Study on the anti-inflammatory mechanism of moxibustion in rheumatoid arthritis in rats based on phospholipaseA2 signaling inhibition by Annexin 1.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether moxibustion had an anti-inflammatory effect on rheumatoid arthritis (RA) by regulating Annexin 1 expression and interfering with the phospholipaseA2 signaling pathway. METHODS: Thirty male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly categorized into five groups (six rats per group): blank control (CON) group, RA model (RA) group, moxibustion (MOX) group, Annexin 1 lentiviral intervention (RNAi-Anxa1) group, and Annexin 1 lentiviral intervention + moxibustion (RNAi-Anxa1 + MOX) group. The rats in the RNAi-Anxa1 and the RNAi-Anxa1 + MOX groups were injected with the lentiviral vector-mediated RNAi-Anxa1 into the rat foot pad. An experimental RA rat model was established by injecting Freund's complete adjuvant (FCA) into the RA, MOX, RNAi-Anxa1, and RNAi-Anxa1 + MOX groups. Rats in the MOX and RNAi-Anxa1 + MOX groups received moxibustion treatment. After modeling, using moxibustion "Shenshu (BL23)" and "Zusanli (ST36)", each point is 5 times, bilateral alternating, once a day, 6 times for a course of treatment, between the courses of rest for a one day. A total of three treatment courses were conducted. Both bilateral pad thicknesses were measured using Vernier calipers on experimental days 1, 7, 14, 21, and 28. The expression of cPLA2α signaling in the synovium of diseased joints was observed using Western blot. The pathology of the rat ankle synovium was observed using hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. Interleukin (IL)-1ß, IL-10, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), and leukotriene B4 (LTB4) were detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: Moxibustion increased the levels of Annexin 1 and decreased the inflammatory response in rats with RA. After increasing the expression of Annexin 1, the phosphorylated expression of cPLA2α was inhibited, the serum levels of IL-1ß, PGE2, and LTB4 decreased, and the level of IL-10 increased. In moxibustion treated RA rats after the Annexin 1 lentiviral intervention, the serum levels of IL-1ß, PGE2, LTB4, and IL-10 were almost unchanged. CONCLUSION: Moxibustion enhanced the negative regulation of the cPLA2α signaling pathway, increased the synovial Annexin 1 expression, inhibited the cPLA2α signaling pathway, indirectly inhibited the expression of downstream inflammatory factors, and played a role in reducing inflammation.

Moxibustion of Zusanli (ST36) and Shenshu (BL23) alleviates the inflammation of rheumatoid arthritis in rats through regulating macrophage migration inhibitory factor/glucocorticoids signaling.

OBJECTIVE: To test the hypothesis that moxibustion may inhibit rheumatoid arthritis (RA) synovial inflammation by regulating the expression of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF)/glucocorticoids (GCs). METHODS: Fifty male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into five groups (n = 10 each): blank Control (CON) group, RA Model (RA) group, Moxibustion (MOX) group, MIF inhibitor (S,R)-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-4,5-dihydro-5-isoxazole acetic acid methyl ester (ISO-1) group, and Moxibustion + MIF inhibitor ISO-1 (MOX + ISO-1) group. Rats in the ISO-1 group and ISO-1 + MOX group were intraperitoneally injected with the inhibitor ISO-1. The rats in the RA group, ISO-1 group, MOX group, and ISO-1 + MOX group were injected with Freund's complete adjuvant (FCA) in the right hind footpad to establish an experimental RA rat model. In the MOX group and MOX + ISO-1 group, rats were treated with Moxa. The thickness of the footpads of the rats in each group was measured at three-time points before, after modeling and after moxibustion treatment. The contents of serum MIF, corticosterone (CORT), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß) were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay; and the contents of synovial MIF were detected by Western blot. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining method was used to observe the pathological changes of synovial tissue under a section light microscope, and pathological scoring was performed according to the grading standard of the degree of synovial tissue disease. RESULTS: Moxibustion was found to reduce the level of MIF and alleviate inflammation in RA rats in this study. In addition, after inhibiting the expression of MIF, the level of CORT increased, and the level of TNF-α decreased. Treating RA rats with inhibited MIF by moxibustion, the level of CORT was almost unchanged, but the level of TNF-α further decreased. The correlation analysis data suggested that MIF was positively related to the expression of TNF-α and negatively correlated with the expression of CORT. CONCLUSION: Reducing MIF to increase CORT and decrease TNF-α by moxibustion treatment in RA. MIF may be a factor for moxibustion to regulate the expression of CORT, but the expression of TNF-α is due to the incomplete regulation of the MIF. This study added to the body of evidence pointing to moxibustion's anti-inflammatory mechanism in the treatment of RA.

Association of Toll-like receptor 7, CTLA-4 gene polymorphisms with severe asthma / 公共卫生与预防医学

Objective To explore the association of Toll-like receptor 7, CTLA-4 gene polymorphisms and severe asthma. Methods From February 2018 to March 2020, 175 asthma patients admitted to the respiratory department of our hospital were selected as the research subjects (109 cases of mild disease and 66 cases of severe disease), and 248 cases of healthy people who were included in the outpatient physical examination of our hospital during the same period were selected as the normal control group. Toll-like receptor 7 and CTLA-4 gene polymorphisms in the above groups were determined, and the relationship between Toll-like receptor 7 and CTLA-4 polymorphisms and severe asthma was evaluated by calculating the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval(CI). The relationship between the genotypes of Toll-like receptor 7 and CTLA-4 polymorphisms and severe asthma were evaluated by logistic regression analysis. Results The proportion of TLR7 rs3853839 CC genotype, CTLA-4 rs231725 AA genotype, TLR7 rs3853839 C allele frequency and CTLA-4 rs231725 A allele frequency in severe asthma group and mild asthma group were higher than those in normal control group(P<0.05). The proportion of TLR7 rs3853839 CC genotype, the proportion of CTLA-4 rs231725 AA genotype, the frequency of TLR7 rs3853839 C allele, and the frequency of CTLA-4 rs231725 A allele in the severe asthma group were higher than those in the mild asthma group(P<0.05). TLR7 rs3853839 CC genotype (OR=10.32, 95%CI=5.59-23.89), CTLA-4 rs231725 AA genotype (OR=13.21, 95%CI=3.58-20.25), TLR7 rs3853839 C allele frequency (OR=11.32, 95% CI=4.25-21.14) and CTLA-4 rs231725 A allele frequency (OR=13.24, 95% CI=6.59-20.21) could increase the susceptibility to severe asthma(P<0.05). TLR7 rs3853839CC genotype, TLR7 rs3853839C allele frequency, CTLA-4 rs231725AA genotype and CTLA-4 rs231725A allele frequency were risk factors for severe asthma(P<0.05). Conclusion TLR7 rs3853839 CC genotype, TLR7 rs3853839 C allele frequency, CTLA-4 rs231725 AA genotype and CTLA-4 rs231725 A allele frequency are associated with the occurrence of severe asthma.

Advances in Molecular Targeted Ultrasound Contrast Agents / 中国医学科学院学报

In real-time ultrasound,molecular targeted contrast agent is introduced into the blood circulation through peripheral intravenous injection to enhance the imaging signal of target lesions after binding to the corresponding intravascular receptors,which can realize early diagnosis,staging of diseases,assessment of treatment response,and targeted treatment.In addition,molecular targeted ultrasound contrast agents provide a platform for the delivery of drugs and genes via microbubbles,and nanoscale contrast agents can be infiltrated through vascular endothelium into the interstitial space of the lesion for imaging or treatment.The available studies of molecular targeted ultrasound contrast agents mainly focus on the preclinical trials.Some clinical trials have been conducted in humans and preliminarily confirm the safety and feasibility of targeted ultrasound contrast agents.The molecular targeted ultrasound contrast agents enjoy a broad prospect in clinical application.

Arrhythmia:innovative understanding from traditional Chinese medicine and treatment by classic herbal formulas / 中国中药杂志

Arrhythmia, a common and frequently occurring cardiovascular disease, causes a heavy burden on the public health of China. Approximately 20 million patients are suffering from this disease in China and treated by pharmacological and surgical therapies. However, antiarrhythmic drugs can cause arrhythmia and surgical treatment has the risks of failure and recurrence. Therefore, the clinical outcome of arrhythmia remains to be improved. According to the traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) theory, arrhythmia is a disease of palpitation induced by 7 conditions: liver depression and Qi stagnation, accumulation of turbid phlegm, fluid retention attacking the heart, fire-heat disturbing the heart, stasis obstruction of heart vessel, cold congealing in heart vessel, and the deficiency of Qi, blood, Yin, and Yang. Therefore, this study concisely proposed 7 TCM syndromes of arrhythmia, including the palpitation due to depression, phlegm, fluid retention, fire, blood stasis, cold, and deficiency. The corresponding treatment strategies were recommended as follows: Chaihu Longgu Muli Decoction for the palpitation due to depression, Wendan Decoction for the palpitation due to phlegm, Linggui Zhugan Decoction for the palpitation due to fluid retention, Sanhuang Xiexin Decoction for the palpitation due to fire, Xuefu Zhuyu Decoction for the palpitation due to blood stasis, and Mahuang Fuzi Xixin Decoction for the palpitation due to cold, and Guizhi Gancao Decoction, Guizhi Gancao Longgu Muli Decoction, Huanglian Ejiao Decoction, Zhigancao Decoction, and Guipi Decoction for the palpitation due to the deficiency of Qi, blood, Yin, and Yang. Multiple formulas should be combined if the patient presents several TCM syndromes simultaneously. According to the principles of the correspondence between formula and syndrome and the treatment with consideration to both pathogenesis and pathology and both herbal nature and pharmacology, this study proposed an integrated treatment model of "pathogenesis-pathology-nature-pharmacology" to enhance the clinical efficacy of classic herbal formulas in the treatment of arrhythmia.

Research ideas of core formulas-syndromes based on disease-syndrome-treatment combination / 中国中药杂志

The relationship between disease and syndrome is a research focus in integrated traditional Chinese and western medicine. Depending on the focus, the disease-syndrome combination for treatment is manifested as the different treatment methods for the same disease and the same treatment method for different diseases based on the syndrome, and different treatment methods for the same syndrome and the same treatment method for different syndromes based on the disease. The mainstream model is the combination of di-sease identification in modern medicine with syndrome identification and core pathogenesis in traditional Chinese medicine. However, current research on the combination of disease and syndrome and core pathogenesis tends to focus on the heterogeneity between disease and syndrome and the separation of syndrome and treatment. Therefore, the study proposed the research idea and model of core formulas-syndromes(CFS). According to the theory of formula-syndrome correspondence, the research idea of CFS deepens the research on core pathogenesis, which aims to summarize the core formulas and syndromes for diseases. The research fields include diagnostic criteria for the indications of formulas, distribution patterns of formulas and syndromes for diseases, the evolution of medicinal-syndrome based on formulas-syndromes, formula combination law based on formulas-syndromes, and the dynamic evolution of formulas-syndromes. Through the summary of ancient classics, clinical experience, and medical records, and with the methods of expert consultation, factor analysis, and clustering analysis, research on the diagnostic criteria for the indications of formulas aims to explore the diagnosis information such as the diseases, symptoms, signs, and pathophysiology. The research on the distribution patterns of formulas and syndromes for diseases tends to summarize the specific types of formulas and syndromes for the diseases through literature research and clinical cross-sectional studies based on the establishment of diagnostic criteria for the indications of formulas. The research on the evolution of medicinal-syndrome aims to clarify the medicinal-syndrome law through literature and clinical research. The formula combination law refers to the fact that the core prescriptions for a disease often appear in combination with other prescriptions on a regular basis. The dynamic evolution of formulas-syndromes refers to the continuous transformation and change of formulas and syndromes in the process of disease development with changes in time and space. The CFS is conducive to the unification of disease, syndrome and treatment and to the deepening of the research model of disease and syndrome integration.

TCM understanding and treatment strategy of hypertension complicated with sexual dysfunction / 中国中药杂志

Hypertension and its target organ damage have become a major public health problem. Sexual dysfunction is a new problem in the treatment of modern hypertension. Modern pathophysiological studies have shown that hypertension can lead to sexual dysfunction. In addition, three major hypotensive drugs represented by diuretics can also lead to sexual dysfunction. In traditional Chinese medicine(TCM), hypertension belongs to "vertigo" "headache" "head wind", etc. In the past, the understanding of the TCM pathogenesis of hypertension was mainly from the perspectives of "liver wind" and "Yang hyperactivity". However, based on the in-depth research on ancient and modern literature and medical records and many years of clinical practice, it has been identified that kidney deficiency was the key pathogenesis. Hypertension complicated with sexual dysfunction belongs to the category of kidney deficiency syndrome in TCM, especially the deficiency of kidney Yin. Previous studies by other research groups showed that Yin-enriching and kidney-tonifying method could effectively reduce blood pressure, improve sexual dysfunction, reverse risk factors, and protect target organs. This article systematically discussed the TCM understanding, modern pathophysiological mechanism, and the clinical treatment strategy of kidney-tonifying drugs(single drugs and compounds) in the treatment of hypertension complicated with sexual dysfunction in order to provide a scientific basis for kidney-tonifying method in the treatment of hypertension complicated with sexual dysfunction.

Comparison of three different measurement methods to determine resting energy expenditure in patients with decompensated hepatitis B cirrhosis / 中华肝脏病杂志

Objective: To compare the differences to determine resting energy expenditure (REE) measured with indirect calorimetry and REE predicted by formula method and body composition analyzer in patients with decompensated hepatitis B cirrhosis, so as to provide theoretical guidance for the implementation of precision nutrition intervention. Methods: Patients with decompensated hepatitis B cirrhosis who were admitted to Henan Provincial People's Hospital from April 2020 to December 2020 were collected. REE was determined by the body composition analyzer and the H-B formula method. Results: were analyzed and compared to REE measured by the metabolic cart. Results A total of 57 cases with liver cirrhosis were included in this study. Among them, 42 were male, aged (47.93 ± 8.62) years, and 15 were female aged (57.20 ± 11.34) years. REE measured value in males was (1 808.14 ± 201.47) kcal/d, compared with the results calculated by the H-B formula method and the measured result of body composition, and the difference was statistically significant (P = 0.002 and 0.003, respectively). REE measured value in females was (1 496.60 ± 131.28) kcal/d, compared with the results calculated by the H-B formula method and the measured result of body composition, and the difference was statistically significant (P = 0.016 and 0.004, respectively). REE measured with the metabolic cart had correlation with age and area of visceral fat in men (P = 0.021) and women (P = 0.037). Conclusion: Metabolic cart use will be more accurate to obtain resting energy expenditure in patients with decompensated hepatitis B cirrhosis. Body composition analyzer and formula method may underestimate REE predictions. Simultaneously, it is suggested that the effect of age on REE in H-B formula should be fully considered for male patients, while the area of visceral fat may have a certain impact on the interpretation of REE in female patients.

Contrast-enhanced ultrasonography with intra-glandular contrast injection can improve the diagnostic accuracy of central compartment lymph node metastasis of thyroid cancer / 南方医科大学学报

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the value of lymphatic contrast-enhanced ultrasound (LCEUS) with intra-glandular injection of contrast agent for diagnosis of central compartment lymph node metastasis of thyroid cancer.@*METHODS@#From November, 2020 to May, 2022, the patients suspected of having thyroid cancer and scheduled for biopsy at our center received both conventional ultrasound and LCEUS examinations of the central compartment lymph nodes before surgery. All the patients underwent surgical dissection of the lymph nodes. The perfusion features in LCEUS were classified as homogeneous enhancement, heterogeneous enhancement, regular/irregular ring, and non-enhancement. With pathological results as the gold standard, we compared the diagnostic ability of conventional ultrasound and LCEUS for identifying metastasis in the central compartment lymph nodes.@*RESULTS@#Forty-nine patients with 60 lymph nodes were included in the final analysis. Pathological examination reported metastasis in 34 of the lymph nodes, and 26 were benign lymph nodes. With ultrasound findings of heterogeneous enhancement, irregular ring and non-enhancement as the criteria for malignant lesions, LCEUS had a diagnostic sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of 97.06%, 92.31% and 95% for diagnosing metastatic lymph nodes, respectively, demonstrating its better performance than conventional ultrasound (P < 0.001). Receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis showed that LCEUS had a significantly greater area under the curve than conventional ultrasound for diagnosing metastatic lymph nodes (94.7% [0.856-0.988] vs 78.2% [0.656-0.878], P=0.003).@*CONCLUSION@#LCEUS can enhance the display and improve the diagnostic accuracy of the central compartment lymph nodes to provide important clinical evidence for making clinical decisions on treatment of thyroid cancer.

Research Status and Prospect of New Ultrasound Technology in Predicting Cervical Lymph Node Metastasis of Thyroid Papillary Carcinoma / 中国医学科学院学报

Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is the most common pathological type of thyroid cancer,accounting for 90%.Most cases of PTC are inert tumors,while a few are invasive.Cervical lymph node metastasis is one of the major manifestations of invasive PTC.Preoperative accurate prediction of cervical lymph node metastasis is of great significance for the selection of therapeutic regimen and the evaluation of prognosis.New ultrasound technology is a non-invasive,convenient,and radiation-free examination method,playing a key role in predicting the cervical lymph node metastasis of PTC.This paper reviews the research status and makes an outlook on new ultrasound technology in predicting cervical lymph node metastasis of PTC.

Effect of Calcification on the Ultrasound-Guided Radiofrequency Ablation of Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma / 中国医学科学院学报

Objective To investigate the effect of calcification on the ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation(RFA)of papillary thyroid carcinoma(PTC).Methods We retrospectively analyzed the preoperative and follow-up data of 164 patients(182 nodules)with PTC treated by percutaneous ultrasound-guided RFA in the First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital from January 1,2018 to December 31,2021.The tumor status 12 months after RFA was taken as the endpoint event.The univariate Logistic regression analysis was employed to predict the influencing factors of incomplete ablation.The factors were then included in the multivariate Logistic regression analysis for prediction of the independent risk factors of incomplete ablation.Results The maximum nodule diameter(OR=1.16,95%CI=1.04-1.29,P=0.009)and calcification ratio >2/3(OR=19.27,95%CI=4.02-92.28,P<0.001)were the factors influencing the disappearance of lesion 12 months after RFA.Conclusions PTC with calcification can be treated with ultrasound-guided RFA.In the case of calcification ratio ≤ 2/3,this therapy demonstrates the effect equivalent to that of no calcification.

Diagnostic Value of American Thyroid Association Guidelines,American College of Radiology Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System,and Chinese Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System Alone and Combined With BRAFV600E Mutation in Atypia of Undetermined Significance/Follicular Lesion of Undetermined Significance / 中国医学科学院学报

Objective To explore the diagnostic efficacy of American Thyroid Association(ATA)guidelines,American College of Radiology Thyroid Imaging Report and Data System(ACR-TIRADS),and Chinese Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System(C-TIRADS)alone and combined with BRAFV600E mutation in atypia of undetermined significance/follicular lesion of undetermined significance(AUS/FLUS).Methods A total of 138 patients who underwent ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration(FNA)in the Chinese PLA General Hospital from January 2020 to May 2023 were selected.The clinicopathological and ultrasound characteristics were retrospectively analyzed for each nodule.Each nodule underwent preoperative BRAFV600E mutation testing and was diagnosed according to the ATA guidelines,ACR-TIRADS,and C-TIRADS.The diagnostic efficacy of ATA guidelines,ACR-TIRADS,and C-TIRADS alone and combined with BRAFV600E mutation was assessed based on the results of histopathological diagnosis.Results The 138 AUS/FLUS thyroid nodules included 45(32.6%)benign ones and 93(67.4%)malignant ones.The patient age(t=1.444,P=0.151),gender(χ2=0.259,P=0.611),and location of nodules(χ2=2.055,P=0.358)had no statistical significance for the differentiation between benign and malignant nodules,while nodule size(Z=2.500,P=0.012),echo(χ2=14.693,P<0.001),composition(χ2=17.075,P<0.001),aspect ratio ≥1(χ2=9.477,P=0.002),and microcalcification(χ2=6.892,P=0.009)were of significance for the differentiation.When applied alone,BRAFV600E mutation showed high specificity(95.56%)and positive predictive value(95.65%).Among the three ultrasound grading systems,ACR-TIRADS had the highest sensitivity(χ2=37.923,P<0.001;χ2=40.462,P<0.001)and accuracy(χ2=81.595,P<0.001;χ2=76.912,P<0.001),while C-TIRADS had the highest specificity(χ2=11.746,P<0.001;χ2=21.235,P<0.001).However,the three systems showed no statistically significant difference in the diagnostic efficiency when applied alone(Z=1.177,P=0.239;Z=0.213,P=0.831;Z=1.016,P=0.310).The combination of BRAFV600E mutation with ACR-TIRADS or C-TIRADS improved the diagnostic efficacy of BRAFV600E mutation in distinguishing the benign and malignant AUS/FLUS nodules(Z=2.107,P=0.035;Z=2.752,P=0.006).The combination of ATA guidelines with BRAFV600E mutation increased the diagnostic accuracy of BRAFV600E mutation(χ2=20.679,P<0.001),while it had no statistically significant difference in distinguishing the benign and malignant AUS/FLUS nodules(Z=1.321,P=0.186).The combination of ATA guidelines,ACR-TIRADS,or C-TIRADS with BRAFV600E mutation improved the diagnostic efficacy of ultrasound grading systems for AUS/FLUS nodules(Z=2.770,P=0.006;Z=2.770,P=0.006;Z=2.890,P=0.004).Specifically,ACR-TIRADS combined with BRAFV600E mutation showed the highest sensitivity(χ2=4.712,P=0.030;χ2=4.712,P=0.030),while C-TIRADS combined with BRAFV600E mutation showed the highest accuracy(χ2=77.627,P<0.001;χ2=85.827,P<0.001).However,there were no statistically significant differences in diagnostic performance between the combinations(Z=1.276,P=0.202;Z=0.808,P=0.419;Z=1.615,P=0.106).Conclusion ATA guidelines,ACR-TIRADS,and C-TIRADS combined with BRAFV600E mutation can improve the diagnostic efficacy of BRAFV600E mutation or ultrasound grading system alone in AUS/FLUS nodules,which can facilitate the further management and treatment of such patients.

Dendrocalamus latiflorus and its component rutin exhibit glucose-lowering activities by inhibiting hepatic glucose production via AKT activation

The potential medicinal value of Ma bamboo (Dendrocalamus latiflorus), one of the most popular and economically important bamboo species in China, has been underestimated. In the present study, we found that D. latiflorus leaf extract (DLE) reduced fasting blood glucose levels, body weight, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol with low liver toxicity in db/db mice. In addition, gene expression profiling was performed and pathway enrichment analysis showed that DLE affected metabolic pathways. Importantly, DLE activated the AKT signaling pathway and reduced glucose production by downregulating glucose-6-phosphatase (G6PC) and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase 1 (PCK1) expression. Moreover, network pharmacology analysis identified rutin as an active component in DLE through targeting insulin growth factor 1 receptor (IGF1R), an upstream signaling transducer of AKT. Due to its hypoglycemic effects and low toxicity, DLE may be considered an adjuvant treatment option for type 2 diabetes patients.

The application value of monoenergetic imaging on dual-layer spectral detector CT combined with individual injection protocol in brain CT angiography / 中华放射学杂志

Objective:To explore the value of monoenergetic imaging on dual-layer spectral detector CT combined with individual injection protocol of contrast medium in brain CT angiography (CTA).Methods:Seventy-six patients who underwent brain CTA on the Philips IQon dual-layer spectral detector CT and individual injection protocol of contrast medium in Union Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology from August to November 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. Objective and subjective evaluation of image quality was performed in conventional energetic images (conventional group) which derived from 120 kVp hybrid iterative reconstruction algorithm and 50 keV virtual monoenergetic images (test group) which derived from spectral reconstruction algorithm. The objective evaluation content included CT values, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) of internal carotid artery and middle cerebral artery, CT values and standard deviation (SD) of brain parenchyma. The subjective evaluation was completed by two senior radiologists according to the 5-point scale, and the inter-agreement between two radiologists was evaluated by Kappa test. Paired t test or Wilcoxon rank test was used for analysis between two groups. Results:The SNR and CNR of both internal carotid artery and middle cerebral artery, as well as CT values of internal carotid artery, middle cerebral artery and brain parenchyma, were significantly higher in test group than that in conventional group (all P<0.001). The subjective scores of two radiologists for test group were both 5 (5, 5) points, and the subjective scores for conventional group were both 4 (4, 4) points. The subjective scores of the radiologists were in good agreement, and the Kappa values were 0.74 and 0.84 respectively. The subjective scores of test group were significantly higher than that of conventional group ( Z=-11.15, P<0.001). Conclusion:Monoenergetic imaging on dual-layer spectral detector CT combined with individual injection protocol of contrast medium can improve SNR, CNR and the image quality of brain CTA.

Application of Micro-flow Imaging in the Differentiation of Benign and Malignant Thyroid Nodules / 中国医学科学院学报

Objective To evaluate the performance of micro-flow imaging(MFI)in the differential diagnosis of benign and malignant thyroid nodules. Methods Totally 50 patients with thyroid nodules examined by conventional ultrasound,MFI,and contrast-enhanced ultrasound and confirmed by histological or cytological pathology in the First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital from May to December in 2020 were enrolled in the study.The clinical data and ultrasound images were retrospectively analyzed.A binary logistic regression model was established to evaluate the performance of the model in predicting benign and malignant thyroid nodules. Results Logistic regression showed that composition and "S-W-C" sign were independent risk factors for predicting malignant thyroid nodule.The sensitivity,specificity,and Youden index of the logistic regression model were 73.33%,80.00%,and 0.53,respectively,and the area under receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.799(95%CI=0.662-0.899). Conclusion MFI facilitates the differential diagnosis of benign and malignant thyroid nodules and has the potential to be applied in the future.

Comparison between Ultrasonography and CT in Diagnosis of Cervical Lymph Node Metastasis of Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma / 中国医学科学院学报

Objective To evaluate the efficacy of ultrasound and computed tomography (CT) in diagnosing cervical lymph node metastasis (CLNM) of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). Methods The patients with PTC treated by surgery in the Chinese PLA General Hospital from January 2016 to January 2021 were selected for analysis.All the patients underwent preoperative ultrasound and CT examinations,the diagnostic values of which for CLNM were retrospectively analyzed. Results A total of 322 PTC patients were enrolled in this study,including 242 with CLNM and 80 with non-CLNM.The CLNM group and non-CLNM group had significant differences in age,tumor size,and maximum size of lateral CLNM (χ2=20.34,27.34,and 4.30,respectively,all P<0.001).For the central compartment,lateral compartment,and overall compartment,ultrasound diagnosis showed higher sensitivity (χ 2=82.26,P<0.001;χ2=114.01,P<0.001;χ2=82.26,P<0.001) and accuracy (χ2=20.27,P<0.001;χ2=15.56,P<0.001;χ2=44.00,P<0.001) than CT,and had no significant differences from ultrasound combined with CT (all P>0.05).However,ultrasound diagnosis had lower specificity than CT (χ2=17.01,P<0.001;χ2=21.29,P<0.001) in the central compartment and lateral compartment.Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that in the central compartment,lateral compartment,and overall compartment,ultrasound diagnosis had larger AUC than CT (Z=2.99,P=0.003;Z=3.86,P<0.001;Z=4.47,P<0.001) and had no significant difference from ultrasound combined with CT (Z=1.87,P=0.062;Z=1.68,P=0.093;Z=1.61,P=0.107). Conclusions Ultrasound and CT have their own advantages in the diagnosis of central and lateral CLNM.In general,ultrasound has better performance than CT in the diagnosis of CLNM.

Intermedin improves renal structure and function and microvascular injury in IgA nephropathy rats / 中国药理学通报

Aim To investigate the hepatotoxicity of rutecarpine(RUT)by using high-content screening technology.Methods HepG2 cells were exposed to different concentrations of RUT for different time, then cell viability was detected by MTT method.Cell count, nucleus injury, mitochondrial membrane potential(MMP), reactive oxygen species(ROS), internal flow of calcium, cell membrane integrity(DIR)were measured by high-content screening technology.The activation of MAPK, NF-κB and JAKs-STATs was assayed by high-content screening technology.The apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry.Results The viability was significantly reduced by 100 μmol·L-1 RUT(P<0.01)after HepG2 cell exposure to RUT for 24 h, the nuclear area decreased and the nuclear morphology was uneven, and after 48 h, the cell count was significantly reduced(P<0.01), the early apoptosis was detected(P<0.01).After HepG2 cell exposure to RUT for 6 h, the levels of ROS and internal flow of calcium significantly increased(P<0.01), and the cell membrane integrity was obviously damaged(P<0.01).After exposure to 100 μmol·L-1 RUT for 24 h, the phosphorylation of ERK, JNK, STAT3 and p38 significantly increased(P<0.01, P<0.05), but there was no significant change in total protein level.The expression of c-Jun and c-Fos was up-regulated at 3 h(P<0.01), and at 3h time point, the phosphorylation of NF-κB p65 significantly increased(P<0.01), but nuclear translocation was not significant.Conclusions Under certain conditions, RUT shows cytotoxicity on HepG2 cells, and its toxic mechanism is mainly related to injury caused by oxidative stress and inflammatory response.

ADAM10 attenuates the development of abdominal aortic aneurysms in a mouse model.

An abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a life­threatening disease associated with a high mortality rate. At present, surgery or minimally invasive interventions are used in clinical treatment, especially for small aneurysms. However, the benefits of surgical repair are not obvious, and AAA ruptures can be prevented by aneurysm therapy to inhibit the growth of small aneurysms. Therefore, evaluating effective drugs to treat small AAAs is urgently required. Chronic inflammation is the main pathological feature of aneurysmal tissues. The aim of the present study was to investigate the protective role and underlying mechanism of ADAM metallopeptidase domain 10 (ADAM10). In the present study, a mouse model of AAA was established via porcine pancreatic elastase perfusion for 5 min per day for 14 days. ADAM10 (6 mg/kg) was injected intraperitoneally following 3 days of porcine pancreatic elastase perfusion in the ADAM10 group and the treatment continued for 10 days. The maximum inner luminal diameters of the infrarenal abdominal aortas were measured using an animal ultrasound system. The levels of high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) and soluble receptor for advanced glycosylation end products in serum samples were measured by ELISA. Hematoxylin and eosin and elastin van Gieson staining were performed to observe morphology, integrity of the elastin layers and elastin degradation. CD68 expression was detected by immunohistochemical staining. Reverse transcription­quantitative PCR and western blotting were used for detection of mRNA and protein levels. The gelatinolytic activities of MMP­2 and MMP­9 were quantified via gelatin zymography analysis. These results showed that ADAM10 inhibited HMGB1/RAGE/NF­κB signaling and MMP activity in the pathogenesis of pancreatic elastase­induced AAA, which provide insight into the molecular mechanism of AAA and suggested that ADAM10 may be a potential therapeutic target for AAA.

Percutaneous mechanical thrombectomy for the treatment of acute limb ischemia / 中华普通外科杂志

Objective:To analyze the application value of the mechanical thrombectomy system in the treatment of acute limb ischemia.Methods:The clinical data of 50 patients with lower limb ischemia who were treated with the Rotarex mechanical thrombectomy system from Jun 2017 to Sep 2019 were retrospectively analyzed.Results:In 4 cases of popliteal artery rupture occurred during the operation. The success rate of the operation was 92%. Catheter-directed thrombolysis was used in 7 cases, percutaneous transluminal angioplasty was used in 4 cases and percutaneous transluminal angioplasty combined with stent implantation was used in 39 cases. The ankle-brachial index of these 50 patients before and after operation was 0.18±0.24 and 0.64±0.28 respectively ( t=12.87, P<0.001). Treatment was successful in 43 cases. Follow-up ranged from 1 to 24 months, 5 cases were amputated, 2 cases had no improvement of toe ulcer gangrene, 9 cases had thrombus recurrence, and no complications such as bleeding were observed. The primary patency rates at 3, 6 and 12 months were 92%, 84% and 74%, respectively. Conclusion:The mechanical thrombectomy system is safe and effective in the treatment of acute lower limb ischemia with ideal short-term patency.

A Thyroid Ultrasound Image-based Artificial Intelligence Model for Diagnosis of Central Compartment Lymph Node Metastasis in Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma / 中国医学科学院学报

Objective To establish an artificial intelligence model based on B-mode thyroid ultrasound images to predict central compartment lymph node metastasis(CLNM)in patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma(PTC). Methods We retrieved the clinical manifestations and ultrasound images of the tumors in 309 patients with surgical histologically confirmed PTC and treated in the First Medical Center of PLA General Hospital from January to December in 2018.The datasets were split into the training set and the test set.We established a deep learning-based computer-aided model for the diagnosis of CLNM in patients with PTC and then evaluated the diagnosis performance of this model with the test set. Result The accuracy,sensitivity,specificity,and area under receiver operating characteristic curve of our model for predicting CLNM were 80%,76%,83%,and 0.794,respectively. Conclusion Deep learning-based radiomics can be applied in predicting CLNM in patients with PTC and provide a basis for therapeutic regimen selection in clinical practice.