Objective To explore the diagnosis and treatment strategies for elderly patients with ground-glass opacity (GGO). Methods The imaging features and postoperative pathological findings of the elderly patients with pulmonary GGO receiving surgery in our hospital from 2017 to 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into an elderly patient group and a non-elderly patient group based on their age. Results Finally 575 patients were included in the study. There were 281 elderly patients, including 83 males and 198 females, with an average age of (67.0±5.3) years. There were 294 non-elderly patients, including 88 males and 206 females, with an average age of (49.1±7.3) years. Compared with the non-elderly patients, elderly GGO patients showed the following distinct clinical features: long observation time for lesions (P=0.001), high proportion of rough edges of GGO (P<0.001), significant pleural signs (P＜0.001) and bronchial signs (P＜0.001), and high proportion of type Ⅱ-Ⅳ GGO (P<0.001), lobectomy type (P=0.013), and invasive lesions reported in postoperative pathology (P<0.001). There was no statistical difference in the average hospital stay between the two groups (P=0.106). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that GGO diameter and GGO type were the main factors affecting the operation. Observation time, GGO diameter, GGO type and pleural signs were the main influencing factors for postoperative pathological infiltrative lesions. The cut-off value of GGO diameter in predicting infiltrating lesions was 10.5 mm in the elderly patients group. Conclusion The size and type of GGO are important factors in predicting invasive lesions and selecting surgical methods. Elderly patients with radiographic manifestations of type Ⅱ-Ⅳ GGO lesions with a diameter greater than 10.5 mm should be closely followed up.

AIM: To investigate the efficacy of Yangyin Yiqi Decoction combined with polyethylene glycol eye drops on dry eye disease after cataract surgery and its effect on inflammatory factors in tears.METHODS:Prospective study. A total of 104 patients(104 eyes)with dry eye disease after cataract surgery admitted to our hospital from April 2022 to March 2024 were selected and randomly divided into two groups: 52 cases(52 eyes)in the control group were treated with polyethylene glycol eye drops; 52 cases(52 eyes)in the combined group were treated with Yangyin Yiqi Decoction combined with polyethylene glycol eye drops. The dry eye symptom score, tear film stability index, tear inflammatory factor level, ocular surface disease index score(OSDI)and clinical efficacy of the two groups were compared before and after treatment.RESULTS:There were 6 cases(6 eyes)lost to follow-up, and 3 cases(3 eyes)were lost to follow-up in each group, with a loss to follow-up rate of 5.8%. The total effective rate of treatment in the combination group was significantly higher than that in the control group(94% vs 80%, P=0.037), and the Schirmer I test(SIt)and tear film break-up time(BUT)were higher than those in the control group(all P<0.05), and the dry eye symptom score, corneal fluorescein staining(FL)score, IL-1β, TNF-α, hs-CRP levels in tears and OSDI score were lower than those in the control group(all P<0.05).CONCLUSION:The combination of Yangyin Yiqi Decoction and polyethylene glycol eye drops provides an effective treatment plan for patients with dry eye disease after cataract surgery. It can effectively alleviate dry eye symptoms, reduce eye discomfort, improve tear film stability and ocular surface status, and reduce inflammatory factors in tears.

Objective: To investigate the spatio-temporal clustering characteristics of influenza in Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region from 2014 to 2023, so as to provide the basis for strengthening influenza prevention and control. Methods: Data pertaining to influenza cases reported in Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region from 2014 to 2023 were retrieved from the Infectious Disease Surveillance System of the Chinese Disease Prevention and Control Information System, including age, sex, current residence, onset date, and reporting date. The seasonal incidence of influenza was analyzed using seasonal index. The spatio-temporal clustering characteristics of influenza were identified using spatial autocorrelation analysis and spatio-temporal scan analysis. Results: A total of 20 377 influenza cases were reported in Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region from 2014 to 2023, with a male-to-female ratio of 1.15∶1. The majority were children under 15 years, with 10 950 cases accounting for 53.74%. Influenza was highly prevalent in January, February, March, and December, with seasonal indices of 219.06%, 111.00%, 246.65%, and 366.24%, respectively. The average annual reported incidence was 29.55/100 000, among which Pengyang County, Jinfeng District, Dawukou District, Xiji County, and Litong District had higher average annual reported incidence, at 63.99/100 000, 55.71/100 000, 55.70/100 000, 49.49/100 000, and 49.04/100 000, respectively. Spatial autocorrelation analysis showed that in 2023, there was spatial clustering of influenza cases in Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region (Moran's I=0.333, P<0.05), with a high-high cluster in Jingyuan County, while in other years, the distribution of influenza cases was random (all P>0.05). Spatio-temporal scan analysis showed that from 2014 to 2023, there were four space-time clusters in Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, including one type Ⅰ cluster in Hongsibao District of Wuzhong City, with the clustering period from January 20 to 26, 2014; and three type Ⅱ clusters, mainly in January, February, March and December, covering one area in Shizuishan City, five areas in Guyuan City, one area in Zhongwei City, three areas in Wuzhong City, and four areas in Yinchuan City. Conclusions From 2014 to 2023, children under 15 years were the primary population affected by influenza in Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, with distinct spatio-temporal distribution characteristics. The peak incidence occurred during the winter and spring seasons, and the main clustering areas were in the southern regions.

Artificial intelligence (AI), particularly deep learning, has demonstrated remarkable performance in medical imaging across a variety of modalities, including X-ray, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasound, positron emission tomography (PET), and pathological imaging. However, most existing state-of-the-art AI techniques are task-specific and focus on a limited range of imaging modalities. Compared to these task-specific models, emerging foundation models represent a significant milestone in AI development. These models can learn generalized representations of medical images and apply them to downstream tasks through zero-shot or few-shot fine-tuning. Foundation models have the potential to address the comprehensive and multifactorial challenges encountered in clinical practice. This article reviews the clinical applications of both task-specific and foundation models, highlighting their differences, complementarities, and clinical relevance. We also examine their future research directions and potential challenges. Unlike the replacement relationship seen between deep learning and traditional machine learning, task-specific and foundation models are complementary, despite inherent differences. While foundation models primarily focus on segmentation and classification, task-specific models are integrated into nearly all medical image analyses. However, with further advancements, foundation models could be applied to other clinical scenarios. In conclusion, all indications suggest that task-specific and foundation models, especially the latter, have the potential to drive breakthroughs in medical imaging, from image processing to clinical workflows.
Humans ; Artificial Intelligence ; Deep Learning ; Diagnostic Imaging/methods* ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed ; Positron-Emission Tomography

Objective:To investigate the distribution of pathogenic bacteria in the ear canal secretions of patients with chronic suppurative otitis media（CSOM）, the changes in the levels of interleukin-8（IL-8） and Toll like receptor 4（TLR4） in the ear canal secretions, and their clinical significance. Methods:This study selected 128 CSOM patients who visited our hospital from January 2022 to February 2024 as the study subjects and recorded them as the CSOM group. Additionally, 135 volunteers who underwent physical examinations at our hospital during the same period were regarded as the control group. Video otoscopy was used to collect and cultivate ear canal secretions, and a fully automated microbial identification instrument was used to identify the bacterial species. ELISA was applied to detect levels of IL-8, TLR4. Multivariate logistic regression was employed to examine the factors that affect the occurrence of CSOM. Pearson correlation was applied to analyze the correlation between IL-8, TLR4 levels and various influencing factors. ROC curve was applied to analyze the diagnostic value of IL-8 and TLR4 levels for the occurrence of CSOM. Z-test was applied to compare the differences in AUC. Results:Among 128 patients, the detection rate was 89.06%, and a total of 181 strains of pathogenic bacteria were cultured, among them, Gram positive bacteria accounted for the highest proportion of 54.14%, followed by Gram negative bacteria, accounting for 34.25%, and finally fungi, accounting for 11.60%. The common bacteria were Staphylococcus aureus （20.44%）, Pseudomonas aeruginosa （13.26%）, and Staphylococcus epidermidis （8.29%）. The resistance of Gram-positive bacteria to penicillin, clindamycin, erythromycin, and amoxicillin is high. Gram-negative bacteria are highly resistant to penicillin, ampicillin and erythromycin. Fungi are resistant to ketoconazole and fluconazole. The levels of IL-8 and TLR4 in CSOM group were higher than those in the control group, and gradually increased with the increase of hearing impairment. （P<0.05）. Elevated levels of IL-8, TLR4 were independent risk factors for the occurrence of CSOM（P<0.05）. The AUC of CSOM diagnosed by IL-8 and TLR4 alone was 0.790 and 0.777, respectively, while the AUC of combined diagnosis was 0.898, which was better than their respective individual diagnoses（both P<0.05）. Conclusion:The distribution of pathogenic bacteria in the ear canal secretions of CSOM patients is mainly Gram positive, with common ones being Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The levels of IL-8 and TLR4 in CSOM patients are higher than those in the control group. The higher the levels, the higher the degree of hearing loss, which can be used for clinical diagnosis.
Humans ; Toll-Like Receptor 4/metabolism* ; Interleukin-8/metabolism* ; Otitis Media, Suppurative/metabolism* ; Ear Canal/metabolism* ; Chronic Disease ; Male ; Female ; Adult ; Middle Aged ; Clinical Relevance

Objective To investigate the role of RNA-binding motif protein X-linked(RBMX)in regulating the proliferation,migration,invasion and glycolysis in human bladder cancer cells.Methods A lentivirus vectors system and RNA interference technique were used to construct bladder cancer 1376 and UC-3 cell models with RBMX overexpression and knockdown,respectively,and successful cell modeling was verified using RT-qPCR and Western blotting.Proliferation and colony forming ability of the cells were evaluated using EdU assay and colony-forming assay,and cell migration and invasion abilities were determined using Transwell experiment.The expressions of glycolysis-related proteins M1 pyruvate kinase(PKM1)and M2 pyruvate kinase(PKM2)were detected using Western blotting.The effects of RBMX overexpression and knockdown on glycolysis in the bladder cancer cells were assessed using glucose and lactic acid detection kits.Results RT-qPCR and Western blotting confirmed successful construction of 1376 and UC-3 cell models with RBMX overexpression and knockdown.RBMX overexpression significantly inhibited the proliferation,clone formation,migration and invasion of bladder cancer cells,while RBMX knockdown produced the opposite effects.Western blotting results showed that RBMX overexpression increased the expression of PKM1 and decreased the expression of PKM2,while RBMX knockdown produced the opposite effects.Glucose consumption and lactate production levels were significantly lowered in the cells with RBMX overexpression(P<0.05)but increased significantly following RBMX knockdown(P<0.05).Conclusion RBMX overexpression inhibits bladder cancer progression and lowers glycolysis level in bladder cancer cells by downregulating PKM2 expression,suggesting the potential of RBMX as a molecular target for diagnosis and treatment of bladder cancer.

Objective To investigate the expression levels of selenoprotein genes in the patients with coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)and the possible regulatory mechanisms.Methods The dataset GSE177477 was obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus,consisting of a symptomatic group(n=11),an asymptomatic group(n=18),and a healthy control group(n=18).The dataset was preprocessed to screen the differentially expressed genes(DEG)related to COVID-19,and gene ontology functional annotation and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes enrichment analysis were performed for the DEGs.The protein-protein interaction network of DEGs was established,and multivariate Logistic regression was employed to analyze the effects of selenoprotein genes on the presence/absence of symptoms in the patients with COVID-19.Results Compared with the healthy control,the symptomatic COVID-19 patients presented up-regulated expression of GPX1,GPX4,GPX6,DIO2,TXNRD1,SELENOF,SELENOK,SELENOS,SELENOT,and SELENOW and down-regulated ex-pression of TXNRD2 and SELENON(all P＜0.05).The asymptomatic patients showcased up-regulated expres-sion of GPX2,SELENOI,SELENOO,SELENOS,SELENOT,and SELENOW and down-regulated expression of SELP(all P＜0.05).The results of multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that the abnormally high expression of GPX1(OR=0.067,95％CI=0.005-0.904,P=0.042)and SELENON(OR=56.663,95％CI=3.114-856.999,P=0.006)was the risk factor for symptomatic COVID-19,and the abnormally high expres-sion of SELP was a risk factor for asymptomatic COVID-19(OR=15.000,95％CI=2.537-88.701,P=0.003).Conclusions Selenoprotein genes with differential expression are involved in the regulation of COVID-19 development.The findings provide a new reference for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19.

Objective To compare the effects of the left and right stellate ganglion resection on myocardial injury in rats with acute myocardial infarction(AMI).Methods According to the random number table method,30 healthy male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into the AMI group,left stellate ganglionectomy group,and right stellate ganglionectomy group,with 10 rats in each group.AMI models were prepared by ligation of the left anterior descending branch of the coronary artery in all the three groups.In the AMI group,the stellate ganglion was isolated(randomly left or right)without excision.The rats in the left and right stellate ganglionectomy groups underwent the left and right stellate ganglionectomy,respectively.At 24 hours after modeling,2 mL of subclavian venous blood was extracted from the three groups of rats.The serum levels of cardiac troponin Ⅰ(cTnⅠ),noradrenaline(NE),interleukin(IL)-1β,IL-6,tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),malondialdehyde(MDA),and superoxide dismutase(SOD)were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.The left ventricular fractional shortening(LVFS),left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF)and cardiac output(CO)of rats in the three groups were measured by echocardiography one week after modeling.Results The serum levels of NE,cTnⅠ and MDA in the left and right stellate ganglionectomy groups were significantly lower than those in the AMI group,and SOD level was significantly higher than that in the AMI group(P＜0.05);the serum levels of NE,cTnⅠ and MDA in the right stellate ganglionectomy group were significantly lower than those in the left stellate ganglionectomy group,and SOD level was significantly higher than that in the left stellate ganglionectomy group(P＜0.05).The levels of serum IL-1β,IL-6 and TNF-α in the left and right stellate ganglionectomy groups were significantly lower than those in the AMI group(P＜0.05);the levels of serum IL-1β,IL-6 and TNF-αin the right stellate ganglionectomy group were significantly lower than those in the left stellate ganglionectomy group(P＜0.05).LVEF,LVFS and CO in the left and right stellate ganglionectomy groups were significantly higher than those in the AMI group,and LVEF and LVFS in the right stellate ganglionectomy group were significantly higher than those in the left stellate ganglionectomy group(P＜0.05);there was no significant difference in CO between the left and right stellate ganglionectomy groups(P＞0.05).Conclusion Stellate ganglionectomy has a protective effect on AMI induced by ligation of the left anterior descending branch of the coronary artery,which may be related to reducing inflammatory reaction and oxidative stress damage.The right stellate ganglion resection has more protective effects on cardiac function than the left stellate ganglion resection.

Objective To investigate the effects of lumbar epidural block of renal sympathetic nerve on cardiac function and serum inflammatory factors in rats with myocardial infarction.Methods Thirty healthy male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into asham operation group,myocardial infarction group and sympathetic nerve block group according to the random number table method,with 10 rats in each group.Lumbar epidural catheterization was applied in all rats in the 3 groups.After catheter insertion,myocardial infarction was induced by ligation of the anterior descending branch of the left coronary artery of rats in the myocardial infarction group and the sympathetic nerve block group,while the left anterior descending branch of rats in the sham operation group was not ligated.After myocardial infarction,the rats in the sympathetic nerve block group were injected with 50 μL of ropivacaine(volume fraction:0.2％)via a lumbar epidural catheteronce every 24 hours,and the injection lasted until 14 days after surgery.In the myocardial infarction group,50 μL of 9 g·L-1sodium chloride was injected into the rats through a lumbar epidural catheteronce every 24 hours,and the injection lasted until 14 days after surgery.Rats in the sham group did not receive the injection of any drugs.At 14 days after operation,echocardiography was performed on rats in the 3 groups to measure ejection fraction(EF),left ventricular short-axis shortening rate(FS)and cardiac output(CO).A total of 1 mL of cervical venous blood was extracted from each rat in the 3 groups at 24 h after surgery,and 5 mL of abdominal aortic blood was extracted from rats in the 3 groups at 14 days after surgery.Serum levels of norepinephrine(NE),cardiac troponin I(cTnl),interleukin-18(IL-18),interleukin-1β(IL-1 β)and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.At 14 days after surgery,the rats in the 3 groups were anesthetized by intraperitoneal injection of 100 g·L-1 chloral hydrate(300 mg·kg-1),and the thoracic cavity of the rats was opened to remove the heart.The myocardial infarction area of the rats was detected by 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining,and the proportion of the myocardial infarction area was calculated.Results On the 14th day after surgery,EF,FS and CO of rats in the myocardial infarction group and sympathetic nerve block group were significantly lower than those in the sham operation group,while EF,FS and CO of rats in the sympathetic nerve block group were significantly higher than those in the myocardial infarction group(P＜0.05).The serum cTnI level of rats in the myocardial infarction group and sympathetic nerve block group was significantly higher than that in the sham operation group(t=68.260,15.110;P＜0.05),and the serum cTnI level of rats in the myocardial infarction group was significantly higher than that in the sympathetic nerve block group(t=27.920,P＜0.05).The proportion of the myocardial infarction area of rats in the sympathetic nerve block group was significantly lower than that in the myocardial infarction group(t=14.182,P＜0.001).There was no significant difference in the serum NE,IL-18,IL-1 β and TNF-α levels of rats between 24 hours and 14 days after surgery in the sham operation group(P＞0.05).The serum NE,IL-1 β and TNF-αlevels of rats at 14 days after surgery were significantly higher than those at 24 hours after surgery,and the IL-18 level of rats was significantly lower than that at 24 hours after surgery in the myocardial infarction group(P＜0.05).The serum NE,IL-18 and TNF-α levels of rats at 14 days after surgery were significantly lower than those at 24 hours after surgery,and the IL-1 βlevel of rats was significantly higher than that at 24 hours after surgery in the sympathetic nerve block group(P＜0.05).At 24 hours and 14 days after surgery,the serum NE,IL-18,1L-1 β and TNF-α levels of rats in the myocardial infarction group and sympathetic nerve block group were significantly higher than those in the sham operation group,while the serum NE,IL-18,IL-1 β and TNF-α levels of rats in the sympathetic nerve block group were significantly lower than those in the myocardial infarction group(P＜0.05).Conclusion Lumbar epidural block of renal sympathetic nerve in rats can significantly reduce the levels of serum inflammatory factors and NE,and improve cardiac function.