[Objective] To resolve the ambiguities of HLA genotyping generated by next generation sequencing (NGS) using nanopore sequencing technology. [Methods] A total of 38 samples with ambiguous HLA genotyping by NGS in our laboratory were collected, and HLA-A, -B, -C, -DRB1, -DRB3/4/5, -DQA1, -DQB1, -DPA1 and -DPB1 loci in these samples were amplified using primers in the same commercial NGS HLA genotyping kit, then subjected to third-generation library construction, and sequenced on the nanopore sequencer. The sequencing data were converted into Fastq files and analyzed by software, and the genotypes of 11 HLA loci were obtained. The ambiguities were counted directly. [Results] The high-resolution genotyping at the second domain of 11 HLA loci of 38 samples using the third generation sequencing (TGS) were consistent with the results of the NGS method at a rate of 100%. The genotypes for the HLA-A, -B, -C, -DRB3, -DRB4, -DQA1 and -DPA1 loci by TGS were all only one result, and the discrimination rate for ambiguities of the HLA-A, -B, -C, and -DQA1 loci (all caused by the difficulty in phasing due to the short NGS read length) was 100%. Among the HLA-DRB1, -DRB5, -DQB1 and -DPB1 loci, the discrimination rate of TGS for the ambiguities caused by non-amplification of exon 1 was 0% and by the short NGS read length was 100%. [Conclusion] Nanopore technology was used to identify the ambiguities of 11 HLA loci in this study, and the ambiguities caused by the short read length disadvantage of the NGS method could be solved effectively and the accuracy of HLA genotyping would be improved.

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*

OBJECTIVES: To explore the mechanism of Lacticaseibacillus paracasei E6 for improving vinorelbine-induced immunosuppression in zebrafish. METHODS: The intestinal colonization of L. paracasei E6 labeled by fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) in zebrafish was observed under fluorescence microscope. In a zebrafish model of vinorelbine-induced immunosuppression, the immunomodulatory activity of L. paracasei E6 was assessed by analyzing macrophage and neutrophil counts in the caudal hematopoietic tissue (CHT), the number of T-lymphocyte, and the expressions of interleukin-12 (IL-12) and interferon-γ (IFN-γ). The contents of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in L. paracasei E6 fermentation supernatant and the metabolites of L. paracasei E6 in zebrafish were detected by LC-MS/MS-based targeted metabolomics. The immunomodulatory effects of the SCFAs including sodium acetate, sodium propionate and sodium butyrate were evaluated in the zebrafish model of immunosuppression. RESULTS: After inoculation, green fluorescence of FITC-labeled L. paracasei E6 was clearly observed in the intestinal ball, midgut and posterior gut regions of zebrafish. In the immunocompromised zebrafish model, L. paracasei E6 significantly alleviated the reduction of macrophage and neutrophil counts in the CHT, increased the fluorescence intensity of T-lymphocytes, and promoted the expressions of IL-12 and IFN-γ. Compared with MRS medium, L. paracasei E6 fermentation supernatant showed significantly higher levels of acetic acid, propionic acid and butyric acid, which were also detected in immunocompromised zebrafish following treatment with L. paracasei E6. Treatment of the zebrafish model with sodium acetate and sodium propionate significantly increased macrophage and neutrophil counts in the CHT and effectively inhibited vinorelbine-induced reduction of thymus T cells. CONCLUSIONS L. paracasei E6 can improve vinorelbine-induced immunosuppression in zebrafish through its SCFA metabolites acetic acid and propionic acid.
Animals ; Zebrafish/immunology* ; Acetic Acid/metabolism* ; Propionates/metabolism* ; Fatty Acids, Volatile/metabolism*

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the efficacy of Lactobacillus plantarum ZG03 (L. plantarum ZG03) for ameliorating oxidative stress in zebrafish. METHODS: We evaluated the growth pattern of L. plantarum ZG03, observed its morphology using field emission scanning electron microscopy, and assessed its safety and potential efficacy with whole-genome sequencing for genetic analysis. FITC-labeled ZG03 was used to observe its intestinal colonization in zebrafish. In a zebrafish model of 2% glucose-induced oxidative stress, the effect of ZG03 was evaluated by assessing the changes in neutrophils in the caudal hematopoietic tissue (CHT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, and malondialdehyde (MDA) content. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry-based targeted metabolomics was used for analyzing short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in the zebrafish, and the antioxidant effects of the key metabolites (acetate, propionate, and caproate) were tested. RESULTS: On MRS agar, L. plantarum ZG03 formed circular, smooth, moist, and milky-white colonies with a rod-shaped cell morphology. Genomic analysis revealed abundant sugar metabolism gene clusters. After inoculation of FITC-labeled L. plantarum ZG03 in zebrafish, green fluorescence was clearly observed in the intestinal bulb, mid-intestine, and hind intestine. In zebrafish with glucose-induced oxidative stress, L. plantarum ZG03 significantly reduced ROS levels and the number of neutrophils in the CHT with increased SOD activity. L.plantarum ZG03 significantly increased the content of SCFAs including acetic acid, propionic acid, and caproic acid in zebrafish metabolites. In addition, sodium acetate, sodium propionate, and sodium caproate in the SCFAs significantly increased SOD activity in the zebrafish models. CONCLUSIONS L. plantarum ZG03 ameliorates oxidative stress in a glucose-induced zebrafish model through its metabolites, particularly the SCFAs including acetic acid, propionic acid and caproic acid.
Animals ; Zebrafish/metabolism* ; Oxidative Stress ; Lactobacillus plantarum/metabolism* ; Fatty Acids, Volatile/metabolism* ; Probiotics ; Reactive Oxygen Species/metabolism* ; Superoxide Dismutase/metabolism*

Enamel demineralization, the formation of white spot lesions, is a common issue in clinical orthodontic treatment. The appearance of white spot lesions not only affects the texture and health of dental hard tissues but also impacts the health and aesthetics of teeth after orthodontic treatment. The prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of white spot lesions that occur throughout the orthodontic treatment process involve multiple dental specialties. This expert consensus will focus on providing guiding opinions on the management and prevention of white spot lesions during orthodontic treatment, advocating for proactive prevention, early detection, timely treatment, scientific follow-up, and multidisciplinary management of white spot lesions throughout the orthodontic process, thereby maintaining the dental health of patients during orthodontic treatment.
Humans ; Consensus ; Dental Caries/etiology* ; Dental Enamel/pathology* ; Tooth Demineralization/etiology* ; Tooth Remineralization

Objective : To explore the central role of interleukin(IL)-25 in allergy of eosinophil asthma. Methods : Forty 4-5 week-old C57BL/6 mice were used in this study(n=10). Mice were randomly divided into 4 groups: WT+shRNA NT group, WT+HDM group, IL-25 shRNA+IL-25 group, and IL-25 shRNA+IL-25+HDM group. According to each group′s treatment requirement, mice were treated with house dust mite and/or IL-25 by intranasal infusion. HE staining and PAS staining were used for lung tissue section staining and pathological analysis. The levels of type 2 cytokines in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid(BALF) were determined by ELISA. Flow cytometry(FCM) was used to determine the number of type 2 helper T(Th2) cells, the group 2 innate lymphoid cells(ILC2) and eosinophils in lung tissues. Mice were treated with FITC-labeled DQ-ovalbumin(DQ-OVA) by intranasal infusion to determine the antigen presentation ability of eosinophils infiltrated in the lungs. Results : HE staining and PAS staining results showed that, compared with WT+shRNA NT group, a large amount of mucus and a large number of eosinophil infiltration were found in the lungs, and subcutaneous thickening of inflammatory airway were observed in the pulmonary vessels, alveolar ducts and the whole alveoli in IL-25 shRNA+IL-25+HDM group. In the IL-25 shRNA+IL-25 group, only a small amount of mucus and a small amount of eosinophil infiltration were found in the lungs, and a small amount of subcutaneous thickening of inflammatory airway were observed in pulmonary vessels, alveolar ducts and the whole alveoli. There was no significant difference in WT+HDM group. Compared with WT+shRNA NT group, the levels of IL-25, IL-4,IL-5,IL-13, IL-33 and interferon-γ(IFN-γ) in BALF significantly increased; the levels of infiltrated Th2, ILC2 and eosinophils in the lung significantly increased; the fluorescence levels of FITC-labeled DQ-OVA in eosinophils infiltrated in lungs significantly increased in IL-25 shRNA+IL-25+HDM group(P<0.05). IL-25 shRNA+IL-25 group mice also showed an increase in the above measurements, but the amplitude were limited(P<0.05). WT+HDM group had no significant difference. Conclusion IL-25 plays an essential role in the allergy and eosinophil antigen presentation processes in eosinophil asthma mice.

Objective To explore the effect of Morinda citrifolia juice(MCJ)combined with ethylene diamine tet-raacetic acid(EDTA)on premolar bonding strength and nanoleakage and compare the results with those of the most commonly used root canal irrigation solution,sodium hypochlorite(NaClO),to provide a reference for clinical applica-tion.Methods This study was approved by the ethics review committee.Sixty-three human premolars extracted for orthodontic treatment were randomly divided into a control group(distilled water group)and 6 experimental groups ac-cording to the different rinsing solutions used after the surface enamel was removed.The experimental groups included Group A(2.5%NaClO),Group B(5.25%NaClO),Group C(6%MCJ),Group D(2.5%NaClO-17%EDTA),Group E(5.25%NaClO-17%EDTA),and Group F(6%MCJ-17%EDTA)(n = 9).After soaking in the corresponding rinsing so-lution for 20 minutes,they were layered and stacked on their surfaces to form 4 mm×4 mm×3 mm Z350 resin blocks.Six samples from each group were cut into 1 mm×1 mm×8 mm specimen strips for microtensile bonding strength test-ing.The fracture type was determined under a stereomicroscope,and the remaining 3 samples from each group were aged and cut into 1 mm thick slices for interface nanoleakage testing and scanning electron microscopy observation of the resin dentin bonding interface.Results There were significant differences in the microtensile bonding strength among the groups(P＜0.05),and the control group had the highest bonding strength.Among experimental groups,Group B had the lowest bonding strength,mainly bonding interface fracture,and Group F had the highest bonding strength,mainly mixed fracture.There were significant differences in nanoleakage among all groups(P＜0.05),and the control group had the lowest nanoleakage value.Among experimental groups,Group B had the highest nanoleakage,with resin protrusions being unaltered,and Group F had the lowest nanoleakage value,with resin protrusions being thick and dense.Conclusion The higher the concentration of NaClO was,the worse the bonding strength and edge sealing of the crown dentin were.The effects of root canal irrigation with MCJ and EDTA on the adhesive strength and edge sealing of crown dentin were less pronounced than those of root canal irrigation with NaClO and EDTA.

Objective:To clarify the potential correlation between biological changes of meninges in periodontitis mice and cognitive impairment by analyzing the biological changes of meninges in periodontitis mice using single-cell RNA sequencing.Methods:Thirty C57BL/6 mice were divided into two groups by using random number table method (15 mice in each group). Mice in the control group were locally administered 2% carboxyl methyl cellulose (CMC) without Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg) on both buccal sides. A mixture of Pg W83 and 2% CMC was applied on both buccal sides in the experimental group mice three times a week, lasting for 16 weeks in total. The absorption of alveolar bone, locomotor activity and cognitive function, the activation of microglia and astrocytes in the cortex were observed and assessed. The mRNA expression levels of Occludin in meninges and brain were detected in two groups. Single-cell RNA sequencing data of meninges were processed by uniform manifold approximation and projection (UMAP). Differential genes expressions of endothelial cells were processed by gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis. In addition, real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) was used to verify the expressions of transcription activating factor 3 (Atf3) and apolpoprotein L domain-containing 1 (Apold 1). Results:Methylene blue staining found the distances of buccal and palatal cement-enamel junction-alveolar bone crest in experimental mice [(185.60±17.60), (206.90±13.37) μm] increased significantly compared with the control group [(135.33±9.57), (163.05±14.98) μm] ( t=5.02, P=0.002; t=4.37, P=0.005). Open field experiment showed the total distance and average speed of mice in the experimental group [(971.88±164.57) cm, (3.25±0.55) cm/s] were not statistically significant compared with the control group [(914.24±278.81) cm, (3.05±0.93) cm/s] ( t=0.65, P=0.525; t=0.65, P=0.520). The recognition index of the experimental group [(48.02±16.92) %] was lower than the control group [(66.27±17.90) %] ( t=2.40, P=0.027) by novel object recognition tests. Compared with the control group [(63.56±11.88) %], the alternation of experimental group [(50.99±14.17) %] was significantly decreased in Y maze tests ( t=2.33, P=0.030). Immunohistochemistry results showed microglia and astrocytes were activated in the cortex of experimental mice. Compared with the control group (1.02±0.25, 1.04±0.31), the relative mRNA expressions of Occludin decreased significantly in the meninges and brain of periodontitis mice, respectively (0.61±0.10, 0.64±0.20) ( t=3.47, P=0.010; t=2.66, P=0.024). By single-cell RNA sequencing, meninges cells were divided into 11 types, such as endothelial cells, fibroblasts, immune cells and so on. Endothelial cells were the main cell types in meninges [the control group: 26.47% (1 589/6 004), the experimental group: 26.26% (807/3 073)]. Compared with the control group [5.56% (334/6 004)], the percentage of granulocytes increased in the periodontitis mice [11.65% (358/3 073)]. Using clustering analysis to further focus on endothelial cells, GO enrichment analysis revealed differential genes were mainly related to angiogenesis, cell adhesion, apoptosis and so on. KEGG enrichment analysis revealed that differential genes were related to signaling pathways of interleukin-17, relaxin and so on. The relative mRNA expressions of Atf3 and Apold1 in meninges of periodontitis mice (0.42±0.24, 0.54±0.27) were significantly lower than the control group (1.03±0.26, 1.02±0.23) ( t=3.88, P=0.005; t=3.02, P=0.017). Conclusions:The mice chronically infected with Pg W83 occurred memory impairment, neuroinflammation and changes of barrier function. In the meninges of periodontitis mice, there were infiltration of immune cells and down-regulation expressions of Atf3 and Apold1 by single-cell RNA sequencing. Meningeal immunity and changes of barrier function may play an important role in the cognitive impairment caused by periodontitis.

Objective To analyze the mutation of common driver genes in patients with non-small cell lung cancer(NSCLC)in eastern Henan Province.Methods A retrospective analysis was performed on 661 patients with NSCLC admitted to the First People's Hospital of Shangqiu city from March 2022 to July 2023.Five kinds of gene mutation detection kits(fluorescent PCR)were used for gene detection in all enrolled patients.The relationship between the clinical features and the status of each driver gene was analyzed by statistical methods.Results In the 661 patients with NSCLC,the mutation rates of EGFR,KRAS,ALK,ROS1,PIK3CA,BRAF,HER2,RET,MET14 and NRAS were 47.35%,9.68%,5.45%,1.82%,2.87%,1.82%,1.21%,0.91%,0.61%and 0%.Mutations in EGFR,ROS1 and HER2 were more likely to occur in women(P<0.05),while KRAS mutations were more common in men(P<0.05).The mutation rates of EGFR,KRAS and ALK in adenocarcinoma was significantly higher than that in squamous cell carcinoma and NSCLC.NOS(P<0.05),and the mutation rate of PIK3CA in NSCLC.NOS was the highest.The mutation rate of KRAS gene in stage Ⅰ+Ⅱ was significantly higher than that in stage Ⅲ+Ⅳ(P<0.05),and there was no significant correlation between other genes and clinical stage.Compared with smokers,the mutation rate of total driver gene was significantly higher in non-smokers(P<0.05).EGFR,ALK,PIK3CA,ROS1,BRAF and HER2 were more common in non-smokers(P<0.05),while KRAS gene was more common in smokers(P<0.05).The mutation rate of 10 driver genes in sediment cell block samples was 78.67%,and the detection rate was significantly higher than that in other types of samples(P<0.05).Conclusion Com-mon driver genes such as EGFR,KRAS and ALK are correlated with gender,pathological type,clinical stage and smoking.Qualified samples of sediment cells have obvious advantages for gene detection and could be widely pro-moted in patients.ARMS-PCR combined detection of 10 genes could be used as the preferred gene detection method for newly diagnosed and treated NSCLC patients.

Objective:To evaluate the clinical application of urine sediment score (USS) in early diagnosis, etiological differentiation, staging and prognosis of acute kidney injury (AKI), and to investigate the diagnostic efficacy of independent USS and its combination with blood urea nitrogen(Bun) serum creatinine(sCr) and uric acid(UA) in AKI.Methods:From August 23 to September 28, 2023, 9 020 morning urine samples of hospitalized patients in the First Hospital of Jilin University were detected by Sysmex UF5000.A total of 3 226 ssamples with small and round cell (SRC) > 1/μl and/or CAST>1/μl were screened for microscopic examination, and 404 cases with positive renal tubular epithelial cells and/or cast were enrolled in this study. There were 218 males and 186 females, aged 59.5 (49.0, 71.0) years. The 404 cases were divided into the USS AKI group (345 cases) and the USS non-AKI group (59 cases) according to the USS results based on the microscopic findings. According to Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) criteria, they were divided into KDIGO criteria AKI group (63 cases) and KDIGO criteria non-AKI group (341 cases), and the AKI group was divided into renal AKI group (33 cases) and non-renal AKI group (30 cases). According to the clinical diagnosis recorded in the medical records, they were divided into clinically diagnosed AKI group (29 cases) and clinically diagnosed non-AKI group (375 cases).The χ 2 test or Fisher exact test was used to compare USS in different AKI causes and stages. Logistic regression was used to calculate the odds ratio of renal AKI and stage 3 AKI. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was used to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of USS, sCr, UA and Bun alone and in combination in the diagnosis of AKI, and the best cut-off value, sensitivity and specificity in the diagnosis of AKI were calculated. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results:The USS was used to identify the etiology of KDIGO standard AKI group,and there were significant differences in USS between renal AKI group and non-renal AKI group (χ 2=11.070, P<0.001). Compared to USS=1, the odds ratio of renal AKI was 8.125 when USS≥2 (95% CI 2.208—29.901). There was a statistically significant difference in the comparison of USS between groups in each stage of the AKI staging study based on USS (χ 2=15.724, P<0.05). Compared to USS=1, the odds ratio of stage 3 AKI was 9.714 when USS≥2 (95% CI 1.145-82.390). The AUC of independent USS in the diagnosis of AKI was 0.687 (95% CI 0.618-0.757, P<0.001), the specificity was 65.7% and the sensitivity was 61.9%. The AUC of USS combined with Bun, sCr, UA in the diagnosis of AKI was 0.794 (95% CI 0.608-0.980, P<0.05), the specificity was 82.4%, and the sensitivity was 88.9%. Conclusions:There wasan increased likelihood of renal AKI or stage 3 AKI while USS≥2,and whose combination with Bun, sCr and UA will improve the diagnostic efficiency of AKI.