Objective:To propose a deep learning（DL）-based ultrasound imaging auxiliary tool for automatic segmentation and recognition of the brachial plexus（BP），and to enhance the accuracy and safety of clinical procedures.Methods:It was a multicenter study that collected 773 healthy subjects from Peking University Third Hospital and its branch campuses，the Third Medical Center of the Chinese PLA General Hospital，and Shanghai Eighth People's Hospital between August 2024 and February 2025. Brachial plexus（BP）images in the interscalene groove were captured used high-frequency ultrasound by senior sonographers，a dataset comprising 1 289 standardized images were constructed and the improved model（CHA-TransUNet）was trained. The test set was input into 6 different models（CHA-TransUNet，R50-Unet，TransUnet，SegFormer，SwinUnet，MISSFormer）for segmentation. Segmentation accuracy was evaluated using metrics including the Dice similarity coefficient（DSC），95% Hausdorff distance（HD95）and mean intersection over union（mIoU），and was compared with the segmentation results of 3 ultrasound physicians with varying experience levels（junior physicians and senior physicians）to validate the model's segmentation efficacy.Results:The CHA-TransUNet model established based on a dataset of 1 289 standardized images achieved segmentation results for the BP with a DSC of 90.15%，mIoU of 91.02%，and HD95 of 8.08. Its accuracy was higher than other mainstream models（DSC：90.15% vs. 87.60%，87.77%，81.35%，84.78%，84.55%），significantly better than junior physicians（DSC：90.15% vs. 68.73%， Z=-127.76， P<0.001），and approached the level of senior physician（DSC：90.15% vs. 86.15%， Z=-31.33， P=0.549）. The model demonstrated superior boundary recognition in complex anatomical structures（e.g.，C6/C7 nerve roots）compared to ultrasound physicians（junior and senior）（HD95：8.08 vs. 26.34，17.44，56.80）. Conclusions:This study proposes an analysis model for BP ultrasound images，CHA-TransUNet. This model achieves segmentation and recognition of the BP with relatively complex pathways and structures. The model exhibits high accuracy and stability，outperforming current mainstream network models and junior physicians while approaching the performance level of senior physicians. It assists junior physicians or trainees in more accurately identifying and localizing the BP.

Objective:To propose a deep learning（DL）-based ultrasound imaging auxiliary tool for automatic segmentation and recognition of the brachial plexus（BP），and to enhance the accuracy and safety of clinical procedures.Methods:It was a multicenter study that collected 773 healthy subjects from Peking University Third Hospital and its branch campuses，the Third Medical Center of the Chinese PLA General Hospital，and Shanghai Eighth People's Hospital between August 2024 and February 2025. Brachial plexus（BP）images in the interscalene groove were captured used high-frequency ultrasound by senior sonographers，a dataset comprising 1 289 standardized images were constructed and the improved model（CHA-TransUNet）was trained. The test set was input into 6 different models（CHA-TransUNet，R50-Unet，TransUnet，SegFormer，SwinUnet，MISSFormer）for segmentation. Segmentation accuracy was evaluated using metrics including the Dice similarity coefficient（DSC），95% Hausdorff distance（HD95）and mean intersection over union（mIoU），and was compared with the segmentation results of 3 ultrasound physicians with varying experience levels（junior physicians and senior physicians）to validate the model's segmentation efficacy.Results:The CHA-TransUNet model established based on a dataset of 1 289 standardized images achieved segmentation results for the BP with a DSC of 90.15%，mIoU of 91.02%，and HD95 of 8.08. Its accuracy was higher than other mainstream models（DSC：90.15% vs. 87.60%，87.77%，81.35%，84.78%，84.55%），significantly better than junior physicians（DSC：90.15% vs. 68.73%， Z=-127.76， P<0.001），and approached the level of senior physician（DSC：90.15% vs. 86.15%， Z=-31.33， P=0.549）. The model demonstrated superior boundary recognition in complex anatomical structures（e.g.，C6/C7 nerve roots）compared to ultrasound physicians（junior and senior）（HD95：8.08 vs. 26.34，17.44，56.80）. Conclusions:This study proposes an analysis model for BP ultrasound images，CHA-TransUNet. This model achieves segmentation and recognition of the BP with relatively complex pathways and structures. The model exhibits high accuracy and stability，outperforming current mainstream network models and junior physicians while approaching the performance level of senior physicians. It assists junior physicians or trainees in more accurately identifying and localizing the BP.

Objective To explore the feasibility of establishing an acute pericardial effusion animal model guided by ultrasound. Methods Six experimental pigs were anesthetized. A PTC needle was injected and guided to the right ventricular anterior wall under real-time high frequency ultrasound,40 ml and 80 ml normal saline were respectively infused into the pericardial cavity within 5 minutes. Ultrasonography and pathologic examination were applied to confirm this porcine model. The amount of the fluid was estimated by ultrasound at 1 hour and 8 hours after infusion. Results With ultrasound guidance,the PTC needle smoothly entered the pericardial cavity and the saline was successfully injected. The fluid dispersed from local to the entire pericardial cavity. Pericardial effusion last within 8 hours and no significant change of the fluid amount was found (all P ＞0.05). This acute pericardial effusion model was successfully established with a rate of 100%. Conclusions It is feasible to establish an animal model of acute pericardial effusion under the guidance of ultrasound. This method is safe,rapid and effective. It can provide a suitable animal model for the study of acute pericardial effusion.

Objective: To study the correlation of lifestyle characteristics with thyroid nodules in a population-based sample of centenarians in Hainan. Methods: The study was based on China Hainan Centenarian Cohort Study (CHCCS) conducted in 18 cities and counties in Hainan province from 2014 to 2016. A group of multidisciplinary team interviewed and examined local centenarians with structured questionnaires and ultrasonography procedures. A total of 918 centenarians were analyzed after excluding those who refused ultrasonographic examinations or had relevant missing data. Thyroids of centenarians were examined by 3-year experienced sonographer, details on lifestyle characteristics and dietary habits were collected by standard procedure. Results: Of the 918 centenarians, 683 (74.4%) had thyroid nodules under the ultrasonography procedures. The prevalence of thyroid nodules in different group of areca nut consumption varied significantly (P<0.05). In multivariate logistic regression model, the results showed female and areca nut intake were independently associated with thyroid nodules in centenarians (P<0.05). Conclusions The modifiable variables including areca nut intake as well as non-modifiable such as gender are independent determinants of thyroid nodules in centenarians. Further studies are warranted to explore and verify these associations in populations with different ranges of age.

Objective To investigate the prevalence of thyroid nodules(TN)among centenarians in Hainan province and explore the association between thyroid nodules and major chronic diseases.Methods A mixed cross-sectional study of questionnaire survey,medical examination including ultrasonography and laboratory examination were conducted in elderly who resided in Hainan province and aged 100 and over,the subjects who have signed consent and complete data in both basic information and medical examination were included in this study.Eight hundred and four centenarians were finally enrolled and data of them was analyzed to investigate the prevalence of thyroid nodules and to explore its association with common chronic diseases by comparing the prevalence of chronic conditions between groups with and without thyroid nodules.Results The overall prevalence of TN was 73.5%(591、804)and the prevalence of TN was significantly higher in female when comparing with male[75.1%(505、672)vs 65.2%(86、132)](P <0.001).No significant correlation was found between the prevalence of TN and major chronic diseases (P>0.05),however,the factors associated with dyslipidemia and anemia such as TC[(4.6±1.2)mmol、L vs(4.3±1.5)mmol、L],LDL-C[(2.8±0.8)mmol、L vs(2.7±0.8)mmol、L],and Hb[(110.6±22.5)g、L vs(105.5±31.7)g、L]were significant higher in TN group than those in Non-TN group(P <0.05). Conclusions The thyroid nodule is common in centenarian population and its prevalence was higher in female than male.The associations between TN and biomarkers of dyslipidemia and anemia are found in the present study.

Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of pelvic arterial embolization (PAE) in women with intractable primary postpartum hemorrhage (PPH). Methods Clinical data of 36 cases were analyzed retrospectively in which women underwent PAE for intractable primary PPH in Peking Union Medical College Hospital between Jan 2006 and Jan 2015. The success rate of PAE were measured and possible predictive risk factors associated with treatment failure were analyzed. The complications secondary to PAE were also recorded. Results (1)The etiology of PPH. Among the 36 cases, 21 patients delivered viginally (Group VD) and 15 received cesarean section (Group CS). The most frequent cause of PPH was uterine atony (72%, 26/36). The less common causes were placental problems (28%, 10/36), genital tract trauma (6%, 2/36) and coagulation defects (3%, 1/36) in turn. Three patients (8%, 3/36) had combined causes.(2)Interventions before PAE. Uterotonic medications were used in all patients. 31 patients received carboprost methylate suppositorites,27 received carbetocin and 31 received carboprost tromethamine. Besides, 20 patients received one or more surgical interventions before PAE. PAE was performed when these interventions failed. (3) Characteristics of PAE. Altogether 78 arteries were embolized in 36 cases. Embolization of bilateral uterine arteries was performed in 31 cases, right internal iliac artery and bilateral inferior epigastric arteries were embolized in one case. Right internal pudendal artery, bilateral uterine arteries and bilateral internal iliac arteries were embolized in one case. And bilateral uterine arteries, bilateral internal iliac arteries were embolized in one case. In the other 2 cases, bilateral internal iliac arteries were embolized.(4)Efficacy of PAE. The overall technical success rate of PAE was 100%(36/36), while the clinical success rate was 94%(34/36). All patients survived.(5)Complications of PAE. 15 patients were transferred to ICU after PAE for 1 to 7 days. Except self-limited fever, no puncture site hematoma, buttock necrosis or vessel rupture was observed. The effect on menstrual cycle and fertility were followed in 25 patients. 17 (68%, 17/25) reported resumption of normal menses and 8 (32%, 8/25) reported amenorrhea. Three pregnancies after PAE were observed. Conclusion PAE is a safe and effective treatment for intractable primary PPH which can prevent hysterectomy and preserve fertility of patients.

Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived ; therapeutic use ; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols ; therapeutic use ; Humans ; Lymphoma, Follicular ; drug therapy ; Rituximab

OBJECTIVEA prospective, multicenter and non-interventional prospective study was conducted to evaluate the clinical features of rituximab combined with chemotherapy (R-Chemo) as first-line treatment on newly diagnosed Chinese patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL).

METHODSThis was a single arm, prospective, observational multicenter and phase IV clinical trial for 279 patients, who were newly diagnosed as CD20-positive DLBCL from 24 medical centers in China 2011 and 2012, no special exclusion criteria were used. All patients received rituximab based R-Chemo regimes, such as R-CHOP (rituximab plus cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine and prednisolone) and other regimes as the first-line treatment. The treatment strategies were determined by physicians and patients without detailed description for treatment course, dose, interval time and examination. Clinical response and safety of all patients were investigated in 120 days after completion of last dose of rituximab.

RESULTSOf 279 patients, 258 with stage I-IV who received at least 1 cycle of rituximab treatment and completed at least one time of tumor assessment were enrolled into intention-to-treat analysis, including 148 male and 110 female. The median age of all patients was 57.2(12.8-88.4) years. ECOG performance statuses of 0 or 1 were observed in 91.1% of patients, international prognostic index levels in the low-risk and low-middle-risk groups in 76.4% of patients, the tumor diameters smaller than 7.5 cm in 69.0% of patients. All patients received 6 median cycles of R-Chemo treatment every 24.4 days. R-CHOP treatment was shown to improve the clinical response with overall response rates of 94.2%. Common adverse events included anemia, marrow failure, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, digestive diseases, infection and liver toxicity. All adverse events are manageable.

CONCLUSIONNon-interventional clinical trial of R-Chemo remains the standard first-line treatment for newly diagnosed patients with DLBCL in real clinical practice, which is consistent with international treatment recommendations for DLBCL patients. R-Chemo can provide the clinical evidence and benefit as the first-line standard treatment for Chinese patients with DLBCL.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived ; therapeutic use ; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols ; therapeutic use ; Child ; Female ; Humans ; Lymphoma, Large B-Cell, Diffuse ; drug therapy ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Prospective Studies ; Rituximab ; Treatment Outcome

Objective To evaluate the diagnostic value of ultrasound-guided pleural biopsy combined with thoracic biochemical detections in malignant and tuberculous pleural effusions. Methods Sixty-four patients with moderate or large pleural effusions and pleural thickening received the ultrasound-guided diagnostic pleural biopsy. All patients had chest CT enhancement scans to find out the suspicious pleural thickening preoperatively, facilitating the selection of puncture sites by ultrasound. Pleural tissue samples were sent for pathological examinations immediately. After successful achievements of pleural biopsy, ultrasound-guided aspiration or drainage was performed to alleviate symptoms, more importantly, to get pleural effusions for biochemical analysis. Biological results including carcinoembryonic antigen(CEA), CA125, CYFRA21 and lactate dehydrogenase(LDH) in malignant and tuberculous effusions were analyzed by group design t tests. The positive rates of CEA, CA125, CYFRA21, LDH in malignant and tuberculous effusions were compared by chi square tests. Results Pleural tissues in all cases were got by one pleural biopsy procedure. The strategy of pleural biopsy we used in this study had a successful rate reaching 100%(64/64), and 73% (46/64) patients had a definitive diagnosis as malignant or tuberculous effusion. Twenty-seven cases were diagnosed as malignant effusions and thirty-seven cases as tuberculous effusions based on the deifnitive clinical diagnosis. The positive rates of CEA, CA125, CYFRA21, LDH in malignant effusions were 100%(27/27), 100%(27/27), 100%(27/27), 89%(24/27) respectively, and 0%(0/37), 84%(31/37), 78%(29/37), 76%(28/37) respectively in tuberculous effusions. The positive rate of CEA between malignant and tuberculous effusions differed signiifcantly (χ2=64.0, P < 0.01), so did CA125 (χ2=3.1, P < 0.01) and CYFRA21(χ2=4.8, P<0.01). The average levels of CEA, CA125, CYFRA21, LDH in pleural effusion were (727.1±658.8)μg/L, (795.2±1249.6)×103 U/L, (296.2±320.7)μg/L, (1077.9±1058.5) U/L respectively, and (1.7±1.1)μg/L, (336.3±208.6)×103 U/L, (20.7±14.9)μg/L, (309.2±182.7) U/L in tuberculous effusions.There were signiifcant differences in CEA, CYFRA21 and LDH concentrations among malignant and tuberculous effusions (t=45.1, 27.4, 18.8 respectively, all P<0.01). Conclusion Ultrasound-guided pleural biopsy combined with CEA, CYFRA21 and LDH in pleural effusions had an important value in the etiological diagnosis of pleural effusions, while CA125 showed little value in the differential diagnosis.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the antibacterial activity of cefoperazone/sulbactam to Gram-negative bacilli in vitro.METHODS Gram-negative bacilli were isolated from various clinical specimens in our hospital from Jan 2004 to Dec 2007,screened by Gram-staining and oxidase test.The strain identification and the antimicrobial susceptibility test were determined by VITEK-60 Full Automated Microbiology Analyzer and slip diffusion method,respectively.The results of the survey were retrospectively reviewed.RESULTS The resistance rates of Enterobacteriaceae to cefoperazone / sulbactam were very low,the rates of Escherichia coli,Klebsiella pneumoniae and Enterobacter cloacae were 6.9%,9.2%and 12.9%,respectively;and the rates of Acinetobacter baumannii,Chryseobacterium meningosepticum,Pseudomonas aeruginosa,Stenotrophomonas maltophilia and Burkholderia cepacia were 7.7%,8.1%,20.4%,21.5% and 34.1%,respectively.CONCLUSIONS The antimicrobial activity of cefoperazone/sulbactam to Enterobacteriaceae and non-fermentation bacteria(A.baumannii,Ch.meningosepticum) is strong.The resistant rate of other Gram-negative bacteria to cefoperazone/sulbactam is less than 40 percent.In the treatment of infection caused by Gram-negative bacilli,cefoperazone/sulbactam has a very good prospect.