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.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the clinical efficacy of Wenshen Chushi Decoction combined with low intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) on erectile dysfunction (ED) caused by renal deficiency and phlegm-dampness syndrome. METHODS: One hundred and twenty ED patients were included from the Department of Andrology in the First Hospital of Hunan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine. The patients in control group were treated with Wenshen Chushi Decoction. While the patients in observation group were treated with Wenshen Chushi Decoction combined with LIPUS for 8 consecutive weeks. After the treatment, the efficacy was evaluated using the International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5) score, Penile Flow Index (PFI), Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndrome Score, Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS) score, and Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) score. Safety was also observed. And the efficacy was followed up 4 weeks after the end of treatment. RESULTS: Fifty-seven cases were enrolled into control group finally with 55 cases in the treatment group. After the treatment, all the patients in both of groups showed an improvement in IIEF-5 scores (P<0.01). Compared with the control group (19.09 ± 2.22), the IIEF-5 score in observation group (20.42 ± 2.39) increased significantly (P<0.01). After the treatment, the scores of PFI, TCM syndrome and SDS in both groups decreased (P<0.01, P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the control group (［3.77 ± 1.21］, ［9.91 ± 1.71］ and ［39.88 ± 2.63］ points), the observation group (［2.92 ± 1.08］, ［4.78 ± 1.45］, and ［34.51 ± 2.09］ points） showed a more significant decrease (P<0.01). There was no significant difference in total effective rate between the two groups (P>0.05). During follow-up, the IIEF-5 scores of both groups of patients were higher than those before (P<0.05, P<0.01), and the observation group score was higher than that in the control group (［17.15 ± 3.37］ vs ［13.63 ± 1.96］, P<0.01). No adverse reaction and abnormality of indicators occurred in both of two groups. CONCLUSION Wenshen Chushi Decoction has a significant therapeutic effect on ED caused by renal deficiency and phlegm-dampness syndrome. It can not only improve the quality of erection, but also improve the physical and mental symptoms associated with ED， which makes therapeutic effect lasting longer.
Humans ; Male ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use* ; Erectile Dysfunction/etiology* ; Middle Aged ; Adult ; Treatment Outcome ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Ultrasonic Therapy ; Phytotherapy

A method was developed for determination of dilauryl thiodipropionate(DLTDP)in fried foods by coupling solid-phase extraction(SPE)pretreatment with reverse-phase liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry(RPLC-MS/MS)detection.Samples were extracted with n-hexane as the solvent,purified using a neutral alumina SPE cartridge,and finally analyzed by RPLC-MS/MS.Quantitative analysis was performed using matrix-matched calibration curves combined with an external standard method under optimal experimental conditions.The results showed that DLTDP exhibited good linearity in the range of 2.0-50.0 μg/L,with a correlation coefficient(R2)≥0.999.The limit of detection(LOD)and the limit of quantification(LOQ)of the method were 0.15 mg/kg and 0.5 mg/kg,respectively.The mean recoveries at three fortification levels(0.5,1.0,and 200 mg/kg)in different samples ranged from 84.8%to 96.8%,with the relative standard deviations(RSDs)all less than 8.0%.The developed method was highly sensitive,accurate and reliable,and easy to operate,making it well suited for the routine quantitative analysis of DLTDP in fried foods.

Decidual natural killer(dNK)cells are the most abundant immune cells in the decidua.The functional acquisition during dNK cell development depends on NK cell education,a process in which the highly polymorphic killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptors(KIRs)and CD94/NKG2s expressed on dNK cells bind to major histocompatibility complex(MHC)class Ⅰmolecules expressed by extravillous trophoblast(EVT)cells.This interaction regulates the effector functions of NK cells.dNK cells participate in the establishment and maintenance of pregnancy by modulating immune tolerance at the maternal-fetal interface.Defects in dNK cell education leading to dNK dysfunction are potential pathological mechanisms underlying adverse pregnancy outcomes such as recurrent pregnancy loss(RPL).This review summarizes the characteristics of dNK cells,dNK cell education and its key associated molecules,and the pathological mechanisms by which poorly educated dNK cells contribute to RPL,aiming to offer insights for predicting and improving pregnancy outcomes in RPL patients associated with dNK cell abnormalities.

Objective To investigate the status of population dynamics and distribution changes of Aedes aegypti in Guangdong Province.Methods Continuous monitoring was conducted from May 2018 to July 2024 in Wushi Town and Qishui Town,Leizhou City,Zhanjiang City,Guangdong Province.Additionally,a survey of the distribution of Ae.aegypti along the Leizhou Peninsula coast was carried out.Results The density of Ae.aegypti in Zhanjiang showed a gradual decline from 2018 to 2024.The last detection of adult Ae.aegypti in Wushi Town was in September 2021,and the last larva was found in October 2023.No Ae.aegypti was detected in Qishui Town during surveys from 2021 to 2024.A survey of 18 coastal villages in the Leizhou Peninsula revealed no detections of Ae.aegypti.Conclusions This study provides a basis for understanding the distribution and population density fluctuations of Ae.aegypti,assessing its invasion risk,and scientifically conducting relevant prevention and control efforts.

Objective To study the effect and mechanism of action of Yi Sui Sheng Xue Fang(YSSX)in ameliorating chemotherapy-induced renal injury in mice through The Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1(KEAP1)/Nuclear factor erythroid-derived 2-like 2(NRF2)signalling pathway.Methods A mouse kidney injury model was induced by intraperitoneal injection of carboplatin(40 mg·kg-1).C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into blank group(0.9％NaCl),model group(kidney injury model)and experimental-L,experimental-M,experimental-H groups(0.53,1.05 and 2.10 g·kg-1·d-1 YSSX by gavage for 7 d).Keap1 and Nrf2 were determined by Western blot;superoxide dismutase(SOD)and malondialdehyde(MDA)activities were determined by spectrophotometry.Results The protein expression levels of Keap1 in blank group,model group and experimental-L,experimental-M,experimental-H groups were 0.26±0.02,0.64±0.03,0.59±0.01,0.45±0.05 and 0.34±0.02;the protein expression levels of Nrf2 were 0.69±0.06,0.35±0.01,0.36±0.01,0.48±0.02 and 0.56±0.01;the enzyme activities of catalase(CAT)were(572.49±912.92),(334.60±4.92),(402.76±9.80),(475.35±5.21)and(493.00±12.03)U·mg-1;glutathione(GSH)were(2.79±0.06),(0.51±0.01),(0.59±0.07),(1.29±0.04)and(1.70±0.08)μmol·L1;SOD were(477.00±4.32),(260.67±6.13),(272.67±2.87),(386.33±3.68)and(395.00±12.25)U·mL-1;MDA were(3.89±0.02),(7.32±0.03),(6.94±0.14),(4.60±0.01)and(4.34±0.02)nmol·mg prot-1.The differences of the above indexes in the model group compared with the blank group were statistically significant(P＜0.01,P＜0.001);the differences of the above indexes in experimental-M,experimental-H groups compared withe model group were statistically significant(P＜0.01,P＜0.001).Conclusion YSSX can activate Keap1/Nrf2 signaling pathway and regulate the oxidative stress state of the organism,thus improving the renal injury caused by chemotherapy in mice.