A predictive model for first-trimester pregnancy inception after IVF-ET based on multimodal ultrasound evaluation of endometrial receptivity.

BACKGROUND: In-vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) is a commonly used assisted reproductive technology. Its success depends on many factors, including endometrial receptivity. Endometrial receptivity can be evaluated by ultrasound, endometrial biopsy, and magnetic resonance imaging. Compared with the latter two methods, ultrasound has the advantages of wide availability, non-invasiveness, and low cost. Three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound imaging examines endometrial thickness, morphology, and blood vessels, which are associated with the success of embryo implantation. However, there are no reports of endometrial receptivity assessment by 3D ultrasound. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate endometrial receptivity using 3D ultrasound and construct a predictive model for first-trimester pregnancy inception following IVF-ET. METHODS: We performed a prospective observational study on infertile women who underwent IVF-ET between December 2019 and February 2021. These women had 3D ultrasound evaluations, measuring endometrial thickness, volume, pattern, morphology, peristalsis, uterine artery blood flow index, sub-endometrial blood flow index, and distribution pattern. We recorded the occurrence of first-trimester pregnancies in these women. Using Akaike information criterion (AIC) and backward stepwise regression, a first-trimester pregnancy prediction model was constructed based on the minimum AIC value and validated internally and externally. RESULTS: 111 women were enrolled, with 103 included in the analysis. Univariate and multiple logistic regression analyses showed that endometrial thickness and vascularization flow index (VFI) were independent factors associated with the occurrence of a pregnancy. The final prediction model corresponding to the minimum AIC value (65.166) was Y = - 6.131-0.182endometrial thickness + 0.542endometrial volume + 4.374VFI + 0.132age. In the test set, modeling cohort, and external validation cohort, the model showed satisfactory differentiation, with C index of 0.841 (95%CI 0.699-0.817), 0.727 (95%CI 0.619-0.815), and 0.745 (95%CI 0.671-0.840), respectively. The Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness of fit tests reported P = 0.865, 0.139, and 0.070, respectively, indicating a high agreement with the actual IVF-ET outcome. This model reached the highest diagnostic efficiency (sensitivity 88.9%, specificity 75%, Youden index 0.639) at a diagnostic cut-off value of ≥ 0.360. CONCLUSIONS: The predictive model based on endometrial receptivity evaluations by 3D ultrasound had high diagnostic efficiency and could be a simple and effective tool to predict first-trimester pregnancy inception after IVF-ET.

A qualitative study exploring barriers and facilitators to establishing nurse-led, multidisciplinary psychological care for trauma patients: experiences from doctors and nurses.

BACKGROUND: Trauma patients are often in a state of psychological stress, experiencing helplessness, sadness, frustration, irritation, avoidance, irritability and other adverse emotions. Doctors and nurses are at the forefront of caring trauma patients and they play a crucial role in psychological supports and mental health care. However, few qualitative studies had based on the framework of the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) to explore the experiences in providing psychological care for trauma patients. We examined attitudinal, normative, and control beliefs underpinning medical staffs' decisions to perform psychological care. METHOD: A qualitative study of in-depth semi-structured interviews was conducted among 14 doctors and nurses engaging in trauma care. The participants came from six tertiary hospitals in Chongqing, China. Data analysis was performed using the approach of Colaizzi. According to the framework of TPB, the researchers identified and summarized the themes. RESULTS: Important advantages (mutual trust, patients' adherence and recovery), disadvantages (workload, short-term ineffective, practice unconfidently), referents (supportive: managers, patients, kinsfolk, nursing culture; unsupportive: some colleagues and patients), barriers (insufficient time or energy, resources situations), and facilitators (access to psychologist, training/education, reminders) were identified. Some demands, such as training diversity, multidisciplinary cooperation and families' support, reflected by doctors and nurses were important for them to carry out psychological care. CONCLUSION: According to the TPB, this article explored the internal and external promotion and hindrance factors that affecting the intentions and behaviors of doctors and nurses in implementing psychological care for trauma patients. We also focused on the experience and demands of health professionals in conducting psychological care, which could provide references for managers to formulate corresponding psychological care procedures and norms.

Evaluation of the use versus nonuse of urinary catheterization during laparoscopic adnexal surgery: A randomized controlled trial.

We conducted a randomized controlled trial to assess the feasibility and safety of performing gynecological single-port transumbilical laparoscopic-assisted adnexal surgery without urethral catheterization in a day surgery setting. A total of 153 patients with adnexal disease were enrolled in this prospective randomized controlled trial (RCT). All subjects performed single-port transumbilical laparoscopic-assisted adnexal surgery between March 2021 and July 2022 in a day surgery center. After completion of the baseline survey, participants were randomized into one of three groups. Participants were randomized into one of three groups: uncatheterized (n = 51), intermittent catheterized (n = 51), or indwelling catheterized (n = 51). The primary outcomes were the incidence of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and microscopic hematuria, and the secondary outcomes included the incidence of urinary tract infection (UTI), the incidence of urinary retention, the incidence of bladder injury, the time till first urination, the time till first ambulation, the time till first exhaust, the time till first feeding and Kolcaba comfort score. The incidence of postoperative LUTS in the uncatheterized group (17.65%) was lower than that in the intermittent catheterized group (52.94%) and the indwelling catheterized group (84.31%), and there was significant difference between the two catheterized groups (P < 0.001). In the patients without vaginal manipulation, the incidence of microscopic hematuria in the uncatheterized group (0%) was lower than that in the intermittent catheterized group (37.50%) and the indwelling catheterized group (38.89%) (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in the first urination time, first ambulation time, first exhaust time, first feeding time, and comfort score among the three groups (P > 0.05). Moreover, no urinary retention, UTI and bladder injury were recorded in the three groups. Gynecological single-port laparoscopic adnexal surgery without urinary catheter is safe and feasible in a day surgery ward, which can reduce the incidence of postoperative LUTS and microscopic hematuria.

Transvaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery for myomectomy: A more suitable surgical approach for enhanced recovery after surgery.

OBJECTIVE: Vaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (vNOTES) is widely recognized for its potential benefits, including reducing post-surgical pain and leaving no discernible scarring. However, the anatomical specificity of the vNOTES approach may elevate the risk of nearby organ damage, such as the rectum and bladder. Thus, this study aims to demonstrate the safety and relative merits of vNOTES over transumbilical laparoendoscopic single-site surgery (LESS). METHODS: The Longitudinal Vaginal Natural Orifice Transluminal Endoscopic Surgery Study (LovNOTESS), which was conducted in Chengdu, China. A total of 110 patients who underwent myomectomy in vNOTES or LESS from January 2021 to December 2022. This study prospectively collected and compared perioperative and follow-up data of the two groups. RESULTS: In the vNOTES group, patients had shorter postoperative anal exhaust time, lower pain medications use rate, shorter hospital stay but higher intraoperative conversion rate, and higher postoperative fever rate. vNOTES decreased the anal exhaust time by approximately 8.7 h (95 %CI: -16.182, -1.262, p = 0.007). Moreover, vNOTES reduces pain medication use risk by 73.1 % (OR: 0.269, 95 %CI: 0.172, 0.318, p = 0.016). CONCLUSION: Relative to LESS, vNOTES can make patients mitigate postoperative discomfort, accelerate the recovery of gastrointestinal function, curtail hospitalization duration, and enable a more rapid return to daily activities in myomectomy. However, vNOTES has a higher risk of surgical conversion and adjacent organ injury. Therefore, larger scale prospective studies are needed to prove its security and promote the widespread application of vNOTES in myomectomy.

Transvaginal natural orifice endoscopic surgery for ovarian cystectomy: a more suitable surgical approach for the day-care procedure.

Introduction: Although previous studies have shown that vaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (vNOTES) has the advantages of causing less pain, faster recovery, and better concealment of surgical incisions, which aligns with the concept of the day-care procedure, this approach poses a greater risk of damaging adjacent organs (i. e., rectum and bladder) due to its anatomical specificity. Moreover, the day-care procedure may lead to relatively less preoperative evaluation and postoperative care. Hence, it is necessary to explore the safety and effectiveness of vNOTES for ovarian cystectomy in the day-care procedure, to provide a theoretical basis for the wider development of vNOTES surgery. Materials and methods: This retrospective study included 131 patients at our hospital who underwent ovarian cystectomy from September 2021 to October 2022. Based on the surgical approach, patients were classified into transumbilical laparoendoscopic single-site surgery (LESS) and vNOTES groups. The patients' demographic characteristics and follow-up data were collected during the perioperative period and 1-month postoperatively. Results: Vaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery has less postoperative exhaust time, a lower postoperative 6-hour pain score, and a lower incidence of analgesic drug use, with higher surgical conversion incidence. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that the surgical conversion, chocolate cyst, bilateral cyst, and pelvic adhesion increased the operation duration by ~43 (95% CI: 10.309, 68.152, p < 0.001), 15 (95% CI: 6.342, 45.961, p = 0.036), 10 (95% CI: 3.07, 40.166, p = 0.019), and 8 (95% CI: 4.555, 26.779, p = 0.035) min, respectively. Interestingly, vNOTES decreased the operation duration by ~8.5 min (95% CI: -18.313, -2.699, p = 0.033). Conclusion: Vaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery was equally safe and effective for ovarian cystectomy compared to LESS. vNOTES aligned with the concept of the day-care procedure due to its reduced postoperative pain, shorter exhaust time, and absence of scarring. However, surgeons should conduct a comprehensive preoperative evaluation and exclude patients suspected to have severe pelvic adhesions.

The Sonographic Features of Malformation in Fetal Echogenic Bowel and Its Relationship With Chromosome Abnormalities.

ABSTRACT: The aims of this study were to analyze the sonographic features and clinical prognosis of fetal echogenic bowel (FEB) and to evaluate the value of FEB in the prediction of fetal chromosomal abnormalities. Eight hundred eighty-two fetuses with FEB were selected. The ultrasonographic features and the chromosomal examination were retrospectively analyzed. Among the 882 FEB, 272 (30.8%) cases had malformation. The most common malformation was cardiovascular malformation (21.6%), followed by urinary malformation (9.0%), craniocerebral malformation (6.8%), and gastrointestinal malformations (5.6%). According to other combined ultrasound abnormalities, the FEBs were divided into 4 groups: isolated FEB group (490 cases), ultrasound soft indicators group (130 cases), single malformation group (117 cases), and multiple malformation group (145 cases). A total of 45 cases (5.1%) were detected with chromosomal abnormalities. Compared with isolated FEB group, the rate of chromosomal abnormality in other 3 groups was significantly higher. Among 490 cases of isolated FEB, 114 cases of isolated FEB group with adverse pregnancy outcomes were selected as the experimental group, and 376 cases of FEB group with good prognosis were selected as the control group. There were significant differences of the location, shape, intensity, and progression between the 2 groups. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that central location and progression of FEB were independent risk predictors of poor prognosis. The combined malformation rate is high for FEB fetuses. The fetal systems should be carefully examined when FEB is found in prenatal ultrasound.

Evaluation of ultrasonography in fetal intestinal malrotation with midgut volvulus.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the clinical significance of prenatal diagnosis and prognostic evaluation of fetal intestinal malrotation with midgut volvulus via ultrasonography. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Ultrasonographic findings and clinical outcomes of fetal intestinal malrotation with midgut volvulus prenatally diagnosed via ultrasound at the Zhangzhou Hospital Affiliated of Fujian Medical University from January 2013 to May 2020 were summarised and analyzed. RESULTS: Eleven cases of fetal intestinal malrotation with midgut volvulus were accurately prenatally diagnosed according to the specific ultrasound signs, such as 'whirlpool sign' and 'twining sign'. Indirect and nonspecific ultrasonographic signs included ascites in four cases and echogenic bowel in nine, all of which were accompanied by intestinal dilatation at various degrees. Among all cases, two were complicated with other system abnormalities, and one had a chromosome abnormality. Three pregnant women chose termination of pregnancy, and eight neonates were transferred to the pediatric department for surgery after obtaining written informed consent. An accurate prenatal diagnosis was confirmed postoperatively, and the fetus recovered well postoperatively. CONCLUSION: S: : Fetal intestinal malrotation with midgut volvulus has typical sonographic features, and ultrasonography is the method of choice for prenatal diagnosis of this disease. Fetal intestinal malrotation with midgut volvulus is a non-fatal congenital malformation that can be treated. Prenatal diagnosis is essential for early postnatal treatment, and early surgery can often obtain good efficacy and prognosis.

ADNEX Model-Based Diagnosis of Ovarian Cancer Using MRI Images.

This exploration aims to investigate the important role of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the diagnosis of ovarian cancer under the ADNEX. From March 2017 to December 2019, 84 patients with ovarian cancer confirmed by pathological operation were selected as the research objects. The consistency of ADNEX, MRI, and ADNEX∗MRI in the diagnosis and staging of ovarian cancer was calculated separately. SPSS 26.0 statistical software was used to compare the accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic value of the two diagnostic methods. The results show that the accuracy and sensitivity of ADNEX are 78.6% and 93.2%, respectively. The accuracy and sensitivity of MRI are 81.2% and 89.4%, respectively. There is no significant difference between the two methods (p < 0.05). The overall consistency rates of ADNEX∗MRI, MRI diagnosis, and ADNEX for ovarian cancer staging are 94.2%, 74%, and 65.4%, respectively. There was a significant difference (p < 0.05). ADNEX∗MRI and MRI diagnosis were compared with each stage of ADNEX. There is a significant difference between the second and fourth stages (p < 0.05), and there is also a significant difference in the fourth stage (p < 0.017). It is concluded that MRI diagnosis of ovarian cancer based on ADNEX is superior to ADNEX and MRI examination alone, which provides a certain reference value for clinical staging of ovarian cancer.

Development of a framework for managing severe burns through a 17-year retrospective analysis of burn epidemiology and outcomes.

Burns are one of the most common injuries in daily life for all ages of population. This study was to investigate the epidemiology and outcomes among burn patients in one of the largest burn centers in the southwest of China. The study was performed at the Institute of Burn Research in the first affiliated with the Army Medical University (AMU). A total of 17,939 burn patients were included in this retrospective study. Information regarding burn epidemiology and outcomes in 17 years were collected, calculated and compared. The age ranged from 257 days to 95 years old. Scalding and flame were the two most common causes to burn injuries, comprising of 91.96% in total. Limbs, head/face/neck, and trunk were the most frequently occurred burn sites, with the number and the percent of 12,324 (68.70%), 7989 (44.53%), and 7771 (43.32%), respectively. The average total body surface area (TBSA) was 13.64 ± 16.83% (median 8%) with a range of 0.1-100%. A total of 874 (4.9%) patients had TBSA > 50%. The presence of a burn with an inhalation injury was confirmed in 543 patients (3.03%). The average LOS was 32.11 ± 65.72 days (median: 17 days). Eventually, the retrospective analysis resulted in the development of a burn management continuum used for developing strategies to prevent and manage severe burns. The annual number of burn injuries has kept decreasing, which was partially attributed to the increased awareness and education of burn prevention and the improved burn-preventative circumstances. However, the burn severity and the economic burden were still in a high level. And the gender difference and age difference should be considered when making individualized interventions and rehabilitative treatments.

Diagnostic Efficiency of Gynecologic Imaging Reporting and Data System Combined With 3-dimensional Contrast-enhanced Ultrasound Scoring System in Evaluating Ovarian Tumor.

To estimate the value of gynecologic imaging reporting and data system (GI-RADS) combined with 3-dimensional contrast-enhanced ultrasound (3D-CEUS) scoring system in the differential diagnosis of ovarian tumor. Both of 2-dimensional ultrasound (2D-US) and 3D-CEUS were performed on 114 patients with ovarian masses by Voluson E8 with SonoVue (Bracco, Italy). Besides, dynamic contrast-enhanced-magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) (Siemens Magneton Verio 3.0T, Germany) was performed on the patients. There were totally 62 benign and 52 malignant ovarian tumors in all patients. The ability of GI-RADS combined with 3D-CEUS scoring system to distinguish benign and malignant ovarian tumors was superior to conventional ultrasound GI-RADS classification. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of GI-RADS combined with 3D-CEUS scoring system were 96.2% and 98.1%, 87.10%, whereas those of MRI were 87.10%, 91.23%, and 92.11% respectively, indicating that there was high concordance in ovarian tumors assessment between the 2 diagnostic methods. The new scoring system has a good correlation with microvessel density (P = 0.000, r = 0.73), estrogen receptor (P = 0.000, r = 0.59), progesterone receptor (P = 0.000, r = 0.56), and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (P = 0.000, r = 0.61). The GI-RADS combined with 3D-CEUS scoring system was valuable in clinical diagnosis and differential diagnosis of ovarian tumor and show good agreement with MRI.

Effects of Different Methods of Air Disinfection of Computed Tomography Rooms Dedicated to COVID-19 Cases.

OBJECTIVE: To monitor the number of bacterial colonies in the air of computed tomography (CT) room for COVID-19 using different disinfection methods and to identify the most effective method for disinfection and protection of equipment. METHODS: Three methods for disinfection using ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (group A), plasma circulation air sterilizer (group B), and ultraviolet germicidal irradiation plus plasma circulation air sterilizer (group C) were utilized to sanitize the air in the CT room dedicated to COVID-19 cases. Single-factor ANOVA was used to evaluate and compare the disinfection effect of the three air disinfection methods; an air microbial sampler was used to sample and measure the number of bacteria in the air of the machine room. RESULTS: The number of bacteria in the air immediately after disinfection was significantly lower than before disinfection (p < 0.01). All three disinfection methods met the disinfection requirement. No significant differences in the number of air bacteria in the machine room immediately after disinfection were observed among the three methods (p > 0.05). In addition, the effect of disinfection after 2 h was compared, and the number of bacteria in group C after 2 h was significantly lower than that in group A and group B. CONCLUSIONS: All three disinfection methods have significant disinfection effects. In addition, using ultraviolet disinfection lamps combined with a plasma air disinfection machine to sterilize the air in CT machine room has the best disinfection effect for the longest duration. Therefore, we recommend the combined disinfection method (ultraviolet disinfection lamps plus plasma air disinfection), as well as formulating relevant disinfection management norms, which should thus be the method to use during pandemics.

Management strategies for the burn ward during COVID-19 pandemic.

COVID-19 pandemic is sweeping the globe. Any outpatient or new inpatient especial in burn department during the pandemic should be as a potential infectious source of COVID-19. It is very important to manage the patients and wards carefully and correctly to prevent epidemic of the virus in burn centers. This paper provides some strategies regarding management of burn ward during the epidemic of COVID-19 or other respiratory infectious diseases.

Combination of GI-RADS and 3D-CEUS for differential diagnosis of ovarian masses.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of the combination of gynecologic imaging reporting and data system (GI-RADS) ultrasonographic stratification and three-dimensional contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (3D-CEUS) in order to distinguish malignant from benign ovarian masses. METHODS: In this study, 102 patients with ovarian masses were examined by both two-dimensional ultrasound(2D-US) and 3D-CEUS. Sonographic features of ovarian masses obtained from 3D-CEUS were analyzed and compared with 2D-US. All patients with ovarian masses were confirmed by operational pathology or long-term follow-up results. RESULTS: (1)The Chi-square test and multiple Logistic regression analysis confirmed that there were only eight independent predictors of malignant masses, including thick septa (≥3mm), thick papillary projections(≥7mm), solid areas, presence of ascites, central vascularization, contrast enhancement, distribution of contrast agent, and vascular characteristics of the solid part and their odds ratios which were 5.52, 5.39, 4.94, 4.34, 5.92, 7.44, 6.09, and 7.67, respectively (P<0.05). (2)These eight signs were used to combine the GI-RADS with 3D-CEUS scoring system in which the corresponding value of the area under the curve (AUC) was 0.969, which was superior to using GI-RADS lonely (Z-value=1.64, P<0.025). Using 4 points as the cut-off, the scoring system showed the performance was clearly better than using GI-RADS alone (P<0.05). (3) The Kappa value was 0.872 for two different clinicians with equal experience. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of GI-RADS and 3D-CEUS scoring system would be a more effective method to distinguish malignant from benign ovarian masses.

Combination of GI-RADS and 3D-CEUS for differential diagnosis of ovarian masses

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of the combination of gynecologic imaging reporting and data system (GI-RADS) ultrasonographic stratification and three-dimensional contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (3D-CEUS) in order to distinguish malignant from benign ovarian masses. METHODS In this study, 102 patients with ovarian masses were examined by both two-dimensional ultrasound(2D-US) and 3D-CEUS. Sonographic features of ovarian masses obtained from 3D-CEUS were analyzed and compared with 2D-US. All patients with ovarian masses were confirmed by operational pathology or long-term follow-up results. RESULTS (1)The Chi-square test and multiple Logistic regression analysis confirmed that there were only eight independent predictors of malignant masses, including thick septa (≥3mm), thick papillary projections(≥7mm), solid areas, presence of ascites, central vascularization, contrast enhancement, distribution of contrast agent, and vascular characteristics of the solid part and their odds ratios which were 5.52, 5.39, 4.94, 4.34, 5.92, 7.44, 6.09, and 7.67, respectively (P<0.05). (2)These eight signs were used to combine the GI-RADS with 3D-CEUS scoring system in which the corresponding value of the area under the curve (AUC) was 0.969, which was superior to using GI-RADS lonely (Z-value=1.64, P<0.025). Using 4 points as the cut-off, the scoring system showed the performance was clearly better than using GI-RADS alone (P<0.05). (3) The Kappa value was 0.872 for two different clinicians with equal experience. CONCLUSIONS The combination of GI-RADS and 3D-CEUS scoring system would be a more effective method to distinguish malignant from benign ovarian masses.

RESUMO OBJETIVO O objetivo deste estudo é avaliar a eficácia da combinação da estratificação por ultrassonografia usando o Sistema de Relatórios e Dados de Imagem Ginecológica (GI-RADS) e ultrassonografia 3D com contraste (3D-CEUS) para diferenciar massas ovarianas benignas de malignas. METODOLOGIA Neste estudo, 102 pacientes com massas ovarianas foram examinadas usando ultrassonografia bidimensional (2D-US) e 3D-CEUS. As características ultrassonográficas das massas ovarianas obtidas com 3D-CEUS foram analisadas e comparadas com de 2D-US. Todos os pacientes com massas ovarianas tiveram o diagnóstico confirmado pelos resultados de patologia cirúrgica ou acompanhamento de longo prazo. RESULTADOS (1) O teste qui-quadrado e a regressão logística múltipla confirmaram a existência de apenas oito preditores independentes de massas malignas, incluindo septos espessos (≥3mm), projeções papilares espessas (≥7mm), áreas sólidas, presença de ascite, vascularização central, aumento de contraste, distribuição do agente de contraste e características vasculares da parte sólida e suas razões de possibilidades (OR), que foram 5,52, 5,39, 4,94, 4,34, 5,92, 7,44, 6,09 e 7.67, respectivamente (P< 0,05). (2) Esses oito preditores foram utilizados para combinar o GI-RADS com o sistema de escores da 3D-CEUS, para o qual o valor correspondente da área sob a curva (AUC) foi de 0,969, superior ao uso exclusivo do GI-RADS (valor de Z = 1,64, P < 0,025). Usando 4 pontos como corte, o sistema de escores mostrou que o desempenho foi muito melhor do que com o uso exclusivo do GI-RADS (P < 0,05). (3) O valor de Kappa foi 0,872, obtido por dois médicos diferentes com igual experiência. CONCLUSÃO A combinação do GI-RADS e do sistema de pontuação da 3D-CEUS é um método mais eficaz para distinguir massas ovarianas benignas de malignas.