Technology and Health Care - Volume 31, issue 4

Authors: Wang, Yong Feng | He, Rui Jing | Yuan, Xiao Juan | Wang, Xiao Min | Liang, Tao | Cui, Zhi Qiang | Liu, Jian Xia

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Standardized chemotherapy for breast cancer can improve the survival of patients, but during the process, it is accompanied by a variety of symptoms. OBJECTIVE: To explore the dynamic changes of symptoms and quality of life in breast cancer patients at different time points during chemotherapy, and to explore the correlation with quality of life. METHOD: A prospective study method was used to collect 120 breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy as the research objects. The general information questionnaire, the Chinese version of the M.D. Anderson Symptom inventory (MDASI-C), and the European Organization for …Cancer Research and Treatment (EORTC) Quality of Life questionnaire were used in the first week (T1), first month (T2), three month (T3) and 6 months after chemotherapy (T4) to conduct dynamic investigation. RESULTS: The symptoms of breast cancer patients at four time points during chemotherapy period were: psychological symptoms, pain-related symptoms, perimenopausal symptoms, impaired self-image, and neurological related symptoms etc. At T1, it exhibited 2 symptoms, however as moving along the chemotherapy process, the symptoms are increasing. The severity is (F = 76.32, P < 0.001), life of quality (F = 117.64, P < 0.001) vary. At T3, there were 5 symptoms, and at T4 symptom number increased to 6 with worsening quality of life. It exhibited positive correlation with scores in multiple domains of quality of life (P < 0.05), and the above symptoms showed positive correlation with multiple domains of QLQ-C30 (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: After T1-T3 of chemotherapy in breast cancer patients, the symptoms become more serious and the quality of life reduced. Therefore, medical staff should pay attention to the occurrence and development of patient’s symptoms, create a reasonable plan from the perspective of symptom management and carry out personalized interventions to improve patient’s quality of life. Show more

Keywords: Breast cancer patients, chemotherapy, symptom clusters, dynamic changes, quality of life

DOI: 10.3233/THC-220657

Citation: Technology and Health Care, vol. 31, no. 4, pp. 1365-1373, 2023

Authors: Lv, Yin-Jiang | Liang, Xiu-Feng | Wu, Yi-Ping

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The ABO blood group is closely related to clinical blood transfusion, transplantation, and neonatal hemolytic disease. It is also the most clinically significant blood group system in clinical blood transfusion. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this paper is to review and analyze the clinical application of the ABO blood group. METHODS: The most common ABO blood group typing methods in clinical laboratories are hemagglutination test and microcolumn gel test, while genotype detection is mainly adopted in clinical identification of suspicious blood types. However, in some cases, the expression variation or absence of blood …type antigens or antibodies, experimental techniques, physiology, disease, and other factors affect the accurate determination of blood types, which may lead to serious transfusion reactions. RESULTS: The mistakes could be reduced or even eliminated by strengthening training, selecting reasonable identification methods, and optimizing processes, thereby improving the overall identification level of the ABO blood group. ABO blood groups are also correlated with many diseases, such as COVID-19 and malignant tumors. Rh blood groups are determined by the RHD and RHCE homologous genes on chromosome 1 and are classified as Rh negative or positive according to the D antigen., the agglutination method is often used in clinical settings, while genetic and sequencing methods are often used in scientific research. CONCLUSION: Accurate ABO blood typing is a critical requirement for the safety and effectiveness of blood transfusion in clinical practice. Most studies were designed for investigating rare Rh blood group family, and there is a lack of research on the relationship between Rh blood groups and common diseases. Show more

Keywords: ABO blood type, Rh blood type, blood group system, forward and reverse typing, influencing factors, diseases

DOI: 10.3233/THC-220659

Citation: Technology and Health Care, vol. 31, no. 4, pp. 1375-1383, 2023

Authors: Yang, Mo | Yang, Na | Yan, Zhanqiu | Tong, Yan | Zhao, Xiumei | Gu, Chengmin | Gao, Caiyun | Yang, Qing

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Effective analgesia is required to ensure maternal and neonatal safety. OBJECTIVE: To compare the therapeutic effects of analgesia applied throughout labor and analgesia applied during the first stage of labor in women with pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH). METHODS: In this study, 120 puerperae with PIH who gave birth in our hospital were enrolled as the study participants and were randomized into two groups (n = 60 in each group) using a coin flip. Those who received analgesia throughout labor were enrolled in the observation group, and those administered …analgesia during the first stage of labor were enrolled in the control group. The analgesic effects, changes in blood pressure during labor, and neonatal health were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: Differences in visual analog scale (VAS) scores before analgesia, 10 min after analgesia, and full cervical dilation between the two groups were not statistically significant (P > 0.05 in all). The VAS scores of the puerperae in the observation group during forced breathing in the second stage of labor and fetal head expulsion were lower than those in the control group (P < 0.05 for both). The incidence of postpartum hemorrhage, forceps delivery, and antihypertensive treatment in the observation group was slightly lower than in the control group, but the differences were not statistically significant (P > 0.05). The rate of oxytocin treatment in puerperae in the observation group was significantly lower than in the control group (P < 0.05). The differences in base excess, arterial partial pressure of oxygen, partial pressure of carbon dioxide, and pH between the two groups of newborns were not statistically significant (P > 0.05 for all). Differences in changes in systolic and diastolic blood pressure between the two groups of puerperae were not statistically significant (P > 0.05 for both). Eclampsia did not occur during labor in either group. CONCLUSION: For patients with PIH, the application of analgesia throughout labor had a positive analgesic effect, effectively controlling the changes in blood pressure and ensuring the health of newborns. This is worthy of widespread clinical application. Show more

Keywords: Analgesia throughout labor, analgesia during the first stage of labor, pregnancy-induced hypertension, analgesic effect

DOI: 10.3233/THC-220680

Citation: Technology and Health Care, vol. 31, no. 4, pp. 1385-1391, 2023

Authors: Li, Changzhong | Ma, Ya

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: To effectively circumvent foetal structural abnormalities and serious newborn sequelae, antenatal ultrasound evaluation can support making an early diagnosis for potential prenatal management or the termination of pregnancy. OBJECTIVE: This study systematically evaluated a meta-analysis of different pregnancy outcomes in the diagnosis of isolated foetal renal parenchymal echogenicity (IHEK) by prenatal ultrasonography. METHODS: Two researchers conducted a literature search following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The following databases were included in the search: China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Medical Network, China Academic Journals Full-text Database, PubMed, …Web Of Science and Springer Link; additional library websites were also included, and the search reviewed different pregnancies among patients with IHEK. The outcome indicators were the live birth rate, the incidence of polycystic renal dysplasia and the incidence of pregnancy termination/neonatal death. The meta-analysis was performed using the Stata/SE 12.0 software. RESULTS: A total of 14 studies were included in the meta-analysis (total sample content, 1,115 cases). The combined effect size of prenatal ultrasound diagnosis of pregnancy termination/neonatal mortality in patients with IHEK was 0.289 (confidence interval (CI) 95%; range, 0.102–0.397). The combined effect size of the live birth rate of pregnancy outcomes was 0.742 (CI 95%; range, 0.634–0.850. The combined effect size of the polycystic kidney dysplasia rate was 0.066 (CI 95%; range, 0.030–0.102). The heterogeneity of all three results was > 50%; accordingly, a random-effects model was used. CONCLUSION: The indications for eugenic labour should not be included in a prenatal ultrasound diagnosis of patients with IHEK. In the results of this meta-analysis, the live birth and polycystic dysplasia rates were optimistic in terms of pregnancy outcomes. Therefore, under the condition of excluding other unfavourable factors, it is necessary to A thorough technical inspection is required to make an accurate judgment. Show more

Keywords: IHEK, pregnancy outcomes, eugenic labour

DOI: 10.3233/THC-220690

Citation: Technology and Health Care, vol. 31, no. 4, pp. 1393-1405, 2023

Authors: Li, Jiaxin | Liu, Xiaonan | Li, Jiaxin | Han, Dongwei | Li, Yu | Ge, Pengling

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been widely recognized and accepted worldwide to provide favorable therapeutic effects for cancer patients. As Andrographis paniculata has an anti-tumor effect, it might inhibit lung cancer. OBJECTIVE: The drug targets and related pathways involved in the action of Andrographis paniculata against lung cancer were predicted using network pharmacology, and its mechanism was further explored at the molecular level. METHODS: This work selected the effective components and targets of Andrographis paniculata against the Traditional Chinese Medicine System Pharmacology (TCMSP) database. Targets related to lung cancer …were searched for in the GEO database (accession number GSE136043). The volcanic and thermal maps of differential expression genes were produced using the software R. Then, the target genes were analyzed by GO and KEGG analysis using the software R. This also utilized the AutoDock tool to study the molecular docking of the active component structures downloaded from the PubChem database and the key target structures downloaded from the PDB database, and the docking results were visualized using the software PyMol. RESULTS: The results of molecular docking show that wogonin, Mono-O-methylwightin, Deoxycamptothecine, andrographidine F_qt, Quercetin tetramethyl (3’,4’,5,7) ether, 14-deoxyandrographolide, andrographolide-19-β -D-glucoside_qt and 14-deoxy-11-oxo-andrographolide were potential active components, while AKT1, MAPK14, RELA and NCOA1 were key targets. CONCLUSION: This study showed the main candidate components, targets, and pathways involved in the action of Andrographis paniculata against lung cancer. Show more

Keywords: Andrographis paniculata, lung cancer, pharmacology, molecular docking, mechanism

DOI: 10.3233/THC-220698

Citation: Technology and Health Care, vol. 31, no. 4, pp. 1407-1427, 2023

Authors: Feng, Shengchun | Yang, Chunyan | Wang, Jun | Fan, Xiaopeng | Ying, Xiaowei

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Due to the complexity and heterogeneity of hepatocellular carcinoma, the existing clinical staging criterias are insufficient to accurately reflect the tumor microenvironment and predict the prognosis of HCC patients. Aggrephagy, as a type of selective autophagy, is associated with various phenotypes of malignant tumors. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to identify and validate a prognostic model based on aggrephagy-related LncRNAs to assess the prognosis and immunotherapeutic response of HCC patients. METHODS: Based on the TCGA-LIHC cohort, aggrephagy-related LncRNAs were identified. Univariate Cox regression analysis and lasso and multivariate Cox regression were used to …construct a risk-scoring system based on eight ARLs. CIBERSORT, ssGSEA, and other algorithms were used to evaluate and present the immune landscape of tumor microenvironment. RESULTS: The high-risk group had a worse overall survival (OS) than the low-risk group. Patients in the high-risk group are more likely to benefit from immunotherapy because of their high infiltration level and high immune checkpoint expression. CONCLUSION: The ARLs signature is a powerful predictor of prognosis for HCC patients, and the nomogram based on this model can help clinicians accurately determine the prognosis of HCC patients and screen for specific subgroups of patients who are more sensitive to immunotherapy and chemotherapy. Show more

Keywords: Hepatocellular carcinoma, aggrephagy, prognostic signature, tumor microenvironment, immunotherapy

DOI: 10.3233/THC-220738

Citation: Technology and Health Care, vol. 31, no. 4, pp. 1429-1449, 2023

Authors: Zhou, Tao-Cheng | Yin, Chuan-Gao | Wang, Chang | Shi, Zi-Feng | Tong, Guang-Lei

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a severe neurodevelopmental disorder that begins in early infancy and childhood and is characterized by impaired social communication and repetitive stereotyped behaviors. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to examine the development of the corpus callosum and its relationship to neurobehavior in young children with high-risk (HR) ASD using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). METHODS: Twenty-one children with HR-ASD who visited Anhui Children’s Hospital between January 2020 and December 2021 were selected as the study group, while 19 matched children with normal …development during the same time were adopted as the control group. Cranial MRI+ DTI were performed for all of the enrolled children and fractional anisotropy (FA) measurements were taken in each region of the corpus callosum. RESULTS: The FA values in all regions of the corpus callosum were higher in the study group than in the control group (0.417 ± 0.016 vs. 0.412 ± 0.02 in the corpus callosum knee, 0.439 ± 0.018 vs. 0.431 ± 0.023 in the corpus callosum body, and 0.446 ± 0.017 vs. 0.434 ± 0.019 in the splenium of corpus callosum [SCC]), where the difference in the FA in the SCC was statistically significant between the two groups (P < 0.05). There was a positive correlation between the FA in the corpus callosum knee and speech scores in the neuropsychological development of the study group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: There was a premature development tendency for corpus callosum myelination in young children with HR-ASD, and the developmental tendency was visible in the SCC. There was also a positive relationship between corpus callosum knee development and language function. Show more

Keywords: Autism spectrum disorder, diffusion tensor imaging, corpus callosum, fractional anisotropy, developmental quotients

DOI: 10.3233/THC-220777

Citation: Technology and Health Care, vol. 31, no. 4, pp. 1451-1456, 2023

Authors: Begić, Edin | Aziri, Buena | Omeragić, Elma | Medjedović, Edin | Iglica, Amer | Stanetić, Bojan | Kovačević-Preradović, Tamara | Živanović, Željko | Begić, Amra | Janković, Slobodan | Mlačo, Nejra | Mladenović, Zorica | Badnjević, Almir

Article Type: Review Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Heat-not-burn (HNB) technology by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has been classified as a modified risk tobacco product, which can be a better option for those populations who cannot give up the habit of smoking. The outlook on the effects of these products is quite controversial in the scientific world. OBJECTIVE: To present the effect of HNB tobacco products on the cardiovascular system, with reference to the existence of possible benefits of the technology. METHODS: The literature search was conducted in PubMed/Medline, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), and …ClinicalTrials.gov databases, with reliance on a well-defined guiding research statement. Quality appraisal was performed using the CASP checklist for randomized controlled trials. RESULTS: The search of three databases identified 167 records, and after selection process, 25 randomized controlled trials were eligible for our study’s criteria. Twenty studies investigated the effects of HNB products on biomarkers of clinical relevance. Five studies evaluated other functional heart parameters rather than biomarkers. CONCLUSION: With HNB tobacco products, significant reductions were found in biomarkers of exposure and biological effect related to pathways involved in cardiovascular disease, including inflammation, oxidative stress, lipid metabolism, platelet function, and endothelial dysfunction. Show more

Keywords: Tobacco products, nicotine delivery devices, cardiovascular system, risk, parameters

DOI: 10.3233/THC-220677

Citation: Technology and Health Care, vol. 31, no. 4, pp. 1457-1491, 2023

Authors: Du, Jie | Wei, Liang

Article Type: Case Report

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The clinical manifestations of Parkinson’s disease (PD) are bradykinesia and abnormal walking postures. Patients with PD are prone to complications such as drug addiction, which may not only lead to cognitive, behavioral, and affective disorders but also have irreversible impacts on patients’ body indexes. CASE DESCRIPTION: In this study, the treatment regimen for a patient with dopamine dysregulation syndrome was adjusted to allow for the withdrawal of Trastal, gradual decrease of Madopar, and the addition of Comtan and clozapine. While the body indexes effectively improved, the patient did not experience negative side effects. …CONCLUSION: Reducing the dosage of Madopar and reasonably applying the treatment regimen can improve the clinical treatment effect and improve the quality of life of patients. Show more

Keywords: Dopamine dysregulation syndrome, Madopar, clozapine, Comtan

DOI: 10.3233/THC-220719

Citation: Technology and Health Care, vol. 31, no. 4, pp. 1493-1496, 2023

Authors: Huttin, Christine C.

Article Type: Short Communication

Abstract: BACKGROUND: At a time when welfare contracts are in crisis, it is timely to discuss different forms of disruptive innovation and responses of medical finance and economic systems, especially adjusting with new instruments for recovery and innovative solutions for health reforms. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this paper is to propose some ways to develop a framework for policy changes affecting life science sectors and healthcare. It aims to analyze the types of relationships between health or medical systems and the economic systems. METHOD: Medical systems used to be generally closed systems, but the new forms of …delivery, especially with increase of telehealth and Mobile health (Mhealth) solutions (boosted by the COVID-19 pandemic, such as online consultations), have open traditional boundaries and generate more interactions with economic systems. It also led to new institutional arrangements at federal, national, or local levels, with different power games according to the history of institutions and cultural differences between countries. RESULTS: Which system dynamics prevail will also depend on the political systems in place, for instance very innovative open innovation systems dominated by private players such as the USA empower individuals and favor intuitive and entrepreneurial states. On the other hand, systems historically dominated by socialized insurance or former communist countries, have investigated “attunements” or adaptation mechanisms in system intelligence. However, systemic changes are not only implemented by traditional rulers (government agencies, federal reserve banks) but also face the emergence of systemic platforms dominated by Big Tech players. The new agendas expressed for instance in the United Nation (UN) framework and the set of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for climate change and sustainable growth, also require global adjustment of supply and demand, in a context where the traditional drug/vaccine split is challenged by the new technologies (e.g., mRNA technologies). Investment for drug research led to the development of COVID-19 vaccines, but also potential cancer vaccines. Finally, welfare economics is increasingly criticized among economist circles; it requires new design for global value assessment framework, facing growing inequalities and inter-generational challenges in aging populations. CONCLUSION: This paper contributes to new models of developments and different frameworks for multiple stakeholders with major technological changes. Show more

Keywords: Welfare economics, economics of innovation, value assessment, life science, medical systems

DOI: 10.3233/THC-220609

Citation: Technology and Health Care, vol. 31, no. 4, pp. 1497-1504, 2023