A novel radiomics-based technique for identifying vulnerable coronary plaques: a follow-up study.

BACKGROUND: Previous reports have suggested that coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA)-based radiomics analysis is a potentially helpful tool for assessing vulnerable plaques. We aimed to investigate whether coronary radiomic analysis of CCTA images could identify vulnerable plaques in patients with stable angina pectoris. METHODS: This retrospective study included patients initially diagnosed with stable angina pectoris. Patients were randomly divided into either the training or test dataset at an 8 : 2 ratio. Radiomics features were extracted from CCTA images. Radiomics models for predicting vulnerable plaques were developed using the support vector machine (SVM) algorithm. The model performance was assessed using the area under the curve (AUC); the accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity were calculated to compare the diagnostic performance using the two cohorts. RESULTS: A total of 158 patients were included in the analysis. The SVM radiomics model performed well in predicting vulnerable plaques, with AUC values of 0.977 and 0.875 for the training and test cohorts, respectively. With optimal cutoff values, the radiomics model showed accuracies of 0.91 and 0.882 in the training and test cohorts, respectively. CONCLUSION: Although further larger population studies are necessary, this novel CCTA radiomics model may identify vulnerable plaques in patients with stable angina pectoris.

Engagement of AKT and ERK signaling pathways facilitates infection of human neuronal cells with West Nile virus.

West Nile virus (WNV) is an important neurotropic virus that accounts for the emergence of human arboviral encephalitis and meningitis. The interaction of WNV with signaling pathways plays a key role in controlling WNV infection. We have investigated the roles of the AKT and ERK pathways in supporting WNV propagation and modulating the inflammatory response following WNV infection. WNV established a productive infection in neuronal cell lines originated from human and mouse. Expression of IL-11 and TNF-α was markedly up-regulated in the infected human neuronal cells, indicating elicitation of inflammation response upon WNV infection. WNV incubation rapidly activated signaling cascades of AKT (AKT-S6-4E-BP1) and ERK (MEK-ERK-p90RSK) pathways. Treatment with AKT inhibitor MK-2206 or MEK inhibitor U0126 abrogated WNV-induced AKT or ERK activation. Strong activation of AKT and ERK signaling pathways could be detectable at 24 h after WNV infection, while such activation was abolished at 48 h post infection. U0126 treatment or knockdown of ERK expression significantly increased WNV RNA levels and viral titers and efficiently decreased IL-11 production induced by WNV, suggesting the involvement of ERK pathway in WNV propagation and IL-11 induction. MK-2206 treatment enhanced WNV RNA replication accompanied with a moderate decrease in IL-11 production. These results demonstrate that engagement of AKT and ERK signaling pathways facilitates viral infection and may be implicated in WNV pathogenesis.

Elevated serum neuropeptide Y levels are associated with carotid plaque formation in Chinese adults: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Carotid plaque (CP) formation is an important consequence of atherosclerosis and leads to significant complications. Levels of neuropeptide Y (NPY), which is a sympathetic neurotransmitter, are elevated in cardiovascular diseases. It also has important roles in inflammatory conditions. This study aimed to explore the relationship between serum NPY and CP and to study further the influence of NPY and inflammatory factors on CP. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 300 adults who underwent a health examination at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University in Fujian Province, of whom 177 were finally enrolled. The participants were divided into the CP (n = 120) and non-CP (NCP) or control (n = 57) groups according to the results of carotid artery color Doppler ultrasound. The CP group was further classified into stable plaque (SP, n = 80) and vulnerable plaque (VP, n = 40) groups based on plaque characteristics. Serum NPY and pro-inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels were examined. Univariate and correlation analyses were used to evaluate the correlation between serum NPY levels, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and the CP phenotype. RESULTS: The serum NPY and TNF-α levels of patients in the CP group were significantly higher than those in individuals from the NCP group [ (177.30 ± 43.29) pg.mL- 1 vs. (121.53 ± 40.16)pg.mL- 1, P < 0.001; (41.94 ± 14.19) pg.mL- 1 vs.(33.54 ± 13.37)pg.mL- 1, P = 0.003]. The serum NPY levels of the patients in the VP group were significantly higher than those in patients from the SP group [(191.67 ± 39.87)ng.L- 1 vs.(170.12 ± 43.37)ng.L- 1, P = 0.01, P < 0.05]. Serum TNF-α and NPY levels were positively correlated among patients from the CP group (r = 0.184, P = 0.044). The binary logistic regression analysis showed that serum NPY and TNF-α were independent influencing factors of CP [(OR = 1.029, P < 0.001);(OR = 1.030, P = 0.023)]. The area under the ROC curve of NPY predicting the CP showed statistical significance at a value of 0.819. CONCLUSION: Together, elevated serum NPY levels seem to be associated with the occurrence of coronary atherosclerosis in Chinese adults.

Spatial distribution and migration of lead and zinc and the influence of parent materials in typical paddy soils of Hunan Province, China.

This study aimed to investigate the distribution and migration characteristics of lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn) in paddy soils in Hunan Province, China. A total of 343 soil samples from 63 profiles were collected from typical regions. The concentration, spatial distribution, and migration behaviors of Pb and Zn in the paddy soils were examined. The results showed that (1) the concentration ranges of Pb and Zn in the surface layer were 17.62-114.07 mg/kg and 44.98-146.84 mg/kg, respectively. (2) The content was higher in the middle and lower reaches of the Xiangjiang River basin horizontally and exhibited shallow enrichment characteristics vertically. (3) Pb migration was weaker than Zn migration, and the parent material had the most significant influence on Pb and Zn content in the bottom soil layer. The research results will clarify the characteristics of Pb and Zn contents in paddy soils in Hunan Province, further understand the horizontal distribution and vertical migration and transformation characteristics of Pb and Zn contents in paddy soils, and provide basic data for scientific rice cultivation and safe food production.

Enhancing phonon thermal transport in 2H-CrX2 (X = S and Se) monolayers through robust bonding interactions.

Inspired by the groundbreaking discovery of the 2H-MoS2 monolayer with outstanding physical properties, the electronic structure, structural stability, and thermal transport of 2H-CrX2 (X = S and Se) monolayers are theoretically evaluated using density functional theory (DFT) calculations and semiempirical Boltzmann transport theory. The 2H-CrX2 (X = S and Se) monolayers are direct semiconductors with the bandgaps of 0.91 and 0.69 eV. The elastic modulus and phonon dispersion curve analysis show that the 2H-CrX2 (X = S and Se) monolayers possess excellent mechanical and dynamic stabilities on account of elastic constants satisfying the Born-Huang criterion and the absence of negative frequencies. The thermal stabilities of the 2H-CrX2 (X = S and Se) monolayers at 300 K are proved by ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD) simulations, as evidenced by the slight changes in the structural evolution and small fluctuation in total energy. High thermal conductivities of 131.7 and 88.6 W m-1 K-1 are discovered for 2H-CrS2 and 2H-CrSe2 monolayers at 300 K. Further analysis of the phonon group velocity, phonon relaxation time, and Grüneisen parameter shows that the high lattice thermal conductivities of 2H-CrX2 (X = S and Se) monolayers could be attributed to the great bond strength, large Young's modulus, relatively small atomic mass, high phonon group velocity, and long phonon relaxation time. In addition, the various scattering mechanisms are further considered in the calculations of phonon thermal transport to evaluate the effect of the scattering rates of the 2H-CrS2 and 2H-CrSe2 monolayers on the lattice thermal conductivity, and the determinative role is found for the phonon boundary scattering. Our present study would not only offer a fundamental understanding of the thermal transport properties of the 2H-CrX2 (X = S and Se) monolayers, but also provide theoretical guidelines for the experimental investigation of thermal management materials with 2H-phase.

Inhibition of tick-borne encephalitis virus in cell cultures by ribavirin.

Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) belonging to arboviruses is a major member of zoonotic pathogens. TBEV infection causes severe human encephalitis without specific antiviral drugs. Due to its use of antiviral drug against a wide range of viruses, we investigated antiviral effect of ribavirin against TBEV in susceptible human cell lines A549 and SH-SY5Y. Ribavirin displayed minor cytotoxicity on multiple cell lines. Ribavirin obviously impaired TBEV replication and protected the infected cells from cytopathic effect. Importantly, ribavirin markedly inhibited TBEV propagation, as evidenced by impairment of TBEV production and viral RNA replication. Treatment with ribavirin (co-treatment and post-treatment) led to a dose-dependent reduction in TBEV titers as well as the viral RNA levels. Antiviral protein myxovirus resistance A mRNA expression was significantly up-regulated and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 was activated in TBEV-infected A549 cells upon the ribavirin treatment. Induction of inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor alpha by TBEV was decreased in A549 cells with the treatment of ribavirin, whereas interleukin 1 beta release appeared to be unaffected. These results suggest that ribavirin might represent a promising safe and effective antiviral drug against TBEV.

Effects of ß-carotene supplementation in the diet of laying breeder hens on the growth performance and liver development of offspring chicks.

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the growth performance, growth regulating factors, and liver morphology of chicks hatched from egg-laying breeding hens dietary supplemented with additives (ß-carotene). Hy-line breeding hens were allocated into three groups with three replicates/group. The dietary treatments were as follows: basal diet as a control (Con), basal diet supplemented with 120 (ßc-L) or 240 (ßc-H) mg/kg of ß-carotene diet. After 6 weeks, the eggs were collected and incubated. The hatched chicks were fed the same diet. The results showed that chicks in the ßc-L group increased in body weight at 21 days (p < 0.01). At 42 days, chicks in the ßc-H group showed a significant increase in tibia length (p < 0.05). The liver index increased in the ßc-L and ßc-H groups at 7 days (p < 0.05). Serum HGF (7, 14, 21, and 42 days) and leptin (14 days) were significantly increased in the group supplemented with ßc. Hepatic GHR (14 days), IGF-1R (14 days), and LEPR (21 days) mRNA expression were significantly increased. In addition, there was an increase in PCNA-positive cells in the liver of chicks in the ßc group. In conclusion, the addition of ß-carotene to the diet of laying breeder hens was more advantageous in terms of growth performance and liver development of the offspring.

Bigelovin inhibits hepatocellular carcinoma cell growth and metastasis by regulating the MAPT-mediated Fas/FasL pathway.

Bigelovin (BigV), as traditional Chinese medicine, has been shown to inhibit the malignant progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This study aimed to investigate whether BigV affects the development of HCC by targeting the MAPT and Fas/FasL pathway. Human HCC cell lines HepG2 and SMMC-7721 were used for this study. Cells were treated with BigV, sh-MAPT, and MAPT. The viability, migration, and apoptosis of HCC cells were detected by CCK-8, Transwell, and flow cytometry assays, respectively. Immunofluorescence and immunoprecipitation were used to verify the relationship between MAPT and Fas. Subcutaneous xenograft tumor and tail vein-injected lung metastases mouse models were constructed for histological observation. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was used to assess lung metastases in HCC. Western blotting was used to measure the expression of migration, apoptosis, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) marker proteins, as well as Fas/FasL pathway-related proteins. BigV treatment inhibited the proliferation, migration, and EMT of HCC cells, whereas enhanced cell apoptosis. Moreover, BigV downregulated MAPT expression. The negative effects of sh-MAPT on HCC cell proliferation, migration, and EMT were enhanced by BigV treatment. Conversely, BigV addition attenuated the positive effects of MAPT overexpression on the malignant progression of HCC. In vivo experiments showed that BigV and/or sh-MAPT reduced tumor growth and lung metastasis while promoting tumor cell apoptosis. Furthermore, MAPT could act with Fas and inhibit its expression. sh-MAPT upregulated the expression of Fas/FasL pathway-associated proteins, which were enhanced by BigV administration. BigV suppressed the malignant progression of HCC via activating the MAPT-mediated Fas/FasL pathway.

Theoretical Prediction of Thermoelectric Performance for Layered LaAgOX (X = S, Se) Materials in Consideration of the Four-Phonon and Multiple Carrier Scattering Processes.

Inspired by the experimental achievement of layered LaCuOX (X = S, Se) with superior thermoelectric (TE) performance, the TE properties of Ag-based isomorphic LaAgOX are systemically investigated by the first-principles calculation. The LaAgOS and LaAgOSe are direct semiconductors with wide bandgaps of ≈2.50 and ≈2.35 eV. Essential four-phonon and multiple carrier scattering mechanisms are considered in phonon and electronic transport calculations to improve the accuracy of the figure-of-merit (ZT). The p-type LaAgOX (X = S, Se) shows excellent TE performance on account of the large Seebeck coefficient originated from the band convergency and low thermal conductivity caused by the strong phonon-phonon scattering. Consequently, the optimal ZTs along the out-of-plane direction decrease in the order of n-type LaAgOSe (≈2.88) > p-type LaAgOSe (≈2.50) > p-type LaAgOS (≈2.42) > n-type LaAgOS (≈2.27) at 700 K, and the optimal ZTs of ≈1.16 and ≈1.29 are achieved for p-type LaAgOS and LaAgOSe at the same temperature. The present work would provide a deep insight into the phonon and electronic transport properties of LaAgOX (X = S, Se), but also could shed light on the way for the rational design of state-of-the-art heteroanionic materials for TE application.

A Novel Load Balancing Scheme for Satellite IoT Networks Based on Spatial-Temporal Distribution of Users and Advanced Genetic Algorithms.

Satellite IoT networks (S-IoT-N), which have been a hot issue regarding the next generation of communication, are quite important for the coming era of digital twins and the metaverse because of their performance in sensing and monitoring anywhere, anytime, and anyway, in more dimensions. However, this will cause communication links to face greater traffic loads. Satellite internet networks (SIN) are considered the most possible evolution road, possessing characteristics of many satellites, such as low earth orbit (LEO), the Ku/Ka frequency, and a high data rate. Existing research on load balancing schemes for satellite networks cannot solve the problems of low efficiency under conditions of extremely non-uniform distribution of users (DoU) and dynamic density variances. Therefore, this paper proposes a novel load balancing scheme of adjacent beams for S-IoT-N based on the modeling of spatial-temporal DoU and advanced GA. In our scheme, the PDF of the DoU in the direction of movement of the SSP's trajectory was modeled first, which provided a multi-directional constraint for the non-uniform distribution of users in S-IoT-N. Fully considering the prior periodicity of satellite movement and the similarity of DoU in different areas, we proposed an adaptive inheritance iteration to optimize the crossover factor and mutation factor for GA for the first time. Based on the proposed improved GA, we obtained the optimal scheme of load balancing under the conditions of the adaptation from the local balancing scheme to global balancing, and a selection of Ser-Beams to access. Finally, the simulations show that the proposed method can improve the average throughput by 3% under specific conditions and improve processing efficiency by 30% on average.

Research progress on the role of exosomes in obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome-related atherosclerosis.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of mortality worldwide. Atherosclerosis, a multifactorial disease with complicated pathogenesis, is the main cause of CVD, underlying several major adverse cardiovascular events. Obesity is the main cause of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and a significant risk for atherosclerosis. OSA is an independent risk factor for CVD. Recent research has focused on understanding the underlying molecular mechanisms by which OSA influences atherosclerosis pathogenesis. The role of exosomes in this process has attracted considerable attention. Exosomes are a type of extracellular vesicles (EV) that are released from many cells (both healthy and diseased) and mediate cell-to-cell communication by transporting microRNAs (miRNAs), proteins, mRNAs, DNA, or lipids to target cells, thereby modulating the functions of target cells and tissues. Intermittent hypoxia in OSA alters the exosomal carrier in circulation and promotes the permeability and dysfunction of endothelial cells, which have been associated with the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. This review discusses the potential roles of exosomes and exosome-derived molecules in the development and progression of OSA-related atherosclerosis. Additionally, we explore the possible mechanisms underlying OSA-related atherosclerosis and provide new insights for the development of novel exosome-based therapeutics for OSA-related atherosclerosis and CVD.

Efficacy of vitamin K2 in the prevention and treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Introduction: Vitamin K (VK) as a nutrient, is a cofactor in the carboxylation of osteocalcin (OC), which can bind with hydroxyapatite to promote bone mineralization and increase bone strength. However, some studies have been inconsistent on whether vitamin K2 (VK2) can maintain or improve bone mineral density (BMD) and reduce the incidence of fractures in postmenopausal women. Therefore, the main objective of this meta-analysis was to determine the effect of VK2 as a nutritional supplement on BMD and fracture incidence in postmenopausal women. Methods: We searched PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases (published before March 17, 2022) and then extracted and pooled data from all randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that met the inclusion criteria. Results: Sixteen RCTs with a total of 6,425 subjects were included in this meta-analysis. The overall effect test of 10 studies showed a significant improvement in lumbar spine BMD (BMD LS) (P = 0.006) with VK2. The subgroup analysis of VK2 combination therapy showed that BMD LS was significantly maintained and improved with the administration of VK2 (P = 0.03). The overall effect test of the six RCTs showed no significant difference in fracture incidence between the two groups (RR=0.96, P=0.65). However, after excluding one heterogeneous study, the overall effect test showed a significant reduction in fracture incidence with VK2 (RR = 0.43, P = 0.01). In addition, this meta-analysis showed that VK2 reduced serum undercarboxylated osteocalcin (uc-OC) levels and the ratio of uc-OC to cOC in both subgroups of VK2 combined intervention and alone. However, for carboxylated osteocalcin (cOC), both subgroup analysis and overall effect test showed no significant effect of VK2 on it. And the pooled analysis of adverse reactions showed no significant difference between the VK2 and control groups (RR = 1.03, 95%CI 0.87 to 1.21, P = 0.76). Conclusions: The results of this meta-analysis seem to indicate that VK2 supplementation has a positive effect on the maintenance and improvement of BMD LS in postmenopausal women, and it can also reduce the fracture incidence, serum uc-OC levels and the ratio of uc-OC to cOC. In conclusion, VK2 can indirectly promote bone mineralization and increase bone strength.

Synthesis of baicalein derivatives and evaluation of their antiviral activity against arboviruses.

Natural plant-derived baicalein which is extracted from Chinese herb Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi belongs to the flavonoid compounds and possesses multiple pharmacological activities. In this study, we designed and synthesized new series of derivatives of baicalein (BE) through catalytic coupling reactions, and screened for their antiviral activity against arboviruses including Chikungunya virus (CHIKV), West Nile virus (WNV) or Zika virus (ZIKV). Our results revealed for the first time that BE and its derivatives had potent anti-CHIKV, anti-WNV and anti-ZIKV effects. And modification of 8 or 4' position could lead to obtain potent antiviral compounds against CHIKV, WNV and ZIKV with lower cytotoxicity. Among the baicalein derivatives, C3 and F3 showed the most potent antiviral activities against CHIKV, WNV and ZIKV, which were 5-10 times more potent than baicalein. Our findings will provide research basis for the development of baicalein derivatives as effective antiviral agents.

Sexually-transmitted hepatitis C virus reinfections among people living with HIV in Taiwan: the emerging role of genotype 6.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) reinfections after successful treatment with direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) pose a significant challenge to HCV elimination, especially among high-risk people living with HIV (PLWH). In this study, PLWH who had achieved HCV viral clearance with DAAs were included between January 2018 and June 2021. PLWH having acquired HCV infections after 2017 were classified as "recent-infection group," and those before 2017 as "remote-infection group," and the incidences of HCV reinfection were compared between two groups. Clinical and behavioural characteristics were evaluated to identify associated factors with HCV reinfection. A total of 284 PLWH were included: 179 in the recent-infection group and 105 in the remote-infection group. After a median follow-up of 2.32 years (interquartile range [IQR], 0.13-3.94), the overall incidence of HCV reinfection was 5.8 per 100 person-years of follow-up (PYFU). The incidence in the recent-infection group was significantly higher than that in the remote-infection group (9.8 vs. 0.4 per 100 PYFU, p < 0.001). The leading HCV genotypes before DAA treatment were genotypes 2 (31.0%), 1b (26.8%), and 6 (21.8%); however, genotype 6 (58.8%) became predominant upon reinfection. Younger age (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] per 1-year increase, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.90-0.99), condomless receptive anal sex (aOR, 14.5; 95% CI, 2.37-88.8), rimming (aOR, 3.87; 95% CI, 1.14-13.1), and recent syphilis (aOR, 2.73; 95% CI, 1.26-5.91) were linked to HCV reinfections. In conclusion, PLWH acquiring HCV after 2017 had a significantly higher risk for sexually-transmitted HCV reinfections. The predominance of HCV genotype 6 reinfections suggests possible on-going clustered HCV infections among at-risk PLWH.

Stem cell-derived exosomes in the treatment of acute myocardial infarction in preclinical animal models: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: Exosomes (EXOs) derived from stem cells have become a potential new treatment for acute myocardial infarction (AMI). However, their impact is still not fully understood. Therefore, we performed this meta-analysis to systematically review the efficacy of EXOs on AMI in preclinical animal models. METHODS: We searched PubMed, EMBASE, and the Web of Science from September 1, 1980 to September 1, 2021, to retrieve the studies reporting the therapeutic effects of EXOs on AMI animal models. Secondary endpoints include the fractional shortening (FS), infarct size (IS), fibrosis area (FA), the TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-10 levels, the apoptosis rate and the number of autophagic vesicles. Two authors independently screened the articles based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. All statistical analyses were conducted using Stata14.0. RESULTS: Ten studies satisfied the inclusion criteria. Pooled analyses demonstrated that the levels of LVEF (WMD = 3.67%; 95% CI 2.28-5.07%; P = 0.000), FS (WMD = 3.69%; 95% CI 2.06-5.33%; P = 0.000), IS (WMD = -4.52%, 95% CI - 7.14 to - 1.9%; P = 0.001), and FA (WMD = -7.04%, 95% CI - 8.74 to - 5.34%; P = 0.000), TNF-α (WMD = -3.09, 95% CI - 5.47 to - 0.72; P = 0.011), TL-6 (WMD = -6.34, 95% CI - 11.2 to - 1.49; P < 0.01), TL-10 (WMD = 6.37, 95% CI 1.53-11.21; P = 0.01), the apoptosis rate (WMD = -8.23, 95% CI - 15.29 to - 1.17; P = 0.000), and the number of autophagic vesicles (WMD = -4.52, 95% CI - 7.43 to - 1.62; P = 0.000). Subgroup analysis showed that the EXOs were derived from HMSCs. Subgroup analysis showed that the EXOs derived from HMSCs, and that exosome therapy immediately after myocardial infarction can better improve the LVEF. CONCLUSIONS: EXOs therapy has the potential to improve cardiac function, fibrogenesis, and inflammatory response, as well as reducing cell apoptosis and autophagy in preclinical AMI animal models. This can inform future human clinical trials of EXOs.

Neuropeptide Y: An Update on the Mechanism Underlying Chronic Intermittent Hypoxia-Induced Endothelial Dysfunction.

Endothelial dysfunction (ED) is a core pathophysiological process. The abnormal response of vascular endothelial (VE) cells to risk factors can lead to systemic consequences. ED caused by intermittent hypoxia (IH) has also been recognized. Neuropeptide Y (NPY) is an important peripheral neurotransmitter that binds to different receptors on endothelial cells, thereby causing ED. Additionally, hypoxia can induce the release of peripheral NPY; however, the involvement of NPY and its receptor in IH-induced ED has not been determined. This review explains the definition of chronic IH and VE function, including the relationship between ED and chronic IH-related vascular diseases. The results showed that that the effect of IH on VE injury is mediated by the VE-barrier structure and endothelial cell dysfunction. These findings offer new ideas for the prevention and treatment of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome and its complications.

CT Radiomics for the Prediction of Synchronous Distant Metastasis in Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to construct and verify a computed tomography (CT) radiomics model for preoperative prediction of synchronous distant metastasis (SDM) in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) patients. METHODS: Overall, 172 patients with ccRCC were enrolled in the present research. Contrast-enhanced CT images were manually sketched, and 2994 quantitative radiomic features were extracted. The radiomic features were then normalized and subjected to hypothesis testing. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) was applied to dimension reduction, feature selection, and model construction. The performance of the predictive model was validated through analysis of the receiver operating characteristic curve. Multivariate and subgroup analyses were performed to verify the radiomic score as an independent predictor of SDM. RESULTS: The patients randomized into a training (n = 104) and a validation (n = 68) cohort in a 6:4 ratio. Through dimension reduction using LASSO regression, 9 radiomic features were used for the construction of the SDM prediction model. The model yielded moderate performance in both the training (area under the curve, 0.89; 95% confidence interval, 0.81-0.97) and the validation cohort (area under the curve, 0.83; 95% confidence interval, 0.69-0.95). Multivariate analysis showed that the CT radiomic signature was an independent risk factor for clinical parameters of ccRCC. Subgroup analysis revealed a significant connection between the SDM and radiomic signature, except for the lower pole of the kidney subgroup. CONCLUSIONS: The CT-based radiomics model could be used as a noninvasive, personalized approach for SDM prediction in patients with ccRCC.

Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor of the pancreatic neck: A case report and review of literature.

BACKGROUND: Pancreatic inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor (IMT) is a relatively rare disease that is often confused with pancreatic cancer or pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors. The histological features of IMTs show that tissue from this type of tumor contains an intermingling of fibroblast and myofibroblast proliferation, accompanied by a varying degree of inflammatory cell infiltration. CASE SUMMARY: The management of an IMT occurring at the neck of the pancreas is presented in this paper. A 66-year-old female patient was diagnosed with a pancreatic neck mass after a series of tests. The patient underwent enucleation of the pancreatic neck tumor after a pathological diagnosis of IMT. Previous research on the clinical features, pathological diagnosis and treatment of pancreatic IMTs was reviewed. Compared with previous reports, this is a unique case of enucleation of a pancreatic IMT. CONCLUSION: The enucleation of pancreatic IMTs may be a safe and efficient surgical method for managing such tumors with a better prognosis. Further cases are required to explore surgical measures for pancreatic IMTs.