The complexity of glucose time series is associated with short- and long-term mortality in critically ill adults: a multi-center, prospective, observational study

BACKGROUND

The wealth of data taken from continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) remains to be fully used. We aimed to evaluate the relationship between a promising new CGM metric, complexity of glucose time series index (CGI), and mortality in critically ill patients.

METHODS

A total of 293 patients admitted to mixed medical/surgical intensive care units from 5 medical centers in Shanghai were prospectively included between May 2020 and November 2021. CGI was assessed using intermittently scanned CGM, with a median monitoring period of 12.0 days. Outcome measures included short- and long-term mortality.

RESULTS

During a median follow-up period of 1.7 years, a total of 139 (47.4%) deaths were identified, of which 73 (24.9%) occurred within the first 30 days after ICU admission, and 103 (35.2%) within 90 days. The multivariable-adjusted HRs for 30-day mortality across ascending tertiles of CGI were 1.00 (reference), 0.68 (95% CI 0.38-1.22) and 0.36 (95% CI 0.19-0.70), respectively. For per 1-SD increase in CGI, the risk of 30-day mortality was decreased by 51% (HR 0.49, 95% CI 0.35-0.69). Further adjustment for HbA1c, mean glucose during hospitalization and glucose variability partially attenuated these associations, although the link between CGI and 30-day mortality remained significant (per 1-SD increase: HR 0.57, 95% CI 0.40-0.83). Similar results were observed when 90-day mortality was considered as the outcome. Furthermore, CGI was also significantly and independently associated with long-term mortality (per 1-SD increase: HR 0.77, 95% CI 0.61-0.97).

CONCLUSIONS

In critically ill patients, CGI is significantly associated with short- and long-term mortality.

[Pediatric giant cell tumor of bone: a clinicopathological analysis of 35 cases]

Objective: To investigate the clinicopathological characteristics of giant cell tumor of bone (GCTB) in children. Methods: A total of 35 cases of GCTB diagnosed at Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School from 2016 to 2023 were collected, and a retrospective analysis of clinicopathological features and imaging findings was conducted. Results: Pediatric GCTB accounted for approximately 4.6% of total GCTB cases during the study period. There were 11 males and 24 females. The onset age ranged from 9 to 18 years (mean age 15 years, median age 16 years), with 8 cases (8/35, 22.9%) experiencing postoperative recurrence. Twenty-eight cases (28/35, 80%) primarily affected long bones, while 7 cases involved small or irregular bones. Imaging revealed osteolytic changes as the predominant feature, with 3 cases exhibited open physis, one of which had the tumor primarily at the diaphysis without crossing the physis. Histologically, pediatric GCTB resembled adult cases, characterized by mononuclear cells and osteoclast-like giant cells. Seven cases with denosumab treatment demonstrated degrees of giant cell disappearance, increased fibrous tissue and reactive bone proliferation in the stroma. One case was diagnosed as pediatric multicentric GCTB, and three cases as pediatric primary malignant GCTB, with malignant transformation into osteosarcoma. In all 35 cases, mutations in the H3F3A gene were identified, comprising 32 cases with H3.3 p.G34W mutations, one case with H3.3 p.G34V mutation, and 2 cases with H3.3 p.G34L mutations. Notably, the former two categories were successfully validated at the protein level through immunohistochemical staining, utilizing highly specific antibodies tailored for these mutation types: H3.3 p.G34W antibody and H3.3 p.G34V antibody. However, immunohistochemical staining was not available for the last category. Conclusions: Pediatric GCTB predominantly affects females and occurs primarily in long bones, mainly around the knee joint, the majority of tumors predominantly arise in the epiphysis and extend into the metaphysis; however, in cases where the epiphyseal plates are still unclosed, the tumors may be restricted to the metaphysis. Detection of H3F3A gene mutation is crucial for the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of pediatric GCTB.

Electrocatalysts for the Formation of Hydrogen Peroxide by Oxygen Reduction Reaction

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is a widely used strong oxidant, and its traditional preparation methods, anthraquinone method, and direct synthesis method, have many drawbacks. The method of producing H2O2 by two-electron oxygen reduction reaction (2e- ORR) is considered an alternative strategy for the traditional anthraquinone method due to its high efficiency, energy saving, and environmental friendliness, but it remains a big challenge. In this review, we have described the mechanism of ORR and the principle of electrocatalytic performance testing, and have summarized the standard performance evaluation techniques for electrocatalysts to produce H2O2. Secondly, according to the theoretical calculation and experimental results, several kinds of efficient electrocatalysts are introduced. It is concluded that noble metal-based materials, carbon-based materials, non-noble metal composites, and single-atom catalysts are the preferred catalyst materials for the preparation of H2O2 by 2e- ORR. Finally, the advantages and novelty of 2e- ORR compared with traditional methods for H2O2 production, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of the above-mentioned high-efficiency catalysts, are summarized. The application prospect and development direction of high-efficiency catalysts for H2O2 production by 2e- ORR has been prospected, which is of great significance for promoting the electrochemical yield of H2O2 and developing green chemical production.

Combination of Deep Learning Grad-CAM and Radiomics for Automatic Localization and Diagnosis of Architectural Distortion on DBT

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES

Detection and diagnosis of architectural distortion (AD) on digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) is challenging. This study applied artificial intelligence (AI) using deep learning (DL) algorithms to detect AD, followed by radiomics for classification.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

500 cases with AD on DBT reports were identified; the earlier 292 cases for training, and the later 208 cases for testing. The DL Gradient-weighted Class Activation Mapping (Grad-CAM) was applied to automatically localize abnormalities and generate a region of interest (ROI), which was put into the radiomics model to estimate the malignancy probability for constructing ROC curves. Radiologists delineated ROI manually for comparison. Cases were categorized into pure AD and AD associated with other features, including mass, regional high-density, and calcifications. The ROC curves were compared using the DeLong test.

RESULTS

The overall malignancy rate was 57% (285/500). Of them, 267 cases were classified as pure AD, and the malignancy rate (106/267 = 39.7%) was significantly lower compared to AD cases associated with other features (179/233 = 76.8%, p < 0.01). In the testing set, the diagnostic AUC was 0.82 when using the manual ROI and 0.84 when using the DL-generated ROI. In the more challenging pure AD cases, DL-generated ROI yielded an AUC of 0.77, significantly lower than 0.86 for AD associated with other features.

CONCLUSION

DL could detect AD on DBT, and the diagnostic performance was comparable to manual ROI. The strategy worked for pure AD, but the performance was worse than that for AD with other features.

Multi-phase computed tomography angiography combined with inflammation index to predict clinical functional prognosis in patients with acute ischemic stroke

AIM

In this study, we investigated the feasibility of the Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (ASPECTS) and multiphase computed tomography angiography (mCTA) lateral branch circulation grading combined with clinical and laboratory indicators to predict the clinical prognosis of patients with acute ischemic stroke after 90 days.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The clinical data of 80 patients with acute anterior circulation ischemic stroke were retrospectively analyzed and divided into the good prognosis (37 cases) and poor prognosis groups (43 cases) according to their clinical function score at 90 days after discharge. Various factors, including basic imaging parameters (ASPECTS), occluded vessel location, affected side location and clinical indicators (time from onset to computed tomography examination, height, weight, body mass index, previous hypertension, and degree of hypertension and diabetes mellitus), laboratory blood rutine, and biochemical tests (white blood count, neutrophil count, lymphocyte count, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, hematocrit test, platelet count, international normalized ratio, blood glucose, triglycerides, uric acid, and D-dimer) were considered in the analysis.

RESULTS

Logistic regression analysis showed that the mCTA score, hypertension, and neutrophil count were significant independent predictors.

CONCLUSION

A nomogram of the mCTA score, hypertension, and neutrophil count may predict functional recovery after 90 days in patients with acute ischemic stroke.

[Preliminary application results of laparoscopic assisted proximal gastrectomy λ-shaped double tract anastomosis]

Objective: To share the results of laparoscopic assisted proximal gastrectomy λ- shaped modified double tract reconstruction. Method: This study retrospectively included 3 patients during January 2024 from the Department of Gastric Surgery at the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University using the λ-shaped modified double tract reconstruction. The procedure of the λ-shaped modified double tract reconstruction is as follows. After completing proximal gastrectomy, the jejunum is transected 15 cm from the Treitz ligament. A suture is made 18-20 cm from the distal jejunum to mark the esophagojejunal anastomosis site. A circular stapler anvil is inserted through the distal jejunum, and the remaining end of the jejunum is turned to the right. The circular stapler is pierced through the marked site for an esophagojejunal end-to-end anastomosis, which is reinforced with a barbed suture continuously. A 60mm linear stapler is used to close the remaining end of the jejunum. We then mark the gastric side of the gastrojejunal anastomosis with suture in the middle of the anterior wall of the residual stomach, and mark the jejunal side of the gastrojejunal anastomosis at a distance of about 2 cm and 8 cm from the residual end of the distal jejunum. We make an opening of about 0.5 cm and use a 60 mm linear stapler to perform anastomosis on the jejunal side of the anterior wall of the residual stomach according to the markings, so that the distance between the esophagojejunal anastomosis and the gastrojejunal anastomosis is 10-12 cm. The common opening is closed with barbed wire. About 50 cm below the esophagojejunal anastomosis, the small intestine opening is anastomosed side to side using a circular stapler and the common opening is closed. Return the jejunum into the abdominal cavity to complete the reconstruction of the λ-shaped double tract reconstruction. We analyzed the surgery and postoperative conditions, including surgery time, anastomosis time, intraoperative bleeding, tumor size and pathology, postoperative mobilization, passage of gas and water intake time, discharge time, postoperative complications, and postoperative gastrointestinal imaging to observe the passage of food through the gastric and intestinal loops. Results: Three patients successfully received laparoscopic assisted proximal gastrectomy with λ-shaped modified double tract reconstruction. The surgical time was 155 minutes, 240 minutes, and 160 minutes, respectively; The postoperative time for first ambulation was 20 hours, 18 hours, and 26 hours, respectively. The time for passage of gas was 59 hours, 83 hours, and 75 hours, respectively. The drinking time was 66 hours, 87 hours, and 90 hours, respectively. The postoperative discharge days were all 7 days. No surgical related complications occurred. On the 6th day and 3 months after surgery, gastrointestinal angiography was performed. The contrast agent passed smoothly through the jejunal loop and residual stomach jejunal loop, and both sides were unobstructed. No contrast agent was found to retrograde to the esophagojejunal anastomosis. Conclusion: Laparoscopic assisted proximal gastrectomy with λ-shaped modified double tract reconstruction is safe and feasible, as it improves the diversion of food through the residual stomach while ensuring anti-reflux effects.

[Epidemiological characteristics and toxicant type of acute poisoning cases in China, 2016-2022]

Objective: To analyze the acute poison epidemic and provide evidence for developing prevention and control strategies for acute poisoning. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on acute poisoning cases collected from 2016 to 2022 in a health emergency information platform for acute poisoning accidents. The cases were grouped according to the distribution of poisoning occurrence time, geographic distribution, demographic distribution, types of toxicants, poisoning causes, and outcomes. Data were organized and analyzed using Excel 2016 and R 4.2.3. Results: A total of 95 754 acute poisoning cases were included in this study. The primary toxicants were pesticides, drugs, and industrial/household chemicals, accounting for 30.4%, 22.4%, and 20.4% of the total cases, respectively. Acute poisoning occurred throughout the year, with the highest frequency from June to August, accounting for 31.9%. The seasonal distribution varied among different types of toxicants. Except for plant poisoning, which showed a bimodal distribution, the other poisonings showed an unimodal distribution. There was a strong seasonality in fungal poisoning, which peaked in July. There was an obvious seasonality in animal poisoning, with a peak in August. The proportion of biological poisonings in the southwest region was higher than in other regions, including plants, animals, and fungi. There were more females than males, and their education level was mainly junior high school and below (35.2%). The main occupation was farmers (34.2%), and the main causes of poisoning were accidents and suicides. The case fatality rate of all poisoning cases was 1.24%. Pesticide poisoning was the most common type, and chlorfenapyr (11.68%), Diquat (7.23%), and paraquat (7.05%) ranked as the top three toxicants. Conclusions: The occurrence of acute poisoning has an obvious seasonal trend, and the toxicant spectrum of different regions and populations is different. A comprehensive poisoning surveillance system can provide a better understanding of the occurrence of poisonings, and facilitate the formulation of more scientifically precise poisoning prevention and control strategies.

Parent-child interaction, appetite self-regulation, and BMIz in Chinese preschoolers: a mediation analysis

OBJECTIVES

Research on parent-child interaction (PCI) and its impact on children's weight status is a thriving study area. However, their potential pathways have not been established. This study investigated the association between PCI and children's body-mass index z score (BMIz) examining the role of appetite self-regulation (ASR) as a mediator.

STUDY DESIGN

Mediation analysis.

METHODS

We included children from 33 kindergartens in Wuhan with parents' consent, measuring children's height and weight, and calculating BMIz. To assess the PCI quality, we utilized the Brigance Parent-Child Interactions Scale. Additionally, children's ASR was tested by satiety responsiveness (SR) and food responsiveness (FR) using the Children's Eating Behavior Questionnaire. Quantile regression was employed to examine the PCI-BMIz association, while mediation analysis was conducted to explore ASR's mediating effect on the relationship between PCI and BMIz.

RESULTS

Of 3973 children (53.88% boys) included in the analysis, the mean BMIz was 0.24 ± 1.13. The results revealed that children with poorer PCI quality have higher BMIz across all selected BMIz percentiles, except for the 5th percentile. Furthermore, these associations were significant across most percentiles, whether for boys or girls. Mediation analysis suggested that these associations were partially mediated by children's ASR (indFR = -0.026, PFR < 0.001; indSR = -0.058, PSR < 0.001), with stronger effects observed among boys.

CONCLUSION

The variation in how strongly BMIz was linked to PCI across different percentiles suggests that children with poorer PCI have higher BMIz. The link is partially mediated through children's ASR. It's important to pay attention to the PCI quality in children with higher BMIz levels, especially in boys.

Correlation between left atrial appendage morphology based on fractal dimension quantification and its hemodynamic parameters in patients with atrial fibrillation

AIMS

To investigate the relationship between left atrial appendage (LAA) morphology, quantified based on fractal dimension (FD), and LAA hemodynamic parameters in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), in an effort to reveal the effect of LAA shape on blood flow.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

225 patients with AF who underwent cardiac computed tomography angiography (CTA) and transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) were enrolled. LAA morphology was quantified based on FD on cardiac CTA images, and LAA hemodynamic parameters, including injection fraction (EF), filling peak flow velocity (FV), maximum speed of emptying (PEV), and wall motion velocity (WMV), were assessed using TEE.

RESULTS

We divided the patients with AF into two groups based on a mean LAA FD of 1.32: the low FD group (n=124) and the high FD group (n=101). Compared to the low FD group, there were more patients with LAA circulatory stasis/thrombus (P=0.008) in the high FD group, as well as lower LAA FV (P=0.004), LAA PEV (P=0.007), and LAA WMV (P=0.007). LAA FD was an independent and significant determinant of LAA EF (β = -11.755, P=0.001), LAA FV (β = -17.364, P=0.004), LAA PEV (β = -18.743, P<0.001), and LAA WMV (β = -7.740, P=0.001) in multiple linear regression analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

LAA FD is an essential determinant of LAA hemodynamic parameters, suggesting that the relatively complex morphology of the LAA may influence its hemodynamics, which can correlate with embolic events.

Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors and cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The effect of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors on cancer has yet to be fully elucidated.

OBJECTIVE

This systematic review and meta-analysis investigated the effects of SGLT2 inhibitors on cancer.

METHODS

We searched the PubMed and ClinicalTrials.gov databases up to July 15, 2023, to identify eligible randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials that lasted at least ≥24 weeks. The primary outcome was the overall cancer incidence, and the secondary outcomes were the incidences of various types of cancer. We used the Mantel-Haenszel method, fixed effects model, risk ratio (RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) to analyze dichotomous variables. Subgroup analysis was performed based on the SGLT2 inhibitor type, baseline conditions, and follow-up duration. All meta-analyses were performed using RevMan5.4.1 and Stata MP 16.0.

RESULTS

A total of 58 publications (59 trials) were included, comprising 113,909 participants with type 2 diabetes mellitus and/or chronic kidney disease and/or high cardiovascular risk and/or heart failure (SGLT2 inhibitor group, 63864; placebo group, 50045). Compared to the placebo SGLT2 inhibitors did not significantly increase the overall incidence of cancer (RR 1.01; 95% CI 0.94-1.08; p = 0.82). However, ertugliflozin did significantly increase the overall incidence of cancer (RR 1.29; 95% CI 1.01-1.64; p = 0.04). SGLT2 inhibitors did not increase the risks of bladder or breast cancer. However, dapagliflozin did significantly reduce the risk of bladder cancer by 47% (RR 0.53; 95% CI 0.35-0.81; p = 0.003). SGLT2 inhibitors had no significant effect on the risks of gastrointestinal, thyroid, skin, respiratory, prostate, uterine/endometrial, hepatic and pancreatic cancers. Dapagliflozin reduced the risk of respiratory cancer by 26% (RR 0.74; 95% CI 0.55-1.00; p = 0.05). SGLT2 inhibitors (particularly mediated by dapagliflozin and ertugliflozin but not statistically significant) were associated with a greater risk of renal cancer than the placebo (RR 1.39; 95% CI 1.04-1.87; p = 0.03).

CONCLUSION

SGLT2 inhibitors did not significantly increase the overall risk of cancer or the risks of bladder and breast cancers. However, the higher risk of renal cancer associated with SGLT2 inhibitors warrants concern.

[Gluteal tendinitis and primary coxarthrosis may lead to iliotibial band syndrome: a Mendelian randomization study]

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the causal relationship of gluteal tendinitis and primary coxarthrosis with the occurrence of iliotibial band syndrome using Mendelian randomization.

METHODS

The GWAS data of gluteal tendinitis, primary coxarthrosis and iliotibial band syndrome were screened for high correlation single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Mendelian randomization analysis was performed using random-effects inverse variance weighting (IVW), MR-Egger regression, and weighted median method to determine whether gluteal tendinitis and primary coxarthrosis were causally related with iliotibial band syndrome. Heterogeneity test, multiple validity test and sensitivity analysis, and clinical data analysis were used to verify the reliability of the results.

RESULTS

Both gluteal tendinitis [IVW: OR(95% CI)=1.32 (1.03-1.68), P=0.026] and primary coxarthrosis [IVW: OR (95% CI)=1.40 (1.06-1.84), P=0.017] was positively correlated with iliotibial band syndrome.

CONCLUSION

Gluteal tendinitis and primary coxarthrosis may increase the risk of iliotibial band syndrome.

Genetic parameter estimation and genetic evaluation of important economic traits in white and yellow broilers

1. This study calculated descriptive statistics for the production traits of two broiler populations: 1) the Northeast Agricultural University broiler lines divergently selected for abdominal fat content (NEAUHLF white broilers), including fat and lean lines; and 2) the Guangxi yellow broilers. Their genetic parameters were estimated, including (co)variance components, heritability (h2) and genetic correlations (rg), using the REML method.2. Heritability estimates (h2) for NEAUHLF white broilers ranged from 0.07 to 0.61. Traits with high heritability (h2 >0.3) included body weight at 3, 5 and 7 weeks of age (BW3, BW5, BW7), carcass weight (CW), metatarsal circumference (MeC), liver weight (LW), gizzard weight (GW), spleen weight (SW) and testis weight (TeW), while in Guangxi yellow broilers, heritability estimates ranged from 0.18 to 0.76, with every trait exhibiting high heritability, except for SW (0.18).3. Positive genetic correlations for NEAUHLF were found (rg >0.3, ranging from 0.31 to 0.84) between BW7 and metatarsal length (MeL), MeC, body oblique length (BoL), chest angle (ChA), LW, GW, heart weight (HW) and SW. Genetic correlations between abdominal fat weight (AFW) and BW1, BW3, BW5, CW, MeL, keel length (KeL), BoL and LW were positive (rg >0.3, ranging from 0.31 to 0.58).4. Among the Guangxi population, BW (125 d of age) showed strong positive genetic correlations with all other traits (rg >0.3, ranging from 0.30 to 0.99), while AFW displayed strong positive genetic correlations with leg muscle weight (LeW), CW, BW and thigh diameter (TD) (rg >0.3, ranging from 0.44 to 0.51).5. It was concluded that the characteristics of the two populations were different, which means there is a need to use different strategies when performing the breeding work to improve productivity and efficiency in both broiler populations.

[Therapeutic efficacy of transoral robotic surgery with the da Vinci robot system for the treatment of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma]

Objective: To evaluate the clinical efficacy of transoral robotic surgery (TORS) with the da Vinci robot system in the treatment of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC). Methods: A mixed cohort study was conducted to collect and analyze the clinical data of OPSCC patients who underwent TORS at the Eye & ENT Hospital, Fudan University between July 2020 and February 2023 (TORS group). OPSCC patients who underwent conventional surgery between January 2016 and September 2020 were included as the control group. The baseline information, incidence of complications and follow-up data were compared between the two groups. Results: A total of 166 patients were included, with 102 cases (81 males and 21 females) in the TORS group [mean age: (59.1±9.8) years] and 64 cases (54 males and 10 females) in the control group [ mean age: (57.6±9.7) years]. Compared with the control group, the TORS group had lower postoperative bleeding rate [2.9% (3/102) vs 10.9% (7/64), P=0.035] and infection rate [1.0% (1/102) vs 18.8% (12/64), P<0.001]. No statistically significant differences were observed in tracheotomy rate [46.1% (47/102) vs 59.4% (38/64), P=0.070] and median length of hospital stay [8 (7, 10) d vs 10 (4, 12) d, P=0.088]. After propensity score matching, compared with the control group, the TORS group had lower postoperative infection rate [0 (0/31) vs 19.4% (6/31), P=0.032] and median length of hospital stay [7 (7, 10) d vs 10 (8, 12) d, P=0.031]. No statistically significant differences were found in postoperative bleeding rate [3.2% (1/31) vs 6.5% (2/31), P=1.000] and tracheotomy rate [22.6% (7/31) vs 45.2% (14/31), P=0.060] between the two groups. Moreover, 1-and 2-year disease-free survival rates were 96.3% and 94.6% in the TORS group, and 90.6% and 84.3% in the control group, respectively (P=0.233). The 1-and 2-year cancer-specific survival rates were both 100% in the TORS group, and 96.9% and 93.8% in the control group, respectively (P=0.539). Conclusion: TORS for OPSCC is associated with high clinical safety and favorable oncological outcomes.

Different radiomics annotation methods comparison in rectal cancer characterisation and prognosis prediction: a two-centre study

OBJECTIVES

To explore the performance differences of multiple annotations in radiomics analysis and provide a reference for tumour annotation in large-scale medical image analysis.

METHODS

A total of 342 patients from two centres who underwent radical resection for rectal cancer were retrospectively studied and divided into training, internal validation, and external validation cohorts. Three predictive tasks of tumour T-stage (pT), lymph node metastasis (pLNM), and disease-free survival (pDFS) were performed. Twelve radiomics models were constructed using Lasso-Logistic or Lasso-Cox to evaluate and four annotation methods, 2D detailed annotation along tumour boundaries (2D), 3D detailed annotation along tumour boundaries (3D), 2D bounding box (2DBB), and 3D bounding box (3DBB) on T2-weighted images, were compared. Radiomics models were used to establish combined models incorporating clinical risk factors. The DeLong test was performed to compare the performance of models using the receiver operating characteristic curves.

RESULTS

For radiomics models, the area under the curve values ranged from 0.627 (0.518-0.728) to 0.811 (0.705-0.917) in the internal validation cohort and from 0.619 (0.469-0.754) to 0.824 (0.689-0.918) in the external validation cohort. Most radiomics models based on four annotations did not differ significantly, except between the 3D and 3DBB models for pLNM (p = 0.0188) in the internal validation cohort. For combined models, only the 2D model significantly differed from the 2DBB (p = 0.0372) and 3D models (p = 0.0380) for pDFS.

CONCLUSION

Radiomics and combined models constructed with 2D and bounding box annotations showed comparable performances to those with 3D and detailed annotations along tumour boundaries in rectal cancer characterisation and prognosis prediction.

CRITICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT

For quantitative analysis of radiological images, the selection of 2D maximum tumour area or bounding box annotation is as representative and easy to operate as 3D whole tumour or detailed annotations along tumour boundaries.

KEY POINTS

There is currently a lack of discussion on whether different annotation efforts in radiomics are predictively representative. No significant differences were observed in radiomics and combined models regardless of the annotations (2D, 3D, detailed, or bounding box). Prioritise selecting the more time and effort-saving 2D maximum area bounding box annotation.

[Research progress and prospects of the application of radiographic imaging in the precise diagnosis and treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma]

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a highly heterogeneous kind of malignant tumor with a high recurrence rate and low five-year survival rate, which has become one of the major public health issues in China. Currently, HCC is the only solid tumor that can be solely diagnosed based on epidemiological history and typical imaging features without preoperative pathological confirmation. The paradigm for HCC imaging diagnosis has shifted in recent years from anatomy to function, from macroscopic to microscopic, and from diagnosis to prediction in the context of precision medicine, making it possible to study the microscopic processes such as HCC genes and their metabolic laws from the perspective of qualitative and quantitative imaging, thereby providing more accurate biological and imaging information for elucidating the occurrence, development, and clinical treatment decisions of HCC.This paper reviews the research progress of HCC imaging in recent years, demonstrating the rapid horizontal development and enormous potential of imaging in the vertical follow-up of HCC precision diagnosis and treatment. Simultaneously, it also puts forward the shortcomings of current HCC imaging research and looks forward to future development directions in order to be more accurately used in clinical decision support systems.

[The efficacy and safety of avapritinib in the treatment of molecular biologically positive core binding factor-acute myeloid leukemia with KIT mutation after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation]

Objective: To investigate the efficacy and safety of avapritinib in the treatment of molecular biologically positive core binding factor-acute myeloid leukemia (CBF-AML) with KIT mutation after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) . Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of six patients with molecular biologically positive CBF-AML with KIT mutation after allo-HSCT, who were treated with avapritinib at Henan Cancer Hospital from December 2021 to March 2023, and evaluated the efficacy and safety of avapritinib. Results: After 1 month of treatment with avapritinib, the transcription level of the fusion gene decreased in six patients, and the transcription level decreased by ≥1 log in five patients. In four patients who received avapritinib for ≥3 months, the fusion gene turned negative, and the median time to turn negative was 2.0 (range: 1.0-3.0) months. Up to the end of follow-up, four patients had no recurrence. The most common adverse reaction of avapritinib was myelosuppression, including neutropenia in two cases, thrombocytopenia in two cases, and anemia in one case. The non-hematological adverse reactions were nausea in two cases, edema in one case, and memory loss in one case, all of which were grades 1-2. Conclusion: Avapritinib was effective for molecular biologically positive CBF-AML patients with KIT mutation after allo-HSCT. The main adverse reaction was myelosuppression, which could generally be tolerated.

Observation of Strong Nuclear Suppression in Exclusive J/ψ Photoproduction in Au+Au Ultraperipheral Collisions at RHIC

We report a measurement of exclusive J/ψ and ψ(2s) photoproduction in Au+Au ultraperipheral collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200  GeV using the STAR detector. For the first time, (i) the ψ(2s) photoproduction in midrapidity at the Relativistic Heavy-Ion Collider has been experimentally measured; (ii) nuclear suppression factors are measured for both the coherent and incoherent J/ψ production. At average photon-nucleon center-of-mass energy of 25.0 GeV, the coherent and incoherent J/ψ cross sections of Au nuclei are found to be 71±10% and 36±7%, respectively, of that of free protons. The stronger suppression observed in the incoherent production provides a new experimental handle to study the initial-state parton density in heavy nuclei. Data are compared with theoretical models quantitatively.

Observation of the antimatter hypernucleus H ¯ Λ ¯ 4

At the origin of the Universe, an asymmetry between the amount of created matter and antimatter led to the matter-dominated Universe as we know it today. The origins of this asymmetry remain unknown so far. High-energy nuclear collisions create conditions similar to the Universe microseconds after the Big Bang, with comparable amounts of matter and antimatter1-6. Much of the created antimatter escapes the rapidly expanding fireball without annihilating, making such collisions an effective experimental tool to create heavy antimatter nuclear objects and to study their properties7-14, hoping to shed some light on the existing questions on the asymmetry between matter and antimatter. Here we report the observation of the antimatter hypernucleusH ¯ Λ ¯ 4 , composed of aΛ ¯ , an antiproton and two antineutrons. The discovery was made through its two-body decay after production in ultrarelativistic heavy-ion collisions by the STAR experiment at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider15,16. In total, 15.6 candidateH ¯ Λ ¯ 4 antimatter hypernuclei are obtained with an estimated background count of 6.4. The lifetimes of the antihypernucleiH ¯ Λ ¯ 3 andH ¯ Λ ¯ 4 are measured and compared with the lifetimes of their corresponding hypernuclei, testing the symmetry between matter and antimatter. Various production yield ratios among (anti)hypernuclei (hypernuclei and/or antihypernuclei) and (anti)nuclei (nuclei and/or antinuclei) are also measured and compared with theoretical model predictions, shedding light on their production mechanisms.

Role of oedema and shrinkage patterns for prediction of response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy and survival outcomes in luminal breast cancer

AIMS

To explore the independent and additional value of oedema and shrinkage patterns for predicting the disease-free survival (DFS) and neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) response in luminal breast cancer (BC).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients with luminal BC who underwent NAC were enrolled in this study from 2017 to 2022. Traditional MRI features include BI-RADS-based MRI descriptors, tumor size, and ADC values, while emerging MRI features include oedema and shrinkage patterns, all of which were evaluated before, early, and after NAC. The changes in features during NAC were also evaluated. The value of features was evaluated through univariate, multivariate analyses.

RESULTS

A total of 258 patients were enrolled in this study, of which 77 responded to NAC. Diffuse oedema, stable or increased oedema during early NAC were adverse predictors for treatment response, while a greater reduction in tumor size and increase in ADC value were favorable predictors (all P<0.05). Furthermore, 20 of 60 patients who were followed up experienced recurrence. Diffuse oedema, pre-pectoral or subcutaneous oedema, and non-concentric shrinkage patterns after NAC were risk factors for DFS, whereas a greater increase in ADC value was a protective factor. Incorporating oedema and shrinkage patterns into traditional MRI features improved the predictive performance for treatment response (AUC from 0.76-0.78 to 0.80-0.83) and DFS (C-index from 0.67-69 to 0.75-0.80).

CONCLUSIONS

Oedema is an unfavorable predictor for treatment response and survival outcomes, while shrinkage patterns contribute more to the prognostic value, both of which could offer supplementary benefits for clinical outcomes in luminal BC.

"Very early" intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (≤ 2.0 cm): MRI manifestation and prognostic potential

AIMS

To explore the MRI characteristics and clinical outcome of the "very early" intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA) ≤2.0cm.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Totally 213 pathologically confirmed iCCAs (44 ≤ 2.0cm and 169 of 2.0-5.0cm) from two institutes were included. Forty-four matching non-iCCA malignancies ≤2.0cm were also enrolled. Recurrence-free survival (RFS) was estimated and compared between iCCAs ≤2.0cm and 2.0-5.0cm. MRI features were analyzed and compared between iCCAs ≤2.0cm and 2.0-5.0cm, as well as between iCCAs ≤2.0cm and non-iCCAs ≤2.0cm. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were performed to identify independent imaging features for discrimination. An MRI-based diagnostic model for iCCA ≤2.0cm was constructed by incorporating the independent imaging features.

RESULTS

ICCAs ≤2.0cm had a significantly longer RFS than those of 2.0-5.0cm (log rank P=0.014). Imaging features of homogeneous signal (odds ratio (OR) = 6.677, P<0.001) and lack of vessel invasion (OR=7.56, P<0.001) were more frequently displayed in iCCAs ≤2.0cm compared to iCCAs of 2.0-5.0cm independently. In the small lesions ≤2.0cm, imaging features of progressive or persistent enhancement pattern (OR=27.78, P=0.002) and rim diffusion restriction (OR=5.70, P=0.027) were independent imaging features suggestive of iCCA over non-iCCA malignancy; their combination yielded an area under the curve value of 0.824, with a sensitivity of 97.73%.

CONCLUSION

The "very early" iCCA ≤2.0cm was associated with a favorable outcome after surgery, it displayed different and relatively atypical imaging manifestations compared with those of 2.0-5.0cm. Furthermore, in the small lesions ≤ 2.0cm, MRI can be served as a useful non-invasive diagnostic tool for iCCA in clinical screening with high sensitivity.

Relationship between pericoronary fat-attenuation values quantified by coronary computed tomography angiography and coronary artery disease severity

AIM

To explore the relationship between pericoronary fat-attenuation index (FAI) values and coronary artery disease (CAD) severity measured using coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study retrospectively included 428 patients with CAD who were eligible and underwent CCTA at our hospital. CAD severity on CCTA images including obstructive stenosis and extensive lesions, and segment stenosis and involvement score (SSS, SIS), and CAD-RADS classification were assessed. FAI values for left anterior descending (LAD), left circumflex (LCX) branches, and right coronary artery (RCA) were quantified using fully automated software. The relationship between FAI values and CAD severity was assessed using univariate and multivariate regression models.

RESULTS

Univariate analyses showed that sex and current smoking were associated with elevated FAILAD and FAILCX values (all P<0.05), whereas CAD severity was not relevant (all P>0.05). Not only clinical factors such as sex, current smoking, and hypertension were associated with elevated FAIRCA, but also indicators to assess CAD severity including obstructive stenosis, SIS, and SSS were related to it (all P<0.05). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that after correcting for the effects of other conventional cardiovascular risk factors and CCTA imaging features, current smoking was an independent risk factor for elevated FAI values (odds ratio [OR] = 0.569, 0.458, and 0.517; all P<0.05), whereas that SSS (OR=1.041, P=0.027) for elevated FAIRCA values.

CONCLUSION

Following correction for conventional cardiovascular risk factors and imaging characteristics, current smoking was an independent clinical risk factor for elevated FAI values, and SSS was an independent risk factor for elevated FAIRCA values.

Pan-Asian adapted ESMO Clinical Practice Guidelines for the diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of patients with biliary tract cancer

The European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) Clinical Practice Guidelines for the diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of patients with biliary tract cancer (BTC), published in late 2022 were adapted in December 2023, according to established standard methodology, to produce the Pan-Asian adapted (PAGA) ESMO consensus guidelines for the management of Asian patients with BTC. The adapted guidelines presented in this manuscript represent the consensus opinions reached by a panel of Asian experts in the treatment of patients with BTC representing the oncological societies of China (CSCO), Indonesia (ISHMO), India (ISMPO), Japan (JSMO), Korea (KSMO), Malaysia (MOS), the Philippines (PSMO), Singapore (SSO), Taiwan (TOS) and Thailand (TSCO), co-ordinated by ESMO and the Taiwan Oncology Society (TOS). The voting was based on scientific evidence and was independent of the current treatment practices, drug access restrictions and reimbursement decisions in the different regions of Asia. Drug access and reimbursement in the different regions of Asia are discussed separately in the manuscript. The aim is to provide guidance for the optimisation and harmonisation of the management of patients with BTC across the different countries and regions of Asia, drawing on the evidence provided by both Western and Asian trials, whilst respecting the differences in screening practices and molecular profiling, as well as age and stage at presentation. Attention is drawn to the disparity in the drug approvals and reimbursement strategies, between the different countries.

[Progress of interruption of schistosomiasis transmission and prospects in Yunnan Province]

Schistosomiasis was once hyper-endemic in Yunnan Province. Following concerted efforts for over 70 years, remarkable achievements have been made for schistosomiasis control in the province. In 2004, the Mid- and Long-term Plan for Schistosomiasis Prevention and Control in Yunnan Province was initiated in Yunnan Province, and the target for transmission control of schistosomiasis was achieved in the province in 2009. Following the subsequent implementation of the Outline for Key Projects in Integrated Schistosomiasis Control Program (2009-2015) and the 13th Five - year Plan for Schistosomiasis Control in Yunnan Province, no acute schistosomiasis had been identified in Yunnan Province for successive 12 years, and no local Schistosoma japonicum infections had been detected in humans, animals or Oncomelania hupensis snails for successive 6 years in the province by the end of 2020. The transmission of schistosomiasis was interrupted in Yunnan Province in 2020. This review summarizes the history of schistosomiasis, changes in schistosomiasis prevalence and progress of schistosomiasis control in Yunnan Province, and proposes the future priorities for schistosomiasis control in the province.