Furmonertinib re-challenge for epidermal growth factor receptormutant lung adenocarcinoma after osimertinib-induced interstitial lung disease:A case report

BACKGROUND Most non-small cell lung cancer patients have epidermal growth factor receptor(EGFR)activating mutations,such as exon 19 deletion and exon 21 replacement mutations.Osimertinib is a third-generation EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitors ap-proved for the treatment of lung cancer patients carrying EGFR activating mu-tations.Osimertinib-induced interstitial lung disease(ILD)is a rare and poten-tially fatal pulmonary toxic manifestation of drug therapy.At present,there is no international consensus on the risks and treatment of the osimertinib-induced ILD.CASE SUMMARY We report a case of a 56-year-old woman who was diagnosed with lung adenocar-cinoma with lung hilum,mediastinal lymph nodes and brain metastases(T4N3-M1c stage IVB).The patient received targeted treatment with osimertinib after radiotherapy and chemotherapy.But she developed ILD after osimertinib treat-ment.Following active symptomatic treatment and hormone treatment,the lung injury alleviated.The patient was retreated with furmonertinib combined with prednisone and did not experience ILD again.So far,she has survived for 14 months without disease progression.CONCLUSION Retreatment with furmonertinib under prednisone could be considered as an effective therapeutic option after risk-benefit assessment for EGFR-mutant lung adenocarcinoma patients.

Mechanism prediction of Astragalus mongholicus Bunge and Angelica sinensis Diels in treating interstitial lung disease based on network pharmacology and molecular docking

Objective:To investigate the mechanism by which Astragalus mongholicus Bunge(AM),and Angelica sinensis Diels(AS)act in interstitial lung disease(ILD)based on computational prediction.Methods:We screened the ingredients of AM and AS in PubMed,the Web of Science,China National Knowledge Infrastructure(CNKI)Databases,etc.Then obtained the potential effective components.By sharing the same molecular with ILD,we got the possible target genes for ILD treatment and constructed components–targets–disease network with Cytoscape software.The CTD(Comparative Toxicogenomics Database)database was used for GO and KEGG enrichment analysis of these target genes.Results:59 active ingredients that can be druggable were chosen from AM,67 active ingredients were chosen from AS.77 overlapping target genes for AM and ILD and 36 overlapping target genes for AS and ILD were acquired.The hub targets of AM were PTGS2,PTGS1,CDK2,MAOA,ESR1,TOP2A,GSK3B,ESR2,PPARG,NOS2,The hub targets of AS were PTGS2,GABRA1,PTGS1,CHRM1,SLC6A2,ADRA1B,ADRAIA,ADRB2,CHRM3,GABRA2,CHRM2.Quercetin,kaempferol,daidzein,pavilion,7-Hydroxycoumarin,and 5-Hydroxycoumarin were the main active ingredients which have more effective targets.Prediction of the protein-protein interaction network showed PTGS2,GSK3B,PPARG,etc.,were the important predicted targets.The enriched KEGG pathways,including the Immune System,Metabolism of lipids and lipoproteins,Cytokine Signaling in the Immune system,Generic Transcription Pathway,The interleukin pathway,Metabolism of proteins,PI3K-Akt signaling pathway,Metabolic pathways,Innate Immune System,Neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction,Metabolism,GPCR downstream signaling,Amine ligand-binding receptors,Class A/1,Calcium signaling pathway.Molecular docking showed that quercetin,kaempferol,daidzein,pavilion,7-Hydroxycoumarin,5-Hydroxycoumarin had good binding activities with PTGS2 and GSK3B,which mainly mediated PI3K/Akt and other important signaling pathways in the pathogenesis of ILD.Conclusion:The components in AS and AM share some common targets,such as PTGS2.AM and AS may ameliorate ILD through the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway which is mediated by GSK3B.PTGS2,PPARG may also be vital target genes in the treatment of ILD with AM and AS.

Effects of interstitial cluster mobility on dislocation loops evolution under irradiation of austenitic steel

The evolution of dislocation loops in austenitic steels irradiated with Fe^(+)is investigated using cluster dynamics(CD)simulations by developing a CD model.The CD predictions are compared with experimental results in the literature.The number density and average diameter of the dislocation loops obtained from the CD simulations are in good agreement with the experimental data obtained from transmission electron microscopy(TEM)observations of Fe~+-irradiated Solution Annealed 304,Cold Worked 316,and HR3 austenitic steels in the literature.The CD simulation results demonstrate that the diffusion of in-cascade interstitial clusters plays a major role in the dislocation loop density and dislocation loop growth;in particular,for the HR3 austenitic steel,the CD model has verified the effect of temperature on the density and size of the dislocation loops.

Microvascular alterations of the ocular surface and retina in connective tissue disease-related interstitial lung disease

AIM:To examine the disparities in macular retinal vascular density between individuals with connective tissue disease-related interstitial lung disease(CTD-ILD)and healthy controls(HCs)by optical coherence tomography angiography(OCTA)and to investigate the changes in microvascular density in abnormal eyes.METHODS:For a retrospective case-control study,a total of 16 patients(32 eyes)diagnosed with CTD-ILD were selected as the ILD group.The 16 healthy volunteers with 32 eyes,matched in terms of age and sex with the patients,were recruited as control group.The macular retina’s superficial retinal layer(SRL)and deep retinal layer(DRL)were examined and scanned using OCTA in each individual eye.The densities of retinal microvascular(MIR),macrovascular(MAR),and total microvascular(TMI)were calculated and compared.Changes in retinal vascular density in the macular region were analyzed using three different segmentation methods:central annuli segmentation method(C1-C6),hemispheric segmentation method[uperior right(SR),superior left(SL),inferior left(IL),and inferior right(IR)],and Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study(ETDRS)methods[superior(S),inferior(I),left(L),and right(R)].The data were analyzed using Version 9.0 of GraphPad prism and Pearson analysis.RESULTS:The OCTA data demonstrated a statistically significant difference(P<0.05)in macular retinal microvessel density between the two groups.Specifically,in the SRL and DRL analyses,the ILD group exhibited significantly lower surface density of MIR and TMI compared to the HCs group(P<0.05).Furthermore,using the hemispheric segmentation method,the ILD group showed notable reductions in SL,SR,and IL in the superficial retina(P<0.05),as well as marked decreases in SL and IR in the deep retina(P<0.05).Similarly,when employing the ETDRS method,the ILD group displayed substantial drops in superficial retinal S and I(P<0.05),along with notable reductions in deep retinal L,I,and R(P<0.05).In the central annuli segmentation method,the ILD group exhibited a significant decrease in the superficial retinal C2-4 region(P<0.05),whereas the deep retina showed a notable reduction in the C3-5 region(P<0.05).Additionally,there was an observed higher positive likelihood ratio in the superficial SR region and deep MIR.Furthermore,there was a negative correlation between conjunctival vascular density and both deep and superficial retinal TMI(P<0.001).CONCLUSION:Patients with CTD-ILD exhibits a significantly higher conjunctival vascular density compared to the HCs group.Conversely,their fundus retinal microvascular density is significantly lower.Furthermore,CTD-ILD patients display notably lower superficial and deep retinal vascular density in comparison to the HCs group.The inverse correlation between conjunctival vascular density and both superficial and deep retinal TMI suggests that detecting subtle changes in ocular microcirculation could potentially serve as an early diagnostic indicator for connective tissue diseases,thereby enhancing disease management.

Clinical evolution of antisynthetase syndrome-associated interstitial lung disease after COVID-19 in a man with Klinefelter syndrome:A case report

BACKGROUND This study presents a case of rapidly developing respiratory failure due to antisynthetase syndrome(AS)following coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)in a 33-year-old man diagnosed with Klinefelter syndrome(KS).CASE SUMMARY A 33-year-old man with a diagnosis of KS was admitted to the Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine of a tertiary hospital in China for fever and shortness of breath 2 wk after the onset of COVID-19.Computed tomography of both lungs revealed diffuse multiple patchy heightened shadows in both lungs,accompanied by signs of partial bronchial inflation.Metagenomic next-generation sequencing of the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid suggested absence of pathogen.A biopsy specimen revealed organizing pneumonia with alveolar septal thickening.Additionally,extensive auto-antibody tests showed strong positivity for anti-SSA,anti-SSB,anti-Jo-1,and anti-Ro-52.Following multidisciplinary discussions,the patient received a final diagnosis of AS,leading to rapidly progressing respiratory failure.CONCLUSION This study underscores the clinical progression of AS-associated interstitial lung disease subsequent to viral infections such as COVID-19 in patients diagnosed with KS.

Correlation analysis of interstitial maturity and prognosis of colorectal cancer:Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND To investigate the relationship between interstitial maturity and prognosis of colorectal cancer.AIM To examine the correlation between interstitial maturity and the prognosis of colorectal cancer.METHODS The paper database PubMed,EMBASE,Cochranelibrary,Springerlink,CNKI,and Wanfang database were searched until December 2023."tumor stroma maturity""desmoplastic stroma reaction""desmoplastic reaction""stroma reaction""degree of stroma reaction""stroma classification""stroma density""colorectal cancer""colon cancer""rectal cancer""prognosis"were searched for the search terms.Two system assessors independently screened the literature quality according to the inclusion exclusion criteria,Quality evaluation and data extraction were performed for the included literatures,and meta-analysis was performed for randomized control trials included at using Review Manager 5.2 software.RESULTS Finally,data of 9849 patients with colorectal cancer from 19 cosets in 15 literatures were included,including 4339 patients with mature type(control group),3048 patients with intermediate type(intermediate group)and 2456 patients with immature type(immature group).The results of meta-analysis showed:Relapse-free survival[hazard ratio(HR)=2.66,95%confidence interval(CI):2.30-3.08;P<0.00001],disease-free survival(HR=3.68,95%CI:2.33-5.81;P<0.00001)and overall survival(HR=1.70,95%CI:1.53-1.87;P<0.00001)were significantly lower than those in mature group(control group);relapse-free survival(HR=1.36,95%CI:1.17-1.59;P<0.0001)and disease-free survival rate(HR=1.85,95%CI:1.53-2.24;P<0.0001)was significantly lower than the mature group(control group).CONCLUSION There is the correlation between tumor interstitial maturity and survival prognosis of colorectal cancer,and different degrees of tumor interstitial maturity have a certain impact on the quality of life of colorectal cancer patients.

This pain drives me crazy:Psychiatric symptoms in women with interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome

BACKGROUND Interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome(IC/BPS)is an at least 6-mo noninfectious bladder inflammation of unknown origin characterized by chronic suprapubic,abdominal,and/or pelvic pain.Although the term cystitis suggests an inflammatory or infectious origin,no definite cause has been identified.It occurs in both sexes,but women are twice as much affected.AIM To systematically review evidence of psychiatric/psychological changes in persons with IC/BPS.METHODS Hypothesizing that particular psychological characteristics could underpin IC/BPS,we investigated in three databases the presence of psychiatric symptoms and/or disorders and/or psychological characteristics in patients with IC/BPS using the following strategy:("interstitial cystitis"OR"bladder pain syndrome")AND("mood disorder"OR depressive OR antidepressant OR depression OR depressed OR hyperthymic OR mania OR manic OR rapid cyclasterisk OR dysthymiasterisk OR dysphoriasterisk).RESULTS On September 27,2023,the PubMed search produced 223 articles,CINAHL 62,and the combined PsycLIT/PsycARTICLES/PsycINFO/Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection search 36.Search on ClinicalTrials.gov produced 14 studies,of which none had available data.Eligible were peer-reviewed articles reporting psychiatric/psychological symptoms in patients with IC/BPS,i.e.63 articles spanning from 2000 to October 2023.These studies identified depression and anxiety problems in the IC/BPS population,along with sleep problems and the tendency to catastrophizing.CONCLUSION Psychotherapies targeting catastrophizing and life stress emotional awareness and expression reduced perceived pain in women with IC/BPS.Such concepts should be considered when implementing treatments aimed at reducing IC/BPS-related pain.

Severe acute kidney injury due to oxalate crystal induced severe interstitial nephritis:A case report

BACKGROUND Acute kidney injury(AKI)due to interstitial nephritis is a known condition primarily attributed to various medications.While medication-induced interstitial nephritis is common,occurrences due to non-pharmacological factors are rare.This report presents a case of severe AKI triggered by intratubular oxalate crystal deposition,leading to interstitial nephritis.The aim is to outline the case and its management,emphasizing the significance of recognizing uncommon causes of interstitial nephritis.CASE SUMMARY A 71-year-old female presented with stroke-like symptoms,including weakness,speech difficulties,and cognitive impairment.Chronic hypertension had been managed with hydrochlorothiazide(HCTZ)for over two decades.Upon admis-sion,severe hypokalemia and AKI were noted,prompting discontinuation of HCTZ and initiation of prednisolone for acute interstitial nephritis.Further investigations,including kidney biopsy,confirmed severe acute interstitial nephritis with oxalate crystal deposits as the underlying cause.Despite treatment,initial renal function showed minimal improvement.However,with prednisolone therapy and supportive measures,her condition gradually improved,high-lighting the importance of comprehensive management.CONCLUSION This case underscores the importance of a thorough diagnostic approach in identifying and addressing uncommon causes of interstitial nephritis.The occurrence of interstitial nephritis due to oxalate crystal deposition,especially without typical risk factors,emphasizes the need for vigilance in clinical practice.

Effect of N-Acetylcysteine Combined with Lung Rehabilitation Therapy on Exercise Endurance and Quality of Life of Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis-Related Interstitial Lung Disease

Objective:To explore the effect of N-acetylcysteine combined with lung rehabilitation therapy on exercise endurance and quality of life in patients with rheumatoid arthritis-related interstitial lung disease(RA-ILD).Methods:Fifty-six patients with RA-ILD admitted to Xijing Hospital from May 2022 to January 2024 were randomly divided into two groups:a non-rehabilitation group and a pulmonary rehabilitation group,with 28 patients in each group.Both groups received routine treatment.Additionally,the non-rehabilitation group received N-acetylcysteine treatment,while the lung rehabilitation group received lung rehabilitation treatment in addition to N-acetylcysteine.The improvement in exercise endurance and dyspnea between the two groups after treatment was compared and the quality of life of the patients was observed.Results:After treatment,the exercise endurance score in the lung rehabilitation group(335.67±45.29)was higher than that in the non-rehabilitation group(P<0.05).The dyspnea score in the lung rehabilitation group(0.72±0.16)was lower than that in the non-rehabilitation group(P<0.05).Additionally,FVC(3.18±0.58 L),FEV1(2.28±0.56 L),FEV1/FVC(69.69±5.56),and DLCO(60.53±5.92 mL/mmHg/min)were higher in the lung rehabilitation group compared to the non-rehabilitation group after treatment(P<0.05).Conclusion:Lung rehabilitation therapy combined with N-acetylcysteine treatment can effectively improve dyspnea symptoms,lung function,and exercise endurance in patients with RA-ILD.This approach helps to improve patient’s quality of life and is beneficial for their prognosis.

Correlation Analysis Between Changes of D-Dimer Level and Rheumatoid Arthritis Complicated with Interstitial Lung Disease

Objective:To explore the correlation between the change of D-dimer level and rheumatoid arthritis complicated with interstitial lung disease.Methods:From January 2022 to February 2024,20 rheumatoid arthritis patients complicated with interstitial lung disease(interstitial lung disease group),20 rheumatoid arthritis patients without interstitial lung disease(without interstitial lung disease group),and 20 healthy people(control group)in Xijing Hospital were selected for this study.The fasting venous blood of the three groups of subjects was collected and their D-dimer,C-reactive protein(CRP),rheumatoid factor(RF),and erythrocyte sedimentation rate(ESR)were detected.Subsequently,the correlation between each index and rheumatoid arthritis complicated with interstitial lung disease was analyzed.Results:The D-dimer level of the interstitial lung disease group was significantly higher than the other two groups(P<0.05).The D-dimer level of the group without interstitial lung disease was significantly higher than the control group(P<0.05).CRP levels in the interstitial lung disease group and the group without interstitial lung disease were significantly higher than those of the control group(P<0.05).The ESR and RF levels of the interstitial lung disease group were significantly higher than the other two groups(P<0.05).The levels of ESR and RF levels of the group without interstitial lung disease were significantly higher than the control group(P<0.05).Conclusion:D-dimer levels of rheumatoid arthritis patients are higher than those of healthy individuals,and those complicated with interstitial lung disease present even higher levels.This finding shows that there is a correlation between D-dimer levels and rheumatoid arthritis with interstitial lung disease,which may facilitate the evaluation and diagnosis of this disease.

Nodular Pulmonary Amyloidosis with Interstitial Lung Disease—Case Report and Literature Review

Amyloidosis is a rare spectrum of disease which involves deposition of misfolded extracellular proteins (amyloids) in various body organs leading to progressive organ dysfunction. Clinical presentation can be variable depending on the organ involved and type of protein. Amyloidosis can be classified based on quantity, type, and location of these proteins. Amyloid light-chain amyloidosis develops in the bone marrow, producing abnormal forms of light-chain proteins, which cannot be broken down. These proteins transform into amyloid fibrils and form amyloid deposits in different organs. Pulmonary amyloidosis is uncommonly diagnosed since it is rarely symptomatic. Diagnosis of pulmonary amyloidosis is usually made in the setting of systemic amyloidosis;however, it may present as localised pulmonary disease. Localized pulmonary Amyloidosis can present as nodular, cystic, or tracheobronchial amyloidosis. Depending on the degree of the interstitial involvement, it may affect alveolar gas exchange and cause respiratory symptoms. This is a case of a 47-year-old female with background history of interstitial lung disease presenting with progressive shortness of breath. Computed tomography scan revealed bilateral pulmonary nodules. The patient was referred to our thoracic surgery team with the suspicion of bronchogenic malignancy with metastasis. Diagnostic video assisted wedge resection was performed for this patient, and histology confirmed pulmonary amyloidosis of nodular type. Amyloid deposition simulates both inflammatory and neoplastic conditions. Definitive diagnosis requires biopsy confirmation therefore early detection and commencing the patient on appropriate treatment pathway may help in symptomatic relief and better outcome.

Acute exacerbation of interstitial lung disease in the intensive care unit:Principles of diagnostic evaluation and management

Interstitial lung disease(ILD)is typically managed on an outpatient basis.Critical care physicians manage patients with ILD in the setting of an acute exacerbation(ILD flare)causing severe hypoxia.The principles of management of acute exacerbation of ILD are different from those used to manage patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome from sepsis,etc.Selected patients may be candidates for aggressive measures like extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and lung transplantation,while almost all patients will benefit from early palliative care.This review focused on the types of ILD,diagnosis,and management pathways for this challenging condition.

In vitro Study of Interstitial Combination Chemotherapy in the Treatment of Glioma

Objective： To investigate the inhibitory effects of combination chemotherapy of Carboplatin （CBP）, Teniposide （Vm-26）, Methasquin （MTX）, and Nimodipine （NIM） on glioma, and to explore the sensitivity of glioma cells to different treatment regimens so as to provide some clues for clinical usage of interstitial combination chemotherapy. Methods： MTT assay and 3H-TdR incorporation assay were performed to evaluate the inhibitory effects upon the proliferation of glioma cells, and to compare the sen- sitivity of glioma cells to administration of CBP, Vm-26, MTX, and NIM with that of the administration of CBP＋NIM, Vm-26＋NIM, MTX＋NIM, CBP＋Vm-26＋MTX, or CBP＋Vm-26＋MTX＋NIM, respectively. Results： The inhibition rate of CBP＋Vm-26＋MTX＋NIM combination administration against glioma cells was 96.64%, higher than that of CBP＋NIM （69.03%）, Vm-26＋NIM （71.53%）, MTX＋NIM （52.75%）, CBP＋Vm-26＋MTX （78.59%） （P〈0.01）, and the dosage of CBP, Vm-26, and MTX was declined to 1/10- 1/100 that of respective use of CBP, Vm-26, and MTX. Conclusion： The curative effect of combination administration of CBP, Vm-26, MTX, and NIM was much better than that of respective administration, suggesting a higher inhibition rate and a lower dosage use.

Different distributions of interstitial cells of Cajal and platelet-derived growth factor receptor-α positive cells in colonic smooth muscle cell/interstitial cell of Cajal/plateletderived growth factor receptor-α positive cell syncytium in mice

AIM To investigate the distribution and function of interstitialcells of Cajal(ICCs) and platelet-derived growth factor receptor-α positive(PDGFRα+) cells in the proximal and distal colon.METHODS The comparison of colonic transit in the proximal and distal ends was performed by colonic migrating motor complexes(CMMCs). The tension of the colonic smooth muscle was examined by smooth muscle spontaneous contractile experiments with both ends of the smooth muscle strip tied with a silk thread. Intracellular recordings were used to assess electrical field stimulation(EFS)-induced inhibitory junction potentials(IJP) on the colonic smooth muscle. Western blot analysis was used to examine the expression levels of ICCs and PDGFRα in the colonic smooth muscle.RESULTS Treatment with NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester hydrochloride(L-NAME) significantly increased the CMMC frequency and spontaneous contractions, especially in the proximal colon, while treatment with MRS2500 increased only distal CMMC activity and smooth muscle contractions. Both CMMCs and spontaneous contractions were markedly inhibited by NPPB, especially in the proximal colon. Accordingly, CyPPA sharply inhibited the distal contraction of both CMMCs and spontaneous contractions. Additionally, the amplitude of stimulationinduced nitric oxide(NO)/ICC-dependent slow IJPs(sIJPs) by intracellular recordings from the smooth muscles in the proximal colon was larger than that in the distal colon, while the amplitude of electric field stimulationinduced purinergic/PDGFRα-dependent fast IJPs(fIJPs) in the distal colon was larger than that in the proximal colon. Consistently, protein expression levels of c-Kit and anoctamin-1(ANO1) in the proximal colon were much higher, while protein expression levels of PDGFRα and small conductance calcium-activated potassium channel 3(SK3) in the distal colon were much higher.CONCLUSION The ICCs are mainly distributed in the proximal colon and there are more PDGFRα+ cells are in the distal colon, which generates a pressure gradient between the two ends of the colon to propel the feces to the anus.

Addressing quality of life in the patient with interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome

Interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome(IC/BPS)is a debilitating,chronic condition characterized by chronic pelvic pain,urinary urgency,and frequency and is well-known to be associated with a decrease in work productivity,emotional changes,sleep,sexual dysfunction,and mobility.Many metrics of quality of life(QoL)in this patient population have been developed;however,a unified,standardized approach to QoL in these patients has not been determined.The effects of IC/BPS and co-morbid conditions on QoL are described using current validated metrics.Next,data regarding successful treatment of IC/BPS in terms of QoL improvement are reviewed.While QoL is the single most important clinical measure of success in the treatment of patients suffering from IC/BPS,addressing QoL in this patient population remains a significant challenge,as its effects on QoL are highly variable and unable to be differentiated from the effects of comorbid conditions on QoL,including depression,poor sleep,and inability to work.Future studies will need to address treatment efficacy on the basis of IC/BPS specific QoL metrics,and multi-modal assessment and therapy to address comorbid disease will also play an important role in the future to ensure comprehensive management of these patients.

EFFECT OF INTERSTITIAL IMPURITIES ON THE PHASETRANSFORMATION OF Ti-Al ALLOYS

应用固体与分子经验电子理论的平均晶胞和平均原子模型分析计算了间隙杂质对Ti-Al合金价电子结构和相变的影响。同时根据该理论的键能公式计算了间隙杂质影响下的键能、熔点和液相线的变化。据此解释了Ti-Al合金相变目前尚有争议的主要实验结果。表明，间隙杂质提高了合金元素的原子杂阶，引起键结构呈严重的各向异性，阻碍了β→α相转变，导致中间成分相变的复杂性。间隙杂质也降低了熔点及高温液相线，采用近似处理由该理论可较好地计算其平均降低程度。

Treatment of refractory anti-melanoma differentiation-associated gene 5 anbibody-positive dermatomyositis complicated by rapidly progressing interstitial pulmonary disease:Two case reports

BACKGROUND Anti-melanoma differentiation-associated gene 5 antibody-positive(anti-MDA5 Ab+)dermatomyositis complicated with rapidly progressive interstitial lung disease(anti-MDA5 Ab+DM-RP-ILD)has an unclear underlying mechanism with no recommended unified treatment plan.Herein,one of the cases that we report(Case 2)was successfully treated with tocilizumab despite having lung infection.CASE SUMMARY Case 1 was a 30-year-old woman who was admitted due to recurrent rash for 5 mo,fever and cough for 1 mo,and chest tightness for 3 d.She was diagnosed with non-myopathic dermatomyositis(anti-MDA5 Ab+)and interstitial pneumonia,and was treated with the combination of hormone therapy and cyclophosphamide followed by oral tacrolimus.Case 2 was a 31-year-old man admitted due to systemic rash accompanied by muscle weakness of limbs for more than 1 mo,and chest tightness and dry cough for 4 d.He was diagnosed with dermatomyositis(anti-MDA5 Ab+)and acute interstitial pneumonia with Pneumocystis jirovecii and Aspergillus fumigatus infections and was treated with hormone therapy(without cyclophosphamide)and the combination of tocilizumab and tacrolimus.The condition of both patients eventually improved and they were discharged and showed clinically stable condition at the latest follow-up.CONCLUSION Tocilizumab could be a salvage treatment for patients with anti-MDA5 Ab+DMRP-ILD who are refractory to intensive immunosuppression.

Non-invasive assessment for intratumoural distribution of interstitial fluid flow

Interstitial fluid plays a vital role in drug delivery and tumour treatment.However,few non-invasive measurement methods are available for measuring low-velocity biological fluid flow.Therefore,this study aimed to develop a novel technology called interstitial flow velocity-MRI.The interstitial flow velocity-MRI sequence consists of a dual inversion recovery preparation and an improved stimulated echo sequence(ISTE)combined with phase-contrast MRI.A homemade flow phantom was used to assess the feasibility and sensitivity of interstitial flow velocity-MRI.In addition,xenografts of female BALB/c mouse models of 4T1 breast cancer administered losartan(40 mg/kg)or saline(n?6)were subjected to imaging on a 7.0 T scanner to assess the in vivo interstitial fluid flow velocity.The results showed a significant correlation(P<0.001)between the theoretical velocities and velocities measured using the flow phantom.Interstitial flow velocity-MRI could detect a velocity as low as 10.21±2.65 mm/s with a spatial resolution of 0.313 mm.The losartan group had a lower mean interstitial fluid velocity than the control group(85±16 vs 113±24 mm/s).In addition,compared to the saline treatment,losartan treatment reduced the proportion of collagen fibres by 10%and 12%in the Masson and Sirius red staining groups,respectively.Interstitial flow velocity-MRI has the potential to determine interstitial fluid flow velocity non-invasively and exhibits an intuitive velocity map.

Lymphoid interstitial pneumonia—Another consideration for recurrent bacterial pneumonia in an HIV positive patient (A case report)

We present a 39-year-old female with HIV, medication non-compliance, and recurrences of bacterial pneumonia. She presented with a two-day bout of worsening shortness of breath, dyspnea and productive cough. A CT of the chest was notable for multi-lobular pneumonia. She underwent flexible bronchoscopy and biopsy which revealed lymphocytic interstitial pneumonitis. Conclusion: Recurrent bacterial pneumonia is a rare complication of lymphoid interstitial pneumonia (LIP) in HIV positive patients, and should be considered in the differential as a possible precipitator of recurrent pneumonia inan HIV positive patient.

Idiopathic Interstitial Pneumonias (IIPs): Review of Clinical, Radiographic and High-Resolution Computed Tomography (HRCT)

Making a confident diagnosis is a complex task for a specific form of interstitial lung disease and providing appropriate management in an attempt to achieve normalization of the disease can put up an alarming process for the clinicians. A set of diffuse and restrictive lung diseases incorporate with idiopathic interstitial pneumonias, showing inflammation and fibrosis of the interstitium due to parenchymal damage. High-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) has magnified the diagnostic standpoint in stepwise identification and classified various patterns in the evaluation of interstitial lung disease. The aim of our review is to elaborate clinical, radiographic and typical and atypical HRCT findings of idiopathic interstitial pneumonias by correlating with its differential diagnosis. Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is the most predominant idiopathic interstitial pneumonias and its diagnosis needs to omit all other well-known causes of interstitial lung diseases. According to the 2011 evidence-based guidelines, usual interstitial pneumonia can be diagnosed by HRCT when all criteria are fulfilled. Non-specific interstitial pneumonia is distinguished by bilateral patchy ground-glass opacities and irregular linear/reticular opacities. Respiratory bronchiolitis associated-interstitial lung disease and desquamative interstitial pneumonia show centrolobular nodules and ground-glass opacities as imaging patterns. Cryptogenic organizing pneumonia consists of patchy peripheral or peribronchial consolidations, while ground-glass opacities with tendency for migration, which is evolving to fibrosis, in acute interstitial pneumonia. Lymphoid interstitial pneumonia and idiopathic pleuro-parenchymal fibroelastosis are classified under rare idiopathic interstitial pneumonias. HRCT images help radiologists in diagnosis and mapping specific patterns of idiopathic interstitial pneumonias. This article reviews the stages of evolution in HRCT features for idiopathic interstitial pneumonias.