Technology and Health Care - Volume 33, issue 1

Authors: Li, Pengxin | Peng, Sheng | Song, Zhenghuan | Tan, Jing | Gu, Lianbing

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Diabetes, which is associated with cardiovascular disease and related microvascular complications, affects life expectancy and decrease quality of life. A trial reports that the risk of patients with diabetes having cardiovascular disease is 2–4 times compared with that in patients without diabetes. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to investigate the relationship between depth of general anesthesia in patients with diabetes mellitus METHODS: This clinical study totally includes 40 patients with diabetes mellitus, and these patients are divided into following two groups: diabetes mellitus deep anesthesia group and diabetes mellitus light anesthesia group, and …then these patients receive general anesthesia combined with laparoscopic surgery. Preoperative patient general data and intraoperative patient general data are collected and analyzed. Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and substance P (SP) level are determined by Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) RESULTS: This study included a total of 40 patients. There were no significant differences in demographic and preoperative patient general data between the two groups. Measurements were taken for operative time, anesthesia time, recovery time after drug withdrawal, dwell time in the recovery room, intraoperative fluid volume, intraoperative blood loss, and intraoperative urine output between the two groups. Significant differences were observed in the recovery time after drug withdrawal between the two groups. CGRP and SP level in diabetes mellitus deep anesthesia group are evidently more than those in diabetes mellitus light anesthesia group. CONCLUSIONS: CGRP and SP level are involved in the diabetes mellitus and up-regulated CGRP and SP can prevent the development of diabetes mellitus. Our study extends the existing literature by addressing a gap in knowledge regarding the impact of anesthesia depth on neuropeptide levels in diabetes mellitus patients. By delineating this relationship, we aim to contribute to the advancement of perioperative care practices and ultimately improve outcomes for individuals with diabetes undergoing surgical procedures. Our study’s findings provide valuable insights into the complex interactions between anesthesia, neuropeptides, and diabetes mellitus, offering the potential for personalized perioperative care, enhanced pain management, and improved surgical outcomes. These implications highlight the clinical relevance of our research and its potential to inform future advancements in perioperative care for diabetic patients undergoing surgery. Show more

Keywords: Diabetes mellitus, general anesthesia, CGRP, SP

DOI: 10.3233/THC-240907

Citation: Technology and Health Care, vol. 33, no. 1, pp. 267-274, 2025

Authors: Jandric, Milka | Zlojutro, Biljana | Momcicevic, Danica | Dragic, Sasa | Kovacevic, Tijana | Djajic, Vlado | Stojiljkovic, Milos P. | Loncar-Stojiljkovic, Dragana | Skrbic, Ranko | Djuric, Dragan M. | Kovacevic, Pedja

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Critically ill COVID-19 patients are usually subjected to clinical, laboratory, and radiological diagnostic procedures resulting in numerous findings. Utilizing these findings as indicators for disease progression or outcome prediction is particularly intriguing. OBJECTIVES: Exploring the significance of dynamic changes in haematological and biochemical parameters in predicting the mortality of critically ill COVID-19 patients. METHODS: The present study was a prospective and observational study involving mechanically ventilated 75 critically ill adult COVID-19 patients with hypoxemic respiratory failure. The collected data included baseline patient characteristics, treatment options, outcome, and laboratory findings at admission and …7 days after. The dynamics of the obtained findings were compared between survivors and non-survivors. RESULTS: The 28-day survival rate was 61.3%. In the group of non-survivors significant dynamic changes were found for C-reactive protein (p = 0.001), interleukin-6 (p < 0.001), lymphocyte (p = 0.003), neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (p = 0.003), platelets (p < 0.001), haemoglobin (p < 0.001), iron (p = 0.012), and total iron-binding capacity (p < 0.001). Statistically significant changes over time were found for ferritin (p = 0.010), D-dimer (p < 0.001), hs-troponin T (p < 0.002), lactate dehydrogenase (p = 0.001), glucose (p = 0.023), unsaturated iron-binding capacity (p = 0.008), and vitamin D (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The dynamic changes in inflammatory, haematological and biochemical parameters can predict disease severity, and outcome. Show more

Keywords: COVID-19, intensive care, outcome, prediction, laboratory parameters

DOI: 10.3233/THC-241006

Citation: Technology and Health Care, vol. 33, no. 1, pp. 275-286, 2025

Authors: Zhan, Jing | Li, Li | Cao, Zheng | Sheng, Gaoan | Lou, Weiwei | Sheng, Lieping | Yao, Litao

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Fiber post (FP) reinforced restoration was widespread in endodontically treated teeth, of which the retention was closely related to fit and operation process. However, the question whether the fit and self-etching adhesive (SED) affect the success of FP restoration still remained unclear. OBJECTIVE: This research aimed to assess how the fit and self-etching adhesive (SED) impact the pull-out bond strength (BS) of glass fiber-reinforced composite posts from the root canal dentin. METHODS: Eighty lower first premolars underwent simulated endodontic treatment, after which their canals were shaped to accommodate a size three RelyX …fiber post (FP) (diameter 1.9 mm). They were then divided into 4 equal groups [Unfit post and no SEA (Group UN), Fit post and no SEA (Group FN), Unfit post with SEA (Group UA) and Fit post with SEA (Group FA)] using two different sized FPs and SEA. Cement thickness was acquired by histological analysis and stereomicroscopy. Each sample was tested for pull-out strength through a universal testing machine. Based on the pull-out test, the failure types were observed and scored by visualizing through a stereomicroscope. RESULTS: Group FA demonstrated significantly greater BS compared to Group UN and Group UA, with Group UN showing a statistically significant difference at p < 0.01 and Group UA at p < 0.05. Main failure types in Group FA were Type II, which illustrated that the cement detachment mainly occurred from the post-cement interface. Therefore, Group FA possessed the STRONGEST BS and was most suitable for FP-reinforced crown restorations. CONCLUSIONS: Both the fit and SEA enhanced the pull-out BS. The SEA was critical for BS promotion when the mechanical retention was inadequate. Show more

Keywords: Bond strength, fiber post, fit, self-etching adhesive

DOI: 10.3233/THC-241020

Citation: Technology and Health Care, vol. 33, no. 1, pp. 287-297, 2025

Authors: Fei, Biyan | Zhan, Lili | Gou, Jingqi | Wu, Yanping | Sun, Haili

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Discussed based on the network interactive platform of structured care for patients with chronic renal failure (CRF) in the process of hemodialysis. OBJECTIVE: This study seeks to elucidate the application value of structured nursing, deployed through network interaction platforms, in sustaining patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis. METHODS: A total of 62 patients diagnosed with Chronic Renal Failure (CRF) between April 2022 and August 2023 were randomly allocated into two distinct care groups: conventional and structured nursing care based on a web-interactive platform. Both cohorts were comparatively analyzed with respect to psychological states, quality …of life within therapeutic interventions, and relationships with complications. Renal function indicators, including Creatinine Clearance (Ccr), Serum Creatinine (SCr), and Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN), were subjected to Pearson analysis to appraise their predictive value in prognostication, while Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was constructed to further discern their diagnostic precision. RESULTS: Post-intervention, notable improvements were observed in the emotional states of patients in both cohorts, with the structured care group exhibiting significantly lower Self-rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) and Self-rating Depression Scale (SDS) scores (p < 0.05). Furthermore, patients under the web-interactive structured nursing regimen demonstrated superior overall adherence, a reduced incidence rate of complications, and markedly higher scores in quality of life assessments compared to those under conventional care (p < 0.05). The derived cut-off values for Ccr, SCr, and BUN were 32.5 ml/min, 251.5 umol/L, and 14.5 mmol/L, respectively, with sensitivities and specificities pegged at 0.645% and 0.645% for Ccr, 0.774% and 0.548% for SCr, and 0.774% and 0.774% for BUN. The corresponding areas under the ROC curve (AUC) for each parameter were 0.816, 0.653, and 0.856, respectively. CONCLUSION: Comprehensive hemodialysis care for patients with chronic renal failure can improve self-care ability to improve quality of life and reduce the incidence of complications, which has great potential for clinical progress and is worthy of further research. Show more

Keywords: Comprehensive nursing, chronic renal failure, hemodialysis, clinical care outcomes, quality of life

DOI: 10.3233/THC-241021

Citation: Technology and Health Care, vol. 33, no. 1, pp. 299-310, 2025

Authors: Chen, Wending | Wang, Jialin | Wang, Luyang | Hu, Wenwen | Chen, Xinzhong | Jin, Lin

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Perioperative depth monitoring techniques, such as electroencephalography bispectral index (BIS), entropy index, and auditory evoked potential, are commonly used to assess anesthesia depth. However, the influence of patient positioning changes, particularly in gynecological surgeries where a head-down position is often required, on the accuracy of these monitoring indices remains unexplored. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the our study was to observe the impact of patient position changes on the monitoring value of entropy and BIS to identify a more sensitive method of anaesthesia depth monitoring for gynaecological surgery patients. METHODS: We conducted a …study involving 40 women undergoing general anesthesia, during which routine monitoring of vital signs, including electrocardiogram (ECG), heart rate (HR), noninvasive arterial blood pressure (NIBP), oxyhemoglobin saturation (SpO2 ), and end-expiratory carbon dioxide (PetCO2 ), was initiated. Entropy and BIS devices were affixed to the patients’ foreheads after alcohol sterilization to record brain activity. Tracheal intubation was performed following anesthesia induction. Throughout anesthesia maintenance, the value of BIS and response entropy (RE) were monitored and maintained between 40 and 50 by adjusting the infusion rate of propofol and remifentanil with Target Controlled Infusion (TCI, Mintopharmacokinetics model). Dosing for infusion control utilized corrected weight (height-105). Data were recorded before and after position changes, including tilting the operating table to head-down positions of 15 and 25 degrees, returning to a supine position, and elevating the head to 15 and 25-degree angles. BIS and entropy values at different time points were compared between the groups. RESULTS: Both BIS and entropy values increased from supine to head-down position and decreased from supine to head-up position, with entropy changes preceding those of BIS. Heart rate increased after head-up and decreased after head-down, while mean blood pressure (MBP) exhibited the opposite effect on heart rate. Significant correlations were found between heart rate and BIS (correlation coefficient: - 0.43) and RE (correlation coefficient: - 0.416), as well as between MBP and BIS (correlation coefficient: 0.346) and RE (correlation coefficient: 0.384). CONCLUSION: Changes in patient position can significantly affect the value of RE and BIS, as changes in entropy occur earlier than changes in the BIS. Show more

Keywords: Bispectral index, entropy, RE, arterial blood pressure, heart rate

DOI: 10.3233/THC-241026

Citation: Technology and Health Care, vol. 33, no. 1, pp. 311-319, 2025

Authors: Lin, Chunqin | Huang, Yanru | Lin, Qiansen

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Tonsillectomy and/or adenoidectomy can treat children with obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS). OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the effects of tonsillectomy and/or adenoidectomy on cognitive function and brain structure in children with OSAHS. METHODS: This study included 40 obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome children and 40 healthy children. The cognitive function and brain structure changes of OSAHS children before and after surgery and 40 healthy children were evaluated by the Swanson, Nolan, and Pelham Rating Scale (SNAP-IV) and the Integrated Visual and Auditory Continuous Performance Test (IVA-CPT), as well as brain resting-state fMRI functional …magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI). RESULTS: Children with OSAHS showed higher Swanson, Nolan, and Pelham Rating Scale and lower Integrated Visual and Auditory Continuous Performance Test scores than healthy peers, indicating cognitive impairment. Post-surgery, there was a significant improvement in cognitive function, evidenced by decreased Swanson, Nolan, and Pelham Rating Scale and increased Integrated Visual and Auditory Continuous Performance Test scores. Compared to healthy children, OSAHS children displayed altered ReHo values in certain brain regions, such as decreased values in the right angular gyrus, right precuneus, left parahippocampal gyrus, and left middle frontal gyrus, but increased values in the right posterior cerebellum. After surgery, ReHo values increased in regions like the right precuneus, right temporal lobe, right posterior cingulate gyrus, and left limbic lobe, suggesting neurological changes associated with treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Children with obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome had cognitive impairment and abnormal changes in multiple brain regions. Tonsillectomy and/or adenoidectomy could improve cognitive function and contribute to the reconstruction of brain function and structure in children with obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome. Show more

Keywords: OSAHS, ReHo, SNAP-IV, IVA-CPT, rs-fMRI, cognitive function

DOI: 10.3233/THC-241028

Citation: Technology and Health Care, vol. 33, no. 1, pp. 321-331, 2025

Authors: Sun, Rui | Hao, Jianfeng | Li, Qian | Xie, Weinan | Hu, Xiaoyan | Chen, Zhenzhen | Liu, Zhi | Yuan, Ling

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: NiaoDuQing Particle is the first Chinese herbal medicine approved by the China Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of chronic kidney disease. It has been used in clinical practice in China for over twenty years. However, there is limited literature reporting on the long-term therapeutic effects of NiaoDuQing Particles on chronic kidney disease patients. OBJECTIVE: This research aimed to comprehensively assess the therapeutic effect of NiaoDuQing Particles (NDQP) on chronic kidney disease patients based on clinical data analysis. METHODS: This study was carried out on a total of 148 participants diagnosed …with different types of chronic kidney disease. Demographics information, chronic kidney disease classification and chronic kidney disease diganostic indicators were collected and analyzed before and after NiaoDuQing Particles treatment for 3, 6, 9, 12 and 18 months respectively. RESULTS: In all 148 patients, mean eGFR value was increased after NiaoDuQing Particles treatment for up to 18 months, and was statistically significant at month 3, 6, 9, 12 and 18 (P < 0.05). Mean uric acid value was decreased after NiaoDuQing Particles treatment for up to 18 months, and was statistically significant at month 3, 6, 9, 12 and 18 (P < 0.05). Mean urea nitrogen value was decreased after NiaoDuQing Particles treatment for up to 18 months and was statistically significant at month 3, 6, 9, 12 and 18 (P < 0.05). While mean creatinine value was decreased after NiaoDuQing Particles treatment for up to 18 months and was statistically significant at month 6 (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: NiaoDuQing Particles could maintain the stable state of chronic kidney disease patients for up to 18 months especially in improving diagnostic indicators like eGFR, uric acid and urea nitrogen. Show more

Keywords: Chronic kidney disease, NiaoDuQing particles, eGFR, uric acid, urea nitrogen

DOI: 10.3233/THC-241029

Citation: Technology and Health Care, vol. 33, no. 1, pp. 333-341, 2025

Authors: Song, Jie | Lan, Ruihong | Yin, Dahua | Wang, Ling | Gong, Humin

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Folic acid supplementation has been shown to provide benefits in preventing neural tube defects and other birth defects, as well as reducing adverse pregnancy outcomes. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to examine the impact of various folic acid supplementation methods on pregnancy. METHODS: TaqMan-MGB technology was used to detect polymorphisms in the folate metabolism-related genes, MTHFR C677T and A1298C. Blood-related biochemical indicators, including HCY levels and history of adverse pregnancy, were examined in relation to different exposure factors (MTHFR gene polymorphism, HCY levels, and adverse pregnancy history) and their impact on pregnancy outcomes. …Various forms of folic acid intervention were implemented in a population with an adverse pregnancy history and high HCY levels to analyze the effects of reducing HCY levels and improving pregnancy outcomes. RESULTS: Exposure factors, such as adverse pregnancy history, HCY, and medium-to-high risk of gene metabolism, were closely associated with pregnancy outcomes. Interestingly, methylfolate efficiently reduced the serum HCY levels. More importantly, the methylfolate group exhibited a significantly lower incidence of adverse pregnancies than the synthetic folic acid group. CONCLUSION: In this study, the risk factors, including adverse pregnancy history, HCY, and medium-to-high risk of gene metabolism, were confirmed to lead to the poorer pregnancy outcomes in our cohort. 5-methyltetrahydrofolate may be an effective approach for decreasing the incidence of adverse pregnancy outcomes. Show more

Keywords: MTHFR, HCY, adverse pregnancy history, pregnancy outcome, folic acid

DOI: 10.3233/THC-241034

Citation: Technology and Health Care, vol. 33, no. 1, pp. 343-351, 2025

Authors: Tan, Yan | Yan, Zhenjiao | Chen, Minhong | Wang, Yinglan

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Fondaparinux sodium can prevent and treat acute illnesses and venous thromboembolism in patients undergoing surgery. At present, no studies have reported on treating subchorionic hematoma combined with protein S deficiency using fondaparinux sodium. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical efficacy of fondaparinux sodium in the treatment of patients with subchorionic hematoma combined with protein S deficiency. METHODS: This single-center, open-ended, and prospective study enrolled 78 patients with subchorionic hematoma and protein S deficiency. They were randomly assigned to the treatment and control groups. The control group received conventional treatment, and the observation group received subepithelial …injections of fondaparinux sodium (2.5 mg/day) based on conventional treatment. After 30 days of continuous treatment, the hematoma was evaluated by ultrasonography. RESULTS: After treatment with fondaparinux sodium, a significant improvement in subchorionic hematoma was observed in the observation group compared with that in the control group (p < 0.05). A substantial improvement in prothrombin time and activated partial thromboplastin time was observed in the observation group after fondaparinux sodium treatment (p < 0.05). Furthermore, after fondaparinux sodium treatment, the duration of hematoma maintenance and incidence of adverse pregnancy outcomes were significantly reduced in the observation group compared with that in the control group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: With a favorable safety profile, fondaparinux sodium is effective in treating subchorionic hematoma combined with protein S deficiency. The results provide new ideas and methods for treating this disease, which is worthy of further promotion and application in clinical practice. Show more

Keywords: Fondaparinux sodium, subchorionic hematoma, protein S deficiency, therapeutic effect, hypercoagulability, coagulation function

DOI: 10.3233/THC-241035

Citation: Technology and Health Care, vol. 33, no. 1, pp. 353-361, 2025

Authors: Cui, Yingying | Zhou, Xiaoli | Zheng, Dan | Zhu, Yumei

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Lung cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide, with the incidence increasing each year. It is crucial to improve the prognosis of patients who have lung cancer. Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) accounts for the majority of lung cancer. Though its prognostic significance in NSCLC has not been often documented, Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) stress has been identified to be implicated in tumour malignant behaviours and resistance to treatment. OBJECTIVE: This work aimed to develop a gene profile linked to ER stress that could be applied to predictive and risk assessment for non-small cell …lung cancer. METHODS: Data from 1014 NSCLC patients were sourced from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database, integrating clinical and Ribonucleic Acid (RNA) information. Diverse analytical techniques were utilized to identify ERS-associated genes associated with patients’ prognoses. These techniques included Kaplan-Meier analysis, univariate Cox regression, Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator regression analysis (LASSO) regression, and Pearson correlation analysis. Using a risk score model obtained from multivariate Cox analysis, a nomogram was created and validated to classify patients into high- and low-risk groups. The study employed the CIBERSORT algorithm and Single-Sample Gene Set Eenrichment Analysis (ssGSEA) to investigate the tumour immune microenvironment. We used the Genomics of Drug Sensitivity in Cancer (GDSC) database and R tools to identify medicines that could be responsive. RESULTS: Four genes – FABP5, C5AR1, CTSL, and LTA4H – were chosen to create the risk model. Overall Survival (OS) was considerably lower (P < 0.05) in the high-risk group. When it came to predictive accuracy, the risk model outperformed clinical considerations. Several medication types that are sensitive to high-risk groups were chosen. CONCLUSION: Our study has produced a gene signature associated with ER stress that may be employed to forecast the prognosis and therapeutic response of non-small cell lung cancer patients. Show more

Keywords: Non-small cell lung cancer, single-cell sequencing, endoplasmic reticulum stress, predictive model, immunotherapy

DOI: 10.3233/THC-241059

Citation: Technology and Health Care, vol. 33, no. 1, pp. 363-393, 2025