Objective To investigate the effects of different puncture levels on bone cement distribution and effectiveness in bilateral percutaneous vertebroplasty for osteoporotic thoracolumbar compression fractures. Methods A clinical data of 274 patients with osteoporotic thoracolumbar compression fractures who met the selection criteria between December 2017 and December 2020 was retrospectively analyzed. All patients underwent bilateral percutaneous vertebroplasty. During operation, the final position of the puncture needle tip reached was observed by C-arm X-ray machine. And 118 cases of bilateral puncture needle tips were at the same level (group A); 156 cases of bilateral puncture needle tips were at different levels (group B), of which 87 cases were at the upper 1/3 layer and the lower 1/3 layer respectively (group B1), and 69 cases were at the adjacent levels (group B2). There was no significant difference in gender, age, fracture segment, degree of osteoporosis, disease duration, and preoperative visual analogue scale (VAS) score, and Oswestry disability index (ODI) between groups A and B and among groups A, B1, and B2 (P>0.05). The operation time, bone cement injection volume, postoperative VAS score, ODI, and bone cement distribution were compared among the groups. Results All operations were successfully completed without pulmonary embolism, needle tract infection, or nerve compression caused by bone cement leakage. There was no significant difference in operation time and bone cement injection volume between groups A and B or among groups A, B1, and B2 (P>0.05). All patients were followed up 3-32 months, with an average of 7.8 months. There was no significant difference in follow-up time between groups A and B and among groups A, B1, and B2 (P>0.05). At 3 days after operation and last follow-up, VAS score and ODI were significantly lower in group B than in group A (P<0.05), in groups B1 and B2 than in group A (P<0.05), and in group B1 than in group B2 (P<0.05). Imaging review showed that the distribution of bone cement in the coronal midline of injured vertebrae was significantly better in group B than in group A (P<0.05), in groups B1 and B2 than in group A (P<0.05), and in group B1 than in group B2 (P<0.05). In group A, 7 cases had postoperative vertebral collapse and 8 cases had other vertebral fractures. In group B, only 1 case had postoperative vertebral collapse during follow-up. ConclusionBilateral percutaneous vertebroplasty in the treatment of osteoporotic thoracolumbar compression fractures can obtain good bone cement distribution and effectiveness when the puncture needle tips locate at different levels during operation. When the puncture needle tips locate at the upper 1/3 layer and the lower 1/3 layer of the vertebral body, respectively, the puncture sites are closer to the upper and lower endplates, and the injected bone cement is easier to connect with the upper and lower endplates.
The effect of relaxation time in hyperbolic heat transfer model on the temperature field of microwave ablation of atrial fibrillation was investigated. And the results were compared with those calculated by Pennes model. A three-dimensional model of microwave ablation of atrial fibrillation was constructed. The relaxation time (τ) was 0, 1, 5, 8, 10, 15 and 20 s, respectively. And the temperature field of myocardial tissue was obtained. The results showed that the highest temperature of the hyperbolic model was 21.8 ℃ lower than that of the Pennes model at the beginning of ablation. With the increase of ablation time, the highest temperature tended to be the same. The lesion dimensions appeared at 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10 s, respectively after ablation. Therefore, the influence of hyperbolic model on temperature will decrease with the increase of the ablation time. At the beginning of ablation, the relaxation time will hinder the speed of myocardial thermal diffusion. The larger the relaxation time is, the slower the speed of thermal diffusion is. This study provides a reference for the application of hyperbolic model in microwave ablation of atrial fibrillation.
Heart sound segmentation is a key step before heart sound classification. It refers to the processing of the acquired heart sound signal that separates the cardiac cycle into systolic and diastolic, etc. To solve the accuracy limitation of heart sound segmentation without relying on electrocardiogram, an algorithm based on the duration hidden Markov model (DHMM) was proposed. Firstly, the heart sound samples were positionally labeled. Then autocorrelation estimation method was used to estimate cardiac cycle duration, and Gaussian mixture distribution was used to model the duration of sample-state. Next, the hidden Markov model (HMM) was optimized in the training set and the DHMM was established. Finally, the Viterbi algorithm was used to track back the state of heart sounds to obtain S1, systole, S2 and diastole. 500 heart sound samples were used to test the performance of our algorithm. The average evaluation accuracy score (F1) was 0.933, the average sensitivity was 0.930, and the average accuracy rate was 0.936. Compared with other algorithms, the performance of our algorithm was more superior. It is proved that the algorithm has high robustness and anti-noise performance, which might provide a novel method for the feature extraction and analysis of heart sound signals collected in clinical environments.
Objective To investigate the procedure and clinical effect of revascularization for arterial occlusion in lower extremity. Methods From July 1998 to March 2005, 29 cases of arterial occlusion were treated by microsurgery. Of 29 cases, there 22 males and 7 females, aging 22-86 years, including 9 cases of thromboangiitis obliterans(TAO), 17 cases of arterial sclerosis obstruction(ASO) and 3 cases of diabetic foot(DF). The location was the left in 17 cases, the right in 11 cases and both sides in 1 case. All cases were inspected by color-Doppler ultrasonic scanning before operation. The cases of ASO and DF were checked with MRA. The results of examinations showed that the locations of arteriostenosis and obstruction were: in 9 cases of TAO, the distal superficial femoral artery in 3 cases, popliteal artery in 5 cases, bilateral dorsal metatarsal artery in 1 case; in 17 cases of ASO, common iliac artery in 2 cases, external iliac artery in 4 cases, femoral artery in 10 cases and popliteal artery in 1 case; and were all superficial femoral artery in 3 cases of DF. DSA examination confirmed that there was appropriate outflow in 15 cases. Basing on the location and extent of the arterial occlusion, 11 cases were treated by the primary deep vein arterializing, 16 cases by arterial bypass distribution and 2 cases of extensive common iliac arterial occlusion were amputated in the level of 1/3 distal thigh. Results The postoperative duration of follow-up for all cases was 3 months to 7 years. In 9 cases of TAO, 2 healed by first intention after deterioration, 4 healed after changing dressing and 3 had fresh soft tissue growth after debrided superficial secondary necrosis. In 17 cases of ASO, 13 healed by first intention, 2 healed after changing dressing and 2 were amputated. In 3 cases of DF, 2 healed after changed dressing and debrided, 1 was aggravated with the second toe necrosis. Conclusion Performing primary deep veinarteriolization and arterial bypassdistribution is effective for treatment of arterial occlusion of lower extremity. The arterial reconstructive patency rate can be improved by microsurgical treatment.
Objective To analyze the differences in microbial communities in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) from patients with simple pneumonia versus those with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) combined with lower respiratory tract infection using metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS). Methods Patients hospitalized for pulmonary infections at the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University between December 2021 and March 2023 were included. Based on the presence of COPD, the patients were divided into two groups: those with simple pneumonia and those with COPD combined with lower respiratory tract infection. mNGS was employed to detect microbes in BALF, and the microbial community distribution characteristics of the two groups were analyzed. Results A total of 97 patients were included, of whom 80 (81.82%) had positive microbial detection results. The smoking index in COPD group with lower respiratory tract infection was significantly higher than that in the group with simple pneumonia (t= ?3.62, P=0.001). Differences in microbial community distributions were observed between the groups. At the genus level, 19 species of microorganisms were detected in the simple pneumoniapulmonary infection group, including 8 bacteria (42.11%), 2 fungi (10.53%), 3 viruses (15.79%), and 6 other types of microorganisms (31.58%). In contrast, 22 types of microbes were detected in COPD group with lower respiratory tract infection, including 10 bacteria (47.62%), 3 fungi (14.29%), 4 viruses (19.05%), and 4 other types of microorganisms (19.05%). Differences were also noted in reads per million (RPM) values; bacterial RPM values at the genus level were significantly higher in the COPD group during non-severe pneumonia compared to the simple pneumonia group (Z=–2.706, P=0.007). In the patients with severe pneumonia, RPM values at the genus and species levels were significantly higher than those in non-severe pneumonia (Z=?2.202, P=0.028; Z=?2.141, P=0.032). In COPD combined with severe pneumonia, bacterial RPM values were significantly higher at the species level compared to non-severe pneumonia (Z=?2.367, P=0.017). ConclusionsThere are differences in the distribution of microbial communities at the genus and species levels in BALF from patients with COPD combined with lower respiratory tract infection compared to those with simple pulmonary pneumonia. Bacteria are the predominant microbial type in both groups, but the dominant bacterial species differ between them. Simple pneumonia are primarily associated with bacterial, viral, and other types of microbial infections, while COPD combined with lower respiratory tract infection is predominantly associated with fungal and bacterial infections. RPM values may serve as an indicator of the severity of pneumonia.
Objective To investigate the correlation of red blood cell distribution width (RDW) and neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) with total imaging load of cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD), and the clinical diagnostic value of RDW, NLR and their combined indicators for high load of CSVD imaging. Methods The medical records of CSVD patients hospitalized in the Department of Neurology of Baotou Central Hospital between October 2018 and October 2022 were retrospective collected. The total imaging load of CSVD was obtained by evaluating the cranial MRI and divided into a low load group and a high load group. The general clinical data, past medical history, and blood biochemical indicators were compared between the two groups. The correlation analysis method was used to analyze the relationship between the relevant indicators and the total imaging load. Logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the risk factors of the total imaging load of CSVD. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to evaluate the diagnostic value of the detection indicators for clinical diagnosis. Results A total of 320 patients were included. Among them, there were 201 cases (62.81%) in the low load imaging group and 119 cases (37.19%) in the high load imaging group. Excepted for age, gender, history of hypertension, RDW, and NLR (P<0.05), there was no statistically significant difference in the comparison of other indicators between the two groups (P>0.05). Spearman correlation analysis showed that RDW (r=0.445, P<0.001) and NLR (r=0.309, P<0.001) were positively correlated with the total imaging load of CSVD. The results of multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that age, male gender, RDW, and NLR were risk factors for high imaging load of CSVD. The areas under the ROC curve of RDW, NLR, and their combined indicators were 0.733, 0.644, and 0.792, respectively.Conclusions In patients with CSVD, the levels of RDW and NLR are related to the total imaging load of CSVD, which are independent risk factors for high imaging load of CSVD. The levels of RDW and NLR have clinical diagnostic value in predicting CSVD high load.
ObjectiveStudy how to quantify the bias of each study and how to estimate them.
MethodIn the random-effect model, it is commonly assumed that the effect size of each study in meta-analysis follows a skew normal distribution which has different shape parameter. Through introducing a shape parameter to quantify the bias and making use of Markov estimation as well as maximum likelihood estimation to estimate the overall effect size, bias of each study, heterogeneity variance.
ResultIn simulation study, the result was closer to the real value when the effect size followed a skew normal distribution with different shape parameter and the impact of heterogeneity of random effects meta-analysis model based on the skew normal distribution with different shape parameter was smaller than it in a random effects metaanalysis model. Moreover, in this specific example, the length of the 95%CI of the overall effect size was shorter compared with the model based on the normal distribution.
ConclusionIncorporate the bias of each study into the random effects meta-analysis model and by quantifying the bias of each study we can eliminate the influence of heterogeneity caused by bias on the pooled estimate, which further make the pooled estimate closer to its true value.
ObjectiveTo survey and analyze the trend of congenital heart disease (CHD) of regions distribution and medical payment model in Children's Hospital of Gansu Province over the past 11 years, and to provide evidence for diagnosis and treatment strategies for CHD children.
MethodsMedical records of the CHD children hospitalized in the Children's Hospital of Gansu Province from 2001 to 2011 were completely collected. Regional distribution, year and other basic information of them were extracted. Data was then analyzed using the SPSS 16.0 software.
ResultsA total of 591 CHD children were included. Most of them came from Middle-Long, accounting for 68.87%; while the number of CHD children in the region of East-Long and He-xi had a tendency of growth by year, with average growth speed of 189.42% and 27.62%, respectively. Most of them came from the region which is economic class Ⅲ, accounting for 35.64% (highest) with average growth speed (203.45%). Most of the treatment costs were self-supported before 2005, and health insurance and other social aids were consistently increasing after 2005. Most of the institutions for initial visit were town-level hospitals, accounting for 55.50%, and with average growth speed of 170.18%.
ConclusionThe medical demand of CHD children in less-developed regions in Gansu province increases year by year. Government-guided healthcare system should be established and improved so as to basically guarantee the prevention and treatment of CHD in less-developed regions.
ObjectiveTo analyze the clinical characteristics and geographical distribution of Keshan disease in Chongqing city for prevention and disease control.
MethodsWe collected the clinical data of patients with Keshan disease from 2008 to 2012 in Liangping, Shizhu, Fengdu and Dianjiang counties as well as Wanzhou district of Chongqing city including the medical history, physical examination, results of laboratory tests to analyze the clinical characteristics and geographical distribution.
ResultsFifty-eight patients were included from Liangping (n=21), Shizhu (n=25), Fengdu (n=11) and Dianjiang (n=1). The number of patients with potential and chronic Keshan disease was 16 and 42, respectively. The average age of patients was 54.91±15.53 years. The proportion above age 60 was 32.76% and below age 10 was 3.45%. The patients had main clinical signs as heart enlargement (36.76%), low-weak first heart sound (22.41%), systolic murmur (10.34%), arrhythmia (8.62%), etc. Abnormal ECG detection rate was 98.28%, with common types followed by sinus rhythm (37.93%), complete right bundle branch block (25.86%), ST-T changes (24.14%), left ventricular hypertrophy (15.52%), atrial fibrillation (13.79%), occasional ventricular premature (10.34%), T changes (10.34%), sinus bradycardia (8.62%), and incomplete right bundle branch block (6.90%). X-ray results showed that heart enlargement accounted for 82.76%. The ratios of mild, moderate and significant expansion of the heart were 46.55%, 27.59%, and 8.62%, respectively.
ConclusionIn recent years, most patients with Keshan disease in Chongqing are chronic type at older age. The main clinical symptom is heart enlargement with high abnormal ECG detection rate.
Objectives To investigate the effect of the combined treatment with probiotics and lactulose of gastrointestinal function and postoperative infection after open cardiac surgery.
Methods We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 264 patients underwent cardiopulmonary bypass in our hospital between August 2013 and June 2014. There were 129 males and 135 females at the mean age of 53.06±10.97 years. We divided those patients into a treatment group and a control group. In the treatment group, there were 58 males and 63 females at the mean age of 52.29±14.31 years. They took probiotics and lactulose from the first day to the seventh day after operation. In the control group, there were 71 males and 72 females at the mean age of 52.29±14.31 years. They didn’t take probiotics or lactulose after the surgery. Procalcitonin (PCT) and lipopolysaccharides (LPS) concentrations were measured before operation, at 24 hours postoperatively, at 72 hours and on the seventh day. We recorded the condition of postoperative infection, gastrointestinal disorders and relative informations.
Results The PCT and LPS concentrations in the treatment group after 72 hours postoperatively were statistically lower than those of the control group (1.04±5.39 ng/ml vs. 3.51±4.28 ng/ml, P=0.04; 11.28±4.34 EU/ml vs. 21.59±7.34 EU/ml, P=0.03). The PCT and LPS concentrations in the treatment group were also statistically lower than those of the control group on the 7th day postoperatively (0.17±2.79 ng/ml vs. 1.98±4.62 ng/ml，P=0.04; 6.74±6.38 EU/ml vs. 15.96±4.61 EU/ml, P=0.01). The ICU stay time (43.25±14.36 h vs. 63.47±24.46 h, P=0.01) and postoperative hospital stay time (15.07±4.52 d vs. 21.08±6.49 d, P=0.02) were significantly less in the treatment group than those in the control group. The morbidity of infection and the morbidity of gastrointestinal disorders of the treatment group were statistically less than those of the control group (1.65% vs. 5.59%, P=0.00; 2.48% vs. 6.99%, P<0.001), and there was no statistical difference in mortality between the two groups (1.65% vs. 2.10%, P=0.12).
Conclusions The combined treatment with probiotics and lactulose can improve the postoperative inflammatory reaction, gastrointestinal function, and reduce the morbidity of infection.
