The value of color doppler ultrasonography combined with computed tomography angiography and magnetic resonance angiography in the preoperative quantification and classification of carotid body tumors: a retrospective analysis.

BACKGROUND: Computed tomography angiography (CTA) and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) provide accurate vascular imaging information, but their use may be contraindicated. Color Doppler ultrasonography (CDU) provides simple, safe, noninvasive, and reproducible imaging. We therefore investigated the role of preoperative CDU combined with CTA and MRA in the quantification, typing, and diagnosis of carotid body tumors (CBTs). METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed patients with CBTs categorized into group A (type I [n = 1] and type II [n = 10]) or group B (type III [n = 56]) per the intraoperative Shamblin classification. CDU, CTA, and MRA characteristics of CBTs were observed, surgical results were correlated, and the diagnostic threshold of the CBT classification was calculated. RESULTS: CBTs were usually located at the common carotid artery bifurcation, encircling the carotid artery. An increased angle was found between the internal and external carotid arteries. On CDU, CBTs primarily presented as homogeneous hypoechoic masses with clear boundaries, rich flow signals, and a high-speed, low-resistance artery-like flow spectrum. CTA showed uniform or heterogeneous marked enhancement. MRA showed mixed T1 and slightly longer T2 signals and uniform or uneven obvious enhancement. With increases in the lesion size, amount of blood transfused, and operation time, the intraoperative classification level and possibility of skull-base invasion increased. When the maximum diameter of the lesion, the volume of the tumor, the distance between the upper margin of the tumor to the mastoid and the mandibular angle were 3.10 cm, 10.15 cm3, - 3.26 cm, and 0.57 cm, respectively, the largest Youden index was the best diagnostic boundary value for Shamblin type III tumors. CONCLUSIONS: CDU combined with CTA and MRA can accurately evaluate the size and classification of CBTs.

Clinical application and progress of yttrium 90 microsphere selective internal radiation therapy in primary hepatic cancer / 中华消化外科杂志

Primary hepatic cancer is one of the major problems that need to be solved urgently in the field of public health, seriously endangering the life and health of Chinese people. Its treatment mode is multidisciplinary participation and synergy of multiple therapeutic methods. Even though there are many common clinical treatments for liver cancer in China, its therapeutic outcome is still unsatisfactory. yttrium-90 has been applied for more than 20 years, and a large amount of foreign clinical data have been accumulated. Combining the latest literature and clinical practice, the authors describe the clinical application and research progress of yttrium-90 micro-sphere selective internal radiation therapy in primary liver cancer.

Multiparameter MRI for follow-up observation on changes of spinal cord microstructures in patients with hereditary spastic paraplegias type 5 / 中国医学影像技术

Objective To explore the value of multiparameter MRI for follow-up observation on changes of spinal cord microstructures in patients with hereditary spastic paraplegias type 5.Methods Eleven patients with SPG5 who underwent cervico-thoracic spinal cord MR examination and spastic paraplegia rating scale(SPRS)were prospectively enrolled.The second MR examination and SPRS were completed after 1 year follow-up,and the changes of SPRS score,the overall structures and microstructures of spinal cord were compared.Results No significant difference of SPRS scores was found(P＞0.05).Compared to the first cervico-thoracic spinal cord MR examination,atrophy of spinal cord aggravated in the second time MRI.Significant difference of axial diffusivity of C4 right corticospinal tract(CST)was found(t=3.987,P＜0.01),but not of the other parameters of C4(all P＞0.05)between the first and the second time MRI.No significant difference of fractional anisotropy(FA),mean diffusivity(MD),AD,radial diffusivity(RD)nor T1 value of the other centrums'white matter,posterior funiculus or bilateral CST in spinal cord was found between the first and the second time MRI(all P＞0.05).Meanwhile,no significant difference of CSA,left and right diameter nor anteroposterior diameter of C1-T9 was found between the first and second time MRI(all P＞0.05).FA value of white matter,posterior funiculus and bilateral corticospinal tract in cervical spinal cord were all lower,whereas RD value at the above position were all higher in the second time MRI than those in the first time MRI(all P＞0.05).Conclusion Multiparameter MRI could be used for follow-up observation on changes of microstructure spinal cord in patients with hereditary spastic paraplegias type 5.

First report of Fusarium tricinctum Causing Leaf Blight on Amorphophallus konjac in Hunan Province of China.

Konjac (Amorphophallus konjac) is a perennial herbaceous plant of the Araceae family, cultivated mainly in south-western China and used extensively for weight loss (Chua et al. 2010). In June 2022, leaf blight was detected on a 2,00 ha A. konjac plantation in Chenxi County, Huaihua City, Hunan Province. It infected almost 20% of the area under cultivation and tends to occur each year during warm, humid weather from May to July, causing significant economic losses to A. konjac production. There were small brown spots on the leaves which gradually spread to form irregular brown lesions. In severe cases the entire plant turned yellow and died. Nine samples were collected randomly from different plants in three plantation forests to isolate the pathogens. They were washed with sterile water and the lesions were excised. They were subsequently disinfected with 3% hydrogen peroxide for 30 s, 75% ethanol for 90 s and rinsed three times with sterile water. The cut sections were then placed on water agar plates and grown in the dark in a constant temperature incubator at 28℃ for 3-5 days, when mycelia grew they were transferred to potato dextrose agar medium and grown in the dark at 28℃ for 3-5 days. Eleven purified fungal isolates were obtained, ten of which looked like Fusarium (90.9% isolation rate), and three representative isolates (MY5, MY7 and MY9) were chosen for further study. The fungal colonies initially appeared white and gradually turnned dark red. Macroconidia were crescent-shaped, elongated, slightly curved and had 2 to 4 septations, with a predominance of 3 septations. They measured 15.540 to 42.083 × 2.760 to 4.558 µm (n=100). Microconidia were oval or pyriform, with a maximum of one septum and measured 6.135 to 24.990 × 2.158 to 4.412 µm (n=100). Two genetic regions, the translation elongation factor-1 (TEF1-α) and RNA polymerase II largest subunit (RPB1) genes, were amplified and sequenced to verify the identity of the fungus (Qiu et al. 2023). The universal primers TEF1-F/R, G2R/Fa were used for amplification and sequencing, and the sequences were submitted to GenBank (TEF1-α: OR545395, OR545397, OR545399; RPB1: OR545394, OR545396, OR545398). A joint phylogenetic tree of the two genes was constructed and analysis showed that the three isolates were significantly clustered with Fusarium tricinctum. Based on the results of morphological identification and phylogenetic tree analysis, the three isolates were identified as F. tricinctum. Pathogenicity tests were carried out on 12 uniformly growing leaf expansion stages of konjac plants，each inoculated with five young leaves. Mycelial blocks of 6 × 6 mm grown on PDA media for 5 days were placed on the surface of the leaves, while sterile PDA blocks were placed on the control plant. After 10 days of rearing the treated plants in a constant temperature chamber at 28°C and 90% relative humidity, the lesions appeared and the pathogens re-isolated from the diseased tissues had the same morphological characteristics as representative isolates. F. tricinctum has been shown to be the major pathogenic fungus causing leaf blight in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) (Castañares et al. 2011) and orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.) (Wu et al. 2020). To our knowledge, this is the first time in the world that F. tricinctum has been reported to cause leaf blight in A. konjac. This research could provide a foundation for future control of leaf blight disease.

Bilirubin potentiates etomidate-induced sedation by enhancing GABA-induced currents after bile duct ligation.

OBJECTIVES: Our previous clinical trial showed that etomidate requirements to reach an appropriate level of anesthesia in patients with obstructive jaundice were reduced, which means that these patients are more sensitive to etomidate. However, the mechanism is still not completely clear. The present study was aimed to investigate the mechanism by which bilirubin facilitates etomidate induced sedation. METHODS: A bile duct ligation (BDL) rat model was used to simulate obstructive jaundice. Anesthesia sensitivity to etomidate was determined by the time to loss of righting reflex (LORR). Intrathecal injection of bilirubin was used to test the effects of bilirubin on etomidate induced sedation. The modulating effects of bilirubin on GABA responses were studied using the whole-cell patch clamp technique. RESULTS: The time to LORR induced by etomidate was significantly decreased in the BDL groups (p < 0.05), and unconjugated bilirubin in serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) were markedly increased (p < 0.05). The time to LORR induced by etomidate was decreased after intrathecal injection of bilirubin (p < 0.05). A bilirubin concentration of 1.0 µM increased the GABA-induced currents of rat cortical pyramidal neurons (p < 0.05). Furthermore, 1.0 µM bilirubin enhanced GABA-induced currents modulated by etomidate (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrated that pathologic bilirubin in CSF could enhance etomidate induced sedation. The mechanism may be that bilirubin increase the GABA-induced currents of rat pyramidal neurons.

Mechanism of Buyang Huanwu Decoction glycosides against atherosclerotic inflammation through NF-κB signaling pathway / 中国中药杂志

This study aims to explore the effect of Buyang Huanwu Decoction glycosides on the inflammatory response of apolipoprotein E~(-/-)(ApoE~(-/-)) mice and RAW264.7 cells through nuclear factor kappa-B(NF-κB) signaling pathway. In the in vivo experiment, ApoE~(-/-) mice were fed with high-fat diets for 12 weeks to induce the animal model of atherosclerosis, and 75 μg·mL~(-1) oxidized low-density lipoprotein(Ox-LDL) incubated RAW264.7 cells for 24 h to establish the atherosclerosis cell model. Automatic biochemical analyzer, hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA), Western blot, and droplet digital polymerase chain reaction(PCR) were used to determine the blood lipid levels, aortic intimal thickness, inflammatory factor content, NF-κB pathway-related proteins, and mRNA expression levels, and evaluate arterial atherosclerotic lesions and anti-atherosclerotic mechanisms of the drug. The model of atherosclerosis was successfully established in ApoE~(-/-) mice after 12 weeks of feeding with high-fat diets. In the model group, the plasma levels of total cholesterol(TC), triglyceride(TG), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C) were increased(P<0.01), the intima of the blood vessels was thickened, the levels of inflammatory factors tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) and interleukin-6(IL-6) were increased, and the protein and mRNA expressions of NF-κB and inhibitor of NF-κB(IκBα) were significantly increased as compared with the control group. Compared with the model group, the high-dose Buyang Huanwu Decoction glycoside group decreased the plasma levels of TC, TG, and LDL-C, reduced the plaque area and thickness and the content of inflammatory factor TNF-α, and inhibited the protein and mRNA expressions of NF-κB and IκBα, with the effect same as Buyang Huanwu Decoction. In the in vivo experiment, 75 μg·mL~(-1) Ox-LDL stimulated RAW264.7 cells for 24 h to successfully establish a foam cell model. As compared with the control group, the nuclear amount of NF-κB and the protein and mRNA expressions of IκBα in the model group increased. Compared with the model group, the middle-dose and high-dose Buyang Huanwu Decoction glycoside groups decreased the nuclear amount of NF-κB and the protein and mRNA expressions of IκBα. The above results show that the glycosides are the main effective substances of Buyang Huanwu Decoction against atherosclerosis, which inhibit the NF-κB pathway and reduce the inflammatory response, thus playing the role against atherosclerotic inflammation same as Buyang Huanwu Decoction.

Cognition of Colorectal Cancer-related Knowledge and Influencing Factors of Patients with Middle- and Advanced-stage Colorectal Cancer in Inner Mongolia / 肿瘤防治研究

Objective To investigate the cognition of colorectal cancer-related knowledge and influencing factors of patients with middle- and advanced-stage colorectal cancer in ethnic minority areas of Inner Mongolia. Methods According to the national population and the prevalence of colorectal cancer, 277 patients with colorectal cancer were selected by stratified and random sampling in Inner Mongolia. The patients were surveyed in Baotou, Chifeng, Bayannaoer, and other hospitals. The questionnaire included patients' basic information, cognition of colorectal cancer risk factors and screening knowledge, screening information, etc. Results Before suffering from the disease, the patients' knowledge of colorectal cancer (risk factors, early screening knowledge, treatment methods) was low. About 54.9% of patients were unaware of high risk factors for colorectal cancer, 75.8% of patients did not understand the knowledge of early screening of colorectal cancer, and 37.5% of patients did not underst and the treatment of colorectal cancer. The main influencing factors of colorectal cancer cognition were education level and occupation. Patients who work in institutions and enterprises and with higher education level had better cognition. Conclusion Patients with middle- and advanced-stage colorectal cancer in Inner Mongolia have poor knowledge and awareness of risk factors and screening of colorectal cancer before diagnosis. Education level and occupation are factors influencing colorectal cancer cognition, therefore, people with low knowledge rate of colorectal cancer and low education level as well as unemployed laid-off people should be given priority intervention.

Clinical analysis of 11 cases of otogenic intracranial complications treated by multidisciplinary collaboration / 临床耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

Objective:To analyze the clinical diagnosis, treatment ，and surgical timing of otogenic intracranial complications. Methods:The clinical data of 11 patients with intracranial complications with ear symptoms as the first manifestation in Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University（Qingdao） from December 2014 to June 2022 were collected, including 8 males and 3 females, aged from 4 to 69 years. All patients had complete otoendoscopy, audiology, imaging and etiology examination, and the diagnosis and treatment plan was jointly developed through multidisciplinary consultation according to the critical degree of clinical symptoms and imaging changes. Among the 11 patients, 5 cases were treated with intracranial lesions first in neurosurgery department and middle ear lesions later in otolaryngology, 3 cases of meningitis, were treated with middle ear surgery after intracranial infection control, 1 case was treated with middle ear lesions and intracranial infection simultaneously, and 2 cases were treated with sigmoid sinus and transverse sinus thrombosis conservatively. They were followed up for 1-6 years. Descriptive statistical methods were used for analysis. Results:All the 11 patients had ear varying symptoms, including ear pain, pus discharge and hearing loss, etc, and then fever appeared, headache, disturbance of consciousness, facial paralysis and other intracranial complication. Otoendoscopy showed perforation of the relaxation of the tympanic membrane in 5 cases, major perforation of the tension in 3 cases, neoplasia in the ear canal in 1 case, bulging of the tympanic membrane in 1 case, and turbidity of the tympanic membrane in 1 case. There were 4 cases of conductive hearing loss, 4 cases of mixed hearing loss and 3 cases of total deafness. Imaging examination showed cholesteatoma of the middle ear complicated with temporal lobe brain abscess in 4 cases, cerebellar abscess in 2 cases, cholesteatoma of the middle ear complicated with intracranial infection in 3 cases, and sigmoid sinus thrombophlebitis in 2 cases. In the etiological examination, 2 cases of Streptococcus pneumoniae were cultured in the pus of brain abscess and cerebrospinal fluid, and 1 case was cultured in streptococcus vestibularis, Bacteroides uniformis and Proteus mirabilis respectively. During the follow-up, 1 patient died of cardiovascular disease 3 years after discharge, and the remaining 10 patients survived. There was no recurrence of intracranial and middle ear lesions. Sigmoid sinus and transverse sinus thrombosis were significantly improved. Conclusion:Brain abscess, intracranial infection and thrombophlebitis are the most common otogenic intracranial complications, and cholesteatoma of middle ear is the most common primary disease. Timely diagnosis, multidisciplinary collaboration, accurate grasp of the timing in the treatment of primary focal and complications have improved the cure rate of the disease.

Relationship among fasting plasma glacose coefficient of variation and macular morphology and microcirculation in patients with nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

AIM: To investigate the relationship among the fasting plasma glucose coefficient of variation(FPG-CV)and macular morphology and microcirculation in patients with nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy(NPDR).METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 82 cases(82 eyes)with NPDR admitted to our hospital from February 2018 to June 2022 was the research object, and another 82 cases(82 eyes)of non-diabetic retinopathy(NDR)patients during the same period were selected as the control group, and the clinical data of the two groups of patients were analyzed. Multivariate Logistic regression was used to analyze the risk factors affecting the incidence of NPDR, and the back propagation(BP)neural network model was established and evaluated. Pearson correlation was used to analyze the correlation among FPG-CV and macular morphology and microcirculation in patients. RESULTS: The results of multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that the disease duration ≥7.2a, glycated hemoglobin A1c(HbA1c)≥7.7%, triglyceride(TG)≥1.9 mmol/L, microalbuminuria(MALB)≥24.5 mg/L, FPG-CV ≥9.8%, superficial capillary plexus-vessel density(SCP-VD)&#x0026;#x003C;27.6%, deep capillary plexus-vessel density(DCP-VD)&#x0026;#x003C;47.7%, foveal avascular zone(FAZ)area ≥0.38 mm2, central retinal thickness(CRT)≥197.7 μm and subfoveal choroidal thickness(SFCT)&#x0026;#x003C;227.7 μm were risk factors for NPDR(P&#x0026;#x003C;0.05). The number of hidden layer nodes is 5, and the receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve, calibration curve and clinical decision curve show that the prediction model has good discrimination, accuracy and validity. The results of Pearson correlation analysis showed that FPG-CV was negatively correlated with SCP-VD, DCP-VD and SFCT(P&#x0026;#x003C;0.05); FPG-CV was positively correlated with FAZ area and CRT(P&#x0026;#x003C;0.05).CONCLUSION: The course of disease, HbA1c, TG, MALB, FPG-CV, SCP-VD, DCP-VD, FAZ area, CRT and SFCT are all related to the pathogenesis of NPDR. With the increase of FPG-CV, the indexes of macular morphology and microcirculation changed. FPG-CV was negatively correlated with SCP-VD, DCP-VD and SFCT and positively correlated with FAZ area and CRT.