Effect of exposure factors on image quality in screening mammography

IntroductionThe aim of this research was to study the effect of exposure factors on image quality for digital screening mammography units in Kuwait which use Tungsten (W) targets with Rhodium (Rh) and Silver (Ag) as filters.MethodsMammography Accreditation Phantom Model 015 was imaged using a Hologic Selenia Digital mammography unit with W targets and Rh and Ag filters. Four images, each at 26, 28, 30, and 32 kVp, were obtained using each target-filter combination (W/Rh and W/Ag). The images were evaluated by five senior technologists for the number of specks, fibers and masses visible on each image. Statistical analysis was carried out using non-parametric tests at p = 0.05 level.ResultsThere were significant changes in the visibility of fibers and specks between different kVp values with W/Rh (p < 0.001). However, with W/Ag combination, significant differences were observed in the fibers only (p < 0.001). Among the kVp values used, 28 kV emerged as the optimal value. Comparison of images obtained with the two filter materials, led to significant differences in the visibility of fibers and specks (p < 0.008). At 32 kVp, there were significant differences in the visibility of specks only (p < 0.008).ConclusionA W/Rh target-filter combination provides better image quality than that provided by W/Ag. In particular, 30 and 32 kVp X-ray beams produce higher quality images than the lower kV values.     

护理质量持续改进在子宫肌瘤护理中的应用简

目的 评价护理质量持续改进在子宫肌瘤护理中的效果.方法 选择2008年11月～2012年3月首都医科大学附属北京妇产医院收治的子宫肌瘤患者86例作为研究对象,将其随机分为观察组和对照组,每组各43例.对照组采用一般常规护理,观察组在常规护理基础上护理质量持续改进,比较两组临床疗效和生活质量,并对两组护理质量进行考核比较.结果 观察组痊愈16例,有效23例,总有效率为90.69％,对照组痊愈12例,有效22例,总有效率为79.07％,两组总有效率比较,差异有高度统计学意义（Ridit Z=36.954,P=0.000）;护理干预后,两组在生理、心理、社会、疾病、满意度及生活质量评分总分方面均有明显好转,差异有统计学意义（P＜0.05）,观察组好转程度优于对照组（P＜ 0.05或P＜ 0.01）;实施护理质量持续改进后,观察组在基础护理、护理安全、病房管理、消毒隔离、护理文书和急救物品方面改善均优于对照组,差异有统计学意义（P＜0.05）.结论 护理质量持续改进可以不断提高护理人员服务质量,提高患者生活质量,在子宫肌瘤护理中效果显著.     

Development of the Chinese version of the Oro‐facial Esthetic Scale

The aim of this study was to investigate the psychometric properties of the Oro‐facial Esthetic Scale among Chinese‐speaking patients. The original Oro‐facial Esthetic Scale was cross‐culturally adapted in accordance with the international standards to develop a Chinese version (OES‐C). Unlike the original Oro‐facial Esthetic Scale, the version employed in this study used a 5‐point Likert scale with items rated from unsatisfactory to most satisfactory. Psychometric evaluation included the reliability and validity of the OES‐C. The reliability of the OES‐C was determined through internal consistency and test–retest methods. The validity of OES‐C was analysed by content validity, discriminative validity, construct validity and convergent validity. The corrected item‐total correlation coefficients of the OES‐C ranged from 0·859 to 0·910. The inter‐item correlation coefficients between each two of the eight items of the OES‐C ranged from 0·766 to 0·922. The values of ICC ranged from 0·79 (95% CI = 0·54–0·98) to 0·93 (95% CI = 0·87–0·99), indicating an excellent agreement. Construct validity was proved by the presence of one‐factor structure that accounted for 83·507% of the variance and fitted well into the model. Convergent validity was confirmed by the association between OES‐C scores and self‐reported oral aesthetics and three questions from the Oral Health Impact Profile related to aesthetics (correlation coefficients ranged from ?0·830 to ?0·702, P < 0·001). OES‐C scores discriminated aesthetically impaired patients from healthy controls. This study provides preliminary evidence concerning the reliability and validity of the OES‐C. The results show that the OES‐C may be a useful tool for assessment of oro‐facial esthetics in China.     

中西医结合治疗对原发性高血压患者血压及生存质量改善的临床观察

目的:观察中西医结合治疗对原发性高血压(肝肾阴虚证)患者血压及生存质量的改善情况。方法:采用随机、对照方法,将120例原发性高血压患者分为观察组和对照组各60例,对照组用硝苯地平缓释片治疗,观察组在对照组西药的基础上,加用中药汤剂治疗,疗程为3个月,观察治疗前后患者临床表现、血压水平及生存质量改善情况。结果:治疗后,观察组在中医证候疗效、血压水平、生存质量躯体健康、躯体角色功能、躯体疼痛、总体健康、活力、社会功能、心理健康方面均明显优于对照组,差异具有统计学意义(P<0.05),治疗后两组情绪角色功能方面差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论:与单纯西药相比,中西医结合治疗原发性高血压在临床表现、血压水平、生存质量改善情况均有明显优势。