1.Effect of Highly Expressed lysophosphatidyllecithin acyltransferase 4 on Proliferation of Pancreatic Cancer
Haoming LU ; Jin HUANG ; Yixi WU ; Jiayin LU ; Zhenpei LI ; Xiuying XIONG ; Jiawen YE ; Xia YANG
Journal of Sun Yat-sen University(Medical Sciences) 2025;46(3):401-409
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			ObjectiveTo investigate the expression level of lysophosphatidyllecithin acyltransferase 4 (LPCAT4) in pancreatic cancer and its effect on the proliferation of pancreatic cancer cells. MethodsIn this study, the differentially expressed genes of patients with KRAS mutant and wild-type pancreatic cancer were analyzed by online database LinkedOmics. The LPCAT4 expression in pancreatic cancer tissues was analyzed online by the University of Alabama at Birmingham Cancer Data Analysis (UALCAN), Sangerbox and gene expression profile interaction analysis 2 (GEPIA2). Kaplan-Meier Plotter database was used to explore the correlation between LPCAT4 and the prognosis of patients with pancreatic cancer. The expression of LPCAT4 in human pancreatic cancer cells were detected by quantitative real-time PCR and Western blot analysis. LPCAT4 was knocked down in the high-expressing SW1990 cell line and overexpressed in the low-expressing MIA PaCa-2 cell line. The effects of LPCAT4 expression on cell proliferation were assessed using CCK-8 and EdU assays. STRING and GEPIA2 databases were used to obtain LPCAT4 binding and coexpressed genes in tumors, which were then analyzed by GO and KEGG. ResultsAnalysis of the LinkedOmics online database revealed a significant upregulation of LPCAT4 in patients with KRAS mutant pancreatic cancer compared to patients with KRAS wild-type pancreatic cancer. The online analysis of GEPIA2, UALCAN and Sangerbox 3.0 showed that the expression of LPCAT4 was higher in pancreatic cancer than in normal tissues. Analysis of the Kaplan-Meier Plotter database revealed that high LPCAT4 expression was associated with poorer prognosis in pancreatic cancer patients.Western blot and qPCR results showed that expression of LPCAT4 in pancreatic cancer cell lines was significantly higher than in normal pancreatic ductal epithelial cells. Knockdown of LPCAT4 in SW1990 cells inhibited proliferation, while overexpression in MIA PaCa-2 cells promoted proliferation. Enrichment analysis indicated that LPCAT4 was closely related to sulfur metabolism. ConclusionsLPCAT4 is highly expressed in pancreatic cancer and is associated with poor prognosis of patients. It plays a significant regulatory role in the proliferation of pancreatic cancer cells, with its expression level closely correlated with cell proliferation capacity. These findings reveal the critical role of LPCAT4 in the malignant progression of pancreatic cancer and provide important evidence for its potential as a therapeutic target. 
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
2.TLR4 and IFN - γ Activated Mesenchymal Stem Cells Improve Schistosomiasis Liver Fibrosis by Regulating Macrophage Polarization
Yaojia REN ; Fang CHEN ; Wanxian HUANG ; Zhongdao WU ; Junxia LEI
Journal of Sun Yat-sen University(Medical Sciences) 2025;46(3):410-419
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			ObjectiveTo investigate whether co-activated mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs) exert therapeutic effects against schistosomiasis by modulating macrophage polarization. MethodsTwenty adult male Balb/c mice were randomly divided into four groups: uninfected, infected, MSC-treated, and MSCTLR4+IFN-γ-treated groups. The Schistosoma japonicum infection model was established via abdominal patch method with cercariae. At week 5 post-infection, praziquantel was administered orally for antiparasitic treatment. At week 6, mice received either MSCs treatments (with or without pre-activation) or no treatment. Body weight changes were monitored weekly. Hepatic pathological alterations were evaluated via HE and Masson staining. RT-qPCR was used to assess α-SMA and collagen (Col-I, Col-Ⅲ) mRNA levels to quantify fibrosis. The mRNA levels of hepatic inflammatory cytokines and matrix metalloproteinases(MMP) were analyzed to explore fibrotic mechanisms. The expressions of i-Nos and Arg-1 in liver tissues were detected by RT-qPCR, and the ratio of M1 or M2 macrophages was detected by immunofluorescence staining, aiming to analyze the correlation between MSCs treatment and macrophage polarization. An in vitro co-culture system validated direct MSC-macrophage interactions. ResultsCompared with the infected group, the MSCTLR4+IFN-γ group exhibited increased body weight gain (P< 0.01), reduced hepatic granulomatous lesion area (P< 0.001), and decreased α-SMA, Col-I, and Col-Ⅲ mRNA levels (P< 0.01). Additionally, the MSCTLR4+IFN-γ group showed reduced TNF-α and IL-1β expression (P< 0.05), as well as elevated MMP2, Mmp9, and MMP13 levels (P< 0.01). The MSCTLR4+IFN-γ group showed higher expression of M2 marker Arg-1 mRNA compared with the infection group (P < 0.001) , while the expression of M1 marker i-Nos decreased (P< 0.05). Immunofluorescence confirmed a lower i-Nos+ cell ratio (P< 0.05) and higher F4/80+CD206+ cell ratio (P< 0.000 1) in the MSCTLR4+IFN-γ group compared with the infection group. In vitro co-culture experiments further demonstrated that MSCTLR4+IFN-γ promoted Arg-1 expression, suppressed pro-inflammatory cytokine i-Nos and TNF-α levels, consistent with ELISA results. ConclusionsThis study reveals that TLR4 and IFN-γ co-activated MSCs alleviate Schistosoma japonicum-induced hepatic fibrosis, potentially through modulating macrophage polarization toward the M2 phenotype. This mechanism may suppress inflammation and enhance extracellular matrix degradation, providing a therapeutic strategy for schistosomiasis-associated liver fibrosis. 
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
3.Glutamate Receptor Antagonists Attenuate Stereotyped Behaviors via Modulating BDNF Levels in Obsessive-complusive Disorder Model Mice
Weijie WANG ; Yuchong LUO ; Dongmiao HUANG ; Chen YANG ; Jihui YUE ; Xianglan WANG ; Shenglin WEN
Journal of Sun Yat-sen University(Medical Sciences) 2025;46(3):475-485
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			ObjectiveTo explore whether fluoroethylnormemantine (FENM), an NMDA receptor antagonist, could improve compulsive-like behaviors and to investigate its underlying mechanisms in the RU24969-induced obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) mouse model. MethodsThirty-two mice were randomly assigned to four groups: Saline (n=8), RU24969 (n=8), RU+FENM (n=8), and FENM (n=8). Mice received FENM or an equivalent volume of saline for pre-treatment, followed by RU24969 or saline for model induction 30 minutes later. Behavioral tests were performed 1 hour after modeling, and serum samples were collected to measure the level of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Evans Blue dye was intravenously injected to assess dye content in brain tissue, thereby evaluating potential blood-brain barrier damage. ResultsFENM treatment significantly improved repetitive stereotyped circling behavior (F=39.850, P<0.001) and alleviated persistent motor activity (F=50.200, P<0.001) in RU24969 model mice. Additionally, FENM treatment significantly increased serum BDNF level in RU24969-induced OCD mice (F=18.930, P<0.001). ConclusionsFENM , an NMDA receptor antagonist, may alleviate compulsive behaviors in OCD mice by modulating BDNF levels , thereby exerting anti-compulsive effects. Neither the RU24969 model nor FENM treatment significantly affectes blood-brain barrier integrity. 
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
4.Effect of Video-based Educational Intervention Combined with Maternal Presence on Perioperative Adverse Outcomes in Preschool Children under General Anesthesia
Jiayu TAN ; Fengqiu GONG ; Wenqi HUANG ; Xia FENG ; Qiongfang ZHU ; Yubo KANG ; Wenyan WU ; Xiuhong LI
Journal of Sun Yat-sen University(Medical Sciences) 2025;46(3):519-527
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of video-based educational intervention combined with maternal presence on perioperative adverse outcomes in preschool children undergoing general anesthesia, including cooperation in anesthesia induction, perioperative anxiety, pain and agitation during recovery. MethodsA total of 300 preschool children scheduled for general anesthesia in our hospital from June to December 2023 were randomly assigned to control group (n=150) and intervention group (n=150). The control group received routine recovery care. For the intervention group, in addition to routine recovery care, a preoperative visit was scheduled one day before surgery. During this visit, mothers were guided to watch anesthesia videos with their children. During the waiting period in the operating room and 30 minutes after awakening, the mothers were guided to accompany the children for more than 30 minutes. Recovery conditions were recorded using the surgical anesthesia information system, and the children’s anesthetic induction compliance, perioperative anxiety, pain, and agitation were evaluated and recorded using the modified Yale Preoperative Anxiety Scale (m-YPAS), the Induction Compliance Scale (ICC), the Children’s Pain Behavior Scale (FLACC), and the Pediatric Agitation and Emergence Delirium Scale (PAED). ResultsOn the preoperative visit day, there were no statistically significant differences in baseline data between the two groups (P > 0.05). For perioperative anxiety, the m-YPAS scores of the intervention group were significantly lower than those of the control group, both when entering the operating room waiting area (35.27±6.48 vs. 41.79±6.68, P < 0.05) and 30 minutes after postoperative recovery (20.13±7.05 vs. 35.75±9.51, P < 0.05). In terms of anesthesia induction cooperation, the ICC scores of the intervention group were significantly lower than those of the control group (1.84±0.95 vs. 3.17±0.62, P < 0.05), and the proportion of good induction cooperation was significantly higher than that of the control group (24.00% vs. 12.67%, P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in awakening duration between the two groups, but the intervention group had a significantly shorter length of stay in the post-anesthesia care unit than the control group (0.90±0.29 hours vs. 1.29±0.42 hours, P < 0.001). For perioperative agitation, the PAED scores of the intervention group were significantly lower than those of the control group (entering in the operating room waiting area: 8.5 vs. 9.2, P < 0.05; 30 minutes after postoperative recovery: 4.2 vs. 7.8, P < 0.05). In terms of pain scores, the FLACC scores of the intervention group were also significantly lower than those of the control group, both when entering the operating room waiting area ( 5.3 vs. 6.7, P < 0.05; 30 minutes after postoperative recovery: 2.1 vs. 4.9, P < 0.05). ConclusionsVideo-based educational intervention combined with maternal presence reduces the perioperative anxiety, pain and agitation of preschool children undergoing general anesthesia, and improved the compliance of anesthesia induction. It is recommended to promote this intervention measure in clinical practice. 
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
5.Application of the Third-generation Intracavitary Combined With Interstitial Brachytherapy Applicator Template for Cervical Cancer
Xiang ZHOU ; Xiaodan HUANG ; Huimin XU ; Yi OUYANG
Journal of Sun Yat-sen University(Medical Sciences) 2025;46(2):354-360
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			ObjectiveTo evaluate a third-generation applicator template for intracavitary combined with interstitial brachytherapy (IC-ISBT) suitable for locally advanced cervical cancer, aiming to improve therapeutic outcomes. MethodsA retrospective study was conducted on patients with stage IB3-ⅣB cervical cancer treated at Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center from January 2023 to October 2023. Magnetic resonance imaging data before and after external beam radiation therapy were collected and analyzed. According to the residual tumor after external beam radiation, high-risk clinical target volumes (HR-CTV) were delineated, based on which a third-generation IC-ISBT applicator template was designed. The dosimetric and therapeutic differences between using this applicator template (template implantation group) and traditional freehand interstitial implantation (freehand implantation group) were further compared. Statistical methods were used to analyze the data from both groups to test the efficacy and safety of the two approaches. ResultsThe third-generation applicator template could accommodate different cervical structures and optimize needle path layout. The tumor volume in the template implantation group was significantly larger than in the freehand implantation group, showing statistical differences. In terms of dosimetric coverage (V100%), the template implantation group exhibited significant statistical differences compared with the freehand implantation group, demonstrating superior dose coverage. Additionally, the third-generation template showed advantages in protecting the rectum and sigmoid colon by potentially reducing high-dose points, while there were no significant differences in bladder dosimetry between the two methods. The primary cervical lesion remission rates were similar between the two groups. ConclusionThe third-generation IC-ISBT applicator template is scientifically and rationally designed, especially for patients with larger tumor volumes and later stages. It is easy to operate, highly reproducible, and shows significant advantages in dose distribution and protection of surrounding critical organs. The template has the potential to be widely applied as a routine treatment option. 
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
6.Study on relationships of MS4A1 gene polymorphism with blood concentration and efficacy of rituximab in patients with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
Feng SHI ; Tao LIU ; He HUANG ; Caifu FANG ; Shaoxing GUAN ; Zhang ZHANG ; Zhao WANG ; Xiaojie FANG ; Zhuojia CHEN ; Shu LIU
China Pharmacy 2025;36(13):1641-1647
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			OBJECTIVE To explore the effects of CD20 coding gene (MS4A1) polymorphism on the blood concentration and efficacy of rituximab in patients with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. METHODS A prospective observational study was conducted on 160 newly diagnosed non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma patients who received the R-CHOP regimen at the Sun Yat Sen University Cancer Center from January 2016 to December 2020, with a minimum follow-up period of approximately 5 years. The blood concentration of rituximab was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. MS4A1 tagSNPs were selected by Haploview4.2 software, including rs1051461, rs17155034, rs4939364, and rs10501385. The genotype of MS4A1 was detected by Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Univariate linear regression analysis was employed to examine the correlation between various factors(demographic, clinical, and genotypic variables) in patients and the steady-state trough concentration of rituximab during the first course of treatment, followed by multivariate linear regression analysis. Kaplan-Meier curves were drawn to evaluate progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Using MS4A1 genotype and tumor stage as independent variables, Cox regression model was employed to evaluate the factors influencing patient prognosis. RESULTS The blood concentration of rituximab in MS4A1 rs10501385 CC carriers was 15.20 μg/mL,which was significantly lower than 21.95 μg/mL in AA+AC carriers (P<0.05). The multivariate linear regression model incorporating tumor stage and MS4A1 rs10501385 polymorphism explained 7.3% of the interindividual variability in rituximab concentrations. Compared with MS4A1 rs1051461 CC carriers, CT+TT carriers had significantly prolonged PFS and OS (P<0.05). The Cox proportional hazards regression model showed that the MS4A1 rs1051461 CC genotype (HR=4.406, 95%CI:1.743-11.137, P<0.05) and tumor Ⅲ&Ⅳ (HR=3.233, 95%CI: 1.413-7.399, P<0.05) were independent risk factors for PFS. CONCLUSIONS The tumor staging and MS4A1 rs10501385 polymorphism are key influencing factors for blood concentration of rituximab, and MS4A1 rs1051461 polymorphism significantly affects PFS in non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma patients.
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
7.Challenges and prospects of early intervention of elderly urinary incontinence in the context of China's aging population
Journal of Modern Urology 2025;30(4):275-278
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			In the context of China's aging population, the issue of urinary incontinence among the elderly is becoming increasingly severe.Urinary incontinence not only significantly impacts patients' quality of life, but also imposes a substantial economic burden and psychological stress.This article explores the challenges and prospects of the early intervention of elderly urinary incontinence in China, including improving early diagnosis rates, enhancing patients' self-management abilities, and early screening and prevention for high-risk groups.With the advancement of technology and medical innovations, digital self-management tools offer new possibilities for managing urinary incontinence, helping patients to better control their condition, especially when medical resources are limited.Furthermore, this article calls for greater attention from all sectors of the society to address elderly urinary incontinence and promote the implementation of more systematic research and management strategies to improve the quality of life for China's elderly population.
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
8.Microscope-assisted minimally invasive flap periodontal bone grafting for mandibular molar grade Ⅱ furcation defects
HUANG Rongyu ; GAO Li ; LUO Qi ; XIAO Jianhao ; MA Shanshan ; BAI Ruiqi
Journal of Prevention and Treatment for Stomatological Diseases 2025;33(9):765-772
		                        		
		                        			Objective:
		                        			To investigate the clinical efficacy of oral microscope-assisted microflap periodontal bone grafting in treating class Ⅱ furcation involvement in mandibular molars, and to provide clinical evidence for its treatment in furcation involvement.
		                        		
		                        			Methods:
		                        			This study was reviewed and approved by the institutional ethics committee, and informed consent was obtained from all patients. Sixty mandibular molars with class II furcation involvement caused by periodontitis were enrolled in a randomized controlled clinical study, utilizing a random number table method. Patients were categorized into a control group (n=30) and an experimental group (n=30) based on the surgical procedure employed. The control group underwent periodontal flap surgery with an internal oblique incision and vertical incision; this procedure was performed without the aid of a microscope. Conversely, the experimental group underwent micro flap periodontal bone grafting surgery without vertical incision; an oral microscope was used for this procedure. Both groups were analyzed 6 months after surgery, and postoperative gingival recession (GR), probing depth (PD), bleeding index (BI), vertical bone height increase (VBHI), pain level, and complications were recorded.
		                        		
		                        			Results:
		                        			Both groups showed improvement in PD and BI after 6 months compared to preoperative levels: the control group had a preoperative PD of (7.33 ± 1.72 mm) and a 6-month postoperative PD of (3.37 ± 0.96 mm), with statistically significant differences (P<0.001). The preoperative PD of the experimental group was (7.27 ± 1.57 mm), and the 6-month postoperative PD was (3.00 ± 0.69 mm), with statistically significant differences (P<0.001). The BI of the control group decreased from 3.03 ± 1.03 before surgery to 0.77 ± 0.82 at 6 months after surgery (P<0.001), while the BI of the experimental group decreased from 3.20 ± 1.09 before surgery to 0.73 ± 0.64 at 6 months after surgery (P<0.001), and the differences were statistically significant. The experimental group showed a significant improvement in GR (0.70 ± 0.59 mm) compared to preoperative GR (1.26 ± 0.94 mm) at 6 months after surgery (P=0.007), while the control group showed an increase in GR (1.37 ± 0.89 mm) at 6 months after surgery compared to preoperative GR (1.13 ± 0.97 mm), but the difference was not statistically significant (P=0.337). The inter group comparison results showed that there were no statistically significant differences in PD and BI between the two groups at 6 months after surgery (PD: P=0.096, BI: P=0.861); The GR of the experimental group was lower than that of the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (P=0.001). There was no statistically significant difference in postoperative VBHI between the two groups (P=0.128). The pain level scores of the experimental group were lower than those of the control group at 4 and 24 hours after surgery (P<0.001). None of the patients experienced complications.
		                        		
		                        			Conclusion
		                        			Microflap periodontal bone grafting assisted by an oral microscope effectively improves the periodontal condition of patients with grade Ⅱ root bifurcation lesions of mandibular molars, and the bone grafting effect is good, with mild pain and good safety.
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
9.Tumor Microenvironment Polyamines Inhibit T Cell Antitumor Activity
Yuan-Bao AI ; Xue-Mei HUANG ; Sen LIU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(8):1986-1997
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			Tumor immunotherapy has emerged as the fourth major therapeutic modality, following surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. Unlike traditional treatments that primarily target tumor cells directly, immunotherapy harnesses the body’s immune system to recognize and eliminate cancer cells. Over the past decade, various immunotherapeutic strategies have been developed, including immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy, cancer vaccines, and cytokine-based therapies. However, the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) poses a significant obstacle to the effectiveness of these treatments. Polyamines—including putrescine, spermidine, and spermine—are polycationic metabolites that often accumulate abnormally in the TME and act as critical immunoregulatory molecules. T cells play a central role in antitumor immunity, yet their function is frequently influenced by immunoregulatory factors within the TME. Elevated polyamine levels in the TME have been implicated in dampening antitumor T cell responses, thereby facilitating tumor immune evasion. Polyamines in the TME originate from both tumor cells and tumor-associated immune cells. Tumor cells often overexpress the oncogene Myc, which drives the upregulation of polyamine biosynthetic enzymes, resulting in excessive intracellular polyamine production. Additionally, M2-polarized tumor-associated macrophages (M2-TAMs) contribute to polyamine accumulation by upregulating arginase-I (Arg-I), an enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of arginine into ornithine—a key precursor in the polyamine biosynthetic pathway. These combined sources lead to sustained polyamine enrichment in the TME, contributing to immune dysfunction and supporting tumor progression. Moreover, polyamines indirectly affect T cell activity by modulating macrophage polarization and directly suppress tumor cell apoptosis, further promoting an immunosuppressive environment. This review highlights the multifaceted roles of polyamines in modulating tumor-infiltrating T cell function, with a particular focus on their influence on CD4+ T cell differentiation,CD8+ T cell cytotoxicity, and immune checkpoint molecule expression. Recent studies suggest that polyamines suppress CD4+ T cell activation and differentiation by modulating the MAPK/ERK signaling pathway. Additionally, polyamines can impair T cell receptor (TCR) signaling and promote immune evasion through the upregulation of PD-L1 expression on tumor cells. These effects collectively contribute to weakened antitumor T cell responses. Polyamine blocking therapy (PBT), which primarily targets polyamine biosynthesis and transport, has emerged as a novel adjunctive immunotherapeutic strategy in cancer treatment. By reducing polyamine levels in the TME, PBT restores T cell effector functions and alleviates immunosuppression. Notably, studies have demonstrated that combining PBT with ICIs produces synergistic antitumor effects and may overcome resistance to ICI monotherapy. Although research has revealed the inhibitory effects of polyamines on T cell immune function, the underlying regulatory mechanisms remain to be fully elucidated. Moreover, due to compensatory mechanisms employed by tumor cells to maintain polyamine homeostasis, multi-targeted approaches may be necessary to achieve safe and effective therapeutic outcomes. Future PBT strategies may benefit from the integration of multi-omics technologies and the development of nanocarrier-based drug delivery systems, which could collectively enhance their specificity, efficacy, and applicability in cancer immunotherapy. This review systematically elucidates the immunomodulatory effects of polyamines on T cell function within the TME and provides theoretical support and novel insights for the advancement of tumor immunotherapeutic strategies. 
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
10.Predicting Hepatocellular Carcinoma Using Brightness Change Curves Derived From Contrast-enhanced Ultrasound Images
Ying-Ying CHEN ; Shang-Lin JIANG ; Liang-Hui HUANG ; Ya-Guang ZENG ; Xue-Hua WANG ; Wei ZHENG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(8):2163-2172
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			ObjectivePrimary liver cancer, predominantly hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), is a significant global health issue, ranking as the sixth most diagnosed cancer and the third leading cause of cancer-related mortality. Accurate and early diagnosis of HCC is crucial for effective treatment, as HCC and non-HCC malignancies like intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) exhibit different prognoses and treatment responses. Traditional diagnostic methods, including liver biopsy and contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS), face limitations in applicability and objectivity. The primary objective of this study was to develop an advanced, light-weighted classification network capable of distinguishing HCC from other non-HCC malignancies by leveraging the automatic analysis of brightness changes in CEUS images. The ultimate goal was to create a user-friendly and cost-efficient computer-aided diagnostic tool that could assist radiologists in making more accurate and efficient clinical decisions. MethodsThis retrospective study encompassed a total of 161 patients, comprising 131 diagnosed with HCC and 30 with non-HCC malignancies. To achieve accurate tumor detection, the YOLOX network was employed to identify the region of interest (ROI) on both B-mode ultrasound and CEUS images. A custom-developed algorithm was then utilized to extract brightness change curves from the tumor and adjacent liver parenchyma regions within the CEUS images. These curves provided critical data for the subsequent analysis and classification process. To analyze the extracted brightness change curves and classify the malignancies, we developed and compared several models. These included one-dimensional convolutional neural networks (1D-ResNet, 1D-ConvNeXt, and 1D-CNN), as well as traditional machine-learning methods such as support vector machine (SVM), ensemble learning (EL), k-nearest neighbor (KNN), and decision tree (DT). The diagnostic performance of each method in distinguishing HCC from non-HCC malignancies was rigorously evaluated using four key metrics: area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUC), accuracy (ACC), sensitivity (SE), and specificity (SP). ResultsThe evaluation of the machine-learning methods revealed AUC values of 0.70 for SVM, 0.56 for ensemble learning, 0.63 for KNN, and 0.72 for the decision tree. These results indicated moderate to fair performance in classifying the malignancies based on the brightness change curves. In contrast, the deep learning models demonstrated significantly higher AUCs, with 1D-ResNet achieving an AUC of 0.72, 1D-ConvNeXt reaching 0.82, and 1D-CNN obtaining the highest AUC of 0.84. Moreover, under the five-fold cross-validation scheme, the 1D-CNN model outperformed other models in both accuracy and specificity. Specifically, it achieved accuracy improvements of 3.8% to 10.0% and specificity enhancements of 6.6% to 43.3% over competing approaches. The superior performance of the 1D-CNN model highlighted its potential as a powerful tool for accurate classification. ConclusionThe 1D-CNN model proved to be the most effective in differentiating HCC from non-HCC malignancies, surpassing both traditional machine-learning methods and other deep learning models. This study successfully developed a user-friendly and cost-efficient computer-aided diagnostic solution that would significantly enhances radiologists’ diagnostic capabilities. By improving the accuracy and efficiency of clinical decision-making, this tool has the potential to positively impact patient care and outcomes. Future work may focus on further refining the model and exploring its integration with multimodal ultrasound data to maximize its accuracy and applicability. 
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
            

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail