Objective:To explore the feasibility of applying deep learning image reconstruction (DLIR) in low-radiation dose liver dual-energy CT to further improve image quality, diagnostic confidence of lesion, and accuracy of iodine concentration (IC) measurement.Methods:This prospective cohort study enrolled 60 patients scheduled for enhanced liver CT at the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University from June 2023 to January 2024. The participants were randomly assigned into the standard dose group and low radiation dose group with 30 cases in each using randomized block method. The standard radiation dose group underwent standard-radiation dose 120 kVp scans during the venous phase, while the low radiation dose group underwent low radiation dose scans with a rapid kVp-switching spectral scanning mode at 80 kVp and 140 kVp. The effective radiation dose (ED) was calculated for both groups. The standard radiation dose group was reconstructed using adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction-V (ASIR-V) algorithm 40% (AR40 120 kVp). The low radiation dose group using high-intensity DLIR (DLIR-H) to reconstructed 40 keV and 50 keV virtual monoenergetic images (VMI) (DH-VMI 40 keV, DH-VMI 50 keV). The image quality of the above three groups was objectively evaluated through the measurement of image noise and calculation of contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) for the liver and portal vein; and the image quality was subjectively scored for image noise, contrast, lesion conspicuity, and diagnostic confidence. In the low radiation dose group, DLIR-H and ASIR-V40% reconstructed iodine maps were used to measure the liver and portal vein of IC values, standard deviations (SD), and coefficients of variation (CV). One-way analysis of variance or Kruskal-Wallis H test was used to compare the differences of subjective and objective image quality among the three groups, and paired t-test was used to compare the differences in measurement indexes between DLIR-H and ASIR-V40% reconstructed iodine maps. Results:The ED in the low radiation dose group [(2.2±0.5) mSv] was reduced by 56.8% compared to the conventional radiation dose group [(5.4±1.4) mSv]. Objective evaluations demonstrated that DH-VMI 40 keV had higher image noise, CNR, and SNR for liver and portal veins compared to AR40 120 kVp ( P<0.001). DH-VMI 50 keV had lower image noise ( P=0.200), with higher CNR and SNR for the liver and portal vein compared to AR40 120 kVp( P<0.001). In subjective evaluation, there was no statistically significant difference in image noise scores between DH-VMI 40 keV and AR40 120 kVp ( P>0.05), while the image noise score for DH-VMI 50 keV was lower than that of AR40 120 kVp ( P<0.05). Both DH-VMI 40 keV and DH-VMI 50 keV had higher scores for contrast, lesion conspicuity, and diagnostic confidence compared to those of AR40 120 kVp ( P<0.05). In the low radiation dose group, there was no statistically significant difference in IC values for the liver and portal vein between the ASIR-V40% and DLIR-H algorithm reconstructed iodine maps ( P>0.05). The SD and CV of liver and portal vein in the DLIR-H reconstructed iodine maps were lower than those in the ASIR-V40% reconstructed iodine maps ( P<0.001). Conclusions:DLIR can effectively reduce the image noise of low-energy (40, 50 keV) VMI, enhance lesion conspicuity and diagnostic confidence, and improve measurement accuracy without affecting IC values.

Objective To investigate the correlation between novel bone metabolism markers and the degree of aortic calcification as well as cardiovascular event risk in elderly patients treated by PD.Methods A prospective trial was conducted on 230 elderly patients receiving continuous am-bulatory PD in our department from February 2022 to February 2024.According to the occur-rence of cardiovascular events during dialysis treatment,they were divided into a cardiovascular event group(n=92)and a control group(n=138).Relevant clinical data were collected,aortic calcification was assessed using AAC scores,and serum levels of bone metabolism markers,inclu-ding osteoprotegerin,TRACP,and PINP were measured.Results The serum levels of osteoprote-gerin,TRACP and PINP were significantly higher in the cardiovascular event group than the con-trol group(P＜0.01).The cardiovascular event group had obviously severe calcification and higher AAC score than the control group(P＜0.01).The serum levels of the three bone metabolism markers were notably higher in the patients with severe calcification than those with moderate calcification,followed by mild calcification in turn(P＜0.01).Spearman correlation analysis indi-cated that the levels of the three indicators were positively correlated with the degree of aortic cal-cification in elderly PD patients(r=0.465,P=0.000;r=0.396,P=0.000;r=0.434,P=0.000).Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that these three indicators were risk factors for cardiovascular events in elderly PD patients(P＜0.01).Conclusion The three bone metabolism markers are significantly correlated with aortic calcification severity and cardiovascular event risk in elderly PD patients.Monitoring these marker levels may be helpful for the assessment and man-agement of cardiovascular risk.

OBJECTIVE To understand the healthcare-seeking behavior of patients with AIDS co-infected with tu-berculosis and analyze the factors influencing delayed consultation and diagnosis,and to provide a theoretical basis for the implementation of interventional tuberculosis control measures.METHODS Two hundred and two patients with AIDS complicated with tuberculosis who were first admitted to Yunnan Infectious Diseases Hospital from Jan.2020 to Dec.2023 were selected,and their clinical data were collected through the inpatient medical record system.Multivariate logistic regression model was used to analyze the factors influencing delayed consultation and diagnosis.RESULTS Time of admission,place of residence,presence of lung cavities,distribution of lung lesions,intermediate hospital visited,sputum culture results,etiological situation,CD4+/CD8+cell ratio,and CD8+cell counts were the factors influencing delayed consultation(P<0.05).The initial diagnosis and Gene-Xpert results were the factors influencing delayed diagnosis(P<0.05).Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that ad-mission in 2021(OR=3.842,95%CI:1.651-8.966),and presence of lung cavity(OR=8.007,95%CI:1.381-6.436),single lung lesion accumulation(OR=0.637,95%CI:0.049-8.267)were risk factors for delayed consultation.A 10%reduction in body mass(OR=2.070,95%CI:1.056-4.059)and negative Gene-Xpert re-sults(OR=1.667,95%CI:0.688-4.038)were risk factors for delayed diagnosis.CONCLUSIONS The issues of delayed medical consultation and diagnosis in patients with AIDS complicated with tuberculosis remain severe,with different factors influencing the delay.Special attention should be paid to the screening for latent tuberculosis infection in people infected with HIV.When experiencing suspicious symptoms,patients should go be encouraged to take exams at designated tuberculosis hospitals,repeatedly collect sputum samples and monitor changes in body mass,all of which are positively significant in reducing delays.

Objective To analyze the prevalence and risk factors of underscreening among cervical cancer screening participants in Wuxiang County,Shanxi Province in 2019,providing evidence-based support for optimizing mobilization strategies.Methods Data from cervical cancer screening programs conducted between 2019 and 2024 in Wuxiang County were retrospectively collected.The follow-up screening behaviors of women screened in 2019 were analyzed,and factors associated with underscreening were identified.Results A total of 3759 women underwent cervical cancer screening in 2019.Among them,492 women(13.09％)with abnormal primary screening results requiring follow-up in 12 months,yet only 43(8.74％)completed;2154 women(57.30％)with negative liquid-based cytology testing(LCT)results needed re-screening after 3 years,701(32.54％)completed;1113 women(29.61％)with negative HPV/combined results needed re-screening after 5 years,734(65.95％)completed.Overall,2299 women(60.69％)exhibited underscreening.Multivariate analysis showed that underscreening was more likely among community residents than rural residents(OR=2.309,P=0.018),older women(OR=1.065,P＜0.001),those in organized screening compared to opportunistic screening(OR=3.789,P＜0.001),those undergoing LCT(OR=4.607,P＜0.001)or combined screening instead of human papillomavirus testing(OR=3.624,P＜0.001),and those with abnormal screening results(OR=6.859,P＜0.001).Conclusion Substantial proportions of cervical cancer screening participants demonstrate poor adherence to guideline-recommended screening intervals,and particularly need to focus on older women and those with abnormal screening results.Implementation of electronic screening record systems and emphasizing knowledge of periodical screening in health education could enhance compliance with"70％screening coverage"target for cervical cancer prevention.

Objective To analyze the prevalence and risk factors of underscreening among cervical cancer screening participants in Wuxiang County,Shanxi Province in 2019,providing evidence-based support for optimizing mobilization strategies.Methods Data from cervical cancer screening programs conducted between 2019 and 2024 in Wuxiang County were retrospectively collected.The follow-up screening behaviors of women screened in 2019 were analyzed,and factors associated with underscreening were identified.Results A total of 3759 women underwent cervical cancer screening in 2019.Among them,492 women(13.09％)with abnormal primary screening results requiring follow-up in 12 months,yet only 43(8.74％)completed;2154 women(57.30％)with negative liquid-based cytology testing(LCT)results needed re-screening after 3 years,701(32.54％)completed;1113 women(29.61％)with negative HPV/combined results needed re-screening after 5 years,734(65.95％)completed.Overall,2299 women(60.69％)exhibited underscreening.Multivariate analysis showed that underscreening was more likely among community residents than rural residents(OR=2.309,P=0.018),older women(OR=1.065,P＜0.001),those in organized screening compared to opportunistic screening(OR=3.789,P＜0.001),those undergoing LCT(OR=4.607,P＜0.001)or combined screening instead of human papillomavirus testing(OR=3.624,P＜0.001),and those with abnormal screening results(OR=6.859,P＜0.001).Conclusion Substantial proportions of cervical cancer screening participants demonstrate poor adherence to guideline-recommended screening intervals,and particularly need to focus on older women and those with abnormal screening results.Implementation of electronic screening record systems and emphasizing knowledge of periodical screening in health education could enhance compliance with"70％screening coverage"target for cervical cancer prevention.

Objective To investigate the correlation between novel bone metabolism markers and the degree of aortic calcification as well as cardiovascular event risk in elderly patients treated by PD.Methods A prospective trial was conducted on 230 elderly patients receiving continuous am-bulatory PD in our department from February 2022 to February 2024.According to the occur-rence of cardiovascular events during dialysis treatment,they were divided into a cardiovascular event group(n=92)and a control group(n=138).Relevant clinical data were collected,aortic calcification was assessed using AAC scores,and serum levels of bone metabolism markers,inclu-ding osteoprotegerin,TRACP,and PINP were measured.Results The serum levels of osteoprote-gerin,TRACP and PINP were significantly higher in the cardiovascular event group than the con-trol group(P＜0.01).The cardiovascular event group had obviously severe calcification and higher AAC score than the control group(P＜0.01).The serum levels of the three bone metabolism markers were notably higher in the patients with severe calcification than those with moderate calcification,followed by mild calcification in turn(P＜0.01).Spearman correlation analysis indi-cated that the levels of the three indicators were positively correlated with the degree of aortic cal-cification in elderly PD patients(r=0.465,P=0.000;r=0.396,P=0.000;r=0.434,P=0.000).Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that these three indicators were risk factors for cardiovascular events in elderly PD patients(P＜0.01).Conclusion The three bone metabolism markers are significantly correlated with aortic calcification severity and cardiovascular event risk in elderly PD patients.Monitoring these marker levels may be helpful for the assessment and man-agement of cardiovascular risk.

OBJECTIVE To understand the healthcare-seeking behavior of patients with AIDS co-infected with tu-berculosis and analyze the factors influencing delayed consultation and diagnosis,and to provide a theoretical basis for the implementation of interventional tuberculosis control measures.METHODS Two hundred and two patients with AIDS complicated with tuberculosis who were first admitted to Yunnan Infectious Diseases Hospital from Jan.2020 to Dec.2023 were selected,and their clinical data were collected through the inpatient medical record system.Multivariate logistic regression model was used to analyze the factors influencing delayed consultation and diagnosis.RESULTS Time of admission,place of residence,presence of lung cavities,distribution of lung lesions,intermediate hospital visited,sputum culture results,etiological situation,CD4+/CD8+cell ratio,and CD8+cell counts were the factors influencing delayed consultation(P<0.05).The initial diagnosis and Gene-Xpert results were the factors influencing delayed diagnosis(P<0.05).Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that ad-mission in 2021(OR=3.842,95%CI:1.651-8.966),and presence of lung cavity(OR=8.007,95%CI:1.381-6.436),single lung lesion accumulation(OR=0.637,95%CI:0.049-8.267)were risk factors for delayed consultation.A 10%reduction in body mass(OR=2.070,95%CI:1.056-4.059)and negative Gene-Xpert re-sults(OR=1.667,95%CI:0.688-4.038)were risk factors for delayed diagnosis.CONCLUSIONS The issues of delayed medical consultation and diagnosis in patients with AIDS complicated with tuberculosis remain severe,with different factors influencing the delay.Special attention should be paid to the screening for latent tuberculosis infection in people infected with HIV.When experiencing suspicious symptoms,patients should go be encouraged to take exams at designated tuberculosis hospitals,repeatedly collect sputum samples and monitor changes in body mass,all of which are positively significant in reducing delays.

Objective:To explore the feasibility of applying deep learning image reconstruction (DLIR) in low-radiation dose liver dual-energy CT to further improve image quality, diagnostic confidence of lesion, and accuracy of iodine concentration (IC) measurement.Methods:This prospective cohort study enrolled 60 patients scheduled for enhanced liver CT at the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University from June 2023 to January 2024. The participants were randomly assigned into the standard dose group and low radiation dose group with 30 cases in each using randomized block method. The standard radiation dose group underwent standard-radiation dose 120 kVp scans during the venous phase, while the low radiation dose group underwent low radiation dose scans with a rapid kVp-switching spectral scanning mode at 80 kVp and 140 kVp. The effective radiation dose (ED) was calculated for both groups. The standard radiation dose group was reconstructed using adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction-V (ASIR-V) algorithm 40% (AR40 120 kVp). The low radiation dose group using high-intensity DLIR (DLIR-H) to reconstructed 40 keV and 50 keV virtual monoenergetic images (VMI) (DH-VMI 40 keV, DH-VMI 50 keV). The image quality of the above three groups was objectively evaluated through the measurement of image noise and calculation of contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) for the liver and portal vein; and the image quality was subjectively scored for image noise, contrast, lesion conspicuity, and diagnostic confidence. In the low radiation dose group, DLIR-H and ASIR-V40% reconstructed iodine maps were used to measure the liver and portal vein of IC values, standard deviations (SD), and coefficients of variation (CV). One-way analysis of variance or Kruskal-Wallis H test was used to compare the differences of subjective and objective image quality among the three groups, and paired t-test was used to compare the differences in measurement indexes between DLIR-H and ASIR-V40% reconstructed iodine maps. Results:The ED in the low radiation dose group [(2.2±0.5) mSv] was reduced by 56.8% compared to the conventional radiation dose group [(5.4±1.4) mSv]. Objective evaluations demonstrated that DH-VMI 40 keV had higher image noise, CNR, and SNR for liver and portal veins compared to AR40 120 kVp ( P<0.001). DH-VMI 50 keV had lower image noise ( P=0.200), with higher CNR and SNR for the liver and portal vein compared to AR40 120 kVp( P<0.001). In subjective evaluation, there was no statistically significant difference in image noise scores between DH-VMI 40 keV and AR40 120 kVp ( P>0.05), while the image noise score for DH-VMI 50 keV was lower than that of AR40 120 kVp ( P<0.05). Both DH-VMI 40 keV and DH-VMI 50 keV had higher scores for contrast, lesion conspicuity, and diagnostic confidence compared to those of AR40 120 kVp ( P<0.05). In the low radiation dose group, there was no statistically significant difference in IC values for the liver and portal vein between the ASIR-V40% and DLIR-H algorithm reconstructed iodine maps ( P>0.05). The SD and CV of liver and portal vein in the DLIR-H reconstructed iodine maps were lower than those in the ASIR-V40% reconstructed iodine maps ( P<0.001). Conclusions:DLIR can effectively reduce the image noise of low-energy (40, 50 keV) VMI, enhance lesion conspicuity and diagnostic confidence, and improve measurement accuracy without affecting IC values.

BACKGROUND:Previous studies have reported inconsistent results with positive,negative,and J-shaped associations between alcohol consumption and the hazard of aortic aneurysm and dissection(AAD).This study aimed to examine the connections between weekly alcohol consumption and the subsequent risk of AAD. METHODS:The UK Biobank study is a population-based cohort study.Weekly alcohol consumption was assessed using self-reported questionnaires and the congenital risk of alcohol consumption was also evaluated using genetic risk score(GRS).Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate hazard ratios(HRs)with 95%confidence intervals(CIs)for the associations between alcohol consumption and AAD.Several sensitivity analyses were performed to assess the robustness of the results. RESULTS:Among the 388,955 participants(mean age:57.1 years,47.4%male),2,895 incident AAD cases were documented during a median follow-up of 12.5 years.Compared with never-drinkers,moderate drinkers(adjusted HR:0.797,95%CI:0.646-0.984,P<0.05)and moderate-heavy drinkers(adjusted HR:0.794,95%CI:0.635-0.992,P<0.05)were significantly associated with a decreased risk of incident AAD.Interaction-based subgroup analysis revealed that the protective effect of moderate drinking was reflected mainly in participants younger than 65 years and women. CONCLUSION:Our findings support a protective effect of moderate alcohol consumption on AAD,but are limited to participants younger than 65 years and women.

BACKGROUND:Previous studies have reported inconsistent results with positive,negative,and J-shaped associations between alcohol consumption and the hazard of aortic aneurysm and dissection(AAD).This study aimed to examine the connections between weekly alcohol consumption and the subsequent risk of AAD. METHODS:The UK Biobank study is a population-based cohort study.Weekly alcohol consumption was assessed using self-reported questionnaires and the congenital risk of alcohol consumption was also evaluated using genetic risk score(GRS).Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate hazard ratios(HRs)with 95%confidence intervals(CIs)for the associations between alcohol consumption and AAD.Several sensitivity analyses were performed to assess the robustness of the results. RESULTS:Among the 388,955 participants(mean age:57.1 years,47.4%male),2,895 incident AAD cases were documented during a median follow-up of 12.5 years.Compared with never-drinkers,moderate drinkers(adjusted HR:0.797,95%CI:0.646-0.984,P<0.05)and moderate-heavy drinkers(adjusted HR:0.794,95%CI:0.635-0.992,P<0.05)were significantly associated with a decreased risk of incident AAD.Interaction-based subgroup analysis revealed that the protective effect of moderate drinking was reflected mainly in participants younger than 65 years and women. CONCLUSION:Our findings support a protective effect of moderate alcohol consumption on AAD,but are limited to participants younger than 65 years and women.