Contralateral renal change in a unilateral ureteral obstruction rat model using intravoxel incoherent motion diffusion-weighted imaging.

OBJECTIVES: Most functional magnetic resonance research has primarily examined alterations in the affected kidney, often neglecting the contralateral kidney. Our study aims to investigate whether imaging parameters accurately depict changes in both the renal cortex and medulla in a unilateral ureteral obstruction rat model, thereby showcasing the utility of intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) in evaluating contralateral renal changes. METHODS: Six rats underwent MR scans and were subsequently sacrificed for baseline histological examination. Following the induction of left ureteral obstruction, 48 rats were scanned, and the histopathological examinations were conducted on days 3, 7, 10, 14, 21, 28, 35, and 42. The apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), pure molecular diffusion (D), pseudodiffusion (D*), and perfusion fraction (f) values were measured using IVIM. RESULTS: On the 10th day of obstruction, both cortical and medullary ADC values differed significantly between the UUO10 group and the sham group (p < 0.01). The cortical D values showed statistically significant differences between UUO3 group and sham group (p < 0.01) but not among UUO groups at other time point. Additionally, the cortical and medullary f values were statistically significant between the UUO21 group and the sham group (p < 0.01). Especially, the cortical f values exhibited significant differences between the UUO21 group and the UUO groups with shorter obstruction time (at time point of 3, 7, 10, 14 day) (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Significant hemodynamic alterations were observed in the contralateral kidney following renal obstruction. IVIM accurately captures changes in the unobstructed kidney. Particularly, the cortical f value exhibits the highest potential for assessing contralateral renal modifications.

Whole-genome resequencing reveals the uniqueness of Subei yak.

Subei yak is an essential local yak in the Gansu Province, which genetic resource has recently been discovered. It is a meat-milk dual-purpose variety with high fecundity and relatively stable population genetic structure. However, its population genetic structure and genetic diversity are yet to be reported. Therefore, this study aimed to identify molecular markers of Subei yak genome by whole-genome resequencing, and to analyze the population structure and genetic diversity of Subei yak. This study screened 12,079,496 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) molecular markers in the 20 Subei yaks genome using whole-genome resequencing technology. Of these SNPs, 32.09% were located in the intronic region of the genome. Principal component analysis, phylogenetic analysis, and population structure analysis revealed that the Subei yak belonged to an independent group in the domestic yak population. A selective clearance analysis was carried out on Subei yak and other domestic yaks, and the genes under positive selection were annotated. The functional enrichment analysis showed that Subei yak possessed prominent selection characteristics in terms of external environment perception, hypoxia adaptation, and muscle development. Furthermore, Subei yak showed excellent muscle fat deposition and meat quality traits. Thus, this study will serve as a reference for discovering population structure, genetic evolution, and other unique traits of Subei yak and for expanding the genetic variation catalog of yaks.

Subei yak is an important local yak genetic resource newly discovered in Gansu Province. In this study, the molecular markers of Subei yak genome were identified by whole-genome resequencing. Principal component analysis, phylogenetic analysis, and population structure analysis showed that Subei yak belonged to an independent group in the domestic yak population. In addition, functional enrichment analysis showed that Subei yaks had prominent selection characteristics in external environment perception, hypoxia adaptation, and muscle development.

Quantitative evaluation of meniscus injury using synthetic magnetic resonance imaging.

BACKGROUND: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can diagnose meniscal lesions anatomically, while quantitative MRI can reflect the changes of meniscal histology and biochemical structure. Our study aims to explore the association between the measurement values obtained from synthetic magnetic resonance imaging (SyMRI) and Stoller grades. Additionally, we aim to assess the diagnostic accuracy of SyMRI in determining the extent of meniscus injury. This potential accuracy could contribute to minimizing unnecessary invasive examinations and providing guidance for clinical treatment. METHODS: Total of 60 (n=60) patients requiring knee arthroscopic surgery and 20 (n=20) healthy subjects were collected from July 2022 to November 2022. All subjects underwent conventional MRI and SyMRI. Manual measurements of the T1, T2 and proton density (PD) values were conducted for both normal menisci and the most severely affected position of injured menisci. These measurements corresponded to the Stoller grade of meniscus injuries observed in the conventional MRI. All patients and healthy subjects were divided into normal group, degeneration group and torn group according to the Stoller grade on conventional MRI. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was employed to compare the T1, T2 and PD values of the meniscus among 3 groups. The accuracy of SyMRI in diagnosing meniscus injury was assessed by comparing the findings with arthroscopic observations. The diagnostic efficiency of meniscus degeneration and tear between conventional MRI and SyMRI were analyzed using McNemar test. Furthermore, a receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC curve) was constructed and the area under the curve (AUC) was utilized for evaluation. RESULTS: According to the measurements of SyMRI, there was no statistical difference of T1 value or PD value measured by SyMRI among the normal group, degeneration group and torn group, while the difference of T2 value was statistically significant among 3 groups (P=0.001). The arthroscopic findings showed that 11 patients were meniscal degeneration and 49 patients were meniscal tears. The arthroscopic findings were used as the gold standard, and the difference of T1 and PD values among the 3 groups was not statistically significant, while the difference of T2 values (32.81±2.51 of normal group, 44.85±3.98 of degeneration group and 54.42±3.82 of torn group) was statistically significant (P=0.001). When the threshold of T2 value was 51.67 (ms), the maximum Yoden index was 0.787 and the AUC value was 0.934. CONCLUSIONS: The measurement values derived from SyMRI could reflect the Stoller grade, illustrating that SyMRI has good consistency with conventional MRI. Moreover, the notable consistency observed between SyMRI and arthroscopy suggests a potential role for SyMRI in guiding clinical diagnoses.

Predictive Value of Fibrin Fibrinogen Degradation Products-to-Potassium Ratio for Poor Functional Outcome in Patients with Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: A Retrospective Case-Control Study.

BACKGROUND: The relationship of fibrin(ogen) degradation products (FDPs) and potassium with the functional outcomes of patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) is still uncertain. This study aims to evaluate the predictive value of a novel combination biomarker, the FDP-to-potassium ratio (FPR), for poor functional outcomes in patients with aSAH. METHODS: A total of 425 consecutive patients with aSAH at a single center were retrospectively enrolled in our study. An unfavorable outcome was defined as a modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score of 3-6 at 3 months after discharge. Univariate analysis and multivariable logistic regression were performed for baseline information and laboratory parameters recorded at admission. In addition, the receiver operating characteristic curve was plotted, and propensity score matching was performed based on the FPR. RESULTS: On the basis of mRS grade, 301 patients were classified as having favorable outcomes, and 124 patients were assessed as having unfavorable outcomes. FPR levels were significantly correlated with mRS grade (r[Spearman] = 0.410; P < 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that age (odds ratio [OR] 1.043, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.016-1.071; P = 0.002), white blood cell count (OR 1.150, 95% CI 1.044-1.267; P = 0.005), potassium (OR 0.526, 95% CI 0.291-0.949; P = 0.033), World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies grade (OR 1.276, 95% CI 1.055-1.544; P = 0.012), and FPR (OR 1.219, 95% CI 1.102-1.349; P < 0.001) at admission were independently associated with poor functional outcomes. The DeLong test showed that the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of FPR was higher than that of age, white blood cell count, potassium, World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies grade, or FDP alone, indicating that FPR had better predictive potential than these other variables. After 1:1 propensity score matching (FPR ≥ 1.45 vs. FPR < 1.45), the rate of poor prognosis was still significantly increased in the high-FPR group (48/121 [39.7%] vs. 16/121 [13.2%], P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Fibrin(ogen) degradation product-to-potassium ratio is an independent predictor of poor outcomes for patients with aSAH and may be a promising tool for clinicians to evaluate patients' functional prognosis.

Effect of Equal Volume Replacement of Fine Aggregate with Fly Ash on Carbonation Resistance of Concrete.

Concrete is prepared by substituting an equal volume of fly ash for fine aggregate, and the effect of substitution rate on its carbonation resistance is studied. Using a rapid carbonation test, the distribution law of the internal pH value of concrete with fly ash as fine aggregate (CFA) along the carbonation depth under different substitution rates (10%, 20%, 30%, and 40%) after carbonation is studied and compared with the test results of phenolphthalein solution. Then, to further clarify the damage mechanism of fly ash replacing fine aggregate on concrete carbonation, the changes in the pore structure and micromorphology of CFA after carbonation are studied by means of mercury intrusion pressure and electron microscope scanning tests. The results indicate that the carbonation depth of CFA increases gradually with increasing carbonation time. In particular, in the later stage of carbonation, the carbonation rate of concrete decreases significantly with an increase in the substitution rate. The carbonation depth XC of CFA measured by phenolphthalein solution is approximately 0.24-0.39 times of the complete noncarbonation depth measured by the pH method. The pH value test is a reliable test method that can reveal the carbonation mechanism of CFA. Carbonation can significantly reduce the proportion of more harmful holes in concrete with a large amount of fly ash, but it can also increase the proportion of less harmful and harmful holes. In general, the pore size distribution and micromorphology of concrete can be improved by replacing fine aggregates with fly ash.

Ruptured intracranial aneurysm presenting as cerebral circulation insufficiency: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Rupture of an intracranial aneurysm is a type of acute stroke that is a serious threat to human health. Misdiagnosis of ruptured intracranial aneurysms is a serious clinical event that may have disastrous consequences in some patients. To date, ruptured intracranial aneurysms have been misdiagnosed as meningitis, tumors, stroke, or trauma, among other conditions. Here, we report what appears to be the first case of a ruptured intracranial aneurysm that presented as cerebral circulation insufficiency. CASE SUMMARY: A middle-aged man was admitted to our hospital because of a parasellar lesion identified on a noncontrast computed tomography (CT) image after a mild traffic accident that was caused by a brief loss of consciousness. Notably, he was diagnosed with cerebral circulation insufficiency after two unexplained episodes of a transient loss of consciousness within the past 8 mo. The patient was diagnosed with right internal carotid artery aneurysm based on CT angiography and completely recovered after a craniotomy at our hospital. A few clots and severe adhesions around the aneurysm were observed in the subarachnoid space during the operation, suggesting that the aneurysm had ruptured and may had been misdiagnosed as cerebral circulation insufficiency. CONCLUSION: Ruptured intracranial aneurysms may show negative imaging results and present as cerebral circulation insufficiency, which should be recognized as soon as possible to ensure timely management.

The association between interleukin-8 gene-251 A/T polymorphism and sepsis: A protocol for systematic review and meta analysis.

BACKGROUND: Emerging evidence has indicated that interleukin-8 (IL-8) gene-251A/T polymorphism may affect individual susceptibility to sepsis. However, the results of published studies are inconclusive. The aim of this meta-analysis was to elucidate the association between this polymorphism and the risk and mortality of sepsis. METHODS: Relevant publications were searched from PubMed, EmBase, and Web of Science databases up to January 31, 2021, with studies only in English. The reference lists of the retrieved studies were investigated as well. Pooled odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated to figure out the relationship between IL-8-251 A/T polymorphisms and the risk and mortality of sepsis. All of the data were analyzed with Stata 16.0. RESULTS: The results of this meta-analysis will be submitted to a peer-reviewed journal for publication. CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis will summarize the relationship between IL-8-251 A/T polymorphism and the risk and mortality of sepsis.

Preoperative prediction of regional lymph node metastasis of colorectal cancer based on 18F-FDG PET/CT and machine learning.

PURPOSE: To establish and validate a regional lymph node (LN) metastasis prediction model of colorectal cancer (CRC) based on 18F-FDG PET/CT and radiomic features using machine-learning methods. METHODS: A total of 199 colorectal cancer patients underwent pre-therapy diagnostic 18F-FDG PET/CT scans and CRC radical surgery. The Chang-Gung Image Texture Analysis toolbox (CGITA) was used to extract 70 PET radiomic features reflecting 18F-FDG uptake heterogeneity of tumors. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) algorithm was used to select radiomic features and develop a radiomic signature score (Rad-score). The training set was used to establish five machine-learning prediction models and the test set was used to test the efficacy of the models. The effectiveness of the models was compared by ROC analysis. RESULTS: The CRC patients were divided into a training set (n = 144) and a test set (n = 55). Two radiomic features were selected to build the Rad-score. Five machine-learning algorithms including logistic regression, support vector machine (SVM), random forest, neural network and eXtreme gradient boosting (XGBoost) were used to established models. Among the five machine-learning models, logistic regression (AUC 0.866, 95% CI 0.808-0.925) and XGBoost (AUC 0.903, 95% CI 0.855-0.951) models performed the best. In the training set, the AUC of these two models were significantly higher than that of the LN metastasis status reported by 18F-FDG PET/CT for differentiating positive and negative regional LN metastases in CRC (all p < 0.05). Good efficacy of the above two models was also achieved in the test set. We created a nomogram based on the logistic regression model that visualized the results and provided an easy-to-use method for predicting regional LN metastasis in patients with CRC. CONCLUSION: In this study, five machine-learning models for preoperative prediction of regional LN metastasis of CRC based on 18F-FDG PET/CT and PET-based radiomic features were successfully developed and validated. Among them, the logistic regression and XGBoost models performed the best, with higher efficacy than 18F-FDG PET/CT in both the training and test sets.