ObjectiveDiscriminating atypical hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) from other malignancies in liver nodules classified as Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System category M (LR-M) remains a significant diagnostic challenge on conventional ultrasound examination. The LR-M category, originally intended to capture non-HCC malignancies, paradoxically contains up to 63% of atypical HCCs that deviate from classic enhancement patterns, leading to potential misdiagnosis and suboptimal treatment planning. While deep learning has shown promise in HCC diagnosis, most existing models rely exclusively on single-modality ultrasound, overlooking the diagnostic benefits of integrating complementary information from multiple imaging sources. To address this gap, we propose a novel attention-weighted tri-modal ultrasound network (TUS-Net) that integrates contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS), B-mode ultrasound (BUS), and time-intensity curves (TICs) to improve diagnostic accuracy for these clinically challenging lesions. MethodsOur framework incorporates a three-dimensional convolutional neural network (C3D) backbone to extract spatiotemporal features from CEUS videos, capturing dynamic vascular patterns critical for lesion characterization. To effectively fuse complementary modalities, we introduce a dual-channel feature fusion module (DCFFM) that adaptively combines features from CEUS and BUS through channel-wise attention mechanisms, allowing the model to dynamically weigh the contribution of each modality based on diagnostic relevance. Additionally, we propose a temporal intensity feature fusion module (TIFFM) that leverages quantitative hemodynamic information from TICs to guide the model’s attention toward diagnostically critical temporal phases, such as arterial wash-in and portal venous washout. The model is further enhanced by automated lesion localization using YOLOX and class activation mapping for interpretability, ensuring that predictions align with clinically meaningful imaging features. ResultsEvaluated on a tri-modal ultrasound dataset comprising 161 patients with pathologically confirmed LR-M nodules (131 atypical HCC and 30 non-HCC malignancies), our model achieved an accuracy of 86.83%, a sensitivity of 92.50%, a specificity of 75.50%, and an AUC of 89.32% in screening atypical HCC. Compared to single-modality baselines, TUS-Net demonstrated superior specificity, a clinically critical metric given the higher risk associated with misclassifying non-HCC malignancies. Ablation studies confirmed the contribution of each module, with the full model outperforming both standard C3D and 3D ResNet backbones integrated with attention mechanisms. A reader study involving junior and senior radiologists further validated the clinical utility of AI assistance, showing consistent improvements in specificity and inter-reader consistency, particularly for less experienced clinicians. ConclusionThese results surpass existing benchmark models and demonstrate the potential of our approach to enhance diagnostic precision in clinically specific cases. By intelligently fusing multi-modal ultrasound data with attention-guided mechanisms, TUS-Net offers a reliable and interpretable tool that holds promise for improving the non-invasive diagnosis of atypical HCC in challenging LR-M liver nodules.

ObjectiveDiscriminating atypical hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) from other malignancies in liver nodules classified as Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System category M (LR-M) remains a significant diagnostic challenge on conventional ultrasound examination. The LR-M category, originally intended to capture non-HCC malignancies, paradoxically contains up to 63% of atypical HCCs that deviate from classic enhancement patterns, leading to potential misdiagnosis and suboptimal treatment planning. While deep learning has shown promise in HCC diagnosis, most existing models rely exclusively on single-modality ultrasound, overlooking the diagnostic benefits of integrating complementary information from multiple imaging sources. To address this gap, we propose a novel attention-weighted tri-modal ultrasound network (TUS-Net) that integrates contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS), B-mode ultrasound (BUS), and time-intensity curves (TICs) to improve diagnostic accuracy for these clinically challenging lesions. MethodsOur framework incorporates a three-dimensional convolutional neural network (C3D) backbone to extract spatiotemporal features from CEUS videos, capturing dynamic vascular patterns critical for lesion characterization. To effectively fuse complementary modalities, we introduce a dual-channel feature fusion module (DCFFM) that adaptively combines features from CEUS and BUS through channel-wise attention mechanisms, allowing the model to dynamically weigh the contribution of each modality based on diagnostic relevance. Additionally, we propose a temporal intensity feature fusion module (TIFFM) that leverages quantitative hemodynamic information from TICs to guide the model’s attention toward diagnostically critical temporal phases, such as arterial wash-in and portal venous washout. The model is further enhanced by automated lesion localization using YOLOX and class activation mapping for interpretability, ensuring that predictions align with clinically meaningful imaging features. ResultsEvaluated on a tri-modal ultrasound dataset comprising 161 patients with pathologically confirmed LR-M nodules (131 atypical HCC and 30 non-HCC malignancies), our model achieved an accuracy of 86.83%, a sensitivity of 92.50%, a specificity of 75.50%, and an AUC of 89.32% in screening atypical HCC. Compared to single-modality baselines, TUS-Net demonstrated superior specificity, a clinically critical metric given the higher risk associated with misclassifying non-HCC malignancies. Ablation studies confirmed the contribution of each module, with the full model outperforming both standard C3D and 3D ResNet backbones integrated with attention mechanisms. A reader study involving junior and senior radiologists further validated the clinical utility of AI assistance, showing consistent improvements in specificity and inter-reader consistency, particularly for less experienced clinicians. ConclusionThese results surpass existing benchmark models and demonstrate the potential of our approach to enhance diagnostic precision in clinically specific cases. By intelligently fusing multi-modal ultrasound data with attention-guided mechanisms, TUS-Net offers a reliable and interpretable tool that holds promise for improving the non-invasive diagnosis of atypical HCC in challenging LR-M liver nodules.

Objective To investigate the distribution characteristics of Oncomelania hupensis snails in Yunnan Province fol-lowing interruption of schistosomiasis transmission, so as to provide the evidence for assessing the risk of schistosomiasis transmission and scientifically formulating the schistosomiasis surveillance program. Methods According to the requirements of the National Schistosomiasis Surveillance Scheme (2020 Edition), O. hupensis snail surveillance data were collected from 18 schistosomiasis-endemic counties (cities, districts) in Yunnan Province from 2020 to 2024, including area of snail survey, area of snail habitats, area of re-emerging snail habitats, number of frames surveyed, number of frames with O. hupensis snails, number of O. hupensis snails captured, and number of living snails, and the occurrence of frames with snails and mean density of living snails were calculated. Changes in snail status over the 5-year period from 2020 to 2024 and the differences in snail distributions specified by epidemic intensity, environmental type, and vegetation type were analyzed. Results The areas of snail survey increased from 1 727.96 hm² in 2020 to 3 894.45 hm² in 2024 (peak) across 18 schistosomiasis-endemic counties (cities, districts) in Yunnan Province during the period from 2020 through 2024. The areas of snail habitats increased from 70.36 hm² in 2020 to a peak in 2023 (172.04 hm²), followed by a reduction to 132.36 hm² in 2024, and the areas of re-emerging snail habitats increased from 42.71 hm² in 2020 to a peak in 2022 (78.43 hm²), followed by a reduction to 40.21 hm² in 2024. The occurrence of frames with snails and mean density of living snails increased from 1.24% (3 025/244 404) and (0.033 2 ± 0.038 7) snails/0.1 m² in 2020 to peaks at 2.03% (6 231/307 563) and (0.066 9 ± 0.068 4) snails/0.1 m² in 2023, followed by reductions to 1.04% (5 829/559 941) and (0.032 6 ± 0.057 7) snails/0.1 m² in 2024, respectively. There was a significant difference in the occurrence of frames with snails over the 5-year study period (χ² = 1 962.95, P < 0.05), and the occurrence of frames with snails reduced by 48.71% in 2024 relative to in 2023 (χ² = 1 411.05, P < 0.005); however, there was no significant difference in the mean density of living snails over the 5 years (H = 5.310, P > 0.05). There were significant differences in the occurrence of frames with snails (χ² = 481.27, P < 0.05) and mean density of living snails (H = 6.872, P < 0.05) in schistosomiasis-endemic areas with different epidemic intensities. The occurrence of frames with snails (χ² = 25.32 and 38.70, both P values < 0.017) and mean density of living snails (Z = 28.55 and 49.96, both P values < 0.017) were higher in schistosomiasis transmission-interrupted and eliminated areas with snails than in schistosomiasis-eliminated areas without snails, and the occurrence of frames with snails (χ² = 453.54, P < 0.017) and mean density of living snails (Z = −56.97, P < 0.017) were higher in schistosomiasis-eliminated areas with snails than in schistosomiasis transmission-interrupted areas with snails. O. hupensis snails were mainly distributed in paddy fields, dry farmlands and ditches; however, the occurrence of frames with snails (13.40%, 424/3 164) and mean density of living snails [(0.252 8 ± 0.158 7) snails/0.1 m²] were higher in ponds/weirs than in other types of environments (both P values < 0.05). Rice, dry farmland crops and weeds were main vegetations in which O. hupensis snails were distributed, and the occurrence of frames with snails (2.29%, 7 111/310 140) and mean density of living snails [(0.072 3 ± 0.018 9) snails/0.1 m²] were higher in weeds than in other types of environments (both P values < 0.05). Conclusions O. hupensis snails have been effectively controlled in Yunnan Province following implementation of integrated schistosomiasis control measures; however, there are still risk factors for schistosomiasis transmission, including reduced attention to schistosomiasis control and snail re-emergence. Improved control efforts and surveillance system construction and timely identification of risk factors of snail status and timely management are recommended to ensure the achievement of the target of schistosomiasis elimination as scheduled.

Objective To investigate the prevalence of Schistosoma japonicum infections in wild murines in schistosomiasisendemic areas of Yunnan Province, so as to provide the evidence for improving the schistosomiasis surveillance and early warning capability and implementing precise interventions in the province. Methods A total of 56 natural villages were sampled from 14 schistosomiasis-endemic counties (cities, districts) in Yunnan Province as surveillance sites from 2024 to 2025. Wild murines were captured using traps at night and characterized for species. Liver samples were collected from wild murines, S. japonicum eggs and miracidia were simultaneously detected using liver tissue compression microscopy, liver tissue homogenate microscopy, and liver tissue homogenate hatching. In addition, stool samples were collected from wild murine rectum, with S. japonicum eggs detected using a modified Kato-Katz thick smear technique and S. japonicum miracidia detected using the hatching test with nylon gauzes. Results A total of 15 577 valid murine traps were recovered, and 891 wild murines belonging to 16 species were captured, with a capture rate of 5.72%(891/15 577). The captured wild murines were predominantly districted in paddy fields, dry lands, ditches, ponds and marshlands, with Apodemus chevrieri, Rattus norvegicus, Crocidura attenuata, R. rattus sladeni, R. flavipectus, and Eothenomys miletus as dominant species. No S. japonicum eggs or miradicia were in laboratory; however, other parasites were identified in 25 wild murines. The prevalence rates of Schistosoma sinensis, Capillaria hepatica and Hymenolepis nana were 2.24% (20/891), 0.90% (8/891) and 0.56% (5/891), and the prevalence of S. sinensis and C. hepatica co-infection was 0.90% (8/891), respectively. Conclusions S. sinensis, C. hepatica and H. nana are predominant parasite species in wild murines in schistosomiasis-endemic areas of Yunan Province. No S. japonicum infection was detected during the study period; however, there is still a risk of wild murines as a potential source of infection for schistosomiasis transmission. Continuous intensified surveillance of S. japonicum infections in wild murines is a critical programme in schistosomiasis surveillance and early warning in Yunnan Province.

Objective: To examine the association of physical activity with cognitive function and mental health among primary school students based on latent subgroup identification and dose response modeling, and to clarify cognitive-psychological profiles and the protective role of physical exercise, so as to provide evidence based support for physical exercise promoting mental health among primary school students. Methods: A study was conducted among 546 primary school students aged 8-12 years old from a primary school in Shanghai from March to June 2025. Physical fitness indicators, including vital capacity, 50 m sprint, sit and reach, and 1 min rope skipping were measured. Physical exercise was assessed by using the Physical Activity Rating Scale-3 (PARS-3), and mental health was assessed by using the Revised Child Anxiety and Depression Scale, 47-item version (RCADS-47). Cognitive function was assessed by using Stroop, N-back, and task-switching tasks. Latent profile analysis (LPA) was performed for cognitive-psychological health of primary school students based on seven cognitive indicators and six psychological indicators. Multivariable Logistic regression, trend test, and restricted cubic spline (RCS) analysis were used to examine associations between physical exercise and psychological highrisk status. Results: Five cognitive psychological health subgroups were identified:high symptom and impaired cognition group ( n =40, 7.3%), low cognition and low symptom group ( n =108, 19.8% ), and high cognition and high symptom group ( n =110, 20.2%), cognitive advantage and psychologically healthy group ( n = 272, 49.8%), and extremely high symptom and cognitively vulnerable group ( n =16, 2.9%). Among them, the high symptom and impaired-cognition group and extremely high symptom and cognitively vulnerable group were classified as psychologically high risk types. Significant differences were observed across subgroups in psychological symptoms, cognitive function, some physical fitness indicators and physical exercise level, except for body weight, body mass index, and sit and reach ( F =2.64-297.53, all P < 0.05). The results of the multivariate Logistic regression analysis indicated that high level sports, including high total volume of physical exercise, single session duration >30 min, high intensity, and frequency ≥3 times/week, was associated with lower psychological high risk status ( OR =0.20, 0.36, 0.33, 0.40, all P <0.05). Trend analysis showed that total volume of physical exercise and single session exercise duration were negatively associated with psychological high risk status among primary school students ( OR =0.98, 0.79, both P trend <0.05). RCS analysis showed no statistically significant overall or nonlinear association between total volume of physical exercise and psychological high risk status ( χ 2=2.92, 0.01, both P >0.05). Conclusions Cognitive-psychological health among primary school students is heterogeneous. Physical exercise is associated with psychological health improvement and may show a threshold effect, with total volume of physical exercise and single session exercise duration being the key dimensions.

Objective:To study the effects of TCM ointment rubbing technique on pain, swelling, and knee joint function in patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA) after total knee arthroplasty (TKA).Methods:A randomized controlled trial was conducted. In this study, 80 patients with KOA who underwent TKA treatment in the Department of Sports Medicine I, Wangjing Hospital, China Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine from October 2022 to March 2024 were taken as the study subjects. They were divided into two groups with random number table method, with 40 cases in each group. Both groups were treated with conventional Western medicine + rehabilitation training after surgery, and the observation group was combined with TCM paste mo technique on this basis. VAS score was used to assess the degree of pain at different time points, and skin fold was used to measure the circumference of the upper knee circumference and the circumference of the lower knee circumference, and knee Injury and osteoarthritis outcome score (KOOS) was used to assess the degree of knee joint function recovery.Results:After treatment, the observation group after surgerythe at 7 d (2.57 ± 0.84 vs. 4.00 ± 0.85, t=7.54) and 14 d (0.80 ± 0.93 vs. 2.70 ± 1.04, t=8.56) VAS scores were lower than those in the control group ( P<0.001). After treatment, the observation group after surgerythe at 7 d the superior circumference [(48.32 ± 4.57) cm vs. (50.53 ± 3.97) cm, t=2.32], and inferior circumference [(36.71 ± 2.95) cm vs. (39.21 ± 6.86) cm, t=2.12], at 14 d the superior circumference [(45.68 ± 4.69) cm vs. (47.96 ± 3.89) cm, t=2.37], and inferior circumference [(34.96 ± 2.96) cm vs. (36.70 ± 4.35) cm, t=2.10] were lower than those in the control group ( P<0.05). The observation group after surgerythe at 14 d the the knee joint mobility [(115.32 ± 2.12) ° vs. (113.34 ± 2.16) °, t=4.14] and KOOS scores (85.52 ± 0.82 vs. 80.32 ± 1.13, t=23.56) were higher than those in the control group ( P<0.01). Conclusion:TCM ointment rubbing technique has significant advantages in improving pain, swelling and knee joint mobility after artificial knee arthroplasty, which can effectively restore knee joint function.

Objective Exploring the expression of sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1(SREBP1)and acetyl-CoA carboxylase alpha(ACCα)in prostate cancer tissues and their impact on proliferation,migration and in-vasion of prostate cancer cells DU145.Methods The expression levels of SREBP1 and ACCα in prostate cancer tis?sue were analyzed using online databases including TIMER,UALCAN,GEPIA,and THE HUMAN PROTEIN ATLAS.Paraffin?embedded specimens from 58 cases of prostate cancer(PCa)and 58 cases of benign prostatic hyper?plasia(BPH)diagnosed at the Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University from January 2016 to December 2018 were collected.Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression of SREBP1 and ACCα in these tissues.Following the knockdown of SREBP1 in DU145 cells using shRNA,the changes in ACCα expression were assessed by qRT?PCR.The CCK?8 assay was employed to evaluate cell proliferation,while flow cytometry was used to analyze cell cycle distribution.Western blot was performed to measure the expression of SREBP1 and ACCα.Transwell assays were conducted to assess changes in migration and invasion capabilities after silencing SREBP1 in DU145 cells.Scratch assays were used to examine the impact of SREBP1 knockdown on the healing capability of DU145 cells.EdU assays were performed to detect changes in cell proliferation following the silencing of SREBP1.Oil Red O staining was utilized to observe changes in lipid content within prostate cancer cells after interference with SREBP1 expression.Results Analysis using online databases such as TIMER and UALCAN revealed that ACCα expression was signifi?cantly elevated in prostate cancer tissues compared to normal prostate tissues(P<0.001).After silencing SREBP1,the proliferation,migration and invasion capability of DU145 cells were significantly reduced compared to the control group(P<0.01),and flow cytometric analysis showed G1 phase arrested in DU145 cells(P<0.01).Knockdown of SREBP1 resulted in a significant decrease in lipid content in prostate cancer cells(P<0.01).Conclusions SREBP1 may promote the proliferation,migration and invasion of prostate cancer cells through regulating the expres?sion of ACCα.

Objective To explore the correlation of bilateral knee joint strength asymmetry with balance,walking ability,and motor function in hemiplegic stroke patients,providing a reference for clinical assessment of stroke patients.Methods A total of 46 hemiplegic stroke patients admitted to the Rehabilitation Medicine Department of People's Hospital of Shijiazhuang from February to December 2023 were selected.According to the Berg Balance Scale(BBS)scores,patients were divided into Group A(BBS score≤20,n=23)and Group B(BBS score>20,n=23).The peak torque and differences of bilateral knee flexors and extensors were compared between two groups.Isokinetic technology was used to assess the differences in peak torque of bilateral knee joints at 60°/s and 120°/s.BBS,Functional Ambulation Classification(FAC),and Fugl-Meyer Assessment of Lower Extremity(FMA-LE)were used to evaluate patients'balance,walking ability,and lower limb motor function.The correlation between bilateral knee joint peak torque and its difference with the scores of three functional scales was analyzed.Results The peak torque of knee flexors and extensors at 60°/s in group A was significantly lower than that in group B(P<0.05).At both 60°/s and 120°/s the differences in peak torque between the healthy and affected sides of knee flexors and extensors were greater than those in group B(P<0.05).At 60°/s,the difference in peak torque of bilateral knee extensors in hemiplegic stroke patients was negatively correlated with the scores of BBS,FAC,and FMA-LE(r=-0.569,-0.582,-0.606,P<0.01),as did the knee flexors(r=-0.534,-0.386,-0.458,P<0.05).At 120°/s,similar negative correlations were observed for both knee extensors(r=-0.304,-0.304,-0.443,P<0.05)and flexors(r=-0.337,-0.349,-0.370,P<0.05).Conclusions Bilateral knee joint strength asymmetry in hemiplegic stroke patients is negatively correlated with balance and walking ability.The difference in strength between the two sides of knee joint may be one of the clinical indicators for evaluating the motor function of stroke patients.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the impact of age on the genetic variant spectrum and prognosis of patients with previously untreated Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data and follow-up information of 254 previously untreated DLBCL patients from 14 hospitals in the Jiangsu Cooperative Lymphoma Group (JCLG) enrolled from July 2018 and July 2023. Following extraction of DNA from tumor tissue samples, next-generation sequencing (NGS) technique was employed to analyze the genetic variant spectrum of the DLBCL patients, with an evaluation of the relationship between age and genetic variants as well as prognosis. This study was approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of the Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University (Ethics No.: 2023-K048-01). RESULTS: The median age of the 254 DLBCL patients was 62 years old, with 55% of patients aged 60 years or above. Clinical evaluation showed that younger (< 60 years) patients had higher complete response (CR) (70% vs. 59%), and objective response rate (ORR) (88% vs. 79%) than older patients, though the difference between the two groups was not statistically. Survival analysis indicated that both the five-year overall survival (OS) (82.7% vs. 71.7%, P = 0.006) and progression-free survival (PFS) (70.6% vs. 50.2%, P < 0.05) rates were significantly higher in younger patients. NGS showed that 99.6% of the patients harbored genetic variants, with PIM1, KMT2D, TP53, MYD88, and CD79B being the most common genes. Age significantly affected the variant frequency of certain genes, with MYC variants serving an adverse prognostic factor for OS in younger patients (P = 0.002), while TP53 (P = 0.024) and BCL2 (P = 0.002) variants significantly impacted OS in older patients. Prognostic analysis identified age ≥ 60 years (HR = 3.439, 95%CI: 1.318~9.874), presence of B symptoms (HR = 2.871, 95%CI = 1.133~7.307), and elevated lactate dehydrogenase (HR = 3.528, 95%CI = 1.231~10.66) as independent adverse prognostic factors. CONCLUSION Age, genetic variants, and clinical factors may significantly affect the prognosis of the DLBCL patients. Younger patients have better survival compared to older patients. Variants of the MYC, BCL2, and TP53 genes are closely associated with poor prognosis.
Humans ; Lymphoma, Large B-Cell, Diffuse/diagnosis* ; Middle Aged ; Female ; Male ; Retrospective Studies ; Aged ; Prognosis ; Adult ; Aged, 80 and over ; High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing ; Young Adult ; Adolescent ; Genetic Variation

Objective:To analyze the efficacy of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) combined with main splenic artery embolization in the treatment of patients with portal hypertension upper gastrointestinal bleeding complicated with extensive portal vein thrombosis (PVT).Methods:This study was a prospective, single-center, open-label, single-arm clinical trial. In the first phase, 81 patients with portal hypertension upper gastrointestinal bleeding who were admitted to Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University from January 2018 to December 2018 were consecutively enrolled, including 57 males and 24 females, with the age of (51.3±10.4) years. During TIPS surgery, the pressure of the portal vein before and after the balloon blocking the splenic artery was measured to clarify the contribution of the splenic artery to portal hypertension. In the second stage, from January 2019 to December 2022, 104 patients with portal hypertension upper gastrointestinal bleeding complicated with extensive PVT were re-enrolled, including 71 males and 33 females, with the age of (50.9±12.5) years. TIPS combined with main splenic artery embolization was performed, and portal vein pressure was measured before and after embolization. Follow up on the postoperative esophageal and gastric varices of the patients in the second stage.Results:The portal vein pressures before and after the first stage of balloon occlusion of the splenic artery were (35.2±8.4) mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa) and (24.2±6.3) mmHg, respectively. The pressure after occlusion was lower than that before occlusion, and the difference was statistically significant ( t=10.54, P<0.001). The portal vein pressures before and after the second stage embolization were (36.1±9.5) mmHg and (21.1±4.7) mmHg respectively. The pressure after embolization was lower than that before embolization, and the difference was statistically significant ( t=13.47, P<0.001). In the second stage, among the 104 patients, the proportion of those whose varicose veins disappeared or improved 6 months after the operation was 43.3%(45/104) and 51.0%(53/104), respectively. There were no patients with aggravation or rebleeding due to rupture. One year later, 8 patients (7.7%) had aggravated or ruptured esophageal and gastric varices with bleeding. Two years later, 12 patients (11.5%) had aggravated or bleeding. Conclusion:TIPS combined with main splenic artery embolization can effectively reduce the portal vein pressure in patients with portal hypertension upper gastrointestinal bleeding complicated with extensive PVT, improve the degree of esophageal and gastric varices, and reduce the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding.