Objective:To investigate age-related morphological changes of the pancreas in healthy people using magnetic resonance imaging(MRI).Methods:From January 2017 to October 2019, people who took physical examinations at our hospital were enrolled and were divided into 7 groups according to age: 20-29 years old, 30-39 years old, 40-49 years old, 50-59 years old, 60-69 years old, 70-79 years old and ≥80 years.Also, the former four groups were classified as young and middle-aged(<60 years old)and the latter three as the elderly(≥60 years old). Morphological characteristics of the pancreas in each group were examined via MRI.Differences in parameters such as anteroposterior diameters of the head, body and tail and the pancreatic volume between the groups and the relationship between these parameters and age were analyzed.Results:A total of 191 cases who met the inclusion criteria were enrolled, including 96(50.3%)males and 95(49.7%)females, with 28 aged 20-29 years, 28 aged 30-39 years, 27 aged 40-49 years, 26 aged 50-59 years, 30 aged 60-69 years, 28 aged 70-79 years and 26 aged ≥80 years.There were 109 cases in the young and middle-aged category and 82 cases in the elderly category.MRI findings included pancreatic atrophy, which was most obvious in the tail; uneven and serrated edges of the pancreas and pancreatic lobulation; uneven signal intensity in the T 1-and T 2-weighted sequences; the "crispening effect" of pancreatic steatosis in the opposed-phase T 1-weighted sequences, and a trend of widening of the main pancreatic duct.The anteroposterior diameters of the pancreatic head, body and tail and the pancreatic volume reached the peak at(28.21±4.55)mm, (24.00±4.45)mm, (24.91±5.08)mm and(100.91±27.44)cm 3 between 30-39 years of age, and then gradually decreased to(18.87±3.82)mm, (15.63±3.96)mm, (13.70±3.70)mm and(43.88±10.47)cm 3 in those aged ≥80 years, with a decrease of 33.10%, 34.88%, 45.00% and 56.51%, respectively.The anteroposterior diameters of the pancreatic head, body, tail and the pancreatic volume in the elderly were(21.59±4.35)mm, (18.10±4.29)mm, (17.00±4.56)mm and(59.85±22.73)cm 3, which were smaller than those in the young and middle-aged category[(26.18±4.57)mm, (22.10±4.64)mm, (22.42±4.71)mm and(90.09±25.06)cm 3], and the differences were statistically significant( t=7.12, 6.19, 8.10 and 8.71, respectively, all P<0.001). The anteroposterior diameters of the head, body and tail and the pancreatic volume were negatively correlated with age( r=-0.52, -0.45, -0.56 and -0.57, respectively, P<0.001). Conclusions:The anteroposterior diameters of the head, body and tail and the pancreatic volume reach the peak between 30-39 years of age, and then gradually start to decline with the increase of age.After age 60, the decline become more evident, showing morphological signs of degeneration and dilatation of the main pancreatic duct.

OBJECTIVE: To study two novel CD36 gene mutations at the CD36 splicing sites found in Guangxi population, as well as the molecular basis and population incidence of them. METHODS: DNA sequencing and cDNA clonal sequencing were used to detect CD36 exon sequence and the protein coding region sequence of CD36 mRNA for 2 CD36 deficient individuals (HHC and WGM) found in Guangxi population. Eukaryotic expression cell lines were established for the discovery of CD36 mRNA abnormal transcripts and Western blot assay was used to verify the effect of abnormal CD36 mRNA transcripts on CD36 expression. A DNA PCR-SSP genotyping method was established for the two CD36 novel mutations, and the population distribution was investigated among 110 CD36 deficient individuals in Guangxi region and 296 random individuals in Guangxi population. RESULTS: Novel mutation of c.430 -1G>C was found at the CD36 splicing site in HHC and WGM individuals, and novel mutation of c.1006 +2T>G at the CD36 splicing site was also found in the WGM individual. CD36 cDNA clonal sequencing showed that CD36 c.430 -1G>C could lead to the production of the two CD36 mRNA transcript variants: c.429_430ins［430-17_430-2;C］(p.Ala144fsTer1) and c.430_609del(p.Ala144_Pro203del)(GenBank:HM 217023.1); and CD36 c.1006 +2T>G could lead to the production of CD36 mRNA transcript variant of c.819_1006 del (p.Ser274GlufsTer16) (GenBank: HM217025.1). It was verified that all the three transcript variants could lead to CD36 deficiency by establishment of eukaryotic expression cell lines and Western blot assay. A study of the population incidence of two novel CD36 splicing site mutations found showed that in 110 CD36 deficient individuals and in 296 random individuals in Guangxi region, the mutation rate of CD36 c.430 -1G>C was 10.91% (12/110) and 1.35% (4/296), respectively, while CD36 c.1006 +2T>G was 2.73% (3/110) and 0 (0/296), respectively. CONCLUSION This study identifies two novel CD36 mutations at CD36 splicing site, and preliminary clarified their molecular basis for the CD36 deficiency and the distribution characteristics in Guangxi population as well. It provides an experimental and theoretical basis for studying the molecular mechanism and characteristics of CD36 deficiency in Chinese population.
Blood Platelet Disorders ; China ; Genetic Diseases, Inborn ; Humans ; Mutation ; RNA Splicing

Objective: To explore the feasibility of high-throughput texture analysis in the distinction of single brain metastases (SBM) from high-grade gliomas (HGG) and validate the established model. Methods: A total of 86 patients who were histologically diagnosed with SBM or HGG were retrospectively collected, including 43 patients with SBM and 43 with HGG. All of patients were performed preoperative conventional head magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. A total of 236 fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLALR) images containing the information of tumors were selected from the MRI images and each image was considered as an object. The training set had 200 images, including 106 from SBM group and 94 from HGG group, whereas the validation set had 36 images, including 19 from SBM group and 17 from HGG. After images preprocessing, images segmentation, features extraction, and features selection, a radiomic diagnostic model was finally established using the training set. The diagnostic performance of the diagnostic model was evaluated using a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Hierarchical clustering analysis was used to evaluate the quality of the extracted feature data and the classification effect of the model. The model was further validated using the independent validation set. Results: A total of 629 features were extracted and quantified from each sample, and 41 features were selected to establish feature subsets and the diagnostic model. The classification decision function of the model is f(x)=sign and the kernel function of the model is K(x, x_i)=exp. In the training set, the diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value were 0.845, 0.849, 0.840, 0.857 and 0.832, respectively. The area under the ROC curve reached to 0.939. Similar results were obtained in the validation set. Conclusion The high-throughput texture analysis shows high accuracy in differentiating SBM from HGG.

Objective To study the relationship between regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) in matter lesion (WML) and cognitive impairment by arterial spin labeling (ASL).Methods Fourteen WML patients served as a WML group and 9 WML-free subjects served as a control group.Their neuropsychology was assessed and their rCBF was measured by ASL.Results The MoCA score,positive rate of symbol digit modalities test (SDMT),verbal fluency test (VFT) and digital span test forward and backward (DST F and B) were significantly lower while the trail making test-A (TMT-A) score and positive rate of Stroop B test and psychomotion speed test were significantly higher in WML group than in control group (P＜0.05,P＜0.01).The rCBF in regional WML was significantly slower in right and left semioval center,anterior and posterior horn of right and left lateral ventricle than that in normal white matter region (P＜0.01).The rCBF in WML was positively related with DST F and B (P＜0.05).The rCBF in NAWM was positively related with VFT (P＜0.01).Conclusion ASL can show the relationship between rCBF and cognitive impairment,especially executive function,attention and memory in elderly WML patients and decreased rCBF can thus increase their risk of cognitive impairment and dementia.

Objective To compare the appearances between chronic mastitis and breast cancer on MRI and investigate the differ-ential diagnostic value.Methods MRI data of 20 patients with chronic mastitis pathologically proved by biopsy or operation were ret-rospectively analyzed.30 cases of breast cancer were contemporaneously chosen as the control group.Morphological feature and dy-namic contrast-enhanced(DCE)manifestation of the lesions were evaluated and statistical difference was compared between mastitis and breast cancer.Morphological feature included configuration,spiculated sign,ring-like enhancement,peri-focal edema,skin thick-ening,nipple involvement and axillary lymph nodes enlargement.DCE manifestation contained calculating early enhancement ratio and drawing time-intensity curve (TIC).Results There were significant statistical differences among configuration,ring-like en-hancement and peri-focal edema between mastitis and breast cancer,respectively.No statistical differences could be found among spiculated sign,skin thickening,nipple involvement and axillary lymph nodes enlargement.Early enhancement ratio in the group of mastitis was 1.1 56±0.635 while 1.253±0.499 in the group of breast cancer and there was no statistical difference between them. There were 1 1 cases with type Ⅰ TIC,6 with type Ⅱ,3 with type Ⅲ in the lesions of mastitis,while 4 with type Ⅰ,1 1 with typeⅡ,1 5 with type Ⅲ in the lesions of breast cancer and significant statistical differences could be found between two groups.Conclu-sion Mastitis usually manifests as non-mass-like lesions on MRI.Ring-like enhancement,peri-focal edema and benign type TIC can be applied to discriminate mastitis from breast cancer.

OBJECTIVEThe purpose of this study was to compare MRI findings of solitary hypovascular hepatic nodules, benign and malignant, to identify their MRI characteristics.

METHODSWe retrospectively assessed solitary hypovascular hepatic nodules ≤ 3 cm in 135 patients, among them there were 55 malignant nodules [29 peripheral nodules of cholangiocarcinoma, PCC, and 26 hepatic metastases, HM] and 80 benign nodules [48 inflammatory myofibroblastic tumors, IMT, and 32 hepatic hemangioma, HG], proved by surgery, biopsy or follow-up imaging. Unenhanced and dynamic enhanced MRI findings of the 135 patients were analyzed retrospectively. Statistical analysis included Chi-square test or Fisher's exact test, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.

RESULTSThere was significant difference (P < 0.05) between the malignant group and benign group in terms of location, margin, T2WI signal intensity, heterogeneity or homogeneity of the nodule, and type and degree of peritumoral and intratumoral enhancement. Area under the curve at the first film reading by three radiologists was 0.678 ± 0.047, 0.920 ± 0.022 at the second time, and there was a significant difference (Z = 5.22, P < 0.05) between them.

CONCLUSIONSOur data indicated that solitary hypovascular hepatic nodules show unenhanced and dynamic enhanced MRI features. Therefore, MR imaging combined with clinical and biochemical data does provide reliable information for a proper diagnosis of such hepatic lesions and differentiation of malignant from benign nodules.

Cholangiocarcinoma ; pathology ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Hemangioma ; pathology ; Humans ; Liver ; blood supply ; pathology ; Liver Neoplasms ; blood supply ; pathology ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; ROC Curve ; Retrospective Studies

Objective The purpose of this study was to compare MRI findings of solitary hypovascular hepatic nodules, benign and malignant, to identify their MRI characteristics. Methods We retrospectively assessed solitary hypovascular hepatic nodules ≤3 cm in 135 patients, among them there were 55 malignant nodules [29 peripheral nodules of cholangiocarcinoma, PCC, and 26 hepatic metastases, HM] and 80 benign nodules [ 48 inflammatory myofibroblastic tumors, IMT, and 32 hepatic hemangioma, HG] , proved by surgery, biopsy or follow?up imaging. Unenhanced and dynamic enhanced MRI findings of the 135 patients were analyzed retrospectively. Statistical analysis included Chi?square test or Fisher′s exact test, and receiver operating characteristic ( ROC) curve. Results There was significant difference ( P<0.05) between the malignant group and benign group in terms of location, margin, T2WI signal intensity, heterogeneity or homogeneity of the nodule, and type and degree of peritumoral and intratumoral enhancement. Area under the curve at the first film reading by three radiologists was 0.678±0.047, 0.920± 0.022 at the second time, and there was a significant difference ( Z= 5. 22, P<0. 05 ) between them. Conclusions Our data indicated that solitary hypovascular hepatic nodules show unenhanced and dynamic enhanced MRI features. Therefore, MR imaging combined with clinical and biochemical data does provide reliable information for a proper diagnosis of such hepatic lesions and differentiation of malignant from benign nodules.

Objective The purpose of this study was to compare MRI findings of solitary hypovascular hepatic nodules, benign and malignant, to identify their MRI characteristics. Methods We retrospectively assessed solitary hypovascular hepatic nodules ≤3 cm in 135 patients, among them there were 55 malignant nodules [29 peripheral nodules of cholangiocarcinoma, PCC, and 26 hepatic metastases, HM] and 80 benign nodules [ 48 inflammatory myofibroblastic tumors, IMT, and 32 hepatic hemangioma, HG] , proved by surgery, biopsy or follow?up imaging. Unenhanced and dynamic enhanced MRI findings of the 135 patients were analyzed retrospectively. Statistical analysis included Chi?square test or Fisher′s exact test, and receiver operating characteristic ( ROC) curve. Results There was significant difference ( P<0.05) between the malignant group and benign group in terms of location, margin, T2WI signal intensity, heterogeneity or homogeneity of the nodule, and type and degree of peritumoral and intratumoral enhancement. Area under the curve at the first film reading by three radiologists was 0.678±0.047, 0.920± 0.022 at the second time, and there was a significant difference ( Z= 5. 22, P<0. 05 ) between them. Conclusions Our data indicated that solitary hypovascular hepatic nodules show unenhanced and dynamic enhanced MRI features. Therefore, MR imaging combined with clinical and biochemical data does provide reliable information for a proper diagnosis of such hepatic lesions and differentiation of malignant from benign nodules.

Objective To explore the value of high-field-strength MRCP in diagnosing of intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMNs)of pancreas.Methods Fifteen cases with IPMNs confirmed surgically and pathologically were recruited.The magnetic res-onance imaging (MRI)and MRCP findings were retrospectively analyzed.Results All cases were benign,including main pancreatic duct type (MPD)in 1,branch pancreatic duct type(BPD)in 8,and the combined type in 6.The MPD type showed diffuse dilation of main pancreatic duct which is about 14.5 mm with no enhancement.The BPD type displayed unilocular or multilocular cystic le-sions which showed communication with main pancreatic duct .The combined type demonstrated dilation of main pancreatic duct and branch pancreatic duct.The septa and mural nodule in the BPD type and the combined type were moderately enhanced.Conclusion MRCP is superior with regard to the diagnosis and classification of IPMN type and is helpful to differentiate malignant tumors from benign ones combined with routine contrast-enhanced.

This study was aimed to investigate the detection and diagnosis of the neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia purpura (NAITP) caused by anti-HPA-5b antibody. The platelet count and clinical manifestation in the newborn were examined. The HPA-1-21bw genotypes of the newborn and her parents were detected by multiple-PCR and DNA sequencing. The HPA-specific antibody in the sera of newborn and her mother were detected and identified by flow cytometry (FCM) and monoclonal antibody-specific immobilization of platelet antigens (MAIPA). The results indicated that the clinical manifestations of the newborn were lighter. The HPA genotyping showed that the genotype of the newborn was HPA-5ab, while that of her mother and father were HPA-5aa and HPA-5ab, respectively. The antibody against the platelet of newborn's father existed in the newborn's mother sera. The HPA antibody of the mother was identified as anti-HPA-5b. It is concluded that the newborn with neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia purpura was caused by the antibody against HPA-5b.
Antigens, Human Platelet ; genetics ; China ; Female ; Genotype ; Humans ; Infant, Newborn ; Purpura, Thrombocytopenic, Idiopathic ; diagnosis ; genetics ; Thrombocytopenia, Neonatal Alloimmune ; diagnosis ; genetics