A Nomogram Based on Features of Ultrasonography and Contrast-Enhanced CT to Predict Vessels Encapsulating Tumor Clusters Pattern of Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to establish a clinical prediction model for vessels encapsulating tumor clusters (VETC) based on preoperative ultrasonography (US) and contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) imaging in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS: Data were retrospectively collected from 215 patients who underwent hepatectomy for solitary HCC lesions. They were divided into training and validation cohorts at a ratio of 6:4. Preoperative imaging features were extracted (seven from US and nine from CECT imaging) to explore their relationship with VETC. A VETC prediction model was constructed and graphically depicted as a nomogram. Its performance was evaluated via the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, the calibration curve, and decision curve analysis (DCA). RESULTS: The VETC incidence for all the lesions was 37.7%. The final variables included in the nomogram were "peritumoral enhancement in CECT", "alpha-fetoprotein level > 200 ng/Ml," "halo in US," "capsule enhancement in CECT," and "posterior acoustic enhancement in US." The area under the curve (AUC) values for the training and validation cohorts were 0.824 and 0.725, respectively. The Hosmer-Lemeshow fit test showed no statistical difference (p = 0.369 and p = 0.067 for the training and validation cohorts, respectively). DCA demonstrated that our nomogram provided clinical benefits to a wide range of patients. According to the nomogram score, the VETC-positive and -negative groups demonstrated significant differences in both the training (p < 0.001) and validation (p = 0.001) cohorts. CONCLUSION: Our prediction model based on US and CECT imaging features can accurately predict VETC in HCC.

Circ_0003314 Combines with the miR-26b-5p/IL1RAP Axis to Inhibit HTR-8/SVneo Cell Proliferation, Migration, Invasion and Tube Formation and Promote Apoptosis.

Preeclampsia (PE) is a pregnancy-related syndrome that can lead to a variety of pathophysiological processes, such as impaired implantation. The pathogenesis of PE involves circular RNA (circRNA). The study aims to determine the role of a novel circRNA, circ_0003314, in trophoblast cell phenotypes. Circ_0003314, microRNA-26b-5p (miR-26b-5p) and IL-1 receptor accessory protein (IL1RAP) expression were detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Cell proliferation was investigated by MTT assay and 5-Ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine assay. Cell migration and invasion were investigated by transwell assay. Cell apoptotic rate and angiogenesis were investigated by flow cytometry analysis and tube formation assay, respectively. Protein expression was detected by western blotting. The binding relationship between miR-26b-5p and circ_0003314 or IL1RAP was identified using dual-luciferase reporter assay and RNA pull-down assay. Circ_0003314 and IL1RAP expression were significantly increased, while miR-26b-5p was decreased in placental tissues of PE patients. Circ_0003314 overexpression inhibited trophoblast cell proliferation, migration, invasion and angiogenesis and induced cell apoptosis. Additionally, circ_0003314 acted as a sponge for miR-26b-5p, and miR-26b-5p bound to IL1RAP. Introduction of miR-26b-5p or silencing of IL1RAP attenuated the effects of circ_0003314 overexpression on trophoblast cell phenotypes. Further, circ_0003314 induced IL1RAP expression through miR-26b-5p in trophoblast cells. Circ_0003314 regulated trophoblast cell phenotypes by increasing IL1RAP expression through binding to miR-26b-5p.

Construction of a nomogram combining CEUS and MRI imaging for preoperative diagnosis of microvascular invasion in hepatocellular carcinoma.

Purpose: To use Sonazoid contrast-enhanced ultrasound (S-CEUS) and Gadolinium-Ethoxybenzyl-Diethylenetriamine Penta-Acetic Acid magnetic-resonance imaging (EOB-MRI), exploring a non-invasive preoperative diagnostic strategy for microvascular invasion (MVI) of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods: 111 newly developed HCC cases were retrospectively collected. Both S-CEUS and EOB-MRI examinations were performed within one month of hepatectomy. The following indicators were investigated: size; vascularity in three phases of S-CEUS; margin, signal intensity, and peritumoral wedge shape in EOB-MRI; tumoral homogeneity, presence and integrity of the tumoral capsule in S-CEUS or EOB-MRI; presence of branching enhancement in S-CEUS; baseline clinical and serological data. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression and multivariate logistic regression analysis were applied to optimize feature selection for the model. A nomogram for MVI was developed and verified by bootstrap resampling. Results: Of the 16 variables we included, wedge and margin in HBP of EOB-MRI, capsule integrity in AP or HBP/PVP images of EOB-MRI/S-CEUS, and branching enhancement in AP of S-CEUS were identified as independent risk factors for MVI and incorporated into construction of the nomogram. The nomogram achieved an excellent diagnostic efficiency with an area under the curve of 0.8434 for full data training set and 0.7925 for bootstrapping validation set for 500 repetitions. In evaluating the nomogram, Hosmer-Lemeshow test for training set exhibited a good model fit with P > 0.05. Decision curve analysis of nomogram model yielded excellent clinical net benefit with a wide range (5-80 % and 85-94 %) of risk threshold. Conclusions: The MVI Nomogram established in this study may provide a strategy for optimizing the preoperative diagnosis of MVI, which in turn may improve the treatment and prognosis of MVI-related HCC.

Establishment of nomogram prediction model of contrast-enhanced ultrasound and Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI for vessels encapsulating tumor clusters pattern of hepatocellular carcinoma.

To establish clinical prediction models of vessels encapsulating tumor clusters (VETC) pattern using preoperative contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) and gadolinium-ethoxybenzyl-diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid magnetic resonance imaging (EOB-MRI) in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). A total of 111 resected HCC lesions from 101 patients were included. Preoperative imaging features of CEUS and EOB-MRI, postoperative recurrence, and survival information were collected from medical records. The best subset regression and multivariable Cox regression were used to select variables to establish the prediction model. The VETC-positive group had a statistically lower survival rate than the VETC-negative group. The selected variables were peritumoral enhancement in the arterial phase (AP), hepatobiliary phase (HBP) on EOB-MRI, intratumoral branching enhancement in the AP of CEUS, intratumoral hypoenhancement in the portal phase of CEUS, incomplete capsule, and tumor size. A nomogram was developed. High and low nomogram scores with a cutoff value of 168 points showed different recurrence-free survival rates and overall survival rates. The area under the curve (AUC) and accuracy were 0.804 and 0.820, respectively, indicating good discrimination. Decision curve analysis showed a good clinical net benefit (threshold probability > 5%), while the Hosmer-Lemeshow test yielded excellent calibration (P = 0.6759). The AUC of the nomogram model combining EOB-MRI and CEUS was higher than that of the models with EOB-MRI factors only (0.767) and CEUS factors only (0.7). The nomogram verified by bootstrapping showed AUC and calibration curves similar to those of the nomogram model. The Prediction model based on CEUS and EOB-MRI is effective for preoperative noninvasive diagnosis of VETC.

Case Report: The value of contrast-enhanced ultrasound and contrast-enhanced computed tomography in the diagnosis of hepatic angiosarcoma.

Background: Enhanced imaging techniques have the overwhelming advantages of being noninvasive and sensitive enough to evaluate the microcirculation of lesions, thus making them accurate in the diagnosis of hepatic lesions. Unfortunately, there is very little research on and knowledge of the imaging features of a rare cancerous condition: hepatic angiosarcoma (HA). Case summary: In this study, we retrospectively collected the data of six patients who underwent both contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) and contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT), and subsequently obtained a definitive histopathologic diagnosis of HA. We described the imaging appearances of HA by comparing CEUS and CECT images. Furthermore, we analyzed these imaging characteristics from the perspective of histopathology and tumorigenesis. The study included the largest number (six) of histopathologically confirmed HA patients who had received CEUS examinations to date. Conclusion: By offering readers comprehensive knowledge of contrast imaging, especially CEUS, in the diagnosis of HA, our study may reduce misdiagnosis and further improve treatment options.

Ultrasound and clinicopathological characteristics of breast cancer for predicting axillary lymph node metastasis.

OBJECTIVES: The goal of this study was to assess the clinicopathological and ultrasound (US) features of breast cancer for predicting the risk of axillary lymph node metastasis. METHODS: Patients with breast cancer were included in this retrospective, monocentric, observational study. Their preoperative ultrasound features, clinical data, laboratory results and postoperative pathologic results and immunophenotyping were collected. The association of these factors of breast cancer with axillary lymph node metastasis was evaluated by univariate and multivariate analysis. RESULTS: In this study, 471 patients diagnosed with breast cancer at the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University between July 2016 and September 2019 were collected, with a total of 471 nodules, of which 231(49.0%) had axillary lymph node metastasis, and 240(51.0%) did not. The parameters of hyperechoic halo, posterior acoustic decrease, microcalcification, carcinogenic embryonic antigen (CEA), cancer antigen-153 (CA153), CK5/6 (+), Ki67 (≥40%), AR (+) and histological grade (grade II and grade III) were significantly and independently associated with axillary lymph node metastasis (p < 0.05 for all). CONCLUSIONS: The combination of ultrasound features, tumor markers, pathology, and immunohistochemistry can predict axillary lymph node metastasis in breast cancer patients.

Development and validation of a transformer-based CAD model for improving the consistency of BI-RADS category 3-5 nodule classification among radiologists: a multiple center study.

Background: Significant differences exist in the classification outcomes for radiologists using ultrasonography-based Breast Imaging Reporting and Data Systems for diagnosing category 3-5 (BI-RADS 3-5) breast nodules, due to a lack of clear and distinguishing image features. Consequently, this retrospective study investigated the improvement of BI-RADS 3-5 classification consistency using a transformer-based computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) model. Methods: Independently, 5 radiologists performed BI-RADS annotations on 21,332 breast ultrasonographic images collected from 3,978 female patients from 20 clinical centers in China. All images were divided into training, validation, testing, and sampling sets. The trained transformer-based CAD model was then used to classify test images, for which sensitivity (SEN), specificity (SPE), accuracy (ACC), area under the curve (AUC), and calibration curve were evaluated. Variations in these metrics among the 5 radiologists were analyzed by referencing BI-RADS classification results for the sampling test set provided by CAD to determine whether classification consistency (the k value), SEN, SPE, and ACC could be improved. Results: After the training set (11,238 images) and validation set (2,996 images) were learned by the CAD model, the classification ACC of the CAD model applied to the test set (7,098 images) was 94.89% in category 3, 96.90% in category 4A, 95.49% in category 4B, 92.28% in category 4C, and 95.45% in category 5 nodules. Based on pathological results, the AUC of the CAD model was 0.924 and the predicted probability of CAD was a little higher than the actual probability in the calibration curve. After referencing BI-RADS classification results, the adjustments were made to 1,583 nodules, of which 905 were classified to a lower category and 678 to a higher category in the sampling test set. As a result, the ACC (72.41-82.65%), SEN (32.73-56.98%), and SPE (82.46-89.26%) of the classification by each radiologist were significantly improved on average, with the consistency (k values) in almost all of them increasing to >0.6. Conclusions: The radiologist's classification consistency was markedly improved with almost all the k values increasing by a value greater than 0.6, and the diagnostic efficiency was also improved by approximately 24% (32.73% to 56.98%) and 7% (82.46% to 89.26%) for SEN and SPE, respectively, of the total classification on average. The transformer-based CAD model can help to improve the radiologist's diagnostic efficacy and consistency with others in the classification of BI-RADS 3-5 nodules.

Viscoelastic Characteristics in Mouse Model of Hepatic Steatosis With Inflammation by Kelvin-Voigt Fractional Derivative Modeling.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the work described here was to measure the characteristics of viscoelasticity and fluidity in a mouse model of hepatic steatosis and inflammation using a nano-indentation test and the Kelvin-Voigt fractional derivative (KVFD) model and to explore the viscoelasticity and fluidity characteristics in mice with different degrees of hepatic steatosis with inflammation. METHODS: Twenty-five ApoE mice were randomly divided into an experimental high-fat diet group (n = 15) and an ordinary-food control group (n = 10), then subdivided into four subgroups based on pathological degree of hepatic steatosis: S0 (normal), S1 (mild), S2 (moderate) and S3 (severe). The 25 liver specimens from these mice were evaluated by a slope-keeping relaxation nano-indentation test. RESULTS: Elasticity (E0) was significantly higher in the S3 group than in the S1 and S2 groups, while fluidity (α) and viscosity (τ) were significantly lower in S3 than in S1 and S2 (all p values < 0.05). The following cutoff values for the diagnosis of hepatic steatosis >33% with inflammation were also determined: E0 > 85.01 Pa (area under the curve [AUC]: 0.917, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.735-0.989), α ≤ 0.38 (AUC: 0.885, 95% CI: 0.695-0.977),\ and τ ≤ 3.92 (AUC: 0.813, 95% CI: 0.607-0.939). CONCLUSION: Increases in the degree of hepatic steatosis with inflammation in mice paralleled gradual increases in the stiffness of the liver and gradual decreases in the fluidity and viscosity of the liver.

Remnant Cholesterol and Common Carotid Artery Intima-Media Thickness in Community Population with Normal Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol.

INTRODUCTION: Remnant cholesterol is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, especially when low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels are normal. However, there are few studies on the relationship between remnant cholesterol and subclinical atherosclerosis. Common carotid artery intima-media thickness (cIMT) is an imaging marker of subclinical atherosclerosis. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between remnant cholesterol and cIMT in a community population with normal LDL-C. METHODS: This study is a retrospective analysis; 1,101 community population with available carotid artery imaging and fasting lipid data with LDL-C <4.1 mmol/L were included in this analysis. Remnant cholesterol was calculated as total cholesterol minus LDL-C minus high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Abnormal cIMT was defined as maximum cIMT value ≥1 mm. Logistic regression was used to assess the relationships between remnant cholesterol levels and abnormal cIMT. RESULTS: As the remnant cholesterol level increased from the lowest to the highest quartile, the rate of abnormal cIMT increased from 24.5% to 38.6% (p trend <0.001) in the community population with normal LDL-C level. In the unadjusted model, the odds ratios (ORs, 95% confidence intervals) in the highest quartile group were 1.937 (1.338-2.803) for abnormal cIMT compared with the lowest quartile. The multivariable-adjusted ORs (95% confidence intervals) for the highest versus lowest quartile of remnant cholesterol were 2.132 (1.420-3.202) for abnormal cIMT. CONCLUSION: Elevated fasting remnant cholesterol levels were positively associated with abnormal cIMT in community population with normal LDL-C levels. Remnant cholesterol may be an important indicator of risk stratification in community population with normal LDL-C level.

The relationship between pre-operative right ventricular longitudinal strain and low-cardiac-output syndrome after surgical aortic valve replacement.

Objectives: This study was performed to investigate the relationship between right ventricular free wall longitudinal strain (RVFWSL) and low cardiac output syndrome (LCOS) after surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) and to further explore its association with readmission within 2 years in patients who developed LCOS after SAVR. Methods: This single-center retrospective observational study involved consecutive patients who underwent SAVR at our hospital from May 2018 to June 2020. Preoperative echocardiography was obtained within 3 days before SAVR. The longitudinal strain of the right ventricle was analyzed using the right ventricle as the main section, and the RVFWSL and right ventricular four-chamber longitudinal strain (RV4CSL) were obtained. The primary observation was the occurrence of LCOS. The secondary prognostic indicators were mainly the readmission rates within 2 years. Results: In total, 146 patients were finally included in this study. The RVFWSL was significantly lower in the LCOS group than in the No-LCOS group (16.63 ± 2.10) vs. (23.95 ± 6.33), respectively; P < 0.001). The multivariate regression analysis showed that the RVFWSL was associated with LCOS (odds ratio, 1.676; 95% confidence interval, 1.258-2.232; P < 0.001). The receiver operating characteristic curve showed that the cut-off value for RVFWSL to predict LCOS was less than -18.3, with an area under the curve of 0.879, sensitivity of 100%, and specificity of 80.47%. The multivariate regression analysis showed that LCOS was an independent risk factor for readmission within 2 years in patients undergoing SAVR. Conclusion: Patients with RVFWSL (<-18.3%) may be an increased risker for LCOS after SAVR. The occurrence of LCOS after SAVR is Yong-jian Zhang a risk factor for readmission within 2 years. Right ventricular function monitoring may have some predictive value for the postoperative prognosis in patients undergoing SAVR.

Left atrial subclinical dysfunction in children with Kawasaki disease: a two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography study.

BACKGROUND: Left atrial (LA) function is a very important prognostic indicator for many cardiovascular diseases. In this study, we aimed to determine whether LA function is impaired in children with Kawasaki disease (KD) and to analyze the relationships between LA deformation and conventional echocardiographic parameters and laboratory markers. METHODS: A total of 50 KD patients during different disease phases and 50 age- and sex-matched controls were retrospectively analyzed. Patients in the acute phase based on coronary artery dilation (CAD) were subdivided into Group I (with CAD) and Group II (without CAD) and compared. RESULTS: During the acute phase, KD patients had a lower peak LA longitudinal strain (PLALS), a lower LA strain peak during LA contraction (LASct), and a lower LA strain rate peak during LA contraction (LASRct) than the controls. The PLALS, LASct and LASRct began to increase during the subacute phase, and during the convalescent phase, all LA strains in patients had recovered to normal compared with the control subjects. Subgroup analysis revealed that, compared with Group II, Group I had higher C-reactive protein (CRP) and serum N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) levels; however, there were no significant differences in LA strains. Only the PLALS during the acute phase was negatively correlated with left ventricular mass index, CRP and NT-proBNP. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with KD, LA function is impaired during the acute phase, and this impairment is transient. Two-dimensional speckled tracking echocardiography is a useful tool for detecting subclinical LA dysfunction.

Safety findings after intravenous administration of sulfur hexafluoride microbubbles to 463,434 examinations at 24 centers.

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to evaluate the safety of the ultrasound contrast agent sulfur hexafluoride microbubbles in a large group of patients referred for routine contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS). METHODS: A retrospective assessment was made of all patients that received sulfur hexafluoride microbubbles intravenously for CEUS at 24 centers between January 2006 and April 2019. Patient demographic details, examination type, and the dose of sulfur hexafluoride microbubbles administered were recorded with specific adverse events (AEs) documentation tools at each center. All AEs were recorded as serious or non-serious. Non-serious AEs were classified by intensity as mild, moderate, or severe according to ACR criteria. The frequencies of AEs across patient subgroups were compared using the chi-square test. RESULTS: A total of 463,434 examinations were evaluated. Overall, 157 AEs (153 [0.033%] non-serious; 4 [0.001%] serious) were reported after sulfur hexafluoride microbubbles administration, giving an AE frequency of 0.034% (157/463,434). Among the non-serious AEs, 66 (0.014%) were mild, 70 (0.015%) moderate, and 17 (0.004%) severe in intensity. The liver was the most common examination site, presenting an AE frequency of 0.026%. The highest AE frequency (0.092%) was for patients undergoing CEUS for vascular disease. There were no significant gender differences in either the total number or the severity of non-serious AEs (chi-square = 2.497, p = 0.287). The onset of AEs occurred within 30 min of sulfur hexafluoride microbubbles administration in 91% of cases. CONCLUSION: The frequency of AEs to sulfur hexafluoride microbubbles is very low and severe reactions are rare, confirming that sulfur hexafluoride microbubbles are appropriate for routine CEUS applications. KEY POINT: • The frequency of AEs to sulfur hexafluoride microbubbles is very low and severe reactions are rare.

The viscoelastic characteristics of in-vitro carotid plaque by Kelvin-Voigt fractional derivative modeling.

Atherosclerotic plaque with a thin fibrous cap can be ruptured by shear force. Exploiting the mechanical properties of plaques within different histological regions can help to better understand the physical mechanisms of the plaque. The association between the plaque components and viscoelasticity was studied when mapping the viscoelasticity to histological features. Eleven in-vitro carotid plaques were tested with ramp-hold relaxation nanoindentation tests. Viscoelasticity (elastic modulus E0, fluidity α, and viscosity τ) was characterized by Kelvin-Voigt fractional derivative (KVFD) modeling. There is a significant difference (p < 0.001) on E0, α, and τ between the collagen-rich (CR) group and the non-collagen-rich (NCR) group. In the CR group, the elastic modulus E0 was higher but the fluidity α and viscosity τ were lower than those of the NCR group. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis revealed that combinations of E0 and α can be used as a CR indicator with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.770. There was a negative correlation between E0 and the percentages of myxoid degeneration (r = -0.160, p < 0.001), necrosis (r = -0.229, p < 0.001) and inflammatory cells (r = -0.130, p < 0.001), and a positive correlation between elasticity E0 and the percentage of foam cells (r = 0.121, p < 0.001). There was a positive correlation between fluidity α and the percentage of necrosis (r = 0.308, p < 0.001). The results confirmed the clinical evidence that the CR group with higher elasticity and lower fluidity has higher resisting ability, whereas the NCR group with lower elasticity and higher fluidity has accompanied with more myxoid degeneration, extracellular lipids and necrosis.

Thymosin ß4 Protects against Cardiac Damage and Subsequent Cardiac Fibrosis in Mice with Myocardial Infarction.

Background: Inflammation is a critical factor in the development and progression of myocardial infarction and cardiac fibrosis. Thymosin ß4 (Tß4) alleviates the disease process via protective antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms. Although Tß4 has been shown to have a protective effect in myocardial infarction, its impact on cardiac fibrosis has not been well reported. In this study, we evaluated the influence of exogenous Tß4 on myocardial infarction and cardiac fibrosis and explored the possible underlying mechanism. Methods: Real-time quantitative reverse-transcription PCR (qRT-PCR), immunohistochemistry (IHC), and Western blot were used to analyze Tß4 expression in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) cardiac tissues. The effects of intraperitoneal adeno-associated virus-Tß4 (AAV-Tß4) on ligation-induced AMI in mice were studied using cardiac function parameters, and RT-PCR, Western blot, HE staining, Masson staining, and IHC were used to assess the degree of myocardial fibrosis. The effects of Tß4 were confirmed in vitro using mouse cardiac myocytes and myofibroblasts. Results: Tß4 was shown to be significantly elevated in mice AMI cardiac tissues. In mice, AAV-Tß4 induced exogenous expression of Tß4 significantly reduced oxidative damage, inflammation, cardiac dysfunction, and fibrosis. H2O2 inhibited mitophagy and increased inflammation in mouse cardiac myocytes via oxidative stress, and Tß4 substantially reduced mitophagy inhibition and inflammasome activation in myocytes caused by H2O2. Furthermore, Tß4 decreased cardiac myofibroblast growth and reduced TGF-ß1-induced activation. Conclusions: AAV-Tß4 induced expression of Tß4 reduced inflammation, heart damage, and eventual fibrosis in vivo. Tß4 helped to reduce oxidative stress, promote mitophagy, and alleviate inflammation and fibrosis. Exogenous supplementation of Tß4 might be a promising therapeutic agent for treating myocardial infarction as well as cardiac fibrosis.

High levels of serum superoxide dismutase as a biomarker of intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy in patients with viral hepatitis B.

BACKGROUND: Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) is characterized by skin pruritus and impaired liver function. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection increases the risk of developing ICP. HBV infection is associated with oxidative stress, which has been proven to participate in the development of ICP. The goal of this study was to explore the relationship among HBV, oxidative stress, and ICP, and investigate whether a biomarker of oxidative stress may predict the diagnosis and severity of ICP. METHODS: We induced a retrospective cohort of 70 ICP patients from January 2019 to December 2020, and compared their data with those from healthy pregnant women (n = 70). Serum levels of an oxidative stress marker superoxide dismutase (SOD) were examined using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Diagnostic and prognostic values of serum SOD were analyzed by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. RESULTS: Pregnant women in the ICP group had significantly higher level of serum SOD (243.24 ± 12.57 U/L vs 98.70 ± 2.95 U/L, p < 0.01) and a higher rate of HBV infection (51.53% vs 25.71%, p < 0.05) compared with the control group. HBsAg-positive ICP patients had a higher levels of serum SOD (287.24 ± 19.21 U/L vs 196.65 ± 11.75 U/L, p < 0.01) compared with HBsAg-negative ICP patients. A serum SOD level > 121.4 U/mL might be used to predict ICP, while a serum SOD level > 274.6 U/mL might predict ICP severity. CONCLUSION: HBV infection promotes oxidative stress during the pathogenesis of ICP. Serum levels of SOD could be used to predict ICP diagnosis and severity. Modification of oxidative stress might be a treatment target for ICP.

Combination Therapy With Lenvatinib and Radiofrequency Ablation for Patients With Intermediate-Stage Hepatocellular Carcinoma Beyond Up-To-Seven Criteria and Child-Pugh Class A Liver function: A Pilot Study.

Background: The present study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of combined lenvatinib (first-line systemic therapy) and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) therapy in patients with intermediate-stage hepatocellular carcinoma with beyond up-to-seven criteria and Child-Pugh Class A liver function (CP A B2-HCC). Methods: Twenty-two patients with CP A B2-HCC were enrolled in the study. The patients had no history of systemic treatment. For the initial lenvatinib administration in this study, all of the patients had an adequate course of treatment (no less than two weeks) and were administered the recommended dose. Of them, 13 were treated by means of lenvatinib monotherapy (monotherapy group), while the 9 patients with no contraindication to RFA operation and who had consented to RFA received initial lenvatinib plus subsequent RFA (combination group). The clinical outcomes that were considered to evaluate the treatments included tumor response, prognosis (recurrence and survivals), and possible adverse events (serum liver enzymes and clinically visible complications). Results: The combination group exhibited a higher object response rate (9/9, 100%) as best tumor response than the monotherapy group (10/13, 76.9%). Longer progression-free survival (PFS) (12.5 months) and overall survival (OS) (21.3) were demonstrated in the combination group than in the monotherapy group (PFS: 5.5 months; OS:17.1 months). The combination group achieved a higher PFS rate (1-year: 74.1%) and OS rate (2-year: 80%) than the monotherapy group (1-year PFS rate: 0%; 2-year OS rate: 25.6%; for PFS, p<0.001; for OS, p=0.022). The treatment strategy was the independent factor for PFS (HR: 18.215 for monotherapy, p =0.010), which was determined by Cox regression analysis, suggesting that a combination strategy may reduce tumor progression when compared to the use of lenvatinib alone. There were no statistically significant intergroup differences that were observed in terms of adverse events, with the exception of ALT elevation (p=0.007) in the combination group. Conclusion: Our newly proposed combination therapy may potentially be effective and safe for CP A B2-HCC beyond up-to-seven criteria. A larger scale, multicenter, prospective study is warranted to confirm our findings.

The Necessity of Lymph Node Dissection Between Sternocleidomastoid and Sternohyoid Muscles in pN1b Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma.

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the association between clinicopathologic variables and metastasis of the lymph node (LN) between the sternocleidomastoid and sternohyoid muscles (LNSS) to clarify the necessity of LNSS dissection in papillary thyroid carcinomas (PTCs). Methods: A total of 219 patients undergoing unilateral or bilateral neck dissection for PTCs were prospectively enrolled. The associations between clinicopathologic variables and LNSS metastasis were evaluated by univariate and multivariate analyses. Results: LNSS was present in 108 (40.1%) neck dissection samples and in 76 (34.7%) patients. Positive LNSS occurred in 40/269 (14.9%) neck dissection samples and in 20/219 (9.1%) patients. Univariate analysis showed that tumor stage, number of positive nodes in level III, and number of positive nodes in level IV were related to LNSS metastasis. Multivariate analysis confirmed that T3/4 stage tumors and >2 positive LNs in level IV independently increased the risk of LNSS metastasis. Conclusions: The low rate of LNSS metastasis would deem routine dissection unnecessary; however, LNSS would require excision if advanced stage tumors or level IV LN metastasis were present.

Quantitative assessment of the aging corpus cavernosum by shear wave elastography.

We wanted to determine whether shear wave elastography (SWE) could be used to evaluate the aging degree of the corpus cavernosum (CC) and to identify the histological basis of changes in SWE measurements during the aging process. We performed a cross-sectional study enrolling healthy participants of different ages. We measured the Young's modulus (YM) of the penile CCs by SWE and assessed erectile function using the International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5). Histological investigation was performed in surgically resected penile specimens from a separate group of patients to examine the smooth muscle and collagen content of the CCs. Furthermore, we measured the YM, erectile function, smooth muscle, and collagen content of the CCs in different age groups of rats. Finally, we enrolled 210 male volunteers in this study. The YM of the CC (CCYM) was positively correlated with age (r = 0.949, P < 0.01) and negatively correlated with erectile function (r = -0.843, P < 0.01). Histological examinations showed that CCs had increased collagen content but decreased smooth muscle content with increased age. The same positive correlation between CCYM and age was also observed in the animal study. In addition, the animal study showed that older rats, with increased CCYM and decreased erectile function, had lower smooth muscle content and higher collagen content. SWE can noninvasively and quantitatively evaluate the aging degree of the CC. Increased collagen content and decreased smooth muscle content might be the histological basis for the effect of aging on the CC and the increase in its YM.

Radiofrequency ablation for primary hyperparathyroidism and risk factors for postablative eucalcemic parathyroid hormone elevation.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the efficacy of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) as a treatment option for primary hyperparathyroidism (pHPT) and risk factors for postablative eucalcemic parathyroid hormone elevation (ePTH). METHODS: This retrospective study included 51 patients with pHPT who underwent RFA. The patients were divided into the ePTH and normal PTH groups, based on the serum intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) level one month after ablation. Serum iPTH, calcium, and phosphorus levels, and the volume reduction rates (VRR) of the parathyroid glands were compared between the groups at each follow-up point. Risk factors for ePTH at one month after ablation were examined. RESULTS: After RFA, one (2%) patient had persistent pHPT, and 50 (98%) patients were cured. The incidence rates of ePTH at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months were 48%, 30%, 20%, and 16%, respectively. Serum iPTH levels in the ePTH group were higher than those in the normal PTH group at each follow-up point (all p < 0.05), except 1 day after ablation (p > 0.05). Serum calcium and phosphorus levels, and the VRR of the glands were comparable in both groups at each follow-up point (all p > 0.05), except for calcium levels 3 days after RFA (p < 0.05). Baseline iPTH (odds ratio, 1.067; p = 0.045) and calcium (odds ratio, 3.923; p = 0.038) levels were independent risk factors for ePTH 1 month after RFA. CONCLUSIONS: RFA is safe and effective for the treatment of pHPT. Moreover, ePTH occurrence after RFA was associated with baseline iPTH and calcium levels and did not increase the risk of recurrent pHPT.

Imaging findings of prostate tuberculosis by transrectal contrast-enhanced ultrasound and comparison with 2D ultrasound and pathology.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate the contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) appearances of prostate tuberculosis (PTB) and its correlation with histopathology. METHODS: Clinical, transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS) and CEUS data of 12 PTB patients confirmed by pathology were retrospectively analyzed, and compared to the pathological findings to identify the pathological structures corresponding to different image enhancement areas. RESULTS: No specific characteristics could be found for the clinical appearances. Enlarged gland, hypoechoic lesions and calcification due to PTB could be found by TRUS, which were also non-specific. CEUS showed hypo- or non-enhanced lesions with varying size, which were related to different pathological stages of PTB. The incidence rate of non-enhanced lesions was 83.3%. The detection rate of suspected lesion by CEUS was significantly higher than that by TRUS (χ2 = 8.000, p = 0.005). Histopathology showed that the hypoenhanced area consisted of tuberculous granulomas, caseous necrosis and incomplete destruction of the glands, while the non-enhanced area consisted of caseous or liquified necrosis. CONCLUSION: CEUS could improve the detection rate of PTB lesions, and the diversity of its manifestations was related to different pathological structures. An enlarged, soft gland with non-enhanced on CEUS may provide valuable information for the diagnosis of PTB, but it is not a substitute for biopsy due to the diversity of CEUS findings. ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE: When the lesions of prostate gland are unclear in TRUS examination, CEUS is an ideal option for the detection of lesions, which is conducive to targeted guidance of biopsy areas.