Objective:To explore the relationship between thyroid parenchymal echogenicity abnormalities and thyroid function evolution in health examination population.Methods:It was a cohort study. According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, participants were selected from individuals who underwent thyroid color ultrasound and thyroid function tests at the Health Management Center of Tianjin Medical University General Hospital from January to December 2017. Data including age, gender, smoking history, alcohol consumption history, personal medical history, and thyroid function re-examination information were collected. Follow-up was conducted until the occurrence of thyroid function abnormalities or until the end of the follow-up period. The cumulative incidence rate and incidence density of thyroid function abnormalities were evaluated. Cox regression analysis was used to analyze the relationship between thyroid parenchymal echogenicity abnormalities and thyroid function evolution.Results:A total of 6 754 participants were included in this study, with an average age of (45.80±12.12) years, and females accounted for 42.7%. The mean follow-up time was 1.82 years, with a cumulative follow-up duration of 12 263 person-years. During the follow-up period, 154 new cases of thyroid function abnormalities occurred, with a cumulative incidence rate of 2.28% (95% CI: 1.94%-2.66%) and an incidence density of 12.56/1 000 person-years (95% CI: 10.66/1 000-14.69/1 000 person-years). The multivariate adjusted Cox regression analysis showed that individuals with thyroid parenchymal echogenicity abnormalities had a significantly increased risk of developing isolated thyroid stimulating hormone abnormalities and thyroid function abnormalities, with HR(95% CI) of 3.09 (2.02-4.73) and 2.92(1.96-4.33), respectively, both P<0.001. Stratified analysis showed that, except for body mass index <18.5 kg/m 2, current smoking, and current alcohol consumption, all other stratified factors showed a significant increase in the risk of thyroid function abnormalities in individuals with thyroid parenchymal echogenicity abnormalities. Conclusion:Thyroid parenchymal echogenicity abnormalities are important risk factors for the evolution of thyroid function abnormalities. Continuous monitoring of thyroid function should be given due attention.

Objective:To investigate the MRI features of the primary sinonasal malignant melanoma (SMM) and evaluate the signal pattern based on T 1WI and T 2WI, in order to improve the diagnostic accuracy of SMM. Methods:The MRI findings of 63 SMM cases confirmed by pathology from April 2007 to November 2018 at Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University were analyzed retrospectively. The signal intensity of malignant melanoma was classified into four types(Ⅰ—Ⅳ) according to the proportion of signal areas of the largest slice of the tumor on T 1WI and T 2WI. The classification criteria according to T 1WI: type Ⅰ, the area of hyperintensity was ≥50%; type Ⅱ, the area of hyperintensity was <50%; type Ⅲ, the tumor did not show hyperintensity, and the area of isointensity was ≥50%; type Ⅳ, the tumor did not have high signal area, and the area of low signal was ≥50%. The classification criteria according to T 2WI: type Ⅰ, the area of low signal in the tumor was ≥50%; type Ⅱ, the area of low signal was <50%; type Ⅲ, the tumor did not contain low signal area, and the area of isointensity was ≥50%; type Ⅳ, the tumor did not have low signal area, and the area of high signal intensity was ≥50%. The proportion of each type was calculated. Results:According to T 1WI, typeⅠwas identified in 27 cases (42.9%, 27/63), typeⅡ in 25 cases (39.7%, 25/63), type Ⅲ in 4 cases (6.3%, 4/63), and type Ⅳ in 7 cases (11.1%, 7/63). According to T 2WI, type Ⅰwas demonstrated in 29 cases (46.0%, 29/63), type Ⅱ in 28 cases (44.4%, 28/63), type Ⅲ in 2 cases (3.3%, 2/63), and type Ⅳ in 4 cases (6.3%, 4/63). There were 16 cases classified as type I based on T 1WI and T 2WI. Conclusions:Typical and atypical SMM can be identified according to signal patterns. The typeⅠsignal pattern of SMM cases on T 1WI and T 2WI is typical and can be easily diagnosed, but the proportion was less than 50%. For atypical SMM, malignant melanoma should be strongly suspected if hyperintense on T 1WI or hypointense on T 2WI is found.

Objective:To compare MRI findings of uveal melanomas and other intraocular masses in adults and to evaluate the optimal MRI features for the differential diagnosis.Methods:The MRI data of 254 patients with intraocular masses confirmed by histopathologic or clinical follow-up results from March 2005 to December 2015 in Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University was analyzed retrospectively. A total of 128 patients with uveal melanoma and 126 patients with other intraocular masses were enrolled. MRI findings of the masses including the location, shape, margin, signal intensity on T 1WI and T 2WI compared to the gray matter and vitreous body, homogeneity and degree of enhancement of the mass, secondary retinal detachment, height, and ratio of basal diameter to height were compared between uveal melanoma and other intraocular masses by χ 2 test or independent t test. The logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the most discriminating MRI features. The diagnostic performance of different predictive models was analyzed by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. The model of multiple parameters was established by logistic analysis, and the diagnostic efficacy was evaluated. Results:The location, shape, margin, signal intensity on T 1WI and T 2WI compared to the gray matter and vitreous body, homogeneity and degree of enhancement of the mass, secondary retinal detachment, height and ratio of basal diameter to height were significantly different between the uveal melanoma and other intraocular masses (all P<0.05). The results of logistic regression analysis showed that the signal intensity on T 1WI and T 2WI compared to the gray matter, height, shape, location, degree of enhancement of the mass, and secondary retinal detachment were associated with higher likelihood of uveal melanoma. The mass with hypointense on T 2WI (compared with gray matter) was the best MRI feature in the differential diagnosis of uveal melanoma and other intraocular masses (odds ratio 12.237), with the accuracy of 86.2%. The diagnostic accuracy of low signal on T 2WI and high signal on T 1WI (compared with gray matter) was significantly higher than those of vitreous (Delong test, P<0.001). The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of the combination of height, degree of enhancement, T 1WI and T 2WI signal compared to the gray matter were 90.6%, 92.1% and 96.1%, respectively. The diagnostic performance of combination features was higher than that of each single sign ( P<0.001). Conclusion:MRI features including the signal intensity on T 1WI and T 2WI compared to the gray matter, height, shape, degree of enhancement of the mass, and secondary retinal detachment are helpful in the differential diagnosis between uveal melanoma and other intraocular masses. In addition, the gray matter as the reference is superior to the vitreous body in the evaluation of the signal intensity of intraocular masses.

Objective:To investigate the effect of Guilu Erxian Jiao (GEJ) on the negative feedback function of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and its possible mechanism in rats with post-traumatic stress disorder(PTSD).Methods:The PTSD rat model was established using single prolonged stress (SPS). Ninety six SD rats were randomly divided into control group (control), model group (SPS), GEJ group (GEJ) and paroxetine group (PRX) according to the random number table with 24 rats in each group. Except the control group, the rats in the other groups were constructed using the PTSD model. On the 8th day after the establishment of the model, the rats of the GEJ group (3.6 g/kg) and the PRX group (10 mg/kg) were respectively given the drug by gavage for 21 days. The rats in control group and SPS group were given the same amount of distilled water once a day for 21 days. After continuous administration for 21 days, 12 rats were randomly selected from each group for the dexamethasone suppression test (DST), then 6 rats were selected for the RT-PCR, and the remaining 6 rats were used for immunohistochemistry. The contents of plasma adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) were measured by Elisa. The expression levels of glucocorticoid receptor (GR), mineralocorticoid receptor (MR), adrenocorticotropic hormone releasing factor Ⅰ receptor (CRF1R) and adrenocorticotropic hormone releasing factor Ⅱ receptor (CRF2R) were detected by RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry.Results:(1) In DST, plasma ACTH level in SPS group was significantly lower than that in control group((145.89±19.41)μg/L, (203.59±35.78)μg/L, t=3.16, P<0.01), and that in the PRX group and GEJ group were significantly higher than that in SPS group((218.47±37.55)μg/L, t=3.98, P<0.01; (205.33±66.54)μg/L, t=3.26, P<0.01). (2) RT-PCR results showed that, in hippocampus, the GR mRNA and MR mRNA expressions in SPS group were significantly higher than those in control group((1.29±0.02), (1.00±0.06), t=6.88, P<0.01; (1.38±0.02), (1.00±0.05), t=7.97, P<0.01), and that in the GEJ group significantly decreased comparing to SPS group((0.96±0.07), t=7.87, P<0.01; (0.86±0.13), t=11.03, P<0.01). (3) Immunohistochemical results showed that, in hippocampus, the positive cell expressions of GR and MR in the SPS group were significantly higher than those in control group((84.33±12.82), (69.33±8.19), t=2.50, P<0.05; (77.33±6.65), (56.33±11.79), t=2.25, P<0.05), and that in the GEJ group significantly were lower than SPS group((68.33±4.55), t=2.67, P<0.05; (59.50±4.18), t=2.25, P<0.05). In amygdala, the positive cells expression of GR, MR and CRF1R in the SPS group significantly decreased compared with the control group((62.67±6.89), (77.17±10.70), t=3.10, P<0.05; (60.50±11.66), (91.83±15.63), t=3.43, P<0.05; (54.50±19.96), (88.17±22.43), t=2.31, P<0.05); and that in GEJ group significantly increased compared with the SPS group((74.33±5.85), t=2.11, P<0.05; (83.67±12.55), t=2.53, P<0.05; (88.67±16.28), t=2.35, P<0.05). Conclusion:GEJ can inhibit the enhanced HPA axis negative feedback function induced by SPS, which may be related to regulating expression of GR, MR and CRF1R in the hippocampus and amygdala.

Objective:To explore the strategy and experience for treating maxillofacial and cervical multi-space infection combined with descending necrotizing mediastinitis (DNM) via multidisciplinary team (MDT) collaboration.Methods:A total of 36 patients with maxillofacial and cervical multi-space infection complicated with DNM admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from July 2011 to July 2019 were included in the study. The clinical data of the patients were retrospectively analyzed, including gender, age, symptoms at admission, source of infection, preoperative and postoperative evaluation indicators, MDT strategy and prognosis.Results:There were 26 males and 10 females with an average age of (51.6±17.6) years (8-80 years). The course of disease before admission was (8.9±8.4) days (2-30 days). All patients were admitted with maxillofacial and neck swelling and pain as the main complaints. Odontogenic infection accounted for 39% (14/36), throat floor swelling and pain accounted for 25% (9/36) and unknown maxillofacial swelling accounted for 36% (13/36). There were 28 cases receiving surgical treatment, 26 cases were cured and discharged (72%), 10 cases died (28%). In the patients treated with multidisciplinary therapy (mainly by surgery), the white blood cell count, neutrophil percentage, C-reactive protein and procalcitonin levels were significantly improved compared with those at admission at each observation time point after operation ( P<0.05). The length of stay was positively correlated with the levels of C-reactive protein ( r=0.545, P<0.05) and procalcitonin ( r=0.504, P<0.05). The prognosis of patients treated with surgery (26/28) was better than that of patients without surgery (0/8) ( P<0.01). Conclusions:The patients with maxillofacial and cervical multi-space infection combined with DNM might be in critical condition. The surgical based MDT strategy has an important impact on the prognosis of patients. White blood cell count and other inflammatory indicators monitoring can effectively observe the changes of the patient′s condition.

Objective: To investigate the effect of the multi-material artifact reduction (MMAR) algorithm of spectral CT in reducing the beam hardening artifacts in dental restoration material. Methods: Three-unit fixed bridge restorations were fabricated on the first to third molars in pig jaw. Gold alloy, zirconia, cobalt chromium alloy, nickel chromium alloy and pure titanium were used as materials for these fixed bridges. After restoration delivery, the pig jaw was scaned using energy spectrum CT machines. Images in regular 120 kVp scan mode were used as conventional group, and reconstructed single-energy horizontal images of 80, 90, 100, 110, 120, 130 and 140 keV in energy spectrum scanning mode were used as energy spectrum group, and reconstructed images applied MMAR technology in energy spectrum scanning mode were used as energy spectrum MMAR group. Each group was scanned 10 times to measure CT value and noise of muscles around dental prosthetic materials and adjacent non-artifact layers. Artifact index was calculated. Two radiologists scored the image quality of each group subjectively. Kruskal Wallis rank sum test was used to compare the difference of image noise, artifact index and subjective score among the control group and the best keV condition in the energy spectrum group and the energy spectrum MMAR group. Results: The image noise of energy spectrum group and energy spectrum MMAR group decreased gradually with the increase of single energy level. The artifact index of pure titanium restorations in conventional group, energy spectrum group and energy spectrum MMAR group were 71.0±8.0, 21.4±2.7 and 14.7±2.7 respectively, and these values were significantly lower than those of other materials in the same group (P<0.05). The subjective image quality scores in energy spectrum MMAR group were as follows: 3.0±0.2 for gold alloy, 4.3±0.5 for zirconia, 3.0±0.4 for cobalt chromium alloy, 3.1±0.4 for cobalt chromium alloy, and 4.6±0.5 for pure titanium. These scores were significantly smaller than those in the conventional group (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in noise between energy spectrum group and energy spectrum MMAR group (P>0.05), and the noise values in energy spectrum group and energy spectrum MMAR group were significantly lower than that in the conventional group (P<0.05). Conclusions Artifacts of pure titanium is minimal. Energy spectrum CT combined with MMAR technology can effectively reduce the artifacts of gold, zirconia, cobalt-chromium alloy, nickel-titanium alloy and pure titanium. This technique can be used as an effective method to remove artifacts of dental prosthesis.

Objective To investigate the effect of the multi?material artifact reduction (MMAR) algorithm of spectral CT in reducing the beam hardening artifacts in dental restoration material. Methods Three?unit fixed bridge restorations were fabricated on the first to third molars in pig jaw. Gold alloy, zirconia, cobalt chromium alloy, nickel chromium alloy and pure titanium were used as materials for these fixed bridges. After restoration delivery, the pig jaw was scaned using energy spectrum CT machines. Images in regular 120 kVp scan mode were used as conventional group, and reconstructed single?energy horizontal images of 80, 90, 100, 110, 120, 130 and 140 keV in energy spectrum scanning mode were used as energy spectrum group, and reconstructed images applied MMAR technology in energy spectrum scanning mode were used as energy spectrum MMAR group. Each group was scanned 10 times to measure CT value and noise of muscles around dental prosthetic materials and adjacent non?artifact layers. Artifact index was calculated. Two radiologists scored the image quality of each group subjectively. Kruskal Wallis rank sum test was used to compare the difference of image noise, artifact index and subjective score among the control group and the best keV condition in the energy spectrum group and the energy spectrum MMAR group. Results The image noise of energy spectrum group and energy spectrum MMAR group decreased gradually with the increase of single energy level. The artifact index of pure titanium restorations in conventional group, energy spectrum group and energy spectrum MMAR group were 71.0±8.0, 21.4±2.7 and 14.7±2.7 respectively, and these values were significantly lower than those of other materials in the same group (P<0.05). The subjective image quality scores in energy spectrum MMAR group were as follows: 3.0±0.2 for gold alloy, 4.3±0.5 for zirconia, 3.0±0.4 for cobalt chromium alloy, 3.1±0.4 for cobalt chromium alloy, and 4.6± 0.5 for pure titanium. These scores were significantly smaller than those in the conventional group (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in noise between energy spectrum group and energy spectrum MMAR group (P>0.05), and the noise values in energy spectrum group and energy spectrum MMAR group were significantly lower than that in the conventional group (P<0.05). Conclusions Artifacts of pure titanium is minimal. Energy spectrum CT combined with MMAR technology can effectively reduce the artifacts of gold, zirconia, cobalt?chromium alloy, nickel?titanium alloy and pure titanium. This technique can be used as an effective method to remove artifacts of dental prosthesis.

Objective To explore the association between lipid ratios and all-cause mortality among elderly adults aged 80 years and older living in longevity areas of China. Methods A total of 874 participants in the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey during June 2009 were included in our baseline survey. Lipid concentrations were measured and lipid ratios including LDL-C/HDL-C, TG/HDL-C, and atherosclerosis index (AI) were calculated at baseline, and the information on questionnaires, body measurement, and blood biochemical profiles was collected. Survival time and survival status were followed up in August 2012. Subjects were stratified into three groups (low, middle and high) by tertiles of lipid ratios. All-cause mortality was calculated. Cox regression models were used to assess the association of lipid ratios with mortality. Results During 38 months of follow-up, a total of 427 participants had died, 378 participants survived, and 69 participants were lost to follow-up; overall mortality was 50.5%. For these participants, P50 (P25-P75) values for LDL-C/HDL-C were 1.68 (1.22-2.05), 1.85 (1.34-2.16), and 1.78 (1.33-2.08), respectively (H=6.93, P=0.025); values for TG/HDL-C were 1.00 (0.79-1.34), 1.20 (0.97-1.53), and 1.23 (0.95-1.72), respectively (H=9.18, P=0.008). AIs were 2.12 (1.72-2.61), 2.27 (1.84-2.75), and 2.13 (1.80-2.58), respectively (H=6.37, P=0.041). Values for 38-month all-cause mortality were 53.1%, 50.0%, and 44.0%among participants with low, middle, and high LDL-C/HDL-C ratios (<1.39, 1.39-1.92, ≥1.92), respectively (χ2=7.54, P=0.024); these values were 54.8%, 46.4%, and 45.3% among participants with low, middle, and high AIs (<1.83, 1.83-2.39, ≥2.39), respectively (χ2=6.67, P=0.035). Each 1 unit increase of LDL-C/HDL-C, TG/HDL-C , and AI corresponded to a 17%, 15%, and 13%decrease in 38-month all-cause mortality, respectively; adjusted HRs were 0.83 (0.72-0.97), 0.85 (0.74-0.99), and 0.87 (0.76-0.99), respectively. Compared with participants who had low LDL-C/HDL-C ratios, high ratios were associated with lower risk of mortality (HR 0.88;(95%CI:0.78-0.99)). Compared with low AIs, middle and high values were associated with lower risk of mortality HRs (95%CI) were 0.84 (0.72-0.98) and 0.87 (0.78-0.98);respectively. Conclusion LDL-C/HDL-C, TG/HDL-C, and AI were negatively associated with all-cause mortality among elderly adults aged 80 years and older living in longevity areas of China.

Objective To explore the association between lipid ratios and all-cause mortality among elderly adults aged 80 years and older living in longevity areas of China. Methods A total of 874 participants in the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey during June 2009 were included in our baseline survey. Lipid concentrations were measured and lipid ratios including LDL-C/HDL-C, TG/HDL-C, and atherosclerosis index (AI) were calculated at baseline, and the information on questionnaires, body measurement, and blood biochemical profiles was collected. Survival time and survival status were followed up in August 2012. Subjects were stratified into three groups (low, middle and high) by tertiles of lipid ratios. All-cause mortality was calculated. Cox regression models were used to assess the association of lipid ratios with mortality. Results During 38 months of follow-up, a total of 427 participants had died, 378 participants survived, and 69 participants were lost to follow-up; overall mortality was 50.5%. For these participants, P50 (P25-P75) values for LDL-C/HDL-C were 1.68 (1.22-2.05), 1.85 (1.34-2.16), and 1.78 (1.33-2.08), respectively (H=6.93, P=0.025); values for TG/HDL-C were 1.00 (0.79-1.34), 1.20 (0.97-1.53), and 1.23 (0.95-1.72), respectively (H=9.18, P=0.008). AIs were 2.12 (1.72-2.61), 2.27 (1.84-2.75), and 2.13 (1.80-2.58), respectively (H=6.37, P=0.041). Values for 38-month all-cause mortality were 53.1%, 50.0%, and 44.0%among participants with low, middle, and high LDL-C/HDL-C ratios (<1.39, 1.39-1.92, ≥1.92), respectively (χ2=7.54, P=0.024); these values were 54.8%, 46.4%, and 45.3% among participants with low, middle, and high AIs (<1.83, 1.83-2.39, ≥2.39), respectively (χ2=6.67, P=0.035). Each 1 unit increase of LDL-C/HDL-C, TG/HDL-C , and AI corresponded to a 17%, 15%, and 13%decrease in 38-month all-cause mortality, respectively; adjusted HRs were 0.83 (0.72-0.97), 0.85 (0.74-0.99), and 0.87 (0.76-0.99), respectively. Compared with participants who had low LDL-C/HDL-C ratios, high ratios were associated with lower risk of mortality (HR 0.88;(95%CI:0.78-0.99)). Compared with low AIs, middle and high values were associated with lower risk of mortality HRs (95%CI) were 0.84 (0.72-0.98) and 0.87 (0.78-0.98);respectively. Conclusion LDL-C/HDL-C, TG/HDL-C, and AI were negatively associated with all-cause mortality among elderly adults aged 80 years and older living in longevity areas of China.

The application of 18 F-FDG PET-CT in the diagnosis and treatment of nasopharyngeal carcinoma includes early diagnosis,clinical staging,contouring target volume,predicting the sensitivity of tumors to radiotherapy and effect evaluation,and monitoring the residual and recurrence.However,18 F-FDG uptake of tumor cells is under the influence of various factors,so false positive and false negative are unavoidable.Therefore it is need to develop more specific tracer agent in order to improve the accuracy of diagnosis and treatment,as well as to carry out multicenter clinical trial to identify the correlation of standardized uptake value (SUV)and radiation target volume.