Technology and Health Care - Volume 33, issue 1

Authors: Xiong, Yi-Ying | Chen, Chao-Yang | Li, Xiang | Yue, Xin-Xin | Zhao, Ze-Yu

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Patients with tracheotomy are often monitored in the anesthesia recovery room after reoperation. During this period, oxygen therapy is necessary, and the existing tracheostomy oxygen supply device has many defects. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of a self-made tracheostomy oxygen delivery device on oxygen therapy during postoperative anesthesia recovery. METHODS: Patients were randomly divided into two groups, E and C, with 30 patients in each group, and admitted to the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU). Patients in group E received oxygen through a self-made tracheostomy oxygen delivery device, while patients in group C …were supplied oxygen through a unilateral nasal cannula. Respiration (R), pulse oximetry (SpO2 ), and the number of patients on ventilators were recorded at the time of admission (T0 ) and one hour after admission (T1 ). Rapid dry blood gas analyses were performed on 0.6 ml samples of arterial blood collected at T0 and T1 . RESULTS: Compared to group C, patients in group E had significantly higher arterial partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2 ), arterial oxygen saturation (SaO2 ), total carbon dioxide (T-CO2 ), and actual bicarbonate (AB), while arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2 ) was significantly reduced (P < 0.01 or < 0.05). Compared to T0 , PaO2 decreased in both groups at T1 , PaCO2 decreased in group E, while SaO2 , T-CO2 , and AB decreased in group C (P < 0.01 or < 0.05). CONCLUSION: We found that using the self-made tracheostomy oxygen delivery device in postoperative anesthesia recovery had advantages such as a secure connection to the tracheostoma, adjustable oxygen concentration, air filtration, and the ability to switch oxygen supply between the ventilator and humidifier. Show more

Keywords: Anesthesia recovery, general anesthesia, oxygen delivery device, oxygen therapy, self-made, tracheostomy

DOI: 10.3233/THC-241184

Citation: Technology and Health Care, vol. 33, no. 1, pp. 519-527, 2025

Authors: Tang, Yizhi | Chen, Peng | Tang, Tian | Luo, Zhihui | Wang, Xuelian | Ma, Xinxin | Jin, Lijia

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Accurate sentinel lymph node (SLN) characterization is essential for breast cancer management, prompting advancements in imaging technologies such as contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) and sound touch quantification (STQ) to enhance diagnostic precision. OBJECTIVE: To explore the value of perfusion characteristics evaluated by CEUS combined with STQ parameters in diagnosing the properties of sentinel lymph node (SLN) in breast cancer. METHODS: A total of 91 breast cancer patients (91 SLNs) admitted to the hospital from February 2022 to December 2023 were selected for this study. Among them, 26 patients with metastatic SLN confirmed by …surgery and pathology were included in the metastatic SLN group, and 65 patients with non-metastatic SLN were included in the non-metastatic SLN group. Preoperative examination results of CEUS and STQ were retrospectively analyzed. The diagnostic efficacy of perfusion characteristics evaluated by CEUS and STQ parameters for the properties of SLN in breast cancer was analyzed using the receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve. Statistical methods such as chi-square tests and logistic regression analysis were employed to analyze the data. RESULTS: Enhancement patterns differed significantly between the metastatic SLN and non-metastatic SLN groups (p < 0.05). ROC curve analysis indicated that CEUS perfusion characteristics had an AUC value of 0.823 for diagnosing SLN properties, with a sensitivity of 84.62% and specificity of 70.77% using type I as the critical value. Additionally, STQ measurement showed significantly higher values in the metastatic SLN group (44.18 ± 6.53 kPa) compared to the non-metastatic SLN group (34.69 ± 6.81 kPa) (t = 6.075, p < 0.001). The AUC value for STQ parameters in diagnosing metastatic SLN was 0.849, with a sensitivity of 73.08% and specificity of 92.31% using 42.40 kPa as the critical value. Though the AUC value of STQ measurement was higher than CEUS perfusion characteristics alone, the difference was not statistically significant (Z = 0.393, p = 0.695). Moreover, combining CEUS perfusion characteristics with STQ parameters yielded an AUC value of 0.815 for diagnosing SLN properties, showing no significant difference compared to diagnosis with CEUS or STQ parameters alone (Z = 0.149, 0.516, p = 0.882, 0.606). CONCLUSION: Combined use of perfusion characteristics evaluated by CEUS and STQ parameters can significantly improve the diagnostic specificity of SLN in breast cancer. It is worthy of clinical promotion. Show more

Keywords: Breast cancer, sentinel lymph node, diagnosis, contrast-enhanced ultrasound, sound touch quantification

DOI: 10.3233/THC-241232

Citation: Technology and Health Care, vol. 33, no. 1, pp. 529-535, 2025

Authors: Wang, Mengxing | Xia, Tian | Wang, Ying

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Dental pulpitis significantly impacts oral function and quality of life. Treatments like direct pulp capping aim to preserve pulp vitality. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to investigate the application value of Nd:YAG laser irradiation in preserving pulp vitality in children with caries-induced pulpitis. METHODS: This study, conducted from June 2019 to June 2023, included 89 children undergoing pulp vitality preservation treatment for caries-induced pulpitis. The children were divided into two groups using sealed envelopes: 44 in the control group received pulp capping treatment, while the study group received Nd:YAG laser-assisted pulp capping treatment. …The efficacy, oral indicators, oral function, changes in root apex diameter and root length, changes in gingival crevicular fluid inflammatory factors, and incidence of complications were compared between the two groups before and 3 months after treatment. RESULTS: The total effective rates were 97.78% in the study group and 95.45% in the control group, with no significant difference between the groups (p > 0.05). Before treatment, there were no differences in gingival index, plaque index, and probing bleeding index between the groups (p > 0.05). After treatment, both groups showed decreased periodontal indexes compared to before treatment, with the study group showing lower values than the control group (p < 0.05). Chewing and biting function scores were similar between the groups before and after treatment (p > 0.05), but both groups showed decreased scores after treatment (p < 0.05). The study group had a higher percentage decrease in root apex diameter and a greater increase in root length compared to the control group (p < 0.05). During treatment, one case of tooth discoloration occurred in the study group (2.27%), while the control group had two cases of tooth discoloration and one case of secondary caries, resulting in a complication rate of 6.67%. There was no significant difference in the incidence of complications between the groups (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Nd:YAG laser irradiation effectively preserves pulp vitality in children with caries-induced pulpitis, improving periodontal health, reducing root apex diameter, and increasing root length with high safety. Show more

Keywords: Nd: YAG laser, caries-induced pulpitis, children, oral function

DOI: 10.3233/THC-241233

Citation: Technology and Health Care, vol. 33, no. 1, pp. 537-544, 2025

Authors: Ruan, Yingqing | Liu, Ping | Qiu, Minjie

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Stress urinary incontinence (SUI), a prevalent condition among middle-aged and elderly women in China, is characterized by the involuntary leakage of urine during instances of increased abdominal pressure [1]. Although SUI is not life-threatening, it substantially impacts patients’ physical and psychological well-being, impairs their social interactions, and diminishes their overall quality of life. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the clinical efficacy of tension-free vaginal tape-ischiopubic ramus (TVT-IR) and transobturator tension-free vaginal tape (TVT-O) in the treatment of female stress urinary incontinence (SUI). METHODS: A retrospective analysis …of clinical data from 83 female SUI patients was conducted, dividing them into a TVT-IR group (n = 41) and a TVT-O group (n = 42) based on the surgical procedures employed. Perioperative indices, surgical efficacy, complications, symptom improvement pre- and post-operation (3 months), urodynamic measurements, and indices related to pelvic floor function and quality of life were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: The TVT-IR group had significantly shorter operative time than the TVT-O group (P < 0.05). Three months after surgery, both groups had significantly lower frequency of incontinence, incontinence score, and number of nocturnal urination, significantly higher Pdet, ALPP, Qmax, and MUCP, significantly higher class I and class II fiber muscle strength and muscle potential, and significantly higher I-QOL scores (P < 0.05). The aforementioned indicators were superior in the TVT-IR group compared to the TVT-O group three months after surgery (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Both TVT-IR and TVT-O are effective in treating SUI, with comparable complication rates. Show more

Keywords: Female stress urinary incontinence, tension-free vaginal tape-ischiopubic ramus, transobturator tension-free vaginal tape, quality of life

DOI: 10.3233/THC-241247

Citation: Technology and Health Care, vol. 33, no. 1, pp. 545-554, 2025

Authors: Xiang, Qiong | Chen, Jia-Jia | Feng, Ni-Na | Li, Xian-Hui

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: With the continuous advancement of medical technology, the survival rate of preterm infants is gradually improving, However, due to the underdeveloped function of various organs and systems, preterm infants are often exposed to light, noise, medical as well as nursing operations and other stimuli during their hospitalization in neonatal intensive care unit (NICU); it is highly susceptible to a number of problems, such as pain, unstable vital signs, growth retardation, and sleep disruption. OBJECTIVE: This article reviews the research progress of music intervention in nursing of premature infants in NICU with both traditional and conventional …care. METHODS: This article reviews the research background, methodology/design, and measurement/application effects of music interventions, including Chinese and Western traditional music, in the care of preterm infants in NICU. All scholarly literature retrieved from MEDLINE\ PubMed, Science Citation Index Expanded, Google scholar, CNKI scholar, Scopus and PubsHub. RESULTS: As a simple and effective non-pharmacological intervention, music intervention can effectively alleviate neonatal surgical pain, increase heart rate and oxygen saturation, promote sleep, growth and development, and improve neurological development. CONCLUSIONS: This review provide theoretical references for clinical practice. Show more

Keywords: Music intervention, music therapy, music medicine, premature infants, neonatal intensive care unit

DOI: 10.3233/THC-241263

Citation: Technology and Health Care, vol. 33, no. 1, pp. 555-566, 2025

Authors: Su, Hui | Lan, Xiaoyang | Cao, Ya | Zhang, Mingjie | Chen, Xiaoyan | Lan, Chen

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Epidural blood patch (EBP) is a minimally invasive and effective treatment for spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH). But, cervical epidural blood patch for SIH has little attention. OBJECTIVE: In this study, The clinical data was recorded and the treatment efficacy and safety of cervical EBP in SIH were evaluated. METHODS : Fifty-nine cases of intractable SIH were examined by computed tomography (CT) guided cervical EBP at the Chinese PLA General Hospital from August 2014 to March 2024. RESULTS: The mean age of the fifty-nine patients at symptom onset was 40.8 ± …9.5 years. 54/59 (91.5%) patients experienced orthostatic headache. Preoperative spine T2 scans with extensive fluid collection at the upper cervical region in 43/46 (93.5%). 45/59 (76.3%) patients had symptomatic relief with initial cervical EBP, and 14/59 (23.7%) patients received further cervical EBPs. In the first one to three days following the EBP procedure, 11 (18.6%) patients reported pain at the puncture site and 15 (25.4%) experienced neck pain. No other complications were observed during or after the procedure. At the latest follow-up, all patients showed good recovery. The mean follow-up was 28.9 ± 22.7 months. CONCLUSION: CT-guided cervical EBP is a effective and safe treatment for patients with intractable SIH, especially in patients who had extensive fluid collection at the upper cervical region. Show more

Keywords: Spontaneous intracranial hypotension, epidural blood patch, cervical region, CT-guided, extensive fluid collections

DOI: 10.3233/THC-241366

Citation: Technology and Health Care, vol. 33, no. 1, pp. 567-575, 2025

Authors: Kapoor, Yagyesh | Hasija, Yasha

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Machine learning offers diverse options for effectively managing blood glucose levels in diabetes patients. Selecting the right ML algorithm is critical given the array of available choices. Integrating data from IoT devices presents promising opportunities to enhance real-time blood glucose management models. OBJECTIVE: This meta-analysis aims to evaluate the effectiveness of machine learning models utilizing IoT device data for predicting blood glucose levels. METHODS: We systematically searched electronic databases for studies published between 2019 and 2023. We excluded studies lacking ML model derivation or performance metrics. The Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy …Studies tool assessed study quality. Our primary outcomes compared ML models for BG level prediction across different prediction horizons (PHs). RESULTS: We analyzed ten eligible studies across prediction horizons of 15, 30, 45, and 60 minutes. ML models exhibited mean absolute RMSE values of 15.02 (SD 1.45), 21.488 (SD 2.92), 30.094 (SD 3.245), and 35.89 (SD 6.4) mg/dL, respectively. Random Forest demonstrated superior performance across these PHs. CONCLUSION: We observed significant heterogeneity across all subgroups, indicating diverse sources of variability. As the PH lengthened, the RMSE for blood glucose prediction by the ML model increased, with Random Forest showing the highest relative performance among the ML models. Show more

Keywords: Machine learning, diabetes, CGM, Internet of Things, blood glucose, hyperglycemia

DOI: 10.3233/THC-241403

Citation: Technology and Health Care, vol. 33, no. 1, pp. 577-591, 2025

Authors: He, Xuwei | Lou, Tianzheng | Zhang, Ning | Zhu, Bin | Zeng, Danyi | Chen, Hua

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Due to the high-risk nature of sepsis, emergency departments urgently need a simple evaluation method to assess the degree of inflammation and prognosis in sepsis patients, providing a reference for diagnosis and treatment. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the prognostic value of the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) combined with the blood urea nitrogen-to-serum albumin ratio (BAR) in sepsis. METHODS: A total of 377 sepsis patients admitted to Lishui People’s Hospital from June 2022 to June 2023 were selected as the study subjects. Based on their prognosis, they were divided into a survival group (255 cases) …and a death group (82 cases). The clinical data of the two groups were compared. Multivariate logistic analysis was used to identify factors influencing sepsis prognosis, and ROC curve analysis was used to assess the predictive efficacy of NLR, BAR, and their combination. RESULTS: Compared with survivors, non-survivors had higher NLR and BAR, with statistically significant differences (p < 0.05). After adjusting for confounding factors, NLR (OR = 1.052) and BAR (OR = 1.095) were found to be independent prognostic factors for sepsis patients (both p < 0.05). The AUC of NLR combined with BAR was 0.798 (95% CI 0.745–0.850, p < 0.05), higher than the AUC of NLR alone (0.776) and BAR alone (0.701). CONCLUSIONS: The combination of NLR and BAR has a high predictive value for the prognosis of sepsis patients. Its simple calculation makes it particularly suitable for use in emergency departments. Show more

Keywords: Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, blood urea nitrogen to serum albumin ratio, sepsis, prognosis

DOI: 10.3233/THC-241415

Citation: Technology and Health Care, vol. 33, no. 1, pp. 593-600, 2025

Authors: M.G, Sumithra | Venkatesan, Chandran

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The identification of infection in diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) is challenging due to variability within classes, visual similarity between classes, reduced contrast with healthy skin, and presence of artifacts. Existing studies focus on visual characteristics and tissue classification rather than infection detection, critical for assessing DFUs and predicting amputation risk. OBJECTIVE: To address these challenges, this study proposes a deep learning model using a hybrid CNN and Swin Transformer architecture for infection classification in DFU images. The aim is to leverage end-to-end mapping without prior knowledge, integrating local and global feature extraction to improve detection …accuracy. METHODS: The proposed model utilizes a hybrid CNN and Swin Transformer architecture. It employs the Grad CAM technique to visualize the decision-making process of the CNN and Transformer blocks. The DFUC Challenge dataset is used for training and evaluation, emphasizing the model’s ability to accurately classify DFU images into infected and non-infected categories. RESULTS: The model achieves high performance metrics: sensitivity (95.98%), specificity (97.08%), accuracy (96.52%), and Matthews Correlation Coefficient (0.93). These results indicate the model’s effectiveness in quickly diagnosing DFU infections, highlighting its potential as a valuable tool for medical professionals. CONCLUSION: The hybrid CNN and Swin Transformer architecture effectively combines strengths from both models, enabling accurate classification of DFU images as infected or non-infected, even in complex scenarios. The use of Grad CAM provides insights into the model’s decision process, aiding in identifying infected regions within DFU images. This approach shows promise for enhancing clinical assessment and management of DFU infections. Show more

Keywords: Diabetic foot ulcer, infection classification, convolutional neural network, Swin Transformer, Grad CAM

DOI: 10.3233/THC-241444

Citation: Technology and Health Care, vol. 33, no. 1, pp. 601-618, 2025

Authors: Wang, Guoyu | Han, Yang | Zhuang, Juhua | Mai, Zhongchao | Xia, Wei | Ye, Ying

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third leading cause of cancer-attributed mortality and the primary liver malignancy in the world. Echinacoside is a phenylethanoid glycoside derived from traditional Chinese medicinal herbs which possessed multiple health benefits on humans, including anti-tumor effects. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to demonstrate the function of echinacoside in HCC progression and the involvement of miR-30c-5p/FOXD1/KLF12 axis. METHODS: The HepG2 cells were treated by different dose of echinacoside, miR-30c-5p mimic, miR-30c-5p inhibitor, and FOXD1 overexpression lentiviruses or siRNA individually or simultaneously. The cell invasion and migration were measured by transwell …assay. RNA and protein levels were tested by RT-PCR and western blot, respectively. The regulatory function of miR-30c-5p on Forkhead box D1 (FOXD1), FOXD1 on Krüppel-like factor 12 (KLF12) was tested by luciferase reporter assay or/and ChIP assay. Meanwhile, a liver cancer lung metastasis mice model was used to examine the functions of echinacoside and miR-30c-5p on HCC metastasis in vivo . Moreover, the correlations among miR-30c-5p, FOXD1, KLF12, and HCC prognosis was analyzed using clinical sample and TCGA database. RESULTS: Based on both in vitro and in vivo investigations, we found that echinacoside could inhibit HCC cell migration, invasiveness, and tumor metastasis, and associated with the enhanced miR-30c-5p/FOXD1/KLF12 axis. Furthermore, through analyzing the interactions among intermediate molecules, we revealed that miR-30c-5p, FOXD1, and KLF12üere clinically relevant with each other in HCC patients, correlated with HCC prognosis, and regulated by echinacoside to contribute in the inhibition of HCC progression. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that echinacoside could inhibit HCC progression, and the mechanism related to the enhanced miR-30c-5p/FOXD1/KLF12 axis. Moreover, the abovementioned intermediate molecules might serve as prospective biomarkers for HCC prognosis. Show more

Keywords: Echinacoside, microRNA, FOXD1, KLF12, hepatocellular carcinoma

DOI: 10.3233/THC-241449

Citation: Technology and Health Care, vol. 33, no. 1, pp. 619-634, 2025

Authors: Luo, Haichao | Chen, Ran | Wang, Changying | Chen, Qitian

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Targeted therapy and immunotherapy has brought new hope to patients with lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) with their applications. However, the prognosis of LUAD patients is still unpromising. OBJECTIVE: It is particularly important to find the biomarkers that can predict the prognosis of LUAD. In our previous study, we found that patients with high expression of LINC02390 had a better prognosis. The clinical significance of LINC02390 and its potential target genes, CLECL1 and CD69, in the prognosis of LUAD and its role in the immune microenvironment were explored. METHODS: Through the survival analysis, LINC02390 …and its potential target genes, CLECL1 and CD69, were identified as good prognostic factors for LUAD. According to GO and KEGG analyses, LINC02390-related genes were identified potentially involved in immune-related signaling pathways. Gene mutations and their relationship with immune cell infiltration were verified through the online cbioportal and TIMER database. RESULTS: CD69 was found to positively associate with CD8 + T cells and CLECL1 was also positively associated with CD4 + T cells. A high expression of CD69 in CD8 + T cells was identified through the single-cell sequencing dataset GSE111894. Finally, CLECL1 and CD69 were lowly expressed in clinical tissue samples with LUAD by immunohistochemical staining. CONCLUSIONS: LINC02390 and its possible target genes, CLECL1 and CD69, may be potential targets for the immunotherapy in LUAD patients. Show more

Keywords: LINC02390, CLECL1, CD69, lung adenocarcinoma, immune microenvironment, immunotherapy

DOI: 10.3233/THC-241452

Citation: Technology and Health Care, vol. 33, no. 1, pp. 635-647, 2025

Authors: Chen, Shuo | Wu, Peixian | Peng, Weiqun | Zhang, Hongai

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The relationship between metabolically healthy obesity (MHO) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk remains debated. The critical point may be the lack of consensus on MHO’s definition and diagnostic criteria. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the association of MHO status with arteriosclerosis-CVD (ASCVD) risk in Chinese under new diagnostic criteria. METHODS: Participants aged 35–79 in the 2009 China Health and Nutrition Survey cohort were included. The 10-year ASCVD risk was predicted by the prediction for ASCVD risk in China, and participants with a predicted risk of ⩾ 10% were …classified into the high-risk group. The Bayesian network (BN) models were constructed to characterize the multivariable probabilistic connections between metabolically obesity phenotypes and ASCVD risk. RESULTS: The 10-year ASCVD risk score and the proportion of individuals at ASCVD high risk were significantly different between metabolically obesity phenotypes (P < 0.001). BN reasoning results showed that MHO individuals were not significantly associated with a 10-year ASCVD risk. Among metabolically unhealthy individuals, the conditional probability of high ASCVD risk increased with the Body Mass Index (BMI), with the conditional probability of high ASCVD risk was 24.63% (95% CI: 22.81–26.55%), 32.97% (95% CI: 30.75–35.27%) and 40.2% (95% CI: 36.64–43.86%) for metabolically unhealthy normal weight (MUNW), metabolically healthy overweight weight (MHOW), and metabolically unhealthy obesity (MUO) group, respectively. Subgroup analysis showed that MHO individuals were at increased risk of CVD compared with metabolically healthy normal weight (MHNW) individuals only in females. CONCLUSION: These results showed that there was no significant increase in ASCVD risk of MHO phenotype based on the new diagnostic criteria, suggesting that MHO is in a relatively healthy state. Show more

Keywords: Metabolically healthy obesity, atherosclerosis cardiovascular disease, Bayesian networks

DOI: 10.3233/THC-241472

Citation: Technology and Health Care, vol. 33, no. 1, pp. 649-658, 2025

Authors: Zou, Haojie | Wang, Lei | Zhou, Xiaolu | Zhang, Ling | Wang, Shida | Zheng, Qinghua | Ye, Ling | Wang, Chenglin

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Clinically, apical barrier procedure can be adopted to create an immediate artificial barrier for tooth with an open apex. Given that the quality of the barrier is crucial, the apical barrier procedure is known for its high technical sensitivity, posing significant learning challenges for dental students. Therefore, a new dental teaching model not only effectively enhances the future clinical skills of dental students but also benefits a wider range of patients. OBJECTIVE: A new dental model for simulating apical barrier procedure in vitro , is helpful for dental students to practice apical barrier procedure. This …study aims to design, assess, and evaluate the feasibility of a three-dimensional (3D) printed apical barrier model for pre-clinical dental education. METHODS: A novel 3D-printed apical barrier model was developed, consisting of a tooth model and a matching blind box. Total 200 3D-printed apical barrier models were used to train dental students, and fifty fifth-year dental students participated in this voluntary hands-on course. Each student performed apical barrier procedures on four 3D-printed models. The outcome of the first model served as the representative result for the “direct barrier group”, whereas the outcome of the fourth model represented the result of the “post-training barrier group”. The quality of the apical barrier procedure was assessed through X-ray examination, and a questionnaire was used to evaluate the 3D-printed model’s benefits, with scores ranging from 1 (strongly agree) to 5 (strongly disagree). RESULTS: The overall rating for the 3D-printed model was 2.0 ± 0.6. The model was noted for its high degree of realism, ease of use, and practical applicability. Post-training assessments showed significant improvements in the density of apical barrier fillings (P < 0.05), reduction in underfilling rates (P < 0.05), and decrease in overfilling distances (P < 0.05). Students overwhelmingly agreed that the model was beneficial for training in apical barrier procedures (1.06 ± 0.24), helped identify their shortcomings (1.62 ± 0.53), and improved their operational skills (1.90 ± 0.51). CONCLUSIONS: Both the questionnaire feedback and the quality of the fillings confirmed the feasibility and efficacy of the 3D-printed apical barrier model for dental education. The students had the possibility to learn the correct apical barrier procedure on printed dental models. Show more

Keywords: 3D printing technology, dental education, apical barrier procedure, hands-on training, self-assessment

DOI: 10.3233/THC-241483

Citation: Technology and Health Care, vol. 33, no. 1, pp. 659-669, 2025

Authors: Zhou, Yan | Liu, Yubao | Han, Yutong | Yan, Hongxia

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Intensive care unit acquired weakness (ICU-AW) is a secondary neuromuscular complication in critically ill patients, characterized by profound weakness in all four limbs. Studies have shown that bundles of care are nursing strategies that combine a series of evidence-based interventions, which collectively optimize patients’ clinical outcomes compared to individual interventions. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to conduct a meta-analysis of the effects of bundle interventions on ICU-AW deeply exploring the characteristics of bundle interventions, patient outcomes related to ICU-AW, and primarily investigating the effects of bundle interventions on ICU-AW. The main focus is to explore the …clinical value of bundle interventions in treatment of ICU-acquired weakness in patients. METHODS: Computer and manual searches were conducted using keywords to retrieve relevant studies on the effects of bundle interventions on ICU-AW from databases such as PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library and EMbase. The search period ranged from database inception to the present. The control group received standard ICU care, including basic nursing, while the intervention group received bundle nursing interventions. RESULTS: A total of 10 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving 1545 participants (790 in the intervention group and 755 in the control group) were included. Meta-analysis results showed that the intervention group had significantly higher muscle strength (MD = 7.41, 95% CI: 6.65–8.16, P < 0.00001) and daily living ability (MD = 34.01, 95% CI: 32.54–35.48, P < 0.00001) than the control group. Additionally, the incidence of ICU-AW (OR = 0.39, 95% CI: 0.26–0.59, P < 0.00001), mechanical ventilation time (MD = - 3.71, 95% CI: - 3.58∼ - 2.76, P < 0.0001), and ICU length of stay (MD = - 2.73, 95% CI: - 3.14∼ - 2.31, P < 0.00001) were significantly lower in the intervention group than in the control group. CONCLUSION: ICU-AW has a severe negative impact on the recovery and functional restoration of ICU patients, increasing the treatment complexity for healthcare providers and the mortality and disability rates for patients. The bundled care approach may help reduce the incidence of ICU-AW, promote the restoration of daily activity function, enhance muscle strength, and reduce ICU stay and mechanical ventilation time for ICU patients. However, the long-term effects of bundle interventions still require further in-depth research. Show more

Keywords: Nursing interventions, muscle weakness, intensive care unit, incidence, meta-analysis

DOI: 10.3233/THC-241542

Citation: Technology and Health Care, vol. 33, no. 1, pp. 671-683, 2025

Authors: Chen, Xin | Yu, Zhengya | Wu, Jixiang

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The incidence of arterial variations in the upper limb is variable among ethnic groups. However, there are only a few studies on the Asian population, particularly in China. OBJECTIVE: This research provided the first large data series on arterial variations in the upper limb of Chinese adults. METHODS: In this observational study, the arteries in the upper limb of consecutive patients were analyzed between July 2020 and June 2021, and the hemodynamic variables of each patient were collected. RESULTS: The brachial artery deviated in 6.60% of upper limbs (11.89% …of patients), and the brachioradial artery (BRA) was the most frequent variation. In the wrists of all patients, the volume flow (VF) of the BRA was lower than that of the radial artery (RA). Besides, the VF of the BRA in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) was lower than that in those without ESRD in the wrist. Additionally, in the forearms of patients without ESRD, the VF of the BRA was lower than that of the RA. In the upper arm of patients with ESRD, the VF of the brachial artery in patients with BRA was significantly lower than that in patients with RA. CONCLUSION: The incidence of arterial variations in the upper limb of Chinese adults was 6.60% (limbs) or 11.89% (patients) in this study. In our investigation, the BRA was the most common high bifurcation of the brachial artery type. Furthermore, the Chi-squared test revealed significant differences in the distribution, which was common in the right upper limb but not in sex. Show more

Keywords: Arterial variation, hemodynamic influence, upper limb

DOI: 10.3233/THC-241585

Citation: Technology and Health Care, vol. 33, no. 1, pp. 685-694, 2025

Article Type: Other

DOI: 10.3233/THC-249001

Citation: Technology and Health Care, vol. 33, no. 1, pp. 695-695, 2025