OBJECTIVES: To construct a Z-score regression model for coronary artery diameter based on echocardiographic data from children in Sichuan Province and to establish a Z-score calculation formula. METHODS: A total of 744 healthy children who underwent physical examinations at Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital from January 2020 to December 2022 were selected as the modeling group, while 251 children diagnosed with Kawasaki disease at the same hospital from January 2018 to December 2022 were selected as the validation group. Pearson correlation analysis was conducted to analyze the relationships between coronary artery diameter values and age, height, weight, and body surface area. A regression model was constructed using function transformation to identify the optimal regression model and establish the Z-score calculation formula, which was then validated. RESULTS: The Pearson correlation analysis showed that the correlation coefficients for the diameters of the left main coronary artery, left anterior descending artery, left circumflex artery, and right coronary artery with body surface area were 0.815, 0.793, 0.704, and 0.802, respectively (P<0.05). Among the constructed regression models, the power function regression model demonstrated the best performance and was therefore chosen as the optimal model for establishing the Z-score calculation formula. Based on this Z-score calculation formula, the detection rate of coronary artery lesions was found to be 21.5% (54/251), which was higher than the detection rate based on absolute values of coronary artery diameter. Notably, in the left anterior descending and left circumflex arteries, the detection rate of coronary artery lesions using this Z-score calculation formula was higher than that of previous classic Z-score calculation formulas. CONCLUSIONS The Z-score calculation formula established based on the power function regression model has a higher detection rate for coronary artery lesions, providing a strong reference for clinicians, particularly in assessing coronary artery lesions in children with Kawasaki disease.
Humans ; Male ; Female ; Child, Preschool ; Child ; Coronary Artery Disease/diagnostic imaging* ; Infant ; Mucocutaneous Lymph Node Syndrome ; Regression Analysis ; Coronary Vessels/diagnostic imaging* ; Echocardiography ; Adolescent

Objective:To explore the diagnostic value of a clinical-radiomics model based on the T 1 mapping and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC)-based radiomics, and the clinical indicator for renal fibrosis (RF) caused by chronic kidney disease (CKD). Methods:This cross-sectional study prospectively and consecutively enrolled 122 patients with CKD at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University from September 2021 to December 2023 who were randomly allocated to a training set ( n=85) or a validation set ( n=37) in an approximate 7∶3 ratio using simple random sampling. Patients underwent T 1 mapping and diffusion-weighted imaging scans. Renal biopsy was performed within 3 days after the MRI scans. Patients were categorized into three groups based on the degree of RF: no RF ( n=25), mild RF ( n=55), and moderate to severe RF ( n=42). To differentiate the presence of RF (no RF vs. any RF) and the severity of RF (mild RF vs. moderate to severe RF), univariate and multivariate logistic regression were used to optimize the independent clinical predictor, which constituted the clinical model. Radiomics features were extracted from regions of interest delineated within the renal parenchyma of the right kidney on T 1 mapping and ADC maps. Features were selected using least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression to build the radiomics model. A clinical-radiomics model was subsequently constructed by integrating the independent clinical predictors with the selected radiomics features. Model diagnostic performance was evaluated using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). Calibration curve was plotted to assess model calibration, and decision curve analysis was performed to evaluate clinical net benefit. Results:Univariate logistic regression analysis revealed that estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), serum creatinine, and blood urea nitrogen exhibited statistically significant differences ( P0.05) in distinguishing both the presence and severity of RF. Multivariate analysis identified eGFR as an independent clinical predictor for both the presence of RF ( OR=0.939, 95% CI 0.898-0.982, P=0.006) and RF severity ( OR=0.956, 95% CI 0.917-0.997, P=0.037). From the MRI images, 7 radiomics features were selected to build the radiomics model for distinguishing the presence of RF, and 8 features were selected for the model assessing RF severity. These radiomics models were then combined with eGFR to construct the clinical-radiomics models. The clinical-radiomics models demonstrated the highest diagnostic performance, with an AUC of 0.935 (95% CI 0.859-0.977) for RF presence and 0.967 (95% CI 0.891-0.995) for RF severity in the training set, and 0.914 (95% CI 0.774-0.981) and 0.908 (95% CI 0.748-0.981) in the validation set. Calibration curves and decision curve analysis confirmed that the clinical-radiomics models exhibited excellent calibration and provided the highest clinical net benefit for assessing RF in CKD patients. Conclusion:The clinical-radiomics model integrating T 1 mapping and ADC-based radiomics and eGFR can effectively improve the diagnostic performance for RF in CKD patients.

OBJECTIVE: To describe survival trends and global patterns of esophageal cancer (EC) using survival data from population-based cancer registries. METHODS: We systematically searched PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, SEER, and SinoMed databases for articles published up to 31 December 2023. Eligible EC survival estimates were evaluated according to country or region, period, sex, age group, pathology, and disease stage. RESULTS: After 2010, Jordan exhibited the highest age-standardized 5-year relative survival rates (RSRs)/net survival rates (NSRs) at 41.1% between 2010 and 2014, while India had the lowest, at 4.1%. Survival rates generally improved with diagnostic age across most countries, with significant increases in South Korea and China, of 12.7% and 10.5% between 2000 and 2017, respectively. Survival was higher among women compared to men, ranging from 0.4%-10.9%. Survival rates for adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma were similar, differing by about 4%. In China, the highest age-standardized RSRs/NSRs was 33.4% between 2015 and 2017. Meanwhile, the lowest was 5.3%, in Qidong (Jiangsu province) between 1992-1996. CONCLUSION Global EC survival rates have improved significantly in recent decades, but substantial geographical, sex, and age disparities still exist. In Asia, squamous cell carcinoma demonstrated superior survival rates compared to adenocarcinoma, while the opposite trend was observed in Western countries. Future research should clarify the prognostic factors influencing EC survival and tailor prevention and screening strategies to the changing EC survival patterns.
Humans ; Esophageal Neoplasms/mortality* ; Registries ; Male ; Female ; Survival Analysis ; Middle Aged ; Survival Rate ; Aged ; Global Health

This study employed ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatograph-hybrid quadrupole orbitrap high resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap HRMS) to detect the chemical constituents of traditional Chinese medicine in Sizi Dingchuan granules. Network pharmacology and molecular docking techniques were then utilized to predict the effects of Sizi Dingchuan granules on bronchial asthma, along with its target molecules and signaling pathways. UHPLC analysis identified 172 compounds, including 84 flavonoids, 38 organic acids and their derivatives, 22 phenylpropanoids, 16 organic oxygen compounds, 3 phenolic compounds, 2 terpenoids, 2 sugars and glycosides, and 5 other compounds. Typical compound fragmentation patterns were documented. Using network pharmacology methods, 117 compounds were ultimately selected for target prediction, establishing a “drug-component-target-disease” network, which revealed that quercetin, schisandrin A, baicalin, gomisin H, and baicalin exhibit multiple targets related to bronchial asthma, suggesting that they may be the active components responsible for the compound’s efficacy in treating this condition. Protein-protein interaction analysis identified core targets including TNF, IL-6, JAK2, STAT3, BCL2, CASP3, and EGFR, primarily clustered within the JAK-STAT signaling pathway. This suggests that the main components of Sizi Dingchuan granules may regulate the balance between Th17 and Treg cells, as well as Th1 and Th2 cell differentiation, by modulating the JAK-STAT signaling pathway, thereby exerting a positive therapeutic effect on bronchial asthma.

Objective:To investigate the important clinical features and prognosis of febrile infection-related epilepsy syndrome(FIRES).Methods:A retrospective analysis was performed for the data of 15 children with FIRES who were hospitalized and treated in Peking University First Hospital from March 2022 to June 2024,including clinical features,treatment regimens,and prognosis,and follow-up was performed by telephone.Results:The median duration of status epilepticus was 15 days for all children.Of all 15 children,14(93.3%)were comorbid with disturbance of consciousness,8(53.3%)were comorbid with respiratory failure and underwent endotra-cheal incubation,and 13(86.7%)had been admitted to the intensive care unit.In the acute stage,7 children underwent the examination of various inflammatory factors in blood and cerebrospinal fluid,including interleukin(IL)-1β,IL-2,IL-4,IL-5,IL-6,IL-8,IL-10,and tumor necrosis factor-α,and all 7 children had significant increases in the levels of inflammatory factors in cerebrospinal fluid,which were significantly higher than the levels of inflammatory factors in serum.Of all 15 children,12(80%)had diffuse slow wave changes on electroencephalography,and migrating focal seizures were detected in 7 children(46.7%).Cranial magnetic resonance im-aging(MRI)manifestations in the acute stage included temporal and insular cortical edema(60%),abnormal white matter signal(33.3%),and claustrum sign(13.3%),and MRI features in the chronic stage included the deepening of cerebral sulci(75%)and ventricular dilatation(33.3%).The treatment in the acute stage in-cluded intravenous drip of gamma-globulin and high-dose methyl-prednisolone in 15 children(effective in 2 children),ketogenic diet in 4 children(effective in 1 child),tocilizumab in 5 children(effective in 3 children),and anakinra in 2 children(effective in 1 child).As of the last follow-up,the median duration of disease was 14.0 months(4-65 months)for all patients,and only 2 children achieved complete seizure control,while the remaining 13 children had refractory epilepsy.Cognitive impairment was observed in 93.3%of the children.Conclusion:FIRES often has acute and severe conditions,and first-line immunotherapies often have a poor therapeutic ef-fect.Tocilizumab and anakinra may be effective in some patients with seizures in the acute stage.

Objective:To investigate the influencing factors of diarrhea during early enteral nutrition(EEN)therapy in severe patients with temporary ileostomy.Method:A total of 154 patients with temporary ileostomy who received EEN in the Department of General Surgery,Jinling Hospital from November 2019 to November 2023 were included in this study.All patients were divided into two groups:the diarrhea group(n=43)and the non-diarrhea group(n=111).The clinical data of the patients were retrospectively collected and analyzed,and univariate analysis was performed to compare the differences between groups.The indicators with significant differences were subjected to multivariate logistic regression analysis to determine the influencing factors of diarrhea during EEN therapy in severe patients with temporary ileostomy.Result:Among the 154 patients,43 developed diarrhea during EEN therapy,with an incidence of 27.9%.Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that enteral nutrition(EN)infusion rate(OR=6.342,P=0.001,95%CI:2.055～19.572),antibiotics type(OR=8.342,P=0.013,95%CI:1.577～44.119),mechanical ventilation(OR=7.011,P=0.001,95%CI:2.272～21.629),EN formulation type(OR=6.497,P=0.001,95%CI:2.177～19.392),and diabetes(OR=3.321,P=0.036,95%CI:1.080～10.215)were closely associated with EN-related diarrhea in severe patients with temporary ileostomy.Conclusion:There was a high incidence of diarrhea in severe patients with temporary ileostomy who received EEN.EN infusion rate,antibiotics use,mechanical ventilation,EN formulation type and diabetes were the influencing factors for presence of EEN-related diarrhea in the patients.Our data could provide a reference for preventing EEN-related diarrhea in severe patients with temporary ileostomy after surgery.

This study started from the connotation of public welfare and, from the perspective of equal rights and responsibilities, interpreted the public welfare responsibilities and entitlements of hospitals. It developed corresponding quantitative measurement tools and constructed a Public Welfare Rights and Responsibilities Index. Public welfare responsibilities were reflected in the provision of equitable, accessible, appropriate, and reasonable basic medical and public health services. These responsibilities were quantified using the market price of basic medical services, the average cost per case-mix index unit, and public service expenditures. Entitlements were reflected in financial subsidies, tax exemptions, and land policy support. Based on this framework, the study applies the Public Welfare Rights and Responsibilities Index to evaluate 147 public hospitals in City S from 2019 to 2021. The results show that the overall level of public welfare among public hospitals in City S was relatively high (with an average index of 2.39), but showed a slight downward trend. Differences were observed across hospital grades and types, with secondary-level hospitals and general hospitals demonstrating relatively higher levels of public welfare. This study could provide a practical and quantifiable method for measuring hospital public welfare within an equal rights and responsibilities framework, offering a novel analytical tool and empirical evidence to support policy formulation and performance evaluation.

Objective:To analyze the efficacy of delineating the clinical target volume (CTV) following the trajectory of trigeminal nerve branches and elective neck irradiation (ENI) in postoperative intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) for adenoid cystic carcinoma of head and neck (ACCHN).Methods:In this study, the data of ACCHN patients without distal metastasis who received postoperative radiotherapy after radical surgery at the Ninth People's Hospital of Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine from January 2016 to December 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. Postoperative radiotherapy target zone and intensity-modulated radiotherapy plan for ACCHN were formulated according to the site of primary focus, whether nerve invasion and pathological staging. Kaplan-Meier method was applied to perform survival analysis, while assessing the tumor local control rate and locoregional recurrence pattern under this target zone outlining principle.Results:A total of 309 ACCHN patients were included. With a median follow-up of 49 months, the 5-year local control rate was 93.2%, the 5-year overall survival rate, locoregional recurrence-free survival rate, and distant metastasis-free survival rate were 90.8%, 90.6%, 66.3%, respectively. Twenty-three patients developed locoregional recurrence, including 14 with primary tumor recurrence alone, 5 with regional lymph node recurrence alone, and 4 with both primary and regional lymph node recurrence. Among the patients with primary tumor recurrence, 11 had recurrence related to the trigeminal nerve branches,and 7 had recurrence in the tumor bed or surgical bed region, with no out-of-field recurrence. Among the 9 patients with lymph node recurrence, none had undergone neck dissection.Conclusions:Delineating the CTV following the trigeminal nerve branches in postoperative radiotherapy for ACCHN achieves excellent local control. Elective neck irradiation avoids irradiation of the entire neck lymphatic drainage area with a low regional recurrence rate.

Objective:To evaluate the impact of surgical margin status and pathological subtypes on the prognosis of patients with adenoid cystic carcinoma of the head and neck (ACCHN) who underwent postoperative radiotherapy.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on 309 patients with initially treated, non-metastatic ACCHN who completed postoperative radiotherapy at Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine from January 2016 to December 2022. All patients underwent curative (non-palliative) surgery followed by postoperative radiotherapy, with a median dose of 66 Gy (range: 54-70 Gy). The Kaplan-Meier method was used to compare 5-year local recurrence-free survival (LRFS) between R0 (negative margin) and non-R0 resections in patients with initially resectable (T 1-T 4a stage) and initially unresectable (T 4b stage) disease. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards models were employed to analyze risk factors for local recurrence, with a focus on surgical margin status and pathological subtypes. Results:The median follow-up was 48 months. Of the 309 patients included in the study, 133 were males and 176 were females, with a median age of 51 years (range: 18-77 years). Primary tumors were located in the major salivary glands in 135 cases (including 42 in the parotid gland, 65 in the submandibular gland, and 28 in the sublingual gland) and in the minor salivary glands in 174 cases. The 5-year overall survival, locoregional recurrence-free survival, distant metastasis-free survival, and progression-free survival rates were 91.5%, 90.8%, 66.1%, and 63.9%, respectively. Non-R0 resection was achieved in 177 patients (57.3%). Among initially resectable patients ( n=253), the non-R0 resection rate was 49.0% ( n=124), with only 6 cases (2.4%) experiencing local recurrence (all non-R0 resections). In initially unresectable patients ( n=56), the non-R0 resection rate was as high as 95% ( n=53), with 13 cases (23%) experiencing local recurrence (2 cases in non-R0 resection and 1 case in R0 resection). For initially resectable patients, non-R0 resection significantly reduced the 5-year LRFS rate to 95.2%, compared to 100% in R0 resection patients ( P=0.014). However, multivariate analysis revealed that the solid pathological subtype was an independent risk factor for 5-year LRFS ( HR=7.40, 95% CI: 2.81-19.52, P<0.001), while the surgical margin status was not an independent factor. Conclusions:The combined strategy of surgery and postoperative radiotherapy provides high local control rates for ACCHN patients. Achieving R0 resection is crucial for initially resectable patients, while a comprehensive treatment strategy involving surgery and postoperative radiotherapy remains essential for initially unresectable patients. The solid pathological subtype is the most significant risk factor for local recurrence.

Objective:To preliminarily evaluate the lumen gain of sonodynamic therapy (SDT) mediated by sinoporphyrin sodium at carotid and femoral atherosclerotic plaque sites, and to assess whether concomitant statin use, lesion location, plaque echogenicity/type, and baseline stenosis severity modify the therapeutic response.Methods:This single-center, prospective, exploratory pilot clinical study enrolled patients with peripheral artery disease who attended the outpatient cardiology clinic of the First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University between February and September 2016. All enrolled patients received optimized oral medical therapy in combination with a single session of SDT. Vascular evaluation was performed using color Doppler ultrasound before treatment and 1 and 4 weeks after treatment. The primary efficacy endpoint was the percent change from baseline in luminal diameter stenosis at the site of the atherosclerotic plaque (%Δ) at week 4, while the secondary efficacy endpoint was %Δ at week 1. Subgroup analyses were conducted according to prior statin use, plaque location, plaque characteristics, and baseline degree of luminal stenosis.Results:A total of 24 patients, aged (70.7±2.2) years were enrolled. There were 20 (83%) males. Compared to baseline, luminal diameter stenosis at the plaque site reduced by week 4 ((50.1±1.2)% vs. (57.2±1.1)%, P<0.001), %Δ was(12.32±1.05)%; and luminal diameter stenosis also reduced by week 1 ((51.7±1.2)% vs. (57.2±1.1)%, P<0.001)), %Δ was(9.61±0.85)%. In subgroup analyses, the treatment effect on diameter stenosis was independent of prior statin use; SDT reduced stenosis in both carotid and femoral plaques; with superior efficacy observed in hypoechoic and mixed-echo plaques; and efficacy was observed across mild, moderate, and severe baseline stenosis categories (all P<0.05). Conclusion:In this single-center pilot study, SDT demonstrates therapeutic efficacy across mild, moderate, and severe stenoses, as well as in hypoechoic and mixed-echo plaques, showing potential to rapidly promote luminal gain at carotid and femoral atherosclerotic plaque sites.