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.

Objective To explore the neuroprotective role of Rab10 gene in depression and the mechanism mediating its effect.Methods Forty-eight male SD rats were randomized into a control group and 3 chronic unpredictable mild stress(CUMS)groups(n=12).The rats in the latter 3 groups were subjected to injections of normal saline,an adeno-associated viral(AAV)vector,or a Rab10-overexpressing AAV vector in the lateral ventricle after CUMS modeling.The depressive behavioral changes of the rats were assessed using behavioral tests.The TargetScan database was used to predict the miRNA interacting with Rab10 and the binding sites.The interaction between miRNA-103-3p and Rab10 was investigated using dual-luciferase and radioimmunoprecipitation(RIP)assay.The effect of corticosterone treatment on PC12 cell viability was assessed with CCK-8 assay.In corticosterone-stimulated PC12 cells,the changes in BDNF,CREB,p62,Beclin-1,Wnt3a,Gsk3β,phosphorylated(p)-Gsk3β,and β-catenin protein expressions following transfection with the Rab10-overexpressing AAV vector and a miRNA-103-3p inhibitor,alone or in combination,were analyzed using qRT-PCR and Western blotting.Results Injection of Rab10-overexpressing AVV vector into the lateral ventricle significantly improved depressive behaviors of CUMS rats.The mRNA and proteins expression of Rab10 were significantly down-regulated in the hippocampus of CUMS rats and in corticosterone-stimulated PC12 cells.Bioinformatics analysis and the results of double luciferase and RIP experiments confirmed the targeting relationship between miRNA-103-3p and Rab10.In PC12 cells,overexpression of Rab10 or silencing miRNA-103-3p activated the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway,up-regulated the expressions of BDNF,CREB and Beclin-1,and down-regulated the expression of p62 protein;silencing Rab10 obviously blocked the effect of miRNA-103-3p inhibitor.Conclusion In mouse models of depression,miRNA-103-3p activates Wnt/β-catenin signaling via targeting rab10 to improve neural plasticity and promotes neural cell autophagy.

Objective To explore the neuroprotective role of Rab10 gene in depression and the mechanism mediating its effect.Methods Forty-eight male SD rats were randomized into a control group and 3 chronic unpredictable mild stress(CUMS)groups(n=12).The rats in the latter 3 groups were subjected to injections of normal saline,an adeno-associated viral(AAV)vector,or a Rab10-overexpressing AAV vector in the lateral ventricle after CUMS modeling.The depressive behavioral changes of the rats were assessed using behavioral tests.The TargetScan database was used to predict the miRNA interacting with Rab10 and the binding sites.The interaction between miRNA-103-3p and Rab10 was investigated using dual-luciferase and radioimmunoprecipitation(RIP)assay.The effect of corticosterone treatment on PC12 cell viability was assessed with CCK-8 assay.In corticosterone-stimulated PC12 cells,the changes in BDNF,CREB,p62,Beclin-1,Wnt3a,Gsk3β,phosphorylated(p)-Gsk3β,and β-catenin protein expressions following transfection with the Rab10-overexpressing AAV vector and a miRNA-103-3p inhibitor,alone or in combination,were analyzed using qRT-PCR and Western blotting.Results Injection of Rab10-overexpressing AVV vector into the lateral ventricle significantly improved depressive behaviors of CUMS rats.The mRNA and proteins expression of Rab10 were significantly down-regulated in the hippocampus of CUMS rats and in corticosterone-stimulated PC12 cells.Bioinformatics analysis and the results of double luciferase and RIP experiments confirmed the targeting relationship between miRNA-103-3p and Rab10.In PC12 cells,overexpression of Rab10 or silencing miRNA-103-3p activated the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway,up-regulated the expressions of BDNF,CREB and Beclin-1,and down-regulated the expression of p62 protein;silencing Rab10 obviously blocked the effect of miRNA-103-3p inhibitor.Conclusion In mouse models of depression,miRNA-103-3p activates Wnt/β-catenin signaling via targeting rab10 to improve neural plasticity and promotes neural cell autophagy.

OBJECTIVE:To investigate the influence of CYP3A5*3 (rs776746) genetic polymorphism on blood concentration of tacmlimus (TAC) and renal function in renal transplant recipients during the stable period.METHODS:A total of 98 renal transplant recipients during the stable period receiving TAC-based triple anti-rejection scheme (TAC + sodium mycophenol +predrnisone acetate) after surgery and regular follow-up were selected from our hospital during Jan.1995-Dec.2014.The follow-up information during Jan.-Dec.2016 was also collected.Trough concentration of TAC in renal transplant recipients was determined by chemiluminescence microparticle immuno assay.Standard blood concentration (C/D) was calculated after corrected with body weight and daily dose.Scr level was detected with dry chemistry method.CYP3A5*3 genotype was detected by PCR-RFLP and direct sequencing.The relationship of CYP3A5*3 genetic polymorphism with TAC C/D value and Scr level was determined by Kruskal Wallis H or Mann-Whitney U assay.RESULTS:Among 98 renal transplant recipients,there were 9 cases of CYP3A5*3 *1/*1(AA) genotype,37 cases of *1/*3 (AG) genotype and 52 cases of *3/*3 (GG)genotype.The gene frequencies were 9.18％,37.76％,53.06％,which were all in line with Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (P＞0.05).There was no statistical significance in trough concentration of TAC among different genotypes (P＞0.05).There was statistical significance in TAC dose and C/D value among different genotypes (P＞0.05).TAC dose of CYP3A5*3 *3/*3 genotype recipients was significantly lower than those of *1/*3 and *1/*1 genotype recipients;that of *1/*3 genotype recipients was significantly lower than that of *1/*1 genotype recipients.C/D value of *3/*3 genotype recipients was significantly higher than those of *1/*3 and *1/*1 genotype recipients;that of *1/*3 genotype recipients was significantly higher than that of *1/*1 genotype recipients,with statistical significance (P＜0.05).There was no statistical significance in Scr levels among different genotypes (P＞0.05).CONCLUSIONS:CYP3A5*3 genetic polymorphism significantly influences blood concentration of TAC in renal transplant recipients during the stable period,and *3 allele carriers have higher C/D values and need smaller TAC daily dose.CYP3AS*3 genetic polymorphism may be not associated with Scr level.

A group of 19 referred hypertensive patients were diagnosed to have primary aldosteronism(PA) with inconclusive computed tomography scan results.Adrenal vein sarmpling (AVS) was performed in all patients.AVS was successful in 16 cases but failed in 3 cases.According to the results of AVS and postoperative pathology,8 cases were diagnosed as aldosterone-producing adenoma (APA) and unilateral adrenal hyperplasia (UAH),and the other 8 cases were diagnosed as idiopathic hyperaldosteronism (IHA).In conclusion,AVS is one of the most crucial methods in typing diagnosis of PA.