Subcutaneous Veins Research Articles

Deep Learning-Based Forearm Subcutaneous Veins Segmentation

In most of the medical treatments, intravenous catheterization is considered as a first crucial phase, in which health practitioners find the superficial vein to conduct blood sampling or medication procedures. In some patients these veins are hard to localize due to different physiological characteristics such as dark skin tone, scars, vein depth etc., which mostly results in multiple attempts for needle insertion. This causes pain, delayed treatment, bleeding, and even infections. To reduce these risks, an automated veins detection method is needed that can efficiently segment the veins and produce realistic results for cannulation purposes. For this purpose, many imaging modalities such as Photoacoustic, Trans-illumination, ultrasound, Near-Infrared etc. are used. Among these modalities Near-Infrared (NIR) imaging modality is considered most suitable due to its lower cost and non-ionizing nature. Over the past few years, subcutaneous veins localization using NIR have attracted increasing attention in the field of health care and biomedical engineering. Therefore, the proposed research work is based on NIR images for forearm subcutaneous veins segmentation. This paper presents a deep learning-based approach called Generative Adversarial Networks (GAN) for segmentation/localization of forearm veins. GANs have shown exciting results in the medical imaging field recently. These are used for unsupervised feature learning and image-to-image translation applications. These networks generate realistic results by learning data mapping from one state to another. Since GANs can produce state of the art results, therefore we have proposed a Pix2Pix GAN for segmentation of forearm veins. The proposed algorithm is trained and tested on forearm subcutaneous veins image dataset. The proposed model outperforms traditional approaches with the mean accuracy and sensitivity, values obtained are 0.971 and 0.862 respectively. The dice coefficient and Intersection over Union (IoU) score are respectively 0.962 and 0.936 which are better than the state-of-the-art methods.

Anatomical variability of superficial veins of the lower limb in human fetuses

Background. Modern minimally invasive methods have radically changed the clinical landscape of varicose vein surgery and shortened recovery time after surgery. All these changes became possible thanks to the constant deepening of knowledge about the topographical and anatomical features of the great and small saphenous veins in different periods of human ontogenesis. Objective is to find out the topographical and anatomical relationships of the great and small saphenous veins in human fetuses of 4-8 months. Methods. The research was carried out on preparations of the lower extremities of 26 human fetuses of 81.0-310.0 mm parietal-coccygeal length (PCL) without external signs of anatomical deviations or anomalies in the development of bone, fascial-muscular, and vascular-nervous structures of the lower extremities using macromicroscopic preparation, injection of vessels and morphometry. Results. In human fetuses of 4-8 months, the great saphenous vein passes directly under the fascia of the lower leg, partly in the subcutaneous tissue, since the formation of the latter is continuing at this stage of ontogenesis. In the majority of the examined fetuses, a classical version of the topography of the great and small saphenous veins of the right and left lower limbs was observed. In some cases, variability in the number of inflows of superficial veins, additional saphenous veins, and various anastomoses between additional and great and small saphenous veins was revealed. The most interesting, from our point of view, were the anatomical variants of the superficial veins of the lower limb in fetuses of 180.0, 195.0, 220.0, and 265.0 mm PCL. Conclusions. In the fetal stage of human ontogenesis, the anatomical variability of the superficial veins of the lower limbs was established, which is characterized by the variability of the shape, topography, and bilateral asymmetry of the inflows of the great and small saphenous veins and the formation of venous anastomoses. In one case, a left anterior additional saphenous vein was detected, and in two fetuses, a left posterior additional saphenous vein was detected. The coincidence of the topography of the subcutaneous veins of the right and left lower extremities was noted in 87.5% of the fetuses. Significant gender differences in the topography of the large and small subcutaneous veins in human fetuses were not found. The revealed variants of the fetal topography of the great and small saphenous veins are important for the correct interpretation of phlebographic research data and the individual strategy of the most rational method of surgical intervention.

The current status of the etiopathogenesis of chronic venous insufficiency and the formation of trophic ulcer

Introduction. In the review of literature based on clinical and experimental researches of various authors, a modern view on etiopathogenesis of chronic venous insufficiency and the principles of formation of trophic ulcers is highlighted. Aim. In order to improve the results of treatment of patients with chronic venous insufficiency in the stage of decompensation, evaluate the current state of the etiopathogenesis of the formation of chronic venous insufficiency and trophic ulcers. Results. The main causes of the occurrence of trophic ulcers are the violation of venous blood circulation, which occurs in varicose veins and post-thrombophlebitic syndrome. As a result of valvular insufficiency of subcutaneous, penetrating and deep veins, blood outflow from the extremities is disturbed, chronic venous hypertension is formed, which initiates the next chain of pathological reactions, leading to trophic changes and ulcers. One of the most frequent causes of the development of valvular insufficiency of the veins of the lower extremities is post-thrombophlebitic syndrome. On the basis of morphological studies, it was established that under the influence of venous hypertension, the architecture of the capillary network undergoes significant changes. The number of capillaries increases, the capillaries become tortuous, resembling kidney glomeruli. These changes, as a rule, are most pronounced in the area of the ankle-foot joint. Under the influence of venous hypertension, the venous bed is overloaded, the venules gradually lengthen, which leads to the appearance of telangiectasias. The role of ischemia is confirmed by a significant decrease in the partial pressure of oxygen in the area of venous ulcers and in the tissues adjacent to them. In addition, the absorption of oxygen from the blood is reduced in the area of venous ulcers. Conclusions. The development of CVI follows the following simplified scheme: the development and progression of venous hypertension with subsequent imbalance of the microcirculatory signaling pathway (MFRS and MDS systems), activation of macrophages and endothelial cells, imbalance between MMP/TIMMP, which leads to pathological remodeling of the vein wall and surrounding tissues with the formation venous ulcers.

Vascular Invasion of Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma into Neck Veins and Superior Vena Cava: A Case Report

Papillary thyroid cancer is the most common thyroid malignancy in women which spreads through lymphatic. Even though microscopic vascular invasion has been published in the recent past, direct venous extension is rare. This case report is about a rare presentation of a Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC) proven papillary thyroid carcinoma in a 45-year-old female patient, who presented with a swelling in the neck. The Contrast Enhanced Computed Tomography (CECT) of the neck showed multiple nodular lesions of both lobes of thyroid extending to the retrosternal region and direct tumour thrombus extension to thyroid veins, External Jugular Vein (EJV), Superior Vena Cava (SVC) and subcutaneous veins of neck with lung metastases.

Global impact and contributing factors in varicose vein disease development.

Varicose veins are convoluted, expanded, and stretched subcutaneous veins of the lower leg and are the most frequently reported medical condition. This condition has a higher prevalence in Western and developed countries. Inadequacy of the valves results in reflux of blood in the veins of the lower leg. The present study aims to describe the epidemiology and contributing factors (risk factors and pathological factors) in the development of varicose veins disease. PubMed/Medline, Science Direct, Google Scholar, SciFinder, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were explored to include potential research and review articles. Finally, 65 articles were considered appropriate to include in the study. Pain, swelling, heaviness, and tingling of the lower limbs are the most common sign and symptoms caused by varicose veins while in some individuals it is asymptomatic. The Prevalence of varicose veins varies geographically. Currently, it is reported that globally about 2%–73% of the population is affected by varicose veins while the prevalence rate in Pakistan is 16%–20%. Different risk factors associated with the advancement of varicose veins are age, gender, occupation, pregnancy, family history, smoking, BMI and obesity, exercise, genetic factor, and current lifestyle. In varicose veins, some contributory elements may also play an important role in the disease development, incorporating constant venous wall aggravation, hereditary variation, and persistent venous hypertension. This condition has now turned into a curable issue that was previously viewed broadly as less important for treatment, determining the individual’s satisfaction. Moreover, the mechanisms behind the risk factors involve diet, physical work, and hormonal contribution. These are more likely to be explored.

Integrated indices as a criterion for evaluation of the level of endogenous intoxication for leptospirosis in dogs

One of the most important directions in the development of modern veterinary medicine is the improvement and implementation of modern methods of diagnosis and prognosis of diseases based on determining the degree of dysfunction and the possibility of correcting the protective functions of the body. for most veterinary clinics, the study of the immunological status of animals is not available, and clinical blood tests make it possible to determine the assessment of the functional state of the immune system by integrated hematological parameters. In the article on the basis of blood formulas that reflect the state of neurohumoral homeostasis and immunological reactivity of the organism, for the first time investigated and established violations of humoral and cellular immune systems, micro- and macrophage systems, reduced nonspecific protection and found relationships between immunity in 23 dogs with leptospirosis, which calculated 19 markers of inflammatory activity, endogenous intoxication, adaptation, nonspecific and immune reactivity. The study was conducted in veterinary clinics in zhytomyr and kyiv, blood for the study was taken from the superficial vein of the forearm v. anterbrachium, medial subcutaneous vein or subcutaneous tibial vein v. saphena. Diagnostic studies to confirm leptospirosis were performed using rapid tests Combo Test IgG Ab/IgM Ab, vetlaboratories and elisa on the basis of a private veterinary laboratory of Llc “Bald” in Kiev. The interpretation of integrated leukocyte blood parameters revealed the development of autoimmune processes with suppression of cellular immunity and the development of endogenous intoxication, which indicates an increase in total (P < 0.01), leukocyte (P < 0.05) and nuclear index (P< 0.001). Suppression of the immune response and increased hypersensitivity of the immediate type based on a decrease in non-specific reactivity by P < 0.001 and inflammation index by P < 0.05. It is proved that integrated hematological parameters of peripheral blood increase the informativeness of the general analysis of blood in dogs with infectious diseases and allow to determine not only the degree of reactivity of the organism, but also to assess the level of endogenous intoxication.

Ultrasound findings in subcutaneous plantar vein thrombosis: retrospective analysis of seven patients.

Several disorders may result in forefoot pain. An uncommon cause of forefoot pain is subcutaneous plantar veins thrombosis (SCPVT) involving veins superficial to the plantar fascia. To describe the ultrasound (US) appearance of SCPVT, which has been described only once in the radiological literature. We performed a retrospective search of our PACS system from 2016 to 2020 to collect all cases of US-diagnosed SCPVT. We collected data on seven patients. Two radiologists analyzed the US images retrieved. All US examinations were performed with a multifrequency linear probe (frequencies in the range of 5-17 MHz). A localized plantar nodule was palpable in 86% of patients. The subcutaneous thrombosed vein appeared in all patients as a round or ovoid nodule located in the subcutaneous tissues that corresponded in four patients (4/5, 80%) to the painful palpable nodule. The size was in the range of 4-7 mm (mean = 5.4 mm). The thrombosed vein presented a connection with adjacent patent veins, appeared enlarged, and almost filled with hypo-isoechoic material, and in two patients (2/7, 29%), a thin peripheral fluid component surrounding the thrombus was detectable. Continuous scanning demonstrated slow blood movements inside the peripheral component due to blood circulation. Failure to compress the lumen of the thrombosed vein during the real-time US was evident in all patients. SCPVT is a rare or underreported condition. Sonologists must know the US appearance of SCPVT to exclude other conditions and avoid unnecessary invasive studies.

Morphological indicators of blood in cats with panleucopenia

Ukraine is one of the world leaders in the number of cats among the country's population, and one of the most common diseases is panleukopenia caused by a virus of the Parvoviridae family, which is extremely common among viral diseases and causes significant moral damage to owner animals. Therefore, given the relevance of this issue, the result of our study is to clarify, supplement and summarize the data on hematological and biochemical parameters of blood and erythrocytopoiesis in panleukopenia of cats. The development and improvement of modern methods of immunoprophylaxis and treatment can significantly reduce morbidity and mortality. The study was performed in veterinary clinics of Zhytomyr and Kyiv, blood for the study was taken from the superficial vein of the forearm Anterbrachium, medial subcutaneous vein or subcutaneous tibial vein Saphena. Diagnostic tests to confirm feline parvovirus were performed using rapid tests VetExpert and ELISA and PCR for the presence of parvovirus antigen in private veterinary laboratories “BioSoft” and LLC “Bald” in Kiev. The complex studies carried out indicated that in cats (n = 24) with panleukopenia, changes in the morphological and biochemical composition of the blood are characteristic. A deviation from physiological limits was found, which mainly characterize the functional state of the liver, namely, an increase in the content of total bilirubin (P ≤ 0.01) and total protein (P ≤ 0.01), the development of pancreatitis – taking into account an increase in glucose concentration (P ≤ 0.05) and α-amylase hyperenzymemia (P ≤ 0.001), kidney damage as indicated by an increase in creatinine concentration (P ≤ 0.001) and urea level (P ≤ 0.01). In the course of the research, a slight decrease in indicators of the main erythrocyte indices was established, namely, a decrease in MCHC (P ≤ 0.05), which indicates the development of anemia. As a result of an experimental study of the morphological parameters of blood, a complex pathogenesis of the disease with panleukopenia with multiple organ failure and the development of pathological immunosuppression and hepato-pancreatic-renal syndrome was established.

Biochemical status of blood of dogs with atopic dermatitis in the conditions of private veterinary clinic “Alfa vet” m. Konotop

Metabolic changes in the body of dogs with atopic dermatitis and the causes of its occurrence still remain poorly understood. This study confirms the need for biochemical blood tests for the differential diagnosis of skin diseases in animals.
 The aim of the research. To identify metabolic changes in dogs with atopic dermatitis.
 Methods. Serum samples from five ill animals and five intact animals were tested. The diagnosis of the nosological form of skin lesions was established based on the results of anamnesis and clinical manifestations of the disease. Additionally, biochemical studies of the serum of sick animals were performed. Blood of dogs (n=5) was taken from the anterior subcutaneous vein of the forearm or the lateral subcutaneous vein of the tibia into blood tubes.
 Results. In the study of mineral metabolism, it was found that the concentration of inorganic phosphorus in the serum of sick animals is reduced by only 0.01 mmol/l, but the concentration of total calcium by 10.0 %. The concentration of cholesterol increases 1.3 times and exceeds the reference values by 0.16 mmol/l. In the blood of sick animals, the activity of alanine aminotransferase is significantly reduced by 21.0 % and aspartate aminotransferase – by 20.0 % compared to intact animals. The enzyme gamma-glutamyltransferase probably increases by 1.51 times (P<0.05) in sick dogs, but does not exceed the reference values.
 Conclusions. It was found that in atopic dermatitis in the serum of dogs decreases the activity of alanine aminotransferase by 21.0 % and aspartate aminotransferase – by 20.0 %, while the activity of gamma-glutamyltransferase increases 1.51 times. The results show the toxic effect of an allergic agent on animals, especially on the liver, which confirms the previous diagnosis – atopic dermatitis.

Anatomic-hemodynamical types of recurrence of the lower extremities varicose disease

Objective. To improve the results of treatment in patients with postoperative recurrence of varicose disease of the lower extremities with the help of studying of peculiarities of disorders in regional venous hemodynamics and determination of anatomic-hemodynamic types of the disease.
 Materials and methods. There were examined 85 patients with postoperative recurrence of varicose disease of the lower extremities. Ultrasonic duplex scanning of veins was performed on apparatus «EnVisor», manufactured by «Philips» (Holland) using a multifrequency linear sensor with the 12 - 5 MHz frequency for subcutaneous veins and a convex sensor with the 5 - 2 MHz frequency - for deep veins.
 Results. There were delineated 8 anatomic-hemodynamical types of recurrences of varicose disease of the lower extremities. The investigation conducted have permitted to systematize the causes and signs of the disease. Objective criteria for prognostication of the varicose disease of the lower extremities recurrence may be applied for optimization of volume of primary surgical intervention and prophylaxis of its complications.
 Conclusion. The main causes of the recurrence development in varicose disease of the lower extremities are tactical and technical mistakes of surgeons during performance of primary surgical interventions in patients, suffering varicose disease of the lower extremities. Studying of peculiarities in development of recurrence of varicose disease of the lower extremities permits to elaborate the practical anatomic-hemodynamical classification, which systematizes the main causes of the varicose disease recurrence and constitutes the base for the reoperations tactics elaboration.

Sun Sign in the Ultrasound Diagnosis and Activity Assessment of Morphea

Morphea, a localized form of scleroderma, is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease of the skin. Color Doppler Ultrasound has been reported as a reliable tool to assess the activity of the disease. With histologically confirmed cases, this case series describes a new ultrasound sign consisting of a hyperechoic halo surrounding superficial subcutaneous veins of the extremities in transverse view, named the sun sign. This sign can help diagnose morphea in the inflammatory phase and correlate in pathology with perivascular infiltrates surrounding superficial subcutaneous veins.

Decreased Expression of LAMB3 Is Associated with Esophageal Cancer Stem Cell Formation.

Purpose: Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is a highly aggressive cancer. The main cause of death in ESCC is related to relapse, metastasis, and resistance to cancer therapy. Recent studies have shown that a minor subset of cancer cells, known as cancer stem cells (CSCs), are responsible for tumor formation initiation and cancer progression. Understanding the genes associated with CSCs and metastasis can help in targeted cancer therapy. The aim of this study was to assess the expression of LAMB3 and TOP2A metastasis-associated genes in CSCs and adherent cells in the xenograft mouse model. Methods: Esophageal CSCs were enriched by the sphere formation method. The expression level of LAMB3 and TOP2A genes were evaluated in spheres and adherent cells in vitro by qRT-PCR. A xenograft mouse model was established to investigate the tumorigenesis and metastasis potential by subcutaneous and tail vein injection of CSCs and adherent YM-1 cells. Consequently, LAMB3 and TOP2A expression at the mRNA level was assessed in tumors. Immunohistochemistry was also used to evaluate the LAMB3 expression at the protein level in tumors. Results: CSCs-derived tumor was developed more quickly than the adherent cells-derived tumor. LAMB3 at mRNA and protein level was significantly down-regulated in sphere-derived tumor compared with adherent cells-derived tumor (P value <0.05). TOP2A expression was almost similar in both sphere cells and adherent cells and there was no significant difference. Conclusion: we concluded that YM-1 spheres have CSCs characteristics in vitro with high capability of tumorigenicity in vivo. Our results were also shown that the LAMB3 expression was decreased in YM-1 spheres suggesting LAMB3 association with sphere formation.

MP40-17 INGUINAL LYMPHADENECTOMY USING A FASCIAL SPARING TECHNIQUE IN THE MANAGEMENT OF PENILE CANCER – TECHNIQUE AND OUTCOMES FROM A SINGLE CENTRE

You have accessJournal of UrologyPenile & Testicular Cancer I (MP40)1 Sep 2021MP40-17 INGUINAL LYMPHADENECTOMY USING A FASCIAL SPARING TECHNIQUE IN THE MANAGEMENT OF PENILE CANCER – TECHNIQUE AND OUTCOMES FROM A SINGLE CENTRE Nicolo' Schifano, Fabio Castiglione, Matthew Rewhorn, Axel Cayetano-Alcaraz, Paul Hadway, Raj Nigam, Rowland Rees, Hussain M. Alnajjar, and Asif Muneer Nicolo' SchifanoNicolo' Schifano More articles by this author , Fabio CastiglioneFabio Castiglione More articles by this author , Matthew RewhornMatthew Rewhorn More articles by this author , Axel Cayetano-AlcarazAxel Cayetano-Alcaraz More articles by this author , Paul HadwayPaul Hadway More articles by this author , Raj NigamRaj Nigam More articles by this author , Rowland ReesRowland Rees More articles by this author , Hussain M. AlnajjarHussain M. Alnajjar More articles by this author , and Asif MuneerAsif Muneer More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1097/JU.0000000000002055.17AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookLinked InTwitterEmail Abstract INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Radical inguinal lymphadenectomy is performed for penile cancer patients who have pN+ disease in the inguinal lymph nodes. In order to reduce the morbidity, modified approaches have been described to reduce the size of the incision or reduce the number of lymph nodes removed. We describe the technique and report the oncological outcomes and complication rates of a fascial sparing inguinal lymphadenectomy technique. METHODS: Over a 10 year period, 294 fascial sparing inguinal lymphadenectomy procedures were performed in 173 patients. The technique used a subinguinal incision with an ellipse of skin excised over any palpable nodes. Identification and preservation of the Scarpa’s and Camper’s fascia was the first fascial preservation. All superficial inguinal nodes were removed en bloc under this fascial layer whilst preserving the subcutaneous veins and fascia lata. The saphenous vein was spared where possible as part of the standard technique. Kaplan-Meier curves estimated the survival functions after the procedure. Postoperative morbidity was also retrospectively analysed. RESULTS: Median (interquartile range, IQR) follow-up was 28 (14-90) months. A median (IQR) number of 9 (6-12) nodes were removed per groin. The 3-year cancer-specific survival rate was 84% for pN1, and 56% for pN2-3 disease (p<0.001) compared to 91% for pN0 cases (Figure 1). A total of 105 postoperative complications (35.7%) occurred, including 46 conservatively-managed wound infections (15.6%), 13 cases of deep wound dehiscence (4.4%), 41 cases of lymphoedema (13.9%), 3 cases of deep vein thrombosis (1.0%), 1 case of pulmonary embolism (0.3%), and 1 case of postoperative sepsis (0.3%). CONCLUSIONS: Fascial sparing inguinal dissection offers excellent oncological outcomes whilst decreasing the morbidity rates. Patients with more advanced nodal-involvement had poorer survival rates, emphasizing the need to evaluate the possible role of adjuvant chemo-radiotherapy protocols in these settings. Source of Funding: This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors © 2021 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 206Issue Supplement 3September 2021Page: e721-e721 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2021 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information Nicolo' Schifano More articles by this author Fabio Castiglione More articles by this author Matthew Rewhorn More articles by this author Axel Cayetano-Alcaraz More articles by this author Paul Hadway More articles by this author Raj Nigam More articles by this author Rowland Rees More articles by this author Hussain M. Alnajjar More articles by this author Asif Muneer More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement Loading ...

Postmortem Findings in Two Cases of Chronic Methamphetamine Abuse

We present two cases of death associated with chronic methamphetamine abuse. Several findings were observed in chronic methamphetamine abuse; pathologic changes in the heart and coronary artery, pulmonary embolism by foreign materials (drug materials), small scars on the subcutaneous vein on the arms with skin infection and sepsis, and so on. These complications can be fatal pathological findings that explain sudden death. The toxicological test results should be carefully interpreted; the presence of methamphetamine in the toxicological results should not automatically be interpreted as acute intoxication. A meticulous postmortem examination with review of the scene, circumstances and past history is crucial in identifying these findings and interpreting them appropriately.

Circular RNA circRNF13 inhibits proliferation and metastasis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma via SUMO2

BackgroundCircular RNAs (circRNAs) are widely expressed in human cells and are closely associated with cancer development. However, they have rarely been investigated in the context of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC).MethodsWe screened a new circRNA, circRNF13, in NPC cells using next-generation sequencing of mRNA. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and RNA fluorescence in situ hybridization were used to detect circRNF13 expression in 12 non-tumor nasopharyngeal epithelial (NPE) tissues and 36 NPC samples. Cell proliferation was detected using MTT and flow cytometry assays, and colony formation capability was detected using colony formation assays. Cell migration and invasion were analyzed using wound-healing and Transwell assays, respectively. Cell glycolysis was analyzed using the Seahorse glycolytic stress test. Glucose transporter type 1 (GLUT1) ubiquitination and SUMOylation modifications were analyzed using co-immunoprecipitation and western blotting. CircRNF13 and Small Ubiquitin-like Modifier 2 (SUMO2) interactions were analyzed using RNA pull-down and luciferase reporter assays. Finally, to test whether circRNF13 inhibited NPC proliferation and metastasis in vivo, we used a xenograft nude mouse model generated by means of subcutaneous or tail vein injection.ResultsWe found that circRNF13 was stably expressed at low levels in NPC clinical tissues and NPC cells. In vitro and in vivo experiments showed that circRNF13 inhibited NPC proliferation and metastasis. Moreover, circRNF13 activated the SUMO2 protein by binding to the 3′- Untranslated Region (3′-UTR) of the SUMO2 gene and prolonging the half-life of SUMO2 mRNA. Upregulation of SUMO2 promotes GLUT1 degradation through SUMOylation and ubiquitination of GLUT1, which regulates the AMPK-mTOR pathway by inhibiting glycolysis, ultimately resulting in the proliferation and metastasis of NPC.ConclusionsOur results revealed that a novel circRNF13 plays an important role in the development of NPC through the circRNF13-SUMO2-GLUT1 axis. This study implies that circRNF13 mediates glycolysis in NPC by binding to SUMO2 and provides an important theoretical basis for further elucidating the pathogenesis of NPC and targeted therapy.

Abstract 3005: Establishment and characterization of a series of lymphoma PDX models representing varied clinical behaviors and treatment responses

Abstract Background: Lymphomas are comprised of a heterogeneous group of hematologic malignancies based on different origins with diverse patterns of clinical behavior and treatment response. Pathologically, lymphomas are divided into two main subtypes, Hodgkin (HL) and non-Hodgkin (NHL), which account for around 10% and 90% of cases, respectively. NHL is further divided into B cell, T cell and natural killer (NK) cell subtypes. Besides histopathology, cancer is increasingly recognized as a genetic disease with specific molecular alterations, such as ALK translocation in anaplastic large cell lymphoma, MYC/BCL2/BCL6 translocation in B cell lymphoma (often referred to as ‘double-hit' or ‘triple-hit') and other specific mutations or overexpression. Current clinical therapeutic options for lymphoma therefore need to consider not only the histological type, clinical aggressiveness and cancer stage, but also the molecular markers, cytokine signaling, epigenetic aberrations and lymphoma microenvironment. Preclinical modeling with diverse types of lymphomas and deep characterization are important for the drug discovery of new lymphoma treatments. Methods: We have established and characterized a number of different subtypes of lymphoma patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models including both mature T/NK cell neoplasms and B cell neoplasms. Immunodeficient mice were used for establishment of these lymphoma PDX models with subcutaneous or tail vein engraftment. Model classification and characterization were determined by histopathology and IHC, as well as genomic profiling by next-generation sequencing (NGS) and response to chemo- or targeted therapies. Results: We have developed and characterized a large panel of lymphoma PDX models with various subtypes, including mantle cell lymphoma, angioimmunoblastic T cell lymphoma, ALK negative anaplastic large cell lymphoma, adult T cell leukemia/lymphoma, peripheral T cell lymphoma, extranodal NK/T cell lymphoma and also other common B cell lymphomas such as DLBCL and follicular lymphoma. Histopathology analysis of these models is in line with clinical pathology diagnosis. Additionally, cancer type-specific biomarkers, such as CD3, CD20, BCL2, BCL6 and MYC, were used for characterization of these lymphoma models by IHC. The response to subtype-specific chemotherapy or targeted therapies, such as CHOP, BTK inhibitors, CD38 antibodies etc., are now tested in some of these lymphoma PDX models and will be presented at the meeting. Conclusions: Lymphomas have diverse subtypes, represented by different clinical features and treatment responses. We have established and characterized a series of lymphomas with varied types including a large cohort of B cell lymphoma and T/NK cell lymphoma PDX models for drug evaluation. Citation Format: Jessie J. Wang, Yanrui Song, Jitai Zheng, Guiqing Wu, Likun Zhang, Henry Q.X. Li, Davy Xuesong Ouyang. Establishment and characterization of a series of lymphoma PDX models representing varied clinical behaviors and treatment responses [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2021; 2021 Apr 10-15 and May 17-21. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2021;81(13_Suppl):Abstract nr 3005.

Occurrence of Zearalenone and Its Metabolites in the Blood of High-Yielding Dairy Cows at Selected Collection Sites in Various Disease States.

Zearalenone (ZEN) and its metabolites, alpha-zearalenol (α-ZEL) and beta-zearalenol (β-ZEL), are ubiquitous in plant materials used as feed components in dairy cattle diets. The aim of this study was to confirm the occurrence of ZEN and its selected metabolites in blood samples collected from different sites in the hepatic portal system (posthepatic–external jugular vein EJV; prehepatic–abdominal subcutaneous vein ASV and median caudal vein MCV) of dairy cows diagnosed with mastitis, ovarian cysts and pyometra. The presence of mycotoxins in the blood plasma was determined with the use of combined separation methods involving immunoaffinity columns, a liquid chromatography system and a mass spectrometry system. The parent compound was detected in all samples collected from diseased cows, whereas α-ZEL and β-ZEL were not identified in any samples, or their concentrations were below the limit of detection (LOD). Zearalenone levels were highest in cows with pyometra, where the percentage share of average ZEN concentrations reached 44%. Blood sampling sites were arranged in the following ascending order based on ZEN concentrations: EJV (10.53 pg/mL, 44.07% of the samples collected from this site), ASV (14.20 pg/mL, 49.59% of the samples) and MCV (26.67 pg/mL, 67.35% of the samples). The results of the study indicate that blood samples for toxicological analyses should be collected from the MCV (prehepatic vessel) of clinically healthy cows and/or cows with subclinical ZEN mycotoxicosis. This sampling site increases the probability of correct diagnosis of subclinical ZEN mycotoxicosis.

Transposition of the superficial femoral artery combined with ultrasound-guided returning-venous cannulation as a last resort for vascular access in a multi-complicated hemodialysis patient.

A superficialized artery as a blood-drawing route could be an option for vascular access (VA) in hemodialysis patients with cardiac failure, vessel damage, steal syndrome, and venous hypertension, and it could be a secondary VA option in those with repetitive vascular access troubles, routinely requiring a blood-returning venous route. The brachial artery is preferably used for superficialization due to the benefit of its appropriate diameter for cannulation, procedural ease of surgery under local anesthesia, and usable subcutaneous vein for blood-returning route in the upper limb. The superficial femoral artery (SFA) has also been reported as a candidate for arterial transposition; however, its subcutaneous transposition could have difficulties in requiring general anesthesia and securing blood-inflow-venous routes. We experienced a multi-complicated hemodialysis patient who had intractable tunneled-cuffed catheter-related bacteremia and right atrial thrombosis, low cardiac function with bilateral proximal bifurcation of the brachial artery at the axilla, and damaged cutaneous veins in the upper limb. Herein, we report a case of successful superficialization of the SFA under ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia combined with local anesthesia and intravenous sedation, which could be feasible as a blood-drawing route with ultrasound-guided ipsilateral greater saphenous vein cannulation during chronic hemodialysis. Assisted by ultrasound-guided venous cannulation in the ipsilateral lower limb, cutaneous repositioning of the SFA could be a viable and acceptable option for VA in hemodialysis patients with a multitude of complications, wherein the possibilities of VAs of arteriovenous access, arterial superficialization using vessels in the upper extremity, or artificial devices should be eliminated.

Management of Ostomy-Related Varices.

Management of Ostomy-Related Varices.

An effective method for detecting dorsal hand veins utilising near-infrared imaging technology

Intravenous access for blood collection and other related therapies is one of the most frequently practiced procedures in the modern medical system. The procedure requires complex training and experience, as it might cause dangerous nerve damage and subcutaneous bleeding. This paper proposes a dorsal hand vein detection method utilising the near-infrared (NIR) imaging device to segment and visualise the subcutaneous vein patterns on the skin directly. Applying NIR light has received substantial attention because of its non-invasive and revealing substantially more information than the visible one. The proposed method is divided into the low- and high-level processes. The captured image is smoothed and enhanced to make the vein patterns clearer in the low-level process. The pre-processed image is then segmented step by step to extract the vein features and eliminate the pseudo-vein regions precisely. Lastly, the detected veins are thinned to reduce the thickness and projected back onto the acquired image in the high-level process. The proposed method performs effectively in detecting the clear dorsal hand veins through the experiment with a processing time of 0.61s for the high-resolution image.