1.Machine learning models based on quantitative ultrasound and clinical indexes for predicting metabolic associated fatty liver disease
Xinge CAO ; Yali ZHANG ; Lizhuo JIA ; Jianghong CHEN ; Yi DONG
Chinese Journal of Interventional Imaging and Therapy 2025;22(6):394-399
Objective To observe the value of machine learning(ML)models based on quantitative ultrasound(QUS)and clinical indexes for predicting metabolic associated fatty liver disease(MAFLD).Methods Totally 298 patients underwent abdominal MR and QUS examinations were retrospectively enrolled,including 150 cases with and 148 cases without MAFLD.The patients were divided into training set(including 107 cases of MAFLD and 101 cases of non-MAFLD)and test set(including 43 cases of MAFLD and 47 cases of non-MAFLD)at a ratio of 7∶3.Features were selected using least absolute shrinkage and selection operator(LASSO)regression and logistic regression(LR),based on which predictive models were constructed using 6 ML classifiers,including Gaussian naive Bayes(GNB),LR,random forest(RF),support vector machine(SVM),extreme gradient boosting(XGBoost)and K-nearest neighbor(KNN),respectively.Then the receiver operating characteristic curves were drawn,and the area under the curve(AUC)and the Brier score were calculated to evaluate the predictive efficacy of the models.Results The elevated age,glutamic-pyruvic transaminase(GPT),glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase(GOT),uric acid(UA),low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C),controlled attenuation parameter(CAP),ultrasound-derived fat fraction(UDFF)and shear wave velocity(SWV),as well as blurred liver contour were all independent indicators for higher likelihood of MAFLD(all P<0.05).The AUC and Brier score of XGBoost model in training set was 0.991 and 0.006,in test set was 0.973 and 0.069,respectively,both higher than those of other models,and decision curve analysis(DCA)indicated that XGBoost model had high net benefit.Conclusion ML models based on QUS and clinical indexes,especially XGBoost model had high efficacy for predicting MAFLD.
2.Comparison of the diagnostic value of ultrasound-derived fat fraction, controlled attenuation parameter, and hepatic/renal ratio in the grading of hepatic steatosis in metabolic associated fatty liver disease
Xinge CAO ; Yali ZHANG ; Lizhuo JIA ; Jianghong CHEN ; Yi DONG
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(9):1788-1794
ObjectiveTo investigate the diagnostic accuracy and grading capability of ultrasound-derived fat fraction (UDFF), controlled attenuation parameter (CAP), and hepatic/renal ratio (HRR) in assessing hepatic steatosis in metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) with magnetic resonance imaging-proton density fat fraction (MRI-PDFF) as the gold standard. MethodsA total of 150 patients with MAFLD who attended The First Hospital of Hebei Medical University from January 2023 to December 2024 were enrolled, and 148 healthy volunteers were recruited. All subjects underwent MRI-PDFF, UDFF, CAP, and HRR examinations. Hepatic steatosis was graded based on MRI-PDFF (S0:148 cases; S1:92 cases; S2:21 cases; S3:37 cases), and the MAFLD patients with different grades of hepatic steatosis were compared in terms of UDFF, CAP, HRR, and clinical features. A one-way analysis of variance was used for comparison of normally distributed continuous data between multiple groups and the Tukey HSD test was used for further comparision between two groups; the Kruskal-Wallis H test was used for comparison of non-normally distributed continuous data between multiple groups, and the Mann-Whitney U test was used for further comparison between two groups; the chi-square test was used for comparison of categorical data between groups. The Spearman correlation analysis was used to investigate the correlation between UDFF, CAP, HRR, and MRI-PDFF in different grades of MAFLD; the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to investigate the efficacy of UDFF, CAP, and HRR in the diagnosis of different degrees of hepatic steatosis in MAFLD; the Bland-Altman difference plot was used to analyze the consistency between UDFF and MRI-PDFF in different degrees of hepatic steatosis in MAFLD. ResultsUDFF measurement gradually increased with the increase in the grade of fatty liver (H=201.52,P0.001). The Spearman correlation analysis showed that there was a strong correlation between any two indicators of UDFF, CAP, HRR, and MRI-PDFF in S1, S2, and S3 MAFLD (all P0.001), with the strongest correlation between UDFF and MRI-PDFF (rs1=0.884,rs2=0.962,rs3=0.929, all P0.001). The ROC curve analysis showed that UDFF had a larger area under the ROC curve (AUC) than CAP and HRR in the graded diagnosis of S1 and S3 (all P0.05), while in the diagnosis of S2 MAFLD, UDFF had a significantly larger AUC than HRR (P0.05) and a similar AUC to CAP (P0.05). The Bland-Altman difference plot showed good consistency between UDFF and MRI-PDFF in different degrees of hepatic steatosis in MAFLD. ConclusionCompared with CAP and HRR, UDFF can accurately measure liver fat content and has good efficacy in identifying varying degrees of hepatic steatosis in MAFLD.
3.A qualitative study on the humanistic care needs of family members of terminal ICU patients
Yali ZHANG ; Youqing PENG ; Haiping YU ; Jianhong LYU ; Jia XU ; Yilin JIANG ; Wenting LI ; Yuping ZHANG ; Haiyan GUO
Chinese Journal of Modern Nursing 2025;31(2):163-167
Objective:To explore the lived experiences of family members of terminal ICU patients regarding their humanistic care needs and provide theoretical foundations for developing nursing care plans tailored to their needs.Methods:This study was a descriptive qualitative study. From April to December 2023, 16 family members of terminally ill ICU patients in Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University were selected for semi-structured interviews using purposive sampling method, and the interview data were qualitatively analyzed using Colaizzi 7-step analysis.Results:The humanistic care needs of family members of terminally ill ICU patients can be categorized into five themes, namely, the need to know the condition at the first time; the need to participate in treatment and decision-making; the need to respect the wishes of terminally ill patients; the need for psychological care; and the need for social support.Conclusions:The humanistic care needs of family members of terminal ICU patients remain largely unmet. Nursing professionals should consider these needs and preferences and provide family members with professional guidance to help them establish positive coping mechanisms.
4.A qualitative study on the humanistic care needs of family members of terminal ICU patients
Yali ZHANG ; Youqing PENG ; Haiping YU ; Jianhong LYU ; Jia XU ; Yilin JIANG ; Wenting LI ; Yuping ZHANG ; Haiyan GUO
Chinese Journal of Modern Nursing 2025;31(2):163-167
Objective:To explore the lived experiences of family members of terminal ICU patients regarding their humanistic care needs and provide theoretical foundations for developing nursing care plans tailored to their needs.Methods:This study was a descriptive qualitative study. From April to December 2023, 16 family members of terminally ill ICU patients in Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University were selected for semi-structured interviews using purposive sampling method, and the interview data were qualitatively analyzed using Colaizzi 7-step analysis.Results:The humanistic care needs of family members of terminally ill ICU patients can be categorized into five themes, namely, the need to know the condition at the first time; the need to participate in treatment and decision-making; the need to respect the wishes of terminally ill patients; the need for psychological care; and the need for social support.Conclusions:The humanistic care needs of family members of terminal ICU patients remain largely unmet. Nursing professionals should consider these needs and preferences and provide family members with professional guidance to help them establish positive coping mechanisms.
5.Prenatal diagnosis of intellectual developmental disorder type 22 caused by ZBTB18 gene mutation: a case report
Jia CHE ; Jing GUO ; Pengyun LI ; Yuexia LYU ; Fangying CUI ; Yuan TIAN ; Yali LI ; Shihong CUI ; Ling LIU
Chinese Journal of Perinatal Medicine 2025;28(1):70-73
This article reported a case of autosomal dominant intellectual developmental disorder type 22 caused by a heterozygous mutation in the ZBTB18 gene. At 24 +4 weeks of gestation, prenatal ultrasound indicated a short outer diameter of the fetal corpus callosum and bilateral ventricular dilatation. Whole-genome copy number variation analysis of the fetus showed no abnormalities. Whole exome sequencing (WES) and Sanger sequencing validation of the family revealed the fetus carried a c.1374_1383del(p.S459*) heterozygous mutation in the ZBTB18 gene (NM_205768.3), which was neither phenotypically present nor genotypically detected in the parents, suggesting a de novo mutation. Based on the clinical manifestations, the fetus was diagnosed with autosomal dominant intellectual developmental disorder type 22. After genetic counseling, the pregnant woman opted for termination of the pregnancy. This case highlights the correlation between prenatal ultrasonic detection of callosal dysgenesis and lateral ventricular enlargement and intellectual developmental disorders caused by gene mutations. Furthermore, it expands the mutation spectrum of the ZBTB18 gene, thereby facilitating prenatal diagnosis and genetic counseling.
6.Machine learning models based on quantitative ultrasound and clinical indexes for predicting metabolic associated fatty liver disease
Xinge CAO ; Yali ZHANG ; Lizhuo JIA ; Jianghong CHEN ; Yi DONG
Chinese Journal of Interventional Imaging and Therapy 2025;22(6):394-399
Objective To observe the value of machine learning(ML)models based on quantitative ultrasound(QUS)and clinical indexes for predicting metabolic associated fatty liver disease(MAFLD).Methods Totally 298 patients underwent abdominal MR and QUS examinations were retrospectively enrolled,including 150 cases with and 148 cases without MAFLD.The patients were divided into training set(including 107 cases of MAFLD and 101 cases of non-MAFLD)and test set(including 43 cases of MAFLD and 47 cases of non-MAFLD)at a ratio of 7∶3.Features were selected using least absolute shrinkage and selection operator(LASSO)regression and logistic regression(LR),based on which predictive models were constructed using 6 ML classifiers,including Gaussian naive Bayes(GNB),LR,random forest(RF),support vector machine(SVM),extreme gradient boosting(XGBoost)and K-nearest neighbor(KNN),respectively.Then the receiver operating characteristic curves were drawn,and the area under the curve(AUC)and the Brier score were calculated to evaluate the predictive efficacy of the models.Results The elevated age,glutamic-pyruvic transaminase(GPT),glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase(GOT),uric acid(UA),low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C),controlled attenuation parameter(CAP),ultrasound-derived fat fraction(UDFF)and shear wave velocity(SWV),as well as blurred liver contour were all independent indicators for higher likelihood of MAFLD(all P<0.05).The AUC and Brier score of XGBoost model in training set was 0.991 and 0.006,in test set was 0.973 and 0.069,respectively,both higher than those of other models,and decision curve analysis(DCA)indicated that XGBoost model had high net benefit.Conclusion ML models based on QUS and clinical indexes,especially XGBoost model had high efficacy for predicting MAFLD.
7.Prenatal diagnosis of intellectual developmental disorder type 22 caused by ZBTB18 gene mutation: a case report
Jia CHE ; Jing GUO ; Pengyun LI ; Yuexia LYU ; Fangying CUI ; Yuan TIAN ; Yali LI ; Shihong CUI ; Ling LIU
Chinese Journal of Perinatal Medicine 2025;28(1):70-73
This article reported a case of autosomal dominant intellectual developmental disorder type 22 caused by a heterozygous mutation in the ZBTB18 gene. At 24 +4 weeks of gestation, prenatal ultrasound indicated a short outer diameter of the fetal corpus callosum and bilateral ventricular dilatation. Whole-genome copy number variation analysis of the fetus showed no abnormalities. Whole exome sequencing (WES) and Sanger sequencing validation of the family revealed the fetus carried a c.1374_1383del(p.S459*) heterozygous mutation in the ZBTB18 gene (NM_205768.3), which was neither phenotypically present nor genotypically detected in the parents, suggesting a de novo mutation. Based on the clinical manifestations, the fetus was diagnosed with autosomal dominant intellectual developmental disorder type 22. After genetic counseling, the pregnant woman opted for termination of the pregnancy. This case highlights the correlation between prenatal ultrasonic detection of callosal dysgenesis and lateral ventricular enlargement and intellectual developmental disorders caused by gene mutations. Furthermore, it expands the mutation spectrum of the ZBTB18 gene, thereby facilitating prenatal diagnosis and genetic counseling.
8.Study on the biological exposure limit of whole blood chromium in occupational hexavalent chromium compounds exposed population
Guiping HU ; Yali ZHANG ; Shiyi HONG ; Zekang SU ; Qiaojian ZHANG ; Li WANG ; Tiancheng WANG ; Shanfa YU ; Guang JIA
China Occupational Medicine 2024;51(2):129-137
ObjectiveTo analyze the exposure-response relationship of peripheral whole blood chromium level and lung function as well as genetic toxicity indicators in workers exposed to hexavalent chromium [Cr(Ⅵ)] compounds, and to propose a biological exposure limit of whole blood chromium for soluble Cr(Ⅵ) compounds-exposed workers. Methods A total of 515 workers from a dynamic occupational Cr(Ⅵ) compounds-exposed cohort in an enterprise from 2010 to 2017 were selected as the research subjects using a retrospective cohort study. A total of 918 followed-up results of research subjects and baseline data of a cohort were analyzed based on bibliometric analysis. The results include lung function tests, whole blood chromium level detected by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry, urinary 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) detected by high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, peripheral micronuclei frequency (MNF) detected by cytokinesis-block micronucleus assay, and mitochondrial DNA copy number (mtCN) detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Results The results of bibliometric analysis showed that domestic and foreign studies on biological monitoring of Cr(Ⅵ) compounds increased year by year in the past 30 years, and whole blood chromium levels had a good correlation with the occupational Cr(Ⅵ) compounds exposure. The geometric mean of whole blood chromium levels in males and females among the occupational Cr(Ⅵ) compounds exposure cohort was 2.77 and 1.79 μg/L, respectively. A turning point appeared in 6.00 μg/L chromium in whole blood of the exposure-response curve of whole blood chromium levels with lung function indicators and genetic toxicity indicators. For each unit increase in the natural logarithm-transformed whole blood chromium level, the forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) decreased by 0.05 L, the FEV1/forced-vital-capacity decreased by 0.67%, the peak expiratory flow decreased by 0.15 L/s, the maximal mid-expiratory flow decreased by 0.09 L/s, the MNF increased by 0.149‰, the urinary 8-OHdG increased by 0.090 μg/g, and the mtCN increased by 0.013. When the whole blood chromium level was >6.00 μg/L, there was a significant increase in urinary 8-OHdG, MNF, and mtCN (all P<0.01). Conclusion The level of whole blood chromium can be used as a biomarker for occupational exposure to soluble Cr(Ⅵ) compounds. The preliminary biological exposure limit is set at 6.00 μg/L for whole blood chromium in workers exposed to soluble Cr(Ⅵ) compounds.
9.Influence of triglyceride/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio on the onset of primary liver cancer
Jianguo JIA ; Xiangming MA ; Fei TIAN ; Yali ZHANG ; Jiaying DAI ; Saifang LUO ; Liying CAO
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2024;40(4):753-759
ObjectiveTo investigate the influence of triglyceride (TG)/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) ratio on the onset of primary liver cancer. MethodsA prospective cohort study was conducted. Physical examination data were collected from 99 750 cases of on-the-job and retired employees of Kailuan Group who participated health examination from July 2006 to December 2007, and they were followed up till December 31, 2021 to observe the onset of primary liver cancer. A one-way analysis of variance was used for comparison of normally distributed continuous data between multiple groups, and the Kruskal-Wallis H test was used for comparison of continuous data with skewed distribution between multiple groups; the chi-square test was used for comparison of categorical data between groups. According to the tertiles of TG/HDL-C ratio, the subjects were divided into Q1, Q2, and Q3 groups, and the incidence density of primary liver cancer was calculated for each group. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to calculate the cumulative incidence rate of primary liver cancer in each group, and the log-rank test was used to compare the difference in cumulative incidence rate between groups. The Cox proportional hazards model was used to analyze the influence of TG/HDL-C ratio on the onset of primary liver cancer. ResultsThere were significant differences between the three groups in age, proportion of male subjects, waist circumference, body mass index, fasting blood glucose, systolic pressure, diastolic pressure, triglyceride, total cholesterol, HDL-C, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, alanine aminotransferase, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, chronic liver diseases, hypertension, diabetes, the family history of malignant tumor, drinking, smoking, physical exercise, and educational level (P<0.05). During the mean follow-up time of 14.06±2.71 years, there were 484 cases of new-onset liver cancer, among whom there were 446 male subjects and 38 female subjects. The incidence density of primary liver cancer was 0.39/1 000 person-years in the Q1 group, 0.35/1 000 person-years in the Q2 group, and 0.30/1 000 person-years in the Q3 group, and the cumulative incidence rates of primary liver cancer in the three groups were 6.03‰, 5.28‰, and 4.49‰, respectively, with a significant difference between the three groups based on the long-rank test (χ2=6.06, P=0.048). After adjustment for the confounding factors considered, the Cox proportional hazards model showed that compared with the Q3 group, the Q1 group had a hazard ratio of 2.04 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.61 — 2.58, Pfor trend<0.05), and the Q2 group had a hazard ratio of 1.53 (95%CI: 1.21 — 1.92, Pfor trend<0.05). ConclusionThe reduction in TG/HDL-C ratio is associated with an increase in the rask of primary liver cancer, especially in people with chronic liver diseases.
10.Construction of CRISPR/Cas9 knock-in system for tardigrade damage suppressor gene Dsup and its effect on HEK 293T cell proliferation
Yuting GAO ; Biao ZHANG ; Yali JIA ; Haiyang WANG ; Tao FAN ; Jiafei XI ; Wen YUE ; Quan ZENG ; Junnian ZHOU
Military Medical Sciences 2024;48(8):586-593
Objective To construct HEK 293T cells that express tardigrade Dsup protein fused with green fluorescent protein copGFP in order to study the effect of Dsup protein on proliferation of HEK 293T cells.Methods The CRISPR/Cas9 gene knock-in system was constructed.The target gene fragments of Dsup,copGFP,EF1α and puromycin were amplified by PCR and inserted into pAAVS1-SFFV to construct the fusion vector of Dsup and copGFP,which was known as pAAVS1-SFFV-Dsup-copGFP-EF1α-Puro.pAAVS1-SFFV-Dsup-copGFP-EF1 α-Puro and pAAVS1-CRISPR-Cas9 vector were co-transfected into HEK 293T cells before Dsup gene was inserted into the AAVS1 region of HEK 293T cells via homologous recombination.The HEK 293T cells expressing Dsup gene were obtained following puromycin selection,flow cytometry sorting and genome identification.The expression of Dsup at mRNA and protein levels and proliferation-related genes(MCM2,MCM4,PCNA,Ki-67)were examined to investigate the effects of Dsup gene on the proliferation of HEK 293T-Dsup-copGFP cells.Results The pAAVS1-SFFV-Dsup-copGFP-EF1α-Puro recombinant vector was constructed,and the HEK 293T-Dsup-copGFP cells with Dsup gene inserted in the AAVS1 region were obtained,where both Dsup mRNA and protein were expressed.The cell proliferation rate of HEK 293T-Dsup-copGFP was higher than that of HEK 293T-Control-copGFP(P<0.001).Further investigation revealed that the expressions of Ki-67 and MCM4 protein in HEK 293T-Dsup-copGFP were significantly higher than in the control group,indicating that the knock in of Dsup gene might enhance the proliferation ability of human cells by promoting the expression of Ki-67 and MCM4 protein.Conclusion A gene editing vector is constructed,and stable cell line HEK 293T-Dsup-copGFP for Dsup fusion expression with copGFP is established.The expression of Dsup gene in HEK 293T cells can promote cell proliferation,possibly by upregulating the expressions of Ki-67 and MCM4 protein.

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