CBCT影像组学联合构建Nomogram模型预测食管癌放疗患者放射性肺炎

目的 通过对放疗疗程中不同时段CBCT图像的影像组学分析,寻找早期定量预测食管癌放疗放射性肺炎(RP)的参数,结合临床特征和肺剂量体积参数建立联合Nomogram模型并探讨这一模型对食管癌RP的预测价值。方法 回顾分析2017—2019年间临床资料、剂量学参数、CBCT图像资料完整的 96例胸中段食管鳞癌调强放疗患者资料,每例患者均分别获取放疗期间3个不同时段的肺CBCT图像。全组病例随机分成训练集(67例)和验证集(29例),以CBCT上双肺实质作为感兴趣区,运用3D-Slicer软件进行图像分割和特征提取,经LASSO-Logistics回归分析方法进行特征参数筛选并构建影像组学标签(Rad-score)。从3个不同时段建立的RP预测模型中选择最优模型联合经回归分析获得的最佳临床及剂量学参数,建立联合Nomogram模型,并进行受试者工作特征曲线分析,基于曲线下的面积(AUC)验证其诊断效能。结果 第一时段的影像组学预测模型优于其他两个时段,在训练集中的AUC值为0.700(95%CI为 0.568~0.832),敏感性和特异性分别为61.5%、75.0%;在验证集中的AUC值为0.765(95%CI为 0.588~0.941),敏感性和特异性分别为84.6%、64.7%。影像组学联合临床及剂量学构建的Nomogram模型在训练集中的AUC值为0.836(95%CI为 0.700~0.918),敏感性和特异性分别为96.0%、54.8%;在验证集中的AUC值为0.905(95%CI为 0.799~1.000),敏感性和特异性分别为92.9%、73.3%。联合Nomogram模型诊断效能最佳。结论 基于放疗早期肺CBCT影像组学特征构建的模型,对于食管癌RP具有一定的预测效能,Rad-score联合 肺V5Gy、肺 Dmean、肿瘤分期建立的Nomogram模型具有更好的预测准确性,可作为一种定量预测模型用于RP的预测。     

基于跨理论模型协同护理模式在急性心肌梗死介入治疗病人中的应用

目的:探讨基于跨理论模型(TTM)协同护理模式在急性心肌梗死(AMI)介入治疗病人中的应用效果。方法:根据随机数字表法将2018年6月—2019年6月收治的88例AMI介入治疗病人分为观察组及对照组各44例,对照组实施常规护理,观察组实施基于TTM的协同护理模式。比较两组干预前及干预6个月后自我效能、疾病管理能力及生活质量改善情况,记录两组不良心脏事件发生率、再入院率及治疗依从率。结果:两组病人干预后自我效能、疾病管理能力、西雅图心绞痛量表(SAQ)总评分比较差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。观察组病人不良心脏事件发生率(2.27%)、再入院率(4.54%)低于对照组的18.18%、20.45%,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);观察组病人用药依从率、生活方式管理依从率分别为97.73%和95.45%,高于对照组的75.00%和72.73%,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论:基于TTM协同护理模式能有效改善AMI介入治疗病人自我效能,提高病人遵医行为及疾病管理能力,减少不良心脏事件的发生,改善病人生活质量。     

Model Setting and Interpretation of Results in Research Using Structural Equation Modeling: A Checklist with Guiding Questions for Reporting

PurposeThis study develops a checklist with guidelines for the methods and important factors to consider in research using structural equation modeling (SEM).MethodThe paper discusses the factors to consider in the process across the three stages of 1) model setting, 2) model evaluation and modification, and 3) interpretation and reporting of SEM-based studies.ResultsThe authors present a checklist for researchers during the stages of model setting, model evaluation and modification, result analysis, and reporting, along with examples of figures and tables with explanations.ConclusionA checklist will help to improve the reporting quality of SEM-based studies.     

Score du risque échocardiographique après un syndrome coronaire aigu

AimsIdentify the predective echocardiographic parameters of major cardiovascular events (death, ischemic recurrence, heart failure and rehospitalization) in-hospital and after six months of follow-up and to establish an echocardiographic prognostic score and to evaluate its prognostic value alone or in association with clinical risk scores.MethodsWe recruited 302 patients in intensive care unit of cardiology for ACS consecutively on admission, patients were assessed by clinical risk scores (GRACE, TIMI, CRUSADE) and resting doppler echocardiography, a follow-up of six months.ResultsThe echocardiographic risk score has four variables: LV-EF (RR = 0.931; 95%CI = 0.885–0.979, P < 0.01), RV-AF (RR = 0.951; 95%CI = 0.903–0.999, P < 0.05), iMAE-M-strain (RR = 1.226; 95%CI = 1.081–1.390, P < 0.01) and ULCs (RR = 1.151; 95%CI = 1.081–1.224, P < 0.01). Its discrimination capacity (AUC = 0.85), greater than that of the clinical risk scores, (GRACE: AUC = 0.72, TIMI: AUC = 0.71 and CRUSADE: AUC = 0.76).DiscussionThe risk stratification can be achieved using echocardiographic score easy to acquire and interpret in the clinical setting, with a stratification power higher than the clinical risk scores. The iconoclinical model makes it possible to select a group of heterogeneous patients by their clinical presentations and iconographic data at high risk but with an echoscore or clinical score weak or intermediate.ConclusionThe developed echocardiographic model could prove very useful in the decision-making process and optimization of the therapeutic strategy in some high-risk patients with acute coronary syndromes following an invasive strategy. It is appropriate for expert interpretation, yet relatively simple because it contains only four simple echocardiographic variables as predictors.     

The synthetic antimicrobial peptide LTX21 induces inflammatory responses in a human whole blood model and a murine peritoneum model

The global spread of antimicrobial resistance and the increasing number of immune‐compromised patients are major challenges in modern medicine. Targeting bacterial virulence or the human host immune system to increase host defence are important strategies in the search for novel antimicrobial drugs. We investigated the inflammatory response of the synthetic short antimicrobial peptide LTX21 in two model systems: a human whole blood ex vivo model and a murine in vivo peritoneum model – both reflecting early innate immune response. In the whole blood model, LTX21 increased the secretion of a range of different cytokines, decreased the level of tumour necrosis factor (TNF) and activated the complement system. In a haemolysis assay, we found 2.5% haemolysis at a LTX21 concentration of 500 mg/L. In the murine model, increased influx of white blood cells (WBCs) and polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) in the murine peritoneal cavity was observed after treatment with LTX21. In addition, LTX21 increased monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 (MCP‐1). In conclusion, LTX21 affected the inflammatory response; the increase in cytokine secretion, complement activation and WBC influx indicates an activated inflammatory response. The present results indicate the impact of LTX21 on the host–pathogen interplay. Whether this will also affect the course of infection has to be investigated.     

Denial of Human Rights: We Must Change the Paradigm of Dementia Care

In far too many instances treatment of persons with dementia has reflected a fundamental denial of basic human rights. At times, these individuals are treated worse than the treatment of animals when the five basic freedoms of animals, described by Pachana in her editorial, are implemented. A number of such examples of dehumanizing (and “de-animalizing”) persons with dementia are presented. A case is made for the position that this is the direct result of the “medicalization” of dementia and “Alzheimer Disease.” This has led to the disenfranchisement of persons with dementia and their caregivers regarding the treatment of dementia, while medical “expertise” has led to a paradigm of learned helplessness while waiting for “the cure.” While the medicalization of dementia has been a financial success in terms of funding failed researcher to find a cure, it has been a catastrophe for the quality of life of persons with dementia and their caregivers. It is time to take control of the treatment of dementia back, and especially to listen to the voices of persons with dementia. It is time to take action NOW – to become disruptive to the current paradigm. The emperor and his cure have no clothes. We deserve better. We must make this change in paradigm our mission, to demand it, and to accept nothing less. Power to the people.     

Can muscle weakness and disability influence the relationship between pain catastrophizing and pain worsening in patients with knee osteoarthritis? A cross-sectional study

ObjectiveTo verify if the relationship between pain catastrophizing and pain worsening would be mediated by muscle weakness and disability in patients with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional study in a hospital out-patient setting. Convenience sampling was used with a total of 50 participants with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis. Pain and the activities of daily livings (ADL) were assessed using the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) subscale. Pain catastrophizing was assessed using the Coping Strategy Questionnaire (CSQ) subscale. Muscle strength of knee extension and 30-s chair stand test (30CST) were also assessed. Path analysis was performed to test the hypothetical model. Goodness of fit of models were assessed by using statistical parameters such as the chi-square value, goodness of fit index (GFI), adjusted goodness of fit index (AGFI), comparative fit index (CFI), and root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA).ResultsThe chi-square values were not significant (chi-square = 0.283, p = 0.594), and the indices of goodness of fit were high, implying a valid model (GFI = 1.000; AGFI = 0.997; CFI = 1.000; RMSEA = 0.000). Pain was influenced significantly by muscle strength and ADL; muscle strength was influenced significantly by ADL via 30CST; ADL was influenced by pain catastrophizing.ConclusionThe relationship between pain catastrophizing with pain worsening are mediated by muscle weakness and disability.