With the continuous advancement and innovation in medical equipment technology, the transition between high-flow oxygen therapy, non-invasive ventilation, and invasive ventilation can be easily achieved by adjusting the ventilation mode of ventilators. During the weaning phase for tracheotomized patients, it is necessary to disconnect the ventilator circuit, change the ventilator mode, and gradually extend the weaning time to achieve complete ventilator liberation. During the weaning process, due to patients' excessive dependence on the ventilator, there may be situations where respiratory endpoints and Y-connectors of the ventilator are reconnected for invasive ventilation. However, during the weaning process, the Y-connector and expiratory end connectors are exposed to the air, which cannot ensure the tightness of the ventilator circuit, easily increasing the probability of ventilator circuit contamination and subsequently the risk of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). To overcome these issues, the research team of department of critical care medicine of Zhongda Hospital Southeast University has designed a ventilator circuit interface protective device for weaning and has obtained a National Utility Model Patent of China (ZL 2023 2 1453385.8). The main body of the protective device is a Y-connector plug, consisting of multiple components, including a sealing piece, a protective cover, a sealing plug, an interface 1 (connects with the patient's tracheal tube), an interface 2 (connects with the respiratory branch of the ventilator), and an interface 3 (connects with the expiratory branch of the ventilator), featuring a unique design and easy operation. During the patient's weaning training process, the interface 1 and interface 2 is disconnected from the patient's tracheal tube and respiratory branch, respectively. The interface 1 is plugged with a stopper, and the interface 2 is covered with a protective cover to ensure the tightness of the expiratory branch and Y-connector of the ventilator. During the period when the patient is using the ventilator, the protective cover and plug are removed, and connecting them together ensures the tightness of the device itself, reducing the incidence of VAP caused by ventilator circuit contamination, avoiding nosocomial infections, and shortening the prolonged use of invasive ventilation, increased complication rate, extended hospital stay, and increased medical cost associated with weaning.
Humans ; Ventilator Weaning/methods* ; Equipment Design ; Ventilators, Mechanical ; Respiration, Artificial/instrumentation* ; Pneumonia, Ventilator-Associated/prevention & control*

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a key continuous extracorporeal life support technology that can partially or completely replace a patient's cardiopulmonary function, thereby winning valuable time for the diagnosis and treatment of the primary disease. With the widespread application of ECMO, the need for transport has increased. However, during transfers, the standard heater unit is often large and inconvenient to carry, while alternative warming measures tend to be ineffective. This frequently leads to complications such as hypothermia or the inability to maintain body temperature, which can seriously affect the patient's prognosis. In response to this challenge, the medical and nursing staff of the critical care medicine department at Zhongda Hospital Affiliated to Southeast University jointly designed an insulation device for ECMO transport pipelines. The device was successfully granted a National Utility Model Patent of China (patent number: ZL 2021 2 0653569.3). It primarily consists of key components such as a heating pad, velcro straps, a cover layer, a backing layer, an electric heating layer, and a wiring plug. Its advantages include portability, the ability to effectively wrap around and warm the ECMO circuit during transit, and a reduction in the incidence of hypothermia-related complications. Furthermore, its transparent material design allows for real-time monitoring of the ECMO system's status, making it both economical and practical.
Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation/instrumentation* ; Humans ; Equipment Design

Patients requiring extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) often need concurrent continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT). At present, there are various connection methods between ECMO and CRRT circuits, among which in-series integration is the most common. However, ECMO blood flow and catheter type, pressure changes at the pre-pump, post-pump pre-oxygenator, and post-oxygenator segments frequently result in circuit pressures that exceed the alarm threshold of the device. Excessive negative or positive pressures may compromise blood withdrawal and return within the CRRT circuit, leading to frequent system alarms, interruptions in therapy, filter occlusion, and an increased risk of thrombus formation. To address this issue, the critical care nursing team of Zhongda Hospital Affiliated to Southeast University, developed a novel pressure-regulating clamp for CRRT vascular access in ECMO patient, which has been granted a National Utility Model Patent of China (patent number: ZL 2021 2 1496610.7). The device comprises opposing left and right clamp arms joined at the top by a flexible plastic bridge, with dual internal compression surfaces designed to fit CRRT tubing of various calibers. A locking mechanism and serrated strip at the base enable precise adjustment of the compression distance, thereby modulating the tubing's cross-sectional area. This configuration allows real-time regulation of blood flow and stabilization of pressures at blood withdrawal and return sites within the CRRT circuit. By reducing pressure-related alarms and extending filter life, the device may enhance the safety and efficiency of CRRT delivery during ECMO. It is user-friendly, cost-effective, and well-suited for broad clinical implementation, with the potential to alleviate the overall treatment burden on patients and their families.
Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation/instrumentation* ; Humans ; Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy/instrumentation* ; Equipment Design ; Pressure

ObjectiveTo investigate the application of the novel inflammatory factor adsorption column CA280 combined with low-dose plasma exchange （LPE） in patients with acute-on-chronic liver failure （ACLF）. MethodsA prospective cohort study was designed， and a total of 93 ACLF patients who were admitted to The Ninth Hospital of Nanchang from June 2023 to January 2025 were enrolled and randomly divided into DPMAS+LPE group with 50 patients and CA280+LPE group with 43 patients. In addition to comprehensive medical treatment， the patients in the DPMAS+LPE group received DPMAS and LPE treatment， and those in the CA280+LPE group received CA280 and LPE treatment. The two groups were observed in terms of routine blood test results， liver function parameters， renal function markers， electrolytes， coagulation function parameters， cytokines， adverse events， and 28-day prognosis before surgery （baseline）， during surgery （DPMAS or CA280）， and after surgery （after sequential LPE treatment）. The paired t-test was used for comparison of normally distributed continuous data before and after treatment within each group， and the independent-samples t test was used for comparison between groups； the Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used for comparison of non-normally distributed continuous data before and after treatment within each group， and the Mann-Whitney U test was used for comparison between groups. The chi-square test or the Fisher’s exact test was used for comparison of categorical data between groups， and the Spearman test was used for correlation analysis. ResultsAfter CA280 treatment， the ACLF patients had significant reductions in the levels of cytokines （IL-6， IL-8， IL-10， TNF-α， and IFN-γ）， liver function parameters （ALT， AST， ALP， TBil， DBil， Alb， and glutathione reductase）， and the renal function marker urea nitrogen （all P<0.05）， and in terms of coagulation function parameters， there were significant increases in prothrombin time， activated partial thromboplastin time （APTT）， thrombin time， and international normalized ratio （INR） and significant reductions in prothrombin activity （PTA） and fibrinogen （FIB） （all P<0.05）. Compared with the DPMAS+LPE group， the CA280+LPE group showed better improvements in the serum cytokines IL-8 （Z=-2.63， P=0.009）， IL-10 （Z=-3.94， P<0.001）， and TNF-α （Z=-1.53， P=0.023）， and the two artificial liver support systems had a similar effect in improving liver function （ALT， AST， GGT， GR， TBil， and DBil） （all P >0.05）， but the CA280+LPE group showed a significantly greater reduction in Alb （Z=-2.08， P=0.037）. CA280+LPE was more effective in reducing uric acid （Z=-2.97， P=0.003）. Compared with DPMAS+LPE， CA280+LPE treatment resulted in a significant reduction in INR （Z=-4.01， P<0.001）， a significant increase in APTT （Z=-2.53， P=0.011）， and significant greater increases in PTA （Z=-6.28， P<0.001） and FIB （Z=-3.93， P<0.001）. There were no significant differences in the incidence rates of adverse reactions and the rate of improvement at discharge between the two groups （all P>0.05）. The Spearman correlation analysis showed that IL-6 was significantly correlated with WBC （r=0.22， P=0.042）， TBil （r=0.29， P=0.005）， and FIB （r=-0.33， P=0.003）； IL-8 was positively correlated with APTT （r=0.37， P<0.001） and INR （r=0.25， P=0.013）； TNF-α was significantly correlated with WBC （r=0.40， P<0.001） and TBil （r=0.34， P<0.001）. ConclusionCompared with DPMAS， CA280 combined with LPE can effectively clear proinflammatory cytokines and improve liver function in ACLF patients， but it has a certain impact on Alb and coagulation function. This regimen provides a new option for the individualized treatment of ACLF and can improve the short-term prognosis of patients， but further studies are needed to verify its long-term efficacy.

Objective To observe the effects of probiotics and lactulose synergistic action on gastroin-testinal motility,mucosal function and disease progression in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)nephropathy constipation.Methods A total of 108 elderly patients with T2DM nephropathy consti-pation admitted and treated in this hospital from May 2021 to March 2023 were selected as the study subjects and divided into the observation group,control group 1 and control group 2 by the random number table meth-od,36 cases in each group.The control group 1 was treated with bifidobacterium tetrad tablet,the control group 2 adopted the lactulose treatment,and the observation group was treated with bifidobacterium tetrad tablet combined with lactulose.The clinical efficacy,constipation symptoms before treatment and in 1,4 weeks after treatment,gastrointestinal motility,serum cerebrointestinal peptide[substance P(SP),nitric oxide(NO),vasoactive intestinal peptide(VIP)],intestinal mucosal barrier function[D-lactic acid(DLC),diamine oxidase(DAO),lipopolysaccharide(LPS)],renal function[creatinine(Cr),urea nitrogen(BUN),estimated glomerular filtration rate(eGFR)]and Toll-like receptor 4(TLR4)/nuclear factor κB(NF-κB)mRNA ex-pression were compared between the groups.Results After 1-,4-week treatment,the total effective rate,bari-um discharge rate at different time points in the observation group were higher than those in the control group 1 and control group 2,and the scores of rectal,abdominal and fecal traits in the observation group were lower than those in the control group 1 and control group 2(P＜0.05),but there was no statistically significant difference between the control group 1 and control group 2(P＞0.05).The serum NO and VIP levels in the observation group were lower than those in the control group 1 and control group 2(P＜0.05),the SP level was higher than that in the control group 1 and control group 2(P＜0.05).After 4-week treatment,the levels of serum DLC,DAO and LPS in the observation group were lower than those in the control group 1 and con-trol group 2(P＜0.05);the Cr and BUN levels,TLR mRNA expression and NF-κB mRNA expression in the observation group and control group 1 were decreased compared with before treatment(P＜0.05),the eGFR level was increased compared with before treatment(P＜0.05),but the above indexes had no statistically sig-nificant difference between these two groups(P＞0.05).Conclusion Probiotics and lactulose in the treat-ment of elderly patients with T2DM nephropathy constipation could play a synergistic role,alleviate the con-stipation symptom,promote the gastrointestinal motility and restore the intestinal mucosal barrier function,which may be reach the anti-inflammation and anti-apoptosis goal by inhibiting TLR4/NF-κB,so as to inhibit the further development of diabetic nephropathy.

To explore the prevention and treatment of perioperative complications of adult liver transplantation patients from the perspective of ethics, and carry out ethical thinking in order to provide theoretical support. Through a cross-sectional study, 189 patients selected by strict admission criteria who received liver transplantation in the department of hepatobiliary surgery of the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University from January 2018 to May 2019, to explore the incidence and ethical problems of perioperative complications in adult liver transplantation. The results showed that 87 patients had complications among 189 patients, the incidence was 46.03%. Among them, 28 patients with pleural effusion, the incidence was 14.81%; 15 patients with biliary complications, the incidence was 7.94%; 14 patients with diabetes mellitus, the incidence was 7.41%. The incidence of complications after liver transplantation is high, mainly including pleural effusion, biliary complications and diabetes mellitus. Thus, the prevention and intervention from the perspective of nursing ethics is worth exploring.

Eclipta prostrata L.has been used in traditional medicine and known for its liver-protective properties for centuries.Wedelolactone(WEL)and demethylwedelolactone(DWEL)are the major coumarins found in E.prostrata L.However,the comprehensive characterization of these two compounds on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)still remains to be explored.Utilizing a well-established zebrafish model of thioacetamide(TAA)-induced liver injury,the present study sought to investigate the impacts and mechanisms of WEL and DWEL on NAFLD through integrative spatial metabolomics with liver-specific transcriptomics analysis.Our results showed that WEL and DWEL significantly improved liver function and reduced the accumulation of fat in the liver.The biodistributions and metabolism of these two compounds in whole-body zebrafish were successfully mapped,and the discriminatory endogenous metabolites reversely regulated by WEL and DWEL treatments were also characterized.Based on spatial metabolomics and transcriptomics,we identified that steroid biosynthesis and fatty acid metabolism are mainly involved in the hepatoprotective effects of WEL instead of DWEL.Our study unveils the distinct mechanism of WEL and DWEL in ameliorating NAFLD,and presents a"multi-omics"platform of spatial metabolomics and liver-specific transcriptomics to develop highly effective compounds for further improved therapy.

Objective:To explore the changes in early postpartum pelvic floor muscle strength following the implementation of the new labor process.Methods:This retrospective cohort study selected 1 834 primiparous women with singleton, full-term pregnancies who delivered at Peking University First Hospital from February 2011 to March 2016 and had a pelvic floor re-examination 6-8 weeks postpartum. Out of these, 738 cases who followed the old labor process before 2014 were categorized as the old process group, and 1 096 cases who followed the new labor process after 2014 were categorized as the new process group. Basic data, childbirth information, and postpartum pelvic floor muscle strength of the two groups were compared. Data were statistically analyzed using t-test, Chi-square test, Mann-Whitney U test, Wilcoxon rank-sum test, and ordered multicategory logistic regression to assess the impact of the new and old labor process and other factors on pelvic floor muscle strength. Results:The total duration of labor, as well as the duration of the first, second, and third stages of labor, were longer in the new process group than in the old process group [549.0 min (360.0-768.0 min) vs. 482.5 min (328.0-635.0 min), 465.0 min (297.5-672.5 min) vs. 420.0 min (285.0-555.0 min), 42.0 min (24.0-74.0 min) vs. 27.0 min (18.0-45.0 min), with Z-value of－5.72,－3.95, and－9.28, all P<0.05). The rates of vaginal delivery and labor analgesia were higher in the new process group [72.1% (790/1 096) vs. 67.2% (496/738), χ2=7.41; 67.4% (739/1 096) vs. 53.4% (394/738), χ2=36.82; both P<0.05]. There were no statistically significant differences in the comparison of Class Ⅰ and Class Ⅱ muscle strength grades between the two groups (all P>0.05). Conclusion:There was no significant decline in early postpartum pelvic floor muscle strength following the implementation of the new labor process standards.

Diabetes mellitus(DM)stands as a chronic metabolic ailment predominantly characterized by elevated blood glucose lev-els,stemming from either a resistance to insulin or aberrations in insulin secretion.The ensuing persistent hyperglycemia,a direct con-sequence of pancreatic β-cell devastation,acts as a catalyst for a myriad of complications,inclusive of extensive neuropathies.The dis-ease has substantial prevalence and mortality rates,underscoring the gravity of its impact on public health.Dental pulp stem cells(DPSCs)are readily obtainable,and they exhibit a profound capacity for self-renewal,multi-lineage differentiation,and vigorous pro-liferation.Remarkably,DPSCs can differentiate into pancreatic β-cells,subsequently participate in insulin secretion and play a pivotal role in immune modulation.This has achieved notable advancements in the therapeutic domain,particularly in the treatment of chronic diseases.Furthermore,DPSCs harbor the potential to mitigate symptoms in patients afflicted with type 1 diabetes.They navigate this therapeutic pathway through mechanisms that involve suppressing autoimmunity,modulating inflammatory responses,and counteracting oxidative stress.This article meticulously reviews the biological characteristics inherent to DPSCs and explores their multifaceted thera-peutic potential in addressing DM and its associated complications.Through this endeavor,the article aims to contribute to the refine-ment and enhancement of DM management strategies.

Objective To investigate the diagnostic value of skeletal muscle and diaphragm muscle in the extremities,as assessed by bedside ultrasound,for ICU-acquired weakness in elderly patients.Methods A total of 47 elderly patients with severe illness,admitted to the intensive care unit(ICU)of the Second People's Hospital of Yuhang District from March 2023 to April 2024,were included in this study.The average age of the patients was 74.51 years.Medical Research Council(MRC)scores were assessed twice within a 24-hour interval.Among them,when MRC score＜48,20 cases were classified into the ICU-AW group,while the remaining 27 cases formed the non-ICU-AW group with MRC score≥48.Ultrasound measurements for lower extremity skeletal muscle thickness and diaphragm parameters were conducted on the first day,third day,and seventh day after ICU admission.The rate of shrinkage in upper and lower extremity skeletal muscle thickness at different time points was calculated.Differ-ences in ultrasound parameters between the two groups were compared,and ROC curve analysis was performed to evaluate the diagnostic value of upper and lower extremity skeletal muscle as well as diaphragm parameters for ICU-AW.Results Significant differences were observed in gender,age,BMI,APACHEⅡ score,SOFA score,number of mechanical ventilation cases,and number of sepsis cases between the two groups(P＜0.05).Compared to the non-ICU-AW group,the ICU-AW group exhibited higher rates of atrophy in quadriceps femoris(RF)and total quad-riceps femoris(QF)on day 3 and a lower degree of diaphragm displacement(DE)(P＜0.05).On day 7,the ICU-AW group showed higher rates of atrophy in quadriceps femoris[rectus femoris(RF),intermedius femoris(VI),and total quadriceps femoris(QF)]along with lower diaphragm parameters[diaphragm displacement degree(DE)and diaphragm thickness fraction(DTF)](P＜0.05).According to ROC curve analysis,the critical value of ICU-AW predicted by ΔRF-MLT atrophy rate on day 7 was 9.9%,AUC was 0.743,sensitivity was 75.0%and specificity was 77.8%.On day 7,the critical value of ICU-AW was 5.69%,AUC was 0.828,sensitivity was 80.0%,and speci-ficity was 77.8%.On day 7,the critical value of ICU-AW was 16.96%,AUC was 0.835,sensitivity was 60.0%,and specificity was 88.9%.On day 7,DE predicted that the critical value of ICU-AW was 1.67 cm,AUC was 0.818,sensitivity was 75.0%,and specificity was 85.2%.On day 7,DTF predicted that the critical value of ICU-AW was 33.96%,AUC was 0.889,sensitivity was 80.0%,and specificity was 85.2%.On day 7,the AUC of ICU-AW was 0.976,the sensitivity was 80.0%,and the specificity was 100%.Conclusion The quadriceps atrophy rate and diaphragm parameters measured by bedside ultrasound can identify and diagnose ICU-AW as early as possible.