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*

Objective:To compare minimally invasive surgery with traditional open surgery, analyze the current application status of health economic evaluations in the treatment of digestive tract cancers, such as esophageal cancer, gastric cancer, and colorectal cancer by minimally invasive surgery and provide evidence for the rational selection of clinical treatment, alleviation of disease-related economic burdens, and rational allocation of healthcare resources.Methods:By using five databases, i.e. China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang data, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, PubMed, and Embase, a database was established to retrieve all the papers about health economic studies of minimally invasive surgery for esophageal cancer, gastric cancer, and colorectal cancer published until December 31, 2023. Literature was analyzed by using software NoteExpress 3.8, and data were processed using Excel 2021. The quality of included papers was evaluated using the CHEERS 2022 checklist, and Meta-analysis was conducted by using software Stata 17.0.Results:A total of 10 919 relevant papers were retrieved, and 59 studies were included. Only 14 studies (23.7%) used standard health economic evaluation methods. Meta-analysis results revealed no significant differences in direct medical expenditure and total expenditure between minimally invasive surgery and open surgery. However, the expenditure for minimally invasive surgery exhibited a significant increase [mean difference ( MD)=5 973.12 yuan, P<0.001], while hospital stay and indirect expenditure significantly decreased ( MD: -4.85 days and -733.79 yuan, P<0.001). In China, for gastric cancer, the direct medical expenditure of endoscopic surgery was lower than that of open surgery ( MD=-33 000.00 yuan) with no significant difference ( P<0.001). In colorectal cancer cases, the direct medical and surgical expenditures for laparoscopic surgery were higher than those for open surgery ( MD: 4 277.94 yuan and 4 267.80 yuan, P<0.001), while the indirect and total medical expenditures decreased ( MD: -768.34 yuan and -159.10 yuan). Hospital stays in patients who had minimally invasive surgery for all three types of cancer were shorter than those who had open surgery ( P<0.001). Conclusions:In the treatment of gastrointestinal cancer, compared with open surgery, minimally invasive surgery shows higher expenditure, but has advantages, such as shorter hospital stay and lower indirect expenditure, and there were no significant differences in direct medical and total expenditures between the two approaches. When conducting health economic evaluation, factors such as postoperative complications, hospital stay, and patient's economic status should be considered for their impact on total medical expenditure. It is necessary to pay attention to the application of health economic evaluations in healthcare decision-making.

Oocyte maturation disorders and fertilization failures are caused by a variety of factors, including complex factors such as chromosomal abnormalities and poor oocyte quality. With the widespread use of high-throughput sequencing technology, more and more genetic mutations have been found to be associated with oocyte maturation and fertilization process in infertile patients. This paper summarizes and discusses 11 key genes ( TRIP13, TBPL2, LHX8, PATL2, TUBB8, CDC20, WEE2, ZP, ASTL, JUNO and CD9) related to oocyte maturation and fertilization-related disorders in females, providing a basis for research on the prevention of diseases associated with oocyte maturation blockage and fertilization failure and the development of targeted therapies.

Non-classical congenital adrenal hyperplasia (NCCAH), an autosomal recessive disorder, stems from genetic mutations affecting the enzymes and cofactors integral to adrenal steroidogenesis. These mutations may result in diminished activity or a complete loss of function for critical enzymes, such as 21-hydroxylase, 11β-hydroxylase, 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, 17α-hydroxylase, and the steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR). The impairment of these enzymatic processes has profound implications for reproductive health in females, mediated through both genetic and endocrine pathways. This review aims to explore the pathogenesis of various enzyme defects in different types of NCCAH, their clinical features, and their impact on female fertility. It is hoped that this will help refine the diagnostic strategies for infertility associated with NCCAH, thereby enhancing fertility of patients and providing new directions and opportunities for further research in this field.

Oocyte maturation disorders and fertilization failures are caused by a variety of factors, including complex factors such as chromosomal abnormalities and poor oocyte quality. With the widespread use of high-throughput sequencing technology, more and more genetic mutations have been found to be associated with oocyte maturation and fertilization process in infertile patients. This paper summarizes and discusses 11 key genes ( TRIP13, TBPL2, LHX8, PATL2, TUBB8, CDC20, WEE2, ZP, ASTL, JUNO and CD9) related to oocyte maturation and fertilization-related disorders in females, providing a basis for research on the prevention of diseases associated with oocyte maturation blockage and fertilization failure and the development of targeted therapies.

Non-classical congenital adrenal hyperplasia (NCCAH), an autosomal recessive disorder, stems from genetic mutations affecting the enzymes and cofactors integral to adrenal steroidogenesis. These mutations may result in diminished activity or a complete loss of function for critical enzymes, such as 21-hydroxylase, 11β-hydroxylase, 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, 17α-hydroxylase, and the steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR). The impairment of these enzymatic processes has profound implications for reproductive health in females, mediated through both genetic and endocrine pathways. This review aims to explore the pathogenesis of various enzyme defects in different types of NCCAH, their clinical features, and their impact on female fertility. It is hoped that this will help refine the diagnostic strategies for infertility associated with NCCAH, thereby enhancing fertility of patients and providing new directions and opportunities for further research in this field.

Objective:To compare minimally invasive surgery with traditional open surgery, analyze the current application status of health economic evaluations in the treatment of digestive tract cancers, such as esophageal cancer, gastric cancer, and colorectal cancer by minimally invasive surgery and provide evidence for the rational selection of clinical treatment, alleviation of disease-related economic burdens, and rational allocation of healthcare resources.Methods:By using five databases, i.e. China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang data, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, PubMed, and Embase, a database was established to retrieve all the papers about health economic studies of minimally invasive surgery for esophageal cancer, gastric cancer, and colorectal cancer published until December 31, 2023. Literature was analyzed by using software NoteExpress 3.8, and data were processed using Excel 2021. The quality of included papers was evaluated using the CHEERS 2022 checklist, and Meta-analysis was conducted by using software Stata 17.0.Results:A total of 10 919 relevant papers were retrieved, and 59 studies were included. Only 14 studies (23.7%) used standard health economic evaluation methods. Meta-analysis results revealed no significant differences in direct medical expenditure and total expenditure between minimally invasive surgery and open surgery. However, the expenditure for minimally invasive surgery exhibited a significant increase [mean difference ( MD)=5 973.12 yuan, P<0.001], while hospital stay and indirect expenditure significantly decreased ( MD: -4.85 days and -733.79 yuan, P<0.001). In China, for gastric cancer, the direct medical expenditure of endoscopic surgery was lower than that of open surgery ( MD=-33 000.00 yuan) with no significant difference ( P<0.001). In colorectal cancer cases, the direct medical and surgical expenditures for laparoscopic surgery were higher than those for open surgery ( MD: 4 277.94 yuan and 4 267.80 yuan, P<0.001), while the indirect and total medical expenditures decreased ( MD: -768.34 yuan and -159.10 yuan). Hospital stays in patients who had minimally invasive surgery for all three types of cancer were shorter than those who had open surgery ( P<0.001). Conclusions:In the treatment of gastrointestinal cancer, compared with open surgery, minimally invasive surgery shows higher expenditure, but has advantages, such as shorter hospital stay and lower indirect expenditure, and there were no significant differences in direct medical and total expenditures between the two approaches. When conducting health economic evaluation, factors such as postoperative complications, hospital stay, and patient's economic status should be considered for their impact on total medical expenditure. It is necessary to pay attention to the application of health economic evaluations in healthcare decision-making.

The polyfoliate perforator flap is a new type of flap that was developed on the basis of the traditional polyfoliate myocutaneous flap, polyfoliate fascial flap and perforator flap. It overturns the traditional idea that the deep fascial vascular network is the fundamental for a survival of the flap, and enables the flaps to achieve the best profile and function of the recipient areas with minimal damage to the donor area. In order to improve the understanding of the polyfoliate perforator flap and further standardise its clinical application, this paper forms a consensus on the definition, classification, indications, operative points and precautions of the polyfoliate perforator flap, so as to provide references in diagnosis and treatment process and practical application for the surgeons.

AIM:This study examined the inhibitory effect of peiminine on the human colonic adenocarcino-ma cell line SW480 and explored the underlying mechanisms.METHODS:SW480 and human normal colonic epithelial CCD-841CoN cells were treated with different concentrations of peiminine and subjected to the CCK-8 assay to select the optimal treatment time and concentration of the compound.SW480 cell migration and invasion were evaluated by the wound-healing and Transwell assays.Cell cycle progression was analyzed by flow cytometry.The expression levels of cell cycle-related proteins were examined by Western blot.SW480 xenograft tumor model was established in nude mice to ex-amine the effect of peiminine on tumor growth and the expression of cell cycle-related proteins in vivo.RESULTS:Peimi-nine(110 mg/L)significantly inhibited the proliferation of SW480 cells compared with the control group(P<0.01),caused cell cycle arrest at G1 phase,and significantly downregulated the expression of cyclin dependent kinase 2(CDK2),CDK4,CDK6,cyclin D1,p-Rb/Rb,E2F1,E2F3,and E2F4(P<0.05).Peiminine inhibited SW480 xenograft tumor growth,prolonged the survival of model mice,and affected the expression of CDK2,CDK4,CDK6,and cyclin D1 in tu-mor tissues.CONCLUSION:Peiminine promotes G1 phase arrest by down-regulating the expression of CDK2,CDK4,CDK6,and cyclin D1,thereby inhibiting the proliferation of SW480 cells.

AIM:To explore the effect and mechanism of action of the aqueous extract of Fritillaria ussuriensis(FU-AE)against nonalcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD).METHODS:The association between Fritillaria ussuriensis Maxir.(FU)and NAFLD was analyzed by network pharmacology.A mouse model of NAFLD was induced in mice by high fat diet(HFD)+10%fructose drinking water,and three doses of Fritillaria ussuriensis aqueous extract were given to the mice for intervention.Colorimetric assay was used for detection of aspartate aminotransferase(AST),alanine aminotrans-ferase(ALT),triglyceride(TG),total cholesterol(TC),high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C),and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C)levels in the serum of experimental mice.Hematoxylin and eosin staining was used to as-sess the pathological and histological changes in the liver of mice and to clarify the anti-NAFLD effect of aqueous extracts of Fritillaria ussuriensis.Liver tissue proteins were extracted,and expression of proteins related to the AMP-activated pro-tein kinase(AMPK)/acetyl-CoA carboxylase(ACC)pathway was detected by Western blot to clarify the mechanism of an-ti-NAFLD action of Fritillaria ussuriensis.The microbial composition of cecum contents was explored using 16S rRNA se-quencing to reveal the modulatory effect of the aqueous extract of Fritillaria ussuriensis on the structure of intestinal flora in mice with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.RESULTS:Aqueous extract of Fritillaria ussuriensis(high dose)ameliorated exogenous adipocyte infiltration in the liver of mice with NAFLD(P<0.05).AST,ALT,TG,TC and LDL-C levels were significantly decreased(P<0.05)and HDL-C levels were significantly increased(P<0.05)in the high-dose group.Aque-ous extract of Fritillaria ussuriensis(high dose)significantly increased expression of phosphorylated AMPKα,AMPKα,and phosphorylated ACC in the livers of the model mice(P<0.05),significantly reduced expression of ACC(P<0.05),and significantly increased the relative abundance of the potentially beneficial bacteria Faecalibaculum rodentium,Lacto-bacillus johnsonii,Akkermansia muciniphila(P<0.05).CONCLUSION:Aqueous extract of Fritillaria ussuriensis may ameliorate NAFLD in mice by activating the AMPK/ACC pathway and modulating the structure of intestinal flora.