Radiomics analysis of dual-layer spectral-detector CT-derived iodine maps for predicting tumor deposits in colorectal cancer.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the value of radiomics analysis of dual-layer spectral-detector computed tomography (DLSCT)-derived iodine maps for predicting tumor deposits (TDs) preoperatively in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 264 pathologically confirmed CRC patients (TDs + (n = 80); TDs - (n = 184)) who underwent preoperative DLSCT from two hospitals were retrospectively enrolled, and divided into training (n = 124), testing (n = 54), and external validation cohort (n = 86). Conventional CT features and iodine concentration (IC) were analyzed and measured. Radiomics features were derived from venous phase iodine maps from DLSCT. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) was performed for feature selection. Finally, a support vector machine (SVM) algorithm was employed to develop clinical, radiomics, and combined models based on the most valuable clinical parameters and radiomics features. Area under receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), calibration curves, and decision curve analysis were used to evaluate the model's efficacy. RESULTS: The combined model incorporating the valuable clinical parameters and radiomics features demonstrated excellent performance in predicting TDs in CRC (AUCs of 0.926, 0.881, and 0.887 in the training, testing, and external validation cohorts, respectively), which outperformed the clinical model in the training cohort and external validation cohorts (AUC: 0.839 and 0.695; p: 0.003 and 0.014) and the radiomics model in two cohorts (AUC: 0.922 and 0.792; p: 0.014 and 0.035). CONCLUSION: Radiomics analysis of DLSCT-derived iodine maps showed excellent predictive efficiency for preoperatively diagnosing TDs in CRC, and could guide clinicians in making individualized treatment strategies. CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT: The radiomics model based on DLSCT iodine maps has the potential to aid in the accurate preoperative prediction of TDs in CRC patients, offering valuable guidance for clinical decision-making. KEY POINTS: Accurately predicting TDs in CRC patients preoperatively based on conventional CT features poses a challenge. The Radiomics model based on DLSCT iodine maps outperformed conventional CT in predicting TDs. The model combing DLSCT iodine maps radiomics features and conventional CT features performed excellently in predicting TDs.

The Value of Radiomics Features Based on HRCT in Predicting whether the Lung Sub-Centimeter Pure Ground Glass Nodule is Benign or Malignant.

OBJECTIVE: In this study, a radiomics model was created based on High-Resolution Computed Tomography (HRCT) images to noninvasively predict whether the sub-centimeter pure Ground Glass Nodule (pGGN) is benign or malignant. METHODS: A total of 235 patients (251 sub-centimeter pGGNs) who underwent preoperative HRCT scans and had postoperative pathology results were retrospectively evaluated. The nodules were randomized in a 7:3 ratio to the training (n=175) and the validation cohort (n=76). The volume of interest was delineated in the thin-slice lung window, from which 1316 radiomics features were extracted. The Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) was used to select the radiomics features. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression were used to evaluate the independent risk variables. The performance was assessed by obtaining Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves for the clinical, radiomics, and combined models, and then the Decision Curve Analysis (DCA) assessed the clinical applicability of each model. RESULTS: Sex, volume, shape, and intensity mean were chosen by univariate analysis to establish the clinical model. Two radiomics features were retained by LASSO regression to build the radiomics model. In the training cohort, the Area Under the Curve (AUC) of the radiomics (AUC=0.844) and combined model (AUC=0.871) was higher than the clinical model (AUC=0.773). In evaluating whether or not the sub-centimeter pGGN is benign, the DCA demonstrated that the radiomics and combined model had a greater overall net benefit than the clinical model. CONCLUSION: The radiomics model may be useful in predicting the benign and malignant sub-centimeter pGGN before surgery.

Abnormalities of brain structure and function in cervical spondylosis: a multi-modal voxel-based meta-analysis.

Background: Previous neuroimaging studies have revealed structural and functional brain abnormalities in patients with cervical spondylosis (CS). However, the results are divergent and inconsistent. Therefore, the present study conducted a multi-modal meta-analysis to investigate the consistent structural and functional brain alterations in CS patients. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted in five databases to retrieve relevant resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI), structural MRI and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) studies that measured brain functional and structural differences between CS patients and healthy controls (HCs). Separate and multimodal meta-analyses were implemented, respectively, by employing Anisotropic Effect-size Signed Differential Mapping software. Results: 13 rs-fMRI studies that used regional homogeneity, amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (ALFF) and fractional ALFF, seven voxel-based morphometry (VBM) studies and one DTI study were finally included in the present research. However, no studies on surface-based morphometry (SBM) analysis were included in this research. Due to the insufficient number of SBM and DTI studies, only rs-fMRI and VBM meta-analyses were conducted. The results of rs-fMRI meta-analysis showed that compared to HCs, CS patients demonstrated decreased regional spontaneous brain activities in the right lingual gyrus, right middle temporal gyrus (MTG), left inferior parietal gyrus and right postcentral gyrus (PoCG), while increased activities in the right medial superior frontal gyrus, bilateral middle frontal gyrus and right precuneus. VBM meta-analysis detected increased GMV in the right superior temporal gyrus (STG) and right paracentral lobule (PCL), while decreased GMV in the left supplementary motor area and left MTG in CS patients. The multi-modal meta-analysis revealed increased GMV together with decreased regional spontaneous brain activity in the left PoCG, right STG and PCL among CS patients. Conclusion: This meta-analysis revealed that compared to HCs, CS patients had significant alterations in GMV and regional spontaneous brain activity. The altered brain regions mainly included the primary visual cortex, the default mode network and the sensorimotor area, which may be associated with CS patients' symptoms of sensory deficits, blurred vision, cognitive impairment and motor dysfunction. The findings may contribute to understanding the underlying pathophysiology of brain dysfunction and provide references for early diagnosis and treatment of CS. Systematic review registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, CRD42022370967.

Nomogram using intratumoral and peritumoral radiomics for the preoperative prediction of visceral pleural invasion in clinical stage IA lung adenocarcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Accurate prediction of visceral pleural invasion (VPI) in lung adenocarcinoma before operation can provide guidance and help for surgical operation and postoperative treatment. We investigate the value of intratumoral and peritumoral radiomics nomograms for preoperatively predicting the status of VPI in patients diagnosed with clinical stage IA lung adenocarcinoma. METHODS: A total of 404 patients from our hospital were randomly assigned to a training set (n = 283) and an internal validation set (n = 121) using a 7:3 ratio, while 81 patients from two other hospitals constituted the external validation set. We extracted 1218 CT-based radiomics features from the gross tumor volume (GTV) as well as the gross peritumoral tumor volume (GPTV5, 10, 15), respectively, and constructed radiomic models. Additionally, we developed a nomogram based on relevant CT features and the radscore derived from the optimal radiomics model. RESULTS: The GPTV10 radiomics model exhibited superior predictive performance compared to GTV, GPTV5, and GPTV15, with area under the curve (AUC) values of 0.855, 0.842, and 0.842 in the three respective sets. In the clinical model, the solid component size, pleural indentation, solid attachment, and vascular convergence sign were identified as independent risk factors among the CT features. The predictive performance of the nomogram, which incorporated relevant CT features and the GPTV10-radscore, outperformed both the radiomics model and clinical model alone, with AUC values of 0.894, 0.828, and 0.876 in the three respective sets. CONCLUSIONS: The nomogram, integrating radiomics features and CT morphological features, exhibits good performance in predicting VPI status in lung adenocarcinoma.

Prevalence, clinical characteristics, and long-term outcomes of new diabetes diagnosis in elderly patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention.

Previous studies have reported associations between newly diagnosed diabetes and poor outcomes after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), but there is limited data focusing on elderly patients (age ≥ 65). This study aimed to analyze the prevalence and clinical implications of newly diagnosed diabetes in elderly patients who underwent PCI. From 2004 to 2021, a total of 2456 elderly patients who underwent invasive PCI at Korea University Guro Hospital were prospectively enrolled and followed up for a median of five years. The primary endpoint was five-year major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). Cox regression was used to evaluate whether newly diagnosed diabetes impacted on long-term clinical outcomes. Newly diagnosed diabetes was presented in approximately 8.1% to 10.9% of elderly patients who underwent PCI. Those who had a new diagnosis of diabetes had a higher risk of MACE than previously known diabetes (25.28% vs. 19.15%, p = 0.039). After adjusting for significant factors, newly diagnosed diabetes remained an independent predictor of MACE (HR [hazard ratio] 1.64, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.24-2.17, p < 0.001), cardiac death (HR 2.15, 95% CI 1.29-3.59, p = 0.003) and repeat revascularization (HR 1.52, 95% CI 1.09-2.11, p = 0.013), but not for non-fatal myocardial infarction (HR 1.66, 95% CI 0.94-2.12, p = 0.081). Newly diagnosed diabetes was associated with an increased risk of 5-year MACE compared with non-diabetes and previously diagnosed diabetes in elderly patients underwent PCI. More attention should be given to those elderly newly diagnosed diabetes population.

Radiomics analysis of lesion-specific pericoronary adipose tissue to predict major adverse cardiovascular events in coronary artery disease.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the prognostic performance of radiomics analysis of lesion-specific pericoronary adipose tissue (PCAT) for major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) with the guidance of CT derived fractional flow reserve (CT-FFR) in coronary artery disease (CAD). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study retrospectively analyzed 608 CAD patients who underwent coronary CT angiography. Lesion-specific PCAT was determined by the lowest CT-FFR value and 1691 radiomic features were extracted. MACE included cardiovascular death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, unplanned revascularization and hospitalization for unstable angina. Four models were generated, incorporating traditional risk factors (clinical model), radiomics score (Rad-score, radiomics model), traditional risk factors and Rad-score (clinical radiomics model) and all together (combined model). The model performances were evaluated and compared with Harrell concordance index (C-index), area under curve (AUC) of the receiver operator characteristic. RESULTS: Lesion-specific Rad-score was associated with MACE (adjusted HR = 1.330, p = 0.009). The combined model yielded the highest C-index of 0.718, which was higher than clinical model (C-index = 0.639), radiomics model (C-index = 0.653) and clinical radiomics model (C-index = 0.698) (all p < 0.05). The clinical radiomics model had significant higher C-index than clinical model (p = 0.030). There were no significant differences in C-index between clinical or clinical radiomics model and radiomics model (p values were 0.796 and 0.147 respectively). The AUC increased from 0.674 for clinical model to 0.721 for radiomics model, 0.759 for clinical radiomics model and 0.773 for combined model. CONCLUSION: Radiomics analysis of lesion-specific PCAT is useful in predicting MACE. Combination of lesion-specific Rad-score and CT-FFR shows incremental value over traditional risk factors.

Prognostic relevance of ventricular arrhythmias in surgical patients with gastrointestinal tumors.

BACKGROUND: Individuals diagnosed with gastrointestinal tumors are at an increased risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. Among which, ventricular arrhythmia is a prevalent clinical concern. This suggests that ventricular arrhythmias may have predictive value in the prognosis of patients with gastrointestinal tumors. AIM: To explore the prognostic value of ventricular arrhythmias in patients with gastrointestinal tumors receiving surgery. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed data from 130 patients undergoing gastrointestinal tumor resection. These patients were evaluated by a 24-h ambulatory electrocardiogram (ECG) at the Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University from January 2018 to June 2020. Additionally, 41 general healthy age-matched and sex-matched controls were included. Patients were categorized into survival and non-survival groups. The primary endpoint was all-cause mortality, and secondary endpoints included major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs). RESULTS: Colorectal tumors comprised 90% of cases. Preoperative ambulatory ECG monitoring revealed that among the 130 patients with gastrointestinal tumors, 100 (76.92%) exhibited varying degrees of premature ventricular contractions (PVCs). Ten patients (7.69%) manifested non-sustained ventricular tachycardia (NSVT). The patients with gastrointestinal tumors exhibited higher PVCs compared to the healthy controls on both conventional ECG [27 (21.3) vs 1 (2.5), P = 0.012] and 24-h ambulatory ECG [14 (1.0, 405) vs 1 (0, 6.5), P < 0.001]. Non-survivors had a higher PVC count than survivors [150.50 (7.25, 1690.50) vs 9 (0, 229.25), P = 0.020]. During the follow-up period, 24 patients died and 11 patients experienced MACEs. Univariate analysis linked PVC > 35/24 h to all-cause mortality, and NSVT was associated with MACE. However, neither PVC burden nor NSVT independently predicted outcomes according to multivariate analysis. CONCLUSION: Patients with gastrointestinal tumors exhibited elevated PVCs. PVCs > 35/24 h and NSVT detected by 24-h ambulatory ECG were prognostically significant but were not found to be independent predictors.

Sevoflurane postconditioning ameliorates cerebral hypoxia/reoxygenation injury in zebrafish involving the Akt/GSK-3ß pathway activation and the microtubule-associated protein 2 promotion.

Sevoflurane postconditioning has been shown to provide neuroprotection against cerebral hypoxia-ischemia injury, but the mechanisms remain elusive. Microtubule-associated protein 2 (MAP2) is implicated in early neuronal hypoxia-ischemia injury. This study aimed to investigate whether the neuroprotective effects of sevoflurane postconditioning are related to the Akt/GSK-3ß pathway and its downstream target MAP2 in zebrafish hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) model. Sevoflurane postconditioning or GSK-3ß inhibitor TDZD-8 were used to treat H/R zebrafish. The cerebral infarction, neuronal apoptosis, and mitochondrial changes were evaluated using TTC staining, TUNEL staining, and transmission electron microscopy, respectively. The distribution of MAP2 in the brain was determined by immunofluorescence imaging. The levels of Akt, p-Akt, GSK-3ß, p-GSK-3ß, and MAP2 proteins were evaluated by Western blotting. The neurobehavioral recovery of zebrafish was assessed based on optokinetic response behavior. Our results indicated that sevoflurane postconditioning and TDZD-8 significantly reduced the cerebral infarction area, suppressed cell apoptosis, and improved mitochondrial integrity in zebrafish subjected to H/R. Furthermore, sevoflurane postconditioning and TDZD-8 elevated the ratios of p-Akt/Akt and p-GSK-3ß/GSK-3ß. However, the neuroprotective effect of sevoflurane postconditioning was effectively abolished upon suppression of MAP2 expression. In conclusion, sevoflurane postconditioning ameliorated cerebral H/R injury and facilitated the restoration of neurobehavioral function through the activation of Akt/GSK-3ß pathway and promotion of MAP2 expression.

Neurological manifestations of SARS-CoV-2 infection in children in Taiwan: A cross-section, multicenter study.

BACKGROUND: The SARS-CoV-2 virus has been a global public health threat since December 2019. This study aims to investigate the neurological characteristics and risk factors of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Taiwanese children, using data from a collaborative registry. METHODS: A retrospective, cross-sectional, multi-center study was done using an online network of pediatric neurological COVID-19 cohort collaborative registry. RESULTS: A total of 11160 COVID-19-associated emergency department (ED) visits and 1079 hospitalizations were analyzed. Seizures were the most common specific neurological symptom, while encephalitis and acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) was the most prevalent severe involvement. In ED patients with neurological manifestations, severe neurological diagnosis was associated with visual hallucination, seizure with/without fever, behavior change, decreased GCS, myoclonic jerk, decreased activity/fatigue, and lethargy. In hospitalized patients with neurological manifestations, severe neurological diagnosis was associated with behavior change, visual hallucination, decreased GCS, seizure with/without fever, myoclonic jerk, fatigue, and hypoglycemia at admission. Encephalitis/ADEM was the only risk factor for poor neurological outcomes at discharge in hospitalized patients. CONCLUSION: Neurological complications are common in pediatric COVID-19. Visual hallucination, seizure, behavior change, myoclonic jerk, decreased GCS, and hypoglycemia at admission are the most important warning signs of severe neurological involvement such as encephalitis/ADEM.

Single-cell sequencing reveals the immune landscape of breast cancer patients with brain metastasis.

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer has the highest incidence rate of cancer worldwide, and brain metastases (BrM) are among the most malignant cases. While some patients have benefited from immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), the complex anatomical structure of the brain and the heterogeneity of metastatic tumors have made it difficult to characterize the tumor immune microenvironment (TME) of metastatic tumors. METHODS: To address this, we used single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) to analyze immune cells in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of BrM patients with breast cancer, thereby providing a comprehensive view of the immune microenvironment landscape of BrM. RESULTS: Based on canonical marker genes, we identified nine cell types, and further identified their subtypes through differential expression gene (DEG) analysis. We compared the changes in cells and functions in the immune microenvironment of patients with different prognoses. Our analysis revealed a series of genes that promote tumor immune function (CCR5, LYZ, IGKC, MS4A1, etc.) and inhibit tumor immune function (SCGB2A2, CD24, etc.). CONCLUSIONS: The scRNA-seq in CSF provides a noninvasive method to describe the TME of breast cancer patients and guide immunotherapy.

Investigating the impact of probiotic on neurological outcomes in Rett syndrome: A randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled pilot study.

LAY ABSTRACT: Rett syndrome often involves gastrointestinal symptoms and gut microbiota imbalances. We conducted a study to explore the feasibility of probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum PS128 and the impact on neurological functions in Rett syndrome. The results of our investigation demonstrated that the supplementation of probiotic L. plantarum PS128 was feasible and well tolerated, with 100% retention rate and 0% withdrawal rate. In addition, there was only one participant who had loose stool after taking L. plantarum PS128. Further, there was a tendency to enhance overall cognitive developmental level, as assessed using Mullen Scales of Early Learning. In addition, it significantly improved dystonia, as assessed using the Burke-Fahn-Marsden Movement Scale, in comparison with the placebo group. This study provides a strong foundation for future research and clinical trials exploring the potential of L. plantarum PS128 probiotics as a complementary therapy for individuals with Rett syndrome.

Outcome of chairside CAD/CAM ceramic restorations on endodontically treated posterior teeth: a prospective study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcome and risk factors for chairside CAD/CAM full cusp coverage restorations on endodontically treated posterior teeth after 3 years of follow-up. METHODS: A total of 245 endodontically treated posterior teeth of 224 patients were included and restored with CAD/CAM full cusp coverage all-ceramic restorations according to a standardized protocol. Patients were recalled after treatments 1 to 3 years and underwent clinical and radiological examinations. At recall, modified FDI criteria were used to determine treatment outcomes by 2 evaluators. Success was determined when FDI scores were 1-2, and failure was indicated when FDI scores were 5. Logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate potential risk factors. RESULTS: A total of 183 patients presented at recall, and the clinical outcomes of 201 teeth were analyzed with a recall rate of 82.0% for teeth and 81.7% for patients after 1-3 years of follow-up.185 of 201 teeth were found to have FDI scores of 1-2, and the success rate was 92%. No teeth were extracted during the follow-up period. Fourteen failed cases with an FDI score of 5 presented restoration dislocation, fracture of restoration or/and tooth. Logistic regression analysis revealed that oral parafunction (OR 2.281, 95% CI 2.2 ~ 47.5, P value 0.01) was a risk factor for success rate. CONCLUSION: Chairside CAD/CAM all-ceramic full cusp coverage restoration was (could be) a promising alternative for restoring endodontically treated posterior teeth.

Lesion-specific pericoronary adipose tissue CT attenuation improves risk prediction of major adverse cardiovascular events in coronary artery disease.

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether lesion-specific pericoronary adipose tissue CT attenuation (PCATa) is superior to PCATa around the proximal right coronary artery (PCATa-RCA) and left anterior descending artery (PCATa-LAD) for major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) prediction in coronary artery disease (CAD). METHODS: Six hundred and eight CAD patients who underwent coronary CTA from January 2014 to December 2018 were retrospectively included, with clinical risk factors, plaque features, lesion-specific PCATa, PCATa-RCA, and PCATa-LAD collected. MACE was defined as cardiovascular death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, unplanned revascularization, and hospitalization for unstable angina. Four models were established, encapsulating traditional factors (Model A), traditional factors and PCATa-RCA (Model B), traditional factors and PCATa-LAD (Model C), and traditional factors and lesion-specific PCATa (Model D). Prognostic performance was evaluated with C-statistic, area under receiver operator characteristic curve (AUC), and net reclassification index (NRI). RESULTS: Lesion-specific PCATa was an independent predictor for MACE (adjusted hazard ratio = 1.108, P < .001). The C-statistic increased from 0.750 for model A to 0.762 for model B (P = .078), 0.773 for model C (P = .046), and 0.791 for model D (P = .005). The AUC increased from 0.770 for model A to 0.793 for model B (P = .027), 0.793 for model C (P = .387), and 0.820 for model D (P = .019). Compared with model A, the NRIs for models B, C, and D were 0.243 (-0.323 to 0.792, P = .392), 0.428 (-0.012 to 0.835, P = .048), and 0.708 (0.152-1.016, P = .001), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Lesion-specific PCATa improves risk prediction of MACE in CAD, which is better than PCATa-RCA and PCATa-LAD. ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE: Lesion-specific PCATa was superior to PCATa-RCA and PCATa-LAD for MACE prediction.

Prevalence and influencing factors of muscle mass loss in adults with diabetes and a high body fat percentage: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: In adults with type 2 diabetes (T2DM), sarcopenia and obesity are two common body composition issues. OBJECTIVE: We investigated the associated influencing factors of muscle mass loss in obese adults with T2DM, to provide a theoretical basis for the prevention of sarcopenic obesity in patients with T2DM. METHODS: We recruited 315 participants in this study. The participants underwent body composition assessment and clinical information was collected. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry was used to verify the accuracy of the body composition data. Based on their body fat percentage, 189 patients with T2DM were classified as obese. Patients with T2DM and obesity were grouped into the muscle mass loss group and non-muscle mass loss group based on gender. We collected demographic and clinical information about patients with T2DM who were obese, including their age, gender, body mass index (BMI), appendicular skeletal muscle index (ASMI), and body fat percentage (PBF). RESULTS: Among the participants who were obese and had T2DM, 56.61% (107/189) experienced muscle mass loss, with a detection rate of 43.42% (33/76) among females and 65.49% (74/113) among males. Body mass index, fat index, Android fat, Gynoid fat, limb fat, trunk fat, and total body bone mineral content were all lower in the muscle mass loss group compared to the non-muscle mass loss group, regardless of gender (all P< 0.001). Muscle mass loss in obese adults with T2DM was affected by BMI, body fat index, and limb fat. CONCLUSION: Muscle mass loss is more prevalent in adults with T2DM and a high PBF. Body mass index, body fat index, and limb fat are the protective factors of muscle mass loss in adult patients with T2DM and obesity.

An Ascending Excitatory Circuit from the Dorsal Raphe for Sensory Modulation of Pain.

The dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) is an important nucleus in pain regulation. However, the underlying neural pathway and the function of specific cell types remain unclear. Here, we report a previously unrecognized ascending facilitation pathway, the DRN to the mesoaccumbal dopamine (DA) circuit, for regulating pain. Chronic pain increased the activity of DRN glutamatergic, but not serotonergic, neurons projecting to the ventral tegmental area (VTA) (DRNGlu-VTA) in male mice. The optogenetic activation of DRNGlu-VTA circuit induced a pain-like response in naive male mice, and its inhibition produced an analgesic effect in male mice with neuropathic pain. Furthermore, we discovered that DRN ascending pathway regulated pain through strengthened excitatory transmission onto the VTA DA neurons projecting to the ventral part of nucleus accumbens medial shell (vNAcMed), thereby activated the mesoaccumbal DA neurons. Correspondingly, optogenetic manipulation of this three-node pathway bilaterally regulated pain behaviors. These findings identified a DRN ascending excitatory pathway that is crucial for pain sensory processing, which can potentially be exploited toward targeting pain disorders.

Adult localized Langerhans cell histiocytosis: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is a rare clonal proliferative disease of Langerhans cells with unknown pathogenesis. An increasing number of clinicians recognize that LCH has a wide clinical spectrum and a highly varied course. Adults rarely develop LCH. Here, we report a case of adult localized LCH. CASE SUMMARY: A 32-year-old woman presented with plaques and ulcers on the vulva and crissum, accompanied by pain that persisted for more than one year. Physical examination revealed a red-infiltrating plaque with ulcerations and exudates in the vulva and crissum. Pathological examination revealed a diffuse infiltration of lymphocytes, eosinophilic granulocytes, and histiocytoid cells in the superficial dermis. Proliferative histiocytoid cells showed mild atypia, partly with kidney-shaped nuclei. Immunohistochemical examination showed that the histiocytoid cells were positive for S100 protein and CD1 and weakly positive for CD68 (20% +), with a Ki-67 index of 30%. Laboratory tests did not reveal any other systemic damage. The patient was diagnosed with adult localized LCH and was prescribed oral prednisone (20 mg) once daily. The skin lesions gradually improved and are still being followed-up. CONCLUSION: Adult localized LCH is rare and must be differentiated from other common conditions.

Ultrasound-guided extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy with minimal x-ray exposure prevented genitourinary tract injury patients with urolithiasis in Taiwan.

BACKGROUND: This study investigated the use of ultrasound-guided extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) to break stones in the genitourinary tract and prevent genitourinary injury. Our goals were to achieve accurate focusing and minimal X-ray exposure for the benefit of the patients. METHODS: The LiteMed LM-9200 lithotripter with ultrasonography and fluoroscopy was used for two different procedures: autoaimed and autoperiodical. These procedures enabled dual focusing on stone localization and tracking. RESULTS: Out of 108 patients who underwent autoperiodical procedures, 29 had no gross hematuria. Among the 335 patients who received autoaimed procedures, 194 had no gross hematuria. The average duration of X-ray exposure during autoperiodical and autoaimed procedures was 120 and 50 s, respectively. CONCLUSION: The ultrasound-guided ESWL with minimal X-ray exposure was found to be useful in treating genitourinary upper-tract urolithiasis in the autoaimed procedure. Patients who underwent the autoaimed procedure experienced less gross hematuria compared to those who underwent the autoperiodical procedure.

Functional changes of default mode network and structural alterations of gray matter in patients with irritable bowel syndrome: a meta-analysis of whole-brain studies.

Background: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a brain-gut disorder with high global prevalence, resulting from abnormalities in brain connectivity of the default mode network and aberrant changes in gray matter (GM). However, the findings of previous studies about IBS were divergent. Therefore, we conducted a meta-analysis to identify common functional and structural alterations in IBS patients. Methods: Altogether, we identified 12 studies involving 194 IBS patients and 230 healthy controls (HCs) from six databases using whole-brain resting state functional connectivity (rs-FC) and voxel-based morphometry. Anisotropic effect-size signed differential mapping (AES-SDM) was used to identify abnormal functional and structural changes as well as the overlap brain regions between dysconnectivity and GM alterations. Results: Findings indicated that, compared with HCs, IBS patients showed abnormal rs-FC in left inferior parietal gyrus, left lingual gyrus, right angular gyrus, right precuneus, right amygdala, right median cingulate cortex, and left hippocampus. Altered GM was detected in the fusiform gyrus, left triangular inferior frontal gyrus (IFG), right superior marginal gyrus, left anterior cingulate gyrus, left rectus, left orbital IFG, right triangular IFG, right putamen, left superior parietal gyrus and right precuneus. Besides, multimodal meta-analysis identified left middle frontal gyrus, left orbital IFG, and right putamen as the overlapped regions. Conclusion: Our results confirm that IBS patients have abnormal alterations in rs-FC and GM, and reveal brain regions with both functional and structural alterations. These results may contribute to understanding the underlying pathophysiology of IBS. Systematic review registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero, identifier CRD42022351342.

An eight-year old girl with fever and rash: What is the possible diagnosis?

In this clinical challenge, we describe the case of a previously healthy 8-year-old girl who presented to a primary care clinic with fever, reduced oral intake and malaise on day 3 of her illness. Clinical examination revealed that she was tachypnoeic and tachycardic. An erythematous rash was found across the bridge of her nose and cheeks, and several painless ulcers were noted in the oral cavity. Blood investigation showed thrombocytopenia, while urinalysis revealed microscopic haematuria and proteinuria. Useful initial diagnostic imaging studies were discussed, including bedside ultrasound in the ambulatory care setting. It is imperative that primary care providers be vigilant when encountering cases like this.

CWC22-Mediated Alternative Splicing of Spp1 Regulates Nociception in Inflammatory Pain.

Increasing evidence suggests that alternative splicing plays a critical role in pain, but its underlying mechanism remains elusive. Herein, we employed complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) to induce inflammatory pain in mice. A combination of genomics research techniques, lentivirus-based genetic manipulations, behavioral tests, and molecular biological technologies confirmed that splicing factor Cwc22 mRNA and CWC22 protein were elevated in the spinal dorsal horn at 3 days after CFA injection. Knockdown of spinal CWC22 by lentivirus transfection (lenti-shCwc22) reversed CFA-induced thermal hyperalgesia and mechanical allodynia, whereas upregulation of spinal CWC22 (lenti-Cwc22) in naïve mice precipitated pain. Comprehensive transcriptome and genome analysis identified the secreted phosphoprotein 1 (Spp1) as a potential gene of CWC22-mediated alternative splicing, however, only Spp1 splicing variant 4 (Spp1 V4) was involved in thermal and mechanical nociceptive regulation. In conclusion, our findings demonstrate that spinal CWC22 regulates Spp1 V4 to participate in CFA-induced inflammatory pain. Blocking CWC22 or CWC22-mediated alternative splicing may provide a novel therapeutic target for the treatment of persistent inflammatory pain.