Objective: The CT/MRI Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System (LI-RADS) demonstrates high specificity with relatively limited sensitivity for diagnosing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in high-risk patients. This study aimed to explore the possibility of improving sensitivity by combining CT/MRI LI-RADS v2018 with second-line contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) LI-RADS v2017 using sulfur hexafluoride (SHF) or perfluorobutane (PFB). Materials and Methods: This retrospective analysis of prospectively collected multicenter data included high-risk patients with treatment-naive hepatic observations. The reference standard was pathological confirmation or a composite reference standard (only for benign lesions). Each participant underwent concurrent CT/MRI, SHF-enhanced US, and PFB-enhanced US examinations. The diagnostic performances for HCC of CT/MRI LI-RADS alone and three combination strategies (combining CT/ MRI LI-RADS with either LI-RADS SHF, LI-RADS PFB, or a modified algorithm incorporating the Kupffer-phase findings for PFB [modified PFB]) were evaluated. For the three combination strategies, apart from the CT/MRI LR-5 criteria, HCC was diagnosed if CT/MRI LR-3 or LR-4 observations met the LR-5 criteria using LI-RADS SHF, LI-RADS PFB, or modified PFB. Results: In total, 281 participants (237 males; mean age, 55 ± 11 years) with 306 observations (227 HCCs, 40 non-HCC malignancies, and 39 benign lesions) were included. Using LI-RADS SHF, LI-RADS PFB, and modified PFB, 20, 23, and 31 CT/MRI LR-3/4 observations, respectively, were reclassified as LR-5, and all were pathologically confirmed as HCCs. Compared to CT/MRI LI-RADS alone (74%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 68%–79%), the three combination strategies combining CT/MRI LI-RADS with either LI-RADS SHF, LI-RADS PFB, or modified PFB increased sensitivity (83% [95% CI: 77%–87%], 84% [95% CI: 79%–89%], 88% [95% CI: 83%–92%], respectively; all P < 0.001), while maintaining the specificity at 92% (95% CI: 84%–97%). Conclusion The combination of CT/MRI LI-RADS with second-line CEUS using SHF or PFB improved the sensitivity of HCC diagnosis without compromising specificity.

Objective: The CT/MRI Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System (LI-RADS) demonstrates high specificity with relatively limited sensitivity for diagnosing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in high-risk patients. This study aimed to explore the possibility of improving sensitivity by combining CT/MRI LI-RADS v2018 with second-line contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) LI-RADS v2017 using sulfur hexafluoride (SHF) or perfluorobutane (PFB). Materials and Methods: This retrospective analysis of prospectively collected multicenter data included high-risk patients with treatment-naive hepatic observations. The reference standard was pathological confirmation or a composite reference standard (only for benign lesions). Each participant underwent concurrent CT/MRI, SHF-enhanced US, and PFB-enhanced US examinations. The diagnostic performances for HCC of CT/MRI LI-RADS alone and three combination strategies (combining CT/ MRI LI-RADS with either LI-RADS SHF, LI-RADS PFB, or a modified algorithm incorporating the Kupffer-phase findings for PFB [modified PFB]) were evaluated. For the three combination strategies, apart from the CT/MRI LR-5 criteria, HCC was diagnosed if CT/MRI LR-3 or LR-4 observations met the LR-5 criteria using LI-RADS SHF, LI-RADS PFB, or modified PFB. Results: In total, 281 participants (237 males; mean age, 55 ± 11 years) with 306 observations (227 HCCs, 40 non-HCC malignancies, and 39 benign lesions) were included. Using LI-RADS SHF, LI-RADS PFB, and modified PFB, 20, 23, and 31 CT/MRI LR-3/4 observations, respectively, were reclassified as LR-5, and all were pathologically confirmed as HCCs. Compared to CT/MRI LI-RADS alone (74%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 68%–79%), the three combination strategies combining CT/MRI LI-RADS with either LI-RADS SHF, LI-RADS PFB, or modified PFB increased sensitivity (83% [95% CI: 77%–87%], 84% [95% CI: 79%–89%], 88% [95% CI: 83%–92%], respectively; all P < 0.001), while maintaining the specificity at 92% (95% CI: 84%–97%). Conclusion The combination of CT/MRI LI-RADS with second-line CEUS using SHF or PFB improved the sensitivity of HCC diagnosis without compromising specificity.

Objective: The CT/MRI Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System (LI-RADS) demonstrates high specificity with relatively limited sensitivity for diagnosing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in high-risk patients. This study aimed to explore the possibility of improving sensitivity by combining CT/MRI LI-RADS v2018 with second-line contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) LI-RADS v2017 using sulfur hexafluoride (SHF) or perfluorobutane (PFB). Materials and Methods: This retrospective analysis of prospectively collected multicenter data included high-risk patients with treatment-naive hepatic observations. The reference standard was pathological confirmation or a composite reference standard (only for benign lesions). Each participant underwent concurrent CT/MRI, SHF-enhanced US, and PFB-enhanced US examinations. The diagnostic performances for HCC of CT/MRI LI-RADS alone and three combination strategies (combining CT/ MRI LI-RADS with either LI-RADS SHF, LI-RADS PFB, or a modified algorithm incorporating the Kupffer-phase findings for PFB [modified PFB]) were evaluated. For the three combination strategies, apart from the CT/MRI LR-5 criteria, HCC was diagnosed if CT/MRI LR-3 or LR-4 observations met the LR-5 criteria using LI-RADS SHF, LI-RADS PFB, or modified PFB. Results: In total, 281 participants (237 males; mean age, 55 ± 11 years) with 306 observations (227 HCCs, 40 non-HCC malignancies, and 39 benign lesions) were included. Using LI-RADS SHF, LI-RADS PFB, and modified PFB, 20, 23, and 31 CT/MRI LR-3/4 observations, respectively, were reclassified as LR-5, and all were pathologically confirmed as HCCs. Compared to CT/MRI LI-RADS alone (74%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 68%–79%), the three combination strategies combining CT/MRI LI-RADS with either LI-RADS SHF, LI-RADS PFB, or modified PFB increased sensitivity (83% [95% CI: 77%–87%], 84% [95% CI: 79%–89%], 88% [95% CI: 83%–92%], respectively; all P < 0.001), while maintaining the specificity at 92% (95% CI: 84%–97%). Conclusion The combination of CT/MRI LI-RADS with second-line CEUS using SHF or PFB improved the sensitivity of HCC diagnosis without compromising specificity.

Objective: The CT/MRI Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System (LI-RADS) demonstrates high specificity with relatively limited sensitivity for diagnosing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in high-risk patients. This study aimed to explore the possibility of improving sensitivity by combining CT/MRI LI-RADS v2018 with second-line contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) LI-RADS v2017 using sulfur hexafluoride (SHF) or perfluorobutane (PFB). Materials and Methods: This retrospective analysis of prospectively collected multicenter data included high-risk patients with treatment-naive hepatic observations. The reference standard was pathological confirmation or a composite reference standard (only for benign lesions). Each participant underwent concurrent CT/MRI, SHF-enhanced US, and PFB-enhanced US examinations. The diagnostic performances for HCC of CT/MRI LI-RADS alone and three combination strategies (combining CT/ MRI LI-RADS with either LI-RADS SHF, LI-RADS PFB, or a modified algorithm incorporating the Kupffer-phase findings for PFB [modified PFB]) were evaluated. For the three combination strategies, apart from the CT/MRI LR-5 criteria, HCC was diagnosed if CT/MRI LR-3 or LR-4 observations met the LR-5 criteria using LI-RADS SHF, LI-RADS PFB, or modified PFB. Results: In total, 281 participants (237 males; mean age, 55 ± 11 years) with 306 observations (227 HCCs, 40 non-HCC malignancies, and 39 benign lesions) were included. Using LI-RADS SHF, LI-RADS PFB, and modified PFB, 20, 23, and 31 CT/MRI LR-3/4 observations, respectively, were reclassified as LR-5, and all were pathologically confirmed as HCCs. Compared to CT/MRI LI-RADS alone (74%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 68%–79%), the three combination strategies combining CT/MRI LI-RADS with either LI-RADS SHF, LI-RADS PFB, or modified PFB increased sensitivity (83% [95% CI: 77%–87%], 84% [95% CI: 79%–89%], 88% [95% CI: 83%–92%], respectively; all P < 0.001), while maintaining the specificity at 92% (95% CI: 84%–97%). Conclusion The combination of CT/MRI LI-RADS with second-line CEUS using SHF or PFB improved the sensitivity of HCC diagnosis without compromising specificity.

Objective: The CT/MRI Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System (LI-RADS) demonstrates high specificity with relatively limited sensitivity for diagnosing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in high-risk patients. This study aimed to explore the possibility of improving sensitivity by combining CT/MRI LI-RADS v2018 with second-line contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) LI-RADS v2017 using sulfur hexafluoride (SHF) or perfluorobutane (PFB). Materials and Methods: This retrospective analysis of prospectively collected multicenter data included high-risk patients with treatment-naive hepatic observations. The reference standard was pathological confirmation or a composite reference standard (only for benign lesions). Each participant underwent concurrent CT/MRI, SHF-enhanced US, and PFB-enhanced US examinations. The diagnostic performances for HCC of CT/MRI LI-RADS alone and three combination strategies (combining CT/ MRI LI-RADS with either LI-RADS SHF, LI-RADS PFB, or a modified algorithm incorporating the Kupffer-phase findings for PFB [modified PFB]) were evaluated. For the three combination strategies, apart from the CT/MRI LR-5 criteria, HCC was diagnosed if CT/MRI LR-3 or LR-4 observations met the LR-5 criteria using LI-RADS SHF, LI-RADS PFB, or modified PFB. Results: In total, 281 participants (237 males; mean age, 55 ± 11 years) with 306 observations (227 HCCs, 40 non-HCC malignancies, and 39 benign lesions) were included. Using LI-RADS SHF, LI-RADS PFB, and modified PFB, 20, 23, and 31 CT/MRI LR-3/4 observations, respectively, were reclassified as LR-5, and all were pathologically confirmed as HCCs. Compared to CT/MRI LI-RADS alone (74%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 68%–79%), the three combination strategies combining CT/MRI LI-RADS with either LI-RADS SHF, LI-RADS PFB, or modified PFB increased sensitivity (83% [95% CI: 77%–87%], 84% [95% CI: 79%–89%], 88% [95% CI: 83%–92%], respectively; all P < 0.001), while maintaining the specificity at 92% (95% CI: 84%–97%). Conclusion The combination of CT/MRI LI-RADS with second-line CEUS using SHF or PFB improved the sensitivity of HCC diagnosis without compromising specificity.

Objective:To study the correlation between serum N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) level and echocardiographic parameters in patients with chronic Keshan disease, providing reference for diagnosis and prognosis evaluation of chronic Keshan disease.Methods:Ninety-nine patients with chronic Keshan disease who received standardized treatment at Jingchuan County People's Hospital in Pingliang City, Gansu Province from January to December 2020 were selected. Among them, 16 patients were classified as cardiac function grade Ⅱ according to New York Heart Association (NYHA), 69 as grade Ⅲ and 14 as grade Ⅳ. The patients underwent echocardiography and their serum NT-proBNP level was measured using fluorescence immunochromatography. The differences in serum NT-proBNP levels among patients with different cardiac function grades were compared, and the correlation between cardiac function grades, serum NT-proBNP level and echocardiographic parameters was analyzed.Results:The serum NT-proBNP levels in patients with cardiac function grades Ⅱ, Ⅲ, and Ⅳ were (1 107.26 ± 268.03), (2 125.98 ± 293.02), and (8 268.59 ± 2 659.50) pg/ml, respectively. The differences among the three groups were statistically significant ( F = 13.94, P < 0.001). The serum NT-proBNP level was positively correlated with cardiac function grades ( r = 0.44, P < 0.001), left ventricular end-diastolic diameter, left ventricular end-systolic diameter, and left atrial diameter ( r = 0.45, 0.52, 0.38, P < 0.001), and negatively correlated with fractional shortening and left ventricular ejection fraction ( r = - 0.39, - 0.46, P < 0.001). Conclusions:The serum NT-proBNP level in patients with chronic Keshan disease with different cardiac function grades is different, and is positively correlated with echocardiographic parameters reflecting the degree of cardiac structural and functional impairment. The NT-proBNP level may become an early diagnostic, grading, and prognostic indicator for chronic Keshan disease.

【Objective】 To analyze the effect of extensively hydrolyzed formula(eHF) in the treatment of feeding intolerance in preterm infants and the effect on hospital infection, in order to provide reference for the clinical treatment of feeding intolerance in preterm infants. 【Methods】 A total of 208 cases of preterm infants with feeding intolerance diagnosed and treated in Shandong Heze Municipal Hospital from April 2017 to February 2020 were selected into the clinical trial for eligibility assessment, then were randomly assigned into study group(n=100) and control group(n=100) after screening and exclusion. Children in the control group were fed with standard preterm formula, while children in the study group were fed with eHF. Feeding tolerance indicators, including daily milk intake, time to meconium evacuation, time to full gastrointestinal nutrition, total gastric residual counts(GRV1) in the 7-d period after resumption of breastfeeding, ratio of all-day gastric residual counts/all-day estimated milk intake after resumption of breastfeeding(GRV2) were compared between the two groups, and growth indicators(body weight growth rate, head dimension growth rate), complication incidence [necrotizing enterocolitis(NEC), pathological jaundice, positive fecal occult blood or blood in stool] and incidence of hospital-acquired infections. 【Results】 The daily milk intake(t=5.037) of the study group was higher than that of the control group, and the time of foetal excretion(t=9.217), the time to reach full gastrointestinal nutrition(t=15.833), GRV1(t=6.737), GRV2(t=9.956) were lower than those of the control group, and the differences were all statistically significant(P<0.05). The rate of weight gain(t=2.454) and head dimension growth(t=5.469) in the study group was significantly higher than those of the control group(P<0.05). The incidence of the three complications of NEC, pathological jaundice and positive fecal occult blood or blood in stool(χ²=4.310) and the incidence of hospital infections(χ²=4.688) were significantly lower in the study group than in the control group(P<0.05). 【Conclusions】 Compared with the standard formula milk for preterm infants, eHF can significantly improve the feeding intolerance of preterm infants, promote growth and development, and reduce the occurrence of hospital-acquired infections. Therefore, eHF can be widely used in clinic for preterm infants with feeding intolerance.

Objective:To explore the efficacy of precise and empirical bismuth-containing quadruple therapy guided by clarithromycin sensitivity testing in the first eradication of Helicobacter pylori ( H. pylori) in Ningxia. Methods:From August 12, 2022 to March 22, 2023, 600 patients diagnosed as H. pylori-positive by 14C-urea breath test ( 14C-UBT) for the first time in People′s Hospital of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Ningnan Hospital of People′s Hospital of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Zhongwei People′s Hospital, Yanchi County People′s Hospital, and Pingluo People′s Hospital were selected, and divided into empirical treatment group (hereinafter referred to as the empirical group), genetic testing group (hereinafter referred to as the genetic group), and drug sensitivity testing group (hereinafter referred to as the drug sensitivity group) by using random number table with 200 patients in each group. The empirical group did not undergo drug sensitivity testing and genetic testing, while the genetic and drug sensitivity groups were confirmed to be sensitive to clarithromycin through genetic testing and drug sensitivity testing, and the patients with drug-resistant were excluded, respectively. All the patients of the 3 groups received the same clarithromycin bismuth-containing quadruple therapy. Intention-to-treat (ITT) and per-protocol (PP) analyses were performed to compare the eradication rates of H. pylori among 3 groups. Cost-effectiveness ratio (CER) and incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) were used for cost-effectiveness and sensitivity analysis based on the ITT. Chi-square test was used for statistical analysis. Results:There were 200, 126, and 168 patients included in the empirical group, genetic group, and drug sensitivity group in ITT analysis, and 190, 123, and 164 patients were enrolled in the 3 groups in PP analysis, respectively. The results of ITT analysis showed that the eradication rates of H. pylori in the empirical group, genetic group, and drug sensitivity group were 80.5% (161/200), 94.4% (119/126), and 95.2% (160/168), respectively. The results of PP analysis indicated that the eradication rates of H. pylori in the 3 groups were 84.7% (161/190), 96.7% (119/123), and 97.6% (160/164), respectively, and the differences were statistically significant ( χ2=25.39 and 24.93, both P<0.001). The H. pylori eradication rates of genetic group and drug sensitivity group were both higher than that of empirical group in ITT and PP analysis( χ2=12.40, 17.80, 11.42, and 17.13; all P<0.001). The cost-effectiveness analysis showed that the direct treatment cost of the empirical group, genetic group, and drug sensitivity group was 400.8, 729.2, and 779.2 yuan, respectively, and the CER was 4.98, 7.72, and 8.18 yuan/%, respectively. Compared to the empirical group, the ICER of the genetic group and drug sensitivity group was 23.6 and 25.7 yuan/%, respectively. The sensitivity analysis demonstrated that, when the cost of genetic testing reduced or increased by 20%, the ICER of the genetic group compared to the empirical group was 21.8 or 25.5 yuan/%, respectively. When the cost of drug sensitivity testing reduced or increased by 20%, the ICER of the drug sensitivity group compared to the empirical group was 23.3 or 28.2 yuan/%. When the cost of gastroscopy reduced or increased by 20%, the ICER of the genetic group compared to the empirical group was 20.8 or 26.5 yuan/%, and the ICER of the drug sensitivity group compared to the empirical group was 23.0 or 28.4 yuan/%, respectively. Conclusion:In Ningxia, if the clarithromycin bismuth-containing quadruple regimen is applied as the first H. pylori eradication regimen, in order to achieve the clinical eradication efficacy of H. pylori, and the patients can accept an additional payment of 23.6 or 25.7 yuan for each 1% increasing in the H. pylori eradication rate, then the precision treatment after clarithromycin resistance test is recommended.

Objective:To analyze the therapeutic effect of sural neurocutaneous flap combined with antibiotic-impregnated calcium sulfate and autogenous iliac bone graft of chronic calcaneal osteomyelitis.Methods:A retrospective analysis was peformed in 29 patients with chronic calcaneal osteomyelitis treated with sural neurocutaneous flap combined with antibiotic-impregnated calcium sulfate and autogenous iliac bone graft in the Xi′an Honghui Hospital Affiliated to Xi′an Jiaotong University from April 2013 to January 2020. There were 19 males and 10 females, with the age of (45.38±12.85) years, ranged from 22 to 67 years. The course of disease was (16.00±6.96) months, ranged from 6 to 36 months. The skin defect area was (41.9±15.9) cm 2, ranged from 11.8 to 86.8 cm 2. The causes of injury: 18 cases of high fall, 6 cases of traffic accidents, 3 cases of heavy rolling, the remaining 2 cases were machine strangulation and sharp stab wounds. The inflammatory markers [white blood cell (WBC), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), procalcitonin (PCT), C reactive protein (CRP)] and bone healing time were recorded before operation, 2, 4, 8 weeks and 6 months after operation. During the follow-up period, the flap texture, survival were observed, and the ankle-posterior foot function recovery was evaluated by the American Association of Foot and Ankle Surgery (AOFAS) score were observed before and after the operation, and the incidence of complications were recorded. The measurement data were expressed as mean±standard deviation ( ± s), and the t-test was used for inter-group comparison; the levels of WBC, ESR, PCT and CRP at different time points before and after operation were compared by repeated measurement ANOVA, and the LSD t-test was used for pairwise comparison. Results:All the 29 patients were followed up for (14.51±6.10) months, ranged from 6 to 30 months. All the flaps survived without abrasion, ulceration, or skin protrusion, and all patients could walk normally with shoes. There were 28 cases of stage I bone healing, with an average of (5.87±2.07) months, ranged from 3 to 12 months. The inflammatory indexes was significantly decreased at different time points after operation ( P<0.05). There was no significant difference between 6 months and 8 weeks after operation ( P>0.05), while there was significant difference at other time points ( P<0.05). The ankle-posterior foot score of AOFAS at 6 months after treatment was significantly higher than that before treatment (83.44±7.93 vs 55.37±8.07), the differences was statistically significant ( P<0.05). The clinical efficacy of foot function recovery was excellent in 12 cases, good in 15 cases and fair in 2 cases among 29 patients .The excellent and good rate was 93.1% (27/29). One patient recurred 1 month after operation and was re-implanted with antibiotic-loaded calcium sulfate mixed autogenous iliac bone after debridement, no recurrence was found. The total complication rate was 31.0%, but there was no significant impact on the patient's life in the later period. All patients returned to daily life and work. Conclusion:The treatment of chronic calcaneal osteomyelitis with sural neurocutaneous flap combined with antibiotic-impregnated calcium sulfate and autogenous iliac bone graft can effectively control infection, reconstruct calcaneal and soft tissue structure, promote functional recovery of affected limb, and ultimately improve the patient′s quality of life.

Objective:To analyze the therapeutic effect of 3D printing technology combined with locking plate fixation on femoral shaft fracture in patients with femoral deformity.Methods:The clinical data of 33 patients with femoral shaft fracture with femoral deformity who met the inclusion criteria and underwent locking plate fixation in the Xi′an Honghui Hospital Affiliated to Xi′an Jiaotong University from June 2014 to December 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into 3D printing group ( n=18) and control group ( n=15) according to whether 3D printing was performed before operation. The 3D printing group including 11 males and 7 females with an age of (46.78±13.76) years.The control group including 9 males and 6 females with an age of (48.20±14.27) years.The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, fracture healing time and complications of the two groups were recorded. Visual analogue scale (VAS) scores of pain were evaluated before and 6, 12, 24, 48 and 72 h after operation. According to the Harris hip score, the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) knee score and The MOS 36-item short-from Health Survey (SF-36), the hip and knee function and quality of life of the patients before and 12 months after injury were evaluated. The measurement data were represented as mean±standard deviation( ± s), and the comparison between groups was conducted using the t-test; the comparison of count data between groups was conducted by Chi-square test or Fisher exact probability. Results:The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, and incidence of complications in the 3D printing group were (91.50±9.07) min, (191.11±16.01) mL, and 0(0/18), respectively, and those in the control group were (118.07±14.19) min, (270.27±17.59) mL, and 26.7% (4/15), the differences between the two groups were statistically significant ( P <0.05). The pain VAS scores of the 3D printing group were significantly better than those of the control group at 6, 12, 24, 48, and 72 h after operation ( P<0.05). There were no differences in fracture healing time and preoperative pain VAS between the two groups( P>0.05). There were no significant differences in hip function, knee function and quality of life scores between the two groups before injury and 12 months after injury( P>0.05). Conclusion:In the treatment of femoral shaft fractures in patients with femoral deformity with locking plate fixation, the application of 3D printing technology can be used for preoperative design and plate preshaping, which can shorten the operation time, reduce the amount of intraoperative blood loss, reduce the VAS of pain and the incidence of complications, improve the satisfaction of surgery, and provide a new option for the treatment of femoral shaft fractures in patients with femoral deformity.