Background: s/Aims: Non-invasive models stratifying clinically significant portal hypertension (CSPH) are limited. Herein, we developed a new non-invasive model for predicting CSPH in patients with compensated cirrhosis and investigated whether carvedilol can prevent hepatic decompensation in patients with high-risk CSPH stratified using the new model. Methods: Non-invasive risk factors of CSPH were identified via systematic review and meta-analysis of studies involving patients with hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG). A new non-invasive model was validated for various performance aspects in three cohorts, i.e., a multicenter HVPG cohort, a follow-up cohort, and a carvediloltreating cohort. Results: In the meta-analysis with six studies (n=819), liver stiffness measurement and platelet count were identified as independent risk factors for CSPH and were used to develop the new “CSPH risk” model. In the HVPG cohort (n=151), the new model accurately predicted CSPH with cutoff values of 0 and –0.68 for ruling in and out CSPH, respectively. In the follow-up cohort (n=1,102), the cumulative incidences of decompensation events significantly differed using the cutoff values of <–0.68 (low-risk), –0.68 to 0 (medium-risk), and >0 (high-risk). In the carvediloltreated cohort, patients with high-risk CSPH treated with carvedilol (n=81) had lower rates of decompensation events than non-selective beta-blockers untreated patients with high-risk CSPH (n=613 before propensity score matching [PSM], n=162 after PSM). Conclusions Treatment with carvedilol significantly reduces the risk of hepatic decompensation in patients with high-risk CSPH stratified by the new model.

Background: s/Aims: Non-invasive models stratifying clinically significant portal hypertension (CSPH) are limited. Herein, we developed a new non-invasive model for predicting CSPH in patients with compensated cirrhosis and investigated whether carvedilol can prevent hepatic decompensation in patients with high-risk CSPH stratified using the new model. Methods: Non-invasive risk factors of CSPH were identified via systematic review and meta-analysis of studies involving patients with hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG). A new non-invasive model was validated for various performance aspects in three cohorts, i.e., a multicenter HVPG cohort, a follow-up cohort, and a carvediloltreating cohort. Results: In the meta-analysis with six studies (n=819), liver stiffness measurement and platelet count were identified as independent risk factors for CSPH and were used to develop the new “CSPH risk” model. In the HVPG cohort (n=151), the new model accurately predicted CSPH with cutoff values of 0 and –0.68 for ruling in and out CSPH, respectively. In the follow-up cohort (n=1,102), the cumulative incidences of decompensation events significantly differed using the cutoff values of <–0.68 (low-risk), –0.68 to 0 (medium-risk), and >0 (high-risk). In the carvediloltreated cohort, patients with high-risk CSPH treated with carvedilol (n=81) had lower rates of decompensation events than non-selective beta-blockers untreated patients with high-risk CSPH (n=613 before propensity score matching [PSM], n=162 after PSM). Conclusions Treatment with carvedilol significantly reduces the risk of hepatic decompensation in patients with high-risk CSPH stratified by the new model.

Background: s/Aims: Non-invasive models stratifying clinically significant portal hypertension (CSPH) are limited. Herein, we developed a new non-invasive model for predicting CSPH in patients with compensated cirrhosis and investigated whether carvedilol can prevent hepatic decompensation in patients with high-risk CSPH stratified using the new model. Methods: Non-invasive risk factors of CSPH were identified via systematic review and meta-analysis of studies involving patients with hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG). A new non-invasive model was validated for various performance aspects in three cohorts, i.e., a multicenter HVPG cohort, a follow-up cohort, and a carvediloltreating cohort. Results: In the meta-analysis with six studies (n=819), liver stiffness measurement and platelet count were identified as independent risk factors for CSPH and were used to develop the new “CSPH risk” model. In the HVPG cohort (n=151), the new model accurately predicted CSPH with cutoff values of 0 and –0.68 for ruling in and out CSPH, respectively. In the follow-up cohort (n=1,102), the cumulative incidences of decompensation events significantly differed using the cutoff values of <–0.68 (low-risk), –0.68 to 0 (medium-risk), and >0 (high-risk). In the carvediloltreated cohort, patients with high-risk CSPH treated with carvedilol (n=81) had lower rates of decompensation events than non-selective beta-blockers untreated patients with high-risk CSPH (n=613 before propensity score matching [PSM], n=162 after PSM). Conclusions Treatment with carvedilol significantly reduces the risk of hepatic decompensation in patients with high-risk CSPH stratified by the new model.

Objective To describe and analyze the epidemiological characteristics of scrub typhus in Huai'an, Jiangsu Province from 2006 to 2024 and explore the long-term incidence trend and distribution of high-risk areas, and to formulate targeted prevention and control strategies. Methods The scrub typhus case report data of Huai'an from 2006 to 2024 in the Chinese Disease Prevention and Control Information System were extracted for descriptive analysis. Results A total of 898 cases of scrub typhus were reported in Huai'an, with an average annual incidence rate of 0.96 per 100 000 from 2006 to 2024. There was a turning point in the incidence trend of scrub typhus in 2011. From 2006 to 2011, the annual percentage change (APC) was 47.09% (95% CI: 7.53 - 859.39), and the upward trend was statistically significant (P < 0.05). From 2012 to 2024, the APC was -2.12% (95% CI: -29.09 - 3.75), and the downward trend was not statistically significant. October and November were the high-incidence months, and the total concentration from 2006 to 2024 was 0.93, indicating that scrub typhus had strict seasonality. The circular distribution method estimated that the peak period of the epidemic was from October 11th to November 25th, and the peak day of incidence was November 3rd. Jinhu County was a high-incidence area. The ratio of male to female cases was 1.03. The age group with the highest reported incidence was 40 to < 80 years old. The occupation with the highest proportion was farmers, accounting for 78.03%. Conclusion From 2006 to 2024, scrub typhus in Huai'an shows a peak every 3 - 4 years. Middle-aged and elderly farmers are the key population at risk, and Jinhu County is a key area. In the future, targeted health education should be carried out to effectively control the prevalence of scrub typhus.

Objective To examine the occurrence of sore throat following painless gastroscopy and to analyze the associated risk factors.Methods A cohort of outpatient patients who underwent painless gastroscopy between October and November 2019 were selected for this study.A questionnaire was designed by the research team to gather relevant data.Starting 24 h after the procedure,telephone follow-ups were conducted every 24 h until the postoperative sore throat completely subsided.The severity of postoperative sore throat were assessed using numerical rating scale(NRS)and the duration was recorded.Patients were categorized into two groups:those with postoperative sore throat(Group I)and those without(Group Ⅱ).Multivariate Logistic regression analysis was performed on statistically significant factors between the two groups to identify independent influencing factors of postoperative sore throat in painless gastroscopy patients.Results Out of 608 patients who participated in the study,42 developed postoperative sore throat,resulting in an incidence rate of 6.91%.The NRS score averaged 3.00(2.00,4.25),with a median duration of 24.0(10.0,48.0)h,with the longest duration recorded at 192 h(in one case).Age and fatigue degree in the preoperative three days were independent influencing factors for postoperative sore throat:for every 1 year increase in age,the incidence of postoperative sore throat decreased by 2.60%;moderate fatigue and severe fatigue in the preoperative three days were risk factors for postoperative sore throat.Conclusion Sore throat following painless gastroscopy warrants attention.For every 1 year increase in age,the incidence of postoperative sore throat decreases by 2.60%;moderate fatigue and severe fatigue in the preoperative three days are risk factors for postoperative sore throat.

Objective:To investigate the effect of pre-treatment plasma Epstein-Barr virus(EBV)DNA copy number on the clinical features and prognosis of patients with adult secondary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis(sHLH).Methods:The clinical characteristics,survival rate,and prognostic factors of 171 patients with adult sHLH treated at Jiangsu Province Hospital from June 2017 to January 2022 were retrospectively analyzed in this study.Patients were divided into three groups,including the EBV DNA-negative group(＜5.0 × 102 copies/ml),lower EBV-DNA loads group(5.0 × 102-8.51 × 104 copies/ml),and higher EBV-DNA loads group(＞8.51 × 104 copies/ml),according to pre-treatment plasma EBV-DNA copy number.Cox regression model was established for screening prognostic factors.Adult sHLH survival prediction model was constructed and realized through the nomogram based on EBV-DNA load after adjusted the factors affecting survival of etiology and treatment strategy.Concordance index(C-index)and calibration curves were calculated to verify model predictive and discriminatory capacity.Results:Among 171 adult sHLH patients,84 patients were not infected with EBV(EBV DNA-negative group),and 87 with EBV(EBV DNA-positive group,48 lower EBV-DNA loads group and 39 higher EBV-DNA loads group).Consistent elevations in the levels of liver enzymes(ALT and AST),LDH,TG,β2-microglobulin and ferritin across the increasing of EBV-DNA load(all P＜0.05),while the levels of fibrinogen decrease(P＜0.001).The median follow-up time was 52 days(range 20-230 days),and 123 patients died.The overall survival(OS)rate of patients in EBV DNA-positive group was lower than that in EBV DNA-negative group(median OS:40 days vs 118 days,P＜0.001).Higher EBV-DNA loads had worse OS(median OS:24 days vs 45 days vs 118 days,P＜0.0001 for trend)compared to lower EBV-DNA loads and EBV DNA-negative group.Multivariate Cox analysis revealed that higher EBV-DNA loads(P=0.005),fibrinogen≤ 1.5 g/L(P=0.012),ferritin(P=0.041),associated lymphoma(P=0.002),and anti-tumor based strategy(P=0.001)were independent prognostic factors for OS.The C-indexes of 30 day,90 days,365 days survival rate were all greater than 0.8 of the nomogram model and calibration curves provided credibility to their predictive capability.Subgroup analysis showed that patients with higher EBV-DNA loads had a significantly worse prognosis in adult sHLH who were women,ferritin＞5 000 μg/L,β2-microglobulin＞7.4 mmol/L and regardless of age,etiologies,HScore points.Conclusion:The EBV-DNA load is a strong and independent predictor for survival in patients with sHLH.The prognostic nomogram based on EBV-DNA loads was dependable and provides a visual tool for evaluating the survival of adult sHLH.

Objective:To evaluate the effect of transnasal humidified rapid insufflation ventilatory exchange (THRIVE) on regional cerebral oxygen saturation (rScO 2) during induction of general anesthesia in patients undergoing traumatic brain injury (TBI) emergency surgery. Methods:A prospective randomized controlled trial was conducted. The TBI emergency general anesthesia patients who underwent intracranial hematoma removal surgery at the Northern Jiangsu People's Hospital from January to July in 2023 were enrolled. The patients were divided into a conventional mask ventilation group and a THRIVE group using a random number table method. The patients in the conventional mask ventilation group were anesthetized and induced to pre oxygenate without positive pressure ventilation in the front mask for 10 minutes, with an oxygen flow rate of 8 L/min and an fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO 2) of 1.00. After anesthesia induction for about 90 s, tracheal intubation was performed after the muscle relaxant took effect (patient's jaw muscle was relaxed). The patients in the THRIVE group were pre oxygenated with THRIVE for 10 minutes, with an oxygen flow rate of 30 L/min and a FiO 2 of 1.00. During anesthesia induction, the oxygen flow rate was increased to 50 L/min, and anesthesia induction medication was used. The lower jaw of patient was supported with both hands to maintain airway patency, and the patient's mouth was kept closed throughout the process. After the muscle relaxant took effect (the patient's jaw muscle was relaxed), tracheal intubation was performed. At the time of patient entering the operating room, 10 minutes of pre oxygenation, and immediately after successful intubation, rScO 2 was measured on the surgical and non-surgical sides. At the same time, ultrasound was used to measure the cross-sectional area (CSA) of the gastric antrum and arterial blood gas analysis was performed. The partial pressure of end-tidal carbon dioxide (P ETCO 2) during the first mechanical ventilation after successful tracheal intubation, the incidence of hypoxemia [pulse oxygen saturation (SpO 2) < 0.95] during tracheal intubation, as well as prognostic indicators such as the length of intensive care unit (ICU) stay, total length of hospital stay, and Glasgow outcome scale (GOS) score at discharge were recorded. Results:During the study period, a total of 70 TBI patients underwent emergency general anesthesia surgery, of which 2 patients died postoperatively, 2 patients were unable to cooperate with closed mouth breathing, and 3 patients had poor ultrasound image acquisition in the gastric antrum, all of whom were excluded. A total of 63 patients were ultimately enrolled, including 32 in the conventional mask ventilation group and 31 in the THRIVE group. There were no statistically significant differences in gender, age, body mass index (BMI), American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification, Glasgow coma scale (GCS) score, optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD), baseline vital signs, fasting situation, anesthesia time, surgical time, and intraoperative blood loss between the patients in the two groups, indicating comparability. When entering the operating room, there was no statistically significant difference in rScO 2 on the surgical and non-surgical sides, and blood gas analysis indexes arterial partial pressure of oxygen (PaO 2) and arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO 2) between the patients in the two groups. When pre oxygenated for 10 minutes, both the surgical and non-surgical sides rScO 2 levels in the THRIVE group were significantly higher than those in the conventional mask ventilation group (surgical side: 0.709±0.036 vs. 0.636±0.028, non-surgical side: 0.791±0.016 vs. 0.712±0.027, both P < 0.01), and the PaO 2 was significantly increased [mmHg (1 mmHg≈0.133 kPa): 450.23±60.99 vs. 264.88±49.33, P < 0.01], PaCO 2 was significantly reduced (mmHg: 37.81±3.65 vs. 43.59±3.76, P < 0.01), and the advantage continues tilled immediately after successful intubation. There was no statistically significant difference in CSA at each time point of ultrasound examination between the two groups. Compared with the conventional mask ventilation group, the patients in the THRIVE group showed a significant decrease in P ETCO 2 during the first mechanical ventilation after successful tracheal intubation (mmHg: 43.10±2.66 vs. 49.22±3.31, P < 0.01), and the incidence of hypoxemia during tracheal intubation was also significantly reduced [0% (0/31) vs. 28.12% (9/32), P < 0.01]. In terms of prognostic indicators, there was no statistically significant difference in the length of ICU stay and total length of hospital stay between the patients in the conventional mask ventilation group and the THRIVE group [length of ICU stay (days): 10 (9, 10) vs. 10 (9, 11), total length of hospital stay (days): 28.00 (26.00, 28.75) vs. 28.00 (27.00, 29.00), both P > 0.05]. However, the proportion of patients in the THRIVE group with a good prognosis at discharge (GOS score > 3) was significantly higher than that in the conventional mask ventilation group [35.5% (11/31) vs. 12.5% (4/32), P < 0.05]. Conclusion:THRIVE can significantly increase rScO 2 during anesthesia induction in TBI emergency surgery patients and improve their neurological function prognosis.

Objective:To evaluate the feasibility of utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) to assist junior anesthesia residents in making the preoperative anesthesia plans.Methods:Forty anesthesia residents in their third year of training, who had obtained their practicing physician qualifications in the Yangzhou area, were assigned into 4 groups ( n=10 each) using a random number table method: Chat-GPT combined with Bing chat group (C-G-B group), Chat-GPT group (C-G group), Bing chat group (B group), and control group (C group). Fifty patients undergoing elective non-cardiac surgery were selected from the anesthesia clinic as teaching cases. C-G-B, C-G and B groups utilized different AI tools to assist trainees in designing anesthesia plans, producing standardized textual outputs. Each trainee underwent a baseline knowledge test through a professional theory examination prior to enrollment. The completeness and accuracy of the preoperative anesthesia plans were evaluated and scored by 3 chief anesthesiologists. The total time spent on plan formulation and satisfaction scores regarding AI tool feedback were recorded. An analysis was conducted based on the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) Physical Status classification of teaching cases. Results:In ASA Physical Status classification Ⅰ and Ⅱ teaching cases, there was no statistically significant difference in completeness and accuracy scores among the four groups ( P>0.05). In ASA Physical Status classification Ⅲ teaching cases, compared to C group, the completeness and accuracy scores were significantly increased in C-G-B, C-G and B groups, with the highest scores observed in C-G-B group ( P<0.05). Among all teaching cases (ASA Physical Status classification Ⅰ-Ⅲ), the total time spent was significantly shortened in C-G and B groups as compared to C and C-G-B groups ( P<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in the total time spent between C-G group and C-G-B group ( P>0.05). Compared to C-G and B groups, the satisfaction score was significantly decreased in C-G-B group ( P<0.05). Conclusions:For ASA Physical Status classification Ⅲ patients, using AI to assist junior anesthesia residents in making preoperative anesthesia plans may offer advantages. Although combining the use of Chat-GPT and Bing chat can further improve the completeness and accuracy of anesthesia plan development, it may require more time.

Objective:To evaluate the value of target blood pressure management based on cerebral oximetry index (COx) during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) in preventing postoperative delirium (POD) in patients with acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD).Methods:One hundred and fifty-seven patients with ATAAD, aged 18-64 yr, regardless of gender, were divided into 2 groups by a random number table method: traditional experience group (group C, n=81) and COx management group (group M, n=76). The mean arterial pressure in group C was maintained in the traditional range of 60-80 mmHg during CPB. In group M, the mean arterial pressure range was obtained based on the COx and maintained within this range during CPB. The primary outcome assessed was the development of delirium within 7 days after surgery. Secondary outcomes included other postoperative complications, tracheal extubation time, and duration of cardiac intensive care unit stay. Results:Compared with group C, the incidence and severity scores of POD were significantly decreased, the duration of POD was shortened, the duration of POD was shortened, the extubation time and duration of cardiac intensive care unit stay were shortened, and the incidence of postoperative cerebral infarction and acute kidney injury was decreased in group M ( P<0.05). Conclusions:Target blood pressure management based on COx during CPB is helpful in reducing the occurrence of POD and improving the prognosis of patients undergoing surgery for ATAAD.

Objective:To evaluate the effect of controlled low central venous pressure (CLCVP) induced by milrinone on intraoperative cerebral blood flow in the patients undergoing laparoscopic hepatectomy.Methods:Eighty American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status classification Ⅰ-Ⅲ patients, regardless of gender, scheduled for elective laparoscopic hepatectomy, with body mass index of 18-30 kg/m 2, aged 18-64 yr, were divided into 2 groups ( n=40 each) by a random number table method: nitroglycerin group (X group) and milrinone group (M group). After the start of surgery, milrinone 0.5 μg·kg -1·min -1 was continuously infused in group M and nitroglycerin 0.5-1.5 μg·kg -1·min -1 was continuously infused in group X to maintain central venous pressure (CVP)<5 cmH 2O. Norepinephrine 0.01-0.10 μg·kg -1·min -1 was intravenously injected during operation to maintain mean arterial pressure at 60-90 mmHg. Norepinephrine 8-16 μg was intravenously injected when necessary. At 10 min after tracheal intubation (T 1), after establishment of pneumoperitoneum (T 2), at 5 and 30 min after CVP reached the target value (T 3, T 4), at 5 min after CVP returned to normal value (T 5) and at the end of surgery (T 6), the internal carotid artery mean blood flow velocity, internal carotid artery blood flow, cardiac output, and cardiac index were recorded. The surgical field score, consumption of intraoperative norepinephrine, fluid input and output, and occurrence of adverse reactions at 7 days after operation were recorded. Results:Compared with group X, the cardiac output, cardiac index, internal carotid artery mean blood flow velocity and internal carotid artery blood flow were significantly increased, the consumption of intraoperative norepinephrine was decreased, and the surgical field score was increased at T 3-5 in group M ( P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the intraoperative fluid intake and output and incidence of postoperative adverse reactions at each time point between the 2 groups ( P>0.05). Conclusions:Compared with nitroglycerin-induced CLCVP, milrinone-induced CLCVP can improve the reduction in intraoperative cerebral blood flow in the patients undergoing laparoscopic hepatectomy to some extent.