Objective To assess the accuracy of pN staging prediction in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) using ultrasound radiomics and deep neural networks (DNN). Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on 375 patients with pathologically confirmed PTC, comprising 261 cases in the training set and 114 in the test set. Staging was categorized as pN0 (no cervical lymph node metastasis), pN1a (central neck lymph node metastasis), and pN1b (lateral neck lymph node metastasis). An ultrasound physician manually segmented the regions of interest (ROIs) for PTC, extracting 1899 radiomic features. Dimensionality reduction was performed using the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression. A DNN model for predicting PTC pN staging was developed using the H2O deep learning platform, trained on the training set, and validated on the test set to assess the accuracy of the optimal model. Results A total of 153 patients were in the pN0 stage, 131 patients in the pN1a stage, and 91 patients in the pN1b stage. LASSO regression selected 15 radiomic features for each PTC. The optimal DNN model, constructed using these 15 features, achieved accuracies of 85.82% on the training set and 81.57% on the test set. Conclusion Ultrasound radiomics of PTC demonstrates high accuracy in predicting pN staging and shows potential for automating N staging in patients.

Objective: To evaluate the intervention effectiveness of co-occurrence and prevention for myopia and obesity among primary and secondary school students, so as to provide a scientific basis for the development of comprehensive intervention measures in myopia and obesity. Methods: From September 2022 to September 2023, a cluster random sampling method was used to select 6 primary schools and 6 junior high schools from Tongzhou District, Beijing. Participants were randomly assigned to an intervention group (914 before intervention and 754 after intervention) and a control group (868 before intervention and 652 after intervention), with an expected duration of one academic year. Based on the RE-AIM framework, integrate resources from families, schools, communities, and medical institutions to develop a school-based intervention technology packagefor the co-occurrence and prevention of myopia and obesity in children. The intervention group received intervention according to the comprehensive intervention technology package, while the control group did not receive any intervention measures. Relevant health indicators during the baseline period and after intervention were measured and collected, and groups were compared by Chi quest test, t-test and Wilcoxon rank sum test. Results: After intervention, the uncorrected visual acuity of primary and secondary school students in the intervention group (4.79±0.30) and the control group (4.77±0.33) both decreased compared to those before intervention (4.80±0.30, 4.90±0.32) ( t =-7.00,-5.24); the decrease in uncorrected visual acuity in the intervention group was smaller than that in the control group( t =5.33)( P <0.01). After intervention, body mass index, waist circumference, hip circumference, and body fat percentage of primary and secondary school students in the intervention group decreased compared to those before intervention. However, the changes in these indicators were not statistically significant ( t/Z =-0.03, - 0.36，- 0.30，- 0.01, P >0.05); the above indicators in the control group increased compared to those before intervention, but only hip circumference and body fat percentage showed statistically significant changes ( t/Z =2.17, 2.62, P <0.05). After intervention, both the intervention group and the control group showed increases in systolic and diastolic blood pressure compared to those before intervention(intervention group: t =2.16,5.29; control group: t =6.84,5.07); the intervention group had lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure than the control group( t = -5.27 , -2.08)( P <0.05). After intervention, the intervention and the control groups had statistically significant differences in cognitive accuracy(92.48%, 69.33%) in terms of "outdoor exercise can prevent myopia" and "having 5 servings of adult fist sized vegetables and fruits every day" ( χ 2=6.30, 7.86, P <0.05). There was a statistically significant difference in the proportion of primary and secondary school students in the intervention group (40.98%) and the control group (35.43%) for "who did not drink sugary drinks for every day in the past 7 days" ( χ 2=4.32, P <0.05). After intervention, the intervention group and the control group showed increases in "school outdoor activity duration on school days" and "outdoor activity duration on rest days" compared to those before intervention ( t/Z =-13.32,-9.71;- 2.59，-2.69）；the behavior rate of "visual acuity measurement frequency at least once every 3 months" in the intervention group (46.68%) and the control group (52.76%) increased compared to those before intervention (36.43%, 44.01%), and the increases in the intervention group were greater than that in the control group ( χ 2=17.52,11.08) ( P <0.05). Conclusions Comprehensive intervention measures have significant intervention effects on controlling the occurrence and development of comorbidity of myopia and obesity in children. It could actively promote collaboration and cooperation among families, schools, communities and medical institutions to reduce the occurrence of myopia and obesity among primary and secondary school students.

Allogeneic stem cells derived from umbilical cord tissue, placenta, and umbilical cord blood have shown potential in treating delayed systemic aging and aging-related diseases. Aging induces cellular senescence, oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, and stem cell depletion, all of which contribute to tissue damage and functional decline. Recent advances in regenerative medicine suggest that allogeneic stem cells can mitigate these aging processes through immunomodulation and tissue regeneration. In particular, umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells have gained attention for clinical applications owing to their strong immunomodulatory properties and low immunogenicity. These cells can repair damaged tissues and enhance metabolic and cognitive function by secreting various cytokines, growth factors, and exosomes, offering potential treatment for aging-related conditions such as osteoporosis and neurodegenerative disorders. Both clinical and preclinical studies indicate that allogeneic stem cells play a critical role in alleviating these diseases, including osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, cardiovascular diseases, and neurodegenerative disorders. Despite their therapeutic potential, challenges remain, such as immune compatibility, long-term safety, and the lack of standardized protocols for large-scale production. This review outlines the biological mechanisms by which allogeneic stem cells contribute to delayed aging, summarizes current clinical research, and explores future prospects. Allogeneic stem cells may offer novel strategies for delaying aging and extending lifespan.

Suicidal cases involving sodium nitrite have been reported worldwide. However, postmortem features, such as brownish or grayish livor mortis, remain difficult to interpret, especially as decomposition advances. Here, we present three fatal cases (2020-2023) presumably caused by sodium nitrite ingestion. In these cases, characteristic nitrite-induced changes were inconsistent or obscured by decomposition, but ingestion traces (cup or bottle near the decedents) were observed at each scene. Additionally, containers labeled “sodium nitrite” were found in two cases; however, since sodium nitrite is designated a suicide-hazardous material in South Korea, future scenes may rarely reveal such clear labeling. Although autopsy, including methemoglobin testing, can confirm the cause of death, any delay in the investigative process risks the loss of critical evidence about the ingestion process and other factors. This underscores the importance of focusing on early scene evidence, particularly ingestion traces, and conducting thorough chemical and forensic examinations. Our findings illustrate that timely detection of ingestion-related evidence and subsequent forensic analysis, in conjunction with autopsy results, can elucidate a decedent’s cause and manner of death and clarify any criminal implications.

Purpose: We investigated the changes in ocular higher-order aberrations (HOAs) between sutured scleral fixation and modified Yamane sutureless scleral fixation. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 20 patients (20 eyes) who underwent sutured scleral fixation and 22 patients (22 eyes) who underwent modified Yamane sutureless scleral fixation. The best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and HOAs were measured preoperatively, and at 3 months postoperatively, and the two groups were compared. Results: BCVA was significantly improved in both sutured scleral fixation and modified Yamane sutureless scleral fixation (p = 0.038, 0.015, respectively). The internal optic HOAs decreased significantly after scleral fixation both in both groups (p = 0.012, 0.033, respectively). Postoperative internal optic HOAs were significantly higher in modified Yamane sutureless scleral fixation group than in sutured scleral fixation group. (p = 0.034) Postoperative third-order aberrations, coma-like aberrations were significantly higher in modified Yamane sutureless scleral fixation group than in sutured scleral fixation group. (p = 0.032, 0.038, respectively) Conclusions Sutured scleral fixation showed more effectively decreased internal optics HOAs. IOL tilt and decentrations correlated with internal HOAs and thus should be avoided particularly in modified Yamane sutureless scleral fixation.

Background: Barriers to treatment with intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) for patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) in South Korea remain incompletely characterized. We analyze a nationwide prospective cohort to determine patient-level features associated with delayed presentation and non-treatment of potential IVT-eligible patients. Methods: We identified consecutive patients with AIS from 01/2011 to 08/2023 from a multicenter and prospective acute stroke registry in Korea. Patients were defined as IVT candidates if they presented within 4.5 hours from the last known well, had no lab evidence of coagulopathy, and had National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) ≥ 4. Multivariable generalized linear mixed regression models were used to investigate the associations between their characteristics and the IVT candidates or the use of IVT among the candidates. Results: Among 84,103 AIS patients, 41.0% were female, with a mean age of 69 ± 13 years and presentation NIHSS of 4 [interquartile range, 1–8]. Out of these patients, 13,757 (16.4%) were eligible for IVT, of whom 8,179 (59.5%) received IVT. Female sex (adjusted risk ratio [RR], 0.90; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.86–0.94) and lower years of education (adjusted RR, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.84–0.97 for 0–3 years, compared to ≥ 13 years) were associated with a decreased likelihood of presenting as eligible for IVT after AIS; meanwhile, young age (adjusted RR, 1.12; 95% CI, 1.01–1.24 for ≤ 44 years, compared to 75–84 years) was associated with an increased likelihood of being an IVT candidate. Among those who were eligible for IVT, only age was significantly associated with the use of IVT (adjusted RR, 1.09; 95% CI, 1.03–1.16 for age 65–74 and adjusted RR, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.76–0.90 for ≥ 85 years, respectively). Conclusion Most patients with AIS present outside IVT eligibility in South Korea, and only 60% of eligible patients were ultimately treated. We identified increased age, female sex and lower education as key features on which to focus interventions for improving IVT utilization.

Purpose: We investigated the changes in ocular higher-order aberrations (HOAs) between sutured scleral fixation and modified Yamane sutureless scleral fixation. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 20 patients (20 eyes) who underwent sutured scleral fixation and 22 patients (22 eyes) who underwent modified Yamane sutureless scleral fixation. The best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and HOAs were measured preoperatively, and at 3 months postoperatively, and the two groups were compared. Results: BCVA was significantly improved in both sutured scleral fixation and modified Yamane sutureless scleral fixation (p = 0.038, 0.015, respectively). The internal optic HOAs decreased significantly after scleral fixation both in both groups (p = 0.012, 0.033, respectively). Postoperative internal optic HOAs were significantly higher in modified Yamane sutureless scleral fixation group than in sutured scleral fixation group. (p = 0.034) Postoperative third-order aberrations, coma-like aberrations were significantly higher in modified Yamane sutureless scleral fixation group than in sutured scleral fixation group. (p = 0.032, 0.038, respectively) Conclusions Sutured scleral fixation showed more effectively decreased internal optics HOAs. IOL tilt and decentrations correlated with internal HOAs and thus should be avoided particularly in modified Yamane sutureless scleral fixation.

Background: Although total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) with propofol and remifentanil is frequently used to optimize intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring (IONM), the exact effect of remimazolam on IONM remains unknown. Here, we compared the effects of propofol and remimazolam along with remifentanil on IONM during TIVA. Methods: In this prospective, double-blind, randomized controlled trial, 64 patients requiring IONM during cervical spine surgery were administered either propofol (Group P) or remimazolam (Group R). The preoperative latencies of the somatosensory-evoked potentials (SEP; N20 for the median nerve and P37 for the tibial nerve) were measured. SEP latencies and amplitudes and motor-evoked potential (MEP) amplitudes were measured 30 min after anesthetic induction (T1), 30 min after surgical incision (T2), after laminectomy or discectomy (T3), immediately after plate insertion or pedicle screw fixation (T4), and before surgical wound closure (T5). The primary outcome was the between-group difference in the N20 latency changes measured at T1 and preoperatively. Results: The change in SEP latencies including N20 and P37 at T1 compared with preoperative time was not significantly different between Groups P and R. Except for the amplitude of the right abductor brevis, there was no significant group-by-time interaction effect for intraoperative MEP amplitudes or SEP latencies and amplitudes. Conclusions TIVA with remimazolam and remifentanil for cervical spine surgery yielded stable IONM, comparable to those observed with conventional TIVA with propofol and remifentanil. Further clinical trials are needed in other surgical contexts and with more diverse patient populations to determine the effects of remimazolam on IONM.

Allogeneic stem cells derived from umbilical cord tissue, placenta, and umbilical cord blood have shown potential in treating delayed systemic aging and aging-related diseases. Aging induces cellular senescence, oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, and stem cell depletion, all of which contribute to tissue damage and functional decline. Recent advances in regenerative medicine suggest that allogeneic stem cells can mitigate these aging processes through immunomodulation and tissue regeneration. In particular, umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells have gained attention for clinical applications owing to their strong immunomodulatory properties and low immunogenicity. These cells can repair damaged tissues and enhance metabolic and cognitive function by secreting various cytokines, growth factors, and exosomes, offering potential treatment for aging-related conditions such as osteoporosis and neurodegenerative disorders. Both clinical and preclinical studies indicate that allogeneic stem cells play a critical role in alleviating these diseases, including osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, cardiovascular diseases, and neurodegenerative disorders. Despite their therapeutic potential, challenges remain, such as immune compatibility, long-term safety, and the lack of standardized protocols for large-scale production. This review outlines the biological mechanisms by which allogeneic stem cells contribute to delayed aging, summarizes current clinical research, and explores future prospects. Allogeneic stem cells may offer novel strategies for delaying aging and extending lifespan.

Suicidal cases involving sodium nitrite have been reported worldwide. However, postmortem features, such as brownish or grayish livor mortis, remain difficult to interpret, especially as decomposition advances. Here, we present three fatal cases (2020-2023) presumably caused by sodium nitrite ingestion. In these cases, characteristic nitrite-induced changes were inconsistent or obscured by decomposition, but ingestion traces (cup or bottle near the decedents) were observed at each scene. Additionally, containers labeled “sodium nitrite” were found in two cases; however, since sodium nitrite is designated a suicide-hazardous material in South Korea, future scenes may rarely reveal such clear labeling. Although autopsy, including methemoglobin testing, can confirm the cause of death, any delay in the investigative process risks the loss of critical evidence about the ingestion process and other factors. This underscores the importance of focusing on early scene evidence, particularly ingestion traces, and conducting thorough chemical and forensic examinations. Our findings illustrate that timely detection of ingestion-related evidence and subsequent forensic analysis, in conjunction with autopsy results, can elucidate a decedent’s cause and manner of death and clarify any criminal implications.