Biomechanical analysis of four internal fixations for Pauwels Ⅲ femoral neck fractures with defects / 中国骨伤

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the biomechanical characteristics of different internal fixations for Pauwels type Ⅲ femoral neck fracture with defect, and provide reference for the treatment of femoral neck fracture.@*METHODS@#Three-dimensional (3D) finite element models of femoral neck fractures were established based on CT images, including fracture and fracture with defects. Four internal fixations were simulated, namely, inverted cannulated screw(ICS), ICS combined with medial buttress plate, the femoral neck system (FNS) and FNS combined with medial buttress plate. The von Mises stress, model stiffness and fracture displacements of fracture models under 2 100 N axial loads were measured and compared.@*RESULTS@#When femoral neck fracture was fixed by ICS and FNS, the peak stress was mainly concentrated on the surface of the screw near the fracture line, and the peak stress of FNS is higher than that of ICS;When the medial buttress plate was combined, the peak stress was increased and transferred to medial buttress plate, with more obvious of ICS fixation. For the same fracture model, the stiffness of FNS was higher than that of ICS. Compared with femoral neck fracture with defects, fracture model showed higher stiffness in the same internal fixation. The use of medial buttress plate increased model stiffness, but ICS increased more than FNS. The fracture displacement of ICS model exceeded that of FNS.@*CONCLUSION@#For Pauwels type Ⅲ femoral neck fracture with defects, FNS had better biomechanical properties than ICS. ICS combined with medial buttress plate can better enhance fixation stability and non-locking plate is recommended. FNS had the capability of shear resistance and needn't combine with medial buttress plate.

Profiles of immune infiltration in abdominal aortic aneurysm and their associated marker genes: a gene expression-based study

Immune-mediated inflammation plays a key role in the pathology of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). We aimed to use a computational approach to profile the immune infiltration patterns and related core genes in AAA samples based on the overexpression of gene signatures. The microarray datasets of AAA and normal abdominal tissues were acquired from gene expression omnibus (GEO) database. We evaluated the composition of immune infiltrates through microenvironment cell populations (MCP)-counter. Weighted gene correlation network analysis (WGCNA) was employed to construct the co-expression network and extract gene information in the most relevant module. Functional and pathway enrichment analysis was performed and immune infiltration related core genes were screened. AAA tissues had a higher level of infiltration by cytotoxic lymphocytes, NK cells, T cells, fibroblasts, myeloid dendritic cells, and neutrophils than normal aorta. The red module was strongly correlated with the infiltrating levels of T cells and cytotoxic lymphocytes. Gene ontology (GO) and pathway analyses revealed that genes in the most relevant module were mainly enriched in T cell activation, regulation of lymphocyte activation, cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, and chemokine signaling pathway, etc. The expression of GZMK, CCL5, GZMA, CD2, and EOMES showed significant correlations with cytotoxic lymphocytes, while CD247, CD2, CD6, RASGRP1, and CD48 expression were positively associated with T cell infiltration. In conclusion, we comprehensively analyzed profiles of infiltrated immune cells in AAA tissues and their associated marker genes. Our data may provide a novel clue to indicate the underlying molecular mechanisms of AAA formation in terms of immune infiltration.

Research progress on the antifungal mechanisms of antimicrobial peptides and its clinical applications / 中华检验医学杂志

In this review, the structure and biological characteristics of antimicrobial peptides were described, and the anti-fungal mechanisms related to membrane damage and non-membrane damage was discussed. The prospective clinical applications of antimicrobial peptides were introduced. Thus, the theoretical basis for the in-depth research on the anti-fungal mechanisms of antimicrobial peptides and the clinical development and application is provided.

Partial characterization of bacteriocin-like compound (BLIS) produced by Burkholderia stagnalis strain K23/3 against Burkholderia pseudomallei

Aims@#Burkholderia pseudomallei, the human pathogen that causes melioidosis, is intrinsically resistant towards a wide range of antibiotics and there have been reports of acquired resistance towards antibiotics used for melioidosis treatments. Antimicrobial peptides (AMP) such as bacteriocins are gaining the interests of researchers as alternative for treating infections caused by multidrug resistant bacteria. In this study, we aimed to identify Burkholderia spp. isolated from soil in Sarawak that possess the potential in inhibiting the growth of B. pseudomallei and to further characterize the antagonistic compound produced.@*Methodology and results@#A total of 50 Burkholderia spp. isolates of environmental origin and two isolates of Ralstonia solanacearum were screened against five clinical isolates of B. pseudomallei using spot-on-lawn assay and flip streak method. Burkholderia stagnalis isolate K23/3 showed clear zones of inhibition (ZOI) in both preliminary tests. Cell-free supernatant (CFS) was obtained from B. stagnalis K23/3 broth culture and was tested via agar well diffusion assay (AWDA). The antagonistic compound secreted at the early log phase of the bacterial growth was shown to be stable in a wide range of temperatures and pH. Treatment with different enzymes revealed that it was sensitive towards proteinase K, suggesting that it is proteinaceous. The bacteriocin-like-substance (BLIS) was subjected to ammonium sulfate precipitation and sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). The SDS-PAGE gel was overlaid with indicator B. pseudomallei isolates where the active protein was shown to be less than 7.1 kDa.@*Conclusion, significance and impact of study@#Burkholderia stagnalis isolate K23/3 was able to secrete bacteriocin-like-substance (BLIS) that has the potential in biocontrol of B. pseudomallei in the environment or as potential treatment for melioidosis.

Loss-of-function HSD17B13 variants, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis and adverse liver outcomes: Results from a multi-ethnic Asian cohort

Background/Aims@#17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 13 (HSD17B13) variants were recently reported to have significantly lower odds of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). This is a two-part study that aimed to evaluate the association of HSD17B13 variants with NAFLD and its histological severity, and to identify the association of the variants with clinical outcomes in a cohort of biopsy-proven NAFLD patients. @*Methods@#Consecutive biopsy-proven NAFLD patients and controls without fatty liver were recruited for this study between 2009 and 2014. Genotyping for HSD17B13 variants was performed using rhAmp assays. A total of 165 patients with NAFLD were monitored up until August 2019. Clinical outcomes were recorded. @*Results@#HSD17B13 rs72613567 TA allele and rs6834314 G allele were associated with lower odds of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) in the overall cohort and among ethnic Chinese, but not among ethnic Malays or Indians (P<0.05). During a mean follow-up of 89 months, 32 patients (19.4%) experienced at least one clinical outcome (cardiovascular events, n=22; liver-related complications, n=6; extra-hepatic malignancy, n=5; and mortality, n=6). The rs72613567 homozygous TA allele and the rs6834314 homozygous G allele were independently associated with a lower incidence of liver-related complications (hazard ratio [HR], 0.004; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.00–0.64; P=0.033 and HR, 0.01; 95% CI, 0.00–0.97; P=0.048, respectively) and were associated with lower grade of hepatocyte ballooning among the ethnic Chinese. @*Conclusion@#HSD17B13 rs72613567 and rs6834314 variants were inversely associated with NAFLD and NASH, and were associated with lower incidence of adverse liver outcomes in a cohort of multi-ethnic Asian patients with NAFLD.

Predictors and outcomes of high-flow nasal cannula failure following extubation: A multicentre observational study

INTRODUCTION@#Despite adhering to criteria for extubation, up to 20% of intensive care patients require re-intubation, even with use of post-extubation high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC). This study aims to identify independent predictors and outcomes of extubation failure in patients who failed post-extubation HFNC.@*METHODS@#We conducted a multicentre observational study involving 9 adult intensive care units (ICUs) across 5 public hospitals in Singapore. We included patients extubated to HFNC following spontaneous breathing trials. We compared patients who were successfully weaned off HFNC with those who failed HFNC (defined as re-intubation ≤7 days following extubation). Generalised additive logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent risk factors for failed HFNC.@*RESULTS@#Among 244 patients (mean age: 63.92±15.51 years, 65.2% male, median APACHE II score 23.55±7.35), 41 (16.8%) failed HFNC; hypoxia, hypercapnia and excessive secretions were primary reasons. Stroke was an independent predictor of HFNC failure (odds ratio 2.48, 95% confidence interval 1.83-3.37). Failed HFNC, as compared to successful HFNC, was associated with increased median ICU length of stay (14 versus 7 days, @*CONCLUSION@#Post-extubation HFNC failure, especially in patients with stroke as a comorbidity, remains a clinical challenge and predicts poorer clinical outcomes. Our observational study highlights the need for future prospective trials to better identify patients at high risk of post-extubation HFNC failure.

Acupuncture-moxibustion treatment by stages based on the theory of "transformation of / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To compare the efficacy between acupuncture-moxibustion treatment by stages and femoston for premature ovarian insufficiency (POI).@*METHODS@#A total of 66 patients with POI were randomly divided into an observation group (33 cases, 3 cases dropped off) and a control group (33 cases, 2 cases dropped off). The patients in the observation group, based on the theory of "transformation of @*RESULTS@#Compared before treatment, the serum levels of FSH and LH were decreased (@*CONCLUSION@#Acupuncture- moxibustion treatment by stages based on the theory of "transformation of

Qualitative and quantitative analysis of aristolochic acid components in nine Chinese medicinal materials containing toxic aristolochic substances / 药学学报

The objective of this work was to explore the content and composition of aristolochic acid compounds in Chinese medicinal materials containing toxic aristolochic chemicals, so as to ensure the safety of these medicinal materials and their related products. Nine Chinese medicinal materials were selected for study, including the tuber of Aristolochia cinnabarina, the herbs of Asarum forbesii, the stems of Aristolochia manshuriensis., the fruits of Aristolochia debilis, the roots of Aristolochia debilis, the stems and leaf of Aristolochia debilis, the herbs of Aristolochia mollissima, the roots of Aristolochia fangchi, and the roots of Asarum heterotropoides var. mandshuricum. The aristolochic acid components in the nine Chinese medicinal materials were analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry (HPLC-Q-TOF-MS) combined with high performance liquid chromatography diode-array detection. The separation was performed on an Agilent ZORBAX SB-Aq column (250 mm×4.6 mm, 5 μm) with gradient elution using a mobile phase consisting of acetonitrile and 0.2% acetic acid. ESI positive ion mode MS was used to investigate the ionization pathways of aristolochic acid Ⅰ, Ⅱ, Ⅲa, Ⅳa, Ⅶa, and aristololactam Ⅰ, Ⅱ using seven reference standards, and the structures of the components with UV spectrasimilar to those of the seven reference standards in the selected medicinal materials were qualitatively analyzed by following the investigated ionization pathways. The identified aristolochic acid components were quantified using an external standard method by HPLC-UV with detection at 254 nm. Twenty-two aristolochic acid components including 11 aristolochic acids and 11 aristololactams were identified from the nine selected medicinal materials; 15 aristolochic acids were found in the tuber of Aristolochia cinnabarina and the roots of Aristolochia debilis, followed by 14 aristolochic acids in the fruits of Aristolochia debilis and the stems of Aristolochia manshuriensis. The greatest content of aristolochia components was found in the tuber of Aristolochia cinnabarina and the stems of Aristolochia manshuriensis, ranging from 8.91 mg·g-1 to 13.40 mg·g-1, and the least amount was in the herbs of Asarum forbesii, at less than 0.10 mg·g-1 and containing only two aristolochia components. This study systematically explored the quantity and composition of aristolochic acid components in selected Chinese medicinal materials believed to contain toxic aristolochic compounds, providing a basis for follow-up studies on the toxicity of these substances that can lead to safety standards for their use.

ERα promotes transcription of tumor suppressor gene / 浙江大学学报（英文版）（B辑：生物医学和生物技术）

Apolipoprotein A-I (ApoA-I), the main protein component of high-density lipoprotein (HDL), plays a pivotal role in reverse cholesterol transport (RCT). Previous studies indicated a reduction of serum ApoA-I levels in various types of cancer, suggesting ApoA-I as a potential cancer biomarker. Herein, ectopically overexpressed ApoA-I in MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells was observed to have antitumor effects, inhibiting cell proliferation and migration. Subsequent studies on the mechanism of expression regulation revealed that estradiol (E2)/estrogen receptor α (ERα) signaling activates

Value of Transperineal Ultrasound in Short-term Evaluation of Pelvic Organ Prolapse after Transvaginal Mesh Implantation / 中国医学科学院学报

Objective To observe the patients after transvaginal mesh(TVM)implantation surgery by using transperineal ultrasound(TPUS),compare the diagnosis of pelvic organ prolapse(POP)by TPUS and clinical examination[according to the Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification(POP-Q)system published by the International Continence Society],and to explore the role of ultrasound in postoperative evaluation as well as the high-risk factors of post-surgery POP recurrence. Methods This is a retrospective study based on the POP-Q records and TPUS data sets of patients within 6 months after TVM surgery during September 2013 and November 2019.The diagnostic results of TPUS and POP-Q were compared.The incidences of hiatal ballooning and levator avulsion were separately compared between the TPUS group and the control group. Results A total of 147 patients were enrolled.The Kappa values between TPUS and POP-Q in the diagnosis of anterior and posterior compartment POP were 0.268(

Outcomes of second-tier rapid response activations in a tertiary referral hospital: A prospective observational study

INTRODUCTION@#A second-tier rapid response team (RRT) is activated for patients who do not respond to first-tier measures. The premise of a tiered response is that first-tier responses by a ward team may identify and correct early states of deterioration or establish goals of care, thereby reducing unnecessary escalation of care to the RRT. Currently, utilisation and outcomes of tiered RRTs remain poorly described.@*METHODS@#A prospective observational study of adult patients (age ≥18 years) who required RRT activations was conducted from February 2018 to December 2019.@*RESULTS@#There were 951 consecutive RRT activations from 869 patients and 76.0% patients had a National Early Warning Score (NEWS) ≥5 at the time of RRT activation. The majority (79.8%) of patients required RRT interventions that included endotracheal intubation (12.7%), point-of-care ultrasound (17.0%), discussing goals of care (14.7%) and intensive care unit (ICU) admission (24.2%). Approximately 1 in 3 (36.6%) patients died during hospitalisation or within 30 days of RRT activation. In multivariate analysis, age ≥65 years, NEWS ≥7, ICU admission, longer hospitalisation days at RRT activation, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance scores ≥3 (OR [odds ratio] 2.24, 95% CI [confidence interval] 1.45-3.46), metastatic cancer (OR 2.64, 95% CI 1.71-4.08) and haematological cancer (OR 2.78, 95% CI 1.84-4.19) were independently associated with mortality.@*CONCLUSION@#Critical care interventions and escalation of care are common with second-tier RRTs. This supports the need for dedicated teams with specialised critical care services. Poor functional status, metastatic and haematological cancer are significantly associated with mortality, independent of age, NEWS and ICU admission. These factors should be considered during triage and goals of care discussion.

Loss-of-function HSD17B13 variants, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis and adverse liver outcomes: Results from a multi-ethnic Asian cohort

Background/Aims@#17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 13 (HSD17B13) variants were recently reported to have significantly lower odds of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). This is a two-part study that aimed to evaluate the association of HSD17B13 variants with NAFLD and its histological severity, and to identify the association of the variants with clinical outcomes in a cohort of biopsy-proven NAFLD patients. @*Methods@#Consecutive biopsy-proven NAFLD patients and controls without fatty liver were recruited for this study between 2009 and 2014. Genotyping for HSD17B13 variants was performed using rhAmp assays. A total of 165 patients with NAFLD were monitored up until August 2019. Clinical outcomes were recorded. @*Results@#HSD17B13 rs72613567 TA allele and rs6834314 G allele were associated with lower odds of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) in the overall cohort and among ethnic Chinese, but not among ethnic Malays or Indians (P<0.05). During a mean follow-up of 89 months, 32 patients (19.4%) experienced at least one clinical outcome (cardiovascular events, n=22; liver-related complications, n=6; extra-hepatic malignancy, n=5; and mortality, n=6). The rs72613567 homozygous TA allele and the rs6834314 homozygous G allele were independently associated with a lower incidence of liver-related complications (hazard ratio [HR], 0.004; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.00–0.64; P=0.033 and HR, 0.01; 95% CI, 0.00–0.97; P=0.048, respectively) and were associated with lower grade of hepatocyte ballooning among the ethnic Chinese. @*Conclusion@#HSD17B13 rs72613567 and rs6834314 variants were inversely associated with NAFLD and NASH, and were associated with lower incidence of adverse liver outcomes in a cohort of multi-ethnic Asian patients with NAFLD.

Ultrasound-guided percutaneous common extensor tendon needling for lateral epicondylitis of humerus / 中国介入影像与治疗学

Objective: To observe the efficacy of ultrasound-guided percutaneous common extensor tendon needling for lateral epicondylitis (LE). Methods: Totally 68 LE patients underwent ultrasound-guided percutaneous common extensor tendon needling and were followed up after operation. Complications were observed, and visual analogue score (VAS) and tennis elbow score before treatment, 1 month and 6 months after treatment were compared. Results: Three days after needling therapy, 64 patients (64/68, 94.12%) complained of aggravation of pain, but pains gradually releases within 1-2 weeks. All 68 patients were followed up for an average of (9.74±1.95)months, no grip strength weakened nor affected labor and life was observed. No nerve injury, infection, bleeding or other complications occurred. There were statistically significant differences of VAS scores and tennis elbow scores before, 1 month and 6 months after treatment (both P0.05). Conclusion: Ultrasound-guided percutaneous extensor tendon needling has good efficacy and safety in treatment of LE.

Effect of function of mobile phone use on the self-perceived stress and mobile phone addiction of high vocational students / 中国学校卫生

Objective@#To explore the impact of function of mobile phone use on self-perceived stress and mobile phone addiction of high vocational students, and the mediating role of coping styles between different mobile phone functions and mobile phone addiction.@*Methods@#A total of 911 participants in two vocational colleges in Wuhan and Liaocheng were investigated by using convenient sampling method. Smartphone Usage, Simplified Coping Style Questionnaire, and Stress subscale of Depression-Anxiety-Stress Scale(short version) were administered to participants.@*Results@#Female students scored significantly higher on mobile phone social features (4.77±1.06) than males( t =2.05， P =0.04), while males scored significantly higher on MPATS and DASS-S, Negative Coping Style subscales than females( P <0.01). The social function of the mobile phone was positively related to the positive coping styles( r =0.17, P <0.01). The game features of mobile phone were positively related to negative coping styles, stress and mobile addiction( P <0.01). Negative coping style could positively predict stress and mobile phone addiction( β =0.53, 0.50, P <0.01). Negative coping styles and stress had significant chain mediation effects in nonsocial functions and mobile phone addiction(95% CI =0.06-0.24, P <0.01).@*Conclusion@#Students of vocational college who often use cellphone not for social purpose have higher self-perceived stress. The game function of mobile phones had an adverse effect on the physical and mental health of vocational students. Negative coping style is a powerful predictor of stress and mobile phone addiction.

Impact of COVID-19 on a Tertiary Otolaryngology Practice in Singapore

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a major impact in healthcare systems across the world, with many hospitals having to come up with protocols and measures to contain the spread of the virus. This affects various specialties' clinical practices in many ways. Since early 2020 in Singapore, the Department of Otorhinolaryngology at Tan Tock Seng Hospital had to rapidly adapt to this pandemic as we provided services to the main healthcare facility combating the virus in our country. We had to design new workflows and also remain flexible in view of the ever-changing situation. There are 6 important domains for an otolaryngology department or any clinical department in general to consider when making adjustments to their practices in an outbreak: (1) clinical work, (2) education, (3) research, (4) safety of patients and staff, (5) morale of medical staff and (6) pandemic frontline work. We hope that the sharing of our experiences and the lessons learnt will be useful for both our local and international colleagues.

Application of KISS anterolateral thigh flap in repairing soft tissue defect of dorsal side of multiple fingers / 中华显微外科杂志

Objective:To evaluate the surgical technique and clinical effect of free KISS anterolateral thigh flap in repairing soft tissue defect of dorsal side of fingers.Methods:From January, 2014 to June, 2019, 7 patients with soft tissue defects in dorsal side of multiple fingers were treated. Step one, a KISS anterolateral thigh flap was used and a temporary syndactyly between adjacent affected fingers was created by suture of the digital palmar skin. The donor sites were sutured directly. Step two, a procedure of partial de-bulking and division of syndactyly was followed-up 1-3 months later. All cases were followed-up in observations of appearance, texture, functions and donor site of flaps.Results:All flaps survived, and all went through disorders of no blood circulation. The followed-up time were 3 to 24 (average 12.5) months. The flaps had fine appearance, texture and colour. The dorsal aspects of reconstructed fingers demonstrated an aesthetically pleasing effect after the flap de-bulking and division of syndactyly. The donor site only left a linear scar, and the thigh had no functional deficit.Conclusion:Free KISS anterolateral thigh flap in repairing defects of dorsal skin in multiple fingers could simplify the operation, shorten operative time and reduce surgical trauma.

Research progress on the source, production, and anti-cancer mechanisms of paclitaxel / 中国天然药物

Paclitaxel, a tetracyclic diterpenoid compounds, was firstly isolated from the bark of the Pacific yew trees. Currently, as a low toxicity, high efficiency, and broad-spectrum natural anti-cancer drug, paclitaxel has been widely used against ovarian cancer, breast cancer, uterine cancer, and other cancers. As the matter of fact, natural paclitaxel from Taxus species has been proved to be environmentally unsustainable and economically unfeasible. For this reason, researchers from all over the world are devoted to searching for new ways of obtaining paclitaxel. At present, other methods, including artificial cultivation of Taxus plants, microbial fermentation, chemical synthesis, tissue and cell culture have been sought and developed subsequently. Meanwhile, the biosynthesis of paclitaxel is also an extremely attractive method. Unlike other anti-cancer drugs, paclitaxel has its unique anti-cancer mechanisms. Here, the source, production, and anti-cancer mechanisms of paclitaxel were summarized and reviewed, which can provide theoretical basis and reference for further research on the production, anti-cancer mechanisms and utilization of paclitaxel.

Effects of temperature and relative humidity on the number of outpatients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and their interaction effect in Lanzhou, China / 北京大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVE@#To understand the relationships of daily average temperature and relative humidity with outpatient visit frequency of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and whether temperature and relative humidity have a lag effect.@*METHODS@#The effects of daily average temperature, relative humidity, and their interaction in Lanzhou between January 2013 and December 2017 on the outpatient visit frequency of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients were analyzed using Poisson generalized linear regression model combined with distributed lag non-linear model.@*RESULTS@#There was a non-linear relationship between the daily average temperature and the outpatient visit frequency of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients. Between -12 °C and -8 °C, the outpatient visit frequency increased gradually with the decrease of the daily average temperature, and the outpatient visit frequency of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients increased by 11.60% per 1 °C of temperature drop. The daily average relative humidity also presented a non-linear effect on the outpatient visit frequency chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients. When the daily average relative humidity was in the range of 15%-28%, the outpatient visit frequency increased gradually with the decrease of relative humidity, and the outpatient visit frequency of COPD patients increased by 37.05% for every 1% decrease of relative humidity. A synergistic effect was found between air temperature and relative humidity on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, that is, under different relative humidity, the effect of air temperature was different. When the daily average relative humidity ≤ 50% and the daily average temperature≤11 °C, the effect of air temperature was the most obvious. For every 1 °C drop in temperature, the daily out-patient visit frequency of the whole population increased by 12.68% (5.62% in males and 7.56% in females; 5.24% in population < 65 years and 14.74% in population ≥ 65 years). When the daily average relative humidity > 50% and the daily average temperature ≤ 11 °C, the daily outpatient visit frequency of the whole population increased by 9.00% for every 1 °C drop in temperature (< 65 years, 7.11%; ≥65 years, 10.93%). When the daily average temperature > 11 °C, the temperature had no effect on the daily outpatient visit frequency of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients under different relative humidity.@*CONCLUSION@#The presence of a certain extent of interaction is observed between daily average temperature and relative humidity. Low-temperature and dry environment (relative humidity ≤50%, temperature ≤11 °C) as well as low-temperature and high-humidity environment (relative humidity > 50%, temperature ≤11 °C) can both increase the risk of outpatient visit in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients.

Ultrasound-guided percutaneous needling and interventional therapy for rotator cuff calcific tendinopathy / 中国介入影像与治疗学

Objective: To explore the value of ultrasound-guided percutaneous needling and interventional therapy for rotator cuff calcific tendinopathy (RCCT).Methods: Ultrasound-guided percutaneous needling and intervention were performed on 31 patients diagnosed as simple RCCT. Then the follow-up was carried out after operation. Visual analogue scale (VAS) and Neer shoulder joint function score were observed before treatment, 1 month and 6 months after treatment to evaluate the degree of pain and the improvement of shoulder function, and statistical analysis was performed. Results: No adverse events such as treatment-related infection and tendon injury occurred among 31 patients. There was no statistical difference of VAS before and 1 month after treatment compared with that before treatment (P=0.412). However, VAS separately decreased 6 months after treatment compared with that before and 1 month after treatment (both P<0.001). Neer shoulder function scores were significantly improved 1 month and 6 months after treatment compared with that before treatment (both P<0.001). In addition, Neer shoulder joint function score of 6 months after treatment was significantly higher than that 1 month after treatment (P<0.001). Conclusion: Ultrasound-guided percutaneous needling and interventional therapy for RCCT is effective, non-ionizing, minimally invasive and safety.

Clinical efficacy of ultrasound-guided interventional therapy for Morton neuroma / 中国医学影像技术

Objective: To investigate the clinical efficacy of ultrasound-guided interventional therapy for Morton neuroma. Methods All 36 patients with Morton neuroma were randomly divided into observation group (n=19) and control group (n=17). The patients of observation group were given ultrasound-guided interventional therapy, while the patients of control group were treated with traditional occlusive therapy. Vascular and tendon injuries during therapy, infection and other complications during 8 weeks after treatment were observed. Numerical rating scale (NRS) were assessed before treatment and 4 weeks and 8 weeks after treatment, and the maximum diameter of tumor before treatment and 8 weeks after treatment were compared. Results: No complications such as vascular and tendon injuries were observed in 2 groups during treatment. Six patients in control group had local infection during 8 weeks after treatment, which were relieved after symptomatic treatment. In observation group, NRS scores decreased obviously in 4 weeks and 8 weeks after treatment compared with before treatment (both P0.05), as well as between 8 weeks and 4 weeks after treatment (P>0.05). There was no significant difference of NRS scores before treatment and 4 weeks after treatment in both 2 groups (both P>0.05), while NRS score of observation group decreased compared with control group 8 weeks after treatment (P0.05). Conclusion: Ultrasound-guided intervention is efficacy and safety in treatment of Morton neuroma.