Objective To investigate the differences in radiation dose during chest CT examinations among children of different age groups and establish dose estimation regression models. Methods Chest CT data from 135 children aged 4 to 15 years were retrospectively collected from the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University between January 2022 and December 2023. The children were divided into three age groups: 4-5 years, 6-10 years and 11-15 years. CT scanning parameters (tube voltage, tube current, scan range) and dosimetry parameters including volume CT dose index (CTDI_vol) dose length product (DLP), and size-specific dose estimate (SSDE) were recorded. The Kruskal-Wallis test was used to compare intergroup differences. A Pearson correlation analysis was performed to assess the relationship between age and dose indicators. Both linear and nonlinear regression models were constructed. Results Age showed a weak positive correlation with CTDI_vol (r = 0.27), a moderate positive correlation with DLP (r = 0.60), and a moderate negative correlation with SSDE (r = −0.55). Linear regression analysis revealed that DLP increased with age (y = 117.85 + 9.81x, R² = 0.36), while SSDE decreased with age (y = 12.4 − 0.18x, R² = 0.32). Using orthogonal distance regression, the goodness-of-fit of the nonlinear models for DLP and SSDE significantly improved (R² = 0.99 and 0.94, respectively). Conclusion In pediatric chest CT dose assessment, CTDI_vol underestimates radiation dose compared to SSDE and fails to account for patient body size. The dose estimation models constructed with orthogonal distance regression outperform those established using the least squares method, demonstrating higher fitting accuracy, and can serve as a reference for personalized dose management in pediatric CT examinations.

Objective To develop and validate risk prediction models utilizing five machine learning algorithms for assessing postoperative pulmonary infection(PPI)risk in lung cancer patients undergoing grade Ⅳ thoracoscopic surgery.Methods A retrospective cohort study included 2,380 lung cancer patients who underwent grade Ⅳ thoracoscopic surgery at a tertiary hospital in Shanghai(January 2022 to June 2024).Patients were stratified into training(n=1,665)and validation(n=715)cohorts.Five machine learning algorithms—Logistic regression(LR),artificial neural network(ANN),support vector machine(S VM),random forest(RF),and extreme gradient boosting(XGB)—were employed to construct predictive models.A nomogram was developed for clinical utility.Results Among 2,380 patients,226(9.5％)developed PPI.The Least Absolute Shrinkage and Se-lection Operator(LASSO)regression identified eight predictive variables:daily cigarette consumption,diabetes history,preoperative diffusing capacity,maximal tumor diameter,24-hour postoperative chest drainage volume,perioperative oral nutritional supplementation(ONS),postoperative urinary cathe-terization,and intraoperative pleural adhesion severity.All models demonstrated robust discrimina-tion,with area under the curve(AUC)values ranging from 0.862 to 0.947.The XGB model a-chieved superior performance(AUC=0.947,95％CI,0.937 to 0.962),followed closely by the LR model(AUC=0.926,95％CI,0.918 to 0.933).Conclusion Machine learning-based algo-rithms models effectively stratify PPI risk in lung cancer patients following grade Ⅳ thoracoscopic surgery.The derived nomogram provides a practical tool for perioperative risk management by healthcare providers.

Objective To observe the clinical effect of ultrasound-guided nerve block combined with arc edge needle-scalpel in the treatment of cervical spondylotic radiculopathy.Methods 160 cases were randomly divided into 4 groups from A to D,40 cases in each group.Group A was given nerve block,group B was given ultrasound-guided nerve block,group C was given arc edge needle-scalpel,and group D was given ultrasound-guided nerve block combined with arc edge needle-scalpel for 4 weeks.The McGill pain scale,cervical dysfunction index,cervical motion(angle of cervical left and right rotation,anterior flexion,posterior extension and lateral flexion),myoelectric-evoked potentiall(median nerve and ulnar nerve conduction velocity,latency),arterial blood flow velocity(average vertebral artery and basal artery flow velocity,end-diastolic blood flow velocity)were observed.The serum levels of neuron-specific enolase(NSE),β-endorphin(β-EP),lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2(LpPLA2),6-ketoprostaglandin E1α(6-keto-PGE1α)were measured.The clinical efficacy and safety of each group were observed.Results The response rate in group D was taller than that in group A and group B significantly(χ2=6.605,P=0.013;χ2=4.073,P=0.044).Compared with the other three groups,the McGill pain,NDI,NSE,LpPLA2 and 6-keto-PGE1α in group D decreased significantly(P<0.05),the β-EP increased significantly(P<0.05),and the angles of left and right cervical rotation,anterior flexion,posterior extension and lateral flexion increased significantly(P<0.05),and median nerve and ulnar nerve conduction velocity,vertebral artery and basilar artery average blood flow velocity,end diastolic blood flow velocity increased significantly(P<0.05),and median nerve and ulnar nerve latency decreased significantly(P<0.05).The safety index of group D was higher than that in group A significantly(χ2=5.641,P=0.018).Conclusion Ultrasound-guided nerve block combined with arc edge needle-scalpel can relieve neck and shoulder pain,improve cervical spine function and reduce complications in patients with cervical spondylotic radiculopathy.

Objective To observe the clinical effect of ultrasound-guided nerve block combined with arc edge needle-scalpel in the treatment of cervical spondylotic radiculopathy.Methods 160 cases were randomly divided into 4 groups from A to D,40 cases in each group.Group A was given nerve block,group B was given ultrasound-guided nerve block,group C was given arc edge needle-scalpel,and group D was given ultrasound-guided nerve block combined with arc edge needle-scalpel for 4 weeks.The McGill pain scale,cervical dysfunction index,cervical motion(angle of cervical left and right rotation,anterior flexion,posterior extension and lateral flexion),myoelectric-evoked potentiall(median nerve and ulnar nerve conduction velocity,latency),arterial blood flow velocity(average vertebral artery and basal artery flow velocity,end-diastolic blood flow velocity)were observed.The serum levels of neuron-specific enolase(NSE),β-endorphin(β-EP),lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2(LpPLA2),6-ketoprostaglandin E1α(6-keto-PGE1α)were measured.The clinical efficacy and safety of each group were observed.Results The response rate in group D was taller than that in group A and group B significantly(χ2=6.605,P=0.013;χ2=4.073,P=0.044).Compared with the other three groups,the McGill pain,NDI,NSE,LpPLA2 and 6-keto-PGE1α in group D decreased significantly(P<0.05),the β-EP increased significantly(P<0.05),and the angles of left and right cervical rotation,anterior flexion,posterior extension and lateral flexion increased significantly(P<0.05),and median nerve and ulnar nerve conduction velocity,vertebral artery and basilar artery average blood flow velocity,end diastolic blood flow velocity increased significantly(P<0.05),and median nerve and ulnar nerve latency decreased significantly(P<0.05).The safety index of group D was higher than that in group A significantly(χ2=5.641,P=0.018).Conclusion Ultrasound-guided nerve block combined with arc edge needle-scalpel can relieve neck and shoulder pain,improve cervical spine function and reduce complications in patients with cervical spondylotic radiculopathy.

Solar proton event(SPE)is the major concern for astronauts in space radiation environment.With the coming of solar activity peak of the 25th solar cycle,the frequency of occurrence of solar proton event is increasing,as well as the intense of the events.Two SPEs of the most flux in March 23rd,2024 and June 8th,2003 and one with extra-large geomagnetic storm in May 10th,2004 were used to analysis the astronaut dose both in China Space Station orbit and lunar environment.First,radiation particle spectrum outside TianHe module was used to calculate astronauts dose inside the station,which was compared with the measured dose;second,the fitting result of proton spectrum from GOES16 satellite was used to calculate astronaut dose in lunar orbit,which was compared with the dose measured by CRaTER.Besides,the change of dose with extra shield of different material was calculated.The results indicate when no extra-large geomagnetic storm occurs,middle level SPE has no influence to astronaut in station,but an obvious dose increase happens in lunar environment,approaching ten or more mGy in skin.When shielded by Al or water of 10g/cm2,the astronaut's dose could be reduced to mGy or below.Extra energetic protons would observe on station orbit when an SPE with extra-large geomagnetic storm occurs,however when the amount of energetic protons is small,the extra dose is about several 1 nGy to 1 μGy in skin,which was negligible compared with daily dose.When a middle or above level SPE occurs,the influence to astronaut in LEO needs judge immediately,which is mostly based on the geomagnetic activity,but extra shield are needed for manned lunar exploration to ensure astronaut safety.

Humans ; Coronary Artery Disease/surgery* ; Percutaneous Coronary Intervention ; Heart ; Treatment Outcome ; Coronary Angiography

Objective:To investigate the predictive value of thrombus enhancement (TE) and thrombus permeability in cardioembolic thrombus with acute middle cerebral artery occlusion based on CT.Methods:The clinical and image data of 93 patients with acute middle cerebral artery occlusion who were admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University within 12 hours after onset from January 2020 to July 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. According to the TOAST criteria, the patients were divided into the cardioembolism (CE) group (43 cases) and the large artery atherosclerosis (LAA) group (50 cases). All patients received noncontrast CT and CT angiography, and then thrombus permeability [thrombus attenuation increase (TAI), void fraction (ε)] and TE were assessed. Independent sample t-test, Mann-Whitney U test and χ2 test were used in univariable analysis between two groups. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to explore the independent influencing factors for cardioembolic stroke and establish a logistic model. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and the area under the curve (AUC) were used to evaluate the predictive value of TAI, ε, TE and the logistic model in cardioembolic thrombus with acute middle cerebral artery occlusion. Results:There were statistically significant differences in sex, atrial fibrillation, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, smoking, baseline National Institutes of health stroke scale (NIHSS), TAI, ε and TE between the CE group and the LAA group ( P<0.05). Binary logistics regression analysis showed that TAI (OR=1.300, 95%CI 1.147-1.473, P<0.001), hypertension (OR=0.116, 95%CI 0.025-0.535, P=0.006) and baseline NIHSS (OR=1.165, 95%CI 1.040-1.304, P=0.008) were independent influencing factors for cardioembolic thrombus. The ROC curve indicated that the logistic model predicted cardioembolic thrombus with the highest AUC of 0.907 (95%CI 0.848-0.966). TE predicted cardioembolic thrombus with the highest sensitivity of 90.7%. Conclusion:TE and thrombus permeability have application value for predicting cardioembolic thrombus with acute middle cerebral artery occlusion based on CT.

Background: Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) is the most common complication of acute herpes zoster. The treatment of PHN remains a challenge for clinical pain management. Despite the effectiveness of anticonvulsants, antidepressants, and lidocaine patches in reducing PHN, many patients still face intractable pain disorders.In this randomized controlled study, we evaluated whether hydromorphone through intravenous patient-controlled analgesia (IV PCA) was effective in relieving PHN. Methods: Patients with PHN were randomly divided into two groups, one group received oral pregabalin with IV normal saline, another group received oral pregabalin with additional IV PCA hydromorphone for two weeks. Efficacy was evaluated at 1, 4, and 12 weeks after the end of the treatments. Results: Two hundred and one patients were followed up for 12 weeks. After treatment, numerical rating scale (NRS) score of patients in the hydromorphone group was significantly lower than that of the control group, and the difference of NRS scores between the two groups was statistically significant at 4 and 12 weeks after treatment. The frequency of breakthrough pain in the hydromorphone group was significantly lower than that in the control group 1 and 4 weeks after treatment.After treatment, the quality of sleep in the hydromorphone group was significantly improved compared with the control group. The most common adverse reactions in the hydromorphone group were dizziness and nausea, with no significant respiratory depression. Conclusions IV PCA hydromorphone combined with oral pregabalin provides superior pain relief in patients with PHN, which is worthy of clinical application and promotion.

Background: Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) is the most common complication of acute herpes zoster. The treatment of PHN remains a challenge for clinical pain management. Despite the effectiveness of anticonvulsants, antidepressants, and lidocaine patches in reducing PHN, many patients still face intractable pain disorders.In this randomized controlled study, we evaluated whether hydromorphone through intravenous patient-controlled analgesia (IV PCA) was effective in relieving PHN. Methods: Patients with PHN were randomly divided into two groups, one group received oral pregabalin with IV normal saline, another group received oral pregabalin with additional IV PCA hydromorphone for two weeks. Efficacy was evaluated at 1, 4, and 12 weeks after the end of the treatments. Results: Two hundred and one patients were followed up for 12 weeks. After treatment, numerical rating scale (NRS) score of patients in the hydromorphone group was significantly lower than that of the control group, and the difference of NRS scores between the two groups was statistically significant at 4 and 12 weeks after treatment. The frequency of breakthrough pain in the hydromorphone group was significantly lower than that in the control group 1 and 4 weeks after treatment.After treatment, the quality of sleep in the hydromorphone group was significantly improved compared with the control group. The most common adverse reactions in the hydromorphone group were dizziness and nausea, with no significant respiratory depression. Conclusions IV PCA hydromorphone combined with oral pregabalin provides superior pain relief in patients with PHN, which is worthy of clinical application and promotion.

OBJECTIVE: To summarize the experience of perioperative prevention during double-lung transplantation for elderly patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). METHODS: Clinical data of 2 elderly patients with COVID-19 who underwent double-lung transplantation in the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine in March 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. Perioperative protective measures were introduced in terms of medical staffing, respiratory tract, pressure injuries, air in operating room, instruments and equipment, pathological specimens, and information management. RESULTS: Two cases of double-lung transplantation were successfully completed, and the patients had no operation-related complications. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenator was successfully removed 2 to 4 days after surgery and the patients recovered well. There was no infection among medical staff. CONCLUSIONS Adequate preoperative preparation, complete patient transfer procedures, proper placement of instruments and equipment, strengthening of intraoperative care management, and attention to prevention of pressure injury complications can maximize the safety of COVID-19 patients and medical staff.
Aged ; Betacoronavirus ; COVID-19 ; Coronavirus Infections ; Humans ; Lung Transplantation/standards* ; Pandemics ; Perioperative Care/standards* ; Pneumonia, Viral ; Postoperative Complications/prevention & control* ; Retrospective Studies ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Transplant Recipients