans ; Neoplasms/genetics* ; Armadillo Domain Proteins/genetics* ; Animals ; Genetic Predisposition to Disease ; Cytoskeletal Proteins/genetics* ; Tumor Suppressor Proteins/genetics*

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.

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.

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.

Objective To explore the level of energy balance related protein antibody,adropin,and its correlation with collateral circulation status in elderly patients with AMI.Methods A total of 193 elderly AMI patients admitted to our department from February 2022 to February 2024 were enrolled,and based on their collateral circulation status,they were divided into a good circulation group(121 cases)and a poor circulation group(72 cases).The level of adropin was determined.Multivariate logistic regression analysis was employed to determine the influencing factors of poor collateral circulation in elderly AMI patients.Results The poor circulation group had significantly larger proportion of hypertension,higher fasting blood glucose(FBG),and larger red blood cell distribution width(RDW),but lower adropin level and mean platelet volume(MPV)when com-pared with the good circulation group(P＜0.05,P＜0.01).Multivariate logistic regression analy-sis showed that adropin,FBG,RDW,MPV,and hypertension were all influencing factors for poor collateral circulation in elderly AMI patients(P＜0.05,P＜0.01).The AUC value of adropin,FBG,RDW,MPV,and hypertension was 0.810,0.762,0.761,0.715 and 0.563,respectively in pre-dicting poor collateral circulation.Among them,adropin level had the highest predictive value(P＜0.01).Conclusion The decrease in adropin level in elderly AMI patients is closely associated with poor collateral circulation,and it is a predictive factor for collateral circulation.

Objective:To investigate the clinical-epidemiological characteristics of connective tissue diseases (CTD) complicated with pulmonary hypertension in Shanxi province from 2018 to 2021.Methods:This was a cross-sectional study. Data of CTD patients with pulmonary hypertension from 2018 to 2021 were collected from the Shanxi Provincial Health Statistics Direct Reporting System based on inpatient medical records. The demographic and clinical data of patients with different CTD types were analyzed.Results:A total of 1 697 CTD patients with pulmonary hypertension were included, among whom there were 451 cases (26.58%) of Sj?gren′s syndrome, 392 cases (23.10%) of systemic lupus erythematosus, 289 cases(17.03%) of systemic sclerosis, 109 cases (6.42%) of mixed CTD, 69 cases (4.07%) of Takayasu arteritis, and 387 cases (22.80%) of other CTD. The majority of patients were female (1 410 (83.09%)), and 783 cases (46.14%) were aged between 41 and 65 years, and 6 cases (0.35%) were performed right heart catheterization. The prevalence of CTD with pulmonary hypertension increased from 0.06/10 4 in 2018 to 0.20/10 4 in 2021. There were significant differences in the severity of pulmonary hypertension, New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class, length of hospital stay, medical costs, and clinical outcomes among patients with different CTD subtypes (all P<0.001). Patients with systemic sclerosis had the highest proportion of NYHA functional class Ⅲ/Ⅳ(65.1%(188/289)), the longest length of hospital stays (13 (9, 18) days), the highest average medical costs (13 622.67 (8 636.38, 20 597.75) ￥(RMB)), and the lowest rate of improvement and discharge (51.90%(150/289)). Conclusions:Between 2018 and 2021, Shanxi province, where CTD is more common in Sj?gren′s syndrome, has a high proportion of women, a high proportion of people aged 41-65 years, and a low prevalence of right ventricular catheterization in patients with CTD complicated with pulmonary hypertension. The prevalence of CTD complicated with pulmonary hypertension shows a rising trend in Shanxi province from 2018 to 2021, while patients with systemic sclerosis exhibit the most severe cardiac impairment and poorer clinical outcomes compared to other subtypes.

Objective:To analyze the results of national external quality assessment (EQA) for transfusion compatibility test in 2023, and provide reference for quality management of clinical transfusion compatibility testing.Methods:The EQA of clinical transfusion compatibility testing by NCCL was performed 3 times in 2023 among included laboratories. The panel consisting of 22 samples was distributed to 4 186 laboratories across 31 provinces (Including 2 961 tertiary hospital laboratories, 1 085 secondary hospital laboratories, 23 primary hospital laboratories, 106 blood station laboratories and 11 independent clinical laboratories). Each panel contains 11 red blood cell and 11 plasma samples per 1.5 ml/tube. Each participant laboratory of the EQA program was required to carry out the detection and return results in expected time. Statistical analysis and evaluation on the reported results were conducted by NCCL from the aspects of regional distribution, laboratory grading, testing methodology, reagent and testing system usage.Results:The qualification rates of EQA for five items including ABO positive typing, ABO reverse typing, RhD blood type, antibody screening, and cross matching were 96.68%, 95.10%, 96.46%, 95.32%, and 91.04%, respectively. The EQA qualification rate of tertiary hospital laboratories was 87.77% (2 599/2 961), which was significantly higher than the 77.79% (844/1 085) of secondary hospital laboratories. There were significant differences in the qualification rate of participating laboratories among different regions. The utilization rates of micro column agglutination method in ABO positive typing, ABO reverse typing, RhD blood type, antibody screening, and cross matching were 80.81% (10 080/12 474), 75.06% (9 337/12 440), 81.38% (10 118/12 433), 89.59% (11 104/12 394) and 76.25% (9 495/12 453), respectively. The qualification rate of micro column agglutination method was significantly higher than that of saline slide method in ABO positive typing detection ( P<0.05). The qualification rate of micro column agglutination method was significantly higher than that of the polyamine method and anti-human globulin test tube method in antibody screening ( P<0.05). There were statistically significant differences in qualification rate of 7 reagents in ABO reverse typing, antibody screening and cross matching ( P<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in the qualification rate between the two detection systems for other reagents, except for the ABO reverse typing where the qualification rate of reagent 1 in a single system was higher than that in a mixed system ( P<0.05). Conclusion:The testing capabilities of clinical laboratories in different regions and different type varied significantly in China. Micro column agglutination method was the most popular selection in transfusion compatibility testing. The regents used in these laboratories showed good performance. However, the detection efficiency of some reagents still need to be improved. EQA could be used to evaluate, monitor, and improve the quality of testing.

Objective: To analyze the results of national external quality assessment (EQA) for transfusion compatibility test from 2018 to 2023, with the aim of providing references for improving laboratory testing quality and ensuring the safety of clinical blood transfusion. Methods: Three EQA programs were conducted annually, each distributing 22 quality assessment samples. Participating transfusion laboratories were required to complete testing within specified deadlines and to submit results along with documentation of testing methodologies, reagents, and equipment used. National Center for Clinical Laboratories (NCCL) conducted statistical analysis of laboratory results, evaluated testing outcomes and related circumstances, and provided feedback to participating laboratories. EQA data from transfusion laboratories across China from 2018 to 2023 were collected and systematically analyzed. Results: From 2018 to 2023, the qualification rates for all five items (ABO forward typing, ABO reverse typing, Rh blood group typing, antibody screening, and cross-matching) were 67.59%, 77.11%, 77.38%, 72.78%, 79.96%, and 85.16%, respectively. The mean qualification rates for ABO forward typing, ABO reverse typing, RhD blood group typing, antibody screening, and cross-matching over the past six years were 96.25%±0.59%, 90.45%±4.52%, 96.05%±0.71%, 90.88%±2.86%, and 88.34%±3.48%, respectively. The qualification rates in 2019, 2020, 2022, and 2023 all showed a stable trend of "blood stations>tertiary hospitals>secondary hospitals". The mean qualification rate of laboratories in secondary hospitals from 2018 to 2023 was significantly lower than those of laboratories in tertiary hospitals and blood stations (P<0.05), while no significant difference was observed between laboratories in tertiary hospitals and blood stations (P>0.05). The micro column agglutination method was the most widely used in all five tests. In the four test items, namely ABO forward typing, ABO reverse typing, antibody screening, and cross-matching, there was a statistically significant difference in the qualification rate of micro column agglutination method compared to other methods (P<0.05). There was a statistical difference in the qualification rate between manual and automated detection using micro column agglutination method in the cross-matching tests (P<0.05), whereas no significant difference was noted for the other test items (P>0.05). Conclusion: From 2018 to 2023, the number of laboratories participating in EQA activities has been increasing year by year, and the qualification rate has shown an overall upward trend. The type of laboratory is a key factor affecting the qualification rate, and the testing capabilities of some laboratories still need to be improved. The micro column agglutination method is widely used in transfusion compatibility tests. The established EQA program effectively monitors quality issues in laboratories, drives continuous improvement, and ensures sustained enhancement of testing standards to safeguard clinical blood safety.