BACKGROUND:In recent years,deep learning technologies have been increasingly applied in the field of oral medicine,enhancing the efficiency and accuracy of oral imaging analysis and promoting the rapid development of intelligent oral medicine. OBJECTIVE:To elaborate the current research status,advantages,and limitations of deep learning based on oral imaging in the diagnosis and treatment decision-making of oral diseases,as well as future prospects,exploring new directions for the transformation of oral medicine under the backdrop of deep learning technology. METHODS:PubMed was searched for literature related to deep learning in oral medical imaging published from January 2017 to January 2024 with the search terms"deep learning,artificial intelligence,stomatology,oral medical imaging."According to the inclusion criteria,80 papers were finally included for review. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Classic deep learning models include artificial neural networks,convolutional neural networks,recurrent neural networks,and generative adversarial networks.Scholars have used these models in competitive or cooperative forms to achieve more efficient interpretation of oral medical images.(2)In the field of oral medicine,the diagnosis of diseases and the formulation of treatment plans largely depend on the interpretation of medical imaging data.Deep learning technology,with its strong image processing capabilities,aids in the diagnosis of diseases such as dental caries,periapical periodontitis,vertical root fractures,periodontal disease,and jaw cysts,as well as preoperative assessments for procedures such as third molar extraction and cervical lymph node dissection,helping clinicians improve the accuracy and efficiency of decision-making.(3)Although deep learning is promising as an important auxiliary tool for the diagnosis and treatment of oral diseases,it still has certain limitations in model technology,safety ethics,and legal regulation.Future research should focus on demonstrating the scalability,robustness,and clinical practicality of deep learning,and finding the best way to integrate automated deep learning decision support systems into routine clinical workflows.

Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a prevalent degenerative joint disease characterized by synovial inflammation, cartilage loss. Often manifesting as joint pain and limited mobility, it severely affects the quality of life of patients. Traditional treatment methods such as pharmacological injections and surgical interventions primarily aim to alleviate symptoms but have limited effects on cartilage repair. Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUC-MSCs), due to their anti-inflammatory and chondrogenic capabilities, is considered a new hope for the treatment of KOA. This article synthesizes the latest research findings from both domestic and international sources to discuss the theoretical basis for the clinical application of hUC-MSCs in treating KOA, clinical study design, and efficacy evaluation. It also addresses the challenges in the clinical application of hUC-MSCs and explores future directions, in the hope of providing feasible theoretical support for the treatment of KOA with hUC-MSCs.

Background As one of the key populations in the prevention and treatment of iodine deficiency disorders, it is important to continuously monitor the iodine nutritional level of school-age children. The current reference interval for thyroid volume in China is based on age only, without taking into account differences in individual developmental levels, and the distribution of thyroid volume may vary regionally due to economic, demographic, and environmental factors. The current reference cut-off points for thyroid volume proposed by the World Health Organization are not based on the Chinese population. Objective To understand the iodine nutritional status and distribution of thyroid volume (Tvol) among children aged 8-10 years in Huangpu District, Shanghai, China, to identify impact factors of Tvol, and to propose a reference range upper limit for local thyroid health surveillance, so as to provide a basis for goiter control and prevention. Methods Six hundred children aged 8-10 years in Huangpu District were recruited in 2017, 2020, and 2023, and body height, weight, thyroid volume, urinary iodine, and iodine content of household edible salt were determined. A multilevel model was constructed using population density and area as regional variables, and age, body surface area (BSA), and body mass index (BMI) as potential impact factors for at the individual level, to assess their effects on thyroid volume. Quantile regression of thyroid volume was performed, and the 98th percentile (P₉₈) of thyroid volume was predicted based on age and BSA. Results The iodized salt coverage in the households of surveyed children in 2017, 2020, and 2023 was 72.0%, 57.0%, and 48.0%, respectively, and the iodized salt coverage decreased by year (χ²=24.31, P<0.001). The urinary iodine level of children in 2017 was higher than that in 2020 and 2023 (χ²=18.77, P<0.001). The Tvol medians of children in 2017, 2020, and 2023 were 2.29, 2.49, and 2.97 mL, respectively, and the Tvol increased by year (χ²=60.04, P<0.001). The proportion of goiter was higher in children in 2023 than in 2017 and 2020 (χ²=6.57, P<0.05). Sex differences were not statistically significant for urinary iodine levels, thyroid volume, and goiter. The median Tvol was 2.26, 2.58, and 2.76 mL in children of 8, 9, and 10 years old respectively, and the Tvol increased with age (χ²=49.02, P <0.001). Tvol was positively correlated with age, BSA, and BMI with correlation coefficients of 0.2846, 0.3723, and 0.2950, respectively. The final quantile regression model showed that the strongest effect of BSA was associated with the 98th percentile of Tvol. Multilevel models considering population density or area as regional variables failed to achieve convergence. Conclusion To establish the upper limit of the reference interval for thyroid volume of healthy children in Huangpu District, the effects of age and BSA should be considered at the individual level, and the upper limit of the normal interval for goiter screening is suggested to be the 98th percentile value of BSA at the same age. In addition, the adaptability of population density and regional area as indicators of regional aggregation of thyroid volume distribution still needs to be further explored.

[Objective] To explore the strategy of blood management in patients with massive transfusion in the frigid plateau region. [Methods] The treatment process of a patient with liver rupture in the frigid plateau region was analyzed, and the blood management strategy of the frigid plateau region was discussed in combination with the difficulties of blood transfusion and literature review. [Results] The preoperative complete blood count (CBC) test results of the patient were as follows: RBC 3.14×10¹²/L, Hb 10⁶ g/L, HCT 30.40%, PLT 115.00×10⁹/L; coagulation function: PT 18.9 s, FiB 1.31 g/L, DD > 6 μg/mL, FDP 25.86 μg/mL; ultrasound examination and imaging manifestations suggested liver contusion and laceration / intraparenchymal hematoma, splenic contusion and laceration, and massive blood accumulation in the abdominal cavity; it was estimated that the patient's blood loss was ≥ 2 000 mL, and massive blood transfusion was required during the operation; red blood cell components were timely transfused during the operation, and the blood component transfusion was guided according to the patient's CBC and coagulation function test results, providing strong support and guarantee for the successful treatment of the patient. The patient recovered well after the operation, and the CBC test results were as follows: RBC 4.32×10¹²/L, Hb 144 g/L, HCT 39.50%, PLT 329.00×10⁹/L; coagulation function: APTT 29.3 s, PT 12.1 s, FiB 2.728 g/L, DD>6 μg/mL, FDP 25.86 μg/mL. The patient was discharged after 20 days, and regular follow-up reexamination showed no abnormal results. [Conclusion] Individualized blood management strategy should comprehensively consider the patient’s clinical symptoms, the degree of hemoglobin decline, dynamic coagulation test results and existing treatment conditions. Efficient and reasonable patient blood management strategies can effectively improve the clinical outcomes of massive transfusion patients in the frigid plateau region.

ObjectiveTo explore the effect of serum containing Zhenwutang on myocardial mast cell apoptosis induced by angiotensin Ⅱ （AngⅡ） and the mechanism of the correlation between apoptosis and mitochondrial autophagy. MethodsIn this experiment， AngⅡ and serum containing Zhenwutang with different concentrations were used to interfere with H9C2 cardiomyocytes for 24 h， and the survival rate of H9C2 cardiomyocytes was detected by cell counting kit-8 （CCK-8） to screen the optimal concentration for the experiment. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA） was used to detect the content of B-type natriuretic peptide （BNP） in cell culture supernatant， and immunofluorescence was used to detect the cell surface area to verify the construction of the myocardial mast cell model. Subsequently， the experiment was divided into a blank group （20% blank serum）， a model group （20% blank serum + 5×10^-5 mol·L^-1 AngⅡ）， low-， medium-， and high-dose （5%， 10% and 20%） serum containing Zhenwutang groups， an autophagy inhibitor group （1×10^-4 mol·L^-1 3-MA）， and autophagy inducer group （1×10^-7 mol·L^-1 rapamycin）. The apoptosis level of H9C2 cells and the changes of mitochondrial membrane potential were detected by flow cytometry. The lysosomal probe （Lyso Tracker） and mitochondrial probe （Mito Tracker） co-localization was employed to detect autophagy. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR） was used to detect Caspase-3， Caspase-9， B-cell lymphoma 2 （Bcl-2）， Bcl-2-related X protein （Bax）， and cytochrome C （Cyt C） in apoptosis-related pathways and the relative mRNA expression of ubiquitin ligase （Parkin）， phosphatase and tensin homolog （PTEN）-induced kinase 1 （PINK1）， and p62 protein in mitochondrial autophagy-related pathways. Western blot was used to detect cleaved Caspase-3， cleaved Caspase-9， Bax， Bcl-2， and Cyt C in apoptosis-related pathways， phosphorylated ubiquitin ligase （p-Parkin）， phosphorylated PTEN-induced kinase 1 （p-PINK1）， p62， and Bcl-2 homology domain protein Beclin1 in mitochondrial autophagy-related pathways， and the change of microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 （LC3） Ⅱ/Ⅰ ratio. ResultsCCK-8 showed that when the concentration of AngⅡ was 5×10^-5 mol·L^-1， the cell activity was the lowest， and there was no cytotoxicity. At this concentration， the surface area of cardiomyocytes was significantly increased （P<0.01）， and the content of BNP in the supernatant of culture medium was significantly increased （P<0.05）. Therefore， AngⅡ with a concentration of 5×10^-5 mol·L^-1 was selected for the subsequent modeling of myocardial mast cells. Compared with the blank group， the model group and the autophagy inhibitor 3-MA group had a significantly increased apoptosis rate （P<0.01） and significantly decreased mitochondrial membrane potential （P<0.01）. The results of immunofluorescence co-localization showed that compared with the blank group， the model group had a significantly decreased number of red and green fluorescence spots. The results of Real-time PCR showed that compared with that in the blank group， the relative mRNA expression of Bax， Caspase-3， Caspase-9， Cyt C， and p62 in the model group was significantly up-regulated （P<0.01）， while the relative mRNA expression of Bcl-2， Parkin， and PINK1 was significantly down-regulated （P<0.01）. In addition， the relative protein expression of Bax， cleaved Caspase-3， cleaved Caspase-9， Cyt C， and p62 was significantly up-regulated （P<0.01）. The LC3Ⅱ/Ⅰ was significantly decreased， and the relative protein expression of Bcl-2， p-Parkin， p-PINK1， and Beclin1 was significantly down-regulated （P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， the serum containing Zhenwutang groups and the autophagy inducer group had significantly decreased apoptosis rate （P<0.01）， and the decrease ratio of mitochondrial membrane potential is significantly lowered （P<0.01） in a dose-dependent manner. Additionally， both red and green fluorescence spots became more in these groups. In the 3-MA group， the number of red and green fluorescence spots decreased significantly. The relative mRNA expression of Bax， Caspase-3， Caspase-9， Cyt C， and p62 was significantly down-regulated （P<0.05， P<0.01）， while that of Bcl-2， Parkin， and PINK1 was significantly up-regulated （P<0.01）. In the serum containing Zhenwutang groups， the relative protein expression levels of Bax， cleaved Caspase-3， cleaved Caspase-9， Cyt C， and p62 were significantly down-regulated （P<0.05，P<0.01）. The LC3Ⅱ/Ⅰ was significantly increased， and the relative protein expression levels of Bcl-2， p-Parkin， p-PINK1， and Beclin1 were significantly up-regulated （P<0.01）. ConclusionThe serum containing Zhenwutang can reduce the apoptosis of myocardial mast cells and increase mitochondrial autophagy. This is related to the inhibition of intracellular Bax/Bcl-2/Caspase-3 apoptosis pathway and regulation of Parkin/PINK1 mitochondrial autophagy pathway.

Objective To evaluate the image quality of abdominal dual-energy CT virtual monoenergetic imaging (VMI) in patients with early gastric cancer using titanium alloy clips and assess its effectiveness on reducing metal artifacts. Methods A retrospective study was conducted, including 31 patients with gastric cancer who underwent abdominal dual-energy CT scans with titanium clips inserted in the gastric cavity. Each scan was reconstructed into mixed images (simulated 120 kVp CT) and VMIs with energy levels ranging from 40 keV to 140 keV. Metal artifacts were quantitatively evaluated by measuring the noise values in the lesion and perigastric regions. The contrast-noise ratio (CNR) of the lesion and the corresponding liver tissue was calculated to assess the image quality. Two radiologists independently evaluated the images, considering overall quality, artifact severity, lesion conspicuity, perigastric clarity, and vascular contrast. Results Quantitative analysis revealed that metal artifacts in both the lesion and perigastric regions decreased as the energy level increased. VMIs at 80-140 keV (lesion site) and 90-140 keV (perigastric space) showed significantly fewer artifacts compared to mixed images (P＜0.05). The CNR of lesions remained stable across VMIs at 50-140 keV, while the CNR of normal liver tissue decreased significantly with increasing energy (P＜0.05). In the subjective assessment, VMIs at 80-140 keV had higher artifact scores than mixed images (P＜0.05). VMIs at 70-90 keV provided better lesion conspicuity and perigastric clarity, although vascular contrast decreased significantly with increasing energy (P＜0.05). VMIs at 70-90 keV showed better overall quality (P＜0.05), though not significantly different from mixed images. Conclusions VMIs at 80 keV and 90 keV improve the visibility of lesions and perigastric regions affected by metallic clips, which combined with mixed images can enhance radiologists’ diagnostic accuracy.

ObjectivesTo analyze the trends in mortality and disease burden of colorectal cancer (CRC) among the registered residents in Danyang City, Jiangsu Province, from 2013 to 2023, and to provide a scientific basis for developing CRC prevention and control strategies. MethodsMortality surveillance data on CRC among the registered residents in Danyang City from 2013 to 2023 were collected and analyzed. Crude mortality rate (CMR), age-standardized mortality rate (ASMR), years of life lost (YLL) due to premature death, and YLL rate were calculated. The annual percentage change (APC) and average annual percent change (AAPC) of CMR, ASMR and YLL rate were calculated with Joinpoint Regression Program 4.9.0.1. ResultsA total of 1 920 deaths from colorectal cancer were recorded in Danyang City during 2013‒2023, with an average annual CMR of 21.75/100 000, which showed an upward trend (APC=6.47%, 95%CI: 4.21%‒8.79%, P<0.001), with higher CMR observed in males than that in females. The overall ASMR by Chinese standard population was 12.10/100 000, with no obvious temporal trends (APC=1.37%, P=0.364). ASMR increased with age, particularly after 45 years. The total YLL due to CRC was 34 711 person-years, with an average YLL rate of 3.93‰. The YLL rate showed a significant upward trend from 2013 to 2023 (APC=4.96%, 95%CI: 4.08%‒18.16%, P<0.001) in Danyang City. ConclusionThe mortality rate of colorectal cancer in Danyang City is relatively high and has shown a rising trend, resulting in an increasing disease burden on the residents year by year. Continued efforts to strengthen CRC prevention and control are needed, particularly targeting males and the elderly population.

Chronic cough is one of the common complications after pulmonary nodule surgery. Its etiology and pathogenesis are complex， and syndrome differentiation and treatment in traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） require comprehensive consideration of the distinct characteristics across the preoperative， intraoperative， and postoperative phases. Prior to surgery， there may be healthy qi depletion with lingering pathogens in the lungs； during surgery， metal instruments may injure the body， leading to qi and blood damage； after surgery， the depletion of healthy qi worsens， with dual deficiency of lung and spleen qi and yin as the root condition， often complicated by pathogens such as wind， phlegm， stagnation， and stasis. Treatment should follow the principle of comprehensively considering all three phases with a focus on the postoperative phase. Replenishing deficiency is the primary， particularly by tonifying qi and nourishing yin， as well as supplementing the lung and fortifying the spleen. For different accompanying syndromes， therapeutic methods such as dispelling wind， resolving phlegm， relieving stagnation， and unblocking stasis should be applied accordingly， while aggressive purgative herbs should be used with caution to avoid depletion of qi and blood injury.

Objective: To investigate the effects of Zuogui Jiangtang Yishen Formula (左归降糖益肾方, ZGJTYSF) in regulating the nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3)/caspase-1/gasdermin D (GSDMD) signaling axis on pyroptosis in rats with diabetic kidney disease (DKD). Methods: Fifty male specific pathogen-free (SPF) grade Goto-Kakizaki (GK) rats (12 weeks old) were fed a high-fat diet for one month to establish an early DKD model. Model establishment was confirmed when fasting blood glucose (FBG) ≥ 11.1 mmol/L and urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (uACR) ≥ 30 mg/g. The successfully modeled early DKD rats were randomly divided by random number table into five groups (n = 10 per group): model group; dapagliflozin group (1.0 mg/kg, by gavage, served as positive control); and low-, medium-, and high-dose of ZGJTYSF groups (4.9, 9.9, and 19.9 g/kg, respectively, by gavage). Age-matched male SPF Wistar rats (n = 10) served as control group. Rats in control and model groups were gavaged with equivalent volumes of distilled water. Treatment lasted 12 weeks. Changes in uACR, FBG, and renal function were observed in all groups. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE), periodic acid-Schiff (PAS), and Masson staining were used to observe renal histopathological changes. Immunohistochemistry was performed to detect the localization and expression of caspase-1, GSDMD, and NLRP3 in rat renal tissues. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase deoxyuridine triphosphate (dUTP) nick end labeling (TUNEL) was utilized to detect pyroptosis in renal tissues. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and Western blot were applied to detect mRNA and protein expression levels of NLRP3, caspase-1, GSDMD, interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-18. Results: Compared with model group, all doses of ZGJTYSF showed reductions in FBG, with medium- and high-dose of ZGJTYSF groups demonstrating significant decreases at week 8 and 12 (P < 0.05). For uACR, all doses of ZGJTYSF groups exhibited a decreasing trend, with high-dose of ZGJTYSF group being significantly lower than low- and medium-dose of ZGJTYSF groups at week 12 (P < 0.05) and showing no significant difference from dapagliflozin group (P > 0.05). No significant differences in renal function parameters (serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, and uric acid) were observed among groups (P > 0.05). Histopathological examination revealed milder glomerular and tubular lesions in both ZGJTYSF groups and dapagliflozin group, with renal pathological changes in high-dose of ZGJTYSF group resembling those in dapagliflozin group. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated significantly reduced expression of caspase-1, GSDMD, and NLRP3 in renal tissues of dapagliflozin group and high-dose of ZGJTYSF group compared with model group (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01), while the differences in low- and medium-dose of ZGJTYSF groups were not statistically significant (P > 0.05). TUNEL assay showed significantly fewer TUNEL-positive cells in renal tissues of dapagliflozin and high-dose of ZGJTYSF groups (P < 0.01), indicating a marked reduction in pyroptotic cells. Molecular analysis revealed that compared with model group, both dapagliflozin and high-dose of ZGJTYSF groups showed significantly downregulated mRNA and protein expression levels of NLRP3, caspase-1, GSDMD, IL-1β, and IL-18 in renal tissues (P < 0.01), while low- and medium-dose of ZGJTYSF groups showed downward trends without statistical significance (P > 0.05). Conclusion ZGJTYSF may inhibit renal pyroptosis by regulating the NLRP3/caspase-1/GSDMD signaling axis, thereby preventing and treating early renal injury in DKD and delaying the onset and progression of DKD.

Objective: To explore the association between mental health and muscle strength among Chinese adolescents aged 13- 18, providing a theoretical foundation and intervention strategies for mental health promotion. Methods: Data were obtained from the 2019 Chinese National Survey on Students Constitution and Health, including 98 631 Chinese adolescents aged 13- 18. Psychological distress was assessed by using the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10), and mental well being was measured with the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well being Scale (WEMWBS). Based on the gender and age specific Z scores of various test items [grip strength, standing long jump, pull ups (for males), and sit ups (for females)], muscle strength index (MSI) was constructed to evaluate the comprehensive level of muscle strength in adolescents. According to the Dual factor Model (DFM) of mental health, participants were categorized into four groups:troubled, symptomatic but content, vulnerable, and complete mental health. Gender differences were analyzed by using Chi-square tests, trends were tested with Cochran-Armitage tests, and multinomial Logistic regression models were applied to assess associations between muscle strength and mental health among adolescents. Results: In 2019, 37.4% of Chinese adolescents aged 13-18 were reported of high mental distress, and 59.9% were reported of low mental well being. Boys had significantly lower rates of high mental distress (35.3%) and low mental well being (55.6%) compared to girls (39.4%, 64.3%), and the differences were of statistical significance ( χ 2=176.13, 780.42, both P <0.05). In 2019, the rate of complete mental health among adolescents showed a downward trend with increasing age ( χ 2 trend = 258.47) and a gradual upward trend with increasing muscle strength levels ( χ 2 trend =123.14)，and both boys and girls exhibited similar trends ( χ 2 trend =103.83, 168.46; 57.00 , 67.34) (all P <0.05). The results of the unordered multiclass Logistic regression model showed that after controlling for confounding factors such as age and gender, when the completely pathological group as a reference, for every 1 unit increase in MSI in adolescents, the likelihood of being in a completely mental health state increased by 29% ( OR = 1.29); for every unit increase in the Z-score for pull ups, the likelihood of being in a completely mental health state increased by 6% ( OR =1.06) among boys; for every 1 unit increase in sit up Z score, the likelihood of being in a completely mental health state increased by 19% ( OR =1.19) among girls (all P <0.05). Conclusions The mental health status of Chinese adolescents is not good enough. Muscle strength is positively associated with mental health.