Objective To evaluate the factors affecting urinary stone detection rate using virtual unenhanced(VUE)images obtained from triphasic dual-energy CT urography(DECTU)based on Logistic regression analysis.Methods For this study,150 patients who had suspected urinary stone and underwent triphasic DECTU were included.The true unenhanced(TUE)images were reconstructed as 120 kVp-like images,and VUE images at the portal venous phase[VUE(VP)]and excretory phase[VUE(EP)]were obtained using iodine removal technique from portal venous and excretory phase DECTU images,respectively.Two readers independently evaluated the above three types of images,and recorded the number of urinary stones,their anatomical locations,and whether there was residual iodine on the VUE images.Stone size and CT number were recorded only on the TUE images.Stone size,CT number,anatomical location,and iodine contrast agent were included in univariate and multivariate Logistic regression analyses to evaluate the factors affecting urinary stone detection rate using VUE images.Thresholds for detecting urinary stones on VUE images were determined using receiver operating characteristics(ROC)analysis.Results We detected 304 stones on TUE images,while the detection rates were 92.4％and 71.4％when using VUE(VP)and VUE(EP)images,respectively.Stone size and CT number were important factors influencing urinary stone detection rate using VUE(VP)and VUE(EP)images(P＜0.01).The area under curve(AUC)of using stone size and CT number for detecting stones using the VUE(VP)images was up to 0.96,and as threshold values,stones with size larger than 3.52 mm and CT number greater than 469 HU were found to have high accuracy.However,the AUC decreased to 0.88 when we combined stone size,CT number and anatomical location using the VUE(EP)images.In addition,different contrast agents did not affect the detection rate of stones on the VUE(EP)images(P=0.57).The stone detection rate in the kidney was significantly lower than those on the VUE(EP)images(P＜0.001).Conclusion VUE(VP)images provide better stone detection.Stone size and CT number have significant impacts on the stone detection rate using VUE images.The lower stone detection rate in the kidney on the VUE(EP)images is related to the residual iodine.

Objective:To explore the clinical effectiveness of a self-designed robot reduction system for femoral intertrochanteric fractures.Methods:A retrospective study was conducted to analyze the 57 patients with intertrochanteric fracture who had been treated at Department of Orthopedics, The Fourth Affiliated Central Hospital of Tianjin Medical University from June 2022 to February 2023. The patients were divided into a robot group (using the self-designed robot reduction system to assist intramedullary nailing) and a traction bed group (using a traction bed to assist intramedullary nailing) based on their fracture reduction method. The robot group: 31 patients, 11 males and 20 females, with an age of (78.7±9.3) years; 16 left and 15 right sides; 17 cases of type 31-A1, 12 cases of type 31-A2 and 2 cases of type 31-A3 by the AO/OTA classification. The traction bed group: 26 patients, 12 males and 14 females, with an age of (78.7±7.7) years; 13 left and 13 right sides; 16 cases of type 31-A1, 9 cases of type 31-A2 and 1 cases of type 31-A3 by the AO/OTA classification. The 2 groups were compared in terms of reduction and operation time, intraoperative blood loss, fluoroscopy frequency, reduction quality, and VAS and Harris score at preoperation, 1 week and 6 months postoperation.Results:The 2 groups were comparable due to insignificant differences in their preoperative general data ( P>0.05). The robot group was significantly better than the traction bed group in reduction time [(4.4±2.2) min versus (9.4±3.2) min], operation time [(29.0±13.5) min versus (49.3±13.3) min], intraoperative blood loss [(76.5±30.5) mL versus (115.0±38.4) mL], fluoroscopy frequency [(10.2±2.6) times versus (14.8±3.2) times], and good/excellent rate of reduction [80.6% (25/31) versus 50.0% (13/26)] ( P<0.05). All patients were followed up for (6.8±0.3) months. Respectively, the VAS scores at preoperation and 6 months postoperation was (6.2±1.3) and (2.4±0.8) points for the robot group, and (6.3±1.3) and (2.7±0.8) points for the traction bed group, showing no statistically significant differences between the 2 groups ( P>0.05). However, the VAS score was (3.3±1.2) points for the robotic group and (4.8±1.5) points for the traction bed group at 1 week postoperation, showing a statistically significant difference between the 2 groups ( P<0.001). Respectively, the Harris scores at preoperation and 6 months postoperation were (35.3±3.0) and (88.7±3.4) points for the robot group, and (35.6±2.9) and (87.2±3.5) points for the traction bed group, showing no statistically significant differences between the 2 groups ( P>0.05). However, the Harris score was (57.3±3.7) points for the robotic group and (46.7±2.8) points for the traction bed group at 1 week postoperation, showing a statistically significant difference between the 2 groups ( P<0.05). The patient satisfaction rates in the robot and traction bed groups were 96.8% (30/31) and 92.3% (24/26), respectively, showing no statistically significant difference ( P>0.05). Conclusion:Our self-designed robot reduction for femoral intertrochanteric fractures can effectively shorten reduction and operation time, reduce bleeding and fluoroscopy frequency, and enhance anatomical reduction.

Progress in the systemic therapies,represented by the molecular target therapies and immune checkpoint inhibitors(ICIs),have significantly improved the prognosis of unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma(uHCC),but long term survial remains limitted.As one of the major combination of systemic and surgical therapies,conversion therapy provides potentially curative opportunity to some uHCC patients.It is widely reported from different domestic centers.The first Chinese expert consensus about it was released in 2021.Yet at the same time,there are many key issues in the practice and theory remains to be resolved.Actively thinking,exploring and finally resolving these issues are essential for establishing and promoting the standardized theoretical system of uHCC conversion therapy.

Objective:To study the relationship between hemoglobin glycation index (HGI) and blood lipid indices such as low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C), and plasma atherogenic index (AIP).Methods:This cross-sectional study included 16 049 participants from the Beijing Apple Garden community between December 2011 and August 2012. The subjects were divided into three groups based on the HGI quartile: low ( n=5 388), medium ( n=5 249), and high ( n=5 412). The differences in blood lipid indicators between different HGI groups were compared and multivariate logistic regression model was established to analyze the association between HGI and dyslipidemia. And multivariate logistic regression model was established to analyze the relationship between HGI and blood lipid indicators in different glucose metabolism populations. Results:There were 16 049 participants in all (mean age: 56 years), including 10 452 women (65.1%). They were classified into normal glucose tolerance (9 093 cases), prediabetes (4 524 cases), and diabetes (2 432 cases) based on glucose tolerance status. In the general population, with the increase of HGI, LDL-C, non-HDL-C, and AIP gradually increased (all P values for trends were <0.05), and the proportion of abnormalities increased significantly ( χ2=101.40, 42.91, 39.80; all P<0.001). A multivariate logistic regression model was established, which suggested a significant correlation between HGI and LDL-C, non-HDL-C, and AIP (all P<0.05), after adjusting for factors such as age, sex, fasting blood glucose, hypertension, body mass index, smoking, and alcohol consumption. In the overall population, normal glucose tolerance group, and diabetes group, HGI had the highest correlation with non-HDL-C ( OR values of 1.325, 1.678, and 1.274, respectively); in the prediabetes group, HGI had a higher correlation with LDL-C ( OR value: 1.510); and in different glucose metabolism groups, AIP and HGI were both correlated ( OR: 1.208-1.250), but not superior to non-HDL-C and LDL-C. Conclusion:HGI was closely related to LDL-C, non HDL-C, and AIP in the entire population and people with different glucose metabolism, suggesting that HGI may be a predictor of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.

【Objective】 To investigate the value of deep learning image reconstruction (DLIR) in improving image quality and reducing beam-hardening artifacts of low-dose abdominal CT. 【Methods】 For this study we prospectively enrolled 26 patients (14 males and 12 females, mean age of 60.35±10.89 years old) who underwent CT urography between October 2019 and June 2020. All the patients underwent conventional-dose unenhanced CT and contrast-enhanced CT in the portal venous phase (noise index of 10; volume computed tomographic dose index: 9.61 mGy) and low-dose CT in the excretory phase(noise index of 23; volume computed tomographic dose index: 2.95 mGy). CT images in the excretory phase were reconstructed using four algorithms: ASiR-V 50%, DLIR-L, DLIR-M, and DLIR-H. Repeated measures ANOVA and Kruskal-Wallis H test were used to compare the quantitative (skewness, noise, SNR, CNR) and qualitative (image quality, noise, beam-hardening artifacts) values among the four image groups. Post hoc comparisons were performed using Bonferroni test. 【Results】 In either quantitative or qualitative evaluation, the SNR, CNR, overall image quality score, and noise of DLIR images were similar or better than ASiR-V 50%. In addition, the SNR, CNR, and overall image quality scores increased as the DLIR weight increased, while the noise decreased. There was no statistically significant difference in the distortion artifacts (P=0.776) and contrast-induced beam-hardening artifacts (P=0.881) scores among these groups. 【Conclusion】 Compared with the ASiR-V 50% algorithm, DLIR algorithm, especially DLIR-M and DLIR-H, can significantly improve the image quality of low-dose abdominal CT, but has limitations in reducing contrast-induced beam-hardening artifacts.

【Objective】 To assess the effect of reconstruction kernels and window settings on the detection and measurement of pulmonary solid nodules and their measurement variability and repeatability. 【Methods】 We retrospectively recruited 49 patients with pulmonary solid nodules who had undergone low-dose CT scanning. Images were reconstructed using five reconstruction kernels： lung， bone， chest， detail and standard kernels. Two radiologists independently assessed the detection rate， diameter and CT number measurement of nodules under the five kernels and two window settings （lung-window and mediastinal-window）. Bland-Altman plots and relative average deviation （RAD） were used to evaluate the repeatability and variability of nodule diameter and CT number measurement. 【Results】 Seventy-seven nodules were detected on lung-window regardless of reconstruction kernels， while the detection rates （75.3%-98.7%） were significantly different （P<0.001） on the mediastinal-window， with the lung kernel significantly improving the detection of nodules with the diameter below 6 mm. In both display windows， the diameter and CT number measurements among reconstruction kernels were similar except for the lung kernel. The lung-window had better variability in the diameter measurement while mediastinal-window was better in CT number measurement among various reconstruction kernels. Although the variability in the diameter of the nodule on the lung-window and mediastinal-window was similar， there was a significant difference in the variability in the diameter measurement among different reconstruction kernels on the mediastinal-window （P=0.004）. No significant difference in the variability in the CT number measurement was found among the different reconstruction kernels （lung-window P=0.163； mediastinal-window P=0.201）， and the variability in the CT number measurements on the mediastinal-window was smaller than that of the lung-window. Both window displays had acceptable repeatability in diameter and CT number measurement； however， the mediastinal-window was better in CT number measurement. 【Conclusion】 The lung kernel can improve the detection of pulmonary solid nodules below 6 mm， but is limited in the CT number measurement. The lung-window display provides better variability in measuring nodule diameter， while mediastinal-window display is better at measuring CT numbers.

Objective:To observe the characteristics of the phagocytosis and bactericidal function of multidrug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis(MDR- Mtb)-infected macrophage model, and the changes of the immune response and metabolic function in the process of phagocytosis and bactericidal function, aiming to provide reference for studying the role and mechanism of macrophages in the occurrence and development of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis(MDR-TB). Methods:We established MDR- Mtb and H37Rv-infected macrophage models, and used the colony-forming unit (CFU), Magnetic Luminex ? Assay and Cholesterol Assay kit to observe the effects on phagocytosis and bactericidal function, the secretion of Th1(IL-12/23 p40, IL-27 and TNF-α) and Th2 cytokines (IL-6 and IL-10) and cholesterol metabolism. The data were analyzed by SPSS25.0 software. The data were expressed as Mean± SD and analyzed by t test or F test. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results:(1) After MDR- Mtb-infected macrophages, the intracellular CFU gradually increased and reached the highest at 24 h, while the extracellular CFU gradually decreased and reached the lowest at 24 h. The intracellular CFU at 48 h was lower than that at 24 h, while the extracellular CFU was higher than that at 24 h ( P<0.05). Both intracellular and extracellular CFU at 48 h were close to those at 4 h ( P>0.05). The intracellular CFU was lower than the H37Rv group at 8-48 h, while the extracellular CFU was higher than the H37Rv group ( P<0.05). (2) The level of IL-12/23 p40, IL-27, TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-10 of MDR-TB group were higher than those of blank group ( P<0.05), but the level of TNF-α and IL-6 at 24 h and 48 h were higher than that at 4 h ( P<0.05). IL-12/23 p40 and TNF-α at 48 h and IL-6 at 24 h were lower than those of the H37Rv group, while IL-27 at 48 h was higher than that of the H37Rv group ( P<0.05). (3) The levels of cholesterol of MDR-TB group at 24 h and 48 h were lower than those of 4 h and blank group ( P<0.05), but the level of cholesterol was similar to the H37Rv group at any time ( P>0.05). (4) TNF-α reached the highest when the intracellular CFU reached the highest at 24 h, and IL-6 reached the highest when the intracellular CFU decreased at 48 h. With the decreasing of cholesterol expression, the intracellular CFU increased and then decreased. Conclusions:MDR- Mtb could induce the phagocytosis and bactericidal function of macrophages, increase the expression of Th1 and Th2 cytokines and promote the utilization and consumption of cholesterol, but this function was weaker than that of H37Rv strain.

Objective To investigate the clinical characteristics of DCD donor-derived CRKP infection and bleeding in kidney transplantation,and to summarize the experience of diagnosis,treatment and prevention.Methods A retrospective analysis was carried out from July 2016 to December 2017 in hospital,containing clinical data of 4 cases of CRKP-infected DCD donors and 7 cases of kidney transplantation recipients.Results In the CRKP culture of 4 cases of DCD donors,1 case was positive for blood culture,1 case was positive for urine culture,1 case was positive for sputum culture,and 1 case was negative for blood,urine and sputum culture.The corresponding 7 recipients were all positive for blood culture after renal transplantation,4 cases were positive for urine culture,3 cases were positive for sputum culture,and 5 cases were positive for perirenal drainage.Of the 7 patients,4 cases had renal artery hemorrhage,1 of them was died.The average bleeding time was 17.75 days after operation (14-19 days).In 7 patients with renal transplantation,CRP increasd.And in 3 cases of deaths,CRP was stably higher than normal.Meanwhile,CRP in 4 surviving patients gradually decreased to the normal range after effective anti-infection treatment.All 7 patients were treated with carbapenems;2 patients were dead without avibactam therapy;and 5 cases were treated with avibactam and carbapenems and survived,1 case died and 1 case had good renal function recovery.Conclusion Positive CRKP in blood,urine and sputum of DCD donors can lead to CRKP infection in kidney transplant recipients.Even if the body fluids of donors are all negative,the false negative results could not be excluded.Persistent or increased high-level CRP after operation is an early warning on CRKP infection.And CRP can be used as an indicator for evaluating the effectiveness of anti CRKP therapy.The combination of avibactam and carbapenem antibiotics is an effective regimen in the treatment of DCD donor-derived CRKP.

Objective To investigate the CT performances and causes of misdiagnosis of parovarian cyst,to improve its diagnostic accuracy.Methods CT data of 75 patients with surgically and pathologically confirmed parovarian cyst were analyzed retrospectively. Results Among the 75 patients,there were 79 cysts,in which 48 patients (51 cysts)originated from the epoophoron and 27 patients (28 cysts) from the mesosalpinx.77 were simple serous cysts and 2 serous cystadenomas.38 were located in the right ovarian adnexa,36 in the left ovarian adnexa,3 in the anterosuperior uterus,1 in the rectouterine pouch and 1 in the right iliac fossa.The size of the cysts ranged from 10 mm × 13 mm to 174 mm × 227 mm.75 were single cysts and 4 double cysts,34 presented as ovoid cysts,25 as irregular cysts, 17 as round cysts and 3 as gourd-shaped cysts.All the 79 cysts showed clear boundaries,thin walls,non-mural nodules,cystic fluid with a homogeneous densitywith CT value of 0-31 HU.Enhanced scanning revealed curved “obvious enhancement of the fallopian tube”at the edge of 68 cysts.In addition,the ipsilateral ovary could be detected in 76 cysts.“Holding ball”was found in 1 9 cysts.Conclusion Indication in ipsilateral ovary,curved “obvious enhancement of the fallopian tube”at the edge of cysts and “holding ball”are distinctive CT performances of parovarian cysts.CT has an important diagnostic value in parovarian cyst.

BACKGROUND: Splint fixation was a common treatment for limb fracture, but there were some limitations, such as lack of individual difference, easy to lose and being unable to self-adjusting.OBJECTIVE: To explore the design method of digital splint and related finite element analysis.METHODS: Forearms were scanned with CT; periphery parameters were extracted, followed by reverse modeling and modifying. The digital splint models were constructed. Material attribute and mechanical loading were conducted. Thelimb length, maximum stress and displacement of the bone, soft tissue and splint were calculated by finite elementanalysis. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The digital splint has favorable tight attaching and balanced stress to skin, and whichkeeps well stability for the micro-motion fracture ends. Our study indicated that better tight attaching splint could bedesigned by digital modeling technology. Favorable fracture fixation and mechanical property could be also achieved.