Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility of an intelligent handheld ultrasound (US) device for assisting non-expert general practitioners (GPs) in detecting carotid plaques (CPs) in community populations. Methods: This prospective parallel controlled trial recruited 111 consecutive community residents. All of them underwent examinations by non-expert GPs and specialist doctors using handheld US devices (setting A, setting B, and setting C). The results of setting C with specialist doctors were considered the gold standard. Carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) and the features of CPs were measured and recorded. The diagnostic performance of GPs in distinguishing CPs was evaluated using a receiver operating characteristic curve. Inter-observer agreement was compared using the intragroup correlation coefficient (ICC). Questionnaires were completed to evaluate clinical benefits. Results: Among the 111 community residents, 80, 96, and 112 CPs were detected in settings A, B, and C, respectively. Setting B exhibited better diagnostic performance than setting A for detecting CPs (area under the curve, 0.856 vs. 0.749; P<0.01). Setting B had better consistency with setting C than setting A in CIMT measurement and the assessment of CPs (ICC, 0.731 to 0.923). Moreover, measurements in setting B required less time than the other two settings (44.59 seconds vs. 108.87 seconds vs. 126.13 seconds, both P<0.01). Conclusion Using an intelligent handheld US device, GPs can perform CP screening and achieve a diagnostic capability comparable to that of specialist doctors.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility of an intelligent handheld ultrasound (US) device for assisting non-expert general practitioners (GPs) in detecting carotid plaques (CPs) in community populations. Methods: This prospective parallel controlled trial recruited 111 consecutive community residents. All of them underwent examinations by non-expert GPs and specialist doctors using handheld US devices (setting A, setting B, and setting C). The results of setting C with specialist doctors were considered the gold standard. Carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) and the features of CPs were measured and recorded. The diagnostic performance of GPs in distinguishing CPs was evaluated using a receiver operating characteristic curve. Inter-observer agreement was compared using the intragroup correlation coefficient (ICC). Questionnaires were completed to evaluate clinical benefits. Results: Among the 111 community residents, 80, 96, and 112 CPs were detected in settings A, B, and C, respectively. Setting B exhibited better diagnostic performance than setting A for detecting CPs (area under the curve, 0.856 vs. 0.749; P<0.01). Setting B had better consistency with setting C than setting A in CIMT measurement and the assessment of CPs (ICC, 0.731 to 0.923). Moreover, measurements in setting B required less time than the other two settings (44.59 seconds vs. 108.87 seconds vs. 126.13 seconds, both P<0.01). Conclusion Using an intelligent handheld US device, GPs can perform CP screening and achieve a diagnostic capability comparable to that of specialist doctors.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility of an intelligent handheld ultrasound (US) device for assisting non-expert general practitioners (GPs) in detecting carotid plaques (CPs) in community populations. Methods: This prospective parallel controlled trial recruited 111 consecutive community residents. All of them underwent examinations by non-expert GPs and specialist doctors using handheld US devices (setting A, setting B, and setting C). The results of setting C with specialist doctors were considered the gold standard. Carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) and the features of CPs were measured and recorded. The diagnostic performance of GPs in distinguishing CPs was evaluated using a receiver operating characteristic curve. Inter-observer agreement was compared using the intragroup correlation coefficient (ICC). Questionnaires were completed to evaluate clinical benefits. Results: Among the 111 community residents, 80, 96, and 112 CPs were detected in settings A, B, and C, respectively. Setting B exhibited better diagnostic performance than setting A for detecting CPs (area under the curve, 0.856 vs. 0.749; P<0.01). Setting B had better consistency with setting C than setting A in CIMT measurement and the assessment of CPs (ICC, 0.731 to 0.923). Moreover, measurements in setting B required less time than the other two settings (44.59 seconds vs. 108.87 seconds vs. 126.13 seconds, both P<0.01). Conclusion Using an intelligent handheld US device, GPs can perform CP screening and achieve a diagnostic capability comparable to that of specialist doctors.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility of an intelligent handheld ultrasound (US) device for assisting non-expert general practitioners (GPs) in detecting carotid plaques (CPs) in community populations. Methods: This prospective parallel controlled trial recruited 111 consecutive community residents. All of them underwent examinations by non-expert GPs and specialist doctors using handheld US devices (setting A, setting B, and setting C). The results of setting C with specialist doctors were considered the gold standard. Carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) and the features of CPs were measured and recorded. The diagnostic performance of GPs in distinguishing CPs was evaluated using a receiver operating characteristic curve. Inter-observer agreement was compared using the intragroup correlation coefficient (ICC). Questionnaires were completed to evaluate clinical benefits. Results: Among the 111 community residents, 80, 96, and 112 CPs were detected in settings A, B, and C, respectively. Setting B exhibited better diagnostic performance than setting A for detecting CPs (area under the curve, 0.856 vs. 0.749; P<0.01). Setting B had better consistency with setting C than setting A in CIMT measurement and the assessment of CPs (ICC, 0.731 to 0.923). Moreover, measurements in setting B required less time than the other two settings (44.59 seconds vs. 108.87 seconds vs. 126.13 seconds, both P<0.01). Conclusion Using an intelligent handheld US device, GPs can perform CP screening and achieve a diagnostic capability comparable to that of specialist doctors.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility of an intelligent handheld ultrasound (US) device for assisting non-expert general practitioners (GPs) in detecting carotid plaques (CPs) in community populations. Methods: This prospective parallel controlled trial recruited 111 consecutive community residents. All of them underwent examinations by non-expert GPs and specialist doctors using handheld US devices (setting A, setting B, and setting C). The results of setting C with specialist doctors were considered the gold standard. Carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) and the features of CPs were measured and recorded. The diagnostic performance of GPs in distinguishing CPs was evaluated using a receiver operating characteristic curve. Inter-observer agreement was compared using the intragroup correlation coefficient (ICC). Questionnaires were completed to evaluate clinical benefits. Results: Among the 111 community residents, 80, 96, and 112 CPs were detected in settings A, B, and C, respectively. Setting B exhibited better diagnostic performance than setting A for detecting CPs (area under the curve, 0.856 vs. 0.749; P<0.01). Setting B had better consistency with setting C than setting A in CIMT measurement and the assessment of CPs (ICC, 0.731 to 0.923). Moreover, measurements in setting B required less time than the other two settings (44.59 seconds vs. 108.87 seconds vs. 126.13 seconds, both P<0.01). Conclusion Using an intelligent handheld US device, GPs can perform CP screening and achieve a diagnostic capability comparable to that of specialist doctors.

In order to provide basic information for the utilization and development of famous classical formulas containing Bletillae Rhizoma， this article systematically analyzes the historical evolution of the name， origin， harvesting and processing of Bletillae Rhizoma by reviewing the ancient materia medica， prescription books， medical books and modern literature. The research results showed that Baiji（白及） was the main name， some scholars took Baiji（白芨） as its main name， and there were many other names such as Baiji（白给）， Baigen（白根）， Baiji（白苙）. The mainstream source of Bletillae Rhizoma was the tubers of Bletilla striata， and drying， large， white， solid， root-free and skin removed completely were the good quality standards. With the promotion of wild to cultivated medicinal materials， there were certain differences between their traits， and the quality evaluation indexes should be adjusted accordingly. The origin of records in the past dynasties was widely distributed， with Guizhou and Sichuan having high production and good quality in modern times. The harvesting period is mostly in spring and autumn， and harvested in autumn was better. The processing and processing technology is relatively simple， and it was used fresh or powdered in past dynasties， while it is mainly sliced for raw use in modern times. Based on the results， it is suggested that the tubers of Bletilla striata of Orchidaceae should be used in the famous classical formulas， and it should be uniformly written as Baiji（白及）. And if the original formula indicates the requirement of processing， it should be operated according to the requirement， if the requirement of processing is not indicated， it can be used in raw form as medicine.

Viral myocarditis(VMC)is the leading cause of dilated cardiomyopathy,which can lead to heart failure and sudden cardiac death.With the development of high-throughput sequencing technology,non-coding RNA(ncRNA)plays an important role in the occurrence and development of VMC.ncRNA promotes the occurrence and development of VMC by regulating viral replication,immune cell function,myocardial cell death,myocardial interstitial fibrosis,and other pathological processes.This article reviews the research progress of ncRNA in VMC and provides new ideas for the pathogenesis,diagnosis,and treatment of VMC.

Objective To report a case of synovial sarcoma of the liver and review the literature for improving the understanding of the disease.Methods The clinical data of a patient with liver synovial sarcoma admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University were analyzed retrospectively.The imaging,pathological features,treatment and prognosis of this disease were summarized by searching the database(CNKI,Wanfang Data,PubMed,untill July 2022)and the literature results analyzed comprehensively.Results The patient was a 71-year-old female who was admitted to the hospital due to abdominal pain.Computed tomography(CT)scan showed a mass with mixed density in the right lobe and caudate lobe of the liver.The large cross section size was about 115 mm×87 mm and the mass showed continuous heterogeneous enhancement,being considered as malignant hepatic tumors with multiple metastasis of the liver and lung.Ultrasound-guided needle biopsy was performed,and microscopy showed the tumor cells were obvious atypical,and some were spindle-shaped.Immunohistochemistry showed that the patient was positive for vimentin(VIM),epithelial membrane antigen(EMA),methylation of histone at lysine 27(H3K27Me3),and negative for pan cytokeratin(CK-pan)and S-100,and pathological diagnosis of synovial sarcoma was made.The patient did not undergo subsequent treatment and was lost to follow-up after discharge.A total of 12 cases of hepatic synovial sarcoma were reported after searching the database.The clinical manifestations were abdominal pain or distention.The lesions were mostly located in the right lobe of the liver,usually large,heterogeneous density,and heterogeneous enhancement on enhanced CT or magnetic resonance imaging(MRI).Spindle-shaped cells were found at histopathologic examination.Immunohistochemistry showed the patient was positive for VIM,EMA,H3K27Me,B-cell leukemia/lymphoma-2(BCL-2)and transducer-like enhancer of split 1(TLE1).SS18-SSX fusion gene or SS18 gene isolation were detected.Eleven patients received surgical treatment,5 received adjuvant chemotherapy,and 4 had recurrence or metastasis during the follow-up period.Conclusions Synovial sarcoma of the liver is a rare malignant tumor of the liver.The clinical and imaging features are not specific.The diagnosis depends on pathology.At present,the main treatment is surgery,and comprehensive treatment such as adjuvant chemotherapy can be performed.The prognosis of the patient is poor.

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) on cognitive function of vascular dementia (VD) rats and its mechanism. MethodsVD rat model was established by modified two-vessel occlusion (2-VO). After modeling, TEAS and electroacupuncture (EA) were used to stimulate Baihui and Zusanli points of rats respectively for 14 d. After treatment, novel object recognition test, Morris water maze test, and Y maze test were used to evaluate the spatial memory and learning ability of rats. Hematoxylin and eosin staining was used to observe the morphology of hippocampal neurons. Transmission electron microscopy was used to observe the ultrastructure of hippocampal mitochondria. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits were used to detected the levels of SOD, CAT, GSH-Px, MDA and ROS in serum of rats. Western blot was used to detect the expression of PGC-1α, TFAM, HO-1, NQO1 proteins in the hippocampus, Keap1 protein in the cytoplasm and Nrf2, NRF1 proteins in the nucleus. ResultsAfter treatment for 14 d, compared to the model group, the escape latency of VD rats decreased, while the discrimination index, the times of rats crossing the original platform area, the residence time in the original platform quadrant, and the percentage of alternation increased. TEAS can improve the structure of hippocampal neurons and mitochondria of VD rats, showing that neurons were arranged more regularly and distributed more evenly, nuclear membrane and nucleoli were clearer, and mitochondrial swelling were reduced, mitochondrial matrix density were increased, and mitochondrial cristae were more obvious. The levels of SOD, GSH-Px and CAT in serum increased significantly, while the concentration of MDA and ROS decreased. TEAS also up-regulated the expression levels of PGC-1α TFAM, NQO1 and HO-1 proteins in the hippocampus and Nrf2, NRF1 proteins in the nucleus, but down-regulated the Keap1 protein in the cytoplasm. ConclusionTEAS can improve cognition, hippocampal neurons and mitochondrial structure of VD rats, and the effect is better than EA. The mechanism may be the activation of PGC-1α mediated mitochondrial biogenesis and antioxidant stress, which also provides a potential therapeutic technology and experimental basis for the treatment of VD.

BACKGROUND:Our previous studies found that adding barium sulfate could improve the mechanical and radiopaque properties of calcium phosphate cement.However,with the degradation of calcium phosphate,the remaining radiopaque agent is difficult to degrade,and the space-occupying and osteoclast effects at the implantation site affect the bone repair process.Therefore,it is necessary to develop a new biodegradable radiopaque material. OBJECTIVE:To discuss the radiopaque ability of bioactive degradable material strontium polyphosphate(SrPP)and its impact on the physicochemical properties and osteogenic effect of calcium phosphate cement. METHODS:(1)Calcium phosphate cement(CPC),starch modified calcium phosphate cement(CPS)and starch modified calcium phosphate cement(20%SrPP-CPN)containing SrPP(20%mass fraction of bone cement powder)were prepared respectively,and the physicochemical properties of the three groups of bone cements were characterized.(2)The three groups of bone cement extracts were co-cultured with rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells,respectively,to detect cell proliferation,energy metabolism,and osteogenic differentiation.(3)Bone defects with a diameter of 5 mm were made on each side of the top of the skull of 24 SD rats,and they were randomly divided into control group(without any intervention),CPC group,CPS group,and 20%SrPP-CPN group for intervention,with 6 rats in each group.Relevant tests were performed after 4 and 12 weeks of intervention. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Compared with the other two groups of bone cement,20%SrPP-CPN had enhanced radiopaque ability,increased compressive strength and degradation rate,and prolonged curing time,and 20%SrPP-CPN could release Sr2+ stably during degradation.(2)CCK-8 assay showed that 20%SrPP-CPN did not affect the proliferation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells.Cell starvation test(serum-free culture)showed that 20%SrPP-CPN could promote the proliferation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells compared with the other two groups of bone cement.Compared with the other two groups of bone cements,20%SrPP-CPN increased adenosine triphosphate concentration in bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells.Alkaline phosphatase and alizarin red staining showed that 20%SrPP-CPN could promote osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells compared with the other two groups of bone cement.(3)In the rat skull defect experiment,Micro-CT scanning and histological observation(hematoxylin-eosin and Masson stainings)showed that bone cement in 20%SrPP-CPN group was significantly degraded compared with that in CPC and CPS groups,and a large number of new bone tissues were dispersed in degraded bone cement.Immunohistochemical staining showed that Runx2 protein expression was increased in 20%SrPP-CPN group compared with CPC group and CPS group(P＜0.01).(4)These results show that 20%SrPP-CPN has good radiopaque ability and osteogenic properties.