Characterization of parotid gland tumors using diffusion-relaxation correlation spectrum imaging: a preliminary study.

AIM: To assess the performance of diffusion-relaxation correlation spectrum imaging (DR-CSI) in the characterization of parotid gland tumors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-five pleomorphic adenomas (PA) patients, 9 Warthin's tumors (WT) patients and 7 malignant tumors (MT) patients were prospectively recruited. DR-CSI (7 b-values combined with 5 TEs, totally 35 diffusion-weighted images) was scanned for pre-treatment assessment. Diffusion (D)-T2 signal spectrum summating all voxels were built for each patient, characterized by D-axis with range 0∼5 × 10-3 mm2/s, and T2-axis with range 0∼300ms. With boundaries of 0.5 and 2.5 × 10-3 mm2/s for D, all spectra were divided into three compartments labeled A (low D), B (mediate D) and C (high D). Volume fractions acquired from each compartment (VA, VB, VC) were compared among PA, WT and MT. Diagnostic performance was assessed using receiver operating characteristic analysis and area under the curve (AUC). RESULTS: Each subtype of parotid tumors had their specific D-T2 spectrum. PA showed significantly lower VA (8.85 ± 4.77% vs 20.68 ± 10.85%), higher VB (63.40 ± 8.18% vs 43.05 ± 7.16%), and lower VC (27.75 ± 8.51% vs 36.27 ± 11.09) than WT (all p<0.05). VB showed optimal diagnostic performance (AUC 0.969, sensitivity 92.00%, specificity 100.00%). MT showed significantly higher VA (21.23 ± 12.36%), lower VB (37.09 ± 6.43%), and higher VC (41.68 ± 13.72%) than PA (all p<0.05). Similarly, VB showed optimal diagnostic performance (AUC 0.994, sensitivity 96.00%, specificity 100.00%). No significant difference of VA, VB and VC was found between WT and MT. CONCLUSIONS: DR-CSI might be a promising and non-invasive way for characterizing parotid gland tumors.

[Effects of cinepazide maleate injection on blood pressure in patients with acute ischemic stroke and hypertension].

Objective: To investigate the blood pressure change in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) and hypertension treated with cinepazide maleate injection. Methods: This was a subgroup analysis of post-marketing clinical confirmation study of cinepazide maleate injection for acute ischemic stroke: a randomized, double-blinded, multicenter, placebo-parallel controlled trial, which conducted in China from August 2016 to February 2019. Eligible patients fulfilled the inclusive criteria of acute anterior circulation ischemic stroke with National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores of 7-25. The primary endpoints were mean blood pressure of AIS patients treated with cinepazide maleate or control, which were assessed during the treatment period (14 days), and the proportion of the patients with normal blood pressure was analyzed after the treatment period. Furthermore, a subgroup analysis was performed to investigate a possible effect of the history of hypertension on outcomes. Results: This analysis included 809 patients with hypertension. There was no significant difference in patients blood pressure and the proportion of patients with normal blood pressure (60.5% vs. 59.0%,P>0.05) between cinepazide maleate group and control group. Conclusion: Administration of cinepazide maleate injection does not affect the management of clinical blood pressure in patients with AIS.

Effects of zoledronic acid on bone mineral density around prostheses and bone metabolism markers after primary total hip arthroplasty in females with postmenopausal osteoporosis.

INTRODUCTION: To investigate the effect of zoledronic acid on periprosthetic bone mineral density (BMD) and bone metabolism markers after primary total hip arthroplasty in females with postmenopausal osteoporosis. METHODS: From November 2015 to April 2016, 40 female patients who met the inclusion criteria were randomized into two groups: a control group (calcium + calcitriol) and a zoledronic acid group (calcium + calcitriol + zoledronic acid). At 1 week and 3, 6, and 12 months after operation, BMD was obtained through dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). At pre-operation and at 3, 6, and 12 months after the operation, levels of bone metabolism markers were obtained by serum examination. RESULTS: Loss of BMD was significantly more pronounced in the control group than in the ZOL group in zones 1, 4, 6, and 7 at 6 months and in zones 1, 2, 4, 6, and 7 at 12 months after the operation. The levels of bone-resorption marker (ß-CTX) were significantly lower in the ZOL group than in the control group at 3, 6, and 12 months after operation. The levels of bone-formation marker (TP1NP) performed statistically differences only at 12 months after the operation in these two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Receiving an intravenous infusion of 5 mg zoledronic acid after THA can effectively reduce periprosthetic BMD loss and improve bone remodeling in females with postmenopausal osteoporosis. Zoledronic acid significantly inhibited bone mass loss in zones 1, 2, 4, 6, and 7 after THA and inhibited bone-resorption marker (ß-CTX) to improve bone remodeling. Zoledronic acid treatment is potentially important for patients with osteoporosis after THA.

Association of serum galectin-3 with risks of death and vascular events in acute ischaemic stroke patients: the role of hyperglycemia.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Whether the association between galectin-3 and stroke outcome is modified by fasting plasma glucose (FPG) is unknown. The aim was to evaluate the prognostic effect of galectin-3 amongst ischaemic stroke patients stratified by FPG. METHODS: In all, 3082 ischaemic stroke patients were included in this study and serum galectin-3 was tested at baseline. The primary outcome was a composite outcome of death and vascular events, and secondary outcomes were death, stroke recurrence and vascular events within 1 year after stroke. RESULTS: Increased galectin-3 was significantly associated with the primary outcome, stroke recurrence and vascular events in the patients with hyperglycemia but not in those with normoglycemia (P for interaction < 0.05 for all). The multivariate-adjusted hazard ratios (95% confidence intervals) were 1.72 (1.05-2.84), 2.64 (1.14-6.12) and 2.68 (1.33-5.38) for the primary outcome, stroke recurrence and vascular events, respectively. A linear association between galectin-3 and the primary outcome was observed in hyperglycemic patients (P for linearity = 0.007). CONCLUSION: Increased galectin-3 was associated with the primary outcome, stroke recurrence and vascular events within 1 year after stroke in the patients with hyperglycemia, suggesting that galectin-3 may be an important prognostic factor for ischaemic stroke patients with hyperglycemia.

Grading meningiomas using mono-exponential, bi-exponential and stretched exponential model-based diffusion-weighted MR imaging.

AIM: To prospectively evaluate and compare the potential of various diffusion metrics obtained from mono-exponential model (MEM), bi-exponential model (BEM), and stretched exponential model (SEM)-based diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) in the grading of meningiomas. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Consecutive 93 patients with histopathologically confirmed meningiomas received DWI of multiple b-values. Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), pure molecular diffusion (D), pseudo-diffusion coefficient (D*), perfusion fraction (f), water molecular diffusion heterogeneity index (alpha), and distributed diffusion coefficient (DDC) were calculated and compared between low-grade and high-grade meningiomas. Receiver operating characteristic and multivariable stepwise logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate the diagnostic performance of different parameters. RESULTS: The mean and normalised ADC, D, f, and DDC values were significantly lower in high-grade meningiomas than those in low-grade meningiomas (all p<0.05). The AUCs of D and DDC were significantly higher than that of f in the differentiation (all p<0.05). D was the only variable that could be used to independently differentiate high-grade and low-grade meningiomas (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Different models of DWI, including MEM, BEM, and SEM, are useful in the differentiating high-grade and low-grade meningiomas; however, D obtained from BEM is the most promising diffusion parameter for predicting the grade of meningiomas.

The role of three-dimensional pseudo-continuous arterial spin labelling in grading and differentiating histological subgroups of meningiomas.

AIM: To evaluate the usefulness of pseudo-continuous arterial spin labelling (pCASL) imaging in grading and differentiating histological subtypes of meningiomas. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this prospective study, conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with contrast-enhanced T1-weighted images and pCASL were acquired with a 3 T MRI system before surgery in 125 consecutive patients with suspected meningiomas. Finally, the perfusion parameters were collected from 84 grade I and 23 grade II meningiomas. On the pCASL perfusion map, the mean absolute cerebral blood flow (CBF) values from the meningioma (CBFtumour), peritumoural oedema (CBFPTO), white matter of contralateral centrum semi-ovale (CBFwm) and normal grey matter (CBFgm) were calculated. Additionally, the associations of these perfusion parameters with the value of ki-67 index were analysed. RESULTS: The CBFwm value correlated negatively with the largest diameter of the tumour, which limited its usage as a reference for ratio calculation. The CBFtumour values of grade II and grade I meningiomas did not differ significantly: 137.36±71.85 ml/min/100 g versus 123.58±135.80 ml/min/100 g (p=0.641). The CBFPTO value was higher for grade II meningioma as than for grade I meningiomas: 30.30±15.56 ml/min/100 g versus 22.33±9.87 ml/min/100 g (p=0.037). The CBFtumour value was highest in angiomatous meningioma and lowest in fibrous meningioma, thus enabling the differentiation of subtypes of meningioma. The CBFtumour value did not correlate with the ki-67 index of meningioma. CONCLUSION: The CBFPTO value, rather than the CBFtumour value, from pCASL imaging may serve as a key factor in distinguishing different grades of meningiomas. Moreover, angiomatous meningiomas and fibrous meningiomas can be identified by CBFtumour value.

Nonlinear wave propagation in porous materials based on the Biot theory.

Nonlinearity must be considered with some porous granular media because of the large deformation under seismic waves. In this study, the propagation of nonlinear waves in porous media is studied based on the Biot theory and the governing equations are obtained by the Lagrangian formulation. Three new nonlinear parameters are introduced to consider the coupled nonlinearity between the solid and fluid components in porous media. It is shown that an additional nonlinear wave with a double frequency is generated by the coupling effect of linear fast and slow waves. When only a shear wave is applied at the source, no double-frequency nonlinear wave is predicted and three nonlinear longitudinal waves are generated. On the basis of the practical case studies, the effect of strong nonlinearity is computed under the influence of a one-dimensional single longitudinal wave source and a single shear wave source.

Imaging features of intracranial psammomatous meningioma.

PURPOSE: This study was conducted to describe the imaging features of intracranial psammomatous meningioma (IPM). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-three patients with a histopathological diagnosis of IPM between January 2007 and August 2016 were retrospectively reviewed. Twenty-two patients underwent contrast-enhanced MRI scanning, and 16 underwent non-enhanced CT. RESULTS: A total of 23 adult patients (3 men, 20 women; mean age, 55.3±7.0 years) with 30 IPMs, including 3 patients with multiple IPMs, were recruited. Twenty tumours (66.7%) were located at the cerebral convexity. The mean size of the lesions was 2.42±0.92cm (range, 1.2-4.8cm). All tumours had a regular shape. On CT scans, 13 masses (13/22) were totally replaced with calcifications, and calcifications were observed in 21 cases (21/22) with higher density. There were 22 cases (22/30) of IPMs presenting adjacent hyperostosis, while 8 cases (8/30) presented no skull changes that were not close to the skull. Nearly half of the cases (14/29) showed mixed hypo- and hyperintensity on T2-weighted images and DWI. PTBE was present in 8 tumours and absent in the other 22, among which only 4 tumours were accompanied by severe oedema. CONCLUSIONS: These radiological findings may facilitate correct diagnosis for IPMs and thus presurgical planning, prognosis evaluation and treatment of meningiomas.

[Arthroscopic treatment of eldly with massive rotator cuff tear].

Objective: To investigate the surgical technique and clinical efficacy of arthroscopic treatment of the elderly patients with massive rotator cuff tear. Methods: From June 2012 to June 2015, thirty-six patients with massive rotator cuff tear were treated with arthroscopic and followed up. The visual analog scale(VAS)pain score, University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) scores, Constant scores and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons scale(ASES)were used before and after the arthroscopic surgery. Results: All the patients were followed up for average of 18.5 (12 to 30) months.Before arthroscopic surgery, the VAS, UCLA, Constant, ASES were (6.1±2.2), (10.6±4.3), (40.3±10.5) and (28.8±18.5) points; the average flexion of the shoulder was (76.5±42.6)°, the average abduction of the shoulder was (72.4±35.2)°, the average external rotation of the shoulder was(26.6±22.2)° and the average internal rotation of the shoulder was (20.2±6.2)° respectively.These scores were improved to (1.4±1.2), (30.4±5.2), (82.6±12.6), and (78.8±22.6) points, the average flexion of the shoulder was improved to (152.8±25.6)°, the average abduction of the shoulder was improved to (120.6±32.8)°, the average external rotation of the shoulder was improved to (42.6±16.2)° and the average internal rotation of the shoulder was improved to (38.4±5.6)° after one-year follow-up period.Improvement in these scores and range of motion(ROM) were significant difference(P<0.05). Conclusion: Arthroscopic repair can effectively treat the eldly patient with massive rotator cuff tear and obviously improve the function of shoulder joint. The surgery has a clinical application value.

[Influence of extremely low-frequency magnetic field on circadian rhythm of cryptochrome in mouse embryonic fibroblasts].

Objective: To investigate the influence of extremely low-frequency magnetic field on periodical expression of cryptochrome (Cry) gene in mouse embryonic fibroblast NIH3T3 cells. Methods: The NIH3T3 cells were divided into magnetic field group and sham-exposure group. The NIH3T3 cells in the magnetic field group were stimulated by horse serum and then exposed to an extremely low-frequency magnetic field (50 Hz and 0.3 mT) for 48 hours, and those in the sham-exposure group were also stimulated by horse serum and then exposed to a coil for 48 hours. The NIH3T3 cells were collected, total RNA was extracted, and cDNA was obtained via reverse transcription. Real-time fluorescent quantitative RT-PCR was used to measure the changes in transcription cycles of Cry and Period genes in both groups. Results: There was no significant difference in the proliferation rate at 0, 12, 24, and 48 hours of exposure between the two groups (P>0.05) . Both sham-exposure group and magnetic field group showed a rhythmic change in the expression of Cry gene, and compared with the sham-exposure group, the magnetic field group had a significantly shortened circadian rhythm of Cry gene in NIH3T3 cells (t=2.57, P<0.05) . Both groups had rhythmic and periodical expression of Period gene and there was no significant difference between the two groups (t=0.70, P>0.05) . Conclusion: Extremely low-frequency magnetic field can significantly shorten the circadian rhythm of Cry gene in mouse embryonic fibroblasts, while there is no significant change in the circadian rhythm of Period gene.

Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D deficiency predicts poor outcome amongst acute ischaemic stroke patients with low high density lipoprotein cholesterol.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Current observational studies indicate that a lower vitamin D level is associated with a higher risk of poor ischaemic stroke prognosis. Whether this association is affected by lipid levels is unclear. Our aim was to examine the effect of serum vitamin D especially its deficiency on the global outcome of ischaemic stroke stratified by individual lipid component level. METHODS: A total of 3181 ischaemic patients from China Antihypertensive Trial in Acute Ischaemic Stroke were included in this study and their baseline serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels were tested. They were prospectively followed up for death, major disability and vascular events for 3 months after acute ischaemic stroke. A multivariable logistic model was used to evaluate the association between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels and clinical outcomes of ischaemic stroke in the 3-month period of follow-up in all patients and in different lipid-level subgroups. RESULTS: Vitamin D deficiency was associated with poor clinical outcomes only in ischaemic stroke patients with high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLC) <1.04 mmol/l rather than all patients. The multivariable adjusted odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) of major disability and composite adverse events were 1.98 (1.08-3.63) and 2.24 (1.22-4.12), respectively. There was a significant interaction effect between vitamin D and HDLC levels on major disability and the composite outcome (P for interaction < 0.05 for both). A significant linear trend existed between 25-hydroxyvitamin D and risk of poor prognosis (P = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Vitamin D deficiency may be merely an independent risk factor of poor prognosis in ischaemic stroke patients with low HDLC level.

Neuroradiological features of cervical and cervicothoracic intraspinal subependymomas: a study of five cases.

AIM: To characterize the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings in a series of five patients with cervical and cervicothoracic intraspinal subependymomas and to increase awareness of this neoplasm. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The clinical and radiological profiles of five patients who were diagnosed with subependymoma based on histopathological findings were retrospectively studied and compared with previously reported cases. All patients underwent enhanced MRI. RESULTS: One patient presented with a subependymoma of the cervical spine, one patient harboured a thoracic spinal subependymoma, and the other patients presented with cervicothoracic subependymomas. All lesions were hypointense on T1-weighted images and hyperintense on T2-weighted images. One lesion grew centrally, whereas the others demonstrated eccentricity. Partially faint enhancement was noted in four cases, and one case demonstrated multinodular moderate enhancement. CONCLUSION: Cervical and cervicothoracic intraspinal subependymomas can be distinguished on MRI images. Specifically, a faintly enhanced or non-enhanced heterogeneous intramedullary lesion that exhibits a slowly deteriorating clinical course may be indicative of a subependymoma. In such cases, resection is expected to yield favourable outcomes.

Mechanism underlying the bio-effects of an electromagnetic field based on the Huang-Ferrell model.

To understand the beneficial and harmful bio-effects of extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields, we studied the MAPK/ERK signaling pathway based on the Huang-Ferrell model. The sensitivity analysis method was used to study the influence of the model parameters on the activity of ERK, and to further investigate the key biochemical reactions and proteins. The results of the simulation show that an increase in the reaction rate of MAPK/ERK kinase had little effect on ERK activation and the steady-state molecular number. However, a decrease in the reaction rate of MAPK/ERK kinase significantly affected the trigger time of ERK activation and decreased the steady-state molecular number. Together with the biological significance of ERK activity, our findings indicate that the effects of electromagnetic fields are a result of the decrease in the reaction rate of MAPK/ERK kinase, which eventually determines whether these effects cause physical damage or are beneficial in treatment.

Activation of Src tyrosine kinase in esophageal carcinoma cells in different regulatory environments and corresponding occurrence mechanism.

This study aims at observing the expression of activated Src tyrosine kinase in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), and exploring the relationship of Src tyrosine kinase with the occurrence and progression of ESCC. Immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, and immunoblotting are employed to investigate the expression of Src tyrosine kinase in the ESCC tissue. Cellular immunofluorescence is used to measure the expression of activated Src tyrosine kinase in TE1 and TE9 cell lines of human ESCC tissues and EPC1-htert and EPC2-htert cell lines of esophageal epithelial cells. Src tyrosine kinase is overexpressed in ESCC tissue and underexpressed in normal esophageal mucosa. Furthermore, it is overexpressed in the TE1 and TE9 cell lines of human ESCC tissue and underexpressed in the EPC1-htert and EPC2-htert cell lines of esophageal epithelial cells. Src tyrosine kinase shows a higher expression in human ESCC tissue than in normal esophageal mucosa. The difference is statistically significant (P < 0.05). The activation of Src tyrosine kinase plays an important role in the occurrence and development of ESCC.

Effect of single nucleotide polymorphisms in the ATP-binding cassette B1 gene on the clinical outcome of traumatic brain injury.

The critical role of ATP-binding cassette B1 (ABCB1) in the function of the blood-brain barrier led us to conducted this prospective study in order to investigate the clinical outcome of patients suffering from severe traumatic brain injury. A total of 182 patients with traumatic brain injury were included in our study. Genotyping of ABCB1 C3435T and G2677T/A was conducted using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. Using multivariate-logistic regression analysis, we found that patients carrying the CT+CC genotype of ABCB1 C3435T were more likely to have a better neurological outcome when compared with the TT genotype (odds ratio = 2.71, 95% confidence interval = 1.12-6.86). However, no significant association was found between the G2677T/A polymorphism and outcome of traumatic brain injury patients. Our study provides important information regarding the prognostic value of ABCB1 C3435T, and the ABCB1 C3435T polymorphism may be used as a predictive marker for the outcome of traumatic brain injury patients.

Differentiation of infiltrative cholangiocarcinoma from benign common bile duct stricture using three-dimensional dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI with MRCP.

AIM: To retrospectively evaluate the criteria for discriminating infiltrative cholangiocarcinoma from benign common bile duct (CBD) stricture using three-dimensional dynamic contrast-enhanced (3D-DCE) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) combined with magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) imaging and to determine the predictors for cholangiocarcinoma versus benign CBD stricture. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 3D-DCE MRI and MRCP images in 28 patients with infiltrative cholangiocarcinoma and 23 patients with benign causes of CBD stricture were reviewed retrospectively. The final diagnosis was based on surgical or biopsy records. Two radiologists analysed the MRI images for asymmetry, including the wall thickness, length, and enhancement pattern of the narrowed CBD segment, and upstream CBD dilatation. MRI findings that could be used as predictors were identified by univariate analysis and multivariable stepwise logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Malignant strictures were significantly thicker (4.4 ± 1.2 mm) and longer (16.7 ± 7.7 mm) than the benign strictures (p < 0.05), and upstream CBD dilatation was larger in the infiltrative cholangiocarcinoma cases (20.7 ± 5.7 mm) than in the benign cases (16.5 ± 5.2 mm; p = 0.018). During both the portal venous and equilibrium phases, hyperenhancement was more frequently observed in malignant cases than in benign cases (p < 0.001). The results of the multivariable stepwise logistic regression analysis showed that both hyperenhancement of the involved CBD during the equilibrium phase and the ductal thickness were significant predictors for malignant strictures. When two diagnostic predictive values were used in combination, almost all patients with malignant strictures (n = 26, 92.9%) and benign strictures (n = 21, 91.3%) were correctly identified; the overall accuracy was 92.2% with correct classifications in 47 of the 51 patients. CONCLUSION: Infiltrative cholangiocarcinoma and benign CBD strictures could be effectively differentiated using DCE-MRI and MRCP based on hyperenhancement during the equilibrium phase and bile wall thickness of the involved segment.

Imaging findings of the spinal peripheral Ewing's sarcoma family of tumours.

AIM: To present the neuroradiological and clinical characteristics of Ewing's sarcoma family of tumours (ESFTs) and to increase awareness of this neoplasm. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features and clinical presentations of seven patients with pathologically documented ESFTs were retrospectively analysed. The tumour location, morphological features, signal intensity, contrast enhancement characteristics, involvement of the paraspinal soft tissues, and adjacent bony structures were assessed. RESULTS: Most of the ESFTs in young adults were well-circumscribed. The present study demonstrated that ESFTs often have a hypo- or iso-intense signal on T1-weighted imaging and an iso-intense signal on T2-weighted imaging. Spinal ESFTs tended to present homogeneous signal intensity and diffuse enhancement. ESFTs are more likely to occur in the thoracic spine and later to infiltrate into the paraspinal area or vertebral bone. A broad dural attachment is another common feature in the cases presented here. CONCLUSIONS: ESFT is a rare neoplasm that can have significant overlap in imaging appearance compared with other spinal neoplasms. A well-demarcated extradural mass invading the paraspinal soft or vertebral bones, with iso-intense on T2 weighted imaging and homogeneous enhancement could facilitate the diagnosis of spinal ESFT.

Clinical significance of fibroblast growth factor receptor-3 mutations in bladder cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Mutations in the fibroblast growth factor receptor-3 (FGFR3) gene are frequently found in bladder cancer, but their prognostic value remains controversial. To globally summarize the association between FGFR3 mutations and the grade and stage of bladder cancer, and to analyze the predictive role of FGFR3 mutations with respect to survival, eligible studies were identified and assessed for quality through multiple search strategies. Risk ratio (RR) data were collected from studies comparing the number of FGFR3 mutants among low-grade and early-stage bladder cancer patients to the number among high-grade and late-stage patients. Hazard ratio (HR) data were collected from studies comparing survival in patients with mutant FGFR3 genes to those with wild-type genes. Studies were pooled, and the RRs of grade and stage and the HRs of survival were calculated. Thirty studies were included in the present meta-analysis. FGFR3 mutations were found to be closely associated with low-grade and early-stage bladder cancer, showing pooled RRs = 2.948 [95% confidence interval (CI) = 2.357-3.688] and 2.845 (95%CI = 2.145- 3.773), respectively. Notably, patients with FGFR3 mutations tended to show better disease-, progress-, and recurrence-free survival (HR = 0.561, 95%CI = 0.405-0.779), and better disease-specific survival (HR = 0.363, 95%CI = 0.266-0.496). This study demonstrated that FGFR3 mutations are closely related to low grade, early stage, and better survival among bladder cancer patients.

Computed tomography and magnetic resonance features of extraventricular neurocytoma: a study of eight cases.

AIM: To present the neuroradiological and clinical findings of extraventricular (central) neurocytomas (EVNs) to increase awareness of this entity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The computed tomography (CT; n = 6), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI; n = 8), and clinical presentations of eight patients with pathologically documented EVN were retrospectively analysed. RESULTS: Most tumours were well circumscribed and occurred in young adults. Six tumours were solid or solid-cystic, five of these showed contrast enhancement and three contained calcifications. Multiple small cysts were present in one solid mass and had a "soap bubble" or spongy appearance on MRI. Two other tumours were predominantly cystic; these demonstrated slight contrast enhancement, which contained calcifications. Of the six cases assessed using CT, three showed predominantly hyperdensity and three showed hypodensity, with a mean attenuation value of 75 HU. At MRI, eight masses were isointense (n = 4) or hypointense (n = 4) to grey matter on T1-weighted images and hyperintense (n = 6), isointense (n = 1), or hypointense (n = 1) on T2-weighted and fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) images. Signal voids were visible in two cases. Four tumours had mild or moderate peritumoural oedema. CONCLUSION: EVN is a rare neoplasm that can have significant overlap in imaging appearance with other primary brain neoplasms; therefore, it is difficult to make an accurate preoperative diagnosis. However, EVN should be considered in the differential diagnosis when a large cerebral parenchymal mass with cystic change and calcification is encountered in younger patients.

The C-terminal cysteine of turbot Scophthalmus maximus translationally controlled tumour protein plays a key role in antioxidation and growth-promoting functions.

The translationally controlled tumour protein (TCTP) of turbot Scophthalmus maximus (SmTCTP) contains only one cysteine (Cys¹7°) at the C-terminal end. The biological role of this C-terminal Cys¹7° in the antioxidation and growth-promoting functions of SmTCTP was examined by site-directed mutation of C170A (Cys¹7° →Ala¹7°). It was found that C170A mutation not only obviously decreased the antioxidation capacity of the mutant-smtctp-transformed bacteria exposed to 0·22 mM hydrogen peroxide, but also significantly interrupted the normal growth and survival of the mutant-smtctp-transformed bacteria and flounder Paralichthys olivaceus gill (FG) cells, indicating a key role played by Cys¹7° in the antioxidation and growth-promoting functions of SmTCTP. This study also suggested that the self-dimerization or dimerization with other interacting proteins is critical to the growth-promoting function of SmTCTP.