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

Gene regulation relies on the precise binding of transcription factors (TFs) at regulatory elements, but simultaneously detecting hundreds of TFs on chromatin is challenging. We developed cFOOT-seq, a cytosine deaminase-based TF footprinting assay, for high-resolution, quantitative genome-wide assessment of TF binding in both open and closed chromatin regions, even with small cell numbers. By utilizing the dsDNA deaminase SsdAtox, cFOOT-seq converts accessible cytosines to uracil while preserving genomic integrity, making it compatible with techniques like ATAC-seq for sensitive and cost-effective detection of TF occupancy at the single-molecule and single-cell level. Our approach enables the delineation of TF footprints, quantification of occupancy, and examination of chromatin influences on TF binding. Notably, cFOOT-seq, combined with FootTrack analysis, enables de novo prediction of TF binding sites and tracking of TF occupancy dynamics. We demonstrate its application in capturing cell type-specific TFs, analyzing TF dynamics during reprogramming, and revealing TF dependencies on chromatin remodelers. Overall, cFOOT-seq represents a robust approach for investigating the genome-wide dynamics of TF occupancy and elucidating the cis-regulatory architecture underlying gene regulation.
Transcription Factors/genetics* ; Humans ; Chromatin/genetics* ; Animals ; Binding Sites ; Mice ; DNA Footprinting/methods*

To explore the regulatory mechanism of drought stress on the synthesis of chlorogenic acid and luteoloside in Lonicera japonica, we designed five drought gradients (soil water contents of 30%, 24%, 17%, 14%, and 10%) and screened and verified the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) by RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) and reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Furthermore, we employed HPLC to systematically measure the content changes of chlorogenic acid and luteoloside. The results revealed that drought significantly reduced the accumulation of secondary metabolites, and severe drought led to more obvious reductions. Under extreme drought (soil water content of 10%), the content of chlorogenic acid and luteoloside decreased significantly to 25.73 mg/g and 11.33 mg/g (with the decrease rates of 37.85% and 9.58%, respectively). A total of 77 454 genes were identified via transcriptome analysis, among which the number of DEGs reached 1 128 under the extraordinary drought. Gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses revealed that the DEGs were mainly involved in flavonoid synthesis, secondary metabolite biosynthesis, plant hormone signal transduction and the plant-pathogen interaction pathways, and the expression of key genes regulating the synthesis of chlorogenic acid and luteoloside was significantly downregulated. RT-qPCR verified the accuracy of the RNA-seq data. This study revealed that drought stress reduced the content of chlorogenic acid and luteoloside, the main secondary metabolites, by inhibiting the expression of key genes in the secondary metabolism pathways. The findings provide candidate gene resources for molecular breeding of drought-tolerant Lonicera japonica.
Lonicera/physiology* ; Chlorogenic Acid/metabolism* ; Droughts ; Stress, Physiological ; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant ; Glucosides/metabolism* ; Luteolin

To promote the standardization and normalization of perioperative care for follicular unit extraction(FUE) hair transplantation, ensure treatment efficacy, and align with advancements in the specialty, the Nursing Branch of the Chinese Association of Plastic and Aesthetics organized a panel of domestic experts. By integrating evidence-based medicine with clinical practice experience, and following thorough discussions, these experts developed the Clinical Practice Expert Consensus on Perioperative Nursing Care for Follicular Unit Extraction (2025). This consensus provides a comprehensive overview of hair transplantation, covering preoperative preparation, surgical procedures, intraoperative coordination, postoperative management, and complication prevention and treatment. It serves as a key reference and guide for implementing standardized perioperative nursing care in FUE hair transplantation.

Background Arsenic exposure is a common and important environmental and occupational hazardous factor in China, and arsenic-induced insulin resistance (IR) has attracted widespread attention as a negative health outcome to the population. Objective To explore part of the mechanism of hepatic IR induced by arsenic exposure based on the peroxisome proliferators-activated receptors γ (PPARγ)/ glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) pathway, and to investigate potential effects of Ginkgo biloba extract (GBE) on hepatic IR induced by arsenic exposure and associated mechanism of action. Methods The target of drug action was predicted by network pharmacology and verified by in vivo and in vitro experiments. In vivo experiments: 48 SPF C57BL/6J male mice were divided into 4 groups, including control group, 50 mg·L⁻¹ NaAsO₂ model group (NaAsO₂), 50 mg·L⁻¹ NaAsO₂+10 mg·kg⁻¹ GBE intervene group (NaAsO₂+GBE), and 10 mg·kg⁻¹ GBE group (GBE), 12 mice in each group. The animals were given free access to purified water containing 50 mg·L⁻¹ NaAsO₂, or given intraperitoneal injection of normal saline containing 10 mg·kg⁻¹ GBE once per week. After 6 months of exposure, blood glucose detection, intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test (IPGTT), and insulin tolerance test (ITT) were performed. Serum and liver tissues were collected after the mice were neutralized, liver histopathological sections were obtained, serum insulin levels, liver tissue glycogen content, glucose content were detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and the expression of PPARγ and GLUT4 proteins was detected by Western blot (WB). In vitro experiments: HepG2 cells were divided into 4 groups, including control group, 8 μmol·L⁻¹ NaAsO₂ group (NaAsO₂), 8 μmol·L⁻¹ NaAsO₂ + 200 mg·L⁻¹ GBE intervene group (NaAsO₂+GBE), and 200 mg·L⁻¹ GBE group (GBE). The levels of glycogen and glucose were detected by ELISA, and the expression of PPARγ and GLUT4 proteins was detected by WB. Results A strong binding effect between GBE and PPARγ was revealed by network pharmacology. In in vivo experiments, the NaAsO₂ group exhibited an elevated blood glucose compared to the control group, and the NaAsO₂+GBE group showed a decreased blood glucose compared to the NaAsO₂ group (P<0.01). The histopathological sections indicated severe liver structural damage in the arsenic exposure groups (NaAsO₂ group and NaAsO₂+GBE group), with varying staining intensity, partial liver cell necrosis, and diffuse red blood cell appearance. Both results of in vitro and in vivo experiments showed a decrease in glycogen synthesis and glucose uptake in the NaAsO₂ groups compared to the control groups, which was alleviated in the NaAsO₂+GBE group (P<0.01). The results of WB revealed inhibited PPARγ expression and reduced GLUT4 levels on the cell membrane, and all these changes were alleviated in the NaAsO₂+GBE group (P<0.01). Conclusion This study findings suggest that GBE antagonizes arsenic exposure-induced hepatic IR by regulating the PPARγ/GLUT4 pathway, indicating that GBE has a protective effect on arsenic exposure-induced hepatic IR, and PPARγ may be a potential therapeutic target for arsenic exposure-induced hepatic IR.

Objective:To analyze the clinical characteristics of pancreatic fatty infiltration in the Tibetan population in Xizang and investigate the factors influencing pancreatic fatty infiltration.Methods:A case-control study was performed to retrospectively analyze the clinical data of 103 Tibetan patients diagnosed with pancreatic fatty infiltration through imaging examinations at the People's Hospital of Xizang Autonomous Region between January 2013 and December 2023 (patient group). Additionally, 103 Tibetan patients who were not diagnosed with pancreatic fatty infiltration during the same period at the same hospital were randomly selected and included in the control group. The clinical indicators were compared between the two groups.Results:The male-to-female ratio among the 103 Tibetan patients with pancreatic fatty infiltration was approximately 1:0.6. The average age of onset was (63.14 ± 13.95) years, and the predominant occupation was public officials, accounting for 54 cases (52.94%). The differences in age, occupation, and the presence of non-alcoholic fatty liver, chronic gastritis, gallbladder stones, cholecystitis, diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, atherosclerosis, hypertension, hyperuricemia, and obesity, as well as clinical symptoms between the two groups, were statistically significant (all P < 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that age ( OR = 4.87, P = 0.010) and obesity ( OR = 20.90, P = 0.049) were independent risk factors for pancreatic fatty infiltration, while being a farmer ( OR = 0.05, P < 0.001) was a protective factor against pancreatic fatty infiltration. Conclusion:Pancreatic fatty infiltration is more common in men than in women and is primarily observed in middle-aged and older adult public officials. Age and obesity are independent risk factors for pancreatic fatty infiltration, while being a farmer is a protective factor compared with other occupations.

Objective:To systematically integrate qualitative research on the real experience and management of cancer pain in adult cancer patients, so as to provide reference for improving the management of cancer pain in adult cancer patients and reducing their cancer pain.Methods:Qualitative research literature on the real experience and management of cancer pain in cancer patients was systematically searched in Cochrane Library, PubMed, Web of Science, CINAHL, Embase, ProQuest, Scopus, China Biomedical Database, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Data, and VIP. The search period was from database establishment to August 2023. The literature was evaluated using the quality evaluation criteria for qualitative research of the Joanna Briggs Institute Evidence-Based Health Care Center. The aggregation Meta-synthesis method was used to integrate and summarize research results.Results:A total of 16 articles were included, and 78 results were extracted to form 11 categories, which were summarized into four integrated results of the cognitive status of adult cancer patients towards cancer pain, the impact of cancer pain on patients, self-management strategies for cancer pain, and medical experiences related to cancer pain.Conclusions:Adult cancer patients face obstacles in alleviating cancer pain, such as lack of awareness of cancer pain, negative impacts, inadequate self-management strategies, and poor medical experience. Patients need to improve their self-management strategies, and the country and medical institutions should provide comprehensive support to enable patients and clinical medical and nursing staff to manage cancer pain.

Objective To study the cellular senescence and molecular mechanism of olaparib in MCF-7 breast cancer cells.Methods The effects of olaparib on the proliferation and migration of MCF-7 cells were detected dynamically by real-time cell analysis(RTCA)technology.The effects of olaparib on the Senescence was detected by using the senescence-associated β-galactosidase(SA-β-gal).Quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to analyze the effects of olaparib on the expression levels of genes encoding the senescence-associated factors p16,p21,C/EBP homologous protein,interleukin(IL)-6,IL-8,plasminogen activator inhibitor 1,phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome 10,p27,retinoblastoma gene,Ki67,and E2F1.The effects of olaparib on the expression levels of the senescence-associated proteins p21,γH2AX,pRB,cyclin D1,insulin-like growth factor binding protein 3,and Ki67 were analyzed by Western Blot.Results Olaparib inhibited the proliferation and migration and induced the senescence of MCF-7 cells.Long-term(96 h)treatment with olaparib significantly up-regulated the gene expression levels of p16,p21,p27,C/EBP homologous protein,IL-6,IL-8,plasminogen activator inhibitor 1,phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome 10,and retinoblastoma protein(P＜0.01)and significantly down-regulated the gene expression levels of Ki67 and E2F1(P＜0.01)in MCF-7 cells.Olaparib significantly increased protein expression levels of p21,γH2AX,and insulin-like growth factor binding protein 3 in MCF-7 cells(P＜0.01,P＜0.01,P＜0.05)and significantly decreased cyclin D1,pRB,and Ki67 levels(P＜0.05,P＜0.01,P＜0.05).Conclusions Olaparib can inhibit proliferation and migration and induce senescence in MCF-7 breast cancer cells.

Objective To investigate the correlation between the level of N-terminal pro-Brain natriuretic peptide(NT-proBNP)and cardiorespiratory fitness following acute exposure to high altitude.Methods Forty-six subjects were recruited from the Second Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University in June 2022,including 19 males and 27 females.After completing cardiopulmonary exercise test(CPET),serological detection of myocardial cell-related markers,and multiple metabolites at a plain altitude(300 meters above sea level),all subjects flew to a high-altitude location(3900 meters above sea level).Biomarker testing and CPET were repeated on the second and third days after arrival at high altitude.Changes in serum biomarker and key CPET indicators before and after rapid ascent to high altitude were compared,and the correlation between serum levels of various myocardial cell-related markers and metabolites and high altitude cardiorespiratory fitness was analyzed.Results Compared with the plain altitude,there was a significant decrease in maximal oxygen uptake after rapid ascent to high altitude[(25.41±6.20)ml/(kg.min)vs.(30.17±5.01)ml/(kg.min),P<0.001].Serum levels of NT-proBNP,Epinephrine(E),plasma renin activity(PRA),angiotensin Ⅱ(Ang Ⅱ),angiotensin-converting enzyme 2(ACE2)and leptin(LEP)significantly increased,with all differences being statistically significant(P<0.05)after acute high altitude exposure.In contrast,no statistically significant differences were observed for creatine kinase MB(CK-MB),cardiac troponin I(cTnI),myoglobin(Myo)and norepinephrine(NE)(P>0.05).Correlation analysis showed a significant negative correlation between NT-proBNP at plain altitude(r=-0.768,P<0.001)and at high altitude(r=-0.791,P<0.001)with maximal oxygen uptake at high altitude.Multivariate linear regression analysis indicated that maximal oxygen uptake at plain altitude(t=2.069,P=0.045),NT-proBNP at plain altitude(t=-2.436,P=0.020)and at high altitude(t=-3.578,P=0.001)were independent influencing factors of cardiorespiratory fitness at high altitude.Conclusion Cardiorespiratory fitness significantly decreases after rapid ascent to high altitude,and the baseline NT-proBNP level at plain altitude is closely related to cardiorespiratory fitness at high altitude,making it a potential predictor indicator for high altitude cardiorespiratory fitness.