ObjectiveTo investigate the pharmacodynamic effects of Houshihei San （HSHS） recorded with the effects of treating wind and limb heaviness on muscle tissue injury after middle cerebral artery occlusion （MCAO） in rats through the ferroptosis pathway. MethodsThirty SD male rats were selected and randomly grouped as follows： sham， MCAO， deferoxamine mesylate， high-dose HSHS （HSHS-H， 0.54 g·kg^-1）， and low-dose HSHS （HSHS-L， 0.27 g·kg^-1）， with 6 rats in each group. A laser scattering system was used to evaluate the stability of the MCAO model， and rats were administrated with corresponding agents by gavage for 7 days. During the administration period， behavioral， imaging and other methods were used to systematically evaluate the skeletal muscle tissue injury after MCAO and the therapeutic effect in each administration group. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was employed to evaluate the cross-section of muscle cells. Subsequently， immunohistochemistry was used to detect tumor suppressor p53 and glutathione peroxidase 4 （GPX4） in the soleus tissue. Western blot was employed to determine the protein levels of p53， GPX4， myogenic differentiation 1 （MyoD1）， nuclear factor E₂-related factor 2 （Nrf2）， Myostatin， solute carrier family 7 member 11 （SLC7A11）， muscle ring-finger protein-1 （MuRF1）， and muscle atrophy F-box protein （MAFbx） to verify the therapeutic effect in each group. ResultsCompared with the MCAO group， HSHS enhanced the locomotor ability and promoted muscle regeneration， which suggested that the pharmacological effects of HSHS were related to the inhibition of muscle tissue ferroptosis to reduce the expression of muscle atrophy factors. Behavioral and imaging results suggested that compared with the MCAO group， HSHS ameliorated neurological impairments in rats on day 7 （P<0.01）， enhanced 5-min locomotor distance and postural control （P<0.01）， strengthened grasping power and promoted muscle growth （P<0.01）， stabilized skeletal muscle length and weight （P<0.01）， and increased the cross-section of muscle cells （P<0.01）. Compared with the MCAO group， HSHS promoted the increases in glutathione and superoxide dismutase content and inhibited the increase in malondialdehyde content （P<0.05，P<0.01）. Ferroptosis pathway-related assays suggested that HSHS reduced the p53-positive cells and increased the GPX4-positive cells （P<0.01）. HSHS ameliorated muscle function decline after stroke by promoting the expression of GPX4， Nrf2， SLC7A11， and MyoD1 and inhibiting the expression of p53， Myostatin， MurRF1， and MAFbx to reduce ferroptosis in the muscle （P<0.01）. ConclusionHSHS， prepared with reference to the method in the Synopsis of Golden Chamber， can simultaneously reduce the myolysis and increase the protein synthesis in the skeletal muscle tissue after ischemic stroke by regulating the ferroptosis pathway.

Objective:To construct an artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted system based on deep learning for corneal in vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM) image recognition and to evaluate its value in clinical applications. Methods:A diagnostic study was conducted.A total of 18 860 corneal images were collected from 331 subjects who underwent IVCM examination at Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University and Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University from May 2021 to September 2022.The collected images were used for model training and testing after being reviewed and classified by corneal experts.The model design included a low-quality image filtering model, a corneal image diagnosis model, and a 4-layer identification model for corneal epithelium, Bowman membrane, stroma, and endothelium, to initially determine normal and abnormal corneal images and corresponding corneal layers.A human-machine competition was conducted with another 360 database-independent IVCM images to compare the accuracy and time spent on image recognition by three senior ophthalmologists and the AI system.In addition, 8 trainees without IVCM training and with less than three years of clinical experience were selected to recognize the same 360 images without and with model assistance to analyze the effectiveness of model assistance.This study adhered to the Declaration of Helsinki.The study protocol was approved by the Ethics Committee of Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University (No.WDRY2021-K148).Results:The accuracy of this diagnostic model in screening high-quality images was 0.954.Its overall accuracy in identifying normal/abnormal corneal images was 0.916 and 0.896 in the internal and external test sets, respectively.Its accuracy reached 0.983, 0.925 in the internal test sets and 0.988, 0.929 in the external test sets in identifying corneal layers of normal and abnormal images, respectively.In the human-machine competition, the overall recognition accuracy of the model was 0.878, which was similar to the average accuracy of the three senior physicians and was approximately 300 times faster than the experts in recognition speed.Trainees assisted by the system achieved an accuracy of 0.816±0.043 in identifying corneal layers of normal and abnormal images, which was significantly higher than 0.669±0.061 without model assistance ( t=6.304, P<0.001). Conclusions:A deep learning-based assistant system for corneal IVCM image recognition is successfully constructed.This system can discriminate normal/abnormal corneal images and diagnose the corresponding corneal layer of the images, which can improve the efficiency of clinical diagnosis and assist doctors in training and learning.

Objective:To explore the clinical application value of a deep learning algorithm-based ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) image analysis system for primary angles-closure glaucoma (PACG) anterior located ciliary body.Methods:A diagnostic test study was conducted.A total of 2 132 UBM images from 726 eyes of 378 PACG patients who underwent UBM examination were collected at Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University from August 2022 to December 2023.The dataset was divided into a training set of 1 599 images and a test set of 533 images, and a deep learning algorithm was employed to construct a model.An additional 334 UBM images from 101 eyes of 69 PACG patients treated at Huangshi Aier Eye Hospital were selected to conduct external testing.A separate set of another 110 UBM images were selected for a human-machine competition to compare the accuracy and speed between anterior located ciliary body evaluation system and three senior ophthalmologists.Furthermore, eight junior ophthalmologists assessed the 110 UBM images independently without and with the assistance of the model, and the differences between the two evaluations were analyzed to assess the assisstance effect of the model.This study adhered to the Declaration of Helsinki.The study protocol was approved by the Ethics Committee of Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University (No.WDRY-2022-K109).Results:The model achieved an accuracy of 93.43% for anterior located ciliary body identification in the internal test set, with a sensitivity of 84.30% and a specificity of 97.78%.The model also performed well on the external test set with an accuracy of 92.81%.In the human-machine competition, the model's accuracy was comparable to that of the senior ophthalmologists and outperformed two of the three senior ophthalmologists.The average total time of the three senior ophthalmologists was 726.73 seconds, approximately 12.47 times longer than the model's 58.30 seconds.With model assistance, the diagnostic accuracy of the eight junior ophthalmologists was 86.71%, which was significantly higher than 76.25% without model assistance ( χ2=-7.550, P<0.001).And the image evaluation time was (714.91±213.82)seconds, which was significantly lower than (987.90±238.56)seconds without model assistance ( t=2.774, P<0.05). Conclusions:The UBM image analysis system based on a deep learning algorithm demonstrates high accuracy in diagnosing anterior located ciliary body in PACG and provides a strong support for the UBM image recognition training of junior ophthalmologists.

Objective: To observe the root and root canal morphology of mandibular second molars in Western Guangxi by CBCT, to provide a reference for clinical diagnosis and treatment. Methods: In total, 564 patients′ 1 128 mandibular second molars that satisfy the inclusion criteria were analyzed with a planmecaromexis CBCT machine and its own image analysis software. The patients′ gender, age and ethnic differences in the root and canal morphology and the symmetry of the bilateral root and canal were statistically analyzed. Results: Among the 1 128 mandibular second molars, 662 were the Zhuang ethnic group and 384 were the Han ethnic group, and 82 were other ethnic groups; the double root type and C-shaped root type accounted for a relatively high proportion: 73.94% and 24.47%, respectively. The detection rates of the double root type were higher in males than in females (P < 0.05); the detection rates of the C-shaped root type were higher in females than in males (P <0.05); the root type of the teeth was mainly double-rooted in the Zhuang ethnic group (P<0.01). The incidence of type IV in the mesial root of the double root type mandibular second molar was the highest (P < 0.01), and the incidence of type I in the distal root was the highest (P < 0.01). The C-shaped root canal is more continuous at the mouth of the root canal, more downward corresponds to a worse continuity: in three different levels of root canal orifice, root middle and root apex, the root canal orifice is dominated by the C1 type, and both root middle and root apex are mainly C3-type (P < 0.01). The difference in symmetry of bilateral roots and root canals was statistically significant among different gender groups, age groups, and ethnic groups (P < 0.05): there were more males than females, the results in the 18-35-year-old group and the Zhuang ethnic group were higher. Conclusion The root and root canal morphology of mandibular second molars in western Guangxi people are complex and changeable. The roots are mainly double root type in the Han ethnic group and the Zhuang ethnic group. C-shaped roots are also common. The detection rate of C-shaped roots in the Zhuang ethnic group was higher, and the symmetry rate of bilateral roots and that of bilateral root canals was higher in the Zhuang ethnic group than in the Han ethnic group.

Objective: To investigate the association between the preterm birth and low birth weight and parental thalassemia. Methods: Pregnant women and their husbands receiving prenatal examination in local hospitals or maternal and child health centers in Jingxi and Debao in Guangxi from January to December 2017 were selected as study subjects. A total of 758 pregnant women with pregnancy outcomes and their husbands, who were both or alone diagnosed with thalassemia through thalassemia gene detection, were selected as case group and 758 pregnant women with pregnancy outcomes and their husbands, who were negative in thalassemia gene detection and hemoglobin electrophoresis test were selected as control groups. The case group were further divided into mother group, father group and both mother and farther group. Clinical and pregnancy outcome data of the study subjects were collected for the analysis on the association between parental thalassaemia and preterm birth or low birth weight by the independent sample t test, χ² test and Cox regression analysis. Results: The incidence of preterm birth in case group and control group was about 6.5% and 1.6% and the incidence of low birth weight in case group and control group was about 7.3% and 0.8%. After adjusting for possible confounding factors, Cox regression analysis results showed that mother suffering from thalassemia (aRR=3.45, 95%CI: 1.35-8.81, P=0.010), fathers suffering from thalassemia (aRR=4.93, 95%CI: 2.16-11.21, P<0.001) and both mother and farther suffering from thalassemia (aRR=5.13, 95%CI: 2.62-10.04, P<0.001) were associated with preterm birth. Mother suffering from thalassemia (aRR=12.98, 95%CI: 4.91-34.30, P<0.001), fathers suffering from thalassemia (aRR=9.40, 95%CI: 3.40-25.95, P<0.001) and both mother and farther suffering from thalassemia (aRR=10.74, 95%CI: 4.44-26.00, P<0.001) were associated with low birth weight. The newborn whose parent all suffered from thalassemia had higher risks for preterm birth (χ²=22.72, P<0.001)and low birth weight (χ²=34.03, P<0.001) compared with those only with mother or father suffering from thalassemia. Conclusion Parental thalassaemia, including both sides and single side, might increase the risks of preterm birth and low birth weight for newborn, and the risks might be higher in newborn with both mother and father suffering from thalassaemia.

ObjectiveTo evaluate the effect of preloading epidural space with 0.9％ sodium chloride on the incidence of the injury to blood vessel by epidural catheter insertion for cesarean section.Methods One hundred uterogestation patients with single birth,ASA class Ⅰ - Ⅱ,underwent caesarean section and requested continuous epidural analgesia were divided into group P and group C with each 50 cases by random digits table.After identification of the epidural space,group C was inserted epidural catheter directly,and 5 ml of 0.9％ sodium chloride was injected into epidural space through the epidural needle in group P,while the syringe plunger was held closed for 20 s to make sure the solution spreaded sufficiently,following insertion the epidural catheter.Between the two groups,mean arterial pressure and heart rate were recorded prior to anesthesia,2 min after turn to the supine horizontal position after succeeded puncture,the time when the fetus were born and when the surgery were over.The cases with bloody fluid in the epidural puncture needle during puncture,or in the epidural catheter during catheter placement,fresh blood in the epidural catheter,and bloody fluid in caudal end of epidural catheter during extubation were recorded.ResultsThe changes of mean arterial pressure and heart rate were all in the normal range,there was no obvious difference between the two groups.The incidence of rates with bloody fluid in the epidural puncture needle during puncture and the bloody fluid in caudal end of epidural catheter during extubation in group P were significantly lower than those in group C [ 10％ (5/50) vs.26％ (13/50),22％ (11/50) vs.48％ (24/50),P ＜ 0.05 or ＜ 0.01 ].ConclusionPreloading epidural space with 5 ml 0.9％ sodium chloride can reduce the incidence of the injury to blood vessel induced by insertion of epidural catheter.

A case of benign follicular neoplasm-trichogerminoma-is reported.A 48-year-old man presented with a 10-year history of asymptomatic subcutaneous nodule in the chest.Histological examination revealed a well-circumscribed lesion composed of variously sized lobuli and cysts in the deep dermis and separated from the surrounding tissue by a fibrous capsule.Most lobuli consisted of concentrically arranged clear cells in the central area and basophilic cells in a palisade arrangement in the peripheral area.The tumor cells displayed a multi-directional differentiation toward hair bulb,inner root sheath,outer root sheath and infundibulum of hair follicles.Immunohistochemically,the tumor cells expressed AE1/AE3,CK5/6 and CK17,but were negative for CK20 or CK7.There was a sharp contrast in immunohistochemical findings between the central clear cells and peripheral basophilic cells.Based on the histological and immunohistochemical features,a diagnosis of trichogerminoma was made.

Objective To determine the optimum dose of normal saline (NS) for preloading epidural space required to prevent the injury to blood vessel by epidural catheter placement for caesarean section.Methods Two hundred ASA Ⅰ or Ⅱ parturients with a single baby at full term in vertex presentation,aged 24-35 yr,weighing 63-78 kg,scheduled for caesarean section under continuous epidural anesthesia,were randomly divided into4 groups (n-50 each):control group (group Ⅰ),NS2 ml group (group Ⅱ),NS5 ml group (group Ⅲ)and NS 10 ml group (group Ⅳ).The epidural puncture was performed at L2-3 interspace with a Tuohy needle attached to a 5 ml syringe.Loss of resistance was used to identify the epidural space.In group C no fluid was injected into the epidural space before insertion of the catheter,while in groups Ⅱ,Ⅲ and Ⅳ NS 2,5 and 10 ml were injected into the epidural space before the catheter insertion respectively.After a test dose of 3 ml 1.5％ lidocaine,0.75％ ropivacaine 10-20 ml was administered through the epidural catheter.MAP and HR were recorded before epidural puncture (T0),at 10 and 20 min after the end of epidural administration (T1.2),and at the end of surgery (T3).The number of patients in whom blood or blood tinted fluid was withdrawn from the epidural catheter was recorded.The amount of ropivacaine consumed was recorded.The upper level of anesthesia was measured by pin-prick and the degree of motor block was assessed using modified Bromagc scale at T2.Results The hemodynamic parameters were in the normal range in the four groups.MAP was significantly lower at T2,the upper level of anesthesia was significantly higher,and the degree of motor block was significantly smaller in group Ⅳ than in groups Ⅰ,Ⅱ and Ⅲ (P ＜ 0.05).There was no significant difference in MAP among groups Ⅰ,Ⅱ and Ⅲ (P ＞ 0.05).There was no significant difference in HR and the amount of ropivacaine consumed among the four groups (P ＞ 0.05).The number of patients in whom blood or blood tinted fluid was withdrawn fiom epidural catheter was significantly smaller in groups Ⅲ and Ⅳ compared with groups Ⅰ and Ⅱ (P ＜ 0.05).Conclusion Preloading the epidural space with NS 5 ml can prevent the occurrence of injury to blood vessel induced by insertion of epidural catheter with no influence on the efficacy of anesthesia and NS 5 ml is the optimum dose.

Two cases of atrophic dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) are reported.The patients were a 16-year-old and a 24-year-old boy with a clinical course of 6 and 5 years respectively.The lesions began as well-marginated atrophic erythema,and subcutaneous nodules appeared gradually on the erythema.Histopathology showed atrophic or normal epidermis,wavy arrangement of tumor (spindle) cells in the superficial dermis which was aligned parallel to the epidermis,storiform arrangement of tumor cells in the lower dennis,and typical lacelike pattern of infiltration of subcutaneous fat tissue with tumor cells.Immunohistochemistry showed that the tumor cells stained positive for vimentin and CD34,but negative for S100 or CD 68.

Objective To evaluate the changes in the expression of cytochrome cholesterol side chain cleavage enzyme (P450scc) in the brain of morphine-dependent rats. Methods Twenty-four male SD rats aged 4-8 months weighing 180-200 g were randomly divided into 3 groups (n = 8 each): group Ⅰ normal saline (group NS), group Ⅱ morphine dependence (group MD) and group Ⅲ morphine withdrawal (group MW). In group MD and MW, the rats were given intraperitoneally increasing doses of morphine starting from 5 mg/kg to 10, 15, 20, 30, 40 and 50 mg/kg twice a day for 7 days. In group NS, the rats were given equal volume of normal saline instead of morphine. The rats were decapitated 1 h after last injection in group NS and MD. In group MW, naloxone 2 mg/kg was given 1 h after last injection, and then the animals were decapitated 30 min after withdrawal symptoms were observed. The brains were immediately removed and the frontal cortex, hippocampus, striatum and thalamus were separated. The expression of P450see was determined by Western blot. Results The expression of P450scc in the frontal cortex, hippocampus and striatum was significantly decreased in group MD and MW compared with group NS (P<0.05). Conclusion The down-regulation of P450scc expression might be involved in the development of morphine dependence, but it is not involved in the morphine withdrawal.