Outpatient management of obscure gastrointestinal bleeding:A new perspective in high-risk patients

Mid-gastrointestinal bleeding accounts for approximately 5%-10%of all gastrointestinal bleeding cases,and vascular lesions represent the most frequent cause.The rebleeding rate for these lesions is quite high(about 42%).We hereby recommend that scheduled outpatient management of these patients could reduce the risk of rebleeding episodes.

Analysis of the Effect of Outpatient Nursing Intervention on Hypoglycemic Treatment Effect and Psychological Emotions of Diabetic Patients

Objective:To explore the effect of outpatient nursing interventions on the hypoglycemic treatment and psychological emotions of diabetic patients.Methods:148 patients who came to our hospital for outpatient treatment from February 2022 to October 2023 were selected and divided into a control group and an observation group,with 74 cases per group,according to the random number table method.The control group received routine nursing intervention,and the observation group received outpatient nursing intervention based on the control group.The two groups were observed for their effects of hypoglycemic treatment and psychological and emotional improvement before and after outpatient nursing intervention.Results:The health behavior scores of the control group were lower than that of the observation group;the post-intervention fasting blood glucose,2h postprandial blood glucose,anxiety self-rating scale(SAS),and the depression self-rating scale(SDS)of the control group were significantly higher than that of the observation group,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.01).Conclusion:Outpatient nursing intervention encouraged patients to comply with healthy behaviors and helped control blood sugar levels.Patients’anxiety,depression,and other adverse psychological states were also improved hence the outpatient nursing intervention is worthy of further promotion.

Artificial intelligence promotes shared decision-making through recommending tests to febrile pediatric outpatients

BACKGROUND:To promote the shared decision-making(SDM)between patients and doctors in pediatric outpatient departments,this study was designed to validate artificial intelligence(AI)-initiated medical tests for children with fever.METHODS:We designed an AI model,named Xiaoyi,to suggest necessary tests for a febrile child before visiting a pediatric outpatient clinic.We calculated the sensitivity,specificity,and F1 score to evaluate the efficacy of Xiaoyi’s recommendations.The patients were divided into the rejection and acceptance groups.Then we analyzed the rejected examination items in order to obtain the corresponding reasons.RESULTS:We recruited a total of 11,867 children with fever who had used Xiaoyi in outpatient clinics.The recommended examinations given by Xiaoyi for 10,636(89.6%)patients were qualified.The average F1 score reached 0.94.A total of 58.4%of the patients accepted Xiaoyi’s suggestions(acceptance group),and 41.6%refused(rejection group).Imaging examinations were rejected by most patients(46.7%).The tests being time-consuming were rejected by 2,133 patients(43.2%),including rejecting pathogen studies in 1,347 patients(68.5%)and image studies in 732 patients(31.8%).The difficulty of sampling was the main reason for rejecting routine tests(41.9%).CONCLUSION:Our model has high accuracy and acceptability in recommending medical tests to febrile pediatric patients,and is worth promoting in facilitating SDM.

Construction of a New Model of Contactless Medical Services for Outpatients Based on the Project-Achieving Quality Control Circle

Objective: To carry out empirical research on the role of project-achieving quality control circle (QCC) in constructing a new model of contactless medical service for outpatients. Methods: A QCC, consisting of information office members from a grade A tertiary hospital in Wenzhou, was established to conduct a research project with the theme “Constructing a new model of contactless medical service based on outpatients’ experience.” According to the ten steps and PDCA cycle, an analysis was carried out before and after the QCC activities, focusing on improving pre-consultation services, providing steward-like services, and facilitating post-consultation management. Results: After the QCC activities, the mobile appointment rate, missed appointment rate, the proportion of smart check-ins, and the average check-in time were 55.68%, 4.02%, 39.75%, and 8.24 ± 3.66 min, respectively;in contrast, before the activities, they were 32.00%, 7.88%, 0.00%, and 14.96 ± 4.98 min, respectively;the difference between the two groups was statistically significant (χ2 = 3480.112, 4994.496;Fisher’s exact probability = 963788.570;t = 5.323, P < 0.001). Many experts have also visited the hospital to learn about this system, thus rendering social and economic benefits. Conclusion: Project-achieving QCC activities are suitable for complex situations, such as constructing a new model of contactless medical service, and can significantly improve outpatient service quality, enhance patients’ experience, and improve the abilities of circle members.

Outpatient hybrid endoscopic submucosal dissection with SOUTEN for early gastric cancer,followed by endoscopic suturing of the mucosal defect:A case report

BACKGROUND Although endoscopic submucosal dissection(ESD)is becoming more common for early gastric cancer,it requires more advanced techniques and a longer treatment duration than endoscopic mucosal resection.Hybrid ESD using a multifunctional snare(SOUTEN)has been reported to be effective for colorectal lesions,as it can reduce treatment duration.Endoscopic suturing of post-ESD mucosal defects has been reported to reduce the incidence of ESD-related complications.CASE SUMMARY This study reports outpatient hybrid ESD for early gastric cancer using SOUTEN,followed by endoscopic suturing of post-ESD mucosal defects in an 86-year-old man.On referral for ESD,a 10-mm flat,depressed lesion was found on the posterior wall of the gastric antrum,the depth of which was expected to be mucosal.Given his history of delirium,we performed outpatient endoscopic treatment.The procedure used was hybrid ESD using SOUTEN to reduce the duration of treatment and endoscopic suturing of post-ESD mucosal ESD defects to reduce complications.The procedure time was 62 min and the lesion was completely resected based on histopathological examination,with no reported postoperative complications.CONCLUSION This safe and useful procedure may be especially important for outpatient endoscopic treatment.

A Clinical Investigation: Study on Psychosocial Characteristics, Social Support and Intervention Strategies of Outpatient Cancer Pain Patients

Background and Objective: The presence of pain in cancer patients is a prevalent concomitant symptom, exerting significant impacts on their physical, psychological, and social functioning. However, the psychological and social aspects are often overlooked. This study aims to explore the factors influencing the provision of psychological and social support for patients experiencing cancer-related pain while proposing intervention measures to enhance treatment compliance, confidence levels, and overall quality of life. Materials and Methods: According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, a total of 108 patients with moderate to severe advanced cancer pain who had received outpatient analgesia treatment for at least one month were selected as the study subjects. The psychological characteristics and social support of these patients were further examined using the Self-Rating Symptom Scale (SCL-90) and Social Support Rating Scale (SSRS). The influencing factors were compared with the national norms. Results: The total score of SCL-90 was significantly different from that of the domestic norm (P < 0.05), and the total score of social support was significantly different from that of the domestic norm (P < 0.01). In addition to hostile symptoms, Somatic, obsessive, sensitive, depression, anxiety, terror, paranoia, psychosis and other symptoms were correlated with subjective support (P 0.05). Conclusion: Patients with cancer pain are more vulnerable to physical symptoms, psychological distress, lack of social support, and other contributing factors. Implementing standardized treatment protocols can effectively alleviate physical symptoms while also emphasizing the importance of psychosocial interventions to address negative emotions and enhance social support. By bolstering patient confidence through these measures, we can ultimately improve treatment outcomes and enhance patients’ overall quality of life.

Vitamin D deficiency among outpatients and hospitalized patients with diabetic foot ulcers:A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND The definition of diabetic foot syndrome(DFS)varies depending on the location and resources.Few classifications are available according to the indication.DF ulcers and vitamin D deficiency are common diseases among patients with diabetes.Previous literature has shown an association between DF ulcer(DFU)and vitamin D deficiency.However,the available meta-0analysis was limited by substantial bias.AIM To investigate the association between DFUs and vitamin D levels.METHODS We searched PubMed,MEDLINE,and Cochrane Library,EBSCO,and Google Scholar for studies comparing vitamin D levels and DF.The keywords DFU,DFS,diabetic septic foot,vitamin D level,25-hydroxy vitamin D,vitamin D status,and vitamin D deficiency were used.The search engine was set for articles published during the period from inception to October 2022.A predetermined table was used to collect the study information.RESULTS Vitamin D level was lower among patients with DFU compared to their counterparts[odds ratio(OR):-5.77;95%confidence interval(CI):-7.87 to-3.66;χ2 was 84.62,mean difference,9;I2 for heterogeneity,89%;P<0.001 and P for overall effect<0.001].The results remained robust for hospitalized patients(OR:-6.3295%CI:-11.66 to-0.97;χ2 was 19.39;mean difference,2;I2 for heterogeneity,90%;P=0.02).CONCLUSION Vitamin D was lower among outpatients and hospitalized patients with DFUs.Further larger randomized controlled trials are needed.

Study on the Risk Factors of Central Venous-Related Bloodstream Infection in Outpatients

Objective:To analyze the risk factors of catheter-related bloodstream infection in outpatients and propose feasible prevention and control measures.Methods:The medical records of outpatients with peripherally inserted central catheter(PICC)from January 2020 to December 2021 were selected for retrospective analysis,and the factors that may be related to the occurrence of catheter-related bloodstream infection were analyzed by logistic multivariate analysis.Results:The incidence rate of catheter-related bloodstream infection among the enrolled patients was 4.78%.It was found that age,duration of catheterization,catheter site,number of punctures,and diabetes were all risk factors for catheter-associated bloodstream infection,and the differences were statistically significant.Conclusion:Age,duration of catheterization,catheterization site,and diabetes are all risk factors for catheter-related bloodstream infection,and medical personnel should fully understand and learn more about these risk factors and actively develop countermeasures to reduce the risk of catheter-related bloodstream infection.

Airway management of a patient with linear immunoglobulin A bullous dermatosis:A case report

BACKGROUND There is limited literature on managing the airway of patients with linear immunoglobulin A(IgA)bullous dermatosis,a rare mucocutaneous disorder that leads to the development of friable bullae.Careful clinical decision making is necessary when there is a risk of bleeding into the airway,and a multidisciplinary team approach may lead to decreased patient morbidity during these high-risk scenarios,especially when confronted with an unusual cause for bleeding.CASE SUMMARY A 45-year-old African American female presented to our ambulatory surgical center for right corneal transplantation due to corneal perforation after blunt trauma in the setting of cicatricial conjunctivitis and diffuse corneal neovascularization from linear IgA bullous dermatosis.The diagnosis of IgA dermatosis was recent,and the patient had been lost to follow-up.The severity of the disease and extent of airway involvement was unknown at the time of the surgery.Significant airway bleeding was noticed upon intubation and the otorhinolaryngology team had to be called to the operating room.The patient required transfer to the intensive care unit where a multidisciplinary team was involved in her case.The patient was extubated on postoperative day 4.CONCLUSION A multidisciplinary approach to treating this disease is the best course of action before a surgical procedure.In our case,key communication between the surgery,anesthesia,and dermatology teams led to the quick and safe treatment of our patient’s disease.Ambulatory surgery should not be considered for these cases unless they are in full remission and there is no mucous membrane involvement.

Enhancing pediatric asthma management through multifaceted health education

BACKGROUND Pediatric asthma is a significant public health issue that impacts the quality of life of children globally.Traditional management approaches focus on symptom control and medication adherence but often overlook the comprehensive educational needs of patients and their families.A multifaceted health education approach may offer a more holistic strategy in managing pediatric asthma,especially in outpatient settings.AIM To evaluate the efficacy of a comprehensive health education strategy in improving disease management,medication adherence,and quality of life among children with asthma in outpatient settings.METHODS In total,100 pediatric patients with severe asthma were enrolled from January 2021 to November 2022 and randomly allocated to a control group(n=50)or an observation group(n=50).The control group received standard nursing care,including basic nursing interventions and health education upon admission.In contrast,the observation group was exposed to a broad spectrum of health education methodologies,including internet-based hospital systems,social media channels,one-on-one verbal education,informational brochures,slide present ations,telephone check-ins,animated videos,and illustrated health education manuals.Data on asthma management knowledge,symptom control,quality of life[St.George’s Respiratory Questionnaire(SGRQ)],treatment adherence,and nursing satisfaction were collected and analyzed.RESULTS The scores of the observation group in knowledge areas,such as medication,home care,disease understanding,symptom management,prevention strategies,and nutritional guidance,were significantly higher than those of the control group(P<0.05).In addition,the observation group exhibited greater symptom control,improved quality of life based on their SGRQ scores,and higher treatment adherence post-intervention(P<0.05).Nursing satisfaction was also rated higher in the observation group across all evaluated areas(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Implementing a diversified health education approach in pediatric asthma management significantly enhances disease understanding,symptom management,and treatment adherence,leading to improved quality of life for affected children.These findings underscore the importance of multifaceted clinical health education in augmenting disease awareness and facilitating continuous improvements in asthma control rates,highlighting the potential benefits of incorporating comprehensive educational strategies into pediatric asthma care protocols.

Characterization of Extended Spectrum Beta-lactamase and Carbapenamase Producing Enterobacteriaceae Causing Urinary Tract Infection among Children in Kenya: A Cross-Sectional Study

Introduction: Enterobacteriaceae causing urinary tract infections (UTI) have developed resistance to the commonly used antibiotics due to emergence of Extended Spectrum Beta-Lactamases (ESBLs) and Carbapenamase producing Enterobactericeae which are a public health problem worldwide. This study aims to determine the prevalence and characterize ESBLs and carbapenamase producing Enterobactericeae. Method: A cross-sectional study was carried out in Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital, Nairobi. 238 urine samples were collected from patients with urinary symptoms attending the outpatient department within the period 2020-2021. The urine were examined macroscopically and microscopically. Identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing were done using VITEK® 2 Compact system (BioMérieux). Double disc synergy test and modified hodge tests were done as confirmatory tests for ESBLs and Carbapenamase phenotypes respectively. Polymerase Chain Reaction was used for the detection of blaCTX-M, blaTEM, blaSHV, blaKPC and blaOXA-48 genes. Results: From the 238 children sampled the prevalence of UTI caused by Enterobactericeae was 22.3%. The Enterobacteriaceae species isolated were Escherichia coli (84.9%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (5.66%), Proteus mirabillis (5.66%), Enterobacter aerogenes (1.89%) and Morganella morganii (1.89%). The isolated species were resistant to ampicillin. Meropenem had the highest susceptibility. Only E. coli species had the ESBLs (26.4%) and carbapenamase (1.9%) phenotypes. 100% had BlaCTX-M while 50% had blaTEM resistant gene. There was a significant association (p Conclusion: Ampicillin resistance resulted to use of alternative drugs and Meropenem was the drug of choice where increased resistance to the recommended drugs was noted. Further research on resistant genes is recommended.

Ambulatory Radio Iodine Therapy in the Management of Hyperthyroidism in Africa: African Systematic Review and Perspectives in Burkina Faso

Introduction: In hyperthyroidism, selective irradiation of the thyroid gland with radioactive iodine is a radical treatment and an alternative to surgery. The aim of this review is to assess the medium-term efficacy of outpatient treatment of hyperthyroidism with iodine-131 in Africa. Methods: We identified the studies carried out in Africa on outpatient radiation therapy between 2016 and 2020. For each article included, we noted the country concerned and the year of publication, the numbers studied, the socio-demographic characteristics of the patients, the indications for radio iodine therapy, the dose administered, the results of the hormonal dosage 6 months after radiation. Results: 13 retrospective studies were included to constitute a total population of 925 patients. The average age was 40.77 years, the sex ratio of 1/5.4 with a clear female predominance. The 3 main etiologies of hyperthyroidism justifying outpatient radio iodine therapy were Graves’ disease (55.89%), toxic multinodular goiter (22.70%) and toxic adenoma (21.40%). The average dose of iodine 131 administered per course is 13.7 mCi. No short-and medium-term complications were reported. The radio iodine therapy was effective in 86.08% (n = 796) of the patients with extremes of 72% and 100%. Conclusion: Radio iodine therapy is effective in Africa. It is simple, inexpensive on an outpatient basis and well tolerated. The introduction of outpatient radio iodine therapy could improve the management of patients with hyperthyroidism in Burkina Faso.

Ambulatory Uretrocystoscopy in the Urology Andrology Department of Grand Mbour Hospital

Background: Urethrocystoscopy is a method of endoscopic exploration that allows direct visualization of the urethra and bladder for diagnosis or treatment of diseases of the lower urinary tract. Purpose: To determine the epidemiological profile of patients who underwent urethrocystoscopy and to present the indications and the results of this endoscopic examination. Patients and Methods: This is a retrospective, descriptive study of all patients who underwent outpatient urethrocystoscopy in the Urology and Andrology department of Grand Mbour hospital. The epidemiological data of the patients, the indications, the results of the endoscopic exploration and the additional procedures performed were entered and analyzed with Excel 2016. We performed descriptive statistics. Results: Of the 216 patients who underwent outpatient urethrocystoscopy, we counted 179 men (82.87%) and 37 women (17.13%). The sex ratio was 4.84. The mean age of the patients was 53.71 ± 18.76 years (age range 17 to 91 years). The main indications were lower urinary tract disorders (60.18%) and hematuria (28.70%). Endoscopic exploration revealed prostatic tumor in 69 patients (31.9%), 29 cases of bladder tumors (13.4%) and 19 cases of bilharzia cystitis (8.8%). The urethrocystoscopy was normal in 32 patients (14.8%). Conclusion: Urethrostoscopy is an endoscopic exploration examination that can be performed on an outpatient basis. Lower tract urinary disorders and hematuria were the main indications.

Stroke Patients’ Reintegration into Normal Living Post-Discharge from Inpatient Rehabilitation: An Integrative Review

Background: Stroke rehabilitation professionals have historically focused rehabilitation on physical functions and overlooked the concept of community reintegration after discharge from inpatient rehabilitation. The lack of focus on psychosocial functions post-stroke may lead to lower levels of satisfaction during community reintegration. Methods: This integrative review synthesized findings from research literature on stroke patients’ reintegration into the community after inpatient rehabilitation to address three research questions: a) What specific physical and psychosocial functions have been identified as predictors of successful reintegration into normal living after stroke?, b) How do physical and psychosocial functions promote successful reintegration into normal living after stroke?, and c) What factors have been identified that hinder stroke patients’ reintegration into normal living after stroke? Results: A systematic search of literature identified sixteen studies that provided significant context for the research questions. What physical and psychosocial functions of stroke patients included, for example, improved mobility, independence in daily activities, reduced disability, psychological well-being, self-efficacy, social support, and personal relationships. How physical and psychosocial functions promote reintegration included, for example, disability management, emotional well-being, self-care independence, sense of purpose, and employment influence. Factors that hinder stroke patients’ reintegration consisted of longer stride time, impaired balance/mobility, activities limitation, severe stroke, presence of comorbidity, depressive symptoms, speech and language challenges, inadequate self-efficacy, fear of falling, older age, low educational level, lack of social support, and social isolation. Conclusion: Successful community reintegration after stroke requires a shift of focus from rehabilitation interventions that target physical functions to include interventions that address psychosocial functions.

Outpatient Experience of Human Caring Scale （OEHC-Scale）： Improvement by Delphi Method

Based on the outpatient interview and literature review, the initial framework of the outpatient experience of human caring scale was formed with 9 dimensions of outpatient process. The research aim was to improve the scale by Delphi method. Sixteen experts in medical management, human caring or medical education were invited to evaluate the importance of the dimensions and items of the scale and provided some expertise via filling out the DeLphi consultation questionnaires twice in the consulting round. In the first round, the recovery rate showing the experts＇ positivity was 80%; the coefficient of reliability （Cr） ascertaining the authority of the evaluation was 0.92; the mean and full mark ratios responding the concentration of the evaluation were 2.88-4.94 and 6.25%-93.75% respectively; the coefficients of variation （CV） and the Kendall＇s W determining the concordance of the evaluation were 5.06%-52.15% and 0.21-0.24 respectively. In the second round, the recovery rate was 93.75%; the Cr was 0.93; the mean was 3.93-4.93; the full mark ratios were 26.67%-93.33%; the Kendall＇s W was 0.14- 0.31, the CV was 5.25%-23.61%. Via the two-round Delphi study, the scale that included 10 dimensions and 61 items has been improved. Ten dimensions are pre-hospital medical service, guidance, registration, waiting, diagnosis ＆ treatment, paying, inspection ＆ assay, medicine receiving, therapy/injection/transfusion and global evaluation. It was concluded that Chinese scholars have paid high attention to human caring and outpatient experience. The experts have given high agreements about the dimensions which were established with Chinese outpatient process. The dimensions are different from the similar researches about outpatient experience study. In the future, it is necessary to survey the outpatients to test the construct validity, internal consistency reliability and others of the scale to improve the scale.

case of familial hyperlipoproteinemia type Ⅲ hypertriglyceridemia induced acute pancreatitis: role for outpatient apheresis maintenance therapy

Hypertriglyceridemic pancreatitis(HTGP) accounts for up to 10% of acute pancreatitis presentations in nonpregnant individuals and is the third most common cause of acute pancreatitis after alcohol and gallstones. There are a number of retrospective studies and case reports that have suggested a role for apheresis and insulin infusion in the acute inpatient setting. We report a case of HTGP in a male with hyperlipoproteinemia type Ⅲ who was treated successfully with insulin and apheresis on the initial inpatient presentation followed by bi-monthly outpatient maintenance apheresis sessions for the prevention of recurrent HTGP. We also reviewed the literature for the different inpatient and outpatient management modalities of HTGP. Given that there are no guidelines or randomized clinical trials that evaluate the outpatient management of HTGP, this case report may provide insight into a possible role for outpatient apheresis maintenance therapy.

Prevalence of depressive and anxiety disorders in Chinese gastroenterological outpatients

AIM:To investigate the prevalence and physicians' detection rate of depressive and anxiety disorders in gastrointestinal(GI)outpatients across China. METHODS:A hospital-based cross-sectional survey was conducted in the GI outpatient departments of 13 general hospitals.A total of 1995 GI outpatients were recruited and screened with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale(HADS).The physicians of the GI departments performed routine clinical diagnosis and management without knowing the HADS score results.Subjects with HADS scores≥8 were subsequently interviewed by psychiatrists using the Mini International Neuropsy-chiatric Interview(MINI)to make further diagnoses. RESULTS:There were 1059 patients with HADS score ≥8 and 674(63.64%)of them undertook the MINI interview by psychiatrists.Based on the criteria of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th edition),the adjusted current prevalence for depressive disorders,anxiety disorders,and comorbidity of both disorders in the GI outpatients was 14.39%, 9.42%and 4.66%,respectively.Prevalence of depressive disorders with suicidal problems[suicide attempt or suicide-related ideation prior or current;module C (suicide)of MINI score≥1]was 5.84%in women and 1.64%in men.The GI physicians'detection rate of depressive and anxiety disorders accounted for 4.14%. CONCLUSION:While the prevalence of depressive and anxiety disorders is high in Chinese GI outpatients, the detection rate of depressive and anxiety disorders by physicians is low.

Association between Fine Particulate Air Pollution and Outpatient Visits for Eczema in Beijing, China: A Time-series Analysis

Eczema is a very common inflammatory skin disease characterized by patches of erythematous,itchy, cracked, and scaly skin.According to the 2010 Global Burden of Disease Study, the global prevalence of eczema is 3.33% and the leading cause of skin condition-based disability-adjusted life years is eczema[1].The large health burden brought about by eczema suggests high direct medical costs and health care utilization[2].Thus, eczema prevention is of great importance in efforts to eliminate the public health burden of the disease.

Outpatient versus inpatient laparoscopic cholecystectomy:a single center clinical analysis

BACKGROUND: Outpatient laparoscopic cholecystectomy (OPLC) developed in the United States and other developed countries as one of the fast-track surgeries performed in ambulatory centers. However, this practice has not been installed as a routine practice in the major general hospitals and medical centers in China. We designed this case-control study to evaluate the feasibility, benefits, and safety of OPLC. METHODS: Two hundred patients who had received laparoscopic cholecystectomy for various benign gallbladder pathologies from April 2007 to December 2008 at Jinling Hospital of Nanjing University School of Medicine were classified into two groups: OPLC group (100 patients), and control group (100), who were designated for inpatient laparoscopic cholecystectomy (IPLC). Data were collected for age, gender, indications for surgery, American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) class, operative time, blood loss during surgery, length of hospitalization, and intra- and post-operative complications. The expenses of surgery and in-hospital care were calculated and analyzed. The operative procedures and instrumentation were standardized for laparoscopic cholecystectomy, and the procedures were performed by two attending surgeons specialized in laparoscopic surgery. OPLC was selected according to the standard criteria developed by surgeons in our hospital after review. Reasons for conversion from laparoscopic to open cholecystectomy were recorded and documented. RESULTS: One hundred patients underwent IPLC following the selection criteria for the procedure, and 99% completed the procedure. The median operative time for IPLC was 24.0 minutes, blood loss was 16.2 ml, and the time for resuming liquid then soft diet was 10.7 hours and 22.0 hours, respectively. Only one patient had postoperative urinary infection. The mean hospital stay for IPLC was 58.2 hours, and the cost for surgery and hospitalization was 8770.5 RMB yuan on average. Followup showed that 90% of the patients were satisfied with the procedure. In the OPLC group, 99% of the patients underwent the procedure with a median operative time of 21.6 minutes and bleeding of 14.7 ml. The patients took liquid 11.3 hours then soft diet 20.1 hours after surgery. The mean postoperative hospital stay was 28.5 hours. In this group, 89% of the patients were discharged within the first 24 hours, and the remaining 11% were released within 48 hours after surgery. Two patients developed local complications. The cost for surgery and hospitalization was 7235.7 RMB yuan, which was 17.5% less than that in the IPLC group. At follow-up, 94% of the patients were satisfied with the surgery and short hospital stay. CONCLUSIONS: OPLC can effectively treat a variety of benign, non-acute gallbladder diseases with shortened waiting time and postoperative hospital stay. OPLC benefits the hospital with a rapid bed turnover rate, and reduces cost for surgery and hospitalization.

Effects of PM2.5 Exposure in Different Air Quality Grades on Daily Outpatient Visits for Childhood Asthma in Shijiazhuang, China

Asthma is a common chronic inflammatory disorder that is more prevalent in children than in adults.China has seen an increasing prevalence of childhood asthma in recentdecades[1].Earlier studies have shown that air particulate matter (PM),particularly fine particulate matter(PM2.5)[2],is an important factor triggering childhood asthma. Since nationalPM2.5data were nota vailabl euntil 2013,