Discrimination between benign and malignant gallbladder lesions on enhanced CT imaging using radiomics

BACKGROUND

Gallbladder cancer is a rare but aggressive malignancy that is often diagnosed at an advanced stage and is associated with poor outcomes.

PURPOSE

To develop a radiomics model to discriminate between benign and malignant gallbladder lesions using enhanced computed tomography (CT) imaging.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

All patients had a preoperative contrast-enhanced CT scan, which was independently analyzed by two radiologists. Regions of interest were manually delineated on portal venous phase images, and radiomics features were extracted. Feature selection was performed using mRMR and LASSO methods. The patients were randomly divided into training and test groups at a ratio of 7:3. Clinical and radiomics parameters were identified in the training group, three models were constructed, and the models' prediction accuracy and ability were evaluated using AUC and calibration curves.

RESULTS

In the training group, the AUCs of the clinical model and radiomics model were 0.914 and 0.968, and that of the nomogram model was 0.980, respectively. There were statistically significant differences in diagnostic accuracy between nomograms and radiomics features (P <0.05). There was no significant difference in diagnostic accuracy between the nomograms and clinical features (P >0.05) or between the clinical features and radiomics features (P >0.05). In the testing group, the AUC of the clinical model and radiomics model were 0.904 and 0.941, and that of the nomogram model was 0.948, respectively. There was no significant difference in diagnostic accuracy between the three groups (P >0.05).

CONCLUSION

It was suggested that radiomics analysis using enhanced CT imaging can effectively discriminate between benign and malignant gallbladder lesions.

[Study on the correlation between dietary N-glycolylneuraminic acid intake and chronic inflammation state of body]

Objective: To explore the correlation between dietary N-glycolylneuraminic acid (Neu5Gc) intake and chronic inflammation state of body. Methods: A total of 306 samples of 102 types of food were purchased from a supermarket in Xiamen in September 2019, including grains, meat, poultry, seafood, eggs, beans, dairy products, vegetables and fruits. The content of Neu5Gc in food was determined by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. A total of 500 healthy freshmen from Xiamen University were selected by using a simple random sampling method. The food frequency questionnaire was used to investigate the food intake in the past year. The food intake was corrected by 3 consecutive 24-hour recalls, and the amount of Neu5Gc intake was calculated. The concentration of anti-Neu5Gc antibody, C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in serum was detected. Spearman correlation analysis was used to explore the correlation between Neu5Gc intake and anti-Neu5Gc antibody, CRP and IL-6 levels. Results: Neu5Gc was mainly found in red meat and liquid dairy products. The contents of Neu5Gc in beef, lamb and pork were (30.32±2.84), (20.39±4.73) and (5.58±1.04) mg/kg, respectively, and in liquid milk and yogurt were (10.87±1.54) and (6.91±0.24) mg/L, respectively. The M (P₂₅, P₇₅) intake of Neu5Gc for all participants was 4.62 (2.20, 8.60) mg/d. The M(P₂₅, P₇₅) intake of Neu5Gc for males about 6.60(2.83, 10.20) was higher than that for females about [3.84 (1.84, 6.35) mg/d] (P<0.001). The M (P₂₅, P₇₅) of serum anti-Neu5Gc, CRP and IL-6 levels were 3.07 (2.17, 4.14) μg/ml, 0.37 (0.22, 0.87) mg/ml and 61.82 (12.23, 315.30) pg/ml, respectively. Spearman correlation analysis showed that the intake level of Neu5Gc was positively correlated with serum anti-Neu5Gc antibody, CRP and IL-6 levels, with r_s values about 0.222, 0.102 and 0.126, respectively (all P values <0.05). Conclusion: Dietary Neu5Gc intake is mainly from red meat and liquid dairy products, and its intake level is positively correlated with chronic inflammatory state of body.

A Linear Regression Predictor for Identifying N6-Methyladenosine Sites Using Frequent Gapped K-mer Pattern

N6-methyladenosine (m⁶A) is one of the most common and abundant modifications in RNA, which is related to many biological processes in humans. Abnormal RNA modifications are often associated with a series of diseases, including tumors, neurogenic diseases, and embryonic retardation. Therefore, identifying m⁶A sites is of paramount importance in the post-genomic age. Although many lab-based methods have been proposed to annotate m⁶A sites, they are time consuming and cost ineffective. In view of the drawbacks of the intrinsic methods in RNA sequence recognition, computational methods are suggested as a supplement to identify m⁶A sites. In this study, we develop a novel feature extraction algorithm based on the frequent gapped k-mer pattern (FGKP) and apply the linear regression to construct the prediction model. The new predictor is used to identify m⁶A sites in the Saccharomyces cerevisiae database. It has been shown by the 10-fold cross-validation that the performance is better than that of recent methods. Comparative results indicate that our model has great potential to become a useful and effective tool for genome analysis and gain more insights for locating m⁶A sites.

[Study on the changes of gonadotropin releasing hormone agonist in pinopodes]

Objective: To study the changes of gonadotropin releasing hormone agonist (GnRH-a) in pinopodes during luteal phase and to explore the possible mechanism of GnRH-a in luteal phase support of assisted reproductive technology (ART). Methods: Totally 40 primary infertility women who were treated with ART due to male factors were enrolled, according to the order of the group they were randomly divided into experimental group and control group. On the 7th day after ovulation, the experimental group received a subcutaneous injection of 0.1 mg of GnRH-a, while the control group received a subcutaneous injection of placebo only (0.9% saline 2 ml), 3 days later they came to the clinic again. Serum estradiol and progesterone levels were measured before and after treatment in each group. Pinopodes were collected for electron microscopic examination. Levels of ER and PR were detected by western blot. Results: (1) There was no significant difference between the experimental group and the control group in the estrogen level before and after the treatment (all P>0.05). The level of progesterone in the experimental group after treatment [(66.8±14.9) nmol/L] was significantly higher than that before treatment(P<0.05); also significantly higher than the same period of the control group (P<0.05). (2) There was no significant difference in the expression of ER protein in the experimental group before and after treatment (P>0.05). The expression of PR in the experimental group after treatment was significantly lower than that before treatment (P<0.05); also lower than the same period of the control group (P<0.05). (3) Expression amount of pinopodes in the experimental group after treatment was significantly higher than that before treatment [65% (13/20) versus 25% (5/20), P<0.05], and the development trend was more mature [the percentage of maturation:75% (15/20) versus 35% (7/20), P<0.05]. Expression amount of pinopodes after treatment and the percentage of maturation in the experimental group were significantly higher than those in the same period of control group (P<0.05). Conclusion: GnRH-a in luteal phase support may play a role through the corpus luteum, which may promote the secretion of progesterone, downregulation of PR expression, promote the growth of pinopodes, and improve the endometrial receptivity.

Risk factors for late-onset hypogonadism

The European Male Aging Study (EMAS) has recently defined strict diagnostic criteria for late-onset hypogonadism (LOH) including the levels of serum total testosterone (TT), free testosterone (FT) and three sexual symptoms. However, there is no report on risk factors for LOH using these criteria. In this study, we investigated risk factors for LOH based on these criteria. We recruited 277 men (aged 36-80 years) who completed both a health check-up and two questionnaires (a health and lifestyle questionnaire, and a sexual function questionnaire). Data on parameters, such as systolic blood pressure (SBP), glucose, triglyceride (TG) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL), were obtained from medical records of the hospital in Shantou. TT and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) were measured by chemiluminescent immunoassay, and FT was calculated. TT, FT, age, waist circumference, SBP and glucose showed significant differences between LOH-positive and LOH-negative individuals. Univariate regression analyses showed that age, waist circumference, SBP, glucose and health status were risk factors for LOH. Pearson's correlation analysis revealed that TT was inversely correlated with waist circumference, glucose and SBP, and FT was inversely correlated with age, SBP and health status. In conclusion, age, waist circumference, SBP, glucose and health status were risk factors for LOH.

Increased serum amyloid A in nasal polyps is associated with systemic corticosteroid insensitivity in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps: a pilot study

BACKGROUND

Serum amyloid A (SAA) was involved in the pathogenesis of glucocorticoid resistance in lung diseases. However, their association with systemic corticosteroid insensitivity in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) patients remains to be assessed.

METHODS

This study enrolled 32 CRSwNP patients to evaluate the association between SAA expression in NP and corticosteroid insensitivity, and the value of polyp SAA level for predicting the response to oral corticosteroids in CRSwNP patients. All patients were given a course of oral prednisone (30 mg daily for 2 weeks) and subdivided into glucocorticoid(GC)-sensitive and -insensitive subgroup according to the change in polyp size scores. The polyp specimens were obtained before and after corticosteroid treatment. SAA levels in polyp tissues were evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Regression analysis was performed to analyze the association between SAA protein levels and corticosteroid insensitivity.

RESULTS

13/32 (40.62%) CRSwNP patients were insensitive to the oral corticosteroid therapy. SAA mRNA and protein levels were significantly increased in GC-insensitive NP compared to those in GC-sensitive NP. Tissue SAA protein levels were positively correlated with tissue neutrophil numbers. Regression analysis revealed tissue SAA levels were significantly correlated with corticosteroid insensitivity (P < 0.01). ROC curves indicated that the area under the curve was 0.87. When the polyp SAA protein level was 122.2 ng/ml or higher, the sensitivity and specificity were 76.92 and 73.68%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that increased SAA in NP is associated with reduced response to oral corticosteroids in CRSwNP. SAA levels in NP may have potential value in predicting corticosteroid insensitivity in CRSwNP patients.

Atypical choroid plexus papilloma: clinicopathological and neuroradiological features

Background Atypical choroid plexus papilloma (APP) is a rare, newly introduced entity with intermediate characteristics. To date, few reports have revealed the magnetic resonance (MR) findings. Purpose To analyze the clinicopathological and MR features of APP. Material and Methods The clinicopathological data and preoperative MR images of six patients with pathologically proven APP were retrospectively reviewed. The MR features including tumor location, contour, signal intensity, degree of enhancement, intratumoral cysts, and necrosis; and flow voids, borders, peritumoral edema, and associated hydrocephalus were analyzed. Results The APP were located in the ventricle (n = 4) and cerebellopontine angle (CPA, n = 2). Tumor dissemination along the spinal subarachnoid space was found in one patient. The tumors appeared as milt-lobulated (n = 5) or round mass (n = 1), with slightly heterogeneous signals (n = 5) or mixed signals (n = 1) on T1-weighted and T2-weighted images. Heterogeneous and strong enhancement were found in five cases on contrast-enhanced images. Three of four intraventricular tumors had a partly blurred border with ventricle wall. Four tumors had mild to moderate extent of surrounding edema signals. A slight hydrocephalus was seen in four patients. Incomplete capsule was seen in four tumors at surgery. Histopathologically, mild nuclear atypia was seen in all tumors with a mitotic rate of 2-5 per 10 high-power fields. Conclusion APP should be included in the differential diagnosis when an intraventricular or CPA tumor appearing as a multi-lobulated solid mass with slight heterogeneity, heterogeneous strong enhancement, partly blurred borders, mild to moderate peritumoral edema, or slight hydrocephalus are present.

Interactions between organic flocculant PAN-DCD and dyes

Organic flocculant polyacrylonitrile-dicyandiamide (PAN-DCD) was characterized by IR, 1H NMR and 13C NMR spectra. Polar groups, such as triazine, carboxyl, amidine, carbonamide and non-polar groups, such as methylene were identified in the macromolecular chain of PAN-DCD. The flocculant effectively decolorized the examined dyes in their aqueous solutions under acid condition. By comparing the IR spectra of dyes with that of PAN-DCD and that of flocs formed, weak chemical interactions between amino in PAN-DCD side chain and sulfonic acid group in the dye molecules were observed through the formation of -NH3+ SO3(-)-, NH2+ SO3(-)- or/and =NH+ SO3(-)-. By using equilibrium dialysis technique, the hydrophobic interactions between PAN-DCD and the dyes in the binding process were also observed from the experimental results. The binding extent of PAN-DCD to dye KN-R was greater than that of MO. The addition of urea into the binding system of KN-R by PAN-DCD reduced the first binding constant K from 12.2 x 10(5) (without urea) to 3.48 x 10(5) (with urea).

Genetic polymorphisms of orosomucoid on the Han population in Nanjing of China

Human orosomucoid (ORM) is a major binding protein for various basic drugs. The genetic polymorphisms of ORM could be responsible for interindividual variation in the plasma binding of basic drugs, which might influence their effects or toxicities. The genetic polymorphisms of ORM on the Han population in Nanjing of China were analyzed by isoelectric focusing (IEF) on polyacrylamide gels following by immunoblotting. After desialylation of sera from 220 unrelated Chinese subjects, the band patterns of ORM showed that the polymorphism of the structural locus ORM1 is controlled by three codominant autosomal alleles, ORM1*F1, ORM1*F2 and ORM1*S, which presented five phenotypes, ORM1 F1, ORM1 S, ORM1 F1F2, ORM1 F1S, and ORM1 F2S. The allele frequencies were: ORM1*F1=0.7068, ORM1*F2=0. 0182, ORM1*S=0.2750. The results presented in this paper indicate the ORM1 locus is polymorphic and the ORM2 locus is monomorphic in sera from the Han population in Nanjing of China.

Apolipoprotein (a) phenotypes in cardio-cerebrovascular diseases

Apolipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)] phenotypes of 69 myocardial infarction survivor and 56 stroke patients were reported and compared to those of 190 healthy Chinese. The results revealed that the distributions of apo(a) phenotype frequency in patients with cardio-cerebrovascular disease (CCVD) were different from those of controls. The frequency of the phenotypes S1 and S2 were remarkably higher in patients than in controls within the same single-band apo(a) phenotype. Moreover, the Lp (a) serum concentrations in CCVD patients were significantly higher than in controls within the same single-band apo (a) phenotype. The apo (a) phenotype analysis of two pedigrees were shown as a typical autosomal dominant inheritance.

Increased lipoprotein (a) as an independent risk factor for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases

We quantified serum lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] in 1266 healthy persons and established the reference value of Lp(a) in groups of age and sex. The Lp(a) in myocardial infarction (MI) survivors, stroke and primary hypertension patients were determined in comparison with that of age-matched normal controls. Moreover, cholesterol, triglyceride, HDL-cholesterol, apo Al and apo B were measured. The Lp(a) concentrations were not correlated with other lipids in normal controls and patients. Our results suggest that increased Lp(a) is an independent risk factor for MI and stroke patients. The total detective rate of abnormal lipids in MI and stroke patients was as high as 50% and 53.8% (Lp(a) excluded) as well as 65.7% and 64.9% (Lp(a) included) respectively.