1.Feasibility study of the “double-low” scanning protocol combined with artificial intelligence iterative reconstruction algorithm for abdominal CT enhancement in patients with obesity
Meitong JI ; Renren WANG ; Hanshuo LI ; Qi WANG ; Yongxia ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Radiology 2025;59(7):791-798
Objective:To evaluate the efficacy of the “double-low” scanning protocol (low tube voltage and low-concentration contrast agent) combined with the artificial intelligence iterative reconstruction (AIIR) algorithm for abdominal CT enhancement in patients with obesity and to identify the optimal AIIR reconstruction algorithm level.Methods:From April 2024 to July 2024, patients with a body mass index≥30.00 kg/m2 who underwent abdominal CT enhancement at the Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University were prospectively included. All patients were randomly assigned to groups A or B. Patients in Group A accepted the conventional scanning protocol (automatic tube voltage selection and a contrast agent concentration of 350 mg/ml) with reconstruction using the Karl 3D iterative reconstruction algorithm at levels 3-5. The “double-low” protocol (a fixed tube voltage of 80 kVp and a contrast agent concentration of 320 mg/ml) with AIIR algorithm reconstruction at levels 1-5 were performed in Group B. CT values and image noises were measured, including the right posterior liver lobe at the level of the first porta hepatis and subcutaneous fat at the third lumbar level during arterial and portal venous phases, abdominal aorta at the third lumbar vertebra during the arterial phase, and portal vein trunk during the portal-venous-phase. Radiation dose, total iodine intake, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), and subjective image quality scores were recorded. The optimal reconstruction levels for arterial-phase and portal-venous-phase images were identified for each group by repeatedly measured ANOVA. The figure of merit (FOM) was calculated for the best images in both groups, and comparisons were made in terms of image quality, radiation dose, and iodine intake using an unpaired t-test or Wilcoxon test. Results:Overall, 150 patients with obesity were collected, and each group included 75 cases. In group A, compared with levels 3 and 4 ( P<0.001), the Karl 3D level 5 algorithm yielded significantly higher SNR, CNR values, and subjective scores, designating level 5 as the optimal reconstruction level. In group B, the AIIR level 4 algorithm achieved higher SNR and CNR values than level 5 and achieved higher subjective scores than levels 3 and 5 ( P<0.001), which means that level 4 was the optimal reconstruction level. Images reconstructed with AIIR level 4 in group B exhibited significantly higher CT, SNR, CNR, FOM values, and subjective scores than those reconstructed with Karl 3D level 5 in group A ( P<0.001). Compared with group A, the volume CT dose index values, dose-length product, and size-specific dose estimate based on water equivalent diameter in Group B were reduced by 56.75%, 58.29%, and 56, 71% during the arterial phase, and 56.70%, 58.27%, and 56.88% during the portal venous phase, respectively. Total iodine intake was significantly reduced by 10.71% in group B ( P<0.001). Conclusions:The “double-low” scanning protocol combined with AIIR algorithm significantly reduced radiation dose and iodine intake during abdominal CT enhancement in patients with obesity, without compromising image details, increasing noise, or altering image quality. AIIR level 4 was the optimal image reconstruction level for arterial-phase and portal-venous-phase in obese patients.
2.Expert consensus on preventive and management of exposure keratopathy
Yongxia REN ; Zhihui WANG ; Dan SHEN ; Pingy-ing HUO ; Xiaowen BAI ; Mengdi WANG
Chinese Journal of Nursing 2025;60(14):1705-1708
Objective To compile the"expert consensus on preventive and management of exposure keratopathy"(hereinafter referred to as"consensus"),aiming to standardize and promote the prevention of exposure keratopathy(EK)in medical institutions at different levels.Methods The evidence-based methods were used to retrieve,evaluate and summarize evidence in this field according to the level of evidence,and relevant recommendations and research conclusions were extracted,and the first draft of consensus was formed.After 2 rounds of Delphi expert letters and expert meetings,combined with evidence and expert opinions,the consensus content is written,adjusted and modified,and recommendations were made.Results 58 experts were invited to participate in the consultation.The expert positive coefficient was 100%;the expert judgment basis of the 2 rounds were 0.940 and 0.936;the degree of familiarity of the 2 rounds were 0.779 and 0.797;the coefficient of authority of the 2 rounds were 0.859 and 0.866.The Kendall W coefficients of the 2 rounds of inquiry were 0.099 and 0.117,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).The consensus includes 5 aspects of EK:risk factors,assessments,protection measures,symptom management and training and management.Conclusion The consensus was based on the existing evidence and clinical practical requirements and recommendations of experts in the field.Consensus can provide guidance for clinical nursing staff in prevention,nursing and management of EK effectively.
3.Effects of Shengxian Yixin Granules on Ventricular Remodeling in Rats with Myocardial Infarction by Regulating PI3K/AKT Signaling Pathway
Min ZHANG ; Zuoying XING ; Zhengwei DONG ; Boyong QIU ; Jia ZHENG ; Yucai HU ; Chunying SI ; Yongxia WANG
Chinese Journal of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;32(9):98-104
Objective To explore the effects and mechanism of Shengxian Yixin Granules in treating ventricular remodeling in rats with myocardial infarction based on the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.Methods A total of 60 SD rats were randomly selected six rats as the control group,and the remaining 54 rats were used as the modeling group.Sham-operation and left anterior descending coronary artery ligation were performed respectively.The modeled rats were divided into model group,Shengxian Yixin Granules group,740Y-P group and Shengxian Yixin Granules+740Y-P group,and were given corresponding intervention for 28 days.Left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF)and left ventricular fractional shortening(LVFS)were measured by echocardiography,and left ventricular hypertrophy index was calculated,the myocardial morphology was observed by HE and Masson staining,and the protein expressions of p-PI3K,PI3K,p-AKT and AKT were detected by Western blot,RT-qPCR was used to detect the mRNA expressions of type Ⅰ collagen(Col1)and type Ⅲ collagen(Col3),and ELISA was used to detect the contents of serum cardiac troponin T(cTnT),creatine kinase-MB(CK-MB),Col1 and Col3.Results Compared with the control group,the LVEF and LVFS in the model group significantly decreased(P<0.01),the left ventricular hypertrophy index increased(P<0.01);myocardial cells were arranged disorderly,some cells were necrotic,ruptured and their nuclei were dissolved,with obvious neutrophil infiltration,the collagen fiber significantly increased,the protein expressions of p-PI3K and p-AKT in myocardial tissue significantly increased(P<0.05),and the mRNA expression of Col1 and Col3 significantly increased(P<0.01);the contents of serum cTnT,CK-MB,Col1 and Col3 significantly increased(P<0.05,P<0.01).Compared with the model group,the LVEF and LVFS in Shengxian Yixin Granules group significantly improved(P<0.05,P<0.01),and left ventricular hypertrophy index decreased(P<0.05);myocardial necrosis,neutrophil infiltration and collagen fiber deposition were reduced,the protein expressions of p-PI3K and p-AKT in myocardial tissue significantly decreased(P<0.05),and the mRNA expressions of Col1 and Col3 significantly decreased(P<0.01);the contents of serum cTnT,CK-MB,Col1 and Col3 significantly decreased(P<0.05,P<0.01).LVEF and LVFS in 740Y-P group significantly decreased(P<0.01),and left ventricular hypertrophy index increased(P<0.05);a large number of myocardial cells were necrotic and ruptured,fibers were torn obviously,and many scar tissues were formed,the protein expressions of p-PI3K and p-AKT in myocardial tissue significantly increased(P<0.05),the mRNA expressions of Col1 and Col3 significantly increased(P<0.01);the contents of serum cTnT,CK-MB,Col1 and Col3 significantly increased(P<0.05,P<0.01).Shengxian Yixin Granules+740Y-P could improve the damage of 740Y-P to the heart.Conclusion Shengxian Yixin Granules can improve ventricular remodeling in rats with heart failure,reduce myocardial fibrosis,and improve cardiac function through the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.
4.Effects of Tongmai Yangxin Pills (通脉养心丸) on Arrhythmia and K+/Ca2+ Channel-Related Proteins and Gene Expression in Myocardial Tissue of Ischemia-Reperfusion Model Rats
Zuoying XING ; Yucai HU ; Huanhuan SONG ; Boyong QIU ; Yankun SONG ; Yongxia WANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(8):851-859
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects and potential mechanisms of Tongmai Yangxin Pills (通脉养心丸) (TYPs) in preventing ischemia-reperfusion (I/R)-induced arrhythmia. MethodsSixty male SD rats were randomly assigned to sham operation group, model group, amiodarone group, low-dose and high-dose TYPs group, with 12 rats in each group. The sham operation group and the model group received 10 g/(kg·d) normal saline by gavage, the amiodarone group received 60 mg/(kg·d) amiodarone, and the low-dose and high-dose TMP groups received 1 g/(kg·d) and 2 g/(kg·d) TYPs solution respectively, for 21 days, administered twice daily. On the day after the last administration, the I/R model was established in the model and medication groups by ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery with a cannula, while the sham operation group underwent the same procedure without ligation. Electrocardiogram recordings were continuously monitored throughout the modeling process. Heart rate was recorded at five time points, before ischemia (t-0), 5-10 min after ischemia (t-1), 10-15 min after ischemia (t-2), 15-30 min after ischemia (t-3), and during the first 2 min of reperfusion (t-4); the incidence of arrhythmia including ventricular premature beats (VPB), ventricular tachycardia (VT), and ventricular fibrillation (VF) was recorded; arrhythmia scores were calculated. After 24 hours of reperfusion, left ventricular myocardial tissue was collected. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was performed to observe pathological changes. RT-PCR was used to detect the mRNA expression of microRNA-1 (miRNA-1), microRNA-133a (miRNA-133a), and potassium (K+) and calcium (Ca2+) ion channel-related genes including KCND2, KCNH2, KCNE2, KCNQ1, KCNE1, KCNJ2, CACNA1C, and CACNB1. Western blot analysis was used to measure protein levels of transient outward potassium current protein (Kv4.2), rapidly activating delayed rectifier potassium current protein (HERG), slowly activating delayed rectifier potassium current protein (KvLQT1), inward rectifier potassium current protein (Kir2.1), and L-type calcium channel protein (Cav1.2). ResultsCompared with sham operation group, the model group showed diffuse myocardial hemorrhage, inflammatory cell infiltration, myocardial necrosis, nuclear pyknosis, vacuolar degeneration, and disrupted myocardial fibers; the model group also exhibited a decreased heart rate (t-1 to t-4), increased arrhythmia scores, elevated miRNA-1 and miRNA-133a expression, and decreased mRNA expression of KCND2, KCNH2, KCNE2, KCNQ1, KCNE1, KCNJ2, CACNA1C, and CACNB1 in myocardial tissue; additionally, Kv4.2, HERG, KvLQT1, Kir2.1, and Cav1.2 protein levels significantly reduced (P<0.01). Compared to the model group, all medication-treated groups showed reduced myocardial damage, including less hemorrhage, reduced inflammatory infiltration, and improved myocardial structure, with the high-dose TYPs group exhibiting the most significant improvement; the amiodarone group and high-dose TYPs group showed a significant increase in heart rate (t-1 to t-4), lower arrhythmia scores, reduced miRNA-1 and miRNA-133a expression; the high-dose TYPs group exhibited significantly increased mRNA expression levels of KCND2, KCNH2, KCNQ1, KCNJ2, and CACNA1C, as well as elevated protein levels of Kv4.2, HERG, KvLQT1, Kir2.1, and Cav1.2 (P<0.05 or P<0.01). ConclusionTMPs can improve myocardial damage and reduce the incidence of ventricular arrhythmia in I/R rats. The underlying mechanism may be related to the downregulation of miRNA-1 and miRNA-133a gene expression, as well as the upregulation of K+ and Ca2+ channel-related genes and proteins.
5.Analysis of the clinical features and prognosis of neuro-Behcet′s syndrome in 5 children
Lian WANG ; Yuchun YAN ; Yilin WANG ; Liyan MA ; Yongxia TANG ; Jianming LAI
Chinese Journal of Pediatrics 2025;63(1):80-83
Objective:To investigate the clinical features and prognosis of neuro-Beh?et′s syndrome (NBS) in children.Method:The clinical, brain magnetic resonance imaging and laboratory data of 5 children with NBS diagnosed in the Department of Pediatrics, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University and Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Children′s Hospital Affiliated to Capital Institute of Pediatrics from April 2014 to April 2024 were analyzed retrospectively. The follow-up method was retrospective outpatient or inpatient visit to evaluate the treatment effect of NBS.Result:Among the 5 NBS cases, 2 were male and 3 were female. The age of admission ranged from 8 to 17 years, the time from onset to diagnosis was 2 days to 4 years. Two patients had dizziness, headache and convulsions during the treatment of NBS, 1 patient had disturbance of consciousness, 1 patient gradually developed aphasia, limb movement disorder, dysphagia and muscle weakness after 4 years of Behcet's syndrome, and 1 patient had no clinical symptoms. C-reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate were increased in 4 cases, and cerebrospinal fluid white blood cells and immunoglobulin G were increased in 1 case. Brain magnetic resonance imaging of 4 children showed multiple lesions, including bilateral frontal lobe, occipital lobe, parietal lobe, periventricular and corpus callosum lesions. Brain magnetic resonance imaging showed multiple demyelinating diseases in 1 case, and cervical and thoracic magnetic resonance imaging showed slender cervical and thoracic spinal cord. All patients were treated with corticosteroids combined with immunosuppressants or biological agents. The children were followed up for 6 months to 4 years, and 4 cases had good treatment results, and 1 case finally gave up treatment.Conclusions:The clinical manifestations of NBS are not specific, and brain magnetic resonance imaging shows that the lesion location and morphology are not specific. NBS children treated with corticosteroids combined with immunosuppressive agents or biological agents have a good prognosis.
6.Construction and Application Evaluation of an Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Risk Prediction Model for Readmission in Patients with Stable Angina of Coronary Heart Disease:A Prospective Study Based on Real-World Clinical Data
Wenjie HAN ; Mingjun ZHU ; Xinlu WANG ; Rui YU ; Guangcao PENG ; Qifei ZHAO ; Jianru WANG ; Shanshan NIE ; Yongxia WANG ; Jingjing WEI
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(6):604-611
ObjectiveBy exploring the influencing factors of readmission in patients with stable angina of coronary heart disease (CHD) based on real-world clinical data, to establish a risk prediction model of integrated traditional Chinese and western medicine, in order to provide a basis for early identification of high-risk populations and reducing readmission rates. MethodsA prospective clinical study was conducted involving patients with stable angina pectoris of CHD, who were divided into a training set and a validation set at a 7∶3 ratio. General information, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM)-related data, and laboratory test results were uniformly collected. After a one-year follow-up, patients were classified into a readmission group and a non-readmission group based on whether they were readmitted. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify independent risk factors for readmission. A risk prediction model of integrated traditional Chinese and western medicine was constructed and visualized using a nomogram. The model was validated and evaluated in terms of discrimination, calibration, and clinical decision curve analysis. ResultsA total of 682 patients were included, with 477 in the training set and 205 in the validation set, among whom 89 patients were readmitted. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified heart failure history [OR = 6.93, 95% CI (1.58, 30.45)], wiry pulse [OR = 2.58, 95% CI (1.42, 4.72)], weak pulse [OR = 3.97, 95% CI (2.06, 7.67)], teeth-marked tongue [OR = 4.38, 95% CI (2.32, 8.27)], blood stasis constitution [OR = 2.17, 95% CI (1.06, 4.44)], phlegm-stasis mutual syndrome [OR = 3.64, 95% CI (1.87, 7.09)], and elevated non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol [OR = 1.30, 95% CI (1.01, 1.69)] as influencing factors of readmission. These factors were used as predictors to construct a nomogram-based risk prediction model for readmission in patients with stable angina. The model demonstrated moderate predictive capability, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.818 [95% CI (0.781, 0.852)] in the training set and 0.816 [95% CI (0.779, 0.850)] in the validation set. The Hosmer-Lemeshow test showed good calibration (χ² = 4.55, P = 0.80), and the model's predictive ability was stable. When the threshold probability exceeded 5%, the clinical net benefit of using the model to predict readmission risk was significantly higher than intervening in all patients. ConclusionHistory of heart failure, teeth-marked tongue, weak pulse, wiry pulse, phlegm-stasis mutual syndrome, blood stasis constitution, and non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol are influencing factors for readmission in patients with stable angina of CHD. A clinical prediction model was developed based on these factors, which showed good discrimination, calibration, and clinical utility, providing a scientific basis for predicting readmission events in patients with stable angina.
8.Clinical outcomes and prognostic factors of pemphigus vulgaris and pemphigus foliaceus: A 20-year retrospective study.
Hongda LI ; Wenchao LI ; Zhenzhen WANG ; Shan CAO ; Pengcheng HUAI ; Tongsheng CHU ; Baoqi YANG ; Yonghu SUN ; Peiye XING ; Guizhi ZHOU ; Yongxia LIU ; Shengli CHEN ; Qing YANG ; Mei WU ; Zhongxiang SHI ; Hong LIU ; Furen ZHANG
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(10):1239-1241
9.Effect of Modified Zhigancao Granules (炙甘草汤加味颗粒) on Early Recurrence Following Radiofrequency Ablation in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation of Qi-Yin Deficiency Syndrome:A Randomized,Double-Blind,Placebo-Controlled Trial
Yucai HU ; Boyong QIU ; Jingjing WEI ; Bin LI ; Zuoying XING ; Huixia PENG ; Mingjun ZHU ; Yongxia WANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(23):2460-2466
ObjectiveTo evaluate the clinical effectiveness and safety of Modified Zhigancao Granules (炙甘草汤加味颗粒) for preventing the early recurrence following radiofrequency ablation in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) of qi-yin deficiency syndrome. MethodsA multi-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was designed. A total of 116 patients with atrial fibrillation of qi-yin deficiency syndrome who underwent radiofrequency ablation for the first time were enrolled from 3 centers, and they were randomly divided into a treatment group (59 cases) and a control group (57 cases). Both groups received basic western medicine treatment after surgery. In addition, the treatment group was given oral Modified Zhigancao Granules, while the control group was given oral placebo granules. The dosage for both groups was 20 g each time, twice a day, with continuous treatment for 12 weeks. The recurrence of atrial fibrillation in both groups was recorded at 24 hours, 4 weeks, 8 weeks, and 12 weeks after surgery. The serum levels of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were detected before treatment and 12 weeks after treatment in both groups. The scores of Atrial Fibrillation Effect on QualiTy-of-life (AFEQT) Questionnaire (including scores of the daily life dimension, symptom dimension, treatment worry dimension, treatment satisfaction dimension, and total score) and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome scores were compared before treatment and at 4 weeks, 8 weeks, and 12 weeks between groups. Safety indicators such as blood routine, urine routine, liver function, and renal function were monitored before and after treatment. ResultsNine of the treatment group and seven of the control group dropped out. Finally, 50 patients in each group were included in the statistical analysis. At 24 hours, 4 weeks, 8 weeks, and 12 weeks after surgery, the recurrence rates of AF in the treatment group were 2.0% (1/50), 2.0% (1/50), 4.0% (2/50), and 10.0% (5/50), respectively; while those in the control group were 2.0% (1/50), 26.0% (13/50), 28.0% (14/50), and 34.0% (17/50), respectively. Compared with the control group at the same time points, the early recurrence rates of AF in the treatment group were significantly lower at 4 weeks, 8 weeks, and 12 weeks after surgery (P<0.01). Compared with the baseline within group, BNP, hs-CRP, IL-6, and TNF-α in the treatment group all decreased after 12 weeks of treatment (P<0.05); the difference in hs-CRP levels (before vs. after treatment) in the treatment group was higher than that in the control group (P<0.01). Compared with the baseline within group, both groups showed decreases in the total score of AFEQT Questionnaire, scores of the daily life dimension, treatment worry dimension, symptom dimension, and TCM syndrome scores at 4 weeks, 8 weeks, and 12 weeks after treatment. Meanwhile, the score of the treatment satisfaction dimension of AFEQT increased in both groups (P<0.01), and the improvements in all the above scores in the treatment group were superior to those in the control group at all time points (P<0.05 or P<0.01). All safety indicators of patients in both groups were within the normal range before treatment and at 12 weeks after treatment, and no adverse reactions or adverse events occurred in either group. ConclusionModified Zhigancao Granules can reduce the early recurrence rate following radiofrequency ablation in AF patients with qi-yin deficiency syndrome, improve clinical symptoms and quality of life, suppress inflammatory response, and show good safety.
10.Concept analysis of change fatigue among nurses
Xin LUO ; Junling CUI ; Zhuzhu WANG ; Guohong HUANG ; Yongxia SONG ; Yanchang LIU ; Jingfang HONG
Chinese Journal of Modern Nursing 2025;31(26):3635-3640
Objective:To clarify the definition and attributes of change fatigue among nurses.Methods:A comprehensive literature search was conducted across both Chinese and international databases, including CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, PubMed, ProQuest, ScienceDirect, Springer Link, Wanfang Data, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, VIP, and China Biology Medicine disc, from inception to December 2024. Walker and Avant's classic concept analysis method was adopted.Results:A total of 30 relevant studies were included. The defining attributes of nurse change fatigue include perception of change, negative psychological responses, and passive reactions. Antecedents involve personal and organizational factors, and the consequences affect nurses themselves, patients, and the organization.Conclusions:Concept analysis helps clarify the connotation of nurse change fatigue, enabling managers to identify its features and providing a foundation for future targeted interventions to mitigate fatigue and promote nurses' positive responses to organizational change.

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