1.Pathogenesis and Treatment Approach of Cancer-Related Anorexia-Cachexia Syndrome Based on the Concept of "Blood Exhaustion" in The Inner Canon of Yellow Emperor (《黄帝内经》)
Jinbiao ZHU ; Mengyun YUAN ; Lu BAI ; Duorui NIE ; Mianhua WU ; Yingjie YAN ; Dawei DING
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(5):575-579
Based on the concept of "blood exhaustion" from The Inner Canon of Yellow Emperor (《黄帝内经》), a three-stage syndrome differentiation and treatment strategy for cancer-related anorexia-cachexia syndrome is proposeed. In the cancer-induced anorexia stage, the pathogenesis is characterized by cancer consuming the spleen and stomach, leading to stagnation of transportation and transformation in the middle jiao (焦). Treatment should focus on strengthening the spleen, promoting appetite, dispersing accumulation, and aiding digestion, with modified Zisheng Pills (资生丸) in Extensive Notes on Medicine from Xian Xing Studio (《先醒斋医学广笔记》) or Zisheng Decoction (资生汤) in Records of Chinese Medicine with Reference to Western Medicine (《医学衷中参西录》). In the pre-cachectic stage of malnutrition, the pathogenesis involves insufficient nourishment of blood and qi with essence depletion hindering production. Treatment should focus on nourishing blood and harmonizing ying (营), warming yang and supplementing qi, and modified Huangqi Jianzhong Decoction (黄芪建中汤) can be used. In the cachectic stage, the pathogenesis involves blood deficiency and essence exhaustion, with blood stasis obstructing the collaterals. The therapeutic approach should focus on tonifying deficiency and replenishing essence, unblocking collaterals, and removing stasis, and modified Buzhong Yiqi Decoction (补中益气汤) and Zuo Gui Beverage (左归饮) are suggested.
2.Correlation analysis of cardiac function with coronary artery lesion in elderly patients with coronary heart disease
Luqian JIANG ; Keqiong DAI ; Chuanfeng KE ; Yan YANG ; Qiong NIE ; Meilin LI ; Wei YANG
Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine 2026;37(4):160-163
Objective To analyze the correlation between cardiac function and degree of coronary artery lesion in elderly patients with coronary heart disease. Methods A total of 110 elderly patients with coronary heart disease and 30 elderly people without coronary heart disease (non-coronary heart disease group) in the Third People's Hospital of Chengdu were selected for the study. Based on Gensini score, the patients with coronary heart disease were classified into mild, moderate and severe lesion groups. The echocardiographic indicators and myocardial injury indicators [cardiac troponin I (cTnI), creatine kinase (CK), creatine kinase isoenzyme (CK-MB)] were compared among the groups. The correlation between cardiac function indicators and degree of coronary artery lesion and the evaluation value of various indicators on severe coronary artery lesion were analyzed. Results The left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was represented as severe lesion group
3.Generation of Cynomolgus and Rhesus Monkey Models Carrying the BMPR1BFecB Variant
Chunyang LI ; Xingchen LIU ; Yuzhuo LI ; Yong LU ; Yan WANG ; Changshan GAO ; Yanhong NIE ; Xinyan BIAN ; Chao HU ; Jiaqiao ZHU ; Qiang SUN
Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine 2026;46(4):467-475
ObjectiveTo generate cynomolgus and rhesus monkey models carrying the Booroola fecundity (FecB) variant of bone morphogenetic protein receptor type 1B (BMPR1B) gene (designated BMPR1BFecB) using adenine base edit technology and to explore genetic improvement strategies for enhancing the reproductive performance of laboratory macaques. MethodsFour single-guide RNAs (sgRNAs) were designed to target the BMPR1B c.746A>G locus in cynomolgus and rhesus monkeys. The sgRNAs were combined with the ABE8e-SpRY base editor, and the resulting editing complexes were microinjected into zygotes of both macaque species. Following in vitro culture of the injected embryos, nested PCR amplification was performed to detect the base-editing efficiency at the target site to screen for highly efficient sgRNAs. Subsequently, normally developing gene-edited embryos were transferred into the oviducts of surrogates. Seven days after birth, ear skin or peripheral blood samples were collected from the newborn monkeys for genotyping and mosaicism analysis, and the growth, development, and health status of the gene-edited monkeys were monitored. ResultsAmong the four candidate sgRNAs, sgRNA4 was identified as achieving 100% editing efficiency at the c.746A>G site. A total of 17 live monkey offspring were obtained via embryo transfer, including 8 cynomolgus monkeys and 9 rhesus monkeys. Genotyping results showed that all 8 newborn cynomolgus monkeys carried the c.746A>G point mutation, with an editing efficiency of 100% (8/8), of which 37.50% (3/8) were mosaics. Among the 9 newborn rhesus monkeys, 8 individuals carried the c.746A>G mutation, with an editing efficiency of 88.89% (8/9), of which 75.00% (6/8) were mosaics. ConclusionThe ABE8e-SpRY base-editing system enables precise editing at the c.746A>G (p.Q249R) locus of the BMPR1B gene in both cynomolgus and rhesus monkey embryos, resulting in the successful establishment of laboratory monkey models carrying the BMPR1BFecB variant. These models provide a valuable foundation for future studies of the regulatory role of the BMPR1BFecB variant in reproductive performance at the non‑human primate level, as well as for exploring genetic improvement strategies to enhance reproductive performance in laboratory monkeys.
4.Principles, technical specifications, and clinical application of lung watershed topography map 2.0: A thoracic surgery expert consensus (2024 version)
Wenzhao ZHONG ; Fan YANG ; Jian HU ; Fengwei TAN ; Xuening YANG ; Qiang PU ; Wei JIANG ; Deping ZHAO ; Hecheng LI ; Xiaolong YAN ; Lijie TAN ; Junqiang FAN ; Guibin QIAO ; Qiang NIE ; Mingqiang KANG ; Weibing WU ; Hao ZHANG ; Zhigang LI ; Zihao CHEN ; Shugeng GAO ; Yilong WU
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2025;32(02):141-152
With the widespread adoption of low-dose CT screening and the extensive application of high-resolution CT, the detection rate of sub-centimeter lung nodules has significantly increased. How to scientifically manage these nodules while avoiding overtreatment and diagnostic delays has become an important clinical issue. Among them, lung nodules with a consolidation tumor ratio less than 0.25, dominated by ground-glass shadows, are particularly worthy of attention. The therapeutic challenge for this group is how to achieve precise and complete resection of nodules during surgery while maximizing the preservation of the patient's lung function. The "watershed topography map" is a new technology based on big data and artificial intelligence algorithms. This method uses Dicom data from conventional dose CT scans, combined with microscopic (22-24 levels) capillary network anatomical watershed features, to generate high-precision simulated natural segmentation planes of lung sub-segments through specific textures and forms. This technology forms fluorescent watershed boundaries on the lung surface, which highly fit the actual lung anatomical structure. By analyzing the adjacent relationship between the nodule and the watershed boundary, real-time, visually accurate positioning of the nodule can be achieved. This innovative technology provides a new solution for the intraoperative positioning and resection of lung nodules. This consensus was led by four major domestic societies, jointly with expert teams in related fields, oriented to clinical practical needs, referring to domestic and foreign guidelines and consensus, and finally formed after multiple rounds of consultation, discussion, and voting. The main content covers the theoretical basis of the "watershed topography map" technology, indications, operation procedures, surgical planning details, and postoperative evaluation standards, aiming to provide scientific guidance and exploration directions for clinical peers who are currently or plan to carry out lung nodule resection using the fluorescent microscope watershed analysis method.
5.Clinical effects comparison of different approaches and anterior attachment release methods in temporomandibular joint disc repositioning and anchoring surgery
WANG Hao ; WANG Wei ; LI Qiang ; YAN Jiaxuan ; NIE Wei ; GUO Yanjun ; YAN Wei ; CHEN Yong
Journal of Prevention and Treatment for Stomatological Diseases 2025;33(2):129-136
Objective:
To explore the therapeutic effects of different surgical methods for temporomandibular joint disc reduction and anchoring surgery, providing reference for optimizing this surgical procedure.
Method:
The study was approved by the hospital ethics committee. 173 patients (195 joints) who underwent temporomandibular joint disc repositioning and anchoring surgery were selected for retrospective analysis. Patients were categorized into groups A (traditional preauricular incision-scalpel/tissue scissors anterior attachment release), 35 patients (40 joints), B (traditional preauricular incision-plasma bipolar radiofrequency electrode anterior attachment release), 42 patients (46 joints), C (revised tragus incision - scalpel/tissue scissors anterior attachment release), 50 patients (58 joints), and D (revised tragus incision-plasma bipolar radiofrequency electrode anterior attachment release), 46 patients (51 joints). After a 6-month postoperative follow-up, the differences in maximum mouth opening (MMO), visual analogue scale (VAS), effective rate of joint disc reduction, incidence of preauricular numbness, obvious scars among patients in each group at 1, 3, and 6 months were compared postoperatively.
Results:
After surgery, the MMO of all four groups of patients initially shrunk and then gradually increased compared to before surgery. At the 1-month follow-up after surgery, the plasma bipolar radiofrequency release (B+D) group had a smaller impact on the patient’s MMO compared to the surgical knife/tissue scissors release (A+C) group (P < 0.05). Postoperative VAS scores for all four groups showed a gradual decrease from pre-operative levels, with the (B+D) group scoring significantly lower in the first month post-surgery compared to the (A+C) group (P < 0.05). Six months post-surgery, the rate of joint disc reduction of the four groups were higher than 95%, with no significant differences observed between the groups (P > 0.05). Patients in the revised tragus incision (C+D) group experienced a lower rate of preauricular numbness compared to those in the traditional preauricular incision (A+B) group (4.59% vs. 12.79%, P < 0.05), The incidence of obvious scars in the (C+D) group was significantly lower than that in the (A+B) group (3.67% vs. 23.26%, P < 0.05).
Conclusion
The revised tragus incision is superior to traditional preauricular incision in terms of protecting the auriculotemporal nerve and the scars were more inconspicuous. Further, the plasma bipolar radiofrequency electrode is superior to the scalpel/tissue scissors in terms of mouth opening recovery and pain control. For temporomandibular joint disc reduction and anchoring surgery, a modified tragus incision combined with plasma bipolar radiofrequency electrode to release the anterior attachment of the joint disc can be recommended as a surgical option.
6.Preparation of fluorescent nanoprobes based on aggregation-induced emission and their application in the diagnosis and treatment of oral cancer
Yanze WANG ; Ruixin NIE ; Guanhua WANG ; Xiaoli LIAN ; Yingbin YAN ; Xiaoyan ZHANG
International Journal of Biomedical Engineering 2025;48(5):443-453
Objective:To develop fluorescent nanoprobes with aggregation-induced emission characteristics and to systematically evaluate their optical properties, biosafety, anti-tumor activity, and imaging capability, thereby assessing their potential for early precision diagnosis and treatment of oral cancer in mice.Methods:Control probes (PEG@TPD) were prepared by encapsulating ( E)-4-(2-(4′-(1-phenyl-2,2-bis(4-methoxyphenyl)vinyl)biphenyl-4-yl)vinyl)-4-(dicyanomethylene)-4 H-chromene (TPD) using 1,2-distearoyl- SN-glycerol-3-phosphoethanolamine- N-polyethylene glycol 2000-maleimide as the carrier. Fluorescent nanoprobes (GE11-PEG@TPD) were subsequently fabricated by surface modification with the targeting GE11 peptide. The morphology and particle size of the nanoprobes were characterized by transmission electron microscopy and dynamic light scattering. The optical properties of the nanoprobes were analyzed using ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry and fluorescence spectrophotometry. Mouse squamous carcinoma SCC-7 cells were randomly divided into six groups by the random number table method. The PBS, PEG@TPD, and GE11-PEG@TPD groups were not treated with light, while the PBS+L, PEG@TPD+L, and GE11-PEG@TPD+L groups were exposed to white light (25 W/cm 2, 10 min) at a nanoprobe concentration of 20 μg/ml (based on TPD concentration). Cell survival rate was assessed by the cell counting kit-8 assay. Cellular uptake, intracellular reactive oxygen species levels, and cytotoxicity were evaluated using laser scanning confocal microscopy. The apoptosis rate was evaluated by cell apoptosis assay. Twelve 6-week-old female C3H/HeN mice were randomly divided into two groups: PEG@TPD-1 group and GE11-PEG@TPD-1 group, with 6 mice in each group. Subcutaneous oral cancer models were established by injecting SCC-7 cell suspensions into the dorsal region of mice in two groups. Each mouse was intravenously administered 200 μl of PEG@TPD or GE11-PEG@TPD solution (1 mg/ml, based on TPD concentration). Tumor boundaries and scope were visualized using a small animal in vivo imaging system. At the optimal imaging time point, three mice from each group were euthanized, and major organs and tumor tissues were collected to measure probe accumulation. Statistical comparisons between two groups were performed using independent samples t-tests, while one-way or two-way analysis of variance was applied for multiple group comparisons. Results:Both PEG@TPD and GE11-PEG@TPD exhibited a relatively regular sphere, with average particle sizes of (92.76±8.80 and 117.50±6.40) nm, respectively. PEG@TPD showed two obvious absorption peaks at 352 and 444 nm. GE11 peptide showed a polypeptide characteristic absorption peak at 280 nm, GE11-PEG@TPD showed three characteristic absorption peaks at 280, 352 and 444 nm. Under dark conditions, cell survival rate remained above 80% even at a concentration of 160 μg/ml. After light irradiation, cell survival rate in the PEG@TPD+L group at 20 and 40 μg/ml [(68.2±5.2)% and (48.6±7.1)%] were higher than those in the GE11-PEG@TPD+L group [(55.0±2.8)% and (30.0±9.2)%], with statistically significant differences ( P<0.05, 0.01). At incubation time points of 2, 4, and 6 h, the relative fluorescence intensity of the GE11-PEG@TPD group (119.4±10.2, 192.9±14.2, and 234.1±4.8) were higher than those of the PEG@TPD group (98.6±7.5, 163.8±3.1, 204.6±11.2), with statistically significant differences (all P<0.05). The relative fluorescence intensity of the PEG@TPD+L and GE11-PEG@TPD+L group (68.5±4.7 and 86.8±10.0) were higher than those in the PBS, PEG@TPD, GE11-PEG@TPD, and PBS+L groups (6.1±8.0, 7.6±1.8, 4.7±4.2 and 21.1±7.6), with statistically significant differences (all P<0.01). And the difference between the GE11-PEG@TPD+L and PEG@TPD+L groups was also statistically significant ( P<0.05). Viable cell proportions in the PBS, PEG@TPD, GE11-PEG@TPD, and PBS+L groups all exceeded 95.0%, while those in the PEG@TPD+L and GE11-PEG@TPD+L groups decreased to (11.1±3.7)% and (4.3±1.1)%, respectively, with a statistically significant difference between them ( P<0.05). The apoptotic cell proportions in the PEG@TPD+L and GE11-PEG@TPD+L groups [(40.5±4.3)% and (55.3±7.4)%] were higher than those in the PBS, PEG@TPD, GE11-PEG@TPD, and PBS+L groups [(27.3±2.0)%, (28.2±1.9)%, (28.6±1.2)%, and (29.7±3.0)%], with statistically significant differences ( P<0.05, 0.01). Moreover, the difference between the GE11-PEG@TPD+L and the PEG@TPD+L groups was also statistically significant ( P<0.01). The mean fluorescence intensities of the GE11-PEG@TPD-1 group at 1, 3, 5, 8, and 24 h, as well as in ex vivo tumor tissues[(5.2±0.8, 5.9±0.7, 6.6±1.0, 7.9±0.6, 7.8±0.7 and 20.6±3.5)×10 6 p/s/cm 2/sr] were all higher than those in the PEG@TPD-1 group [(3.2±0.7, 4.2±0.7, 4.6±0.9, 5.1±0.9, 4.7±0.9 and 14.2±1.8)×10 6 p/s/cm 2/sr], with statistically significant differences ( P<0.05, 0.01). Conclusions:The fluorescent nanoprobes exhibit uniform particle size, high photostability, and good biocompatibility. They demonstrate significant tumor-killing effects at the cellular level and possess tumor-targeting capability in vivo, showing promising application potential for the early precision diagnosis and treatment of oral cancer.
7.Analysis of factors affecting rheumatoid-interstitial pulmonary diseases:a study based on an analysis of latent class
Yan-Cong NIE ; Mei-Lin YIN ; Xiao-Xia WANG ; Li-Xia QIU
Medical Journal of Chinese People's Liberation Army 2025;50(2):146-153
Objective To analyze the classification characteristics of rheumatoid arthritis(RA)-related antibodies and to investigate the factors influencing the development of RA-related interstitial pulmonary diseases(RA-ILD)in RA patients using latent class analysis(LCA).Methods A retrospective analysis of 712 RA patients treated at the Department of Rheumatology and Immunology of the Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University from December 2019 to October 2022 was conducted.According to whether patients had RA-ILD or not,they were divided into simple RA group(n=523)and RA-ILD group(n=189).Then,the differences in general data,clinical features,medication use and laboratory indicators were compared between the two groups.Based on the differences in RA-related antibody indicators,712 patients were divided into 3 latent categories using LCA:high-risk group(n=364),medium-risk group(n=205),and low-risk group(n=143).One-way analysis of variance was employed to compare clinical characteristics of the 3 groups,and the prevalence of RA-ILD was calculated.Multivariate logistic regression analysis was utilized to identify independent affect factors of RA-ILD.Results Significant differences in gender,age,and smoking history were observed between simple RA group and RA-ILD group(P<0.05).The high,medium and low risk groups exhibited significant differences in gender,age,prednisone(PRED)and methotrexate(MTX)medication history,Red blood cell count(RBC),interleukin-2(IL-2),IL-4,IL-10,IL-17,TNF-α,interferon-γ(INF-γ),serum globulins,and white blood albumins(P<0.05).The high-risk group had a higher proportion of males,RBC,IL-2,IL-4,IL-10,IL-17,TNF-α,INF-γ,and serum globulin levels,and a lower proportion of MTX medication compared with medium-and low-risk groups(P<0.05 or P<0.01).The medium-risk group had a higher proportion of MTX administration than that in high-and low-risk groups(P<0.05 or P<0.01).The low-risk group had a higher proportion of females and older age than those in other two groups(P<0.05 or P<0.01).The prevalence of RA-ILD was 30.5%,23.9%and 20.3%in the three groups,respectively.Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that male(OR=2.920,95%CI 1.722-4.952),age(OR=1.055,95%CI 1.035-1.074),IL-17(OR=1.013,95%CI 1.003-1.023),TNF-α(OR=1.050,95%CI 1.017-1.083),INF-γ(OR=0.962,95%CI 0.932-0.993),Serum albumin(OR=0.919,95%CI 0.869-0.971)and high risk antibody indicators(OR=1.725,95%CI 1.084-2.745)were independent predictors for RA-ILD.Conclusions RA patients exhibit distinct categories of antibody indicators,with a higher prevalence in high-risk patients with RA-ILD.RA-ILD is more likely to occur in male,elderly patients with abnormal liver function and high-risk antibody indictors.More attention should be paid to these patients and individualized interventions should be developed and implemented in a timely manner to improve the quality of patient survival.
8.Effect of ribosomal protein L26 on apoptosis and proliferation of gastric cancer cells
Qian Wang ; Fang Yang ; Wei Nie ; Lihua Hu ; Maolin Zhang ; Lixiang Zhao ; Xiangren Jin ; Zhiqiang Yan
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2025;60(11):2043-2051
Objective:
To investigate the expression of ribosomal protein L26 ( RPL26) in gastric cancer cells (GC) and its effect on cell apoptosis and proliferation .
Methods:
The expression of RPL26 in GES-1 and GC cell lines was detected by Western blot. GC cell line HGC-27 was used to construct RPL26 overexpression cell line , and GC cell lines HGC-27 and AGS cells were used to construct RPL26 knockdown cell line . The overexpression and knockdown efficiency of RPL26 were detected by Western blot. Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) , colony formation assay and Transwell assay were used to detect the effects of the overexpression and knockdown of RPL26 on the pro- liferation and migration of GC cells . Western blot was used to detect the expression of Phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K) / protein kinase B (AKT) signaling pathway related factors PI3K , AKT , phosphorylated phosphatidylinosi- tol-3-kinase (p-PI3K) , phosphorylated protein kinase B ( p-AKT) and downstream factors B-Cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) , Bcl-2 associated X protein (Bax) and Cyclin A , G1 /S-specific Cyclin D1(Cyclin D1) , Cyclin-depend- ent kinases (CDK)4 and CDK2 in overexpression and knockdown of RPL26 stably transfected cell lines .
Results:
Compared with GES-1 , RPL26 was highly expressed in HGC-27 cells ( tHGC-27 = 4. 97 ; P < 0. 01) and elevated in AGS , but the difference was not statistically significant. In HGC-27 and AGS cells , CCK-8 and colony formation assays showed that the proliferation ability of cells decreased after the knockdown of RPL26. Transwell assay showed that the migration ability of cells decreased after the knockdown of RPL26. Western blot showed that Bcl-2 expression was decreased in HGC-27 , AGS cells after the knockdown of RPL26 ( tHGC-27 = 11 . 50 , tAGS = 4. 77 ; P < 0. 001 , P < 0. 01) , and Bax expression increased ( tHGC-27 = 9. 63 , tAGS = 4. 05 ; P < 0. 001 , P < 0. 05) . In HGC-27 cells , the ratios of p-PI3K/PI3K and p-AKT/AKT significantly decreased after the knockdown of RPL26 ( tp-PI3K/PI3K = 3 . 86 , tp-AKT/AKT = 8. 29 ; P < 0. 05 , P < 0. 01) . Cyclin A , Cyclin D1 , CDK4 , CDK2 protein expressions de- creased ( t = 9. 61 , 5 . 10 , 11 . 64 , 7. 81 ; P < 0. 01 or P < 0. 001) , while the overexpression of RPL26 in HGC-27 cells showed the opposite trend .
Conclusion
The knockdown of RPL26 may arrest the cell cycle in G1 /S phase by inhibiting the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway , thereby inhibiting cell proliferation and promoting apoptosis .
9.Photon-counting detector CT with virtual monoenergetic imaging in enabling a quadruple low-dose aortic CT angiography protocol: a feasibility study
Ke QI ; Kehui NIE ; Dian YUAN ; Yicun ZHANG ; Mengyuan ZHANG ; Weiting ZHANG ; Yanbo GU ; Yan CHEN ; Jianbo GAO ; Jie LIU
Chinese Journal of Radiology 2025;59(10):1133-1141
Objective:To assess the viability of reducing radiation dose, contrast media volume, injection flow rate and contrast medium concentration (quadruple low-dose protocol) by utilizing virtual monoenergetic images (VMI) in photon-counting detector CT (PCD-CT) for aortic CT angiography (CTA), while maintaining image quality in comparison to images obtained from energy-integrating detector CT (EID-CT).Methods:From April 2024 to June 2024, a total of 40 participants who underwent aortic CTA on PCD-CT were prospectively enrolled in the experimental group (PCD-CT group), while 40 patients with similar baseline characteristics who had previously undergone aortic CTA using EID-CT were retrospectively selected for the conventional group (EID-CT group). The EID-CT group used a tube voltage of 90 kVp, a contrast media volume of 60 ml of contrast, an injection flow rate of 3 ml/s, and a contrast concentration of 350 mgI/ml; the PCD-CT group used the QuantumPlus mode, with a tube voltage of 140 kVp, a total amount of iodine in the contrast media of 140 mgI/kg, and an injection flow rate=contrast media volume/(delay time+scan time), and a contrast media concentration of 320 mgI/ml. VMIs in PCD-CT group were reconstructed in 5-keV intervals ranging from 45 to 65 keV. The effective radiation dose and contrast injection protocols were recorded and compared between two groups. Objective image quality assessment was performed for each group. CT attenuation, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) were measured at five anatomical locations (ascending aorta, aortic arch, descending aorta, abdominal aorta, and right common iliac artery), and image noise was recorded. Subjective image quality was independently evaluated by two readers using a 5-point Likert scale in a blinded manner. Based on data normality, the one-way ANOVA or Kruskal-Wallis test was used for image quality assessment, with Bonferroni-corrected post-hoc analysis for multiple comparisons.Results:There were no significant differences in the baseline characteristics between two groups (all P0.05). The PCD-CT group demonstrated significantly lower effective radiation dose [(3.88±0.65) mSv vs. (5.97±1.15)mSv], contrast media volume [(29.25±4.56) ml vs. 60 ml], and injection rate [(2.65±0.42) ml/s vs. 3 ml/s] than the EID-CT group, with reductions of 35%, 51%, and 12%, respectively (all P0.001). For objective image quality, except for the ascending aortic CT attenuation, the CT attenuation, SNR, and CNR of other vessels in the 55 keV PCD-CT group were comparable to those in the EID-CT group. Additionally, the difference in image noise between these two groups was not statistically significant ( P0.05). Concerning subjective image quality, at 55 keV, the PCD-CT group had similar image noise scores and vessel attenuation scores (both P0.05) and better visualization of renal artery branching ( P=0.001) compared to the EID-CT group. Conclusion:In comparison to EID-CT, the use of a 55 keV image in PCD-CT for aortic CTA has demonstrated reductions in radiation dose, contrast media volume, injection flow rate and contrast medium concentration, while maintaining image quality.
10.Feasibility study of photon counting CT combined with “quadruple lows” technology in head and neck vascular imaging
Mengyuan ZHANG ; Kehui NIE ; Dian YUAN ; Yicun ZHANG ; Ke QI ; Weiting ZHANG ; Yanbo GU ; Yan CHEN ; Jianbo GAO ; Jie LIU
Chinese Journal of Radiology 2025;59(8):942-948
Objective:To evaluate the feasibility of head and neck vascular imaging using photon-counting detector computed tomography (PCD-CT) combined with a “quadruple lows” protocol—characterized by low contrast media volume, low iodine concentration, low injection rate, and low radiation dose—and to compare the image quality with that obtained by energy-integrating detector CT (EID-CT).Methods:A total of 105 patients with suspected cerebrovascular disease were prospectively enrolled at the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University between April and June 2024. Patients were randomly assigned to three groups ( n=35). Group A underwent conventional head and neck CTA using EID-CT. Group B underwent PCD-CT with a protocol involving ultra-low contrast media volume, low iodine concentration, and low injection rate. Group C underwent PCD-CT with the full “quadruple low” protocol. Objective image quality parameters—including CT attenuation, image noise (standard deviation, SD), signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR)—were measured at the ascending aorta, common carotid artery, internal carotid artery, vertebral artery, basilar artery, posterior cerebral artery, and middle cerebral artery. Two radiologists independently rated subjective image quality using a 5-point Likert scale. Differences among groups were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and the Kruskal-Wallis test. Results:Compared to Group A [contrast volume: (42.78±6.64)ml], contrast agent volume was significantly reduced in Groups B and C[ (26.26±4.45) ml and (26.54±3.83)ml, respectively], demonstrating reductions of 39% and 38% (both P<0.01). The iodine concentration was 320 mg/ml in Groups B and C, lower than 350 mg/ml in Group A (8.5%). The injection rate was also reduced in Groups B and C [(3.39±0.61) and (3.55±0.51)ml/s, respectively] compared to Group A [(4.28±0.66) ml/s], with reductions of 21% and 17% (both P<0.01). The effective dose (ED) was similar between Groups A and B [(1.40±0.15) vs. (1.40±0.19)mSv, P>0.05], while Group C demonstrated a significantly lower ED [(0.99±0.09) mSv], with a reduction of 30% compared to Group A and 29% compared to Group B (both P<0.01).In terms of objective image quality, significant differences in image noise (SD) were observed among the three groups at the vertebral artery, internal carotid artery, posterior cerebral artery, and middle cerebral artery (all P<0.05). Groups B and C showed significantly lower SD compared to Group A ( P<0.05), with no significant difference between B and C ( P>0.05). SNR was significantly higher in Groups B and C than in Group A at multiple vascular segments (all P<0.05). CNR differed only at the internal carotid artery, where Groups B and C demonstrated superior performance compared to Group A ( P<0.05).Subjective image quality scores showed no significant difference between Groups A and C ( P>0.05), while Group B had significantly higher scores than both A and C ( P<0.05). All images were deemed diagnostically acceptable. Conclusion:Compared with conventional EID-CT, PCD-CT combined with a “quadruple lows” protocol enables substantial reductions in contrast media and radiation dose while further improving image quality in head and neck CTA.


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