Objective:To investigate the image quality, radiation dose, and diagnostic efficiency of the regimen of GE 256-slice Revolution CT low-dose scanning, combined with an individualized contrast agent, in the assessment of coronary in-stent restenosis.Methods:A total of 120 patients (with 142 stents) treated with coronary stent implantation at the Beijing Renhe Hospital from August 2020 to August 2022 were enrolled in this study. They were randomly divided into an observation group (60 cases with 70 stents) and a conventional group (60 cases with 72 stents) using the random number table method. Both groups received GE 256-slice Revolution CT examinations. Patients in the conventional group were injected with 70 ml of iopromide as a contrast agent each, while those in the observation group were given individualized doses based on their body mass indices (BMIs). A tube voltage of 120 kV and a tube current of 534 mA were applied to the conventional group, whereas the tube voltage and current for the observation group were adjusted within the ranges of 80-120 kV and 150-534 mAs based on patients’ BMIs. Both groups received coronary angiography 7-14 d after coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA). Finally, the CT image quality, radiation dose, iodine intake, and diagnostic efficiency were compared between the two groups.Results:Both groups exhibited no significant differences in CT values, contrast-to-noise ratios, blooming artifacts, and stent diameters of the left main coronary artery ( P > 0.05). The conventional group manifested higher CT dose index, CT dose length product, effective dose, and iodine intake compared to the observation group ( t = 10.30, 8.75, 10.27, 4.60, P < 0.05). With coronary angiography result as the gold standard, the observation and conventional groups yielded Kappa values of 0.904 and 0.879, respectively, suggesting high consistency in diagnostic performance. Additionally, the two groups demonstrated nonsignificant differences in sensitivity and specificity ( P > 0.05). Conclusions:The regimen of GE 256-slice Revolution CT low-dose scanning, combined with an individualized contrast agent, yielding image quality and diagnostic efficiency equivalent to those of the conventional regimen, can effectively reduce radiation dose and iodine intake. Therefore, this regimen merits wide applicability.

Objective:To analyze the risk factors and pathogen distribution of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 118 patients with ARDS who received treatment at Xi'an International Medical Center Hospital from January 2020 to January 2023. The patients were divided into two groups: the VAP group ( n = 38) and the non-VAP group ( n = 80), based on the presence of concurrent VAP. Serological indicators, blood gas analysis parameters, and ventilator settings were compared between the two groups to identify the risk factors associated with the occurrence of VAP. Pathogenic bacteria in the patients' sputum were also detected. Results:Among the 118 patients, there were 79 males and 39 females, with an average age of (53.1 ± 9.6) years. The primary underlying conditions leading to ARDS included chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in 49 cases (41.53%), sepsis in 20 cases (16.95%), severe pneumonia in 17 cases (14.41%), and extensive stroke in 16 cases (13.56%). Univariate analysis revealed that, compared with the non-VAP group, the VAP group had significantly more severe ARDS ( Z = -4.73, P < 0.05). Compared with the non-VAP group, the levels of albumin, platelets, and procalcitonin in the VAP group were significantly lower ( t = 13.75, 3.11, 2.27, all P < 0.05), while levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β), and angiotensin Ⅱin the VAP group were significantly higher ( t = 2.51, 26.63, 27.50, all P < 0.05). The VAP group had a significantly higher proportion of patients who experienced coma, underwent tracheostomy, and received more than two types of antibiotics (χ2 = 14.84, 19.04, 11.22, all P < 0.05). The VAP group also had significantly longer duration of antibiotic use compared with the non-VAP group ( t = 6.88, P < 0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that albumin ( OR = 2.632, 95% CI: 1.398-3.749), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein ( OR = 2.358, 95% CI: 1.534-4.036), coma ( OR = 3.035, 95% CI: 2.034-3.834), and use of more than two types of antibiotics ( OR = 2.005, 95% CI: 1.363-2.846) were independent risk factors for the occurrence of VAP in patients with ARDS (all P < 0.05). In 38 patients with VAP, 63 pathogenic strains were isolated from sputum, while in 80 patients with non-VAP, 128 pathogenic strains were isolated. The most common pathogens identified were Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, and Staphylococcus aureus. In the VAP group, a single pathogen was identified in 16 cases (42.11%), whereas in the non-VAP group, a single pathogen was identified in 51 cases (63.75%). Two types of pathogens were found in 14 cases (36.84%) of the VAP group and 25 cases (31.25%) of the non-VAP group, while three or more pathogens were detected in 8 cases (21.05%) of the VAP group and 4 cases (5.00%) of the non-VAP group. The survival rates for the VAP and non-VAP groups were 57.9% (22/38) and 85.0% (68/80), respectively, with the non-VAP group showing a significantly higher survival rate (χ2 = 22.67, P < 0.001). Conclusion:The risk of VAP in patients with ARDS is high, with two or more pathogen infections being predominant. Clinical interventions should be strengthened.

Objective To observe the effects of electroacupuncture at Zusanli (ST36) on lower limbs motor function in patients with stroke. Methods 63 patients were evenly randomized into electroacupuncture group and control group. All the patients received routine rehabilitation training and at the same time,patients in electroacupuncture group, received electroacupuncture at zusanli (ST36). They were assessed with Fugl-Meyer Assessment (lower limb, hip, knee and ankle), gait analysis (gait frequency, gait speed and step length of both sides) and lower limb Composite Spasm Scale (CSS) before and after treatment. Results The scores of Fugl-Meyer Measure, gait analysis, and CSS improved in both groups, and more significantly in electroacupuncture group. Conclusion Electroacupuncture at zusanli (ST36) can significantly improved lower limb motor function without worsening the spasm.

Objective To explore the effect of acupuncture on stroke patients in hemiplagic spasm period.Methods63 stroke patients in hemiplagic spasm period were randomly divided into the electro-acupuncture group(n=31) and control group(n=32).All patients of two groups received routine rehabilitation training,but those of the electro-acupuncture group were added with electro-acupuncture at "Zusanli"(ST36).The composite spasticity scale(CSS) score,H/Mmax and muscular compliance of two groups before and after treatment were observed and compared.ResultsThe CSS scores and H/Mmax and grading gastrocnemius muscular compliance of the electro-acupuncture group were superior to that of the control group(P<0.05～0.01).ConclusionAcupuncture can decrease muscular tension and increase motor function of stroke patients in hemiplagic spasm period.