Objective:This study aimed to assess left atrial function in adults across various age groups using 4-dimensional automated left atrial quantification(4D Auto LAQ)technology.The study also aimed to compare the differences in two-dimensional(2D)and four-dimensional(4D)strains of the left atrium among different age groups, with the goal of enhancing the clinical utility of 4D Auto LAQ.Methods:A total of 409 healthy volunteers were recruited for the research.Two-dimensional and four-dimensional images were obtained using a GE Vivid E95 ultrasound system with a 4Vc four-dimensional probe.The study examined variations in 2D and 4D ultrasound parameters across various age groups.Furthermore, the relationship between left atrial reservoir strain(LASr), Left atrial conduit strain(LAScd), left atrial contraction strain(LASct), and age was explored.Results:The study involved 409 volunteers, with 217 males and 192 females, who were categorized into three age groups: young(18-45 years, n=56), middle-aged(46-65 years, n=202), and elderly(>65 years, n=151).Conventional ultrasound measurements indicated changes in left atrial anterior-posterior diameter with age progression: (31.70±3.65)mm for the young group, (34.02±3.91)mm for the middle-aged group, and(35.2±4.37)mm for the elderly group( P<0.01).The 2D and 4D left atrial parameters across the age groups were as follows: LASr(2D)(%): 37.48±7.51, 30.95±8.23, 26.9±7.56( P<0.01); LA VImax(ml/m 2): 23.54±5.79, 26.33±7.6, 28.99±8.15( P<0.01); LASr(%): 31.2±17.07, 22.5±8.59, 19.49±7.47( P<0.01).Both 2D and 4D left atrial parameters exhibited significant associations with age.Specifically, the correlations between LASr(2D)(%), LAScd(2D)(%), LASr(%), LAScd(%), and age were -0.429, 0.580, -0.354, 0.298, respectively( P<0.01). Conclusions:The 4D Auto LAQ technology is efficient in assessing left atrial function across various age groups, with age playing a significant role in influencing left atrial parameters.When compared to other ultrasound parameters, both 2D and 4D left atrial strain parameters have the ability to detect differences at an early stage, making them suitable for the early screening, evaluation, and monitoring of age-related left atrial dysfunction, especially in the elderly population.

Objective To evaluate the application effect of positive end-expiratory pressure(PEEP)guided by driving pressure on intraoperative oxygenation and postoperative complications in patients undergoing orthotopic liver transplantation(OLT).Methods A total of 118 patients underwent OLT from January 2020 to September 2023,89 males and 29 females,aged 18-70 years,BMI＜28 kg/m2,ASA physical status Ⅲ or Ⅳ.Patients were divided into two groups using the random number table method:drive pressure group(group D)and PEEP group(group P),59 patients in each group.Volume controlled ventilation was used during general anesthesia in two groups,I:E 1:2,VT 6 ml/kg(ideal body weight),RR 10-15 beats/minute.In group D,the PEEP titration test was started after 5 minutes of mechanical ven-tilation,gradually increasing PEEP from 2 to 10 cmH2O,selecting the PEEP that produced the lowest driv-ing pressure,and maintaining this PEEP until the end of the surgery.In group P,the PEEP was maintained at 5 cmH2O during surgery.The amount of intraoperative out put and intake,and the use of vasoactive drugs were recorded.The HR,SBP,DBP,peak airway pressure(Ppeak),airway plateau pressure(Pplat),PEEP,and blood gas analysis results were recorded 5 minutes after intubation(T1),during the anhepatic phase(T2),during the neohepatic phase(T3),and at the end of the operation(T4),and driving pres-sure,dynamic pulmonary compliance(Cdyn),oxygenation index(OI),and dead space fraction(VD/VT)were calculated.The occurrence of postoperative pulmonary complications(PPCs)within 7 days after opera-tion was recorded.Results Compared with group P,the amount of crystalloid and the usage frequencies of norepinephrine,phenylephrine,and epinephrine in group D were significantly increased(P＜0.05).Com-pared with T2,HR was significantly decreased,SBP and DBP were significantly increased at T1,T3,and T4 in the two groups(P＜0.05).Compared with T1,Ppeak,Pplat,driving pressure,and OI were signifi-cantly increased at T2-T4,and Cdyn was significantly decreased at T3 and T4 in the two groups(P＜0.05).Compared with group P,the incidence of PPCs in group D was significantly decreased(P＜0.05).There were no significant differences in other indexes between the two groups.Conclusion The driving pressure guided PEEP ventilation improves intraoperative oxygenation and reduces the incidence of PPCs in patients undergoing OLT,but the use of intraoperative vasoactive drugs increases.

Rivaroxaban is one of the new oral anticoagulants (NOAC) for preventing stroke and systemic embolism in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation. It has clear pharmacokinetic parameters, stable plasma concentration, less drug-drug interaction and higher compliance of patients. However, the discrepancy of pharmacokinetics between individuals and drug-induced hemorrhage events frequently occur clinically, therefore the association of gene polymorphism with drug metabolism has become a research hotspot. This article reviews the research progress on pharmacokinetic characteristics of rivaroxaban and its relationship with gene polymorphism, to provide a reference for the individualized rational use of rivaroxaban.

Objective:To explore the related factors influencing the length of hospital stay(LOS) of pregnant women with heart disease (PWHD) after cesarean section.Methods:A total of 306 patients with PWHD who underwent cesarean section from January 2012 to March 2019 were collected. Among them, 203 patients had not undergone heart surgery (uncorrected group) and 103 patients who had undergone heart surgery (corrected group) during the same period. Demographic, perioperative and postoperative data were recorded. Predictors associated with postoperative LOS were determined using univariate and multivariate linear regression analysis models.Results:(1) The median LOS after cesarean section in the uncorrected group was 6 days (5-8 days). The results of univariate linear regression analysis showed that 38 parameters had significant impact on LOS ( P<0.05). The results of multivariate linear regression analysis showed that 5 parameters were independent risk factors for prolonged LOS in the uncorrected group; among them, the median LOS in uncorrected group with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy was 3 days longer than that in patients with PWHD alone [7 days (5-8 days) vs 4 days (4-5 days), β=0.195, P=0.001]; the median LOS in uncorrected group with high serum creatinine was 3 days longer than normal patients [7 days (5-13 days) vs 4 days (4-5 days), β=0.145, P=0.015]; the LOS of patients who chose general anesthesia was 2 days longer than that of patients who chose spinal anesthesia [6 days (4-8 days) vs 4 days (4-5 days), β=0.154, P=0.007]; the LOS of patients with postoperative pulmonary infection was 4 days longer than that of patients without pulmonary infection [8 days (5-15 days) vs 4 days (4-5 days), β=0.269, P<0.01]; the LOS of patients who admitted to ICU after surgery was 2 days longer than that not admitted patients [6 days (5-8 days) vs 4 days (4-5 days), β=0.268, P<0.01]. (2) The median LOS after cesarean section in corrected group was 4 days (4-5 days). The results of univariate linear regression analysis showed that 8 parameters had significant impact on the LOS (all P<0.05). The results of multivariate linear regression analysis showed that 2 parameters, which were American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) grade ( β=0.198, P=0.028) and intraoperative blood loss ( β=0.285, P=0.003), were the independent risk factors for prolonged LOS in corrected group. Conclusion:Preoperative with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, preoperative creatinine increase, intraoperative general anesthesia, postoperative pulmonary infection, and postoperative admission to ICU are independent predictors of prolonged LOS in uncorrected patients with PWHD; ASA classification and intraoperative bleeding are independent predictor of prolonged postoperative LOS in patients with corrected PWHD.

Objective:To verify the accuracy of the International Warfarin Pharmacogenetics Consortium(IWPC)model, identify the effects of genetic and clinical factors on steady-state doses of Warfarin, and establish a Warfarin dose prediction model for the Han-Chinese population aged 75 years and over under the guidance of pharmacogenetics.Methods:A total of 544 Han-Chinese patients receiving Warfarin therapy for atrial fibrillation were divided into two groups: those aged 75 years and over(n=164)and those aged below 75 years(n=380). Data for the whole population and the two age groups were each substituted into the IWPC prediction model for accuracy verification.Demographic and clinical characteristics of 164 patients aged 75 years and over were recorded, and the genotypes of CYP2 C9 and VKORC1- G1639 A were detected by polymerase chain reaction.A new pharmacogenetic-guided dosing algorithm for the elderly was obtained by stepwise multiple linear regression.The accuracy of the new model was compared with that of the IWPC model. Results:The predictive accuracy of IWPC for steady-state dosing of warfarin was 35.47% in all subjects, 33.75% in 164 subjects aged below 75 years, and only 28.70% in subjects aged 75 years and over, respectively.In 164 subjects aged 75 years and over, three genotypes of *1/*1, *1/*3 and *1/*2 were detected in CYP2 C9 polymorphism, and the CYP2 C9*1/*1 genotype was the most common one, with a frequency of 87.80%(144/164), followed by the CYP2 C9*1/*3 genotype, at 11.59%(19/164). GG, GA and AA genotypes were detected in VKORC1 polymorphism, among which the AA genotype accounted for 82.32%(135/164)and the GG genotype accounted for only 1.83%(3/164). The steady state dose for Warfarin in patients with the wild-type CYP2 C9*1/*1 was higher than in those with the heterozygote CYP2 C9*1/*3 and *1/*2(3.18±0.86 mg/d vs.2.27±0.51 mg/d, t=5.637, P<0.05). Patients with a mutant homozygotic AA genotype of VKORC1 required lower maintenance doses than those with the heterozygotic GA and GG genotypes(2.96±0.66 mg/d vs. 3.59±1.43 mg/d, t=-2.092, P<0.05). The steady-state dose for Warfarin in subjects carrying CYP2 C9 (*1/*2 or *3)and VKORC1 (GA and GG)was(2.00±0.63)mg/d, lower than in those carrying other genotype combinations( P<0.05). We established a new Warfarin dosing algorithm for elderly subjects aged 75 years and over containing height, creatinine, amiodarone usage, CYP2 C9 and VKORC1 mutants, and the accuracy of the new model was 56.0%, which could explain 56.0% of individual variability, and the accuracy was higher than that of the IWPC algorithm(56.0% vs. 45.8%, P<0.05). Conclusions:Polymorphisms of CYP2 C9 and VKORC1 clearly affect the steady-state dose for Warfarin in the elderly Han-Chinese population aged 75 years and over.A combination of pharmacogenomics with clinical factors can better guide warfarin medication in Han-Chinese people aged 75 years and over.

Objective:To study the correlation between the Rivaroxaban concentration and bleeding events in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation(NVAF).Methods:This was a retrospective study.According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 369 patients with NVAF taking Rivaroxaban admitted to Beijing Hospital or Tianjin Medical University General Hospital from January 2018 to June 2019 were enrolled.Clinical data including sex, height, weight, liver and kidney function, drug valley concentrations and peak concentrations, doses, CHADS2 scores and bleeding events after 6 months of medication were recorded.Results:The average drug valley concentration was (44.92±38.39) mg/L, the average drug peak concentration was (226.96±139.34) mg/L, and the average CHADS2 score was (2.8±1.2). Among the 369 patients, 22 had bleeding events.The peak drug concentration and valley drug concentration were similar between those with or without bleeding events( P=0.324 and 0.960, respectively). With the increase of age, the peak drug concentration and valley drug concentration were significantly elevated(all P<0.001). In addition, compared with those without bleeding events, patients with bleeding events had a significantly higher average valley concentration( P=0.009), valley/dose ratio( P=0.001), peak/dose ratio( P=0.028)and similar peak drug concentration( P=0.360). Conclusions:Age affects the peak and valley drug concentration of Rivaroxaban, especially for the elderly, who should be given appropriately reduced doses.Monitoring the peak and valley drug concentration is of great significance for patients at high-risk for bleeding.

Objectives:To investigate the relationships between CYP2C9 and VKORC1 polymorphism and the steady-state dose of warfarin in Chinese Han patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation.Methods:A total 544 Chinese Han patients with atrial fibrillation who received warfarin anticoagulant therapy in Department of Cardiology of Beijing Hospital, Tongren Hospital, Xuanwu Hospital, Anzhen Hospital and Tiantan Hospital were enrolled from January 2016 to may 2019. The genotype and allele frequency in exon 1, 2, 3, 7 of CYP2C9 gene and 1639 site of VKORC1 gene were analyzed; and the general information, warfarin steady-state dose and concomitant medication of patients were recorded.Results:There were four genotypes CYP2C9:CYP2C9*1*1 (93.57%, 509/544), CYP2C9*1 *2 (0.18%, 1/544), CYP2C9*1 *3 (5.88%, 32/544) and CYP2C9*1 *60 (0.37%, 2/544); while VKORC1 had three genotypes: AA (82.72%, 450/544), GA (15.99%, 87/544) and GG (1.29%, 7/544). After reaching the anticoagulation index (INR 2.0-3.0), the steady-state dose of warfarin was the highest in patients with CYP2C9 *1/*1 and VKORC1 GA/GG genotypes, reaching (3.70±1.34) mg/d. The lowest steady-state dose of warfarin was (2.17±0.29)mg/d in patients with both new mutations ( F=22.09, P<0.001). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that body surface area, use of amiodarone, CYP2C9 and VKORC1 genotypes were the independent influencing factors of warfarin steady-state dose ( t=4.44, -2.90, -6.96, 2.14; P<0.05) and the steady-state dose prediction model of warfarin was established. Conclusion:Body weight, height, body surface area, gender, smoking, and combination of amiodarone may significantly affect the steady-state dose of warfarin in patients. CYP2C9 and VKORC1 mutant genotypes were significantly related to the steady-state dose of warfarin. The prediction model based on genetic factors and other influencing factors may effectively predict the steady-state dose of warfarin in Han patients with atrial fibrillation.

Objective To investigate the clinical efficacy of warming and unblocking acupuncture in treating scapulocostal syndrome.Method Eighty patients with scapulocostal syndrome meeting the inclusion criteria were allocated by simple randomization to warming and unblocking acupuncture and conventional acupuncturegroups, 40 cases each.The warming and unblocking acupuncture group received warming and unblocking acupuncture at points Tianzong(SI11), Jianjing(GB21)and Dazhui(GV14)on the affected side and affected chest Huatuo jiaji(Ex-B2)points and uniform reinforcing-reducing acupuncture at points Quchi(LI11), Hegu(LI4)and Waiguan(TE5).The conventional acupuncture group received uniform reinforcing-reducing acupuncture at the same points as those in the warming and unblocking acupuncture group after arrival of qi.Both groupswere treated once every other day, 10 days as a course, for a total of one course.Pain severity was assessed using the Pain Visual Analogue Scale(VAS) in the two groups of patients before and after treatment.Theclinical therapeutic effects were evaluated by follow-up at one month after the completion of treatment.Result The total efficacy rate was 95.0% (38/40) in the warming andunblocking acupuncture group and 80.0% (32/40) in the conventional acupuncture group; there was a statistically significant difference (P<0.05).The PainVisual Analogue Scale(VAS) score was significantly lower in the two groups of patients after treatment than before treatment; there was a statistically significant difference (P<0.05).The VAS score was decreased more in the warming and unblocking acupuncture group after treatment and at the follow-up one month after the completion of treatment (P<0.05).Conclusion Warming and unblocking acupuncture has clinically a better therapeutic effect onscapulocostal syndrome.

Objective To analyze the clinical features of extubation failure in critically ill patients with tracheotomy in order to improve the success rate of tracheal extubation.Methods The clinical data of 52 critically ill patients with tracheotomy admitted to the Department of Emergency Internal Medicine of Chizhou People's Hospital of Anhui Province from January 2014 to January 2017 were retrospectively analyzed; there were 14 cases in failed extubation group (extubation failure: unable to plug the pipe, necessary to be cut or intubated again), and 38 cases were in successful extubation group (success criteria: after trying plugging the pipe for 24 - 48 hours, pulling out sleeving tube of tracheal incision, the incision healed well, within 3 months no dyspnea or pulmonary infection necessary to again performing tracheal intubation or incision). The differences in gender, age, within 3 days before plugging the pipe the consciousness, cough condition, the levels of serum albumin (Alb), serum potassium and serum sodium, brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), hemoglobin (Hb) were compared between the two groups, the clinical characteristics of extubation failure were analyzed, and the descriptions and their numbers for all diseases resulting in extubation failure were carried out.Results The number of conscious patients (24 cases vs. 4 cases), and the number of patients with good cough function (38 cases vs. 3 cases) were obviously more in successful extubation group than those in the failed extubation group, and the levels of serum Alb (g/L: 35.13±3.13 vs. 27.50±5.53), Hb (g/L: 112.18±13.62 vs. 94.14±17.03) in successful extubation group were significantly higher than those in failed extubation group (allP< 0.05). BNP was significantly lower in successful extubation group than that in failed extubation group (ng/L: 344.03±152.85 vs. 5887.80±2695.97,P < 0.05). The common diseases in extubation failure group were as follows: stroke in 7 cases, special severe craniocerebral injury 3 cases, respiratory failure 3 cases, after cardiac pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) operation 1 case.Conclusions The patients are fully assessed before extubation, countermeasures are taken as soon as possible in cases with coma, cough capability poor, hypoproteinemia, heart dysfunction and anemia in order to improve the successful rate of extubation.

Objective:To observe the analgesic effect of acupuncture and to explore its central analgesic mechanism in rheumatoid arthritis rabbits.Methods:A total of 60 flap-eared white rabbits were randomly assigned into a normal control group (n=6),a model group (n=6),a body-acupuncture group (n=24),and a buccal acupuncture group (n=24).The later 2 groups were further randomly assigned into 0,0.5,1,and 2 h subgroups,with 6 cases in each group.The rheumatoid arthritis model was established by induction of eggalbumin.In the body acupuncture group,bilateral Xiyan and Zusanli were punctured for 15 s while in the buccal acupuncture group,acupuncture was applied to Xi for 15 s,with the needle retaining for 30 min.The pain threshold was detected with PL-200,taking struggle movements of rabbits as a measurement index,response latency from irradiation to struggling movements as the rabbit's pain threshold.The contents of β-endorplhin (β-EP) and cholecystokinin-8 (CCK-8) in cerebrospinal fluid were examined by radioimmunoassay.Results:Compared with the control group,pain threshold and CCK-8 levels decreased significantly (P＜0.01) and the concentration of β-EP significantly increased (P＜0.05) in the model group.The pain threshold in the body-acupuncture group and the buccal acupuncture group at 0 and 1 h (P＜0.05 or P＜0.01) increased significantly,while the β-EP and CCK-8 contents in the bodyacupuncture group and the buccal acupuncture group were significantly higher than those in the model group (P＜0.01 or P＜0.05).Both β-EP and CCK-8 contents in the buccal acupuncture group at 0 h were significantly higher than those in the body-acupuncture group (P＜0.05).Conclusion:The analgesic effect of buccal acupuncture is superior to that of body-acupuncture.Both buccal acupuncture and body-acupuncture can effectively raise the pain threshold in acute arthritis rabbits,which is closely associated with their effects in the up-regulation of β-EP and CCK-8 contents in cerebrospinal fluid.