Objective To investigate the value of the novel lymphatic contrast-enhanced ultrasound(LCEUS)and conventional venous contrast-enhanced ultrasound(VCEUS)in the differential diagnosis of benign and malignant cervical lymph nodes in patients with thyroid cancer. Methods Patients with suspected thyroid cancer underwent conventional ultrasound,VCEUS,and LCEUS examinations of cervical lymph nodes before biopsy.The diagnostic abilities of conventional ultrasound,VCEUS,and LCEUS were compared with pathological results as the golden standard. Results Forty-four patients with 52 lymph nodes were included in the final data.Thirty-eight metastatic lymph nodes were confirmed by pathological results,and 14 were benign.The diagnostic sensitivity,specificity,and accuracy were 97.37%,71.43%,and 90.38% for LCEUS,92.11%,35.71%,and 76.92% for VCEUS,and 94.74%,21.43%,and 75.00% for conventional ultrasound,respectively.The area under the curve of LCEUS analyzed by the receiver operating characteristic curve was greater than that of VCEUS(P=0.020)and conventional ultrasound(P<0.001). Conclusion LCEUS could significantly improve the differential diagnosis of cervical lymph node metastasis in the patients with thyroid cancer,providing a basis for precise clinical treatment.
Humans ; Thyroid Neoplasms/diagnostic imaging* ; Lymphatic Metastasis/diagnostic imaging* ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Female ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Ultrasonography ; Adult ; Lymph Nodes/pathology* ; Contrast Media ; Neck ; Aged ; Young Adult ; Adolescent ; Sensitivity and Specificity

Objective To analyze the ultrasonographic features of secondary squamous cell carcinoma of the thyroid(SSCC-T)and evaluate the diagnostic value of ultrasound.Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on clinical and ultrasonographic data from 12 patients with pathologically confirmed SSCC-T treated at Beijing Friendship Hospital,Capital Medical University between January 2016 and January 2025.Evaluated parameters included lesion size,echogenicity,edge,vascularity,calcification,and cervical lymph node metastasis.Descriptive statistical analysis was performed to analyze the ultrasonographic features of SSCC-T,and Fisher's exact test was conducted to analyze the correlation between different ultrasound classifications and thyroid dysfunction.Results The 12 patients showed the following ultrasound classifications:nodular type(50.0%,6/12),diffuse type(33.3%,4/12),and mixed type(16.7%,2/12).All diffuse-type patients exhibited a characteristic cord-like hypoechoic pattern.Cervical lymph node metastasis was observed in all the patients,with 75.0%(9/12)showing lymph nodes >2 cm in maximum diameter.Thyroid dysfunction occurred in 66.7%(8/12)of patients,including 2 patients with dynamic shifts from hyperthyroidism to hypothyroidism.Diffuse and mixed types were associated with hypothyroidism(P=0.038).Conclusions SSCC-T demonstrates specific ultrasonographic features,particularly the cord-like hypoechoic pattern in the diffuse type.For patients with squamous cell carcinoma,regular ultrasound examinations of the thyroid and cervical lymph nodes combined with changes in thyroid function are conducive to the timely detection of thyroid metastasis of squamous cell carcinoma.
Humans ; Retrospective Studies ; Ultrasonography ; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/diagnostic imaging* ; Thyroid Neoplasms/diagnostic imaging* ; Lymphatic Metastasis ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Thyroid Gland/diagnostic imaging* ; Adult

Objective To compare the diagnostic value of transabdominal intestinal ultrasound (IUS) and magnetic resonance enterography (MRE) for intestinal stenosis in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on the imaging features of 51 IBD patients who underwent both IUS and MRE at Beijing Friendship Hospital,Capital Medical University,between January 2021 and February 2025.With endoscopy as the gold standard,the diagnostic performance of the two methods was compared. Results The sensitivity (84.2% vs. 52.6%,P=0.008) and accuracy (66.7% vs. 45.1%,P=0.035) of IUS for stenosis were higher than those of MRE.In the localization of stenosis,IUS demonstrated higher sensitivity than MRE for detecting stenosis in the terminal ileum (78.6% vs. 35.7%,P=0.070) and colorectum (86.7% vs. 53.3%,P=0.060).Furthermore,IUS showed higher diagnostic accuracy than MRE for terminal ileum stenosis (70.6% vs. 29.4%,P=0.039).The intestinal wall thickness[(8.2±2.7) mm vs. (10.3±3.8) mm;t=3.20,P=0.002)] and stenosis inner diameter[(3.0±1.6) mm vs. (4.3±1.8) mm;t=2.15,P=0.035] measured by IUS were lower than those measured by MRE,with a moderate level of consistency (ICC:0.19-0.53).In addition,IUS demonstrated a higher detection rate for mesenteric fat hypertrophy (70.6% vs. 27.5%,Kappa=0.27,P=0.005),whereas MRE was more sensitive in detecting lymphadenopathy (90.2% vs. 56.9%,Kappa=0.16,P=0.080). Conclusions IUS is superior to MRE in the diagnosis and localization sensitivity for intestinal stenosis in IBD.However,the two methods showcase poor consistency in detecting and quantitating some inflammatory signs.IUS can be used as a first-line screening method for diagnosing intestinal stenosis in IBD patients,while its clinical application should be combined with specific needs to optimize diagnosis.
Humans ; Retrospective Studies ; Constriction, Pathologic/diagnostic imaging* ; Ultrasonography/methods* ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging/methods* ; Inflammatory Bowel Diseases/diagnostic imaging* ; Male ; Female ; Adult ; Middle Aged ; Intestines/diagnostic imaging* ; Sensitivity and Specificity

Objective This study aimed to investigate the potential relationship between urinary metals copper (Cu), arsenic (As), strontium (Sr), barium (Ba), iron (Fe), lead (Pb) and manganese (Mn) and grip strength. Methods We used linear regression models, quantile g-computation and Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) to assess the relationship between metals and grip strength.Results In the multimetal linear regression, Cu (β=-2.119), As (β=-1.318), Sr (β=-2.480), Ba (β=0.781), Fe (β= 1.130) and Mn (β=-0.404) were significantly correlated with grip strength (P < 0.05). The results of the quantile g-computation showed that the risk of occurrence of grip strength reduction was -1.007 (95％ confidence interval:-1.362, -0.652; P < 0.001) when each quartile of the mixture of the seven metals was increased. Bayesian kernel function regression model analysis showed that mixtures of the seven metals had a negative overall effect on grip strength, with Cu, As and Sr being negatively associated with grip strength levels. In the total population, potential interactions were observed between As and Mn and between Cu and Mn (Pinteractions of 0.003 and 0.018, respectively).Conclusion In summary, this study suggests that combined exposure to metal mixtures is negatively associated with grip strength. Cu, Sr and As were negatively correlated with grip strength levels, and there were potential interactions between As and Mn and between Cu and Mn.

Objective To explore the diagnostic value of ultrasound for thyroid nodules with a spoke-wheel blood flow pattern.Methods The clinical data of the patients with thyroid nodules presenting a spoke-wheel blood flow pattern examined by ultrasound were collected,and the gray-scale ultrasound features of the nodules were recorded.The diagnostic performance of the Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System by American College of Radiology(ACR TI-RADS),Chinese Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System(C-TIRADS),and combined specific indicators for the thyroid nodules with a spoke-wheel blood flow pattern was evaluated by comparison with the pathological results,which was regarded as the gold standard.Results A total of 64 patients with thyroid nodules were finally included,including 47 patients with malignant nodules and 17 patients with benign nodules.In addition to the general ultrasound features,central scar mostly appeared in malignant nodules(x2=5.968,P=0.015),while central coarse calcification was more common in benign nodules(x2=10.899,P=0.001).After the combination of central scar and central gross calcification,the diagnostic performance of ACR TI-RADS and C-TIRADS was improved(both P＜0.001).Conclusions When the thyroid nodule shows a spoke-wheel blood flow pattern,one should be cautious of the possibility of malignancy.Combining central scar and central coarse calcification can improve the accuracy of ultrasonic diagnosis.

Objective To explore the mechanism of Yipi Yanggan Prescription in the treatment of precancerous lesion of liver in rats based on M1 type macrophage polarization-chronic inflammation-liver cell malignant transformation.Methods Totally 90 Wistar rats were randomly divided into blank group,model group,Hugan Tablet group and Yipi Yanggan Prescription high-,medium-and low-dosage groups,with 15 rats in each group.The blank group was injected distilled water intraperitoneally,and the other groups were injected 5 mL/kg of diethylnitrosamine intraperitoneally at 50 mg/kg per week(twice per week)for 16 weeks to induce the precancerous lesion of liver model.Starting from the second day of modeling,Yipi Yanggan Prescription high-,medium-and low-dosage groups were orally administered with 1.2,0.6 and 0.3 g/mL Yipi Yanggan Prescription,respectively.The Hugan Tablet group was orally administered with 921 mg/kg Hugan Tablet solution,the blank group and model group were orally administered with an equal amount of physiological saline for 16 consecutive weeks.The appearance of the liver was observed,ELISA was used to detect serum ALT,AST,ALP,AFU,as well as TNF-α,IL-6,iNOS and MCP-1 content,HE staining and Masson staining were used to observe the morphology of liver tissue,immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expressions of liver cell malignancy markers OV6,CK19,CD133 and EpCAM,qPCR was used to detect the mRNA expressions of CK19,CD133 and EpCAM in liver tissue,immunofluorescence co-localization was used to detect the co-expressions of M1 type macrophage markers CD68 with IL-6 and TNF-α.Results Compared with the blank group,the liver of the model group rats was hard,with a rough surface and dull edges,and a large number of nodules were visible,the contents of serum ALT,AST,ALP,AFU,TNF-α,IL-6,iNOS and MCP-1 significantly increased(P<0.01),there were large areas of dysplasia nodules,inflammatory cell infiltration,and increased collagen fibers in liver tissue,the expressions of OV6,CK19,CD133 and EpCAM in liver tissue significantly increased,and the co-expressions of CD68 with IL-6 and TNF-α significantly increased(P<0.01).Compared with the model group,the number and size of liver nodules in each treatment group of rats decreased,the contents of serum ALT,AST,ALP,AFU,TNF-α,IL-6,iNOS and MCP-1 were significantly decreased(P<0.01),hepatocellular dysplasia and inflammatory cell infiltration were significantly improved,collagen fibers decreased,and the expressions of OV6,CK19,CD133 and EpCAM in liver tissue were significantly decreased,the co-expressions of CD68 with IL-6 and TNF-α significantly decreased(P<0.05,P<0.01).Conclusion Yipi Yanggan Prescription may alleviate inflammation by inhibiting polarization of M1 type macrophages,improve liver cell malignancy,and exert therapeutic effects on rats with precancerous lesion of liver induced by diethylnitrosamine.

Objective To conduct a scoping review of virtual reality motor sensing exercise in the elderly with dementia,so as to identify the types of intervention,outcome indicators,evaluation tools and application effects of virtual reality motor sensing exercise and provide guidance for future research.Methods A literature search was performed in the PubMed,Embase,CINAHL,Web of Science,Cochrane Library,CNKI,Wanfang,VIP,and CMB databases to identify relevant studies.The search period is from the establishment of databases to October 15,2023.The included studies were summarized and analyzed.Results A total of 18 articles were included in this study,including 14 randomised controlled trials,one class-experimental study and three mixed studies involving a total of 1,054 elderly dementia patients.The types of virtual reality motor sensing exercise included motor sensing interactive games,interactive bicycle riding,remote game exercise,Wii Fit exercise and virtual reality environment exercise.The outcome indicators involve 4 aspects of physical indicators,psychological indicators,cognitive function and quality of life.Conclusion Virtual reality motor sensing exercise is feasible and effective in the elderly with dementia.However,large sample and high-quality randomized controlled trials are still needed in the future to verify the feasibility and application effect of virtual reality exercise in the elderly with dementia,so as to provide evidence-based basis for formulating the best exercise intervention program for the elderly with dementia.

Objective:To observe the changes of peripheral blood T cell subsets and serum tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-6 contents in narcolepsy type 1 (NT1) patients and their correlations with narcolepsy, and provide basis for finding the biological markers of narcolepsy.Methods:A retrospective analysis was performed. From March 2022 to December 2023, 23 patients with NT1 admitted to Epilepsy and Sleep Disorder Center, Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University and 23 healthy controls underwent physical examination of nervous system in our center were enrolled. T lymphocyte subsets CD4 + and CD8 + in peripheral blood were calculated by flow cytometry. Serum TNF-α and IL-6 contents were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Multivariate Logistic regression was used to determine the correlations of NT1 with CD4 + T lymphocyte count and IL-6 and TNF-α contents, and diagnostic values of CD4 + T lymphocyte and TNF-α in NT1 were evaluated via area under receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve. Results:Compared with the healthy controls, the NT1 patients had significantly increased peripheral blood CD4 + T lymphocyte count ([820.61±316.87] /μL vs. [1121.04±387.47] /μL), and significantly higher serum TNF-α and IL-6 contents ([39.97±10.64] pg/mL vs. [57.01±19.92] pg/mL; [22.50±6.09] pg/mL vs. [33.66±17.28] pg/mL, P<0.05). No significant difference in peripheral blood CD8 + T lymphocyte count was noted between the 2 groups ([668.65±276.45] pg/mL vs. [592.52±217.78] pg/mL, P>0.05). Multivariate Logistic regression showed that CD4 + T lymphocyte count and serum TNF-α content were independent risk factors for NT1 ( OR=1.004, 95% CI: 1.001-1.006, P=0.007; OR=1.133, 95% CI: 1.032-1.243, P=0.009). Area under ROC curve of the two combined indexes was 0.881(95% CI: 0.784-0.977, P=0.001), enjoying sensitivity of 0.783 and specificity of 0.870. Conclusion:Combination of peripheral blood CD4 + T lymphocyte count and serum TNF-α content has high diagnostic performance in predicting NT1.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the regulatory effects of biofilm associated non-coding small RNA(sRNA)00085 on the survival and environmental fitness of Listeria monocytogenes.Homologous recombination technology was used to construct a deletion mutant strain(△sRNA 00085)and a complementary strain(C △sRNA 00085)of the sRNA00085 target gene.The differences in biological characteristics were compared among the standard strain,△sRNA 00085,and C△sRNA 00085.The deletion of sRNA00085 led to a significant decrease in biofilm formation capacity and sensitivity to several antibiotics,including penicillin,piperacillin,doxycycline,tetracycline,vancomycin,and cotrimoxazole.However,only the minimum inhibitory concentration(MIC)of tetracycline exhibited a significant decrease in △sRNA00085.Meanwhile,the decreased biofilm formation and antibiotic resistance of the sRNA00085 mutant were restored in the C△sRNA00085 strain.Furthermore,we investigated the transcription levels of tetracycline resistance-related genes in L.monocytogenes.Down-regu-lated transcription of the tetS gene but no significant difference in transcription of the tetA gene were observed in △sRNA 00085 compared with the standard strain and C△sRNA00085.Moreover,the elimination of sRNA00085 did not affect bacterial growth ability or sensitivity to disinfectants.These findings highlight that sRNA00085 plays an important role in the environ-mental adaptability of L.monocytogenes by affecting bacterial biofilm formation and resistance.

OBJECTIVE To clarify the core content of traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） policy in the provinces of China， so as to provide reference for optimizing the structure of the policy system of traditional Chinese medicine in China and assisting the inheritance and innovation of TCM industry in various regions. METHODS The websites of directly affiliated organs in 31 provinces， excluding Hong Kong， Macao and Taiwan， were retrieved to collect the TCM policies released from 2000 to 2021. The importance of keywords in the TCM policies of each province was measured based on term frequency-inverse documentation frequency （TF-IDF） keyword extraction method， and the similarities and differences were analyzed among TCM policies. RESULTS & CONCLUSIONS A total of 99 documents related to TCM policies of various provinces were obtained in this study， most of which were released after 2016. The theme of national TCM policy covered four aspects： building TCM talent team， perfecting TCM service system， strengthening TCM resource management and promoting TCM industry innovation. The TF-IDF values of “medical institutions”“traditional Chinese medicine”“medical treatment” were higher than other keywords in each province， indicating that the provinces paid more attention to the construction of TCM service system and the management of TCM resources than other aspects. Anhui and Jiangsu， Beijing and Henan， Hubei and Jilin， Hubei and Tianjin， and Hubei and Yunnan had the more degree of similarity in TCM policies， which all contained 16 of the same keywords. Therefore， the above regions should be encouraged to strengthen exchanges and cooperation and realize mutual promotion and joint development. Among all the keywords whose importance ratio was greater than 0.2，“ Tibetan medicine” was unique to Qinghai and Tibet，“ disease type” was unique to Guangdong， and the TF-IDF value of “supervision and management” in Beijing was higher， indicating that the emphasis of TCM policy formulation in different provinces was various. Meanwhile， the top 10 keywords of TF- IDF value in all provinces did not have words related to financial input， and the TF-IDF values of “informatization” in most provinces did not rank at the top. It is suggested to increase financial input or encourage social financing， and add “Internet+new business” in the field of TCM.