Objective To analyze the direct economic burden caused by surgical site infection(SSI)in orthopedics and joint surgery,and provide evidence-based support for intervention measures.Methods 3 348 hospitalized pa-tients in the department of orthopedics and joint surgery of a hospital from July 2021 to July 2023 were selected.They were divided into an infection group and a control group based on whether they had SSI.The propensity score matching(PSM)method was adopted to match the two groups of patients in a 1∶1 ratio.The length of hospital stay and various hospitalization expenses between patients with different types of SSI and control group were compared.Results Among 3 348 hospitalized patients,259 had SSI,with an incidence of 7.74％.Superficial incisional wound infection had the highest number of patients(n=177,68.34％),followed by deep incisional wound infection(n=65,25.10％),organ/space infection had the lowest number of patients(n=17,6.56％).After PSM matching,257 pairs were successfully matched,with a matching rate of 99.23％.Infection group extended length of hospital stay by 18 days compared with the control group(P＜0.001).The total hospitalization expenses and individual hos-pitalization expenses of infection group were all higher than those of the control group(all P＜0.001).Among the various expenses,difference in drug expense was the largest,with an increase of 5 067.83 Yuan in Western medi-cine(P＜0.001)and 957.30 Yuan in antimicrobial agents(P＜0.001).Patients with different types of SSI all had longer hospital stay compared with the control group.Patients with deep incisional wound infection,superficial inci-sional wound infection,and organ/space infection had an extended hospital stay of 26,18,and 13 days,respectively(all P＜0.05).The total hospitalization expenses,Western medicine expenses,and antimicrobial agent expenses of patients with different types of SSI were all higher than those of the control group(all P＜0.05).Conclusion The occurrence of postoperative SSI in patients in the department of orthopedics and joint surgery can prolong the length of hospital stay,resulting in huge economic losses for the patient and the hospital.Effective control of healthcare-associated infection is of great significance for optimizing medical resources,improving medical quality,and ensuring patient safety.

Objective To explore the application value of Auto-prescription combined with low-dose contrast and adaptive statisti-cal iterative reconstruction-Veo(ASIR-V)algorithm in the computed tomography angiography(CTA)of thoracodorsal artery(TDA).Methods A total of 100 patients who underwent TDA CTA examination were prospectively selected.A tube voltage of 120 kVp and contrast agent of 1.5 mL/kg were used for group A(50 cases),and images were reconstructed with 40％ post-set ASIR-V.The Auto-prescription for tube voltage and contrast agent of 1.2 mL/kg were used for group B(50 cases),while images were reconstruc-ted with 40％,60％,and 80％ post-set ASIR-V,labeled as subgroups B1 to B3.The objective and subjective evaluation results of the images were compared between and within groups.Results Group A had an effective dose(ED)of 2.98(2.65,4.03)mSv,while group B had an ED of 1.92(1.44,3.33)mSv.The iodine intake in group B was lower than that in group A,and the CT value of the axillary artery in group B was significantly higher than that in group A(P＜0.001).With the increased of ASIR-V level in group B,the signal-to-noise ratio(SNR)and contrast-to-noise ratio(CNR)of the images gradually increased(P＜0.05).In terms of subjec-tive scores on axial images,both subgroups B2 and B3 were superior to group A(P＜0.001);with the increased of ASIR-V level in group B,subjective scores of axial images increased first and then decreased,among which subjective score of subgroup B2 was the highest and the differences were statistically significant(P＜0.001).In terms of subjective scores on three-dimensional image quality,subgroups B1 to B3 were superior to group A(P＜0.001).Conclusion The use of Auto-prescription combined with low-dose con-trast and 60％ ASIR-V can significantly optimize the display of TDA,and reduce the radiation dose and contrast agent dose to a certain extent.

Limb spasticity is a common complication after stroke,with clinical manifestations such as increased muscle tone,limb stiffness and pain,which reduces the quality of patients'daily life and increases the economic burden.Currently,scales,surface electromyography and biomechanical methods are mostly used to assess limb spasticity in clinical practice,but clinical scales rely on experience and are highly subjective;surface electromyography is prone to compensations and test errors;and biomechanical methods are more restrictive.Musculoskeletal ultrasound is not only capable of detecting muscle parameters and providing quantitative information such as muscle hardness and elasticity,but also has the unique advantages of high-resolution and real-time imag-ing,which has been increasingly used in clinical diagnosis and treatment.In this paper,we review the evidence related to musculoskeletal ultrasound and limb spasticity assessment,with the aim of exploring a simple and reasonable quantitative assessment method,which will provide some thoughts for the future clinical assessment of limb spasticity.

Objective To explore the application value of deep learning image reconstruction(DLIR)algorithm combined with a large reconstruction matrix in lung nodules screening using low-dose computed tomography(LDCT)of the chest.Methods Patients who underwent LDCT scans were prospectively enrolled.The control group(group A)used the iterative reconstruction(IR)algorithm(Karl)with a reconstruction level of Karl 5,reconstructed images of 512×512(group A1)matrix,and 1 024 × 1 024(group A2)matrix.The experimental group employed DLIR combined with 512×512(group B)matrix and 1 024 × 1 024(group C)matrix for image reconstruction at levels 1-5,which were recorded as groups B1-5 and groups C1-5.The CT values and standard deviation(SD)values of the lung parenchyma and tracheal air were measured,and the signal-to-noise ratio(SNR)was calculated.The overall lung image quality was scored on a Likert 5-point scale,and the subgroup with the best lung image quality was selected.The lung nodule detec-tion rate and clarity were compared with group A1.Results Under the same reconstruction matrix,the CT values of the tracheal air and lung parenchyma in the experimental group showed no significant difference compared to the control group,while the SD values were lower and SNR were higher(P＜0.05).Within groups B and C,as the DLIR level increased,the SD values of the tracheal air and lung paren-chyma gradually decreased,and SNR gradually improved(P＜0.05).Subjective scores for the image quality in groups B and C initially increased and then decreased,with group B3 and group C4 showed the best image quality.No difference was observed in objective eval-uation between the two groups,but the subjective image quality score of group C4 was superior to group B3(P＜0.05).Subjective eval-uation of lung nodule display in group C4 was better than in group A1(P＜0.05).Conclusion DLIR algorithm combined with a large reconstruction matrix is feasible for lung nodules screening in chest LDCT,reducing image noise while improving lung nodules clarity,demonstrating significant clinical value.

Objective:To explore the application value of the double-low technique of auto-prescription technique combined with iterative reconstruction algorithm in CT pulmonary angiography (CTPA).Methods:A total of 86 patients who were clinically suspected of having pulmonary embolism and underwent CTPA examination in the First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University were prospectively collected and randomly assigned to a control group ( n = 45) and an observation group ( n = 41) according to the random number table method. In the control group, a tube voltage of 120 kVp was used with a standard iodine contrast agent dose of 60 ml, and images were reconstructed using the 40% adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction algorithm (ASIR-V). In the observation group, the tube voltage was set by auto-prescription technique, and 0.4 ml/kg of personalized low iodine contrast agent was used. Images were reconstructed with 40%, 60%, and 80% ASIR-V, respectively, and designated as observation 1, observation 2, and observation 3 respectively. The volume CT dose index (CTDI vol), dose-length product (DLP), and effective dose ( E) were recorded and compared among the four groups. The CT values and standard deviation (SD) of the main pulmonary artery, left and right pulmonary arteries, as well as the left and right pulmonary lobe arteries were measured, and the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) of these arteries were calculated. Additionally, the SD value at the contrast medium concentration in the superior vena cava was measured, and the artifact index (AI) was subsequently calculated. Two observers independently assessed the visibility of the pulmonary arteries, image noise, and sclerosis artifacts in the superior vena cava using a blinded method. Results:The E in the observation group was 3.28 (2.08, 3.93) mSv, which was significantly lower than that in the control group [5.03 (4.86, 5.20)] mSv, and the difference was statistically significant ( Z = 174.00, P < 0.05). The contrast agent dosage in the observation group was 28 (25, 30) ml, which was lower than that in the control group (60 ml), and the difference was statistically significant ( Z = 0, P < 0.05). The CT values for the main pulmonary artery and the left and right pulmonary lobe arteries in the observation group were higher than those in the control group, and the differences were all statistically significant ( t = -3.65 to -3.89, P < 0.05). The SNR and CNR of the observation groups 2 and 3 were greater than those of the control group ( t = -9.20 to -2.98, P < 0.05). The consistency of subjective evaluations between the two observers was good ( Kappa = 0.729 - 0.879, P < 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in the subjective score of pulmonary artery visibility between the control and observation group ( P > 0.05). The subjective scores for image noise in observation group 2 and group 3 were higher than those in the control group ( U =598.50, 654.00, P < 0.05). The presence of artifacts due to sclerosis in the superior vena cava was significantly lower in the observation group compared to the control group ( χ2 = 46.09, P < 0.001). Conclusions:The combination of auto-prescription technique with ASIR-V reconstruction algorithm and low contrast agent imaging protocol can reduce the radiation dose and contrast agent dose without compromising image quality, and enable personalized double low CTPA imaging.

Objective:To explore the application value of the double-low technique of auto-prescription technique combined with iterative reconstruction algorithm in CT pulmonary angiography (CTPA).Methods:A total of 86 patients who were clinically suspected of having pulmonary embolism and underwent CTPA examination in the First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University were prospectively collected and randomly assigned to a control group ( n = 45) and an observation group ( n = 41) according to the random number table method. In the control group, a tube voltage of 120 kVp was used with a standard iodine contrast agent dose of 60 ml, and images were reconstructed using the 40% adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction algorithm (ASIR-V). In the observation group, the tube voltage was set by auto-prescription technique, and 0.4 ml/kg of personalized low iodine contrast agent was used. Images were reconstructed with 40%, 60%, and 80% ASIR-V, respectively, and designated as observation 1, observation 2, and observation 3 respectively. The volume CT dose index (CTDI vol), dose-length product (DLP), and effective dose ( E) were recorded and compared among the four groups. The CT values and standard deviation (SD) of the main pulmonary artery, left and right pulmonary arteries, as well as the left and right pulmonary lobe arteries were measured, and the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) of these arteries were calculated. Additionally, the SD value at the contrast medium concentration in the superior vena cava was measured, and the artifact index (AI) was subsequently calculated. Two observers independently assessed the visibility of the pulmonary arteries, image noise, and sclerosis artifacts in the superior vena cava using a blinded method. Results:The E in the observation group was 3.28 (2.08, 3.93) mSv, which was significantly lower than that in the control group [5.03 (4.86, 5.20)] mSv, and the difference was statistically significant ( Z = 174.00, P < 0.05). The contrast agent dosage in the observation group was 28 (25, 30) ml, which was lower than that in the control group (60 ml), and the difference was statistically significant ( Z = 0, P < 0.05). The CT values for the main pulmonary artery and the left and right pulmonary lobe arteries in the observation group were higher than those in the control group, and the differences were all statistically significant ( t = -3.65 to -3.89, P < 0.05). The SNR and CNR of the observation groups 2 and 3 were greater than those of the control group ( t = -9.20 to -2.98, P < 0.05). The consistency of subjective evaluations between the two observers was good ( Kappa = 0.729 - 0.879, P < 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in the subjective score of pulmonary artery visibility between the control and observation group ( P > 0.05). The subjective scores for image noise in observation group 2 and group 3 were higher than those in the control group ( U =598.50, 654.00, P < 0.05). The presence of artifacts due to sclerosis in the superior vena cava was significantly lower in the observation group compared to the control group ( χ2 = 46.09, P < 0.001). Conclusions:The combination of auto-prescription technique with ASIR-V reconstruction algorithm and low contrast agent imaging protocol can reduce the radiation dose and contrast agent dose without compromising image quality, and enable personalized double low CTPA imaging.

Objective To explore the application value of deep learning image reconstruction(DLIR)algorithm combined with a large reconstruction matrix in lung nodules screening using low-dose computed tomography(LDCT)of the chest.Methods Patients who underwent LDCT scans were prospectively enrolled.The control group(group A)used the iterative reconstruction(IR)algorithm(Karl)with a reconstruction level of Karl 5,reconstructed images of 512×512(group A1)matrix,and 1 024 × 1 024(group A2)matrix.The experimental group employed DLIR combined with 512×512(group B)matrix and 1 024 × 1 024(group C)matrix for image reconstruction at levels 1-5,which were recorded as groups B1-5 and groups C1-5.The CT values and standard deviation(SD)values of the lung parenchyma and tracheal air were measured,and the signal-to-noise ratio(SNR)was calculated.The overall lung image quality was scored on a Likert 5-point scale,and the subgroup with the best lung image quality was selected.The lung nodule detec-tion rate and clarity were compared with group A1.Results Under the same reconstruction matrix,the CT values of the tracheal air and lung parenchyma in the experimental group showed no significant difference compared to the control group,while the SD values were lower and SNR were higher(P＜0.05).Within groups B and C,as the DLIR level increased,the SD values of the tracheal air and lung paren-chyma gradually decreased,and SNR gradually improved(P＜0.05).Subjective scores for the image quality in groups B and C initially increased and then decreased,with group B3 and group C4 showed the best image quality.No difference was observed in objective eval-uation between the two groups,but the subjective image quality score of group C4 was superior to group B3(P＜0.05).Subjective eval-uation of lung nodule display in group C4 was better than in group A1(P＜0.05).Conclusion DLIR algorithm combined with a large reconstruction matrix is feasible for lung nodules screening in chest LDCT,reducing image noise while improving lung nodules clarity,demonstrating significant clinical value.

Objective To analyze the direct economic burden caused by surgical site infection(SSI)in orthopedics and joint surgery,and provide evidence-based support for intervention measures.Methods 3 348 hospitalized pa-tients in the department of orthopedics and joint surgery of a hospital from July 2021 to July 2023 were selected.They were divided into an infection group and a control group based on whether they had SSI.The propensity score matching(PSM)method was adopted to match the two groups of patients in a 1∶1 ratio.The length of hospital stay and various hospitalization expenses between patients with different types of SSI and control group were compared.Results Among 3 348 hospitalized patients,259 had SSI,with an incidence of 7.74％.Superficial incisional wound infection had the highest number of patients(n=177,68.34％),followed by deep incisional wound infection(n=65,25.10％),organ/space infection had the lowest number of patients(n=17,6.56％).After PSM matching,257 pairs were successfully matched,with a matching rate of 99.23％.Infection group extended length of hospital stay by 18 days compared with the control group(P＜0.001).The total hospitalization expenses and individual hos-pitalization expenses of infection group were all higher than those of the control group(all P＜0.001).Among the various expenses,difference in drug expense was the largest,with an increase of 5 067.83 Yuan in Western medi-cine(P＜0.001)and 957.30 Yuan in antimicrobial agents(P＜0.001).Patients with different types of SSI all had longer hospital stay compared with the control group.Patients with deep incisional wound infection,superficial inci-sional wound infection,and organ/space infection had an extended hospital stay of 26,18,and 13 days,respectively(all P＜0.05).The total hospitalization expenses,Western medicine expenses,and antimicrobial agent expenses of patients with different types of SSI were all higher than those of the control group(all P＜0.05).Conclusion The occurrence of postoperative SSI in patients in the department of orthopedics and joint surgery can prolong the length of hospital stay,resulting in huge economic losses for the patient and the hospital.Effective control of healthcare-associated infection is of great significance for optimizing medical resources,improving medical quality,and ensuring patient safety.

Objective To explore the application value of Auto-prescription combined with low-dose contrast and adaptive statisti-cal iterative reconstruction-Veo(ASIR-V)algorithm in the computed tomography angiography(CTA)of thoracodorsal artery(TDA).Methods A total of 100 patients who underwent TDA CTA examination were prospectively selected.A tube voltage of 120 kVp and contrast agent of 1.5 mL/kg were used for group A(50 cases),and images were reconstructed with 40％ post-set ASIR-V.The Auto-prescription for tube voltage and contrast agent of 1.2 mL/kg were used for group B(50 cases),while images were reconstruc-ted with 40％,60％,and 80％ post-set ASIR-V,labeled as subgroups B1 to B3.The objective and subjective evaluation results of the images were compared between and within groups.Results Group A had an effective dose(ED)of 2.98(2.65,4.03)mSv,while group B had an ED of 1.92(1.44,3.33)mSv.The iodine intake in group B was lower than that in group A,and the CT value of the axillary artery in group B was significantly higher than that in group A(P＜0.001).With the increased of ASIR-V level in group B,the signal-to-noise ratio(SNR)and contrast-to-noise ratio(CNR)of the images gradually increased(P＜0.05).In terms of subjec-tive scores on axial images,both subgroups B2 and B3 were superior to group A(P＜0.001);with the increased of ASIR-V level in group B,subjective scores of axial images increased first and then decreased,among which subjective score of subgroup B2 was the highest and the differences were statistically significant(P＜0.001).In terms of subjective scores on three-dimensional image quality,subgroups B1 to B3 were superior to group A(P＜0.001).Conclusion The use of Auto-prescription combined with low-dose con-trast and 60％ ASIR-V can significantly optimize the display of TDA,and reduce the radiation dose and contrast agent dose to a certain extent.

Limb spasticity is a common complication after stroke,with clinical manifestations such as increased muscle tone,limb stiffness and pain,which reduces the quality of patients'daily life and increases the economic burden.Currently,scales,surface electromyography and biomechanical methods are mostly used to assess limb spasticity in clinical practice,but clinical scales rely on experience and are highly subjective;surface electromyography is prone to compensations and test errors;and biomechanical methods are more restrictive.Musculoskeletal ultrasound is not only capable of detecting muscle parameters and providing quantitative information such as muscle hardness and elasticity,but also has the unique advantages of high-resolution and real-time imag-ing,which has been increasingly used in clinical diagnosis and treatment.In this paper,we review the evidence related to musculoskeletal ultrasound and limb spasticity assessment,with the aim of exploring a simple and reasonable quantitative assessment method,which will provide some thoughts for the future clinical assessment of limb spasticity.