Objective:To explore the value of ultrasound imaging characteristics combined with clinical indicators in assessing the prognosis of patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC).Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted for patients who underwent pancreatic contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) from September 2017 to October 2023 at Peking Union Medical College Hospital and were diagnosed with PDAC based on pathological findings. Various parameters were recorded, including CA19-9 levels, tumor size, location, morphologic features, echogenicity, presence of internal cystic components, dilatation of the main pancreatic duct, peripheral vascular invasion, CEUS characteristics, presence or absence of liver metastasis, and treatment methods. In April 2024, patient survival information was obtained through telephone follow-up or review of medical records. Based on the results of the cox regression model analysis, a nomogram model of the risk of death was developed. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were applied to evaluate the predictive efficacy of the model. The calibration curves were plotted to evaluate the accuracy of the model, and clinical decision curves were used to evaluate the clinical benefit of the model.Results:This study included a total of 207 patients with PDAC. As of April 2024, 71 patients were alive and 136 died, with a median survival time of 14 months (95% CI: 12 -17). Multivariate analysis confirmed that the elevated CA19-9 ( HR=1.689, 95% CI: 1.102-2.588), tumor size >4 cm ( HR=1.641, 95% CI: 1.159-2.322), taller-than-wide shapes ( HR=1.450, 95% CI: 1.019-2.065), incomplete hypo-enhancement ( HR=1.618, 95% CI: 1.100-2.380), and liver metastasis ( HR=1.687, 95% CI: 1.175-2.423) were independent risk factors for survival in patients with PDAC. A nomogram model was further constructed for 6-month, 12-month and 3-year survival of patients with PDAC. The areas under the ROC curve were 0.679, 0.705 and 0.815, respectively. The calibration curves suggested that the model was more accurate, and the clinical decision curves showed that the model had a better clinical benefit. Conclusion:The combined use of ultrasound imaging characteristics and clinical indicators could effectively predict the prognosis of PDAC patients. Specifically, tumor size >4 cm, taller-than-wide shapes, incomplete hypo-enhancement, elevated CA19-9, and the presence of liver metastasis are correlated with poorer survival outcomes. The nomogram model constructed on the basis of these factors can be used to assess the survival of patients with PDAC.

The sterile electrode acupuncture needle for single use is an innovative product that combines traditional acupuncture with modern electronic technology, and it has obtained Class Ⅱ medical device registration certificate. This acupuncture device consists of a needle body and a handle. The diameter of the needle body ranges from 0.16 mm to 0.55 mm, and the length from 7 mm to 150 mm. The spiral spray technology is adopted to modify the micron-level insulating coat on stainless steel needle body. The needle holder is connected to the electroacupuncture device (conductive), the micro-film insulated needle body (non-conductive) and the membrane-free needle tip (conductive) can provide a precise electrical stimulation for different tissue layers of acupoints (such as deep nerves and fascia). The intradermal stimulation test, cytotoxicity test and hypersensitivity reaction test have showed a favorable biocompatibility, laying a solid and reliable safety for clinical application. This acupuncture device is suitable for the in-depth invasive stimulation at the sites of human body surface in combination with electroacupuncture equipment in medical institutions.
Humans ; Needles ; Acupuncture Therapy/instrumentation* ; Electrodes ; Equipment Design ; Electroacupuncture/instrumentation* ; Acupuncture Points ; Animals

Objective:To explore the value of ultrasound imaging characteristics combined with clinical indicators in assessing the prognosis of patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC).Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted for patients who underwent pancreatic contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) from September 2017 to October 2023 at Peking Union Medical College Hospital and were diagnosed with PDAC based on pathological findings. Various parameters were recorded, including CA19-9 levels, tumor size, location, morphologic features, echogenicity, presence of internal cystic components, dilatation of the main pancreatic duct, peripheral vascular invasion, CEUS characteristics, presence or absence of liver metastasis, and treatment methods. In April 2024, patient survival information was obtained through telephone follow-up or review of medical records. Based on the results of the cox regression model analysis, a nomogram model of the risk of death was developed. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were applied to evaluate the predictive efficacy of the model. The calibration curves were plotted to evaluate the accuracy of the model, and clinical decision curves were used to evaluate the clinical benefit of the model.Results:This study included a total of 207 patients with PDAC. As of April 2024, 71 patients were alive and 136 died, with a median survival time of 14 months (95% CI: 12 -17). Multivariate analysis confirmed that the elevated CA19-9 ( HR=1.689, 95% CI: 1.102-2.588), tumor size >4 cm ( HR=1.641, 95% CI: 1.159-2.322), taller-than-wide shapes ( HR=1.450, 95% CI: 1.019-2.065), incomplete hypo-enhancement ( HR=1.618, 95% CI: 1.100-2.380), and liver metastasis ( HR=1.687, 95% CI: 1.175-2.423) were independent risk factors for survival in patients with PDAC. A nomogram model was further constructed for 6-month, 12-month and 3-year survival of patients with PDAC. The areas under the ROC curve were 0.679, 0.705 and 0.815, respectively. The calibration curves suggested that the model was more accurate, and the clinical decision curves showed that the model had a better clinical benefit. Conclusion:The combined use of ultrasound imaging characteristics and clinical indicators could effectively predict the prognosis of PDAC patients. Specifically, tumor size >4 cm, taller-than-wide shapes, incomplete hypo-enhancement, elevated CA19-9, and the presence of liver metastasis are correlated with poorer survival outcomes. The nomogram model constructed on the basis of these factors can be used to assess the survival of patients with PDAC.

Objective We aimed to explore the clinical efficacy of precise electro-acupuncture stimulation in the pterygopalatine fossa for the treatment of chronic sinusitis.Methods In total,40 patients with chronic sinusitis who visited the Xiyuan Hospital,China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences between January 2022 and January 2023 were selected.The subjects were randomly divided into two groups:the treatment group(receiving precise electro-acupuncture in the pterygopalatine fossa)and the control group(receiving standard western medical treatment),with 20 cases in each groups.The treatments were administered twice a week for a period of 12 weeks.The effectiveness of the treatments was evaluated through computed tomography(CT)of the sinus changes and the Lund-Mackay scoring system.Results In cases of total opacity and partial opacity,there were significant differences between the two patient groups before and after treatment(P<0.05).Intra-group comparison revealed statistically significant improvements in both groups before and after treatment(P<0.05).The treatment group exhibited significant improvement in various sinus conditions(P<0.05),while in the control group,a significant improvement was only observed in the left maxillary sinus(P<0.05).Inter-group comparison also demonstrated that the treatment group's improvements were superior to those of the control group across multiple indicators(P<0.05).Conclusion The precise electro-acupuncture stimulation technique in the pterygopalatine fossa demonstrated significant therapeutic effects in the treatment of chronic sinusitis,with superior outcomes with respect to radiological changes compared to standard western medicine treatment.

Diabetic retinal neurodegeneration is a serious complication of diabetes mellitus, manifested by apoptosis and gliosis, and its pathogenesis is closely related to the oxidative stress induced by high glucose levels. The increase in blood glucose in the body leads to excessive production of reactive oxygen species and the downregulation of antioxidant defense signaling pathways, which leads to oxidative stress in the body, which in turn induces apoptosis, mitochondrial damage and autophagy, resulting in diabetic retinal neurodegeneration. Antioxidant stress therapy with gene therapy, flavonoids, recombinant Ad-β-catenin carriers, and autophagy inducers to exert neuroprotective effects. In the future, more clinical trials are needed to explore the effective dosage and side effects of drugs, and to develop new drugs and treatment strategies for oxidative stress to prevent and treat diabetic retinal neurodegeneration and protect retinal nerve function.

Objective In this research,we constructed a nurse-led intra-abdominal pressure(IAP)management program in children undergoing liver transplantation,and explored its clinical application effect.Methods Based on literature review,semi-structured interviews,and expert meetings,a nurse-led program for IAP management is constructed.By convenience sampling method,162 children admitted to the pediatric liver transplant intensive care unit of a tertiary hospital in Zhejiang Province from January to December 2023 were selected.The experimental group implemented a nurse-led IAP management program,while the control group received routine postoperative care after liver transplantation.The average IAP values during ICU period,incidence and grading of intra-abdominal hypertension(IAH),duration of mechanical ventilation,and length of ICU stay were compared between 2 groups.Results Finally,the IAP management program in children undergoing liver transplantation included 4 first-level items,10 second-level items and 20 third-level items.During the application of this program,4 cases dropped,and 78 cases were finally included in the experimental group and 80 cases in the control group.After the intervention,the IAP value in the experimental group was(8.63±2.40)mmHg(1 mmHg=0.133 kPa),lower than(9.23±3.19)mmHg in the control group,but there was no statistically significant difference between the 2 groups(P=0.186).The incidence of IAH in the experimental group was 23.07％,lower than 41.25％in the control group.The difference between the 2 groups was statistically significant(P=0.015).13 cases(16.67％)in the experimental group developed grade Ⅰ IAH,while 22 cases(27.50％)in the control group;5 cases(6.41％)in the experimental group developed grade Ⅱ IAH,while 9 cases(11.25％)in the control group;no cases in the experimental group developed grade Ⅲ IAH,while 2 cases(2.50％)in the control group.There was no statistically significant difference between the 2 groups(P＞0.05).The mechanical ventilation time in the experimental group was 3.00(1.00,13.25)hours,and 7.50(1.00,27.75)hours in the control group.The difference between the 2 groups was statistically significant(P=0.034).The length of ICU stay in the experimental group was 6.00(4.00,8.25)days,and 5.00(3.00,8.00)days hours in the control group.The difference between the 2 groups was statistically significant(P=0.061).Conclusion The nurse-led IAP management program in children undergoing liver transplantation can effectively reduce the incidence of IAH,shorten the duration of mechanical ventilation.

OBJECTIVE: To explore whether it is necessary to choose NIPT-plus for the prenatal screening of pregnant women. METHODS: The results of NIPT and NIPT-plus sequencing data, fetal DNA concentration, prenatal diagnosis and pregnancy outcome of 50 pregnant women were compared. RESULTS: Compared with NIPT, NIPT-plus attained similar fetal DNA concentration and a 4.4-fold increase in sequencing data. NIPT was able to detect 4 cases of 21-trisomy, 2 cases of 18-trisomy, and 9 cases of sex chromosome aneuploidies (SCAs) signaled by NIPT-plus, but missed one 18-trisomy, and failed to detect rare chromosome aneuploidies (RCAs) and microdeletion/microduplication syndromes (MMS). The PPVs of NIPT-plus for 21-trisomy, 18-trisomy, SCAs, MMS and RCAs were 100%, 100%, 44.4%, 30.4% and 0%, respectively. And those of NIPT for 21-trisomy, 18-trisomy, and SCAs were 100%, 100%, and 44.4%, respectively. CONCLUSION It is necessary for pregnant women to select NIPT-plus to improve the detection rate of common trisomies, SCAs and disease-specific MMS, therefore reduce the occurrene of birth defect.
Aneuploidy ; Female ; Humans ; Pregnancy ; Pregnant Women ; Prenatal Diagnosis ; Trisomy ; Trisomy 13 Syndrome ; Trisomy 18 Syndrome

OBJECTIVE: To explore the clinical effect of expanded non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT-plus) for prenatal screening. METHODS: The screening result, prenatal diagnosis and pregnancy outcome of 3700 pregnant women who volunteered NIPT-plus screening at our center from September 2018 to December 2019 were reviewed. RESULTS: Among the 3700 pregnant women, 74(2.0%) were scored positive for clinically significant fetal chromosomal abnormalities and underwent NIPT-plus screening. Sixty three women with a high risk underwent invasive prenatal diagnosis, among whom 19 were diagnosed, which yielded a positive predictive value (PPVs) of 30.2% (19/63). Statistical analysis showed that NIPT-plus has higher PPVs for common aneuploidies and low-to-medium PPVs for sex chromosome aneuploidies and microdeletion/microduplication syndromes. CONCLUSION As a screening technique, NIPT-plus has broader applications compared with conventional techniques, and has reference value for clinicians and pregnant women during pregnancy.
Aneuploidy ; Chromosome Aberrations ; Female ; Humans ; Pregnancy ; Pregnancy Outcome ; Prenatal Diagnosis ; Sex Chromosome Aberrations

OBJECTIVE: To assess the value of non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) for the detection of fetal chromosomal aneuploidies in women with twin pregnancy. METHODS: A total of 2473 women with twin pregnancy underwent the NIPT test to assess the risk for fetal chromosomal aneuploidies from January 2016 to September 2019. Those with a high risk by NIPT were confirmed by amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling. All cases were followed up to evaluate the positive prediction value of NIPT for twin pregnancies. RESULTS: Among the 2473 women, the NIPT test has identified 31 cases (1.25%) with a high risk for fetal chromosomal aneuploidies, which included 5 cases of trisomy 21, 1 case of chromosome 21 deletion, 4 cases of trisomy 18, 7 cases of sex chromosome abnormality and 14 cases of microdeletion and microduplication. By invasive prenatal diagnosis or chromosomal karyotyping analysis of neonates, 5 cases of trisomy 21, 3 cases of trisomy 18, 1 case of sex chromosome abnormality, and 2 cases of microdeletion and microduplication were confirmed, which yielded a positive predictive value of 100%, 75%, 25% and 25%, respectively. CONCLUSION NIPT can be used for the screening of fetal chromosomal aneuploidies in women with twin pregnancy with high accuracy. The method is non-invasive, safe and effective for the screening of fetal chromosomal aneuploidies, in particular trisomy 21.
Aneuploidy ; Chromosome Disorders ; Female ; Humans ; Infant, Newborn ; Pregnancy ; Pregnancy, Twin ; Prenatal Diagnosis ; Trisomy ; Trisomy 13 Syndrome ; Trisomy 18 Syndrome

Objective:To search, evaluate and integrate the available evidence on pediatric sedation monitoring, and summarize the best evidence.Methods:Up To Date, BMJ Best Practice, Canadian Medical Association Clinical Practice Guidelines (CMA Infobase), Registered Nurses′ Association of Ontario (RNAO), National institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), Evidence-Based Medicine, Cochrane Library, Yimaitong, PubMed, Embase, Wanfang Database, CNKI were searched to collect evidence related to the monitoring of pediatric sedation, including clinical decision-making, guidelines, expert consensus, and evidence-related original research. The search time limit was from the establishment of the database to August 2020. The quality of the literature was evaluated by the suitable evaluated tool based on their types. The level and recommedation grade of the evidence were appraised by the suitable tools of JBI.Results:A total of 13 articles were finally included. Twenty best evidences were summarized, including three aspects of monitoring content, monitoring timing, and monitoring tools.Conclusions:The research summarized the best evidence for pediatric sedation monitoring, and provided evidence-based references for clinical practice and standard formulation. Most of the evidence was form foreign resource. It is suggested that clinical departments or institutions should fully consider the clinical situation. At the same time, high-quality randomized controlled trials should be conducted one step further.