Objective: To analyze the distribution characteristics of fluoride and trichloromethane in drinking water in rural schools in Guizhou Province and assess their health risks, so as to provide a scientific basis for ensuring the safety of drinking water in rural schools. Methods: During the dry season (March to May) and wet season (July to September) of 2020 to 2022, 788 rural primary and secondary schools in agricultural counties (districts) in Guizhou Province were selected for investigation by using a direct sampling method. A total of 1 566 drinking water samples were collected from these schools, and the mass concentrations of fluoride and trichloromethane in the water samples were detected. The Mann-Whitney U test was used for intergroup comparison, and a health risk assessment model was employed to evaluate the health risks of students oral intake of fluoride and trichloromethane. Results: From 2020 to 2022, the mass concentrations of fluoride and trichloromethane in the drinking water of rural schools in Guizhou Province all met the standards, and the ranges were no detection to 0.99 mg/L and (no detection to 0.06)×10 -3 mg/L, respectively. The mass concentrations of fluoride in dry and wet seasons were 0.05(0.05,0.10), 0.05(0.05,0.10) mg/L, the mass concentrations of trichloromethane were [0.02(0.02,1.00)]×10 -3 , [0.02(0.02,1.00)]×10 -3 mg/L, the mass concentrations of fluoride in factory water and terminal water were 0.05(0.05,0.05), 0.05(0.05,0.10) mg/L, and the differences were not statistically significant ( Z=-0.04, -0.88, - 0.98 , P >0.05). There was a statistically significant difference in the mass concentration of trichloromethane between factory water and peripheral water [0.02(0.02,0.02)×10 -3 , 0.02(0.02,1.05)×10 -3 mg/L]( Z=-2.16, P < 0.05 ). The non-carcinogenic risk assessment values for students oral exposure to fluoride and trichloromethane were in the range of 0.01(0.01,0.03)-0.03(0.03,0.06) and [0.26( 0.26 ,14.54)]×10 -4 -[0.52(0.52,48.62)]×10 -4 , respectively, all of which were at acceptable levels; the carcinogenic risk assessment values for oral exposure to trichloromethane were in the range of [0.08(0.08, 4.51 )]×10 -7 -[0.16(0.16,15.07)]×10 -7 , indicating a low risk. Conclusions The health risks of students expore to fluoride and trichloromethane in drinking water in rural schools of Guizhou Province are low. It is necessary to strengthen the standardized management of disinfection in some rural drinking water projects and the monitoring of fluoride in water sources to reduce the exposure risk to children.

Objective: The CT/MRI Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System (LI-RADS) demonstrates high specificity with relatively limited sensitivity for diagnosing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in high-risk patients. This study aimed to explore the possibility of improving sensitivity by combining CT/MRI LI-RADS v2018 with second-line contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) LI-RADS v2017 using sulfur hexafluoride (SHF) or perfluorobutane (PFB). Materials and Methods: This retrospective analysis of prospectively collected multicenter data included high-risk patients with treatment-naive hepatic observations. The reference standard was pathological confirmation or a composite reference standard (only for benign lesions). Each participant underwent concurrent CT/MRI, SHF-enhanced US, and PFB-enhanced US examinations. The diagnostic performances for HCC of CT/MRI LI-RADS alone and three combination strategies (combining CT/ MRI LI-RADS with either LI-RADS SHF, LI-RADS PFB, or a modified algorithm incorporating the Kupffer-phase findings for PFB [modified PFB]) were evaluated. For the three combination strategies, apart from the CT/MRI LR-5 criteria, HCC was diagnosed if CT/MRI LR-3 or LR-4 observations met the LR-5 criteria using LI-RADS SHF, LI-RADS PFB, or modified PFB. Results: In total, 281 participants (237 males; mean age, 55 ± 11 years) with 306 observations (227 HCCs, 40 non-HCC malignancies, and 39 benign lesions) were included. Using LI-RADS SHF, LI-RADS PFB, and modified PFB, 20, 23, and 31 CT/MRI LR-3/4 observations, respectively, were reclassified as LR-5, and all were pathologically confirmed as HCCs. Compared to CT/MRI LI-RADS alone (74%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 68%–79%), the three combination strategies combining CT/MRI LI-RADS with either LI-RADS SHF, LI-RADS PFB, or modified PFB increased sensitivity (83% [95% CI: 77%–87%], 84% [95% CI: 79%–89%], 88% [95% CI: 83%–92%], respectively; all P < 0.001), while maintaining the specificity at 92% (95% CI: 84%–97%). Conclusion The combination of CT/MRI LI-RADS with second-line CEUS using SHF or PFB improved the sensitivity of HCC diagnosis without compromising specificity.

Objective: The CT/MRI Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System (LI-RADS) demonstrates high specificity with relatively limited sensitivity for diagnosing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in high-risk patients. This study aimed to explore the possibility of improving sensitivity by combining CT/MRI LI-RADS v2018 with second-line contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) LI-RADS v2017 using sulfur hexafluoride (SHF) or perfluorobutane (PFB). Materials and Methods: This retrospective analysis of prospectively collected multicenter data included high-risk patients with treatment-naive hepatic observations. The reference standard was pathological confirmation or a composite reference standard (only for benign lesions). Each participant underwent concurrent CT/MRI, SHF-enhanced US, and PFB-enhanced US examinations. The diagnostic performances for HCC of CT/MRI LI-RADS alone and three combination strategies (combining CT/ MRI LI-RADS with either LI-RADS SHF, LI-RADS PFB, or a modified algorithm incorporating the Kupffer-phase findings for PFB [modified PFB]) were evaluated. For the three combination strategies, apart from the CT/MRI LR-5 criteria, HCC was diagnosed if CT/MRI LR-3 or LR-4 observations met the LR-5 criteria using LI-RADS SHF, LI-RADS PFB, or modified PFB. Results: In total, 281 participants (237 males; mean age, 55 ± 11 years) with 306 observations (227 HCCs, 40 non-HCC malignancies, and 39 benign lesions) were included. Using LI-RADS SHF, LI-RADS PFB, and modified PFB, 20, 23, and 31 CT/MRI LR-3/4 observations, respectively, were reclassified as LR-5, and all were pathologically confirmed as HCCs. Compared to CT/MRI LI-RADS alone (74%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 68%–79%), the three combination strategies combining CT/MRI LI-RADS with either LI-RADS SHF, LI-RADS PFB, or modified PFB increased sensitivity (83% [95% CI: 77%–87%], 84% [95% CI: 79%–89%], 88% [95% CI: 83%–92%], respectively; all P < 0.001), while maintaining the specificity at 92% (95% CI: 84%–97%). Conclusion The combination of CT/MRI LI-RADS with second-line CEUS using SHF or PFB improved the sensitivity of HCC diagnosis without compromising specificity.

Objective: The CT/MRI Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System (LI-RADS) demonstrates high specificity with relatively limited sensitivity for diagnosing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in high-risk patients. This study aimed to explore the possibility of improving sensitivity by combining CT/MRI LI-RADS v2018 with second-line contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) LI-RADS v2017 using sulfur hexafluoride (SHF) or perfluorobutane (PFB). Materials and Methods: This retrospective analysis of prospectively collected multicenter data included high-risk patients with treatment-naive hepatic observations. The reference standard was pathological confirmation or a composite reference standard (only for benign lesions). Each participant underwent concurrent CT/MRI, SHF-enhanced US, and PFB-enhanced US examinations. The diagnostic performances for HCC of CT/MRI LI-RADS alone and three combination strategies (combining CT/ MRI LI-RADS with either LI-RADS SHF, LI-RADS PFB, or a modified algorithm incorporating the Kupffer-phase findings for PFB [modified PFB]) were evaluated. For the three combination strategies, apart from the CT/MRI LR-5 criteria, HCC was diagnosed if CT/MRI LR-3 or LR-4 observations met the LR-5 criteria using LI-RADS SHF, LI-RADS PFB, or modified PFB. Results: In total, 281 participants (237 males; mean age, 55 ± 11 years) with 306 observations (227 HCCs, 40 non-HCC malignancies, and 39 benign lesions) were included. Using LI-RADS SHF, LI-RADS PFB, and modified PFB, 20, 23, and 31 CT/MRI LR-3/4 observations, respectively, were reclassified as LR-5, and all were pathologically confirmed as HCCs. Compared to CT/MRI LI-RADS alone (74%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 68%–79%), the three combination strategies combining CT/MRI LI-RADS with either LI-RADS SHF, LI-RADS PFB, or modified PFB increased sensitivity (83% [95% CI: 77%–87%], 84% [95% CI: 79%–89%], 88% [95% CI: 83%–92%], respectively; all P < 0.001), while maintaining the specificity at 92% (95% CI: 84%–97%). Conclusion The combination of CT/MRI LI-RADS with second-line CEUS using SHF or PFB improved the sensitivity of HCC diagnosis without compromising specificity.

Objective: The CT/MRI Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System (LI-RADS) demonstrates high specificity with relatively limited sensitivity for diagnosing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in high-risk patients. This study aimed to explore the possibility of improving sensitivity by combining CT/MRI LI-RADS v2018 with second-line contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) LI-RADS v2017 using sulfur hexafluoride (SHF) or perfluorobutane (PFB). Materials and Methods: This retrospective analysis of prospectively collected multicenter data included high-risk patients with treatment-naive hepatic observations. The reference standard was pathological confirmation or a composite reference standard (only for benign lesions). Each participant underwent concurrent CT/MRI, SHF-enhanced US, and PFB-enhanced US examinations. The diagnostic performances for HCC of CT/MRI LI-RADS alone and three combination strategies (combining CT/ MRI LI-RADS with either LI-RADS SHF, LI-RADS PFB, or a modified algorithm incorporating the Kupffer-phase findings for PFB [modified PFB]) were evaluated. For the three combination strategies, apart from the CT/MRI LR-5 criteria, HCC was diagnosed if CT/MRI LR-3 or LR-4 observations met the LR-5 criteria using LI-RADS SHF, LI-RADS PFB, or modified PFB. Results: In total, 281 participants (237 males; mean age, 55 ± 11 years) with 306 observations (227 HCCs, 40 non-HCC malignancies, and 39 benign lesions) were included. Using LI-RADS SHF, LI-RADS PFB, and modified PFB, 20, 23, and 31 CT/MRI LR-3/4 observations, respectively, were reclassified as LR-5, and all were pathologically confirmed as HCCs. Compared to CT/MRI LI-RADS alone (74%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 68%–79%), the three combination strategies combining CT/MRI LI-RADS with either LI-RADS SHF, LI-RADS PFB, or modified PFB increased sensitivity (83% [95% CI: 77%–87%], 84% [95% CI: 79%–89%], 88% [95% CI: 83%–92%], respectively; all P < 0.001), while maintaining the specificity at 92% (95% CI: 84%–97%). Conclusion The combination of CT/MRI LI-RADS with second-line CEUS using SHF or PFB improved the sensitivity of HCC diagnosis without compromising specificity.

Objective: The CT/MRI Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System (LI-RADS) demonstrates high specificity with relatively limited sensitivity for diagnosing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in high-risk patients. This study aimed to explore the possibility of improving sensitivity by combining CT/MRI LI-RADS v2018 with second-line contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) LI-RADS v2017 using sulfur hexafluoride (SHF) or perfluorobutane (PFB). Materials and Methods: This retrospective analysis of prospectively collected multicenter data included high-risk patients with treatment-naive hepatic observations. The reference standard was pathological confirmation or a composite reference standard (only for benign lesions). Each participant underwent concurrent CT/MRI, SHF-enhanced US, and PFB-enhanced US examinations. The diagnostic performances for HCC of CT/MRI LI-RADS alone and three combination strategies (combining CT/ MRI LI-RADS with either LI-RADS SHF, LI-RADS PFB, or a modified algorithm incorporating the Kupffer-phase findings for PFB [modified PFB]) were evaluated. For the three combination strategies, apart from the CT/MRI LR-5 criteria, HCC was diagnosed if CT/MRI LR-3 or LR-4 observations met the LR-5 criteria using LI-RADS SHF, LI-RADS PFB, or modified PFB. Results: In total, 281 participants (237 males; mean age, 55 ± 11 years) with 306 observations (227 HCCs, 40 non-HCC malignancies, and 39 benign lesions) were included. Using LI-RADS SHF, LI-RADS PFB, and modified PFB, 20, 23, and 31 CT/MRI LR-3/4 observations, respectively, were reclassified as LR-5, and all were pathologically confirmed as HCCs. Compared to CT/MRI LI-RADS alone (74%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 68%–79%), the three combination strategies combining CT/MRI LI-RADS with either LI-RADS SHF, LI-RADS PFB, or modified PFB increased sensitivity (83% [95% CI: 77%–87%], 84% [95% CI: 79%–89%], 88% [95% CI: 83%–92%], respectively; all P < 0.001), while maintaining the specificity at 92% (95% CI: 84%–97%). Conclusion The combination of CT/MRI LI-RADS with second-line CEUS using SHF or PFB improved the sensitivity of HCC diagnosis without compromising specificity.

Nasal drug delivery efficiency is highly dependent on the position in which the drug is deposited in the nasal cavity. However, no reliable method is currently available to assess its impact on delivery performance. In this study, a biomimetic nasal model based on three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction and three-dimensional printing (3DP) technology was developed for visualizing the deposition of drug powders in the nasal cavity. The results showed significant differences in cavity area and volume and powder distribution in the anterior part of the biomimetic nasal model of Chinese males and females. The nasal cavity model was modified with dimethicone and validated to be suitable for the deposition test. The experimental device produced the most satisfactory results with five spray times. Furthermore, particle sizes and spray angles were found to significantly affect the experimental device's performance and alter drug distribution, respectively. Additionally, mometasone furoate (MF) nasal spray (NS) distribution patterns were investigated in a goat nasal cavity model and three male goat noses, confirming the in vitro and in vivo correlation. In conclusion, the developed human nasal structure biomimetic device has the potential to be a valuable tool for assessing nasal drug delivery system deposition and distribution.

Objective:To perform acceptance test and performance assessment for Siemens Biograph Vision 600 positron-emission tomography/computed tomography(PET/CT)according to the national health industry standard WS 817-2023.Methods:Spatial resolution,sensitivity,scatter fraction,count loss and random coincidence,correction accuracy of count loss and random coincidence,time-of-flight(TOF)resolution of the PET component within the PET/CT system were tested through the measurement program(NU2-2018)of National Electrical Manufacturers Association(NEMA),which was installed inside of the equipment,in accordance with the requirement of national health industry standard WS 817-2023.The PET/CT registration accuracy was measured through Gantry_offset acquisition program that was built into the equipment.Results:The transversely and axially spatial resolutions of Biograph Vision 600 PET/CT were respectively 3.69 mm and 4.10 mm at 1 cm away from the center of visual field,and were respectively 4.26 mm and 4.89 mm at 10 cm away from the center of visual field,and were respectively 4.68 mm and 4.89 mm at 20 cm away from the center of visual field.The sensitivity of 10 cm away from center and radial of visual field were respectively 16.12 kcps/MBq and 16.00 kcps/MBq.The peak value of noise equivalent count rate(NECR)was 281.60 kcps,and the corresponding radioactivity concentration of peak value was 30.69 kBq/ml.The NECR peak value,scatter fraction and maximum value of the error of relative count rate were respectively 38.17% and 4.0%.The TOF resolution was 209.87 ps when the radioactivity concentration was 5.3 kBq/mL.The registration accuracy values of Biograph Vision 600 PET/CT were 0.347 mm,-0.226 mm and 3.659 mm at the directions of x,y and z axis.Conclusion:It is feasible to perform the acceptance test according to the WS 817-2023 standard through uses the NEMA NU2-2018 standard measurement program that is installed inside of the equipment.The performance indicators can meet requirement of standard as the current national standard GB/T 18988.1-2013 and the health industry standard WS 817-2023 that will being implemented in the test of Biograph Vision 600 PET/CT,which can pass acceptance.

Objective:To analyze the clinical and laboratory characteristics of patients with cryoglobulinemia.Methods:It is a cross-sectional study. The patients diagnosed with cryoglobulinemia in our hospital were enrolled from July 2017 to March 2023. The baseline information of patients, included age, gender, qualitative, and quantitative results of serum cryoglobulins, initial clinical manifestations, etiology, serum complement 3 and 4, and the renal pathological manifestations. The clinical and laboratory characteristics of patients with different types of cryoglobulinemia were analyzed.Results:There were 62 patients (30.7%) with type Ⅰ cryoglobulinemia, 58 patients (28.7%) with type Ⅱ cryoglobulinemia, and 82 patients (40.6%) with type Ⅲ cryoglobulinemia enrolled in this study. Among these patients, 56 of primary cryoglobulinemia, 76 of autoimmune diseases, 29 of tumor-related diseases, and 52 of infectious diseases were observed. Clinical symptoms related to skin lesions (124 cases, 61.4%) and kidney damage (87 cases, 43.1%) were the most common initial clinical manifestations and arthralgia/arthritis (50 cases, 24.8%), peripheral neuropathy (33 cases, 16.3%), fatigue (28 cases, 13.9%), fever (23 cases, 11.4%) were also observed in some patients. The clinical symptoms varied in different types of cryoglobulinemia. 29.0% patients (18/62) with type Ⅰ had fatigue, which was higher than those with type Ⅱ (10.3%, 6/58) and type Ⅲ (4.9%, 4/82) ( P<0.05); Kidney damage occurred in 56.9% (33/58) patients with type Ⅱ and 52.4% (43/82) patients with type Ⅲ, which was higher than that in type Ⅰ patients (17.7%, 11/62) ( P<0.05); Only 4 patients (4.9%, 4/82) with type Ⅲ had peripheral neuropathy, which was lower than those with type Ⅰ (17.7%, 11/62) and type Ⅱ (31.0%, 18/58) ( P<0.05). The quantity of cryoglobulins in patients with type Ⅲ cryoglobulinemia [122 (82, 177) mg/L] was significantly lower than that in patients with type Ⅰ [695(229, 3 499) mg/L] ( P<0.001) and type Ⅱ cryoglobulinemia [350 (107, 1 874) mg/L] ( P<0.001). Complement 4 decreased in 49.0% (99/202) of patients and complement 3 decreased in 42.6% (86/202) of patients. Membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (36.0%, 9/25) and endocapillary proliferative glomerulonephritis (32.0%, 8/25) were the main renal pathological manifestations of cryoglobulin nephropathy. Conclusions:The most common clinical manifestations of cryoglobulinemia are skin and kidney damage. The clinical manifestations of patients with cryoglobulinemia vary in different types of cryoglobulins. Serum complement decreases in nearly half of cryoglobulinemia patients.

Objective To investigate air radioactivity contamination, surface contamination, ambient dose equivalent rates, and radiation doses to individuals in the treatment room during ¹⁷⁷Lu-DOTATATE therapy. Methods A ward for ¹⁷⁷Lu-DOTATATE therapy was selected in the nuclear medicine department of a general hospital. Air and surface radioactivity samples were collected before and after therapy for four patients. Ambient dose equivalent rates were measured around the four patients following the initiation of ¹⁷⁷Lu-DOTATATE therapy. Measurements were taken at distances of 0.1, 0.3, 0.5, and 1−4 m (with 0.5 m intervals) from the right lateral midsection of the patient’s torso. The measurement time points included 5, 15, and 30 min after initiation of administration, as well as 0−4 h (with 1 h intervals), 24 h, and 48 h post-administration. Radiation exposure doses for personnel at different distances from the patients were calculated for each time interval. Results The results of radioactive aerosol detection for all four patients during and after the administration of ¹⁷⁷Lu-DOTATATE were similar to those before administration. Surface contamination was not detected at the measurement locations except for patient number 2. The ambient dose equivalent rates increased with increasing injection dose during the administration. However, the ambient dose equivalent rates decreased significantly within one hour after administration. At the end of the administration, the average ambient dose equivalent rate at a distance of one meter for the four patients was 42.931 μSv/h. From the start of administration to four hours post-administration, personnel maintaining a distance of one meter from the patient received a total radiation dose of 167.64 μSv. Conclusion Air radioactivity contamination does not occur during ¹⁷⁷Lu-DOTATATE therapy. However, measures should be taken before the commencement of therapy to address potential surface contamination. Both accompanying persons and healthcare staff receive radiation doses below the stipulated dose constraints throughout the treatment process. Therefore, it is necessary to implement appropriate measures to minimize the radiation exposure of healthcare staff.