INTRODUCTION: Radiology plays an integral role in fracture detection in the emergency department (ED). After hours, when there are fewer reporting radiologists, most radiographs are interpreted by ED physicians. A minority of these interpretations may miss diagnoses, which later require the callback of patients for further management. Artificial intelligence (AI) has been viewed as a potential solution to augment the shortage of radiologists after hours. We explored the efficacy of an AI solution in the detection of appendicular and pelvic fractures for adult radiographs performed after hours at a general hospital ED in Singapore, and estimated the potential monetary and non-monetary benefits. METHODS: One hundred and fifty anonymised abnormal radiographs were retrospectively collected and fed through an AI fracture detection solution. The radiographs were re-read by two radiologist reviewers and their consensus was established as the reference standard. Cases were stratified based on the concordance between the AI solution and the reviewers' findings. Discordant cases were further analysed based on the nature of the discrepancy into overcall and undercall subgroups. Statistical analysis was performed to evaluate the accuracy, sensitivity and inter-rater reliability of the AI solution. RESULTS: Ninety-two examinations were included in the final study radiograph set. The AI solution had a sensitivity of 98.9%, an accuracy of 85.9% and an almost perfect agreement with the reference standard. CONCLUSION An AI fracture detection solution has similar sensitivity to human radiologists in the detection of fractures on ED appendicular and pelvic radiographs. Its implementation offers significant potential measurable cost, manpower and time savings.
Humans ; Singapore ; Emergency Service, Hospital ; Fractures, Bone/diagnostic imaging* ; Artificial Intelligence ; Retrospective Studies ; Adult ; Male ; Female ; Cost Savings ; Middle Aged ; Pelvic Bones/diagnostic imaging* ; Reproducibility of Results ; Aged ; Sensitivity and Specificity ; Radiography

OBJECTIVE: To examine the effectiveness of Chinese medicine (CM) Lianhua Qingwen Granule (LHQW) and Jingyin Gubiao Prescription (JYGB) in asymptomatic or mild patients with Omicron infection in the shelter hospital. METHODS: This single-center retrospective cohort study was conducted in the largest shelter hospital in Shanghai, China, from April 10, 2022 to May 30, 2022. A total of 56,244 asymptomatic and mild Omicron cases were included and divided into 4 groups, i.e., non-administration group (23,702 cases), LHQW group (11,576 cases), JYGB group (12,112 cases), and dual combination of LHQW and JYGB group (8,854 cases). The length of stay (LOS) in the hospital was used to assess the effectiveness of LHQW and JYGB treatment on Omicron infection. RESULTS: Patients aged 41-60 years, with nadir threshold cycle (C_T) value of N gene <25, or those fully vaccinated preferred to receive CM therapy. Before or after propensity score matching (PSM), the multiple linear regression showed that LHQW and JYGB treatment were independent influence factors of LOS (both P<0.001). After PSM, there were significant differences in LOS between the LHQW/JYGB combination and the other groups (P<0.01). The results of factorial design ANOVA proved that the LHQW/JYGB combination therapy synergistically shortened LOS (P=0.032). CONCLUSIONS Patients with a nadir C_T value <25 were more likely to accept CM. The LHQW/JYGB combination therapy could shorten the LOS of Omicron-infected individuals in an isolated environment.
Humans ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use* ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Adult ; China/epidemiology* ; Hospitalization ; COVID-19 Drug Treatment ; COVID-19/epidemiology* ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Retrospective Studies ; Treatment Outcome ; Length of Stay ; Young Adult ; Aged

OBJECTIVE: Patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection frequently develop central nervous system damage, yet the mechanisms driving this pathology remain unclear. This study investigated the primary pathways and key factors underlying brain tissue damage induced by the SARS-CoV-2 beta variant (lineage B.1.351). METHODS: K18-hACE2 and C57BL/6 mice were intranasally infected with the SARS-CoV-2 beta variant. Viral replication, pathological phenotypes, and brain transcriptomes were analyzed. Gene Ontology (GO) analysis was performed to identify altered pathways. Expression changes of host genes were verified using reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blot. RESULTS: Pathological alterations were observed in the lungs of both mouse strains. However, only K18-hACE2 mice exhibited elevated viral RNA loads and infectious titers in the brain at 3 days post-infection, accompanied by neuropathological injury and weight loss. GO analysis of infected K18-hACE2 brain tissue revealed significant dysregulation of genes associated with innate immunity and antiviral defense responses, including type I interferons, pro-inflammatory cytokines, Toll-like receptor signaling components, and interferon-stimulated genes. Neuroinflammation was evident, alongside activation of apoptotic and pyroptotic pathways. Furthermore, altered neural cell marker expression suggested viral-induced neuroglial activation, resulting in caspase 4 and lipocalin 2 release and disruption of neuronal molecular networks. CONCLUSION These findings elucidate mechanisms of neuropathogenicity associated with the SARS-CoV-2 beta variant and highlight therapeutic targets to mitigate COVID-19-related neurological dysfunction.
Animals ; COVID-19/genetics* ; Mice ; Brain/metabolism* ; Apoptosis ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; SARS-CoV-2/physiology* ; Pyroptosis ; Gene Expression Profiling ; Transcriptome ; Male ; Female

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease （NAFLD） is a multisystem disease associated with obesity， insulin resistance， and dyslipidemia and has a complex pathogenesis. Studies have shown that gut microbiota dysbiosis is closely associated with the onset of NAFLD， and traditional Chinese medicine treatment can improve the laboratory markers and clinical symptoms of NAFLD patients by regulating intestinal microbiota and its metabolites. This article elaborates on the association between NAFLD and gut microbiota， the involvement of gut microbiota dysbiosis in the pathogenesis of NAFLD， and the possible mechanism of traditional Chinese medicine treatment in improving NAFLD from the perspective of gut microbiota， in order to provide new ideas for the treatment of NAFLD.

Objective To compare the effects of two arc(TA)and dual arc(DA)techniques on the dose distribution to the planning target volume(PTV)and organs at risk(OAR)in volumetric modulated arc therapy(VMAT)for lower mid-thoracic esophageal cancer.Methods Ten patients with lower mid-thoracic esophageal cancer who received radiation therapy at some hospital from July 2020 to June 2022 were selected retrospectively.A TA radiation therapy plan and a DA radiation therapy plan were developed for each patient using the Ray Arc module of RayStation 4.7.5.4 planning system,and the two kinds of radiation plans were compared in terms of dosimetric parameters including D2,D5,D50,D95,D98,homogeneity index(HI),conformity index(CI),beam-on time and total monitor unit for PTV and lung V5,V10,V20,V30 and Dmean and heartV30,V40 and Dmean and spine cord Dmax for OAR.SPSS 22.0 was used for statistical analysis.Results TA and DA radiation therapy plans had no significant differences in PTV CI,HI,D2,D5,D50,D95 and beam-on time(P＞0.05),and DA plan had D98 and total monitor unit higher obviously than those of TA plan(P＜0.05).In terms of OARs protection,DA plan had heart V30,V40 and Dmean slightly lower than those of TA plan with non-significantly differences(P＞0.05),while lung V5,V30 and Dmean and spine cordDmax significantly lower(P＜0.05).Conclusion DA technique gains advantages over TA technique in PTV dose distribution and dose to OAR,and the involvement of DA technique in preparing the VMAT plan for esophageal cancer contributes to enhancing the treatment efficacy.[Chinese Medical Equipment Journal,2024,45(1):62-66]

Objective:To establish a polymerase chain reaction(PCR)method to accurately discriminate the crude materials and aqueous extract of Zaocys dhumnades,Elaphe carinata,Elaphe meollendorff and Ptyas korros.Methods:Specific primers were designed using mitochondrial Cytb gene(CO1)as a target gene,and annealing temperature,number of cycles and the type of DNA polymerases were optimized.The mixed samples were detected by this method.Results:By this multiplex allele-specific PCR identification method,135,182,246 and 197 bp of specific fragments were amplified from DNA templates of Zaocys dhumnades,Elaphe carinata,Elaphe meollendorffi and Ptyas korros,respectively,following the conditions:cycle number of 35,annealing temperature of 62 ℃.The adulterants and the blank control showed no bands.The method could simultaneously and accurately identify the snake-derived components in the mixed samples.Conclusion:The method can be used to identify the samples of Zaocys dhumnades,Elaphe carinata,Elaphe meollendorffi and Ptyas korros simultaneously,accurately and rapidly,and is suitable for the identification of standard decoctiond and formula granules samples.

Objective To compare the effects of erector spinae plane block (ESPB) and serratus anteri-or plane block (SAPB) on postoperative analgesia and recovery time in the patients with thoracic surgery by the meta analysis.Methods The databases of Pubmed,Embase,Cochrane Library,Web of Science,CNKI, Wanfang and VIP were systematically retrieved by computer.The studies on the effect of ESPB and SAPB for postoperative analgesia in the patients with thoracic surgery published from January 1,2013 to now were col-lected.The RevMan5.4 software was used to conduct the summary analysis.Results A total of 13 random-ized controlled trials (RCT) involving 929 patients were included,including 464 cases in the ESPB group and 465 cases in the SAPB group.There was no statistically significant difference in the VAS pain scores at rest at postoperative 1,2,6,8,12,24,48 h and during activity at postoperative 2,4,8,12 h between the two groups (P>0.05).The rest VAS score at postoperative 4 h had statistical difference between the ESPB group and SAPB group (MD=-0.15,95％CI:-0.24 to -0.06,P<0.01).The activity VAS scores at postoperative 24 h had statistical difference between the ESPB group and SAPB group(MD=0.74,95％CI:0.01-1.48, P=0.05).There was statistically significant difference in the effective pressing times of analgesic pump at postoperative 48 h between the two groups (MD=-0.19,95％CI:-0.36-0.02,P=0.03).There was no statistically significant difference in the use amount of opioids drugs at postoperative 48 h between the two groups (MD=-5.32,95％CI:-11.76-1.13,P=0.11).There was no statistically significant difference in the incidence rates of postoperative analgesia-related adverse events,nausea and vomiting and skin pruritus between the two groups (MD=1.07,95％CI:0.85-1.34,P=0.58;MD=0.86,95％CI:0.53-1.40,P=0.56).The first time out of bed after surgery (MD=-0.01,95％CI:-0.04-0.05,P=0.81),postoperative eating time (MD=-0.22,95％CI:-0.84-0.40,P=0.49) and postoperative hospitalization stay duration (MD=-0.07,95％CI:-0.64-0.51,P=0.82) had no statistical differences between the two groups.Con-clusion SAPB and ESPB as postoperative analgesic methods all could provide good analgesic effect in the pa-tients with thoracic surgery.ESPB is recommended to use it first for postoperative analgesia in the patients with thoracic surgery

Objective:To compare the analgesic effects of fascia iliaca compartment block with different concentrations of liposomal bupivacaine for total hip replacement in elderly patients.Methods:This was a prospective study. Sixty-four elderly patients of either sex with hip fracture, aged 65-85 yr, with body mass index of 20-30 kg/m 2 and American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status classification Ⅰ-Ⅲ, undergoing elective total hip arthroplasty from September to December 2023 in Zhangjiagang Hospital affiliated to Soochow University, were divided into LB1, LB2, LB3 and LB4 groups ( n=16 each) using the random number table method. The fascia iliaca compartment block was performed under ultrasound guidance before anesthesia induction. Liposomal bupivacaine 66.5, 133.0, 199.5 and 266.0 mg diluted to 30 ml in normal saline were given in LB1, LB2, LB3 and LB4 groups, respectively. The consumption of intraoperative sufentanil and remifentanil and tracheal extubation time were recorded. The pain numeric rating scale (NRS) scores at rest and during activity were recorded at 4, 8, 12, 24 and 48 h postoperatively. Parecoxib sodium was intravenously injected when the NRS score≥4, and the use of parecoxib sodium was recorded. The effect of motor nerve block in the affected lower extremity was evaluated using the modified Bromage scale score at 4, 8, 12, 24 and 48 h postoperatively. The first ambulation time and duration of hospitalization were recorded. The scores for patients′ satisfaction with analgesic effects at 48 h after operation and the occurrence of adverse reactions within 48 h after operation were recorded. Results:Compared with LB1 group, the consumption of intraoperative sufentanil and remifentanil was significantly reduced, the tracheal extubation time was shortened, NRS scores at rest at 12, 24 and 48 h after operation and NRS scores during activity at 8, 12, 24 and 48 h after operation were significantly decreased, and the scores for patients′ satisfaction with analgesic effects were increased in LB2, LB3 and LB4 groups, the modified Bromage scale scores were significantly increased at 4 and 8 h after operation, and the first ambulation time and duration of hospitalization were shortened in LB2 group, and the modified Bromage scale scores were significantly increased at 4, 8, 12, 24 and 48 h after operation in LB3 and LB4 groups ( P<0.05). Compared with LB2 group, the modified Bromage scale scores were significantly increased at 12, 24 and 48 h after operation, and the first ambulation time and duration of hospitalization were prolonged in LB3 and LB4 groups ( P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the incidence of postoperative adverse reactions among the four groups ( P>0.05). Conclusions:The optimal concentration of liposomal bupivacaine for fascia iliaca compartment block is 133 mg/30 ml when used for analgesia in elderly patients undergoing total hip replacement.

Objective:To evaluate the safety and efficiency of robotic visualization system(RVS)-assisted microsurgical re-construction of the reproductive tract in male rats and the satisfaction of the surgeons.Methods:We randomly divided 8 adult male SD rats into an experimental and a control group,the former treated by RVS-assisted microsurgical vasoepididymostomy(VE)or vaso-vasostomy(VV),and the latter by VE or VV under the standard operating microscope(SOM).We compared the operation time,me-chanical patency and anastomosis leakage immediately after surgery,and the surgeons'satisfaction between the two groups.Results:No statistically significant difference was observed the operation time between the experimental and the control groups,and no anasto-mosis leakage occurred after VV in either group.The rate of mechanical patency immediately after surgery was 100％in both groups,and that of anastomosis leakage after VE was 16.7％in the experimental group and 14.3％in the control.Compared with the control group,the experimental group achieved dramatically higher scores on visual comfort(3.00±0.76 vs 4.00±0.53,P＜0.05),neck/back comfort(2.75±1.16 vs 4.38±1.06,P＜0.01)and man-machine interaction(3.88±1.55 va 4.88±0.35,P＜0.05).There were no statistically significant differences in the scores on image definition and operating room suitability between the two groups.Conclusion:RVS can be used in microsurgical reconstruction of the reproductive tract in male rats and,with its advantages over SOM in ergonomic design and image definition,has a potential application value in male reproductive system micosurgery.

Background and purpose:In 2016 the National Cancer Institute(NCI)decided stopping to use NCI-60 cell lines for drug screening,suggesting that tumor cell lines were losing their value as a tool for drug discovery and basic research.The reason for NCI-60 cells'retirement'was that the preclinical studies based on traditional cellular and animal models did not obtain the corresponding expected efficacy in clinical trials.Since the major cancer behaviors,such as proliferation and metastasis,are fundamentally altered with long-term culture,the tumor cell lines are not representative of the characteristics of cancer in patients.Currently,scientists hope to create a new cancer model that are derived from fresh patient samples and tagged with details about their clinical past.Our purpose was to create patient-derived breast cancer primary cell lines as new cancer model for drug screening and basic research.Methods:Breast cancer tissues were collected in the Department of Breast Surgery,Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University.The collection of tumor tissue samples was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University(approval number:2022 ethics No.313),and the collection and use of tumor tissues complied with the Declaration of Helsinki.The primary breast cancer cell lines were isolated from the patient's breast cancer tissues and cultured in BCMI medium.After the cells proliferated,the media were replaced with DEME medium.Cell line STR genotyping was done to determine cell-specific genetic markers and identification.Clone formation assay and transplantation assay were done to analyze the ability of breast cancer primary cell lines to form tumors.Results:We created 6 primary breast cancer cell lines.The 6 primary breast cancer cell lines from the patients were tagged with the definitively clinicopathological features,clinical diagnosis,therapeutic regimens,clinical effectiveness and prognostic outcomes.The STR genotyping assays identified the genetic markers and determined the identities of the 6 primary breast cancer cell lines.Clone formation assays and transplantation assay showed that the proliferative capacities of the patient-derived primary breast cancer cell lines were significantly greater compared with the conventional breast cancer cell lines.Conclusion:We created a panel of 6 patient-derived primary breast cancer cell lines as new cancer model for drug screening and basic research in breast cancer.