Electrical impedance tomography (EIT) is a new non-invasive functional imaging technology, which has the advantages of non-invasion, non-radiation, low cost, fast response, portability and visualization. In recent years, more and more studies have shown that EIT has great potential in the detection of lung diseases and has been applied to early diagnosis and treatment of some diseases. This paper introduced the basic principle of EIT, discussed the research and clinical application of EIT in the detection of acute respiratory distress syndrome, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pneumothorax and pulmonary embolism, and focused on the summary and introduction of indicators and functional images of EIT related to the detection of lung diseases. This review will help medical workers understand and use EIT, and promote the further development of EIT in lung diseases as well as other fields.
Humans ; Electric Impedance ; Tomography/methods* ; Lung Diseases/diagnosis* ; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive/diagnosis* ; Pulmonary Embolism/diagnosis* ; Respiratory Distress Syndrome/diagnosis*

Objective To evaluate the efficacy of intravesical electrical stimulation (IVES) and low-intensity extracorporeal shock wave therapy (Li-ESWT) in improving bladder emptying function in female patients with non-obstructive detrusor underactivity (NODU), and to further assess the clinical value of an individualized integrated treatment strategy guided by reinforcement learning (RL) optimization. Methods A total of 98 female patients diagnosed with NODU by urodynamic testing at the Department of Urology, the Second People's Hospital of Hefei, duirng Jun.2023 and Feb.2025 were prospectively enrolled. Patients were randomly assigned (1∶1∶1) to three groups:the IVES group (n=33), the Li-ESWT group (n=35), and the RL group (n=30). Clinical outcomes before and after the 4-week treatment were compared among the three groups, including peak detrusor pressure during urination (PdetQmax), maximum urinary flow rate (Qmax), post-void residual (PVR), bladder contractility index (BCI), patient perception of bladder condition-scale (PPBC-S), incontinence impact questionnaire-short form 7 (IIQ-7), urogenital distress inventory-short form 6 (UDI-6), total efficiency and satisfaction.A RL model was trained based on clinical data, with a model structure diagram and reward convergence curve plotted to validate the utility of the RL system in optimizing individualized treatment parameters. Results There were no statistically significant differences in baseline characteristics among the three groups (P>0.05). After 4 weeks of treatment, all groups demonstrated significant improvements in PdetQmax, Qmax, and BCI, along with significant reductions in PVR, PPBC-S, IIQ-7, and UDI-6 scores (all P<0.01). Notably, the RL group exhibited significantly greater improvements in PdetQmax, Qmax, and BCI, and more pronounced reductions in PVR, PPBC-S, IIQ-7, and UDI-6 scores than the IVES and Li-ESWT groups (all P<0.05). Specifically, the RL group showed the most substantial improvements in Qmax, PVR, and BCI than the other two groups (all P<0.01). The total effective rate in the RL group was 90.0% (27/30), which was higher than that of the IVES group (81.8%,27/33) and the Li-ESWT group (77.1%,27/35), but the differences were not statistically significant (χ =2.63, P=0.27). The Li-ESWT group had a satisfaction rate of 51.4% (18/35), which was higher than that of the RL group (30.0%,9/30) and the IVES group (27.3%,9/33), but the differences were not statistically significant (χ =6.76, P=0.34). No serious adverse events were observed in any group. After approximately 200 iterations, the reward value of the RL agent stabilized, and the individualized treatment parameters recommended further optimized bladder emptying efficiency. Conclusion Compared to IVES and Li-ESWT, the RL-optimized individualized comprehensive treatment strategy can significantly improve the bladder emptying function in women with NODU.

Objective To investigate the effects of extracellular vesicles(EVs)derived from synovial fluid of rheumatoid arthritis(RA)patients on angiogenesis of human umbilical vein endothelial cells,and to preliminarily explore the underlying mechanisms.Methods Synovial fluid samples of knee joint were collected from 20 patients with RA and 20 patients with osteoarthritis(OA)in this study.EVs were purified using ultracentrifugation.The morphology and size of EVs were observed by transmission electron microscopy and nanoparticle tracking analysis.CD9,CD63,cytochrome c(Cyt-c),vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF),lysyl oxidase(LOX),matrix metalloproteinase 2(MMP2),tumour necrosis factor alpha(TNF-α),transforming growth factor beta1(TGF-β1)in EVs were detected using Western blot.Human umbilical vein endothelial cells(HUVEC)were treated with the EVs.The growth,migration and angiogenesis of HUVEC were observed by CCK8 assay,TranswellTM chamber assay,scratch test and matrigel angiogenesis assay,respectively.The effect of EVs on the PI3K/AKT pathway in HUVEC was assessed using Western blot.Results Both EVs from RA synovial fluid(RA-EVs)and OA synovial fluid(OA-EVs)were cup-shaped,mainly between 30-400 nm in diameter,expressing CD63 and CD9,but not Cyt-c.RA-EVs carried more VEGF,LOX,MMP2,TNF-α and TGF-β1 than OA-EVs.Compared with the OA-EVs intervention,RA-EVs significantly promoted the proliferation,migration,and angiogenesis of HUVECs,as well as upregulated PI3K/AKT phosphorylation.The inhibitor of PI3K suppressed angiogenesis induced by EVs.Conclusion EVs in synovial fluid of RA carried more cytokines and enzymes that related angiogenesis and inflammation.These EVs exert their pro-angiogenic effects by activating the PI3K/AKT pathway,then contributing to the pathological progression of RA.

Objective:To compare the efficacy of lateral placement of the intramedullary nail guide pin versus that of median placement of the intramedullary nail guide pin in the closed reduction of metaphyseal fracture of the distal tibia.Methods:A retrospective cohort study was conducted to analyze the clinical data of 48 patients with metaphyseal fracture of the distal tibia who had been admitted to Department of Trauma Orthopaedics, The Second General Hospital of Fuzhou from May 2019 to July 2023. There were 37 males and 11 females, aged (46.0±12.4) years. According to the AO classification, 37 patients were classified as type A1, and 11 ones as type A2. The patients were divided into 2 groups according to the distal positioning of the intramedullary nail guide pins during operation. In the lateral placement group of 26 patients, the distal positioning of the guide pins was located at 1/3 lateral to the articular surface of the distal tibia. In the median placement group of 22 patients, the distal positioning of the guide pins was located at the midpoint of the articular surface of the distal tibia. The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, hospital stay, fracture healing time and fracture reduction were recorded and compared between the 2 groups. Moreover, the visual analogue scale (VAS) pain score, American Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot score, and range of motion of the affected ankle were compared between the 2 groups, as well as within the 2 groups. The complications were compared between the 2 groups at the last follow-up.Results:There were no significant differences in the demographic data between the 2 groups, indicating comparability ( P>0.05). All patients were followed up for (19.6±4.4) months. The operation time [(81.7±17.3) min], intraoperative blood loss [(78.4±12.2) mL], hospital stay [(5.7±2.1) d] and fracture healing time [(4.3±1.1) months] in the lateral placement group were significantly less than those in the median placement group [(103.0±13.4) min, (111.4±11.7) ml, (8.6±3.5) d, and (6.1±1.3) months] ( P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the VAS pain score between the 2 groups before operation or at the last follow-up ( P>0.05). At the last follow-up, the AOFAS ankle-hindfoot score [(93.6±1.6) points], ankle dorsiflexion (17.9°±1.6°) and plantar flexion (41.9°±1.9°) in the lateral placement group were significantly better than those in the median placement group [(87.8±3.2) points, 15.1°±1.2°, and 38.5°±2.7°] ( P<0.05). In both groups, significant improvements were achieved at the last follow-up in VAS pain score, the AOFAS ankle-hindfoot score, ankle dorsiflexion and plantar flexion compared with the preoperative period ( P<0.05). The incidence of fracture angulation deformity in the lateral placement group (11.5%, 3/26) was lower than that in the median placement group (31.8%, 7/22) ( P>0.05). There was no significant difference in the incidence of complications between the lateral placement group (3.8%, 1/26) and the central placement group (18.2%, 4/22) ( P>0.05). Conclusion:In the closed reduction of metaphyseal fracture of the distal tibia, compared with median placement of the intramedullary nail guide pin, lateral placement of the intramedullary nail guide pin assisted with a Kirschner wire demonstrates advantages of more rapid and effective closed reduction of the fracture, shortened operation time, reduced intraoperative blood loss and promoted postoperative rehabilitation.

BACKGROUND:The development of calcium phosphate bone cement is limited due to its poor mechanical properties and weak osteogenic ability.Silicate bioactive glass is highly favored due to its excellent biological activity and osteogenic ability.Simultaneously,fiber structures can enhance the mechanical strength of materials.OBJECTIVE:To investigate the mechanical properties,biocompatibility,and osteogenic effect of silicate bioactive glass fiber composite calcium phosphate bone cement.METHODS:Different mass percentages(0％,10％,and 20％)of silicate bioactive glass fiber were added to the solid phase of calcium phosphate bone cement,mixed with the liquid phase and cured for 48 hours to obtain silicate bioactive glass fiber composite calcium phosphate bone cement.The mechanical properties,setting time,and ion precipitation of the cement were characterized.The three groups of bone cement extracts were co-cultured with MC3T3-E1 cells.The cell compatibility of the materials was evaluated by CCK-8 assay,live/dead staining,and phalloidin staining.After osteogenic induction,the osteogenic induction ability of the materials was evaluated by alkaline phosphatase staining,alizarin red staining,RUNX2 immunofluorescence staining,and RT-PCR.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)With the increase of silicate bioactive glass fiber content,the compressive strength and flexural strength of bone cement increased,and the setting time was prolonged.When bone cement was immersed in simulated body fluid,the precipitation of silicon ions,calcium ions,and phosphorus ions could be detected.Moreover,with the increase of silicate bioactive glass fiber content,the mass concentration of silicon ions and phosphorus ions released by bone cement increased,and the mass concentration of calcium ions decreased.(2)Live/dead staining and phalloidin staining results exhibited that silicate bioactive glass fiber composite calcium phosphate bone cement had no toxic effect on MC3T3-E1 cells.CCK-8 assay results showed that silicate bioactive glass fiber composite calcium phosphate bone cement could promote the proliferation of MC3T3-E1 cells.(3)With the increase of silicate bioactive glass fiber content in bone cement,the alkaline phosphatase activity and extracellular calcium deposition of MC3T3-E1 cells increased,the expression of RUNX2 protein increased,and the expression of alkaline phosphatase,osteocalcin,osteopontin,and RUNX2 mRNA expression increased.(4)The results indicate that silicate bioactive glass fibers can enhance the mechanical properties and osteogenic induction ability of calcium phosphate bone cement,among which 20％silicate bioactive glass fibers have a more obvious effect.

Objective To investigate the effects of extracellular vesicles(EVs)derived from synovial fluid of rheumatoid arthritis(RA)patients on angiogenesis of human umbilical vein endothelial cells,and to preliminarily explore the underlying mechanisms.Methods Synovial fluid samples of knee joint were collected from 20 patients with RA and 20 patients with osteoarthritis(OA)in this study.EVs were purified using ultracentrifugation.The morphology and size of EVs were observed by transmission electron microscopy and nanoparticle tracking analysis.CD9,CD63,cytochrome c(Cyt-c),vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF),lysyl oxidase(LOX),matrix metalloproteinase 2(MMP2),tumour necrosis factor alpha(TNF-α),transforming growth factor beta1(TGF-β1)in EVs were detected using Western blot.Human umbilical vein endothelial cells(HUVEC)were treated with the EVs.The growth,migration and angiogenesis of HUVEC were observed by CCK8 assay,TranswellTM chamber assay,scratch test and matrigel angiogenesis assay,respectively.The effect of EVs on the PI3K/AKT pathway in HUVEC was assessed using Western blot.Results Both EVs from RA synovial fluid(RA-EVs)and OA synovial fluid(OA-EVs)were cup-shaped,mainly between 30-400 nm in diameter,expressing CD63 and CD9,but not Cyt-c.RA-EVs carried more VEGF,LOX,MMP2,TNF-α and TGF-β1 than OA-EVs.Compared with the OA-EVs intervention,RA-EVs significantly promoted the proliferation,migration,and angiogenesis of HUVECs,as well as upregulated PI3K/AKT phosphorylation.The inhibitor of PI3K suppressed angiogenesis induced by EVs.Conclusion EVs in synovial fluid of RA carried more cytokines and enzymes that related angiogenesis and inflammation.These EVs exert their pro-angiogenic effects by activating the PI3K/AKT pathway,then contributing to the pathological progression of RA.

Objective:To investigate the clinical characteristics and influencing factors of secondary autoimmune encephalitis (AE) in adult patients with epidemic encephalitis B (EEB).Methods:78 adult EEB patients admitted to the Hanzhong Central Hospital from January 2006 to September 2017 were selected and divided into two groups based on the occurrence of secondary AE: group A (with secondary AE) and group B (without secondary AE). Factors influencing secondary AE in EEB patients were analyzed, and the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to evaluate the predictive value of each factor for secondary AE.Results:After treatment, 28 out of 78 EEB patients (35.90%) developed secondary AE. The proportions of pulmonary infection, time from onset to admission, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), consciousness disorders, and respiratory disorders in the group A were significantly higher than those in the group B (all P<0.05). Binary logistic regression analysis showed that NLR, time from onset to admission, consciousness disorders, pulmonary infection, and respiratory disorders were influencing factors for secondary AE in EEB patients (all P<0.05). ROC curve analysis revealed that the combined detection of NLR, time from onset to admission, consciousness disorders, pulmonary infection, and respiratory disorders had higher sensitivity, specificity, and area under the curve (AUC) for predicting secondary AE than single detection (all P<0.05). Conclusions:The combined prediction of NLR, time from onset to admission, consciousness disorders, pulmonary infection, and respiratory disorders has high value for secondary AE in EEB patients. Clinically, these indicators can be used for early evaluation, and targeted interventions can be timely implemented to reduce the risk of secondary AE.

BACKGROUND:The development of calcium phosphate bone cement is limited due to its poor mechanical properties and weak osteogenic ability.Silicate bioactive glass is highly favored due to its excellent biological activity and osteogenic ability.Simultaneously,fiber structures can enhance the mechanical strength of materials.OBJECTIVE:To investigate the mechanical properties,biocompatibility,and osteogenic effect of silicate bioactive glass fiber composite calcium phosphate bone cement.METHODS:Different mass percentages(0％,10％,and 20％)of silicate bioactive glass fiber were added to the solid phase of calcium phosphate bone cement,mixed with the liquid phase and cured for 48 hours to obtain silicate bioactive glass fiber composite calcium phosphate bone cement.The mechanical properties,setting time,and ion precipitation of the cement were characterized.The three groups of bone cement extracts were co-cultured with MC3T3-E1 cells.The cell compatibility of the materials was evaluated by CCK-8 assay,live/dead staining,and phalloidin staining.After osteogenic induction,the osteogenic induction ability of the materials was evaluated by alkaline phosphatase staining,alizarin red staining,RUNX2 immunofluorescence staining,and RT-PCR.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)With the increase of silicate bioactive glass fiber content,the compressive strength and flexural strength of bone cement increased,and the setting time was prolonged.When bone cement was immersed in simulated body fluid,the precipitation of silicon ions,calcium ions,and phosphorus ions could be detected.Moreover,with the increase of silicate bioactive glass fiber content,the mass concentration of silicon ions and phosphorus ions released by bone cement increased,and the mass concentration of calcium ions decreased.(2)Live/dead staining and phalloidin staining results exhibited that silicate bioactive glass fiber composite calcium phosphate bone cement had no toxic effect on MC3T3-E1 cells.CCK-8 assay results showed that silicate bioactive glass fiber composite calcium phosphate bone cement could promote the proliferation of MC3T3-E1 cells.(3)With the increase of silicate bioactive glass fiber content in bone cement,the alkaline phosphatase activity and extracellular calcium deposition of MC3T3-E1 cells increased,the expression of RUNX2 protein increased,and the expression of alkaline phosphatase,osteocalcin,osteopontin,and RUNX2 mRNA expression increased.(4)The results indicate that silicate bioactive glass fibers can enhance the mechanical properties and osteogenic induction ability of calcium phosphate bone cement,among which 20％silicate bioactive glass fibers have a more obvious effect.

Objective:To investigate the clinical characteristics and influencing factors of secondary autoimmune encephalitis (AE) in adult patients with epidemic encephalitis B (EEB).Methods:78 adult EEB patients admitted to the Hanzhong Central Hospital from January 2006 to September 2017 were selected and divided into two groups based on the occurrence of secondary AE: group A (with secondary AE) and group B (without secondary AE). Factors influencing secondary AE in EEB patients were analyzed, and the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to evaluate the predictive value of each factor for secondary AE.Results:After treatment, 28 out of 78 EEB patients (35.90%) developed secondary AE. The proportions of pulmonary infection, time from onset to admission, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), consciousness disorders, and respiratory disorders in the group A were significantly higher than those in the group B (all P<0.05). Binary logistic regression analysis showed that NLR, time from onset to admission, consciousness disorders, pulmonary infection, and respiratory disorders were influencing factors for secondary AE in EEB patients (all P<0.05). ROC curve analysis revealed that the combined detection of NLR, time from onset to admission, consciousness disorders, pulmonary infection, and respiratory disorders had higher sensitivity, specificity, and area under the curve (AUC) for predicting secondary AE than single detection (all P<0.05). Conclusions:The combined prediction of NLR, time from onset to admission, consciousness disorders, pulmonary infection, and respiratory disorders has high value for secondary AE in EEB patients. Clinically, these indicators can be used for early evaluation, and targeted interventions can be timely implemented to reduce the risk of secondary AE.

Objective:To compare the efficacy of lateral placement of the intramedullary nail guide pin versus that of median placement of the intramedullary nail guide pin in the closed reduction of metaphyseal fracture of the distal tibia.Methods:A retrospective cohort study was conducted to analyze the clinical data of 48 patients with metaphyseal fracture of the distal tibia who had been admitted to Department of Trauma Orthopaedics, The Second General Hospital of Fuzhou from May 2019 to July 2023. There were 37 males and 11 females, aged (46.0±12.4) years. According to the AO classification, 37 patients were classified as type A1, and 11 ones as type A2. The patients were divided into 2 groups according to the distal positioning of the intramedullary nail guide pins during operation. In the lateral placement group of 26 patients, the distal positioning of the guide pins was located at 1/3 lateral to the articular surface of the distal tibia. In the median placement group of 22 patients, the distal positioning of the guide pins was located at the midpoint of the articular surface of the distal tibia. The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, hospital stay, fracture healing time and fracture reduction were recorded and compared between the 2 groups. Moreover, the visual analogue scale (VAS) pain score, American Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot score, and range of motion of the affected ankle were compared between the 2 groups, as well as within the 2 groups. The complications were compared between the 2 groups at the last follow-up.Results:There were no significant differences in the demographic data between the 2 groups, indicating comparability ( P>0.05). All patients were followed up for (19.6±4.4) months. The operation time [(81.7±17.3) min], intraoperative blood loss [(78.4±12.2) mL], hospital stay [(5.7±2.1) d] and fracture healing time [(4.3±1.1) months] in the lateral placement group were significantly less than those in the median placement group [(103.0±13.4) min, (111.4±11.7) ml, (8.6±3.5) d, and (6.1±1.3) months] ( P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the VAS pain score between the 2 groups before operation or at the last follow-up ( P>0.05). At the last follow-up, the AOFAS ankle-hindfoot score [(93.6±1.6) points], ankle dorsiflexion (17.9°±1.6°) and plantar flexion (41.9°±1.9°) in the lateral placement group were significantly better than those in the median placement group [(87.8±3.2) points, 15.1°±1.2°, and 38.5°±2.7°] ( P<0.05). In both groups, significant improvements were achieved at the last follow-up in VAS pain score, the AOFAS ankle-hindfoot score, ankle dorsiflexion and plantar flexion compared with the preoperative period ( P<0.05). The incidence of fracture angulation deformity in the lateral placement group (11.5%, 3/26) was lower than that in the median placement group (31.8%, 7/22) ( P>0.05). There was no significant difference in the incidence of complications between the lateral placement group (3.8%, 1/26) and the central placement group (18.2%, 4/22) ( P>0.05). Conclusion:In the closed reduction of metaphyseal fracture of the distal tibia, compared with median placement of the intramedullary nail guide pin, lateral placement of the intramedullary nail guide pin assisted with a Kirschner wire demonstrates advantages of more rapid and effective closed reduction of the fracture, shortened operation time, reduced intraoperative blood loss and promoted postoperative rehabilitation.