Predictive models for lymph node metastasis in endometrial cancer: A systematic review and bibliometric analysis.

BACKGROUND: Lymph node metastasis is associated with a poorer prognosis in endometrial cancer. OBJECTIVE: The objective was to synthesize and critically appraise existing predictive models for lymph node metastasis risk stratification in endometrial cancer. DESIGN: This study is a systematic review. DATA SOURCES AND METHODS: We searched the Web of Science for articles reporting models predicting lymph node metastasis in endometrial cancer, with a systematic review and bibliometric analysis conducted based upon which. Risk of bias was assessed by the Prediction model Risk Of BiAS assessment Tool (PROBAST). RESULTS: A total of 64 articles were included in the systematic review, published between 2010 and 2023. The most common articles were "development only." Traditional clinicopathological parameters remained the mainstream in models, for example, serum tumor marker, myometrial invasion and tumor grade. Also, models based upon gene-signatures, radiomics and digital histopathological images exhibited an acceptable self-reported performance. The most frequently validated models were the Mayo criteria, which reached a negative predictive value of 97.1%-98.2%. Substantial variability and inconsistency were observed through PROBAST, indicating significant between-study heterogeneity. A further bibliometric analysis revealed a relatively weak link between authors and organizations on models predicting lymph node metastasis in endometrial cancer. CONCLUSION: A number of predictive models for lymph node metastasis in endometrial cancer have been developed. Although some exhibited promising performance as they demonstrated adequate to good discrimination, few models can currently be recommended for clinical practice due to lack of independent validation, high risk of bias and low consistency in measured predictors. Collaborations between authors, organizations and countries were weak. Model updating, external validation and collaborative research are urgently needed. REGISTRATION: None.

Introduction to predictive models for lymph node metastasis in endometrial cancerLymph node metastasis of endometrial cancer is associated with a poor prognosis. There are currently many predictive models. We summarized and evaluated them in this article.

Iliopsoas fibrosis after revision of total hip arthroplasty revealed by 68Ga-FAPI PET/CT: a case report.

Background: Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is a well-established surgical procedure that has been extensively validated to alleviate pain, enhance joint function, improve the ability to perform daily activities, and enhance overall quality of life. However, this procedure is associated with certain complications, among which skeletal muscle fibrosis is a frequently overlooked but significant complication that can lead to persistent pain. Currently, there is no effective method for diagnosing skeletal muscle fibrosis following total hip arthroplasty. Case report: We report a 75-year-old male patient who complained of left groin pain after revision total hip arthroplasty. Serological examinations, X-rays, and bone scan results were all normal. However, during the 68Ga-FAPI PET/CT examination, we observed significant radiotracer uptake along the iliopsoas muscle. This abnormal uptake pattern suggested potential biological activity in this specific area. Combined with physical examination, the patient was diagnosed with iliopsoas fibrosis. Conclusions: The presented images indicated that the uptake pattern was an important indicator for diagnosis, and the prospect of fibroblast activation protein in the diagnosis of skeletal muscle fibrosis has shown certain application value.

Influence of Galvanic Interaction between the Iron Grinding Medium and Chalcopyrite on Collectorless Flotation Behavior of Chalcopyrite: Experimental and Density Functional Theory Study.

The eco-friendly flotation process for chalcopyrite is economically significant and promotes sustainable development in mining. Collectorless flotation is a green and clean method for chalcopyrite utilization, but galvanic interactions during the grinding process can affect the surface structure, chemical composition, and electrochemical properties, impacting collectorless flotation recovery. This article uses a self-made device and flotation experiments to study galvanic interactions and their effects on surface oxidation and collectorless flotation behavior under different grinding conditions (including mineral particle size, slurry water content, pressure, and galvanic interaction time). The impact of galvanic interaction on the surface chemical composition and electrochemical properties of chalcopyrite is studied using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and electrochemical tests. Additionally, the effect of the galvanic interaction on the surface structure is analyzed with density functional theory. XPS and HPLC results show that iron grinding media contact with chalcopyrite, reducing elemental sulfur content of the chalcopyrite surface, improving hydrophilicity, and decreasing chalcopyrite collectorless flotation recovery. Grinding conditions, such as mineral particle size, slurry water content, and galvanic interaction time, significantly impact collectorless flotation and can be regulated to optimize results.

Comparison of 18F-FDG PET/CT and 68Ga-FAPI in Spindle Cell Rhabdomyosarcoma.

We report a rare case of spindle cell rhabdomyosarcoma. Sarcomas generally exhibit an abnormal increased FDG uptake on 18F-FDG PET/CT imaging, while spindle cell rhabdosarcomas exhibits a significantly increased lesion uptake on 68Ga FAPI PET/CT imaging compared to 18F-FDG. This case suggests that 68Ga-FAPI PET/CT has potential value in evaluating spindle cell rhabdomyosarcoma.

Isolation, characterization and application of the epoxiconazole-degrading strain Pseudomonas sp. F1 in a soil-vegetable system.

Epoxiconazole (EPX) has a long half-life in soil and causes various toxicological effects in both the ecosystem and mammals. In this study, eight strains of bacteria capable of degrading EPX were isolated from pesticide-contaminated soil, with strain F1 showing the best effect. This strain was identified as Pseudomonas sp. by 16S rRNA gene sequencing and physiological-biochemical analyses. Our results indicated that strain F1 has a high capacity to degrade EPX, removing 92.1% of EPX within 6 days. The temperature and pH were the two most important environmental factors affecting EPX degradation, followed by substrate concentration and inoculum dose. In addition, strain F1 has a high capacity to promote EPX degradation in soils, with a lower t1/2 value (2.64 d) in F1-inoculated soil compared to the control (t1/2 = 96.3 d) without strain F1. The strain could efficiently colonize rhizosphere soil and enhance degradation of EPX, leading to a significant decrease in the accumulation and translocation of EPX in vegetables, thereby alleviating the effects of EPX-induced stress on plants. Moreover, we observed that strain F1-gfp was able to colonize the roots, stems and leaves of Brassica rapa var. chinensis. Such colonization may play a role in the efficient degradation of EPX within plants. To our knowledge, this is the first study to demonstrate biodegradation of EPX in a soil-vegetable system using an EPX-degrading bacterium. This study indicates that strain F1 is a promising candidate for simultaneous bioremediation of soil contaminated with EPX and safe food production.

Correlation Between 18F-FDG PET/CT Findings and BI-RADS Assessment Using Ultrasound in the Evaluation of Breast Lesions: A Multicenter Study.

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: To analyze the correlation between ultrasound breast imaging reporting and data system (BI-RADS) category and fluorodeoxyglucose [18F] (18F-FDG) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) findings and their value in breast lesion diagnosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cases involving hypermetabolic lesions identified by 18F-FDG PET/CT and ultrasound were retrospectively analyzed. The correlation between the maximum standardized uptake values (SUVmax) of the lesions and the BI-RADS grades was calculated. Histologic diagnosis or evidence at the end of a 2-year follow-up as the standard of truth were analyzed to determine the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive values (PPV), and negative predictive values (NPV) of the diagnostic methods. Area under the curve (AUC) of BI-RADS, SUVmax, and BI-RADS/SUVmax combined were obtained using receiver-operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis. RESULTS: Of 206 cases, 92 were benign and 114 were malignant. The difference between the SUVmax and the BI-RADS grades was statistically significant (p < 0.001). The critical value of the optimal SUVmax was 2.325, and the accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV were 84.5%, 91.2%, 76.1%, 82.5%, and 87.5%, respectively. For diagnosis using BI-RADS, these values were 85.9%, 98.2%, 70.7%, 80.6%, and 97.0%, respectively. ROC analysis of 206 breast lesions for distinguishing benign from malignant lesions yielded AUCs of 0.948, 0.896, and 0.977 for BI-RADS, SUVmax, and BI-RADS/SUVmax combined, respectively. The critical value of the optimal SUVmax in grade 3 and 4 lesions (as determined using BI-RADS) was 2.705, and the accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV were 82.6%, 77.8%, 85.7%, 77.8%, and 85.7%, respectively. For diagnosis using BI-RADS in cases with grade 3 and 4 lesions, these values were 68.5%, 94.4%, 51.8%, 55.7%, and 93.5%, respectively. In ROC analysis for distinguishing benign from malignant for BI-RADS grade 3-4 lesions, the AUC of BI-RADS, SUVmax, and BI-RADS/SUVmax combined were 0.731, 0.859, and 0.882, respectively. CONCLUSION: Both 18F-FDG PET/CT and ultrasound-dependent BI-RADS grading are effective for diagnosing breast lesions. However, in cases of BI-RADS grades 3 and 4, 18F-FDG PET/CT has better specificity and may be useful for further differential diagnosis.

CD49fhigh Defines a Distinct Skin Mesenchymal Stem Cell Population Capable of Hair Follicle Epithelial Cell Maintenance.

The dermis harbors distinct mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) populations, which play equally important roles as epidermal stem cells in skin homeostasis and regeneration. However, to reliably identify and directly isolate the in vivo counterpart of these cells is still challenging. Using the epidermal stem cell marker CD49f, we defined a CD49fhigh distinct mesenchymal subpopulation in the dermis. In vitro and in vivo differentiation assays, and transcriptome analysis demonstrated that CD49fhigh cells possess neural crest-like cell characteristics. Our results showed that the formation of hair follicle-like budding structure and the expressions of key genes regulating hair follicle development were induced when hair follicle epithelial cells were co-cultured with CD49fhigh cells. We also found that CD49fhigh cells activated Notch signaling in co-cultured hair follicle epithelial cells, whereas the inhibition of Notch signaling resulted in epidermal cyst-like spheres and loss of maintenance of hair follicle epithelial cell characteristics. Furthermore, we identified Itga7 and CD49f as an efficient biomarker panel for direct selection of CD49fhigh skin MSCs. Our results lead to a deeper understanding of heterogeneity and the function of MSCs in the skin and may facilitate potential translational applications of these cells.

Tomato Stress-Associated Protein 4 Contributes Positively to Immunity Against Necrotrophic Fungus Botrytis cinerea.

Stress-associated proteins (SAPs) are A20 and AN1 domain-containing proteins, some of which play important roles in plant stress signaling. Here, we report the involvement of tomato SlSAP family in immunity. SlSAPs responded with different expression patterns to Botrytis cinerea and defense signaling hormones. Virus-induced gene silencing of each of the SlSAP genes and disease assays revealed that SlSAP4 and SlSAP10 play roles in immunity against B. cinerea. Silencing of SlSAP4 resulted in attenuated immunity to B. cinerea, accompanying increased accumulation of reactive oxygen species and downregulated expression of jasmonate and ethylene (JA/ET) signaling-responsive defense genes. Transient expression of SlSAP4 in Nicotiana benthamiana led to enhanced resistance to B. cinerea. Exogenous application of methyl jasmonate partially restored the resistance of the SlSAP4-silenced plants against B. cinerea. SlSAP4 interacted with three of four SlRAD23 proteins. The A20 domain in SlSAP4 and the Ub-associated domains in SlRAD23d are critical for SlSAP4-SlRAD23d interaction. Silencing of SlRAD23d led to decreased resistance to B. cinerea, but silencing of each of other SlRAD23s did not affect immunity against B. cinerea. Furthermore, silencing of SlSAP4 and each of the SlRAD23s did not affect immunity to Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato DC3000. These data suggest that SlSAP4 contributes positively to tomato immunity against B. cinereal through affecting JA/ET signaling and may be involved in the substrate ubiquitination process via interacting with SlRAD23d.

Worldwide research productivity in nuclear medicine literature.

AIM: This study aimed to assess the quantity and quality of papers published in subspecialty nuclear medicine journals and provide an overview of worldwide research activity carried out in the field of nuclear medicine. METHODS: Papers published in subspecialty nuclear medicine journals between 2008 and 2017 were retrieved from the Web of Science. The number of papers and citations were used to evaluate the quantity and quality of the articles. The correlation between the research productivity of different countries and their population size and gross domestic product (GDP) were analyzed. RESULTS: There were 12,861 articles published in these journals between 2008 and 2017. A rapidly increasing trend was observed in the number of articles published per year (p < 0.001). The United States published the largest proportion of papers (23.22 %) followed by Germany (9.94 %), Japan (9.46 %), Italy (6.53 %), and China (6.36 %). The United States had the highest number of total citations. The number of articles from different countries had a significant correlation with their population size and GDP (p < 0.01). Switzerland had the highest mean citations (23.66) followed by the Netherlands (23.54), and Germany (22.77). However, the Netherlands was first (42.43) followed by Denmark (32.89) and Switzerland (31.79) when adjustments for population size were made. When adjustments for GDP were made, the Netherlands was again the leader (82.91) followed by Denmark (69.49) and Greece (61.77). CONCLUSIONS: There has been a significant increase in nuclear medicine research over the last decade. The United States is the leader of worldwide research productivity. However, when population and GDP are taken into consideration, certain smaller countries in Europe exhibit performed better. ZIEL:: Ziel dieser Studie war es, die Quantität und Qualität von Publikationen, die in Fachzeitschriften für Nuklearmedizin veröffentlicht wurden, zu bewerten und einen Überblick über die weltweiten Forschungsaktivitäten auf dem Gebiet der Nuklearmedizin zu geben. METHODEN: In den Fachzeitschriften für Nuklearmedizin zwischen 2008 und 2017 erschienene Artikel wurden aus dem Web of Science abgerufen. Die Anzahl der Artikel und Zitate wurde verwendet, um die Menge und Qualität der Artikel zu bewerten. Die Korrelation zwischen der Forschungsproduktivität verschiedener Länder und ihrer Bevölkerungsgröße sowie dem Bruttoinlandsprodukt (BIP) wurde analysiert. ERGEBNISSE: Zwischen 2008 und 2017 wurden 12861 Artikel in diesen Zeitschriften veröffentlicht. Die Anzahl der jährlich veröffentlichten Artikel zeigte einen rasch ansteigenden Trend (p < 0,001). Die Vereinigten Staaten veröffentlichten den größten Anteil der Veröffentlichungen (23,22 %), gefolgt von Deutschland (9,94 %), Japan (9,46 %), Italien (6,53 %) und China (6,36 %). Die Vereinigten Staaten hatten die höchste Gesamtzahl von Zitaten. Die Anzahl der Artikel aus verschiedenen Ländern korrelierte signifikant mit ihrer Bevölkerungsgröße und dem BIP (p < 0,01). Die Schweiz hatte den höchsten Mittelwert für Zitierungen (23,66), gefolgt von den Niederlanden (23,54) und Deutschland (22,77). Angepasst auf die Bevölkerungszahl aber kamen zuerst die Niederlande (42,43), gefolgt von Dänemark (32,89) und der Schweiz (31,79). Nach Anpassungen für das BIP, waren die Niederlande erneut führend (82,91), gefolgt von Dänemark (69,49) und Griechenland (61,77). SCHLUSSFOLGERUNGEN: Die nuklearmedizinische Forschung hat in den vergangenen zehn Jahren erheblich zugenommen. Die Vereinigten Staaten sind der Führer der weltweiten Forschungsproduktivität. Wenn jedoch Bevölkerung und BIP berücksichtigt werden, schneiden bestimmte kleinere Länder in Europa besser ab.

Global scientific productivity in the field of PET: a 10-year survey of research activities.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to assess global research output in the field of PET and to provide a general picture of PET research. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Publications on PET from 2007 to 2016 were identified using the Web of Science. The total number of papers, the number of papers adjusted by gross domestic product (GDP)/population size, total citations, and average citations were investigated. RESULTS: A total of 40 670 papers were identified in the field of PET between 2007 and 2016. The number of papers published per year were significantly increased during this period (P=0.000). High-income countries published the maximum papers (89.95%), followed by middle-income countries (10.05%), whereas no papers were published by authors from low-income countries. The USA published the largest number of papers (11 936), followed by Japan (3667), Germany (3424), China (2508), and the UK (2424), and the USA had the highest total number of citations (361 498). The UK had the highest average citations (31.81). Positive correlations were found between the total number of papers and GDP (P=0.000, r=0.909)/population (P=0.000, r=0.772). When normalized by GDP, Denmark ranked the first (23.56), followed by The Netherlands (17.18) and Belgium (15.32). When adjusted for population, Denmark ranked the first (111.55), followed by The Netherlands (87.91) and Switzerland (86.93). CONCLUSION: Global scientific production represents a rapid increase in the PET field in recent years. The majority of PET papers are from high-income countries. The USA is the most prolific country, whereas some smaller European countries may be more prolific relative to their GDP/population.

CCR4-Not Complex Subunit Not2 Plays Critical Roles in Vegetative Growth, Conidiation and Virulence in Watermelon Fusarium Wilt Pathogen Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. niveum.

CCR4-Not complex is a multifunctional regulator that plays important roles in multiple cellular processes in eukaryotes. In the present study, the biological function of FonNot2, a core subunit of the CCR4-Not complex, was explored in Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. niveum (Fon), the causal agent of watermelon wilt disease. FonNot2 was expressed at higher levels in conidia and germinating conidia and during infection in Fon-inoculated watermelon roots than in mycelia. Targeted disruption of FonNot2 resulted in retarded vegetative growth, reduced conidia production, abnormal conidial morphology, and reduced virulence on watermelon. Scanning electron microscopy observation of infection behaviors and qRT-PCR analysis of in planta fungal growth revealed that the ΔFonNot2 mutant was defective in the ability to penetrate watermelon roots and showed reduced fungal biomass in root and stem of the inoculated plants. Phenotypic and biochemical analyses indicated that the ΔFonNot2 mutant displayed hypersensitivity to cell wall perturbing agents (e.g., Congo Red and Calcofluor White) and oxidative stress (e.g., H2O2 and paraquat), decreased fusaric acid content, and reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production during spore germination. Our data demonstrate that FonNot2 plays critical roles in regulating vegetable growth, conidiogenesis and conidia morphology, and virulence on watermelon via modulating cell wall integrity, oxidative stress response, ROS production and FA biosynthesis through the regulation of transcription of genes involved in multiple pathways.

[Effects of Aptamer-siRNA Nucleic Acid Compound on Growth and Apoptosis in Myeloid Leukemia Cell Line K562].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effects of aptamer-siRNA nucleic acid compound on growth and apoptosis in myeloid leukemia cell line K562. METHODS: the changes of cellular morphology and structure were observed by using fluorescence microscope, laser confocal microscope, JEM-4000EX transmission electron microscopy; MTT assay were performed to evaluate the sensibility of K562 cells to aptamer-siRNA compound, the apoptosis was detected by DNA gel electro-phoresis. RESULTS: The remarkably changes of morphology and structure of K562 cells treated with 200 µmol/L aptamer-siRNA were observed under fluorescence microscopy and electromicroscopy. As compared with control, the aptamer-siRNA compound showed more inhibitory effect on K562 cells and there was significant difference (P<0.05). The MTT assay showed that the IC50 value of aptamer-siRNA compound for K562 cells was 150 µmol/L. According to agarose gel electrophoresis observation, when the aptamer-siRNA compound showed effect on K562 cells, the typical DNA lader could be observed. CONCLUSION: The aptamer-siRNA compound can significantly induce K562 cell apoptosis, and provide reference for gene therapy of patients with chronic myelocytic lenkemia.

Standardized uptake value based evaluation of lymphoma by FDG and FLT PET/CT.

Although (18) F-FDG PET/CT imaging is the conventional method for evaluating lymphoma, PET/CT imaging with radiopharmaceuticals other than FDG is being investigated. We evaluated the utility of different standardized uptake value (SUV) measurements in (18) F-FLT PET/CT scans compared with PET/CT scans performed with FDG. Two scans, each using one of the radiopharmaceuticals, were performed on each of 114 patients with histologically proven lymphoma. Maximum and mean SUV (SUV(max)) and (SUV(mean)) of all visualized lesions, with backgrounds of mediastinal blood pool, liver, spleen and vertebra were calculated. The ratios of the SUVs of the lesions to those of each reference region were statistically analyzed. Using receiver operating characteristic curves, we analyzed the differences in uptake of the two agents in aggressive and indolent B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma. We found that the SUV(max) measurements of FDG were significantly different between aggressive and indolent B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma. The receiver operating characteristic curve of SUV(max) of tumour/liver for FDG studies resulted in the most area under the curve. The SUV(max) of the tumour/mediastinum ratio for FLT studies resulted in the most area under the curve (0.781). There was no significant correlation between FDG and FLT uptake in most types of lymphoma we studied. Further studies of the characteristics of (18) F-FLT should employ the tumour/mediastinum SUV(max) ratio for accurate uptake measurement.