1.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. 
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
2.Research progress of CD73/NT5E in glioblastoma
Jiang SHAO ; Lin LI ; Yansong GUO ; Chengyuan SUN ; Xichao WEN ; Kebin ZHENG ; Yanfang SHI
The Journal of Practical Medicine 2024;40(3):428-431,438
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			Glioma is the most common primary central nervous system tumor,mainly derived from glial cells,with strong invasiveness,easy recurrence,and poor prognosis.Glioblastoma is a high-grade glioma with the highest degree of malignancy.The clinical treatment method is mainly surgical resection,supplemented by compre-hensive treatment such as radiotherapy,chemotherapy,and electric field therapy,but the treatment effect is not satisfactory.In recent years,with the rapid development of the field of tumor immunotherapy,CD73 is a novel immune checkpoint related to adenosine metabolism,which can promote tumor progression by inhibiting anti-tumor immune responses and promoting angiogenesis.This article systematically reviews the mechanism of action of CD73 and discusses its biological role and application in glioma,aiming to provide potential treatment options for glioma patients.
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
3.Effect of eccentric training combined with different frequency whole body vibration training on patellar tendinopathy
Zihao JIANG ; Guanglan WANG ; Peng CHEN ; Xianghong SUN ; Ting WANG ; Shaohui JIA ; Cheng ZHENG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2024;28(4):493-498
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			BACKGROUND:A large number of studies have investigated the effects of whole body vibration training at different frequencies on muscle strength,but less is reported on the differences in the efficacy of vibration training at different frequencies on patellar tendinopathy. OBJECTIVE:To explore the effect of eccentric training of quadriceps combined with different frequency of whole body vibration training on patellar tendinopathy. METHODS:From April to June 2022,48 patients with patellar tendinopathy were recruited from Wuhan Sports University and randomly divided into eccentric training group(n=12),30 Hz group(n=12),40 Hz group(n=12),and 50 Hz group(n=12).The eccentric training group only completed eccentric training of the quadriceps.The 30 Hz,40 Hz and 50 Hz groups performed the whole body vibration training with the amplitude of 2 mm and frequencies of 30 Hz,40 Hz and 50 Hz respectively on the basis of the eccentric training of the quadriceps.The intervention lasted for 8 weeks,three times a week.Before and after the intervention,the patients'surface electromyography signals of the quadriceps,kinematics and dynamics data of knee joint at the time of landing in deep jump and the time of peak vertical ground reaction,Visual Analogue Scale score,Victorian Institute of Sports Assessment-Patellar score were evaluated. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:After 8 weeks of intervention,compared with the eccentric training group,the median frequency of the lateral and medial femoris muscles were significantly higher in the 40 Hz and 50 Hz groups(P<0.05).At the time of landing,the knee joint flexion angle and external rotation moment in the 40 Hz and 50 Hz groups were significantly lower than those in the eccentric training group(P<0.05),while the knee joint flexion angle in the 50 Hz group was significantly lower than that in the 30 Hz group(P<0.05).At the peak moment of vertical ground reaction,the knee extension torque in the 40 Hz group was significantly lower than that in the eccectric training group(P<0.05);the knee flexion angle and knee extension torque in the 50 Hz group were significantly lower than those in the eccentric training group(P<0.05).The Visual Analogue Scale scores in the 50 Hz and 40 Hz groups were significantly lower than those in the eccentric training group(P<0.05).The Victorian Institute of Sports Assessment-Patellar score in the 50 Hz group was significantly higher than that in the eccentric training group and 30 Hz group(P<0.05).To conclude,eccentric training of the quadriceps combined with 50 Hz whole body vibration training can significantly improve quadriceps'strength,endurance and activation rate of the vastus lateralis muscle,reduce the pain of knee joint,and improve the function of the knee joint in patients with patellar tendinopathy.
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
4.Clinical characteristics analysis of primary pancreatic lymphoma
Yinghao SUN ; Jianing LI ; Kun HE ; Liang ZHU ; Yunlu FENG ; Qiang WANG ; Qingwei JIANG ; Yan ZHANG ; Qiang XU ; Zheng WANG ; Jingya ZHOU ; Dong WU
Chinese Journal of Pancreatology 2024;24(1):52-56
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			Objective:To analyze clinical characteristics of primary pancreatic lymphoma (PPL) patients.Methods:Clinical features of 22 patients diagnosed as PPL admitted to Peking Union Medical College Hospital from January 2002 to May 2023 were analyzed retrospectively.Results:The median age was 56.4±13.3 years. The median time from onset to diagnosis was 1.0 (1.0, 3.0) months. The main clinical manifestations were abdominal pain (15/22), weight loss (14/22) and jaundice (10/22). Elevated lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) was observed in 15/20 (75%) patients. Only 2 (2/9, 22.2%) patients had increased CA199 levels and 2 (2/9, 22.2%) patients had increased CEA levels. The maximum tumor diameter was 5.0 (3.8, 6.9) cm. Contrast-enhanced CT mostly showed low enhancement lesions. Major pancreatic duct dilatation were rare on CT scan (4/20). Fifteen patients were confirmed by pancreatic pathology, of which 8 were obtained by surgery, 4 were obtained by CT or ultrasound-guided percutaneous biopsy, and 3 were obtained by EUS-FNA. The main pathological type was diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (14/22). 19 patients received chemotherapy, and 6 patients died with a median follow-up of 5.0 (1.5, 35.5) months.Conclusions:PPL is rare and easy to be misdiagnosed. Elevated LDH levels, normal tumor markers, and non-dilatation of main pancreatic duct are important diagnostic clues. It is important to obtain pathology by EUS-FNA and other methods for definite diagnosis.
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
5.Clinical guidelines for the treatment of ankylosing spondylitis combined with lower cervical fracture in adults (version 2024)
Qingde WANG ; Yuan HE ; Bohua CHEN ; Tongwei CHU ; Jinpeng DU ; Jian DONG ; Haoyu FENG ; Shunwu FAN ; Shiqing FENG ; Yanzheng GAO ; Zhong GUAN ; Hua GUO ; Yong HAI ; Lijun HE ; Dianming JIANG ; Jianyuan JIANG ; Bin LIN ; Bin LIU ; Baoge LIU ; Chunde LI ; Fang LI ; Feng LI ; Guohua LYU ; Li LI ; Qi LIAO ; Weishi LI ; Xiaoguang LIU ; Hongjian LIU ; Yong LIU ; Zhongjun LIU ; Shibao LU ; Yong QIU ; Limin RONG ; Yong SHEN ; Huiyong SHEN ; Jun SHU ; Yueming SONG ; Tiansheng SUN ; Yan WANG ; Zhe WANG ; Zheng WANG ; Hong XIA ; Guoyong YIN ; Jinglong YAN ; Wen YUAN ; Zhaoming YE ; Jie ZHAO ; Jianguo ZHANG ; Yue ZHU ; Yingjie ZHOU ; Zhongmin ZHANG ; Wei MEI ; Dingjun HAO ; Baorong HE
Chinese Journal of Trauma 2024;40(2):97-106
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) combined with lower cervical fracture is often categorized into unstable fracture, with a high incidence of neurological injury and a high rate of disability and morbidity. As factors such as shoulder occlusion may affect the accuracy of X-ray imaging diagnosis, it is often easily misdiagnosed at the primary diagnosis. Non-operative treatment has complications such as bone nonunion and the possibility of secondary neurological damage, while the timing, access and choice of surgical treatment are still controversial. Currently, there are no clinical practice guidelines for the treatment of AS combined with lower cervical fracture with or without dislocation. To this end, the Spinal Trauma Group of Orthopedics Branch of Chinese Medical Doctor Association organized experts to formulate Clinical guidelines for the treatment of ankylosing spondylitis combined with lower cervical fracture in adults ( version 2024) in accordance with the principles of evidence-based medicine, scientificity and practicality, in which 11 recommendations were put forward in terms of the diagnosis, imaging evaluation, typing and treatment, etc, to provide guidance for the diagnosis and treatment of AS combined with lower cervical fracture.
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
6.Advance in Treatment of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease with Traditional Chinese Medicine by Regulating Inflammation
Zhengyan JIANG ; Zhiguang SUN ; Liang ZHENG ; Wei WEN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(20):264-273
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a prevalent chronic digestive disorder, affecting about 20% of the population. In addition to the typical symptoms of acid regurgitation and pyrosis, GERD can lead to chronic esophageal mucosal inflammation, thereby increasing the risk of esophageal carcinoma. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) have emerged as the primary pharmacological intervention due to their efficacy in reducing gastric acid production. However, the long-term use of PPIs is associated with various complications, including malabsorption of nutrients, heightened susceptibility to enteric infections, and an elevated risk of fractures. These concerns have driven the pursuit of safer and more efficacious therapeutic alternatives by both patients and healthcare providers. Recent studies have highlighted the role of persistent inflammation triggered by irritation of the esophageal epithelial cells in the pathogenesis of GERD. Such inflammation not only exacerbates mucosal damage but also contributes to the chronicity and complexity of the disease. Consequently, the development of novel anti-inflammatory therapeutic strategies has become a focus in contemporary research. Chinese herbal medicine prescriptions, with distinctive anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, offer a promising avenue for the management of GERD. These prescriptions, composed of a variety of herbal medicines, are prescribed in accordance with the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) principle of harmonizing Qi, blood, and Yin-Yang, thereby addressing the underlying disease processes. Among the numerous Chinese herbal medicine prescriptions for GERD, ingredients such as Coptidis Rhizoma, Bupleuri Radix, Euodiae Fructus, Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, and Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma are commonly utilized for their effects of inhibiting inflammation, modulating immune functions, and alleviating oxidative stress. Despite the potential in treating GERD, concrete evidence-based medical proof of these prescriptions remains limited. This review summarizes the anti-inflammatory mechanisms and prospects of Chinese herbal medicines in treating GERD, providing an outlook on the value of these medicines in the anti-inflammatory management of GERD. 
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
7.TCM Guidelines for Diagnosis and Treatment of Chronic Cough in Children
Xi MING ; Liqun WU ; Ziwei WANG ; Bo WANG ; Jialin ZHENG ; Jingwei HUO ; Mei HAN ; Xiaochun FENG ; Baoqing ZHANG ; Xia ZHAO ; Mengqing WANG ; Zheng XUE ; Ke CHANG ; Youpeng WANG ; Yanhong QIN ; Bin YUAN ; Hua CHEN ; Lining WANG ; Xianqing REN ; Hua XU ; Liping SUN ; Zhenqi WU ; Yun ZHAO ; Xinmin LI ; Min LI ; Jian CHEN ; Junhong WANG ; Yonghong JIANG ; Yongbin YAN ; Hengmiao GAO ; Hongmin FU ; Yongkun HUANG ; Jinghui YANG ; Zhu CHEN ; Lei XIONG
Journal of Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;40(7):722-732
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			Following the principles of evidence-based medicine,in accordance with the structure and drafting rules of standardized documents,based on literature research,according to the characteristics of chronic cough in children and issues that need to form a consensus,the TCM Guidelines for Diagnosis and Treatment of Chronic Cough in Children was formulated based on the Delphi method,expert discussion meetings,and public solicitation of opinions.The guideline includes scope of application,terms and definitions,eti-ology and diagnosis,auxiliary examination,treatment,prevention and care.The aim is to clarify the optimal treatment plan of Chinese medicine in the diagnosis and treatment of this disease,and to provide guidance for improving the clinical diagnosis and treatment of chronic cough in children with Chinese medicine.
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
8.Association between Yang Deficiency Syndrome and the End-point Events of Diabetic Kidney Disease: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Jiale ZHANG ; Zhezhe XUE ; Chenhui XIA ; Qiaoru WU ; Shuwu WEI ; Weimin JIANG ; Huixi CHEN ; Huijuan ZHENG ; Yaoxian WANG ; Weiwei SUN
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;65(11):1146-1153
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			ObjectiveTo investigate the impact of yang deficiency syndrome on the progression to end-point events of diabetic kidney disease (DKD). MethodsA retrospective study among patients with stage Ⅳ DKD admitted to Dongzhimen Hospital of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine from September 1st, 2016 to September 30th, 2021 was conducted. Data on the patients' general information, clinical indicators including duration of diabetes, duration of proteinuria, history of smoking and drinking, hemoglobin (HGB), fasting blood glucose (FBG), albumin (ALB), serum creatinine (Scr), urea nitrogen (BUN), uric acid (UA), cholesterol (TC) , triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), 24-hour urine protein quantification (24h-UTP) and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and TCM syndromes including symptoms, tongue and pulse, and syndrome scores were collected. The patients were divided into exposure group (yang-deficiency group) and non-exposure group (non-yang-deficiency group). The general information, clinical indicators and incidence rates of end-point events were compared, and the impact of yang deficiency syndrome on the end-point events of stage Ⅳ DKD was analyzed. Survival analysis was performed using Kaplan-Meier method, and multivariate Cox proportional risk models were used to identify independent predictors of end-point events. ResultsA total of 160 patients with stage Ⅳ DKD were included in the study, including 43 cases of yang deficiency syndrome and 117 cases of non-yang deficiency syndrome. Compared to those in the non-yang deficiency group, the waist circumference, BUN and the incidence of end-point events in the yang deficiency group were significantly higher (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Spearman correlation analysis showed that yang deficiency syndrome was positively correlated with incidence of end-point events of stage Ⅳ DKD (r = 0.167, P = 0.035). Furthermore, 24h-UTP and BUN levels were also positively correlated with end-point events in stage Ⅳ DKD patients (P<0.01), while ALB and HGB levels were negatively correlated (P<0.01). Kaplan-Meier survival curves showed that yang deficiency syndrome was associated with an increased risk of end-point events (Log Rank P = 0.011). Moreover, 24h-UTP levels ≥3500 mg, BUN level ≥8 mmol/L, ALB level <30 g and HGB level <11 g were all associated with the increase of the risk of end-point events (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that yang deficiency syndrome was an independent risk factor for patients with stage Ⅳ DKD to progress into end-point events (HR = 2.36, 1.32 to 4.21; P = 0.004), as well as 24h-UTP ≥ 3500 mg, BUN ≥ 8 mmol/L, HGB<11 g and ALB<30 g (P<0.05 or P<0.01). ConclusionsFor stage Ⅳ DKD, patients with yang deficiency syndrome are more likely to have end-point events, which is an independent risk factor for the progression into end-point events. 
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
9.Construction of Meridian and Collateral Homeostasis Model from Phenomics
Jiaqi SUN ; Luxia JIANG ; Zheng YU ; Zhenmei DU ; Shengyan ZHANG ; Yusheng TANG ; Ziqian WANG ; Xianfeng CAO ; Chuanbiao WEN
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;65(10):990-995
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			By applying "homeostasis" to the study of the meridian and collateral system, the concept of meridian and collateral homeostasis has been proposed which refers to a balanced and stable state of meridian and collateral system, and plays an important role in maintaining body health and can provide a reference for the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. Phenomics realizes the cross-scale correlation from micro-phenotypic data, such as genome, proteome, and metabolome, to macro-phenotypic data, such as physiological state, behavioral activities, and external manifestations. From the perspective of phenomics, this paper proposes a meridian and collateral homeostasis dynamic mapping model of "macroscopic signs and microscopic expression". This model combines macro signs such as the four examinations of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), biophysical indicators of acupoints, and micro expression information such as genes, proteins, and metabolism, and systematically investigates the relationship between meridian and collateral homeostasis and health and disease, thereby providing ideas and references for the identification of pre-disease states as well as precise diagnosis and treatment in TCM. 
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
10.Discrete element modeling and breakage behavior analysis of oral solid dosage form particles
Lin-xiu LUO ; Tian-bing GUAN ; An-qi LUO ; Zeng LIU ; Yu-ting WANG ; Yan-ling JIANG ; Zheng LU ; Jing-cao TANG ; Shuang-kou CHEN ; Hui-min SUN ; Chuan-yun DAI
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2024;59(4):1057-1066
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			 The breakage pattern of unit particles during the production of oral solid dosage forms (OSD) is closely related to the quality of intermediate or final products. To accurately characterize the particles and study the evolution law of particle breakage, the Bonding model of the discrete element method (DEM) was used to investigate the breakage patterns of model parameters, particle shape and process conditions (loading mode and loading rate) on the dynamic breakage, force-time curve, breakage rate, maximum breakage size ratio and fracture strength of particles. The results showed that the particle breakage force was positively correlated with normal strength and bonded disk scale, negatively correlated with normal stiffness per unit area and tangential stiffness per unit area, and weakly correlated with tangential strength. The particle breakage rate was negatively correlated with the aspect ratio of the particles, and the maximum breakage size ratio was positively correlated with the aspect ratio of the particles; among the three loading modes, the breakage rate of compression breakage model was the largest, the breakage rate of shear breakage model was the second largest, and the breakage rate of wear breakage model was the smallest; the maximum breakage size ratio was positively correlated with the loading rate, the loading mode and the loading rate had no mutual influence on particle breakage rate, but had mutual influence on the maximum breakage size ratio. The research results will provide a theoretical basis for the shift of OSD from batch manufacturing to advanced manufacturing. 
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
            
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