OBJECTIVES: We present a new low-dose CT reconstruction method using sub-pixel and anisotropic diffusion. METHODS: The sub-pixel intensity values and their second-order differences were obtained using linear interpolation techniques, and the new gradient information was then embedded into an anisotropic diffusion process, which was introduced into a penalty-weighted least squares model to reduce the noise in low-dose CT projection data. The high-quality CT image was finally reconstructed using the classical filtered back-projection (FBP) algorithm from the estimated data. RESULTS: In the Shepp-Logan phantom experiments, the structural similarity (SSIM) index of the CT image reconstructed by the proposed algorithm, as compared with FBP, PWLS-Gibbs and PWLS-TV algorithms, was increased by 28.13%, 5.49%, and 0.91%, the feature similarity (FSIM) index was increased by 21.08%, 1.78%, and 1.36%, and the root mean square error (RMSE) was reduced by 69.59%, 18.96%, and 3.90%, respectively. In the digital XCAT phantom experiments, the SSIM index of the CT image reconstructed by the proposed algorithm, as compared with FBP, PWLS-Gibbs and PWLS-TV algorithms, was increased by 14.24%, 1.43% and 7.89%, the FSIM index was increased by 9.61%, 1.78% and 5.66%, and the RMSE was reduced by 26.88%, 9.41% and 18.39%, respectively. In clinical experiments, the SSIM index of the image reconstructed using the proposed algorithm was increased by 19.24%, 15.63% and 3.68%, the FSIM index was increased by 4.30%, 2.92% and 0.43%, and the RMSE was reduced by 44.60%, 36.84% and 15.22% in comparison with FBP, PWLS-Gibbs and PWLS-TV algorithms, respectively. CONCLUSIONS The proposed method can effectively reduce the noises and artifacts while maintaining the structural details in low-dose CT images.
Tomography, X-Ray Computed/methods* ; Algorithms ; Phantoms, Imaging ; Anisotropy ; Image Processing, Computer-Assisted/methods* ; Humans ; Radiation Dosage

Objective:To construct patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models from head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) patients, to explore the effect of immune reconstitution timing on the PDX modeling and immune microenvironment in humanized immune system mice (huHSC-NCG-hIL15), and to provide a reliable animal model for research on the mechanisms of head and neck squamous carcinoma and for studies on immune therapy drug interventions.Methods:This study enrolled 28 HNSCC patients (25 laryngeal carcinomas, 3 hypopharyngeal carcinomas). PDX models were established in Balb/c nude (nu) mice, NSG mice, and humanized immune system-reconstituted huHSC-NCG-hIL15 mice. Fresh HNSCC samples were transplanted into Balb/c nu and NSG mice to generate PDX models, with subsequent analysis of success-associated factors. One successfully established PDX tumor was subsequently implanted into humanized immune system-reconstituted huHSC-NCG-hIL15 mice. Tumor transplantation was performed at distinct immune reconstruction timepoints (2 vs. 7 weeks post-reconstitution), and tumor growth patterns were monitored. Flow cytometry and multiplex immunohistochemical staining were utilized to characterize immunological profiles in peripheral lymphoid organs and tumor microenvironments. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was employed to assess histomorphological concordance between primary patient tumors and PDX model tissues. Results:HNSCC PDX models were successfully established. NSG mice exhibited a higher and more stable tumor take rate compared to Balb/c nu mice (pilot study: 4/10 vs. 3/10 cases; mean take rate 60%-80% vs. 20%-60 %). The PDX success rate in NSG mice was 46.4% (13/28). In the huHSC-NCG-hIL15 mice model with immune reconstitution at 7 weeks, tumors grew significantly faster, and the PDX modeling process was shorter (617 mm3 at day 70 in 7-week cohort vs.280 mm3 in 2-week cohort). Flow cytometry analysis of the immune microenvironment showed that at 7 weeks of immune reconstitution, the proportions of B cells in the spleen and tumor tissues(2-week vs. 7-week: spleen 16.2% vs. 61.7%, tumor 26.0% vs. 38.8%) and myeloid cells in the spleen (2-week vs. 7-week: spleen 47.2% vs. 88.1 %) were significantly higher, while mice at 2 weeks post-reconstitution showed a higher proportion of T cells (2-week vs. 7-week: spleen 13.2% vs. 9.3%, tumor 4.8% vs. 2.5%). HE results demonstrated that the tumor tissues in PDX models maintained a high degree of morphological similarity to the primary tumors in both NSG and huHSC-NCG-hIL15 mouse models. Conclusion:The HNSCC PDX modeling protocol demonstrates operational feasibility and high reproducibility, establishing this model as a robust platform for mechanistic and immunotherapeutic studies.

Objective: To construct a 5G unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) airport platform for blood transportation and explore its feasibility and advantages within the blood emergency support system. Methods: Based on 5G high-speed network transmission technology, a UAV management system was designed to achieve a closed-loop management of the entire transportation process, including blood distribution, route information, flight status, emergency dispatch, hospital reception, real-time temperature monitoring, and video surveillance. Integrated with an open UAV airport, the first "5G UAV Blood Transportation Intelligent Airport Platform" was established. Results: At present, the platform has settled in 2 sets of UAV systems, established 17 routes, and carried out regular UAV blood transportation services for 15 hospitals. From January 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025, a total of 12 134 sorties were completed, with a total transported blood weight of 7 692.38 kg, including 25 500 units of red blood cells, 3 824.5 units of platelets, 1 350 370 mL of plasma, and 10 810 units of cryoprecipitate. Compared to land transportation, UAV delivery saved an average of 46.8 minutes during rush hours (maximum: 89.3 minutes) and an average of 32.3 minutes during non-rush hours (maximum: 59.1 minutes). In terms of the quality of UAV blood transportation, the temperature of suspended red blood cells was between 4 and 8℃, that of platelets was between 20 and 24℃, and that of plasma was below 0℃. No damage has occurred so far. Conclusion: The UAV blood transportation platform can stably provide blood delivery services during both routine and emergency conditions, ensuring timely blood delivery and stable blood quality.

Objective:To investigate the effects of apical periodontitis of mandibular primary molars on the development of mandibu-lar permanent premolars in children in Guangzhou.Methods:335 children aged 4-9 years with apical periodontitis of mandibular pri-molar at one side and normal healthy homologous tooth at another side were included and divided into 2 groups:Group A(n=200)in-cluded the first mandibular premolars and group B(n=135)included the second mandibular premolars.Subgroup A1 and B1 were the apical periodontitis groups,subgroup A2 and B2 were the normal healthy groups.The degree of root destruction of primary teeth,the degree of destruction and development of the dental follicle of permanent teeth,the mesial and distal direction changes,and the eruption height were observed and measured on the panoramic raidiographs,data were statistically analyzed.Results:In the 7-year-old children of A1 and the 6-year-old of B1 groups,the development degree of successor permanent teeth was lower than that of group A2 and group B2 of the same age children respectively(P＜0.05).In the 6-7-year-old children of group A1,the permanent teeth development of boys was slower than that of the girls(P＜0.05).There was no gender difference in dental follicle destruction and malposition of the perma-nent teeth in both A1 and B1 groups(P＞0.05).The proportion of malposition of the successor permanent teeth in group A1 increased with the primary teeth damage degree increace(P＜0.05),while the proportion of malposition of the successor permanent teeth in group B1 showed no significant difference(P＞0.05).Positive correlation between the damage degree of primary teeth and dental follicle of per-manent teeth was observed(rA1=0.41,rB1=0.21,P＜0.05).In boys aged 7-8 years,the succesor permanent teeth eruption in group A1 was higher than that in group A2(P＜0.05),and there was no significant difference between group B1 and group B2(P＞0.05).Conclusion:In the later stages of root stabilization of primary molars,periapical inflammation of primary teeth may cause developmen-tal delay of the succesor permanent teeth,and the delay degree is higher in boys than in girls.With the deterioration of the periapical tissue of primary teeth,the destruction of the dental follicle of permanent teeth may deepen,and the mandibular first premolar is more likely to have abnormal eruption.

Objective::To examine the impact of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) on offspring metabolomics.Methods::We searched five databases: PubMed, Ovid Embase, MEDLINE, Web of Science, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and included studies that reported metabolomics among human offspring born to HDP-complicated pregnancies.Results::Database search yielded 4054 articles, and after full-text screening, ten observational studies met inclusion criteria. Half of the studies had a sample size of less than 100 and were all observational studies in preeclampsia (PE) and gestational hypertension.Neonates were the most focused group in all included studies. Offspring born to HDP-complicated pregnancies exhibited statistically significant variations in blood metabolomics compared to their counterparts, characterized by amino acids, lipids, carnitine, and others (e.g., 1α,25-(OH) 2-D). Most studies reported a significant increase in differential metabolites of offspring born to HDP-complicated pregnancies. Four studies ( n = 1109) measured lipids-related metabolites, and all consistently showed that offspring born to PE-complicated pregnancies had significantly higher concentrations than non-PE exposed offspring. Conclusion::The existing evidence suggests an intergenerational effect of HDP on offspring metabolomics. Long-term follow-up studies are needed to advance the health effects of related adverse health outcomes and inform the prevention of offspring’s health.

Objective:To investigate the prognosis of postoperative adjuvant therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma after conversion therapy of combined targeted therapy and immunotherapy followed by sequential hepatectomy.Methods:The retrospective cohort study was conducted. The clinicopathological data of 103 patients with initially unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) who were admitted to 11 medical centers in China, including Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University et al, from November 2019 to May 2023 were collected. There were 83 males and 20 females, aged (54±12)years. All 103 patients underwent conversion therapy of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) and immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) successfully followed by sequential hepatectomy, of which 72 patients undergoing postoperative adjuvant therapy were divided into the adjuvant therapy group, and 31 patients undergoing postoperative follow-up monitoring were divided into the follow-up monitoring group. Observation indicators: (1) follow-up and postoperative condi-tions; (2) analysis of factors influencing recurrence-free survival time of patients; (3) stratified ana-lysis. Comparison of count data between group was conducted using the chi-square test or Fisher exact probability. The R software was used to draw survival curves, and the Log-rank test was used for survival analysis. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted using the Cox proportional hazard model. Results:(1) Follow-up and postoperative conditions. All 103 patients were followed up for 21.0(range, 1.9?47.2)months, with the median recurrence-free survival time of 28.7 months and the 1-, 2-, 3-year recurrence-free survival rates of 68.6%, 55.6%, 41.2%. The median overall survival time of 103 patients was unreached, and the 1-, 2-, 3-year overall survival rates were 90.9%, 82.1%, 69.6%, respectively. The median recurrence-free survival time was 33.1 months in patients of the adjuvant therapy group, with the 1-, 2-year recurrence-free survival rates as 77.2%, 61.5%. The median recurrence-free survival time was 11.1 months in patients of the follow-up monitoring group, with the 1-, 2-year recurrence-free survival rates as 46.6%, 40.8%. There was a significant difference in recurrence-free survival between the two groups of patients ( χ2=5.492, P<0.05). (2) Analysis of factors influencing recurrence-free survival time of patients. Results of multivariate analy-sis showed that pathologic complete response and postoperative adjuvant therapy were independent factors influencing recurrence-free survival time of HCC patients undergoing conversion therapy of combined targeted therapy and immunotherapy followed by sequential hepatectomy ( hazard ratio=0.297, 0.492, 95% confidence interval as 0.137?0.647, 0.268?0.903, P<0.05). (3) Stratified analysis. Of the 71 patients with non-pathologic complete response, the median recurrence-free survival time of 48 patients in the adjuvant therapy group was 24.0 months, with the 1-, 2-year recurrence-free survival rates as 67.4%, 48.8%. The median recurrence-free survival time of 23 patients with non-pathological complete response in the follow-up monitoring group was 7.4 months, with the 1-, 2-year recurrence-free survival rates as 35.0%, 26.3%. There was a significant difference in recurrence-free survival between the 48 patients with non-pathologic complete response in the adjuvant therapy group and the 23 patients with non-pathologic complete response in the follow-up monitoring group ( χ2=5.241, P<0.05). Conclusion:For HCC patients with conversion therapy of TKIs and ICIs followed by sequential hepatectomy, postoperative adjuvant therapy, compared to postoperative follow-up monitoring, can prolong the recurrence-free survival time of patients, of whom cases with non-pathologic complete response can benefit from adjuvant therapy.

Objective::To examine the impact of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) on offspring metabolomics.Methods::We searched five databases: PubMed, Ovid Embase, MEDLINE, Web of Science, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and included studies that reported metabolomics among human offspring born to HDP-complicated pregnancies.Results::Database search yielded 4054 articles, and after full-text screening, ten observational studies met inclusion criteria. Half of the studies had a sample size of less than 100 and were all observational studies in preeclampsia (PE) and gestational hypertension.Neonates were the most focused group in all included studies. Offspring born to HDP-complicated pregnancies exhibited statistically significant variations in blood metabolomics compared to their counterparts, characterized by amino acids, lipids, carnitine, and others (e.g., 1α,25-(OH) 2-D). Most studies reported a significant increase in differential metabolites of offspring born to HDP-complicated pregnancies. Four studies ( n = 1109) measured lipids-related metabolites, and all consistently showed that offspring born to PE-complicated pregnancies had significantly higher concentrations than non-PE exposed offspring. Conclusion::The existing evidence suggests an intergenerational effect of HDP on offspring metabolomics. Long-term follow-up studies are needed to advance the health effects of related adverse health outcomes and inform the prevention of offspring’s health.

Objective:To construct an early rehabilitation management model for postoperative kinesiophobia patients after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) based on a topic-oriented quality control circle method, aiming to improve the quality of early rehabilitation management.Methods:Using a convenience sampling method, 120 TKA patients with kinesiophobia treated in the Department of Orthopedics at the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from January to April 2022 and September to December 2022 were selected. The patients from January to April 2022 were set as the control group, and those from September to December 2022 were set as the observation group, with 60 patients in each group. The control group received routine rehabilitation management after TKA surgery, while the observation group received the early rehabilitation management model based on the 10 steps of the topic-oriented quality control circle (topic selection, activity planning, clarification of the topic, goal setting, countermeasure formulation, pursuit of optimal strategies, etc.) in addition to the routine management. The differences between the two groups were compared in terms of kinesiophobia score, knee function score, pain score, early rehabilitation assessment rate, effective analgesia rate, and 24-hour ambulation rate.Results:After the intervention, the observation group showed significantly lower knee pain scores (2.89±0.66) and kinesiophobia scores (23.27±4.87) compared to the control group, with a significantly higher knee function score (74.47±7.40), all differences were statistically significant (all P<0.01). Additionally, the observation group had a significantly higher early rehabilitation assessment rate, effective analgesia rate, 24-hour ambulation rate, early rehabilitation compliance rate, earlier time for the first ambulation, shorter hospital stay, and reduced costs compared to the control group, with all differences showing statistical significance (all P<0.01) . Conclusions:The application of the topic-oriented quality control circle to construct and implement an early rehabilitation management model for postoperative kinesiophobia patients after TKA can effectively improve the quality of early rehabilitation management, reduce kinesiophobia levels, enhance knee joint function, and alleviate the economic burden.

Objective:To investigate the prognosis of postoperative adjuvant therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma after conversion therapy of combined targeted therapy and immunotherapy followed by sequential hepatectomy.Methods:The retrospective cohort study was conducted. The clinicopathological data of 103 patients with initially unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) who were admitted to 11 medical centers in China, including Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University et al, from November 2019 to May 2023 were collected. There were 83 males and 20 females, aged (54±12)years. All 103 patients underwent conversion therapy of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) and immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) successfully followed by sequential hepatectomy, of which 72 patients undergoing postoperative adjuvant therapy were divided into the adjuvant therapy group, and 31 patients undergoing postoperative follow-up monitoring were divided into the follow-up monitoring group. Observation indicators: (1) follow-up and postoperative condi-tions; (2) analysis of factors influencing recurrence-free survival time of patients; (3) stratified ana-lysis. Comparison of count data between group was conducted using the chi-square test or Fisher exact probability. The R software was used to draw survival curves, and the Log-rank test was used for survival analysis. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted using the Cox proportional hazard model. Results:(1) Follow-up and postoperative conditions. All 103 patients were followed up for 21.0(range, 1.9?47.2)months, with the median recurrence-free survival time of 28.7 months and the 1-, 2-, 3-year recurrence-free survival rates of 68.6%, 55.6%, 41.2%. The median overall survival time of 103 patients was unreached, and the 1-, 2-, 3-year overall survival rates were 90.9%, 82.1%, 69.6%, respectively. The median recurrence-free survival time was 33.1 months in patients of the adjuvant therapy group, with the 1-, 2-year recurrence-free survival rates as 77.2%, 61.5%. The median recurrence-free survival time was 11.1 months in patients of the follow-up monitoring group, with the 1-, 2-year recurrence-free survival rates as 46.6%, 40.8%. There was a significant difference in recurrence-free survival between the two groups of patients ( χ2=5.492, P<0.05). (2) Analysis of factors influencing recurrence-free survival time of patients. Results of multivariate analy-sis showed that pathologic complete response and postoperative adjuvant therapy were independent factors influencing recurrence-free survival time of HCC patients undergoing conversion therapy of combined targeted therapy and immunotherapy followed by sequential hepatectomy ( hazard ratio=0.297, 0.492, 95% confidence interval as 0.137?0.647, 0.268?0.903, P<0.05). (3) Stratified analysis. Of the 71 patients with non-pathologic complete response, the median recurrence-free survival time of 48 patients in the adjuvant therapy group was 24.0 months, with the 1-, 2-year recurrence-free survival rates as 67.4%, 48.8%. The median recurrence-free survival time of 23 patients with non-pathological complete response in the follow-up monitoring group was 7.4 months, with the 1-, 2-year recurrence-free survival rates as 35.0%, 26.3%. There was a significant difference in recurrence-free survival between the 48 patients with non-pathologic complete response in the adjuvant therapy group and the 23 patients with non-pathologic complete response in the follow-up monitoring group ( χ2=5.241, P<0.05). Conclusion:For HCC patients with conversion therapy of TKIs and ICIs followed by sequential hepatectomy, postoperative adjuvant therapy, compared to postoperative follow-up monitoring, can prolong the recurrence-free survival time of patients, of whom cases with non-pathologic complete response can benefit from adjuvant therapy.

Objective:To construct patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models from head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) patients, to explore the effect of immune reconstitution timing on the PDX modeling and immune microenvironment in humanized immune system mice (huHSC-NCG-hIL15), and to provide a reliable animal model for research on the mechanisms of head and neck squamous carcinoma and for studies on immune therapy drug interventions.Methods:This study enrolled 28 HNSCC patients (25 laryngeal carcinomas, 3 hypopharyngeal carcinomas). PDX models were established in Balb/c nude (nu) mice, NSG mice, and humanized immune system-reconstituted huHSC-NCG-hIL15 mice. Fresh HNSCC samples were transplanted into Balb/c nu and NSG mice to generate PDX models, with subsequent analysis of success-associated factors. One successfully established PDX tumor was subsequently implanted into humanized immune system-reconstituted huHSC-NCG-hIL15 mice. Tumor transplantation was performed at distinct immune reconstruction timepoints (2 vs. 7 weeks post-reconstitution), and tumor growth patterns were monitored. Flow cytometry and multiplex immunohistochemical staining were utilized to characterize immunological profiles in peripheral lymphoid organs and tumor microenvironments. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was employed to assess histomorphological concordance between primary patient tumors and PDX model tissues. Results:HNSCC PDX models were successfully established. NSG mice exhibited a higher and more stable tumor take rate compared to Balb/c nu mice (pilot study: 4/10 vs. 3/10 cases; mean take rate 60%-80% vs. 20%-60 %). The PDX success rate in NSG mice was 46.4% (13/28). In the huHSC-NCG-hIL15 mice model with immune reconstitution at 7 weeks, tumors grew significantly faster, and the PDX modeling process was shorter (617 mm3 at day 70 in 7-week cohort vs.280 mm3 in 2-week cohort). Flow cytometry analysis of the immune microenvironment showed that at 7 weeks of immune reconstitution, the proportions of B cells in the spleen and tumor tissues(2-week vs. 7-week: spleen 16.2% vs. 61.7%, tumor 26.0% vs. 38.8%) and myeloid cells in the spleen (2-week vs. 7-week: spleen 47.2% vs. 88.1 %) were significantly higher, while mice at 2 weeks post-reconstitution showed a higher proportion of T cells (2-week vs. 7-week: spleen 13.2% vs. 9.3%, tumor 4.8% vs. 2.5%). HE results demonstrated that the tumor tissues in PDX models maintained a high degree of morphological similarity to the primary tumors in both NSG and huHSC-NCG-hIL15 mouse models. Conclusion:The HNSCC PDX modeling protocol demonstrates operational feasibility and high reproducibility, establishing this model as a robust platform for mechanistic and immunotherapeutic studies.