Medicine
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The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of a metal artifact reduction algorithm (MAR), model-based iterative reconstruction (MBIR), and virtual monochromatic imaging (VMI) for reducing metal artifacts in CT imaging. A phantom study was performed for quantitatively evaluating the dark bands and fine streak artifacts generated by unilateral hip prostheses. Images were obtained by conventional scanning at 120 kilovolt peak, and reconstructed using filtered back projection, MAR, and MBIR. ⋯ Significant reduction of the difference in the standard deviations used to evaluate fine streak artifacts was observed in each of the image sets obtained with VMI at 140 keV with/without MAR and conventional CT with MBIR as compared to the images obtained using other methods (all, P < .05), except between VMI at 140 keV without MAR and conventional CT with MAR. The location parameter to evaluate fine streak artifacts was significantly reduced in CT images obtained using MBIR and in images obtained by VMI at 140 keV with/without MAR as compared to those obtained using other reconstruction methods (all, P < .01). In our present study, MAR appeared to be the most effective reconstruction method for reducing dark bands in CT images, and MBIR and VMI at 140 keV appeared to the most effective for reducing streak artifacts.
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Liver hepatocellular carcinoma (LIHC) and cholangiocarcinoma (CHOL) are common primary liver cancers worldwide. Liver stem cells have biopotential to differentiate into either hepatocytes and cholangiocytes, the phenotypic overlap between LIHC and CHOL has been acceptable as a continuous liver cancer spectrum. However, few studies directly investigated the underlying molecular mechanisms between LIHC and CHOL. ⋯ 171 DEGs and two (ITIH2 and APOA2) of 10 hub genes identified in the present study help us understand the different molecular mechanisms between LIHC and CHOL, and provide candidate targets for differential diagnosis.
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Observational Study
Constructing a new health education model for patients with chronic hepatitis B.
To explore the effects of the project-achievement quality control circle in constructing a new health education model for patients with chronic hepatitis B. The quality control circle group was established and the theme of "constructing a new health education model for patients with chronic hepatitis B" was selected. ⋯ The awareness of health education increased from 71.90 ± 13.48 to 95.60 ± 2.84 points (P < .001), the satisfaction rate of health education increased from 76.60 ± 8.71 points to 98.00 ± 2.03 points (P < .001), and the evaluation rate after health education increased from 10% to 100% (P < .001). The circle members have much more confidence in quality control circle activities, the use of techniques, and the knowledge related to scientific research.
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There is evidence that intake of proton pump inhibitors (PPI) increases the risk for spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) in patients with liver cirrhosis. However, data regarding the impact of PPI intake on occurrence of infections other than SBP are still lacking. We hypothesized that PPI use is associated with a higher rate of infections other than SBP in patients with liver cirrhosis. ⋯ Pantoprazole and omeprazole were the most frequently prescribed PPIs and were both independently associated with the occurrence of infections. PPI use may be associated with infections other than SBP in patients with liver cirrhosis. Prescription of PPI should be limited to patients with a clear indication.
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Observational Study
Assessment of the content, usability, and benefits of the WeChat-based programme for dog bite victims in China: A prospective observation study.
WeChat in China has been used for public health education and the prevention of diseases. This study introduced a WeChat-based program for rabies prevention and evaluated the users' satisfaction with the program using the technology acceptance model. An online satisfaction questionnaire was used to survey 315 users who had followed the WeChat official account in China, and their satisfaction scores were assessed and analyzed. ⋯ Users who were satisfied also reported that they intended to recommend WeChat to others (P = .00). Findings from the present study indicated that WeChat was considered a useful educational and instructional tool for dog-bite victims among young and urban population. This model of a WeChat-based program for rabies prevention should be expanded to other areas in China.