1.Application of deep learning models based on super-resolution endorectal ultrasound in predicting perineural invasion in rectal cancer
Yajiao GAN ; Qiping HU ; Xinyi WANG ; Yixi SU ; Qingling SHEN ; Minling ZHUO ; Yi TANG ; Xiaodong LIN ; Yue YU ; Youjia LIN ; Qingfu QIAN ; Zhikui CHEN
Chinese Journal of Ultrasonography 2025;34(10):848-857
Objective:To develop a deep learning model based on super-resolution endorectal ultrasound(ERUS)images for the preoperative prediction of perineural invasion(PNI)in patients with rectal cancer,thereby providing a reference for risk stratification and individualized treatment planning.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on 382 patients with rectal cancer who underwent total mesorectal excision at Fujian Medical University Union Hospital between June 2019 and February 2024. Patients were randomly divided into a training set( n=305)and a test set( n=77)at a ratio of 8∶2,and further grouped into PNI-negative group and PNI-positive group subgroups based on pathological results. Super-resolution ultrasound images were generated from original ERUS images using a generative adversarial network(GAN). Deep convolutional neural networks were developed based on features from intratumoral and peritumoral regions to identify the optimal region of interest(ROI). The dSR5_ResNet18 and dSR5_ResNet50 models were constructed using the super-resolution images with a 5-pixel peritumoral extension. Representative clinical features were selected for subgroup analysis based on sample size and intergroup statistical differences between PNI-positive and PNI-negative patients. Forest plots were used to evaluate model applicability and robustness across subgroups. Results:The dSR5_ResNet18 model,built using super-resolution images of the tumor combined with a 5-pixel peritumoral region,achieved the best predictive performance,with an AUC of 0.867(95% CI=0.782 - 0.952)in the test set. Decision curve analysis demonstrated that the dSR5_ResNet18 model provided the greatest net clinical benefit. Forest plot analysis indicated strong generalizability of the models across subgroups such as pathological N stage,maximum lesion length,and lymph node enlargement,though relatively weaker performance was observed in the carcinoembryonic antigen(CEA)subgroup. Among all models,dSR5_ResNet18 exhibited the most consistent performance across subgroups,with the narrowest confidence intervals and highest robustness. Conclusions:The deep learning model incorporating ERUS-based super-resolution reconstruction demonstrated excellent performance in the preoperative prediction of PNI in rectal cancer. It offers significant advantages in image quality and generalizability,and may serve as a valuable tool to assist clinicians in formulating personalized treatment strategies.
2.Upper Limb Function in Post-ischemic Stroke Hemiplegia Patients with Stage Brunnstrom Ⅰ Treated with Auricular Intradermal Acupuncture:A Single-Blinded,Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial
Ping LIN ; Qingfu TANG ; Yating GAO ; Chao XU ; Cuicui DENG ; Yao LIAO ; Wenjuan CHEN ; Jie LU ; Jinfeng JIANG
World Science and Technology-Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;27(4):962-972
Background Previous studies have demonstrated that the vagus nerve stimulation improves upper limb function in patients with stroke sequelae(six month-two years).This study aimed to investigate whether the auricular intradermal acupuncture(AIA)acted on the auricular branch of the vagus nerve can facilitate the recovery of upper limb motor function and expedite the effects and characteristics of rehabilitation processes in flaccid phase after stroke in Phase Brunnstrom Ⅰ.Methods This study utilized a randomized controlled single-blinded clinical design.Patients with ischemic stroke in Phase Brunnstrom Ⅰ were randomly assigned to the auricular intradermal acupuncture(AIA)group(AIA,standard rehabilitation,conventional acupuncture)or the sham auricular intradermal acupuncture(sham AIA)group(the sham AIA,standard rehabilitation,conventional acupuncture)for 6 days of 1 week(6 times).Primary outcome measures:Brunnstrom(Ueda Assessment),Fugl-Meyer assessment of the upper extremity(FMA-UE)and its subtype score(FMA-UEFS,FMA-UEES),Wolf motor function test scale(WMFT).Secondary outcome measures:Upper limb active range of joint motion(AROM),manual muscle test(MMT)of upper limb muscles,Barthel index(BI).Results Of the 332 patients who were screened,70 patients met the criteria and were recruited.There were 35 patients in the AIA group,1 patient was fall off,34 patients were actually completed;35 patients in the sham AIA group had no falling off case.Primary outcome measures:The upper Ueda assessment of the AIA group were better than those of the sham AIA group after treatment on days 3 and 6(P<0.05,P<0.001,respectively).The FMA-UEFS score on days 6 of the AIA group were significantly better than those of the sham AIA group(P<0.05).FMA-UEES of the AIA group was more associated with FMA-UE than FMA-UEFS with FMA-UE after treatment on day 6(FMA-UEFS:r=0.728,P<0.001;FMA-UEES:r=0.744,P<0.001).After 3 days and 6 days of treatment,the AIA group of the WMFT were significantly improved in the sham AIA group(P<0.05,P<0.001,respectively).Secondary outcome measures:AROM:After 6 days of treatment,the AIA group of shoulder abduction were more improved than in the sham AIA group(P<0.05).MMT:The muscle strength of elbow flexion,and elbow extension muscle improved more in the AIA group than in the sham AIA group(P<0.05).Barthel index(BI):After 6 days of treatment,there was a significant improvement in the group compared with before treatment(P<0.05),but no difference compared with the group(P>0.05).Conclusions AIA combined with conventional rehabilitation and acupuncture,can effectively improve the upper limb motor function of patients with post-ischemic stroke flaccid hemiplegia and accelerates the rehabilitation process of upper limb motor function.Clinical Trial Registration The study protocol is registered withhttp://www.chictr.org.cn(accession number:ChiCTR2200058141).
3.Research progress on influencing factors and countermeasures of incentives for community general practitioners
Zhenshuang DU ; Qingfu HU ; Wanping CHEN ; Shuangshuang YE ; Ruirui SUN ; Zongkai YU ; Wenying WANG
Chinese Journal of General Practitioners 2025;24(6):757-763
Community general practitioners are the main force of primary health care, however, the lack of effective incentive mechanisms would affect their work enthusiasm. Therefore, to enhance incentive mechanisms,particularly from the perspective of the career development,will improve the work enthusiasm and post competeny of general practitioners in primary health care services. This article summarizes five major influencing factors of the incentives for community general practitioners, namely salary and benefits, performance evaluation, promotion and development, working conditions and interpersonal relationships, and proposes the operational strategies of incentive improvement, to provide reference for improving working conditions and strengthening incentive measures for community general practioners in primary community hospitals.
4.Research progress on influencing factors and countermeasures of incentives for community general practitioners
Zhenshuang DU ; Qingfu HU ; Wanping CHEN ; Shuangshuang YE ; Ruirui SUN ; Zongkai YU ; Wenying WANG
Chinese Journal of General Practitioners 2025;24(6):757-763
Community general practitioners are the main force of primary health care, however, the lack of effective incentive mechanisms would affect their work enthusiasm. Therefore, to enhance incentive mechanisms,particularly from the perspective of the career development,will improve the work enthusiasm and post competeny of general practitioners in primary health care services. This article summarizes five major influencing factors of the incentives for community general practitioners, namely salary and benefits, performance evaluation, promotion and development, working conditions and interpersonal relationships, and proposes the operational strategies of incentive improvement, to provide reference for improving working conditions and strengthening incentive measures for community general practioners in primary community hospitals.
5.Upper Limb Function in Post-ischemic Stroke Hemiplegia Patients with Stage Brunnstrom Ⅰ Treated with Auricular Intradermal Acupuncture:A Single-Blinded,Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial
Ping LIN ; Qingfu TANG ; Yating GAO ; Chao XU ; Cuicui DENG ; Yao LIAO ; Wenjuan CHEN ; Jie LU ; Jinfeng JIANG
World Science and Technology-Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;27(4):962-972
Background Previous studies have demonstrated that the vagus nerve stimulation improves upper limb function in patients with stroke sequelae(six month-two years).This study aimed to investigate whether the auricular intradermal acupuncture(AIA)acted on the auricular branch of the vagus nerve can facilitate the recovery of upper limb motor function and expedite the effects and characteristics of rehabilitation processes in flaccid phase after stroke in Phase Brunnstrom Ⅰ.Methods This study utilized a randomized controlled single-blinded clinical design.Patients with ischemic stroke in Phase Brunnstrom Ⅰ were randomly assigned to the auricular intradermal acupuncture(AIA)group(AIA,standard rehabilitation,conventional acupuncture)or the sham auricular intradermal acupuncture(sham AIA)group(the sham AIA,standard rehabilitation,conventional acupuncture)for 6 days of 1 week(6 times).Primary outcome measures:Brunnstrom(Ueda Assessment),Fugl-Meyer assessment of the upper extremity(FMA-UE)and its subtype score(FMA-UEFS,FMA-UEES),Wolf motor function test scale(WMFT).Secondary outcome measures:Upper limb active range of joint motion(AROM),manual muscle test(MMT)of upper limb muscles,Barthel index(BI).Results Of the 332 patients who were screened,70 patients met the criteria and were recruited.There were 35 patients in the AIA group,1 patient was fall off,34 patients were actually completed;35 patients in the sham AIA group had no falling off case.Primary outcome measures:The upper Ueda assessment of the AIA group were better than those of the sham AIA group after treatment on days 3 and 6(P<0.05,P<0.001,respectively).The FMA-UEFS score on days 6 of the AIA group were significantly better than those of the sham AIA group(P<0.05).FMA-UEES of the AIA group was more associated with FMA-UE than FMA-UEFS with FMA-UE after treatment on day 6(FMA-UEFS:r=0.728,P<0.001;FMA-UEES:r=0.744,P<0.001).After 3 days and 6 days of treatment,the AIA group of the WMFT were significantly improved in the sham AIA group(P<0.05,P<0.001,respectively).Secondary outcome measures:AROM:After 6 days of treatment,the AIA group of shoulder abduction were more improved than in the sham AIA group(P<0.05).MMT:The muscle strength of elbow flexion,and elbow extension muscle improved more in the AIA group than in the sham AIA group(P<0.05).Barthel index(BI):After 6 days of treatment,there was a significant improvement in the group compared with before treatment(P<0.05),but no difference compared with the group(P>0.05).Conclusions AIA combined with conventional rehabilitation and acupuncture,can effectively improve the upper limb motor function of patients with post-ischemic stroke flaccid hemiplegia and accelerates the rehabilitation process of upper limb motor function.Clinical Trial Registration The study protocol is registered withhttp://www.chictr.org.cn(accession number:ChiCTR2200058141).
6.Application of deep learning models based on super-resolution endorectal ultrasound in predicting perineural invasion in rectal cancer
Yajiao GAN ; Qiping HU ; Xinyi WANG ; Yixi SU ; Qingling SHEN ; Minling ZHUO ; Yi TANG ; Xiaodong LIN ; Yue YU ; Youjia LIN ; Qingfu QIAN ; Zhikui CHEN
Chinese Journal of Ultrasonography 2025;34(10):848-857
Objective:To develop a deep learning model based on super-resolution endorectal ultrasound(ERUS)images for the preoperative prediction of perineural invasion(PNI)in patients with rectal cancer,thereby providing a reference for risk stratification and individualized treatment planning.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on 382 patients with rectal cancer who underwent total mesorectal excision at Fujian Medical University Union Hospital between June 2019 and February 2024. Patients were randomly divided into a training set( n=305)and a test set( n=77)at a ratio of 8∶2,and further grouped into PNI-negative group and PNI-positive group subgroups based on pathological results. Super-resolution ultrasound images were generated from original ERUS images using a generative adversarial network(GAN). Deep convolutional neural networks were developed based on features from intratumoral and peritumoral regions to identify the optimal region of interest(ROI). The dSR5_ResNet18 and dSR5_ResNet50 models were constructed using the super-resolution images with a 5-pixel peritumoral extension. Representative clinical features were selected for subgroup analysis based on sample size and intergroup statistical differences between PNI-positive and PNI-negative patients. Forest plots were used to evaluate model applicability and robustness across subgroups. Results:The dSR5_ResNet18 model,built using super-resolution images of the tumor combined with a 5-pixel peritumoral region,achieved the best predictive performance,with an AUC of 0.867(95% CI=0.782 - 0.952)in the test set. Decision curve analysis demonstrated that the dSR5_ResNet18 model provided the greatest net clinical benefit. Forest plot analysis indicated strong generalizability of the models across subgroups such as pathological N stage,maximum lesion length,and lymph node enlargement,though relatively weaker performance was observed in the carcinoembryonic antigen(CEA)subgroup. Among all models,dSR5_ResNet18 exhibited the most consistent performance across subgroups,with the narrowest confidence intervals and highest robustness. Conclusions:The deep learning model incorporating ERUS-based super-resolution reconstruction demonstrated excellent performance in the preoperative prediction of PNI in rectal cancer. It offers significant advantages in image quality and generalizability,and may serve as a valuable tool to assist clinicians in formulating personalized treatment strategies.
7.Application of shear wave elastography in T restaging for locally advanced rectal cancer after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy
Qingfu QIAN ; Minling ZHUO ; Yi TANG ; Xiaodong LIN ; Ensheng XUE ; Zhikui CHEN
Chinese Journal of Ultrasonography 2024;33(1):71-76
Objective:To investigate the application value of shear wave elastography (SWE) in the evaluation of T re-staging after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT) for locally advanced rectal cancer.Methods:Clinical, endorectal ultrasound (ERUS) and SWE data of 271 patients with locally advanced rectal cancer who underwent nCRT and total mesorectal excision in Fujian Medical University Union Hospital from October 2021 to March 2023 were prospectively collected. The independent predictors for low T staging were analyzed and screened, and the Logistic regression model was constructed. An independent test set was used to validate the prediction performance of the models and compare them with the diagnostic results of sonographers.Results:Binary multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that Emean of the mesentery around the lesion, thickness, and enlarged lymph nodes around the rectum were the independent predictors for low T staging, and the odds ratios were 1.089, 1.214, 0.183, respectively. The Logistic regression model A established by Emean, thickness and enlarged lymph nodes around the lesion and the Logistic regression model B established by Emean around the lesion had high diagnostic efficiencies (area under the ROC curve were 0.931, 0.918, respectively, the accuracy were 0.888 and 0.887, respectively). There was no significant difference in diagnostic accuracy between the two models ( P=1.000), and both models were significantly higher than that of sonographers (all P<0.001). Conclusions:SWE can effectively predict whether the tumor is of low T staging after nCRT in locally advanced rectal cancer, and can be used as an important supplement to ERUS in evaluating the T re-staging of rectal cancer after nCRT.
9.Clinical efficacy and prognostic influencing factors of open abdomen technique for acute pancreatitis with abdominal compartment syndrome
Jianshe SHI ; Bingquan GUO ; Jiahai CHEN ; Jialong ZHENG ; Qingfu HU ; Huifang LIU ; Xiuyong MA ; Yeqing AI ; Zhiqiang PAN ; Xin TIAN ; Yong YE ; Yijie CHEN ; Qingmao WANG ; Zhenshuang DU ; Chenghua ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Digestive Surgery 2022;21(4):520-529
Objective:To investigate the clinical efficacy and prognostic influencing factors of open abdomen technique for acute pancreatitis with abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS).Methods:The retrospective cohort study was conducted. The clinical data of 186 patients of acute pancreatitis with ACS who were admitted to 6 hospitals, including 65 cases in the 910th Hospital of Joint Logistics Support Force of Chinese People′s Liberation Army, 46 cases in the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, 33 cases in the Fujian Provincial Hospital, 31 cases in the Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, 7 cases in the People′s Hospital Affiliated to Quanzhou Medical College, 4 cases in the Shishi General Hospital, from January 2013 to December 2020 were collected. There were 142 males and 44 females, aged (43±8)years. Observation indica-tors: (1) patients conditions after being treatment with open abdomen technique; (2) analysis of clinical characteristics in patients with different treatment outcomes; (3) changing trend of the volume of urine output, levels of lactic acid, levels of enteral nutrient intake and the sequential organ failure score in patients with different treatment outcomes; (4) influencing factors for prognosis of patients. Measurement data with normal distribution were represented as Mean± SD, and compari-son between groups was analyzed using the t test. Measurement data with skewed distribution were represented as M( Q1, Q3), and comparison between groups was analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U test. Count data were described as absolute numbers, and comparison between groups was analyzed using the chi-square test or the continuity correction chi-square test. Repeated measurement data were analyzed using the repeated ANOVA. Spearman correlation analysis was used for correlation analyses. The COX regression model was used for univariate analysis and COX regression model with forward regression was used for multivariate analysis. Results:(1) Patients conditions after being treatment with open abdomen technique. Intra-abdominal pressure, oxygena-tion index, levels of lactic acid and sequential organ failure score of the 186 patients were (23.3±1.9)mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa), (121±24)mmHg, (5.0±3.4)mmol/L and 10.4±3.6 before the treatment with open abdomen technique and (11.2±2.9)mmHg, (222±38)mmHg, (3.2±2.1)mmol/L and 4.4±2.3 at postoperative 168 hours, showing significant differences in time effects before and after the treatment ( Ftime=855.26,208.50, 174.91,208.47, P<0.05). (2) Analysis of clinical characteristics in patients with different treatment outcomes. Of the 186 patients, 166 cases survived and were discharged, and 20 cases died during hospitalization. Age, sequential organ failure score, duration of ACS and levels of lactic acid during hospitalization before the treatment with open abdomen technique were (41±7)years, 9.4±3.4, 13(10,21)hours and (4.2±0.6)mmol/L in surviving patients, versus (45±6)years, 11.5±2.4, 65(39,84)hours and (5.2±0.5)mmol/L in dead patients, respectively, showing significant differences between them ( t=-2.10, -2.71, Z=-5.36, t=-7.16, P<0.05). Duration of postoperative acute gastro-intestinal injury, duration of continuous renal replacement therapy, time to liberation from mech-anical ventilation, duration of vasoactive drugs therapy, cases undergoing early abdominal closure, cases without intestinal fistula or with postoperative high-order intestinal fistula and low-order intestinal fistula during hospitalization after the treatment with open abdomen technique were 4(2,6)days, 4(3,7)days, 34(21,41)days, 3(2,6)days, 126, 131, 23, 12 in surviving patients, versus 13(10,17)days, 10(8,18)days, 0(0,3)days, 8(6,12)days, 1, 2, 15, 3 in dead patients, respectively, showing significant differences between them ( Z=-5.60, -3.75, -3.64, -3.06, χ2=41.43, 45.86, P<0.05). (3) Changing trend of the volume of urine output, levels of lactic acid, levels of enteral nutrient intake and the sequential organ failure score in patients with different treatment outcomes. The volume of urine output, levels of lactic acid, levels of enteral nutrient intake and the sequential organ failure score in surviving patients during hospitalization were (0.29±0.10)mL/(kg·h), (4.2±0.6)mmol/L, 0.0 kcal/(kg·d) and 9.4±3.4 before the treatment with open abdomen technique and (2.22±0.15)mL/(kg·h), (1.9±0.7)mmol/L, (20.7±2.9)kcal/(kg·d) and 3.7±2.2 at postoperative 168 hours. The above indicators in dead patients during hospitalization were (0.28±0.08)mL/(kg·h), (5.2±0.5)mmol/L, 0.0kcal/(kg·d) and 11.5±2.4 before the treatment with open abdomen technique and (0.28±0.09)mL/(kg·h), (7.7±0.8)mmol/L, (4.6±1.8)kcal/(kg·d) and 12.4±2.1 at postoperative 168 hours. There were significant differences in time effects in the above indicators in surviving patients and dead patients before and after the treatment with open abdomen technique ( Ftime=425.57, 188.59, 394.84, 37.52, P<0.05). There were interactive effects between the above indicators and the treatment outcome at different time points ( Finteraction=383.14, 233.04, 169.83, 36.61, P<0.05). There were signifi-cant differences in the change trends of the above indicators between the surviving patients and the dead patients during hospitalization ( Fgouprs=2 739.56, 877.98, 542.05, 240.85, P<0.05). (4) Influen-cing factors for prognosis of patients. Results of univariate analysis showed that age, sequential organ failure score, duration of ACS before surgery, procalcitonin, lactic acid, postoperative high-order intestinal fistula, abdominal hemorrhage, duration of postoperative acute gastrointestinal injury, duration of continuous renal replacement therapy, duration of vasoactive drugs therapy, early abdominal closure were related factors influencing prognosis of patients under-going treatment with open abdomen technique ( hazard ratio=1.07, 1.18, 1.39, 1.16, 8.25, 12.26, 2.83, 1.29, 1.56, 1.41, 0.02, 95% confidence interval as 1.00-1.15, 1.45-2.27, 1.22-1.57, 1.02-1.32, 1.75-38.90, 7.37-41.23, 1.16-6.93, 1.22-1.37, 1.23-1.99, 1.08-1.84, 0.00-0.16, P<0.05). Results of multivariate analysis showed that extended duration of ACS before surgery, postoperative high-order intestinal fistula and extended duration of postoperative acute gastrointestinal injury were independent risk factors influencing prognosis of patients undergoing treatment with open abdomen technique ( hazard ratio=1.05, 7.95, 1.17, 95% confidence interval as 1.01-1.32, 2.05-30.87, 1.13-1.95, P<0.05) and early abdominal closure was an independent protective factor ( hazard ratio=0.10, 95% confidence interval as 0.01-0.89, P<0.05). Results of Spearman correlation analysis showed that duration of ACS was positively correlated with sequential organ failure score before surgery ( r=0.71, P<0.05). Conclusions:Open abdomen technique is effective for acute pancreatitis with ACS. Extended duration of ACS before surgery, postoperative high-order intestinal fistula and extended duration of postoperative acute gastrointestinal injury are independent risk factors for prognosis of patients during hospitalization and early abdominal closure is an independent protective factor.
10. The application value of transrectal ultrasonography in the diagnosis of anorectal malignant melanoma
Xiujuan ZHANG ; Zhikui CHEN ; Qingfu QIAN ; Xiubin TANG ; Xiaodong LIN ; Qin YE ; Ensheng XUE ; Liwu LIN
Chinese Journal of Ultrasonography 2020;29(1):43-46
Objective:
To investigate the value of transrectal ultrasonography(TRUS) in the preoperative diagnosis and tumor T-staging of anorectal malignant melanoma(ARMM).
Methods:
The clinical and ultrasound data of 19 patients(22 lesions) with ARMM confirmed by pathology from February 2008 to Apirl 2019 in Fujian Medical University Affiliated Union Hospital were collected. TRUS was performed within one week before pathological examination. The sonographic features were summarized, ultrasonic typing was performed according to the lesion size and growth pattern, and the accuracies of preoperative ultrasound diagnosis and tumor staging were analyzed.
Results:
Among the 22 lesions, 63.64%(14/22) were with a distance of ≤3 cm between the anal verge and the lower margin of tumor, 68.18%(15/22) with regular shape, 81.82%(18/22) with clear boundary, and 63.64%(14/22) with Adler blood flow grading from Ⅱ to Ⅲ. The preoperative TRUS diagnostic coincidence rate was 73.68%(14/19), and the tumor T-staging accuracy was 75%(12/16), respectively.
Conclusions
TRUS exhibits certain sonographic characteristics, with high preoperative diagnosis rate and tumor T-staging accuracy in anorectal malignant melanoma, which is of great guiding significance for clinical diagnosis and treatment.

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