OBJECTIVE To investigate the role and mechanisms of the soluble guanylate cyclase(sGC)stimulator sGC003 in improving high altitude pulmonary edema(HAPE)in mice.METHODS Mice were randomly assigned to a normal control group,model group,model+dexamethasone 4 mg·kg-1 group(before modeling,intragastric administration of saline was performed once daily for 6 d,followed by intragastric administration of dexamethasone 4 mg·kg-1 on days 7 and 8),model+riociguat 10 mg·kg-1 group(before modeling,intragastric administration once a day for 7 d),and model+sGC003 5 and 10 mg·kg-1 groups(before modeling,intragastric administration once a day for 7 d).All groups except the normal control group received intratracheal instillation of lipopolysaccharide at a dose of 4 mg·kg-11 h after drug administration on day 7,followed by placement in a hypoxic environment to establish the HAPE model.After 24 h of modeling,the expiratory time,end-inspiratory pause,enhanced pause,and breathing frequency were measured,Lung tissue morphology was examined using HE staining,and lung tissue edema was assessed by determining the wet to dry weight ratio(W/D).The level of interleukin-1β(IL-1β)was determined using immunofluorescence staining.The phosphorylation level of vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein(VASP)in lung tissue was analyzed by Western blotting.Additionally,levels of sGC,hypoxia inducible factor-1α(HIF-1α),cyclic guanosine monophosphate(cGMP),IL-6,and IL-1βin serum were quantified using ELISA.RESULTS Compared with the normal control group,the model group had obvious pulmonary edema,and the lung W/D,IL-1β levels,expiratory time,end-inspiratory pause,enhanced pause,as well as serum levels of IL-1β,HIF-1α and IL-6 were significantly increased.Concurrently,the frequency of breathing and serum levels of sGC and cGMP were significantly decreased.Compared with model group,the expiratory time,end-inspiratory pause,enhanced pause,lung W/D and IL-1β levels,and serum levels of IL-1β,HIF-1α and IL-6 were significantly decreased in the model+sGC003 10 mg·kg-1 group;while the frequency of breathing,serum sGC and cGMP levels,phosphorylation level of VASP in lung tissues were significantly increased.CONCLUSION sGC003 can improve lung function,suppress pulmonary inflammation,and mitigate pulmonary edema in HAPE mice by activating the sGC/cGMP pathway.

Objective:To investigate the value of nomogram model based on CT features in differentiating ectopic pancreas (EP) from gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) with a long diameter less than 3 cm.Methods:This study was a case-control study. The clinical and imaging data of 43 patients with EP and 90 patients with GIST confirmed by pathology in the Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University from August 2013 to March 2024 were retrospectively analyzed. Preoperative CT images were analyzed to obtain qualitative features (number of lesions, location, morphology, growth pattern, borders, cystic degeneration, calcification, ulceration, catheter sign, central umbilication) and quantitative features (lesion long diameter, short diameter, long/short diameter, lesion and normal pancreas arterial-phase and venous-phase CT values, and enhancement ratio). Statistical analyses, including independent sample t-tests, Mann-Whitney U tests, χ2 tests, and Fisher exact tests, were performed to compare CT characteristics between the two groups. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to obtain independent predictors to identify the two groups, to establish a joint model, and to draw a nomogram. The discriminative performance of the independent predictors and the combined model was assessed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, while calibration curves were used to evaluate model fit. Results:The differences in age, location, morphology, border, catheter sign, central umbilication, short diameter, long/short diameter, arteriovenous phase enhancement CT value and arteriovenous phase enhancement ratio were statistically significant between the EP group and the GIST group (all P<0.05). The logistic analysis showed that the differences in age ( OR=0.920, 95% CI 0.885-0.956, P<0.001), border ( OR=5.994, 95% CI 2.111-17.022, P=0.001), long/short diameter ( OR=7.820, 95% CI 1.841-33.224, P=0.005), and venous phase enhancement ratio ( OR=8.847, 95% CI 1.103-70.972, P=0.040) were the independent predictors for distinguishing EP from GIST, and the area under the ROC curve (AUC) were 0.782 (95% CI 0.698-0.866), 0.684 (95% CI 0.600-0.767), 0.705 (95% CI 0.607-0.803), and 0.693 (95% CI 0.605-0.781), respectively. Combined age, border, long diameter/short diameter and venous phase enhancement ratio were plotted in a nomogram with an AUC of 0.881 (95% CI 0.817-0.945), sensitivity and specificity of 74.4% and 93.3%, respectively. The calibration curve demonstrated a strong agreement between predicted and actual probabilities (Hosmer-Lemeschow test, P=0.267). Conclusions:CT imaging reveals significant differences between EP and small GISTs (<3 cm). EP is more likely when patients are younger and lesions exhibit indistinct borders, a higher long-to-short diameter ratio, and greater venous-phase enhancement. The nomogram derived from CT features provides a valuable tool for differentiating EP from GIST.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the role and mechanisms of the soluble guanylate cyclase(sGC)stimulator sGC003 in improving high altitude pulmonary edema(HAPE)in mice.METHODS Mice were randomly assigned to a normal control group,model group,model+dexamethasone 4 mg·kg-1 group(before modeling,intragastric administration of saline was performed once daily for 6 d,followed by intragastric administration of dexamethasone 4 mg·kg-1 on days 7 and 8),model+riociguat 10 mg·kg-1 group(before modeling,intragastric administration once a day for 7 d),and model+sGC003 5 and 10 mg·kg-1 groups(before modeling,intragastric administration once a day for 7 d).All groups except the normal control group received intratracheal instillation of lipopolysaccharide at a dose of 4 mg·kg-11 h after drug administration on day 7,followed by placement in a hypoxic environment to establish the HAPE model.After 24 h of modeling,the expiratory time,end-inspiratory pause,enhanced pause,and breathing frequency were measured,Lung tissue morphology was examined using HE staining,and lung tissue edema was assessed by determining the wet to dry weight ratio(W/D).The level of interleukin-1β(IL-1β)was determined using immunofluorescence staining.The phosphorylation level of vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein(VASP)in lung tissue was analyzed by Western blotting.Additionally,levels of sGC,hypoxia inducible factor-1α(HIF-1α),cyclic guanosine monophosphate(cGMP),IL-6,and IL-1βin serum were quantified using ELISA.RESULTS Compared with the normal control group,the model group had obvious pulmonary edema,and the lung W/D,IL-1β levels,expiratory time,end-inspiratory pause,enhanced pause,as well as serum levels of IL-1β,HIF-1α and IL-6 were significantly increased.Concurrently,the frequency of breathing and serum levels of sGC and cGMP were significantly decreased.Compared with model group,the expiratory time,end-inspiratory pause,enhanced pause,lung W/D and IL-1β levels,and serum levels of IL-1β,HIF-1α and IL-6 were significantly decreased in the model+sGC003 10 mg·kg-1 group;while the frequency of breathing,serum sGC and cGMP levels,phosphorylation level of VASP in lung tissues were significantly increased.CONCLUSION sGC003 can improve lung function,suppress pulmonary inflammation,and mitigate pulmonary edema in HAPE mice by activating the sGC/cGMP pathway.

Objective:To investigate the value of nomogram model based on CT features in differentiating ectopic pancreas (EP) from gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) with a long diameter less than 3 cm.Methods:This study was a case-control study. The clinical and imaging data of 43 patients with EP and 90 patients with GIST confirmed by pathology in the Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University from August 2013 to March 2024 were retrospectively analyzed. Preoperative CT images were analyzed to obtain qualitative features (number of lesions, location, morphology, growth pattern, borders, cystic degeneration, calcification, ulceration, catheter sign, central umbilication) and quantitative features (lesion long diameter, short diameter, long/short diameter, lesion and normal pancreas arterial-phase and venous-phase CT values, and enhancement ratio). Statistical analyses, including independent sample t-tests, Mann-Whitney U tests, χ2 tests, and Fisher exact tests, were performed to compare CT characteristics between the two groups. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to obtain independent predictors to identify the two groups, to establish a joint model, and to draw a nomogram. The discriminative performance of the independent predictors and the combined model was assessed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, while calibration curves were used to evaluate model fit. Results:The differences in age, location, morphology, border, catheter sign, central umbilication, short diameter, long/short diameter, arteriovenous phase enhancement CT value and arteriovenous phase enhancement ratio were statistically significant between the EP group and the GIST group (all P<0.05). The logistic analysis showed that the differences in age ( OR=0.920, 95% CI 0.885-0.956, P<0.001), border ( OR=5.994, 95% CI 2.111-17.022, P=0.001), long/short diameter ( OR=7.820, 95% CI 1.841-33.224, P=0.005), and venous phase enhancement ratio ( OR=8.847, 95% CI 1.103-70.972, P=0.040) were the independent predictors for distinguishing EP from GIST, and the area under the ROC curve (AUC) were 0.782 (95% CI 0.698-0.866), 0.684 (95% CI 0.600-0.767), 0.705 (95% CI 0.607-0.803), and 0.693 (95% CI 0.605-0.781), respectively. Combined age, border, long diameter/short diameter and venous phase enhancement ratio were plotted in a nomogram with an AUC of 0.881 (95% CI 0.817-0.945), sensitivity and specificity of 74.4% and 93.3%, respectively. The calibration curve demonstrated a strong agreement between predicted and actual probabilities (Hosmer-Lemeschow test, P=0.267). Conclusions:CT imaging reveals significant differences between EP and small GISTs (<3 cm). EP is more likely when patients are younger and lesions exhibit indistinct borders, a higher long-to-short diameter ratio, and greater venous-phase enhancement. The nomogram derived from CT features provides a valuable tool for differentiating EP from GIST.

The main goal of radioactive iodine (RAI) administrated for patients with indeterminate-risk differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) is removing occult microscopic residual disease after a total thyroidectomy, aiming to reduce recurrence and metastasis, then to improve disease-free survival. This treatment is called as adjuvant therapy, which also ablates the remnant thyroid tissue together. According to the current thyroid cancer management guidelines (2015 American Thyroid Association management guidelines), intermediate-risk patients can be selectively administered RAI. By reviewing articles about DTC patients with indeterminate-risk who underwent RAI or not after thyroidectomy, this article shows that there are inconsistent opinions on 131I decreasing recurrence and improving survival. In addition, apart from unexplained hyperthyroglobulinemia as an indication for 131I therapy, no other uniform clinicalpathological characteristics are recommended.

Objective To prepare 4-sulfonylcalix[6]arene-modified cotton fibers for adsorption and removal of uranium based on the specific complexation of calix[6]arene with uranium (VI). Methods Chemical grafting was used for the modification of cotton, which reacted with α-bromoisobutyryl bromide, glycidyl methacrylate, and 4-sulfonylcalix[6]arene. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were used to characterize the structure of 4-sulfonylcalix[6]arene-modified cotton (Cotton S-C[6]a). A Franz diffusion cell was used to simulate uranium-contaminated skin. Laser fluorimetry was used to determine the uranium content. Results SEM, XPS, and FTIR showed that cotton fibers were successfully grafted with 4-sulfonylcalix[6]arene. The optimal conditions of Cotton S-C[6]a for the adsorption of uranium (VI) was pH 4.0, duration of 20 min, and 20 mg of adsorbent. The adsorption process fitted well with pseudo-secondary-order kinetics. The uranium removal efficiency of Cotton S-C[6]a was up to 78.46% in aqueous solution and 81.72% on skin. Conclusion The synthesized Cotton S-C[6]a is highly efficient in the removal of uranium (VI) in solution and on contaminated skin.

Mice ; Animals ; Humans ; Disease Models, Animal

Objective:To investigate the effect of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (E-PTFE) combined with autologous costal cartilage in rhinoplasty.Methods:Forty-two patients who underwent rhinoplasty in the form of E-PTFE combined with autologous costal cartilage in the Department of Plastic Surgery, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine from January 2017 to December 2018 were selected as the research object. The polytetrafluoroethylene combined with autologous costal cartilage was used for rhinoplasty. The dorsal nasal skin was dissected through an inverted " V" type combined with subalar cartilage incision, and then the costal cartilage was cut into appropriate cartilage slices to build the nasal tip stent. According to the degree of elevation of the nasal dorsum, the sculpted E-PTFE was placed under the nasal dorsal fascia. The rectus abdominis fascia covered the apex of the nose, and the incision was closed by suture.Results:The nasal appearance of the forty-two patients was significantly improved, with good nasal shape and no serious complications. After 6-12 months of follow-up, 40 cases were satisfacted with the effect of the rhinoplasty, accounting for 95.2%.Conclusions:The use of polytetrafluoroethylene combined with autologous costal cartilage can effectively raise the dorsum of the nose, extend the length of the nose, project the nasal tip in the rhinoplasty. This procedure is accurate and safe, reach a favorable long-term shape and own high satisfaction, and it thus is worthy of popularization in clinic.

The incidence rate of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is gradually increasing, and NAFLD has become the most important chronic liver disease in China. At present, the pathogenesis of NAFLD has not been fully elucidated and there are still no effective drugs. From the perspectives of pathogenesis, noninvasive diagnosis, and drug action and efficacy, this article introduces the research advances in metabolomics regarding endogenous small molecule metabolites in NAFLD, so as to provide new ideas and methods for further exploration of NAFLD.

Objective:To investigate multimodality imaging characteristics and clinical features of lymphomatosis cerebri (LC) and reasons for misdiagnosis,with the goal of potentially facilitating an early and accurate diagnosis for this often-missed disease.Methods:Clinical data and cerebral multimodality imaging findings from 11 patients with LC proven basing on pathology in the Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University from November 30, 2011 to December 28, 2020 were retrospectively extracted, analyzed, and reviewed in combination with the literatures.Results:The common presenting symptoms with subacute onset included cognitive decline (8/11), gait disturbance (9/11), and behavioral disturbance (5/11). Test of cerebrospinal fluid showed that the number of cells and the level of protein increased (8/10), the sugar content (2/10) and chloride (4/10) decreased. The imaging manifestations of 11 patients with LC were diffuse lesions of bilateral cerebral white matter in the both deep and lobar lesion distribution, involving the cerebral cortex and subcortical white matter in eight cases (8/11), basal ganglia in seven cases (7/11), thalamus in five cases (5/11), cerebellum in six cases and brain stem in six cases (6/11). All 11 patients showed equal or slightly low-density shadows on CT plain scan and slightly longer T 1WI and T 2WI signals on magnetic resonance imaging. Six cases (6/11) had no obvious enhancement in the early stage, and five cases and six follow-up cases showed heterogenous spots, patches, nodules or clusters of distinct enhancement. Diffusion-weighted imaging showed non restricted diffusion in nine (9/11) cases initially diagnosed, and restricted diffusion in two cases (2/11) and nine follow-up cases, which were hyperintense on diffusion-weighted imaging and hypointense on apparent diffusion coefficient maps. Five patients (5/5) presented a marked decrease in N-acetyl aspartic acid (NAA)/creatine (Cr) and increase in choline (Cho)/Cr on hydrogen proton magnetic resonance spectrum, including an increase in lipid/Cr in three cases. One case (1/3) showed no abnormal increase in lesion metabolism, and two cases (2/3) showed slightly increased uptake on positron emission tomography/CT. Conclusions:Diffuse bilateral cerebral lesions especially in deep and lobar region, without enhancement or with patchy enhancement, marked decrease in NAA/Cr and increase in Cho/Cr and Lip/Cr are suggestive of LC. Misdiagnosis may be mainly due to insufficient understanding and improper brain biopsy.