OBJECTIVE: To observe the clinical efficacy and safety of acupuncture combined with blade needle therapy for knee osteoarthritis (KOA). METHODS: A total of 60 patients with KOA were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group, 30 cases each group. The control group received acupuncture at Neixiyan (EX-LE4)，Dubi (ST35), Yinlingquan (SP9), Liangqiu (ST34), Xuehai (SP10), Yanglingquan (GB34) and Zusanli (ST36) on the affected side, once every other day, 3 times a week. The observation group received blade needle therapy on the basis of the treatment in the control group, once every 3 days, 2 times a week. Both groups were treated for 4 weeks. Before treatment, after 2, 4 weeks of treatment, and after 1 month of treatment completion (in follow-up), the scores of pain visual analogue scale (VAS), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities osteoarthritis index (WOMAC) and Lequesne index were observed in the two groups, and the clinical efficacy and safety were evaluated. RESULTS: After 2, 4 weeks of treatment and in follow-up, the pain VAS scores, Lequesne index scores, and pain, stiffness, function scores of WOMAC in both groups were decreased compared with those before treatment (P<0.05), and the VAS scores, Lequesne index scores and pain, function scores of WOMAC in the observation group were lower than those in the control group (P<0.05). The effective response rate in the observation group was 76.7% (23/30), while that in the control group was 70.0% (21/30), there was no statistically significant difference in the effective response rates between the two groups (P>0.05). No adverse reactions were observed in either group. CONCLUSION Acupuncture combined with blade needle therapy could alleviate pain and promote functional recovery in KOA patients, and achieve long-lasting improvements.
Humans ; Osteoarthritis, Knee/physiopathology* ; Acupuncture Therapy/instrumentation* ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Aged ; Acupuncture Points ; Treatment Outcome ; Adult ; Needles ; Combined Modality Therapy

Objective:To evaluate the effectiveness of enhanced "Presentation-Assimilation-Discussion (PAD) class" model in electrocardiogram (ECG) internship teaching in the department of cardiovascular medicine and to improve the ECG interpretation and clinical competency of interns.Methods:A total of 200 clinical undergraduate interns enrolled from September 2022 to August 2024 were divided into a control group (traditional teaching, n=100) and an experimental group (enhanced "PAD class" model, n=100). The enhanced "PAD class" model adopted a "focused lecture, structured internalization, and case-driven discussion" approach, incorporating artificial intelligence-assisted real-time feedback and targeted task design. Post-internship evaluations compared the scores of foundational skills (ECG interpretation accuracy and standardized ECG operation), clinical competencies (clinical decision-making, critical value recognition, and diagnostic reasoning), comprehensive evaluation, and assessment of teaching effectiveness. SPSS 26.0 was used for the chi-square test and t-test. Results:The experimental group demonstrated significantly superior performance in foundational skills [e.g., ECG interpretation accuracy: (97.63±1.35) vs. (90.54±4.08)], clinical competencies [e.g., clinical decision-making: (93.45±3.18) vs. (82.17±5.62)], and comprehensive evaluation [(97.96±1.06) vs. (90.94±3.49)] (all P<0.05). In teaching effectiveness evaluation, satisfaction was significantly higher in the experimental group across all seven metrics such as stimulated learning interest and clinical thinking ( P<0.05). Conclusions:The enhanced "PAD class "model, through artificial intelligence empowerment and case-driven discussions, can significantly improve ECG teaching outcomes and clinical decision-making skills, demonstrating its potential for broader application in internship teaching in the department of cardiovascular medicine.

Fragility fractures represent the final clinical manifestation of osteoporosis and are influenced by a range of risk factors. This article discusses the findings from two large-scale studies utilizing biobank and genomic data to investigate the relationships among obesity, type 2 diabetes and fracture risk, and to explore their implications for health management. The studies suggest that general obesity(defined by body mass index, BMI), central obesity(defined by waist circumference), and peripheral obesity exert different effects on fracture risk in older adults. Specifically, individuals who are overweight based on BMI have a lower fracture risk compared to those with normal weight, whereas an increased waist circumference is associated with a higher fracture risk. Moreover, genetic research indicates that genetically determined type 2 diabetes is not causally associated with increased fracture risk. In contrast, observational studies have reported a higher fracture risk in patients with type 2 diabetes; however, this association becomes non-significant after adjusting for diabetes-related risk factors. These findings highlight that maintaining a moderately elevated BMI may benefit bone formation in the elderly by providing mechanical loading to stimulate bone formation. Additionally, effective management of type 2 diabetes complications is essential for reducing fracture risk, and a certain degree of obesity may confer a protective effect against fractures in individuals with type 2 diabetes.

Objective:To evaluate the effectiveness of enhanced "Presentation-Assimilation-Discussion (PAD) class" model in electrocardiogram (ECG) internship teaching in the department of cardiovascular medicine and to improve the ECG interpretation and clinical competency of interns.Methods:A total of 200 clinical undergraduate interns enrolled from September 2022 to August 2024 were divided into a control group (traditional teaching, n=100) and an experimental group (enhanced "PAD class" model, n=100). The enhanced "PAD class" model adopted a "focused lecture, structured internalization, and case-driven discussion" approach, incorporating artificial intelligence-assisted real-time feedback and targeted task design. Post-internship evaluations compared the scores of foundational skills (ECG interpretation accuracy and standardized ECG operation), clinical competencies (clinical decision-making, critical value recognition, and diagnostic reasoning), comprehensive evaluation, and assessment of teaching effectiveness. SPSS 26.0 was used for the chi-square test and t-test. Results:The experimental group demonstrated significantly superior performance in foundational skills [e.g., ECG interpretation accuracy: (97.63±1.35) vs. (90.54±4.08)], clinical competencies [e.g., clinical decision-making: (93.45±3.18) vs. (82.17±5.62)], and comprehensive evaluation [(97.96±1.06) vs. (90.94±3.49)] (all P<0.05). In teaching effectiveness evaluation, satisfaction was significantly higher in the experimental group across all seven metrics such as stimulated learning interest and clinical thinking ( P<0.05). Conclusions:The enhanced "PAD class "model, through artificial intelligence empowerment and case-driven discussions, can significantly improve ECG teaching outcomes and clinical decision-making skills, demonstrating its potential for broader application in internship teaching in the department of cardiovascular medicine.

Fragility fractures represent the final clinical manifestation of osteoporosis and are influenced by a range of risk factors. This article discusses the findings from two large-scale studies utilizing biobank and genomic data to investigate the relationships among obesity, type 2 diabetes and fracture risk, and to explore their implications for health management. The studies suggest that general obesity(defined by body mass index, BMI), central obesity(defined by waist circumference), and peripheral obesity exert different effects on fracture risk in older adults. Specifically, individuals who are overweight based on BMI have a lower fracture risk compared to those with normal weight, whereas an increased waist circumference is associated with a higher fracture risk. Moreover, genetic research indicates that genetically determined type 2 diabetes is not causally associated with increased fracture risk. In contrast, observational studies have reported a higher fracture risk in patients with type 2 diabetes; however, this association becomes non-significant after adjusting for diabetes-related risk factors. These findings highlight that maintaining a moderately elevated BMI may benefit bone formation in the elderly by providing mechanical loading to stimulate bone formation. Additionally, effective management of type 2 diabetes complications is essential for reducing fracture risk, and a certain degree of obesity may confer a protective effect against fractures in individuals with type 2 diabetes.

Objective:To investigate the efficacy of tibiofibular-based reconstruction technique with single femoral tunnel for Fanelli type C posterolateral complex (PLC) injury.Methods:A retrospective case series study was conducted to analyze the clinical data of 16 patients with Fanelli type C PLC injury admitted to Tianjin Hospital from July 2016 to July 2019, including 10 males and 6 females, aged 20-61 years [(36.5±13.9)years]. PLC reconstruction was performed by tibiofibular-based technique with single femoral tunnel using gracilis tendon and semi-tendinosus autografts. If the posterior and anterior cruciate ligaments (PCL/ACL) rupture were combined, arthroscopic single bundle reconstruction was performed simultaneously. If the posteromedial corner (PMC) injury was combined, PMC repair or reconstruction surgery was performed simultaneously. Operation time and intraoperative blood loss were recorded. When the bone needle and tunnel for PLC were drilled during the operation, the interference of the femoral tunnel through the cruciate ligament was observed under the arthroscope. Before and at 6 and 12 months after operation, the varus stability of the knee joint was evaluated with the difference of lateral joint space width of both knees and the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) objective classification of varus stability of the knee joint; the external rotation stability was evaluated with the difference of external rotation angle of both knees and the IKDC objective classification of external rotation stability of the knee joint. Before, at 6 and 12 months after operation and at the last follow-up, IKDC 2000 subjective score and Lysholm score were compared. The occurrence of complications was observed.Results:All the patients were followed up for 12-36 months [24(15, 33)months]. The operation time was 100-220 minutes [175.0(111.3, 200.0)minutes], with intraoperative blood loss of 30-150 ml [(84.3±36.5)ml]. Intraoperative arthroscopy showed no interference of perforation between PLC and cruciate ligament femoral tunnel. The differences of lateral joint space width of both knees at 6 and 12 months after operation were 0.5(0.2, 1.4)mm and 0.6(0.2, 1.5)mm respectively, which were both significantly improved compared with 12.1(10.8, 12.6)mm before operation ( P<0.05), while there was no significant difference at 6 and 12 months after operation ( P>0.05). The IKDC objective classification of varus stability of the knee joint was grade A in 13 patients, grade B in two and grade C in one at 6 or 12 months after operation, and showed statistical difference from grade D in all the patients before operation ( P<0.01). At 6 and 12 months after operation, the difference of external rotation angle of both knees was -2.0(-3.2, 1.3)° and -1.4(-3.0, 1.7)° respectively, which were significantly improved compared with 16.8(13.9, 18.4)° before operation ( P<0.05), while there was no significant difference at 6 and 12 months after operation ( P>0.05). IKDC objective classification of external rotation stability of the knee joint was grade A in 14 patients, grade B in one and grade C in one at 6 or 12 months after operation, and showed statistical difference from grade C in 14 patients and grade D in 2 before operation ( P<0.01). At 6 and 12 months after operation and at the last follow-up, the IKDC 2000 subjective scores [(76.3±4.7)points, (80.3±4.4)points, (79.9±3.8)points respectively] and the Lysholm scores [(76.1±3.9)points, (81.1±4.3)points, (82.8±3.2)points respectively] were significantly improved compared with those before operation [(48.6±3.7)points and (52.6±2.4)points] ( P<0.05). The IKDC 2000 subjective scores and Lysholm scores were significantly improved at 12 months after operation and at the last follow-up than those at 6 months after operation ( P<0.05). There were no significant differences in the IKDC 2000 subjective scores and Lysholm scores at 12 months after operation and at the last follow-up ( P>0.05). There were no complications such as wound infection, vascular and nerve injury, joint stiffness or ectopic ossification. Conclusion:For Fanelli type C PLC injury, tibiofibular-based reconstruction technique with single femoral tunnel reduces the interference between the lateral femoral tunnels, significantly improves the varus and external rotation stability and the function of the knee joint, and has few complications and satisfactory short-term clinical efficacy.

Accompanied by changes in modern work and lifestyle, the incidence of cervical spondylosis has increased year by year. In view of the fact long-term fixed posture of the head and neck is one of the main causes of cervical spondylosis, a set of wearable cervical spondylosis prevention system is developed. The system comprises a head and neck movement collection module based on the acceleration sensor and a head and neck motion recognition module based on artificial intelligence. Experimental results showed that the system can accurately identify long-term posture of the head and neck, and guide users to complete effective exercise therapy under the supervision of motion recognition module. Using this system can be beneficial for the prevention of cervical spondylosis.
Acceleration ; Artificial Intelligence ; Cervical Vertebrae ; Exercise Therapy/instrumentation* ; Humans ; Movement ; Neck ; Posture ; Spondylosis/prevention & control* ; Treatment Outcome ; Wearable Electronic Devices

Objective To comparatively analyze the safety and efficacy of direct mechanical thrombectomy and bridging therapy for patients with acute anterior circulation large-artery occlusive stroke.Methods A total of 116 patients with acute anterior circulation large-artery occlusive stroke,admitted to our hospitals from October 2015 to March 2018,were chosen in our study;their clinical data were analyzed retrospectively.Among them,63 patients accepted direct mechanical thrombectomy and 53 accepted bridging therapy.The preoperative baseline data and the diagnoses and treatments of the two groups were analyzed;the degrees of modified thrombolysis in cerebral infarction (mTICI),incidences of hemorrhage transformation and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage,and modified Rankin scale (mRS) scores and mortality rate 90 d after operation were compared between the two groups.Results The preoperative Alberta stroke program early CT scale (ASPECTS) and Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) scores of the direct mechanical thrombectomy group were significantly lower than those of the bridge therapy group (P＜0.05),and the time from onset to admission was significantly longer than that of the bridging therapy group (P＜0.05).The incidence of postoperative hemorrhage transformation in the direct mechanical thrombectomy group was significantly higher than that in the bridging therapy group (34.9％ vs.17.0％,P＜0.05),but there were no significant differences in the effective recanalization rate (69.8％ vs.79.3％),intracranial symptomatic hemorrhage rate (15.9％ vs.7.6％),favorable outcome rate (28.6％ vs.35.9％) and mortality (22.2％ vs.17.0％) between the two groups (P＞0.05).Conclusion The clinical efficacy and safety of direct mechanical thrombectomy and bridging therapy for patients with acute anterior circulation large-artery occlusive stroke are similar.

Restless legs syndrome,as a common sleep disorder,has nowadays long been diagnosed by self-rating scale and polysomnography.In this paper,a domestic diagnosis system for early restless legs syndrome based on deep learning is proposed,which is suitable for early patients with unstable symptoms in routine diagnosis.The hardware system is installed in the bed.And the non-contact sleeping dynamic signal acquisition is realized based on the acceleration sensors.The software system uses deep learning to classify and recognize the signals.A Fully Connected Feedforward Network based on Keras framework is constructed to recognize seven kinds of activities during sleeping.The accuracy of comprehensive classification is 97.83%.Based on former results,the periodic limb movement index and awakening index were evaluated to make the diagnosis of restless legs syndrome.
Deep Learning ; Humans ; Movement ; Polysomnography ; Restless Legs Syndrome ; diagnosis ; Sleep

Objective To explore the diagnostic efficacy of combined detection of serum midkine (MK) and total bilirubin (TBIL)levels of diabetic retinopathy(DR),and determine the value in diagnosis of DR.Methods Clinical data of 215 cases of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) treated in our hospital from July 2014 to December 2016 were collected,and diabetes mellitus without retinal lesions (NDR) in 79 cases,non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) in 81 cases,proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) in 55 cases.Another 70 cases of physical examination persons in the same period were as the control group.Serum MK and TBIL levels were detected in the four groups,and the relationship between indexes and DR was done by Person correlation analysis and Logistic regression analysis,and diagnostic efficacy of Midkine and TBIL was evaluated in DR.Results Serum MK and TBIL levels were compared between the four groups,with statistically significant differences (P ＜ 0.05).MK level increased in normal control group,NDR group,NPDR group and PDR group,while TBIL levels decreased in each group.MK was positively correlated with DR (r =0.779,P =0.005),and TBIL was negatively correlated with DR (r =-0.657,P =0.012),and both were independent factors influencing DR (OR =2.257,0.681,P ＜ 0.05).The sensitivity of combined detection of MK and TBIL in diagnosis of DR was higher than that of each index detected separately (P ＜ 0.05).Conclusion Serum MK and TBIL levels are closely related to the occurrence of DR and severity of the disease,and the combined detection has high diagnostic efficacy for DR.