To examine the feasibility of using a computer tool for stratifying the severity of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) based on computed tomography (CT) images. We retrospectively examined 44 confirmed COVID-19 cases. All cases were evaluated separately by radiologists (visually) and through an in-house computer software. The degree of lesions was visually scored by the radiologist, as follows, for each of the 5 lung lobes:0, no lesion present;1,<1/3 involvement;2,>1/3 and<2/3 involvement;and 3,>2/3 involvement. Lesion density was assessed based on the proportion of ground-glass opacity (GGO), consolidation and fibrosis of the lesions. The parameters obtained using the computer tool included lung volume (mL), lesion volume (mL), lesion percentage (％), and mean lesion density (HU) of the whole lung, right lung, left lung, and each lobe. The scores obtained by the radiologists and quantitative results generated by the computer software were tested for correlation. A Chi-square test was used to test the consistency of radiologist- and computer-derived lesion percentage in the right/left lung, upper/lower lobe, and each of the 5 lobes. The results showed a strong to moderate correlation between lesion percentage scores obtained by radiologists and the computer software (r ranged from 0.7679 to 0.8373, P < 0.05), and a moderate correlation between the proportion of GGO and mean lesion density (r=-0.5894, P<0.05), and proportion of consolidation and mean lesion density (r=0.6282, P<0.05). Computer-aided quantification showed a statistical significant higher lesion percentage for lower lobes than that assessed by the radiologists (x2 = 8.160, P = 0.004). Our experiments demonstrated that the computer tool could reliably and accurately assess the severity and distribution of pneumonia on CT scans.

Objective: To identify the initial chest computed tomography (CT) findings and clinical characteristics associated with the course of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pneumonia. Materials and Methods: Baseline CT scans and clinical and laboratory data of 72 patients admitted with COVID-19 pneumonia (39 men, 46.2 ± 15.9 years) were retrospectively analyzed. Baseline CT findings including lobar distribution, presence of ground glass opacities, consolidation, linear opacities, and lung severity score were evaluated. The outcome event was recovery with hospital discharge. The time from symptom onset to discharge or the end of follow-up (for those remained hospitalized) was recorded. Data were censored in events such as death or discharge without recovery. Multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression was used to explore the association between initial CT, clinical or laboratory findings, and discharge with recovery, whereby hazard ratio (HR) values < 1 indicated a lower rate of discharge at four weeks and longer time until discharge. Results: Thirty-two patients recovered and were discharged during the study period with a median length of admission of 16 days (range, 9 to 25 days), while the rest remained hospitalized at the end of this study (median, 17.5 days; range, 4 to 27 days). None died during the study period. After controlling for age, onset time, lesion characteristics, number of lung lobes affected, and bilateral involvement, the lung severity score on baseline CT (> 4 vs. ≤ 4 [reference]: adjusted HR = 0.41 [95% confidence interval, CI = 0.18–0.92], p = 0.031) and initial lymphocyte count (reduced vs. normal or elevated [reference]: adjusted HR = 0.14 [95% CI = 0.03–0.60], p = 0.008) were two significant independent factors that influenced recovery and discharge. Conclusion Lung severity score > 4 and reduced lymphocyte count at initial evaluation were independently associated with a significantly lower rate of recovery and discharge and extended hospitalization in patients admitted for COVID-19 pneumonia.

Objective To explore the availability and safety of ileal ureter replacement combined with ileal augmentation cystoplasty in treating ureteral stenosis with contracted bladder.Methods From August 2015 to November 2018,three patients who underwent ileal ureter replacement combined with augmentation cystoplasty were treated with ileal ureter replacement combined with augmentation cystoplasty.There were 1 male and 2 females with the age ranging from 34 to 55 years (mean 39 years).Two patients suffered from left ureter stenosis,and one patient had stenosis on the both sides.The length of the ureter stenosis ranged from 6 to 18 cm (mean 9.8 cm).The preoperative bladder capacity ranged from 60 to 150 ml (mean 103.3 ml).In the surgery,part of ileum was used to replace the ureter,and the distal intestine was made into U-shape to enlarge the bladder.Results All operation were completed successfully.The operation time ranged from 220 to 400 min (mean 303.0 min),and the blood loss ranged from 150 to 500 ml (mean 283.3 ml).Laparoscopic surgery was performed in 1 case and open surgery in 2 cases.Three weeks after the surgery,the bladder volume underwent cystography ranged from 300 to 400 ml (mean 360.0 ml).Three months after the surgery,the postvoid residual urine volume ranged from 20 to 50 ml (mean 33.3 ml).Postoperative frequency and urgency of urine were completely relieved in 1 case,alleviated in 2 cases.Flank pain was completely relieved in 1 case,and alleviated in 2 cases postoperatively.The serum creatinine of 2 patients mildly increased after the surgery,while 1 patient remained stable.For complications,1 patient had urinary infection,and 1 patient suffered from metabolic acidosis.Conclusions Ileal ureteral replacement combined with augmentation cystoplasty can be the choice of treatment for long segment ureteral stenosis and enlarge the bladder simultaneously.The postoperative complications and the kidney functions should be regularly followed up.

Objective:To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of Kangduo endoscopic surgical robot system for partial nephrectomy.Methods:Consecutive patients with stage T 1 renal tumor meeting the inclusion criteria from the Department of Urology, Peking University First Hospital from December 2020 to February 2021 were prospectively enrolled. All patients underwent partial nephrectomy with the Kangduo endoscopic surgical robot system after signing the informed consent. Clinical data including preoperative, perioperative and postoperative pathology and follow-up were collected. Results:Among the 26 patients, there were 16 males and 10 females, with a median age of 53(33-74) years, and a median body mass index of 25.99(20.90-32.91) kg/m 2. There were 12 cases of left kidney tumor and 14 cases of right kidney tumor. The median tumor diameter was 2.2(1.0-3.5) cm. The median time of warm ischemia was 17.7(7.1-29.2) minutes, and all of them were less than 30 minutes. The median docking time was 4.7(2.3-9.9) minutes, and the median time of robotic arm operation was 65.0 (37.0-155.0) minutes. The median National Aeronautics and Space Administration Task Load Index (NASA-TLX) score was 5.3 (2.0-28.0), and no instrument-related adverse events occurred intraoperatively. The median postoperative hospital stay was 4 (4-5) days. All tumor margins were negative on pathologic reports. No Clavien Ⅱ stage operative complications occurred in all patients during perioperative period and 1 month after the surgery. Conclusions:The partial nephrectomy using the kangduo endoscopic surgical robot system were completed successfully, and no instrument-related adverse events and complications occurred, showing that this surgical system used for partial nephrectomy is safe and effective.