Clinical evaluation of endoscopic biliary stenting in treatment of malignant obstructive jaundice

BACKGROUND Malignant obstructive jaundice(MOJ)is characterized by the presence of malignant tumors infiltrating or compressing the bile duct,causing poor bile drainage,generalized yellowing,pain,itching,and malaise.MOJ is burdensome for both the society and the families of affected patients and should be taken seriously.AIM To evaluate the clinical effect of stent placement during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography for relieving MOJ and the efficacy of percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage in terms of liver function improvement,complication rates,and long-term patient outcomes.METHODS The clinical data of 59 patients with MOJ who were admitted to our hospital between March 2018 and August 2019 were retrospectively analyzed.According to the treatment method,the patients were divided into an observation group(29 patients)and a control group(30 patients).General data,liver function indices,complications,adverse effects,and 3-year survival rates after different surgical treatments were recorded for the two groups.RESULTS There were no significant differences in baseline information(sex,age,tumor type,or tumor diameter)between the two groups(P>0.05).Alanine aminotransferase,aspartate aminotransferase,and total bilirubin levels were significantly better in both groups after surgery than before surgery(P<0.05).The overall incidence of biliary bleeding,gastrointestinal bleeding,pancreatitis,and cholangitis was 6.9%in the observation group and 30%in the control group(P<0.05).No significant differences in the rates of blood transfusion,intensive care unit admission,or death within 3 years were observed between the two groups at the 1-month follow-up(P>0.05).The 3-year survival rates were 46.06%and 39.71%in the observation and control groups,respectively.CONCLUSION Endoscopic biliary stenting effectively relieves MOJ and significantly improves liver function,with minimal complications.This technique is a promising palliative approach for patients ineligible for radical surgery.However,further research is needed to optimize current treatment strategies and to explore their potential in treating nonmalignant cases of obstructive jaundice.

Overview of endoscopic biliary stenting in malignant obstructive jaundice

This article discusses Wang et al’s essay.Endoscopic biliary stenting,a less invasive alternative to surgery,is effective for malignant obstructive jaundice.This article summarizes the pathophysiology of biliary obstruction,the technical aspects of stenting,and the clinical outcomes.By comparison of endoscopic stenting with percutaneous biliary drainage,improvements and complications are focused on.Additionally,patient selection for stenting and future advancements in stent technology are important.Overall,endoscopic biliary stenting is a valuable palliative option for patients with malignant jaundice,especially those ineligibles for surgery.

Link between obstructive uropathy and acute kidney injury

Obstructive uropathy represents a major risk of acute kidney injury.From an epidemiological point of view,it is responsible for 5%to 10%of cases of acute renal failure and 4%of cases of end-stage kidney disease.Although obstructive uropathy is a recognized disease,there is a significant lack of detailed research on this topic from both a nephrological and urological perspective.The majority of published research focuses on the pathophysiology of the topic and neglects a comprehensive analysis of diagnostic and treatment approaches supported by current data.In this context,it is crucial to assess the overall hemodynamic status,especially in the presence of urosepsis.Once clinical stability is assured,it is important to focus on symptom management,usually by controlling pain.Ultimately,it is crucial to decide immediately whether the patient should receive a prompt urinary diversion.Urinary diversion is an essential part of the treatment of obstructive uropathy and should be initiated promptly and without unnece-ssary delay once the diagnosis has been confirmed.Functional recovery of the obstructed kidney after decompression of the urinary tract depends on the degree of obstruction,the duration of the obstruction and the presence of a concomitant urinary tract infection.The timing and proper treatment of this condition determines the recovery of kidney function after an obstruction and prevents the development of chronic kidney disease.In this editorial,we emphasized the pathophysiological role and clinical significance of obstructive uropathy in the context of acute kidney injury.

Determinants of generalized anxiety and construction of a predictive model in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

BACKGROUND Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD)frequently experience exacerbations requiring multiple hospitalizations over prolonged disease courses,which predispose them to generalized anxiety disorder(GAD).This comorbidity exacerbates breathing difficulties,activity limitations,and social isolation.While previous studies predominantly employed the GAD 7-item scale for screening,this approach is somewhat subjective.The current literature on predictive models for GAD risk in patients with COPD is limited.AIM To construct and validate a GAD risk prediction model to aid healthcare professionals in preventing the onset of GAD.METHODS This retrospective analysis encompassed patients with COPD treated at our institution from July 2021 to February 2024.The patients were categorized into a modeling(MO)group and a validation(VA)group in a 7:3 ratio on the basis of the occurrence of GAD.Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were utilized to construct the risk prediction model,which was visualized using forest plots.The model’s performance was evaluated using Hosmer-Lemeshow(H-L)goodness-of-fit test and receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve analysis.RESULTS A total of 271 subjects were included,with 190 in the MO group and 81 in the VA group.GAD was identified in 67 patients with COPD,resulting in a prevalence rate of 24.72%(67/271),with 49 cases(18.08%)in the MO group and 18 cases(22.22%)in the VA group.Significant differences were observed between patients with and without GAD in terms of educational level,average household income,smoking history,smoking index,number of exacerbations in the past year,cardiovascular comorbidities,disease knowledge,and personality traits(P<0.05).Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that lower education levels,household income<3000 China yuan,smoking history,smoking index≥400 cigarettes/year,≥two exacerbations in the past year,cardiovascular comorbidities,complete lack of disease information,and introverted personality were significant risk factors for GAD in the MO group(P<0.05).ROC analysis indicated that the area under the curve for predicting GAD in the MO and VA groups was 0.978 and 0.960.The H-L test yieldedχ^(2) values of 6.511 and 5.179,with P=0.275 and 0.274.Calibration curves demonstrated good agreement between predicted and actual GAD occurrence risks.CONCLUSION The developed predictive model includes eight independent risk factors:Educational level,household income,smoking history,smoking index,number of exacerbations in the past year,presence of cardiovascular comorbidities,level of disease knowledge,and personality traits.This model effectively predicts the onset of GAD in patients with COPD,enabling early identification of high-risk individuals and providing a basis for early preventive interventions by nursing staff.

Cross-sectional study of the association between triglyceride glucose-body mass index and obstructive sleep apnea risk

BACKGROUND The triglyceride glucose-body mass index(TyG-BMI)is a novel indicator of insulin resistance(IR).Obstructive sleep apnea(OSA)is a prevalent disorder characterized by recurrent complete or partial collapse of the pharyngeal airway during sleep;however,the relationship between these two conditions remains unexplored.We hypothesized that a higher TyG-BMI is associated with the occurrence of OSA.AIM To assess the association between TyG-BMI and OSA in adults in the United States.METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted utilizing data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys spanning from 2005-2008 to 2015-2018.TyGBMI was calculated as Ln[triglyceride(mg/dL)×fasting blood glucose(mg/dL)/2]×BMI.Restricted cubic splines were used to analyze the risk of TyG-BMI and OSA occurrence.To identify potential nonlinear relationships,we combined Cox proportional hazard regression with smooth curve fitting.We also conducted sensitivity and subgroup analyses to verify the robustness of our findings.RESULTS We included 16794 participants in the final analysis.Multivariate regression analysis showed that participants with a higher TyG-BMI had a higher OSA incidence.After adjusting for all covariates,TyG-BMI was positively correlated with the prevalence of OSA(odds ratio:1.28;95%confidence interval:1.17,1.40;P<0.001);no significant nonlinear relationship was observed.Subgroup analysis showed no strong correlation between TyG-BMI and OSA in patients with diabetes.The correlation between TyG-BMI and OSA was influenced by age,sex,smoking status,marital status,hypertensive stratification,and obesity;these subgroups played a moderating role between TyGBMI and OSA.Even after adjusting for all covariates,there was a positive association between TYG-BMI and OSA prevalence.CONCLUSION A higher TyG-BMI index is linked to higher chances of developing OSA.As TyG-BMI is an indicator of IR,managing IR may help reduce the risk of OSA.

The Relationship Between NLRP3 Inflammasome and Its Downstream Inflammatory Factors in Obstructive Sleep Apnea Patients with Carotid Atherosclerosis Under Cigarette Exposure

Aim:To study the relationship between NLRP3(nucleotide oligomerization domain[NOD]-,leucine-rich repeats[LRR]-,and pyrin domain-containing protein 3)inflammasome and its downstream inflammatory factors in obstructive sleep apnea(OSA)patients with carotid atherosclerosis(CAS)under cigarette exposure,further exploring the risk factors of CAS in OSA patients.Methods:A total of 109 adult males who underwent polysomnography and carotid artery ultrasonography in our hospital from October 2019 to December 2021 were selected.According to the detection results,they were divided into the OSA group,the CAS group,and the OSA combined CAS group;additionally,29 healthy subjects who underwent a physical examination were also included.According to whether they were smoking,the groups were further divided into smoking and non-smoking groups.The age,body mass index(BMI),blood pressure,apnea-hypopnea index(AHI),lowest blood oxygen saturation(LSaO2),carotid intima-media thickness(CIMT),levels of blood sugar,blood low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDLc),and serum NLRP3,interleukin-1β(IL-1β),and interleukin-18(IL-18)of all subjects were recorded.Results:The OSA combined CAS group had higher LDLc levels and AHI and lower LSaO2 than the OSA group and CAS group.The levels of serum NLRP3,IL-1β,and IL-18 in the OSA group were higher than those in the normal control group(P<0.05);and those in the OSA combined CAS group were higher than the OSA group and CAS group(P<0.05),regardless of cigarette exposure.Considering cigarette exposure,serum NLRP3,IL-1β,and IL-18 levels were higher in the OSA,CAS,and OSA combined CAS smoking groups than those in the non-smoking group(P<0.05).Under cigarette exposure,AHI,LDLc,NLRP3,IL-1β,and IL-18 were significantly positively correlated(P<0.05),and LSaO2 was negatively correlated with CAS in OSA(P<0.05).AHI,LSaO2,LDLc,NLRP3,and IL-1βare the risk factors for OSA combined with CAS.Conclusion:LSaO2,AHI,LDLc,NLRP3,and IL-1βare the important risk factors for OSA combined with CAS under cigarette exposure,and their levels can be used to predict the occurrence of CAS in OSA.

Observation on the Effect of Non-Invasive Ventilator Combined with Conventional Therapy in the Treatment of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Complicated with Respiratory Failure

Objective:To explore the clinical effect of a non-invasive ventilator combined with conventional therapy in the treatment of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD)combined with respiratory failure.Methods:68 patients with COPD combined with respiratory failure treated in our hospital from September 2021 to October 2023 were selected as the research subjects.Using the random number table method,they were divided into a control group and an experimental group of 34 cases each.The control group received conventional symptomatic treatment,and the experimental group received non-invasive ventilator treatment based on the control group.The clinical effects,blood gas indicators(partial pressure of carbon dioxide(PaCO_(2)),partial pressure of oxygen(PaO_(2)),arterial oxygen saturation(SaO_(2))),lung function(forced expiratory volume in 1 second(FEV1),forced vital capacity(FVC),6 min walking distance),complications,and inflammatory factor levels(c-reactive protein(CRP),interleukin-6(IL-6),neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio(NLR))of the two groups of patients were observed.Results:(1)The clinical efficacy of the patients in the experimental group(33/97.06%)was more significant as compared with the control group(25/73.53%)(P<0.05);(2)After treatment,the clinical efficacy of the two groups of patients in terms of FEV1,FEV1/FVC,6-minute walking distance,PaO_(2)and SaO_(2)all increased in the experimental group as compared to that of the control group(P<0.05);(3)After treatment,the PaCO_(2),CRP,IL-6,and NLR of the two groups of patients decreased,and the decrease in the experimental group was higher than that of the control group(P<0.05);(4)The patients’complication rate in the experimental group(2/5.88%)was lower as compared to that of the control group(9/26.46%)(P<0.05).Conclusion:Non-invasive ventilators combined with conventional therapy achieved good clinical results in treating patients with COPD and respiratory failure.

Transcatherter chemical myocardial ablation for hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy: short to mid term results.

Objective: Hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy is still a troublesome clinical problem, lack of good treatment method. We use transcatheter chemical myocardial ablation to treat hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy and analysis 25 cases results, to search a novel technique for hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy.Method: From Nov.1996 to Oct.2001 25patients with symptomitical and drug resistents hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy acccepted a nonsurgical treatment, that is percutaneous transseptal myocardial ablation (PTSMA) in our department including 16 males and 9 females, with mean age 44.1 years All patients meet echocardiography diagnosis criterias of hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy, With clinical symptoms of angiana pectors, sycope, short breath etc. No improvement to long term Medical theraphy, rest pressure left ventricular outflow tract gradients over 30 mmHg, or over 50mmHg during provocal test either by invasion or indirect measurement with Doppler echocardiography, 5 patients accepted treatment With Sigwart’s method as previous described, other 20 cases with pigtail catheter left ventricular Continuous curve to measure left ventricular outflow tract gradient, percutaneous insert 1.5mm to 2.0mm balloon catheter into first septal branch of left anterior descending coronary artery, via inflated balloon , inject 3-5ml absolute alcohol into the artery , keep inflating balloon for other 5 minutes continue monitoring pressure gradients and ECG, temporary pacemaker and defibrillator were stand by.Results: All patients, left ventricular outflowtract gradients were significantly reduced, more than 50%, 6 cases occurred serve bradycardia, hypotension need immediate administration, 17 cases with trancient complete right branch block, and in five cases, with permonant complete right branch block,2 cases with transient complete AV block. In follow up, symptom and life quality of all patients were dramitically improved, in first month post procedure, septum thickness reduction, 6mm in average and, 6.8 mm reduction were achieved in 1.5 to 2 years.and 12 cases were follow ed up for more than 4 years ,the longest one has been 6 years still in perfect condition. Anther 5 cases chemical myocardial ablation can not be oerforned for vessels anatomy reasons accepted dual chamber pacing,get compariale results with PTSMA.Conclusion: Our results shown that this technique is a safety and reliable, might be an alternative method to patients with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy and we although should mention, our anther 5 patients whese can not be performed PTSMA received DDDR pacemaker, with symptom improvement and pressure gradients reduction for two years, as demonstrated by other experts, is althought a opitmal therapy for HOCM.

Causal role of immune cells in obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome:Mendelian randomization study

BACKGROUND Despite being one of the most prevalent sleep disorders,obstructive sleep apnea hypoventilation syndrome(OSAHS)has limited information on its immunologic foundation.The immunological underpinnings of certain major psychiatric diseases have been uncovered in recent years thanks to the extensive use of genome-wide association studies(GWAS)and genotyping techniques using highdensity genetic markers(e.g.,SNP or CNVs).But this tactic hasn't yet been applied to OSAHS.Using a Mendelian randomization analysis,we analyzed the causal link between immune cells and the illness in order to comprehend the immunological bases of OSAHS.AIM To investigate the immune cells'association with OSAHS via genetic methods,guiding future clinical research.METHODS A comprehensive two-sample mendelian randomization study was conducted to investigate the causal relationship between immune cell characteristics and OSAHS.Summary statistics for each immune cell feature were obtained from the GWAS catalog.Information on 731 immune cell properties,such as morphologic parameters,median fluorescence intensity,absolute cellular,and relative cellular,was compiled using publicly available genetic databases.The results'robustness,heterogeneity,and horizontal pleiotropy were confirmed using extensive sensitivity examination.RESULTS Following false discovery rate(FDR)correction,no statistically significant effect of OSAHS on immunophenotypes was observed.However,two lymphocyte subsets were found to have a significant association with the risk of OSAHS:Basophil%CD33dim HLA DR-CD66b-(OR=1.03,95%CI=1.01-1.03,P<0.001);CD38 on IgD+CD24-B cell(OR=1.04,95%CI=1.02-1.04,P=0.019).CONCLUSION This study shows a strong link between immune cells and OSAHS through a gene approach,thus offering direction for potential future medical research.

Efficacy and safety of percutaneous transhepatic biliary radiofrequency ablation in patients with malignant obstructive jaundice

BACKGROUND Percutaneous transhepatic cholangiodrainage(PTCD)and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography/endoscopic nasobiliary drainage are the most common clinical procedures for jaundice control in patients with unresectable malignant obstructive jaundice,yet the safety and effect of endobiliary radiofrequency ablation(EB-RFA)combined PTCD is rarely reported,in this article,we report our experience of EB-RFA combined PTCD in such patients.AIM To retrospectively study the efficacy and safety of EB-RFA combined PTCD in patients with unresectable malignant obstructive jaundice.METHODS Patients with unresectable malignant obstructive jaundice treated with EB-RFA under PTCD were selected,the bile ducts of the right posterior lobe was selected as the target bile ducts in all cases.The general conditions of all patients,preoperative tumour markers,total bilirubin(TBIL),direct bilirubin(DBIL),albumin(ALB),alkaline phosphatase(ALP),and glutamyl transferase(GGT)before and on the 7th day after the procedure,as well as perioperative complications,stent patency time and patient survival were recorded.RESULTS All patients successfully completed the operation,TBIL and DBIL decreased significantly in all patients at the 7th postoperative day(P=0.009 and 0.006,respectively);the values of ALB,ALP and GGT also decreased compared with the preoperative period,but the difference was not statistically significant.Perioperative biliary bleeding occurred in 2 patients,which was improved after transfusion of blood and other conservative treatments,pancreatitis appeared in 1 patient after the operation,no serious complication and death happened after operation.Except for 3 patients with loss of visits,the stent patency rate of the remaining 14 patients was 100%71%and 29%at the 1^(st),3^(rd),and 6^(th)postoperative months respectively,with a median survival of 4 months.CONCLUSION EB-RFA under PTCD in patients with unresectable malignant obstructive jaundice has a satisfactory therapeutic effect and high safety,which is worthy of further clinical practice.

Biofeedback-guided pelvic floor exercise therapy for obstructive defecation: An effective alternative

AIM: To compare biofeedback-guided pelvic floor exercise therapy (BFT) with the use of oral polyethylene glycol (PEG) for the treatment of obstructive defecation.

Clinical efficacy and mechanism study of mid-frequency anti-snoring device in treating moderate obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome

BACKGROUND Obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome(OSAHS)is primarily caused by airway obstruction due to narrowing and blockage in the nasal and nasopha-ryngeal,oropharyngeal,soft palate,and tongue base areas.The mid-frequency anti-snoring device is a new technology based on sublingual nerve stimulation.Its principle is to improve the degree of oropharyngeal airway stenosis in OSAHS patients under mid-frequency wave stimulation.Nevertheless,there is a lack of clinical application and imaging evidence.METHODS We selected 50 patients diagnosed with moderate OSAHS in our hospital between July 2022 and August 2023.They underwent a 4-wk treatment regimen involving the mid-frequency anti-snoring device during nighttime sleep.Following the treatment,we monitored and assessed the sleep apnea quality of life index and Epworth Sleepiness Scale scores.Additionally,we performed computed tomo-graphy scans of the oropharynx in the awake state,during snoring,and while using the mid-frequency anti-snoring device.Cross-sectional area measurements in different states were taken at the narrowest airway point in the soft palate posterior and retrolingual areas.RESULTS Compared to pretreatment measurements,patients exhibited a significant reduction in the apnea-hypopnea index,the percentage of time with oxygen saturation below 90%,snoring frequency,and the duration of the most prolonged apnea event.The lowest oxygen saturation showed a notable increase,and both sleep apnea quality of life index and Epworth Sleepiness Scale scores improved.Oropharyngeal computed tomography scans revealed that in OSAHS patients cross-sectional areas of the oropharyngeal airway in the soft palate posterior area and retrolingual area decreased during snoring compared to the awake state.Conversely,during mid-frequency anti-snoring device treatment,these areas increased compared to snoring.CONCLUSION The mid-frequency anti-snoring device demonstrates the potential to enhance various sleep parameters in patients with moderate OSAHS,thereby improving their quality of life and reducing daytime sleepiness.These therapeutic effects are attributed to the device’s ability to ameliorate the narrowing of the oropharynx in OSAHS patients.

Study on the impact of comprehensive geriatric assessment on anxiety and depression in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients

BACKGROUND Psychological factors such as anxiety and depression will not only aggravate the symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD)patients and reduce the quality of life of patients,but also affect the treatment effect and long-term prognosis.Therefore,it is of great significance to explore the clinical application of senile comprehensive assessment in the treatment of COPD and its influence on psychological factors such as anxiety and depression.AIM To explore the clinical application of comprehensive geriatric assessment in COPD care and its impact on anxiety and depression in elderly patents.METHODS In this retrospective study,60 patients with COPD who were hospitalized in our hospital from 2019 to 2020 were randomly divided into two groups with 30 patients in each group.The control group was given routine nursing,and the observation group was given comprehensive assessment.Clinical symptoms,quality of life[COPD assessment test(CAT)score],anxiety and depression Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale(HAMA)and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale(HAMD)were compared between the two groups.RESULTS CAT scores in the observation group decreased from an average of 24.5 points at admission to an average of 18.3 points at discharge,and in the control group from an average of 24.7 points at admission to an average of 18.3 points at discharge.The average score was 22.1(P<0.05).In the observation group,HAMA scores decreased from 14.2 points at admission to 8.6 points at discharge,and HAMD scores decreased from 13.8 points at admission to 7.4 points at discharge.The mean HAMD scores in the control group decreased from an average of 14.5 at admission to an average of 12.3 at discharge,and from an average of 14.1 at admission to an average of 11.8 at discharge.CONCLUSION The application of comprehensive geriatric assessment in COPD care has a significant effect on improving patients'clinical symptoms and quality of life,and can effectively reduce patients'anxiety and depression.

Effects of acetylcysteine on micro-inflammation and pulmonary ventilation in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbation

BACKGROUND Acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(AECOPD)is a serious complication of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease,often characterized by increased morbidity and mortality.In traditional Chinese medicine,AECOPD is linked to phlegm-heat and blood-stasis,presenting symptoms like thick sputum,fever,and chest pain.It has been shown that acetylcysteine inhalation in conjunction with conventional therapy significantly reduced inflammatory markers and improved lung function parameters in patients with AECOPD,suggesting that acetylcysteine may be an important adjunctive therapy for patients with phlegm-heat-blood stasis type AECOPD.AIM To investigate the effect of acetylcysteine on microinflammation and lung ventilation in patients with phlegm-heat and blood-stasis-type AECOPD.METHODS One hundred patients with phlegm-heat and blood-stasis-type AECOPD were randomly assigned to two groups.The treatment group received acetylcysteine inhalation(10%solution,5 mL,twice daily)along with conventional therapy,whereas the control group received only conventional therapy.The treatment duration was 14 d.Inflammatory markers(C-reactive protein,interleukin-6,and tumor necrosis factor-alpha)in the serum and sputum as well as lung function parameters(forced expiratory volume in one second,forced vital capacity,and peak expiratory flow)were assessed pre-and post-treatment.Acetylcysteine inhalation led to significant reductions in inflammatory markers and improvements in lung function parameters compared to those in the control group(P<0.05).This suggests that acetylcysteine could serve as an effective adjunct therapy for patients with phlegm-heat and blood-stasis-type AECOPD.RESULTS Acetylcysteine inhalation significantly reduced inflammatory markers in the serum and sputum and improved lung ventilation function parameters in patients with phlegm-heat and blood-stasis type AECOPD compared with the control group.These differences were statistically significant(P<0.05).The study concluded that acetylcysteine inhalation had a positive effect on microinflammation and lung ventilation function in patients with this type of AECOPD,suggesting its potential as an adjuvant therapy for such cases.CONCLUSION Acetylcysteine inhalation demonstrated significant improvements in reducing inflammatory markers in the serum and sputum,as well as enhancing lung ventilation function parameters in patients with phlegm-heat and bloodstasis type AECOPD.These findings suggest that acetylcysteine could serve as a valuable adjuvant therapy for individuals with this specific type of AECOPD,offering benefits for managing microinflammation and optimizing lung function.

Predictive value of diaphragm ultrasound for mechanical ventilation outcome in patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

BACKGROUND Acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(AECOPD)is often combined with respiratory failure,which increases the patient's morbidity and mortality.Diaphragm ultrasound(DUS)has developed rapidly in the field of critical care in recent years.Studies with DUS monitoring diaphragm-related rapid shallow breathing index have demonstrated important results in guiding intensive care unit patients out of the ventilator.Early prediction of the indications for withdrawal of non-invasive ventilator and early evaluation of patients to avoid or reduce disease progression are very important.AIM To explore the predictive value of DUS indexes for non-invasive ventilation outcome in patients with AECOPD.METHODS Ninety-four patients with AECOPD who received mechanical ventilation in our hospital from January 2022 to December 2023 were retrospectively analyzed,and they were divided into a successful ventilation group(68 cases)and a failed ventilation group(26 cases)according to the outcome of ventilation.The clinical data of patients with successful and failed noninvasive ventilation were compared,and the independent predictors of noninvasive ventilation outcomes in AECOPD patients were identified by multivariate logistic regression analysis.RESULTS There were no significant differences in gender,age,body mass index,complications,systolic pressure,heart rate,mean arterial pressure,respiratory rate,oxygen saturation,partial pressure of oxygen,oxygenation index,or time of inspiration between patients with successful and failed mechanical ventilation(P>0.05).The patients with successful noninvasive ventilation had shorter hospital stays and lower partial pressure of carbon dioxide(PaCO_(2))than those with failed treatment,while potential of hydrogen(pH),diaphragm thickening fraction(DTF),diaphragm activity,and diaphragm movement time were significantly higher than those with failed treatment(P<0.05).pH[odds ratio(OR)=0.005,P<0.05],PaCO_(2)(OR=0.430,P<0.05),and DTF(OR=0.570,P<0.05)were identified to be independent factors influencing the outcome of mechanical ventilation in AECOPD patients.CONCLUSION The DUS index DTF can better predict the outcome of non-invasive ventilation in AECOPD patients.

Prospective study of the prevalence and co-morbidities of obstructive sleep apnea in active-duty army personnel in the three southernmost provinces of Thailand using questionnaire screening

Background: It is crucial for the army to know the prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea(OSA) syndrome in activeduty army personnel. Little information has been reported on the prevalence of OSA and clinical features in activeduty army personnel. This study was aimed to estimate the prevalence of snoring and risk of developing OSA in activeduty army personnel in Thailand and to identify the co-morbidities of OSA. In total, 1107 participants who were aged20–60 years and were deployed to the three southernmost provinces of Thailand were enrolled. All the participants completed the Phramongkutklao(PMK) Hospital OSA Questionnaire that was modified and validated from the Berlin Questionnaire and underwent physical examination. The participants were 1107 active-duty army personnel in the three southernmost provinces of Thailand, both males and females, aged 20–60 years.Methods: The PMK OSA Questionnaire was used to assess the risk of OSA together with interviewing for snoring,fatigue, falling asleep and day-time sleepiness. Physical examination of the neck, chest and hip circumference,and height was performed. Information concerning physical training, co-morbid diseases, smoking and alcoholic consumption was collected.Results: The prevalence of snoring was 58.5, and 4.8% met the PMK OSA Questionnaire criteria, thus indicating a high risk of OSA. The information obtained indicated that laryngopharyngeal reflux(LPR), current smoking and alcoholic consumption were significantly higher in the high-risk OSA group.Conclusions: Early detection and treatment of OSA in active-duty army personnel are imperative. Physical examination and polysomnography can be used to reveal the high-risk group. High body mess index(BMI), laryngopharyngeal reflux, current smoking and alcoholic consumption are modifiable factors for OSA and are avoidable. A policy to decrease the BMI and risk of LPR, as well as to stop smoking and alcoholic consumption, should be applied.

Electrical Stimulation Therapy Improves Sleep Respiratory Parameters in Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome: A Meta-analysis

Recent clinical trials have shown that electrical stimulation has beneficial effects in obstruc- tive sleep apnea syndrome （OSAS）. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of electrical stimulation therapy for OSAS with a meta-analysis. The meta-analysis of all relative studies was per- formed through searching international literature, including PUBMED, CNKI, and EMBASE databases. This literature analysis compared all patients undergoing electrical stimulation therapy with respect to the respiratory disturbance index （RDI） and changes in sleep structure. Six studies were selected in- volving a total of 91 patients. The meta-analysis indicated that electrical stimulation therapy reduced RDI, longest apnea time, and improved the minimum SaO2. Based on the evidence found, electrical stimulation may be a potential therapy for OSAS, warranting further clinical trials.

Obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome immunological relationship

Obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome(OSAHS)is a complex disorder cha-racterized by symptoms resulting from intermittent hypoxia and hypopnea,with research indicating a crucial role of immune system dysregulation and genetic variations in its pathogenesis.A recent Zhao et al study utilizes Mendelian ran-domization analysis to explore the causal relationship between immune cell characteristics and OSAHS.The study identifies specific lymphocyte subsets as-sociated with OSAHS,providing valuable insights into the disease's pathophy-siology and potential targets for therapeutic intervention.The findings underscore the significance of genetic and immunological factors in sleep disorders,offering a fresh perspective on OSAHS's complexities.Compared to existing literature,Zhao et al's study stands out for its focus on genetic markers and specific immune responses associated with OSAHS,expanding upon previous research primarily centered on systemic inflammation.In conclusion,the study represents a signi-ficant advancement in the field,shedding light on the causal role of immune cells in OSAHS and paving the way for future research and targeted treatments.

Role of diaphragmatic ultrasound in patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Assessing diaphragm function status is vital for diagnosing and treating acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(AECOPD).Diaphrag-matic ultrasound has become increasingly important due to its non-invasive nature,absence of radiation exposure,widespread availability,prompt results,high accuracy,and repeatability at the bedside.The diaphragm is a crucial respiratory muscle.Decline or dysfunction of the diaphragm can lead to dyspnea and even respiratory failure in AECOPD patients.In this editorial,we comment on an article,retrospectively analyzed ninety-four acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients who received mechanical ventilation from January 2022 to December 2023.The study found that the diaphragm thickening fraction,an index from diaphragm ultrasound,can better predict the outcome of non-invasive ventilation in patients with AECOPD.The value of non-invasive ventilation in treating respiratory failure caused by AECOPD has been widely acknowledged.Diaphragmatic dysfunction diagnosed with ultrasound is asso-ciated with prolonged mechanical ventilation and weaning times and higher mortality.

Defining minimal invasive surgical therapy for benign prostatic obstruction surgery: Perspectives from a global knowledge, attitude, and practice survey

Objective:To scrutinize the definitions of minimal invasive surgical therapy(MIST)and to investigate urologists’knowledge,attitudes,and practices for benign prostatic obstruction surgeries.Methods:A 36-item survey was developed with a Delphi method.Questions on definitions of MIST and attitudes and practices of benign prostatic obstruction surgeries were included.Urologists were invited globally to complete the online survey.Consensus was achieved when more than or equal to 70%responses were“agree or strongly agree”and less than or equal to 15%responses were“disagree or strongly disagree”(consensus agree),or when more than or equal to 70%responses were“disagree or strongly disagree”and less than or equal to 15%responses were“agree or strongly agree”(consensus disagree).Results:The top three qualities for defining MIST were minimal blood loss(n=466,80.3%),fast post-operative recovery(n=431,74.3%),and short hospital stay(n=425,73.3%).The top three surgeries that were regarded as MIST were Urolift®(n=361,62.2%),Rezum®(n=351,60.5%),and endoscopic enucleation of the prostate(EEP)(n=332,57.2%).Consensus in the knowledge section was achieved for the superiority of Urolift®,Rezum®,and iTIND®over transurethral resection of the prostate with regard to blood loss,recovery,day surgery feasibility,and post-operative continence.Consensus in the attitudes section was achieved for the superiority of Urolift®,Rezum®,and iTIND®over transurethral resection of the prostate with regard to blood loss,recovery,and day surgery feasibility.Consensus on both sections was achieved for EEP as the option with the better symptoms and flow improvement,lower retreatment rate,and better suitable for prostate more than 80 mL.Conclusion:Minimal blood loss,fast post-operative recovery,and short hospital stay were the most important qualities for defining MIST.Urolift®,Rezum®,and EEP were regarded as MIST by most urologists.