Study on the establishment of air pollutant and carbon emission inventory and collaborative emission reduction potential of China's coking industry from 2012 to 2022.

Coking industry is usually regarded as a high pollution and high energy consumption industry. China is accelerating its efforts to reduce pollution and carbon emissions in the industrial sector, which has received little attention as the world's largest producer of coke. Therefore, in this study, the trend of air pollution and carbon emissions in China's coking industry and the path of coordinated emission reduction were studied. The results indicate that the average annual emissions of PM, SO2, NOx, VOCs, and CO2 in China's coking industry from 2012 to 2022 amount to 205.98, 69.47, 193.45, 599.80 Gg and 191.10 Tg, respectively. The main sources of PM, SO2, NOx, VOCs and CO2 in coking industry were coal preparation (51.5 %), charge and pushing (39.5 %), coke oven gas (99.8 %), byproduct recovery (47.0 %) and fuel combustion (87.5 %). The emissions from coking plants in central and southern Shanxi, eastern and southern Hebei, and central Shandong are the most concentrated. Ultra-low emission transformation and deep treatment of VOCs have greatly reduced pollutant emissions in key areas of air pollutant control, but the actual emission reduction effect of these measures has been weakened by the additional emissions caused by the increase of coke production in other non-key areas. The research on synergetic emission reduction path shows that there is a great synergistic benefit between air pollutants and CO2 emission reduction in coking industry. It is estimated that the APeq (air pollutants and carbon equivalent) of China's coking industry in 2025, 2028 and 2030 will decrease by 38.2 %, 63.5 % and 70.8 % respectively compared with 2022. With the continuous promotion of pollution reduction and carbon reduction measures, the emission reduction potential of China's coking industry will gradually shift from key areas to non-key areas.

The diagnostic value of CT-based radiomics nomogram for solitary indeterminate smoothly marginated solid pulmonary nodules.

Objectives: This study aimed to explore the value of radiomics nomogram based on computed tomography (CT) on the diagnosis of benign and malignant solitary indeterminate smoothly marginated solid pulmonary nodules (SMSPNs). Methods: This study retrospectively reviewed 205 cases with solitary indeterminate SMSPNs on CT, including 112 cases of benign nodules and 93 cases of malignant nodules. They were divided into training (n=143) and validation (n=62) cohorts based on different CT scanners. Radiomics features of the nodules were extracted from the lung window CT images. The variance threshold method, SelectKBest, and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator were used to select the key radiomics features to construct the rad-score. Through multivariate logistic regression analysis, a nomogram was built by combining rad-score, clinical factors, and CT features. The nomogram performance was evaluated by the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). Results: A total of 19 radiomics features were selected to construct the rad-score, and the nomogram was constructed by the rad-score, one clinical factor (history of malignant tumor), and three CT features (including calcification, pleural retraction, and lobulation). The nomogram performed better than the radiomics model, clinical model, and experienced radiologists who specialized in thoracic radiology for nodule diagnosis. The AUC values of the nomogram were 0.942 in the training cohort and 0.933 in the validation cohort. The calibration curve and decision curve showed that the nomogram demonstrated good consistency and clinical applicability. Conclusion: The CT-based radiomics nomogram achieved high efficiency in the preoperative diagnosis of solitary indeterminate SMSPNs, and it is of great significance in guiding clinical decision-making.

Unique three-dimensional ordered macroporous dealloyed gold-silver electrochemical sensing platforms for ultrasensitive mercury(II) monitoring.

To address the requirement of ultra-sensitive detection of trace mercury(II) (Hg2+) ions in the environment and food, we developed an electrochemical biosensor with super-sensitivity, extremely high selectivity, and reusability. This biosensor comprised two signal amplification components: a three-dimensional macroporous dealloyed (3DOMD) Au-Ag thin-film electrode and a multifunctional encoded Au@Pt nanocage (APNC). As a platform for immobilized capture DNA (cDNA), a 3DOMD Au-Ag thin film prepared by a dealloying method with an active surface area 4.8 times higher than that of 3D macroporous gold films generated by cyclic voltammetry (CV) with sulfuric acid was capable of increasing the sensing surface area while also strengthening the electron transport capacity of the sensing substrate due to its multilayered multi-porous framework. In the presence of Hg2+, probe DNA (pDNA) could be hybridized with the mismatched capture DNA (cDNA) through stable thymine-Hg2+-thymine (T-Hg2+-T) linkages, connecting thionine-APNC to the electrode surface and utilizing the large specific surface area to accomplish highly sensitive detection of Hg2+. With an extremely low Hg2+ detection limit of 2 pM and a detection range from 0.01 to 1000 nM, this technique opened up a new avenue for the ultrasensitive detection of a wider range of heavy metal ions or biomolecules.

A Fully Automated Deep-Learning Model for Predicting the Molecular Subtypes of Posterior Fossa Ependymomas Using T2-Weighted Images.

PURPOSE: We aimed to develop and validate a deep learning (DL) model to automatically segment posterior fossa ependymoma (PF-EPN) and predict its molecular subtypes [Group A (PFA) and Group B (PFB)] from preoperative MR images. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: We retrospectively identified 227 PF-EPNs (development and internal test sets) with available preoperative T2-weighted (T2w) MR images and molecular status to develop and test a 3D nnU-Net (referred to as T2-nnU-Net) for tumor segmentation and molecular subtype prediction. The network was externally tested using an external independent set [n = 40; subset-1 (n = 31) and subset-2 (n =9)] and prospectively enrolled cases [prospective validation set (n = 27)]. The Dice similarity coefficient was used to evaluate the segmentation performance. Receiver operating characteristic analysis for molecular subtype prediction was performed. RESULTS: For tumor segmentation, the T2-nnU-Net achieved a Dice score of 0.94 ± 0.02 in the internal test set. For molecular subtype prediction, the T2-nnU-Net achieved an AUC of 0.93 and accuracy of 0.89 in the internal test set, an AUC of 0.99 and accuracy of 0.93 in the external test set. In the prospective validation set, the model achieved an AUC of 0.93 and an accuracy of 0.89. The predictive performance of T2-nnU-Net was superior or comparable to that of demographic and multiple radiologic features (AUCs ranging from 0.87 to 0.95). CONCLUSIONS: A fully automated DL model was developed and validated to accurately segment PF-EPNs and predict molecular subtypes using only T2w MR images, which could help in clinical decision-making.

"Soap bubble" sign as an imaging marker for posterior fossa ependymoma Group B.

PURPOSE: To investigate the predictive value of the "soap bubble" sign on molecular subtypes (Group A [PFA] and Group B [PFB]) of posterior fossa ependymomas (PF-EPNs). METHODS: MRI scans of 227 PF-EPNs (internal retrospective discovery set) were evaluated by two independent neuroradiologists to assess the "soap bubble" sign, which was defined as clusters of cysts of various sizes that look like "soap bubbles" on T2-weighted images. Two independent cohorts (external validation set [n = 31] and prospective validation set [n = 27]) were collected to validate the "soap bubble" sign. RESULTS: Across three datasets, the "soap bubble" sign was observed in 21 PFB cases (7.4% [21/285] of PF-EPNs and 12.9% [21/163] of PFB); none in PFA. Analysis of the internal retrospective discovery set demonstrated substantial interrater agreement (1st Rating: κ = 0.71 [0.53-0.90], 2nd Rating: κ = 0.83 [0.68-0.98]) and intrarater agreement (Rater 1: κ = 0.73 [0.55-0.91], Rater 2: κ = 0.74 [0.55-0.92]) for the "soap bubble" sign; all 13 cases positive for the "soap bubble" sign were PFB (p = 0.002; positive predictive value [PPV] = 100%, negative predictive value [NPV] = 44%, sensitivity = 10%, specificity = 100%). The findings from the external validation set and the prospective validation set were similar, all cases positive for the "soap bubble" sign were PFB (p < 0.001; PPV = 100%). CONCLUSION: The "soap bubble" sign represents a highly specific imaging marker for the PFB molecular subtype of PF-EPNs.

FLAIR vascular hyperintensity combined with asymmetrical prominent veins in acute anterior circulation ischemic stroke: prediction of collateral circulation and clinical outcome.

BACKGROUND: To investigate the value of fluid-attenuated inversion recovery vascular hyperintensity (FVH) within asymmetrical prominent veins sign (APVS) on susceptibility-weighted imaging predicting collateral circulation and prognosis in patients with acute anterior circulation ischemic stroke. METHOD: Patients with severe stenosis or occlusion of ICA or MCA M1, who underwent MRI within 72 h from stroke onset were reviewed. The Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score was used to evaluate the volume of infarction on DWI, the degree of FVH and APVS. Spearman correlation analysis was used to evaluate the correlation between FVH and APVS. All patients were divided into the good prognosis group and the poor prognosis group according to the score of the modified ranking scale (mRS) 90 days after the stroke. Logistic regression analysis was used to explore the relationship between FVH and APVS and functional prognosis, while receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were plotted to assess the value of FVH and APVS in predicting prognosis. RESULTS: Spearman correlation analysis revealed moderate positive correlations between FVH and APVS (r = 0.586, P < 0.001). The poor prognosis group had a higher rate of a history of atrial fibrillation, a larger cerebral infarction volume, a higher NIHSS score at admission, and a higher FVH and APVS score compared with the good prognosis group (all P < 0.05). A further logistic regression indicated that the NIHSS score, cerebral infarction volume, FVH and APVS were independent risk factors for a poor functional prognosis. In terms of FVH, APVS, alone and their combination for the diagnosis of poor prognosis, the sensitivity, specificity, area under the ROC curve (AUC), and 95% confidence interval (CI) were 86.8%, 83.3%, 0.899 (95% CI 0.830-0.968); 60.5%, 93.7%, 0.818 (95% CI 0.723-0.912); 86.8%, 89.6%, 0.921 (95% CI 0.860-0.981), respectively. CONCLUSION: The presence of FVH and APVS can provide a comprehensive assessment of collateral circulation from the perspective of veins and arteries, and the correlation between the two is positively correlated. Both of them were independent risk factors for poor prognosis, their combination is complementary and can improve the predictive value.

Tumour-pleura relationship on CT is a risk factor for occult lymph node metastasis in peripheral clinical stage IA solid adenocarcinoma.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate whether the tumour-pleura relationship on computed tomography (CT) is a risk factor for occult lymph node metastasis (OLNM) in peripheral clinical stage IA solid adenocarcinoma. METHODS: A total of 232 patients were included in the study. The tumour-pleura relationship was divided into four types: type 1, the tumour was unrelated to the pleura; type 2, the tumour was not in contact with the pleura, and one or more linear or striated pleural tags were visible; type 3, the tumour was not in contact with the pleura, and one or more linear or striated pleural tags with soft tissue component at the pleural end were visible; and type 4, the tumour was in contact with the pleura. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify the predictive factors, including the tumour-pleura relationship, clinical factors, conventional CT findings, and pathology-reported visceral pleural invasion, for OLNM. RESULTS: Type 3 and 4 tumour-pleura relationships were more likely to have visceral pleural invasion than type 1 and 2 tumour-pleura relationships (p < 0.001). Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses revealed that the type 3 or 4 tumour-pleura relationship (OR: 3.261, p = 0.026), carcinoembryonic antigen level (OR: 3.361, p = 0.006), cytokeratin 19 fragments level (OR: 2.539, p = 0.025), and mediastinal window tumour size (OR: 1.078, p = 0.020) were predictive factors for OLNM. CONCLUSIONS: The type 3 or 4 tumour-pleura relationship is correlated with a greater risk of OLNM in peripheral clinical stage IA solid adenocarcinoma. KEY POINTS: • The tumour-pleura relationship on CT is a risk factor for occult lymph node metastasis in peripheral clinical stage IA solid adenocarcinoma. • Other risk factors for OLNM include CEA level, CYFRA level, and mediastinal window tumour size. • Pathology-reported visceral pleural invasion is not a risk factor for OLNM.

Efficacy and safety of mycophenolate mofetil in the treatment of moderate to severe Graves' orbitopathy: a meta-analysis.

The role of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) in the treatment of Graves' orbitopathy (GO) has attracted much attention. This study is to evaluate the benefit and safety of MMF in moderate-to-severe GO. A meta-analysis of clinical control trials comparing MMF (with or without glucocorticoid (GC)) for the treatment of GO with GC was conducted. We searched the databases, including PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Wanfang, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), for articles published up to 15 June 2022. The primary outcome is referred to the improvement in overall response, and secondary outcomes included the change in clinical activity score (CAS) and adverse events (AEs). Of the 289 articles initially searched, 6 studies were finally eligible for inclusion. The results showed that MMF (with or without GC) was superior to GC in the treatment of GO (OR 3.34, 95% CI 2.17-5.14; p < 0.00001). Subgroup analyses also showed that MMF monotherapy was more effective than GC (OR 4.46, 95% CI 2.52-7.87; p < 0.00001). Compared to methylprednisolone (MP) monotherapy, a combination of MP and MMF was more effective. CAS decreased even more significantly (WMD 0.29, 95% CI 0.10-0.48; p = 0.002) and fewer AEs occurred (OR 0.2, 95% CI 0.06-0.72; p = 0.01) in patients receiving MMF. The pooled data suggested that MMF treatment in GO might be promising. Compared with GC therapy, MMF is safer and more effective. However, more large-sample and high-quality studies targeting MMF use in GO patients and long-term surveillance of prognosis are urgently needed.

Quantitation study on VOC emissions and their reduction potential for coking industry in China: Based on in-situ measurements on treated and untreated plants.

Currently, the characteristics of volatile organic compounds (VOC) released from coking industry are still vague, and the widely used VOC emission factors (EFs) were still from the measurements of 1990s. Hence, focusing on coking industry, we conducted an in-situ measurement campaign in several typical plants, developed a set of VOC EFs for various release units, and estimated the current emission amounts and future reduction potentials of VOC in China. The measurements show that the levels of VOC in stationary units were 63.82-9563.93 µg·m-3, and those surrounding fugitive units were 111.37-1436.36 µg·m-3. VOC emissions from stationary units were directly calculated, which deducing EFs of 11.57, 15.51, 127.13, 0.28, 0.16 g·t-1 coke respectively for coke charging, coke pushing, coke oven chimney, dry quenching, and wastewater treatment processes. Meanwhile, VOC emissions from fugitive units were simulated following the inverse dispersion method, which achieving EFs of 443.34 ± 66.31, 352.12 ± 65.81, and 718.56 ± 132.69 g·t-1 coke respectively for the coke oven leakage, byproduct recovery with VOC treatment system, and byproduct recovery without VOC treatment system. Generally, the coking plants installing VOC treatment system had total VOC EF of 953.76 g·t-1 coke, about 37.1% lower than those never considering VOC treatment (1516.25 g·t-1 coke). According to these developed EFs, the VOC emission amount from coking industry in China were estimated, slightly decreasing from 623.54 to 578.17 Gg per year, although the coke production increasing from 410.86 to 418.26 Tg during 2015-2019. In future, according to the national industrial policies, regulations and standards, technical guidelines, the VOC reduction potential of this industry in China could reach 336.9 Gg, to which headstream adjustment, process improvement, and end-of-pipe control contributed about 21.4%, 31.6%, and 47.0%, respectively.

CT-Based Radiomics Nomogram for Differentiation of Anterior Mediastinal Thymic Cyst From Thymic Epithelial Tumor.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to distinguish preoperatively anterior mediastinal thymic cysts from thymic epithelial tumors via a computed tomography (CT)-based radiomics nomogram. METHODS: This study analyzed 74 samples of thymic cysts and 116 samples of thymic epithelial tumors as confirmed by pathology examination that were collected from January 2014 to December 2020. Among the patients, 151 cases (scanned at CT 1) were selected as the training cohort, and 39 cases (scanned at CT 2 and 3) served as the validation cohort. Radiomics features were extracted from pre-contrast CT images. Key features were selected by SelectKBest and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator and then used to build a radiomics signature (Rad-score). The radiomics nomogram developed herein via multivariate logistic regression analysis incorporated clinical factors, conventional CT findings, and Rad-score. Its performance in distinguishing the samples of thymic cysts from those of thymic epithelial tumors was assessed via discrimination, calibration curve, and decision curve analysis (DCA). RESULTS: The radiomics nomogram, which incorporated 16 radiomics features and 3 conventional CT findings, including lesion edge, lobulation, and CT value, performed better than Rad-score, conventional CT model, and the clinical judgment by radiologists in distinguishing thymic cysts from thymic epithelial tumors. The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve of the nomogram was 0.980 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.963-0.993] in the training cohort and 0.992 (95% CI, 0.969-1.000) in the validation cohort. The calibration curve and the results of DCA indicated that the nomogram has good consistency and valuable clinical utility. CONCLUSION: The CT-based radiomics nomogram presented herein may serve as an effective and convenient tool for differentiating thymic cysts from thymic epithelial tumors. Thus, it may aid in clinical decision-making.

Nocardiosis with diffuse involvement of the pleura: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Nocardiosis is an uncommon infection that usually occurs in immunocompromised patients, and the pulmonary system is the most common site. We report an uncommon case of nocardiosis with diffuse involvement of the pleura, which presented as multiple localized nodular or hillock lesions on computed tomography (CT) with local chest wall infiltration. CASE SUMMARY: A 54-year-old woman was referred to our hospital due to cough and fever for 20 d. She had a history of nephrotic syndrome for 7 mo and was given prednisone (60 mg/d) 6 mo previously. The hormone was then gradually reduced to the current dose of 25 mg/d. Chest CT showed many nodular or hillock lesions in the right pleura, mediastinum, and interlobar fissure areas. On the lower layer, one lesion infiltrated the chest wall. She was treated with piperacillin sodium and sulbactam sodium, but the therapeutic effect was not good. In this regard, ultrasound-guided local infiltration anesthesia was further conducted for perihepatic hydrops drainage to improve diagnostic accuracy. Puncture fluid culture isolated Nocardia species, confirming the diagnosis of nocardiosis. Subtype Nocardia farcinica was identified by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Antibiotic treatment was switched to trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole and imipenem. After 8 d of treatment, the patient was discharged from the hospital with improved condition, and she has been recurrence-free for 2 years. CONCLUSION: This report illustrates that nocardiosis should be suspected when clinicians encounter patients who are immunocompromised and have diffuse involvement of the pleura.

Differentiating Glioblastoma from Primary Central Nervous System Lymphoma: The Value of Shaping and Nonenhancing Peritumoral Hyperintense Gyral Lesion on FLAIR Imaging.

BACKGROUND: This study describes a distinct magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) feature, placing emphasis on fluid-attenuation inversion recovery (FLAIR) and contrast-enhanced T1-weighted (T1C) images for the preoperative differentiation of glioblastoma (GBM) from primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL). METHODS: The preoperative MRI findings of 116 pathologically confirmed glioblastoma (n = 72) and PCNSL (n = 44) were retrospectively reviewed. Two neuroimaging specialists analyzed the MRIs, and image analysis was focused on the presence or absence of a shaping and nonenhancing peritumoral hyperintense gyral lesion on FLAIR imaging (SNEPGF, i.e., hyperintense lesion in a shaping and nonenhancing peritumoral gyral area on FLAIR imaging). The gyral area adjacent to and within 3 cm of the enhanced tumor was defined as the peritumoral gyrus region. The FLAIR hyperintensity lesion were termed as the signal intensity ratio ≥30% compared with contralateral normal gray matter. Then, the differential diagnostic efficacy of SNEFPG sign for GBM and PCNSL was analyzed. RESULTS: The SNEPGF sign was found in 33 GBM cases (33 of 72, 45.8%), and the FLAIR signal intensity and apparent diffusion coefficient value of these area were lower than the peritumoral edema area (P < 0.0001). In 44 PCNSL cases, no SNEPGF sign was found. A slightly higher FLAIR signal intensity was seen in 9 PCNSLs, but uniform and marked enhancement was seen in these areas. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of the differential diagnosis of GBM and PCNSL with SNEPGF sign were 45.8%, 100%, 100%, and 53.0%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The SNEPGF sign is effective in identifying GBM from PCNSL, especially with high specificity.

The diagnostic value of TROP-2, SLP-2 and CD56 expression in papillary thyroid carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to explore some novel diagnostic biomarkers for papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) by identifying the different expression of TROP-2, SLP-2 and CD56 in benign and malignant thyroid lesions. METHODS: We evaluated the mRNA expressions of TROP-2 and SLP-2 in fine needle aspirates (FNAs) which contained 10 PTCs and 10 benign follicular adenomas (FAs) using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Immunohistochemical (IHC) staining of TROP-2, SLP-2 and CD56 was also performed on postoperative samples of 30 PTCs and 29 FAs. Membranous or cytoplasmic staining in > 10% of cells was considered as positive. Diagnostic sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value (NPV) and diagnostic accuracy of these three biomarkers were carried out. We further analyzed the associations between the clinical features and the expressions of markers in PTCs. RESULTS: The mRNA expressions of both TROP-2 and SLP-2 were increased substantially in PTCs in comparison with those in FAs (P < 0.05). Similarly, IHC for these two proteins demonstrated higher positive staining in PTCs than in FAs (96.5% vs. 12.5% for TROP-2, 83.3% vs. 20.7% for SLP-2, P < 0.05). Conversely, CD56 expression was lost with 86.7% of PTCs. In identifying malignancy, TROP-2 was the most sensitive marker and CD56 was the most specific one. When the markers were combined, the sensitivity and NPV increased to 100% and had better diagnostic accuracy. However, no association was found between biomarker expressions and clinicopathological factors in PTCs. CONCLUSIONS: We found that TROP-2, SLP-2 and CD56 were effective diagnostic markers for PTC, especially when they were combined to use.

Evaluation of computed tomography vascular reconstruction for the localization diagnosis of perigastric mass.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the utility of computed tomography (CT) vascular reconstruction in the localization diagnosis of perigastric mass. METHODS: Fifty-eight patients with pathologically detected perigastric mass underwent abdominal dynamic contrast-enhanced CT. CT vascular reconstructions were produced from arterial phase data using volume rendering (VR), multiplanar reconstruction (MPR), and maximal intensity projection (MIP). Image analysis was focused on the relationship between the mass, perigastric arteries, and the gastric wall. Localization diagnosis values were compared between CT vascular reconstruction and dynamic-enhanced CT images. RESULTS: Among the 58 cases of perigastric mass, 41 cases originated from the stomach, 7 cases from the left liver lobe, 6 from the pancreas, 2 from lessor omental bursa, 1 from transverse mesocolon, and 1 from left adrenal gland. The accuracy of CT vascular reconstruction images in the localization diagnosis of perigastric mass was higher than that of dynamic-enhanced CT images (98.3% and 86.2%, respectively, P = .04). On the reference level, 35 (35/41) patients with stomach-originated masses showed the mass adjacent perigastric arteries pushed away from the stomach (arterial displacement sign), and 15 (15/17) patients with nonstomach-originated masses showed perigastric arteries between the mass and the stomach (arterial entrapment sign). The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of the localization diagnosis of perigastric mass with arterial displacement sign were 85.4%, 100%, 100%, and 73.9%, respectively, and with arterial entrapment sign, 88.2%, 100%, 100%, and 95.3%, respectively. CONCLUSION: CT vascular reconstruction can clearly depict the relationship between perigastric mass and adjacent perigastric arteries, which may help us more accurately differentiate between stomach-originated and nonstomach-originated masses compared with original dynamic-enhanced CT images.

The imaging features of the meniscal roots on isotropic 3D MRI in young asymptomatic volunteers.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to describe clearly the normal imaging features of the meniscal roots on the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with a 3-dimensional (3D) proton density-weighted (PDW) sequence at 3T. METHODS: A total of 60 knees of 31 young asymptomatic volunteers were examined using a 3D MRI. The insertion patterns, constitution patterns, and MR signals of the meniscal roots were recorded. RESULTS: The anterior root of the medial meniscus (ARMM), the anterior root of the lateral meniscus (ARLM), and the posterior root of the medial meniscus (PRMM) had 1 insertion site, whereas the posterior root of the lateral meniscus (PRLM) can be divided into major and minor insertion sites. The ARLM and the PRMM usually consisted of multiple fiber bundles (≥3), whereas the ARMM and the PRLM often consisted of a single fiber bundle. The ARMM and the PRLM usually appeared as hypointense, whereas the ARLM and the PRMM typically exhibited mixed signals. CONCLUSIONS: The meniscal roots can be complex and diverse, and certain characteristics of them were observed on 3D MRI. Understanding the normal imaging features of the meniscal roots is extremely beneficial for further diagnosis of root tears.

A myeloid sarcoma involving the small intestine, kidneys, mesentery, and mesenteric lymph nodes: A case report and literature review.

RATIONALE: Myeloid sarcomas (MSs) are rare malignant hematological tumors. They most commonly occur in patients with acute or chronic myeloid leukemia. A de novo MS with no evidence of blood system disease is rare, but may represent the first sign of a systemic illness that precedes a full-blown disease. Herein, we report the computed tomography (CT) findings of an extremely rare case of a nonleukemic MS that progressed to acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) and simultaneously involved the small intestine, kidneys, mesentery, and mesenteric lymph nodes. Moreover, we provide CT findings before and after AML chemotherapy, which have not been reported previously. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 25-year-old man with intermittent upper abdominal pain for 6 months was admitted to the hospital on November 28, 2015. Initial CT showed concentric wall thickening of the jejunum with an adjacent mesenteric soft tissue mass and mesenteric lymph nodes enlargement. Both kidneys were involved as indicated by the presence of well-defined mildly dilated lesions. During the laparoscopic surgery, the small intestinal tumor, mesenteric soft tissue mass, and mesenteric lymph nodes were removed. DIAGNOSES: The pathological diagnosis was an MS. INTERVENTIONS: The patient refused systemic chemotherapy and was rehospitalized with persistently aggravated abdominal distension on February 17, 2016. Follow-up CT showed diffuse small bowel wall thickening, widespread infiltration of the peritoneum, omentum, and mesentery, mesenteric lymph node enlargement, and large amounts of ascites fluid. The lesions in both kidneys were substantially larger and more numerous than on initial CT. Then the patient was treated with conventional AML chemotherapy. OUTCOMES: The patient achieved complete hematological remission on bone marrow examination. Follow-up CT in September 4, 2016, showed none of the abnormalities seen on initial CT. Currently, the patient is in complete remission. LESSONS: If the radiological examination shows lesions at multiple sites, and these lesions are soft tissue masses with homogenous enhancement, MS should be considered in the differential diagnosis, and an aspiration biopsy should be performed to provide a definitive pathological diagnosis. If MS is diagnosed, systemic chemotherapy is crucial to recovery; otherwise, the disease may progress rapidly. Medical imaging is helpful for diagnosing MS and for monitoring treatment response.

[Applications of blood oxygenation level dependent-functional magnetic resonance imaging, diffusion tensor imaging and intraoperative neurophysiology monitoring in secondary epileptic surgery in M1 area].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the applications of blood oxygenation level dependent-functional magnetic resonance imaging (BOLD-fMRI), diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and cortical somatosensory evoked potentials (Co-SEP), motor evoked potentials (MEP) and electrocorticogram (ECoG) in secondary epileptic surgery of primary motor area (M1). METHODS: In 19 patients, preoperative BOLD-fMRI were performed to display the relationship between active zone, fiber bundle and epileptogenic lesions. Besides, Co-SEP, MEP and ECoG were also carried out intra-operatively to direct the resection of epileptogenic lesion and epileptogenic focus. At the same time, the nervous functions were protected as much as possible. Then fMRI was performed again to ensure that the post-operative nervous function was excellent. RESULTS: In preoperative BOLD-fMRI and DTI examinations, active zone and fiber bundle could be seen at the edge of lesions (n = 12); range reduced, become deformed or removed (n = 6); glioma epileptogenic lesion was close-up with M1 (n = 1). The central sulcus was confirmed by Co-SEP in all cases. And two cases were inconsistent with anatomical location; Stimulating precentral gyrus, MEP were elicited post-operatively from orbicularis oris, muscle of thenar, hypothenar muscle or flexor digitorum brevis. Under the monitoring of ECoG, spike-wave was monitored in all cases. Of these, epileptogenic focus was in M1 (n = 15). After treatment, spike-wave were reduced significantly or disappeared. At a post-operative follow-up of 6 - 12 months, seizure improvement has achieved Engel III level or above (n = 18). On re-examinations of BOLD-fMRI and DTI, active zone became bigger than before and fiber bundle was symmetric with opposite side. Two of 19 cases had transient motor aphasia incompletely or hemiparesis. No permanent neurological dysfunction occurred. There was no relapse in cases of glioma. CONCLUSION: BOLD-fMRI and Co-SEP, MEP and ECoG are complementary in M1 of secondary epilepsy surgery. It is effective to preserve nervous functions and enhance the quality of life for patients with epilepsy.