[Objective] To resolve the ambiguities of HLA genotyping generated by next generation sequencing (NGS) using nanopore sequencing technology. [Methods] A total of 38 samples with ambiguous HLA genotyping by NGS in our laboratory were collected, and HLA-A, -B, -C, -DRB1, -DRB3/4/5, -DQA1, -DQB1, -DPA1 and -DPB1 loci in these samples were amplified using primers in the same commercial NGS HLA genotyping kit, then subjected to third-generation library construction, and sequenced on the nanopore sequencer. The sequencing data were converted into Fastq files and analyzed by software, and the genotypes of 11 HLA loci were obtained. The ambiguities were counted directly. [Results] The high-resolution genotyping at the second domain of 11 HLA loci of 38 samples using the third generation sequencing (TGS) were consistent with the results of the NGS method at a rate of 100%. The genotypes for the HLA-A, -B, -C, -DRB3, -DRB4, -DQA1 and -DPA1 loci by TGS were all only one result, and the discrimination rate for ambiguities of the HLA-A, -B, -C, and -DQA1 loci (all caused by the difficulty in phasing due to the short NGS read length) was 100%. Among the HLA-DRB1, -DRB5, -DQB1 and -DPB1 loci, the discrimination rate of TGS for the ambiguities caused by non-amplification of exon 1 was 0% and by the short NGS read length was 100%. [Conclusion] Nanopore technology was used to identify the ambiguities of 11 HLA loci in this study, and the ambiguities caused by the short read length disadvantage of the NGS method could be solved effectively and the accuracy of HLA genotyping would be improved.

With the emergence of deep learning techniques based on convolutional neural networks, artificial intelligence (AI) has driven transformative developments in the field of medical image analysis. Recently, large language models (LLMs) such as ChatGPT have also started to achieve distinction in this domain. Increasing research shows the undeniable role of AI in reshaping various aspects of medical image analysis, including processes such as image enhancement, segmentation, detection in image preprocessing, and postprocessing related to medical diagnosis and prognosis in clinical settings. However, despite the significant progress in AI research, studies investigating the recent advances in AI technology in the aforementioned aspects, the changes in research hotspot trajectories, and the performance of studies in addressing key clinical challenges in this field are limited. This article provides an overview of recent advances in AI for medical image analysis and discusses the methodological profiles, advantages, disadvantages, and future trends of AI technologies.
Artificial Intelligence ; Humans ; Image Processing, Computer-Assisted/methods* ; Neural Networks, Computer ; Deep Learning ; Diagnostic Imaging/methods*

OBJECTIVES: To explore the mechanism of Lacticaseibacillus paracasei E6 for improving vinorelbine-induced immunosuppression in zebrafish. METHODS: The intestinal colonization of L. paracasei E6 labeled by fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) in zebrafish was observed under fluorescence microscope. In a zebrafish model of vinorelbine-induced immunosuppression, the immunomodulatory activity of L. paracasei E6 was assessed by analyzing macrophage and neutrophil counts in the caudal hematopoietic tissue (CHT), the number of T-lymphocyte, and the expressions of interleukin-12 (IL-12) and interferon-γ (IFN-γ). The contents of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in L. paracasei E6 fermentation supernatant and the metabolites of L. paracasei E6 in zebrafish were detected by LC-MS/MS-based targeted metabolomics. The immunomodulatory effects of the SCFAs including sodium acetate, sodium propionate and sodium butyrate were evaluated in the zebrafish model of immunosuppression. RESULTS: After inoculation, green fluorescence of FITC-labeled L. paracasei E6 was clearly observed in the intestinal ball, midgut and posterior gut regions of zebrafish. In the immunocompromised zebrafish model, L. paracasei E6 significantly alleviated the reduction of macrophage and neutrophil counts in the CHT, increased the fluorescence intensity of T-lymphocytes, and promoted the expressions of IL-12 and IFN-γ. Compared with MRS medium, L. paracasei E6 fermentation supernatant showed significantly higher levels of acetic acid, propionic acid and butyric acid, which were also detected in immunocompromised zebrafish following treatment with L. paracasei E6. Treatment of the zebrafish model with sodium acetate and sodium propionate significantly increased macrophage and neutrophil counts in the CHT and effectively inhibited vinorelbine-induced reduction of thymus T cells. CONCLUSIONS L. paracasei E6 can improve vinorelbine-induced immunosuppression in zebrafish through its SCFA metabolites acetic acid and propionic acid.
Animals ; Zebrafish/immunology* ; Acetic Acid/metabolism* ; Propionates/metabolism* ; Fatty Acids, Volatile/metabolism*

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the efficacy of Lactobacillus plantarum ZG03 (L. plantarum ZG03) for ameliorating oxidative stress in zebrafish. METHODS: We evaluated the growth pattern of L. plantarum ZG03, observed its morphology using field emission scanning electron microscopy, and assessed its safety and potential efficacy with whole-genome sequencing for genetic analysis. FITC-labeled ZG03 was used to observe its intestinal colonization in zebrafish. In a zebrafish model of 2% glucose-induced oxidative stress, the effect of ZG03 was evaluated by assessing the changes in neutrophils in the caudal hematopoietic tissue (CHT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, and malondialdehyde (MDA) content. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry-based targeted metabolomics was used for analyzing short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in the zebrafish, and the antioxidant effects of the key metabolites (acetate, propionate, and caproate) were tested. RESULTS: On MRS agar, L. plantarum ZG03 formed circular, smooth, moist, and milky-white colonies with a rod-shaped cell morphology. Genomic analysis revealed abundant sugar metabolism gene clusters. After inoculation of FITC-labeled L. plantarum ZG03 in zebrafish, green fluorescence was clearly observed in the intestinal bulb, mid-intestine, and hind intestine. In zebrafish with glucose-induced oxidative stress, L. plantarum ZG03 significantly reduced ROS levels and the number of neutrophils in the CHT with increased SOD activity. L.plantarum ZG03 significantly increased the content of SCFAs including acetic acid, propionic acid, and caproic acid in zebrafish metabolites. In addition, sodium acetate, sodium propionate, and sodium caproate in the SCFAs significantly increased SOD activity in the zebrafish models. CONCLUSIONS L. plantarum ZG03 ameliorates oxidative stress in a glucose-induced zebrafish model through its metabolites, particularly the SCFAs including acetic acid, propionic acid and caproic acid.
Animals ; Zebrafish/metabolism* ; Oxidative Stress ; Lactobacillus plantarum/metabolism* ; Fatty Acids, Volatile/metabolism* ; Probiotics ; Reactive Oxygen Species/metabolism* ; Superoxide Dismutase/metabolism*

Enamel demineralization, the formation of white spot lesions, is a common issue in clinical orthodontic treatment. The appearance of white spot lesions not only affects the texture and health of dental hard tissues but also impacts the health and aesthetics of teeth after orthodontic treatment. The prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of white spot lesions that occur throughout the orthodontic treatment process involve multiple dental specialties. This expert consensus will focus on providing guiding opinions on the management and prevention of white spot lesions during orthodontic treatment, advocating for proactive prevention, early detection, timely treatment, scientific follow-up, and multidisciplinary management of white spot lesions throughout the orthodontic process, thereby maintaining the dental health of patients during orthodontic treatment.
Humans ; Consensus ; Dental Caries/etiology* ; Dental Enamel/pathology* ; Tooth Demineralization/etiology* ; Tooth Remineralization

Objective : To explore the central role of interleukin(IL)-25 in allergy of eosinophil asthma. Methods : Forty 4-5 week-old C57BL/6 mice were used in this study(n=10). Mice were randomly divided into 4 groups: WT+shRNA NT group, WT+HDM group, IL-25 shRNA+IL-25 group, and IL-25 shRNA+IL-25+HDM group. According to each group′s treatment requirement, mice were treated with house dust mite and/or IL-25 by intranasal infusion. HE staining and PAS staining were used for lung tissue section staining and pathological analysis. The levels of type 2 cytokines in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid(BALF) were determined by ELISA. Flow cytometry(FCM) was used to determine the number of type 2 helper T(Th2) cells, the group 2 innate lymphoid cells(ILC2) and eosinophils in lung tissues. Mice were treated with FITC-labeled DQ-ovalbumin(DQ-OVA) by intranasal infusion to determine the antigen presentation ability of eosinophils infiltrated in the lungs. Results : HE staining and PAS staining results showed that, compared with WT+shRNA NT group, a large amount of mucus and a large number of eosinophil infiltration were found in the lungs, and subcutaneous thickening of inflammatory airway were observed in the pulmonary vessels, alveolar ducts and the whole alveoli in IL-25 shRNA+IL-25+HDM group. In the IL-25 shRNA+IL-25 group, only a small amount of mucus and a small amount of eosinophil infiltration were found in the lungs, and a small amount of subcutaneous thickening of inflammatory airway were observed in pulmonary vessels, alveolar ducts and the whole alveoli. There was no significant difference in WT+HDM group. Compared with WT+shRNA NT group, the levels of IL-25, IL-4,IL-5,IL-13, IL-33 and interferon-γ(IFN-γ) in BALF significantly increased; the levels of infiltrated Th2, ILC2 and eosinophils in the lung significantly increased; the fluorescence levels of FITC-labeled DQ-OVA in eosinophils infiltrated in lungs significantly increased in IL-25 shRNA+IL-25+HDM group(P<0.05). IL-25 shRNA+IL-25 group mice also showed an increase in the above measurements, but the amplitude were limited(P<0.05). WT+HDM group had no significant difference. Conclusion IL-25 plays an essential role in the allergy and eosinophil antigen presentation processes in eosinophil asthma mice.

Objective:To evaluate the value of the ratio of tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion to pulmonary artery systolic pressure (TAPSE/PASP) in evaluating right ventricular function of patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF).Methods:A total of 74 patients with HCM and HFpEF and 22 healthy individuals who visited the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from January 2021 to January 2023 were included in this study. The HCM patients with HFpEF were divided into three groups based on the tertiles of the TAPSE/PASP (low group: <0.280 0 mm/mmHg; middle group: 0.280 0-0.476 2 mm/mmHg; high group: >0.476 2 mm/mmHg). Conventional echocardiographic parameters were collected, and two-dimensional speckle tracking technology was used to obtain right ventricular strain parameters. The differences in parameters among the groups were compared, and the correlations between TAPSE/PASP and clinical parameters and right ventricular function parameters were analyzed.Results:The results of difference analysis showed that there were significant differences in 6-minute walking test, New York Heart Association grade (NYHA grade), incidence of atrial fibrillation, left atrial area (LAA), left ventricular global longitudinal strain (LVGLS), TAPSE, PASP, right ventricular fractional area change (RVFAC), right ventricular global longitudinal strain (RVGLS), right ventricular free wall strain (RVFWST) and cardiac magnetic resonance right ventricular ejection fraction (CMR-RVEF) among the three groups. The results of correlation analysis and multiple linear regression analysis showed that the TAPSE/PASP was positively correlated with 6-minute walking distance, RVFAC, tricuspid annulus peak systolic velocity (RV s′), and CMR-RVEF ( r=0.449, 0.284, 0.358, 0.577; all P<0.05). It was negatively correlated with N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), NYHA grade, LAA, mitral early diastolic peak velocity / mitral annulus early diastolic peak velocity (LV E/e′), LVGLS, RVGLS, RVFWST and tricuspid early diastolic peak velocity / tricuspid annulus early diastolic peak velocity (RV E/e′) (r/ rs=-0.336, -0.349, -0.468, -0.452, -0.444, -0.339, -0.405, -0.320; all P<0.05). The LAA and CMR-RVEF correlated independently with TAPSE/PASP(all P<0.05). Conclusions:The TAPSE/PASP can provide an early, simple, rapid, and convenient evaluation of right ventricular function in patients with HCM and HFpEF, so as to guide clinical treatment and monitoring disease progression.

In July 2023， the National Medical Products Administration issued the Measures for the Administration of Standards for Medicinal Products （hereinafter referred to as the Measures）. This article interprets the main content of the Measures， and analyzes its shortcomings as unclear definition of the drug standard code and the goals of drug standard information construction. It is recommended that the national drug regulatory department promptly apply to the standardization authority for the confirmation of the drug standard code “YB” letter， and the drug standard code and numbering rules would be included in the next round of amendments to the Measures. It is necessary to clarify the construction goals of the information system for drug standards at the same time， and build a national drug standard data-sharing platform based on the basic framework of user interface layer， computing processing layer， and data storage layer. Digital drug standards will be free， and access and download services for the public will be provided.

Sleep disorders are characterized by abnormal amounts of sleep and unusual behavior during sleep.Long-term sleep disorders can lead to the disruption of normal social functioning or neurological conditions.In recent years,the role of sound wave therapy in improving sleep quality has attracted much attention.This article aims to review the research progress related to the role of sound wave therapy in enhancing sleep quality,cognitive function,and alleviating fatigue in patients with sleep disorders in hopes of contributing to clinical applications.

Objective To explore the effect of Morinda citrifolia juice(MCJ)combined with ethylene diamine tet-raacetic acid(EDTA)on premolar bonding strength and nanoleakage and compare the results with those of the most commonly used root canal irrigation solution,sodium hypochlorite(NaClO),to provide a reference for clinical applica-tion.Methods This study was approved by the ethics review committee.Sixty-three human premolars extracted for orthodontic treatment were randomly divided into a control group(distilled water group)and 6 experimental groups ac-cording to the different rinsing solutions used after the surface enamel was removed.The experimental groups included Group A(2.5%NaClO),Group B(5.25%NaClO),Group C(6%MCJ),Group D(2.5%NaClO-17%EDTA),Group E(5.25%NaClO-17%EDTA),and Group F(6%MCJ-17%EDTA)(n = 9).After soaking in the corresponding rinsing so-lution for 20 minutes,they were layered and stacked on their surfaces to form 4 mm×4 mm×3 mm Z350 resin blocks.Six samples from each group were cut into 1 mm×1 mm×8 mm specimen strips for microtensile bonding strength test-ing.The fracture type was determined under a stereomicroscope,and the remaining 3 samples from each group were aged and cut into 1 mm thick slices for interface nanoleakage testing and scanning electron microscopy observation of the resin dentin bonding interface.Results There were significant differences in the microtensile bonding strength among the groups(P＜0.05),and the control group had the highest bonding strength.Among experimental groups,Group B had the lowest bonding strength,mainly bonding interface fracture,and Group F had the highest bonding strength,mainly mixed fracture.There were significant differences in nanoleakage among all groups(P＜0.05),and the control group had the lowest nanoleakage value.Among experimental groups,Group B had the highest nanoleakage,with resin protrusions being unaltered,and Group F had the lowest nanoleakage value,with resin protrusions being thick and dense.Conclusion The higher the concentration of NaClO was,the worse the bonding strength and edge sealing of the crown dentin were.The effects of root canal irrigation with MCJ and EDTA on the adhesive strength and edge sealing of crown dentin were less pronounced than those of root canal irrigation with NaClO and EDTA.