Objective: To evaluate the feasibility of dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI) in differentiating tumor deposits (TDs) from metastatic lymph nodes (MLNs) in rectal cancer. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 70 patients with rectal cancer, including 168 lesions (70 TDs and 98 MLNs confirmed by histopathology), who underwent pretreatment MRI and subsequent surgery between March 2019 and December 2022. The morphological characteristics of TDs and MLNs, along with quantitative parameters derived from DCE-MRI (K trans , kep, and v e) and DWI (ADCmin, ADCmax, and ADCmean), were analyzed and compared between the two groups.Multivariable binary logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses were performed to assess the diagnostic performance of significant individual quantitative parameters and combined parameters in distinguishing TDs from MLNs. Results: All morphological features, including size, shape, border, and signal intensity, as well as all DCE-MRI parameters showed significant differences between TDs and MLNs (all P < 0.05). However, ADC values did not demonstrate significant differences (all P > 0.05). Among the single quantitative parameters, v e had the highest diagnostic accuracy, with an area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.772 for distinguishing TDs from MLNs. A multivariable logistic regression model incorporating short axis, border, v e, and ADC mean improved diagnostic performance, achieving an AUC of 0.833 (P = 0.027). Conclusion The combination of morphological features, DCE-MRI parameters, and ADC values can effectively aid in the preoperative differentiation of TDs from MLNs in rectal cancer.

In recent years, the prevalence of diabetes has continued to rise, with diabetes mellitus type 2 (T2DM) being the most common form. T2DM is characterized by chronic low-grade inflammation and disruptions in insulin metabolism. Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) is a key pattern recognition receptor that, upon activation, upregulates pro-inflammatory cytokines via the nuclear factor κB (NF‑κB) pathway, thereby contributing to the pathogenesis of T2DM. Peripheral 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), primarily synthesized by enterochromaffin (EC) cells in the gut, interacts with 5-hydroxytryptamine receptors (5-HTRs) in key insulin-target tissues, including the liver, adipose tissue, and skeletal muscle. This interaction influences hepatic gluconeogenesis, fat mobilization, and the browning of white adipose tissue. Elevated peripheral 5-HT levels may disrupt glucose and lipid metabolism, thereby contributing to the onset and progression of T2DM. Within mitochondria, 5-HT undergoes degradation and inactivation through the enzymatic action of monoamine oxidase A (MAO-A), leading to the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Excessive ROS production and accumulation can induce oxidative stress, which may further contribute to the pathogenesis of T2DM. Platelets serve as the primary reservoir for5-HT in the bloodstream. The activation of the TLR4 signaling pathway on the platelet surface, coupled with reduced expression of the 5-HT transporter on the cell membrane, leads to elevated serum 5-HT levels, potentially accelerating the progression of T2DM. Therefore, inhibition of TLR4 and reduction of peripheral 5-HT levels could represent promising therapeutic strategies for T2DM. This review explores the synthesis, transport, and metabolism of peripheral 5-HT, as well as its role in TLR4-mediated T2DM, with the aim of providing novel insights into the clinical diagnosis, treatment, and evaluation of T2DM.

Objective: To evaluate the feasibility of dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI) in differentiating tumor deposits (TDs) from metastatic lymph nodes (MLNs) in rectal cancer. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 70 patients with rectal cancer, including 168 lesions (70 TDs and 98 MLNs confirmed by histopathology), who underwent pretreatment MRI and subsequent surgery between March 2019 and December 2022. The morphological characteristics of TDs and MLNs, along with quantitative parameters derived from DCE-MRI (K trans , kep, and v e) and DWI (ADCmin, ADCmax, and ADCmean), were analyzed and compared between the two groups.Multivariable binary logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses were performed to assess the diagnostic performance of significant individual quantitative parameters and combined parameters in distinguishing TDs from MLNs. Results: All morphological features, including size, shape, border, and signal intensity, as well as all DCE-MRI parameters showed significant differences between TDs and MLNs (all P < 0.05). However, ADC values did not demonstrate significant differences (all P > 0.05). Among the single quantitative parameters, v e had the highest diagnostic accuracy, with an area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.772 for distinguishing TDs from MLNs. A multivariable logistic regression model incorporating short axis, border, v e, and ADC mean improved diagnostic performance, achieving an AUC of 0.833 (P = 0.027). Conclusion The combination of morphological features, DCE-MRI parameters, and ADC values can effectively aid in the preoperative differentiation of TDs from MLNs in rectal cancer.

Objective: To evaluate the feasibility of dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI) in differentiating tumor deposits (TDs) from metastatic lymph nodes (MLNs) in rectal cancer. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 70 patients with rectal cancer, including 168 lesions (70 TDs and 98 MLNs confirmed by histopathology), who underwent pretreatment MRI and subsequent surgery between March 2019 and December 2022. The morphological characteristics of TDs and MLNs, along with quantitative parameters derived from DCE-MRI (K trans , kep, and v e) and DWI (ADCmin, ADCmax, and ADCmean), were analyzed and compared between the two groups.Multivariable binary logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses were performed to assess the diagnostic performance of significant individual quantitative parameters and combined parameters in distinguishing TDs from MLNs. Results: All morphological features, including size, shape, border, and signal intensity, as well as all DCE-MRI parameters showed significant differences between TDs and MLNs (all P < 0.05). However, ADC values did not demonstrate significant differences (all P > 0.05). Among the single quantitative parameters, v e had the highest diagnostic accuracy, with an area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.772 for distinguishing TDs from MLNs. A multivariable logistic regression model incorporating short axis, border, v e, and ADC mean improved diagnostic performance, achieving an AUC of 0.833 (P = 0.027). Conclusion The combination of morphological features, DCE-MRI parameters, and ADC values can effectively aid in the preoperative differentiation of TDs from MLNs in rectal cancer.

Objective: To evaluate the feasibility of dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI) in differentiating tumor deposits (TDs) from metastatic lymph nodes (MLNs) in rectal cancer. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 70 patients with rectal cancer, including 168 lesions (70 TDs and 98 MLNs confirmed by histopathology), who underwent pretreatment MRI and subsequent surgery between March 2019 and December 2022. The morphological characteristics of TDs and MLNs, along with quantitative parameters derived from DCE-MRI (K trans , kep, and v e) and DWI (ADCmin, ADCmax, and ADCmean), were analyzed and compared between the two groups.Multivariable binary logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses were performed to assess the diagnostic performance of significant individual quantitative parameters and combined parameters in distinguishing TDs from MLNs. Results: All morphological features, including size, shape, border, and signal intensity, as well as all DCE-MRI parameters showed significant differences between TDs and MLNs (all P < 0.05). However, ADC values did not demonstrate significant differences (all P > 0.05). Among the single quantitative parameters, v e had the highest diagnostic accuracy, with an area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.772 for distinguishing TDs from MLNs. A multivariable logistic regression model incorporating short axis, border, v e, and ADC mean improved diagnostic performance, achieving an AUC of 0.833 (P = 0.027). Conclusion The combination of morphological features, DCE-MRI parameters, and ADC values can effectively aid in the preoperative differentiation of TDs from MLNs in rectal cancer.

Objective: To evaluate the feasibility of dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI) in differentiating tumor deposits (TDs) from metastatic lymph nodes (MLNs) in rectal cancer. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 70 patients with rectal cancer, including 168 lesions (70 TDs and 98 MLNs confirmed by histopathology), who underwent pretreatment MRI and subsequent surgery between March 2019 and December 2022. The morphological characteristics of TDs and MLNs, along with quantitative parameters derived from DCE-MRI (K trans , kep, and v e) and DWI (ADCmin, ADCmax, and ADCmean), were analyzed and compared between the two groups.Multivariable binary logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses were performed to assess the diagnostic performance of significant individual quantitative parameters and combined parameters in distinguishing TDs from MLNs. Results: All morphological features, including size, shape, border, and signal intensity, as well as all DCE-MRI parameters showed significant differences between TDs and MLNs (all P < 0.05). However, ADC values did not demonstrate significant differences (all P > 0.05). Among the single quantitative parameters, v e had the highest diagnostic accuracy, with an area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.772 for distinguishing TDs from MLNs. A multivariable logistic regression model incorporating short axis, border, v e, and ADC mean improved diagnostic performance, achieving an AUC of 0.833 (P = 0.027). Conclusion The combination of morphological features, DCE-MRI parameters, and ADC values can effectively aid in the preoperative differentiation of TDs from MLNs in rectal cancer.

Objective To investigate the predictive value of new simplified insulin resistance(IR)assessment indexes in identifying subclinical left ventricular systolic function impairment in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM).Methods A total of 150 T2DM patients with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF≥50%)who were admitted to Department of Endocrinology of the First Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Medical University from June 2021 to December 2021 were retrospectively analyzed.All patients underwent two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography to measure left ventricular global longitudinal strain(GLS).According to GLS value,the subjects were divided into the normal group(GLS≥18%group,n=80)and the impaired group(GLS<18%group,n=70).Some new simplified IR assessment indicators were calculated and compared between the two groups,including body mass index(BMI),TG/HDL-C ratio,triglyceride-glucose(TyG)index,TyG-BMI index,TyG-WHR and metabolic score for IR(METS-IR).Correlation between the GLS and the new simplified IR assessment indexes was analyzed.The receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve was used to analyze the diagnostic efficacy of different simplified IR assessment indexes,with the area under the curve(AUC)calculated.Furthermore,according to whether the subjects were complicated with hypertension,binary logistics regression analysis was performed to explore the independent correlation between the simplified IR assessment index and GLS<18%.Results Total 150 were included with aged(54.5±13.7)years with 96(64.0%)men and 54(36.0%)women.Compared with the GLS≥18%group,the TG/HDL-C ratio,TyG index,TyG-BMI,and METS-IR of subjects in the GLS<18%group were significantly increased(P<0.05).Pearson correlation analysis showed that TG/HDL-C ratio,TyG index,TyG-BMI,TyG-WHR,and METS-IR were negatively correlated with GLS(P<0.05).ROC analysis showed that TyG index had a certain predictive value for the evaluation of GLS<18%(AUC=0.678,95%CI 0.591-0.765,P<0.001).Stratification based on hypertension and further adjusting for confounding factors,TyG index remains significantly associated with GLS<18%(OR=3.249,95%CI 1.045-10.103,P=0.042).Conclusions The novel simplified insulin resistance evaluation indexes are closely associated with left ventricular subclinical systolic dysfunction in T2DM patients with preserved ejection fraction.TyG index is an effective index to identify left ventricular subclinical dysfunction in these populations.

Objective To explore the role of pulmonary surfactant(PS)combined with budesonide in improving oxygenation and clinical outcomes of neonatal acute respiratory distress syndrome(ARDS).Methods The present study is a historically controlled trial.Infants with ARDS requiring mechanical ventilation and PS replacement therapy were collected from the neonatal unit of Southwest Medical University.Those from January 2022 to November 2022 were set as intervention group(PS+ budesonid,n=35),treated with intratracheal instillation of a mixed suspension of budesonide(0.25 mg/kg)and PS(200 mg/kg),and continuous budesonide nebulization(0.25 mg/kg,twice per day)until withdrawal,then compared with a historical cohort,who just received intratracheal instillation of PS(200 mg/kg)(January 2020-December 2021,PS group,n=35).Baseline data such as gender,mode of delivery,1 min and 5 min Apgar score,birth weight,gestational age,time of onset,and cause of onset were recorded in both groups.The oxygenation and clinical outcomes of infants were compared between the two groups,including:(1)Arterial blood gas analysis indicators,such as partial pressure of oxygen(PaO2)and oxygenation index(OI)before treatment and at 6,12 and 24 hours of treatment;(2)Clinical observation and evaluation indicators,such as the time to withdrawal,duration of oxygen supplementation,length of stay,improvement of the radiological images of the lungs at 72 h of treatment,and repeated PS use;(3)Blood chemistry indicators,such as white blood cell(WBC),neutrocyte(NEU),procalcitonin(PCT)before treatment and at 3 and 7 days of treatment;and(4)Observation indicators of complications,weight growth,and mortality outcomes,such as the incidences of intracranial hemorrhage,gastrointestinal hemorrhage,neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis(NEC),and hyperglycemia,weight growth,and fatality rate.Results The differences in baseline data between the two groups were not statistically different(P＞0.05).The levels of PaO2 of the two groups were increased after treatment for different time periods,while the levels of OI were decreased(P＜0.001),and the levels of above indexes changed more significantly in PS+budesonide group than those in PS group(P＜0.05).The time to withdrawal,duration of oxygen supplementation,and length of stay in PS+budesonide group were shorter than those in PS group;the radiological images of the lungs showed that the pulmonary inflammation absorption was significantly better in PS+ budesonide group than that in PS group,while no significant difference between the two groups of infants with repeated PS use.The NEU was significantly higher in PS+budesonide group than in PS group at 3 d and 7 d of treatment(P＜0.001);and at 3 days of treatment,the PCT levels were significantly lower in PS+budesonide group than that in PS group(P＜0.05).The incidences of intracranial hemorrhage,gastrointestinal hemorrhage,NEC,hyperglycemia,weight growth,and fatality rate were not significantly different between the two groups(P＞0.05).Conclusion The use of budesonide in addition to surfactant may improve the oxygenation of neonates with ARDS,improve the inflammatory infiltrates in lungs,shorten the duration of mechanical ventilation and oxygen supplementation,and without short-term complications associated with budesonide use.

Objective To analyze the risk factors for severe illness caused by coronavirus disease 2019 in Fuzhou city.Methods The data of 4081 confirmed cases with current address in Fuzhou was collected from China Information System for Disease Control and Prevention from January 1 to June 30,2023.The epidemiological data of those cases was investigated such as the demographic characteristics,clinical manifestations and past medical history,etc.The risk factors of severe cases were analyzed by using the logistic regression.Results 4081 confirmed cases had been reported including 671 severe cases and 3410 non-severe cases.The demographic characteristics of severe cases,such as the proportion of male,age and current address in community were higher than that of non-severe cases,vaccination rate was lower than non-severe cases(59.02%vs.80.12%),the differences are statistically significant(P＜0.001).The clinical manifestations such as interval time between onset and visit(P=0.001),fever(P=0.002),difficulty in breathing/shortness of breath(P=0.001)were the factors related to severe illness.The past medical histories such as history of chronic lung disease,history of heart cerebrovascular disease of severe cases,were higher than that of non-severe cases(P＜0.001).Multivariate logistic regression showed that the male,the higher age,current address in community,no vaccination,the longer interval time between onset and visit,fever,difficulty in breathing/shortness of breath,the history of chronic lung disease,the history of heart cerebrovascular disease raised the risk of becoming severe cases.The healing time for severe cases was longer than that for non-severe cases(P＜0.001).Conclusion Sex,age,current address,vaccination,interval time between onset and visit,fever,difficulty in breathing/shortness of breath,history of chronic lung disease,and history of heart cerebrovascular disease are the influencing factors for severe illness.

Isoliquiritigenin (ISL) is an active chalcone compound isolated from licorice. It possesses anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative activities. In our previous study, we uncovered a great potential of ISL in treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Therefore, this study aims to reveal the mechanism underlying the alleviatory effects of ISL on T2DM-induced glycolipid metabolism disorder. High-fat-high-sugar diet (HFD) combined with intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ) were used to establish T2DM mice model. All animal experiments were carried out with approval of the Committee of Ethics at Beijing University of Chinese Medicine. HepG2 cells were used in in vitro experiments, and sodium palmitate (SP) was applied to establish insulin resistance (IR) model cells. The effects of ISL on body weight, fasting blood glucose levels, and pathological changes in the livers of mice were examined. Enzyme-linked immune sorbent assay (ELISA) and real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) were applied to detect the regulatory effects of ISL on key targets involved in glucolipid metabolism. Additionally, molecular docking and analytical dynamics simulation methods were used to analyze the interaction between ISL and key target protein. The results indicate that ISL significantly downregulates the transcriptional levels and inhibits the activities of key enzymes involved in gluconeogenesis, including pyruvate carboxylase (PC), phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK), and fructose-1, 6-bisphosphatase (FBP). It also downregulates the transcriptional and protein levels of hepatocyte nuclear factor 4α (HNF4α) and cAMP response element binding protein (CREB), the two transcriptional factors involved in gluconeogenesis. Thus, ISL inhibits hepatic gluconeogenesis in T2DM mice. In addition, ISL reduces total cholesterol (TC) and triglyceride (TG) levels in the livers of T2DM mice. Moreover, ISL downregulates the mRNA levels of lipogenesis genes and upregulates those of genes involved in fatty acid oxidation, lipid uptake, and lipid export. In conclusion, ISL suppresses hepatic gluconeogenesis, promotes lipolysis, and restrains lipogenesis in T2DM mice, thereby improving the abnormal glycolipid metabolism caused by T2DM.