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Price: EUR 150.00Authors: Liu, Yining | Xu, Liming | Fang, Qiongyan | Rong, Hui | Zheng, Huaiyu
Article Type: Research Article
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Danshen Chuanxiong Injection (DCI) has demonstrated significant clinical efficacy in the treatment of acute pancreatitis (AP); however, the precise molecular mechanisms underlying its therapeutic effects remain incompletely understood. OBJECTIVE: In this study, we employed network pharmacology analysis to comprehensively investigate the active components, potential targets, and signaling pathways involved in DCI-mediated treatment of AP. METHODS: We utilized the mouse pancreatic acinar cell line 266-6 to establish an cholecystokinin (CCK)-induced AP cell injury model and evaluated cell viability using the Cell counting kit-8 assay. Western blotting and quantitative PCR were employed to determine …the expression levels of key target proteins and genes. RESULTS: Network pharmacology analysis identified a total of 144 active components and 430 potential targets within DCI. By integrating data from public databases, we identified 762 AP-related genes. Among these, we identified 93 potential targets that may be involved in the therapeutic effects of DCI for AP. These targets were significantly enriched in biological processes such as oxidative stress, regulation of cytokine production, leukocyte migration, and the TNF signaling pathway. Molecular docking studies revealed a high binding affinity between the active components and the key targets AKT1 and NFKBA, indicative of potential interaction. Additionally, CCK-induced acinar cell injury led to upregulation of AKT1, NFKBA, and P53 proteins, as well as TNF, IL6, and MMP9 genes. Conversely, treatment with DCI dose-dependently attenuated CCK-induced acinar cell injury and restored the expression levels of the aforementioned proteins and genes. CONCLUSION: Overall, this study provides a comprehensive understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of DCI in the treatment of AP. Our findings confirm the protective effect of DCI against CCK-induced acinar cell injury and its regulation of key targets. Show more
Keywords: Danshen Chuanxiongqin injection, acute pancreatitis, network pharmacology, acinar cells, molecular docking
DOI: 10.3233/THC-231086
Citation: Technology and Health Care, vol. Pre-press, no. Pre-press, pp. 1-14, 2024
Authors: Yang, Wen | Chen, Yue
Article Type: Research Article
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Electronic coloscopy is an invasive procedure and achieving an ideal result can be challenging, leading to low intestinal cleanliness scores and a poor intestinal polyp positive rate. OBJECTIVE: (1) To demonstrate the impact of intensified nursing intervention on electronic colonoscopy. (2) To improve patients’ satisfaction with medical services related to intestinal cleanliness during preparation, the accuracy of the intestinal polyp-positive rate, and nursing. METHODS: Our study included 120 patients who underwent electronic coloscopy. These patients were randomly assigned to either the observation group or the control group, with 60 cases in each …group. Patients in the control group received conventional nursing intervention, which included face-to-face oral and written instructions. In addition to the conventional intervention, patients in the observation group received intensified guidance interventions, which included instructions via phone, as well as WeChat messages and pictures. RESULTS: The patients in the observation group who received intensified guidance interventions demonstrated better intestinal cleanliness during preparation compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Besides, the accuracy of the intestinal polyp positive rate was higher in the observation group than in the control group (P < 0.05). Finally, regarding patient satisfaction with the nursing service provided by the endoscopy center, the observation group had a higher level of satisfaction than the control group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The intensified guidance interventions provided to patients undergoing electronic colonoscopy resulted in a significant improvement in intestinal cleanliness during preparation, as well as an increase in the accuracy of the intestinal polyp-positive rate and patient satisfaction with our nursing service. Therefore, we believe that these interventions are highly beneficial and should be promoted and applied in clinical settings. Show more
Keywords: Colonoscopy, nursing intervention, intestinal cleanliness, intestinal polyp positive rate, satisfaction with nursing service
DOI: 10.3233/THC-230774
Citation: Technology and Health Care, vol. Pre-press, no. Pre-press, pp. 1-7, 2024
Authors: Yang, Xin-Lei | Ni, Dong-He | Yu, Yang | Zhao, Jin-Cui | Lin, Rui | Xiu, Chao | Chang, Zhe-Xing
Article Type: Research Article
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Breast cancer has the second highest mortality rate of all cancers and occurs mainly in women. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) radiomics features and histological grade of invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) of the breast and to evaluate its diagnostic efficacy. METHODS: The two conventional MRI quantitative indicators, i.e. the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and the initial enhancement rate, were collected from 112 patients with breast cancer. The breast cancer lesions were manually segmented in dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI) and ADC images, the differences in radiomics features between …Grades I, II and III IDCs were compared and the diagnostic efficacy was evaluated. RESULTS: The ADC values (0.77 ± 0.22 vs 0.91 ± 0.22 vs 0.92 ± 0.20, F = 4.204, p < 0.01), as well as the B_sum_variance (188.51 ± 67.803 vs 265.37 ± 77.86 vs 263.74 ± 82.58, F = 6.040, p < 0.01), L_energy (0.03 ± 0.02 vs 0.13 ± 0.11 vs 0.12 ± 0.14, F = 7.118, p < 0.01) and L_sum_average (0.78 ± 0.32 vs 16.34 ± 4.23 vs 015.45 ± 3.74, F = 21.860, p < 0.001) values of patients with Grade III IDC were significantly lower than those of patients with Grades I and II IDC. The B_uniform (0.15 ± 0.12 vs 0.11 ± 0.04 vs 0.12 ± 0.03, F = 3.797, p < 0.01) and L_SRE (0.85 ± 0.07 vs 0.78 ± 0.03 vs 0.79 ± 0.32, F = 3.024, p < 0.01) values of patients with Grade III IDC were significantly higher than those of patients with Grades I and II IDC. All differences were statistically significant (p < 0.05). The ADC radiomics signature model had a higher area-under-the-curve value in identifying different grades of IDC than the ADC value model and the DCE radiomics signature model (0.869 vs 0.711 vs 0.682). The accuracy (0.812 vs 0.647 vs 0.710), specificity (0.731 vs 0.435 vs 0.342), positive predictive value (0.815 vs 0.663 vs 0.669) and negative predictive value (0.753 vs 0.570 vs 0.718) of the ADC radiomics signature model were all significantly better than the ADC value model and the DCE radiomics signature model. CONCLUSION: ADC values and breast MRI radiomics signatures are significant in identifying the histological grades of IDC, with the ADC radiomics signatures having greater value. Show more
Keywords: Invasive ductal carcinoma, magnetic resonance imaging, radiomics, histological grading
DOI: 10.3233/THC-230671
Citation: Technology and Health Care, vol. Pre-press, no. Pre-press, pp. 1-10, 2024
Authors: Al Ahmari, Nasser M. | Alshehri, Abdulkarim H. | Gadah, Thrya S. | Alqahtani, Jaber A. | Almushafi, Mohammed A. | Al Moaleem, Mohammed M. | Al Hatlan, Ebtisam N. | Alqhatani, Aliya S. | Alabydi, Shahad M.
Article Type: Research Article
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Endocrowns (ECs) are alternatives for rebuilding severely damaged teeth and show superior efficacy in molars over premolars. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this in vitro study is to evaluate the effects of different preparation designs with short pulp chambers on the mean color change (Δ E ), fracture resistance, and failure types of mandibular molar ECs. METHOD: A total of 40 extracted mandibular molars were treated endodontically and divided into four groups. Samples in groups 1, 2, 3, and 4 had occlusal preparation depths of 5 mm, 3 …mm, 3 mm with ferrule, and 3 mm with boxes, respectively. The samples were immersed in coffee and their Δ E values were measured by using the Commission Internationale de l’Eclairage color system. They were also subjected to a fracture test. Next, all specimens were examined visually under a stereomicroscope to evaluate their failure modes and identify their fracture origins. Data were entered and analyzed by using Statistical Package for Social Sciences. RESULTS: Among all groups, group 4 (3 mm + boxes) presented the highest Δ E (4.15) after immersion in coffee. Moreover, ANOVA revealed that the Δ E of group 4 (occlusal preparation depth of 3 mm with boxes) was significantly different (p < 0.05) from that of group 2 (3 mm + ferrule, 3.07). The EC with a 3 mm chamfer and ferrule showed the highest maximum load of 2847.68 ± 693.27 N, whereas that with a 5 mm chamfer finish line had a marginally reduced load at fracture of 2831.52 ± 881.83 N. The EC with a 3 mm chamber and boxes had a slightly increased maximum load of 2700.75 ± 436.40 N, whereas that with the 3 mm chamber had the lowest maximum load at fracture of 2385.97 ± 465.61 N. One-way ANOVA showed that different EC preparation designs had no effect on maximum fracture load (F [3,16] = 0.550, p = 0.6). CONCLUSION: The recorded Δ E values of ECs in all groups were equal or marginally higher than the acceptable values. The EC with a 3 mm chamfer and ferrule displayed the highest mean maximum load. The EC with a 5 mm chamfer finish line had a marginally lower maximum load at fracture than other ECs. Failures, such as ceramic fracture, split fracture, and ceramic and tooth splitting above the cemento–enamel junction (CEJ) or vertically were predominant in samples with occlusal preparation depths of 3 mm with ferrule and 5 mm. Show more
Keywords: Endocrown, color measurement, fracture strength, failure type, endocrown design
DOI: 10.3233/THC-231175
Citation: Technology and Health Care, vol. Pre-press, no. Pre-press, pp. 1-14, 2023
Authors: Wang, Gang | Zhang, Hao-Cheng | Zhang, Si-Jin | Yao, Yan-Yi | Zhao, Yan | Wang, Zeng | Zhang, Ting
Article Type: Research Article
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Coronary artery disease can be quantified by measuring the fat attenuation index (FAI). OBJECTIVE: To explore the correlations between FAI, high-risk plaque and the degree of coronary artery stenosis. METHODS: The clinical data of patients with coronary atherosclerosis who underwent a coronary computed tomography (CT) angiography examination between July 2020 and June 2023 were selected for retrospective analysis. These patients were classified into a high-risk plaque group and non-high-risk plaque group according to the presence of CT high-risk plaque. The diagnostic value of FAI and FAI combined with the degree of stenosis …was evaluated for CT high-risk plaque. RESULTS: Differences in age, body mass index, smoking history, FAI and the degree of stenosis between the two groups were statistically significant (all P < 0.05). The results of a binary logistic regression analysis revealed that FAI (odds ratio (OR): 1.131, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.101–1.173, P < 0.001) and the degree of stenosis (OR: 1.021, 95% CI: 1.012–1.107, P < 0.001) were risk factors for high-risk plaque. CONCLUSION: The FAI can be used to monitor the inflammation level of the coronary artery; the higher the FAI is, the higher the risk of plaque and degree of stenosis. Show more
Keywords: Coronary computed tomography angiography, peripheral coronary adipose tissue, fat attenuation index, plaque
DOI: 10.3233/THC-230676
Citation: Technology and Health Care, vol. Pre-press, no. Pre-press, pp. 1-10, 2023
Authors: Lu, Cancan | Shi, Jimin | Tan, Yamin | Hu, Huixian
Article Type: Research Article
Abstract: BACKGROUND: There is no specificity in the clinical presentation of hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH). OBJECTIVE: To study some clinical, etiological, and prognostic features of HLH to improve the clinical understanding of the disease. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of the clinical data of 125 patients with HLH admitted to our hospital from June 2015 to August 2021, including clinical characteristics, laboratory indicators, and survival period. Statistical analysis was performed from the overall group of study indicators, which included population, children, and adults. RESULTS: In the whole population, sex, age, blood myoglobin, and NK …cell ratio of M-HLH and non-M-HLH patients (P < 0.05), serum albumin, and direct bilirubin were independent correlates of M-HLH. In the pediatric group, age and the proportion of NK cells were significantly different between M-HLH and non-M-HLH patients (P < 0.05). Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that all factors were not significantly associated with M-HLH. The associated regression analysis showed that all factors were not significantly associated with M-HLH. ROC curve analysis showed that the best predictive value of NK cell percentage for M-HLH diagnosis in the overall population was 4.96% in the pediatric group and 4.96% in the adult group. The best predictive value for M-HLH diagnosis was 2.08%. The univariate analysis showed that platelet count, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, serum albumin, direct bilirubin and indirect bilirubin affected prognosis; COX regression showed that none of these factors had a significant relationship. The overall median survival time was 20.7 months in the adult group, 44.3 months in non-M-HLH patients, and 7.73 months in M-HLH patients (p = 0.011); univariate analysis showed that platelet count and serum albumin level affected prognosis; COX regression results in serum albumin level was an independent risk factor for prognosis. CONCLUSION: The survival rate of non-M-HLH was significantly better than that of M-HLH; the proportion of NK cells had predictive value for the diagnosis of M-HLH; in the general population, non-M-HLH was more likely to have abnormal liver function than M-HLH: lower platelet count and serum albumin level were associated with poor prognosis, and the lower the platelet count and serum albumin level, the worse the prognosis: in addition, adults with lower serum albumin levels are also associated with poor prognosis. Show more
Keywords: HLH, EB virus infection, inclusion criteria, diagnostic criteria, demographics
DOI: 10.3233/THC-231275
Citation: Technology and Health Care, vol. Pre-press, no. Pre-press, pp. 1-18, 2024
Authors: Álvarez Valdivielso, Ainhoa | Akkaya, Mustafa | Mau, Hans | Luo, T. David | Gehrke, Thorsten | Citak, Mustafa
Article Type: Research Article
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Surgeons still face difficulties when performing aseptic acetabular revision on patients with extensive defects. Advances in three-dimensional printing technology (3DP) have afforded to the surgeons to create a patient-specific implant matching the morphology and topography of the defect. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the current research was to determine the survivorship in the treatment of acetabular bone defects with pelvic discontinuity (PD). METHODS: In order to reconstruct Paprosky type III defects with PD, twenty-three patients underwent revision total hip arthroplasty (THA) utilizing 3D-printed implants (Mobelife). The primary outcomes were the implant-associated failure rate …correlated with survivorship. As secondary variables, complications and the effect of age, sex, comorbidities, history of infections and the presence of other lower limb arthroplasties on a new revision were analyzed. RESULTS: Patients were followed out to a mean of 67.22 ± 39.44 months (range, 0.9–127 months). Mobelife implant mean survival was 102.57 ± 9.90 months (95% CI 83.17–121.96). The cohort’s implant one-year survival rate was 87%; at ten years, it dropped to 78.3%. There were four revisions: three due to periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) and one case due to aseptic loosening. Cox regression analysis did not identify any variable as predictor of failure. CONCLUSION: The use of 3DP patient-specific acetabular components has shown encouraging results and it is a viable treatment option for addressing acetabular defects with combined PD in aseptic THA revision. Show more
Keywords: Acetabular bone loss, Paprosky type III bone defect, pelvic discontinuity, patient-specific implants, 3D printing
DOI: 10.3233/THC-231647
Citation: Technology and Health Care, vol. Pre-press, no. Pre-press, pp. 1-10, 2024
Authors: Incesoy, Mustafa Alper | Yildiz, Fatih | Pulatkan, Mehmet Anil | Yesiller, Omer Faruk | Toluk, Ozlem | Erdem, Ahmet Can | Tuncay, Ibrahim
Article Type: Research Article
Abstract: BACKGROUND: With the restoration of the natural hip biomechanics, a successful total hip arthroplasty (THA) and long-term survival is pursued. Although robotic THA (rTHA) has been developed to increase accuracy of implant positioning, leg lengths and offsets, discussions about its radiological and clinical advantages over conventional THA (cTHA) continues. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare clinical and radiological outcomes of robotic and conventional THA. METHODS: This retrospective study compares functional and radiological outcomes of 82 rTHA with a matched group of 82 cTHA in terms of age, sex, body mass …index and preoperative functional scores. The minimum follow up was 12 months for all patients. Functional outcomes were Harris Hip Score (HHS) and the Western Ontario and McMaster University Osteoarthritis index (WOMAC) evaluated pre- and postoperatively. Radiological evaluations included position of cup placement according to Lewinnek and Callanan safe zones, Canal Fill Ratio (CFR), Leg Length Discrepancy (LLD), Lateral offset (LO) and Femoral Component Alignment (FCA). Complications were also evaluated. RESULTS: In the rTHA group, 91.5% (75 out of 82) of the acetabular cups were positioned within the safe zone whereas it was 63.4% (52 out of 82) for the cTHA group (p < 0.001). According to Callanan, they were 84.1% and 50%, respectively (p < 0.001). Between the groups, no statistically significant difference was found in CFR, LLD, HO, FCA, AI, AA, WOMAC, HHS and major complication rates. CONCLUSION: rTHA is superior to cTHA in terms of accuracy and reproducibility of the cup placement, however no apparent clinical benefit was found in short term follow. Show more
Keywords: Total hip arthroplasty, robot-assisted surgery, component positioning, robotic total hip replacement
DOI: 10.3233/THC-231111
Citation: Technology and Health Care, vol. Pre-press, no. Pre-press, pp. 1-11, 2023
Authors: Huizinga, Maarten R. | de Vries, Astrid J. | Verkerke, G.J. | Brouwer, Reinoud W.
Article Type: Research Article
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Given the increasing numbers of young patients with knee osteoarthritis there is a need for treatments that can postpone a joint prosthesis (total knee replacement). OBJECTIVE: As an alternative to the effective yet invasive knee joint distraction procedure, a knee orthosis was developed aiming to unload the affected knee and improving synovial fluid flow. The aim of this study was to examine the effectiveness of using a load-reducing orthosis for two months on functioning, pain, and disease progression (e.g. amount of damaged cartilage) in patients with symptomatic osteoarthritis of the knee for at least one …year. METHODS: This is an interventional single-center pilot study. Ten patients with symptomatic osteoarthritis of one knee (5 males/5 females; median age 57; age range 42–59) used a custom-made orthosis for 60 days during daily life activities that involved knee loading (e.g. standing, walking, but not during stair climbing). Cycling was not allowed. Clinical outcomes were assessed up to 24 months after intervention at 6 timepoints using patient reported-outcome measures Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis (WOMAC) range 0–100; Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), range 0–100 for pain. Minimum joint space width (mJSW) was assessed using knee images digital analysis (KIDA) and articular cartilage volume with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) using custom software at baseline and at 12 and 24 months follow-up. RESULTS: Clinically beneficial effects were found for functioning (WOMAC improvement compared to baseline ranged between 18 points at 3 months follow-up and 31 points at 12 months follow-up, with only the 24-months follow-up (improvement of 27 points) not reaching statistical significance (p < 0.05)) and for pain (VAS improvement compared to baseline at follow-up time points ranged between 41–56 points; all p < 0.05). No improvements in mJSW- or MRI-derived parameters were found. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that use of a custom-made knee-unloading orthosis for 60 days can result in improved functional ability and decrease in pain in relatively young patients with knee osteoarthritis. No effect on disease progression could be evidenced. Show more
Keywords: Knee osteoarthritis, orthosis, patient reported outcome measures, cartilage, joint space width, MRI
DOI: 10.3233/THC-230953
Citation: Technology and Health Care, vol. Pre-press, no. Pre-press, pp. 1-11, 2023
Authors: Lv, Chen | Guo, Qian | Peng, Shuang-Shuang | Chen, Xiao-Feng | Liu, Su-Fang | Wang, Xiu-Hua
Article Type: Research Article
Abstract: BACKGROUND: The implementation of the rotation system in the Chinese medical industry has achieved significant results. OBJECTIVES: The present study aims to 1) explore the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and challenges of rotational nursing department implementation and 2) provide references for developing nursing staff’s competencies in leadership, performance evaluation, quality of care, communication in relationships and human resources. METHODS: A total of 16 rotational nursing department staff members from a tertiary tuberculosis specialist hospital in Beijing were interviewed, and the interview data were analysed using a strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats analysis and class …analysis. RESULTS: The advantages of the rotational nursing department included: (1) stimulating the nursing staff’s enthusiasm and creativity; (2) strengthening the communication and collaboration between departments; (3) improving the detailed management of nursing quality; and (4) enhancing the nursing staff’s comprehensive abilities. The disadvantages included: (1) the design of the rotation programme focusing on practice; (2) a lack of personalisation; and (3) imperfect performance assessment of the rotating staff. Opportunities included: (1) deepening the connotation of nursing job management and (2) developing the construction of nursing discipline and the need for personal career development and value realisation. Threats included the lack of a sound rotation management model to draw on. CONCLUSION: A rotational nursing department is conducive to enhancing the competence of nursing staff in management positions and providing new ideas for hospitals to select and train nursing management talents. By taking full advantage of the benefits of vertical nursing management, designing personalised rotation training programmes, building a diversified learning and training platform and developing a positive performance incentive mechanism is recommended to fully engage the role of rotation in nursing management talent training. Show more
Keywords: Job rotation training, post competency, SWOT analysis, nursing management
DOI: 10.3233/THC-231282
Citation: Technology and Health Care, vol. Pre-press, no. Pre-press, pp. 1-12, 2024
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