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

Alpha1-acid glycoprotein (AGP), also known as oral mucus protein (ORM), is an acute phase positive protein. AGPs have various biological activities, such as drug transport, immune regulation, maintenance of capillary barrier, regulation of lipid metabolism, etc. AGP mainly exists in liver cells, but it is also expressed in other tissue cells, such as adipose tissue, brain tissue, endothelial cells and immune cells. This article mainly reviews the application of AGP in pulmonary diseases, and the role,significance and related new developments in different systemic diseases.

Objective:To identify the effect of multidisciplinary intervention based on integrated theory of health behavior change on improving medication adherence in postoperative gastrointestinal stromal tumor patients,thus providing evidence for improving patients′ outcomes and facilitating the comprehensive patient management.Methods:Employing with a semi-experimental research design, 100 participants diagnosed with gastrointestinal stromal tumor were recruited in the Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology from January to December 2022 through the convenience sampling method, and were divided into the control group (50 cases) and the intervention group (50 cases) according to the admission time, with the control group adopting the conventional nursing intervention and the intervention group adopting the multidisciplinary intervention based on integrated theory of health behavior change, and the intervention time was 3 months. 8 item Morisky Medication Adherence Scale, Beliefs about Medicines Questionnaire, Perceived Social Support Scale, MD Anderson Symptom Inventory and medication adherence rate were used to evaluate the intervention effect.Results:A total of 100 patients were recruited, including 30 males and 20 females with the age of (55.78 ± 11.96) years old in the intervention group, and 28 males and 22 females with the age of (57.06 ± 12.16) years old in the control group. The medication adherence rates after the intervention of the intervention group and the control group were 94.0% (47/50) and 76.0% (38/50), respectively, with a statistically significant difference ( χ2=6.35, P<0.05). There were no significant differences in the baseline survey including the medication adherence, belief about medication, perceived social support, somatic symptom experience and distress score between the two groups ( P>0.05). The score of medication adherence, belief about medication, perceived social support, somatic symptom experience and distress at the time of follow-up were (7.17 ± 1.37), (40.14 ± 9.66), (70.58 ± 8.29), (3.24 ± 2.26), (2.98 ± 2.05) points in the intervention group, which were better than those in the control group (6.04 ± 1.35), (33.48 ± 10.34), (65.78 ± 10.78), (4.36 ± 2.72), (4.04 ± 2.42) points, with the statistically significant differences ( t values were -2.37-4.15, all P<0.05). Conclusions:Multidisciplinary intervention based on the integrated theory of health behavior change can help to improve patients′medication adherence, as well as enhance patients′ beliefs about medication and perceived social support levels, and improve patients′ symptom experience and distress levels.

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.

Objective To explore and implement a differentiated management strategy for multi-campus hospitals to improve patient experience and satisfaction,and achieve the goal of homogenized management.Methods In December 2021,the Picker Patient Experience Questionnaire was used to survey the patient experience at 3 campuses of a tertiary A hospital in Hangzhou,and the reasons for the differences were analyzed.Based on policy document reviews,special group discussions,and expert meetings,differentiated management strategy for multi-campus hospitals was formulated.The patient experience and satisfaction before(December 2021)and after(December 2023)the implementation were compared.Results After the application of the one-hospital multi-campus difference management strategy,the overall medical experience score of the patients in the 3 campus was(58.54±2.36)points,which was higher than(58.13±3.24)points before the application(t=-3.223,P=0.001),and there was no statistically significant differences among the patients in the 3 campuses(F=0.781,P=0.458).After the application of the management strategy,the overall satisfaction score of the patients in the 3 campus was(98.44±6.22)points,which was higher than(97.98±6.87)points before the application of the management strategy(t=-2.490,P=0.013),and there was no statistical significance among the patients in the 3 campus(F=1.128,P=0.324).The number of banners and letters of commendation received by the 3 campuses increased from 1 661 before the application to 2 190 after the application,with a growth rate of 31.85％.Conclusion Differentiated management in a multi-campus hospital,aiming at homogenized quality through differentiated strategies,is practicable and can significantly improve the patient experience and satisfaction across different campuses.

Objective:To evaluate the effect of superior cervical ganglion block (SCGB) on cardiac function and nucleotide like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) signaling pathway in a rat model of myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (I/R).Methods:Sixty healthy SPF male Sprague-Dawley rats, weighing 250-300 g, aged 2-3 months, were divided into 4 groups ( n=15 each) using a random number table method: sham operation group (sham group), myocardial I/R group (IR group), myocardial I/R + normal saline group (IR+ NS group), and myocardial I/R + SCGB group (IR+ SCGB group). Myocardial I/R model was developed by ligation of the left anterior descending branch of the coronary artery for 45 min followed by restoration of blood flow in anesthetized aninals. IR+ SCGB group received SCGB (0.25% ropivacaine 0.1 ml) at 10 min before reperfusion once a day for 2 consecutive weeks, while 0.9% sodium chloride was given instead of ropivacaine in IR+ NS group. Blood samples were collected at 24 h and 14 days of reperfusion for determination of serum concentrations of norepinephrine (NE), troponin T (TnT), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-18 (IL-18) and IL-1β by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Echocardiography was performed before ischemia and at 14 days of reperfusion, and left ventricular short axis shortening rate (FS), ejection fraction (EF), and cardiac output (CO) were measured. The rats were sacrificed at 14 days of reperfusion and the hearts were taken for determination of the contents of norepinephrine (NE) in myocardial tissues in the infarction area (by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay), percentage of myocardial fibrosis area (by Masson staining), M1 macrophage marker CD68 + cell count in the infarction area (by immunohistochemical method), and expression of NLRP3 and gasdermin D (GSDMD) in myocardial tissues (by Western blot). Results:Compared with Sham group, the serum concentrations of TnT, TNF-α, IL-18 and IL-1β, percentage of myocardial fibrosis area, and NE levels in serum and myocardial tissues were significantly increased, the expression of NLRP3 and GSDMD in myocardial tissues was up-regulated, CD68 + cell count was increased, and EF, CO and FS were decreased in IR group ( P<0.05). Compared with IR group, the serum concentrations of TnT, TNF-α, IL-18 and IL-1β, percentage of myocardial fibrosis area, and NE levels in serum and myocardial tissues were significantly decreased, the expression of NLRP3 and GSDMD in myocardial tissues was down-regulated, CD68 + cell count was decreased, and EF, CO and FS were increased in IR+ SCGB group ( P<0.05), and no statistically significant changes were found in the parameters mentioned above in IR+ NS group ( P>0.05). Conclusions:SCGB can improve the cardiac function in a rat model of myocardial I/R, and the mechanism may be related to the inhibition of NLRP3 signaling pathway.

Objective To investigate the role of TRIM65 on DSS induced colitis and the underlying molecular mechanisms. Methods Trim65+/+ and Trim65-/- mice were administered with 3% (w/v) DSS in their drinking water for 5 consecutive days and then were switched to sterile water for 2 days. DSS treated mice were monitored daily for the clinical symptoms (bodyweight, stool consistency and rectal bleeding score). Mice were sacrificed on day 7 to measure colon length. Colon homogenates were collected to measure MPO activity and detect cleaved caspase-1 and mature IL-1β by Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Western blot. Trim65-/- mice were intraperitoneally injected with NLRP3 inflammasome inhibitor MCC950, and were given the above treatment to determine the effect of MCC950 on colitis in Trim65-/- mice. Results The results showed that deletion of Trim65 significantly enhanced weight loss and colon shortening in DSS mice, increased disease activity index and histopathological score, induced the activity of MPO, and promoted the F4/80+ immune cell infiltration, the activation of caspase-1 and the secretion of mature IL-1 in the colon of DSS mice. The NLRP3 inflammasome inhibitor MCC950 alleviated DSS induced colitis symptoms and inflammation levels in trim65 deficient mice. Conclusion TRIM65 plays an anti-inflammatory role in DSS induced colitis mice by inhibiting the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome.