BACKGROUND: The thoracic small biopsy sampling procedure including transbronchial forceps lung biopsy (TBLB) and endobronchial ultrasound transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) can be accompanied by rapid on-site evaluation (ROSE) of sample material to provide immediate feedback for the proceduralist. The present study aims to investigate the supplemental effect of ROSE smear samples for lung cancer molecular test. METHODS: In a retrospective study, 308 patients admitted to our hospital from August 2020 to December 2022 undergoing diagnostic TBLB and EBUS-TBNA with ROSE and subsequently diagnosed as non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) were analyzed. The matched formalin-fixed paraffin-embedding (FFPE) tissue section and ROSE smears for tumor cellularity were compared. DNA yields of smears were determined. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and next-generation sequencing (NGS) were performed on adequate smear samples. RESULTS: ROSE smear samples were enriched in tumor cells. Among 308 biopsy samples, 78 cases (25.3%) exhibited inadequate FFPE tissue sections, whereas 44 cases (14.3%) yielded adequate smear samples. Somatic mutations detected in the FFPE tissue section samples were also detected in the matching adequate smear sample. CONCLUSIONS ROSE smear samples of the thoracic small biopsies are beneficial supplemental materials for ancillary testing of lung cancer. Combined use of cytology smear samples with traditional FFPE section samples can enhance the detection rate of informative mutations in patients with advanced NSCLC. We recommend that the laboratory could further evaluate the ROSE cell smears of the patient when FFPE tissue sections are inadequate, and that adequate cell smears can be used as a supplemental source for the molecular testing of NSCLC.
Humans ; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung/pathology* ; Lung Neoplasms/pathology* ; Rapid On-site Evaluation ; Retrospective Studies ; Molecular Diagnostic Techniques ; Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Fine Needle Aspiration/methods*

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of manual acupuncture on endometrial blood flow parameters by three-dimensional (3D) power Doppler ultrasound in women undergoing in vitro fertilization embryo transfer (IVF-ET). METHODS: Seventy patients undergoing IVF-ET were equally randomized into traditional or sham acupuncture treatment group for totally 4 days (from the day of oocyte aspiration to the day of embryo transfer) of treatment by random envelope method at the Reproductive Medicine Center and Outpatient Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medicine College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology from January 2013 to December 2015. Patients in the traditional acupuncture group accepted traditional acupuncture methods with manual acupuncture, and Zhongji (CV3), Qihai (CV 6), Sanyinjiao (SP6), Taichong (LR 3), Tianshu (ST 25), Guilai (ST 29) and Zusanli (ST 36) were chosen. Patients at the sham acupuncture group accepted shallow acupuncture methods at 4 non-meridian points at each shoulder and upper arm. Outcome measures included endometrial ultrasonic indices such as vascularization index (VI), flow index (FI) and vascularization flow index (VFI), endometrial thickness and volume, subendometrial VI (sVI), subendometrial FI (sFI), subendometrial VFI (sVFI), implantation rate, clinical pregnancy rate, abortion rate, live birth rate and number of live births. RESULTS: Finally, 34 patients in the traditional acupuncture group and 35 in the sham acupuncture group completed this trial. VI, FI and VFI of the traditional acupuncture group were significantly higher than those in the sham acupuncture group (P<0.05). No significant differences were found in endometrial thickness, endometrial volume, sVI, sFI, sVFI, implantation rate, clinical pregnancy rate, abortion rate, live birth rate and number of live births (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS Manual acupuncture performed after oocyte aspiration and before transplantation improved the endometrial blood flow parameters VI, RI and VFI in women who underwent IVF-ET, instead of sVI, sFI and sVFI. Therefore, acupuncture might be beneficial in women undergoing IVF-ET by increasing endometrial blood flow and endometrial receptivity. (Registration No. ChiCTR2100053354).
Pregnancy ; Humans ; Female ; Fertilization in Vitro/methods* ; Single-Blind Method ; Embryo Transfer ; Pregnancy Rate ; Acupuncture Therapy ; Endometrium/blood supply*

Acupuncture, a therapeutic treatment defined as the insertion of needles into the body at specific points (ie, acupoints), has growing in popularity world-wide to treat various diseases effectively, especially acute and chronic pain. In parallel, interest in the physiological mechanisms underlying acupuncture analgesia, particularly the neural mechanisms have been increasing. Over the past decades, our understanding of how the central nervous system and peripheral nervous system process signals induced by acupuncture has developed rapidly by using electrophysiological methods. However, with the development of neuroscience, electrophysiology is being challenged by calcium imaging in view field, neuron population and visualization in vivo. Owing to the outstanding spatial resolution, the novel imaging approaches provide opportunities to enrich our knowledge about the neurophysiological mechanisms of acupuncture analgesia at subcellular, cellular, and circuit levels in combination with new labeling, genetic and circuit tracing techniques. Therefore, this review will introduce the principle and the method of calcium imaging applied to acupuncture research. We will also review the current findings in pain research using calcium imaging from in vitro to in vivo experiments and discuss the potential methodological considerations in studying acupuncture analgesia.
Calcium ; Acupuncture Therapy ; Acupuncture ; Acupuncture Analgesia/methods* ; Acupuncture Points ; Technology

OBJECTIVE: To assess the outcomes after acupoint application in patients with pharyngeal pain in a real-world settings, and analyze the characteristics of effective population and prescription characteristics of acupoint application. METHODS: Based on CHUNBO platform, patients with pharyngeal pain who were candidates for acupoint application on the basis of physician-evaluation, were enrolled in a nationwide, prospective, 69-week multicenter observational study from August 2020 to February 2022. Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to match the confounding factors and the association rules were used to analyze the characteristics of effective population and prescription characteristics of acupoint application. Outcome assessments included the disappearance rate of pharyngeal pain (within 3, 7, and 14 days), disappearance time of pharyngeal pain, as well as adverse events. RESULTS: Of 7,699 enrolled participants, 6,693 (86.9%) received acupoint application and 1,450 (21.7%) with non-acupoint application. After PSM, there were 1,004 patients each in the application group (AG) and non-application group (NAG). The disappearance rate of pharyngeal pain in the AG at 3, 7, and 14 days were all higher than those in the NAG (P<0.05). The disappearance time of pharyngeal pain in the AG were shorter than that in the NAG (logrank P<0.001, hazard ratio=1.51, 95% confidence interval: 1.41-1.63). The median age of effective cases was 4 years, mainly 3-6 years old (40.21%). The disappearance rate of pharyngeal pain in the application group with tonsil diseases was 2.19 times higher than that in the NAG (P<0.05). The commonly used acupoints for the effective cases were Tiantu (RN 22), Shenque (RN 8) and Dazhui (DU 14). The commonly used herbs for the effective cases were Natrii sulfas, Radix et Rhizoma Rhei, and Herba Ephedrae. Among them, Natrii sulfas was applied to RN 8 most frequently (support 84.39%). A total of 1,324 (17.2%) patients experienced AEs, and mainly occurred in the AG, with significant difference in the incidence of AEs between goups (P<0.05). All AEs reported were the first grade, and the average regression days of AEs was 2.8 days. CONCLUSIONS Acupoint application in patients with pharyngeal pain resulted in improved effective rate and shortened duration, especially children aged 3-6 years old, and those with tonsil diseases. Acupoint of RN 22, RN 8 and DU 14, Natrii sulfas, Radix et Rhizoma Rhei, and Herba Ephedrae were the most commonly used herbs in the treatment of pharyngeal pain.
Child ; Humans ; Child, Preschool ; Acupuncture Points ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional/methods* ; Prospective Studies ; Pain

BACKGROUND: The effects of acupuncture have varied in different randomized controlled trials (RCTs), and there are many factors that influence treatment effect of acupuncture in different outcomes, with conflicting results. OBJECTIVE: To identify factors and their impact on the treatment effect of acupuncture in different outcomes. METHODS: Acupuncture RCTs were searched from 7 databases including Medline (PubMed), Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Database, VIP Database, and China Biology Medicine disc between January 1st, 2015 and December 31st, 2019. Eligible studies must compare acupuncture to no acupuncture, sham acupuncture, or waiting lists, and report at least 1 patient-important outcome. A multi-level meta-regression was conducted using a 3-level robust mixed model and univariate analyses were performed for all independent variables, even those excluded from the multivariable model due to collinearities. We used thresholds of 0.2 and 0.4 for the difference of standardized mean differences (SMDs), categorising them as small (<0.2), moderate (0.2-0.4), or large (>0.4) effects. RESULTS: The pain construct analysis involved 211 effect estimates from 153 studies and 14 independent variables. High-frequency acupuncture treatment sessions produced larger effects compared to low-frequency sessions [large magnitude, the difference of adjusted SMDs 0.46, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.07 to 0.84; P=0.02]. The non-pain symptoms construct analysis comprised 323 effect estimates from 231 studies and 15 independent variables. Penetrating acupuncture showed moderately larger effects when compared to non-penetrating acupuncture (0.30, 95% CI 0.06 to 0.53; P=0.01). The function construct analysis included 495 effect estimates from 274 studies and 14 independent variables. Penetrating acupuncture and the flexible acupuncture regimen showed moderately larger effects, compared to non-penetrating acupuncture and fixed regimen, respectively (0.40, 95% CI 0 to 0.80; P=0.05; 0.29, 95% CI 0.06 to 0.53; P=0.01). CONCLUSIONS High-frequency acupuncture sessions appear to be a more effective approach to managing painful symptoms. Penetrating acupuncture demonstrated greater effect in relieving non-painful symptoms. Both penetrating acupuncture type and flexible acupuncture regimen were linked to significant treatment effects in function outcomes. Future studies should consider the factors that are significantly associated with the effects of acupuncture in patient-important outcomes.
Humans ; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic ; Acupuncture Therapy/methods* ; Pain ; Pain Management ; China

INTRODUCTION: Ultrasonography (US) is the current standard of care for imaging surveillance in patients at risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been explored as an alternative, given the higher sensitivity of MRI, although this comes at a higher cost. We performed a cost-effective analysis comparing US and dual-sequence non-contrast-enhanced MRI (NCEMRI) for HCC surveillance in the local setting. METHODS: Cost-effectiveness analysis of no surveillance, US surveillance and NCEMRI surveillance was performed using Markov modelling and microsimulation. At-risk patient cohort was simulated and followed up for 40 years to estimate the patients' disease status, direct medical costs and effectiveness. Quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) and incremental cost-effectiveness ratio were calculated. RESULTS: Exactly 482,000 patients with an average age of 40 years were simulated and followed up for 40 years. The average total costs and QALYs for the three scenarios - no surveillance, US surveillance and NCEMRI surveillance - were SGD 1,193/7.460 QALYs, SGD 8,099/11.195 QALYs and SGD 9,720/11.366 QALYs, respectively. CONCLUSION Despite NCEMRI having a superior diagnostic accuracy, it is a less cost-effective strategy than US for HCC surveillance in the general at-risk population. Future local cost-effectiveness analyses should include stratifying surveillance methods with a variety of imaging techniques (US, NCEMRI, contrast-enhanced MRI) based on patients' risk profiles.
Humans ; Adult ; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/diagnostic imaging* ; Liver Neoplasms/diagnostic imaging* ; Cost-Effectiveness Analysis ; Cost-Benefit Analysis ; Quality-Adjusted Life Years ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging/methods*

Humans ; Lupus Vasculitis, Central Nervous System/pathology* ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging/methods* ; Diffusion Tensor Imaging/methods* ; Patients ; Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic/pathology* ; Brain/pathology*

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effectiveness of the combined anteversion angle technique in total hip arthroplasty (THA) for treating ankylosing spondylitis (AS) affecting the hip joint. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 73 patients with AS affecting the hip joint who underwent THA between August 2018 and August 2021. According to whether the combined anteversion angle technique was used in THA, the patients were divided into study group (37 cases, combined anteversion angle technique was used in THA) and control group (36 cases, traditional THA). There was no significant difference in baseline data such as gender, age, body mass index, disease duration, preoperative Harris score, range of motion (ROM), acetabular anteversion angle, acetabular abduction angle, femoral anteversion angle, and combined anteversion angle between the two groups ( P>0.05). The operation time, hospital stay, and complications of the two groups were recorded and compared. The Harris score and hip ROM were compared between the two groups before operation, at 1, 3, 6, 12 months after operation, and at last follow-up. The acetabular component anteversion angle, femoral component anteversion angle, acetabular component abduction angle, and component combined anteversion angle were measured postoperatively. RESULTS: The operation time in the study group was significantly shorter than that in the control group ( P<0.05), and there was no significant difference in hospital stay between the two groups ( P>0.05). There was no intraoperative complication such as acetabular and proximal femoral fractures, neurovascular injuries in both groups, and the incisions healed by first intention. All patients were followed up 2-3 years, with an average of 2.4 years; there was no significant difference in the follow-up time between the two groups ( P>0.05). During the follow-up period, there was no complication such as hip dislocation, wound infection, delayed wound healing, deep venous thrombosis, and hip dislocation in both groups. The hip Harris score and ROM of the two groups gradually increased with time after operation, and the differences were significant when compared with those before operation ( P<0.05); the above two indicators of the study group were significantly better than those of the control group at each time point after operation ( P<0.05). Extensive bone ingrowth on the surface of the components could be observed in the anteroposterior X-ray films of the hip joint of the two groups at 12 months after operation, and the acetabular components was stable without femoral stem subsidence, osteolysis around the components, and heterotopic ossification. At last follow-up, the acetabular component anteversion angle, femoral component anteversion angle, and component combined anteversion angle in the study group were significantly superior to those in the control group ( P<0.05), except that there was no significant difference in the acetabular component abduction angle between the two groups ( P>0.05). CONCLUSION For patients with AS affecting the hip joint, the use of the combined anteversion angle technique during THA effectively promotes the recovery of hip joint function and enhances the postoperative quality of life of patients when compared to traditional THA.
Humans ; Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip/methods* ; Hip Dislocation/surgery* ; Spondylitis, Ankylosing/surgery* ; Retrospective Studies ; Quality of Life ; Treatment Outcome ; Hip Joint/surgery* ; Hip Prosthesis

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effectiveness of O-arm navigation and C-arm navigation for guiding percutaneous long sacroiliac screws in treatment of Denis type Ⅱ sacral fractures. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted on clinical data of the 46 patients with Denis type Ⅱ sacral fractures between April 2021 and October 2022. Among them, 19 patients underwent O-arm navigation assisted percutaneous long sacroiliac screw fixation (O-arm navigation group), and 27 patients underwent C-arm navigation assisted percutaneous long sacroiliac screw fixation (C-arm navigation group). There was no significant difference in gender, age, causes of injuries, Tile classification of pelvic fractures, combined injury, the interval from injury to operation between the two groups ( P>0.05). The intraoperative preparation time, the placement time of each screw, the fluoroscopy time of each screw during placement, screw position accuracy, the quality of fracture reduction, and fracture healing time were recorded and compared, postoperative complications were observed. Pelvic function was evaluated by Majeed score at last follow-up. RESULTS: All operations were completed successfully, and all incisions healed by first intention. Compared to the C-arm navigation group, the O-arm navigation group had shorter intraoperative preparation time, placement time of each screw, and fluoroscopy time, with significant differences ( P<0.05). There was no significant difference in screw position accuracy and the quality of fracture reduction ( P>0.05). There was no nerve or vascular injury during screw placed in the two groups. All patients in both groups were followed up, with the follow-up time of 6-21 months (mean, 12.0 months). Imaging re-examination showed that both groups achieved bony healing, and there was no significant difference in fracture healing time between the two groups ( P>0.05). During follow-up, there was no postoperative complications, such as screw loosening and breaking or loss of fracture reduction. At last follow-up, there was no significant difference in pelvic function between the two groups ( P>0.05). CONCLUSION Compared with the C-arm navigation, the O-arm navigation assisted percutaneous long sacroiliac screws for the treatment of Denis typeⅡsacral fractures can significantly shorten the intraoperative preparation time, screw placement time, and fluoroscopy time, improve the accuracy of screw placement, and obtain clearer navigation images.
Humans ; Fracture Fixation, Internal/methods* ; Retrospective Studies ; Imaging, Three-Dimensional ; Bone Screws ; Surgery, Computer-Assisted ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed ; Spinal Fractures/surgery* ; Fractures, Bone/surgery* ; Pelvic Bones/injuries* ; Postoperative Complications ; Neck Injuries

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effectiveness of the single Kocher-Langenbeck approach combined with anterograde channel screw technique for the treatment of acetabular transverse and posterior wall fractures. METHODS: Between March 2020 and October 2022, 17 cases of acetabular transverse and posterior wall fractures were treated with the single Kocher-Langenbeck approach combined with anterograde channel screw technique. There were 11 males and 6 females, with an average age of 53.6 years (range, 42-64 years). Causes of injury included traffic accident in 12 cases, and falling from height in 5 cases. The time from injury to operation ranged from 4 to 16 days with an average of 8.8 days. The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, and fluoroscopy frequency were recorded; X-ray films were reviewed regularly after operation to observe the fracture healing, and postoperative complications were recorded. At last follow-up, Matta score was used to evaluate the reduction of fracture, Harris score and modified Merle D'Aubigné-Postel scores system were used to evaluate the hip joint function. RESULTS: The operation time was 150-230 minutes (mean, 185.9 minutes), the intraoperative blood loss was 385-520 mL (mean, 446.2 mL), and the fluoroscopy frequency was 18-34 times (mean, 27.5 times). Postoperative fat liquefaction occurred in 1 case and the other incisions healed by first intention; 3 cases had limb numbness after operation, and the symptoms disappeared after active symptomatic treatment; no urogenital system and intestinal injury occurred. All patients were followed up 12-28 months (mean, 19.9 months). Bone union was achieved in all cases with an average healing time of 10.8 weeks (range, 8-14 weeks). There was no complication such as loosening and breakage of internal fixators. At last follow-up, according to Matta score, 12 cases achieved anatomic reduction, 3 satisfactory reduction, and 2 fair reduction, the satisfactory rate was 88.2%; according to Harris hip function score, 12 cases were excellent, 3 good, and 2 fair, the excellent and good rate was 88.2%; according to the modified Merle D'Aubign Aubigné-Postel scoring system, the results were excellent in 11 cases, good in 3 cases, and fair in 3 cases, with an excellent and good rate of 82.4%. CONCLUSION The single Kocher-Langenbeck approach combined with anterograde channel screw technique is a minimally invasive method for the treatment of acetabular transverse and posterior wall fractures with less complications, simple operation, and satisfactory effectiveness.
Male ; Female ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; Blood Loss, Surgical ; Fracture Fixation, Internal/methods* ; Treatment Outcome ; Fractures, Bone/surgery* ; Acetabulum/injuries* ; Bone Screws ; Hip Fractures/surgery* ; Retrospective Studies