Radiomics-based ultrasound models for thyroid nodule differentiation in Hashimoto's thyroiditis.

Background: Previous models for differentiating benign and malignant thyroid nodules(TN) have predominantly focused on the characteristics of the nodules themselves, without considering the specific features of the thyroid gland(TG) in patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis(HT). In this study, we analyzed the clinical and ultrasound radiomics(USR) features of TN in patients with HT and constructed a model for differentiating benign and malignant nodules specifically in this population. Methods: We retrospectively collected clinical and ultrasound data from 227 patients with TN and concomitant HT(161 for training, 66 for testing). Two experienced sonographers delineated the TG and TN regions, and USR features were extracted using Python. Lasso regression and logistic analysis were employed to select relevant USR features and clinical data to construct the model for differentiating benign and malignant TN. The performance of the model was evaluated using area under the curve(AUC), calibration curves, and decision curve analysis(DCA). Results: A total of 1,162 USR features were extracted from TN and the TG in the 227 patients with HT. Lasso regression identified 14 features, which were used to construct the TN score, TG score, and TN+TG score. Univariate analysis identified six clinical predictors: TI-RADS, echoic type, aspect ratio, boundary, calcification, and thyroid function. Multivariable analysis revealed that incorporating USR scores improved the performance of the model for differentiating benign and malignant TN in patients with HT. Specifically, the TN+TG score resulted in the highest increase in AUC(from 0.83 to 0.94) in the clinical prediction model. Calibration curves and DCA demonstrated higher accuracy and net benefit for the TN+TG+clinical model. Conclusion: USR features of both the TG and TN can be utilized for differentiating benign and malignant TN in patients with HT. These findings highlight the importance of considering the entire TG in the evaluation of TN in HT patients, providing valuable insights for clinical decision-making in this population.

Levels, origins and probabilistic health risk appraisal for trace elements in drinking water from Lhasa, Tibet.

Due to the lack of monitoring systems and water purification facilities, residents in western China may face the risk of drinking water pollution. Therefore, 673 samples were collected from Lhasa's agricultural and pastoral areas to reveal the status quo of drinking water. We used inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry to determine trace elements concentrations for water quality appraisal, source apportionment, and health risk assessment. The results indicate that concentrations of V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, Ba, and Pb are below the guidelines, while As concentrations in a few samples exceed the standard. All samples were classified into "excellent water" for drinking purpose based on Entropy-weighted water quality index. Thereafter by principal component analysis, three potential sources of trace elements were extracted, including natural, anthropogenic, and mining activities. It is worth noting that geotherm and mining exploitation does not threaten drinking water safety. Finally, health risks were assessed using Monte Carlo technique. We found that the 95th percentiles of hazard index are 1.80, 0.80, and 0.79 for children, teenagers, and adults, indicating a non-carcinogenic risk for children, but no risks for the latter two age groups. In contrast, the probabilities of unacceptable cautionary risk are 7.15, 2.95 and 0.69% through exposure to Cr, Ni, As, and Cd for adults, children, and teenagers. Sensitivity analyses reveal As concentration and ingestion rate are most influential factors to health risk. Hence, local governments should pay more attention to monitoring and removal of As in the drinking water.

[Evaluation of myocardial systolic function of heart failure induced by myocardial infarction in rats with strain and strain rate imagine].

OBJECTIVE: To quantitatively detect variation in regional myocardial systolic function in heart failure rat model induced by myocardial infarction by strain and strain rate imaging. METHODS: Seventy 2-month-old adult male SD rats were randomly assigned to 4 groups: a 4-week and a 8-week group after the operation (each n = 25) had thoracotomy, the pericardium opened and the anterior descending branch of left coronary artery ligated; a sham operation group (n = 10) had thoracotomy and the arcula cordis opened, but did not ligate the artery; a control group (n = 10) had no treatment. The changes of general state of health of the rats were observed and recorded every day. To assess the change of heart function, echocardiography was used at the end of the 4th week and 8th week after the surgery. To evaluate the change of heart function in heart failure rats, we quantitatively analyzed the regional myocardial systolic function in all rats by strain and strain rate imaging and myocardium to detect the level of MMP-9 at the end of the 4th week and 8th week. The repeatability and discrepancies of the results were all analyzed. RESULTS: Obviously objective signs of heart failure manifested themselves in the survived mice 10 to 14 days after the surgery. Compared with the control group and the sham operation group, the fraction shortening (FS) and ejection fraction (EF) of the 4-week group after the operation were lower (P < 0.05), the left ventricle index (LV index) of the 8-week group after the operation was higher, left ventricle posterior wall index (LVPW index), interventricular septum index (IVS index), FS, and EF of the 8-week group after the operation were lower (P < 0.05), EF and FS of the 8-week group after the operation were lower than those of the 4-week group. Except the mid-inferior wall and base-inferior wall, the systolic peak strain, systolic peak strain rate, the strain of end-systole in all segments of the operation group were lower than those of the other 2 groups (P < 0.05). The post-systolic strain index of the operation group was higher than that of the other 2 groups (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Strain and strain rate imaging of echocardiography can quantitatively evaluate the changing of regional myocardial systolic function in the heart failure rat model induced by myocardial infarction, with good repeatability.