ObjectiveTo establish a semi-automated workflow for hyoid motion tracking based on submental ultrasound videos, evaluate the reliability of manual measurements and the validity of semi-automated tracking, and compare the analytical efficiency. MethodsA total of 46 healthy adults were recruited at Xiamen Fifth Hospital from October, 2024 to August, 2025, and performed dry swallows and swallows of 5 mL and 10 mL moderately-thick liquid boluses. A total of 414 sagittal-plane submental ultrasound videos were acquired. After video quality screening and tracking quality-control procedures, 286 videos were included for paired analysis. A semi-automated tracking pipeline was constructed combining the channel-and-spatial-reliability tracker and You Only Look Once version 8 small (YOLO v8s). Intra-class correlation coefficients [ICC(A,1)] based on the absolute-agreement single-measurement model were calculated for test-retest and inter-rater manual measurements. Using the manual repeated-measurement results as the reference standard, Pearson correlation coefficient (r), ICC(A,1) and concordance correlation coefficient (CCC) were computed for the semi-automated measurements. A total of 5 000 subject-clustered bootstrap resamples were performed to calculate 95% confidence intervals. Cumulative analysis time of manual and semi-automated workflows was compared. ResultsFor the independent test set of YOLOv8s, precision and recall reached 0.940 and 0.956. The mean average precision was 0.974 at an intersection-over-union threshold of 0.5, and 0.609 averaged across thresholds ranging from 0.5 to 0.95. For manual measurements of maximum horizontal and vertical hyoid displacement, the test-retest ICC(A,1) values were 0.925 and 0.912, respectively; the inter-rater ICC(A,1) values were 0.815 and 0.775. For semi-automated versus manual reference measurements, r = 0.865，ICC(A,1) = 0.843，CCC = 0.843 in maximum horizontal displacement; and r = 0.754，ICC(A,1) = 0.746，CCC = 0.745 in maximum vertical displacement. Mean biases were -0.772 mm and -0.229 mm, with 95% limits of agreement of -4.567 to 3.023 mm and -2.918 to 2.460 mm for horizontal and vertical directions. Cumulative manual analysis time was 526 minutes for rater A and 713 minutes for rater B. The semi-automated workflow consumed 155 minutes, in which 40 minutes for computational processing and 115 minutes for manual review. ConclusionManual measurement of maximum hyoid displacement is reliable using qualified submental ultrasound videos. Semi-automated tracking achieves acceptable agreement with manual reference and greatly reduces analysis workload.

ObjectiveIn nature, objects cast shadows due to illumination, forming the basis for stereoscopic perception. Birds need to adapt to changes in lighting (meaning they can recognize stereoscopic shapes even when shadows look different) to accurately perceive different three-dimensional forms. However, how neurons in the key visual brain area in birds handle these lighting changes remains largely unreported. In this study, pigeons (Columba livia) were used as subjects to investigate how neurons in pigeon’s ventrolateral mesopallium (MVL) represent stereoscopic shapes consistently, regardless of changes in lighting. MethodsVisual cognitive training combined with neuronal recording was employed. Pigeons were first trained to discriminate different stereoscopic shapes (concave/convex). We then tested whether and how light luminance angle and surface appearance of the stereoscopic shapes affect their recognition accuracy, and further verify whether the results rely on specify luminance color. Simultaneously, neuronal firing activity of neurons was recorded with multiple electrode array implanted from the MVL during the presentation of difference shapes. The response was finally analyzed how selectively they responded to different stereoscopic shapes and whether their selectivity was affected by the changes of luminance condition (like lighting angle) or surface look. Support vector machine (SVM) models were trained on neuronal population responses recorded under one condition (light luminance angle of 45°) and used to decode responses under other conditions (light luminance angle of 135°, 225°, 315°) to verify the invariance of responses to different luminance conditions. ResultsBehavioral results from 6 pigeons consistently showed that the pigeons could reliably identify the core 3D shape (over 80% accuracy), and this ability wasn’t affected by changes in light angle or surface appearance. Statistical analysis of 88 recorded neurons from 6 pigeons revealed that 83% (73/88) showed strong selectivity for specific 3D shapes (selectivity index>0.3), and responses to convex shapes were consistently stronger than to concave shapes. These shape-selective responses remained stable across changes in light angle and surface appearance. Neural patterns were consistent under both blue and orange lighting. The decoding accuracy achieves above 70%, suggesting stable responses under different conditions (e.g., different lighting angles or surface appearance). ConclusionNeurons in the pigeon MVL maintain a consistent neural encoding pattern for different stereoscopic shapes, unaffected by illumination or surface appearance. This ensures stable object recognition by pigeons in changing visual environments. Our findings provide new physiological evidence for understanding how birds achieve stable perception (“invariant neural representations”) while coping with variations in the visual field.

OBJECTIVE: To observe the protective effect of Fisetin on sepsis-associated brain injury and explore its possible mechanism from the perspective of ferroptosis. METHODS: Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats (6-8-week-old male) were randomly divided into three groups: sham operation group (Sham group), colonic ligation and puncture (CLP) induced sepsis model group (CLP group) and Fisetin preprocessing group (CLP+Fisetin group), with 18 rats in each group (12 for observing survival rate and 6 for indicator testing). The CLP+Fisetin group was given Fisetin solution 50 mg×kg^-1×d^-1 by gavage continuously for 5 days before CLP, with dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) as the solute, while Sham group and CLP group were given the same dose of DMSO. The model was established at 2 hours after the last gavage. The general condition of each group of rats were observed, and the 10-day mortality were record. The behavioral testing (new object recognition experiment, elevated cross maze experiment) were performed after 7 days of modeling. After 24 hours of modeling, nerve reflex scoring was performed, and then the rats were euthanized and brain tissue was collected. The pathological changes of brain tissue were observed under a microscope by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, the deposition of iron ion in brain tissue was observed by Prussian blue staining. The content of iron in brain tissue was determined by tissue iron kit, and the content of malondialdehyde (MDA) in brain tissue was determined by colorimetry. The expressions of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), neuron damage marker S100β, nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), heme oxygenases-1 (HO-1) and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) were detected by Western blotting. RESULTS: On day 10 post-operation, 12, 3, and 7 animals survived in the Sham group, CLP group, and CLP+Fisetin group, respectively. Compared with the Sham group, rats in the CLP group showed significantly decreased nerve reflex score, new object discrimination index and open arm dwell time. HE staining showed arranged disorderly of neuronal cells, cytoplasm deep staining, nuclear condensation, unclear structures, neuron loss, and significant inflammation in the hippocampus in the hippocampus. Prussian blue staining showed iron ion deposition in the brain tissue. The contents of iron and MDA in brain tissue were elevated, and the expressions of TNF-α and S100β were up-regulated, while the expressions of Nrf2, HO-1, and GPX4 were down-regulated. Compared with the CLP group, the CLP+Fisetin group showed significantly increased neurological reflex score (7.33±1.15 vs. 4.67±1.53), improved new object discrimination index (0.44±0.02 vs. 0.32±0.04), and longer open arm dwell time (minutes: 78.33±9.29 vs. 41.15±9.64). Neuronal cells in the hippocampus were more organized, with less cytoplasmic staining, nuclear condensation, reduced neuronal loss, and fewer inflammatory cells. Iron ion deposition was reduced, and the contents of iron ions and MDA in brain tissue were decreased [iron ion (μg/g): 151.27±14.90 vs. 224.69±17.64, MDA (μmol/g): 470.0±44.3 vs. 709.3±65.4]. The expressions of TNF-α and S100β were significantly decreased (TNF-α/GAPDH: 0.651±0.060 vs. 0.896±0.022, S100β/GAPDH: 0.685±0.032 vs. 0.902±0.014), while the expressions of Nrf2, HO-1, and GPX4 were significantly increased (Nrf2/GAPDH: 0.708±0.108 vs. 0.316±0.112, HO-1/GAPDH: 0.694±0.022 vs. 0.538±0.024, GPX4/GAPDH: 0.620±0.170 vs. 0.317±0.039). All differences were statistically significant (all P < 0.05). CONCLUSION Fisetin pretreatment can inhibit ferroptosis and reduce sepsis-associated brain injury by Nrf2/HO-1/GPX4 pathway.
Animals ; Ferroptosis/drug effects* ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; NF-E2-Related Factor 2/metabolism* ; Sepsis/complications* ; Male ; Rats ; Phospholipid Hydroperoxide Glutathione Peroxidase ; Neurons/drug effects* ; Signal Transduction ; Brain Injuries/metabolism* ; Flavonols ; Flavonoids/pharmacology* ; Heme Oxygenase-1/metabolism* ; Heme Oxygenase (Decyclizing)

AIM To prepare the borneol-menthol eutectic mixture-loaded nanoemulsion gel of tetramethylpyrazine.METHODS The equilibrium solubilities of tetramethylpyrazine in different oil phases,emulsifiers and co-emulsifiers were determined,after which compatibility experiment was performed,and pseudo-ternary phase diagram was drawn.With Km value,oil phase proportion and water phase consumption as influencing factors,particle size,PDI and saturated drug loading as evaluation indices,the formulation was optimized by central composite design-response surface method.The drug-loaded nanoemulsion was dispersed into carbomer 940 gel matrix to prepare nanoemulsion gel,then the physicochemical properties,in vitro drug release and transdermal absorption properties were investigated.RESULTS The optimal formulation was determined to be 3.31∶6.16∶1.56∶88.97 for eutectic mixture-EL-40-1,2-propylene glycol-water ratio,the particle size,PDI and saturated drug loading were 37.85 nm,23.04 and 5.82 mg/g,respectively.The obtained white,semi-solid nanoemulsion gel demonstrated the average pH value and viscosity of 6.68±0.07 and(289.69±1.06)mPa·s,respectively,whose in vitro drug release accorded with Higuchi equation,and the accumulative permeability per unit area was(2 048.23±55.6)μg/cm2 within 24 h,which were 3.72 and 1.21 times higher than those of hydrogel and aqueous solution,respectively.CONCLUSION The borneol-menthol eutectic mixture-loaded nanoemulsion gel of tetramethylpyrazine meets preparation requirements,thus can achieve the effective transdermal delivery of raw medicine.

Objective:To assess iodine nutritional status and the prevalence of thyroid dysfunction in Kunming, Yunnan Province, along with correlation and risk factors between thyroid dysfunction and urinary iodine levels.Methods:This cross-sectional study was conducted from January 2014 to July 2016 using a multi-stage, stratified cluster sampling method. A total of 2 650 residents of Kunming, Yunnan Province, who met the inclusion criteria were selected. Data on participants′ demographics, physical measurements, and laboratory tests were collected through questionnaire and clinical assessments which led to 1 463 subjects in the final analysis considering missing data. Statistical analysis were performed using SPSS 26.0, while R Studio was used to model the nonlinear relationship between urinary iodine levels and the risk of thyroid dysfunction.Results:(1) Among 2 650 subjects, 755(28.5%) were diagnosed with thyroid dysfunction, with incidence rates of clinical hyperthyroidism(0.83%), subclinical hyperthyroidism(0.38%), clinical hypothyroidism(1.36%), subclinical hypothyroidism(17.66%), and isolated thyroid antibody positive(13.85%). The median urinary iodine concentration was 177.49(123.59, 251.85) μg/L, indicating adequate iodine nutritional. (2)Among the 1 463 subjects analyzed, significant differences in urinary iodine were found between healthy individual group and abnormal TSH group or abnormal TSH group and thyroid antibody positive group( H=-83.437, P=0.003; H=107.489, P=0.003). Logistic regression revealed that rural residents had a lower risk of thyroid dysfunction than urban residents( OR=0.429, 95% CI 0.256-0.717, P=0.001). Risk of thyroid disease increased with age, and TSH, thyroid peroxidase antibody(TPOAb), thyroglobulin antibody(TgAb), and urinary iodine levels were identified as significant risk factors, with a U-shaped relationship between urinary iodine levels and thyroid dysfunction. Conclusions:The prevalence of thyroid dysfunction in Kunming is comparable to the national average. The relationship between urinary iodine concentration and thyroid dysfunction follows a U-shaped curve. Factors including region, age, TSH, TPOAb, TgAb, and urinary iodine concentration are associated with thyroid dysfunction.

To summarize the clinical experience of Professor WANG Jie in treating palpitation using the method of tonifying the kidneys and invigorating blood. It is believed that kidney yang deficiency and heart vessel stasis are the key pathogenesis of palpitation， and it is advocated to treat palpitation by tonifying the kidney and invigorating the blood. Meanwhile，the methods of draining water， dissolving phlegm， and fortifying the spleen to supplement the blood should be applied. For palpitation with kidney yang deficiency and heart vessel stasis with upward water， the treatment could use self-prescribed Bushen Huoxue Lishui Formula （补肾活血利水方）； for palpitation with phlegm obstruction in blood vessel， the treatment could use self-prescribed Bushen Huoxue Huatan Formula （补肾活血化痰方）； for palpitation with spleen yang deficiency， the treatment could use self-prescribed Bushen Huoxue Jianpi Formula （补肾活血健脾方）.

The connection between tendons and bones is called the tendon bone connection. With the continuous improvement of national sports awareness, excessive exercises and the related intensity are prone to damage the tendon bone connection. Tendon bone healing is a complex repair and healing process involving multiple factors, and good tendon bone healing is a prerequisite for its physiological function. The complexity of tendon bone structure also poses great challenges to the repair of tendon bone injuries. In recent years, researches have found that stem cells, growth factors, macrophages, and other factors are closely related to the healing process of tendon bone injuries, among which macrophages play an important role in the healing process. The authors reviewed relevant research literature in recent years and summarized the role of macrophages in tendon bone healing, in order to provide new ideas and directions for treatment strategies to promote tendon bone healing.
Humans ; Macrophages/metabolism* ; Wound Healing ; Animals ; Tendons/physiology* ; Bone and Bones/injuries* ; Tendon Injuries

Delirium is a common cause and complication of hospitalization in the elderly and is associated with higher risk of future dementia and progression of existing dementia, of which 70% is Alzheimer's disease (AD). AD and delirium, which are known to be aggravated by one another, represent significant societal challenges, especially in light of the absence of effective treatments. The intricate biological mechanisms have led to numerous clinical trial setbacks and likely contribute to the limited efficacy of existing therapeutics. Artificial intelligence (AI) presents a promising avenue for overcoming these hurdles by deploying algorithms to uncover hidden patterns across diverse data types. This review explores the pivotal role of AI in revolutionizing drug discovery for AD and delirium from target identification to the development of small molecule and protein-based therapies. Recent advances in deep learning, particularly in accurate protein structure prediction, are facilitating novel approaches to drug design and expediting the discovery pipeline for biological and small molecule therapeutics. This review concludes with an appraisal of current achievements and limitations, and touches on prospects for the use of AI in advancing drug discovery in AD and delirium, emphasizing its transformative potential in addressing these two and possibly other neurodegenerative conditions.

Apical microsurgery is accurate and minimally invasive, produces few complications, and has a success rate of more than 90%. However, due to the lack of awareness and understanding of apical microsurgery by dental general practitioners and even endodontists, many clinical problems remain to be overcome. The consensus has gathered well-known domestic experts to hold a series of special discussions and reached the consensus. This document specifies the indications, contraindications, preoperative preparations, operational procedures, complication prevention measures, and efficacy evaluation of apical microsurgery and is applicable to dentists who perform apical microsurgery after systematic training.
Microsurgery/standards* ; Humans ; Apicoectomy ; Contraindications, Procedure ; Tooth Apex/diagnostic imaging* ; Postoperative Complications/prevention & control* ; Consensus ; Treatment Outcome

Pulpotomy, which belongs to vital pulp therapy, has become a strategy for managing pulpitis in recent decades. This minimally invasive treatment reflects the recognition of preserving healthy dental pulp and optimizing long-term patient-centered outcomes. Pulpotomy is categorized into partial pulpotomy (PP), the removal of a partial segment of the coronal pulp tissue, and full pulpotomy (FP), the removal of whole coronal pulp, which is followed by applying the biomaterials onto the remaining pulp tissue and ultimately restoring the tooth. Procedural decisions for the amount of pulp tissue removal or retention depend on the diagnostic of pulp vitality, the overall treatment plan, the patient's general health status, and pulp inflammation reassessment during operation. This statement represents the consensus of an expert committee convened by the Society of Cariology and Endodontics, Chinese Stomatological Association. It addresses the current evidence to support the application of pulpotomy as a potential alternative to root canal treatment (RCT) on mature permanent teeth with pulpitis from a biological basis, the development of capping biomaterial, and the diagnostic considerations to evidence-based medicine. This expert statement intends to provide a clinical protocol of pulpotomy, which facilitates practitioners in choosing the optimal procedure and increasing their confidence in this rapidly evolving field.
Humans ; Calcium Compounds/therapeutic use* ; Consensus ; Dental Pulp ; Dentition, Permanent ; Oxides/therapeutic use* ; Pulpitis/therapy* ; Pulpotomy/standards*