Network analysis of occupational stress and job satisfaction among radiologists.

Background: Occupational stress and job satisfaction significantly impact the well-being and performance of healthcare professionals, including radiologists. Understanding the complex interplay between these factors through network analysis can provide valuable insights into intervention strategies to enhance workplace satisfaction and productivity. Method: In this study, a convenience sampling method was used to recruit 312 radiologists for participation. Data on socio-demographic characteristics, job satisfaction measured by the Minnesota job satisfaction questionnaire revised short version (MJSQ-RSV), and occupational stress assessed using the occupational stress scale. Network analysis was employed to analyze the data in this study. Results: The network analysis revealed intricate patterns of associations between occupational stress and job satisfaction symptoms among radiologists. Organizational management and occupational interests emerged as crucial nodes in the network, indicating strong relationships within these domains. Additionally, intrinsic satisfaction was identified as a central symptom with high connectivity in the network structure. The stability analysis demonstrated robustness in the network edges and centrality metrics, supporting the reliability of the findings. Conclusion: This study sheds light on the complex relationships between occupational stress and job satisfaction in radiologists, offering valuable insights for targeted interventions and support strategies to promote well-being and job satisfaction in healthcare settings.

Effectiveness of opportunistic osteoporosis screening on chest CT using the DCNN model.

OBJECTIVE: To develop and evaluate a deep learning model based on chest CT that achieves favorable performance on opportunistic osteoporosis screening using the lumbar 1 + lumbar 2 vertebral bodies fusion feature images, and explore the feasibility and effectiveness of the model based on the lumbar 1 vertebral body alone. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The chest CT images of 1048 health check subjects from January 2021 to June were retrospectively collected as the internal dataset (the segmentation model: 548 for training, 100 for tuning and 400 for test. The classification model: 530 for training, 100 for validation and 418 for test set). The subjects were divided into three categories according to the quantitative CT measurements, namely, normal, osteopenia and osteoporosis. First, a deep learning-based segmentation model was constructed, and the dice similarity coefficient(DSC) was used to compare the consistency between the model and manual labelling. Then, two classification models were established, namely, (i) model 1 (fusion feature construction of lumbar vertebral bodies 1 and 2) and (ii) model 2 (feature construction of lumbar 1 alone). Receiver operating characteristic curves were used to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of the models, and the Delong test was used to compare the areas under the curve. RESULTS: When the number of images in the training set was 300, the DSC value was 0.951 ± 0.030 in the test set. The results showed that the model 1 diagnosing normal, osteopenia and osteoporosis achieved an AUC of 0.990, 0.952 and 0.980; the model 2 diagnosing normal, osteopenia and osteoporosis achieved an AUC of 0.983, 0.940 and 0.978. The Delong test showed that there was no significant difference in area under the curve (AUC) values between the osteopenia group and osteoporosis group (P = 0.210, 0.546), while the AUC value of normal model 2 was higher than that of model 1 (0.990 vs. 0.983, P = 0.033). CONCLUSION: This study proposed a chest CT deep learning model that achieves favorable performance on opportunistic osteoporosis screening using the lumbar 1 + lumbar 2 vertebral bodies fusion feature images. We further constructed the comparable model based on the lumbar 1 vertebra alone which can shorten the scan length, reduce the radiation dose received by patients, and reduce the training cost of technologists.

Diagnostic efficiency of multi-modal MRI based deep learning with Sobel operator in differentiating benign and malignant breast mass lesions-a retrospective study.

Purpose: To compare the diagnostic efficiencies of deep learning single-modal and multi-modal for the classification of benign and malignant breast mass lesions. Methods: We retrospectively collected data from 203 patients (207 lesions, 101 benign and 106 malignant) with breast tumors who underwent breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) before surgery or biopsy between January 2014 and October 2020. Mass segmentation was performed based on the three dimensions-region of interest (3D-ROI) minimum bounding cube at the edge of the lesion. We established single-modal models based on a convolutional neural network (CNN) including T2WI and non-fs T1WI, the dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE-MRI) first phase was pre-contrast T1WI (d1), and Phases 2, 4, and 6 were post-contrast T1WI (d2, d4, d6); and Multi-modal fusion models with a Sobel operator (four_mods:T2WI, non-fs-T1WI, d1, d2). Training set (n = 145), validation set (n = 22), and test set (n = 40). Five-fold cross validation was performed. Accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value, positive predictive value, and area under the ROC curve (AUC) were used as evaluation indicators. Delong's test compared the diagnostic performance of the multi-modal and single-modal models. Results: All models showed good performance, and the AUC values were all greater than 0.750. Among the single-modal models, T2WI, non-fs-T1WI, d1, and d2 had specificities of 77.1%, 77.2%, 80.2%, and 78.2%, respectively. d2 had the highest accuracy of 78.5% and showed the best diagnostic performance with an AUC of 0.827. The multi-modal model with the Sobel operator performed better than single-modal models, with an AUC of 0.887, sensitivity of 79.8%, specificity of 86.1%, and positive prediction value of 85.6%. Delong's test showed that the diagnostic performance of the multi-modal fusion models was higher than that of the six single-modal models (T2WI, non-fs-T1WI, d1, d2, d4, d6); the difference was statistically significant (p = 0.043, 0.017, 0.006, 0.017, 0.020, 0.004, all were greater than 0.05). Conclusions: Multi-modal fusion deep learning models with a Sobel operator had excellent diagnostic value in the classification of breast masses, and further increase the efficiency of diagnosis.

Predictive value of the combination between the intracranial arterial culprit plaque characteristics and the Essen Stroke Risk Score for short-term stroke recurrence.

AIM: In the current study we aim the identification of the culprit plaque characteristics of intracranial arteries using high-resolution magnetic resonance vessel wall imaging (HR-MR-VWI). Moreover, we target the evaluation of the predictive value of culprit plaque characteristics for short-term stroke recurrence combined with ESRS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a prospective cohort study on 342 patients diagnosed with symptomatic intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis (sICAS), out of which 243 were men and 99 were women with an average age of 64 ± 12 years. 184 cases of anterior circulation ischemia (ACIS) and 158 cases of posterior circulation ischemia (PCIS) were included in the study. All of them underwent HR-MR-VWI during the period between February 2020 and June 2021 in the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China. The culprit vessel and culprit plaque characteristics were assessed based on HR-MR-VWI images, and the patients' ESRS were obtained from the electronic medical records of the hospital. Concerning the obtained results from the 6-month follow-up, the patients were divided into the non-recurrence group and the recurrence group, and the differences in the above-mentioned features between the two groups were compared. The univariate Cox regression analysis combined with ESRS was performed to screen out the independent risk factors associated with recurrent stroke with P < 0.1. Receiver operating characteristic curves (ROC curves) were plotted to analyze the predictive performance of the culprit plaque characteristics, ESRS and combined variables for stroke recurrence. We used the area under the curve (AUC) ROC, while the sensitivity and specificity were calculated at the optimal threshold. The Delong test was employed to compare the quality of the AUC of the predictors. RESULTS: A total of 15.5% (53/342) of patients had a stroke recurrence within six months, with statistically significant differences (P < 0.05) between the two groups regarding the ESRS, medical history of diabetes mellitus, myocardial infarction, data for previous acute ischemic stroke (AIS) or transient ischemic attack(TIA), history of peripheral vascular disease, and serum brain natriuretic peptide level. In the patients with ACIS, the incidence of hyperintensity on the T1-weighted imaging (T1WI) was significantly different between the recurrence and the non-recurrence groups (P < 0.05). In the patients with PCIS, statistically significant differences between the recurrence and the non-recurrence group were detected in the culprit plaque burden, degree of enhancement, and incidence of hyperintensity on T1WI (P < 0.05). The ESRS (hazard ratios [HR], 1.598, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.193-2.141, P = 0.002) ,degree of enhancement (HR = 1.764, 95% CI 0.985-3.087, P = 0.047) and hyperintensity on T1WI (HR = 2.745, 95% CI 1.373-5.488, P = 0.004) proved to be independent risk factors for stroke recurrence. The ESRS predicted stroke recurrence with AUC = 0.618 (95% CI 0.564-0.670), while the best cut-off value was 2 points. Furthermore, the registered sensitivity and specificity were 60.4% and 58.5%, respectively. Regarding the degree of enhancement in the culprit plaque, the prediction of stroke recurrence was with AUC = 0.628 (95% CI 0.574-0.679) as well as with sensitivities and specificities of 58.5% and 64.4%, respectively. Regarding the hyperintensity on T1WI in culprit plaque, the prediction of stroke recurrence was with AUC = 0.678 (95% CI 0.626-0.727) as well as with sensitivities and specificities of 66.0% and 70.0%, respectively. The ESRS combined with the degree of enhancement predicted stroke recurrence with an AUC = 0.685 (95CI% 0.633-0.734), while the recorded sensitivity and specificity were 56.6% and 73.4%, respectively. The ESRS combined with hyperintensity on the T1WI predicted stroke recurrence with an AUC = 0.745 (95CI% 0.696-0.791). The recorded sensitivity and specificity were 64.2% and 76.8%, respectively. The AUC quality of the ESRS combined with hyperintensity on T1WI was higher than that of other indices (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The hyperintensity on T1WI of the culprit plaque in intracranial arteries combined with ESRS demonstrated better predictive ability for short-term stroke recurrence. We consider this of high importance for clinical application since it provides an easier way of obtaining data for precise diagnosis.

Correlation of the characteristics of symptomatic intracranial atherosclerotic plaques with stroke types and risk of stroke recurrence: a cohort study.

Background: Symptomatic intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis (sICAS) patients had a higher risk of stroke recurrence, and the risk of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) was higher than transient ischemic attack (TIA). Therefore, it is important to explore the risk factors associated with sICAS clinical subtypes and the risk of stroke recurrence. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between intracranial arterial culprit plaque characteristics with sICAS clinical subtypes and the risk of stroke recurrence. Methods: A total of 206 patients with sICAS were included. Baseline demographic data and relevant serologic indices were collected from all participants. All participants were assessed by high-resolution vessel wall imaging (HR-VWI) for culprit vessel and culprit plaque characteristics. The follow-up method was outpatient or telephone follow-up. Associated factors for sICAS clinical subtypes were analyzed by binary logistic regression. Cox proportional hazard regression analysis were used to analysis the independent risk factors for recurrent stroke. Results: In this group, there were 154 patients with AIS, 52 patients with TIA, 124 patients with anterior circulation ischemic symptom (ACiS), and 82 patients with posterior circulation ischemic symptom (PCiS). Male gender [odds ratio (OR) =5.575, 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.120 to 14.658], history of previous statin use (OR =0.309, 95% CI: 0.113 to 0.843) and serum apolipoprotein A/B values (OR =0.363, 95% CI: 0.139 to 0.948) were associated factors for AIS. A total of 24 patients (11.7%) experienced stroke recurrence during the 1-year follow-up period. Hyperintensity on T1 weighted imaging (T1WI) in the culprit plaque [hazard ratio (HR) =3.798, 95% CI: 1.433 to 10.062] was an independent risk factor for stroke recurrence. The incidence of significant enhancement (62.2% vs. 39.5%, χ2=9.681, P=0.002), positive remodeling (69.5% vs. 52.4%, χ2=5.661, P=0.020), and hyperintensity on T1WI (42.7% vs. 22.6%, χ2=16.472, P=0.003) was higher in the posterior circulation than in the anterior circulation. Conclusions: The characteristics of intracranial arterial culprit plaques were independent risk factors for recurrent stroke, and there were differences in the plaque characteristics of anterior and posterior circulation. Early HR-VWI examination for sICAS patients is of great significance for patient risk stratification and personalized management.

Measurement of myocardial extracellular volume fraction in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction using dual-energy computed tomography.

OBJECTIVES: To measure the myocardial extracellular volume (ECV) in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) using dual-energy computed tomography with late iodine enhancement (LIE-DECT) and to evaluate the relationship between ECV and risk of HFpEF and cardiac structure and function. METHODS: A total of 112 consecutive patients with HFpEF and 80 consecutive subjects without heart disease (control group) who underwent LIE-DECT were included. All patients were divided into ischaemic and non-ischaemic groups according to the LIE patterns detected using iodine maps. The ischaemic scar burden was calculated in the ischaemic HFpEF group. Iodine maps and haematocrit were used to measure ECV in the non-ischaemic HFpEF group and remote ECV of the non-scarred myocardium in the ischaemic HFpEF group, respectively. Cardiac structural and functional variables were collected. RESULTS: ECV in patients with non-ischaemic HFpEF (n = 77) and remote ECV in patients with ischaemic HFpEF (n = 35) were significantly higher than those in control subjects (p < 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that after adjusting for age, sex, body mass index, smoking, and drinking, a higher ECV/remote ECV was still associated with non-ischaemic HFpEF and ischaemic HFpEF (p < 0.001). A positive correlation was established between ECV and cardiac structural and functional variables (p < 0.05) in all participants. Subgroup analysis showed that ECV/remote ECV and ischaemic scar burden positively correlated with heart failure classification in the HFpEF subgroup (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: ECV/remote ECV elevation was significantly associated with non-ischaemic and ischaemic HFpEF. Remote ECV and LIE may have synergistic effects in the risk assessment of ischaemic HFpEF. KEY POINTS: • ECV/remote ECV elevation is associated not only with non-ischaemic HFpEF but also with ischaemic HFpEF. • ECV/remote ECV and ischaemic scar burden are correlated with cardiac structure and function.

Optimization of the Radiation Dose of Digital Breast Tomosynthesis in Opportunistic Screening by Studying the Effect of Different Combinations of FFDM and DBT Views.

BACKGROUND: Full-field digital mammography (FFDM) and digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) are used separately or in combination to identify small breast lesions. The dose of the examination depends on the density of the breast and the imaging (FFDM or DBT) performed. We have performed a retrospective review of FFDM and DBT in women with denser breasts in order to demonstrate how varying the combination of FFDM and DBT in CC and MLO views affects lesion detection and the average gland dose. METHODS: Eighty-one patients with dense breast received both full-field digital mammography (FFDM) and DBT bilateral screening. The recorded data included the display rates for small lesions or other positive lesions, the type of breast gland, the average gland dose (AGD), and the compression thickness of different collection methods. ANOVA was used to compare the AGD among different collection combinations, and t-test was used to perform pairwise comparison between groups with the same gland type. The relationship between AGD and compression thickness was analyzed by Pearson linear correlation, and the lesion display rates were compared using Chi-square test. RESULTS: We found that AGDs were significantly different among the 6 collection methods (F = 119.06, p<0.01), but were not obviously different between groups with the same gland type (F = 0.848, p>0.05). The types of dense glands were correlated with compression thickness, and the thickness was moderately to strongly correlated with AGD (r=0.596-0.736). The combination of single-view DBT(CC-DBT) and FFDM showed significantly higher mass display rates than the two-view FFDM (p<0.05), while the display rates for other positive lesions were similar (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: Our study showed that in opportunistic screening of patients with small breast masses that can be easily detected by ultrasound, MLO-FFDM+CC-DBT or CC-FFDM+MLO-DBT combinations can better balance the individual average gland dose and detection accuracy. The study result cannot be applied to the detection of non-mass lesions as the numbers are too small.

FLAIR vascular hyperintensity: an unfavorable marker of early neurological deterioration and short-term prognosis in acute ischemic stroke patients.

BACKGROUND: To investigate the value of fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) Vascular Hyperintensity (FVH) in predicting early neurological deterioration (END) and short-term prognosis in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients who beyond the time window for recanalization therapy. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the AIS patients from 24 to 72 hours after symptom onset, who received dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT). The patients were divided into the END and no early neurological deterioration (NEND) group according to the change of the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score. The patients were also divided into the favorable and unfavorable prognosis group according to the 90 day modified Rankin Scale (mRS). The Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (ASPECTS) was used to assess the scope of infarction on DWI; the modified ASPECTS was used to assess the presence of FVH on FLAIR and multiple hypointense vessels (MHV) on SWI. We performed binary stepwise regression analysis with END and short-term prognosis as dependent variables to evaluate the odds ratio (OR) and its 95% confidence interval (CI) of primary outcomes. Next, we sequentially excluded nonsignificant variables from the last model to determine the risk factors of END. RESULTS: Two-hundred sixty-seven patients were included in this study. The median NIHSS score at admission was 6 [interquartile range (IQR) 5, 9], the median DWI-ASPECTS at admission was 8 (IQR 6, 9), the median FVH score was 7 (IQR 3, 7), and the median MHV-ASPECTS was 8 (IQR 6, 8). The NIHSS score at admission was higher in the END group. The MHV-ASPECTS, DWI-ASPECTS, and FVH-ASPECTS were lower in the END group. Binary stepwise regression analysis showed that the FVHASPECTS (OR =0.39, 95% CI: 0.174-0.872) and vascular stenosis/occlusion (OR =0.015, 95% CI: 0.000- 0.943) were independent risk factors of END. CONCLUSIONS: For AIS patients beyond the time window for recanalization therapy who are receiving DAPT, a low FVH-ASPECTS is associated with a higher risk of END. In patients with vascular occlusion/ stenosis, FVH may be used as a predictor of END and an unfavorable 90-day prognosis in patients beyond the time window for recanalization therapy who are receiving DAPT.

CARE Dose 4D combined with sinogram-affirmed iterative reconstruction improved the image quality and reduced the radiation dose in low dose CT of the small intestine.

OBJECTIVE: Multislice computed tomography (MSCT) has been used for diagnosis of small intestinal diseases. However, the radiation dose is a big problem. This study was to investigate whether CARE Dose 4D combined with sinogram-affirmed iterative reconstruction (SAFIRE) can provide better image quality at a lower dose for imaging small intestinal diseases compared to MSCT. METHODS: The noise reduction ability of SAFIRE was assessed by scanning the plain water mold using SOMATOM Definition Flash double-source spiral CT. CT images at each stage of radiography for 239 patients were obtained. The patients were divided into groups A and B were based on different tube voltage and current or the image recombination methods. The images were restructured using with filtered back projection (FBP) and SAFIRE (S1-S5). The contrast noise ratio (CNR), CT Dose index (CTDI), subjective scoring, and objective scoring were compared to obtain the best image and reformation parameters at different stages of CT. RESULTS: Twenty-six restructuring patterns of tube voltage and current were obtained by FBP and SAFIRE. The average radiation dose using CARE Dose 4D combined with SAFIRE (S4-S5) reduced approximately 74.85% compared to conditions where the tube voltage of 100 kV and tube current of 131 mAs for patients with MSCT small intestinal CT enterography at plain CT scan, arterial stage, small intestine, and portal venous phase. The objective and subjective scoring were all significantly different among groups A and B at each stage. CONCLUSIONS: Combination of CARE Dose 4D and SAFIRE is shown to decrease the radiation dose while maintaining image quality.

Accuracy of Computed Tomographic Enterography for Obscure Gastrointestinal Bleeding: A Diagnostic Meta-analysis.

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: Obscure gastrointestinal bleeding (OGIB) is the bleeding from the gastrointestinal tract without definite source that persists and recurs after a negative endoscopic evaluation. The study aimed to systematically evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of computed tomography enterography on OGIB detection by meta-analysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Studies were searched in relevant databases. With predefined inclusion criteria, eligible studies were included, followed by quality assessment using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies scoring system. The Meta-DiSc software was used to implement the meta-analysis, and sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio, negative likelihood ratio, and diagnostic odds ratio with their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used as the effect size. Publication bias was determined by Egger test. RESULTS: A set of nine studies was included in this meta-analysis, having a relatively high quality. Under the random effects model, the pooled sensitivity and specificity were 0.724 (95% CI: 0.651-0.789) and 0.752 (95% CI: 0.691-0.807), respectively. Under the fixed effects model, the pooled positive likelihood ratio, negative likelihood ratio, and diagnostic odds ratio were 2.949 (95% CI: 2.259-3.850), 0.393 (95% CI: 0.310-0.497), and 9.452 (95% CI: 5.693-15.692), respectively. The area under curve of the summary receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.7916 (95% CI: 0.723-0.860). No obvious publication bias was detected (t = 1.62, P = .181). CONCLUSIONS: Computed tomography enterography might be used as a complementary to video capsule endoscopy instead of an alternative for the detection of OGIB.

Lung Cancer: Short-Term Reproducibility of Intravoxel Incoherent Motion Parameters and Apparent Diffusion Coefficient at 3T.

PURPOSE: To prospectively evaluate the short-term reproducibility of intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) parameters and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) in lung cancer patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In all, 50 patients (50 lesions) underwent free-breathing diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) (b = 0, 300, 800 s/mm2 ) and IVIM (10 b-values, 0-1000 s/mm2 ) scans twice (0.5-1-hour interval) at 3T. Regions of interests (ROIs) were drawn on ADC maps and IVIM images to derive the mean ADC value and IVIM parameters D, D*, and f. Intra- and interobserver, test-retest reproducibility were assessed with intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs), within coefficient-of-variations (WCVs), and Bland-Altman analysis. The effects of type, size, and location of lung lesions were compared with WCVs. RESULTS: D and ADC showed good intraobserver reproducibility and interobserver agreement, while D* and f showed relatively larger variability (WCV 20.89-34.97%). The test-retest reproducibility of D and ADC were good (ICC 0.763-0.837; WCV 11.12-12.55%), while those of D* and f were relatively poor (ICC 0.604-0.842; WCV 36.54-72.62%). D and ADC had decreased reproducibility for lesions <2 cm (WCV 14.20%, 16.34%, respectively) and for lesions in the lower lung zones (WCV 16.52%, 14.78%, respectively). f had decreased reproducibility in central lung cancers (WCV 50.11%) and lesions >2 cm (WCV 42.64%). D* had even worse reproducibility in peripheral lung cancers (WCV 84.11%) and lesions in the lower lung zones (WCV 80.84%). CONCLUSION: If the change in ADC, D, D*, and f values is less than ∼31%, 34%, 170%, and 130%, respectively, it may be caused by measurement error. The type, size, and location of lung lesions have an effect on measurement errors. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 1 Technical Efficacy Stage: 1 J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2018;47:1003-1012.

Diagnosis of lower gastrointestinal bleeding by multi-slice CT angiography: A meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: To estimate the diagnostic value of multi-slice spiral CT angiography (CTA) in lower gastrointestinal bleeding by a meta-analysis. METHODS: The relevant clinical studies on the diagnostic value of CTA were searched on PubMed, Embase and other electronic documents databases with the deadline of 2016 September. Language was limited to English. A diagnostic meta-analysis was performed by using Meta-DiSc software. The effect sizes included sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio (PLR), negative likelihood ratio (NLR), and diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). The Cochran-Q test and I2 statistic based on χ2 test were used for estimation of the heterogeneity. Meta-regression was performed to explore the source of heterogeneity. SROC curve was established. RESULTS: A total of 14 articles including 549 patients with lower gastrointestinal bleeding were enrolled in the meta-analysis. The combined PLR, NLR and DOR were respectively 8.149, 0.158 and 56.213. There were significant heterogeneities in all estimations but we could not find the sources by meta-regression based on study design, study location, CT slices and sample size. The AUC and Q index under the fixed effect model was respectively 0.9463 and 0.8856. CONCLUSIONS: The multi-slice CTA has high diagnostic value for lower gastrointestinal bleeding.

Bioinformatics analysis of key genes and pathways for hepatocellular carcinoma transformed from cirrhosis.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to identify some pivotal genes and pathways for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) transformation from cirrhosis and explore potential targets for treatment of the disease. METHODS: The GSE17548 microarray data were downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus database, and 37 samples (20 cirrhosis and 17 HCC samples) were used for analysis. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in HCC tissues were compared with those in cirrhosis tissues and analyzed using the limma package. Gene ontology-biological process and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses were performed using ClueGO and CluePedia tool kits, and the key KEGG pathway was analyzed using the R package pathview. The regulatory factor miRNA of DEGs was extracted from 3 verified miRNAs-target databases using the multiMiR R package. Moreover, a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed using the Cytoscape software. RESULTS: DEGs including cyclin-dependent Kinase 1 (CDK1), PDZ-binding kinase (PBK), ribonucleotide reductase M2 (RRM2), and abnormal spindle homolog, and microcephaly-associated drosophila (ASPM) were the hub proteins with higher degrees in the PPI network. The cell cycle pathway (CDK1 enriched) and p53 signaling pathway (CDK1 and RRM2 enriched) were significantly enriched by DEGs. CONCLUSION: CDK1, PBK, RRM2, and ASPM may be key genes for HCC transformation from cirrhosis. Furthermore, cell cycle and p53 signaling pathways may play vital mediatory roles; CDK1 may play crucial roles in HCC transformed from cirrhosis via cell cycle and p53 signaling pathways, and RRM2 might be involved in HCC transformed from cirrhosis via the p53 signaling pathway.

The diagnostic value of susceptibility-weighted imaging for ischemic penumbra in patients with acute ischemic stroke.

BACKGROUND: The ischemia penumbra area is not easy to be detected accurately using noninvasive imaging methods. OBJECTIVE: We aim to assess the diagnostic value of susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI) for ischemic penumbra in patients with acute ischemic stroke. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was carried out in 47 patients with ischemic stroke involving the middle cerebral artery. Mean transit time (MTT), time to peak, relative cerebral blood flow, and relative cerebral blood volume maps were created after image processing. RESULTS: No significant difference was found in the mismatch between the SWI and diffusion-weighted imaging (SWI-DWI) or in the MTT-DWI mismatch scores (P= 0.056, Kappa = 0.864). CONCLUSIONS: SWI provides information comparable to PWI and, thus, could serve as a reliable magnetic resonance technique for assessing ischemic penumbrae.

Candidate miRNAs and pathogenesis investigation for hepatocellular carcinoma based on bioinformatics analysis.

The present study aimed to explore the mechanisms behind the development and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and identify information regarding HCC-related microRNAs (miRNAs) or marker genes for the gene therapy of HCC. Gene expression profile of GSE67882, generated from 4 hepatitis B virus infected HCC tissue samples (HCC group) and 8 chronic hepatitis B tissue samples with no fibrosis (control group) were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. The differentially expressed miRNAs functional enrichment and pathway analyses of HCC were revealed, followed by transcription factor-miRNA interaction network construction and analyses. A total of 14 upregulated miRNAs and 16 downregulated miRNAs between HCC and control samples were obtained. Differentially expressed miRNAs were mainly involved in biological processes like the regulation of histone H3-K9 methylation, and the KEGG pathways in cancer map05200 demonstrates their involvement in cancer. A total of 3 outstanding regulatory networks of miRNAs: hsa-miR-15a, hsa-miR-125b and hsa-miR-122 were revealed. A total of 11 differentially expressed miRNAs including hsa-miR-146p-5b that regulated the marker genes of HCC were explored. miRNAs such as hsa-miR-15a, hsa-miR-125b, hsa-miR-122 and hsa-miR-146b-5p may be new biomarkers for the gene therapy of HCC. Furthermore, histone H3-K9 methylation and other pathways in cancer observed in the KEGG map05200 may be closely related with the development of HCC.

Bioinformatics analysis of gene expression alterations in microRNA­122 knockout mice with hepatocellular carcinoma.

Reduced microRNA (miR)­122 expression levels are frequently observed in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The present study was conducted to investigate potential targets of miR­122 and determine the underlying regulatory mechanisms of miR­122 in HCC development. The public dataset GSE31731 was utilized, consisting of 8 miR­122 knockout (KO) mice (miR­122 KO) and 8 age­matched wild­type mice (WT group). Following data preprocessing, the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were selected, followed by enrichment analysis. A protein­protein interaction (PPI) network was established, and a module network was further extracted. Combining the DEGs with microRNA targeting databases permitted the screening of the overlapping targets of miR­122. Furthermore, previously reported genes were screened out by literature mining. Transcription factors (TFs) of the targets were subsequently investigated. DEGs between miR­122 KO and WT groups were selected, including 713 upregulated and 395 downregulated genes. Of these, upregulated genes were enriched in cell cycle­associated processes [including nucleolar and spindle associated protein 1 (NUSAP1)], the cytokine­cytokine receptor interaction pathway [including C­X­C motif chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) and C­C motif chemokine receptor 2 (CCR2)], and the extracellular matrix­receptor interaction pathway [including integrin subunit alpha V (ITGAV)]. In addition, multiple overlapping targets were highlighted in the PPI network, including NUSAP1, CXCR4, CCR2 and ITGAV. Notably, CXCR4 and CCR2 were linked in module C, enriched in the cytokine­cytokine receptor interaction pathway. Furthermore, upregulated sex determining region Y­box 4 (SOX4) was identified as a TF. The results of the present study may provide a theoretical basis for further studies on the mechanisms of miR­122 in the development of HCC.

Diagnostic performance of multi-slice CT angiography combined with enterography for small bowel obstruction and intestinal ischaemia.

INTRODUCTION: This study was performed to evaluate the diagnostic performance of multi-slice CT angiography combined with enterography in determining the cause and location of obstruction as well as intestinal ischaemia in patients with small bowel obstruction (SBO). METHODS: This study retrospectively summarized the image data of 57 SBO patients who received both multi-slice CT angiography and enterography examination between December 2012 and May 2013. The CT diagnoses of SBO and intestinal ischaemia were correlated with the findings at surgery or digital subtraction angiography, which were set as standard references. RESULTS: Multi-slice CT angiography and enterography indicated that the cause of SBO in three patients was misjudged, suggesting a diagnostic accuracy of 94.7%. In one patient the level of obstruction was incorrect, demonstrating a diagnostic accuracy of 98.2%. Based on the results of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, the diagnostic criterion for ischaemic SBO was at least two of the four CT signs (circumferential bowel wall thickening, reduced enhancement of the intestinal wall, mesenteric oedema and mesenteric vascular engorgement). The criterion yielded a sensitivity of 94.4%, a specificity of 92.3%, a positive predicted value of 85.0% and a negative predicted value of 97.3%, and the area under curve (AUC) was 0.92 (95% CI, 0.85-0.99). CONCLUSION: Multi-slice CT angiography and enterography have high diagnostic value in identifying the cause and site of SBO. In addition, the suggested diagnostic criterion using CT signs is helpful for diagnosing intestinal ischaemia in SBO patients.

Contrast-enhanced ultrasonography used for post-treatment responses evaluation of radiofrequency ablations for hepatocellular carcinoma: a meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: This meta-analysis aims to analyze the usefulness of contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) for post-treatment responses evaluation of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) management. METHODS: Literature retrieval in three databases PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Library was conducted up to September 2015, with pre-defined criteria. The technical success rate, local tumour recurrence and local tumour progression were the measurement indexes. Cochran's Q test and I(2) were used for heterogeneity detection. Subgroup analyses were performed for complete ablation rate stratified by study designs, contrast agents and post-operative testing time points. Statistical analyses were conducted using Stata(®) 12.0 software (Stata Corporation, College Station, TX). RESULTS: 12 studies consisting of 772 patients were included in this study. The CEUS-evaluated success rate of RFA for HCCs was 91%. The proportion of ablative margin <5 mm was 53%. The local tumour recurrence rate and local tumour progression rate were 4% and 8%, respectively. Subgroup analysis indicated that the CEUS-assessed technical success rate with Sonazoid™ (Daiichi-Sankyo, Tokyo, Japan) as the contrast agent was higher (95%) than those with other agents [SH U 508A (Schering AG, Berlin, Germany) 86%; SonoVue (Bracco SpA, Milan, Italy) 87%]. The success rate assessed within 24 h (94%) after treatment was higher than longer time (1-3 days 86%; 1 month 91%). CONCLUSION: The meta-analysis showed that the CEUS-evaluated success rate of RFA for HCCs was 91%. The local tumour recurrence rate and local tumour progression rate were 4% and 8%, respectively. ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE: Using meta-analysis, the study provided more reliable assessment of usefulness of CEUS, which could provide guidelines for HCC treatment.

Inter- and intraobserver agreement of ADC measurements of lung cancer in free breathing, breath-hold and respiratory triggered diffusion-weighted MRI.

OBJECTIVE: To prospectively evaluate the inter- and intraobserver agreement of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) measurements in free breathing, breath-hold, and respiratory triggered diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) of lung cancer. METHODS: Twenty-two patients with lung cancer (tumor size >2cm) underwent DWIs (3.0T) in three imaging methods. Lesion ADCs were measured twice by both of the two independent observers and compared. RESULTS: No statistical significance was found among methods, though respiratory-triggered DWI tended to have higher ADCs than breath-hold DWI. Great inter- and intraobserver agreement was shown. CONCLUSION: ADCs had good inter- and intraobserver agreement in all three DWI methods.