Technology and Health Care - Volume 33, issue 1

Authors: Muniasamy, Anandhavalli

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: A daily activity routine is vital for overall health and well-being, supporting physical and mental fitness. Consistent physical activity is linked to a multitude of benefits for the body, mind, and emotions, playing a key role in raising a healthy lifestyle. The use of wearable devices has become essential in the realm of health and fitness, facilitating the monitoring of daily activities. While convolutional neural networks (CNN) have proven effective, challenges remain in quickly adapting to a variety of activities. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to develop a model for precise recognition of human activities to …revolutionize health monitoring by integrating transformer models with multi-head attention for precise human activity recognition using wearable devices. METHODS: The Human Activity Recognition (HAR) algorithm uses deep learning to classify human activities using spectrogram data. It uses a pretrained convolution neural network (CNN) with a MobileNetV2 model to extract features, a dense residual transformer network (DRTN), and a multi-head multi-level attention architecture (MH-MLA) to capture time-related patterns. The model then blends information from both layers through an adaptive attention mechanism and uses a SoftMax function to provide classification probabilities for various human activities. RESULTS: The integrated approach, combining pretrained CNN with transformer models to create a thorough and effective system for recognizing human activities from spectrogram data, outperformed these methods in various datasets – HARTH, KU-HAR, and HuGaDB produced accuracies of 92.81%, 97.98%, and 95.32%, respectively. This suggests that the integration of diverse methodologies yields good results in capturing nuanced human activities across different activities. The comparison analysis showed that the integrated system consistently performs better for dynamic human activity recognition datasets. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, maintaining a routine of daily activities is crucial for overall health and well-being. Regular physical activity contributes substantially to a healthy lifestyle, benefiting both the body and the mind. The integration of wearable devices has simplified the monitoring of daily routines. This research introduces an innovative approach to human activity recognition, combining the CNN model with a dense residual transformer network (DRTN) with multi-head multi-level attention (MH-MLA) within the transformer architecture to enhance its capability. Show more

Keywords: Wearable sensors, human activity recognition, dense-residual connection, attention, CNN, transformers

DOI: 10.3233/THC-241064

Citation: Technology and Health Care, vol. 33, no. 1, pp. 395-409, 2025

Authors: Wang, Bing | Wu, Zehui | Liu, Gang | Liu, Ben | Yang, Wanchao | Yang, Chao | Shi, Lianghui

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Advancements in laparoscopic technology have popularized laparoscopic total gastrectomy over traditional open surgery, yet postoperative complications like anastomotic leakage and stenosis persist, particularly in esophagojejunostomy. To address this, since 2017, the authors have introduced the “Pant-Shaped” esophagojejunostomy as an improvement over the classic Roux-en-Y method, especially beneficial for patients with small intestinal diameters or those with gastric body cancer or Siewert III. OBJECTIVE: To assess the viability and safety of employing ‘Pant-Shaped’ anastomosis following laparoscopic-assisted total gastrectomy. METHODS: A method of descriptive case study was used. In our department of the First …Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College, records of 210 patients who underwent laparoscopic-assisted total gastrectomy for gastric body cancer or adenocarcinoma at the junction of esophagus and jejunum with “Pant-Shaped” anastomosis between January 2017 and December 2022 were examined. Clinicopathological features and postoperative conditions were also examined and assessed. RESULTS: The mean age of the 164 male and 46 female research participants was 69.2 ± 8.3 years. There was a mean estimated blood loss of 63.4 ± 29.7 ml, an anastomosis time of 25.9 ± 3.0 minutes, an operation time of 208.2 ± 40.4 minutes, and a postoperative hospital stay of 12.2 ± 8.0 days. Nine patients (4.3%) experienced postoperative problems (Clavien-Dindo > grade II), including two episodes of anastomotic leakage that were resolved with irrigation and drainage, anti-infection therapy, and nutritional assistance. After an unforeseen reoperation, two cases of duodenal stump leaking were resolved. Anastamotic hemorrhage was treated with hemostasis and blood transfusion, and the patient made a full recovery. Due to a Peterson’s hernia, one patient required emergent open surgery. three months subsequent to LATG. CONCLUSIONS: The “Pant-Shaped” anastomosis method after laparoscopic-assisted total gastrectomy is simple, easy to promote, and has fewer complications. It is a safe and feasible modified method for esophagojejunostomy, especially suitable for patients with poor intestinal dilation and contraction ability and small jejunal diameter. Show more

Keywords: Laparoscopy, gastric cancer, gastrectomy, anastomosis, Roux-en-Y

DOI: 10.3233/THC-241093

Citation: Technology and Health Care, vol. 33, no. 1, pp. 411-418, 2025

Authors: Khaleel Sallam Ma’aitah, Mohammad | Helwan, Abdulkader

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Deep learning has demonstrated superior performance over traditional methods for the estimation of heart rates in controlled contexts. However, in less controlled scenarios this performance seems to vary based on the training dataset and the architecture of the deep learning models. OBJECTIVES: In this paper, we develop a deep learning-based model leveraging the power of 3D convolutional neural networks (3DCNN) to extract temporal and spatial features that lead to an accurate heart rates estimation from RGB no pre-defined region of interest (ROI) videos. METHODS: We propose a 3D DenseNet with a 3D …temporal transition layer for the estimation of heart rates from a large-scale dataset of videos that appear more hospital-like and real-life than other existing facial video-based datasets. RESULTS: Experimentally, our model was trained and tested on this less controlled dataset and showed heart rate estimation performance with root mean square error (RMSE) of 8.68 BPM and mean absolute error (MAE) of 3.34 BPM. CONCLUSION: Moreover, we show that such a model can also achieve better results than the state-of-the-art models when tested on the VIPL-HR public dataset. Show more

Keywords: Heart rate, deep learning, rPPG, 3D convolutional neural networks, no pre-defined region of interest (ROI)

DOI: 10.3233/THC-241104

Citation: Technology and Health Care, vol. 33, no. 1, pp. 419-430, 2025

Authors: Zhang, Xibing | Yang, Fuli | Han, Lei | Su, Qiuming | Gao, Yang | Wu, Ruichao | Wang, Duo | Li, Wang | Zheng, Kepu | Liu, Fang | Ran, Jianghua

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Liver fibrosis is a progressive liver disease with increasing incidence, yet its underlying pathogenic mechanisms remain incompletely understood. OBJECTIVE : This study aims to explore potential therapeutic targets for liver fibrosis using weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) and experimental validation. METHODS: We retrieved the microarray data (GSE174099) from the GEO database and performed differential expression analysis and WGCNA to identify co-expression modules associated with liver fibrosis. A module with the highest correlation to liver fibrosis was selected for further analysis. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway …enrichment analyses were conducted to investigate the biological functions and signaling pathways of the identified genes. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks were constructed using the STRING database. The correlation between core genes and immune cells was analyzed with the CIBERSORT algorithm. Additionally, pathological and molecular biology experiments were performed to validate the expression levels of core genes in liver tissue, including HE and Masson staining, immunohistochemistry, RT-qPCR, and Western blotting. RESULTS: We identified a total of 86 intersecting genes from the differential expression analysis and WGCNA. GO enrichment analysis revealed that these genes were involved in processes such as cellular response to cAMP, collagen-containing extracellular matrix, and G protein-coupled receptor binding. KEGG pathway analysis highlighted the involvement of these genes in pathways like Cell Adhesion Molecules and the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. Using Cytoscape software, we identified four core genes: Cftr, Cldn4, Map2, and Spp1. Pathological examinations showed that the experimental group exhibited significant fibrous tissue proliferation compared to the control group. Immunohistochemistry, RT-qPCR, and Western blotting analyses confirmed that these core genes were significantly upregulated in the experimental group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: This study identified four key genes (Cftr, Cldn4, Map2, Spp1) that are significantly associated with liver fibrosis. These genes are upregulated in liver fibrosis and could potentially as biomarkers for diagnosis and targets for therapeutic interventions. Show more

Keywords: Liver fibrosis, WGCNA, protein-protein interaction, signal transduction, gene expression

DOI: 10.3233/THC-241142

Citation: Technology and Health Care, vol. 33, no. 1, pp. 431-448, 2025

Authors: Han, Zhen | Liu, Yangan | Tan, Ming | Hua, Zhaolai | Dai, Chun

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Surgery remains the most effective treatment for colon cancer. However, there are still controversies regarding the tumor treatment effect, prognosis, and perioperative impact of complete mesocolic excision (CME) surgery in colon carcinoma resection. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to compare laparoscopic complete mesocolic excision (LCME) and traditional open D2 radical surgery in colon carcinoma resection through a retrospective analysis using 1:1 propensity score matching (PSM). METHODS: 98 cases undergoing LCME or open D2 colon carcinoma resection at our hospital from January 2014 to November 2021 were retrospectively collected. After excluding cases and 1:1 matching using …PSM based on baseline clinical data, 86 patients were assigned in research queue. 43 patients were in each group. Two groups were compared for general clinical baseline indicators. Surgical results and postoperative adverse events of patients were also compared. Disease-free survival (DFS) rate and overall survival (OS) rate was analyzed. RESULTS: After 1:1 PSM matching, there was no statistically significant differences in baseline data between the LCME group and D2 group (P > 0.05). LCME was characterized by longer total duration of surgery (P < 0.001), less intraoperative bleeding volume (P < 0.001), more postoperative drainage fluid volume (P < 0.001), greater number of lymph nodes retrieved (P = 0.014). No statistically differences was observed regarding intraoperative blood transfusion, hospital stay, Clavien-Dindo complicating disease classification (all P > 0.05), 1 and 3-year DFS rate (P = 0.84) and OS rate (P ⩾ 0.1). CONCLUSION: LCME had a longer duration of surgery but less intraoperative bleeding volume and more postoperative drainage fluid volume and retrieved lymph nodes compared to D2 radical surgery. LCME surgery is comparable to D2 surgery in terms of postoperative prognosis, but LCME surgery shows a positive trend in the overall survival curve. Show more

Keywords: Laparoscopic complete mesocolic excision, traditional D2 radical surgery, Colonic Neoplasms, propensity score matching

DOI: 10.3233/THC-241149

Citation: Technology and Health Care, vol. 33, no. 1, pp. 449-462, 2025

Authors: Hua, Defeng | Chen, Yan

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The present study investigated the association between cerebrovascular diseases and sepsis, including its occurrence, progression, and impact on mortality. However, there is currently a lack of predictive models for 28-day mortality in patients with cerebrovascular disease associated with sepsis. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to examine the mortality rate within 28 days after discharge in this population, while concurrently developing a corresponding predictive model. METHODS: The data for this retrospective cohort study were obtained from the MIMIC-IV database. Patients with sepsis and cerebrovascular disease in the ICU were included. Laboratory …indicators, vital signs, and demographic data were collected within 24 hours of ICU admission. Mortality rates within 28 days after discharge were calculated based on patient death times. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify potential variables for a predictive model. A nomogram visualized the prediction model. The performance of the model was evaluated using ROC curves, Calibration plots, and DCA. RESULTS: The study enrolled a total of 2660 patients diagnosed with cerebrovascular disease complicated by sepsis, consisting of 1434 males (53.91%) with a median age of 70.97 (59.60, 80.73). Among this cohort of patients, a total of 751 fatalities occurred within 28 days following discharge. The multivariate regression analysis revealed that age, creatinine, arterial oxygen partial pressure (Pa O2), arterial carbon dioxide partial pressure (Pa CO2), respiratory rate, white blood cell (WBC) count, Body Mass Index (BMI), and race demonstrated potential predictive variables. The aforementioned model yielded an area under the ROC curve of 0.744, accompanied by a sensitivity of 66.2% and specificity of 71.2%. Furthermore, both calibration plots and DCA demonstrated robust performance in practical applications. CONCLUSION: The proposed prediction model allows clinicians to promptly assess the mortality risk in patients with cerebrovascular disease complicated by sepsis within 28 days after discharge, facilitating early intervention strategies. Consequently, clinicians can implement additional advantageous medical interventions for individuals with cerebrovascular disease and sepsis. Show more

Keywords: Predictive model, 28-day mortality, sepsis, cerebrovascular disease

DOI: 10.3233/THC-241150

Citation: Technology and Health Care, vol. 33, no. 1, pp. 463-472, 2025

Authors: Jundaeng, Jarupat | Chamchong, Rapeeporn | Nithikathkul, Choosak

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Artificial intelligence (AI) acts as the state-of-the-art in periodontitis diagnosis in dentistry. Current diagnostic challenges include errors due to a lack of experienced dentists, limited time for radiograph analysis, and mandatory reporting, impacting care quality, cost, and efficiency. OBJECTIVE: This review aims to evaluate the current and future trends in AI for diagnosing periodontitis. METHODS: A thorough literature review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. We searched databases including PubMed, Scopus, Wiley Online Library, and ScienceDirect for studies published between January 2018 and December 2023. Keywords used in the search included “artificial intelligence,” …“panoramic radiograph,” “periodontitis,” “periodontal disease,” and “diagnosis.” RESULTS: The review included 12 studies from an initial 211 records. These studies used advanced models, particularly convolutional neural networks (CNNs), demonstrating accuracy rates for periodontal bone loss detection ranging from 0.76 to 0.98. Methodologies included deep learning hybrid methods, automated identification systems, and machine learning classifiers, enhancing diagnostic precision and efficiency. CONCLUSIONS: Integrating AI innovations in periodontitis diagnosis enhances diagnostic accuracy and efficiency, providing a robust alternative to conventional methods. These technologies offer quicker, less labor-intensive, and more precise alternatives to classical approaches. Future research should focus on improving AI model reliability and generalizability to ensure widespread clinical adoption. Show more

Keywords: Artificial intelligence, panoramic radiograph, periodontitis, periodontal disease, diagnosis

DOI: 10.3233/THC-241169

Citation: Technology and Health Care, vol. 33, no. 1, pp. 473-484, 2025

Authors: Shao, Liang | Gao, Ying | Zhang, Dan | Yang, Mengdan | Jiang, Mimi | Li, Hongfeng | Yan, Yanting

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounts for more than 80% of all lung cancer populations. Stereotactic radiotherapy (SBRT) is mainly suitable for early NSCLC patients who are not suitable for surgery or refuse surgery. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the effects of stereotactic radiotherapy (SBRT) plus immunotherapy for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients on their immune status and survival quality. METHODS: NSCLC patients admitted to our hospital from 2019–2022 were divided into 61 cases in control group (SBRT) and 60 cases in observation group (SBRT plus immunotherapy) by the randomized numerical table method …to compare the efficacy, the level of tumor markers in the serum, the level and activity of the immune cells in the peripheral blood and the Kahlil’s functional status (KPS) scores. RESULTS: The observation group had a higher efficacy rate than that of the control group (P < 0.05). There was no statistical difference between the two groups in serum tumor marker content, immune cell level and activity in peripheral blood and KPS score before treatment (P > 0.05). After treatment, serum tumor markers were lower than those in control group, and immune cell level, NK cell-related activity and KPS score were higher than those in control group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: SBRT plus immunotherapy can reduce the level of various tumor markers, improve the immune status and quality of survival for NSCLC patients. Show more

Keywords: Stereotactic radiotherapy, immunotherapy, non-small cell lung cancer, immune status, survival quality

DOI: 10.3233/THC-241177

Citation: Technology and Health Care, vol. 33, no. 1, pp. 485-494, 2025

Authors: Han, Yongmei | Liu, Xinyu | Meng, Xinwan

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: This study aimed to investigate the effects of the Kidney-Tonifying and Blood-Activating Formula on combating the downregulation of integrin β 3 and integrin β 5 in mouse placental tissue induced by phospholipid antibodies. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the effects of kidney-tonifying and blood-activating formulations on combating the downregulation of integrin β 3 and integrin β 5 in mouse placental tissue induced by phospholipid antibodies. METHODS: Mice in the phospholipid antibody group and phospholipid antibody + kidney-tonifying and blood-activating formula …group underwent repeated implantation experiments, and the expression of integrin β 3 and integrin β 5 in placental tissue was observed. The effects of the kidney-tonifying and blood-activating formula on mouse placental tissue were evaluated through biochemical index tests, histopathological observations, and immunohistochemical staining. RESULTS: After intervention with the kidney-tonifying and blood-activating formula, the expression of integrin β 3 and integrin β 5 in placental tissue was notably upregulated, and placental structure was restored. Kidney-Tonifying and Blood-Activating Formula significantly improved abnormal biochemical indices and exerted a remarkable protective effect on placental tissue pathology. CONCLUSION: The kidney-tonifying and blood-activating formula effectively counteracted the downregulation of integrin β 3 and integrin β 5 in mouse placental tissue induced by phospholipid antibodies and alleviated placental tissue pathology through structural improvement and protection. Therefore, kidney-tonifying and blood-activating formulas may serve as potential therapeutic agents for recurrent implantation failure, offering new insights and approaches for clinical treatment. Show more

Keywords: Kidney-tonifying and blood-activating formula, phospholipid antibodies, recurrent implantation failure, placental tissue, integrin β3, integrin β5

DOI: 10.3233/THC-241179

Citation: Technology and Health Care, vol. 33, no. 1, pp. 495-507, 2025

Authors: Ji, Yanping | Ding, Qingbin | Bu, Tianyi | Wang, Kun | Zhang, Jing | Wang, Xue

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Cirrhosis is one of the most common clinical diseases in the world. The patient with cirrhosis has many complications, such as spontaneous peritonitis, hepatic encephalopathy. Malnutrition is one of the most common complications in patients with cirrhosis, and it is also a key factor affecting the prognosis of patients. However, the research on cirrhosis malnutrition is relatively scarce. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to explore the new factors of the liver cirrhosis with the nutritional status. METHODS: A total of 370 patients with liver cirrhosis were admitted to the Fourth Affiliated Hospital of …Harbin Medical University from January 2019 to January 2023 were selected. Patients were assigned to the malnourished group and normal group. The weight, height, mid arm circumference (MAC) and triceps skinfold thickness (TSF) of the two groups were measured. Body mass index (BMI) and mid-arm muscle circumference (MAMC) were calculated. Furthermore, the Health Literacy Management Scale (HeLMS), biochemical indexes, incidence of complications, disease grade were also counted and the Royal Free Hospital-Nutrition Prioritization Tool were used to evaluate the nutritional status of the patient. RESULTS: A total of 370 patients was included in this study, including 177 malnutrition patients, accounting for 45.29%, and the scores and total scores of the patients in the malnutrition group were lower than those in the normal group. The measured values of Na+ , Alb, PA, T-Bil, TC, TLC, Hb, and RBC were all lower than those of the normal group, and the difference was statistically significant. The overall complication rate of the patients in the malnourished group was 89.61%, and that of the normal group was 39.78%. Multifactorial logistic regression analysis was performed with nutritional level as the dependent variable (normal = 0, malnutrition = 1), and the above indicators of variability (Na+ , Alb, PA, T-Bil, TC, PT, Hb, RBC, HG, and HeLMS scores) as the independent variables. The results showed that Na+ , Hb were the influencing factors of nutritional level (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The incidence of malnutrition in cirrhotic patients included in this study was at a moderate level, and the nutritional literacy of these patients was low. In addition, the level of serum sodium, Hemoglobin can affect the nutritional level of patients with cirrhosis. Show more

Keywords: Cirrhosis, malnutrition, correlation factor

DOI: 10.3233/THC-241180

Citation: Technology and Health Care, vol. 33, no. 1, pp. 509-518, 2025

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