1.Feasibility study of abdominal organs imaging using a flexible interventional ultrasound catheter
Jinling GONG ; Ningshan LI ; Hui LI ; Jianguo MA ; Zheng LIU
Chinese Journal of Ultrasonography 2025;34(10):884-889
Objective:To evaluate the feasibility of a novel flexible ultrasound imaging catheter for high-resolution real-time imaging of deep abdominal structures via percutaneous intervention.Methods:A self-developed flexible ultrasound catheter system(outer diameter:3.3 mm,integrated with a 10.5 MHz high-frequency linear array transducer and 4-degree-of-freedom active deflection)was used to image abdominal organs(liver,gallbladder,pancreas,etc.)in two healthy beagles via percutaneous puncture,with comparison to conventional surface convex array probes(3.6 MHz). Image quality was assessed using a double-blind design,independently scored by five ultrasound physicians with over 10 years of experience on a 6-point scale. Mixed-effects ordinal logistic regression(adjusted for dog,organ,and evaluator variability)was employed for inter-group comparisons,with effect sizes quantified by Cliff's delta. Characteristic anatomical structure detection rates were analyzed using generalized linear mixed models(Firth correction for zero events). Inter-rater reliability was assessed via intraclass correlation coefficient(ICC,two-way random model)and Kendall's coefficient of concordance.Results:The flexible catheter group demonstrated significantly superior image quality compared to the surface probe group . The most pronounced improvement was observed in adrenal imaging(5 points vs. 1 point, P<0.001,δ=0.92),while pancreatic imaging showed no significant difference(2 points vs. 2 points, P=0.812,δ=0.05). Other organs exhibited significant quality enhancements(all P<0.05,δ=0.63~0.81). The catheter significantly improved detection rates of characteristic structures:gastric wall stratification(90% vs. 10%, OR=36.0, P<0.001),adrenal corticomedullary differentiation(80% vs. 0, OR=∞, P<0.001),and gallbladder/small intestinal wall trilaminar structure(80% vs. 20%, OR=12.0, P=0.003). The high-quality image rate(≥5 points)reached 77.8%,representing an 11.6-fold improvement over surface ultrasound(6.7%, P<0.001). Inter-rater reliability was excellent(ICC=0.85,W=0.79). Conclusions:Percutaneous flexible ultrasound catheter imaging significantly enhances resolution and anatomical detail visualization of deep abdominal structures. Combining minimally invasive access with operational flexibility,this technology shows promise for providing precise image guidance in minimally invasive procedures.
2.Construction and Validation of A Nomogram Risk Prediction Model for In-Stent Restenosis in Superficial Femoral Artery
Xiaoke ZENG ; Yuan LIU ; Hao ZUO ; Ningshan LI ; Yali XU
Chinese Journal of Medical Imaging 2025;33(4):422-427
Purpose To construct and validate a risk prediction model for in-stent restenosis(ISR)nomogram in patients with superficial femoral artery stent implantation.Materials and Methods 150 cases of superficial femoral artery stent implantation patients who were hospitalized in Department of Cardiovascular Surgery of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University from February 2016 to November 2022 were retrospectively analyzed.Risk factors for ISR in patients with superficial femoral artery stent implantation were screened using univariate analysis,least absolute shrinkage and selection operator and multifactorial Logistic regression analysis.Nomograms were produced,Bootstrap method was used for internal validation,consistency index was used for model differentiation assessment,and calibration graphs were used for calibration assessment.Results Fifty-five patients(36.7%)with ISR one year after superficial femoral artery stenting were identified.Univariate analysis,least absolute shrinkage and selection operator and Logistic regression showed a history of stroke(OR=9.152,95%CI 2.957-28.322),chronic kidney disease(OR=14.639,95%CI 2.378-90.115),fibrinogen concentration(OR=8.422,95%CI 3.139-22.594),pre-procedural occlusion(OR=3.604,95%CI 1.446-8.981)and calcified plaque(OR=5.167,95%CI 2.044-13.059)were the best predictors of the occurrence of ISR one year post-procedure in patients with stenting of superficial femoral artery.The consistency index of the prediction model was 0.876(95%CI 0.812-0.939),with specificity and sensitivity of 93.6%and 70.9%,respectively;a Brie score of 0.124,and a consistency index after internal validation of the model of 0.859,respectively.Calibration plots showed that the ideal probability curves and the actual probability curves overlapped with each other well.Conclusion The Nomogram risk prediction model of superficial femoral artery stent restenosis constructed in this study has good differentiation and calibration,and is of good value for clinical prediction of ISR in patients with superficial femoral artery stent implantation.
3.Construction and Validation of A Nomogram Risk Prediction Model for In-Stent Restenosis in Superficial Femoral Artery
Xiaoke ZENG ; Yuan LIU ; Hao ZUO ; Ningshan LI ; Yali XU
Chinese Journal of Medical Imaging 2025;33(4):422-427
Purpose To construct and validate a risk prediction model for in-stent restenosis(ISR)nomogram in patients with superficial femoral artery stent implantation.Materials and Methods 150 cases of superficial femoral artery stent implantation patients who were hospitalized in Department of Cardiovascular Surgery of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University from February 2016 to November 2022 were retrospectively analyzed.Risk factors for ISR in patients with superficial femoral artery stent implantation were screened using univariate analysis,least absolute shrinkage and selection operator and multifactorial Logistic regression analysis.Nomograms were produced,Bootstrap method was used for internal validation,consistency index was used for model differentiation assessment,and calibration graphs were used for calibration assessment.Results Fifty-five patients(36.7%)with ISR one year after superficial femoral artery stenting were identified.Univariate analysis,least absolute shrinkage and selection operator and Logistic regression showed a history of stroke(OR=9.152,95%CI 2.957-28.322),chronic kidney disease(OR=14.639,95%CI 2.378-90.115),fibrinogen concentration(OR=8.422,95%CI 3.139-22.594),pre-procedural occlusion(OR=3.604,95%CI 1.446-8.981)and calcified plaque(OR=5.167,95%CI 2.044-13.059)were the best predictors of the occurrence of ISR one year post-procedure in patients with stenting of superficial femoral artery.The consistency index of the prediction model was 0.876(95%CI 0.812-0.939),with specificity and sensitivity of 93.6%and 70.9%,respectively;a Brie score of 0.124,and a consistency index after internal validation of the model of 0.859,respectively.Calibration plots showed that the ideal probability curves and the actual probability curves overlapped with each other well.Conclusion The Nomogram risk prediction model of superficial femoral artery stent restenosis constructed in this study has good differentiation and calibration,and is of good value for clinical prediction of ISR in patients with superficial femoral artery stent implantation.
4.Feasibility study of abdominal organs imaging using a flexible interventional ultrasound catheter
Jinling GONG ; Ningshan LI ; Hui LI ; Jianguo MA ; Zheng LIU
Chinese Journal of Ultrasonography 2025;34(10):884-889
Objective:To evaluate the feasibility of a novel flexible ultrasound imaging catheter for high-resolution real-time imaging of deep abdominal structures via percutaneous intervention.Methods:A self-developed flexible ultrasound catheter system(outer diameter:3.3 mm,integrated with a 10.5 MHz high-frequency linear array transducer and 4-degree-of-freedom active deflection)was used to image abdominal organs(liver,gallbladder,pancreas,etc.)in two healthy beagles via percutaneous puncture,with comparison to conventional surface convex array probes(3.6 MHz). Image quality was assessed using a double-blind design,independently scored by five ultrasound physicians with over 10 years of experience on a 6-point scale. Mixed-effects ordinal logistic regression(adjusted for dog,organ,and evaluator variability)was employed for inter-group comparisons,with effect sizes quantified by Cliff's delta. Characteristic anatomical structure detection rates were analyzed using generalized linear mixed models(Firth correction for zero events). Inter-rater reliability was assessed via intraclass correlation coefficient(ICC,two-way random model)and Kendall's coefficient of concordance.Results:The flexible catheter group demonstrated significantly superior image quality compared to the surface probe group . The most pronounced improvement was observed in adrenal imaging(5 points vs. 1 point, P<0.001,δ=0.92),while pancreatic imaging showed no significant difference(2 points vs. 2 points, P=0.812,δ=0.05). Other organs exhibited significant quality enhancements(all P<0.05,δ=0.63~0.81). The catheter significantly improved detection rates of characteristic structures:gastric wall stratification(90% vs. 10%, OR=36.0, P<0.001),adrenal corticomedullary differentiation(80% vs. 0, OR=∞, P<0.001),and gallbladder/small intestinal wall trilaminar structure(80% vs. 20%, OR=12.0, P=0.003). The high-quality image rate(≥5 points)reached 77.8%,representing an 11.6-fold improvement over surface ultrasound(6.7%, P<0.001). Inter-rater reliability was excellent(ICC=0.85,W=0.79). Conclusions:Percutaneous flexible ultrasound catheter imaging significantly enhances resolution and anatomical detail visualization of deep abdominal structures. Combining minimally invasive access with operational flexibility,this technology shows promise for providing precise image guidance in minimally invasive procedures.
5.Tumor perfusion enhancement effect combined with programmed cell death-Ligand 1 antibody improves the immune microenvironment of solid tumors
Jun YANG ; Guoliang YANG ; Hui LI ; Jiabei YIN ; Lei YAO ; Jiawei TANG ; Zheng LIU ; Ningshan LI
Chinese Journal of Ultrasonography 2023;32(2):161-168
Objective:To investigate the tumor perfusion enhancement induced by low intensity ultrasound stimulated microbubble cavitation (USMC) combined with programmed cell death-Ligand 1(PD-L1) antibody on improving the immune microenvironment of solid tumors.Methods:Tumor-bearing mice were divided into 4 groups: Control ( n=26) group, USMC ( n=27) group, anti-PD-L1 ( n=27) group and USMC+ anti-PD-L1 ( n=27) group. USMC treatment was performed with a VINNO 70 ultrasound theranostics system. Tumor perfusion was evaluated by contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS). The anti-tumor efficacy was assessed by the tumor growth curve and the survival time of mice. The number and function of CD8 + T cells, the differentiation of CD4 + T cells, the proportion of MDSC and the phenotype distribution of TAM in tumors were analyzed by flow cytometry. The content of CXCL9, CXCL10 and HIF-1α in tumor were detected by ELISA. The expression of VEGF in tumor tissues was analyzed by immunofluorescence. Results:CEUS showed that the values of PI and AUC of tumors were significantly increased after USMC compared with before USMC (all P<0.05). USMC combined with anti-PD-L1 therapy did suppress the tumor progression. FCM showed the number, the expression of proliferation antigen Ki67, the secretion of IFN-γ and Granzyme B of CD8 + T cells in tumors were higher in combined group than those in other three groups after therapy (all P<0.05). Meantime, the proportion of Th1 was rose while Tregs and MDSC were declined and the polarization of TAM was toward M1 type by combined therapy. ELISA analysis showed that the combined therapy also increased the concentration of CXCL9, CXCL10 and decreased the content of HIF-1α in tumors (all P<0.05). Meanwhile, the immunofluorescence expression of VEGF was significantly lower in combined group than that in the control group after treatment ( P<0.05). Conclusions:Tumor perfusion enhancement by USMC combined with PD-L1 antibody therapy could improve tumor immune microenvironment and USMC might be a novel effective method for potentiating PD-L1 antibody immunotherapy.
6.Echocardiographic features and outcome of restrictive foramen ovale in fetuses without cardiac malformations
Ningshan LI ; Hongmei XIA ; Xi DENG ; Huan JIANG ; Qi TANG ; Yunhua GAO ; Zheng LIU
Chinese Journal of Ultrasonography 2019;28(1):36-41
Objective To investigate the clinical significance of restrictive foramen ovale ( RFO ) monitored by fetal echocardiography during the middle to late stage of pregnancy . Methods The detection rate ,echocardiographic features and outcome in fetuses with RFO without cardiac malformations from 7319 pregnant women received prenatal echocardiography were retrospectively reviewed and analyzed . Results RFO was found in 40 of 7319 (0 .55% ) fetuses . The inclusion criteria including a narrow right to left shunt of less than 2 .5 mm in diameter across atrial septum , enlarged right atrium , increased right-to-left ventricular size ratio ,and increased size ratio of main pulmonary artery to aorta were present in 40 fetuses . The direct ultrasound characters of RFO included limited opening of oval valve ( 70% ) and foramen ovale diameter less than 2 .5 mm (30% ) . And atrial septal aneurysm ( 62 .5% ) ,redundant primum atrial septum (57 .5% ) ,abnormal ductus arteriosus ( 57 .5% ) might also be present commonly in RFO . As the gestational weeks increased , the size ratio of right-to-left atrium , right-to-left ventricle and the main pulmonary artery to aorta also increased significantly( P =0 .004 , P <0 .001 , P <0 .001) . Among the 40 fetuses with RFO ,21 cases ( 52 .5% ) gave birth in full term ,8 cases ( 20% ) which were detected severe tricuspid regurgitation gave birth in early cesarean section ,5 cases ( 12 .5% ) had induced labor and 6 cases (15% ) were lost in the follow-up . Of the 29 newborns ,only 1 case died of heart failure ,and the other 28 subjects recovered both from heart structure or cardiac function within four months . Conclusions RFOwithout cardiac malformations presents echocardiographic features characterized by a narrow right to left shunt of less than 2 .5 mm in diameter across atrial septum . Fetal echocardiography can monitor the dynamic change of fetal heart structure and function based on the increase of right heart load and decrease of left heart volume ,which has important clinical significance for assessing fetal intrauterine condition and prognosis .
7.Development and application of MOSAIQ integration platform based on radiotherapy workflow
Xin YANG ; Zhenyu HE ; Xiaobo JIANG ; Maosheng LIN ; Ningshan ZHONG ; Jiang HU ; Zhenyu QI ; Yong BAO ; Qiaoqiao LI ; Baoyue LI ; Lianying HU ; Chengguang LIN ; Yuanhong GAO ; Hui LIU ; Xiaoyan HUANG ; Xiaowu DENG ; Yunfei XIA ; Mengzhong LIU ; Ying SUN
Chinese Journal of Radiation Oncology 2017;26(8):918-923
Objective To develop a MOSAIQ Integration PlatformCHN (MIP) based on the workflow of radiotherapy (RT) and to meet the actual requirements in China and the special needs for the radiotherapy department.Methods MIP used C/S (client-server) structure mode running on the local network in the hospital and its database was based on the Treatment Planning System (TPS) and MOSAIQ database.Five network servers,as the core hardware,supplied data storage and network service based on cloud services.The core software was developed based on Microsoft Visual Studio Platform using C# network programming language.The MIP server could simultaneously offer network service for about 200 workstations,including entry,query,statistics,and print of data.Results MIP had 15 core function modules,such as Notice,Appointment,Billing,Document Management (application/execution),and System Management,which almost covered the whole workflow of radiotherapy.Up to June 2016,the recorded data in the MIP were as follows:13546 patients,13533 plan application forms,15475 RT records,14656 RT summaries,567048 billing records,and 506612 workload records.Conclusions The MIP based on the RT workflow has been successfully developed and used in clinical practice.It is an important part of radiotherapy information system construction with the advantages of intuitive operation,real-time performance,data security,and stable operation.It is digital,paperless,user-friendly,and convenient for the retrieval and statistics of data as well as information sharing and department management,and can significantly improve the efficiency of the department.More functions can be added or modified to enhance its potentials in research and clinical practice.
8.Practical application and thinking of distance learning system in ultrasound medicine
Ningshan LI ; Xi YANG ; Yani RONG ; Jingcheng ZHAO ; Weidong SHENG ; Zhongxiong ZHUO
Chinese Journal of Medical Education Research 2016;15(1):92-95
As the real-time and dynamic ultrasound images play an important role in the distance education of ultrasound medicine, the learning system is more dependent on the technology of modern net-work information. By using the DGX protocol, we have constructed an ultrasonic distance education system composed of 5 main operating terminals, which has ensured the reliable and adaptive window transmission, and has realized the optimization of the coding and decoding technology. At the same time, we have used the system to carry out ultrasonic distance education to medical students, the staff of our ultrasound department and the ultrasound doctors in other hospitals, and have achieved good results in practical application.
9.Use of DEA in evaluating the efficiency of the township health centers
Chunfang LI ; Ningshan CHEN ; Aitian YIN ; Al ET
Chinese Journal of Hospital Administration 1996;0(03):-
Objective To evaluate the efficiency of the township health centers with the appropriate use of data envelope analysis (DEA) so as to provide methodological basis for such evaluation. Methods The composite indexes of the township health centers medical and preventive service output were designed by means of service equivalent and expert consultation and the township health centers relative efficiency scores were calculated by means of DEA. Results There were 9 units where DEA was effective, accounting for 5 4% of all the units, and the township health centers DEA scores took a downward turn year by year. Conclusion ① By developing the composite indexes of the township health centers service output, the present study has put more preventive and medical service output information in the DEA output index system. ② The overall efficiency of the township health centers is pretty low and is moreover taking a downward turn year by year.

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