Cut-off points of neck and waist circumference as predictors of obstructive sleep apnea in the Colombian population: a comparison with polysomnography

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Neck circumference (NC) is a useful anthropometric measure for predicting obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Ethnicity and sex also influence obesity phenotypes. NC cut-offs for defining OSA have not been established for the Latin American population. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate NC, waist circumference (WC), and body mass index (BMI) as predictors of OSA in the Colombian population and to determine optimal cut-off points. DESIGN AND SETTING: Diagnostic tests were conducted at the Javeriana University, Bogota. METHODS: Adults from three cities in Colombia were included. NC, WC, and BMI were measured, and a polysomnogram provided the reference standard. The discrimination capacity and best cut-off points for diagnosing OSA were calculated. RESULTS: 964 patients were included (57.7% men; median age, 58 years) and 43.4% had OSA. The discrimination capacity of NC was similar for men and women (area under curve, AUC 0.63 versus 0.66, P = 0.39) but better for women under 60 years old (AUC 0.69 versus 0.57, P < 0.05). WC had better discrimination capacity for women (AUC 0.69 versus 0.57, P < 0.001). There were no significant differences in BMI. Optimal NC cut-off points were 36.5 cm for women (sensitivity [S]: 71.7%, specificity [E]: 55.3%) and 41 cm for men (S: 56%, E: 62%); and for WC, 97 cm for women (S: 65%, E: 69%) and 99 cm for men (S: 53%, E: 58%). CONCLUSIONS: NC and WC have moderate discrimination capacities for diagnosing OSA. The cut-off values suggest differences between Latin- and North American as well as Asian populations.

Applicability of portable retinal cameras and telemedicine as facilitating tools in screening diabetic retinopathy in the COVID-19 pandemic scenario / Aplicabilidade do retinógrafo portátil e telemedicina como ferramentas facilitadoras na triagem de retinopatia diabética no cenário de pandemia de COVID-19

ABSTRACT Purpose: Diabetes mellitus is a leading cause of impaired vision. The objective of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of use of portable retinograph and remote analysis of images along with a virtual questionnaire for screening for diabetic retinopathy in basic health units in the city of Ribeirão Preto/SP during the Covid-19 pandemic. Methods: Standard Covid-19 protocol was followed during the screening. Blood pressure and capillary blood glucose were measured. Demographic and social data were collected through a standardized online questionnaire via smartphone. After pupillary dilation, fundal images were obtained with portable retinographs by trained ophthalmology residents. Two standardized 45° images were acquired: one posterior segment and another nasal to the optic nerve. Diabetic retinopathy was classified according to the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study. Results: A total of 350 patients (64% female; 45% aged 55-70 years; 55% Caucasian) were evaluated. For 40.5% of patients, the campaign was the first opportunity for retinal evaluation; 47.56% had diabetes mellitus for >10 years. On repeat analysis of images stored in a cloud-based repository by retinal specialist, a 7.8% difference was observed in the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study diabetic retinopathy classification, compared to the screening findings. Mild diabetic retinopathy was observed in 12.23%, moderate diabetic retinopathy in 6.31%, and proliferative diabetic retinopathy in 2.58% patients. Macular edema was present in 4.58% patients. Diabetic retinopathy was not detected in 72.78% patients. Conclusion: Use of portable retinographs together with telemedicine can provide efficient alternative to traditional methods for screening and diagnosis of diabetic retinopathy.

RESUMO Objetivo: A diabetes mellitus é considerada uma epidemia global e causa de baixa visual em países em desenvolvimento. Este estudo foi realizado com o objetivo de avaliar a viabilidade do retinógrafo portátil e análise remota de imagens associada a questionário virtual para o rastreio de retinopatia diabética em Unidades Básicas de Saúde da cidade de Ribeirão Preto/SP durante a pandemia de Covid-19. Métodos: Trezentos e sessenta pacientes compareceram a campanha. O acolhimento foi realizado na Unidade Básica de Saúde pela equipe de enfermagem, respeitando medidas de prevenção do Covid-19 Os realizou-se aferição da pressão arterial e glicemia capilar seguida de dilatação. Dados demográficos e sociais foram coletados através de questionário on-line padronizado via smartphone e realizou-se a triagem da retinopatia diabética através da obtenção de imagens com retinógrafos portáteis realizados por residentes de oftalmologia previamente treinados, com a aquisição de 2 imagens padronizadas de 45º: uma do segmento posterior e outra nasal ao nervo óptico. Resultados: Trezentos e sessenta pacientes foram atendidos durante a campanha. Dez pacientes (1,02%) foram excluídos devido à opacidade de meios e impossibilidade de obtenção de imagens de fundo de olho. Foram avaliados 350 pacientes, 64% do sexo feminino, 45% entre 55 e 70 anos e 55% brancos. A Campanha foi a primeira avaliação de retina para 40,5% dos pacientes e 47,56% apresentavam diabetes mellitus há mais de 10 anos. Na análise comparativa da classificação da retinopatia diabética segundo Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (triagem X Nuvem) observou-se uma diferença de 7,8% nos resultados. Retinopatia diabética leve foi observada em 12,23%, moderada em 6,31%, proliferativa em 2,58%; edema macular presente em 4,58% e ausência de retinopatia diabética em 72,78% dos pacientes. Conclusão: A utilização de retinógrafos portáteis juntamente a telemedicina, para o rastreamento da retinopatia diabética pode ser considerada uma alternativa eficiente para triagem e diagnóstico da retinopatia diabética dentro ou fora do cenário pandêmico, auxiliando na prevenção de perda visual pelo diabetes.

Development and verification of whole column imaging detection-capillary isoelectric focusing method for determination of isoelectric point of pertactin / 中国生物制品学杂志

@#Objective To develop and verify a whole column imaging detection-capillary isoelectric focusing(WCID-CIEF)method for the determination of isoelectric point(pI)of pertactin(PRN).Methods The WCID-CIEF method for the determination of PRN antigen was developed by optimizing the parameters such as the focusing time and final concentration of samples in the WCID-CIEF process,and verified for the specificity,accuracy,repeatability,intermediate precision,durability and inter-batch consistency.Results The optimal focusing time of WCID-CIEF for the determination of PRN antigen pI was 1 min at 1 500 V and 3 min at 3 000 V. The optimal final concentration of PRN antigen was 300 μg/mL. The PRN antigen pI was about 6. 035,and the blank matrix showed no interference peak in the position of each peak of antigen. The method had good specificity,accuracy,repeatability,intermediate precision,durability and consistency among batches.Conclusion The developed WCID-CIEF method is suitable for the pI detection and charge heterogeneity analysis of PRN antigen,which can provide basis for the characterization of PRN antigen and reference for the quality control in the process of development and production of related vaccines.

PCorteSoft - Sistema para la determinación del punto de corte óptimo en escalas predictivas y la categorización de variables continuas

Al desarrollar modelos de predicción para su aplicación en la práctica clínica, los profesionales de la salud suelen categorizar las variables clínicas que son de naturaleza continua. En muchas ocasiones estos modelos constituyen la base para la confección de escalas predictivas, a partir de las cuales se estratifica a los pacientes en varias categorías atendiendo al fenómeno estudiado. En estos casos se requiere la determinación de uno o varios puntos de cortes que permitan dividir el recorrido de la variable, variables continuas o puntuaciones de una escala, en dos o más categorías. El presente trabajo tiene como objetivo la automatización de diferentes métodos para dicotomizar variables continuas en modelos de predicción clínica, donde la variable respuesta es dicotómica, y determinar el punto de corte óptimo en la estratificación de pacientes en dos categorías, a partir de escalas de predicción. Para ello se elaboró un software en el lenguaje de programación R, que implementa diferentes métodos para la determinación del punto de corte óptimo, lo cual agiliza el trabajo investigativo de los especialistas de salud en el proceso de elaboración de modelos predictivos y/o escalas de predicción.

When developing predictive models for application in clinical practice, health professionals often categorize clinical variables that are continuous in nature. In many cases, these models are the basis for the development of predictive scales from which patients are stratified into various categories according to the phenomenon under study. In both cases, it is necessary to determine one or more cut-off points that allow dividing the path of the variable, continuous variables, or scores of a scale into two or more categories. The aim of the present work is to automate different existing methods for dichotomizing continuous variables in clinical prediction models where the response variable is dichotomous, as well as to determine the optimal cut-off point for stratifying patients into two categories, based on prediction scales. For this purpose, a software was developed in the R programming language, which implements different existing methods for the determination of the optimal cut-off point, speeding up the research work of health specialists in the process of developing predictive models and/or prediction scales.

Evaluación comparativa de medición de linfocitos CD4+ por dos técnicas: estándar nacional versus test rápido de ejecución local

Antecedentes: El recuento de linfocitos CD4+ (LTCD4) es una herramienta fundamental para la evaluación y seguimiento de los pacientes que viven con VIH. En Chile, la medición de LTCD4 estandarizada es por citometría de flujo. En el sistema público se realiza en forma centralizada en tres centros. Actualmente existen tecnologías de medición rápida de recuento de LTCD4 en el lugar de atención, permitiendo optimizar la atención de pacientes con infección por VIH. Objetivo: Comparar la precisión de un test rápido de ejecución local versus la técnica estándar. Metodología: Realización de ambas técnicas en un grupo de 102 pacientes durante su control regular de salud. Resultados: El rango de variación promedio de los resultados entre las dos técnicas fue de 10%, con una concordancia en los recuentos de LTCD4 de 97% para el rango de CD4 < 200 cél/uL, de 88% para los pacientes con recuento de LTCD4 entre 200 y 349 cél/uL y de 67% en los rangos superiores. Conclusión: La técnica por test rápido es un sistema fácil de aplicar, de bajo costo, con alta concordancia con la técnica estándar, lo que debería considerarse en la atención de los pacientes que viven con VIH.

Background: The CD4+ lymphocyte cell count is an instrumental tool for the assessment and follow-up in the therapeutic management of patients living with HIV. In Chile, the standardized CD4+ lymphocyte count technique is by flow cytometry. In the public health system, it is performed centralized in 3 sites. Currently, there are technologies that allow measuring the CD4 lymphocyte count at the point of care, allowing to optimize the care of HIV-infected patients. Aim: To compare the accuracy of a point of care rapid test versus the standard technique in patients under regular care at a single HIV center. Results: The average variation of the results between the two techniques was 10%, with a 97% concordance in CD4 range values for patients with CD4 below 200 cells/uL, 88% for CD4 counts between 200 and 349 cells/uL. and 67% above that range. Conclusion: This point of care test is an easy-to-operate, low-cost system with high correlation with the standard technique and should be considered in the care of patients living with HIV.

Determinación de valores de corte de 17 hidroxiprogesterona ajustados por edad gestacional para la pesquisa neonatal de la hiperplasia suprarrenal congénita / Assessment of gestational age-adjusted 17-hydroxyprogesterone cut-off values for neonatal screening of congenital adrenal hyperplasia

La pesquisa neonatal de hiperplasia suprarrenal congénita se realiza mediante la determinación de 17 hidroxiprogesterona (17OHP) en gotas de sangre seca en papel de filtro. Los bebés prematuros presentan valores más elevados que los bebés de término, siendo de utilidad contar con límites de corte apropiados. Nuestro objetivo fue actualizar los valores de corte de 17OHP ajustados por edad gestacional para la metodología en uso a nivel nacional por las jurisdicciones asistidas por el "Programa Nacional de Fortalecimiento de la Detección Precoz de Enfermedades Congénitas". La 17OHP se determinó utilizando el kit comercial de enzimo-inmunoanálisis (ELISA competitivo), Elizen Neonatal 17OHP Screening (Zentech, Bélgica). Se obtuvieron límites de corte utilizando percentiles de la distribución de los valores de 17OHP para cada edad gestacional. La sensibilidad obtenida fue 100%, especificidad 98,76 %, tasa de falsos positivos 1,24 % y el valor predictivo positivo 1,12 %. Destacamos la importancia de disponer de límites de corte adecuados a la población. La armonización de los mismos permitirá resultados comparables entre los programas regionales de pesquisa neonatal (AU)

Newborn screening for congenital adrenal hyperplasia is performed by the measurement of 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17OHP) in dried blood spots on filter paper. Premature infants have higher values than full-term infants, and appropriate cutoff values are useful. Our aim was to update the cut-off values of 17OHP adjusted for gestational age for the methodology used at a national level in regions assisted by the "National Program for Strengthening the Early Detection of Congenital Diseases". 17OHP was determined using the commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (competitive ELISA) kit, Elizen Newborn 17OHP Screening (Zentech, Belgium). Cut-off values were obtained using percentiles of the distribution of 17OHP values for each gestational age. Sensitivity was 100%, specificity 98.76%, false positive rate 1.24%, and positive predictive value 1.12%. It is important to have cut-off values that are adjusted to the population. Harmonization will allow for the comparison of results among regional newborn screening programs (AU)

Role of Saliva in Point of Care Technology

Introduction: Saliva has been used as sample for point of care monitoring. In addition to its feasibility of use, the advantages of saliva when compared to other body fluids, the new technically advanced methods to detect the biomarkers of interest in saliva rendered the point of care testing (POCT) for wider applications. Significance of POCT: An accurate, quick and portable POCT is ideally required for hospital, laboratory and personal ap- plications. Together with point of care diagnostics, the scientifically validated numerous upcoming biomarkers will extend their applicability for real time health tracking and personalized precision medicine in different areas of health care systems. The utilization of salivary POC analytical procedures is perhaps in its emerging stage. Conclusion: This paper summarizes the overall perception regarding the salivary point of care testing and its applications.

Biomechanical Effects of Angiotensin 1-7 in Diabetes Rats Femur / Efectos Biomecánicos de la Angiotensina 1-7 en el Fémur de Ratas Diabéticas

SUMMARY: It is known that diabetes mellitus has late complications, including microvascular and macrovascular diseases. Diabetes can affect bones through biochemical markers of bone structure, density, and turnover. This study aimed to biomechanically investigate the bone-protective effects of angiotensin 1-7 (Ang 1-7), one of the active peptides in the renin-angiotensin system, in rats with diabetes. Thirty male Wistar albino rats, three months old and weighing 250-300 g, were divided into four groups: diabetes, Ang 1- 7, diabetes plus Ang 1-7, and control. One month later, diabetes developed in rats; the rats were sacrificed, and their right femur was removed. Three-point bending biomechanical tests were performed on the femurs. The diabetic group had significantly higher bone fragility than the other groups (Pr >.05). Bone fragility was lower, and bone flexibility was higher in the Ang 1-7 groups (Pr>F value 0.05). As a result of our study, the effect of Ang 1-7 on the bones of rats with diabetes was investigated biomechanically. Ang 1-7 has a protective impact on the bones of rats with diabetes.

Se sabe que la diabetes mellitus tiene complicaciones tardías, incluyendo enfermedades microvasculares y macrovasculares. La diabetes puede afectar los huesos a través de los marcadores bioquímicos de la estructura, la densidad y el recambio óseo. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo investigar biomecánicamente los efectos protectores en los huesos de la angiotensina 1-7 (Ang 1-7), uno de los péptidos activos en el sistema renina-angiotensina, en ratas con diabetes. Treinta ratas albinas Wistar macho, de tres meses de edad y con un peso de 250-300 g, se dividieron en cuatro grupos: diabetes, Ang 1-7, diabetes más Ang 1-7 y control. Un mes después, se desarrolló diabetes en ratas; se sacrificaron los animales y se extrajo su fémur derecho. Se realizaron pruebas biomecánicas de flexión de tres puntos en los fémures. El grupo diabéticos tenía una fragilidad ósea significativamente mayor que los otros grupos (Pr > 0,05). La fragilidad ósea fue menor y la flexibilidad ósea fue mayor en los grupos Ang 1-7 (valor Pr>F 0,05). Como resultado de nuestro estudio, se determinó biomecánicamente el efecto de Ang 1-7 en los huesos de ratas con diabetes. Se concluye que Ang 1-7 tiene un impacto protector en los huesos de ratas diabéticas.

POINT-OF-CARE ULTRASONOGRAPHY: NARRATIVE REVIEW

Point-of-care ultrasonography (POCUS) is a growing eld in medicine that allows clinicians to use ultrasonography at a patient's bedside, and it has transformed how clinicians deliver care. POCUS is used across various medical specialties, and non-radiologists and non-cardiologists can also become competent in the performance of POCUS, leading to increased adoption of this technology in clinical practice. POCUS and consultative ultrasonography are complementary, and both can be used together to provide a more comprehensive assessment of a patient's condition. In addition, POCUS is an invaluable tool that clinicians can use to monitor clinical conditions that can progress rapidly, such as acute respiratory failure, intracranial hypertension, and hemodynamic failure. Advances in POCUS technology have led to its use as a screening tool for the identication of certain disorders such as abdominal aortic aneurysm and for diagnosis of various medical conditions. POCUS has been associated with changes in clinical decision making in medical practice and has shown promising results in facilitating diagnosis and procedural guidance.

Comparative study of blackboard presentation and PowerPoint presentation in student’s seminar

Background: With the advancement of technology young generation i.e. students are friendlier with the electronic media for communication and understanding the concept. While some students still think that the older method such as use of blackboard is the better way for understanding or explains the concept. There are various studies were conducted to understand the perception of students regarding various teaching and learning media in overall curriculum but very few are conducted in students led seminar. Aim and Objectives: To compare the perception of students to the blackboard presentation and to the power point presentation in students led seminar. Material and Methods: A pre-designed, pretested self-administered questionnaire was prepared regarding perception of students on blackboard and PowerPoint presentation in learning process. Total 15 parameters were included in the questionnaire. Results: In this study 54% of students prefer the PowerPoint presentation (PPT) over the blackboard presentation (46%) as the best teaching method in the seminar. With the PPT presentation better demonstrations of clinical conditions and important points can be recalled during summarization of the topic. Blackboard teaching stimulates the interest and more stress on important point is given. Students and presenter’s interaction is better in Blackboard presentation. Conclusion: Our study demonstrates that seminar delivered using PPT was more appreciated and preferred by the students.

Ecografía realizada por cirujanos generales más allá de la evaluación enfocada al trauma / Echography Scans Performed by General Surgeons beyond Focused Assessment for Trauma

Introducción: La ecografía es considerada en la actualidad una modalidad de imagen establecida en medicina con múltiples beneficios que se utiliza ampliamente en la práctica quirúrgica. Los cirujanos son entrenados en exploraciones de Evaluación Ecográfica Enfocada para el Trauma. Sin embargo, cada vez adquieren más habilidades para realizar ecografías, tanto al lado de la cama como en el transoperatorio para otras presentaciones quirúrgicas. Objetivo: Exponer el uso de la ecografía realizada por el cirujano general ante el paciente quirúrgico. Métodos: Se realizó una revisión bibliográfica del tema en las bases de datos PubMed, BVS-BIREME y Cochrane. Se consideraron en la búsqueda todo tipo de estudios publicados desde enero de 1958 hasta enero del 2022, a los cuales se tuvo acceso. Los idiomas utilizados en la búsqueda fueron el español y el inglés. Desarrollo: La ecografía realizada por el cirujano general es cada vez más preconizada a nivel mundial, no solo para el trauma sino tanto en afecciones agudas intrabdominales como para aumentar la seguridad durante el transoperatorio. Conclusiones: La ecografía tiene muchas ventajas debido a que es una técnica segura, rápida, no invasiva, portátil y repetible, que brinda imágenes dinámicas en tiempo real relevantes para el manejo del paciente(AU)

Introduction: Echography is nowadays considered an established imaging modality in medicine and with multiple benefits, as well as widely used in surgical practice. Surgeons are trained in focused assessment with echography for trauma. However, they are becoming increasingly skilled in performing echography scans, both at the point of care and in the transoperative setting for other surgical presentations. Objective: To expose the use of echography performed by the general surgeon directly on the surgical patient. Methods: A bibliographic review of the subject was carried out in the PubMed, BVS-BIREME and Cochrane databases. All types of studies published from January 1958 to January 2022, to which access was available, were considered in the search. The languages used in the search were Spanish and English. Development: The echography scan performed by the general surgeon is increasingly advocated worldwide, not only for trauma but also for acute intraabdominal conditions, as well as to increase safety during the transoperative period. Conclusions: Echography has many advantages because it is a safe, fast, noninvasive, portable and repeatable technique that provides real-time dynamic images relevant to patient management(AU)

Use of bedside echocardiography in the care of critically ill patients - a joint consensus document of the Associação de Medicina Intensiva Brasileira, Associação Brasileira de Medicina de Emergência, and Sociedade Brasileira de Medicina Hospitalar. Part 1 - Competence in bedside echocardiography / Uso da ecocardiografia à beira do leito no cuidado do paciente grave - um documento conjunto de consenso da Associação de Medicina Intensiva Brasileira, Associação Brasileira de Medicina de Emergência e Sociedade Brasileira de Medicina Hospitalar. Parte 1 - Competência em ecocardiografia à beira do leito

ABSTRACT The use of echocardiography by physicians who are not echocardiographers has become common throughout the world across highly diverse settings where the care of acutely ill patients is provided. Echocardiographic evaluation performed in a point-of-care manner can provide relevant information regarding the mechanism of causes of shock, for example, increasing the rates of correct diagnosis and allowing for faster informed decision-making than through evaluation methods. Considering that the accurate diagnosis of life-threatening situations is essential for professionals working with acutely ill patients, several international associations recommend that physicians responsible for critically ill patients acquire and develop the ability to perform bedside ultrasound examinations, including echocardiographic examinations. However, there is no consensus in the literature regarding which specific applications should be included in the list of skills for nonechocardiographer physicians. Taking into account the multiplicity of applications of echocardiography in different scenarios related to acutely ill patients; the differences in the published protocols, with regard to both the teaching methodology and competence verification; and the heterogeneity of training among highly diverse specialties responsible for their care at different levels, this consensus document aimed to reflect the position of representatives of related Brazilian medical societies on the subject and may thus serve as a starting point both for standardization among different specialties and for the transmission of knowledge and verification of the corresponding competencies.

RESUMO O emprego da ecocardiografia por médicos não ecocardiografistas tem se tornado comum em todo o mundo nos mais diversos ambientes em que se dá o cuidado do paciente agudamente doente. A avaliação ecocardiográfica realizada de forma point-of-care pode fornecer informações pertinentes em relação ao mecanismo das causas de choque, por exemplo, incrementando as taxas de diagnóstico correto e possibilitando a tomada de decisão fundamentada de forma mais rápida do que por meio dos métodos tradicionais de avaliação. Considerando que o diagnóstico preciso de situações ameaçadoras à vida é indispensável a profissionais atuando junto a pacientes agudamente enfermos, diversas entidades associativas internacionais recomendam que médicos responsáveis por pacientes gravemente doentes devam adquirir e desenvolver a habilidade para realizar exames ultrassonográficos à beira do leito, inclusive ecocardiográficos. Entretanto, não há consenso na literatura acerca de quais aplicações específicas devam compor o rol de habilidades do médico não ecocardiografista. Levando-se em consideração a multiplicidade de aplicações da ecocardiografia em diversos cenários relativos ao paciente agudamente enfermo; as diferenças nos protocolos publicados, tanto no que diz respeito à metodologia de ensino como de verificação de competências, bem como a heterogeneidade da formação entre as mais diversas especialidades responsáveis pelo seu cuidado em diferentes níveis, este documento de consenso teve o objetivo de refletir o posicionamento de representantes de sociedades médicas brasileiras afins acerca do tema, podendo, assim, servir de ponto de partida para a uniformização entre diferentes especialidades, bem como para a transmissão de conhecimento e a verificação das competências correspondentes.

Point of care ultrasound: a clinical decision support tool for COVID-19

The COVID-19 global pandemic has overwhelmed health services with large numbers of patients presenting to hospital, requiring immediate triage and diagnosis. Complications include acute respiratory distress syndrome, myocarditis, septic shock, and multiple organ failure. Point of care ultrasound is recommended for critical care triage and monitoring in COVID-19 by specialist critical care societies, however current guidance has mainly been published in webinar format, not a comprehensive review. Important limitations of point of care ultrasound include inter-rater variability and subjectivity in interpretation of imaging findings, as well as infection control concerns. A practical approach to clinical integration of point of care ultrasound findings in COVID-19 patients is presented to enhance consistency in critical care decision making, and relevant infection control guidelines and operator precautions are discussed, based on a narrative review of the literature.

Development and application of three-dimensional point cloud radiotherapy real-time monitoring system based on depth camera / 中华放射肿瘤学杂志

Objective:To develop the real-time radiotherapy monitoring system of three-dimensional (3D) point cloud by using depth camera and verify its feasibility.Methods:Taking the depth camera coordinate system as the world coordinate system, the conversion relationship between the simulation CT coordinate system and the world coordinate system was obtained from the calibration module. The patient's simulation CT point cloud was transformed into the world coordinate system through the above relationship, and registered with the patient's surface point cloud obtained in real-time manner by the depth camera to calculate the six-dimensional (6D) error, and complete the positioning verification and fractional internal position error monitoring in radiotherapy. Mean and standard deviation of 6D calculation error, Hausdorff distance of point cloud after registration and the running time of each part of the program were calculated to verify the feasibility of the system. Fifteen real patients were selected to calculate the 6D error between the system and cone beam CT (CBCT).Results:In the phantom experiment, the errors of the system in the x, y and z axes were (1.292±0.880)mm, (1.963±1.115)mm, (1.496±1.045)mm, respectively, and the errors in the rotation, pitch and roll directions were 0.201°±0.181°, 0.286°±0.326°, 0.181°±0.192°, respectively. For real patients, the translational error of the system was within 2.6 mm, the rotational error was approximately 1°, and the program run at 1-2 frames/s. The precision and speed met the radiotherapy requirement. Conclusion:The 3D point cloud radiotherapy real-time monitoring system based on depth camera can automatically complete the positioning verification before radiotherapy, real-time monitoring of body position during radiotherapy, and provide error visual feedback, which has potential clinical application value.

Study on the effect of personal radiological protective equipment used in diagnostic radiology / 中华放射医学与防护杂志

Objective:To study the actual effect of the use of personal protective equipment of the examined individuals, and provide reference and basis for the correct use of personal protective equipment and the radiological health administrative law enforcement.Methods:From February to June 2022, the imaging department of Qingdao Municipal Hospital selected 170 patients who underwent X-ray imaging examination (oral panoramic, dental radiography, DR photography, CT scanning), including 25 with oral panoramic and dental radiography, 60 with CT scanning and 60 with DR imaging. The thermoluminescent dosimeter was used to detect the ambient dose equivalent at the point of concern for 170 examined individuals who have used personal protective equipment to cover their sensitive parts, and to analyze the data detected at the same point as above when routinely using the same equipment.Results:There was a statistically significant difference in the dose equivalent at the same points inside and outside the lead neckband ( t=-2.23, P<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in the dose equivalent at the same point inside and outside the lead collar during dental radiography ( P>0.05). During DR photography (chest PA, lateral and lumbar AP), the examined individuals were wearing lead aprons. Among them, there was a statistically significant difference in the dose equivalent at the same points inside and outside the lead aprons of children′s chest PA and adults′ chest PA ( U=10.00, 19.00, P<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in the dose equivalent at the same points inside and outside the lead aprons of adult′s chest PA and lumbar AP ( P>0.05). When performing CT scan (chest or upper abdomen), there was a statistically significant difference in the dose equivalent at the same points of wrapped lead aprons( U=878.50, 11.00, P<0.05). Conclusions:The correct use of personal protective equipment is a complex technical problem. It is very important to fully and accurately understand the optimization principle of radiation protection and correctly use personal protective equipment for the examined individuals. The administrative punishment of radiation health on the use of personal protective equipment of the examined individuals should be cautious.

Clinical observation of small incision surgery combined with multi-point skin fixation in the treatment of axillary osmidrosis / 中国医师杂志

Objective:To evaluate the efficacy and safety of small incision surgery combined with multi-point skin fixation in the treatment of axillary osmidrosis.Methods:104 patients with axillary osmidrosis who were treated in the dermatology department of the Third Hospital of Changsha from January 2017 to December 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. They were divided into the observation group (56 cases) and the control group (48 cases). Both groups were treated with small incision pruning combined with porous drainage. On this basis, the observation group was treated with multi-point skin fixation gauze compression bandage, while the control group was treated with conventional gauze stacking compression bandage. The efficacy, satisfaction, postoperative wound healing time and complication rate of the two groups were compared.Results:The effective rate of the observation group and the control group were 96.43%(54/56) and 95.83%(46/48) respectively, with no significant difference ( P>0.05). Compared with preoperative, the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score of patients in the two groups was significantly lower after operation, and the difference was statistically significant (both P<0.05). The satisfaction of patients in the observation group was higher than that in the control group [(4.05±1.15)points vs (3.19±1.00)points], and the difference was statistically significant ( t=4.10, P<0.05). The wound healing time in the observation group was shorter than that in the control group, and the incidence of complications was lower than that in the control group, with statistically significant difference (all P<0.05). Conclusions:Small incision surgery combined with multi-point skin fixation for the treatment of axillary osmidrosis has good curative effect, short postoperative wound healing time and fewer complications, and improved patient satisfaction, which can be popularized in clinical application.

Change point analysis of normal distribution based on the likelihood ratio principle and its application in the number of outpatients analysis / 中华地方病学杂志

Objective:The authors introduced the change point analysis of normal distribution based on the likelihood ratio principle, analyzed the number of outpatients in a hospital of Luohu District, Shenzhen, to provide scientific basis for rational allocation of health resources.Methods:The authors collected totally 636 number of outpatients' data from 8: 00 to 12: 00 a.m. at 48 time windows at 5 minutes intervals in a hospital of Luohu District, Shenzhen, and analyzed it with single change point analysis of simultaneous change of mean and variance, and discussed when the change point occurred.Results:The average number of outpatient was 13.250 0 for every time window, the change point occurred at 8: 50, the probability was 0.000 025, the average number of outpatient per 5 minutes from 8: 00 to 8: 50 was 7.000 0, the average number of outpatient per 5 minutes from 8: 50 to 12: 00 was 14.897 4, and the ratio of number of outpatients before and after the change point occurred was 1∶2.Conclusion:In the case of no need to determine the base period or compare the data, the change point analysis of normal distribution based on the principle of likelihood ratio provides a new way of statistical analysis and statistical monitoring for the rational allocation of health resources based on the number of patients.

Personal glucose meters coupled with signal amplification technologies for quantitative detection of non-glucose targets:Recent progress and challenges in food safety hazards analysis / 药物分析学报

Ensuring food safety is paramount worldwide.Developing effective detection methods to ensure food safety can be challenging owing to trace hazards,long detection time,and resource-poor sites,in addition to the matrix effects of food.Personal glucose meter(PGM),a classic point-of-care testing device,possesses unique application advantages,demonstrating promise in food safety.Currently,many studies have used PGM-based biosensors and signal amplification technologies to achieve sensitive and specific detection of food hazards.Signal amplification technologies have the potential to greatly improve the analytical performance and integration of PGMs with biosensors,which is crucial for solving the challenges associated with the use of PGMs for food safety analysis.This review introduces the basic detection principle of a PGM-based sensing strategy,which consists of three key factors:target recog-nition,signal transduction,and signal output.Representative studies of existing PGM-based sensing strategies combined with various signal amplification technologies(nanomaterial-loaded multienzyme labeling,nucleic acid reaction,DNAzyme catalysis,responsive nanomaterial encapsulation,and others)in the field of food safety detection are reviewed.Future perspectives and potential opportunities and challenges associated with PGMs in the field of food safety are discussed.Despite the need for complex sample preparation and the lack of standardization in the field,using PGMs in combination with signal amplification technology shows promise as a rapid and cost-effective method for food safety hazard analysis.

Effect of anterior capsule polishing on the visual quality after cataract surgery / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

AIM: To evaluate the effect of anterior capsule polishing on visual quality after phacoemulsification.METHODS: Prospective randomized control study. A total of 65 patients(73 eyes)with age-related cataract who underwent phacoemulsification combined with intraocular lens(IOL)implantation in the Emergency General Hospital between November 2021 and June 2022 were included. These patients were randomly assigned to two groups, with one group(anterior polishing group)underwent anterior and posterior capsule polishing(30 cases, 35 eyes), while the other(control group)receive routine posterior capsule polishing(35 cases, 38 eyes). Best corrected visual acuity was observed at 1wk, 1, 3 and 6mo after operation. Area of anterior capsule orifice was measured at 3 and 6mo after operation. Meanwhile, posterior capsular opacification(P score), IOL tilt and decentration were recorded by Pentacam Scheimpflug system. In addition, wavefront aberration, Strehl ratio(SR)of point spread function(PSF)and modulation transfer function(MTF)were evaluated by OPD-Scan Ⅲ.RESULTS: At 1wk, 1, 3 and 6mo after operation, best corrected visual acuity in anterior polishing group is significantly better than that of control group(P&#x003C;0.05). There were no significant differences in area of anterior capsule opening, P score, IOL decentration, SR of PSF and MTF between two groups at 3 and 6mo after operation(P&#x003E;0.05). At 3mo follow-up, no significant differences in IOL tilt and wavefront aberration were measured between two groups either(P&#x003E;0.05). However, IOL tilt [(1.65±0.60)° vs.(2.34±0.43)°, P&#x003C;0.001] and wavefront aberration(0.03±0.01μm vs. 0.06±0.03μm, P&#x003C;0.001)in anterior polishing group were significant lower compared to control group at 6mo after operation.CONCLUSION: 360° polishing of anterior and posterior capsule during phacoemulsification can improve best corrected visual quality, with reduced IOL tilt, lower wavefront aberration and better visual quality.