BACKGROUND: The sucrose is an ideal material for auxiliary support and mold fil ing that is suitable for application in the medical field with three-dimensional (3D) printing. In China, there are many studies about the 3D printing with sucrose, but the accuracy and porosity of the stent are stil unclear. OBJECTIVE: To explore the technological parameters of the sucrose scaffold by 3D printing technology. METHODS: From the perspective of physical and chemical properties, the sucrose viscosity and thermal decomposition with the change of temperature were analyzed. Based on the pneumatic controlled FDM technology, the mature sucrose scaffold was obtained by researching the match of temperature and pressure, layer setting, as wel as the match of speed and pressure. Then the scaffold was demarcated with microscope, and the porosity was measured by immersion in absolute ethyl alcohol. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The sucrose was completely melted at 180 oC, with the biggest liquidity. When the temperature was over 195 oC, the caramel reaction occurred. As the temperature increased, the sucrose viscosity decreased. The optimal molding parameters of the sucrose scaffold with pneumatic control-based 3D printing were 170 oC-0.2 MPa-12 mm/s (temperature-pressure-printing speed). The line width and mean porosity of the wel -shaped sucrose scaffold were 700 μm and 81.893%, respectively.

Objective To evaluate the clinical value of prone flexed posture lumber CT/MRI examination for lumber disc herniation. Methods Supine posture CT/MRI (SPCT/MRI) and prone flexed posture CT/MRI (PFPCT/MRI) examinations were performed on 1200 patients with lumber disc herniation.The imaging findings on SPCT/MRI and PFPCT/MRI of each case were compared. According to the CT/MRI diagnostic criteria for encapsulated lumber disc herniation ( HLDH ), adhered lumber disc herniation (ALDH) and ruptured lumber disc herniation ( RLDH), the 1200 cases were divided into three groups. On the basis of PFPCT/MRI findings, 868 cases were selected for percutaneous lumbar diskectomy (PLD) with half to twelve years follow up. Treatment effects of PLD on HLDH, ALDH and RLDH were analyzed with x2test. Results Among 249 ALDH cases diagnosed by SPCT/MRI 35 were identified as HLDH by PFPCT/MRI. Among 163 RLDH cases diagnosed by SPCT/MRI, 9 HLDH and 17 ALDH were identified by PFPCT/MRI. In 868 cases treated with PLD, the effective rate of HLDH ( n = 832), ALDH ( n = 25 ), RLDH ( n =11 ) were 825/832 (99. 2% ), 13/25, and 1/11 respectively. The effective rate of HLDH is significantly different from that of ALDH and RLDH ( x2 = 369. 69, P ＜ 0. 01 ). Conclusion PFPCT/MRI may change the grouping result of lumber disc herniation made by SPCT/MRI and can be used to objectively select patients for PLD.

ObjectiveTo explore the diagnostic value of plasma (1, 3)-β-D-glucan test (G test) in diagnosis of invasive fungal infections (IFI) and the influence of albumin on G test.Methods A prospective observational study was conducted. 267 patients admitted to medical intensive care unit (MICU) of Dalian Municipal Central Hospital from January 21st, 2012 to October 31st, 2014 were enrolled. According to IFI guideline, the patients were divided into without IFI group (n= 35), possible IFI group (n = 70), hypotheticle IFI group (n = 145) and proven IFI group (n = 17). G test was examined routinely using microbiology kinetic rapid reader MB-80.The different threshold values were calculated on G test. The difference among G tests, fungal culture and clinical diagnosis were compared. The results of G test ahead of and post albumin administration in each group were compared, and the value of G test for diagnosis of IFI during albumin infusion was evaluated.Results When the cut-off value was 20 ng/L for IFI diagnosis, higher sensitivity (79.8%), specificity (87.9%), and Youden index (67.7%) were found. The positive rates of G test, fungal culture and clinical diagnosis of IFI were 57.7% (154/267), 60.7% (162/267) and 54.3%(145/267) respectively, without showing significant differences (allP> 0.05). The result of G test (ng/L) was not obviously changed after albumin administration compared with that before in without IFI, possible IFI, hypotheticle IFI, and proven IFI groups (without IFI group: 11.25±2.33 vs. 10.99±1.07,t= -1.723,P= 0.085; possible IFI group: 53.14±5.53 vs. 49.22±8.11,t= -0.395,P= 0.693; hypotheticle IFI group: 90.30±9.38 vs. 85.41±10.11, t= 710.500,P= 0.860; proven IFI group: 100.98±19.24 vs. 103.21±17.66,t= 653.000,P= 0.449). Prior to the administration of albumin, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV) and Youden index were 79.8%, 87.9%, 45.6%, 96.7%, 67.7%, respectively. However, after the administration of albumin, they were 81.5%, 85.7%, 44.8%, 96.5%, and 67.2%, respectively, without significant difference.Conclusions G test is method for early diagnosis of IFI. The sensitivity and specificity are higher with 20 ng/L as the critical value. The result of G test is not interfered by albumin administration.

Objective To evaluate the diagnostic value of the spectral CT imaging on the complications after breast augmentations with silicone implants.Methods A lot of 22 cases with breast implants were scanned by the Gemstone spectral imaging (GSI) CT.The original data were loaded in processed workstation, analyzed by GSI analysis software, and then stored the series we needed.The features of the complications after breast augmentations with silicone implants were reviewed retrospectively on the spectral CT images.Results A lot of 44 breast implants scanned in our study and there were 23 breast implants with complications, including 7 breast implants with capsular rupture (6 breast implants with endometrial rupture detected by spectral CT, including 4 breast implants with endometrial rupture, 3 breast implants with outer membrane rupture and leakage), 13 breast implants with capsular contracture (classification according to Baker's classification, 6 in grade Ⅰand 7 in grade Ⅱ), 8 breast implants were moved and 2 breasts had foci of calcification.Conclusions The spectral CT imaging play important role in detecting the complications after breast augmentations with silicone implants by GSI analysis software.

Objective To study the clinical characteristics and treatment of esophageal injury caused by button battery foreign bodies in children, then improve the diagnosis and management level of this hazardous problem of children. Methods 15 patients with esophageal injury caused by button battery foreign bodies were retrospectively analyzed the clinical characteristics, treatment and prognosis. Results 12 button battery foreign bodies were removed successfully with rigid esophagoscope, 3 with electronic gastroscope. 12 cases occurred serious esophageal lesions, 10 patients were fully recovered after nasal feeding, anti-inflammatory and supporting therapy. Serious complication such as esophageal perforation occurred in 2 cases, one of them occurred tracheo-esophageal fistula. Conclusion Button battery embedded in the esophagus is easy to cause serious esophagus injury, early detection is the key of the management, and its prompt removal is mandatory. Button battery have a distinctive appearance on radiography, chest radiographs can be used as the first choice of diagnosis. The reasonable treatment can obtain better curative results and avoid serious complications according to the course of the disease and esophageal damage degree. Physicians must recognize the hazardous potential and serious implications such as esophageal perforation and tracheo-esophageal fistula.

Objective To investigate the protective effect of dexamethasone on stress response induced by intraute-rine balloon aortic valvuloplasty (IUBAV) in a fetal lamb model. Methods Twenty-four near term twin pregnant goats were randomly assigned to control group (n=12) and dexamethasone group (intracardiac injection of dexamethasone) (n=12). Ultrasound guided IUBAV model was established. According to the combination of treatment and operation, 48 fetal lambs were divided into four groups. The following parameters were dynamically monitored by ultrasound, which were fetal and neonatal heart rate (HR), cardiac rhythm, aortic resistance index (RI) and pulsatility index (PI). On established IUBAV model, blood samples and liver tissue specimens were taken from fetal/neonatal goats for detection of blood glucose (Glu), lactate acid (LA), plasma epinephrine (E), norepinephrine (NE), cortisol (Cort), hepatic glycogen staining. Results IUBAV resulted in increased values of Glu, LA, E, NE and Cort levels, and decreased pH value, there were significant differences between pre-and 3h-post procedure (P<0.05), and significant differences were also existed in these values between pre-and 3d-post procedure (P<0.05). After administrating dexamethasone, the changes of Glu, LA, E, NE, Cort and pH levels were suppressed effectively. Fetal hepatic glycogen was consumed in large amounts due to IUBAV while recovered 3 days after IUBAV by glycogen staining. After administrating dexamethasone, hepatic glycogen consumption related to IUBAV was obviously inhibited. After IUBAV, fetal aortic RI was increased, and there was significant differences compared with pre-procedure (P<0.05). Up to 3d-post procedure, the values of RI recovered to some extent, but statistical difference was exist-ed compared with pre-procedure (P<0.05). After administrating of dexamethasone, increased aortic RI was effectively sup-pressed. Conclusions IUBAV could lead to reversible stress response and increased aortic RI in a fetal lamb model which could be alleviated by dexamethasone.

Objective To compare the clinical effects of combined anterolateral and posterolateral approach,lateral incision via double intermuscular spatia approach,and posterolateral transfibular approach in the treatment of fractures of anterolateral and posterolateral columns of tibial plateau.Methods A retrospective analysis was done of the 18 patients with fracture of anterolateral and posterolateral columns of tibial plateau who had been treated at our hospital from January 2012 to January 2015.They were 10 men and 8 women,aged from 28 to 58 years (mean,35.5 years).They were divided into 3 equal groups.Group A was treated with combined anterolateral and posterolateral approach,group B with lateral incision via double intermuscular spatia approach and group C with posterolateral transfibular approach.Operation time,surgical blood loss and complications were recorded.At the final follow-ups,Rasmussen score was used to evaluate the fracture reduction and Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) knee score to assess functions of the involved knees.Results The 18 patients were followed up for 10 to 18 months (average,13.3 months).No such early complications as incision infection or deep vein thrombosis occurred.The operation time (89.5 min and 79.3 min,respectively) and surgical blood loss (151.7 mL and 207.8 mL,respectively) for groups A and B were obviously less than those for group C (102.5 min;260.2 mL);the incision length for group A (10.5 cm) was shorter than that for group B (17.4 cm) and for group C (16.3 cm);group C had more cases of excellent reduction (6) than groups A and B (4 for both).There were no obvious differenc es between groups A,B and C in the Rasmussen score (16.8,17.0 and 16.3) or HSS score (86.3,86.0 and 85.7).One case of delayed incision healing due to partial necrosis occurred in group B.At the final follow-ups in group C,the varus stress test showed 2 cases of laxation of degree Ⅱ and 2 cases of laxation of degree Ⅰ.Conclusions In the treatment of fractures of anterolateral and posterolateral columns of tibial plateau,all the 3 approaches can lead to good exposure,fine reduction,rigid fixation and satisfactory outcomes.Although the combined anterolateral and posterolateral approach and lateral incision via double intermuscular spatia approach can lead to similar exposure ranges and fixation effects,the latter is easier in operation while the former exposes the anterior and posterior spatia more fully,allowing the anterior and posterior plates to be better positioned.The posterolateral transfibular approach can lead to the largest exposure range and more precise reduction,but it has risks of damage to the lateral ligamentous structure,greater invasion,postoperative lateral instability and injury to the common peroneal nerve.

The meniscus in the knee joint plays an important role in bearing load,shock absorption,joint lubrication,and increasing the stability of the knee joint in various directions.Meniscal injury is a common ailment in knee joint injuries,which can cause severe knee pain and limited knee joint movement,significantly affecting the patient's quality of life.Arthroscopic minimally invasive treatment has become the main approach for treating meniscal injuries,with the consensus being to preserve the meniscus morphology and structure as much as possible.By introducing the structure and function of the meniscus,the mechanism of injury,and focusing on several suture techniques for arthroscopic meniscal injury treatment,analyzing their advantages and disadvantages,it aims to provide some reference for clinical research on arthroscopic suture of the meniscus.

Performance evaluation of administrative personnel is challenging for performance reform of public hospitals. Constructing a reasonable performance evaluation plan for such personnel is conducive to promoting the high-quality and efficient development of hospitals. Hospital H has been exploring the implementation of performance evaluation reform for administrative personnel since 2019. Firstly, it clarified the responsibilities of various administrative management positions throughout the hospital and adopted the Hay position evaluation method for job value evaluation. Secondly, based on this, a performance evaluation index system covering common indexes, personality indexes, and implicit ability indexes was constructed, and the calculation and distribution methods of performance bonuses were clarified. The development of common indexes was based on the hospital′s " 14th Five Year Plan" , while individual indexes were used as key performance evaluation points of each department formulated according to the hospital′s annual key work breakdowns and the " 14th Five Year Plan" . The implicit ability index was constructed based on the competency model to guide and promote the personal development of employees. Finally, the hospital established a feedback and monitoring mechanism to ensure the steady operation of the performance evaluation plan. Thanks to the performance reform of administrative personnel based on job value evaluation, Hospital H has eliminated the phenomenon of " egalitarianism" in the distribution of administrative personnel performance, played a guiding and motivating role in performance evaluation for employees, and achieved better implementation of the hospital′s strategic goals. This can provide reference for the performance reform of administrative personnel in other medical institutions.

is one of the mandatory examinations for the Diplomate of Oriental Medicine (Dipl.OM.) or Acupuncture (Dipl. Ac.) by American National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM). In reference to, and, the authors introduced the examination pattern and examination-related contents including such aspects as safety and professional responsibilities, treatment plan, and point location and discussed additionally the enlightening effects on acupuncture practice and examination in universities and international associations of Chinese medicine in our country.