Objective:To evaluate the diagnostic value of MRI findings in differentiating between tophus and giant cell tumors of the tendon sheath (GCTTS) in the knee.Methods:The study was a case-control study. The clinical and MRI data of patients diagnosed with knee tophus or GCTTS was retrospectively analyzed at the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University from September 2018 to September 2024. The study included 23 cases of tophus and 22 cases of GCTTS. MRI sequences, including T 1WI, fat-suppressed T 2WI, and proton density weighted imaging, were evaluated. Parameters including lesion signal intensity and homogeneity, margin, maximum diameter, location (inside or outside the synovial cavity), ligament/tendon involvement, ligament/tendon parenchymal changes, adjacent bone erosion, bone marrow edema, synovial hyperplasia, joint effusion, and periarticular soft tissue swelling were recorded. Independent sample t-tests, χ2 tests, or Fisher exact tests were used to compare MRI findings between the two groups. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to identify independent predictive factors. Results:Significant differences in terms of maximum diameter, location (inside or outside the synovial cavity), ligament/tendon involvement, ligament/tendon parenchymal changes, adjacent bone erosion, bone marrow edema, and periarticular soft tissue swelling between the two groups were found (all P<0.05). No significant differences for other parameters were observed (all P>0.05). Lesion location and ligament/tendon parenchymal involvement demonstrated the highest sensitivity and specificity for distinguishing the two diseases. The sensitivity and specificity values for lesion location were 0.78 and 0.95. The sensitivity and specificity values for ligament/tendon involvement were 0.78 and 1.00. Multivariate logistic regression identified lesion location (inside or outside the synovial cavity) as an independent predictor for differentiating tophus from GCTTS ( OR=31.48, 95% CI 1.58-625.69, P=0.024). Conclusion:The location of the lesion (inside or outside the synovial cavity) and involvement of ligament/tendon parenchyma are critical factors in differentiating knee tophus from GCTTS. Additionally, lesion location serves as an independent predictor for distinguishing between the two conditions.

Objective:To evaluate the diagnostic value of MRI findings in differentiating between tophus and giant cell tumors of the tendon sheath (GCTTS) in the knee.Methods:The study was a case-control study. The clinical and MRI data of patients diagnosed with knee tophus or GCTTS was retrospectively analyzed at the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University from September 2018 to September 2024. The study included 23 cases of tophus and 22 cases of GCTTS. MRI sequences, including T 1WI, fat-suppressed T 2WI, and proton density weighted imaging, were evaluated. Parameters including lesion signal intensity and homogeneity, margin, maximum diameter, location (inside or outside the synovial cavity), ligament/tendon involvement, ligament/tendon parenchymal changes, adjacent bone erosion, bone marrow edema, synovial hyperplasia, joint effusion, and periarticular soft tissue swelling were recorded. Independent sample t-tests, χ2 tests, or Fisher exact tests were used to compare MRI findings between the two groups. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to identify independent predictive factors. Results:Significant differences in terms of maximum diameter, location (inside or outside the synovial cavity), ligament/tendon involvement, ligament/tendon parenchymal changes, adjacent bone erosion, bone marrow edema, and periarticular soft tissue swelling between the two groups were found (all P<0.05). No significant differences for other parameters were observed (all P>0.05). Lesion location and ligament/tendon parenchymal involvement demonstrated the highest sensitivity and specificity for distinguishing the two diseases. The sensitivity and specificity values for lesion location were 0.78 and 0.95. The sensitivity and specificity values for ligament/tendon involvement were 0.78 and 1.00. Multivariate logistic regression identified lesion location (inside or outside the synovial cavity) as an independent predictor for differentiating tophus from GCTTS ( OR=31.48, 95% CI 1.58-625.69, P=0.024). Conclusion:The location of the lesion (inside or outside the synovial cavity) and involvement of ligament/tendon parenchyma are critical factors in differentiating knee tophus from GCTTS. Additionally, lesion location serves as an independent predictor for distinguishing between the two conditions.

Objective To analyze the epidemic characteristics of tuberculosis in Zibo City in recent years, and to provide a scientific basis for the formulation of tuberculosis prevention and control strategies and measures during the 14th Five-Year Plan period. Methods Descriptive epidemiological analysis was used to analyze the information of tuberculosis patients registered in ^“China Disease Control and Prevention Information System-Tuberculosis Information System^” from 2012 to 2020 in Zibo City. Results From 2012 to 2020, a total of 12,706 pulmonary tuberculosis patients were registered in Zibo City, and the registered incidence rate decreased year by year (F=53.348, P<0.001), with an average annual rate of 30.45/10 million. There was no significant change in mortality. In regional distribution, the incidence was higher in northern region of Zibo than that in the southern region, with a cross distribution in the central region. In terms of time distribution, there were cases in each month over the years, and the overall trend increased first, then decreased and once again increased (F=8.856, P=0.006<0.01), with two low points occurring between January to February and also in October, and two peaks occurring between May to June and also in December. In terms of population distribution, most patients were local cases (82.38%). The incidence rate of males was about 2.09 times that of females. The incidence rate of children aged 0-14 was the lowest, while elderly people aged 65 years old and over had the highest incidence (61.02/10 million). Farmers were the main occupation among tuberculosis cases, accounting for 60.59% of the total. The main source of patients was from tracking, accounting for more than 50% since 2016. Conclusion The epidemic of tuberculosis in Zibo is stable and the incidence rate is decreasing year by year, showing seasonal variations. The majority of the patients are male. Special attention should be paid to farmers and the elderly, and further research on risk factors in high-risk areas and counties should be strengthened.

Objective To evaluate and analyze the feasibility and application effect of ^“DOTS + WeChat^” in the treatment and management of tuberculosis patients. Methods From 2018 to 2019, a total of 2 420 active pulmonary tuberculosis patients were registered in Zibo City, and 1 988 patients meeting the inclusion criteria were selected as the research subjects. 836 patients were randomly enrolled under the ^“DOTS + WeChat^” integrated management mode, while the other 1152 cases were treated with single DOTS management mode. The regular medication status, treatment and outcome, and core knowledge awareness of the two groups were analyzed by SPSS16.0 software, χ²- test and t- test methods. Result The ^“DOTS + WeChat^” comprehensive management group had higher a regular medication rate (98.80%), coincidence rate of sputum test times (95.81%), and success rate of treatment (98.68%) than the single DOTS management group (92.10%, 90.19%, and 96.53%) (P=0.000, 0.000, 0.003). The rate of medical staff participating in supervision and management in the comprehensive management group (100%) was higher than that in the single management group (75.87%) (P=0.000). The complete follow-up rate in the consolidation period (100%) and the complete whole course follow-up rate (99.76%) were both higher than those in the single management group (P=0.000, 0.001). The awareness level of core knowledge in the comprehensive management group (78.58±4.32) was higher than that in the single management group (70.70±8.02) (P=0.000). Conclusion The application of WeChat management mode has a positive effect on the treatment and management of tuberculosis patients in Zibo City. It is a feasible and effective supplement and improvement to the current tuberculosis control and management measures, which is worthy of further promotion and exploration.