Expression and Prognostic Significance of Livin in the Progression of Bladder Cancer

It has been suggested that progression of bladder transitional cell cancer （BTCC） may be regulated at the molecular level by a typical pattern of expression of genes involved in apoptosis. Recently Livin, belonging to the inhibitors of apoptosis （IAP） family, has been found to be expressed in most solid tumors, where its expression is suggested to have clinical significance. In order to explore the significance of Livin expression in the development of BTCC, immunohistochemistry and RT-QPCR were used to detect the expression of Livin mRNA in tumor tissues and adjacent normal tissues of 30 cases of BTCC. The results showed that the positive rate of Livin expression in adjacent normal tissues and tumor tissues was 0 and 60% （18/30） respectively. The -△△CT value of Livin in BTCC tissues was 8.0454 （7.4264-8.6644） times of that in adjacent normal tissues. The expression of Livin mRNA had no correlation with tumor pathological grades and clinical stages. It was suggested that there was weak expression of Livin mRNA in adjacent normal tissues, but strong in tumor tissues.

Lithium carbonate plus ¹³¹I in the treatment of Graves’ hyperthyroidism

Aims: Effectiveness of radioiodine for Graves’ hyperthyroidism (GD) depends on its intrathyroidal persistence, which could be enhanced by lithium by blocking the release of organic iodine and thyroid hormone from the thyroid gland. The present aim focused on the effect of the addition of lithium carbonate to 131I therapy in patients with GD. Methods: 100 consecutive patients with GD were randomly assigned to two groups: group (A) patients treated with 131I and group (B) patients treated with 131I plus lithium carbonate. Patients in B group were treated with a dose of 0.5 g per day (2 × 0.25 g) of lithium carbonate for half a month before and after the administration of 131I. Thyroid weight was estimated by ultrasonography and careful palpation of the thyroid. Radiation absorbed dose rate in the front of the neck was measured on days 1530 and 45 after the administration of 131I. Serum concentrations of thyroidstimulation hormone (TSH), fee tri-iodothyrosine (T3) and free thyroxine (T4) were tested on days 30, 45, 90, 180 before and after treatment. Results: After RIT, radiation absorbed dose rate in the front of neck gradually decreased as time went on (p 0.05), free T3 and free T4 values in both groups rose significantly one month after treatment (all p 0.05). Cure rate of hyperthyroidism was achieved in 36 of the 50 patients (72%) treated with 131I alone and in 38 of the 50 patients (76%) treated with 131I plus lithium. Conclusion: We suggest that for patients withdrawing of ATD and those with short effective half-time, as well as those intolerant or invalid, the short term addition of lithium to 131I allows for a better control of thyrotoxia and the completeness of treatment.

SERUM CONCENTRATIONS OF HYALURONIC ACID, PROCOLLAGEN TYPE III NH_2-TERMINAL PEPTIDE, AND LAMININ IN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC CONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE

Objective To explore the role of serum fibrotic indices including hyaluronic acid （HA）, procollagen type Ⅲ NH2-terminal peptide （PCIIIP）, and laminin （LN） in assessing the severity of myocardial fibrosis in chronic congestive heart failure （CHF）. Methods Serum levels of HA, PCIIIP, and LN in 39 patients with CHF E [14 with New York Heart Association （NYHA） functional class II, 21 with class Ⅲ, 4 with class Ⅳ] and in 46 patients with NYHA functional class I were assessed by radioimmunoassay. Results The serum concentrations of HA, PCMP, and LN were 359.75 ± 84.59 μg/L, 77.88 ± 24. 67 μg/L, 86. 73 ± 23.90 μg/L in CHF group, and 211.60 ±54. 80 μg/L, 64.82 ±23.99 μg/L, 82. 26 ±23.98 μg/L in NYHA functional class Ⅰ group, respectively. The HA level was significantly higher in CHF patients as compared with NYHA functional class Ⅰ group （ P 〈 0.05 ）. However, no difference was found in the levels of PCIIIP and LN between CHF group and NYHA functional class Ⅰ group. The serum HA concentration was negatively correlated with left ventricular ejection fraction （ r = - 0.71, P 〈 0.05 ）. Conclusion Serum HA level may act as an indicator for myocardial fibrosis.

Expression of caspase-3 and hypoxia inducible factor 1αin hepatocellular carcinoma complicated by hemorrhage and necrosis

BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)is a malignant tumor that occurs in the liver.Its onset is latent,and it shows high heterogeneity and can readily experience intrahepatic metastasis or systemic metastasis,which seriously affects patients’quality of life.Numerous studies have shown that hypoxia inducible factor1α(HIF-1α)plays a significant role in the occurrence and development of tumors,as it promotes the formation of intratumoral vessels and plays a key role in their metastasis and invasion.Some studies have reported that caspase-3,which is induced by various factors,is involved in the apoptosis of tumor cells.AIM To investigate the expression of caspase-3 and HIF-1αand their relationship to the prognosis of patients with primary HCC complicated by pathological changes of hemorrhage and necrosis.METHODS A total of 88 patients with HCC complicated by pathological changes of hemorrhage and necrosis who were treated at our hospital from January 2017 to December 2019 were selected.The expression of caspase-3 and HIF-1αin HCC and paracancerous tissues from these patients was assessed.RESULTS The positive expression rate of caspase-3 in HCC tissues was 27.27%,which was significantly lower than that in the paracancerous tissues(P<0.05),while the positive expression rate of HIF-1αwas 72.73%,which was significantly higher than that in the paracancerous tissues(P<0.05).The positive expression rates for caspase-3 in tumor node metastasis(TNM)stage III and lymph node metastasis tissues were 2.78%and 2.50%,respectively,which were significantly lower than those in TNM stage I-II and non-lymph node metastasis tissues(P<0.05).The positive expression rates of HIF-1αin TNM stage III,lymph node metastasis,and portal vein tumor thrombus tissues were 86.11%,87.50%,and 88.00%,respectively,and these values were significantly higher than those in TNM stage I-II,non-lymph node metastasis,and portal vein tumor thrombus tissues(P<0.05).The expression of caspase-3 and HIF-1αin HCC tissues were negatively correlated(rs=−0.426,P<0.05).The median overall survival time of HCC patients was 18.90 mo(95%CI:17.20–19.91).The results of the Cox proportional risk regression model analysis showed that TNM stage,portal vein tumor thrombus,lymph node metastasis,caspase-3 expression,and HIF-1αexpression were the factors influencing patient prognosis(P<0.05).CONCLUSION The expression of caspase-3 decreases and HIF-1αincreases in HCC tissues complicated by pathological changes of hemorrhage and necrosis,and these are related to clinicopathological features and prognosis.

Choice of operative method for pancreaticojejunostomy and a multivariable study of pancreatic leakage in pancreaticoduodenectomy

BACKGROUND As one of the major abdominal operations,pancreaticoduodenectomy(PD)involves many organs.The operation is complex,and the scope of the operation is large,which can cause significant trauma in patients.The operation has a high rate of complications.Pancreatic leakage is the main complication after PD.When pancreatic leakage occurs after PD,it can often lead to abdominal bleeding and infection,threatening the lives of patients.One study found that pancreatic leakage was affected by many factors including the choice of pancreaticojejunostomy method which can be well controlled.AIM To investigate the choice of operative methods for pancreaticojejunostomy and to conduct a multivariate study of pancreatic leakage in PD.METHODS A total of 420 patients undergoing PD in our hospital from January 2014 to March 2019 were enrolled and divided into group A(n=198)and group B(n=222)according to the pancreatointestinal anastomosis method adopted during the operation.Duct-to-mucosa pancreatojejunostomy was performed in group A and bundled pancreaticojejunostomy was performed in group B.The operation time,intraoperative blood loss,and pancreatic leakage of the two groups were assessed.The occurrence of pancreatic leakage after the operation in different patients was analyzed.RESULTS The differences in operative time and intraoperative bleeding between groups A and B were not significant(P>0.05).In group A,the time of pancreatojejunostomy was 26.03±4.40 min and pancreatic duct diameter was 3.90±1.10 mm.These measurements were significantly higher than those in group B(P<0.05).The differences in the occurrence of pancreatic leakage,abdominal infection,abdominal hemorrhage and gastric retention between group A and group B were not significant(P>0.05).The rates of pancreatic leakage in patients with preoperative albumin<30 g/L,preoperative jaundice time≥8 wk,and pancreatic duct diameter<3 mm,were 23.33%,33.96%,and 19.01%,respectively.These were significantly higher than those in patients with preoperative albumin≥30 g/L,preoperative jaundice time<8 wk,and pancreatic duct diameter≥3 cm(P<0.05).Logistic regression analysis showed that preoperative albumin<30 g/L,preoperative jaundice time≥8 wk,and pancreatic duct diameter<3 mm were risk factors for pancreatic leakage after PD(odds ratio=2.038,2.416 and 2.670,P<0.05).CONCLUSION The pancreatointestinal anastomosis method during PD has no significant effect on the occurrence of pancreatic leakage.The main risk factors for pancreatic leakage include preoperative albumin,preoperative jaundice time,and pancreatic duct diameter.

Non-invasive assessment of liver fibrosis

1 Introduction Liver fibrosis is a scar forming process which results from the repair and proliferation of liver tissue associated with increased deposition of extracellular matrix(ECM)in liver after diverse liver injuries.A liver biopsy remains the gold standard for assessing liver fibrosis.However,

SPECT imaging of cardiac reporter gene expression in living rabbits

This work is to demonstrate feasibility of imaging the expression of herpes simplex virus 1-thymidine kinase (HSV1-tk) reporter gene in rabbits myocardium by using the reporter probe 131I-2'-fluoro-2'-deoxy-1-β-D- arabinofuranosyl-5-iodouracil (131I-FIAU) and SPECT. Rabbits of the study group received intramyocardial injection of Ad5-tk and control group received aseptic saline injection. Two sets of experiments were performed on the study group. Rabbits of the 1st set were injected with 131I-FIAU 600 μCi at Day 2 after intramyocardial transfection of Ad5-tk in 1×109, 5×108, 1×108, 5×107 and 1×107 pfu, and heart SPECT imaging was done at different hours. Rabbits of the 2nd were transferred various titers of Ad5-tk (1×109, 5×108, 1×108, 5×107, 1×107 pfu) to determine the threshold and optimal viral titer needed for detection of gene expression. Two days later, 131I-FIAU was injected and heart SPECT imaging was performed at 6, 24 and 48 h, before killing them for gamma counting of the hearts. Reverse tran- scription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to verify the transferred HSV1-tk gene expression. Semi-quantitative analysis derived of region of interest (ROI) of SPECT images and RT-PCR images was performed and the relationship of SPECT images with ex vivo gamma counting and mRNA level were evaluated. SPECT images conformed 131I-FIAU accumulation in rabbits injected with Ad5-tk in the anterolateral wall. The optimal images qual- ity was obtained at 24~48 h for different viral titers. The highest radioactivity in the focal myocardium was seen at 6 h, and then declined with time. The threshold was 5×107 pfu of virus titer. The result could be set better in 1~5×108 pfu by SPECT analysis and gamma counting. ROI-derived semi-quantitative study on SPECT images correlated well with ex vivo gamma counting and mRNA levels from RT-PCR analysis. The HSV1-tk/131I-FIAU reporter gene/reporter probe system is feasible for cardiac SPECT reporter gene imaging. The optimal Ad5-tk titer is 1~5×108 pfu and optimal imaging time is 24~48 h after transferred Ad5-tk in rabbit. The imaging of transgene expression in heart might be used for noninvasive imaging of gene therapy in cardiac diseases in human.

Contribution of lymphoscintigraphy by SPECT/CT to preoperative sentinel lymph node localization in oral squamous cell carcinoma

Objective:Sentinel lymph node biopsy(SLNB) is a minimally invasive method that helps to evaluate the status of the lymph node region of a primary tumor.A precise preoperative localization of the sentinel lymph node (SLN) may be helpful for surgical planning.Preoperative lymphoscintigraphy (LS) is important if the cancer is located in regions of anatomical complexity.But it fails to elucidate the specific lymphatic drainage and the anatomical relationship of SLNs.In the present study the benefit of LS by SPECT/CT to the preoperative localization of SLNs was evaluated.Methods:21 clinically nodes-negative patients with T1 or T2-staged oral squamous cell carcinoma were enrolled.LS were performed by submucosa injection of 37-74MB of 99mTc-DX at 4 to 6 points around the tumor followed by immediate dynamic,delay static imaging and skin marking of the SLN.Then the patients underwent SPECT/CT scintigraphy.Planar and fusion images were interpreted separately and compared.Intraoperative dye method was carried out.Results:In all patients,fusion images confirmed the localization obtained by planar images and skin marking.Moreover,in 9 of the 21 patients,the fusion images improved or corrected the preoperative localization of the SLNs in planar imaging:7 nodes that had been identified only on the fused images were located in basins other than or in addition to the basins identified on th planar images,and 1 node that was located closed to the injection sites was hidden by its scattered radiation signals in the planar images,and erroneous diagnosis occurred in 1 node resulted from the scattering.In addition,multiple draining basins were identified on the fusion images in 6 of the 21 patients,however,planar images only in 1 of the 21.Conclusion:Our results showed the additional value of SPECT/CT fusion imaging in revealing SLNs compared to planar imaging and sharpen the localization of the SLN that were of clinical relevance to SLNB in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma.And by fusion images topographic landmarks could be identified that may further facilitate surgical exploration with a higher diagnostic sensitivity with more SLNs being detectable than by planar LS.

Labeling and experimental studies of infection imaging agent ^(99m)Tc-CPF

Objective： To discuss the biodistribution of ^99mTc-Ciprofloxacin （^99mTc-CPF） and its effectiveness of imaging in infection disease in mice. Methods： CPF was labeled with ^99mTc and its radiochemical purity and labeling rate were measured. Mice model of infection was established and the biodistribution of ^99m Tc-CPF in the model and whole-body scintigraphy were achieved. Results： ^99mTc-Ciprotech was stable within 6 hours at room temperature. The labeling rate of ^99mTc-CPF was over 90%. Most of radioactivity was cleared in liver and kidney, and the clearance from blood was rapid. Both biodistribution and imaging results showed a high uptake of ^99mTc-CPF in infection site. The infection tissue/normal tissue reached a peak as 4.30 at 4 h after injection. Condusion： ^99mTc-CPF is a sensitive radiopharmaceutical agent for scintigraphy of infection lesions, and it is easy to prepare.

Liver transplantation following two conversions in a patient with huge hepatocellular carcinoma and portal vein invasion:A case report

BACKGROUND Surgical resection and liver transplantation(LT)are the most effective curative options for hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC).However,few patients with huge HCC(>10 cm in diameter),especially those with portal vein tumor thrombus(PVTT),can receive these treatments.Selective internal radiation therapy(SIRT)can be used as a conversion therapy for them because it has the dual benefit of shrinking tumors and increasing residual hepatic volume.However,in patients with huge HCC,high lung absorbed dose often prevents them from receiving SIRT.CASE SUMMARY A 35-year-old man was admitted because of emaciation and pain in the hepatic region for about 1 month.The computed tomography scan showed a 20.2 cm×19.8 cm tumor located in the right lobe–left medial lobes with right portal vein and right hepatic vein invasion.After the pathological type of HCC was confirmed by biopsy,two conversions were presented.The first one was drug-eluting bead transarterial chemoembolization plus hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy and lenvatinib and sintilimab,converted to SIRT,and the second one was sequential SIRT with continued systemic treatment.The tumor size significantly decreased from 20.2 cm×19.8 cm to 16.2 cm×13.8 cm,then sequentially to 7.8 cm×6.8 cm.In the meantime,the ratio of spared volume to total liver volume increased gradually from 34.4%to 55.7%,then to 62.9%.Furthermore,there was visualization of the portal vein,indicating regression of the tumor thrombus.Finally,owing to the new tumor in the left lateral lobe,the patient underwent LT instead of resection without major complications.CONCLUSION Patients with inoperable huge HCC with PVTT could be converted to SIRT first and accept surgery sequentially.

Adenovirus-mediated and tumor-specific transgene expression of the sodium-iodide symporter from the human telomerase reverse transcriptase promoter enhances killing of lung cancer cell line in vitro

Background The sodium-iodide symporter （NIS） protein can mediate the active radioiodine uptake.The human telomerase reverse transcriptase （hTERT） promoter is known to be selectively reactivated in majority of tumors and hence could be used for tumor targeting.We constructed a recombinant adenovirus containing the human sodium iodide symporter （hNIS） gene directed by the hTERT promoter, characterized the ability of infected cells in uptaking iodide, and explored the therapeutic efficacy of 131I in a lung cancer cell line in vitro.Methods The hTERT promoter was amplified by PCR from DNA isolated from log-phase HepG2 cells, subcloned into lineralized FL＊-hNIS/pcDNA3, and then the hTERT-hNIS sequence was subcloned into the shuttle plasmid pAdTrack.The recombinant adenovirus Ad-hTERT-hNIS was constructed by AdEasy system.A positive control adenovirusAd-CMV-hNIS and a negative control adenovirus Ad-CMV were created similarly.A549 cells were transduced with recombinant adenoviruses.125I uptake studies and sodium perchlorate suppression studies were used to confirm hNIS expression and function.Toxic effects of 131I on tumor cells were studied by in vitro clonogenic assay.Results We first successfully constructed an adenovirus mediated transgene expression system of the hNIS under the control of hTERT promoter.When infected with recombinant adenovirus constructs expressing hNIS directed by hTERTand CMV-promoters （Ad-hTERT-hNIS and Ad-CMV-hNIS, respectively）, the lung cancer cell line A549 had increased ability to uptake radioiodide up to 23- and 30- fold compared to the control parental cells, respectively.The radioiodide uptake ability of both the Ad-CMV-hNIS and Ad-hTERT-hNIS transduced cell lines were repressed 11-fold by sodium perchlorate （NaCIO4）.The subsequent in vitro clonogenic assay of the infected A549 cell line was further repressed to 23% （Ad-CMV-hNIS） and 30% （Ad-hTERT-hNIS） of the control group after receiving radioiodide for 7 hours （P 〈0.001）.Conclusion Our preliminary study indicates that an adenovirus mediated transgene expression system of the hNIS under the control of hTERT promoter has the potential to become an effective wide-spectrum yet highly specific anti-cancer strategy.

Factors influencing postoperative anxiety and depression following Iodine-131 treatment in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer:A cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND Differentiated thyroid cancer(DTC)often seriously impacts patients’lives.Radionuclide Iodine-131(131I)is widely used in treating patients with DTC.However,most patients know little about radionuclide therapy,and the treatment needs to be performed in a special isolation ward,which can cause anxiety and depression.AIM To explore anxiety and depression status and their influencing factors after 131I treatment in patients with DTC.METHODS A questionnaire survey was conducted among postoperative patients with DTC who received 131I treatment at our hospital from June 2020 to December 2022.General patient data were collected using a self-administered demographic characteristics questionnaire.The self-rating depression scale and self-rating anxiety scale were used to determine whether patients were worried about their symptoms and the degree of anxiety and depression.The patients were categorized into anxiety,non-anxiety,depression,and non-depression groups.Singlevariable and multiple-variable analyses were used to determine the risk factors for anxiety and depression in patients with thyroid cancer after surgery.RESULTS A total of 144 patients were included in this study.The baseline mean score of self-rating anxiety and depression scales were 50.06±16.10 and 50.96±16.55,respectively.Notably,48.62%(70/144)had anxiety and 47.22%(68/144)of the patients had depression.Sex,age,education level,marital status,household income,underlying diseases,and medication compliance significantly differed among groups(P<0.05).Furthermore,multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that education level,per capita monthly household income,and medication compliance level affected anxiety(P=0.015,0.001,and 0.001 respectively).Patient’s sex,marital status,and underlying diseases affected depression(P=0.007,0.001,and 0.009,respectively).CONCLUSION Nursing interventions aiming at reducing the risk of anxiety and depression should target unmarried female patients with low education level,low family income,underlying diseases,and poor adherence to medications.

9周高脂肪饮食后大鼠行为及脑葡萄糖代谢的改变:一项随机对照试验(英文)

背景:高脂肪饮食(HFD)是心脑血管疾病的一个众所周知的危险因素,但HFD和抑郁症状之间的关系仍然不明目标:大鼠喂食高脂饮食后,与喂食普通食物的大鼠对照比较对行为和脑葡萄糖代谢的改变的差异。方法:20只雄性SD大鼠被随机分为研究组(n=10)、对照组(n=10),分别予高脂肪或标准喂食9周。基线和试验9周后的评估包括体重,血脂(总胆固醇,甘油三酯,高密度脂蛋白胆固醇,和低密度脂蛋白胆固醇),蔗糖偏好测试,以及旷场试验。在试验结束时再比较两组大鼠的不同脑区的大脑葡萄糖代谢率(采用小动物正电子发射断层扫描评估)。结果:正如预期,HFD组大鼠9周后体重增加、血清脂质水平出现变化,这些变化还与蔗糖偏好程度降低(这可能是由于对愉快性行为失去兴趣)、体重调整的水份摄入量增加、以及右丘脑和右侧纹状体的显著失活(基于糖代谢率的降低)有关。在HFD组中,蔗糖偏好的下降程度与右丘脑(r=0.78)和右纹状体(r=0.81)的失活程度显著相关。结论:这些发现支持了HFD与抑郁症状的产生过程有关的假说。目前看来,食物和边缘系统—纹状体—丘脑环路之间的相互作用在进食行为和抑郁症状的发生中起到一定作用,但还需要进一步研究来探索其内在机制。

Relationship Between Serum Leptin Concentration and Lipids & Body Mass Index in Patients With Chronic Congestive Heart Failure

Objectives To investigate the relationship of serum leptin concentration with the lipids and body mass index （BMI） in patients with chronic congestive heart failure（CHF）. Methods The serum concentration of leptin in 39 patients with CHF （14 in cardiac function class Ⅱ , 21 in class Ⅲ, 4 in classⅣ , NYHA） and in 46 patients with cardiac function class Ⅰ （NYHA） were assessed by radioimmunoassay. Results The serum concentration of leptin were 9.018±4.519 μg/l in CHF group （cardiac function class Ⅱ 11.492±5.649 μg/l, class Ⅲ 7.763±3.321 μg/l, class Ⅳ 6.100±2.657 μg/l）; 11.674± 6.911 μg/l in class Ⅰ group. The serum concentrations of leptin were significantly lower in CHF group, as compared with class Ⅰ group （P〈 0.05）. Moreover, the decrease of serum leptin concentration was significantly correlated with the decreased serum concentrations of total cholesterol, triglyceride, body mass index and left ventricular ejection fraction in CHF group, respectively （P 〈 0.05）. Conclusions The significance of the decrease in serum leptin in CHF patients needs further study.

Automated microfluidic chip system for radiosynthesis of PET imaging probes

Positron emission tomography(PET)is a powerful non-invasive molecular imaging technique for the early detection,characterization,and"real-time"monitoring of disease,and for investigating the efficacy of drugs(Phelps,2000;Ametamey et al.,2008).The development of molecular probes bearing shortlived positron-emitting radionuclides,such as 18F(half-life 110 min)or HC(half-life 20 min),is crucial for PET imaging to collect in vivo metabolic information in a time-efficient manner(Deng et al.,2019).

Managing spindle cell sarcoma with surgery and high-intensity focused ultrasound:A case report

BACKGROUND Undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcomas,also known as spindle cell sarcomas,are a relatively uncommon subtype of soft tissue sarcomas in clinical practice.CASE SUMMARY We present a case report of a 69-year-old female patient who was diagnosed with undifferentiated spindle cell soft tissue sarcoma on her left thigh.Surgical excision was initially performed,but the patient experienced a local recurrence following multiple surgeries and radioactive particle implantations.High-intensity focused ultrasound(HIFU)was subsequently administered,resulting in complete ablation of the sarcoma without any significant complications other than bone damage at the treated site.However,approximately four months later,the patient experienced a broken lesion at the original location.After further diagnostic workup,the patient underwent additional surgery and is currently stable with a good quality of life.CONCLUSION HIFU has shown positive outcomes in achieving local control of limb spindle cell sarcoma,making it an effective non-invasive treatment option.

Molecular, Functional, and Structural Imaging of Major Depressive Disorder

Major depressive disorder（MDD） is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide,correlating with genetic susceptibility and environmental risk factors.Molecular,functional,and structural imaging approaches have been increasingly used to detect neurobiological changes,analyze neurochemical correlates,and parse pathophysiological mechanisms underlying MDD.We reviewed recent neuroimaging publications on MDD in terms of molecular,functional,and structural alterations as detected mainly by magnetic resonance imaging（MRI） and positron emission tomography.Altered structure and function of brain regions involved in the cognitive control of affective state have been demonstrated.An abnormal default mode network,as revealed by resting-state functional MRI,is likely associated with aberrant metabolicand serotonergic function revealed by radionuclide imaging.Further multi-modal investigations are essential to clarify the characteristics of the cortical network and serotonergic system associated with behavioral and genetic variations in MDD.

Brain dopaminergic system changes in drug addiction:a review of positron emission tomography findings

Dopamine （DA） is considered crucial for the rewarding effects of drugs of abuse, but its role in addiction remains unclear. Positron emission tomography （PET） is the first technology used for in vivo measurement of components of the dopaminergic system in the human brain. In this article, we review the major findings from PET imaging studies on the involvement of DA in drug addiction, including presynaptic DA synthesis, vesicular monoamine transporter 2, the DA transporter, and postsynaptic DA receptors. These results have corroborated the role of DA in addiction and increased the understanding of its underlying mechanisms.

Small-animal PET demonstrates brain metabolic change after using bevacizumab in a rat model of cerebral ischemic injury

ABSTRACT To evaluate the effect of bevacizumab on cerebral ischemia, we used 2-deoxy-2-18F-fluoro-D-glucose （18F-FDG） small-animal positron emission tomography （PET） in the middle cerebral artery occlusion （MCAO） rat model. After baseline neurologic function tests and PET studies, MCAO Sprague-Dawley rats received bevacizumab or normal saline （controls）. Weekly PET imaging and neurologic function tests showed that the 18F-FDG accumulation in the bevacizumab group was similar to that in the controls during the first 2 weeks, but lower than in controls at weeks 3 and 4. However, no difference was found in neurological scores between the groups. The number of von Willebrand factor-positive cells in the bevacizumab group was lower than that in controls. The expression of vascular endothelial growth factor was higher than in controls at week 4. These results suggested that bevacizumab does not influence functional recovery in this model of cerebral ischemia during a 4-week period, but inhibits vascular formation and metabolic recovery, which may be considered in cancer patients with a recent ischemic stroke.

Composite B-cell and T-cell lymphomas:clinical,pathological,and molecular features of three cases and literature review

Composite lymphoma(CL)involving B-cell lymphoma and T-cell lymphoma is extremely rare.Herein,we report three such cases using immunohistochemistry,flow cytometry,and the next-generation sequencing(NGS)to identify the pathological and molecular characteristics of CL.In the first case,the patient was admitted to hospital for generalized pruritic maculopapular rash over the whole body.An excisional biopsy of the skin lesions showed T-cell lymphoma.At the same time,the staging bone marrow(BM)biopsy revealed a diffuse large B-cell lymphoma(DLBCL).After R-CHOP(rituximab,cyclophosphamide,doxorubicin,vincristine,and prednisone)therapies,the patient produced a good response with substantial dissipation of the rashes and relief of skin.The other two patients were admitted to hospital due to lymphadenopathy and were diagnosed with DLBCL and follicular lymphoma(FL)after core needle biopsy of lymph nodes,BM biopsy,BM aspiration,and flow cytometry.Following R-CHOP and R-COP(rituximab,cyclophosphamide,vincristine,and prednisone)therapies,they achieved complete remission unconfirmed(CRu)and complete remission(CR).However,one or two years later,they suffered a relapse of lymphadenopathy.The shocking fact was that re-biopsy of lymphadenopathy revealed peripheral T-cell lymphoma(PTCL)and angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma(AITL).NGS findings identified DNA methyltransferase 3a(DNMT3a),isocitrate dehydrogenase 2(IDH2),Ras homolog gene family,member A(RHOA),splicing factor 3B subunit 1(SF3B1),and tumor protein p53(TP53)mutations.After immunochemotherapy,these patients achieved CRu and CR again.Nevertheless,they suffered a second relapse of T-cell lymphoma.Finally,they died due to progression of disease.We found that the occurrence of CL is associated with Epstein-Barr virus infection and DNMT3a,IDH2,and TP53 mutations,and the prognosis of the disease is closely related to the T-cell lymphoma components.