Background: Tinnitus is a multifactorial condition with no universally accepted assessment guidelines. The Korean Tinnitus Study Group previously established consensus statements on the definition, classification, and diagnostic tests for tinnitus. As a continuation of this effort, this study aims to establish expert consensus on tinnitus assessment and treatment outcome evaluation, specifically tailored to the Korean clinical context. Methods: A modified Delphi method involving 26 otology experts from across Korea was used. A two-round Delphi survey was conducted to evaluate statements related to tinnitus assessment before and after treatment. Statements were rated on a scale of 1 to 9 for the level of agreement. Consensus was defined as ≥ 70% agreement (score of 7–9) and ≤ 15% disagreement (score of 1–3). Statistical measures such as content validity ratio and Kendall’s coefficient of concordance (W) were calculated to assess agreement levels. Results: Of the 46 assessment-related statements, 17 (37%) reached consensus, though overall pre-treatment assessments showed weak agreement (Kendall’s W = 0.319). Key areas of agreement included the use of the visual analogue scale, numeric rating scale, and validated questionnaires for pre-treatment evaluation. Five statements, such as the use of computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and angiography for diagnosing pulsatile tinnitus, achieved over 90% agreement. For treatment outcome measurements, 8 of 12 statements (67%) reached a consensus, with moderate agreement (Kendall’s W = 0.513). Validated questionnaires and psychoacoustic tests were recommended for evaluating treatment effects within 12 weeks. While standardized imaging for pulsatile tinnitus and additional clinical tests were strongly recommended, full consensus was not achieved across all imaging modalities. Conclusion This study provides actionable recommendations for tinnitus assessment and treatment evaluation, emphasizing the use of standardized tools and individualized approaches based on patient needs. These findings offer a practical framework to enhance consistency and effectiveness in tinnitus management within Korean clinical settings.

Background: Tinnitus is a multifactorial condition with no universally accepted assessment guidelines. The Korean Tinnitus Study Group previously established consensus statements on the definition, classification, and diagnostic tests for tinnitus. As a continuation of this effort, this study aims to establish expert consensus on tinnitus assessment and treatment outcome evaluation, specifically tailored to the Korean clinical context. Methods: A modified Delphi method involving 26 otology experts from across Korea was used. A two-round Delphi survey was conducted to evaluate statements related to tinnitus assessment before and after treatment. Statements were rated on a scale of 1 to 9 for the level of agreement. Consensus was defined as ≥ 70% agreement (score of 7–9) and ≤ 15% disagreement (score of 1–3). Statistical measures such as content validity ratio and Kendall’s coefficient of concordance (W) were calculated to assess agreement levels. Results: Of the 46 assessment-related statements, 17 (37%) reached consensus, though overall pre-treatment assessments showed weak agreement (Kendall’s W = 0.319). Key areas of agreement included the use of the visual analogue scale, numeric rating scale, and validated questionnaires for pre-treatment evaluation. Five statements, such as the use of computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and angiography for diagnosing pulsatile tinnitus, achieved over 90% agreement. For treatment outcome measurements, 8 of 12 statements (67%) reached a consensus, with moderate agreement (Kendall’s W = 0.513). Validated questionnaires and psychoacoustic tests were recommended for evaluating treatment effects within 12 weeks. While standardized imaging for pulsatile tinnitus and additional clinical tests were strongly recommended, full consensus was not achieved across all imaging modalities. Conclusion This study provides actionable recommendations for tinnitus assessment and treatment evaluation, emphasizing the use of standardized tools and individualized approaches based on patient needs. These findings offer a practical framework to enhance consistency and effectiveness in tinnitus management within Korean clinical settings.

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*

Background: Tinnitus is a multifactorial condition with no universally accepted assessment guidelines. The Korean Tinnitus Study Group previously established consensus statements on the definition, classification, and diagnostic tests for tinnitus. As a continuation of this effort, this study aims to establish expert consensus on tinnitus assessment and treatment outcome evaluation, specifically tailored to the Korean clinical context. Methods: A modified Delphi method involving 26 otology experts from across Korea was used. A two-round Delphi survey was conducted to evaluate statements related to tinnitus assessment before and after treatment. Statements were rated on a scale of 1 to 9 for the level of agreement. Consensus was defined as ≥ 70% agreement (score of 7–9) and ≤ 15% disagreement (score of 1–3). Statistical measures such as content validity ratio and Kendall’s coefficient of concordance (W) were calculated to assess agreement levels. Results: Of the 46 assessment-related statements, 17 (37%) reached consensus, though overall pre-treatment assessments showed weak agreement (Kendall’s W = 0.319). Key areas of agreement included the use of the visual analogue scale, numeric rating scale, and validated questionnaires for pre-treatment evaluation. Five statements, such as the use of computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and angiography for diagnosing pulsatile tinnitus, achieved over 90% agreement. For treatment outcome measurements, 8 of 12 statements (67%) reached a consensus, with moderate agreement (Kendall’s W = 0.513). Validated questionnaires and psychoacoustic tests were recommended for evaluating treatment effects within 12 weeks. While standardized imaging for pulsatile tinnitus and additional clinical tests were strongly recommended, full consensus was not achieved across all imaging modalities. Conclusion This study provides actionable recommendations for tinnitus assessment and treatment evaluation, emphasizing the use of standardized tools and individualized approaches based on patient needs. These findings offer a practical framework to enhance consistency and effectiveness in tinnitus management within Korean clinical settings.

Background: Tinnitus is a multifactorial condition with no universally accepted assessment guidelines. The Korean Tinnitus Study Group previously established consensus statements on the definition, classification, and diagnostic tests for tinnitus. As a continuation of this effort, this study aims to establish expert consensus on tinnitus assessment and treatment outcome evaluation, specifically tailored to the Korean clinical context. Methods: A modified Delphi method involving 26 otology experts from across Korea was used. A two-round Delphi survey was conducted to evaluate statements related to tinnitus assessment before and after treatment. Statements were rated on a scale of 1 to 9 for the level of agreement. Consensus was defined as ≥ 70% agreement (score of 7–9) and ≤ 15% disagreement (score of 1–3). Statistical measures such as content validity ratio and Kendall’s coefficient of concordance (W) were calculated to assess agreement levels. Results: Of the 46 assessment-related statements, 17 (37%) reached consensus, though overall pre-treatment assessments showed weak agreement (Kendall’s W = 0.319). Key areas of agreement included the use of the visual analogue scale, numeric rating scale, and validated questionnaires for pre-treatment evaluation. Five statements, such as the use of computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and angiography for diagnosing pulsatile tinnitus, achieved over 90% agreement. For treatment outcome measurements, 8 of 12 statements (67%) reached a consensus, with moderate agreement (Kendall’s W = 0.513). Validated questionnaires and psychoacoustic tests were recommended for evaluating treatment effects within 12 weeks. While standardized imaging for pulsatile tinnitus and additional clinical tests were strongly recommended, full consensus was not achieved across all imaging modalities. Conclusion This study provides actionable recommendations for tinnitus assessment and treatment evaluation, emphasizing the use of standardized tools and individualized approaches based on patient needs. These findings offer a practical framework to enhance consistency and effectiveness in tinnitus management within Korean clinical settings.

To analyze the impact of salt reduction interventions on the knowledge, attitude and behavior regarding the salt reduction of students′ parents based on the home-school interaction model. In April 2021, parents of students in grades 3-5 from three primary schools in Yichang City were selected as the target population using a cluster sampling method, and the parent population was divided into an intervention group and a control group. In the intervention group, a comprehensive home-school interaction salt reduction intervention was implemented, and in the control group, no intervention measures were taken for students′ parents. Baseline and final surveys were conducted before and after the intervention period, which included general information, previous salt reduction interventions received, and salt reduction knowledge, attitude and behavior. Difference-in-difference (DID) method was used to compare the knowledge, attitude and behavior status of two groups before and after the intervention, and stratified analysis of parents with different literacy levels was conducted to assess the net effect of intervention implementation. The results showed that 740 parents completed the baseline and final surveys, with 231 in the intervention group and 509 in the control group. After propensity score matching, there were 231 (33.33%) in the intervention group and 462 (66.67%) in the control group. After the intervention, the proportion of the intervention group who obtained salt control spoons and pots, as well as salt reduction knowledge and advice through school, was 87.45%, 86.58% and 75.45%, respectively, which was significantly higher than that in the control group ( P<0.05). After the intervention, the proportion of parents with a high school and lower education who obtained salt control pots was higher in the intervention group (89.23%) than in the control group (74.49%), with significant differences ( P<0.05). The proportion of parents with a college degree or above who obtained salt control spoons and pots, as well as salt reduction knowledge and advice through school, was higher than that of the control group ( P<0.05). The results of DID method showed that after controlling for monthly income and other factors, the scores of parents′ salt reduction-related knowledge and low-salt behavior in the intervention group increased significantly higher than those in the control group, with DID values (95% CI) of 1.18 (0.15-2.21) and 0.62 (0.16-1.09), respectively, indicating a significant net effect of intervention implication. After stratification according to the education level of parents, this difference still existed in the college degree or above group, with DID values (95% CI) of 1.39 (0.13-2.66) and 0.76 (0.16-1.36), respectively. The home-school interaction model for salt reduction measures can improve the salt-related knowledge and low-salt behavioral choices of students′ parents.

This study aims to understand the epidemic distribution characteristics,antimicrobial resistance,virulence genes,and biofilm adhesion ability of Enterococcus in yaks on the Tibetan plateau.Three hundred and forty-six fresh yak fecal samples and 311 milk samples were collected from four provinces on the Tibetan plateau(Xizang,Sichuan,Gansu,Qinghai),totaling 657 sam-ples.Bacterial isolation and identification were conducted,followed by 16S rDNA gene detection and the construction of a systematic evolutionary tree.The isolated strains were tested for antimi-crobial resistance and virulence genes using PCR,and sensitivity tests were performed using 18 types of antibiotics.The biofilm adhesion ability of the isolated bacteria was determined using an improved semi-quantitative crystal violet staining method.The results showed that the total isola-tion rate of Enterococcus was 32.27％,with Sichuan having the highest at 60.23％,followed by Gansu,Qinghai,and Tibet autonomous region at 42.70％,23.47％,and 18.31％respectively.In terms of sample types,the isolation rate in fecal samples was 36.71％,and in milk samples,it was 27.33％.Through PCR amplification,bands of approximately 1 400 bp were obtained,and 5 strains were selected for evolutionary analysis,forming a separate cluster.Among the 212 isolated strains,a high resistance to clindamycin,quinupristin-dalfopristin,linezolid,levofloxacin,and erythromycin was observed,with various resistance phenomena,accounting for 60.85％.Only 5 out of 12 resist-ant genes were detected,namely erm(B),tet(L),tet(O),tet(M),and ant(6)-Ia.All 13 virulence genes were detected in Enterococcus,with detection rates in the range of 5.19％to 95.76％,where cpd was 95.75％,gelE was 91.98％,efaA was 86.79％,asal was 86.32％,and the rest ranged from 5.19％to 55.66％.The fsr virulence gene was not detected in Enterococcus from milk sources.Among the isolated strains,3.30％showed medium adhesive ability,48.58％showed weak adhesive ability,and 48.11％showed no adhesive ability.The above research revealed the preva-lence of yak derived Enterococcus,the carrying status of resistance and virulence genes,and the correlation between biofilm phenotypes,laying the foundation for mastering research data on yak-derived Enterococcus in the Tibetan plateau.

To analyze the impact of salt reduction interventions on the knowledge, attitude and behavior regarding the salt reduction of students′ parents based on the home-school interaction model. In April 2021, parents of students in grades 3-5 from three primary schools in Yichang City were selected as the target population using a cluster sampling method, and the parent population was divided into an intervention group and a control group. In the intervention group, a comprehensive home-school interaction salt reduction intervention was implemented, and in the control group, no intervention measures were taken for students′ parents. Baseline and final surveys were conducted before and after the intervention period, which included general information, previous salt reduction interventions received, and salt reduction knowledge, attitude and behavior. Difference-in-difference (DID) method was used to compare the knowledge, attitude and behavior status of two groups before and after the intervention, and stratified analysis of parents with different literacy levels was conducted to assess the net effect of intervention implementation. The results showed that 740 parents completed the baseline and final surveys, with 231 in the intervention group and 509 in the control group. After propensity score matching, there were 231 (33.33%) in the intervention group and 462 (66.67%) in the control group. After the intervention, the proportion of the intervention group who obtained salt control spoons and pots, as well as salt reduction knowledge and advice through school, was 87.45%, 86.58% and 75.45%, respectively, which was significantly higher than that in the control group ( P<0.05). After the intervention, the proportion of parents with a high school and lower education who obtained salt control pots was higher in the intervention group (89.23%) than in the control group (74.49%), with significant differences ( P<0.05). The proportion of parents with a college degree or above who obtained salt control spoons and pots, as well as salt reduction knowledge and advice through school, was higher than that of the control group ( P<0.05). The results of DID method showed that after controlling for monthly income and other factors, the scores of parents′ salt reduction-related knowledge and low-salt behavior in the intervention group increased significantly higher than those in the control group, with DID values (95% CI) of 1.18 (0.15-2.21) and 0.62 (0.16-1.09), respectively, indicating a significant net effect of intervention implication. After stratification according to the education level of parents, this difference still existed in the college degree or above group, with DID values (95% CI) of 1.39 (0.13-2.66) and 0.76 (0.16-1.36), respectively. The home-school interaction model for salt reduction measures can improve the salt-related knowledge and low-salt behavioral choices of students′ parents.

This study aims to understand the epidemic distribution characteristics,antimicrobial resistance,virulence genes,and biofilm adhesion ability of Enterococcus in yaks on the Tibetan plateau.Three hundred and forty-six fresh yak fecal samples and 311 milk samples were collected from four provinces on the Tibetan plateau(Xizang,Sichuan,Gansu,Qinghai),totaling 657 sam-ples.Bacterial isolation and identification were conducted,followed by 16S rDNA gene detection and the construction of a systematic evolutionary tree.The isolated strains were tested for antimi-crobial resistance and virulence genes using PCR,and sensitivity tests were performed using 18 types of antibiotics.The biofilm adhesion ability of the isolated bacteria was determined using an improved semi-quantitative crystal violet staining method.The results showed that the total isola-tion rate of Enterococcus was 32.27％,with Sichuan having the highest at 60.23％,followed by Gansu,Qinghai,and Tibet autonomous region at 42.70％,23.47％,and 18.31％respectively.In terms of sample types,the isolation rate in fecal samples was 36.71％,and in milk samples,it was 27.33％.Through PCR amplification,bands of approximately 1 400 bp were obtained,and 5 strains were selected for evolutionary analysis,forming a separate cluster.Among the 212 isolated strains,a high resistance to clindamycin,quinupristin-dalfopristin,linezolid,levofloxacin,and erythromycin was observed,with various resistance phenomena,accounting for 60.85％.Only 5 out of 12 resist-ant genes were detected,namely erm(B),tet(L),tet(O),tet(M),and ant(6)-Ia.All 13 virulence genes were detected in Enterococcus,with detection rates in the range of 5.19％to 95.76％,where cpd was 95.75％,gelE was 91.98％,efaA was 86.79％,asal was 86.32％,and the rest ranged from 5.19％to 55.66％.The fsr virulence gene was not detected in Enterococcus from milk sources.Among the isolated strains,3.30％showed medium adhesive ability,48.58％showed weak adhesive ability,and 48.11％showed no adhesive ability.The above research revealed the preva-lence of yak derived Enterococcus,the carrying status of resistance and virulence genes,and the correlation between biofilm phenotypes,laying the foundation for mastering research data on yak-derived Enterococcus in the Tibetan plateau.

Gut microbiome and their metabolites are closely related to human diseases, which influence the development of diseases by interacting with receptors. G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) is a receptor superfamily that exists on the surface of cell membrane, which is involved in a wide range of human physiological activities. GPCR is currently considered as important drug targets. Traditional Chinese medicines (TCM) are characterized by multi-components, multi-targets, and multi-pathways. More and more studies have demonstrated that TCM can ultimately intervene in diseases by modulating gut microbiome and their metabolites, affecting their interactions with GPCR. This review discusses the status of gut microbiome and human diseases, the interactions of gut microbiome and their metabolites with GPCR, and the status of GPCR drug development. Based on the above contents, a new model of "TCM-gut microbiome panel-GPCR-disease" is proposed. The interactions between active ingredients of TCM, gut microbiome panel, and GPCR and their effects on disease are elucidated through multi-omics techniques. This review will provide new ideas for analyzing the pharmacological mechanism of TCM efficacy and searching for new targets of TCM.