Objective     To explore the correlation between the quantitative and qualitative features of CT images and the invasiveness of pulmonary ground-glass nodules, providing reference value for preoperative planning of patients with ground-glass nodules. Methods    The patients with ground-glass nodules who underwent surgical treatment and were diagnosed with pulmonary adenocarcinoma from September 2020 to July 2022 at the Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University were collected. Based on the pathological diagnosis results, they were divided into two groups: a non-invasive adenocarcinoma group with in situ and minimally invasive adenocarcinoma, and an invasive adenocarcinoma group. Imaging features were collected, and a univariate logistic regression analysis was conducted on the clinical and imaging data of the patients. Variables with statistical difference were selected for multivariate logistic regression analysis to establish a predictive model of invasive adenocarcinoma based on independent risk factors. Finally, the sensitivity and specificity were calculated based on the Youden index. Results     A total of 555 patients were collected. The were 310 patients in the non-invasive adenocarcinoma group, including 235 females and 75 males, with a meadian age of 49 (43, 58) years, and 245 patients in the invasive adenocarcinoma group, including 163 females and 82 males, with a meadian age of 53 (46, 61) years. The binary logistic regression analysis showed that the maximum diameter (OR=4.707, 95%CI 2.060 to 10.758), consolidation/tumor ratio (CTR, OR=1.027, 95%CI 1.011 to 1.043), maximum CT value (OR=1.025, 95%CI 1.004 to 1.047), mean CT value (OR=1.035, 95%CI 1.008 to 1.063), spiculation sign (OR=2.055, 95%CI 1.148 to 3.679), and vascular convergence sign (OR=2.508, 95%CI 1.345 to 4.676) were independent risk factors for the occurrence of invasive adenocarcinoma (P<0.05). Based on the independent predictive factors, a predictive model of invasive adenocarcinoma was constructed. The formula for the model prediction was: Logit(P)=–1.293+1.549×maximum diameter of lesion+0.026×CTR+0.025×maximum CT value+0.034×mean CT value+0.72×spiculation sign+0.919×vascular convergence sign. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of the model was 0.910 (95%CI 0.885 to 0.934), indicating that the model had good discrimination ability. The calibration curve showed that the predictive model had good calibration, and the decision analysis curve showed that the model had good clinical utility. Conclusion     The predictive model combining quantitative and qualitative features of CT has a good predictive ability for the invasiveness of ground-glass nodules. Its predictive performance is higher than any single indicator.

Objective The aim of this study was to investigate whether there are differences in the expression spectrums of RSK4 in different tumor cells and to predict the possible protein subtypes and their biological characteris-tics.Methods RNA was extracted from glioma cells GL261,ovarian cancer cells ID8,breast cancer cells 4T1 and 168FARN,colon cancer cells mc38 and CT26,gastric cancer cells MFC and lung cancer cells LLC1.The expres-sions and splicing isomers of RSK4 were detected by RT-PCR.The biological characteristics and functions of RSK4 were analyzed by bioinformatics.Results RT-PCR results showed that RSK4 was expressed in GL261,4T1,mc38,CT26,MFC and LLC1;and multiple splicing isomers were expressed in different tumor cells.Open reading frame analysis revealed RSK4 may encode at least 11 protein subtypes.Secondary structure analysis showed that these protein subtypes encoded by the splicing isomers were composed of α-helix,extended strand,β-turn and random coil,and had the same conserved domain.The results of protein interaction network enrichment analysis showed that RSK4 exerted kinase activity in the nucleus and cytoplasm mainly through the mTOR signaling pathway and long-term potentiation.Conclusions RSK4 has different expression spectrums in different tumor cells,and may produces a variety of protein isoforms with different nitrogen terminals,which can be involved in different biological processes through multiple signaling pathways.

Background and Purpose:The early prediction of local tumor progression-free survival(LTPFS)after radiofrequency ablation(RFA)for colorectal cancer(CRC)lung metastases has significant clinical importance.The application of radiomics in the prediction of tumor prognosis has been explored.This study aimed to construct a radiomics-based nomogram for predicting LTPFS after RFA in CRC patients with lung metastases.Methods:This study retrospectively analyzed 172 CRC patients with 401 lung metastases admitted to Department of Interventional Radiology,Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center from August 2016 to January 2019.This study was reviewed by the medical ethics committee of Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center(ethics number:2402291-24).After augmentation of pre-ablation and immediate post-ablation computed tomography(CT)images,the target metastases and ablation regions were segmented manually to extract the radiomic features.Maximum relevance and minimum redundancy algorithm(MRMRA)and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator(LASSO)regression models were applied for feature selection.The clinical model,the radiomics model,and the fusion model were constructed based on the selected radiomic features and clinical variables screened by the multivariate analysis.The Harrell concordance index(C-index)and area under receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curves(AUC)were calculated to evaluate the prediction performance.Finally,the corresponding nomogram of the best model was drawn.Results:Among all the lung metastases,102(25.4%)had final recurrence,and 299(74.6%)had complete response(CR).The median follow-up time was 21 months(95%CI:19.466-22.534),and the LTPFS rates at 1,2,and 3 years after RFA were 76.5%(95%CI:72.0-80.4),72.1%(95%CI:66.6-76.9)and 69.9%(95%CI:64.0-75.1).In both the training and test dataset,the fusion model based on the final 12 radiomic features through the LASSO regression and 4 clinical variables screened by multivariate analysis achieved the highest AUC values for LTPFS,with C-index values of 0.890(95%CI:0.854-0.927)and 0.843(95%CI:0.768-0.916),respectively.Conclusion:The fusion model based on radiomic features and clinical variables is feasible for predicting LTPFS after RFA of CRC patients with lung metastases,whose performance is superior to the single radiomic and clinical model.At the same time,the nomogram of the fusion model can intuitively predict the prognosis of CRC patients with lung metastases after RFA,thus assisting clinicians in developing individualized follow-up review plans for patients and adjusting treatment strategies flexibly.

Objective:To investigate the application of retroauricular groove incision in the resection of benign tumors in the deep lobe of parotid.Methods:From January 2017 to January 2022, 19 patients (11 males and 8 females, age ranged from 17 to 69 years, with a median age of 48) with benign tumor in the deep lobe of parotid gland underwent parotidectomy through retroauricular sulcus incision in Linyi People′s Hospital. Among them, 17 cases with tumor diameter≤4.0 cm underwent simple retroauricular groove incision, and 2 cases were dumbbell type with tumor diameter>4.0 cm on the medial side of mandible protruding into the parapharyngeal space, in which the deep lobe and tumor of parotid gland were resected through retroauricular sulcus incision combined with intraoral incision.Results:Tumors were completely removed through retroauricular sulcus incision in 17 cases, and dumbbell type tumors were removed through retroauricular sulcus incision combined with intraoral incision in 2 cases. Postoperative pathological examinations showed pleomorphic adenoma in 13 cases, basal cell adenoma in 4 cases and Warthin′s tumor in 2 cases. Temporary mandibular marginal branch paralysis occurred in 2 patients and returned to normal 3 weeks after operation. All incisions healed in Phase I. By following-up of 1-5 years with a median follow-up time of 3.1 years, none of the patients had Frey syndrome, salivary fistula, other complications and tumor recurrence. The patients and their families were satisfied with the postoperative facial appearances.Conclusion:The retroauricular groove approach can not only preserve the function of parotid superficial lobe and facial nerve, but also has less trauma, less tissue defect and hidden scar. As the advantages of less complication, low recurrence rate and good cosmetic effect, the incision is worthy of clinical application.

The purpose of this study is to develop a new method of producing tienchi seng (notoginseng, Panax notoginseng) extracts featuring high concentrations of the ginsenoside Rg3, Rg5, and Rg6, special components of Korean red ginseng. The chemical transformation from ginseng saponin glycosides to prosapogenin was analyzed by HPLC. Tienchi seng was heat-processed at 100 o C and the optimum conditions were identified. The highest concentrations of total saponin (29.723%) and the ginsenoside Rg3 (1.769%), Rg5 (5.979%), and Rg6 (13.473%) were produced at 48 hours. Also, when tienchi seng was subjected to the ultrasonic thermal fusion (100 o C) process, the concentrations of total saponin (30.578%), ginsenoside Rg3 (2.392%), Rg5 (6.614%), and Rg6 (13.017%) were highest at 36 hours. On the other hand, the 2-hour heat-processed extract and 2-hour ultrasonic thermal fusion-processed extract did not contain ginsenoside Rg3, Rg5, and Rg6. The ultrasonic thermal fusion process had an extraction yield that was approximately 1.26 times greater than that of the heat process. These results indicate that the highly functional tienchi seng extracts created through the ultrasonic thermal fusion process are more industrially useful than those produced using the heat process.

Objective:To establish the ultraperformance liquid chromatography （UPLC） fingerprint of Pipa Qingfeiyin substance benchmark， and to establish a quantitative analysis method for simultaneous determination of the contents of five index components， so as to provide reference for the quality control and evaluation of this famous classical formula. Method:ACQUITY UPLC^® CSH^TM C₁₈ column （2.1 mm×100 mm， 1.7 μm） was used with mobile phase of acetonitrile （A）-0.1% formic acid aqueous solution （B） for gradient elution （0-7 min， 5%-7%A； 7-11 min， 7%-8%A； 11-22 min， 8%-14%A； 22-30 min， 14%-15%A； 30-35 min， 15%-25%A； 35-42 min， 25%-40%A； 42-45 min， 40%-50%A； 45-50 min， 50%-60%A）， the flow rate was 0.35 mL·min^-1， the column temperature was 25 ℃， the detection wavelengths were 278 nm and 248 nm. UPLC fingerprints of 15 batches of Pipa Qingfeiyin substance benchmark were established， and the "Similarity Evaluation System of Chromatographic Fingerprint of Traditional Chinese Medicine" software （2012 edition） was used for similarity analysis， and the common peaks were assigned. Cluster analysis （CA）， principal component analysis （PCA） and orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis （OPLS-DA） were used to evaluate the fingerprint data. UPLC fingerprint method was used to simultaneously determine the contents of five components in the substance benchmark. Result:The method validation of fingerprint and determination method was good， the similarities between 15 batches of Pipa Qingfeiyin substance benchmark and their control fingerprint were ≥0.997， 23 common peaks were identified and 11 chromatographic peaks were identified. CA， PCA and OPLS-DA divided 15 batches of the substance benchmark into two groups. The linear relationship of phellodendrine hydrochloride， chlorogenic acid， berberine hydrochloride， palmatine hydrochloride and ammonium glycyrrhizinate was good in a certain range of concentration （R²>0.999）， their average recovery was 96.47%-101.16%， and the contents of these five components in the substance benchmark were 0.87-2.00， 1.53-5.95， 18.45-33.97， 3.87-6.29， 1.02-4.12 mg·g^-1， respectively. Conclusion:The established UPLC fingerprint and multi-index component content determination methods have strong specificity， good resolution and high sensitivity， it can be characterized except for the Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma flavor， which can provide reference for the quality control and evaluation of Pipa Qingfeiyin compound preparation.

The purpose of this study is to develop a new method of producing tienchi seng (notoginseng, Panax notoginseng) extracts featuring high concentrations of the ginsenoside Rg3, Rg5, and Rg6, special components of Korean red ginseng. The chemical transformation from ginseng saponin glycosides to prosapogenin was analyzed by HPLC. Tienchi seng was heat-processed at 100 o C and the optimum conditions were identified. The highest concentrations of total saponin (29.723%) and the ginsenoside Rg3 (1.769%), Rg5 (5.979%), and Rg6 (13.473%) were produced at 48 hours. Also, when tienchi seng was subjected to the ultrasonic thermal fusion (100 o C) process, the concentrations of total saponin (30.578%), ginsenoside Rg3 (2.392%), Rg5 (6.614%), and Rg6 (13.017%) were highest at 36 hours. On the other hand, the 2-hour heat-processed extract and 2-hour ultrasonic thermal fusion-processed extract did not contain ginsenoside Rg3, Rg5, and Rg6. The ultrasonic thermal fusion process had an extraction yield that was approximately 1.26 times greater than that of the heat process. These results indicate that the highly functional tienchi seng extracts created through the ultrasonic thermal fusion process are more industrially useful than those produced using the heat process.

Objective    To explore the effect of expression of miRNA-21 on bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs). Methods    In this study, flow cytometry was used to identify the surface-associated antigens of BMSCs. The 10 μmol/L 5-azacytidine was used to induce BMSCs to differentiate to cardiomyocyte-like cells. Immunofluorescence was used to detect the expression of troponin I (cTnI). The samples were assigned to 3 groups: a blank group, a miRNA-21 mimic group, and a negative control (NC) group. The proliferation of BMSCs was detected by methyl thiazolylte-trazolium (MTT), the apoptosis of BMSCs was analyzed by flow cytometry. Western-blotting was used to identify the expression of cTnI and myod in the BMSCs. Results    The proliferation of BMSCs was increased, because of the over expression of miRNA-21. But the apoptotic rate of the BMSCs was slower in the miRNA-21 group, on account of the expression of miRNA-21 was higher than that in the NC group and the CK group. The expression of cTnI in the miRNA-21 group was higher than that in the NC group or the CK group. Conclusion    The results suggest that the up-regulation of miRNA-21 enhances proliferation of BMSCs, reduces the apoptosis of BMSCs. miRNA-21 promotes the differentiation of BMSCs, which may pave the way for the treatment directed toward restoring miRNA-21 function for myocardial ischemia.

Objective We utilized a joint independent component analysis (Joint ICA), a novel method that combined rs?fMRI and DTI information, to describe comprehensive characteristics of brain functional activities and microstructural changes in the continuum of AD. Methods We employed a Joint ICA to calculate ALFF maps of fMRI data and FA maps of DTI data and fuse them in healthy controls (n=68), SCD (n=35), amnesic MCI (n=47) and AD (n=31). Besides, we applied one way ANOVA to detect the significant differences of joint components among groups, while controlling the age, gender, education, head motion, volumes of gray matter, white matter and CSF. Partial correlation analysis was used to test the relationships between joint ICs and cognitive measures. Results The results showed that there was no inner?group difference in HC and SCD groups (F=14.16, P<0.05). Compared to HC, SCD and AD groups, the ALFF component of aMCI group showed higher values in the bilateral cerebellum, bilateral precuneus, bilateral angular gyrus, bilateral frontal gyrus, bilateral temporal areas, thalamus and left insula. And in these regions, the ALFF of AD group was lower than HC. For the FA component map, same differences were found in the corpus callosum and limbic system. Furthermore, positive partial correlation between the IC weights and Mini?Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores was also found (r=0.29, P<0.01). Conclusions Multi?modal evaluation of AD has been implemented by using Joint ICA analysis of fMRI?DTI, which would contribute to early prediction, diagnosis, and even effective intervention in AD. These findings could help to explain the underlying mechanism of the disease progression.

Neurofeedback, as an alternative treatment method of behavioral medicine, is a technique which translates the electroencephalogram (EEG) signals to styles as sounds or animation to help people understand their own physical status and learn to enhance or suppress certain EEG signals to regulate their own brain functions after several repeated trainings. This paper develops a neurofeedback system on the foundation of brain-computer interface technique. The EEG features are extracted through real-time signal process and then translated to feedback information. Two feedback screens are designed for relaxation training and attention training individually. The veracity and feasibility of the neurofeedback system are validated through system simulation and preliminary experiment.
Brain-Computer Interfaces ; Electroencephalography ; Female ; Humans ; Neurofeedback