Purpose To evaluate the application value of CE-Boost technology in head and neck CT angiography(CTA)with low tube voltage,low contrast agent dosage and low injection rate.Materials and Methods A prospective study was conducted on patients who underwent head and neck CTA at Ji'nan People's Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University from September to December 2023.Using block randomization,patients were divided into group A(n=30)and group B(n=30).Group A underwent conventional scanning with 120 kV tube voltage,50 ml iodinated contrast agent and 5.0 ml/s injection rate;while group B underwent scanning with 100 kV tube voltage,30 ml iodinated contrast agent and 3.0 ml/s injection rate.CE-Boost images(group B2)were generated by performing flexible subtraction between the enhanced images of group B(group B1)and non-contrast images.CT values,noise,signal-to-noise ratio and contrast-to-noise ratio of major vessels were measured and calculated.Subjective image quality was assessed using a 5-point scale.Vascular CT values,noise,signal-to-noise ratio,contrast-to-noise ratio,subjective scores and radiation dose were compared among the three groups.Results No significant differences in noise were observed among group A,B1 and B2(all P>0.05).The aortic arch CT values,signal-to-noise ratio and contrast-to-noise ratio in group B2 were significantly higher than those in group B1 and A(all P<0.05),while group B1 exhibited significantly lower values than group A(all P<0.05).For other vessels,group B2 demonstrated significantly higher CT values,signal-to-noise ratio and contrast-to-noise ratio than group B1(all P<0.05),but no significant differences were found compared with group A(all P>0.05).Subjective scores were significantly higher in group A[5(5,5)point]and group B2[5(5,5)point]than in group B1[4(3,4)point](Z=-4.790,-4.564,both P<0.001),with no significant difference between groups A and B2(Z=-1.076,P=0.163).Group B reduced iodine intake and injection rate by 40%compared with group A(iodine intake:11.1 g vs.18.5 g;injection rate:3.0 ml/s vs.5.0 ml/s)and achieved a 30%reduction in effective radiation dose[(1.02±0.95)mSv vs.(1.44±1.66)mSv,t=12.217,P<0.001].Conclusion For patients with body mass index<28 kg/m2,CE-Boost combined with 100 kV tube voltage,30 ml iodinated contrast agent and 3.0 ml/s injection rate in head and neck CTA significantly reduces radiation dose,iodine load and injection rate while maintaining image quality.

Purpose To evaluate the application value of CE-Boost technology in head and neck CT angiography(CTA)with low tube voltage,low contrast agent dosage and low injection rate.Materials and Methods A prospective study was conducted on patients who underwent head and neck CTA at Ji'nan People's Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University from September to December 2023.Using block randomization,patients were divided into group A(n=30)and group B(n=30).Group A underwent conventional scanning with 120 kV tube voltage,50 ml iodinated contrast agent and 5.0 ml/s injection rate;while group B underwent scanning with 100 kV tube voltage,30 ml iodinated contrast agent and 3.0 ml/s injection rate.CE-Boost images(group B2)were generated by performing flexible subtraction between the enhanced images of group B(group B1)and non-contrast images.CT values,noise,signal-to-noise ratio and contrast-to-noise ratio of major vessels were measured and calculated.Subjective image quality was assessed using a 5-point scale.Vascular CT values,noise,signal-to-noise ratio,contrast-to-noise ratio,subjective scores and radiation dose were compared among the three groups.Results No significant differences in noise were observed among group A,B1 and B2(all P>0.05).The aortic arch CT values,signal-to-noise ratio and contrast-to-noise ratio in group B2 were significantly higher than those in group B1 and A(all P<0.05),while group B1 exhibited significantly lower values than group A(all P<0.05).For other vessels,group B2 demonstrated significantly higher CT values,signal-to-noise ratio and contrast-to-noise ratio than group B1(all P<0.05),but no significant differences were found compared with group A(all P>0.05).Subjective scores were significantly higher in group A[5(5,5)point]and group B2[5(5,5)point]than in group B1[4(3,4)point](Z=-4.790,-4.564,both P<0.001),with no significant difference between groups A and B2(Z=-1.076,P=0.163).Group B reduced iodine intake and injection rate by 40%compared with group A(iodine intake:11.1 g vs.18.5 g;injection rate:3.0 ml/s vs.5.0 ml/s)and achieved a 30%reduction in effective radiation dose[(1.02±0.95)mSv vs.(1.44±1.66)mSv,t=12.217,P<0.001].Conclusion For patients with body mass index<28 kg/m2,CE-Boost combined with 100 kV tube voltage,30 ml iodinated contrast agent and 3.0 ml/s injection rate in head and neck CTA significantly reduces radiation dose,iodine load and injection rate while maintaining image quality.

Objective　To explore the whole genome structure of Brucella in Ordos city, conduct bioinformatics analysis, and explore a variety of Brucella species type identification methods, so as to provide a theoretical basis for the study of Brucella in Ordos City. Methods　The whole genome was sequenced using illumina Miseq gene sequencer. The Microobench microbial gene analysis workstation was used to analyze the genome components, genome annotation, 16Sr DNA, SNP sites, insertions and deletions, MLST sites, and phylogenetic tree of 15 strains of Brucella. Results　The average sequencing depth of 15 Brucella strains was 170.04×, the average genome size was 3 290 725 bp, the genome coverage was 99.93%, and the average GC content of assembly files was 54.69%. The results of 16Sr DNA analysis showed that the homology of 15 Brucella strains and Brucella Maltese was 100%. The analysis results of SNP sites and insert-deletion variation showed that the average number of SNPs of the 15 strains of Brucella was 2 412, the average number of polynucleotide mutations was 39, the average number of insertional variants was 131, the average number of missing variants was 153, the average number of complex variants was 43, and the average number of total variants was 2 778. MLST locus analysis showed that all 15 strains of Brucella were ST-8. Conclusion　Based on the whole genome sequencing of 15 strains of Brucella in Ordos City, this study carried out a variety of type identification methods. Different methods have different focuses, and multiple methods are needed to confirm each other, so as to obtain more accurate experimental results and provide more research basis for the study of Brucella, to provide more data and theoretical support for the control and prevention of brucellosis in Ordos City.

Background The Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region is a vast area with a wide array of ecological environments, resulting in considerable regional variations in air pollution characteristics. Current research is limited by a scarcity of systematic, region-wide studies and risk assessments. Objective To assess the health risks associated with inhalation exposure to nine heavy metal and metalloid elements in atmospheric fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) for the population of the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. Methods From the 10th to the 16th of each month throughout 2023, atmospheric PM_2.5 samples were collected at designated monitoring sites in 12 leagues (cities) across the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region to analyze the characteristics and trends in concentration. The health risk assessment model developed by the United States Environmental Protection Agency was employed to evaluate both the non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks associated with the heavy metal elements beryllium (Be), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), hydrargyrum (Hg), plumbum (Pb), manganese (Mn), and nickel (Ni) and the metalloid elements stibium (Sb) and arsenic (As). Results In 2023, a total of 1206 valid PM_2.5 samples were analyzed from the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. The annual average PM_2.5 concentrations in Inner Mongolia, as well as in the cities of Ordos, Wuhai, and the Alxa League, all exceeded the national limit of 35 μg·m⁻³. The PM_2.5 concentrations across the leagues (cities) exhibited a clear seasonal variation, peaking in winter, followed by spring, and reaching a minimum in summer and autumn. The median PM_2.5 concentration in Ordos throughout the year was higher than that in the other leagues (cities) of the region. Concerning health risks, the non-carcinogenic risks associated with the 9 elements detected in each league (city) were all below 1, indicating acceptable levels. However, the non-carcinogenic risk values for Mn, Cr, and As were relatively high; specifically, Ordos City displayed the highest non-carcinogenic risk values for Mn (7.74×10⁻¹) and Cr (2.97×10⁻²), while Chifeng City recorded the highest value for As (2.34×10⁻³). The carcinogenic risk values for As, Cd, Cr, and Ni fell within the range of 1×10⁻⁹ to 1×10⁻⁵, representing an acceptable level. The health risks varied with age, and the elderly residents faced the highest non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic health risks. Conclusion While the carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks from heavy metals and metalloids within atmospheric PM_2.5 in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region are generally within acceptable limits, the potential risks that Mn, As, and Cr pose to the health of elderly people warrants particular attention, and Ordos and Chifeng cities exhibit notably higher health risks among other areas. It is recommended that regular, long-term monitoring be conducted, taking into account the specific conditions at monitoring sites across each league (city), and that targeted air quality management strategies be implemented to protect public health.

Xin'an doctor discussed acupuncture and moxibustion on ' and , calling it "orthodox needling method". 's academic thoughts on moxibustion were mainly reflected in () and (). made an incisive exposition of moxibustion treatment of heat syndrome, ulcer and other issues, and there is a corresponding test case for mutual reference. He believed that the moxibustion method only adapts to sick patients and holds opposition to moth moxibustion care for those who were disease-free; he also advocated that detailed verification of different syndrome should be conducted before acupuncture. This paper expounds 's academic thoughts on moxibustion can be used for heat syndrome, moxibustion does not stay phlegm, moxibustion need syndrome and moxibustion treatment of ulcer. It is believed that can present his own unique insights on the basis of his successors. He had played a guiding and promoting role in the development of academic theory of moxibustion.

To analyze statistically the situation of the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) from 2007 to 2016 in the field of acupuncture and moxibustion for supporting the national Universities colleges of traditional Chinese medicine on the General Program (GP) and the National Science Fund for Young Scholars (NSFYS). In view of five aspects, named fund, supporting units, key words, method, disorder and signal path, the differences were compared between GP and NSFYS, the following characteristics were summarized. ① The fund aid was increased from 2007 through 2013 and down-regulated from 2013 through 2016. In recent ten years, the funding condition was fluctuated, but increasing in tendency generally. ② The relevant projects of the same research direction had been approved continuously for over 3 years in a part of TCM universities, in which, the research continuity was the hot topic. ③ Regarding the therapeutic methods, acupuncture was the chief therapy; electroacupuncture, moxibustion and acupoints were involved as well. ④ The disorders involved in the research were cerebral ischemia, myocardial ischemia and reperfusion injury. It is suggested that the ischemic disorder is predominated in the research. ⑤ The signal path occupied the main research index system, including cell proliferation, metabolism, immune, apoptosis and autophagy. The researches on the other aspects were less.
Acupuncture Therapy ; trends ; China ; Humans ; Ischemia ; therapy ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Moxibustion ; trends ; Universities

Objective: To investigate the effect of dietary control combined with different exercise modes on plasma vaspin, irisin, and metabolic parameters in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) through a randomized open parallel-controlled study. Methods: The patients aged 30-65 years who visited Tianjin Third Central Hospital from January 2013 to December 2014 and were diagnosed with NAFLD by liver ultrasound and fat content determination were screening, and 474 patients were enrolled in this randomized controlled trial and divided into aerobic exercise group, resistance exercise group, and control group. All patients received dietary intervention. The three groups were compared in terms of biochemical parameters, fat content, NFS score, energy metabolic parameters, body composition index, and levels of vaspin and irisin at baseline and after 6 months of intervention. SPSS 19.0 was used for statistical analysis. The t-test, the Mann-Whitney U test, the chi-square test, and an analysis of variance were used for comparison between groups. The multiple imputation method was used for missing data, and the results were included in the intention-to-treat analysis. Results: There were no significant differences in age, sex, anthropometrical parameters, and biochemical parameters between the three groups at baseline. Compared with dietary control alone, aerobic exercise and resistance exercise helped to achieve significant reductions in waist circumference, diastolic pressure, percentage of body fat, volatile fatty acid, fasting blood glucose, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, free fatty acid, uric acid, alanine aminotransferase, and liver fat content after 6 months of intervention (P < 0.05). The aerobic exercise group had a significant increase in non-protein respiratory quotient and significant reductions in body mass index and aspartate aminotransferase after intervention, as well as a significant increase in resting energy expenditure and significant reductions in abdominal fat ratio and total cholesterol after 6 months of resistance exercise (P < 0.05). The aerobic exercise group and the resistance exercise group had a significant reduction in vaspin and a significant increase in irisin after intervention (P < 0.05), and the resistance exercise group had significantly greater changes in these two adipokines than the aerobic exercise group (P < 0.05). Conclusion Exercise therapy is an effective method for the treatment of metabolism-associated diseases, and a combination of resistance and aerobic exercises is more reasonable and effective in clinical practice. As a relatively safe exercise mode, resistance exercise can also effectively improve the metabolic state of NAFLD patients.

Objective To evaluate the accuracy of different noninvasive methods for the diagnosis of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis(NASH) and hepatic fibrosis in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) combined with type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM). Method A prospective comparative study was performed for 91 patients with T2DM and NAFLD, which were diagnosed by glucose tolerance test and liver biopsy. The height and body mass of the patient were measured, and the body mass index(BMI) was calculated. The fasting venous blood of the patient was collected, and then the blood routine, liver function and ferritin were measured. NPS, neutrophil lymphocyte ratio(NLR), BARD score, FIB-4 index, APRI, and NAFLD fibrosis score(NFS) were calculated. All patients underwent transient elastography (Fibrotouch) to evaluate the degree of liver stiffness measurement (LSM) and controlled attenuation parameter. All the liver biopsy specimens were categorized by SAF as the gold standard for evaluating NASH and liver fibrosis NASH. Correlation analysis was applied to compare the correlation between the noninvasive methods and SAF. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and the area under the curve (AUC) were used to assess the diagnostic value of the noninvasive methods for NASH and liver fibrosis NASH. Results In T2DM combine with NAFLD patients, NPS, LSM, NFS, APRI, FIB4 and BMI scores were positively correlated with SAF (r value was 0.509, 0.508, 0.252, 0.396, 0.313 and 0.213, respectively; P value was <0.001, <0.001, 0.016,<0.001, 0.003 and 0.043, respectively). LSM, NPS, NFS and FIB4 scores were positively correlated with liver fibrosis (r value was 0.535, 0.337, 0.315 and 0.315, respectively; P value was <0.001, 0.001, 0.002, 0.002, respectively). The ROC curve shows that the area under the curve of NPS, LSM, APRI, FIB4 and BMI for diagnosing NASH was 0.838, 0.760, 0.734, 0.623 and 0.682, respectively, and P value was 0.000, 0.000, 0.000, 0.044 and 0.003, respectively. For the diagnosis of fibrotic NASH, that value of LSM, NFS, FIB4 and NPS was 0.795, 0.765, 0.686 and 0.623, respectively, and P value was 0.000, 0.001, 0.020 and 0.123, respectively. Conclusions NPS, LSM and APRI have good clinical diagnostic value for NASH. LSM and NFS have good diagnostic value for fibrotic NASH.

Objective To explore the gender heterogeneity of depression and thyroid hormone and homocysteine levels in infertile patients.Methods Totally 250 patients with infertility were selected in Tangshan Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital affiliated to North China University of Science and Technology from December 2015 to April 2017.The Self-Rating Depression Scale(SDS) was used to evaluated the patients's depression.The patients with infertility and depression were divided into infertility and depression group,and the patients with infertility but without depression were infertile and non-depressed group,patients with infertility and depression were divided into male infertility and depression group and female infertility group with depression,and the levels of thyroid hormone and homocysteine were measured respectively.Results ①The thyroid stimulating hormone and homocysteine levels in infertility patients with depression were significantly higher than those without depression ((2.045± 1.253) uIU/ml,(2.412± 1.236) uIU/ml,t=-2.287,P=0.023;(15.411 ±9.143) mmol/L,(19.129± 13.087) mmol/L,t=-2.467,P=0.014).②There was no statistically significant difference in the degree of depression between male and female infertility patients (x2=0.483,P=0.785).③ The levels of triodothyronine,thyroxine and homocysteine in male infertility patients with depression were significantly higher than those in female patients ((1.926±0.648)nmol/L,(1.712 ±0.416) nmol/L,t=2.457,P=0.015;(117.86± 19.311) nmol/L,(110.185± 18.999) nmol/L,t=2.434,P=0.016;(15.575±4.139) mmol/L,(12.277±3.921) mmol/L,t=4.982,P＜0.01),and the TSH was lower than that in the female group((2.496± 1.329) uIU/ml,(3.057± 1.583) uIU/ml,t=-2.303,P=0.023).④The TSH and Hcy levels of male and female infertility patients were significantly positively correlated with SDS indexes,and had a significant positive predictive power to SDS score.Conclusion The levels of thyroid hormone and homocysteine are different in gender in infertile patients with depression,and the thyroid hormone and homocysteine are related to the depression.so we should pay attention to the depression symptoms of infertility patients and the changes of their biological levels,especially the gender heterogeneity.

Based on the survey on Anhui indigenous medicine and the protection for the traditional Chinese medicine knowledge, we made an analysis and summary for the survey result of Anhui indigenous and special acupuncture techniques in terms of area distribution, types, diseases of treatment, etc. The result shows that though acupuncture and moxibustion are widely applied for all kinds of diseases in most areas of Anhui grassroots regions, they mainly concentrat in major cities like Hefei, Wuhu, Anqing, etc. The techniques are mainly used in orthopedics department and neurology department. They have weighted too much on needling skills, but moxibustion and other special techniques are not paid attention to. We propose that special acupuncture-moxibustion techniques should be promoted, and the relevant training for grassroots medical workers should be developed so as to further enhance their ability to serve grassroots people as well as inherit and innovate the techniques.